Chapter 2: Rebirth


Gisei Village lit up in activity as locals and visitors alike basked in the vibrant festivities.

Baby Satoshi lost himself in awe and wonder, giggling and laughing as he watched everything from his father's arms. Ash couldn't help but smile, seeing the joy on Satoshi's face while he took everything in.

The Festival treated those attending to decadent sweets made from rare fruit found only on Ora, Gima's Aura Guardians, and their Lucarios performing incredible acrobatic feats, martial arts, and aura abilities.

Riley was among them but didn't join the other Guardians. Instead, he meditated with his Lucario in preparation for the tournament. While most of the locals and many visitors took in the Aura Guardians, the remaining crowd gathered around what looked like small stages with projectors on the ends.

Each machine had the Icelandic Corporation's logo on it, and Ash watched with interest as an employee turned the various devices on, causing their projectors to shine upon several Pokemon within each.

Just then, Ash, Pikachu, Delia, and Felix blinked when they saw each Pokemon using a move they normally couldn't learn without a Technical Machine.

"What are they doing?" Delia asked.

"Teaching them, the Icelandic Corporation is one of the top developers of TM technology. This must be one of their new products."

"It is." A familiar voice said.

Ash and the others saw Daniel approaching with Cynthia and Stephen beside him. The former Kaiser held his son in his arms much like Ash, while Cynthia shook her head dismissively towards the device.

"What's wrong?"

"I've heard about these new TM projectors. A few have even been sold in Sinnoh. But teaching new moves isn't all they do." Cynthia narrowed her eyes as the technician added a new setting.

Ash, Pikachu, and his parents watched in disbelief as the Pokemon's behaviors changed. A Salandit in the machine began using Shadow Claw and behaved as if he was a ghost Pokemon, particularly a Haunter, even jumping up and down as if trying to levitate.

In another machine, a Mankey used Thunderbolt and tried to force the electricity into her cheeks as if a Raichu.

"Nani? What's going on?" Ash said, baffled.

"The behavioral modification." Daniel said, looking just as off-put as Cynthia.

"Behavioral modification?" Delia asked, very confused.

"They use the same technology that teaches Pokemon new moves, but instead, it temporarily programs new behaviors in them. Such as making them believe they're another Pokemon."

Ash, Felix, Delia, and Pikachu felt similarly repulsed at the idea. Even Satoshi looked a bit upset, his eyes glowing blue for a moment as he instinctively read the Pokemons' aura.

Upon seeing the effect forced upon them, he started to cry.

"Ahhh, Satoshi." Delia came in front of Ash to try and calm Satoshi down, but eventually, the machines shut down after another minute, and the baby seemed to calm down slightly.

Those watching the shows applauded, but the Champions and many nearby Aura Guardians restrained themselves from speaking out. The Pokemon immediately returned to their old selves and didn't seem impacted.

"Come on, let's see mommy's performance." Ash said to Satoshi as he led the others towards Orahaoya's crystal. By then, most of the village had gathered around a large stage set up by Mr. Ubbe's men.

Ubbe himself stood on the stage with Urshifu beside him and Gima across from them with her Lucario. Ubbe turned on a microphone and, after clearing his throat, stepped forward with a warm smile.

"Welcome one and all to Gisei Village. It is my honor and privilege to formally begin this year's Festival of Orahaoya! A day celebrated by Ora island's people and Pokemon for centuries, and now for the first time, brings in people and trainers from around the world! But for you to truly appreciate the meaning of this Festival, the acting Ora Guardians' Mentor, Gima."

Ash, Felix, Cynthia, and Daniel each stared at the crystal alongside Riley and the other Aura Guardians.

Gima and her Lucario both took a deep breath before caressing Orahaoya's crystal.

"Aura is the essence of every living creature, the spiritual energy that surrounds us all. In ancient times, a Legendary Pokemon harnessed the power of aura. Her name was Orahaoya, the Mother of Aura. It was she who gave birth to Riolus, Lucarios, and the Aura Guardians."

Gima pointed to the island's peak, where Ash saw what looked like the ruins of an ancient temple.

"It was here she trained our ancestors how to wield aura, how to fight and guard the innocent. As their mentor, she brought forth generations of Aura Guardians and protected Ora's inhabitants, people, and Pokemon alike. That was until a new threat came to the island. A Viking Warlord known as Ragnar sought to plunder Ora and enslave her people. Orahaoya fought them off, but in doing so, she also discovered her son."

Gima gestured to the mural of Sir Aaron with a somber expression.

"The Aura Guardian Legend who would one day be called Sir Aaron began his life here, orphaned after a Viking raid. Orahaoya took him and raised him as her own child."

Ash thought about Koko and his similar upbringing but soon lost himself to the story. Delia and Cynthia did much the same, with the Sinnoh champion holding her son tighter while Delia similarly placed her arms around Ash/Satoshi.

"Orahaoya loved Aaron more than anything, but one day Ragnar returned with a great army. Orahaoya and her Aura Guardians fought with everything they had, yet it wasn't enough." Gima and the other Guardians nearly choked up in tears as the mentor and her Lucario stroked Orahaoya's crystal again.

Ash just then noticed Lucario had come out of his Pokeball and almost trembled while staring at the crystal.

"Orahaoya sacrificed herself to stop Ragnar, to protect her people, to save her son. It is this sacrifice we remember today."

Each Aura Guardian bowered their head when Ash noticed Satoshi staring at the crystal, his flashing blue for a moment.

"Aaron!" Ash and Lucario almost jumped upon hearing the voice, remembering it from their dream the previous night.

"Ash?" Felix and Daniel asked, with the others looking equally confused.

Ash held Satoshi tighter and stared back at Orahaoya's crystal.

"No, it couldn't be." Daniel gave a heavy sigh when he noticed a rather odd expression on Ubbe's face as he stared at the crystal. He hid it well, but the businessman almost looked resentful.

After a few more moments of silence, Ubbe took the microphone back and faced the crowd.

"Orahaoya's sacrifice will be honored today as we see the fruits of her labor. Gathered before us are among the finest Lucario trainers in the world, including three Champions, the Pokemon Kaiser among them!"

The audience eagerly cheered as Cameron and the others stepped forward with their Lucarios looking confident.

"These Lucarios will face off before their mother and prove their abilities to her! But first, we'll kick off the tournament with a fiery performance like no other!"

"Get ready for mommy!" Ash said as Satoshi gave an excited look.

"Sorry, I'm late." Grace said as she joined them.

"How's Serena doing!?" Delia giggled.

"I think I did her up quite beautifully. But you'll soon see."

Charizard was also out, and, like Ash with Satoshi, he held his and Charline's egg in his arms.

All of the stage lights dimmed for a moment before turning towards the center. Orahaoya's crystal similarly helped reveal Serena, who wore a blue and white wing-suit done up to look like a dress.

Charline, Delphox, Absol, Sylveon, Swampert, and Roserade stood around her similarly done up.

With a passionate smile, the Kalos Queen threw her hands out and sent blue iris pedals into the air with Roserade before Charline blew them around in dazzling displays.

Delphox waved her wand around and let loose a masterfully executed fire spin into the air alongside a water pulse from Swampert.

Serena extended her suit's wings and used Charline's Hurricane to fly up inside the Water Pulse, which kept the fire spin at a safe distance from her.

"Look at her!"

"She's so amazing!" The crowd cheered when they watched Serena dance in the air with a passion and grace they'd never seen from dancers on the ground.

Soon Charline flew up and took Serena's hands, joining her in their fiery dance while using Flamethrower.

"Look at mommy. Isn't she beautiful!" Ash said while Satoshi giggled and tried to reach for Serena.

Charizard similarly smiled at Charline while caressing their egg.

"Phox!" Delphox used Psychic to control Charline's Flamethrower and guide it down towards Absol.

"Now!" Serena touched the keystone around her neck, and a colorful sphere formed around Absol. The audience watched with wonder, Satoshi in particular, as Absol Mega Evolved.

Delphox continued to guide the Flamethrower down before splitting it in two. One she guided around Sylveon, who danced alongside it using Moonblast to light it up, while Roserade's Magic Leaf did the same.

"Sol!" Mega Absol unleashed Dark Pulse around the controlled fire and danced beside the altered flames, Swampert using Water Pulse to give them even greater dazzling appeal.

Serena then came back in with Charline while her other Pokemon kept up a well-coordinated but enthusiastic dance with each other. Finally, all seven ended up together, with the two Flamethrowers colliding into a series of vibrant fireworks around them.

"Ta da!"

The audience lit up, including the various Aura Guardians.

Grace almost wiped a tear from her eyes when she saw the same fiery passion in her daughter's eyes now that she had even during her first Showcases.

"Pika!"

"Grauuu!"

"Grouuu!" Lucario waved to Delphox, who beamed while waving back.

Satoshi cried out in joy while reaching for Serena, earning a loving smile from Ash.

"Serena!" Serena wiped some sweat from her head when she saw Ash and Satoshi just below the stage. Her expression soon mirrored Ash before she reached down and picked up Satoshi from him.

"I'm so glad you like it." Serena beamed before kissing his cheek.

"Grouu!" Lucario growled, pointing back at the crystal. Ash felt the aura inside it grow alongside the glowing light.

"Aaron!"

Pikachu felt it too through their aura connection and stared at Orahaoya's crystal with them.

"What's happening?"

"Ash, Ash." Felix snapped him out of his trance.

"Come on. We're about to find out the brackets." Ash and his Pokemon, including Charizard, looked back at the crystal one more time before following the others.

Serena had changed out of her wing-suit and pushed Satoshi around in a stroller with Delia and Grace. All four waited as a screen lit up and revealed the matchups.

Cameron almost yelped when he saw himself paired against Ash first. Both trainers and their Lucarios turned to each other as nerves overtook Cameron for a moment.

However, after a spirited look from Ash, Pikachu, and Lucario, Cameron nodded back.

"I've been waiting for this, Cynthia!" Maylene roared with fiery enthusiasm alongside her Lucario.

Ash and the others turned to see she was paired against Cynthia first.

"Indeed, time to see if I'm still worthy of being Sinnoh Champion." Cynthia said calmly.

"You're going down, Aura Guardian!" Another Sinnoh trainershouted from nearby.

"Grouuu!" his Lucario echoed, both of them facing Riley and his Lucario.

"We look forward to seeing what you two are capable of." He said respectfully.

"Felix." Gurkinn said while pointing to the board. There, the grandfathers saw themselves facing off in the third battle.

"May the best trainer win." Both men and Lucarios shook hands/paws, though none lost their fiery enthusiasm.

"This will be exciting. Let's root for daddy and grandpa, Satoshi." Serena giggled while kneeling down beside him with Delia and Grace.

"Aura Sphere!" Cameron roared while his Lucario unleashed three successive attacks. Despite this, Ash and Lucario's eyes glowed blue together, and both mirrored each other's movements as the aura Pokemon either avoided or knocked the incoming spheres aside effortlessly.

"Ahhh, look at the Kaiser's Lucario!"

"They're unbelievable!"

"We knew this wouldn't be easy, but we're not giving up, Ash!"

"Grouuu!"

"Perfect, give us everything you've got!"

"Grouuu!"

"Force Palm!" Cameron's Lucario dashed toward's Ash's and unleashed a fury of palm thrusts, but to no avail. The Kaiser's Lucario continued to block or dodge the blows seemingly out of reflex rather than effort. Seeing this only enticed the crowd that much more.

Felix and Daniel's Lucarios nodded with similar expressions while watching Ash's Lucario battle. Serena noticed Satoshi almost jumping in his stroller, appearing more excited than she'd ever seen him.

"My, he certainly likes watching his father battle." Grace chuckled while stroking his head. Satoshi did watch Ash, but he also remained fixed on the two Lucario.

"Circle Throw!" Cameron's Lucario tried to grab Ash's, only for the Kaiser's Pokemon to seize his wrist and flip him around.

"Blaze Kick!" Ash and Lucario kicked up together, though the Kaiser's Pokemon restrained himself greatly, not wanting to injure Cameron's Lucario. Even so, Cameron watched in horror as Lucario skidded across the battlefield and landed in front of him. Eyes swirled.

"Cameron's Lucario is unable to battle! The winner is Kaiser Ash!"

The crowd erupted in overwhelming applause, and Cameron sighed before kneeling beside his Lucario.

"Are you ok?"

"Grouu." Ash and his Lucario offered their hands.

"That was a good match, Cameron."

"Grouu." Cameron's Lucario narrowed his eyes at Ash's, who sweatdropped while placing a paw behind his head.

"Thanks, Ash, it was fun."

The rest of round one went on with Riley and Daniel overcoming their opponents easily.

Maylene hugged Lucario tightly as he knelt down, covered in bruises.

"It's ok, Lucario. We did our best." Maylene tried to comfort him while Cynthia and her Lucario approached.

"Hmmm, you won this time, Cynthia. But just wait, one day we'll be champions of Sinnoh!" Maylene declared.

"Grouuu!"

Cynthia smiled back with her Lucario.

"We'll see."

Daniel chuckled slightly while holding Stephen.

Felix and Gurkinn's battle eventually got underway, resulting in both trainers mega evolving their Lucario.

"Aura Sphere, Close Combat!" Felix's Mega Lucario flipped himself over Gurkinn's with inches to spare and then came upon him in a storm of punches and kicks.

"Look at Grandpa go!" Ash shouted while Satoshi cried out in joy. Felix and Lucario's eyes both flashed blue together while mirroring each other's moves.

When Felix's Mega Lucario relented, Gurkinn's fell backward, unconscious, and reverted back to his base form.

"Gurkinn's Lucario is unable to battle. The winner is Felix Ketchum!"

"Yay! Grandpa won!" Serena beamed while kneeling beside Satoshi.

Gurkinn took a deep breath but smiled as he helped Lucario up and approached their opponents before shaking hands.

"An excellent battle, old friend."

"Oui, you certainly haven't lost your touch, either of you."

The next round saw Ash facing off against a trainer from Johto, Felix against a Unova trainer, and Riley, a Hoenn contestant, each winning their respective match.

The round ended with Daniel battling Cynthia while Felix and the others watched Stephen.

"Earthquake!"

"Grouuu!" The Sinnoh champion's Lucario slammed his foot into the ground, causing an artificial earthquake heading straight for her husband's Pokemon.

"Focus Punch, Aura Sphere!" In two swift moves, Daniel's Lucario halted the Earthquake with Focus punch and then unleashed his Golem-sized aura sphere.

"Dodge it!" Cynthia's Lucario flipped himself up and over the Aura Sphere while preparing his own.

"Aura Sphere." Daniel's Lucario pivoted perfectly and unleashed his full might into his opponent, their eyes glowing blue as he did so.

"Lucario!" Cynthia raced over and saw him flat on his back, eyes swirled.

"Champion Cynthia's Lucario is unable to battle. The winner is Champion Daniel!"

"Looks like daddy won." Felix said to Stephen as the two champions approached.

"And here I was hoping maybe you'd start slipping up after Ash."

"Right, and then you'd make your way to him and become Kaiserin." Cynthia smiled innocently and held her hand sup.

"Something like that."

"Not today."

The board lit up again, revealing the semifinal matchups.

Ash saw himself against Riley and Felix facing Daniel.

The former student and sensei exchanged fearsome grins upon seeing this.

Ash and Cynthia both trembled slightly in excitement at the prospect of seeing the two battle.

However, Ash would take on Riley first.

The battle had gone on for several minutes, with both trainers synching auras with their Lucario and mirroring the moves.

"Bone Rush!" Riley's Lucario wielded his aura bone like a bo-staff and came at Ash's with near-continuous blows. Despite this, the Kaiser's Lucario masterfully dodged or parried the blows with his fists which glowed with aura.

"Focus Punch!"

After another successful parry, Ash's Lucario punched forward and shattered the aura club, continuing on to hurl Riley's Pokemon across the battlefield.

Riley staggered, feeling the impact of Focus Punch too.

"Riley's Lucario is unable to battle!"

Gima and the other Aura Guardians sighed but clapped for Ash, who pumped fists with Lucario.

"Awesome work Lucario!"

"Grouuu!"

Riley recovered from the blow and helped his Lucario up.

"Daddy did it! He's in the finals!" Serena cried while holding a cheering Satoshi in her arms.

"That was really something, Ash. You've truly become an aura master."

The next match left the audience in awe as Felix's Mega Lucario let loose a hurricane of Close Combat strikes at Daniel's Mega Lucario, who furiously parried each blow while their trainers mirrored the motions.

"Come on, cheer for grandpa!" Delia said while taking Satoshi from Serena.

"Daniel, you better now lose here!" Cynthia playfully shouted.

Felix's Mega Lucario backed up slightly and breathed heavily while facing down his former student, who still looked fresh.

"Maybe I should've looked for you sooner, sensei. This does feel like a real battle!"

"Grouuu!"

"I wouldn't get too cocky, Daniel. Remember who taught you and your Pokemon!"

"Grouu!" Felix's Mega Lucario renewed his assault and kept Daniel's on the defensive. However, Ash and his Lucario both saw how he did so and sighed.

"Ash?" Serena asked, looking slightly confused.

"Daniel just won."

"Eh? How can you know that-"

"Close Combat!" Daniel's Mega Lucario finally struck back, landing two perfect blows into the second Lucario's paws before hitting his chest in three successive blows.

Felix grunted and nearly doubled over in pain while his Lucario reverted and collapsed onto the ground.

"Lucario is unable to battle! The winner is Champion Daniel!"

Overwhelming applause took hold of Gisei village, not so much for the result of the match but rather what it meant. Felix took a deep breath and nodded with his Lucario. However, Daniel and his Lucario turned to Ash/Lucario, who returned their competitive expressions.

Lucario had a score to settle with his old teacher. While Ash had beaten Daniel in their battle, Lucario was knocked out by Daniel's and thus still hadn't proven himself.

The red/blind Lucario raised his paw and made a challenging gesture which Ash's Lucario eagerly accepted.

Unknown to them all, Ubbe slowly smiled upon seeing Ash in the final round.

"Perfect."

The crowed and Ash's family in particular remained on edge as his Lucario and Daniel's exchanged blow after blow so fast it almost looked unreal. Both went on and on but neither landed a decisive blow, and after several minutes they knocked each other back.

"Come on, Ash!"

"Pika!"

"Don't let up!" Felix added.

"Grouuu!"

"This is it, Daniel! Reclaim your crown!"

Ubbe looked slightly agitated while staring at the crystal, which seemed to glow brighter than before.

"Come on, come on."

Both trainers and Lucario exchanged spirited looks while wiping sweat from their brows.

"I'm so glad we decided to train you! Who wants no one to be able to challenge them!"

"Hai! I know what you mean!" Ash laughed while raising his right keystone.

Daniel eagerly did the same, and after pressing them together, both Lucarios Mega Evolved, leaving the audience in wonder.

"Grouuu!"

"Grouuu!"

Upon colliding, the two Mega Lucario generated a concussive boom with their impact.

Serena frantically covered Satoshi with her body while Grace and Delia did the same.

"Geez, those four." Serena groaned while setting Satoshi back in his stroller.

Despite the explosive sounds of both Mega Lucario exchanging blows, Satoshi's eyes flashed blue, and he cried out in glee.

"That's my grandson!" Felix beamed while watching him.

Ubbe trembled while watching the crystal glow brighter and brighter.

"That's it, just a bit more."

"Focus Punch!" Serena and Cynthia realized this was the same position both Lucario found themselves in their last battle.

"Lucario!" However, unlike last time, Ash's Mega Lucario aimed his fist for Daniel's. The impact almost knocked much of the audience off their feet and caused Serena to frantically move Satoshi away despite his pleas to remain.

"Ash!" Serena growled angrily. Cynthia held Stephen but didn't seem to mind, as he too looked excited. Daniel and Ash both held their hands, but the former Kaiser jumped upon realizing that despite the pain in his paw, Ash's Lucario held onto his Lucario's paw, keeping them together.

"Aura Sphere!"

Ash's eyes glowed blue with Lucario, who blasted his opponent before he could even react, and Daniel staggered.

Satoshi cried out in joy again, his eyes mirroring Ash's.

When the aura storm faded, Ash's Mega Lucario stood over Daniel's unconscious Pokemon.

"Champion Daniel's Lucario is unable to battle. The winner is Kaiser Ash!"

Before he or Lucario could celebrate, they and Pikachu went still.

"Nani?"

"Pika?"

"Grouuu!" Daniel was helping Lucario up when he, Riley, Felix, Gima, every other Aura Guardian, and their Lucarios felt it.

"Huh?" Delia muttered before realizing they all stared at the crystal, which now glowed bright like a star.

"At last!"

"Aaron!"

The glowing stone now fractured and exploded in a blinding light of pure aura.

"Ahhhh!" Serena frantically covered Satoshi again, who'd stopped laughing and now went still.

Ash and Lucario barely regained their vision when the familiar aura they'd sensed upon arrival overtook them.

"Ahhh!"

"Pika!"

"Grouuu!" The crystal was gone. In its place knelt a legendary Pokemon that resembled a Mega Lucario.

"Orahaoya!" Gima nearly passed out, forcing Riley to catch her.

The other Guardians and villagers reacted much the same, with the visitors gasping in awe and disbelief.

"Orahaoya, that's Orahaoya!?" Grace shouted.

"How!?" Delia yelped.

Ash carefully extended his hand forward and tried to reach out with aura. Orahaoya's head shot up towards him, her eyes still closed, but her aura senses at full strength.

"Aaron!" Orahaoya's eyes started to tear up as she sprung forward and ensnared Ash in her arms.

"Ehhh?" Serena and Delia muttered in confusion.

The Mother of Aura opened her eyes and saw Ash's face, the joy vanishing instantly.

"Huh!? What, you, you're not Aaron!"

Ash, Pikachu, and Lucario each took another deep breath while giving Orahaoya a consoling expression.

"No, I'm not."

"Your, your aura, it's so much like his. I felt him! My baby's aura, I know I did!"

"Orahaoya, I have a very similar aura to Sir Aaron. You aren't the only one to have mistaken me for him."

"Grouuu." Lucario nodded. He and Ash tried to place comforting hands on Orahaoya's shoulders as she frantically looked around the village.

"What's happened? Everything's different, the island, the people, the Pokemon, their aura! I don't understand!"

"Orahaoya, you've been encased in that crystal for centuries." Ash tried to ease her into it, but the legendary Pokemon yelped with a distraught look.

"Centuries!? No! That's not true! It can't be true! Aaron, my precious Aaron!" Orahaoya started hyperventilating while holding her head.

Ash grit his teeth as he tried to brace her for the truth. As a parent himself, he couldn't imagine the impact it would have on Orahaoya, but she had to know.

"Orahaoya, Sir Aaron-"

"No! He's here! I felt my baby's aura! I know I did! Aaron! Aaron!" Orahaoya wailed to the heavens above and nearly collapsed when suddenly her aura senses felt him.

"Huh!?" Orahaoya sprung back up and stared through the crowd, straight at Satoshi.

Ash and Lucario saw this, the terror of their nightmare now fully revealed. Neither said a word. They simply tried to seize Orahaoya but were too late. She threw a piece of aura onto the ground and disappeared inside it.

The crowd gasped in disbelief while Ash and Lucario sprinted towards Serena as if their lives depended on it.

"Serena!"

She didn't even have time to react as Orahaoya seemingly burst out of the ground beside her, knocking Serena onto the pavement.

Tears swelled Orahaoya's eyes as she gazed down at Satoshi, who giggled while reaching up for her.

"Aaron! Aaron, it is you!" Orahaoya slowly reached into the stroller and picked baby Satoshi up into her paws before nuzzling his face with pure love.

"Yahhhh! Put him down, put him down!" Serena shrieked with terror she'd never imagined possible.

Delia and Grace both followed her example and then tried to seize their grandson from the legendary Pokemon. Orahaoya hurled them backward with a pulse of aura from her offhand.

"Put him down!" Ash roared like Rayquaza as he, Pikachu, and Lucario arrived.

"Grauuu!" Ash's Charizard snarled while flying over and landing behind Orahaoya. Moments later, three Pokemon burst from their Pokeballs on Ash's belt, Greninja, Garchomp, and Swellow, all joining in to surround Orahaoya.

The crowd began to shout confused yelps.

"She's taken the Kaiser's baby!"

"Someone do something!"

"Easy there!" Daniel and Cynthia quickly joined Ash as well as Felix who was very carefully trying to sneak up on Orahaoya.

She kicked her foot at him and sent Felix into a nearby fountain. Ash's Pokemon hesitated to attack, seeing Satoshi in her arms.

Charline now sweat profusely as her heart pounded. She cradled her egg tightly but also saw Satoshi who now started to look scared and reached for Ash while wailing.

"Satoshi!" Serena screamed in frantic desperation while Ash grit his teeth.

"Orahaoya, let go of my son!"

"No! Aaron is my baby! You won't take him away from me! No one will!"

"Great Mother of Aura, please, listen to reason!" Gima raced over with the other Aura Guardians, including Riley.

"That's not Sir Aaron, it's-" The lead Aura Guardian went silent as Orahaoya aimed her free paw at her.

"Gima?" Riley asked before he too went silent and appeared dazed.

"Nani!?" Cynthia and Daniel saw all of the Aura Guardians do the same, as well as their Lucario. Suddenly Orahaoya's eyes glowed blue, and all of the Aura Guardians'/Lucarios' did the same.

"The Mentor has returned with her son!" Gima exclaimed. She didn't sound mind-controlled, rather convinced that what she spoke was true.

Before Ash could react, she, Riley, and the other Aura Guardians attacked.

"Look out!" Delia screamed. Ash and Daniel furiously battled the Aura Guardians, the Kaiser letting out his remaining team to help Ash's. Serena similarly released her Pokemon, who tried to stop Orahaoya as she made a mad dash for the village's edge.

"Go! We've got them!" Daniel grunted as he and Cynthia took the lead. Maylene and the other trainers soon joined the former Kaiser, clearing a path for Ash, Serena, and their Pokemon to pursue Orahaoya and Satoshi.

The baby was now crying while reaching back for his parents.

"Shhhh, it's ok Aaron. Mama's got you." Orahaoya grit her teeth upon seeing them closing the distance with her.

"Get away!" She snarled, aiming her free paw at the jungle. Moments later, a dozen wild Pokemon burst from the canopy and attacked.

Ash's Pokemon made quick work of them, but it gave Orahaoya just enough time to throw an aura portal forward.

"Pikachu!" Ash screamed.

"Pika!" Pikachu moved faster than a flash of lightning and entered the portal with Orahaoya before vanishing.

At that moment, Gima, Riley, and the other Aura Guardians all retreated into the jungle, disappearing within moments along with Orahaoya, Pikachu, and Satoshi.

Serena covered her mouth and, after a moment, nearly fainted. Grace quickly caught her daughter, but barely, tears streaming down her face as she struggled to breathe.

Ash's five remaining Pokemon all turned as pale as snow and slowly turned to their trainer, who trembled while gazing towards the jungle, tears in his eyes.

"Satoshi!"

"Grouu!"


Author's note

Yep Ash's Lucario has now overcome Daniel's...Nothing else significant happened...Nope, nothing

In all seriousness don't hate Orahaoya, she's just a mother desperate for her baby back and genuinely believes Satoshi is Aaron

With that said, don't expect Ash and Serena to take this sitting down, the now have motivation like never before and won't let anything get in their way

So until next time,

Please review, comment, suggest, or ask (VIA PM)