Chapter 29: A guardian's courage

It was early in the morning and Ash was holding himself up with one hand as Pikachu and his other pokemon did the same. They had been in this position for nearly 30 minutes.

At the same Red was holding himself upside down from a tree branch while his pokemon did the same. Both boys and their pokemon were drenched in sweat from a long physical training session. Felix was standing up straight on the very top of the tree with his Lucario beside him. He was watching the two boys and their pokemon standing in their positions.

"Alright boys, you may relax" Felix said. Ash got back on his feet as Red and Charizard came down from the tree followed by Felix.

"Now that we've gotten some exercise in, let's move on to some Aura training". Ash and Red came closer with their pokemon.

"When you're in a desperate struggle you may not have time to plan out a strategy or even call out a move. But now that you've opened up connections with your pokemon, you don't even need to call out moves anymore".

"We don't?" Ash said.

"No, you see when a pokemon and his trainer's aura connection and bond is strong enough. Both of you will be able to see what is happening and combine your thoughts and ideas in an instant. Then your pokemon will know what you want and need them to do".

"So it's like talking to them through their aura" Red said.

"Yes".

"Hey that's probably what Captain Niar and Diantha were doing back at the battle Chateau" Ash said.

"Now let's try it out. Try to tell your pokemon a move through your Aura connection". Ash took a deep breath and gathered his Aura. With their Aura's already connected , Ash was easily able to send his own thoughts to Pikachu. Pikachu could heard Ash's thoughts, telling him to use Thunderbolt.

"Pika chu!" Pikachu shouted as he blasted the tree with a massive Thunderbolt. Ash and Red also noticed that since they had opened their aura connections with their pokemon, that their moves and abilities were growing at a much faster pace. Just like Felix said they would.

"Good, Red you try". Red concentrated and sent his own thoughts to his Charizard. Charizard was able to hear Red's thoughts , and ran forward with his claws glowing violet. He smashed a massive rock into small pebbles with his dragon claws.

"Amazing" Red said.

"This is a start, but it will be a while before you're so in synch that your pokemon will simply know what to do by feeling your thoughts rather than you sending them to your pokemon".

After another 2 hours passed, Ash and Red were locked in a pokemon battle. Felix had told them they weren't allowed to say a word out loud.

Pikachu stood in front of Ash in an aggressive stance, while Red's Charizard stood in front of him. Ash looked at Pikachu and nodded before Pikachu sprinted forward at Charizard. Red looked up at Charizard and nodded.

Charizard kicked off the ground and flew directly over Pikachu. After hearing another command from Ash through their aura connection, Pikachu unleashed Thunder straight up. Charizard was hit and filled with electricity.

Charizard heard another aura command from Red, and curled himself up and rolled onto his feet. When Red saw Pikachu's cheeks sparking, he quickly gave Charizard another aura message.

Charizard's wings turned metal as he covered himself with them. Pikachu's Thunderbolt was absorbed by the metal before Charizard opened his wings and blasted Pikachu with Flamethrower.

Ash quickly gave Pikachu another command through their aura connection and Pikachu used his speed to leap up and out of the flames. Once he was in the air, he soared towards Charizard's head as his tail turned metal.

When Charizard and Red saw this, Charizard's claws began to flow violet. He swung his wight claws forward blocking Pikachu's tail. When Ash and Pikachu saw Charizard's other claws coming at him, Pikachu quickly leapt back and ducked down as the Dragon claws went right over him.

Pikachu hurled himself forward and slammed his head into Charizard's stomach. Knocking the larger pokemon back a few inches. As Charizard regained his footing , he hurled his right claw down at Pikachu.

Ash gave Pikachu another Aura command, and the smaller pokemon leapt up at Charizard's head as his tail turned metal. When Red saw Charizard's claws miss their mark he gave another Aura command.

Charizard hurled his head forward and knocked Pikachu back into the ground before he could use Iron tail. Once Pikachu landed his was hit with Dragon claws. When Pikachu heard another command from Ash he used his tail to keep himself from going back any further.

Pikachu then sped forward with quick attack. Charizard opened his mouth and blasted the ground in front of him with fire. Pikachu, however, had already stopped and jumped into the air. When Charizard and Red saw his cheeks spark, Charizard covered himself with his steel wings.

Pikachu used quick attack to hurl himself over and past Charizard. As soon as Pikachu reached the other side he blasted Charizard with Thunderbolt, before Charizard could turn around.

"That's enough boys" Felix said. Charizard and Pikachu went back to their trainers before Felix tossed them both an Oran berry.

"Alright , you two have made good progress today. Keep working on it and we'll meet again tomorrow morning" Felix said.

"Will it be another morning session or a full day session?" Ash asked.

"Morning, though the one after that will be all day" Felix said before he and his Lucario ran into the trees and out of sight.

"We should get back to the others. We might still have time to eat some breakfast" Red said. When they got back to their campsite they saw Serena and Bonnie eating some bananas and yogurt while Clemont had soot all over his face and head.

"Alright what did he try and build this time?" Red said.

"An egg cooker that would take 30 seconds to make scrambled eggs" Serena said.

" I almost had it" Clemont said. Red came over and patted him on the back.

"Clemont maybe you should spend more time investigating why your inventions keep blowing up".

"Maybe you're right" Clemont said as he lowered his head. Serena tossed them each a banana and a yogurt, before the two gave each of their pokemon a bowl of food.

"So what did you do with Felix?" Serena asked.

"It was amazing, do you remember back at the battle château when we saw Diantha and Captain Niar call out moves without even talking" Red said.

"You can talk to your pokemon telepathically!".

"Not telepathy or talking really, it's more like a message sent through the connection between your Aura" Ash said.

"We were able to give our pokemon commands and even have a full battle without saying a word out load" Red said.

"That sounds amazing!" Serena said.

"Really" Ash said before he tried something. Not a moment later Serena felt Ash's Aura and what felt like a message. The message told her that she was the most beautiful Ash had ever met, and that every time he saw her it was like love at first sight.

Serena blushed before giving a touched smile.

"Huh did he say something to you?" Bonnie asked.

"Yes" Serena said.

"What did he say?".

"I'm sorry but it's private".

"Awwe come on I wanna know" Bonnie said.

After finishing their breakfast , the group continued on route 12. As they walked , Serena had her Absol out next to her.

"So did you do some training with Absol this morning?" Ash asked. Serena gave a but of a concerned expression.

"I did do some training with him this morning and we did similar things as when you helped me. He seems more confident in his own abilities, but when I put him against Braixen he kept freezing up whenever she used a powerful move".

"That's not good" Red said.

"Well I'm sure if we keep working with him he'll be able to get back to his old self" Ash said.

"I hope so". As they kept walking Pikachu heard something. His ear twitched as he turned towards the sound of what he thought was a pokemon shrieking.

"Pika". Through their Aura connection, Ash could tell Pikachu was distressed about something.

"Pikachu what's going on?". Pikachu pointed towards then sound then projected his thoughts in a message to Ash. From what Ash could gather , Pikachu had heard what sounded like a pokemon in distress.

"You heard a pokemon crying for help?".

"Pika!" Pikachu said nodding.

"Pikachu heard a pokemon?" Clemont said.

"We should check it out" Red said. Pikachu jumped down and lead the group towards the sound he heard. As they got closer the others could start to hear the faint sound of a pokemon crying out.

After a minute of running they came across a group of small pink bird like pokemon , that were cowering against a tree as a large bear like pomeon stood over them.

"What are those?" Clemont asked. Ash and Red both opened their pokedexs.

"Usaring the Hibernator Pokemon, Ursaring has such a keen sense of smell that it can even find food that has been buried."

"Spritzee the Perfume pokemon. It emits a scent that enraptures those who smell it. This fragrance changes depending on what it has eaten".

" A fairy type pokemon" Serena said with great interest. The Ursaring roared as he smacked his claws into the 3 Spritzee , knocking them away.

"Why is it attacking those Spritzee!?" Serena shouted.

"Does it matter, we need to do something" Ash said. As the Ursaring raised its arms as he prepared to use furry swipes , the Spritezee in the middle quickly flapped her wings creating a pink wind that carried the other Spritezee away.

Unfortunately , he wasn't able to get away himself and was viciously clawed by the Ursaring.

"Pikachu quick get in there and" Ash started. Just then another pokemon came into view from above them. The pokemon stood up on the top of a tree like a human, yet it had wings and a curved head.

"What is that?" Red said as he looked up. The pokemon leapt down from the tree and soared towards the Ursaring. The large bear looked up just in time to see the pokemon right above him and smacked both his wings into the Ursaring. The massive bear was knocked back a few feet as the group saw who the pokemon was.

"A Hawlucha!" Ash shouted. The Hawlucha stood up with his wings spread out in a proud manner. The Ursaring got back up and growled as he stared at the Hawlucha. When the Spritzee saw the Ursaring come back he held his wings over his face and began shaking.

Hawlucha raised his wings again as he stood between the Ursaring and the Spritzee.

"He's protecting the Spritzee" Ash said amazed. The Ursaring hurled his arm down at the Hawlucha. The Hawlucha quickly leapt up and wrapped his legs around the Ursaring's head , hurling the massive bear onto the ground before the Hawlucha smashed his wings into the Ursaring's head.

"He's amazing" Serena said. The Ursaring got up and snarled as he furiously tried to slash Hawlucha. Hawlucha quickly moved back with quick evasions.

Ash was amazed at how agile the Hawlucha was. After the Ursaring missed once again, the Hawlucha leapt up and over the Ursaring's claws. He then plowed his foot into the Ursaring's head. Hawlucha came back and once again stood between the Spritzee and the Ursaring.

Absol was amazed at how the Hawlucha protected the other pokemon. It made him think about how he had defended the tear of Reduka in the mountain. When the Ursaring landed on the ground the Spritzee slowly opened his eyes and saw what had happened.

Hawlucha looked up at the tree and had another idea. He quickly began scaling the tree as quickly as he could.

"What is he doing?" Bonnie said.

"I'm not sure" Red said. When the Hawlucha reached the top of the tree he leapt up and over the Ursaring , then flew straight down.

"Oh I see, he's trying to use Flying press like Korrina's Hawlucha" Ash said. Just before the Hawlucha could hit the Ursaring , a bolt of electricity hit Hawlucha , knocking him out of the air.

"What the hell?" Ash said. A man walked out from behind the trees with an electric gun in hand.

"Well well well, we got us a hero Ursaring" The team rocket grunt said.

"Team rocket!".

"Oh great a bunch of brats, you won't stop me from getting a lot of bonus money. These Spritzee are worth a fortune to buyers in Kanto. So stay where you are unless you want to be zapped" The grunt said as he aimed the electric gun at the group.

Serena and Bonnie were now very scared as the rocket grunt aimed the electric gun at them. As the Hawlucha tried to get up, Ursaring smashed his foot into the Hawlucha's stomach knocking him onto his back.

"Now finish him" The grunt said. His Ursaring picked up a large rock and held it over his head.

"He's going to kill him!" Serena shouted.

"Stay where you are!" The grunt said aiming his electric gun at them again. Ash looked at Pikachu and gave him a command through their Aura connection. PIkachu nodded and jumped down from Ash's shoulder.

"Hey!". Pikachu sprinted forward with Quick attack as the grunt blasted the ground near Pikachu with a blast of electricity. Pikachu, however, was too fast and he slammed into the rocket grunt knocking him to the ground.

"Iron tail!" Ash shouted. Pikachu leapt up and over Ursaring, then smashed his tail right through the rock into the Ursaring's head. Not a moment later the Ursaring fell over unconscious. When Pikachu landed on the ground, he saw the grunt reaching for his gun.

Just before the man could get to it, Pikachu leapt over and smashed the gun into pieces with his tail. The grunt looked up and saw Pikachu's cheeks sparking, then lurched back. Returning his Ursaring , then running off.

"Great job Pikachu" Ash said as he walked over.

"Aww these poor pokemon" Serena said as she picked up the hurt Spritzee.

"He's so cute" Bonnie said. Ash saw the Hawlucha struggling to get up and helped him get on his feet. The Hawlucha looked up at Ash and nodded.

"Haw". PIkachu understood what the Hawlucha said and told Ash through their connection that the Hawlucha thanked them.

"We should probably get these guys somewhere safer where we can treat their injuries" Ash said.

"Good idea" Red said. The other two Spritzee came over to them.

"Spritz!".

"PIka". Ash heard another Aura message from Pikachu. From what he could gather , the Spritzee wanted them to follow them.

"They want us to go with them".

"Maybe it will be a good place to heal their injuries" Clemont said. The 2 Spritzee lead the group to a large grassy hill where they saw at least 3 dozen Spritzee grazing on the hill.

"Wow look at all the Spritzee" Serena said.

"They're so cute! Clemont can you catch me one!?" Bonnie said.

"Maybe later Bonnie". When the group came closer, the Spritzee saw Hawlucha and the other Sprtizee in their arms they rushed over.

"Spritz!" the pokemon shouted as they hopped around the feet of the trainers. When they reached the bottom of the hill Ash and Serena sat down.

"Alright lets see what we can do about these wounds" Ash said as he took out a potion. The Spritzee watched as Serena took out an Oran berry and gave it to the Spritzee in her arms.

"Eat this while I give you some potion. It will help speed up the healing process". The Spritzee started to eat the oran Berry as Serena sprayed a cloth with a super potion and rubbed the scratch marks on Spritzee's body.

At the same time Ash sprayed the electric burn marks on him.

"Hawlucha I saw how you leapt into action when the Spritzee were in trouble. It was amazing".

"You're like a super hero!" Bonnie shouted. The Hawlucha got up and out of Ash's arms, then walked to the top of the hill looking down at the Spritzee.

"He's watching over them like a guardian" Red said. Serena's Absol stared up at Hawlucha as he watched over the Spritzee.

"I wonder why the Hawlucha watches over these Spritzee?" Serena said.

"Spritz!" The Spritzee in Serena's arms shouted. Pikachu and Absol listened closely as the Spritzee spoke. They were both touched after they heard the Hawlucha's story. Once the Spritzee was finished, PIkachu began sending Aura messages to Ash telling him about the story.

"Woah, Pikachu just told me what the Spritzee said. Apparently when Hawlucha was a hatchling , a group of poachers attack their home and tried to take him. His parents tried to force the poachers away, but they had over a dozen pokemon. Despite this , the Hawlucha's parents fought to their last breath to protect him".

"To their last breath, does that mean?" Serena said with a concerned tone.

"They died in the fight, but Hawlucha got away".

"Oh no" Red and the others said.

"Ever since then the Hawlucha swore to protect others".

"That's such a touching story" Serena said. Her Absol walked up the hill and stopped next to Hawlucha.

"Sol" He said to him. The Hawlucha turned to Absol.

"Sol", "Haw".

"I wonder what they're saying?" Bonnie said.

"Maybe Pikachu could tell you".

"Actually I think whatever they're talking about should stay between them" Ash said.

"I agree" Red said. As they continued to watch the Hawlucha, Pikachu heard the Spritzee start to shout out in fear.

"Pika" He shouted as the others turned to see at least a dozen Spritzee running away. Hawlucha and Absol quickly looked down and saw what was going on. An Ursaring, Machamp, and Conkeldurr stepped forward as the Spritzee ran away. Behind the 3 massive pokemon were a trio of team rocket grunts.

"Looks like we found the jackpot gentlemen" One of them said. Ash quickly realized that one of the grunts was the one they came across earlier.

"Thanks for leading us here kids. We would have hard a hard time finding the rest of them" The grunt said as he raised a large gun and fired. A blue wire with 2 blue spheres on the end flew out and wrapped itself around Red, hurling him to the ground.

"What the?" Red shouted. The grunt fired 2 more immobilizing Clemont and Bonnie. Meanwhile the three large pokemon began to corral the Spritzee as the grunts took out some nets. Hawlucha got up and ran down the hill with Absol beside him. The first grunt fired another 2 of the rope catchers at Ash , but thanks to his training he was easily able to avoid them.

Serena dove to the side as one of them flew past her.

"Serena keep moving!" Ash shouted. Serena got up and saw the grunt aiming his gun at the Spritzee that she had healed.

"Sprtizee" She shouted as she ran over and picked him up. Just as she got Sprtizee, one of the rope traps hit and entangled her.

"Serena!".

"Sol!" Absol shouted as he saw the Conkeldurr slowly walking in front of his trainer.

"Hammer arm on them both!" One of the grunts said.

"Serena!", "Pika!". Serena closed her eyes as she held the Spritzee closer. Ash was about to call out an attack when Absol sprinted over like Ash had never seen before, and slashed Conkeldurr across the chest with Night Slash. Conkeldurr stumbled backwards as Absol stood between his trainer and the Conkeldurr.

"Ab sol!" He shouted.

"Conkeldurr use Dynamic punch".

"Absol dodge and use Leer!" Serena said. Absol saw Conkeldurr coming with his fists glowing red. Ash ,Pikachu, and Hawlucha saw Absol's terrified expression as he froze up.

"Absol you need to move!", "PIka!".

"Absol please, I know you're scared but you can rise above it. I know you can" Serena said. Absol grit his teeth as he regained he confidence and quickly lurched back just in time.

"You did it!" Serena shouted. Absol's eyes glowed blue and weakened Conkeldurr's defense.

"Psycho cut!" Serena shouted.

"Hammer arm!". The Conkeldurr hurled both of his arms at Absol.

Absol leapt up and between Conkeldurr's arms. The fin on the side of his head began glowing pink at the same time his eyes did. He slashed Conkeldurr across the face with psychic energy. Conkeldurr fell backwards and hit the ground unconscious.

"You did it Absol!" Serena said. The grunt returned his Conkeldurr and backed up.

"I'm going to need some help".

"You idiot, we'll take care of this. Ursaring get those Spritzee".

"You too Machamp" The other grunt said. The Machamp and Ursaring ran over towards the Spritzee. Hawlucha soared over and landed between the rocket Pokemon and the Spritzee.

"Hawl" He said with an aggressive stance.

"PIkachu let's back him up" Ash said. As Absol tried to free Serena, Pikachu sprinted over beside Hawlucha and sparked his cheeks.

"Pika!", "Hawl!".

"Ursaring use Fury swipes".

"Machamp use Karate chop".

"PIkachu Iron tail his arms then his head" Ash shouted. PIkachu quickly leapt up and smashed his tail into Ursaring's arms , pushing them back. Once Ursaring's attack was stopped, Pikachu smashed his tail into Ursaring's head knocking him back.

Meanwhile Hawlucha leapt straight up , easily avoiding the Karate chop and grabbed Machamp by the neck with his legs. Once Hawlucha got over Machamp , he had enough energy to hurl the massive pokemon onto his back.

"You're losing it !" One of the grunts shouted.

"Like you're faring any better. Machamp use Cross chop".

"Ursaring use Hammer arm".

"Pikachu jump up and onto his arm, then use Thunderbolt". Pikachu waited until Ursaring's arm was close then jumped back, narrowly missing it. Once Ursaring's arm hit the ground, Pikachu quickly jumped on it and climbed up to Ursaring's head.

"Gra?" The Ursaring growled when it saw PIkachu on his head.

"Pika chu!" Pikachu shouted as he filled the massive bear with electricity. Pikachu jumped down just befroe the Ursaring fell over.

"Nice work PIkachu". Meanwhile as the Machamp whipped both his arms at Hawlucha, the smaller and faster pokemon brought his wings up and used his forearms to block each of Machamp's arms. Then he jumped up and smashed his knee into Machamp's face with incredible power.

Machamp stumbled backwards for a moment before falling over.

"Oh great now we're out of pokemon. Now what?"

"Don't look at me supervisor , I'm not in command here". The Hawlucha leapt up and soared into the air until he was directly over the 3 team rocket grunts.

"What the?" One of them said before the Hawlucha flew straight down and plowed the grunts into the grass.

"Woah" Ash said amazed as he saw Hawlucha standing on the 3 grunts.

"It looks like we're safe" Clemont said. When Absol finally got the blue wire trap off Serena , she gave him a big hug.

"I'm so proud of you Absol. You've overcome your post traumatic fear".

"Sol". Ash, PIkachu, and Serena helped the others get free while Hawlucha and Absol freed the Sptrizee trapped in the nets.

"So what do we do with these three" Clemont said looking at the three grunts.

"I have an idea. You see when I was a little girl and I lived on a nearby army base with my dad, I had a friend who was also an officer's daughter. Even after I left we kept in touch" Serena said as she got on her phone.

"Hey Alison it's Serena. Yes It has been awhile, look I know this is out of no where but me and my friends are close to the base and we came across a few team rocket grunts. Could you tell your dad to send someone. Ok great, good talking with you again".

"Alright I guess we just wait until the army arrives" Ash said. He and Red used the wire traps to tie the rocket grunts to a tree. Serena noticed that the Spritzee she had helped was now following her around.

"Spritz!" he said with a happy expression as he tried to jump into her arms.

"I think he likes you Serena" Ash said.

"Really, you want to come with me?" Serena said.

"Spriz!" He said nodding.

"Awesome" She said as she took out a pokeball and touched it to Spritzee's head and sent him inside. The pokeball shook for a minute before it sparkled.

"I caught him!".

"Congratulations" Ash said.

"Hawl" Ash and Pikachu turned to see Hawlucha standing before them.

"Hawl" He said.

"Pika pikachu" Pikachu turned to Ash and began telling him what Hawlucha said. Apparently the Hawlucha was impressed with how Ash and his PIkachu fought together. He wanted to battle them.

"Alright Hawlucha if you want a battle you've got one" Ash said. Ash and Pikachu stood on one end while Hawlucha stood on the other.

"Pikachu vs Hawlucha, this should be interesting" Red said.

"Come on Ash and Pikachu you can do this!" Serena said.

"Pikachu start with quick attack". Pikachu sprinted forward with incredible speed towards Hawlucha. Just before Pikachu could hit Hawlucha, Hawlucha acrobatically jumped over Pikachu and smacked him across the back with his wing.

Ash grit his teeth and had the idea of a counterstrike. With their aura's connected Pikachu already knew what Ash wanted him to do. He used his tail to anchor himself in and stop himself, then hurled himself forward and slammed into Hawlucha.

"Woah Ash didn't even tell him to do that!" Clemont said.

"He's getting better" Red said.

"Pikachu Iron tail!". Pikachu turned his tail metal and hurled it at Hawlucha. Hawlucha brought his wings up and blocked each of Pikachu's strikes before striking back. PIkachu used his tail to block Hawlucha's wings but he couldn't stop his feet as Hawlucha kicked Pikachu back.

Pikachu could feel Ash wanting him to dig in with his feet and use Thunderbolt.

"Pika chu!" He shouted as he blasted Hawlucha with electricity. Hawlucha cried out in pain as he leapt up and over Pikachu, smacking him in the back of the head with his wings. Before Pikachu could respond , Hawlucha leapt up and over Pikachu.

"Pikachu just like with Korrina". Pikachu looked up and blasted the area directly above him with electricity. Hawlucha was hit and filled with electricity. When Pikachu stopped Hawlucha dropped to the ground in front of him.

Ash turned his hat backwards and took out a pokeball.

"Pokeball go!" He shouted as he hurled one forward. The pokeball hit Hawlucha and sent him inside. Ash and the others watched closely as the pokeball shook and rattled. Nearly a minute passed before it stopped and sparkled.

"We caught him!" , "Pika!".

"Well looks like we've both got a new pokemon" Serena said. Ash walked over and picked up the pokeball, just before he could let his Hawlucha out the pokeball began to vanish.

"Huh?", "Pika?".

"Wait what happened to his Hawlucha?" Bonnie said.

"It's because Ash already has 6 pokemon with him. A trainer can only have 6 pokemon with them, once he catches another it is sent to storage. Or in our case professor Sycamore" Red said.

"Oh right" Ash said sweat dropping.

"I guess when we get to Coumarine City I'll have to contact the professor and see how Hawlucha's doing".

"Well my Spritzee is still here" Serena said as she let him and her other pokemon out.

"Welcome to the family Sptrizee" Serena said as her other pokemon met Sptrizee.

"Braix", "Ama", "Sptriz!". An hour passed before 5 soldiers arrived with 3 Lairon.

"We're here to pick up some grunts" One of them said.

"Over there" Ash said pointing to the tree.

"Dam you kids took care of business. Maybe you should consider joining the army" One of the soldiers said.

"Uh no thanks" Ash said sweat dropping.

The group continued on towards Coumarine City with their new Pokemon. Eagerly anticipating the adventures yet to come.


I know I know you want the second date now. I swear to god it will be next chapter and it will be the main focus of the chapter.

Now I will admit I don't think this was my best chapter, but it was one I had to get out of the way so Ash and Serena could get their next pokemon.

The poll for the next story is still up, but I should tell you now that this story is FAR from over.

Lastly, the next update may take a little longer as I will be going on vacation next week to a place with no Wi fi. But that won't stop me from working on it.

So until next time , please review, comment, suggest, or ask.