Chapter 470: Pallet Town: Where Dreams Begin
At first, when Teacher Lu invited her to join the group chat, Roxie refused.
Having just been utterly defeated, joining the opponent's fan group would be too embarrassing.
But upon hearing there were many seniors in the group, including possible opportunities to exchange poison-type techniques with Koga's daughter Janine from Kanto...
"Hmm..." Roxie eventually pouted and pulled out her phone to scan the QR code.
[Group Owner 'Teacher Lu' has invited group member 'PoisonOrDie' to join the chat!]
"Whoa!" Marshal raised an eyebrow. "It's the lead singer from Unova's band!"
"You're..." Roxie recognized Marshal's identity and froze momentarily. "Colonel Marshal who released albums in Unova?"
"Haha, that's all in the past, not worth mentioning!" Marshal laughed proudly.
The white-haired loli stared at her phone with shining eyes, the very picture of meeting an idol.
Teacher Lu was surprised. Who knew Marshal actually had this level of influence in Unova!
Though Marshal was originally from Unova and an electric-type expert, so presumably skilled in electronic music too (misconception).
"@Marshal," Gold said. "Her current fan count is at least a hundred times yours~"
Marshal's expression twisted. Damn it, he couldn't even refute that!
"Welcome~" Celadon Anemone sent a Pikachu sticker. "Seems to be the first Unovan gym leader to join! (*╹▽╹*)"
Natsume, who worked as a celebrity in Unova, tucked her black hair behind her ear pensively.
Teacher Lu's sphere of influence has already expanded to Unova...?
Pigtailed Roxanne: "Eh? Didn't Cheren from Unova join last time?"
"Oh right, Cheren!" Lu Ye smacked his forehead in realization.
No helping it - inviting Mengmengda took priority over guys... Teacher Lu kept it real like that.
But back then, Cheren had looked utterly broken after his specialty tactics got crushed by Teacher Lu.
Inviting him to the fan group under those circumstances would've been adding insult to injury.
He'd find opportunities later to invite Cheren and other Unovan gym leaders...
"Whoa!" Roxie's eyes widened in shock at the member list.
This... even Unova's World Tournament probably couldn't match the star power of this fan group!
"Let's go, time to record."
Lu Ye waved his hand in front of the dazed white-haired loli before turning to lead the way.
"Ash, time to work!"
"Coming~"
The open-air venue was pockmarked with traces of their earlier battle.
The staff, still stunned by Teacher Lu's display of power,
quickly demonstrated their professionalism by rushing out an article with title:
[Poison-Type Master? Teacher Lu Visits Jubilife Radio to Coach Unovan Gym Leader!]
The word "coach" was particularly inspired.
When this article published, eagle-eyed netizens would even spot an Easter egg about the 'Pokémon Company.'
"Is this not just stealth marketing for a new MV?"
"Holy crap, they actually got Team Plasma's band? That's legit!"
"Everyone knows Teacher Lu pioneered Toxic stalling, just can't do double protect..."
As online discussions heated up and anticipation grew for the new project...
Jubilife Radio, recording studio.
Roxie had composed herself, adjusted the sound system, and now held her electric guitar with serious focus.
"We can begin now."
Beyond the glass, the spacious recording booth had black cables snaking across the floor amidst professional instruments.
Ash wore his cap and blue vest, looking somewhat nervous.
Meowth patted Ash's back encouragingly. "Go for it, twerp! Meowth's seen your progress firsthand!"
"You're almost comparable to this celebrity now," Jessie said proudly.
"Go get 'em, twerp!" James cheered through cupped hands.
"SOOONANSU~!"
Ash clenched his fists and grinned. "Alright! Pikachu, let's sing together!"
"Pika-chu~!"
In Sinnoh and Kalos, Ash's Pikachu had participated in Contest performances before.
While Ash was artistically hopeless, his natural musical affinity could attract Jigglypuff and Meloetta alike.
Now, inside the recording booth, Roxie bared her fangs in a smile, clearly infected by the lively atmosphere.
"Gengarrr! (ノ￣▽￣)"
Haunter wore headphones while leaning forward from its office chair to press the record button.
Beep—
"Pokémon, Gotta Catch 'Em All!"
The triumphant trumpet blare and driving drumbeat instantly transported Lu Ye back to the original series' premiere era.
"Through fire or water or grassy plains, through forests..."
As the rapid strumming reached the line about "under girls' skirts,"
Roxie blushed furiously at the lyrics before reluctantly joining Pikachu's cry: "Eeek!"
"No matter how hard the road may seem, gotta catch 'em all, the Pokémon team!"
Ash's bright voice carried youthful sincerity as he drew out the notes.
The tempo eased as violin solos wove between drumbeats, conjuring visions of pristine Pallet Town before Ash's eyes.
"Waving goodbye to Pallet Town~ Pikachu and I travel side by side!"
"Pika-chu!" Pikachu glanced at Ash with a happy ear-twitch smile.
"Using moves we trained up strong, we'll knock all opponents down!"
The stormy night against the Spearow swarm—Ash spreading his arms before the battered Pikachu.
Lightning illuminated the downpour as Pikachu leapt forth, Thunderbolt scattering the Spearow flock!
"Can't guarantee we'll win each fight."
Pikachu struggling against Brock's Steelix before being constricted into defeat.
"But with them by my side, I'll give it all my might!"
Pikachu springing up as Charizard soared behind Ash against the blue sky, engulfing Articuno in flames.
The raging guitar and clarion trumpets made Roxie glance at reminiscing Ash with surprise.
As drums signaled Ash flawlessly hitting the chorus, Meowth excitedly jumped while clenching fists.
"Ahhh! To become the very best like no one ever was!"
Ash reversed his cap, eyes burning with passion as he raised a Poké Ball high—grasping the future itself.
"This dream, I know I can make real!"
The opening trumpets reprised as the song concluded with a final drum crash!
Silence filled the studio as Roxie wiped her brow and exhaled.
"Not bad, kid!" Roxie grinned toothily.
Ash turned to share a smile with Pikachu.
"Because this is... mine and Pikachu's true feelings~"
"Pika-chu! (≧∀≦)♪" Pikachu nuzzled Ash's cheek affectionately.
"Meowth taught the brat every single note, meow! (இωஇ)"
Meowth wept joyful tears while wiping its eyes dramatically.
"To think we've been chasing that Pikachu for so long!"
Jessie and James reminisced about their Kanto days, clasping hands while sobbing.
Teacher Lu nodded sympathetically, exchanging a look with Haunter:
"We've known each other a long time too."
"Gengarrr! (ૢ˃ꌂ˂⁎)" Haunter grinned before flicking out its crimson tongue toward Lu Ye.
Lu Ye stood unfazed, chewing a Cheri Berry as he asked Roxie:
"Any areas needing improvement?"
Roxie stared blankly at Teacher Lu tanking the Lick attack before shaking her head.
"Just needs a few more rehearsals. The song itself is flawless—exceptionally good actually."
A faint smile surfaced.
"Besides... this will definitely resonate with trainers."
The original series' opening theme was the most iconic and widely recognized Pokémon song across generations.
Even twenty years later when Sun/Moon reused this OP, it still moved Lu Ye profoundly.
Now they were one step closer to the bizarre achievement of 'having Ash sing his own theme song'!
"That time we dug pit traps for Pikachu but fell in ourselves..."
"And our balloon got blasted away by Pikachu... what a blasting feeling!"
Team Rocket bawled over past misfortunes while Ash awkwardly scratched his head.
They were still opponents after all, just temporarily collaborating!
After resting, Roxie led the band and Ash through more rehearsals.
Teacher Lu stepped outside, checking his notes while muttering:
"Next, need to visit Pallet Town and get Professor Oak to appear..."
Returning to where dreams began—Pallet Town—would also fit Pokémon's starting point setting.
Glancing back at the lively studio, Lu Ye called Professor Oak.
Beep—beep—
The call was answered by Oak's assistant, Kris.
Upon hearing Teacher Lu wanted to visit, Kris laughed:
"Of course, the Professor happens to be free recently."
Lu Ye looked skyward.
Professor Oak was always free.
At least he still faithfully attended DJ Miss Walnut's radio show every Saturday.
Though Lu Ye suspected the show was just an excuse to check out girls...
"Ash will be coming too," Lu Ye said. "Might need the Professor to appear on camera later."
"I'll let him know," Kris smiled.
Having seen Teacher Lu's plans in the group chat, she was personally interested too.
Just producing an MV was unprecedented for previous games.
No doubt this Pokémon project would become Pokémon Company's flagship title!
After hanging up, Lu Ye pondered.
Returning to Kanto meant Ash, Meowth and others would tag along—likely taking three days to a week.
Better notify Mengmengda about the trip.
If Cynthia suddenly disappeared, Teacher Lu would worry too.
Giving notice was simply mutual respect and equality in action.
"Jiggly!"
While musing, the door opened as Jigglypuff wobbled out and waved.
Lu Ye blinked. "You're leaving?"
"Jiggly~"
Jigglypuff nodded cutely while extending a hand.
Lu Ye understood and offered remaining Pokéblocks—only for Jigglypuff to puff up angrily.
"Gengarrr!"
Haunter produced a lollipop from its pocket, finally making Jigglypuff beam.
So it remembered that promise...
Lu Ye smiled wryly.
Originally meant to have Jigglypuff sing,
but Roxie challenging Teacher Lu to a battle conveniently avoided deploying Jigglypuff's WMD.
Still... future opportunities would arise for Jigglypuff's performances.
"Jiggly~"
Waving its lollipop and microphone, Jigglypuff bounced away.
Teacher Lu smiled.
He didn't feel particularly sad—this Jigglypuff was elusive and clearly not the type to be caught.
Otherwise Ash would've captured it long ago.
Wherever Ash went, they'd surely meet this tsundere Jigglypuff again.
Nodding thoughtfully, Lu Ye turned to Haunter:
"Let's head home first to prepare for returning to Kanto for a few days!"
"Gengarrr!（๑`▽´๑)۶" Haunter cheered while punching the air.
Yay, can visit Saffron Gym and play with Sabrina again~!