Chapter 14: The New Aura Guardian in Battle!
Last time on "Pokémon Sinnoh Journey", with Lucario going berserk on the group, Hareta, and Riley, the situation became much more difficult for the group as they tried to calm Lucario down, with the Kanto trainer being hesitant to attack a comrade like Lucario, as Riley even ordered Ash to attack with Hikaru, as the Twinleaf boy wasn't hesitant like he was before, much to Ash's dismay.
Finally agreeing to attack, Lucario was knocked back, but it immediately recovered, preparing to attack Team Galactic's machine, only for Mars and Purugly to intervene, knocking the Aura Pokémon out. Seeing Lucario desperate to destroy the machine, Riley made a plan to destroy it to save all the Steel Types, with the unintentional help from the Specter and his Absol, Winter!
But then, both Dawn and Hareta had fallen into the same hole where Barry and Team Rocket was, forcing Riley to protect them when a Steelix started to attack them. This left Hikaru, Ash, and Brock in charge of destroying the machine as the Specter had defeated Mars, distracting her enough to let both Ash and Hikaru destroy the machine with Pikachu and Infernape's special attacks.
With the machine now destroyed, the plan wasn't completely foiled as Team Galactic still had the Spear Key with them, which would be needed for their next plan for Spear Pillar. But the positive effect on destroying the machine, was that now that the low frequency sound waves were gone, all the Steel Types of Iron Island, including Lucario, were free from their painful experiences!
But, it wasn't over yet, as Hikaru remembered about Mars having one sneaky and evil plan to eradicate him and his friends, as well as the island.
The Twinleaf boy smiled, seeing that everything was back to normal now, now that the Steel Type Pokémon are no longer in pain and are no longer being berserk now. Infernape noticed the smile and smiled as well, believing that their task was a success at the moment. "Well... We did it." Hikaru replied. "Toge Toge." Togetic agreed happily with a smile. "In Infernape!" Infernape cried out in triumph.
Ash and Brock smiled as well, seeing that every Steel Types were unharmed now, thanks to the destruction of the machine. "Wow! That machine really was the cause!" Ash exclaimed, seeing that it was a success. "We did it!" "Yeah!" Brock said, as the Kanto trainer agreed with his old friend. "Staravia!" "Pika!" "Sudowoodo!" All the Pokémon all cheered for the success, while Croagunk just smirked.
The Specter, on the other hand, glared at Mars who returned Purugly back to its Pokeball, as she gritted her teeth for the failure. "Just as we thought Spear Pillar could be found, Commander Yamato's son and his friends just had to interfere!" Mars snapped angrily, catching the Specter's surprise as he widened his eyes, before he gave a glance at the weakened Twinleaf boy.
"Yamato...? That guy... He's Yamato Platinum's son!?" The Specter thought in shock, before he clenched his fists, despite of not trying to show his anger. Winter glanced at her human friend, noticing his anger as she frowned. "Absol?" The Disaster Pokémon asked, as the Specter shook his head, before taking off his mask and hood. "I'm fine, Winter... I'm just... fine." The Specter lied.
At the hole, Dawn, Barry, and Team Rocket all watched as Steelix left, causing them to all sigh in relief. "Looks like Hikaru, Ash, and Brock did it!" Dawn sighed, seeing that it could be a success. "Piplup!" Piplup agreed as the impatient trainer frowned of what the Twinleaf girl was saying. "They did what? What are you talking about?" Barry asked, confused on what his rivals and friend just did.
Back at the Galactic Headquarters...
"The energy beam has been interrupted! We currently have sixty percent of Mt. Coronet's scan, but as of this moment, we have yet to locate Spear Pillar." Saturn explained as Cyrus frowned, before glancing at Yamato, who remained silent and calm. "It seems your prediction of interference was correct, Yamato." Cyrus replied as the second-in-command kept his silence as he sighed.
Seeing that his second-in-command was in no mood to talk, the boss turned to Saturn with a new order. "Instruct Mars to retreat, but also make sure that no one follows them." Cyrus instructed as the Commander glanced at his boss. "But, do we proceed as planned?" Saturn asked as the Galactic boss smirked evilly, saying one word that could lead the group to serious danger.
"Obliteration..." Cyrus hissed, catching the second-in-command by surprise as he gritted his teeth. He was the one that was supposed to eliminate his son, but seeing that his boss was ordering something extreme for his son and his friends, he wouldn't have that chance. Knowing not to go against Cyrus, Yamato kept his mouth shut as he remained silent as Saturn issued another order.
Back to Iron Island...
"Retreat at once!" Mars called, calling the grunts to escape. "Sir!" All the grunts replied as they picked up their briefcases and headed off to their helicopter. Some seem to be planning something else as they headed off to a different direction! The Specter noticed this and let out an annoyed grunt, seeing his enemies escaping with their crucial item for their next plan for the new world.
"Hold it right there, you bastards!" The Specter snapped as he and Winter ran after the evil organization. "We're not letting them get away this time!" Ash snapped. At seeing the evil organization escape, Hikaru managed to recover enough to return Togetic as Ash and Brock returned Sudowoodo, Croagunk, and Starsvia as they ran after them with Riley and the recovered Lucario at their side.
What they didn't know, was that some of the Galactic Grunts had headed inside the ruins to place something inside for something extreme. The other grunts retreated back to the helicopter with Mars following. "Stop, you cowards! I said, stop!" The Specter snapped, catching the commander's attention as she noticed her masked enemy confronting her with his Dark Type partner.
"Stop, Team Galactic!" Ash cried as he, Hikaru, Brock, and Riley confronted her as well. "What are you doing here!? What do you want!?" Riley demanded as Mars remained silent, before she smirked evilly and turned around, revealing a detonation button! "Alright. Come any closer and I'll blow up the entire island!" Mars warned, catching her enemies by surprise and anger.
"Blow it up!?" Ash repeated in shock. "You wired everything with bombs!?" Brock snapped angrily as Hikaru widened his eyes before his eyes glowed yellow and green once again. "Just how... Just how many innocent people and Pokémon are you planning to hurt and make them suffer for!?" Hikaru hissed angrily as Mars remained silent, ignoring the Twinleaf boy's angry question.
The Specter clenched his fists as he took off his hood and mask and snapped at the commander for her cowardice. "You bastards are really cowards, you know that!?" The Soecter snapped as Mars scoffed. "Insult us all you want, it won't change a thing! We'll do anything to accomplish our plan, even if it means to obliterate the citizens and the Pokémon in this island!" Mars sneered.
Both the Specter and Hikaru gritted their teeths, both furious at the commander for her murderous reason and attempt as Riley glanced at Lucario. "Lucario... Find them all!" Riley ordered as the Aura Pokémon nodded. He then closed his eyes, using his aura to search for the bombs that were around the island as Mars taunted the group, while letting her grunts escape inside the helicopter.
"I'm not bluffing. I don't bluff. We don't need your world, so we're simply going to destroy it! Understand? Meantime, I'll press this when I feel like it!" Mars assured as she took a step back, before the door started to close. "I hope you all enjoy running! And as for you, Platinum... Commander Yamato has a message for you, as your father." Mars explained, catching the Twinleaf boy by surprise.
"'One day, we will settle things when the time is right. So be patient, for assured, you will be learn my true intentions, Hikaru'. That is his message." Mars said, saying Yamato's message as she laughed. "It's funny, though... Since I don't believe you will survive this crisis!" Mars taunted as the helicopter doors closed, before it flew and began to fly away from the island, leaving the group helpless at the moment.
"Tch... How pathetic..." The Specter scoffed as he put back his mask and hood on. "Those jerks!" Ash hissed as Lucario stopped his aura scanning, as he reported his news to Riley. "Good." Riley replied as the Kanto breeder turned to the Aura user. "So Riley, did you locate the bombs?" Brock asked as Riley shook his head, explaining of what is happening at the moment. "No... Lucario did." Riley answered.
"The explosives are all located below the ruins, but since you all saved Lucario and the other Pokémon, I would say it's our turn now!" Riley declared with Lucario agreeing with a serious grunt and nod. "Riley... You sure about this?" Hikaru asked, with his glowing pupils remaining as Infernape glanced at his human brother, being concerned for another's well beings.
"Yes... Lucario and I will take care of the bombs. So, you guys go and help your friends!" Riley ordered. "Right!" Ash and Brock agreed as they left, with Hikaru reluctantly leaving with his two friends. The Aura user then turned to the Specter, making a request to him as well. "I know that we may have just met, but I would also like you to help Ash and the others with..." Riley started.
"Helping their friends to safety? That's something Winter and I can do." The Specter assured with a small smile under his mask. "Sol." The Disaster Pokémon said as the Aura user smiled. "Thank you. Lucario, let's go!" Riley called. "Carr!" Lucario replied as he followed his master into the ruins below as the Specter watched the two disappear before he sighed as he looked up at the sky.
"Can't believe we're doing this again like the last time... Did you believe this would happen, Winter?" The Specter asked, turning to his Dark Type partner. "Sol. Absol Ab..." Winter shook her head in denial, before smiling softly, as she knew what her human partner and friend was talking about. Their memories of having people came out in their minds, causing the two to smile.
"Anyways, let's go... The more time we're wasting here, the better chance that idiot Mars will blow this place up." The Specter said as he put his mask back on, along with his hood. "Ab." Winter replied with a nod as the two ran after Ash, Hikaru, and Brock, following them where the big hole was, so that they could save Team Rocket, Barry, Hareta, and Dawn from their deep "prison".
While everyone went to work to stop the bombs, Team Galactic was flying away in their helicopter, with Mars looking ready and excited to explode a giant island with a small button. "Time until we're safe to detonate?" Mars asked as the pilot answered. "Sir. Three minutes." The grunt answered as he revved up the speed of the helicopter's flight to get away as fast as it could.
While at the ruins, Riley and Lucario arrived below the ruins, with Riley noticing the bombs. "Lucario! How many explosives!?" Riley asked. With the question, the Aura Pokémon used aura to scan for the number of auras around the area, only for him to see countless of them! "Rrgh!" Lucario grunted in frustration, as the Aura user counted them as well, seeing that they were too many.
"I can't even count them all!..." Riley grunted, remembering how Mars said that she wasn't bluffing. "Looks like what she said was serious... She wasn't bluffing about blowing the entire place up." Hikaru's voice scoffed, catching both Lucario and Riley by shock as they noticed that the Twinleaf boy and his Fire Type partner had followed them below the ruins! "Hikaru!? What are you-" Riley gasped in shock.
"Riley... Remember what you said about my aura? You said that my aura was much stronger than yours, right?" Hikaru asked, with his eyes glowing once more, catching the Aura user by surprise. Before he could even speak, the Twinleaf boy sighed, explaining his reason to be here at the moment. "Before Lucario attacked us, I activated the Dimensional Scream..." Hikaru explained.
"What about it...?" Riley asked as Lucario widened his eyes, as he knew what the boy was thinking and intending to do. "You... You can't be intending to aid us with this dangerous task!?" Lucario grunted in shock as the Aura user widened his eyes, realizing what Lucario meant. "What...? Hikaru... Is what Lucario saying is true?! You realize you're putting yourself at risk with this!?" Riley snapped.
"I was against this... Really, I was..." Infernape admitted, before he glanced at his serious looking human brother. He recalled on when Hikaru had snuck away from Ash and Brock, and out of their sight with him following as he didn't want his human brother to deal with the crisis alone. "You know this was still a dangerous decision to make, you know, bro?" Infernape asked.
"I'm aware of that, Infernape... It was stupid, too..." Hikaru agreed, before he scratched the back of his head with a sigh, with the two Aura users blinking in surprise as the Twinleaf boy explained quickly with small details on how he made to come to the decision to follow his vision from before.
Flashback
Hikaru, Ash, and Brock were running back to the hole to help the evil trio, and their three friends as the Twinleaf boy stopped for a moment, with the other two not noticing. Infernape noticed this and gave him a questioning look. "In? Infernape?" Infernape asked as he wondered why he wasn't following. At this, Hikaru made his eyes glow green and yellow to activste his powers.
"Brother... What are you doing? Aren't we supposed to follow them?" Infernape asked, seeing that his human brother could finally understand him. "There's been a change of plans, Infernape. We're going back to help both Riley and Lucario." Hikaru declared, shocking the Flame Pokémon in the process as he was immediately against this reckless and dangerous decision.
"Wh-What are you saying!? Riley specifically told us that we need to save our friends, well... And Team Rocket, too! Why are you turning your backs against the others!?" Infernape roared in shock until Hikaru shushed him by making a shushing motion with his lips. He sighed, before making a sad, but serious face as he understood his Fire Type's shock and protest.
He motioned Infernape to quietly come with him, as the Fire Type reluctantly complied to as they ran back to the ruins. "When Lucario had attacked us, the Dimensional Scream came back... It showed us destroying the machine and Mars warning us not to come any closer... It also showed... on how Riley and Lucario saved Iron Island... And I was in there too, with you." Hikaru explained.
"The Dimensional Scream...? You're saying... You're intending to follow what it showed you...? Hikaru, no! That's too dangerous and... really reckless." Infernape protested. Hikaru noticed the cracking on Infernape's tone as he glanced back to see him gritting his teeth in frustration and tears welling up in his eyes in upset as he stopped to look at his Fire Type.
"Infernape...?" Hikaru started as the Flame Pokémon lowered his head, not trying to let his human brother see his tears, but it was too late as Hikaru already noticed. "I hate it... I just hate it when you... You risk your life to save others, rather than saving your own. I love that part of you, brother, but I also hate it, too..." Infernape explained as he wiped his welled tears from his eyes.
"What are you saying...? You hate it and love it at the same time...?" Hikaru asked as Infernape continued on. "Whenever a serious situation comes up... You always rush in to help, like Ash did, but what you did was more reckless than Ash's actions... In the process of helping and saving others... You always get hurt in the process..." Infernape explained shakily.
"That is what upsets me the most... You getting hurt for others' sake... I'm sure that you know it too, since Dawn always get upsets with your reckless decisions... But, deep down, it makes me want to stop you... I don't want you to get hurt anymore, because... I... I love you, Hikaru... You're my best friend, and my human brother..." Infernape explained with tears in his eyes.
"..." Hikaru's face darkened while he bit his lips as Infernape held his human brother's arms tightly, not wanting to let go. "When we first met, your bravery made me admire you... Admire you because you always had the guts and courage to face dangerous enemies, like Team Galactic and Team Rocket, and Pokémon Hunter J, too." Infernape explained.
"But, when you started to get hurt, like your body getting hurt, turning into stone, and when you lost some of your blood... I honestly started to get scared... Scared, because I believed... that in one of these dangerous times... You would die..." Infernape explained as he shook, causing the Twinleaf boy to shake, due to Infernape's arms shaking as well.
"I didn't remember anything in my life... Nothing about family or friends... All I remembered was being with Prof. Rowan, until you and Dawn came by to start your journey together. But, when I saw you risking your life to save Pokémon, and me... That was when I hoped you would choose me to be your partner." Infernape continued on.
"And when you did... I was happy. Happy that you wanted me to be your friend and your partner. When our journey progressed, I started to think of you as my brother, as you did when you called us bro or sis... I thought... that with me not remembering my past... I could make new memories with you." Infernape said shakily again as Hikaru kept silent.
"So... That was when your overprotective side came on when you evolved in this form...? Because you were scared I could get hurt?" Hikaru asked softly, before he hugged Infernape tightly, as he gave a sweet and soft smile on his face while rubbing his starter's back softly in comfort, startling the Fire Type before he quickly accepted as he gave the hug back tightly.
"I'm sorry, bro... that I went against you for protecting me. But... As my powers with the aura revealed, there will be some times when I have to do dangerous things, like the one I'm planning to do right now. Because... I believe... That's another role that is a part of my life... And the reason why I was born to do this." Hikaru explained, looking Infernape straight in the eyes.
"So... As your human brother, I want you to forgive me... For another reckless thing I'm about to do right now, and the things that I have done in the past, because... If I don't do it, then there's a chance that both Riley and Lucario won't make it with stopping the explosion and saving the island. This is something that I must do as of this moment right now." Hikaru explained with a sad smile on his face.
"If... If you're planning to do something dangerous all by yourself, I won't let you do it alone, because... I'm coming with you!" Infernape declared, shocking the Twinleaf boy in the process. "This time... I want to help you with your reckless actions whether you like it or not." Infernape said with a weak smile on his face as he wiped away the rest of his tears.
At his choice, the Twinleaf boy smiled, before he and Infernape hugged each other again as they made their decisions together. "Alright then. Let's go after Riley and Lucario! There's not much time left!" Hikaru called. "Right!" Infernape agreed as the two headed below the ruins, running where the two Aura users ran at, as they planned to help their two comrades.
Flashback End
"And this is the decision we made together." Hikaru explained with a small smile on his face as Riley was still unsure of this. "But, are you sure you want to do this?" Riley asked as the Twinleaf boy and Infernape smiled together. "Yeah... Positive!" "We're not backing out of this one!" The two said together, causing both Lucario and Riley to smile and nod in agreement.
Meanwhile...
"WHAT!? Dealing with the bomb is the last thing we need!" Dawn, Barry, Hareta, and Team Rocket yelled together in shock. Knowing that her Pokémon would be involved at the situation, Jessie quickly returned her three Pokémon back to their Pokéballs. "You won't be safe out here! Return!" Jessie called, as Seviper, Yanmega, and Wobbuffet were returned back to their Pokéballs.
Suddenly, an idea popped in Ash's mind as he took out a Pokeball. "Ah! Oh yeah! Chimchar, come on out!" Ash called as he summoned the Fire Type out of its Pokéball. The Chimp Pokémon appeared, ready to help as the Kanto trainer made a request to the Fire Type. "Could you use Dig to make a tunnel for us?" Ash asked, with the Fire Type agreeing as he attempted to dig on the ground.
At the sight of Chimchar digging for a tunnel, the ones in the hole started to cheer on the idea. "Wow! What a great idea!" Dawn said happily. "We can be safe from the explosion by Chimchar's digging skills!" Hareta cheered as the evil trio sighed in relief, believing that they were safe now. "Good thinking, twerp!" Meowth complimented until there was a scraping sound from above.
Everyone blinked as Chimchar whined in pain, holding his two paws that became red. "Chim... Char...!" Chimchar whined as both Ash and Pikachu were shocked at Chimchar failing to do Dig. "Whoa, Chimchar! Are you okay!?" Ash gasped as Brock frowned, knowing what the reason was. "This ground is way too hard, even for Chimchar! Digging our way out is not gonna work." Brock explained.
Understanding what the Kanto breeder was saying, Ash returned the Fire Type back to his Pokéball. "Sorry, Chimchar. Return!" Ash called as he returned the whimpering Fire Type back to his Pokéball as Dawn sighed, seeing that the first plan was off. "Oh... Good idea, too..." Dawn sighed sadly. "Piplup... Pip Piplup." Piplup agreed sadly as Meowth slumped down, groaning about being trapped.
"Well... Guess we're ka-put..." Meowth groaned as he fell on his back as James began to cry with Mime Jr., both hugging Carnivine in despair. "I can't say goodbye to my mace like this!" James cried as he and his Psychic Type began to cry, causing Carnivine to watch him, seeing his trainer and his Psychic Type friend being upset at the belief that they were going to perish by the explosion.
With the sight of them crying, Carnivine started to glow, as his determination to save his trainer and his friends grew! Everyone in the hole turned around in surprise as Carnivine shot out vines, sending them out of the hole as Barry recognized the move. "Hey! That's Vine Whip!" Barry pointed out in surprise. At this, James and Mime Jr. we're both happy and amazed to see the move.
"Wow! You learned Vine Whip, you crafty Carnivine!" James complimenred happily as the vines were out of the hole, looking it was reaching up for something as the Kanto trainer was about to take out a Pokéball, only for another Pokéball to be thrown. "Cerberus, grab the vines and pull Carnivine out!" A familiar voice called. Both Ash and Brock gasped as a Houndoom appeared out of the Pokéball.
"What the...!?" Ash yelped as the Houndoom caught the vines, before it pulled Carnivine out. The two turned to see the Specter and Winter behind them as Ash glared at the boy in confusion and surprise. "Hold on...! You're... the Specter?!" Ash cried out in surprise. "Why did you help us?" Brock asked as the Slecter once again took off his mask and hood, before smiling a little.
"My job is not just to defeat criminal organizations, but to assist trainers, people, and the police. You guys are one of those examples." The Specter explained. "Sol." Winter replied with a nod as the Houndoom, known as Cerberus turned back with the same expression on his face and growled with a small nod. At that, the Kanto trainer accepted it and smiled. "Great! Good to have someone else on our side!" Ash replied.
"Pika Pika!" Pikachu agreed as the Specter walked up between the two Kanto trainers, making the call. "Alright, everyone! We're doing this one at a time! Grab onto Carnivine's vines and he'll pull you up! Cerberus, Winter... You guys help out, too!" The Specter called. "Sol!" "Doom!" Winter and Cerberus cried out their agreement as the two began to worker with Carnivine of bringing everyone up to safety.
But then, the Kanto trainer noticed that two were missing in their group. "Hold on! Where did Hikaru and Infernape go!?" Ash called in surprise as the Kanto breeder frowned. "I think there's a chance he might've left to help Riley!" Brock guessed, catching the Kanto trainer by shock as Dawn heard the same thing, causing her to frown in worry. "Hikaru... Infernape, too..." Dawn whispered.
Back to Hikaru and Riley...
While Ash and Brock were working with the Specter to save their comrades, Hikaru, Riley, Infernape, and Lucario were trying to stop the bombs as they tried pulling. Lucario and Riley pulled on one of the attached bombs, while Hikaru and Infernape did the other. They all pulled as hard as they could, only for none of the bombs to budge, much to their dismay as Hikaru growled under his breath.
"Tch... It's too tight! What are we going to do!?" Hikaru snapped as Riley frowned at the critical situation that's about to come. "If it's too tight, then we only have one chance to pull this off!" Riley answered, catching the Twinleaf boy by surprise as the Aura user turned to him with a serious question. "Hikaru... Are you ready to do this? This will be hard... and very painful, too..." Riley warned.
Infernape looked at his human brother, as the Twinleaf boy closed his eyes, before he opened them again, showing his yellow and green pupils. "I'm ready whenever you are, Riley..." Hikaru said darkly, causing Riley to nod as he turned to Lucario, who nodded as the Twinleaf boy turned to his partner with a warning. "Stand back, Infernape... This is going to be big..." Hikaru called.
"Alright... Just be careful, Hikaru." Infernape replied, as Hikaru smiled back with a nod.
Back to Ash and the others...
Carnivine managed to brought up both Piplup and Mime Jr., with Ash and Cerberus assisting him as Winter, Brock, and the Specter tended to the fallen one's scratches and wounds. The Specter sprayed one on Hareta's scratched wrist, spraying it with some medicine, before he placed a bandage on top of the sprayed wound, causing the little boy to wince in pain, due to it stinging a little.
"Ngh... It stings a little..." Hareta whined as the Specter smiled. "Yeah, it should... But that's the thing about medicines. It may sting, but it'll soon make you feel better." The Specter assured, as Brock sprayed some Potion medicine on Meowth's wounds as well. "There! That'll do it!" Brock assured, with Meowth groaning. "Ngh... It pains me worse to say thanks..." Meowth groaned.
For the helicopter, it was getting far enough for the detonation as the grunt reminded Mars that the detonation was ready to go. "Mm hm hm... Here we go! Buh-bye!" Mars taunted as she pressed the detonation button to activate the bombs that were below the Iron Island's ruins so that the island would soon be in ruin by the giant explosion that was about to take place.
But, back at the island, the shaking occurred, causing everyone near the ruins to panic! "It's blowing!" Ash screamed as both Dawn and Brock were shocked to feel the incoming explosion. "What about Riley!?" Brock asked as Dawn let out a shriek. "And what about Hikaru!?" Dawn added as the trembling became bigger, causing everyone to fall on the ground, embracing each other in the process.
But just as they feared the worst, it never came at all! The explosion never occurred, much to everyone's surprise as they sat up, all in confusion. "What... happened?" Dawn asked, as the Water Type looked around. "Piplup?" Piplup asked, with Jessie and Meowth looking around as well. "No boom?" The two said as Brock frowned at this. "How is this possible!?" Brock asked as Hareta blinked.
"Maybe... Hikaru and Riley are protecting us?" Hareta guessed as the Specter frowned. "Maybe so... They're probably using their auras to protect us..." The Specter guessed, catching everyone by surprise. "Aura...?" Dawn repeated in worry as she looked down, tears welling in her eyes. "Hikaru... Please be safe..." Dawn thought as she held Piplup tighter, but not enough to let her starter notice.
Back to Hikaru...
The Specter was proven right as the explosion DID occur, but while being trapped in a giant blue ball of light as well! The blue ball of light was known to be created by aura, created by Riley, Lucario, and Hikaru! The Twinleaf boy had struggled to use his newfound powers to help his comrades, until he managed to make an aura strong enough to trap the explosions with his two Aura comrades.
Although, with the process of trapping it, it started to get painful for the young boy's body. "Argh... ARGH!" Hikaru grunted as he tried to focus and control his aura, while withstanding the pain at the same time. His yellow and green pupils glowed brighter, as if it to show that he was using a lot of his powers! Riley and Lucario seemed to be in pain as well as they worked on controlling their aura as well.
"Argh... Ngh... Come on! Keep it up! Lucario! Stay strong, Hikaru!" Riley shouted loudly as he began to fight his pain, while his partner and Hikaru kept fighting as well. "I'm trying... the best as I can... Master!" Lucario grunted as he kept his focus on maintaining his aura to keep the explosion from escaping. "Hikaru... Come on, Hikaru! You can do it!" Infernape shouted in encouragement.
"Ngh... Gah... It's kind of... painful!" Hikaru gasped as he tried to focus his aura, but due to him being inexperienced with this kind of power, it started to become difficult for him to control and to focus on as the Aura user also tried to encourage his little friend to keep it up. "Don't give in! You have to fight against it!" Riley called, while grunting to withstand the pain of his body as well.
Back to the helicopter, Mars started to get frustrated as she pressed the button several times to get the island to explode, only to see nothing going on. Not even a smoke was coming out of the island. "ARGH! Why aren't there any explosions!?" Mars snapped angrily. "But... The sensors are indicating that explosions are taking place!" The pilot esplained, as he was confused on why nothing was happening as well.
While at the island, Ash, Dawn, Hareta, Brock, Team Rocker, and the Specter ran up to where they are able to see the ruins from above. "What's going on!?" Ash shouted as Dawn looked down at the ruins. "What about Hikaru!? And Riley!?" Dawn added in worry. "Pika...?" "Piplup?" Even the two starters were getting worried for what could be happening to Infernape, Lucario, and their two human friends.
While below the ruins, the three Aura users struggled as the force of the explosions were getting stronger. Hikaru on the other hand was feeling even more pain for using aura too much for the first time! "Ngh... AAAARRRRGHH! I... can't... hold it... much... longer!" Hikaru screamed as he started to lose focus, causing Riley to quickly think of a risky idea as he called to his two comrades.
"In that case... We have to get this away from the island now!" Riley called. "Alright... Give us the word... Master!" Lucario grunted as the Aura user made the signal. "OKAY! NOW!" Riley yelled, causing him, Lucario, and Hikaru to painfully push the giant ball of light into the air, which broke through and out of the ruins, catching everyone on the outside by surprise as they watched the blue ball of light explode!
The explosion occurred in the air, while the island remained safe, causing everyone to sigh in relief as the evil trio slumped down, seeing that they were safe now. "Uh... Location, location..." Team Rocket groaned. The Specter sighed as well, knowing that his mission for protecting the island and stopping Team Galactic for now was a success. He turned to Winter, who smiled back with a nod.
Cerberus nodded along, as the two Dark Types knew that their work here was done, for now. "Hold on... What about Riley and Lucario? And Hikaru and Infernape?" Hareta asked in worry, hoping that they were okay. Then, the Twinleaf girl noticed some shadows coming out of the huge smoke, as she pointed to where it was. "Look! Over there!" Dawn called, pointing at the smoke.
Everyone looked to see Riley and Lucario, both scratched and battered up, walking to them as Infernape also came out too, while giving the unconscious Hikaru a piggyback ride, due to him falling unconscious by using too much aura. "Ngh..." The Aura user started to fall, until Ash ran over and caught him. "Whoa! Riley! Are you okay!?" Ash gasped as the Aura user stood on his ground.
"Ngh... Y-Yeah... I'm alright. But, I think Hikaru is going to need some help..." Riley assured as he glanced back at Infernape, who was carrying his human brother. Dawn widened her eyes and ran over to her unconscious boyfriend with Piplup in her arms. "Hikaru!? Oh no, Hikaru... Are you okay!?" Dawn shrieked as she noticed the wounds and scratches on her boyfriend's body.
"He'll be fine. He used up too much of his powers at the same time. He'll soon recover when some of his aura comes back." Riley assured, causing the Twinleaf girl to sigh in relief. Infernape smirked as he glanced at his sleeping human brother, who seemed to be sleeping peacefully to regain his energy. "Was that the power of aura that did this, Riley?" Dawn asked, causing Riley to nod.
"That's right. You know... Those bombs were powerful. But you know...? All's well that ends well!" Riley replied as Hareta blinked in confusion. "You mean to say, everything will be alright?" Hareta asked, cocking his head. "I believe that's what he meant." The Specter said as he put on his mask and hood back on. Everyone turned to see the Specter starting to leave as he returned Cerberus back to its Pokéball.
"Hold on! Where do you think you're going!?" Barry snapped as the Specter glanced back with Winter. "I'll be seeing you guys sometime again... if there's a chance." The Specter assured as he took out a smoke bomb before he threw it to the ground, causing them to disappear in the smoke and startle everyone in the process. "Hey! Wait! Specter!" Ash called, only for him to be too late.
The Specter and his Disaster Pokémon had disappeared, leaving everyone surprised until they heard cheering from around them. They all looked around to see all the Steel Types cheering for their saviors and for being free from their agony. Hareta smiled happily, hearing the happy cries and calls from the Pokémon around them. "These guys... They're all okay now... I'm so glad..." Hareta said happily.
He wiped the small tears from his eyes and smiled even brighter, causing Ash, Dawn, Brock, and Barry to smile at their little friend as Hikaru began to stir. "Mm...?" Hikaru groaned as he blinked several times, causing Infernape to smile at his human brother and nudge his face. "In... Infernape! In!" Infernape said, saying that he was glad that his human brother was awake and alright now.
To his surprise, the Twinleaf boy smiled back, giving a weak nod. "I'm glad too, Infernape... I'm also glad that everything is alright now." Hikaru said weakly, catching the others by surprise. "Hikaru! You're awake!" Ash said with a grin. "Pika Pika!" Pikachu replied as Brock let out a chuckle. "You okay, Hikaru?" Brock asked, as the Twinleaf boy gave a small nod. "Yeah... I am." Hikaru assured.
"You really did a number on yourself, did you?" Barry smirked, folding his arms as the Twinleaf boy scoffed. "You're one to talk, amateur." Hikaru taunted, causing another one of Barry's annoyed moments to come. "WHAT WAS THAT!? And hear I thought you were cool, but I guess I was wrong! I'm gonna fine you for insulting me with that!" Barry snapped, earning a glare from Hikaru.
"Just shut it, amateur... Like you said, I've been through enough for one day." Hikaru scolded, causing Ash, Brock, and Hareta to laugh at the impatient trainer's annoyance and embarrassment. Riley chuckled along as Lucario smiled a little, while Dawn on the other hand had her face darkened, looking more menacing for the Twinleaf boy as he noticed her menacing look. "Um... Dawn?" Hikaru gulped.
"You stupid... reckless... MORON!" Dawn snapped as she looked like she was going to punch Hikaru, as Infernape had let his human brother down to take his punishment from his girlfriend, only for her to hug Hikaru tightly. "Idiot... You're always going to do something reckless like this, aren't you...?" Dawn whispered in his ear as the Twinleaf boy smiled a little, before hugging her back.
"I might have to do this many times, to be honest..." Hikaru whispered back as everyone else watched a little, seeing a romantic moment between the Twinleaf couple. Infernape, Pikachu, and Piplup chuckled along, seeing the two bonding together even more.
Later...
It was evening, with all the Steel Types and the people in the island having peace as a helicopter came down, catching everyone's attention as a familiar woman came out. "Hey, it's Carolina!" Ash pointed as everyone ran over to Cynthia's grandmother, as the professor noticed the group and smiled. "If it isn't the upstarts!" Carolina chuckled as she turned to the ruins of the island.
"So, that's it?" Carolina asked as the others turned to the ruins. "Yeah! That's the ruins of this island!" Hareta piped up as Carolina smiled. "The Iron Ruins... They really do exist!" Carolina commented as she then ordered her workers to collect data from the ruins and the statues of Dialga and Palkia, causing the assistants, scientists, and the workers to get to work with gathering information.
It soon became night as the work continued on, as Carolina scanned the destroyed machine with her laptop, as she found a clue within the destroyed machine. "Fascinating! This machine is made out of from the exact, same compound as the meteors from Veilstone City!" Carolina explained, causing both Ash and Dawn to raise a question. "Veilstone City?" Ash repeated in question.
"Does that mean they made it out of the meteors they stole from the park?" Dawn asked, recalling the time when Team Galactic had stolen a few for their next part of the plan. "I guess this was the next plan they were mentioning about for the new world, when they attacked back in Veilstone City, with the power accident." Hikaru said, folding his bandaged arms with a serious look on his face.
After recovering from the strain of using his aura too much, Hikaru's arms and body began to heal, thanks to the medicine he was given by Riley as he was starting to recover faster than the others expected. "Almost certainly... It's been said that Iron Island was originally an ancient meteor, long ago!" Carolina explained, catching the Aura user by surprise.
"A meteor island...? Does that mean that the Iron Ruins were created from the meteor, too!?" Riley guessed in surprise. "I'd say so. Both the Iron Island ruins and this machine are giving off a special frequency! These frequencies have resonated, creating a sound wave causing the Steel Types to go crazy!" Carolina explained. At the complicated explanation, the little boy cocked his head to one side in confusion.
"I'm confused... So, that's saying, these rocks and the dangerous machine Team Galactic created are the cause of causing the Steel Types to go in pain?" Hareta asked. "That's it!" Ash agreed as Riley took a step in question. "Okay... So, you're saying that the entire island is made up of the same compound from Veilstone City meteors?" Riley asked, which Caroline confirmed with her answer.
"Yes, that's right." Carolina confirmed, catching everyone by surprise. "Most likely, Team Galactic was able to pinpoint the location of the Iron Ruins by using this! This machine as a radar!... Not only that, but it is also rumored to reveal a location called, the Spear Pillar, which is now necessary to summon Dialga and Palkia into this world!" Carolina explained as she touched one of the pillars.
"Spear Pillar, Carolina?" Ash repeated in question. "Supposedly, it's located somewhere in the Sinnoh region!" Carolina explained, as Hikaru had the answer to that. "It's located on Mt. Coronet..." Hikaru said, catching everyone by surprise. "What? How do you know that, Hikaru?" Carolina asked as the Twinleaf boy's face softened before he explained as he recalled of another Dimensional Scream he took.
"Right when Riley, Lucario, and I were throwing the giant aura containing the explosions in the air... Another vision of the Dimensional Scream came to me, telling me of something. A voice said this: 'The Spear Pillar, is located somewhere around Mt. Coronet... Farewell'." Hikaru answered, causing both Hareta and Barry to frown in confusion. "Dimensional... Scream?" Barry repeated.
"It's a special power Hikaru has! When Hikaru touches something that's important, he can either see the future or the past to know what occurred and what's about to happen!" Brock explained, causing the impatient trainer to gape at his serious rival. "N-No way... You serious?" Barry said, as he was shocked to discover that his serious rival had a special power, but he didn't.
"I see... So the Dimensional Scream has activated again." Carolina replied with a smile as she turned to the Aura user. "The name's Riley, isn't it? I hear you've been on the island for a while. Would you be able to give us a little assistance while we survey the nearby areas?" Carolina asked as the Aura user smiled, making his answer. "Sure! I'm always interested in learning more about this island!" Riley answered.
But just then, a rumbling sound was heard by everyone, causing them all to look at Hareta, who stuck his tongue out before flushing red in embarrassment. "Heh heh... I think after all these crazy stuff... I must be kind of hungry..." Hareta said nervously as Carolina let out a chuckle. "My my... I guess what Prof. Rowan said about you was right! You can be tough, but you can get really hungry as well." Carolina teased.
The others laughed at that, while Hikaru and Riley just chuckled at the little boy's embarrassment. "Well, in that case, why don't we all head to my home and have some supper? It has been a long day, and I'd like to thank you all for helping us save our home." Riley suggested. "Carr..." Lucario grunted along with a smile. "Yeah?! That sounds great!" Ash cried out in joy. "Pika Pikachu!" Pikachu agreed happily.
"I'm kind of starved, too..." Dawn admitted, feeling embarrassed a little. "Piplup Piplup..." Piplup said in defeat. "What about you, Barry?" Ash asked, causing the impatient trainer to blink before he attempted to deny it. "Come on... I'm not hungry, of course! No way-" Barry started, only for his stomach to growl a little, causing him to flush in embarrassment and in annoyance.
"Ugh... I guess I am kind of... hungry..." Barry groaned as Hareta and Ash snickered at his embarrassment while Dawn and Brock just laughed at the impatient trainer. "Alright then! Then tomorrow, I would like some assistance from you Riley. I think after what everyone experienced from Team Galactic's attack, I suppose they all deserve a little break with some food!" Carolina teased.
Hikaru remained silent as he just smiled at the others talking while Barry argued with Ash and Hareta about his denial for food, while both Ash and Hareta ganged up against him for being hungry as the three seem to have nearly forgotten about the dangerous experience they had with battling against Team Galactic and with Iron Island nearly exploding. "It's over for now, huh..." Hikaru said.
"Infernape..." Infernape agreed with a smirk and a thumbs up, causing the Twinleaf boy to give a thumbs up back. He looked up at the full moon that was bright in the sky, knowing that the night would be great.
The next day...
"Is there something you'd like to tell me, Riley?" Hikaru asked, confused with the sudden request the Aura user made. It was close to afternoon as Ash, Dawn, Brock, and Hareta have already headed to the pier so that they could head for Chocovine Town, while parting with Barry. Before the Twinleaf boy could leave, Riley requested him to stay for a moment as he wanted a word with him.
"Yeah... There was something I wanted to give you before you leave." Riley explained as Lucario nodded along. The Aura user glanced at his partner, signaling him to bring it out as the Aura Pokémon brought out an Egg, startling both Hikaru and Infernape in the process. "A... A Pokémon Egg?" Hikaru asked in surprise as he gently took the Egg from Lucario as Riley confirmed it with a smile.
"Yes. You see, since Lucario and I discovered you had the power of an Aura Guardian, and that you have a strong bond with all your Pokémon, I was hoping that you would take this, as thanks for helping us save Iron Island and all the Pokémon that lived here." Riley explained. "Ruh." Lucario added with a grunt as Hikaru blinked, before he looked at the Egg. It felt warm as the Twinleaf boy had his hands on it.
"Infernape..." Infernape said in amazement, as Hikaru smiled softly, seeing a familiar creature in the Egg as he looked up at the two Aura users. "Thank you... Riley... Lucario... I'll be sure to take care of the newborn that's in here once it hatches." Hikaru assured as the two Aura users nodded along. "Yes. Please do." Riley requested, with the Aura Pokémon nodding along with a smile.
The Twinleaf boy took one more look at the Egg, as a dizzying feeling came to his mind, activating the Dimensional Scream. In the vision, the Egg was glowing and it hatched, revealing a baby Pokémon, who seemed to be filled with energy, while being shy at the same time. The Pokémon grew attached to the Twinleaf boy and Infernape as their bonds became stronger and stronger.
The vision then ended with another glow, causing Hikaru to come back to reality. "I saw it... The Pokémon that hatched..." Hikaru whispered softly, before Riley gave a nod. Lucario nudged Riley's arm with his elbow, trying to remind him of something. "Carr..." Lucario reminded, causing Riley to blink, as he remembered something. "Oh right! There's one more thing I need to give you!" Riley explained.
"Huh?" That left the Twinleaf boy confused as the Aura user left the living room, before he brought back a small sheath that seemed to show a dagger (similar to Silica's Ebon Dagger or Riku's Soul Eater). He revealed the dagger, which seemed to be one-handed, with the design sky-blue. The grip of the sword was dark-blue, as the blade seemed to be glowing with sky-blue light, as well as showing pictures of a few Aura symbols.
"This is... a dagger?" Hikaru whispered in shock as Riley nodded. "Yes... It's a weapon that was created by the early Aura Guardians that used this blade to fight their enemies and to protect their comrades and kingdom. I figured you would master it, since for some reason, I wasn't able to master it all..." Riley explained as the Twinleaf boy looked up at the Aura user with a frown. "Master it...?" Hikaru repeated.
He looked at the blade and carefully held it in his hand as well as holding the small sheath for the dagger. Suddenly, it glowed brighter for a brief moment, causing Infernape to widen his eyes in surprise, as well as startling Riley and Lucario for a moment, before the two smiled, knowing that they made the right decision on giving their friend the ancient small blade.
"Legends say... The Aura Blade is a weapon that chooses an Aura Guardian that believes it to be worthy of being wielded for. That glow just now... I believe the Blade has chosen you for its wielder." Riley explained, causing Hikaru to widen his eyes in surprise as his pupils glowed once more, while he smiled softly at the weapon. "I see... I bet it's going to be hard, mastering this." Hikaru sighed.
His pupils stopped glowing, before he turned to Infernape. "Looks like... my day as a young Aura Guardian starts today. Right, Infernape?" Hikaru asked. "Fernape!" Infernape agreed with a grin, as he was happy that his human brother was now known to be one of the important people that's needed in the Sinnoh region. Riley and Lucario both smiled, knowing that the Twinleaf boy had a long way to go to be a true Aura Guardian.
"Looks like you were right about him having the potential, Lucario..." Riley admitted, as the Aura Pokémon nodded with a grunt.
Later...
The Twinleaf boy and the Flame Pokémon said their farewells to Riley and Lucario as they managed to catch up to their four human friends and their two Pokémon friends. Barry was with them, with the now recovered Empoleon at his side. "Hey! Sorry I'm late!" "Infernape!" Hikaru and Infernape cried together, catching their friends and rival's attention. "What kept you, Hikaru?" Ash teased.
"Pika Pika?" Pikachu asked along, causing Hikaru to flush in embarrassment. "Sorry... It's just that Riley needed to speak to me about something." Hikaru explained. "In! Infernape!" Infernape agreed as he joined his human brother with protesting against their friends. The others chuckled at this, while Dawn and Piplup just giggled together at the Twinleaf boy's flustered explanation.
The impatient trainer sighed before he smirked. "Ha! Man! Looks like you guys were all caught up in something that's pretty complicated!" Barry said in amusement. "Empoleon!" The Emperor Pokémon agreed as the Kanto trainer smirked, knowing what his rival meant. "Well yeah, Barry... I guess we did. But, my goal is to win the Sinnoh League! Getting my next badge, is all I could think about!" Ash explained.
"Pika Pika!" Pikachu agreed, filled with same determination as his trainer was. "Ha! You sound like me! But I'm doing lots of training! You three just make sure you're in the Sinnoh League!" Barry called, causing Hareta, Hikaru, and Ash to all smile and nod together. "Right!" Ash called. "You got it! We'll make sure to be there!" Hareta assured with high spirits.
"Just try to make a better challenge the next time we meet, so I don't have to keep calling you amateur. Got it?" Hikaru asked, causing the impatient trainer to fall over and for Empoleon to sweat drop. "Argh! Yeah, yeah... Keep talking!" Barry snapped in annoyance, before he regained his grin. "So good luck, Barry!" "Pip Piplup!" Dawn and Piplup exclaimed together.
"Take good care!" Brock called. The impatient trainer nodded at the two calls, before he gave a reminder to the group. "If you happen to see Paul, you tell him there's a powerful opponent waiting for him! And if you don't, I'll have to fine you!" Barry teased, causing Ash to nervously laugh. "Ha ha... Yeah!" Ash replied as he Barry shook their hands together, as a sign of their friendship.
"See ya!" Barry called as they shook hands as Pikachu and Empoleon shook their hands, too. Hareta did the same for Barry, while Hikaru and Infernape did the same for the impatient trainer and Empoleon as well. "Take care... Amateur." Hikaru teased, while Barry just teased back. "You do the same, Mr. Hotshot!" Barry teased along as the two smiled together.
With that said, the group boarded the boat to Chocovine Town, as they said their goodbyes to their two friends until they were soon out of Iron Island's sight. While the boat moved on, Hikaru took a look at his Aura Blade, as it glowed once more. "..." The new and young Aura Guardian remained silent, as he smiled lightly, happy to know that he had discovered his role in Sinnoh, despite the danger he's about to face.
Meanwhile, back at the Galactic Headquarters...
"I know our plans to obliterate the Iron Ruins was a failure, and I ask for your forgiveness, Cyrus sir, and Commander Yamato." Mars replied, understanding the problems she had created from her failed mission. Cyrus raised his hand, assuring that it was alright before he said his words. "A failed mission is nothing but a temporary setback. Regardless, we must move forward with our plan." Cyrus replied.
He glanced at Saturn, making his orders. "So, Saturn... The excavation of the Spear Pillar will be led by you." Cyrus ordered, to which Saturn bowed at. "As you wish, sir." Saturn replied as Yamato remained quiet. His face darkened as he gritted with his teeth, with a hint of tear streaking out of his left eye, as he kept his eyes shut, looking regretful and angry at the same time.
To be continued...
Hikaru's Team:
Infernape: (M): (Flamethrower, Flame Wheel, Mach Punch, Close Combat)
Luxray: (F): (Wild Charge, Discharge, Iron Tail, Hidden Power)
Dragonair: (M): (Dragon Tail, Aqua Tail, Thunder Wave, Safeguard)
Buizel: (M): (Aqua Jet, Ice Beam, Water Gun, Razor Wind)
Togetic: (F): (AncientPower, Air Slash, Metronome, Attract)
Leafeon: (F): (Magical Leaf, Shadow Ball, Synthesis, Leaf Blade)
With Prof. Rowan:
Gardevoir: (F): (Psychic, Thunderbolt, Teleport, Magical Leaf)
Next chapters:
Chapter 15: The Three Castaways! Diablo's Ocean!
Chapter 16: Deoxys Come Forth! The Restoration!
Chapter 17: A Phione in Love! Hareta's Curiosity!
Chapter 18: Love Comes and Go! Phione Fights!
Chapter 19: Pokémon Contest! Riolu is Born!
Next chapter preview:
Dawn: We're almost there to Chocovine Town! I can't wait for the next Contest to come out, so that I can earn my fourth ribbon!
Hareta: Huh? Who are you people? Wait a second! Are you those weirdos called Team Rocket again?!
Ash: Not you guys again! Give Pikachu, Piplup, and Infernape back right now!
Jessie: Sorry, twerp! But these three prized Pokémon belong to Team Rocket, and Team Rocket only! So there!
Hikaru: You idiots are really getting on my nerves, you know that!? Just when are you going to learn!
Officer Jenny: We can track to see where your three Pokémon went! Then, we can get them back!