A/N:

Oh, you thought the biggest plot twists were over? Hahah, sorry to burst your bubble but we're about to get pretty ugly before we get pretty. Cause sometimes you've got to run through the mud before you fly. And yes, we have had a title change. I hope you like it cause I do!

The population of Ambrette town had probably tripled overnight. People had piled in like an overflowed river in rainy season, all due to the performance today. The town streets were bustling, alive with activity and angst. Morning blaze settled like a blanket across every exposed surface, casting a warm golden sheen. From where I stood, the dappled silver scales of reflected light spilling over the ocean resembled the glowing orbs used to vote in performances. The water was beautiful, in all of its aspects.

"Wish me luck!" A melodic voice exclaimed. My attention snapped from one scenic view to another; from ocean to Serena. Unlike most, the sun's glare didn't smother her smile, instead, she absorbed the light and reflected it back again. Her arms were open wide, inviting me into a casual hug.

"You don't need luck. You've got talent." I told her, wrapping my arms around her middle and squeezing so tight it was almost medically possible to paralyze her. But, I was jacked up a on parcel of uncertain emotion. I didn't want to let go in utter fear. Fear I wouldn't get her back. Why? I'm not even certain myself.

Serena gave a gasp of surprise at the sheer fortitude of my embrace but soon buried her head in the crook of my neck, giggles fanning across my shoulder. In the background I heard faint conversation from our other two companions. Gary had somewhat filled in for me as Elaina's argument device and I found their squabbles rather entertaining.

"Do they do this often?" Gary asked her, referring to Serena and I with concerns of what he would call flirting. At least, as he informed me at our lunch yesterday afternoon.

"Just try traveling with them." Elaina sighed in response. I ignored them thereafter. Their rousing constant negativity was most certainly not music to my ears.

With much hesitance, I let my arms unravel from Serena's waist, gently placing her feet safely back on the ground. She continued to smile up at me in a meticulous way. I began to wonder all the ways I could preserve that smile. How I could burn it into my memories as if I had been branded. No matter what scorching process, as long as I could see that smile whenever I pleased.

"Shout loud enough for me to hear you." She whispered delicately. She was being very deliberate and literal. A challenge no doubt. She knew how much I loved to pounce on any challenge.

"Don't I always?" I asked rhetorically with the raise of an arched eyebrow, earning me only a series of giggles in response.

"Well, see you guys later!" Serena bid goodbye for the umpteenth time this morning, however, this time, her and Braixen --who had spent the morning out of her Pokeball in preparation-- began pushing their way through the throngs of people in the direction of the Master class stage.

Gary and Elaina shouted their respective good lucks as the honey blonde was about to submerge herself into the flow of bodies down stream. I watched as her head traveled shorewards, until she disappeared behind a diverse range of rainbows, behind people and Pokemon alike.

Then, I turned my head to the second dilemma at hand.

"Come on Espeon, you're too good for Mr. I'm-A-Professor's Umbr-thing." Elaina whined, miserably failing to pull her Pokemon away.

Yes, this was the dilemma.

You see, upon meeting, Elaina's Espeon and Gary's Umbreon had developed an instant connection on a more-than-friends level. To say the least, neither trainer was very happy. Both Eeveelutions were curled up on the floor, paws intertwined and ears twitching against each other. Both extremely ignorant of their trainers.

"Firstly, it's Umbreon. And secondly, I think you're inexperienced Espeon is not even a mile away from being worthy of my Umbreon." Gary countered with a frown, his brown eyes had re-obtained the same look from when we were rivals. His old habits were back.

"Would you both shut up? I have a solution: put them both back into their Pokeballs and come with me to reserve some good seats for the showcase." I scolded and both immediately shut their traps. It was a strange feeling to have more control than Gary. Usually his alert and quick-thinking state of mind kept me sprinting to keep up, however, I noticed some of that had diminished lately.

"Someone's in a bad mood." Gary murmured to Elaina.

"Tell me about it."

The only time those two ever got along was when they were arguing with me.

*. *. *.

The stage was a marvelous shade of turquoise, a pallet just unique enough to stand out against the backdrop of the ocean. It had been constructed on the beach in the days prior as a temporary stadium. Yet still, there was no trouble impressing. It's sheer size was almost overwhelming, decor and stage lights climbing 50 feet above the ground. It was circular and chairs lined the entire circumference, allowing any performance to be witnessed at any angle. People were already filing into the seats and I was relieved we had arrived early.

Gary, Elaina and I had managed to get seats near the front with a good view of center stage. I had decided the best thing for both mine and their wellbeing was to plonk myself in middle of them, creating a barrier between any brewing arguments. Luckily no one complained. We spent most of the time waiting in silence, well, wordlessly amongst the endless background chatter. That was until Gary tapped me on the shoulder, drawing me closer into a private conversation.

"What are you going to do if she becomes Kalos Queen, huh?" He queried in a hushed whisper. This question startled me. It was like a complicated puzzle that my simpleminded brain couldn't comprehend.

"W-what do you mean?" I needed more detail. Maybe something that could give me the answer, cause I was struggling.

"If she becomes Queen, you won't be able to travel with her. Then what are you going to do?" He furthered.

I didn't know.

Didn't know what I would do with myself. How I would think. How could I function without her presence. Her comfort. Her advice. Her care.

"I don't know. I guess, I never planned on losing her." I whispered back, a lump beginning to lodge itself in my throat. I didn't want to even think about traveling without Serena. It didn't seem right.

Gary gave a weak smile and for once, I swear I saw sympathy spark in his eyes. No, I saw empathy. How could Gary empathize? I guess, I really wasn't apart of his life nowadays.

"You never plan on losing them until the day it happens." His already weak smile faltered until it was barely half and what remained was clearly forced. I raked my mind of something to say but came up short of nothing. Gary didn't seem to mind my quiet and took it as cue to drop the conversation.

Not long after, the host -- Piere, strode onto the stage, bellowing his usual welcome in a thick French accent. An overcast of white light was thrust upon his figure, even in broad daylight. Clefkey, as usual, floated aimlessly around the massive sea shell structures that decorated the stage, flashing a bejeweled silver tiara.

But my mind began to wonder, even as the contestants were brought center stage for greetings and rule layout. What would I do without Serena? Maybe I would be selfish and awake every morning wishing she had never found her passion, for then she wouldn't have left me. Or maybe, I would find peace and be happy that her ambitions were fulfilled. Or perhaps, I'd just be numb, slugging my way through life feeling nothing at all.

I was only drawn out of these thoughts by the echo of her name drumming against my ear. She had been called on stage for her first performance, along with two other well dressed girls. As usual, she was clad in the exquisite scarlet dress I knew well, flourished with pinks and white trinkets. I'd seen her in this attire many times before but this was different. I appreciated it this time. I was left shell shocked this time.

In tow was Sylveon. It's Intricate tentacles swaying gracefully and head held high with pride. Serena had chosen Sylveon to be her alleged partner for the preliminary rounds for a specific reason, that being her extra focus on dance choreography as of late. And the fairy type Pokemon was both experienced and well equipped in said department. This showed throughout the performance, skill on a level above all other Pokemon present.

A mixture of accuracy and poise. Fluid movements. Perfect timings. Powerful steps. And a fairy wind strong enough to envelope the entire audience in a fuchsia haze. Not much else was needed for Serena and Sylveon to storm their was through the preliminary rounds.

I found it becoming second nature to set my glow-caster to vote for Serena. The vast array of colored orbs that arched through the air after each performance was mostly dominated in Serena's selected color. The master class was passing quickly. It was slipping from my grasp.

There was something about the honey blonde's smile. Such a perfect arrangement of pearly teeth seemed to capture every viewer in a trance. She took everyone under the blanket of her spell, seeping joy into all her victims.

Serena burned with passion. She had struck a match against the matchbox of ambition and fostered the flame into her palm. And now she danced in circles, displaying the blaze like a holy torch, around my paper heart.

The end of the semifinals had already been decided before they had even commenced. Sure, the three remaining contestants had been chosen as normal, but, the crowd already had a winner in mind. And without fail, Serena, Braixen and Pancham executed a flawless series of attacks that left the audience roaring at their feet. It was as if the crowd knew there was no one els that could challenge the Kalos Queen like Serena could.

"And moving onto the next round is... performer Serena!" I had heard it too many times now. At first, hearing this would be a dose of relief, pride and joy. But now, as I saw the image of my life without her swirling in my head, it was a threat. A threat to my way of life. A threat to my happiness.

The further she excelled in the world of performing, the farther away she got from me.

Aria made an appearance shortly afterwards and I could sense a sudden divide in the crowd. The queen wore a gown of silk and satin, white with scarlet accents to complement her hair. Intertwined between her rouge locks were shimmering gems and white rose petals. The delicacy of her outfit was no short of professional. In a velvety voice, she greeted her audience.

As normal, the challenger went first. The honey haired girl returned to the stage with her everlasting smile in perfect tac. All of her team followed on her heels, revving with energy. We were in surety of a spectacular performance.

A soft melody drifted from the littered speakers, filling my ears with ariose sounds that matched Serena's movements. They were constructed with such immense precision that everything molded together like liquid. Every step from both preformer and Pokemon lingered within one another's bounds before drawing back like the ocean tides. And then she flew, along with Braxien and Pancham, all tangled amongst Sylveon's ribbons, curling higher than I ever believed possible. Abstract knots and crossroads of magical streams waltzed in front of a thousand eyes. And not to mention, the array of multicolored stars that spiraled downwards as a result of hurled attacks.

But that was when it happened.

The glow was so harsh and overpowering I was forced to shadow my eyes with the back of my palm. A flitter of flames and a bright white light erupted from the stage.

From Braixen.

There was a collection of gasps from the crowds and a hovering wonder stitched into everyone's eyebrows. Tension spread like wildfire, setting ablaze curiosity. Only one thing could produce such a bright light.

When the gleam dimmed and visions were being regained, I noticed a slight change in the form on stage. Braxien was gone. Or rather, replaced. Still entangled in Sylveon's ribbons was a large creature coated in thick burgundy fur. It was of humanoid shape but with fox-like features and large protruding ears. Merged with the colors of a flickering flame, it was clear this creature was a result of evolution.

It was Delphox, the final evolution of Fenniken.

There was a brief moment where everything was still, seizing to move in utter shock. A pulsing quietness that allowed even the slightest of whispers to be heard like ringing bells.

"Delphox, Fire blast!" Serena called. At command, a bellowing star of orange flames licked the air in one aggressive stroke. A scorching heat raked across the audience, tingling my skin with the Pokemon's newborn power.

As the performance continued and eventually came to a close, I pondered over how this strange event would effect the results. It would probably be in Serena's favor. And I wasn't sure how to feel.

Aria's performance was, as usual, a collision of brilliance and professionalism. The perfect mixture of sparkling lights and elegant movements. Her Pokemon had been bred to preform. Her smile was not a practiced one, but one filled with the joy of performance. The crowd was infatuated by her. She was entrancing.

"The moment has finally arrived, it is time to cast your votes. Those of you watching on television, remember, you are able to vote as well. Will the Queen defend her title or will a new queen be crowned?" Piere announced, taking Serena on his left and Aria on his right.

I was going to vote for Serena. I swear. I was. But I was selfish. Tragically selfish and I couldn't let her go. So instead, I found myself voting for Aria.

As the colored orbs arched through the air for the final time that night, I realized just how much I needed her. And just how selfish I could be. I turned against her wishes, against her goals and her happiness, so she could be with me. But sometimes karma isn't in your favor. Sometimes things go terribly wrong. And often, it's for the right reason. This was no exception.

"The results are in. Everyone, I would like to announce the winner of this Master Class Showcase in both joy and sadness. Yet still, I will take pride in placing the crown above the head of a new queen, for the winner is performer Serena! Or should I say, her majesty."

Those were the very words that shattered my world. It's strange how strong I was in so many ways, but simple words broke me. Heaving every living cell into denial. Changing the gears used to make me function. It was...heartbreaking.

I bolted. Up and ran, as fast as my legs would grant me. I pushed my way past the crowds of people all trying to glimpse that memorable moment where the tiara falls perfectly into place upon a new head. But I couldn't bear to watch it.

Scrambling, I inched my way to the tents designated as the performers dressing room. I was on a frantic search. By this time, the showcase had officially ended and the stage had been cleared. She must pass this way.

"Serena!" I called over the buzzing chatter of excitement. All talking about the new Kalos Queen. I didn't want to hear any of it.

"Wow. I never thought I'd see the day Ash Ketchum fell for a girl." Gary's voice rang in my ears. This was his conversation starter at lunch the day prior. To which I responded: "I haven't fallen, have I?"

I wasn't quite sure until this moment. Until now. Until I was in a hostile search for someone I might lose.

"Ash!" That sweet voice I had yearned for since the showcase started yelled from across the tent.

I dashed across the remaining distance, grasping her shoulders and drawing her into an embrace. I hugged her tightly, for I knew that our hugs would become scarce. I would no longer be able to feel her warm embrace whenever I wanted.

"Ash, I-I-I..." She couldn't get the words out, sobs brewing in her throat.

"Are you happy?" I whispered in her ear, not wanting to move away any further.

"Well yes. I'm overjoyed. But I-I-I..." She didn't even have time to finish her sentence. We were interrupted by a person I could only think was one of Serena's many maintenance staff.

"Queen Serena, I'm sorry to interrupt but you have many interviews lining up and we must get to them. Kalos is waiting." The woman said, looking slightly uncomfortable and out of place.

"I'm so sorry, Ash. I have to go. I just don't know what to say." Serena spoke truthfully, breaking away and taking fragments of warmth with her.

"Just don't say goodbye." I spoke, knowing that if I heard that word, it would be the only thing needed to send me over the edge.

"I wasn't planning on." She gave me a weak smile, to which, I feebly retuned.

"We'll follow you!" A familiar feminine voice shouted from behind me. I turned around to see Elaina and Gary had finally scrambled their way here. Elaina's eyes were tinted a faded crimson, indicating that she was on the verge of tears.

"My next showcase is in Cyllage City." The honey haired girl informed just as she was being taken away, eyes never breaking away from mine. I held her gaze as long as physically possible.

She had danced too close with her flame and resultantly, set my heart ablaze.

__________________________________________________

Oh yes, I'm that evil.