Turquoise and Fluttershy along with all of their Pokemon were taking a break from traveling in a clearing near a river. All the pokemon were playing except for Eevee who stood all alone away from everyone. For Eevee things like fun and joy were foreign concepts because Magnus didn’t care about those things since he treated all of his pokemon like weapons instead of friends. Turquoise knew what Eevee was going through and decided to talk with him.
“ You don’t need to sequester yourself like this your free to let loose and have fun with us,” Turquoise said. Eevee was still hesitant since the fear Magnus instilled in him was something that could not be eradicated overnight. Suddenly Cinderace kicked a ball towards them which Eevee reacted to and sent it back by headbutting it. “ Nice reflexes. Suddenly Eevee began to feel something he never felt with Magnus which was Praise. Soon it was time to pack up and continue on the road. As soon as everything was all pack the girls recalled their pokemon and continued on the road. After walking for about half an hour the girls arrived in a Small City called Hazelton City. The city was lively with citizens roaming the streets and checking out shops but what really got Turquoise’s attention was a flyer with three women on it one of which Turquoise recognized. “ No way Erika is here?
“ What are you looking at Turquoise?” Fluttershy asked until she noticed it was a poster for an upcoming fashion show featuring Valerie, Elesa, and Erika.
“ We should go this could be a lot of fun,” Turquoise said. Fluttershy suddenly had flashbacks to one of her previous journeys of when she was roped into being a fashion star by someone Rarity wanted to impress and looked around nervously for anything she could use as an excuse.
“ I just remembered I used up the last of our ingredients and medicines so you go enjoy the show while I’ll go restock,” Fluttershy said before booking it. Turquoise was trying to grasp what just happened and figured she would ask later. She found the place where the fashion show was taking place and went inside. As soon as she was inside she noticed that she was underdressed since all the men were in suits and the women were in formal dresses with formal hairstyles.
“ I didn’t know there was a dress code for this kind of event,” Turquoise said to herself before a woman with blonde hair styled in a beehive wearing a red dress with a fur stole walked up to her.
“ There you are we been looking for you,” The woman said.
“ I’m sorry but I’m not,” Turquoise tried to explain before being stopped mid-sentence.
“ Backstage with the other models. you got that right and don’t think those street clothes and red hair dye can fool me, Stella,” The woman said before shoving Turquoise into the dressing room backstage with the rest of the models and closed the door. Suddenly Erika wearing an orange woman’s balance dress with her hair styled differently walked up to her.
“ Turquoise? What are you doing here?” Erika asked.
“ I came to watch the show but this woman wearing a red gown with a black fur stole dragged me back here before I could explain I wasn’t who She thought I was,” Turquoise said.
“ In any case why don’t I clear things up with ms. Stradling before things get complicated,” Erika said. Before she could do so two other women, One with short blonde hair wearing a red blouse with a matching skirt and the other wearing an orange gown with eyes that looked almost fairy-like walked up to them.
“ And who is this Erika?” The blonde woman asked.
“ Is she another one of those fangirls?” The other woman asked.
“ Ladies meet Turquoise Dusk she is the current Indigo League and Kanto Grand Festival winner,” Erika said before continuing. “ Ms.Stradling dragged her back here by mistake.
“ I can see why she almost looks like Stella except for her hair color,” The blonde woman said.
“ Turquoise meet the Nimbasa City Gym Leader Elesa,” Erika said referring to the blonde-haired woman.
“ Nice to meet you Turquoise,” Elesa said while smiling.
“ And the Laverre City Gym Leader Valerie,” Erika said referring to the other woman.
“ A pleasure to meet you,” Valerie said while doing a pose that looked off in her current outfit.
“ Now then I must go talk to ms Stradling before the show begins to clear up this little misunderstanding,” Erika said before Elesa stopped her.
“ Now hold on I think she would make a good addition to the show,” Elesa said while looking at Turquoise with a discerning eye.
“ And we all know Stella is not coming back,” Valerie said.
“ Well Turquoise what do you say? We would be happy to have you with us,” Erika asked.
“ I guess I can but what if Ms. Stradling finds out I’m not who she thinks I am?” Turquoise asked.
“ I suggest you go for it,” Ms. Stradling said getting the attention of the four of them.
“ Ms. Stradling?” Elesa said.
“ It’s as Valerie just said Stella quit on us,” Stradling said while showing them Stella’s note saying she ran away.
“ But I have never been a model before. What if I mess up?” Turquoise asked.
“ Just think of it as the same as making an entrance at a contest,” Erika said.
“ Besides I know I can make someone like you dazzle in no time,” Elesa said before taking Turquoise into one of the dressing rooms.
Meanwhile with Fluttershy who was at the local Pokemart was looking at potions while in deep thought.
“ Maybe I should have gone with Turquoise,” Fluttershy said to herself. “ I mean what are the odds Photofinish would even be here in Johto anyway. As she was looking she bumped into a girl with blonde hair who looked a lot like Turquoise but wearing an orange dress with brown boots.
“ Is the show over already Turquoise? And what’s with the new look?” Fluttershy asked.
“ Who is Turquoise? And do I know you?” The look-alike asked.
“ Your not Turquoise. Who are you?” Fluttershy asked.
“ I’m Stella and I suggest you keep quiet about seeing me.
“ Why? Are you on the run from the police or something?” Fluttershy asked.
“ No I’m on the run from my mom,” Stella said.
“ Your mom?” Fluttershy asked. She figured she should get the details from Stella in full. After paying for her stuff and loading her backpack she and Stella went to a local park to talk. “ Tell me everything from the beginning.
“ My mom is a fashion designer and is always putting on shows throughout the entire Johto Region,” Stella said before continuing. “ She even makes me be one of her models and someday wants me to follow in her footsteps. But I don’t care about fashion or want to.
“ Have you tried telling your mom that?” Fluttershy asked.
“ All the time but no matter what I try to say she always interrupts me before I can say it,” Stella said before continuing. “ What I really want to do is go on a pokemon journey with my best friend.
“ May I meet this best friend of yours?” Fluttershy asked.
“ Since you been kind enough to listen to my sob story sure,” Stella said. A few minutes later Stella and Fluttershy were behind Stella’s house. They went into the shed which was full of gardening stuff and a basket with a grey cat-like pokemon with a spring-shaped tail sleeping peacefully.
“ Aw, what a cute Glameow,” Fluttershy said.
“ Thanks when my mom is not home I secretly take care of her,” Stella said.
“ How old are you?” Fluttershy asked.
“ I’ve just turned 10 yesterday,” Stella said.
“ Then why haven’t you told your mom about your plans yet?” Fluttershy asked.
“ Because my mom hates pokemon,” Stella said.
“ I’m sure that is not true,” Fluttershy said.
“ She does, one time there was a Spinarak on our front door and she screamed and panicked,” Stella said. After seeing and hearing everything Fluttershy had an idea.
“ Listen why don’t we confront your mom together, Where is she now?” Fluttershy asked.
“ Right now probably scrambling for a new model to replace me at today’s fashion show,” Stella said.
“ Then let’s go, my friend is there and I think I should be with her,” Fluttershy said.
Meanwhile back at the fashion venue, Elesa finished giving Turquoise a makeover and told her to come out for everyone to see. She walked out wearing a lavender-colored gown with a purple half jacket and her hair styled in twin drills.
“ You look gorgeous,” Erika said.
“ Agreed you look very regal,” Valerie said.
“ Ok ladies call your partners out and get ready,” Stradling said.
“ Partners?” Turquoise asked.
“ This is a show that features both the model and their partner pokemon,” Stradling said.
“ That’s why she came to us for this show because we are not just known for our looks but also the deep bond we share with our pokemon,” Elesa said while calling out her Emolga.
“ It’s true for us gym Leaders the bond we share with our pokemon is important,” Valerie said while calling out her Spritzee.
“ So Turquoise which one of your pokemon would you say you share the strongest bond with?” Erika asked while calling out her Gloom.
“ Easy my Espeon,” Turquoise said before calling out her Espeon.
“ I can tell by the shiny coat you took great care of her,” Erika said.
“ Thanks,” Turquoise said. Erika and the others filled Turquoise in on the routine and with five minutes before the show started showed her Stella’s dressing room which had the other outfits she was supposed to model today which luckily for Turquoise were all in her size.
Back with Fluttershy and Stella they entered the building and found the crowd gathered by the runway. Fluttershy did not see Turquoise among the crowd and was beginning to get worried. Before she could run off the show was about to start.
“ Ladies and gentlemen thank you for coming to today’s show,” Stradling said before continuing. “ Today is a special day for my daughter who could not be here today but we hope she is watching from somewhere. The theme for this show is called Autumn Bonds so without further ado let the show begin. Erika followed by Elesa then Valerie and lastly Turquoise walked down the runway alongside their pokemon. Fluttershy was shocked to see Turquoise in the show rather than watching it. Stella was actually touched by her mom’s words. Sometime later after the show concluded Stella and Fluttershy went backstage to approach Stradling. As soon as they were inside everyone was surprised to see Stella.
“ Where were you, Stella?” Stradling asked.
“ Mom, There is something I need to tell you,” Stella said before being interrupted.
“ Let me guess this has something to do with the Glameow that sleeps in our shed?” Strading said.
“ How did you know?” Stella asked.
“ One day when I was doing some laundry I came across that Glameow sleeping in the corner of the shed but did not have the heart to kick it out,” Stradling said.
“ But I thought you hated pokemon?” Stella said.
“ Heavens no I love them,” Stradling said.
“ Then what about that time with the Spinarak?” Stella asked.
“ That was different, the Spinarak just startled me,” Stradling said.
“ Then does that mean?” Stella asked.
“ You may begin your journey,” Stradling said.
“ Thank you, mom,” Stella said joyfully.
“ And Turquoise how would like to become one of my models? You were like a natural on the runway and I can make you famous,” Stradling offered.
“ I appreciate the offer but I must decline because we have our own journey we are currently on,” Turquoise said.
“ I understand,” Stradling said. Everyone left the venue and while Turquoise and Fluttershy went to the Pokemon center Stella and Stradling returned home so Stella could pack her bag.
The next day Turquoise and Fluttershy were about to set off for the next town when Stella approached them along with her Glameow.
“ Well girls I hope our paths cross again in the near future,” Stella said.
“ What is your goal as a pokemon trainer?” Turquoise asked.
“ I’m entering the Johto League so my mom is taking me to new bark Town to see Professor Elm,” Stella said.
“ Best of luck to you but before you go there is something I must do,” Turquoise said before pulling out her Pokedex and pointing it at Glameow.
“ Glameow, The catty Pokemon, With its sharp glare, it puts foes in a mild hypnotic state. It is a very fickle Pokémon,” The Pokedex said.
“ What was that all about?” Stella asked.
“ This is a Pokedex it’s a trainer’s most important tool, It can tell you about almost any pokemon you want to know about,” Turquoise said.
“ Almost?” Stella asked.
“ There are many spices of pokemon that have yet to be discovered so new ones won’t have any data until someone submits some,” Turquoise said.
“ Got it,” Stella said. After parting ways, Turquoise and Fluttershy continued on their way to Goldenrod City.
To Be Continued