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

Chapter 18

As Ash and Serena step into the boundaries of the Johto Region, they're greeted by an unexpected sight—Blackthorn City, usually vibrant and bustling, is now buried under a relentless blizzard. Snow swirls violently around them, reducing visibility to mere shadows of buildings. Clinging to his hat against the howling wind, Ash squints through the flurries and calls out to his mother, "Mom? What's happening here? Why is Blackthorn City engulfed in a blizzard?"

Aurora, her face etched with concern, sighs deeply before responding. She wraps her scarf tighter around her neck as she explains, "Blackthorn City is under a curse cast by the Dragon Prince and the Dragon Princess... It's a consequence of their own greed..." Her voice trails off, carried away by the icy gusts, as she gazes sorrowfully at the frozen landscape, hinting at the deep and tragic tale that haunts the city.

Serena furrows her brow, confusion lining her face as she asks, "What kind of greed?" Beside her, Pauline, a somber member of the Elite Four from the Sevestar Region, responds with a grave tone, "Years ago, a woman scorned by society bore two children and abandoned them to the Dragon Clan. Disgusted by their lineage, the clan treated them cruelly, and the siblings suffered immensely due to their mother's reputation. When the Dragon Prince and Princess learned of their plight, they sought to rescue the children. Unfortunately, they vanished without a trace."

Pauline pauses, her gaze hardening as she continues, "In retaliation, the Dragon Clan conspired to eliminate the prince and princess, fearing their power and the legends tied to their Legendary Pokémon. In response, the Dragon Duo cast a severe curse over this city, an event now whispered as the Blackthorn City Massacre."

At this juncture, Isabelle, another Elite Four member, interjects with a hint of urgency, "That reminds me, how is the search for the missing children progressing? You and Lance have been on their trail for quite some time..."

Pauline shakes her head, her expression crestfallen. "It's no good. I have to assume they've already fled the Johto Region. They remain our only hope for lifting this relentless blizzard."

Vincent, the third member of the Elite Four, leans in, his voice tinged with concern, "You're still considering adopting them, aren't you? To give them a home, unlike those who betrayed their trust?"

Pauline nods, her expression tightening. "Of course. Those who wronged them have long since disappeared. The real transgression of the Blackthorn people lies in their indifference, as decreed by the Dragon Duo," she says, frowning deeply.

Adam, looking puzzled, joins the conversation. "Do you think someone might be protecting them? Keeping their whereabouts hidden from us?"

Colress steps forward, his eyes narrowing in thought. "It couldn't possibly involve the Dragon Prince and Princess, could it?" he muses, clearly trying to piece together the mystery.

While the adults discuss the somber matters, Serena leans close to Ash, her voice a hushed whisper, "It's unbelievable that we're here with all the Elite Four members—your mom and dad included. It's so rare to see them gathered like this."

Ash lets out a sigh, his eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. "I know what you mean. Uncle Colress only took the position in the Elite Four after Lillie's father passed away... It was tough convincing him, given his passion for inventing over Pokémon battling."

Serena glances toward the ongoing discussion with a curious tilt of her head, "But what could they be so intensely discussing about the Dragon Duo? Who do you think they are?"

As the adults delve deeper into their discussion, Ash notices a slight movement from the corner of his eye. He nudges Serena and nods subtly towards the far end of the room, where the shadowy outlines of two children are barely visible behind a crumbling wall. Their eyes, wide and curious, flick between the gaps.