Disclaimer: - I, SSG-Goku3397, do not own Pokémon. It all belongs to GameFreak and Nintendo. The only thing that I do own is the plot of this story and OC's that are present within the story.
'Thoughts'
"Speech"
Attacks (Pokémon/Aura Based)
Pokédex
'Pokéthoughts'
"Telepathic Speech / Aura Translation of Pokéspeech"
Chapter 6 – What a Surprise!
Ash, Brock and Misty with Pikachu riding on Ash's shoulder were walking across a large bridge in Vermillion City when they saw a large Luxury Ocean Liner with the name St. Anne painter on its bow. Brock just let out a long whistle while Misty sighed.
"Wish I could ride on one of those!"
"You want to ride on one of those? Then it's your lucky day Misty! The Ketchum's own the company that owns the St. Anne." Ash exclaimed causing Misty to look at him with excitement.
"Really Ash? Can we you really get us on board?" Brock just shook his head in exasperation before perking up in excitement as well.
"Of course! If I am not mistaken, the St. Anne plans to set sail this evening and stop at Porta Vista for a week. We can catch a ride to Porta Vista. From there we take a ferry back to the mainland Kanto and then Saffron is only a couple of days walk away. Is that alright with you guys?" Misty just nodded her head in acceptance.
"How long will it take to reach Porta Vista Ash?" Ash turned to look at Brock before saying, "We will reach it the morning, four days from the time the ship sets sail. So let's board the ship before it leaves." Ash ran towards the ramp with Misty, Brock and Pikachu running behind him.
"Right this way sir!" A large sailor said as he escorted Ash and his friends to the captain's cabin. "Captain! This kid says that his family owns the company and requested that we take him and his friends to Porta Vista!"
An old man with white hair and mustache looked up from some charts and examined the trio of kids with a critical eye. After a couple of minutes of silence, he smiled. "Welcome aboard Sir Ketchum! I must say, you look just like you father looked at your age. How is Queen Melisa?"
"It's nice to finally meet you Captain Jameson! And I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but Aunt Melisa passed away about a month after my tenth birthday. It seems that she had brain cancer and didn't tell me or Ilene. Only mom and her personal attendant, Layla, knew." said Ash with a sad sigh. Misty and Brock just put their hands on his shoulders and squeezed while Pikachu nuzzled Ash's cheek.
"I am sorry to hear that. I still remember her as the spoiled five-year-old princess riding on the St. Marisa. I was a new Captain then."
"So it's true? You were a friend of my grandfather?"
"Yes I was. Old Ashura was a good man and an even greater Guardian. If I am not mistaken he and his wife, your grandmother Jenny, died out of heart break after your father sacrificed himself. Now how about Lyon over there show you to the Owners Suite. I still have some work to finish."
"Of course Captain! Inform me when you are free. I would like to hear stories about gramps. I heard that you had a lot of adventures with him!" Jameson smiled before shaking his head.
"I would love to tell you about Ashura, Ash. I can tell you a lot about Richard as well, being his godfather and all. Join me for dinner at my table tonight. Oh right! Sorry I forgot to introduce myself, the names Dylan Jameson. The captain of St. Anne."
"I am Misty Waterflower!"
"And I am Brock Stone!"
"Nice to meet your acquaintance! And Ash, there is going to be a battle competition tomorrow at noon with a mystery gift as the prize. You should participate!" The captain called out as the door closed behind the teens.
"Everyone welcome to the monthly St. Anne Battle Competition! This time, the winner will get a Mystery Egg, a box of Evolution Stones containing exactly ten pieces of each stone and an Aggronite. The Mega Stone required to Mega Evolve Aggron!" said the announcer getting cheers from the crowd. "There are sixteen entrants this time so we will have four rounds. This will be a one-on-one battle with Mega Evolution not allowed unless both Pokémon has the ability to Mega Evolve. Now for the first match of the first round!"
The announcer started declaring the names of the entrants and the battles began. Ash and his friends were sitting in an adjacent room and waited for their names to be called. After six matches, Misty and Brock were called out.
"And now for our next match, we have Misty Waterflower, one of the Gym leaders of The Cerulean City Pokémon Gym, on the green side. On the red side, we have Brock Stone, the former Gym Leader of Pewter City Pokémon Gym!" said the announcer as Misty and Brock took their places on the battlefield. It was a standard regulation synthetic field. The crowd cheered in expectation of a great match.
"Are both trainers ready?" Misty and Brock nodded their heads to the Referee before taking out their pokéballs. Without prompting, both threw their pokéballs and released their chosen Pokémon. A Squirtle appeared on Misty's behalf while Brock had summoned Slugma. "BEGIN!"
"Squirtle use Water Gun!" Squirtle launched a jet of pressurized water at Slugma who waited for his trainers command.
"Counter with Incinerate and then use Clear Smog!" Brock called out calmly. Slugma launched a swath of crimson flames that easily vaporized the water filling the battlefield with steam. As the steam started to dissipate, Slugma launched a large amount of pressurized white smoke at Squirtle.
"Squirtle use Rapid Spin to blow the steam and smoke away!" Squirtle tucked in her head, arms, legs and tail into her shell and started rotating at a fast speed, easily blowing away the steam and smoke. "Now use Water Gun!"
"Protect!" The stream of pressurized water splashed on a green shield formed around Slugma. "Now use Toxic!" Slugma launched a glob of purple poison at Squirtle, who was unable to dodge as she was out of breath. Squirtle glowed purple for a moment before she winced as the poison took its toll on her.
"No Squirtle! Quickly use Aura Sphere!" The poisoned turtle barely got her hands together and generated a blue sphere in between them and threw it at the surprised Slugma. The sphere exploded sending Slugma back a little while Squirtle winced as she was covered in a purple glow with purple electricity and purple bubbles were flowing over her body.
"Slugma finish it with Ancient Power!" Slugma easily shook of the pain from the Aura Sphere and created a white glowing sphere of rock type energy and launched it at the wincing Squirtle.
"Squirtle get out of there!" Misty called out in frustration as Squirtle looked up only to be hit by Slugma's attack causing a lot of smoke obscure the Tiny Turtle Pokémon. When the smoke from the previous attack cleared, Squirtle could be seen lying face down with swirls as eyes.
"There you have it Ladies and Gentlemen! Winner of the match six is Brock Stone and his Slugma!" The announcer declared as Brock returned Slugma while Misty picked up Squirtle.
"You did well for your first battle with me Squirtle. Now eat up and rest!" said Misty, giving the barely conscious Squirtle a pecha berry. Squirtle slowly munched on it and swallowed, causing her to feel a bit refreshed as the pecha berry neutralized the poison in her.
"Great Battle Misty! I was surprised when Squirtle used Aura Sphere, but is Squirtle alright?"
"Don't worry Brock and thanks. Ash's battle is next; you better get back to the waiting area." Brock nodded and headed off to the side room as Misty made her way to the Nurse Joy sitting behind a counter at the side.
"And here you are folks the final battle of the first round! The participants are; in the red corner, Sir Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town, Kanto and in the green corner, Emeric Thorton from the Kalos Region." said the announcer as Ash and his opponent walked out of the room. Ash carefully observed the teen in front of him. From the expensive suit and the jewel studded pokéball, Ash easily deduced that the man was from a wealthy family and from the sneer gracing the face of his opponent, he could easily tell that Emeric was arrogant and spoilt.
"Well commoner be honored to lose to me!" the teen exclaimed with a haughty attitude. "You aren't even worthy to be in my presence!" Laughter resounded from the main door to the arena.
"Mr. Thorton you should be careful of who you insult. That young man in front of you has more clout in the world than even Professor Oak." Everyone turned to see the Captain leaning on the doorframe.
"Be careful Captain! You have no right to talk to me that way. I will make it a point to lodge a complaint with the owners of Aura Co. about your behavior." said Thorton with a sniff.
"Then you can personally do it right now as one of the three owners of the company is your opponent." The captain said, laughing.
"I don't find this funny Captain!" Thorton exclaimed in anger, "This commoner doesn't look like he is rich enough to own the company!"
"Oh I assure you that he is one of the three owners. His cousin Queen Eileen Ketchum of Rota handles all civilian related family matters, while Sir Ketchum handles the military matters, being the Grandmaster of the Aura Guardian Order. The males of the line have always handled the military and Pokémon related matters while the eldest female takes up the throne. You are lucky that young Ash doesn't ban you and your family from using any Aura Co. amenities. Ash humble this kid will you. He has been a thorn at my side for the whole length of his journey." Thorton became pale as he realized his mistake.
"Sure Captain! Now Mr. Thorton be ready to be humiliated. By calling me a commoner, you have insulted my lineage. You have insulted some of the most legendary Aura Guardians in history and you have insulted the Royal line of Rota. That is something I will not let slide. Referee start the match!"
"Both trainers release your Pokémon!" Thorton fumbled with the jewel encrusted pokéball and released a powerful looking Chespin. Ash calmly released a Froakie, the same one his friend Serena had sent over.
"BEGIN!" The Referee called out yet neither side called out an attack. After a couple of moments, Thorton started to laugh.
"You may be Royalty, a knight and Grandmaster of the Order, but you made a rookie mistake in choosing a Froakie. Grass triumphs over Water kid, prepare to lose! Chespin use Pin Missile!" The Spiny Nut Pokémon's spine started glowing green before multiple glowing pins launched at the Bubble Frog Pokémon.
"Protect and then Icy Wind!" the glowing pins exploded on the green shield Froakie had formed causing smoke to obscure the little frog.
"Chespin charge up a Solar Beam!" As Chespin was collecting solar energy, he was hit by a mass of freezing air with sparkling ice crystals in them. Thorton's eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected attack. "Keep collecting the energy! That's a foul! He didn't command Froakie to attack!"
"There are no rules that prevent Pokémon from taking the initiative in a battle!" said the Referee in a monotone, obviously experienced in handling others like Thorton.
"Froakie finish it off with a Bounce!" Ash's calm tone surprised Thorton as Froakie suddenly leapt up in the air and crashed down on Chespin, who was still collecting energy, knocking him out.
"Winner Sir Ash Ketchum and his Froakie!" Ash didn't wait for Thorton to realize that he had already lost and walked towards the waiting room, Froakie following him.
"Now our first match of the second round is between Princess Salvia of Sinnoh and Sir Ketchum of Pallet Town, Kanto. Are both trainers ready?" Salvia just nodded with a smile gracing her face as she raised her pokéball and released a Togepi. Ash followed Salvia's cue and took out his Guardian Ball as well and released Larvitar. "BEGIN!"
"Long time no see Sir Ketchum. Let's have a great battle shall we. Togepi use Yawn!" said Salvia with a smile. Togepi just yawned releasing a cloud of fast moving gas at Larvitar.
"Sure thing Princess! Larvitar use Sandstorm." Larvitar followed Ash's command and conjured up a strong sandstorm, hiding her from view. The gas from the Yawn attack was easily swallowed up by the sandstorm and negated. "Now use Dragon Dance!" said Ash surprising everyone at his command. From within the storm, a reddish-black glow formed a silhouette of Larvitar.
"Togepi don't let Larvitar power up, use Hyper Voice!" Togepi shouted out launching a visible wavefront of sound at Larvitar, which easily penetrated the sandstorm. The resultant scream from Larvitar caused Salvia's smile to brighten as her hope in winning the match increased.
"Larvitar finish this off with Iron Head powered up by Double-Edge." Ash commanded calmly surprising Salvia. Before she or her Togepi could even react, Larvitar charged out from the center of the sandstorm, her body glowing with a white aura while her head was glowing with a silvery sheen of Iron Head. She collided with Togepi and launched her out of the sandstorm covered in bruises. Larvitar's visage could be seen panting as the sandstorm dissipated. Salvia's smile turned to a frown at the turn of events.
"Togepi is unable…" The Referee started to say when Togepi was covered in a corona of white light and her body morphed into the form of a Togetic. She grew a neck and wings as her eggshell vanished, revealing the egg shaped body.
"Great job Togetic! Now use Magical Leaf!" Salvia exclaimed in joy as hope returned to her, but her joy was quickly replaced by worry when the swath of rainbow colored leaves splashed on Larvitar's body, which was glowing a silvery white.
"Great job on unlocking Iron Defense Larvitar. Now finish it off with Ancient Power!" said Ash while Larvitar smirked at the praise from her trainer. Conjuring up balls of glowing white boulders, Larvitar rapidly launched them at Togetic, who was trying her best to dodge the barrage, only to be clipped by some. Showing impressive dexterity and aerial maneuvering for a newly evolved Pokémon, Togetic was able to dodge most of the boulders but the previous injuries and the excessive energy she used in dodging left her short of breath. Knowing that she wouldn't be able to defeat her opponent, she started swinging her arms in a rhythmic pattern from side to side as they glowed white.
"Larvitar get ready! She is using Metronome. It can turn out to be anything."
"Tar!" said Larvitar with an upraised thumb as she prepared to react. Togetic started to glow white before she exploded using the Explosion attack. Larvitar was just barely able to jump back out of the worst of the blast, her body glowing with the silvery sheen of Iron Defense."
"Togetic is unable to battle! The winner is Sir Ketchum and his Larvitar!" said the Referee as he raised the green flag just as Larvitar started to glow with the light of evolution. Within the bright light, Larvitar's body grew and morphed into a cocoon shape. As the light faded, there sat a large blue cocoon made of rock like material with large eyes.
"Pupi-pupitar!" she called out with glee, her eyes shining with joy.
"Great job Pupitar. Now have a good rest girl," said Ash returning the happy Pokémon.
"Great Battle Sir Ketchum! If you are in Sinnoh in the future, do drop by for visit." Salvia said returning her Togetic and holding out her hand to him.
"Thank you, milady! I will be sure to remember your invitation when I am in Sinnoh. One can't forget an invitation from such a beautiful lady, a princess to boot." Ash said kissing the knuckles causing her to blush. She just nodded her head and walked over to the bleachers with as much poise and dignity she could in her flustered state.
After a match between a Metagross using Steven Stone form Hoenn and the Carbink using Jason Stockhome from Kalos. Steven easily won the battle moving onto the next semi-finals.
"Now for the third match of the second round, welcome Misty Waterflower from Cerulean City and Rick O'Connell from Sinnoh."
"Are both trainers ready?" asked the Referee as both nodded and raised their pokéball containing hands and released a pink Shellos and a blue Shellos. "Then begin!"
"Shellos use Water Pulse!" Rick called out only to be confused when Misty smirked at him and allowed her Shellos to be struck by the attack. His confusion quickly cleared up when he saw that her Shellos didn't even flinch at the impact, instead it glowed with a blue aura for a brief moment.
"Shellos has Storm Drain as her ability. Water type moves strengthen her. Now Shellos use Sludge attack!" As commanded the pink Shellos launched a glob of toxic sludge at the other Shellos, who was unable to dodge and was struck directly in the face. Purple blotches formed on her skin signifying that the blue Shellos was poisoned.
"Now use Hidden Power!" The pink Shellos formed a bunch of yellow orbs around her before launching them at the poisoned blue Shellos.
"Shellos use Water Pulse!" Rick called out in desperation. Shellos followed his master's command and started to form the orb of water, only to wince from the poison as purple electricity flew over his body. Unable to counter the Hidden Power, he was struck by the yellow orbs and fainted from the shock he felt.
"W-what? H-how?" Rick stammered out as the Referee declared the match in Misty and her Shellos's favor.
"Simple, Shellos's Hidden Power is Electric type. Your Shellos seems to have little endurance to its disadvantage type attacks and fainted from the shock he got along with the poison. Rick just nodded his head in understanding but held a stony face as he walked away.
"For the second semi-final please welcome Sir Ketchum of Kanto and Miss Phelps of Unova." The announcer declared too much cheers from crowd.
"Are both trainers ready?" both Ash and Mary nodded their heads before releasing Midori and an Emboar respectively. "BEGIN!"
"Midori you know the drill! General Combo 3!" Ash called out and in quick succession Midori used Attract, Glare, Coil and then used Agility to rapidly approach her enemy and then struck the infatuated and paralyzed Emboar with a powerful Aqua Tail directly in the face causing the poor pig to fall over.
"Now Aerial Ace!" jumping into the air, Midori's body became covered in blue-white energy as she rammed into the lying boar knocking him out without much trouble.
"Emboar is unable to battle, the winner is Sir Ketchum and his Serperior!" The Referee called out raising the green flag.
"Don't let the battle psych you out. I raised Midori from her egg. She was a determined Snivy and would put all of her effort into training. This is the result of her determination. She also has the habit to quickly putting down her opponents, special those who have a type advantage against her," said Ash with a sympathetic look on his face.
"I-I see! And that command Combo 3 is a pre-defined combo?" Phelps asked with curiosity. "And you have raised her well. I have seen very few Serperior as healthy and strong as yours. My complements to your prowess in raising Pokémon."
"Thank you for the compliment. Ash is a wonderful trainer and friend," a female voice resounded through the minds of everyone.
"WHAT? WHO?"
"Don't worry, that's just Midori thanking you. She rarely uses telepathy to communicate with strangers. So do Blaze and Cherry now that I think of it." Midori waved her tail at Phelps causing her to stare in wonder at the Pokémon. "We better let the next battle commence. No need to hold up everyone. If you have any questions, meet me and my friends at the owner's suite on the top deck," said Ash as he returned Midori and left. Phelps followed his advice and returned her Emboar. Then she headed over to Nurse Joy.
"The next battle is between Miss Waterflower of Kanto and Mr. Stone from Hoenn. Are both trainers ready?" asked the Referee to which he got nods as they released their Pokémon. Misty released Starmie while Steven Stone released his Metagross. "BEGIN!"
"Starmie use Reflect Type!" Misty called out. Starmie followed her command and caused Metagross to glow with a rainbow colored light. "Now Starmie use Signal Beam!" Starmie created a ball of pink colored energy in front of its jewel and then launched a beam of similar energy at Metagross.
"Metagross use Iron Defense then counter with Agility into Hammer Arm!" Misty didn't have any time to react as Metagross easily withstood the Signal Beam and then rammed into Starmie at high speed with a glowing arm.
"Starmie use Recover!" Starmie started to glow with green energy when Steven called out his next attack.
"Finish it off with Earthquake," he said with an air of indifference. Misty realized too late that Starmie was in extreme danger due to the use of Reflect Type when the shockwaves from Metagross hitting the deck hit it knocking it out.
"Starmie is unable to battle, the winner is Mr. Stone and his Metagross."
"That was a good try Miss Waterflower, but you doomed yourself when you changed the type of your Starmie to reflect Metagross's. Yet your try was admirable. You were badly outmatched and you did all that you could to even the odds. You have the potential to become an Elite trainer if you gather a more varied team and polish up your strategies. And don't take you loss to hard. Let me introduce myself, I am Steven Stone. The former Hoenn Regional Champion. I recently lost my title to the water master Wallace." Misty nodded her head before returning Starmie and walked towards where Brock was sitting in the stands.
"Finally the finals of the St. Anne Battle Competition between Sir Ash Ketchum of Kanto and the former Hoenn Champion Steven Stone. Are both trainers ready?" Ash and Steven didn't say anything and released their respective Pokémon. Ash released Cherry, his beloved Shiny Gyarados and Steven released his Metagross. "BEGIN!"
"Steven I must ask, is Metagross your starter?"
"Why yes he is. Why do you ask Ash?"
"And I remember you having a Metagrosite. Cherry is my starter. She joined me four years ago. Recently I got my hands on a Gyaradosite and both of us are itching to give it a field test. What do you say?"
"I think that is a wonderful idea Ash."
"Then shall we?" Though Ash posed it as a question, there was no doubt in everyone's mind that it was a statement of fact. Without saying anything, Steven took out a necklace with a keystone on it. Ash raised his hand to his hat and touched the black stone imbedded in it. Within moments, both Pokémon were covered in the light of evolution. When they cleared, both Pokémon looked more intimidating.
Cherry had developed a large fin on her back and her whiskers lengthened and her upper body bulked up more. Metagross had become nearly twice his original size and the cross on his face changed to golden and grew larger. A large spike had grown from the lower face and all four arms were now forward facing. His color had also lightened a bit.
"Look at that everyone a showdown between Mega's. This will be an epic battle!" The announcer called out with excitement.
"Metagross start with Miracle Eye!" Metagross's eyes glowed an eerie purple as Cherry also glowed with similar light.
"Be careful Cherry! Psychic attacks will work on you now. Start out with a Dark Pulse," said Ash. Cherry created a ball of black energy with purple rings revolving around it and then launched a beam of the same energy and rings at Mega Metagross.
"Iron Defense then Agility into Hammer Arm!" said Steven, Ash calmly looked on as he used his telepathy to give Cherry her next set of commands. Mega Metagross easily withstood the super effective attack and proceeded to hit Cherry with a glowing arm only for Cherry to vanish in a puff of smoke.
"Now Cherry!" Ash called out as Cherry bit down on Mega Metagross with a Crunch attack and then flung the surprised Pokémon into the deck. Following that, she struck her tail into the ground creating powerful shockwaves, causing Mega Metagross to cry out in pain.
"Metagross use Psychic to throw Gyarados onto the deck then follow up with an Agility enforced Zen Headbutt!" Metagross's eyes glowed pale bluish-white as a similar aura formed around Cherry. Though Cherry struggled, Mega Metagross's psychic hold was too strong to break.
"Cherry use Counter Shield!" said Ash confusing everyone with that command. Being rammed into the deck stunned her preventing her from effectively defending against the follow up attack, but she was able to put up use Twister around herself as a weak Counter Shield. The powerful winds easily soaked up most of the power behind Mega Metagross's attack but it still caused Cherry to flinch. "Now use Hydro Pump to push Mega Metagross away from you and follow up with the Sky Burst Combo!"
"Metagross be ready for anything!" Steven exclaimed as his Mega Metagross was easily pushed back the powerful jet of pressurized water. Mega Metagross dodged the Fire Blast that came its way and turned back towards Cherry only to see her jump into the air and start to rapidly launch Fire Blasts. Mega Metagross was able to dodge some of the star shaped blasts of fire but the others easily crashed into it, causing it to cry out.
"Metagross use Hyper Beam!" Steven called out in frustration. Panting from exertion and pain, Mega Metagross turned towards the airborne Cherry only for her to crash down on him with the massive orange and purple ball of energy of a Giga Impact. Everyone waited with bated breath for the smoke of the previous attack to clear. As the smoke cleared, to everyone's surprise, Mega Metagross was still awake, glowing with the silvery sheen of Iron Defense, barely awake. Cherry was no better, panting from the heavy exertion.
"Well Ash, it seems that both your Mega Gyarados and my Mega Metagross are on their last legs. One from exhaustion and the other from injuries. How about we end this with one final attack?" asked Steven with a smile on his face.
"Sure Steven. This battle showed me that other than Cherry, my other Pokémon aren't still Champion level. Cherry is barely Champion level. I and my Pokémon have more training to do to before they become capable enough to take on Lance. You would have easily won this if this was a full six-on-six battle. Cherry use Outrage!"
"Metagross you use Agility enforced Hammer Arm!" the two behemoths collided in the center of the field on the top deck. Cherry decked in a violent draconic aura while all four of Mega Metagross's arms were glowing as it moved at high speed. After a momentary power struggle, an explosion rocked the battlefield causing smoke and dust to cloud the battling Pokémon. When the smoke finally cleared, Mega Metagross had reverted back to Metagross, knocked out. Cherry could be seen panting trying to catch her breath while lying on the deck.
"As Mega Gyarados is still awake and Metagross in unconscious, the winner is Sir Ash Ketchum and his Mega Gyarados!" said the Referee raising the red flag causing all the spectators to cheer out.
"Great match Ash. Haven't had such a difficult match since Wallace and you didn't really have a type advantage till we megavolved our Pokémon. Even then, Mega Metagross's high physical offence along with the ability Tough Claw could have made short work of you Mega Gyarados. Good work not panicking. Also that Counter Shield is a good attack," said Steven as he returned Metagross. Ash following his lead and returning Cherry.
"Yeah! It has both defensive and offensive capabilities. She used her weakest Counter Shield to tell you the truth. Her normal ones against physical attacks are usually Whirlpool combined with Thunder Wave or Thunderbolt and against special and long ranged physical attacks, Twister or Whirlpool combined with Ice Beam. There are innumerable combinations for the creation of Counter Shield." Steven nodded his head in understanding as both shook their hands before walking to the stage at the side. Misty joining them for third place.
"Here you are Sir Ketchum! The Mystery Egg and the Aggronite." The announcer said as he handed an incubator containing a blue-violet egg and a polished silver stone containing a white and silver helical core. Turning to Steven, he handed over a box containing an evolution stone set. To Misty he gave a collection of coupons proclaiming a year's supply of vitamins and minerals. All three took their winnings and walked out of the room.
"Damn I wanted an Aggronite. Been looking for one for a long time too!" sighed Steven catching Ash, Misty and Brock's attention.
"So Steven, you have been searching for an Aggronite?" asked Ash conversationally drawing Steven out from his depressed thoughts. He stared then blinked before responding. "Yeah! I have been searching for one for some time already. I have found and donated any non-steel type mega stones to Professor Sycamore and worthy trainers. At the moment I have a Pidgeotite, a Garchopmite, a Blastoisinite and an extra Steelixite. Now that I think about it, Misty, you have a Squirtle right. Why don't you take the Blastoisinite and Brock you come from the Pewter Gym so you must an Onix? If you are planning to evolve it, you can take the Steelixite." Misty and Brock just nodded in shock at Stevens offer.
"I can trade you the Aggronite for the Garchompite. This egg contains a Gible and I don't plan on getting one of the Aron evolutionary line soon anyway. The Garchompite will be of more use sooner that the Aggronite." Ash offered holding out the polished Aggronite to Steven. Steven just observe Ash for a few moments before he nodded his head in acquiescence before taking the Aggronite.
"Meet me at my room. It's in the VIP section, Room #33 after dinner. I left the other mega stones there," said Steven before he headed off to his room.
"Why don't you join us for lunch in the Owners suite?" Ash called causing Steven to look back and then nod his head in acceptance of the invitation.
"Congratulations Sir Ketchum! I didn't expect Cherry and Midori to have grown so strong. You have raised all of them well. So your Pupitar was a new Pokémon?" asked an angelic voice from behind causing Misty and Brock to jump and turn only to come face to face with Ash's opponent from the second round, Princess Salvia.
"Thank you, milady! To what do we owe the pleasure of your exalted presence?" asked Ash with a deep bow causing Salvia to giggle.
"You haven't change at all except getting smoother, have you Ash? It's quite surprising how well you flatter a girl without even trying." Ash laughed at Salvia's proclamation causing confusion to Brock and Misty.
"It's nice to see you again as well Salvia. How have you been?" Salvia smiled grew causing Brock and Misty to look at each other as their confusion grew. The same thoughts floating in their head, 'They have met before? How? When?'
"Oh right! Salvia these are my friends Brock Stone and Misty Waterflower and this is Pikachu."
"Hi!"
"Guys this is Princess Salvia of Sinnoh. She is also an old friend," said Ash clearing up some of the questions floating about their heads.
"Nice to meet you, milady!" said Brock with his usual exuberant personality while Misty said it with more dignity.
"Nice to meet you!" Pikachu greeted telepathically.
"Nice to meet you as well Brock, Misty, Pikachu. Just call me Salvia. Any friend of Ash is a friend of mine. Old Nestor was saying that both of you were Gym Leaders?" asked Salvia hesitantly getting nods of from the two. "Then can I ask you a favor? Well Brock the favor as Misty didn't see my battle."
"Sure thing Salvia!" said Brock causing Salvia to smile broadly.
"How well did I really battle? I really don't take that much pleasure in Pokémon Battles. I am more interested in Pokémon Contests, but still my battle skills may save me some day so I ask."
"I would say that you had a possible good strategy but Ash, being the battle savant he is, easily dismantled it and then forced you into reacting. Even as surprised as you were, you were able to push Larvitar enough and if she hadn't unlocked the Egg Move Iron Defense she would have probably lost. The Metronome was a risky gambit that lost you the match. If it came out as some other attack, maybe Hyper Beam or Earthquake then you could have won. All in all, I would say that you did fine for a novice battler," explained Brock with a sage like tone of voice.
"How did you know I was a novice?" asked Salvia in surprise.
"There was you, nervous while asking of the analysis and your own admission that you don't like battling much," said Brock with casual nonchalance.
"Oh! You have good observation skills. I thought I hid my nervousness well," said Salvia with a surprised expression adorning her face.
"Brock raised his nine younger siblings himself, so he had to be observant to be able to meet all of their needs without being asked!" Ash suddenly exclaimed.
"Anyway Salvia! Why don't you join us for lunch in the owner's suite? Captain Jameson and Steven Stone will be there as well."
"I will see if that is ok with old Withers, but I don't see why he would refuse. If he does, I will let you know. Bye Ash, Brock, Misty and Pikachu!" said Salvia moving away from them.
"BYE!" the three humans called out while Pikachu just nodded his head.
Three days after the tournament ended, the St. Anne finally docked at Porta Vista. While they were at sea, a massive storm nearly caused the ship to be capsized and would have been if Ash and Pikachu along with all the Psychic Type Pokémon on-board the ship didn't connect their minds together and used their combined Psychic powers to keep the ship stable throughout the storm, that lasted for nearly six hours. After the storm dissipated, all the Psychic Pokémon along with Ash and Pikachu were left extremely exhausted, so they all fell asleep for most of the remaining journey.
"How are you feeling Ash and Pikachu?" Ash and Pikachu turned and saw Captain Jameson standing behind him as he was about walk down the gangplank.
"We have been better. Stabilizing such a large ship for such a long time is really exhausting. It was good that we had help. Don't worry about me Captain. I better get moving the summer festival at Maidens Peak is in three days and I want to make it to city of Hutber Port by tomorrow. I plan to spend some time relaxing at the festival, so I want to catch the ferry that leaves from there in the evening."
"Sure thing Ash, but I must tell you that you are more like Asura that Richard in your behavior. Have fun at the festival Ash. Also I heard rumors that a woman named Nastina is trying to build a Five Star Resort on a coral reef and has been having problems with the Pokémon living there." Jameson said in a conspiratorial whisper. Ash and Pikachu just nodded their heads before walking down the plank.
"What took you so long Ash?" asked Misty with a frown on her face. Brock started at Ash with barely concealed curiosity.
"We better head to Hutber Port as soon as possible. Jameson gave me some information that needs investigating. If he is right, then there is a woman trying to destroy the home of many water Pokémon for the creation of a Five Star Resort. I need to get the proof to put an end to the operation." Misty and Brock saw the serious expression on Ash and Pikachu's faces and nodded their heads.
"Then what are we waiting around for? We have many Water Pokémon to save!" exclaimed Misty as she proceeded to drag Ash and Brock with her towards the path leading to Hutber Town.
Ash, Pikachu, Ferrum, Misty and Brock were walking down the Pier as they entered the town of Hutber Port. As they were walking Misty looked to the waters of the port only to see a pair of Horsea floating near the concrete walls of the pier creating badly drawn images of Tentacool on the surfs using the ink they secrete.
"Hey Ash!"
"Yeah Misty?" Ash looked at Misty only to find her looking at the two Horsea. One of them was larger than average and was frantically drawing images of Tentacool. The smaller, normal sized one had a black eye while the larger one had a few bruises showing through his light blue scales.
"Do you two need help?" Ash addressed the two Horsea startling them. The smaller one hid behind the larger one. The larger one on the other hand got into a fighting stance. "Don't worry, we won't hurt you two. We just want to help. I promise!" The two Horsea stared at Ash for a few minutes before cautiously approaching the group. Ash picked up the larger one, while Misty picked up the smaller one. Both took the potions Brock offered and started spraying it on the wounds after warning their charges of the inevitable stinging sensation that came with the application of the potions.
"There all better. I hope you two don't get into more fights?" Misty said smiling at the two Horsea causing them to nod their heads in agreement.
"Thank you for the help! I wish you could understand us so we could tell you about that nasty human destroying the home of the Tentacool. They are going to rampage soon." The large one said thinking that he wouldn't be understood. To his surprise Ash nodded his head before saying, "Thank you! Now I have enough evidence to start an official investigation against the one who is doing this."
Both Horsea looked startled that Ash understood the larger Horsea. "Did you just understand my brother?" The smaller Horsea asked, her eyes large in astonishment. The larger one just started at Ash with large eyes. Ash just nodded his head while Pikachu brought Misty and Brock up to date with what they were saying.
"Ash is both a Master Aura Guardian and a powerful Psychic. I myself am a powerful Psychic, so all of us can understand what you are saying." Pikachu broadcasted to both the humans and Pokémon. "The big lug over there can also communicate telepathically to translate for humans!" Both Horsea turned to stare at Ferrum who just gave them a cheeky smirk and wave of his paw.
"You two should stay clear of the Tentacool till all of this is cleared up! Father how about you send out Cherry and some of the other Pokémon that can survive in water keep the Tentacool under control, before they do something drastic."
"You are right Ferrum!" Ash exclaimed just as a large boat exploded causing the sailors to be thrown into the sea. "Cherry, Krabby, Froakie, Dratini and Squirtle help them out and keep the Tentacool from attacking anyone else!"
"Goldeen, Staryu, Starmie, Shellos, Frokie, Vaporeon and Squirtle! You guys help out as well!" Misty ordered as she let out all of her Pokémon.
"Gyarados my friend, help out as well!" called out an unfamiliar voice as a large male Gyarados burst out of surfs and headed out to help Cherry and the other Pokémon save the sailors. Everyone turned to see a blond haired young man standing on the next pier in the uniform of a Pokémon Ranger.
The appearance of two Gyarados caused panic to surface in the minds of the capsized sailors, causing them to try and swim away from the two gargantuan sea snakes. "Relax! We mean you no harm! We are here to help all of you back to shore!" Cherry said with her own telepathy causing the struggling sailors to relax. "You and the others help them get to shore. I and Dratini will be seeing to it that the Tentacool don't bother you!" Cherry said to everyone there as she and Dratini swam off towards the school of Tentacool with a large Tentacruel in the middle.
"Cruel-cruel Tenat-cruel!" the Tentacruel said hotly as Cherry and Dratini approached them.
"BE SILENT! I can understand that you are enraged at what is happening to you homes, but the Order is handling the situation. If you keep acting as you have been, we will be forced to protect the innocent from you rampages as well! That means that we will be forced to beat you into submission and then forcefully relocate you away from here. That isn't something I or the Grand Master wants. Don't force our hands!"
"Cru-cruel! Tentacruel!" the leader said before they all drifted off towards the reefs. A few minutes later Cherry and Dratini burst out of the water between tow piers.
"How did it go Cherry?"
"Better than we hoped!" exclaimed Cherry with a happy roar, "They will do as asked until they are attacked. Then they will retaliate, no matter what we ask of them."
"Well we can't really expect them to not retaliate if they are attacked, can we?" Ash asked to no one in particular, but still got nods from everyone there. Ash turned to the Blonde Ranger and introduced himself and his companions.
"It's nice to finally meet you Grand Master! The names Jack Walker, but just call me Jackie. Top Ranger and Aura Adept assigned to investigate the rumors about this place." The Ranger introduced himself with a large grin.
"Nice to meet you as well Adept Walker. Why don't you join us? I am investigating as well. We should pool our resources." Ash said as he returned all of his Pokémon with a telepathic thank you and walked off with Pikachu on his shoulder and Ferrum beside him. Misty, Brock and Jackie followed him till they saw the two Horsea following as well.
"Don't worry you two! The Tentacool should have calmed down by now, so you should be safe for the moment."
"No Guardian I wish to join you on your journey just as my sister wants to join you red haired companion!" The larger Horsea said surprising Ash and Jackie. "If that is what you want!" both Horsea frantically nodded their heads affirming their decision causing Ash to take out a Guardian Ball and gently touch it to the larger Horsea. He then motioned for Misty to do the same with the smaller one.
"Miss Nastina Howard you are hereby under arrest for the violation of the Water Pokémon Ecosystem Protection Act, Section 3, Sub-section 3A, Paragraph 4. You have knowingly tried to construct a Resort without proper plans to protect the Ecosystem near the construction site. What more you tried to make unauthorized changes to the plan of the Resort to include the reefs as well and when the Pokémon attacked, you ordered their extermination. You have the right to remain silent as any and everything you say may be used against you in a court of law." The old woman was surprised to see Ash saying all of this before she just laughed at him.
"Go away boy! Then Nastina may buy you a lollypop. Isn't Nastina generous?"
"Officer it seems that Miss Howard doesn't believe me, why don't you just cuff her and take her away. Dexter send all the proof to Sir Brunner. He will take care of it being received by the proper authorities." Ash said as Officer Jenny cuffed Nastina.
All documents have been received by Sir Brunner.
"Thank you Dexter!" An explosion drew everyone's attention towards the construction sight to see a massive Tentacruel with a horde of normal sized Tentacool heading towards the city. "What the hell happened?"
"Your guess is as good as mine, Grandmaster!" Jackie looked just as bewildered as everyone. "If I am not mistaken, there weren't any Tentacruel that size near here. Where did he come from?"
"Open up your senses Adept, then you will realize what happened." Following Ash's advice, Jackie felt out with his aura only to recoil in disgust. Everyone offered a curious glance at Jackie's expression before turning back to the approaching behemoth. "Do you see now?"
"Yes Grandmaster. Luckily this is only temporary and he will revert back soon, but we have to prevent it from harming the innocents!" The exclamation caused everyone to jump in surprise. "Everyone, release your Pokémon to delay the Tentacool! I will try and calm them down with my capture styler!" Everyone followed Jackie towards the pier leaving only Ash behind.
"Cherry, Rainbow, Ferrum and Pikachu, we will be delaying Tentacruel until the effects of the chemicals have passed. Cherry go mega!" Cherry nodded before she was surrounded by a rainbow colored orb of light and when it faded, everyone saw her in her mega form. "Rainbow put up a sunny day and then follow up with grass and psychic attacks! Pikachu, you and I will be using our psychic powers to hold Tentacruel in place. Ferrum its time you use Aura Force, but don't overextend yourself. Got it?"
"Yes Father!"
"Then let's get going!" said Ash as he teleported himself and his Pokémon near to Tentacruel.
"Come on out everyone!" Misty exclaimed as she released all of her Pokémon and in flashes of white light her Goldeen, Staryu, Starmie, Pink Shellos, Froakie, Vaporeon and Squirtle appeared. Brock wasn't far behind her and released Zubat along with Ash's Bulbasaur, Charmander, Krabby, Froakie, Dratini, Larvitar, Squirtle and Horsea.
"Everyone herd the Tentacool away from the city and group them up so that I can calm them down!" Jackie ordered, getting nods from every Pokémon there. Soon the whole pier was alight with a vast variety of attacks flying through the air towards the enraged Tentacool.
The enraged jellyfish like Pokémon didn't have time to react before it found itself immobilized under the combined psychic hold of Ash and Pikachu, with Ferrum using his Aura to emulate telekinesis using Aura Force. Pikachu was glowing with a nimbus of bluish-white psychic energy while Ferrum was surrounded in a halo of sapphire blue energy. Ash on the other hand was glowing with a mixture of yellow and sapphire blue energy flowing around him. Tentacruel, on the other hand, was glowing in a mixed halo of yellow and blue light, unable to even twitch one of his tentacles.
"TAKE THIS!" Cherry called out as she released a massive Thunder attack causing Tentacruel to light up with a golden halo of electric energy.
"Don't count me out! SOLARBEAM!" Rainbow called out as the Ho-oh launched out a massive yellow green beam of grass type solar energy. The two attacks from the two Pokémon caused a massive explosion to occur around Tentacruel, obscuring his form in smoke.
"Arceus! They aren't holding anything back!" said Officer Jenny with amazement at the massive explosion. Everyone turned to see the smoke dissipate only to reveal a slightly bruised Tentacruel. A Tentacruel which was now able to partially escape the telekinetic hold it was in. "How does anyone defeat a creature such as that? Those massive attacks barely bruised it!"
As Ash and his Pokémon battled Tentacruel, Jackie was frantically calming down the Tentacool. He had succeeded mostly, leaving only the strongest and most enraged ones left.
"Jackie! Look out!" Misty called out only for Jackie to duck jump back from the Poison Sting attack and retaliate with an Aura Sphere. "Wow! Even Jackie can use Aura Sphere!"
"Well Ash did say that you only become an Adept when you can use Aura to attack and defend. Jackie is an Adept you know!" said Brock with matter-of-factly tone.
"OH MY! That's one massive Sludge Bomb," said Nurse Joy drawing everyone's attention to the glowing and massive ball of white purple sludge.
"Shit! Scatter everyone!" exclaimed Ash as Pikachu teleported out of the way of the. Ash on the other hand started glowing with a halo of rainbow energy before launching an equally massive pulse of aura in a sphere around him. As soon as the rainbow colored shockwave struck the Sludge Bomb, it easily absorbed the latter into itself before proceeding to ram into Tentacruel and explode.
"You alright Ash?"
"I am fine Cherry. I only used Aura Augment for a small fraction of the time I can safely hold it. I just need some time to catch my breath after using such a massive amount of Aura in such a short amount of time."
"ASH!" Pikachu called out as he flew towards Ash with Rainbow not far behind him. "Ash are you alright? Don't do something crazy like that! Angel would be depressed if anything happened to you!" Ash just chucked at Pikachu's scolding with Cherry and Rainbow looking on with amusement. A massive roar caused Ash and his team to turn towards Tentacruel only to see him still raring to go, even though he was heavily damaged.
"You three keep him distracted and away from me, I think I know a way to take him down for good." Cherry didn't say anything, instead she rapidly swam towards the Tentacruel with a massive aura of purple energy with spiraling strands of orange covering her. She rammed into Tentacuel with all the subtle force of a meteor, causing Tentacruel to try and hit cherry with a Poison Jab. Just as the purple ominously glowing tentacle was about to hit Cherry, it was deflected by a massive telekinetic shove from Pikachu. As Tentacruel was about to strike Pikachu with a Water Pulse, he was distracted by Sacred Fire attack from Rainbow.
"What is Ash doing out there?" Brock asked, which caused everyone except Jackie to shake their heads in negative.
"I think he is trying to collect up a massive amount of psychic energy. For what purpose, that I don't know!" Jackie's explained only for Rainbow to finally be caught off guard by a Water Pulse directly to the belly. As Rainbow fell towards the water, Pikachu teleported beside her and then teleported her to the pier to rest.
"CHERRY! PIKACHU! GET YOU OF THERE!" Ash called out telepathically before he proceeded to launch a massive beam of psychic energy at Tentacruel. Luckily for Cherry, Pikachu had easily teleported himself and her out of harm's way. The massive beam easily engulfed Tentacruel and exploded. When the smoke cleared, everyone saw Tentacruel knocked out and shrinking back to his original size. They saw Ash float up to Tentacruel and then capture him in a Guardian Ball.
"Thank you for capturing that Tentacruel Sir Ketchum! Also you Ranger Walker. If both of weren't here, the whole city would have been destroyed due to Nastina's actions. We, the people of this city, are in your debt!" exclaimed the Mayor of Hutber Port. The majority of the city's inhabitants and the Mayor were bowing before Ash and his friends, who was accompanied by Jackie at the Pier. They were waiting for the boat back to the mainland, when the Mayor and the townspeople appeared before them.
"We were just doing our job Mayor! There is no need to thank us. Hopefully within the decade, there will be more Aura Guardians roaming about the world, rectifying the situation caused by greedy people and Pokémon." Jackie nodded his head in agreement before he also said that such situations wouldn't happen if the people didn't let greedy and cruel people do whatever they want in their town. After the townspeople left, Ash and his group boarded the small ferry and left for Maiden's Peak.
"Grandmaster? May I ask a question?"
"You just did, but you may ask another one!"
"Why did you capture Tentacruel?" asked Jackie with confusion, much to Ash's amusement.
"Yeah Ash! I have been wondering as well. Why did you capture the Tentacruel?" Misty looked on as Ash stared at Jackie before he turned to her and Brock, who was waiting to hear Ash's answer as well.
"Simple really! Tentacruel was enraged. If I left him there, he would have rallied the other Tentacool into attacking again and without provocation. Cherry had also warned him that rampaging would have him relocated, but I think he would make an excellent addition to my team. After he and Rainbow were healed up, I had a nice chat with him. He was hostile at first, but chose to remain under me instead of being relocated to a new territory," said Ash with a cheerful expression on his face.
"Was he really so enraged, that he would have continued to attack without provocation?" Ash turned to Brock before nodding his head in affirmative.
"Anyway Grandmaster! It was nice meeting you, but I will be in my cabin taking a nap. Using a couple of Aura based techniques took a lot out of me. I will see you when we dock before I have to return to the Ranger Union HQ… near Mt. Silver." Jackie explained with a huge yawn at the end.
"Have a nice nap Jackie and you need to train in using Aura techniques more, if only a couple could tire you out like this." Jackie nodded his head before leaving the deck with Ash, Misty and Brock watching his back. Pikachu on the other hand was inside Ash's backpack, having a nap after the morning's excitement.
"Wow the woman depicted in that statue is really beautiful!"
"That woman is the reason this place is called Maiden's Peak. Her betrothed went away to war and never returned. She was the younger sister Queen Rin. At that time our families weren't yet connected by marriage, but her betrothed was a member of the Ketchum family. If I am not mistaken, he was the nephew of Sir Aaron. Though most Ketchum's tended to be Aura Guardians, he didn't inherit a very strong Aura, so he decided to join the army of a neighboring Kingdom. Out of respect, we don't speak their names. The news of his death came too late, and by then the Maiden's own Aura had transformed her into stone. It seems that she was determined to wait forever for her beloved." Ash explained as they approached statue. Ash knelt down before he took out a pale blue crystal pendant, inscribed with an archaic K, and infused it with his Aura. He placed it between her clasped hands and backed away. As they were about to turn away, a beautiful woman walked out of the statue.
"It's been a long time since a Guardian has come to visit me and a powerful one at that. You remind me of my Ashura, young one. May I ask you for your name?" asked the woman surprising Brock, Misty, Ash, Pikachu and Ferrum.
"I am Ash Ketchum milady! I came to pay homage to you and my ancestor. I don't know if you know, but our families were joined as you both wanted in your youth, through the marriage of your niece Melina and your fiancée's cousin Harold."
"That pleases me greatly, to know that our families are joined together. I remember the last time I saw them both, they were but just babes. Tell me, who is the present Queen?" the woman said with a beautiful smile.
"My cousin Ilene is the present Queen, not even a year into her rule. My aunt passed away recently at a very young age after ailing for some time. I and Ilene didn't know till it was too late." Ash sighed with sadness at the thought of his late aunt.
"Poor child. It must be hard for her to rule so young and without the advice of her mother to guide her. Do you still have your grandmother?"
"No, Queen Esmera died long before Ilene or I were born. It has been nice to meet you, milady, but we must get to the Pokémon Center to get rooms for the night. I shall come by tomorrow and speak with you." The maiden nodded he read in acceptance before she started to fade back into the statue, when she realized that her statue was clasping a glowing crystal pendant.
"Ash why have you given me your Soul Pendant?" the maiden asked with confusion.
"That is not my pendant, milady. That belonged to your beloved. It was recovered by Sir Harold's grandson and has been kept hanging under the portrait of both of you. I and Ilene accidentally discovered that your beloved had sealed a portion of his soul into the crystal so that he would be able to return to you, even in death. I have just reunited you with him. It's what is expected of me, is it not?"
"Yes it is and thank you. Now may I ask a favor of you?"
"It would be an honor, milady!" the maiden smiled before pointing to the pendant.
"Then transfer my soul into it as well, so that I may be with my beloved. After that, take the pendant with you and return it to Cameran Palace. We wish to finally return home together." Ash gave a sad smile before nodding his head in acceptance of the request.
"If that is what you wish milday. I will do as you ask." Ash prepared to transfer the soul to the crystal when a Haunter appeared with a black ball of energy, which was giving off static charges, between its hands.
"What are you doing to Lady Elladora human?" The Haunter asked with a menacing glare.
"Peace Haunter. My sister's descendant is doing as I asked of him. He has finally reunited me with my beloved Ashura. Look closely at the pendant." Haunter did as he was asked and stared at the pendant, scrutinizing it before his eyes widened to comical proportions.
"That is master's Soul Pendant. How did you come across it human?" Ash didn't answer, instead he put his hands into his jacket and brought up a similar looking pendant with a similar archaic K inscribed into it, glowing with a pale green light.
"You are a Ketchum!" It wasn't a question; it was a statement of fact. "Now that think about it, you do look very similar to master and Sir Aaron. Though I see features of the Richards Clan as well. Also I must ask, is your Aura more biased to healing? I haven't seen a green glow outside healers of the clan."
"My mother was a Richards before she married my father. And the crystal is glowing green because it had been infused with both my Aura and Psychic energy."
"Oh my, I didn't expect to hear that a Ketchum married to a Richards. They have been at each other's throats for as long as I knew. My how things change with time."
"The feud would have continued if my grandfather Ketchum hadn't risked his life to save my grandfather Richards. They were young barely older than me and the feud had already culled most of both clans, leaving only them and their parents alive, along with Queen Esmera. That caused them to become friends, thought their parents didn't approve of it. They became practically brothers, so it wasn't surprising that mother and father were able to get married without interference, though they still did it in secret."
"How many Ketchum's and Richards are really left?"
"Two Ketchum by birth, one by marriage and three Richards by birth and one by marriage. If you count mom as both a Richards and Ketchum." The maiden nodded with a sad smile.
"Haunter! You have protected me all these centuries just as Ashura asked. Now I ask that you join young Ash and guide him with your ancient wisdom. Ash now please reunite me with Ashura." Haunter nodded his head in acceptance with tears leaking out of his eyes.
"Let me prepare the technique milady. It will only be a moment," explained Ash as took the pendant and then placed his palm on the statue, directly above the heart. His palms glowed with blue aura before the maiden's spirit faded from view the crystal glowed with a white light. After a blinding flash, the crystal settled into glowing with a pale bluish-white aura. "There it's done, now they can be together forever."
"Thank you for reuniting us young Ash. Lead the Order back to its days of glory. And Haunter…"
"Master, but how?"
"The amount of Aura Ash has supplied to the crystal is allowing me to talk to you for a very small amount of time so listen closely. You have accomplished your assigned quest. I ask that you journey with Ash and guide him, for even though he is wise beyond his age, you have centuries of experience to draw from. Help the present Grandmaster of the Order bring it back to its days of glory. I am proud of you, old friend and don't get into a fight with Uncle Aaron's Lucario again and keep well my friend. May the Aura be with you!"
"It's so nice to talk to you again after so long master. You may rest in peace, for I will guide young Ash and join him on his journey as his Pokémon."
"That's all I ask of you my friend. Goodbye!"
"Goodbye master. May you and lady Elladora be blessed by Arceus to be together for eternity." Haunter was crying with joy and sadness as he turned to Ash.
"I would be honored to have you on my team Haunter. Your experience will be invaluable as will be your council." Ash said as he took out a Guardian ball and held it up to Haunter. Haunter just allowed himself to caught without a fight.
"Now how about we get to the Pokémon Center and sleep? We have the whole day to rest and have fun at the festival tomorrow!" Ash asked to which Misty and Brock nodded their heads in agreement. Ash they were walking towards the Pokémon Centre, Ash put Ashura's pendant back into his backpack for safe keeping.
"Ash, I have been meaning to ask, but I always forget. How are you the Grandmaster of the Order. Aren't you a bit young?"
"Yeah Ash! I have also been wondering."
"The Grandmaster is chosen by their skills in the manipulation of Aura and their wisdom. I have better manipulation skills than Sir Brunner, Sir Kenway and Sir Reed. Sir Kenway is wiser than me, that is true, but since Mew chose me, I became the Grandmaster. Her wisdom is greater than our own, so she must have seen something in me to pick me as the Grandmaster."
"So even if you have the skills and the wisdom, Mew may not choose you to be the Grandmaster?"
"That's right Brock. Skills and wisdom are necessary but what Mew looks for is the Grandmasters heart, or at least that is what I believe. Until now, the other masters and knights had allowed the Order to wane. Ever since I became the Grandmaster, we have been working hard to reestablish the former glory of the Order."
"Thanks for telling us Ash. I was just curious." Brock nodded his head in agreement before yawning.
"Let's hurry and get to bed. We have a festival to visit and have fun in tomorrow. And where there is a festival, there are girls!" Brock exclaimed with glee only to be smacked in the head my Misty's mallet. Then Misty proceeded to drag Brock by his leg, causing Pikachu, Ferrum and Ash to laugh.