OSPREY….SWOOOOSH
UO: Hey guys sorry it took so long
Misty: No problem UO hopefully you came up with some great ideas
UO: I have for this and the next chapter. You're getting a new cast member not this chapter but the next one.
Ash: Really? Cool
Max: I wonder who it is.
UO: Well if you have been paying attention sooner or later we are going to be going to the Battle Tower.
May: Battle Tower?
Ash: Wait is it the one with Barry's dad?
UO: No. The other one.
Ash: Hmn…oh yeah. Her?
UO: Yep
Misty: Who?
UO: Be patient Misty. Anyway is everyone here.
Drew: Here
Brock: Here
Tori: I'm here. Gabby is in the bathroom.
UO: Great. Wait where's Max?
Explosions occur near the Fairy Tail Studio.
Max: (Comes in running) Hide me from the craziness.
UO: (Groan) Guys until I say so please stay away from that set. Two reasons one there is explosives that could be dangerous. Second they are insane the entirety of Fanfiction or at least the anime section know this. Disclaimer please before I lose it.
Ash: UnitedOsprey1991 does not own Pokémon or Kamen Rider. He would be a Trillionaire I would at least have Misty or May and Kamen Rider would have a good American version
UO: Thank you. This next chapter is entirely Movie 08: Lucario and The Mystery of Mew. So look it up if you need clarification. This of course will have my own twist on it.
Normal: Dialogue
Italics: Thoughts and Flashbacks
CAPS: Attacks
Bold: Yelling and Belt Noises
Bold and Italics: Yelling in head:
Underline: Dates and locations
Chapter: 23: Mew and the Mystery of Aura
When we last left our heroes they were taking a trip through the tropical Seafoam Islands. May had won her fourth ribbon while Ash and Drew won their fifth Frontier Symbol. Along the way they relaxed a bit and had fun on of the sunny beached. But being a hero doesn't give them significant time off as they had to fight in the jungles near the Battle Palace and made sure the coastal city did not get destroyed by a much larger monster.
Now they were on their way to the Battle Tower and had stopped a local center for the night. The pokémon riders, Ash, May Misty and Max were meditating under a tree. Ash after seeing glimpses of something during the battle with Spencer got together with the current riders and tried to figure how to go about using it correctly. They could do some attacks outside of their battle forms however they were wildly using it and now were trying to harness it. After a casual remark about meditation by Tori the four found themselves under the tree trying to concentrate.
Unfortunately, this was Ash and his friends we are talking about. One has a hot temper one is eleven years old (Hoenn didn't get their licenses until twelve) and one can't sit still for more than twenty minutes. You do the math.
This was the sight that greeted Drew when he walked out after training his pokémon. Being the person he was he had to find a way to entertain himself. Walking over to May, he casually poked her cheek. Seeing no response he did it again. This time a tic mark appeared. One more time and May snapped her eyes open and glared at the brown-haired trainer.
"Knock it off it was hard enough doing this without distraction!"
Drew chuckled. "Well meditation is supposed to be a way to clear distractions apparently you weren't deep enough." He said. The shouting woke up Max who stood up and woke up his legs. Misty had already stood up and huffed in frustration.
"I thought I had something until you two ruined it."
Drew raised an eyebrow. "What did you see?"
Misty closed her eyes. "I thought I could see traces of water in the ground and trees. But I guess we need something to guide us."
Drew sighed. "Really wish there was a manual for this. I have looked in every library we have come across, Aura is a rare trait and even rarer to study. So until we chance run into an Aura Guardian then we are stuck trying to figure it out." Drew looked over to Ash. "Man Ash is deep maybe he found the trick." He said walking over.
"Maybe because he doesn't have a lot in there it's easier to go into it." Misty said laughing only to get slapped on the arm.
"Misty that's mean. We know Ash is a little out there but he has his moments." May said. Misty quickly apologized to her.
Drew walked over and poked his cheek getting no response. Poking a little harder Ash tilted over and then fell over. They then heard a snoring coming from Ash, which got everyone to face fault.
"Damn it Ash you were sleeping. Grr…." Misty said with a tick mark.
Drew rubbed his head. "Great. I seriously need to invest in Advil. Misty wake him don't care how you do it." Drew said.
Misty got a glint in her eye at that. Misty walked over and conjuring a small water ball she threw it at Ash. This got the desired effect and woke Ash up sputtering. He turned and saw Misty laughing. Glaring at her and then smirking he created a bolt and threw it her. This got her to yelp and seeing the challenge she started chasing him around the clearing. It ended up involving May when one of their attacks got her wet. After about fifteen minutes they were on the ground panting, in a heap on the ground. They calmed down only to laugh when they say their looks as some parts were marked up and their clothes were wet. This made Ash blush and look away when he realized that. This got the girls to giggle.
"Only you Ash." May said kissing his cheek.
"You're the only one who gets to stare like that." Misty responded kissing the other cheek.
Ash looked at them still blushing but smiled.
"You three okay now?" Drew said snapping them out their laugh induced happiness.
The trio nodded and stood up and they walked back. The three were wrapped around each other and the girls rested their heads on Ash's shoulders.
The walked into the center to see Gabby walking up to them.
"Hey guys Nurse Joy handed me this. I think we should check it out."
Ash grabbed the poster. "Hero of the Year tournament. A tournament held for trainers from all over in the kingdom of Rota.
Drew looked over. "Tournament is held at Cameran Palace in commemoration of Sir Aaron, a legendary hero who could wield the power…of Aura." The group widened their eyes.
Ash grinned. "I'm always psyched up for a battle. But now we have a reason to visit. We can see about finding research about this.
Drew smiled. "Alright next stop Cameran Palace." He said in boisterous tone. A stomach growling caused him to amend that statement. "As soon as we have lunch." He said which got everyone to sweatdrop and laugh at his sheepish expression.
Two Days later
The gang had arrived in at the palace and they were amazed at festivities surrounding the town. They noticed everyone dressed up and was directed to a place to change into appropriated attire.
"Wow this is so cool." Max said as the group went through the racks. Ash looked through them and found a blue stripped hat with a matching shirt and pants with a dark blue cloak.
"Check it out guys." Ash said stepping out for everyone to see.
"Now that is cool." Max said stepping out in a white shirt a green cape and green bloomers and a red and yellow squire's hat.
"I must say Ash you know how to pick outfits." Misty said stepping out in a blue purple floor length dress. On her chest was a star emblem in shape of a Staryu. She did a spin and lifted up her dress and smiled. Ash slightly blushed which only increased when May stepped out in a pink and white dress of a similar length and had a bow in her hair of similar colors to her headband and had a Beautifly bow tying her dressing together.
"Wow Misty you look pretty." May said getting the red head to blush.
"Let me see." Gabby said coming out in a light yellow dress that stopped at her knees that flared out slightly and had her hair in a bun. "Oh wow so cool. You guys match."
Tori came out in a white priestess robes and saw Gabby and the rest of the girls. "You guys look great. Drew come on.
"I'm coming." Drew said stepping out in a cavalier's robes with his sword attached to the hip. "How do I look?"
His girls smiled. "Looking good come on." Gabby said as they ran to the battlefield.
When they got there one of the retainers opened the festivities.
"Ladies and Gentleman. Presenting the Queen of Cameran Palace, Her Highness Lady Ilene."
A pretty blonde haired woman in a pink dress with a tiara stepped onto the balcony.
"On behalf of our great hero Sir Aaron, let the tournament begin."
Under the stadium, Ash and Drew noticed the queen.
"Lady Ilene probably has an idea where to begin." Drew said.
Ash nodded. "I think the best thing to do is win this we might get a chance to talk to her.
Drew agreed. "Right. You're up first. Good luck man." He said pounding Ash's fist as the boy ran out.
What followed was a demonstration that Drew and Ash were among the best trainers out there as they used Pikachu and Swampert respectfully. They both got to the finals and the crowd was anticipating a great match.
"Let's go Pikachu."
"Ride Again Swampert."
The next five minutes was a demonstration of what both could do. As the battle wound down, Lady Ilene noticed as that they were unconsciously flaring colored energy. Unknown to everyone, Ilene was descendent from the hero they were celebrating so she had some ability to sense Aura. Her ancestor Rin had secretly married Aaron and was pregnant at the time of his death. She had two children one that became Ilene's ancestor and another that became lost to the history books. She had a feeling one or both of those were her distant cousins. (Out of left field I know I got a couple of ideas involving this.)
"Jenny when the ball is over I would like to talk to both of these young men." Ilene said.
Jenny nodded and turned to see her queen's companion Mime Jr. Only to be shocked to see two of them. She cleaned her glasses and looked again and saw an Aipom. She panicked as the monkey pokémon jumped around.
On the battlefield, Swampert and Pikachu were on the opposite sides of their trainers.
"One last attack Bro?" Drew called out.
"You know it. Pikachu/Swampert. Use Iron Tail/Ice Punch." The two pokémon went at each other and collided throwing up smoke. Ilene noticed that auras consumed the pokémon but faded as the battle seemingly ended.
When it cleared up they were on either side facing their trainers. A few moments passed and then Drew let out a groan.
"Damn lost again." As he said this Swampert collapsed and fainted.
The ref raised his flag. "Swampert is unable to battle; the winner of this year's tournament is Ash Ketchum."
Ash jumped up in celebration as Pikachu ran towards him. The crowd applauded for the great match.
Drew returned Swampert and walked up to Ash. "One of these days man I am going to beat you in an official match." He said laughing and shaking Ash's hand. They waved to the crowd as Lady Ilene walked up to her railing.
"Congratulations, trainers one and all. Let's hear it for our hero of the year, Ash Ketchum." Another round of applause occurred as Ash waved to the crowd.
Hours later they were in the grand ball room conducting the ceremony naming Ash the hero.
Ilene stood in front of him. "Now then to complete the ceremony. Mr. Ketchum I present to you the staff of Sir Aaron. Once again congratulations." She said handing him the scepter. It was about his height with a blue jewel on top with a black ring with tassels on it.
Ash gripped the staff and thanked her. He then heard a voice. "Why?" Ash turned and looked around. He looked at the staff. 'Weird why did I only hear it?' Before he could think further Jenny made him sit down on the seat reserved for the hero.
Ilene stood up and motioned for hall to begin their dance. Soon the people were twirling around and having an overall good time.
Drew was dancing with Tori and she was smiling. "You dance pretty good, never knew you could be this coordinated." She said.
Drew chuckled. "Helps to have a good teacher." Looking over to see Gabby dancing with someone he motioned to Tori.
"Mind switching. I think May wants a little dance." Tori nodded and with one last move they separated. Drew took Gabby's hands and started dancing with her. Tori found May and began dancing as they were happily enjoying the ball. With the exception of Ash who was grumbling they were having a good time.
Meanwhile several of their pokémon were trying to enjoy the party underneath the tables. The Aipom from before found them and motioned them to follow upstairs. Max who was walking around notice them scurry off and went to investigate. He wasn't the only to notice. A black haired dark skinned woman noticed the posse and slipped out. She changed from the green regal wear she was wearing to a two piece magenta wetsuit like material and followed them.
The Aipom led the group to an attic above the ball room where there a bunch of toys set up. The Aipom stopped and morphed revealing that it was Mew, the legendary psychic pokémon. She giggled and transformed into another Pikachu. Pikachu was briefly shocked but smiled as the pokémon started playing around.
Downstairs Ash sat on the hero's chair bored out of his mind.
"Man I'm bored and hungry. Mam can I least get some food?"
Jenny looked over at Ash and scolded him. "No you may not leave. And sit up it's unbecoming of a hero." Ash let out a groan. They then noticed Drew walking up with a plate.
"Hey man. I figured you be hungry. Got you some bread, fruit and some water." Drew said walking up to him and giving him a plate. Ilene giggled at the young man's face as it lit up.
"Thanks man. You're a life saver."
Drew chuckled. "No prob." He noticed the company. "Forgive my intrusion your highness." He said bowing.
Ilene smiled. "It is nothing. Jenny please relax he is a friend." Ilene as the old woman was about to protest.
Ilene turned to the two. "If it isn't much trouble I would like to talk to both of you tonight or in the morning.
The two boys looked at each other and nodded. This was better than they hoped.
Ash turned to the queen. "To be honest your highness we have a couple of questions to ask you too. Nothing serious though. But we can talk later."
Ilene nodded and turned back to the ball. Just as Ash was about to dig in, their instincts flared up.
"Not now." Ash groaned as he placed his plate down.
Ilene looked over to the boys with worry. "What is going on?"
Before they could ask the ball room's doors burst open scaring the crowd. When the smoke dissipated appeared were several dark soldiers appeared with a large golem like creature.
"Lady Ilene, you are coming with us." The creature said which looked like a smaller Regirock said. The crowd started going through a couple of the exits. This was helped by the girls in the crowd as they helped guide the crowd out as they looked for a way to ditch their dresses.
Meanwhile, Max had managed to catch up with the wayward pokémon. He tugged at the door and barely got the door open. When he peeked through the opening he saw that a brown-haired woman was battling three or four dark soldiers with two of her Weaville. Pikachu was helping her but he was quickly tiring at that. In addition Max noticed a pink cat like creature trying to defend them.
"What do you guys want with Mew?" The lady said.
One of the soldiers sneered at her. "Our master desires this Mew to increase the power of his Aura powers. He also wishes to corrupt the Tree of Beginning and destroy this Kingdom.
Max gasped as they launched attacks at the Weaville which knocked them. Max finally got the door opened up just as they turned towards the brunette.
AIR SLASH
Max called out and sent an air wave at them. The pokémon and the woman backed away as Max stormed into the room.
"Grr…one of the brats. Get him." The apparent leader said. They tried to get at Max but the enclosed space worked in Max's favor as he broke out his Sais. He parried one and slid under the legs of another. He turned and tried to slash at one of their backs but another kicked him into the boxes. Getting up he saw Mew and Pikachu ready to attack the soldiers.
"There is our target. Kill the spare." Max gulped and charged at them again. Mew though blasted one of them back disintegrating him. Pikachu shocked the others back but the battle with the Weaville tuckered it out. Max tried to attack again but before he could Pikachu collapsed. Mew see this floated over and in a flash transformed into a Pidgeot. Grabbing Pikachu she took off. Unknown to those fighting Meowth from Team Rocket snuck into the teleportation area and was sucked up.
The lead soldier growled. "Fall back, target has escaped." The other two nodded and leapt out the window.
"Get back here." Max called out but he could only watch as they fled into the night.
Max pounded the window sill. "Damn it." He looked and saw all the pokémon were okay. Max rubbed his head in frustration. "Oh man, oh man. Ash is going to kill me." Max said taking off with the other pokémon in tow. The brunette looked the boy in astonishment and followed after the boy who left a dust cloud in his wake.
At the same time
In the ballroom the guards that were supposed to be protecting Ilene appeared and tried to fight of the invaders. They were quickly knocked aside and charged at the throne.
Drew pulled out his sword, which got Jenny to look at the blade curiously.
"Young man what do you intend to do with a fake blade?"
Before he could offer a retort, three of their opponents appeared in the air in attempt to attack the queen. With a second they were cut down and they disintegrated.
Drew looked at Jenny. "I plan to use my very real blade to protect your queen. So kindly be quiet." He said throwing off the cape and his hat. Ash quickly stood up and lifted the staff. Just then the gem lit up blinding those in the room. When it cleared a figure was kneeling next to the boys. When he stood his features were scene. He was bipedal that was mostly blue. He had yellow chest fur and his paws both hands and feet were black. His face looked like a jackal with a black mask like material and red eyes.
The figure looked around. "Where am I?" He said shocking those in the room, it appeared he was talking through his mind. He gasped. "Wait this is Cameran Palace." He turned and gasped again. "Lady Rin." He knealt back down. "I have news about Sir Aaron."
Before Ilene could speak Drew walked up and grabbed his shoulder and turned him around. "You can talk with her later. Can you fight?"
The figure nodded. "I was trained to protect this castle along with…my former master."
Drew nodded. "Alright you see these guys." It was then he noticed that several of the soldiers were shaking off the blindness. "They want to capture the queen. Help me and my friend here" Pointing to Ash who swung the staff around. "To Protect her. We can talk later."
The pokémon looked at him and hesitantly nodded.
Drew smiled. "Great. My name is Drew."
Ash walked up to him. "And I'm Ash. What's your name.
The pokémon looked at Ash. "It is Lucario. Now we need to defend the palace." The now named Lucario said as he powered up his paws.
Ash and Drew stood on either side as their opponents charged at them. Lucario grabbed one and blew it back disintegrating. Two more came up on their right. Ash swung infusing his lightning powers into the staff and swung. On the left Drew was swung his sword and kicking away at those getting close. The fighting was getting intense and Lady Ilene and Jenny backed away to watch the fight.
Out in the middle of the hall, Rock King, the Regirock like monster stood and growled as his troops kept trying to make their way up the stairs. He then noticed it was getting a little humid. He also notice a few petals swirling around. Before he could react six of the soldiers were cut down by an invisible source. When he turned he saw three more cut down by arrows.
"Where are they coming from?" He said scanning the hall. Before he could do so a large wave of water blasted several of them back into the wall. He turned and say the girls splitting up the fighting forces. He ordered several to attack them and the battle devolved from there.
Gabby in close quarters slashed at the soldiers that were coming at them. She back away and was able to put a couple of arrows in the guy front of her. She ducked underneath and quickly separating her bow she slashed upwards destroying the one front of her. Turning around she notched arrow back.
SERPENT ARROW
She fired the arrow and it weaved through four of her opponents and destroyed them. She split up the bow again and charged in.
Tori was blocking with her staff and ducking another attack. She fired an ice shard out of her staff and the planted it.
SATURN"S MIRROR
A shield appeared around her and three opponents tried attacking her. However the attacks bounced back and the damage that would have hit Tori decapitated them.
May was ducking and weaving through the crowd. Each miss allowed her to slash through the back of one of them. She started dancing and petals started trailing after her sword. The petals went to where she slashed and did additional damage. Some of them fell but others were staggered back indicating May was not physically strong. She jumped up and pointed her blade down.
PETAL SHOWER.
The petals that were launched from her sword were sent into the crowd. She landed with a grace and turned to see more approaching. She sighed and raised Mori and got back into her stance.
Misty swung her trident around caught two blades coming at her in the gaps. She flipped and stabbed it down breaking them as the trident was designed to do. She held up hand to launch an attack.
WATER PULSE
The humidity in the air allowed her to pull water out and launched the ball at her opponents. She spun as they disintegrated and launched her spear at two of the approaching troops. She ran and picked it up intent on helping out more.
Rock King watched the battle growling at the battle. He was about to enter when one of the troops from the battle with Max showed up.
"Sir our secondary target has disappeared. We have reason to believe he is at the Tree.
Rock King growled. "Fine…all troops fall back." The surviving soldiers started falling back and they quickly fled.
The fighters relaxed and sheathed their weapons. Up on stage Lucario relaxed and turned to Ilene who approached the boys.
"Ash, Drew Thank you." The two smiled and accepted the thanks. She turned to Lucario who was on his knees.
"Lady Rin, it is on honor to fight for you again."
Ilene sadly smiled. "I appreciate the help. But you see Lady Rin is my ancestor. It seems you have been in that staff a very long time."
Lucario looked stunned. "I…see." He said looking down.
Ilene turned to the group. "I thank you all for protecting the castle. Please stay the night we will have rooms prepared. Lucario you may stay as well.
The heroes thanked her and Lucario nodded his head. He turned and walked out the door. Ash and Drew turned towards her.
"We will talk in the morning. Please you must be tired." They all nodded and started heading towards the rooms.
Ash and Drew though went after Lucario. After a few minutes they found him standing in a room. Lucario looked around the room. Images of Sir Aaron and him training and laughing filled the Aura pokémon's head. Now the room looked like it belonged to a museum which it was.
Lucario was so into his memories that he didn't sense the two approach.
"Hey." Ash said snapping him out of his thoughts. "You okay Lucario?"
Lucario looked at the young man. "Yes." He looked back at the room. "This used to be Sir Aaron's room. And my room as well."
Drew looked around and saw mementos. "Considering this was his room I am not surprised they wanted to at least preserve it."
Lucario scoffed. "He was a coward. When the kingdom was in danger he abandoned the castle."
Ash looked concerned. "Well something happened it's still standing."
Lucario looked away. Ash sighed. "We will leave ya alone tonight. We can talk in the morning." Both trainers left leaving Lucario to his thoughts.
They walked back to the room just in time to see Max out of breath. When he saw Ash he ran up to him.
"Ash…Pikachu he was taken by Mew." He said getting Ash to widen his eyes. He looked around and saw his other pokémon looking worried.
"I can confirm what he saw. I was there." The woman from before said. Brock went into his fan boy mode.
"Wow that's Kidd Summers. She has the record world record for most world records. Including longest space walk and deepest dive in a submersible."
Kidd giggled. "I can see someone did their homework. Yes I am Kidd Summers and I can accurately say that your Pikachu was taken by Mew. Question is where they could have been going?"
Ilene cleared her throat. "If I may I think I know where Mew is. There is stories of a Mew in the Tree of Beginning. It is a large rock formation that can be seen from the castle. The tree was integral part of our Kingdom's survival so we cherish it."
Ash nodded. "Then in the morning we will over there." Kidd smiled. "I can take you in my Humvee but it might be a tight fit."
Drew smiled and looked over at the girls who had changed into their normal wear and were blushing slightly. "I don't think that would be a problem. Is our rooms ready your majesty."
Ilene nodded. "They are I am hope you all have a good night's sleep."
Drew bowed. "Same to you your majesty. Tori, Gabby let's go up. Night everyone." He said as they left for their rooms.
Later on Ash was gazing out the window dressed for bed. From their room they could see the Tree. May and Misty walked up behind him as they noticed his glum expression.
"Hey Ash." May said snuggling up to his right. Misty was hugging him from behind and had her head on his left shoulder. "Thinking about Pikachu?"
Ash sighed. "Yeah. I know he is okay. From the one time I remember Mew he didn't want to hurt anyone."
Misty sighed. "Yeah right up to the point a certain trainer got caught in his attack."
Ash grimaced. "Not my best moment." He looked at the night sky. He saw the crystals and they offered a certain glow in the moon light.
"It's pretty." May said admiring the scene.
Ash chuckled and kissed her forehead. "Not as pretty as the two jewels I have right here." The girls blushed.
Misty giggled. "So smooth. Mr. Ketchum. Come on its bed time. We had a long day." Her companions nodded and climbed into bed.
The next day they were sitting down to breakfast when Lucario walked in. Ilene noticed Lucario leaning against the wall away from the table.
"Lucario, please sit with us." She said to the pokémon. Lucario looked up and shook his head. "I would prefer to not be at the table your highness." He said a little rudely.
Ilene gained a sadden look.
Ash looked over at Lucario and then back at Lady Ilene. "Perhaps you can tell us about what happened with Sir Aaron. Maybe we can figure out what is bugging Lucario."
Ilene nodded and looked down. "Let me see. It was about 310 or so years ago. Sir Aaron came from an unknown land at a young age and he pledged his life to defend the kingdom after an incident involving my ancestor Lady Rin. He gained his kinghood after years of service to the crown. The kingdom was at peace and unbelievably Lady Rin and Sir Aaron fell in love." She said to the shock of the group.
"Wow, how romantic!" May said with her eyes sparkling.
Ilene nodded. "But there was a problem with that relationship. Aura Guardians as he was trained in was forbidden to take a relationship and Lady Rin could not be married to a commoner as he was seen by the nobles.
Drew groaned. "A forbidden romance great." He said looking over to Lucario who looked shocked at that knowledge.
Ilene continued. "So in secret the two got married and for the brief time they were together as husband and wife they were happy." Here Ilene turned sad. "Shortly after the secret wedding a war broke out in the neighboring kingdoms. They went to war and the day Sir Aaron died they were going to meet on the battlefield. If the armies fought where they were going to meet, Rota would have been destroyed. Sir Aaron went to find a way to stop the battle. We don't know what happened but the Tree of Beginning started glowing and the armies stopped and retreated. We believe that Sir Aaron did something to cause the reaction."
Here Lucario stood up. "How can you say that? Sir Aaron was a coward he sealed me into the staff and I saw him leave me behind. I have reason to believe he abandoned the kingdom. He is a coward not a hero."
Brock stood up. "Okay calm down let's not start anything. Look we know something stopped the armies. The only thing we have to go on is Lucario's limited knowledge up to the point he got sealed into the staff.
Drew left his seat. "Brock's right. However, our primary focus is finding Pikachu and possibly stopping those kaijuu that attacked the castle. Let's just finish eating and possibly listen to the rest of Lady Ilene's story." He said turning to the queen.
Ilene nodded. "There is one last part of the story. Sir Aaron didn't know at the time and neither did Lady Rin but she was pregnant with Sir Aaron's kids. When she gave birth there was uproar over the legitimacy of the kids but she showed the documents that she did marry Aaron. Jenny would you please bring the painting."
Jenny motioned for a couple of knights to carry over a portrait. It was of Lady Rin and two children both of them girls. One was blonde and looked like a young Lady Ilene in a blue dress. The other was a red headed girl in a pink dress. Both were smiling. Ash widened his eyes. The red head looked like a younger Delia his mother.
"The blonde was the next queen, Lady Elizabeth. Her sister was Lady Hanaeko. She eventually married and moved away. We lost track of the line about 150 years ago. But if they were descendants of Sir Aaron they would show some latent ability to use Aura.
Ash looked at Ilene and back to the painting. "Are you saying I'm royalty?"
Ilene shook her head. "Yes, but the distance is too great for you to be a contender for the throne. However I know you are descendant from Rin's daughter. Please look around Hanaeko's neck."
Ash took another look and saw a familiar gem stone around her neck.
"The yellow gem which we believe descends from ancient times was found around here. We believe sometime in Rota's past the family that protected this gem married into the royal family. This gem was given to the second born child of the main family to protect it. We had feared this gem was lost. But now I thank you for finding it. Though I believe that the time for the gem's purpose has come. Am I right?"
Ash looked at Ilene. "Yes your majesty. The gem's powers awoke. We have found two other gems that serve the same purpose.
Ilene clapped her hands together. "Oh wonderful. May I see these other two?" Ilene asked.
Misty and Drew stepped up and showed their gems. Drew spoke up. "These are the Fire Ruby and the Water Sapphire. There are seven others like these. We are currently on a mission to save this world.
Ilene nodded. "I see. Though I have one more question. The legends speak that masked riders protected this ancient kingdom in addition to the princes and princesses. May I see them?"
The heroes looked at each other and held a brief conference. They turned and Ash spoke.
"If the knights can please leave the room we can show you."
Ilene nodded and motioned the guards to leave. When they left, Max, May, Gabby and Tori stepped up. They inserted their items and instead of their stances they just activated the belts.
"Henshin" they all said
EVOLVE/COMPLETE/SIRIUS/ORION
When the lights died down, the riders looked up to see Lady Ilene walking towards them.
"Your armors look incredibly strong." She said looking at them. "Like they can enhance your battle skills. Like they can defend anything." She said her curiosity sated.
Leaving their armors they turned to Lady Ilene.
"The stories were true. Now then I have kept you long enough you have a friend to save." Ilene said.
The group nodded and departed to where Kidd was waiting. Jenny walked up to the queen. "You believe they can stop those men?"
Ilene nodded. "Those four with the cards all have a powerful Aura. Enough to be used in combat but it is raw and hardly controlled. However I believe they can do it." Ilene said smiling. "Jenny when they return, please prepare all the books we have on Aura. They are going to need it to refine their Aura.
Jenny nodded and departed. Ilene looked at the door the group departed. 'Please Sir Aaron. Guide them.
An hour later they were all in Kidd's Humvee following Lucario who was running in front of her. Unfortunately the road was pretty bumpy. So those not belted in, Gabby, Misty, May and Max were being jumbled about. The girls ended up being in a compromising position several times, including a near lip lock between Misty and May. The ground eventually smoothed out and Drew who wasn't feeling good was able to get a coherent thought in.
"So Ash…royalty." He said from one side of the truck to the other side where Ash was holding on.
"I never knew." Ash answered. "Heck I was more concerned about what my father was to try to figure out my mother. To think it was her line that gave me this." He said holding out his gem.
Drew looked out the window. "It doesn't make a difference. You're my wingman. Your past doesn't define you. Besides what is the distance between you two, 11th 12th degree cousins it wouldn't have made a difference unless there is a wipe out.
Misty took his hand. "It doesn't matter to us Ash. We will follow you anywhere remember?"
May looked from Misty's legs, all the moving around convinced her that this was a safer alternative to not be hurt. "Ash you're our prince. Don't think otherwise."
Ash smiled and then the truck jumped again causing them to bounce around the cabin. Tori was looking green and Drew wasn't far off.
After stopping for lunch they were on their way down the road again. After another hour they were stopped again.
"Sorry guys looks like the road is closed." Kidd said. The group got out and saw that at least temporarily the road was blocked by geysers.
Drew groaned. "Great. Now what?" Before they could contemplate this May gasped.
"Guys look." She pointed towards their right. There was a pool of water with steam gently coming out of it. "It's a hot spring." May said cheering. The group decided to make camp here and take a dip in the hot spring.
After changing into their swim wear, the group settled into the warm waters with their pokémon with exception of Phanpy and Bonsly in a nearby spring. Kidd noticed the placement of the girls. May and Misty were snuggled up to Ash while Tori and Gabby were against Drew, the former snoozing and the latter rubbing the girls hair.
"So I can see you guys are comfortable around each other. What's the deal?" Kidd said smiling.
Ash looked at Kidd. "Let's just say that we have enough going for us that getting together seemed like a natural thing for us. I wonder sometimes what I would do without them." Ash smiled and kissed their foreheads.
Drew looked at Kidd. "Me, Tori and Gabby have known each other for years. We just feel really comfortable around each other." He said rubbing Tori's back who groggily opened her eyes. "Hey, Tori how are you feeling?"
Tori looked up. "I'm alright still a little nauseous. That ride messed me up badly." She said closing her eyes. "This hot spring is nice, though thanks for the rub you two."
Drew sighed and leaned back against the rocks. Gabby leaning against his shoulder. For the next few minutes the world to the riders seemed far away. They rarely got this luxury since they met up in Hoenn.
Ash looked up and saw Lucario sitting on a nearby rock. "Come on in Lucario the water is great."
Lucario looked and scoffed walking away.
The group looked at him concerned. May then spotted something.
"What is that?" May said pointing at it on the cliff side. Ash looked and stood up to grab it. When he did so he slipped and fell back into the spring which soaked the group more than they wanted.
"Ash are you okay?" May asked concerned.
Ash rubbed his head. "Yeah." He turned to the plant. "What is this?"
Misty looked at it. "It looks like a plant. Maybe we should plant it."
Before they did so the plant glowed and projected an image. It was off Ash falling off the cliff into the pool before the recording stopped.
Kidd had a look of realization. "It's a time flower. It can record stuff to be played later. Like a natural camera with a replay function.
The group accepted this and relaxed a bit more before they got out and set up camp.
After another of Brock's delicious dinners they sat around the fire trading stories. Misty had gotten done telling something about her sisters.
"So that's why I hate carrots. Anyway, anyone got any more stories?" Misty said.
They looked at Ash who was staring at the sky. "Ash we haven't heard from you. What's up?" Misty asked concerned.
Ash sat up. "Nothing thinking about Pikachu."
Misty grabbed his arm gently. "I'm sure he's okay. He's a tough pokémon."
Ash looked at her and nodded and then back at the fire. "It seems hard to believe but me and Pikachu hated each other at one point. This was when we first set out. Gosh this was what three years ago. Yeah it's been that long. Professor Oak had run out of pokémon and I was desperate. So he pulled out this poke ball with a lightning bolt and out came Pikachu. I picked him and tried to hug and first thing he does is zap me." Ash said getting the group to laugh.
"When we left Pallet Town we butted heads the entire time. He even went up a tree after refusing my orders to attack a Pidgey. I then did a stupid thing and provoked a Spearow with a rock. That got the whole flock on me and Pikachu got pecked hard. I scooped him up and ran ending up in the river. We didn't know if we would make it, then this fish hook grabbed me and pulled me out. When I saw my savior, it was a red head with beautiful cerulean eyes and she looked at me like I was an idiot." Misty had the decency to blush. "She was more concerned about Pikachu than me and before I could explain the Spearow attacked again. I grabbed her bike without getting her name promising I pay her back someday and pedaled as hard as I could. I fell of the bike in a rain storm with Pikachu falling away from the bike and I ended up doing something really stupid. I kept my hands out and in an act of defiance I dared the Spearow to attack me. Pikachu then unleashed a huge Thunderbolt and scared them off. And well that was my first day as trainer. Me and Pikachu have been through everything. And I wouldn't change it.
(I just told the story of the very first episode of Pokémon from memory. I am old that was fifteen years ago.)
May teared up. "That was so beautiful, to think Pikachu would something like that. You really are best friends."
Lucario walked away in disgust. Ash having enough of his attitude ran up to him.
"What is your problem Lucario?" Ash said spinning the jackal around.
Lucario scoffed and pushed him back. "I'm just amused at the care that you say you have for Pikachu. Who's to say Mew took him?"
Ash growled and pushed back a little harder. "What do you mean by that?"
Lucario growled and poked Ash saying. "I'm saying Pikachu abandoned you because. You. Are. A. Weak. Trainer"
Now Ash like Drew is a docile person by nature. But when his pride is attacked he can get a bit angry. Call into question his pokémon's loyalty and it wasn't going to be pretty. Ash tackled Lucario and they tumbled down the hill to a pond. Ash quickly started trying to put Lucario in a hold but the Aura pokémon was faster and they started wailing on each other. After a couple of minutes of brawling their friends came down to the shoreline.
"Ash what are you doing. Lucario stop this." May called out. But Drew held them back to watch. A minute later Lucario was kicked back and he was on the ground kneeling.
Ash chuckled. "So you think I'm weak now?"
Lucario snarled. "I think you are arrogant whelp." Lucario went back on the offensive and it turned into a fight as they punched and kicked each other trying to defeat their opponent. It ended when Ash kicked Lucario in the stomach. Taking advantage of the distraction he grabbed Lucario by the back of his head and drove his face into the water. (Modified Pedigree from Triple H).
Lucario turned in the water to look at Ash with a glare that was hampered by the water. He groaned to sit up but was held back by Max.
"That is enough. Both of you." Drew said as Misty and May walked over to check him for injuries.
"Now I let this go because of the animosity that was growing. I figure I let you fight it out get it out of your system.
Lucario chuckled. "Like you could have done any better."
Drew turned to glare at Lucario and walked up to him. "Listen blue boy I just prevented both of you from being seriously hurt. If you want to go just tell me." He said as Gabby held him back.
"Okay that is enough. Look we have had a long day. Tensions are little high. Let's just relax." Brock said. Max let go of Lucario who stormed off.
Drew rubbed his hair. "God what is wrong with him?
Tori who was checking Ash over, "Sir Aaron's "betrayal" must have messed him up badly. That is the only explanation."
Misty and May seeing that Ash was okay tenderly took his hands. Misty looked over to the group. "I can understand what he is going through. I went through the same thing with Gyarados I was scared of him for a while I thought he was going to eat me. But I eventually earned his respect. Just give him time." She said as they walked back to the camp site.
The group walked back in silence to contemplate what Lucario is going through.
A little later Lucario was sitting against a tree looking at the sky. Max came over while the others were training.
"Hey Lucario." The young boy said. Lucario turned to regard him as he approached. "Look I know Ash can be a bit of a hot head. But his heart is in right place.
Lucario looked straight ahead. Max pulled something out of his pocket. "Here Gabby gave me one of her candy bars. We figured you'd be hungry." Max said holding out the candy bar. With some reluctance Lucario took it and took a bite. He widened his eyes and unwrapped the rest of it. Max chuckled.
"It's good isn't it?" Max said smiling. Lucario nodded. "Good." He stood up. "Lucario I don't fault either of you for what transpired. But an apology wouldn't hurt." Max said walking away leaving Lucario to his thoughts.
Hours later the group was sleeping in the Humvee despite it being cramped. Ash woke up and tried to get out in the cramped environment. He ended up having to go through the top hatch to get out. Climbing down from the truck he walked towards the Tree of Beginning. He sat down and looked forlornly at the tree. "Pikachu…I hope you are okay." He said as he looked up at the stars.
At the same time Pikachu was looking up at the same night sky wondering how his master was doing. Mew floated over to him.
"Mew?" (What's wrong?)
"Pika...Pikachu, Pikapi pikachu pika. (Mew…I just miss Ash my master and friend.)
"Mew. Mew…Mew." (You like your master don't you.)
"Pika…Pikapi, Pikachu-pi, Pipikachu, Chu Pika, Pikachu, PikaPika (Yeah, Ash, Misty May all of them are my family.)
"Mew." (I see) Mew said. She briefly read his mind to see what Pikachu was talking about. Images of him winning battles, being cared for, training together, and journeying together were seen by the psychic pokémon.
"Mew." (Your friends seem like good people.)
"Pikachu." (Yes they are.)
Before Mew could respond she sensed something.
"Pika?" (What is it?)
"Mew. (Intruders.) She projected an image in front of Pikachu. Meowth who had been eating nearby walked over. The image showed several soldiers and Rock King approaching the tree.
"That's Glenn's men. They must be after something here in the tree."
Mew closed her eyes and the tree glowed slightly.
"Mew. Mew. (This tree can fight off anything that is not a pokémon. Let's hope we can hold out for your friends.)
Pikachu nodded. They turned to watch the tree's defenses take action.
Down below the first wave of troops marched into the tree. King Rock stayed back to watch their progress.
The lieutenant of the lead forces was going down the tunnel leading to the heart of the tree. The soldiers following him were swiveling their heads around making sure there are no surprises. Suddenly a large roar was heard. They looked and saw two red blob like creatures that looked like Armaldo and Cradily appeared. The troops fired at them only for the creature to reform and divide. They attack the troops and one by one they were swallowed up and destroyed as they were sucked in. The lieutenant fought them off and staggered back to the entrance.
King Rock looked at his lieutenant. "What happened?"
The lieutenant took a deep breath. "Some sort of defense mechanism in the tree I was the only one to get out."
Rock King growled. "Fall back we need to find a way to get to Mew. I don't care how many of us die."
The lieutenant gulped and nodded.
Back with our heroes they were closing in on the tree. Lucario who was in front of the truck suddenly stopped.
Those in the truck got out and looked curiously at the Aura pokémon.
"What's wrong Lucario?" May said.
"This is the spot…This is the spot where Sir Aaron sealed me into the staff."
The group's eyes widened. They found the spot where Lucario was supposedly abandoned. They started looking around the site for clues.
Drew and Gabby looked up the trail from where they were situated. Tracing the path they gasped.
"If what Ilene said was true, this was one of the paths that the invading armies could have taken." Gabby looked at the spot where Lucario was positioned and then back at the path. "Sir Aaron must have run right by them. A single man against an Army? Something else was going on.
Drew nodded and they started walking back.
The group was still wandering around when Lucario walked by and accidently touched a time flower. Instantly he was blasted with a projection of the day long ago.
Memory replay start
Sir Aaron was climbing up the cliffs with Lucario behind him. "Sir Aaron what are you doing?"
Aaron turned to regard his faithful companion. "I'm sorry my friend but I renounce my service to the queen. I have to do something and being shackled to the kingdom will hurt her in the end.
Lucario widened his eyes as Aaron started running again. "Sir Aaron what do you mean by that?"
Instead of answering, Aaron raised his staff and threw it at Lucario sucking him in.
Present day Lucario growled at seeing his imprisonment. Then he noticed the projection continued and he noticed something coming.
It was the green army charging down the mountain intent on wiping out their opposition.
Lucario not realizing it was a projection started firing Aura Spheres at the army.
Outside the projection, the group noticed Lucario stop and then growl at something. Then his face turned to shock. The group noticed him charging up an Aura Sphere. When he started to fire the attacks they were forced to dodge his barrage.
May was panicking. "What is he seeing to make him act like this?" She said as another sphere came at her. She dove to the ground and rolled closer to Brock. The dark-skinned young man lifted up a rock wall to protect them and Tori.
Meanwhile, Misty, Drew and Gabby did not have that luxury and was forced to block with their weapons or at least Misty and Drew were forced to, Gabby had to duck behind Drew as her weapons were too small.
Ash was fortunate to be behind Lucario when he started freaking out. So he snuck up behind him and put him in a nelson hold.
"Lucario! Snap out of it! There is nothing there!" Ash yelled as the struggling pokémon tried to fight off the hold. As he tired the images flashed between past and present until he was completely snapped out of it.
"What…what happened?" Lucario said as Ash released the hold.
Ash looked around and saw a time flower. "Looks like you saw something and you freaked out."
"Looked like a delayed Post-traumatic Stress Disorder." Drew walking up to them Leonid holstered but not away. "Seeing something that disturbed you mentally in the fires of combat and you were experiencing it. Psychology is not one of my best subjects though."
The group shrugged at the answer. Lucario turned to Ash. "Ash?" Said trainer turned to Lucario. "I want to apologize for my actions. It…it was wrong for me to judge you and your friends."
Ash chuckled and patted the Aura pokémon on the back. "No problem. I can't hold a grudge against you."
Drew sighed and turned back to the truck with the others following. "You know Ash that is an admirable trait in someone. I be worried in the future…" Drew started to rant as the group listened into his rant.
Lucario smiled but then he sensed something. At the last second he pushed Ash down as a large orange beam was fired.
When the attack hit the group in front of Ash and Lucario were caught off guard and thrown of their feet. Everyone looked up and a horde of soldiers and their boss King Rock.
"Hello Kamen Riders so nice of you to drop in."
All of the rider's thoughts were similar. 'How the heck did we not sense them?'
Lucario though quickly fired off an Aura Sphere. He pointed a crack in the rocks.
"Everyone into the crevice now."
They all nodded. Gabby fired off a couple of arrows while Drew fired of fire balls to cover their escape as they all slipped into the wall. Ash who was the furthest way had to duck and weave through the attacks and he had to slide into the crevice with Lucario slipping in behind them.
King Rock roared. "Find them and destroy them." The soldiers quickly went back into the tree.
The group was climbing through the narrow passage when Lucario using his aura sensed something to the right.
"We need to go right, now." Lucario said. Considering the size of the group, Ash got their attention.
"Guys! We need to go into the tunnel here!" He shouted. Some of the group had bypassed it and had to turn around to go through the tunnel. Ash and Drew being in the back were the last ones through with Lucario. When they emerged they were inside the tree.
Tori whistled. "Wow this is an impressive structure it isn't a wooden tree it's entirely made of stone made up of various gems and the like."
Gabby looked around. "Don't see another way to go but up." Ash didn't need any more prodding and started down another tunnel with Lucario in tow.
Drew groaned. "Ash you knucklehead get back here." And immediately started chasing him.
Kidd took this opportunity to deploy robotic cameras to scout out the rest of the tree.
"This is amazing to think something about this big could be standing." Kidd said looking at the crystals. As she attempted to take a sample the tree started to glow. Suddenly all the probes she sent out were being destroyed.
"What the heck?" Kidd said getting the rest of the group to notice her. Suddenly red blobs started appearing along with a grey metal like creature.
"Oh man some sort of defense mechanism has been activated." Kidd said.
"If this thing is supposedly alive then these things must be like white blood cells designed to take out anything that is deemed a threat." Max said.
"Translation. We are the virus and it wants to consume us." Gabby said as they started running towards the exit Ash and Drew left.
At the same time, both of the trainers had found their way onto the "leaves" of the tree.
Ash looked around and with a big breath he yelled. "PIKACHU!" They were surprised when they heard Pikachu respond. They smiled when they saw the rodent waving down to them. While they were looking for up they were nearly hit by an Ice Beam. Looking down they saw a blue golem like creature.
"Regice. Damn it, the tree must have defenses. We have to go back." Drew said firing off a burst of fire. Lucario fired off an Aura Sphere which knocked Regice back. They retreated into the tunnel where they ran into their friends.
"Ash what the heck is going on?" Misty said as they saw them running really fast.
"Not that way we got a big golem chasing us." Ash called out as they ran past them only to stop as they saw the metal monster.
"Registeel too? God damn it not this way either." Drew said as Ash fired off a bolt.
Looking around Lucario saw a large rock that looked like a bridge.
"Ash look." Ash looked where Lucario was pointing and nodded. He yelled for the other to follow as he held off Registeel. King Rock who came in during the confusion order several of his troops to go after them. Registeel though began fighting them off. As they crossed the bridge Lucario fired an Aura Sphere at the bridge separating the two fighting forces. They all ran down the tunnel until they came across Cacnea and Chimecho from Team Rocket.
"Cacnea? Chimecho? What are you doing here?" Tori said out of concern. Before they could respond a red Aerodactyl flew in which Lucario destroyed quickly and force them to start running again leaving the two trainer less pokémon in confusion.
More blobs appeared and they almost caught up to group. Kidd had tripped and was about to be swallowed up but Lucario took the hit. The group's shock turned to confusion as Lucario reappeared and the blob dissolved.
"Why wasn't Lucario taken?" May pondered as they started running again.
"My guess is that pokémon aren't considered a threat." Brock said as they came up to a fork.
"God this is like a horror movie. Where do we go?" Gabby said as they tried to catch their breath.
"As much as I hate doing this we need to split up." Drew said to the group's shock.
"Are you nuts!?" Gabby said.
"I agree with him. Those blobs can't possibly catch all of us if we split up." Kidd said.
The group looked at each other and hesitantly nodded. Ash and Drew were going to go down one tunnel while the others would go down the other.
"Stay safe all of you." Drew said to all of them. "If it looks like you're going to be capture, release all of your pokémon, they aren't being targeted." He said. He looked at Tori and Gabby. "If that happens, I will see you on the other side." He said with a stern look. He walked over and kissed them like it was the last thing on earth. "I love you. I know I haven't said it, but I should have been saying it since day one." Drew said with tears in his eyes. The girls did too. Ash was having a similar conversations with May and Misty.
"May, Misty be careful. Whatever happens I love you two." Ash said and kissed them both. They separated and started heading towards their tunnels. Lucario followed Ash and Drew.
"Lucario what are you doing?' Ash said.
"I am staying with you Ash. I won't abandon a friend. Especially when he is trying to save his." Ash nodded and turned to Drew. "I ain't leaving my wingman. Come on Pikachu awaits."
Ash nodded and they started running.
With the larger group, they were looking for Pikachu when they heard something coming. It was three larger blobs from before. Before they could counter attack it was already on Max and Brock. Brock released his pokémon as he got swallowed up.
May panicked as she tried to get her brother out only to be swallowed up as well.
"Come on out everyone." She yelled desperately as she was consumed. "Guys, you were the best family I could hope for. Don't forget me." May cried out as she was consumed. Meanwhile Misty and Gabby were fighting off another one while Tori tried to shield them. A tremor knocked her off balance and they were swarmed. She immediately released her pokémon.
"Don't forget me!" Tori cried out as her body was consumed.
Gabby and Misty were in the process of being devoured as well and had released their pokémon.
"Good-bye everyone!" Gabby said as she accepted her fate while Misty was crying openly.
'See you on the other side…Ash, May.' Misty said as her tears disappeared as she did. Leaving all of their pokémon to mourn the loss of their trainers
In the middle of all of this Ash and Drew were on the outside of the tree climbing up when they felt a stabbing in their hearts. Lucario noticed this. "Ash why did you stop?"
The two boys looked back with sad looks. Then closed their eyes. They reopened them and walked past Lucario.
"They are gone." Lucario perked up. "Misty…May…Brock…Max" Ash started. "Tori…Gabby. They are gone. This madness needs to stop." Drew finished as they pulled their blades. They heard a friendly voice.
"PIKACHU." The yellow mouse yelled out. Ash gained a happier outlook and with some difficulty do to the height and the wind manage to reunite with each other. As they tried to get down he slipped and started to fall down the cliff which got Drew to panic. Before he could do anything, a grappling hook came down and grabbed Ash by the collar. They were let down gently as Kidd made her appearance.
"Ash, Drew. So glad you are okay."
Ash nodded. "Glad to see you're okay Kidd."
Kidd grimaced. "Yeah. Ash Drew about the others…"
"We know. Come on." Drew said with his sword out. Ash quickly followed suit, Raikou gleaming in the light. They entered the tunnel releasing their pokémon to help them fight. They entered what seemed to be the heart of the tree as they tensed for a forthcoming fight. Lucario started scouting ahead. All of a sudden Registeel appeared and captured Lucario which started struggling. The red blobs from before surrounded the humans and began trying to eat them. Kidd quickly released her Weaville as she got overwhelmed. Ash and Drew had the luxury of fighting with their elements as they fought the blobs off desperately with their pokémon. Drew was the first one of the consumed but only after he angrily burned the blobs. He let out a loud yell as he was silenced and left grieving pokémon in its wake.
Ash seeing his friend consumed increased his efforts but it was futile. Thinking of his pokémon first he released Donphan and Swellow to join Pikachu, Sceptile Corphish and Torkal.
"Pikachu take care of everyone." He said as he was swallowed up. Pikachu ran and tried to pull Ash out but was futile as his best friend was eaten by the tree. All of the pokémon looked stunned at the loss and some of them began to cry. Lucario looked hurt as well as he had grown attached to the young man.
Pikachu extremely upset turned to Mew who floating down.
"PIKA CHU PIKA CHU CHU PIKAPI PIKA!" (BRING THEM BACK! BRING BACK ASH NOW!)
"Mew. Mew." (I am sorry. The tree's defenses couldn't tell the difference and I had to keep them to keep the soldiers away from the core. Most of the soldiers are gone. Let me talk to the tree.")
Mew floated up to the crystals and touched it. The tree's crystals started glowing green and the tree glowed around them. Registeel back off and walked away seeing there were no threats anymore.
Just then the blobs that once were red were now green and floated out of the ground. Ash Drew and Kidd were floated up and released. Checking their bodies and seeing they were okay, they were bowled over by their happy pokémon. A few minutes of hugging and crying later they released their hugs. Only to be bowled over by a red and brown blur and a brown and blonde blur respectively. Ash turned to see Misty and May crying, while Drew had Gabby and Tori in his arms. They sat down for a couple of minutes just reveling in the fact their friends were okay.
Mew floated down exhausted. Tori noticed this and got out of Drew's grasp to check on her. All of a sudden a net was launched and captured Mew just out of Tori's hands. They traced the net to see King Rock, who had seen better days after battling through the tree.
"Heh…heh…I may have lost my men to this tree but my objective is at hand." Rock laughed. All of a sudden the tree started to blacken and crumble.
"This tree and Mew are symbiotically linked. If the tree dies, Mew might die as well." Kidd said getting the group to look in shock.
Ash and Drew looked at each other and nodded. "Everyone get out of here. We are going to save this tree." Ash said which shocked the group anymore.
Before they could argue, Drew cut them off. "Don't argue with this. We nearly lost you once. We aren't doing it again." He said.
The girls looked at each other and hesitantly nodded. They started to walk away but May and Tori turned back around. "Please be careful." May said as Tori nodded.
The two smiled and gave them a thumbs up. They left and the two boys turned to see King Rock putting Mew away.
"You should have kept your friends with you. There is no way to beat me."
Ash smirked as he pulled out his belt buckle and inserted the Change Pikachu card while Drew activated his phone
STANDBY LEO
"We will see about that." Before he could start his sequence, Lucario approached him.
"Ash let me fight with you." He said with determination. Ash looked and nodded holding out his hand Lucario transformed into a card. Ash completed his sequence.
HENSHIN
COMPLETE/EVOLVE
Now in their Zodiac: Leo and Aura forms, Aura swiped Lucario's card.
FORCE PALM
Aura's hands started glowing blue and charged in with Zodiac blade on fire. They started hack at the heavily armed golem whose defenses seemed to deflect their blows. But it was apparent to them that previous battles took their toll on him as their attacks started finding their marks. After another combo attack where Aura clothesline the monster. When he got up Zodiac picked him and dropped him hard onto his back. King Rock was stunned but was able to get up but he was pissed off.
"RAAARGH…DYNAMICPUNCH" King Rock said both of his fists glowed and tried to attack the two riders. But they ducked out of the way and with a combined Force Palm and Fire Fist send their opponent reeling. They jumped back slightly and Zodiac took his phone and pressed the finisher button while Ash scanned another card.
AURA SPHERE: MAXIMUM ENERGY
STANDBY LEO: FINISHER
COMBO: AURA CANNON
Aura gathered the blue energy into a large sphere while Zodiac started gathering flames in his hands. They turned towards each other and the two attacks combined. King Rock recovered just in time to see the attacks build up energy.
With a loud yell they fired the two attacks with the images of Lucario firing the sphere and a lion roared and fired the fiery blast which quickly consumed and destroyed King Rock. Sighing they both powered down. Just as they did a couple of the rocks from the tree fell on them and they were forced to dodge it.
"Damn this tree is coming down. We need to either get out of here or fix this." Drew yelled at Ash.
"Mew." They turned to see Mew weakly floating up. She nudged her head and started floating away.
"I think she wants us to follow her." Ash said as they followed Mew. They eventually came up to the core of the tree. Looking around they spotted something encased in one of the gems. Lucario gasped recognizing the person. It was Sir Aaron.
"How…How is Sir Aaron here?"
Ash looked and saw a time flower. He activated it and a projection started up
Memory start
Sir Aaron had appeared in the core of the tree. A loud caw was heard and Ho-oh appeared. Instantly it transformed into Mew.
"Mew…please help me protect this kingdom. Let me give you my Aura to do so." Sir Aaron said as he started giving Mew his Aura energy. Once enough had been gathered Mew flew up to the large gem that was the heart of the tree and unleashed all the energy starting the restoration of the tree.
Aaron smiled and as the projection ended he collapsed.
When the memory ended Lucario had tears in his eyes. "Aaron…you are a hero. I am sorry I doubted you." Lucario said. Looking near his body he saw Sir Aaron's gloves.
"I see what we have to do. Ash" getting the black-haired boy's attention "Your Aura's closest to Sir Aaron's please put them on." Ash nodded and put them on, surprisingly the fit perfectly.
"Now what?" Drew asked.
"Now we need to give Mew our Aura." Lucario said.
Drew looked shocked. "Are you nuts? We saw what it did to Aaron its Suicidal."
"It's the only way. Can I trust you to take care of Misty and May?" Ash said.
Drew shook his head. "I am not leaving my wingman. We go down together." Drew said as they went to start pouring the energy into Mew. A lot was needed and eventually the strain became too much for them. Lucario noticed this and in a bold move knocked Ash aside. This had the effect of breaking Drew's concentration to check his friend.
"Lucario what the heck?" He yelled picking up Ash.
"You two have a greater destiny. My destiny is find peace with my master. Thank you for opening my eyes." Lucario said as he pumped more Aura in and Mew was fully recovered. Mew went to the core and released the energy. The effects were almost instantaneous. The destruction wrought from the tree dying was reversed and the gems started to glow brightly.
Outside their friends were watching the tree collapse. Suddenly they saw the gems start to glow bright and the tree started to repair itself. When the glow died down, Kidd who had been keeping touch with her boss called him.
"What is going on Banks?"
"It's remarkable Kidd the tree is being reborn. This will make a great story and cement your legacy.
Kidd shook her head. "No this is staying private this tree doesn't need the tourists destroying it. I will call you later." She ending the call. She turned to the girls who were watching the tree.
"You think they did it?" She asked.
Misty nodded with tears. "Yeah our boys know what they're doing. I'm sure they are on their way back now."
The other girls nodded but Tori started praying for their safe return.
In the tree, the two boys were looking at Lucario who was disappearing.
"Lucario…please stay with us." Ash said tearing up.
Lucario shook his head as his hand hit a time flower. The image showed Sir Aaron on his last breath.
"Lucario…I'm sorry. I sealed you in the staff because I knew you would follow me. You were just my servant…but my best friend and comrade. Thank you." Sir Aaron said as he slowly collapsed and died.
The memory faded with Lucario crying. "Sir Aaron… I'm sorry I failed you."
Ash shook his head grabbing his hand as it started to fade. "You didn't fail. He would be proud of you."
Lucario smiled. "Thank you…Ash. You will be…great…someday. I…can feel it." Lucario said. Sir Aaron's body glowed as well. "Aaron…my friend…I am coming." Lucario said closing his eyes and they both faded away.
Ash watched them disappear and was sniffling. A hand gently touched his shoulder. He looked up and saw Drew looking like he had been crying a bit as well.
"Lucario was a great pokémon. He may be gone. But you can carry on their legacy." He said pointing to the gloves which hadn't disappeared. Ash nodded and slipped them on noticing they were comfortable. They stood up and started walking out.
"Does it get any easier?" Ash asked Drew who turned to his friend. "Does seeing your friends and comrades die get easier?"
Drew sighed. "No…it doesn't. But they don't die when they are physically gone." Ash looked at him perplexed. "They are gone…when we stop remembering them." Drew said pointing at his chest. "Our hearts have them and as long as you don't forget them they will stay there." He said smiling. Ash nodded and Drew released Flygon and they hopped on.
Flying towards where they remembered the truck they saw their friends. Landing they approached them slowly. Tori and Gabby approached Drew and nodded gently hugging Drew. Misty and May saw their beloved with tear streaks and comforted him sniffling slightly. They went into the truck hand in hand and left for the kingdom.
The Next day
Lady Ilene had thanked them profusely and dubbed them honored guests of the kingdom. As promised they were given several books on Aura to keep. With Ilene's blessing they departed the castle. As they took the gondola down Ash looked depressed.
May noticed this and commented on it. "Ash what's up?"
Ash looked at her. "Nothing May. It's just…Lucario and Sir Aaron gave me something to live up to. I am just worried if I can do it.
May hummed. "I don't know what he said or what the future holds. But" May said taking his left hand. "You've got me." May said. Misty took his right hand. "And me." Max waved his hands "And me". Tori and Gabby raised their fists. "And us." Brock grabbed the shoulder with Misty. "And me." Drew grabbed the other one with May on it. "And you've got me. We will do it somehow.
Ash nodded grateful for his friends. They watched as the sun rose over the castle. Unseen to the group was Sir Aaron and Lucario who were smiling.
"They will be great Guardians someday." Aaron said.
"You're wrong Aaron. They already are." Lucario said smiling. Aaron nodded and they faded away.
With the adventures in Rota done, what will happen to our heroes? Find out on the Journeys of the dreamer.
A/N: End of chapter
UO: Done finally. Sigh I wanted to do at least this one and one in the Diamond and Pearl movie set so forgive me. Hopefully I did okay. Please tell me in a review.
Preview: With Glenn's forces defeated in Rota the gang makes their way to the Battle Tower. But Glenn is one step ahead and attacks the tower. Who is the mysterious girl they find and will they be able to win when their opponent can copy what they do? Will a new rider change this? Find out next time
Next time: Empathetic battling
Please review this and all my stories. Next up is the 2nd Magnolia and then back to this. Please check out Kage Bijuu, Spartan719 and Code-Emperor07's stories out. I helped a lot on their stories.
OSPREY…SWOOOSH