Chapter 4 - The Training
Ash wasn't good at following instructions...everyone knew that. So when Aaron told him to close his eyes, he did so, but it didn't mean that he would close them the entire time.
You can call it instinct when the boy quickly opened them and fell on the ground before the punch hit him in the face. "S-sorry..!" he swiftly apologized. "I...I wasn't focusing hard enough."
The man simply smirked. "It took me some time to master this too Aiden. Take your time...though you probably don't want to do such since it means more bruises." the trainer flinched. He had to get it right as fast as he could then.
"Ready for Round Two?" the Aura Guardian asked while going in a fighting stance.
"Yep, I'm ready!" the child replied confidently as he closed his eyes.
Aaron took another step and pushed himself forward, though instead of using his aura, Ash simply anticipated the move and dodged it. Even if it worked for the first attack, he then forgot that it was continuous...which resulted in the black-haired boy getting punched on the cheek. He nearly toppled over but was able to balance himself. He didn't get off that round unhurt though. "Ooow...that stung..." he muttered as he winced in pain.
"You're not concentrating Aiden. Not all attacks are going to reveal themselves you know." the man said.
"I-I know that..."
"Then why didn't you prove it awhile ago?" the boy didn't know how to counter the question thrown at him. "Ugh...okay, let's go again." Ash responded.
This time, he tried to sense the aura within him...he had no clue how to do it, but there was a sort of fleeting feeling in his body for a small moment. He attempted to do it once more, and it did. Now he just needed to focus that energy to his eyes...
Aaron smiled; he was really making an effort this time. "Let's see if you will be able to avoid this one." he thought as he readied his fist and lunged forward.
For a split second, Ash saw a figure moving even though he was only seeing darkness. He saw an arm quickly approaching him, and he moved away. He then saw the same light blue outline rapidly draw near, and he evaded it again. "So this is what he meant!" the auras grew clearer and clearer in his eyes...before he was enclosed in a black world, now he could see the life in the trees around him. He could see his teacher's whole body even though he wasn't opening his eyes. Everything was radiating crystal blue flames...and Aaron's was the largest.
The Aura Guardian smiled proudly. "He got it."
-o-
Aaron led his student to a nearby river to take a break. Though Ash may have gotten how to use aura sensing, they kept on training to perfect it so that it will be permanent and it will come as soon as the user closes his eyes. For the child, it didn't kick in as swiftly, and surprisingly, there were times where he couldn't see anything at all and he would be defenseless. Still, the world in aura was pretty amazing...though he didn't have the time to admire it since he would get hit on the nose if he did.
"Good work Aiden. You're progressing quicker than I expected." the man congratulated as he leaned on a rock to relax.
"Thanks." the trainer replied as he washed his face with water from the shallow river. "How long did it take you to master it Aaron?"
"Hm...maybe...about five days or so. The method my teacher was using before wasn't as dangerous as the one we're doing you see."
"Oh..." Ash sighed and let his body fall on the soft grass. He was gazing at the blue sky now, and was thinking about everyone in his time. "I wonder how they're doing?" he mused. He let exhaustion take him and fell asleep for a couple of minutes with a peaceful expression. Ash liked this place; forests and surroundings like these tend to remind him that there are indeed moments that can be perfect. Nobody's perfect, but memories can. He wouldn't mind staying like this forever...
Suddenly, Pikachu's cry echoed in his head. That made him wake up with a start. The boy looked down and gazed at the river...other joyful memories rushing into his mind. "Pikachu..."
-o-
Throughout the day, they continued to train on Ash's aura sensing. After punching, Aaron thought that he was ready for something more challenging...hence the logs. The boy was stunned at how fast they were moving and nearly got hit before his mentor saved him...bridal style. "Too close."
"T-thanks Aaron..." he stuttered since he somehow felt awkward about it. "Be careful next time Aiden."
"O-okay..." at the next attempts, Ash was improving little by little. But he was still getting grazed by avoiding the large trunks. By sunset, the Aura Guardian told him that they'll stop for the day and head back to the castle. In truth, he was concerned about the numerous scratches on the child's back and arms...at the same time Ash didn't look like he was going to cease training any time soon. Once they stopped, the child realized how tired he was...using aura was like spending energy...only multiplied by two. He would have collapsed on the grass if it not were for Aaron catching him.
The way back was met with silence because Ash fell asleep and the man had to carry him on his back. For some reason, his slow and steady breathing calmed Aaron...a light feeling arousing inside when he glances at the boy every now and then.
He remembered how much he looked up to his master...how he was like a father to him. Maybe...this was the feeling his mentor experienced with him. "He hasn't met his father for a long time..." he muttered to himself. "I wonder...if I can try to be one to him. Just like Teacher..."
Aaron didn't know that two legendaries overheard what he was thinking about. "Stop giggling Palkia...you'll blow our cover..." Dialga whispered in annoyance. The pair were sitting/standing on a branch; jumping to another once in a while to catch up with them.
"But it's so cute..!" he replied while he was muffling his own chuckles. "Those two look really good together. I wouldn't be surprised if many people thought Ash was his son or something."
"I thought you just said he wasn't supposed to be in this time line."
"Don't ruin the moment brother!" the blue-haired male sighed. He didn't know that his little brother could be so...squeamish about this stuff. He guessed it was because the only figure he could really look up to was he...Arceus doesn't come that often to their place anymore. Plus, Palkia lives alone..."He must be feeling really giddy about this." he muttered while ruffling his own hair a little, but then he smiled. "He's so naïve sometimes..." the legendary then realized something. "Wait, I thought you went back to our dimension just a couple hours ago!"
"Huh? Oh. Yeah, but I wanted to see Ash and Sir Aaron you know." he replied with an innocent grin.
"Palkia?"
"Hmm?" Dialga bonked him on the head, making a small bump emerged and the younger brother blinking back tiny tears. "Owww...what was that for brother?"
"I can't believe how irresponsible you are! Leaving the Time and Space dimensions unguarded? What were you thinking?" he shouted since he was sure the two males were out of ear-shot already.
"I was thinking of father and son fluff?" there was a stiff silence between the two for a couple of moments. "...I should really cut you off the internet more often."
Palkia whimpered.
-o-
"Master!"
"Ah Lucario...nice to see you." Aaron replied mildly as he approached the pokémon. The two were standing in front of the castle gate while the sky continued to darken. The jackal-like creature then noticed Ash sleeping soundly on his back. "How did the training go?"
"Better than expected." the man responded. "He's progressing much faster than I thought he would...in fact, he's faster in learning than I am. It's surprising how a child of his age can have so much control over his aura." Lucario didn't look as amused as Aaron was. "Anyhow, let us go inside the castle. It's getting darker out here as we speak."
"Yes Master." he trailed behind his teacher and glared at Ash. Letting a soft growl escape his mouth, he silently followed his current mentor into the walls of the palace. They went to the boy's room first and placed him on the bed; letting him sleep while the two aura users walked to the dining hall to eat dinner. Aaron was always famished after long hours of practice and the food the royal chefs make are always delicious for the Aura Guardian. He wondered if he should have woken up his new apprentice for dinner, but his peaceful expression made him think otherwise. He didn't want to disturb the young boy in his sleep.
Soon it was getting late and the numerous stars were already up high in the sky. Aaron had to avoid sleeping late for it may hinder him the next morning...the same goes for Lucario. So as soon as they were done having their meal, they parted ways and went to their separate rooms. When he closed the door behind him, the man stifled a small yawn and took of his cape and hat. He then looked out of his window and gazed at the scenery for a few moments. Aaron sighed; he just couldn't shake off that feeling that there was something bad going to happen...
"I shouldn't be thinking about something negative...after all, it's not like a war's going to break out or anything..." he smiled to himself and decided to get some sleep.
Besides, tomorrow they still have to perfect that aura sensing of Ash's...and he still has to convince Lucario to join them.
"I'll let the next day worry for itself..." he muttered as he lay down on his pillow. In a matter of minutes, he was fast asleep.
A/N : Aaron has no idea how wrong he is...O.o
Okay...in a bit of a rush to end this since I have to sleep already. Other than that, yay I'm done with the chapter!...yeah. I hope you enjoyed it. I still like Dialga and Palkia...
Please Review! Pretty please? :D