Pokémon Legacy: Come Back to Me

Chapter Twenty-One

"Hey guys, I think Monsieur Pierre is about to announce the next Showcase location." Bonnie said over breakfast the next morning. The TV in the Pokémon Center cafeteria was blaring music and the Showcase Master was on the screen. Dawn looked up from her fruit, and Serena had a knowing smirk on her face.

"Bonjour! It's Monsieur Pierre, and I have a wonderful surprise for all you performers out there!" He spun around with a confident smile. "Instead of the Showcase, we are doing our annual Showcase Ball! Once again, my special guest will be the Kalos Queen, Serena! So, all Performers! The Ball will be held in the Coumarine City Hotel Ballroom in 2 days time! All performers are welcome, and you are to bring a date! See you then! Au revoir!"

"Ash, wanna be my date?" Dawn asked, smiling.

"Yeah okay." Ash glanced at Serena, who looked..surprisingly okay with it. Pikachu objected faintly, because he knew he'd be forced into a bow tie. "Me too buddy, me too." Ash murmured, scratching the little yellow Pokémon.

"Oh hush it'll be fun!" Dawn said cheerfully. "I need to go shopping for a gown! Girls, shall we all go?"

"Yeah I could use a new gown." Korrina said, smiling.

"I never say no to shopping!" Bonnie grinned. Serena sighed, looking a little nervous. She was wondering if Dawn would be okay with her going.

"Uh, can I join you guys? I need a dress too." Serena muttered.

"Of course. I said girls, didn't I?" Dawn said. She wasn't 100% okay with it, because she definitely did not like Serena, but it wouldn't look good in front of Ash and the others. And maybe this way she could make sure she could pick something that would outshine Serena, and make everyone's eyes on her. Especially Ash's.

"Gary?" Bonnie started with a mischievous lilt. "Wanna be my date?"

"Sure Bonnie." Gary grinned. He figured he'd might as well be, otherwise he'd be lonely.

"Boys, you guys need to go shopping too." Dawn said, smirking.

"Ugh I hate shopping." Ash groaned. Clemont agreed, while Gary just chuckled. Ash and Gary still weren't talking, but it wasn't as tense as it was yesterday.

~~

"Ooh let's go into this store!" Bonnie pointed at a shop window that displayed a few really pretty dresses in the window.

"Why not?" Gary replied. The two of them led the way in. Ash exchanged a glance with Clemont and they both sighed.

"Boys go find tuxes. Let the girls pick the dresses, and then you're not allowed to see until the ball." Dawn said, smiling. The boys rolled their eyes and went towards the back of the shop, where there were some nice tuxes.

"Hey Serena, what color should I wear?" Bonnie asked. Serena glanced at Bonnie and smiled.

"You would look gorgeous in a light pink dress. There's a few back there, why don't you go pick a couple out?" Bonnie nodded and followed where Serena was pointing. Serena smiled after her for a little while, then moved to find herself a couple dresses to try on.

She was looking through some white ones when a shopkeeper came up behind her. "Excuse me? Are you Serena?" Serena turned around and smiled at the younger girl. She had dark red hair and a splash of freckles across her nose.

"Yeah that's me." Serena said.

"Oh wow! Okay, I might have the perfect dress for you! I've watched all of your performances and thought about what dresses I'd put you in if you ever shopped here." Serena giggled at the young girl's enthusiasm.