The Floating Palace - Fire Island
Calm. Quiet. Peaceful. It was a mood or feeling that permeated Shamouti and the surrounding islands. Just the same as any other day, or so it seemed. No-one could know that today would be any different. Well, aside from one man. A man bent on achieving his self-proclaimed destiny.
For the first time since its creation, a massive airship descended from the clouds, coming into view for any that would be looking. It was the early morning though, and the descent took place over a lone island, uninhabited, save for a single resident that rested deep within. It was this lone inhabitant that Ghetsis Harmonia Gropius had come to acquire.
He sat on his throne-like chair, confident and filled with glee at the prospect of what was about to unfold. Behind him stood three silent individuals, garbed in their identical clothing, doing nothing but awaiting orders. In front of him, Ghetsis looked out the window, down onto Fire Island. Ironically, there seemed to be some amount of ice visible on the island. Otherwise, it looked to be nothing but rock formations attached to a volcano of sorts.
"Computer, scan the below island for the target," spoke the man, a hint of eagerness in the tone of the order.
"Scanning Fire Island," answered the robotic voice. Various sounds, beeps, and other technical indicators echoed throughout the large chamber. A ding sounded. In front of Ghetsis, a virtual display appeared, similar to a chess board. An icon representing the ship was dangerously close to a single square, and on that square rested…
"The Titan of Fire, Moltres, has been detected." Ghetsis smirked.
"Excellent. Now then, it is time to begin. Arm the cannons and aim." On the outside of the ship, previously motionless canons stirred, aiming themselves towards the below island below.
"Fire!" Blasts of powerful energy flew down on the island, bombarding it in a near constant barrage. It was fortunate that no human or vulnerable Pokemon made the island their home, for no part of the island was spared from the onslaught. This went on for a good while, Ghetsis unyielding in the attack on Fire Island, studying the attack with scrutiny.
There! He saw it. A glowing ember beneath the ice.
"Cease the attack! It appears we will soon have company," darkly chuckled the man. The cannons stopped firing, and as Ghetsis said, Moltres came out to play. A powerful stream of fire shattered the ice and from the icy depths Moltres burst forth, letting out an avian cry filled with anger and hate. Ghetsis could feel the glare from the creature from his throne-like chair. He was amused.
"Open fire on Moltres with the ice barrage." The cannons moved once more, this time releasing an unending stream of icy blasts at breakneck speed. Moltres weaved through, firing off Flamethrowers and Fire Blasts, trying to wreak havoc on the machine that dared to disturb its rest. It wasn't enough. Moltres began to cry out, as blasts soon hit their mark, seeming to study the creature's flying patterns and adapt to its movement. Then, Moltres stopped letting loose fire altogether. The Titan actually tried to flee. Ghetsis let out a malicious laugh.
"I don't think so. Computer, commence the capture." Countless metal devices escaped the ships from various intervals, teeming with electricity. All of them flew at a speed far faster than a severely wounded Pokemon, even if it was legendary. Soon enough, Moltres was surrounded, and trapped within a metal sphere, delivering super-effective electrical shocks to the Pokemon, as the sphere made its way back into the ship. Moltres finally collapsed, mercifully unconscious. On the virtual display in front of Ghetsis, Moltres disappeared from view, and the airship took the space it had previously occupied.
"Capture of the Titan of Fire, Moltres, successful," sounded the computer.
"Well then, I have taken the first piece in this game with little effort. It's truly a rare Pokemon, and one that could be put to great use. Legendary as it is though, Moltres is but a means to an end. For in conjunction with his brothers, he will unlock the true prize. Lugia, the guardian of the sea," hungrily said the man. His eyes were always red, but somehow in that moment, they just seemed that much more menacing.
The Weather Institute (Hoenn Region)
Across the seas from Kanto and Johto in the tropical region of Hoenn, and on the outskirts of Fortree City, the premiere weather institute known throughout the world resided. Inside, only two scientists were covering the early morning shift, monitoring various devices that tracked world-wide weather patterns. Only one of the two actually looked the part of scientist though.
The man was pasty white, tall, and relatively thin. He had short red slick back hair, an angular face, and glasses. His outfit also seemed to include various hints of red, but was for the most part the standard attire expected of a scientist.
The other man was comparatively wild. He had a tan-like skin tone, was slightly shorter, but well built. The man's hair was dark and all over the place, and he had facial hair to boot. His attire included a bandana, hints of blue, but had some semblances of scientist regalia at the very least.
"Maxie, take a look over here," called the shorter rugged man, eying his screen with interest. The taller man finished sipping a cup of coffee and set it down, walking over to his colleague.
"Yes Archie?" said the man with a raised eyebrow, now peering at his colleague's screen.
"I have the Orange Island weather patterns popped up here."
"I can see that," deadpanned Maxie. Archie rolled his eyes.
"Aye, but look closer mate. Notice anything?" Maxie sighed but dover deeper, analyzing the screen intensely.
"The temperature… it seems to be dropping, and rapidly at that. That can't be right though. The climate is warm and relatively stable there," mused the man, scratching his chin in thought.
"True. I've looked over these patterns for the past few weeks as well and there were no indicators of a shift either. It just came out of the blue an hour ago, and there looks to be storm cells forming," grimly replied Archie.
"Could this have anything to do with the super-cell that formed over Kanto a few months ago?" pondered Maxie.
"Tis possible mate, and it bears further research. However, them folks in Kanto said that was due to Team Rocket though, and their champion claimed those scoundrels were long gone," countered Archie. Maxie shook his head in exasperation.
"Regardless, I still think the events are linked on some level. The Rockets may not be involved, but someone or something is manipulating the weather. It's the only possibility that makes sense!"
"Weather manipulation eh? Perhaps, but yer getting lost in the details lad. The better question is what are we going to do about it," chuckled Archie, making Maxie turn a tint of red in embarrassment.
"You're right. The cause matters little at this point in time. I suppose we should contact our friends in Kanto and the Orange Islands, warning them of this temperature shift and possible storm cells," concluded Maxie.
"I'll see it done mate. Better yet, we can get those kids to do it for us. They practically worship the ground we walk on," smirked Archie.
"Shelly and Tabitha have better things to do than run errands, but very well," frowned Maxie, who walked back to his own desk. Both men didn't speak it, but they were deep in thought. Weather manipulation… It was something they would both look into further.
Orange Island Seas Maren's Boat
Far away from Ghetsis and his machinations, but not too far, a boat sailed the still calm waters of the Orange Islands, headed in the direction of Shamouti. It was a decent sized speedboat, with a second level where the captain steered the ship. There was more than enough room for the occupants. Speaking of, five human beings and a variety of Pokemon resided on said boat. There was Ash, Brock, and Tracey of course, along with some of their Pokemon like Pikachu, Espeon, and Marill. The bigger surprises were the others. Misty, Togepi, and Maren. Ash thought back to the circumstances that brought them to this very moment.
Kumquat Island (A Few Hours ago)
Holding her close, Ash could still detect everything that made Misty, well Misty. She had that same old pool smell, the short red hair, and attitude. The way she held herself though, that was a bit different. There was an underlying strength and confidence. Training at the Cerulean City Gym had clearly done her some much needed good. Of couse, the small Pokemon she held in one hand was also new, but that change was far more obvious.
"So Misty," Ash started, pulling away from her.
"It's great to see you, but how the heck are you even here?" wondered the boy. Misty bopped him on the head with her free hand.
"OW! What was that for?" scowled Ash.
"Same old Misty," Brock whispered to himself with a chuckle.
"That's for not letting me say hi to Brock, introducing me to your new friend, and letting me introduce my companion," counted off Misty, who also took time to scratch Pikachu's chin from his place on Ash's shoulder.
"Pikachu," grinned the mouse.
"Err… yeah. Heh. Sorry about that," fumbled Ash. Thankfully, Brock stepped in to save the day, followed by Tracey, Lucario, and Espeon.
"Great to have you Back Misty," smiled Brock, giving the girl a quick and gentle hug.
"Nice to see you too Brock. And you must be Tracey right?"
"That's right! I've heard loads about you Misty. These two can't ever seem to shut up about you to be honest," chuckled Tracey, shaking the girl's hand.
"All good things I hope?"
"Of course," nervously answered Brock.
"So, you are my apprentice's former companion," abruptly spoke Lucario, studying Misty. He quickly turned to Ash, giving the boy a sly smirk.
"I approve apprentice. She will make a fine mate."
"MATE? ASH RED KETCHUM! YOU BETTER START EXPLAINING AND MAKE IT GOOD!" roared Misty, beat red. Whether it was from anger, embarrassment, or agreement with Lucario's statement, none could tell, nor did they ask. Ash quickly soothed her worries, saying Lucario was kidding, with a glare in his direction. He also explained that Lucario was his aura teacher assigned by Lance. This calmed Misty down, who had to settle down her own agitated Pokemon now.
"Looks like a Togepi. So your egg hatched after all?" Ash asked, shifting the conversation.
"Smooth Ash, but yes. This little bundle of joy is Togepi, and she is my newest Pokemon. Yes you are! Yes you are!" cooed the girl.
"Pri! Pri!" babbled the Pokemon in delight.
"Togepi looks so adorable!" squealed Espeon, trying to get closer. A deliberate cough broke their attention, and everyone looked back to the remaining girl, who was just awkwardly standing there, staring at the assembled group.
"Sorry to break up your reunion and all, but I was starting to feel left out. Hi there. The name's Maren," waved the girl. She appeared to be a young adult, maybe in her late teens or early twenties, with wild green hair. Her outfit was that of an orange jumpsuit.
"I'm Ash. This is Brock, Tracey, Pikachu, Esepon, and Lucario. Guess you already know Misty?" retorted the boy.
"That's right," stepped in Misty, facing the group.
"I met Maren on the island a few hours ago. Might as well tell you why I'm here, and then she can pick up from there. Last night, I got a call from Professor Oak at the Cerulean City Gym. He said you guys might need some help soon, but didn't go too much into details. He figured I would be willing and he was right, so I agreed. He had a chopper ready for me in no time flat and it practically zoomed all the way down here in an overnight flight. Once I got off the aircraft, I met Maren, who Professor Oak said would also be coming here to help. Not sure how though," finished Misty. Ash was admittedly touched, seeing his friend drop everything and flying down from Kanto in a jiffy to offer aid. Still, he was confused about something.
"What help do we need?"
"I can answer that," chimed in Maren.
"You see, I wasn't contacted first by Professor Oak. My point of contact was an old friend. You might have heard of her. She goes by the name of Cynthia," grinned the girl. Ash's eyes widened in realization as he connected the dots.
"Then that means Professor Oak was able to get Cynthias' help with the prophecy," breathed the boy.
"Prophecy?" Misty asked. Ash waived it away, promising to explain more later.
"She did mention something about a prophecy, but frankly that stuffs a bit too mythical for my taste. Still, I owe Cynthia a favor or two, I have a boat, and I have a destination. The place you need to go is called Shamouti."
"I've lived in the Orange Islands my whole life and have never heard of it," frowned Tracey. Maren shrugged.
"I don't doubt it. Place is a tiny island that doesn't get much tourism. Most tend to overlook it, even natives like yourself. What it does have is a neat little shrine at the back of the island, and it is adjacent to three smaller islands called Lightning, Ice, and Fire. Does that mean anything to you kids?"
"EVERYTHING!" blurted out Ash in excitement, before restraining himself.
"I mean… um yes. Do you think you can take us there?"
"That's why I'm here. This way kids," chuckled the woman."
Orange Island Seas Maren's Boat (Back to the Present)
"Ash?" Misty asked, making the boy look her way. The two of them were currently leaning on the front end of the boat. Tracy was in the mid section, sprawled out by his Pokemon and sketching. Brock, who had already tried and failed to woo Maren, was having a more on topic discussion with her now up on the second deck.
"Yeah Misty?"
"Looks like you spaced out a bit. Have another one of your visions?" asked the girl. Ah yes. During the trip, Ash had filled in quite a few gaps for Misty, holding nothing back. He explained about his Aura Powers, the visions, the prophecy, and the whole nine yards. Heck, he'd even recounted all of their adventures in the Orange Islands. Misty herself had gotten a bit of a downed expression during that retelling.
She was probably bummed she missed out, thought the boy.
"Ash!" yelled the annoyed girl. Crap. He spaced out again.
"Sorry about that Misty. No, not another vision. I was just deep in thought. Anyway, you haven't said much about what you've been up to over the last few months. Why don't you do some sharing?"
"What is there to say Ash? I've been a Gym Leader. Ok… well there's more to it. You know about Togepi, but Ash I've grown stronger. Seel evolved into Dewgong, I've hardly lost a battle to any challenger, and things with my sisters have been getting better. They're actually starting to respect me! I've also had the opportunity to help some other down on their luck trainers improve. It's gratifying work and makes me genuinely happy," brightened the girl.
"That's wonderful Misty," Ash genuinely answered.
"Any luck with Gyarados?" Misty shook her head with a look of disappointment.
"None. I've tried, but he's just as wild as ever. Maybe Lorelei…"
"Lorelei?" asked Ash.
"It's nothing," quickly answered Misty.
"Doesn't sound like nothing. Funny you mentioned her though, because we ran into her a while back." Now Misty was surprised.
"You didn't say anything about that earlier Mr. Ketchum," she replied with narrowed eyes.
"Must have slipped my mind."
"So, what happened with Lorelei?" Misty impatiently asked.
"We had a battle."
"A battle?"
"A battle," nodded Ash.
"And?" Ash chuckled.
"She destroyed me Misty. It wasn't even close," sighed the boy.
"Oh. I'm sorry you had to go through that Ash," Misty said with a mixture of pity and apprehension.
"Sorry? No need for that. Actually, I'm glad it happened. She lit a fire under me Misty. It showed me that there is still so much more I can do. The loss gave me some needed humility too. I'm glad to have experienced it," smiled the boy, before turning to Misty again.
"Now, what were you saying about Lorelei?" Misty's heart began to race. Could she do it? Could she tell him about the offer and her decision, especially just after they reconnected?
"Ash… I…"
"Look alive kids!" Maren shouted from the upper deck. Ash turned towards the girl, while Misty let out a sigh in relief, doing the same.
"What's up Maren?" Ash shouted back.
"Storms brewing and the waves are getting choppy. Need you kids to back away from the railing and stick towards the center of the boat!" Ash looked around and found she was right. Where did that come from? It felt like it was bright and sunny just a little while ago. Now, Ash could see dark clouds approaching. He could also feel the boat noticeably rock back and forth.
"Understood!" Ash answered back, walking towards Tracey with Misty. Lucario approached him with a serious expression.
"Can you feel it apprentice? The change? Cast out your senses." Ash breathed deeply, closing his eyes, and trying to capture what his master described. His aura abilities were growing, but there was a limit to what Ash could do. He couldn't get a feel for what his master seemed to be sensing. There was something else though. Thousands of little signatures beneath the waves frantically swam in a frenzy towards Shamouti. It seemed off? In the air, Ash got the sense of something similar happening, though to a lesser extent for now. His own Pokemon were noticeably tense based on their own aura signatures. That's right. They had been awfully quiet for a while now. Perhaps they could sense it too?
"The Pokemon in the ocean, the sky, and here… Master, I can sense their agitation. Something is coming," Ash answered with open eyes.
"I'm afraid you're right apprentice. I'm afraid you're right."
Pallet Town
Professor Samuel Oak was doing something quite unusual. Well, unusual for him and at his age. He had decided to break out his old bicycle, and was currently cycling to one Delia Ketchum's residence. It was the fastest means he had to get there. His grandson had given away the family car to a group of fan girls, but that was another matter entirely.
The reason for his need for speed was a phone call he had received not twenty minutes ago. Researchers from the Hoenn Region's famed Weather Institute were picking up an anomaly in the Orange Island's temperature and weather tracking patterns. Apparently, it was one that was spreading outwards, and now they had pinpointed the source. It all emanated from Shamouti. His blood has run cold at that and now he just knew that his hunch was right! Ash and his friends were headed for trouble. He had sent young Misty along with one of Cynthia's associates, but that wasn't enough for him. He had to do more. First though, he needed to bring Delia up to speed.
Huffing and puffing, Professor Oak cycled onward, coming to the Ketchum residence within a few more minutes.
Good! It appears Delia is out in her garden, and with Red's Pikachu as well, noticed the man.
"Professor Oak! What a delight! I haven't seen you on that bike in years. Why you must be exhausted? May I get you something? Perhaps lemonade?" beamed Delia, standing up in her gardening attire.
"I appreciate your offer Delia, but I'm afraid there is little time for pleasantries. It's about Ash," said the man in a serious manor. Delia's joyful expression shifted to one of worry and concern instantly.
"What about Ashy? Is he ok?"
"Right now he is. However, I've just received word that he is headed for trouble in the Orange Islands and I intend to help. As his mother, you have the right to know, so I thought I'd stop by."
"When do we leave?" Delia immediately asked, all business. Oak chuckled.
"I figured that might be your response. That's why I brought these," smiled the man, pulling out two Pokeballs. Delia was about to ask more, but her eyes turned to terror as she yanked the man off his bike and into the garden. Just in time too.
"TRIO! TRIO! TRIO!" Sounded a large caravan of Dugtrio, thrashing through the road and taking the bike with them.
"Unusual," commented the man, pulling himself and Delia up.
"Thank you for the save my dear, though they've absconded with my bike," frowned Professor Oak.
"Look!" Delia pointed upward. The Professor did so.
"Snow?" Small white pellets began to fall down on them. In addition, flocks of Pidgey and their evolutions flew overhead, flying in the same southward direction as the Dugtrio headed. In the next instant, they were gone, as was the snow.
"What on earth is going on?" questioned Delia.
"I think it has to do with the events in the Orange Islands, and the Pokemon can sense it. We've little time to dawdle. Come Delia, it's time we depart," said the man, releasing two draconic-like Pokemon from the Pokeballs. Delia recognized them both, gave the man a firm nod, and hopped on her ride. Red's Pikachu joined her.
I'm on my way Ashy!
Shamouti Island
The sky was a dark grey when they had finally arrived, having fought against the rough waves. Along the way, Ash had noticed crackling sparks of electricity overhead and a noticeably decreasing temperature. Now though, they were here, unconventionally docked directly on a sandy beach.
"This is Shamouti Island?" Ash asked, jumping from the boat down to the sand. His friends, Pokemon, and Meran joined him. The latter nodded in his direction.
"You got it. Quaint little place isn't it?" Ash looked around, taking in the vicinity, though there wasn't much to see. A stone wall of sorts spread across the beach with a staircase near the gang's arrival point. That was it. No people or Pokemon were in sight.
"Didn't you mention a festival on the way over? The place looks deserted," commented Brock.
"Huh… I could have sworn it was around this time. Guess I was off. My friend should still be able to help you out though. She's pretty involved with the annual traditions."
"Whatever we're doing, let's do it quick. I'm starting to get the chills," shivered Misty. With that, Meran led Ash and his friends up the stairs and into the local village. Within the settlement, they finally came across some people. Most of the populace were putting away various goods and merchandise from their stalls, shutting doors, blocking windows, and so on. They were clearly anticipating some kind of poor weather. As to the architecture, the buildings themselves were also primarily based in stone, fitting the theme from earlier. Pillars supported various structures with more modern wooden supports built in intermittently.
Meran stopped by one stall, asking an older man for general directions, pointing her and everyone else towards a gathering spot of sorts. Like everything else, it was also made of stone. It had a roof, pillars, various built in tables, and a stage. Ash took a deep breath, seeing a painting on the stage wall, sprinting away from the group. Coming closer, the details were clear.
"Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres," whispered the boy aloud, tracing his fingers on the carving. Between the three creatures, a silver-white creature had its wings spread out in the artistry. It was akin to something between a dragon or a rather large bird.
"This must be…"
"Lugia, guardian of seas," answered a feminine voice. Taken a back, Ash turned to see a girl around his age. She wore a pink tank top, blue jeans, sandals, and a green cap. Ash's focus however was drawn to her long-flowing hair split in two and her facial features.
"You…"
"Me? Me what?" Asked the girl.
"You're the girl from my dreams," Ash said in awe. For the second time in the past 24 hours, Ash received a bonk to the head, curtesy of an irritated young woman.
END CHAPTER
Short chapter, but I wanted to update since it has been forever. Have a few pieces of news to share as well.
First of all, Legend's Arceus is amazing! I've put over 60 hours into the game, focusing on Pokedex completion. Just beat the main story today. Have caught some cool shiny Pokemon (alpha shiny Ambipom) and getting some ideas for this Fanfic, especially in Sinnoh. Thinking of a timeline split Fanfic where Ash possibly takes the place of the main character in Legends Arceus, but that is way down the line.
The other news is that I landed a new job at a Fortune 500 company! This was the big news I alluded to at the end of the last chapter. Pretty excited, though it will mean way more work and less writing timing.
Today, Ghetsis's plan began to unfold, Ash reunited with Misty, Delia and Oak are on the way, the gang made it to Shamouti, and we met two eco-terrorists. I've seen Archie and Maxie introduced early before and like the idea of fleshing them out. Never have I seen them as scientists working at the weather institute though, so figured it would be unique.
Next Time - More interaction with our Hoenn villains, Ash and friends begin their heroics, and the gang comes face to face with Ghetsis himself.
LegendaryArchon - Thanks for the review! Glad you liked the chapter. Hope you like this one as well.
Mr. Darklord - Thanks for the review! When you catch up, feel free to fire away with feedback or ideas.
Dragon2340 - Thanks for the review! Not sure what you mean about sequel. Do you mean the chapter? Usually they come whenever I have time or feel inspired. As for Cilan and Iris, maybe their game variants will enter the story, but not as main characters.
Guest - Thanks for the review! Not sure if Alan will show up. Ash will be getting mega evolution eventually though, and he will face the infuriating trainer from Sinnoh that was created to stop his victory.
Captain Sammy Angel - Thanks for the review! There will be some changes here and there, and I hope you enjoy them.
Reader2 - Thanks for the review! It was the lady who ferried Ash and his friends to Shamouti at the beginning of the second movie. She was the friend Cynthia referenced a few chapters back.
Talesfanjmf - Thanks for the review! Glad you liked the Misty reappearance. Decided to bring her in at the last minute lol.
Espeon860 - Thanks for the review! We will see how that vision plays out (grins evily).
Reader - Thanks for the review! Hope you enjoyed this first chapter of the arc.
Remember to review with your thoughts and critique : )
Smell ya later!
