Chapter–9
Preparation of Journey V
Trainings, Teachings and Discoveries
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Next day Ash woke up with a fresh start in his life. He was an ordinary kid. Was he? Nope. He was a smart student, powerful trainee, obedient son and caring human. He was a popular performer, rising researcher and breeder and now, he was going to be an aura guardian and a prince. Well thats a lot to be but Ash wasn't complaining. He wanted more. He wanted to do everything. He will try everything as trying never hurts.
After doing his everyday routine, he went back to his training grounds. Ash found Riley waiting for him there.
"Good morning, teacher." Ash said with a bow.
"Ash you don't need to be formal. Call me Riley. I am not used to it." Riley said.
"Okay." Ash said.
"For the first thing we need to see your category and types." Riley said bringing an old book before him.
"This book was given to me by my grandfather. This will help in learning the basics as well as shows us our base types. I am giving it to you."
"Thank you Riley." Ash said accepting it.
"Touch the crystal on it. This book will only show its knowledge to the aura wielders. At the first page, place your hand and try to feel your aura. Then I will tell to do certain things to see your progress. This will help us to prepare a proper schedule." Riley said.
Ash nodded. He placed his hand on the crystal and it glowed brightly. He opened the first page which was fully blue and felt like a crystal which was having no contents. He placed his arm on it and felt his aura. The paged glowed brightly. Riley hadn't seen it glow that bright. When the light died down, the page showed a figure standing between two circles surrounded in a golden aura. In the first circle, it was surrounded by four more figures glowing with green representing healers, yellow representing empaths, light blue and dark blue representing attackers and defenders respectively. The outer circle showed 18 different plates representing all pokemon types.
"As expected from son of the greatest aura guardians. But the golden aura is something new. I will have to look for it. However now lets start the test. Go give your pokemon their tasks." Riley said.
As nodded and gave each pokemon their training regime for the time being. Ash returned to Riley and waited for command.
"Ash since you are more aquainted being an empath so lets see your empathetic capabilities." Riley said as Ash nodded.
Riley asked Ash to do certain things like read feelings of surrounding people and pokemon, project his own feelings, manipulate others feelings etc. It only took and hour for that.
"Ash your empathetic abilities are already at a master level but you have been using them unconsciously. For the first week, we are going to have you give them your full control. With that you will have already completed at least two years work for a general aura trainee." Riley congractulated and called off the day. He went to discuss things with Illene.
Ash went to check on his pokemon's training. Lucario was supervising them the best he can. When he sensed Ash coming, he turned to him.
"Ashura I wanted to discuss some of your responsibilities."
"Ok Lu-lu give me a minute. I will check on the others and return back."
Lucario nodded and led him. There was not anything necessary for him to check. He and lucario separated from the group.
"What responsibilities I have Lu-lu?" Ash asked.
"Ashura, you are not only prince of Rota but also pokemon. You are the ruler of pokemon across the world. You should know as humans are good and evil so are pokemon. You will need to learn that. Also, you will need to protect them, hear to their pleadings, reward or punish them for their deeds and many more. It will be just like ruling the people of Rota. Lady Illene will give you that knowledge." Lucario said.
"Don't worry Lu-lu. I will try my best to come to everyone's hopes." Ash smiled with confidence. Lucario chuckled and ruffled his hair getting a pout from the cute prince.
An hour later, they called off the training. Ash went back to his room, took a shower and checked on his egg. Then he went to the breakfast table and found Illene and Riley.
"Good morning big sis." Ash greeted cheerfully.
"Great timing Ash. We had just finished working on your schedule." Illene said.
Ash nodded cheerfully and sat beside her. They ate their breakfast. After breakfast, they told him about his schedule.
Monday to Friday*
5:00 am to 9:00 am ― Aura training/Physical training/Pokemon training.
9:00 am to 10:30 am ― Breakfast/free time for Ash.
10:30 am to 12:00 noon ― Studies and research.
12:00 noon to 1:00 pm ― Rest
1:00 pm to 6:00 pm ― Studying under Queen Illene
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm ― Video Performances
7:00 pm to 8:00 pm ― Dinner
8:00 pm to 10:00 pm ― Queries and Research/Talking with friends and family.
Saturday and Sunday*
Days off/Grooming and playing with pokemon/Spending time with Big Sis
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The weeks passed fast. Ash became more and more gentlemanly. His knowledge, skills, care and manners took a new take off. After learning about himself even if not fully, he dedicated himself with his studies and training.
After the first week, Riley started to train him in combat, aura sight and using aura to power up his strength, speed and endurance. According to Riley, he could become a full fledged aura guardian at the start of his journey. His progress didn't seem to slow down a bit. Ash had dove himself in the vast knowledge of aura as the scrolls had arrived and asked every doubt to Riley. Sometimes Riley would fear from Ash if he couldn't get any answers. The professors had laughed heartily at him and welcomed to their world with Ash.
Queen Illene was not leaving any chance to let him slack off. She had set up a tight schedule of manners, dances, studies, rules, regulations and responsibilities. On the free days, she will take Ash with herself in every meeting and discussion. Ash was also not disappointing her. He was taking part in discussions and giving his judgements to the issues. Illene was gleaming with happiness seeing her student progressing.
Professors weekly sent some research papers to him. They would discuss many things. Ash was proving them to be a great researcher if he ever decided to become it. He timely kept his research with Suzy and Daisy over breeding. Their discussions went long and were quite helpful. He also kept track of his friends. His friends all had started work for the future.
Gary had started to study hard. He kept his arrogant persona but not his arrogance. He was fun to talk. He had started to take care of his squirtle nicely.
Leaf was also preparing. She and bulbasaur had started training. But she was in dillemma of choosing league or contests. Ash had told her to go by her heart.
The alolan crew were working hard to achieve their dreams. They except Lillie discussed about training with Ash. Mallow shared cooking tips and recepies with Ash. Her restaurant was rising with Ash's recepies. Lillie was showing little progress. Her fear of pokemon hadn't gone but she had grown very close to her egg and had named it Snowy on its appearance.
Serena had realised her dream to be a performer after seeing Aria. She told her mother about this. Her mother was little disheartened about her choice of not becoming a ryhorn racer but was happy for her to choose a dream. She supported her but still forced her to gain the skill of ryhorn racing. Serena had reluctantly agreed to it.
Aria had won and become the Kalos Queen. She was congractulated by everyone mostly by Ash.
Dawn had went on her big brothers path and asked her mom to teach her. Johanna was more than happy for that.
Brandon was studing under his father and training his mudkip.
Jane was training to become the next Fuchsia Gym leader.
However, Ashley was the most helpful in the trainings and studies. She recorded and took notes of everything that Ash did. Pointing any mistakes, suggestions, discussions etc. His studies and research became way more faster with her.
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The week before his birthday, Ash invited everyone to the yearly festival. Most of them had readily come. Aria and Palmero were coming on the day of Contest but the Champions couldn't manage to get time for it as the league was near which started a week after the festival.
On the first day of the festival, every kid on the camp as well as professors and people who accompanied were delivered the album 'Camp Memories'. Ash and the kids group along with Dawn were happily going through the photos with queen Illene. Ash also showed them his sketches and collections.
Ash had apologised for losing his control on the camp. Gary was surprised that he remembered and apologised too. Ash informed him about everything. He recalled every memory that was blocked. Even his birth and seeing face of his mother for first and instant love and bond they formed. He actually didn't understand many of the events.
Ash had personally given each of them the tour of the kingdom. On the day of Contest, they were provided VIP seats. Palmero and Johanna accompanied the Judges and like last year Ash gave a heartwhelming performance but this time accompanied by Aria.
Ash and some of his friends took part in the tournament. Ash decided to go with pikachu this time. He felt that Aero was way more powerful for the event. She and lucario were at a completely different level. Also his other pokemon needed to gain experience. Pikachu struggled a bit. He and his friends were knocked out of the tournament as they reached the semifinals. But this time, Ash enjoyed every battle. His adrenaline rushed with every opponent as it had rushed against Mike last year. Every battle was a close call.
After the tournament, queen llene had a surprise ready for Ash. He was immediately ordered to get ready in a new set of clothes and meet her. Unsure of the urgency, he immediately took a bath. To his surprise, two maids were already there to get him ready. He was practically tortured to get in the highly formal royal prince suit. His hair was combed being the most dreadful part for him. He was mentally cursing his big sister.
'Why big sis? Why? What did I do wrong to have this punishment?'
Pikachu, espeon and mew were rolling in laughter seeing him. He was sending deadly glares at them doing nothing on them. He sighed as he felt his mother giggling in his mind.
"It's not the last time you will be in this situation Ashy. Get ready because when I will be with you I will dress you myself. I am not leaving you until I am satisfied over the loss of these years." Marien said in his mind. It had become a habit of them to talk to each other at anytime.
Ash gulped and screamed, "NOOOOOOO."
Those who were nearby were confused at his embarassed and frightened face. But this was joined by loud laughing from his pokemon and Ashley even lucario.
Soon he was dragged at the throne room infront of Illene by the maids. Everyone were laughing at his reddened face even if he looked greatly handsome and cute. Delia clicked a photo of him and immediately sent to the Champions. Gary had teased him to hell.
Ash looked at Illene with a pleading face trying to make the puppy dog eyes effect. Illene was having hard time control her laughter. She took a deep breath and said calmly.
"Ash, me and you are going to meet some guests for tonight's ball. You will staying with them for the whole evening."
Now Ash was in pure horrer. What has Illene planned for her? Illene was giggling after seeing his face.
She took him to the enterance of the castle and waited.
First guest to arrive was a princess with reddish orange curled hair with a furfrou beside her. She was escorted by two lady guards.
"Ashura meet Princess Allie from Camphrier Town in Kalos." Illene said.
Ash gave a courteous bow to her. She looked one or two years older than him. From his aura, he could read that she was a spoiled and arrogant one. However, he didn't show any objections.
"Nice to meet you Princess Allie." Ash said in a gentlemanly way.
Allie just ignored him and went inside guided by Illene's maid.
"Big Sis, if others like her then I will tell mew to teleport me to the Tree and spend the night there peacefully. You can give me any punishment next day." Ash said rather calmly.
Illene was having similar thoughts. Had she made a mistake calling them? Well lets see then.
Next came a girl having magneta hair. She was rather cute. Her clothes were fancy though not royal. She was of his age. She definitely was rich if not a princess.
"Ashura meet Giselle Goodshow. She is granddaughter of League President, Charles Goodshow."
Ash gave her too a courteous bow. He read her aura and found her to be full of pride. But still she had a good heart and she was knowledgable.
"It's nice to meet you Giselle."
"It's nice to meet you to Prince Ashura. Can I ask one thing?" Giselle said in curiosity.
"Yeah, why not?"
"Are you really the famous star Prince Ashura?"
Ash looked at Illene who nodded.
"Yeah, I am."
Giselle squealed in delight and shook his hand.
"I am big fan of you. Will you give me an autograph?"
"Umm. Yeah. But can we do that back at the palace."
"Ok. But don't forget." Giselle said as she was guided by Illene's maid.
"She is prideful of her money and looks but she is good hearted. I can spend time with her. Also she is knowledgable." Ash said to Illene.
"Oh! Isn't she cute too." Illene teased.
Ash blushed and huffed while Illene giggled.
Next came two more princesses. One was a brunette about a year smaller than him and other one was Dawn. Wait Dawn!
"What are you doing here Dawn?" Ash asked the little girl coming however her aura didn't feel like Dawn.
The little blunette looked at him in confusion.
"Who is Dawn and who are you?" She asked politely.
"No you are definitely not Dawn. She is not that polite." Ash mumbled.
Illene giggled.
"Ashura meet Princess Sara and Princess Salvia. They are from Mirage Kingdom in Hoenn and Gracedia Kingdom in Sinnoh respectively. Princess Salvia looks similar to Dawn."
Ash was surprised but he bowed to them. The princesses also bowed to him. He could tell that they were polite and caring even without using his aura.
"It's nice to meet you both, Sara and Salvia."
"It's an honour to meet you Prince Ashura." Both said.
They with their caretakers went inside guided by Illene's maid.
"They are kind and caring. I have no problem with them. Also Dawn can become good friends to Salvia."
"I don't know but if she became her friend then be prepared for another sister who will be sticked with you everytime."
Ash chuckled.
"Well I can handle that if she doesn't cry like her when she will go back."
They both giggled at the thought. After half an hour, 10 more royal or rich kids have come. Majority of them were of his age. Some were arrogant and spoiled but some were good to have in company.
Ash went back to his room and laid down on his bed. Aria came by and sat beside him.
"So Ash how was the welcoming?"
"Tiring. Man how could big sis remain standing that long? And this suit is very incomfortable."
Aria giggled.
"You look cute while complaining. Anyways, queen Illene asked you to socialize with them."
"Aww man. I want some rest."
"You don't have any choice Ashy." She pecked his cheek and dragged him while he was flustered giggling. Ash was too much fun to tease. Who wouldn't to tease a cute and caring boy.
She dragged him to the dining hall where all had gathered for lunch. He took the seat near Illene and Dawn was sitting beside him. Salvia was looking in disbelief at Dawn. Ash saw her face and chuckled. She immediately hid her face.
After the lunch, Ash was approached by Giselle, Salvia and Sara. He wasn't much interested in others than these three. At that time, Princess was on his head, pikachu on his left shoulder and mew on his right shoulder in disguise of pikachu. Beside him, Dawn had clinged to his arm and in no case she was leaving him.
"Hello Prince Ashura." They all greeted.
"No need to be formal. You can call me Ash." Ash said. They nodded but were interuppted by a squeak.
"Big brother who put a mirror here and why does she has different clothes?" Dawn asked.
They chuckled at Dawn.
"Dawn, there isn't any mirror here. She is princess Salvia. You both look alike." Ash said.
Dawn moved and poked at both cheeks of Salvia. Salvia was surprised by her approach.
"Dawn what are you doing? Bad manners." Ash scolded.
"Sorry big brother. I was checking I didn't saw a ghost." Dawn said innocently.
Ash and others sweat dropped at her.
"Sorry Salvia. She isn't used to this. She meant no offence." Ash apologised.
"None taken. She is funny. Hi I am Salvia. Will you be my friend?" Salvia said with red cheeks.
"Of course. We will have so much fun." Dawn said loudly. Everyone looked at her in confusion.
"Ashy, keep her in control if you don't want to be embarassed." Came the mechanical voice.
Ash facepalmed.
"What have I told you to do when we are in crowd Ashy?"
"Oh my bad. Now suffer bye."
Ash sighed and looked at his guests who were looking at him in bewilderment.
"I see you heard her. Come with me to my room. I will introduce her to you."
Ash grabbed Dawn and started to drag her while leading the way. When they reached his room, he introduced them to his pokemon. They were amazed to see them. Salvia told them about her togepi but she was at her home. He then motioned them to sit down.
"Ok now I welcome you to my virtual sister Ashley."
As he said that, the TV in his room lit up and Ashley appeared in her persona.
"Woah, she looks like you. Where is she now?" Giselle asked.
"She is here with us." Ash replied.
"What do you mean she is here with us? I didn't see her anywhere." Giselle said.
Ash, Dawn and Ashley chuckled. Sara and Salvia looked puzzled.
"I am not real , Giselle. I am an AI. I am just a computer program to help Ashy." Ashley explained.
"Wow. I have heard about AI's from dad and grandpa but didn't expect to see one." Giselle said.
"What does that mean?" Sara said. She and Salvia were not much used to computers.
"She is saying that she is just a software to help me. She is not a human or pokemon."
"Oooooh!!" Salvia and Sara said.
Ash sighed as he knew his words were going over his mind.
"Ok anyone wants to see my collection." Ash asked.
"Me. Me." Dawn said raising her hand.
"Anyone other than her." Ash said sweatdropping at her enthusiasm.
Giselle, Sara and Salvia just shrugged off. Ash shook his head and walked to his box of collections. He pulled out his scrapbook, sketch books and the camp album. He started with the camp album. The little showing turned into hours of talking as they forgot about time.
Serena and Lillie came looking for him as he was needed to be present.
"Ash what are you doing here?" Serena asked.
"Oh! Hi Sere. I was showing them my collection, sketches and camp album. Sere, Lillie meet Giselle, Sara and Salvia. Salvia looks exactly like Dawn. I showed them few my videos too." Ash introduced.
Serena blushed at her nickname. They greeted them.
"Ash Aria was looking for you." Lillie said.
"Hmmm. Why?" Ash asked completely forgetting about the ball.
"Ash how could you forget. Birthday boy or prince is needed at the ball. It is going to start in 10 minutes." Lillie facepalmed.
Ash glanced at the clock and his eyes widened.
6:52 pm.
"Aaaah crap. I am late. Ashy why didn't you tell me." Ash said in panic.
"Umm sorry. I kinda got carried away with you all. Hehe." Ashley said nervously scratching back of her head.
Everyone sweatdropped at the AI.
"Fine. Sere, Lillie can you help them get ready." Ash said pointing to Giselle, Sara, Salvia and Dawn. They nodded.
"Thanks. Mew teleport me to Aria." Ash said.
One of the pikachu's eyes glowed and in a flash of pink he, both pikachus and Princess vanished in air.
"Did that Pikachu just used teleport and why did Ash called for mew?" Giselle stared in disbelief.
"Oh. You don't know that other pikachu was mew. She doesn't like crowd. She has a liking to Ash and you will always find her hanging on him." Serena explained.
Giselle and Sara stared at them in bewilderment. While Salvia was thinking what was happening.
"Anyways lets get you ready. We don't want get late. And we have a perfect outfit for Dawn and Salvia." Lillie said with a mischievious smirk.
Giselle and Sara blinked at them. What are these two thinking? As they led them to the outfits room, they showed them the outfits. As they saw the dresses, the same smirk crossed their face.
"Look out for double trouble Ashy."
They giggled together.
Meanwhile, outside the ball room, the 8 year boy crash landed on the 13 year old girl.
"Ash I know I called you fast but that didn't mean pop out of nowhere and crash on me." Aria scolded angrily.
"Sorry Aria." Ash helped her stand.
"Where were you? You had gone missing for hours." Aria asked.
"I was in my room showing Giselle, Sara, Salvia and Dawn my collection. We kinda got carried away while talking." Ash answered. Aria stared at him in disbelief.
"Since when did you started talking like girls?" She teased.
"Hey I have discussed with professors, Suzy and Daisy for hours too." Ash retorted back.
"That is called discussion and it was gossip. Anyways, go fast and take your seat. Queen Illene will be angry if you are late. I will be back in sometime. Need to fix this mess you caused." She said pointing at her dress.
"Oh sorry. I better get going." With that he dashed inside.
Aria shook her head as she moved towards her room to get changed.
Ash was welcomed by the guards who led him to queen Illene.
"What took you so long?" Illene asked.
"Sorry, I got carried away talking with the girls."
"Who?"
"Giselle, Sara, Salvia and Dawn."
"My, my already starting to have girlfriends." Illene said.
Ash went beet red.
"No it's not like that." Ash said moving his hands frantically.
"That's what I was saying. Girl and friends. What did you thought?" Illene teased with a wink.
Ash pouted and became even more red. Illene giggled at his flustered face.
She brought him in an hug and kissed him on his forehead. She ruffled his hair.
"You know you look more cute in your wild hair." She said with a smile. Ash smiled back and returned the hug.
Soon the event started as people started to gather. Queen Illene, Ash and the tournament winner sat on the stage watching them. Some were talking, some were dancing and some were enjoying the buffet.
Ash eyes were fixed on his friends. Gary and his camp group boys were together. Kiawe and Sophecules weren't interested in dancing. Kiawe was just watching while Sophecules was drooling over the buffet. If Kiawe hadn't holded him back who knows how much he would have ate. Gary and Brandon were trying their luck on the girls.
His camp group girls were all in princess outfit thanks to Aria. She, Suzy, Daisy, Dawn, Giselle, Sara and Salvia had joined the camp group. Speaking of Dawn and Salvia, the girls had dressed them in same clothes and similar way. No one could guess who was who. For him it wasn't a problem. He could easily pick on their aura and emotions and could distinguish among them. Many of the boys had tried asking them to dance only to get rejected.
The professors had huddled in one group and were talking about some research. What other thing they could talk about. His mom, Johanna and Palmero were in one group and were enjoying the time gossiping. Who knows what about?
His and his mom's pokemon were all on the stage. Aero, altaria, pidgeot, venusaur, lucario, starmine, mr. mime and ninetales had surrounded Illene and Ash protectively. Pikachu, Princess, espeon, mareep, growlithe, butterfree, beautifly, Illene's mime jr. and mew in pikachu's disguise were dancing on the stage.
After sometime, Dawn and Salvia came up on the stage and asked Ash to dance with them. Ash glance at Illene who smiled and nodded.
Ash went to the dance floor and and danced with both of them together. They were having fun time. As their dance ended. They both gave him a peck on either cheek at same time. Ash blushed and they giggled. As they went Aria followed the cue. Ash was much comfortable dancing with her as they had performed many times together. However, it still felt awkward for him.
"You had planned this, right?" Ash asked.
"Yup. What fun if we can't enjoy with the birthday prince?" Aria teased.
Ash blushed. It was going to be very long dance.
Each girl except Suzy from the group took turns to dance with Ash. Before leaving, they gave a small peck on either of his cheek. By the end, he was tired and his face was fully red. His whole group, professors, Delia, Johanna, Palmero, Riley and even Illene was snickering at him. Many of the boys were glaring daggers at the lucky boy.
Before the ceremony was to end, the cake for the birthday prince was brought. He blew the 8 candles on it and cut the cake. Everyone present wished him a happy birthday. Then after ending the ceremony, Illene and Ash went in for dinner. Ash was so much tired that he fell asleep at just one lovely ruffling on his hair by Illene. He put his head on her lap and fall asleep. Lucario helped her to move him to his room. Illene sat beside him for sometime playing with his hair as his pokemon snuggled closer to him for his warmth. She gave him a good night peck on his forehead before going to her own room to sleep.
Next morning, he found his room packed with different gifts. Many books, sets of pokeballs, new fishing set, training gear, camp gear, sketch books and paints, soveniors from homes like sketches, home cooked cookies, poffins etc., clay and glass arts, some jewellery like necklaces, bracelets, rings etc., and some cute outfits and suits.
He put each of them in his collection, cookies and bakery products in a cookie box and the outfits in his wardrobe. He changed in his training clothes and went out for his days schedule.
At breakfast, he asked them if they will stay at least for the league. His camp group were already staying including Daisy, Dawn, Suzy and Aria too. Aria was free due to the recently ended Master Class. Giselle, Sara and Salvia also stayed back. Sara and Salvia were home schooled so they can take some time while Giselle could manage the studies. Ash was more than happy with that. While professors, Delia, Johanna and Palmero had to go back as they had works to do.
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The week went enjoying for them. Gary, Brandon, Jane and Kiawe had joined in the pokemon training. Lillie, Giselle, Gary and Brandon were having quite discussions during the studies with him. Sophecules joined him in anything related to technology like his current work for Ashley's requests. Daisy, Suzy and Ash had made their discussions on breeding, grooming and pokemon food like no stop. Ash accompanied Leaf, Lillie, Serena and Aria were helping each other in contests and performances. Despite having fears of pokemon, Lillie showed great interest in Contests and Performing. Mallow had been discussing with him, Suzy and Daisy about their food recepies sometimes joined by Serena, Leaf and Aria. Lana, Gary, Dawn and Salvia in company of Dawn were the group pranksters. Sara and Salvia were asked to join Ash in teachings under queen Illene.
Lillie and Ash took care of their eggs with each other. Both their eggs hatched at same time one day before the league opening ceremony. Ash had easily spoiled his vulpix in a day, always having her in his arms and feeding her himself. She was more energetic type like Ash. Lillie's alolan vulpix, Snowy was more prideful and only allowed Lillie (with Ash being the exception) to be near while Lillie's fear took a toll. She was quite uncomfortable touching her but after getting her lost in the first day in the palace, she was terrified of losing her. Her motherly instincts removed her fear for touching Snowy for the time being (Only Snowy).
During the opening ceremony, Aria, Sara and Salvia were treated as special guests while Ash decided to stay low. True to Oak's words, the top 50 sketches were displayed as an exhibition near the stadium.
Ash and the group were invited by Lance to watch the tournament in the VIP area who gladly accepted. There they met the Elite Four and Giselle introduced them to Mr. Goodshow. They were staying at his Pallet House in Indigo Plateau for the league. Much to their discomfort 4 ACE trainers were assigned to accompany them all time.
They Opening Ceremony went not so eventful rather than the ignition of the League Torch. Shortly after the Opening Ceremony, Lance informed the visitors and participants about the Exhibition of Child Arts in a building next to the stadium. Most of them were confused of it but many appreciated the initiative.
The group immediately headed to the exhibition after the Opening Ceremony. They saw many clay arts, crafts of bamboo, leaves, ice cream sticks etc., paintings and sketches all made by k8ds from age 6 to 14 from all around the world. Their sketches were kept in separate section. They saw that Ash's sketch was kept at the top with the sketches of Lance and Cynthia. Down to theirs were sketches of top 10 with Daisy, Suzy and Aria. Then there were the next 40 in groups of 20 sketches. But most surprising thing was that Ash's sketch was not signed under Ask Ketchum but it was signed under Prince Ashura Aaron Cameron. There went its popularity. Someone from the crowd shouted it as of the famous star Prince Ashura as he was also known for his beautiful sketches on his website and it became the centre of attraction. Ash saw the crazy crowd and really realised why he was kept a secret. He sighed and shared his view to the his group who laughed at him. The visitors toll increased ten folds after the word spread in an hour. After some more time, they went back to the hotel for lunch and rest. In the evening, they decided visit around the area. Aria decided to stay low on heels with Sara and Salvia. They got into common clothes to move around. At night, Ash grouped up with Dawn and Salvia, Serena and Lillie, Mallow and Lana, Aria and Sara, Giselle and Jane, Kiawe and Sophecules, Gary and Brandon and Daisy and Suzy in rooms for their stay. By the next day, Ash saw that his painting was in news all over the world. Aria explained that unlike them his information was very little known and top to the AI's keeping control of his information over the internet has raised lots of suspicions and media is trying their best to discover him. Suddenly, Ash felt scared of all the attention. Aria assured him that it was natural of being scared of the attention. He will learn as time progresses.
Ash and the group stayed majority of the time at the stadium watching the battles. Ash had introduced Mike to the group who immediately asked for an autograph and were rooting for him all the time. Mike at last won the finals.
After the closing ceremony, Lance informed Ash of the attempted theft of his sketch from the exhibition. Ash was very angry at this. He loves his collection. They are precious memories for him. He was also informed about an representative of art gallery asking permission to present it. Ash was not ready to give away his precious memories. Understanding the child's posessive nature, Lance said that they can do it in cooperation with the art gallery and show it in Rota. Ash liked the idea.
After bidding farewell to their companions, they all headed to their homes. Gary and Leaf went with Daisy back to Pallet Town. Jane and Suzy left together. Giselle had went back with Mr. Goodshow. While others headed back to Cameron Palace. Back there, Kukui, Birch, Johanna had came to take them back. The Alolan crew were first to leave. Then the Birchs with Sara and her caretaker Miranda back to Hoenn. Aria, Serena, Dawn with Johanna and Salvia with her caretaker Freesia were going back together taking a connectiong flight to Kalos via Sinnoh. Serena was going back to Kalos as her mother informed that they had to move back due to her job. So she decided to go with Aria.
After they had went back, Ash discussed about the offer made by Lance to Illene. She had no problem with it. Later that night, Ash asked Illene if they could start to go in public as he wanted to learn to handle the crowd after seeing the craziness of people in the Exhibition. Ash was brought in the middle of discussion with the professors, champions, Delia, Riley, Palmero, Johanna and Mr. Goodshow. They were worried if any vital info will be leaked. At last it was decided that he was to be presented as Prince Ashura Aaron Cameron of Rota with the start of the Art Gallery in Rota and the persona of Ash Ketchum will be kept hidden so that he will not have any problems in his journey. Being a Prince will also stop the media from disturbing him much.
Next week, Lance brought the owner of the Art Gallery who was non other than Mr. Stone, owner of Devon Corp. He was amazed by the skill of the little prince when he saw all the sketches. He was more than happy to become a partner of the art gallery. He also suggested him to put display of his scrap book of leaves and some of the stones which intrigued him. He said that his son was very much interested in stones and fossils. Ash said. he would like to meet him to share his interests. It didn't cross his mind that he was talking about someone special.
After about two months, the art gallery was finalised to be opened. It opened with a press conference with the official reveal of Prince Ashura. Ash was badly nervous during the press conference and the way media persons asked him questions. So Illene took the situation in her hand. She stopped them to asking a 8 year old asking questions further and moved to the inauguration of his own art gallery. It was named as 'Prince Ashura's Arts and Collections'. It became one of the famous tourist spots of Kanto as Ash was world famous. There were lots of displays which could go to days of visits.
Even if he was revealed to the world, his personal information was kept secret and the honour of being Prince helped him to gain advantage over this case. Other than that his achievements in the field of science and research with professors and the single claim of the new powerful AI technology blew the whole world's mind even more. Moreover, Ash had started getting the feel of his celebrity life. He started getting offers in the field of research, technology, medicine and breedings which he accepted only if his caretakers agreed. He had a long way to go and decide between right a wrong since he hadn't seen the real face of the world. However, his teachings had helped him control himself from puffing in pride and become arrogant. He took pride in his work yet.
xxxxx
It had been six months from the start of his celebrity life. His daily schedule went as usual but his weekends went with interviews, meetings, parties, performances and acting as a child artist for some films. He got his debut after persuasion from Diantha and Palmero. Yet he was only allowed for certain small appearances as teachings were going underway. Still the love of people for him was at high end. Even with a small role he got praises from his fans.
His art gallery has flourished much and he started working even hard. He got many invitations from famous art galleries to display his work. Illene handled all this and lend then display his work. Each and every performance of him was played continuously on a very large display at the center in visiting hours.
His offers in technology gave his way for his goals. He came under a partnership of major technological firms like Silph Co., Devon Corp. etc. to make a device to understand pokespeech however progress was much slow. Next was the inact and tangible hologram that made the AI's to interact with environment. This was a huge success made with them. This allowed the users to have a helping mate with them always. But so far AI's were not released for common purposes. They were quite powerful and shouldn't get in wrong hands. Next was some upgrades in the Watchdex and adding its features to PokeGear, PokeNav and Xtransreciever as well as the common pokedexes as Watchdex was a powerful and expensive tool.
His works on breeding, grooming, medicines and pokemon food were spread over the world. He was a respectable breeder over the world along with Suzy and Daisy. His works with professors was also highly accepted. He was at a stage to easily get the title of junior professor but he denied and said that he was happy with being an field researcher for them. However, his denial was not heard by them as a certificate of Junior Professor was hanged on his room. The latest research that most intrigued him was the work on Mega Evolution by professor Sycamore. It was recent so he hadn't read about his research.
His pokemon training and aura training under Riley was going very fast. Riley as well as Lucario were surprised with his ability to learn so fast. So far half of his training was complete which takes almost 5 years for an average aura guardian to complete. But it was due to his better grasp over his aura due to years of meditation. He was master of empathetic and healing abilities. He could control the feelings of any pokemon in seconds of contact and calm down their raging feelings from his aura. He had mastered healing quite fast but still his aura reserves were not much strong. They got worried for him as he will do anything to protect the pokemon. His offensive and defensive training were going at a good rate. His physical combat was pretty good and they were sure he can have upper hand at most dangers. His use of aura to enhance his abilities were also going good but since his aura reserve was not that much he easily got tired. He was having decent control over having aura spheres and shields. He was starting his training in different battle styles and making weapons from his aura. It would take a long time to achieve but he wasn't backing down. His basic ability of aura sight and telepathy via aura were increasing gradually. Still after a lot of stress, he was prone to headaches and tiredness. His mental barriers were quite strong and no ordinary psychic pokemon could gain control over him as mew was the constant tester. However, his mind was a open book for people and pokemon he bonded with.
His body has developed many fine muscles over his body. His body was toned and well maintained. Illene never left Ash ignoring his body. Due to her, Ash had got a habit of maintaing a well shaped body and be fit. His habit was much like girls in comparision as most boys didn't think of any finer detail of their body but Ash kept every final detail of his body in check much like he groomed his pokemon. Even though his apetite didn't change, he was very thoughtful and strict over his workout. Living in vicinity of a lot of girls had also given him some girly habits. He admired himself a lot, squealed like girls over cute things, being motherly towards baby and injured pokemons, infatuation over perfumes, jewellery and outfits like his habit of of collecting stones, sea shells, leaves and rare items, talking unnecessarily with them for hours and most cute was pouting over any matter. The girls found it cute and comfortable having him being around. Other than these, he was completely a boy. Also, it became a habit of them to give him a peck on cheek to him when met or depart or whenever they liked. After a lot times, he didn't flustered much. He also returned them some but majority went over Dawn and Salvia, Aria, Daisy, Illene and his mom Delia. Other than them, it was quite embarassing for him to kiss them on cheek. However, he didn't know but each girl likely demanded a peck from him. Gary always teased him for being a ladies man and asked for tips. Ash always became red on the comment as he couldn't deny that. He knew that they had special feelings for him as he read their aura.
Ashley had the major role over his change in behaviour. She kept on nagging him being a test subject for her desires. After she could make the tangible hologram, she had brought a hell for Ash. He was in contant exposure of her. She always talked with him for hours. For the early times, they talked much more about studies and research but as time continued she started to change subjects to more and more girly things like dresses, make up, hairstyles etc. She said she was planning for her future when they will become siblings. Ash couldn't help. There was one thing about her that made Ash never deny her. He loved her dearly and she was the most precious person in his life. So he accepted his defeat. He went for shoppings with her. He had never problem over the sizes as she and Ash were practically similar. Not much changes were there. He had to swallow his pride and do things for her like cross dress to make her decide what will suit on her, do his makeover, try perfumes and jewelleries etc. After few months, it started to get fused with his personality. He still despises being cross dressed and having makeover but didn't get embarassed much. He sometimes haves fun with her being cross dressed acting like a girl. But no one except he, Ashley, his pokemon, lucario and Marien have a word about it. Marien teases him about him getting to do these things but praises him for being a good brother. Ashley never leaves any chance to try something new. She even made a video of him performing cross dressed and sure to say if anyone saw it they will think the performer is a girl. The love between the siblings is very high. They are each others greatest support. However they didn't stop their bickering and fighting. Illene had also started teaching Ashley being a real princess as she was sure that Ash will make the impossible possible.
The training of the pokemon was going well so far. Aero was the most powerful after lucario and could go toe on toe with elites. But for others, they were nowhere near her level. After her, pidgeot and altaria were most powerful and were at a level to go for later gyms but not enough for volcano, marsh or earth badge. They could easily win the first two badges and give a decent fight to the others. His mom's pokemon were trained for contests so they lacked a lot of strength. Moreover, the rest were her recent captures and were not trained much. Next came, pikachu, espeon and mareep followed by growlithe and princess and lastly his baby vulpix. His other pokemon had major loss over strength, speed and endurance but Ash had given much time to increase their move pool. He could work on strength a little later but first he decided to have them master their moves. That is why his pokemon were great strategist on their own. Even without power, they could give their opponents a run of their money. But he also had mew as his pokemon. The infatuated pink feline herself took a luxury ball captured herself. Ash and his pokemon were staring in shock when she did this. He could swear that he heard professor Oak screaming in Pallet Town. She released herself, sat on Ash's head, nestled comfortably in his hair, curled and started to doze off. Ash and the others sweat dropped at the powerful legendary. But he had got a surprise when Delia transferred ownership of altaria, pidgeot and starmine to him. She said that they were more happy being with him than staying trapped in one place.
Ash had spoiled many of his pokemon with his overwhelming love and care. First, not a single pokemon will take a no over the food. They want food only made by him. Otherwise will not eat. Lucario surprisingly, supported the group. His two princesses were always snuggling to get daddy's care. Princess and vulpix were inseparable from him. Pikachu and espeon were the pranksters and most lazy ones. Mareep was more of silent type. She didn't care what they were doing. Growlithe was the loyal puppy always on tail of Ash. Altaria was one of the attention seekers and always nudged him to groom her. Pidgeot, starmine, Aero and lucario were matured ones but joined the group when it came for food and grooming. Mew was on a extremely different level. Always circling him, giggling, disturbing him etc.
xxxxx
Today was one of the relaxing days Ash got. No training, meetings, performances, etc. Nothing, he was free today. That was what he thought. He was going to get some unexpected visitors.
Ash was relaxing in the garden and sitting beside him was Ashley having her head on his shoulder dozing off. Ash wondered how she was able to sleep. Did really AI's sleep? He didn't mind. She was very close to his heart. She could make him do anything and he will do it without a thought. He moved his hand over her head and started caring her like Illene does with him. He saw the smile which formed on her face.
After sometime, Illene's maid came to them.
"Prince, your majesty has called you in the throne room."
Ash nodded and she went back. He rocked Ashley to wake her up.
"Come on sleepy head. Big sis had called us."
"Two more minutes Ashy." Ashley mumbled.
"Nope and how did you sleep in first place." Ash said.
Ashley yawned and said "We AI's are just like humans in the virtual world. Even if we don't need we like to have naps. Its just shutting off the system for sometime."
"But will it not be unsafe?" Ash aaked in concern.
"Nope. Before sleeping we encase the information in a powerful blockade and disconnect the network. Without any connections we are safe in our sleeping period." Ashley explained.
Ash stared at her then shook his head getting up.
"I think I made a whole society in the virtual world." Ash said chuckling.
"Yup." Ashley said in agreement.
Ash and Ashley made their way to the throne room. They met with two familiar people and one person who he didn't expect.
"Steven Stone" He squealed in delight then immediately gained his posture.
"Hello sir. I am Ashura. It's nice to meet you."
Steven was amused by his composure. He had his moment but didn't go overboard. Also he was already a celebrity himself.
"Hi Ashura. It's nice to meet you too and you can call me Steven." He replied politely.
"Okay. Hi grandpa. Hi professor Sycamore. What brings you here?" Ash asked them.
"Hi Ash. You remember my work on Mega evolution?" Sycamore said.
"Yeah. I haven't read much but it sounds cool." Ash said.
"Well Mega evolution is a stage achieved by the pokemon in their final evolution stage. They gain a temporary evolution form that stays till the battle is over. We have come to know that this can happen if you have two stones and a strong bond with your pokemon." Sycamore explained.
"Stones?" Ash said taking interest.
"Yeah. A mega stone for the pokemon and key stone for the trainer. By far we have confirmed knowledge of a lucario mega evolving. He belongs to a mega evolution guru Gurkinn, Shalour City gym leader. After talking to him we found out that he is a descendent of the first trainer to do mega evolution. Have a look."
Sycamore gave a tablet to him. Ash and Ashley observed the picture. There eyes widen as the lucario looked different from the ordinary lucario and looked much cool. They then looked at the stones and their eyes widen in shock.
"Ashy don't they look like your wierd marble collection." Ashley said.
Ash nodded and brought his hand forward. He pulled his sleeve up and brought forward the marble in his golden bracelet. Professors and Steven were shocked to see a keystone.
"Ash you already have a key stone and how did you identify it?" Sycamore asked puzzled.
"I didn't know professor but it was the only one in size so I used it in my bracelet. Also my keystone is a bit different from the picture." Ash said.
"Let me see." Sycamore took the tablet and looked at the stone and at Ash's wrist.
"Wierd. Gurkinn said that all key stones are same but yours is different. It has a golden hue around it and the DNA symbol is also golden in colour." Sycamore pondered.
"Anyways Ash. When Sycamore shared me that data I was shocked to see the same stones. I called him and said that you have a whole box of that marbles." Oak said.
"It was a surprise for me. Do you know how hard they are to find them and you have a lot of them. How did you find them? And how many of them you have?" Sycamore asked.
"I didn't do anything to find them. I have a habit of collecting stones, sea shells and leaves. I just found them luckily. I had a collection of evolutionary items due to that. And my Aero was found the same way. For your second question, I have 65 such marbles excluding the Key Stone." Ash said.
"WHAT???" All three exclaimed in shock.
"Ash there aren't even that many mega evolutions in our data. How did you find those many so fast. Last time I checked it was 30 on your birthday." Oak said.
"Oh! I stumbled in a lot many while playing with mew." Ash.
"What mew? It is a mythical pokemon. How did you find it?" Steven said in shock.
"First mew is a girl and I didn't find her. She found me. I was shocked when I say her capturing herself taking a luxury ball from my collection just to play with me." Ash said.
"Only you Ash. Only you can do such thing. Anyways can you show us those stones. We would like to check if we can find a match for the pokemon." Oak said laughing.
"Okay but they are at the art gallary. I will go tell big sis that I am going there." Ash said before heading to find her.
After 15 minutes, Ash and Ashley came back with his pokemon beside him.
"Sorry. I went to take my pokemon. They may like to know if one can get those mega stones." Ash said.
They nodded. A chariot took them to the art gallery.
"Hmm. Looks like dad did a number on this gallery." Steven mumbled.
"Wait you are son of Devon Corps owner right? Oh man I am an idiot not recognising you. I wanted to meet you for long as you have a passion over stones like me." Ash said.
"Don't worry Ash. We can discuss whenever you like. I have seen your works. You have done a great job." Steven chuckled and praised.
They reached the section were the mega stones were kept. Ash ordered a worker to bring all the mega stones to the meeting room inside. True to his words, Ash had 65 mega stones. But all his stones had the same difference as his keystone.
"Wierd. All my megastones are having the same change as my keystone." Ash said. Professors, Steven and Ashley nodded to it. Professor Sycamore put a suitcase and opened it. It was some sort of device.
"Anyways lets start. What Gurkinn gave me has data of a small no. of pokemon capable of mega evolving. But he said if I can't find a match then try to check on the DNA with which is resonating. Every megastone reacts with only one pokemon. So lets start." Sycamore said.
After an hour of checking the stones, they had separated them under names and put them under different sections. The identified were:
2 pairs for Charizard.
2 for Venusaur
1 for Blastoise
2 for Pidgeot
1 for Alakazam
1 for Gengar
1 for Beedrill
1 for Kaghaskhan
1 for Gyrados
1 for Pinsir
2 for Aerodactyl
1 for Slowbro
1 for Steelix
1 for Ampharos
1 for Scizor
1 for Heracross
1 for Houndoom
1 for Tyranitar
1 for Blaziken
1 for Sceptile
1 for Swampert
1 for Gardevoir
1 for Gallede
1 for Altaria
1 for Salamance
1 for Mawile
1 for Aggron
1 for Medicham
1 for Manectric
1 for Sableye
1 for Sharpedo
1 for Camerupt
1 for Glalie
1 for Salamance
1 for Metagross
1 for Banette
1 for Absol
2 for Garchomp
2 for Lucario
1 for Abomasnow
1 for Lopunny
1 for Audino
"Ok then 48 done, 17 left."
1 for Latias
1 for Latios
1 for Rayquaza
1 for Diancie
1 for Clefable
1 for Flareon
1 for Vaporeon
1 for Jolteon
1 for Espeon
1 for Umbreon
1 for Glaceon
1 for Leafeon
1 for Sylveon
"13 more done but these last 4 are not interacting with any DNA available. The closest is two are reacting with a DNA similar to mew." Sycamore said.
"Wow so many mega evolutions." Ash said.
"Ash these give a lot to research. Moreover 13 are not seen before and we don't know what these last 4 will do. Will you allow us to take them and do our research. Also the unusual colour is needed to be researched." Professor Sycamore requested.
"Ok professor you can research on them but I can't allow to take them. Every thing here in the art gallery is a memory for me. If you would like I will help in the research too but taking them from here is one thing I can't allow." Ash said.
"I was expecting that. Samuel told about your protective nature about your things. I can stay for about a month here for the research." Sycamore sighed.
"Ok then want to give this a try." Steven said.
"Sure" Ash said.
"Ok then which pokemon do you have with you now?" Oak said.
"I have all my pokemon with me but only Aero, Lu-lu, Pidgeot, Altaria and Espeon are capable of doing it." Ash said.
Oak nodded and picked up the 5 four megastones. They went to the backyard of the Art Gallery.
"Ok how do I do it?" Ash asked.
"You will hold the keystone and pokemon will hold the megastone. Then you press the key stone and order to mega evolve. You will need to have a deep connection with your pokemon to do it." Sycamore explained.
"Ok then. Guys come out." Ash called out. With a flash, all his pokemon were out.
"Guys listen. We are going to try something. Stay at one side. Aero you go to the field." Ash commanded. They nodded and Aero was at the middle of the field. Ash took one of the mega stones and gave it to Aero.
"Aero please hold it for a while." Ash said. Aero nodded.
Ash ran back and faced her. He pulled out his bracelet.
"Here goes nothing. Aero Mega Evolve." Ash shouted.
Golden tendrils of light left from both stones and fused and engulfed Aero. Aero's body started to change, then the megastone shattered and formed a golden display of DNA symbol. When the light died down, Aero's new body was seen. She had grown spikes on her back and tail.
"Woah! You look awesome Aero." Ash said.
"Thanks Ash. I feel a lot powerful. I think I can now take on Lance's dragonite more easily." Aero said.
"Ok. She looks same as our data and the process was similar. But, the light tendrils and DNA symbol were different and what is that golden light coming from her." Sycamore said.
"I don't know but Aero power down." Ash said. Aero nodded and changed back to her original form.
"Did you record everything Ashy?" Ash asked.
"Yup." Ashley said.
"Ok then lets try for the others." Ash said excitedly. The same process was done with lucario, pidgeot, altaria and espeon. The results were same as first. Same golden tendrils, golden DNA symbol and golden light emitted by body. Lucario's and pidgeot's mega evolved form were same as they have in the data while espeon's was a new mega evolution. She had more darker fur. The crystal on her head was surrounded by 8 more small white crystals and her tails had split to 4. Her teeth were sharp and longer.
At last Ash decided to something.
"Guys I wanna try this. Can you all five go to the field. I want to try that can we do multiple at a time." Ash said. They nodded and went to the field holding their megastones.
"All of you mega evolve." Ash said.
Professor Sycamore and Steven were not expecting this. All five mega evolved at the same time.
"Unbelievable. I heard that only one mega evolution can take at one time. This is a major breakthrough." Sycamore screamed.
Ash was shocked to hear that. 'May be it is because of that golden colouring.'
The rest of the month was done researching while Ash resumed his training. It was found out that these stones were not ordinary. The power increase was quite high and only Ash was capable of doing it as any other Keystone didn't react to them. That meant Ash was the only owner of them. They also tried to search for more but all in vain. Looked like they were meant only for Ash. Whatever the reason was, they were immediately removed from the Art Gallery and placed back in his box.
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* This ones complete. Next one will complete the preparations part.
* Use original transformations when expected.
Bye. ENJOY!!!!