"I'm glad you could stay with us for a while," Ash said as he leaned on the railing.
"Me too," Cynthia said, "It's been fun travelling with you."
"How much longer do you think you can stay?" Ash asked.
"A few more days," Cynthia said, "But then I need to get back to Sinnoh. I have to meet my grandmother."
"Well, at least you get to watch my Gym Battle," Ash said, smiling.
"I can't wait," Cynthia said, smiling back.
They looked up ahead and saw the shores of Trovita Island growing larger. As they approached, they could make out several volcanic spires jutting up from the ocean around the Island, it was for this reason that the gang decided it'd be best to take a ferry to the island instead of riding Lapras or Dragonair.
"Help me!" a small voice came carrying in on the wind.
Ash tensed, "What was that?"
"There!" Misty cried, pointing.
They followed her finger and saw a small girl hanging tightly onto a Seel. She was crying and begging for help, even as her Seel struggled futilely against the whirlpool they'd been caught in.
"Go Staryu!" Misty shouted, tossing her Poké ball into the sea. She shoved Togepi and Pikachu into Tracey's arms and quickly dove in after it. She grabbed her Pokémon, "let's go Staryu." She took a deep breath and they dove under.
The little girl had been sucked under, but Misty came swimming up underneath her and grabbed her. Together they raced back to the surface and broke through, breathing heavily.
"Are you alright?" Misty asked.
"Uh-huh," she confirmed in a small voice, gazing gratefully at her.
Ash launched Lapras' ball into the surf. "Lapras, go to Misty," he ordered.
She nodded and swam quickly over to the water trainer. Misty helped the girl climb onto lapras' shell before turning to hug Staryu, "Thanks Staryu, return."
She quickly climbed up behind the girl and settled down.
"Thank you," the girl said.
"You're welcome," Misty said, "What's your name? And how did you get all the way out here?"
With big eyes the girl replied, "My name's Mahri. I was playing with Seel in the ocean when the current pulled us out."
"You need to be careful in the ocean," Misty lightly scolded, "Be sure not to go swimming by yourself okay?"
"I will," Mahri replied.
They arrived at the docks just as the Ferry did. At the same time, a young man came racing down the docks shouting for Mahri. She ran and jumped into his arms.
Ash smiled at the sight before turning his attention to Lapras. "You did great, thanks Lapras. Return."
"Praaas," she replied as she was absorbed back into the Poké ball.
The boy, who Ash assumed was the girl's older brother, turned to Misty, "I'm very grateful to you. I can't thank you enough for saving my sister."
"I'm glad I could help," Misty said, smiling.
"May I ask your name?"
"I'm Misty," she replied.
"Misty," he repeated, "you're wonderful."
The guy snapped his fingers and three of the guys behind him suddenly presented Misty with bouquets of flowers. With another snap of his fingers, another assistant started playing music from a radio.
"Misty, would you do me the honor?" he asked.
Misty seemed stunned speechless as he grabbed her arm and started dancing with her.
"What exactly does he think he's doing?" Ash asked quietly as he watched next to Cynthia.
Cynthia raised her eyebrow at him, noticing the anger in his voice. "Are you jealous?" she asked.
That made Ash blink. Was he jealous? No, not jealous. "Protective," he responded after a moment of thought.
That made Cynthia smile, "Good."
"But why do I feel so protective of her?" Ash asked, confused.
"I think it's because you see Misty as a sister," Cynthia said, "It's a natural reaction for you to be protective when another guy tries to make a move on her."
"Huh, that makes sense," Ash said. Mystery solved, he went back to glaring.
"I'd be very grateful if you'd stay for a while and instruct the trainers in my humble gym," the guy was saying.
"Wait, you mean you're the Gym Leader?" Misty asked, stunned.
"Yes, is that so hard to believe?" he asked with a grin, "Rudy is the name, and I must say you're an excellent dancer."
Ash's eyes widened in surprise, then he grinned, "I think I'll enjoy beating this gym."
Cynthia giggled.
"My friend Ash here actually wants to challenge you," Misty said, cutting through one of the compliments that Rudy was giving her.
"Oh, and who would that be?" Rudy asked, turning to look at the others.
"Me," Ash said, stepping up.
"Well," Rudy said, grinning, "If you want to challenge me, you'll have to pass a little test."
"Bring it," Ash said.
They found themselves in a speedboat, with Ash standing in the front. His friends sat behind him, with Rudy in the far back guiding the boat. "It's a simple test," Rudy said, "If your Pokémon can hit all of the targets then we'll have our battle."
"Cake," Ash responded.
They sped down the river.
"Ready Riolu?" Ash asked.
"Riolu!"
A large red and white ringed target appeared from a crevice in the cliff.
"Aura Sphere!" Ash ordered.
Riolu charged the attack and launched it in a heartbeat. It impacted against the target with an explosion.
Grinning, Ash glanced back. His face quickly turned to a scowl when he saw that Rudy wasn't even paying attention, but was staring at Misty with another bouquet of flowers.
Cynthia reached back and flicked him on the nose. "Hey what's the big idea?" he demanded.
"A little professionalism please?" Cynthia said, staring imperiously at him.
He cringed at her expression while Misty flushed in embarrassment.
Scowling, Ash returned his attention to the challenge. Closing his eyes, he called upon his aura, connecting with Riolu and seeing the area ahead. "Aura Sphere!" he ordered as another target appeared. Every target that appeared was destroyed within moments of its appearance.
As the last target shattered under Riolu's onslaught everyone, including Misty, gave a cheer.
Inside of the gym, Rudy and Mahri stood across from Ash and his friends. It was evening, the setting sun casting an orange glow on the ocean.
"Well you passed my attack test," Rudy was saying, "tomorrow we'll have our match. If you beat me in two out of three single type battles my badge is yours."
Ash nodded in understanding.
"As the challenger you get to pick the types."
"Flying, bug, and water," Ash said after a moment.
Rudy nodded before turning his attention to Misty, "and as for you, would you care to have dinner with us this evening?"
"Oh please say yes, my brother is a really great cook," Mahri said excitedly.
"Oh, alright," Misty said.
"Yay, yay, yay!" Mahri cheered.
Misty walked off with Rudy, leaving the rest of them alone.
"See you later," Tracey said quietly, apparently stunned at her abrupt departure.
Misty didn't respond.
Scowling in annoyance, Ash turned to Cynthia and asked, "want to get some dinner?"
Cynthia blinked in surprise before she smiled, "Sure."
Hand in hand, they left the gym. There was a very small village on the island supported by traffic to and from the gym. There were a couple of small restaurants a Pokémart, and a Pokémon Center.
They sat down in a small restaurant and ordered some dinner. The chatted as they ate; making small talk, discussing training and battle strategies, talking about future plans, and generally avoiding the slowly growing Mamoswine in the room.
Finally, Ash decided to just rip the bandage off and ask, "Cynthia, what are we?"
She was silent as she put her fork down. Slowly, she collected her napkin and dabbed at the corners of her mouth. "I'm not sure what you mean," she finally said.
"Yes you do," Ash replied, "you've been avoiding it, as I have. But we can't ignore this forever."
She sighed, "What do you want us to be?"
Ash swallowed, mouth suddenly dry and palms sweaty. His heart was beating a hundred times a second.
"I...I really like you Cynthia," he said after a moment, "will you...be my girlfriend?"
Her face broke into a wide smile, but she seemed hesitant, "I'm not sure Ash, we both have our separate journeys to take, do you think we can survive a long distance relationship?"
"I think I'm willing to try," Ash replied.
"Then, I guess I am too," Cynthia said.
Standing up, Ash paid for the bill and they left, heading to the Pokémon Center where they'd reserved rooms for the night. Right before they separated, Cynthia leaned over and placed a light kiss on his cheek.
"Good night Ash," she said, and slipped into her room.
Ash stood there, stunned. He brought a hand up to his cheek and a bright grin appeared on his face.
He was still there when Misty arrived fifteen minutes later.
"Ash?" Misty asked, confused by his presence.
He shook himself out of his daze and looked at her. Noting her conflicted expression he asked, "What's wrong?"
She blinked, "Oh, uh Rudy asked me to stay here with him."
Ash blinked. Swallowing he asked, "Will you?"
"I don't know," she confessed, "He's so nice and romantic, but I don't want to abandon you."
"Misty, I think you're forgetting something," Ash said, "What about your dream?'
"Huh?" she blinked.
"You left home to become the world's greatest Water Pokémon Master," Ash reminded her, "Is that still your dream?"
"Of course," she said.
"Then I think you need to do whatever you need to fulfill your dream," Ash said, "If you think that you can better do that by staying then I will support you 100%."
She bit her lip. "What would you do?" she asked after a moment.
"What I would do is irrelevant," Ash said, "And I think if I made my opinion of Rudy known you'd get angry at me."
"Why?" she asked suspiciously.
"Cynthia says I'm acting like an overprotective brother," Ash responded, "Take of that what you will. Regardless, I'm sure you'll make the right choice. Goodnight Misty."
"Goodnight Ash."
The battlefield, much to Ash's surprise, wasn't in the gym, but atop one of the largest spires that surrounded the island. A sturdy bridge allowed them to easily cross to the field, while Misty, Tracey, and Cynthia sat in a hot air balloon to watch the battle.
"Alright Ash, choose a Flying Type and we'll begin the match," Rudy said.
"Pidgeot, to the battlefront!" Ash called, throwing his Poké ball. Pidgeot came bursting out and landed on the field, "Pidgeoooot!" she called in challenge.
Pulling a Poké ball, Rudy said, "I choose, Fearow!" he launched the ball and released his own flying type.
One of the gym assistance flew over the battlefield on the back of his own Pidgeot. With a microphone in hand he announced the battle, "This match will consist of three one on one Pokémon battles between two Pokémon of the same time. The types shall be flying for the first round, bug for the second round, and water for the third round. The first trainer to win two out of three battles shall win the match. Battle, begin!"
"Go Fearow, use Drill Peck!" Rudy ordered.
Fearow took to the air as its beak started rotating rapidly.
"Aerial Ace," Ash ordered.
Pidgeot flapped her wings and took to the sky. She soared at Fearow, ducking under it's attack, and slammed into its belly.
"Feeeeear!" it cried out.
"Quick Fearow, use Fury Attack!" Rudy called.
Before Pidgeot could get too far away Fearow lashed out at her, pecking repeatedly. Pidgeot cried out in pain from the attack.
"Steel Wing!" Ash called.
Pidgeot span in midair and slammed a metallic wing into Fearow's side, sending it crashing back down to the field.
"Fearow!" Rudy called in distress, "Quickly use Hyper Beam!"
"Double Team!" Ash responded.
Fearow stood up and launched a powerful beam of pink energy at Pidgeot. However, at the same time multiple Pidgeot's appeared in the air above the battlefield. The Hyper Beam slammed into one of the copies and made it vanish but otherwise did no damage.
"Now use Giga Impact," Ash ordered.
All of the copies vanished and the real Pidgeot came flying down with a purple and gold spiraling aura around her. She slammed into Fearow with a massive explosion that rocked the field. When the smoke cleared, Fearow was revealed unconscious.
"And that's it for Rudy's fearow. Both trainers return your Pokémon and each send out a bug type for the second round."
"Fearow return," Rudy said.
"Return Pidgeot, you did awesome."
They both switched Poké balls and threw them at the same time. "Scyther to the battlefront!"
"I choose Pinsir!"
"Begin!"
"Pinsir use Vice Grip," Rudy ordered.
Pinsir clacked its pincers together and charged at Scyther.
"Double Team," Ash ordered.
"Scyther scy!" he said as he blurred from sight. All around the battlefield a dozen different Scyther's appeared. "Scyther!" they all called. Pinsir stopped and looked around in confusion, trying to figure out which one to attack.
"Wing Attack," Ash ordered
All of the Scyther's wings started glowing and they ran at Pinsir, each striking the Pokémon with no effect until the real Scyther hit.
Pinsir cried out in pain from the attack.
"Quick Pinsir, use Guillotine!" Rudy called.
Pinsir's pincers started glowing and it charged at the real Scyther.
"Dodge and use Air Slash!" Ash ordered.
Scyther leapt out of the way of Pinsir's charge. He then slashed with his scythe, releasing a blade of flying energy that slammed into Pinsir.
"Ah Pinsir!" Rudy yelled, "Use Struggle Bug!"
Pinsir quickly whirled on Scyther and unleashed a beam of green energy. It slammed into Scyther with an explosion, sending him skidding to the edge of the platform.
"Scyther, use Aerial Ace," Ash ordered.
Scyther was quickly back on his feet and flew down at Pinsir with a white glow enveloping his body. With a crash, he slammed into Pinsir and sent it careening across the field. It didn't get back up.
"That's it for Pinsir, since the challenger has won two battles he is declared the victor!"
"Yes!" Ash cheered, running out and embracing Scyther in a tight hug.
"Scyther scyther, scy!" The Pokémon said happily as he hugged Ash back, being careful to keep his blades turned away.
Rudy returned his Pokémon and walked up to Ash with a smile, "well you won Ash." He flicked his hair before pulling out a badge, "here you go, as promised, the Spike-Shell Badge."
"Thank you," Ash said, taking the badge.
Ash, Cynthia, and Tracey sat at the end of the dock waiting for Misty. Cynthia had found and befriended a young woman named Maren who was willing to ferry them onto the next island.
The new couple were sitting on the dock, gazing out across the ocean and chatting quietly, their hands intertwined. The sound of shoes hitting wood drew their attention. Turning, they saw Misty running towards them with Togepi in one arm and a bouquet in the other; Pikachu sat in his usual perch on her shoulder.
"Hey guys, sorry I'm late," she said, "are we ready to go?"
Ash met Misty's eyes smiled at her, "yep, we're all set."
"Great," she said, smiling back.
The group boarded Maren's boat and they were soon heading out to sea. Their destination was Kumquat Island, the location of the final Orange League Gym. Ash and Cynthia stood on the prow, gazing out at the ocean ahead of them with Riolu standing between them, gripping the railing. Behind them, Tracey was sitting back against the hull, making a sketch of the two of them. Misty was near the stern, playing with Togepi and Pikachu.
"Hey Maren," Misty suddenly asked, "do you think we have time to let out our Pokémon?"
"Sure, we've got a couple of hours before we reach Kumquat Island," she replied.
"Great, come on out guys," Misty shouted, tossing several Poké balls into the air. With multiple flashes of light, Staryu, Horsea, and Goldeen appeared above the water and fell into the ocean with a splash.
Grinning, Tracey copied her, tossing his three Poké balls into the air and released Scyther, Venonat, and Marill. Ash tossed Squirtle, Lapras, and Dragonair's poké balls into the ocean, releasing the three of them. Cynthia completed the set by tossing a single Poké ball and released a long beautiful serpentine Pokémon into the sea.
"Oh my Arceus," Misty gasped at the sight of it, "you have a Milotic. Oh I've always wanted one. Where did you catch her? What do you do to keep her scales so shiny? What kind of food to you feed her?"
Ash shook his head as his best female friend and girlfriend dissolved into an intense discussion about the latter's water type. "Well at least they get along," he said, returning his gaze to the sea. When Riolu remained silent at his comment he looked down at the fighting type with a frown.
Riolu was staring intently at the sea ahead of them. His body was tense, like he was expecting a difficult battle ahead.
"Riolu, what's wrong?" Ash asked.
Riolu looked up at him and simply held out his paw. Concerned, Ash gripped his paw and focused on his aura. In his mind's eye, the world around them lit up with blue energy.
Ash inhaled sharply, instantly understanding why Riolu was so tense. Wisps of blackness were slowly spreading through the very fabric of the world itself. The balance of nature was being corrupted by something...and it didn't bode well for the planet or its inhabitants.
Opening his eyes, Ash frowned as he looked ahead. Dark storm clouds were gathering, lightning flashing within. Soon the sun was covered and a strong current rocked the ship, knocking everyone off their feet. Ash could hear Maren yelling and cursing as she fought against the current, but soon she gave up and shutdown the engine. Everyone was quick to return their Pokemon less they are separated by the current, and huddled against the hull as the boat was swept away.
For hours the boat rocked back and forth as it was swept along. Ash and Riolu huddled together, gripping onto the railing for support. Riolu was the first to spot their destination, pointing ahead and yelling, "ri ri rio ri lu!"
Everyone turned and gasped with relief at the large land mass ahead. There were several breaks in the clouds above the island, allowing sunlight to illuminate the structures along the coastline.
"We're way off course," Maren said, "That's Shamouti, were right in the middle of the orange islands."
The current dragged the boat right into a large cove, eventually beaching them on the shore below a tall seawall. Ash was the first to hop off of the boat, gazing around in interest. His senses were beginning to prickle unpleasantly, a sense of impending doom growing upon him. He frowned, turning his gaze back out to the dark ocean.
"It's a good thing we found this island," Cynthia said as she landed on the sand next to him.
"Yeah, I hate to think what would have happened if we'd drifted off into open sea," Misty replied.
"Uh, guys, we're not out of the water yet!" Trace said, sounding mildly panicked.
Ash followed his pointing finger and gasped at the sight of over two dozen figures standing on the sea wall above them, all dressed in some sort of tribal outfits. Each person was wearing a strange wooden mask of some sort of animal that gave Ash the creeps.
All of the people leapt down from the wall, surrounding the group.
Ash was reaching for Charizard's Poké ball when one of them spoke. "Maren how are you?" The figure in the front removed her mask, revealing a young woman with brown hair. She was gazing happily up at Maren, who hadn't left the boat yet. "It's been a while."
"Carol, I can't believe it!" Maren replied happily, "It's great to see you!"
"What are you doing back on Shamouti Island?" Carol asked.
"We got caught up in that storm and floated in," Maren explained, "and it looks like we got here at the perfect time."
"You're right, the annual legend festival starts today," Carol replied.
"This is my favorite Island Holiday," Maren said with delight. She mimicked playing a flute, "Are you going to be the star of the show again?"
"No, I'm too old to be the festival maiden," Carol said. "This year my sister is going to take over for me. I wonder where she cou..."
"I'm right here," a snooty voice interrupted.
Ash looked up to see a young teenage girl with long red hair, sunglasses, and a beret, standing on top of the sea wall. "The only one not wearing a stupid costume. You'd think after a few centuries you'd have outgrown this dorky ritual."
"It's our tradition!" Carol shouted angrily, "You should be honored to take part!"
"Don't worry, I'll play my role in the big legend," the girl said, her voice laced with sarcasm, "I've only see you do it like a zillion times."
"Just be there!" Carol shouted back, exasperated. Turning her attention back to Maren, who was climbing off of the boat, she said, "unfortunately, that's my little sister, her name is Melody. But don't be fooled, she isn't always this adorable. Who's this?"
"Oh sorry," Maren said, remembering to introduce her passengers, "This is Cynthia, Tracey, Misty and Ash Ketchum, who're Pokémon Trainers..."
"Pokémon Trainer!" the whole group broke into celebration, cheering and dancing.
"The ancient legend foretells your arrival!" an old man said, he was wearing a blue bird mask and walking through the crowd towards Ash. "Only with you, can the guardian of the waters vanquish the great titans of fire, ice, and lightning! In your hands O' Chosen One!"
"In your hands rest the world and it's fate!" the old guy continued.
Ash swallowed.
"Heh, don't let it worry you kid," the guy then said in an undertone, "It's just for the tourists!"
This made Ash frown. Was it just a coincidence that the very balance of nature had been sent into upheaval during this island festival?
"So you're a Pokémon Trainer huh?" Melody said, walking over to check him out, "Hmm, I guess you'll do. Here's your traditional welcome kiss." Ash kept his face completely neutral as Melody kissed him on the cheek.
A flare of jealousy surged from his left. Ash glanced over to see Cynthia staring daggers at Melody, while Misty looked amused.
Melody then turned and gazed at the rest of them. "Are you his little sister?" she asked, pointing at Misty.
"I'm older than him!" she snarled, bristling.
"Big sister then," Melody responded.
Misty looked over at Ash for a moment, considering him, then shrugged, "Mine as well be."
Ash grinned, "Does that mean I can start calling you Sissy?"
"Don't you dare," Misty growled, causing Ash to laugh.
"And what about you?" Melody asked Cynthia, "Are you his girlfriend?"
Cynthia's expression cooled by 20°. "Yes, as a matter of fact I am."
Ash smiled a little goofily.
"Hah, I knew it!" Misty cheered.
Ash rolled his eyes.
"Hmm, I see," Melody said a little unhappily. "Well, I'll be glad to perform for him at the legend banquet. Starts around 8," she put her sunglasses back on and walked off. She paused and turned back to Cynthia, "Oh and Cynthia, try not to get jealous."
Cynthia raised an eyebrow as Melody sauntered away.
"We have our Chosen One!" the old guy shouted, eliciting cheers from the rest of the islanders.
They started playing their various instruments and led the group up the stairs to the top of the ocean wall and into the village. At the last moment, Ash gazed out into the ocean, spying three islands in the distance. He shuddered, something very bad was happening.
The group quickly found themselves shepherded to a large banquet hall filled with stone tables covered in fruit and a large stage on one end. Ash, feeling that his normal clothing might be more appropriate due to the strange weather, slipped away to change out of his island clothes before returning to join his friends. What little light there was had been swallowed by the thick clouds, making it seem like night had fallen when it was closer to noon.
Despite the jubilant atmosphere around him, Ash was feeling increasingly uneasy. Next to him Riolu was tenser than a wound up spring, occasionally giving a faint whine.
The sound of a flute suddenly drew their attention. Ash quickly looked around to see Melody, wearing a white dress and a veil over her hair come up to the stage, playing a tune on her flute.
He gasped as the notes of the song she played began resonating with his aura, their power amplifying with every note. For a brief time, the wrongness that he was feeling was driven away by the notes of the music. Next to him, Riolu relaxed and began to smile.
"Ash?" Cynthia asked, noticing his change in posture.
He looked at her, noticing the conflicting emotions in her eyes. Quietly, he began telling her what he was sensing. She frowned as he finished; he could tell that he was thinking rapidly.
"I've heard of Shamouti Island before," she said, "I think there's some kind of a prophecy about the end of the world."
"That makes me feel loads better," Ash said sarcastically.
Suddenly the song ended and the feel of doom descended again. Ash shuddered and Riolu whined as Melody ran over to begin speaking to Ash.
"Hear ye all, from the trio of islands ancient spheres shall you take, for between life and death all the difference you'll make. O' Chosen One, you must climb to the shrine to right what is wrong, and the world will be healed by the guardian's song."
Ash nodded. "Alright, let's go." He stood up.
Melody looked at him in surprise, "What? Oh you don't have to rush, you have all day tomorrow. Tonight's just for the party. Beside's you'll do fine. It's not that hard, almost all of the Chosen One's have come back."
"Melody!" Carol scolded.
Melody waved her hand dismissively at her older sister. "Just sit and relax," she said to Ash.
"I can rest when I'm dead," Ash said, "I need to do this now."
"I like your attitude," Maren said, coming up, "We can take my boat."
"Thanks," Ash said, "Anyone want to come?"
"No thanks baby bro," Misty said with a simpering smile, "have fun with your island hopping." Ash rolled his eyes.
"I'll come," Cynthia said, standing to join him.
Ash smiled at her. Taking her hand they turned to leave the hall with Maren right behind him. They ran down to the docks where Maren's boat had been removed from the beach and tied down. Hopping aboard, Maren started up the engine and they raced out into the open sea. Riolu perched himself on the prow of the boat, ignoring the seaspray as he gaze out into the ocean.
Very soon however the wind started picking up again. Lightning arced across the sky and thunder boomed. Rain began falling and the waves began picking up in strength. Maren fought hard against the waves, doing her best to get them to Fire Island. Soon the rain stopped, yet the waves grew even larger and more powerful and destructive.
Ash, Cynthia, and Riolu huddled together against the wind and sea spray while Maren fought to keep the boat under control. As they neared Fire Island Maren had to move even more carefully to maneuver safely around the various rock spires that jutted out of the sea. The waves grew more powerful, a particularly large one literally flinging the boat into the air and over a spire. There was a crunch coming from the rear of the boat, but no one had a chance to react before they landed back in the water with a splash. The source of the sound quickly became apparent when Maren realized she'd lost all control over the boat.
"The rudder!" she cried in dismay as she futilely spun the wheel.
Another enormous wave swelled beneath the boat, carrying them along as it crashed down on the rocky beach of Fire Island. The wave splashed and the boat crashed, knocking everyone off their feet, and in the case of Cynthia throwing her off the boat entirely. She fell with a scream and landed hard on the beach, hitting her head on the rocks.
"Cynthia!" Ash cried out.
He scrambled to his feet and vaulted over the edge of the boat, landing directly next to his girlfriend. Her eyes were closed and her breathing shallow. He gently lifted her head and felt something wet. Drawing his hands away, his eyes widened at the red that covered his fingers. "No," he breathed.
"Ash!" Maren leapt over the edge of the boat to join him, "Oh my gosh, is she alright?"
"She will be," Ash said firmly. He replaced his hand on the back of her head and concentrated. A light blue glow began emanating from his hand as he fed his energy into Cynthia. For a moment nothing happened. Then, the blood flow began to stop. The wound began to knit itself back together the fractures in her skull sealing.
Maren watched wide-eyed as Ash healed Cynthia. His brow beaded with sweat and his muscles began shaking. Riolu placed his hand on Ash's shoulder and began feeding his own energy into his trainer. Soon Cynthia's breathing began to grow more natural and her eyes fluttered open. "Ash?" she asked weakly.
His eyes flew open in surprise and he stopped healing. A faint glow in his blue irises faded away as he looked tenderly at her. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah," she said a little dizzily, "I have a headache, but it's going away." She smiled at him, "thank you for healing me."
Ash leaned down and placed a tender kiss on her lips, their first real kiss. It only lasted for a moment, but it felt like a blissful eternity. Pulling back Ash said, "I love you, and I'm not going to lose you."
She smiled brilliantly at him.
Ash helped her to her feet. Turning to him she said, "Let's go get that treasure."
Leaving a stunned Maren behind, they took off at a jog towards a staircase that led to the top of the mountain, their respective jackets flapping around their feet and Riolu at their heels.
The climb would have been much easier for Ash, who worked out regularly with his Pokémon, had he not just expended so much of his energy healing Cynthia. As it was, by the time they reached the top of the mountain, Ash was panting heavily and sweating profusely as his body attempted to keep itself cool.
They passed through a stone archway and down a couple of steps into a shallow crater at the peak of the mountain. On the far side of the crater stood a shrine dedicated to Moltres, with a statue in a general likeness to the legendary holding a small red orb in its beak. Without any prompt, Ash walked over to the statue and gripped the orb, yanking it free from its resting place.
He gasped as he felt the energies that resided within the crystal resonate with his aura and a small flame burst forth inside of it.
"It's resonating with my aura," he said in awe.
"Is it because your an Aura Guardian?" Cynthia asked.
Ash shook his head, "it would do this even if I wasn't a Guardian. Everyone's aura vibrates at their own unique frequency, the odds of this orb perfectly matching mine are astronomical."
"I suppose that means you really are the chosen one," Cynthia said.
"Do you remember that prophecy?" Ash asked her.
Cynthia's face screwed up in thought. After a moment she quoted, "Disturb not the harmony of fire, ice or lightning, lest these titans wreak destruction upon the world in which they clash. Though the water's great guardian shall arise to quell the fighting, alone its song will fail, and thus the earth shall turn to ash. O Chosen One, into thine hands bring together all three. Their treasures combined tame the Beast of the Sea."
Ash gazed at her in awe, "How do you remember something like that?"
She blushed, "It has your name in it."
That made Ash choke in surprise but he smiled at her, blushing himself. He considered the lines of the prophecy. Disturb not the harmony of fire, ice, or lightning...hmmm.
Suddenly a large red speedboat with a sail came rocketing over the edge of the crater and landed before them with a crash.
Ash stared in shock at the occupants of the boat; Melody, Tracey, and Misty.
"Well I hope your happy Mr. Hero," Melody said, glaring down at him with her hands on her hips, "If you'd just listen to me in the first place and stayed at the party like I told you we wouldn't be stranded out here on this island."
Ash just gaped at her.
"Welcome to my world," Misty said with a sigh.
"Are you alright Ash?" Tracey asked.
Finally Ash snapped out of his daze. "I'm fine. But you need to get out of here, this storm isn't natural. It needs to be stopped."
"What do you mean Ash?" Misty asked.
"The balance of nature has been thrown into chaos," Ash said, "I'm not sure how, but I think the only way to restore the balance is to collect these orbs. That song of Melody's is the key."
"The song of the Guardian?" Melody asked, confused.
"When you played it earlier, it restored the balance temporarily," Ash said, "And I think these orbs might be able to amplify its power to make it permanent."
Before Ash could speak further, a bolt of lightning crashed in the middle of the crater. Ash, Cynthia, and Riolu dove for cover as more bolts came crashing down around them.
Peaking around the edge of the boat, Ash gaped in astonishment as the legendary bird of lightning, Zapdos flew circles around the crater. Every time one of it's thunderbolts struck the ground, a blue glow formed where it hit.
Soon, Zapdos landed atop Moltres' shrine, and the entire island began glowing blue. Ash gasped as he felt the energy of the entire island realign itself to Zapdos. Zapdos was cawing to the sky as if in triumph.
Ash glanced down at Riolu, and saw his Pokémon calling upon his aura as he focused on the legendary. Deciding it couldn't hurt, Ash mimicked him. He called upon his aura and focused on the Legendary. He blinked, suddenly finding himself able to understand exactly what Zapdos was saying.
"Moltres used to rule here, but now that Moltres is gone Lightning shall rule over Fire and I claim this Island as my own from this day forward!"
With that, Zapdos exploded with lightning, making everyone duck and cover.
"This is wrong," Ash mumbled, staring at Zapdos, "where is Moltres? Why did he leave his island?"
Quite suddenly, Zapdos' lightning began surging upwards as if a lightning rod was drawing it to itself. Out of the clouds hovering the island, a massive circular airship descended, spikes all around it's center drawing in Zapdos' lighting.
Zapdos cawed angrily as the ship continued to absorb it's lightning. Eventually Zapdos stopped producing its electricity and panted heavily, having lost most of its energy.
A hatch on the bottom of the ship opened releasing several floating diamond shaped rings. They descended upon the crater at high speed, capturing not only Zapdos but the gang as well as Melody's boat.
And thats the end of this chapter...
I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry...I'm a horrible person.
I'm going to try to get going again, but I have a question for all of you guys. I'm considering skipping Johto because moving directly to Hoenn might help me write more. I have a new poll on my profile, so if you guys have an opinion please check it out.
Dragonwolf12