"Alright, everyone! It's getting late! The celebration is about to begin!"
The old man's voice boomed across the gathering, pulling the crowd's attention.
The air hummed with anticipation, the warm glow of lanterns casting shimmering light on smiling faces.
The time had come for the festivities to commence, officially marking the start of the island's timeless tradition.
"Now... escort the controller to the ceremonial hall!"
At his command, the crowd erupted into a cacophony of sounds, clapping rhythmically, banging on drums, and shouting celebratory chants that echoed through the air like a joyous thunderstorm.
Ash, Pikachu perched on his shoulder, didn't know what to make of the narrow pathway unfolding before him as the locals quickly surrounded him and his friends, forming an impromptu procession.
"Wait a second… what do they mean by 'escort'?" he whispered nervously, scratching the back of his neck as Misty and Tracey were swept along beside him.
"You heard the man—you're the 'controller.' They won't let you go that easily!" Misty teased, though her voice carried a hint of genuine curiosity toward what lay ahead.
Tourists milling about Shamouti Island quickly noticed the spectacle. Locals chatted excitedly, explaining the meaning of the procession with pride.
"Hey, wait a minute. Isn't that Ash Ketchum?" one Trainer exclaimed, pointing toward the boy at the center of the crowd.
Almost instantly, recognition spread through the crowd like wildfire, and cheers erupted around Ash.
People waved and shouted his name, praising his accomplishments and hailing him as the famed Trainer who had defeated Lorelei.
"Wow... he's kind of a big deal here, huh?" Tracey remarked, pushing up his glasses as he noticed the ripple of admiration sweeping through the crowd.
"He's not that big of a deal," Misty muttered under her breath, though her crossed arms and slight pout betrayed her frustration.
"Looks like someone's jealous," Tracey teased lightly, earning a sharp glare from Misty.
Ash awkwardly waved at the crowd, his cheeks turning faintly pink. Though he wasn't used to so much attention, he could feel their excitement and support pushing him forward.
"Pokemon battles can get you noticed, Ash," Misty commented with a scoff—and just a touch of pride in her voice. "Still, don't let it go to your head."
As the group ascended toward the ceremonial hall perched at the highest point of the town, the celebration around them grew even more lively.
Stalls bursting with food and trinkets lined the streets, where townsfolk and tourists alike marveled at the range of Shamouti Island's cultural treasures.
Further down, performers played colorful flutes in perfect unison while a cleverly choreographed dragon dance—with a life-sized Gyarados puppet—drew cheers from the crowd.
Meanwhile, the hall came into full view. Towering above them, its massive stone structure featured intricately carved murals depicting the Legendary Bird trio—Moltres, Articuno, and Zapdos—in all their elemental might.
To Ash, it felt like stepping into another world, one deeply connected to an ancient past.
Upon entering, the air of the hall was even more breathtaking. Shadows danced across the walls, illuminated by flickering torchlight.
Everywhere Ash looked, rich details filled the space—from carved reliefs of powerful Legendary Pokémon to lush tapestries woven with bright celestial patterns.
"Are we just supposed to wait here?" Misty asked, glancing around, her arms folded in mild annoyance.
"Where's the part where we get to sleep? Or even better—rest?"
"They're probably still setting up our rooms for the night,"
Tracey guessed as he sketched the hall's architecture into his notebook. His eyes darted around excitedly, drinking in the historical atmosphere.
Carol worked dutifully nearby, leading a group of locals as they set up long tables filled with plates of colorful fruits, roasted meats, and other enticing delicacies.
The aroma wafted through the air, making Ash's stomach growl loudly.
"Um… are we allowed to eat now, or…?" Ash asked hesitantly, eyeing the food with thinly veiled hunger.
"Go ahead!" Carol announced, her face lighting up into a cheerful smile.
"There's plenty to go around—this feast is for everyone to enjoy before the main event."
"Awesome!" Ash exclaimed, practically diving in. Pikachu hopped off his shoulder to grab a juicy, sparkling apple while Togepi happily nibbled on berries from Misty's plate.
"Guess we better eat while we can," Misty added with a resigned sigh, digging into her own plate of food.
As the evening deepened, the skies transformed into a brilliant canvas of deep blue, dotted with countless stars.
Down in the town, the festival reached its full height, with laughter and cheers carrying through the streets like joyous music.
In the hall, the atmosphere grew quieter, more expectant. Guests filled the seats around the tables with a hum of chatter and laughter as the food gave way to animated conversation.
Carol sat near her grandfather and Maren, their warm laughter floating above the gentle buzz of the room.
"So, when does the main celebration actually start?" Ash asked, glancing around, wiping his mouth after finishing his third dish.
"What's the matter, Ash?" Misty asked sarcastically, raising an eyebrow. "Are you actually interested in Melody?"
Ash nearly choked on his glass of juice. "What?! No! I just want everything to finish quickly so we can get some rest," he insisted, waving his hands frantically.
"You know, so we're ready for tomorrow."
"Hmph," Misty scoffed, but the faintest smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
Despite herself, she was relieved to hear his thoughts weren't lingering on Melody, though the earlier moment still lingered in her mind.
Suddenly, the room fell silent as the haunting notes of an ocarina drifted through the air.
The soft, melodic tune danced around them like a whispered lullaby, calming even the loudest conversations.
Eyes turned to the stage where Melody—as the island's shrine maiden—had appeared.
This time, Melody's rebellious attitude was gone. The girl who had scoffed at tradition earlier stood poised and graceful.
She wore a flowing white ceremonial dress lined with vibrant red along the edges, and a delicate wreath decorated her hair. Her long pigtails swayed gently as she moved.
In her hands, she held a beautifully constructed ocarina—it appeared to be made from two shells melded seamlessly together.
One was a conch, while the other was rounded and smooth. As she played, the music shifted between mournful and serene, casting an almost magical spell over the audience.
"That melody…" Misty whispered, her tension melting away.
"It's beautiful…" Ash added, his eyes locked on the stage, unable to look away.
"This is 'A Song Dedicated to the Gods,'" Maren explained quietly, though her voice was filled with reverence. "Some also call it 'The Song of Lugia.' It's the heart of our celebration."
Every note Melody played seemed to stir something deep inside the room, as if the tune reached not only the ears but the, very hearts of all who listened.
The gentle rhythm felt alive—a bridge to something far greater, something ancient and unknowable.
As Ash listened, he couldn't help but feel a strange connection to the music, as though it were calling him to something greater—or warning him of what lay ahead.
That haunting melody marked the true beginning of the celebration.
_____________________
Join my Patreon for more advance chapters