It "You'll be staying here to watch over Akari?" Amelia asked, observing Scarlet as she held a sleeping Akari in her arms.
"That is what I've been told to do, I'll be staying at an inn elsewhere with him so I may keep watch over him and keep him away from harm until he may return to his human form"
"I see...Don't tell him, but there are sometimes I wish he hadn't gotten his power...I can't help but stay worried"
"I understand how you feel...I don't often mention these things but I have a brother, Claus Akimaro. He has the amazing ability to speak to Pokémon as if they were speaking the same language. But with that power, he made a lot of enemies. His life was never easy"
"Oh...I see that's terrible"
"But...His power helped a lot of people, and he created more than a surplus of friends, even so...He cherished every single one of them" Scarlet gave a gentle, yet sympathetic pat on Amelia's shoulder.
"I...I understand, you're right!"
"No," She smiled "Akari's right. He's never treated his power as a burden, but rather as a part of himself. There's an empty inn over by Route Eight on Akala Island, you're free to check up on him if you wish to see him."
"Thanks...For everything..."
"It was my pleasure. Akari has had me quite impressed with his power. He's far surpassed me from when I was his age"
"Well, it's not that surprising, he just got lucky with his powers"
"Well, he's not the only one with Aura, I will say that much" She smiled with a light wave.
"At least he's in good hands now..." She told herself, still worried for his safety regardless of what she was told.
"It looks like he should be asleep for a couple of hours now. He's been through enough as it is..." She began looking around her current room, adequate enough for a human and Pokémon to share. "He should be comfortable enough to stay here for now...I didn't want to do this, but I have to call her..."
"What do you mean? You lost most of your power?" Someone asked. They looked to be a rambunctious child with ginger hair, thin arms, and numerous scars. In other words, her brother, Claus when he was younger.
"I can't explain it...Sabrina told me I was drained of my power, and It would take me years to have it returned." Scarlet told her brother.
"Sabrina? That jerk! She won't get away with this" Claus said, clenching his fist.
"Please don't...I'm alright, and I'm safe...Sabrina sounded like she only wanted someone who understood her..."
With a hint of hesitation, she pulled a phone out of her bag. Dialing a number she had known but never called. That of Sabrina, the Psychic gym leader.
"Hello? Can I help you?" It sounded like a cranky woman, who likely had just woken up. Scarlet wanted to speak, but she had found the words impossible to form.
"Listen, I know that I'm psychic, but I can't read it over the phone, speak up or end the call"
"S-Sabrina...It's...It's Scarlet..." She weakly muttered.
"S-scarlet? you mean you're...still alive!? But you've been missing for years!"
"I know. I know, I left without telling anyone...And I apologize for calling, but I wish to ask for your assistance..."
"My help? Why would you want that? "
"There is a boy who is...Is like us, he has abilities that others want for their own gain, and unfortunately, I need to see what he knows to help understand how to protect him"
"I understand...Please send me your location and I will do my best to help "
"I thank you." She responded gratefully. While the world's greed had caused her to lose much of her power, she was glad that she could stop the same from happening to Akari.
"Scarlet...I want to apologize...for everything I did..."
"Please. We've all made mistakes, for now, let's stop them from repeating" She gave a light smile.
"Very well...This boy...Is he here?"
"He is...Due to experiments, he possesses the form of a Pichu"
"I understand, It's been a while since I've entered another mind, but I'll do what I can"
"Thank you" With the placement of her palm onto his forehead, she began to enter his mind. At first, it was simple childhood memories, mainly that of losing his first tooth, meeting Hau and Lillie, becoming a Pokémon Trainer, and discovering the power he held. But beyond that were memories he chose not to speak of. The day where he could have lost the Pokémon he grew to love when he faced Necrozma. The nightmares he bore from Lusamine. The fear of losing a friend. But finally, the memory they were searching for. It looked like there was some kind of machine that was designed to switch bodies between a Pokémon Pincher Admin. But a Pichu instead climbed inside. However...There was one more that needed to be checked. A memory of Akari speaking to Hitasu about the Pokémon Manaphy.
"Scarlet. I think I found it, It looks like they were trying to gain access to his power by switching bodies with them, however, it appears that a wild Pichu had intervened."
"I see...Have you learned if there is a way to reverse it?"
"I believe the Pokémon, Manaphy may be able to help. I'll see if he knows where it can be found." She responded, looking deeper within his mind before hearing a soft voice. It seemed gentle but powerful.
"You...You shouldn't be here..." Upon closer inspection, it was Akari, as a human. However, it was made of aura rather than appearing as he would normally.
"Who are you?" Sabrina asked
"I...I'm Akari...Or rather his otherworldly aura"
"I see...But I must do this if I can find information about how to reverse his state"
"I understand that...However Akari...Is not how you might assume,"
"What do you mean?"
"First, I should explain something about his Aura. I can be known as Lunala's Essence, I was once a Part of Lunala, however, when Akari was entrusted to hold her power, I was placed within him as a defense mechanism of sorts... In short, if his body becomes overcome with stress or negative emotions, he will lose control of himself. I fear that if this happens, it may temporarily affect his mind, however, what it may do to a trespasser is unknown."
"I understand...Does he know about this?"
"I'm afraid not, but I believe he is afraid of losing control, so he's pointed in the right direction. As someone who watches the safety of his soul, I ask of you to prevent him from risking his life for a moment"
"I see...And as for him losing control, what might this look like?"
"If I were to show you, I believe it will become a memory to Akari, are you certain you wish to see?"
"Yes. If he loses control, I wish to be able to see the signs"
"Very well...He does not remember this yet, but there was a time when for a moment his full power was reached. Fortunately, his body shut down before anything had happened" Sabrina was shown a vision where she had seen through the eyes of Akari, however, the view was silver, reminiscent of an old cartoon. It was the sight of the aura around him, as a burst of aura erupted from his body, dropping from the sky. It was then that copious amounts of Aura appeared from his palm, creating a large aura sphere about three times his size. It was launched forwards to attack a Hypno before the vision became blurry and dimmed. Flashing before she heard a thud as it ended.
"Has this really happened?"
"Once...He was overcome with negative emotions. Thus he entered a phase of rage to protect his friends. In the end, he could not contain it and collapsed. I have made certain he hasn't the recollection of this event"
"I see, he has certainly been through a lot"
"Yes. But I have quite enjoyed seeing him grow through his experiences. In fact, throughout all of the humans I've accompanied, he has been the most interesting. While some never discovered their power, others chose not to use it. Of course, some used them for their self-interest"
"That...Doesn't surprise me..."
"Oh? Have you faced your own struggles?"
"Yes...I have"
"While I cannot say that is good...But I believe it is for the better that you have learned what some never could"
"I believe that's true...Thank you"
"It was my pleasure. While I cannot speak to Akari directly, I hope that you are to keep him safe"
"Have you learned anything?" Scarlet asked, hugging herself as she feared that it was irreversible, despite learning of Manaphy.
"His aura is unlike any I've ever seen from you... It seems to have a conscience and will. It appears that if he becomes overshadowed by his emotions, his power will enact as a safety measure. However, his aura is too powerful and responds with aggression."
"I had known he was powerful for his age, but I wasn't aware of that...I suppose since his aura comes from another world it responds as its own entity"
"That appears to be the case...Would it be wise to alert the Ranger Union?"
"I believe so, I can't leave Akari on his own, and I feel he would react poorly to waking up with a stranger"
"I understand, Then what would you propose be done until then?"
"I'm afraid he'll have to fight, and when that happens he'll need to be stronger. I've taught him to see with his aura, but I don't know what else he knows"
"I understand, unfortunately, I can't stay for long, after I left Team Rocket, I was able to return to being a Gym Leader. I've also been a teacher to young Psychics. But if you feel you need me, you know where to find me"
"Yes, thank you"
"Huh...Oh...Scarlet, mornin'"
"Good, you're awake. I want to explain a few things to you."
"Alright..."
"For starters, the Ranger Union is searching for Manaphy to set you back to normal. Secondly, I want you to show me the abilities you've learned so I may teach you more"
"My abilities? But aren't I being hunted?"
"If something were to happen, I will protect you as best I can. However, I need you to be prepared to protect yourself"
"Right!"
"Good. Now can you show me the abilities you've mastered?"
"Oh yeah! Uh...Which ones do you already know about?"
"I've seen your portals, your ability to form Aura, and your Aura Sight...I believe you should learn to combine your aura with your physical strength"
"I...Huh?"
"Let's see...Think of it like a Lucario,"
"Okay..."
"When it uses a physical move such as Force Palm, a bit of Aura comes out too, this is due to a Technique Aura user are known to do. However, there is a slight problem..."
"A problem?"
"You...Your arms are too short to effectively use it"
"What!? Then why tell me?"
"Wait, wait, wait! I believe you can do this another way. I have two different methods. For the first one, do you have any electrical ability?"
"I think so, but I don't know how to use it"
"I understand...When you changed into a Pichu, did you feel any different? Energy-wise"
"A little..."
"Try to channel that energy into your cheeks. Then input it into...This lamp" She unplugged it before giving his the end of the cord.
"A-alright...I'll try" He did as told, allowing energy transfer between his electric sacs, into the power cord. It was lit up, but was dimmed and often flickered. While it did exhaust him, it meant he had some kind of control over it, though not much
"It's possible...But you need some more training"
"Guess so..." He yawned and slumped down. "Actually...I have an idea! Follow me!" He created a wormhole before them. It seemed smaller
"Huh? Has something happened to your aura? It's weaker than I remember"
"It is? Well...I have been feeling a little off lately."
"It could be that your body is automatically limiting your ability so not to over-exert yourself"
"I guess?" He titled his head a bit before jumping through and falling onto Lusamine's desk, face first. Scarlet, however, maneuvered her body to land on her feet, landing on the floor.
"Huh? Akari? Are you alright?"
"Yeah...Just missed the landing... This is Scarlet, we wanted to ask a few questions..."
"Of course, I wish to help you gain your old body"
"Thank you for your cooperation... Akari, if you will"
"Huh? Oh right! I heard that Mohn had a theory on Pokémon Aura, could you explain that?"
"Oh, his theory? Well, he believes that every Pokémon has the ability to control Aura, however, due to the difference in typing, those Aura are different. He believes this is how Lillie can control fire while you, however, can control Lightning"
"About that...My Aura's been acting up, lately"
"I see...It may be that a typical Pichu's Aura is interfering with your own. Perhaps you'll be better at controlling another element. My guess would be fairy or Fighting"
"Huh? how come?"
"Well, one's Aura usually correlates with your true nature. Your nature is usually being kind and stubborn...Well I'm not sure if you're naturally stubborn, or if it comes from your experiences"
"So what you're saying is instead of fighting like a Pichu, I should be trying to use my abilities in another way?"
"It's a possibility...Then again your body might be struggling to adjust to the sudden switch, For the time being, I'd suggest staying here to be studied and see if we can't find a solution."
"Well...Doesn't look like I have any other options"
While it was only a mere eleven days. It seemed to have been months of time for the always-active, inpatient child to receive news that Manaphy was found and brought to the Ranger Union. The trip there was a slow, exhausting trip due to the precautions that had to be taken in case the Pokémon Pinchers were still tracking onto spikes of unique Aura. This of course meant they traveled on the S.S Anne, Akari acting as a normal Pichu when nearby other people.
"Hey! Izzat a Pikachu!? Can I pet him!" A small girl asked Scarlet. Who had left Akari sleeping on her lap.
"I, huh...Oh hello there, He's actually not a Pikachu, but rather a Pichu"
"It is? Oh, my bad!" She gave a small smile before changing her statement "Can I pet your Pichu?"
"Sure, let me wake him up first. He startles easy" She lifted him up, sending an impulse of aura into his body to quickly wake him up.
"Akari, I need you to wake up, buddy" She softly said before whispering "Civilian, act natural " As Akari slowly looked up, he gave a slight nod before giving a high-pitched yawn.
"You may now pet him if you wish" Scarlet held him out for her to hold.
"He's so soft! What's his name?"
"Oh, It's Akari, it means light in the ancient Johtonian language" Akari turned in surprise. While he knew Scarlet was sharp, he wasn't aware she could translate Johtonian.
"Nice to meet you, Akari!"
"Pi! Pichu!"
"I think he feels the same" Scarlet gave a light giggle.
"Where did you catch him? I wanna Pichu!"
"Oh...Uhm, Actually I hatched him from an egg a couple years ago"
"That long!? How come it hasn't evolved?"
"Quite simple, Akari feels that he should grow stronger as he is rather than evolving"
"Really?" Stars seemed to form in her eyes "Then I'll grow stronger too!"
"Pichu! Chu Chu Pi!" Akari exclaimed, punching the air as if to cheer her on
"I think he believes in you! I do too. What do you want to be when you get older?"
"I'm gonna be a Pokémon Ranger! Just like my big bro!"
"Oh really? Well I'll let you in on a little secret...I'm a Ranger, along with Akari here"
She gasped "D-do you...D-do you think I c-could be a Ranger?"
"If you love all Pokémon like you love Pichu. You'll be a great one"
"Thank you!" She gave a great smile, running out to likely find her parents.
"Cute kid...Good work, Akari"
"Thanks..." He whispered "Do you really believe that she'll be a good Ranger?" Scarlet pulled out a phone from her bag before answering Akari. "I believed in you, didn't I?"
"Huh? What do you mean by that?"
"Who do you think suggested you in the first place"
"Y'mean...That was you?"
"That's correct. I sensed your aura a long time ago, when Faba escaped to the Ultra Wormhole I sensed your overwhelming Aura."
"If that's the case why did you look surprised when you came to my house?"
"Well, my guess is you likely expended much of your power that day, correct?"
"Well...Sort of..."
"I believe when I saw you again you had either regained your aura or had somehow increased your aura reserves"
"I guess it's possible. Then again I don't understand a whole lot about my abilities"
"That's quite surprising"
"It is?"
"When I was a lot younger. about your age, I had lost most of my power, and in turn I researched anything I could find about my abilities and learned of a tradition in the Alola Region where the Island Guardians supposedly bestowed power onto newborns. From there I discovered two others who did the same. Solgaleo and Lunala."
"You mean...You've been looking for me?"
"In a sense. Yes. But I quickly learned that your source of power is much different than mine"
"Wow...I. I had no idea... Personally I've never understood why I was given my power"
"Hm? How so?"
"Well The people I've met who have been given their power... Lillie and Ivy had both been born and raised in Alola, I was born in Johto..."
"Maybe it was for another reason. Maybe it felt that you were ultimately the best choice"
"What? Me? That's ridiculous!"
"Well? Why don't you ask them?"
"Wait...I can do that?"
"Well, why not? If it gave powers to you, it'd be irresponsible to not give a way for you to contact them"
"I guess you have a point...I'll try once I get back to my old body. I've been stuck like this for far too long!"
"Yes, I suppose that's true. Just know you can't continue on the Pinchers mission"
"Yeah, yeah, I know"
"Or at least, I remember Pichu being told no. However Akari the Human, well I'll let you decide"
"Thanks..."
"Well it looks like we're almost there, I'll let you go" As simple as it had started, it ended with just as little hesitation with Scarlet putting away her phone and stretching her arms upward.
"Okay Akari, step inside the capsule" Summer said lightly petting Manaphy to keep them calm. "It's okay Manaphy, this is Akari, all we need is for you to switch between him and his body. Okay?" It wrapped itself around her arm before giving a little nod as its antennas began to glow, much like Akari and his human body did. Within moments, a bright light engulfed the room, temporarily blinding everyone nearby. Moments later the light died down as Akari asked around.
"Did it work? Am I human again?" He asked, looking at his hands, observing his body up and down, feeling his face, and pulling a few strands of hair in front of his eyes. Everything was finally normal.
"Looks like it, how do you feel?" Scarlet asked
"Me? I feel great!" Akari immediately began to play with his powers, firing different pulses of aura around before some kind of electricity pulsated from his palms and hair. Within moments, the building's power had shut off for about thirty seconds before powering itself back on
"Huh? How...How did you do that?" Summer asked, stunned despite knowing of his abilities.
"I'm...Not sure? I've never done it before,"
"You likely learned this from being a Pichu. However, it appears as if it was subconsciously." Scarlet explained as Akari just seemed confused
"So you mean...I taught myself the power of electricity without knowing how to do it? Which would mean I did know how?"
"How about we stop before you give yourself a migraine"
"Huh? What do you mean by that!?"
"Oh nothing, just that your power is not in your head" Summer gave a slight giggle, flicking him on the forehead.
"Ow!"
"Well, let's be honest. It's your fault you got turned into a Pichu in the first place. Now that you're human, you are to leave and return home"
"But!"
"Now!"
"Fine!" He balled a fist before opening a wormhole to his house in the Alola region. It only made sense for him to tell his family he was safe. Except rather than startling them from behind, he instead knocked on the front door before turning around and preparing to leave.
"I...I can't do this...I'll just get them hurt..." He weakly told himself beginning to open a wormhole elsewhere. To the Alter of the Moone where he needed to be alone. He walked through, preparing to close it with a final glance at his mother, who had been sobbing while being tended to by his father.
"Akari...I know you're having some tough times...But you're allowed to ask for help...Let us help you. You were always our light. Please let us be yours"
"I-I...I'll think about it..." Akari wiped a few tears from his eyes, as the portal slowly closed.
