The Legend Festival on Shamouti Island was in full swing. Colorful lanterns swayed in the evening breeze as traditional dances filled the open squares.
Islanders in vibrant costumes performed elegant, rhythmic dances that told the ancient story of fire, ice, and lightning. Parades of masked performers marched through the streets, carrying glowing orbs and waving banners depicting the legendary birds.
Food stalls lined the pathways, offering local delicacies grilled fish, fresh tropical fruits, sweet berry pastries, and steaming bowls of soup. Laughter and music echoed everywhere, creating a joyful, almost magical atmosphere.
Ash and his group wandered through the lively festival, taking in the sights and sounds. However, the earlier incident with Melody's kiss still lingered in the air. Misty, Sabrina, Daisy, and Giselle were walking close to Ash, their expressions a mix of lingering annoyance and protectiveness.
Misty crossed her arms, still pouting slightly. "That girl better not try anything again…"
Sabrina's voice was calm but carried a subtle edge. "She was being bold."
Daisy sighed. "I know it's tradition, but still…"
Giselle stayed glued to Ash's side, her arm linked tightly with his. "Master Ash belongs to us."
Ash chuckled softly and pulled all four girls into a gentle group hug, kissing each of them on the forehead one by one. "Come on, girls. We're here to enjoy the festival. Let's not let one little thing ruin the night. I'm yours, and you're all mine. Nothing's going to change that."
His warm, reassuring words and affectionate gestures quickly melted their dark moods. Misty relaxed first, leaning into him with a small smile. Sabrina's expression softened, Daisy giggled, and Giselle blushed happily.
The harem's mood brightened as they continued walking, now chatting and enjoying the festival together.
Suddenly, a beautiful, haunting melody filled the air a tune that sounded eerily similar to the cry of Lugia. Everyone turned toward the central ceremony hall as a young woman stepped onto the stage.
It was Melody.
She had long, vibrant pinkish-red hair that flowed down her back, adorned with a beautiful crown of bright yellow and orange flowers. Her outfit was a traditional white dress with red trim at the hem and sleeves, simple yet elegant.
A colorful striped shoulder bag hung at her side. She looked youthful, energetic, and full of island spirit as she stood gracefully on the stage, holding a small flute-like instrument.
Melody began to speak clearly, her voice carrying across the crowd:
"Here, hear the ancient spheres. Shall you take for between light and death, All the difference it make…"
She then bent down slightly, looking directly at Ash with a playful yet meaningful smile.
"Oh, Chosen One… you must climb to the shrine to right what is wrong. And the world will be healed by the guardian's song."
Melody continued explaining Ash's role as the Chosen One in the festival's tradition. She picked up three colorful fruits from a nearby table a red one, a blue one, and a yellow one using them as props to represent the three glass orbs.
"You must venture out to the islands of the legendary birds Fire, Ice, and Lightning. Collect the three sacred orbs that represent their elements. Bring them back here to Shamouti's shrine. Only then can I play the ancient tune that will calm the chaos and complete the festival."
The crowd listened intently, many nodding in reverence to the old legend.
Ash, however, suddenly heard a familiar chime in his mind.
[Ding!]
Hidden Mission Triggered: Collect the Three Treasures
Task: Retrieve the three elemental orbs (Fire, Ice, Lightning) and bring them to the Shamouti Shrine.
Rewards: Three Exclusive Mega Stones one each for Moltres, Zapdos, and Articuno.
Ash's eyes lit up with excitement.
Mega Stones for the Kanto bird trio? This is perfect! He had always wanted ways to power up the legendary birds, and this reward was exactly what he needed.
The festival continued with renewed energy as everyone looked toward Ash with hope and anticipation.
After Melody finished explaining the ancient tradition and the role of the Chosen One, Ash stood quietly for a moment, processing everything. The weight of the prophecy settled on his shoulders, but his expression remained calm and determined. He turned to his girls with a soft smile.
"I'll go retrieve those three treasures," Ash said firmly.
"Who's coming with me?"
Without hesitation, Sabrina stepped forward, her violet eyes steady. "I'll go with you."
Misty nodded immediately, her hand already reaching for Ash's. "Me too. There's no way I'm letting you do this alone."
Daisy smiled gently and shook her head. "I think Giselle and I should stay here. I'll call Grandpa Oak right away and report this sudden climate change. Then I'll talk with Cynthia and Mom to let them know what's happening. They must be worried too."
Giselle nodded in agreement, staying close to Daisy. "I'll keep Daisy company. We'll wait for you here and handle things on this end."
Ash gave them both a warm, grateful look. "Thank you. Tell Cynthia I'm eager to hear about the children when we get back. We'll return after the festival."
He pulled all four girls into a tight group hug, kissing each of them softly on the forehead. "Stay safe. I'll be back before you know it."
Misty, Sabrina, Pikachu, Eevee, and Togepi (who was happily jumping inside Misty's bag) boarded Maren's speed boat.
The engine roared to life, and the vessel shot forward across the waves at high speed, cutting through the increasingly turbulent sea toward the islands of the legendary birds.
Meanwhile, at Shamouti Shrine
The Slowking that guarded the ancient shrine opened its eyes slowly. It sensed the growing disturbance in the world. Far away, the capture of Moltres had already begun to unravel the delicate balance. The Slowking's expression grew somber as it looked out toward the stormy horizon.
Back at the festival grounds, Melody stood on the stage, watching the boat disappear into the distance. A torch beside her suddenly flickered and extinguished as a strong gust of wind blew through. She frowned, concern clear on her face.
"That storm… and Ash heading out alone like this…" she whispered worriedly.
In Pallet Town, Daisy and Giselle had finished their calls. Professor Oak, Delia, and Cynthia had all expressed deep concern about the unnatural weather patterns spreading across the regions.
Daisy and Giselle stood together, staring anxiously in the direction Ash's boat had gone.
"I hope they'll be okay…" Daisy murmured.
Giselle nodded, her expression serious.
"Master Ash is strong… but this feels different."
Melody, unable to shake her worry, quickly found her sister Carol. After a brief conversation, she borrowed one of the island's faster boats. She caught up with Daisy, Giselle, and Tracey, who had decided to wait near the dock.
"I'm coming too," Melody declared. "If Ash really is the Chosen One, someone from the island should be there to help."
Tracey adjusted his imaginary glasses with excitement. "This is getting even more interesting!"
The smaller boat sped off, following the path Ash's group had taken, carrying the rest of the team toward the unfolding legend.