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The next day—north Virbank City, Pokéstar Studios.
As the largest film studio and arts sanctuary in Unova—arguably in the world—no one understands cinema and music's relationship better than they do.
Theme songs, opening tracks, ending songs, insert numbers—they all elevate a film's mood and become indelible pieces of the audience's memory.
So hosting this music showcase serves two purposes: recruit great composers and musicians—and further promote Pokéstar Studios.
Naturally, the studio also has a venue called the "Hall of Music," which holds nearly a hundred performances from June to September each year.
And it's here that Hikaru and Roxie ran into someone familiar.
"You are… Sabrina-san?"
Hikaru had suspected it, but he hadn't expected to meet her this smoothly.
Sabrina—the Saffron City Gym Leader from Kanto—and one of his psychic clients. For certain reasons she'd temporarily left Saffron, letting her disciple, Kiri-e, substitute. In theory… she did come to Unova.
After the HeartGold & SoulSilver era, Sabrina traveled to Unova, relinquishing her Gym for an acting career; the reason's unknown.
And whether in the Special manga or the games, her path ultimately points here. In the anime, thanks to Ash's permanent youth, Sabrina still serves as a Gym Leader.
"Hello, Shopkeeper. This is our first face-to-face… though we've 'met' in the client chat, right?"
"I used Future Sight and waited for you at a specific spot. Mm—and I should thank your product. That plush soothed my heart; that's why I'm here."
"The uncertain future became a certain outcome."
The woman before them wore short hair; the classic long, straight black was gone. In its place, Sabrina's HeartGold/SoulSilver look—short hair and camisole—clean and sharp, a complete contrast with before.
Not that it's unflattering—just that long black hair fits the general taste more.
Unlike others' Future Sight, Sabrina's precognition sometimes triggers passively, and she can glimpse events as far off as "three years later." Like other psychics, she can also communicate with Pokémon without speaking.
"W-wow! Sa-Sabrina-san!"
Roxie's reaction was pure excitement. Seeing Hikaru apparently know Sabrina, she immediately pressed for details. When Hikaru asked why she was so hyped, the white-haired bassist gave a "you seriously don't know?" look:
"Sabrina-san is Pokéstar Studios' brightest new star! Her latest film exploded in word of mouth and passed a billion at the box office!"
"And for that movie's score—we, the Gas Bomb Band, did the music!"
Ah yes—when it's film talk, you can't dodge the 'billion' unit.
"Roxie-san's music is wonderful as well. Let's continue working together next time."
Sabrina affirmed Roxie's team, then glanced around at the people nearby and lowered her voice:
"So—do your best today. I'm one of the judges for this showcase."
"Although, with the Shopkeeper here, I don't think your ranking will be low."
"I foresaw the results long ago, but—"
"—a foreseen result isn't guaranteed to be correct, right?" Hikaru finished for her. He knew well that Sabrina's prophecies weren't fate.
In-game, Sabrina tells Ethan or Kris/Lyra that she foresaw long ago that the battle ends with her victory—just as she saw in the future.
But if the player defeats her, she admits she was surprised; the player's future cannot be fully seen, and their strength exceeds her sight.
"Um… then, Sabrina-san, what future did you see?"
"Third place."
Sabrina's tone was calm—she's never been the most emotive. "That is the future I saw."
Roxie looked thunderstruck. "Th-third…! W-well—at least it's a podium… right…"
"But in that future, your band wasn't quite like it is now." The follow-up made Roxie snap her head up, eyes lighting. Sabrina hid a smile behind her hand.
"Far futures don't always come true. The future is… highly uncertain."
"What I mean is: changeable futures exist. So go all-out toward the path you want."
Then she turned to Hikaru. "I'm looking forward to your performance, Shopkeeper. Also… if you have new items related to mind/heart power, please don't forget to tell me."
Hikaru offered his hand. "Let me help you once."
Sabrina blinked, then sensed what was coming and clasped his hand.
A warm current of psyche flowed into her heart. What had wavered and hesitated steadied—and bloomed with light.
Memories surfaced—yet the painful, sorrowful ones quickly dissolved. What remained were those easily overlooked yet unforgettable, precious moments of warmth.
Sabrina's eyes brightened; she showed a radiant smile.
"I see."
She released his hand, and there was a curious gem in her palm. She chuckled and held it tight.
"A 'Jade of Release,' is it… I'll make good use of it."
"Ahem—consider it a freebie. Please keep supporting the shop." Hikaru cleared his throat. Sabrina's mood lifted further. "But of course. I'll keep an eye on you—always."
"Don't leave right after the contest; I have something for you."
"Well then, good luck." She waved and headed toward the judges' area.
"Hah, feels like you became the protagonist just now… What was that, a riddle battle? Wait—are you a psychic too?" Roxie quipped, then scanned the hall warily. She soon locked onto her biggest perceived rivals!
The Go-Rock Quads!
"Look—that's the Go-Rock Quads!"
Roxie pointed toward four people. "Quads," but they're three guys and a girl.
Hikaru knew them well.
Forked-tip hair—the eldest brother, Billy. Ten-tentacled jelly-hair—the second brother, Garret. The 'flopped' style—the third brother, Clyde. Long straight white hair and green eyes—the youngest sister, Tiffany.
White-haired four siblings.
They were the first Rangers' villains; their father, Gordor, was the boss—and an old colleague of Professor Hastings, head of the Ranger Union.
All four sported wildly angular, flamboyant hairstyles—like characters who plane-shifted in from a certain card-dueling world.
As Fiore's villain team "Go-Rock Squad" executives, they fought the Rangers—and lost miserably.
After the squad fell, they broke away, formed a band, and started touring the world.
They even reappeared in later Ranger regions, with serious fanbases and popularity.
One odd note: a typical band's got guitar, vocalist, drums, and bass… but among the Quads, little sis Tiffany plays violin.
Hmm. Can violin mesh with guitars?
Hikaru felt the combo might not quite click.
Still, their presence suggested Fiore's incident had wrapped up.
Which means the first Manaphy Egg should be discovered soon.
"Will it be sent to Sinnoh—or are we kicking off Prince of the Sea?"
"And Ash is about to finish his Johto travels; next stop Hoenn, maybe?"
"Heh, seems we've got heavy hitters all around. Let's get set." Cook gestured, and the team moved to the prep area.
Unexpectedly, Hikaru spotted more "familiar faces."
A young punk singer with a black-and-white, oddly parted, moody hairdo.
"So this is Pokéstar Studios… Terrifying. Brilliant, famous musicians everywhere. Can a small-time singer like me really break through?"
He kept up the gloomy mutter.
No doubt—Piers, Spikemuth's Gym Leader from Galar!
He inherited a once-prestigious Gym and poured himself into reviving a hometown starved for Dynamax energy—balancing life as a singer-songwriter and Gym Leader. Critically acclaimed; lots of fans.
Clustered around him were Team Yell—which is basically Piers and Marnie's booster squad.
So if Piers is here, naturally the punkish twin-tails cutie beside him is Marnie!
"Oh? That guy's band has a bunch of Pokémon in it, huh?"
Cook pointed at Piers. "I think he's a notable Galar songwriter. Looks familiar."
On another side stood a blazing-red, wild guitarist with card-anime hair.
"This is where my dreams take flight! I—Ryuki—am the superstar of your dreams!"
That guy who looked ripped from a Yu-Gi-Oh setpiece is a musician who appeared in the Sun & Moon era. He sailed to Alola chasing the dream of becoming a music megastar.
During the Champion challenge, he talks about how his music once got praise but no sales. Because he never quit swinging, he finally caught on.
"This lineup's like that Pokémon Masters EX event—'The Strongest Singer Showdown.'"
Back then, the entries even included folks who didn't know music at all—like Iris, Flint, and Burgh—but it did note that Cynthia is quite skilled at piano.
Even so, Piers and Ryuki don't yet match Roxie's "tier." At this level, Roxie's already at "world tour" weight class—no-contest musical prodigy. In that PMEX event, those three did share the stage, though.
Among these musicians, Rhyme from Paldea didn't show.
Makes sense—she's a rapper. Different style, and she didn't bring a band.
Besides them, Hikaru also spotted Nando!
The bard-like Coordinator from the Diamond & Pearl anime—always with a harp. His ace is Kricketune.
"Heroes everywhere—as countless as carp crossing a river!"
"…," Hikaru eyed the collective hairstyles.
So… this is the Yu-Gi-Oh timeline, huh? Are we just competing on hair now?
Does stronger hair equal stronger music?!
Thankfully, he had Cook the Bald on his side. That shining dome proved hair isn't everything!
"Uh, say… this music showcase isn't gonna sneak a Pokémon battle round in there, right?"
(End of Chapter)
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