Chapter 10: Sparks of Fashion and Music
Okay time to see what will happen in Nimbasa City, I hope you all enjoy this one, I am also introducing a recurring character to the story.
The entrance of Nimbasa City was in front of Ash and Dawn as they continued their journey through the Unova region, Dawn looked up to her surprise to see the beautiful city in front of her, "oh wow, so this is Nimbasa City," Dawn whispered while looking in every direction to see the many different wonders the city had to offer, she heard music in the distance playing in the distance while spotting the smiles on the faces of the people, "Ash, can we see where that music is coming from?" Dawn asked the trainer hopefully while clasping her hands together.
Ash chuckled a little while watching his girlfriend standing there begging him to go to where the music was coming from, "alright we can go there," Ash obliged with a grin, Dawn jumped up with joy knowing that this was the first time the two got to spend some time together, "I know you have been waiting to spend some time together," Ash commented while Dawn walked ahead of the trainer joyfully taking in the sights.
"Hurry up Ash!" Dawn called over to Ash who smiled at the blue haired coordinator.
Ash caught up with Dawn as they walked through the city towards the origin of the music, eventually they made it to the hall to find that the guards were keeping guard, "excuse me, we would like to enter," Ash requested but the guards stood there uninterested.
"Sorry we can't let anyone in until the show is completed," the guard on the left replied.
Dawn looked to the ground in disappointment, as Dawn turned around a woman with short black hair walked up to the entrance of the music hall, "Ash I really wanted to see the show even for five minutes," Dawn said with a frown feeling a little upset about the fact that she couldn't see the show.
"Excuse me, I want those two to come in," the woman said with a smile as she pointed to Ash and Dawn, "come on you two enjoy the show," she called over to the couple.
Ash and Dawn walked into the music hall to hear the grand quality of music hitting ears, "excuse me, who are you?" Ash asked the woman curiously.
"Why I am the supermodel Elesa," the woman known as Elesa introduced herself to the trainer and coordinator, the trio walked to the entrance of the stage while the performance continued on the great stage, "you know a young woman by the name of Hilda started all of this," Elesa explained with a smile as she showed a spare set of seats in the house, "her love Hilbert also helped her, before he challenged me to a gym battle," Elesa explained while getting ready to walk off to get her gym ready for the trainer.
"Thanks Elesa, my name is Ash and this is Dawn," Ash introduced himself and Dawn to Elesa before heading into the theater to get to their seats.
Ash and Dawn walked towards the seats before sitting down to watch the rest of the show, the pokemon on the stage danced around while the music continued to play through the airways, at the top of the rafters was a small humanoid pokemon with long green hair, a black headpiece and a black dress watched the show enjoying the music and the dance, it was then the small pokemon looked down to see Dawn and Ash watching the show, the bluenette was joyfully talking to Ash as the show continued.
Dawn continued to watch the final moments of the show in awe, impressed by what she was watching, "wow this show is amazing," Dawn complimented while her eyes lit up as the show continued to move on.
Ash glanced over to Dawn with a smile knowing that Dawn was finally having fun, 'she is enjoying herself,' Ash thought happily as the curtain came down to end the show, the people got up and started cheering pleased with the performance they had seen, "you know Dawn, even ten minutes of that show allowed you to smile," Ash commented while clapping for the performers.
"Ash, I want to go backstage," Dawn requested much to the trainers shock.
The crowd walked out from the show leaving Ash and Dawn alone for a moment, the walked up to the front of the stage and tried to find an exit for the backstage, while search Elesa showed up and gestured for them to come to the door, she let them in, "you know, you two actually remind me of Hilda and Hilbert, both of them followed their dreams with all their heart," Elesa explained while leading Ash and Dawn to the backstage area of the musical that they had watched.
"I am actually after a rematch against a man by the name of Tobias," Ash told the gym leader causing her to stop in her tracks, "Elesa?" Ash called over to the gym leader who was amazed about what she had heard.
"I battled him almost a week ago, he used a powerful dark type pokemon," Elesa stated while looking back to see her next challenger clenching his fist, "I didn't stand a chance, he also told me that a man by the name of Ash Ketchum will be challenging me next," Elesa explained while looking over her shoulder to see the trainer Ash's rival was talking about.
"Yeah, I expected as much," Ash replied with a smirk as the group started walking again.
Elesa lead the duo to the entrance of the backstage room hoping to show her new friends the backstage area, "welcome to the place where all the magic happens," Elesa introduced the couple to the area with all the pokemon and the people that made the show possible, "here we get to show off the costumes and the talents the pokemon have," Elesa explained while Dawn looked around in awe.
"Wow this is amazing," Dawn chimed while looking around with joy before walking up to some of the pokemon in the room.
"So Elesa, you said something about Hilda and Hilbert, have you seen them around?" Ash asked the gym leader as he watched Dawn checking out the costumes for the show.
Elesa shook her head in sadness, "no I haven't seen them in two years, not since they defeated Team Plasma," Elesa replied while Dawn continued to enjoy herself, "so why is she so interested in Hilda's creation?" Elesa asked as she pointed over to Dawn.
"She is a coordinator, an excellent coordinator as well," Ash retorted with pride before following Dawn through the crowds of pokemon with Pikachu on his shoulder, Ash walked quietly blissfully before a small pokemon appeared in front of him, "he what is this pokemon?" Ash asked as he watched the small pokemon hover around his head, Ash grabbed for his pokedex and scanned the pokemon for any information, "A Meloetta, interesting, a pokemon that can use its voice to soothe people and pokemon alike," Ash said after gathering the information, the pokemon looked over to Dawn who had let out her pokemon to enjoy to sights of the place.
"Ah, I see you met Meloetta, it always shows up for our musicals," Elesa pointed out while watching the melody pokemon flew towards the blue haired coordinator, "it seems to have taken a liking toward you and Dawn," Elesa pointed out with a smile while Meloetta started to play around with Dawn, "oh almost forgot Meloetta is quite playful," Elesa told the trainer before walking out of the backstage area.
Ash and Dawn stayed around while Meloetta continued to tease the bluenette, "Ash, are you tapping my shoulder?" Dawn asked while she felt a tap on her right shoulder, Dawn looked around as the pokemon feel out of sight and Ash laughing at her while the legendary pokemon continued to play with her, "alright show yourself," Dawn demanded with anger a she turned around to see who was standing behind her but still found nothing.
"Come on out Meloetta," Ash called for the melody pokemon.
The small pokemon appeared in front of Dawn who stared in amazement, "wow Ash this pokemon is so cute," Dawn declared while extending her right hand out towards the legendary pokemon, Meloetta hovered on the spot for a moment and turned its eyes to Ash, "you know Ash, maybe I should catch this pokemon," Dawn joked while pulling out her pokeball and stared at the pokemon for a moment.
"No Dawn, maybe it should just travel with us instead," Ash replied knowingly as Dawn placed her pokeball back in her pocket, "you know we should have a look around the city before I take on Elesa," Ash commented proudly.
"You know Ash, we need something to eat, so how about we go out and get some lunch?" Dawn asked Ash quietly.
The two walked out of the Music Hall followed by Meloetta who was starting to gain more interest in the two people it had recently met. Meloetta vanished to prevent from being seen by the public while watching Ash and Dawn walking through the streets looking for a place to eat at, "let's see, how about some pasta?" Ash asked with a smile while continuing their search for food.
"No way Ash, I want something a little different, some pizza would be nice," Dawn replied much to the trainers surprise, they continued to walk through the city before finding the sports arenas, they looked across the street to find a pizza café with a large TV and a few people sitting inside enjoying the atmosphere.
"Let's go there Ash," Dawn demanded before grabbing the trainer's arm and pulling him towards the café, Ash tried to stop Dawn but she was too determined to get some of the pizza, "no need for you to resist Ash," Dawn told her boyfriend while frowning at him.
"How can I resist? It isn't like I have a choice," Ash replied with sarcasm while walking into the café with Dawn holding his arm.
An attendant greeted up to Ash and Dawn promptly as they entered the café, "how may I help you out?" the male attendant asked the duo with a smile.
"We would like a table for two," Dawn replied quickly before the two were led to a table in a nice location by the attendant.
"Alright you two, what you need to know is that this is an all you can eat, ten pokedollers each," the attendant told Ash and Dawn with a smile before heading off towards the next lot of customers.
Ash and Dawn walked up to the food counters and took a plate, they walked around and started grabbing some of the food, "so Ash, will you be facing Elesa after we had some food?" Dawn asked the trainer while placing another slice of pizza on her plate, while Ash piled his plate up with food, Dawn took a look at the plate and giggled at how high it was going, "still the same old Ash," Dawn commented while getting ready to walk back to the table before watching Ash struggle back to the table with the food swaying from side to side.
"Well about that battle, yeah I intend to battle Elesa today," Ash replied to Dawn's question much to her disappointment, "once I get that out of the way, we can spend more time together," Ash explained before placing a slice of pizza into his mouth.
"Well it does seem that I have found something interesting Ash, those Pokemon Musicals have really got me thinking, Hilda introduced musicals, so I will try my best to introduce contests," Dawn explained while grabbing a slice of pizza.
Dawn placed the slice of pizza in her mouth before a mysterious light appeared between the couple, Ah looked down to see the small pokemon with long green hair again, Ash swallowed his food and grinned at it, "so Meloetta, you're following us?" Ash asked the melody pokemon favorably, Meloetta nodded in approval before grabbing some fruit from the table in front of it, "want to watch me battle Elesa?" Ash asked the legendary pokemon while it took a bite from the bright red fruit.
Dawn continued to eat her food saddened by the fact the legendary pokemon appeared to enjoy the meal with them, "you know Ash, I was kind of hoping to enjoy lunch with only you," Dawn commented while Meloetta stared at Ash and Dawn before disappearing to let Ash and Dawn have some time alone, "Meloetta is gone," Dawn pointed to area where the small pokemon was sitting was gone.
"Come on Dawn, I am sure Meloetta knew what was going on," Ash replied while taking another slice of pizza.
Meanwhile outside the pizza café Meloetta was floating outside watching Ash and Dawn finish their lunch, seeing Ash and Dawn talking and enjoying the atmosphere, Meloetta continued to look at Ash and his Pikachu thinking about the upcoming battle between Ash and Elesa. Meloetta watch as the trainer walked up to the front counter and paid for the meal while Dawn waltzed over to the trainer.
Ash emerged from the café with Dawn lagging behind him, "Come on Dawn, I really want to get this battle out of the way so we can spend more time together," Ash called out to the bluenette who was dawdling for a moment, "plus I really enjoy my battles more when you cheer for me," Ash teased the coordinator leading her to smile at him.
Ash and Dawn walked through the city to find the gym for the next battle, "look at that Ash, after you win, we need to go for a Ferris Wheel ride," Dawn told the trainer while walking into the theme park, to get to the gym, "oh wow, have a look at the games and rides," Dawn said with more optimism as they journeyed through the park until they spotted a building at the end of the park, "hey I wonder if that is the building," Dawn pointed over to the large building in front of the duo before noticing Meloetta hovering next to a window.
"Well I guess it's time to find out," Ash commented before rushing into the building.
"Welcome to the Nimbasa Gym, your pokemon and mine, time to see whose star shines brightest," a familiar female voice called out, when one of the lights shone down on the person who was wearing a fur coat. "So Ash, are you ready to face my electric pokemon?" the woman asked before showing her face to Ash.
"Bring it on Elesa," Ash replied while pulling out one of his pokeballs, Dawn walked into the building with Ash standing at one end of a catwalk.
"Zebstrika, time to light the stage," Elesa called out for her first pokemon, a zebra like pokemon stood in the middle of the battlefield ready to face whatever Ash had to offer, "I heard from the other gym leaders that you're strong," Elesa commented with confidence while Ash nodded in approval.
"Lucario, I choose you," Ash yelled out for his first pokemon.
While the two trainer waited for the first move Dawn was sitting down ready to cheer for Ash before a bright light appeared next to her, she looked down to see Meloetta sitting next to her, "you want to cheer with me?" Dawn asked the legendary pokemon with joy, the melody pokemon bowed its head blissfully as the two got ready to cheer the trainer on for the next badge, "come on Ash, show Elesa what you've got!" Dawn cheered loudly while Meloetta watched with anticipation.
"Zebstrika start things off with Flame Charge," Elesa instructed her pokemon with confidence, the electric type pokemon charge towards the steel type pokemon with a flaming aura.
Ash smirked knowing it was all about building speed up in this battle, "not so fast, Lucario counter with Bone Rush," Ash ordered his pokemon quickly, the aura pokemon drew his palms together to form a large bone, the aura pokemon charged towards the incoming attacker swinging the bone of energy against the charging pokemon.
"Dodge it now," Elesa called out quickly, the electric pokemon did as it was told and jumped away from the attack in the nick of time, "wow his pokemon is well trainer," Elesa sighed while the bone disappeared from the fighting types paws, "if that hit, my pokemon would have been in trouble," Elesa reminded herself while showing signs of caution, "Alright keep your distance and attack with Thunderbolt," Elesa commanded with a little more confidence.
Ash smirked for a moment and waited for the blast of electricity to be released, "dodge the attack," Ash quietly told his pokemon before getting ready to attack once again, "hey Elesa let's see if you can tell what happens next," Ash commented while the electric type unleashed a mighty bolt of lightning, the fighting type jumped out of the way as the massive bolt slammed into the ground, 'Aura Sphere now,' Ash nodded to his pokemon, the aura pokemon placed his palms together forming a ball of aura much to Elesa's surprise.
"Aura Sphere, but he didn't give the command," Elesa said in shock before her pokemon was hit by the powerful attack.
"I should tell you that, I can manipulate aura," Ash said with a proud smile while watching the opposing pokemon slowly get back up, "amazing not many pokemon I have battled got up after that, but it also see that your pokemon lost a chunk of its health," Ash complimented the gym leader's pokemon as it ot ready to attack again, "Lucario attack with Force Palm," Ash instructed his pokemon quickly.
"Dodge it hurry," Elesa called out with panic starting to build. After the command Zebrstrika tried to dodge but was unsuccessful and was hit by a powerful attack by, "impressive his pokemon is not only strong but very powerful," Elesa told herself as she recalled her fallen pokemon.
Elesa watched as the trainer recalled his pokemon, "yeah, I do like letting my opponents seeing my pokemon," Ash commented while picking another of his pokeballs for the next round.
"Emolga, time to light the stage," Elesa called out a small electric flying squirrel pokemon, "show me what other pokemon you have," Elesa set out the challenge.
"So Elesa, which one would you like to see?" Ash asked the gym leader while Dawn and Meloetta watched on in amazement.
"Just any pokemon will do just fine," Elesa replied with confidence.
"How about one I caught a little while ago, Zorua, I choose you," Ash called for his next pokemon.
Dawn looked on in shock knowing that Zorua was nowhere near as strong as Ash's other pokemon, "come on Ash, what about the other two?" Dawn asked in anger before realizing what he was doing, 'oh right, he is trying to get this one to become stronger,' Dawn reminded herself while the small black pokemon stared at the electric type pokemon.
"Emolga, attack with Aerial Ace," Elesa demanded for the first attack of the round.
"Night Slash," Ash countered quickly.
The two pokemon charged towards one another, with their attacks, the tricky fox pokemon charged with extended dark claws while the opposing electric type sped towards Zorua. The two pokemon collided in the middle of the battlefield, knocking the two pokemon back, "Emolga, attack with Discharge," Elesa called out for the next attack.
"Dark Pulse!" Ash yelled out for another counter attack.
The two pokemon unleashed their attacks with Zorua quickly getting overpowered by the devastating wave of electricity, Zorua took the attack and fell back while Emolga got ready to attack again, "Emolga attack with Aerial Ace," Elesa called for another attack, Emolga quickly flew through the air while Zorua slowly got back up.
"Attack with Shadow Ball," Ash ordered his pokemon. A ball of shadowy energy formed above the mouth of Zorua as the electric type pokemon got closer, the dark type unleashed the attack before the flying moving landed dealing significant damage to Elesa's pokemon.
"Yeah that's right Ash, keep going!" Dawn yelled out while the two pokemon glared at each other panting from the pace of the battle, "do it Ash!" Dawn continued to yell while Meloetta watched Dawn cheering for Ash.
Ash looked out the corner of his eye and smiled proudly, "alright time to end this round, Zorua attack with Flamethrower!" Ash hollered for the dark type to attack yet again.
The tricky fox pokemon unleashed a powerful blast of flames at the tiring electric type pokemon, but the small pokemon quickly flew around the flames, "alright, time to win this round, Emolga attack with Discharge," Elesa ordered quickly.
The sky squirrel pokemon unleashed a powerful burst of electricity knocking the flames away while hitting Zorua and knocking it out, "Zorua no!" Ash called out to his fallen pokemon.
"Wow, Zorua put up a really good fight," Dawn commented while feeling sorry for the dark type pokemon.
"You did well Zorua, take a long rest," Ash recalled his pokemon before looking over to his partner pokemon, "Alright Pikachu, time to win us another badge," Ash called over to his electric type pokemon, "Elesa, your pokemon won't last one move against my Pikachu, that wouldn't be fair," Ash told the gym leader while Dawn watched in shock knowing that this wasn't like Ash.
"Ash, I am a gym leader I cannot recall my pokemon from battle," Elesa replied with a smile, "it's great that you are so chivalrous, but Emolga wants to continue to battle," Elesa commented with a smile, Emolga looked over to Pikachu panting from the last round, Ash shrugged his shoulders knowing that Elesa had made up her mind, "Emolga attack with Aerial Ace," Elesa instructed her pokemon quickly.
"Thunderbolt now Pikachu," Ash ordered his pokemon with supreme confidence. The electric mouse unleashed a devastating bold of electricity at the incoming attack hitting it with amazing power, Elesa could only watch in disbelief as her pokemon was knocked out of the battle in one powerful move.
"Amazing, your Pikachu packs a punch," Elesa complimented while recalling her fallen pokemon, Elesa let out a grin while pulling out her next pokeball, she looked over to Ash who was extremely confident, "Eelectross, time to shine," Elesa called out her final pokemon, "just so you know, this pokemon is extremely powerful, she has only lose one battle in five years," Elesa pointed out while Ash started to gain a big picture on how powerful Elesa's pokemon was going to be.
"My guess is Darkrai," Ash replied with a smile, "Pikachu attack with Iron Tail," Ash told his electric mouse to start the round.
"Show him power with Dragon Claw," Elesa told her pokemon with a confident smile.
The two pokemon charged at one another with their attacks ready to strike, the Elefish pokemon's claws began to glow a pure white while the electric mouse's tail stiffened before the two struck in Elesa's half of the battlefield, the two pokemon began to compete for supremacy in the battle but were both pushed back, "not bad Elesa, not many pokemon have pushed my Pikachu back over the last two years," Ash complimented the gym leader as the opposing pokemon glared at Pikachu, "this should be fun," Ash declared while clenching his fist in joy.
"Wow those two are evenly matched," Dawn pointed out in amazement while the two trainers waited for a chance to make the next move.
"Eelektross attack with Rock Slide," Elesa ordered her pokemon with certainty.
Ash waited for the chance to counter while a large avalanche of boulders started to rush towards the electric mouse, "Iron Tail to push them back," Ash ordered his pokemon quickly and without hesitation, the small electric pokemon ran through the boulders knocking some away with his tail with incredicle skill, the electric mouse then charged towards Eelektross ready to attack, "now attack with Volt Tackle!" Ash yelled out for another attack.
"Yeah right, Eelektross, show them Wild Charge," Elesa commanded with great assurance.
The two pokemon charged at one another with a thunderous aura coming from each pokemon, the two pokemon collided in the middle of the battlefield causing bolts of lightning to fly in every direction, the two combatants flew away from the impact zone hitting the ground from the powerful attacks, "Pikachu are you alright buddy?" Ash asked his pokemon nervously.
The small pokemon jumped up and waited to see what would happen next, "well done Ash, that battle was most electrifying," Elesa said while recalling her pokemon, the woman walked over to Ash and presented him with the badge, "I can't believe how good you are," Elesa stated while Ash took the badge from her hand.
Dawn ran towards Ash, "well done Ash, even Meloetta was cheering… for you," Dawn said with confidence while pointing over to an empty seat, "oh come on where did Meloetta go to now?" Dawn asked in disbelief causing Ash to laugh for a moment.
"No need to worry Dawn, now that my battle is over, how about we go on that Ferris Wheel tonight?" Ash asked causing Dawn to stare at the trainer with her mouth agape.
Dawn quickly came to her sense and nodded before running out of the gym, "hurry up Ash, we don't have all night," Dawn demanded while Ash lowered his head with a chuckle.
Ash quickly followed Dawn towards the Ferris Wheel while being watched by Meloetta from a distance, the melody pokemon slowly moved towards the couple not wanting to be seen by the duo, "oh come on Dawn, can I heal my pokemon first?" Ash asked in protest but Dawn grabbed his arm and dragged him towards the amusement.
"I finally found a goal Ash, I want to introduce contests to this region," Dawn declared with joy as the two stood in line.
"Yeah that's great Dawn, but my pokemon went through a tough battle," Ash complained while the line got shorter.
Ash and Dawn made it into the ride while Meloetta was watching from a distance, the small pokemon want invisible so it could get closer, "you know Ash, apart from my pokemon, I think Meloetta would make a great contest partner," Dawn chimed in happily while Meloetta watch them enter the ride.
"Yes but Dawn, Meloetta is a legendary pokemon, they are best allowed to roam free," Ash commented but Dawn remained uninterested.
"I know Ash, but I think Meloetta would be a great friend," Dawn replied while taking a seat inside the cabin with Ash taking a seat next to her, Dawn moved closer resting her head on the trainer's shoulder, "it's about time we did something like this," Dawn quietly told the trainer while closing her eyes.
"Yeah I know, the sunset is amazing," Ash remarked while watching the setting sun with Dawn sitting next to him, "so how do you intend to get Unova to know about contests?" Ash asked but Dawn became more interested in spending this time with Ash.
"No need to worry Ash, I will find a way," Dawn replied blissfully as the ride came to an end, Ash pulled out his money and handed some of it to the attendant, "what you want us to stay in here for a while?" Dawn asked with great surprise.
Ash nodded and placed his right arm around Dawn, "yeah, to see the rest of Nimbasa City before we continue on with our journey," Ash replied while looking up to see the inky sky getting dotted with small white dots and the large white moon.
"Thank you Ash," Dawn replied sweetly while the couple continued to stay in the compartment enjoying the scenery together.
I hope you all enjoyed this one, the reason why this one was released a little later was because I have been pretty busy of late, and it will not be getting any quieter for me.
Yes I thought Meloetta would make an interesting addition to the story, but unlike the anime, I will be keeping this legendary pokemon in the story but as a recurring character.
How will Dawn introduce Contests to Unova? What role will Meloetta play in future chapters?
Next time chapter 11: Plasma strikes back