Chapter 4

A week has swiftly passed since Ash set foot on Sevestar Island. Arceus has summoned other Legendaries to join them, and together, they uncover the harsh truth of the trials Ash has endured. Encouragement and support pour in from these powerful beings, bolstering his determination.

During his days on the island, Ash dedicates himself to rigorous training under their guidance. He delves into his father's diary, hungry for insight into the man he barely knew. The Aura training proves arduous, with the need to master 18 weapons and their intricate moves. In the beginning, wielding these tools feels foreign and unsettling, resembling deadly implements from the movies. Yet, day after day, Ash perseveres, gradually growing more adept until he masters each weapon.

The diary reveals the depth of his father's love for Valerie, a revelation that surprises Ash, especially given Valerie's lack of recognition when they first met. As he immerses himself in the diary's pages, he becomes more resolute than ever to fulfill his father's wishes: thwarting Team Rocket and seeking vengeance for his and his twin sister's tragic deaths.

"Ash, come closer. I have a task for you," Arceus summons him, and Ash obliges. "What's on your mind, Arceus?"

"Our primary objective is to thwart Team Rocket, which is why you're undergoing Aura weapon training," Arceus explains. "However, Giovanni possesses powerful Pokémon, and you currently lack any companions. Confronting both Dark Aura and his Pokémon together would prove challenging."

Ash's concern surfaces. "So, what's the plan? My own Pokémon consider me weak... and who will aid me in taking down Giovanni?"

Arceus offers a solution. "You must understand that, besides the Ketchum Family, the Mache Family also exists, and they are willing to assist you. Your parents resolved the conflict between our two families, and now it's time for both to unite against the nefarious Sakaki Family."

Confused, Ash seeks clarification. "So, I should seek out a member of the Mache Family to aid me? But who should I approach? Finding Valerie might jeopardize her job..."

Arceus reassures him. "Worry not. I've selected the ideal partner for you. She'll not only assist in your battle against Team Rocket but is also a potential match for you," Arceus teases with a smirk.

Ash blushes at the mention of a potential mate. However, as he recalls the hurtful words Serena and Lillie directed at him in Pallet Town, he grapples with his ability to embrace love once more.

"So, who is this person you're talking about?" Ash asks, his focus shifting away from the notion of having a mate.

Arceus proceeds to explain, "I've informed Articuno about the situation, and he can guide you to your destination." Articuno approaches them and bows, signaling Ash to hop on. Without hesitation, they take off to search for the Mache family member.

As they soar through the skies, Ash observes the familiar landscape below, realizing that they're over the Kalos Region. Concern creases his brow, and he voices his apprehensions, "Why are we going to Kalos? What if I encounter more attacks..."

Articuno reassures him, "Fear not. Your destination is the Pokémon Village—a place with minimal human presence. I'm confident she will be there waiting for you." With their decision made, Articuno initiates their descent towards the Pokémon Village.

The howling winds roared around her, carrying icy daggers that cut against her skin. Snowflakes danced wildly in the air, blinding her as she trudged through the knee-deep snow.

Alice wrapped her arms around herself, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she fought against the merciless storm.

She had been so angry.

So determined.

But now—now she was just scared.

"Mom! Dad! Flora! Eve!" she screamed, her voice barely carrying over the deafening winds. "Can anyone hear me?!"

Silence.

The blizzard swallowed her cries whole.

She shivered violently, her legs trembling as exhaustion crept into her body. She had been running for what felt like hours, but in reality, it had only been minutes. She had no sense of direction, no idea where she was going—only the biting cold reminding her of the mistake she had made.

"Why did I do this?"

She should have listened. She should have stayed inside.

Her vision blurred as panic clawed at her chest.

She had never felt so alone.

She tried to push forward, but her limbs were growing numb, her strength fading with each step. The icy wind howled in her ears, whispering cruelly that she would never find her way back home.

Then, suddenly—

A familiar, cold touch brushed against her arm.

Alice turned her head, her frozen lashes barely lifting to see her Pokémon—Froslass.

The spectral Ice-type floated beside her, its eerie, yet strangely comforting presence offering the only warmth in the frozen wasteland. Froslass let out a soft, worried cry, circling Alice protectively as if to shield her from the storm.

Alice's lips trembled, her fingers twitching as she reached out to her partner. "Froslass…"

Her Pokémon had followed her. It had not abandoned her.

Tears welled in Alice's eyes, but the cold refused to let them fall. She looked at Froslass, and then at the endless expanse of white surrounding them.

She thought of Ash Ketchum.

She had always admired him—his unwavering determination, his unshakable will. No matter how many people doubted him, no matter how much the world turned against him, he never stopped fighting.

But she wasn't Ash.

She was just a girl lost in a snowstorm.

Alice clenched her fists.

She had acted impulsively, and now she was paying the price.

"But... maybe I should've stayed back home," she whispered, her breath barely visible in the frigid air.

Froslass let out another gentle cry, nudging her shoulder as if to reassure her.

Alice inhaled shakily, forcing herself to keep moving.

If she gave up now, she wouldn't just be proving her bullies right.

She would be proving everyone right.

Taking a deep, steadying breath, she did the only thing she could think of—

She began to sing.

A soft, trembling melody left her lips, a song her mother used to sing when she was little. A song to chase away the loneliness, the fear.

"The snow glows white on the mountain tonight
Not a footprint to be seen
A kingdom of isolation
And it looks like I'm the queen

The wind is howling like this swirling storm inside
Couldn't keep it in, heaven knows I've tried."

Ash and Articuno touch down near the forest's edge, greeted by an unexpected blizzard. Ash questions the situation, "Why is there a blizzard? I doubt anyone would venture out in this weather. How am I supposed to find her?"

Articuno reassures him with a note of patience, "Have faith. She will come to you."

As the haunting melody reaches their ears, Ash and Articuno are drawn towards its source. They opt to conceal themselves, watching as the girl sits on the cold ground, lost in her song. "Could she be the one we're seeking?"

"You'll find out soon enough," Articuno replies with a knowing nod.

"Don't let them in, don't let them see
Be the good girl you always have to be
Conceal, don't feel, don't let them know
Well, now they know"

Without warning, the girl rises to her feet and begins to dance gracefully amid the swirling snowflakes. With nimble fingers, she removes her gloves, her movements turning the snow into a mesmerizing work of art.

"Let it go, let it go
Can't hold it back anymore
Let it go, let it go
Turn away and slam the door
I don't care what they're going to say
Let the storm rage on
The cold never bothered me anyway"

Her dance takes on a spirited and joyous quality as she leaps and twirls through the forest. "It's funny how some distance makes everything seem small
And the fears that once controlled me can't get to me at all
It's time to see what I can do
To test the limits and breakthrough
No right, no wrong, no rules for me
I'm free

Let it go, let it go
I am one with the wind and sky
Let it go, let it go
You'll never see me cry
Here I stand and here I stay
Let the storm rage on."

"Wow... Her voice is truly beautiful, isn't it, Ash?" Articuno inquires, but Ash is so entranced by the girl that he doesn't hear Articuno's question. As he continues to gaze at her, Ash senses his heart quickening, a feeling he hasn't experienced in a long time. Could it be that he is on the verge of falling in love once more?

"My power flurries through the air into the ground
My soul is spiraling in frozen fractals all around
And one thought crystallizes like an icy blast
I'm never going back, the past is in the past

Let it go
The cold never bothered me anyway
Let it go, let it go
And I'll rise like the break of dawn
Let it go, let it go
That perfect girl is gone
Here I stand in the light of day
Let the storm rage on
The cold never bother me anyway."

After her dance concludes, the girl's Froslass celebrates her performance with cheerful cries. She affectionately strokes her Pokémon and expresses her gratitude, saying, "Thank you for cheering me on."

Suddenly, Ash joins in with applause, causing her to startle, her gaze now fixed on his direction. With an attempt at bravery, she raises her voice, though it's partially drowned out by the blizzard's roar, "Who's there? Reveal yourself!"

Reassuringly, Ash steps out from the misty surroundings. In addition to Ash's presence, an Articuno stands beside him, an awe-inspiring sight for the girl. She stammers in amazement, "That's an Articuno... in reality?"

Ash confirms, "It's very real. Currently, Articuno is my companion. But what I'd really like to discuss is your song. It displays tremendous strength, even in the face of this bitter, relentless blizzard."

"Who are you?" Alice inquires, unable to discern Ash's face behind the mask. Ash is hesitant to reveal his true identity, fearing that it might drive her away and jeopardize their mission.

"My real name isn't essential, but you can call me Red," Ash replies, concealing his true name. He continues with a charming tone, "May I have the pleasure of learning the name of this lovely lady before me?"

Alice's cheeks flush slightly, caught off guard by the stranger's flirtatious approach. She stammers, "I'm Alice. Alice Urup."

"Alice, does the name 'Mache' hold any significance for you?" Ash persists, eager to confirm her identity.

"Mache is my mother's maiden name. Why do you ask?" Alice responds, her confusion growing.

"I'm on a mission to locate a member of the Mache family," Ash explains. He locks eyes with Alice and says earnestly, "And since you mentioned that your mother's name is Mache, it means you can assist me. You're a member of the Mache family, and I need your help to save the world from Team Rocket."

"Save the world?" Alice gasps in surprise. Then she hesitates and adds, "But... I can't. I'm just a shy and introverted girl. If you're looking for a Mache family member, you should go to Snowbelle City to find my Dad, Mom, or my two sisters..."

With a tone of urgency, Ash responds, "There's no time for that. As I mentioned, the fate of the world is hanging in the balance. Your shyness or introversion doesn't matter. What's important is that you come with us."

"But my family... I have to find them..." Alice insists. However, Ash scoops her up, and they both board Articuno. "Hey! Put me down!"

"I'm sorry, but I can't do that. Please relax while I take you to meet Arceus," Ash replies, holding her securely. As Articuno takes to the sky once more, Alice finds herself strangely at ease in Ash's arms, her cheeks flushed.

Upon their arrival at Sevestar Island, Alice takes in her surroundings, her timid voice quivering as she asks, "Where are we? And is that a castle over there?"

Ash offers a reassuring smile and responds, "Don't worry. We're on Sevestar Island, a hidden sanctuary known to very few. But as far as I know, your family and mine are the only ones aware of this place."

Alice's eyes widen in astonishment, realizing she knows nothing about this location. Ash gently pats her head to comfort her and continues, "But that's not important right now. Soon, you'll understand everything. At the moment, we need your help."

Arceus materializes in front of Alice, prompting her to bow respectfully. "Oh, mighty Arceus, why have you brought me to this place?"

Arceus smiles kindly and replies, "No need for formality, just call me Arceus. Your family has a significant destiny, which is why we require you and your Ice-type Pokémon to assist Red here. As you can see, Team Rocket is up to no good, and only the two of you can stop them."

"Stop Team Rocket? But why me?" Alice inquires, voicing her doubts. "As I mentioned to Red, I'm just a timid and shy girl, and I've never been fond of violence..."

Ash offers her a comforting pat and says, "Don't worry about that. I'm not a fan of violence either."

Turning towards Arceus, Ash expresses their commitment to the mission and reassures Alice, saying, "We've been chosen for this task, and there's no alternative but to see it through. I understand you may miss your family, but I promise that once all of this is over, we'll ensure you return to them."

Alice detects the change in tone and raises her eyebrows, questioning, "Are you implying that if I refuse, I won't see my family again? Is that what you're saying?"

Quick to clarify, Ash responds, "No, we would never do that. I just want you to grasp the gravity of the situation. People are suffering because of Team Rocket's corruption. If I were to threaten you, I'd be no better than those who are corrupt. Please, think of it as a heartfelt request."

Though still uncertain about the situation, Alice agrees to assist him, driven by the prospect of returning home. As Ash gazes at her, he can't help but feel a nervous energy around her. He muses, "Is this what Dad felt when he first met Valerie?"

Alice also observes Ash, unable to see his face but sensing his attractiveness. She blushes, her own feelings stirred. Meanwhile, Arceus watches them with a knowing smile, recognizing the destined bond forming between the two.

Here is the fourth chapter. Ash and Alice's first meeting is neither good nor bad, but after their encounter, they are destined to confront Team Rocket. What lies in store for Team Rocket's fate? Find out in the next chapter."