Orange Islands Unknown Location

Fire, Ice, and Lightning fought in the air, striking one another with a fierce hatred. Thousands of bird Pokemon flew through a fierce and bitter wind. Countless land-based Pokemon traversed an icy floor. A mountain was scorching hot, smoke covered the vicinity. Another was plagued by a fierce blizzard, covered to the brim with snow. The third had an eerie mist, lightning striking the ground at random. Flashes flew by. An orb of fire, an orb of ice, and an orb of lightning. Each rested on a pedestal. Then, there was a meadow. The flowers appeared as if dead. Seven pillars stood on a stone slab, surrounding an altar with three slots. From the altar a boy stood, watching fire, ice, and lightning. Watching a light slowly fall to the sea. Watching more Pokemon than he had seen before. Watching the elements worsen. All of them took notice, and they turned their gaze upon him, trying to convey a message. A voice whispered into his ears.

"And thus the world turned to Ash."

Mandarian Island Pokemon Center

Like deja vu, Ash Red Ketchum's eyes burst open and the boy sat up. His heart raced, sweat covered his body, and he was visibly shaking.

"No… This wasn't supposed to happen. They were dreams… THEY WERE DREAMS!" screamed Ash, before realizing it was the middle of the night, and he was likely to wake someone up.

"Pika?" Pikachu tilted his head, looking at Ash worried.

"What time is it Daddy? I'm tired," yawned Espeon, also having been woken up.

"Don't worry about it guys. I-I just need some air." Ash stood, leaving them behind and walking to his bedroom door to open it. On the other side, he predictably met Lucario.

"Apprentice, I sensed your distress. Are you alright?" the visibly concerned Pokemon started.

"Just a bad dream. Need to get some air," Ash mumbled, trying to push past. Lucario's iron grip had other ideas. The Jackal Pokemon sighed.

"Apprentice, you and I both know something else is going on, and it's been happening for a while. Please, let me help you."

"Look, just leave me alone. I'm fine!" growled Ash, shoving his master away and taking off.

"You're not fine Ash. I can see that and so can you. When you're ready to talk, I'll be ready to listen," Lucario called out. His apprentice showed no signs of hearing him though, finally escaping into the night air. If only running from his problems could be so easy.

The Next Day

"Gust attack Butterfree!" called the trainer. The uniquely colored Orange Island Bug Pokemon flapped it's wings hard, sending a burst of wind at its opponent.

Ash stared down the attack, dark circles around his eyes, but was unconcerned. Really, this was child's play.

"Dodge to the left, and then charge in with Take Down," ordered the raven-haired boy, tone monotone and devoid of emotion.

Tauros, jumped left, avoiding the Gust with ease, and then started a one Pokemon stampede.

"FLY HIGH TO AVOID IT!" Panicked the trainer. Butterfree began to glide upward, but then…

"Jump," uttered Ash. Tauros leapt high, slamming his head into the airborne Butterfree, putting her entire momentum into the attack. The poor Bug Pokemon didn't even have time to cry, as it was knocked out the moment the attack made contact, forcing it to slam to the ground.

"B-Butterfree?" Stuttered the young boy, close to tears from the pain his Pokemon experienced.

"Is that all?" Ash asked. The boy looked up at that, sending a scowl Ash's way. Throwing some money to the ground, he called back his fallen Butterfree and ran off. Ash strode forward, absently praising Tauros for a decent battle, while collecting his prize.

"Return Tauros," continued Ash, calling her back.

"Now, time to find another opponent."

"Uh Ash, do you think we might take a break? You've beaten ten different trainers today already and we still haven't had lunch," Brock pointed out. Ash turned, looking at his friend with his pale face, studying him intently.

"Yeah! I've heard of a pretty good restaurant near bye," tightly smiled Tracey. Ash's eyes shifted to Tracey momentarily, but eventually he nodded, much to his friends' relief.

Tracey led Ash, Brock, and the Pokemon to a nice beach-side cafe with outdoor dining. The gang chose an outdoor table next to a metal railing, overlooking the sea. Tracey and Brock shared a nervous look, seeing their normally ravenous friend push food around his plate with a fork. They also started to notice subtle glares Ash was sending at Lucario. What was up with that?

"Ash, are you ok?" gently asked Brock.

"I'm fine."

"Are you sure Ash? You've just been acting off today, and we're starting to get worried," added Tracey. Ash ignored him, going back to his food.

"Look Ash, remember what your mom said? You can open up to us. We're your friend—"

"SHUT UP! I SAID I'M FINE!" yelled Ash, slamming his fists on the table.

"Considering your gaunt face, the dark circles under your eyes, and that explosion, I doubt it," analyzed a cool feminine voice. It was one that Ash recognized, and he looked up to see the face that went with it. She had dark red hair done up in a ponytail, her face was thin, covered by a pair of glasses, and her apparel was all business. She wore a black business top, a purple skirt, and high heels.

"Lorelei?" Ash blurted out, showing emotion for the first time of the day.

"It's been a while Ash. Nice to see you too Brock. And you are?"

"Tracey Sketchit. It's an honor to meet a member of the Elite Four," responded the boy in awe. Lorelei waved the praise off, observing the group, and noticing the missing piece.

"Say, where's the third member of your trio? Where's Misty?"

"She didn't come. Said she had to buckle down and do some serious training at the Cerulean City Gym," explained Brock. A small smirk flashed across her face at the revelation, but it was gone as quick as it had come.

"Is that right? Well, no matter," shrugged the woman.

"Hey, what are you doing in a place like this anyway?" questioned Ash.

"This is my home. Well, not this island specifically, but the Orange Islands as a whole. I'm here today to give a battle demonstration at the island's exhibition stadium. Unfortunately, my aid seems to have developed a virus of some sort, so I find myself without a partner to assist," sighed the woman.

"I could help!" brightened up Ash.

"You? With all due respect, you look like the walking dead Ash. What help could you possibly be in your current state?" mocked Lorelei. That didn't go over well with the young boy in question, and he voiced his displeasure with an audible growl.

"I bet you just don't want to battle me because you're scared!" spat back Ash.

"Ash, she's a member of the Elite Four! You saw what she could do on New Island. Are you crazy?" Brock interjected.

"No need to argue on my behalf Brock. I'm a big girl after all. The same can't be said for your friend when he's throwing a temper tantrum like a child, but then he is only ten years old, so I suppose it is to be expected. Perhaps Lance overestimated his capabilities?" pondered Lorelei, pretending Ash wasn't there.

"BATTLE ME COWARD!" Ash roared, standing up with fire in his gaunt eyes.

"Tell you what. I'll give you your battle Ash, but if you lose, you're going to owe me a favor."

"Name it," sounded Ash, still heated.

"You will confide in whomever you wish about the clear burden you've been carrying and cease this childish attitude. It's unbecoming of a trainer of your stature. Agreed?" Lorelei asked with narrowed eyes and her hand out.

"Deal!" answered Ash, not thinking about it for a second and shaking her hand hard.

"He's going to get crushed isn't he?" whispered Tracey.

"Probably," whispered back Brock.

Mandarian Island Pokemon Stadium

The local island stadium was buzzing at the presence of a member of Kanto's famed Elite Four. Vendors catered to the packed crowd, selling their wares, and the people gossiped about the upcoming showing. It wasn't the biggest stadium in the world, which made sense considering the relatively small island. Still, it managed to pack a few hundred people comfortably inside.

"Ladies and gentleman, welcome to the Mandarin Island Pokemon Stadium! Today, we have a very special guest. Introducing the Orange Island's own prodigy, the ice mistress, and a member of the esteemed Kanto Elite Four. I AM PROUD TO INTRODUCE LORELEI" yelled an announcer. The crowd erupted in wild applause, calling out her name as she walked into the stadium, smiling and waving at the crowd.

"Joining our local celebrity, we have a hotshot trainer volunteer. This young man has collected eight Gym Badges from Kanto and two badges from the Orange Islands, all within the last year! Introducing, our good sport, Ash!" Ash's entrance into the stadium was met with a more subdued, but polite applause. Not that he cared, since his focus was entirely on Lorelei, while he walked to his side of the battlefield, joined by Espeon and Pikachu of course. Lucky for that boy, Lorelei had the presence of mind to only give first names to the announcer, especially since Ash was supposed to be keeping a low profile. Ash certainly didn't remember at the moment. A referee stepped forward between the two trainers.

"This exhibition match will be a 3 on 3 battle. Lorelei of the Elite Four will send out her Pokemon first. Either trainer may make substitutions. The battle will be over when one of the participant's Pokemon are all unable to battle. Let the match begin!" At these words, Lorelei's smile and laid back attitude vanished, replaced by an analytical and icy demeanor.

"Cloyster, you're up first," called the woman, sending out the shell encased Pokemon.

"Pikachu, I'm starting with you," responded Ash in an equally cool voice.

"PIKA!" cried the Pokemon, bounding of off Ash's shoulder and onto the battlefield.

"Thunderbolt!"

"PIKACHUUUUU!" Lightning more powerful than Ash had seen before left Pikachu at a higher speed than normal, making a beeline for Cloyster. Clearly, Pikachu's training back in Pallet Town had paid off.

"Light Screen," carelessly countered Lorelei. Cloyster's eyes flashed purple and a translucent screen sprang up in front of the attack, completely absorbing it as if it was nothing.

Special attacks won't work, so then let's try diving in!" thought Ash.

"Double Team, Agility, and then Iron Tail!" rattled off Ash. Pikachu split into now eighteen copies, blurred with a speed boost, and the charged forward with a glowing tail, coming at Cloyster from all sides. Again, Lorelei was undeterred.

"Iron Defense." Cloyster's shell sheered a brilliant white, hardening the already powerful shell. In the next moment Iron Tail connected hard, bringing up a sliver of dust onto the battlefield and covering the two Pokemon.

"Yes!" Smirked Ash, at the supper-effective attack landing.

"Spike Cannon!" Spikes erupted from the veiled Cloyster on all sides, obliterating Pikachu's copies. As for Pikachu himself…

"PIKA!" cried the mouse, flung back through the dust and spiraling on the ground in front of his trainer. He was bruised and battered all over, but sheer force of will and stubbornness forced him to his feet. The dust settled on the other side of the battlefield, revealing an undamaged Cloyster with its own smirk.

"Is that all?" mocked Lorelei. Ash's expression turned to fury.

"YOU WERE SPYING ON—"

"Ice Shard," interrupted Lorelei. A shard of ice blurred through the battlefield, smashing into Pikachu and sending him crashing into a wall. The mouse slowly slid down. He was knocked out before he touched the ground.

"Pikachu is unable to battle! Select your next Pokemon," called the referee.

"Never let yourself be distracted in battle. It is a mistake that can and will cost you. I would have assumed you already learned this lesson?" lectured Lorelei, shaking her head in disappointment, calling Cloyster back to her.

"A quick start to this exciting bout! What will our ice expert show us next!" commented the announcer, accompanying more appreciative cheers.

Pikachu was my strongest Pokemon, and she took him out like it was nothing… I'll just have to throw more fire power out there and break through!" the agitated youth thought.

"Return Pikachu," Ash called his Pokemon back to his Pokeball.

"Jynx, come out and give these good people a demonstration of your power." Lorelei's Psychic-Ice Pokemon graced the stage. Jynx had a womanly figure with large curves, an endowed chest, huge lips, and long blonde hair. Her skin was a frigid purple, likely due to the Pokemon's icy nature. She also seemed to be wearing a long red dress, covering most of her body.

"Princess, you're up to the plate," Ash said, turning to another one of his power houses.

"I-I won't let you down!" Espeon responded, walking up to the battlefield with a slight tremble. She could feel the power Jynx radiated from this short distance and it unnerved her. Lorelei took the initiative this time, moving first.

"Ice Shard," repeated the woman.

"Dodge right!" yelled Ash. Espeon leaped to the right, the shard of ice just missing her and hitting the wall behind her with a loud sound.

"So you learned? At least this battle won't be a complete waste," mused Lorelei.

"SHADOW BALL!" growled Ash. Up in the stands, Brock and Tracey watched the ongoing battle with worry.

"He's off. Ash is never this aggressive in his battle strategy. Normally, he incorporates power boosting moves and unusual combinations. Do you think it's because Lorelei got in his head?" frowned Tracey.

"No, it's more than that. Ash showed the same aggression during his battles against those trainers earlier today, and he won each fight. I think Lorelei put it well. Something's bothering Ash that he doesn't want to share, and it's affecting his ability to battle. Against lesser opponents he could get away with it, but against someone like Lorelie…" sighed Brock.

"He doesn't have a chance," realized Tracey. Brock grimly nodded, turning his attention back to the battle. Jynx's light screen easily subdued the shadow ball. So, Ash tried again.

"SHADOW BALL!" roared the boy. Espeon prepared to fire another orb, but Lorelei intervened.

"Disable." Jynx's eyes flashed and a strange energy covered Espeon, making the forming orb explode as it was forming. Espeon was stunned, crashing down from the effects of her own attack.

"Follow up with your own Shadow Ball," pressed Lorelei.

"Jynx," smiled the Pokemon, shooting off a far more powerful Shadow Ball at the helpless Espeon. Like Pikachu, Espeon also crashed into the wall, knocked out before she met the floor. The crowd approved, hooting and hollering, while the announcer yammered on.

"Espeon is unable to battle! Send out your final Pokemon," declared the referee.

"Pr-Princess," muttered Ash, horrified at the brutal take down, trying to drown out the background noise..

"Another mistake. Without creativity, brute power is nothing that a more experienced opponent cannot handle. Your attacks were far too straightforward," analyzed Lorelei, returning her own Pokemon.

I'm sorry Princess, Ash thought, his head hung low as he recalled his fallen friend.

"Lorelei has completely destroyed Ash's first two Pokemon with a level of mastery only seen in the best of the best! What will she show us for the finale?" cried the announcer.

"How about something exotic," Lorelei said, as if she was answering the announcer. She released a Pokemon unseen by the vast majority of those native to the Orange Islands or Kanto for that matter. It was a Pokemon that Ash and Brock had seen once briefly before. Its skin was light blue and icy spikes adorned the back of its body. The rest of its features were fairly standard and comparable to the native Kanto species.

"Meet Sandslash, except this variant is native to the far off region of Alola," explained Lorelei. Ash had done him homework way back when after getting that Pokedex upgrade from Professor Oak. Part of that included researching the various foreign Pokemon of the Elite Four. From that, he could remember a key detail about this particular Pokemon.

Ice-Steel typing. Not that I expect a different outcome than before, but it leaves me one obvious choice.

"Hitmonchan, now it's up to you!" emoted Ash, sending his fighter out.

"You choose your match ups well, even if you are emotionally compromised. Very good Ash," praised Lorelei.

"Bulk up!" started Ash. A red energy enveloped Hitmonchan, quickly boosting his attack and defense power.

"Excellent! It's our turn though. Icicle Spear!" Sandslash leaned forward, hid head facing the ground, and spikes from his back aimed straight ahead.

"Slash!" Spears were launched from the back like missiles, on a path for Hitmonchan.

"Weave through them Hitmonchan!" countered Ash. Ash's Pokemon obeyed, dancing through the attacks, nimbly avoiding the projectiles with the finesse of a trained fighter.

"Agility!" Hitmonchan's speed increased, allowing him to weave faster, subtly getting closer.

"Icicle Crash!" snapped Lorelei. This time, Icicles appeared in mid-air over Hitmonchan, before descending at a breakneck speed.

"Mach Punch!" Hitmonchan blurred forward, striking first before the icicles could reach him and forcing Sandslash back with a quad-super effective attack. Unfortunately, while sliding back, Sandslash managed to grab a hold of Hitmonchan, dragging him along.

"Finish this with your free claw and use Slash attack," sighed Lorelei. Sandslash drew it back, ready to deliver the blow.

"NO!" Ash roared, unwilling to accept defeat in this manner.

If we go down, we're taking her with us, the determined boy thought.

"ENDURE!" A powerful slash struck the helpless Hitmonchan, but not before he crossed his free arm and his body took on a soft red-orange glow. Hitmonchan fell to a knee, a crater forming below him from the power of that strike, but the Pokemon itself survived, slowly looking up at Sandslash with a terrible grin.

"Chan…"

"COUNTER ATTACK!"

"Protect," calmly called the ice mistress. Ash's eyes widened. A veil surrounded Sandslash, fully absorbing the massive power of Hitmonchan's counter attack, holding strong. The last of Hitmonchan's energy faded with Counter, and he joined Ash's other Pokemon, falling to the floor unconscious.

"Hitmonchan is unable to battle! As Ash is out of usable Pokemon, Lorelei of the Elite Four is the winner!" called the referee, the crowd now absolutely going ballistic. Ash fell to his knees, starring at his motionless Pokemon. He had been crushed, humiliated, and utterly destroyed. Worse, his own Pokemon suffered the consequences. Tears of shame fell from his face, as the boy shakily raised Hitmonchan's Pokeball and called him back. For the first time on Ash Red Ketchum's journey, Ash had lost an official Pokemon Battle.

Sinnoh Region Veilstone City

"That's it then. You're giving up," the young purple haired boy said, anger clearly laden in his voice. His older brother smiled sadly, shaking his head as he finished setting up the display in his house. Six symbols from Kanto's Battle Frontier were plastered in the glass case. A spot for a seventh symbol was present in the middle, but it was noticeably empty.

"LOOK AT ME!" demanded the boy.

"Paul, I gave it my best shot. I fought Brandon all over Kanto. I challenged the guy five times and lost every single time," sighed Reggie.

"Then try again," said Paul, as if the answer was obvious.

"That's the thing. I don't want to.

"So you are giving up," snidely said Paul.

"No. I just don't feel that spark or love for battling anymore. To be honest, I haven't felt it for a while." I kept going for you little brother, Reggie finished internally.

"Pathetic excuse," scoffed Paul. Reggie didn't respond to the insult, straightening out his plaque.

"What will you do now?" Paul finally asked.

"I think I want to become a Pokemon Breeder. I still love hanging out with my Pokemon and raising them. Being a breeder will open up a whole new world for me," smiled Reggie, thinking about the possibilities.

"I see… I guess this is goodbye then," Paul said, picking up a backpack with supplies.

"Goodbye?" Reggie whirled around, seeing Paul heading for the door.

"What do you mean goodbye?" the startled Reggie said, stopping his brother with a hand on his shoulder, and turning the boy back.

"I meant what I said. I already have a Pokemon, plenty of supplies, and a good deal of money. I've been ready for this for a while. You're weak and I've learned all I can from you. It's time I set out on my own journey. Believe me brother, it's not one I will give up on either," Paul said cooly, shrugging Reggie off and opening the door to head out.

"But where will you go Paul?" Reggie called. Paul turned once more.

"Out of Sinnoh. I've heard good things about the Hoenn Region. Maybe I'll head there? Don't worry about me. I'll be sure to stay in touch from time to time. I'll probably start sending extra Pokemon I catch back for you to look after too. After all, you have plenty of time now and want to be a breeder," mocked the boy, this time leaving for good. He left a sad older brother in his wake.

One day, I'll beat the Pyramid King… and that kid from Kanto too, vowed Paul.

Mandarian Island Pokemon Stadium - 1 Hour After Ash's Defeat

Ash trudged down to the locker room of the stadium after his defeat, ignoring the crowd, the announcer, and everything. He was far too consumed with self-pity, self-disgust, worry, and a whole plague of other issues. The boy had isolated himself for an hour, trying to move on from this point, both in a literal and figurative manner. Still, he sat down on a bench, his head in his hands, unmoving.

"Disappointing," voiced Lorelei, who must have appeared some time during Ash's self-imposed moping.

"What's disappointing?" Ash despondently asked.

"You're reaction for one, but that wasn't what I meant. No, I was talking about that battle. Two of your most powerful Pokemon were destroyed, and it was so unnecessary. That is what was disappointing," clarified the ice mistress. Ash didn't respond. He was emotionally exhausted and even agreed with Lorelei here.

"Yet, that boy that Lance just can't stop praising showed his face for our last engagement. You took your time, employed strategy, and showed focus. That was a worthy battle."

"I was still crushed, and Hitmonchan suffered for my incompetence," muttered Ash, still not looking up.

"Oh you were," bluntly said Lorelei.

"But did you really think it would end differently? Come now Ash. You saw me and my associates fight on New Island. Sometimes, years of training and experience are too much to overcome. There is no shame in losing when you give it your all and remain engaged in battle," said Lorelei, speaking softly for the first time.

"R-Really?" Ash looked up, staring at her with a different emotion. It was hope. Lorelei smiled.

"Yes Ash. Losing is a part of life and we all experience it, both in and out of battle. Nobody can avoid this truth. It is how we react to it that defines us. You can sit here and mope, or you can learn from the mistakes of your battle and improve. What road do you wish to take?" Ash thought about it hard, but really there was no choice here.

"I have to keep fighting. My Pokemon and I will get stronger. More than that though, I need to clear my mind. It's selfish to go into battle with conflict, because it's the Pokemon that suffer the most," answered Ash, staring Lorelei in the eyes.

"Exactly. Keep that in mind, and I have a feeling you will meet, or even exceed the expectations of our champion and the others in the coming months," mysteriously said Lorelei.

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing you need to worry about. Get stronger Mr. Ketchum, and open up to those friends of yours. After all, they're right behind you," winked the girl. Ash whirled around to find Lorelei was right. Brock, Tracey, and Lucario stood there with encouraging smiles. Well, Brock and Tracey were smiling. Lucario still had his whole mystical master visage going on. When Ash looked back, Lorelei had already left.

"I believe you have something to say apprentice?" spoke Lucario, drawing Ash back to his friends.

"You're right. First, I want to apologize for my attitude. I treaded you all poorly today and I had no excuse. Sorry about that," Ash said with contrition.

"We all make mistakes Ash," nodded Tracey.

"How do you say it? No need to worry," smiled Brock.

"Apology accepted Apprentice. Please continue."

"What does he mean continue?" Brock asked. Ash sighed.

"I've been hiding something from you guys since we entered the Orange Islands. It's made me think I was crazy at times. I wanted to waive it off, ignore it, or just pretend it didn't matter. I guess it's time to face the facts though, this problem isn't going away, and I could use some help."

"What is it Ash?" Said Tracey. Ash tried to put it into words, tossing ideas around his head for a while.

"Remember that old man back on Fossil island?" started Ash.

"The one who gave that prophecy about the moon and the island," recalled Brock.

"Yeah. That's the guy. Well, I think I may be dealing with something similar."

"You found some sort of prophecy!" exclaimed Tracey.

"Not exactly. You see, I've been having these dreams, or visions," Ash tried to explain.

"When did you first start having these dreams apprentice?" urged Lucario, who had largely been silent, but now honed in on these words carefully.

"I think the first once was during the helicopter ride from Pallet Town to the Orange Islands," answered Ash.

"You think that's important?"

"More than important. It's everything. What was it you first started to actively practice before we left your home town?"

"AURA!" realized Ash excitingly.

"I'm not crazy… this is some sort of aura ability isn't it?"

"Indeed. Sir Aaron once spoke of it to me long ago, though he himself didn't have the gift," Lucario said, eyes far off.

"Sir Aaron spoke to you? I thought you said he lived thousands of years ago?" frowned Ash.

"Forgive me for not clarifying, but I meant a vision of Sir Aaron, similar to what you yourself are experiencing apprentice," corrected Lucario.

"So you have it too!" exclaimed Ash. Lucario shook his head.

"I said similar, but not the same. Mine was a vision of a spirit long lost to us. Yours seems to tell of events yet to come. It is an ability known as Aura Foresight. It supposedly tells the wielder of significant future events they themselves will be involved in. Aura Guardians often find themselves on the front lines when the world needs defending, so it is no surprise that these visions can be calamitous is nature. As I said though, Aaron himself didn't possess this ability, nor do I."

"I see," Ash said disappointedly.

"That does not mean your friends and I cannot help Ash. Tell us of what you have seen. Unload your burden, and we will face the challenges of the future together." Lucario added a rare smile at the end of this statement, bringing some light back to Ash's own features.

"You're right. I think the visions themselves take place on the Orange Islands, because each one is centered around the ocean and a few reoccurring islands," theorized Ash.

"Then it's probably something that will happen in the near future," pondered Brock.

"It makes sense since we're all here now," agreed Tracey.

"Continue apprentice. Give us more details."

"I've had three dreams, or visions I guess in total. Each one is different, but they all have shared characteristics. The biggest reoccurring one are the elements of lighting, ice and fire. They fight one another hard and then they turn their power on another force of nature," Ash said, thinking on his dreams.

"Well, Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres are three legendary Pokemon associated with those elements, and they are heavily referenced in Kanto lore," started Brock.

"They're pretty big here in the Orange Islands too." Tracey offered.

"A logical deduction. Is there more apprentice?" asked Lucario.

"There was this man in one of my dreams. I think he managed to capture the elements, or the legendary Pokemon. He had red eyes and a dark laugh. Kind of reminded me of Giovanni," shivered Ash. Finally, I keep hearing some sort of voice in each dream. I-I think it might actually be a prophecy.

"Do you remember the exact words? This could be crucial!" Ash didn't have to think about this one. The words had plagued his mind long enough.

"Disturb not the harmony of Fire, Ice, or Lightning lest these three Titans wreck destruction upon the world in which they clash. Though the water's Great Guardian shall arise to quell the fighting alone its song will fail. Thus the Earth shall turn to ash. O, Chosen One, into thine hands bring together all three. Their treasures combined tame the beast of the sea."

"Sounds like a prophecy to me," deadpanned Tracey.

"It's not something I've heard of, and I have heard my fair share," Lucario said with crossed arms.

"Then we'll just have to do some research. There's got to be some kind of reference somewhere on the Orange Islands," argued Brock.

"You guys really will help, won't you?" Ash said, cracking a smile. Brock and Tracey answered by bringing their friend into a bone-crushing hug. Even Lucario patted his apprentice on the back. Whatever was coming, they would face it together.

END CHAPTER

Things went a bit different than I planned. Initially, I did want to include the Mystery Menace episode, but I couldn't think of a way for it to add to the story. Thus, we have a slightly shorter chapter over 5K words with some adjustments. The Paul interlude is new, setting up a side conflict in the story that will take place during the Johto Arc. I also preemptively moved up Ash's first major loss in this story. Initially, I had planned for it sometime during the Indigo Plateau. Whether that was against an opponent, or a member of the Elite Four, I will not tell, because spoilers.

Next Time - Ash and friends try to look into the prophecy, we get our third Gym Battle in the Orange Islands, someone gets an unwanted admirer, and maybe Ash looks into solving a problem Brock brought up about a certain newly acquired Pokemon.

Reader - Thanks for the review! Tracey will not be sticking around long enough for his Scyther to evolve. Once I play Legends Arceus though, I will look into Ash's Scyther for a decision.

Talesfanjmf - Thank you for the review! I appreciate your thorough analysis, and am glad you like the unique twists and turns of this story. Please feel free to give any suggestions or critique through your reviews. I can't tell you how much better this story is because of reviewers who have contributed amazing ideas!

Espeon860 - Thanks for the review! Mega Evolution is still a while away. I think I will tie it into Hoenn, similar to ORAS.

61394 - Thanks for the review! Pikachu says hi back.

Remember to review with your thoughts and critique :)

Smell ya later!