As Noibat flew through a mountain valley, a powerful gust nearly sent its tiny body spinning out of control.
But Ash was right behind in a hot-air balloon, calling out words of encouragement.
Hearing Ash's voice, Noibat steadied itself, beating its wings with newfound determination. At last, it conquered the fierce wind that had always stopped it before.
And thanks to Ash's clever strategy, the Aerial Relay Race ended in victory—for Noibat!
Orson, who had been the reigning champion in the original timeline, now had to hand over the crown.
"Starly, Staravia, Staraptor… don't worry. You've all done your best. This time, the opponent was simply too strong."
Orson smiled as he comforted his three Flying Pokémon.
Inwardly, he sighed. Just as he had predicted, someone had finally figured out the loophole of using speed-boosting moves before the race began.
But he accepted it with grace. He and his Pokémon had given everything they had.
As for Team Rocket?
Since Meowth had been piloting their Pelipper robot and crashed it into the rocks, the whole machine had exploded—blasting the trio off once again.
"Noibat, you were incredible!"
After the event, Ash, along with Fletchinder, Hawlucha, and Noibat, received the Pokémon Sky Relay trophy.
They soon left the village behind.
Along the road, everyone showered Noibat with praise, their warm words making the little Pokémon cry out joyfully, "Nyu-uuu, nyu-uuu!"
"Cha-cha!"
"Nyuuu!"
Fletchinder and Noibat chatted away, while Chespin, Pikachu, Dedenne, and Pancham gathered around, playing noisily as they traveled together.
Just like that, two days quickly passed.
Dendemille City—finally, they had arrived.
This afternoon, the Dendemille City Showcase, a Rookie Class Pokémon Showcase, was about to begin!
For Serena, along with her partners Pancham and Braixen, this was the moment she had been preparing for with all her heart.
Her goal was clear—win her very first Princess Key!
After making final preparations at the Pokémon Center, Ash, Clemont, and Bonnie accompanied Serena to the grand Dendemille Showcase venue.
The Dendemille Town Pokémon Showcase… was about to begin.
"Hi, everyone!"
A familiar face appeared—it was Miette, the sly rival Performer.
After greetings were exchanged, Miette's eyes immediately fell on Serena's hair.
"Oh my, Serena, you cut your hair short? Did something important happen?"
Miette leaned in close, whispering mischievously.
"Tell me… don't tell me Ash dumped you? You know, if you like someone, you have to take the initiative. Otherwise, someone else might swoop in, and then you'll be the one crying."
In truth, Miette wasn't trying to mock Serena. She simply wanted to spark a little urgency. After all, outstanding people like Ash were always admired by many.
Serena's cheeks flushed bright red.
"Th-that's not it at all! Stop changing the subject, Miette. This time at the Dendemille Showcase… I won't let it end like the last one at Coumarine Showcase."
Serena wasn't about to discuss such personal things in front of a crowd. Matters of the heart—she believed—were best shared quietly, between just the two of them.
Together, the girls entered the preparation room, while Ash, Clemont, and Bonnie took their seats in the audience.
"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to today's Pokémon Showcase: the Dendemille Town Rookie Class Showcase! I am your host, the man who adores roses and treasures the smiles of young ladies—the guide to your dreams, Monsieur Pierre!"
Pierre's flamboyant introduction drew cheers from the audience.
The first round of the Rookie Class competition was announced: Poké Puff Bake-off!
The first group of contestants made their entrance—and among them was Miette.
As expected, she won easily.
Meanwhile, Jessie, disguised as "Jessilia," was also among the contestants.
"Good luck, Jessilia! Show them your queenly power!" James cheered passionately from the stands, waving both arms.
With Meowth acting as Jessie's partner Pokémon, the two crafted Poké Puffs perfectly tailored to the judges' Pokémon preferences—knowledge Meowth had carefully gathered in advance.
Unsurprisingly, Jessie passed the round as well.
Finally, it was Serena's turn.
With the help of Pancham and Braixen, she too cleared the Poké Puff round with ease.
"Excellent! The following contestants have advanced through the Poké Puff theme. Now comes the second stage: the Freestyle Performance! Let's watch closely to see what dazzling shows these young Performers will bring us!"
Pierre's words ignited excitement in the hall.
First up was Jessie as Jessilia.
Using Wobbuffet and Meowth, she put on an exaggerated yet surprisingly entertaining performance. Wobbuffet's Counter combined with Meowth's wild Fury Swipes drew roars of laughter and applause.
But as Jessie returned backstage, she bumped into Serena, who was on her way to prepare.
Serena stumbled, nearly falling. In that brief moment, Meowth, walking beside Jessie, extended his claws and deliberately tore Serena's dress, leaving deep scratches across the fabric.
Meowth had concluded that Serena was Jessie's biggest threat—and acted accordingly.
In the past, Serena might have panicked.
But this Serena was different. She had changed. Her heart was stronger now.
Without hesitation, she pulled out scissors and began reworking the damaged dress, quickly crafting a brand-new outfit from what she had left.
Luckily, since Serena was the last to perform, she had just enough time to finish.
"Pancham, Braixen—it's our turn now! Give it everything you've got. Let's leave no regrets on that stage!"
"Pan-pan!"
"Braix!"
This time, Serena was filled with unshakable confidence.
Her Pokémon responded with the same fire.
Together, they lit up the stage—Pancham's rhythmic dance steps blending seamlessly with Braixen's fiery embellishments, Serena moving alongside them with perfect grace.
The cheers rose higher and higher with every passing second.
At the finale, Pancham unleashed Stone Edge, while Braixen raised its blazing wand. The stones glittered as flames twined around them, then Pancham's Dark Pulse clashed with Braixen's Flamethrower high above the stage.
The collision exploded into a magnificent golden crown-shaped firework—an emblem of brilliance and beauty.
The audience erupted in thunderous applause.
For Serena, this was her true beginning.
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