Pokemon: Stars of the Indigo Stage

[EmeraldSky]

Episode 1: Arrival on a New Stage

A few weeks later, Chelsea, Christine, and a throng of other girls from the Melody Revue arrived at Nimbasa International Airport to see Chelsea off to Kanto. Many of the girls carried signs reading "GOOD LUCK, CHELSEA!" and "ALWAYS OUR SUPERSTAR!"

"Well, this is it...your big trip to a new region." Christine began as the group approached the Kanto Airlines terminal. "Remember that we're standing with you, and we're only a phone call or video chat away if you get homesick."

"Of course, if you want to celebrate a big accomplishment, or encouragement after a setback, we'll be here too." another girl agreed.

Kanto Airlines flight #1998 now boarding at gate 2. the PA system announced, snapping Chelsea to attention. "Well, I'm off--I love you guys, I'll miss you guys, and if I can, I'll bring back souvenirs for everyone!"

The crowd of girls cheered as Chelsea departed down the hall to gate 2...

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The flight to Kanto was relatively uneventful. The in flight entertainment center had some performances from Kanto's resident revue troupes and theater troupes, so Chelsea had watched some of the shows to pass the time. But before long she heard the intercom announce Now arriving at Indigo International Airport--local time is 10:30 AM. Your captain thanks you for flying Kanto Airlines. Please make sure you have all your belongings, take small children by the hand, and do not stand until the plane has stopped and the captain has turned off the seatbelt sign.

After disembarking and making her way inside the terminal, Chelsea balked when she saw a familiar black haired boy, orange haired girl, and brown haired boy with tan skin all holding a giant banner that said "WELCOME, CHELSEA!!!" in both English letters and Kantonian monji. "She made it!" the boy smiled as a Pikachu bounded on his right shoulder.

Chelsea gasped when she realized who was welcoming her. "Ash...Misty...Brock? This is so cool! My sister Christine has told me a lot about you three..."

"...and she has told us about you in turn." Brock explained. "In fact, she was the one that asked us to guide you and mentor you on your Musical adventure."

"Speaking of which...where do you sign up for that?" Chelsea asked as the group made their way to the baggage claim to pick up Chelsea's luggage.

"My home theater in Pallet Town, appropriately named the Theater de Pallete." Ash replied as he petted the Pikachu perched on his right shoulder. "This is Tintri, my main Pokemon partner."

[Hi!] Tintri smiled. [Welcome to Kanto!]

Chelsea smiled as she retrieved a Poke Ball. "Well, I brought along one of my own Pokemon for company on this trip..."

She heaved the Poke Ball skyward. "Athena, we're here!"

An Espeon yawned as she materialized on a tile. I didn't know Kanto was a long way...

The ruby on her forehead glowed as she analyzed Ash, Misty, and Brock. You should be in good hands on this trip...Ash, Misty, and Brock are very good at what they do.

"Athena...that's a beautiful name for an Espeon." Misty smiled as the group departed the airport. "Did you like the name, or is there a story behind it?"

"Well, when I first joined the Melody Revue back at home, one of the first shows I did was the tale of Perseus and Medusa." Chelsea explained. "I got to play Athena in that show, so when I got an Eevee as a reward for a job well done; I named her Athena in memory of that show."

"A fitting name for an Espeon." Brock agreed. "In addition to being the goddess of wisdom, Athena was said to be the companion of heroes."

"That makes sense--my sister is training me to play heroic roles in revues." Chelsea smiled. "Athena's usually there if I forget a line or miss a cue."

Everyone giggled at this. "At any rate, let's get to the Theater de Pallete, and get your stuff for the Musical Challenge." Ash suggested as the group boarded the airport shuttle going to Pallet Town.

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Chelsea balked when the Trio arrived on the theater square in Pallet Town some time later. "Wow...I knew the Pokemon Musical and the Pokemon Revue would be popular with you guys, but I didn't expect it to be THIS popular!" she gasped when she noticed the crowds of people lined up to sign up for the Pokemon Musical and the Pokemon Revue.

"Well, your sister already sent most of your paperwork on ahead, so all you have to do is get your Spotlight Button." Misty assured Chelsea. "After the three of us get our role types determined, we'll get ours. Then we'll find out what show we're doing to kick off our challenge."

"That's fair." Chelsea replied as Brock gave her the registration card Chelsea had sent on ahead.

"Remind me again what the different revue types are?" Ash asked as he watched Chelsea get in line for her Spotlight Button.

"Tsubomi revues are boys and girls performing together." Misty explained. "Sakura revues are all girl performances, like the Melody Revue. Kikuno are all boy performances, but these are somewhat rare."

"I see..." Ash mused as Chelsea returned with a gold blank Spotlight Button.

"Where should I put this?" Chelsea asked, showing her new companions the gold button. "Is on my bag okay?"

"That's fine, so long as it's in an easily visible location so that they can put Star Pins on it." Brock replied. "We'll go get ours shortly."

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"Okay...we're doing 'The Legend of Brian and Epona' as our show here." Misty explained as the group settled into the rec room at Ash's house for the night. "Which inspired what many say is Brock's signature folktale ballad."

"Oh?" Chelsea was intrigued as Ash retrieved a well loved silver tin whistle with a green mouthpiece from a pocket.

"The more I read the story in hopes of using it for a storytelling show, the more it seemed to lend itself to music, and the song just wrote itself from there." Brock explained as he retrieved a guitar case from one corner of the room. "But I see no harm in playing you the song to welcome you to Kanto. Give us a few minutes to tune first." He let that hang as Misty tuning a well loved fiddle and Ash warming up on the D major scale melded with his tuning the beautiful gold-brown guitar inside.

Once sure everyone was in tune, Brock snapped to count off Ash and Misty into the intro to a rousing song. Chelsea started clapping along to the music as Brock sang:

It's of a jolly beggarman came tripping o'er the plain,
He came unto a castle fair, a lodging for to gain
His Royal Highness, he came down and viewed him cheek and chin
He said, 'You are a handsome man, of course I'll take you in...'

To Be Continued...