"Huh?" Ash said, staring at Mew. What was the cat talking about? She was giving herself to him?

Don't make this harder on me than it is, Mew pleaded. Just hurry up and throw a Pokéball at me! I won't fight...

Ash Ketchum somehow understood the importance of his doing so, but he also understood how much of a sacrifice it must be for Mew. If she were the Ancient One, as he suspected she was, she must have been around for ages. Not just around, but running free...For what was possibly one of the strongest Pokémon in the world to submit to capture by a human and relinquish much-enjoyed freedom...

Finally giving in to Mew's wishes, he threw one of his empty Pokéballs at her. She disappeared into it, and, true to her word, the ball didn't even move from side to side, as if she had completely, though sadly, accepted her sacrifice. The youth hastily let her back out.

Mew's eyes seemed a little misty, but Ash didn't comment.

Suddenly, something strange began to happen.

The Pokéballs at Ash's belt floated off it of their own accord, opening to release their contents.

Soon, on the floor, stood several of Ash's Pokémon in a line (put there by some mysterious force, despite some of them having already been out of their Pokéballs): Pikachu, Flamekist, Delibird, Ampharos, Pidgeot, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Squirtle, and, of course, Mew. Just as strange as their sudden appearance was the fact that they were all glowing with different-colored lights. Pikachu and Ampharos with yellow, Flamekist and Charizard and Pidgeot with red, Delibird with white, Bulbasaur with green, Squirtle with blue, and Mew with purple.

Suddenly, a little flitting being appeared before them.

Fate, Mewtwo stated, looking at the newly arrived Pokémon. Fate has brought Celebi to us. Celebi, the Traveler.

The Psychic- and Grass-Type looked at them. I happened to be in the neighborhood, she spoke in their heads with a somewhat bouncy and juvenile tone, though a strange look was on her face that belied the carefree tone. It's weird. I don't usually come this way... She sobered, losing a bit of her childish lilt. It's time, isn't it?

As if time has a concept for you, Mew said, trying to sound playful. Instead, she sounded sad. She blinked her big blue eyes then said solemnly, The Traveler has come, and the New Spirits have been summoned...The Traveler's Rhyme must be recited.

Celebi looked at everyone with wide eyes, then she nodded and gravely told them her part of the legend.

When the Ancient One comes for to give
Herself to the Chosen One, that all might live,
And the New Spirits, now gathered, are summoned to his sight,
All glowing with their powerful inner lights,
The Traveler shall suddenly appear
And give the rhyme that all have feared.

The Chosen One in Ash shall rise,
And the Titans then will take to the skies;
The Wanderers will finally cease to roam,
While the Phoenix will fly far from home;
The Guardian also comes since the Ancient One
And the Traveler to the Chosen One have already run.

The New Spirits and the Ancient One must bond with the Eight
And the Traveler, who has been brought by Fate,
To stop the Evil One, who has risen from the dead
To bring to all beings feelings of dread.

As the world turns to Ash
To stop the Evil One at last,
He will embody all the types
Of Pokémon, Grass and Fire alike,
Save for an element one
Not to be given to the Chosen One;
Instead, that of Water the Guardian bestows
To the Guardian's Tear, a blossoming rose,
Who will take Pokémon two,
Shining stars with the power of dew.

The Guardian's Tear and the Chosen One
Are to bond, but all is not done:
The Companion and Sire of the Chosen One
Are to, with the help of the Repentant One,
When the battle is almost done
And the Chosen One believes Evil has won,
Conjure up the Sword and Shield
So to the Evil One he shall not yield;
But these Defenders must follow him with bare belt,
Lest their orbs should suddenly melt.

But, O Chosen One, beware,
The Evil One shall be prepared;
The Bonded Ones shall have to fight
Alongside the Chosen One and his light,
Which must never be extinguished,
Or else the land will soon be finished.