Chapter 25

"That was awesome, Margaret!" Mira cried as she ran over to Margaret and Petunia enter the performers' room again.

"T-Thank you," Margaret stuttered, who was still shaking and twisting her hair with her hands. "I-I still can't believe I passed..."

"But you did! Now we just have the Freestyle Performance!"

Before Margaret could reply, there were two loud cries as Fletcher and Sowny ran up to her and hugged her. She yelped and fell over onto the ground from all the added weight. Petunia also gave a loud cry of happiness and joined in on the group hug.

"I-I know you all are excited, b-but I think you s-should let go for now!" Margaret gasped as Mira giggled over her.

Her pokemon all let go, but they still looked eager and excited. Margaret stood up shakely and straightened her dress. Even though she had gotten passed the first round, Margaret still felt uneasy about round two.

"S-So, Mira, have they said anything about the Freestyle Performance...?" Margaret asked her friend, stuttering a little.

"Well that dude, Monsieur Pierre, said that we now have a one hour break before the Freestyle Performance begins," Mira answered. "I guess it's so we can get ready for the next stage. I know some of the other remaining performers went out into the lobby. But you might want to wash the paint off Petunia's shell before anything else."

"Oh, I guess you're right," she agreed, glancing at Petunia's painted shell. "I'll clean her up right now."

She took Petunia by the hand and led the Wartortle over to one of the corners. There was a part of the room that had several dress tables for putting on makeup or for performer's to prepare their pokemon. Margaret could only see one person sitting at one of the tables. As she got closer, she recognized the performer as Maya, the steampunk performer.

Maya had her back to Margaret. She didn't even seen to notice that the other performer. Margaret saw that her Zoroark masquerade mask was on the table, but unfortunately she couldn't see Maya's true appearance. The steampunk trainer's black and crimson red hair and top hat prevented her from seeing the mirror. One of Maya's white gloved hands was holding her hair into a small, wolf-like tail, while the other tried clamping a very pale and sparkly blue orb around it. The added accessory increased her resemblance to the Zorua evolution line.

After Maya took up the mask and placed it over her eyes, she stepped back to check how she looked. She jumped after seeing Margaret and Petunia's reflection in the mirror, though they weren't that far from her. The steampunk performer whirled around, her gloved hands clasping the edge of the table behind her.

"I-I'm sorry, I-I didn't mean t-to startle you..." Margaret apologized hurriedly and looking at the floor instead.

She heard Maya's breathing steady a little. She risked a glance at her and saw the other performer straighten her mask.

"It's fine," Maya finally replied, making Margaret look up. "I've just been...paranoid. I won't keep you any further."

With that, Maya took her Pyroar walking stick that was propped up against the table before walking away. After she was out of earshot, Petunia looked up at Margaret and said, "She's a very weird performer."

"You can't judge a trainer or performer by their appearance," Margaret told her, lifting up Petunia shakely and setting her on the table.

"I already learned that lesson."

"You did...?"

"Yeah, with Sky Blue! I thought he was a pirate!"

"Oh, um, that's...nice..."

There was a loud flapping noise as Fletcher suddenly flew onto the desk and stood next to Petunia. He clicked his beak and chirped, "Don't leave us alone with Mira's pokemon!"

"Why not?" Margaret asked, looking across the room to see Mira pampering and brushing her Spritzee and Pikachu.

"The Pikachu is a loud mouth and the Spritzee is going nuts over the Chatot," said Sowny, jumping onto the table next to his teammates. "I almost feel bad for him. Almost."

"It's normal to have crushes, even you pokemon," the performer stated. "Sowny, would you please be a dear and get me a wet rag or washcloth?"

The Leavanny nodded and immediately leapt down from the desk before scurrying off. He came back with a wet washcloth a minute later.

"Do you have a crush on anyone?" Petunia asked as Margaret took the rag from Sowny and began to rub the paint off her shell.

"Um...not right now," Margaret lied slightly, blushing a little.

Fletcher snorted and argued, "We've seen that you like Danny! You stutter more around him!"

"And you hide your face with your hair," Sowny added.

"Oh, well...w-we're just friends...best friends..."

"Margaret, you've known each other since you were little. You both know more about each other than anyone else. Let's face it; you two were made for each other."

"But she and Ne-Ne have more in common!" Petunia piped up.

"Ne-Ne?"

"That's what everyone calls him! Anyway, you both seem to have more in common! I'm not saying you don't have anything in common with Danny, but you and Ne-Ne are cute together!"

Fletcher made a fake gagging noise of disgust before saying, "How do you know what's cute?!"

"Because it is!"

"Break my trainer's heart and I'll tear up yours."

Margaret gave a loud yelp at the deadly voice and swiveled around. Deborah's face was only inches away from Margaret's, her eyes narrow slits.

"D-Deborah, what are you doing here?!" Margaret gasped, sounding terrified.

"There was a break, so we took advantage of it."

"W-We? Who's we?"

The Gardevoir stepped sideways to reveal the cowering little girl behind her. Fiona was hiding behind the Embrace Pokemon with her Swirlix. The auburn haired girl looked up at Margaret shyly.

"Fiona!" the performer cried while scooping up Fiona. "Does everyone know you're here?!"

Fiona shook her head while Deborah replied, "I didn't think it was necessary to tell them."

"Deborah, you can't just take Fiona away without telling anyone!"

"Why not?"

"For many reasons! They could think someone kidnapped her, or she wandered off! They'll be worried for her!"

"She wanted to see you."

Margaret sighed and told the Gardevoir steadily, "Alright, but please go back and tell Danny where she is."

Deborah bowed her head and teleported away. Margaret sighed again and set Fiona down on the stool next to the dressing table. She then took Mister Poofy and handed him to the little girl.

"You can stay here for a little while, then you'll go back to Danny, ok?" The performer told her as Fiona nodded.

Margaret smiled and continued to wash Petunia's shell. Fiona didn't do much. It seemed that she just wanted to be with Margaret while the showcase was at a halt. Fiona did look around the room with interest, but she did not speak or write anything on her notepad.

"Alright, you can get down now, Petunia," Margaret told her Wartortle, who happily leapt off the table.

When the performer turned around, she found Fiona holding her notepad out to her. Margaret took it to see Fiona's handwriting.

I wanna be just like you when I grow up.

"That's so sweet, Fiona," the rookie said to the little girl, feeling her confidence boost a little. "But why do you want to be like me?"

Fiona took the notepad back and began writing again. After a moment, she handed it back to Margaret. A new sentence was now written under the previous one.

I want to partcipete in show cases to, and I want to look pretty.

"Well who says you have to be in a showcase to be pretty? Here, let's try this."

Margaret moved Fiona's stool a little so it was now in front of the table. The performer untied the little girl's ponytail and straightened it out. She then began to brush it out before taking out a case from her bag. She had a habit of bringing hair curlers along in her bag just in case, though she didn't usually use them. She took out six of them and rolled the ends of Fiona's hair in it, making sure she didn't pull too hard or hurt her. As she did this, her three pokemon went to talk about the Freestyle Performance a short ways away.

"How does that look?" Margaret asked the little girl as she removed the hair curlers after awhile. "We can do this again later if you'd like, you're supposed to have these in a little longer, but-"

Fiona suddenly turned in her seat and hugged Margaret. The performer was taken aback by this act of kindness, but she smiled and hugged her back. She was beginning to feel more and more like Fiona was becoming her little sister.

Then she noticed something odd. Margaret could feel Fiona shivering and shaking. She could hear her sniffling quietly.

Like she was crying.

"F-Fiona?" Margaret stammered, breaking the hug and lifting Fiona's chin up gently. "What's wrong? W-Was it something I said?"

Fiona shook her head. Mister Poofy, who had been sitting next to his trainer, barked and jumped up to lick Fiona's face. Fiona sniffed and sat back down, hugging her knees and rocking back and forth.

"Fiona," the performer started again as she picked Fiona up, sat down on the stool, and set the little girl on her lap. "I can't help you if you don't tell me what's wrong."

The little girl merely cried though. After a minute, Fiona took up her pen and notepad and began writing on a new page. She then lifted it up to Margaret to read, who took it and read the sentence.

I'm sorry for getting you and Dany and Wite in trouble.

"Sweetie, what makes you feel like we're in trouble?" She asked.

The little girl took the notepad back and scribbled something down. She then handed it back, and Margaret read the new sentence.

Dabrah said Daddy wants to hurt you and Dany and Wite because Im with you.

"You shouldn't be worrying about that, Fiona," the performer assured the little girl. "That's for the grown-ups to think about. Everything will be just fine."

"Hey, Margaret!"

Margaret looked up at the sound of her name. Shauna was walking toward her. Her Braixen and Skitty were both walking beside their trainer.

"Shauna!" Margaret said, sounding surprised. "What are you doing here?"

"Me and Serena came here to visit!" She explained as she stopped in front of the maroon haired trainer. "Oh, so this is where little Fiona went! Danny was freaking out looking for her till Deborah came back!"

"Oh, I-I'm sorry..."

"That's ok! By the way, your performance was awesome!"

"T-Thank you..."

"The way you dressed up your Wartortle was very creative! Everybody in our group voted for you! I know your group voted for you too! Literally everyone here is talking about that one performer, Maya! She's very mysterious! We haven't seen a performer like her before! A news team actually tried cornering her in the lobby as we came in here, but she was able to shake them off! Speaking of news teams, you probably don't want to leave the lounge. Reporters are waiting outside the lounge to interview performers. They've got everyone except you, Mira, and Maya."

"I-I'll keep that in mind," Margaret stammered, deciding on the spot that she would not leave the room. "S-So you said Serena was here too?"

Shauna smiled faltered as she answered, "Yeah...she and Mira are talking at the door...Serena was trying to flirt with Mira's brother earlier..."

"Oh dear..."

"The good news is that he's still clueless, but she's creeping him out."

At this, there was a loud outburst near the door to the lobby, like two girls arguing. Margaret sighed, picked Fiona up, stood up, and began to walk toward the noise. She had a feeling Mira would try and kill Serena.

"I WILL NEVER LET YOU GET TOGETHER WITH MY BROTHER!" She heard Mira bellow as she saw the door to the lobby. Mira and Serena were face to face. Both of them were snarling and growling at the other.

"Like you have any control over what I do!" Serena retorted angrily. "I can like him if I want!"

"I still get a say in who he sees!"

"Oh please, he's almost five years older than you!"

"Um...a-am I interrupting?" Margaret stuttered, intervening into the argument while looking from Mira to Serena.

"No," huffed Serena irritability. "What do you want?"

"Well I-I couldn't help but notice that you're both shouting a lot..." Margaret continued.

"She's a flirt!" Mira instantly accused, pointing at Serena.

"How dare you!" Serena snapped. "I don't flirt!"

"Well whatever you're doing with Sky Blue I want it to stop!"

"Make me!"

"U-Um...girls-"

"My pokemon will crush you if I see you touch him!"

"Do you make all of his life's decisions for him?!"

"No, but White and I always get the final say!"

"So if he were ever to get married-"

"I WOULD STOP IT INSTANTLY IF THE GIRL IS YOU!"

"Alright, girls, that's enough," Shauna said forcefully, pushing Mira and Serena apart as she came over to her friends. "This is just silly! You're fighting over a boy, and let's be honest, Serena, you're creeping him out by your flirting-"

"I'm not flirting!" Serena argued again.

"Never the less, this needs to stop. Can't you two be friends? The rest of us get along fine! Well, you two get along with everyone else too."

Mira hissed and snarled, "I've tried getting along with her, but her messing with Sky is the last straw!"

"Is this what you humans call a 'catfight'?"

Margaret yelped and whirled around. Deborah once again had her face inches from hers. However, she didn't have the same deadly air as the first time.

"Deborah!" the maroon haired performer gasped. "Please don't do that!"

"I had no intention in startling you."

"I-I know, but next time tap my shoulder, o-ok?"

Deborah nodded before addressing to the rest of the small group, "Maîtriser Danny would like Fiona to come back now. You two may come back when ready."

"Well when does the showcase start?" Shauna asked, who seemed completely comfortable that she was seeing a talking Gardevoir. Undoubtedly one of the two group informed her, Tierno, and Trevor about Danny new team member, or else she learned the hard way by witnessing her ability to speak.

"Fifteen minutes." The pokemon answered.

"I'll take Fiona back with me right now," Serena offered immediately, glaring at Mira.

"Oh, o-ok," Margaret stammered, shakely setting Fiona down. "Fiona, go back to Danny with Serena and Deborah, ok? I'll see you later."

As Fiona nodded, Serena asked Shauna, "Are you coming too?"

"I was actually going to see if I could find Maya," Shauna admitted. "You can go on ahead without me!"

"Alright, suit yourself. See you all later."

As Serena left the room with Fiona and Deborah, Mira yelled after her, "Flirt with my big brother and I will eventually hear about it!"

"Seriously, why can't you two get along?" Shauna asked as Serena gave a loud huff while she left.

"I tried getting along with her when we met!" Mira growled. "But she either badmouthes my sister or flirts with my big brother!"

"M-Mira, I know you're frustrated and angry, I would be too," Margaret told Mira soothingly. "But I think yelling at her and making it clear you're against this will make it easier for her to get under your skin. Why don't you talk to White about this when we get back, or at least speak with Sky Blue. But to be honest, Mira, I don't think you have to worry about anything. Sky Blue is an adult now, and I doubt he'll date Serena."

"She's probably right," Shauna agreed, putting her hand on Mira's shoulder. "Serena is sorta the loner of our group. She has a mind of her own, and she is REALLY stubborn. The reason she dislikes White is because she doesn't think White shouldn't be given the 'the forgive and forget' policy. She dislikes you because she actually sees you as rival, and you argue with everything she does or say."

Mira looked a little less irritated, but she still retorted, "What about Sky Blue?! He's done bad things! He seriously has 'possible pyromaniac' on his criminal record!"

Shauna giggled a little at this. Margaret could see why. Yes, Sky Blue was a little odd and different than most young adults, but they couldn't really see him purposely setting people's homes on fire.

"Well, Mira," Shauna finally stated after her giggles subsided. "While White is another girl who does act blunt, harsh, and intimidating, Sky Blue is a harmless, nice, misunderstood dude that still looks handsome with or without the eye patch. That is the big difference."

At that moment, the door swung open and someone ran inside, slamming the door behind her. Maya had her back against the door as she panted loudly. Her Fennekin was also panting as it slumped against the floor. Margaret noticed that her top hat and mask were slightly crooked.

"Do not go out there!" Maya warned them after seeing the three girls.

"Um...what's wrong?" Margaret asked uncertainly as Maya opened the door a crack to peek outside. Margaret could hear the snapping of cameras and reporters firing questions at Maya.

"Are all those reporters after you?" Mira questioned as the steampunk trainer snapped the door shut again.

"I keep refusing interviews," Maya snarled. "I didn't know being a performer meant the entire media following your every movement!"

"I hear it gets worse when you actually win the showcase," Shauna told Maya. "By the way, Maya, I wanted to say that I'm glad you won the first round! Your sense of style is very unique!"

"You and the rest of the world," Maya muttered absentmindedly. "But thank you, err...Shauna."

"A-Are you alright...?" Margaret asked uncertainly. "You seem a little jumpy and nervous..."

"I'm perfectly fine, just a little tired," the steampunk performer assured them flatly as she began to walk away with her Fennekin by her side. "I'll see you three around."

As she walked away, Margaret saw Maya head to one of the chairs in the corner of the room and sit down. The steampunk trainer took off her masquerade mask and rubbed her eyes, but again, Margaret couldn't see her true appearance clearly. The Fennekin leapt on the seat next to Maya and nuzzled her.

"Oh dear," Shauna sighed sadly as her Braixen and Skitty copied her. "I guess the stress of being a Pokemon Performer is catching up to her..."

"So the interviews with every single performer in a showcase is normal?" Mira asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh yes! They try to interview every performer at each showcase. It helps spectators and voters decide who they want to support. I know the Pokemon Showcases are taken very seriously in most regions surprisingly enough. Since Kalos is the only region that has the showcases, girls from all over the world come here to participate. Most regions try to vote for the performer from their region, so that's one reason why there are so many reporters 'lurking' outside.

"Anyway," Shauna finished, perking up at once. "I guess I should go back! I wish both of you luck in the next round! May the best performer win, but you'll both do great! See you girls after the show!"

With that, Shauna and her two pokemon left the lounge. She had a bit of trouble getting out of the hall from the group of reporters and cameramen stationed outside.

"I guess neither of us are going out there for awhile," Mira sighed, beginning to walk away. "Margaret, would you keep an eye on Tinker and Sparky for me? I'm going to try and fix my hair before the Freestyle Performance. They're with your three pokemon, but just in case they do cause trouble."

"Of course I can," Margaret told her reassuringly.

She watched Mira walk across the lounge to one of the dressing tables. Margaret became a little more self conscious of her own appearance and also began to head back to her dressing table. Sowny, Petunia, Fletcher, Sparky, and Tinker were talking a short distance away. They were undoubtedly talking about the Freestyle Performance and arguing who would receive the Princess Key for their trainer.

Margaret sat down at the dressing table and began digging around in her bag. A moment later she pulled out her own hairbrush and started to comb her hair. She would wince and jump as she accidentally pulled on the knots in her hair. Apart from the jolts to reality from her hair, Margaret was thinking about the Freestyle Performance. She felt more nervous now than she did in the Theme Performance. It was possible that she could win the showcase. She could actually win the Princess Key.

However she felt guilty about thinking of defeating Mira. Mira seemed more excited for this performance than Margaret was. She had worked hard for this, and Margaret remembered that Mira had been struggling on her last journey since she couldn't challenge the Champion for some unknown reason. Somehow the idea of defeating Mira at the showcase was now uninviting.

"Excuse me?"

Margaret jumped and looked into the mirror. Maya was standing behind her, looking eerie with the Zoroark mask on.

"Oh, I-I'm sorry," Margaret stammered as she stopped brushing her hair. "I didn't see you!"

"It's fine," Maya repeated like always. "My outfit is a little...startling. I thought you might want me to do your hair."

"You can style hair...?"

"I've had some experience," Maya said, stepping forward. "May I?"

"I-I guess," Margaret stuttered as she offered her brush to the steampunk performer.

The other performer took it and began to brush Margaret's hair. She started by brushing the tips of the rookie's hair lightly and untangled the knots.

"I-Is it alright if I ask you a question...?" Margaret asked uncertainly after a few moments.

"I don't see why not, shoot," Maya responded a little absentmindedly.

"How did you come up with your outfit? I haven't seen a performer with such a unique taste in fashion."

Maya thought for a moment before answering, "I don't like the bright, overly girly stuff other performers wear. I think spectators needed a change. Yours and that other girl's outfits are fine though, I like them."

"T-Thank you."

"No problem. That girl, Mira, she looks like the Johto Champion a bit."

"Does she?" Margaret asked, but then suddenly realizing why Mira's outfit looked so familiar. "I guess so, I didn't realize it before."

"Well it's a nice change of appearance." Maya continued as she began brushing Margaret's hair on the other side.

"Did you just start your journey?" The rookie questioned as she saw Maya's Fennekin sitting alone a short ways away from her own pokemon.

"A few weeks ago. I only have two pokemon though. I started out with Fennekin and Bulbasaur. I was one of the trainers chosen by Professor Sycamore to be trusted with two starters instead of just one."

"That's a big honor!"

"Kinda depends. I don't have any friends to travel with, I received my pokemon alone. Sometimes it's nice though. No one to bother me, no annoying conversations, and I get more ground covered."

"What made you decide to be a Pokemon Performer?"

Maya didn't answer. She stopped brushing as she thought of an answer while Margaret waited politely.

After a minute, Maya answered, "I want to inspire people. I want to encourage and motivate performers and trainers to follow their dreams. I also want people to realize that the Pokemon Showcase isn't just about the performer's physical beauty or how well they dress their pokemon. It's more about the heart of the performer."

"So is that why you wear the mask?" Margaret added, wondering if it was ok to ask this.

Again, Maya didn't answer right away. Margaret could see Maya looking at herself in the mirror, though the steampunk trainer's attention seemed to be on her Zoroark masquerade mask. After a moment, she shook her head.

"Masks are fascinating things," Maya said mysteriously as she began to brush Margaret's hair again. "They hide a person's true identity, along with the wearer's secrets and mysteries and their past and present. When wearing a mask, the wearer can be an entirely different person. Who they are underneath the mask doesn't matter at that moment. I guess that's why I wear one. Besides, the showcases need a bit of mystery. I like to think of myself as the Phantom of the Showcase."

There was a loud dinging noise over the loud speakers at that moment.

"The Ambrette Town Pokemon Showcase will continue in five minutes," the person over the speakers announced. "Remaining performers, please make your way to the lounge for further instructions."

"The Freestyle Performance will start in a few minutes," Maya stated, giving Margaret back her brush. "I should get ready for my own performance."

"Oh, ok," Margaret replied as Maya began walking away. "T-Thank you for your help!"

Maya merely nodded as she went to get here Fennekin. At that moment, Mira came back from her own dressing table. She was holding her Pikachu while her Spritzee was perched on her shoulder.

"I see you were getting to know Maya," Mira commented as she reached Margaret. "So how is she?"

"She's very nice," Margaret answered like usual. "You should get to know her. I think you'd like her."

"I will after the showcase. Are you nervous about the Freestyle Performance?" the dragon tamer added as two of the remaining performers, Winter and Darcie, entered the lounge (though they looked ruffled and disgruntled from the reporters outside).

"A little, but I'll be fine." Margaret replied, looking over at her three pokemon. "I don't want to let my pokemon down..."

"You'll do great, I'm sure of it!"

"Oh, ok, if you say so..."

"I don't say so, I know so! You need to be more confident, Margaret! You need to give yourself more credit!"

Margaret was about to speak, but the door to the lounge opened again. The woman employee had stepped inside again. She looked around before calling, "Alright, girls, gather around!"

Margaret stood up as Mira and her two pokemon hurriedly made their way over to the employee like everyone else. Sowny, Petunia, and Fletcher ran over to their trainer delightedly as well. All of them looked excited and hopefully, so Margaret smiled at them encouragingly and told them, "Come on, you three!"

"Ok, girls," the employee started after everyone and their pokemon gathered around and she started handing out more key pins. "The Freestyle Performance will begin in two minutes. You each will be receiving new keys to wear. Winter has the blue key, Darcie has yellow, Mira has red, Margaret has pink, and Maya, you get green.

"The first performer performing will again be Mira. Second will be Darcie, third will be Winter, fourth will be Margaret, and Maya will wrap things up. I will come in and get you when its your turn to perform. Mira, you can come with me right now. I wish everyone of you luck, and may the best performer win!"

"Good luck, Mira," Margaret whispered to Mira as she began to leave with the employee. Mira smiled and gave a small wave as she left.

As the doors closed, the remaining performers separated and went to do their own things. Maya sat once again in a corner with her Fennekin while Winter had a pep talk with her own pokemon. Darcie was fixing her hair and huffing irritability to herself about the news teams. Margaret, meanwhile, sat in the chair near the large TV with her pokemon as she waited for the performance to begin.

"Remember to cheer for Mira, Tinker, and Sparky, ok?" Margaret reminded her pokemon, who gave loud cries of understanding.

"And welcome back to the Ambrette Town Pokemon Showcase!" Monsieur Pierre's voice announced over the speakers as the TV switched to show the host on the main stage, making Margaret jump. "It is time for our exciting Freestyle Performance, where the performer and pokemon will unite as one!"

Monsieur Pierre swiveled his walking stick around as the shimmery holographic figures came back. They showed different performers dancing and performing with their different pokemon.

"The Freestyle Performance is a combination of performance and skill!" Monsieur Pierre continued on as the figures turned into sparkly dust. "Each performer may use up to six pokemon! Like in the Theme Performance, the judge will be you, our audience!

"Now, relax, and enjoy our Freestyle Performance!" he declared and thrusting his arm toward the now rising floor in the center and stepping to the side.

As the lift stopped, Margaret could see Mira standing on it with Sparky and Tinker next to her. The dragon tamer giggled and thrust out her arm while commanding, "Alright, Tinkerbell, let's start the show off with Fairy Wind!"

Tinker gave a loud chirp and flew around the stage as the little Fairy Type became surrounded by mystic pink powder. It left its remains floating in the air around the stage. It was like pink snow.

"Sparky, now use Thunder Wave!" Mira cried as Sparky gave a loud cry of acknowledgement. The Pikachu leapt into it trainer's arms and Mira spun around on the spot with him. She then let go and Sparky jumped into the air, charging with electricity. He spun again as a large pulse of electricity flowed over the stage like a wave. In some parts of the wave it began to glow different shades of pink. It even shimmered more brightly.

They're all having so much fun, Margaret thought as she watched Mira dance around underneath the flowing, yellow and pink Thunder Wave with her Spritzee zooming around her.

"Now, Tinker, use Aromatherapy!" Mira told her pokemon as the wave began to disappear.

Tinker chirped and zoomed into the center of the Thunder Wave. The Spritzee gave a musical cry and began to shimmer pale blue and pink. Mysterious pink and yellow fragments shed onto the dragon tamer and the Electric Type.

"Sparky, Discharge!"

The Pikachu squeaked cheerfully and once again powered with electricity. It then released swirls of yellow lightning. The fragments were electrocuted and suddenly broke into pale pink and yellow shards of rain. As they rained down on the performer and the Mouse Pokemon, Tinker flicked away the mysterious radiation like rain and zoomed around them one last time.

"And we're done!" Mira called and an uproar of applause broke out in the audience.

When Monsieur Pierre complemented Mira's performance and the performer left the stage, the door opened and the woman employee came in. She called, "Alright, Darcie, it's your turn!"

Right when Darcie left, Mira returned with her pokemon, looking exhausted. Margaret got up and told her friend, "Mira, you were wonderful!"

"Thanks," Mira sighed, managing a smile. "It's hard work doing that stuff! I keep thinking I should've done more..."

"It was beautiful just the way it was!" Margaret assured her as the TV showed Darcie and her two pokemon, her Absol and a Sylveon, appear on stage.

The two performers continued to speak about Margaret's upcoming performance as they watched Darcie and Winter's performances. Margaret felt increasingly nervous about her routine. She worried that it wasn't good enough or that it needed more, but Mira kept assuring her that she would do just great. Her pokemon also assured her that they would blow the roof off the theater.

Finally, the employee came back after Winter's performance had finished and called, "Margaret, you're next!"

"Good luck, Margaret!" Mira told Margaret encouragingly as the rookie stood up and walked toward the door with her Leavanny, Wartortle, and Fletchinder. Margaret nodded at Mira, unable to speak anymore, but she managed to say a quiet, "T-Thanks..."

She and her pokemon followed the employee out of the lounge, who pointed down the hall and told her kindly, "Just go down the hall again and you'll reach the lift, ok?"

"Ok, t-thank you..." Margaret squeaked, going down the hall with her pokemon by her side.

"Don't sweat over it, Margaret!" Fletcher piped up as they reached the lift, flying onto Margaret's shoulder. "We'll do the best we can in this!"

"Yeah, we might even win!" Petunia added happily while running to the center of the lift.

"Even if we lose, at least we made it this far," Sowny pointed out.

Margaret smiled at her pokemon as she joined them at the center. She took Sowny and Petunia's hands and told them quietly and assuringly, "I know, and win or lose, we'll so our best."

The lift suddenly came to life and began to slowly move upward. She couldn't help but hold her pokemons' hands tightly as they went up. However, she let go once they reached the main stage. She whimpered a little after seeing the large audience in front of the stage. For a moment, she forgot what she was going to do.

Don't lose it now! she ordered herself forcefully. Everyone is watching! Your family and friends are watching! Danny is watching!

Margaret took a deep breathe before lifting her arm up and yelling clearly, "Alright, Fletcher, start off with Flame Charge! Petunia, use Rapid Spin and follow with Bubble Beam!"

The two pokemon gave loud cries as they followed their instructions. Fletcher flew off and spun in a spiral as his body was engulfed in flames, leaving flickering embers in his trails. Petunia retreated into her shell and began to spin in a wide circle around Margaret and Sowny. Bubbles escaped from the shell and they twirled around beside the trail of flames left by Fletcher.

Sowny took Margaret's hand and said jokingly, "May I have this dance?"

Margaret giggled and took the Leavanny's other leafy hand. They performer and her pokemon then began to dance together in the center of the sparkles of lights and bubbles. She was happy to hear the sound of some of the audience clapping at the performance so far.

After a few moments, the twister began to die down and shatter into fragments. Margaret let go of one of Sowny's hands as Fletcher and Petunia returned to each side of her. Sowny lifted his arm as Margaret spun around and cried, "Sowny, Razor Leaf!"

Sowny gave a loud cry and let go of Margaret and leapt into the air, releasing a dozen sharp leaves with him.

Then Margaret told Petunia, "Petunia, Blizzard!"

Petunia gave a loud cry and quickly formed a snow storm between her hands. She then released it and sent the small icy storm toward the leaves. The Razor Leaves were frozen solid in seconds.

"Now, Aqua Tail and Flame Charge once more!"

Fletcher formed fire around his body and Petunia's fuzzy tail was surrounded by water. The two leapt into the air and let their attacks collide. The fire was absorbed in the water, which Petunia released. The water turned into a small whirlpool that swirled above them. However, it was quickly shattered by the frozen leaves. The red and blue shards of light reflected off the ice and created a small rainbow. The ice reflected the rainbow off the walls of the theater and at the audience.

Margaret waited for her pokemon to stand next to her before shouting, "And that's it!"

She yelped as an explosion of noise erupted from the auidence. The fragile rainbow quickly vanished from the air above them from the chorus of applause. Her pokemon gave loud happy cries next to her and she couldn't help but beam happily.

Their performance was done.

No more worrying till the end of Maya's performance.

"Performer Margaret, you and your pokemon did a magnificent job on your performance!" Monsieur Pierre complimented Margaret, Sowny, Petunia, and Fletcher before turning to the audience. "Now our last performance will begin shortly!"

Margaret saw this as her opportunity to leave the stage. She held out her arm for Fletcher to fly into before leaving the stage by the side door. Her pokemon were all chatting happily as they carefully made their way down the stairs and down into the hall again.

As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Margaret saw someone walking toward them before realizing it was Maya. The steampunk performer was walking steadily down the hall, her Fennekin walking by her side.

The two performers said nothing as they passed, though Margaret was still a little speechless from the response her routine received. However, Maya did give Margaret a small smile as she made her way to the lift.

"I told you that you'd do awesome!" Mira cried as Margaret came back into the lounge. "That rainbow was AMAZING!"

"T-Thank you," Margaret stammered. "I got the idea from White's Dewott and Tepig."

"Well it was a nice touch! You're just in time, Maya's performance is about to begin!"

"Oh, ok," Margaret replied quietly, sitting in her usual chair while her pokemon stood in front of her and Mira sat on the chair next to her.

The TV showed the lift rising up to the stage. Maya was easily seen as she stood with two pokemon. One was her Fennekin, while the other looked like a slightly larger version of Bulbasaur. Apparently Maya's Bulbasaur was now an Ivysaur.

Maya reached out her arms and grabbed her Zoroark masquerade mask. She then threw it off and her Fennekin caught it by letting it land over its eyes. Maya's face was pale, and her eyes were surrounded by dark red eyeshadow, much like a Zoroark. However, Margaret could tell this was still not the true Maya.

"Let's wrap this showcase up!" Maya shouted, her pokemon giving loud cries in unison. "Ivysaur, Leech Seed!"

The Ivysaur gave a loud grunting cry before moving away from his trainer. Ivysaur sped up and ran in circles around Maya and Fennekin, propelling tiny seeds all over the stage. The seeds began to sprout and grow as they landed on the wooden floor.

Maya took up the walking stick she had been using and held the opposite end of the Pyroar head up to Fennekin. The tiny fox-like pokemon huffed and breathed out a small stream of fire, lighting the end of the staff. Maya lifted it again and began to twirl the lit staff around like it was a baton. It left around little embers in the air as a glow stick would. As she swung it around and danced gracefully with her Fennekin, the little seedlings continued to grow and twist around majestically.

"Alright, Ivysaur, Razor Leaf!" Maya cried once the seedlings reached the same height of her knee-high boots.

Ivysaur gave another loud cry and ran in front of Maya. It shot leaves upward toward the lights, but they weren't sharp like a usual Razor Leaf. There were floppy and blunt. The stage suddenly turned dark as the leaves covered the stage lights. The only source of light was from the large flame from the staff.

However, the light show continued on and it was more magnificent with the lights off. The flame swirled around like it had a will of its own. There was enough light to tell that Maya, Ivysaur, and Fennekin were passing the staff between them by spinning it in the air. Fennekin would occasionally make great silhouettes, making it look like other pokemon.

"Poison Powder!" Maya finally shouted to her Ivysaur once again.

There was another loud cry as the staff was tossed in the air. The audience gasped and clapped as the fire suddenly turned a bright purple. The fire continued to spin and dance on a whole new level. Literally. It was almost ten feet higher than it was before being tossed.

Finally, Maya ordered loudly, "Hit the lights, Fennekin!"

The Fennekin barked happily and the stage began to glow from a second source. Fennekin was glowing brightly and illuminated the stage. Maya and her pokemon were standing on top of a tower of small curled vines. While the top was thick and solid, the structure was see through. It was like the vines were frosting on a cake.

The audience cheered even more louder for Maya than for any other performer as the steampunk trainer and her pokemon bowed. After her performance, Margaret felt increasingly nervous. How could her performance beat Maya's?

*~*~*

"It is now time to vote for our remaining performers!" Monsieur Pierre announced to the audience.

All the performers were lined up on stage. The vine tower from Maya's routine had vanished before every remaining performer and their pokemon came on stage. Margaret and her pokemon were in between Winter and Maya. However, Margaret couldn't bring herself to look at the whole audience, so she just looked at the front row.

"Turn your Glowcasters to the color that corresponds with the key of the performer who you wish to win the Princess Key! Now light your Glowcasters in un, deux, trios!"

Over a thousand of multicolored lights lit up all over the theater. Margaret watched as many pink orbs of lights zoomed toward her and got sucked into the pink stoned key on her dress's hem. She clasped her hands together and closed her eyes. She was so nervous she felt sick.

I could actually win this, she thought. I could win the Princess Key! If I win, I could actually travel as a performer...but if I lose and quit, my pokemon would be so disappointed...

After remembering how much fun she had with her pokemon, how much she enjoyed herself and meeting new people, she promised, Win or lose, I will aim for Kalos Queen!

Margaret opened her eyes to see the lights had all been sucked into the keys. The lights were moving over each performer suspensefully as the holographic keyholes appeared over each performer. Margaret, however, didn't look up.

"The final votes have been tallied!" Monsieur Pierre announced to the theater. "Which performer has gathered the most votes from you,"

A drum roll started somewhere as the host continued to declare, "The winner of the Ambrette Town Pokemon Showcase is...

"Performer Maya! The Ambrette Town Princess Key is yours!"

Margaret looked up at Maya. She looked absolutely shocked, and her pokemon looked just as flabbergasted. The audience was cheering and applauding loudly as Monsieur Pierre presented Maya with her key and wrapped up the first Pokemon Showcase of the season.

Margaret saw that her own pokemon were disappointed, but she smiled at them reassuringly and applauded politely with everyone else.

If anyone deserved the Princess Key, it was Maya.

*~*~*

"Margaret, you were excellent!" Danny complimented his best friend as Margaret and Mira met their friends in the lobby twenty minutes later.

"Oh, t-thank you," Margaret stammered, blushing greatly. "We tried our best."

"Your performance was flawless," Deborah commented. "I was...impressed, by your routine."

"Thank you, D-Deborah."

"So who did everyone vote for?" Mira asked, narrowing her gaze when looking at Sky Blue, was still on Shane and was a small distance from his sister.

"Well all of us voted for you and Margaret during the Theme Performance," Leia told the two performers. "And, well...in the Freestyle Performance, it was kind of half and half."

"Half and half?" Margaret repeated.

"Well it was nothing personal," Amos added defensively. "But I know me and Leia voted for Mira."

"Deborah, Fiona, and myself voted for you, Margaret," Danny said to Margaret.

"And you voted for...?" Mira pressured Sky Blue, stepping up to him and Shane while glaring threateningly.

Sky Blue huffed irritability and answered, "I voted for you, but you and Margaret both did great for a first time."

"Aww, reaaaally?"

"So, Margaret," Danny started as Mira started talking to Leia, Amos, and Sky Blue. "What did you think of your first showcase?"

"It was...nice." Margaret replied with a smile. "It was lots of fun. Actually..."

The rookie turned and faced her best friend's Gardevoir. She then asked Deborah, "Deborah, how would you like to participate in the next showcase performance with me?"

Deborah looked surprised and questioned, "You want me?"

"Of course! You're dancing would go great in a showcase! So what do you say?"

"I...I would be honoré to participate alongside you."

"That's great that you've finally found a path to follow, Margaret!" Danny told her happily, taking her gently by the hand and making Margaret blush.

"T-Thanks," she stuttered nervously, looking around the busy lobby. "But...do you think we could move our conversation to the Pokemon Center?"

"Why?"

"Well, the news teams went after Maya, and me and Mira kept refusing an interview during the break, and I really don't want to be on TV anymore..."

"That's understandable, I guess- Deborah?"

Deborah had suddenly hissed whirled around to face a column behind her. She was breathing heavily as she growled like a Houndour. Fiona, who had been clinging to the end of Danny's light blue overcoat, squeaked with fright at the Gardevoir's behavior and hid her face under Danny's arm. The Swirlix next to her barked and sniffed the ground curiously as if whatever startled Deborah was just crumbs on the floor.

"D-Deborah, what's wrong?" Margaret asked with concern.

Deborah stared at the column before answering tensely, "I'm fine, I just felt a little paranoid all of a sudden."

"Well maybe we should leave right away then," Danny suggested, also looking at the column uncertainly. "Some of those reporters may still be around."

Margaret nodded with agreement. The nervousness she had felt a few seconds before was gone, and it was replaced by happiness. She may have lost the showcase, but she felt extremely pleased. She finally had a goal for her journey:

To become Kalos Queen.

«~*~»

A young woman watched as a group of children left the theater from behind a nearby column. She wore a red coat and outfit with dark sunglasses. However, her average green made her stand out.

There you are, you little punks, she thought evilly as she eyed the eldest of the group, the boy with the eye patch, along with the Gardevoir, the maroon haired rookie, and the little auburn haired girl.

Her main targets.

The woman left the safety of the column and ducked into a deserted corner of the lobby. She lifted her wrist and pressed a button on her Holo Caster. The woman waited as the small holo image of her boss appeared.

The older man gave a twisted smile and greeted, "Ah, Bryony, I assume your mission was a success?"

"Halfway successful," Bryony snarled, her fist clenching. "The brat beat me in the Theme Performance. I don't see why I must participate in the stupid showcase!"

"It was the only way to get near the girl. Were our suspicions correct?"

"Yes, the girl known as Margaret Kinsley is indeed Team Rocket's missing experiment, Red Velvet. Her description matched the last known picture of Red Velvet."

"Good, good. And what about my daughter?"

"I didn't get to see her clearly, but-"

"My daughter, Miss Bryony!"

"Princess Fiona was here, sir," Bryony answered nervously. "She was unharmed as far as I'm aware. She was with the boy, the Ketchum boy who captured Project Danse Beauté. My scans have showed that none of the Gardevoir's old memories have resurfaced, which is surprising since their are so many similarities with her old life and the one she lives now."

"Excellent, and the Kalos Madman?"

"I believe we are correct. The Assistant Sky Blue is the Skyler Azul we've been looking for. Shall we plan an ambush for tonight?"

"No."

Surprised by this response, the woman stammered uncertainly, "S-Sir?"

"It would be unwise to attack the children in the city. If you ever ambush them, do it when they're on the road. I may even join one of the patrols. Be very cautious when facing the madman, we don't want to cause any dangerous outburst. Remember, never confront him alone and take another as a hostage if you do catch him. He's too dangerous, especially at the age he is now. However, your first priority is to return my Fiona to me unharmed."

"Of course, sir," Bryony obeyed, as she began to cancel the call. "I'll do my best."