Even though we have yet to win a Princess Key.... "Espurr! Petilil!" We can win one if we really give it our all! "Let's do it!"

  And one day I hope I can learn to be completely honest with myself, especially with my Pokemon. If I keep trying to build confidence from the fake source within my mind, I'll never get to be a good performer.

  "Espurr?" On cue, Espurr readies her mysterious psychic powers, something that will never cease to amaze me.

  She lifts me up with Psychic, and I float around the wide, green field."Cool!" Clara claps, her eyes getting bigger the higher I rise. Then Petilil spins and uses Petal Dance, and beautiful pink petals swirl as they're released into the air to dance alongside me.

  My heart has a perpetual throb, and all of my being is hoping that I won't get anything messed up like I've done countless times before, in performing and regular life.

  After daintily dancing, I reach the ground, getting my footing just right before quickly continuing.Then I sway with Espurr and Petilil, just like we practiced. "Now!" Petilil hops into my arms, and I toss her up high. "Energy Ball!" She expels a perfect emerald sphere upwards, and it bursts into light glittery sparkles to rain on the three of us. "Done!" We bow.

  Clara bursts out in applause. "That was amazing!"

  I blush."R-really?"

  Clyde nods. "Best I've ever seen!"

  "Thanks!" I didn't think it was that good, but if they think so..."We've been practicing a lot." I exclude the part about Lagoon Town. 

  "It was great!"

  "Thanks again." I smile at Petilil and Espurr. We did pretty good! Maybe good enough to win the Showcase, IF we pass the Theme Performance.

  "Millie."

  "Yes, Clara?"

  Clara stares at me intensely. "Ya know, what if we ran into those Team Flare goons again?"

  "Huh?" But I was only interrupted by them."I guess it could happen."Why so serious all of a sudden?

  "And you don't really know how to battle like us, do you?"

  That is correct. It's not like I've been intent on battling all this time. "That is right. I mean.. Only Espurr knows how to battle, what with her having been mother's Pokemon."

  "Then I'll teach you how!" Clara decides.

  "You will? Are you sure I can learn?"

  "Of course! It's easy!"

  "Okay..." I hesitantly agree. I don't think I'll be any good, though.

  "Frogadier against Petilil! Good?"

  "S-sure." Frogadier? But it's so strong! I don't vocalize my worries. I can't complain without trying first.

  "I'll be the referee," Clyde offers.

  "Sounds good to me!" Clara turns her focus back to me."Ready?"

 I nod. "Let's try it out, Petilil."

  "Lil!"

  Frogadier takes its position, and Clara stands right behind it. Petilil stands in front of me, and my knees wobble a bit.

  "Don't worry!" Clara encourages. "Petilil actually has the advantage here!"

  "Because she's a Grass-Type?"

  "Yep! Looks like you know something already!"

  Clyde lifts his arm."Ready?" He throws it down after."Battle begin!"

  "Your move first."

  I look down at Petilil, who looks up at me."Lil?"

  "How about Energy Ball?"

  "Put some heart into it, like in your performance!"

  "Right! Petilil, Energy Ball!" I say once more with courage. 

  "Petilil!" Petilil attacks with Energy Ball. 

  "Dodge with Quick Attack!" Clara's Frogadier swiftly dodges to the side, avoiding the move.

  "Huh?"

  "It's important to make a quick plan in your head," Clara advises."You didn't think we were gonna stand around and get hit, did you?"

  I shuffle nervously. "Ha...I guess not."

  "Now it's our turn to attack! Frogadier, Hydro Pump!"

  The huge blast of water coming straight for Petilil is too fast to avoid, and Petilil is sent flying by the immense power. "Petilil!" 

She lands in my arms."Petilil... "

  Clara runs up to us. "You okay?"

  "Petilil seems tired. We should take a break."

  "'Kay."

 I wish we could have done better, but battling was kind of.... Fun. I never thought about it before, but I bet battling is just as fun as performing if you're good at it.

  "We'll try again tomorrow," Clara promises.

  "Let's set up camp for now." Clyde begins pitching his tent."We're not so far from Coumarine City, so we can probably reach it by tomorrow night if we keep going in the morning."

  "That's where you'll show everyone your performance!"

  "Yeah." The Showcase isn't going to happen just then, so there's still time to practice. "But in the meantime, I'd love to learn more about battling."

  "Leave it to me!" Clara grins."Well, battling isn't something that you can be a master at overnight, so you need lots of practice. The key.... " 

  We talk all night about it. Well, maybe not all night, since I eventually dozed off and Clara started to slow down until she eventually yawned and went to sleep. I'm glad I have a friend like her. Our meeting was by chance, but we're getting along great. Clyde's a nice guy, too. 

  We can do it, Petilil and Espurr. I'm starting to feel a lot more confident. Is this because we've made two new friends? Either way, let's show them how hard we're trying at the next Showcase. We can do it. Together.

             Chapter 2.....End! ; )