Nimbasa Arc: The Big Surprise

They were able to get seats in the front row and Jacky waited anxiously while Mari leaned back, relatively relaxed, because she didn't care all too much. A light flickered on in the barely lit hall. "Here we go!" Jacky exclaimed. A young woman appeared on the stage. She was slim and had black hair framing her face in two long braids. She wore a yellow and blue belly top and identically colored shorts. She was wearing headphones. "Woah... is that Elesa? She's even prettier than in the pictures!" The blonde-haired girl almost gushed. The gym leader grabbed a microphone that was on the stage. "Good afternoon, dear audience!" Applause immediately erupted and enthusiastic cheers and whistles filled the gym. Elesa smiled. The big screen behind her flared up, showing her in large. "I welcome you to my fashion show today. I'm glad to see so many of you here." She walked down the catwalk. "Join me in welcoming models from around the world today!" She raised her hand as a line of models came down the runway. They all wore wonderfully pretty, stylish or cool clothes and appeared again some time later with their partner Pokémon. Elesa disappeared from the catwalk and appeared herself a little later in a bright white kimono that made her even prettier than she already was. Next to her stood her Zebstrika. "I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the amazing fashion designers from Alola and Johto for their wonderful masterpieces! Thank you so much!" She bowed and the applause drowned out even the music in the background. Elesa was still smiling and then raised her arms. "Let the show begin!"

After a show of different clothes and dances, Elesa bowed and announced: "That's it for today. Fan merchandise and featured clothing items are now available for purchase in the store here at the park. But please, don't overwhelm the poor employees." She winked and many girls in the audience only saw hearts.
"We really need to go there!" Jacky whispered and Mari nodded. "Alright...",
"And now one last announcement. This is for everyone who wants to do a gym battle this week! I want to surprise you this time, so I won't be at my gym. Those who want to challenge me should come to the big stadium in the city center at noon! I look forward to seeing you and your Pokémon shine!" She bowed again.

When the show was over, Jacky dragged Mari to the fan store. Many others flocked there as well. Jacky looked around excitedly, "Woah! This is paradise!" Mari tilted her head and looked in a certain direction. "...Wait here for a minute.",
"What are you up to?",
"You'll see in a minute." The black-haired girl walked over to one of the store's employees and talked to her before they both disappeared into a locker room. After a while, Mari stepped out again, suddenly wearing an azure kimono with silver floral patterns. An equally silver bow was around her waist. She walked over to Jacky. "Well, how do I look?",
"Wow..." Jacky looked at her dreamily. "Wonderful... Like it was made for you!"
Mari indicated a curtsy. "Thank you, my dear." She smiled. "I already bought this one... Who knows when I'll need something more distinguished than my other clothing choices.", "Whenever that will be, all eyes will be on you!",
"Nonsense." Mari giggled and waved it off.

They continued to look around the store and Jacky got some new clothes as well before Mari changed again and they left the store. "Are you still going to the gym today?" Mari asked. Jacky shook her head. "Uh... no, I changed my mind. I'm going to train a little more first and then go tomorrow.",
"I thought so." Mari laughed. "You're preaching to me about training before a gym battle and you haven't done a handshake yourself yet." Jacky smiled awkwardly. "Well, uh... Yeah.", "I'm doing my gym challenge tomorrow too, after you", Mari said.
"Alright."

They entered the Pokémon Center. Jacky put her brand new clothes in her room before going outside to train. Mari stayed behind in the room.
The next morning, Jacky stood in front of Mari's bed, perplexed. "I tried to wake her up, but she's sleeping like a rock... We have to get her out of bed or she'll miss her gym battle..." Then she grinned nastily. Revenge time. "Ready, Noibat?",
"Prrr!"
Jacky covered her ears as it used Screech and made Mari wake up instantly. "Woah, what the...?! Holy fucking shit, Jacky! What the hell was that for?",
"Sweet, sweet revenge~",
"I'll show you revenge!" Mari crossed her arms. "I don't even need a Pokémon to chase you out of bed." Then, she got up and disappeared into the bathroom. She got ready and after breakfast, they left for a little training before heading towards the stadium at noon. "I'm already curious about the surprise Elesa was talking about," Jacky said.
Yeah, same, actually", Mari admitted.

As they approached the stadium, they heard music and people shouting with excitement. "...What the heck is going on in there?" Mari asked, confused. Jacky already had a guess. "M-Mari, I think this is..." They crossed the lobby and when they arrived inside the massive arena, they saw models presenting themselves on the large field of the stadium. "...A fashion show!" she finished her sentence, flashed.
"Uh... Okay...?" Mari looked around, puzzled, as a spotlight fell on her, scaring her half to death.
"And now it's time for our first challenger to take the stage and let this hall shine with her Pokémon." Elesa stood in the middle of the field and smiled at Mari. "Come here, pretty girl!" The audience that had gathered in the stands raised their fists in the air and cheered her on. "Uh..." Mari looked helplessly at Jacky. "I th-thought you wanted to go first...?",
"It's okay. Go!",
"But... I... In front of an audience...?",
"It'll be fine. Go on!", Jacky urged her. Mari swallowed quietly, then ventured onto the field.

"What's your name?" Elesa wanted to know when the young trainer stopped in front of her. "Mari," she answered insecurely.
"Hello, Mari." Elesa reached out to her with a smile and they shook hands before the gym leader turned to the audience and spread her arms. "Dear audience! The gym battle of Nimbasa City will take place in just a few moments! This young lady will face me and fight for the Bolt Badge, and you get to be up close and watch this spectacle unfold! It will be a two-on-two battle. The one whose Pokémon are defeated first will lose this battle, as per tradition!" The audience cheered, and Mari grew nervous. Elesa turned back to her. "Keep calm, child. You now have your chance to show people what you can do. This is a promotion for you. Prove your skills and face me in a battle that will knock people out of their chairs.",
"A promotion...? What do I need a promotion for?" Mari asked, flabbergasted.
"Well, trainers who collect gym badges are ought to be battling competetively at some point. And with the huge tournament in Driftveil coming up, I bet some of the trainers here are going to try their luck and participate. Are you one of them?",
"Uh... Yes...",
"The tournaments will of course have spectators, as well. This is for you to get used to it, but first and foremost, it's also a way to present yourself as a promising new superstar. Tournaments are usually accompanied with bets and rankings. To leave a good impression is thus very important. Maybe, today, you'll be able to convince the people here of yourself so they might bet on you in the upcoming tournaments." Mari tensed noticeably. She had never battled in front of an audience before. But she knew it would be no different at the Junior Cup Tournament in Driftveil, Elesa was right. From that point of view... it was a good opportunity to mentally prepare for it. She nodded. "Okay... Understood.",
"All right. Now take your position! Let the battle begin!"