Scene 14: The Contest Appeal! Part 1
Living on an island meant that everyday was almost always the same: perfect weather, killer waves, and tons of migrating Pokémon to play with!
One summer when Shelly was 9yrs old, Nick who was 6yrs old, got an idea. He'd seen the construction of a large new building in the city and he knew that today was its grande opening. Though he didn't know what the building was for, he wanted to see it.
Nick often used his family's distracted nature in order to sneak beyond their fence line, but this time, someone noticed. Nick had been in the yard practicing his magic tricks, Cleo and Axel were in the pool enjoying each other's company, and Shelly was on the balcony brushing Munchlax's fur. Munch-munch! Shelly looks up at him. He's pointing at the yard. Shelly looks over the banister and sees Nick. He's looking over his shoulder, suspiciously, "I wonder what he's up to."
Nick sneaks off and heads towards the main part of the city. He stops at the main road and notices the large crowd gathering at the building. It's officially opened and there seems to be events happening in celebration.
"And just what do you think you're doing?" Nick jumps at the sound of a familiar voice. Shelly is standing there with her arms crossed, Munchlax at her heels.
"You snuck off without permission, Nick! What were you thinking?" He huffs, "Not like anyone's noticed before." Shelly's eyes get wide, "W-what!? You mean you've done this before?" Nick sighs, "Aw, come on, Shelly! Live a little, why don't ya?" He runs off, forcing Shelly to follow. Nick allows the crowd to carry him inside the large building. Shelly's breath, is caught at the sight of all the lavish decor in the hall. All of the adults are gathered around. There's a great excitement in the air.
"Oh, wow!" Shelly finds her little brother. He's gazing at something inside a glass case. It's holding a golden chalice- a Contest Ribbon Cup. Shelly reads the plaque, "A 'Contest'?" She looks to her brother. Neither of them know what a Contest is. They walk around together, admiring the photos on the wall. Each one depicting a person and a Pokémon on-stage. They look like they're having so much fun. Shelly pulls at her brother, "C-come on! We have to get back before Mamma and Papa notice we're gone." But every time Shelly tries to pull at her brother, he slips away.
Nick runs off to look at more of the displays. She tries and tries, but is also distracted by everything. There are Trophies on display, photos and art of "Coordinators," flyers for the upcoming Contest Season depicted with Colorful Ribbons. And everyone all around them are speaking with such excitement. Shelly's curiosity is now getting the better of her…
An announcer's voice comes over the intercom: "Attention all Ladies & Gents! Please take your seats. The Opening Ceremony of the Chrysanthemum Island Contest Hall is about to begin!" Shelly grabs hold of her brother and they join the crowd headed to the main performance hall. They soon found themselves gazing in awe at the giant stage. Neither of them had any idea what was about to happen, but they made sure to take seats front and center.
Shelly and Nick are stunned as they watch the performances. There are several Coordinators that take the stage in honor of the hall's grand opening. Nick was clapping and cheering with all the others. Shelly looks around- the feeling that vibrated throughout the audience was amazing. The faces of the Coordinators and their Pokémon- so inspiring. Shelly gulped. This was like nothing she'd ever seen before..! Music pounded and lights flashed feverishly.
The MC ran on stage following another fantastic performance. He introduced the most fabulous woman Shelly had ever seen. "C'est fantastique Coordinator all the way from Sinnoh! Hearthome City's very own Queen of the Contest Stage: Fantina!"