A/N: Serena's outfit is the same as what she had after her first showcase loss, when she first joins the group, only her hair is long and in a side braid. And instead of the blue ribbon she has on the necklace.
You might notice I changed the name, it was always supposed to be a place holder till I figured out the right name. And the cover art of Ash, I drew myself.
Team Rocket, disguised as Pokémon Researchers, walked into the lab. Looking around to make sure Ash wasn't nearby, they walked up to one of the assistants. "Hello." Jessie said. "We are Pokémon Researchers from Hoenn. We heard that we could learn about Mega Evolution here. Is that true?"
"Oh yes." The assistant said. "I'm sure the professor would be happy to explain his research to you, and Garchomp here, is one of the Pokémon that might be able to Mega Evolve."
"You don't say." James said. Ash has a Gible, but the thing doesn't seem to want to evolve.
Just then, Froakie came in the room. They didn't look the same but he could feel their aura. It was Team Rocket,. He looked at Garchomp, and pointed to them. They were the ones I was fighting when I got hurt. Garchomp let out a loud roar, and went into 'Protector Mode'.
"That's not good." Meowth said. "Throw the box doohickey, and lets get out of here." James threw the box, and it hit Garchomp around the neck, and flashed red a few times before going blue. It was supposed to render a Pokémon unconscious, instead it caused Garchomp a lot of pain, and he begun to fire hyper beams just when Ash and the others came running into the room, having heard the roar.
Ash dove out of the way of a wild blast, then rolled to his feet, looking around he saw Team Rocket. "You again?" Ash asked. "What have done this time?"
"We didn't mean to honest." James said. "It was merely supposed to knock him out, so we could get away." Garchomp blasted a wall then flew out into the city, crashing into buildings and firing hyper beams.
Ash and Pikachu went to follow, but Froakie stopped them. Wait, I'm coming with you.
"Great." Ash said, starting to run again. "We will need all the help we can get." They fallowed the path of destruction to Prism Tower, where Garchomp just kept firing. They went to the back, and Clemont used his Aipalm arm in his backpack, to open the door. Ash ran in, but before Bonnie and Clemont could get in, a hyper beam hit the doorway, completely blocking it off.
"Is everyone Okay?" Ash called out.
"Yeah. But we can't get through. Go on without us." Clemont yelled back. Ash turned and ran up to the top of the building.
Meanwhile in Vaniville Town, Grace, Serena's mom, had the Lumiose News on. "Serena, you need to come see this, something terrible is happening."
"Oh yeah." Serena said looking in the mirror, seeing her face covered in cuts and bruises from falling off the Rhyhorn so many times. "Well, something terrible has happened to my face!" She grabbed her salve out of the medicine cabinet and went to join her mom. Grace looked at her daughter and felt a little guilty she got so banged up.
Serena began to apply the salve, a special mixture she makes. She learned how to make it shortly after moving back to Kalos. She had met a Floette in the woods and they became friends. One day when they were playing, she got hurt and Floette taught her how to make it. It can heal small cuts and bruises within an hour.
"What movie is this?" Serena asked her mom.
"It's not a movie. This is live from Lumiose City." Grace said, not taking her eyes off the T.V. As a Garchomp sat on top of Prism Tower, they watched as a young man tried to approach the Dragon type. "I wonder if that's Garchomp's trainer."
Back in Lumiose, Ash was trying to get close to Garchomp, while avoiding being hit. Just as he was almost there, Garchomp flew to the very top of the tower. He looked around and saw a metal rung ladder. He told Pikachu and Froakie to get on his shoulders and he begun to climb. As they got to the top, they were almost hit by a hyper beam. They dodged just in time and came back to their feet. Pikachu went to fire a thunderbolt at him.
"No." Ash stopped him. "Garchomp can't control himself. We need to help him, not hurt him." They got closer and closer. When they were about 5 feet away, Garchomp took a step back and almost fell, but Froakie threw his frubbles at his feet to keep him in place. "Good thinking." Ash took his chance and lunged at Garchomp, putting his arms around him, and sending as much calming energy as possible.
Once Garchomp was still enough, Ash had Pikachu use iron tail on the collar. Garchomp collapsed to the ground in relief. Thank you again, gaurdian. Pikachu went to take a step to Ash, but the ledge began to crumble and he fell. Without thinking, Ash dove after Pikachu.
Ash caught up to him about half way down, pulling him close. "Hold on tight bud." Once Pikachu was secure, Ash righted himself, then used his aura to create a focused wind gust to slow his decent. He came to a stop 6 inches from the ground, then released his aura and landed safely on the ground.
In Vaniville Town, Serena and her mom watched the young man land gently on the ground. "What was that blue light?" Serena asked her mom.
"What light?"
"You didn't see it? It was everywhere."
"I have no idea what you are talking about." They continued to watch as the guy looked around before turning a corner and disappearing, but before he did, she caught a glimpse at something around his neck. The red half of a pokeball pendent. Serena's hand went up to her own necklace. It couldn't be, could it? I mean it did look like him, and he has the pendent, so maybe. The reporters tried to follow, but he was already gone. Their attention then turned to Professor Sycamore and Garchomp.
Serena turned to her mom. "I want to start my training journey."
"What?" Her mom asked surprised. "You want to start after watching that? Really?"
"Its not that. Its just that, that guy," she paused and her mom nodded for her to continue, "I think it was Ash."
"Wait," her mom said, confused. "Ash from Pallet Town when you were a kid?" Serena just nodded. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, but that's also why I want to go to the professor's lab. I can get my first Pokémon, find out if it was really him, and where he went at the same time." Serena was starting to get really excited. "I'm going to leave in the morning."
Back in Lumiose, Ash had just rounded the corner to get away from the crowd he knew would be coming after him, when something landed next to him, grabbed him and jumped. They jumped from building to building before coming to land beside a man wearing a mask, and the Pokémon released him. In front of him is the same one as when he first left the airport. "It's you." Ash said. "Thank you for getting me out of there."
It was an honour, beside, it is still too soon to reveal the identity of the Aura Guardian. When he finished speaking, it transformed back into it's normal Blaziken form
"So you are a Blaziken." Ash said. "Then that must have been your Mega Evolved form."
"Indeed it was. I am Blaziken Mask. Though I am a little confused. I was watching the news a few minutes ago, and when your fall began to slow down, confused about that to, by the way, Blaziken popped out of it's pokeball and insisted on Mega Evolving, then took off and brought you back here. Care to explain." The man said.
"Uh." Ash said, looking at Blaziken.
He nodded. It's Okay. You can tell him, he will keep your secret. He will also be a good ally when you are in Lumiose City.
Ash thought it over and decided to tell him. He started with a question. "Have you ever heard of an Aura Guardian?"
The mans eyes widened. "Are you telling me you are an Aura Guardian." Ash just nodded, he turned to Blaziken, who did the same. "Well shit, guess I don't need this then." He takes off his mask, revealing a man, probably around the age of 45.
"Just how much, do you know about Aura Guardians?" Ash asked.
"More then most." He said, shrugging. "I was tasked with the secret of the Origin of Mega Evolution. Both, and and keystones, were actually made by Aura Guardians, all evolution stones are. At least, indirectly. When ever a guardian uses their aura to save someone, it infuses the earth with their power, over time that power becomes evolution stones, the more aura that is used, the more stones are created. World saving events infuse the entire region with power, and create megastones and keystones."
"Well that's pretty cool. So, you understand then why my identity has to be kept a secret." Ash said.
"I do. So you should probably get back to what ever you were doing before all hell broke loose." Ash chuckled and agreed. They said good-bye, and parted ways.
When Ash got back to the lab, he discovered everyone had already gone to bed, except for the professor. He asked to talk to Ash for a bit, so they sat.
"So, I have to ask, you don't need to answer, but what happened when you jumped off that tower?"
"I'm sorry professor, that's not really something I can talk about."
"That's fine. I kinda figured. Now, another thing, something that peaked my curiosity when I first met you. Why only half a pokeball pendent?"
Shocked by question, he told the professor about Serena. No one had asked that before. "She is a big reason why I came to Kalos, I was hoping to run into her." They talked for a while longer then went to bed.
The next morning Ash was all set to leave with Bonnie and Clemont, but once again they were stopped by Froakie. He didn't say anything, just pulled out a pokeball from behind his back and rolled it towards Ash. "So, this mean you wanna join my team?" Ash asked. Froakie just nodded. "You don't mind, do you professor."
"I have never seen a Pokémon choose its own trainer, so I wont stand in the way." With that Froakie jumped and hit the button. The pokeball didn't flash once, just pinged for a successful capture.
"Alright bud, we just made our first friend in the Kalos region." Ash and Pikachu were both really happy, they had officially begun their Kalos journey. Before they left the professor gave Ash a new Pokédex. The two, along with Bonnie and Clemont, headed off for Santalune City Gym.
A few hours later a girl showed up at the lab. "Hi, my name is Serena Aneres. I would like to get my first Pokémon please."
"Of corse." The professor said. "Follow me." He walked to a room off to the right. It looks like she has the other half of Ash's necklace, i wonder if she is the friend he told me about. Inside three Pokémon sat side by side, by side. "New trainers can choose from three types of Pokémon, a water type, a grass type, and a fire type. Here's a Pokédex, it might help you decide."
Serena held it up to each Pokémon. "Froakie, the bubble frog Pokémon. A water type, it secretes flexible bubbles from its chest and back. The bubbles reduce the damage it would otherwise take when attacked. Chespin, the spiny nut Pokémon, a grass type, the quills on its head are usually soft. When it flexes them, the points become so hard and sharp they can pierce rock. Fennekin, the fox Pokémon, a fire type, eating a twig fills it with energy, and its roomy ears give vent to air hotter than 390 degrees Fahrenheit."
"Thank you professor, but I already knew what one I wanted before I left the house." She turned to the Pokémon. "Fennekin, if it's Okay with you, I'd really like to be friends." Serena gave her a warm smile.
"Fenne. Kin." She happily wagged her tail before jumping into Serena's arms, then licking her cheek. The professor handed her Fennekin's pokeball, and she put her inside it.
"Professor, before I go, there is something I want to ask you. I was watching the news last night, and the guy who saved your Garchomp, was his name Ash Ketchum by any chance?" Serena asked, hopeful.
"Yes, it was." I knew it. "He was headed for Santalune City for a gym battle." She excitedly thanked the professor, and left to find Ash.
As the three were walking Clemont asked, "Ash, that blue light when saved yourself last night, what was it?"
Ash stopped dead in tracks and stared at Clemont. "You could see a light?" Ash asked, and Clemont nodded. "Tell me what you see now." Ash held up his hands and created a small Aura Sphere.
"Whoa, that's an Aura Sphere, how is that possible?" Clemont asked.
"Hey, why can't I see anything?" Bonnie asked before Ash could answer.
"Well Bonnie, you can't see anything because you are not an Aura Guardian," he looked at Clemont. "only an Aura Guardian can see another's aura."
"Are you saying I'm an Aura Guardian? Wait, does that mean your one?" Clemont asked, and Ash nodded.
"That's so cool, my big brother is an Aura Guardian." Bonnie said.
"You know Ash, I had a feeling it wasn't an accident we met." Clemont said, as they continued walking.
"Your right. There hasn't been more then one Aura Guardian in 1,000 years. If I'm right, there should be one more." Ash replied.
"Why do you say that?" Bonnie asked.
"There is a door in the Cavern of Legends, it has three handprints on it, a blue, a yellow, and a red."
"Um, what's the Cavern of Legends?" Clemont asked.
"Oh, it's this huge cavern under an island in the Orange Archipelago. It has status representing each Species of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon, when a guardian creates a bond with one, its corresponding statue will glow with the colour of the guardians aura. I've only ever been there once, the day I found out I was an Aura Guardian. I'll go back one day. And I'll bring you and the other guardian with me." Ash said. And I think I might know who it is. I just need to find her.
They continued to walk, until the came across a Pokémon Centre. They went in to eat. As they were eating Bonnie asked, "Ash, if Team Rocket is so bad, and have been following you for so long, why haven't you done anything to stop them for good?"
"Well, that's kind of complicated. When they attack, I can feel in their aura they mean to cause harm, but its not malicious. I know I can stop them, so most of the time I just let it play out. It ends up being pretty good training for me and the Pokémon."
"What if that's what they are doing." Clemont said. Ash looked at him confused. "Think about it, most bad guys would go wherever the good guys aren't. So why do they follow you? I read somewhere that when an Aura Guardian is doing their trials, they have Trial Keepers, they train the guardian and keep track of their progress. Being part of Team Rocket would give them cover so you would fight harder, as well as access and information on an evil incorporation."
Ash thought about it for a minute. "Well shit, that actually makes a lot of sense. I can't tell you how many times they have actually saved mine and my friends lives, or fought with us, instead of against us." Ash shook his head. "Oh well, I'm still gonna fight them same as before. Like I said, when they attack, they mean to cause harm. We will still go at it with everything have, right Pikachu."
You bet Ash, that's the only way we know how to do it. They bumped fists.
"Ash, can you actually understand Pokémon?" Clemont asked curiously.
"Yeah I can, and you will be able to as well, it will be part of your training." Ash said.
"My training?"
"Yeah, I'll teach you everything I know on controlling your aura. I've taught all my Pokémon how to do it, I'm sure I can teach you." Ash said.
"Your Pokémon know how to use their aura?" Bonnie asked.
"Yeah," Ash nodded. "it's why all my Pokémon are stronger then thier average counterpart."
"That's amazing." Bonnie said.
"I have to agree. It would be an honour to learn from you." Clemont said, bowing his head to Ash. They finished their dinner, Ash registered for the Kalos League and then they headed out to get a bit farther before night fall.
They walked for a few hours before stopping to set up camp. When Ash set up his tent, Clemont recognized it. "Hey, I made that tent."
"You did?" Ash asked. "Thats so cool. Professor Oak gave it to me when I was 11."
"Well it's good to know it's gone to good use. Have you had any problems with it?" Clemont asked.
"No, it's been great. You did an awesome job." They talked for a while longer before going to bed.
Back at the Pokémon Centre, Serena and Fennekin were settling down in bed. "I really hope we can catch up to Ash. I think you will really like him, he has a way with Pokémon. They all love him."
Fennekin turned her head to look at her, and Serena heard the whisper of the words Aura Guardian. It wasn't the first time she had heard it, it's happened about a dozen times or so since she moved away from Pallet Town.
"So you think that Ash is an Aura Guardian?" Serena asked.
Fenekin nodded. You too.
"Huh, me? No way. Ash makes sense, but me?" She sighed. "I guess that's why I can understand you. But why can I hear more now? It's only ever been a word or two before. And it doesn't happen often."
Getting stronger. Serena just nodded, and they both fell asleep.
The next morning they were up early. They ate breakfast and were on the road by 7:30.
Ash and the others woke up late. By the time they ate, and packed up camp it was almost 9:30. As they were about to leave, a berry came flying out of a bush and hit Pikachu on the head. Hey! He said. They all turned to the berry on the ground.
Pikachu went to grab it, when a small bolt of electricity shot out and hit it into Bonnie's face. A small mouse like Pokémon ran out after it. Don't touch that berry. It's mine.
"Hey, it's a Dedenne" Clemont said.
Ash scanned it with his Pokédex while Pikachu talked to Dedenne. "Dedenne, the Antenna Pokémon, an electric and fairy type, its whiskers serve as antennas. By sending and receiving electrical waves, it can communicate with others over vast distances."
Pikachu, Why did you do that?
Dedenne. Its my berry, I didn't want you to touch it. I didn't mean to hit the girl. I didn't mean to hit you either, by the way, the berry was being stubborn, and when it finally came loose, I fell and it went flying and hit you. I thought you were going to eat it.
"Its so cute. Clemont, can you keep it for me?" Bonnie begged her big brother.
"Keep it for her?" Ash asked.
"Yeah. I'll hold onto the pokeball till she is old enough to have it, but she will have to take care of it, and train it. Then it will be her first Pokémon when she is of age." Ash nodded and focused on the Pokémon's conversation.
Pikachu. I wasn't. I just wanted to see what hit me.
Dedenne. Oh. I'm sorry, can I have my berry back though, I'm really hungry. As if to prove its point, its stomach growled loud enough for everyone to hear. Bonnie looked at the berry in her hand, then held it out for Dedenne. Just as it was about to grab the berry, a bird Pokémon swooped in and stole it.
Ash scanned the new Pokémon. "Fletchling, the Tiny Robbin Pokémon, a normal and flying type, although its chirp is quite beautiful to hear, it is relentlessly tough with those who enter its territory." It sat on the branch for a second before swallowing the berry it had in its beak. They all turned to Dedenne to see it had tears welling up in its eyes.
Ash thought quick and got out some of Pikachu's food, which caught Dedenne's attention. "Here Bonnie, give it some of this." He handed the food to her, and she gave it to Dedenne. Froakie kept his eyes on Fletchling the entire time.
"You know Dedenne," Bonnie said, "if you come with us, you will never have to be hungry. Right Clemont?"
"Thats true." Clemont said. "We will always make sure you have enough to eat." It didn't take much more convincing for Dedenne to join them. Clemont caught Dedenne in a pokeball then let it out so Bonnie could take care of it. Now that, that was settled, Froakie had a bone to pick with Fletchling.
Froakie. Its not nice to steal, you know.
Fletchling. I didn't steal anything. I just took back what was already mine. This is my territory, he stole from me.
Pikachu. Haven't you ever heard of sharing?
Fletchling. No one has ever shared with me, so why should I share what I worked so hard for?
Froakie. Well you could at least apologize.
Fletchling. Why don't you make me?
Froakie. Fine. I will.
Fletchling led the way to the battlefield. "Are you sure about this?" Ash asked Froakie. He gave him a look. "I get it. I do. You don't like bullies, neither do I. That's why I'm asking. If you are, I might have a plan. But I need you to listen to me and follow my lead, can you do that?" Froakie thought it over before nodding. They arrived at the battlefield, a canyon. Perfect.
"Alright Froakie, between the height differences in the rocks, and your jumping abilities, we can all but eliminate her advantage of flying." Ash said, Froakie nodded in understanding.
"Clemont, what did Ash mean?" Bonnie asked.
"I'm not sure, but I'll bet we are about to find out." Replied Clemont.
"Go Froakie, jump above Fletchling." He took off, jumping from ledge to ledge, getting higher and higher till he was above Fletchling. "Use Water Pulse." Fletchling dodged the move. "Make it hard to fly." Froakie landed then jumped again, throwing his frubbles at her, then ducked behind a rock. Fletchling came swooping in to attack him, only to realize to late it was a frubble decoy. With her wings all gummed up she couldn't avoid Froakies bubble attack.
She was hit and begun to fall from the sky, Ash threw a pokeball. It flashed twice before she popped out again. Ha. You are going to have to try harder then that. She taunted. Ash and Froakie exchanged a look then Froakie took off to get above her once again.
When they were face to face, Ash called out, "Water Pulse." Froakie landed a direct hit and she began to fall again. This time when Ash threw the pokeball, Fletchling stayed inside. "Alright Froakie, we just caught our first Pokémon as a team." Ash let Fletchling out.
Froakie. You owe Dedenne an apology.
Fletchling turned to Dedenne. I'm sorry. I've been alone all my life, and had to fight for everything I got. I never learned how to share. But, I want to be a better Pokémon. She looked at Ash. If you will help me.
"Of course," Ash said, "you already made a great start." The gang and their two new friends, headed off once again to Santalune City.
They had finally arrived in Santalune, they were standing by a fountain, trying to figure out where the gym was when a woman, probably around 25, took a picture of Ash and Pikachu. "Sorry, I hope you don't mind. The bond between you and your Pikachu is so amazing, I just had to capture it."
Ash shook his head and laughed. "Not at all, but it is gonna cost you something."
"And what is that?" She asked with an eyebrow arched.
"You wouldn't happen to know where the gym is, would you?" He asked. She laughed and gave him directions. He thanked her, and he and his friends took off.
When they got to the gym a Helioptile ran out and tackled Ash. "Hey, Helioptile, it's great to see you again." Alexa came out after her Pokémon. "Hi Alexa, how's it going?"
"Not to bad Ash, are you here for your gym battle?" She asked.
"Whoa, you already know the gym leader here Ash?" Bonnie asked.
"No." Ash said.
"My little sister is the gym leader. She should be here any minute." Alexa finished.
"Actually, I'm already here." They all turned to see the woman from the fountain. "Hi Alexa." She walked up and hugged her sister, then turned to look at Ash. "So, this is the one you were telling me about huh? Alright, lets see what he's made of." She turned to Ash. "I'm Viola, the gym leader. You want a gym battle, you got one." They went to the battlefield, and took their places.
Just as they were about to start, Ash saw a girl walk into the gym. I've never seen anyone more beautiful. He shook the thought off, and focused on the battle at hand. "Alright Pikachu, I choose you." Viola chose a Surskit. "Pikachu, Quick Attack." Pikachu ran at Surskit, but Viola had it use protect. He bounced off. "Use Quick Attack to run around then use Iron Tail." Pikachu landed then took off, he was on Surskit before it could react, land a direct blow with iron tail.
Viola gasped. "Surskit, are you alright?" It nodded. "Good, then it's time for a picture perfect battlefield. Use Ice Beam." It used ice beam across the entire field. Pikachu jumped and dodged to avoid being hit by it. When it was done everything was covered in ice.
Pikachu looked at Ash. We gonna do the new thing? As nodded. Alright. Let's do this.
"Use Electro Ball, and Iron Tail." Pikachu jumped as high as he could, then activated both, electro ball and iron tail. Spinning on the decent to gain speed and power, righting himself just before hitting the ground, he crushed the electro ball between the ground and the iron tail, causing it to explode. Pikachu used the move as a spring board to avoid any danger. Surskit wasn't so lucky.
"Surskit is unable to battle, first point goes to Ash." The judge said.
"You fought well, have a good rest." Viola said to her Pokémon. "Okay Vivillon, your up."
"You good to keep going bud?" Pikachu gave the affirmative, and they began. Vivillon used gust and Pikachu planted its tail, to keep from moving. Viola then had it use sleep powder followed by a quick solar beam, knocking Pikachu out. Ash went and picked him up. Saying how well he had done. He rested while Ash let out Fletchling.
Ash had her use peck, but it countered with psychic. Vivillon threw her, but she caught herself before hitting the ground. Viola had he Pokémon use sleep powder, and ash countered with razor wind, sending the sleep powder back at it. Ash then had Fletchling use a spinning peck, to effectively knocking out the bug type.
"Vivillon is unable to battle. Ash Ketchum is the winner." Declared the judge.
Viola walked up to Ash after putting her Pokémon away. "It is an hounor for me to present you with the bug badge." She handed him the badge and he put it in the case. "So, where to now?"
"Not sure." Ash said.
"Well, you could go to Cyllage City. You'll definitely find a challenge there." Viola suggested.
Ash thanked her and said he would. As they were leaving he saw the girl again. She was walking towards him. He looked her over before noticing the necklace. It may have been 9 years since he had seen it last, but he would never forget it. "Serena?" Ash asked shocked.
"Hey Ash." She gave him a warm smile. "It's been a while." She stopped about 5 feet away, playing with her braid nervously.
Ash gave a quick introduction, then walked up to her, and wrapped her in a hug. "God, I've missed you." He said to her.
She hugged him back. "I missed you too. When I saw you on the news, I just knew I had to come find you." She pulled back, just enough to see his face. "I saw your aura."
Ash smiled. "I figured it was you." Then he looked confused. "But how do you know it was my aura you saw?"
"I didn't. At least not till Fennekin explained a bit." She said.
"Wait, you can talk to Pokémon too." Clemont asked.
"Well kind of. It's only a couple words at a time." She replied. Then she realized she was still standing in Ash's arms, she took a small step back.
Disappointed, Ash let her go, but didn't move away. "That's how it started for me too. The more you practice the clearer their words become. Eventually it will just be like hearing English." Ash told her.
"So Serena, does that mean you'll be travelling with us?" Bonnie asked. "Ash said he had to train Clemont. So that means he has to train you as well."
"Actually, she can learn this stuff on her own, if she wanted to. I did." Ash said, then looked at Serena. "But I just found you again, and I'm not ready to say good-bye again."
"Well, when you put it that way, who could say no. Not that I wanted to anyways." She smiled at her new travelling companions. "So, where to next?" Ash told her he had decided on Cyllage gym, she pulled out her navigator and looked up the fastest route on foot. "It says the fastest way to get their, is to go back through Lumiose City." Clemont and Bonnie shared a look, but everyone agreed to go back.
With three Aura Guardians together for the first time in 1,000, who knows what adventures will unfold.