Chapter 465: Haunter's Concert Night
After handing over the [Lunar Wing] to Teacher Lu and enjoying a dinner together, Flint waved goodbye.
Despite being reduced to tears by the spiciness, he had to admit Teacher Lu's cooking with added berries was top-notch.
If Teacher Lu ever joined the Dark Cooking Society, he'd surely be famous for his "Spicy Seasoning" skills.
As night fell, a gentle breeze swept through the quiet town.
Teacher Lu made a call to Ash:
"Can you make it to Jubilife City tomorrow morning?"
"No problem!" Ash's energetic voice replied.
"Pikachu and I are already on the train - we'll be there first thing tomorrow!"
"Excellent," Lu Ye said seriously. "This mission is extremely challenging. Besides Red, you're the only one I'd trust with it."
"Stepping out of your comfort zone to learn unfamiliar things is an essential part of a trainer's growth!" "Don't worry, Teacher Lu."
Ash's eyes burned with passion as he clenched his fist, completely fired up by Lu's words.
"I will become a Pokémon Master!"
"Good, that's the spirit! See you tomorrow!"
After hanging up, Lu contacted his next target.
"Hello meow, this is Meowth speaking. Please insert coins to continue, meow~!"
Meowth's lazy voice came through.
"You idiot, it's the executive!" Jessie angrily smacked Meowth's head.
Rubbing his reddened forehead with teary eyes, Meowth stammered, "S-sorry executive, I didn't realize, meow!"
"No worries."
Lu chuckled, "Just reminding you about tomorrow's rehearsal in Jubilife City."
"Leave it to us!" the trio said in unison, pounding their chests confidently.
Since it was just a rehearsal, only Ash, Pikachu and Team Rocket would be at the recording studio tomorrow.
Rubbing his chin, Lu felt a spark of anticipation.
What kind of chemistry would these longtime rivals create when performing together?
"Gengarrr~!"
Haunter suddenly appeared holding a microphone, gazing at Lu with pleading eyes.
Lu: "No, you can't perform tomorrow."
"Gengarrr~(｡•́︿•̀｡)" Haunter pouted sadly.
Though reluctant, Haunter understood.
Jigglypuff's "Sing" only caused sleep.
But Haunter's "Perish Song" could accidentally wipe out the entire audience!
Patting Haunter's head, Lu said, "Don't worry, I'll find a proper stage for you to perform someday."
"Gengarrr!（๑`▽´๑)۶" Haunter waved its microphone excitedly.
Until then, I'll keep practicing my singing~!
That night, under a starry sky...
Teacher Lu slept peacefully, gentle breezes fluttering the curtains as he dreamed sweet, vivid dreams.
He dreamt of lying on a Gigantamax Alcremie while a blonde Cynthia was covered in cream...
"Can't eat anymore..."
His sleep-talking murmured.
Meanwhile, the little ones quietly sneaked out in single file, heading toward the research lab.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Haunter phased through the locked training facility and opened the door from inside, letting everyone stream in.
With practiced ease, Haunter flipped the switches, bathing the area in bright lights.
The audience cheered with enthusiastic "Awoo!" and "Quack!" sounds.
"Gengarrr!"
Haunter stood on stage, gesturing for silence with its stubby arms.
As curious eyes watched, Haunter grinned widely and pulled out a microphone.
"Ta-da!"
"Eevee!" Sylveon's expression changed instantly as it bolted outside.
"B-blast!" Blastoise broke out in cold sweat, removing its sunglasses to wipe its forehead.
"You mean to tell me..."
Rotom Dex trembled, "Haunter is holding a concert, Rotom?!"
The training facility blazed with light.
Wild Pokémon drawn by the illumination gathered curiously around.
Bidoof, Shinx, Budew... all watched Haunter with eager anticipation.
This guy... looks like he knows how to put on a show!
"Gengarrr~(￣▽￣)／"
Holding the microphone, Haunter bowed its plump purple body gracefully.
Bzzzt—
Rotom reluctantly powered the sound system, producing an ear-piercing feedback screech.
The wild Pokémon's anticipation grew even stronger.
Sylveon had already escaped outside, humming while looking for wild alpha Pokémon to bully.
Suddenly, its [Lunar Wing] ribbon accessory glowed softly as rustling came from nearby bushes.
"Eevee~!"
Sylveon looked up to see a shivering wild Misdreavus, flashing a sweet smile.
So... you're the one who tried to hypnotize me earlier, right?
"Meeeee!!" Misdreavus shook its head desperately, nearly crying in fear.
But Sylveon was already pouncing, claws gleaming with deadly light—
Back inside...
Haunter cleared its throat and grinned: "Gengarrr!"
"Togepriii~ヾ(◍°∇°◍)ﾉﾞ" Togepi waved enthusiastically from the audience.
"Quack...(´థ౪థ)σ" Sirfetch'd looked deathly pale, covering its ears with its leek shield.
"Arf! ᕦ(･ㅂ･)ᕤ" Arcanine wagged its head, blissfully unaware of impending doom.
Then Haunter clutched the microphone, singing with passionate abandon:
"Gengarrr~ Gengarrr Gengarrr~(≧∀≦)♪"
[Haunter] used Perish Song on [A Large Group of Wild Pokémon]!
It's super effective!
Instantly, the wild Pokémon's expressions twisted in horror as unearthly wails filled the air.
'Haunter's using its ultimate move - RUN!!'
'Too late... we're doomed!'
"How?! The countdown has three... two... one—"
Chaos erupted as a stampede nearly broke out.
In this dire moment, the white knight leapt forth with righteous fury.
"Quack! (´థ౪థ)σ"
Sirfetch'd thrust its leek forward, glowing crimson with Throat Chop's vicious energy, aiming straight for Haunter.
Today, I, Sirfetch'd, shall overthrow my superior!!
[Throat Chop: The target experiences hellish pain and becomes unable to use sound-based moves!]
"Gengarrr!? Σ(°△°|||)︴"
The attack was heading straight for Haunter's delicate rear!
"Gengarrr!" Dropping the mic, Haunter teleported midair.
The Perish Song stopped abruptly, leaving the wild Pokémon trembling with relief.
"Quack~"
Sirfetch'd sighed deeply, basking in the awed gazes of surrounding Pokémon while maintaining its cool demeanor with leek blade in hand.
Don't underestimate emergency rations, damn it!
"Gengarrr~" Haunter placed hands on hips, grinning proudly as it nodded in satisfaction.
I've sung to my heart's content today... time to go home!
But since Sirfetch'd is in the mood for sparring...
Haunter nodded seriously, gathering a massive Shadow Ball between its hands.
I should respond with full power too!
"Gengarrr! (ૢ˃ꌂ˂⁎)"
Seeing the incoming Shadow Ball, Sirfetch'd raised its shield with tears streaming.
"Quack! (´థ౪థ)σ"
Overthrow my ass!
I'm going home to sleep, dammit!
BOOM!!
When the dust settled...
Blastoise adjusted its sunglasses, pulling out a [Revival Root] and giving Haunter a thumbs up.
"Blast! ヾ(⌐■_■)"
Don't worry, we've got medics on standby!
Sylveon remained in the wild, using the [Lunar Wing] to beat up Misdreavus and Mismagius families.
"Prii~" Togepi sat atop Arcanine's broad back, waving its hands like a seasoned concertgoer.
Deeply moved, Haunter pulled out a handkerchief to wipe its tears:
"Gengarrr~(இωஇ)"
As long as one fan understands my music, my performer's soul will never fade!
Under the starry sky with gentle breezes, the little ones began their journey home.
On this night of passionate concerts and battles...
Teacher Lu slept peacefully surrounded by dreams of honey and cream.
"Really... can't eat anymore..."