Chapter 0667: The Master of Perish Song Virtuoso!(Two-in-One)

"Meowth's Song" had always been one of Natsume's favorite ending themes. Hearing Meowth perform it live stirred something different within him.

The bond between humans and Pokémon wasn't just about "catching"—it was family, comrades-in-arms, companions...

Meowth's romantic endeavors had been disastrous, but fortunately, it had met Jessie, James, and Wobbuffet.

And, of course, their money-grubbing yet unexpectedly reliable Executive.

Meowth glanced at Natsume beside him, lips trembling slightly before it turned to look at its companions in the audience.

James stood with hands on hips, nodding approvingly; Jessie crossed her arms with a smug "not bad" expression.

Clutching the microphone, Meowth said:

"Thank you, everyone, meow... And a special thanks to my companions and, uh... Natsume-sensei, meow~"

Another round of applause erupted. The elderly director of Virbank City's theater, who had gifted Natsume the sheet music for "Relic Song," smiled warmly.

Just like the lyrics of "Meowth's Song," loneliness was unbearable when alone.

But with companions by its side, Meowth could always smile again.

With a light leap, Meowth hopped off the stage, making way for the grand finale—Meloetta.

"Meloetta~" Meloetta tugged at Natsume's sleeve.

"Do I need to be there too?"

"Meloetta!" Meloetta placed a hand over its chest, eyes shining with determination as it nodded firmly.

Just like Coordinators' performances, having their Trainer present allowed Pokémon to deliver even more dazzling shows.

And this music hall's stage was the perfect venue for such splendor.

Dressed in a sleek black suit, Natsume scanned the eager audience below, his gaze meeting Cynthia's amused smirk.

Arms crossed, she raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a smile that seemed to say, "Begin your performance."

Truthfully, Cynthia was looking forward to Natsume's act...

For a Trainer, being a Coordinator only added to their charm.

The applause swelled once more as Natsume stepped into the spotlight.

"Little Rotom, activate recording mode!"

He could upload this to the music category later—or maybe Kalos' "Pokémon Shorts" website. Who knows? It might even unlock a new [Pokémon Performer] career path.

"Beep... Understood, Rotom~"

Rotom Pokédex whirled around the stage, its lens zooming in on Meloetta's serene close-up.

"Meloetta..."

Levitating gracefully, Meloetta's wavy hair swayed like ocean currents as it closed its eyes, lips near the "microphone" by its cheek.

Bianca whispered from below, "So beautiful..."

Cheren adjusted his glasses and remarked matter-of-factly, "Naturally. It's a Pokémon renowned for art, aesthetics, and music."

Cheren, nicknamed "The Walking Pokédex," could instantly recite any Pokémon's abilities and was a master of battle strategy. If not for Natsume's underhanded tactics, he wouldn't have been utterly crushed in their school match.

Under the shimmering lights, against a backdrop of sequined black curtains, Natsume announced:

"Next up, the third performance of tonight's concert..."

"Relic Song."

Instantly, the theater director's eyes lit up as he straightened in his seat.

When he had entrusted Natsume with the sheet music, he had hoped to hear this song again—but never expected it to happen so soon.

It seemed... this young man had earned Meloetta's recognition, forging a bond between them.

Hands resting on his knees, the director listened intently, feeling both fortunate and nostalgic.

Onstage, Natsume gave Meloetta a subtle nod. In his vision, the white light of "The Power of One" connected them like threads.

"Meloetta~"

Meloetta ascended higher as the melody materialized into golden light, blooming and intertwining into the shape of a tree.

From its branches, a crystalline golden apple formed, rotating slowly like glass, reflecting Meloetta's song.

The enchanting melody filled the theater. Shauntal blinked at the golden fruit.

"What is that?"

"A Melody Berry—a psychic illusion woven by Meloetta." Cynthia rested her chin on her hand, eyes gleaming. "They say it only appears during exceptionally flawless performances."

"Such a thing exists?! I must document this!" Shauntal hastily scribbled in her notebook.

Meanwhile, Natsume—ever the Coordinator—brought out a Grass Whistle to harmonize.

His posture was impeccable, his face half-shadowed. Meloetta, hand over heart, hovered midair and sang:

"Meloetta~~"

Under Meloetta's Psybeam, the stage transformed into a vibrant forest: golden rivers of light flowed gently as the black-haired young man leaned against the radiant tree, playing his whistle.

The golden apple symbolized beauty, temptation—emotions that resonated deeply with the audience.

Pikachu perched on Ash's shoulder, Axew peeked from Iris' hair, both staring dumbfounded at Meloetta.

"Togepi doo-ee~"

Togepi, seated beside Cynthia, waved its tiny hands excitedly, earning a fond head pat.

Rotom continued recording faithfully.

"If this Pokémon Short gets uploaded, Natsume-sensei's popularity in Kalos might surpass even Hoenn's Top Coordinator, Wallace," Elesa mused, impressed.

Pokémon Shorts were a Kalos specialty—performers uploaded videos of their acts to gain recognition.

Sabrina nodded. "This is why every Coordinator dreams of catching Meloetta."

A Pokémon embodying art... Its boost to performers was unparalleled.

As the song reached its climax, Natsume's whistle shifted from serene to lively.

The director's aged eyes glimmered.

Yes... This was it. The song he had sought for years.

"Relic Song"—a melody only performable by one blessed by Meloetta!

Descending slowly, Meloetta's body glowed white, its eyes turning gemstone-orange as an orange ribbon materialized atop its head.

Meloetta - Pirouette Form!

With each note, it danced like a figure stepping out of a painting.

"This duo shines brilliantly onstage," Elesa remarked with a smile.

"...I look forward to Gengar's performance later," Sabrina added.

The hall was silent, every gaze fixed on Natsume and Meloetta's dazzling act.

As Meloetta landed its final step, the golden apple shattered into glittering dust.

Gracefully, Meloetta curtsied while Natsume bowed beside it.

A beat of silence—

Then, the music hall erupted in unending applause.

Natsume exhaled deeply, glancing at Meloetta.

Its cheeks were flushed as it pressed a hand to its chest, beaming. "Meloetta~"

"Seems the performance was a success," Natsume chuckled.

"Meloetta!" It nodded cheerfully.

Truthfully, Natsume had ulterior motives for this concert. "Meowth's Song" was one.

Also, he had promised Gengar a chance to sing for too long—it was time to let it unleash its voice.

"Perish Song just weakens morale... It won't actually KO anyone... right?" Natsume thought.

Rotom floated over. "Beep... Recording complete, Rotom!"

"Perfect. Editing duty is yours, Little Rotom~"

"Beep... System Overload~ Rotom!Σ(っ °Д °;)っ"

Night had fallen, yet the crowd remained entranced by Meloetta's performance.

With Meloetta's wish fulfilled, Natsume's Unova journey now hinged only on the World Tournament Youth Division's opening ceremony.

"Time for Victini to shine..."

Natsume mused. "One主场 per Pokémon... Fair enough!"

Elesa debated inviting Meloetta for a runway show.

Unlike Nessa, who modeled outdoors, Elesa's domain was the indoor catwalk.

Just then, the theater doors burst open—a beam of light revealing a silhouette in the doorway.

"Hey, you! Who're you, meow?!" Meowth snapped.

How rude! It had been hoping for an encore!

Ash scanned the figure with his Pokédex, which flickered:

"Beep. Jigglypuff. The Balloon Pokémon."

"Jigglypuff?" Ash and Team Rocket said in unison.

"Jigglypuff! (`^′)"

Jigglypuff puffed its cheeks, as if scolding them for not inviting it to sing.

Stomping up to Meowth, it swung its tiny hand—

SLAP!

"Puff-puff!!"

"Classic Double Slap~ meow! (￣ε(#￣)~" Meowth clutched its reddening cheek, teary-eyed.

"Hey! We've had enough of you, Jigglypuff!" Jessie clenched her fists.

"Your tantrums need limits," James added.

"Jigglypuff!" Jigglypuff turned up its nose, still miffed about being left out.

"We didn't know where you were..." Ash scratched his head.

"Jigglypuff..." Jigglypuff huffed.

"It says, 'That's your problem, not Jigglypuff's,' meow~" Meowth translated.

Cynthia studied Jigglypuff, then smiled.

"In that case, why not let Jigglypuff perform too?"

Instantly, several horrified stares shot her way.

Cynthia blinked. "What's the issue?"

"No..." Natsume's expression was strained.

Realistically, once Jigglypuff started singing, no one could stop it.

Might as well find a comfortable sleeping position to avoid neck cramps!

As the younger Pokémon watched curiously, Jigglypuff bounced onto the stage like a ball and proudly whipped out a microphone:

"Jigglypuff!"

"Togepi doo-ee~ ヽ(￣▽￣)ノ" Togepi cheered from below.

"Victini~! ?" Victini looked around, baffled at where Jigglypuff had pulled the mic from.

"Blastoise... ヾ(■_■)" Blastoise stared, a sweatdrop rolling down its temple.

This aura... It's overwhelming!

Natsume returned to his seat beside Cynthia, about to warn Moe-Moe—

But Jigglypuff was already clutching the mic.

"Goodnight," Natsume managed.

Under the spotlight, Jigglypuff closed its eyes and sang:

"Puff~ Puff-puff-puff, puff-li, puff-puff-li-puff~~"

The reverberating lullaby echoed through the theater. Sabrina rubbed her eyes, murmuring:

"My Confusion... is malfunctioning..."

Her head lolled—she was already asleep.

Natsume glanced at the unconscious Psychic-type specialist, bemused.

This Sabrina's weak...

I thought Jigglypuff's song didn't work on Psychics!

"Puff~ Puff-puff-puff, puff-li, puff-puff-li-puff~~"

The melody lingered. Natsume, relying on his Aura of Ripple, barely stayed awake—but Ash was already snoring.

"Meloetta..."

Meloetta yawned, curling up on Natsume's lap and dozing off.

As drowsiness crept in, Natsume fought a yawn:

"Haaah~~"

His eyelids fluttered shut—then snapped open.

Wait, why aren't I falling asleep?!

Turning, he saw Blastoise trembling, using its last Aura of Ripple to rouse him—holding a packet of Heal Powder.

"Blastoise..."

Its arm dropped, eyes closing.

This... is my final Aura...!

Natsume's vision blurred as he grabbed the powder, jaw set.

I promise—no doodles on your or Moe-Moe's faces today, Blastoise!

Hands shaking, he tore open the packet. The bitter aroma of Berry powder hit him.

Last time, even Chesto Berries (anti-sleep) had failed against Jigglypuff's song.

This Heal Powder, though? A Power Enhanced version—so bitter it could wake the dead.

For Jigglypuff, finding an audience that could stay awake through its song was a lifelong dream.

In the PM world, even Soundproof abilities couldn't withstand its lullaby.

The loneliness of having no kindred spirits... was truly heartbreaking.

Natsume took a deep breath.

To honor Jigglypuff's performance, I'll endure this!

With his last shred of consciousness, he dumped the powder into water, watching it darken—his expression twisting.

"Jigglypuff..."

Jigglypuff, lost in its own voice, paused to admire its work—only to puff up angrily upon opening its eyes.

Everyone's asleep. Again!

"Jigglypuff?!" It froze.

Wait—someone stayed awake!

Natsume wiped his mouth, surveying the carnage.

"What a massacre..."

Elesa slumped against Sabrina, Shauntal leaned on Cynthia—all fast asleep.

Natsume nodded solemnly.

At least I survived. No doodles today!

"Jigglypuff~"

Jigglypuff bounced over, tilting its head, big blue eyes meeting Natsume's.

"Remember me? We met in Kanto," Natsume said.

"Jigglypuff!"

"Let's be clear—I can't handle another song. But... since I listened this time, maybe skip the doodles?"

Jigglypuff pondered, then stashed its mic and marker, chirping: "Jigglypuff~"

Natsume paused.

"You... want to be friends?"

"Jigglypuff!" It twirled happily.

Natsume considered it.

Honestly, Jigglypuff was stubborn and hard to get along with.

But... if it wanted, it could visit his café.

He had a soft spot for the puffball.

Gently, he ruffled Jigglypuff's fluffy bangs.

"We were already friends since Kanto. Visit me in Lumiose City—I can't promise much, but Berries are unlimited!"

Jigglypuff purred at the head pats. "Jigglypuff~"

Then, it whipped out its mic-cap-marker and scribbled on Team Rocket and Ash's faces before waving goodbye. "Jigglypuff~"

Guess it gave me face by sparing the others.

Natsume chuckled.

In the PM world, alongside Bewear, Wobbuffet, and Pikachu... Jigglypuff was truly a legendary menace.

Closing his eyes, he sensed "The Power of One" linking him to a certain round Pokémon.

...Holy crap. I can summon Jigglypuff for team battles now!

……

After Jigglypuff left, everyone gradually woke up, yawning in unison.

Natsume briefly explained the Jigglypuff situation to Moe-Moe!, while Cynthia covered a yawn and remarked:

"What a nice nap..."

Natsume glanced around. "Looks like everyone needs a pick-me-up."

"What are you planning?" Cynthia asked.

"Gengar!"

Natsume called out. "The final song is yours!"

"Gengar~! ~(￣0￣)/"

Gengar popped out of the darkness, microphone in hand, grinning widely with excitement.

Finally—its long-awaited moment had arrived!

Under the curious gazes of the audience, Gengar levitated onto the stage, adjusting the mic with a toothy smile:

"Gengar~"

"What's this?"

"Earplugs." Natsume handed a pair to Cynthia and put on his own, deadpan. "You'll understand soon."

……

The next day, Sabrina uploaded a recording clip of Gengar's "Perish Song" to the group chat.

New members Cheren and Elesa wisely chose not to click it.

"What is this, death metal?!" Lt. Surge exclaimed in horror.

"It's just Gengar's Perish Song," Sabrina replied flatly.

"I think it sounds amazing!" Roxie the rock musician said, eyes sparkling.

Lance: "I regret everything... I never should've clicked that!"

"Wait, there's another file—Jigglypuff's recording?" Gold asked curiously.

For the rest of the day, Gold was conspicuously absent from the chat, leaving it strangely peaceful.

Natsume's lips twitched.

That idiot... Did he put it on loop?!

Well, with Crystal and Silver around, at least he wouldn't be in any real danger.

Lorelei mused idly: "No one to mute today... Feels weird."

According to Aspertia City Gym Leader Cheren, he had gained a new understanding of the move "Perish Song."

"Lapras and Altaria's Perish Song makes sense—they use soothing melodies to sap their opponents' will to fight."

Cheren sighed. "But then... there's the kind represented by Gengar."

"Not only is it highly effective with wide-range coverage, it also deals psychological damage!"

"Natsume-sensei... truly a master of Perish Song!"