Seeing the judges flash a sky-high 98, the eldest brother, Billy, looked drained to ash—every color gone from his face.
"Don't be that crushed, big bro!"
Billy shut his eyes and drew a long breath.
"I knew it—we shouldn't have run our mouths before the show…!"
"Clyde, ask me again."
"Ask what?" Clyde blinked, then whispered, "Will… we win?"
Billy: "Sorry we didn't force Gas Bomb Band to go all-out."
So this is the power of a veteran band.
All around, other musicians found themselves nodding.
"As expected of a genius punk rocker—she can throw together a temp lineup and still hit with terrifying strength. Guess I need more practice."
Piers kept his habitual moody look, but his smile was genuine.
"I remember—back when I set out to challenge Gyms… I was so shy."
Though the lyrics spoke of leaving from Pallet Town, a Kanto place with no link to other regions—Unova included—any musician knows that's just a "symbolic locale."
Swap any hometown in; everyone departs from a different place. Get hung up on that, and the song never gets written.
"Why Pallet Town… I think it's because—"
"White," Marnie tilted her head and picked up for her brother. "I heard Pallet symbolizes pure white."
"Yeah—the distant Kanto town of Pallet, a symbol of a clean white beginning. Fits perfectly."
"And Roxie-san's Koffing is a Kanto Pokémon too. There's a thread there."
Not far off, Ryuki stewed. No matter what, people don't remember fourth place!
But because Gas Bomb's performance really was great…
"Fine! You win this time! Hmph! I'll be a superstar sooner or later!"
"It's for that dream that I hit the road! Since your music hit me right in the heart, I'll gift you this rank!"
Marnie crooked her head. "That guy's weird."
Piers: "…"
He held his tongue, though a thought whispered, You're fourth. 'Giving' the rank doesn't matter. Still, that was just Ryuki saving face—no need to poke it.
"Chasing a dream, huh—good for you. I hope you make it."
"OH! 3Q! Third place!" Ryuki jabbed a finger at Piers. "I heard your blessing! Let's clash again somewhere, my rival!"
Piers froze. "Eh—rival? I didn't agree…" He sighed, helpless—but honestly, he felt good.
Gas Bomb erupted in cheers.
"A massive success!"
The hall's mood blazed. Already famous, Gas Bomb had shaken hearts even harder this time—even the judges looked reluctant for it to end.
"It's not just melancholy music that can summon long-buried memories—passionate music can, too! That's Roxie-san's power!"
Mr. Stu Deeoh of Pokéstar Studios let out a satisfied sigh. "It's been so long since I felt this. The one who taught me love is… This feeling—I'll never forget it in my life!"
Put in other mouths it might sound like a death flag—but Mr. Stu isn't a Pokémon Trainer, so the reaper passes him by.
"How wonderful… I remembered the past for the first time in ages."
"The future can be foreseen again and again; the past can only be cherished. What we've lived condenses into history—and can never be reclaimed…"
"Leaf, Green, Ethan, Lyra, and… Red. How's he doing now?"
And last of all—the blue-jacketed boy with a Pikachu, always surging forward.
Those bright young figures, sealed in her deepest memories, surfaced again; for a moment, Sabrina felt time bend, as if back to three years ago.
Of course, the blue-jacketed boy with Pikachu wasn't among today's faces—but in the young man here, Sabrina found a faint shadow of Red again.
Perhaps, no matter the age, there are always kindred souls setting out.
"This song isn't Roxie's usual style—it's yours, right, Hikaru?" Elesa watched with keen interest. Even without sharing those travel memories, she could find a personal "feeling" in the song.
Her life is modeling and Pokémon battles—and in both, failure and missteps happen.
So, as the lyrics say, "No one can promise everything will go smoothly."
But no matter when—live earnestly.
"Just like at the Nimbasa Musical, Tenchō—the performance was dreamy. You're dazzling—brighter than any flash of electricity."
A hint of longing warmed her eyes.
In Castelia, Burgh's emotions were fully lit; praises tumbled out, landing in a gloriously high review.
"I knew that guy was a polymath! Listen closely—the guitarist steered the whole atmosphere! Gorgeous!"
Not that the others weren't vital; bands are where people complete each other. It's just that Roxie-san—the one who should guide the whole—plays bass.
And a bassist simply can't do quite what a lead guitarist does.
Of course, Larvesta earned credit too. Sure, it looked like a special-effects tech, and others had brought Pokémon on stage before, but…
That Larvesta is a celebrated flame artist.
"Turn precious memories into something tangible—that's art!"
Burgh gave his verdict, then murmured with a smile,
"Wonderful. My creative heart's fired up again! I'll make a new piece inspired by Gas Bomb Band!"
"Hah! I won't give up even at the last second—that's my music soul!"
"That said, nailing this show was everyone's doing!"
Roxie pumped her arms and hugged each bandmate and Pokémon, finishing by scooping up Larvesta and Meloetta together, hopping three feet off the floor in glee.
"As expected of a genius artist… The hype this time blew past expectations! For a temp lineup, we totally overperformed."
Her eyes shone with gratitude. "Finding you as our stand-in guitarist was fate's choice! I won't hoard this glory! Hey—wanna form a band with us from now on?"
"No." Hikaru smiled and gently refused. "I was only helping out. And you heard it—I run a shop."
"Once I finish your request, I've got my own path to walk."
"I only gave small help and tweaks this time. What truly earned your victory was your refusal to give up."
"Eeh~!"
Roxie drooped in disappointment, but she didn't give up.
"Even if you don't have time now, Gas Bomb will always keep a spot for you—whenever you want it!"
Bands don't stay fixed forever. Roxie knew "let's play together for life" is just a slogan—but…
With huge renown, steady work, and deepening trust, maybe that slogan could come true.
She drew a breath and smiled, steady and bright.
"This win was a gift you brought us. That will never change."
"As they say—'the best at war leave no boastful deeds.' The one behind the scenes is the band's true core soul. For us, you're like a new soul."
"Yeah." Cook nodded. "Rewriting a piece in one night and meshing the team in record time—that's unreal. But you did it—and crushed it. If it were just Roxie alone, no way."
"Your power was the key to victory's gate!"
"Even if Alu were here, she'd say the same."
Cook laughed. "Though if Alu comes back later, she'll feel the heat—her chops aren't as absurd as yours!"
Gas Bomb's aftershock was massive; most later bands got flattened.
That's the law of "rise or sink"—a titan "stealing the spotlight" also casts a heavy shadow on those who follow.
"Looks like the final result's locked."
A musician with an electric guitar walked over and waved.
"Yo—long time no see, Hikaru-bro! And Larvesta—hey there!"
"Bzraa!" Larvesta spat a cheery flare in greeting.
"Mr. George!" Hikaru was surprised. The Route 5 street musician—he'd already been shocked to see George on stage. And George hadn't come alone.
With two players from Striaton City and the legendary guitarist from the Mistralton café, they'd formed a four-piece for the contest. They drew plenty of eyes, but with so many heavy hitters ahead, they ended fourth.
Fourth?
Yep—Ryuki slid again, and the superstar boy nearly smoked from the ears.
"We gave it our all, but still couldn't crack top three."
George stroked his chin. The jazz drummer Zhu Pai and pianist Bai Hexian strolled up smiling, while the legendary Mistralton café guitarist fixed his gaze on Meloetta.
"The Mythical, Meloetta… My greatest dream's to duet with her someday. Didn't think you'd beat me to it."
"Our planned number was exactly Relic Song."
"Melo~!" Meloetta looked at the legend and seemed to sense something. She softly began Relic Song; the guitarist started along a heartbeat later.
The melody circled the crowd—moving, not loud. A few exchanged phrases—and the legend's face broke into a smile.
"Relic Song, huh. I've learned it too!" Roxie planted fists on hips. "If you don't mind—let's collaborate next time!"
"You're Mr. Richard of Mistralton, right? The renowned roots-style composer. I've heard your songs—I'm a fan!"
"Well now, that's an honor. Didn't expect Roxie-san to be one of mine," the legend blinked. Everyone fell into friendly talk.
They hadn't played Relic Song today, but they agreed to stage an outdoor show somewhere and share that dark-brown, memory-rich ancient ballad with more people.
"Congratulations."
Sabrina and Mr. Stu came over.
Sabrina: "A truly fine song—one that calls up life's brightest moments. Anyone can imagine the future, but few can look back. The thing that joined past and future for us… was your song."
"Exactly!" Mr. Stu was visibly moved. "No question—this belongs in the Music Hall! Congratulations on the championship! Please come collect your award!"
The ceremony couldn't escape roaring cheers. Roxie raised the golden music trophy; it blazed in the sun.
The Go-Rock Quads took second; the dark horse Piers snared third.
[Your overall popularity for all works in Unova has risen to… 107%!]
As Roxie received the crown, Hikaru's "arts rank-up" also completed—over the limit!
"So it can bust past a hundred—and all at once by ten! This showcase is no joke. In the arts, only paintings and music speak directly to everyone."
"Rock is Unova's cutting edge… add Roxie's and the bands' name-power, and boom—a huge jump."
[Gained: Ripple of Time!]
[Description: A ripple within time. Infusing a crafted item with it promotes its grade. This is also the energy Celebi and the like use to cross ages—can boost the power of past/future Pokémon!]
[Craftables unlocked: Time Flute, Puzzle of Time.]
[Special Job Unlocked: Phantom Artist!]
[Description: Special teachings from Master Kasbascia. To chase miraculous works, a legendary artist wanders the world.]
[Simply seeing such a work moves anyone to tears. There's only one 'original'; if there's another, it was painted with true heart. Even James's wealthy family can't possess a Phantom Artist's piece.]
[Effect — Secret Miracle: Your artworks can randomly ascend to Miracle Works. Gift one to someone and it can change a life. Great Virtue +500%, Value +∞%.]
"Congrats on the championship! Mm-hmm, Roxie-san—you're young, but definitely a formidable rival!"
The long-haired girl with white tresses, Tiffany, clasped her hands behind her back, stepped up to Roxie, and happily offered a handshake. "Hi! I'm Tiffany of the Go-Rock Quads! I play violin!"
"Nice to meet you! And thanks for the set—Go-Rock was amazing, too," Roxie hurried to take her hand—but Tiffany giggled. "Not really! Big bro's too confident. Since debut we'd never hit a wall—this was a first."
"Mountains beyond mountains—thanks to you, I remembered some happy things. Also… your guitarist was really good. And a temp hire, right?"
Roxie flinched. "What are you plotting?"
"What am I plotting?" Tiffany pressed a finger to her cheek, all mischief, and stepped to Hikaru. "You're not staying with Gas Bomb, are you? How about joining our band?"
Hikaru's face turned… complicated.
"But you already have a guitarist. Your leader Billy's a hotshot on electric."
"No, no—compared to you, big bro's still short!" Tiffany spread her hands, eyes sparkling.
"You can stir people's hearts and ignite their inner power. That's what big bro's missing. If you join, I'll convince him to drop guitar. Mm… we'll put him on keys!"
"So? Come on board? The terms are very nice!"
She said it while glancing at poor colorless Billy in the distance—completely unaware his adorable little sister had just traded him away.
"Hey! Poaching, really?!" Roxie sputtered, baffled that Tiffany was so in the know.
"Oh, you're wondering how I hear everything? Easy. New city, I go shopping first. You pick up all kinds of info!"
Tiffany beamed—until a low voice cut in.
"That's not exactly proper, miss. Besides, they're only a temp lineup—no one said he'd quit."
Piers walked over. "Third place really has no presence… but I am a small-time singer."
Tiffany brightened. "Ooh! You're Piers, right? You're amazing too! Want to join us? We just happen to need a lead vocalist."
Piers stared. "...What are you even saying? Who poaches the leaders of other bands?"
This Go-Rock lady was chaotic.
"Tch. Nobody wants to join? But it's an invite from a cute girl." Tiffany pouted.
Piers: "It's not about 'cute girl.' And my sister is a cute girl too."
Quiet little Marnie: "…"
Tiffany lit up like she'd spotted a doll. "Oh! So cute! Wanna join our band? Be our bassist!"
Marnie: "I refuse."
"Eeeeh—"
Tiffany sagged. Her brothers finally picked up on her outrageous chatter—especially Garret, who went scarlet.
"Poaching Roxie-san as a bassist is one thing—but grabbing some random cute girl for bass? Do I not exist?!"
He is the bassist!
"You bring in another bassist—what do I do, break into street dance?!"
"Hee-hee, then dance," Tiffany stuck out her tongue. She always disrespected her brothers—and then she tossed invites to the other bands, too.
"Fine, don't join. But we've got a huge performance coming up! You can all come watch!"
"In the Almia region—celebrating the Angel Company's 70th anniversary!"
She popped open her Pokégear. "Even if you won't join, let's trade contacts, everyone! We might jam together someday!"
She said it offhand—but one listener took it to heart.
Hikaru's gaze sharpened.
"So… what Yellow Crystal and Blue Crystal warned about—the Almia incident is about to start."
(End of Chapter)[Get +20 Extra Chapters On — P@tr3on "Zaelum"][Every 500 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter Drop][Thanks for Reading!]