AN: Hello! Here is episode 21! Good news I found some of these they were dialogues pre-written. Bad news, the episodes don't occur until a little while. I was getting ahead of myself. Oh well. Anyway, our heroines have made it to Goldenrod City! I hope you enjoy.

BTW: This episode is a little different. If you have any questions let me know and links pictures are provided at the end.

Disclaimer: Do we have to go through this? I don't own Pokémon or the AMAZING pictures I used. If the creators ever seem them, you are Amazing too!

Episode 21: Fashion Under Passion

Naomi squealed. She was so happy. She was over the moon and felt like nothing could change her mood.

They had gotten to Goldenrod City three days earlier than expected. Korina's contest wasn't until Friday and it was currently Saturday. Naomi knows she should care, but she was in complete paradise as they walked beneath Goldenrod City browsing the underground shops. Trainers and Pokémon littered the area and were enjoying all the different facilities available. Haircuts. Massages. Medicines. Care Products. They had everything.

"Where should we look first?" Korina asked.

"I think it's already been decided." Zane said as she pointed to Naomi whose eyes were locked on the area ahead of them.

"Come on." Korina said pulling Naomi toward the fashion studio.

"These are incredible!" Naomi squealed as she looked at all the different outfits and photos available. She recognized some of the designers there and admired their work. She aspired to be like them one day. She would be. She just needed to look out for opportunities. "Huh?"

Goldenrod Amateur Fashion Designer Contest? Naomi grinned and rushed to the flier. It was Tuesday and designer had to come prepared. She had today and tomorrow. She could totally do it! Someone was looking out for her. She quickly grabbed some information and ran to the where they registering.

"Where did Naomi go?" Zane asked.

"I think we lost her." Korina sighed.

"Guys!" Naomi called to her friends. "I entered a fashion contest."

"What?" They both asked.

"Yeah. It's Tuesday so I'll have the rest of today and the next two days to prepare. The theme is show casing of Johto."

"Sounds awesome!" Zane said. Like any region had something the other valued above anything else. It would be interesting to see what others thought.

"Good luck!" Korina said.

"Thanks. Now I just need to figure out what I'm doing." Naomi said as she thought about Johto.

After working for two hours Naomi admitted she was lost and didn't know very much about her theme. She was from Kanto and Johto was very different than her home region despite they were neighbors. The rules she got at registration said she could use any material and assistance they wanted as long as the entry was entirely their own design. Assistance? She slyly turned her head toward Zane. Zane who had been sitting on her bed petting Cyndaquil looked up in time to see the look.

"I don't like that look." Zane said gravely. Zane felt a sense of fear shutter through her body.

"So Zane. You live in Johto. Want to tell me about it?" Naomi asked as she gave Zane the puppy dog look and jumped on the bed next to her. She knew it didn't work on her, but it was the thought that counted.

"Look in a travel guide..." Zane said cautiously.

"Come on! That would take too much research! Please tell me about Johto from a person who lives here. How would you describe your region you call home?" Naomi asked.

"Zane, you might as well help her." Korina said.

"Fine." Zane said. She wanted Naomi to do this herself and take the easy way out. Her father always told it was more rewarding to figure it out on your own and ask for help when you truly needed it. "Well, I've noticed Johto is very traditional and very in tune with history and mythology."

"What kind of myths?" Naomi asked. She admitted to herself she both interested in the myths themselves as well for knowing and research.

"'Well the one about the Burned Tower which used to be called Brass Tower and Tin Tower is pretty popular. About 700 years ago there were two towers that stood in Ecruteak City called Brass and Tin that represented friendship and hope between people and Pokémon. Each belonged to the legendary Pokémon Lugia and Ho-oh respectively. I think for around 550 years they stood until lighting struck Tin Tower and was engulfed in flames for 3 days. Suddenly it rained putting out the fire. However, the tower already burned and three Pokémon perished in the fire. It is said Ho-oh came down and revived the Pokémon known as Suicune, Raikou, and Entei. After that Ho-oh and Lugia flew away and no one has sighted them since. It is said they disappeared upset by the distance between people and Pokémon and yearn for a person to touch the hearts and souls of Pokémon once more.' My dad told the story so much." Zane told her story.

"That's so cool!" Naomi said.

"We can tour the Burned Tower when we get to Ecruteak City. There's a gym there and is just north of here. I think they have a contest hall too." Zane said.

"It's on the agenda!" Korina said.

"Did it give you any ideas about what to design?" Zane asked.

"Yup! I have to a little of my own research, but I think I've got something." Naomi answered.

"Do you have time?" Korina asked.

"Don't worry about that. If you're willing to help we can get it done." Naomi said. "That's if you're willing."

"Sure we will!" Korina answered.

"She's right. We're here for you like you do for us." Zane added.

"Thanks guys. Alright we have until Tuesday morning to get it done. Zane, can I borrow Scyther?"

"Sure, what for?" Zane asked.

"He likes to cut things so his blades will be awesome for slicing the fabric carefully and precisely."

"That's awesome!" Korina commented.

"I'm sure he'd be happy to help with that." Zane said as she thought about her Scyther.

"Finished!" Naomi said ready to show the design to her friends a couple hours later. She looked to her Smeargle who helped with color scheme and he nodded in agreement. She held it close to her chest. It just felt so right and she just hated to be disappointed. Was she sure about this? Did this embodied what the Johto region meant? "What do you think?"

"I love it!" Zane said immediately.

"Me too! I love it!" Korina added.

"But you haven't heard the explanation!" Naomi shrieked.

"Don't have too. I can already parts of Johto there without you telling me." Zane said.

"I bet I'll understand with the explanation, but it looks awesome!" Korina said.

"Thanks guys." Naomi said as she looked at her design with more confidence.

The next morning they were up bright and early to get started on Naomi's design. Despite having the next two days to work on it didn't seem like a lot of time in the long run. Naomi pulled her friends from store to store looking for the right materials. She found what she wanted relatively quick and because she both bought so much and was contestant the shop let her choose some from the small material for free. Naomi felt over the moon. So far she had nothing to worry about in terms of the design. Luckily the group putting together the contest gave each contestant a place they could with sewing machines if they wanted.

"Zane come here."

"Yeah, what's up?" Zane asked as she came over to where Naomi was who was holding a tape measure and a pencil.

"Put your arms out."

"Okay..." Zane said unsure, but did so anyway. "May I inquire why you're taking a measurement of my wingspan?"

"I want you to be my model."

"Oh. What?!"

Korina heard Zane's reaction and snickered.

"Yeah, you're from Johto and I could use that to my advantage. Korina is from Sinnoh and even if I could be the model I'm from Kanto. I feel this will mean more. Sorry, I'm using you...again."

"I've noticed." Zane deadpanned.

"You're from Kanto and you're going to describe Johto?" a voice said.

"Excuse me?" Naomi said. "Yes I am."

"Good luck with that. Just to let you know. They're totally different right down to the soil."

"Bell." Bellossom, the Pokémon beside her agreed.

"That doesn't mean much." Naomi said.

"Please, it does. It is what makes Johto and you'll see on Tuesday with my winning design made by Cecelia Lavender. Come Bellossom, let's leave to collect our scraps."

"I hate people like that." Korina growled. Zane nodded in agreement.

"I'm not worried. I have all of you and I think mind is more about the essence than the dirt."

"Way to go!" Korina said.

"Now, let's finish this."

"Bulba." Bulbasaur said as she held the pieces together for her trainer as she stitched them together. Bulbasaur looked at her trainer fascinated. This was what Naomi wanted to do. She could get behind this dream beautifully.

"Thank you. What do you all think?" she asked them.

"Bulba!" she agreed.

"Iggly!" Igglypuff said as she reached for the fabric on the side.

"No, no dear. I'll make you something later, promise." Naomi said pulling her baby Pokémon away so she wouldn't get hurt by falling attempting the grab it.

"Iggly!"

"Smear!" Smeargle said in agreement giving her a thumbs up.

"Thanks!"

Naomi proudly smiled to herself Monday afternoon. She finally finished and just in time. The design she saw on papers not even two days ago was in her hands ready to be shown. She was proud of herself whether it won or not. As she put it together she thought of why this was Johto in fabric form. She had down pack and she looked to her side project too. She was sure they'd agree.

"Korina, can I borrow Chikorita?" Naomi then asked her other friend. "I want to showcase a Johto Pokémon. I had some extra fabric and got some for free at the store with I bought and made this." Naomi said showing her the sweater. "She can keep it too."

"That's so cute! Sure!" Korina said immediately calling out Chikorita and showing it to her.

"Chika!" Chikorita said happily agreeing with the sweater.

"Awesome! Thank you so much! You and Zane are going to be amazing tomorrow!" Naomi said hugging the grass type.

"Chika?!" Who?!

"Welcome to the Amor Amateur Stylist Contest. Stylist from far away or right in your own city of Goldenrod have come with their designs to show our judges and you what they feel represents the meaning of the Johto region. Our judges are young artist Marissa Molly, Poké Chic editor Hermonine Sharan, and the elegant Paris Indigo. The stylist will be evaluated on these factors: creativity of their design, their explanation of their design, and how well it fits the theme. The winner will be feature in the next issue of Johto Style and mentioned around the many shops around the regions. Now what do you say we get started?" the announcer said.

"Yay!"

"The first will be Cecelia from Goldenrod City."

As Cecelia walked by Naomi she smirked. Naomi held her fist to her sides. She wasn't going to start anything like they did yesterday at the store. Naomi then gasped when she saw her design model walk out on stage.

"Those colors..." Naomi said as Cecelia's model came out wearing the dress she designed that had both yellow and green.

"Perhaps it is just a coincidence." Korina said as she put a hand on her shoulder.

Cecelia then began her explanation, "Everywhere you visit in Johto is a represented by nature. Violet City to Blackthorn. Johto has such a strong connection to nature. Green and yellow are what I think nature is represented as color. The dress is rather simple, but has multiple layers to such a deep and rich region Johto is giving a simple and natural look. Despite living in Goldenrod I know I can go outside and experience nature as Johto is so alive from the people to the Pokémon. Thank you."

The people clapped and cheered as Cecelia finished and her model walked the stage showing off the design. Naomi looked to the judges and saw them writing and one gave a nod. Marissa? She was younger and she seemed to like the design However, the other judges were more stoic so she barely get a read off them. She took a deep breath to calm herself as she watched all the other designs.

"And lastly coming all the way from Kanto we have Naomi!"

Naomi looked across to the other side and nodded to Zane. She nodded back and prepared to walk out. Zane looked great in the outfit. Her dark brown hair accented it nicely to contrast the white. She was glad Zane didn't give up when she poked her with the needle...over ten times. Zane took like a champ and Naomi was grateful, for each of them. She never would have gotten this far without her friends. This much what it felt like when she helped them with training.

Korina looked to Chikorita and did the same. Chikorita looked to her trainer and nodded too. She would behave and not trip the other trainer. This was important to Korina because it was to Naomi. Plus she liked Naomi a lot plus Naomi said she could keep the sweater. However, it took a while at first, but both Korina and Naomi convinced Chikorita to model the sweater alongside Zane. It wouldn't be for very long and Korina kind of guilt tripped her. The sweater was made especially for her and Chikorita kind did owe to her for her stunt first meeting them. Internally, Chikorita deduced that she could give Zane this time since Zane didn't rat her out in Union Cave.

Naomi walked out on stage and a moment later Zane followed with Chikorita. As soon as the design appeared a lot of people muttered among themselves. From what she could hear it was positive and some confused. She closed her eyes and settled her nerves. She could hear her Pokémon who were with Korina cheering for her.

'Thanks guys.'

Naomi then began her speech.

"I only arrived in Johto a couple months ago and instead of relying on my own observations and ideas I decided to ask the people who live here including my model who is native here. They more about the region they call home than anyone else. For my design I decided to focus on the history and traditional style. Also Johto has proven that it can had a modern flare so I designed a modern two piece kimono dress. The main piece as you can see is red, black and white representing Ho-oh. Ho-oh as you know is the heart of Johto, I feel Ho-oh is the friendship aspects of the towers of Ecruteak City. The jacket which can be taken off represent Lugia. Both legendary Pokémon are two separate Pokémon, but can come together to create one idea. The white and blue colors as such. This is hope and the soul of the Johto region. The flowers are light and duller colors of yellow and green which accents the idea of friendship and hope. Chikorita, a Pokémon of Johto ready to go with this trainer on a journey to discover more than just what's black and white. I feel the main idea is within Johto is the strong idea of friendship with Pokémon and putting hope on top of that is what makes this region special. The Pokémon and deep history one has to look a little deeper to uncover."

During the speech Zane walked the stage. She stopped in front of the judges and slowly slipped off the jacket and twirled slowly before sliding it back up. Zane couldn't help think this was killing her.

Korina snickered. She didn't think Zane was going to do that, but it got the point they all looked pleased. Also the irony. Naomi talked about the friendship of trainer and Pokémon and those two couldn't be further away from friends.

Naomi walked off with a smile. She did it. Compete in her first fashion show. She felt like she could say she was on the same level as her friends now. They competed all the time and now she joined their ranks. Only time would tell if she actually would join them in taking the steps closer to her dream.

"Naomi, I about cried." Zane said hugging her. "I felt like you captured Johto perfectly."

"Thanks. I tried my best. Now we wait."

"The results are in! Now, we'll have Madame Sharan reveal our winner."

"After much consideration we decided our winner. All the designs today were unique and truly showed something different about the Johto region. However, one stood above them all and showcased what we were truly looking for. The design was unique and the explanation was enchanting. Congratulations Naomi Porter."

"Naomi you won!" Korina said as she hugged her friend.

"I won?"

"Yes! Go!" Zane said giving her a push.

Naomi stumbled a little and eventually straighten out and walked over to the judges. She shook each of their hands.

"That was excellent young lady. You have a bright future ahead of you." Hermonine said to her.

"Thank you." Naomi said trying to hold back her tears of joy.

"Let's see the design and get the photo."

After an hour the excitement calmed down. The design was going to be featured in the next issues of fashion magazines all across the regions. Naomi couldn't wait for people to see it and to tell her mom. She couldn't believe that she even got offers for people to buy the dress. However, she said the magazines could create replicas if they desired. Naomi then told Zane she could keep the original. Zane about cried thanking her.

"I just wish I could have used Cyndaquil too and if one of us had a Totodile would have been amazing. To feature all three Johto starters. I'm glad they gave me points for including Pokémon too." Naomi said as they walked out. "Madame Sharan gave me her card. She said I could call her if I wanted to see about an offer."

"That's amazing! You're already so much closer to your dream." Korina said happy Naomi was happy.

"Not really. I want my own business. These are stepping stones, plus I want to keep traveling with you guys. I wouldn't give this up and we still have to help Professor Krystopher and her study."

"Right."

"I bet you feel good about yourself."

"Cecelia." Naomi said acknowledging her.

"I admit your design was captivating, but that doesn't mean you're good enough to stand alone. Just wait and you'll come across something you can't handle yet." Cecelia sneered as she walked away.

"Rude." Zane snorted.

"She's right, but I'll worry about it when the time comes." Naomi said.

"Someone's singing a different tune." Zane commented.

"What can I say? I feel motivated and need to stand with the expectations." Naomi said smiling.

AN: I hope you like this fashionable episode! This took like 5 hours to complete and I'm pretty proud. Yes, I used some fashion anime characters, not mine either. Anyway, I hope you liked it and Naomi's boost of confidence. In the meantime I hope you'll Review/Comment, Favorite, and Follow! I'll see you next time! Bye friends!

In my profile there is a section that should have the links to the designs that were used to inspire each character's designs.

Preview: Clear the plain(ing) fields! The third gym battle has arrived and our battling heroine is up to try and receive her third badge? Will she wipe the floor with Whitney and come out victorious? Find out next time! Pokémon Friends Until the End Episode 22: Coming in Third!