The Outcome of War

With the flames behind them smothered, Ash's team surrounded him. Ash looked into the faces of all of his legendary Pokemon and thanked them for their help in the battle. "I guess the toughest part is over. You guys are free to go."

'What do you mean Ash?' Entei said.

'Our battle is nowhere close to being over,' said Moltres.

'As long as Giovanni is out there, it is our duty to protect this universe,' uttered Latios.

'And we think it is right to protect this universe by your side,' Latias said.

'Besides,' said Darkrai. 'I don't think any of us are planning on leaving anytime soon. I would say you are worthy of being a trainer to all of us.'

Ash smiled. "In that case I want you all, except Darkrai, to spread out and patrol all across the globe. Any information you guys get about Giovanni, Mewtwo and Charizard bring back to me. If I need your help for anything I'll give you a call."

All of the Legendaries nodded at their Trainer. Entei, Suicune, Shaymin, Moltres, Articuno, Latios and Latias darted off in separate directions in order to collect information on the whereabouts of Team (Rainbow) Rocket all across the Pokemon World.

Standing aside from the rest of the group was The Mask with his hood up and his back turned to Ash treating his Venusaur. Without it protecting him from Giovanni's shifty attack, he surely would have been a goner.

"Here's your Z-Ring back," Ash said. "Thanks for letting me use it. I got rid of mine a long time ago. There were too many sad memories connected to it."

"Keep it," The Mask said with his back still turned. "I got it in the first place for being a Champion at the Battle Tree in Alola. It brought me a lot of greatness in that region... maybe it can do the same for you there."

Ash examined the black and white Z-Ring on his wrist. All the trouble he had caused, and here was the Mask, keeping his promise to stick with Ash to help take out Team Rocket. But most of all, Ash felt guilt. He had let his personal obsession with a stranger twist his mind into believing that the stranger was someone that he wasn't... someone who he had hoped to be his father...

"I just want to say I'm sorry for everything I said before," Ash said. "I never met my dad, and you just fit his profile so well and-"

"Listen kid, your dad didn't just run away from your family like you think he did," The Mask finally turned and lowered his hood allowing his orange, spikey hair to be revealed. Ash looked at the man's facial features, with a new bleeding gash which went from the top left of his forehead, over the bridge of his nose, and onto his right cheek. When Ash looked at him, he knew that the man could not possibly be his father. "Ash Ketchum, my name is Blue. I was your dad's best friend and biggest rival when we were just kids. It's time that I let you know... I'm not from your universe."

Author's Note: And that is the Part 2 finale! The identity of The Mask has been revealed to be Blue! SO MANY QUESTIONS! How did he get here? Is he related to Gary? What happened to RED?!

But let us not forget, Mewtwo, Charizard and the Indigo Crown have all fallen into the hands of Giovanni! Will he achieve his goal of world domination?!

All these questions (and more) will be answered in The Aura Guardian Part 3! Check out my page for when it drops!

Once again thank you to all the readers who are hopefully finding some kind of enjoyment in the story I am telling here!

The Aura Guardian Part 3 will see the fallout of the Indigo All-Stars Tournament. Ash is coping with The Mask's revelation and the abduction of his Mewtwo and Charizard. How will he regain his confidence as a trainer once again? By training a certain teeanager and her Riolu in the ways of the Aura Guardian.

Plus, what happens when destiny brings a Shiny Specialist and a Champion of Galar to Ash's side of Kanto? (Two new characters and a lot of good times, that's what.) Part 3 was honestly some of the most fun I've had writing this story, with some of my personal favorite battles that I've written.

I hope that you continue to show your support, As the Journey Continues!

-Kid Arceus