Pokémon: I have no choice but to do this old thing?

Chapter 84 Defeat

The stage under the spotlight seemed to possess a magical power.

The first Coordinator to appear walked out slowly. He was dressed in a simple yet antique-style dark green travel outfit, with his black hair flowing smoothly over his shoulders. He held a lute in his hands and had a gentle and refined demeanor.

"I am a bard named Shang Zhi."

He bowed slightly, his voice gentle and pleasant.

"I wish to present a song to you all with music and brilliance, together with my partner."

The Poké Ball opened, and a Striker quietly landed in the center of the stage, its forelegs crossed, like a violinist poised to play.

Shangzhi's fingers gently plucked the strings, and melodious, clear music flowed out.

At the same time, the speaker cricket began its performance.

The skill "Insect Chirping" is controlled by it with exquisite skill. It is no longer a piercing sonic attack, but has been transformed into a harmony that perfectly matches the sound of the zither, with highs and lows, melodious and graceful.

Shang Zhi's piano music is like a babbling brook under the moonlight, while the chirping of insects from the speaker is like the night wind and insects echoing in the forest.

Immediately afterwards, the speaker-like creature was enveloped in a soft silver light. It skillfully controlled the [Flash] skill, turning it into shimmering silver specks that hovered and danced above the stage to the rhythm of the music, like a galaxy drawn by musical notes.

Finally, the speaker cricket leaped gently, tracing a graceful arc in the air. Accompanied by a crisp and melodious note, the energy of [Fatal Needle] transformed into a dazzling yet gentle golden beam of light, reaching its climax simultaneously with the final powerful note emitted from Shangzhi's zither strings!

The lingering music faded away, silver glints slowly settled, and golden beams of light dissolved into the air.

At the center of the stage, the bard stands side by side with his cricket speaker, greeting the audience.

The entire hall was silent for a moment, then erupted in thunderous applause!

"So beautiful!"

Xiao Guang, backstage, couldn't help but sigh in admiration, his eyes filled with longing.

Even Ash, who is usually not very sensitive to "art," was completely mesmerized at this moment, his mouth slightly open, until Pikachu tugged at his sleeve and brought him back to his senses.

He clapped enthusiastically: "Amazing! The music and skills were perfectly coordinated!"

In the VIP section, Mr. Sugisaki already wore his signature satisfied smile and nodded: "I really like this."

Mr. Conkenstein nodded frequently, while Miss Joy smiled and recorded the scores.

Looking at the speaker on the stage, whose light was restrained yet whose performance was amazing, Zhang Jianying suddenly felt a strange feeling.

He recalled the streamer who was once jokingly called "the most respectful speaker guy on the entire internet".

That teacher may have started off with a joking tone, but gradually transformed from a leading hater into one of the most loyal supporters.

Through tireless efforts and tactical development, he managed to achieve remarkable results in the game with this Pokémon that was considered "just a random Pokémon" and "purely for completing the Pokédex," proving that "there are no weak Pokémon, only weak trainers."

Later, a line from the streamer's song "My Father is a Speaker Cricket"—"We are not human, so why should we judge our own value by intensity"—completely changed his perspective.

From that point on, Zhang Jianying abandoned his utilitarian mindset of only pursuing strength and using "Leng Wuque," and began to use the Pokémon he truly loved in battles.

And in the brutal God Battle environment of 63 and 64, he achieved a Master Ball-level top 100 ranking.

The experience gained in entertainment—regarding team composition, defensive coordination, and tempo control—is now playing a role in the real world in a different form.

"With a trainer's dedication, any Pokémon can shine in its own unique way."

Zhang Jianying looked at the Gardevoir beside him.

Gardevoir seemed to sense his emotions and returned the trainer a gentle smile.

Shang Zhi undoubtedly received a very high score in the first round and easily advanced.

Several other trainers then took the stage, each with their own unique performance. However, perhaps because Shangzhi's performance was so outstanding, none of them were able to create the same climax.

Finally, Xiaoguang's name was announced over the loudspeaker.

"Next up is Hikari from Futaba Town!"

"Hikaru, you can do it!"

Ash couldn't help but stand up and shout, while Pikachu and Eggicatch also waved their little fans vigorously. Gardevoir gently shook its Poké Ball, its eyes full of encouragement.

Xiao Guang took a deep breath and walked onto the stage where the lights were focused.

She looked youthful and energetic today, wearing a light blue coordination trainer's skirt.

"Patchlitz, step onto the stage!"

A flash of white light, and the adorable Patchlitz appeared spiritedly under the spotlight, the electric sacs on his cheeks shimmering.

"Let's begin, Pachirisu! [Angel's Kiss]!"

Patchlitz winked playfully and sent countless pink heart-shaped light kisses in all directions, creating a dreamy and adorable opening atmosphere.

"Then, [electromagnetic waves]!"

Fine golden currents emanated from Patchlitz, which skillfully controlled the currents to weave a constantly flashing and changing electric grid of light around him, creating a stunning visual effect.

"Finally, [High-Speed ​​Star]!"

Patchlitz leaped high into the air, spinning as countless dazzling golden stars shot out.

These stars are not random, but rather, under the direction of Xiao Guang and the control of Patchlitz, they revolve and converge around Patchlitz, forming a huge and magnificent vortex of starlight.

The vortex slowly rotated, absorbing the light effects of the angel's kiss and the electric shock wave. The entire stage seemed to be shrouded in a golden galaxy, with Patchlitz as the brightest star in the center of the galaxy.

"It's so beautiful!"

Gasps of surprise erupted from the audience.

After the performance, Xiao Guang and Patchlitz bowed in acknowledgment. The applause was equally enthusiastic.

In the VIP section, Ash's face flushed with excitement: "That's amazing! Dawn! Pachirisu is incredible!"

Zhang Jianying smiled and clapped, but a trace of worry flashed deep in his eyes.

Xiao Guang's acting skills were superb, Patchlitz's cooperation was seamless, and the special effects were gorgeous and stunning.

But for some reason, I always felt that something was missing.

Compared to Shangzhi's natural talent, which perfectly blends Pokémon traits with performance, this is a completely different experience.

Xiao Guang's performance seemed to focus more on "showing off skills" and visual effects, while Patch Liz's own lively and cute nature was somewhat overshadowed by the dazzling skill effects.

He recalled the admiration and fascination the judges had shown during Shang Zhi's performance.

At this moment, although Conkenstein and Sukizo were also nodding and applauding, their expressions seemed to be more of an approval of the "completeness" than a heart-touching admiration.

Meanwhile, in Futaba Town, at Hikaru's home.

Top Coordinator Ayako is sitting in front of the TV with her Meowth and Umbreon, watching her daughter's Grand Festival.

When Ayako saw Hikaru appear, her eyes were filled with pride.

During the performance, she nodded frequently, feeling gratified by her daughter's efforts and progress.

However, when the performance ended and the camera panned across the judges' panel, Ayako keenly caught a fleeting glimpse of the judges' expressions.

She sighed softly.

"You're still too focused on the 'effect,' aren't you, Hikaru?"

Ayako whispered gently, her eyes filled with understanding and a hint of worry.

She understood all too well her daughter's desire to prove herself and to win recognition in the most glamorous way.

However, if dazzling skills lack the "soul" that resonates with the Pokémon, they will ultimately fail to impress those well-informed judges.

Her gaze immediately fell on the VIP seats on the television, where several figures were cheering for Xiao Guang—the passionate Ash and Pikachu, the calm and reliable Brock, the older trainer, and Gardevoir beside him.

Seeing that her daughter already had such a group of sincere companions, Ayako's worried expression eased, and a relieved smile appeared on her lips.

"It's okay, Xiaoguang. Setbacks are also valuable gifts on the road to growth. And you're not alone."

She gently stroked the charming cat on her lap, "With these friends by your side, Mom believes you can definitely get through this."

The Grand Contest Venue in Jiayuan City.

After the first round of judging concluded, a short intermission was held. The big screen began playing highlights from all the contestants, awaiting the judges' final decision on the list of those who would advance.

Xiao Guang returned to the backstage area from the stage, her face flushed with excitement and nervousness.

Zhang Jianying, Xiao Zhi, and Xiao Gang went backstage to meet her.

"Hikari! Your performance was amazing!" Ash exclaimed as soon as they met.

"Pikachu!" Pikachu gave a thumbs up.

Xiao Guang smiled a little embarrassedly, but his eyes couldn't help but drift towards the large screen that was tallying the scores, his fingers unconsciously twisting together: "Thank you—I don't know if I can advance."

The waiting time seemed exceptionally long.

On the large screen in the back, the avatars of the advancing contestants began to light up one by one.

1, 2, 3 —

Shang Zhi's image appeared first without any surprise.

Xiao Guang held his breath.

4, 5, 6 —

Six profile pictures are already lit up, but not hers yet.

The color drained from Xiao Guang's face little by little, and his lips tightened slightly.

The seventh profile picture lit up, but it still wasn't her.

Only one spot remains to advance.

The backcourt fell silent, awaiting the final result.

Xiao Guang closed his eyes, his fingers gripping the hem of his clothes tightly.

The screen flickered, and then the last profile picture froze.

He is a male Coordinator who wears a blue suit and uses a Misdreavus.

Xiao Guang's profile picture remained unlit.

She slowly opened her eyes, stared blankly at the unfamiliar avatar on the screen, and remained motionless for several seconds.

Disappointment surged like a tide, instantly drowning out the excitement and anticipation before the competition.

But she quickly forced a smile, turned to her worried teammates, and said, "It's—it's okay! Don't look at me like that! There are always winners and losers in competitions—"

"Hey, we passed by a Baofen restaurant this morning, and it looked absolutely delicious! How about I treat everyone to Baofen?"

She tried to maintain a light tone, but her slightly trembling and reddened eyes betrayed her.

Xiao Zhi opened his mouth as if to say something, but Xiao Gang gently pulled his arm.

Xiao Gang shook his head slightly at him, his eyes indicating that Xiao Guang should handle his emotions himself.

Zhang Jianying patted Xiaozhi on the shoulder and said gently, "Xiaoguang is right, enjoying good food is an important part of traveling. Let's go."

The group followed Xiao Guang in a somewhat silent atmosphere to the Baofen store she had mentioned.

The shop is cozy and lovely, with the aroma of baked desserts filling the air.

The shop owner was a kind old lady who, upon hearing that one of them was a Pokémon Coordinator who had just participated in a Pokémon Contest, kindly arranged a quiet private room for them and promised to make special Pokémon drinks to suit their individual tastes.

Soon, all sorts of fragrant and adorable Baofen (a type of dessert) were served.

The Pokémon temporarily forgot the tension of the competition and happily enjoyed themselves in the private room, making satisfied humming noises.

Only Torterra, due to its enormous size, couldn't fit into the private room and had to stay miserably in its Poké Ball. The Poké Ball shook unhappily.

Zhang Jianying smiled helplessly and patted the Poké Ball: "Alright, alright, Turtle, don't worry, I'll take you to the backyard right now and give you special treatment. I guarantee it'll be bigger than theirs!"

He stood up, gestured to the others, and, carrying the extra-large mixed fruit bacon that he had specially asked the old lady to make, walked towards the open space in the backyard of the shop.

The private room was bustling with activity.

Dawn sat quietly at the table, watching her Pokémon.

Piplup was trying hard to maintain an "elegant" eating manner, while Patchles' cheeks were bulging from eating, and Aipom nimbly used its tail to curl up Boffin, while Curly-Ears ate in small bites—

They all tried so hard and trusted her so much.

However, she didn't even pass the first round.

Self-blame, disappointment, resentment—

The complex emotions finally broke through the dam that had been held up so tightly.

Xiao Guang suddenly put down his cutlery and whispered, "I—I'm going to the restroom."

Then, without waiting for anyone else to react, she stood up and quickly walked out of the private room.

Piplup, Pachirisu, Aipom, and Curly-ear immediately noticed the trainer's unusual behavior, cried out in concern, and jumped off the table to follow him outside.

"Hikaru!"

Ash immediately stood up and wanted to chase after him.

"Let's go take a look too." Xiao Gang stood up steadily and pulled Xiao Zhi back, who was a little impulsive. "Mr. A-Jian should be in the backyard too."

The two left the private room with Pikachu and Egg of Fortune.

In the backyard, Zhang Jianying had just placed the specially made Baofen, the size of a washbasin, in front of the earthen tortoise and was watching her large tortoise begin to enjoy it with satisfaction when she heard hurried footsteps.

He turned his head and saw Xiaoguang running out with red eyes, several Pokémon anxiously surrounding her feet.

Shortly after, Ash and Brock also came out.

When Xiao Guang saw Zhang Jianying, he was a little embarrassed and quickly wiped his eyes with the back of his hand, but he still couldn't stop the tears from flowing.

"Mr. Jian—I—"

Her voice choked with emotion, "Was my performance a failure? Did I disappoint Patchlitz and the others?"

""

"Hikaru! No way!"

Xiao Zhi spoke quickly and sincerely.

"Your performance with Pachirisu was fantastic! The Pokémon worked incredibly hard too! Losing once is nothing! Pikachu and I have lost many times as well, and we've doubted ourselves, but we never give up! Because we're partners! One day, we'll become Pokémon Masters together!"

He clenched his fist, his eyes burning as he looked at Xiaoguang: "So, Xiaoguang, you too! Don't give up! You'll definitely succeed next time!"

Xiao Gang raised an eyebrow in surprise, looking at Xiao Zhi, whose intelligence and emotional intelligence were both online, with a look of admiration that he was "teachable".

Zhang Jianying clicked his tongue in surprise. He thought he had just seen Xiao Gang's eyes. Was it just his imagination?

Then, he smiled gently and walked up to Hikari: "Ash is right. The match was perfect, and Pachirisu's performance was also excellent. You didn't let anyone down."

He paused, then said in a gentler tone, "If I had to say what could be improved—perhaps the visual effects of the skills are too focused on being spectacular, slightly overshadowing Patchlitz's own agile and nimble charm."

"The core of a trainer's performance should be to showcase the unique beauty of a Pokémon, and techniques serve this purpose."

Just like Mr. Shangzhi and Krillin, their performances are moving because the music and the characteristics of Pokémon are completely integrated.

Xiao Guang listened intently, the confusion in his eyes gradually fading away.

Mr. A-Jian's words were like a ray of light, illuminating her confused heart.

Looking back on her performance, she realized that she had been too eager to prove herself in the most glamorous way, and had somewhat overlooked Patchlitz's own qualities.

"I believe that finding that balance will not be difficult for you and Patchlitz."

Zhang Jianying encouraged him, "This is just a small experience. You have a long, long road ahead of you."

Xiao Guang looked at Zhang Jianying, who was encouraging her, then at Xiao Zhi beside her with his determined eyes, Xiao Gang, who always gently supported her, and Piplup and Patchwerk at her feet, their eyes full of trust—

Tears welled up again, but this time, they were no longer tears of grievance and disappointment, but of relief and emotion.

She nodded vigorously, a smile returning to her face, though still tinged with tears, it was brighter and more determined than before.

She extended her fist and gently touched it with Xiaozhi's encouraging fist.

"Okay! I understand! Thank you! I'll definitely do better next time!"

"That's more like it!" Ash grinned.

At that moment, Gardevoir carried a tray and walked into the backyard.

Several cups of steaming hot, fruity floral tea were placed on the tray.

It first served hot drinks to everyone, then walked up to Xiao Guang and gently opened its palm.

In the palm of my hand lay a small, exquisite ribbon lucky charm, shimmering softly under the courtyard lights.

It was the one that Xiaoguang's mother had given her, which she had somehow lost in the chaos.

Xiao Guang happily accepted the lucky charm, holding it tightly in his palm. The familiar warmth seemed to travel from his palm to his heart.

She looked up at Gardevoir, whose crimson eyes were filled with tender concern.

"Gardedor—thank you!"

Xiao Guang couldn't help but step forward and gently hug Gardevoir.

Gardevoir paused slightly, then relaxed and gently hugged Dawn back, conveying silent comfort and support through psychic waves.

The moonlight, like water, spilled onto the open ground in the backyard.

The group held warm floral teas, and the Pokémon nestled close to their respective trainers.

The shadow of failure was dispelled by the warmth of friendship, leaving behind a firm belief in the future and a precious bond of mutual support.

Although the Grand Contest ended in defeat, for Dawn, this may be the first truly important lesson about "growth" on her path to becoming a Trainer Coordinator.