Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon or any of the rights associated with it.

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Pokémon legend held that the Spear Pillar, atop Mt. Coronet in the Sinnoh region, was the entrance point into the human world for Palkia and Dialga, masters of space and time. As a result, researchers had thoroughly explored the Spear Pillar in the hopes to discover evidence that this was true, though repeated expeditions hadn't revealed any. Over time, the hikes to Mt. Coronet's apex ceased, with scientists concluding that Pokémon such as Dialga and Palkia were legends, fairy tales told to children as bedtime stories.

However, to those well-versed in the legends of old, with imaginations which eclipsed pure, rigid science, rumors such as this were the source of the Pokémon world's history.

Of course, humankind on its own wouldn't be able to locate any sort of portal transcending the space-time continuum; the legends of the Pokémon universe had been careful in their involvement with the human world in that regard. Still, due to their interference, a breach was inevitable, and the Spear Pillar was the location of the weakest point between worlds. Only certain Pokémon would be able to recognize that spot, let alone break through to the other side, but it was possible.

A shadow, seemingly from nowhere, flitted over the Spear Pillar, settling around one of the massive stalagmites that littered the site. It moved around the ancient site in an agitated manner before darting suddenly upwards and disappearing amidst a brief spark of purple lightning.

The world on the other side of the Spear Pillar was abstract, an atmosphere of purple and black that bulged and sparked purple lightning intermittently. Floating rock formations and waterfalls flowing in every direction, including up, were sprinkled sporadically throughout the strange dimension. The shadow – sensing little light – adopted its true form, becoming a dark wraith in the boundless void, its blue eyes bright pinpricks in the darkness. It paused briefly, as if listening to something, before taking off to its right with great haste.

After several minutes, the dark figure slowed to a halt and bowed respectfully as a large, imposing figure seemed to materialize out of the darkness. Though its features remained concealed by the dark dimension, the new figure emanated a strength that surpassed all others; it nodded its head, and the dark wraith straightened up. [It is time,] spoke the powerful figure telepathically. [You shall go now, while the Chosen One sleeps, and deliver our challenge to him. Let me know when it is done.]

The shadowy figure closed its blue eyes and inclined its head slightly in confirmation of this command. Then, eyes still closed, it relaxed its whole body and evened out its breathing, slipping into a meditative position. The other figure melded back into the shadows from whence it came. [Now all there is to do is wait.]

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If asked, Ash Ketchum would say that he had led a good life.

At the age of 17, he'd made Top 4 in the Sinnoh region's Lily of the Valley Conference, his team fighting hard but ultimately losing to a powerful trainer with a Darkrai, a Latios, and who knew what else. He'd bade goodbye to Dawn, promising to keep in touch, and headed home to Pallet Town, while Brock went back to his home in Pewter City. After two weeks moping around his house, wondering what he could have done differently, Ash had concluded that, despite his goal to be a Pokémon Master, he was still rather naïve and – dare he say it – stupid about the ways of his non-human friends. He'd gone to see Professor Oak the next day and asked how he could assist around the lab; the older man had been thrilled (it never felt like there were enough hands-on-deck with just himself and Tracey), and had accepted the offer immediately.

The next two years had been rather eye-opening for Ash. He didn't spend much time actually studying the Pokémon, but instead connected with them on a deeper level than he'd previously attained when traveling and battling with them throughout his years on the road. His sabbatical had given him time to reconnect with several of his older Pokémon who'd been sidelined during his more recent journeys (Bayleef had been particularly happy to see him), and understand them, not to mention opportunity to interact with and care for the other Pokémon at Oak's ranch. And of course, he had also trained his team, practicing with them and honing their skills, as well as his own, with his newfound insight.

At the end of the two-year period, 19-year-old Ash had restarted his Kanto journey, heading to Pewter City with a team consisting of Pikachu (naturally), Grotle, Bayleef, Totodile, Swellow, and Corphish. He had gone straight to the Pewter Gym and faced and defeated Brock – acting as temporary Gym Leader while his brother Forrest was in training – using Grotle and Bayleef. They had then chatted, catching up on the times, before Ash elaborated on his second reason for coming (the first being the Boulder Badge): to ask Brock to accompany him on a new journey, a revival of old times. The breeder had agreed upon getting his father, Flint, to act in his stead, and they had departed to Cerulean City the next day.

The challenge for the Cascade Badge had been interesting. Ash had wanted to test his water-types against Misty's in a friendly competition to assess her strides in becoming the best Water Pokémon Trainer, and so Corphish and Totodile were called out to battle Misty's Staryu and Corsola. Her expertise had been unquestionable, and the Pallet Town native had been forced to bring out Pikachu against Gyarados for a hard-fought victory. When he'd proposed that she come with them, the redhead had visibly hesitated, unwilling (or unable) to abandon the gym, but encouragement from her eldest sibling Daisy had finally swayed her.

And so, with his two friends by his side, Ash had traversed Kanto for the second time, meeting up with old friends, camping in the outdoors, and bickering playfully with Misty. Brock and Misty had encouraged him from the sidelines of the remaining gyms as he handily won the Thunder, Rainbow, Marsh, Soul, Volcano, and Earth Badges, using tactics and knowledge that he hadn't possessed nearly a decade ago.

At the age of 20, Ash had fought (again) in the Pokémon League Competition, making it to the finals and winning a challenging fight against an opponent from Hoenn (of course, it helped that Charizard listened to him this time around). With Misty and Brock in the challenger's support box (and his mother, Professor Oak, Tracey, and Gary in the stands) cheering him on, Ash had fought the prestigious members of the Elite Four.

Prima and Bruno, the Ice and Fighting Masters, respectively, had been relatively easy (as easy as fighting the elite can be). Prima had been knocked out with the use of Charizard, Pikachu, and Torkoal, while Sceptile, Swellow, and Staraptor had defeated Bruno. Agatha, the Ghost Mistress, had been a bit trickier, but Ash had managed to win with the strategic use of his Noctowl's Foresight attack. Lance had been the most difficult; it had taken a good deal of luck and strategy to beat the Dragon Master, and in the end, it came down to Pikachu wearing down Dragonite after the latter had already been injured by Ash's Glalie.

The moment Dragonite had collapsed to the floor, utterly spent, Ash almost broke down and cried: with the title of Kanto League Champion, he was one step closer to the title of Pokémon Master, a dream 10 years in the making.

His friends and family had run up and congratulated him, and among the crowd, he'd sought the gaze of Misty, his oldest friend, for her reaction; she'd been beaming, and for a moment, he'd thought there was something else, something deeper, shining in her eyes, but then he'd blinked and it had gone.

Shocking them all, Ash had declined Lance's position of League Champion, offering a hearty, "Thanks, but I'd rather keep trying new and different things, and I don't think I can do that here." The Elite Four had taken this news with a series of smiles, saying that it was his decision to make and that they understood completely; he would, however, receive a monthly stipend as reward for his victory. Just because he'd refused to stay didn't mean the position wasn't still his to fulfill if he ever decided to take it.

Later that evening, before going to bed, Ash had spoken to Brock in private (Misty was sharing a room with Ash's mother) in their room in the Pokémon Center. Without preamble, Ash had told his older friend, "I'm sure you're wondering why I didn't accept the League Champion position."

Brock had nodded. "I'll admit the thought did cross my mind. It seemed a bit unlike you."

Ash had returned Brock's nod with one of his own. He'd taken a deep breath and then explained, "I want to become a Pokémon Researcher, like Professor Oak and Gary. Don't get me wrong, battling is great! But I want to keep my options open for the future, and I don't know if I'll be able to do that while being the Champion. It's too heavy a responsibility, and I don't know if I can handle it.

"I'm going to accept Scott's offer to become a Frontier Brain. That'll allow me to still battle, but I won't be confined by it, and I'll be able to do research on the side. I know that you still want to be a breeder, so I was wondering if…if you'd like to work with me." The last part had been said in a rush, and Brock hadn't yet wrapped his head around the offer before Ash had rambled, "I mean, I completely understand if you don't want to, but I figured that with all the Pokémon in the area, and since we've been traveling companions and friends for years, that maybe we could have a sort of bachelor pad, at least until one or both of us settle down, you know?"

"You serious?"

Ash had managed a small grin and a sheepish, "Dead serious."

"Not that I doubt your intentions, but you've never been great at books. Can you really do research?"

He'd given a short laugh. "Yeah, that's why I'll do something fun and interactive. Keep my body and brain busy."

"Well, sounds like you have a plan at least. Count me in!"

The next several months had been rather busy for the two friends as they moved to a small, uninhabited island between Pallet Town and Cinnabar Island. All of their Pokémon from Professor Oak and Pewter City had been released upon the island, finding their niches in nature's expanse.

The island itself was a geographical gift, in the two trainers' opinions. A large clearing was located about a mile from the north shore of the island, surrounded on opposite sides by a forest. The third side – the one closest to the shore – possessed a small stream that drained into the ocean and ended in a rather large freshwater lake about half a mile behind the clearing. The fourth side – behind the clearing – was a vast stretch of land that could best be described as a savannah – short grass and sparse trees. Eventually, the terrain became rougher, large areas of dirt and rocks replacing the grassy savannah; this served as a habitat for several of Brock's Rock-types. Beyond that, jagged spires of rock, several of them hundreds of feet high, jutted up from the ground, where the high altitude allowed for some Ice- and Flying-types to make their home; caverns (closer to the base) and caves speckled these mountains, providing a dwelling for some Dark-, Ghost-, and Ground-type Pokémon. Opposite the mountains, on the island's southeast shore, lay a dormant volcano and several natural hot springs, where the heat and humidity allowed for Fire-type Pokémon to roam. Overall, the island was roughly circular, with a radius about 20 miles across, leaving plenty of room for the two humans, their Pokémon, and all the wild ones already on the island.

That had given Ash his idea for a field of research to study: the effects of the habitat and terrain on the growth and battling abilities of Pokémon, as well as how they were affected by human companionship. Given his history of exciting adventures and hard loss in Sinnoh, he'd also decided to dabble in the field of researching the proclaimed Legendary Pokémon of each region. As a Frontier Brain, Ash had modeled his battle format on that of the preliminary rounds of the Indigo Plateau Conference. His facility had been dubbed the Battle Island, utilizing the different habitats present on the island in order to battle; if they won, his opponents received the Strategy Symbol.

The process of making the island habitable by people had been long and arduous, but with the help of their Pokémon (including some very welcome assistance from Ash's Charizard and Brock's Steelix), a couple of buildings had been constructed in the clearing, which served as Ash and Brock's base of operations. The main building was a lab which acted as both a research facility and living quarters. The two men each had their own bedroom and bathroom, with a joint kitchen and living room. A staircase led down to the basement, where much of Ash's and Brock's data and information (as well as Pokéballs) were kept, and there was another staircase that went up to an attic, which served as a loft for many different varieties of bird Pokémon. A smaller building attached to the main one was used by Brock for breeding and nursing.

Perhaps the biggest surprise for the duo had occurred six months after their arrival on the island. They'd been eating breakfast when a knock on the front door had echoed around the house, prompting the two to look at each other before getting up to see who was there. Both boys had immediately tensed when their visitors had been revealed to be Jessie, James, and Meowth; every childhood interaction with the Team Rocket trio had always ended in a battle, so when none came, they were visibly surprised.

Apparently, after 10 years of stalking "the twerps" and failing to complete their objective, the Team Rocket members had decided to quit. Since there had been moments when they had worked with Ash instead of against him, they had decided to try that again, and had come asking to work aid Ash's research and Frontier Brain responsibilities as his assistants. Ash and Brock had excused themselves to discuss the matter, and had ultimately relented to give the ex-Rockets a chance, which they had eagerly taken.

Of course, they'd been wary of the ex-Rockets at first, but over time – and with no attempts to nab Pikachu or any of the other Pokémon – they had relaxed, and eventually become friends with Jessie, James, and Meowth.

It had been five years since Ash Ketchum's fateful decision to give up the Champion title, and he could safely say that he enjoyed the life he'd established, surrounded by people and Pokémon he could proudly call friends. When he wasn't engrossed in some aspect of his research, he kept his skills sharp by battling casually with Brock or some of the wild Pokémon, even challenging Jessie and James infrequently to help raise their Pokémon and engage in different fighting strategies.

And now, after a late night of researching Suicune, Entei, and Raikou that had dragged on until early morning, 25-year-old Ash Ketchum was sleeping.

The Frontier Brain's unruly black hair, cut marginally shorter than his childhood self had worn it, pillowed on his crossed arms. A white, knee-length lab coat, tan khakis, and a forest green shirt kept him warm in spite of the basement's chill. Ash twitched slightly in his sleep, a frown of confusion marring his young face as his dream of a red-headed Gym Leader was replaced by another woman.

He looked curiously around the new dream, noting that, despite the pitch-black space he was floating in, he could still see clearly. The woman in front of him had shoulder-length white hair and sky blue eyes, a stark contrast to her dark skin. A blood red robe covered her entire body, save her feet, which were bare. He eyed her warily before asking, in a confused voice reminiscent of his childhood, "What's going on here?"

The woman in front of him merely inclined her head slightly in acknowledgment of his question. "Chosen One," she began, and Ash had an immediate inclination to run, the reference of 'Chosen One' never a good omen. "As you may have hypothesized during the course of your research, it is not unheard of for Legendary Pokémon to explore the world infrequently in order to observe the progress between Pokémon and man."

"So, the world is out of balance again, and you need me to help restore that balance," Ash interrupted. "What do I have to do this time? And while we're at it, who are you?"

The woman chuckled in response. "Relax, Chosen One, nothing so extreme. To answer your second question, you may call me Rai. And I have called you in order to issue you a challenge, presented by the great beings themselves."

Ash felt his blood begin to heat up as the familiar thrill of a challenge dangled before him. With renewed energy, he asked, "What's the challenge?" His voice came out higher, pitched with the familiar excitement of his 10-year-old self.

"You are being allowed the opportunity to capture the Legendary Pokémon of each region."

Ash froze where he stood, thunderstruck by the offer. He was being granted the opportunity to capture the proclaimed legendaries of Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh. The research he could accomplish by being able to study said Pokémon up close was endless. Questions interposed themselves over the possibilities that were racing through his mind, his euphoria briefly slowing with a thoughtfulness grown in adulthood. "Wait…why me? Why am I so special that I get this challenge? Also, aren't the legendaries needed to keep balance? Isn't there only one of each type of Legendary Pokémon? Wouldn't I be taking them away from their positions?"

This time, Rai let out a full laugh, her mystical voice echoing musically in the strange void. "Tell me Ash, how many Articuno have you seen throughout your adventures? Several, correct? It may be true that certain legendaries, like Mewtwo, are truly unique, but they will be able to oversee the world regardless of ownership or location.

"As for why you were chosen…well, that's a rather involved explanation. You are a good individual at heart. You treat your Pokémon as friends, with the utmost care, and have never sought to intentionally do wrong or evil. Do not misunderstand me…you are not perfect; nobody is. However, you try your best and attempt to fight injustice. You gave members of Team Rocket a second chance others would have considered them undeserving of, and now look at where they are! That is why you are being granted this opportunity. The legendaries do not fear you misusing their power; instead, they anticipate that you will treat them with the same kindness and attention that you show the rest of your Pokémon."

Ash was silent as he took in this information. Provided that he wasn't taking the legendaries from their rightful place (and after the confirmation that he wasn't, he felt better), the challenge seemed straightforward. Still…things were rarely as simple as they appeared. "I have a question. Do I have to do this alone, or can I bring someone with me? I prefer to travel with friends by my side."

Rai smiled. "There is no reason that you cannot bring friends with you. However, they will not be allowed to help you capture the Legendary Pokémon; the burden of the challenge is all on your shoulders."

Burden? he wondered.

"In addition, in accordance with standard league regulations, you will only be allowed to use six of your own Pokémon per battle. However, should you use one Legendary Pokémon to fight another, the battle will be forfeit. Beyond that, you will abide by any rules set forth during the course of each challenge. It may vary for each Legendary Pokémon you face, although most will likely be a standard battle.

"That is all I have to tell you. Do you have any other questions?" After a brief silence in which Ash considered the question, he shook his head. "Then I wish you luck."

"Wait! How do you know all this?"

Rai smirked slightly. "All in good time." And then she was gone.

In the real world, Ash Ketchum awoke with a start, releasing a large yawn and running a hand through unkempt black hair as he processed everything he'd just been told. He blinked several times, a grin crawling its way across his lips. "I guess I've gotta gather the gang."

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Within the alternate dimension, the shadowy figure opened its eyes, sky blue staring straight ahead into the darkness. As if summoned, the second presence stepped forward into the area the smaller figure was staring. [Has the challenge been accepted?] posed the authoritative voice of the bigger figure.

[Yes,] came the weary reply.

[Very well. Then we shall wait until our time comes. You have done well, Darkrai, and I thank you for your services. Rest for now; I am sure you will be needed again.]

Darkrai inclined its head. [Thank you, Arceus,] it mumbled, before falling asleep. Arceus merely inclined its head in return before melding back into the darkness of the void.

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Author's Notes: Welcome to the beginning of this lengthy Pokémon tale! I hope you all enjoyed the prologue. I'll try to address any concerns/questions you have as they pop up. Thanks for the support guys!