//------------------------------// // Musical Mash // Story: My Little Pokémon: Grander World // by Amarvax //------------------------------// Holon. Holon Settlement. Afternoon. The entirety of Holon had been warped. Not by Jirachi but by one of the 100 Demons that never returned to the box. Ash's group would set out to find this Trickster Dragon, unaware of this demon already being present all around them. The silver glowing eyes from the mutated people had yet to be seen. Only Twilight noticed it as she was currently being held back by a fully-mutated Professor Pine and her assistants, recently speaking with the Trickster Dragon. "So, which settlement do you think he's at?" Ash asked as there were a few settlements to choose from. "It couldn't Settlement Juliet. It's a cold settlement." "Or maybe that's what we think. But since he's a trickster, he might actually be at Settlement Juliet?" Starlight replied. "You know...just a possibility." "That would make sense, wouldn't it?" Goh agreed with that possibility. "Plus, Delta Toxicroak is obviously a Fire-Type so it could be at Settlement Juliet too, ignoring the cold. Makes it all sound so easy, right?" "Hm-hm." Ash nodded in agreement. "Can't be too easy though. "Let's go north and see what we run into! We could bump into him along the way." "Great, great. But before you find him...do you think you could show off your musical talents?" The townsfolk said with a slightly ominous tone. The Trickster Dragon already had something planned and had the victims of his magic speak what he was thinking. "Instrumental musical talents?" Ash repeated, swivelling to face the mutated townspeople. "Uh...Not really. Never really played any instruments all that much in the past." "I haven't played any at all." Starlight shook her head. "Is music important?" "Grookey has an instrument." Goh referred to Grookey's stick. "Does that count?" "Well, even if you aren't all that skilled, we'd love to hear something fresh and new." The mutated people continued before having magic flash out of them. The magic would envelop the town, blinding Ash and the others. The light could be seen even past the magical spiral, reaching the Holon Jungle. It didn't take that long for the light to settle as its effects had been revealed. The blinding light wasn't all that effective on their eyes. Not with what it graced them. Ash would open his eyes to find a slight change in scenery to the main Holon Settlement and a minimal change to what he was holding. "Oh?" In his hands, he was currently holding a guitar. A heavily stylized guitar that resembled a lightning bolt with a Pikachu symbol at the very top. "Oooh! Check out this guitar!" Right after seeing the Thunderbolt Guitar, he would then see how the Holon Settlement got brighter all of a sudden. Neon lights would be flaring out of the buildings which had also been transformed slightly to take on a new appearance. The town of Holon found itself being turned into a musical area. The neon buildings matched towers now, losing the original style that they had. "Pika?" Pikachu remained unaffected by the light. He was completely fine along with the Espeon, Delta Croagunk and Grookey. Nothing visible had changed about them as it was seemingly only the buildings and Ash. But Ash wasn't the only Pokemon Trainer affected. "What is this?!" Goh found himself glued to a drum set right as he opened his eyes. "I-I can't move!" He would try to force himself out of this seat, only to be stuck in one place. He could still control his entire body but only in a sitting position. "Play something for us!" The voice of the people roared out as they were currently seated, still having those silver glows in their eyes. By the Trickster Dragon's request and with how this was all set up, it wished for one thing. Music. And the best option was by choosing new victims to play it. "Music?" Over at Professor Pine's lab, Twilight viewed the scenery change and what the Trickster Dragon requested. It wasn't exactly what she was expecting. She had something far worse in mind. "Yes, music." Professor Pine spoke for the Trickster Dragon. In unison, the people over at the town would speak the same words to Ash's group, making sure both sides heard this. "Great start, right? He wishes for a musical scene. But...any form of singing is out of the question or choice. Let's hear something enjoyable, especially with what's coming their way." "Esp? Espeon!" Espeon would soon face the building where Twilight was currently trapped in. Her eyes would be assaulted by the neon lights but she still managed to focus on the windows. There, she saw her trainer being held back by a tail from Professor Pine. "Espeon!" "What about the dragon?" Goh asked, wondering what this had to do with the Trickster Dragon. "What's going on?!" "Mind control." Instantly, Starlight, whose voice was the only thing that was present and not her appearance, replied to Goh, revealing what this was before anyone could take a guess." I know a thing or two about it after all. But this doesn't look like full-on mind control. Sounds like they can still speak for themselves." "Right...by the way. Where are you Starlight?" Goh navigated his head, searching for Starlight. But he didn't have to search for too long as Starlight received the most visible change compared to everyone else. Right behind Goh and the others, Starlight appeared as a giant. Not just a giant. But a holographic giant. Starlight was exceedingly colourful, having bright eyes with stars inside. Her holographic projection had star sparkles constantly flying out of them which resembled her Cutie Mark. The real Starlight was seen within the Holographic projection, completely bewildered by this. But her projection seemed casual and unbothered. "This isn't so bad." The Starlight Projection shrugged it off but the same couldn't be said for the real Starlight. Starlight attempted freeing herself with a quick magical beam, only to find that a large musical note would fly out instead. It would emerge from the projection's own horn, flying to the ground. It wasn't all safe and sweet as it seemed as the musical note would suddenly combust upon touching the ground. It left a musical note crater mark as a result along with a bit of smoke. "Oops." Both Starlights would say. But right afterwards, the Holographic Starlight would eye down Ash and the others, keeping those bright and starry eyes that also packed an ominous aura. Ash could feel it. Pikachu could feel it. Everyone could feel it. There was nothing bright about that face. "W-Why are you looking at us like that?" Goh stammered, intimidated by this aura. "I still can't move here!" "Do something about it then. Why do you think you have those?" The people spoke through the voice of the Trickster Dragon. "So, all we've gotta do is play music, huh?" Ash looked at his guitar before gazing at the Starlight Projection. "Okay. It's a battle then!" "Wait...You're not seriously gonna battle me, are you?" Starlight grimaced as she had no control over what would come next. Right now, this Holographic Form of hers was in control and currently showed signs of hostility. "Not like this! Where's Hatterene in all of this?!" "Yes! Play!" The people were all eager for this while Twilight was still a bit taken aback by this confrontational choice. At the same time, Espeon would bolt off to her trainer's side while she had the chance. "Never played the guitar before..." Ash looked at his instrument which he had zero experience with. This was a first for him. The same went for Goh. "But Pikachu. You're still looking active. So let's do this! Use Thunderbolt!" "Pika!" By leaping into the air, Pikachu would spark up a fierce aura of electricity. However, nothing happened. The electrical aura would vanish as Pikachu was unable to release his attack. "Pi?" Pikachu, naturally confused, lost his airtime before dropping back down. "What's wrong, Pikachu?!" Ash gasped upon seeing Pikachu abruptly end his Thunderbolt without even fully finishing it. Right as Pikachu failed to use Thunderbolt, the Starlight Projection would make the next move, shooting out smaller musical notes from her horn that would rain from above. These notes caught on fire as they would rapidly litter the ground, sending out flaming sparks. "Hot hot!" Ash would jump around as the sparks were certainly very effective on him. Poor Goh couldn't move from his spot, leaving him wide open for all of these sparks. Only the Croagunk were fine with this thanks to their Delta Forms. "This is the worst!" Goh yelled as the only thing protecting him was the large drumset around him. "Can't you two do something?" Starlight groaned, unable to stop her massive projection from unleashing more of these destructive musical notes. "Alright...What if I do this?!" Ash figured that this guitar had to be here for a reason. Plus, music was supposed to be playing right now and the only one producing any music was Starlight's Projection. Though he has never played a guitar before, that wouldn't stop Ash from doing his best. With one stroke of the strings, the first sound would resonate with Pikachu. A burst of electricity would emerge from the Mouse Pokemon without his own will. "Pika?" "Oh...I get it!" Upon seeing Pikachu shoot out electricity, Ash figured out what needed to be done. "Then, let's try one more time! Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!" "Pika...!" A second attempt. Pikachu would unleash his second Thunderbolt and this time with greater success as he would once again take to the skies. But now, right as Pikachu brought along his electric aura, Ash would play the strings with poor skill. But that poor skill was enough as it was just what Pikachu needed. "Chuuuu!" Finally, he could properly use Thunderbolt. A blast of 100,000 volts came rushing out, breaking through the rain of notes before then striking the giant projection which wasn't fully holographic at all. It had some tangibility to it. "Ooof!" The Starlight Projection cried out after finally being hit. She would then pout at them while the real Starlight was just waiting for this to be over as soon as possible. "Ouch...You were actually gonna hurt me? Rude! I'll pay you back for that then." "So that's how it's done..." Goh gawked before looking at his drumset and Grookey. "Okay, Grookey. I'll let you handle this. You're the expert, not me." "Grookey!" Grookey would gladly take control of this drum set. Goh was inexperienced after all. With an eager spirit, the Grass-Type would smack his branch at the drums frantically. At the same time, the Starlight Projection would throw out a string of musical notes that produced a legitimate song. This projection was clearly the superior musical artist here as even Grookey was lacking in that category, only randomly hitting the drums without much consistency. "Croagunk!" As for the Croagunk, they weren't held back by anything. There weren't any instruments for them to hold as they were free to act without needing musical assistance. Together, the Croagunk would each use Fire Punch on the approaching strings, already knocking away the remaining falling notes. However, the notes proved to be far greater than what came before, unleashing strong soundwaves that would leave the Croagunk stunned for a bit. "Quick Attack!" Ash yelled while also quickly playing a singular note to replicate Pikachu's speed. "Pika! Pika-Pika!" Pikachu would dash, leaving behind white afterimages of himself while moving at blinding speeds. The Mouse Pokemon would jump on the musical strings, using them as platforms to approach the Starlight Projection. However, some of these notes would deviate from the string, catching Pikachu by surprise. Pikachu would be struck by these deviating notes which would throw his balance off guard. "P-Pika!" And right as Pikachu received a blow, Ash felt some pain as well. More specifically, his guitar would end up electrocuting him. "Ghhh!" Ash groaned after being shocked. Another effect of this guitar and the entire challenge had been revealed. Not only does the guitar allow Pikachu to unleash his attacks, but any pain Pikachu received would result in electrical punishment to Ash. "Ash! Are you alright?!" Goh exclaimed before witnessing a musical string heading his way. The Croagunk did their best to fend off these strings, burning them away with each Fire Punch that was thrown. Grookey would drum as hard as it could to try and prevent any direct collision, but alas, the drumming didn't show any major effects so far. At least, not when Grookey was the one drumming. "Croa!" The Delta Croagunk barely managed to intercept the strings, saving Goh from that impact. "So, that's what's up with this guitar," Ash said while having his body smoke from the electrocution. "No need to worry, Goh. I've had my fair share of electric shocks. Isn't that, right, Pikachu?" "Pika!" Pikachu would recover, agreeing with Ash. He should know. He is responsible for all of those shocks. "This is pretty interesting..." Ash grinned, finding himself enjoying this challenge. The uniqueness of it is what intrigued and kept the Alola Champion eager for more. Goh, not so much. "Okay. Now that I've got a hang of this, we can go all in. Hang on, Starlight! We'll get you out of there!" "Please make it quick...and grab Hatterene's Poke Ball if you can!" Starlight would speak from within her projection. "Gotcha! Pikachu! Let's go! Iron Tail! Croagunk! Back them up!" Ash would go all in now that he had a full understanding of this challenge. Pikachu's tail would harden as he would have all of the Delta Croagunk assist him. The Croagunk would stay afar this time, using Ancient Power and Incinerate to back Pikachu up. Fossilised rocks of primal energy would be ripped from underneath by the Croagunk before being flung forward. Pikachu would use the rocks to his advantage, swinging his tail at some of them as a way to get an early hit in without connecting with Iron Tail. By striking some of the rocks, Pikachu would accelerate them, delivering swift yet heavy blows to the projection's face and hooves. Afterwards, scorching scarlet flames would fly out, bypassing the remaining rocks and Pikachu to reach the Holographic Starlight. "Mm-mm! I don't think so!" The Starlight Projection would wink with her bright eyes, suddenly summoning a large projection of her Cutie Mark. This Cutie Mark would act as a barrier, shielding the projection from the incoming rocks and flames. "Pika...!" Pikachu's tail would crash into the Cutie Mark, attempting to slash right through it. By putting his all into this Iron Tail, Ash would feel the pressure too as the sparks of electricity would already start appearing around him. "Croa...!" The Croagunk attempted burning through the Cutie Mark with Incinerate, pouring what they could offer. The only one who was exempt from this was Goh. "Gotta do something...Sorry, Grookey. But let me take a shot at this!" Goh would finally chime in. The drum set already offered him everything he needed, especially drumsticks. He was definitely not confident in his drumming skills since he didn't have any at all. But since Ash didn't have any guitar skills and that was still working out, what was the harm in doing the same with these drums? Apart from the response if Goh's Pokemon would end up taking damage. Goh played the drums poorly, closing his eyes and frantically hitting every part that he could. His bad drumming was only overshadowed by the superior music that the Holographic Starlight managed to make. However, this poor drumming made a difference as its main effect had been shown. Pikachu and all of the Delta Croagunk suddenly found themselves being graced by a blazing green aura. The green energy would flare thanks to Goh's drumming as it did more than just give them fancy auars. "Pika...!" Pikachu felt a rise in strength as he would suddenly cut through the Cutie Mark with Iron Tail. "Oh m!" The Starlight Projection dramatically cried out as her body wobbled from the shock. The Croagunk also felt a rise in adrenaline before suddenly witnessing their streams of flames grow in size. The true power of these drums was similar to Ash's guitar but with a wider effect. Every Pokemon felt a gift of power. "So that's what it does...!" Goh gawked. "Nice support, Goh!" Ash praised, giving an energetic thumbs-up as Pikachu would smack the Starlight Projection's face with his hardened tail while the flames would crash into the rest of her holographic body. "Let's keep at it then!" Now that they had a clear way of approaching this battle, they could ramp things up from here and continue trying to free Starlight without worrying about any setbacks. The Starlight Projection didn't look like she was taking this seriously at all. In fact, she had a rather childish disposition so far, even going as far as to pout from being hit. Back at Professor Pine's lab, Twilight, after watching this musical scuffle in its full effect, would focus on freeing herself next instead of just watching in amazement. "This is a nice view and all, but I don't want to miss out on this." "You want to be involved in that?" Professor Pine spoke before having her tail tingle from a sudden flare of magic from Twilight. "Ow!" Professor Pine pulled her tail away as Twilight built up enough Rift Magic to heat up, becoming a walking radiator. "I'm a bit jealous. I feel left out." Twilight smiled as the Rift Magic would beautifully leave her body before bringing back her original magical colours. "I don't want to hurt you, Professor Pine, but I can't exactly break his control from you or anyone else." "That's too bad." Professor Pine added. "But if you want to be included in this...he can grant it at any time." Her eyes would once again light up as the Trickster Dragon replied directly to Twilight. The Princess of Friendship braced herself for whatever challenge the Trickster Dragon had ready for her. At the same time, her trusted partner Espeon was racing up the lab, coming to Twilight's aid. None expected this to be a musical scuffle of all things but when it comes to a draconequus, expecting the unexpected is necessary. After all, Ash and his friends have all the experience with that as the journey continues. Chapter 6 End.