Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Spin off 1 : Found by a Spark. || Series: Echoes of Pearls.

Synopsis: After being eliminated in the first round of the World Grand Contest, despite a relaxing day before the round of 16, Shauna is experiencing doubt and is having a hard time enjoying the festival like everyone else. The Kalosian Performer is even questioning her career and everything she's done to get where she is.. Perhaps an invention could be the key for an unexpected twist of fate ?

Note: |Timeline : Happening on the 2nd day of the World Grand Contest = Chapter 14-16|

Pairing: ElectricBounceShipping (Clemont/Shauna, M/F)

Posted: August 12, 2025

Where the Spotlights Don't Reach..

The sun loomed behind thick grey clouds over Wyndon, muting the usual sparkle of the Galarian skyline. The buzz of celebration filled the plaza outside the stadium, where the World Grand Contest continued to dazzle. Banners fluttered, stalls shouted their specials, and a giant screen played highlights of the last performance round, drawing a crowd of eager fans.

Shauna wasn't one of them.

She sat slouched on a bench near the edge of the festival grounds, where the foot traffic thinned and the bright music dimmed behind food trucks and prize booths. She'd tucked herself into a hollow of shade between a merchandise stall and a garden wall, almost deliberately hiding. Her black cap was pulled low, covering most of her chestnut hair. Her grey sweater—oversized and zipped up—folded over itself at the sleeves. She looked nothing like the peppy, bright-eyed Showcase Performer the cameras remembered.

Inside their pokeballs, her Pokémons—Delcatty, Ivysaur— and Flabébé who sat close to her trainer, each trying in their own small way to lift her spirits. Flabébé floated just in front of her, chirping softly, hopeful as she offered a flower it had picked from a nearby planter.

Shauna didn't move. Her eyes were fixed on the concrete between her shoes, her body still as a statue.

She didn't even flinch when her Pokégear vibrated for the third time.

Serena

Trevor

Tierno

Shauna hadn't responded to a single message in hours. Not Serena's gentle "Still here if you need me," nor Miette's curt but honest "Don't let it eat you alive." Even Tierno's dumb jokes couldn't pull her out of her shell. She didn't blame them, really. They were busy moving forward, succeeding. She couldn't stand to look them in the eye right now anyway.

Each call of her friends went ignored. What could they possibly say that they hadn't already tried? Shauna had lost in the first round—the performance round. That was supposed to be her thing. Her strength. She'd poured everything into her routine, practicing for months with grace and charm, only to be outshined before the audience had even warmed up. Serena and Miette had both passed, of course. She should be happy for them.

Instead, she felt like a discarded prop backstage.

She hadn't even cried. Not yet. Crying felt like admitting it was over.

She wasn't a performer anymore. Just someone who thought she was.

Shauna sank deeper into her hood...

Then came a thud. A pair of sneakers skidded to a stop on the brick path behind her.

"Ah! No, no, no—"

The voice cracked with alarm and mild panic.

Shauna blinked and turned her head slightly.

Clemont?

There, darting past a cotton candy stand, his white lab coat billowing awkwardly behind him, was Clemont. Or at least, she was pretty sure it was him. He looked... different. Taller, obviously. He looked older—more composed, but still visibly flustered. His usual blue inventor jumpsuit had been replaced by a surprisingly neat black shirt and pants, gaving him surprisingly mature look. He still wore his glasses—still had the same half-panicked energy she remembered from Kalos. But the yellow-and-black tie loosely knotted at his neck and the scuffed lab coat made him look like a young scientist who'd sprinted out of a lab mid-experiment.

The gym leader was alone. Strange, considering Bonnie was always orbiting around him like a satellite. He turned in place with an urgent glance around the crowd. Somehow, even more out-of-place than usual in the lively sea of colors and festival costumes.

"Bonnie's going to freak out," he muttered, spinning a full circle. "Why did I say I'd go get the lemon flavor? I don't even like lemon—she likes lemon! I could've just said 'They were out,' but nooo— Excuse me—! Uh—have you seen a small blonde twintails munchkin with a Dedenne and way too much energy? She's about yay high, probably yelling about—?"

Shauna hadn't realized she was staring until he turned her way.

His eyes squinted behind his glasses, and then widened in recognition.

"…Shauna?"

She flinched subtly, pulling her cap lower. Clemont wasn't loud — but it was still too much right now. She didn't want anyone—especially not someone from back then—to see her like this. She turned her head away, hoping he'd take the hint and walk off.

He didn't.

He stood awkwardly, looking between her, her Pokémon, and the mostly melted top scoop of his neglected cone. Finally, Clemont approached cautiously, not in a way that screamed "sympathy" or "confrontation." Just… quiet steps.

"…Oh. Sorry. I didn't mean to bother you. I just—I almost didn't recognize you," he said gently, stopping a meter away. "Didn't expect to see you in, uh…" He looked her over. "Stealth mode."

Shauna didn't answer.

Clemont hesitated, then nodded as if to himself. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small, oval-shaped remote. "Fair enough," he said. "if you don't mind, I'm gonna sit here anyway. I need to recalibrate the temperature module for Bonnie's ice cream before it melts in my hands."

He sat beside her without waiting for permission, his back just barely not touching hers. He placed the remote on his knee and started tinkering with it. It wasn't clear if the device actually did anything.

Shauna glanced sideways. "Aren't you supposed to be with your sister?"

"I was," Clemont said, not looking at her. "But then I got caught in a swarm of Eevee fans near the cosplay booth. I blinked, and she was gone. Typical Wyndon festival logic. Cosplay seems to be popular on the area.."

He adjusted his glasses, with a deadpan expression. "She told me not to come back unless I brought lemon swirl."

Shauna exhaled—half a sigh, half the ghost of a chuckle.

"…And you left her alone?"

"She left me alone."

That small sound made Clemont relax visibly.

"Bonnie says hi, by the way," he added. "She was watching your performance yesterday."

Shauna tensed again. The small upward twitch of her lips vanished.

"…Didn't go the way I wanted," she said finally.

"I know."

She expected a platitude. A 'you'll get them next time' or a 'you still did great.' But Clemont just sat beside her in silence.

Shauna squinted at him. "You're not going to tell me to keep trying?"

"No," Clemont replied, poking at the remote. "I figured everyone else already did that."

"…They did," she muttered.

"Didn't work, huh?"

"…No."

Silence again. Then Clemont stood up and offered his hand.

"You know where is the cosplay stands ?"

She blinked. "..I noticed a huge group of rather cute cosplayers on my way. It's probably here.. Why ?"

"Ice cream," he said simply. "Bonnie's going to be mad if I go alone and mess up her order again. She will probably returning here. You'd probably get it right. Want to help me find her?"

Shauna didn't take his hand right away. Her Pokémon looked up at her with quiet encouragement.

"I'm not exactly dressed for meeting fans," she said, trying to deflect again.

"That's fine, even if they recognize you.." Clemont shrugged. "I'm always dressed for a science fair and I'm buying dessert. No one's winning fashion awards today."

Shauna snorted—very softly. She stared at his hand again, then finally, hesitantly, reached up and took it.

She slowly stood, brushing off her sweater. "Only if you buy me one too.. I'm still in a ice cream mood."

Clemont grinned, relieved. "Deal." The blonde inventor said as she rose beside him.

He didn't let go of her hand immediately. He only did when she gave him a brief glance, more surprised than annoyed.

Neon lights blinked from vendor signs, perfume-sweet smells of cotton candy and curry mixed in the air, and the chatter of a dozen accents danced in the space between them. Despite the overcast sky, Wyndon was alive.

Shauna walked beside Clemont in silence at first.

Not healed.

But a little less heavy.

She still hadn't pushed her cap down, and her gaze didn't linger long on the attractions. But her Pokémon, trailing behind or nestled in her arms, were starting to perk up. Flabébé floated at her heels around her when...

"Did you know that the stadium's dome roof rotates to adjust to weather conditions?" Clemont said after a while, glancing at the massive silhouette of Wyndon Stadium. "And the lighting system has an AI subroutine based on contestant profiles. I wonder if it tweaks things subtly for performances…"

Shauna gave a soft hum. "Figures you'd notice that."

Clemont smiled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Too nerdy?"

She shrugged. "Not really. Just very… you."

There was no venom in her tone—just a sleepy honesty.

They walked past a display of ribbons and shiny trophies from past contests. Serena's name already adorned one of the boards for "Best Overall Performances, Day 1." Shauna's eyes flickered toward it, but she kept walking.

Clemont stayed silent. It wasn't pity—he was just giving her space.

As they approached the cosplay alley—where fans dressed as famous coordinators and Gym Leaders posed for pictures—Shauna finally stopped, just for a second. A girl in a Yancy outfit twirled in a sparkle-dust cloud as music played from a portable speaker. The way her dress flared, the practiced elegance of her spin…

Shauna looked away quickly.

But Clemont had caught it.

"You used to make Pokévision videos, right?"

Shauna blinked. "You remember that?"

"You were kind of a viral sensation for a while," he replied. "Bonnie even tried to replicate your camera angles with Dedenne once."

That pulled a small laugh out of her. "That sounds… chaotic."

"It was. We broke three flowerpots."

They passed under a neon banner—Retro Battle Booth: Pixel Gym Challenge!—and Clemont's voice cut off mid-sentence. He stopped.

"So that's still around? I thought these things died out."

Shauna looked up.

A row of arcade cabinets stood like colorful soldiers under a red-and-orange tent. Bright screens flickered with stylized Pokémon battles—blocky sprites, cute chiptunes, and dramatic 8-bit HP bars.

One featured a pixel version of Elesa striking a pose before unleashing a sprite Zebstrika. Another had Wallace and his Milotic in dramatic overworld animation.

"…Wait," Shauna muttered, stepping closer. "This is—! This is from the 'Contest Dream Stars' series!"

Clemont looked at her in surprise. "You know these?"

She didn't answer at first—her eyes were locked on the machine, her fingers twitching slightly. Then, with a guilty little grin, she whispered, "I used to dominate at this."

"You—really?"

Shauna turned to him, some color returning to her cheeks. "Back in grade school, Tierno and Trevor used to drag me to arcades while they went on about 'strategy' and 'XP farming.' I got bored of their stuff, but when I found the rhythm battle contests, I… well. I sort of got obsessed."

Clemont chuckled. "I thought you were all about grace and glitter."

She gave him a sidelong glance. "You can be into cute outfits and arcade games, you know."

Clemont raised his hands in surrender. "Hey, no argument here."

Shauna hesitated, then walked toward one of the booths. "Wanna try?"

Clemont adjusted his glasses, intrigued. "I mean… I don't know if I'll be any good."

"I'll go easy on you."

That was the first time she'd teased him. Clemont caught it—and smiled.

They slid into the booth side by side, the screen lighting up with pixel stars and 8-bit versions of Fantina and Nessa posing in their full glory.

"Ready?" Shauna said, now actively suppressing a grin.

"Scientifically, no," Clemont deadpanned. "But let's go."

The countdown began. Shauna's fingers moved with confident rhythm. Her sprite Sylveon twirled through pixel sparkles, landing perfect combos. Clemont's side was... less polished. His sprite Magnezone spun out too soon and crashed into a wall of digital glitter.

Shauna giggled—actually giggled—and nudged him with her elbow.

"C'mon, Mr. Gym Leader! This is supposed to be your thing."

"I don't remember syncing attacks to music being part of Gym strategies!" Clemont replied, flustered.

"Exactly why you need practice," she quipped.

He couldn't help but laugh.

As the game wound down, the scoreboard tallied:

Shauna – 156,200 pts

Clemont – 41,900 pts

"Oof." Clemont leaned back. "An absolute scientific disaster."

Shauna gave a mock bow. "You just got out-styled."

She paused—her expression softening again. "...Thanks."

Clemont looked at her. "For what?"

"For… dragging me out here without dragging me, I guess." She glanced down. "I don't feel better, exactly. But I'm not just stuck in my head anymore."

Clemont leaned his arms against the console. "You don't need to rush to bounce back."

"I know." She tugged her cap down. "But it's nice to remember I'm still me."

Their eyes met, just for a moment.

Then her stomach growled.

Clemont blinked. "Uh…"

Shauna blinked back. "Guess I skipped lunch."

"Well then," Clemont said, rising. "Let's find that ice cream. Bonnie's probably halfway to starting a small revolution by now."

Shauna stood, brushing off her sweater. "I want strawberry swirl. And don't worry—I'll vouch for you with Bonnie."

"Bless you," Clemont muttered.

But.. her eyes were somewhere else, not to the exit.

"..You know what?" Shauna declared, spinning on her heel. "Ice cream can wait!"

Clemont blinked. "Oh?"

"There's still a whole half of this arcade we haven't explored yet," she added, cheeks a little pink—but her eyes had regained their spark. "It'd be a waste to stop now."

"I… suppose further research is acceptable," Clemont said, adjusting his tie with mock seriousness. "For data purposes."

Shauna smirked. "Naturally."

The next hour passed like a flurry of lights and laughter. From rhythm games to claw machines (Clemont, to his horror, lost three tries in a row), they wandered like kids cutting class. At one point, Shauna dared him to try a motion-controlled dancing game. He did. She nearly cried laughing.

Somewhere between games, Shauna grabbed a claw-prize ribbon headband and popped it on Clemont's head.

"There. Contest genius."

"Scientific sabotage."

"You love it," she teased, grinning as she took a short video on her Pokégear. "This is so going in my gallery."

She didn't say it aloud, but she hadn't touched her Pokégear camera all day—until now.

Then, near the back of the arcade, something caught their eye.

"POKÉ FIGHTER V2 — Two-Player Battle Mode!"

The screen blazed with stylized portraits: Charizard, Lucario, Gardevoir, Machamp… all rendered in sharp, arcade-style designs. A crowd of teens gathered to watch other battles, shouting in rhythm with button mashes.

Shauna's smile widened.

"No way. They updated it!"

"You know this one too?" Clemont asked, clearly surprised.

"Oh yeah. Me and Tierno used to play it on rainy days. He'd pick Snorlax and just sit on me for trolling."

"That… sounds like Tierno," Clemont chuckled.

She stepped toward the machine, turning halfway. "So, what do you say, science boy? One round?"

Clemont looked at the screen. "I'm more of a turn-based strategist, but… I accept your challenge."

They dropped coins in, and the machine blared to life.

PLAYER ONE — SHAUNA

PLAYER TWO — CLEMONT

Shauna instantly chose Gardevoir, her fingers dancing like it was muscle memory. Clemont hesitated for a second, then chose Magnezone with a soft smile.

The match began. At first, they were both cautious—testing moves, blocking, timing attacks.

"Ha! That's Reflect!" Shauna laughed, leaning forward. "I forgot that animation's so extra in this version."

Clemont focused. "If I link Thunderbolt with Magnet Rise right… yes—got it!"

Their Gardevoir and Magnezone clashed in pixelated sparks. The arcade lights dimmed around them as the screen flared with combos and dodge rolls.

"Whoa, okay," Shauna said, eyebrows raised. "You're… actually good at this. You're really a geek.."

"I studied frame data on this version once. Just out of curiosity."

Shauna blinked. "Wait. You memorized frame data? That's more than geek.. that's such a Sawyer thing to do!"

Clemont flinched in surprise. "Sawyer?"

"You know—green hair, notebook, talks to himself while battling." She hesitated to talk about him, in fond disbelief. "He was.. always this mix of genius and total mess. Kinda like—well…"

She trailed off, eyeing Clemont.

Clemont raised an eyebrow. "Like me?"

"I mean…" She tapped buttons faster. "You both talk to yourselves when focused. And fidget. And make up words no one else understands."

Clemont gave a small, embarrassed chuckle. "I suppose that's accurate."

"But you're also more grounded than I expected." She glanced at him again, her Gardevoir narrowly dodging an electric blast. "Back when you traveled with Serena and Ash, I didn't really know you. You always looked so.. you in your jumpsuit, you know?"

"..Let's just say you and your friends had more in common subjects with Ash and Serena... but I didn't want to seem distant." he admitted. "Bonnie used to tell me I came off like a calculator."

"Calculator?" she repeated, amused.

"A very socially awkward calculator."

Shauna laughed—a real one this time. "Well, that makes me the glitchy video editor."

They shared a smile.

The match turned tense. Both HP bars were in the red. The arcade air was hot with the noise of nearby players and flickering screens, but Clemont and Shauna had tunneled in. Only the game, only the moment.

Then—

FINAL MOVE: SYNCHRONIZED BURST ACTIVATED

Shauna and Clemont had somehow triggered the team mode accidentally, launching a wild fusion attack as Gardevoir and Magnezone joined forces. The screen exploded in pixel light.

The cabinet declared a draw.

Shauna gasped. "Wait, what?"

Clemont blinked. "Did we just—?"

"Did you combo with me?"

"…I-I didn't mean to! You were pressing L and— Why is there a coop button?!"

She burst into laughter again, collapsing slightly onto the control panel, one hand over her stomach. "Okay. Okay. That's—yeah. That's a first."

Clemont looked half stunned, half amazed. "I didn't even know you could do that. Maybe it's for training mode for the 2 vs 2 players ?"

She looked at him, really looked, eyes a little wide.

"…You're actually kinda fun for a geek," she said.

Clemont rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly bashful. "I guess when I'm not chasing a robot across a rooftop…"

"I might forgive you for the claw machine, then."

A pause hung there.

Then Shauna stood upright, brushing her hair back, eyes lit like stage lights.

"Okay. Now I want that ice cream."

"You sure?" Clemont asked.

"Yeah." She glanced back at the machine with a smile. "You can only relive the old days for so long before you start craving something new."

This time, as they stepped back into the soft light of the festival, it was side by side—without hesitation.

And if Clemont noticed she wasn't hiding under her cap anymore, he didn't say a word.

The arcade's din faded behind them, replaced by the hum of chatter and the jingle of festival stalls.

But for Clemont and Shauna, it all felt strangely distant.

They strolled along a quieter path near the outer food court. Shauna had removed her cap entirely now, holding it lazily in one hand, finally letting the wind tousle her brown curls. Her other arm swayed with each step, brushing the folds of her oversized sweater. She wasn't smiling wide like she used to on-stage, but there was a softness now—a light that flickered gently, as if slowly relit.

Clemont glanced over as they passed a cotton candy stand. "You seemed really in your element back there," he said. "Like the game flipped a switch."

Shauna chuckled. "You're not wrong. It kinda did."

"Was it the nostalgia?"

She looked up, then gave a small nod. "Yeah… but more than that. I guess—it reminded me why I started all this."

He tilted his head slightly. "You mean Showcases?"

"And Pokévision before that." Her gaze drifted up, watching a glittery balloon float toward the stadium dome. "When I was little, I didn't have a lot of close friends outside of Tierno and Trevor. They were super into battling and training, so I started editing Pokévision clips of their matches. Little things—slow-mo moves, funny zooms when Trevor made dumb faces…"

Clemont chuckled softly. "I can definitely picture that."

"And with times, my focus wasn't anymore in battles, but more into silly online clips—trainers dancing with their Pokémon, doing comedy bits, cooking together…Me and Tierno used to film silly battles and dances in Trevor's backyard. We'd add stickers and voiceovers and try to sync them to music—really dorky stuff." She chuckled fondly. "But I liked it. I loved seeing them light up when they watched it—like… I could make something sparkle even if I wasn't the one battling, even if it was just for thirty seconds.. even if no one saw them."

"Bonnie used to stream those too. Some of them had… questionable editing choices."

Clemont smiled as Shauna laughed. "Exactly! But I loved how expressive they were. It wasn't about winning. It was just trainers showing who they were in a little part of their life. No pressure, just personality."

Her tone dipped slightly. "That… felt safe to me. That's also how I found out about Showcases. It just clicked, you know? Sparkle, beauty, timing, bond... It wasn't about battling. It was about expression."

She took another glances at her phone, then added:

"And when I met Serena? When I showed her a clip of Aria—the Kalos Queen— I swear, something lit up in her.. I just knew she'd be amazing at it."

There was no bitterness in her tone—just memory.

"I watched her rise. Fail. Grow. And now she's Kalos Queen. Honestly… it's hard to imagine anyone else earning that crown. She deserved it."

Clemont listened without interrupting, adjusting his lab coat slightly as they turned down a lane lined with lanterns.

"You know," she started, eyes watching a Sylveon cosplayer guide a little kid toward a photo booth, "I never actually thought I'd end up trying to become a Coordinator."

Clemont tilted his head. "Really? It always seemed like it fit you."

"I mean, I love performing," she clarified, brushing a curl from her cheek. "Sparkles, music, rhythm, style—what's not to love?"

She kicked a pebble gently as they walked past a cart selling fancy Poké puff keychains.

"So when I saw Serena doing Contest," she went on, "and how much feeling she put into it… I just thought, if I cannot steal her crown in Showcase.. maybe I had my chance to shine in Pokemon Contest."

She hugged her arms slightly, but not from the cold.

"But then I see her and Miette moving forward with their goals.. In my side, I thought I'd shine the brightest during the performance round. But yesterday, I didn't even get to round two."

Her smile dimmed.

Clemont stopped walking. Gently, he said, "That doesn't mean your light's gone. Don't you think that belief—the one that made you want to chase her—was already something strong on its own?"

Shauna blinked at him as he looked at her, thoughtful.

"Losing doesn't mean you don't shine in front of everyone. I mean.. I even saw people cosplaying in your contest dress today. But more than just my opinion, with facts..You developed a fanbase in your social media who share the same passions than yours.. about performing, silly videos.. I don't know for you, but I find you amazing for many reasons like that. I don't think I could reunite and bring a smile to so many people, even if I become the best inventor one day! So.. no, you don't need to be a Kalos Queen for becoming an real inspiration. So continue to performing or even laughs about silly things in your shorts, it's not everyone who can be themselves in front of a camera.."

She stared for a second. Then, wordlessly, she stepped ahead—almost embarrassed. "You're gonna make me cry in front of the balloon stand," she muttered.

"Sorry."

"…It's okay, Clemont. I don't regret anything, but… maybe I need to figure out what my own spark really is now. Not just chase someone else's crown."

He nodded quietly. "That's not an easy thing to admit."

Her lips twitched. "..Says the guy who cannot admit he builds inventions that self-destruct half the time."

"...Fair," Clemont conceded with a laugh. "But it is a form of trial and error."

"Even if it's strange, I find you amazing on this area. I should take you like an inspiration.. a trial ideal."

They continued walking—this time closer. Occasionally, their arms brushed. Neither stepped away.

Right now.. She didn't need the spotlight to start feeling alive again.

Eventually, bright displays and costume racks came into view: the cosplay stands. A cluster of kids ran around in Pikachu onesies, and two teens posed for photos in elaborate Milotic and Altaria outfits. It was exactly the kind of chaos Bonnie would dive into.

Clemont scanned the crowd. "Still no sign of her."

Shauna glanced around too, she tilted her head. "You think she ditched you on purpose?""

"With Bonnie?" Clemont sighed. "Both are equally possible."

He crossed his arms with a sigh. "Knowing her? There's at least a 65% probability."

"You're not worried?"

"Not yet. She's ten. She'll either win a cosplay battle or own the candy stand by the end."

They waited a few more minutes, poking around the costume racks and even trying on ridiculous hats. Still, no Bonnie.

They paused at the crossroads of the cosplay area.

"Well," Clemont added, "For showing me the way to the cosplay stands," he said, adjusting his tie with a bit of faux formality. "And, uh… for waiting with me. Even though you could've walked off a dozen times. I think it's only fair I thank you."

Shauna tilted her head. "Thank me?"

He smiled, genuinely.

"My treat. One order of anything you want."

Her eyes sparkled with mock scandal. "Clemont, are you bribing me with food?"

"More like… thanking you with it."

Shauna laughed. "You know, if you keep being sweet, I might start thinking you're actually fun to hang out with."

"I am fun," he said with mock offense, walking ahead. "Statistically. Probably."

She looked at him for a second, genuinely taken aback—then her smile softened, warm and real.

"Well… if you're offering, I'd be a bad guest to say no. Well then, Mister ''the best inventor'," she said, slipping into a mock-performer voice. "I graciously accept your invitation."

Then his eyes caught something across the path—a quaint little restaurant nestled beside the cosplay plaza, glowing with gold-trimmed signs. A display board out front read:

"TASTE OF LUMIOSE – Family Recipes from Kalos!"

"Hey… isn't that the place Bonnie wanted to try?"

Shauna followed her gaze as he nodded. "Yes! That's the one. She said it was 'important research for her future dessert café.'"

She smiled at his memory. "Cute. Let's go then!"

Shauna trotted to catch up, falling into step beside him again.

This time, it wasn't just a coincidence that their pace matched.

The interior of Taste of Lumiose was soft and warm, lit by golden Chandelure-shaped lamps flickering gently above. Rustic Kalosian touches gave the place a homey elegance, and the scent of cheri berries mingled with buttery pastry lingered in the air. Photos of regional cuisine lined the walls, their frames catching the late afternoon sunlight spilling in from the window.

Clemont and Shauna were led to a table just near the glass and the booth. It was secluded enough to feel private but still gave them a view of the cobbled street outside, where the cosplay plaza buzzed faintly behind thick glass.

They sat, menus unfolding in their hands. The murmur of clinking cutlery and soft conversation filled the space between them—quiet, calm.

Shauna peeked over her menu. "Sooo… I've been talking a lot."

Clemont looked up. "Not at all. I like hearing about what matters to people."

She raised an eyebrow, amused. "You sure? 'Cause I think I covered childhood, career choices, and accidental mentor relationships in less than twenty minutes."

Clemont chuckled. "That just means you're passionate."

"Okay, but now it's your turn." She leaned forward, eyes curious. "How'd you even get into inventing? I mean, I get that you're smart and all, but there's 'smart' and then there's 'built a robot that launches Poké Puffs into orbit.'"

Clemont scratched his cheek, a little embarrassed. "That model only launched once. Technically."

She grinned.

"Well," he started, "I've always liked fixing things. Even when I was little, if a toaster broke or a remote stopped working, I wanted to open it up and see why."

"And then make it explode?"

"That came later," he said dryly, but his eyes twinkled. "My dad wasn't thrilled," Clemont admitted sheepishly. "But he and my mom always encouraged me. There's just something… satisfying about solving a problem, especially when you can see the result. I don't just like building machines—I like puzzle-solving."

Shauna's eyebrows lifted. "Okay, don't laugh, but… Now we're talking my language. I'm super into puzzles!"

He blinked as his glasses hid slightly.. "Really?"

"Mm-hm. I'm not super science-y, but I love puzzles. Like, match-threes, escape rooms, even those cheesy cardboard ones with like 2000 pieces. Puzzles, problems, things that look like they don't have an answer until you twist them just right. The twisty tile ones, the riddle kind, memory patterns—anything that makes you think without being boring. ..It's not really a 'Showcase-y' thing to admit, y'know? All glam and sparkle, and there I am solving logic puzzles in my pajamas."

Clemont grinned. "That explains your reaction at the arcade."

Shauna's cheeks pinked. "Yeah… I didn't want to seem too eager, but those games were honestly the most fun I've had in days."

There was a beat of silence, then Clemont said, almost without thinking, "We could go back. If you wanted."

Shauna looked up. "Huh?"

"I mean—only if you want to," he backtracked, immediately adjusting his glasses. "Since your friends are probably waiting for you, and you've already helped me and walked around and—well, you must have other plans—"

"Clemont," she interrupted, amused. "Calm down."

He froze mid-fidget. She smiled.

"I'd be down to go back. Maybe one evening? The matches are all during the day, and I don't think I will be in a rush to be alone in my hotel room again."

That made him glance at her. "You're sure?"

Shauna interrupted gently. "Actually… I'd like that."

Clemont blinked.

A beat passed.

Clemont's fingers suddenly fumbling a bit more than usual. "Y-Yeah. Yeah, that sounds nice."

Shauna noticed the stammer, her lips twitching as she leaned on her hand. "You okay over there? You're acting like I just asked you on a date."

He froze. "Wha—I mean, no, of course not! I just—my lenses were fogging a little—I mean, not fogging, I'm just—"

Shauna shrugged, but there was a relaxed warmth to her voice now. "It's a date."

Clemont's brain stuttered.

She blinked. "I mean—not a date date, unless you—well, I meant it casually—uh—"

She also get lost.

He was already halfway through adjusting his glasses again when she leaned over the table, squinting at him.

"…You ever think about not wearing those all the time?"

Clemont froze, hand on the frame. "…Uh, why?"

Shauna tilted her head. "Your eyes are actually super blue. I didn't really notice before. Kinda cute, honestly."

Silence.

Clemont nearly choked on nothing. "P—Pardon?" His brain quietly short-circuited.

Shauna's expression immediately shifted. "Wait—I didn't mean—I mean in, like, a neutral way. Like how people say Pokémon are cute. You know.. Visual appeal? I meant, you know, they're nice. Blue. Clear. Kinda like Serena's but—less obvious ? I mean—ANYWAY."

She waved it off quickly, grabbing her water and sipping it far too fast.

He tried to recover. "I… suppose 'cute' is a subjective aesthetic marker informed by proportion, color harmony, and—"

"Oh no," Shauna said, grinning now. "You're not dodging this by turning it into a science lecture."

He flushed slightly, scratching the back of his neck. "I wasn't trying to—"

"No, no, I'm in. Let's define cute." She leaned on the table, chin in her hands. "Are we talking big eyes? Round shapes? Pleasant symmetry? Because I think there's a whole psychological angle too. Like, we're wired to respond positively to features we associate with safety or kindness."

Clemont blinked. "You… actually get that?"

"Hey, I'm not just glitter and ribbons." She winked. "To be fair," she added, diverting fast, "you still haven't told me what you find cute."

Clemont, grateful for the change in subject, sat up straighter, fixing his collar. "That's… surprisingly difficult. I suppose from a scientific standpoint, 'cuteness' is often linked to proportions like you said before—large eyes, round features, small noses—"

Shauna leaned in. "So you're approving a Pokémon like Togepi is cute because it hits those design ratios?"

"Well, yes! There's a whole study on the neotenous traits that trigger a caregiving response—"

"But that doesn't explain why some people find Gengar cute."

Clemont blinked. "That's true…"

"Or why some find it creepy."

Now Clemont was fully engaged. "So there must be an emotional overlay—like association, education or nostalgia—factoring into the brain's response."

"Right!" Shauna nodded. "Like if someone has fun memories tied to Gengar, they'll see it differently than someone who only knows it from ghost stories."

They looked at each other for a moment, surprised at how well the conversation flowed.

Shauna grinned. "Wow. I understood a science thing."

Clemont smiled back. "I think we just created a cross-discipline theory of cuteness."

"Next up: peer-reviewed paper on arcade bonding."

They both laughed—something easy and light—but underneath it, something else was beginning to settle. A comfort. A closeness. A click, like pieces of a puzzle sliding into place.

There was a pause before Shauna tilted her head, pleased. "See? We finally do speak a similar language. Just from different angles. Back when you traveled with Serena. We didn't talk much. Maybe it's just me who didn't notice things properly."

He paused. "And now?"

She smiled. "Now I'm noticing more."

Clemont adjusted his glasses again, not because he needed to—but because it gave him something to do.

Shauna rested her elbows on the table and looked out the window, the sunlight hitting her face just right.

For once, it didn't feel like a performance.

Shauna was just finishing a joke about how she'd once dropped an entire Poké Puff tower during a Showcase practice when a shadow loomed over their table.

"Welcome to Taste of Lumiose! Pardon me, may I take your—oh! Clemont?"

The deep, familiar voice made Clemont look up mid-sip. Shauna looked up to find a tall young man in a server's apron blinking down at them with unmistakable recognition to her table's partner.

"Brock?"

Brock grinned, adjusting the apron tied loosely around his waist. "Didn't expect to see you here! You're not dodging science accidents in the hotel again, are you?"

Clemont chuckled nervously. "Not today. I'm just, uh… catching up. What are you doing here?"

Shauna blinked between the two of them, confused. "Wait, you two know each other?"

Brock gave an exaggerated sigh. "Long story short: I'm helping out the owner today. She needed a hand managing the floor, and well…" He shot a dramatic glance toward the kitchen. "Let's just say when a beautiful single mother with a Delphox asks for help, I answer."

Shauna raised an eyebrow, amused. "So you're a romantic?"

Brock folded his arms with a weary groan. "I was. Right now, I feel absolutely nothing. Not even a flutter."

Clemont winced slightly. "Ah… Right. That might be… partially my fault." Clemont glanced up. "Still not over the rejection streak?"

Brock gave a tired chuckle. "I'd kill to feel rejection."

Shauna blinked. "Wait, what?"

Brock waved a hand. "The anti-poison machine you let me test short-circuited my hormone receptors. It's fine. I've accepted this tragic, beautiful phase of my life."

Shauna looked between them again, more entertained than confused now. "Okay, what is this duo ? I'm always surrounded by odd guys."

Brock's eyes shifted, immediately lighting on Shauna. His server smile returned. "And who's this lovely young lady?"

"I'm Shauna," she said, smiling politely. "Friend of Serena's. And kind of Clemont's new gaming rival."

Brock raised an eyebrow at that, clearly intrigued. "Shauna.. the coordinator ?"

Shauna nodded.

"Well," Brock sighed theatrically. "Always surrounded by stars and I still can't catch a break. I see," Brock said thoughtfully, glancing between the two of them like he was solving a enigma. "You've got the aesthetic. He's got the gears. That's a solid pair."

"We're not a pair," Clemont blurted quickly.

Brock grinned and turned to clear the next table. "Well, whatever this is, it looks cute from here."

Shauna smirked as he walked off. "You hear that? We've officially been certified cute by a third opinion. More possibilities for questioning our debate, what do you think, Clemont?"

Clemont looked like he was debating whether to hide under the table or not.

Shauna cracked up. "Sounds captivating, honestly."

"Tell that to my soul," Brock muttered, pulling out his notepad as he came back. "Anyway, what are you two ordering?"

As they chatted about main dishes, Shauna flipped to the dessert section, scanning it eagerly—then slumping with a pout.

"No ice cream?" she whined. "Man… I was actually craving some. That lemon with some strawberry gelato Bonnie picked earlier looked so good."

Clemont's eyes sparked like someone had flipped a switch.

"I actually might be able to help with that!" he said quickly, digging into his bag and pulling out what looked like a cross between a thermos, a flashlight, and a blender.

Brock took a step back instinctively. "Oh no."

"What is that?" Shauna asked, leaning forward with half-genuine curiosity, half-alarm. "You carry this around?"

"…Well, yes. I was tweaking it for field testing. It's my Cryo-Taste Synthesizer," Clemont said proudly. "If I scanned Bonnie's ice cream earlier, I can recreate the flavor profile and molecular pattern from residual particles and—"

Shauna blinked. "Wait, wait, you mean you can clone ice cream?"

"Precisely!"

"You can scan Bonnie's gelato?!"

"I want to test my new storage extension drive!" he replied earnestly.

"…Of course you did," Shauna said, half-laughing, half-fascinated. "Okay, mad genius. Let's see it in action."

"For science," he said seriously, pushing a few buttons.

Clemont placed a small metallic capsule into the side port, and pressed a glowing green button.

The machine hummed.

Buzzed.

Clicked.

"It's analyzing the molecular structure now. Should only take a few—"

Then began to shake.

"Uh-oh," Clemont muttered. "That… shouldn't be happening."

The machine beeped. Then hissed. Then—

PFFFFFT!

A geyser of ice cream shot up from the nozzle like a sugary fountain, spraying all over Shauna, Clemont, the table, and a poor couple sitting two booths over. strawberry gelato and lemon streaks rained across the room in a sticky, chaos-flavored explosion.

Brock sighed in the distance. "Yup. Taste of Lumiose, brought to you by Clemont."

"Ah—!" Clemont stumbled back in horror, arms out. "I—I'm so sorry, Shauna, I didn't mean to—this wasn't supposed to—"

But she wasn't even listening.

Shauna blinked, looked down at herself—ice cream coating her sweater, dripping from her bangs—and burst into uncontrollable laughter.

"Oh—my—Arceus," she managed between wheezes, scooping a glob of ice cream from her arm and licking it off. "Clemont. This tastes amazing."

"I—what?" he blinked, still frozen mid-crisis.

"Seriously," she grinned, "best ice cream disaster of my life."

Clemont slowly sat back down, dazed. "You're… not mad?"

"Why would I be? I got dessert and a memory I'm never forgetting." She leaned forward, flicking a bit of cream off his cheek with her finger. "And I'm learning that behind all your wires and inventions, you're honestly… kind of adorable."

Clemont's ears went red.

"Though next time," she added, "let's maybe not wear the dessert."

Clemont chuckled, finally allowing himself to smile with his very crooked glasses. "Agreed."

"You're a mess," she grinned, nudging his elbow, "but a tasty mess."

Clemont couldn't help it—he started laughing too. Embarrassed, relieved, and weirdly happy.

Brock returned just in time to see the aftermath. He blinked at the scene, then at the sticky table, then sighed. "Why is it always you, Clemont?"

"I'm sorry, Brock—"

Shauna winked. "Because chaos can be secretly sweet."

"Why it never worked with me then ?" Brock handed them napkins like a man resigned to fate. "I'll go get towels. And maybe a mop."

She leaned back in her chair, still chuckling. "You know what? I think I needed this today. Something silly. Something unexpected."

Clemont looked at her, something warm flickering behind his lenses. "I'm glad."

Their eyes met—hers sparkling with leftover laughter, his shy but steady.

Then Shauna reached across the table, picked a glob of gelato from his sleeve, and tapped it onto his nose.

He blinked.

She grinned. "Now we're even."

However, the cute moment was cut short when the couple two booths over—who had once been enjoying their peaceful meal—now sat in a battlefield of melted cream and ruined appetizers. The man was blotting lemon gelato from his jacket, while his partner glared across the room like her eyes could set the wallpaper on fire.

Shauna, still half-coated in sticky streaks of dessert and trying not to laugh again, suddenly froze.

"Oh no," she whispered. "Those people…"

Clemont followed her gaze, paling. "We—uh—we should probably apologize before they—"

Before he could finish, Brock slid back into the scene with a tray of extra napkins and a carefully composed expression. "Relax. I've got this."

Shauna blinked. "You will?"

He leaned closer, speaking just low enough for only the two of them to hear. "Look, I may not feel romantic attraction right now, but I remember what it's like when you're just trying to enjoy a date and everything goes sideways. Let me fix this one."

Shauna and Clemont both flinched. "Wait—no! We're not—this isn't—" they stammered, waving their hands, pointing at each other in panic.

Brock raised a hand, smirking. "Don't worry, I won't blow your cover. Coordinators like you probably get mobbed during Contest week if anyone figures out you're here. Trust me—I've helped bigger names sneak out after worse disasters."

Shauna opened her mouth to protest again, but paused.

Clemont glanced toward the ruined table, visibly conflicted. "But… this was my fault. My invention made the mess. I can't just bolt."

"You won't," Brock said. "But unless you want to end the night with a restaurant manager and a bill the size of a Master Ball, I suggest you let me stall them long enough for you two to slip out the side door."

He glanced between them, then added with a knowing smile, "Besides… I think you both deserve to end this date on a lighter note."

Clemont hesitated. "But—"

"No buts," Brock said, nudging him toward the exit. "Just promise me one thing."

Clemont straightened. "Anything."

"Fix my emotional receptors. I want to feel heartbreak again."

Shauna snorted, clapping a hand over her mouth to stifle a laugh.

Clemont nodded, solemn. "Top priority. I swear. I will restore your ability to pine."

"Good man." Brock turned, whispering dramatically as he headed toward the angry couple. "My love life depends on your microprocessor. Now scram."

They slipped out through the side entrance just as the restaurant's manager—clipboard in hand, expression stormy—emerged from the back. Brock intercepted her with a dazzling smile and a tray full of lemon puffs.

Outside, the late afternoon had mellowed into gold, painting the cobbled sidewalk in warm, buttery light. Clemont's shirt still spattered with faint pink and yellow stains.

"Well… I still feel terrible for Brock," he said sheepishly. "And there goes the ice cream I was saving for Bonnie."

Shauna glanced at him sideways, a glint in her eye. "Not all of it," she said slyly, reaching up to swipe a streak of cream from his shoulder with one finger.

He blinked. "Shauna—?"

She licked it off with theatrical flourish. "Waste not, want not, right? You're still basically an ice cream cone." She smirked. "Gourmet inventor flavor. A little melty, but still premium."

He looked away, hiding behind his collar again. "I… didn't intend to be edible today."

"You make it sound worse when you say it like that," she laughed. "Lucky for you, I like sweet things."

But then she looked at him again—really looked. His messy hair streaked with strawberry, his quiet smile barely holding together his nerves. Something stirred in her chest that hadn't been there earlier.

He lifted a hand to clean his own face—only to pause when he noticed a line of lemon cream by the corner of her mouth. Without fully thinking, he stepped closer and gently brushed it away with two fingers.

"There," he said softly, like it was the most normal thing in the world.

Shauna went still.

His touch had been so natural, so casual. But it lingered just half a second too long. And the fact that it was Clemont—awkward, brilliant, careful Clemont—made her brain quietly implode.

Her face flushed scarlet.

"You—uh—thanks," she mumbled, turning so fast she nearly tripped on the sidewalk. "…You just wiped ice cream off my mouth like that was normal," she muttered under her breath.

Clemont blinked, and realization dawned. His face immediately matched hers in color.

"Oh—I'm sorry! Was that too forward? I didn't mean— I just—there was ice cream and I thought maybe you didn't notice and then—"

"No! No, it's fine!" Shauna flailed her hands, also bright red. "I just didn't expect it! You didn't do anything wrong!"

They both stood there, flustered and entirely out of words.

Then, Shauna chuckled—low and warm.

"I don't even know how we ended up here," she said, brushing a sprinkle off her sleeve. "I didn't think I'd see you today."

Clemont offered a small, lopsided smile. "Me neither."

"And now we've been through emotional disasters, gelato warfare, and accidental flirting."

"That's… a lot."

"It is," she agreed. "But… not bad."

He looked at her. "Not bad at all."

A pause.

Their eyes met—longer than expected. The chaos behind them felt far away now.

Neither of them had planned for this.

And neither of them seemed to mind.

Shauna opened her mouth to say something when—

"Shauna?!"

Tierno's booming voice cut through the moment like a Giga Impact. The two boys came rushing toward her from the far end of the plaza.

"There you are!" Trevor added, panting slightly. "We've been looking everywhere since the show ended. What happened?"

"Oh…" Shauna blinked, her expression freezing between guilt and something she couldn't quite place. "I—I was just… walking," she said, a little too quickly, stepping slightly aside from Clemont without really meaning to. "I got caught up in the crowd and Clemont helped me. Sorry."

Clemont stayed quiet, unsure if he should speak or let her explain—if she even wanted to.

Trevor followed right behind, holding a half-crushed brochure and blinking at Clemont. "Oh. Um. Hi?"

Clemont straightened awkwardly, instinctively adjusting his tie. "H-Hello."

Next, Tierno glanced at Clemont, eyes flicking between the two of them. "Yo, man! You helped her with a invention ?"

Shauna laughed, a little too quickly. "No, yes but.. no. I slipped, or emotionally exploded, or both. Don't worry about it!"

She turned to Clemont and gave him a small, tight smile—the kind you wear when you don't want a goodbye to happen but know it has to.

"I guess I should go," she said softly.

He nodded, though it felt like the moment was slipping through his fingers. "Right, of course. You should eat something."

"Yeah…"

Tierno threw an arm around her shoulders, grinning. "Well, if he saved you from being a mopey mess, then I owe him. You were kinda scary earlier."

Shauna rolled her eyes of annoyance first.

She paused, then turned to her friends, her voice more sincere. "Thanks, guys. For coming to find me. I was… pretty out of it. I shouldn't have ditched you."

Instead, Trevor gave a small, sincere smile. "You seem better. That's what matters."

Trevor nodded. "Besides, that's what friends are for."

Shauna's expression softened. She really didn't deserve these odd guys sometimes.

"Thanks," she said, her voice low. "And… sorry. For earlier. I was kinda… the worst."

"Pfft, no you weren't," Tierno said, throwing an arm around her shoulder before recoiling slightly. "Though you do smell like dessert."

She snorted. "Yeah. That's… a long story."

Then, before either of them could press for more, she said, "Hey. After I eat something? Let's go to that arcade stand! I found one earlier."

Trevor blinked. "Really?"

Trevor raised a brow. "Didn't you say you didn't feel like it?"

"I've decided to stop pretending I'm too cool for claw machines," she said with a smirk. "Besides… I need to train. You never know who I might run into there next time."

She didn't say with who. She didn't need to. She glanced—briefly—toward Clemont, still standing a step behind.

"…I need to win back your forgiveness with Dance Dance Revolution!" she said quickly, with a little forced laugh.

Trevor took the bait, and the conversation moved on.

They didn't push her on that, but Tierno smirked, catching the hint. "Riiight. Let's refuel first, then we hit the games."

Shauna glanced back again for just a second. Clemont was still standing on the same position, watching her go with a strangely unreadable look on his face. She offered him a small wave.

He returned it—awkward, sweet, and unmistakably him.

Later…

As Shauna sat in a booth with fries and a burger half-eaten in front of her, Trevor scrolled through the latest gossip on his PokéNews app. "Apparently Serena's on a date with Ash.. People are already talking about it on social media."

"Good for her," Tierno said, even if he had a crush on the performer on the past. "About time."

Shauna blinked, suddenly remembering the messages on her phone. She pulled out her phone, blinking at the multiple messages from Serena:

SERENA: "Where are you?"
SERENA: "Are you okay? Please text me back.."
SERENA: "Shauna, pls answer when u can 💧"

SERENA: Also… something happened. I need to talk to you when you can. ❤️ I feel like I am going to scream so loud they'll hear it in Kalos! I'm totally telling you what's happening later unless YOU have something to tell ME first ! ..I know you're feeling better now.

Shauna groaned softly and covered her face with her hand. "Oh no…"

Because she knew exactly what Serena would ask her.

Shauna sighed, her thumb hovering above the keyboard.

The second she will tell her who she ran into—and what happened—Serena would absolutely freak out.

Instead of typing, she just smiled faintly to herself, imagining her message.

"…Your mad scientist wiped ice cream off my face."

Yeah. She could imagine Serena's face if she said she'd just spent the past hour with Clemont, getting emotionally wrecked, laugh-soaked, and accidentally… closer than she'd expected.

Just remembering it made her stomach flip.

Somewhere, in the back of her mind—beneath the noise of the crowd and her friends as she joked with her friends and tried to shake off the odd flutter in her chest—she wondered.

If I went back to that arcade one night… and he just happened to be there…

She didn't finish the thought.

Some things were better left to chance for now.

Maybe not by accident. Maybe not even tonight.

But maybe soon.

Elsewhere…

Back at the edge of the cosplay booths, Clemont remained still for a while, watching Shauna disappear into the crowd.

His arm tingled slightly where she'd touched him. His fingers still smelled faintly of strawberries. And his heart was beating way too fast for no scientifically measurable reason.

His Pokégear buzzed again for the fifth time in a row.

Bonnie [9 missed calls]

Bonnie [Messages]:

"[Bonnie]: CLEMOOOOOONT answer me!

[Bonnie]: You had one mission, big bro.. What could you POSSIBLY be doing that is more important than bringing me the ICE CREAM I paid myself ?!
[Bonnie]: Wait. Did you blow something up again?
[Bonnie]: You better not be dead.
[Bonnie]: Wait. You're not dead. You're IGNORING ME. 😡
[Bonnie]: Are you… with someone? 😏

Clemont sighed and finally picked up.

"Bonnie, calm down. I'm fine."

"Oho?! So you ARE with someone! Anyway.. What took you so long?!" Bonnie shouted immediately. "Where are you?!"

"I'm fine. I just… ran into someone and got sidetracked."

"You? Sidetracked?! You don't even get sidetracked unless it's by a magnet!"

He rubbed the back of his head. "It was a girl. She helped me… and we talked for over an hour because you ditched me and get fun somewhere else.. That's all. And your ice cream is dead by now."

There was silence on the other end.

"…You're joking."

"I'm not."

Bonnie went silent for a moment. "...Wait, what? A real girl? Is she real? Did she actually talk to you for more than five minutes without running away?"

"Yes," he said, eyes narrowing. "Why do you sound so surprised.."

"I'm just making sure it's not like, some robot you invented or something. Are you sure she was real?"

"I'm hanging up now."

"NO WAIT—WHO IS SHE? DID YOU TAKE HER NUMBER AT LEAST ?! SPILL—ARE YOU THAT DUMB FOR NOT MISSING—"

But Clemont clicked the phone off, holding back a smile as he tucked it into his pocket.

He never told Bonnie it was Shauna.

He wasn't ready to explain… because even he wasn't sure what had just happened between them. It hadn't been planned. It hadn't been neat. But it had been honest.

And part of him hoped—really hoped—that maybe next time, she'd find him again.

Maybe even at the arcade.. Probably.

Somewhere in the back of the festival grounds, under a golden sky, the wind picked up gently, carrying with it the faintest scent of melted sugar and something else—something new.

Something hopeful.

A new Spark.