Scene 14: The Contest Appeal! Part 2
Shelly and Nick always played together in the yard, either with the toys their parents bought for them or with the Wild Pokémon that would often stop by, but no matter what they were doing, there was never a need to complain. They always had everything they needed and wanted.
One day, against his sister's wishes, Nick sneaks out. They visit the local Contest Hall on its opening day. Even Shelly's anger subsides as she stares in awe at the stage. The MC announces the name of the beautiful woman sparkling before them: Fantina… In that moment, Shelly's whole world changes…
Shelly had only seen her on tv before. Fantina put on a breathtaking performance. Her Misdreavus and Gengar sparkling in the lights of the stage as they moved together in perfect sync along with the pounding music. Even more than any of the younger Coordinators that had come before her, Fantina shined. Shelly and Nick couldn't take their eyes off of her.
At its conclusion everyone stood, cheering. But Munchlax was far too excited to remain in his seat. Before the others had realized, Munchlax had bounded onstage attempting to start an encore of his own. Nick was on his feet, "Oh no!"
"Munchlax!" Shelly climbed up after him- she was mortified. She tried to catch Munchlax, but he wouldn't allow it. Munchlax bounded across the stage, back and forth. He used his moves like Shelly had never seen before. Was he trying to show off for the audience? Finally, she jumped him. Munch lax squirmed, "S-stay… Still!" Shelly kept a tight grip on her Poke'mon friend.
The room was silent- she couldn't bear to look out into the audience… Suddenly, someone started clapping. She looked up into the smiling face of Fantina. She and the crowd had enjoyed Munchlax's enthusiasm and was applauding them both. Shelly couldn't help but be embarrassed. Fantina took Shelly's hand and raised it above her head and they bowed together. Shelly flushed, but looking out into the audience… Such a rush. Her heart was beating so fast she couldn't explain the feeling…
When everything was finished and the audience began to trickle out of the auditorium, Nick pushed his way through to the stage. He stood next to his sister, hiding himself from Fantina a bit. He may have been brave enough to go against his parent's rules and to sneak out of the house and into the Contest Hall, but standing before a woman who took his breath away..? Fontana turned to look at them both. The two kids gulped. She leaned forward and smiled, "Why don't we take a photo together to remember this day?"
Shelly, Nick, and Munclax all looked to each other with excitement in their eyes. They gathered around and posed for the camera. Fontana took the picture and signed it for them without even asking. She handed it to Shelly, with a few kind words, "So very, very strong! You, your Pokémon, your hearts! So strong!"
She wished them luck on their futures, waving to their little group before turning to leave. Shelly held the photograph close to her chest. She looked down at her little brother. They both giggled. They could barely contain their excitement..! In that moment, everything was clear. Although Shelly was never confident enough in her abilities, after that day, she knew that she was destined to become a Top Coordinator… Shelly and Nick had witnessed their very first Poke'mon Performance at the Chrysanthemum Contest Hall. And they had been honored with getting to meet with the fabulous Fantina.
On their way back home from the Contest Hall, they talked non-stop about the stage performances. They neared the villa entrance where Axel and Cleo were waiting for them. They were in trouble for disappearing without a word, of course, but it didn't matter. After that day, Shelly and Nick were inspired. They shared a dream in becoming Pokémon Coordinators and there was nothing anyone could say to change their minds…