Chapter Two: Revelation Lugia

Misty: All this started back when we were traveling around in the Orange Islands. We had just come from Trovita Gym where Ash had earned his third Orange League badge, and we were heading towards Kumquat Island so Ash could win the last one. However, a storm caused our boat to crash on Shamuti isle, where we met Melody and all this "Chosen One" business got going. That's when it happened

flashback The waves roar and crash violently against the rocks on the small beach on the south side of Shamuti Island. The sky is darkened with huge thunder clouds, which appeared suddenly out of nowhere only a few minutes before. Ash looks around the beach before turning to help his companions disembark from the grounded boat.

Ash: (reaching up) Misty, give me you hand.

Misty: Thanks Ash (grabs his hand, and jumps down, before looking around) Where are we?

The boat captain, a young woman with dark green hair, turns from her work of checking the instruments to answer Misty's question.

Captain: I think this is Shamuti Isle.

Ash/Misty: Shamuti???

"Yeah" calls a voice from inside the boat. A young boy with short, straight black hair, wearing a green shirt, a pair of shorts, and a red head band exited the cabin of the boat. He hops down to the sand, carrying a book open to a certain page.

Tracy: According to my Orange Archipelago guide book, this is definitely Shamuti Island.

Misty: What does it say about this place?

Tracy: It says they are famous for their many legends and ceremonies. (closes his book and looks around)

Ash: That sounds cool. Maybe we can get something good to eat here. (looks up at the sky) I wonder where all these clouds came from so suddenly? It was a nice sunny day just ten minutes ago.

Captain: I don't know. I've never seen a storm like this. But we might as well make the best of crashing here. I think this is the time of year when the island celebrates the legend of the chosen one. (looks up) As a matter of fact, here come some of the natives now.

Ash, Misty and Tracy look up and jump in surprise to see that the beach is now crowded with tons of people wearing large bird costumes. The people are carrying large spears and appear very threatening. The lead bird person of the group removes its mask to reveal a pretty brown-haired teenager underneath.

Teenager: (waves at the captain) Hi Marron, how are you?

Marron: (stops what she is doing and gets off the boat) Hey Carroll. From the way you guys are dressed I would assume the festival is underway. Are you going to be the festival maiden again this year?

Carroll: No I'm too old. But my sister Melody has taken over for me.

Marron: Cool. Where is she now?

"I'm over here" cries a voice, causing everyone to turn and see a girl with brown hair and dark sunglasses standing on top of the stone wall at the end of the beach. "The only one not wearing a stupid costume" she continued.

Carroll: Melody! What are you doing down here? Go put on your dress. The ceremony starts in 20 minutes.

Melody: Don't worry sister; I'll play the festival maiden just fine. I've only seen you do it like a zillion times. When are you people ever going to outgrow this dorky ritual?

Carroll: (talking Marron and the kids) That's my sister Melody, but don't worry, she isn't always this charming. (looks at the kids) And who are these three?

Misty: Hi, I'm Misty, and I'm a gym leader from the gym in Cerulean City.

Tracy: Hi, I'm Tracy and I'm a Pokemon watcher.

Ash: I'm Ash Ketchum from pallet town, and I want to compete in the Orange League and become a Pokemon master.

"Pokemon Trainer?" The crowed gasps and suddenly breaks out into applause. "What's going on?" asks Ash, very perplexed. Melody jumps down off the wall and approached the group.

Carroll: This is great. Now you can play the part of the "Chosen One" in our legend ceremony.

Melody: (takes off her glasses and eyes Ash) So your a Pokemon trainer? Well if that's the case, here is your traditional welcome kiss.

Melody leans forward and kisses Ash on the cheek. Misty gasps and then glares at Melody, but is surprised to see that Ash is actually enjoying it. His eyes grow wide and his face turns slightly red. He stares off into space for a few second with a very Brock-like expression on his face. Melody notices Misty's irritated look.

Melody: Are you his sister?

Misty: I am not!

Melody: Well then you must be his girlfriend.

Misty answers almost reflexively, and what she says surprises her very much but it is too late to take it back

Misty: (frowns) Yeah right, gross. Never in a million years.

Ash and Tracy both recoil in surprise, especially Ash. Melody, however, seems pleased by this response

Melody: Well I don't think so. I'll be happy to play for him in the ceremony. (winks at Ash) Try not to get jealous, Misty.

Melody and the crowd of people head up the steps on the stone wall and towards the beach house off in the distance. Tracy, Carroll and Marron start after them. Ash turns and looks at Misty. The look in his eyes startles her. It isn't anger at her comment but sadness. That instant she knew she had hurt him badly. "Ash" she calls out to him but he turns and runs to catch up with the others. Misty soon follows. The group enters the beach house and sits down to a huge feast. But Misty has lost her appetite and can think of nothing but what she said. She is so deep in thought she doesn't even hear Melody play her flute for the audience. Melody hops off the stage when she is finished and approaches Ash.

Melody: (bowing to Ash) Oh chosen one! From the trio of islands ancient spheres shall you take, for between life and death all the difference you'll make. Climb to the shrine to right what is wrong and the world will be healed by the guardian song. (grabs his arm) So Ash, are you ready for your task?

Ash: What is it?

Melody: Oh nothing much, just travel around and collect three spheres, one from fire island, one from lighting island, and one from ice island. Then you bring them back to the shrine here, and I will play this song (plays a few notes on her flute) Got it?

Ash: Yeah I got it. I'm going to start right now.

Melody: (pulls him down into seat) You can do that tomorrow. Tonight is just for the feast.

Ash: This is way more important than food. I'm Ash, the Chosen One. I've got to be responsible. (looks at Marron) Captain, can you take me?

Marron: Yeah, sure thing. I'll go get the boat ready. (leaves. Pikachu follows her)

Misty: (standing up) All right let's get going.

Ash: No Misty. I'm going alone

Misty: But......

Ash: (raises his voice) I said no. I want to be along.

Ash turns and runs out of the house. He hears Misty calling him but he doesn't look back. He runs until he reaches the beach. He collapses on the sand and can no longer hold back the tears. Finally he hears the Captain and Pikachu calling and gets up to board the boat. He turns and looks back up at the beach house. "Misty, why?" he asks himself before turning and walking away.

end flashback Misty stops and takes a breath. Brock notices she is trying to hold back tears

Brock: Now I see why Ash has been so sad for all this time. But why did you say that?

Misty: I don't know. I guess I was still a little mad about the fight we had on Trovita Island.

Brock: What was that?

Misty: I thought Ash was too protective. The gym leader was flirting with me and Ash almost killed him. We had a fight after that and didn't speak for a day. Tracy got us to apologize but we were a little on edge ever since. I guess I kind of said it to get back at him for Trovita, but I didn't know he would take it so seriously. (looks down) I'm really sorry. I know I hurt him a lot. More than I realized at first.

Brock: Please continue. What happened next?

Misty takes another breath and wipes away her tears before continuing again.

flashback The storm returns more ferocious than before. Through the pounding rain the small figure of a girl can be seen running towards a boat tied to the dock. She jumps aboard the boat and unties it, but before she can go to the controls and shove off, two more figures run down the pier and board. They follow the first girl into the cabin of the boat. She quickly opens a cabinet and takes out towels and passed them around.

Melody: (drying off) What are you coming for? This is my problem, I got Ash into this and I'm going to get him out. You don't have to bother.

Misty: (doing the same) That's exactly why I'm coming. I'm worried about him

Melody: (sly look on her face) From the way you acted earlier, I wouldn't have even known you cared at all.

Misty looks down at the floor in shame because she knows Melody is right.

Melody: Why are you following him anyway?

Misty: When we first met he stole my bike and wrecked it, so I decided to follow him around till he paid me for it. But after awhile I forgot about it completely and began to develop....

Melody: (not really listening) Yeah yeah, very interesting. Anyway… (looks at Tracy) what's you story?

Tracy: I'm following Ash because he knows my idol, Professor Oak.

Melody: Hey what's that? (points to a small red book on the floor)

Tracy: Hey, it's my diary. How did that fall out of my pack? (bends down to pick it up)

Melody/Misty: (big hearts in their eyes) A DIARY!!!!!!!!!!!! (zoom over and pick it up before Tracy)

Melody: I wonder what dark secrets he has in here. (begins flipping through)

Tracy: (blushing bright red) GIVE THAT BACK. THOSE ARE MY VERY PRIVATE THOUGHTS!!!!!!!!

Misty. Well then let's just see what kind of thoughts they are. (starts reading) Monday: observed some Pokemon, broke up Ash, and Misty's fight. Tuesday: same and Monday. Wednesday: same....as Tuesday (evil glare at Tracy, turns back to book) All this is about Pokemon watching and breaking up our fights, how boring. (flips around) oh wait here's something different, a poem.

Tracy: DON'T READ THAT!!!!!!!!

Misty: Ok we will (evil grin, starts reading) "Oh Professor Oak, how I love thee, let me count the ways" (big sweatdrop) Um. Maybe on second thought we won't read it. (flips again) Oh, here is something interesting. (starts reading) "Today we called Professor Oak again. Every time I see him I am filled with a strange desire. I can't get over how I feel. Whenever I think about him I want to.....

WARNING!!!!! The following sentence has been deemed inappropriate for a PG rated episode and was therefore censored. This message brought to you by Lydia Karaoke, Network Censor.

Melody/Misty: (screaming in fear) AIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Melody: I think I'm going to be sick (runs into the bathroom, sound of puking can soon be heard)

Misty: (turns a green color, collapses to the floor) I will never think of Professor Oak the same way again.

Tracy: (big big BIG sweatdrop) I TOLD you they were private thoughts (picks up diary and hides it)

After puking for five minutes, Melody finally gets her strength back and is able to take control of the boat and head towards Fire Island, where Ash was headed first. end flashback

Brock: (big sweatdrop): That...was disturbing. Did you really have to tell me that part?

Misty: (totally serious) That was THE scariest thing I have ever read.

Brock: I can see why. Anyway, please continue.

flashback

The storm continues to roar in the sky as the three young people stand on the cliff, looking out to sea. Misty stands closest to the edge peering out to the horizon where Ash disappeared. A lot has happened that night. Misty, Tracy, and Melody finally caught up to Ash as he was removing the fire treasure from the alter on Fire Island. Zapdos appeared, followed by a gigantic floating fortress, which battled Zapdos and captured it, along with the kids and Team Rocket, who had shown up out of the blue claiming to want to help. On the ship they met a strange man whose mission was to capture all of the legendary birds. He had already captured Moltres and now had Zapdos. Ash and Team Rocket called on their Pokemon to free the legendary birds, who then proceeded to destroy the fortress and send it crashing down onto Lightning Island. Ash retrieved the thunder treasure and the group escaped as Zapdos, Moltres, and the newly arrived Articuno, began to fight. With the help of a mysterious water spout, the group, all on board Melody's boat, made it safely back to Shamuti Island, minus Team Rocket, who got blown to a different part of the island. At the Shamuti Island shrine a talking Slowking informed Ash that to stop the bird's fighting and prevent the destruction of the world he would need to retrieve the final treasure from Ice Island. A new arrival, the fourth legendary bird Lugia, offered its assistance in getting Ash to the next treasure, and the two of them set out across the frozen ocean. But that was an hour ago, and Misty is starting to get really worried. Ash has been avoiding her all night and she knows she deserves it. She just hopes nothing will happen to him before she can tell him she is sorry. Tracy walks up and stands beside her.

Tracy: Are you ok Misty? You look nervous.

Misty: (faking a smile) OH me? I'm perfectly fine. Nothing is wrong at all.

Tracy: (smiles and puts his hand on her shoulder) Don't try that with me. I can see right through you. (leans in close and whispers) Don't worry, he will be back. Just wait and see.

Misty: (smiling) Thanks Tracy.

Suddenly Melody runs to the edge of the cliff and points to something growing closer and closer in the sky. "There they are" she shouts and both Tracy and Misty look and see that she is right. Flying towards the island is Lugia, and on its back sits Ash and Pikachu. "Hey guys. I got the last treasure" he yells out, waving in his hand a glowing blue sphere. Suddenly, a flash of light emanates from the wreckage of the Collector's floating fortress and three square-shaped projectiles fly towards Lugia. The Collector is making one last attempt to capture the legendary bird. The square projectiles release a powerful electric force field which surrounds Lugia and begins to drain its strength. Lugia crashes through the frozen ocean and then reemerges; firing off a powerful aero-blast, which levels what remains of the fortress wreckage. This act uses up the last of its strength and Lugia once more plunges into the ocean, and this time he does not reappear. Ash's unconscious body floats to the surface with Pikachu clinging tightly to him. Misty stares at the scene that has just occurred in shock. Then reality finally occurs to her and tears well up in her eyes. "ASH!!!!!!!!!!!" she cries out and lunges forward. "Misty stop!!!!!!" Tracy yells out as he grabs her before she can go over the cliff edge. "Let go of me!" she cries out but Tracy just holds on tighter until she finally stops struggling and collapses to the ground, crying.

Melody: We have to get him somehow. If he stays out there he is going to drown or freeze. (looks at Tracy, hands him her flute) Here, take this and watch her. I'm going to Ash. Legend or not, he can't do this alone.

Misty: (stands up, drying her tears) No. I'll go.

Melody: but....

Misty: I have to do this. I have to show him I still care, despite what I said earlier. I have to save the one I love.

Melody: So you really do care about him (know it all voice) I knew it all along, it was so obvious (smiles) Best of luck to you.

Misty and Tracy run down the stairs towards the beach while Melody watches from above. Misty runs towards the water, ready to jump in, when suddenly Tracy calls out. "Misty, tie this onto your waist" he says as he tossed her a long rope. She promptly ties it and then plunges into the ice cold water, where she begins swimming towards Ash. "Ash" she calls out as she reaches him, but he is still unconscious. "Don't worry Pikachu, I'll take care of him" she says, reassuring the small electric Pokemon. "Pull us in Tracy" she calls out as she wraps one arm around Ash's waist and uses the other to keep his head above the crashing waves. "Please Ash" she whispers to him, "Please be ok. Don't die". They reach the shore where Tracy is waiting to grab Ash and haul him up onto the beach. Misty quickly unties the rope and kneels by Ash's side.

Misty: Ash, wake up. It's me, Misty. Please wake up. (tears begin to form)

Tracy: (gently shakes him) Come on Ash. You got to wake up (puts his ear to Ash's chest then sits up very quickly) He's not breathing!

Misty: WHAT!?!?! (grabs Ash and shakes him more) Please Ash. Don't die on me. You still have to save the world.

Tracy: I better give him Artificial Respiration. (bends down to begin, but is pushed out of the way by Misty)

Misty: No I'll do it. I was trained to at the Cerulean city gym.

Misty bends over and begins giving Ash mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. "I love you Ash. Please wake up" she thinks as she breaths life giving air into his lungs. Suddenly Ash coughs violently and sits up, knocking Misty back. "What happened?" he gasps between coughing fits. "You almost drowned" Tracy says "Misty gave the kiss of life and revived you" Ash looks at Misty but doesn't say anything; instead he stands up and turns towards the stairs. "Ash, aren't you going to say anything to her?" asks Tracy, causing Ash to stop. "Thanks Misty" he says in a low voice, before continuing up the stairs towards the shrine. "Ash, please wait" calls Misty, beginning cry "I want to talk. Please..." Ash turns around and Misty sees a look of utter sadness in his eyes. "What is there to say that hasn't already been said?" he asks before turning around again. "The world won't be safe until the last treasure is in the shrine. I have to do this. Alone". Tears fall down Ash's face but Misty and Tracy can't see them. "I loved you Misty" he thinks to himself before he begins running up the stairs towards the shrine. Misty stands shivering on the beach, the cold wind chilling her wet body, and watches him go. Tears flow down her face in a steady stream as she watches the boy she loves run away from her. She collapses to the sand and sobs. Tracy puts his arm around her and tries to comfort her but she is beyond comfort. "Why? Why!?" she cries out.

end flashback

Misty: So Ash placed the ice treasure in the shrine, Melody played her flute, and the world was saved. (begins to cry) That's what happened. I pushed Ash away with my stupid comment. We have barely spoken since then. I really want to apologize but I don't even know where to begin. (rolls up in a ball and sobs)

Brock: (very concerned. puts his arm around Misty) Please Misty, don't cry. (Misty stops and looks up at him) You did what you did, it's in the past, you can't change it no matter how much you wish you could. You should stop kicking yourself about it and try to think of more important things, like trying to make things up with Ash.

Misty: But Brock I just told you I...

Brock: I know. But I also know that you can do it. You should have more confidence in yourself. From what you have told me and from what I have observed in traveling with you two is that you love Ash very much. I know you are sorry for what you said and that is the most important thing. If you talk to Ash and get him to listen to you, if he truly loves you like he told you he did, then I know he will forgive you.

Misty: (wiping her tears) Really?

Brock: (smiling) Yes really. Now come on, let's go back to Ash and Melody. We stayed away a lot longer than we said we would.

"Ok" Misty says, with a more cheerful voice than she's used in a long time. She stands up, exits the room and heads down the hall back to the Pokemon center lobby. But Brock hesitates before following. "Please Misty, be happy." he says softly to himself before running to catch up to her. The two walk through the door and into the lobby, but at that instance everything suddenly seems to stop and stand still as the two look, in total shock, at the scene that unfolds before them, a scene of Ash and Melody kissing.