"Braixen, Pancham, Sylveon—listen up. This is our promise. We're about to step onto the stage, and I don't want you to overthink it. Just do your best. As long as we give it everything we've got, there will be no regrets. Understand?"
Inside the waiting room, Serena was rallying her team with a firm yet gentle voice.
In her hand, she held Braixen's wooden branch—the symbol of their shared promise. Today was the day that promise would finally be fulfilled.
"Brai!"
"Pan!"
"Miiya!"
The three Pokémon placed their paws on the branch together.
With their spirits united, Serena led them toward the stage.
But before they could go, Shauna, Miette, and Nini suddenly approached her.
"Serena, we're counting on you to carry our dreams forward. Please, give it everything you've got!"
"That's right! Out of all of us, you're the strongest. Our dream has always been to battle the Kalos Queen, Aria, and even defeat her. Now, that heavy responsibility rests with you."
"Serena, good luck! We'll all be cheering for you!"
The three girls had come not to compete, but to encourage. As fellow Showcase performers, they had special permission to be here—outsiders would never be allowed backstage.
Serena clenched her fist, eyes firm with resolve. "Yes! I'll give it everything I have!"
(If I defeat Aria… would that bring me closer to Ash?)
On stage, the ten minutes of preparation quickly slipped away.
Pierre returned to the spotlight, voice brimming with excitement.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the moment we've all been waiting for—the Grand Finale! Performer Serena versus the reigning Kalos Queen, Aria! Please welcome Serena and her Pokémon to the stage!!"
Lights flashed brilliantly as Serena stepped onto the stage, flanked by her three Pokémon.
"Braixen, Flamethrower!"
Serena smiled at the big screen as Braixen unleashed flames from her branch. Across the Kalos region, countless people were glued to their televisions—Professor Sycamore and his assistants at the research lab, Diantha taking time from her Champion duties, Korrina and her grandfather Gurkinn, Alexa and Viola, even Clemont's father.
All of them were cheering for Serena.
The performance began!
After igniting her branch with Flamethrower, Braixen passed it back to Serena. Now wielding a flaming baton, Serena danced gracefully across the stage with her Pokémon.
"Sylveon, use Fairy Wind!"
"Miiyaaa!"
The Fairy Wind swept Serena off her feet, lifting her high into the air as though she were truly flying!
On the ground, Pancham and Braixen combined their moves with dazzling flair, while Sylveon carefully wove the winds to control and amplify every effect.
Finally, the trio's powers merged under Sylveon's control, exploding into a magnificent display like a giant flower blooming across the stage.
The audience gasped in awe.
Serena landed, panting softly from the exertion, her flushed cheeks making her look even more radiant.
"Wonderful! Thank you to Performer Serena and her Pokémon for that breathtaking performance! And now, please welcome the performance of Miss Aria!"
The reigning Queen stepped gracefully onto the stage. Her partners: Vivillon, Delphox, and Aromatisse.
If Serena's performance was dazzling in its variety and brilliance, Aria's was filled with warmth and infectious smiles. Her show was not only skillful—it was joyous, radiating happiness that swept across the entire venue.
When the applause faded, Pierre stepped up once more.
"Now, ladies and gentlemen—and all of you watching from home—it's time to vote! Will we see the rise of a new Kalos Queen, or will Aria successfully defend her crown? Voting begins now!"
The audience raised their glowing wands, while viewers across Kalos tapped their phones to cast their votes.
Professor Sycamore, Korrina, Diantha—everyone sent their support Serena's way.
Serena and Aria stood side by side, the light of countless votes gathering into the devices they wore. On the giant screen behind them, the numbers climbed higher and higher.
And then—
"The results are in! The winner of the Master Class Grand Showcase, and the Kalos Queen is… Miss Aria! Congratulations on defending your crown! And a round of applause as well for Serena's incredible performance!"
Serena had lost.
The bitter sting of defeat pierced her heart. She tried to hold it in, but her disappointment was undeniable.
After the show, her mother Grace found her, offering comforting words.
Serena whispered in her heart: Ash… I'm sorry. I still couldn't become Kalos Queen…
But once her mother left, Serena's tears began to fall.
Suddenly, the sound of a guitar strummed gently behind her.
"Serena, you and your Pokémon were amazing today. Do you remember what I promised? I said that when you reached the Master Class, I'd give you a special gift. Listen closely… This song is called Dreams."
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T/N:
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