Man in the Mirror

Serena's Epilogue: Paper Rings

Serena stared into the mirror. She wore her signature performance outfit that May gifted her years ago. She closed her eyes and took deep breaths. Finally, the time arrived. The performer would compete against Aria once more to claim the title of Kalos Queen. Unlike last time, Serena traversed the world much more to build more experience and unlock her potential. You will become Kalos Queen, this is your dream, Serena reminded herself between exhales. Show the world what you're made of. The blonde-haired girl thought of Ash and May. They were out living her dreams. It was her turn.

"Serena, you're on in five minutes," Palermo opened her dressing room door to inform her.

Serena nodded while still looking at the mirror. She maintained a stern expression, "I'll be right there." Palermo closed the door after Serena acknowledged her.

"This will be my best performance," Serena turned her hand into a fist. She looked at her wrist and sheepishly smiled, "At least my wrist is fine this time." Serena turned around and walked to the door. The girl slowly turned the knob. Her moment of truth was here.

Serena was in awe of the enormous crowd present tonight. It was one of the largest crowds she had ever performed for and much bigger than the first time she performed against Aria. There was a lot of hype around the second showdown between Aria and Serena, so the high attendance was expected. By this time, it was undeniable that Serena was only second to Aria amongst all the Pokémon Performers in the Kalos region. People from far and wide came to see how they'd settle their rivalry.

The girl from Vaniville Town confidently stood beside her Delphox, Sylveon, and Pancham. They were just as fired up as she was. Her Pokémon were ready to give everything they had so their trainer could finally become Kalos Queen.

Aria stood near Serena and her Pokémon. The reigning Kalos Queen was accompanied by her Delphox, Aromatisse, and Vivillion. They were just as prepared to defend the title, but Aria and her Pokémon knew the Serena they were facing this time was much more experienced. They weren't going to let their guard down.

"Serena," Aria called her name. Ash's friend turned to look at her. "Good luck," Aria smirked at her.

Serena formed a confident smile. She didn't say a word but nodded at her fiercest rival. "Let us begin with the reigning Kalos Queen's performance, Aria!" Monsieur Pierre pointed his cane at the red-haired performer.

"Right," Aria took the stage with her Pokémon. "Aromatisse, use Reflect!" Aria had the Fairy-type Pokémon create a dome-like structure of mirrors all over the stage. Their multicolor reflections glowed beautifully, which awed the crowd. "Vivillion, follow it up with Psybeam!" Aria commanded. Her butterfly-like Pokémon fired a blue wave of energy at one of the Reflects. The powerful Psychic-type attack bounced off the reflection and hit another reflection that it bounced off of. This pattern repeated itself throughout the stage.

Many people became nervous about the risky performance. They worried what would happen if Aria accidentally got struck with Psybeam, but the Kalos Queen knew better. She trained for this moment. "Delphox, let's dance!" Aria extended her hand out to her Fire-type.

Delphox nodded and grabbed her by the hand. Thanks to its psychic abilities, Delphox had superb coordination and guided Aria in their dance around the bouncing Psybeams. The crowd roared over how nimbly they avoided the blue streaks while gracefully dancing. Aria was enjoying herself. It was time to wrap up this performance. "Delphox, use Mystical Fire!" the Kalos Queen instructed.

As they continued twirling around the Psybeams, Delphox unleashed Mystical Fire. Their dancing created a unique effect where Delphox's flames enveloped Aria and Delphox like a spiral. The pair now danced like a spiraling fireball around the blue beams of energy. Everyone watching went wild and clapped for the fiery style on display. "Finish this. Take us up and light the stage!" Aria raised her arm in the air.