The Child of Nature
Tell me, Doctor,
Where are we going this time?
Is this the fifties?
Or nineteen ninety-nine?
All I wanted to do
Was play my guitar and sing.
So take me away,
I don't mind
But you better promise me
I'll be back in time!
Gotta get back in time!
Don't bet your future
On one roll of the dice.
Better remember
That lightning never strikes twice.
Please don't drive at eighty-eight!
Don't wanna be late again!
Take me away,
I don't mind
But you better promise me
I'll be back in time!
Gotta get back in time!
Gotta get back in time!
Get me back in time!
Back in time, Huey Lewis and the News
Ash smiled as he caressed the Pokéball containing his new partner. Noctowl had come to him no long after the Ghost Battle, his heart reaching out to his. The Pokémon had been curious. He was suspecting something about the boy and wanted confirmation. Ash had answered and joined their heart… and Noctowl had all but begged to join him, having the confirmation that the boy was indeed the Chosen with a Golden Heart. Ash hadn't refused, especially since it meant Noctowl was safe from any poacher coming after him. The three tree-walker Rangers hadn't said no.
The group had returned to Len Town the Ghost Ward in hand. Upon hearing Giratina himself had claimed the monster to his realm, the elder hadn't argued and gratefully taken the jewel, especially after finding out the Spiritomb had rallied the entire Ghost population in an army.
"You were right to accept, Cherry. A Pokémon of such might would have handily defeated our strongest Psychics."
Ash had then sent Fraxure home to give Noctowl a spot. The Dragon hadn't minded the slightest. He was missing his mother, anyway. Now, the group was in a small city crossed by a river. Silver, Gary, Misty and Brock were waiting by the ferry. Ash was still away and Silver could sense him in some part of the town. Brock frowned.
"He's late. The ferry will leave soon."
Silver turned to Gary and nodded. The brunette focused.
. . . . .
Ash was facing a young boy with his Croconaw. The boy taunted him.
"So, ready for next round or are you gonna chicken out?"
"Chicken out? I'm not the one who lost two Pokémon in two moves!"
Indeed, the boy was down to his last Pokémon. His Jumpluff had quickly been incinerated by Cyndaquil and Totodile had made short work of his Natu. Ash took a Pokéball.
"Time to see what my new partner can do! Go, Noctowl!"
The Shiny Pokémon emerged and flew in front of Ash. The boy's eyes widened.
"A Shiny Pokémon? How did you get it?"
"He saved me from some Ghosts. Ready?"
"You bet! Croconaw, Water Pulse!"
Ash grinned.
"Noctowl, Wing Attack!"
Noctowl dodged effortlessly the water sphere and collided with Croconaw, sending him flying. Then Ash gave his second order and Noctowl took advantage of the crocodile's airborne situation to hit with Extrasensory. Croconaw was unconscious when it hit the ground.
"And that makes three. Sorry I had to make it fast but I got a ferry to catch."
Ash's tone was sheepish. The boy's face fell.
"You were headed to the ferry? Sorry, I didn't know. You should've told. I would have let you go…"
At that moment, Gary's voice echoed in Ash's head.
'Ash, the ferry is about to leave. Hurry up!'
'Incoming!' Ash answered.
Bidding the boy farewell, the Aura Guardian went to the ledge. He could see the river from atop the hill. A series of rooftops was in the way. The boy grinned. Time to hone some non-Pokémon fighting skills…
"What do you think, Pikachu, Noctowl? What about a race?"
The two grinned. Jumping on the ledge, the boy leaped and landed on a rooftop. Pikachu was close behind. Jumping from roof to roof, Ash ran as fast as he could. Noctowl was flying above them, slaloming between chimneys, while his Trainer vaulted over a gap, bounced on a chimney, landed on a roof, grabbed a pole holding a sign, landed on another roof and kept running. Pikachu was right on his heels.
Misty and Brock raised a brow when they saw their friend cat-leaping above a ledge.
"Free-running, huh?"
"It's always a nice skill to have." Silver retorted. "Going from Point A to Point B the fastest and easiest way…"
The boy had finally reached the quay when a luggage carrier rolled before him. Ash didn't slow down. Instead, he wall-ran on a large crate and jumped on the other side, landing in a roll before his friend.
"Here I am!"
"Took you long enough." Misty huffed. "Battling again?"
"He didn't know I was heading to the ferry. I tried to make it short."
"Come on, kids." Silver grinned. "Let's go."
Ash returned Noctowl and got on the boat, Pikachu on his shoulder. He was watching his reflection in the water when a familiar Arbok appeared. Ash grinned and scratched him under the head.
"Hello, Rogue."
The purple snake hissed in pleasure. His Trainer was quick to shop up.
"Hey there, Ash!"
The group grinned as Jessie, James and Meowth joined them.
"It's been some time. How are you doing?"
"Actually…" James looked at Jessie's stomach and grinned. "Better than expected."
"Even though mornings are getting rough." Jessie cringed. "I knew pregnancy wasn't pleasant, but still…"
The group was silent.
"…Jessie's pregnant!?"
"That's right." Meowth grinned. "Birth should be in six months. So, what brings you there?"
Ash smiled brightly.
"Congratulation! We're crossing Ilex Forest toward Goldenrod for now. Gary and I have two badges and we recently defeated a whole army of Ghost Pokémon. Tell you what, it was a heated fight!"
"Wow!" Meowth's eyes widened. "A Pokémon army? That had to be impressive!"
"It was." Silver smiled. "So, how's the hunt for the Rocket Rebels going?"
James looked at the water darkly.
"Not as well as we expected. Petrel and Archer are still out there despite Petrel's defeat at Azalea Town. Worse still, our spies reported the Rebels sent one of their specialists, a man called the Iron-Masked Marauder, after the Celebi living in Ilex Forest. According to their intelligence, one should show soon."
"How would they know?" Gary frowned.
"Celebi is a time-traveller." Silver answered. "Someone must have travelled in time at his side and recorded the travel. Don't ask me more, though. Time magic is always tricky to handle. Now… they are really going to target Celebi? Dialga never takes kindly to one of his children harmed."
James raised a brow.
"Celebi is Dialga's child?"
"Yes." The Ancient closed his eyes. "If I recall, no long after the Merging, Dana was using her powers to revitalize a forest when Dialga met her. Now, he may not be very fond of Ancients but he still fell in love with her. And it was mutual. In Spring, they fell in love. In Summer, Dana bore their child. In Autumn, she gave birth to it. In Winter, she died closing the rift over the part of Ilex Forest that would become the Bulbasaur Garden. Dialga was deeply saddened by her disappearance. As for Celebi, its origins explain its two main abilities. From Dialga, it got the ability to jump through time. From Dana, it got the ability to restore nature whenever it went, hence its title of Guardian of the Forest."
"Wait." Brock frowned. "You said they got one child. And yet, we know there's the Celebi in the Council and the Shiny Celebi that's always with Nathea. How many kids did they have exactly?"
"I don't really know." Silver shrugged. "I was kinda busy when it came to life. However, I think there were at least four, Shiny girl included."
Misty looked away.
"So, what's our next stop? The Rocket Rebels are also our problem and, given Ash's nature as a Chosen…"
"Arborcity." James answered. "It is close to the largest shrine dedicated to Celebi. The Iron-Masked Marauder is bound to stop there at some point."
It took two hours to reach the treetop town thanks to a halt at one of Team Rocket's hideout to retrieve a hot-air balloon. Arborcity was an old tree-walker settlement that still housed a small population of elves and monkey men. It was also the location of the Ranger HQ.
"What are we doing, now?" Misty asked.
"Now, we go to the shrine and wait. The moment the Iron-Masked Marauder shows up, we take him down like we do any Rebel."
"Sounds good to me."
"I'm afraid this won't be an option."
The group turned, surprised. Oxella, the tree-walker Ranger, was there.
"Access to Celebi's Shrine has been forbidden since that incident fifty years ago, during which a young Trainer ventured near the shrine at the same time a Celebi showed up and disappeared, never to be found. All that remained was his notebook."
The group looked at one another. Ash summoned the Heart Flute.
"Actually, I am the Chosen with a Golden Heart, one of the Chosen Duo. Celebi is a Legendary Pokémon, and chances are he is also the one sitting at the Legendary Council. Even without the Council ordering me to, I still have to protect it from the Iron-Masked Marauder. Besides, the Iron-Masked Marauder is a member of the Rocket Rebels and I'm trying to bring these guys down."
Oxella starred at him silently.
"…Come with me. We're going to see Natla."
The Ranger Headquarters was located in the largest tree of the city. As they crossed the halls, they saw Zatli, Oxella's coworker. The man waved at them. Finally, the female Ranger knocked on the door. A female voice answered.
"You can enter."
Oxella opened the door. Beyond was located an office with a large window, a desk supporting a computer and on which were placed several files, and a number of shelves and drawers right within the walls. Looking at the window was a woman as tall as Silver. She was wearing not the classical Ranger outfit but a green bodysuit with brown armor and gold outlines. A belt was on her waist, on which was hanging a capture styler. Finally, a long golden tail was hanging on her back and her hairs were long and held by a hair clip. A large Meganium was sleeping along the wall, the woman's partner.
"Natla." Oxella called. "These people have expressed the wish to cross the Mountaintree and go to Celebi's shrine. They believe a Rocket Rebel called the Iron-Masked Marauder is heading there to capture Celebi."
The woman's tail swung sharply, a sign of anger among tree-walkers.
"And who may these people be?"
"A pair of Rocker Loyalists and a group of Trainers."
Natla finally turned, revealing a triangular face and sharp emerald eyes with slit pupils. Said pupils were two tiny traits in her eyes, accentuating her feeling of annoyance. Ash held his flute.
"…One of them also pretends to be the Chosen with a Golden Heart."
"I pretend nothing." Ash quietly said. "I am. And now, a criminal is targeting a Legendary, maybe even a member of the Council. That you want it or not, I am going."
Aura swirled around him. Silver grinned and summoned ice in his hand.
"I am also an Ice Aura Master, Gary is a Psychic and Misty carries an artifact you most likely heard about: the Tide Pendant, also known as the Heart of Ocean."
Natla's eyes widened. Looking at Oxella, she crossed her arms.
"I believe these people are more than qualified to access the shrine. Their presence also confirms our suspicions that a Celebi may appear soon. Oxella, call anyone available and tell them to go on standby. There's a dangerous poacher around and heading straight for the shrine. They won't need the Five's help to figure what it means."
"Yes, Ma'am."
As Oxella left, Silver smiled.
"Thank you for trusting us."
"Don't worry, Silver Nor Shadow. Unlike my underling who was born in this world, I am an Ean native. I still remember the time you were only a singer and a Guardian of Ice, rather than the Herald of the Council."
The window was close, yet a gentle wind breezed across the room, caressing everyone's face. Silver's eyes lit up.
"Very well. We shall be on the way."
Back when Ea was still a world, the tree-walkers lived in the kingdom of Aldaest, a peninsular realm extending over a forest whose trees reached at least a mile in height. They were called mountaintrees, and cutting them down was explicitly forbidden. Mainly because of the damage caused by the fall of a literal mountain of wood. Aldaest's capital city, Yat'Nesca, was located in the highest tree of the forest, the Mother-Tree, which stood five good miles above the ground. During the Planes War and the following Planeshift, most of the trees had been destroyed, except for the Mother-Tree, which had been glassed. The Mountaintree leading to Celebi's shrine was one of those fallen giants.
The group crossed the wooden tunnel and emerged in what seemed to be a lusher part of the forest. They had walked less than a mile when a strange light covered the woods and a chime-like sound rang between the trees. A human Ranger emerged from a bush.
"The Voice of the Forest!"
Silver's eyes widened.
"A Celebi's coming! To the shrine, quick!"
Celebi's shrine was a small stone altar half-covered by moss, with a small chest to put offerings and incense. It had seen better days, however, and Ash wondered why the Ancients of Arborcity didn't take better care of it. Then light shone intensely as bells rang. In the air, a silhouette appeared. It was a brow-haired teenager in greenish pants, holding what looked like a green plush toy.
It wasn't a toy. The Aura that came from it told Silver and Ash right away the creature was Celebi.
The pair was unconscious. However, when they got close, Celebi opened its eyes and panicked. Ash instinctively reached out to it.
'It's alright.' His heart hummed. 'I am a Chosen. I am one of the Champions of the Council. You have nothing to fear.'
His heart was warm. Celebi relaxed. A Ranger came to the group's side.
"Take them to headquarters. We can keep them safe easier here."
They agreed. While Ash took Celebi, Silver carried the boy. His face was familiar, as if he'd seen him before… It took him a moment to replace him.
'Professor Oak!?'
The Ancient's eyes widened. Of all the people, it was the old professor's teenage self they had found.
'But, if we met in the present, why didn't he remember me or knew what Gary and Ash would become? …Something is off.'
He kept his thoughts to himself, however. In Ea, Time was a form of magic and its users were extremely careful in its use. Especially since the god of Time and Space was the ruler of their pantheon and the strongest of them. Best not incur his wrath and get retconned…
It didn't take them long to reach Arborcity and the Ranger's HQ. Natla raised a brow at their sight.
"Well, that was short."
"Celebi was indeed coming soon." Ash looked at her. "In fact, he was coming today, and not alone."
Natla looked at the boy. Her eyes widened.
"Samuel Oak! The missing boy!"
"He is the boy who went missing fifty years ago, right?" Misty asked. "Wait, did you say Samuel Oak!?"
Natla nodded.
"Indeed. He is Professor Oak's younger self." The Ancient frowned. "I have heard of Professor Oak's achievements. However, I don't recall he ever mentioned once this time-traveling incident or that it influenced him in any way. This is strange."
"Same here." Silver nodded. "I've been asking questions myself."
The group thought.
"Best act as if nothing was wrong. This isn't Professor Oak, only a teenage Trainer."
They took the boy to a room and Celebi to the Pokémon Center. Nurse Joy winced when the Legendary emerged from the machines unchanged.
"Regular means hardly work on a Legendary. They are not like common Pokémon. They need something more basic, more primal than the usual healing methods to recover."
Natla frowned.
"The Lake of Life."
The group turned to her. The tree-walker explained.
"This is a lake located deeper in the forest. Legends have it as Celebi's birthplace, and a place filled with the power of life because of it. Its waters have miraculous healing properties and some Ancients go on a pilgrimage there."
"If that's the only way to heal Celebi…" Ash frowned. "I am a Healer, but I heal hearts, not bodies."
"All the better." Natla smiled. "Wounds of the heart are harder to heal than physical ones. This is an important gift you possess."
"Comes with being the Chosen with a Golden Heart."
Oxella entered the room.
"Boss! The boy is awake and he's freaking out over Celebi!"
Silver winced.
"That had to be expected. Come on."
They hurried to Sam's room. The boy was sitting on his bed, held tightly in place by a Scizor and glaring murderously at the people present.
"Who are you?" He snarled. "What have you done to Celebi?"
"Celebi's there." Ash said softly, showing the Legendary. "We took him to a Center to be healed, but it didn't really go as planned."
Celebi looked at the Trained and made a soft Bii. Slowly, Sam relaxed.
"As for where you are…" Natla explained. "You are currently fifty years in the future, in the Ranger's Headquarters of Arborcity."
The boy froze, trying to process what had happened.
"I am… where?"
"In the future." Misty repeated. "Fifty years from your time."
Scizor released the boy, who collapsed on the mattress.
"The future… I am stranded in time."
Ash shivered. His powers were more attuned to Pokémon, but he could still feel Sam's pain. He came to the bed.
"There are ways to return you to your time. Celebi could do it once it feels better, or I could call in a few favors from some Legendaries I know. You are in the future, but it doesn't mean you're going to stay there forever."
Sam hesitated.
"…Really?"
"Yep."
The teen breathed. The group smiled.
"How do you feel?" Natla asked.
"A bit sore. Celebi and I were running from some poacher."
The tree-walker's tail swung sharply.
"That bastard… By the time I caught him, you two were already gone. It makes my hair stand whenever I think about it."
"And now, another one is after Celebi" James frowned. "Only this one is much deadlier."
Gary looked away.
"In other words, the trip to the Lake of Life is going to be anything but boring. But you must be a good Trainer, right?"
Sam shrugged.
"I hold my own."
Silver nodded.
"If you feel in shape, then we better get going. I don't remember where the Lake of Life is, but it cannot be close."
"Indeed." Natla nodded. "It will take three to four hours at a steady pace to reach it. Hope you're fresh enough."
Ash shrugged.
"No problem."
"Jessie will be on Growlie." James frowned. "I don't want to take risks with the baby."
"Thank you." Jessie smiled and kissed him on the cheek.
Sam thought a little.
"I'll be alright. We can leave when you want."
Natla nodded.
"Usually, I would've given you an escort, but given what I heard about the Iron-Masked Marauder, I prefer going with you myself."
So they went. Sam didn't have the group's stamina, so he ended up with Jessie on the Arcanine's back. Ilex Forest seemed peaceful, but everyone knew it was only the calm before the storm. There was a dangerous Rocket Rebel roaming around. The forest was merely holding its breath. They made a pause to eat a late lunch and discussed little. Sam was curious about Silver and Natla, who obviously weren't human. The duo was reluctant to tell him about the Ancients and the likes. They still wondered how Professor Oak could have forgotten having traveled in the future. They had gone through two thirds of the road when the Marauder struck.
Ash froze. He could sense two Pokémon coming, but their heart felt strange, unnatural. He tensed.
"Trouble."
Everyone called a Pokémon, Sam using an old-looking Pokéball to release a Charmeleon. Gary recognized it as his grandfather's dreaded Charizard. Not a minute later, a Scizor and a Sneasel appeared. Gary caressed their minds and reeled back as Ash winced.
"Their minds are full of hatred and bloodlust." Gary frowned.
"And their hearts are filled with darkness. I can't reach out to them."
Silver snapped a finger.
"Then we'll deal with them the old way. Lya, Flamethrower."
(Play Colosseum Theme 1, from Pokémon XD)
Scizor and Sneasel jumped aside to avoid the heavy burst of fire. Unfortunately, Ash had called for Chikorita. Sneasel took the girl's leaf straight in the face. Grumbling, the Dark Pokémon glared at the girl and unleashed a heavy burst of icy wind. Chikorita shook her head. Clefable had taught her how to deal with these attacks. She cast Magical Leaf not against the attack but around her, forming a swirling shield of leaves that took most of the attack. When it faded, she rushed at Sneasel with Leaf Blade.
Meanwhile, Gary and Sam had taken to tag-teaming Scizor, Sam using Charmeleon and Gary using Houndour.
"Charmeleon, Fire Spin!" Sam ordered.
Charmeleon obeyed and trapped Scizor in a fiery vortex. Gary saw his chance.
"Houndour, Flame Charge!"
Houndour obeyed and rammed full speed into the armored bug's stomach. It didn't rise.
Nearby, Chikorita had left Sneasel with a nasty cut on its cheek. The ice weasel ran at her in anger… and was quickly snatched by her vines. The girl then began to slam her opponent around, on rocks, on the ground and even on some of the trees and flung it into the air. Then she glowed. Sam's eyes widened.
"Is she evolving?"
"I don't think so." Ash shook his head as Chikorita took a more human form.
When the light faded, the Starter had become a short six-year old girl with red eyes and green hair tied in a thick ponytail, with an apple-green sundress and no shoes on her feet. She extended a hand and a vine shot from its base, wrapped itself around Sneasel's leg and pulled down as fast and hard as it could. Velocity did the rest. With a loud crash, the weasel collided with the ground. Chikorita turned to Ash and skidded to him, a huge grin on her face.
"Well played." Ash smiled.
(End music)
Chikorita stretched.
"So, that's what it feels to be human… I like it."
Pikachu took his teenage form and crossed his arms, a smile on his face.
"True. Being human has its advantages – Watch out!"
Chikorita turned and saw Sneasel rushing at her. Apparently, the fall had only stunned it. The girl's ponytail glowed green and the weasel took a face-full of Leaf Blade that sent it crashing in Scizor. Chikorita looked at it.
"It must be tough to still be conscious after that fall." The girl caressed her ponytail. "Next time, I'll double-check."
Ash snorted.
"You really take after your mentor."
"Yep."
Sam looked at Chikorita and Pikachu.
"…I didn't know Pokémon could turn human."
"Humanity is a reward." Pikachu explained. "Ash is the Chosen with a Golden Heart, a champion of the Legendary Council. The most faithful of his partners are rewarded with humanity, so we can better watch over him and assist him." The teen grinned. "Also, we can't be caught by Pokéballs in human form, so less risk of being turned against him by, say, a Dark Ball."
Ash came to the two fallen Pokémon. Now they were unconscious, they opposed no resistance when he reached to their hearts. He placed a hand on their chests. Digging through the dark cloud imprisoning their minds wasn't easy, but he was a Chosen. He was stronger than regular empaths. So he tore through the cloud, shivering at its thickness, and finally found the core of the two Pokémon's being. It was still there, uncorrupted. Fully-corrupted hearts were impossible to be restored. Either they were destroyed by the cleansing, or the original personality was lost.
He bonded to their hearts and amplified what was inside, the original persona of the Mon. Scizor was swift and sharp, a blade to be swung. He was also deeply loyal to his original Trainer despite him being a poacher. Sneasel was a playful prankster with a dash of kleptomania. He loved having fun, feeling the thrill. Ash seized all of this and poured his own warmth, gentleness and care, his own light against the darkness. The dark cloud shook. It tried to fight back. But, unconsciously, Scizor and Sneasel weren't happy with their condition. They fought along Ash to tear the cloud apart. And, after a long drawn-out fight, they succeeded.
Under Sam's amazed eyes, dark smoke came from the two Pokémon's chests and faded. They opened their eyes, confused and lost.
"It's alright." Ash smiled. "You're free. Go back to your true Trainer."
The two Pokémon cheered and left quickly after waving the group goodbye. Ash frowned.
"Dark Balls. I have no idea what they're made of, but they corrupt a Pokémon's heart and turn it into a mindless killing machine. One of the nastiest creations of mankind."
James caressed Growlie.
"We usually try to avoid them. Team Rocket poaches and sells Pokémon. Pokémon with their heart corrupted by a Dark Ball ain't good on the market… and our business is clean, for a given definition of the word. We work with professionals, not ruthless machines made by Dark Balls."
"But the Rebels have no such qualms." Jessie followed. "To them, nothing is out of question if it means reaching their goals. Not even corrupting Pokémon. At least we have a conscience."
"Tell me about it." Ash winced. "I still remember Proton."
Silver snarled softly at the name. Proton had nearly caused a region-wide cataclysm and had – fatal mistake – taken Ash hostage and tried to kill him after nearly breaking his mind. The Ancient had killed him for that.
"The Lake of Life isn't far." Natla said. "Let's hurry before the bastard himself shows up."
"He can come." Meowth licked his claws. "We're waiting."
Jessie took Arbok's Pokéball. Her partner was called Poison Rogue for a reason.
The deeper they went in the forest, the more Pokémon appeared to watch them. Some of them even followed them in a silent procession until they reached the shores of a lake. The sparkling, crystal-clear waters left no doubt about it: this was the Lake of Life. Natla turned to Sam.
"Now."
The boy nodded and carefully put Celebi in the lake. The sun and the water's healing properties did the rest. A soft green glow came from the Legendary, slowly spreading across the lake. It was its birthplace. The Ancient Queen Dana had shed her blood within it, and now it healed those who dipped into its water.
Celebi surged and flew around cheerfully, its energy restored. The group smiled. Then the playful little Pokémon came to Sam and gave him a quick peek on the cheek. The teen stumbled back, flustered. The group laughed.
"He likes you!" Ash grinned.
They were surprised when Celebi used its psychic powers to lift the teen and take him around for a ride. Gary and Ash looked at each other.
"Shall we come along?"
"Sure!"
Gary levitated while Ash summoned his Aura Wings. Celebi looked at him, surprised.
"Yes." Ash smiled. "I can use Aura. Comes with being a Chosen."
As the three teens flew around, Silver looked at Natla.
"Should we join them?"
"Heh, why not?"
Silver used his ice wings while Natla simply used the wind to glide around. Misty shook her head.
"I think I'll stay by the shore. What about you, Brock?"
"Same here. I'm not very fond of flying."
In the meantime, under James's caring eyes, Jessie changed to her underwears and slid in the lake up to her armpits. The water felt just fine, neither too hot nor too cold, and its healing properties seeped in her. The Life Magic of the Ancent Queen filled the mother and her child, soothing her cramps and strengthening the baby in her. Jessie hummed. She knew where she would go when her child would come.
Night fell on the forest. The group had commonly agreed to spend the night here and had made a small campfire to roast berries. Jessie had fallen asleep against Growlie, Gary, Misty and Brock were sleeping on the other side and most Pokémon were huddled against each other. Not that it was cold, but it always felt good.
Silver and Natla watched as Sam and Ash exchanged tales. Sam was especially fascinated by Ash's role as the Chosen with a Golden Heart.
"So, basically, whenever there's a problem related to Legendaries, it's your job to solve it."
"Yes, and the Herald of the Council mentors me. Funnily enough, Silver was already doing that before my nature was revealed, because he basically raised me."
"So… you don't know your true father?"
"I do." Ash looked away. "He's a mafia boss. The thing is: I was born of a one-night stand. I'm a bastard. When Mom's husband found out, he left her and never returned, so until Silver came, I grew up fatherless. I met my real father during my journey across Kanto."
"And… did you two fight?"
"Yes, but only to test my strength. Even though he is a Mafioso who deals in poaching and black market, he is rather nice with his employees and downright doting on me and his real son. It's a bit awkward at times, to have a criminal as his father while being the Legendaries' go-to guy."
Sam laughed.
"I can believe that!"
The pair looked at the sky.
"Tomorrow…" Ash smiled. "I will ask Celebi to return you to your time. If he can't, I'll ask Dialga, the Legendary Pokémon of Time. I'm sure he will accept."
"Thanks. I don't really fancy living in that time. It isn't mine."
"Yeah."
The pair fell asleep.
. . . . .
Disaster struck in the morning. Celebi had gotten up early and was looking for berries when a dark Pokéball caught him. He group was awakened by a strange ruckus.
"What's going on?" Sam groaned. "I wanna sleep longer."
Ash, Gary, Silver and Natla scanned the surroundings. Upon seeing their face shift from worry to downright fear, Misty, Brock and the Rocket Trio knew there was trouble.
"What's going on?"
"It's the Marauder." Gary said with a shiver. "It has caught Celebi with a Dark Ball and sent it to destroy the forest."
"That piece of Anghra-forsaken shite!" Natla swore. "When I get my hands on him, I'll give him a first-hand taste of the Ancients' might! No one touches what remains of Aldaest on my watch!"
The Rocket Trio said nothing. Instead fully awake and aware, they geared up and Jessie called her Arbok. The rest of the group was up too, and none lost time readying themselves to confront a corrupted Legendary.
"I can read his mind." Gary frowned. "He wants to use the power of Celebi to destroy Team Rocket and kill Giovanni."
"Not happening." Ash, Jessie and James said at the same time.
Ash frowned.
"I can sense Celebi's heart. It is just like the Sneasel and Scizor we fought, except much worse. My powers as a Healer of Hearts won't be enough. I'm gonna need the might of the Chosen with a Golden Heart."
As they reached the Marauder, the group hid. The man was standing on a pike coming from a cocoon made of leaves and branches, laughing as the cocoon tore a path of destruction across the forest and reached the Lake of Life. Natla was livid.
"How dares he!? This forest is what remains of our home! That's why we fight so hard to protect it! And now he's tearing it apart! If Anghra was still alive, he'd rob him of his soul and swallow it so it could rot in the acids of his stomach!"
Silver cringed.
"I once was taken to the Abyss that is Anghra's realm. I agree, our man definitely needs to be sent there. Shame it doesn't exist anymore…"
"The Abyss?" Misty asked.
"The Ancients' equivalent of the Reverse World. A place of jagged black stones and fiery pits, where the worst of our world's criminals was sent to burn. One of my ancestors sinned, and all her descendants paid the price, me included. My father, who didn't belong to our bloodline, decided this wouldn't do and crossed Anghra's realm to save me. Anghra was so impressed by his sheer audacity he let us go."
"Wow…"
James frowned.
"We need a plan. Going at them head-on is tantamount to suicide. Celebi may be corrupted, but it's still a Legendary, and the Dark Ball's corruption only made it stronger… and more vicious."
"I can deal with Celebi." Ash frowned as he summoned the Heart Flute. "Just get me close enough and I can use my powers to cleanse his heart. But I need to do it without distractions…"
"We will deal with the Iron-Masked Marauder." Jessie, James, Meowth and Natla declared. "We were sent to stop him in the first place."
"And it is my mission to stop men like that." Natla declared. "Besides, by ruining Ilex Forest, the bastard just made it very personal."
Silver, Gary, Misty, Brock and Sam looked at one another.
"In the meantime, we'll hold off Celebi while Ash uses his powers. Is everyone ready?"
"Yes."
"Then let's go."
(Play Steel Reason, from Final Fantasy XIV)
The cocoon had morphed into a twisted, unholy caricature of Celebi, complete with wooden ragged wings and legs, a gigantic armor powered by the psychic strength of the Legendary Pokémon. Natla focused her power, aimed and shot an arrow of wind in the man's knee. The Iron-Masked Marauder screamed and fell. Jessie, James, Meowth and Natla emerged. Before they could throw their teammates at the poacher, he took a Dark Ball and launched it.
"Tyranitar, go! Get rid of that vermin!"
"Vermin?" Natla hissed. "Someone should call you for your hypocrisy, worm!"
Her Meganium stood.
"Tyranitar, Hyper Beam!"
"Growlie!" James frowned. "Counter with Overheat!"
The canine nodded and threw a heavy blast of fire that staved off the beam. Jessie looked at Arbok.
"Rogue, support him! Gunk Shot!"
The Arbok nodded and joined its noxious attack to the fire, . It was enough to slowly push the beam back. Natla glared at the beast.
"Meganium, Frenzy Plant!"
Roots emerged from the ground and lashed at the corrutted Tyranitar. Meowth chuckled darkly as he unsheathed his claws.
"And, for the finale, a cute little move I learned, heheheh… Foul Play!"
The Marauder's eyes widened. It didn't matter if Tyranitar resisted Dark moves. Foul Play based itself on the opposing Pokémon's strength. The greater it was, no matter the reason, the stronger the move was. Meowth's attack was devastating, his claws digging in the rocky hide. Tyranitar's Hyper Beam failed and the gunky Overheat hit it full blast
"Iron Tail" Jessie ordered.
"Rock Smash!" James ordered.
"Leaf Storm!" Natla ordered.
The combined attacked knocked the pseudo-Legendary out cold. The Iron-Masked Marauder took a Pokéball but vines wrapped around his limbs.
(End music)
"No, you don't." Natla snarled. "Silver, the Marauder's out of commission!"
Silver nodded.
"Got it! That was pretty fast. Ash has nearly reached Celebi. We should hear some music soon."
The Marauder laughed.
"Try as you want, you will never purify Celebi! He will crush you, and destroy this forest and Team Rocket!"
Jessie stepped forward.
"Then you've never met someone like Ash."
While the quartet was fighting the Marauder, the gang took on Celebi.
"Lya!" Silver called his partner. "Heat things up!"
"You too, Houndour!" Gary called. "Burn those branches!"
Sam had taken Charmeleon and given the same order. Together, the three Pokémon were burning off any branch that tried to reach them and their friend. Misty had taken Starmie and Brock had called for Kabutops. Now, the two Pokémon were using Signal Beam and X-Scissor on the wooden armor to weaken it. It was working. While Celebi focused on them, Ash snuck inside and, once he was close to Celebi, summoned the Heart Flute. Then he played.
(Music: a mix of Vivaldi's Spring, Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue and Bayonetta's Let's dance boys, to give you an idea)
It started slowly, as always. The first notes were Lugia's Song, the song every Pokémon listened to no matter their state. It was so deeply ingrained within them that even Celebi froze. The notes then changed slightly, echoing the gentler, safer parts of the song the boy had played for the Legendary Council during his introduction as a Chosen. Slowly, like a rivulet trickling, the notes softly played a comforting song that morphed, one note after the other, into something cheerier, like a child's smile. The notes grew in intensity. Cheeriness became joy became bliss became euphoria… The tune took a lively turn. It wasn't simply a cheery song that brought smile on people's faces. It snuck on them, crept in their ears and limps and boo! Boogie down! It made those who heard want to burst out laughing, to dance and play with the wind and the leaves, to jive and rock like nobody was watching.
The wooden armor had totally stopped and the Marauder couldn't believe his ears.
"What the Hell is that?"
"That…" Natla grinned. "Is the power of a Chosen. And now, I want to dance."
"Then let's dance." James grinned. "Look at Meowth."
The tree-walker looked at the feline Pokémon. Indeed, Meowth had fallen to the song's power and shaking like nobody's business.
"Meowth~ That's right! Meowth~"
Pikachu had fallen to the song as well and was doing the shuffle with Heracross and Chikorita. Silver's tail was swinging happily in his back and he was humming along. Natla looked at Jessie and James.
"You know what? They're right. Let's boogie!"
Soon, humans and Pokémons were shaking along the lively song… and it was only beginning.
The on went crescendo in happiness and liveliness until, as it reached the climax, it suddenly became solemn. Ash's heart reached to Celebi. The darkness might as well not have been there, so strong did the Legendary's heart echo with the song. Ash's power effortlessly tore through it, purifying the Pokémon on the spot. But the boy wasn't done. He reached for everything that was beautiful, everything that was harmony, life and creation. He seized those concepts, put them in his heart and made it into a song. From a jiving tune, the song became a hymn to the world, the complete opposite of the song of wrath that had echoed against Molly and Entei. It was beautiful almost beyond words, because it described beauty, creation and life. In the Hall of Origins, Arceus closed his eyes and hummed in pleasure.
"When this world ends and a new one is created, such will be the song that will shape it. Silver was right, Ash. You may be able of destruction without peers, but your true power lies in creation."
In a blast of light, Celebi emerged from the wooden armor, his body, mind and heart clean from any darkness. Everyone had stopped dancing. They were listening to the song that was now ringing across the forest. Already, a new life was glowing, the damage caused by the corrupted Celebi coming undone. Celebi flew around, his strength renewed and enhanced.
"Bibibibibibi – Celebi!"
Ash smiled and the music slowly died down. The last wounds from his fight against Entei were finally gone.
(End music)
Natla turned to the Iron-Masked Marauder.
"So, you were saying?"
"No…" The man uttered. "This isn't possible! How can… What was that music!? What was it!?"
"It was the power of the Chosen with a Golden Heart."
Everyone turned. Above the Lake of Origins, Dialga appeared. The Legendary Pokémon glared at the poacher.
"However, even after listening to it, I do not feel merciful enough to spare the man who turned one of my children into a monster. You must pay for your sins… and this is my judgment. Begone!"
The Legendary raised his hand, and the Marauder slowly began to fade.
"What? What are you doing to me-"
"I am removing your taint from this world. Such is the price to pay for hurting one of my children like you did."
The Iron-Masked Marauder screamed as his existence faded into oblivion. Meowth cringed.
"There is something to say for targeting the child of a Legendary."
"The report's gonna look weird." James quipped. "Reason of death: erased from existence by the Legendary Pokémon of Time."
Ash smiled.
"Greetings to you, Dialga."
"Ash." Dialga purred. "You have my gratitude for saving my child. Thank you, from the heart."
"Don't mind it, that's my job."
"True, but this does not make me any less thankful."
The group looked at one another.
"Actually, I have a favor to ask you."
Dialga perked up. Ash looked at Sam.
"Sam here was taken into the future trying to protect Celebi. Could you please return him to his time?"
"Naturally. His presence in your era goes against the flow of time. It is only fair this mistake is corrected." He looked at Sam. "However, the Laws of the Universe also dictates that your memories of the events be erased, that no knowledge of the future follows you in your era."
Sam cringed. Dialga shook his head.
"I am not without mercy, though. I will grant you one gift: the memory of the song Ash played. Its happiness will forever be in your heart, a beacon in troubled times."
Sam sighed.
"Well, it was nice being with you guys… and I'll have something to remember from that trip, even though, I won't recall where it comes from."
Silver smiled.
"It is better that way. Don't worry, Sam. We will meet again. I promise."
"Really?"
"Indeed, Professor Samuel Oak."
Sam raised a brow. Silver grinned.
"Since you're going to lose your memory, I might as well tell you. Your current incarnation is a world-known professor and close friend of ours. We will meet again, Sam. And we will be very good friends."
This made the teen smile. Dialga floated him up.
"Time to go. Close your eyes."
The teen obeyed. In a flash of light, he disappeared, leaving his memories behind.
Fifty years ago…
Young Samuel Oak awakened near the shrine of Ilex Forest.
"Ugh, what happened?"
He couldn't answer. His last memory was a blinding light and chiming bells as he defended Celebi from a poacher… A soft "Biii…" echoed in the forest as a song played in his head. It was a wonderful song, beautiful beyond words. Sam couldn't recall what happened, but he decided not to care. Celebi was safe, and the song filled his heart with hope.
Present times…
Professor Oak was taken by a violent shiver. Suddenly, a storm of memories assaulted his head. A blinding light, the chime of bells… and faces he knew all too well.
"I am not without mercy, though. I will grant you one gift: the memory of the song Ash played. Its happiness will forever be in your heart, a beacon in troubled times."
The elder man's eyes widened.
"So that's what happened! Arceus…"
Now he remembered. The events of his journey in the future had occurred, and Dialga had returned the memories he had taken to preserve the flow of time. No knowledge of the future could go in the past. Tears welled in the Professor's eyes.
"I understand, now. And the song… the song of a Chosen. Ash's song. Arceus, now I knew why I was willing to take care of Silver and why I was nice to Ash. My heart knew all along."
Celebi appeared at the window.
"Celebi! Celebi! Celebi!"
The Professor's eyes lit up.
"Celebi! You have returned!"
He opened the window and let the Pokémon in. The Legendary flew around him. Oak smiled.
"Yes, I am happy to see you too. It has been so long!"
"Bi!"
Suddenly, the Pokémon seized his hand and teleported him to the Lake of Life. The group looked at him.
"Grandpa?" Gary raised a brow, surprised to see his grandfather here.
Oak smiled.
"Dialga's memory erasure was only temporary. Now the events of my journey are over and I returned to my time, they came back. I remember everything."
Ash's eyes lit up.
"Dialga is indeed not without mercy. It's good to see you, again, Professor… or can I still call you Sam?"
The group laughed, Celebi along. Then the Legendary looked at the group and crossed his arms.
"Bi! Bibi!"
The group looked at one another.
"I think he wants something…"
To be continued
You know there's something wrong with a movie when trying to fanfic it drives me into a year-and-three-months-long hiatus. No, seriously, writing that chapter was REALLY hard. But I did it, eventuall. And even then, the awesomeness isn't nearly on par with the previous three movies. Well, Alto Mare is next. Fun times ahead...
And, as the "To be continued" implies, this is only the first part of the "movie". So chances are I can make up for it next chapter. Brace yourselves, canon is going to take a hike.
That asides, yes, I am finally back. A huge thank you to those who stuck to the series, and hello to the newcomers! I hope you enjoyed the story so far, and sorry for the average quality of that chapter. This was the best I could do with... that. So, I don't know when next chapter will come since it will be completely original (as in, based on absolutely nothing but the series' lore), but it will come. That chapter came, after all ;)
For the reviews...
- Swirly592: think again, pal!
- Anonymous Person: not everyone is able to recognize people having come straight from what basically amounts to fairy tales. Even less would take them seriously. Except they are very real, and just as strong as the legends say. Unfortunately.
- Edmonton58: worked. And the movie was only part one.
- Emma the Red Luxray: Rivershipping is MistyxSuicune, right? It won't happen after Sinnoh, when Misty is in her late teenage-early adulthood. For "hairs" I am not a native English speaker and hair is pluram in my language. Don't worry, it's a habit I lost overtime.
- ShiroKuroe: and here you got your update :)
- MarylandAngels: I am French.
- Nightshadegirl: sorry for the long wait... and the quality. It was a really hard chapter to make, but I had to do it. Movies simply can't go as footnotes, even this one. The tree-walkers were actually based on the Genomes, from Final Fantasy IX. Totally not cannonnically, Silver's father is in fact Kuja, the villain of the game. I got four books (written in poor English) telling the story. And yes, Haxorus will help Iris's Axew.
- Stallion6 of Deviantart: wish granted for little Chiko!
- Siggimondo: my dear old friend, it has been too long. Johto is more than just forests, but this chapter happens in a major one. Things two and three ara about right. Just add the part where it's the child of Pokémon God and an Ancient Goddess and give it the mind of a nine-year old. You'll be spot one. It will be relevant... next chapter ;) And you're shipping everything in sight. For now, the story is Palletshipping tease - and tease ONLY. Well, remember Gary wasn't always a spoiled brat. Before the fame got to his head, he and Ash were good friends, and you don't get to be Ash's friend by being an asshole. Guess you'll have your money back after that chapter, sorry. Don't worry, my friends always get refunds. RPG Rule No. 27: all legends are 100% accurate. All rumors are entirely factual. All prophecies will come true, and not just somedays but almost immediately. Clear enough? Unfortunately, Silver TRULY is but a shadow of his former self. I'm serious. And it will get worse. And now, lore has gone way beyond Earth's crust and into the very fabric of Reality. This is no hyperbole. It is literally what happened when Ea's dimention and the Pokémon dimention merged. Shame it wasn't perfect.
- Midnighthunter563: unfortunately, the movie's chapter was underwhelming. Well, sorry, I guess everyone has limits ^^'
And that's all for now. See you soon! (And I don't mean next year, this time!)