Author's Note: Thanks for all the kind reviews! I'm glad you like it so far. Joy-girl, don't worry, Misty isn't left out. : )
It was no use. They weren't answering any radio calls. There had been no word from the team since Frank's last radio message had been cut short.
"Now what?" Patrick asked.
"The same as before. Nothing has changed. We knew the chances of stopping the release of the Redeyes were almost nonexistent. The loss of communication with the team doesn't change anything. We move along as planned." Samuel hated himself as he said those words. Five men were dead; he couldn't force himself to believe that they had somehow survived the attack. They were dead because he had sent them. It was for a greater good, he tried to tell himself. To what level did the body count have to rise before his ideology turned into mass homicide? What was the price of the future? "We have to wait. The ceremony will begin in two hours. After that…," he turned to Marshall, "we will see what truth these ancient words speak."
"Shouldn't we be making plans to secure the flower now?" Marshall asked.
"Perhaps, but we will not be doing so." This caused some discomfort among the others, but Samuel continued undeterred. "No matter what other crimes for which history may hold me accountable, I will not let one be that I stole one minute more of happiness from those two than absolutely necessary."
"Eloquent words, Samuel," Clarice said, " and I can see why you feel the way you do, but can you honestly say the risk is worth it?"
"Yes," he said flatly. "I'm leaving in 10 minutes to be in position when… it happens. I will secure the flower and return here. Make sure everything is in place when I return."
"It will be," Clarice replied.
"Good." Samuel stood and made his way to the door. He turned at the last second. "Remember why we do what we do… and never forget the price that must be paid in the end."
* * * * *
Ash was late. How could he be late for his own award ceremony? He had had to call Brock to help him with his tuxedo and between the two of them, they had made quite a mess out of the whole affair. Finally they had sorted it out, but now they were racing through the many hallways of the hotel, trying to reach the banquet hall in time.
"I still can't believe you did it," Brock said.
"Chu!" Pikachu exclaimed in agreement. He had shocked Ash hard for not letting him in on the big secret and making him find out only when Ash and Misty had broken the news to their friends.
"Well, it just kind of happened."
"Don't give me that," Brock replied. "I saw the ring. You've had this planned out for awhile."
Ash could feel his face go red. "Well…"
Suddenly they were there. His mother and Misty were waiting anxiously outside the grand double doors.
"There you are!" Misty practically shouted. "Where have you been?"
"Priii!" Togepi echoed in her arms.
"Well," Ash looked down sheepishly, "we got kind of lost."
"How could you get lost? The ballroom is on the top floor!"
"Yeah… well…"
"Well, at least you made it." his mother said. "I thought you were going to be late."
"Don't worry, Mrs. Ketchum," Brock assured her, "Ash just needed some, umm, tailoring assistance before we could allow Misty to see him."
Misty caught Ash's hand and pulled him closer for a quick kiss. Ash noticed the look his mother gave him. While she absolutely adored Misty, she hadn't been completely thrilled to hear of the engagement. She had calmed down only after he had assured her that they weren't going to be getting married quite yet. The additional news of his gym idea helped matters since Ash and Misty would be living at his home until all the plans could be finalized.
After giving Brock and himself a moment to catch their breath after running full speed through the glamorous hotel, Ash, with Misty at his side, led them through the doors.
The ballroom was enormous. Even so, the throngs of people milling about made it feel almost stuffy. Table after table littered the room, each adorned with elaborate centerpieces and fine dining ware. The wall opposite the entrance was dominated by a large stage, on which a small orchestra played soothing music, barely audible over the hundreds of conversations. Several couples were already making use of the dance floor in the center of the grand hall.
Ash was overwhelmed by the enormity of it all. All this is for me? he asked himself. It almost made him feel small somehow. Literally hundreds of people, men in tuxedos and women in dresses of every imaginable color, mingled about, looking from a distance like a mobile piece of abstract artwork.
"I'll go get some drinks," his mother said. Ash watched her wind her way through people until she was lost in the sea of humanity.
Once she was gone, Brock spoke up, "I wanted to say congratulations, Misty. We really didn't get a chance to talk much before. It came as quite a surprise." Ash caught the look Brock sent his way.
"You're telling me," Misty replied with a laugh.
"I'm just glad you said yes," Ash said.
"How many times are you two going to make me repeat myself? Huh? You two were made for each other."
"I don't know," Misty said slyly. "I just like to hear you say it."
"It's destiny, my friends, pure and simple."
"I never really liked the idea of destiny," Ash said suddenly. "I like to be in control of myself."
"Well!" Brock laughed. "Ash the philosopher."
"Not quite," Ash replied, slowly getting closer to Misty. "But I have to admit, if it was destiny that brought me to Misty, I'm willing to sit back and enjoy the ride." Ash leaned over and stole a quick kiss on Misty's cheek.
"So when are you going to have kids?"
Ash nearly choked. "Umm, kids?" Ash looked at Misty and she stared back at him.
"Not for a while," they chimed together.
"That's good," Brock laughed. "Although I have to admit it would be nice to have a little tike running around called me Uncle Brock."
"Chu! Pika pikachu."
Ash chuckled. "I guess Pikachu wants to be an uncle too."
The three friends shared heartfelt laughter. A moment later his mother returned, followed by Mr. Bennett.
"There you are," the man said. "I've been looking everywhere for you. I was beginning to think our guest of honor had flown the coop."
"No sir," Ash quickly replied, "I'm here."
"Well, we don't have much time. Let me show you to your table." He turned to Misty. "This is your girlfriend, correct?"
"Well, actually," Ash began nervously.
"I'm his fiancée," Misty explained.
"Oh," Mr. Bennett replied. "Congratulations," he added almost as an afterthought.
Ash followed him through the mass of people, the others right behind. Ash saw several familiar faces, Pokemon Gym leaders, people he had seen on TV, but couldn't remember their names, and more. Soon they reached their destination. Mr. Bennett led them to a table right in front of the stage. Three seats were occupied, but four were empty. Seated at the table were Mr. Keitaro Maxwell, the president of the Indigo Island, Mr. Goodshell, the president of the Pokemon League, and Sabrina, Marsh Gym leader and the newly elected chairperson of the Pokemon Gym Leaders Guild. Ash couldn't believe it. He was going to eat dinner with three of the most powerful people in Indigo.
Ash and his friends took their seats. Ash found himself between Misty and his mother, and Brock, to what must have been to his immense enjoyment, sat next to Sabrina. Introductions were made all around, and then the food arrived. To expedite matters, their orders had been taken earlier from their hotel rooms. The food was excellent, and Ash had to struggle to remember his table manners.
Even so, the food did not last long, and after a polite silence, Sabrina spoke up. "Mrs. Ketchum," she began, "you are a strong woman. I can see from whom your son received his strong will and kind heart."
"Why, thank you, Ms. Sabrina."
"Please, call me Sabrina."
"Of course," his mother replied politely.
"Your son is very talented, Mrs. Ketchum," Mr. Goodshell added. "He is a testament to everything the Pokemon League stands for."
Ash could feel himself blushing. Sabrina turned to Misty. "Congratulations on your engagement."
Misty looked surprised. Ash was too. "How?" Misty asked.
"You forget my abilities. I didn't mean to pry, mind you, but I could not help but sense the waves of happiness emanating from you." It was Misty's turn to blush. "Do not be embarrassed. You two are very strong individuals and your love in turn is strong." She paused, "Though I must add this. Destiny has its hold on you. What this will lead to, only time will tell, but you must believe in yourselves and each other."
Ash had never truly understood Sabrina's unusual gifts, but he knew she was one to be trusted. "Thank you."
"Do not thank me. I only speak what I sense."
The mood hung in the area, as if that no one wanted to break the silence, until after several minutes had passed, Mr. Goodshell stood up. "Excuse me, but I have a ceremony to begin." The short man then took his leave and left.
Ash couldn't help but smile. How many people were able to realize two of their most treasured dreams in the span of only one day?
* * * * *
The sun was beginning to set as Samuel drove down the nearly deserted road. The thick trees that grew high on either side added their shadows to the growing darkness. Soon it will begin, he thought, but then corrected himself. No, this began long before today.
Even now, after two years of preparations and research, he still had a hard time believing that something like this could happen. They had examined thousands of prophecies over that time. Some had turned out to be just fairy tales or the ramblings of deranged minds. Others were real, but only told of minor things, such as a hurricane or earthquake. Minor on the scale that Samuel had been interested in, at least. He had learned first hand that some prophecies were much grander in scope, and it only took one of these to go unheeded… The Lugia incident had taught him that.
He had always been an avid student of history. It went hand in hand with his studies of ancient and rare pokémon. He had begun his pokémon journey like so many others, hoping one day to become Pokemon Master. It did not take him long, however, to see that his true calling was in research. Even then he had been fascinated with the ancient warnings that he came across in his journeys. He had examined the writings on the Shamotty Islands during one of his first travels through the Orange Islands. The tale of mystical birds and the enigmatic beast of the sea intrigued him. He had had no idea at the time that the chosen one it spoke of would later be one of his own students, Ash Ketchum.
In fact, it wasn't until months after the entire Lugia incident that he would learn Ash's full involvement in the matter. With rapt interest he had listened to Ash and his friends relate their story of heroics and adventure. The tale had left Samuel with an odd mix of academic fascination at the historical and scientific dynamics in play and a deep sorrow that one so young had had to bear such a heavy burden. Something else in their story also sparked an interest, although he didn't tell them. He had seen one flaw in their logic. The all-important line "and the world will turn to Ash" was not calling Ash by name. Instead, it was warning of the fate that the Earth would suffer if the chosen one failed in his task. That was what one had to remember when dealing with prophecy. The future was not set in stone, even if it was written there.
Samuel jerked hard on the steering wheel. The oncoming truck blared its horn and sped by in a sea of noise. Gaining control of the car, he tried to steady his breathing. He wouldn't be able to help anybody if he was killed in a traffic accident. Samuel wouldn't put it past fate to throw that little bit of irony into the mix, so he tried to pay more attention to the road. It didn't really matter anyway. He could see the outline of the Indigo plateau against the darkening horizon. Checking the traffic, he pulled off onto the shoulder of the road and put the car into park.
It had been that idea of the malleability of the future that had led him into his new pursuit. While it may have been fate that Ash had shown up at the right time to save the world, Samuel was not prepared to lay the future of humanity solely in fate's hands. He was determined to help it along the way. Like everything else he had done in his life, he began by researching all he could find about prophecies and their authors. He had come across a number of interesting writings during his years of travels and found them a good place to begin. After several months, however, he began to find the task just too large for one man undertake alone.
He had long since become independently wealthy from the proceeds of his research, so money wasn't a problem. He had met many of the world's best minds during his years, and it was only a matter of time before he collected several of them whose ideas about the prophecies mirrored his own. And so, the "Protectors of the Future" were born. From then on, should the future have the need to be guided into a certain path, Samuel Oak would be there to steer it on its way.
And that was why he, Samuel Oak, famed pokémon researcher, was now sitting in a car parked beside a deserted highway, waiting for an event to unfold that had been foretold over fifty thousand years before, an event under any other circumstances he would have given his life to prevent. Had events been different, he would have found cause to laugh. Now that he thought of it, he couldn't remember the last time he had laughed.
* * * * *
Misty couldn't remember when Ash had looked so nervous, aside from several hours before when he had proposed to her. The ceremony had lasted for over an hour so far, and Ash had been on stage for the last twenty minutes, waiting for Mr. Goodshell to finish yet another one of his longwinded speeches. She knew he was never good in front of large crowds, except when he was battling, of course. Then, to the great relief of Ash, and seemingly everyone else in the room, Mr. Goodshell's speech came to a close.
"And now," Mr. Goodshell continued, "it is my great pleasure to present Ash Ketchum with this medallion, the symbol of his achievement and all for which he and the Pokemon League stand." With a slow deliberate gesture, he placed the medallion around Ash's neck. "May you live to honor the values of the Pokemon League and Indigo Island." Ash managed a mumbled thank you before the entire room erupted in a standing ovation, which Misty whole-heartedly joined.
Slowly, almost methodically, Ash returned to the table. Before he had a chance to sit down, Misty enveloped him a large hug. She could feel the heavy medallion around his neck bump against her chest. To her surprise, she felt tears beginning to well in her eyes. I never knew I could be so happy, she thought to herself. She quickly wiped her eyes and tried to regain her composure before Ash could see. Thankfully, at that very moment, Pikachu jumped onto Ash's shoulder.
"Hello there, buddy."
"Pikachu pika pika chu." Misty smiled at the two friends as they regained their seats. The others gave them a quiet, polite round of applause.
"You did wonderfully, dear," Mrs. Ketchum said to Ash.
"Thanks, mom," he replied. "I didn't have to do much, just stand there and look pretty."
"That'd be the day," Misty said slyly.
"I'll never be as pretty as you," he retorted with a coy look in his eye.
"That's it!" Brock said in an exaggerated huff. "I want to know where you are hiding the real Ash Ketchum. This smooth talking ladies man can't be the same person I spent five years traveling around all of Indigo with." Misty lost all sense of her composure and broke out into laughter. Ash joined in, followed by Pikachu, and even Mrs. Ketchum.
They quieted down as the orchestra began to play their music once more. Misty turned to her fiancée. "Ash, would you like to dance?"
"Umm, sure," he replied, somewhat nervously.
Misty turned to Mrs. Ketchum. "Would you mind holding Togepi for me?"
"Of course not, dear. Go ahead," she replied smiling. Misty was rather relieved that Mrs. Ketchum was not too upset about the engagement. She had been like a mother to her for the last several years, and soon, she really would be. Misty handed the small egg pokémon over to her. Ash took her hand and they began to make their way to the dance floor.
Misty had taken only a step when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned and saw that it was Sabrina. "Sabrina?" she asked, surprised.
"Misty," the enigmatic woman answered, "I was hoping to have a quick word with you."
"Ok." She turned to Ash. "I'll meet you at the dance floor."
"Sure, Misty." Ash seemed as curious about this as she was, but left without another word, Pikachu on his heels.
"How can I help you, Sabrina?"
"I just wanted to tell you something. I spoke truth before about your love for Ash, and his love for you. Even a mild telepath could sense the bonds between you."
"Thank you," Misty said, still not sure where this was leading.
"You have a strong heart as well as a strong mind. Unfortunately, at times what the heart tells you and what your mind tells you differ, and you are forced to choose. Remember to choose wisely."
"I don't think I really understand…"
"No, I don't suppose you do," Sabrina said with a smile, which for some reason seemed rather forced. "But I trust you will when the time comes."
With that, Sabrina turned and walked away, silent as the wind. Her words were still swimming in her head by the time she had caught up with Ash.
"So what did she say?"
"I'm not really sure," she replied truthfully. "You know how she can be at times," she continued, and smiled, wondering if it looked as forced as Sabrina's had.
"Yeah. I just hope it was good news." If Ash noticed anything amiss, he kept it to himself. "Ready?" he asked offering his hand.
"Yes," she answered, this time her smile genuine.
"There you are," rang a voice behind them.
"Brock, what are you doing?" Misty asked.
"Dancing, of course." Misty then noticed Mrs. Ketchum following behind the pokémon breeder.
"Mom?" Ash asked.
Mrs. Ketchum must have noticed something in her son's look. "Ash Ketchum!" she scolded her son. "You friend here just offered to dance with me since my only son ran away leaving his poor mother all alone." The twinkle in her eye made Misty laugh and soon Ash was laughing as well.
"Sorry, mom."
"You're forgiven this time. Now get dancing before your fiancée runs off with Pikachu."
Ash quickly followed his mother's advice and soon Misty was led to the center of the dance floor. Brock and Mrs. Ketchum followed. Luckily, a new song was just beginning, and soon the two pairs were moving across the floor to the slow somber music. As they danced, Misty rested her head on Ash's shoulder.
* * * * *
It could feel his presence. It was getting closer. The life essence from the humans at the ruins has restored much of its energy. It was thinking clearer now. Soon it would have what it needed to begin anew its reign.
These pathetic humans and pokémon… Much had changed since its imprisonment over 50,000 years before. It was a pitiful amount of improvement considering the amount of time they had had.
Nothing like what would have been accomplished if its reign had been unimpeded. Nevertheless, that would soon change. It was nearing its goal. The time was drawing ever nearer… The humans and pokémon would accept its reign or die like the animals they were.
* * * * *
Samuel rested his head. Waiting… he had always hated waiting. Through his many years, he had come to realize how much time people wasted just waiting. Waiting for someone or something to provide the catalyst that would force them in action. They only spent the small remainder actually out in the world accomplishing something.
Unfortunately, at the moment, he could do nothing but wait. Nothing to do but wait for his catalyst that would send him into action…
Suddenly, a voice invaded his mind. No matter how many times he did it, he could never get used to psychic communication. "It is on its way. It is only a matter of time now."
"Good fates to you," he whispered to the empty car.
The time for waiting was quickly coming to an end.
* * * * *
The third dance began. Misty could see, over Ash's shoulder, Mrs. Ketchum and Brock dancing slowly. Pikachu was perched serenely on Brock's shoulder, evidently having decided to give her and Ash some room for the night. Misty smiled as she watched the little yellow pokémon. She had known it as long as she had known Ash, and valued Pikachu as a dear and trusted friend.
That had been one of the things that had first drawn her to Ash (besides the bike). Even in the beginning, when Pikachu had resented Ash's first attempts at training it, Ash had treated Pikachu not as a thing or something to control, but as a friend. It was the same with each pokémon Ash would capture in his years of journeying. Misty had never known that such a bond could exist between a trainer and his or her pokémon. If only everyone could learn what Ash had taught her.
"Penny for your thoughts," Ash whispered into her ear.
"I was just thinking how great a person you are."
"Funny, I was thinking the same about you."
Misty turned her head to look into his eyes. He had matured a lot over the last year. No longer was he the strong-headed, reckless boy she had first met. Now he was a strong-willed, kind and gentle person who just happened to be her fiancée. As she continued to stare into his shining eyes, Sabrina's words came back to her. "Ash, do you think everything will work out?"
Ash missed a step, but continued to dance. "What do you mean?"
"I don't know. I guess I'm just getting jittery. It's been a long day."
"I know what you mean. The match with Gary seems like ages ago. Really, it's only been five hours."
The two fell into silence once more, just content to be with each other. Misty, however, could not get Sabrina's words to leave her alone.
"You have a strong heart as well as a strong mind. Unfortunately at times what the heart tells you and what your mind tells you differ, and you are forced to choose. Remember to choose wisely."
"I don't think I really understand…"
"No, I don't suppose you do… But I trust you will when the time comes."
Misty stopped dancing mid-step. Ash looked at her confusedly.
"But I trust you will when the time comes." Not if… not if, but when! Was Sabrina trying to warn her? If so, warn her about what?
Misty ignored Ash's concerned looks.
It was at that moment that everything exploded…
* * * * *
Ash looked at Misty. He couldn't figure out the look in her eyes. "What's wrong?" he asked, concerned.
She muttered something in reply, but he couldn't make it out.
Suddenly, without warning, the ornate dome ceiling above exploded downward in a deadly rain of masonry and glass. People yelled and screamed as they tried to find shelter from the falling projectiles.
Ash instinctively flung himself over Misty. She screamed in fear but was cut short as she hit the floor knocking the breath from her. Ash tried to cover her with his body in a vain attempt to protect her. Their eyes locked for a single moment that seemed to stretch on and on until the sounds around them seemed to fade away. And then the moment was gone and the crashing stone and screaming people filled all of his senses.
Finally, after what seemed like hours but in reality was only a matter of seconds, it was over. Still unsure what had happened, Ash simply lay there for a moment. Miraculously he and Misty appeared relatively unhurt. He stood and helped Misty shakily to her feet. Faint and pitiful cries began to echo around the ruined ballroom. Several others were getting to their feet, but to his growing horror, none were either Brock or his mother. Ash glanced around, his fear growing. There was no sign of Pikachu, either.
Suddenly a noise from above broke him from his search. What he saw froze him to the spot. Misty looked up as well, but he was so frightened he barely registered her scream.
Hovering just above the shattered dome, a creature was slowly descending. In all his years of traveling, Ash had never encountered anything so alien or fear inspiring. He could only watch as it silently continued its descent. At first its black form contained no shape, almost like it made of liquid darkness. Slowly, however, it began to take on shape. Wings sprouted, a head formed, and a tail and sharp talons emerged, but all the while its red eyes remained their fiery stare. Soon it floated only mere inches above the rubble that covered the dance floor. Ash's numbed mind took several seconds to realize it was staring at him.
With blinding speed it struck. Ash instantly felt a coldness within him. Everything went dark and when his vision returned it was filled with a red aurora. This too faded away and Ash found himself within a deep fog. It was as if all his senses were being muffled. His mind slowed down. A fog seemed to encompass him. He could still make out that the ruined ballroom, but it seemed far away. Faintly he heard Misty's anguished scream. He tried to shout to her, but could no longer control his body. It was as if he was behind the wheel of a car but someone else was in control.
You are now mine…You are my link to this world. Know that you are the weapon by which it will be conquered.
Ash instinctively fought against the alien presence that was invading his mind. He was met by wave after wave of pain. He tried to scream at it to stop, but could not form the words. After what seemed like hours it subsided. The fog around him brightened in a series of flashes. As if watching through a window Ash saw Pikachu launch attack after attack toward him. With no ability to shout to Pikachu and tell it to run away, he could only watch helplessly. He felt the presence around him concentrate on the yellow pokémon only long enough to send a single attack. So concentrated on saving its friend, Pikachu did not even see the red beam before it was sent flying backward to land roughly on the floor.
Ash heard Misty's scream once more and felt the presence switch its focus to her. He desperately tried to fight back, only to awaken new levels of pain.
* * * * *
Sabrina heard Misty's scream as Pikachu landed and did not stir. The attack had been so abrupt and horrible that even with her years of training she struggled to keep control. The creature seemingly had entered Ash and was now controlling him.
She watched Misty took a step back from Ash. Was it truly Ash anymore? Sabrina asked herself. His face was barely recognizable, so twisted with hatred it was. His eyes shone with the red of the demon that now controlled him. More frightening than that was the emotion turmoil within him. Although the creature's powerful presence was full of hatred and anger, Sabrina could still feel Ash's emotions bottled up deep within. He is still there, she thought with horror.
She felt Ash—no the creature—well its power for an attack. Concentrating, she sent up a wall of protection around the fear-struck Misty. Although the shield barely stood up against the incredible barrage, it performed its duty and Misty was unhurt.
The creature turned to meet this new adversary, but before it could attack, Sabrina sent forth a bolt of psychic energy. Ironically, it was the first time she had used her powers offensively since Ash and his friends had arrived at her gym and freed her from the emotional prison she had placed herself in.
The attack had little effect other than convincing the creature that she was no threat. It returned its attention to Misty, who had yet to move or make a sound. Why her? Sabrina asked herself. Did it somehow know? How could it, though? Maybe it wants to feed on her… Either way, she knew what she needed to do.
Using the aid of her telekinetic powers, she raced to place herself between Misty and Ash. She concentrated and tried to teleport Misty and herself away, but for the first time in her life she felt her powers blocked. Somehow, the creature had placed a barrier around the area to prevent anyone from teleporting in or out. Sensing another attack, she raised another barrier. This time the shield cracked, but it managed to stay intact. Another attack of that strength and we'll be finished. She had to think of something. Then she got an idea. Maybe… It was the only chance they had.
The creature prepared a third attack. This time instead of placing a shield, she concentrated on the incoming psychic energy and absorbed it. She screamed as the power burned her inside and out. Finally, after several painful seconds, she released the energy back at its sender. Light bursts fill her eyesight and she felt her knees give way underneath her. Before she could hit the ground, however, the shockwave from her attack hit. She felt herself fly backward, hitting Misty. The two tumbled through the air, crashing painfully onto the ruined floor.
Though her vision was dimming, she saw Ash begin to float in the air, his clothes singed, but otherwise seemingly unhurt. Slowly and deliberately, he left the ground as if he had jumped, but he continued upward, higher and higher until he floated through the gaping hole in the ceiling and into the night sky.
She tried to move, but the pain was too great. Next to her Misty began to stir and uttered a gasp of pain. Sabrina turned her head to face the girl.
"Why," Misty asked weakly, "Why did you protect me?" Her head fell as unconsciousness began to claim her.
"Because you are the flower. You are our only hope," Sabrina replied as she felt herself fall into a more permanent sleep. Then slowly, the senses that she relied on since her birth… the senses for which she had forsaken everything else to perfect… began to fail her one by one. At the end only her mind remained. As the darkness claimed her, she thought of the destiny that she had just fulfilled. It was her path, she knew, but if only she could have done more.
(to be continued…)