Chapter 42

The Oracle of Anistar

*Charlene's POV*

I am the head apprentice to the Anistar City Gym Leader, Lady Olympia. It is one of my jobs to oversee the training of the lesser apprentices of the Anistar Gym.

It was just another routine meditation session at the Gym. The other apprentices were in subspace with their Psychic-type Pokémon. Lady Olympia oversaw their meditation from the observation deck, while I observed from below.

At the same time, I was offering words of wisdom and guidance. "Trust your heart with your Pokémon completely!" I told them. "There is a hot, hot light hidden deep with our minds. The stars will guide that light… from our minds through the vastness of space. Indeed, we are all truly one with the universe!"

Suddenly, I noticed Lady Olympia had risen into the air. The rest of us stopped our meditation when I brought it to their attention. "I see it… A light! The one who holds the Light of Hope within - she is coming this way… and she's under attack!"

*Cocoa's POV*

Although Serena had a couple of difficulties at the Anistar City Pokémon Showcase, my best friend was able to put her hard work and effort to the test and win the majority vote, earning her second Princess Key. She only needed one more to advance to the Master Class Showcase, and with her experience, I was sure she could reach the top.

But for now, it was time to conquer a new Pokémon Gym. After breakfast, we made our way into town and came to the famous Anistar Sundial, a giant rock formation that towered over most of the city. As we approached the local area, we stopped for a moment to admire this mysterious monument.

"So much mystery. It really draws you in, doesn't it?" Serena commented.

"It sparkles just like a beautiful jewel…" breathed Jessie in awe. "But I have to wonder, how is this a sundial?"

"I did some research on that last night," James told us. "People use it to tell time, because it always glows at certain intervals, like at around sunset when light is passing directly through that hole in the middle. It is said that the Sundial came from space over 3,000 years ago, but the truth is shrouded in mystery."

"You want to know what I heard?" Brianna stepped in. "I heard that the Sundial has a closer connection to Mega Evolution."

"Yeah, I heard that too," Clemont added. "In fact, Professor Sycamore's research suggests that-!"

Before he could end his sentence, some Fire-type move crashed down beside us. Both Magearna and Bonnie screamed as dust and rubble flew everywhere. As it settled, I looked up to see the source of the attack.

It was Alain! And he. Looked. FURIOUS! Everybody scattered as his Mega Charizard X continued to attack, and it became increasingly clear that he was after my Trainer.

"What're you doing?!" she asked as she hid behind a nearby building.

He and Charizard landed nearby. "Charizard! Use Dragon Claw!" His partner readied his claws and charged at her.

"Power of the Sky!" She transformed into her Flying-type form and dodged the attack, flying into the air. Then she made her way into town, and Alain and Charizard gave chase.

'What's gotten into him?!' Squishy asked.

Ash pulled out a PokéBall. "We'll have to stop him to find out! Frogadier, I choose you!" The Bubble Frog Pokémon emerged from within and jumped up after Alain. All the rest of us followed on foot…

…all except for me. Before I could start, I heard another voice calling out to me from behind. I was surprised to see it was Mairin's Chespin. "Chespie?" I asked. "What's going on? Where's your Trainer?"

(That's actually why we're here!) Then she started to explain…

*Brianna's POV*

Meanwhile, I was battling for my life once again, only this time, I was being attacked by one of my friends! Alain, who had helped me twice already, was out to kill me, and I had absolutely no idea why. Using my Flying-type form, I flew onto a high roof to avoid anyone else getting harmed. Then, Alain landed nearby, still enraged.

"Get a grip before I blast you off this roof!" I demanded. "What would Mairin say if she saw this?"

"Mairin?" This only seemed to make things worse. "Mairin is gone because of you! The Megalith is gone because of you! YOU WERE THE REAL VILLAIN THIS WHOLE TIME!" Then he called out Flamethrower, and Charizard blew a giant blue flame at me. I had absolutely no time to dodge or defend myself.

But someone else did. "Light Screen!" another voice called out. A pink curved force field appeared around me, protecting me from the attack.

I looked down to see the one who shielded me. It was a woman about as old as my mother floating in midair. She had somewhat darker skin than ours, and she had a dark purple tone of hair. She wore a black suit and a shimmering silver cape that looked like a galaxy on the inside. Beside her were two Meowstic - one male, one female.

At her front was a third Pokémon. "Slowking! Use Yawn!" she called out. The Slowking opened its mouth and released a blue bubble at Alain and Charizard. The bubble then popped in their faces, their bodies glowed yellow-green, and they fell asleep. I caught Alain in my talons, and the woman's Meowstic saved Charizard with their psychic power.

We all came down to ground level and placed our attackers on the floor. A few other people were there to help us in this skirmish, all dressed in purple robes. Shortly after that, the rest of my friends arrived and saw what happened. "Uh… are they…?" Meowth hesitated to ask.

"Unconscious, and they will be for a few hours," one of them answered. I would later learn her name was Charlene. She turned our attention to the woman who defended me. "Permit me to introduce Lady Olympia, Gym Leader of the Anistar Gym."

"You're the Gym Leader?!" asked Ash in surprise.

Olympia came over and bowed in respect. "Indeed I am."

I was the next to speak up, "If I may, how did you know I needed help?"

"We saw a vision of you being attacked," Charlene explained.

Magearna tugged on Serena's skirt. "What's a vision?"

"It's like a dream, with a point," she answered.

"That's right," Charlene continued. "Lady Olympia has the ability to see into the future."

"So cool!" Bonnie stated. "I want her to tell me my future! Like if I'll be a super strong Pokémon Trainer, or who'll marry my big brother!"

Clemont looked as red as a brick. "My future is none of your business!"

"I'm afraid it doesn't quite work that way," Charlene explained. "It's the voice of the stars that guides Lady Olympia to perceive the future. For example, led by the voice of the stars, she foresaw your battle with the Titans of Hoenn. As Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre fought, the world saw incidents of extreme weather, but Kalos was prepared. Thanks to Lady Olympia, Kalos escaped these incidents largely unharmed."

This baffled some of us. A Gym Leader who could see into the future… Could this be our most difficult Gym challenge yet?

But just then… "There it is! I see it!" Olympia declared.

Charlene turned with a jerk. "What did you just see?!"

She then pointed to one of us. "You're future!"

Ash's Frogadier, who was called out to help, looked around for a second. Then he turned to Olympia and pointed to himself as though to say, "Me?"

"We'll discuss this and more at the Gym," Olympia told us. Then she turned her attention to another of her apprentices. "Carrie, head toward the Anistar Sundial, and look for a Lopunny wearing a blue dress. Brianna will need her partner for the coming battle…"

"Yes, Ma'am!" She then hurried for the Sundial, and the rest of us followed Olympia and her Gym Assistants.

Before long, we made it to the Anistar Gym. The Gym itself looked like a planet from the outside, with multiple giant rings circling the exterior. The interior looked like the inside of a planetarium, with a ceiling that bore the image of a night sky. While we waited for Carrie to return with Cocoa, the assistants carried Alain and Charizard to a separate room in the back, and Olympia spoke to us once again.

"Ash Ketchum, child of Kanto," she began, "it appears the vision I perceived at our meeting concerns you and your Frogadier. It showed me that your Frogadier is a Pokémon with a curious fate. A Pokémon like no other in today's world."

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"If I may, to learn about the future, we must first search the past… Let me show you what I saw!" The Gym Leader threw out her arms, revealing her cape, and from it, an image was projected - an image of a Froakie Egg. As it broke open, the area was engulfed in a blinding light.

*Frogadier's POV*

Few humans truly knew of my life prior to the day I met my Trainer… as a young Froakie, I knew right away I was different from the others. While the other Froakie played games and danced near the pond, I spent most of my time away from the others, training myself. I tried to preach for new heights, pushing myself further than the day before.

However, because I spent so much time alone, there was a lot of conflict with the others in my colony. I was seen as a disturbance to them, and for that, they would often bully me and mark me as a nuisance. That only further pushed me away from them.

Then one day, was beaten up rather badly by another Pokémon entirely. I was rushed to the Pokémon Center, where the one they call Nurse Joy cared for me. As I recovered, she showed me that Pokémon cannot become stronger on their own. I learned that my strength would only be able to reach new heights by working with a Pokémon Trainer. But it was not just words that made a difference… what changed me was the kindness she showed me.

So, instead of being chosen by a Trainer, I learned how to choose my Trainer. I had one objective - to see if it was worthy of my trust. From the beginning, I expected a high standard from my Trainer - as I recount it, I admit they were too high. Be that as it may, something was lacking from each Trainer I had.

One day, I willingly left my previous Trainer, and for good reason… he had too high standards from me. No matter how hard I tried, he treated me like less than nothing. Whenever I failed, he would punish me like I had committed a crime. I had returned to Lumiose to await a new Trainer, but on my way, I met… him… the boy from Kanto. From the moment I saw him, I knew he was different from the others. I saw something in him, as though it radiated from his soul. I trust my judgment…

…but I trust him even more…

*Ash's POV*

Some of us, myself included, were a little disoriented seeing the world through Frogadier's eyes. I honestly felt like sitting down. As the light faded, Olympis spoke with us once again. "When you're a new Trainer, not everything goes as smoothly as you would like…"

"Tell me about it…" I muttered to no one in particular. I still remember the Spearow Incident from my very first day.

"…and everyone hesitates when experiencing something new," she continued. "However, what your Froakie, now Frogadier, was yearning for was something much deeper. In a word, he yearned for love."

"I see…" Brianna cut in. "That must be why Froakie chose you that day."

I placed a hand over Frogadier's shoulder. "Thank you, Miss Olympia. If you don't mind, could you tell us about Frogadier's future? Like if it'll evolve into Greninja?"

"More than that," she stated. "Its power will become greater with each passing day. It will reach a potential that has only been seen once before. And the two of you will reach that potential together."

"'Only seen once before'?" Serena's eyes widened. "Ash! I think I know what that means!"

"You do?" Bonnie asked. "Tell us! Tell us!"

"Remember that story Sanpei told us? About his ancestor's Greninja?" I nearly jumped as I recalled that story. "I think your Frogadier is going to do just that!"

All of us were ecstatic at the thought of such an event. "That's incredible! A phenomena only seen once before is a really big deal!" Clemont declared.

"Not just a big deal! It's a huge deal!" Bonnie added.

"I'll be ready to update my information!" Dexter declared.

I placed both my hands on Frogadier's shoulders and knelt to his eye level. "Then let's go! The future's out there just waiting for us!"

"Frog!" his partner replied in eager agreement.

While I was excited for Frogadier, something was still bugging me about today. I got back up and spoke to the Gym Leader. "I thought Alain was our friend. Why would he attack us like that?"

Olympia closed her eyes for a second. "That I do not know," she told us. "However, I do know this.. it is connected to her divine power."

Brianna stepped up. "'Divine power'? You mean the Pure Hearts?"

"Indeed… Brianna Bellerose, there is much you must know. In his attempt to cover his tracks, the one who betrayed your family made them forget something very important about you. Through the voice of the stars, I have learned what they have forgotten. Let me show you!" Another image was projected through her. This time, it was a human - specifically, Brianna's mother, Diantha.

*Diantha's POV*

It was just days before my wedding to Damos. His brother had gone missing the day he proposed to me, and we had been seeking him for months. It was the hardest choice of his life, but eventually, Damos was forced to give up the search. I comforted him to the best of my ability, but he would not stop grieving. He had even told me he blamed himself for not loving him enough.

It took longer than normal, but I finally got to sleep. That night, I had the most unexpectable dream…

I and Gardevoir found ourselves climbing the side of Mount Coronet, the largest mountain in the world. It was a long tread up the winding path, and there were many strong Pokémon along the way. At last, we reached the top, where we found something I had only heard legends about.

It was the ruins known as Spear Pillar. But these did not look like ruins at all. No, this was a full-on temple which looked like it had just been built. As I entered the temple, two Pokémon descended from the heavens. They looked like Dialga and Palkia, yet different… more shaped like the one for which this temple was formed. I half-expected a fight, until they bowed at Gardevoir and I. I was not sure why at first…

…until a shadow loomed over me. I turned around and saw their creator standing before me. Surprised by his presence, I was not sure what to think. I did not know whether to kneel in reverance, sing his praises, or race back down the mountain as fast as I could. Before I could do anything though, my Keystone began to glow brightly, as well as Gardevoir's Mega Stone. As though it were reacting to the presence of these three divine Pokémon.

Arceus then spoke up. "Fear not, human," he began in a very archaic manner. "It is well that thou art here. What is thy name? Where did thou come from?"

I hesitated, but replied. "I'm Diantha Gardner… from the Kalos region."

"Diantha of Kalos… I have called thee here because thou shalt soon face a crisis. A great evil is rising. Its reawakening is at hand."

"A great evil?"

"I banished him from this world many millennia ago." When he said that, I immediately knew it was Giratina. "In his exile, his strength has since waxed. It shall affect people and Pokémon throughout the world, beginning in Kalos."

"We have to stop him!" I clenched my fist. "What must we do?"

"Thou hast done well to offer thy assistance without hesitation. Unflagging devotion to a goal shalt see it through… So hast thou proven by thine declaration. To see such devotion proven anew bringeth joy to me." He began to hover a little. "I have used up all of my strength, so for now I must rest. Yet hope still remains. I shalt bestow upon thee a part of myself. That which you conceive through it will do my wonders, and through them, thy world will be saved from the great evil. Will thou accept this responsibility, Diantha of Kalos?"

"I will!" If it was for my would-be husband and his kingdom, I would do anything.

"Behold… the Light of Hope!" From the center of his neck, out came a small glimmer of light, like a little star. It hovered away from its source and entered into my own body. "I and my sons recognize and welcome thee, Diantha of Kalos, Keeper of the Light, Mother of the Legendary Princess." As he spoke those words, the area surrounding me began to turn whiter and whiter until…

…I woke up. Later that day, Damos and I were surprised to discover I was pregnant with my dear Brianna. When I told about my dream the night before, we both realized it was not a dream at all, but a vision.

The prophecy was being fulfilled through us.

*Brianna's POV*

I would have fallen to the floor, were it not for Clemont and James catching me. To say this was a lot to take in all at once would be an understatement. This revelation shook my entire world.

"The Light of Hope is more than the name of a move," Olympia told us. "It is the blood of the Original One."

"Brianna is Arceus' daughter?!" Serena cut in.

"Man, oh, man," Meowth added. "It all makes sense now. The Pure Hearts, the type-changing, the whole caboodle."

I looked up to Olympia. "But... does this mean Damos was never my father?" I asked, upset for his sake.

"Not in the same way Diantha is your mother," she answered. "You and Damos are not bound by blood, but he loved you as though you truly were his own. The sacrifice he made that day and the Keystone around your neck prove that fact eloquently. Both are proof that, through his love, you have inherited his kingdom."

"Daddy…" I grasped my Keystone and wiped away a tear. A part of me was relieved for his sake.

"Damos shortened his life so that you could succeed him as ruler of Kalos," Olympia concluded. "You are the one intended to carry on his legacy. Do you still want to do so, even after hearing this? Is that your wish, Brianna?"

I was silent for a moment, but I answered, "Yes, Ma'am." I then looked at my friends, the people and Pokémon I have been traveling with this whole time. "There's still a lot I don't know about, especially concerning myself. But for now, I'd like to continue on this journey with you… if you'll have me."

Ash was the first to speak up. "Of course we will! Diantha, Damos, Arceus… I don't care. I'm still right here beside you… and I'll help you find the rest of the Pure Hearts."

Clemont stepped up. "We probably wouldn't have made it this far without you. We'll follow wherever you lead. You may not have all your power yet, but we'll make up for the rest."

Serena held Magearna close as she spoke. "I chose you as my best friend long before I even knew any of your family. That's who you are to me, first and foremost, and thanks to you, I have a family all my own through Ash and Magearna."

"And if it weren't for you, we'd probably still be licking Giovanni's boots." Jessie spoke on behalf of herself, James and Meowth. "We left Team Rocket and joined Team Bellerose that day… best decision we ever made, in my opinion. Your lineage doesn't change the fact that you changed our lives for the better."

"Everyone agrees," Olympia cut in with a smile. "After all, you are what connects are and always will be… the Legendary Princess, Brianna."

If my arms were longer, I would have wrapped them all together in one big hug. "Thank you, everyone… I'm glad you're all on this journey with me."

Ash then spoke up to the Anistar Gym Leader. "Olympia, as long as we're here, we'd like to have some Gym battles with you once Cocoa arrives!"

Olympia smiled. "I accept! Let me warn you now - I do not have any of the remaining Pure Hearts, but I do have something else I believe will be worth your while." But before she could tell us what it was… "It is him! I see him!" Olympia had yet another vision.

Serena looked up. "Him who?"

"The one who betrayed King Damos… the one who leads Team Flare, and the one through whom the Renegade resides! Behold!" Through her projection we saw precisely who was pulling the strings this whole time.

My blood ran cold as I saw the true face of my Uncle Lydos. "It can't be… Lysandre?!"

It was my worst nightmare come true. We had just found out that my all-time idol, Lysandre LaFleur, was in fact my greatest enemy, Uncle Lydos. And what was worse, we inadvertently helped him obtain the source of Mega Evolution - the Megalith. What was he going to do with it? And more importantly, how would we be able to stop him? The answers as the journey continues…