Hey guys. Thanks so much for the positive feedback. I'm really happy to get some new reviewers.
Psycho thanks for the Cupcakes. They're my favorites.
Setsu I'm really glad you're so enthusiastic about my story; I hope you continue to read & review
Kelly thanks for reviewing; I'm so glad that you like it. Don't worry all your questions will be answered
Batthan this is the first time I've heard from you, so thanks for leaving a review
Hikari you are always the person who asks the questions. To answer your most recent question Aaron meant protection that would keep Raia from getting pregnant, obviously it didn't work, but he doesn't know it…yet.
And to all of my returning reviewers, thanks so much for keeping up, I hope you guys stick with me 'til the end
Don't forget to leave reviews guys. Enjoy my latest chapter.
Btw…CONGRADULATE ME! I'M AN AUNTIE! I NOW HAVE A BEAUTIFUL BABY NEPHEW!
Anyways enjoy the new chapter.
(Ch.7)
As Lucario, Aaron and the others were leaving the Tree of Beginning, Ash and his friends were enjoying a nice lunch with his mother.
"I'm so glad you're doing so well honey." Delia said as Ash told her about his latest gym battle.
"How long are you kids staying?" she asked, usually Ash only stayed for a day or two when he returns home.
"About a couple of weeks." Ash said while chomping on a dumpling, "We decided to take a break from our traveling."
"I'm so glad," Delia said, "That means you'll be here for Professor Oaks Block Party.
Ash looked up from his plate in surprise, "Block Party?"
"Professor Oak thought it would be a good idea to host a block party for the town," Delia explained, "he usually holds it at his lab so future trainers can get a glimpse of the pokemon in his lab. He also thinks it's a good idea to get the community together."
"That sounds fun!" Max said jumping from his seat.
"Yeah!" May agreed enthusiastically.
"It'd be a great opportunity for me to work on my pokemon breeding skills with his pokemon." Brock said.
Ash turned to Pikachu, "What do you think Pikachu?"
"Pika Pi" Pikachu said.
"OK then, looks like we're going to Professor Oak's tonight." Ash said.
Delia smiled at the kids' enthusiasm, but she couldn't help but feel that something terrible was going to happen
Jessie, James, and Meowth were trudging along the dirt path to Pallet town.
"We shouldn't have stolen those hot dogs during our break," James said, "Our manager was chasing us away with a smoked ham"
"It was Meowth who got us caught!" Jessie snapped, "If he hadn't gone back for the cotton candy we would've gotten away with it."
"Oh sure, blame me for everything that goes wrong with our lives!" Meowth said, "Never mind the person who actually came up with the plan and said we should steal the hot dogs."
"Don't you dare try and pin this on me!" Jessie screeched.
"Hey isn't that Pallet Town over there?" James asked pointing down the hill. Jessie and Meowth followed his finger and saw the town.
"Didn't the Twerps say they were coming here?" Meowth asked looking at Jessie and James.
"I think so." Jessie said looking up thoughtfully then got a devious smirk on her face. "And if the twerps are here then that means Pikachu will be here".
James got the same smirk on his face as he realized what she meant, "Are you thinking what I think you're thinking?"
"Tonight we go Pikachu hunting!" Jessie said pumping her fist in the air.
"Yeah!" James and Meowth copied her pose. "Tonight's the night we get Pikachu!"
May, Max, Brock and Ash were all relaxing in Ash's home, Delia was outside working on her garden with Mr. Mime.
"You sure have a lot of pictures Ash." Max said looking around the living room where pictures of Ash and his mom could be found everywhere.
"Yeah, my mom was camera crazy when I was younger." Ash said following Max's gaze.
"How come there aren't any pictures of your dad?" Max asked.
"Max!" May said embarrassed that Max had asked such a personal question.
"It's ok May," Ash said he looked towards Max, "I don't really know Max, my mom doesn't usually like to talk about my dad. He probably died when I was just a baby."
"Sorry Ash." Max said looking down; he was ashamed he had asked such a personal subject into the conversation.
"It's ok," Ash said shrugging his shoulders, "I'm used to it by now." Even though he asked himself that same question everyday.
Then Ash was struck with an idea. "I'll be back."
He ran upstairs and went into the attic; he thought he would be able to find some pictures of his dad. As Ash rummaged through some boxes he accidentally knocked some other boxes over and he rushed to pick them up. He carefully stacked each box on top of the other. As he put the last box on the stack he looked down and saw a basket. He bent to pick it up when something shiny caught his eye; he walked over kneeled down and picked it up.
"What's this?" he asked himself as he examined the locket, it was a little dusty so he quickly wiped the dust off and the locket glimmered with its original shine. He was intrigued by the symbol he found on the back, it was the same symbol he saw on Sir Aaron's gloves. He opened it and froze at what he saw, it was a picture of Sir Aaron, but what shocked him even more was the woman who was next to him, it was the woman from his dreams.
He heard footsteps and turned to see his mom in the attic. "Ash what are you doing…" she trailed off as she saw the locket in Ash's hands.
"Where did you get that?" She asked in a small voice.
"Mom, what is this?" Ash asked holding up the locket. "Where did you get it?"
"I…got it at a garage sale," Delia lied quickly not meeting his eyes, "I found it about a couple of weeks ago."
"You're lying." Ash said, "You're not looking at me in the eyes. Mom, what's going on?"
Delia looked away from Ash, when she looked at him again her face was one of great sadness and resolve. She walked to the attic door, pulled the string and closed the door.
"I guess I can't hide it from you any longer," She said as she took a seat on one of the boxes. She patted on the box next to her so Ash would sit down; he did as she said still clutching the locket.
"Mom, what you mean?" Ash said looking confused, "What have you been hiding from me?"
Delia took a deep breath and looked at Ash in the eyes, "The truth is Ash that this locket belongs to you, and this locket was a gift from your parents… your birth parents."
Ash's heart froze, "What do you mean my birth parents? Do you mean you and my Dad?"
Delia shook her head sadly, "Ash… I'm not your birth mother."
Ash's whole world came crashing down, he dropped the locket. "What?"
He shook his head and stood up, "No… you can't… I'm not… I'm adopted?"
Delia's eyes filled with unshed tears as she turned her head downwards again. "Thirteen years ago, I was out on a nature walk with Professor Oak, and Spencer. I was looking towards the river and I saw a basket. I walked over to the basket and I find the greatest gift I could ask for…you."
She nodded her head towards the basket, "That's the same basket I found you inside of, that blanket and that locket were the only things that were with you. They were the only connections we had to your parents. Once I held you in my arms I knew that you were meant to be my son. You would have been placed in foster care, but luckily the Professor was able to use his influence in my favor. He did everything in his power to make sure I was able to adopt you, and a couple of months after I found you that dream became a reality."
"The Professor did everything in his power to find your birth parents," She continued, "But he couldn't find anything, no jeweler took credit for creating the locket and no family came to claim you. Every lead he had was a dead end; we assumed that your birth parents didn't want to be found. We don't know where you really came from."
She got up and walked towards Ash, she placed her hands on his shoulders, "This doesn't change anything, the love I feel for you is the same love any mother would feel for her child. No matter what anyone says you are my son, and blood doesn't matter to me."
She held her breath anxious for Ash's reaction. Ash slowly backed away from her. His voice was neutral, controlled. "I need to be alone," He said in a steady voice, "I need to be alone right now." He turned his back to her, "I'm sorry but right now I can't see you, please just go."
Delia's heart broke; she picked up the locket and placed it on one of the nearby boxes. "This belongs to you," she said, her eyes shining with the tears that had yet to be shed. She walked towards the door and climbed down the ladder.
"I love you sweetie," she said looking at him one last time, "You know that right?"
Ash didn't turn to look at her; she climbed the rest of the steps down and closed the door. Once the door was closed, she broke down and cried.
On the other side of the door Ash was no better; he fell to his knees clutching the locket to his chest. He was crying the hardest sobs he had ever cried in his life.
"Who am I?" Ash asked himself.
Aaron, Lucario, Lance, Mew and Jackie were about two hours away from Pallet Town. Everyone in the helicopter was worried about Ash's safety. However, Aaron was remembering his past life, particularly about the time he spent with Raia.
(Flashback)
Twenty-one-year-old Aaron was practicing with his staff in an isolated lake, he was surrounded by large evergreen trees and it was absolutely silent. His face was of absolute focus until a rock came pelting towards his face. He easily blocked it with his staff, then another came towards him again. Soon enough Aaron was blocking rocks from every direction.
"Who's there?" he called out. A figure leapt into the air and aimed a kick towards Aaron; he jumped from his previous position to dodge it He couldn't get a good look at his opponent because his face was covered in a black scarf, he got into a fighting stance and his opponent did the same thing. He charged at his opponent with great speed, but he was easily matched with every punch and every kick. His opponent finally landed the final blow by landing a kick on his head, as Aaron fell towards the lake he grabbed his opponent's scarf and it unraveled as he fell. When he reached the surface he was face to face with a beautiful young woman with hair as dark as the night and brown eyes as bright as the sun.
He was momentarily stunned, then shook his head and got back into a defensive stance.
"Why are you attacking me?" he demanded.
"You're trespassing on private property" the girl said, "this is my grandfather's pond and you have no right to be here. You Guardians think you can do whatever you please and get away with it."
Aaron was truly flabbergasted by the girl's response. "I beg your pardon? I had no idea that I was even on private property, my master told me to train here until he returned."
"Who is you master?" the girl asked.
"Master Tanaba" Aaron answered.
"Oh" the girl lowered her guard, "Tanaba is an old friend of the family, my grandfather Master Kinra allows him to use our property for the training grounds" She put her arm behind her head and smiled sheepishly, "Sorry about that, I just get kind of protective whenever my grandfather's concerned."
Aaron sweat dropped "uhh…it's alright, I understand, I've met Master Kinra on a few occasions, he's a good man. Though I don't remember ever seeing you"
"I've only been here for two months, both of my parents passed away in a terrible fire and grandfather took me in."
"My condolences for your loss." Aaron said
" It's alright the pain isn't as strong as before, by the way we haven't formally been introduced," The girl said holding her hand out, "My name is Raia."
"I'm Aaron" Aaron bowed in front of Raia. "It's a pleasure to meet the granddaughter of Master Kinra"
"The pleasure is mine," Raia said blushing, "though it was an even greater pleasure in defeating you"
As Aaron was about to retort a voice called out to him. "Aaron," Master Tanaba called, "Come we must be going if you are to make it to your advancement ceremony."
"Yes Sir" Aaron said, "I suppose this is good-bye, I hope to see you again soon"
Raia nodded and turned to leave. "Good-bye Aaron, Master Tanaba it was a pleasure seeing you again."
As soon as Raia was out of earshot Master Tanaba spoke to Aaron, "Aaron, I hope you do not intend to pursue a romantic relationship with Raia."
"Of course not Master" Aaron said, "I know that the Guardians' laws forbid it." As an
Aura Guardian Aaron's first and only duty was to protect the world and its people and pokemon. The laws of the Aura Guardians forbade all romantic relationships among the Guardians; they were also not allowed to have families. The elders of the Guardians believed that it would cause distractions and the Aura Guardians would be unable to perform their duties.
"Now that you will officially become an Aura Guardian, it's time I give you this" He held out his staff towards Aaron. It was an iron rod with a large crystal in the center.
"Master Tanaba, this is your first staff." Aaron was astonished, "You forged this staff with your own two hands."
"I know, and I couldn't think of anyone more worthy of it than you" Master Tanaba said handing Aaron his staff.
"I promise Master Tanaba, I won't let you down" Aaron said.
(5 years later)
Aaron: 26
Raia: 24
Aaron was returning to Cameroon for the first time in five years, he had been traveling the world carrying out the missions of the Aura Guardians.
He was walking through the markets of Cameroon admiring its scenery. There were stands that sold food, clothes, jewelry, and people were bargaining over everything. Aaron smiled at the scenery, it had been so long since he was home he was savoring every moment. He didn't realize he was walking backwards until he bumped into someone and fell to the ground.
"I'm terribly sorry," Aaron said picking up some fallen fruit, "I wasn't looking and…"
He trailed off once he saw who it was. "Raia?"
"Why is it that we always seem to meet on the ground" Raia joked.
"It's wonderful to see you again." Aaron said, "How is your grandfather?"
"I'm afraid he passed away last year" Raia said sadly.
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry." Aaron said.
"It's alright," Raia said, "Lady Rin has been most helpful to me. She's allowed me to come work for her when my Grandfather's land was taken away."
"They took your Grandfather's land?" Aaron was horrified.
"You know the laws," Raia said, "I'm but a woman, and with no husband or son I was unable to keep it."
"I'm so sorry" Aaron said again.
Raia shook her head and smiled sadly, "It's not the land that matters but the memories I made with my grandfather do. I should be going Lady Rin is expecting me, it's been nice talking to you Aaron or should I say Sir Aaron." She giggled, "Good Bye now."
Aaron watched her as she walked away, "Good Bye" he said softly.
At the Temple of The Aura Guardians Aaron stood before the Elders, awaiting his next assignment.
"Sir Aaron, due to your high success rate, it has been decided that you will be stationed in the Castle of Cameroon. Your duty is to protect the queen, Lady Rin. Is that understood?"
"Yes Sir" Aaron bowed to the Elders then left the room. Secretly he was excited; if he was stationed in the castle he would be able to see Raia more often.
(At the Throne Room of the Castle)
"I am most pleased that you will be here." Lady Rin said, "I hope you will find the room to your liking. Raia please show Sir Aaron to his quarters."
"Yes my lady," Raia said as she led Aaron outside the throne room and into the decorated halls of the castle. Every wall was decorated with portraits of the royal family, past and present.
"If I didn't know any better Sir Aaron I'd swear you were following me." Raia teased.
"Me? I would never do such a thing, I am a gentleman after all" Aaron said.
They finally reached Aaron's door.
"If there is anything you need, please let me know." Raia said.
Aaron looked at Raia and looked deep into her eyes. "I'll be sure to do that."
Raia blushed and walked away and Aaron smiled as he watched her.
Needless to say Aaron and Raia grew closer within each year, soon enough they fell in love. Aaron was happier than he had ever been in a long time. The three years he spent with Raia were the happiest years he's ever had, and he wanted to make it official. With Lady Rin's help Aaron was able to give Raia the perfect. Lady Rin was the only one who knew of their affair and she approved.
It was dark, Aaron and Raia were out on their nightly walk, and the moon was full and shining brightly on them. They stopped in front of a lake.
"Aaron why have you brought me here?" Raia asked
"Don't you realize where we are?" Aaron asked.
Raia looked towards the lake and gasped. She realized it was the same lake she and Aaron had met for the first time.
She looked back towards Aaron and he was on his knees. Aaron brought out a golden locket with a beautiful jewel at the center.
"Raia," Aaron began, "you have made me the happiest man alive and I can't imagine my life without you. So Raia, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Raia's eyes were glistening with silent tears as they streamed down her face, "Yes, yes Aaron I will."
Aaron jumped from his previous position swept her into his arms and kissed her with more passion than he ever had.
The ceremony was small, only Lady Rin attended. The marriage was kept secret due to the fact that by this marriage Aaron was breaking all laws and vows of the Aura Guardians, but Raia was worth it.
(2 years later)
Aaron: 31
Raia: 29
The next two years were of absolute bliss to Aaron, although he was on active duty again, he knew that Raia would be at home waiting for him. As a gift, Lady Rin had given him and Raia a small cottage at the top of a lone hill. Since the cottage was near castle property no one could disturb them or discover their secret.
Aaron had finally chosen his apprentice, he was the first Guardian to choose a pokemon as his apprentice. He knew that it was unorthodox, but Aaron believed in Lucario and he felt that a pokemon could be just as successful as a Guardian as any human could. Lucario was a little nervous of Sir Aaron, but within a few weeks he became more comfortable around him. After two months of training Aaron took Lucario to meet Raia.
Lucario was astonished that Sir Aaron would break Guardian laws, but after spending time with Raia Lucario began to see why Aaron fell in love. Although Sir Aaron said that he would understand if Lucario reported him, he did no such thing. Lucario did not want to break the trust Sir Aaron had in him.
Aaron and Lucario had been called away; the Elders had decided they should be relocated to a neighboring kingdom for about a year. As Aaron prepared to leave Raia stood in their bedroom doorway.
"Must you leave?" She asked.
"I'm afraid so, my love." Aaron said, "I'll miss you terribly, but you'll see the year will go by quickly, and I promise when I return that will be the end of it I will no longer be a Guardian."
"You can't be serious," Raia said, "You can't leave the Guardians, they still need you."
"Raia, all my life I have done what was expected of me, I never gave any regard to my own happiness." Aaron said, "That's all going to change, when I return home I promise you I will be here permanently. There's nothing more I'd rather do than to spend the rest of my life with you and raise a family."
At the word family Raia's face grew serious but Aaron didn't notice.
"Lucario, let's go" Aaron called.
Lucario entered the room, "I am ready master."
"Then let's be going." Aaron said. He and Lucario were outside the house when Raia came running out.
"Aaron Wait!" she called.
Aaron stopped and looked at Raia.
"Is something the matter my love?" Aaron asked.
As Raia looked towards Aaron and she knew she couldn't tell him, not yet.
"Come home safely" she said.
"Of course I will my love" Aaron said giving her one last kiss.
Of course it was not meant to be. Aaron returned nine months later only to find a raging war among pokemon. He knew that if the war happened the kingdom would die and so would Raia. Therefore he made the ultimate sacrifice; he gave his aura to the Tree of Beginning so Mew could have the power to stop this war. As he faded one last thought went to his head.
'Raia… my love… I'm sorry I couldn't come home, please forgive me'
(End flashback)
Jackie's voice brought Aaron out of his trance.
"We're almost to Pallet town." Jackie said. "We should be there in another hour."
Aaron sat up straighter. He couldn't focus on the past now, he had to think about now. An innocent child's life was in danger and he needed to use all of his energy into finding him.
Lucario's information disturbed him, "How is it possible he has my Aura."
All of his questions would be answered soon enough.
I know. you hate cliffhangers. so do I.
I promise, the next chapter will come soon, and Ash will meet up with Mewtwo and Lucario.
Don't forget to review