Endgame Side Story - The Old Ways Dark Cosmos and Neongene Proudly present a look into the past. And how things came to be for Ash and Misty.

***

Kasumi raced through the streets of her village, near the sea shore. Needless to say she was soaked to the bone, her fiery red hair clinging to whatever skin was bare. She had been swimming all morning collecting shellfish for food. As a Shaman in training, maturity and punctuality were demanded of her, although Kasumi hardly displayed either. As the youngest of four, she was the only one left to continue on the family duty as the village Shaman, as all sisters were off and married. The thought of the responsibility had never occurred to her in her younger years, as she was always the last compared to her sisters, but since they had chosen to avoid the position, it was left on her shoulders.

Soon spotting her family's house, Kasumi stayed quick on her toes and rushed inside, not giving any time for her mother's lectures, and depositing the burlap sack of shells on the floor.

"Kasumi!" Her mother called, attempting to catch her free-spirited daughter before the redhead could leave her sight. "I have news to give you", she continued, waiting as the young woman stopped and let out a sigh of defeat.

"What is it now?" Kasumi whined, turning about and approaching her mother, who had by now adopted a look of displeasure on her face.

"You know that you're neglecting your duties as the new Water Shaman", her mother scolded. Kasumi bit her lower lip and waited for more lecturing. "However, you'll need to hurry with your training, as I've heard our village will be visited". All of a sudden, Kasumi's mother changed her features to that of excitement, Kasumi rose an eyebrow in response.

"Well? Spare the suspense". Kasumi prodded. Her mother more than happily consented and clasped her hands together.

"The Chosen One is coming through!" She nearly shrieked. Kasumi jumped in response to the higher octave of her mother's voice, but then felt her stomach twitch in dread, as she knew she'd only embarrass her family, since she *had* been neglectful on her training. "You will be the one to welcome him and offer any hospitality that he may need". She continued, Kasumi quickly conjured her argument in protest.

"Mother! You know that I'm not the head Shaman, *you* are, so that's not my responsibility!" She forced out in one rushed breath. Kasumi's mother narrowed her eyes again, and made a motion for Kasumi to leave.

"Since you're nearly of age, you need all of the experience you can get before the duty is fully yours...I will help you, if need be, but I should hope that won't be so. I expect you to go begin to prepare, the Chosen One will be here tomorrow". With that Kasumi's mother left the room and left the red-head to sulk by herself for the rest of the day.

****

"Hm...the legendary birds..." Kasumi leafed through her pokémon scrolls from history, studying up for the arrival of the Chosen One. As usual, she had gotten up early that morning and had left the village quickly to go to her favorite spot. Her 'thinking place', as she'd call it, a small hill near the Sea shore where she could see the ocean spread into a never-ending expanse. That twitching dread that she had felt the day previous, had now formed itself into a resentment and almost into hatred, as the pressure placed on her at such a young age seemed to be too much for her emotions to handle.

Regardless, Kasumi would not disappoint her family, that would be the last thing she'd ever do, as it was her father that had always given her whatever she needed. Because her mother was the Water Shaman, she never had time for the youngest of four, and Kasumi was always neglected, leaving the red-head to become her father's child. Her sisters had constantly labeled her a 'tom boy', and her tall athletic frame gave her no help in that situation.

"Yeah, right", Kasumi mumbled out loud, her mouth spreading into an amused grin. Forgetting her scrolls, and setting them down on the soft teal-green sea grass, Kasumi gazed out towards the sea, her thoughts being too much of a distraction at the moment. That must've been one of the main reasons why her mother felt the red-head was such a burden, because she'd never be married and always would live with her parents. Her mother had constantly reminded her that she was too ugly because she had grown to be a 'tom boy' and not a 'young lady'. It was true, Kasumi agreed with that fact, but all the more reason to be happy, because she never had any intention to be married off like her sisters. All for rich husbands in far- away lands, the only thing telling of their whereabouts were the small leather bags containing gold coins for Kasumi's parents.

All throughout Kasumi's life, she'd live independently, and the idea suited her just fine. She would constantly remind her father that the choice she made was wise, and he'd never need to worry over her, and even when he left a few years ago, she continued to believe in the choices she made.

Tucking the scrolls in her leather case, Kasumi left her hill and went down to the shore, stripping down to just her chemise, the red-head decided catching some shellfish may help her ease her mind, and mentally prepare for the arrival of the Chosen One.

****

Running through the streets of the village, as she always did, Kasumi raced to make sure she was not late, and spare any extra embarrassment she may cause along the way. Carelessly, she dropped the burlap sack of shellfish just outside of the pokémon temple door and raced inside. Like she had thought, her mother was there, and had a red face full of frustration.

"Kasumi! I'm so glad you've decided to make an appearance", she sarcastically called out, to her approaching daughter. The red-head's face flushed, and she pulled out her historical scrolls to leave where she collected them. 'And so it begins', she reminded herself.

Suddenly a commotion started outside, as villagers announced the arriving guest. Kasumi could hear the sound of wings beating and knew that it would be the Chosen One riding upon the back of the legendary Lugia. The other three legendary birds not far behind. In a swirl of dust that flooded into the temple, the birds landed, and stood still for rest as the curious villagers spread around. The Chosen One, clad in a long dark cloak slipped off of Lugia and entered the temple, approaching the speechless observers.

Satoshi rolled his eyes, and lowered the hood of his cloak. It was always the same greeting whenever he stopped at a village, everyone would place him on a higher pedestal then he cared to be upon. He waited patiently for the introduction to be made, eyeing the older woman who gave the younger red-head a quick shove.

Kasumi felt like turning around and hitting her mother back, but instead, gave a light bow and grit her teeth to force out the insincere greeting.

"On behalf of the village, I, the Water Shaman, welcome you..." Kasumi stopped short, trying to remember the rest of the speech that she rushed to memorize earlier that morning. She could hear her mother give a sigh of disapproval behind her. She looked up at Satoshi and rose an eyebrow. "I forget the rest", she said. Satoshi let out loud laughter, and smiled brightly.

"That's quite alright, Water Shaman, I've heard enough of those to be able to say it by heart by now", Satoshi insisted. Kasumi smirked in triumph, although her mother stormed off in embarrassment, mumbling a few choice words as she went.

"Well, since I've already made a fool of myself, I should explain I'm only in training right now, my mother is the actual current Shaman". Kasumi clarified, earning a nod of understanding. "So, I guess it's also my duty to invite you to stay with my family during your rest in the village." Kasumi didn't at all enjoy the idea of having someone so *popular* stay in her home, but she really had no choice in the matter, so she'd have to bear through it.

"I accept, I don't suppose there would be somewhere I could have the legendary birds rest?" Satoshi asked, as Kasumi led him out of the temple. She already knew that question was coming, and was ready with an answer.

"Yes, we have a place already prepared, I will show you now", she suggested, but stopped short when they were outside of the temple. She remained silent for several moments, until her face heated up and took on a rather dark shade of red. "No!" She screamed, startling Satoshi. "Your pokémon crushed my shellfish!" She cried out in dismay, crouching to touch what was left of her burlap sack, full of crushed shells. "It took me all day to collect those", she whimpered. Satoshi felt himself become slightly embarrassed, glancing at Lugia suspiciously.

*I didn't mean to*, Lugia mentally sent to Satoshi, a hint of regret sounding in his deep voice, *with all the dust, I couldn't see what was under me*, the pokémon continued to explain. Satoshi laughed softly and shook his head.

*Don't worry, I'm sure they weren't that important*, he sent as a reply. But received an ice-cold glare from the red-head, when he made eye contact with her.

"You owe me", she spat out, Satoshi rose his eyebrow, this Shaman was definitely different from all the others he had previously met.

"It was just a bag of shellfish", he monotonously pointed out. This set off Kasumi, as she rhymed off several random insults.

"...and just because you're supposedly the most important person on the entire Earth, does not mean I'm going to follow every order you want to give me". She finished in a rush of air.

"I have no intention of enslaving you", Satoshi retorted, narrowing his eyes, feeling anger start to flicker inside of him, this Water Shaman was *definitely* different, alright. "Brat", he added, the word he was thinking, slipping out. Kasumi resisted the urge to begin beating the life out of the Chosen One, but remembering that she tended to lose her temper so easily, 'yeah right', she mentally noted, she stopped herself from turning violent.

"Call me Brat again, and I'll personally make you regret it", she insisted. Satoshi just laughed in response and nodded in approval.

"I'll remember that", he insisted, and motioned for them to continue. "Will you show me where the pokémon can rest?" He requested. Kasumi took in another deep breath and led the way.

Several villagers stared in wonder at the new arrivals, although all were too afraid to approach the magnificent pokémon as they did not want to feel the power of their elements. Kasumi led the group down the dirt streets to a large specially crafted building, where villagers were busy bustling around inside preparing for their new charges. Food was left out suited to the tastes of the legendary birds, and soft, warm bedding was left on ground for them. Articuno let out a small burst of ice, and froze some of the bedding, to suit his liking, but when the others went to do the same, Satoshi yelled out his disapproval immediately, not wishing the building to go up in flames.

Kasumi pondered a moment. "I only count four legendary pokemon, I thought more traveled with you?"

Satoshi walked out from behind Lugia. "Well, the legendary dogs are patrolling the southern colonies, and Ho-oh is traveling North at the moment, you know, just checking things out. If something's wrong, they contact Lugia and then I get the information from him."

"That's kinda neat, how is it that you've come to control the legendary pokémon?" Kasumi asked curiously. Satoshi smirked, and headed outside of the building.

"I don't really control them, they go wherever they please, and if that's with me, then they're more than welcome." Satoshi answered, sarcasm dripping thickly off the words. Kasumi also smirked, only in disgust.

"Like pokémon would *want* to stay with someone like you", she retorted, adding a very noticeable snort at the end of the sentence. But believed him anyways, since he *was* the Chosen One, "you don't seem like someone who'd be all important", she continued, "you seem too be too immature." This comment only made Satoshi laugh in response, for he knew it was close to truth, but he wouldn't press the subject further, keeping Kasumi in puzzlement.

Soon they reached Kasumi's house, and she showed him in, giving him a quick tour of the particularly large house, save her own room, which was not in the condition for company. She reached the richly garbed room, that her mother had prepared, and explained that this was Satoshi's room for the duration of his stay. A small platter of food was left near his fur- covered bed, and several brightly colored tapestries hung about the walls.

"I suppose I can show you around the village tomorrow if you like", Kasumi finished of, receiving a nod from Satoshi.

"Sure, I've got nothing else planned", Satoshi agreed, Kasumi left his presence, and headed for her own room to sit by herself for the rest of the evening.

****

The next morning, both Satoshi and Kasumi rose early to be off in the village. Kasumi had introduced Satoshi to a few familiar villagers to her, but decided to cease the introductions when the family proceeded to bombard the Chosen One with gifts and praises. Kasumi had made several untrue excuses to free him, who later thanked her several times for the rescue.

The legendary birds remained near the village, and never left too far, perchance they'd be needed. Although pokémon that were used to being alone, they didn't favor the attention received from the curious villagers. Satoshi paid no attention to them, as he continued to insist they'd do whatever they like, which suited Kasumi just as well.

Kasumi did however drag Satoshi to the far east of the village were he began to see huge piles of limestone and granite stones laying haphazardly on the ground. Satoshi raised a question to Kasumi. "Why are we here..way are there so many rocks?"

Kasumi continued to drag Satoshi by the arm to a small house amidst the crumbling boulders. "I want you to meet a friend of mine, one of my only friends really. His name it Takeshi, his family are the stonecutters that built the pokemon temple were you first arrived."

Satoshi was intrigued at meeting the man that had part in building such a wonderful structure. Just then he spotted a young man taking a rather large metal pick to a piece of granite lodged in the earth. Kasumi smiled and pointed to the same man he was watching. "That's him over there!"

The couple walked up the man but kept their distance not wanting flecks of stone to get flung in their hair and eyes.

Kasumi whistled sharply at the young man, and in turn the chipping stopped. The stonecutter looked up ad happily waved at Kasumi as he threw his tools to the side. "Greetings Kasumi, and what brings you over to my neck of the woods on this fine day..." Just then Takeshi noticed the guy standing next to her. "Oi, whose this?"

Satoshi stretched out his hand. "Hi, I'm Satoshi, I'm also known as the 'Chosen One' as well" As Satoshi waited for the boys hand to touch his to do the traditional hand shake, it never came. Instead Takeshi just stood there with is mouth hanging open. Kasumi slapped the stonecutter in the head. Satoshi just laughed. "yeah..I get that a lot."

Satoshi looked over Takeshi, the young man was very tall with incredibly tanned skin. His hair was short and spiky, and the sun must be in his eyes for he was squinting an awful lot. But finally the news sunk in and the stonecutter returned to normal, happily shaking the Chosen Ones hand.

"Please come in!" Takeshi asked.

Kasumi and Satoshi entered the little hovel and looked over the crowed sleeping quarters. The young stonecutter dashed to the fireplace to boil water for tea. Meanwhile Kasumi explained to Satoshi that the young man had seven little brothers and sisters to look after while his parents were away working on the hills.

"Wow, that seems like a lot of work." Satoshi expressed.

Kasumi nodded. "He works way to hard, I keep telling him to stop stonecutting and get into breeding like he really wants."

They continued to watch Takeshi clean up pile of unraveled scrolls on the floor and at the same time move the kettle off the fire to the table using his foot. When they were finally seated at the large oak table Satoshi brought up the subject of breeding with Takeshi.

The stonecutter lowered his head in dismay. "I love to breed pokemon you see, but I need to help my parents support the family. There isn't much money in breeding unfortunately, mostly people trade me things for breeding what ever pokemon they have."

Satoshi took a sip of tea. "So you have bread pokemon before?"

Takeshi nodded. "Mostly for the villagers, I do lots of work for Kojiro and his Ponyta ranch on the other side of the village. I can't explain the feeling when you help create a life, it's amazing."

Satoshi drank the rest of his tea. "That's understandable, I only get to protect life, never have I created it. In a way.I envy you."

Takeshi was struck by those words and bowed in respect to the Chosen One. "Thank you, perhaps one day I will follow my dream."

Satoshi was going to continue the conversation when Kasumi intervened. "Hey Takeshi? What's the statue over there in the corner? It looks like Lugia"

The stonecutter leaned over to see the statue he was carving earlier. "Oh that, your mother asked me to make a commemorative statue to present to the chosen one as a gift during the.festival.this..week." As soon as Takeshi realized that he just utterly ruined the surprise for Satoshi he slumped over on the table and let out a groan.

Satoshi laughed softly and placed his hands on the stonecutter's shoulders. "Its beautiful my friend...I'll act surprised." He gave the young man a wink and with that Takeshi nodded and laughed softly as well.

"Thank you.."

***

Nearing the end of the village, Satoshi spotted the sea shore, and showed immediate interest.

"The best shellfish in all the world", Kasumi insisted, "you can be sure they would've been on the menu tonight, if your pokémon hadn't crushed the ones I had caught". Satoshi rolled his eyes.

"Enough with the reminders, how about I go catch some right now?" He suggested. Kasumi laughed in amusement at the question.

"You couldn't possibly catch as many as I do in a short amount of time", she commented, the sun just beginning to touch the horizon. Satoshi smirked.

"Want a bet?" He coxed, shedding his heavy black cloak and heading down to the sea shore. Kasumi waited a few moments, before she called his bet, and ran after him.

****

Within only a few minutes, Satoshi had gathered more shellfish then Kasumi could've ever collected with more time. They both sat on the sandy beach admiring the catch, and the red-head gave Satoshi an approving smile.

"Well Chosen One, you've won the bet, but I don't know what you want for your prize." She stated.

"I'd like you to stop calling me Chosen One, Water Shaman", he answered, smiling back, tired from the fishing he had done.

"What should I call you?" Kasumi asked.

"The name's Satoshi, think you can handle that?" Satoshi requested. Kasumi continued to hold her smile, and nodded.

"If you can handle calling me Kasumi", she bargained. Satoshi nodded in response. "Good, then you've got your bet". She finalized. Standing up, Kasumi took a newly sewn burlap sack and shoveled the shellfish inside of it, filling the bag as full as it could get, then leaving the rest partially buried so she could collect them in the morning. "I'd suggest we get back so we can enjoy our catch", Kasumi suggested, as the sun had already sunk more than half way into the water.

Satoshi agreed readily, taking the burlap sack from Kasumi's hands, carrying it himself, and the couple made their way back to the village, not minding each other's company so much any more.

As soon as they reached Kasumi's home, her mother rushed out and took the sack from Satoshi, giving the red-head dirty looks as she proceeded to get to the kitchen to prepare a meal.

Since Kasumi and her mother lived alone together, there usually wasn't need to make so much food, but since they had a guest, Kasumi's mother spent quite some time in the kitchen preparing a meal. Kasumi and Satoshi sat patiently in the dining room for some word that the food was done, they talked quietly amongst themselves as the time ticked on, but soon enough, the announcement was made, and Kasumi went to the kitchen to assist in bringing out the food.

It almost seemed as not enough was prepared, since Satoshi seemed to have quite an appetite. So much, that Kasumi and her mother could not help but stare at the Chosen One intently devouring his food with record speed, the two women ignoring their own food.

As soon as Satoshi finished, he gave a small burp of satisfaction, and looked up at his hostesses. He immediately felt embarrassed at his actions, and felt a blush touching his face.

"I'm sorry, I've been starving all day", he tried to explain. But the other two just pretended to understand, and nodded their heads.

After the meal, Kasumi escorted Satoshi back to his room and laughed at the scene he caused at the dinner table.

"You have quite an appetite", the red-head commented.

"I've always had one", Satoshi insisted, making his companion laugh gaily in response.

"I'm sure of it", she answered back, "well good night, Satoshi", she said, standing just outside of his door.

"G'night Kasumi he said, letting her close his door.

Kasumi went to take food to her pokémon before she herself headed off to bed, feeling almost excited about the day to come, her guest growing on her very quickly.

****

Over the next few days, both the Chosen One and the Water Shaman found themselves together when possible. With the exception of when Kasumi was tending to her water pokémon, or when Satoshi visited his own legendary birds, they made it a point to be together, finding different activities to do and occupy their time with. They both also made it a point to avoid Kasumi's mother as well, as she tended to adorn Satoshi with too much attention, which made the Chosen One very uncomfortable in her presence.

Nonetheless, Satoshi was enjoying the company of the red-head, because she treated him so differently then others, especially when it came to other young women of her age. Satoshi was rather striking in his good looks, dark brown eyes, wild black hair that he kept tied back in a pony tail. Tall, athletic frame, and a rather adorable smile that seemed to attract the young ladies like butterfrees on flowers.

Kasumi, on the other hand, looked nothing like any of the young vixen her age. She was rather tall and lean herself, although her long illustrious red hair and ocean-blue eyes gave her an exotic sense, she was by no means 'pretty', 'attractive' definitely, but too different to be pretty.

"Kasumi, why are you becoming a Shaman? As far as I can tell, you're not enjoying it". Satoshi pointed out casually, both sitting in the dining room that morning after breakfast. The red-head was ready with an answer, though.

"My sisters were disqualified for the position when they were married." She answered.

"I don't see how that disqualifies them?" Satoshi became puzzled easily, but again the red-head was ready with an answer, and seemed to speak with a hint of jealousy in her voice.

"Simple, their husbands live in far away places, if one of them married someone from the village, she'd qualify, but since all of them live far away, I'm stuck as the only heiress." She gave a sigh, and waited for more questions. Luckily for her, Satoshi did have more.

"And your Father?" He asked, this one seemed to make Kasumi go quiet for several long moments.

"Away, as well, but because he was needed." She answered, "He's gifted with water pokémon, so he decided to leave the village and assist the people where he went." Sadness seemed to rise in her voice. It left Satoshi to make a fairly accurate assumption as to what made her suddenly upset.

"I'm sorry I brought that up", he quickly apologized. Kasumi smiled and shook her head.

"That's ok, I guess I still miss him a little too much." She said. "Ever since he left, my Mother's left a lot of responsibility on me, since I've got to support us now. Even though the other villagers tend to give us a lot of gifts, my Mother being the head Shaman and all". She made the understandable point. "Let's change the subject", she suddenly suggested, there's a feast being held tonight in your honor, so I've got to make sure we both make an appearance."

"Alright, just as long as I don't have to stay *too* long...just long enough to fill myself up", Satoshi agreed, receiving a sigh from the red- head seated near him. "What are we going to do today, Water Shaman?" He asked, again changing the subject. "How about a pokémon battle?" He answered his own question with.

"What?" Kasumi questioned, not believing what she just heard. "How?" She asked skeptically.

"Simple, my pokémon need exercise, they're getting treated too good from us stopping in villages all the time".

"But...legendary birds? I've got nothing worth battling with, it wouldn't be a close enough match."

"Why not? You've got water pokémon, right? You are a Water Shaman after all". He asked.

"Yes...but my pokémon are a little...delayed?" She sheepishly answered, giving a weak smile. Satoshi became slightly confused at this comment and prodded for her to elaborate.

"Meaning?" He asked. Kasumi rose from her seat and motioned for him to follow, she led him down the hall to a room he had yet to explore. She opened the door, and inside he noticed several smaller sized pokémon near a small pool of water. One in particular caught Kasumi's eye and she cried out in horror.

"No! Togepi!" She cried, diving to catch the little egg pokémon before it could fall in the water. She then turned and gave a dirty look to a psyduck that remained still. "Psyduck, I told you to watch Togepi, not try and drown her!" She growled, and held the little egg pokémon close. Satoshi began to laugh at the sight.

"I see what you mean by delayed." He commented, amused.

"Yes well, some can fight, others...I can't quite figure out what they can do", she mumbled, looking down wistfully at Togepi.

"Ok, well pick the ones who can fight, and let's go". Kasumi obliged by selecting a staryu, starmie and a polywhirl and following Satoshi outside. "I'll go get Moltres, since he's weakest against water-type, then I'll meet you by the sea shore, ok?" Kasumi nodded, and separated from her companion, her three pokémon following closely behind.

It didn't take long before Satoshi arrived, riding upon the back of the fiery legendary bird. Moltres waited for instruction when Satoshi slid off the bird's back and approached Kasumi.

"I'll make sure Moltres goes easy", he commented, Kasumi crossed her arms over her chest.

"I still think this is a waste of time", she mumbled dryly. But called for Staryu to be the first to begin. "Staryu, watergun!" She called out, the small star pokémon answered by spouting a shoot of water towards the fiery bird. The water splashed off of Moltres, who had closed his eyes when the aim went straight for his head. The bird let out a small squawk of displeasure, and huffed out a small burst of flame. This seemed to work quickly, as Staryu fell over, it's jewel flashing. Kasumi could feel her cheeks flush.

"Oops...sorry", Satoshi apologized.

"Told you this was a waste of time", Kasumi repeated again, but called for her next pokémon anyways.

"What's the reason you're pokémon are so badly trained for?" Satoshi asked.

"I've never got the time", Kasumi insisted.

"Could it be that you're a bad trainer?" Satoshi coyly called out, Kasumi narrowed her eyes.

"Don't push it", she growled, calling for her Starmie to make an attack. But again Moltres easily defeated his *opponent*. During Poliwhirl's attempt, though, another one of Kasumi's pokémon ended up making an appearance, although the red-head didn't notice until the small pokémon began making annoying noises. Kasumi looked down and noticed the small yellow duck approaching Moltres. "Psyduck! I wanted you to watch Togepi!" She angrily cried out, and continued to call out curses, although Psyduck didn't understand and continued to become more and more confused.

Moltres just watched Psyduck curiously, until the small pokémon began glowing and made the fiery bird freeze in place. Satoshi and Kasumi didn't quite understand what was going on, until they realized that it was Psyduck's disable attack.

"Impossible..." Satoshi breathed. Kasumi shook her head in disbelief.

"Just when you think Psyduck's completely useless..." She said, smirking, continuing to shake her head. "Psyduck, that's enough", she called out, leaving Satoshi to attend to his now disabled legendary pokémon.

"That psyduck's pretty powerful, if it can handle something as powerful as Moltres", Satoshi commented.

"No kidding", Kasumi said matter-of-factly. "I still can't believe it myself".

****

After a few hours, Moltres had easily recovered, and Kasumi had taken her pokémon, with the exception of Psyduck, down to the water to wade for a while. Both Kasumi and Satoshi had joined the pokémon for a few minutes, but then found themselves content lying on the sand, being dried off by the sun. Satoshi turned and glanced at Moltres who was sitting near by, ruffling his wings restlessly, then he glanced at Kasumi and a smile spread across his features. It took a few moments, but Kasumi needn't turn her head to know he was planning something.

"No", she said, without letting him ask his request first.

"How 'bout a ride?" He asked anyways.

"What?"

"On Moltres, I'll bet you've never ridden on a pokémon before". He insisted. Kasumi looked over at him finally.

"You've got to be kidding me", she sarcastically commented. He just smiled and got up from his seated position to make the suggestion to the legendary pokémon.

"What's the matter? Afraid of heights?" Satoshi taunted. Kasumi's face turned red.

"No! Well...maybe...ok, yes! I like being in the water, not in the air!" She defended herself. Satoshi smirked and began making chicken noises to taunt her even more. "I'm not going to let you kill me", she growled, but he continued squawking. "Won't Moltres burn me?" She asked, trying to avoid getting in the air as much as possible.

"I don't see why", he said, thinking about it for a second, "I like Moltres, so he likes me, and I like you, so Moltres should like you too." He said. Kasumi rose an eyebrow skeptically, but because she was stubborn against his taunts, she reluctantly agreed.

Moltres lowered his body so Satoshi could slip onto the fiery bird's back, showing that Moltres' bright flames did in fact not harm him. He took Kasumi's arm and hauled her on as well in behind him.

"If you get scared, just hold onto me", Satoshi suggested, Kasumi kept her arms to herself and snorted in response. But when Moltres flapped his wings and began rising into the air, Kasumi gave a yelp of surprise and latched on tightly to Satoshi, who smirked in response. The legendary pokémon rose quickly into the air, and soared low to the water at first, until it caught a strong wind and rose higher. Kasumi kept her eyes squeezed shut as to not see what was underneath of her. "You know, the scenery is much nicer when you have your eyes *open*", Satoshi pointed out.

"I'm not scared!" Kasumi cried out defensively, and forced one eye open, and seeing that the water beneath them was quite beautiful, she opened her other eye as well to get the full view. She then glanced behind them and noticed how small her village looked from up in the sky. "Wow", she breathed. Then looked ahead and saw that the sea did indeed seem to last forever. "It's beautiful", she commented.

"You should see what everything looks like on Lugia, he flies so fast that it's all a blur of color", Satoshi said.

"I'd like to see that", Kasumi smiled warmly and loosened up her grip a bit, so she could feel the wind around her better. Her hair radiating the shades of red from the sun. Now she nearly had her arms almost completely loose, and she closed her eyes to completely get the feel that she was herself airborne. Suddenly a strong current of air gust upwards from underneath Moltres, Satoshi noticed and made a warning for Kasumi.

"Hold on!" He commanded, but Kasumi didn't catch what he meant in time, and felt herself slip from the legendary pokémon, just as the wind made the bird jolt in the air. In shock, Kasumi silently watched as she pummeled towards the water below, not realizing what had just happened.

Satoshi cursed loudly and directed Moltres to make a sharp nose dive to get below the falling red-head. Moltres had no trouble gaining speed and lifted his wings out widely to slow as soon as they were in position to regain the falling passenger. Satoshi easily caught the Shaman and kept a calm look on his face when she began shaking wildly from when she finally realized what had just occurred.

"I do not want to do that again!" She insisted firmly.

"I told you to hold on", Satoshi informed, receiving a mild look of amusement in return.

"I'd like more than a split second warning next time". She drawled out.

"Brat", Satoshi mumbled.

****

Kasumi admired herself in the large vanity mirror in her room one last time. She was dressed in a traditional Water Shaman gown, a swirl of blues in different pieces of fabric. She frowned when it seemed her red hair clashed to brightly against the blue fabric, so she quickly braided it back.

"Nice dress", she heard from behind her, and without turning around, she knew the owner of the voice. "I've never seen so many shades of blue in my life", Satoshi commented. "Well...one other time anyways." This time Kasumi turned to see her intruder and smiled warmly. "You don't look too bad yourself", she greeted, Satoshi dressed in black/silver robes. "Tell me about this 'other time'", she requested. Her companion gladly complied, while taking her arm in his and leading them outside to walk to the village hall.

"One time, while I was in another village like this one, they had this huge water fall where their main water flow came from...anyways, Articuno decided to have a bit of a bath, and the moon reflected more colors than you could imagine off of his wings. It was something you'd only see in paintings." Satoshi smiled at the memory and caused Kasumi to become eager to experience seeing the wonder herself.

"Why don't you show me? We've got a waterfall near by too".

"That's funny, I've never seen one while flying overhead."

"That's 'cause it's underground." Kasumi lowered her voice so no other villager could hear, "only I know about it, we can leave after you make your initial appearance." She gave an encouraging squeeze to Satoshi's arm along with an innocent smile to convince him to agree. Satoshi gave a nod in return, giving the red-head a spark of excitement.

Once they reached the village hall, everyone had to wait through Kasumi's mother's traditional speech, and then the feasting began. Satoshi did as he said he would, and filled himself with so much food, it caused several others to stare in wonder. Including Kasumi, who's face lit up to match her hair.

Several of the village girls requested a dance from the young Chosen One, but were disappointed when he insisted he could not dance, and would not validate the comment by trying. As soon as people ceased to claim the Chosen One's attentions, Kasumi silently led the couple to sneak away from the hall and headed towards where the legendary birds rested.

More trusting than before, Kasumi didn't mind riding upon Articuno's back, as the ice pokémon made her less nervous than Moltres. The cave near the shore where the two had previously gone fishing for shellfish turned out to be an entrance to a dark cavern with flowing water. Kasumi led them through the wide tunnel like she had the entire area memorized to an opening with the sound of running water.

"I can't see anything", Satoshi complained, holding onto Kasumi so he wouldn't get lost.

"Just wait, there's an opening in the top of the cavern coming up, the moonlight will light everything up", she insisted. And sure enough, they came to another opening where the blue water was illuminated by pale moonlight. Kasumi motioned towards the water fall that cascaded down piles of rocks.

"Woah..." Satoshi breathed, as he noticed the sparkling of the cave walls, moonlight bounced off of hundreds of gems set in the walls.

"Diamonds...and some other gems as well...I suppose you understand why no one else knows about this place", Kasumi said. Satoshi nodded and curiously fingered some of the gems.

"They'd destroy it", he suggested as a reason.

"Exactly...I've played in here ever since I discovered it as a small child, I used to pretend that it was some sort of pokémon-god palace or something like that."

"It could've been", Satoshi replied, and nodded towards Articuno, when he ruffled his wings restlessly. The Chosen One grabbed Kasumi's arm and pulled her towards him. "Watch this", he mumbled, as Articuno positioned himself underneath the wide water fall and spread his wings to full expanse. Moonlight bounced off of the icy wings and reflected off of the jewels in the walls as well, setting a rainbow prism of colors in a breath taking display. Both Satoshi and Kasumi stood speechless for countless minutes as they took in the sight before them.

"Incredible...this cavern had to have been constructed...by pokémon", Kasumi breathed, "too beautiful to be man made", she insisted.

Articuno tired quickly, and lowered his wings, letting the water sooth him into a trance. When the light faded, Kasumi and Satoshi found themselves back in reality and looked at each other in disbelief.

"Better continue to keep this a secret", Satoshi suggested, Kasumi nodded. She walked up to the edge of the cavern pool, and dipped her fingers in the water.

"Articuno made the water cold", she commented, but rose an eyebrow when the water suddenly turned warm when the bird pokémon left the water and headed out of the cavern. "Where's he going?" She asked.

"Wherever he wants", Satoshi answered, also shrugging his shoulders along with the comment.

Suddenly feeling restless, Satoshi approached his companion and quickly pushed her into the pool of water. She emerged seconds later and sputtered out water.

"What did you do that for?" She cried out, frowning at the sight of her now soaked gown.

"I don't know, I just felt like it", Satoshi answered casually. Unimpressed, Kasumi lifted herself partially out of the water and latched onto Satoshi's robe, pulling him into the water as well. She remained in the water and crossed her arms over her chest to wait for him to emerge. When the moment seemed to never come, worry suddenly struck her, regardless of the fact that Satoshi proved to be an excellent swimmer.

"Satoshi?" She called out, still no answer. A scream erupted from her lips as she felt herself being pulled under water, arms tightly around her waist. Kasumi struggled to free herself, but to no avail, until her captor brought them both to the surface to get oxygen. Kasumi continued to struggle, but still did not become loose from Satoshi's strong grip, as he laughed at her dismay. "Let me go!" She insisted.

"I don't think so...that wasn't a very nice thing that you did", he sarcastically commented.

"You started it!" She insisted, feeling out of breath with all the energy wasted to try and free herself. Finally excepting defeat, she let herself go limp, and just remained within her captor's arms.

"Thanks for bringing me here", Satoshi changed the subject quickly. Kasumi delayed her reply, and gave a weak smile.

"My pleasure", she said, "you're my excuse to get away more often", she said.

"I'm glad I'm you're excuse", Satoshi light-heartedly retorted. Kasumi lowered her eyes.

"I didn't mean it like that", she said. Not another word passed between the couple, and no struggling was made by the red-head when Satoshi lowered his head to kiss her softly. Not until they mutually realized that they'd have to walk back to the village in the middle of the night did they separate. Soaking wet, the couple headed back to Kasumi's home hand in hand.

****

The next morning started sourly when Kasumi's mother had approached her in a fit of rage.

"Explain to me why you took the Chosen One away last night? That was not your choice to do so", her mother started out.

"So what? He didn't want to stay". Kasumi answered.

"You're a bad influence, Kasumi, I don't want you to be anywhere near him for the rest of his stay, I will continue the duties from now on."

"You can't keep me away from him!" Panic shot through the red-head like a bullet as she dreaded the thought of not being able to be near Satoshi.

"Yes, I can, if not as your mother, then as your superior." With that, Kasumi's mother exited the room leaving the red-head in shock at the news. Dread spread through her to replace the panic, and she fled the village area to seek sanctuary near the sea shore.

****

Later on in the day, Satoshi had finally found his companion at her 'thinking place', and sat down beside her.

"Where have you been?" He asked, Kasumi turned her tear-stained face from him.

"Go away", she insisted.

"Why?" Satoshi asked, concerned at her condition.

"Mother told me to stay away from you, she says I'm a bad influence." Laughter broke the solemn mood, as Satoshi found the reason amusing.

"You can't be serious", he insisted. Kasumi finally turned her face towards his and rose her eyebrows in disbelief.

"How can you laugh? I hardly find it funny." She angrily stated.

"You really think your mother can stop me from getting near you? You're not a bad influence, you're the best thing that's ever happened to me". Satoshi said, raising a hand to wipe the tears from Kasumi's red face. "She'd probably do anything just to make you miserable".

"Probably", Kasumi echoed, a small smile touching the corners of her mouth. "I wish I could go with you and leave this village for good", Kasumi wished out loud with a large sigh to follow.

"Well, why can't you?" Satoshi asked. This time it was Kasumi's turn to laugh.

"How?" She challenged.

"Get out of your Shaman duties by marrying me", he suggested. This made silence fill the air with a deafening chill.

"You can't be serious", Kasumi finally broke the silence with.

"Why not? You're the only woman who's ever caught my affection, I wouldn't mind marrying you at all". Satoshi insisted, taking a small opal ring from one of his fingers and slipping it on hers. "I've been saving this as a gift, but it's going to be somewhat of an engagement ring...if you agree". Kasumi, still not believing what she was hearing began nodding her head furiously.

"It'll be an offer you may regret, but I definitely agree!" She rushed out, Satoshi nodded his head in satisfaction.

"Good, I'll go tell your mother", he said, pulling Kasumi up with him and began heading back to the village.

****

"Chosen One, I mean no disrespect, but I would hardly call my daughter a suitable wife for you", Kasumi's mother rushed out. She was angry when she had first spotted her daughter together with the Chosen One again, and became even more furious when she found out why they were together, but could not question the one she spent her whole life to serve.

"I will make those choices", Satoshi answered back, "I want her to go with me on my travels, so you will have to find another to become the next Water Shaman". Satoshi informed. Kasumi's mother nodded and bowed her head.

"As you wish, but allow me a week to find a suitable heiress to train", she requested. Satoshi gave Kasumi an encouraging smile and returned his attention to the task at hand.

"Agreed". He finalized, and turned to leave the room with his fiancée following beside him, leaving a gawking Shaman behind.

Suddenly Satoshi stopped in his tracks as a mental message was sent by his legendary companion.

"What's wrong?" Kasumi asked.

"Nothing, Lugia needs to see me", Satoshi stated, and patted Kasumi's hand reassuringly as he left to speak with Lugia.

Kasumi waited patiently out of hearing distance as Satoshi conversed with Lugia, and became slightly distraught when Satoshi came towards her with a miffed look upon his face.

"Listen, we have to leave to go take care of things up north, but I'll be back in a week, I promise", Satoshi informed. Kasumi sighed annoyed, but nodded knowing of the Chosen One's responsibilities. Quickly, Kasumi kissed her fiancée on the cheek and smiled.

"Come back to me", she said, receiving a nod and watched as Satoshi climbed upon Lugia's back, as the legendary birds took flight and flew into the skies. Kasumi sighed again and slowly headed back to her house to wait out the week.

****

Over the next week, things had seemed to change quite a bit. No longer did Kasumi's mother pay any attention to her at all, but now everything was concentrated on her new trainee. Another girl from the village, younger than Kasumi, but known for her grandfather's work. Ruth was the girl's name and Kasumi didn't like her. Of course the girl would make an excellent Shaman, she already proved to learn fast, and was the knew pride of Kasumi's mother. Having Ruth around made being near her mother less un-enjoyable for Kasumi then in the past, but Ruth tended to make an effort to dampen Kasumi's mood even worse.

Ruth enjoyed teasing the red-head by saying the Chosen One was wrong for making the choice that he did, of course every other girl in the village was jealous of the match...including Ruth herself. But Kasumi ignored the comments, and spent her days alone. During the nights, she'd have short-lived nightmares about her fiancée and the terrible ordeals he was enduring, when she'd wake up, she'd force herself to believe they were only dreams and not real.

By the end of the week, Ruth had already been given her anointing ceremony, and was named the new village Water Shaman, much to the contentment of Kasumi's mother. Kasumi herself, though, stayed away from the village as much as possible, and spent the last day of the week at her 'thinking place'.

She stood quietly, letting the salty air whip around her making soft whistling music in her ears, making it quite a serene evening for her.

Suddenly she jolted in surprise, when a pair of hands came around to cover her eyes.

"Guess who?" The voice taunted, and Kasumi pulled the hands from her eyes to turn and face her fiancée.

"Satoshi!" She breathed in happily, "you don't know what torture I've been through..." She suddenly stopped when she noticed several cuts and bruises on Satoshi's body, she touched one bruise gingerly and rose her eyebrow in concern.

"I'm alright, just a few scratches", Satoshi insisted, taking her hand away from the bruise and holding it tightly in his. "I've missed you", he continued. Kasumi smiled warmly and hung onto her fiancée tightly.

"I've missed you, Mother has an heir, so now I'm free to leave...please say we can go right now", she requested in eagerness. But when silence only followed her request, she knew something was wrong. Memories of past nightmares flooded into her mind and she squeezed her eyes tightly shut to force the images away. The awkward silence was interrupted by the loud growling of Satoshi's stomach.

"Not right now, I'm kinda hungry". He finally answered, receiving a laugh from the red-head. The couple headed back to the village to Kasumi's home, where Satoshi met the new Shaman, Ruth, and was separated from her when his fiancée made a few choice comments to the girl and led Satoshi away.

Happily the couple ate together for the last time they'd ever be in that house together, as Kasumi yearned for when they'd leave the next morning and be gone from her mother. Although Satoshi spoke only of his past week and not of the future.

"Something's wrong, Satoshi", Kasumi finally accused, noticing how he did avoid the subject. For the second time that day and awkward silence arose between the two of them.

"I...don't think...I should..." Satoshi began, but stopped short. Kasumi felt her heart pound in fear and stepped away from the table.

"What's wrong?" She demanded.

"Kasumi...I can't...marry you", he finally forced out. Kasumi could feel her eyes fill with hot tears.

"Why not?" She hoarsely choked out.

"I have to leave again...to fight...to fulfill my responsibilities." Kasumi could not argue against what Satoshi had said, as she knew it was his duty as the Chosen One to protect the world, and neither one of them could change that. Nevertheless, Kasumi felt her heart break into a million pieces, and fled from the room to be by herself.

****

The next morning, Kasumi had left the house early and fled to the hill where she went everyday to be by herself. Again her face was stained with that of her tears, but this time the pain was different, because it was with understanding that she knew her happiness could never be. She felt a strong breeze arise when she heard wings beating behind her and the thud of a large pokémon landing on the grass.

"Kasumi", she heard, but refused to turn to face Satoshi. "Kasumi, if there was any way..." he began, but Kasumi intervened, still refusing to turn.

"It's alright, you don't have to explain anything, I understand perfectly." She insisted, Satoshi approached and turned her around to look into her eyes.

"Then why are you so sad?" He asked, the tears becoming a familiar sight on his beloved's face.

"Because, everyone I love leaves me...first my father, and now you" she began, beginning to cry again. Satoshi pulled her into his arms and tightly held her while she cried. "Promise me you'll return...please", she pleaded.

"Kasumi, you know what kind of dangers I'm going to be in...I was born for this". He answered. Kasumi pulled away from him and turned around, as she couldn't bear to look at him any more. Satoshi took the hint, and quietly left her presence, climbing onto Lugia's back, instructing the legendary pokémon to leave right away. Kasumi continued to avoid looking back as the bird lifted into the air to fly away, Satoshi gave one last glance towards Kasumi, then shut his eyes, out loud he made the promise to her...

"I will return".

****

Authors notes: Yaay! Did that kick ass or what, I got to gives mad props for helping wit the fic to my special lady, Dark Cosmos. Booka! All kidding aside, Dark Cosmos did most of the work, I sat back and edited and added scenes or mad them longer. It was a joint effort but It couldn't have been down without her. Thankies.^_^ If ya didn't know by now, that was a look into the past at the First Chosen One ever! Who later dies, then MUCH later comes back as Ash Ketchum where we follow him in the main story line. Lugia tells of Satoshi and Kasumi several times to Ash and this fic just really explains the history better. Alright, this was the first of three, yes three side stories..only dark cosmos doesn't know it yet. The side stories will be written by the both of us but all chapters pertaining to the main plot will be written by only me. I decided to do this so yall have more to read and enjoy and take less stress of me.

Thanks for reading. Booka! Go give mad props to Dark Cosmos!! Part 2 of End game will be out by this FRIDAY!!!! See lots to read.