Hi Everyone, I decided to update this story a little earlier. Now, a fair warning, most of this is nearly identical to the movie. It is my favourite Pokémon movie, which is why a lot of it hasn't changed very much. I have tried to add bits and pieces to hint at future developments. The most significant change would be that Team Rocket isn't here, so there are significant changes later, but it largely follows the same narrative.
I'll be updating on the first of each month from now on until I complete this Arc, which I hope will be by the end of this month.
FYI, there are no Past Segments for the next five chapters.
Anyway, Enjoy!
Chapter 17 – The Power of One Part 1
"Disturb not the harmony of fire, ice, or lightning," Lawrence the Third recited aloud, repeating the words written on the ancient scripture he held. "Less these titans wreak 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. Oh, Chosen One, into thine hands, bring together all three. Their treasures combined tame the beast of the sea."
Lawrence the Third looked up at the sky outside his flying fortress and smiled. "Now, it begins."
A chime from the fortress' computer drew Lawrence's attention. "Analysis indicates that the titan of fire, referred to in the ancient inscription, is the legendary Pokémon, Moltres. Believed to have originated in a remote region of the Orange Islands," the computer explained as Lawrence walked towards the command chair in the centre of the ship. "The titan of lightning is the Pokémon Zapdos, and Articuno is the titan of Ice. Historical documents confirm that the three legendary Pokémon titans are unique to their species, found only in the vicinity of Shamouti Island."
Lawrence sat down in the chair, made to mimic a throne seen in ancient times. "Moltres, Zapdos, and Articuno," he said as a holographic map of the Orange Archipelago appeared in front of him. "Any one of them would be a priceless addition to my collection. But together, they are the three keys that unlock the ultimate treasure."
The holographic map zoomed in, the image replaced with Shamouti and the three elemental islands. "Pokémon matching subject parameters, Moltres, Articuno, and Zapdos detected," the computer explained as three icons appeared over the elemental islands.
"Then, let's get started," Lawrence commanded as he flipped a switch, his seat rising towards the ceiling. His throne continued to rise, passing through a hole in the roof and into a small tunnel, with lights evenly spaced to illuminate the small passage. "Which one is nearest?" Lawrence questioned.
"The fire Pokémon, Moltres," the computer explained.
"Good," Lawrence said as the throne came to a stop. Seated at the top of his flying fortress, the glass windows and open space gave him a great view of the surrounding airspace. The clouds parted as his fortress neared the first island.
With his fortress high enough that he could see the four islands quite easily, Lawrence couldn't help but smile as his plan went into motion. As the ship neared the first island, held up by dozens of propellors that kept it in the air, Lawrence activated one of its many weapon systems. The bottom of the ship dropped down, revealing several cannons.
Immediately, the cannons began to fire ice pallets at the first island, blanketed the island in a thick sheet of ice. "To awaken a slumbering titan, you need overwhelming firepower and to make it feel like another titan is threatening it," Lawrence muttered. "Fear, it is the only way to summon such a beast."
As the events unfolded below, Lawrence monitored the holographic chequered board in front of him, watching his ship move from one square to the next; as the ship moved closer to its target, Moltres, symbolised by a red flaming bird.
Suddenly, awakened by the bombardment, Moltres unleashed a flurry of heat that melted the ice covering the cave where it had been slumbering. Bursting out in a fit of rage, the flaming bird cried loudly as it rose to challenge its attacker.
As Moltres flew towards the ship, it's yellow and fiery feathers blazing ahead of its red and white burning tail feathers, Lawrence prepared himself, launching several pellets of ice at the bird. "Now, the chase is on."
Moltres effectively dodged the initial barrage, but the rate that the ice pellets were being shot was too fast for the Pokémon to counter. It eventually overwhelmed the Pokémon; its fiery body covered melting the freezing ice. While the attack wasn't effective, it did slow down the Pokémon enough for the next phase of Lawrence's plan.
Releasing several mechanical hoops from the ship, Moltres stood no chance as the rings flew straight for it. The Legendary Pokémon attempted to dodge the rings. Still, the electrical energy they released was enough to overcome the Pokémon's strength, and before long, the Pokémon was caught between two of them that encircled it.
Unable to retaliate as the rings released large amounts of energy to paralyse the Pokémon, Moltres cawed in pain as it was carried into the ship, where it would be unable to escape. The floating fortress' base rose, and its cargo bay closed, sealing the Pokémon inside.
"Well, I've taken the first piece without much difficulty," Lawrence happily stated as the figure of Moltres on his holographic board disappeared. "It's like a simple game of chess." Suddenly, the board changed. "Next, I'll capture Zapdos and Articuno soon after," he muttered as figures of the two Pokémon appeared on the board. "And that will flush out the king. And then, that's when the game's going to get interesting. Bring together all three; their treasures combined tame the beast of the sea. Lugia."
The sun shone brightly on the beautiful cloudy day as Ash, Misty, and Tracey relaxed on the ferry, transporting them to Kumquat Island. "Ugh, nice day," Ash yawned, stretching his arms as he relaxed near the rear of the small boat.
"It's beautiful," Misty agreed, watching the ripples in the water left by the boat's wake. "This was an amazing idea. We'll save tonnes of time and free up our Pokémon."
"Yeah," Ash agreed. "It's given Lapras a nice long rest."
"Hey, Ash?" Tracey questioned, approaching the younger trainers from the front of the boat. "Do you think we'll have time to give our Pokémon a little fresh air?"
"Of course, Tracey," Maren, the ship's captain, advised. She wore orange tracksuit pants and an orange jacket, protecting her from the water spray her ship splashed up as it cut its way through the ocean. Her green hair protected from the wind by a small hat. "We're still an hour away from the next island. There's plenty of time."
Excited, Ash, Misty and Tracey released several of their Pokémon. Ash released Lapras and Blastoise into the ocean, while Ivysaur and Riolu stood happily on the boat, breathing in the fresh air. Misty followed suit, releasing several of her water-types to swim alongside the larger Pokémon, while Tracey released his Scyther, Venonat, and Marill at the front of the ship.
Everyone was delighted with the relaxing trip, especially compared to their recent misadventures, and were looking forward to a couple of days of relaxation once they reached their destination.
But just as the trainers and Pokémon got comfortable, a bank of ominous dark stormy clouds appeared on the horizon, a stark contrast to the pearly white clouds a few moments before. Ash sensed something, a shiver travelling down his spine.
Pikachu, seated at the front of the ship, sensed the shift in the weather, his red cheeks sparking slightly in response.
"Can you feel that?" he questioned, a cold chill covering his body.
"What're you talking about?" Misty questioned. While she could sense the danger the clouds presented, ready to return her Pokémon at a moment's notice, she couldn't say she could feel anything else.
"I…" Ash paused, trying to come up with an explanation. "I can't explain it. It feels like there's been a dramatic shift, that my body is reacting to it, but I can't tell what's causing it. I've never felt this way before."
Misty became worried, but her concern was quickly diverted to her Pokémon as a rough wave hit the ship.
"Return your Pokémon," Maren commanded, fear evident in her voice. "Those clouds aren't the only thing coming this way."
Ash, Misty, and Tracey just managed to return their Pokémon when the next rough wave clashed with the side of the ship, knocking them over. Scurrying to hold onto something, Ash and Misty grabbed either side of the railing on the boats rear, while Tracey had settled near the front of the ship, clinging onto the side railing.
The ship was battered and pushed on all sides by the waves, but Maren couldn't help but feel they were being pushed towards a new destination at an ever-increasing rate; the water seemed to be directing them towards a certain island.
But Pikachu seemed more focused than ever, his eyes remaining transfixed on the horizon ahead of them.
Deep below the sea, the oceans underwater currents whirled chaotically, dramatically altered by the events above. In these deep waters, a slumbering beast awakened, disturbed by the dramatic shift. Its eyes glowed blue as it followed the current, swimming towards its destination.
Up above, the ferry was pushed faster and faster, and before long, Maren was able to make out the outline of Shamouti Island. "We're way off course," she said, drawing the attention of the three trainers who were now all hunkered down at the rear of the ship. "That's Shamouti," she explained. "We're right in the middle of the Orange Islands, and these waves pushed us here faster than it has ever before. We shouldn't be here."
Ash, Misty, and Tracey watched as the waves pushed the ship passed the island's lighthouse and into the island's harbour. "I wonder what could have caused that?" Misty questioned.
No one answered; none had any idea, but Ash couldn't shake the strange feeling running through his body. Meanwhile, Pikachu never took his eyes off the island, determination and worry evident as he stared out.
In Pallet Town, the sun still shone pristinely on a lovely day as a flock of Pidgy flew frantically over the town, heading towards the Orange Islands. Delia Ketchum tended to her garden, watering some tomato plants as the fruit began to ripen. Mr Mime diligently swept nearby.
"Good morning, Delia," Professor Oak greeted as he rode up the road on his bike. "Well, you certainly have a green thumb."
"Thanks, Professor," Delia greeted, ceasing to water her plants. "The thing is, I've been getting a lot of help with my garden lately. The weather's been just beautiful."
"Well, this is the time of year when the sun shines every day," Oak admitted.
Suddenly, a powerful gust of wind blew over them. Professor Oak reacted by shielding his eyes from leaves that flew into his face. Meanwhile, Delia clutched at her chest with her hand. Professor Oak, noticing Delia's tense reaction, approached the woman.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
"Not really," Delia admitted. "Can't you sense it?"
"What're you talking about?"
"I'm not sure," Delia explained, her eyes narrowing in confusion.
Their attention was quickly pulled to the stormy clouds that appeared in the sky, blocking out the sun. Rain poured from the heavens as a dark and dreary day took hold. Mr Mime ran inside to shield himself before returning with an umbrella to cover Delia.
Professor Oak attempted to shield himself from the downpour but failed miserably without any cover. Meanwhile, Delia watched on, confused and concerned, as the rain disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.
"That was strange," Professor Oak stated.
"Yeah," Delia agreed. "It passed by so quickly." Suddenly, a light flurry of snow began to fall, shocking the two adults. "Oh, my, it looks like snow," Delia said without thinking. "It is snow. But it's the middle of summer. How can it snow?"
"I don't know," Professor Oak admitted. "Perhaps this is what you were sensing? There could have suddenly been a shift in temperature."
"Maybe. But if it is, then the snow is only an effect, not the cause," Delia explained.
They watched in amazement as flocks of Pidgy flew over the town, flying southward. Astonishingly, as quickly as the weather phenomenon appeared, it disappeared, the sky returning to its beautiful sunny day.
But the strange events didn't stop there when suddenly a large group of Diglett raced down the road. They lifted Professor Oak's bike off the ground, carrying it away with them after the older professor quickly jumped off it.
When Mr Mime began to yell frantically, Delia realised something was very wrong. "Mr Mime is very upset," Delia explained. "Adding in the Pidgy and Diglett we just saw, and the strange weather patterns, plus the feeling I have; something must be wrong."
"Yes," Professor Oak agreed. "Pokémon are more in tune with nature than humans. When something goes wrong, they can sense it. I don't know what's happened, but I'm afraid something somewhere is going terribly wrong."
Pikachu worriedly looked out towards the ocean after the boat crashed into the island's coastal beach, staring at the three islands nearby.
Ash, Misty, and Tracey hopped off the boat, relieved to be on dry land. The whole ordeal scared them, having never been trapped on a boat in such a situation before. "We sure are lucky," Ash admitted.
"If we hadn't found this place, we'd be in real trouble," Misty agreed.
Tracey turned to travel inland when he noticed something that scared him. "Uh, I think we still might be," he stated. Ash and Misty followed his gaze and immediately paled. Standing above them on a stone wall that cut off the edge of the beach were a group of people in strange outfits that resembled native garments, with bird-shaped masks that covered their entire heads, down to their shoulders.
The people jumped down from the stone wall and converged on the three trainers, who retreated to the side of the boat in fear. Silently, they stared at Ash, Misty, and Tracey. The three trainers didn't know what to do. Should they run? Should they hide? Or should they fight their way out?
Many possible scenarios played out in their heads, but ultimately, none of them came to fruition as the person in front with orange feathers ringed around its neck spoke up. "Maren, how are you?" The person removed their mask to reveal a young woman with dark brown hair and large light brown flat earrings adorned on each ear. "It's been a while."
"Carol, I can't believe it!" Maren greeted, standing on top of the boat. "It's great to see you!"
"What're you doing back on Shamouti Island?" Carol asked.
"We got caught up in that storm and floated in," Maren explained. "And it looks like we got here at the perfect time."
"You're right," Carol confirmed. "The annual legends festival starts today."
"This is my favourite island holiday," Maren confessed. "Are you going to be the star of the show again?" she added as she mimicked playing the flute
"No, I'm too old to be the festival maiden anymore," Carol admitted. "So this year, my little sister is going to take over for me! Wonder where she could-"
"I'm right here!" a young woman called out from atop the stone wall. Compared to the clothes the others wore, her clothing was surprisingly modern, wearing blue jeans and a pink and black tank top. Her green beret covered her long auburn hair that was held up in two ponytails. "The only one not wearing some stupid costume."
Ash and Misty couldn't help but wonder why the young girl wore sunglasses in such pour light but never questioned it.
"You'd think after a few centuries, you would have outgrown this dorky ritual," the girl added, her hands defiantly on her hips.
"It's our tradition!" Carol argued, aggrieved by her younger sister's rebellious tone. "You should be honoured to take part."
"Don't worry; I'll play my roll in the big legend." The girl dismissively waved off. "I've only seen you do it like a gazillion times."
"Just be there!" Carol demanded before turning back towards the three trainers. "Well, unfortunately, that's my little sister. Her name is Melody. But don't get fooled; she's not always this adorable," Carol added the last part with a hint of disgust. "So, who's this?" she asked Maren.
"Oh, sorry, this is Ash Ketchum. He's a Pokémon Trainer," Maren explained.
"Pokémon Trainer!" the crowd gasped, jumping for joy as serval began to dance.
Ash reacted with shock, but he was silently happy that they hadn't linked his last name back to his father.
"The ancient legend foretells your arrival, and only with you can the guardian of the waters vanquish the grate titans of fire, ice, and lightning!" another announced, their blue feathered mask hiding their face as they approached the trio. "In your hands, oh Chosen One!" the man declared, lifting the beak to reveal his face. "In your hands, rest the world and its fate!"
"It does?" Ash nervously questioned, confused.
"Huh, don't let it worry you, kid!" The man smiled, amused by Ash's reaction. "That's just for the tourists!"
"So, you're a Pokémon Trainer, huh?" Melody asked, approaching the trio after jumping down onto the sandy beach. She pulled her glasses down to get a better look at Ash, eyeing him curiously. "Hmm. I'll guess he'll do," she added, removing her glasses, as she approached Ash. "Here's your traditional welcome kiss."
She planted her lips on Ash's cheek, kissing him for only a brief moment before pulling away. But the damage had been done. Ash reacted in complete shock, freezing as her soft lips landed on his cheek.
Meanwhile, Tracey didn't know what to make of the whole situation. In the time they'd been travelling together, no one had made an advance on Ash. He didn't know what to do; he didn't know how his two younger friends would react.
But perhaps it was Misty who had the biggest reaction. While Ash nervously blushed as Melody pulled away, Misty was borderline fuming, her face cascading into a red hue.
Melody noticed Misty's reaction, growing confused. "Are you his little sister?"
"I am not!" Misty angrily declared, glaring at the other girl. "My name's Misty, and I'm just another trainer travelling with Ash!"
"Well, then I guess you must be his girlfriend?" Melody had made the statement in a questioning tone, but Misty, clouded by her furry, took it as an accusation.
"Ugh, gross," Misty replied, nearly spitting in disgust.
"Oh, I don't think so!" Melody teased. "I'll be glad to play for him tonight at the legend banquet. Starts around eight," she added as she put her sunglasses back over her eyes. "Oh, and Misty, try not to get jealous."
Misty angrily pouted at her statement while Tracey and Ash nervously laughed; they had no idea what to make of the recent developments.
"We have found our Chosen One!" the man from before declared, his blue-coloured bird mask covering his face again.
Ash, Misty, and Tracey were quickly ushered along as the celebratory ceremony would soon begin. But Pikachu wasn't as excited as his trainer, worriedly staring up at the darkened sky.
What does Lawrance the Third have planned? What will happen during the ceremony? Find Out Next Time!
I hope you enjoyed this first part of the five parts!
Any questions, Pokémon suggestions, ideas for the story, or OC's you have that you would like to see in the story, just PM me or send it in a review! All are welcome!
Ash's Pokémon:
On Hand:
Pikachu (Electric) (Male)
Lapras (Water/Ice) (Female)
Ivysaur (Grass/Poison) (Male)
Charizard (Fire/Flying) (Male)
Blastoise (Water) (Male)
Rhydon (Ground/Rock) (Female)
Riolu (Fighting) (Male)
Snorlax (Normal) (Male)
Ralts (Psychic/Fairy) (Male) (Shiny)
Grubbin (Bug) (Female) (Shiny)
At Oak's Ranch:
Pidgeot (Normal/Flying) (Male)
Arcanine (Fire) (Male)
Nidorino (Poison) (Male) (Shiny)
Umbreon (Dark) (Male) (Shiny)
Raticate (Normal) (Female)
Butterfree (Bug/Flying) (Male)
Kingler (Water) (Female)
Absol (Dark) (Male)
Gengar (Ghost/Poison) (Male)
Primeape (Fighting) (Female)
Muk (Poison) (Male)
Tauros (Normal) (Male) (x23)
Sandslash (Ground) (Male)
Gyarados (Water/Flying) (Male)
Dragonair (Dragon) (Female)
Beldum (Steel/Psychic) (Shiny)
Departed:
Mew
Misty's Pokémon:
On Hand:
Starmie (Water/Psychic)
Seel (Water) (Male)
Feebas (Water) (Female)
Vaporeon (Water) (Female)
Psyduck (Water) (Male)
Togepi (Fairy) (Male)
Egg
At Oak's Ranch:
Kabutops (Rock/Water) (Male) (Shiny)
Seaking (Water) (Female)
Staryu (Water/Psychic)
Tentacruel (Water/Poison) (Male)
Pelipper (Water/Flying) (Female)
Seadra (Water) (Female)
Froakie (Water) (Female)
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Until Next Time, AshleyH30 Out!
