Heroes of Legend

"Heroes of Legend"

Prologue

In the world of Denset, a realm akin to the Pokemon world, the relationship between human and Pokemon is not too different from what you see in the Pokemon world, and in many ways, it is identical to the Pokemon world...but when it comes to the Legendary Pokemon, only those that have trained their hardest, physically, mentally, and spiritually; may unite with their spirits and gain their powers for use in battle. These people are known as "Legendary Warriors". Most of the time, Legendary Warriors keep the peace in Denset, but they can be called to defend the land if the need arises.

However, one particular Warrior, Kyrene, had one deep, burning desire: to inheirit the throne of Denset itself. Her ruthless ambitions turned both her powers and her colleagues powers towards the dark realm, further fueling her desire. Before long, they were the most prominent threat in the land, ultimately capturing the princess, Alysa! With the princess captured, chaos erupted throughout Denset! But, all was not lost... a group of Warriors bravely traveled to Kyrene's lair and defeated her, rescuing Alysa and returning peace to Denset. The people were so grateful, they erected a statue of the princess made of rock as thanks to the warriors that had saved them....as the years passed, Denset itself passed into the realm of myth...but the rock, and the story with it, remains...it now stands in a recreation area just outside Pallet Town, where it has been dubbed Alysa's Rock.

Our story focuses on Ash Ketchum and his friends as they travel to Alysa's Rock, unaware of the legend...

Little does Ash realize, he and his friends are about to see Denset for themselves, and in doing so, relive the legend of Alysa's Rock...and ultimately, become heroes...

Episode 1: Caught in the Crossfire

Ash yawned as he glumly stared out the window. "Man, I am so bored..."

"Me too..." Brock sighed as he flipped through the endless reruns on TV. "Everyone's either on vacation or at summer camp..."

"But why should we sit here bored while THEY go have fun?" Ash snapped. "I miss my friends already!" Summer vacation had only been underway for a week, and Ash was probably the only person in Pallet Town that didn't have anything planned for the summer.

"You'll have to hang in there for three months, since the league matches don't start until August." Brock sighed as he began another cycle through the reruns. "I'm just glad to not be traveling for a while..."

Ash swallowed hard. "Three...MONTHS???"

"Yeah...and even then, you still have to wait a bit longer before you get information about your next challenge." Brock continued. "It's okay, though...there's always the movies..."

"There's nothing I really want to see right now..." Ash grumbled, twirling a strand of hair around his finger.

"Okay then, how about the mall?" Brock suggested.

Ash searched through his pockets, but only came up with a few pieces of lint and several candy wrappers. "I'm broke at the moment..." He sighed and collapsed on the couch next to Brock, exasperated.

"Well, if you guys are so bored, why don't we go on a vacation ourselves?" a voice called from the kitchen.

"Huh?" Ash turned to see Misty sit down in an easy chair next to the couch with a plate carrying a sandwich, some chips, and some orange slices. "Where could we go?"

"All in favor of the beach, say 'aye!' Brock cried, trying to balance on the couch as if it were a surfboard.

"Ahem...it needs to be somewhere we can afford..." Misty cautioned. "and I don't think the lifeguards at the public swimming pool would appriciate your surfboard act, Brock..."

"Aw man..." Brock sighed, collapsing back onto the couch with a plop.

"We could always go get pizza and then race the Mini Racers at the Fun Zone!" Ash suggested. "In fact, I remember the time we took Misty racing with us..."


"Hey, Misty!" Ash cried as he watched Brock play "Pokeguardians: The Arcade Game" over in the arcade. "Want to come race the Mini Racers when Brock finishes his game?"

"I don't know, Ash..." Misty began as she watched the small cars zip around the track. "Don't you need a lisence to drive those?"

"No you don't! They're easy to drive!" Ash assured Misty. He was about to say more when he saw 'GAME OVER' flash on the game screen. Brock winced in disgust, then returned to the table where Ash and Misty were sitting.

"Um..." Misty started.

"Come race with us!" Ash begged. "Please?"

"One race?" Brock joined in the begging.

"Oh, all right..." Misty sighed, getting up from the table to stretch. "But on one condition: the losers buy the winner pizza!"

"You're on!" and Ash led the way to the racetrack, where a colorful array of Mini Racers were parked...


Brock smiled as he thought about the memory of the race. "Yeah...Misty passed me on the last turn of the last lap to win!"

"We need to have her race again..." Ash smiled. "and then have her buy pizza for US!"

"Don't even go there..." Misty growled. "Besides..." she mused. "I have a better idea..."

"Really?" Ash asked, interested.

"Why don't we go to the campground and camp near Alysa's Rock?" Misty began. "There's a swimming hole there, and hiking trails..."

"Yeah...sitting around the campfire singing songs, with Brock strumming on guitar..." Ash mused.

"And don't forget scary stories!" Brock interjected. "I have some GOOD ones I could tell!"

"Okay...if you guys go get packed, I'm going to call up a few friends and see if they'd like to go with us..." Misty explained. With that, Ash raced to his room, and Brock rushed into the kitchen, where he began gathering his firestarters, first aid supplies, and other camp necessities.

Misty, meanwhile, switched the TV off, reached for her address book that lay nearby the phone, and selected a random number....


Meanwhile, a girl with blond hair that flowed over her shoulders jogged down the street, apparently en route to the Fun Zone. Her eyes were an extremely light blue, almost white. Her skin was pale and she always had a smile on her face. She was the most cheerful person you?d ever know and cracked a lot of jokes, but also knew when she needed to be serious.

Today, however, she was planning to spend the day having fun, not slaving away doing chores on her Ponyta ranch...Just before she could think about her plans, she heard the familiar beeping of her cell phone... "Hello?"

?Hey Kari, it?s Misty. Me and some friends are going camping by Alysa?s Rock. You want to come??

?Sure, I?d love to. When are you guys leaving??

?Tomorrow, if you can make it.?

?Are you kidding? I wouldn?t miss it up for a Mew. See you tomorrow,? laughed Kari.



"Well?" Ash asked as he returned from the kitchen with a sandwich. "Can your friends come?"

"I've called Kari already...she's going to be there..." Misty explained. "She's one of my good friends..."

"So, who you calling next?" Ash asked.

Misty thumbed through her address book for a moment, then selected another number. "I think I'll call Andra next..."

"Who's she?" Ash wondered.

"Kari introduced me to her last month....so I know Kari would be really glad if she came along." Misty continued. With that, she dialed the number and waited....


A tall, thin girl with tan skin and short, wheatherblown brown hair propped a ladder against a shelf in a Pokemart in Cerulean City. The sapphire blue name tag pinned on her yellow T-shirt read her name: Andra. She grabbed a large box of Super Potions and climbed the ladder single-handedly. When she got to the top, Andra realized the shelf where she was supposed to restock the Super Potions with wasn?t there. Instead, the Hyper Potions shelf was in front of her. She looked around and saw the Super Potions shelf to her right. The shelf looked just out of hand-reaching length, but Andra was not one to decline a challenge. She took one Super Potion and managed to put it on the shelf before her ladder started to fall. Andra desperately tried windmilling her arms to regain balance, but to no avail. She fell on the floor, with the Super Potions piling on top of her. She had just pushed them off when, as if to taunt her, the Super Potion she had managed to put up fell down right on her forehead.

?Ow,? Andra muttered, rubbing her newly formed bruise. ?Thank goodness these floors are carpeted.? She looked around and sighed as picked up the Super Potions that lay scattered on the floor and putting them back on the shelves.

****************************20 minutes later*************************

Andra had picked up the Super Potions, put them in the box, climbed up the ladder and was just about to one on the shelf when her phone rang. Andra, startled, accidently pulled back and the ladder started to fall. ?Not agaIIINNNN!? Andra yelled as she fell, with the Super Potions tumbling behind her. Both landed on the floor with a crash.

When she reached the floor, she got up, grumbling as she answered the phone. ?What?? she snapped, annoyed that someone had tried to call her on her shift.

?Gee, Andra nice to talk to you too. What?s the matter? Beedrill in your bonnet?? laughed an assuring voice.

?Oh, hi Misty. Never mind about that. Why did you call?? Andra responded.

?Well, some friends and I are going on a camping trip to Alysa?s Rock. Want to come??

?Will Damien be coming?? Andra asked without thinking.

Misty swallowed a grin. She knew that Andra had had a crush on Damien since the two had met. Damien, of course was oblivious. ?Yes, and I?ll also invite Cupid to shoot him with a love arrow.? she laughed.

Now, Andra had a temper shorter than a Bellossom. So when she heard this, Andra?s face turned a scarlet red and she started fuming. ?Shut up! It?s just that, well, they, uh, have a, um, new video game called, er, Tales of Symphonia out and Damien? owes me money! Yes! That?s it! Damien owes me money!?

Misty rolled her eyes... Andra was the worst liar in the world. Not only that, she absolutely hated video games, and would rather be outside than confined to her room bashing buttons. ?Right. We?ll go with that. Camping trip, Alysa?s Rock, tomorrow. Smell ya later.? With that Misty hung up and left Andra with a face as red as a tomato.


"Boy, Andra sure sounded cranky..." Brock sighed as he brought the last of his camping gear out to the garage and began loading it inside a large bag on Swellow's back..

"That's because I caught her while she was working..." Misty explained, "and was having a problem restocking apparently...."

"Well, I hope she calms down enough to sing along with us around the campfire..." Brock laughed as he climbed aboard Swellow. "I'm going to fly out to the overlook and set up our campsite...see you there!" With that, he motioned to Swellow, who took off into the warm sunshine.

"Be careful out there!" Misty called as she watched Swellow fly away, now only a dark speck in the sky. With that, she returned to her easy chair, picked up the phone again, and dialed a third number...


A boy with bright yellow hair and brilliant, spring green eyes was fiddling with a small, orangish object with a bright blue button in the middle. He was sitting at a small oak desk in a basement with a single light bulb hanging above him, casting an eerie glow in the dark room. It was just enough light to allow him to see his work.

?Almost got it..." he muttered as he took two wires, red and green respectively, and held them delicately. He was just about to touch them together when the door leading up to the living room slammed open and his father?s voice boomed ?Damien, phone!?

Damien lost his concentration and accidently connected the green wire with a blue one. ?Oh, no,? was all he managed to say before the tiny machine sent shockwaves through Damien?s body. He was sent sprawling onto the floor. A few minutes later he managed to get up and sit on the chair. He reached over, grimacing with pain, and touched the button that activated the videophone. ?Hullo,? he said weakly.

?Hi Damien! What took you so long to answer the phone? And, what?s with your hair?? laughed the image of Misty on the screen.

Damien looked up from the screen and winced. His normally flat hair was sticking straight up and seemed to still have electricity crackling through it. ?Um... I had a little accident....? he stammered.

?What, you hired a barber who belongs in the psycho ward?? Misty said, laughing hard.

?No!? Damien said defensively. ?I was working on building a Pokenav and I got shocked.?

?Why would you build a Pokenav? You already have one and they?re really cheap.? Misty protested.

?Yes I have one, but the one I?m building is special,? Damien replied, brushing himself off and putting his workbench back in order. ?This one shows the places in the legendary world of Denset. If I map them out and compare them to the places here, I might be able to prove my theory that our world and Denset are paralell and people may have once been able to travel freely through them.?

Misty sweatdropped. ?Right, right. Say, Damien, do you want to got camping with me and my friends at Alysa?s Rock??

?Sure I?d love to go. It would be an excellent time to study Alysa?s Rock, which I believe might have been the portal between our world and Denset, but was sealed off many years ago....

Misty sighed. Work was the only thing that mattered to Damien, whether it was building things, schoolwork, or researching weird and obscure worlds...but, when you looked beyond his IQ, Damien could be a good friend. ?Okay, see you tomorrow.?

?Bye,? Damien muttered, already obsessed with working on the Pokenav again.


"Okay...that's the last one..." Misty smiled as she hung up the phone.

"I can't wait for our camping trip!" Ash mused. "Hiking, swimming, singing songs...it'll be so fun!"

"But, who's going to take care of your Pokemon?" Misty asked as she brought her suitcase and began packing clothes, sleeping bags, other camp supplies and snacks. "Pikachu would get lonely without us around...

"Professor Oak said he'd take care of them for a few days..." Ash assured Misty as he set down his bags at the front stoop, just as Swellow returned. "I already dropped them off at the lab while you were making your calls."

"Okay, then...I need to arrange for a babysitter for Togepi..." and Misty picked up the phone and dialed another number as Ash loaded his gear onto Swellow...

The next day...

"We're here!" Misty smiled she she climbed off of Swellow and ran to meet Brock, who was already pitching his tent.

"That was some ride!" Andra cried as she climbed off. She turned to look at
Swellow, who was guiding Damien off. "So? Did you like the trip, Damien?

"I'll say...the wind ruffling in your hair..." Damien laughed as and Kari began setting up their gear.

Ash gave Swellow a pat on the head. "Thanks, Swellow...be sure and come back for us on Friday, okay?"

"Swellow swell!" Swellow assured Ash. Misty waved goodbye as Swellow soared off into the clouds.

"There he goes...off into the wild blue yonder..." Damien sighed as he finished organizing his gear.

"Or wherever it is Swellows go to have fun." Andra giggled as she pounced into Damien's arms and gave him a giant hug.

Brock was confused. "What's with them, Misty?"

"Oh, Andra has a little crush on Damien..." Misty started...

"Little? Try a huge crush!" Damien protested as he tried to crawl away from Andra's death grip.

Brock then noticed Kari pitching her tent close to the campfire pit. "Why hello there..." he started. "So good of you to join us..."

"How long until we sing and tell stories?" Kari asked, changing the subject. "Misty says you're a great guitar player..."


"...and then Andra just 'had' to push me in the river..." Damien grumbled as he finished relating an incident from that afternoon's hike.

"Although I will admit, you looked kinda cute with all those Lotads crawling all
over you!" Andra laughed. Damien just sighed as everyone else laughed along with her.

Just then, Brock whistled, getting everyone's attention. "Okay! The moment you've all been waiting for...let's all sing!" Everyone cheered as Brock reached for a beautiful yellow brown guitar leaning against a rock and began tuning up. "If you guys tell me the song...I'll play it if I know it."

"Ooh!" Andra suggsted. "Know the song, 'Sail Away Trainers'?

"Yeah..." Brock smiled as he began a rollicking melody, then sang. "If I ever get my new house done..."

Sail away, trainers, sail away... echoed the others.

I'll give the old one to my son... Brock continued.

Sail away, trainers, sail away... Ash chimed in with the others.

Andra led everyone into the chorus. "Don't you rock'em, die-dee-o, don't you rock'em, die-dee-o, don't you rock'em, die-dee-o, don't you rock'em, die-dee-o. Don't you rock'em, die-dee-o, don't you rock'em, die-dee-o, don't you rock'em, die-dee-o, don't you rock'em, die-dee-o....

Come along, Pokemon, come with me... Misty led the next verse.

Sail away, trainers, sail away... came the echo.

Travel cross the water, wild and free... Misty continued...

Sail away, trainers, sail away... everyone echoed, followed by another rousing chorus of "Don't you rock'em, die-dee-o, don't you rock'em, die-dee-o, don't you rock'em, die-dee-o, don't you rock'em, die-dee-o. Don't you rock'em, die-dee-o, don't you rock'em, die-dee-o, don't you rock'em, die-dee-o, don't you rock'em, die-dee-o....

"Hey, can I lead a verse?" Ash begged.

"Sure!" Brock smiled. "Go to it!" With that, he continued the song...

Ash, meanwhile, began to sing: "Come on everybody, don't you cry...

Sail away, trainers, sail away... chorused the others.

Travel cross the world, earth, sea, and sky... Ash continued.

Sail away, trainers, sail away... came the echo.

"Everybody now!" Andra cried. "Don't you rock'em, die-dee-o, don't you rock'em, die-dee-o, don't you rock'em, die-dee-o, don't you rock'em, die-dee-o. Don't you rock'em, die-dee-o, don't you rock'em, die-dee-o, don't you rock'em, die-dee-o, don't you rock'em, die-dee-o....


After they ended their song, the group of friends laid down on their sleeping bags and stared at the stars. Silence hung heavily in the air, but it was very peaceful. About a half-hour later, Misty asked Brock to tell the legend of Alysa?s Rock. ?Okay,? he said as he started to play a relaxing melody....

?In the land of Denset, six people went through a rigorous and painful test. Each succeeded and received the power of a legendary Pokemon and its element as their reward. Their powers took the form of a ring engraved with a gem, which gave them the ability to transform into powerful warriors. The powers they received are as followed. Moltres of Fire, Arcticuno of Ice, Zapdos of Thunder, Celebi of Earth, Rayquaza of Wind and Jirachi of Light...

"Forgive me for interrupting..." Kari interjected, stopping Brock mid song. "What could these Warriors do in battle?"

"I'm getting to that..." Brock assured Kari. "Anyway...

The warrior of Earth was also famed for his ability to sing. His songs could heal, repel and destroy monsters, calm and soothe people, and more. This special group of six became known as the Legendary Warriors and used their powers to rid the land of evil....

After one Legendary Warrior died or gave up their powers, another person was chosen to take his place. So the Legendary Warriors spent their lives fighting, and all was well...

"Pfft. Some story..." Andra grumbled.

"Hey, it gets interesting, okay?" Brock sighed, annoyed by the constant barrage of interupptions. "Now, are you going to let me tell this story or not?"

"Okay, okay! We're listening!" Andra yelped.

"Good..." and Brock continued:

?However, after a few centuries of this, an evil monarch became jealous of the Warrior?s power. He decided to try and replicate their powers using other legendairies. He captured them each and trapped their essence in six rings, also engraved with gems, and gave them to himself and five of his closest colleagues: Entei of Dark Fire, Suicune of Dark Ice, Raikou of Dark Thunder, Groudon of Dark Earth, Latios of Dark Wind, and Latias of Dark Light.
They became known as the Dark Warriors and were the Legendary Warriors? greatest enemy. Also, whenever a Dark Warrior died, another person took his/her place, much like the Legendary Warriors did.

So, the Dark Warriors descended upon the land, leaving terror in every place they passed. Before long, they had stormed the castle in the Turquoise City, capturing the lovely princess, Alysa. This was the final straw for all the peoople of Denset, so they began crying out for help, hoping that the Warriors of Legend could hear their desprate pleas, for the only way to rescue the princess was to gather six mystical artifacts that contained the essence of legendary spirits...

The Legendary Warriors decided they could not stand to see their enemies hurt innocent people, much less see the royal line threatened... so they took it upon themselves to rescue Alysa and return peace to Denset.

It was a long and dangerous journey, but after many months of traveling, our heroes arrived at the Dark Warriors palace...and a great and climactic battle occurred. Even though they tried and fought their hardest, the Legendary Warriors lost..."

"Oh no..." Kari cried.

"And then what happened?" Damien begged, eager to know what happened next.

"What happened next, you ask?" Brock smiled, adding a flourish on his guitar for emphasis:

"Just as the Dark Warriors were about to deliver the final blow, the Legendary Warriors combined their own powers with the power of the mystic treasures to summon the ultimate legendary Pokemon--Mew. With Mew's help, the six Dark Warriors were sealed away for all eternity, and the princess was freed.
However, the Legendary Warriors were badly wounded and soon died. With the death of its protectors, Denset faded away, waiting for the next line of Legendary Warriors....

?And so, Alysa?s Rock stands here to honor Alysa, princess of Denset and to act as a portal between the two worlds when they once again come in sync,? Brock concluded, finished his song and bowed. The others clapped and whistled.

?Told you Brock was a great storyteller,? said Misty to Andra and Kari.

?Okay, guys,? said Ash. ?Let?s hit the hay. Sweet dreams and don?t let the bed bugs bite!?

?AAAAHHHHHHH! WHERE? WHERE?? Misty jumped up and screamed. The others watched, sweatdropping as Misty picked up a stick and started hitting her sleeping bag with it.

Ash grabbed her arm and said, ?Relax, Mist. It was just a joke.?

Misty, her face flushed, snapped, ?Don?t joke like that!?

Everyone else laughed and went to bed, completely unaware of the life-altering events that were soon to take place.


Around 2 AM, a strange wind started to blow. It blew around the campsite, putting out the fire and making everyone shiver. When the wind hit Alysa's Rock, a shining light burst out of it. The light looked whitish, but, in all honesty, there is no word to describe the color it emitted. A circle of the same light was formed around the group's camping grounds. The flooded through the floor of the camp, then shot up in a huge pillar of light that could be seen for miles around. Seconds later, the light disappeared, taking Ash, his friends and all their camping gear with it.


"Ungh," Ash mumbled as he opened his eyes. He sat up and yawned, thinking that morning had come.. What met his eyes while he was yawning surprised him to the point that when he stopped yawning, he forgot to close his mouth. He walked over to Misty's sleeping bag and nudged her awake. "Misty, wake up" he whispered urgently.

"What, Ash?" Misty yawned and rubbed her eyes, annoyed that Ash had woken her. When she looked around her mouth dropped open. The trees that had surrounded them the night before were gone. Just gone. No stumps, roots or any sign they had existed. Instead, they were in a meadow with lush green grass. Without the trees, Ash and Misty could see a fairly large town in the distance, but neither of them recognized it. Alysa's Rock was also gone. In it's place stood a small gravestone, which read:

Here lies the bodies of the most recent generation of Legendary Warriors, who gave their lives to seal away the Dark Warriors. Rest in Peace.

"We... we were sleeping on DEAD BODIES! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Misty's scream woke Brock, Damien, Kari and Andra. When they saw what had happened to the landscape, their expressions mirrored those of Ash's and Misty's.

"I don't think we're in Pallet Town anymore..." Brock sighed as he dragged himself out of his sleeping bag and stretched.

"Tell me about it..." Andra agreed. With that, she cave Damien a quick nudge. "You're the one with the souped up Pokenavi, use it!"

?Yeah, but it?s for the world of Denset.? Damien replied. Just as he said that, the Pokenav started beeping. "Oh, I guess the Pokenavi activated when we got here!" He took it out and everyone crowded around him. "Let's take a look at our current location." he began, gesturing to the Pokenav screen, which depicted a map of Denset. But one particular dot was blinking, where the words "Gemstone Village" were highlighted in blocky green letters. An arrow pointed at the dot, which read "You Are Here."

?The Pokenav must be wrong,? Andra said, desperately hoping she was correct.

?No. You are in the world of Denset, Legendary Warriors,? said a voice behind them. Everyone turned and saw a beautiful girl behind them. She looked about 16, with long, braided red hair and a flowing yellow gown. Her eyes were a startling purple and her skin was tan. She was wearing long white gloves and had a necklace with a shining gem attached to it.

?Um, who are you and why did you call us Legendary Warriors?? Andra asked skeptically.

?I am Eliza, handmaiden of Alysa. And I called you Legendary Warriors because that is who you are. If you want proof, look on your fingers,? replied Alysa.
Everyone looked at their fingers and, to their surprise, they were wearing rings. Brock also noticed something on his ear: a white wing that looked a lot like a Feather Badge, only with gold and patterns decorating it.

?What?s with these rings?? asked Ash, quizzacally studing the ruby ring on his left hand.

?And this wing-thing?? added Brock, gesturing to the small ornament by his ear..

?Those rings represent your powers and your connection with your respective legendary. The Siren?s Wing, Warrior of Earth, allows you to sing melodies to soothe, heal and harm." Eliza smiled. "Go ahead, try it." With that, a small wire appeared from the wing and slid down to Brock's lip, where it began glowing an eerie blue color.

"Okay, now what? The mike's on..." Brock noted.

"Sing proud, for the forest barks and roars...through your voice, Celebi will leap and soar." Eliza mused.

"Let's see..." Brock thought for a moment, then cleared his throat. Mi-mi-mi... he sang, causing the flowers nearby to glow green.

"Cool!" Kari was impressed. "Do that again!"

Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah.... Brock sang again as he continued to warm up...this time a breeze wafted through the air, causing the grass to ripple.

"If you're going to sing, sing something we can understand..." Misty grumbled, unamused by Brock's babbling.

'So? I'm only warming up here!" Brock protested. He cleared his throat again as a light shuffle melody came from the wing, causing him to dance a little.

"What's he gonna sing?" Andra asked.

"Knowing Brock, probably a love song..." Ash sighed.

Sure enough, Brock began to sing...

You belong to my heart...
Now and forever...
And our love had its start...
Not long ago...

"Oh brother..." Misty sighed. Kari and Andra, meanwhile, watched, mesmerized, as Brock continued:

We were gathering stars, while a million guitars played our love song...
When I said 'I love you', every beat of my heart said it too.
'Twas a moment like this...
Do you remember?
And your eyes threw a kiss...
When they met mine.

Now we own all the stars and a million guitars are still playing...
Darling, you are the song,
And you'll always belong to my heart!

"When will he ever learn?" Misty sighed as Brock skipped across the grass, all the while singing La la la, la la la, la... she watched, embarrassed, as Brock continued:

You belong to my heart...
Now and forever...
And our love had its start...
Not long ago...

We were gathering stars, while a million guitars played our love song...
When I said 'I love you', every beat of my heart said it too! With that, Brock struck a pose to finish.

"Bravo!" Kari led the applause.

Misty meanwhile, dragged Brock back to where the others were standing. "Sorry, crooner, but I think you belong over here..." she sighed. No sooner had she said that, did the shuffle melody start again.

You belong over here... Brock sang again, apparently mocking Misty.

Misty groaned. "Let me rephrase that....

Brock continued to sing:

Now and forever...and our love had its start, not long ag--

With one smooth motion, Misty reached for her mallet and slammed it onto Brock?s head. ?Shut up, or I?ll make you lose your voice, if you know what I mean,? Misty said through gritted teeth.

Oh, whistle while you work... Brock dazely sang as he teetered about the field, tiny Mistys spinning around his head.

?Legendary Warriors!? said Eliza behind them, snapping everyone to attention. ?I must go soon... But first I must tell you some things. First, a Dark Warrior is terrorizing the village, so your main objective is to go and stop her. Second, your powers will awaken when the time is right. Be ready.? Then, a thoughtful expression crossed Eliza?s face. ?I sense something....?

"What is it?" Ash wondered, concerned.

Eliza?s face went blank and her eyes lost the life in them and turned a dull gray. "An object of power is near. Its powers will make all clear. Travel in the direction of the horizon light. You shall find the object of sight." With that statement made, Eliza started glowing in the same light that transported our heroes. It became too bright to watch and everyone covered their eyes. A few seconds later, Eliza and the light were gone.

"Okay, so now where do we go?" Kari wondered, apparently confused over Eliza's last words.

"I think she meant go into town!" Damien suggested. "Come on!"


"Here we are, gang!" Damien announced as the group approached the small town. "This is Gemstone Village..."

"I can see why..." Misty gasped, awed by the paths studded in gems of every color, with small cottages on each side. What made the small houses even more amazing was that they were all made of different gemstones. About midway into town, the main path split off towards the marketplace and the town square, where people rushed about with their daily business...and overlooking it all was a large white fountain shaped like a young girl.

Andra, meanwhile, was unimpressed by the sparkling town. "I don't see any Dark Warrior here, everything looks quiet and peaceful to me!"

"Maybe...if we asked the townspeople, we'd learn about this Dark Warrior, who she is, what she wants, things like that!" Kari interjected. "Come on!" and she led the group down into the bustling crowds of the marketplace...


"Legendary Warriors, we're so glad you're here!" a young man called. "Hopefully you can do something about this rogue warrior Lillith!"

"So, Lillith's the name, right?" Ash interjected.

"Don't be fooled by her appearance!" another merchant spoke up. "Her hair is like the sky, her skin like the snow...and her personality as cold as the ice she commands. She's been wreaking havoc for the last two days!"

"In fact, her presence in town has caused our Alysa statue to weep!" the baker agreed.

"The statue can cry?" Misty was impressed.

"Our statue changes with the princess' moods, when she is happy, our town is at peace, and when she weeps, dark times are upon us..." the mayor explained. "The only way to calm her is by a song from the Warrior of Earth..."

"Warrior of Earth, please, sing to Alysa so she may be comforted." a young girl begged as she pointed out the statue, who was miraculously shedding shining tears.

"Okay, okay..." and Brock lightly touched the Wing, summoning his mike. Next, he snapped, and his guitar appeared in his hands. "Does Alysa have a favorite song?" he asked the girl as he tuned up.

"Oh yes...the old Warrior always sang a song called "Isn't It Wonderful?" to her before she slept every night." a woman in the crowd explained.

"Okay then..." and Brock started a relaxing melody...

Blowing on the sea, is the wind that carries me,
Yet all these words confuse me so...

I cry out to you, my voice echoes in the clouds...
My spirit fears the great unknown...

See the shining moon, how it trembles in the night,
Reflecting fear inside my heart...

See my lonely tears, great and many is their flow,
Like a blue river to the stars...

Isn't it wonderful?
As we two walk together,
As I place your hand in mine...

I want to go...
Come to our special place
And hold you close within my arms!

Your heart is true...
That reflects great virtue...
Dark night of confusion,
My dreams are few....

As Brock broke off to solo, the statue appeared to smile and extend its arms, as if welcoming someone. Brock took that as a sign to continue:

Whispers on the wind, I can hear them call to me...
Soothing the heart that swims inside my tears....

In the clouds again I call, and you call right back to me,
Could this be a sign of good fortune?

See the rising moon, guiding peacefully my path,
Calming my ever trembling heart...

See the shining stars, how they twinkle in the night,
I'll give to them all of my grief...

Isn't it wonderful?
As we two walk together,
As I place your hand in mine...

I want to go...
Come to our special place
And hold you close within my arms!

Your smiling face,
Your soft and loving touch...
A brand new morning comes...
Of this I dream....

The crowd applauded as the song ended.

"Alysa...she's happy now!" a boy cried, gesturing to the now smiling statue.

"She won't be happy for very long!" said a voice, causing everyone to gasp as an icicle slammed into the center of the square, and from it, emerged a blue haired girl clad in bluish black armor and an army of crystaline Pokemon.

"Lilith!" the mayor growled. "Cease this destruction and leave us in peace!"

"Oh, stop this helpless begging, and prepare for the deep freeze!" With that, she formed a ball of blue light in her hands. "COLD FLASH!" Ash and the others watched, horrified, as the mayor and several townspeople were enclosed in a block of ice. Next, Lilith turned to the six icy Pokemon. "Attack!" The crowd began to scatter as the Pokemon stormed the square, freezing anyone and anything in their path.

Lilith sneered as she watched the people run, only to be frozen. But before she could join in the melee herself...

"Hi-yah!" Ash leapt down from an awning, a rod in his hands. "You melt this town, or face the consequences!"

"Melt...I hardly know the meaning of the word..." Lilith giggled as she formed another ball of blue light....

Angered by Lilith's deifiance, Ash ran up in preparation to strike...

"ASH, LOOK OUT!" Kari screamed in panic...

"COLD FLASH!" The icy blast caught Ash by surprise, making him fall to the ground, lifeless. The stick fell by Misty's feet with a plop....

To Be Continued...

Lilith sneered as she watched the people run, only to be frozen. But before she could join in the melee herself...

"Hi-yah!" Ash leapt down from an awning, a rod in his hands. "You melt this town, or face the consequences!"

"Melt...I hardly know the meaning of the word..." Lilith giggled as she formed another ball of blue light....

Angered by Lilith's deifiance, Ash ran up in preparation to strike...

"ASH, LOOK OUT!" Kari screamed in panic...

"COLD FLASH!" The icy blast caught Ash by surprise, making him fall to the ground, lifeless. The stick fell by Misty's feet with a plop....

Episode 2: A Rising Revolution

"Oh no..." Misty ran over and inspected Ash's lifeless body. "Ash, speak to me, speak to me!"

Damien knelt down by Ash's head and felt his neck for any sign of a pulse. "He's breathing, and I can feel a pulse...so he's probably just stunned..."

"We need to get him to wake up!" Misty screeched, obviously panicking. "Somebody...anybody...wake him up!"

"Calm down, Misty, we're trying our hardest." Andra assured her friend as she and Kari tried again to revive Ash.

Lilith just smirked. "Try all you want, but your friend here will never wake up, no matter how hard you try!" With that, she resumed freezing the village.

"Okay, everyone remain calm, voice of the forest, coming through..." Brock called to everyone as he ran by Kari's side and knelt down by Ash's side. "Ash...can you hear me?" he coaxed as he gave Ash a gentle nudge. Ash merely gave a grunt...

"Well, at least he's alert and can respond..." Andra began, but was cut off by Misty. "Well, voice of the forest, use your power of song to wake Ash!"

"What should I sing, then?" Brock asked, triggering his mike.

"JUST SING SOMETHING, YOU DOOF!!!!" Misty screamed, exasperated.

"Okay, okay..." Brock cleared his throat and sang...

Oh-do-do-ah-dei-ei-da; dei-ya-dei-o; wei-o-wei-dei-yah-dei-o, wei-o-wei-ya-in-dei-in-dei-o; o-doh-doh-ah-dei-ei-da; dei-ya-dei-o; wei-o-wei-dei-ya, dei-ya, dei-ya-di-te-yan yan....

Oh-do-do-ah-dei-ei-da; dei-ya-dei-o; wei-o-wei-dei-yah-dei-o, wei-o-wei-ya-in-dei-in-dei-o; o-doh-doh-ah-dei-ei-da; dei-ya-dei-o; wei-o-wei-dei-ya, dei-ya, dei-ya-di-te-yan yan.... Ash's body began to glow an eerie red for a moment as the strange song continued....

"It didn't work..." Andra noted.

Lilith chuckled for a moment. "I've frozen your friend in an eternal sleep, so nothing you can do will wake him."

"Oh yeah?" Brock retorted, as he approached Lilith. "I know a way that will!"

"Try me, mortal..." Lilith sneered.

Hold on, to your dream... Brock sang in Ash's direction, causing Ash to very slightly stir. Lilith stood, unamused by the sung line.

"Try again!" Andra begged.

Hold on to your dream, Brock sang again.
And look towards the sun!
I?ll cherish your wish
And I will? I will protect it!

A light surrounded Brock, looking very similar to a spotlight. A loud melody came out of nowhere. A wave of sound emitted from the Siren?s Wing, sending all of Lilith?s Ice-Pokemon flying. Lilith glared at Brock and used a Cold Flash on him, only to discover it merely bounced off the spotlight surrounding him. All Lilith could do was stand there. Brock?s voice suddenly intensified, making it louder and stronger-sounding and he started dancing.

The rising sun, it turns the rolling sea into a crimson red
And yet, we are falling!
The rising wind calls me away to a distant land....
Although I?ve battled here so many times,
I cannot lose my faith, nor can I lose my resolve!

Ash?s eyes flickered open and he sat up. Misty, Kari, Damien and Andra all ran to him and helped him up. Ash then felt a warm presence on his finger. He looked at the ruby engraved in his ring and saw a sillhouette of a fiery bird in it.

Yet, how can I strive to be my very best?

Ash pushed his friends away, turned his cap around and glared at Lilith. She walked over so she was about five feet in front of Ash.

Be all I can be?

Ash held up his hands and tilted his head up in the air. He glanced into the sky and cried ?Burning wings of flame, shine on me! Moltres!? With that, his ring began to glow....

Hold on to your dream
And look towards the sun!
I?ll cherish your wish
And I will? I will protect it!
Just listen to your heart, that always speaks the truth!
The light will show you the way!

Ash lifted his hands into the air, forming a Y shape. His body glowed with red light and was overlaid on top of the Fire Bird, Moltres. Fire consumed Ash. Seconds later, it faded, leaving sparkling red armor with gold trim. The armor continued down his arms, except for his hands, where golden gloves engraved with a ruby in the center appeared. The armor also appeared on his legs, except it was black, and his shoes were also golden with a ruby in the center. His cap became red and gold. His legs bent and his arms sliced the air. ?Hah!? Ash yelled. ?How do you like me now?
Misty rolled her eyes, unimpressed by Ash's strange pose. ?Please, Ash work on the comebacks.?

?Actually, I liked you better before,? Lilith sneered. ?Cold Flash!? A sphere of blue light formed in her hands and was propelled from her hands into Ash.

It?s all right, come on and dry your tears and face the brand new day.
You will not be alone!
Your best friends, they are all watching you, they?re here to guide you
I know, you fight to save the ones you love
Quickly, in the blink of an eye
You?ll be by their side, to their rescue?

?Would you stop that infernal racket!? Lilith screamed at Brock. ?Icy North Wind, grant me your fury! Suicune! Freeze these inferior mortals and the freeze the sheild around the one of sound to make it a cage!?

His friends all glowed with a blue light. When it faded, his friends were all solid ice, except Brock, who was surrounded by a pillar of ice.

?No!? Ash screamed.

?New deal, Fire-boy,? Lilith smirked. ?If you win, your friends will be freed and I will leave. But if you lose?

?What?? Ash snarled.

?If you lose, I shall kill you, give your powers to Kyrene, and leave your friends trapped in ice.?

Ash looked longingly at his friends and said ?I accept your challenge.?

Lilith smirked again. ?Excellent.?

Now here you stand at the top of the hill
Trust your heart and believe! Amazingly Brock could still sing, but the sheer cold didn't give his song as much power...

Ash ran up to Lilith and tried to punch her, but she jumped out of the way and sent a blue sphere back at Ash. As Ash was lying on the ground from the Cold Flash attack, a voice in his head said Flaming Spark. He didn?t know what it would do, but it couldn?t hurt. Ash got up and yelled ?Flaming Spark!? A rain of embers burst out of Ash?s hands and struck Lilith.

Hold on to your dream
And look on, to the future
You cannot keep silent, because I see your spirit in your eyes!
It shines just like the sun!
Although the darkness may be more
Your love triumphs over them!

Ash ran up to Lilith and kicked her in the stomach. She fell down and almost looked sick, but recovered and got up, blasting Ash with another Cold Flash. She then ran up to him and kicked him in the chest, which sent Ash flying into a house with a sickening crunch. He fell on the floor face up, looking dazed. Lilith walked up calmly next to him and drew her katana. Just as she was about to slice it through Ash?s neck, he swung his legs around, tripping Lilith, who fell on the floor. Ash jumped up before she could and yelled ?Flaming Spark!? The fiery embers hit Lilith, burning her robe-like armor. Lilith rolled around on the ground to put out the small fires, then jumped up, her face angry.

Although I?ve battled here so many times
I cannot lose my strength, nor can I lose my resolve!

Lilith and Ash circled each other like boxers in a ring. Lilith was the first to strike. She jumped up into the sky and put the heel of her boots straight down as she fell. Ash jumped out of the way of Lilith?s heel, which created a large dent in the ground when it landed. If he had still been there when she had struck, her heel would have snapped his head off and killed him instantly. Ash ran up to her and tried to kick her, but she did a back flip to avoid it.

And now, your race is ready to start!
Please don?t be afraid.

Lilith delivered a series of punches to Ash?s middle then aimed a kick straight at his chest, which sent Ash sprawling. Ash got up weakly, but Lilith then hit him with Cold Flash. Ash stumbled back a few feet. Lilith then flipped about five times until she was next to him, then slammed both of her feet straight into Ash?s rib cage. Something cracked and Ash was sent back down to the cement sidewalk.

Hold on to your dream
And look on to the future!
I?ll hold you in my arms, and grant you hope and peace!
Hold on to your dream
And look out towards the sun!
I?ll cherish your wish
And I will? I will protect it!

Ash got up, his left arm gently clutching his ribs. Ash tried a Flaming Spark attack, but it was extremely weak and Lilith easily dodged it. She then started walking up to Ash, a confident smile playing on her lips.

Just listen to your heart, that always speaks the truth!
The light will show you the way!

With that, Brock stopped singing, closed his eyes and leaned up on the side of his frozen cage. The lack of air, the exhaustion of singing and the cold were getting to him. His lips were blue and he was breathing heavily. Ash knew Brock would die soon if he didn?t do something. Ash then turned back to the battle. Lilith was drawing closer and was grinning arrogantly. She drew her sword and cut at Ash?s left arm. The sword cut through the armor like paper and left a deep gash. Ash screamed and started to back away, but Lilith quickly tripped him. Ash fell straight on his behind. Lilith then slammed a Cold Flash into the ground a few inches in front of Ash. It caused a big explosion and sent Ash flying into a house. It was the one he had hit before, and Ash went straight through the wall, leaving a gaping hole.

Ash was just lying there, in the dark house. He hadn?t lost conciousness, but was kind of spaced out. However, a small boy came out of the shadows and shook Ash out of his trance.

?Here,? the boy said in a small but commanding voice. ?Use it first when you need it most. That will unlock its power and give you the strength to overcome all obstacles.? With that, he handed Ash a peculiar looking flute. It looked a lot like a regular flute, but was endblown, like a recorder or pennywhistle. It was also made of ruby and decorated with gold. It looked delicate, but you could tell it could not be easily broken. You could also sense a powerful force pulsing gently from it, as though sending small waves of an unforseen force.

?Uh, thanks,? Ash said, looking perplexed. ?Um, not to be rude, but, what is it??

The boy smiled brightly, as if what Ash said was the funniest joke in the world ?That is the Phoenix Flute. Its power comes from a feather of Ho-oh in the core and the ruby and gold were formed by the fire of Groudon and Moltres, respectively. Use it well.? With those final words of wisdom, the boy gave one last small smile and disappeared in the same shining light that Eliza had disappeared in.

Ash stayed there for a few seconds, wondering where the small boy had gone. But then he remembered Lilith and slowly got up and went out of the house. Lilith was waiting for him.

?So, you?re not dead. A pity,? she smirked.

?It?s not over yet, Lilith? Ash retorted.

Lilith rolled her eyes ?You really are stubborn, aren?t you? You?re half dead, you have a broken rib and I am not hurt at all yet you seem to think it?s not over yet.?

?The reason it?s not over yet is because I have this,? Ash yelled. He held up the Phoenix Flute and started playing a beautiful melody. Lilith recognized it and knew of its power, so she tried to stop Ash only to realize she couldn?t move. The flute, she realized, was trapping her in its hauntingly beautiful song and there was nothing she could do to break the trance.
While the flute was releasing its soothing sound, Brock started glowing in green light. Before he had half dead because of the air loss and the cold, but when the green light faded, he was back to his usual vigor. He then started singing again. This time, though, the voice of a young woman accompanied him.

Oh-do-do-ah-dei-ei-da; dei-ya-dei-o; wei-o-wei-dei-yah-dei-o, wei-o-wei-ya-in-dei-in-dei-o; o-doh-doh-ah-dei-ei-da; dei-ya-dei-o; wei-o-wei-dei-ya, dei-ya, dei-ya-di-te-yan yan... Brock was singing, the same song he had sung earlier!

Lilith was stunned. "The Earth God's Lyric...I can't believe this!"

The female voice sang in harmony with him, her beautiful countermelody complimenting Brock's lilting tenor:

La la la da hei ya, hei doahdei dahadei dahadei da, da dahadei dahadei ya, hei dahadei dahadei ha da, la la la la, hei dahadei dahadei da, da dadalay dadalay dadali dadaleiya dayeida la la la da hei ya, hei doahdei dahadei dahadei da, da dahadei dahadei ya, hei dahadei dahadei ha da, la la la la, hei dahadei dahadei da, da dadalay dadalay dadali dadaleiya da wei-o do...

Ash was still playing when a red light encased him. It stayed on him for a few minutes, gently pulsing with the melody....

Oh-do-do-ah-dei-ei-da; dei-ya-dei-o; wei-o-wei-dei-yah-dei-o, wei-o-wei-ya-in-dei-in-dei-o; o-doh-doh-ah-dei-ei-da; dei-ya-dei-o; wei-o-wei-dei-ya, dei-ya, dei-ya-di-te-yan yan. Oh-do-do-ah-dei-ei-da; dei-ya-dei-o;wei-o-wei-dei-yah-dei-o, wei-o-wei-ya-in-dei-in-dei-o; o-doh-doh-ah-dei-ei-da; dei-ya-dei-o; wei-o-wei-dei-ya, dei-ya, dei-ya-di-te-yan yan...

La la la da hei ya, hei doahdei dahadei dahadei da, da dahadei dahadei ya, hei dahadei dahadei ha da, la la la la, hei dahadei dahadei da, da dadalay dadalay dadali dadaleiya dayeida la la la da hei ya, hei doahdei dahadei dahadei da, da dahadei dahadei ya, hei dahadei dahadei ha da, la la la la, hei dahadei dahadei da, da dadalay dadalay dadali dadaleiya da wei-o do...

When the light faded, Ash was completely revitalized. All of his bruises were gone, his arm wasn?t clutching his rib cage, and the gash on his arm had vanished without a trace. Further, any open parts in his armor had been repaired and his entire costume had been cleaned to look brand new. Finally, Ash himself didn?t look like the tired, defeated kid he had a few minutes ago. Now he looked rested, energized and ready to battle. ?Like I said, Lilith,? Ash smirked. ?It?s not over yet.?

We?ll see about that, kid,? Lilith snarled. She threw a Cold Flash at him but while it hit, it didn?t seem to affect Ash. Then she realized Ash still had a small amount of that red light around him, like an aura. It must have acted like a shield against her attacks, and she also knew it would most likely give Ash a major strength boost, but Lilith knew her only option was to fight. She ran up to him and started punching and kicking him, but to no avail. Every blow she tried to make, Ash dodged or blocked. After a few minutes, she stopped attacking, stepped back, and gasped for air.

Ash smiled. This would be easy. Then he sobered up as he realized that although his flute had renewed Brock, he still wouldn?t last long in that pillar of ice. So Ash decided to end this battle once and for all. He jumped into the air and yelled ?Pyro Flare!?

The attack summoned flaming meteors that encircled Ash. Then, one by one, he sent them down to Lilith. Each meteor landed in Lilith?s general vicinity and left her severely damaged. By the time Ash had landed from his jump, Lilith was on her knees, using her sword for support. She was breathing in ragged gasps and her outfit was torn. Ash then launched a Flaming Spark at her, then ran up and delivered a kick to her stomach. She landed face-down, then slowly got up. ?So,? Lilith said. ?You win.? She began to turn and walk away but Ash yelled ?Stop!?

?What?? Lilith said crabbily.

?You haven?t released my friends yet? Ash replied.

Lilith smiled ?They?re your problem now!? With that, she glowed in a shining light, the same that has been mentioned many times before. Then she was gone.

?No!? Ash yelled. He then sank to his knees in defeat. ?I couldn?t save them. Now they?re gone forever,? He whispered. Ash then felt a presence above him. He looked up and saw the fire bird, Moltres, floating above him.

?Mol?Moltres,? Ash stuttered.

Moltres smiled. All is not lost, my Warrior, Moltres? voice sung in Ash?s head. You can call upon my powers using this simple spell: Burning phoenix, hear my cry! Moltres! Then say what you wish for me to do, then, if it is within the limits of my power, I shall do it. Go ahead and try it. Use my powers to melt your friends and these townspeople.

?Okay, here goes,? Ash muttered. ?Burning phoenix, hear my cry! Moltres! Melt the icy chains that bind my friends and the townspeople to this frozen state, and free my friend from the pillar of ice that surrounds him!? Ash waited a few seconds, then a wave of red light burst from his hands, forming a huge wave of scarlet light that swept the town. Every frozen person it hit was instantly transformed back into their normal state. The Ice Pokemon that Lilith had left behind also reverted to normal. And, of course, the pillar around Brock faded. His friends all went up to congratulate him, and Misty hugged him. Then, the mayor of the town came up to them and thanked them for saving his town. In honor of them, there would be a celebration tonight!

------

That night there was feasting, dancing, and all around merriment. The Legendary Warriors, of course were the main event. Ash even used the Phoenix Flute to make spectacular fireworks of all the Pokemon in the world. But something was troubling Ash. So when he had a chance, he slipped away to a quiet balcony overlooking a lake to think. It wasn?t long before his friends found him out there.

?Ash, why are you out here? They have dancing and food and drinks in there. It?s really fun,? Misty said, intoxicated with the excitement of the party.

Ash sighed ?It?s this boy I saw. When I was slammed through that wall into the house, a small boy appeared and gave me the Phoenix Flute. Then he just disappeared. It was really weird.?

?It?s about to get weirder,? laughed a voice from behind them. Everyone turned and saw a small boy, the same that Ash had seen.

?Who are you?? asked Ash. ?And why do you keep appearing like that??

?That does not matter at the moment,? the small boy replied. ?I am here to guide you. To find your destiny, go to the Oracle of Wishes in the Forest of Mystery. Your quest will be revealed there.? With that, the boy glowed in the shining light, then disappeared.

?Why does everybody keep doing that?? Ash asked dryly.

?I have no clue, but that?s not important,? Andra responded. ?We have to go to the Oracle of Wishes, like the boy said.?

Everybody agreed, then went to bed. Then, the next day, they said goodbye to the townspeople, then left on the path to the Forest of Mystery.

?That does not matter at the moment,? the small boy replied. ?I am here to guide you. To find your destiny, go to the Oracle of Wishes in the Forest of Mystery. Your quest will be revealed there.? With that, the boy glowed in the shining light, then disappeared.

?Why does everybody keep doing that?? Ash asked dryly.

?I have no clue, but that?s not important,? Andra responded. ?We have to go to the Oracle of Wishes, like the boy said.?

Everybody agreed, then went to bed. Then, the next day, they said goodbye to the townspeople, then left on the path to the Forest of Mystery....

Episode 3: The Guiding Light

The morning sun was already high over the plains when the group departed Gemstone Village the next day. Ash led the way, Damien was next to him, Misty and Brock came next, with Kari and Andra in the back, making an orderly array of three rows with two people each. While five of the six were well rested and content, Andra, on the other hand, kept lagging behind, obviously tiring from walking in the grass. Before long, she had collapsed to her knees, exhausted. "Guys, can we puh-lease stop?" she begged. "I'm tired from all this walking!"

"But we're not even close to the Forest of Mystery yet!" Ash protested.

"Ash is right..." Damien agreed, bringing up the map of Denset on his Pokenavi and showing it to Andra. "See this point?" he asked as he gestured to a glowing rainbow point on the map. "That's where we are."

"Fine...but where's the forest in relation to here?" Andra whined, unamused by the prospect of walking even more than she already had.

"Hate to break it to you, but we have three more miles to go..." Damien sighed. Andra groaned as she sat on the grass, exhausted.

Ash noticed Andra lying in the grass before he sat down on a rock. "Let's take a break, you guys...I'm sure you're tired from walking...." he began as the others looked for a place to sit down.

Misty was the first to settle in. "So? Why exactly is this place called the Forest of Mystery? And who IS this Oracle of Wishes?"

"Damien's our guide and navigator..." Ash sighed, apparently frustrated with everyone's whining and complaining. "Ask him, not me!" With that, he fanned himself with his cap as Damien motioned for the others to come closer.

"Okay..." and Damien brought up a profile on the Pokenavi screen. "The Forest of Mystery...connects Gemstone Village and Emerald Town, the next major city...is more than 500,000 square miles in length, with pleasant temperatures all year round!..."

"But, enlighten me as to why in the world it's called the Forest of Mystery and not something else, like the Forest of Psyducks and Azumarills..." Andra grumbled as Damien kept cycling through the profile, talking all the while.

"Well, since you asked..." Damien laughed as he brought up the next screen in the profile. "The Forest of Mystery is so named because many people get lost in there, and no one really knows what wondrous things lie within."

Misty swallowed hard. "Lost, in a place where we can't get out?"

"What if we get lost?" Andra stammered. "What if we get eaten by a monster? What if we get turned to stone? What if we..."

"What if we got this girl to be quiet?" Brock sighed, annoyed by Andra's constant worrying.

"And I thought Misty was a worrywart..." Ash groaned as he placed his head in his hands. "Andra's even worse!"

"Hey, cut the pyrotechnics, Andra!" Damien yelled, snapping everyone to attention. "If we all stick together, we're not going to get lost, or eaten, or petrified, or anything of that sort, okay?" Affirmative murmurs wafted from the group as they trooped into the forest...


Meanwhile, in a parallel world known only to those with dark hearts, many evil creatures awoke from their sleep and began to chatter as a young lady with flowing dark red hair clad in an odd sort of skirt like armor entered the large chamber and settled in atop a large black throne decorated with red and purple stones.

"Mistress Kyrene, our lady and leader..." some of the creatures chanted.

"Lady Kyrene, tamer of the dark lion...." others chanted.

"Quiet..." Kyrene began, silencing the chants and chatter. "I have important matters to attend to concerning the Legendary Heroes..." At this, all the underlings gasped, and various discussions begin wafting throughout the room. "The Heroes? Alive? I thought they had died..."

Kyrene, meanwhile, just called, "Lilith, report..." At this a soft blue light appeared in the room, which formed into Lilith's body. "I understand that you have seen the Heroes, have you not?"

"Yes, my lady...even Celebi, with his power of song!" Lilith grumbled. "His song has caused the Guardian of Moltres to awaken!" With that she formed an image of Ash in her hands, which was interspersed with clips of Brock singing.

"The famous singing Celebi has revived? This I've got to see!" a second voice giggled as a girl clad in yellow and silver armor appeared in the room next to Lilith. "Did you freeze him?"

"ZORAAAAA!!!" Lilith screeched. "How come you have to make my initial failure even worse? For your information, I DID freeze the singing Celebi, but it's the Flute of the Phoenix that awakened the voice of the original Legendary Warrior of Earth. When the two voices united, they increased Fire-boy?s powers beyond my control!"

"Oh? What do you suppose the Celebi will think of next? Singing and playing a guitar too?" Zora taunted, forming an image of Brock lying against a tree, watching a Ponyta gallop across a rolling plain, all the while strumming on guitar.

Lilith just rolled her eyes as the image sang:

Epona, Epona, come out here by me...
The two of us will lie out here without a worry or a care.
Tell me then, Epona, in this special place
I will sing only to you, so my hopes will fly!

"Like it?" Zora smirked. "I think Celebi looks good with a guitar..."

"Would you PLEASE stop obsessing over his looks and help me think about what to do to get rid of him???" Lilth roared. Zora just admired the guitar playing figure in her image, paying no heed to her comrade's complaining. "For all I care, Celebi could look good playing a tuba!" Zora then changed the image to Brock using a tuba to lure a Suicune from the bushes.

"Now he looks even cuter..." Zora giggled. "He's chasing you..."

?I want to be the one that's chasing him, not vice-versa!" Lilith protested. "If only I had the Flute of the Phoenix in my power, I could use his songs to strengthen me and possibly even charm him onto our side..."

"But what if he had his own flute to counter you?" Zora taunted, changing the image to a "dueling flutes" match.

"Oooh..." Lilith stomped up to Zora and grabbed her by the collar. "YOU'RE NO HELP, YOU KNOW THAT???"

"ENOUGH!!!!" Kyrene yelled over the squabbling. "If Zora wants to try and capture the Warriors, then let her do so rather then argue like little children..." she began. ?I have been monitoring their activities, and it seems the brat has told them to go to the Oracle of Wishes. We cannot let them find out about the Mystical Objects, for the Pendant of Power, the Staff of Healing and the Lens of Truth are near. They seem to be drawn to the essence of the Legendary Warriors. See to it that these problems are? eliminated.?

Zora smirked and held out her hands. A glowing whip with a sharp blade at the end appeared in her hands. She then smiled again and disappeared in a shining light.

CENTER]---------[/CENTER]

"We're waiting, Damien..." Misty grumbled as Damien searched the profile for the history of the forest. "Andra asked you a question..."
?That?s because it?s mysterious,? said a giggly voice behind them. Everyone turned around, startled. The voice came from a tall, lean young woman. She had short blond hair and long bangs. Her eyes were gray, complimenting a silver cloak that covered her entire body, except for her face and two slits where her arms hung out. Her skin was tan, almost a golden color. Some long white gloves with silver trim completed the look, save for a large bag hanging over her shoulder. ?That?s quite an interesting device. Want to trade? I?m Zoe by the way...?

?Uh, no thanks,? Damien said. ?We need that.?

?Well, would you like to see what I have?? Zoe asked. "I've traveled the world in search of rare and exotic items..."

?Sure,? Damien replied, piqued by the mysterious visitor.

Zoe slung the bag from over her shoulder and dropped it on the ground, then opened it. The bag unfolded and became a sort of blanket. On it were trinkets of all sorts: clocks, mugs, snowglobes, unusual looking Pokeballs, figurines, and more. Kari was looking over the objects and her eyes stopped on a beautiful diamond. It was about six inches tall and wide, and about three centimeters thick and was shaped like a sun. ?What?s that?? Kari asked.

?Why, that?s a Sundance Crystal,? Zoe smiled. ?They are special diamonds which, when hit in the right spot by the rays of the sun, creates a beautiful light. Because of theis, they are often carved in the shape of a sun. Would you like to trade??

?What do we have, Ash?? Kari whispered.

Ash shrugged and opened his backpack. In it was a flashlight, a First Aid kit, some water bottles, some food, some other odds and ends, and the Phoenix Flute.

?The Phoenix Flute!? Zoe gasped. ?How I have longed for many years to hear its melody. And is there anybody here who can sing??

Brock raised his hand. ?I can.?

?Why, I knew it. You have the Siren?s Wing. I?ll give you the Sundance Crystal in exchange for a song by the bearer of the Phoenix Flute and the cute singer.?

"You've got it!" Kari smiled as she took the crystal from Zoe.

Brock looked at Ash to see if it was okay. Ash smiled and asked "Any requests??

"Whatever suits your fancy...but I'd prefer a reel or a polka." Zoe replied.

Meanwhile, Brock raised his hands and all of Zoe?s trinkets floated up into the air and were transformed into Mews. Actually, each looked just like Mew, but about half his size. "Okay, Maestro...go to it!" With that, Ash started a rousing polka like tune...

Siyotan! Anran na Saria! one of the Mews cried as it danced to the catchy melody.

Misty was confused. "Seeko-what?"

"Unlike most Pokemon, Mews have their own language, which appears to be a mixture of Spanish, Japanese, and various other languages." Damien explained. "That one just said "The flute! It's playing the song of Saria!"

Hanten na Siyotan! agreed a second Mew.

"I like the flute." Damien translated. He applauded as Ash concluded the song.

"Thank you..." Ash replied, taking a bow for his sort of audience.

Brock, meanwhile, leapt atop a stump overlooking the tiny Mews. "Okay...note, please..." Ash obediently played a single note, which Brock hummed back, signifying he was in tune.

"Go to it, voice of the forest!" Ash replied with a wink...

The group watched as Brock started marching atop his stump, making a rhythmic thump, thump, thump... The Mews listened as he began singing....Yeidi mina nachen keichen... (Here we wander through the forest...)

Fall eil yea en youven yo! Youra vous no hora yeiven, fall eil yea en youven yo! (Mighty heroes, battle on! You are chosen to protect us, oh mighty heroes, battle on!) sang several of the female Mews, echoing Brock's "call".

Asmoch pardieu bufoihen jeiya.... (Searching for the Chosen Lady...) Brock continued.

Fall eil yea en youven yo! Youra vous no hora yeiven, fall eil yea en youven yo! (Mighty heroes, battle on! You are chosen to protect us, oh mighty heroes, battle on!) the Mews echoed back.

Sinya han shiren miesha... (Moltres' wings of burning fire...) Brock formed an image of Moltres in the sky...

Fall eil yea en youven yo! Youra vous no hora yeiven, fall eil yea en youven yo! (Mighty heroes, battle on! You are chosen to protect us, oh mighty heroes, battle on!) came the chorus, which was now made fuller by the addition of the male Mews.

Maura henar varnen keiken... (Next, Jirachi, keeper of wishes...) This time, Brock formed an image of Jirachi among the stars...

Fall eil yea en youven yo! Youra vous no hora yeiven, fall eil yea en youven yo! (Mighty heroes, battle on! You are chosen to protect us, oh mighty heroes, battle on!) the Mews chorused.

Busin kennos kuven clavin... (Articuno, with blue wings of frost....) Everyone gasped as an image of Articuno appeared in the sky...

Fall eil yea en youven yo! Youra vous no hora yeiven, fall eil yea en youven yo! (Mighty heroes, battle on! You are chosen to protect us, oh mighty heroes, battle on!) the Mews sang, awed by the image in the sky....

Preiha leniear hanna nambre... (Then comes the sky dragon, Rayquaza...) Brock continued, changing keys and his image...

Fall eil yea en youven yo! Youra vous no hora yeiven, fall eil yea en youven yo! (Mighty heroes, battle on! You are chosen to protect us, oh mighty heroes, battle on!) The Mews also changed keys

Prole al yeini hana kembre... (Then comes Celebi, voice of the forest...) Brock smiled, pleased with his audience...

Fall eil yea en youven yo! Youra vous no hora yeiven, fall eil yea en youven yo! (Mighty heroes, battle on! You are chosen to protect us, oh mighty heroes, battle on!) the Mews sang back.

Roui naca lui kikeila... (Finally, Zapdos' wings of thunder...) Brock continued, glowing a soft green aura as he changed keys again.

Fall eil yea en youven yo! Youra vous no hora yeiven, fall eil yea en youven yo! (Mighty heroes, battle on! You are chosen to protect us, oh mighty heroes, battle on!) came the echo.

Lenna ancha heinsu soiven... (These six, they will face great trials...) A shining light filled the air, as the song continued....

Fall eil yea en youven yo! Youra vous no hora yeiven, fall eil yea en youven yo! (Mighty heroes, battle on! You are chosen to protect us, oh mighty heroes, battle on!) came the chorus.

Rua sen ismacha keli... (And they will triumph over darkness...) Brock continued...

Fall eil yea en youven yo! Youra vous no hora yeiven, fall eil yea en youven yo! (Mighty heroes, battle on! You are chosen to protect us, oh mighty heroes, battle on!) came the reply.

Youra vous no hora yeiven, fall eil yea en youven yo! (You are chosen to protect us, oh mighty heroes, battle on!) This time Brock joined in with the Mews, adding a lower part to the melody...

Youra vous no hora yeiven, fall eil yea en youven yo! (You are chosen to protect us, oh mighty heroes, battle on!)

Youra vous no hora yeiven, fall eil yea en youven yo! (You are chosen to protect us, oh mighty heroes, battle on!)

Youra vous no hora yeiven, fall eil yea en youven yo! (You are chosen to protect us, oh mighty heroes, battle on!)

Fall eil yea.... (Battle on...) everyone concluded, making a beautiful five part harmony...
Zoe smiled and started to glow. She was lifted into the air and a disembodied voice coming from her cried ?Light of shadow, shine! Latias!? Zoe dropped to the floor and and the light faded, and Zoe was gone. In her place was a young woman, but she looked very different. Her hair was a glowing yellow and it was a bit longer, and came down to her shoulders. Her eyes were white with a yellow tint. Her skin was goldenish and she was wearing a silver suit streaked with gold. In her hand she held a glowing bladed whip. ?I presume you have realized that I am not Zoe. I am Zora, Mistress of Darkness, Master of Latias and Dark Warrior of Light. I am here to claim your powers.?

?Over my dead body!? Ash yelled defiantly.

?My, my, eager aren?t we?? Zora giggled. ?Well, it can be arranged.? With that she flicked her whip straight up into the sky. Six black holes appeared and sent several spheres of darkness from each. They traveled to the ground and transformed into different Pokemon, but each made of pure darkness. ?Behold, my Shadow-Pokemon. I can normally only summon them in their weaker light forms, but your song has strengthened me.?

Ash rolled his eyes and punched the nearest Shadow-Pokemon, a Ursaring. The Shadow-Ursaring froze for a second, then burst, although no one could feel it. Ash turned and smirked triumphantly at Zora, but then a motion out of the corner of his eye caught his attention. Streaks of darkness from a nearby shadow of a large tree were gathering together right in front of Ash. It formed into the pulsing ebony sphere that they had seen before. Ash?s eyes widened just before the sphere became the Shadow-Ursaring and it launched a Mega Punch into Ash, sending him flying.

?As you can see, Fire Boy, my Shadow-Pokemon can be recreated by shadows. In other words they?re invincible. Oh, and Celebi, since they?re made of darkness, your songs can?t affect them. Attack!?

The Shadow-Ursaring and the other Shadow-Pokemon started to chase after the group. Misty and Brock were helping Ash up and started to run. They ran through the forest sometimes losing each other, but always finding them again. They sould occasionally throw a stick or rock at a Shadow-Pokemon behind them, causing it to reform, buying them a few seconds. But the Shadow-Pokemon were fast and they could not keep it up for long.

As they were running, a Shadow-Meganium jumped out at them and used its Vine Whip, which looked like streadks of darkness, to grab Kari and throw her to a Shadow-Machamp, which held her gently but firmly. Ash instantly delivered a kick to the Shadow-Meganium, which then started to reform, but by the time it did, Ash, Damien, Misty, Brock and Andra were already ten yards ahead and still going. Zora came up to Kari, which was still in the grasp of the Shadow-Machamp and said ?Looks like your friends abandoned you.? Then, to the Shadow-Machamp, said ?You, take the girl, Shadow-Lairon and Shadow-Gengar to the Oracle of Wishes. I?ll meet you there. The rest of you, get those Legendary Warriors!? The Shadow-Pokemon let out a large roar and started running towards the group, who began to flee in panic. Lilith smiled and got on the back of a Shadow-Rapidash, which took off after the others. Kari sighed as the Shadow-Machamp, escorted by the Shadow-Gengar and Shadow-Lairon, carried her away, but evern more so, she hoped her friends would be okay.

Ash was leaning on a palm tree, breathing heavily. The others were lying down on the ground, exhausted also. ?Damien, where are we?? Ash said through ragged gasps.

Damien reached to his belt and pulled out his Pokenav. ?We should be getting close. Just about a mile in that direction.? Damien?s hand pointed right in front of them, where there was a patch of grass with a small building on it in the distance.

Misty grabbed Damien?s ear and stretched it hard. ?I must have heard incorrectly, because I throught you said ?a mile?. Well, I am hungry, tired and hot, so if you mean that I will let you experience physical pain.?

Ash seperated Misty?s hand from Damien?s ear and stepped between the two ?Misty, I know you really don?t want to walk, but it?s not Damien?s fault it?s so far away. Now, let?s start?? Ash trailed off as a flapping creature distracted him. It was in the air and about three hundred feet away, but flying towards them speedily. As it got closer, Ash realized it was a Shadow-Crobat. It swooped down and blocked the path. Ash ran up to it and did a flip-kick. While it was reforming, Ash and the others started running. Unfortunately, this Shadow-Pokemon was smarter than the rest. The second it reformed, it launched a Supersonic attacks, which caused huge waves of sound to emit from Crobat?s mouth and caused the others to sink to their knees, groaning and covering their ears. The attacks also had a side effect. The other Shadow-Pokemon heard it and started running towards them.

Ash wasn?t about to be captured though. He picked up a rock and threw it at the Shadow-Crobat. It, of course, burst, and the Supersonic attack stopped. The gang started running, pushed by the desire to get as far away from the Shadow-Crobat as they could. When it reformed, it sent another Supersonic, but the group was to far away to be affected. However, the Shadow-Pokemon knew where they were and were constantly attacking. The Legendary Warriors finally managed to get to the shrine of Oracle of Wishes, only to discover that the Shadow-Pokemon had cornered them at the entrance.

?What do we do now, Ash?? Misty asked fearfully.

Ash gritted his teeth and yelled ?Burning phoenix, hear my cry! Moltres! Create a wall of flame to stop these shadow creatures!? No sooner had he called this, did a rain of fire descend to the ground, burning anything in its path and stopping the Shadow Pokemon in their tracks.


Kari was miserable. She was slung over the shoulder of a Shadow-Machamp, which was walking towards the Oracle of Wishes. She sighed and looked around. Her eye caught something familiar. It was Ash?s backpack. ?Hey, Muscle,? Kari yelled to the Shadow-Machamp. ?I?m tired, can you stop for a while or something?? The Shadow-Machamp grunted and put her down. Kari immediately kicked him in the chest, making him burst and then start to reform. ?Hah!? Kari yelled. ?That felt good!?

The Shadow-Lairon jumped up and then used a Water Pulse. Kari flipped into the air then delivered a punch straight into the Shadow-Lairon, which disappeared, then started reforming. Kari landed, but was hit by a Shadow Ball launched by the Shadow-Gengar. She crashed next to the backpack, bruised and battered from the attack. Grimacing, she reached over and put one hand in the backpack to find what she was looking for. She grabbed the Sundance Crystal out of the bag and held it into the sun. Beams of light streaked from the diamond and engulfed the Shadow-Pokemon. Kari put down the crystal and the light disappeared. The Shadow-Pokemon were gone. In their place were three normal Pokemon. Kari sighed and said ?Where is the Oracle of Wishes? I need to go there to save my friends.? The Machamp lifted up one arm and pointed straight ahead. Kari thanked them, grabbed the backpack and started walking with a determined look on her face. Zora was going down.


?I don?t see anything in here,? Ash complained.

Andra squinted into the darkness and said ?Maybe because it?s pitch black, Ash. Think of that??

Brock rolled his eyes ?Knock it off, you two. We can?t do anything right now until we get some sort of light. And since Ash of course had to lose the backpack, that?s quite impossible.?

?Well you could surrender,? came Zora?s voice behind them. The Legendary Warriors spun around and saw Zora, her hand held up and emitting an eerie glow. ?You?re completely surrounded, anyway.?

With Zora?s light, the group could see what they couldn?t before: moving figures. The Shadow-Pokemon.


Kari had found a path, winding up behind a huge cave. She reached the end of it, but couldn?t see any entrance. Then she realized there was a small crack in the wall of the cave, hidden by the shadows of a nearby tree. Kari once again held up the Sundance Crystal. The light it emitted shone on the cave wall where the crack was. Then cracks of white light started forming, creating a crude shaped door. The rocks between the cracks crumbled, forming an entrance. Kari walked in and suddenly the door disappeared. Kari?s eyes widened, but she knew she had more important things to worry about. She looked around to take in her surroundings. She was on a ledge in a dark cave. The light that allowed her to see this was coming from below. She knelt at the edge of the ledge and looked down...where was shocked to see her friends surrounded by the other Shadow-Pokemon and Zora.


Ash yelled to Zora ?We?ll never give up, even if we will all die! Burning wings of flame, shine on me! Moltres!?

As Ash was glowing in a scarlet light and his clothes were transforming, Brock had started singing

Fresh from a world we know,
With a brand new world to see
Don?t know what?s ahead,
But it won?t get the best of me!
There?s so much to learn,
And battles to be won...

Ash finished his transformation and ran up to Zora, trying to deliver a punch. However, Zora jumped up and yelled ?Luminous Veil!? A dark cloud surrounded Ash for a few seconds, then disappeared.

?So much for your attack, Zora!? Ash yelled triumphantly and kicked straight in front of him. Unfortunately, Zora was about five feet to his right.

?My attack has distorted your vision, so I wouldn?t get too overconfident,? Zora said playfully. Ash realized she was right. One second, a Shadow-Ariados was right in front of him and the next second it was to his right. Ash also found it hard to focus. He knew the battle would be over soon if he didn?t come up with something.

I?ve advanced so far,
But still there?s always more to come!

Kari watched sadly as her friend was being thrashed. A single tear dropped from one of her eyes and landed on her ring, which was engraved with a moonstone. The ring started glowing a bright white, forming the sillhouette of Jirachi, the Pokemon of wishes. Kari saw it and realized what she must do.

Take a step and I?m on my way
Gonna start all over again!
I wanna be a hero
Get ready to advance!

Below, Ash was getting pummeled by Zora, who was using an attack called Darkness Beam, which fired a beam of pure shadow energy onto him. If that weren?t enough, every time Ash managed to clear his mind long enough to punch, kick, or use Flaming Spark, she?d use an attack called Ebony Aura, which surrounded her in a field of shadows so all attacks on her would just bounce off. Ash knew Zora was invincible like this.

I wanna be a hero...
Give me just one chance!

As Zora was about to deliver a kick straight into Ash?s chest, a voice from above them called out ?Eternal light of wishes, sparkle! Jirachi!?

And the future will decide,
If there?s a hero buried deep inside!

Kari glowed started glowing in a silver light. A shining cape that came down to her knees appeared and draped over her soulders. A white-gold jumpsuit stretched down from her shoulders to her thighs. Her feet were covered in golden slippers, similar to the ones used by ballet dancers. Silver armor covered her legs and arms, and some parts of her jumpsuit. Finally, the Sundance Crystal that she had been holding flew up to her and a silver chain that went through the tip of it appeared. The necklace then floated to her neck like a regular necklace would. Kari smiled.
With renewed hope, Brock started to sing a different song and Ash, who was kneeling on the floor, started glowing in a soft red color.

The stars that shine tonight sparkle like jewels...
Like tiny beacons they will guide my hope.
My life is precious, I leave nothing to chance...
The wind, it carries me and gives me strength for the fight!

Kari jumped down from the ledge and dispatched a kick to Zora. Zora gritted her teeth and yelled ?Shadow-Pokemon! Attack!?

The Shadow-Pokemon started to close in around Kari, but she just smiled and grabbed the Sundance Crystal that was around her neck. She then threw it up in the air and yelled ?Sparkling Beam!? A sphere of light formed in Kari?s hands and she threw it up so it hit the Sundance Crystal. The Sundance Crystal amplified the attack so it sent waves of light in all directions for a few seconds. Then, it stopped and the diamond fell into Kari?s hand. Kari then reattached it. Everyone looked around. The Shadow-Pokemon had been replaced with regular Pokemon that were unconcious because of the light. Kari turned to Zora and smirked ?You were saying??

Go! Go! I feel my spirit soar!
With my wisdom and courage to see me through!
Although darkness is strong, the light drives it away,
Carries me up to follow the dream!

Zora yelled ?Luminous Veil!? An inky black cloud surrounded Kari, but she yelled ?Aura of Wishes!? The dark storm around her disappeared and revealed Kari glowing a soft golden color. Zora snarled and yelled ?Darkness Beam!? A beam of pure dark energy emitted from Zora?s hands and fired straight at Kari. The beam hit, but Kari was not fazed at all. The glow seemed to be protecting her from any attack, similar to Zora?s Ebony Aura.

I have faith in myself, my chance to shine, like a diamond...
With each new day I continue to guard this dream...
This is my strongest hope, my greatest wish, and my prayer...

Kari smiled and yelled ?Sparkling Beam!? Once again, a sphere of light formed in her hands. She then launched it at Zora. She managed to dodge the attack, but Ash used Flaming Spark while she was still off-guard.

Transform and feel the strength!
It will guide me in the battle!
And the dream will forever live!
Live inside my heart!

?Celestial Arrow!? they yelled together. An glowing arrow appeared above them. A rope of fire appeared, then wrapped itself around the arrow. It then launched itself at Zora and struck her. Zora spun around, then landed on her knees. She looked up and said weakly ?So. You win.? She then glowed in a black light, then disappeared. The second she disappeared, everything was once again plunged into darkness.

?That is really starting to annoy me,? Ash griped. Misty rolled her eyes.

?Wait a second,? Andra gasped. ?We need to see the Oracle of Wishes!?

Kari and Ash both glowed in silver and red light, respectively, then they were back in their normal clothes, although Kari still had the Sundance Crystal around her neck.

?How are we supposed to find our way?? Misty worried.

?Creator of Wishes, may your light shine on! Jirachi! Make a light that will guide us to your oracle!? Kari cried. Suddenly, the Sundance Crystal glowed in a radiant light, like a miniature sun, but they could look at it at not be harmed. The light the diamond provided allowed the group to see just about everything, including a path hidden in shadows, despite the light. They walked to the path and saw it was long and winding. Misty sighed, and they all started walking.

------

The gang had been walking for about an hour on the path, and Kari?s diamond seemed to only shine a few feet in front of them, unlike before, as though the shadows were slowly eating up the light. They were exhausted.

?How come they made shrine of the Oracle of Wishes this deep?? Misty griped.

?They probably just didn?t want anyone to come here,? Damien replied matter-of-factly.

?Then why did they build it?? Misty growled.

?Wait. I think I see something,? Kari muttered.

Ahead, a dull light shone from an unseen source. When the group got closer, they could see it came from a lanturn, and the holder of the lanturn was the small boy who had given Ash the Phoenix Flute. As soon as the Legendary Warriors could see the whites of his gray-green eyes, he turned and started walking on the path. Ash motioned to the others and started following the boy. About fifteen minutes later, the boy turned and said ?Stop and wait here. You must first face three trials to see if you are worthy to see the Oracle of Wishes.?

?Creator of Wishes, may your light shine on! Jirachi! Make a light that will guide us to your oracle!? Kari cried. Suddenly, the Sundance Crystal glowed in a radiant light, like a miniature sun, but they could look at it at not be harmed. The light the diamond provided allowed the group to see just about everything, including a path hidden in shadows, despite the light. They walked to the path and saw it was long and winding. Misty sighed, and they all started walking into the darkness...

Creator of Wishes, may your light shine on! Jirachi! Make a light that will guide us to your oracle!? Kari cried. Suddenly, the Sundance Crystal glowed in a radiant light, like a miniature sun, but they could look at it at not be harmed. The light the diamond provided allowed the group to see just about everything, including a path hidden in shadows, despite the light. They walked to the path and saw it was long and winding. Misty sighed, and they all started walking into the darkness...

Episode 4: Tested by Spirit

The gang had been walking for about an hour on the path, and Kari?s diamond seemed to only shine a few feet in front of them, unlike before, as though the shadows were slowly eating up the light. They were exhausted.

?How come they made the Oracle of Wishes' shrine this deep?? Misty griped.

?They probably just didn?t want anyone to come here,? Damien replied matter-of-factly.

?Then why did they build it?? Misty growled.

?Wait. I think I see something,? Kari muttered.

Ahead, a dull light shone from an unseen source. When the group got closer, they could see it came from a Lanturn, and the holder of the Lanturn was the small boy who had given Ash the Phoenix Flute. As soon as the Legendary Warriors could see the whites of his gray-green eyes, he turned and started walking on the path. Ash motioned to the others and started following the boy. About fifteen minutes later, the boy turned and said ?Stop and wait here. You must first face three trials to see if you are worthy to see the Oracle of Wishes.?

?WHAT?? Ash exploded. ?We just kicked Zora?s butt, and you want us to prove ourselves??

?Your battle with Zora was impressive, so I granted you the chance to see the Oracle of Wishes." the boy explained. "If you pass the three trials, you shall see the Oracle. The only reason I told you about the Oracle of Wishes was because you did well in your battle against Lilith. As you can see, you prove yourselves, and I shall reward you.?

?Fine, fine, whatever,? Ash muttered.

?The three trials will be of power, will and spirit. The Trial of Power begins the second you pass through this door,? the boy waved to the wall next to him and a door appeared. For some reason, the group was not even remotely surprised. Traveling to another dimension can do that to a person. The Legendary Warriors turned and walked through the door.

------

?Ohhhhh,? Ash groaned and put a hand to his head. It didn?t hurt, but he was really disoriented, and he couldn?t remember what had happened. A few seconds later, it rushed to him like a river. He had stepped into the door then? nothing. The next thing in his memory was waking up. Too weird. Kari was unconcious next to him, but Ash decided to let her be. Ash then noticed both of them were in their clothes they used to fight the Dark Warriors. He looked around and saw they were on the edge of a huge battlefield made of ice with tons of stalagmites and small glaciers. The battlefield was circular, about two hundred feet in diameter. On a separate, also circular platform, which was about ten feet to their right, was Misty, Damien, Andra and Brock. They were still unconcious, but their arms were bound by chains of light and they were magically suspended three feet above the pit of acid under them.

?Guys!? Ash yelled desperately when he realized the danger his friends were in.

?What?? Kari muttered. She had just gotten up and was still disoriented, like Ash had been.

Ash did not speak, only pointed and pointed at his friends. Kari gasped and put her hand over her mouth. ?Wake up!? she yelled desperately.

The others started to stir, then their eyes fluttered open. Then they started to freak out.

?Calm down!? Ash yelled. ?We?ll find a way to get you down. Just calm down!?

Silence! a voice from an unforseen source roared. This is the Chamber of Power. To complete the Trial you must defeat the enemies you see before you. Suddenly, an Ice-Suicune and a Shadow-Jirachi appeared in front of them. They waited calmly while Kari and Ash got up. Unfortunately, since the field was made of ice, it took several tries to get on their feet.

Alone for a while I've been searching through the dark
For traces of the love you left inside my lonely heart
To weave by picking up the pieces that remain
Melodies of life--love's lost refrain...

Brock started to sing. His song seemed to refresh Kari and Ash, and also made them stand up straighter. They turned to face the monsters.

?Kari, how are we supposed to fight if we can barely stand?? Ash muttered under his breath.

?Don?t worry about it,? Kari smiled. ?Creator of Wishes, may your light shine on! Jirachi! Make our feet rise like you rise the spirits of those you favor!?

The second Kari had uttered her command, light began to shone from the soles of their shoes and they were propelled five feet into the air.

?Whoa!? Ash and Kari yelled in unison. But after a few seconds they learned to control their height and movement. With a surge of newfound confidence, they once again turned to face the monsters.

The Ice-Suicune roared and the Shadow-Jirachi shone in an aura of golden light. Then they both started charging toward Ash and Kari.

Our paths they did cross, though I cannot say just why
We met, we laughed, we held on fast, and then we said goodbye
And who'll hear the echoes of stories never told?
Let them ring out loud till they unfold
In my dearest memories, I see you reaching out to me
Though you're gone, I still believe that you can call out my name...

Ash and Kari both used their Flaming Spark and Sparkling Beam attacks, respectively, on Shadow-Jirachi. Unfortunately, Shadow-Jirachi used Protect to deflect both attacks. Kari and Ash gritted their teeth, than both started to run up and kick and punch their opponents.

A voice from the past, joining yours and mine
Adding up the layers of harmony
And so it goes, on and on
Melodies of life,
To the sky beyond the flying birds--forever and beyond...

Unfortunately, the attacks did not seem to do much harm to the Pokemon, despite Ash and Kari?s power boost via Brock?s song. They stepped a few feet back, then unleashed their attacks. For the Ice-Suicune, it was a Hydro Pump, which pummeled Ash sent him off the edge of the platform, although he managed to hang on. The Shadow-Jirachi formed a Shadow Ball in it?s hands, then threw it at Kari, but she destroyed it with a Sparkling Beam. Suddenly, Misty, Damien, Brock and Andra dropped a foot toward the acid. Damien, Andra and Misty screamed, but Brock continued his song, though somewhat more nervously.

So far and away, see the bird as it flies by
Gliding through the shadows of the clouds up in the sky...
I've laid my memories and dreams upon those wings
Leave them now and see what tomorrow brings...

Kari looked back at Ash to see he was okay, and also getting up. She turned back to her enemies and gritted her teeth. Then a thought struck her. She took the Sundance Crystal off her neck and held it in her hand, which was stretched out towards the Ice-Suicune. It started to charge at Kari, and was going to use a Body Slam to push her over the edge when Kari yelled ?Sparkling Beam!? Normally, the sphere of light would have barely phased the creature, but because of the Sundance Crystal, a huge ray of light blasted the Ice-Suicune. When it faded, the Ice-Suicune was gone. Unfortunately, the others dropped another foot, leaving only twelve inches between them and death.

The first opponent, Ice-Suicune, has been defeated. Because of the time it took, you must defeat Shadow-Jirachi in one minute or your friends? life or your friend?s lives will be forfeit. the same voice from before roared. Kari and Ash became nervous. How could they defeat the Shadow-Jirachi in only a minute?

In your dearest memories, do you remember loving me?
Was it fate that brought us close and now leaves me behind?

Ash crawled up next to Kari and took a fighting stance. They had to think of something quick.

A voice from the past, joining yours and mine
Adding up the layers of harmony
And so it goes, on and on
Melodies of life,
To the sky beyond the flying birds--forever and beyond...

Unfortunately, the Shadow-Jirachi thought quicker. It launched a Psychic straight at them. Kari and Ash both cartwheeled out of the way, then launched a Flaming Spark and a Sparkling Beam at the Shadow-Jirachi. Unfortunately, the Shadow-Jirachi used its Protect to deflect both of the attacks. To make matters worse, the one minute time limit ran out, and their friends started to fall towards the pit of acid. Time seemed to become extraordinarily slow as Kari considered what to do. Ash had managed to trip up his flip, and was sprawled on the floor, making a perfect target for the the Shadow-Jirachi who was charging up a Shadow Ball. Meanwhile, Damien, Andra, Misty, and Brock (who had stopped singing) were dropping towards the acid. A millisecond later, Kari realized what she had to do. Then everything went back to normal. But before she could do anything else, the Shadow-Jirachi had launched its Shadow Ball at Ash, who was just getting up, and the others were just inches away from death by liquid.

?Aura of Wishes!? Kari yelled. Ash, Damien, Andra, Misty and Brock glowed in a golden light that protected them from the attack and the acid, respectively. Kari ran over to Ash and helped him up. He started to charge up his Flaming Spark to launch at the Shadow-Jirachi, but Kari put his arm down.

?We have to save the others first!? Kari hissed.

?Why? They?re invulnerable.? Ash whispered back.

?Being invulnerable won?t prevent them from drowning!? Kari said.

?What do we do now?? Ash muttered.

Inside the pit of lava, which was about six feet deep, the others were squirming around, their hands still bound by the chains, but they couldn?t swim up. They were also starting to run out of breath. The worst part was that the acid was somehow eating up the shield, and it would soon fade.

Kari simply looked at Ash and said ?Celestial Arrow.?

Like they had earlier, Ash and Kari called out their attack names, then put their hands together. A single arrow of light streaked with flames formed above them and was shot into the bottom of the pit. It struck in the very center, then sent cracks of light scurrying around the bottom. Finally, the bottom burst open, and all the acid and Misty, Brock, Andra and Damien all fell to the ground, miraculously freed from their bindings.
As soon as Brock had spit out the acid from his mouth, he had once again began to sing. Kari and Ash turned to finish the Shadow-Jirachi. Its eyes were wide and it knew it couldn?t win. Kari held up the Sundance Crystal, which was still in her hand and yelled ?Sparkling Beam!? The huge beam of light blasted into the Shadow-Jirachi, and it disappeared. Suddenly, a small hole, no wider then a quarter, appeared in the center of the arena . Suddenly, it expanded , covering the entire arena until it appeared. The Legendary Warriors fell into the darkness.

------
The group fell through eternity. Their was no light, only darkness. They could have fell forever, but it would be impossible to tell, because they lost all sense of direction, time or anything at all. Suddenly, they were standing up, in a brightly lit room as thought nothing had happened. It took their brains a couple of minutes to realize what had happened. But when they did figure it out, they lost it.

?WHAT???? Andra exploded. ?How the heck did we get here??

?We probably fell through a black hole and are at a gateway between worlds,? Damien replied.

?It does kind of look like it,? Misty said solemnly as she looked around their new surroundings. They were in a small, circular room, probably no more than sixty feet in diameter. It was painted a tan and their was no decoration in the room except for seven doors. The doors were each plain with a simple brass doorknob. The only thing special about them was that each was engraved with a small symbol: a blue snowflake, a red flame, a green leaf, a purple cloud, a yellow star, an orange thunderbolt and a white heart. The heart one was in front of them, and was far away from the other doors, as though it was higher than them.

?What are we supposed to do?? Kari looked around the room suspiciously. ?There are seven doors. If we split up, we can?t help each other out. It looks like it might be a trap.?

Legendary Warriors! boomed the voice from before. Congratulations for passing the Trial of Power. Not many people have even been able to pass that ordeal. However, it is time for the next trial, the Trial of Will. Your goal is simple: Go in one door to retrieve the crystal of your element. Then bring it back here to open the door to get the Soul Crystal. Once you retrieve that, you shall pass the test.

?Wait a second,? Andra growled. ?You said we need to split up. We can?t do that!?

You can and you will, if you want to see the Oracle of Wishes, the voice said. Now, go to the doors.

?But we don?t know our element yet,? Andra complained. ?Can we just pick one?? She started walking towards the door with a lightning bolt. Suddenly, she stopped. She had walked into an invisible barrier.

Since you are mortals, I shall forgive your incompetence. the voice laughed with an almost playful air. You do not choose your element. Your element chooses you.

?Incompetent? I?ll show you incompetent!? Andra pulled back her sleve, as though preparing to punch someone, but Damien grabbed her arm and shook his head. Suddenly, a force ripped Damien from Andra and sent him flying into the door engraved with a lightning bolt. The door suddenly disappeared, revealing a twisting, turning, mutlicolor wormhole. Damien was plunged into it and the door reappeared. ?Damien!? Andra screamed. She turned up towards the ceiling and yelled, probably to the voice, ?What?s going on here??

Unfortunately, she didn?t receive an answer. The others looked around worriedly. Suddenly, Kari screamed as the same force pulled her into the wormhole that used to be the door with the yellow star.

The ones left stood close together in the center of the room, breathing heavily in anxiety and nervousness. Misty was the next to go. She barely had time to scream before she was shoved into the wormhole that used to be the door with the snowflake. Brock, Ash and Andra each realized it was foolish to try to avoid the force, because they just couldn?t do it. With a nod of goodbye, they each parted. Ash was the first of them to go. He yelled as he was tugged to the door with the flame. Brock was taken a few minutes after Ash and propelled into the door with the leaf. Andra was the last one. She knew she would not go into the door with the heart, because it was seperated from the others, as though it was special. So the only one left was the cloud. She turned and faced it and closed her eyes as though deep in thought. Actually, she was calmly waiting for the invisible force. She did not have to wait long. She was almost immediately plunged into the wormhole. Andra did not fidget, flinch or scream. She just waited to meet her fate.

------

The wormhole opened up, and Andra was dropped onto a small platform. Then the wormhole disappeared. Andra slowly got up, her muscles still stiff from the ride. She looked around and saw she was on a circular platform that was in the sky. She gasped and started walking backwards, but almost fell off, windmilling her arms wildly to regain balance. She then realized there was a path of similar-looking platforms in the air, forming a crude path leading towards a huge castle. Andra gritted her teeth and started jumping along from platform to platform...

------

Brock?s wormhole opened up onto a clearing with lush green grass. He hit the floor face down, then got up and saw he was in the middle of a gigantic forest. A pretty noise caught his attention. He turned and looked around, confused as to where the pretty rustling noise was coming from, finally realizing it was coming from a tree. Whenever the wind blew, the leaves shook and made that sound. He plucked two and realized they were maracas disguised as leaves. After nervously shaking the two leaves for a few minutes, he shook his head and laughed with delight as he shook the leaves, making a hypnotic rhythm drift through the room. His moment of playfulness was interrupted by the nagging fact that he had to get the crystal...so after carefully tucking both leaves into his pockets, he turned and walked on into the forest....

------

Ash landed on his back on hard rock. He yelped and started to rub his back, but stopped when he saw where he was. He was on a small, rocky ledge surrounded by rivers of lava. If that wasn?t enough, in front of him was a huge volcano that looked ready to erupt. Ash gulped and muttered ?Burning phoenix, hear my cry! Moltres! Grant me the power to walk on burning magma!? His shoes glowed red as his cry echoed through the air, granting strength to his feet. Ash tentatively put a foot down on a river of lava. Seeing he could stand on it, he carefully started to walk towards the volcano....

------

Misty landed sharply on ice. She yelled and grabbed her knee, which had broken the fall. Wincing with pain, she got up and looked at her surroundings. She was on a huge field of ice, with small streams of icy water running through it. All around her were huge icicles and glaciers. Misty sighed and started jogging along the icy path, being extra careful not to slip and fall on the cold surface...

------

Kari landed gracefully from the wormhole onto the floor. She was in the middle of a maze, with paths all around. The maze shimmered and shined with colors of the rainbow moving throughout it. The walls to the maze were about five feet high. Kari stated to walk towards a path. The second she got close to one of the walls, it rose three feet. She stepped back, and it reverted to normal form. Kari eyed the different paths wearily, then chose the second one to her right. It was going to be a long journey.....

------

Damien fell through the wormhole and landed face-down on a street. He jumped up and realized he was in a city. At first he thought he had been transported back to his home-world, but then he realized there were several things wrong. First off, all the buildings were identical. They were each five stories tall with ten windows going across on each floor, with an simple automatic door in the front. Plus, they were all entirely gray and black. There was no color whatsoever. Another thing that was wrong was that there was no life or sound. There was nothing making any noise or anything, and there was no one around. In fact, the city seemed almost like a maze. Damien sighed and started to look for the crystal.

Andra landed on the final platform before the castle. She knelt down, gasping for breath. After resting for a moment, she then looked up and studied the castle, a large majestic structure made of stone. She ran up to it and kicked the wooden door, which creaked open under the sudden force of a foot kicking it. As Andra peered inside, she noticed that it was very dark, the only light coming from small torches on the wall. However, the second she was all the way inside the building, the door slammed shut. Andra spun around and started pounding on the door, but it refused to open.

Andra turned and started running down the long narrow hallway. There were no doors and the hallway seemed to go on forever. Her pace slowed down to a slow jog then a walk as she seemed to get more and more tired, until she eventually stopped and lied down on the stone floor, her breath ragged. Just then, she was jolted awake by a small noise in front of her. She got up as quick as a flash and stood facing the the originator of the noise: a small, floating, green dragon about a foot long. It had large red eyes and looked like a serpent without scales. "Who are you?" she screamed. "What do you want?"

?I was sent by the Lord of Storms, Rayquaza, to guide you so you may see the Oracle of wishes. My name is Veraco,? the dragon said in a smooth, persuasive voice.

?Um, not to be rude or anything, but why would I need help?? Andra asked.

?Rayquaza has ordered me to,? Veraco answered, while not really answering.

?All right, just try to keep up,? Andra agreed retluctantly. She started to jog again.

?The path you seek is not that way,? Veraco said calmly.

?Well, I?ve come from this way,? Andra pointed to the direction she had come from. ?So this is the only way out.?

?There is another way,? Veraco said slowly and calmly, as though speaking to a small child.

A vein pulsed in Andra?s temple. She grabbed Veraco and squeezed him tightly. ?Listen, you,? she snarled. ?I don?t like being treated like I?m incompetent. So tell me how to get out of this nightmare or remove yourself from my life before I start to get angry! ?

Veraco just stared at Andra. Suddenly she couldn?t feel the dragon. It took her a second to realize it was because the dragon had disappeared. Andra looked around, startled. Suddenly, the dragon materialized a few feet away from her in midair.

?How did you do that,? Andra whispered in awe.

?We are in the Realm of the Winds,? Veraco said calmly. ?Because we are both of the Wind Lord?s chosen, we are granted certain powers.? Suddenly, his tail became transparent. It was fading. ?I have little time left,? Veraco said testily. ?You must speak to you friends and tell them what you know.? With that, Veraco?s head faded, and he was gone.

How can I talk to them? Andra wondered. Suddenly it came to her. The Siren?s Wing! But how can I get Brock to activate it? Andra took a deep breath and focused her mind on a picture of Brock. She then cut out all the image but the Siren?s Wing. She tried to make it activate by imagining them all talking to each other. Suddenly, she lost focus, as a transparent illusion of Brock appeared in front of her.

?AAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!? They both screamed.

?Brock? Is that you?? Andra asked in a hushed voice.

?Yeah,? Brock said, still stunned by the events that had occurred. ?I was walking, and my Siren?s Wing started to glow blue, then I just saw you appear in front of me.?

?Sorry,? Andra said sheepishly. ?I needed to talk to you so I imagined the Siren?s Wing activating and, well, you know the rest. Try getting the others to appear too.?

Seconds later, Ash, Misty, Kari and Damien each appeared in a holographic form. After calming them down, Andra explained what had happened.

?Fascinating,? Damien muttered to himself. ?The Siren?s Wing projects holographic images to each of us to each other that copy our exact movements.?

Andra rolled her eyes. ?Whatever, genius. I need to tell you guys something. A green dragon-thing called Veraco appeared to me and told me I could use the powers of wind because I am in the Realm of the Winds. Maybe you can use powers too.? The others nodded and the images disappeared. Andra took a deep breath and concentrated. She was suddenly propelled three feet into the air! She looked down at her shoes and there seemed to be strong gusts of wind coming from them. She then flew through the hall, but didn?t see any doors or anything at all still. Andra suddenly noticed a small vent in the wall next to her. She concentrated and was turned into air. Andra floated through the vent and materialized in a room with many symbols and decorations. In the middle was a small shrine. Andra walked up to it and saw a purple crystal shaped like a cloud. A small plaque engraved in the shrine said ?Behold, the Gale Crystal. Only one favored by Rayquaza may touch this.? Andra decided to take her chances with touching the Gale Crystal. The second she had picked it up, she heard growling behind her. Andra whirled and saw about a dozen Pokemon facing her. A Arcanine started to charge at her, but Andra held up the Gale Crystal and a huge gust of wind blasted at the Arcanine, which was sent flying.

Andra held up the Gale Crystal defensively. However, it wasn?t nesecary, as when the other Pokemon saw what had happened to their fallen comarade, they stepped back and allowed a path to a door hidden in shadows. Andra walked caustiously to the door, and, after the barest hint of hesitation, pressed the crystal into the door. The Gale Crystal immediately molded itself into the door and a door appeared next to her. Andra took a deep breath and walked through it.

------

Brock had climbed most of the mountain already. After everyone?s meeting, Brock had used his powers to help him climb up the treacherous mountain. Suddenly, as he was lifting himself up, Brock saw he was on the top of the mountain. But this one was leveled up to create a large ledge with a pedestal in the middle. Brock walked up to it and saw a glowing green crystal that looked like a leaf.

?You should not touch the Terra Crystal!? a sharp voice came from behind Brock. He whirled and saw it came from a Sandslash. Behind the Sandslash were dozens of Ground- or Grass-type Pokemon. Brock grabbed the Terra Crystal and took a fighting stance in front of them. Suddenly, the Terra Crystal shone brightly and a voice said ?The Crystal's power has granted you a new song... sing it proudly and use it to your heart?s content.? Brock took a deep breath and started to sing?

Starlight!
Shining so bright...make my spirit proud and strong!
This world,
I hold so dear...I will fight, defend its peace!...

The Pokemon howled and cried in pain as Brock was singing. However, the Sandslash, who was obviously their leader, bravely ran up and started to use Slash at Brock, who stopped singing and started to dodge them to the best of his ability. Finally, one of the Slashes made a deep gash on Brock?s uncovered arm. Brock winced and grabbed his arm. The Sandslash smirked and prepared a Slash to Brock?s neck. Just in time, though, Brock yelled ?Terra Crystal!? A bunch of petals burst from the crystal and sliced the Sandslash. The other Pokemon then started to attack, but Brock was way ahead of them. He kicked a Nidoking that was charging at him, then punched a Victreebell that was trying to use Vine Whip. He used the Terra Crystal to shoot up plants from the ground to entangle some of the Pokemon. Then he plunged it into the ground and yelled ?Terra Crystal!? to create a massive earthquake that split the ground. In one of the cracks, Brock saw a strange door. Without hesitation, Brock jumped into it...


Ash groaned. He was only about halfway up the volcano, but to him, it felt like he?d been climbing for hours. He knew he should have reached it by now, as the mountain wasn?t that high. Frustrated by the heat, Ash slammed a fist into the mountain--but the punch barely made a dent in the volcano's dome. Why couldn?t he find anything? Ash looked around, desprate for any clue to a way out of the crater. Suddenly his eyes noticed something; a deformity in the lavarock that covered the mountain. He climbed to it, then noticed it was some sort of door. He pressed on the middle of it, and it opened.

Ash walked caustiously into it. He was now in some sort of room in the middle of the volcano. The room was surrounded by lava, was held back by a red force field that surrounded the entire room. On a part of the floor was a small stone with a hand shape engraved in it. Ash walked up and put his hand in it. Suddenly, the stone shone and a gem floated up. It was red and shaped like a flame. The second Ash had touched the Crystal, the force field began to shake. Ash snatched the crystal and stepped back. A voice from a nonexistent source cried out You must get out of this room, now! The Inferno Crystal was the only thing that protected this volcano from erupting!

Ash recognized the voice as the small boy that had given him the Phoenix Flute. Suddenly, a crack formed in the dome. Ash, startled, backed up a bit. Suddenly, hot magma spewed through the crack and flowed onto the floor.

?Inferno Crystal! Protect me!? Ash yelled and a red shield surrounded him and defended him from the flowing lava. Ash then ran out of the cave. Unfortunately, the volcano was still erupting, so Ash had no time to climb down the mountain carefully. He actually had to stop, or else he would have tumbled down and landed in the lava. Ash then had an idea. ?Inferno Crystal!? he yelled. ?Let me control this magma!? Ash then then jumped up and landed on a small disc of floating lava that he had created. He then rode it down the lava flow and over the fields of magma where he had appeared. A door suddenly appeared in front of him. Ash took a deep breath and rode through?


?Hello?? Misty called as she carefully walked across the snowy path. ?Anyone have any hint as to how I can get out?? No answer came. As she kept walking, Misty soon found herself back in the main chamber of the cave, and she realized it was the same place she would return to no matter what route she took. Misty was about to give up when she noticed another entranceway in a corner of the wall. Elated by this, she dropped to her knees and crawled through.

The narrow path opened into a large room dotted with icicles. Some Zubats hung overhead, sleeping peacefully and paying no head to the girl below them. At the other end of the room stood a pedestal with a blue snowflake sitting atop it.
Just then, Misty noticed a large block of ice on the floor of the room. Hey, maybe if I pushed it over to the other end, I could get to the crystal! With that thought in mind, she pushed the block with all her might, sending it sliding up against the right wall. She then gave the block another shove, sending it sliding over to the other end of the room--but too far to the right to reach the crystal...


After pushing the block through the maze of icicles, Misty finally eased herself up on top of the alcove--but the pedestal was still too high for her to reach...

After a few seconds of contemplation, Misty had an idea. She stroked the ice and it emitted a pleasant sound. She started to play a tune and hum along with it. Two blocks of ice appeared. Misty stopped playing and pushed the blocks onto the original one so she could reach the pedestal. On top of the pedestal was a blue crystal shaped like a snowflake. Engraved in the stand was a plaque that said ?Glacier Crystal?.

?YES!? Misty yelled ecstaticly. Unfortunately, her yell woke up the sleeping Zubat. And they were not happy.

The Zubat started to swarm and dive at Misty. ?Glacier Crystal!? Misty yelled. Some icicles broke off their stem and started to attack the Zubat. After they were chased away, the vertex-door appeared.

?I am OUTTA HERE!? Misty cried and jumped through it?


Kari had been walking through this maze of light for hours, and all she had found were dead-ends and paths that led to dead-ends. The second she thought she was on a path that might take her somewhere, it forked off into five more paths. Kari sighed. This would take forever. But she also knew something was wrong. She could feel it. Struck by inspiration, Kari cried out ?Creator of Wishes, may your light shine on! Jirachi! Shine your light of truth on this place!? A wave of light flowed over Kari and the maze she was in. After it was gone, Kari saw a wooden door carved into the side of one of the maze walls. It had obviously been hidden by an illusion before, but now it was as clear as day. Kari kicked open the door and walked calmly into a simple room decorated with gold patterns and silver inlay. In the middle, there was a white-robed Ampharos. Kari walked in caustiously.

?Please, sit down,? the Ampharos said in a squeaky voice. ?I must tell you what you need to do to obtain the Aurora Crystal,?

?Why don?t I just take it?? Kari asked, puzzled. ?I mean, you have it here, right??

?Unfortunately, no,? the Ampharos responded. ?A few hours ago, a woman with silver and gold armor and blond hair came-?

?Zora!? Kari snarled. ?She?s a Dark Warrior.?

?Yes. I could feel the dark energy that radiated from her essence,? the Ampharos squeaked. ?Anyway, she removed the Aurora Crystal and crushed it in her fist. She smiled and said something along the lines of ?Let that Light Legendary Warrior try and complete the second task now!? I tried to stop her, but she was glowing in some black aura and it protected her from my attacks.?

Kari groaned ?Could anything else go wrong? Wait a second, who are you??

?I am Phosphorescent, Guardian of the Realm of Light and servant to Jirachi, Lord of Stars,? the Amphoros said.

?OK, Phos. So how do I get a new one?? Kari said cooly.

?My name is? Never mind. You c-? Phos started to say, but was inturrupted by a loud laugh that echoed throughout the room.

?If I have anything to do about it, you?ll never get the Aurora Crystal,? A voice laughed.

?ZORA! Where are you?? Kari yelled.

A bladed whip appeared out of nowhere and was soon followed by Zora. ?Isn?t this whip just nifty?? Zora smirked. ?It can create illusions, and can make people invisible.?

?Excuse me, but did you just say nifty?? Kari looked disgusted. ?That is so lame!?

?Watch what you say to your betters!? Zora hissed.

?Not to mention my elders,? Kari snorted.

Zora?s face turned such a deep shade of scarlet. ?How dare you!? Zora cried out. ?Let?s settle this the old-fashioned way. Woman to woman.?

?Bring it on, Grandma!? Kari shot back and took a fighting stance. ?Eternal light of wishes, sparkle! Jirachi!? Once again, Kari?s clothes were transformed into her Legendary Warrior costume.

Phos walked over next to Kari and prepared a Thunderpunch. Zora smiled and sliced the whip at Kari. She jumped out of the way and launched a Sparkling Beam at Zora, which caught her off-guard. Phos used its Thunderpunch on Zora to send her sprawling.

?Well, well,? Zora smiled. ?I must say you seem stronger than you were before. This will be more of a challenge then before. How fun.?

?I think you?re forgetting, Zora,? Kari sneered. ?That you lost last time. If I?m more of a challenge now, then how do you expect to win??

?A fluke, obviously,? Zora said cooly. ?I believe that I underestimated your abilities and overestimated my troop?s abilites. Trust me, it won?t happen again.?

Kari ran up tried to punch Zora, but she used her whip to trip Kari. Zora then used Luminous Veil to blind Phos, and a Darkness Beam soon followed. Phos was sent flying. Zora turned back to Kari, who was standing up and said ?Looks like it?s just you and me now, Legendary Warrior of Light.?

?Wouldn?t have it any other way,? Kari stood facing Zora.

Zora lashed out her whip at Kari. She flipped out of the way and tripped Zora with a kick. Kari then lashed out her foot to send Zora flying. Zora quickly recovered and sent a Darkness Beam, but Kari launched a Sparkling Beam, which cut through the Darkness Beam and blasted into Zora. Zora tried a Luminous Veil, but Kari blocked it with an Aura of Wishes. Kari finished the battle with a Sparkling Beam. However, she had also used the Sundance Crystal to amplify the attack to create a huge beam of pure light which blasted into Zora. After the attack faded, Zora knelt on the floor. ?This is not over. It never will be,? she said. And with those words of wisdom, Zora glowed in a silver light, then faded. Kari stood, transfixed at the sight. Finally, a groan from Phos reminded Kari that it was hurt. Kari ran over and saw Phos on it?s back.

?I will go soon,? Phos said weakly. ?My only regret was that I was not able to help you more.?

?Hang in there! If I can get the Aurora Crystal, I can heal you with it?s powers!? Kari was near tears

?There is no way to make another Aurora Crystal. It is an object of immense power, and that power cannot be duplicated. Besides, you would need the power of Jirachi and pure crystal to infuse the powers in to make a new one. It is impossible,? Phos whispered.

?I?ve done the impossible,? Kari whispered. She raised her hands up and yelled ?Creator of Wishes, may your light shine on! Jirachi! Create an entirely new crytal with your powers infused within it!? As Kari was saying this, the Sundance Crystal started glowing and floated up into the air. The second Kari had finished her chant, the diamond glowed so bright it was like a minature sun. It also sent out waves of light that felt strangely comforting, as well as sweet, soothing music. With one final boom of light and sound, the crystal fell into Kari?s awaiting palm. The crystal had undergone several changes. Instead of a clear sun, it was now a glowing, white-yellowish, many-edged star that pulsed with light and energy. ?Shining Crystal!? Kari yelled and pressed it up against Phos? chest. A wave of light spread from the crystal and engulfed Phos? body. Phos was lifted up and after a few minutes, the light faded and he dropped to the ground. He looked completely healed and refreshed.

?Thank you,? Phos squeaked calmly. ?I would not have believed it to be possible to make another crystal out of Jirachi?s power, even a different one.?

?I wished it,? Kari smiled. ?I wished because I knew it could happen, and it did.?

The vortex door appeared three feet away from them. ?Goodbye, Phos,? Kari said softly.

?I shall never forget this day, and what I have learned,? Phos bowed.
With a final glance and a small wave, Kari stepped through the swirling vertex?

------

Damien stood in front of the door to a huge power plant. It was the only thing that stood out from the redundantly dull streets and buildings. Damien took a cautious step into the building. He saw that he was surrounded by power generators and pulsing electrical fields. This was most defenitely not a normal power plant. The only path to go anywhere inside was blocked by two huge pillars, about five feet apart. They shot out long strips of electricity in different places. The places switched every five seconds. Damien took a bolt lying on the ground and through it into one of the electrical strips. It crackled and sparked and finally disintegrated. Damien watched the strips and finally jumped through. He managed to miss the electric shock, but it was close.

Damien sighed as he looked at where he was. In front of him was a circular field made of squares, diamonds, and triangles. In the center was a small pedestal with a glowing orange thunderbolt in the middle. Every few seconds, several of the tiles in the field would light up with blue electricity, then fade. After a few minutes of careful observation, Damien realized it had a pattern. Like a dance. Damien had never been much for dancing himself, but he had studied it and was good at picking up rythyms. Damien took a deep breath and stepped on a lit tile near him. He quickly jumped to the next, then started to do some fancy footwork to follow the lights. About five minutes later, Damien was only a tile away from the pedestal in the very middle, but the tiles around it never seemed to light. Damien was also getting very tired. The tile was too big to jump over, also. Suddenly, he got an idea. Damien grabbed the Pok?enav that was latched on his belt and opened the back. He messed around with a few wires until he was could send a small spark to the tile. It lit up blue and Damien ran over to the middle. Hands shaking with exhaustion, he touched the crystal. Suddenly, a jolt of electricity shot through him. It energized him, and Damien realized he was no longer tired. He smiled and yelled ?Storm Crystal!? The crystal shot out a jolt of blue electricity which spread to all the tiles so they were all lit. The dimensional door appeared, and Damien stepped happily through it?


The group appeared in the middle of a huge maze. The walls were made of light and covered in vines. Parts of them were also covered in frost or scarred burns. There were floating platforms above them, and there were streams of lava and water running through the floors. There were also clouds in the air that shot out thunderbolts every few seconds.

?It?s a combination of all of our stages,? Damien muttered.

?What do we do?? Andra muttered.

Damien reached into his pocket and took out a tiny, mechanical sphere. He threw it up and it sent out a flash of light, then returned to Damien?s awaiting hand. Damien shoved the sphere back into his pocket and took out his Pokenav and showed everyone the image that was on it. It was a huge maze, just like the one they were in.

?WOW!? Andra cried.

?It?s this that thing I threw up. I call it the Flash Sphere. It takes a picture of a given area and it shows up on my Pokenav. So, according to this, we should go that way,? Damien pointed.

The group walked through the maze without incident. They finaly reached a circular room in the middle of the maze. Inside was a shrine with a white crystal shaped like a heart. Brock walked up to it and took the crystal. Suddenly, they were in a dark hall, with a small door of light in front of them.

?All right! Only one trial to go!? Andra cried as she led the group into the door.

?Let's go!? Misty followed the others into the massive room which was empty, save for a pedestal in the middle. A large platform stood in a corner facing the pedestal... as if some ritual was meant to be performed on it.

This is the Chamber of Spirit... began the mysterious voice. In order to enter the Oracle's chamber, you must show your spirit as a team to brighten the white Spirit Crystal... once it is shining brightly, then you may pass.

?The Spirit Crystal? What?s that?? Brock asked, but received no answer from the voice.

?Wait a second,? Ash muttered. ?Brock, the Spirit Crystal is the crystal in your hand!?
Damien scratched his head. "Any ideas as to how we can brighten the crystal?" he asked.
"Don't ask me..." Misty sighed. "What I wanna know is where Brock is..." No sooner had she said this, did a disco beat come blaring from the platform in the corner, causing some lights to begin pulsing in rhythm to the song. Brock emerged a few seconds later in a green spotlight, shaking his leaves in time to the beat...

Starlight!
Shining so bright...make my spirit proud and strong!
This world,
I hold so dear...I will fight, defend its peace! he sang, all the while hopping and cross-stepping across his "stage"

"Hey, that looks like fun!" Ash cried. He ran out into an open spot in the room and began copying the cross-step hop step Brock was doing...

"Me too!" Kari ran over to where Ash was dancing and took his hand as she too danced with him...

Standing here, the wind blows, show me the way...beneath the, great ocean, treasure's array...
Come take my hand, and I will guide you there....so follow me!

Dreams will begin, I'm singing Super Live!
Our light shines down upon this world, our great stage!
Love and my promise comes in Super Songs!
I give my courage to you... hear this song of love!

Andra was unimpressed. "What does dancing have to do with teamwork?"

"I don't know, but it sure is fun!" Misty giggled as she too joined the dance circle.

Starlight, the time has come!
Grant me wisdom for my quest!
So when, the future comes...my faith will be as it should!
The ice will, be broken, unite as one...one person, will rise up, against the dawn...
The truth inside me guides me steady on...to win the fight!

I give my love to you in Super Live!
Our tears and sweat protect this world, our great stage!
Shout out the battle cry of Chosen Ones!
Memories of this world will unite us as one!


"Andra..." Damien put an arm around the sulking Andra's shoulder. "You notice how Brock is leading us?"

"Yeah..." Andra replied.

"Also notice that the Spirit Crystal is glowing a little?" Damien continued, pointing out the faintly glowing crystal.

"Your point?" Andra asked.

"My point is, Brock is leading us as a team in that dance...so if one person messes up the dance, the whole dance suffers." Damien explained as he led Andra towards the circle and joined hands with Misty as she danced by. "So, will you dance or not?"

Standing here, the wind blows, show me the way...beneath the, great ocean, treasure's array...
Come take my hand, and I will guide you there....so follow me!

Andra swallowed hard as she thought about what Damien had said. After some thought, she sighed, grabbed Damien's hand, and began to dance to the music...

Dreams will begin, I'm singing Super Live!
Our light shines down upon this world, our great stage!
Love and my promise comes in Super Songs!
I give my courage to you... hear this song of love!

I give my love to you in Super Live!
Our tears and sweat protect this world, our great stage!
Shout out the battle cry of Chosen Ones!
Memories of this world will unite us as one!

As the pounding beat concluded, the Spirit Crystal emitted a bright beam of light, allowing a door on the far right corner of the room to open...

?All right!? Ash cried. ?We made it!?

?Let's go!? Misty led the way into the small room and sat down inside one of the small chairs facing a beautiful white altar decorated with Jirachi statuettes and inlay work. A girl in white robes sat in the middle of the room on a small cushion.

?Greetings, Legendary Warriors,? came a familiar voice from the girl. ?You have passed the three trials and proven yourselves worthy as Denset's new protectors...?

?Eliza?? Kari was surprised. ?Is that you ???

?Yes, it does sound like Eliza,? Ash muttered to himself. ?Is that really you??

?Surprised?? Eliza said calmly while staring deeply into their eyes. ?In addition to being Alysa's lady-in-waiting, I too am the Oracle of Wishes. Listen closely, because what I'm about to tell you is vital to your quest of saving the princess...?

?Talk about multi-tasking,? Kari said dryly.
Eliza smiled gently. ?Yes, the job is difficult. But we must get back on task. Defeating the Dark Warriors whenever you battle is not enough to stop them. Remember the legend. After one dies, another person is born with their powers. The only way to stop them is to seal them away, so they will never die, nor can they do anything to harm anyone.?

?So they?d be, like, frozen in time?? Andra said, confused.

Eliza laughed softly. ?It is difficult to explain to one so limited in knowledge of magic and the powers of the legendairies. However, that is an adequate description.?

?How are we supposed to seal them away?? Ash questioned.

?Using the Legendary Treasures,? Eliza said simply.

?Legendary Treasures? What are those?? Brock said.

?Six items of immense power that shall be bestowed upon you. When the time is right, you shall use them together to seal away the Dark Warriors,? Eliza smiled.

?What do the Legendary Treasures do?? Misty asked excitedly.

?Each one is special,? Eliza said calmly. ?I shall tell you about them?
The first has powers of knowledge and truth. It expands the power of mortal senses and shows you information you would not otherwise know.
The second gives you limited power over inanimate objects. You can move them, change them, and other various effects.
The third has the power to heal body, mind and soul of wounds, as well as cleanse them of evil.
The fourth allows you to open doors otherwise inaccesible to mortal reach. It can also seal things in unbreakable locks.
The fifth allows you to hide among humans and Pokemon in another form. Beware, though, it is only an illusion.
The last grants the user the ability to scare and damage evil beasts, as well as soothe and calm.
That is all I can tell you, Legendary Warriors. Be wary, as they often will appear in your life when you least expect it. One last thing. Head to a gem of a town that many people are green with envy of. There you will find someone to help you in your quest.?

With that, Eliza glowed in a bright white light, then disappeared. Ash turned to Brock and sighed. ?What the heck does that jumble of words mean??

?The first things were descriptions of the Legendary Treasures. The next part is a location?? Damien spoke up and fiddled with his Pokenav. ?Ah-ha! Got it! She was talking about Emerald Town, because it?s named after a green gem!?

?Yes! Damien, you did it!? Andra cried.

?It was nothing,? Damien blushed, not the least bit modest about his accomplishment.

Suddenly, a door appeared at the side of the room. Everyone ran out of it and emerged back into the forest.

Andra sniffed the clean forest air. ?I am so glad to be out of that cave!?

?I would be too if I were nearly drenched in acid and sent through multiple dimensions...? Ash sighed as he sat down to rest on a nearby rock.

?What I want to know is why we have to go to Emerald Town...? Andra grumbled.

?Hey...Eliza said there was someone there who would tell us about the other Legendary Treasures,? Brock assured Andra as he started down the grassy path. ?So Emerald Town, here we come!?

With that, the group started down the path...

?What I want to know is why we have to go to Emerald Town...? Andra grumbled.

?Hey...Eliza said there was someone there who would tell us about the other Legendary Treasures,? Brock assured Andra as he started down the grassy path. ?So Emerald Town, here we come!?

With that, the group started down the path...

Episode 5: Chillin' with the Charmander

?When are we going to reach Emerald Town?? Misty groaned as the group trudged through the forest. ?Why do we need to go there anyway??

?The Oracle of Wishes said the people in Emerald Town have information that could help us to defeat the Dark Warriors,? Ash responded, apparently annoyed by Misty's constant complaining.

?Wait a second, haven?t we seen that rock before? The one shaped like a Chimecho?s bell?? Damien interrupted.

?Yeah, I remember seeing that. There was a fork in the road a few feet ahead of it,? Andra responded. Sure enough, there was a fork in the road right in front of them.

?Last time we went right. So now let?s go left,? Brock said logically. Everyone agreed and started walking on the path to the left. Down a few yards, the group saw a clearing with a bunch of fruit trees about ten yards front of them.

?Yes! Yes! Yes!? Misty cried and started running towards the clearing. The others followed, but with considerably less enthusiasm. Misty was about ten feet from the closest tree when a wall of blue flame about five feet tall and five feet wide blocked their path.

?What?? Misty gasped.

?Char! Char man char der man char!? a voice to their right yelled. The group spun around and saw a very peculiar creature. It was a golden Charmander with icy blue eyes. Unlike a typical shiny Charmander, the color of his flame was blue, and it had a pendant containing a large flaming sapphire around its neck.

?Um, what is he saying?? Ash asked nervously to Damien.

?How should I know?? Damien snapped.

?You knew what those Mews were saying when Brock was singing to Zoe,? Ash replied.

?That?s because they were singing in the language of the legendaries. The Legendary Pokemon used to use it to speak to humans when they were more comfortable with each other. I studied it in school,? Damien replied sullenly.

?Then how will we find out what this Charmander wants?? Misty hissed. A noise came from behind them. They had forgotten that the Charmander was right next to them. But while they were talking, it had brought friends. Six to be exact. They were just like the first one, except without the pendant and they were a bit shorter. They were surrounding the group and growling.

Suddenly Brock had an idea. He stroked his Siren?s Wing, which glowed an emerald color. Suddenly, they could understand the Charmander. Their speech sounded broken, but at least they could understand.

?Hey! Leave, before fire burns up you,? said the one with the pendant, probably the leader.

?Uh, we didn?t mean to intrude. Our friend was just hungry and we saw the fruit,? Ash said nervously.

?How you speak to we?? the lead Charmander asked, puzzled.

?Um, this thing on my ear I think allowed us to speak to you,? Brock said.

The leader gasped ?You be the Legendary Warrior Earth, only he wield the Siren?s Wing. Sing to we??

?Uh, sure,? Brock said, with that, he began tap dancing on top of a rock and singing Ya-dan-di-da, i-to...Hai-di-di-da, o-ei-ya-ta-di-da-hai-i-o-dei...

"AHEM!!!!" Misty interrupted. "Sing something that we all can understand, not this gibberish!"

?Fine, fine, I?ll sing something else,? Brock sighed and sat down, leaning against the trunk of a tree. His eyes wandered about the rolling hills for a moment...at least until he saw a Ponyta running in the distance. Funny, I feel like I know this Ponyta from somewhere.... Brock?s eyes gleamed and he nodded to Ash. "I have an idea..." With that, he started strumming his guitar. Ash also started to play along with him, creating an enchanting harmony. Then, Brock started singing with the music:

Epona, Epona, come out here by me...
As long as I see you out here, I never shed lonely tears.

Tell me now, Epona, since you're here with me...
We shall rest here together, and our dreams will grow!

However, as wind blows and rain becomes like snow...
As the fire of dawn comes again...
The moon, it is setting now, rising is the sun...
Along with its light, you return...

Epona, Epona, come out here by me...
As long as I see you out here, I will never shed a tear.

Tell me now, Epona, since you're here with me...
Listen, please, for I will sing, the song of this time!


Ash stopped playing and Brock stopped singing, but he continued to gently stroke the guitar strings, mesmerized by the way the Ponyta's flaming mane flickered in the wind. After a few seconds, Brock started to pick up the beat and play an amazing harmony. The others and the Charmander looked around, amazed to see the trees swaying, the clouds dancing, the wind howling in tune with the music and the grass making beautiful patterns. Ash turned back to Brock, put the flute to his lips and started to play again.

Hmm...Hmm...

However, as wind blows and rain becomes like snow...
As the time keeps on passing by....
Even when I pass on, my voice will sing for you,
The song of this time!

Hmm...Hmm...
As long as I see you out here, I will never shed a tear.

Hmm...Hmm...
I will always remember the song of this time!
The song of this time!
He gave the strings one last strum, ending the song.

"Bravo!" the Charmander chorused as they applauded. "Epona you know! Epona you know! Again! Again! Epona like her special song!" At this, the Ponyta trotted up to Brock and gave him a big, wet Ponyta kiss on the cheek.

"Epona....That?s a nice name for a Ponyta", Misty thought as she applauded.

"Thank you..." Brock stood up and took a bow for his audience, then started the slow and relaxing melody of Epona's Song again. The Ponyta whinnied with joy as it continued its run across the plains...

---------

Meanwhile, Lilith relaxed in her chamber, gazing at the image of Brock serenading the running Ponyta inside her mystic crystal. "Epona...Epona...come out here by me....As long as I see you out here, I never shed lonely tears...."

"Pfft...I wish that Ponyta would like me....or that I had a voice like the singing Celebi..." Lilith grumbled. With that, she inserted herself atop the Ponyta's back, then changed the background to the dark realm. "There...now THAT'S more like it!" she giggled, enthralled by watching her self in the image gallop about the spooky caves.

"Well we all know what would happen if you tried singing to that poor Ponyta..." said a voice.

Lilith whirled around and noticed Zora standing in the doorway, a confident smirk plastered on her face. "Okay, Miss Know-it-All, what exactly WOULD happen?"

"You'd sound like this..." and Zora sang in a squeaky voice--clearly mocking Lilith's singing, "Epona, Epona, come out here by me...

"I do NOT sound like that!!!!" Lilith screeched.

"Oh yes you do!" Zora protested. "I've heard you sing."

"Do not!" Lillith barked.

"Do too!" Zora retorted.

"Do not!"

"Do too!"

"Do not!"

"Do too!"

"HEY!!!!" Kyrene screamed, silencing the escalating argument. "Shouldn't you two be looking for the Legendary Heroes?"

"I was, until I was rudely interrupted!" Lilith protested. "They're close to the Ice Caves, in the Forest of Mystery."

Kyrene smiled. "Well then, Lilith, since you seem knowledgeable about that area...go there and destroy the Heroes for me..."

"I will!" Lilith replied, sticking out her tongue at Zora as she departed...

---------

The Charmander had led the group to a cave made of ice. It was in a clearing, but all around that was jungle.

?How does this ice manage to stay cold?? Damien asked and put his hand on part of the cave. When he pulled it back, there was not even a drop of water on it. ?I mean, it?s pretty hot out, and the ice isn?t even melting a drop??

?These are the ice caves of Furisama. Her power keeps them cold,? one of the ones that was friends to the leader.

?Yeah, but who is Furisama?? Damien wondered, puzzled.

?Furisama! The daughter of Articuno!? another of the Charmander said as though it were the most known fact in the universe.
"Would you like to see Furisama?" the head Charmander asked. "The group nodded, excited to see this strange Pokemon. "Come on! She resides in the shrine at the very center of our village!" The group scrambled to keep up with the Charmander as they romped into the icy caves...

---------

?Wow?? Andra gasped, impressed by the room. There were banners of many colors hanging down for the ceiling, but in the center of it all was a large banquet table with six places set.

?We're going to eat HERE???? Misty was even more surprised.

?Of course...? Himoto smiled. ?Only the best for such guests as yourselves.? With that, the group raced to the table...

?I sure hope this food is good!? Kari smailed as she sat down at a the table two seats to Misty?s left.

?I claim this spot!? Ash cried, immediately sliding in the seat between Andra and Misty after seeing it was in front of a huge plate of hamburgers and fries. Inka, who had obviously been trying to sit there to be next to Andra and Misty, instead sat down next to Kari and started flirting with her. Kakou stood by the table with a platter of salad, waiting for the group to settle in.

?Now...are we ready for the first course?" Kakou asked. Affirmative murmurs came from the table. With that, she began setting the salads before the hungry group. As she passed Ash, she saw his hand reaching towards the hamburgers and promptly gave him a slap on the head and a stern glance. "Not yet...eat this first." Ash looked down in embarassment.

Kari took a bite of her salad and savored it for a while. ?This is actually pretty good!?

Ash, meanwhile, was eating like he hadn't eaten in months, shoveling mouthful after mouthful of lettuce in his mouth.

?Hey Ash, don't forget to swallow!? Brock chided, annoyed by Ash's table manners, or, more precisely, the lack of. Ash, either ignoring him or just too busy pigging out to listen, didn?t respond.

?Better idea...? Misty gave Ash a gentle tap on the shoulder. ?Ash? Hey Ash! ASH!!!!!?

?Whah?? Ash finally heard Misty and replied with his mouth bulging with lettuce.

Misty, an extremely disgusted look on her face, proceeded to scold Ash. ?Use your manners!?

?Ohay, ohay? Ash rolled his eyes and resumed scarfing down salad? but with his pinkies out!

Misty just sighed. ?That's not what I meant...?

?Himoto! Himoto!? Yamayake called as she came running into the banquet hall. ?The play is almost ready! The Legendary Warriors must be seated at once!?

?Oh? I apologize, but we must finish this later,? Himoto said as he ushered the group into a long hallway.

?Wher da oders go?? Ash said, his mouth still full of food.

?They willl find their seats on their own,? Himoto said hurriedly.

The group shrugged and continued down the hallway...

---------

?Right this way, please...? Himoto called as he led the group inside a large amphitheater, where several Charmanders hurried to prepare the stage. ?We hope you enjoy the play...?

?What is it about?? Kari asked, interested.

?It dramatizes one of the more popular episodes in the Legendary Warriors' story... the awakening of the first Warrior of Earth,? Himoto replied. With that, he hurried down to the stage to help the others get ready. The group took their seats, eagerly anticipating the play.

After a few minutes, the lights in the theater dimmed, and the curtain rose to reveal a set of a shrine, where Kakou, presumably in the role of the ancient Earth Warrior, lay kneeling before a statue of Celebi holding a rose. Inka stood at stage right, in a single spotlight.

?Listen, my friends, and I will tell you of the Heroes of Legend...? he began. ?For many years, the Dark Warriors had been terrorizing Denset--ransacking villages, torching fields, and even killing entire towns. Try as they might, the five existing Legendary Heroes, with all their great powers...couldn't do a thing to stop them. Even though Denset's future looked bleak, all was not completely lost...the Oracle of Wishes foretold that a sixth Hero, one gifted with the song of the forest, would awaken soon and turn the tide of battle. People from near and far began coming to the Earth Lord?s Shrine to see if they were the chosen one... but the Earth Lord, Celebi, did not see one worthy of his earthen powers, and did not give them any sign of blessing. Finally one person, a quiet woman with an emerald pendant remained?? With that, the lights came up on Kakou and a second Charmander playing the role of a priestess.

?You understand that if the Rose of Time blooms, you are worthy of receiving Celebi's blessing as the Warrior of Earth?? began the second Charmander.

?I do,? Kakou replied. ?I?ve seen enough descruction in the world already! I want to do something... help the Legendary Warriors! I?ll even die if I have to!?

?All right...? said the Charmander playing the priestess. ?Then approach Celebi and ask if you are the chosen one.?

Kakou obediently approached the fake statue and asked, ?Celebi, Lord of Earth and Time... am I the one that you favor??

At that second, a droning melody filled the air as the rose on the Celebi statue opened up to reveal a shining rainbow bloom... Ha-di-yu-di yen... ha-di-yu-di yen...

Kakou unconciously backed away from the statue, surprised. "The rose bloomed...That is the sign of Celebi! Am I chosen??

The second Charmander smiled. ?Yes... Celebi has chosen you... now close your eyes and reflect upon yourself while singing the song of blessing with me; I'll lead you into it...? She waited as Kakou closed her eyes, then began to sing a familiar melody: Oh-do-do-ah-dei-ei-da; dei-ya-dei-o; wei-o-wei-dei-yah-dei-o, wei-o-wei-ya-in-dei-in-dei-o...

Ash instantly recognized the song being sung onstage. ?That?s Celebi's Lyric!?

O-doh-doh-ah-dei-ei-da; dei ya-dei-o; wei-o-wei-dei-ya, dei-ya, dei-ya-di-te-yan yan... Kakou began singing with the second Charmander. She began glowing a bright green color and floating in the air as the song continued: Oh-do-do-ah-dei-ei-da; dei-ya-dei-o;wei-o-wei-dei-yah-dei-o, wei-o-wei-ya-in-dei-in-dei-o; o-doh-doh-ah-dei-ei-da; dei ya-dei-o; wei-o-wei-dei-ya, dei-ya, dei-ya-di-te-yan yan...

------

After a brief scene change, Kakou watched in horror as a Charmander playing the role of Kyrene tied up five Charmanders playing the roles of the Legendary Warriors. ?At last, the Legendary Warriors are captured! And there's nothing you can do to stop me!?

?Oh yeah?" Kakou retorted. At this she began singing a jazzy scat. Hey...a-du-bei-du-ba-dei hey! Ba-un-zam-zam-zam-u-di-ba-un-day...ba-un-di-um-zei-ba-zam-zam-ei-zam-zam...zam-bi-da, zam-bi-du, zam-bi-da, zam-bi-du-da-un-di-da...zam-bi-da, zam-bi-du, zam-bi-da-dun-di-dei-u...

Zam-bi-da, zam-bi-du, zam-bi-da, zam-bi-du-da-un-di-da... a second Charmander joined in.

Dwee-da, dwee-du... both sang together....


------


?That was a great show!? Andra cried as the Charmander led everyone into a room with a large table in the middle and cushioned chairs surrounding it.

?We're glad you liked it...? Himoto replied, motioning for the group and the other Charmander to sit on the chairs.

?I'm puzzled...? Damien told Himoto. ?How did you guys end up here in an icy cave??

?It is a long story,? Inka sounded solemn, for once in his life.

?Himoto shall tell our tale. We are all siblings, so we are all in it, but Himoto was the only one old enough to remember it,? Kakou explained, then nodded to Himoto.

?Our mother was a rare black Charizard, and our father was an Salamence. Both were loving and caring, and raised us well. We were all very happy, until one fateful day. I remember it well. Daddy was using teaching us to use Dragon Claw to cut down fruit from trees when a most unusual Scyther came flying into our family?s clearing. It was made of pure ice, but it did not melt, even though we were in warm weather. It landed in front of us and took a battle position. Daddy and Mommy got in front of all of us to protect us. Then the Ice-Scyther began to attack. It used moves such as Pursuit and Slash on our parents, but they drove it back with Flamethrower. Then, it started to use a hit-and-run strategy, if you will. It would dodge Mommy and Daddy?s attacks, sometimes also using defensive moves to block or dodge, then would attack one of them. Then the process would repeat. The weird thing is, the only offensive attack it would use now is False Swipe, which was both incredibly weak and couldn?t knock out even the strongest Pokemon. Eventually, all three of them fell to the floor, exhausted. The Ice-Scyther let loose a mighty roar. Suddenly, a strange women clothed in light blue robes and armor came to where we were. She looked at Mommy and Daddy, smirked and said ?Those will do quite nicely.? She then said to them ?I am Lilith, Weilder of Suicune, and??

?Wait a second,? Andra interuppted. ?Did you just say Lilith!??

?Yes,? Himoto said looking puzzled. ?Why do you ask??

The group exchanged tense looks. They all knew that Lilith was extremely dangerous, and if the Charmander knew that Lilith was also the one terrorizing them, they would attack her in a fit of rage. The Charmander would inevitebly get hurt, or worse. ?Uh, Lilith is the name of, an, um, ice cream lady! Yeah! That?s it! I know her and I thought she gave you, uh, ice cream?? Andra said nervously. The others rolled their eyes. Thankfully, the Charmander bought it.

?If that had happened, we wouldn?t be here today,? Himoto said sadly. ?Like I was saying, she yelled to our parents and cried ?I am Lilith, Weilder of Suicune and Dark Warrior of Ice. Will you become my slaves willingly, or will I have to take you?? Our parents of course, refused. Unfortunately, Lilith had other ways to enslave them. She glared and said ?You dare defy me? Icy north wind, grant me your fury! Suicune! Enslave these weak Pokemon like you have so many others!?

?If that had happened, we wouldn?t be here today,? Himoto said sadly. ?Like I was saying, she yelled to our parents and cried ?I am Lilith, Weilder of Suicune and Dark Warrior of Ice. Will you become my slaves willingly, or will I have to take you?? Our parents of course, refused. Unfortunately, Lilith had other ways to enslave them. She glared and said ?You dare defy me? Icy north wind, grant me your fury! Suicune! Enslave these weak Pokemon like you have so many others!? Suddenly, Mommy and Daddy started to shake. Suddenly, these two pulsing orbs that seemed to be made of pure light came out of them. Our parents calmed down and fell on the floor. The two orbs floated over to Lilith, then went into a sapphire on a necklace she was wearing. She smiled, then gazed over to my parent?s bodies. They started to freeze and become pure ice. My brothers and sisters and I all gasped in horror. Lilith suddenly noticed us and smirked. ?Ice-Salamence and Ice-Charizard, attack!? The Ice-Pokemon got up and started to fly towards us. We ran. They never really tried to catch up to us, as though it was a game. We ended up by a cold, icy mountain. With nowhere else to go, we climbed it. About halfway up the trail a noise caught our attention. Hidden in snow and ice was a giant cave. We burned our way through and went into it. We were surprised by an incredible sight. It was a bird that looked similar to a Torchic, but completely white, with medium-sized wings and??

?Furisama?? Andra blurted out. The others shushed her and Hinoke gave her a disapproving glance. Himoto cleared his throat and continued?

?Yes, it was Furisama. She was angry at first that we had come into the cave, and was about to attack, but I went in front of my siblings and told her our story. Furisama took pity on us and granted us the use of her icy caves to the north, where we are now. Also, she gave me this sapphire that hangs around my neck. It is called the Stone of Frozen Fire. It is a magical sapphire that gives us the power to live in this cold environment and also to use ice-type attacks. That is why our flames are blue, also. Furisama also came to stay with us. We have taken in many other Charmander as well, that were orphaned or abandoned. They do not have blue flames, but they can live in cold climates like this due to the sapphire?s power. And, well here we are,? Himoto finished with a smile.

?Wow! That was a great story!? Andra applauded.

?Say it again! Say it again!? Yamayake bounced up and down joyfully.

?No! It is way past your bedtime, Yamayake!? Kakou said sternly and pulled her into another part of the ice cavern.

?That reminds me, we should get to bed too,? Brock yawned. The others agreed and Inka led them into a chamber with six adjacent doors. They all said good night and went to bed.

------
?Misty! Misty! MISTY! WAKE UP!? a voice bellowed.

Misty jumped up, startled by the sound that had woken her up. Beside her was one of the Charmander. It was Jouka, the one that had stood up to Hinoke.

?What?? Misty yawned, rubbing sleep out of her eyes.

Jouka looked around nervously, as though looking to make sure no one was looking. ?There?s another human here.?

Misty was instantly alert, as though snapped out of the sleepy trance she was in. ?Who was it??

?I don?t know. It was some weird blue-robed woman. Everyone, including me, was in the front hall when she came in,? Jouka took a deep breath and continued. ?Hinoke was angry that another human had come into Furisama?s caverns, so he ran up to her and started yelling. The robed woman just looked at him like she was bored, then said something. Suddenly, a Rhydon made of ice rammed into Hinoke! The others were rounded up by other Ice-Pokemon, but they didn?t notice me so I slipped away.?

?Lilith!? Misty snarled.

?The ice-cream lady?? Jouka asked, perplexed.

Misty sighed. ?No. Lilith is actually the Dark Warrior of Ice. We made up that story because she also took your parents and made them Ice-Pokemon. We told you this because we knew how dangerous Lilith was, and you would want to go after her.?

Jouka gasped, eyes wide. Misty put a hand on his shoulder to calm him. ?I need you to get all of the other Charmander out of the caves. My friends and I will do anything it takes to protect you from Lilith, but you have to go to be safe.? Jouka nodded and scurried off. Misty gritted her teeth and went to wake up the others.
----------
Misty, Brock, Damien, Ash, Kari and Andra walked cautiously onto a balcony far above the main hall, where Lilith, a band of her Ice-Pokemon, and the main group of Charmander were. The Charmander were bound and gagged, and Lilith looked triumphantly over her dirty work.

Ash, who was looking over the edge of the balcony, turned back to his friends. ?What?re we going to do? Not only do we have to face Lilith, she also has a bunch of Ice-Pokemon with her!?

?Yeah, and only two of us have received our powers,? Andra said softly.

?Don?t worry about that now,? Misty stared into the faces of all her friends. ?Our job is to protect people and to defeat the Dark Warriors. We can?t be afraid to do our job!?

Everyone nodded in agreement. Ash and Kari went back down the steps they had came from and silently entered the main hall. Fortunately, they were not seen.

?Hey!? Misty called, startling Lilith and the Ice-Pokemon. ?You let them go, or face the consequences!?

?Oh? And just what are the consequences, my dear? The only consequences I forsee is your and your friend?s demise!? Lilith cried. The Ice-Pokemon also turned to face Misty, waiting for their master's word. ?All Ice-Pokemon that can fly! Attack, attack, attack!? Two Ice-Pokemon, an Ice-Charizard and an Ice-Salamence started to flap their wings and float up a few feet, but Ash and Kari jumped in front of the Ice-Pokemon and knocked them senseless with two kicks.

Misty smirked and turned to Brock, who was behind her. ?Take it, Brock!? she smiled.

At that second, a piano riff echoed through the caves, transitioning into a rock melody with a shuffle feel. A spotlight shone down on Brock a few moments later. He started dancing and singing to the melody...

A ribbon tied up in your hair, I see you smile with pride
I have a feeling in my soul, that I am somebody new
A little courage in my heart, grows into confidence
I hope and pray I don't forget, the day that I met you!

Misty jumped down to the floor, then ran towards Lilith with Ash and Kari.

Lilith just smiled and said ?Ice-Pokemon! Attack!?

The Ice-Pokemon ran up and started to beat the Legendary Warriors with various attacks. All three were sent flying.

Although you're just a young girl, you fear no evil!
Are you ready to unleash the magic in your heart?

Kari got up, her teeth bared in an angry snarl. She kicked away an Ice-Sandslash that was trying to attack her and got ready to call out her words.

It's show time!

?Eternal light of wishes, sparkle! Jirachi!? Kari cried.

My heart races, the power flows! Give me strength and will, my feelings show...
Now you will see my braver side, you see, that I am stronger!
More and more will my spirit grow! You consume me, till my heart overflows!
I send these wishes from my heart to yours...
Won't you keep them for me, my sweet heart?

Kari jumped up, started to twirl and glowed in a silver light. She started twirling faster and faster as her transformation went on. A silver cape appeared over her shoulders. A gold jumpsuit streaked with silver appeared over Kari?s middle. Her feet were covered in golden slippers, similar to the ones used by ballet dancers. Silver armor enveloped her legs and arms, and some parts of her jumpsuit. Finally, the Shining Crystal appeared, attached to a silver chain that wrapped around Kari?s neck. Kari performed a backflip and gracefully, her arms in a fighting position.

The light of flowers in full bloom, they brighten the dark world, and tomorrow their brillant light will come from our secret place
The greatest name of all, I know, goes to the end of time, and my heart flies away with hope, across the endless sea...
Although she's just a young girl, her beauty becomes your strength...
Character is important so win the fight with pride!

?Sparkling Beam!? Kari cried again and again, and blasts of light continuously rained down on the Ice-Pokemon. However, Lilith ran up and tripped her, and the Ice-Pokemon once again began to pummel Kari. Ash looked on in horror, then took a deep, cleansing breath in preperation for his transformation.

It's show time!

?Burning wings of flame, shine on me! Moltres!? Ash yelled.

As it rains, keep trying to fight! A new beginning comes with a hero's might!
Although we are inside an unknown world, keep showing your true form!
Over and over, I see you rise!
My one true dream, guides us all through life...
I send these promises for you to keep,
Miracles will never change my mind!

Ash lifted his hands into the air, forming a Y shape. His body glowed with red light and was overlaid on top of the shape of Moltres. Fire enveloped Ash, then faded, leaving glowing scarlet armor with gold trim. The armor continued down his arms, except for his hands, where golden gloves engraved with a ruby, covered them. The armor also appeared on his legs, except it was black, and his shoes were also golden with a ruby in the center. His cap became red and gold. His legs bent and his arms sliced the air. Ash then ran over to help Kari, but soon found himself overwhelmed by the large number of Ice-Pokemon. Misty looked sorrowfully at her friends, but something caught her attention out of the corner of her eye. The sapphire gem that adorned her ring was glowing, and the sillhouette of an Articuno appeared.

It's show time!

?Sparkling wings of frost, shine on me! Articuno!? Misty cried.

My heart races, the power flows! Give me strength and will, my feelings show...
Now you will see my braver side, you see, that I am stronger!
More and more will my spirit grow! You consume me, till my heart overflows!
I send these wishes from my heart to yours...

Misty glowed in a blue light as her clothes were transformed. Her arms became covered in long, cerulean blue gloves. A sleeveless shirt with a short skirt attached appeared around her body. It was mostly white with streaks of different shades of blue running through it. Long, blue, high-heeled boots
covered most of her legs. A sapphire tiara engraved with the Glacier Crystal atop Misty?s head completed the transformation. Misty stepped out in the open and stood smirking in front of Lilith.

Won't you keep them for me, my sweet heart?
Won't you keep them for me, my sweet heart?
Won't you keep them for me?

Misty landed a few kicks to the Ice-Pokemon that were attacking Ash and Kari, leaving them senseless. Then all three of them jumped and flipped their way up to three rocks protruding from the walls of the cave, one on the right, one on the left, and the last one in the front. Kari jumped of the left, Ash on the right, and Misty in the center.

My...

?Sparkling Beam!? Kari cried and a beam of yellow light blasted from her hands into Lilith. She then twirled on the rock, using the dance to taunt Lilith.

Sweet...

?Flaming Spark!? Ash yelled and a rain of embers emitted from his hand and into Lilith. He crossed his arms and leaned back, looking as though he had just won the battle.

Heart!

?Glacier Blast!? Misty screamed and a small blizzard formed around Lilith, hail and snow striking her every second. She then made a chopping motion with her hands, and stood there, as though posing for a camera shot.

Brock ended the song with a bow, and the spotlight disappeared. Several of the Ice-Pokemon started to clap, but Lilith stopped them with an icy glare. Lilith turned back to Kari, Misty and Ash and smiled confidently ?So, it is apparent that you can sing, but can you dance?? With that puzzling statement, Lilith snapped her fingers, and domes of blue light were encased over Ash and Kari. Both of them started pounding on the domes and yelling, but the sound was muffled, and the domes were not breaking.
Brock began by reactivating his Siren?s Wing, which started out an enchanting melody. He made it a harmony by humming the tune along, and also to sing in some parts. Misty waited until she had a feel for the song, then started to dance along with Lilith.

All right! Misty thought to herself. I?m getting it! Four steps forward, four steps back, to to the right, two to the left, two forward and two back! Then cross the hall and twirl, jog in place! Okay, do it again? And again? Two steps back, twirl and sing ?lai-lai-lai, lai-ADVANCE! OH!?

While Misty learned the dance, Lilith was contemplating how to beat her. If she figures out how to use the melody to her advantage, I will never win, so I must strike hard and fast, so she doesn?t have time to figure it out! Lilith smiled maliciously as she thought.

Brock stopped the music for a second, then started it from the beginning again. Misty started to attack, but found that they didn?t affect Lilith at all. After a moment?s contemplation, Misty realized that they needed to be in sync with the music. Misty then began to time her blows more precisely, and they worked! Lilith gritted her teeth angrily at this new revelation in the battle and began to fight back. Unfortunately, they seemed to be an equal match to each other. Eventually, the fight became like a captivating dance, with one fighting and the other blocking. Misty knew this could go on forever. At the ?lai-lai-lai, lai-ADVANCE OH!? part, Misty was struck with inspiration, and caught Lilith off guard with an attack. ?Arctic Chill!? she cried, and a giant icicle formed over Lilith and slammed into her. Misty continued to dance as Lilith struggled to get up. She winced in pain every few seconds before she started dancing, and Misty realized that not dancing could hurt them.
?My turn!? Lilith snarled. ?Arctic Shadow!? A dark haze hissed out of Lilith?s hand and engulfed Misty so she couldn?t see, as well as hurting her. Misty stopped to try and wave away the mist, but it didn?t work, and Misty was constantly hurt also for not dancing. Brock had started to repeat the song again with a faster pace, and Misty let herself move to the music. She cleared her mind and let the music lead her, and Misty found herself dancing just as well as before. Misty started to attack Lilith and realized her attacks were more effective because she was relying on her hearing, not her sight.
Lilith groaned when she realized that her attack actually helped Misty. But Lilith realized that Misty also couldn?t see any of Lilith?s attacks. So Lilith slammed a kick straight at Misty, but was stunned when Misty blocked the blow. Lilith realized that Misty also could tell when the moves would be effective based on the music, so she knew when Lilith could attack. Not only that, Brock was shaking his leaves in rhythm to the music, giving Misty a sense of the rhythm.
Misty caught Lilith off guard with a spinning kick that timed in perfectly with the music, so it was extra powerful and sent Lilith flying. Misty finished it with a Glacier Blast, which created a snowstorm around Lilith, damaging her significantly. Lilith lay there, then glowed blue and disappeared, right as Brock finished the song. Misty took a deep bow and yelled ?Icy falcon, make darkness shiver! Arcticuno! Free my friends from their icy prison!? Suddenly, the Ice Spheres around Ash and Kari disappeared, and everyone ran over to Misty to help her untie the Charmander.
---------
?Thank you so much for saving us!? Himoto cried. ?How can we ever repay you??

?Aw, it was nothing." Ash smiled. ?We enjoyed our stay with you!?

?I apologize for being unkind to you,? Hinoke said. ?I thought all humans were evil, like her, but? now I see the truth!?

?We wish you a safe journey, and we hope to see you again!? Kakou smiled, waving goodbye as Ash and the others walked out of the cave and down the path to Emerald Town...

?Thank you so much for saving us!? Himoto cried. ?How can we ever repay you??

?Aw, it was nothing." Ash smiled. ?We enjoyed our stay with you!?

?I apologize for being unkind to you,? Hinoke said. ?I thought all humans were evil, like her, but? now I see the truth!?

?We wish you a safe journey, and we hope to see you again!? Kakou smiled, waving goodbye as Ash and the others walked out of the cave and down the path to Emerald Town...

Episode 6: A Blooming Dillema

Misty gasped with exhaustion. ?Goodness, how much further do we have to go?? The group had been walking for several days after the battle with Lilith in the ice caves and they were all extremely tired. They stopped at a fork in the road with many paths.

?According to this...? Damien started muttering to himself, bringing up the map of Denset in his Pokenav again. ?We should make it to Emerald Town after we cross the Sage Plains. Unfortunately, I can?t tell which path to go down to reach the Sage?? Damien was about to say more, when he noticed Andra studying a clump of flower petals. ?What's the matter, Andra??

?These flower petals...? Andra replied as she continued walking along the path, picking up flower petals as she went. ?They appear to be making a path to the plains...?

?What are we waiting for? Let's follow them!? Kari cried as she started to lead the others down the path. They all stopped a few feet down the road as they realized Damien was not with them. The group returned to the sight they had just been to and saw Damien staring intently at the trail of petals.

?What?s up?? Andra asked as she walked up next to him.

?It?s these petals?? Damien said suspicioulsy. ?How did they get here??

?Well, I felt a strange wind blow, and I looked back and saw them,? Andra recalled slowly. ?What?re you getting at??

?Right before I stopped to look at the Pokenav, I was looking straight ahead at the paths, and there were no petals on any of them,? Damien said. ?Also, there are no plants nearby to produce the petals.? The others nodded in agreement as they thought about it also. ?So, how did they get there?? Damien finished.

?I don?t know, but it?s obviously the right path, because when we are down there, there was a sign that pointed to Sage Plains,? Andra responed. ?Don?t worry about it.? With that, Andra, Misty, Brock, Ash and Kari turned down the petal-covered path and once again started walking. Damien cast one last glance at the petals and started to follow them.

A few minutes later, a strange wind started to blow and the petals were carried away, not leaving a trace?

---------

?Finally! We should be on Sage Plains!? Damien cried happily after checking his Pokenav.

?So what?? Andra said dryly. ?There?s nothing here.? She was correct. They were on top of a hill overlooking rolling plains covered in a sea of tall grass.

?You?d think there?d be more life out here,? Brock muttered.

?Oh, well,? Misty shrugged and began leading the group single-file down into the Sage Plains.

After a while, Misty looked back and realized Brock was missing. ?Uh, guys?? Misty stopped them. ?We?re short one pop star wannabe."

?Actually, Damien?s right here,? Ash said.

Misty facefaulted. ?That?s not who I mean, you idiot,? she snarled.

?I?m here,? Brock said sullenly as he caught up to the group, obviously hurt by the wannabe comment.

?Where?dja go?? Kari asked.

Brock held up a small, thick branch in his hand. ?I picked this up.?

?Wait a second,? Damien said suspiciously. ?There are no trees in sight. So how did you find the twig??

?I dunno,? Brock answered. ?I just felt a soft breeze, then I noticed it. I picked it up so I could make something. Like a flute??

?Dream on,? Ash waved the deliberate challenge away. ?You couldn?t play one note half as well as I could.?

?Oh yeah!? Brock shot back. He grabbed a knife from his pocket and started cutting out a flute at almost supersonic speed. When it was done, Brock held the makeshift flute up in the air triumphantly. Ash just rolled his eyes, unimpressed. Brock glared at him, then began a simple melody that turned into a fast-paced rhythm. As he was playing, a small Pokemon, a Sandshrew, came out of its hiding place. As soon as Brock noticed him, he stopped playing. ?Hmmm?? he muttered. ?That wasn?t supposed to happen??

?Brock, use your Siren?s Wing so we can talk!? Misty hissed. Brock nodded and was about to stroke it when the Sandshrew spoke. ?Who are you?? The group was dumbstruck.

?Brock?s first activation of the Siren?s Wing must carry over to all Pokemon,? Damien concluded.

?I am?? Brock began, but was cut off by the Sandshrew?s now excited voice. ?Wait, you?re Celebi, or as we call you, Koudo! You must come with us!? the Sandshrew grabbed Brock?s hand and started leading them through the plain, then down into a a lush green valley that seemed out of place in the otherwise dry climate.

---------

The Sandshrew led them down to a lake with a beautiful waterfall. Signaling them to follow, he took a path that led behing the waterfall, then disappeared. The group followed, and realized there was a cave behind the waterfall. The Sandshrew was waiting and started to once again lead them. They went through the cave, until it opened up to another valley, hidden by huge, craggy walls of rock on all sides. The most interesting thing there, though, was the small village in front of them.

The group gasped in awe at the village the Sandshrew had lead them to. There were colorful banners all over the tiny huts, various tables decked out with pots, blankets, and other items, but the centerpiece of it all was the shrine in the tiny village: a majestic building with a dragon perched atop the spire.

"Welcome, my friends, to our village!" a Treecko called. "You're just in time for the start of the Grand Flower Festival!"

?A party?? Misty cried, obviously excited.

?Hey!? Damien looked around. ?Where?d the Sandshrew go?? Unfortunately, no one was listening.

?Come, join the celebration! Music!? called the Treecko. At this, a pounding samba beat rang through the air...

?Come to think of it, this has a hot beat!? Brock laughed. With that thought in mind, he began shaking his leaves to the music, all the while chanting Mas que nada, mas mas que nada...

?Samba!? Kari joined in.

---------

"Step left, one, two, everybody conga!" Andra cried as she lead the ever growing line of Pokemon that snaked throughout the village.

Mas que nada, mas mas que nada... Brock continued chanting over the pounding beat, shaking his leaves all the while.

Ash, meanwhile, was beginning to feel the pain from dancing. How much longer until we stop? he thought, rubbing his throbbing leg. "Uh Misty..."

"What's the matter?" Misty asked.

"How long until the dance is over? My feet hurt..." Ash sighed.

"Just try to keep going, okay?" Now quit complaining and conga!" Misty replied. Ash groaned in pain as he continued hopping to the beat...

Suddenly, the sky went dark as black clouds rolled in, covering the sky like a blanket of darkness. The dancing stopped as everyone looked up, fascinated by this unusual act of nature. A gust of wind blew, then another, and another, each stronger than the last. The smaller Pokemon were toppled over, but the bigger ones and the Legendary Warriors held on to them. A tornado appeared, sucking up the decorations. Damien noticed that nothing outside of this little field for the festival was affected by the winds. Suddenly, such a strong wind blew that everyone and everything was sent flying at least ten feet. Seemingly using the final gust as a finale, the tornados and winds disappeared, along with the dark, stormy clouds, leaving the sky the way it was only minutes before.

A young man with short, straight brown hair that hung over his face was sprawled casually over a tall, stone throne with a bored look on his face. He was in a large room decorated with dark stones and gems. He spoke to a Sandshrew in front of him ?So they are at the village? Good, good. Now make sure she visits Rayquaza?s temple.? With that, he waved his hand, and a wind blew around the Sandshrew, making him disappear almost immediately.

At once, the door leading into the throne room burst open and a woman with gold and silver armor strode in. The young man remained looking bored and unsurprised as she stood in front of him. ?Hello, Zora,? he said in a cool, relaxed voice.

?You?re not supposed to be interfering with the Denset Realm, Jael!? Zora roared.

?Kyrene?s been turning a blind eye towards that fact,? Jael smirked. ?Since I?ve been providing information to her, such as the wearabouts of the Legendary Warriors. With you and Lilith bumbling up all the time, you?re actually making me look pretty good.?

?Kyrene would never approve of you pretending to be Rayquaza,? Zora snarled. Then, a sly look fell upon her face. ?In fact maybe I should tell her??

Jael?s eyes flashed and instantly became serious while still retaining his calm, cool demanor. He started to mutter a few words under his breath. Zora turned for the door, but found her way blocked by a thick wall of clouds.
?Don?t tell me that?s all you can do,? Zora smirked, and turned to face Jael.

?Don?t tempt me,? Jael said coldy. ?You know what I can do.?

Zora took an unconcious step backwards. Of all of the Dark Warriors, Jael was the most cunning and also the most skilled at using his powers. In fact, he could use most of his powers at will, while the others had to recite the incantations each time. She had also seen what he did to his enemies, especially when he was angry.

Jael stood up, a cruel sneer on his face. He was very tall and thin, wearing what looked like regular clothes. He had a black long-sleeve shirt, black jeans, black shoes and a black belt with a silver cresent moon buckle engraved with amethysts. A long cape with a high collar that was whipping around as though blasted by wind completed the vampire-like style of appearance. ?You may be my sister,? Jael snarled. ?Yet we are bitter enemies.?

?That is the way of the Dark Warrior,? Zora said softly, and they both knew it was true.
?It is because of Kyrene,? Jael shot back. ?That our ranks our divided and our foundations are weak. It will not be this way for long if I have anything to do about it.? With that, Jael sent a wave of air blasting into Zora, sending her back through the portal?

----------

Ash sighed as he picked up shredded banners, smashed handiwork, and other debris from the ground. "I wonder why the festival is so important... or why this sudden gust keeps destroying it..." he wondered as he delivered his pile of debris to Misty, who put it into a trash area.

?One thing's for sure... if the Wind Lord Rayquaza does not see a festival, he won't bless us with seeds for the new year,? began a Treecko.

?What?? Damien asked.

?There?s no food nearby, so we must depend on Rayquaza to blow the seeds to us from afar? the Treecko responded.

?So you offer him things?? Damien asked.

?Yes. His commands are carried by the wind. For example, one day, he asked us for information on where to find the ice caves of Furisama,? the Treeko said. Damien was about to say more when a Chikorita interupted.

?And if we don't have seeds, then we won't have food!? the Chikorita cried as she handed off some more debris to Brock. ?So less talking and more cleaning!? Just before Brock could carry the new load of debris over to the trash, he felt something on his left leg. Huh? Brock glanced down and saw a Treecko, this one smaller than normal, clinging to him.

?Koudo?? the Treecko begged. ?Koudo, will you tell a story??

?Koudo, will you sing a song?? a young Bulbasaur agreed.

?Koudo?? Andra was confused.

?Koudo is the nickname the children use for the Earth Lord Celebi,? a female Treecko explained. ?The other time Koudo came to this festival, she shared her wisdom and songs with them, giving them virtues to remember in the next year. She was the first Legendary Warrior of Earth, but ever since then, when we see a Legendary Warrior coming, tornados lance from the sky and storms form and gales blow, and just about any disaster related to the wind or sky happens.?

?Did you say things related to the wind?? Damien was about to add more, but was cut off.

?Damien, can it!? Misty replied, fascinated by the story.

Brock anxiously looked down at the vast collection of young Pokemon clinging to him and begging ?Koudo?? His first thought was to shake them off, but instead he calmly assured them ?Come my friends, and Koudo will speak of legend...?

?YAAAAAAAYYYY!!!!? the young Pokemon cheered as they followed Brock to a small alcove, crowding around him, eager to savor what stories he had to tell.

One Pokemon noticed the flute peeking out from Brock's pack. ?Is that what I think it is? Windsong??

?It IS a Windsong!? came the enthusiastic reply of another nearby Pokemon.

?Windsong?? Brock asked, then noticed Ash, Kari, Misty, Andra, Damien and the female Treecko had come up to the alcove.

?It was what the first Legendary Warrior of Fire had with him and he lent it to the first Legendary Warrior of Earth to play for our ancestors,? the Treecko said.

?Hey?? Brock started, holding his flute away from the clamboring crowd around him. ?Windsong is very fragile... so if you're not careful, it will break, and then it can't sing anymore!?

?Koudo... tell us the legend of the Windsong,? one Pokemon begged, who had obviously wanted to hear the whole story firsthand.

?Okay... gather ?round...? Brock waited until all the children were comfortable, then began?

Many years ago, when the great Mew, Shima, created the world, she blessed it with many beautiful gifts... but the one that she loved the most was the gift of music... so she commanded her children and the Pokemon of the world to create ways of sharing the gift of music, and in turn, pass it on to their children.

Eager to carry out Shima's command, the Pokemon of the world created many, many different ways to make music: drums, fiddles, pipes, shakers... each one had its own story... but our story focuses on a character you should know... an adventurous Mew named Cuinla...

?Oh boy! A Cuinla story!? an Oddish interrupted.

?SHHH!!!? a Treecko replied. ?Let Koudo speak...?

Brock sighed, annoyed by the interruption. ?Now...where was I....oh, yeah...?

You see, Cuinla lived in a small village not too far from a great forest, and she often went there on 'adventures'...but the other Mews just laughed at her when she tried to tell them of the wondrous things she had seen and heard...

So, one day, she was on a walk in the forest searching for an adventure...when she heard a low and mournful sound, that sounded very much like someone crying, coming from a tree. Thinking that someone was in trouble, she ran as fast as she could so get a closer look...but the strange sound was coming from a branch that bugs had hollowed out...this gave Cuinla an idea....

?And then? And then?? the children begged, eager to learn what happened next.

?Then what happened, you ask?? Brock smiled.

She carefully climbed the tree and cut the branch loose to study the holes... they were small for the most part, but there was one significantly larger than the others... ?I wonder what would happen if I blew across the large hole?? she wondered. So, Cuinla bravely lifted the branch to her mouth and blew very gently across the large hole, like this... and Brock played a single note on his own instrument to illustrate his point. Pleased by hearing the strangely pleasent sound the branch made, she decided to take it home with her, and show the other Mews that the wind could sing.

At first, the other Mews weren't very impressed, but Cuinla stepped up on a stump and begged ?Please! Hear the song of the wind...? and she played a soft and quiet melody, like this... and Brock started to play a haunting rendition of ?Greensleeves? for his audience... when the applause died down, he concluded?

The other Mews were amazed by the song, so they all begged Cuinla "Teach us to make Windsongs for ourselves, so that we can play the song of the wind for our families and friends"...so she did, and because of her, the magic of the Windsong spread throughout the world."

?Play some more!? some of the Pokemon begged. Humored by the children's pleas, Brock started a fairly recognizible tune...

"Wait a second, isn't that song 'Scarborough Fair'? Andra asked."

"One thing's for sure, I don't remember the song with that much ornamentation." Ash sighed, noting Brock's almost constant usage of every flute ornament in the book: trills, cuts, taps, rolls...

"Well, he can continue his little concert while we go check out the shrine." Damien suggested, leading the others back towards the village.

Misty sighed as she watched Brock entertain the children. ?Who wants to tell Maestro we're leaving without him??

?Huh? I'm coming, I'm coming!? Brock pocketed his instrument and hurried down to the plains where an Oddish met the group.

?Now, come with me, and I'll show you Rayquaza's shrine, where we have been told that someone will be blessed with power...? it said with a mysterious smile.

?Here we are,? the Oddish led the group to the front of the building, then waddled off. Brock pushed open the door and the others solemnly walked in, single-file. The group gasped at the marvelous room they had run into. It was a giant room decorated with many sculptures, paintings and and engraved shapes all with amethysts engraved in them. In fact, most of this room was purple, the same shade as Andra?s Gale Crystal.

?Fascinating!? Damien muttered as he studied some of the wall carvings. ?This is ancient writing, used by the Legendaries who told people to write things for them. Let?s see? Only one with the soul of a dragon can receive the power of storms. Wait, that doesn?t make sense? Oh, here?s the beginning: Not so long ago, probably about three years ago, a Dark Warrior of Wind grew jealous of the power of a Legendary Warrior of Wind. He killed her and was going to harness her power when Rayquaza tricked him into instead sealing the power away using a Legendary Treasure. Now, only the true heir to the Legendary Warrior of Wind and only one with the soul of a dragon can receive the power of storms. Fascinating??

The others began to spread out, Ooohing and Aaahing at the design. Andra, however, ignored them and the design. She could feel something, like an invisible hand pushing her gently. Andra suddenly noticed a small, plain wooden door, the glamor of the other parts of the room overshadowing it. Andra pushed open the door to see a small, blank room covered in cobwebs. In the middle of the room was a dull-looking amethyst held up by a thin iron chain hanging from the ceiling. Andra waved away the cobwebs and took the amethyst into her hand, brushing away the dust. Suddenly, the amethyst glowed and pulsed with an intense purple light, and exploded. Purple light blasted from the room, combined with an intense but soothing melody that pulsed with the same beat as the light, the energy knocking over many things in the building and knocking the group off their feet. After a few seconds, the light was pulled in by an unseen force and once again resumed the look of the amethyst hanging from the chain. Andra fell to her knees, gasping from excitement and exhaustion. Damien ran into the room, followed by the others, and helped her up.

?What happened?? Damien asked excitedly. ?That might have been instentaneous combustion, but the light makes that impossible, so maybe the properties of the amet-? Damien was quieted when Andra put her hand over his mouth.

?I don?t know. I touched the gem, and the light-thing happened,? Andra said slowly and clearly. ?Now, let?s go.? The group walked out of the building to see a disaster. All the buildings, decorations, everything that had been in the village was now toppled over, destroyed or nowhere to be found.

?Looks like a twister hit,? Ash said softly. It did. In fact, the sky even looked stormy, as though there had been a twister.

?Sorry about that,? a young man to the group?s left was leaning against the building, inspecting his nails as though looking for dirt. ?I had to show you what I can do. My name?s Jael, by the way.?

?How could you do this?? Brock snarled.

?I believe your friend already knows,? Jael nodded towards Damien?s direction.

The group turned and stared at Damien, whose face was stony. ?He?s the Dark Warrior of Wind,? he said harshly. ?All those weird things that have happened? He?s caused them.?

?Oh, yeah?? Ash launched a punch straight at Jael, but was surprised to find that he had blocked it easily. With a smile, Jael spun and kicked Ash straight in the chest, sending Ash flying. ?Don?t mess with me,? Jael smiled coldly. ?Or it?ll be the last thing you ever do.?

Ash moaned as he got up, his eyes burning with anger. Jael smiled as he admired his handiwork, then turned to Andra. ?Give me the Gale Crystal and your ring, and I will leave.?

Andra was stunned by the request. ?What? No way!?

A black, cresent shaped longbow engraved with amethysts appeared in Jael?s hands, complete with a quiver of arrows on his back. Quick as a Swellow, Jael grabbed an arrow from his quiver, notched it into the bow, then pulled the string back as far as he could, waiting to strike. ?I always found that being faced with death can change people?s minds about things like this,? Jael smirked.

Andra looked down at the Gale Crystal around her neck and her ring. Were they really worth keeping if it cost them their lives? As she was silently debating this in her head, Jael was growing impatient. After a few seconds had passed, he raised his eyebrow and the arrow started pulsing with bright purple light.

?What?s with your arrow?? Damien seemed fascinated by the arrow?s glowing, despite the fact that an incredibly evil villain with amazing power was ready to kill them at a moment?s glance.

Jael smiled, almost amused by Damien?s fascination. ?It?s my weapons? power. You know that each of our weapons contain dark energy that gives them certain? abilities, shall I say? No? Lilith and Zora must have been too cowardly to show you their weapons? power. Well, I can charge the arrows with an energy that allows them to explode on contact with an object. But my patience is wearing thin, so hand me the Gale Crystal and your ring.? Jael got ready to strike when a sound distracted him. Brock had wandered off onto a toppled over house, climbed to the top, and had started to sing:

Oh the night, is so dark and filled with fear...
I'm all alone, can my love be nowhere near?
All alone, is this just a frightful dream?
But I know, we must destroy their evil scheme!

While Jael was still staring at Brock, Kari yelled ?Shining Crystal, transform!? A large ring of yellow light appeared around Kari and passed over her then dissapeared, leaving Kari in her Legendary Warrior clothes. Jael turned back to her and was about to let go of the arrow when Kari kicked the bow, causing Jael to accidently release the arrow, which exploded about one hundred feet into the sky.

We are hardly crushed and pushed against the wall,
But I know with our love, we can defeat them all!
We must save the world, that's what we have to do--right away!

?Inferno Crystal, transform!? Ash yelled, and a ring of red light appeared and passed over him, transforming him. ?Glacier Crystal, transform!? Misty cried, and a ring of light blue light appeared around her and changed her into her Legendary Warrior state. The two ran up to Kari and stood facing Jael, who was eyeing them coldly.

And I know what I must do!
Before they tear our hearts in two!
We must fight for, the love that we have...
That is what we have to do!
And I know what I must do!
Before they tear our hearts in two!
Heroes, unite!
Awaken the Guardian of Love!

Jael?s bow disappeared and he launched a kick straight to Kari?s stomach, sending her straight into a nearby house.

?Flaming Spark!? Ash yelled and small fireballs erupted from his hands and launched straight at Jael. Jael just smiled and yelled ?Aero Bane!? A wave of air emitted from Jael?s hands, sending the fireballs spinning in different directions.

I don't know, if your past is pure and true...
Trust in me, and I'll also trust in you...
I will come, and I'll stay right by your side...
Look inside, your pure heart has nothing to hide!

?Sparkling Beam!? Kari cried and sent a laser of light towards Jael. He grinned in anticipation and jumped up so the beam missed him completely. ?Black Breeze!? Jael snarled while still in the air. A strong gust blasted the ground in front of Kari and exploded.

My friend, I'll come with you, and I will do my part,
For the one you love best, the one inside your heart!
If you believe you can, your faith and love becomes energy!

Andra looked on as Jael dodged a giant icicle, the product of an Arctic Chill attack, then sent an Aero Bane blasting into Misty. Suddenly her Gale Crystal began to glow. This seemed to trigger something in Andra?s ring, because the amethyst engraved in it was glowing, and the sillhouette of a large dragon appeared in it.

And I'll do just what I must!
Just to protect our sacred trust!
We will aim high, in all that we do...
But, that you already knew!
And I'll do just what I must!
Just to protect our sacred trust!
Heroes, unite!
I am the Guardian of Love!

?Winds of change, blow on me! Rayquaza!? Andra cried. She started to spin, and a small purple tornado encircled her, changing her each time it spun around. First, Andra?s chest was covered in a purple sleeveless shirt that went down to just above her stomach. It was covered by a silver open jacket engraved with amethysts. Next came long, dark purple high-heeled boots with an extremely long stilleto on each one. Finally, long, silky purple pants that came down to her ankles appeared. To complete the look, a black belt engraved with amethysts wove its way around her waist, the Gale Crystal replacing a buckle.

And I know what I must do!
Before they tear our hearts in two!
We must fight for, the love that we have...

?I was hoping you might awaken,? smiled Jael as he pushed away Andra?s leg. ?That?s why I brought you here to fight. One on one.?

?Bring it on!? Andra yelled defiantly.

That is what we have to do!
And I know what I must do!
Before they tear our hearts in two!
Heroes, unite!
Awaken the Guardian of Love!

?Hurricane Strike!? Andra cried. A whirlwind formed around Jael, kicking up sand and debris from the storm. Jael yelled ?Darkness Cyclone!? A smaller, black tornado started to spin around him, then spread out. The force of the two tornados caused them both to disappear. ?Black Breeze!? A strong gust of wind blasted into Andra sending her flying. Andra landed on her feet just as Brock finished the song.

?It?s not working, Brock!? Andra looked around to see her friends were still scattered about, and couldn?t help out.

?The reason I brought you here to be awakened,? Jael started walking up in front of Andra. ?Is because I want your power. Rayquaza may have tricked me once into sealing away the Legendary Warrior?s power of wind, but it will not happen again. I also hoped to see more of a challenge from one who holds the good side of my powers. If you want to defeat me, you?ll have to bring your game up a notch.?

?My pleasure. Hit it Brock!? Andra smiled.

Brock smiled with approval, summoned his guitar, and began to tune up. Once he had assured himself that he was in tune, he started a relaxing melody and once again started to sing, but this song had a different beat, but was somewhat faster.

Close your eyes tonight and wish upon a shooting star!
See it fly into a million points of light!
Every promise, hope and prayer becomes a jeweled star!
And I believe deep inside my heart that fate, will lead us on...

Andra spun around, kicking Jael in the chest. Jael, though caught off-guard, quickly recovered and performed a few flips backwards. ?Aero Bane!? Jael yelled when he was safely on his feet. A wave of air blasted straight at Andra. Just as it was about to hit, Andra glowed in a soft, pulsing golden light. Andra looked around to see Kari, Misty and Ash all standing, ready to rumble. The glow was Kari?s Aura of Wishes attack. ?Wind Blast!? Andra yelled, and a gust of air blasted into Jael, making him stumble.

I've broken free from a cold wave of doubt...
Yet, I don't know why I'm crying... Brock continued to sing, calmly strumming away to the calm melody coming from his Wing.
And so I turn, looking away from everyone...
Silently, I vanish in the night air...
I'm searching endlessly for something that I lost!
My heart is aching painfully!
And as the falling rain consumes me, soothes me...
I will never stop singing this song for you!

?Fire Star!? Ash cried. Several flaming stars appeared around him, then proceeded to slice into Jael. ?Arctic Chill!? Misty yelled, and a huge icicle formed over Jael and slammed into him. ?Sparkling Star!? Kari screamed, and glowing stars appeared and blasted into Jael.

If the morning sun should come again and shine once more,
Oh, how I'd want that sunny day eternally!
If we meet again, my joy, my love, my everything,
Would become like jewels, and everyone would know...of a miracle...

?Glacier Blast!? Misty cried. A small blizzard formed around Jael, tossing and turning him. ?Wind Blast!? Andra cried, and a jet of air blasted Jael out of the blizzard and onto the ground. ?Fire Star!? Ash?s hand glowed red as he stuck it out to the left. ?Sparkling Star!? Kari?s hand glowed yellow as she grabbed Ash?s hand. ?Stardust Rain!? they cried together. Dozens of shooting stars rained down from the sky into Jael, exploding on contact.

My heart is open, let my dreams come forth...
Please, don't let anything surprise you...
I can't stop now, for I have come so far today,
And I must...remain pure, strong, and faithful...
The item that I lost will remain in my sight!
And may the world forever turn...
And as the falling rain consumes me, soothes me...
I will never stop singing this song for you!

Jael gasped raggedly as he staggered to his feet. ?Black Breeze,? he weezed. A large gust of air blasted into the group, knocking them over. Andra and Misty nodded to each other. ?Arctic Chill!? Misty cried as her hand started glowing a light blue. ?Hurricane Strike!? Andra cried as her hand started glowing purple. They yelled together as they intertwined their hands ?Icicle Storm!? A tall but thin whirlwind formed around Jael. Icicles, chunks of ice and snowflakes formed inside and continually bashed into Jael. After a few minutes of this, the tornado disappeared and Jael dropped to the floor.

Close your eyes tonight and wish upon a shooting star!
See it fly into a million points of light!
Every promise, hope and prayer becomes a jeweled star!
And I believe deep inside my heart that fate will lead us on...

?This isn?t working,? Andra muttered as she watched her friends punching and kicking Jael. Unfortunately for them, he was blocking all the blows and still looked pretty energized. Suddenly, Andra was struck by one of Jael?s exploding arrows. She was sent spinning, then fell face down on the ground.

The item that I lost will remain in my sight!
And may the world forever turn...
And as the falling rain consumes me, soothes me...
I will never stop singing this song for you!

Andra took a deep breath as she realized what she must do. As she started to chant softly, the wind started to blow. As her voice started to get louder, the wind grew stronger. The wind caried Andra?s chant: Kaze, sora, kumo to arashi... jinpuu, are, aori... Jael, Kari, Misty and Ash, who had still been fighting, turned and watched, amazed.

If the morning sun should come again and shine once more,
Oh, how I'd want that sunny day eternally!
If we meet again, my joy, my love, my everything,
Would become like jewels, and everyone would know...of a miracle...

A circle of glowing purple light appeared under Andra as she stopped chanting. Suddenly, Andra?s eyes opened and she began to speak elegantly, as though speaking an incantation ?Winds of the Sky Dragon, come before me and transform thineself into an attack that will strike fear into the hearts of the wicked! Zephyr Beam!? Andra lifted her hands, palms up. The winds started to move towards her hands, as though drawn by a powerful force. As the winds gathered together in her hands they started to form an orb of pure wind energy. The orb got bigger and bigger until it was about twice the size of Andra?s head. Andra grabbed the orb and sent it, as an incredibly large laser beam, straight at Jael. It sent out a massive explosion on contact, and clouds of dust covered the sight for a few minutes. After it faded, they could see Jael lying in a massive crater, burned and battered. He glowed purple, then disappeared.

Damien turned, shocked, to Andra. ?How did you do that?? he gasped, still amazed by the attack.

Andra shrugged. ?I guess the idea sort of just appeared in my head, so I did it.?
The others ran up smiling and congratulated Andra on her victory.

------

After the group had recovered from the battle, they had gone and helped the Pokemon rebuild their city. Using their powers, it had only taken a few hours.

An elder Treeko smiled as Andra stepped forward to speak to him after using her wind powers to put a house back up. ?Thank you so much for saving our town... as Rayquaza's chosen one, you surely have brought his favor upon the town! However, we still fear that Jael will come back.?

?Don?t worry. Have one more festival, and Rayquaza will protect you,? Andra replied.

?Thank you,? the Treeko smiled. He was about to motion to the other Pokemon to start, but Andra stopped him.

?Just one more thing to make sure Rayquaza sees you,? Andra said. After a moment of concentration, she made a gust of wind blow the amethyst from the shrine into her hand. Andra closed her eyes and her hand. The amethyst glowed with an intense purple light, like it had before. She used another gust of wind to blow it up in the air, where it took a position in the sky. Andra nodded, and the festival started again.

The group walked off, listening to the villager?s music on the way. Far above the clouds, a long, green dragon was looking down at the town with a smile?

An elder Treecko smiled as Andra stepped forward to speak to him after using her wind powers to put a house back up. ?Thank you so much for saving our town... as Rayquaza's chosen one, you surely have brought his favor upon us all! However, we still fear that Jael will come back.?

?Don?t worry. Have one more festival, and Rayquaza will protect you,? Andra replied.

?Thank you,? the Treecko smiled. He was about to motion to the other Pokemon to start, but Andra stopped him.

?Just one more thing to make sure Rayquaza sees you,? Andra said. After a moment of concentration, she made a gust of wind blow the amethyst from the shrine into her hand. Andra closed her eyes and her hand. The amethyst glowed with an intense purple light, like it had before. She used another gust of wind to blow it up in the air, where it took a position in the sky. Andra nodded, and the festival started again.

The group walked off, listening to the villager?s music on the way. Far above the clouds, a long, green dragon was looking down at the town with a smile?

Episode 7: This Piece of Earth

?Here we are, guys!? Damien announced. ?This is Emerald Town!? The others gasped, awed by the sparkling green gems dotting the streets, houses, and even a large building looming over the rest of the town.

Ash was piqued by the strange building. ?What is that building for??

?It?s a factory!? Kari replied, pointing out two smokestacks rising from the large building. ?See the smokestacks??

?A factory...wonder what it does?? Brock mused.

?I hope it's a candy factory!? Misty cried. ?That way we can get yummy samples to take with us after the tour!?

?Well, we won't find out what it builds if we just stand here...so come on!? Andra called as she darted off towards the factory.

------

?Wow... it's huge!? Kari gasped as the group walked inside the maze of conveyor belts and other machinery.

?Huh?? Brock, however, had found a piece of paper lying by a conveyor belt. After smoothing out the wrinkles, he read it:

Legendary Warrior of Celebi,

After waiting so long for our release from this place, a Taillow brought news of your arrival! Follow the arrows on the floor to find us!

?Hey, Brock, what did you find?? Misty was curious.

?A note... written by somebody that apparently knows who we are and where we are,? Brock replied. ?I don't think it's a trap...but should we transform just in case?? The others nodded in approval.

?Shining Crystal, transform!? Kari cried. A large ring of yellow light appeared around Kari and passed over her and disappeared, leaving Kari in her Legendary Warrior clothes

?Inferno Crystal, transform!?

?Glacier Crystal, transform!?

?Gale Crystal, transform!?

A ring of light appeared vertically over each of them. Ash?s was red, Misty?s was light blue, and Andra?s was purple. It passed over them, transforming them into Legendary Warriors as it went.

?Let?s go,? Damien called, and the group started racing in different directions.

------

?Over here, guys!? Andra cried as she looked in a room. The others crowded around the door to see a bunch of Sandshrew in a room full of cages.

One Sandshrew looked up from the others, and squealed with delight when she saw Brock. ?Oh yes! Yes! Celebi has come at last!? The other Sandshrew began screaming excitedly in agreement.

Brock was confused. ?What? How did they know that we were coming?

?It has been passed down for generations of all Pokemon...? another Sandshrew began. ?When darkness descends upon our world, the Legendary Warriors will help us. However, the weilder of Celebi will be the one who can hear us, is most in tune with us, and even has power to speak to us. He has come from the Other Realm to save us!?

?The Other Realm?? Ash was also confused.

?I think that's what they call our world,? Damien explained. ?I wonder how they know about this though??

?Well... I'm-uh, honored! I think,? Brock stammered, apparently startled as all the Sandshrew began to crowd around him.

?We've told you about our plight, now sing to us!? one Sandshrew begged.

?We kind of already knew about our own plight, since we were the ones who experienced it,? Andra muttered sarcastically. Fortunately, none of the Sandshrews heard her.

?Yeah, sing about a hero from the other world!? another agreed.

?A hero from the other world, you say?" Brock laughed. ?Okay...I think I have just the hero to sing about...? He lightly stroked the Siren's Wing, causing a fanfare to come blaring into the room.

?Wait a second...wasn't that the stage clear music from the Mario games?? Kari gasped.

Andra groaned. ?You know, that theme song is the main reason I hate video games.?

The Siren?s Wing began to play the famliar Mario theme song, over which Brock sang:

New day come, with energy, Mario is a-runnin', a runnin'!
Save the day, save the kingdom, for Princess Peach he will go, he will go!
As the new day comes within the world, energy flows - see him run!
As the new day comes within the world - see him jump!
As the new day comes within the world, coins are shining - in the sky!
Come on, come on, keep on going now, Mario!

Mushroom with the power of strength - Super Mario to stay!
Flower with the power or flame - Fire Mario!

Goomba down! Then Koopa Troopa down! Then Buzzy Beetle, you will beat them all!
Mario holds a power in his heart - power of wisdom and love!

Ash groaned. ?I like this song and all, but this is kinda embarassing?? Fortunately for him, Mario--or even Link, Samus, Fox, and all the other great video game heroes--obviously didn?t exist in this world, as the Sandshrew stared at Brock, enchanted by the song of what they thought was a hero.

Misty rolled her eyes. ?When he said he had a hero to sing about, that wasn't exactly the hero I had in mind.?

?You're telling me...? Andra agreed as the Siren?s Wing began to play the underwater theme.

?The only one who can reverse the spell that has captured the Mushroom People is Princess Peach,? Brock explained over the music, forming an image of Peach in his hands. ?But, Princess Peach is hidden underground, in a far-off castle...? He changed the image to display Peach in a dungeon cell, crying.

?Poor princess...? one Sandshrew said sadly.

?Ah, the days of peace... if we could once more return to those days...? Brock mused. ?To save Princess Peach and bring peace back to the Mushroom Kingdom, that is why Mario is on his journey today.? He changed the image to display Mario jumping over a pile of bricks, knocking out a Piranha Plant, and other things... but the image quickly disappeared as the theme music began again, surprising everyone.

New day come, with energy, Mario is a-runnin', a-runnin'!
Go defeat, the Koopa tribe, come send their shells a-spinnin', a-spinnin'!
As the new day comes within the world, energy flows--see him run!
As the new day comes within the world--see him jump!
As the new day comes within the world, coins are shining--in the sky!
Come on, come on, keep on going now, Mario!

Grab a Star, with power you shine! Nothing can stop you now!
Quickly! Peach is calling you! Please, come to her rescue!

Lakitu, then Bloober go down...next are the Cheep-Cheep, you will beat them all!
Mario holds a power in his heart--power of wisdom and love!

New day come, with energy, Mario is a-runnin', a-runnin'!
The castle is just ahead, fireworks light up the sky, up the sky!
Double trouble, Hammer Bros... and they are not a problem!
Show them all your will and courage, Mario!
You have traveled on your journey, and it's almost at its end!
Come on now, just one more fireball...Bowser, defeated!

Peach is here, she's saying thank you...
Mario, thank her in return, from her heart to yours!

The great quest is over for today...but he will always protect us each day!
However, with heroes like him...Mario's dream will live on!

The Sandshrew began to applaud over the ending music. ?Bravo! Encore!?

?Thank you!? Brock took a bow for his audience.

?Thank goodness he's done.? Andra grumbled.

?What's next, adding words to the Zelda theme?? Ash asked.

?DON'T ENCOURAGE HIM!!!!? Andra and Misty screeched at the same time.

?Actually, I find the song to have a high level of symbolism in it?? Damien started to lecture the group on the mechanics of a song while Andra and Misty stared at him incredously.
?What I want to know is, how did you guys get in here to begin with?? Ash wondered.

?Well...? one Sandshrew began. ?It started when our food supplies were running dangerously low. So we decided to enter this town in hopes of finding food. We saw what some of the workers were eating, so we swiped some for ourselves, and it was delicious!?

?We went back over several days. Unfortunately, one night, a guard caught us and threw us in here, saying we couldn't leave until we had worked off the price of the food.?

?Those guards are really mean!? another Sandshrew cried out. ?They beat us, and never let us rest.?

?That's awful!? Misty sounded shocked.
?Is there any way we can help you get out?? Kari asked.

?We?ve tried to escape before, but we've gotten caught every time!? one Sandshrew explained

?We need to get out and travel to Celebi's shrine. The Oracle has said that it is there the one blessed with earthen song will receive even greater power...? another Sandshrew said. She was about to say more when everyone heard digging coming from a corner.

?What the? Brock, what are you doing?? Andra questioned as Brock emerged from a hole in the ground holding a shovel.

?Digging a tunnel to the shrine, what's it look like?? Brock replied as he descended back into the hole to dig some more.

Ash smiled. ?Brock, you're a genius! Come on!? He lead the others over to a rack of shovels he noticed and grabbed one for himself. ?We're gonna help you!?

---------

?Just a little more, my lady...? Zora coaxed as Kyrene carefully piloted a small black sphere by the shrine's entrance. ?Right there.?

?Well done, Zora, for providing me a trap at such short notice,? Kyrene smiled. ?Now, tell me how it works.?

?You see, the trap is electronically triggered, so when it detects an electrical signal of any sort, the sphere will open and bind the target hand and foot,? Zora explained. ?It will be perfect for the brainy one who uses the Pokenav. Then we can strip them of their powers and banish them to the Other Realm where they shall bother us no more??

---------

?Almost there?? Ash assured the Sandshrew as the group crawled through the freshly dug tunnel. After helping the last Sandshrew into the grass, he emerged from the tunnel himself, only to join the others in gawking at a magnificent green building with an ornament of Celebi at the tip of the top spire.

?Wow...? Andra said, impressed. ?The emeralds on it make it sparkle, even at night!?

?Let's go in!? Misty raced inside the building, with the others and the Sandshrew not too far behind her

-------

?Welcome,? a girl wearing a white robe said as the group entered the main room, only pausing to stare in awe at the statue of Celebi in the center. ?It has been said that one member of your party has been chosen to wield the Earth Lord Celebi?s power by way of the mystical Siren's Wing, and that Celebi will bless that person with his full powers of the earth and time at this sacred place.?

?In English, please,? Andra grumbled, annoyed.

?My question to you all: is there one among you that wears the Siren?s Wing on their ear?? the priestess asked, ignoring Andra?s comment.

Everyone looked at each other, than turned to Brock. Knowing he had to take the responsibility, Brock stepped before the girl. ?I am.?

The priestess took Brock aside and led him before the statue of Celebi. ?Now, Chosen One, listen closely? if you do even one part of the awakening ritual wrong, it will displease Celebi. Understand??

?Y-yes...? Brock stammered, a little unnerved and afraid about what was coming next. Amazingly, the Siren?s Wing was somehow triggered because it started to glow a green color as well as sending the mike down to Brock's lip. ?What the...?

The priestess directed Brock?s attention to the open ceiling of the room, where the others could see a little bit of moonlight peeking in the window. ?When the full moon passes over Celebi's rose, you are to sing Celebi's Lyric as loud and as smoothly as you can. That will awaken the power that lies within. Are you ready for the challenge??

?Okay...? Brock swallowed hard and glanced up at the sky.

After five minutes, the moon shone over the Celebi statue?s rose, causing it to bloom! Brock opened his mouth to sing the song... but, not a sound came out due to his immense nervousness.

Oh-do-do-ah-dei-ei-da; dei-ya-dei-o; wei-o-wei-dei-yah-dei-o, wei-o-wei-ya-in-dei-in-dei-o... the priestess started, as if to prompt Brock.

O-doh-doh-ah-dei-ei-da; dei ya-dei-o; wei-o-wei-dei-ya, dei-ya, dei-ya-di-te-yan yan... Brock answered back, his body glowing a bright green color as the song continued: Oh-do-do-ah-dei-ei-da; dei-ya-dei-o;wei-o-wei-dei-yah-dei-o, wei-o-wei-ya-in-dei-in-dei-o; o-doh-doh-ah-dei-ei-da; dei ya-dei-o; wei-o-wei-dei-ya, dei-ya, dei-ya-di-te-yan yan...

?Something?s wrong!? Andra cried, stunned by Brock's glowing.

?No, I don?t think so,? Damien replied, keeping his eyes on Brock. ?The power of Celebi inside him is awakening, therefore enduing him with even more power.?

Finally, as Brock finished the song, he stopped glowing and knelt on the floor, exhausted from the ordeal.

?You okay?? Ash asked, running over to help his friend stand up.

?He?s fine,? Damien rolled his eyes and walked out the door.

?Yeah, although I do feel a lot stronger,? Brock started to say more when he heard a cry from outside the shrine entrance. ?Damien!? He groaned, held his hand in the air, and cried ?Rose of time, bloom on! Celebi!? With that, the others watched in awe as a green light engulfed Brock again. He lifted his hands high as his shirt turned silver. Next, his vest turned green and lengthened into a green jacket decorated with gold and silver swirls. His legs received a similar treatment as deep green pants laced with gold trim snaked down his legs, culminating in golden shoes appearing on his feet. Finally, the Terra Crystal flew up and settled inside the center of a silver bowtie, completing the look.

"Let's go!" Misty led the others outside.

---------

Brock ran outside to find Ash and the others staring, horrified, at a woman with red and black armor, who was gloating over the sight of Damien struggling to get free from a sphere of electricity that encircled him. He touched a nearby side and got a stinging shock for his trouble.

The woman bowed, smirking. ?I am Kyrene, Mistress of Dark Fire. You have already met some of my assosiates: Jael, Zora and Lilith. I am the leader of the Dark Warriors.?

?Let my friend go!? Andra cried. ?Now!?

Kyrene just laughed. ?What, and wait for his own powers to awaken, making him stronger? I?d much rather keep him here and destroy him while he is weak.?

?You're not destroying anyone!? Brock snarled as he stepped out in front of the group. With that, he closed his eyes and concentrated, creating a green ball of pure earth energy in his hands. He aimed it at Kyrene and yelled ?Jewel Avalanche!? A barrage of emeralds, sapphires, rubies and other gems shot from the ball at Kyrene, who was furiously trying to deflect them with her arms.

?Temper, temper, Celebi...? Kyrene smirked, seemingly unfazed by the attack. ?Are you going to perform for me or not? I have often heard of your performances....In fact, a funeral elegy would be perfect for this occasion.? Damien swallowed hard as a double-edged saber appeared in Kyrene?s hand. With one swift motion, she thrust it through the electrical cage and pressing against Damien?s neck.

?Please...don?t kill my friend!? Andra pleaded desperately, tears streaming down her face.

?Why not? Why should I let Book-boy here go free?? Kyrene demanded, gesturing to the squirming Damien.
?Well, he's my best friend. He comforts me when I'm feeling down and he?s fun to be with...? Andra began. Piqued by Andra's discourse, Brock lightly stroked the Wing, causing a bouncy tropical melody to fill the air.

?Brock! This is no time for a song!? Misty hissed. Brock however, ignored her.

?Woo! Shake it, Brock!? Kari cried, enraptured by the bouncy melody. Brock smiled and started shaking his leaves to the beat.

?Furthermore, life is a magic thing!? Andra continued.

Life is a magic thing! Yeah yeah!
Life is a magic thing! Yeah yeah yeah! the Sandshrew sang, inspired by Andra.

When the sleepy planet comes alive,
And I wake up in the warm sunlight...
There's a simple harmony to life,
A magic thing... Brock sang, dancing along to his melody.

Then I walk among the flowers and trees,
and I feel the earth beneath my feet...
and I remember that air we breathe....
Is a magic thing!

?Everybody now!? Misty called, leading the chorus:

Life is a magic thing! Yeah yeah!
Life is a magic thing! Yeah yeah yeah!
Life is a magic thing! Yeah yeah!
Life is a magic thing! Yeah yeah yeah!

?Stop. That. Racket,? Kyrene growled, annoyed by the wide array of Pokemon dancing to the hypnotic jungle beat.

There's a clearing in the jungle floor...
Where the funky music plays till dawn.
Just to be there with the friends I love,
Is a magic thing.... Brock continued.

Then I look up at the sea of stars...
And I know one day we're leaving ours...
But I hope we leave it tidy 'cause you know,
Life is a magic thing!

?Everybody sing!? Ash called.

Life is a magic thing! Yeah yeah!
Life is a magic thing! Yeah yeah yeah!
Life is a magic thing! Yeah yeah!
Life is a magic thing! Yeah yeah yeah!

Yeah, yeah, yeah... the girls sang.

It's a magic thing! chorused the Sandshrew.

Yeah, yeah, lai-lai-lai-lai-yo-yo... Brock scatted along.

?Stop!? Kyrene bellowed as a wave of heat burst from her, shocking the singers. Happy at having her way, she slowly applauded, wearing a cool smile. ?Very good, Celebi. Now where?s that elegy I requested?? she snapped, inching her blade ever closer to Damien's throat.

?Brock, do something!? Andra screeched.

Oh-do-do-ah-dei-ei-da; dei-ya-dei-o; wei-o-wei-dei-yah-dei-o, wei-o-wei-ya-in-dei-in-dei-o; o-doh-doh-ah-dei-ei-da; dei ya-dei-o; wei-o-wei-dei-ya, dei-ya, dei-ya-di-te-yan yan... Misty began to slowly sing Celebi's Lyric. Inspired, Brock put both his hands in the air. His guitar materialized in his hands as though summoned. He began to play along with the tune, picking up into a jazzy beat a few minutes later.

?Oooh. Singing. Help me. Please,? Kyrene smirked.

Suddenly, a strangely soothing melody filled the air. Waves of blue light spread across the earth. Misty, Ash and Brock looked at each other they had only seen something like this once before. With a final burst of gold light, a wormhole opened in the air. Out of it came the Earth Lord himself, Celebi.

?Celebi...? Kyrene gasped, stunned by the sudden change of events.

Celebi?s eyes glowed a golden yellow. It opened its mouth and a large sphere of yellow energy formed in it. With a loud cry, Celebi sent it as a large beam blasting into Kyrene.

After the smoke settled, the group could see Kyrene lying down in a large crater, created by Celebi?s Solar Beam. ?You are obviously more powerful than I thought. I?ll let this one go for now; next time we meet, the battle won?t be so easy!"
The Sandshrew cheered as Kyrene disappeared in a plume of deep red smoke, defeated. At the same time, the bindings on Damien disappeared, allowing him to joyfully run towards the group in pure joy. ?Thank you, Andra, and also, thank you Brock, for saving my life!?

?Anytime!? Brock smiled.

?As a reward for your bravery and a thank you for saving us, Warrior of Earth, we shall share some useful information with you...? one Sandshrew started. ?We overheard one guard talking about a key that lies deep inside the caverns of Mt. Shimmer; the key that allows one to travel between worlds!?

?Where is Mt. Shimmer?? Misty asked, interested.

?It lies just outside Silver City, the next town!? another Sandshrew added. ?Be careful, the mountain has many monsters and traps inside!?

Damien smiled and turned to Ash. ?I think we know our next objective.? Ash nodded in approval as the group started down the path to Silver City and Mt. Shimmer...