The new warrior Guardians found themselves in Sanctuary waiting for final instructions from Eve before they left. They had returned from the Xiaolin World about a day ago to discover only a week had passed in their world. Eve and Lucas had already transported the other guest home, but they needed to talk with the warrior Guardians about a few matters before they would be returned to where they belong.

"This place is amazing! I can't believe that this place hasn't been discovered before! I mean it's huge!" Misty exclaimed.

"Well this whole valley is protected by a force field. Not to mention the legendary Pokemon probably used their powers to make sure this place isn't found," May added.

"Still this place is quite amazing. Did you see how they bonded humans and Pokemon at birth? It's quite extraordinary if you think about it. These Pokemon seem to have a stronger bond with their humans then most," Tracey commented.

"Look at this technology its so cool! They're using crystals and the elements to power everything! Man I wish I could spend more time here to check everything out!" Max exclaimed.

"Whoa don't blow a gasket Max. We still don't know what Eve wants with us. I thought we covered everything at the Rite of Passage Ceremony. What more is there?" Casey wondered.

"Who knows, but whatever it is it must be important. Maybe it has something to do with those adult responsibilities that Eve was talking about at the ceremony. It would make sense," Gary pointed out.

"I'm just hoping that these new responsibilities won't prevent us from continuing on with our journeys. I still need to win three more ribbons if I want to enter the Sinnoh Grand Festival," Zoey said.

"I'm sure that whatever responsibilities that Eve gives us will leave time for our own pursuits. Still we will have to be ready to make a sacrifice if it's a life or death situation," Soladade pointed out.

"I really hope it doesn't come to that. In case you haven't noticed I'm not the best when it comes to sacrificing for the greater good. I'm just hoping that I can redeem myself somehow," Paul stated quietly.

"Don't worry so much Paul. You've already changed a lot from your former self. I mean you actually apologized for once and you're working on being a nicer person. I think your Pokemon are actually starting to consider you a friend," Dawn said.

"Just being here now proves how much you've changed. This place doesn't allow evil in it in any form. You really are changing Paul and I'm sure that one day you'll find the redemption your looking for," Brock added.

"Yeah there's really no need to worry Paul. You're a Guardian like us now. Whatever happens you at know there are at least eleven people who will always remain your friends," Ash told him squeezing his shoulder gently. Ash was still wearing the clothes the Killforma had given him along with necklace with transformed Killforma charm on it.

"Its good to see you all getting along. That's important for a team. Sorry I wasn't able to speak with you right away I was detained on business. Would you all take a seat please?" Eve asked as she and Lucas entered the room.

"Eve how are our Pokemon doing? They went to the infirmary for a check up awhile ago and haven't returned," Tracey asked.

"Your Pokemon are fine. They are just getting a thorough check up and being pampered for a little while. They will need it for what's to come," Lucas replied.

"Um just one more question before you begin talking about our responsibilities. I know you've transported everyone back to where they belong, but how did you convince Team Rocket not to spill the beans about this place? I mean the first time you had their memories erased, but would that work a second time?" Max asked.

"No we didn't do something as drastic as that this time with the Legendary sisters being away. Instead we sort of bribed them. We gave them a year's worth of food in exchange for the silence and the promise if they didn't keep their word they'd be hunted down. They chose having filled bellies over becoming prey."

"That's good to know those creeps are staying out of this field. So you going to explain the rules to being a Guardian to us? From what I've seen so far I don't see it being that difficult," Casey stated.

"Yeah we aren't any different then you guys right? I mean you have powers and can talk to Pokemon right? So whatever duties you do we can handled them to," Misty said.

"Not exactly young ones. You twelve are different then any of the other Guardians in existence. It is true that most of us have powers and can talk with the Pokemon. Some of us can even use moves and vice versa. But there is a big difference between you and us. It takes years for us to learn how to use moves or hold a conversation with Pokemon and some us never learn it and vice versa. We can only learn up to three specific moves and then it tires us greatly. Same with us pokemorphing, we can generally only hold the shape for a few minutes hours top before we collapse of exhaustion."

"You twelve are different because your adepts at this. You were born with your powers and have been using them unconsciously before you became aware of them. Your ability to learn to control and fight so quickly is a rare trait found in the warrior Guardians. You also can learn any move pertaining to your element and talk with ease with the Pokemon with only the medallion to assist you. It is for these reasons you're the Sanctuary front line of defense," Lucas explained.

"As warrior Guardians your responsibilities encompass all the areas. You will fight against evils, rescue those in trouble, make peace, and even retrieve relics. You must be willing to drop whatever your doing when a mission comes up even if you're in the middle of gym battle or contest. The safety of our world depends on it. That is why I'm upgrading your Poketches," Eve said transforming all twelve Poketches into crystal versions. "These Poketches are linked directly to the Guardian archives so you can access any information you need at a moments notice. They will give you the precise location of any Guardian, and have a holographic communicator feature that will help you to keep in contact with one another. They have a couple extra features that I'm sure you'll discover with time."

"Wow this is so cool!" Dawn exclaimed.

"In addition your journal crystals also perform another function. They have lessons downloaded into them. They will help with completing your training. Use them wisely and don't lose them!"

"We won't Lucas. Will take good care of these items," Soladade promised.

"Now that you're up to speed why don't you explore Sanctuary and talk with some of the other Guardians. It should help give you a better idea of what you're getting into. We'll transport you back to where you belong first thing tomorrow morning," Eve told them smiling. The kids started talking excitedly amongst each other and started dispersing. "Ash wait please? I need to speak to you privately about something."

"Go on Ash will meet you in the cafeteria later for lunch," Brock assured him. Ash nodded and headed off with Eve and Lucas. He followed the two as they made their way through the maze of corridors wondering what they wanted to talk about.

Finally they came to a decorated wooded door. Pushing it open they found themselves in a small room with several tiled murals on the wall. The scenes were beautiful and seemed to the story of the Heart. There was a couple of mats and fire pit. The sun shone brightly through the stain glass windows depicting men who greatly resembled Ash with different Pokemon. "Whoa what is this place?"

"We call it the Heart's Inner Sanctum. In this room countless Hearts have learned to control their powers and protect our world. I've brought you hear because I have a serious matter to discus with you, one which you might not like."

"What are you two going on about? I thought we covered everything about being a warrior Guardian already. If this is about the Killforma you don't have to worry about him. I'm taking care of him and he's not a threat anymore."

"Its not about the Killforma Ash although he does play a small part in this. Please sit and have some tea. Eve and are very concerned about you especially after what the Killforma did to you. We realize now we made a mistake in not telling you the truth last time you were here. If we had told you about being the Heart of the Pokemon world we might have prevented the Killforma from kidnapping you."

"Lucas I don't blame either of you for what happened. What's done is done. I'm not worried about it and hey I was going to find out eventually. So now I know and I'm okay with it."

"Yes well its because you're the Heart that I asked you to speak to you privately. Normally we would wait until your eighteen and bring you here to train and you wouldn't leave for many years, but circumstances have changed. After speaking with your mother and from what we've personally observed we think it best if you stay here while the other Guardians returned to the outside world. You would be safe and you could master your powers."

"Give up on my journey to be a Pokemon Master? Never! What happened to waiting until I'm eighteen? Exactly how long would it take to master my powers?" Ash demanded angrily.

"Normally it takes a Heart until they're about twenty five, but with the power and control you've demonstrated I don't think it will take that long," Eve said hesitatingly

"Nine years! You want me to give up nine years of my life to stay here and learn? What about freedom of choice? You can't force me to be a prisoner your only two years older then me! Besides I've got control so why should I stay? No ones going to threaten me!"

"Do you realize how vulnerable you are? Don't you know what will happen if your killed?!" Eve exclaimed.

"What are you getting at? Wouldn't the power go into someone else?"

"Ash, for whatever reason since the beginning of time the power of the Heart has resided in your family's line. Normally the power is passed to the next generation upon the death of the previous Heart like your grandfather passing it onto you on his deathbed, but your situation is unique. You have no siblings and your mother isn't related to your male line by blood. If you die the Heart's powers die with you and so does our world," Lucas explained gently.

"Your situation is unique for other reasons. You inherited your Guardians abilities from your father and your talent as a trainer makes you a triple threat not to mention your friendship with the Killforma. Also from what your mother's told me you've been using the Hearts power from the moment you were born. You didn't know you were born with a heart defect?"

"No, what kind of defect?"

"You had a hole in your heart. The surgeons weren't sure they could fix it. You were only a few hours old and already you were dying. Your parents thought they lose you until something miraculous happened. They had come to do tests to prep you for surgery and discovered the hole had closed on its own. Defects like that don't repair themselves magically. As a newborn you tapped into your power and healed yourself. Other instance of you using your power include the way you've avoided injury by Pokemon, every extraordinary thing you did with a Legendary and just attracting them, and your little stunt in Hearthome. Never before has a Heart had this much power before their eighteenth year."

"But if I was using all these powers before why wasn't I aware of it? I mean it took me forever to learn to control my lightning powers and then the Killforma tried to take them from me. I still don't understand why he couldn't if Hearts have to be willingly given. I mean Raimundo willingly gave away the Amulet of First Kung and I gave myself to him,"

"Because you didn't consciously give your Heart powers to him. Subconsciously you might have known about them, but unless you consciously gave them to him he couldn't use them. Besides even if you did they would remain apart of you. The best the Killforma could have hoped for was to control your body and manage the powers that way. Ash we're only thinking of your safety. There are dangers out there that are worse the evil humans and Pokemon. There are inhuman creatures that will stop at nothing to gain control of you and the power you represent. We just want make sure the world is safe."

"I understand Lucas really I do, but I can't stay here. I'm meant to travel and compete. There are so many adventures to be had. I still have to win all my badges and compete in the Sinnoh League. I have friends to make and a life to lead. If I stay here to learn control I might save the world, but I'll kill myself in the end."

"Perhaps a compromise is order. We want you to learn to control your abilities and stay safe. You want to complete your journey and have a life. What if we sent someone to protect and train you? Your own personal bodyguard to keep you out of trouble and make sure you learn control. Your friend Auara had one for many years and turned out quite well. Would you agree to that?"

"If the alternative is to stay here for nine years I'll take it. I just hope whoever you chose isn't going to embarrass me or work me to death," Ash replied shaking her hand.

"Trust me the girl I have in mind will do quite nicely. Why don't we go meet her? She should be finishing up her training session in the courtyard. Follow me please," Eve instructed as they filed out of the room heading for the courtyard.

Ash observed the flurry of activity going on. It still amazed him that this place had existed for centuries and that its sole purpose was to promote/protect the bond between Pokemon and human. It surprised him at first that the people he bowed respectfully at him, but he soon got over. Finally they arrived in the courtyard. "So where is this girl?"

"Over there. By the looks of things she's in a serious training session," Eve commented. Ash looked to where she was pointing and his eyes widen in surprise.

A tan girl about eighteen with long magenta colored hair and eyes wearing a black halter and long black skirt with gold armbands was battling against an Argon, a Ryedon, and a Magmar along with their human abious. Argon came after the girl with Iron Skull. She jumped and smashed her fist into Argon's skull creating a standoff. Suddenly she grabbed Argon's horn and dragged him across the field until she rammed him into a tree. When his abiou grabbed her from behind she grabbed his hand and flung him into a tree. She then had to perform some fancy footwork as Ryedon with his human riding him tried to pound her with Hammer Arm. When one attack got particularly close she bent back into a bridge. As Ryedon was bringing she brought up both legs kicking hard. The attack unbalanced Ryedon and he fell to the ground pinning his human underneath. As soon as the girl got the human out from under the behemoth she was attacked by an Overheat attack. Grunting with anger and effort she thrusted her hands foreword sending a Magical Leaf attack to meet the oncoming Overheat. The collision of the two attacks created a smoky fog leaving everyone in the dark. Magmar tried to sense her only to be cart wheeled from behind right into the ground. His boy came after the girl and they exchanged blows for several minutes. He couldn't land a hand on the girl she was so good at blocking his attacks. Suddenly her eyes flashed and Grass Knot suddenly tied up the boy.

Wiping the sweat from her forehead the girl grinned triumphantly. "Nice work guys I really think your improving. Try to be a little more unpredictable next time and prepared for surprises. Go shower and check yourselves into the infirmary. Hey Leba how was I?" she asked as she scratched the ears of a Leafeon.

"Leafeon!"

"Whoa that was amazing! How did you do that? I thought for sure you'd be crushed against those powerhouses!" Ash exclaimed as the trio walked over to the girl. "Your incredible!"

"Yes that was quite a training session. Don't you think you were a little harsh on them? Not mention why wasn't Leba fighting alongside you?" Lucas asked.

"Hey the only way they'll make good boarder patrols or recovery teams is if I push them to their limits. That means not going easy on them for a second. As for Leba she needed some rest after last night's patrol. So Eve what brings you here?" the girl said pressing her medallion and transforming her workout clothes to the typical garb of the Guardians.

"Trina Chrysalis I'd like you to meet Ash Ketchum. He's training to become a Pokemon Master. He's also the Guardian of Lightning, Keeper of the Killforma, and Heart of our world."

"It is an honor and pleasure to meet someone as esteemed as you. I've heard much about you. But I'm a bit confused as to why you would bring him to me Eve. After all if he's going to be staying here to learn control wouldn't you assign someone else to teach him to fight?"

"The thing is I don't want to stay here for nine years to train. I want to be out their in the world living my life. Eve didn't want to force me to stay so she came up with a compromise."

"I thought that you might like to become his bodyguard and mentor. You have all the requirements and I can't think of anyone else to protect our Heart."

"What kind of qualifications do you have exactly? I mean from what I've seen you're a top-notch fighter and I bet you're a great trainer. So what else is there?"

"Your right about those two things, but my talents are varied. I know both first aid and emergency trauma, disassemble and reassemble any weapon in less then two minutes not to mention I have a knack for explosives, I have degrees in cryptography and computers, not to mention I'm skilled at getting stains out of clothes. But my greatest qualification would be that my mentor rest his soul trained your grandfather in the use of his powers. So you see I'm the perfect choice to go with you. Eve, Leba and I accept this mission. Would you permit me to gather something's before we depart?"

"Not at all. The Guardians aren't leaving until tomorrow morning so that should give you plenty of time to bond with them. Besides I thought you might want to square things with Leba's family before you left."

"Leba's family? What are you talking about?"

"You'll see follow me," Trina told him as the group marched back inside the Sanctuary. They headed into the living quarter sections and soon they found themselves in a pleasant little apartment. Inside they found an Umbreon and Espeon couple trying to reign in a Vaporeon, Flairion, Jolteon, Glacieon, and a little Eevee. When they spied Trina they let out calls of delight. "Its good to see you guys too. I'm glad that your doing fine really I am."

"Hold on why aren't they speaking English? I mean I can understand them with my medallion, but I still hear their calls and not a clear voice. What gives and why do you have so many Pokemon here?"

"It's like we said earlier some Pokemon never manage to learn English. Their abious learn to understand their language, but can never understand under Pokemon. As a warrior Guardian you can always understand Pokemon, but you'll still know if its talking in their own language or English," Lucas explained.

"As for the brood I can explain that. Una the Umbreon is my mother's abiou while Enzo the Espeon is my father's abiou. They're deep under cover right now and didn't want to risk their lives. Besides they were nursing the newest member of their family at the time of their departure. Ash I would like you to meet Leba's twin brother Glen the Glacion. These three are her younger triplet siblings Vanessa the Vaporeon, Ember the Flairion, and Jorgen, the Jolteon. This is their youngest sister Esme the Eevee. This rambunctious brood lives with me because we haven't found them abious yet."

"I thought that at birth you're paired up."

"When a human or Pokemon is born we surround them by several members of the other species. When abious meet for the first time they telepathically here the other one calling them. When they touch they speak each other's name. We've tried to find humans to bond to with them, but have been unsuccessful so they've lived here with their parents," Eve explained.

"So I was hoping if I take them with me they might find abious. That is if it's all right with you Una and Enzo? I know that Esme just finished nursing a little while ago and it's scary to let your youngest go, but trust me I'll take good care of her. Please let me take them with me?"

The mates looked at one another and began to conversant to fast for Ash to keep up. He caught a couple words, but not enough to understand what they were saying. Finally the pair looked up at Trina.

"Umbreon um!"

"Espeon esp!"

"Thank you old friends I will take good care of them and protect them with my life. I promise. Hey guys ready to go an adventure? You'll have to travel some of the time in Pokeballs, but for the rest of the time you can travel under your own power okay?" Trina told the group. The brood made happy sounds as she caught them in Pokeballs. "That was easy and I have a magenta colored Pokedex for my id as well as crystal Poketch. Okay just pack my bag with the essentials food, first aid, spare clothes, and few odds and ends okay done. I'm ready to meet your friends."

"Um if you're going to travel with me can you wear some other clothes? I mean the Guardians are suppose to be secret."

"No problem. Watch this," Trina said touching her medallion. Instantly her clothes morphed into a pair of black clog boots, black stockings, a magenta/black skirt with a gold belt that held her Pokeballs, a magenta halter top, gold bracelet, earrings, and headband, along with elbow length fingerless magenta gloves and a chocker with a purple stone symbolizing her position as Ash's bodyguard. "You like? I've been experimenting."

"I think Brock's going to faint when he sees you."

"We shall see. Let's go join the others and tell them about the arraignment. I'm sure your Pokemon are all healed by now," Trina commented. Nodding the group headed towards the cafeteria where they could hear people talking.

As they entered they could see that everyone was sharing the delicious meal with their Pokemon. The topic of conversation was about what they would be doing once they left Sanctuary. The conversation stopped the instant the small group entered the room. "Hey guys what's up? I'd like you guys to meet Trina. She's my…"

"Dream girl! Trina my name is Brock and other then being the greatest breeder ever I want to be your boyfriend. I'm qualified is so many areas to bask in your glory. Please say you'll be my ah!" Brock grunted in pain as Trina grabbed his hand and twisted it quite painfully. As he moaned in pain Crogunk dragged him away.

"Thanks for the offer Brock, but I'm not interested in guys who get up in your face. If you want to have a chance with me your going to have to act like a gentleman. But I wouldn't hold your breath seeing as how I'm going to be very busy with helping Ash out."

"What is she talking about Ash? Does this have anything to do with why Eve wanted to talk to you alone" Dawn asked.

"It does indeed Dawn. I was trying to persuade Ash to stay here to train in controlling his Heart powers. However the thought of staying here nine years and not competing in the Sinnoh League was unappealing. So we opted for a compromise. Trina here will travel with you three as his bodyguard and mentor. However if she deems the situation to dangerous Ash will be forced to return here for his own safety. That does sound reasonable doesn't it?"

"It's fine with me. I promise to work hard and not let anything bad happen to me. Hey guys get off me!" Ash laughed as his Pokemon jumped on him happily.

"Don't worry Ash will make sure you stay safe!" Pikachu promised.

"No one shall harm you under our watch!" Aipom promised.

"Just let them try! I'll tackle them so hard they'll be seeing stars!" Turtwig added.

"Then I'll Aerial Ace them miles away!" Staravia continued.

"And my Flamethrower will reduce them to less then nothing!" Chimchar finished.

"Your Pokemon seem quite adamant in their desire to protect you from harm. That should really help us out in the future. So may I ask what the rest of you warrior Guardians are going to do once your returned back to where you were?"

"When I get back to the Cerulean Gym I'm going train hard in controlling my powers. I figure I can educate challengers and help protect my city that way," Misty explained.

"When we get back to Johto Soladade and I will travel together for awhile. She already has four ribbons and I've got three. I figure we can help out coordinators with their problems," May stated.

"Will also see if we can rid Johto of any riffraff we find. Once we've mastered our skills Johto should be a safer place to live in," Soladade added.

"After I help Professor Oak and Delia get comfortable I think I'll head back to visit the Orange Islands for awhile. I want to see if I can do something for them. I shouldn't be gone to long and they don't need much helping seeing as how Delia still going to own her house and use it," Tracey commented.

"I think I'll help out my Dad in the gym for awhile before I heading off on my journey. The Hoenn region needs a lot of protection from Team Aqua and Team Magma," Max said.

"I'll be there to help him out. I just completed my Kanto region adventures and now I'm ready to head off to a new place. This Electabuzz fan won't be giving up anytime soon!" Casey said.

"I've got some more research projects going on in the Sinnoh region. I'll be doing my best to protect the wildlife from harm. With my new abilities and fighting skills no one is going to mess with my protectate!" Gary exclaimed.

"Yeah I'll be in the Sinnoh area as well. I'll be using contest to help train both my Pokemon and me. We should be able to help out a lot of people," Zoey said.

"I'm going for the Sinnoh League still, but I think I might take time off my journey. I need to reflect and try to figure out a way to redeem myself. Maybe I should head home and have a talk with my family," Paul said quietly.

"I think that those are all marvelous ideas. All of you have taken the first step on a journey of discovery. I don't know what your destination is, but I'm sure when you get there you'll know. Let's finish our meal and get some rest."

The rest of the day passed without incident. The next day after a healthy breakfast everyone was ready to go. After a few last minute instructions Eve used the crystal control board to teleport everyone where they needed to be. As soon as they were back in the real world the new quartet started heading off towards Veilstone City determined to achieve their dreams.