Episode 27: Meet Elesa! An Electrifying Performance in Rio!
"Come on, Joker!" Dylan cheered on, the Tranquill flying as fast as he could. After parting ways with Dakota and Maddie, the trio took a flight to Brazil and the beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro. While they did come here for a Gym battle, the Gym Leader was out at the moment, meaning they could get in some more training before then. One of the major activities in Rio was a race for flying Pokémon, which Joker had been eager to enter.
"He's really been upping his speed recently," Kris said, holding out her Pokégear. "It's impressive."
"Indeed, Joker is giving it his all out there," Aurora nodded.
Joker soon used Tailwind to give himself the edge, zooming over the finish line in first place. The Tranquill did a victory lap before landing in front of the others, preening with pride for his win. "Tranquill!" he said.
"Good job, Joker," Dylan said. "As always, you put as much style into the race as you did skill."
"I think he was just showing off for Delphi," Ashton smirked. "You know he'd do anything to impress that fox."
"And it certainly worked," Delphi giggled, cuddling up to Joker. "You did great, and I think you deserve a special reward for that."
The Delphox gave a kiss to Joker's cheek, making the bird blush before a glow overtook him. In a burst of energy, the Tranquill was no more, replaced by an Unfezant whose shiny colors stood out even more as he flashed a pose.
"He evolved through the power of simping again," Ashton sighed, falling over comedically.
"Oh my, such beauty," Delphi swooned, caressing Joker's new head feathers. "Like a hero in the night, coming to save a poor damsel in distress. Of course, I'm more of a lady of action, but I'll gladly let you save me if you want."
"Okay, let's not get too carried away," Aurora said, getting between the two. "But good job on evolving, Joker."
Suddenly, an alarm went off on Kris' Pokégear. "Looks like the Gym Leader is back at the gym!" she said.
"Then let's go!" Dylan said, recalling his Pokémon.
The trio made their way through the streets of Rio, heading to the famous Ipanema Beach. "Huh, I don't see any cars on the road today," Ashton said as they approached the beach.
"That's because it's Sunday. They close the road closest to the beach every Sunday so tourists can more easily walk along the beach, ride bikes, and use other modes of transportation besides motorized vehicles," Kris explained. "There's even a famous "Hippie Market" that gets set up around here as well."
"That's what I love about being in Rio: the people are always hip and Hoppip with the times," someone joked. The trio turned to see a woman with black hair held in two long braids, wearing a yellow and teal outfit with large white headphones. There also seemed to be a bunch of people with cameras following her around as well.
"Oh. My. Goodness!" Dylan exclaimed. "It's Elesa, the shining beauty!"
"I see I have a fan," Elesa said, putting a hand to her hip. "I'm guessing you guys are here for a Gym Battle?"
"Was that a pun earlier?" Ashton questioned.
"Yeah it was! Elesa is a big fan of puns," Dylan said.
"I forgot how much of a fanboy you are of her," Ashton shook her head. "Anyway, my friend here wants to challenge your gym, so don't go easy on him."
"Normally I'm all for having a battle but being here in Rio has given me some more inspiration for my career," Elesa said. "Being a fashion model means I'm always aware of my stage presence, but seeing all the dancers at this year's Carnival celebration inspired me to put on my own show." She turned and pointed confidently to her fans. "That's why were going to be putting on and electrifying performance for you! My Gym Challenge is a Pokémon Contest!"
"Aw, I wanted to see a battle," Ashton groaned.
"I think it's for the best. Dylan doesn't have a lot of coverage when it comes to battling Electric types," Kris pointed out.
"A Pokémon Contest… Ah, yes, like the Lisia girl on TV," Aurora nodded. "While it does sound fun, I believe I'd like to just cheer you on, Dylan. I'll let the others take the spotlight while I continue my meditation training."
"I'll join you in that. Increase my bond with Orochi and stuff," Ashton said, walking off with the Lucario. "See you guys later."
"Huh, I just realized that I don't exactly have the right kind of outfit for a Pokémon Contest," Dylan said.
"Leave that to me," Elesa said. She snapped her fingers and some people suddenly appeared around them. "My fashion team have some outfits lying around that'll be perfect for you. All you have to worry about is getting your Pokémon and song ready to face me! Try not to Slakoth and see you at the gym!"
"Oh boy, more puns," Kris sighed.
[***]
Over at the Ipanema Gym (which was an open-air stage set up so anyone could walk up and watch), Dylan got ready for his performance by putting on the outfit that Elesa's designers had gotten for him. It was a punk-like outfit in purple and black, which wasn't his usual style but suprising fit very well.
"Looking great, darling," Delphi giggled. The Delphox had replaced her usual hat and scarf with a blue top and teal scarf. "The rest of you are looking fabulous as well."
The other two Pokémon performing were to be Poli'ahu and Joker. Joker wore a black bowtie with a blue flame pattern on it, along with some gold flecks added to his "mask" and head tails. Poli'ahu wore a red hat, cape, and cuffs on each of her paws, with a golden bejeweled necklace around her neck.
"Okay, remember guys, the point of a Contest is to appeal to the audience," Dylan explained. "While there are many different types to appeal to, we should focus on one to maximize our potential. So, should our performance be Cool, Beautiful, Cute, Clever, or Tough."
"I don't think Tough fits us," Delphi shook her head. "And while I think you're all adorable, Cute isn't our specialty either."
"Unfezant!" Joker said.
"Ninetails!" Poli'ahu added.
"Yes, that could work," Delphi nodded. "They say we should be Cool, but throw in some Beautiful and Clever moves to get the crowd going."
"Sounds like a plan," Dylan said. "And Joker, you should use your Hidden Power as our finisher. Delphi and Poli'ahu will bring their best to get the crowd going, but it's up to you to be the showstopper!"
The Unfezant gave a salute, with the team all cheering before exiting to face the Gym Challenge. Out on stage Elesa was hyping up the crowd, the fashionista decked out in a dazzling dress inspired by the mischievous Pokémon Rotom. At Elesa's side were her Zebstrika, Emolga, and Ampharos.
"Okay everyone, looks like it's time to start the show!" Elesa said, the crowd cheering out. "And remember, that no matter what you do in life, find the thing that gives you that electric spark to brighten up your day!" She posed with her team as the song began.
(Electric)
In the dark when you feel lost
Wanna be the best but at what cost
If you're gonna stay here
Nothing's ever changing, no
Elesa posed as Zebstrika used Thunder Wave to create rings around the stage.
Big world gotta see it all
Gotta get up even when you fall
There's no point in waiting, no
Emolga glided through the rings, with Ampharos Cotton Spore to keep Emolga up the air.
(Ohhh)
They'll try to bring you down
(Ohhhh)
But you've got the power now
Emolga finished her circuit around the stage, landing on Elesa's outstretched hand as the fashionista smiled.
I know you feel it, feel it
If you believe it then you can
There's no reason that this life can't be electric!
Elesa began dancing, with her Pokémon using their Electric moves to hype up the audience.
Oh I can see it, see it
If you believe it then you can
There's no reason that this life can't be electric!
Ampharos followed its Trainer's moves while Zebsrtika and Emolga danced as best they could.
Ohhh
They'll try to bring you down
Ohhh
You're electric right now (Electric)
Elesa waved her hand, revealing a Mega Stone on her glove. She smirked and waved it at Ampharos.
Ohhh
But you've got the power now
You've got the power now
The Light Pokémon shimmered, catching the audience's attention as it evolved into Mega Ampharos.
(Electric)
You've got the power now
Wooow yeah!
Mega Ampharos lifted his head up to the sky, shooting off a Dragon Pulse and creating an updraft for Emolga to soar on.
I know you feel it, feel it
If you believe it then you can
There's no reason that this life can't be electric!
As Elesa and Ampharos danced together, Zebstrika used Flame Charge to run around the stage, while Emolga used Acrobatics to spin around in the sparkles left by Dragon Pulse.
Oh I can see it, see it
If you believe it then you can
There's no reason that this life can't be electric!
Zebstrika came over, letting Elesa hop on his back as it rode his Trainer around.
Ohhh
They'll try to bring you down
Ohhh
You're electric right now (Electric)
Amparos and Emolga danced together as Elesa waved to her fans in the crowd.
Ohh
But, you've got the power now
Ohhh
You've got the power now
You've got the power now
Once the song ended Elesa and her team gave a bow, the crowd giving a big cheer for them. "Thanks for letting us perform out here!" she called. "But now for our challenger. Give it up for Dylan and his team!"
"That's our cue," Dylan said, his Pokémon giving confident nods as they came out on stage. "Hey everyone. I'm so excited to be here in Rio, and to meet Elesa in person. This performance goes out to everyone that aspires to be a Pokémon Trainer, and to never give up on those dreams no matter what!"
The music soon started up, with Delphi stepping forward to start alongside Dylan.
Oh, Come and try to catch me
Oh, Catch me if you can!
Oh, Come and try to catch me
Oh, Catch me if you can!
Doing a Fire Spin, Delphi to a sassy pose as she sang along with the song.
Look out it's time the world is finding for a
New thing, it's time I got a head
Keep thinking nothing is going to stop me
and I won't quit till I'm sitting on the top!
Delphi mixed in her Fire and Psychic moves as she danced with Dylan.
Never give up when the going gets rough
I know I'm gonna make it through
To just try will never be enough
I'll show you there's nothing that I can't do!
Poli'ahu used Aurora Veil to create a dazzling display on stage, while Joker did U-Turns overhead.
Oh, Come and try to catch me
Oh, Catch me if you can!
Oh, Come and try to catch me
Oh, Catch me if you can!
Delphi and Dylan continued to dance, while Poli'ahu jumping between the two to be lauched into the air and fire off a Dazzling Gleam to wow the crowd.
It's so close I can almost taste it!
There's no way I'll ever look back!
It's so hard but stopping's not an option
I'm gonna keep on, keep on cuz I believe in me!
Delphi stroked a hand on Joker's face, the two sharing a moment before the Delphox gave a nod for the Unfezant to make his move and show off his skills.
(Come on Come on Catch me now! Catch me Pokémon!
Can you come and catch me can you now, you can't catch me anyhow!)
(Come on Come on Catch me now! Catch me Pokémon!
Can you come and catch me can you now, you can't catch me anyhow!)
Flying upwards, Joker used Night Slash to cut away the Aurora Veil before using Hidden Power to turn himself into a multicolored spectacle. Poli'ahu and Delphi used Fire and Ice moves to enhance the display, while Dylan simply did a solo dance routine.
(Come on Come on Catch me now! Catch me Pokémon!
Can you come and catch me can you now, you can't catch me anyhow!)
(Come on Come on Catch me now! Catch me Pokémon!
Can you come and catch me can you now, you can't catch me anyhow!)
Using a bit of Psychic trickery, Delphi made Joker appear as Zapdos, Articuno, and Moltres, with him using Hidden Power to simulate their respective types. The crowd gasped as the stunning display.
Catch me, if you can!
Delphi gave a wink to the crowd, before dropping the illusion and grabbing Dylan's hand to continue the dance.
Oh, Come and try to catch me
Oh, Catch me if you can!
Oh, Come and try to catch me
Oh, Catch me if you can!
Joker and Poli'ahu joined the others in the dance, the four of them now thoroughly having the crowd on their side.
Oh, Come and try to catch me
Oh, Catch me if you can!
Oh, Come and try to catch me
Oh, Catch me if you can!
Dylan gave Delphi a spin, letting her and Joker take center stage as they danced together.
Oh, Come and try to catch me
Oh, Catch me if you can!
Oh, Come and try to catch me
Oh, Catch me if you can!
Poli'ahu used Energy Ball to create a ball for her and Dylan to bounce between the two of them, passing it over Joker and Delphi as they continued to dance.
Oh, Come and try to catch me
Oh, Catch me if you can!
Oh, Come and try to catch me
Oh, Catch me if you can!
With the last pose, Delphi gave a quick kiss to Joker's cheek, the Unfezant a bit shocked but playing if off as not affecting him. The crowd cheered as Dylan's team gave their bows. "Thank you, thank you!" Delphi giggled, blowing kisses to her adoring crowd.
"Well, that was amazing!" Elesa complimented. "I could see your style: Cool, but also fun with a bit of Beauty and Clever use of moves. Truly a spectacular show."
"That's what we were going for," Dylan said with a smile.
Elesa nodded, then turned to the crowd with a smile of her own. "Well then, do you think our challenger here impressed you enough to earn his badge?" The crowd gave a tremendous applause. "You here that, their response is pretty Thundurus, don't you think?" Elesa pulled out a badge, depicting a stage light, and handed it over to Dylan. "Take this Spotlight Badge as a sign of beating my Gym."
"Didn't you say he had to defeat you to earn it, though?" Kris asked.
"That was just to motivate you to do your best in the contest," Elesa said with a wink. "When I'm at my home Gym I go all out with a battle, but here in Rio I get to relax a bit."
"Oh, positively devious. I love it!" Delphi laughed. "And I love your dress as well. So beautiful."
"You like it? This is a style from Japan called "Serious Cosplay," but in English-speaking territories they call it Sygna Suits," Elesa explained, flashing a pose. "It helps you bond with your Pokémon by taking aspects of them into your clothes. In my case, it's based on a Rotom I have back home. You should try it out sometime!"
"We'll think about it," Dylan nodded. "Now come on, team, let's go show Ashton our new badge!"
"We might need to save Ashton first, though," Kris sighed, pointing out to the beach where Ashton looked to be in a fight with a gang of Sharpedo.
"Oh boy, what did she do this time?" Dylan said, falling over comedically as they raced to go help their friend out of trouble.
Author's Note
I love the Pokémon Contests, but I wish there was a bit more to do in them like you can with battles. They need to let you dress up for Pokémon for one thing, and the Cosplay Pikachu doesn't count!
Delphi and Poli'ahu's outifts are based on Holowear from Pokémon unite, while Joker's is an original for me. Dylan's outfit is a purple version of the male contest outfit from ORAS. Elesa also wears her Sygna Suit from Pokémon Masters, and yes in Japan the Sygna Suit is called "Serious Cosplay."
The songs they danced to are "Electric" by Katy Perry, which was made for the Pokémon 25th anniversary, and "Catch Me if You Can" by Angela Via from the Pokémon the First Movie soundtrack.