AFTERMATH OF THE AFTERLIFE

Another one bites the dust…these chapters are becoming an obsession for me, I need to do them. I am flattered by the many reviews I've had since starting this fanfic, and I thank everyone.

This time, it's Melody's turn. I think she is such a good character to work with, not only is she the only movie character who seems to have a good decent development (aside from Molly Hale), but she can easily be worked into an AAM argument, which is probably the main reason why I like her. Yes, she may have been flirting with Ash at times, but I honestly think it was just to get a rise out of Misty, and she what she thought. She questions her several times in the movie of their relationship, and it always gets a response from the raging waters that is Misty.

So Melody, or Mel-chan in Poke-mole, let's go!

And the new topic for this chapter? Religion. This focuses on what I know of Japanese religion and what they see other religion as well, as Melody's role as a priestess is explored.

Enjoy!

* * * *

I pray your Ashes are heaven sent Ash.

I bowed my head in silent prayer, wishing I could performing a sending ceremony for my dear friend Ash Ketchum. But for one as special as Ash Ketchum, I think he deserves to be here in all his remains.

I opened my eyes to see Brock and my husband talk with Misty, trying to make her smile. I guess she needs it now.

I teased her about her relationship with Ash so many years ago, but now, she needs to smile. It scares me that she is like this, it is definitely not like her. Not the happy, temper-tantrum Misty of old school days.

My heart is cold as well, as the pain that almost everyone here as suffered. If someone like the duo formerly known as Team Rocket can be sad at a day, and someone with a record of no emotion like Sabrina can, so can I.

For today, the act can be dropped. I cried.

Tracey noticed it as he came up to me and hugged me, still sobbing, this time into his chest.

I miss him so much…

* * * *

I first met Ash during the Shamuti Island legend, 13 years ago. I was a 13 year old youngest daughter of the Furura family, a family bound in tradition of the old legends that the islands portrayed.

I guess it was kind of inevitable that I would follow in the footsteps of my family, including my older sister Carol. It didn't mean that I liked it though.

Yeah, I was the black sheep of the family, not in terms of that I didn't like them, the opposite, I was close to my family, it's just I didn't seem to understand the feeling for tradition like everyone else. Carol called me 'an adorable tomboy'. A bit of an oxymoron, but hey, I've dealt with worse.

The time came when I would perform the ceremony for the legend of the Chosen One. And yes, I probably did see my family and its members perform it 100 times, both in practice and performance.

My life throughout my life on the island was one of a girl enjoying the island life, and I did like it's festivities definitely. It was always like there was a bit of magic around the world whenever we performed a festival.

On my 13th year, I would understand the magic myself.

That's when Ash came into my life.

I'd seen many 'chosen ones' perform the ceremony, but I could tell Ash was different already. He didn't have that cocky confident look that most of the boys did, especially as a lot of them hit on Carol as well…sometimes I wonder how my sister got through the kiss on the cheek routine with some of the lechers around.

Ash however seemed innocent, nice…and cute. It was like a 6th sense the islanders have, their ki sense into the spirits of the islands and notice a entity they need to know.

I guess subconsciously I knew that Ash was special, and something different and more interesting was going to happen on my first time performing the ceremony. And seeing him freaked out by the Island's native masks was always funny…

But for now, I simply kissed him on the cheek.

The look on Misty's face had to be seen, it was like she had been hit with a static shock from head to toe, her shivers had to be seen. If that wasn't a scene of jealously I have no idea what isn't.

"Well I guess you must me…his girlfriend!"

"Aw gross…"

"Oh, I don't think so!"

Teasing Misty became somewhat of my national hobby since then, I told her not to be jealous as the ceremony was performed. It was cute seeing Misty fume and Ash not having a clue about her, the boy may be cute, but he was denser than lead.

Although I may have mocked the performing of the ceremony, that certainly didn't mean I didn't take it seriously. I knew that it was important for all the people of the island to see the ceremony, that their tradition was important to them, so despite what I thought, I still performed my work like my family before that.

I learned how to play the ocarina since I was 5. It was one of my favourite times when I went to the cliff-face, with my sensei my grandfather Mikoshi teaching me how to play, as we played together along with the spirits of the fu or wind racing beside us. It was the first time I really did feel spiritual.

I certainly wanted people to feel like that when I played my tune…

…but that didn't mean I couldn't have a little fun as well.

After I performed my song, I subconsciously began to flirt with Ash (and once again getting a response out of Misty), the 'most handsome Chosen One in years' as I called him seemed to scare Misty into submission.

However, Ash certainly believed in his role almost as much as I did. He wanted to get the three sacred treasures as soon as possible. I liked that about Ash, his enthusiasm and commitment was incredible to whatever he attempted to do. However, to say the least I felt a little guilty especially when Karen decided to take him out in a storm.

It felt unlike any storm, like it was unnatural. I didn't know at the time it was because of our legend and the legend of the three birds, but I still felt guilty for Ash getting caught in it. Simple-minded, yet adorable Ash.

And I guess Misty saw it the same way as well.

I took on the opportunity to make fun of Misty and her so obvious feelings for Ash, despite her attempts to deny it. Also, the other guy, Tracey came along with us.

I'll discuss Tracey later on, because early on we didn't speak much. However, that would chance quite a bit later on to say the least.

Using my sister's boat, we travelled on to the islands, hoping to find Ash. I should mention that like with the ocarina, my family had been skilled in navigation and had learnt how to use a boat from a young age. Unlike most children at 10 who went out to become pokemon trainers, I was learning how to use a boat in the right way. On an island nation, it's very important to learn that fact quickly.

We set out to find Ash. We found him…(along with the three stooges Jessie, James and Meowth) and I gave him such a cussing for rushing out, even though I knew that indirectly it was my fault. Misty came with a funny comment referring to 'Welcome to my world.'

I countered it with 'It's practice for when the two of you get married.' The look on her face was hysterical.

I gotta say, Misty was probably like the sister I always wanted. I loved Carol to bits, but the fact is that she was so much older than I was, and she was into tradition way too much than I was. Misty was like the funny sis that I always wanted that we could talk about anything. Throughout the years, as one of the three witches as Misty called me and Ruuki and Imite-chan, we have become so much closer.

At that point though, making fun of Ash and Misty was the last thing on my mind, as it's not everyday that a giant electric based legendary bird descends from the heavens onto Fire Island does it?

It became apparent of what things were entailed after we were captured by Lawrence III. His attempts of collection which Misty despised (you go girl!) were the first real attempts I had been spiritually connected with pokemon. The discovering of the legendary chant, and it became apparent that he was trying to summon the god of the sea.

Lugia. A legendary pokemon said to protect the sea, around the island of Shamuti, the centre of the Orange Islands was where it was said to reside underwater. The belief was there around the people definitely but as no-one had seen it, we had to wonder.

It was at that point I think my life changed into the seriousness that I take and pride myself in now. As we freed the two captive pokemon, and soon after, the battle begun with Articuno also getting in the mix, the song of Lugia was heard.

Lugia was born.

It saved us from being destroyed by the aftermath of the attacks (which led to a moment where Ash gained the second treasure…and also a moment where Tracey held me safe to protect me…) but not even Lugia was strong enough to hold out the three powerful legends.

It's decent to the sea as the war raged on was certainly nothing for a pokemon like that to suffer, and I felt a slight pain of rage in my body.

And then I remembered the sounds of Lugia, flowing through the sea, playing vibrantly with life.

And it was the same as the song I learnt for the ceremony, the song of legend.

I began playing.

And the power from a few simple notes managed through an ocarina by a simple young girl was enough for the pheonix to be reborn…

…and our roles were defined as saviours.

Thanks to Slowking and Ash, we got two of the treasures but the third one was missing. And with the war cascading, we only had one hope, the chosen one.

And Misty realised it before I did.

And thus the earth shall turn to Ash.

Ash was the boy of legend. He certainly didn't believe it (I wish my Mom had called me Bob…), but none of us laughed. Tracey, Misty and myself all thought it was true, Ash was the one who could save us all.

However, I didn't realise how important my role as well, in playing Lugia's song. I never thought how important my life was until this moment…I guess the tradition of my past finally caught up in my heart.

However…

Despite help from Team Rocket and then from Lugia, the third treasure seemed safe and secure.

And then the bastard come forth.

We forgot about the other problem. Lawrence was the one that started this off, we should have known he would try and do something to end it as well…his attempted capture of Lugia was near horrifying, as the legendary pokemon took out both his flying fortress and two legendary bird pokemon with two hyper beams, trying to break out of it's own trap.

And it fell to the sea, and unconscious Ash upon him.

My first instinct was to save him. Tracey and Misty both tried to stop me, but I was adamant.

I handed over my ocarina to Misty…but she refused and smiled.

I remember these words so well that they are now a part of me.

"Ash is never true alone…because he's got…me."

I looked on in shock. She had admitted her feelings for Ash, not to Tracey or her other close friend Brock, but to me, an island stranger who had flirted with her interest almost as soon as he landed.

A connection of friendship hit us like a thunderbolt from Pikachu. We clasped hands as I gave her a hug, again, referring my thought that the two of us could have been sisters in another lifetime.

In the end, it was for the best. Misty was obviously a stronger swimmer than I was, and managed with Tracey's help to get him out of there.

He looked so lifeless according to Misty, and she was probably tempted to give him mouth to mouth, but now wasn't the time for teasing.

Weak, cold, and hurt…but Ash continued on to get the final sphere to Slowking, and place it in the pedestal.

We all felt the power shining from the spheres as the shrine glowed in a spectural light. Ash gave me the nod as I looked on.

Every pokemon making the journey, the climate, everything was depending on me.

And my ocarina played.

As every note came out, my heart was pulsing with life, with energy, with hope. This was something that only I could do…that I could tell my own grandchildren one day.

I shed a tear or two when the performance came to an end, and as Lugia was reborn and the three birds returned to their islands, I fell to my knees and looked at my instrument.

This was my own doing.

I had saved the world.

* * * *

"So, you're going now?" I said as Ash, Misty and Tracey waited outside my home.

"Yes, we are sorry, but we have to continue our journey." Ash apologised.

I nodded and smiled. "I'll write to you as much as I can Ash. I wish you all the best…"

I hugged the young Ketchum as Misty fumed in the corner as Tracey chuckled. I let go and then hugged a surprised Tracey. I wasn't sure why I did it either, I think he seemed to be my protector a number of times during the ordeal, and besides, he was part of the family as well.

Finally Misty, who seemed to be just as surprised when I hugged her…

…and I whispered…

"Go get him girl, before it's too late…maybe I'll steal him if you're not careful…"

Misty blushed, but then smiled. "No chance…"

As the two of us giggled, I distinctly heard Ash say 'What are they laughing about?'

If only you knew Ash, if only you knew…

* * * *

I didn't see them off the ferry, I was simply enjoying the freedom of playing my ocarina in my regular clothes by the cliff face. The wind blowing through my hair, it was the best feeling in the world for me.

I felt a lot different after the ordeal, I knew that my life wouldn't be the same again. I was the girl that brought Lugia from the surface, and along with Ash, Misty and Tracey, the girl who saved the world.

I think it's safe to say that I did a lot of growing up during that trauma, and I knew that my work wasn't done.

Already tourism was peaking after hearing about the legend and how the world was saved, and to say that the paparazzi was around here a few times was an understatement. Ash and co didn't have to suffer that as they was always on the move. No-one could seem to catch onto them, which was a good thing for Ash.

Not so much of a good thing for me though…as I was pretty much grounded.

The attention didn't seem to be as important now. Before the ordeal, I was seen as a modern girl, a tomboy, someone who took these things in stride.

Now, I was Melody Furura, saviour.

That seemed to make me a grown up.

I had to change…and think about what to do now…

* * * *

Miko…

The duties of the priestess of the Shamuti Island Shrine, built soon after the rising of Lugia had given me a spriritual presence as the sun shone overhead.

The kami of the sun, Akaterasu Omikami. I began studying religion as a focus after my own religious experience with Lugia. That's right, after I played Lugia's song, I felt uplifted, like a shining light towards me..

The name Akaterasu Okikami…her name translates to as "Great Divinity Illuminating Heaven." I felt that light when Lugia was reborn from the song, it's greatness shining over Ash, myself and the others, it was like each pokemon was born under a spiritual deity.

I guess that's what made me study religion, to see how pokemon fitted into his world. How the kamis had decided their fate, and how their true destiny is shown.

I am the Miko, or Shrine Maiden. I have true spiritual contact with the pokemon Lugia through my song. My traditional clothing of my long white sleeved top (a chihaya) and long red pants over the leg (hibakama) gave me a sense of power…one much more than the adult leaders…

My ocarina was my symbol of Lugia, the symbol of the heavens. My flowing hair as I sat there in mediation…such a contrast to my tomboy life of a month ago.

The talismans and ofudas sold at the shrine were legendary as I'd accompany them with a song every time. I guess even the most religious of practices take control of financial reasoning. I didn't agree with it after my experience, but despite everything, I was still a child.

Adulthood in my mind, childhood in body. I was stuck between them.

* * * *

Kyudo archery was one of my newfound practices. I fired shots with precision. The way of the bow it was translated, sometimes I would work my ki into the practice of zen archery…with me being the target of course.

I wasn't afraid any more, power seemed to give me a sixth sense, no-one could believe that I was the same girl anymore.

Carol and my family looked at me with a combination of pride and loneliness. This path I chosen meant my life had been decided for me, it was now a decision to see which way I would take it.

Anything that I did was now all work related. Even practising archery of my ocarina was all work ethic.

I looked at a present…bought for me by Misty, Tracey and Ash.

"Sorry to leave Melody, but we have to leave. Make sure you remember us…'

The kushi was a work of art. A Japanese comb made from the gold of an old Squirtle's shell and the beautiful Shelder's pearl. It was a symbol of my new found status of a priestess…

However, for me it did mean loneliness. Was this my destiny?

My destiny was more than that thankfully…

* * * *

Over 4 years until my 18th birthday, my work was becoming legendary. Every year, the anniversary of Lugia's appearance was always celebrated with the ritual of the Chosen One, except this time it was in honour of Lugia…and it ended with me playing the song at the shone, for the vain hope that Lugia would answer our calls…once again.

Although it never did, the atmosphere of power through the raging waters, the lightning and the ceremonial lights around the shine always made people feel that Lugia was still around us in spirit.

Now, as a martyr of Shamuti and the world, into my adulthood, I was now being bombarded with requests from all around the world to visit their own shrines and temples, to bless them with the power of Lugia.

It was obvious that people considering Lugia's spirit inside me…in reality, I think it was in Ash all the while…the dense fool just didn't realise it.

Ash…I thought about him a lot. At first, he was just a cute, dense young boy. But the more I heard about him, the more my heart was strung. I watched him in the Johto championships…as much as I watched Misty cheering him on.

Something told me in her cheers that it wasn't just cheers for him to win…or for him as friends. No, something told me she had finally told him that she loved him.

And despite the fact that I told her to go for it, I did fell sad that I couldn't get him for myself.

O.K, I was in love with him. I genuinely meant it when I said he was cute, I wouldn't have kissed him if he wasn't, trust me. And seeing his growing muscular (still dense) self, it was more than a girl could handle.

Many girls have been interested him, but I knew that Misty was the one for her.

At times I've whispered 'Please let me be your number one…I want to be your number one…'

My song was never called or received…

Singing was something that I had worked on which I needed for my psalms and songs. I was a priestess and felt this was a duty for me. Today, I sung at Ash' funeral…

…and still the song wasn't heard. Ironic wasn't it…

However, the thoughts of love had to be cast aside as my life and work wouldn't forbid it…

…however, it was still my life.

And one surprise incident changed it forever…

* * * *

"The storm is getting a bit choppy Shamuti Priestess…"

"Can we get through?"

"It's getting rough…"

The winds and storms were terrible at times coming back into the Orange Islands. I always ask if I can pilot the boat, and every time, my 'protectors' never let me despite my boating experience.

Overprotection or idiocy? You decide.

A tight scrape with some rocks made us fall and the water touching our faces. Instantly, they seemed to ask for my guidance.

"Priestess, what can we do?"

I was silent, in a trance, thinking myself. I wasn't a god, I didn't hold any magic powers, all I had was a blessing of the heavens.

My eyes snapped open.

"Pray."

"Huh?"

"It's either that or we die…" I took out my ocarina, and began to play Lugia's song, now known as the 'Power Of One'. The guards I think decided to pray now maybe for Lugia to come and save us.

I knew it wouldn't happen…I was playing it to comfort my soul. I knew that I would probably not survive this, so I just wanted to remain happy to the last.

'I never truly knew what the world was. It was a world of work for me…it's a shame I never once again experience the true side of life..'

My thoughts were that as I cascaded into the water, still playing the notes, once again in a trance…

…Blessed darkness followed…

* * * *

A white light shone above me as I witnessed the light of the kamis surrounding me, wanting me to take me there…

Come back…

A voice however was keeping me from doing it…

I felt warmth…human touch…

My eyes opened…

…and a familiar face emerged in front of me.

"Tra…cey?" I whispered before passing out again.

* * * *

"You're awake now?"

My eyes fully open taking in my new surroundings. It was a hut, almost like the ones back at Shamuti Island. I saw an artist's easel, and a Smeargle working on it's form of art….it seemed to have got a lot of pink paint on it….

I looked at the man that I knew as Tracey. Now around 21, Tracey certainly seemed to have grown up. Thinner than before and with a fair bit of muscle, he now had a small moustache above his upper lip, but that kind smile was still on his face. He was now 6 foot tall dwarfing by 5 foot 6 inches.

"Tracey…that you?" I said.

"Yeah…it's been a long time priestess…" Tracey said as a Marill (who also seemed to be in a pink mess) hopped onto his shoulder with a cute little chirp. It had been a while since I actually witnessed pokemon with their trainers as friends, I had always been looking at them from my spiritual perspective.

Priestess…

"Tracey…please call me Melody. It feels weird you saying that…" That was true. When a stranger called me that, it seemed fine. But I knew Tracey, sure, it had been a few years, but it still felt weird.

Tracey smiled. "Very well Melody, I accept your request…"

I felt something on me, a bit different. I looked down, as my shrine clothes were…well, they weren't there.

I seemed to have gone back to the time before I met Ash, as I was wearing a plain white blouse and a pair of jeans. Tracey smiled.

"Before you ask, Jenny managed to change your clothes and had to shoo all the male researchers out of here quickly, fortunately, her niece was about the same age and size as you and she used a few of your old choices. We respect your heritage and your shrine clothes are getting cleaned with the upmost care…"

"I don't know why you're treating me so special Tracey. After all, you were there as well, you were as much as part of Lugia as I was…" I said.

Tracey shook his head. "Compared to you and Ash, I was a bit player. I saved Ash from drowning yes, but I wasn't the hero. You deserved your life…"

My life. Was it a life? Washed up now in the middle of…hey, wait a minute.

"Hang on a second. Where am I?"

Tracey smiled. "Ah, I was wondering when we were getting to get to that. This is a hidden island known as Pinkin Island. It is an island home to many pokemon, except they have an interesting defect…"

Tracey held out his hand to me. For some reason, I suddenly felt nervous. Maybe it was because I hadn't become used to speaking to anyone in a long time.

"Want to see?" He said.

The kindness of his voice, it was like the protection he had for me in the past. I nodded and took it gently, nearly falling not realising how weak I still was, but that was what Tracey was for.

Still looking after me after all this time…

* * * *

I was amazed at the lush green of the island, it was unlike the tropical splendour of Shamuti and neighbouring islands, this was a true splendour.

And the emerging pokemon…

"PINK?" I nearly screamed but Tracey covered my mouth.

"Hey, take it easy, a lot of these pokemon are easily spooked and are afraid of new people…trust me I know…" Tracey obviously didn't want whatever happened to him on his first trip here happen to me…

"But…how? This goes up against all theories of…"

"Heh. Not everything is how it seems is it? The Pinkin berries here are what all the pokemon feast upon, and it's enzyme is very similar to a pokemon's nucleus enzyme, which allows the two to be compitable, but it's power turns the pokemon pink. You should have seen Ash' Pikachu when it took a couple…"

Heh. Now I understood Tracey's pink pokemon. On the other hand…

Ash. I had seen him working on television a few times on the few times I was relaxing on my own.

However, Ash wasn't here. Tracey was.

"How did you end up here anyway?" I asked.

Tracey explained to me about how he did, which he can tell you much better than I can. However, it lead to Officer Jenny 'interrogatng' me and returning my clothes. This island is said to be a secret because of people wanting to capture these rare pokemon for their own needs.

I think however they knew a secret was best safe in my hands.

Did that mean I'd have to leave though so soon? I finally found someone other than my family who I knew, and I wanted for once…to be a normal girl.

My life changed when Lugia appeared, but maybe it was more for the worst for me now I look upon it than the best…

I never thought I would have said that.

"Tracey, tell me how your friends are doing. I'd just like to stay here a bit longer…" I said.

Tracey smiled. "I guess priestesses have off days, come on th…whoops!" Tracey said as I fell down on the floor, still a bit tired.

Still, he didn't need to laugh!

"Oops…must me a real off day!" Tracey chuckled. And to my surprise, I laughed as well. I can't even remember the last time I laughed.

"Hey, no-one's perfect!" I shouted as we laughed.

"That's the Melody I used to know…" Tracey said, and before I could say anything, he lifted me up in his arms.

"Put me down you big lug!" I chuckled, I didn't resist though.

"Sorry milady, a priestess needs to be taken extra special care, let's get you in for a bit more rest…" Tracey said as he carried me back to the hut.

I nearly fell asleep there in his big strong arms, he had certainly gotten more muscular…

…more handsome as well. Definitely just as cute as Ash now…

…hey, I was thinking these thoughts. Maybe I was really changing now I was away from my life, and as this island is barely known and inhabited, not too many people would know where I was.

Maybe I could turn this into my true advantage…

* * * *

"Please Jenny, don't let the authorities know where I am…please…" Normally I bow for the ashes of deceased pokemon to be spread into the sea, especially when I'm doing a sending and performing my ritual dance, but this time I wasn't bowing. I was begging.

"You're practically a celebritiy Furura-miko." Jenny explained. "Aleady as you know there are people who are trying to find if you are even alive, if you don't leave they will find this place and we are trying to escape that kind of publicity…"

In my coldest voice I said…

"And what makes you think I'm not either."

Jenny stepped back in the face of an 18 year old girl. At that point I wasn't a priestess or the heroine of the Island Disaster, I was simply Melody Furura.

Tracey was watching this exchange with an interest (probably sketching us, nowadays, his sketches of me are near legendary), as I breathed in and out and began to talk.

"You're right, Pinkin Island is a haven, one that you want protecting, and no-one to know about. However, the same could be said about me. For once, I would like to be away from my work, the cameras, the commercialism…I want to be me. I want to be the same girl before Lugia appeared. For me, this isn't entrapment. This is a vacation."

Jenny looked at me, very surprised.

"I know looking for me will be dangerous, and yes, my family will be upset if I don't go to them…but for a bit longer…"

And a tear hit the floor.

I think Jenny's strong heartstrings finally broke after that. Sighing, she put her hands on my shoulders.

"A week."

I looked up.

"You've got a week here. After that, you must leave. Until then, we won't disclose your whereabouts, but you must leave on your own after that…"

I smiled and bowed accordingly. "Thank you very much Officer Jenny."

Jenny smiled. "You remind me so much of my niece it's scary." Jenny walked shaking her head, but Tracey smiled.

"So I guess I'll be protecting you again." Tracey said.

I smiled.

"I guess so."

* * * *

The new ocarina I bought was pink of course, handcarved by experts on this island. This time, playing Lugia's song wasn't out of ritual or necessity.

It was for fun and relaxation.

I did notice that a few of the researchers always came to watch me, maybe they felt that me playing the song was still a source of protection and maybe I had come here to purify and protect the island rather than endanger it.

But I was always glad that Tracey came to watch me from one of the trees. Of course now, his pokemon were also suffering from the Pinkin syndrome as witnessed from his pink Marill and Smeargle earlier.

The power of one was the song's name, but it was more the power of all the pokemon in the world.

And of the 4 people who witnessed it.

I spent most of my time enjoying the feeling of the wind in my hair, wearing normal clothes and spending my time talking with Tracey. And on the day before I left…

"Hey Mel?"

Only people I truly trusted I allowed them to call them that, otherwise they would have been fed to Lugia. (I'm sure there were some people who actually believed that when I said that…)

"Yep Trace?"

He smiled. "You've got a phone call."

I panicked. People weren't supposed to know where I was…

"Don't worry, you can trust these two…" Tracey smiled and chuckled. Two? Who were th…

"Melody…that you?"

That voice…I rushed over.

"It can't be…" But it was.

"MISTY!" I screamed, ecstatic. Tracey smiled as I whispered a 'thank you' to the watcher.

"Well, aren't you looking fine…" Misty said as I chuckled. "Misty, I've never felt better in all my life…I am a normal girl…"

Tracey groaned. "Uh oh, girl chat alert…"

Another voice came through the video phone. "Trace, you have no idea how bad Mist is…"

"ASH!" I was beaming, my smile was the biggest since…well, since the last time I think that I saw Ash.

"Hey Melody, looking good…" I saw Misty hit Ash in the shoulder as I chuckled.

"Does she do this to every girl that speaking to you?" I asked.

"Yep. In fact, I think I'm going to be put in the hospital any time soon…eep, Misty put that chainsaw back…"

I smiled as the two obviously in love teased each other. They were the epitome of a love/hate relationship back then, now, they were a modern example of how young love could blossom, no matter how long it took

I glanced a quick look at Tracey. Was that the thing which was missing? Friendship yes. Companionship, definitely.

Love…maybe…

I continued a wonderful chat with Ash and Misty for another half an hour, wondering if this could happen more often…

….but I only had a few days left here. As much as the love for a priestess, it was a very hard working job with too many responsibilities for someone my age. At first I thought it was my learning curve to adultivity.

Instead, it made me wish I was my 13 years of age again when I met Ash.

I sighed…the day I was going to leave was going to be tougher than any sending or prayer…

* * * *

"Well Tracey, make sure she gets seen away from here…" Jenny saluted the watcher as the canoe we prepared was underway. It had been a while since I got the feeling of my love for boats as well, and the oars were like putty in my hands, it was like riding on a bike.

"I'll take care of us…and of her, don't worry." Tracey said as I waved goodbye to what had been certainly a different yet enjoyable week in the life of Melody Furura.

I was put in an Ainu cloak, one of my favourite religious garments, as I was remained hidden (partly also because of Tracey's larger frame in view) as Tracey took a side exit outside of Pinkin island to avoid the whirlpools.

Tracey was a strong rower and I felt it difficult to keep up with him, however, as time went on, I got my rhythm back and keep up pace with the watcher. We made slightly conversation as it seemed both of us were unsure what to say…

Finally, we realised we were far enough. Tracey took my hand and we walked hand in hand on a nearby tourist island, definitely I would be seen here, and if not, I could call…if I wanted to.

"Well, thanks for everything Tracey, you took care of me once again…" I said.

"Thing nothing of it. I was glad to help an old friend." Tracey smiled that sweet smile of his.

Friend. Tracey called me a friend. I can't remember the last person who actually called me that. Miko, priestess, saviour…but not friend. People respected me, people liked me, but I was someone that was deemed untouchable from the public.

Tracey, Misty and Ash didn't see that. They saw me as a friend.

"I'm glad I could see you again…all of you again…" I said, really near tears. Tracey tenderly wiped them off.

"I sense you want this to end…but if it does, you know where I am…and I'll always be in your heart." Tracey kissed my hand like a knight as I blushed.

Without thinking, I launched into his arms and kissed him. He wasn't that stunned, and sweetly kissed me back. I melted into his warm embrace as I cried.

"Does it have to be like this?" I said.

"Shhh….no. It's your decision, your self….your life….take your time and wait, but I'll be there to whisk you away from the Lugias of the world when you want to…" I saw Tracey cry slightly. I never knew…

He protected me back then. He helped me into the boat, he covered me as we crashed after an attack from the legendaries. And now, under our differing lives, we had become one together.

Was this what Ash and Misty had? Something I could have…I didn't know then, but it was close.

We held each others hand until the last moment when Tracey let go. He didn't say goodbye…he said farewell. We would meet again…

…I sighed as the pokemon watcher headed back to Pinkin Island, my lips sealed like a drum.

"Is that…"

I heard someone call. I sighed, already someone had noticed me, I guess the priestess clothes gave it away. I took away the two items given to me.

The first was a staff made of holy wood, blessed by the waters of the Pinkin Island. The staff was long and on the top was a circle with the sign of Lugia carved expertly into it.

The second was a sketch of me given to me by Tracey, with a signature.

"You are everything. You are a priestess, a saviour, a musician, a beautiful woman, but above all, you are you.

You are Melody Furura, my angel."

Tracie Sketchit.

Despite the gathering and the shoutings, and someone phoning the authorities, I hugged my memories of the island to myself, a tear falling.

Please let his words bring me back…

* * * *

The return of Melody Furura was a big event at Shamuti…or should I say an excuse for people to flock, take pictures and above all, make money.

Things hadn't changed for me, they had seemingly got worse. I wasn't now the righteous spirit of Lugia, I was a source of tourism.

My shrine had at least been remained intact as my family were relieved that I was O.K, at least they had missed me for being me.

The solitude of my shrine compared with the bustle of the paparazzi was a distant parallel.

I looked into a ceremonial fire.

Lugia, give me guidance…

A ceremonial blade was by the side and I picked it up. I tore at the fleshy part of my arm as the droplets of blood cascaded into the fire….

…I picked up my ocarina and played the notes to the song that we all used as the flames flickered as the form of a flaming pheonix emerged.

Ho-oh…the other legendary bird. Am I to be a girl of legend…

The staff….

The sending of a pokemon ashes to sea, except this time…

More blood flowed as I began my motions of the kata. The spinning of the staff like a baton as I circled in ceremonial dance, the screams of the flames, some burning my long hair.

No pain was felt, I was in a trance.

Cannot escape…or discard…

I felt weak…heat and blood…but I was strong. Ash had taught me that…

…my eyes snapped open as the fire dispated after my ritual. The sweat of my face…and the blood of my white robe…

I panted with exhaustion…that was a true spiritual sending.

My own.

Did it tell me to continue, or to change?

The blood staining me was a clue. I smiled…and tore the bloodiest part of my ceremonial clothing and wrapped it around the wound.

I looked over towards the furo (bath) in my shrine. I smiled again.

Time for another form of purification…

* * * *

The aching muscles were relieved in the bath to say the least, not just my body but my mind and soul seemed to be relaxed within the herbs and aromas around me.

Did I really want to continue my life as it is…or could I change it?

I thought my destiny after summoning Lugia had been set…but maybe it wasn't to be. Do I have the power to change my own destiny?

I twinged as some of the hot water touched my cut. I held in the pain as I gritted my teeth.

It seemed my thoughts were similar to my cut. I had to grit my teeth and bear it, but in the end, I just want to be rid of it.

I left the bath, with plenty more thoughts to go on.

Insipiration drove me from Tracey's picture, the me that was on Pinkin Island, the old-school tomboy look of old. Ash and Misty, their happy faces matching mine as we spoke to each other.

Was I doomed to remain as the priestess of solitude…or….

Suddenly, the fire picked up again!

I rushed over, amazed at this change in attitude. I picked up the ocarina.

Was this a sign…

I took it to my lips and began to play. My trance playing Lugia's song was semi-legendary. However, Lugia appeared to me in the form of the celestial fire.

The poke-god of water had come to me in a vision of fire. How poetic.

Lady Melody…I sense the energies of your mind have been strained…why is this?

My notes came in as a form of language to the pokemon. It seemed to understand my thoughts by the notes I played.

The people see you as one person, but not the person you wish to be.

Another view notes as the pokemon probably chuckled if it could.

The chosen one appeared? Is this the reason for your unwell state?

The 'conversation' continued as the heat cascaded around my body, but in my trance like state, I couldn't feel it. Just like the first time I had 'summoned' Lugia, nothing could budge me from my spot.

The powers believe of you to be a worshipper, yet you are still a young girl…with a life ahead of her. A very happy life…

I don't know if Lugia could see into the future, but if he wasn't, his consoling certainly helped more than expected.

You held no reason to worship me, rather I should have worshipped you for saving me, along with the chosen one. There is no more reason for you to continue this path.

A glow of light surrounded and I opened my eyes.

No fire. No sound. No music.

Just me and a parting voice.

You…are…Melody.

And then, blackness.

* * * *

I awoke sweating as Carol was watching over me in their house…passing out in the heat and the emotions had taken more toll on me than I thought.

"I guess you weren't fit enough to go back into your routine like that eh sis?" Carol said clutching my hand.

I remembered Lugia's last words….echoing what Tracey had said to me as we left.

I looked at my sister and clutched her hand.

"Sis…I don't think I'm fit enough to do this any more…"

That surprised her, but before any form of objection (whether she was going to or not) could come, I continued.

"My week away from the shrine and from my old life taught me valuable lessons that no scholar could tell me. Life is precious, we must treasure what we have and how we use it now, otherwise life is pointless."

Carol stood by, listening to the words of Melody her sister, rather than Melody the priestess.

"Lugia appeared before me…one last time…in the fires of my pure blood…" Carol noticed the bloodied mark on my fleshy arm and gasped. She had never had a fondness for blood.

"The white light was Lugia's blessing…my experience is now complete as the Miko of the Chosen One." I smiled. "My destiny with Lugia is now over I think. I think it's time I chose a new path…" I smiled. "My work has been fulfilling, but I think now is the time for me to retire."

"Melody…" Carol said.

My hand on my heart as Carol clutched it in her hand.

"Take care of yourself…you are still my baby sister you know…" the two of us embraced as the warmth of a true friend and family member sent goodness throughout my body.

"I know…tell everyone we trust and make sure no-one sees me…I'll go by nightfall…"

She knew I was leaving, and whilst she didn't know where I was going (I swore on an oath that I wouldn't reveal the location of Pinkin Island), she knew what I was ready to do.

"Good…bye…"

* * * *

I've lived around boats all my life. Taking in to 'borrow' Carol's and my boat was easy enough, but trying to avoid leaving without being seen was much more difficult. I knew people still wanted to see me after returning from being presumed dead…and now I was going again.

I guess being presumed dead wasn't so bad, at least no-one would have known where I would have gone to.

However, when they finally noticed me it was too late.

"Ah, she's going!"

My hooded cloak covered me and my few items I took. A bit of food and water to keep me going, my staff, my sketch and my ocarina.

I had a feeling they would be needed.

I remembered exactly where the hidden entrance to Pinkin Island was, having to get there was difficult enough though.

"Tracey, hold out I'm coming…" I said in the dead of night…

…and then, I heard something.

In the direction of the island, I looked up.

Black helicopter. The letter 'R'….

No, Team Rocket!

Jessie and James had been a surprising help during the Lugia saga, and I knew that there were more or less the clowns of Team Rocket. However, these guys…

…they had discovered Pinkin's location? Oh no, was it because of me?

I bombarded for Pinkin as fast as possible…suddenly feeling a strange aura around me…

* * * *

I desperately climbed the rocks to see what was going on. Jenny was ordering some troops to immobilize the enemy.

A wicked laugh coming from a girl I would later known as Domino was all that greeted her. A throw of one of her tulips in the arm of Jenny and the officer screamed. Team Rocket's forces outnumber Jenny's by about 10 to 1.

This wasn't good.

"SCY!"

Domino barely blocked a Scyther strike with her tulip baton as Tracey rushed to help. His Marril, Venonat and Smeargle also out. Venonat and Smeargle did a combined Sleep Powder and Spore towards many of the enemy whilst Marril hit a water gun at Domino sending her into a tree in agony.

"Errr…that's it. No more Miss Nice Girl!" Domino said.

She threw what seemed to be an energy ring catching Scyther and Marril in it's tracks, both pokemon sent down in pain.

My ocarina flowed with energy in my hand as I felt something. A gift perhaps…a gift from…?

"Well, I guess we'll be able to acquire these rare pink pokemon now! I wasn't sure if it was true but I guess that having one of our doctors discovering this location and working into it was a good idea after all!"

"Why you…how could you.." Tracey seethed.

"Team Rocket are everywhere pretty boy, get used to it." She raised her tulip, like a deadly weapon to strike Tracey.

I don't know why, I certainly didn't know then and I don't know now, but for some reason, I put my ocarina to my lips and played.

Domino's strike was blocked by a shield.

"Huh, what the….ARRRGHHH!"

My melody changed as Domino screamed in agony. Suddenly, all the other agents seemed to collapse in pain from…my tune?

Lugia's gift. It's power in me…in my music…the power to control my own ki into the ocarina to transmite waves of energy to my own uses.

It was coming so clear to me so easily. I opened my eyes as Tracey saw me and gasped.

"I think that's quite enough of that…" I played a hypnotic stance. This one designed to make them forget everything that was happening and to control their movements. Within 30 minutes of playing, I managed to send them back home to their master with no memories of Pinkin Island…but that meant their boss probably still knew the whereabouts.

We'd deal with him soon enough…but first…

"Will the injured be gathered please?" I said, almost without thinking.

A number of researchers and officers, including Tracey hobbled over to me within minutes of asking. I smiled and put my ocarina to my lips again.

The power of Lugia…Lugia's song…each tone, pitch, note, different power…yet protection.

I had the power of Lugia. Through my ocarina.

It had answered my calls.

I was now a true protector of the kamis.

The notes flowed through the hurt and I heard Tracey breath a deep sigh as my notes flowed through them like a healing elixir. Bruises and cuts were vanishes and cracked ribs and broken bones were being mended by my touch.

The energy coming out of me however made this difficult. The power was draining from all my playing already…

As I came to the end of my healing tune, it was me that needed the healing.

And once again, blackness, except this time I heard Tracey calling me…

…calling me…

* * * *

"You are one of a kind anata baka." Tracey cooed as I woke up. I guess in this case it meant silly darling. I smiled.

"I'll take that as a compliment." I said as I sat up. The signs of fatigue were still in me but I felt much better inside than I ever did.

It was like my new lease of life was now more meaningful, and yet I could still be the ordinary girl I wanted to be.

Killing two pidgeys with one geodude if you will.

I felt something warm by we. Tracey clutching my hand.

"You mean everything don't you…" I said.

Tracey nodded. "Thank you for coming back…Ash and Misty have been teasing me almost everyday until…well, recently…" I noticed Tracey go a bit sad.

It turned out that his idol Professor Oak had been taken ill. Tracey practically lived for meeting and eventually working for the professor, as he admitted that was his main reason for joining up with Ash and Misty, although he like their other friend Brock had got quite attached to the bickering young couple. He told me a story when Misty was trying to play matchmaker for two Nidoran trainers, and Tracey said that the story was similar to Ash and Misty's own love/hate relationship. Of course, they both denied it, but we know the truth now…or we did…

"Tracey…I'll be here for you now…" I rested my head on his shoulder as Tracey and I felt comfort in each others embrace.

"Melody…" Tracey said.

"Trace…." I smiled and he lightly tapped my head. "You know I hate that nickname!"

"But I like you and it suits you!" I giggled as Tracey pouted in the corner. It didn't last long as he turned to me.

"Ash has been planning to impliment a way to stop Team Rocket. The ones you turned away may forget, but their boss won't. I suggest we start making preparations to start to end the farce known as Team Rocket."

I was stunned. He out of the blue, had changed the subject to something more serious. I guess his encounter with Domino scarred him worse than I expected. He wanted to end it now.

"Melody, your powers are incredible…but you need to harness them. I'll call Ash and tell him we'll help out. Until Team Rocket is stopped, I can't…I can't…"

I knew what he wanted to say. He didn't want to fall in love with me until it was all over.

I hugged him as the poor boy was pretty upset. "Tracey…don't worry…"

I echoed those words to him many times, but he was right. If the identity of Pinkin Island was made, then trouble would occur. And I felt that the blame was in my hands, they didn't have any problems until I came along, the 'legendary' heroine.

I spat on that title now. I am Melody Furura, girl of Pinkin Island, granted new life and new power at the hands of Lugia.

And I will right these wrongs.

I kissed Tracey on the cheek and nodded.

"Let's do this…"

* * * *

*List of Melodys powers*

C Major – Healing technique

D Major – Barrier protecting herself or others

F Minor – Barrage of environment as a weapon (e.g. if near rocky area, uses rock shrapnel as a weapon, if near sea, the water becomes her tool)

D Minor – Blasts of air used to send away human or ghostly forms

Key of B Flat – Casts a mist/shadow for escape purposes

Key of D Sharp – Telekinesis of herself, allies or enemies. Psychic energies, control peoples bodies.

Key of F Sharp – Manipulation of the Mind, sickening pain which can result in fatality if used extreme.

* * * *

TEAM ROCKET SIEGE: SAFFRON CITY

Let me explain.

There are two main bases for Team Rocket. The boss man that is in Viridian where Ash, Misty and a few others (including Jessie and James as I found out to my surprise) were going to try and stop.

Saffron's base was basically a part of Silph that they had blackmailed into. They had been creating experiminations in this area and drugs creating. It was enough to make me sick.

The Police force was strong but add that Sabrina's help. Her psychic powers held out many of the enemy at bay. However, she needed help.

My shield protected us and as the energies were protecting us, my ocarina stopped any Team Rocket agents escaping…only terrible pain awaited them.

Inside, Tracey was leading an enterange which including the Orange Gym Leaders, and also command generals Lt. Surge, Koga and Blaine. Erika of the Celadon Gym had cleared the way with her sleep techniques and the rocket agents were in reality, caught with their pants down.

Ash and co. didn't have it as easy as I played the notes to guide us to victory. Many people recognised me as the priestess, but had heard I had vanished. I was about to be reported back…

…O.K, so I used my mind wipe move to make sure they didn't know I was here. It was quick escape for Tracey and I as we headed to a rendezvous with Ash and company.

The result was fantastic. I saw Domino lead out with the leader, Giovanni. (It looked like Ash and Misty had won the physical battle as well as the mental one.) It wasn't until things had calmed down that we finally got a chance to talk with them.

I smiled at my former 'crush'. It had been nearly 5 years since we had seen each other. We greeted with a hug, but nothing else. Misty was there as well, probably just as intrigued.

But I hugged her as well as Tracey looked on. It was a great feeling, even when Misty called me the great priestess. I wish I had her mallet powers sometimes…

"You've hidden away at Pinkin Island?" Misty was surprised.

"Yeah, I guess it was fate. Swept away only to be found on an island no-one is to know about…unless they are ready to be arrested." I smiled. "It was good to see Tracey again…" I clutched his hand, not quite so hidden from the not-as-dense as before Ash and the hopeless romantic Misty.

"Awwwww….." they said as I groaned.

"Can you hit them with your sketchpad or something?" I complained.

"Hey, you do have your powers remember?" Tracey smiled evilly. I followed the same smile.

"Oh yeah…" I reached for the ocarina..

"WE'RE SORRY!"

That's better.

"I don't know why the chosen one would be afraid. I'd presume you'd be immune to these powers, they are born from Lugia after all." I said.

"You've changed a bit Melody. You grew up, but not too much. You found your own life and that's a good thing." Misty said as I smiled.

"You're right Misty…" I said holding Tracey's hand. "You're right."

* * * *

The Pinkin Island return was amazing, for an island which is a secret it managed to hold quite a big party.

The celebration of safety and of the defeat of Team Rocket was a joyous occasion, and it was one to enjoy.

However, the words of Ash and Misty…talking with them, made me think.

Was my life the same again? People depended on my ocarina…increased in solitude, I was basically a prisoner here, I didn't want the outside world to know where I was, yet aside from Tracey, I was really on my own here.

As the hours went by, I snuck off to go to my hut, to have a good think what to do.

Unfortunately, although it became fortunately, my exit hadn't gone unnoticed.

I sighed as I flopped down and began to take off my shirt.

"Uh…I'll guess I'll turn around." Said a familiar voice.

I flushed as I turned as Tracey was there, trying his best (and failing) to not stare at my open shirt. "Pervert!" I screamed and threw a pillow at him but he turned, obviously flustered.

"S-s-sorry! I just saw you leave and wondered if you were all right…" Tracey stammered. I guess it was just as embarrassing for him as it was for me.

"I'm O.K Trace. You don't have to be worried about me so much, remember I was the saviour of the Shamuti crisis." I half-sneered, I guess I was tired, angry, bitchy or a combo of all three.

"Mel…" he said. He started calling me that more often as much as I called him Trace. I guess the bond of us had been coming closer than ever.

"I helped beat Lawrence, I summoned Lugia. I've beaten Team Rocket, yet my life sucks. I can't be with anyone, yet without anyone. I was trapped then, I'm trapped now, and I can't do a thing about it!" I was nearly screamed at this point. I wasn't angry at Trace. I was angry with myself.

I was seething and Tracey seemed hesitant to come towards me. No wonder, I was emitting enough angst to give a Tyranitar the shivers.

"You seem a winner, a hero. But you're not, in the end, you're just another sucker. Another person of the system, no one gives a crap about what anyone thinks about you, as long as you do your work, your duty, your honour. All of us, Ash, Misty, yourself, myself, we don't matter. We're just pawns to be played at will and then discarded, I mean.…MMMMM…."

I didn't get to say anything else as Tracey had leapt to me and kissed me on the lips. He then pushed me on the bed and stared into my eyes. I shivered, all my anger had seemingly vanished.

"I don't care about that Mel. Whatever you say or whatever you think is your opinion, and may or may not be right. However, get one thing straight."

His hand cupped my cheek. I was more nervous than when I was calling Lugia.

"Don't ever say no-one cares for you." He kissed me again. "Because that is a lie…I love you dammit…"

I had never actually heard those words before aside from my family. It was amazing as tears fell.

"Tracey…" I stammered. "Hold me…tonight…please don't leave…and you can see me…." I blushed.

Tracey smiled. "Of course. Nothing more. Nothing less. I'll keep you here my angel."

We kissed again and for that night, I was at peace.

The next morning would be another story…

* * * *

The warmth of his body, the smell of his scent, these were things I wanted to take away with me.

But now my purpose was coming clear. I was seen as a protector and being here wasn't going to do much.

I didn't say anything. Tracey was still asleep as I left my bed, flushing a bit of our closeness last night. I looked over him with a faint 'goodbye' to him, but I had to bite my tongue to not cry.

I clothed and packed as I headed towards what was officially my boat now. I had come of age and I guess I certainly was considered mature enough now.

I watched over the whirlpools and ocean's edge. I breathed in the air, making sure not to disturb a pink Nidoran family. I walked over being careful not to make a sound in the early morning.

I reached the boat and touched it. It was time…

"You leaving?"

I turned to see Tracey standing there.

"Trace…I'm sorry…." I started but Tracey continued.

"I just got a call from Ash. Professor Oak has died."

That was a shock. The death of Tracey's mentor…I guess when you look at his stern face, you could see he was trying to fight his own tears to match the reflecting ones of my own.

"Melody…I have nothing now, except for my friends…and maybe if you want me to, you…is what we shared last night nothing for your own destiny?" Tracey said to me.

I was shivering, holding on to what little control I had. Tracey was visibly upset both at the death of his mentor and me leaving. I couldn't say anything.

"I'm…I'm hurting…yet Ash and Misty are preparing his funeral arrangements…I…I have to be there…but…I want you to be with my side forever!!!" He screamed out.

I was stunned.

Even more so when Tracey brought out a ring, a blue sapphire matching the colour of Lugia perfectly.

"Maybe not today…maybe not tomorrow, but one day in the future, I want us to be together forever. So, please let me be with you…PLEASE LET ME MARRY YOU!" Tracey was on his knees, not in traditional way, but a begging, crying man, with little else in his life now except his friends and family.

And I wanted to be part of it.

I went into his arms hugging him, crying as much as I could. His warmth, strength…it was different to my own power, this was the true power of one.

The power of one's love.

He slipped the ring on my finger and I kissed him. "Let's go then…onto Pallet Town…" I grabbed his hand and even as I started the boat to leave the hidden island, I never let go of his hand.

He needed me.

And I needed him.

* * * *

Tracey himself can tell you about Oak's funeral better than I could, but I made the ceremony more special with my sending of the legendary professor. People appreciated that I was there in that way.

But I said, this is only for a friend of mine. I am no longer Melody Furura, saviour of the Orange Islands.

I…am…Melody.

I smile thinking of the sketch Tracey made me of that. Since then, he has become one of the world's most famous painters, me being a favourite subject of course. Within a couple of years, we finally had enough financial currency for us to become husband and wife.

As for me, my ocarina playing is used now for true purposes, I have become a musician. I eventually moved onto playing the flute and violin but my ocarina recitals have become as legendary as my priestess offerings. My singing voice has been told to be one of legend, yet it's just something I like doing. It's a life of simplicity with my husband.

And I love it.

Until…

* * * *

This funeral I am crying at.

Ash Ketchum, the first boy I genuinely had a crush on, and ultimately led me to the boy I truly set my heart to, gone.

I never expected for him to go so soon. I hugged Misty after her heart-wrenching eulogy as me and one of the other three witches Duplica and I sang.

I loved that about Ash. He and Misty called me, Duplica and Casey the three witches because every time we visited them, we always evilly flirted with Ash, like we were three cackling plotting witches. Misty always called me the worst one though…and I take that as a compliment.

Misty was never my rival, she was first a source of amusement to get a rise out of her feelings for Ash. Then, she became one of the best friends I've had.

Now…she is a shadow of herself.

She doesn't deserve to be like this. And Ash didn't deserve to go like this…

I can see Tracey trying to hide his feelings, but I can sense his tears. This isn't anything about my powers, that is just the mutual sixth sense that a husband and wife have for each other.

My ocarina was a gift from Lugia. It's power is stored there.

It's only fitting now that the chosen one had it.

I threw it into the coffin and walked away.

"See ya round handsome." Were my last words as my tears streamed from my final goodbye.

Goodbye…

flashback to song

(Shot of a teary Melody singing…)

You're a coward

That's what my other self says

But I don't care…

…you are my number one.

If only I had met you before anyone else

I wonder if we would have fallen in love…

* * * *

As I watched over the girl, her gift from me bestowed into the ashes of the fallen Chosen One.

Her song revived me and I've watched them since then. My spirit was part of the girl but my true power was given to me by the boy.

Ash Ketchum.

He seemed to have a destiny where the strongest of pokemon would always be linked with him. It is inconceivable that he dies this way. This wasn't written in legend.

He deserved to live, to see his children grow up. His family, friends, loved ones…all here to show their final respects to the young man…

Articuno, Moltres, Zapdos, Ho-Oh…and myself. The 5 legendary birds, however it was I who will truly miss him.

He was the chosen one for a reason. His spirit, his love for all beings, he had a self that couldn't be matched by anyone else, not even all the kindred life dwelling to pay their goodbyes.

The world is now a lesser place my friend.

Go with the kamis Ash Ketchum.

Lugia will always remember you.

* * * *

Hoeeeee….how was that?

Now it's time to play 'Guess that anime reference.' There were plenty here, but as I presume not too many will have seen the amount of animes here, I'll guess I'll explain.

Two major Fushigi Yuugi references here. The first one is Melody's role as priestess is very similar to Miaka in FY. The 'summoning' of Lugia as well is a comparison to Miaka's attempting to summon Suzaku.

The second reference is to her flute or in this case ocarina playing. In FY, one of the enemy Amiboshi uses his flute to create various affects in the way Melody does. Luckily, Amiboshi is the only member of the enemy to actually become a good guy so my moral count is good.

Another Battle Athletes reference to the white light shown many times here. In the Battle Athletes OVA, Akari and Kris both experience this white light when running, and especially for Kris, it is an experience or a message from God. I thought it was appropriate for Melody to experience this as well.

Finally, the song. We've had the power of one, but the lines of the song she and Duplica sang are actually a rough translation of my favourite anime song 'I Want To Be Your Number One' from Martian Successor Nadesico, with everyone's favourite kawaii bluenette Ruri Hoshino doing the vocals. In Poke-mole 2, there will be another attempt to sing that in a challenge as well, hopefully I'll have the Jap and English words for it.

O.K, next chapter;

Alone. His work made him like that. He feared people, and only longed for his work…that is until a boy the polar opposite of him changed his way of thoughts. Along with his two friends, the boy changed for the better which led to his subsequent meeting of a girl also the opposite of his former self which he fell in love with. Find out a life of love, work and friendship in the day of one Todd Snap, next chap.

Just three more to go ladies and gentlemen, so be patient! Ja ne!