“Meowth’s Ballad” was one of Teacher Lu’s favorite ending songs from before;

hearing Meowth perform live brought a different kind of feeling.

The relationship between humans and Pokémon is not simply one of “capture”: family, comrades, partners…

Meowth hadn’t had the easiest emotional history, but luckily it had met Jessie, James, and Wobbuffet.

And also, a money-loving yet unexpectedly dependable staff member.

Meowth glanced at Teacher Lu beside it, hesitated over its lips, said nothing, and turned to look at the companions in the audience.

James stood with his hands on his hips and nodded in satisfaction;

Jessie crossed her arms with a proud “not bad” expression.

Meowth gripped the microphone and said:

“Thank you everyone meow… I especially want to thank my companions and sta… ahem, and Teacher Lu meow~”

Applause erupted again. The director of the Castelia City theater, who had given Teacher Lu the sheet music to the Ancient Song, smiled kindly.

Just like the lyrics of “Meowth’s Ballad,” when you are alone, it’s so lonely.

But as long as you are with your companions, your smile can return.

Meowth lightly leaped off the stage. Next up for the finale was Meloetta.

“Melo~” Meloetta tugged at Lu Ye’s sleeve.

“Do I need to be onstage too?”

“Melo!” Meloetta placed a hand over her chest, her bright eyes turning serious as she nodded lightly.

When a coordinator is present for a performance, a Pokémon can put on an even more magnificent show.

And the music theater’s stage right now was a naturally splendid venue.

Dressed in black formal wear, Lu Ye scanned the eager faces in the audience and exchanged a smile with Cynthia.

Cynthia folded her arms, raised an eyebrow, and a faint smile lifted the corner of her mouth, as if to say, “Begin your performance.”

In truth, Miss Cynthia had been looking forward to Lu Ye’s performance as well…

For a trainer, being a coordinator certainly adds to one’s charm.

Rustling applause rose again as Lu Ye stood in the spotlight and said, turning around, “Little Rotom, start recording mode!”

When uploaded to the music area or the Kalos ‘Pokémon Shorts’ site, it might even unlock a new [Pokémon Performer] profession.

“Beep beep… received, Rotom~”

The Rotom Pokédex hovered around the stage, the camera cutting to a close-up of Meloetta closing her eyes in concentration.

“Melo…”

Meloetta floated serenely in midair, her wave-like hair swaying gently as she closed her eyes toward the microphone by her face.

In the audience, Bailu whispered, “So beautiful…”

Cheren offered a deadpan commentary, “After all, Meloetta is a Pokémon known for art, aesthetics, and music.”

Cheren, nicknamed the “walking Pokédex,” could list any Pokémon’s traits instantly and was excellent at tactical matching. If not for Teacher Lu’s dirty tactics, he wouldn’t have been shut out in the academy match.

Lights glittered over the black curtain studded with sequins as Lu Ye announced:

“Next is the third piece of tonight’s concert…”

“The Ancient Song.”

In an instant, the theater director’s eyes brightened and he sat up straight.

When he had handed the Ancient Song sheet music to Lu Ye, he had hoped to hear it again someday, but hadn’t expected the day to come so soon.

It seemed the young man had earned Meloetta’s approval and formed a bond with her.

The director placed his hands on his knees, listening intently, feeling both fortunate and nostalgic.

On stage, Lu Ye nodded gently toward Meloetta. In his vision, the white light of the Power of Transcendence linked the two of them like a thread.

“Melo~”

Meloetta rose higher, the melody turning into tangible golden light that unfolded and intertwined onstage, forming a tree-like luminous image.

At the tips of those branches hung a crystalline golden apple, spinning slowly like glass, reflecting Meloetta’s song.

The moving melody flowed through the theater. Fumiko blinked and looked at the golden apple.

“What is that?”

“A Melody Berry,” Cynthia said, hand on chin, eyes gleaming. “It’s a light image Meloetta weaves with her psychic power. They say only when the performance is exceptionally successful can Meloetta form such a sight.”

“There really is such a thing! I must write this down.” Fumiko hurriedly jotted notes into her little notebook.

On stage, as a coordinator, Lu Ye took out a grass whistle and harmonized softly.

He stood straight, shadows and light playing over his face. Meloetta touched her chest and floated as she sang:

“Melo~~”

Under Meloetta’s “Mirage Beam,” the stage seemed to become a living forest: light intertwined into golden rivers that flowed slowly, a dark-haired youth leaning against a gilded shade and playing the grass whistle, branches bearing translucent golden apples.

The golden apple symbolized beauty and temptation, reflecting Meloetta’s voice and possessing the power to move hearts.

Pikachu rested on Ash’s shoulder, Axew hid in Alice’s hair, both staring blankly at Meloetta onstage.

“Chaqi duyi~”

Togepi sat beside Cynthia, shaking its tiny hands happily and receiving a gentle pat on the head from her smiling.

Little Rotom continued faithfully recording the performance.

“Upload this Pokémon Short;

Teacher Lu’s popularity in Kalos might even surpass Hoenn’s coordinating champion Wallace,” Elesa said in admiration.

Pokémon Shorts were Kalos’s specialty—performers uploaded videos of themselves and their Pokémon to gain support and popularity.

Nassi nodded, “This is why every coordinator wants to win over Meloetta.”

Meloetta’s symbol as an artistic Pokémon gives immense buffs to coordinators and performers.

In the latter half of the performance, the melody Lu Ye played on the grass whistle changed from serene to cheerful.

The theater director’s clouded eyes shone faintly.

Yes… this is the piece I have been searching for all these years.

Only a human blessed by Meloetta can perform the Ancient Song!

Meloetta slowly descended from midair, her body radiating white light, her eyes sparkling orange like garnets, an orange scarf crowning her head.

Meloetta—Dance Form!

As the song continued, Meloetta danced gracefully, as if stepping out of a painted scroll.

“These two partners shine onstage,” Elesa said with a smile.

“…I’m looking forward to Haunter’s performance later,” Nassi said.

The entire audience fell silent, watching the dazzling duet of Teacher Lu and Meloetta.

When Meloetta landed on the final beat, the crystalline golden apple shattered into glittering fragments and dissipated.

Meloetta stood elegantly onstage, lifted the edge of her skirt, and bowed together with Lu Ye.

After a brief silence, applause filled the music theater and continued unabated.

Lu Ye breathed a long sigh and looked at Meloetta beside him.

Meloetta’s little face flushed;

she touched her chest and raised a bright cheek, “Melo~”

“Looks like the show was a success,” Lu Ye said with a smile.

“Melo!” Meloetta nodded happily.

To be honest, Teacher Lu had a selfish motive for putting on the concert;

“Meowth’s Ballad” was one reason.

Also, after putting off Haunter for so long, it was about time to let Haunter sing.

“Perish Song only saps fighting spirit;

it won’t actually cause extinction… right?” Lu Ye thought to himself.

The Rotom Pokédex floated over to Lu Ye. “Beep beep… recording complete, Rotom!”

“Perfect, editing’s your job, Little Rotom~”

“Beep beep… cannot understand~ Rotom! Σ(ﾟдﾟlll)”

Nightfall crept in, but everyone remained absorbed in Meloetta’s performance.

Having fulfilled Meloetta’s wish to hold a concert, Teacher Lu only had the World Championships Junior Cup opening ceremony left on his Unova journey.

“Then it’s Victini’s turn to shine…”

Lu Ye mused. “One person per home stage… yeah, fair!”

Elesa hesitated, wondering whether to invite Meloetta to do a runway show.

Unlike Nessa, who models for outdoor ads, Elesa’s forte was indoor runways.

Just then, the theater doors swung open and a beam of light cut through the dark;

everyone turned to see a silhouette standing in the backlight.

“You jerk… who are you meow!” Meowth huffed.

So rude—Meowth still wanted Meloetta to sing another song!

Ash pulled out his Pokédex and scanned the shadow. The device flashed:

“Beep beep, Jigglypuff, Balloon Pokémon…”

“Jigglypuff?” Ash and Team Rocket said at the same time.

“Boli! (๑`^´๑)”

Jigglypuff puffed out its cheeks as if sulking about not being invited to sing.

Facing Meowth’s shouting, Jigglypuff stomped to Meowth and petulantly swatted:

“Boliboli!!”

“Familiar Double Slap~ Meow! (￣ε(#￣)~”

Meowth covered the reddened side of its face and, with tearful eyes, said.

“Hey, I’ve tolerated you long enough, Jigglypuff!” Jessie clenched her fists.

“You should at least keep your temper in check.” James chimed in.

“Boli!” Jigglypuff snorted and turned its head away, still angry about not being invited.

“We didn’t know where you were…” Ash scratched his head.

“Boli…” Jigglypuff tilted its head.

“It says this is your business, not Jigglypuff’s meow~” Meowth translated.

Cynthia looked at Jigglypuff, thought for a moment with her hand on her chin, and suggested with a smile:

“In that case, we can let Jigglypuff come onstage to sing!”

In an instant, several terrified glances turned to Cynthia.

Cynthia blinked slightly, “What’s the problem?”

“No…” Lu Ye’s face grew strange.

In reality, once Jigglypuff began to sing, no one present could stop it.

If nothing else, it might as well find a comfortable sleeping position so it wouldn’t get a stiff neck!

Under the curious gazes of the little ones, Jigglypuff bounced onto the stage like a balloon and proudly produced a microphone:

“Boli!”

“Chaqi duyi~ヾ(◍°∇°◍)ﾉﾞ” Togepi cheered from the audience.

“Nimi~! ˚*̥(∗*⁰͈꒨⁰͈)*̥” Victini glanced around puzzled, still not understanding where Jigglypuff had gotten the microphone.

“Ka-may…ヾ(⌐■_■)” Blastoise eyed Jigglypuff with a bead of cold sweat at his temple.

Oh no… such an oppressive aura!

Lu Ye returned to his seat beside Cynthia, planning to warn Mengmengda, but saw that Jigglypuff already held the microphone with both hands.

“Good evening.”

Lu Ye only had time to say that briefly.

Under the spotlights, Jigglypuff closed its eyes and sang into the microphone:

“Bo~ bo gogo bo, boli, bobo li bo~~”

Its voice, like built-in reverb, echoed throughout the theater. Nassi rubbed her eyes and whispered:

“Psychic power—something’s off…”

Nassi propped her face with a hand, already drifting into sleep.

Lu Ye glanced at the psychic Nassi and felt oddly conflicted.

This Nassi is useless…

I thought Jigglypuff’s singing would be ineffective against psychics!

“Bo~ bo gogo bo, boli, bobo li bo~~”

The lingering notes filled the hall. Lu Ye leaned on Aura to barely stay awake, while Ash was already snoring.

“Melo…”

Meloetta rubbed her sleepy eyes and curled up on Lu Ye’s lap, finding a comfortable position and closing her eyes.

Sleepiness surged. Jigglypuff’s song washed over Lu Ye and he yawned:

“Hoarse~~”

Just as he shut his eyes, Lu Ye sensed something wrong and jerked them open.

Strange—he couldn’t fall asleep?!

He turned to see Blastoise stretching out a trembling hand, using his last bit of Aura to rouse himself, holding a packet of Full Heal Powder.

“Ka…may…”

Blastoise’s hand fell, and he closed his eyes.

This is my last Aura!

Lu Ye’s eyes involuntarily blurred. He took the Full Heal Powder and pursed his lips.

I promise you, I won’t let your and Mengmengda’s faces get painted, Blastoise!

With shaking hands, he tore open the paper packet and looked at the bitter-smelling fruit powder, swallowing.

The last time they encountered Jigglypuff, even a Chesto Berry that cures sleep was ineffective against its song.

This bitter Full Heal Powder clearly was a strengthened version to wake one up.

For Jigglypuff, having an audience that could listen through its entire song had always been its dream.

In the whole Pokémon world, even Pokémon with a Soundproof trait couldn’t withstand Jigglypuff’s singing.

For Jigglypuff, the rarity of finding a kindred listener was a deeply lonely and sad thing…

Lu Ye inhaled deeply.

To fully listen to Jigglypuff’s song, what harm is a little bitter medicine!

Using the last sliver of wakefulness, Lu Ye poured the Full Heal Powder into bottled water and watched it discolor;

his expression grew complicated…

“Boli…”

Jigglypuff, lost in bliss from its own voice, closed its eyes and enjoyed itself for a moment before eagerly opening them.

Suddenly, Jigglypuff’s cheeks puffed with anger and its whole body swelled up red as a balloon.

Everyone had fallen asleep again!

“Boli?!” Jigglypuff froze.

Wait, someone actually listened to my entire song!

Lu Ye wiped the corner of his mouth, scanned the room, and croaked hoarsely:

“This is brutal…”

Elesa leaned against Nassi’s chest, Fumiko rested on Cynthia’s shoulder;

they were both fast asleep.

Lu Ye nodded slightly.

Good thing I survived this, and no one’s face got painted!

“Boli~”

Jigglypuff hopped happily over to Lu Ye, lifted its head, and met his gaze with large, shiny eyes.

“You remember me, right? We met once in Kanto.” Lu Ye said.

“Boli!”

“Just a heads up—if you try singing again, I probably won’t hold up.”

Lu Ye added, “But… as a reward for listening today, I’ll spare you the graffiti.”

Jigglypuff thought for a moment, tucked the microphone back into its pink fur, and looked up, “Boli~”

Lu Ye was a little surprised.

“You mean you want to be friends?”

“Boli!” Jigglypuff rose on tiptoe, spun like a balloon, and nodded happily toward Lu Ye.

Lu Ye considered for a moment.

Honestly, Jigglypuff’s bratty personality makes it hard to get along with the little ones.

But… if Jigglypuff is willing, it could come hang out at the café.

After all, Lu Ye had an instinctive fondness for the adorable Jigglypuff.

He bent down and ruffled Jigglypuff’s fluffy forehead.

“When we were in Kanto, we were already friends… you can come find me in Miare City. I can’t promise anything else, but there’ll be enough fruit!”

Jigglypuff loved having its forehead stroked and squinted its eyes, “Boli~”

Then Jigglypuff produced a marker from the microphone, pulled off the cap, and, ‘swish swish,’ drew graffiti on the faces of Team Rocket, Ash, and the others.

Skipping over the rest, Jigglypuff put the marker away, stood by the theater’s door, and waved to Lu Ye: “Boli~”

Was that saving face for me?

Lu Ye smiled wryly.

In the Pokémon world’s pantheon of iconic creatures, Jigglypuff—alongside the likes of the bear-suit-clad creatures, Wobbuffet, and Pikachu—certainly had a place.

Closing his eyes, Lu Ye felt the white light of the Power of Transcendence link to a round, plump Pokémon, and he was slightly startled.

Damn, next time we raid, I can call Jigglypuff to help!

…

After Jigglypuff left, everyone gradually woke and yawned in unison.

Lu Ye briefly recounted what happened with Jigglypuff to Mengmengda. Cynthia covered her mouth as she yawned:

“A good nap…”

Lu Ye glanced around. “I guess I should help wake everyone up.”

“How do you plan to do that?” Cynthia asked.

“Haunter!”

Lu Ye called out. “The final song is yours!”

“Gengarrr~! （๑`▽´๑)۶”

Haunter jumped out of the shadows, raised the microphone, and grinned to reveal his teeth.

He had waited a long time for this day!

Under everyone’s curious stares, Haunter floated onto the stage, grinning as he adjusted the microphone:

“Gengarrr~”

“What’s that?”

“Earplugs.” Lu Ye handed one to Cynthia and put one on himself, expressionless. “You’ll see in a moment.”

The next day, Nassi uploaded an audio clip of Haunter’s Perish Song to the group chat.

New members Cheren and Elesa, wisely, did not open it.

“What is this, death metal?!” Marshal exclaimed in alarm.

“It’s just Haunter’s Perish Song,” Nassi said coldly.

“I think it’s wonderful!” punk rocker Roxie said with shining eyes.

Lance: “I was wrong… I shouldn’t have clicked!”

“Is there also a Jigglypuff audio file?” A-Jin asked curiously.

A-Jin didn’t post for the rest of the day, and the chat group was unexpectedly peaceful.

Lu Ye’s mouth twitched.

That unfortunate kid—did he put it on loop!

But with Crystal and Xiao Yin around, there was no worry about A-Jin getting into trouble.

Lorelei thought idly, “No one can mute people today… feels strange.”

Recalling the Perish Song move, Cheren said he had a new understanding.

“Lapras’ and Altaria’s Perish Songs are easy to grasp;

they use soft songs to sap opponents’ will to fight.”

Cheren mused, “But there’s another type, represented by Haunter’s Perish Song.”

“Not only is its effect excellent and its range wide, it can also cause mental damage to opponents!”

“Teacher Lu, truly a master of Perish Song!”