Melody is a resident of Shamouti Island in the Orange Islands archipelago. Melody at first glance does not really seem to be a sociable person. She meets Ash, Misty, Tracey and Maren at the docks of the island, dressed in casual clothes. It was her turn to lead the annual legend festival as the Festival Maiden, since her older sister Carol was too old. Melody was not to thrilled to do it, but upon observing Ash and learning he's a Pokemon Trainer, she instantly changes her mind and accepts her role, welcoming Ash with a "traditional welcome kiss", touching a nerve of Misty's. Melody later, dressed in ceremonial clothes, informs Ash of his goal to retrieve three glass balls from the surrounding islands and bring them to the island's shrine.
Melody, Misty and Tracey head out of Melody's boat to find Ash when a storm hits the island, Melody's boat capable of "flying" with some special utilities on the boat. They locate Ash on Fire Island with Team Rocket, and all are present to witness the arrival of Zapdos, his conversation with Pikachu, and then their abduction by Lawrence III's airship. Melody begins to suspect the legend of the island might be true, and this is confirmed later on when Lugia appears to stop the fighting legendary birds. Ash sets out using the remains of Melody's boat (which was previously destroyed) to gain the final treasure ball from Ice Island, but later when Lugia and Ash disappear into the sea, Melody allows Misty to go out and find Ash, the two forming a friendship, as Melody had previously joked about Misty and Ash being a couple. Melody and the island shrine's guardian, Slowking await Ash's return. When he does and inserts the final treasure into the shrine, Melody steps up and plays the tune resembling Lugia's song on her ocarina. This stops the storms, calms the sea and rejuvenates the fallen legendary birds, including Lugia.