Today was finally the day of my performance. I waited as the platform raised me from under the ground, I looked at my partner. My fennekin who was dressed in a nice attire. I smiled at her, while she did the same and returned it. I looked back at the front of the raising platform with a determined expression, the bland wall in front of me. 'This is taking forever' I thought to myself while waiting to reach the top. I raised my head upward and was blinded by the light emitted above.

Eventually the platform raised all the way, and stopped. I gulped as I took a look at the entire audience. The seats filled with hundreds, if not thousands of spectators. I could feel the pulse of my heart increase with each passing moment, my inhale becoming more frequent and a sense of shakiness filled it. To gain confidence, I turned my eyes to my trusty partner. Only to be left confused when, Fennekin wasn't there. A figure covered in complete light blue color illuminating from it's body was there instead of the small fire type. The strange sight responded with a cry I was not aware of.

I felt something come in contact on the other side of my body, slightly brushing against my right leg. I lower my head and glance upon the furry creature down beneath me, wearing a cute little outfit to go along with it. I can't explain the feeling that took over my body, but the feeling of confidence engulfed me. I stared at these as if I had prepared for this with them. I looked at the smaller creature on my left side, a look of worry in its eyes, completely nervous the same as I a moment ago. Something sparked in me.

"Yeah here we go!" I shouted out, as I extended my hand towards the terrified furry entity, who's facial expression immediately changed upon hearing me, and jumped onto my arms, taking it's residence at my chest. We struck a pose with the other figure covered in the light blue substance, it seemed to be twirling something in it's hands before raising it's left arm to decline some object. I shouted something, and the blue like figure further twirled it's object before disposing of it in the air causing sparkles to escape it before returning to its rightful owner.

The moment the object reached the mysterious creature the rear end of the object became engulfed with fire. It began dancing around with this before performing cartwheels while still using the unidentified item. 

Without a second doubt, I raised the furry creature to my head height and gave it a wink. The moment we had gained each others confidence, I began lunging the furball into the air, performing flips before returning back to me, all the while the light blue entity finished with it's performance, creating an outline of a circle around us with fire. All in the mean time the furry little creature and I danced across the floor, as if there was nothing else in the world. We were enjoying the moment.

A few more dance moves later, including the little one dancing between my legs, I commanded the other light blue figure to cascade it's flamethrower towards the other one. The taller figure exploded with ember as it created swirls, as if performing a fire spin. The furry creature ran it's way in between, smiling all the way. I took my attention off of the two, while still staying on routine. My eyes caught the attention of something in the crowd. Something that I had seen before. Something that imposed a dark register upon me. The figure in the distance, taking it's seat in the crowd was the shadow back yet again. 

A feeling of disturbance entered my body, as I gazed upon the mask carried by the shadow figure, the smoke building it's body, simply staring at me. Due to my carelessness, I slipped with one of my legs, and fell towards the ground, knocking over the other two who were apart of this performance. The entire performance hall became quiet. Dead silence filled across the room. The silence would soon be interrupted by laughter. Laughter by hundreds upon thousands of people, all laughing at our failed performance. Tears began building in my eyes.

The room began filling with shadows, the figure with the mask began expanding. A state of panic took over my mind, as the floor underneath turned into a pitch black void. I looked to my sides, only for my two partners to disappear completely. All the laughter died down, the darkness began consuming me, it began dragging me down bellow. With the little time, I had left the figure soon approached me. The shadow pointed it's see through, smoke like hand at me.

"The future... It is ominous... full of... terror" The figure finished before I got dragged into the dark, my hand reaching for the light.

I shot out of the bed panting like crazy, my eyes filled with complete shock. My body trembling from the experience I had just witnessed. I looked around the barely lit room, noticing the two pokemon located near me. Fennekin and my recently caught Eevee, both still asleep. At peace. I raised my hands, with my eyes still trembling in fear. My hands were shaking out of this world "What on earth is going on with me..." I said in worried tone "These nightmares are beginning to be more frequent" I said under my breath, looking towards the blinds. "I need some light in this room..."

I sat up from the comfort of the bed I was sleeping in and walked to the edge of the room. I opened the blinds, revealing the beautiful sunny day outside. I took a look at the time, it was still early in the morning. I sighed 'It's alright Serena, worry is the greatest fear, or doubt. Either way, you can do without them both for today. I walked up to Fennekin and Eevee, and gently nudged them "Wake up you two, today is the big day of the performance" I said as the two slowly awake from their slumber. I'm greeted with both their excitement as they jump up from the bed and send smiles towards me.

"Come on you two, we need to get going!" I shouted to them while they both tackled me into a hug. After we parted, and I got dressed into my performance dress. It was nothing special, but I assured that it stood out as a Kalosian style dress. Fennekin was also given slight accessories to look outstanding in the end. "All finished!" I announced as I finished the last details, Fennekin spinned around, I grinned at her reaction "What do you think Eevee?" I asked the normal type pokemon "Ebai!" It replied.

"Time to go, we are all ready now. Time to win our first pokemon performance and take a step further towards achieving our dream!" I shouted out to our team, they both gave out their signature cries. We exited our rooms and proceeded towards the exit of the pokemon center when I remembered someone. "One second, we have to make a quick detour." I said as I shifted the direction of our original course and headed down a hallway. I knocked on the door "What do you want?" Is the only thing that could be heard, a cold tone in his voice. I sighed before answering "It's Serena, Ash" I said out loud. 'I'm actually surprised that he is up this early, well it does make sense since yesterday he disappeared very early and also before in Kalos when I stayed the night in his room' The memory caused my face to heat up, my cheeks flaring a bright pink.

"Coming..." He replied which was followed by a couple of foot steps. He opened the door, and revealed himself without a shirt. My face turned into a complete tomato at the sight, my jaw dropped while he was putting his black shirt over himself "Is there something you needed?" He asked, while I was still caught in trance "Serena?" Ash asked one more time before waving his hand in front of me, still I didn't respond. He then snapped with his fingers, this caused me to enter reality once more "Oh my gosh, I'm sorry A-Ash! I didn't mean to... you know... you could have done that before answering the door." I said in an embarrassed tone.

Once things seemed to quiet down I spoke up once more "I was wondering if you are going to attend the pokemon performance showcase?" I asked with an inquisitive expression. Ash raised his hand to his chin and looked at the ceiling "Right, those are a thing. I completely forgot" This caused me to feel a bit disappointed "I'm guessing you take part in the performances?" He asked, to which I nodded. "It wouldn't hurt to see it, I guess." My face lit up "Do you promise?" I asked once more just to confirm his actions. He sighed "Yes, I promise" 

"You promise..." I copied his sentence, but begin to stop half way to let him finish. I watched Ash close his eyes, and inhale and exhale through his nose "I promise to watch the performance of Serena Yvonne" He finally replies, the moment I hear his reply I tackle him into an embrace, my head on his chest. "Thank you Ash!" I shouted out. The instant I hugged him, I felt his body tense. I heard a single beat come out from somewhere, I felt confused but that confusion soon turned into shock as I felt the pair of two arms wrap around me. A feeling of safety enters my conscience.

Ash soon departed from the hug "You need to get going." He put in a what seemed to be at an attempt of being positive. I looked up at him, his hat was covering his eyes, and his mouth was in a shape of a frown. "A-Alright..." I said and then turned to go towards the direction of the performance stadium. "Good luck, and do your best." I heard from behind my back, and I saw Ash waving his hand a good bye "I will!" I shouted back.

"Ladies and Gentleman, those of both the Sinnoh region and those watching us live, it is my honor to present to you the first ever pokemon performance in the Sinnoh region!" Monsieur Pierre shouts out towards the audience, while cutting the air with his open hand "Similar to the pokemon showcases, the performers and their pokemon go through several various phases, and then only the best of the best get the opportunity to be able to obtain this!" I watched through the TV screen, inside of the waiting room along with the other performers as a Klefki brought the princess key. My hands were slightly shaking. "Fenneeee?" The fox pokemon cried out towards me "I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous" I said with a chuckle towards my partner.

"And now we will begin with the first phase! This will be a 1 vs 1 vs 1 bake off of pokepuffs! Pokepuffs are traditional desert in the Kalos region, to integrate more with the showcases, we have collected three people which are suitable for this job!" The french accent rang out through out the theatric building. "First up we have Nurse Joy!" A crowd of cheers could be heard "Secondly, we have Mrs. Jenna, a world class pokepuff patisserie " another round of cheers erupted from the crows "And last, but certainly not least, Mr. Contesta" followed by the final round of cheers and claps.

Waves by waves, the pokemon performers began being called out. Before long, I too was called out "And the final performer of this match up, Serena Yvonne!" I gazed up at the screen, I stood up and took a deep inhale, before gaining a smile and looking at Fennekin "Let's go Fennekin, we're gonna show them what we're made off!" The fire type cried out it's signature phrase and soon we were on the way to the stage. 

"Now the preliminary round of the pokemon showcase is about to get underway!" I stood by my work stations, prepared for the signal to begin. "Contestants will compete using their own original pokepuff recipe!" I began by stirring the mixture inside of the bowl, while Fennekin was pleasantly watching from the side. Of course to cover our dresses, we were allowed to use aprons. I stuck my index finger into the mixture and took a little taste, then putting the index finger out of my mouth and winked at the audience, which was followed by a cheer from the audience

"It appears that Serena has already gained a fandom within the first few moments!" Monsieur Pierre exclaimed as he read the interaction between myself and the crowd. While the mixture was being made, the oven was slowly being heated I opened it and placed the tray full of the predefined pokepuffs inside. The mixture was soon finished rising, I put on my red heat resistant mittens and took the tray out to start off the customization and aesthetic design of the pokepuff. "Tada, pokepuff base layers are finished baking!" I announced to Fennekin, while displaying the tray full of doughy balls covered in pink "Now the next step. Two kinds of delicious frosting." Fennekin sniffed the aroma being outputted from the combination "Feeee" was the only phrase that escaped her mouth as her eyes sparkled while staring at the pokepuffs.

"These frostings are my own original recipe, and they're delicious!" I said as I covered the white top of the pokepuff with another layer of pink, this time creating a design where all of them meet in the middle, pointing upwards. "The topping goes on last." I stated to, while looking at Fennekin. I took a small piece of a stick and placed it on top of the pokepuff. "A great baker has to have an eye for design" The pokepuff glistened upon the completion. "Tadaa! A pokepuff topped with a small twig for Fennekin!" I shouted out loud, indicating that I had finished.

"It appears that the time is up! Performers, please present your pokepuffs to the judges." I walked over and sat the plate with the pokepuff upon the table of the audience "Looks delicious, and the aesthetics are to die for" I heard Mrs. Jenna comment. I smiled and made my way back to the station.

After a breath moment of decision making, the three of us were standing at the center of the stage, waiting for the results. I shot a determined look towards the Judges, who were all still discussing something, before they all nodded. "Ladies and Gentleman it appears that the judges have decided who to pass onto the final round. The winner of the phase 1 pokepuff bake off is..." I closed my eyes, and crossed my fingers "Serena!" Upon hearing my name I looked up, as the crowd cheered me on. Realizing that I had made it past the first stage, I gave Fennekin a massive hug before waving to the audience, my mouth completely open with a smile. "We did it Fennekin, we won our first ever round!" I shouted out in excitement "Fennekin!" 

We soon returned back to the waiting room with the remaining contestants, I shook the hands of those who I was up against and once again took the seat. Monsieur Pierre explained the works behind the second phase "The second phase of a pokemon showcase is where the pokemon and their performers demonstrate their skill through the art of performance, this event is graded by the audience, the entire audience. Without further ado, please welcome our first performer. This girl came all the from Kalos to demonstrate the beauty of the Kalosian ways. This will be her first ever performance, so please give a round of applause to Serena Yvonne!" That was my queue. I ran to towards the stage with Fennekin 'This is it, it's now or never'

The platform raised and we were now on the stage. Sweat began forming on my forehead, while I kept my determined look. Before beginning I looked through the entire audience in hopes of finding Ash. Actually when I looked closer, I began to notice the audience better. All the way at the back, there were three figures standing at the walls. I couldn't make out their exact clothing but they were all wearing dark matching outfits. To my disappointment I couldn't see the raven haired boy anywhere. 'It doesn't matter. You are doing this for yourself, and your pokemon.' I thought to myself

"Alright Fennekin, let's do this! Use -" My voice was immediately cut off by the sound of the large speakers causing a screeching noise to be shot out everywhere. I covered my ears and looked at Monsieur Pierre, who didn't seem to know what was going on either. The irritating screeching finally subsided, and was now replaced by a mans voice. This mans voice was low, and almost to the point of a whisper 

"The people of the Sinnoh region, people of the world listen closely. In near time, everything will be ready for the creation of a new world... Soon everything will end, and there will be a new beginning."

The audience was in complete silence. The silence was broken by the sound of footsteps, I looked upon the terrifying sight as these figures wearing identical uniforms began overflowing the entire theatric building with threatening pokemon released "All of you listen, none of you resist. You're pokemon will be taken, do not worry. They will be put to good use." The speakers screeched one more time, the voice now faded.

I turned my head, and saw two figures, one seemed to be a male while the other a female. They were both wearing outfits that stood out almost as an astronaut suit. All nearly white, while certain areas accompanied by black such as the upper region of the legs and the sides of the chest. Direct center of the chest, a massive "G" Like letter could be located, completed in a golden color, bordered and outlined by a jet black. "Listen here you, hand over those pokemon and nobody needs to get hurt." They demanded, while I was frozen in fear. 'I-I assured m-my mom that nothing would happen' was the only thought I was going over. I took a step back, my instincts kicking in.

"We won't ask again girl" The female shot at me in a demanding tone. Fennekin defended us by firing a flamethrower towards the two, who dodged at the last moment and turned to me in frustration "We tried to do this nicely, and give you an opportunity to surrender. Now you have forced our hands to do this." The female snarled as she got back into her threatening stature. "Attack her and the stupid pokemon" The two said in unison. 

I grabbed Fennekin and curled into a defensive stance, protecting my partner from any damage. I waited for the impact. Trembling in fear about what will happen 'My mother warned me about this, and all I could do was be ignorant. Why do I never listen to my mom!' I scolded my self. After a while of nothing making contact with me, I turned around only to notice the exact same pokemon from before "It's you again..." I said in disbelief as the ninja pokemon stood in front of me, yet again protecting me from someone.

The water type grabbed the shuriken on it's back and throw it with extreme power towards the enemy. The move shot with speed, hitting the pokemon and their trainers, causing them to get pushed back into another group of the evil team members. The Greninja proceeded to use cut on the downed enemies resulting in them immediately being knocked out. I took a look away from the Greninja, only to notice two other pokemon fighting along side each other to take down the villains. There was an Empoleon taking on multiple enemies and over powering them all. 

Near the water type, was something that I could never imaged. There was a pokemon that seemed to be putting everyone one to sleep with a look of terror on all their faces 'Darkrai' I thought in my head, now completely filled with shock. 'I read about it somewhere, the night mare pokemon they call it... Now I can see why' My thoughts were soon interrupted by somebody dragging me away. I looked and it was one of those figures who were standing at the wall earlier "Who are you?" I asked the figure, no response. "Stay here" He said, his voice muffled by the clothing covering his mouth.

I watched on as the countless number of members from the evil crime organization are being dealt with, and all because of three people. 'What is going on here? Three people are able to take down all of these bad guys? I don't understand...' I thought. "Team Galactic retreat immediately! We aren't able to deal with the shear power of their pokemon! Fall back until further orders are issued!" I heard a man yell near the exit, motioning all of the apparent "Team Galactic" members to leave at once.

As quickly as the evil organization disappeared, as did the special forces that were located here. I searched around among the crowd, but couldn't find a single one of them. Almost as though they had disappeared into thin air. "Wait! Ash could have been trapped by them, maybe that's why he didn't come. I need to find him!" I shouted out to no one in particular.

The moment I reached the lobby, panting and full of worry about Ash, I see the raven haired boy walk in through the entrance readjusting his glove. The yellow mouse pokemon taking it's place on his shoulder. He petted his cheeks while walking towards the front desk, leaving Pikachu to cry out in joy. "Ash!" I shouted while running to him, he looked at me "Is there a problem?" He asked with a inquisitive expression "Were you not aware of what had happened?" I asked with a confused tone "Of course I do. Team Galactic attacked during the performances" He stated

Frustration seemed to take over me when he reminded me about the performance "Yeah the performance that you promised to watch!" I shouted at him before pushing him away, which didn't really work as he only took a single step back. A tear began building in my eye "You looked me in the eye, and promised me that you would watch my performance through out the showcase." I was staring at the ground, filled with sadness. A small, yet noticeable grin grew on his face.

"What are you talking about Serena?" I sniffed, and looked at him and stared into his hazel brown eyes "I saw everything. From your skills at baking to your determined expression before you got cut off. I kept my promise, and I watched you the entire time, live right here in this building" I sniffed once more, before rubbing away the tear in my eye and once again being completely confused

'What do you mean... you watched me the entire time? But I didn't see you anywhere'

My mind flashed to the day Greninja saved Eevee and I, then to the three guards standing by the wall and then again to a while ago where Greninja saved me once more, the final image being the mysterious trainer that dragged me away.

'Was that really you?...'