Chapter Ten: Solo to Shamouti
Hello again everyone and welcome to chapter ten of Shadows' of Betrayal. I believe that this is the chapter people have been waiting for, so I hope you all enjoy it.
A couple days after returning to Canalave City after they completed Ash's first job, they received a letter of invitation.
The letter was from the Council of Aunconsciousmustation that monitored supported all known Aura Guardians, and ensured that they were given jobs. Ash had already been informed of what their duties entailed as well as the history of the Council of Aura.
It was formed many years ago, by Aura Guardian under the name of George, the claimed son of legendary Aura Guardian Aaron. It was not known who his mother was. Some claimed it to be a someone with a common, or mysterious background, due to her not being mentioned in any recorded history. While others speculate that Aaron engaged in a secret love affair with Queen Rin, queen of Cameran Palace and the kingdom of Rota.
After the noble sacrifice of his father to protect the kingdom, George developed the belief, that if Aura Guardians became united together under a noble cause, then they could work together to protect the world from any threats, and prevent the likelihood of war breaking out again.
As he explored and found other Aura Guardians, he learnt that protecting the world also meant caring for the lives of those on it. So, after once he gathered all known Aura Guardians he began setting up a freelance organisation which would soon to be known as the Council of Aura.
Not wanting to appear as a new offensive force in the world, the Council declared neutrality when it came to any war, and would often work alongside the local authorities during various jobs. The Council also set up a series of rules, to ensure that their abilities were used wisely, and would not appear threatening to others.
The Aura Guardian only use their abilities for protection of themselves and others, and not harm others without reason, or with malicious intent. They should also not engage in any jobs for their own personal gain.
And it was this organisation, which had continued to work this day, now more involved with the police force and other organisations like the Rangers, that had Ash and Riley brought in to one of their organisations building in Sinnoh shortly after their job.
They had first briefed Ash and Riley on the job itself, and what events had transpired during it. Although both Ash and Riley gave their accounts of the night, including the part where Ash was drugged by the princess, and her then being captured shortly after, they had already been informed of what happened by Salvia's and Garin's families. Riley explained to Ash that this was natural, as it helps the Council learn from both side of the story, and to find out whether anyone is lying, for any known, or unknown reason.
Afterwards, Ash was led into a room, where a table sat in the middle. A man, who appeared to be one member of the Council, asked Ash if he would dedicate his life to the Council of Aura, and would follow the values set down by George himself. To which Ash said yes.
Ash was then asked to place an arm of his choosing on the table, to which he chose the left. The man then pulled out a pen and wrote on his arm. The pen left no markings but once Ash, after being informed by the man to do so, focused his Aura in the arm, the words Aura is Within Me appeared where the man had written, making him an official Aura Guardian.
It was now six months since his first job at Arrowroot Town, and his life had never been the same. He and Riley would often be sent around to different towns and regions for various jobs. The most recent one had them go to Mount Silver in Kanto, where reports of a violent thunderstorm covering the area for some time. After climbing up, fighting some of the wild Pokémon, and protecting themselves from sudden strikes of thunder from the sky, they discovered an Raikou hiding in a cave, who after greeting them with a Thunderbolt, they learnt that the Thunder Pokémon had injured one of its legs and could not move or even stand on it. Spending the rest of the day calming down Raikou and treating its leg. Once its leg was fully healed Pokémon jumped around at the first chance, then launched out of the cave and down the mountain, taking the thunderstorm down with it.
As for the days where Ash and Riley did not have jobs, they would go to Iron Island and undergo Aura and physical training, stay in Canalave City and either train his Pokémon, or just relax and recover from their jobs.
Now, Riley was currently teaching Ash the skill of channeling his Aura through his body, which can enhance his body's speed, strength, stamina, and reaction times, and how to effectively use it during missions, and if necessary, combat. Ash enjoyed training with Riley, as he always felt that he made improvements. He also felt his Aura become stronger, as Riley explained to him once "Your Aura grows with you. The stronger you become, the more powerful your Aura will become."
It was during one of Ash's Aura training sessions that they received their next mission. To keep to the old tradition of communicating with each other, the Council of Aura relied on flying Pokémon to carry messages to and from different Aura Guardians so when both Ash and Riley saw a Delibird drop down near them, they knew that they had a new job.
The Delibird reached into the sack it was carrying and handed a letter to Ash. "It appears the mission is just for your eyes only Ash" Riley said to him, as Ash took the letter and started to open it. But as Ash began to read the letter Riley noticed that his expression of joy changed to one of annoyance and sadness. Even Pikachu picked up on Ash's feelings, as he grabbed his trouser leg and tugged on it while calling out to him, hoping to see if he was ok.
"Ash" Riley started. "What's wrong?"
"Its a solo job" Ash explained "To Shamouti island"
"What? Riley asked, understanding Ash's feelings.
"I'll read it to you" Ash said.
The letter was written in a fine blue ink, which Ash sensed that only Aura Guardians would see, and stated:
Dear Mr Steele
You are required to go to Shamouti Island to protect the egg of an unknown but rare Pokémon species.
You must go the Island as soon as possible, and be prepared for any threats as its unknown how well spread information is about the egg itself, but the threat from criminal organisations or individuals is high. You also must travel alone, as it will also be a test of your skills and abilities as an Aura Guardian.
Council of Aura
After reading it, Ash stood around for a couple seconds in silence before speaking. "Well I guess I should start getting ready then. Would you be able to get me to the Pokémon centre? I want to make some changes to my team before I leave."
Riley smiled. By looking at Ash's face, he knew that he didn't want to go back to Shamouti. It was where he had 'died', after being betrayed by his family and close friends, leaving nothing there for him but his past identity, and the memories of a heartless betrayal.
But he saw that Ash understood he had no choice but to go, and continued, trying not to let his past hold him down.
"Of course, Ash" Riley replied. "If you like I can even help get you there" He offered.
"No thanks Riley" Ash replied. "If I'm going alone, I should travel alone" He explained.
"I understand" Riley said. "Let's head back then. I'm sure you want to get your stuff sorted before you leave". He said as they walked back to the docks.
An hour later
Ash and Riley stood at the Canalave Docks, looking at towards the endless ocean.
"You certain that you do not want me to help get you there" Riley asked again.
"Its fine Riley. Pidgeot is more than fast enough to get me there, and I have Staraptor with me as well, just to be safe" Ash explained to him.
"Well ok then Ash. Take this map as well, just in case you get a bit lost getting there" riley told him. The map was a large, but simple map, showing the multiple regions.
"Now Ash, focus your Aura into the map" Riley told him, to which Ash did.
As he did, the map glowed slightly, showing where he was, and where Shamouti Island was which appeared as a tiny blue spec on the map. It also showed him a route to get get there in the quickest time possible. Ash became speechless by the map.
Riley had noticed the stunned expression on his face and grinned "Its an Aura Map. We infuse Aura into documents like this so we can use Aura to write on it. It also allows us to pass on hidden messages if we ever have to." He explained.
"That's incredible" Ash exclaimed. Although the map showed him the quickest route, he estimated it taking him around four to six hours at least to get there.
"Well I better get moving" Ash said, as he folded the map into one hans and threw a Poké Ball with the other, releasing Pidgeot.
"Ready to go buddy?"Ash asked the Large Bird Pokémon, who cried out proudly in response.
Ash then climbed onto Pidgeot's back, with Pikachu following him shortly after who then sat on Pidgeot's head.
"Bye Riley, I'll be back soon" Ash shouted while waving, as Pidgeot began to take off. Pikachu also waved goodbye, shouting out 'Pika' down at Riley.
"Goodbye Ash and good luck" Riley shouted back while waving as he saw them get further and further away.
The island of Shamouti was on guard. A couple days ago, a strange Pokémon egg washed up on the shores of the island, whose origin to them is still a mystery.
As not much was known about the egg, special precautions had been put into place to ensure its protection, until it was either born and released back into the wild, or someone suitable could care for it, both before and after birth.
Melody, along with the villagers of the island were once again gathered in the festival house. They were discussing what they have done so far to ensure the egg's protection, and what further steps they could take. she had not truly listened to what was being said said, she didn't even want to be there.
Deciding she had enough of the meeting, she stood up and walked out. Although no one said anything to her, she knew that they were looking at her, watching her leave. Once she was out of the building, she decided to go a place where she felt safe and comforted.
She went to the Chosen One shrine.
She was not truly sure what it was about the shrine that made her feel at ease, but she knew it made her think of Ash.
He was the one of the few who saw her more as just a Festival Maiden of the Shamouti Island, and would treat her just like any other girl, and bit closer than any other girls he knew.
And he even promised her to take her away with him, and give her the opportunity to explore the world. Something no one else has never done.
But that he was dead, and taken away by the waves, that dream was no longer possible. Although it was possible to do it herself, she neither had the skills or experience to capture Pokémon, nor did she have any idea where she would start her journey.
She once again sat by the shrine again, overlooking the sea, when she just felt the urge to play the Ocarina. As she played, she realised that it wasn't any old song she was playing. It was the song that awoken Lugia from its slumber, and gave it enough energy for Lugia and Ash to keep on fighting, and eventually calm the three legendary birds Moltres, Zapdos, and Articunto.
Once the song had finished she looked at the egg. It had been placed under the care of Slowking, as he was a fellow pokèmon who had found it in the first place, and if there was a desperate situation, he would be able to easily inform others with his psychic powers or teleport safety away with it. But he appeared to left it alone at shrine today, but knowing Slowking, he was not far away. As she looked at the egg, she noticed it to flashly lightly once then stopped. The egg was going to hatch soon.
"That was a beautiful song. You look like you started to wake the baby up though." A stranger's voice said to her. She looked at him. The man was wearing a black suit with a little red R noticeable on the pocket of the man's jacket. Although she never properly encountered them, she had learnt from Ash's stories the that the red R meant the man was a part of a criminal organization.
Team Rocket.
She looked at the man and stood up, grabbing the egg the same time. "What do you want?" She asked him, trying to hide the fear in her voice. She was defenceless.
"By the look of your face, you already know what we want." He said to her. "Now hand it over." He demanded.
Melody ran down the island while holding the egg, trying not to look back, although she had a feeling that the man wasn't alone.
As he saw her run away, the man turned toward the other Team Rocket members that were with him. "That girl has the egg. Search the island. Take captives if you have to, but I want that egg" he commanded, to which they all nodded in reply and ran away in different directions. He then threw out two Poké Balls, releasing two Houndoom. "Follow the girl and bring her to me. But make sure you don't damage the egg". The two dog Pokémon responded by running down where Melody had run herself. 'Run as much as you can little girl. I will have that egg and claim it for Team Rocket' he thought to himself with an evil grin.
The map was becoming very handy to Ash. Not only was it giving him accurate directions towards Shamouti Island, he noticed that it kept track of his own coordinates, which he assumed would be in the event something happened to him and would require assistance.
He had decided to try and keep a high enough altitude to see where he was going, while being high enough to avoid suspicion and attacks from wild Pokémon.
As he got closer to the airspace of Shamouti Island, he noticed a large helicopter hovering close by to the island as well, and what appeared to be several figures hop from the aircraft, which then flew away afterwards. Although he could not see them, he could barely make out the symbol on the side of the chopper.
It was Team Rocket.
Ash was tempted to ask Pidgeot to dive down as well, but he could tell that the Pokémon was nearly exhausted, and he would probably not guarantee the safest of landing for them both.
"Ok Pidgeot, you helped me get here, so now get some rest" he said grabbing two Poké Balls from his belt.
"Hold on tight Pikachu" he said to the small mouse Pokémon as he returned Pidgeot and began to free fall, not before throwing the other Poké Ball, releasing Staraptor right below him, landing on the bird Pokémon, who became startled, but regained his composure shortly after.
"Ok Staraptor, sorry about the surprise drop, but do you think you land me down onto that island there?" He asked pointing downwards, to which Staraptor nodded happily, before descending quite rapidly.
Ash had no clue where would be be the safest place to land, but as they got closer, Staraptor glimpsed something of interest and then knew where he was going.
Melody was running out of land to move on. She had somehow, without full realising, ran from the shrine and cut across the middle of the island, getting close to the pier in the North and was beginning to slow down.
She didn't see anyone running after her whenever she looked back, but she had heard some Pokémon barking and pursuing her, unstoppable in their search.
She had considered running to the house of someone and asking them to help, but many of the islanders didn't have Pokémon, and those who did would probably not be strong enough to help take down Team Rockets Pokémon.
Once she reached the edge of the Island, she realised she had only three options.
Her first option was to keep running around find a way to call for help from the other islands. But she had no clue how she would get in contact with them, or how long they would take to arrive. Also, the Pokémon were still on her trail, and they didn't seem like they were going to stop.
Her second one was to swim in the ocean and see if she could signal for help. But she couldn't see anyone for miles, and she didn't know how she would do it while holding the egg.
Her third option was to get to her boat and sail away. However, it would mean first getting to her boat itself and setting it up and that was risky, especially with the Pokémon following her. And if they had Pokémon chasing her, they may have Pokémon in the sea waiting as well.
Realising that she had little to no options, she finally looked behind her, and noticed that the two Pokémon, which turned out to be Houndoom, had finally caught up to her, and knew they had her corner. She saw the Houndoom howl into the air, and changed their stances, as if they were preparing to pounce onto her. She placed the egg to the ground, and then closed her eyes, silently praying that someone would come and help.
She heard them pounce.
Then nothing.
Confused, she opened her eyes and was amazed by what she saw.
The two Houndoom had both been launched over the beach, away from her, by what appeared to be a Staraptor, which soared into the air from the attack and landed next to her. The possible owner of the Staraptor then appeared right next to her, as if he fell from the sky.
Melody could not believe her eyes. The man was about her height, a Pikachu sitting on his right shoulder. He had short, but messy brown hair, dark blue jeans, as well as a blue hooded jacket, which was unzipped, showing his black shirt.
But the main thing that caught her eyes was his mask.
He wore a bright blue mask, which covered his face and fitted it perfectly, yet was expressionless, and did not reveal anything about the person under it. Melody had never seen a mask like, or the material that was used to make it, and although there were no holes to help him see or breathe, yet he did not seem affected.
Regaining his composure from dropping from the sky, he looked at her "Are you okay?" He asked her. Despite having no place to speak from, his voice sounded clear. Although she could not recognise the voice, it sounded familiar, she was not sure why.
"I'm okay, thank you..." She replied, hoping to learn of his name.
"Aaron. Aaron Steele, I'm an Aura guardian, and I'm here to protect the egg." He told her, turning his head back to the Houndoom, who were beginning to get back up, growling ferociously at their direction. "Well better get back to the battle." He said, as the two Pokémon appeared to vanish, before appearing again and launching towards Staraptor, knocking it back.
"Staraptor, you okay?" He asked the Bird Pokémon, who nodded in reply. "Okay then, use Close Combat." He then commanded.
The Bird Pokémon followed the command, hitting both Houndoom repeatedly, using its feet, wings and beak, knocking them back and eventually to the ground.
"Now Pikachu, Thunderbolt." He then commanded the Mouse Pokémon sitting on his shoulder, who then leapt into the air, calling out 'Pika' as he charged up the attack, releasing a bolt of electricity shouting 'Ccccchhhuuuu' as he did so. The Houndoom cried out in pain and collapsed.
"good job Staraptor." The guardian then said as he returned the Predator Pokémon to its Poké Ball. "You too Pikachu." He said as the Pokémon climbed up to his shoulder again and cried out happily in reply.
He turned back to Melody "So are you the guardian of this egg then?" He asked her.
"No. I was just the closest one to it when Team Rocket came to the island to take it." She replied.
"Any idea how many of them are here?" He asked.
"No. The moment I saw one of them, I ran as soon as possible." She explained. Although she couldn't see his mouth, she felt like he was smiling at her.
"Well its good that you did really. If you haven't, Team Rocket would have probably got hold of the egg by now, and we would have lost it." He told her, which although didn't sound much, she knew it was a compliment.
"So, what will you do now?" She asked him.
"I'm going to find whose leading Team Rocket on this island, and I'm going to stop them." He told her calmly.
As he said that though, a man, who appeared to be a lower ranking of Team Rocket appeared and looked at the fainted Houndoom, then at Melody and Ash.
"Got you now. Oh, the boss will be happy when I bring you both and the egg back." He threw out two Poké Balls into the air. "Come out Goldbat and Arbok." He commanded, as a large bat, and a giant snake Pokémon appeared in front of them.
"Team Rocket will not have the egg, as long as I stand in their way." Ash told him, as he threw his own Poké Balls in the air "Lets go Kingler, and Bayleef." He said as they both appeared, to after being released, Bayleef turned around and jumped onto Ash, tackling him to the ground, knocking Pikachu off his shoulder at the same time, and started to rub its head on his mask.
"Ok Bayleef, I know you missed me, but now is not the time." He said smiling and laughing as he tried to push the loving Pokémon away.
Both Melody and the Team Rocket grunt just looked at him, slightly confused until Bayleef stopped and turned around and Ash was finally able to stand up.
"Sorry about that, I have very attached Pokémon." He said, a slightly jokey tone coming from his voice. Melody wondered if she recognised the Bayleef, especially when it glanced in her direction, and gave her an almost evil glare.
"A grass type and a water type, against mine? I don't think you have thought this battle through." The Team Rocket grunt said to Ash, a vile smirk on his face.
"I wouldn't underestimate my Pokémon, they have got me far on my journeys and any opponent to them is a challenge." He said, smiling under the mask.
"I didn't ask for a life story." The Team Rocket grunt said angrily. "Goldbat use Wing Attack, Arbok use Acid" he commanded.
The wings of the Goldbat glowed white as he swooped down low to take out the large Crab Pokémon, while Arbok spat out a stream of a blackish looking liquid towards Bayleef.
"Kingler, use Crabhammer, and Bayleef dodge and use Vine whip" Ash commanded his Pokémon.
Bayleef nimbly jumped away from the acid spit which left a dark mark in the ground which hissed and bubbled, and sent two vines from its neck to wrap around the Cobra Pokémon's tail to lift it up.
Meanwhile Kingler stared straight at the approaching Goldbat, lifting on of its claws above its head, only to bring it down onto the back of Goldbat, just as it reached its legs.
Despite Bayleef's best efforts, she was not able to lift Arbok completely, only to flip it onto its back, and smack its body towards the ground, making it angrier than anything else.
The Team Rocket grunt began to look frustrated and angry himself. He looked at his Goldbat, who although to heavy damage from the sheer power and strength of Kingler's Crabhammer, it was still able to fly, although a bit wobbly.
"Goldbat use Haze" The Team Rocket grunt commanded, to which the Pokémon released a thick black smoke which neither Ash, Melody or his Pokémon could see through.
"Kingler, Bayleef, keep your guard up" he told them, focusing his Aura to help him see the Aura of the grunt and of his Pokémon, so that he could prevent any attempts to snatch the egg while their vision was impaired.
Through the haze though, Ash could see the Goldbat's Aura start moving towards them, and the Aura of Arbok disappear underground to which it began to slowly fade.
Goldbat began to get closer to Bayleef. "Bayleef try to dodge" Ash shouted to the Grass Pokémon, but the haze meant that Bayleef did not know where to move, so she took an attack head on from the Goldbat, causing her to cry out in pain, meaning the attack must have been effective.
And just as Bayleef was hit by Goldbat, Arbok rose out of the ground and grabbed Kingler by the back, biting down on him, then slammed Kingler to the ground hard.
Po"Are you guys ok?" Ash asked, concern evident in his voice. Both Bayleef and Kingler stood back up, but their bodies were bruised and they appeared to struggle to stand up properly. Ash didn't want them to continue battling, but he knew that his Pokémon didn't want to give up.
And with the haze beginning to clear away, he knew that he could win.
"alright then, Kingler use Harden and Bayleef, use Synthesis" He commanded, as Kingler glowed slightly as he hardened his body, and the sunlight began to reflect down onto Bayleef's body.
The Team Rocket grunt grinned 'He's leaving them no opportunity to attack or dodge. What a fool' he thought to himself. "Arbok use Dig again and Goldbat, use Poison Fang" he commanded, and Arbok jumped down into the ground again, and Goldbat charged towards Bayleef, his fangs elongated and glowing purple.
Melody looked at the guardian. He was just standing there as his Bayleef stored up solar energy to heal herself and Kingler stood his ground, its body hardened. Both had injuries, and although the Team Rocket grunt's Pokémon were just as injured, theirs were only minor and were on the offensive once again.
Yet the Aura Guardian just stood there calmly, not reacting to the situation, yet Melody felt that the man was smiling under the mask.
And then he retaliated.
As Goldbat charged towards Bayleef, he shouted to her "Bayleef, use Magical Leaf" and Bayleef stopped absorbing sunlight, and launched a barrage of glowing green leaves at Goldbat, which caused some damage and stopped it in its tracks.
Meanwhile, Kingler stood and waited from the unknown attack from the ground. And as Arbok finally burst out from Kingler's side, Ash shouted to Kingler "Kingler Vice Grip" and Kingler swung his large claw over and grabbed Arbok in a tough grip.
The Team Rocket grunt looked at his slightly impaired Pokémon and said to Ash in a cocky tone "I don't think that those attacks were effective as you thought" as Goldbat charged towards Bayleef again, and Arbok tried to slither out of Kingler's grip.
"No, but these might be" Ash replied. He then commanded his Pokémon "Kingler, use Guillotine, and Bayleef, use Solar Beam" and by the look expressed on the Team Rocket grunt's face, Melody knew that the battle had been decided.
All the energy Bayleef stored up from synthesis to heal herself became used to charge a powerful beam of solar energy towards the charging Goldbat, and Kingler opened the claw that held Arbok and slammed it shut quickly on Arbok's neck.
The sheer power of the attacks, as well as the damage taken before appeared to take effect on both the Team Rocket grunt's Pokémon, as they both fainted to the ground.
The Team Rocket grunt stood there in silence. He returned his fainted Pokémon back to their Poké Balls tried to reach for another Poké Ball, to which it appeared he didn't have any, as he turned around and tried to start running away.
"Oh, no you don't" Ash said. "Bayleef, use Sleep Powder." and Bayleef released a fine green powder which drifted in the Team Rocket grunts direction, causing him to slow down, and collapse to the floor asleep.
"Well done Bayleef, you too Kingler" Ash said as he grabbed their Poké Balls and returned them both, not before Bayleef got the chance to tackle him again and rub her face affectionately against his.
Standing back up from the friendly tackle again, he looked at Melody "Now is there any place where you can hide or get in contact for help?" He asked her as Pikachu, who during the battle stood by Melody like a guard, which Melody assumed, was what the Pokémon was doing anyway.
"Well I could go to my home, but what if Team Rocket is waiting for me there?" She questioned him.
"Well, unless they have been informed about your identity, they should not be in the area." Ash replied, "If you're worried though, I can accompany you there."
Melody felt delighted and relieved. Although it was unlikely that Team Rocket would know who she was and where she lived, it was nice to know that Aura Guardian would go with her and help keep her safe.
But he was probably going with her only because she held the Pokémon egg, but she wanted to keep her hopes up "I would be grateful for that, thank you." She told him.
"It's no problem." He replied, "Lead the way." And they started heading towards hopeful support.
The Team rocket leader of the operation on Shamouti Island was becoming impatient.
His name was Nero, and after many years of being a member of Team Rocket, he had become well trusted and high ranking elite member of Team Rocket. And due to his elite status, he was trusted of leading a simple operation on Shamouti Island to retrieve a rare Pokémon egg.
However, so far no one had been able to find where the girl had run off to with the egg, and his Houndoom had not returned either, meaning they either lost her scent or had been defeated, both of which seemed highly unlikely, even by the girl.
As he wondered where she could have gone, another member of Team Rocket, who Nero identified to be of lower ranking than him walked up to him.
"Anything?" He asked the member.
"No sir." They replied. "We have people looking around the island for her, but so far, nothing has been reported."
"Damn." He said. "We must find that girl soon, before we have authorities realising that we're here." He told the member. "Keep looking for her." He commanded. "Also," He added. "Have you located the Slowking?" It was a rare opportunity to find a talking Pokémon, one that Nero did not want to miss.
"Well we located the believed home of the Slowking, but it appears to have teleported away before we could get to it." The member explained.
'You clever and cowardly Pokémon. You won't stop us taking the egg though.' Nero thought to himself as allowed the other member to speak.
"No matter, the Slowking was not our target, we are only after the egg." Nero told him. "What about the villagers of the island?" He asked.
"many of them appeared to be gathered within the large hut. We have it surrounded, but it appears none if them hold any Pokémon." He explained.
"Excellent. Make sure that they do not do anything rash, and make sure that they all stay there. I know how to get her attention" Nero told the member, who then saluted him and walk away.
Nero started laughing. "I have you now girl." he said to himself and continued to laugh.
Ash was frightened.
Team Rocket didn't scare him at all, as he dealt with them in the past, especially the terrible trio Jesse, James and Meowth, who eventually became a bit more of a hindrance to his journey rather than an actual threat, and good practice for any new moves or techniques he was working on for future battles.
Doing a solo job for the Council of Aura didn't really phase him either, as he had learnt to take care of himself, and this job itself was quite relaxed compared to ones he had worked with Riley.
What truly frightened him was Melody.
Although he was quite close his family and his friends, especially with those he travelled with, he felt the bond between him and melody was stronger and more different compared to other ones he had built with his other travelling companions. It was more personal and based around a feeling that was like friendship, yet different in a slight way.
And it was because of this special bond he had built with her, he was frightened that she was going to work out who he really was and what her reaction would be to learn his identity.
He firstly assumed that she would get angry it him, crying and hitting him for letting her believe he was dead and never telling her the truth.
He had also considered the possibility that she had moved on after he had disappeared, found someone new who made her happy, and his sudden reappearance would leave her both conflicted and distressed.
But what if, the darker part of Ash's mind thought, she felt the same as his family and friends, and saw him as nothing other than a weak excuse for a trainer that should give up what he used to aim for.
Even though he could be overthinking it, and she could just be happy see him once again, incredibly angry and upset, but happy. But he did not want to take any chances, and make her upset, so he decided just to use his new identity around her. For now, at least.
It took them a couple minutes to walk to Melody's home, and the only thing that occupied their time walking there was silence. Ash didn't know what to say to her, for fear of revealing his identity, and Melody, although happy for the company of an Aura Guardian, didn't really know what to talk about with him. She thought about asking about his mask, but she didn't know how to approach it.
But as they they got closer to Melody's home, Ash began walking slower, eventually coming to a halt, holding his arm out to stop Melody.
"What's wrong?" Melody asked him. And then she saw. There were two Team Rocket members standing around the houses, obviously as lookouts for the area.
Melody looked at Ash and whispered to him "How are we going to get past them?" To which replied with a finger to his lips. He then signalled Pikachu to jump down from his shoulder to stand near Melody, as started walking toward the men slowly, crouching down slightly to further hide his presence.
He moved to the closest, who stood between two houses and at the time had their back turned to Ash.
As he moved behind them, he placed one hand over their mouth and the other on their shoulder, near their neck.
Ash's hand then began to glow blue with aura. As it did, the Rocket member began to jolt up and stiffen, as if shocked, then collapsed in Ash's arm's. Ash laid him down slowly to the ground and began to look around for any others.
As he looked around though, he saw another Team Rocket member, heading in his direction. Thinking quickly, he formed a Aura Sphere and forced it into their direction, hitting them in the chest and knocking them back hard into the ground, leading them to become unconscious.
Looking around once again for any other members of Team Rocket, he placed binds made of Aura on the two unconscious Team Rocket members, waited for a moment and whistled quickly, and then placed his hands onto his face, channeling his Aura through them.
Pikachu, hearing Ash whistle, looked up at Melody and nodded, before running off into Ash's direction. Melody followed, knowing that the Pikachu would not leave unless signalled safe to move.
As she got there though, she saw his back turned towards her, and his hands appeared to be touching his face. She wanted to say something to get his attention but he seemed to know she was there, as he said to her "Hold on for a sec" and then he turned back around, his mask glowing blue as ever.
She wanted to ask him what he was doing, but she decided not to, as she was not sure whether she would get a response, or whether it would be the truth.
"So then" Ash started "what one is your house?" He asked her.
"Its this one here" Melody replied, as she walked to a door of one of the houses and opened it. Ash and Pikachu walked in behind her.
The front door of Melody's home opened into her living room, and Melody walked through it, placing the egg gently onto a table that sat in the middle of the room and walked over to the videophone.
As she walked to the videophone, Ash looked around the living room. It was quite simple decorated room, which had a large window that looked over the ocean. Ash remembered times when he and melody just sat there and watched the sun set.
As he looked around he saw a shelf full of pictures. There was quite a mixture of pictures. Most of them showed Melody and her sister Carol. There was a few that was of a man and woman, which Ash knew was her parents.
He didn't know much about them, other than that they had died when Melody was young, and her mother was also Festival Maiden for Shamouti Island, which was how her mother had met her father. He came to watch the festival one year, and was just entranced by Melody's mother, as stated by Melody.
As Ash looked at the other pictures, he noticed a new one had been put up. It showed two people and a small Pokemon looking at a camera, with wide smiles on the faces. He recognised the faces immediately. It was of him, Melody and Pikachu.
It was when they went to a fair set up in Viridian City and jumped into a camera booth together. They smiled and pulled silly faces, except for the last photo, where Melody surprised Ash with a kiss on the cheek.
After that, Ash had wanted ask Melody about the kiss, but he just felt it would be hard to mention. And once he noticed the blush which had formed on her cheeks, he decided not too.
He never asked her about the kiss, but ever since it happened, he began to feel different towards Melody. He wasn't sure how to explain it, but he knew it was different compared to the feelings had had to all the other girls he had met and travelled with on his journeys.
As he thought to himself, Melody started walking back over to him. "So, got in contact with anyone?" He asked, hope she could get through to anyone.
"Yeah. An Officer Jenny from Kumquat Island is leading a force to here to help take down Team Rocket. But she doesn't know how long she'll take." She explained.
"Well its something at least" He replied. Curious of what he had been staring at, she looked at the pictures.
"Sorry if I appear nosy, these pictures just caught my eye. That is Ash Ketchum with you there, isn't it?" He asked her.
"Yeah. Yeah that is" She replied.
"You two look really close there." He said to her, thinking about how she would reply to him.
"We were. Well we used to be at least." She told him. She paused for a moment, then asked him "Is the world a cruel place? To people at least?"
Ash careful thought of his reply. "The world can be both cruel and kind to people. How a person chooses to cope after how they have been treated by the world can influence how they are treated again."
Melody looked at him. "Does that mean when I lose the first and only person I have ever loved, I should try to move on, and act like he wasn't important to me?" She asked him. "when I ask his friends and family what happened, and they don't tell me anything, or even act like he existed, should I just not think about and never ask again? When my island is invaded by a criminal organization and I must rely on a stranger who hides his face, I should just treat it like another normal day for me? I'm trying hard to have a normal life but its hard and I don't know how to go back to it" she explained to him, tears in her eyes. "I feel like I've lost too much."
Ash was speechless. Melody was heartbroken. Although it would understandable to be upset during this situation. But it wasn't just that. It had been nearly a year since he had 'died' and yet, melody still had a place in her heart just for him.
"Melody" Ash started, trying to think of say to her, but his voice was cut off by another, much louder that it must have been amplified from somewhere.
"Hello Shamouti Island, this, is Team Rocket speaking. We have come here for one reason and one reason only. For that rare Pokémon egg that washed up here days ago. We mean you no harm, therefore no harm will come to you." The voice stated. "However, if you try to escape, or attack us in anyway, we will retaliate, and will offer no mercy to those who attempt an attack. And to prevent any calls to the police, we have taken hostage of all the men and women who were gathered in the large hut centre of town, so if you want to guarantee their safety, you will make sure that not even a single Officer Jenny arrives onto these shores." He warned everyone in a menacing tone "So to the girl who holds the egg, you know where you can find me." He then became silent.
Melody looked at Ash, scared and confused at what to do. "Well I'm not going to let them get the egg, that's for sure." He told her. Melody became shocked at his word and started to try to speak but Ash interrupted quickly. "But that doesn't mean I'm going to abandon the other villagers." He then stated, making Melody's eyes lighten up.
"So, what are you going to to do Aaron?" Melody asked him, wondering of his plan.
"Well let's go meet the man with the demands, and see if we can turn the odds in our favour."Ash answered, and with that they headed towards the festival house.
When they got there, they were surprised by what they saw. There appeared to be no signs of Team Rocket anywhere, yet the people who were inside the festival house were not moving, and appeared to be frightened of leaving the building.
"Why do they look so terrified?" Melody asked Ash, as they walked closer towards them. Concerned Melody started to run to then. However, Ash noticed that as she did so, the villagers inside looked at her and became even more worried, yet appeared to be speechless and not able to say anything to her.
"Melody, stop" Ash shouted to her, just as she was near the main entrance. She stopped and looked at Ash, knowing that the man would not stop her unless something was wrong.
"what is it Aaron?" She asked him, frightened to move from the spot she was standing.
"There's something not right about this" He told her. "There appears to be no Team Rocket members anywhere that I can see, yet no one has left at all. And although Mr. big boss sounded threatening, how could he keep an eye on everyone after all, without showing off excessive force, which by the look of things he hasn't done" he explained to her, hoping for her to reach the same conclusion he did.
"Unless he set up something that guaranteed no one would leave." Melody concluded.
"exactly, so it must mean there's something set up in the area. This also also means that no one could get close enough for fear of hurting themselves or others. An ultimate hostage situation that no one wins but the person in power." Ash added. "Unless you have a way around it."
Melody looked at him. "You can do that?" She asked.
"I think I have an idea" Ash replied grabbing a Poké Ball from his belt and throwing it into the air "Go Sandshrew" He called as the small sand Mouse Pokémon appeared from the Poké Ball. It looked around the area and and cried happily, walking back to Ash. Ash smiled and bent down to the Pokémon's level. "Okay buddy, I want you to dig around the area and see if there's anything that looks like spikes or anything like a trap under the ground near that building. Once you do, pop up okay?" The Pokémon nodded and began to dig down into the ground.
After a couple minutes of waiting for Sandshrew to return, he popped back up from his hole "Find anything buddy?" Ash asked, causing the Pokémon to nod in reply. "great. Now Sandshrew, use Earthquake" Ash commanded and the Pokémon jumped into the air, curled into a ball, and uncurled, slamming both of its paws to the ground, causing a great tremor to erupt around the festival house, and even shaking the ground around Melody and Ash.
Melody looked at them both with confusion, then wanted to ask what was Ash's idea, then she realised. The Earthquake was set up in a way to target all the possible traps in the ground, and potentially destroying them all.
"Great Sandshrew, you are amazing" Ash told the Pokémon, rubbing its head, causing the Sand Mouse to cry out happily. They then heard a slow clap.
A man in a black suit walked out of the hut slowly clapping his hands mockingly. "My, my, that was certainly impressive. I don't think I have ever seen someone do something like that before." He spoke to them. As he got closer, Ash could see a red R on the top right of the suit 'He must be the leader of this operation. I've gotta be careful now' Ash thought to him self as the man slowly approached them. "If you cannot tell, my name is Nero, and I have been then the one who has been leading Team Rocket around here to find that egg. And the way it was going for me before you made an arrival, I thought I would not have to use excessive force to get the egg." He said to them both.
"Well what can I say? I'm full of surprises" Ash replied.
"Indeed you are. Now then, will you kindly hand over that egg, or shall I make you?" He asked them.
"I have no intentions of handing over this egg. Especially to you. You ready Sandshrew and Pikachu?" Ash asked them, as the Electric Mouse jumped from his shoulder to stand with the Sand Mouse. Both cried out in agreement.
"Such a fool" Nero replied, Reaching into his suit and grabbing two Poké Balls. "Now Crobat and Rhydon, put this man in his place" he commanded as the two Pokémon were released, the Large Rhinoceros Pokémon released an deafening roar.
Ash looked at Pikachu on his shoulder. He made sure the Electric Mouse was there during Sandshrew's Earthquake to avoid taking any harm from it, and it looked like Pikachu was ready to fight. "want to go help Sandshrew out buddy?" He asked him, Pikachu nodding his head in reply as he jumped down to stand next to Sandshrew.
Nero knew that he had the advantage, as Rhydon was immune to all electric type attacks, and Crobat was immune to ground type attack, and his Pokémon could be seen as powerhouses, compared to his opponents.
Yet this stranger had appeared to taken down many of his fellow Team Rocket members and Pokémon, so he probably wasn't someone to be underestimated.
He decided to strike first, knowing it would be advantageous to him. "Rhydon, Hammer Arm, and Crobat, use Poison Fang" he commanded, the Pokémon swiftly obeying his commands, as Rhydon began to charge towards them, its arm glowing white as it prepared to strike down onto Sandshrew, and Crobat started flying towards Pikachu, its fangs glowing purple with poison.
"Pikachu dodge and use Iron Tail, and Sandshrew, dig into the ground" Ash responded to the commands of Nero, in the attempts to avoid his Pokémon taking damage from the attacks.
As Crobat dived at him, Pikachu just managed to avoid the attack by jumping into the air, his tail glowing with a metallic sheen to strike down onto Crobat, but Crobat nimbly moved out of the way, leaving Pikachu's tail to strike the ground.
Meanwhile, Sandshrew jumped up and prepared to go underground to hide as Rhydon moved closer and began to swing its glowing arm down onto Sandshrew as it would a large hammer. Sandshrew appeared to get into the ground just before the strike, the power from the Hammer arm itself shook the ground, shaking Sandshrew underground as well.
'This guy a lot stronger than the others. I can't let my guard down' Ash thought to himself as he looked at the man.
"You are quite the skilled trainer. I wouldn't expect any less from a man who took down many of my men and Houndoom" Nero said to Ash.
"What can I say? I'm full of surprises" Ash retorted, grinning under the mask.
"well enough of this chit chat. Crobat, use Air Cutter, and Rhydon, use Earthquake" Nero commanded to which Crobat began flapping its wings together to gather up a sharp blade of air to launch as Rhydon began to stomping its feet to start an earthquake in the ground.
Ash knew he had to think quickly. Both Pikachu and Sandshrew would be heavily affected, and Pikachu was a risk of taking extra damage from Air Cutter if he wasn't careful.
"Ok Pikachu, start charging towards Crobat, and get ready to jump at my signal ok?"
Pikachu then started running towards the Crobat, while the ground became more shaky as Rhydon stamped his foot onto. Pikachu began to stumble slightly from the strength of the tremors but managed to keep his footing, just as Crobat launched its Air Cutter.
"Now Pikachu, jump" Ash commanded, to which Pikachu jumped up into the air, just as Air Cutter was about to hit him, but it appeared the power of the Air Cutter gave Pikachu an boost as he sailed through the air towards Crobat, landing right on its back.
"Pesky rat" Nero stated. "Crobat, shake him off" he commanded, leading Crobat to begin to move erratically in the attempt to get Pikachu off its back.
But Ash was prepared for it. "Now Pikachu jump again and use Iron Tail" Ash called to Pikachu, who jumped higher than before, its tail shining metallically as it spun in the sky.
Nero then realised that Pikachu's target wasn't Crobat. It was Rhydon. Rhydon, who sent one final earth shaking Earthquake through the ground who was too late to defend itself against the attack, and therefore took a Iron tail to the head, lightly staggering it, and causing it to bend its head low.
"And now Sandshrew, out of the ground at Rhydon" Ash commanded just as Rhydon bent his head low, only to witness a small hole opened up just under him, as Sandshrew rose from the ground and launched up to Rhydon hitting it right in the chin, snapping its head back, and causing the large Pokemon to slightly stumble back.
Ash looked at Sandshrew. Being underground during Rhydon's Earthquake had caused some serious injuries to the Sand Mouse Pokemon, but he appeared willing to keep fighting.
"alright Pikachu, use Agility to keep up with Crobat, and Sandshrew, use Metal Claw on Rhydon" Ash told them both, leading to Pikachu steadily increasing his own speed, moving faster and faster around Crobat, causing the Bat Pokémon to become slightly irritated, insulted by the idea that a Pikachu could become faster than itself. Meanwhile, Sandshrew began to charge towards Rhydon, its claws beginning to slightly enlargen and shine metallically.
"Pesky brat, Crobat, use Wing Attack to show him how fast you are, and Rhydon, use Take Down to knock Sandshrew out of your way" Nero commanded, leading to Crobat to begin flying right behind Pikachu, its wings glowing as it prepared to slash Pikachu with them from behind, while Rhydon began charging towards Sandshrew from the opposite direction, in the effort to hit him with its body or potentially, with the horn on its head.
Ash noticed that Crobat was getting closer towards Pikachu, despite Pikachu's speed boost with Agility, so he knew he had to act fast.
"Pikachu, jump to dodge" Ash shouted to him, but it appeared that Crobat suspected that Pikachu would do this, since as Pikachu jumped, Crobat flew up right behind him, and caught him right onto his belly, sending Pikachu flying up into the air.
"Pikachu" Ash shouted again, worried about him, but Pikachu, despite suffering some injuries from the attack, was able to recover in the air.
Ash smiled and turned back to Sandshrew and Rhydon. The two had collided and there had been a slightly stalemate, but due to the size and strength of Rhydon, he was able to push Sandshrew back and away, taking little damage from Sandshrew's Metal Claw attack.
'I need to finish this fast. Pikachu and Sandshrew won't be able to keep on fighting for too long now. They're just too tired' Ash thought to himself as he tried to work out a strategy.
"Ok Pikachu, start spinning in the air" he told the Electric Mouse Pokémon, who was slowing falling from the sky. "and Sandshrew, start running towards Rhydon" he commanded the little Sand Mouse Pokémon, who nodded in reply, and began to run towards Rhydon in an increasing pace.
'What is this fool up to?' Nero asked himself as he watched his opponents Pokémon's action's. "Crobat, use Cross Poison to knock Pikachu out the sky and Rhydon, use Rock Smash on that pesky Sandshrew" he commanded his Pokémon, leading to Crobat flying up to Pikachu, its wings now glowing purple with poison, while Rhydon readied its arm, to strike down Sandshrew.
'Gotha' Ash thought to himself, as he watched Nero's reactions to his move. "Now Pikachu, use Volt Tackle, and Sandshrew use Rollout" he commanded them both, and that's when Nero realised he was set up.
Pikachu began to stop spinning midair and began to charge towards Crobat, its body being covered in a electric aura, as he chanted the first part of his name, while Sandshrew curled up into a ball and began to roll towards Rhydon very quickly.
Although Rhydon tried to hit Sandshrew with its Rock Smash, Sandshrew just managed to roll through its legs, using the speed boost given by Rollout, and stood behind it, ready to attack again with Rollout, faster and harder than last time.
Meanwhile, as Pikachu charged towards Crobat, it charged against Pikachu's Volt Tackle, using Cross Poison as a guard against the attack, but the attack was too overwhelming for Crobat, and it was hit full force by Volt Tackle and sent flying into the ground hard, as Pikachu managed to land carefully onto its feet, although as he landed, he cried out in minor pain and released minor electrical discharge from its body, due to the recoil damage from using volt Tackle.
Nero looked around for options. Crobat was severely injured from Volt Tackle, and although it managed to get up from the attack, Nero knew that any other attack it took, it would faint immediately, and it would not be able to dodge as fast as it could before. And Rhydon, although not showing it, was beginning to tire out, and feeling the injuries from the attacks it had took earlier.
"Ok Crobat, use Screech, and Rhydon, use Hyper beam" he commanded of them, and Crobat let out an ear-splitting Screech that caused both Ash and Melody, as well as Pikachu and Sandshrew to cover their ears, as Rhydon charged a beam of pure energy in its both and launched it. But Ash noticed its target wasn't the Pokémon. It was the festival house where everyone was placed as a hostage.
"NO!" Screamed Melody as she saw Rhydon's Hyper Beam shoot right towards it, not noticing Ash move towards the building at incredible speed.
The air was filled with a cloud of dust from the impact of Rhydon's Hyper Beam. Melody just stared at it, her face just shocked and tears beginning to form in her eyes. Then the dust began to clear.
A huge barrier, composed of Aura completely covered the building, rending it safe from Rhydon's Hyper Beam attack.
Ash whose arms were stretched out towards the building, his face strained with effort to great such a large and strong barrier, realised the barrier was no longer needed, caused it to disparate, and nearly fell to the ground, breathing heavily.
"Aaron!" Melody shouted, running toward where he stood, holding the egg close to her chest. "Aaron, are you okay?" She asked him
"Never done one that big before." he replied through deep breaths, while beginning to stand up slowly.
"You protected everyone. Thank you so much Aa.." She said before pausing. Due to being caught up in the fear and panic of losing everyone, and the joy at realising that they were safe, she had not noticed that Aaron's face was not covered by a mask. And although his hair was shorter and a different colour and his eyes were a different colour too, she could recognise his face.
It was the face of a dead man. It was the face of a man she loved.
It was Ash.
"Ash." she said quietly, looking at him clearly, tears, once again forming in her eyes. "how are you here? You died, didn't you?" She asked him, so confused and hurt by everything.
Ash, realising his mask had faded away, looked at Melody. "I will explain everything." he told her. "But first" He started facing Nero "I have a job to finish."
He knew that Nero's Pokémon wouldn't be able to fight back too much should it wouldn't be hard to get to him. "Pikachu, use Iron Tail, and Sandshrew, Rollout again" He told them both, to which they responded as Pikachu started running towards Crobat, and jumped with his tail glowing metallic, while Sandshrew once again curled into a ball and rolled towards Rhydon's back this time, faster than before.
Both Pokémon, too tired to react, as Crobat was seriously injured, and Rhydon was exhausted from using Hyper beam, were taken down easier by the attack, and fainted onto the ground.
"It's over Nero. Your Pokémon are defeated and I'm not letting you anywhere near the egg. It's time to surrender" Ash told him.
Nero just looked at him, and began to run away. But it appeared Ash knew that he would run as he charged up a small Aura Sphere and launched it at Nero's direction, which hit him in the back, knocking him to the ground, to which then Ash moved to him, and placed binds made of Aura in both his arms and legs, meaning he could not get up.
Ash then walked back to Pikachu and Sandshrew and sat down happily, slightly tired by it all. "Job done guys." He said to them both, smiling to them both as he rubbed their heads gently, and Melody stormed towards him.
"Ash Ketchum, explain yourself. What are you doing here? how are you not dead? Where did you get Aura abilities from?" She asked him angrily. "And, why didn't you tell me you were alive?" She asked, a bit more sadder and emotional than before with tears slowly running down her face.
Ash felt guilty. "I'm so sorry Melody, I will explain everything once this is all sorted out" he told her, hearing police sirens in the distance. "But first" he said, pointing at the egg which was starting to glow. "We need to find out what's gonna hatch from there.
There you have it everyone, another chapter done. I'm sorry this took so long to get out there, as I have explained, I have been busy with work and university, and I always want to make sure that this story flows right for you, so I hope you enjoy it all. I promise not too be so long next time. But until next time. Good bye and good luck.
Character Ages (I placed them at the end to not spoil anything, although by the title, you could've guessed who would have appeared)
Ash: 16
Melody: 16
Nero: 29
Team Rocket grunts: Around 26-28