Today, the group arrived at a Pokémon Center in a lively town.
At that moment, the big screen in the Center was broadcasting a familiar program hosted by the well-known Pokémon Showcase MC—Pierre.
"Lovely and dazzling young performers! I am Pierre, the host you all know and love!
To ease your fatigue and bring you joy, we are hosting a Pokémon Dance Party! Any Pokémon Trainer may participate, but remember—dancing requires partners! Just like in Pokémon Showcases, the rule is male-and-female pairs.
That's not all! The party will feature a grand banquet with delicious human cuisine, as well as Pokémon delicacies to satisfy all your partners' tastes. I promise this dance party will steal your hearts! Don't hesitate—sign up now!"
The announcement ended, and both Serena and Bonnie were already bouncing with excitement.
Of course, the mention of "male and female pairs" made Serena's heart pound. She instinctively turned her gaze toward Ash.
Sure enough, Ash was already looking back at her. Her cheeks instantly burned scarlet.
"Let's go, let's go! It'll be so fun—and there'll be food too!" Bonnie jumped in right away, egging Serena on with a mischievous grin.
Clemont had no objections either.
And just like that, the decision was made.
As fate would have it, the dance party was being held right here in the very town they had just reached. The timing was perfect.
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Meanwhile, in another corner of town—
"Heh heh! Today we'll temporarily put off capturing Pikachu. Instead, we'll be attending that dance party!" Jessie smirked.
"Eh? We're not catching Pikachu today?" James blinked in surprise.
"I get it, meowth!" Meowth chimed in. "Jessie's saying, since she wants to join the dance anyway, and we've got nothing to eat, we might as well sneak in! On empty stomachs, we can't give our best for Team Rocket. At least we can feast at the banquet, meow!"
"Wobbuffet!!"
Wobbuffet popped dramatically out of its Poké Ball—of course, where there was food, it wouldn't be absent.
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Later, Ash and the others arrived at the dance hall.
The place was already filled with pairs of Trainers and performers, along with their Pokémon, swaying to the music.
"Well, well! Isn't this Serena and Ash? Oooh? Holding hands already? Don't tell me you two are official now?"
Enter the eternal "love booster" Miette.
As soon as she spotted Ash and Serena holding hands, she couldn't resist gossiping, her teasing eyes locked on Serena.
"Ah… uh… this…" Serena stammered, face crimson.
But Ash, calm as ever, simply gave Miette a nod… and then firmly held Serena's hand as the two stepped onto the dance floor.
Serena brought Eevee, while Ash danced alongside his Hawlucha.
The fiery bird Pokémon had a flair for the dramatic—it always struck bold, almost theatrical poses. Some might call it over-the-top, but its powerful aura certainly drew attention.
Eevee, having spent so much time with Hawlucha, was no longer shy or withdrawn. It had been working hard to overcome its timid nature.
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The dance began.
Ash's hand settled gently on Serena's waist. She trembled at the touch, her entire body burning.
Her face glowed crimson as she dared not meet Ash's eyes. But she followed his lead, moving in rhythm, their hands crossing back and forth.
At that moment, Serena felt as though the whole world belonged only to the two of them.
She wished time could stop right here.
But of course, such a perfect moment could not last forever.
"Alright, Trainers and Performers! It's time to welcome our special guest for tonight—Miss Aria!"
Pierre's voice rang out, introducing the reigning Kalos Queen herself.
Aria stepped gracefully into the hall.
Her eyes swept across the crowd of performers—until they landed on Serena.
Serena, meeting her gaze, straightened. Their eyes locked for an instant, and they exchanged subtle nods.
To Serena, Aria wasn't just an idol anymore. She was the rival Serena vowed to surpass.
After Aria's brief speech, the second segment of the event began: a Tag Battle, with male-and-female pairs fighting side by side with their Pokémon.
The rules were simple: two Trainers, each with one Pokémon, facing another pair. Winning didn't matter—it was all about having fun.
Ash paired Hawlucha with Serena's Eevee, facing none other than… Miette and—James!
The moment James realized his opponents were Ash and Serena, his face fell into a bitter grimace.
Whenever they faced Ash, Team Rocket always ended up blasted into the sky—it was an instinctive fear.
But Miette was determined not to lose. She sent out her Slurpuff, while James chose Inkay.
The battle began evenly, with both sides exchanging moves. But Hawlucha's battle experience soon tilted the fight in Ash's favor.
James and Miette's Pokémon were gradually pushed back.
Then Ash deliberately left an opening—causing Eevee to take a hit.
Serena gasped as her partner stumbled. Her eyes sharpened with determination. "Eevee, I believe in you! You won't give up—you can keep fighting!"
And Eevee heard her.
With a cry, its body shone brilliantly—light wrapping around it.
From its neck unfurled elegant, ribbon-like feelers of silk.
Eevee was evolving—
into Sylveon!
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