A.N: The song at the end of the chapter is Go The Distance, from the movie Hercules.
Ethan watched Chatot introduce Meloetta to all of his pokemon as if she was showing off her best friend. Joyce sat next to him on the patio, legs swinging in sync as they took in the moment together. Never in his mildest dreams did he think he’d ever catch a mythical or legendary pokemon, but he also didn’t expect to end up in the world of pokemon. So, he probably wasn’t the best judge of what was or wasn’t possible anymore.
He glanced at Joyce who looked out over his pokemon with a bright smile, happy for him and his pokemon. “I’m sorry ahead of time.” He said with a smile of his own.
Alarm bells must have rung in her head, as her smile vanished faster than the blink of an eye. She squinted towards him suspiciously. “Why…?”
“Well…” He shifted. “You know how Tobias has some very special pokemon? Like Latios and Darkrai?”
Joyce’s squinted eyes narrowed even further. Now, she was nearly glaring at him. “Yes…”
Ethan gestured to Meloetta. “Meloetta is like that. Also… she might be what people on Earth called a shiny pokemon…?” He gave Joyce a bright smile, but she didn’t budge. Joyce was frozen stiff and was definitely glaring at him now. Before she could speak, he continued on. “Remember! It was your idea to catch her!”
Joyce was quiet as she internalized his fact bombs, so he whipped out his phone and snapped a picture for his PocketDex.
Meloetta - The Melody Pokemon: Meloetta is a mythical pokemon whose songs and dances are said to stir powerful emotions in all who hear or see them. Through its melodies, it can inspire joy, courage, peace, and sorrow, often affecting entire groups of pokemon and humans at once. Ancient records describe its voice as a universal language, understood but not through words, but through feeling. It is rarely seen, preferring to travel unnoticed and leaving behind only stories, songs, and memories of its performances.
Meloetta can alter its form through song, shifting the way it expresses its power and artistry. It is believed that its music resonates with a unique energy that influences the emotions of those nearby, explaining why so many legends associate it with festivals and celebrations.
Despite its gentle disposition, its absolute command over sound and rhythm makes it a disastrous pokemon when threatened.
Trainer Alert: Meloetta is considered a mythical pokemon, and verified sightings are exceptionally rare. Trainers fortunate enough to encounter one are encouraged to observe respectfully and avoid disrupting its performance.
Would you like to send a confirmed sighting report? (Y/N)
Of course, Ethan hit no. For all he knew, he’d get a swarm of people making his way to his ranch to catch her when the alert went off. He braved a glance towards Joyce, who continued to glare at him after hearing the report.
Just then, the door to his kitchen opened up. Cynthia walked out with her face in a bundle of papers. “Ethan? Can you help me with this translation for a seco—” She raised her head, seeing Ethan and Joyce sitting beside one another. Joyce looking pissed and Ethan looking apologetic. “Did I interrupt some—” Then, she paused again, eyes locking onto Meloetta, who was surrounded by all of his pokemon in cheers and greetings.
Ethan winced, seeing that Cynthia knew who she was looking at.
“I thought they were supposed to be more green?” Cynthia stated while moving over to sit beside them on the patio. Meloetta must have felt Cynthia’s gaze, as his newest pokemon gave the champion a considerating look before looking away to greet the next pokemon in line with a smile, Shuckle.
“Shiny, I think. Do you know about Shiny pokemon?” Ethan shrugged. He hadn’t seen a shiny pokemon yet. Or, at least he didn’t think he did. It was possible that he had missed one in passing. He’d seen a lot of pokemon on his ranch coming and going. He didn’t remember exactly what shiny Meloetta looked like, but he remembered the normal Meloetta being more green, like Cynthia said.
“Yes, Ethan.” Joyce said much too blandly. She was… upset. Thankfully she was upset at the situation, not him in particular. It wasn’t like this was his fault. “Shiny pokemon are well known. Most people won’t ever see one in their lifetimes in the wild. It’s estimated that a Shiny pokemon appears once in every fifty-thousand registered. While some pokemon have different colors due to Albanism or are Melanistic, those are medical conditions—They’re not the same as a Shiny. We are taught in nursing school that a Shiny pokemon doesn’t have any medical differences. It is an unknown energy phenomena that causes their colors to shift and create energy stars when released from pokeballs.”
She sighed, losing most of her bad mood. Now, she just looked accepting of the work that was put at her feet. “I’ve seen a handful during my time as a nurse. There’s actually a Shiny Tropius in the Great Marsh Safari Zone here in Sinnoh. He’s something like a regional attraction.”
“How did a Meloetta even get here? They’re from Unova.” Cynthia asked, and Ethan had to admit he had the exact same question.
With a wave of his hand to get Meloetta’s attention, she floated forward, toes barely scraping the grass beneath her. “You’re a long way from home. How did you get here?”
He doubted that some trainer released her here in Sinnoh, as that would have been a idiodic move. Chatot fluttered to her best friend's side and listened to Meloetta speak in a melodious tone to translate. “Flew across the world. Many months of travel. Seeking source of new music. Find you. Feel you. Like how she feels music.”
“Wait,” Ethan started, turning towards Meloetta. “you can feel music? Like, you felt when I played new songs?”
Meloetta nodded then placed a hand on her heart. With a graceful motion, she gestured forward, showing that she felt it all around her.
“Well, first things first. I’m glad you chose to stay here with me. I think you and I can find some stuff out about my own special ability with emotions.” Meloetta nodded eagerly. “You’re a very special Meloetta. I’m sure you noticed that you’re a slightly different color than normal?”
Ethan wasn’t actually sure if she’d ever met another of her kind, but she nodded, indicating that she had in the past. “You’re a shiny pokemon. All that really means, is that you’re just a different color than normal. It’s very rare for a pokemon to be shiny. This means that people would want to catch you because you’re just that special.”
Meloetta’s mouth opened in a small ‘o’ of surprise. “I am a move tutor and pokemon breeder… kinda.” Joyce snorted at that. “That means a lot of people will come by my ranch for my help. If they see you, they will be very interested in you. Since you’re my pokemon and have your own pokeball, they will be unable to catch you. All other pokeballs will just bounce right off you. So, you’re safe!”
Ethan dropped down off the tiny ledge of his patio to land before his gathered pokemon. “Since you’re such a special pokemon. There’s probably going to be questions from some humans about why you’re here and if you really wanted to stay. Let’s get you registered with me so nobody can cause any trouble. Alright?”
Meloetta looked a bit unsure. She talked to Chatot and seemingly asked some clarifying questions which Chatot was more than happy to supply. To sweeten the deal, Ethan threw in a bit of an incentive. “After we finish registration, we can whip out all the instruments and have a jam session. Sound like a plan?”
“♪ Melllooooo! ♪”
Meloetta rose into the air under her own power, floating like regal superman. She leaned back and rested laying down, one leg crossed over the other as she floated right by his shoulder. Ethan noticed that Joyce needed some help hopping down from the patio's ledge. She was wiggling forward, preparing for the slight drop onto the ground. Deciding to help, he placed his hands on her waist and helped her down as she made the jump. Then they all, and he meant all, started walking up the cobblestone path towards the pokemon center.
Looking behind him, he found his horde of pokemon trailing behind him in a massive group. Chatot, Pachirisu, both Teddiursa, Ursaring, Litten, Shuckle, Skiddo, Tinkatuff, Smeargle, Emolga, Pichu, Ralts, and Snorlax sauntered up the path excited for another pokemon to join their little—or large—family.
Cynthia was behind the massive group of pokemon, speaking into her wrist-watch in conversation. Unlike him, her phone was the watch variety. If he had to guess, she was probably heading off some sort of disaster that would happen when he registered a mythical shiny pokemon.
Joyce was by his side, head down and closed off. He nudged her with his elbow, and she jolted upwards, hand combing over her hair. “You okay? Sorry if this is going to be a lot of work.”
Her cheeks were nearly as pink as her hair and she coughed to clear her throat before answering. “It—It’s okay! I was just a little surprised by it all.”
“Me too.” Ethan sighed, but saw that Joyce’s cheeks were still pink. “You sure you okay? Your cheeks are pink. Are you cold?”
“Oh? Oh, a little. You know what? I’m gonna head off to the center first to get things ready. See you!” Joyce then jogged forward, surging ahead of their little traveling pack.
Considering he could see the pokemon center up ahead, he wasn’t sure how much she was going to get done in the two minutes she had alone. Maybe she was much colder than he thought?
Chatot’s fluttering wings announced her flying towards him, and she landed on his shoulder in her reclaimed spot. “Sing songs!”
“Alright, what song are we going to sing?” He asked, looking at the group as a whole.
Meloetta spoke, “♪ Meloo! ♪” Chatot nodded eagerly. “New song!”
Ethan hummed in thought at the request. While he knew many songs that weren’t on his phone, thinking of one on the spot was difficult. It also wouldn’t have any instruments, being acapella only. He gave a considering look to his pokemon, his new Meloetta, and thought about his current goals. Just to say he could do it, he wanted to get at least one gym badge. It was a dream of all children who loved pokemon. Contests also sounded fun. Jessie and James had both done some in the past and it didn’t sound like a terrible time.
For just a moment, he wondered what his mother would think of his new life.
Then he sang, softly and quiet.
“♪ I have often dreamed, of a far off place ♪”“♪ Where a great warm welcome will be waiting for me. ♪
His pokemon quieted as he started, giving him their undivided attention. Meloetta even sat up from her hovering invisible chair.
“♪ The crowds will cheer, when they see my face ♪”“♪ And a voice keeps saying, ‘This is where I’m meant to be!’ ♪”
“♫ I will find my way. ♫I can go the distance.I’ll be there someday.If I can be strong. I know every mile.♫ WIll be worth my while. ♫”He gave a lengthy pause, then finished off his impromptu song. “♪ I would go most anywhere to feel like I belong. ♪”