The changes in the sea were felt by more than just powerful Pokémon. Even ordinary creatures, guided by their instincts, were alert.
Those with acute intuition began migrating toward the Orange Islands, sensing the gravity of the forces at play.
Across the world, climate patterns were shifting unpredictably. Sunlit regions were suddenly plunged into darkness, with heavy rainstorms battering the land.
Elsewhere, violent winds screamed, creating intense blizzards that transformed entire landscapes.
Places that had never known snow were now blanketed in white, while once-dry deserts experienced unprecedented downpours.
In the farthest reaches of the globe, ethereal auroras danced in peculiar patterns across the sky, as if the planet itself were responding to the imbalance.
The sudden phenomena led to a flood of news reports and panicked discussions among the masses.
Meteorologists scrambled to explain the erratic weather, but the truth lay far beyond the tools of science. The world itself felt as though it was spiraling toward chaos.
Amid this uproar, a mysterious being stirred from its distant slumber. Its piercing, otherworldly gaze scanned through time and space, focusing unerringly on the Orange Islands.
"Are you there? I hope nothing unforeseen transpires..." it mused quietly, a faint edge of concern in its voice.
Despite its omniscience, certain events were no longer within its ability to foresee. Its attention flickered to the small yacht cutting through turbulent waters, its passengers clinging tightly for survival.
The being's gaze settled on Ash, who held Pikachu protectively. Changes in the fabric of reality were already unfolding around him, and the chosen one remained oblivious to the sheer weight of the trials ahead.
The future, once a predictable series of outcomes, had shifted into uncertainty with every passing moment.
"I cannot interfere," the entity thought solemnly. "This journey belongs to the chosen. Only through these trials will they find growth and parse the path of destiny. To intervene would be folly."
The entity cast one last glance toward Ash before retreating into the void of its existence, weighed down by the magnitude of a power it had yet to reclaim. Its purpose lay elsewhere, far beyond the realm of mortals.
Meanwhile, on the yacht's deck, Ash paused. For a moment, he could have sworn that something—or someone—was watching him.
He glanced upward toward the sky, but beyond the thick clouds and howling winds, he saw nothing.
"Almost there!" Maren's voice cut through the eerie stillness of his thoughts, pulling him back to the present.
Shamouti Island was finally in sight, silhouetted against the horizon. At their current speed, they would arrive within ten minutes.
Surprisingly, the sea had begun to calm. The yacht rocked gently now, the roaring waves giving way to milder swells.
The crescent-shaped island loomed ahead, its unique formation creating a natural bay that opened into its southern coast.
Within this protected harbor lay the docking station, where much of the island's activity centered.
Maren expertly maneuvered the yacht into the bay's choppier interior, skillfully navigating past jagged rocks and unpredictable currents.
The harbor bustled with preparations for the island's upcoming festival, yet there was an unspoken tension in the air—as if nature itself was holding its breath.
"We made it!" Misty exclaimed in relief as the slam of the dock signaled the yacht's safe arrival.
Hugging Togepi close, she stepped off the boat, her legs wobbling slightly from the turbulent ride.
"Wait… are we really safe?" Tracey asked cautiously, his voice trembling. His gaze darted to the harbor, where a crowd of people stood waiting.
Ash and Misty turned toward the unusual sight—local villagers dressed in traditional ceremonial attire, their faces obscured by elaborate masks.
Some carried tambourines; others held ceremonial spears or bundles of strange, hand-carved symbols. The rhythmic beat of the tambourines echoed faintly, blending with the sound of the waves.
"Don't worry, they're just here for the festival," Maren reassured them as she stepped off the yacht with practiced ease.
Waving toward a petite figure at the front of the group, she smiled warmly. "Carol!"
A short, brown-haired girl strode forward, removing her mask to reveal a delicate face accented by wooden wing-shaped earrings.
She met Maren halfway across the dock, breaking into a relieved smile.
"Maren! I was starting to think you wouldn't make it back!" Carol exclaimed, pulling Maren into a firm embrace.
"We left the mainland early," Maren replied, catching her breath. "Didn't want to risk missing the festival. It was a rough ride, though."
"It's a miracle you weren't delayed with how wild the seas are getting," Carol said, her tone laced with concern.
She glanced toward Ash, Misty, and Tracey but refocused quickly on her friend. "You're here just in time for the celebration—are you still going to be the shrine maiden this year?"
Maren shook her head with a bemused smile. "I've passed the torch! Besides…" She nodded toward Carol's ceremonial garb. "You've been the shrine maiden for years now. I assumed that role was yours again."
Carol chuckled lightly. "Not anymore. I've retired. My sister will take over this year."
There was a noticeable pause before Maren blurted out, "Melody?! Are you serious? I never thought she'd agree to it."
Ash, Misty, and Tracey glanced between the two women, intrigued but confused by the shift in conversation. Sensing their bewilderment, Carol sighed and gestured for patience.
Before she could explain further, a sharp voice interrupted. "Of course, I didn't agree! What choice do I have?"
The group turned to see a younger girl, somewhere around twelve or thirteen, striding toward them with unmistakable irritation.
She wore long jeans paired with a sleeveless pink top, her twin brown pigtails trailing behind her. A beret and oversized sunglasses completed her modern, rebellious look.
"Why are you dressed like that? Where are your ceremonial clothes?" Carol demanded, her tone wavering between chastisement and exasperation.
"There's no way I'm wearing something so tacky," Melody huffed, crossing her arms defiantly. "The celebration hasn't even started yet!"
She flicked her sunglasses up, rolling her eyes with dramatic flair. "I'm stuck with this dumb job because of you. Lucky me, huh?"
Maren stifled a laugh, glancing awkwardly at Ash and his friends.
"And… uh, this is Melody," she introduced hesitantly, realizing the younger girl's fiery attitude might make an impression—though not necessarily a good one.
Ash gave a nervous chuckle, scratching the back of his head. "She's… definitely spirited."
"That's one way to put it…" Misty muttered, holding Togepi protectively as Melody stormed past them.
Tracey simply shook his head with a wry smile. "This festival is going to be interesting."
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