Warning! This chapter is to be rerwitten in the near future so read with caution! Certain events may be changed which will not change the outcome of the overall story but only this chapter.

Also, you may notice that I changed the title from: Our Alternate Ending: An Amourhsipping story...to.... Our Alternate Ending: A Pokemon Adventure.

Although the plot is often heavily driven by Amourshipping, this book is clearly not just that. There are other characters and plot points so I didn't want my title to be misleading in any way.
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"I don't want to anymore!" I shrieked, backing away from Serena's dainty claws that were about to snatch a hold of me.

"Come one, Elaina! We practiced so much, there's nothing to be afraid of." Serena argued as she grasped my wrist and dragged me up to the registration desk. I gulped, fear twisting inside me at the thought of such event.

My Pokemon rookie class performance.

"Yes there is!" I countered in a desperate attempt to stall for time. Maybe I could run out of time to register. Unfortunately, that was highly unlikely seeing as we were standing at the front of the line, inches from the receptionist, with half an hour of registration left. Curse my luck. "What if I lose?!"

Serena sighed, looking awfully irritated by my perspective. But I couldn't help the way I was. There was something about the idea of losing that left me unsettled and ultimately angry.

"It doesn't matter if you lose. It's all apart of the experience. I didn't win my first show case either. You can't be extremely good at something right off the bat, it takes time." She reassured as she pointed an instructing finger at me, like that of a teacher.

"But it does matter! I don't want to lose!"

"Losing isn't always a bad thing. It can be apart of an important lesson too."

"But losing is not winning. And not winning is bad." I pointed out matter-of-factly. Serena sighed again, done with our argument. She tilted her head and raised a stern eyebrow. 

Finally, I caved in.

"Fine! I'll do it!" I surrendered. It was strange how much of an influence Serena had on my everyday choices. I would do almost anything for her. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that I felt as if I owed her everything. She was the person who introduced me to friendship. It was something that wasn't taught often in my household.

"Good, cause we're holding up the line." She said, satisfied. I smiled sheepishly at her before proceeding to the receptionist who was looking rather impatient.

"Hello, I'm Elaina and I would like to sign up for this rookie class performance."

*.         *.          *.       *.  

I had now been left to fend for myself, like a lone wolf. Not particularly my ideal.

I wandered aimlessly around the room, looking similar to a lost puppy. It was filled to the brim with girls fixing their makeup and hair. They twirled in designer outfits while loading various Pokemon with mountains of accessories.

In my opinion, the love of crushing Pokemon with truck loads of jewels and tutus was overrated. Just over-kill. Instead I liked the simpler beauty of one special item. Something that could bring out the natural charm of a Pokemon.

I plucked Eevee's Pokeball from my backpack, desiring familiar company. With the flick of my wrist, a flash of red light temporarily blinded me. Seconds later, my partner stood patiently with a tender smile on her face.

"Eev, Eevee!" She barked happily.

"This is it, Eevee. The Laverre city rookie class performance. The day has come for us to get on that stage." I spoke while kneeling down to Eevee's height. She looked back with determination, something I admired of my Pokemon. Through out everything, she still burned with passion.

I bit my lip as images of a roaring crowd clouded my mind. There were so many people. And all eyes were on me. Of course, I wanted as many people as possible to witness me winning, but that wasn't guaranteed. The utter embarrassment of losing in the presence of a crowd so large seemed like a memory too heavy to bear. 

Eevee noticed my reluctance and bitter nervousness. Ash told me that our Pokemon sense how we feel. The truth of his words spoke out as Eevee nudged my legs in an attempt to lift my spirits. I felt terrible knowing that I was influencing uneasiness within her, so I quickly tried to cheer up.

"It's alright Eevee, we're going to be fine. Serena's been on that stage so many times, in front of crowds bigger than this. We are so lucky to have her as a mentor. If we follow her instructions and teachings, nothing should go wrong. Plus, we're here for each other right?" I smiled as widely as possible.

"Eev, Eev, Eevee!" Her response was heart warming. Once again, her dark eyes captivated me. It gave me a sense of bliss, much like the night sky did. I could find stars in her eyes, possibly someday even full galaxies.

"Here, I almost forgot." Desperately, I fished something out of my backpack. Much like the other performers, I had something to jazz up Eevee's appearance. It wasn't as elaborate or distinguishing as the others, but certainly held beauty.

Carefully, I clicked the gold plated collar around the feline Pokemon's neck. The accessory was simple, gold with small turquoise jewels glued in geometric patterns. Fortunately, it matched the colors of my dress and I had aquired it during my week shopping with Serena in Lumiose city. The collar shined brightly, light reflecting off the aqua infused diamonds. "It's beautiful on you." I noted, taking a step back to admire the evolution Pokemon.

Time ticked on and it became harder to calm my shaking nerves. Eevee once again sensed my restlessness and I tried my very best to hide them. For her sake. To say the least, I wasn't very good at it.

Slowly people started to disappear. Three girls would go at a time and then return shortly after, two distraught faces and one grinning. The losers started leaving and the backstage area began to get exceedingly more quite. Not good for my nerves, I tell you.

"Elaina, Colette and Bella. You are up soon, meet for stand by." A staff member announced and I felt my chest tighten. In fact, I was so overwhelmed by my nerves that I failed to recognize a particular name that was called along with mine. Only after I met with the staff member by the waiting area did it finally cross my mind.

Did she say Bella?

As in eye scratching, ear splitting, makeup caked Bella?

Oh arceus above!

Possibly I was wrong but I soon remembered Bella's vow to show me she could beat both Serena and Aria, becoming Kalos queen. She really needed to think before she spoke.

As I waited by the moving platforms, a sickening feeling coiled in the pit of my stomach just at the thought of that brown haired nuisance. The image of her face set my blood boiling.

An innocent girl with spiked, purple hair joined me. She wore a white frilly apron, similar to mine. My guess was that our preliminary round would have something to do with baking. I weakly smiled at her and she gave a simple nod. She too, looked consumed with nervousness. Fortunate for me, my nerves had been over powered by anger towards a certain someone.

"If it isn't blondie! Too bad you won't even make it to the free style performances, since of course, I'll be your competition." A horrible nasal voice came from behind me. It made me cringe and set a raging fire alight in my veins.

Bella stood next to me, a malicious grin baring her fangs. Her Vivillon fluttered gracefully beside her, unaware of the nastiness built up inside its trainer. On second thought, Vivillon probably mirrored the diva's behavior.

"Would you shut up? I don't want the last thing I hear before my victory to be your awful snarl." I bit back, hoping she would keep her little trap shut and let me concentrate. The thick haired brunette faked taking offense, clutching her heart as if it hurt. I growled under my breath.

"Tell me blondie, is Ash here?" She asked, quickly changing the subject. I liked to think it was because she couldn't summon a comeback to my previous comment.

"Does it count if I tell you he's with Serena?" I raised an eyebrow at her, awaiting the look of disappointment. Instead, an evil smirk grew present on her face and she concluded which nerve to strike. Bella knew exactly how to push my buttons.

"Did your push-over friend finally grow a pair and confess her love to him?"

I didn't answer. I just threw her a nasty glare, hoping I could summon all my hatred into one look. Eevee brushed against my legs, reminding me of the real reason for being here. My Pokemon was the only thing stoping me from throwing a fist at Bella. The dragging silence caused Queen Bee to conclude an answer.

"I'll take that as a no then. Guess he's still single for me." She giggled and tossed her hair over her shoulder in a fake attempt to look appealing. My face was awfully unamused as I continued to ponder over why she was so god damn annoying!

"Girls, you're up. Please take your places on the platforms." A staff member announced, ushering us all on onto the moving contraptions. I made sure to give Bella one last death glare before the slow rubble of machines vibrated my body.

After a sudden jerk, I began ascending towards the stage. My heart jumped in my chest as the stage lights washed my skin in gold. A shaky breath escaped my lips.

Gently, I bent down and picked up Eevee. I cradled her in my arms like a baby. My fingers knotted in her fur, petting her like a stress toy. She snuggled into the crook of my arm, reassuring me that it was going to be alright. I was so thankful for my Pokemon. Never had I thought I would feel so strongly about them when beginning my journey. But then again, I didn't know anything when I first left that old wood cottage.

Beyond the stage boundaries was pure darkness. Pitch black. I couldn't see the audience, instead a sea of nothingness. But I heard their roaring applause as the platform finally stopped. Stage lights shone brightly in my eyes, my pupils suddenly dilating.

I gulped.

Never had I been standing in front of so many people. It didn't occur to me that I could possibly be stage fright. I had never entertained a crowd before. But here I was, standing motionless center stage with a look of complete terror on my face.

"Eev, Eevee!" My Pokemon barked at me. I peered down to meet Eevee's sparkling dark eyes. She looked up with a meaningful glare. It was if she was telling me to man up and start kicking butt. I giggled at her expression. Some of the tension flooded from my body, leaving just enough room for a smile. Eevee was right, I needed to let it go.

Serena always smiled when she performed, no matter what. I should learn from her and do just the same.

And losing wasn't an option for me, so I had to get myself together.

Upon looking up, I noticed the stage to be littered with various cooking equipment and stations. There was everything you could possibly need, from shelves of ingredients to ovens and even microwaves. I gaped at the scene, my predictions proving correct. I would have to be baking my way to the free style performances. Thank arceus I had the best mentor for that!

"I welcome performers Elaina, Colette and Bella to the stage!" The host, who I recognized from Serena's show case, boomed as he strode on stage. His Clefkey floated gracefully in tow, a spectrum of keys laced on its ring. But there was one in particular that caught my eye.

The princess key.

It was polished silver with shimmering amethysts plated to it. The key was so perfect, considering that violet was my favorite color.

"In the preliminary round you will aim to present the best Pokepuff to our judges. Each one will be tasted and the owner of the best treat gets to move on to the free style performance. In this challenge, performers have to share equipment, ingredients and work space. Welcome to the Baking Arena where there are no rules other than the forbiddance of using moves or any physical contact. So play fair girls, but let the best baker win!" Pierre explained, gesturing towards the clutter of kitchen supplies.

A large grin took up my face. I looked over at Bella as cunning ideas swirled around in my head. Sweet revenge without any consequences. The Baking Arena, here I come.

"Ready, set, bake!"

At the call I flew into action, racing across the stage with Eevee in my arms. Quickly, I grabbed a large mixing bowl, a whisk and the butter, sugar, eggs and flour. With my arms full, I proceeded to a working space. Frantically, I began beating the butter and sugar together but realized I was short a few ingredients.

"Eevee, can you go find the food coloring for me. It should be in the pantry. I want pink please!" I instructed, still scanning my brain for the other things that I needed to scavenge for. Memories of my baking lessons with Serena quickly came to the front of my mind.

"Eevee!" The evolution Pokemon yapped before pouncing away with a skip in her stride. I added the eggs and salt into my mixture then kind heartedly borrowed some baking powder from Colette. Truthfully, without asking but there were hardly any rules after all.

Eevee came back with a bottle of pink food coloring clutched gently in her jaw. She dropped it and and I added the bottle to the chaos of ingredients that stood before me. My fingers touched the top of each one, counting and checking them off a mental list. Something was missing but I couldn't put my finger on it....

Vanilla extract.

My eyes scanned the pantry for a little brown bottle but I was having no luck. Someone must be using it. Looking around my competitors work space, I noticed my lost ingredient placed right next to Bella. A frown instantly consumed my lips. Perfect.

She would never let me have that bottle in a million years. Trying to walk up and take it would be a suicide mission. I bit my lip, deep in thought. Then suddenly, a light bulb went off.

"Eevee, I need you to get me that bottle of vanilla extract. Be quiet and stealthy, make not a sound. Bella cannot notice your presence." I commanded my Pokemon. She nodded eagerly in return, sharing a similar opinion of the mean headed brunette.

I hid behind a work space, watching closely as Eevee approached my rival. She skipped lightly on her feet, not making a sound. While Bella's attention was consumed by the confusion of how to work an electric beater, Eevee pranced on the counter and quickly snatched the bottle.

It was strange how the excitement of the challenge made me forget the large crowd sitting a few feet in front of me. I was yet to notice that they were watching my whole scam.

"Jackpot!" I muttered under my breath.

Eevee returned with a cheeky grin, despite still clutching the vanilla extract between her teeth frame. I quickly thanked her before adding a few drops to my Pokepuff batter. After all the other ingredients, along with a generous dose of pink food coloring, were added together my mixture was finally ready for baking. As it resembled more of a dough, I was easily able to form it into balls on a baking sheet.

Thankfully, I was the first to get my treats in the oven. A satisfied sigh escaped my lips as I happily closed the oven door. It was set to the perfect temperature and everything was dandy.

For a few minuets.

I had successfully gathered the icing ingredients and mixed them together. My buttercream looked similar to a white fluffy cloud, just the way it should. A sweet aroma wafted my nostrils and my mouth began to water. I hooked a finger into the sugary paste and took a quick taste. Delicious. Upon looking up, I found something utterly unnerving.

My baking sheet of Pokepuffs was not in the oven, like I left it, but resting on top. I felt my face heat up in anger, steam about to burst out my ears. Someone had taken my under baked Pokepuffs out of the oven!

Bella was smiling awfully smugly, humming a small tune to herself as she mixed a bowl of icing.

That hot-headed, pig faced, Ash-addicted little brat!

I stormed towards the oven, my veins feeling like they were on fire. The amount of rage that girl could build up in me was unnatural. As I opened the oven door, I saw the two shelves consumed with both Bella and Colette's Pokepuffs. As my eyes narrowed at the horrific sight, a pale hand coated in an oven mitt reached in and grabbed a tray.
I looked over to see Colette proudly holding her ready Pokemon treats.

"Thanks!" She called before skipping off. Now that she had taken her tray, there was room for mine in the oven. I quickly placed them back in with an aggravated huff. When the oven door shut, the temperature setting caught my eye. It was unusually low. My lips quirked up at the sight.

Serena told me that often people made Pokepuffs with egg whites, which are delicate and need to be cooked on a low temperature. Fortunately, that wasn't the case for me but I figured it was for Bella. I cranked the temperature to high with evil intensions.

I hope Bella likes the taste of burnt revenge. I thought to myself happily.

Meanwhile, Eevee and I chopped some Oran berries for toppings. Not many Pokemon could resist the honey glazed sweetness of Oran berries. They were sure to please. The plump pink fruit dissolved on my tongue as I took a small taste. Just to make sure they were editable.

"Shosen't chet buttur tha Oran berwies." I said with a mouth full. Eevee looked at me strangely, almost as if my silliness embarrassed her. A strangled giggle escaped my juice coated lips and I nearly chocked on my food.

I placed a small slice inside the evolution Pokemon's mouth and she clamped down on it eagerly. I watched as she chewed with pleasure, impressed by the explosion of flavor on her taste buds.

Suddenly, a timer went off, sharpening my mental focus and bringing me out of my playful state. Finally, my Pokepuffs were ready. I quickly swallowed whatever remained in my mouth and proceeded back to the oven. Luckily, my gorgeous pink treats looked baked perfectly. They sprang back when I touched them, indicating a perfect bake.

As for Bella's...

They were a different story, let's say that.

"Bella, darling, I think you better check on your Pokefuffs!" I called to her, anticipating the look of horror once she realized winning was way out of reach.

She looked up, puzzled at first but upon seeing my overjoyed expression, her face went dark. She muttered harsh words under her breath before stomping to the oven like a hurricane. With an unmistaken death glare, Bella opened the oven door and almost chocked on puffs of smoke.

I cringed, leaving the fuming brunette to deal with her problem. A smug smile took up my face and I could hear small giggles and gasps from the crowd.

When my platter was assembled, time was called off and we were lead to three judges who's Pokemon were going to try our treats. First, they took nibbles from Colette's baked goods and pointed out their dense and slightly under baked qualities. Apparently her buttercream and chocolate glaze was very tasteful though.

Next it was Bella's and no one was too pleased by the assemble of crisp, blackened Pokepuffs before them. I snickered in a quiet manner. One of the judges decided to bluntly point out the obvious criticism.

"Bella, why have you given us rocks instead of Pokepuffs?"

"I was sabotaged!" She shrieked as she stared daggers at me. I smiled back, baring teeth.

Damn, I take way too much pride in this.

"Well, this is the Baking Arena and anything can happen. We have had some quite entertaining performances." Said a second judge and the crowd nodded in agreement.

Next was my turn. I watched nervously as the judge's Pokemon took bites of my magenta treats. I bit my lip, another sign of springing nerves. But the undeniable smiles that appeared on the creatures was a relieving thing. I relaxed, a little more satisfied. After all, I had followed Serena's recipes almost to a 'T', of course altering things to better suit my taste and style.

"This Pokepuff is very delicious and baked perfectly. The Oran berries used was a nice way to add a touch of citrus and compliment the sweetness. Although your butter cream had good texture and consistency, it was a little too sweet. But other than that, very well done." One judge complimented and the others clearly agreed. A wide grin stretched my cheeks.

Having strangers compliment you is a nice feeling, one I had never really experienced.

"Alright, it's now time for the judges to make their decision on who will be continuing  to the next round." Pierre announced as he strode back onstage, French accent on point.

The judges whispered quietly amongst themselves, making the decision. I felt relatively uncomfortable watching them discuss while I stood bathed with gold stage lights in front of a large crowd. Rather nerve racking.

"We've come to a conclusion." The second judge declared, capturing the attention of the audience who had started to chatter. "The person advancing to the next round will be... Performer Elaina!"

I pumped a fist in the air in celebration. With a massive smile across my face, I waved at the crowd. Though, I was looking for a certain honey blonde. Despite the joys of winning, I also wanted to make Serena proud. I looked up to my best friend and wanted nothing more than her acceptance. But at the same time, I was also looking for the raven haired boy I knew would be sitting next to her. I wanted to see the look on his face. I wanted to know he was proud too.

Which was rather weird, but I brushed it off.

Me caring what Ash Ketchum thinks? Yeah right.

*. *. *. *.

I gazed mindlessly at my reflection in the changing room mirror. Long golden hair and those teal-green eyes. They looked troubled. Even when dressed in such a beautiful attire.

My dress was cut at mid-thigh and was made of turquoise ruffled silk. It displayed a section of black and yellow triangular patterns .There was a thick black ribbon tied around my waist and knotted in a bow at the back. The most unusual feature was the black hood and cloak.

I admit, they could end up ruining my performance, by either weirding out the audience or tripping me up. But there was something about the assemble that I loved. Maybe it was the mysterious vibe they created. Such a delicate and beautiful dress paired with a sinister feature. The hood shadowed my face, hiding my identity. Possibly, I could feel less nervous on stage with this outfit.

There was a sudden knock on the changing room door.

"Yes?" I asked, finally looking away from my reflection.

"Elaina, you are up in two minuets please come for stand by." The visiter replied. I nodded and reassured them that I would be out in a minuet.

When the visiter left, I kneeled down to meet the eyes of my Pokemon. Eeve still looked as confident and determined as ever. I swear, those eyes never lost their spark.

"Alright Eevee, it's time. Now everything has to be on point. We can't slip up. We must take our time just as Serena instructed. Nothing short of perfect, okay?"

"Eev, Eev, Eevee!"

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For the second time that day, I felt the heavy glare of stage lights on my shoulders. Moving platforms carried me towards a sea of people who all would focus directly on me. I pulled the tip of my hood further down my face.

Then everything stopped.

I looked into the everlasting black plain that stretched out before me. Silence filled the stadium for mere seconds. And I just stared, an invisible force keeping all limbs fixed in place. I held my breath. Nothing short of perfect...

"Eevee, use swift!" I commanded, letting my booming voice echo off the walls. The stadium became alive with sound as my performance started. Eevee created a night sky of gold stars that all collided with each other to send showers of glitter cascading towards the front row.

I twirled around, letting my black cloak flutter in the air. As I danced around the gold painted stage, my tension and uneasiness drained away. Hell, even a giggle escaped my lips. I let my feet take me where ever they wanted. Eevee followed my lead, prancing over my arms, cartwheeling around the stage and even leaping onto my shoulders at one point.

Every time I looked into her round, dark orbs I would be reassured that everything would be okay. I'm not sure how I would ever get through my journey without her. I wasn't even sure how I made it through the first sixteen years of my life without Eevee by my side.

After a few minuets of leaping across the stage and sending out random moves, I decided it was time to finish up. I whipped around, meeting the eyes of my Pokemon who was only a few feet away. She looked back, getting the same idea. I nodded at her and a silent conversation passed between us.

We were going to attempt a move that we had found difficulty mastering. In fact, last time we tried, it landed us in the middle of the Kalos forest with a swarm of angry Beedrill on our heels. Not our finest moment.

"Eevee, use attract!" I instructed, outstretching my left arm. Shimmery, pink love hearts filled the space in front of me. They floated daintily, like lustrous glass. My Pokemon did a flip over my arm and landed gracefully on her feet. Luckily, this time I didn't rush things, so everything fell in place. "Now, Swift!"

The gold stars darted like bullets towards the love hearts. I watched in fearless concentration as the two moves collided. Fireworks erupted, like drifting embers, glitter fanned out suspended in air. The chestnut light parade washed my audience in gold. I smiled, satisfied with the turn out.

As a final touch, I pulled the hood off and reveled my rouge flushed face and sparkling eyes. I'm sure the stage light's reflections could not compare to the happiness that danced in them. Striking a pose, a roaring applause ringed in my ears. Heartwarming delight ran through my veins as my chest rose and fell at a rapid speed. And I couldn't seem to help the grin on my face.

"Finish!"

When the applause finally quieted and I relaxed a little, Pierre entered the stage with the announcement that I was the last performance. It was time for the final voting. In a thick French accent, the host called all performers on stage. One by one, they entered in fashionable outfits that displayed a range of colors. It was like a full rainbow came crashing on stage.

We arranged ourselves in a line, all trying to show the audience our best side. The girls to my left and right fiddled with their hair and adjusted their accessories. I stood awkwardly amongst the flock of performers, trying not to get trampled. Not to mention, my heart was still racing in my chest as a result of my recent performance.

Why was performing so stressful?

Before I knew it, hundreds of multi colored lights were drifting my way. In my distraction, I was oblivious to Pierre calling the audience to vote. It all happened so fast. The glowing orbs engulfed the stage, swirling around us like a hurricane. I watched in awe as blue tinted lights gathered in the key shaped pin I was given before my performance. I let my eyes flutter closed, silently pleading for victory. How badly I wanted to win. After a few minuets of waiting, the host's booming voice echoed in my ears once more.

"Thank you all for casting your votes this evening. It's been decided. The winner of this Laverre city rookie class show case is...oh actually, it looks like something very rare has occurred. It appears that there has been a draw. A draw between performer Lisette and umm...uhh...the girl in the hood."

My eyes instantly flashed open. The girl in the hood, really? Couldn't even recall my name?

Wait, did he say that I drew?!

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I'm so sorry if this chapter bored you, I promise it will get better soon. Just bare with me pleaseeeeeeee!