It was a typical day, as our heroes were chilling in a nearby park with Serena brushing Fennekin's fur with Bonnie watching.

"Oh, can I have a turn?" Bonnie asked.

"Of course, here you go," Sernea gave her the brush and Bonnie started to do it with Fennekin as well with the Fox Pokémon enjoying it.

"Does that feel good, Fennekin?" Bonnie asked.

"Fene!"

Then Chespin came out asking to brush as well.

"How about you get brushed too, Chespin?"

"Chespin!"

"Step right this way," Bonnie said as she brush Chespin's spines as Rarity had her arms crossed.

"She should any minute," Rarity said.

"Rarity! Serena!" Sunny Flare shouted as she and Buizel ran to them.

"Bui!"

"Sorry, we're late! I hope you were waiting long."

"No, it's fine," Serena said.

"Sunny. how have you been?" Jaden asked.

"Nice to see you again," Pinkie said.

"Last time is at summer camp," Zane said.

"Yeah the memories, great to see all of you."

"So, what are you going to show us today?" Serena asked.

"Wait to hear this, Aria is doing an exposition performance at the Pokémon Showcase right here in Lagoon town, and best of all she has a partner in tow. So I wanted to invite you all to come with me," Sunny Flare told them.

"Her Pokévision videos are great! Bonnie commented.

"Aria? Awesome!" Ash exclaimed.

"She's the top performer, the Kalos Queen," Jaden said. "But I never heard about her having a partner?"

"Oh, yeah, due to Aria's success, The Showcase Committee decided to have guys compete in it and will have a Duo Division where teams of two can compete and will be seeing today."

"I can't wait to see her," Serena said.

"Fan girl, alert," Rainbow said under her breath.

"I can't wait to see all the Pokémon perform," Fluttershy said.

"Will there be a bunch of different Pokémon?" Sunset asked.

"Lots of them," Sunny Flare said.

"Dedenne, let's watch together," Bonnie said as Dedenne was on her head.

The stage lights dimmed and fancy lights showed.

"It's staring!" Serena squealed.

Meanwhile, above them, Team Rocket was in attendance.

"I give, what's a Pokémon Showcase anyway?" Meowth asked.

"Well, trainers and their Pokémon do various kinds of performances," James told him.

"Well, it sounds intriguing," Adagio said.

"But we'll see how good their craft is," Jessie added.

"You talk that you think performance expert," Cylde said to her.

"That's because I am."

A platform then rose a man with a casino appearance along with him was a Kelefki.

"Bonjour my fellow audience and welcome, I am your host Black Ace, prepare yourself for competition Magnifique. And now the Lagoon Pokémon Showcase will amaze, starting with our Rookie Duo Divison," The crowd cheered as he continued. "But first, reigning Kalos Queen, Aria, and the talented Cavalier had agreed to put on an exposition performance for one and all," Black Ace finished.

The platform went under the stage as the stage went dark.

"It's showtime!" A voice shouted as fingers were snapped.

Then a flame appeared as it started to spin, Eventually, a spotlight turned on to reveal a Braixen and the flame was its branch.

"Wow! Aria's Fennekin evolved into Braixen," Sunset noticed.

Braxien continued to twirl her stick and eventually used Fire Spin creating a tornado of fire.

And here there are, give it up for the Kalos Queen and Cunning Cavalier!

Then Aria and Cavalier showed as well as his Banette.

Aria and Braixen then started to a bunch of twirls with Braxien's branch while tossing it between them as Banette did Will-O-Wisp around them. Braixen used Fire Blast from her mouth as Banette did Night Shade both beams crossed to make red and purple sparkles that fall on the crowd.

"And scene!" Cavalier said as they take a bow and the crowd cheered.

"Now that's what I call hot!" Sonata exclaimed.

"She ain't called queen for nothing and the Cavalier dude is jaw-dropping," Duke added.

On stage, the light shines on Black Ace.

"Now that everyone is all fired up and raring to go, please welcome today's first duo. From Landy Town, Hally, Audrick, Furfrou, and Pyroar."

The performance started with Furfrou and Pyroar hopping through a ring of fire that Pyroar produce and both hopped through multiple times. As it went on, a Pancham and A Froslass were seen on stage doing their own performance. Pancham jumped up and tried to swing on the spotlight but it fell off and Pancham fell to the floor. Two-stage employees tried to capture them but Froslass used Ice Beam and froze them solid and took off.

With all that happening, they called off the performance.

"Whoa, those two are wild," Meowth exclaimed.

Outside of the venue.

"Too bad it ended early," Applejack said.

"But we did see Aria's performance," Serena pointed.

"I thought teamwork between them and the Pokémon was great," Rarity added.

"They were great," Sunny Flare said. "I'm so glad we saw her. We got some great ideas for our own Pokémon Showcase performance."

"You mean you're really going to be a part of it? But don't you need a partner?" Serena asked her then Sunny Flare nodded.

"I will find one, but I've got a lot of work to do. Gotta go, I'll be in touch soon."

"Thank you for inviting us," Rarity said as Sunny Flare left.

Then the gang saw Chespin twirling a twig like Braixen was.

"Are imitating Braxien too?" Pinkie asked.

Chespin threw the twig into the air, but it hit on the head instead of balancing then the gang laughed then got hit on the back by another stick. They all saw the Pancham and the Froslass did the same thing at the show, but flawless. Then Pancham did a raspberry at Chespin and then two left.

"Ches!"

Chespin chased after him.

"Chespin, wais!" Clemont shouted.

"Where you going?!" Bonnie asked then the group followed.

Their pursuit took them into the woods nearby till found the road split.

"Okay, Rarity and I will for Chespin this way," Serena said as the two head the right path and Ash, Twilight, Sunset, and Rainbow headed left with Clermont and the others taking another path.

...
...

"Did you find Chespin?" Rarity asked.

"I got nothing. You?" Serena replied.

"Same."

Then both of them heard a nearby bush rustle.

"Chespin is that you?" Serena asked but it turned out to be Fennekin and Chimchar.

"Did you two find him?" Rarity asked then both shake their heads both of them ran off.

"Wait where are you guys going?" Serena asked as they followed.

The two fire types eventually stopped and looked around the side of a tree. Looking as well, Serena saw Pancham wearing Ash's hat and Clemont's glasses as Froslass was wearing Applejack's hat. They were dancing with style and grace.

"What are they up to?" Rarity asked then Serena remembered their little performance at the showcase and it clicked.

They continue to perform as the four stepped out.

"Pancham!"

"Froslass!" Both of them called out.

Pancham and Froslass panicked and ran toward an outcropping of rocks.

"We just want to talk!"

They both stopped and stood away from the entrance looking insolently away as Serena and Rarity saw all the items inside.

"Have you two been gathering all these items for your performances?" Serena asked them then neither of them responded. "You shouldn't steal other things that don't belong to you."

Serena walked up to it and Ash and Applejack's hats and Clemont's glasses.

"But if you stop we'll give you these," Serena handed Pancham a pair of sunglasses and Rarity gave Froslass a diamond chain.

They both snatched them immediately and put them on. They tried to reach out but the Pokémon ran away dropping the items.

"Wait, we're not done talking to you!" Serena shouted as they ran after them.

Meanwhile...

"What happened to you guys?" Zane asked as he and Hilda caught up with Ash and the others seeing Clemont without glasses and both Ash and Applejack without their respective hats.

"Pancham stole Ash's hat and Clemont's glasses. And Froslass stole Applejack's hat," Pinkie explained.

"Pancham's been busy," Hilda commented.

"I need to get my glasses or I'll keep talking to trees and rock for the life," Clemont complained.

"Just relax we'll get it back," Rainbow said to him.

...
...

Much later the group found both of them lying on the ground.

"There it is. Those two are taking a nap without any care in the world," Twilight said.

"Esp."

Then Chespin approached the sleeping duo and woke them up. Both of them woke up and realized what was happening.

"You're getting away now!" Rainbow threatened.

"Give me back my hat!" Applejack and Ash demanded.

"And give me glasses right!" Clemont added.

Pancham and Froslass prepared to fight their way out of it then...

"Hold on a second!" Everyone stopped when Rarity and Serena run up. "Stand aside those two are ours!"

Everyone looked surprised by what Serena but neither she nor Rarity was unfazed.

"You heard me! We want to catch them," Serena repeated.

"Why?" Pinkie asked.

"When we found Pancham and Froslass near their cave, I discovered that they like to perform," Serena explained as she handed the items to their owners.

"Frolass and Pancham like to perform?" Ash asked.

"So you want to catch them so you can perform?" Jaden realized.

"Yes, I want to be a performer like Aria, and me and Rarity want to join Pancham and Froslass," Serena said. "I know what my dream is!"

"Awesome, you found your own dream!" Ash said.

"It's a wonderful idea," Jaden said.

"Yay, I'm all for it!" Bonnie added.

"Chespin!"

"Pancham? Froslass?" Serena asked them. "Rarity and I want to catch both of you."

"So, up for a battle?" Rarity asked.

Both of them smiled and urged them to bring it. The four Pokémon stood across from each other as Rarity and Serena prepared to battle.

"You can do it!" Pinkie cheered them on.

"Now Fennekin, use Scratch!"

"Chimchar, Flame Wheel!"

Both Pokémon prepared to strike them then out now an electric net caught Fennekin.

"Fennekin!" Serena shouted as the net flew up to Team Rocket's balloon.

"Prepare for trouble, you said Fennekin's name,"

"Now it's our turn to play the name game,"

"To protect the world from devastation,"

"To untie all people within our nation,"

"To denounce the evils of truth and love,"

"To extend to the stars above,"

"Jessie."

"James."

"Adagio."

"Aria."

"Sonata."

"Duke."

"And Clyde."

Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light!"

"Surrender now or prepare for a well-performed fight!"

"Meowth that's right!"

"Team Rocket, give Fenneking back!" Twilight shouted at them.

"So, you want to be a performer like Aria?" Jessie asked.

"You got a problem with?" Serena asked.

"Well, Jessie has a problem and frankly I don't care," Aria Blaze said.

"Yeah. Beware," Duke warned her.

"In order to be a successful Pokémon Performer one has to be beautiful. Dressed in a beautiful my beautiful self will bask in the spotlight with a beautiful Braxien. It's beauty time three!" Jessie said.

"I thought you said beautiful. so that doesn't count you out?" Hilda asked with a smug look.

"Sick burn!" Rainbow and most of the Pokémon burst into laughter.

"How dare you insult your future queen!" Jessie shouted.

"Give Feneekin back!" Serena demanded once she stopped laughing.

"No way. Fennekin is where it should be. but take heart, I'll make sure it evolves into Braixen. Tooodaloo!"

"We beat you!" Meowth chimed as they left.

"You can't take Fennekin! Stop!" Serena shouted.

"They won't get far, Lucario. come out and use Aura Sphere!" Sunset called her Lucario out.

Lucario fired Aura Sphere at the balloon which caused it to pop.

"What!? Already!?" Team Rocket screamed as their balloon crashed.

"Nice job," Sunset said as they ran to the crash site.

Froalass quickly use Ice Shard and Pancham used Stone Edge which Team Rocket ran out of its way.

"Why are Froslass and Pancham on their side?" Cylde asked.

"Stay out of our business!" Duke shouted.

"You lot interrupted our battle with the young ladies so it's our business! Pancham shouted.

"It said we interfere with their battle," Meowth told Team Rocket.

"Whoa, it's that true?" Rarity asked it.

"How dare you?" Adagio snapped.

"Foul play is our specialty," James said then Team Rocket called their Pokémon.

"Psybeam, go!"

Inkay fired Psybeam at Pancham which he dodged it effortlessly.

"Air Slash!"

"Shadow Ball!"

Staraptor and Pumpkaboo fired their attack at Froslass which she dodged by countering with Ice Beam then Pancham hit them with Dark Pulse.

"Those are amazing," Bonnie exclaimed.

"Pikachu. let's get Fennekin back!" Ash said as Pikachu and Deadnne hopped off and ran to Fennekin.

Meanwhile. Pancham fire Dark Pluse at Inkay.

"Let's help out too! Chespin, Pin Missile!'

"Lunatone, Ice Beam!"

Lunatone's Ice Beam hit Staraptor while Chespin Pin Missile hit Pumpkaboo.

Pikachu, Dedanne, and Froslass free Fennekin out of the next then Clyde, Maganemite, and Excradrill appeared.

"This is getting boring, Use Thunder!"

"No, you don't! Serena shouted as she tackled Maganmite.

"Serena!" Fluttershy shouted.

"I'm fine, save Fennekin," Serena told the Pokémon.

"How dare you treat my Magenmite like a beach ball!" Clyde shouted. "You want to get rough I'll show you rough! Metal Claw!"

"Emboar. Rock Smash!" Hilda shouted.

Emboar smashed Excradrill with Rock Smash knocking it out.

"That's two moves too many. Time for a twerp payback," Jessie said.

"Lunatone. Power Gem!"

Lunatone fired Power Gem into Inkay and Pumpkboo, then into Staraptor and Simmisear, then Meowth and the others.

"Use Thunderbolt!" Rainbow and Ash said.

Pikachu and Jolteon fire Thunderbolt at Team Rocket and sent them flying.

"I can win without Braxien, anyway?" Jessie asked.

"Whatever you think you think you're an actress," Clyde said.

"Just fool'em!" Meowth said.

"WE'RE BLASTING OFF AGAIN!" Team Rocket disappeared out of sight!

"We did it!" Bonnie and Pinkie cheered. '

"Fennekin, thank goodness you're alright," Serena said before turning to Froslass and Pancham. "Thanks. Pancham and Froslass, you really helped Fennekin a lot. So now what do you two say to get back to our batt;e?"

They nodded and four Pokémon got ready to battle again.

"Okay, Fennkin? Chirchar? Rarity? You guys ready?" Serena asked.

"Ready," Rarity answered with Pokémon nodded.

Pancham and Froslass jumped in the air and fired Dark Pulse and Ice Beam!"

"Dodge it!"

Fennekin and Chimchar jumped in the air.

"Flamethrower!"

"Flame Wheel!"

Chimchar's Flame Wheel's struck Froslass hard as Panchame dodged Flamethrower and prepare to Arm Thrust.

"Dodge it! Then use Hidden Power!"

Fennekin jumped into the air again to dodge the Arm Thrust and then Fired Hidden Power which did serious damage. Both girls threw a Poké Ball but they broke free.

"Don't give up, just keep battling hard!" Rainbow encouraged.

"You can do it!" Bonnie cheered.

"Flamethrower!"

"Inferno!"

Both fire types made contact and sent them back.

"Hidden Power!"

"Flame Wheel!"

Both Pokémon were hit again and Rarity could see they were starting to weaken.

"Now our chance!" Rarity shouted.

"I wanna perform. Please come join us," Serena said as she and Rartiy threw the Poké Balls.

Pancham and Froslass went inside, and with three shakes and a click it was decided.

"Tada! We've begun a new phase in our journey!" Serena shouted as the girls hive-five each other.

"Yeah, you did it!" Ash congratulated.

"First time you caught a Pokémon," Zane said to Serena.

"Yay!" Pinkie cheered.

"Thanks," Serena said then turned to Rarity.

"Rarity, we're going to do our best to become a Pokémon Performer like Aria and Cavalier and someday we'll be the best duo," Serena declared.

"I am with you every step of the way!" Rarity told her as they let out their Pancham, Froslass. Whimsicott

Serena gave Pancham the sunglass while Rarity gave Froslass a diamond chain.

"Fennekin, Chimchar, Pancham, Froslass, and Whimsicott will you help us make our dream a reality?" Serena asked all five Pokémon to shake their heads.

"It's good that they have their own goal. Now they have to make it to the end," Jaden said.

"They make it one day," Applejack replied.

Next Chapter: Chapter 39-An Old School Reunion! Clemont and Luxio, Fluttershy and Sableye! Estimated time remaining: 10 Minutes