112. Script Tampered

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The time for the performance was drawing closer. Daisy took the narration script, left the backstage area, and made her way to the broadcasting room.

In this upcoming performance, alongside the acting skills of the performers, the narration script played a pivotal role.

It connected past events to the present and helped advance the plot. Its importance couldn't be overstated.

Placing the script in front of the microphone, Daisy adjusted it on the table. She then stepped out of the broadcasting room to attend to other matters.

However, shortly after she left, the ventilation duct in the room quietly opened, and the Team Rocket trio descended stealthily.

Jessie walked to the table, picked up the narration script, and skimmed through it with a mischievous grin.

"Ugh, who would enjoy such a clichéd story? Let me improve this!" she said, snatching a pen from the table and scrawling across the pages, adding her own "flair."

She was mid-revision when the sound of approaching footsteps startled her. Hastily, she abandoned the pen and paper, retreating back into the ventilation duct.

The broadcasting room returned to an eerie calm as if no one had ever been there.

Moments later, Daisy returned, oblivious to what had transpired. She didn't glance at the table but instead retrieved a few pairs of earphones from a side locker before leaving the room again.

Back in the lounge, Daisy distributed the earphones to the group.

"These are waterproof earpieces," she explained. "In case nerves cause you to forget your lines, I'll be able to prompt you. Please wear them during the performance."

Kai accepted an earpiece and placed it in his right ear. Its design was compact, and its skin-toned colour made it nearly invisible.

The ear clip was snug, so there was no risk of it falling off, even with sudden movements.

"Is everyone ready?" Daisy asked.

Everyone, except the trio of sisters, nodded solemnly.

"Don't be so tense," Daisy said with a smile, raising her fist in encouragement. "Alright, it's almost time. Let's do our best!"

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As the minutes ticked by, the auditorium by the pool filled to capacity. Excited chatter filled the air, with the audience eagerly anticipating the performance.

Finally, when the scheduled time arrived, Daisy's voice echoed through the speakers:

"Thank you for waiting! The Cerulean Beauties' Water Ballet 'The Mermaid Princess and the Prince' is about to begin!"

The lights dimmed, and the pool's platform slowly ascended, transforming the space into a massive aquarium-like stage. Gasps of amazement rippled through the audience, their excitement palpable.

Daisy continued the narration in a steady voice:

"In the serene and peaceful ocean, the mermaid princess and her Pokémon lived a joyous life..."

On cue, Misty appeared, leaping gracefully from the high platform into the water. She swam a few laps, her movements fluid and elegant, before playing with her Pokémon.

Next, it was Kai's turn. During a staged fight with pirates, his character fell into the water, only to be rescued by Misty. She pulled him onto a floating barrel, and the two shared a brief conversation, forming a budding connection.

The two amateur actors performed remarkably well, bringing the story to life. Daisy praised them through the earpieces:

"Great work! You don't look like rookies at all. Brock, get ready. You're next!"

As the narrative unfolded, Ash, Brock, and others appeared on stage. The performance progressed seamlessly, drawing applause from the audience. The actors' initial nervousness dissipated, replaced by growing confidence.

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The story built toward its climax. Following the narration and foreshadowing, the sea witch released a monstrous Gyarados, escalating the tension.

The next scene required the group to unite against the sea monster after Daisy's cue.

In the broadcasting room, Daisy read from the script with focus:

"...the enormous sea monster opened its jaws, ready to devour the prince. But at that perilous moment, an even darker enemy descended from the skies, striking huh?"

'Darker enemy?' Daisy faltered, noticing for the first time the altered script filled with erratic edits and added lines.

'Someone tampered with this!' Daisy's thoughts raced, but she couldn't stop mid-narration. Gritting her teeth, she pushed through.

"An even darker enemy descended from the skies, not only defeating the prince and princess but also capturing all the Pokémon..."

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In the arena, Kai and the others were taken aback.

What kind of plot twist was this? None of this was in the rehearsal!

Before they could react, raucous laughter erupted, and the roof of the gymnasium caved in.

A mechanical octopus crashed into the water, creating a massive splash that drenched the front rows.

The audience erupted in applause, mistaking the chaos for part of the show.

"Hahaha!" Jessie's voice boomed from the octopus robot's speaker. "The villains always steal the spotlight! We're here to ruin your little fairy tale and claim this sea for ourselves!"

Kai and his companions froze.

"Team Rocket!" Brock shouted.

"Why are you here?" Misty demanded.

Jessie, visible through the robot's glass canopy, sneered. "The villains can't be left out of the story! Meowth, let's capture all these Pokémon!"

The robot's tentacles began to whirl, sucking up water with immense force. Smaller Pokémon, like Goldeen and Horsea, were pulled into the machine.

"Horsea!" Misty screamed, swimming toward the suction. But she, too, was caught in the current and dragged toward the machine.

Kai's heart sank. He turned to his Pokémon, signalling his Gyarados with urgency.

The show was over-stopping Team Rocket was the new priority.

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