Pokemon & Splatoon: The Crossover Series

Chapter 16: Livestream: Ash vs Iono Battle

(Levincia, Paldea Region)

After supposedly playing a game of hide and seek, our heroes were high up in the sky on a flying taxi with Gym Leader Iono. It was time for Ash's next battle in the World Coronation Series, so they were on their way to the stadium near the gym.

"Alright! Who is ready to see a livestream of a lifetime, except that you'll be there in person!" Shouted Iono.

This surprised Ash. "Our battle will be recorded live to other people?!"

"Why not?! This is my opportunity to gain some new subscribers!"

Callie was amazed at Iono's hunger for more fame. She really wants to ask her how she's so confident. "You seem pretty confident about this."

"Yeah! Why wouldn't I be?!"

Callie just had to ask her. "Iono, do you ever get scared sometimes with your career?"

That definitely got Iono's attention. She never thought that she would be asked something like that. "Hey, would you mind lending me your Rotom Phone."

"Alright." Callie said in confusion but handed Iono her phone.

Iono started to pull up something on Callie's phone, then pulled out a pair of earbuds. "Hey, Ash! Would you like to watch a past livestream of one of my battles?"

"Alright!" Ash said excitingly, then took Callie's Rotom Phone from Iono and watched the video.

With Ash distracted, Iono can now speak up on Callie's question. "Is there something bothering you?"

Callie now was getting nervous as she knew Iono had suspicions. "Well, I've been having some personal problems with my life and career."

She opens up to Iono on some stuff that happened, like feeling lonely and anxious when Marie isn't with her, feeling stressed out, and losing her confidence to do anything she loves. She then tells her about the Superstar Showcase and how she's scared to be embarrassed by other pop stars. Iono was surprised to hear all this and felt bad for this girl to lose her self-confidence.

"Iono, were you scared when you first wanted to become a streamer?" Callie asked nervously.

Iono thought for a minute, then spoke up on her experience. "Well, when I was younger, my parents kept pressuring me to be something fancy like a nurse or teacher. I wanted to entertain people, but I was scared to be embarrassed or judged. But then, I saw this streamer, who gave me the best advice you could take."

"Which was?"

"To try new things, and step outside your comfort zone. After that, I went for it, and the next thing you know, my parents became proud of me for everything I've gotten from my career."

"But, I'm scared to go for it.............."

"I know, the first step will always be scary, but once you do, you'll forget about being scared. If you really think this competition can revive your confidence and your career, then go for it. Have you ever felt like that before?"

Callie thought for a minute, then remembered when she and Marie entered Inkopolis' first annual Youth Folk-Singing Contest, the very thing that started their careers. They loved to sing and had very talented voices, and Marie encouraged her to share their talents with the world. She remembered the happiest expression she had when the audience cheered and clapped for her. She remembered how happy her aunt, uncle, and grandfather were when she got off the stage holding a first place trophy. After that, she wasn't afraid to perform in front of an audience again.

"I want you to pay attention to our battle and reflect it on your life. Because this battle is the result of all the hard work I've done for my career."