//------------------------------//
// Chapter Forty Nine - Intermission 
// Story: A Brave New World 
// by Ausbrony 
//------------------------------//

Fifteen minutes prior…

Seth paced up and down the small section to the side of the stage. While he had some of the Royal Guard here, if things got out of hand any more than this…

“There’s no way a dozen guards could stop all those Pokémon.” He groaned and shook his head, he needed to do something but his brain was drawing a blank. M and R seemed to be whispering amongst themselves and the last thing he needed was a contestant to step in on this. 

“Boss!’ Midnight flew in and panted. “Things are looking pretty hairy out there. We’re looking to evacuate the Princesses, but that’ll leave you to handle things here on your own…”

“I can’t let you abandon your duties for my sake,” Seth replied as he peeked out through the curtain. “Maybe if I can get Team Charm out there…” He turned to look for his Sylveon. “Rika!”

“We need about ten minutes,” she called out. “We aren’t quite ready yet.”

Dammit! Seth frowned as he wracked his brain for an answer…

“Let me do it,” Selena said as she walked towards the stage. Seth turned and stared at her, did she…?

“Selena, can you really calm down all those people?” the Luxray asked.

“Dunno,” the Absol replied and smiled. “But they need a little courage right now. A little something to help face the unknown. I… I know what that’s like, just a little anyway. So, I think I can get through to them.”

Seth’s expression softened and he smiled. “Alright then. Do your best okay?”

“When do I ever not?” she replied with a cocky grin and stepped out onto the stage.





Ponies and Pokemon were so busy arguing, they didn’t even notice the music at first, but when the lights dimmed and a fine mist begun to roll off of the stage, they turned their heads as a lone Absol lit by a single backing light took the stage.

She took a deep breath and begun to sing. 

At first, it didn’t seem to do anything to calm their mood. They were still shouting accusations and slinging insults at one another. But as Selena’s singing continued, sure enough, one by one… they begun to calm down. Shouts of rage, fear and anger… they slowly turned into soft words of apology and shame. Seth let out a breath he didn’t even realise he was holding as she sang. He’d never seen this side of her before…

And yet, he had faith in her, faith that she could do this. His unblinking gaze never even noticed a strange golden light come from his Keystone… He more felt like he was onstage with her, his own wishes merging with her own.

On stage, Selene didn’t dare pause as she sang out her feelings. She didn’t want to jinx it if it was going well. No-one was up and fighting, so she guessed it was going well.

‘Just, find the courage to face the darkness’ she thought to herself. ‘I know it’s hard, really hard and scary. But, anyone can be brave if they try.’

As the song transposed and she hit the higher notes, something… happened. 

It was brief, a scant blink of the eye. But her form shimmered for a moment as her Absolite shone with a golden hue. It looked like her Mega form, but… different. Her wings had a rainbow tint to them, her fur was a darker colour and much fluffier…

Everyone in the hall could feel courage welling up inside them, as Celestia’s eyes widened as she stared at the Absol.

“Sister…” Luna dared to whisper.

“There’s no way,” Twilight agreed as the Solar Alicorn remained silent. Had that Absol truly wielded some kind of harmony magic? 

And just like that, the song was over. Selena panted a little, feeling a little exhausted for some reason as she left the stage, almost falling into Seth’s waiting hug. 

“You were amazing out there,” he said, hugging her close to his chest. “Thank you so much Selly.”

“Yeah well, guess I am pretty awesome huh?” she smiled softly. “That was pretty scary though.”

“I’ll bet,” Seth nodded. “Will you be okay while I go and get this circus back under way?”

“Yeah, have fun,” she nodded as Seth gave her one last hug and stepped back out onto the stage. It was like a totally different hall now. Hell, there were Pokemon and ponies even hugging things out now.

“Unbelievable,” Seth muttered under his breath. Selena completely turned everyone's attitudes around with a single song. And Selena’s change had been the most surprising. He turned and gave Elesa a nod as she switched his mike on and he cleared his throat.

“Well, that was a lovely performance by Lady Selena,” he said in a cheery tone. “Let’s keep this rhythm going then. Some of you may recognise my next guests and let me tell you, I am really excited to have them perform for us tonight. So before we move to the next round of performances, let me introduce…. TEAM CHARM!!”

Several crowd members turned their heads at the mention of that name. Seems the ladies had a few fans in the audience after all. The lights dimmed as Seth moved from the stage, and then with a sudden flare of the spotlights, the trio of singers took his place.

“Hello Canterlot~” Gardevoir said in a sing-song tone. 

“Glad you could make it to this awesome event,” Medicham continued.

“So, who’s ready to rock?” Lopunny yelled out, giving her guitar a strum. Several audience members cheered, but it was nowhere near what they were used to. Well, that would change soon enough. A new world meant a whole new audience to wow. This trio of Sirens would blow their metaphorical and literal socks off.

“3, 2, 1,” Medicham clapped her drumsticks as they started their first song…