Chapter 17: Melody
The Orange Archipelago was a developing region, its economy heavily reliant on tourism. Known for its breathtaking beaches, exotic cuisine, and dense tropical forests, it was a paradise for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation. Among its many picturesque islands was Shamouti Island, where the students of Class 1-2 had arrived last night for their school trip.
As the group made their way to the shoreline, an elderly man named Tobias, a respected community elder of Shamouti Island, strolled along the beach. His keen eyes caught sight of the large group of young tourists, chatting animatedly as they walked. Curious, he approached their group.
"Ah, welcome to Shamouti Island!" Tobias greeted warmly, offering a nod of appreciation. "It's always wonderful to see new faces visiting our home."
As Chrysa paused to acknowledge him, the students instinctively slowed, their attention drawn to the conversation. Seizing the moment, Tobias smiled and addressed the group.
"You've arrived just in time," he said. "Tomorrow marks the start of our annual Legend Festival. It's a tradition where one person is chosen—be it a local or a visitor—to take on the role of the Chosen One. They must journey to Fire Island, Ice Island, and Lightning Island to retrieve the three sacred treasures. Once all three are gathered, the festival maiden plays an ancient song on her ocarina, signaling the festival's end for another year."
The students murmured in interest, exchanging glances.
"As part of the festivities," Tobias continued, "we'll be selecting this year's Chosen One during a gathering at the town plaza tonight. Anyone could be chosen—including one of you."
"That sounds… like a clever way to get tourists involved," Goh remarked, folding his arms. "Good for boosting tourism, I bet."
Tobias chuckled knowingly but didn't deny it. Chrysa, on the other hand, smiled at the elder. "Thank you for the invitation," she said. "I'll ask my students if they'd like to attend."
Before she could even turn to them, most of the class was already nodding eagerly.
"Well then," Tobias said with a chuckle, "we'll be expecting you all later tonight." With a final nod of farewell, he turned and made his way back toward the village.
Once he was gone, Chrysa faced her students, her expression shifting into that of a responsible teacher. "Alright, everyone, you're free to enjoy the beach—but remember the rules. No swimming past waist level, and always be cautious."
With a collective cheer, the students scattered, dressed in casual yet modest swimwear suited for a school trip. Some raced toward the water, eager to splash in the shallows, while others set up towels on the sand, ready to relax under the warm sun. The anticipation of the upcoming festival lingered in the air, adding an extra layer of excitement to their day at the beach.
The sound of the ocean waves lapping against the shore was rhythmic and calming, a gentle background to the quiet chatter of vacationers and the occasional calls of distant Wingulls and Pellipers. Ash and Chloe found themselves seated on their towels, the dense shade of the towering palm trees offering a welcome respite from the midday sun. The sand was warm beneath them, but the cool breeze carried the salty tang of the sea, making the air feel refreshingly crisp.
Ash had placed his backpack beside him, the fabric of the bag rumpling slightly as he fumbled with it, struggling to pull out a bag of chips. He tugged again, but something seemed to be holding it back.
"Pichu, let it go," Ash whispered, tugging harder as the bag of chips refused to budge. His brow furrowed, and he tugged once more, finally hearing the bag pop free with a soft sound.
Chloe, who had been applying sunscreen to her arms, glanced over at him, curiosity piqued by the slight struggle. "Need some help there?" she teased, an amused glint in her eyes.
Ash grinned sheepishly, his face flushing from the little struggle. "Nah, I've got it!" he said nervously, still trying to act like nothing was wrong. He then leaned back against the palm tree, offering the open bag of chips to her. "Want some?"
Chloe took a few chips from the bag, glancing at the ocean as she popped one in her mouth. The warm breeze tousled her hair, and she gazed out at the sparkling water in the distance, with groups of people laughing and playing along the shore. A couple of kids were building sandcastles nearby, their colorful pails and shovels scattered around them. Several beachgoers were lounging under umbrellas, soaking up the sun, while others splashed in the shallows or rode the gentle waves on surfboards.
Across the beach, Dawn and Serena waved enthusiastically from the water, their voices carrying over the wind.
"Hey, Ash! Chloe!" Dawn shouted, her arms flailing in the air. "Come on, join us! The water's perfect!"
Serena grinned beside her, giving an exaggerated wave. "We're having so much fun! What are you waiting for?"
Chloe smiled as she looked at Ash. "Are you going to join them?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "It's such a nice day, and it looks like they're having fun."
Ash glanced toward the water, the waves sparkling enticingly. His gaze shifted back to his backpack, where his Pichu was quietly nestled inside. He bit his lip nervously. Though he didn't want to admit it, he had been worried about leaving his Pokémon alone for too long. He felt a little guilty, knowing it might get too hot in there.
"Uh…" Ash mumbled, his voice uncertain. "I don't know. I was thinking about it."
Chloe, still unaware of the reason Ash had been struggling with his bag—Pichu hiding inside—gave him a concerned look. "You sure you're okay?"
"I guess I'll just go, but only if you'll come with me, Chloe," Ash said reluctantly, not wanting to leave her behind with his backpack. He was starting to consider telling his friends or maybe even his teacher about Pichu, just to save him the trouble of hiding him. He'd just face whatever consequence there was for it if any at all. It wasn't like he intentionally brought a Pokémon with him.
Before Chloe could respond, a shadow suddenly fell over them. Dawn appeared, grinning widely, her hands already reaching for Ash and Chloe's wrists.
"No more excuses!" Dawn exclaimed cheerfully, dragging both of them to their feet with surprising strength. "We're going to the water, and you're coming with us!"
Both Ash and Chloe laughed in surprise as Dawn pulled them along. Ash hesitated for a moment, looking at his backpack once more. But the force of Dawn's enthusiasm was too much to resist, and soon he was letting himself be dragged toward the water, a wide grin slowly creeping across his face.
"Okay, okay! I'm coming, I'm coming," Ash laughed, though he still seemed a little reluctant to leave his bag behind.
As they reached the edge of the water, the cool waves lapped against their ankles. The water was refreshing, the soft spray of saltwater in the air as the waves broke gently on the shore. Dawn and Serena were already splashing each other in the shallows, calling for Ash and Chloe to join in.
"Come on, Ash!" Dawn called. "The water's amazing!"
Ash finally gave in, a laugh escaping him as he stepped into the cool embrace of the ocean. "Alright, alright! Let's see what you've got, Dawn!"
:･ﾟ(ꈍᴗꈍ)･ﾟ:
As the last hints of daylight dipped beneath the horizon, the students of Class 1-2 made their way toward the town plaza, where the evening's festivities would soon unfold. The air had cooled just enough to make the night comfortable, and the soft rustling of palm trees blended with the gentle hum of excitement from the bustling crowd. The plaza, typically quiet in the evening, had transformed into a vibrant celebration of Shamouti Island's rich culture.
The streets were lined with colorful lights, casting soft hues over the smiling faces of islanders and tourists alike. The sounds of drumming and lively music echoed through the air, drawing everyone's attention toward the heart of the celebration. Traditional dancers moved gracefully through the streets, their bright costumes swirling in time with the music. The costumes—each one inspired by one of the legendary birds—caught Ash's eye immediately.
There were dancers dressed in the icy blues of Articuno's wings, others in the fiery reds and yellows of Moltres, and a few in the electrifying yellow and black of Zapdos. The costumes were intricately designed, shimmering with beads and feathers that created an almost magical effect in the dimming light. Ash couldn't help but marvel at the energy and life of the festivities.
"Wow… this is amazing," Chloe said beside him, her voice filled with awe as they made their way deeper into the plaza. She was practically glowing in the festive atmosphere, her eyes sparkling as she took in everything—the dancers, the bright stalls offering food and trinkets, the overall joy that hung in the air like the scent of fresh fruit.
Ash nodded, his gaze flicking from one group of performers to another. He felt the buzz of excitement too, though his attention was drawn elsewhere. A long line of food stalls stretched out along one side of the plaza, each stall offering different delicious smells. Ash had bought a few snacks earlier, his stomach rumbling in anticipation of trying the local treats. He stuffed them in his backpack without a second thought, hoping Pichu would save for him later. He knew he had his hands full with Pichu, but no one had questioned him about his bag—no one seemed to mind.
As they walked along, Ash noticed his classmates were engrossed in the celebration, moving from one stall to the next, tasting foods they'd never had before, or chatting excitedly with the local islanders. He, however, still felt a little out of place. It wasn't that he didn't enjoy the festival, but the weight of keeping Pichu a secret was always there, a small but constant worry. He absently tapped his backpack, reminding himself that it was only for a little while longer.
Eventually, the crowd gathered near a small stage in front of a totem in the center of the plaza. Tobias, the community elder, stood in front of the gathered people, raising a hand to quiet the chatter. His weathered face was lit by the soft light of lanterns surrounding the plaza. His voice, though aged, still carried a sense of authority and warmth.
"Welcome, one and all!" Tobias began, his voice carrying over the crowd. "Thank you for joining us on this special night, as we prepare for tomorrow's great journey! As is tradition, tonight we select our 'Chosen One,' the brave individual who will undertake the sacred task of collecting the three Island Treasures. They will travel to Fire Island, Ice Island, and Lightning Island to gather the treasures from each shrine and return to Shamouti Island to place them before the shrine's altar. Only then will the Festival Maiden play her sacred song, signaling the end of the festival."
The crowd murmured with interest, their eyes glued to Tobias as he continued speaking. Ash's attention was rapt—he had heard about the quest, but hearing it from Tobias made it feel more real. There was a sense of grandeur to it, like something ancient and powerful. He wondered who among the group would be chosen for such an important task.
Tobias raised his hand, signaling for the crowd's attention to shift. "And now," he announced, "I would like to introduce to you the Festival Maiden for this year, the one who will guide the Chosen One through their journey."
Tobias motioned toward a young girl standing off to the side. She was about Ash's age, and her outfit immediately stood out. The delicate white dress she wore was beautifully adorned with red accents on the skirt and sleeves, while a soft blue stripe ran down the center of her torso. Her long, red hair cascaded in two neat sections behind her, framing her face with wispy bangs. The golden glow of the lanterns caught the blue gems on her sandals, making them sparkle against her feet. She wore a veil that hung down to her knees, making her look both graceful and mysterious.
Ash's eyes widened slightly as the girl stepped forward. She moved with a quiet elegance, a calm presence that seemed to embody the spirit of the island itself. There was something serene and confident about her that made Ash pause, momentarily distracted from the excitement of the ceremony.
"Meet Melody," Tobias introduced, his voice filled with pride. "She will lead the Chosen One on their quest tomorrow. She is the spirit of Shamouti Island, and her song will guide the way."
Melody's smile was soft yet confident as she waved to the crowd, her blue eyes glistening in the soft lantern light. She stood tall, her posture regal but not aloof, as though she was ready to embark on the journey herself. Ash couldn't help but admire her composure.
Chloe leaned over to Ash, her voice low but filled with intrigue. "She looks like someone who knows exactly what she's doing, huh?"
Ash nodded, feeling a strange sense of awe for the girl who would be guiding the Chosen One. "Yeah, she does," he murmured, still watching her as she stood next to Tobias. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Melody than just being a festival figure. Something about her presence made the festival feel even more real, like the stories he'd heard about the legendary birds and the sacred treasures.
Tobias continued, bringing the focus back to the crowd. "Tomorrow, our chosen one will leave at dawn. They will journey across the three islands, collecting the treasures. We will begin the ceremony now to select this year's Chosen One."
The excitement in the air was palpable as the islanders and tourists alike leaned forward. Ash watched with a mix of curiosity and nervousness. Who would be chosen? Would it be someone from their group?
The murmuring of the crowd faded into an expectant hush as the last of the festival lanterns dimmed, one by one, until the entire plaza was bathed in darkness. A whisper of wind rustled through the trees, and for a moment, there was only the rhythmic crash of the ocean waves in the distance and the steady thrum of anticipation hanging in the air.
Then, from the heart of the stage, a single light bloomed, illuminating a lone figure.
Melody stood in the soft glow, her white ceremonial dress shimmering like moonlight against the darkness. The delicate fabric of her veil swayed as she lifted a small, intricately carved ocarina to her lips. A hauntingly beautiful note filled the silence, drifting through the night like a lullaby carried on the sea breeze.
Ash found himself mesmerized—not just by the song, but by the way Melody moved with the music. She began to dance, her steps fluid and effortless, her body swaying in perfect harmony with each note. The light followed her as she twirled, the hem of her dress catching the faintest breeze, making her seem almost weightless. She was more than a performer; she was a part of the music itself.
The ocarina's song carried an ancient, almost ethereal quality—one that felt as if it had been played for generations, echoing through time. The notes rose and fell, weaving a tale without words, and the entire crowd stood utterly still, captivated by the spectacle before them.
But as the music filled the night, Ash's thoughts began to drift elsewhere.
'The Chosen One.'
Tobias had spoken of it with such reverence, as if the title itself carried some divine significance. A destined individual, fated to undertake a great journey, to accomplish something beyond the reach of ordinary people.
'Is that really what this festival is about?' Ash wondered. 'Was the Chosen One simply someone born to be great? Someone selected by fate, like how Gary—and so many others—seemed to believe? That greatness wasn't something earned through effort and perseverance, but something gifted at birth?'
His mind wandered back to their first semester exams a few weeks ago. He, Chloe, Dawn, Serena—all of them had studied relentlessly, pouring hours into their books, refining their knowledge, pushing themselves to the limit. And in the end, their hard work had paid off. They had ranked among the top students, not because they were chosen by some unseen force, but because they had worked for it.
That was what Ash believed in—effort, determination, growth.
As he stood there, surrounded by a crowd entranced by the notion of a Chosen One, he felt something inside him pull away from the same line of thinking.
He felt detached from the festival.
As the final notes of the ocarina's song lingered in the air, Melody slowly knelt on stage, her head bowing down in graceful conclusion. The light above her dimmed slightly, leaving her bathed in soft illumination. The silence stretched for a heartbeat, then two—before another light flared to life.
A single beam shot across the plaza, seemingly sweeping randomly over the crowd. Ash, still caught in his thoughts, noticed something the others likely didn't—the one controlling the light wasn't choosing at random. The operator, partially obscured in the shadows, had subtly scanned the audience, looking for someone. Probably looking for someone physically fit to take the role of hopping from island to island. 'So, it's not fate at all', Ash realized. 'It's just a decision made by someone behind the scenes.'
The onlookers gasped as the beem of light finally settled on a figure.
And now, in the center of the light's glow, stood a young man.
Someone who could handle a long day of traveling across islands. Someone who looked like the kind of person who should be the Chosen One.
Melody, still kneeling, slowly lifted her head. Her blue eyes, shimmering beneath the veil, locked onto the illuminated figure.
With practiced elegance, she extended a hand toward the direction of the young man, her voice clear and commanding despite its softness.
"Oh, Chosen One," she called, her words carrying across the hushed plaza, "I beseech you—help us tame the Beast of the Sea."
A reverent silence followed her plea. The crowd watched, breathless, waiting for the newly anointed Chosen One to respond.
:･ﾟ(ꈍᴗꈍ)･ﾟ:
A/N: Who do you think is the Chosen One?
-Areyem Meyera