Chapter 9:

Support

A young Kangaskhan was running down the temple. He had just left his mother's pouch a few months before. His purple coloring had the very slightest of a brownish tint, his eyes were a dark red, and his fangs were about half the length of an adult two years older than him. His tail was a little bit too big for his body proportionally, and his ears flapped with every step he took.

He supposed that trying to carry three, heavy volumes of the journals of past Sages was a little…unintelligent of him, and made it a bit harder to run. But, when he'd seen….

He had been sitting just outside the Temple, surrounded by his books and the tall grass, when he saw the Normal Sage fly out in a hurry, clearly excited.

"What's the al…?" The youngster had started, but the Togetic had flown right past him. She was headed towards the entrance to the rocky, grassy ravine where the Temple was safely hidden. The youngster's cousin, Sara, had just returned from patrol, and she appeared to have prisoners, a Lucario, an Umbreon, a Pikachu, and two humans.

Wait, he had thought. They're excited. Not prisoners. They're guests! That means…!

And it was with that thought that the Kangaskhan picked up all three of the heavy books, and took off like a madman into the Temple, heading towards its library.

"NAAAAAAAAAATHE!" He bellowed in his somewhat juvenile voice.

"Hmm?" A male Kangaskhan turned his gaze slightly from the bookshelf in front of him. Nathaniel was about six years old-an adult by all rights for a Kangaskhan, even though his skin still had the slightest hint of baby purple-much to his embarrassment and frustration. Like the other males, Nathe didn't have a pouch on his stomach, but armored plates similar to a Rhydon's. He also had a male's longer fangs, which was pointless now. Males were forced to migrate to the Temple as soon as they left their mother's pouch. Apparently poachers got a lot of money for selling the armored plates that protected their chests and stomachs. It was for their own protection. Few were allowed to stay with their herds, and they were constantly in hiding.

Not that Nathe had any problems with living at the Temple. He was allowed outside more often than not. He had access to the library and-while it was nowhere near the size of the one at Hikari's Keep-he was never without a good book to read. He trained under some of the strongest Normal Pokémon in the world, and was good terms with the Sage, Saki. Nathe could even help in the kitchens whenever he wanted. He loved cooking.

And then, there was Sara….

Nathe shook his head.

"What is it, kid?" He asked.

"Saki…went…to greet humans!"

"The Chosen One? At long last?" Nathe had grown up on the legends of the Chosen, but never believed until that moment that the Prophecy would come true in his lifetime. Placing the book he had been thinking of reading back on the shelf, Nathe started out.

"I'm comin' too!" The little one tried to follow him.

Nathe turned back, gently placing his hand on the youngster's head, effectively stopping him in his tracks.

"No. We don't have any confirmation from Saki that it is the Chosen One. It could be dangerous. You stay here."

"But…."

"Promise me."

The little one pouted but muttered a "promise."

Satisfied, Nathe continued out of the Temple, and towards the returning Saki and…

"Aura?" Nathe barely even noticed the humans or the Pikachu. "Nyx?"

"Nathe!" Nyx grinned. "It's been ages!"

"You got that right, dude!"

"Dude?" Aura echoed.

"You know them, too?" Misty asked Nyx.

"Of course," he said brightly. "I met them at Hikari's Keep, too. The Sages' Aids often accompany them on said journey, especially those further away, like the one in Orre, or one of those in Sinnoh. It's a safety measure, plus the Aids get to make friends, too, like Nathe and I are."

"Is it just me, or does everyone in the world know each other but not us?" Ash exchanged glances with Misty.

"You have no idea," Pikachu said, shooting Aura a smirk.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Ash and Aura both responded in the same tone of concern and suspicion.

"Pika pi Pikachu pi Ka-Pichu ka Pi-Pikachu," Pikachu muttered. Ash, Aura, and Misty all narrowed their eyes. "Chu ka-chu Ka-Pichu?"

"Did you get that?" Misty asked.

"No. You?" Ash turned to Aura.

Aura didn't answer right away. She looked at him, eyes narrowed to thin slits. She glanced at Pikachu.

"I have no idea," She muttered, turning away.

"Arceus!" Nathe suddenly hacked. "What stinks?"

Ignoring him at first, Aura changed the subject by introducing everyone to each other, occasionally shooting glares at Pikachu, who simply smiled and blinked.

"Seriously," Nathe groaned. "What smells of Arbok?"

Ash and Aura shot nervous glances at each other, Aura a bit more so.

"Smells like blood to me," Saki muttered, hovering around their heads. "Can't abide the smell of stale blood," she said half to herself.

Ash smirked at Aura. The Lucario's heart sank. She knew what they'd do if they knew….

Would Ash?

"You wouldn't…" she breathed, her ears somewhat drooped.

"To tell the truth," he said rather loudly. "We ran into a herd of Arbok on the way here. Mating season, you know? We had a bit of a struggle, and Aura here decapitated one."

"And you didn't bother to wash the blood off your fur?" Sara sounded disgusted.

"I so washed it. I just don't…wait, what are you…?" She started. However, both Kangaskhan had surrounded her, Nathe smiling rather mischievously.

"We can't have you smelling like Arbok blood when you dine in the Hall, now can we?" Nathe chuckled.

"You wouldn't dare!" Aura half-breathed, half-prayed. She wasn't sure whether it was to God or Arceus-in fact, at that moment she wasn't even sure that either even existed-but she hoped with all her might that….

The Kangaskhan each grabbed one arm with undeniable force. Aura struggled, but to no avail. She turned her head slightly to glare at Ash, her fangs bared in a vicious snarl.

"I hate you."

And with that, the Kangaskhan dragged the fighting Lucario back to the Temple.

Refraining from laughing his head off, Ash took a great comfort in the fact that, despite her aggressive nature and supposed hatred towards him, Aura still had one fear that kept her in line, even if it was a fear as trivial and embarrassing as being afraid of a bath.

...

"Stop squirming!" Sara gave an exasperated sigh. "You'll get soap in your eyes."

"And your mouth," another, older female Kangaskhan added.

"Too late," Aura spat soapy water out of her mouth as she broke the surface. Her entire pelt was soaked in the bathwater, and the top of her head was still half-covered with soap bubbles.

There were four female Kangaskhan in the bathing room, surrounding the stone tub filled with soap water. Aura had been coerced into taking said bath, with all four Kangaskhan taking turns scrubbing various areas of her pelt. The Lucario struggled and fought with fang and paw spike, but was no match for the motherly Pokémon.

"Pluh!" Aura spat out a mouthful of soap water. "Disgusting!" Then, with a twitch, she added, "Burn! Burning! Eyes!"

"Who'da thought that your eyes could get any more red, huh?" Sara half-chuckled.

Aura's howl of agony could be heard far down the Temple's hall in the Library.

"Hmm?" Nathe glanced over his shoulder. Then, he smiled. "Heh, some tough feral beast, huh?"

"It is ironic that she hates baths so much," Misty agreed. "Why is she…?" She trailed off.

"Such a grouch?" Ash finished. "To put it nicely. I'd rather put it as-"

"Well," Nathe interrupted before the Chosen One could insult the Normal Sage, who was, of course, hovering around their heads, flying back and forth, half-frolicking in a happy manner. "I suppose it would have to do something with her past."

"No support in her heart," Saki agreed, flying upside down in front of Ash.

"Oh…kay," he said slowly. Saki grinned, eyes closed.

"I am not the first Togetic you've met, am I?"

"No…" Misty said softly, looking away, at something on the floor no one else could see.

"Hmm?" Saki righted herself, shooting the redhead a concerned look.

"You're just a lot more energetic," Ash didn't seem to notice. Truthfully, he did, but was fighting a surge of foreign thoughts that almost scared him. Almost.

Your world is changing, Azar's words echoed in his head.

"I had a Togetic once," Misty whispered.

"What happened?" Saki felt a pang of sympathy.

"He had to protect a helpless herd of Togepi in…a very far off place. I had to leave him there, so he could be their guardian."

"I know that place." Saki muttered. She flew up close to Misty, and spoke in voice so soft that only the teen girl could hear. "When your friend gets the Orb of Support-and I know that he will-have him come with you to me. I have a surprise."

"Wait." Ash had been thinking. "You said that Aura had no 'support in her heart.' Pardon my asking, but, what the hell does that mean?"

Nathe growled in a low tone at Ash's language.

"Don't bother, Nathaniel," Saki narrowed her eyes at him. "It really doesn't bother me that much, contrary to popular belief. Just because I'm expected to act 'dignified' doesn't mean that I'm closed-minded. Tolerance is the first level of Support."

"You're really obsessed with Support, aren't ya?" Ash couldn't decide if he should be amused or annoyed. Perhaps both.

"It is the pure Essence of the Normal Element. Normal Pokémon have a tendency of surviving better by supporting one another, don't they?" She said simply. "And, as for your question, I have a strong bond to the Orb, and such, I can sense the level of Support-or, rather, how supporting a person is-in a heart. Aura, as you call her, wasn't always bitter, this much I can sense. But, something happened that drained the will to love out of her. Somewhere deep down, she still knows loyalty; yet, her heart has become bitterly cold. Her personality has turned to feral rage. This is not her fault. She is to be pitied. Always remember this. It will be a while before she can bring herself to truly help you, but, if all of you remain true friends towards her, maybe you can dispel the hate in her soul and put love and warmth back in her heart."

"Same as ever, Saki," Nyx spoke for the first time since they entered the Temple. "Speaking in riddles, spouting wisdom, and confusing the minds of adolescents. When will you ever learn?"

"When will you step in the pawprints of your father? And your mother?" Saki countered.

After a brief silence, Nyx grimaced.

"I believe I remember now why I preferred Nathe's company over yours at the Keep."

"I AM NOT WEARING THAT ARCEUS-DAMN THING!" Aura's voice echoes throughout the Temple, actually causing a few of the Library's books to tremble. A Smeargle jumped six feet in the air, a look of pure terror and shock on his face.

"I told Sara that the bow would be too much," Nathe sighed. "I guess the elders simply wouldn't listen. I know that Kathy's a bit…over-pampering."

"To say the least," the Smeargle muttered. "I'll never get my heart back to a resting beat."

"Tell me about it," Ash muttered. "That dog has given me a fair share of heart attacks." Then, he added, half to himself, "And, she's not the only one…."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Uh," Ash stammered. "What…what does…what…?"

Then, everyone jumped to a loud thumping sound. Turning, the group saw Aura, fuming, with her paw slammed into the frame of the doorway to the Library. Her fur was far more vibrant than it had been in years, glowing despite her rage, the blues shone and the blacks were deep and rich. Her scarlet eyes shone like rubies, though still a bit bloodshot from contact with soap. And, topping it off, was Aura's last straw; a large, hot pink ribbon was tied in a bow around her neck.

"That's more like it!" Nyx grinned.

"So…gay…" Aura tugged at the bow.

"Very nice," Ash smiled. Was it a smirk, or was he being sincere? The Lucario couldn't tell. She didn't give a damn, anyhow. This was his fault!

She yanked the ribbon bow off of her neck, and wrapped it around Ash's neck.

"I hate you," she repeated. "So much." With that, she turned around sharply, hitting Ash in the face with her 'false hair,' and walked briskly out of the Library.

Scowling, Ash tugged it off of his own neck.

"What'd I ever do to her anyway?" He muttered.

Saki turned back to flying upside down, and opened her mouth to speak.

"That was a rhetorical question," Ash added to the Togetic.

"I'm surprised that you even know what that means," Misty chuckled.

Ash grimaced, clearly pissed off.

"Funny."

"So, uh…who's hungry?" Nathe interrupted, and put his arms around the humans, and effortlessly nudged them to go in the same direction that Aura had gone – straight to the Hall for lunch.

...

Lunch was an interesting affair. Ash and Misty were approached by dozens of Normal Pokémon that lived in the Temple. Most of them had never seen a human before. They barely had time to eat between discussions. Several Pokémon also talked to Nyx, usually the older ones, as the younger generation made up a large percentage of those fascinated by the Chosen One and his friend. As it turned out, several of them had heard of the shiny Umbreon, and were proud to finally meet him.

Aura, however, managed to eat her meal in peace. One or two younger Pokémon had tried to approach her, but she scared them off with a glare. No one else was insane enough to try to befriend her after that.

Not that this is much of a meal, Aura thought bitterly. Berries and fruit? Arceus! I ate better when I lived… Her thoughts trailed off. When I lived on my mountain, she corrected herself, tugging on her pearl necklace. She wrapped her worn cloak tighter around her, and took another bite of a Pecha Berry. I miss…meat. Roasted, broiled, stewed…maybe I should've let the other human…no. No more humans. I'd rather starve.

"Saki," Ash whispered to the Togetic.

"Yes?" She grinned in her usual, upside-down, manner.

"Help!" Ash and Misty breathed together. The young Kangaskhan that had told Nathe about them earlier that day was trying to attach himself to Ash's shoulder – which was Pikachu's spot – and Misty was all but covered in young Rattata.

"All righty, younglings!" Saki exclaimed brightly, righting her flight position. "Let the humans breathe. It's time for the Chosen One to take the Test."

"Aw…" The young Pokémon all moaned as they sulked away.

"Thanks," Misty chuckled. "They're enthusiastic, aren't they?"

"They were raised on the legend of the Chosen One," Saki explained.

"Today must have been a dream come true for them," Nyx chuckled.

Aura grumbled something under her breath.

"Wait," Ash said suddenly. "Test? What Test?"

...

"You want me to what?"

The Normal Sage had taken Ash, Misty, Pikachu, Nyx, and Aura to the top of one of the edges of the ravine where the Temple lay. There was a long rope bridge that went to the other side, and out of sight.

"There is a path from here, which leads to the only known entrance to the Temple Shrine. You must reach it."

"That's the Test that I've heard so much about? That's it?" Ash chuckled. "This'll be easy!"

"Ash," Misty groaned. "You know better by now."

"She's right," Saki nodded. "While I can't give you details, it will be harder than you think. But there will be an occasional help. This is the Support Temple, after all."

"Let me guess," Ash muttered. "I gotta go alone."

"Not quite," Saki smiled. "As with several Tests, you may take a companion or two. However, for this Test, I get to choose who."

"Okay…" Ash wasn't too sure about this. "How many?"

"Two," Saki was still grinning. "And, I've already decided."

"And…?" Pikachu sounded anxious.

"First, Nyx."

"Sweet!" The Umbreon grinned, dashing up to Ash's side.

"And…"

For the love of God, please…

"Aura."

Damn, Ash thought bitterly. I'm gonna die out there, now. She's gonna kill me. I wonder if I should leave a will behind…

"Hey," Ash tried to sound nonchalant as possible. "What are my odds of…dying?"

"If you truly are the Chosen One, as I believe you are, you should most certainly survive."

"And if he's not?" Aura narrowed her eyes. Her mouth twitched.

A smile? Or a frown? Misty couldn't decide.

"Then, he might survive to the Temple…but the final Test, the one the Orb itself will place upon you…would most assuredly kill you."

"So, no pressure?"

"Naw," Nyx grinned. "I'm sure there are far worse ways to die than by an overloading surge of pure energy, ripping you apart molecule by molecule, until all that's left is a horribly mangled corpse."

"Oh…kay…" Ash suddenly looked sick. "I think I need to lie down."

"Coward," Aura growled.

"Let's go," Ash turned around, and took a few steps onto the rope bridge.

"All right!" Nyx grinned excitedly. He leapt onto the rope bridge causing it to shake some.

"Hey!" Ash struggled to stay on the thin rope separating him from the very steep fall to his death.

"Sorry!"

"This is a disaster just waiting to happen," Misty was extremely concerned.

"And I wouldn't miss a minute of it!" Aura barked, carefully traversing over the rope bridge after the others.

"She concerns me…" Pikachu muttered to his trainer's best friend.

"Me too, Pikachu," she said simply. "Me too."

Aura was somewhat amused by the way the two guys couldn't manage to get across without almost stumbling off the rope five or six times.

"How many of these things are there?" Ash moaned as he collapsed onto safe, steady ground on the other side.

"It doesn't matter, Ash," Nyx nudged his side with his head. "We gotta keep going. We'll make it. Get up."

Ash reluctantly did so, and slowly walked past the stalagmite-like rock formations around them, and out of the view of the others left at the start.

"And, that's all we can do," Saki sighed. "May Arceus go with them."

Ash didn't know if Arceus or God was looking after him. But, he was certain that the devil was walking with him.

And, Aura thought the same of the Chosen One. She was determined to better him, to prove to herself that this whole Prophecy nonsense was a colossal waste of time. Whether he lived or died didn't matter to her. In fact, she almost hoped that he'd fail this Test… that it would kill him.

Almost.

"Damn," she growled. She slammed her fist against a stalagmite-like rock foundation nearest the edge of the cliff that was now impeding their progress.

"Hmm," Nyx pondered. "Should we climb down it and back up the other side?"

"You and Aura, maybe. But, there's no way I can manage a sheer cliff, down and up. Even I'm not that arrogant and stupid."

Aura was staring at the pillar of stone.

"Maybe if we…" Ash started.

Thomp!

Ash and Nyx jumped at the sound. They looked around for the source.

Thomp!

Aura was throwing herself against the rock.

"Aura," Nyx sounded concerned. "There's now way you can…. Just don't. If we work together, we can overcome this. Just think for a minute."

Thomp!

Aura ignored him.

Thomp!

"Maybe that's how she thinks," Ash suggested. "With violence."

Thomp!

I should show you violence, Aura snarled to herself.

Thomp!

"Ungh!" Aura stumbled. A massive headache was starting to build.

"Aura?" Nyx took a few steps towards her.

Aura swiped at him with her paw spike.

"I'm fine!" She barked.

Nyx looked at her.

Why is she so afraid?

Even I know it's impossible to move that rock without a stronger Pokémon, Ash didn't get why Aura was so intent on it, though. If only I could've brought something stronger… like an Onix.

I…have…to…do…this, was all Aura thought.

Thomp!

The sun hit the rock, causing it to shine.

"Aura, don't! You'll kill yourself!" Nyx barked.

Aura barely heard him.

Thomp!

Kkknnnch!

She saw a slight crack on the stone, and felt the first surge of pride in years. It was working!

She was the better one this time!

Thom-Thomp!

Aura stopped. She looked to her right to see Nyx. He had thrown himself at the rock, too.

"Why?"

"It's the Temple of Support. If we work together, we'll make it."

Aura didn't buy the lie.

They both threw themselves against the rock.

Thom-Thomp!

Ash didn't get it. Why was Nyx helping her after she made it perfectly clear that she'd rather kill herself with her stupid stunt? Why had Saki even chosen her to follow him, to help him, when she herself had admitted that there was…how did she put it? "No support in her heart?" Something like that.

Ash couldn't shake the feeling that she hated him above all things.

Thom-Thomp!

"If we had a little more weight, we'd pull this off easier," Nyx looked at Ash.

"Uh," Ash hesitated.

Thom-Thomp!

He could trust Nyx. This Ash knew. But, Aura still made him anxious. The Lucario was even bitterer than the first one he'd met. But…Saki had said….

Ash hesitated.

Thom-Thomp!

Misty would kill me…

Ash suddenly grinned.

Thom-Thomp! Thomp!

Ash threw himself against the rock, too.

"Oh, that was fun," he muttered bitterly to himself.

"Yeah!" Nyx cheered.

Thom-Th-Thomp!

Krrrrssssh-Thomp!

The rock cracked under the great pressure, and finally broke. It fell forward, making a makeshift bridge to the other side of the ravine.

"Ha!" Aura barked, almost happy, leaping on top of the stone bridge. "I did it!"

"Um, we…" Ash started.

"Just," Nyx interrupted his protest, "let her have her moment."

"Moment?" Ash echoed. "Her ego is…"

"Is a lot better than her temper," Nyx cut him off. "Nila's told me stories."

"Was that even possible?" Ash asked the Lucario. "That thing was solid rock. There's no way…."

"Support?" Nyx chuckled, scampering past them, and across the new bridge. "C'mon!" the Umbreon yelled after them.

"Puh," Aura scoffed. "You expect me to believe that some hocus-pocus, goody-two-shoes magic did this? Like hell!" And with that, she ran off after Nyx.

Rain fell softly on the Lucario's fur.

"Huh?" Aura stopped.

"You okay?" Ash's voice cut through the memory.

"Aura?" Nyx sounded concerned.

"Fine!" Aura barked, shaking her head.

Nyx looked at her, uncertain.

"Let's go!" Aura snarled. "I'd like to be able to eat dinner sometime this week!" And she stormed off down the path.

"I don't get her," Ash frowned slightly.

"Hikari would not have made her promise to serve the Chosen if she didn't think that the Lucario would be important to us," Nyx tried to end the subject.

"Who is Hikari?" Ash asked for the umpteenth time.

"Let's go make sure that Aura didn't hurt herself," Nyx ran off without answering.

"Why do I get the feeling that I'm being inducted into a cult?" Ash asked himself before following the Umbreon.

Aura had not hurt herself. She had simply wanted away. She wanted to be left alone.

She wanted the memory to die.

She could not admit the truth to herself.

Plosh! Plish! Plosh!

Every raindrop fell softly, and she felt each on individually on her injured body.

They were like daggers, each and every one bringing a storm of agony throughout her entire body. She wanted it to stop. She no longer even cared if she lived or died. She simply wanted the pain to stop.

Her head throbbed, bringing the only word that could explain how she had gotten there: Betrayed. It echoed throughout her thoughts. Betrayed, betrayed, betrayed….

They had betrayed her.

She wanted it to end.

"Aura?" Ash grabbed Aura's arm. She was leaning face-first against one of the rock formations, trembling.

Had he come back? Had he come for her after all? Or, was it Death coming, with his warm embrace? Who was calling her?

Aura tried to stand up. Struggling, she was almost there, when her strength gave out, and she fell once again into the muddy earth with a ploosh!

Aura! Aura! A voice called her from somewhere far off.

"Stand up." A powerful voice said to her. It wasn't angry or ordering, but it didn't quite seem like a request either. Perhaps a challenge?

Well, this Lucario wasn't dying without a fight!

"Aura!" Ash and Nyx both yelled, yanking her back to reality.

"What?" She grimaced. "It's a headache. You never had one before?"

She's awfully defensive, Nyx thought to himself.

Well, sorry for being concerned, Ash frowned as Aura shook off his grip.

"How much further?" Aura asked Nyx.

Nyx took a step towards another rope bridge.

He stopped suddenly, tensed.

"Close," he whispered. Very close, he added to himself. "There's probably a cave-like entrance across this last rope bridge."

"That's short," Ash muttered.

"Well," Nyx turned slightly to grin at the human. "It is only the first Test. Maybe they gradually get harder. Maybe they'll slowly build up your strength."

"Hmm," Aura didn't seem to like that idea.

Nyx took a step onto the rope.

"Seems safe enough." He said brightly. And, with a hum, he started across.

"Heh," Ash chuckled. He liked this Umbreon. He reminded him a bit of himself: good-natured, carefree, and positive-minded. The teen followed him out on the bridge.

Neither of them heard the rope creak and moan.

Aura uneasily stepped out onto the rope. She didn't like it. She looked down.

Oh, Arceus! She inhaled. The fall was huge! How high up were they? If she fell…it wouldn't kill her…. The sudden stop surely would though, and most likely painfully and messily. She forced herself to look ahead, steadying her breath and heart rates.

She took a rather large step, and stumbled.

Fates preserve-! Her prayer was cut short when she stumbled into the teenager in front of her.

Ash started to fall, but grabbed the hand rope on his left side to steady himself again. He bit back an angry retort, even when he heard no apology from the Lucario. Nyx was already across to the other side.

Stupid human! Aura growled to herself. Why did he have to go and ruin her life-or what was left of it?

"Rrrgh!" She growl-scoffed in frustration.

"What-?" Ash started, beginning to turn around sharply.

Far too sharply.

He slipped, stumbled, and fell.

"ASH!" Nyx roared in terror.

Aura froze.

Ash had reached-aiming for a side rope-and managed to grab onto the actual bridge rope with his right hand just in time. But, he couldn't hold on forever.

"I-I'm okay!" He announced.

"Holy Ho-oh!" Nyx breathed in relief.

"Aura?" Ash called out. "Help?"

Aura took a step, so she could glare down straight into his eyes.

His dark blue eyes.

"Aura?" Ash didn't feel too confident about this.

Her eyes narrowed in hate. And the source of that hate seemed to radiate from those eyes. He didn't deserve that deep, rich color. He didn't deserve to uproot her peaceful existence.

She didn't deserve it. Did she?

Did he deserve this?

Aura let her hate decide for her.

"No. I don't think I shall. If you are the Chosen One…you can get out of this yourself. If not…then I was supposed to kill you, anyway." And Aura jumped over his hand, preparing to leave him hanging there until exhaustion led him to fall to his death.

The rope moaned again. Aura froze. She started to turn back towards where Ash was holding on for dear life. Aura's eyes went wide, as she watched the spot where Ash's hand was struggling to keep its grip start to fray and fall apart.

Aura reacted without thought, or even certainty of what was going to happen.

She leapt at Ash, grabbing the rope with her right paw. Just as she did, the rope snapped under Ash's hand, and he lost his grip. Even as Nyx roared out in terror again, Aura reached out with her left paw, and caught the teen's right hand. They swung towards the face cliff.

Damn it! Aura snarled to herself, embracing herself for the impact, her slightly bent legs between her and it. With a jolt, she made contact with it, and almost lost her grip on the rope.

"Ash!" Nyx was still shouting. "Aura!"

"We're fine," Aura sighed.

Damn, what does this kid eat? Aura struggled to hold on. He was heavy!

"Whatever happened to letting me save myself or die?" Ash couldn't resist asking.

"I decided that Fate wasn't going to cheat me out of killing you myself," Aura sounded uninterested.

"Right," Ash didn't buy that. "Okay then, are you going to help me now?"

Aura sighed.

She pulled him up to where he could grab onto a slight ledge, and let go when he was hanging on by himself.

"I hate you," she reminded him.

"I'll remember that." Ash looked up. "How are we going to make it now?"

"Climb the rope," Aura said, hinting more than a little at the obviousness of the statement. "You go first." And you'll check to see if it can hold us as we climb, she added to herself.

Ash willingly obliged. He was about done with this, anyway. He didn't get far, though, when Aura heard the rope moan again.

"Oh, God, no…" Ash moaned when he heard the Lucario's gasp of fear. The complaint was barely out, when the rope above him snapped, and he started to fall yet again.

"Ash!" Aura yelled out, switching her grip to the ledge he had been on earlier, and reached out towards him. She made contact with his left hand, but he slipped and kept on falling.

Aura watched in horror.

Ash didn't like the sensation of falling. It brought feelings of regret. He knew he was going to die, now. And his biggest regret was suddenly….

Something surrounded him, and he no longer felt quite like he was falling. Not entirely, anyway. His vision was blocked out by dark brown…skin? All he could hear beyond his own pounding heart was another, larger heartbeat and then there was a thump and a hiss.

"Wha' 'appened?" Ash felt dizzy.

"Thought you could use a deus ex machina," a familiar voice chuckled.

"Nathe!" Ash exclaimed. "What…?"

"I didn't think I was going to make it. That was a bit too close for my liking, eh, Chosen One?" The male Kangaskhan chuckled.

"Thanks."

"ASH!" Aura finally found her voice above them, as the dust from Nathe's landing after his jump to save the human settled.

"I'm okay!" Ash yelled up to her.

"I got 'im!" Nathe added in a booming shout.

"I'm gonna kill you, human!" Aura couldn't hide the relief within her rage.

"Got it!" Ash chuckled.

"You go on ahead!" Nathe shouted up to the other Pokémon. "We'll meet you at the Shrine itself!"

"'Kay!" Nyx yelled, relief heavy on his voice.

"Humph!" Aura scoffed to herself, as she slowly climbed her way to the top of the cliff and dragged herself onto solid ground again.

"Why so glum?" Nyx asked. "He's okay!"

"God loves to mock me, Nyx," Aura snarled. After a long silence, she sighed. "Lets get this over with. I'm hungry."

"We just ate!" Nyx exclaimed as he ran after her into a nearby archway into the caves.

"Do you know your way around?" Aura muttered as the cave got darker and darker.

"Sort of…" Nyx muttered. "Wait for it…" Then, the Shiny Umbreon's blue markings glowed softly. "Follow me."

Aura stumbled slightly off and on as she followed him through the tunnels, and Nyx's glowing grew at a pretty constant rate, until he lit up the caves like it was daylight…blue daylight, but still just as bright.

Aura never asked how Nyx knew how to get to the Shrine. She decided that she didn't want to know.

Ash understood how Nathaniel knew his way through the caves. The Kangaskhan lived at the Temple, after all. He'd probably been to the Shrine a few times before himself. The teenager walked slowly through the tunnels alongside Nathe. The direction his thoughts were going when he had been falling just a few minutes before was beginning to haunt him.

Ash frowned.

Was it even possible that he…?

"Chosen One." Nathe said softly.

"I just thought of something," Ash stopped. "I thought that only Aura and Nyx were allowed to follow me."

"Heh, good point," Nathe nodded. "But, there is a loophole. If one of your companions feels no sense of Support towards you, then we may not lift so much as a claw to help. But, if the companion in question feels, even for a second, any level of Support for you, then we are allowed to save your life…once."

"What…? Wait…. Do you mean when Aura…?"

"Saved you? Yes. It was most likely subconscious, but she still risked her own life for yours. It proves the idea that Saki, Azar, Nila, and Hikari all share, with a few of the others: Aura once had a deep, loving heart. No one knows why she turned bitter, except for Aura herself."

"So, what? You want be to find out why…?"

"No, Ash. Some of the Sages, Azar in particular, might want you to, but I know better. If she wants to tell, she will. But, it's her memory, and it's up to her to decide when, and if, to tell it. Forcing her will only drive her away. Even I can tell that there's something… fateful about her."

"Fateful? You sound like a Sage."

"Heh, nah. Sounds nice, but I don't think it'll happen. 'Sides, being a Sage is a lot of work."

"Why are we stopped?" Ash peered around the almost-pitch black caves, finding one pathway that emitted a slight light.

"The Shrine," Nathe said in a low voice. "I'm afraid that we must part ways here. Good luck…Chosen One." And Nathe walked back to where they had come from.

Ash hesitated. He was alone. What if…?

He heard footsteps. Two people…or three? No, it was a bipedal and a quadruped… Aura and Nyx!

Ash ran into the cavern that was emitting the light.

The first thing he noticed was Nyx, his blue markings glowing with a blue light that seemed to radiate from the Umbreon's entire body. Then he noticed Aura, with her typical scowl, her arms crossed, obviously not wanting to see him. Did she still hate him? Ash shook his head and the thought.

The next big thing he saw was the room itself. The walls were smoothed out into four walls, like any room in any typical house, creating a boxed-in feeling. The walls had carvings in them, most were written in a language-and runes-that Ash had never seen before. There were also drawings and murals etched into the walls, of battles and wars long gone. Then, there was a statue, made out of some sort of bronze metal. It was of a Riolu (A fighting Pokémon in the Normal Shrine? Ash asked himself) holding a small human child, with a Dratini wrapped around the small Pokémon's neck like a scarf. The Pokémon looked concerned for the unconscious human. It felt like a scene from history, frozen forever in the statue's silence.

Then…there it was. In the center of the room…was the Shrine. It was quite simple, really. There was another statue of a Riolu, this one made out of silver, sitting on the ground, legs crossed, in meditation. And, it held above its head a small sphere, about the size of an activated Pokéball. It appeared almost clear, yet almost opaque, like it was a mix between some sort of crystal and a pearl. Ash felt strangely fascinated and attracted to this object. There were a few other statues around the Riolu, of varying metals: a Rattata, a Furret, a Smeargle, a Togepi, a Teddisura, a Zigzagoon, and a baby Kangaskhan.

"Anyone else feel like we're not alone?" Nyx muttered, looking around.

"What do you mean?" Ash asked.

Aura simply looked at Nyx, a puzzled look on her face.

"The Orb…" Nyx trailed off. "Ash…it's time. Take the Orb of Support."

Ash walked up to it, careful not to kick one of the statues. He looked around. Nyx was watching him expectantly. Aura was staring at the bronze statue in the corner, a blank look on her face and a distant look in her eyes.

"What about the…Test?" Ash asked.

"It's okay to fear death, Ash," Nyx smiled. "But, I have faith in you. You are the Chosen One. Just…don't give up until you succeed."

With one last deep breath, Ash reached out, and grabbed the Orb with both hands.

What happened next was almost unbearable.

First, there was the wave of uncontrollable pain, which seared through his entire body, causing him to cry out in shock and agony, slamming his eyes shut in his attempt to endure it.

"Ash!" Nyx barked, and Aura turned in surprise, staring at the human with wide eyes.

Then, the pain lessened, just a bit. Ash heard voices.

What is it? One asked. It sounded like a young boy.

This will make all the pain end… A powerful voice echoed.

But…that's where…

Yes…and now you can find comfort here, too.

By suffering by immortality? No thank you. I will find another way.

Who are you? A new voice asked, scared.

Come with me, friend, the first voice responded. I know where we can go.

Where?

In the Great Keep of the Knights of Arceus.

The voices faded. The pain seemed to fade. Yet, Ash couldn't remove his hands from the Orb. He couldn't even move, at all.

Chosen One. A new voice said softly in his head.

Why? Ash asked it. Why me?

Silence.

I said… Ash never finished that thought, as a new wave of pain, greater than before, ripped through him.

RELEASE ME! The voice bellowed, as if it felt the same pain.

And, with a huge burst of iron will, Ash gritted his teeth, and yanked his hands upright, removing the Orb from the Shrine.

"He did it," Aura breathed, as if in shock.

Ash opened his eyes, and looked up at the Orb he held above his head. The pain was gone. The voice was gone. It was all gone.

Ash closed his eyes, and fell backwards, passing out from exhaustion.

"The punk passed out." Aura frowned.

"He earned the rest." Nyx muttered. "And, this is only the first Test. He will have to get stronger, or the others will kill him. Chosen or not, the Tests were designed to kill. It's the only way to protect the powers of the Elements from falling into ill will and evil hands."

"You sound like a Sage," Aura unknowingly echoed Ash's earlier words.

Nyx simply smiled.

"Come on," Nyx sighed, picking up Ash with his dark-furred body, so that he almost appeared to be wearing the human as armor. "Let's go."

Aura looked at the Orb in the unconscious teen's hand.

"He won't let it go, even when passed out. It won't leave him against his will, now." Nyx explained.

He started down the way Ash had come in. With one last look at the bronze statue of the Riolu, Dratini, and small human child, Aura followed suite.

...

Misty feared the worst at first, when she saw the others coming back, with Ash lying unmoving on Nyx's back. But when Saki cheered at the sight of the Orb in his hand, she breathed with relief.

"He's okay?"

"Just a bit wiped out," Nyx reassured the teenage girl. "We could all use a rest, eh?" He added with a smile to Aura.

"Whatever."

"M…Misty…" Ash moaned, regaining consciousness.

"Yes, Ash?" Misty smiled.

"I…I did it."

Ash slowly stood up.

"I survived!"

"If you hadn't, I would've killed you," Misty grinned, causing Nyx to chuckle uncontrollably. "Though, why did you cry out like that?" She asked the Umbreon, causing his mood to sober up suddenly. "When you called out his name like that…it scared us…especially Pikachu."

"I'm not the one who practically lost it…" the electric mouse muttered to himself.

"Um…Ash almost fell on the last bridge," Nyx admitted.

"But, they saved me," Ash said quickly. "I'm fine."

Aura started to walk away, back towards the Temple, without a single word.

"Actually," Nyx corrected as he watched the Lucario with a smile. "It was Aura who saved him."

Misty and Pikachu gasped.

"I think I can explain," Saki muttered. "I've done a lot of hypothesizing and guesswork since you arrived with her. And it is my belief that Aura hates Ash for several reasons, most of which is probably not even his fault: he most likely reminds her of someone she knew before she turned feral. She must not like bringing up these memories-they probably bring emotional pain-and she blames him for doing so. But, when he was in danger, she probably reacted due to one of two reasons. Either she decided that she was unfair in blaming him and that he really didn't deserve to die for it, or she saw this other being-be it human or Pokémon-and could bear to watch it die, even if only in her mind."

"That's why you chose her," Ash guessed.

"Yes," Saki nodded. "I knew that she would keep alive, at least until the Shrine itself."

"Speaking of which," Ash held up the Orb. "It did something strange when I…"

"No, Ash," Saki shook her head. "Do not speak of it. The Test is for you to bear in secret. There may come a day when you may share it. But, to whom was not divulged to me. Perhaps Odin will know."

"Odin?" Ash asked.

"Which brings me to my next point," Saki continued. "The Orb is now in great danger. In the Shrine, ancient magic and charms protect it from breaking or failing. But, out here, it could break…or the power could be stolen from it if you run into something that has that ability. But, the Fighting Sage, Odin, has forged something that can store its power safely as well as protect it from shattering or dying…at least in theory. And, since the Fighting Temple is your next destination anyway…."

"Yeah, I get it," Ash smiled.

"You can rest here for the night, but you should probably leave in the morning," Saki sighed. "I'll tell you your destination's location before you leave."

"Didn't you tell me you'd show us something with the Orb after Ash got it?" Misty remembered their discussion in the Library.

"Oh, yes." Saki lit up. "Ash, hold the Orb just a little bit in front of you, in both hands."

Ash did so.

"Now…just listen, I know this will sound weird," Saki went on. "I want you to concentrate. Close your eyes." Ash hesitantly did so. "Focus on one thing: you are giving Misty permission to touch the Orb of Support. No one may touch the Orbs of the Elements without the direct permission of the Chosen One, under punishment of death. Remember that, Ash. Give her permission."

"Um…I think…" Ash started.

"Don't break your concentration. Her life depends on it. Have you given permission?"

Eyes still closed, he nodded once.

"Now remove your right hand from the Orb. Misty, place your left hand where his right was." Ash did so without hesitation, but Misty was reluctant. Death? When she touched it…it felt warm. She was still alive. She wasn't sure what to think about this. "Now, Ash, put your hand back."

"But…" Ash started to retort.

"Trust me." Saki said in her sweet voice, giving them no reason not to. After Ash had replaced his hand, which now covered Misty's, Saki went on. "Now, do the same for your other hands. Next, you will be using one of the more…peculiar powers of the Normal Element, which is actually possible without Psychic powers: telecommunication. Most of the Orbs can create communication with the other Elemental Orbs, but only the Orb of Support and the Orb of Mind can create them directly to other people…and Pokémon."

"No way!" Misty exclaimed in joy. "You…you mean…?"

"Yes, Misty, I mean," Saki smiled. "Ash, Misty, I want you both to concentrate on the Togetic you once knew, every memory, and its current location. Concentrate on him and talking to him again." Misty closed her eyes in concentration.

The Orb glowed with a bright light, causing Misty and Ash to open their eyes in shock. The Orb had become like a spherical television, showing them an image of a very far off place.

"Misty?" The Togetic in the Orb's display spoke in surprise.

"Togetic," Misty smiled, fighting back tears of joy.

"Misty!"

Ash smiled to see his best friend reunited-though in a somewhat unusual manner-with someone she loved. He almost forgot that-technically-he was holding her hands. Almost.

Saki motioned for Nyx to follow her, and she started to fly off.

"I think I shall go for a drink of Pecha Juice in the Hall," she said conversationally. "How about you?"

"I think that would be…" he shot a glance back at the others, "that would be awesome." He grinned, before heading back to the Temple with the Normal Sage, leaving the trainers-and Pikachu-alone to their moment of happiness.

...

Aura didn't understand.

The Lucario was in one of the sleeping halls, the Female Commons. She had chosen an area where she could be as alone as possible, right by one of the openings that served for a window. Moonlight shone down on her, giving her cobalt fur a silver shine.

"Why did I do that?" Aura asked the moon. "I wanted to…let him…fall. But…I still…I still saved him. What was…I wasn't even thinking. Why? I…I hate him for what he's done to me." She looked at her paw spikes. "Maybe its some sort of curse, from me giving my word to Hikari like that…." She sighed. "I just don't understand anything anymore. Why am I even here? I lost my reason for life three years ago."

And her mind changed what she saw in that instant.

The rain still fell, bringing pain like millions of pins and needles digging into her. But, this time, she would stand. She would face death fighting, not by lying down until it took her. Thirteen years had not prepared her for a coward's death. She wanted to go out like a fighter. She'd fought all her life. It was fitting that she'd die in such a manner.

Struggling, she stood up, onto her feet again. She started to sway and stumble again, but she regained her balance and maintained her footing.

"Not…this…time," she snarled. "Not this Lucario."

She reached up and touched the top of her head. It had stopped bleeding. It no longer throbbed so much, either. Her headache actually wasn't so bad anymore.

She slowly limped off to the north, towards the mountains, a new wave of determination overcoming her earlier despair.

Goodbye, was all she thought.

Aura didn't even notice when she'd fallen asleep, lost in her memories.

A/N: Whew! That took long enough, eh? Sorry about the delay. It was worth it, though, right? And, now the plot is starting to gain some real momentum. Now for some explanations: The statues in the Shrine do have some meaning. No, they do not indicate Aura's part in the story…per se. But the Riolu statues are important, and we will be seeing some more. And, as for the mental link to Misty's old Togetic… I really wanted to show a bit of the Orbs' powers. Plus, it was cute, I think. By the way, I will use italics for Poké-speak, instead of their name over and over, unless I want you to not know what their saying or something. Well, thanks for returning to read this (or just plain reading, if you're new to this story), and I'll be back soon with Chapter 10! (I even have some of it done, already!)