Mega contests in Kalos
Chapter one
It had been two months since Dawn came in second place in the Sinnoh Festival, only one win away from achieving her dream of becoming a top coordinator. At the start of her journey, she believed nothing but first place would be enough. Now, as she sat on her bed, gazing at her silver trophy, all she could do was laugh at herself for thinking she would have no problem becoming a top coordinator simply because her mother was one. After suffering her fair share of losses, she matured and became humble. Through this, she achieved what no one else had, not even her famous mother. Achieving second place in her first contest circuit, Dawn had cemented herself in the rookie history books, also establishing herself as one to watch when the next circuit begins.
However, with the end of the contest season came a sense of uncertainty. Now, she had to ensure she returned with a bang, knowing all eyes would be on her upon her return. Everyone else seemed so sure of themselves at the end of the season. Ash would go to another region and start all over again, Brock had a new dream of becoming a Pokémon doctor, and Kenny wanted to try his luck in Johto.
Feeling a sense of doubt, Dawn confided in Ash one evening while they walked through a quiet park. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the trees.
"You know, Dawn," Ash said, looking thoughtful, "you could always join me in Unova for my next journey."
Dawn sighed, kicking at a pebble on the path. "I checked Ash. They don't have contests there. Besides, I need to find my own path."
Kenny had also asked her to join him in Johto, but she knew going with him would only give him the wrong idea. As grateful as she was for all the help her friends gave her, she decided she needed to be on her own for a while. At least until she found her next breakthrough, she worried she had set the standards too high for herself. Until she decided on a new style, she would not even consider which region's contest circuit to enter, even if it meant missing the next season.
The next morning, Dawn was having breakfast with her mother, Johanna, in their cosy kitchen. The smell of fresh coffee and pancakes filled the air, making the room feel warm and inviting. An ad on the TV caught their attention. A Poké Performance exhibition in Kalos was set to be held in a week. This was an event exclusive to the Kalos region. Advertisements were broadcast all over the world to raise awareness of the performances. Outside of the Kalos region, they were virtually unheard of.
This piqued her interest, but she wasn't ready to participate. Too much work was put into making sure her Pokémon were the stars of the show. She feared a challenge like this would risk her slipping back into old habits. Perhaps being a spectator could give her the inspiration she needed.
Her mother's voice broke through her thoughts. "Dawn dear, you should head to Kalos and watch the performance. I think it would be good for you to get out of Sinnoh for a while."
Dawn's fork paused halfway to her mouth, her eyes wide in surprise. "But Mom, I thought you were glad to have me home."
"Of course I am, dear," Johanna said with a gentle smile, "but I can see you've been lost. This is the first I've seen you interested in anything since coming home."
"You know I love doing contests, Mom. Are you really suggesting that I give it up so soon?" she said, her voice tinged with sadness, believing her mother had given up on her.
"Oh, Dawn, you misunderstand me." Johanna reached across the table to take her daughter's hand. "How many contests did you watch before you took part yourself? Look how much more you learned from competing. Seeing these performances in person will help inspire you far more than watching them on TV. Put yourself in the crowd and feel the excitement in the air. It will help in future contests. How can you excite the crowd if you don't know how it feels?"
Dawn's eyes lit up with realisation. "Wow, Mom, that's why you're a top coordinator!" She leapt out of her chair, her fist raised in determination. "Alright, I'm heading to Kalos!"
Johanna couldn't help but laugh at her daughter. It still amazed her how fast she could go from being downcast to being on top of the world.
"Now settle down, dear," Johanna said, chuckling. "Before you go running off, stop by Professor Rowan's office. I know he was planning to head to Kalos to have Professor Sycamore look at his paper on the Pokémon you brought back from Hisui. Poor man has been so busy he hasn't had the time. You should offer to deliver it for him. With any luck, he already has a plane ticket bought."
After breakfast, Dawn hurried to Professor Rowan's lab. The air was crisp and cool, the morning sun casting long shadows on the ground. She was excited to help and hopeful that the trip to Kalos would provide the inspiration she needed. She burst through the door, her enthusiasm catching the professor by surprise.
"Hello, my dear. Your mother told me you would be coming," Professor Rowan greeted her with a smile.
"I'm heading over to Kalos. I heard you wanted to send over your research on my Hisuian Pokémon. But I thought they were meant to be kept secret," she said, hoping he would contradict her and allow her to use them now.
"Now, now, don't get overexcited," the professor replied, "You know I have discussed my findings with Professor Kukui, with him being an expert in regional Pokémon forms. Well, Professor Sycamore is an expert in the newest field of Mega Pokémon. There is every chance he could help us, or maybe even my research could aid him."
"Mega Evolution? I never heard of that. What is it?"
"As much as I would love to teach you, unfortunately, I am a busy man. Perhaps Professor Sycamore can teach you something when you find him."
"Sounds good to me. I'll just grab the research and make my way to Kalos."
"Very good, my dear." The professor handed her a large brown envelope marked "classified." "Make sure you keep this safe."
Dawn grabbed the envelope and put it in her backpack. "No need to worry, professor," she shouted as she ran out the door. The professor sighed; he was about to give her a plane ticket. He just hoped she would be able to make her own way.
Once outside, Dawn made sure to run far enough out of sight before releasing her Braviary. She had no intention of taking the plane ticket her mother mentioned. Her Braviary could use the exercise, having been kept in the Pokéball for too long. She missed the thrill of flying high in the sky. If she went above the clouds, no one would see them, so technically she wouldn't be breaking any rules.
With a deep breath, she released her Braviary and climbed onto its back. "Alright, Braviary, let's head to Kalos!" she shouted, her heart pounding with excitement as they soared into the sky.