Chapter 35
(Flashback)
As they explore the bustling streets near Pokestar Studios, Alice's eyes are drawn to the myriad of props, sets, and film equipment. She can't help but be entranced by the behind-the-scenes world of movie-making. "Look at all of this, Ash... it feels like a dream to witness what goes on behind the scenes in person."
Ash nods, his memories of his Unova days resurfacing. "I understand, Alice. During my time in Unova, I had the chance to be a part of the studios for a day."
Alice's eyes widen with excitement. "Really? Now I'm truly jealous. What kind of movie were you a part of?"
Ash chuckles at her enthusiasm. "There were quite a few scripted films they offered to beginners: 'Brycen Man,' 'Full Metal Cop,' 'Invaders,' 'Love and Battles,' 'Timegate Traveler,' 'Mystery Doors of the Magical Land'... I can't name them all at once. But the one I participated in was 'The Big Monster.'"
Alice's face lights up with recognition. "Isn't 'The Big Monster' the one with the Mecha Tyranitar?"
"Yeah, that's the one," Ash confirms with a grin. "Interestingly, there's a Paradox Tyranitar named Iron Thorns in Area Zero. Maybe we'll capture it one day." He chuckles at the movie's slight typing discrepancy. "Although the typing was almost correct. Iron Thorns is Rock and Electric, but the MT2 used in the movie was Steel and Electric."
Alice's enthusiasm remains unabated as she continues to gaze at the studios. "It must have been an incredible experience, Ash. I really want the chance to take part in a movie too."
Ash suggests an exciting idea, "Why don't we sign up for acting at this studio? Anyone can do it if they have the heart for it."
Alice's eyes widen in surprise. "Really?"
Ash looks at Pikachu, who seems eager at the prospect. "Plus, we can put our new disguises to good use. Since Pikachu wants to become a movie star, how about we go with Electric-types this time?"
Pikachu enthusiastically agrees, and Alice suggests, "Then, how about we go by the names Philip and Elizabeth?"
"Sounds great," Ash replies with a grin.
With their new identities as Philip and Elizabeth, Ash takes Alice to the studio. To her astonishment, they manage to secure roles in a new movie under their disguises. The director who recruits them is none other than Tom Wood, a renowned figure in the studios.
The movie's script is titled "The Thunder Girl," and Ash and Alice are assigned to play the roles of scientists in the film. In the storyline, the male scientist has a daughter known as The Thunder Girl. Portraying this character is Elline Zumi, a newcomer to the studios like Ash and Alice.
Working together on the film set, Ash and Alice prove to be talented actors, impressing the director with their performances. However, a comment from the director to Elline causes her to flinch noticeably. "As expected from the daughter of Diantha. You share the same actions as your mother. I'm truly excited to see how you'll handle the next part."
Elline nods in response, but the weight of the director's words seems to linger. When they take a break, Ash and Alice notice the visible frown on her face. Concerned, Ash remarks, "I wonder what's bothering her..."
Alice turns to Ash with a realization. "Wait, if I remember correctly, your aunt is the Kalos Champion and renowned movie star, Diantha, right? So does that mean Elline is your cousin?"
Ash gasps as the pieces fall into place. He remembers hearing about Elline and David, the children of Diantha and Seibold. It dawns on him that the Elline before them is indeed his cousin. Ash decides to confirm it using his Aura abilities and is startled when he feels the familiar Ketchum Aura emanating from Elline. "I can sense it, she has the Ketchum Aura. She really is my cousin, Elline!"
As Ash walks towards Elline, concern etched on his face, he gently inquires, "Elline, is everything alright? You seem a bit troubled. Is there something on your mind?"
"Oh, hey Phillip, Elizabeth." Elline gives a fake smile. "Well, it is nothing, don't worry about me."
Ash decides to say, "By the way, you really acted very well. I can say that you can be a great actress."
Elline looks at them and says, "You think so? I am very glad you like it. You see...this movie is also my debut, I was quite nervous as well."
"No way, the way that you acted is not like a beginner. You really have some good talents." Alice says, "But there is something I want to ask you. Is it true that you are related to the Kalos Champion Dinatha?"
Elline frowns and says, "Yes, she is my mother. I know that she is a famous actress and also the Champion, but I want to let everyone knows that I want to act because of my interests, not because I want to be in my mother's shadow..."
Ash and Alice look at each other with confusion. Ash says, "And why is that?"
Elline frowns and says, "As you can see, my mother doesn't know that I am acting here in the Pokestar Studios, and I don't intend to let her know. During my childhood, I had a lot of pressure from my peers, they befriended me because they were fans of my mother and hoped that someday they would get to meet her, I was depressed because they didn't really care about me like a true friend does. That's why I vowed I am going to be famous all by myself and not have my mother help me."
"I see." Ash says. "In fact, there is nothing wrong with wanting something like that. Let me tell you what I think, you don't need to listen to their words, what you should do is be yourself."
Elline looks at them and she smiles a little. "Thank you."
After a while of chatting about the movie filming and catching up, Ash gathers his thoughts and turns to Elline with a serious expression. "Elline, there's something important I'd like to discuss with you. Would it be alright if you joined us after we finish filming?"
Elline, still curious but now tinged with a sense of hope, nods in agreement. After the filming concludes, she follows Ash and Alice to the Virbank Complex. Along the way, she can't help but wonder, "Why are you bringing me here?"
Ash smiles gently and then reveals his true identity, causing Elline to gasp in astonishment. "Ash...is that really you?" She embraces him in a sisterly hug, tears welling up in her eyes. "Yes, Elline. It's been a while."
The hug between Ash and Elline is warm and comforting, setting the stage for a heartfelt conversation. Elline's concern is palpable as she asks, "What's going on? Why is the world treating you like a criminal?"
Ash takes a deep breath, his voice tinged with resignation. "Let's just say the world can be cruel, and I fell victim to deceit. I'm grateful that my Dad vouched for my innocence. By the way, please call me Red from now on. I'd rather not risk using my real name and attracting unnecessary trouble, especially here in the Unova Region."
Feeling the need to confide in Elline, Ash and Alice decide to share the full story. Elline's reaction is a mix of fury and disbelief. "I can't believe this. So you're telling me even the Kalos Queen believed the lies and turned her back on you?"
Ash's embrace around Alice tightens, a protective gesture filled with affection. "Honestly, I'm glad she did. It led me to Alice, and she's more than I could have ever asked for."
Alice blushes at Ash's words, feeling touched by his sentiment. Elline, noticing the intimate moment, smirks playfully. "Well, congratulations on your relationship, you two. I'll definitely be there for your wedding, if you'll have me."
Ash's eyes light up at the idea. "Of course, you'll be invited. In fact, why don't you join us at our hiding spot? We could use some trusted company."
Curiosity burning in her eyes, Elline asks, "So, where have you been living? How did no one manage to find your hiding spot?"
Ash answers, concern for his safety evident in her voice, "I've been on the island where my Dad used to reside. I can take you there if you'd like."
Elline agrees, her worry transforming into determination. "Yes, please take me there. I want to understand everything."
On the plane, Ash prepares for landing, while Elline and Alice are seated on the sofa with special seatbelts fastened. Elline can't help but comment, "You two are absolutely insane, you know that? I can't believe you actually have licenses to fly a plane..."
Alice chuckles, leaning back. "You wouldn't believe that we even flew through a Bleakwind Storm conjured by Tornadus a few days ago. Ash had to use his aura to capture it and stop the storm."
As they touch down on the ground, Ash turns to Elline. "So, how are you feeling, Elline?"
Elline smirks. "Just relieved to know my life isn't in vain. You've got some impressive flying skills, Ash."
"Thanks," Alice replies. "Wait, is that your mom over there?"
Ash and Elline follow Alice's gaze, spotting Diantha and David with Adam. Elline's heart skips a beat; she never expected her mother and brother to be here.
"Elline? Is that really you?" Diantha exclaims in shock, seeing her daughter with Ash and Alice.
Elline nods, her voice filled with surprise. "I never expected to see you here, Mom. And David too."
David, excited to see Ash, greets him enthusiastically. "Ash! It's been ages!"
Ash grins. "Hey, David! Yeah, it's been quite a while. I don't think you've met my girlfriend before, have you? Alice, this is David, Elline's brother and my cousin."
Alice extends her hand to David with a friendly smile. "Nice to meet you, David."
Curious about the situation, Diantha asks Elline, "So, Elline, what are you doing here with Ash and Alice?"
Ash steps in to explain, "In short, we found Elline at the Pokestar Studios. She's trying her hand at acting, starring in her first film. She got curious about where I've been all this time, so I brought her along."
"Hold on, you're saying Elline is an actress now?" Diantha asks, a hint of surprise in her voice. "Didn't you tell me you had no interest in acting? What changed your mind?"
Elline frowns and responds, "I never said I wasn't interested in acting, Mom. It's just that I didn't want to be known as 'the famous actress' daughter, Elline.' I want to be recognized for my own talents as a famous actress, just Elline."
Diantha embraces her daughter warmly and says, "I'm sorry, Elline. I had no idea you felt that way. You don't need to worry about how others perceive you; you can always be true to yourself."
Elline nods, a smile forming on her lips. "I know, and Ash and Alice told me the same thing. I'm thrilled to have the role I've always dreamed of."
Ash adds with enthusiasm, "That's right! Elline landed the lead role, the Thunder Girl."
David can't contain his excitement. "No way... you have the starring role? Congratulations, sis!"
"Thanks, David," Elline responds gratefully. "But what brings you here? Aren't you busy with that robotic Rockruff project you were working on?"
David explains, "I've already finished the project, and we're in the testing phase now. It finally gave me some free time to visit you, Ash. So, what have you been up to these days?"
Ash begins the conversation, "Since you're here, I assume Dad and Aunt Diantha filled you in on Sevestar Island, right?"
"Yes, she did. She mentioned you're trying to establish this island as a new region, recruiting gym leaders, and building cities." David chimes in, "And now that my work is done, I'd like to be a part of the project as well. My expertise lies in Steel-type Pokémon."
Alice suggests, "Well, with your interests in Electric and Steel-types, maybe you two could become our region's Electric and Steel-type gym leaders. What do you think?"
Elline gasps in surprise, "Me? A Gym Leader? It does sound intriguing, but I don't have any experience as a gym leader."
Diantha reassures her, "Don't worry, Elline. Being a gym leader isn't as challenging as it may seem. You get your own gym, and you can battle anyone who challenges you. It's not like your father or me; we can only battle those who have already beaten the Elite Four or, in my case, defeated four Elite Four members, including your father."
After some hesitation, Elline nods and says, "Alright, count me in."
David adds confidently, "And you don't need to ask me twice. Steel-type gym leaders are a rarity, and I doubt there's another one like me."
"That's fantastic," Ash replies with a smile.
Here is a new chapter, and this flashback is for Elline and David's. I hope you like it and we're going to the next flashback in the next chpater.
