1. Ash's Story (Part 0: Prologue)

Chapter 13

Ash and Lillie find themselves in the tranquil embrace of Celestic Town, nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of the Sinnoh Region. Here, amidst the whispers of ancient legends, they seek the wisdom of two revered figures: Tobias and Cynthia, stalwarts of Team Alpha. As the sun casts its golden hues upon the quaint town, Adam and Aurora, loyal comrades of the team, join the gathering, eager to delve into tales of mythical Pokémon with Cynthia.

The air is filled with anticipation as Cynthia, a beacon of knowledge, prepares to regale them with stories that transcend time. With her husband Tobias standing by her side, and their daughters Verity and Emily adding a youthful spark to the gathering, the stage is set for a journey through the annals of Pokémon lore.

In the hushed reverence of Celestic Town, Cynthia begins her tale, her voice carrying the weight of centuries past. "Let us journey back to the ancient days, when the lands of Unova were ruled by a single majestic dragon," she begins, her words weaving a tapestry of intrigue. "Upon the king's passing, his two sons inherited the dragon, but their hearts harbored divergent desires. One sought the pursuit of truth, while the other yearned for the realization of ideals."

With bated breath, the listeners hang on to Cynthia's every word, captivated by the unfolding saga of Reshiram and Zekrom. "As the brothers' convictions clashed, so too did the dragon's essence. It was split asunder, giving rise to Reshiram, the embodiment of truth, and Zekrom, bearer of ideals." The tension of the ages-old conflict hangs heavy in the air as Cynthia recounts the fierce battles waged between the two legendary Pokémon, their clash echoing through the annals of history.

"But amidst the chaos and strife, a hero emerged," Cynthia continues, her voice carrying a note of reverence. "Guided by destiny, the hero uncovered the slumbering form of Kyurem, the enigmatic dragon of the shadows." With a deft stroke of narrative, Cynthia paints a vivid picture of the hero's quest, culminating in the fateful moment when Kyurem's power was harnessed to bring an end to the age-old feud.

"And thus, the dragon's essence was transformed, manifesting as the Black Stone and White Stone," Cynthia intones, her words imbued with solemnity. "As for Kyurem itself, it retreated into a slumber, its form shrouded in mystery, awaiting the call of destiny."

As Cynthia's tale draws to a close, Ash and Lillie find themselves enraptured by the lore of the legendary Pokémon. "So where do we find these stones?" Ash inquires, his curiosity piqued by the ancient relics that hold the key to such profound power.

"In the depths of their respective ruins, they lie dormant, guardians of a legacy long forgotten," Cynthia replies, her gaze lingering on the horizon where the ruins of Unova await discovery.

"I dream of standing before Kyurem one day," Lillie whispers, her eyes alight with wonder. "And I shall stand beside you when that day comes," Ash vows, a spark of determination igniting within him as he gazes into the future, where legends wait to be reborn.

As the tales of Reshiram, Zekrom, and Kyurem settle into the depths of their minds, Cynthia guides her eager audience further into the labyrinth of legend. With a knowing smile, she begins to unravel the mysteries surrounding the legendary beasts of Johto, whose origins are steeped in tragedy and rebirth.

"Long ago, before they ascended to their legendary status, the trio known as the legendary dogs roamed the lands as ordinary Pokémon," Cynthia begins, her voice carrying a somber note as she recounts the tale of their humble beginnings. "But fate dealt them a cruel hand when a raging inferno engulfed the Brass Tower in Ecruteak City, claiming their lives in its fiery embrace."

Yet, even in the face of such devastation, a glimmer of hope emerged from the ashes, embodied by the mythical Pokémon Ho-Oh. "With a single act of divine intervention, Ho-Oh breathed life into the fallen Pokémon, granting them a second chance at existence," Cynthia continues, her words suffused with reverence for the legendary bird's benevolence.