Wandering through the Snows (Part I)

Dawn had hung up the phone. Goh was slowly crossing the last valley that separated the snowy lands from Celestic Town.

She was now in Solaceon Town and in all honesty, she was enjoying this trip around Sinnoh. However, time was essential, and she couldn't waste it. Piplup was with her, a worried look on his face. Dawn sighed:

"I know you are worried but I'm fine," she said mustering a smile on her beautiful visage.

In all likelihood, Piplup was right. Since the battle with Mesprit, Dawn used to cry in bed and wake up suddenly gasping from nightmares.

She had reassured her Pokémon she was okay but, in all truth, this wasn't the case. Doubts, regrets, and second thoughts were crossing her mind. As a result, she became more and more oppressed by the thought of the upcoming fight with Dialga. She was the only one to have ever faced that beast before in all his might (Yes, Goh had seen it too, but the situation was way lighter)

She turned her gaze to the sky: "Ash, lend me your strength…"

…..

A splash of water soaked both Lucario and Gary who suddenly regained consciousness.

"Woah, Blastoise, you'll ruin my hair!" exclaimed the researcher, jumping on foot, before stopping.

Lucario jumped on his paws and looked around.

The last thing they remembered was falling as soon as they entered the chamber.

Gary looked around: "Where the fuck are we?" he muttered under his breath with gritted teeth.

The environment around them was very harsh. Strong gusts of wind were striking them, a glacial wind that had molded the rocky ambiance around them throughout the years.

White rocks, some very rare shrubs… That was it.

It seemed they were on a high mountain, near the peak.

Gary, who was by now freezing, raised his gaze and saw something unbelievable. The top of this mountain had a majestic temple on top of it.

His eyes widened. How was that even possible?

Suddenly the same voice from before spoke again: "Come to thy Lord. I am waiting for thy"

Gary's heart accelerated suddenly: "Here goes make it or break it Lucario! Let's see what's next," he said, before nodding to Blastoise.

............….

Ash had understood he was saved by someone but taken away. Or rather, that was his thought while he was wearing his clothes again. He noticed how bruised his jacket was but as for now, Akari couldn't help him to mend it.

He saw a winter jacket near a wardrobe, so he put it on and then exited the small hut.

Everything was white. Ash was reminded of his time in the northern part of Sinnoh. However, how did he get there? And where were his Pokémons?

"Oh finally you are awake! We were waiting for you!" exclaimed a familiar voice.

From behind the cottage, Irida came out, scaring the shit out of the poor boy.

"IRIDAA!?" he shouted before being tackled to the ground by Greninja, Growlithe, and Akari's Pikachu.

"Guys!" exclaimed the Kantonian trainer, relieved to know his friends were doing well.

He sat on the soft snow, caressing his partners, and asked: "So, Irida. What happened? Where are we? And Akari?"

Irida sighed. That guy didn't waste his time at all. He would be a member of the Diamond Clan.

"Well, I and Adaman have saved you from the poison. Adaman was worried Melli could do something like that. When we found you, you were unconscious, and Electrode was protecting you. You sure did a great impression.

Anyway, I brought you up here because we have another frenzied Pokémon and I need your help. I wanted to let you rest more but the noble lives near our village and I don't want that something bad could happen to my people."

Ash mumbled for a bit and said: "Of course, I could help. But what about my Pikachu, Akari, and Laventon?!"

Irida smiled: "I knew you would ask about that girl," she said with a hint of disappointment.

Ash didn't answer, only wondering if he could connect with Pikachu. Irida resumed her speaking: "Adaman found them at your camp. Pikachu was preoccupied and so was Akari but now they are coming here. I think they will wait for you at the Snowpoint Temple where one of the Diamond Clan wardens is"

"Why there?" asked Ash before rethinking what Irida had just said.

Snowpoint Temple? So, we are indeed in Northern Sinnoh…

"Yes, your first destination is there. You have to prove yourself to the eyes of a Pokémon that could help you reach Avalugg's den. It is on an icy hill, so slippery that even Sneasler whom you had already befriended isn't capable of climbing."

"Very well!" exclaimed Ash, holding his bicep, "I'll go and come back here. So, we can go to see that Avalugg! Are you ready guys?" he said

Everyone cheered in excitement before something emitted a loud rumble.

Ash put a hand under his head: "I guess I'm a bit hungry! Eh eh eh…"

Everyone sweatdropped.

….

After a nice lunch, Ash was ready: "So This Gaeric guy is also coming here? Very well, so we will be able to head to the den as soon as I come back!"

The boy was ready to call Wyrdeer when suddenly something popped into his head: "hey? How can you stay out with this temperature in such clothes?!"

Irida got instantly red and said only: "We of the Pearl Clan don't suffer from rigid temperatures. We are used to it. Now go find your friends!"

Ash didn't understand the reason to blush but shrugged it off.

One moment later Wyrdeer was there: "Hi Wyrdeer, how are you? Listen, I need your help to reach the Snowpoint Temple. Can you please lend me your power?" asked the boy.

The majestic Pokémon nodded in approval before getting patted by Ash. The boy recalled Growlithe and Greninja sat behind him, while Pikachu took a spot on Ash's shoulder.

"All right! Let's go!" he shouted fisting the air.

With that, Wyrdeer jolted in a run through the snowy land.

Irida watched them disappear at the horizon: "Let's hope Gaeric understands…"

...….

Some days ago, Akari and Laventon were coming back to the camp. As they arrived, Adaman was waiting for them, and now they were heading to Snowpoint Temple, the northernmost point in Sinnoh, to rejoin Ash.

Laventon was already planning to settle a camp, so, once they were in a suitable place, he decided to stay back and do his task. A squad from Exploration Corp was sent as soon as Laventon called back using his Starly Post System, equipped with heavy clothing.

The man sighed, although he loved the exploration, he was missing the comfort at home.

Akari instead, was following Adaman, her mind lost in lots of thoughts. She was hoping Ash was okay, she was freezing, she was being calmed down by the determined look on Pikachu's face.

"So how is this Sabi girl, Mr. Adaman?"

He replied from ahead, "No need to call me Mr. I'm only Adaman, and you're Ash's friend, so you're one of mine as well.

"Anyway… How can I put this?" thought the leader putting his hand under the chin: "She is quite the character. She's the youngest among all wardens but she's got the attitude although she could seem strange. It's not uncommon for people to be scared by her manners…" he stopped, hoping that Ash could know better and not lose control.

Those words confused Akari and made her doubt that Ash could obtain what he needed to. Pikachu on the other hand was relaxed: his best buddy could do it.

…

Ash had made a stop by Lake Acuity. After two days on Wyrdeer, the Deer Pokémon needed some more rest and Ash was happy to leave it to him. He knew they were in a rush but couldn't stress his friends out this way. Furthermore, he needed some rest.

It was late afternoon when Ash, Greninja, Growlithe, and Pikachu finished setting up the camp. The Puppy Pokémon was incredibly helpful in kindling the fire and keeping Wyrdeer warm while he was already snoring.

He went near the shore of that snowy lake where so many memories came flooding back. Ash lost there to Paul, his rival in Sinnoh. It was a crushing defeat but ultimately led to a great victory in the Lily of the Valley conference.

Nothing of it had yet occurred. He was hundreds of years in the past. He had a task and had to complete it.

Suddenly he felt a tap on his shoulder.

A young child was behind him, her green hair arranged in two braids, a heavy blue jacket with a belt full of pockets, green trousers, gloves, an olive-colored wool hat, and finally a strange necklace.

Her green eyes were very vibrant as soon as she spoke: "Hey, You are Ash, aren't you? The new super cool guy who saves Noble Pokémon!"

"How do you know me? And you are?" asked a dumbfounded Ash.

Somehow Greninja and Growlithe hadn't reacted at all at the intromission, so Ash knew it wasn't bad, but still, he was a bit worried.

"I'm Sabi, I saw you coming with my clairvoyance. You are here for Braviary and from the past nonetheless!" she exclaimed cheerfully.

Ash's heart started to beat up faster and faster. How did she know? How?

She clarified: "Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me. I wonder if you are funny enough to play with me"

Ash was astonished: "You wanna play with me?" he asked pointing to his face.

"Yes, come on, catch me!" she said laughing before leaping into a run on the shore.

Ash stood there: "Ehehehe! What an amusing character! Come on guys!" he exclaimed stretching his legs; "We have a game to play!" and with that, he started running toward the nasty little girl.

...

Lucario and Gary were watching the scene carefully. The temple looked old but extremely solid. The design of the columns and artistic details reminded Gary of something he had already seen but he couldn't put a finger on it yet. They arrived at what looked like an altar from which a shining light was emerging.

Suddenly everything became white and five Unowns appeared circling around the altar.

Gary looked at them with an unfazed gaze, discerning the traits of those Pokémon.

He knew far too well the role of those creatures as the alphabet and act of God's words and Ideas.

Those Aristotelian manifestations of the World's way of being were designing a word: Arché.

"The Greek word Arché: principle, origin. The reason of the World…" he said softly.

Lucario felt a vibrant aura from the altar, as the entire essence of the universe was there. An aura that included a bit of every other aura, a specific frequency for everything. The pressure of that feeling was heavy, unbearable, yet light, as a soft breeze on a Spring day.

The Unowns suddenly stopped their movement and the voice reappeared, making all the Temple shake.

The sensation now was stronger but, in a way, Gary and Lucario could feel suffering and weakness, something clearly strange compared to the holy power which exuded the aura itself.

"Welcometh to Thy God. I'm Starteth and Endeth, alpha, and omega"

Gary and Lucario felt it. They knew even if they couldn't. It was it. The One. Arceus.

.............

"Take this!" shouted Ash launching a snowball at Sabi who swiftly avoided it, before being surprised by Greninja with another one.

Currently, it was late at night, but the group was still playing non-stop.

Suddenly, a gust of wind struck Ash who fell to the ground.

"UHHH, Look Ashy! Braviary wants to have some fun too. He likes you!"

An Hisuian Braviary glided down from the sky. It was like the one Kamado used against the boy.

Ash felt all his majesty while watching him land on the ground in front of him.

Ash took a step forward and greeted the Pokémon who accepted to be caressed by the guy.

"Ohi Ohi, Ashy! You are so charming to Pokémon!" Sabi was having a blast, but suddenly stopped.

"Now we must sleep. Come to play with me tomorrow morning at the temple! I'll wait for you!" and without giving Ash any time to react, she had already hopped on Braviary's back and went away.

Ash was about to shout to her to stay and that he needed her help but decided otherwise.

He came closer to his Pokémon and Akari's Pikachu who were all slightly fatigued by the long game and said: "Well, at least, we know her" with that they headed back to the camp, had a little dinner, and hit the sack, all hugged together near the fireplace, with Wyrdeer soon joining them.

...

That morning was a classic Ash Ketchum morning. He was late and was in a rush trying to dismantle the camp and go toward the temple.

Greninja, like the Ninja he was, helped Ash a lot and soon they were on the road again, leaving behind the beautiful Lake.

After some hours on Wyrdeer, watching nature unfold and wild Pokémon doing their stuff, they approached the massive temple where the young girl was waiting for Ash with Braviary.

The girl let Braviary fly over the building and land on the roof and told Ash: "Come on, follow me on the top! Ahahaha! Be prepared to face the Golem" while waving his hand before disappearing inside the ancient construction.

Ash sweatdropped and hopped off Wyrdeer to check: "Damn!" he said. He was in a rush and couldn't afford to waste so much time.

However, he had to devise a plan to face the challenge.

Suddenly, he felt it. It was Pikachu!

"Pikapi!" shouted the mouse Pokémon running toward Ash at full speed followed at a distance by Akari and far behind by Adaman.

"PIKACHUUU!" shouted Ash running to meet his best buddy.

Akari was running as well, and her Pikachu got teary eyes. She had missed her partner.

Finally, Pikachu and Ash reunited again, and they hugged in the snow for a while: "I missed you so much buddy!" said the boy.

"Pikaa! Pikaaa!" Ash said, cuddling up to Ash's face.

Akari also had caught her Pikachu and the two were hugging each other.

The scene was heartwarming.

Adaman finally arrived and spoke to Ash: "Very well, I'm happy Irida was able to take care of you. I imagine you have met Sabi by now, am I wrong?"

"You are right. She challenged me to reach the top of the temple" he said with a serious tone.

"As I thought. Be careful up there" concluded Adaman, wanting to waste no time.

Akari finally came close to Ash who was startled from behind: "Ohi Akari, how did your mission go?" asked the boy.

The girl smiled with glimmering eyes and hugged suddenly Ash who was as always taken aback but soon reciprocated the hug: "It was great but I missed you" whispered Akari from her position snuggled into Ash's chest.

"I'm sure you both have a lot to talk about, but right now, your focus should be on finding Sabi" Adaman said to Ash.

Ash pulled back from Akari and spoke to her Pikachu:" You were great Pikachu. It was a blast fight alongside you. Now do me a favor and protect her" he said stroking her fur. Pikachu cooed and nodded happily under the proud gaze of Akari.

Then the boy went forward, with his Pikachu finally back on his shoulder, and said: "Right! Better if I go now!"

"Wait Ash, I wanna come with you!" Akari interrupted but Adaman was fast enough to stop her.

"I know you want but Sabi challenged Ash and she's the type to not like intruders too much."

Akari was saddened by that, but this was until a loud rumble was heard.

The temple was on top of the entire area and from there it was easy to see the tremendous avalanche and the explosion that happened downstream.

"Shit, That's Avalugg!" shouted Adaman; "Ash, you must hurry!"

Ash gritted his teeth and jolted forward to enter the building without saying anything more.

Akari called him again, but to no avail.

Adaman took her by her wrist and told her: "Come on! There's a Pulley system near the edges of this peak. It will lead us to the Pearl Clan Village! We must go there and check on the people. Irida might need some help!"

There was no way Akari could ignore the desperate cries coming from below her even if she wanted to stay. As Pikachu stroked Akari's cheek, he leaned in close to her head. In a short while, that was enough to revivify her spirit, and she made her way to the leader of the Diamond Clan.

.....

"It's all so dark in here," said Ash holding a torch lit by Growlithe.

Pikachu was trying to see if there was any direction to follow until he found a wall with some signs on it.

"So, we should solve the puzzle, right?!" asked Ash, Pikachu nodded.

Throughout the chamber, Ash and Pikachu saw statues that reminded them of the Regi Trio.

What was the goal of the puzzle?

The Pokemon knew that in order to solve the riddle it would take a lot of time, so he decided to do all the work hard: his tail glowed silver and he smashed the door with his Iron Tail. The walls started to shake heavily and Ash took the chance to leap into a run and cross the corridor until he found another wall which this time was opened by Greninja. Strangely, while the walls were shaking, the door started to regenerate as if there were more portals for the same door.

Suddenly a flight of stairs appeared in the middle of the corridor.

Ash slowed his steps and observed it. He exchanged a look with Pikachu who nodded.

They took the stairs and entered a giant chamber with no links to the rest of the structure, except for those stairs that appeared from the roof.

The pavement was completely frozen, and a giant statue of a Pokémon stood in the middle of the room.

Watching the statue, the group noticed its similarity to the Pokémon that Pyramid King Brandon had been searching for so long.

A second rumble could be heard, and the eyes of the statue began to glow, as if in recognition. Suddenly the rock that made up the statue started creeping and then finally broke, releasing the creature that had been trapped within.

Taking a deep breath, Ash swallowed. It was it… the Colossal Pokémon: Regigigas.

"REEEEEE" shouted the massive Pokémon before summoning rocks with Ancient Power and striking them to the boy and his team.

Ash's gaze turned into a determined look: "Pikachu! I choose you!"