Pokemon: Radical Redux-Chapter 323: The show

Regina had always been alone, not because she didn't want friends, but because she didn't know how to make them.

When she was a child, people made fun of her, calling her the Ice Queen from the stories, the one who froze innocent people. The bullies always made things hard for her.

But one day, Mirche snapped. Seeing Regina being bullied, she rushed in and froze the bullies, saving her. The problem was that, after that, people started avoiding Regina even more. Anyone who made her sad or nervous risked being frozen by Mirche.

Mirche grew to distrust all humans, even Regina's parents. She took it upon herself to protect Regina at all costs. Whenever Regina switched schools, Mirche was there, ready to freeze anyone at the slightest inconvenience. Regina couldn't make friends, all because of Mirche's twisted sense of protectiveness.

And now, it was happening again.

Mirche let out a low growl, stepping forward and taking a deep breath. A chill surrounded her as she opened her mouth, a bright blue light beginning to charge, she was preparing to use [Blizzard].

Only Regina, Chloe, and Ash noticed.

"Mirche, no!" Regina gasped, trying to stop her, but it was too late.

Mirche unleashed the [Blizzard], aiming to freeze as many students as possible, and even Chloe was caught in the crossfire.

Before the attack could go far, Ash moved. He tossed Pikachu off his shoulder, pushed Chloe out of the way, and crossed his arms, blocking the [Blizzard] head-on. He took the attack point-blank to the chest.

The icy wind roared, and the crowd watched in shock. Students stumbled back, fear creeping into their eyes. The chilling blast even caught the attention of festival-goers nearby.

When the attack finally ceased, cold mist rose from the ice. In the center of the street stood Ash, frozen solid in a block of ice.

"Ash!" Chloe shouted, scrambling back to her feet.

The crowd went dead silent. Eyes darted between the frozen Ash and Regina, fear evident on their faces.

Regina's face went pale, her hands trembling as she stared at him. Her heart dropped. "Oh no... oh no... I'm so sorry!" She knelt beside the frozen Ash, reaching out but stopping short—he was encased in ice. She couldn't touch him.

Behind her, whispers spread through the crowd:

"Did you see that?"

"Her Glaceon actually attacked Ash..."

"Is that girl okay in the head?"

"Why didn't she stop it?"

Regina's gaze fell to the ground.

Chloe hesitated, wanting to put a comforting hand on Regina's shoulder but unsure if she should. All she knew was Ash was frozen, and she had no idea what to do.

Then, a cracking sound.

Everyone's heads snapped toward the ice. Faint cracks spidered across the frozen block.

From inside, Ash pushed against the ice, his strength growing with each shove. With one final burst, the ice shattered. Shards flew into the air as Ash broke free, his arms raised in triumph.

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"Man, that was cold," he said with a grin.

Pikachu, now sitting on a nearby stall, munched on a candy apple. Somehow, he also had a corn dog dipped in ketchup, completely unfazed. He didn't even panic when Ash was frozen—he had just gone to get more food.

Ash exhaled, a misty breath escaping his lips from the lingering cold. "Is everyone good? No one else got frozen, right?"

The crowd, still stunned by Ash's casual attitude, could only nod.

Chloe stepped closer, eyeing him. "Uh... Ash... are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. I've had worse," Ash replied, zipping up his hoodie. "But I am cold, though. Anyone got a scarf I can borrow?"

Regina's eyes remained downcast as she fumbled through her bag. Slowly, she pulled out a scarf and, with a shaky hand, offered it to Ash. "I... I didn't mean to—I'm so sorry—"

"Hey, it's alright," Ash said softly, wrapping the scarf around his neck. "It was an accident, wasn't it?"

"Man, that was a good one, huh, Pikachu?" Ash chuckled, glancing over at the electric mouse, who was still happily munching on his food.

"Pika!" Pikachu gave a small shrug, clearly unbothered. He probably wouldn't warn Ash next time—since, honestly, it was funnier if he didn't.

Chloe finally found her voice. "Ash, this isn't normal! You just got frozen! And you— eep!"

She yelped as Ash casually placed his ice-cold hand on her neck.

"I said I'm fine. You're acting like this is the first time," Ash teased, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Need I remind you how many times my ribs have been crushed? You think getting turned into a popsicle is gonna do anything to me?"

Regina bit her lip, still staring at the ground. "Ash... I don't get it. Why aren't you afraid of me?" she whispered, her voice breaking slightly. The crowd was still watching her—like they always did.

Ash leaned in a little, his voice gentle. "Why would I be afraid?"

"Because... because of Mirche. Because of what people say about me. Because I—" She stopped, unable to finish. She was used to this. Being alone.

Ash flicked her forehead lightly. "Stop that. Just because people say things about you doesn't mean they're right. Besides, if I can forgive you, then they have to." He turned to the crowd, his expression hardening. "Unless one of you wants to get frozen next? Otherwise, none of you have the right to be angry or scared."

The crowd instantly averted their eyes, some whistling awkwardly as if suddenly finding the ground very interesting. He had a point—they weren't the ones who got frozen. And none of them were about to volunteer just to be petty.

Ash knelt down in front of Mirche. His voice softened again. "Hey, I get it. You've been protecting Regina for a long time, haven't you? But you can't freeze everyone who upsets her... not everyone's out to hurt you."

A soft blue glow flickered around his hand as he channeled a bit of his Aura, slowly reaching out to Mirche.

Mirche flinched, her body tensing—ready to strike again.

Regina's heart leapt into her throat. "Ash wait—!"

But before she could pull him back, something happened that left her speechless.

Mirche didn't attack.

She didn't unleash another Blizzard or freeze Ash on the spot.

Instead, Ash gently rubbed her head, his fingers trailing behind her ears, and to everyone's shock, Mirche... leaned into his touch.

She let out a reluctant growl. "Glace... [No... no, I won't... it doesn't feel good... don't touch me... you dumb... stupid... idiot...]"

Yet, despite her protests, her body betrayed her, slowly flopping onto her back as Ash's hand scratched her belly.

The crowd stared in disbelief.

Regina couldn't believe her eyes.

Ash was quite literally babying the same Glaceon who had just frozen him solid moments ago.

Chloe crossed her arms, exasperated. "You're seriously impossible, Ash."

Ash smirked, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Ohhh, are you worried about me? Does that mean you've finally accepted my love and devotion~?"

The crowd gasped, and Chloe's face turned beet red. "H-hey! Shut up! Don't say it like that, people are gonna get the wrong idea! Besides, who'd ever go for an idiot like you?"

Ash clutched his chest dramatically. "Ohhh, my heart! How can you be so cold? You're colder than any ice attack. Mirche, just freeze me again, because even that would be warmer than Chloe." He cradled Mirche to his chest like a fluffy shield.

Once his teasing was over, at least for now—he set Mirche back on her feet and dusted off his hoodie. "Anyway," he said, "you feeling better now? I told you—I'm not mad. She was just trying to protect you when you were scared."

Regina fiddled with her fingers, still looking down at Mirche. "Um... Ash... how did you do that? Mirche only lets me touch her..."

"Oh, I've dealt with disobedient Pokémon before," Ash said, casually pointing at Pikachu, who was happily pouring ketchup all over a funnel cake before taking a big bite.

A few people in the crowd gagged at the sight.

"Yeah, that freak of nature right there? When I first met him, he hated me. Like, if he had two more bolts of electricity and had to choose between zapping his biggest enemy or me... he'd shock me twice."

Pikachu didn't even look up from his ketchup-drenched treat. "Pika."

Ash chuckled. "I had to get electric-proof gear just to survive the first few days. But the point is—it's normal. You just have to work with them. If I can get a Pokémon that hated me to like me, then you can get one that adores you to be a little more gentle."

Regina shifted uncomfortably, still not meeting Ash's gaze. "I... um... I think I understand..." she murmured softly.

Ash smiled, adjusting the scarf Regina had given him. "Good. Anyway, we should head inside, the dance is gonna start soon. And thanks again for the scarf. I'll give it back when I'm warm again."

He glanced at the crowd with a smirk. "And I better not hear any of you say a word. I'm the one who got frozen—not you. Get turned into a popsicle first, then you can complain."

The crowd wisely kept quiet.

—

The sun had set by the time they reached the Ecruteak Dance Theater.

The streets outside were alive with warm, flickering lanterns. The smell of funnel cakes, roasted chestnuts, and candy apples drifted through the air, mixing with the excited chatter of the crowd.

But the theater, this wasn't the small stage Ash remembered from his past journeys. It was massive, towering above the bustling streets, and nearly every seat inside was filled.

Near the front, Ash and his friends settled into their seats.

Chloe sat beside Regina, not that anyone else was lining up to sit next to her.

A little further away, Chloe's classmates huddled together, whispering and shooting the occasional glance at Ash and Regina.

On the more secluded side of the theater, Morty lounged in his seat with Gengar floating beside him, both wearing matching mischievous grins as they waited for the show to start.

In the back, someone else had arrived, Virgil. He leaned back, his Eevee curled up on his lap, nibbling at a candy apple. It seemed he had just arrived in Johto, and just in time.

Across the theater, Kris quietly slipped into her seat. Behind her, Silver stiffened at the sight of her but didn't say a word. His arms stayed crossed, his face a mask of indifference, but his gaze flicked to Kris every now and then when he thought no one was looking.

And then, of course, Ethan appeared, practically sprinting to grab the seat next to Kris. Coincidentally, it was the one right in front of Silver,

The murmurs of the crowd slowly faded as the theater lights dimmed, A hush fell over the room. From the side of the stage, a lone figure stepped forward, a Kimono girl.

She moved with grace, clad in a dark black kimono adorned with delicate yellow accents. Her every step seemed to flow with an otherworldly elegance, and her serene smile captivated the entire audience.

The show was about to begin.

The theater fell into a hushed silence as the Kimono girl began her dance, her every movement fluid and precise.

"Long ago," her voice rang out softly, "Ecruteak City was home to two grand towers, standing in harmony with the land and sky."

She gestured to the pillars on stage, and with a sudden glow, the lights revealed a breathtaking painted backdrop, the Bell Tower and the Brass Tower standing tall beneath a starlit sky. Shimmering lights cascaded from above, like falling stars, casting an ethereal glow over the scene.

"One was the roost of Ho-Oh, guardian of the skies," she continued, her voice serene, "The other, the sanctuary of Lugia, keeper of the seas."

Behind her, a stunning display of light flickered to life, forming radiant silhouettes of Ho-Oh and Lugia perched atop their respective towers.

"The people would communicate with the Pokémon, and a harmonious friendship grew between them."

She twirled gracefully, her kimono flowing like rippling water, as the images of humans and Pokémon living in peace played out in soft, glowing patterns behind her.

But then, the music shifted. A dark, ominous undertone replaced the gentle melody. The serene scene darkened.

"But fate was cruel," her voice grew somber, "Three hundred years ago, as the tower was bathed in moonlight..."

A Pokéball flashed in her hand.

With a burst of light, an Umbreon emerged, casting a cool blue radiance across the stage. Shadows danced along the floor as the dark-type Pokémon stood proudly beside its trainer.

Then, from the opposite side of the stage, a second Kimono girl appeared, draped in a golden kimono.

"But then Lugia's peaceful rest was disturbed, as the result of a lightning storm!"

She released her own Pokémon, a Jolteon.

The electric Pokémon leapt into the air, sending a brilliant spark crackling through the darkness. In response, bolts of light from hidden electric Pokémon above the stage rained down, creating a dazzling, chaotic thunderstorm.

Gasps echoed from the audience.

"The sky filled with the sound of thunder, as a tremendous bolt struck the tower, setting it ablaze," the first girl narrated, her voice trembling with emotion.

Another figure stepped forward, a Kimono girl clad in crimson.

She released her Flareon.

A weak but bright flame flickered from Flareon's mouth, casting an orange glow over the stage. The backdrop behind them shifted, showing the Brass Tower engulfed in flames, smoke curling into the starless sky.

"The fire threatened to devour all of Ecruteak City," the girl said solemnly.

But then, the spotlight shifted again.

From the edge of the stage, a Kimono girl in a flowing blue kimono stepped into the light.

"So Lugia called for rain, and the skies above answered."

Her Vaporeon emerged in a flash of light, sleek and elegant.

The Flareon and Vaporeon released their moves in unison — a blast of fire and a jet of water. The attacks clashed, sending a wave of steam across the stage, shrouding the scene in a soft mist.

The crowd held its breath.

Finally, the last Kimono girl stepped forward, her lavender kimono shimmering softly through the haze.

"However... this is not a happy ending."

Her voice was calm but heavy.

"The flames consumed the tower, reducing it to ruin. And in the devastation... three nameless Pokémon lost their lives in the fire."

She lifted her Pokéball, releasing an Espeon.

The psychic-type Pokémon's gem glowed, sending a single beam of light cutting through the fog.

And from the mist, an illusion of Ho-Oh appeared, its radiant wings stretched wide, a symbol of sorrow and hope.

"Lugia, in its grief, called out to its partner, Ho-Oh... and Ho-Oh answered. Bestowing its blessing, it lifted the fallen from the ashes."

From the swirling steam, shapes began to form, the glowing outlines of Raikou, Entei, and Suicune. The legendary beasts emerged, standing tall for a brief, breathtaking moment, before dashing away into the mist.

The stage fell silent.

Then, the five Kimono girls stood side by side, each joined by their Eeveelution. Their graceful movements synchronized as they began the final part of their dance.

"Afterwards," they spoke in unison, "Distraught by the destruction and the inaction of humans, the legendary beasts fled. Ho-Oh departed, and Lugia vanished into hiding, waiting for a trainer they would one day deem worthy."

And with a final flourish, each girl lifted a small bell, delicate and shining, holding them high above their heads.

The soft, melodic chime of the bells rang through the theater, filling the air with a sense of both sorrow and hope.

"And to this day," they said together, "The tower remains untouched, a reminder of what once was, and what may be again."

The curtains gently fell.

For a moment, there was only silence.

Then, thunderous applause.

The crowd erupted in cheers, the theater filled with the sound of clapping hands and awe-struck gasps.

—-

After the performance, most of the audience filtered out, eager to enjoy the rest of the festival. Chloe's classmates wandered off in groups, laughing and chatting as they disappeared into the lively streets.

Kris and Ethan left together, eager to explore, while Silver, with little reason to linger, silently slipped away, heading off to get some rest.

As the Kimono girls stepped down from the stage, taking a collective breath, Morty approached them with a warm smile.

"Hey, girls, you were incredible as always," he praised, his tone filled with admiration. "You might have outdone yourselves this time—honestly, I think some people actually believed the building was on fire."

The girl in the black kimono smirked, tossing her hair back playfully.

"Oh? Would you care to tell us which of us was the most incredible?" she teased, glancing back at the others, who giggled behind her.

Morty chuckled, shaking his head. "You know I can't answer that, even if I wanted to. Looks like you'll just have to push me a little harder next time~" he said, his voice full of mischief.

In the background, Brock was on his knees, fists pounding the ground.

"That was definitely flirting!" he sobbed dramatically.

Yellow and Misty had to physically hold him back to stop him from doing something reckless, like challenging a Gym Leader to a battle over a conversation.

Meanwhile, Ash approached the group, waving as he stepped forward.

"Hey there," he greeted casually.

The Kimono girls turned toward him, offering him a graceful bow.

"Hello there," the leader said smoothly. "What can we do for you?"

"I'm Ash," he introduced himself. "I wanted to ask more about Ho-Oh and Lugia. You mentioned they choose someone—has that ever happened before?"

The Kimono girls exchanged glances before the leader sighed, shaking her head.

"Oh, we get that question quite often. Unfortunately, no one has seen Ho-Oh or Lugia in years, let alone been chosen by them."

Morty crossed his arms and nodded. "It's been three centuries, and no one has come forward. Some people are even starting to question if Ho-Oh and Lugia were ever real to begin with."

Ash tilted his head, confused by the doubt. "Oh, they're real. I met them."

Silence.

Everyone still lingering—Brock, Misty, Yellow, Chloe, Regina, and Virgil—snapped their heads toward him.

Morty let out a small chuckle, clearly unconvinced. "Right. And I suppose next you'll say they invited you over for tea?"

"Nah I did, even gave me this," he said as he reached into his bag and pulled out the Rainbow wing, because if you remember, Ho-Oh never took it back, the one that was used to make the ring was another one, Ho-Oh just left this one on the mountain so he just took it back.

The feather glowed, its iridescent hues shifting beautifully under the lantern light.

Morty's breath hitched. The Kimono girls gasped in unison, stepping closer, their eyes locked onto the feather.

"...That's a nice t—" Morty started reflexively before stopping himself, his brain catching up to what he was seeing.

Ash, acting oblivious to the growing tension, kept talking casually, "Yeah, Ho-Oh gave me this. Then I went on this thing and saw him again, I think I even took a picture."

He pulled out his Rotom Phone, which hovered beside him, scrolling through his gallery. After a second, he turned the screen toward them.

A clear image of Ho-Oh, wings spread wide in all its radiant glory, filled the display.

The Kimono girls let out quiet gasps, hands clasped together in awe. Morty felt his heart pound as he stared, as if he were seeing a relic from a time long lost.

"And then I met Lugia too," Ash continued like this was all just another day for him. "He even gave me this."

He pulled out the Silver Wing and held it up beside his phone, displaying another picture, this one of Lugia, its massive form half-submerged in the ocean, staring directly at the camera.

The silence stretched longer this time.

Morty had to blink several times to make sure he hadn't just died and was hallucinating all of this.

Then, slowly, the Kimono girls gathered around Ash, their eyes shining with excitement

Morty exhaled, a slow grin forming as he finally found his voice, "Well," he said, stepping forward and placing a hand on Ash's shoulder.

"Looks like the Rainbow Hero has returned." He gave Ash a nod, "It's an honor to meet you."