Chapter 279

"And there are other Pokémon..."

Finding a secluded spot, Qiao Ran released several Pokémon that could Humanoid Transformation, including Altaria, which had only recently gained Humanoid Transformation. The girls had seen this cute and beautiful Pokémon before in the Wild Area, but this was their first time meeting it in the Real World.

"As expected... the Altaria is really beautiful."

Lillie couldn't help but sigh.

With her adorable and delicate features, long, silky blue hair, and slender figure, every part of her is like a work of art. Especially her cloud-like aura, you'll want to hold her in your arms the moment you see her.

No... no.

Altaria was quite modest; among all the Pokémon Humanoid Transformation, she only considered herself to be of average ability, and there were many, many more that were prettier and more beautiful than her.

"Xiaoqi probably doesn't have many suitable clothes yet, right?"

Mei was standing next to her, grabbed her hand, wanting to use the afternoon to help her pick out some new clothes. A pretty girl, of course, needs some suitable clothes.

After seeing the Altaria, such a perfect clothes hanger, her desire to change clothes was ignited.

"Little... Xiaoqi?"

The Altaria was slightly taken aback. Was this... calling her?

"It's calling you. Altaria, Altaria, plus it's the seventh Humanoid Transformation Pokémon, isn't that Xiaoqi?"

Mei answered with a smile, and then continued shouting quite naturally.

"This..." Altaria was a little unsure how to respond, and could only look at Qiao Ran with a pleading expression.

Master, save me!

"If you don't mind, then it's fine as it is."

Qiao Ran could sense some of the thoughts in Altaria's heart; she just felt lost and confused, not that she had much resistance to the name.

Refusal to send internal documents/group: 9'8"0'2,0"5?8,5:6.

It's not that I dislike it... okay...

The two tufts of hair on the head of the Altaria drooped down.

"For now... Xiaoqi is fine too, right?"

"Yeah!"

Mei flashed a peace sign, her face beaming with excitement.

"Then come with us! We'll show you around this afternoon!"

Mei, holding the Altaria's Mei, who had watched the whole thing, with nothing to do but shrug.

"He's usually such a calm person, how come he's become like this at a time like this?"

Time always flies when you're with everyone. Not only Altaria, but all of Qiao Ran's other Pokémon also picked out what they wanted. However, not all Pokémon liked clothes and dresses. For example, Dianxi bought a doll made in her own image, which is said to be a hot-selling product recently.

In this world, Pokémon images are not protected by copyright, so after Dianxi became famous, various toy manufacturers immediately sprang into action. This little plush toy is also a very popular design. Although it's impossible to catch Dianxi in reality, having a plush toy to hold in your arms is still wonderful.

Is it really that interesting?

Sitting on a bench with Dianxi, Qiao Ran couldn't help but ask a question as he watched Dianxi hugging her doll and smiling.

Dianxi holding Dianxi... This scene seemed rather strange to Qiao Ran.

"Hmm... This is the first time I've ever seen myself made into a plush toy."

She looked up, her face full of gentle smiles.

"And it feels... like holding my own daughter..."

After saying that, she seemed to realize something, and quickly lowered her head, her cheeks flushing slightly.

"..."

Qiao Ran realized something was wrong and could only scratch his cheek.

Wait... something's not right! Why am I starting to feel strange too?

Qiao Ran wanted to say something, but she didn't know how to start. She felt that once she opened her mouth, things would become even more awkward.

Finally, Mei, who suddenly ran over, broke the silence.

"Where's the Altaria? Isn't she with you?"

"She saw a temporary singing Competition over there and said she wanted to sign up, and Mei accompanied her there."

Mei leaned down and took a soft breath. "Do you want to come and take a look together?"

"Certainly."

Qiao Ran nodded in agreement and stood up from the bench with Dianxi.

However, Mei also noticed something strange at this point.

"Wait a minute... why are your faces so red?"

She narrowed her eyes, looking like she was about to transform into a detective.

"You guys didn't do anything weird, did you?"

"No... no?"

Faced with Mei's questioning, Qiao Ran could only feign ignorance and ask her what had just happened. Wouldn't that be like an old man hanging himself, courting death?

"Yes... yes, we were just chatting. It was just a hot day."

Dianxi was quite clever; as expected of the Pokémon that had been in Humanoid Transformation for the longest time, her conversational skills were several levels higher than Qiao Ran's.

It's the hottest time of summer now, so it's normal to feel stuffy. After hearing Dianxi's explanation, although Mei was still scrutinizing the two of them with a suspicious look, the doubt on her face had indeed lessened considerably.

"Is that so? Hmm..."

She looked the two of them up and down again before gently shaking her head.

"Never mind all that for now. Xiaoqi's performance is probably starting soon, you guys should come and watch too."

Mei remembered her ultimate purpose for coming here. Besides Qiao Ran and the other person who were resting here, she also needed to go to the shop next door to call Lillie was still trying on clothes with other Pokémon.

Competition like these, which are temporarily organized by shopping malls, are usually open to anyone who signs up. They're mostly for fun, so you'll have to be quick if you want to participate.

Seeing Mei run off after saying a few words, Qiao Ran and Dianxi exchanged a glance, and smiles appeared on their faces.

Qiao Ran took her hand and watched her stand up from the bench.

Let's go together.

"Um."

The Altaria is showcasing its singing voice in the Real World for the first time, and both Qiao Ran and Dianxi are quite looking forward to it.

"Let's see how many contestants have signed up for our singing Competition this afternoon. The winner will receive a voucher from our sponsored store, as well as a small prize!"

On the simple stage, the host held a microphone and organized the event; it seemed like just an ordinary little activity.

That's all. It's not even as big as the preliminary round of the Performance Competition that Qiao Ran and his friends participated in back then. However, the Altaria, who hasn't even taken the stage yet, seems extremely serious.

"Let's first welcome our brave warriors who have signed up!"

As the host's voice rang out, an elderly man, two elderly women, and several mothers with children walked onto the stage. The Altaria, whose style was clearly different, stood out awkwardly among them.

Today isn't Two-Day Weekend, so there will be fewer people than usual. However, this area is one of the largest shopping districts around the Magic City Gym, so even though there are fewer people than on Two-Day Weekend, there are still quite a few.

"Come on, let's give the stage to our contestants!"

One by one, the contestants began their performances. The first few were elderly men and women singing old songs. Although they sang quite well, they were far from reaching a performance level.

During the time Qiao Ran lived at Sabrina's house, he also heard Sabrina humming softly. Although he had never heard her practice her singing, it sounded much better than the current singers.

Is this the talent of International Movie Star?

"Next, let's welcome our fourth contestant—a lovely young lady!"

Finally, it was the turn of the Altaria to take the stage. She walked to the center of the stage, looking a little nervous, and then looked around, observing the surrounding scenery.

This was the first time she had experienced this feeling, and the first time she had ever witnessed such a scene.

It felt completely different from being Pokémon in the Battlefield. Although there were many people watching her then, she felt a completely different emotion.

"Is Xiaoqi alright?"

Mei seemed to really like the Altaria; after noticing that it was a little Rattled, even she couldn't help but worry about it.

"It's alright, she's Altaria, Sing is a piece of cake for her."

Qiao Ran believed in her and her abilities. In the Pokémon World, Altaria is a Mew creature born to sing in the clouds. This innate talent is unmatched by any other Pokémon.

"I... I'm going to start!"

The female singer, Altaria, took the microphone from the host. Her gaze remained fixed on Qiao Ran's location. In the process of scanning the entire venue, she had quickly pinpointed Qiao Ran's Qiao Ran and kept her eyes on him—which was also one of the ways to relieve tension.

She knew she had to adapt, but sometimes taking that first step was the hardest part.

Clutching the microphone tightly, and using the Sing style she had learned from humans, the Altaria slowly closed her eyes. As her lips parted, a beautiful song flowed from her mouth.

With Last Resort Steadfast

Let's cross the towering Mt. Coronet!

Who will I capture next? Where will we meet?

This feeling of excitement is like being in Secret Base...

"That's amazing..."

Although she seemed a little nervous when she went on stage, Altaria's performance at this moment had already impressed everyone, including Qiao Ran and Mei.

These impromptu performers sang their songs a cappella without any accompaniment. However, the girl with long blue hair on stage, through her a cappella singing alone, drew all the listeners into the world of the song.

"..."

The previously noisy audience fell silent, and even passersby stopped walking past the stage.

Music is the best language.

Even humans and Pokémon can build a common bridge through music.

Even on a very, very long Pokémon Journeys

Just thinking about the countless battles

Traveling through time

We will meet

Everyone's bright faces

YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH!!

Once she got into the singing mood, not only were the listeners immersed in the song, but even Altaria herself lost her nervousness and couldn't help but smile when she sang something enjoyable.

This is a very powerful and uplifting song. It also reflects her vision of what Pokémon and Trainer can become.

It was Qiao Ran who taught her this, and also showed her these precious feelings.

If possible, she also hopes to use the power of songs to share these things with more people and more Pokémon, so that they can all feel them.

Perhaps, this is the meaning of the existence of "song".

Past and Future

Our goal

Head towards the place where you made your vow.

Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!!

"This sounds so good... Could this be a professional singer?"

"But I don't think I've ever seen her on TV. Would a professional singer participate in this kind of Competition?"

"That makes sense... Could it be some hidden master?"