"Puff!"
As expected, a Jigglypuff specialized in singing clearly wouldn't have much time to polish its battle skills. Despite Lala's earnest attempts at using Pound, Ivysaur leisurely yawned and casually flicked away its stubby arms with Vine Whip.
Ray Chu couldn't help but sigh. Where does this confidence even come from? This Jigglypuff's probably barely stronger than I was right after crossing over.
"Hey!" Seeing her attacks fail, the puffed-up Jigglypuff indignantly pursed her lips. Her round body suddenly sprang upward, launching herself into a full-force Body Slam toward Ivysaur.
Ivysaur instinctively prepared Razor Leaf to knock her away, but then recalled what that Farfetch'd companion had warned before the match. Hesitating, it quickly switched to Vine Whip, neatly catching and wrapping Jigglypuff mid-air.
Jigglypuff struggled fruitlessly in mid-air, her tiny limbs unable to break free. Finally, with an embarrassed squeak, she conceded defeat.
A Jigglypuff who specialized in charm and singing, yet stubbornly insisted on physical combat—truly baffling.
Dapple the Farfetch'd hurried over to comfort Lala, who, after a brief sulk, patted her own cheeks and bounced back energetically.
"Puff…puff?" However, when Lala glanced up at the sky, she suddenly let out a panicked cry—realizing it was already late, and she might miss the concert entirely.
Though Ray Chu strongly suspected she'd done this intentionally, Dapple shot him a solemn look, uttering a single, decisive quack.
Moments later, a pink Jigglypuff clung tightly to a Pikachu's back as they bolted through the city streets, laughter trailing behind. Chasing closely after was Officer Jenny, shouting from her motorcycle.
"Pokémon ahead! You're way over the speed limit! Pull over immediately!"
Hearing this, Ray Chu merely accelerated, swiftly shaking off Officer Jenny and leaving her far behind.
Most bystanders caught only a yellow blur flashing by, unable to grasp what had just occurred.
After chaining several uses of Agility, Ray Chu successfully arrived at the concert hall just moments before the show was set to begin.
"Puff-puff! (Make sure you watch!)" Lala gratefully kissed Ray Chu on the cheek, then inflated herself, drifting expertly through an open window into the hall.
Clearly, she'd done this many times before.
Ray Chu's eye twitched involuntarily. I just got kissed by a Jigglypuff…
Some time later, Dapple leisurely arrived after returning the rented Dodrio. Seeing Ray Chu frozen in place, she poked him gently with her leek, snapping him out of his trance.
"Farfetch'd?" she asked curiously.
Ray Chu quickly shook his head. Nothing, absolutely nothing.
"Dear guests, welcome to tonight's concert featuring the Pink Diva, Lala! Please enter in an orderly manner, and avoid crowding!" The announcer's voice boomed overhead, prompting the audience, who'd been waiting patiently, to surge into the venue.
The Pink Diva had numerous fans among Pokémon as well, so many Pokémon eagerly lined up alongside humans.
At the entrance, tickets were carefully checked—smaller Pokémon showed regular tickets like their human counterparts, while larger Pokémon had to purchase specialized ones.
Ray Chu personally witnessed a Dragonite dressed as a courier grudgingly hand over a hefty sum for a large-Pokémon ticket, shaking his head in quiet admiration. Even in this world, there's no shortage of crafty merchants inventing new ways to fleece customers.
Thankfully, Lala had thoughtfully provided them with VIP passes in advance. Otherwise, sneaking inside would've been troublesome.
The usherette guided them courteously to a luxurious box at the very front, closest to the stage, naturally at an exorbitant price. She didn't seem at all surprised by her guests' species, thoughtfully providing raised seats and even a bowl of fresh berries.
"Fetch'd!" Dapple nervously glanced around, clearly unused to such extravagance.
"Pika…" Ray Chu casually reassured her. Stick with me. Scenes like this will become ordinary.
Time passed slowly, and the hall's atmosphere grew feverish. As the holographic countdown clock reached its final moment, an explosive roar like a tidal wave filled the stadium.
Amidst countless blooming fireworks, the majestic holographic figure of a Pokémon emerged high above: Lugia, the guardian deity that had once appeared briefly in Cerulean City, bringing prosperity and renown to the city.
With its pale-blue belly, mask-like markings around its eyes, wing-like hands, and graceful movements resembling ocean tides, even though it was just a computer-generated illusion, its grandeur was awe-inspiring.
Watching this spectacular opening, Ray Chu deeply felt just how profound a Legendary Pokémon's influence truly was in this world.
As Lugia, Cerulean's iconic guardian, ascended skyward, the stadium lights abruptly dimmed. Instantly, dazzling beams filled the venue, illuminating the stage as deafening cheers erupted, welcoming the Pink Diva herself onto the stage.
Pink, round, adorable—with feline ears, sky-blue eyes, and a charming tuft of curled hair adorned with rose-gold crescent accessories—Lala's presence alone was enough to drive countless fans wild.
"Jigg-a-lee-puff, Jigg-a-lee-ee-puff…"
Her first song was her most famous hit, "The Song of Jigglypuff." Known universally among her kind, Lala's rendition was uniquely ethereal and soothing, enchanting the entire stadium.
Unlike ordinary Jigglypuff songs that put listeners to sleep, Lala's voice gently erased worries, leaving her audience refreshed and joyful.
When the song concluded, thunderous applause filled the hall, expressing gratitude for the magical experience Lala provided.
"Puff-puff, puff!" Lala called joyfully.
Her second number was the newly composed hit by her professional backstage team—"Aim to Be a Pokémon Master." Dozens of Pokémon from various species flooded the stage, striking dynamic poses, their passionate dancing igniting the crowd.
"Lala! Lala! Lala!" Deafening cheers surged forth, sweeping Ray Chu along in excitement. Perhaps music truly was the bridge connecting different races in this world—no separation between humans and Pokémon, only hearts beating as one.
Song after song, the atmosphere rose steadily higher. The Pink Diva changed outfits multiple times, captivating the crowd with her vibrant performances, delivering the ultimate audiovisual feast.
Finally, the concert came full circle, ending with the same heartfelt melody of "The Song of Jigglypuff," signaling a perfect finale to an unprecedented show.
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T/N: i catch myself using neutral pronouns on pokemon... like it... look away...