"Alright, let's stop here." Lawrence suddenly lost interest in the conversation, waving his hand dismissively as he turned toward his elevated seat.
"Wait! What's your purpose in capturing the gods?!" Ash called out, his frustration boiling over.
"Purpose?" Lawrence paused briefly, glancing back over his shoulder, his profile shrouded in shadow. "My purpose is simply… to collect the gods."
Without elaborating further, he stepped onto the platform. The steel pillar ascended swiftly, enveloping him as he vanished into a hidden passage.
Ash stared after him, his fists clenched. Despite learning so much from their exchange, Ash's mind was restless.
The conversation had confirmed several things he already knew—such as the existence of legendary Pokémon like Arceus, Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina. Yet, Lawrence's explanation of why legendary Pokémon appeared weakened was a revelation.
According to Lawrence, maintaining the balance of the world drained the energy of these so-called gods, forcing them into periods of dormancy when their power was depleted.
This explained why Moltres and Zapdos had been so easily subdued; they weren't at their peak.
"Humanity's greed…" Ash muttered, recalling Lawrence's words. They resonated deeply, a heavy weight pressing on his chest.
If what Lawrence said was true, then Lugia's migration to the Orange Islands was due to humanity's actions. Similarly, Ho-Oh had retreated from the world, disillusioned by mankind's selfishness.
Ash thought of the stories surrounding Ho-Oh and the Three Sacred Beasts—Pokémon that had perished in the fire at the Bell Tower, only to be resurrected by Ho-Oh and granted new powers.
But this wasn't the time to dwell on legends. He had a mission: to destroy the Forbidden God Cage and free Moltres and Zapdos. Ash steeled his resolve. He couldn't let history repeat itself—he needed to face Lugia and resolve the crisis threatening the world.
---
Meanwhile, back in the conference hall, Misty stood near the window, her worry deepening as she watched the violent storm outside. The ocean churned angrily, and the sky was filled with dark, swirling clouds.
"Ash has been gone for too long. Why hasn't he come back yet?" Misty said, her voice tense with concern.
Tracey nodded in agreement. "It's dangerous out there in this weather."
Melody, pacing back and forth, grew increasingly agitated. She regretted letting Ash leave alone.
"What if something's happened to him?" Melody murmured, guilt and fear gnawing at her.
Carol, Maren, and the elderly man shared the same somber expressions. What had started as a celebratory festival had turned into a nightmare. The storm was far worse than any of them could have imagined.
"I can't just sit here anymore!" Misty suddenly declared, her voice firm.
She grabbed a long-sleeved hoodie, pulled up the hood, and dashed out into the torrential rain.
"Misty, wait!" Tracey shouted, startled. He hurried after her, not to stop her but to join her search for Ash.
"It's too dangerous to go out to sea in this storm!" Maren yelled, rushing to the doorway, but Misty and Tracey were already disappearing into the downpour.
"I'm going too!" Melody announced, determination flashing in her eyes.
"Melody, stop!" Carol called out, trying to grab her arm.
But Melody broke free, her resolve unwavering. "Don't try to stop me! I have to help Ash!"
Carol froze, stunned by the fierce determination in Melody's voice. He watched as she sprinted into the storm, unsure whether to follow or let her go.
---
Outside, Misty and Tracey struggled against the rain and wind. Their clothes were quickly soaked, and the weather grew worse with every step.
"Misty! Tracey!" Melody shouted, catching up to them.
They turned to see her approaching, her face pale but resolute.
"I'm coming with you!" Melody declared, her voice barely audible over the storm.
Tracey looked confused. "Why did you follow us?"
"I can help," Melody replied. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. "Based on what we know, Ash was heading to Fire Island. If he's not back yet, he might already be on his way to Ice Island."
Tracey considered her logic and nodded. "That makes sense. Knowing Ash, he wouldn't stop halfway."
"Then let's head to Ice Island," Misty said, her resolve strengthening.
The trio pushed through the storm to reach the harbor. The temperature had dropped dramatically, and the rain began transforming into snow. Fierce winds whipped around them, turning the streets into a treacherous, icy landscape.
"What's happening…?" Misty murmured, pulling her hoodie tighter as the cold seeped into her bones.
At the pier, the weather grew even more brutal. Snow fell in thick sheets, and the freezing wind made it almost impossible to stand upright.
"Here, take this." Misty reached into her bag and pulled out a down jacket, handing it to Melody.
Melody accepted it gratefully, slipping it on. "Thank you."
Misty gave a small smile, her tone firm. "I don't want you getting sick. If you do, it'll just slow us down."
Melody nodded, her demeanor shifting. She was no longer defensive or hesitant. She knew Misty's words came from a place of care.
"Gyarados, let's go!" Misty called, releasing her Pokémon. The massive sea serpent emerged from its Poké Ball with a mighty roar, its presence filling the icy harbor with a sense of power and urgency.
"Where's Ice Island?" Misty asked, turning to Melody.
"Head straight from here," Melody directed, pointing toward the stormy horizon.
"Then let's move! Gyarados, forward!" Misty shouted, climbing onto Gyarados's back.
Melody and Tracey followed, holding on tightly as Gyarados surged into the frigid waters, braving the storm.
Despite the biting cold and the unrelenting snow, the trio's determination burned brightly. They would find Ash and do whatever it took to save the world.
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