AUTHOR'S NOTES:
Hola (Hello) readers, and welcome to the latest chapter of Alpha and Omega. Today is a little special as I will be introducing the first OC created by one of my readers. This OC is brought to you by The_Shunned_Warrior . Technically she was introduced at the first showcase, but she was only mentioned so that doesn't count. I will be tagging everyone through out this story that gave me an OC or was the first to suggest a Pokémon as these are introduced from here on out, so if you have a problem with that please let me know.

Next, today we have a performance that was written by killerdude123 . So lets give him a round of applause and be sure to tag him if you have comments about it.

Well that's all I've got to say, so without any further ado, if you like my work please vote, feel free to comment, and please share this story with your friends. I now present to you chapter 20, enjoy.

Ash and Serena were at the Mérida Pokemon Center, and have been going there for the last two days. They did have a room at a nice hotel, but unlike in Madrid, this hotel only had two battlefields for the guests, and it was always in use before Ash and Serena could get there.

It was morning and currently they were taking up two of the four battlefields. Ash was training his pokemon, while Serena was polishing her performance. Even though Serena wasn't competing she still wanted her performance to look its best, especially since this was going to be Rapidash's debut. Much to Serena's delight performances came easy for Rapidash, as he could use his moves with percision while still moving. Upon completing her performance Serena saw Ash and his Pokemon giving her a standing ovation, although Growlithe did look like it was only cheering out of a sense of obligation. Serena smiled, and she and her Pokemon bowed before walking off the field.

"You were great, " Ash praised as he handed her her water bottle.

"Well thank you, " Serena said as she leaned in and gave him a kiss.

Serena took the water bottle, sat down on a bench by the field, and started drinking her water. Ash then sat down beside her and drank some water as well.

"So are you ready?" Ash asked.

"I think so. I'm still a bit nervous, " Serena replied.

"Nervous? Why? You're not competing, " Ash asked.

"I know, but I've been thinking since Isla said I inspired her. Even though Palermo didn't say it, I think the ultimate purpose of the performers doing the openings at these showcases is to inspire the performers and other young girls to take up performing. To show them what they can one day do as well as make the showcases bigger. I just find all of that a lot more nerve-wracking than performing for the title of Kalos Queen, " Serena explained.

"I guess that makes sense. But at the same time, you could think of it as competing for Princess Keys as well. Palermo did say you were going to get three for all these performances, " Ash replied.

"That's true too. I guess after having won three princess keys before it doesn't really phase me that much. I mean I already know I can do that, and its not like I'm affecting the lives of others. Don't you feel that way when it comes to gym battles?" asked Serena.

"No, not really. Every gym is different, so they all provide different challenges, even the ones that are the same type as others. Different gym leaders, different Pokemon, different tactics. Even though I've gotten a lot better as a trainer from my very first gym battle, I never walk in expecting to win. I know I can lose at any point, and that keeps the pressure on for me to keep getting stronger. I bet if you were to go back to Kalos and compete for Princess Keys and ran into another really good performer, you would feel that pressure again. And don't forget, even though you might not have ever known it, you were probably inspiring other girls as well, " Ash explained.

"Your probably right, it's not like anyone ever came up to me like Isla did, but the showcases were televised. And I remember when I saw May in an appeal round for the first time, she was amazing. I bet if she came to Kalos to compete in the showcases she would be a real challenge to beat, " Serena admitted.

Suddenly there was a rumble, but it wasn't coming from Ash's stomach, it came from Serena's. Serena gave a sheepish smile and looked over at Ash to see a small smirk on his face.

"What? I didn't eat yet this morning, and my Pokemon and I have been working really hard," Serena replied defending her stomach.

"I didn't say anything. Come on let's go wash up and then get some breakfast, " Ash suggested as he stood up, then extended his hand to Serena.

Serena smiled and took his hand and pulled her up.

"Oh, I heard about this great cafe, can we go there?" Serena asked.

"Sure why not, " Ash agreed.

Ash and Serena took turns showering, got dressed, and left for the cafe. It wasn't a long walk, and was close the showcase location, so Serena just brought her bag with her. The cafe was nice, with outdoor seating so they had plenty of room to feed their Pokemon. They had several pastries for breakfast, along with a latte for Serena, and a smoothie for Ash, because he just didn't seem to like coffee. They had some Ensaimadas, Xuxos, Cocoas, and Melindros with torrent hot chocolate. Ash and Serena didn't understand why the Melindros came with hot chocolate until they got it. They learned that the hot chocolate was very thick, and the Melindros were used to dip in it.

Even the Pokemon enjoyed some Torrent themed pokepuffs.

As they are all enjoying their breakfast though, a young girl about eighteen years old, was sitting at a table beside them, and was looking a little depressed. She looked like she was close to Serena's height, with electric blue eyes, the same skin tone as Bonnie, and long wavy golden blonde hair. She was wearing a pair of sunglasses on top of her head, a coral colored V neck shot leave shirt, and a pair of black shorts.

Ash felt like she looked familiar, but wasn't sure why. He also noticed every once and a while she was looking over at his and Serena's table. Ash didn't care very much that she kept looking, but he was curious, so he waved. The girl then got a surprised look on her face, but waved back.

"Alola, " She said.

As the greeting left her mouth she became embarrassed.

"Oh great. Now he probably thinks your weird. Remember it's hello outside of the Alola region to greet someone, not Alola, " The girl mentally scolded herself.

"Alola, " Ash replied.

The girl's eyes widened in shock, as Ash returned the Alolan greeting with confidence and without skipping a beat as if he knew what it meant. The girl's eyes started to well up a little as she shot up and quickly walked over to Ash, and gave him a tight hug. Both Ash and Serena became very confused by the girl's actions.

"Excuse me, but why are you hugging my boyfriend like that?" Serena asked, a bit of anger clear in her voice.

"I'm sorry, " the girl said as she released Ash and wiped the tears from her eyes. "Its just this is the longest I've been away from my home region, Alola. And when I said the hello as we do in Alola your boyfriend responded the same, and I guess my homesickness got the better of me."

"Oh it's ok, I'm sorry if I sounded a bit mean just now, " Serena replied.

"No it's fine I get it. If I had a boyfriend and some random girl just hugged him I would probably get defensive too. Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Lola Raven Stormward, " Lola said as she extended her right hand to Serena.

"Nice to meet you Lola, I'm Serena Yvonne from the Kalos region, " Serena said as she took Lola's hand.

"And I'm Ash Ketchum from the Kanto region, " Ash said then shook her hand as well.

"Kalos? Wait, are you one of the performers from there who have been opening up the showcases?" Lola asked Serena.

"That right, why?" Serena replied.

"Oh thank Arceus, " Lola said as she gave a sigh of relief. "I saw you going through your routine this morning and was starting to get nervous. I thought you were competing and I had to go against you."

"Oh no, I hope I didn't give anyone else that idea, " Serena replied sounding nervous.

"I wouldn't worry. I talked to two other performers who said they saw you and they said they weren't backing out. In fact they said they felt even more excited by watching your performance, and I have to admit, I was little too, " Lola replied.

"Well that's good, " Serena admitted.

"Hey weren't you the performer who won in Madrid?" Ash asked Lola.

"Oh yeah that's right Serena opened there, I should have remembered. And yes I did win. I'm actually going for my second rose today, " Lola replied.

"Well good luck then, " Serena replied. "I remember your performance, you did really good."

"Well thank you, " Lola replied with a slight blush from the praise.

"So was this your first time doing performances?" asked Serena.

"Oh no, I did them in Alola, " Lola replied.

"I didn't ever hear of any showcases when I was in Alola, " Ash commented.

"Well, that's because they don't, but they did have small performance competitions once in a while. I remember I would watch the Kalos showcases back home when I was a kid and wished I could participate. So after getting older and Eevee as my starter, I started participating in the performances and saved the money I won, as well as got a part-time job so I could buy a plane ticket and all the supplies I would need. Seven years and a couple financial setbacks later, I heard about the showcases coming here to Torrent. It was like fate told me now was the time, as I finally had plenty of money with no troubles in site. So I rushed to the store and bought everything I needed and a plane ticket for the next flight to Torrent, " Lola explained.

"Wow, you really worked hard to chase your dream, " Ash commented.

"Thanks, " Lola said as she blushed slightly.

"But I'm sure you both had to work hard to get where you are, " Lola commented.

"Eight years with a lot of wins and losses, and it's been worth it as I work to become a Pokemon Master, " Ash replied.

"Unfortunately I don't have nearly as many years as you two chasing my dream. My mother was a world champion Rhyhorn racer and expected me to follow in her footsteps. It wasn't till I saw Ash in Kalos about two and a half years ago, after not seeing him in eight years, did I feel like I had the strength to leave home and find my own dream. When it came to performances I guess I just had a knack for it as I was noticed by Palermo and she took me as her student, " Said Serena.

"Wow, it sounds like you've been so lucky. I heard that Palermo is very picky about who she trains. And then, I'm going to guess Ash was a childhood crush, just falling back into your life and now your dating, it's like a fairy tale, " says Lola.

Lola then notices Ash and Serena both trying not to laugh.

"I don't get it, did I say something funny?" Lola asked.

"No, It's just you guessed pretty well how Serena first saw me in Kalos, " Ash replied.

Serena then explained the incident with Garchomp and Prism Tower. By the time Serena was done Lola's mouth was hanging open and her eyes looked like they were about to pop out of her head. She then looked towards Ash.

"You are completely insane. You basically leaped off a building without even a thought. You technically should have died, but you got lucky to be saved by a Mega Blaziken that you didn't even know was going to be there, " Lola concluded in a shocked tone.

"That pretty much summed it up pretty well. Even though I didn't have a plan after catching Pikachu, I just knew everything would work out like usual, " Ash replied nonchalantly.

"Serena, you are a more amazing woman than I realized to be able to handle him. I feel like my blood pressure just spiked listening to that story, " Lola replied.

Ash and Serena chuckled at Lola's response, then noticed the time.

"Uh oh, we need to get going for the showcase, " Serena stated.

The three then grabbed their things and left for the showcase location. After a few minutes, they arrived at the showcase sight, which was once again not what they expected, as it looked like it was ancient ruins.

"Is this it? This place looks ancient, " Ash commented.

"That's because it is. The Merida Roman Theater is a historical sight they preserved so that it can continue to be used, " Lola chimed in.

The three continued around back where there was a fenced off area containing multiple trailers for the girls to get ready in. They all got through with little difficulty, except for Ash as the security guard tried to stop him, but in the end let him through after he looked up Serena and saw he was allowed. Just as Ash and Serena were splitting up with Lola, Serena heard a familiar voice.

"Excuse me, a star is walking through," says an arrogant sounding voice.

Serena looks and sees Jessilee walking over.

"Jessilee," Serena calls out as she waves.

Jessilee looks around as she hears her name, then becomes shocked, and a little irritated when she sees Serena. She then puts on her best fake smile as she walks over to her.

"Well hello again Serena, fancy seeing you here," Jessilee says as she extends her hand.

"Likewise, it's so great to see you again. Happy to see you're still performing too," Serena replies as she shakes her hand.

"Yes well of course, I may have fallen short in Kalos, but that's their loss. It's time for Torrent to experience my beauty. So you better be ready, because this time I'm going to win," Jessilee said confidently.

"Well I wish you the best of luck, but you won't be competing against me," Serena stated.

"What?!" Jessilee replied in shock, then looked over at Ash. "Don't tell me they are letting guys participate in these showcases?"

"No I'm not participating, I don't have the legs to wear a dress," Ash replied.

Both girls couldn't help but chuckle at Ash's witty response.

"I don't know, I think you have great legs," Serena commented in a flirty tone.

Ash smiled and the two leaned in and shared a loving kiss. Jessilee saw this and couldn't help but blush and smile as she could see so much love and happiness in their eyes when they looked at each other.

"Well it looks like someone's love life took a turn for the steamy," Jessilee commented.

Serena and Ash blushed.

"I have to admit, you two look really good together," Jessilee commented sincerely.

"Well thank you," Ash and Serena replied.

"So what about you? Are you in a relationship with that guy you used to travel with, what was his name," Serena asked as she tried to remember the mans name.

"Jeeves?! Oh no, we're just really, really good friends. Siblings almost," Jessilee replied as she blushed and tried to sound convincing.

"Ok, whatever you say," Serena replied, in an almost teasing tone.

"But back to my question, if you're not competing then why are you here?" Jessilee asked again.

"Oh sorry. Palermo asked me to open up for several of the showcases. There's a few other performers doing it too," Serena replied.

"What?! And she didn't ask me?!" Jessilee asked angrily.

"Actually she tried," Serena replied.

"What?" Jessilee replied in a calmer shock.

"Yeah, actually I remember her assistant walking in after I agreed, saying she tried calling you but that your number was disconnected," Serena replied.

Jessliee hung her head.

"I changed my phone provider and got a new number. I must have forgot to update my contact information," Jessilee replied sadly.

"Well it's ok. I mean now you get to compete in Torrent," Serena replied, trying to make her feel better.

"That's right! These girls don't stand a chance against me. Hahaha," Jessliee replied confidently.

"That's the sprit," Serena replied as she and Ash sweatdropped from Jessilee's response.

Ash and Serena then said their goodbye and continued to Serena's trailer to get ready.

The inside of the trailer was set up very similar to her dressing room in Madrid, but this time Palermo wasn't there.

"Well why don't you take a seat wait while I get changed. Then we'll find someone to show you where our seats are," Serena replied, as she gestured to a couch.

Ash then sat down as Serena walked over to a changing screen near one end on the trailer to get changed.

"Oh and Ash, no peaking," Serena said flirtatiously, right before she walked behind the changing screen.

Serena's comment made Ash blush and he started to look around the room to find something to distract himself with as Serena changed. As he looked around he finally found something that caught his attention, a mirror, showing Serena's reflection as she was changing. It was only a back view so Serena couldn't see him, but the back view was enough to make his heart race. He couldn't help but watch as Serena slowly took off her shirt and threw it to the side. She then bent over and worked her way out of her jeans, her butt swaying side to side as she pushed them down, Ash's head subconsciously moving with her butt. After her pants were off she stood up and stretched only wearing a black bra and matching cheeky panties. Ash's heart was racing as he watched and his face felt red hot as he saw Serena, with her back still to him, then take off her bra and drop it onto her pile of clothes. Serena then started to turn back towards the mirror. Ash quickly shot his head forward and away from the mirror, so she didn't see him starring. Serena however did see Ash's head move quickly and smirked, she knew Ash could see her, and was hoping to catch him so she could have a little fun with him. But since he was quick she decided to let him just think he got away, this time.

Serena finished getting changed, and Ash made certain not to watch Serena in the mirror again. They then left the trailer and after a kiss, the two separated, with Ash going to their seats, while Serena headed to the stage.

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"Hola Pokemon showcase lovers," Don José said as he walked out on stage with a Taloneflame perched on his shoulder. "I am your Master of Ceremony Don José, and welcome to the Mérida Showcase!"

Several fireworks exploded above his head.

"Now before we start with the elimination round, we have a special guest for you today," said Don José.

The crowd began to applaud. Upon hearing this Serena knew it was time to make her way to the exit to build up the speed she planned.

"Alright, you two ready?" Serena asked.

Beautifly and Rapidash gave a quiet cry and nod to show they were. Serena then climbed onto Rapidash's back as Beautifly landed on her back. Rapidash and Beautifly were both a little nervous, as this was Rapidash's debut and Beautifly's second performance. However it was more of an excited nervous as they both were used to being in front of large crowds.

"Let's go," Serena said, and Rapidash started galloping towards the stage.

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"Please put your hands together as we start this showcase off with a Performance for the Kalosian beauty, Serena Yvonne!" Don José announced as the music started playing.

Serena, Rapidash, and Beautifly emerge onto the stage. Beautifly then starts flapping its wings as they begin glowing white as silver sparkles come out. Serena is then gracefully lifted off of Rapidash's back that she appears to be floating, as the flames from Rapidash's mane wrap around the wind as sparkles dance around them and he begins to move with the music.

"Beautifly use gust and Rapidash use shadow ball," Serena called out.

Beautifly began flapping its wings as Rapidash created the purple ball with black static in front of its face, then fired it. The gust pushed the fading sparkles into the shadow ball core.

"Silver wind!"

Beautifly's wings again glow white as as sliver sparkles fly from them. The shadow ball, which is now royal purple with sparkly pink, is now found with light green rings around it.

"Rapidash kick it!"

Rapidash gallops to the ball and kicks it to Serena with his front legs, as Serena opens her arms wide and catches it, then spins around on one foot.

"String shot!"

Beautifly shoots the white string towards the shadow ball as Serena throws it up into the air. The orbiting ring around it increases in size as white string picks up the remaining sparkles.

"Fire blast!"

Rapidash opened his mouth as a flame shot out that took the form of the kanji. The fire blast hit the shadow ball, releasing the sparkles towards the audience. Serena, Rapidash, and Beautifly continue their angelic dancing as sparkles of royal purple and green fell around them.

"Finished!" Serena cried out as she raised her hands into the air, and Beautifly landed on her head as it also raised its wings high in a proud manner.

They all then took a bow, even Rapidash lowered his head and front of his body the best he could. The three of them then rushed off stage as Don José returned to the stage.

"What an amazing performance from señorita Serena Yvonne! Let's give her another round of applause!" Don José said, causing the audience to applause again.

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Serena quickly changed back into her clothes and joined Ash in a V.I.P section. They then proceeded to watch the elimination round, which was a Pokémon fashion round like the one Serena faced in her first showcase in Kalos. Both Jessilee and Lola passed, with Jessilee using a Frillish and Lola with her Kirlia.

Once the elimination round was complete Don José announced there would be a several hour intermission, and they would return for the freestyle round after sunset.

The performers were exiting the back stage area for lunch.

"Lola, Jessilee over here!" Serena called out.

Lola happily ran over while Jessilee looked more hesitant as she walked.

"I wanted to congratulate you both on making it to the freestyle round, and ask if you wanted to join Ash and I for lunch?" Serena asked.

"Thank you, I'd love to," Lola replied.

"Umm, I'll pass. I want to work a little more on my performance routine with my Pokémon in private," Jessilee replied, sounding a little uncomfortable.

"Ok, well if you change your mind we're going to pick up some food at a little restaurant that way then eat it in a park," Serena replied.

Jessilee nodded and they all parted ways. As Jessilee started to approach James and Meowth, who were both in disguises, she looked back at Ash, Serena, and Lola

"Stop being so nice, it's going to make it that much harder when we try and steal your Pokémon and kidnap your boyfriend," Jessie thought to herself.

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Ash, Serena, and Lola got their lunch to go, and enjoy it in a local park. They put out a blanket and enjoyed their lunch, as the Pokémon ate their lunch together. They then talked about various things, from past journeys, home, Pokémon they've seen, to plans for the future. Meanwhile the Pokémon all played together, even Riolu was playing, although he seemed to be using it as a way to train by using his hand eye coordination to keep in control of the ball, as well as his speed.

Sylveon and Pikachu weren't playing though, as they were attending to their eggs. Greninja and Braixen weren't playing either, they were just relaxing under a tree. Greninja was very happy to be relaxing, as ever since Pikachu and Sylveon had their eggs, Braixen had become a little egg crazy, wanting her own. Everyone was happy without a care in the world.

Then a loud noise was heard, as many glowing cubes were seen falling from the sky. Some of the cubes exploded creating a large cloud of smoke, while the others formed into restraints holding everyone, people and Pokémon alike. Then the noise got louder as a huge gust of wind formed blowing the smoke away. They then saw a large robot land before them that resembled a Meowth.

"What's going on?" Lola cried out as she began to panic.

"TEAM ROCKET!" Ash spat, knowing only they would responsible.

Jessie and James then appeared on the shoulders of the robot, while Meowth stayed inside.

"Good guess so prepare for trouble."

"Since you got it right make it double."

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all peoples within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extend our reach to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight."

"Meowth that's right."

"Wobbuffet!"

"Who are they?" Lola asked with a scared tone.

"They're criminals that steal Pokémon," Serena replied.

Lola's eyes widened with fear as she looked back at her helpless Pokémon. Ash had a very different feeling, rage. He struggled against the restraints, trying to free himself so he could stop them, his Pokémon trying to do the same, but with no luck.

"So how do you like our improved tech?" James asked.

"It's a lot stronger than we've ever used before. Not even a team of Machamps could even break one of those," Meowth bragged.

"Why don't you come closer and I'll show you what I think," Ash said in a threatening tone.

"Nice try but we're not that stupid," Jessie replied.

Just then Meowth pushed a button and several glowing blue ropes fired from the palms of the robot, and attached to the restraints, then started reeling them all in. Everyone started to panic even more as they struggled against the restraints to try and get out.

"Your Pokémon will make a great present for the boss," Meowth stated with pride

"Although I am wondering. Twerp, why after all this time does the boss want you?" Asked James.

"What?!" Ash replied in shock.

"That's right, after all these years our boss said he wants you captured. So why would he want you now? What did you do, or what do you have that makes him care about you now?" James asked.

"No clue. Why don't you let us out of here so we can call and ask," Ash replied.

"Are you kidding? We don't ask questions like that. Whatever his reason the boss would tell us if he wanted us to know," Jessie replied.

Everyone was being dragged closer to the robot as a large compartment opened in its base. Everyone felt hope was lost, that they were done for.

"Talonflame steel wing!" A familiar voice called out.

Suddenly a Talonflame with glowing white wings swooped in and cut the blue ropes. Everyone looked to see Don José walking forward.

"You crooks must be new to Torrent so let me teach you an important fact. Even though the title Don has become more of a respectful way to refer to someone, it was once a used to refer to the nobility of this region. I am descended from one of those noble families, and I was raised that the title came with a responsibility of duty and honor. My duty now is to oversee the showcases and ensure they go off smoothly. You taking these three and their Pokémon gets in the way of that, so on my honor I will stop you!" Don José says with pride in his voice.

"Well just take care of you too," James yells.

Several more glowing blue ropes fire at Don José. He then pulls a sword from his hip, that was once only seen as merely ornamental. Then with blinding speed he strikes at the ropes slicing them into small pieces.

Team Rocket starts sweating as they now see Don José is not someone to be taken lightly.

"You might be tough, but there is one of you and three of us, and we have the giant robot!" Jessie said confidently.

"You forget, I am not alone. Talonflame, brave bird to sever the head," Don José commands.

They all look to see his Talonflame flying right at the Meowth robot while looking like it was covered in a light blue flame. He collided with the robot at the neck causing an explosion as the head flew off. As soon as this happened the restraints holding Ash and the others deactivated and were released.

Shortly after the robotic Meowth head crashed into the ground and stopped moving, the hatch's on the side opened and Team Rocket stumbled out and fell to the ground. They looked up to see Ash and his Pokémon walking towards them, a look of rage plastered across his face. They tried to scramble to there feet, but not even the fear they felt was enough to make them move fast enough.

"Pikachu thunderbolt, Greninja water shuriken, Riolu aura sphere, Fearow razor wind, Growlithe fire blast!" Ash yelled.

The five attacks hit Team Rocket creating a massive explosion.

"We're blasting off again," they cried as they flew up into the air and disappeared from view.

Upon Team Rocket blasting off he ran back over to Serena and Lola, to see Don José checking on them.

"Thank you for coming Don José, who knows what would have happened if you haven't arrived," Lola stated.

"Think nothing of it. I was merely doing my duty," Don José replied with a proud look.

"Yeah well, for doing your duty you did an amazing job. I didn't expect you to be such a strong trainer. The Master of Ceremonies in Kalos looked more like he would duck and cover rather than be involved in any kind of trouble like that," Ash commented.

"The people of Torrent are not blind to what happens or the reputation our region has earned. When I heard of the showcases I knew the wrong kind of people would be drawn to pray on these young girls. So I saw it as my duty as a true Don of Torrent to see to there safety, even if only while they are in the cities for the showcases. You have no idea how happy I was when I learned the performers from Kalos were going to be protected, for if anything ever happened to them, our regions fate would be sealed," Don José explained.

"Well it looks like your the best man for the job. Did you used to compete in the Torrent league?" Serena asked.

"No. Talonflame here is my only Pokémon. He has been by my side since I was a young boy and he was a small Fletching. I never felt the drive to compete in the league, but I did participate in the Moltres cup, and won with only Talonflame," Don José replied as his Talonflame came up beside him.

"What's the Moltres Cup?" Ash asked, staring to sound excited.

"It is a fire type exclusive tournament, consisting of only one on one battles held every year during Las Fallas de Valencia. Which is a huge week long fiesta held in Valencia every year. If I'm correct Serena is the performer scheduled to be there for the showcase that's being held on the first day. Ash, if you have powerful fire types I highly recommend you participate," Don José explained.

The look on Ash's face was priceless as the look of pure excitement filled eyes as a big smile was seen on his face.

This causes Serena to giggle, "there's that battle obsessed side I find so cute."

Serena leaned in and gave Ash a quick kiss on the cheek, bringing Ash back to reality. He then put his arm around Serena and pulled her in close as they walked back to the showcase location.

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As night fell the lighting used made the showcase location look much better.

Ash and Serena sat in the V.I.P seats and watched the performances. Serena was especially paying close attention, as she had learned that inspiration for a new routine can come from anywhere. The performances were clearly much better than the ones in Madrid, but Lola and Jessilee we're still clearly the best there.

"Well we have seen some amazing performances tonight, but sadly only one can claim victory. So please pull out your glow casters corresponding with the performer that you feel put on the best performance," Explained Don José.

Many glowing balls filled the air and went to there performers. Above there heads was a rose for each of them, and soon they started filling up with there votes. They then stopped and the winner was decided.

"And your winner today is, Jessilee!" Announced Don José.

He then presented her with a rose like the one given in Madrid, except instead of red it was pink.

Upon the conclusion of the showcase Serena and Ash were walking with Lola towards the Pokémon center.

"Thank you so much for walking with me," Lola said as they arrived at the Pokémon center.

"Your welcome, but it's really no big deal," Ash replied.

"I just hope Jessilee is ok. I didn't see her leave, but there was no sign of her and the stage crew said she was already gone," Serena commented.

"Well it was dark, we must have missed her," Ash commented.

"Yeah, and she was probably tiered. I bet she's already in bed sleeping," Lola added.

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Meanwhile Team Rocket was in the forest sitting around a campfire. James and the Pokémon were eating while Jessie was quietly staring at her first Princess Rose.

"Hey, what's up Jess, you've barely eaten?" Asked Meowth.

"It's nothing, I was just thinking," Jessie replied.

"Thinking about becoming Torrent Queen no doubt," James replied enthusiastically.

"Don't worry Jess, you'll make it this time for sure," Added Meowth.

"Thanks. But actually I was thinking about how the twerp looked at us. After all these years this was the most scared he ever made me. Hell, he's never scared me in the slightest, it's always been his Pokémon sending us blasting off," Jessie explained.

"Well his girlfriend was in danger too. Love can change the way you act, he was probably just angry and being protective of her," James added.

"Maybe, but still that look. He made me feel like he wanted to kill us. No body has ever given us that look except from our own side," Jessie explained.

James stopped eating and stared at the fire.

"I know and I don't like it either, but Team Rocket is a life long commitment. The only way out is to die. And I don't know about you, but I want to keep living," said James.

Jessie leaned her head into Jame's shoulder, "I know, same here. But I still can't help but wonder what life would be like being free of Team Rocket."