"The winner is… Performer Serena! Congratulations!"
The moment Pierre announced Serena's name, her eyes widened in disbelief before lighting up with joy.
Braixen, Pancham, and Sylveon all rushed forward, throwing their little arms around her in a warm, jubilant embrace.
"After such fierce competition, the final winner of Fleurrh City's Rookie Class Showcase is Performer Serena! That means she has now collected her third Princess Key! With that, she officially qualifies for the upcoming Master Class Showcase, which will be held in Gloire City!"
Pierre raised his microphone baton dramatically toward the giant screen behind him.
On the display, a map of Gloire City's location lit up brightly for the audience.
"We really did it, Braixen, Pancham, Sylveon! We actually made it!" Serena cried, clutching her Pokémon tightly. Her heart was overflowing with happiness.
Because now—
"Aria, wait for me! I can finally step onto the same stage as you and compete side by side!"
While Serena's face radiated pure joy, Amelia, the wealthy heiress of Fleurrh City, stood off to the side, her expression dark and heavy.
From her perspective, no matter how she looked at it, she was superior to Serena in every way. So how could this outcome be possible?
"Why… why her?!" Amelia clenched her fists in frustration.
Her gaze drifted toward the VIP lounge. Her father had promised that he would personally speak to Palermo, one of the producers of Pokémon Showcases. So why had another girl been crowned champion?
But no amount of bitterness could change the truth. The winner had already been announced.
"Ash, Clemont, Bonnie, Pikachu! I did it—I've earned my third Princess Key! Thank you all for cheering me on!" Serena said joyfully, holding up all three shimmering keys for them to see.
"Congratulations, Serena! You've finally earned the right to compete in the Master Class Showcase!" Clemont said proudly.
"You're amazing, Serena! The very best!" Bonnie added.
"Dedenne!"
With Dedenne and Squishy nestled in her arms, Bonnie bounced happily, offering her warmest blessings.
"It wasn't just me—it was thanks to everyone's support. By the way, why don't you guys go ahead to the Pokémon Center first? I left something in the dressing room and need to grab it."
Serena had forgotten her grooming brush, the one she used for her Pokémon's fur. After retrieving it, she headed back toward the Pokémon Center—only to find Amelia standing outside, speaking with Palermo herself.
"Miss Palermo… why? I truly believe that my performance with my Pokémon was better, more beautiful, and more popular than that girl's. So why did she win instead of me?" Amelia's voice trembled with unwillingness.
Palermo slowly removed her sunglasses, her eyes sharp as she gazed at the girl.
"More popular? No, you're mistaken. What the audience favors most—that is what's truly popular. You've grown far too used to the constant praise and flattery of others. That's clouding your heart. Remember, the winner is chosen by the votes of the audience. That alone proves the value of her victory."
Her words were like a cold blade of truth.
"If you keep walking this path, you'll only worsen. The only person who can truly make you popular is yourself. Think about that carefully."
With that, Palermo slid her sunglasses back on.
Amelia's eyes wavered. She hesitated, then gave a small nod before turning to leave.
Palermo's gaze then shifted, her sharp eyes landing on Serena's direction.
"You heard everything, didn't you? So tell me—how do you feel about your performance today?"
Serena froze at the sudden question, caught red-handed. "I-I wasn't trying to eavesdrop… But… honestly, I felt really happy performing with my Pokémon today. I think being a Performer isn't just about putting on an act—it's about showing something real. A true reflection of ourselves and our bond with our Pokémon."
Palermo raised her brows, clearly surprised by Serena's answer.
"Impressive. To have realized that already is remarkable. I'll be looking forward to your performance at the Master Class in Gloire City. Don't disappoint me, Serena."
Her words carried weight—Palermo had begun to see Serena as a Performer with the potential to rival even Aria herself.
Serena's heart burned brighter than ever. With Palermo's recognition, her determination to shine on stage only grew stronger.
——
Back at the Pokémon Center, Serena had planned to sit down with Ash, Clemont, and Bonnie to discuss their next move. Should Ash head to Snowbelle City for his final Gym Badge, or should they go straight to Gloire City?
But when she arrived, she found them already packed and ready to set off.
"Huh? What's going on?" she asked, blinking in surprise.
"Let's head to Gloire City right away," Ash said firmly. "Time won't wait. The Snowbelle Gym isn't going anywhere, but you've finally earned three Princess Keys. You should go challenge the Master Class Showcase first. If we miss it, your chance to compete against Aria will be pushed back again."
"Pika Pika!" Pikachu agreed, giving Serena a confident nod.
Bonnie had even prepared all of Serena's belongings already.
Serena's heart swelled with gratitude. She was surrounded by the best companions anyone could ask for.
And so, the group began their journey toward Gloire City.
But that very day, their path was briefly halted.
For they had stumbled upon a town celebrating a grand festival—
The Zapdos Festival.
It was said that sometimes, during this celebration, the Legendary Bird Zapdos itself would descend and show its presence.
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T/N:
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