You know, I wish I could say I've been busy, but that would mean I'd be lying. And I don't think I can do that. I mean, sure, I lie, but you guys don't deserve that.

It's been-what?-three months since I last updated? I know I should have updated sooner, but I was just lazy. However, it's no excuse to not write. Don't you guys just hate procrastination?

Anyway, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter.

Chapter Six: The Prophecy Begins

"Are—are you sure Dawn?" Ash asked.

Dawn gulped, but she nodded. "I'm sure."

"But why are we worrying?" Ash asked. "I mean, a lot of people go to Sinnoh, right? It's not that odd."

We must not make any mistakes, Lugia said. I have to disagree with you, Ash. It is true that it's not odd that people go to the Sinnoh region. But most people would go by ferry.

"That's right," Slowking agreed. "Why would anyone go to the Sinnoh Region with an airship?"

Dawn nodded. "But how do we know if that person flying that ship is connected to the prophecy? How do we know if this guy is the 'evil' that the prophecy mentioned?"

"Dawn makes a good point," Ash said. "How do we know if this is the guy we're looking for?"

We may not know, Lugia answered, but we must make precautions. There's no telling who this 'evil' is, but if it is, this is our chance to stop him.

Ash thought about it. This is a sign that they have to do something. Ash usually acts before he thinks. If there was ever a time when Ash was thinking, then something must be happening.

He made up his mind. "We can't take any chances. There's no telling when this prophecy will take—"

Ash stopped himself. The others could tell that something was on his mind. Dawn asked, "What is it, Ash?"

"I just thought of something," Ash said. There was a sense of urgency in his voice. "Just as the airship was flying, didn't the first line of the prophecy just dim and stop glowing?"

"That's right!" the rest of the group said.

"But what does that even mean?" Dawn questioned.

"I think I know," Slowking said grimly. "Think about it. Just as we saw the airship flying to your home region, the first line stopped glowing, but the other lines did not. What I'm trying to say is that whenever the event mentioned on the prophecy has ended, the line dims."

Dawn started to say, "But if the first line dimmed, doesn't that mean—"

It was started, Lugia interrupted. The prophecy has just begun.

"And if that's the case," Ash started, "the person in the airship must be the 'evil' we're looking for."

"Right," Dawn said. "But how are we going to get to the Sinnoh Region? I mean, we just arrived here, and Lugia seems tired from the flight."

"How about a blimp, or rather balloon?" a female voice asked.

"Huh?" Ash's eyes widened.

The two trainers and the four Pokemon looked back to see a Meowth-shaped balloon hovering.

The trio in the balloon laughed. "Didn't think you would get through a story without us, did you?" Jesse asked.

Ash and Dawn sighed. Just for once could they not interrupt a moment? Especially a moment that could—or will—change the lives of all? "Do we really have to go with this?" Ash muttered.

"We saw you flying on Lugia," James said excitedly. "A wonderful Pokemon for the boss indeed!"

"And not to forget Slowking—a talking Pokemon!" Meowth added. " The boss will make us rich!"

Dawn whispered to Ash, "Isn't Meowth a talking Pokemon?"

"Just let them have their moments," Ash whispered back. Despite the current situation, Dawn giggled. Ash laughed with her.

"HEY!" Jesse shouted. "We're here, doing our motto, and you guys aren't even listening!"

"Because of your rudeness, we'll just take your Pokemon!" Meowth said. He pressed a button and a net came out from the bottom of the basket and grabbed the four Pokemon.

"Pikachu!" Ash shouted. "Slowking! Lugia!"

"Piplup!" Dawn yelled.

Team Rocket just laughed. They danced in triumph, bewildered by their good luck.

"I can't believe we got Pikachu!" James said.

Jesse frowned. "Do you think we jinxed it? I mean we're not that lucky."

"Whatever," Meowth responded. "We got Pikachu! We could just—"

"Razor Leaf!" another female voice ordered.

A dinosaur-like Pokemon appeared and responded. "Bayleaf!"

The Bayleaf shook its head and leaves started flying towards the balloon. The leaves cut through the net and punctured the balloon, creating a hole. Lugia opened its wings caught the other three Pokemon. Once Team Rocket shouted their usual "We're blasting off again!" and Lugia landed with Pikachu, Piplup, and Slowking on top, Ash and Dawn turned their attention to the owner of the voice.

Dawn gasped. "Lyra!"

"What's up Dane?" Lyra asked cheerfully. "How's it going?"

"Lyra, what are you doing here?" Ash asked.

"I competed in the Johto League, but I lost in the semi-finals," Lyra explained. "So I thought I could take on the Orange Island League."

"Oh," Ash said. "I remembered when I competed in the league. Wow, and your Chikorita evolved?"

"Yup!" Lyra exclaimed. "Lucky I was here on time or else Team Rocket would've gotten away with your Pokemon!"

"Thanks for that," Dawn said.

"I am truly grateful," Slowking said as he stepped into the group. "Thank you."

"A talking Slowking?" Lyra had a confused expression on her face.

"Surprised me, too." Dawn shrugged.

Lyra noticed a Pokemon behind them. "A Lugia?"

Yes, Lugia said telepathically. And I am thankful as well.

"First a talking Slowking, then a Lugia? Now I'm the lucky one!" Lyra was indeed surprised. Once she got over her shock, she asked, "And why are you guys doing here?"

The prophecy, Lugia said simply. A new prophecy was recently predicted. What Ash and Dawn are doing here is helping to fulfill it.

"That's so cool!" Lyra said.

"Not as cool as you may think," Ash said. "It may seem cool, but if you read it, you'd understand. One of the lines state that 'the world shall turn to ash'. "

"Oh." Lyra didn't look excited anymore. "That does seem bad. But if you're part of the prophecy, I'm sure you'll be able to fulfill it! You're one of the strongest trainers I've ever met, Ash. Remember the Valley Windworks?"

"Of course," Ash answered. "How could I not? We were stuck there because of your Marill."

Dawn laughed, and Lyra laughed with her. And soon Ash, Pikachu, and Piplup joined in. Lugia and Slowking watched, confusion written on their faces.

"Well," Lyra started after she stopped her laughter. "An Azumarill now! Come on out!"

With a simple toss of a Poke Ball, and a flash of light, the aqua rabbit Pokemon known as Azumarill appeared. "Azumarill!"

Pikachu and Piplup waddled over and greeted the Pokemon.

"Pika!" Pikachu said as he put out his hand for a handshake.

"Pip!"

"Azumarill!" Azumarill said excitedly.

I hate to interrupt your little reunion, Lugia said, but we need to get moving. We got to get to the Sinnoh Region as soon as possible.

"Right!" Ash said. "Lyra, is there any way of getting to Sinnoh from here?"

"Let's see . . ." Lyra put a finger on her chin. "I know! There's a blimp heading to and from Sinnoh. But let's go to the Pokemon Centre first. I've got to heal my Pokemon. And it looks like you guys are tired."

"What are we waiting for?" Ash said. "Let's go!"

"Aren't you coming with us?" Dawn asked Lugia.

Lugia shook his head. I'm still tired from the flight here. I shall remain here for the time being. I'm not sure if I'm going to Sinnoh in the first place.

"Oh," Dawn said. She turned to Ash and Lyra. "Let's get going."

"Oh hey Lyra," Khoury said as Lyra entered through the centre doors. "Back from training so soon?"

"Actually I didn't get to train," Lyra said. "But I did manage to find a couple of our friends."

Khoury blinked. "Friends?"

As soon as he finished, Ash and Dawn stepped through the doors themselves. "Hey Khoury," Ash greeted. "Long time no see."

"And the same here," Khoury said, remembering them. "And hello to you, Dawn."

"Hello Khoury," Dawn said. "You guys are still travelling, I see."

"That's right," Lyra agreed. "He's been with me ever since we were back at Johto."

Ash and Dawn nodded in understanding.

"How's that Gible of yours?" Ash asked.

"It's great!" Khoury replied. "Just a little more training, and I know it will evolve into that Gabite!"

"And that's great!"

"Yup!"

The group of four went to the cafeteria of the Pokemon Centre, and got caught up.

"What are you guys doing here anyway?" Khoury asked.

"It's a long story," Dawn said.

"Hey, we've got time," Lyra said.

Ash nodded. "It started . . ."

And they told them. From the arrival of Lugia in Kanto, to the prophecy—everything. Every once in a while Dawn would interrupt to explain or to point out things Ash had missed. Lyra and Khoury just sat with their jaws hanging. They couldn't believe everything they were hearing—it just seemed so farfetched. Even though the four had briefly travelled together, and were aware that Ash has gotten into those types of things, they weren't prepared to hear something as—literally—life-threatening as this before.

A light shone in Lyra's eyes. She beamed, "Wow, Dane! I didn't know your boyfriend was that amazing! I mean, Ash the Chosen One?"

Dawn sat there, speechless. If she tried to talk, they would either be stuck in her throat, or just come out as stutters. And not to mention the deep shade of crimson that was on Dawn's cheeks. Though she was able to get out one word—and of course she stuttered. "B-boyfriend?"

Ash was just as tongue-tied. His cheeks were also tinted with red. This is the Sinnoh League ending ceremony all over again, he thought. He may have been unable to talk, but that didn't mean his mind was drawing a blank. In fact, just the opposite—his mind was going a million miles an hour while his mouth remained stationary.

"Was it something I said?" Lyra asked herself quietly. Then she said aloud, "I thought you guys would end up together by now."

Khoury just sighed. "Stop trying to play Cupid already. Give it a rest, Lyra."

"But I'm telling you," Lyra countered, "they like each other. I just know it!"

"I'm serious. If they do like each other, wouldn't you think they would have gotten together already?"

"Still!" Lyra exclaimed. "I know they like each other."

"Just like you knew where your Azumarill wandered off to when we got lost in Blackthorn City?" Khoury said.

"That was one time!" Lyra yelled back. "And besides, we found it, didn't we? And I know Dawn likes Ash, and vice versa. Ash is just dense is all. And—"

"Um, I hate to interrupt your conversation," Ash started once he got out of his shock, "but we need to get to Sinnoh."

"And quick," Dawn added. "Oh, and Ash and I are not dating."

Ash, Khoury, and Lyra just stared at her. Another blush rose onto her face, but Dawn just shrugged."Just thought I'd put it in there."

Lyra took a deep breath. "I'm sorry, Khoury." She turned to the rest of the group. "As for your ride . . . I think the closest departure for the blimps is tomorrow. I guess you guys are stuck here until then."

"I guess so," Ash said. An idea suddenly popped up in his head. "Why don't we have a battle while we wait? Since we aren't leaving until tomorrow, why don't we battle to pass the time?"

"That's a great idea!" Lyra boomed. "Oh, and it could even be a tag battle! How about it Khoury? Dane?"

Dawn nodded. "Yeah, let's do it!"

"I'm up for it," Khoury said last.

The four of them stepped outside of the Centre. They walked to the back where the practice fields were.

"This will be a tag-team Pokemon battle," Lyra yelled as she and Khoury stood on one side of the field. "One Pokemon each!"

"Yeah!" Ash yelled back. He and Dawn made their way to the other side of the field—opposite of where Lyra and Khoury were.

"Ready, Ash?" Dawn asked.

"Anytime."

The four trainers each grabbed a Poke Ball from their belts. "Go Poke Ball!" they yelled at the same time.

On Lyra and Khoury's side stood a blue bipedal crocodile-like Pokemon known as Croconaw and Bayleef.

"Croconaw!" the blue crocodile grunted.

"Bayleef!" Bayleef cried.

And on Ash and Dawn's side stood their Pokemon—a monkey-like Pokemon with fire burning on top of its head, and a mammal-like Pokemon with flames burning from its back. Infernape and Quilava, respectively.

Khoury smiled. "So your Pokemon evolved, huh?"

Ash and Dawn looked at each other and smiled. "Yup," they said in unison.

"Quilava, use Swift!" Dawn commanded.

"Infernape, follow up with Flamethrower!" Ash ordered.

Dawn and Ash's Pokemon followed their respective commands. Quilava unleashed a flurry of stars and Infernape unleashed its fiery move.

Lyra smirked. "Just like before, huh? Bayleef, get in front of Croconaw and use Light Screen!"

A shining screen appeared in front of Bayleef just before the Swift and Flamethrower attacks were able to make contact, thus protecting the Pokemon from harm. Although the screen was there, Bayleef winced. Light Screen provided protection, but only cut the moves' powers by half and it still dealt damage.

Khoury smirked as well. "We won't fall for it this time! Croconaw, use Hydro Pump!"

"Croc!" Croconaw charged up and unleashed a powerful torrent of water from within itself.

Before Ash or Dawn could react, the Hydro Pump hit Infernape with devastating accuracy.

"Infernape!" Ash yelled. "Are you alright? Can you still fight?"

Infernape was down, but certainly not out. It got to its feet and cried, "Infernape!"

Ash smiled. "Let's do this. Flamethrower once more!"

"Infer-nape!" Infernape unleashed its attack, straight at Croconaw.

"Croc!" Croconaw cried as it got hit. It may not have been a super-effective attack, but it was still strong—strong enough to knock any opponent off their feet. Croconaw was no exception.

"Well done, Infernape!" Ash commented. He looked at Dawn with the same determination he wore in the Sinnoh League. Their next moves portrayed their ability to work as a unit, as well as showcasing their synchronicity.

Just one nod from Ash and Dawn understood. "Quilava, use Smokescreen!"

"Quil-lava!" Quilava opened its mouth and a smoke ball came out. Once the ball hit the ground, smoke appeared, creating a wall of blackness between the two parties of Pokemon.

"Now Quilava, use Swift!"

"Infernape, follow with Flamethrower!"

From the other side of the smoke, Lyra and Khoury were gritting their teeth. They didn't know what to do.

"Stay calm, Bayleef," Lyra said. Her eyes widened, anticipating what Ash and Dawn were trying to do. "Get out of there, Bayleef!"

But it was too late. From within the smoke, the barrage of stars and the torrent of flames pierced through and hit Bayleef. "Bay!"

"Bayleef!" Lyra exclaimed. "Are you all right?"

Bayleef struggled to get to its feet. It got hit with a Swift attack, and not to mention the super-effective Flamethrower. But despite that, it was able to get up. "Bay!"

"Lyra, is Bayleef alright?" Khoury asked.

Lyra looked at him and nodded. "Bayleef's fine. We just go to—" Then something clicked.

Khoury saw a look on his companion's face that said I have an idea. "What are you thinking about Lyra?"

"Let's use the same strategy they're using!" Lyra explained. "Follow my lead."

Khoury nodded.

"Bayleef, Solarbeam!"

"Croconaw, use your Hydro Pump!"

"What's going on?" Dawn asked.

"They may be using the same thing we're using," Ash said. "If that's the case, Infernape, use Dig. Dawn, get your Quilava to follow."

"Right! Quilava, get into the hole Infernape made, and quick!"

Infernape jumped and started digging. Quilava jumped and entered the hole. And just in time, too. The Solarbeam and Hydro Pump cut through the Smokescreen and it dispersed, making the battlefield clear of smoke.

"Huh?" Lyra was stunned. "Where'd they go?"

"Infernape, use Dig and then use Mach Punch on Croconaw!"

Infernape made a hole underneath and hit Croconaw dead on. And just as fast, Infernape's fist glowed and delivered a powerful and fast Mach Punch straight at Croconaw's jaw.

Khoury's Pokemon hit the ground with painful grunt. His eyes widened. "Croconaw! Are you alright?"

Croconaw was scratched and bruised all over its body. And just like Ash and Pikachu in the Sinnoh League, Khoury and Croconaw displayed the same kind of determination in their eyes. "Croc . . ." it said weakly as it struggled to get up. It slowly, and painfully, got up. "Croc . . . Croconaw!"

A white light surrounded the Big Jaw Pokemon. The four trainers gasped at the sight. Croconaw grew larger, and its appearance changing. Once the light died down, a new Pokemon emerged from the light—the evolved form of Croconaw, Feraligatr.

"Feraligatr!" the newly evolved Pokemon roared.

Dawn took out her Pokedex and waited for the entry: Feraligatr, the Big Jaw Pokemon, and the final evolution of Totodile. Once a Feraligatr has clamped its powerful jaws around an opponent, it won't let go until the opponent is defeated.

Ash and Dawn gulped. They weren't expecting Croconaw to evolve. Just when they thought they had the upper hand, the unexpected happened.

A sudden flashback reeled in Ash's mind. This was just like that time in Lilypad Town: just when they thought they were defeated, Khoury's Pokemon evolved.

Ash smirked. "Your Croconaw may have evolved, but that doesn't mean you'll win! Ready to end this, Dawn?"

Dawn smiled back. "Yeah! Let's go Quilava!"

The fire monkey and the mammal-like Pokemon readied themselves and assumed a fighting stance in front of their masters. The same went with Lyra's and Khoury's Pokemon.

Ash looked at his Infernape. What he saw shocked him. Its eyes . . . Ash couldn't tell if they were literally burning with determination, as well as anticipation. Infernape gave a nod, and Ash understood what it wanted.

Khoury commanded, "Feraligatr, use Hydro Pump!"

Lyra stepped in. "Solar Beam—max power, Bayleef!"

Both of Bayleef and Feraligatr's attacks were aimed at Quilava. Dawn was stunned—she didn't know what to do. But just when the attacks looked like they were about to make contact to her Pokemon, Dawn closed her eyes. When she opened them she saw a cloud of smoke surrounding a figure. But it wasn't Quilava. Dawn clearly saw her Johto starter in front of her, unharmed. But if Quilava was right there, then that only meant . . .

"A—Ash?" Dawn looked at her travelling companion. "Why'd you let Infernape do that?"

A smirk crept up his face. He winked at her and said, "No need to worry, Dawn. Trust me." Just hang in there, Infernape. Just a little more!

The smoke dissipated revealing an Infernape never before seen in the eyes of Lyra and Khoury. Not only did Infernape withstand the attack, but they saw it was emanating a fiery aura. What Infernape had wanted to use was . . .

"Blaze," Ash said astounded. Even though he had seen it a couple times before, it was still an amazing sight to behold.

Dawn looked at Infernape. Of course! That was what Ash and his Pokemon were after! She knew she could trust Ash.

Ash looked at Dawn once more. "Let's finish this with a bang."

Dawn smirked. "Let's go!"

Infernape was waiting for its master to get it an order. The fire on its head blazed brighter and stronger than ever before—even in Ash's eyes. Through the times Ash had witnessed Infernape's Blaze ability, he had never seen Infernape display so much energy. Ash gave it an encouraging nod before commanding, "Infernape, Flare Blitz!"

Infernape let out a piercing cry as the fire on top of its head engulfed its entire body. It launched itself, straight at Feraligatr and Bayleef, who were both battered and scraped. As it closed the distance, Infernape's flames turned from an orange to a light blue.

Lyra and Khoury were stunned. Khoury looked to his friend. "How are we gonna get out of this, Lyra?"

"We have to stop Infernape from reaching our Pokemon," Lyra answered. "So let's hit him with everything we've got! Bayleef, use your Solar Beam one more time!"

"Gotcha," Khoury said. "Feraligatr, use your Hydro Pump!"

"Oh no you don't!" Dawn exclaimed. "Quilava, use Flamethrower!"

Not understanding her reasons, Lyra and Khoury watched as Quilava let out a powerful blast of fire. But what the Johto-natives weren't getting was that the Flamethrower wasn't directed at neither Bayleef nor Feraligatr. It was directed at Infernape.

The Solar Beam and Hydro Pump made contact with Infernape. The Flamethrower that Quilava let out propelled the Flare Blitz, thus making it stronger—and strong enough to overpower both attacks. The Flare Blitz pierced through and hit its mark: right at Bayleef and Feralitagr.

Smoke rose once more, and a silence soon followed. Even if this wasn't a big, important battle, like the one he had with Paul during the Sinnoh League, Ash still could feel his heart race—thump, thump, thump. The same could be said to the other combatants.

Once the smoke cleared, it revealed Bayleef and Feraligatr both on laying on the ground—fainted and unable to continue the battle. Infernape stood uneasily, red sparks surrounding its body.

Lyra and Khoury sighed contently, and both returned their Pokemon in their respective Poke Balls. They were about to congratulate their friends when they saw Ash and Dawn were already celebrating.

Instead of the usual high-five they often are seen exchanging, Ash and Dawn took a step ahead in their "celebratory rituals". It was something Ash and Dawn never actually did—excluding what had happened at the end of the Sinnoh League. They were "in the moment" as Dawn put it. And I guess the same statement could be said here.

"Yes!" they both exclaimed as they held out their arms and exchanged hugs.

Lyra and Khoury stood there, bewildered at the sight before them. Khoury whispered, "I guess you were right after all, Lyra."

"I told you Khoury," Lyra whispered back.

As Lyra was walking to her friends she looked at the two Pokemon still standing: Infernape and Quilava. "You did great out there Infernape. And you too Quilava."

The two Fire Types grunted happily, content with the result of the battle. They turned toward their masters, who were still in an embrace. Smirks formed on their mouths.

Lyra laughed. "You two know, don't you?"

The looks on the Pokemon said enough. They definitely knew.

There he stood, in his personal quarters, staring at a mask that was being worn by a manikin head displayed behind a glass case. He was almost tempted to press the button that would slide the glass up and thus being able grasp the mask. But he knew the time wasn't right. Almost, but not yet. A small laugh escaped his lips.

He then turned his attention behind him—directly opposite the mask. The prophecy—a copy of his original that hung in his hidden base—hung proudly on the wall. He studied the four pictures once more. He didn't know how this prophecy would play out, but what he did know was that he was part of it. And he knew he would be the one to start it.

A knock was then heard. "Enter," he said.

One of his lackeys entered, apparently with good news. He wore a complete black outfit: a black sweater, along with black pants, and black combat boots. "My Lord, we will be reaching our destination soon. We expect to land at Snowpoint City within two days."

"Good work, Number 43," the lord said. "But from now on, call me Steel—a tribute to my father, if you will."

"Um, who was your father?"

Steel suddenly tensed. He was almost to the point of strangling his henchman, but at the last minute, he seemed to regain control of his anger. Number 43 still stepped back. He noticed that Steel's fist was clenched and was trembling.

"That is not something I like to talk about," Steel finally said. "Most leaders wouldn't remain calm when it comes to their personal lives. However, you are lucky I am lenient."

Number 43 shifted his feet, still feeling uneasy. "So, um, your father?"

"Like I said before, it is not something I really like to talk about. It brings me anger whenever I talk about it. But, as you saw, I am able to keep my emotions in check. What I can tell you about my father is this: he hated his boss. He wanted to usurp him and become the new leader. He wanted to rule the organization with an iron fist."

"What happened?"

"But sadly he didn't get the chance, for his plans were thwarted by an individual," Steel answered.

Number 43 gulped. He was afraid of asking his next question, but he forced himself to ask it. "Who was this individual?"

"This individual," Steel mused, "is the one I want to exact my vengeance on. He humiliated my father. He was only 11 years of age when it happened. It was his fault I lost contact with my father. This individual caused my dad to not be seen by anyone in the last three years."

"What was his name?"

Steel laughed, and a wicked, power-hungry light shone in his eyes. He turned, his back facing his henchman. "His name . . ." He laughed once more. "His name is Ash Ketchum."

So, that's it: the end of chapter six. I promise I'll get the next chapter up sooner. No doubt about that. But after that update, I don't think I'll update as fast seeing as the school year is nearing its end, and that only means one thing: final exams.

Have you guys guessed on who Steel's father is yet? Just in case for the people who didn't know: Steel is an OC. When I writing this story, I didn't know if the villain was going to be someone that already exists in Pokemon, or if it's a character I'd create. I guess it's I've chosen an OC.

As always: what'd you guys think? What things do I need to work on? Please leave a review, if you can.

And again, I'm sorry to those who wanted a chapter sooner. I know I'll get the next chapter in as fast as I can!

Sincerely,

~Lux