1. Ash's Story (Part 7: Kalos)

Chapter 64: Rival Spark

The next morning in Dendemille Town felt completely different from the Contest day. Yesterday, the windmills had seemed to turn for my final ribbon, but today the whole town seemed painted in Serena's colors. Pink banners fluttered from the lamp posts, posters of Pokémon Performers covered the bakery windows, and the road to the Showcase Hall smelled like sugar, butter, and fresh Poké Puffs.

Serena walked beside me with her ribbon case safely packed away and her Princess Key case held much more tightly. It was still empty, but she had polished it that morning until the little case caught every bit of sunlight. After watching me complete my Contest ribbon set, she had not become discouraged. If anything, I could feel her determination burning brighter.

I smiled at her. "Today is your turn, Serena."

Serena looked down at her empty case, then lifted her head toward the Showcase Hall. "I know. I lost my first Showcase before, but I also learned from it. This time, I want my first Princess Key."

Pikachu sat on my shoulder and leaned forward, his tail swaying with encouragement. His meaning reached me clearly through the bright look in his eyes. "Serena can do it if she keeps smiling."

I laughed softly. "Pikachu agrees with me."

Serena smiled at Pikachu. "Thank you. I will do my best."

Before we reached the hall, music pulled our attention toward a side plaza. A small traveling dance troupe had set up near the windmill square, and several Performers were practicing steps with their Pokémon. One dancer guided a Pom-Pom Oricorio through sharp, cheerful movements, its yellow pom-poms flashing like sparks in the sun.

Elline stopped almost immediately. "That rhythm is amazing."

The troupe leader noticed her staring and waved us closer. "We are helping Performers warm up before the Showcase. Your timing looks like someone who works with stage lighting."

Elline blinked in surprise. "I do. I mostly use Rotom for effects and Kirlia for emotional timing."

A Pom-Pom Oricorio hopped closer to Elline, tilting its head as if listening to something the rest of us could not hear. Elline clapped once with the rhythm, then twice, and Oricorio matched her perfectly. The little Electric and Flying-type dancer spun around her feet, bright and confident.

Bonnie giggled while Dedenne leaned out of her arms. "It already likes you, Elline."

The troupe leader smiled knowingly. "That Oricorio came from a traveling performer family. It loves stages, but it has been looking for someone whose rhythm feels safe."

Elline lowered her hand, and Oricorio tapped its pom-poms against her fingers. Through its sparkling eyes and quick steps, I understood its meaning. "Your rhythm feels like a stage where I can dance."

Elline's face softened with a happiness she could not hide. "Would you like to travel with me?"

Oricorio twirled once and landed proudly beside her. The troupe leader laughed and nodded. "Then it seems Dendemille's Showcase has already brought one partnership together."

Serena watched Elline and Oricorio with a warm smile. "That is a good sign for today."

I nodded. "Yeah. A day that starts with a new stage partner should end with someone reaching a dream."

Elline spent a few more minutes copying Oricorio's steps before we moved on. Rotom floated around them, projecting tiny sparks like stage lights, while Kirlia watched the rhythm with quiet curiosity. Oricorio did not try to replace Elline's other partners. It simply filled a space that had been waiting for dance, bright motion, and cheerful confidence.