Pokemon: Skybound

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For Ash and the others, the past few minutes had been overwhelming.

Not only had they seen the legendary Zapdos and Moltres with their own eyes, but they had also been captured and thrown into this massive flying fortress all at the hands of this so-called collector.

Too much had happened all at once.

It wasn't until the collector disappeared into the upper deck that they finally snapped out of their shock.

But even then, it was obvious—

From start to finish, the collector had never considered them a real threat.

If he had, he wouldn't have left them alone so carelessly.

"…Did he just write us off as unimportant?" Ash muttered, glancing around. "What should we do now? Should we break them out?"

Before anyone could respond, Melody walked up to the stone tablet at the centre of the room.

She carefully traced her fingers over the ancient inscriptions, muttering to herself.

"This really is identical to the prophecy that's been passed down on Shamouti Island for generations…"

She clenched her fists.

"I don't know how that guy got his hands on this, but we have to stop him. If he disrupts the balance between the three Legendary Birds, the rage of nature will plunge the world into total destruction."

"Total destruction?" Misty frowned. "Come on, isn't that a bit dramatic? Sure, it's bad, but it's just three Pokémon. Even if they get captured, would that really affect the entire world?"

"Don't underestimate the consequences!" Melody said firmly.

"This prophecy has existed for centuries. If the conditions are met, the disaster will come. It's happened before, and it will happen again."

Misty hesitated but still seemed sceptical.

She turned toward Kai instead.

"Kai, what do you think?"

Kai didn't answer immediately.

Instead, he posed a question.

"…Have you ever heard of the Butterfly Effect?"

Everyone stared at him in confusion.

"…The what?"

Seeing their blank expressions, Kai sighed and explained:

"It's a concept that states small changes can lead to massive, unpredictable consequences."

Ash still looked lost.

Kai smiled.

"Alright, let's make it simple. Imagine a Butterfree in Kanto. One day, it flaps its wings a few times. A few weeks later, that tiny action caused a massive hurricane in Johto."

Ash's eyes widened.

"Wait—what!? That actually happens!?"

Kai nodded.

"I know it sounds ridiculous, but it's scientifically possible."

Then, he turned to Melody.

"Shamouti Island is right at the centre of the Orange Islands, isn't it? That means major ocean currents flow through this area."

Melody nodded immediately.

"That's right! There's a powerful ocean current near Shamouti. It flows through the three islands and then splits into different routes."

Kai snapped his fingers.

"Exactly. That means any changes here could affect the entire regional climate. If Zapdos, Moltres, and Articuno start fighting, their storms, lightning, and flames will disrupt the entire ocean current. The first to be hit will be Shamouti Island. And if the damage is severe enough, the island could be wiped out completely."

The room fell silent.

Ash gritted his teeth.

"Then there's no question! We have to free them and get them back to their islands before they start fighting!"

Melody nodded in agreement.

"We have to restore the balance! Otherwise, the world is doomed!"

Kai, however, remained quiet.

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"…Or maybe," he said, "we don't."

Everyone froze.

"…What do you mean?" Melody's expression darkened.

Kai glanced at the cages, "Think about it. If the collector successfully captures all three, there won't be a fight at all. If the Three Legendary Birds are removed from the islands, the balance is permanently disrupted… But on the other hand, that also means the conflict will never happen again."

His voice was calm.

"If the collector keeps them locked up forever, they won't start a war. Shamouti Island stays safe."

Melody stared at him in shock.

That…

That was technically true.

If the birds were never free, the disaster would never come.

For a moment, everyone fell silent.

Then, they all turned to Melody.

Because this was her home.

And she would have to make the final decision.

Melody bit her lip.

She was clearly torn.

But in the end…

She clenched her fists and said:

"…No. I won't let this happen."

Her voice was firm.

"Zapdos and Moltres aren't just symbols. They're living beings. They don't deserve to be locked up for the rest of their lives. Besides, they've lived in harmony for centuries. I believe that peace can continue."

Kai smiled slightly.

"That's a good answer."

He turned back toward the cages.

"Then let's break them out."

Ash rushed forward first.

He grabbed the bars and tried to force them open.

ZAP!

The moment he touched them, a powerful shockwave blasted him backwards!

"AAAHH!!"

He landed flat on his back.

Misty facepalmed.

"You moron. Do you really think a cage strong enough to hold Legendary Pokémon can be broken open by bare hands!?"

Ash coughed and quickly sat up.

"I-I knew that! I was just… testing it!!"

"Yeah, sure you were."

Ash gritted his teeth.

"Fine! Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!"

Pikachu unleashed a massive electric attack at the bars.

BZZZT!!

The entire room lit up with blinding electricity.

When the light faded…

The cage was completely undamaged.

"…What!?" Ash's jaw dropped.

Just then—

The airship trembled slightly.

Everyone exchanged looks.

"What was that?"

They ran toward the window and looked outside.

A large island had appeared below them.

More importantly—

A massive battle was taking place.

Cannon fire rained down from the ship, targeting a single Pokémon.

A giant, majestic bird with gleaming blue feathers was soaring through the air, dodging the attacks.

Melody's eyes widened in horror.

"No…!!"

Kai's gaze hardened.

"The final piece…"

Misty swallowed nervously.

"Articuno…the God of Ice."

The collector had begun his final hunt.

And if they didn't stop him soon…

Lugia would be next.

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