Finding the Star Inside
Ash Ketchum thought he had finally reached the peak of his life. Becoming the Pokemon master? Journeying across the world, making tons of friends, and bringing a whole bunch of companions with him along the way? Discovering ancient secrets and usurping various evil organizations? He was more than overdue for a vacation after all of that, right? Well, after being given a whole boatload of time to think to himself, he realized something… outside of Pokemon, outside of a trainer, who was he? What did he like, who did he want to be, what did he want to do? Ash didn’t know a single thing about himself… he was in desperate need of some soul searching, and after a long time, and a lot of experimentation, he came to realize who he was at his core, and it was surprising in more than a few ways. What did Ash Ketchum like? Cute things, surprisingly enough. He felt nothing for the very practical clothing he wore from day to day, but his heart sang when given the opportunity to wear something long, soft, shiny, or pretty. After wearing a skirt for the first time ever, Ash felt a freedom he had never felt before… and not in a literal sense. He had no shortage of friends who knew their way around the fashion industry, so he learned a lot, it was a very eye-opening period for him. Did Ash even really want to be the man that he would one day become? Big, strong, a fighter? No, he didn’t… he wanted to veer in another direction. He wanted the appeal that only a woman’s mannerisms and body could provide… not to admire, he wanted to be that ideal woman… so that’s what he became.
Nine years later Ashley Ketchum is the most well-known contest star in the world. She wasn’t going to be a performer, she was just going to stay a quaint country girl… but when a mixup put her in a gown and on stage, a position she really shouldn’t have been put in more than once, she found that with all those eyes on her, seeing the Ashley deep inside of her and not the Ash that everyone knew, she knew what the next step in her life would have to be. Ashley’s transition did turn a few eyes, and it turned even more when she announced she would be using all of the technical skills she learned on her journey to perform. A Pokemon master turned contest performer and an absolutely beautiful one at that? It was huge news, it took most of the people who used to know her by surprise as well. But when she got out on the stage and started showing off what she and her partners could do, it was clear. She was happy with Pokemon, but she had never been so happy with herself. Ashley had found herself in the time she spent at home, and it showed clearly on her face every time she got on that stage. Ashley had help. Serena, of course, couldn’t just stand by and say nothing while her old friend and love interest took the stage without her. They would compete, and they would work together until Serena eventually became Ashley’s costume designer. Serena launched a worldwide fashion brand, and it did a lot to have the world's arguably most prolific person wearing what she made every day. The fitting was Ashley’s favorite part of the day. Sure she could make herself beautiful, but to have all the bows, frills, and sparkles made specifically for her? It made her feel like the princess she never knew she always wanted to be.
“Ashley… you’ve won for the third year in a row, do you have any plans for the future?” An interviewer held her mic up to the intrepid star. Every Pokemon fan worth their weight sat on the edge of their seats to hear what she had to say.
“Haha… well, I was thinking I might start looking for my special someone… I’ve come a long way since I came out and started competing, and it was great to take some time to myself back then… I think I may have to do so again. This isn’t the last you’ll see of Ashley though! I’ll be back soon and prettier than ever!” Ashley struck a pose and the crowd roared with applause. Yet another great showing capped off with a sweet end for their hero.
“And do you have anything else to say? To promote? To share?” The final say was given to Ashley, and she composed herself just before her big finale.
“Thank you everyone! You have no idea how much this means to me… ever since I was a girl I wanted to be seen for who I really was… and now I’m here! At the top once again! I couldn’t have done it without my friends… my fans… and of course my Pokemon who have stuck with me well after I transitioned… I know it can be tough to find yourself… but I could do it, and I know you can too, here’s to the next frontier!” Ashley spread her arms as an icey structure she had constructed shattered into a beautiful shower of sparkles behind her. She finally felt as extravagant as she was… and as beautiful as she was always meant to be.
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