Prologue
"Toxics! Toxics! Toxics!" The crowd echoed as the stage lights came on.
Backstage, three musicians stood in wait, each making last minute outfit adjustments before going on the stage.
"Toxics! Toxics! Toxics!" The cheers grew louder.
Onstage, a man walked in front of a camera and faced the crowd. He tapped the mic and motioned for the crowd to be silent. All became still as the man cleared his throat.
Alright all you Toxic fans, are you ready to rock!"
"YEAH!" Thundered the crowd.
"Then why don't we bring out who you came here to see? Please welcome, Virbank's own, Koffing And The Toxics!"

In Jubilife City, a young man and his kid brother were sitting in front of a laptop hooked up to a plasma screen. On the screen was the live streaming of the concert playing in Virbank City in Unova. The young man watching had messy platinum locks and a set of amethyst eyes. He was lightly tanned and wore a black and sky blue striped hoodie. A pair of cargo pants in similar blue coloration and some white shoes rounded off the outfit.
The younger of the two also had platinum hair. Unlike his brother, he had emerald eyes, a trait of their father. He had on a white T-shirt with black cargo shorts and white shoes with lavender laces. Both brothers were watching their favorite band perform.
"Big bro? You said you were moving to Virbank didn't you?" The younger one asked as he watched Koffing 'explode' onstage, driving the crowd wild.
"Yeah. Tomorrow's the day. I catch a flight over there early and I'll arrive around the afternoon. Why?" The older replied.
"Well, Roxie's there. That and you said you'd get an autograph for me. You are still doing that, right Nichiya?" Asked the younger.
Nichiya chuckled and ruffled his brother's hair a little.
"Duh. That's part of the reason why I am going there, among other things," Nichiya responded.
"Just checking. Oh! Can you get Billy Jo to sign too?"
"Still crushin' on her are we Haru?"
"What? She's hot!" Haru defended.
Nichiya laughed.
"At least I'm honest about it. You totally like Roxie!"
"Please, when have I not been open about that?" Nichiya quipped.
It was true. Nichiya had followed Roxie's band since it began when she was a kid. Now she's become a well developed woman with a stronger vocal presence. Aside from the obvious bodily upgrades, her style of dress stayed the same. She grew a bit more in height, topping off at 5'8" tall. She had more of a figure now and maintained her trademarked hairstyle.
"True, you have admitted to her being awesome. Oh! I almost forgot! Professor Juniper called while you were out," Haru informed.
"Oh? What did she say?"
Hours earlier...
Haru lounged on his bed, patiently waiting for his brother Nichiya to return. Koffing And The Toxics were going to be streaming their concert in a few hours. He didn't want Nichiya to miss it. As he watched, the house phone rang.
"I got it!" Haru called out, running to grab the phone.
He picked up the receiver and a screen popped up. A woman with auburn hair, vivid green eyes and fair skin was now looking back at Haru.
"Hi there young man, am I speaking with Nichiya?" Asked the woman.
"Nope! I'm his younger brother, Haru. Nichi's out at the moment, but he'll be back later," Haru replied.
"Ah! Well, could you tell him that Professor Juniper called?" Juniper said with a smile.
"Oh! Sure, he's been waiting for you to call. I'll tell him as soon as he gets back," Haru stated.
"Thank you very much. Let him know that he will be picked up from his flight into Mistralton City."
Present time...
"Ah, so I will be getting picked up. Cool. I was a little worried about that. Thanks for letting me know," Nichiya said, turning his attention to the concert once more.
The band had stopped playing and the announcer was back onstage with Roxie.
"Wasn't that just awesome!?" He shouted, getting the crowd to echo their approval.
"Well, today, Roxie has an announcement to make. Roxie? Care to do the honors?"
Roxie grinned and took the mic.
"Don't mind if I do. Alright! Listen up Toxic fans! As rumor suggests, we are in fact looking for a fourth member. But here's the deal. We need someone with heart and who is as creative and hardcore as these two behind me!" Roxie announced.
The crowd cheered loudly, only to be silenced as her hand went up.
"Auditions will be held in a few days, so if you think that you can hang with us, come on down to the gym!"
Haru blinked as he heard the announcement. His head snapped towards his brother who raised a brow.
"What?"
"You know what, bro."
"You want me to try out, don't you?" Nichiya chuckled.
"Duh! Bro. Think about it. You get to roll with Roxie and her crew. You've been looking for a break and this could be it!" Haru exclaimed.
"One more thing fans. You gotta have a Poison-type in order to join. So, all you wannabe Toxics out there need to get yourselves one before you audition," Roxie reminded.
"A Poison-type huh? I guess I should look into that," Nichiya sighed as he turned the TV off.
"Why not ask Professor Juniper if she has any?" Haru suggested.
"That's a good idea Haru. Perhaps I should give her a call before my flight. That will make things much easier," Nichiya responded, making his way to the house phone to make the call.
"What would you do without me bro?" Haru laughed, flopping back onto the bed.
Nichiya picked up the receiver and dialed the number. After a few rings, the screen lit up and a young woman with glasses, blonde locks and a green hat appeared.
"Is Professor Juniper available?"
"No, but may I ask who's calling?" The woman inquired.
"It's Nichiya. The Professor called earlier and-"
"Oh! She said you might call. Hi, I'm Bianca, her assistant."
"Nice to meet you," Nichiya replied, taking note of her bubbly personality.
"Nice to meet you too. Now, what can I help you with?"
"Well...are you and the Professor studying any Poison-types right now?"
Bianca tapped her chin and then nodded.
"Yes, we sure are! Any reason why you're asking?"
"Any chance I could get one of those instead of the usual starters?" Nichiya asked curiously.
"Hmmmm...I'll ask the Professor and see what she says. It's a little odd that you're requesting that particular type. But I am sure we can work something out," Bianca replied.
"Thanks a bunch. Let me know what she says."
"Can do! See you soon!" Bianca chirped.
"Bye." Nichiya said, hanging up the phone.
Nichiya made his way back to the room and slipped inside.
"Looks like they have some they can give me. Now all I need to do is figure out what song I plan on performing for them," Nichiya said as he flopped down next to Haru.
"Why don't you sing Poisonous Rapture? It's a throwback and impressive if you can handle the bridge," Haru suggested.
"Eh, I'll need to practice that one more. I can nail the bridge, I just haven't done it in a while. And doing it in front of Billy Jo who CREATED that part, would be a bit unnerving," Nichiya chuckled.
"True...that would be rough," Haru added.
"Just a reminder to all who audition, please bring us an original work. Anyone can do a cover of something, but it takes real talent to make something yourself. We look forward to meeting you all. Until then, keep on rockin'!" Roxie shouted to the crowd as she signaled Billy Jo to start the next song.
The opening beat for their new hit song; Toxic Love began to play and soon everyone was singing along, including Nichiya and Haru as they watched the live concert.

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