Errand: Putting on a show

"Alright, Caleb," said Ludivine, fixing the beautiful bow around her neck.  "I'm going on stage now.  You need to stay backstage until I'm done, okay?"  The cowering Teddiursa clung to the Servine's leg, not wanting to be left behind.  "Y-you'll be back, right?" he asked nervously.  Lodie chuckled at his question, but answered it to console him.  "Of course I will.  I just have to put on a show for a few minutes and then we can go.  It'll be just like at the circus!  I'll be back soon."  Caleb let go of his guardian, not entirely sure that this was really going to be okay.  He never liked crowds, and being all by himself in a room full of strangers was very unsettling.

Still, Lodie had made sure to take him away from most of the commotion and had let him stay backstage until she returned.  She had also made it very clear that this was all perfectly fine.  There was no reason to be nervous, but this whole situation was terrifying for him.  He took a seat in the corner farthest away from the curtain and hugged his old black coat.  Hopefully, Lodie would finish soon and they could go home early.


Everyone in the audience fell into a silence as the Great Lady Ludivine took the stage.  It had been  a while since she had put on a show.   Very few Pokemon seemed to even know of her legacy beyond the fog.  It was time to make a grand first impression.  She started the way she always did.  Stepping out from behind the curtain, a well-placed Leaf Storm swept her into the air as she twirled around, flying just a few feet off the ground.  Once at a good height, she faced the audience with a smile.  "Welcome to the show!" she proudly proclaimed, floating slowly down towards the stage again.  Audience members clapped and cheered, though the applause was quieter than she was used to.  It's okay, Lodie. she thought.  They don't know you.  They'll clap louder at the end.

After the introduction, Lodie used her Hidden Power to create several small balls of pink light.  This was her signature act back home.  She just hoped her new home would enjoy it, too.  The lights swirled through the room, winding their way around the various audience members.  As they passed someone, the lights would change shape, turning into fierce Gyarados and elegant Swellows, capturing the interest of the closest audience member.  Some Pokemon tried to touch them, only to pass right through.  They were so lifelike (though pink) that this came as a great shock to many.  The dancing illusions twisted their way through the crowd towards the back of the room where they all came together into one large ball of pink light.  It then exploded into dazzling sparks, shimmering in the air.  The crowd gazed in awe at the shimmering flecks falling from the sky, making everyone and everything sparkle.

Applause erupted from the crowd.  "That was amazing!" said a Dewott to his Pikachu partner.  "Incredible!" exclaimed a Liepard in the back.  A Kabuto near the front seemed elated at his new look.  "Check me out!  I'm sparkling, Amaya!" he grabbed for his partner's attention.  The Pangoro seemed marveled and confused at the sudden change in appearance, but clapped all the same.  "How did she do that?" asked an awe-stricken Ledian in the third row.  "I don't know, but it's cool!" replied the Piplup next to her.

Lodie was happy that her title as "the Great Lady Ludivine" was admired here as well.  She gave a subtle wave of her tail to a Minun on the sidelines, one who was quite obviously not interested in the glitter.  The rodent quietly made her way backstage to talk with an Absol.  "Ready for the finale?"  The Absol nodded.  "Ready when you are, Jon." she replied. On the other side of the curtain, music began to swell through the room.  It was slow and mysterious, charming and captivating, bringing the crowd to a hush.  With a wave of her vine, Lodie cast up another Leaf Storm.  This time, it swirled through the crowd, picking up the sparks and flowing to the music.  It returned to the stage, glitter and leaves circling around the star.  The slow rhythm seemed to reach out and grasp the eyes of the spectators.  The Great Lady Ludivine danced to the music while whirling leaves and illusions fluttered around her.  Even Caleb seemed interested, at least in his corner backstage. (He didn't dare leave his corner, what with all the action around him.)  Everyone was stunned!  It was hard not to be impressed.

Several minutes passed, and when the music started to fade, Lodie jumped into the air, scattering leaves and sparks everywhere.  With a flick of her tail, she cast her last illusion, Flash.  Giant white Beautifly wings made of pure light sprouted from her back.  It had taken years of training to perfect her illusions, but the reaction from the crowd made it all worth it.  A giant Snorlax with a Caterpie on his neck stood up to cheer, his head hitting the ceiling.  This started the thunderous applause from every Pokemon in the room, even a Misdreavus, who's only intent seemed to be the buffet until that very moment.  A blue Zorua bounded out of his seat, whistling and hollering at the incredible show.

The white wings vanished as Lodie returned to the ground.  She gave a dramatic bow as the audience sang her praises.  "Thank you, thank you!" she said, hoping no one would see her holding back the tears.  It was a short show, yes, but a good one.  She had been so worried that she would make a fool of herself, ruining her image.  Yet, now everyone loved her here.  Eyes were wide and smiles were spread across every face.  Lodie bowed one last time before pushing through the curtain and stepping backstage.  Caleb stood there, shaking and confused.  "T-that was great, Lodie," he stammered.  "But can we go home now?"

Lodie chuckled at his eagerness to get out.  "Yes, sweetheart." she soothed.  "We can go home now."