Chapter 268: Musical Costume Champion Laurel

In the Pokémon world, while battling is the mainstream, it is not everything. Just as the Johto region has the long-standing Pokémon Pokéathlon.

Even in the Unova region, which is extremely passionate about battling, there exist competitive and musical events secondary to battling.

Pokémon Musicals are closer to Super Contests with the acting portion removed. In a musical competition, participants must first dress up their Pokémon, then dance on stage to the music. In the anime, the way Pokémon Musicals are performed is more relaxed; in short, it is about expressing one's own style and color.

In the games, the performable tracks are very fixed, but in reality, the scripts of the BW Agency are as numerous as the stars. Even a novice musician can find a track suitable for themselves, and they even provide musicians for accompaniment.

Guang Tai thought of the two musicians from Accumula Town; they previously held this position at the BW Agency.

However, there is one minor limitation to musicals: large-sized Pokémon cannot perform on stage.

The one to perform, of course, is Lilligant. Rather, Lilligant actively requested to perform after hearing about it!

She is very happy to be able to show her dance to more people!

Although Riolu is more suitable in terms of size, the little blue dog felt slightly nervous about this so-called "musical." Even though he hadn't wavered in the slightest while battling on stage before, he was at a loss because of things "outside of battling."

"Hmm, I am a pup who loves to train. As for things outside of battling..."

"Ah! Riolu, kawaii!"

Zi Yu rubbed against Riolu. Although the little blue dog wanted to push her away, considering she was a girl, he decided to just let it be.

If it were a strange young man like Gym Leader Burgh, he definitely wouldn't let her touch him.

In the preparation room, Guang Tai was customizing an outfit for Lilligant, while Zi Yu and N were staring at the incubator. The egg was gradually showing signs of movement, and even Elesa was attracted.

"What kind of Pokémon will hatch?"

"It seems to be a very rare type..." N felt the heart's voice of that Pokémon. Although it was still a bit blurry, it could be confirmed that this Pokémon did not seem common in Unova.

Thus, under the gaze of everyone's anticipation, the egg emitted a brilliant light. At the same time, a certain miniature statue Guang Tai had placed at the very bottom of his backpack was faintly radiating light, only no one could notice it.

Under the silent watch of the Arceus statue, although what hatched might not necessarily be a Shiny, this Pokémon...

"Milcery!"

Accompanied by a soft, creamy sound, the egg hatched successfully. A 6V individual Pokémon that looked like cream was born!

"Eh, it's a Pokémon I've never seen before!"

Even N showed confusion, but Zi Yu was very happy. At first glance, it looked soft and creamy—this cream design!

It was extremely cute!

"That is Milcery, a Fairy-type Pokémon."

Guang Tai looked at the hatched Pokémon and cleared up the confusion for everyone. Of course, Unova didn't have this Pokémon; it came from Galar.

In that case, the so-called Professor who entrusted the egg to Lenora was... Professor Magnolia from the Galar region?

In any case, it wouldn't be Sonia.

N: "Fairy...?"

Elesa: "Ah! So it's a Fairy-type!"

"The confirmation of the Fairy type is a recent matter. A few years ago, this type didn't exist. Many Fairy-type Pokémon were considered Normal type, but later it was discovered that they mastered some unique moves, which is why the Fairy type was confirmed!"

"In our Unova region, it seems only Cottonee and Whimsicott are true Fairy-type Pokémon, so the distribution of this type in our region is quite singular. However... Cottonee and Whimsicott are quite common in the forests, so it can't be called rare."

Curiosity appeared in N's eyes.

Because very few people in Unova own Fairy-type Pokémon, even N had never seen one. Moreover, even wild Whimsicott don't seem to consider themselves Fairy-type; it should be said they have no concept of "Fairy."

N really disliked how professors arbitrarily classified Pokémon types; that was just a human's one-sided view. But now, it seemed that being able to learn about unknown types was also a benefit.

Guang Tai: "After Milcery evolves, it becomes a Pokémon called Alcremie. It is said there are 64 different color evolutions. From its appearance, it looks very much like cream ice cream, but it is completely different from the Vanillite family in the Unova region."

Speaking of which, Milcery's evolution method is unrelated to level; one only needs to carry the corresponding sweet decoration and spin in place. That's how it is in the game... I wonder what the evolution method is in reality?

This made Guang Tai curious as well.

Looking at it this way, the Alcremie Zi Yu had at Blueberry Academy must be this one.

"Its ability is Sweet Veil, which prevents itself and its allies from falling asleep."

Zi Yu asked curiously: "Eh, Brother Guang Tai, you seem to know a lot about this Pokémon."

Guang Tai: "This is just a little secret. Rather, I know a lot about many Pokémon."

After saying that, he took out the Pokédex. Seeing the Pokédex, N's eyes narrowed again, but this time he didn't say anything.

Guang Tai knew that if following the original work, N's disgust for the Pokédex—whether in the Special manga, the games, or even the anime—was very high, although after his personality was corrected, he no longer paid attention to it.

Being able to suppress his disgust now without giving a critique showed that N's personality was already on the path to correction.

Right! A brand-new type of Pokémon never seen before—if there were no Pokédex records and no professor research, how could humans and Pokémon understand each other faster and understand the true type of this Pokémon?

Some research is necessary; research is also an important channel for humans to understand nature and life.

N had already realized the truth that although there are many people with special abilities, there are also many ordinary people.

The professors' research is for ordinary people; as for those with special abilities, these things are just icing on the cake.

"Let's record the moves it possesses. N, how about you do the recording?"

Guang Tai handed the Pokédex to N, intending to let N complete this first record. N was stunned for a moment; he lowered the brim of his hat and thought for a moment.

The first time—everything has a first time.

Thus, he took the Pokédex and began to communicate with this Pokémon through his heart's voice ability. The newborn Milcery saw Zi Yu first, so naturally, it felt close to her.

However, when N communicated with it, Milcery first showed a startled look. After all, a human being able to talk to Pokémon was truly too shocking!

After all, it was still just a baby!

However, everything has a first time.

Under N's soothing, Milcery's fear gradually turned into curiosity. It happily talked a lot with N and then began to try using those moves here. Having been blessed by the Arceus statue, its stats were very high, and it immediately used a power that attracted attention!

Draining Kiss!

Kissing the opponent cutely like an angel, thereby confusing the opponent!

Draining Kiss hit Zi Yu accurately, and then the young girl fell into an illusion, becoming confused!

Fortunately, Elesa and N acted in time. Zi Yu quickly recovered from the confusion state. Looking at the ignorant and bewildered Milcery in front of her, she was immediately overjoyed!

"Wow! What a powerful move, you can actually use Draining Kiss!"

"Milcery~" Milcery was also very happy. Although it didn't know why Zi Yu was happy because of the move, but... as long as Zi Yu was happy, it would be happy too!

Elesa explained to N: "Originally, Draining Kiss was also a Normal-type move, but after Fairies appeared, professors believed this move should be Fairy-type. So, the fact that this Milcery can use Draining Kiss at birth should prove this theory."

N nodded slightly and recorded this content with the Pokédex, while a subtle emotion also appeared in his heart.

The machine he originally should have loathed now seemed as if it had opened a door to a new world for him. This novel feeling... he had never experienced it before.

"So, this is the feeling of those Pokédex holders? Is this the feeling of those Pokémon professors when they research Pokémon?"

"Professors, huh..."

That's right, they originally knew nothing about Pokémon, while he possessed the power to talk to them. If he became a professor...

Phew, that kind of future feels wonderful just thinking about it. However, why couldn't he generate any feelings of disgust? Why exactly?

And hearing N's self-talk, Guang Tai couldn't help but think the same thing in his heart.

Professor N?

What would your starter Pokémon be?

Would it be Darmanitan, Woobat, or Zorua?

Or would it be Zekrom, Reshiram, or Kyurem?

Thinking about it this way, it's quite interesting, isn't it?

"Alright, the dressing up is complete!"

Guang Tai had given Lilligant a grand makeover!

This outfit used the newly obtained line art and color art, completely deepening and correcting a gown originally provided by the BW Agency. Just by being worn by Lilligant, it was already very dazzling and eye-catching!

【Artifact: EX·Musical Gown·Champion's Laurel!】

【Description: A special musical gown created by combining the olive laurel with the intention of victory. Wearing a golden laurel on the head, dressed in grand attire, with silver armor on the shoulders, she is like the goddess of victory from mythology!】

【Effect: Greatly increases the wearer's level of attention. Beauty +80%, Gorgeousness +80%, Heroism +50%, Charm +50%, Wonder +50%! It allows the Pokémon's performance effects and the meaning expressed to be accurately conveyed to the audience's hearts! It can guide the hearts of humans and Pokémon and sprinkle luck!】

【Effect 2: The move 'Victory Dance' is enhanced; the stats raised will increase from one stage to two stages, and the duration will be longer.】

"Lilligant!"

Lilligant felt this outfit was very suitable and would not hinder her kicking techniques or dancing. The most important thing in a Pokémon Musical is to attract the audience's gaze. At the same time, the Pokémon will hold two props. When the spotlight hits them, ordinary Pokémon will use props to attract everyone's eyes.

The design concept of this outfit came from Rosa's Champion outfit in Pokémon Masters, as well as the goddess of victory, Athena. Guang Tai almost didn't need to think too much. Since she is the goddess of victory, the props she holds are naturally a spear and the Aegis shield!

Of course, the BW Agency also had relevant spear and shield props. Guang Tai just modified them slightly, and soon the golden shield and bright silver spear were held by Lilligant on her "leaves"!

"Lilligant~" Lilligant had full confidence in her "dancing skills"!

Let's charm them with Victory Dance!

However, what is the intention she wants to convey...?

"It doesn't matter, you choose it yourself. Pokémon Musical, huh? The important thing is that you have fun!"

Regarding the secondary task sent by the Dream Tree, Guang Tai felt it wasn't important. Musical knowledge could always be obtained. Since it was Lilligant's performance, then of course Lilligant should be the one to decide!

As long as the Pokémon is having fun!

Guang Tai still remembered what the staff member said when driving away Team Plasma when he first arrived in Nimbasa City.

That was absolutely correct.

"Lilli~Lilli!" Lilligant was somewhat joyful, but soon she became a bit troubled and began to ponder.

Although she wanted to perform a dance, she didn't understand those songs at all. The trainer only knew how to play Relic Song. Although the singing was very nice, she felt it didn't quite match what she wanted to express.

N heard Lilligant's heart's voice at this time and knew she was troubled about choosing a song, so he intended to help. As a result, Aegislash flashed out of its Poké Ball directly.

Aegislash directly picked up the sheet music and translated it one by one for Lilligant, and it even hummed some strange tunes.

It was very rhythmic, with an ancient feel. Could it be?!

"Hey, you haven't worked in the Kingdom Music Troupe, have you?"

"Aegi (I don't know)~"

However, Aegislash could actually read modern text, which surprised N, and even Elesa was astonished! She was first captivated by the grandly dressed Lilligant, and now seeing Aegislash pointing out things to Lilligant like a teacher, she was even more surprised.

"My Aegislash learned to read modern text quickly in order to understand certain books... in short, it learned it."

Can't say Aegislash learned to read just to go online and scold people.

Guang Tai muttered to himself.

"Then I'll help too!" Elesa walked to Aegislash and Lilligant's side. She also hummed those tunes lightly until one was chosen by Lilligant, and everyone laughed happily.

The world of musicals was slowly approaching Pokémon and people, and Pokémon dancing actually had no fixed process. As long as the Pokémon are happy, it doesn't matter how they like to perform; the music will naturally coordinate with the Pokémon!

Zi Yu hugged Milcery, N placed the trophy in the preparation room, and they headed to the audience seats, while Guang Tai took over the musician's position, and Elesa served as the host for this concert.

Amidst the wonderful, joyful, and fantasy-filled music, the Pokémon Musical officially began!

People sat in the theater with their Pokémon to watch. Joyful emotions filled every space, and when the previous performances—some funny, some interesting, some elegant—ended one by one.

Soon, Lilligant's solo performance time arrived!

Although it was a solo dance, Lilligant was not stage-frightened at all. The solemn and wonderful music began to rhythm, and accompanied by the solo dance of the goddess of victory, it instantly attracted everyone's eyes. That beautiful goddess seemed to be struggling with something invisible.

When she achieved victory, that elegant posture firmly grasped people's gaze;

When the music became melodious and sad, as if bidding a tearful farewell to an invisible person, the watching audience also synchronously felt that sorrow.

Beautiful melodies can make people happy, and sad melodies can make people sorrowful. Until the goddess of victory finally reunited with an invisible person, applause broke out in the venue—who started it, no one knew—and then, the applause was like thunder!

The curtain fell, and the performance ended there, but people's impression of Lilligant's performance was deeply engraved in their minds and hearts, hard to forget.

"Amazing! This is the best musical I've seen in all the times I've watched!"

"That Pokémon looks so familiar... Ah! It's the one from the Battle Fashion Show this afternoon. So, the one leading this performance is that genius artist?"

"I said he knew Elesa! Look, he's even come to the Musical Theater! But the performance was really good! An invisible monster, an invisible lover, or perhaps a relative..."

"I've never heard this piece before. It's a perfect combination of high spirits and sadness. The person who played it must have a very high level."

The audience's reviews were excellent. Even N was attracted, not to mention Zi Yu. The organizer of the Pokémon Musical even found Guang Tai directly to express that this musical performance was a huge success—as expected of a genius artist—and tactfully hoped Guang Tai would perform a few more times.

"I don't know why, but I feel like I'm connected to that Pokémon's heart, rejoicing with her, feeling sad with her... Is it the power of music or the power of performance, or both... She is full of charm! In short, I... I am so moved!"

"What a dreamlike performance! Photos of her performance will definitely be hung in the most prominent position of the Musical Hall!"

However, Guang Tai still had many things to do, so he could only tactfully decline, expressing that if there were a chance in the future, he would return to perform here.

"Ah, for a genius artist like you, we cannot force it, and you don't care for the conditions we offer... There's no way."

"Fortunately, we have already recorded it. It's a pity! Those who didn't come this afternoon will almost never have the chance to see this dreamlike performance again!"

"Thinking about it this way, we are all lucky people! The goddess of victory not only brings victory but also brings good luck!"

The organizer felt it was a great pity and prepared to watch the recording a few more times to savor it. Guang Tai also successfully obtained musical knowledge, and even an attached track, "Hero's Return."

【Task Completed!】

【Rewards: Release Orb ×2, Musician's Melody ×1, Masterpiece Inspiration ×1, Infectivity ×1, Special Item ×1!】

【Musician's Melody: The melody of meeting, adventure, and friendship. Your insight into these three types of melodies is greatly improved.】

【Masterpiece Inspiration: You have an in-depth understanding of music. You seem to have extremely high talent on the path of music. You can write some excellent works and often gain inspiration for composition!】

【Infectivity: Your music and dance with Pokémon can capture hearts, infect people's emotions, and make people intoxicated. Sadness or joy, or generating more emotions—these emotions help enhance the power of humans and Pokémon. Infectivity +100%, Intoxication +50%!】

【Special Item: White Gentleman Suit—white cape, white top hat, white cane, white mask, pocket watch.】

【Knowledge Acquired: Convergence Art·Music!】

【Effect: A comprehensive musical art born from the convergence of Unova's musical tracks. Your performance techniques for all musical knowledge are greatly improved, and you can integrate different musical sounds into your own tunes! Performance Technique +200%, Fusion +50%, Convergence +100%!】

【Note: Mastering Convergence Art means you can try to play legendary music! Try to obtain legendary musical knowledge! The Pulse of the Planet, Oración, The Sea Temple Axia...】

【Craftable Item: Ukulele (Musical Replica)!】

【Description: A special item held by the mysterious Pichu in the Oblivia region, capable of playing the legendary music "Thunderbolt Melody"! It makes a sound when electric current passes through. The music played and the thunderbolts released are unaffected by type matchups. The sound of the instrument has the effect of relaxing the bodies and minds of humans and Pokémon!】

【But due to the lack of precious wood from the corresponding Dolu Island, only a replica for musicals can be made. It can attract wild Pokémon to listen to the performance, increase friendliness, call wild Electric-type Pokémon for help in electric locations like Chargestone Cave, and can be used to attract Electric-type Pokémon!】

(End of Chapter) ===== CHAPTER 269 =====