The Aura Guardian: Part 1

by Kid Arceus

A betrayed Ash Ketchum discovers who his true friends in life are, and enters a life of seclusion with them. Becoming an Aura Guardian (after partnering up with an old friend from the past,) Ash is ready to come out of hiding for the Indigo All-Stars Tournament! Where will destiny take "Satoshi" and his friends? Inspired by the anime/games/manga/Advanced Shipping It's gonna be long

13. Chapter 13-Enter Double Battle's: Paul's

Enter Double Battle's: Paul's Anguish

The next day, Ash went to pick up his schedule from the Pokemon Center for the next round of the tournament. This round would involve double battles, with two trainers on each team and each trainer only having three Pokemon. He picked up his schedule and grinned. He was battling Tracey and Misty, who in Ash's mind were traitorous Mamoswine. He was also happy to see that his partner was Ritchie.

Ash returned to the field and called his Pokemon around him so he could announce his next team for the tournament. Ash ended up selecting his Gliscor, Lucario and Absol to be the ones who did battle.

Ritchie met Ash with his three Pokemon, so they could talk about battle strategy. Ritchie was planning on using Rose, his Swellow; Cruise, his Tyranitar and Sparky the Raichu.

The next person to enter the field was Paul, who walked up to his friends with his Cyndaquil on his shoulder, looking angry as always.

"Paul looks a whittle grumpy today," Ritchie said. "What's wrong this time big guy?"

"I'm pissed," Paul replied. "While you two got paired together, I got stuck with Max."

"Holy crap dude," Ash said.

"That's why I'm picking Electivire, Torterra, and Gastrodon, because I taught them all the move Earthquake which can hurt that Pikachu." Paul finished.

"Paul," Ash said." "That's the nicest thing you've ever done in the past 11 years."

"So tell us," Paul grinned. "How was your little play date with May yesterday?"

"Yeah," Ritchie said. "Are you guys still 'just friends?'"

"Alright, alright, I'll spill the beans," Ash said. "We hung out at the field with the Pokemon all day… and it was really fun."

"Called it!" Ritchie said, raising his hand into the air. "I knew it was only a matter of time before you two made it official."

"Was it really that obvious that I have a thing for May?" Ash asked.

"Buddy," Paul said. "We lived on that Mountain with the two of you for 11 years!"

"Haha, I guess you're right," Ash said. "You guys are cool with that, right?"

"Of course," Paul said, patting him on the shoulder. "You two are my friends and I want what's best for you guys."

"Looks like grumpy old Paul does have a heart after all," Ritchie said, which caused Ash to laugh hysterically, and Paul to put the jokester in a headlock.