6. Prince Ash and Princess Lillie

Chapter 3 The Dream and Family

Ash slowly opens his eyes, blinking against the bright light surrounding him. His body feels weightless, as though he's floating. As his vision clears, he finds himself standing in a vast, ethereal space. The walls shimmer with a golden light, and the air is thick with an otherworldly energy. He recognizes the place from legends—the Hall of Origin.

"Where am I?" Ash murmurs to himself, his voice echoing slightly in the grand hall.

A soft, radiant light suddenly appears before him, growing brighter until it takes the form of a majestic, glowing figure. Ash's breath catches in his throat as he recognizes the figure—Arceus, the Alpha Pokémon, the creator of the Pokémon world.

"Arceus..." Ash whispers, awe and confusion mingling in his voice. "Is this... a dream?"

Arceus's voice resonates through the hall, deep and all-encompassing. "Whether this is a dream or reality, even I cannot say. You were struck by the jet's attack and have fallen unconscious. But this moment—this meeting—was always destined to happen."

Ash's mind races, remembering the chaos of the missile attack and the pain in his shoulder. "So... I'm still alive?"

"For now," Arceus replies, the light surrounding it pulsing softly. "Your body lies wounded, but your spirit remains strong. You have been brought here for a reason."

Ash looks up at Arceus, his heart pounding. "Why have I been summoned? What's going on?"

Arceus's gaze softens, and it begins to speak, its voice filled with ancient wisdom. "You have heard the prophecy, Ash Ketchum. You are the Devil Prince, the one destined to challenge the rulers of the United Region and bring an end to their tyranny. The path ahead is fraught with danger, as you have already seen."

Ash listens intently, the weight of his destiny pressing heavily on his shoulders. "But... why me? Why was I chosen?"

"You possess the qualities of a true leader," Arceus explains. "Courage, compassion, and an unyielding spirit. These traits are what make you the chosen one. But even with these qualities, the task before you is monumental. That is why I am here—to offer my assistance."

Ash's eyes widen in surprise. "You're going to help me?"

Arceus inclines its head slightly. "Indeed. You will not face this challenge alone. I shall call upon the Legendary and Mythical Pokémon to aid you in your quest. They, like you, wish to see balance restored to the world. Together, you will have the strength to face the darkness that awaits."

Ash feels a surge of hope and determination well up within him. The idea of having such powerful allies by his side is both reassuring and awe-inspiring. "Thank you, Arceus. I won't let you down. I'll do whatever it takes to fulfill the prophecy."

Arceus's form glows even brighter, filling the hall with a warm, comforting light. "Remember, Ash Ketchum, you are never truly alone. The bonds you share with your Pokémon, your friends, and now, with the forces of nature itself, will guide you through the trials ahead."

As the light intensifies, Ash feels his consciousness begin to fade, the hall around him slowly dissolving into the light. Arceus's voice echoes one last time in his mind, a final word of encouragement as he begins to wake from the dream.

"Awaken, Devil Prince. The journey continues."

With that, Ash is pulled back to the waking world, his body heavy, but his spirit renewed.

As Ash's consciousness fades into the dream world, the reality of the situation remains dire. With Ash unconscious from the missile strike, Delia and Golly immediately shift their focus to a safe landing. The winds whip around them as they guide their Pokémon toward the ground, scanning the terrain for a suitable spot to touch down.