Chapter 0647：The Shining Moment of Meloetta and Natsume(Two-in-One)

A bench in Virbank City's plaza.

Natsume remained deep in thought, still wondering why he had to run into Ash.

The fountain glittered under the sunlight, water arcing into a rainbow. Togepi, Axew, and Pikachu lined up along the fountain’s edge, tiptoeing to keep their balance.

Gengar made faces at the water, its tongue lolling, while the mirror-like surface reflected Darkrai's exasperated expression.

Ash, licking his ice cream, turned to Cynthia. "Honestly, I was pretty shocked to see you and Natsume-sensei here."

"Why?" Cynthia asked.

"Well," Ash mumbled between bites, "Senior Flint said you two were on your Kalos honeymoon?"

Cynthia paused, her fair cheeks tinged pink. "Mm... that was the plan, but..."

But he needs to propose first, doesn’t he?

Iris, sitting between them, glanced back and forth between Natsume and Cynthia, suddenly feeling that adult relationships were way too complicated. Then she blurted out:

"Champion Cynthia, let’s have a battle!"

"Huh?" Cynthia looked at her in surprise.

Iris stood up, lifting Axew onto her shoulder with a bright grin.

"This little one and I are aiming to become Dragon Envoys! So we wanna learn from your Garchomp!"

Natsume continued licking his ice cream, completely unfazed.

As expected of Unova’s future Champion. Iris has guts.

"Sure."

After a moment’s thought, Cynthia smiled and agreed to the battle.

Natsume suddenly remembered—Cynthia also loved crushing rookies. She’d once 6-0’d Paul with just Garchomp.

He glanced at the golden-haired beauty beside him, her eyes curved in a gentle smile.

Beneath the mirror-like water, Darkrai’s expression was complicated.

These Champion couples really show no mercy when educating newcomers...

"Come out, Garchomp!"

Cynthia pulled a Poké Ball from her wide-legged black pants and tossed it into the air. A red beam shot out, materializing into—

"Garchomp!" Garchomp swung its twin scythes, crimson eyes blazing with intensity.

The Axew on Iris’ shoulder froze, then turned to its determined trainer.

"Axew~! ┌(。Д。)┐"

Are you trying to get me sent to the Pokémon Center?!

"Then how about this?" Ash jumped in eagerly. "Pikachu, let’s battle Natsume-sensei too!"

"Pikachu…(⊙﹏⊙)" Pikachu, still balancing on the fountain’s edge, stared blankly.

Ash, maybe you should fight him yourself.

Click.

Like a switch had been flipped.

Natsume slowly rose, a friendly smile on his face, while Cynthia stood beside him, hand on her hip.

"So, a doubles battle then?" Natsume asked pleasantly.

Iris and Ash: "Yeah!"

Pikachu and Axew: Σ(っ°Д°;)っ

If N were here, he’d shed tears for these poor Pokémon companions.

But Natsume always kept Revival Herbs on hand. And if friendship was a concern, there was always Max Revive.

Natsume rolled up his sleeves, then pulled out a Poké Ball.

Before Ho-Oh Cinemas catches this on film...

He thought darkly:

Let’s take out our frustrations on the so-called "Pika God" first!

"Go, Pikachu/Axew!"

The two rookies leapt onto the battlefield, exchanging glances—one resigned, the other terrified.

Cynthia’s demeanor shifted instantly, her gray eyes sharp beneath her golden hair.

"Garchomp, Dragon Rush!"

Natsume kept one hand in his pocket, sensing The Power of One, and raised his other arm.

"Gengar, Dark Void—tone it down, we don’t need the Renovation Team barging in."

"Gengar~(◕‿◕✿)" Gengar hovered menacingly over Pikachu, swirling dark energy in its palms.

"Karrr! (〝▼皿▼)" Garchomp shot forward like a jet, wreathed in purple draconic energy.

BOOM!!

[Blastoise is using Heal Pulse...]

Natsume sighed contentedly. "What a refreshing battle."

Cynthia smiled. "I can see the bond between you two, Ash and Iris."

Ash and Iris: "We’ll keep working hard!"

Axew and Pikachu: o(╥﹏╥)o

"Melo~" Meloetta giggled as it floated nearby, listening to the colorful emotions around it, emerald eyes sparkling.

Darkrai crossed its arms, eyeing the cheerful Meloetta.

Natsume’s physique must be special too.

He keeps running into these rare Legendaries.

Wait... does that mean even more will show up?!

Darkrai: "...This bodyguard job needs a raise."

……

The double battle in Virbank City's plaza had drawn quite a crowd.

Roxie, her white hair styled in a spiky ponytail and clad in an oversized purple long-sleeve, vaulted over the railing with her electric bass slung across her back. Her studded boots clacked against the pavement as she looked up at Natsume.

"My crew said someone was causing trouble here, so I came to check it out."

She rubbed her temples. "Turns out it's just Natsume-sensei and this twerp..."

"Senior Roxie, long time no see!" Ash greeted cheerfully.

"Tch." Roxie side-eyed him. "Don’t forget—if you disgrace that Toxic Badge I gave you, I’m taking it back."

"Don’t worry! Pikachu and I won’t let you down!"

Natsume glanced down at Roxie. "You lost to Ash?"

"It wasn’t a loss! It was a Gym Leader’s approval!"

Roxie snapped, then lowered her voice when she noticed Cynthia. "So... what brings you two to Virbank City?"

"We came for your concert," Cynthia replied with a smile. "Do your best tonight, Roxie."

"Urk..." Roxie’s face flushed slightly under that radiant gaze. She clicked her tongue. "Yeah, well, tonight’s not a rock show. The theater director asked me to perform a proper concert for his retirement."

"Ooooh! Does that mean you’ll wear a fancy dress?"

Iris’ eyes sparkled. "Miss Roxie, I can’t wait! Want me to record it for you?"

Roxie, who normally hated showing her non-rock side, ruffled her hair. "The fewer people, the better..."

Natsume stroked his chin, considering something else entirely. "Since we’re fellow bandmates, do we get free tickets?"

Roxie: "?"

A slow grin spread across her face. "Sure. But in exchange... Natsume-sensei, you’re performing with me!"

Natsume blinked. "Gengar can perform. I won’t."

"Performers’ friends and family get free admission."

Roxie crossed her arms. "Besides, don’t play dumb—I know you’re proficient in multiple instruments!"

"And don’t worry about embarrassing yourself. It’s invite-only tonight."

She added quietly, "It’s for the theater director’s retirement. He’s done a lot for me. That’s why I agreed to play the violin..."

Even though I hated learning it as a kid. Rock’s way better. She left that part unsaid.

Natsume fell into thought. He did have professional-level skills in every instrument... His Performance Lv3 wasn’t top-tier, but it was certainly stage-worthy.

He glanced at Cynthia for input.

"I’m looking forward to it," she said with an encouraging smile.

"GengarGengar!" Gengar vibrated with excitement, offering to provide backup vocals.

Natsume calmly shoved it back into his shadow.

"You can sing 『Perish Song』 during battles."

"Gengar~ ︿(￣︶￣)︿" (Fine, I’ll forgive you this time.)

The Trainer class system included Pokémon Musicians—sometimes considered a branch of Performers or Coordinators.

Natsume had met wandering bards like Nando, and Dark-type Leader Piers was a household name in Galar for his tenor vocals.

Their partners were usually Exploud, Toxtricity, or Jigglypuff... though Gengar probably qualified too.

After agreeing to perform,

the group arrived at Virbank City’s grand theater, where the evening’s concert was advertised on the bulletin board.

"Is it really okay to change the lineup last-minute?" Natsume asked Roxie.

"Relax! It’s all friends and invitees anyway." She nudged him. "Besides, you’re a musical genius, right? If you chicken out now, you might as well switch to EDM rap!"

Natsume: "..."

Lt. Surge’s reputation just took a hit, and he didn’t even do anything.

When he turned back, Cynthia was watching him with amused eyes, giving a small nod.

"Do your best, Natsume-sensei."

"Stop yelling, Ash!"

"Me? You’re the one yelling!"

Iris and Ash glared daggers at each other, seconds away from a fistfight.

"Now, now." Cynthia gently intervened. "How about I treat you to ice cream? The stand outside is still open."

"Didn’t we just have some this afternoon?" Natsume said.

"That was then. This is now." Cynthia folded her arms matter-of-factly.

Natsume chuckled.

Moe-Moe! loving ice cream? Adorable.

"Come on, Natsume-sensei." Roxie grabbed his hand. "Time to get changed!"

"I already agreed... No need to drag me like I’ll bolt last-second," he sighed.

Cynthia blinked, watching them leave. She opened her mouth, then closed it.

"The dressing rooms are separate, Champion Cynthia," Iris whispered mischievously.

"Ahem. I know." Cynthia coughed into her hand, nodding sagely.

……

The concert was scheduled for seven in the evening.

Audience members trickled in, greeting the soon-to-retire theater director.

The old man smiled warmly, though his eyes held a trace of melancholy as they lingered on the theater.

I'm a relic from the last century... Watching this place get renovated hurts, but maybe it's for the best.

He shook his head. Time to step aside.

"Hey, old man..." Roxie peeked out from behind the curtain. "Come check if this outfit works."

The director clasped his hands behind his back. "Just having you here makes me happy enough, Roxie."

"I know." Her voice dropped. "I hate this stuffy theater vibe, but... you were always a good director. You even covered for me when my dad showed up drunk." She swallowed. "I promise this place won't disappear."

"Nothing lasts forever, Roxie."

The director's wrinkled face softened. "But as long as it existed, the meaning behind its existence never fades."

Roxie froze, staring at the cloudy-eyed old man.

His gaze drifted to the massive Jigglypuff banner hanging above the stage.

"When I was a boy, I heard the most beautiful melody. I've forgotten the tune, but I'll never forget how it made me feel."

He chuckled. "Just like Pokémon companions. After mine passed on, what remained wasn't grief or regret—just the joy they brought me every day."

"I... don't get it," Roxie muttered.

"You will." He patted her shoulder. "Now, let's see tonight's look."

Roxie stepped out from behind the curtain, head lowered. Her signature white spiky ponytail remained, but the oversized purple tee had been replaced by a white dress. A faint blush colored her cheeks, her collarbones peeking above the modest neckline. The bass guitar was gone—in its place, a violin bow.

"What a lovely young lady." The director's eyes crinkled. "Tonight will be my last time hearing your violin, won't it?"

Roxie stayed silent for a moment before mumbling, "Actually... I invited a friend. He's performing on piano tonight. I'm just accompanying him."

"Oh?" The old man perked up. "What's the piece called?"

"It's my first time hearing it too. Natsume-sensei said it's called..."

Roxie took a breath.

"Oración."

……

Seven o'clock in the evening.

The farewell concert officially began.

Cynthia, Ash, and Iris sat in the front rows.

Ash carried Pikachu on his left shoulder, Iris held Axew on her right, while Cynthia cradled Togepi in her arms.

"Togepi doo-ee~" Togepi's eyes sparkled as it clapped along with the audience.

One by one, musicians took the stage. The old director applauded softly, his eyes brimming with nostalgia for his youth and this aging theater.

Once, he'd been a reckless Trainer with a timid Hoothoot as his partner. They'd performed on street corners together, then on this very stage, until he eventually became its director.

Now, sitting alone in the empty auditorium, those youthful days felt like a dream—only the music remained vivid and moving.

The director watched as the announcer stepped forward.

"Next, please enjoy a duet performance by Natsume and Roxie—『Oración』."

Whispers spread through the crowd. Ash leaned over. "It's Natsume-sensei's turn!"

Iris covered her mouth as spotlights converged on the stage. "Natsume-sensei looks so handsome..."

The black-suited young man stood tall under the lights, his broad shoulders and slender waist accentuated by the tailored fit. Beside him, Roxie—white dress replacing her usual punk attire—cradled a violin, her signature white spikes the only remnant of her rocker image.

Natsume took his seat at the piano. As applause rippled through the hall, the old director's eyes gleamed.

In that poised figure, he saw echoes of his younger self—that same hopeful determination, that unwavering pursuit of artistry.

"Meloetta~"

Invisible to all, Meloetta floated above the stage, emerald hair rippling like ocean waves as it watched the pianist.

The first notes drifted through the hall.

A hush fell over the theater.

Meloetta closed its eyes.

『Oración』's melody swelled, Natsume's fingers dancing across the keys while Roxie's violin wove between the notes, their harmony echoing through the cavernous space.

Cynthia gazed at the stage, remembering the chaos at Space-Time Tower, that gentle kiss beneath the trees—her lips curved in a private smile.

Darkrai stood silent.

No one loved this song more.

For a moment, Natsume's silhouette overlapped with Alicia's shadow.

Darkrai inhaled sharply, blinking rapidly.

"Gengar~ (〃ω〃)" Gengar sniffled into a handkerchief, staring at its Trainer.

So beautiful...

Iris wiped her eyes. "I don't understand it, but I'm so moved~ o(╥﹏╥)o"

The piano's voice continued, saturating the theater with its resonance.

Meloetta drifted closer to Natsume, one hand over its heart as the jewel on its headband glowed faintly. It closed its eyes.

A pulse of artistry and romance flowed outward.

Natsume's playing transformed—notes like liquid mercury, flawless and transcendent.

The old director shuddered.

Where before he'd been merely touched, now he sat utterly spellbound.

By the song's climax, no words could describe what he felt.

Eyes closed, he saw his youth again—his late wife, his Pokémon companions.

The smell of stewed potatoes at dusk, Hoothoot adjusting the metronome, his wife complaining about bills while washing her hands...

Tears streamed down his wrinkled cheeks even as he smiled. Faded memories blazed with color once more.

It was that same melody from his childhood—the song of Meloetta.

As the final note faded,

the theater erupted in thunderous applause.

Audience members wiped red-rimmed eyes, their ovation heartfelt. The director exhaled deeply.

Natsume stood, his gaze meeting Cynthia's. They shared a quiet smile.

With a final bow,

Natsume and Roxie exited the stage.

Still invisible, Meloetta pressed a hand to its chest, mimicking Natsume's bow as it floated beside him.

......

After the concert, the group prepared to catch their overnight flight to Undella Town.

Roxie—now back in punk gear with her bass guitar—looked up defiantly.

"Hmph... not bad, Natsume-sensei. You're a musical genius worth respecting!"

Natsume rubbed his chin, recalling that sudden surge of transcendent skill.

"Perhaps I'm blessed by the muse of art."

Roxie: "..."

Damn it, he made that sound cool!

Walking down the theater's long corridor with Cynthia on his arm, Natsume heard her whisper:

"You shone so brightly tonight."

"The stars themselves pale before your radiance," he replied.

Cynthia chuckled. "One is enough for me."

As they prepared to leave, the director requested a moment with Natsume.

Expecting a performance offer, Natsume was surprised when the old man handed him a folded sheet of manuscript paper.

"I..."

The director smiled warmly. "Your playing reminded me of precious memories. Thank you, Mr. Natsume."

He gestured to the paper. "This is... a melody from my childhood, transcribed from memory. I believe only you can do it justice."

"Please accept this selfish request of an old man."

Natsume had no reason to refuse.

"I can't promise to replicate tonight's performance," he said, examining the scribbled notes, "but I'll practice it."

The director's clouded eyes gleamed. "Thank you."

Outside the theater, Natsume unfolded the crumpled paper. The notation was messy—hurriedly jotted down, as if afraid to forget—but legible.

[Ancient Song (Sheet Music): A melody passed down through ages. May lull targets to sleep. (When used by Meloetta, effects vary.)]

Meloetta?

Now he understood that inexplicable boost during his performance.

As he prepared to analyze it with his Aura of Ripple, Cynthia interrupted:

"No need for tickets. We're heading straight to the airport."

"Why?" Iris asked.

Cynthia held up a finger, smirking.

"Because it's a private jet."

Natsume: ???

With Moe-Moe! around... who needs to work hard?