Silver Blood

by Neon Zephyr

The Prophecy of the Chosen is incomplete. Friends are reunited. Family secrets are revealed. The world hangs in the balance. A dark warrior holds a secret that could destroy the Chosen One. Rated M for Lang, Violence and Suggestive Content. Some AAML, and ect.

13. 12: Struggle

Chapter 12:

Struggle:

The moon shone above the mountains, like a spirit ascending to the heavens. Aura looked up, the platinum light illuminating her face.

She didn't understand why they couldn't just leave her alone. She didn't bug them about their past, did she? No. She had promised Hikari that she would help the Chosen One, so she was, and that was the end of it. She would fulfill her word, and then go back to living in peace. They would forget about her. That was the way humans were.

"They'll forget," Aura muttered, "just like they always do. It's just how they deal."
"And how do you deal?" Pikachu's voice startled the Lucario.

"Why aren't you with Ash?" Aura was surprised to see the little mouse Pokémon so far away from his human friend.

"He and Misty need to talk. Alone."

"I suppose they do. I only hope they don't kill each other."

"Yes, God forbid they cheat you out of that pleasure yourself," Pikachu smirked.

Aura hesitated.

"Yeah," she nodded, before looking back up at the moon.

"You didn't answer my question."

"I…" Aura looked down at her feet. "I remember. I remember everything…in sharp detail, as if it happened two seconds ago."

"They won't forget you."

"You're just…"

"I know them, Aura," Pikachu reassured her. "They won't forget you. But, it's up to you how they'll remember."

"I," Aura started. "I don't…"

"I never forgot you."

"What?"

"I never forgot what you did for me that night, all those years ago," Pikachu whispered, "before I came under the care of Professor Oak. Arceus knows what they would have done if they had caught me. But, you, a little Riolu at the time, risked your own life to create a distraction."

"And it cost those two people their lives," Aura snarled bitterly. "I remember the crash. I can still see the flames of the explosion. Two motorcycles versus that time bomb on wheels. I still have no idea how you survived."

"They threw me off of the motorcycle I was on mere moments before the impact. I still might not have made it the rest of the way if your father hadn't gotten me to the checkpoint himself."

"My father," Aura's voice sounded hollow. "If I had listened to my father, they might still be alive."

"Or, maybe, we might all be dead," Pikachu countered. When Aura did not respond, the electric mouse left her to her solitude. He was confident that the work that he and Misty had been doing to become her friend was starting to work.

Aura was becoming less and less feral every day, and was becoming more and more like her old self.

Now all it takes is to convince Ash of that…

…

"We need to talk," Ash said in as calm a tone as he could manage.

"Yeah," Misty looked away, trying not to blush.

"That was…" Ash looked for a way to word it correctly. He didn't want to insult her, because that usually involved him getting hit afterward. Hard. He also didn't want her to think that he liked her. It might ruin their friendship. If she didn't like him back, it would cause a huge feeling of awkwardness between them, and there was enough tension between them lately as it was. She was his best friend, and he didn't want to lose that. And, even if by some miracle she did like him like that…odds were that it wouldn't last. Then, their friendship would still be ruined, becoming awkward and strained at best and completely destroyed and shattered at worst. Besides, it wasn't as if he really wanted anything more than close friendship from Misty.

Did he?

"I wasn't thinking," Ash started.

"Do you ever?" Misty grinned.

"Funny. What I'm trying to say is that…I didn't realize what was going on. I-I didn't mean to…you know."

Misty tried to take that in. What was he saying?

"I'm sorry." He muttered.

He didn't have time to worry about girls, Ash decided. Maybe one day…maybe. But, for now he had this crazy quest to deal with, and then it was back to his journey to become a Pokémon Master. That was who he was.

How could he have ever thought–for even an instant–that he might want to give that up?

"It's okay, Ash," Misty found her voice, shaky as it was. "There…there's n-nothing to be s-sorry for; you got caught up in the moment. I…I did too."

Ash nodded. That…he could live with that explanation.

At least for now.

"We're sixteen," Misty went on. "Adolescence is a very…hormonal time during a person's life. And, the only person of the opposite sex we've had around during the past couple of weeks has been each other. So, it's just our hormones seeking out the closest human, not us actually…" she trailed off.

But, that would be a lie, wouldn't it? At least, it was for her. She already wanted more. But, he did not reciprocate those feelings.

Perhaps he never would.

"So, we're okay?" Ash made a brief and silent prayer.

"Yeah, we're okay," Misty nodded.

Neither of them were one hundred percent convinced that it was the end of it, but they were comforted by the fact that their friendship wasn't in any immediate danger.

"Pikapi?" Pikachu slowly walked in. He tilted his head somewhat, a concerned look in his eyes.

"Nothing's wrong, Pikachu." Ash smiled cheerfully, and sat on the bed. The electric mouse joined suite, rubbing his cheeks against his master's side in affection. Misty grinned in amusement.

There is one living creature Ash loves above all things, she thought to herself. I suppose it's rather fitting that it's Pikachu.

I just wish…

Aura limped into the room, dragging her foot behind her. The pain in her ankle had simply become too much to bear, even for her. She sat down on the bed next to Ash and Pikachu, not even noticing they were there.

First the returning guilt, and now this? What had she done in a past life to deserve this one?

She just wanted to be left alone!

"Aura?" Misty's eyebrows furrowed in fear for her friend.

"I'm fine," Aura growled defensively.

"No, you're not," Misty knelt in front of her. "How long has-?"

"It's nothing!" She jerked her foot back, before Misty could touch it.

"No, it's not," Ash agreed with Misty. "You did hurt yourself yesterday, when you-"

"I'm not hurt," Aura glared at him. "I'm perfectly fine."

Stop pretending to care! You're not…you'll never be! Stop acting like…

"Go away!" Aura swiped a paw at Ash's face, the tip ever so glazing his nose. When the smell of blood hit her nose-his blood-she stared at him wide-eyed for a moment.

"Aura?" Misty breathed.

Aura seemed frozen in place, staring at Ash with what appeared to be fear.

What…what have I done?

She stood up and stared for another moment, before tearing out of the room. She stumbled about the hall for a few seconds, and then fell forward to the ground. She struggled to push her face and torso up and away from the floor. Weakened to exhaustion, she collapsed to her side. She bent her knee, bringing her bad ankle up and grabbing it with both paws.

Why was this happening? What…what had she become?

"Aura."

Arms were wrapped around her, and Aura no longer had the will to struggle against them.

Misty gently lifted the Lucario, slowly and carefully taking her back into the room. Misty then set her on the bed-Ash was now standing next to it, staring at the floor, a slight red spot of blood on his nose tip. Aura sat up a bit, positioning her arms slightly behind her for support.

"Misty," Aura started.

"You hurt your ankle," Misty knelt next to the bed. "Did you break it or sprain it?"

"Uh…"

Before Aura could answer, Ash took a step towards Aura, and placed his hand on her ankle. The Lucario hissed in pain, but made no other move.

"Not broken. You'd be in much more pain. It's probably just a really irritated minor strain."

"Since when have you been a doctor?" Misty narrowed her eyes.

"Just experience," Ash shrugged. "I broke my leg when I was eight," he added sheepishly.

"How?" Misty asked.

"Gary dared me to climb to the roof of my house," Ash chuckled nervously.

"And if Gary Oak dared you to jump into a volcano, you couldn't resist a chance to show him up," Misty shook her head.

"Well, we've pretty much buried the hatchet now," he shrugged.

"Buried the hatchet? Ash Ketchum, have you actually been reading?"

"Aw, shaddup, Mist, I read ple-"

"Gary…Oak?" Aura's voice interrupted Ash's retort. "Is he…is he related to Samuel?"

"Professor Oak?" Ash blinked in surprise. "Yeah, Gary's his grandson."

"What…what about his parents?"

"I don't really know. I was really little when they died. In a car crash, Mom told me. Gary doesn't really talk about it, and his sister left a couple of years later and didn't return home until-according to the Professor-just a few days ago."

"Have you met Professor Oak?" Misty asked.

"Once," Aura said hesitantly. "A…a long time ago." Then, very quietly, she added: "A very long time ago."

"I wonder why he didn't recognize you, then," Ash narrowed his eyes.

"I was a Riolu then," Aura explained. "And…I was different."

"Where did you meet him?" Ash asked. "At his lab?"

"No." Aura reached for her sore ankle. "Geez," she hissed.

"It's pretty swollen," Ash muttered. "I guess we're gonna have to ask Odin who…wait." Ash turned around, and headed towards where their packs were, lying in a corner of the room. He knelt next to his, and started digging around in it. Standing up, he pulled out the Support Orb, still wrapped up in its protective cloth.

"Ash?" Misty didn't get it, yet.

"What element is Recover, again?"

"N-Normal," Aura stammered. Was he going to…?

"Then, shouldn't I be able to use the Orb to…to use Recover?"

"But, that's used to heal oneself, not to heal others," Pikachu twitched his ears.

"But, it's the Orb of Support," Ash countered. "We have to at least try."

"Maybe if she touches it at the same time!" Misty suddenly made a revelation.

"Yeah!" Ash grinned. "That should do it!"

"Don't forget, you have to give her permission, or however Saki put it," Pikachu reminded them.

Ash nodded, before holding the Orb out to Aura, closing his eyes. Aura looked at it, and hesitated.

"It's okay, Aura. It won't hurt you."

…An overloading surge of pure energy, ripping you apart molecule by molecule, until all that's left is a horribly mangled corpse….

Aura gulped. What if….

What if your ankle is far more injured than you think? You know that even a minor injury can result in death, particularly in your lifestyle.

Aura knew that voice.

She placed her paw on top of the Orb.

A bright light surged from the Orb, causing everyone in the room to clench their eyes in shock and pain.

Aura, a strange voice echoed in the Lucario's mind.

The light faded.

"It's gone!" Aura opened her eyes.

"Hmm?" Ash hummed as he and the others slowly did the same.

"The pain is gone!" Aura couldn't believe it. She leapt off of the bed, nearly knocking Ash over as she landed on the ground. "My ankle isn't in pain! It's not swollen or sprained or broken, or anything!" Aura tested it by stamping her paw rather rashly. "It works!"

She's…she's laughing… Ash wasn't sure if it was a good thing or not, giving her a reason to laugh like that. But, at least maybe she'll feel she owes me enough to not attack me…again…

Aura's finally let herself smile… Misty couldn't suppress one of her own.

"I…" Aura turned to face Ash. "Hmm," her expression sobered, returning to her usual grimace and glare. She started to walk out of the room.

"You're welcome," Ash smiled.

Aura stopped in the doorway, her left paw leaning against the frame. She looked at him from the corner of her eye, her glare softening ever so slightly. With a barely noticeable, curt nod, she left the others alone.

"I daresay she's starting to like you, Ash," Misty grinned.

"I just hope Odin doesn't expect me to fight her anytime soon," he shrugged. "At least neither he nor Godric will kill me."

"Aura won't either, Ash," Misty placed a hand on his shoulder. "In fact, that might be part of why she thinks she hates you: she knows she doesn't have it in her to kill you, though she thinks she wants to."

"Hey," Nyx walked in. "Who was laughing?"

…

"Geez!" Ash inhaled sharply, jerking his head to the right to avoid the flying punch.

The night before had ended quite peacefully after healing Aura's ankle…relatively, anyway. After Nyx heard he had missed out on seeing Aura not only smile, but actually laugh, he was in a silent, gloomy mood for the rest of the night. Pikachu was amused by this, but said nothing, only smiling to himself. Misty was in a positive mood, which was a relief to Ash, particularly after the tension that had started to build between them.

In fact, shortly after, Odin had come into their room, along with a few other Fighting Pokémon, all with various parts to put up not only a couple of cots, but a whole second bed.

"What…?" Misty had asked in confusion.

"I must apologize to you, my lady," the male Lucario had bowed his head slightly. "I have little knowledge of human ways. From what I have learned, I rashly assumed that you and the Chosen One were…pre-mates, or whatever the human term is."

"Uh…" Misty and Ash had stolen a glance at each other, their faces flushing a little.

"While mates do not usually have an issue sharing sleeping arrangements, I understand that you, as merely platonic friends, will. Since there are no other empty rooms capable of being used at this point in time, I arranged to have a second bed brought in for you, lady, and two cots, one each for Aura and Nyx, if they should so prefer to sleep on one."

"Uh," Ash had hesitated, taking a second to process what Odin had said, as the Lucario spoke a little more…eloquently than he was used to hearing. At least, in everyday conversation. "Thanks," the trainer had finally nodded.

"We…we appreciate it, Odin," Misty had smiled in agreement. "Thank you."

"Where…where is Aura?" Odin had glanced about. "It isn't wise for someone of her… temperament to wander around here. Some of our inhabitants are…violent when irritated or disturbed."

Ash had filled the Fighting Sage in on how he had healed her, and on her reaction.

"Interesting," Odin had pressed his paws together in a thoughtful manner. "So you are indeed capable of wielding the Elements. This is most…promising." He had glanced at the human, who had a strange expression on his face. "Well, I shall retire for the night. I suggest you do the same, you and Aura. You both have a long day ahead of you tomorrow, and shall need your strength. Good night."

And with a bow, the Sage and his followers had departed from the room.

Aura had returned sometime during the night, as she was nowhere to be seen when the others had gone to bed, but was sleeping peacefully in her cot when Ash woke up in the morning.

And, after a short breakfast, Ash and Aura were taken for more…training, though Ash preferred to think of it as torture and insanity. He was now in a sparring match with a freaking Blaziken, for Christ's sake! There was no way that he could hold his own against a creature that was not only born and bred a Fighting type, but raised and trained with the best to be at least among the best.

Ash had no idea how they could expect him–a human, damn it, not a Pokémon–to keep up and fight on the same level as…as the second-most powerful Fighting Pokémon in the world.

Ash barely avoided another punch, Godric's wrist fur just brushing against Ash's nose.

"Jesus!" Ash breathed. "Are you trying to kill me?"

"You have pads on your wrists and ankles, designed to block my attacks easier and to soften the blow," Godric pointed to the blocky, foam-like objects tied to Ash in said places. "This gives you a much better chance of being able to deflect my blows with little to no damage to yourself. At least, until you gain enough stamina and strength to fight me on your own."

"And when I do?" Ash asked.

"Then, you will be able to challenge Odin for the chance to take the Test," Godric said simply. "Now, block this!"

Ash lifted his right hand just in time to block the incoming blow. A jolt of pain shot through his wrist and up his arm.

"God damn!" He barked in shock. "You broke it! You broke my Goddamn hand!" He shook it, clearly proving it to not be broken, just pained.

Godric chuckled.

At the other end of the Sparring Hall, Odin and Aura were fighting themselves. Though, Odin was adamant about using actual Fighting Attacks, not just physical, normal combat like Ash and Godric were working on.

"Come on!" Odin yelled. "Use an Attack! You did last night! Prove to me that you don't have to be delusional and desperate."

"Desperate!" Aura echoed. "You have no idea what it means to be desperate!" She swiped her paw at him in anger.

"You must have been desperate to save…him…weren't you?"

"YOU BASTARD!" Aura flung herself so close to him that he actually tried to step back in reaction, and then starting hitting and striking him with her paws and feet.

"Close Combat," Odin identified the Attack when it died down. "Very nice…and even somewhat impressive. You've been well-trained."

"I've never had a trainer," Aura said instantly.

"Then, where…?"

"Desperation," Aura smirked.

Without another word, Odin threw straight punches at her in an Arm Thrust attack, missing twice, but hitting her in the cheek on the third strike, causing her to turn and fall somewhat. She retaliated by spinning herself, upside down, upon one paw, hitting Odin in the face three times with a Triple Kick, before righting herself in a ready fighting stance. Odin clenched his paw and tossed another punch at Aura, energy radiating from the Dynamicpunch attack. Aura blocked it with her right paw spike, a slight purple light sparking from the impact.

Detect again, Odin noted. She seems rather fond of that one. I wonder why…

Aura slapped Odin across the face, the energy unique to Fighting abilities burning into his skin from where she stuck him.

"Force Palm?" Odin rubbed his cheek in surprise. "A little low-leveled compared to what you've been using, but…at least you're Attacking now."

"I'm…I'm Attacking?" Aura stopped.

I haven't used a real Attack since…

Aura shook her head and the memory.

Odin jumped in close to Aura and kicked upward with his knee, getting her in her chest spike, knocking her back a few feet.

"Ungh!" Aura moaned in pain, clenching her chest for a moment.

"Hmm?" Odin didn't think he'd hurt her that bad.

"Raaargh!" Aura swiped her paw in his direction again, but instead of hitting him directly, star-shaped energy pulses issued from her paw. The Swift attack caught Odin off-guard and he got the full blast of it in his face.

She wasn't afraid to fight dirty.

She stood up, and shot another wave of Swift at him.

Odin swung his paw in front of his face, so that his paw spike would absorb the attack, glowing silver as it did with Iron Defense.

"You've…you've always been more than capable, haven't you?" Odin narrowed his eyes. "Why did you stop using Abilities? Why did you ever convert to crude street fighting in the first place?"

"LEAVE ME ALONE!" Aura bellowed, swinging her arms in a Bone Rush, the large bone appearing out of nowhere, as usual. Odin took a casual step to his right to easily evade the attack, and then swung himself upward in a Sky Uppercut, hitting his target perfectly-the underside of Aura's jaw-and sent her flying backwards. She landed on the floor with an audible thud.

"No," Odin grinned.

"Jesus!" Ash breathed, distracted by their fight for a moment. "Wha!" He exclaimed, as he jumped to the left just in time to avoid a punch from Godric.

…

"So," Misty started. "You're an Ursaring, a Normal Pokémon, yet you live here at the Fighting Temple?"

"Yes," the Ursaring nodded, twirling a spatula around in his right paw. "I was originally an orphan when the Sage before Odin took me in. Here, I learned and perfected what Fighting Abilities I was capable of, while I started to discover my true place was here, in the kitchen. I've been the head cook here at this Temple for over four years now."

The Temple's kitchen was rather simple, a large room with a very large table in the middle, a series of sinks on one wall, and a row of ovens of varying sizes on the side opposite. There was a door near the wall with the sinks that lead to the storeroom, from which many aromas of herbs and berries and meats wafted.

"And, what's your name?" Misty asked, Pikachu looking about from his spot on her shoulder.

"I'm Trad. Being the cook, I'm also quite often the one that…punishes those in need of discipline with hard work. In fact, that troublesome Hitmontop is in the back now, grinding some of the harder berries into a more useable powder for dinner's soup tonight."

"I'm Misty."

"Pika Pikachu!"

"You're the Chosen One's…friends?"

"Yeah," Nyx muttered, pacing back and forth.

"What's wrong there, Sapphire Moon?" Trad scratched his chin.

"Ka-Pichu," Pikachu whispered.

"Don't worry about Aura, Nyx," Misty knelt down next to where the Shiny Umbreon stopped. "She'll be fine. Sage or not, she lived on her own for three years. Surely, she can take care of herself."

"But…" Nyx's ears flattened against his head. "What if…? She couldn't protect…her family? Her mate."

"Oh, Nyx," Misty scratched the top of his head, by his ear. "Be careful who you let yourself fall in love with. And, we don't know if she could, or not. Or if she even had a mate, for sure. It's all just theory, right now. We'll just have to wait and see if she'll tell us the truth one day."

"I just…I know she still has a heart somewhere under all that pain and hate and anger," Nyx looked away.

"And she'll find it one day."

"You seemed kind of…off last night," Nyx perked up suddenly with a smile. "Anything happen?"

"Huh?" The Umbreon's sudden question caught Misty off guard. She had to shake the memory of his arms around her, his forehead against hers, his soft breath on her face. "No, nothing happened. I must have just been tired."

"Well, okay then," Nyx shrugged. "C'mon!" He grinned even brighter. "Let's go check out the reflecting pool!" He dashed out the door.

"Nyx," Misty chuckled to herself.

"Indeed," Pikachu agreed.

"That boy has always been quite energetic and cheerful," Trad nodded. "It's rather ironic for a Dark Pokémon to remain so positive in nature, particularly with having a Sage for a parent."

"His father was the Night Sage?"

"Yes, the one before Nila. Zyne was a good Sage. But, even retired as an Elder Sage living in Hikari's Keep, he is still often a source of gossip amongst the Sages for having taken a mate."

"What does that matter?"

"Favoritism," Trad said simply. "The Sages work as directly with the highest and purest source of Elemental prowess as any mortal can. And, many believe that the control of that power, as well as the succession of its…control…must remain as objective as possible."

"They think that…love…corrupts the ability to be objective?" Misty was horrified.

"No," Trad shook his head. "And yes. Deep down, they do not. However, upon the surface, they know that we always put the ones we love above all else, and use this as their excuse for hating any Sage that does not name them as their successor. It is simply vanity and jealousy. Any historian can tell you that some of the greatest Sages of any Element in our history were ones that not only took a mate, but raised a family. Love teaches self-sacrifice and generosity, something very important to our Order."

"I…I see." Misty did not make eye contact.

"Why don't you go and see the reflecting pool with Nyx?" Trad waved towards the door out to the hall. "And, don't worry about the Chosen One. He'll be fine. It is said that the Chosen has hidden powers that sleep until the presence of an Orb awakens them."

"Oh…okay," Misty nodded, before following his advice.

"The Chosen One might be young," Trad said to himself, starting to carefully chop up Pecha Berries into small cubes, "but he has some of the most loving friends. They will be the source of his greatest power, not the Elements. And there is something special about the female Lucario, too. She holds in her heart a secret of great power. I only hope that it is one that will strengthen the Chosen One, not bring him down to defeat."

…

Silver had no knowledge of the prophecy of the Chosen One. He wouldn't have cared if he did.

The only things on his mind at that moment were his bodyguards, and the Pokéball hidden in an interior pocket of his jacket. 44-7-8 was a very large Arcanine. His fur's length hid some of the highly-developed muscles under his skin, suggesting just a hint of how dangerous he was. H66-3-4 was a tall man, with huge arms, a well-developed chest, a broad, flat chin, short-cut tan hair, and a rather blank stare with an angry grimace.

Silver hated them. He could usually give them the slip, but lately they seemed extra-determined to keep him under very close-surveillance. He only had one option if he wanted rid of them. It wasn't the smartest idea but…he was desperate to get out and spend some time training Fang.

"I'll be back," Silver started to head down the hall to his room.

"Young Master," 44-7-8 started growling. "You are to remain in our sight. Your father…."

"My father doesn't need to know," Silver shot him a glare of pure malice. "C'mon! Can't a guy have five minutes to himself?"

"You have a nasty habit of-" 44-7-8 snarled.

"Relax, snappy," H66-3-4 shrugged casually from his place on an over-sized chair in the living room. "Have fun, squirt!" He chuckled darkly.

With a grimace, Silver slunk into his room, locking the door behind him.

Crude and disgusting, Silver thought bitterly to himself. At least his revolting assumption will buy me some time.

Silver crossed over to his window. His room was on the second floor, making the jump from the window less than appealing, particularly since he enjoyed having the ability to walk. But, desperation was getting the better of him. He opened the window, feeling the warm light of the sun upon his face. He looked down. It wasn't the smartest idea he'd had, to say the least, but it would be worth it.

What if I fall?

I won't let you fall, Silver, A soft memory of a voice whispered in his mind.

With a sad smile, he got up and sat on the windowsill. Then, he carefully held on as he slowly lowered himself out the window. His foot found an imperfection in the brick wall of the house, and he stabled himself on it as a foothold. He gingerly let go of the window, and quickly grabbed the somewhat exposed bricks around him. He exhaled slowly, and inhaled sharply. It had been so long since he last did this. He turned slightly, seeing the window to his right. Hopefully…it was worth it.

He swayed slightly, before throwing himself over towards the window, reaching for the top of the frame. His hand slipped, and he started to fall straight down, barely grabbing the bottom part of the frame in time, struggling to hold on. He stared in the window and right into the eyes of Mondo. And the back of two heads. One was Domino.

The other was his father.

"Help!" Silver moaned, hoping Mondo wouldn't give him away. His grip was slipping, and he was having difficulty holding on. Surely Giovanni would turn around to see what that loud noise was and to see why it had surprised Mondo. The fact that he hadn't was a surprise and a Godsend. The door of the room opened, and Dagger also entered the room, stopping in shock at the sight of Silver hanging in the window.

"Oh, shit!" Silver gasped, as he completely lost his grip and fell the rest of the way down. "Mother of God!" He exclaimed loudly as he landed on his side with an audible thud. He slowly sat up. "Oh, damn. Oh, I'm okay." He finally sighed, more out of surprise than true relief. "That hurt." He looked up at the window. "I better make like a Ponyta and dash, before the bastard decides to look out his window," Silver stood up, and ran down the street.

"What was that?" Giovanni turned around, looking out the window.

"Oh, it was just a Honchkrow," Mondo shrugged.

"It was fighting a Fearow over something," Dag nodded.

"Hmm," Giovanni decided to buy it. For now.

Dag and Mondo exchanged glances, the latter chuckling nervously.

"I've brought the two of you here to discuss with both an officer and a grunt-though I usually don't have time for the latter-the proposition of a new Elite."

"Oh, please tell me it's not Bill…er, Bob…Brandon…no…Ben, er, Bart? Or was it Brett, er, Brice? Bud?"

"Butch?" Domino sighed in frustration.

"Yeah!" Mondo lit up with a grin. "He's a real pain in the ass!"

"Then you'll be glad to hear that it won't be him," Giovanni would have once smiled at the teen's statement. But not anymore. "No, the person we'll be discussing is my son."

...

Ash was finally making progress. As if by some miracle, his reflexes seemed to catch up with the speed of Godric's attacks, and he was able to block nearly every attack by sunset. Aura was slumped against a wall, exhausted, wondering where the boy found the strength to keep on fighting. Granted, over six years of traveling would have increased his stamina, but this was…inhuman.

"It would seem that the Chosen One's hidden instincts are awakening," Odin smirked.

"What?" Aura didn't have the energy to stand anymore, or she would have shot right up.

"Legend says that the Chosen One has the instincts and abilities of every Element coursing through his veins, but that they lay dormant until he comes into contact with the corresponding Orb." Odin looked at her, then Ash. "Godric! Enough!"

The Blaziken obeyed instantly, stopping and turning to look at the Sage.

"Odin?"

"Chosen One," The Lucario said in a dark tone.

"Ash?" Misty walked in with Pikachu and Nyx to watch their friend.

"Excellent timing, friends," Odin smiled mysteriously. "You are about to witness a fight of legends. The Fighting Sage, Master of his Element, against the Chosen One, the human destined to bring them all together." The Lucario took a step towards Ash.

If he challenges you, you must accept. To deny the Sage's challenge is to forfeit. Nyx's voice echoed in Ash's mind. He nodded bravely, though a feeling deep in his stomach told him that he was screwed.

"But, you must discard your training pads from your wrists and ankles," Odin, waved a paw towards the said objects. "This is a sparring match, not a training session. Not anymore."

"Good luck, Chosen One," Godric said solemnly as Ash discarding the pads. The Blaziken then walked over to the wall to stand and watch with the others.

"Thanks," Ash muttered half-heartedly.

"Prepare yourself," Odin smirked, taking a step towards Ash. Then, without another word, he dashed at the human with full speed, and swinging a Karate Chop attack at him. Ash managed to swing himself to the side in time to avoid most of the attack, but it still brushed against his arm.

Good God, what have I gotten myself into?

"Ash!" Misty exclaimed in fear for her friend.

"Pikapi!"

"This is nothing!" Ash yelled to reassure them. "I'm not afraid of him, or anything, for that matter."

"Oh, Ash," Misty shook her head.

"You're not, are you?" Odin hit Ash in the stomach with an extremely quick Mach Punch.

"Ahhhgh!" Ash stumbled backwards, the wind knocked right out of him.

"Oh, dear," Nyx's ears wilted.

"RRRRRRRAAAAAAAARGH!" Odin roared, jumping up and bringing both paws down with great force in a Brick Break.

"Nnngh!" Ash got the full blast of it on the top of his head. An instant headache soared through his thoughts, his vision blurring momentarily.

"Some Chosen One," Odin snarled. "Can't even use a Fighting Attack. You're pathetic and weak. The forces that Marked you as the Chosen chose poorly."

Anger swelled in Ash's chest.

"Time to end this," Odin continued. "Even the girl knows that you can't win."

Misty.

Odin raised his hands, preparing an Aura Sphere.

"ARGH!" Ash roared, suddenly throwing himself at Odin, hitting the Lucario in the chest with both fists.

"Ungh!" Odin fell back and hit the ground.

Every other sparring match in the hall halted. Every set of eyes was on Ashura Ketchum.

Someone had made the great Odin, strongest Sage of the Fighting Element in centuries, greatest master of the art of Struggle in generations, fall like he had been an infant. A newcomer, a young blood, had bested the Orb's Guardian, if only for a moment. And, that wasn't the most shocking.

A human had just used a Pokémon Attack.

On his own.

"Arceus above!" Godric breathed. "It's true! The legends are…true!"

"He…he used Revenge?" Nyx gasped. "Or was it Counter?"

"Revenge," Aura slowly stood up, struggling to keep on her feet.

"A Fighting Attack?" Odin breathed in surprise. "But…you don't have the Orb. No human can use an Attack, not without the proper Orb, at least."

"I'm the Chosen One," Ash grinned, hiding his own surprise. What happened? How did he do that? What was he?

"Do it again." Odin stood up. "Attack me. Try to use a simple Force Palm."

"I…I don't know how I did that." Ash said honestly. "I just…did."

"Maybe if I threaten you again," Odin prepared some sort of attack, swinging his right paw back.

Before it could swing forward again to attack, a blue blur sped past, knocking Odin back on his tail again.

"What the hell?" Ash breathed.

"Extremespeed?" Odin blinked.

"Aura!" Misty smiled.

The female Lucario had somehow found the strength to dash-quite literally-to Ash's rescue. She was using her paw to hold herself up, barely able to stand, but had-for some reason that was beyond her-decided to protect the Chosen One from Odin.

What? Aura's mind froze. What did I just do? She turned slightly, seeing Ash behind her. Why?

"Aura," Odin stood up. "Why did you interrupt?"

"You never said it was one-on-one," Aura thought quickly, her mind jumpstarted. "Frankly, a simple human, Chosen One or not, against the great Fighting Sage just…isn't fair. I'm just… trying to even the odds a little. Besides," Aura raised her clenched paws, "I've got dibs on him."

"Huh," Odin chuckled to himself.

Aura jumped back a short distance, before tensing her body, bending her knees in preparation of some Attack.

"Humph!" Odin used a Protect attack, preparing himself for her next attack.

Aura grinned, before dashing forward…

…And vanishing.

"Huh?" Odin didn't expect that. Faint Attack, maybe? No….

He understood.

How could I be so stupid to fall…?

Aura reappeared just as she slammed into Odin's back.

"Feint," Nyx identified the Attack. "It only works to its full ability when the opponent is using Protect or Detect, or similar."

"I thought that Aura would have a much more difficult time, particularly considering how exhausted she was," Misty muttered.

"We all have a strange power within, one that we can only tap into when we're protecting the ones we care about," Nyx said wisely. "Never underestimate it."

"But, Aura hates Ash," Misty countered. "Or, at least, she thinks she does."

"But, remember our theory. That she once had a mate or at least a loved one," Nyx reminded her. "Maybe Ash reminds her of him, whoever or whatever he is. Maybe that's why she despises the sight of Ash; not because of Ash himself, but because he brings up memories, which only brings her pain."

"You've thought about this a lot, haven't you, Nyx?" Pikachu asked.

"And you haven't?"

"I don't like to over-think things," Pikachu shrugged.

"So," Misty watched the continuing battle, Aura starting to weaken again, and Ash blocking a few attacks even as he took them full blast. "Aura's not really protecting Ash, not in her mind, but her mate, who he reminds her of?"

"What if that's wrong?" Pikachu asked. "What if it's not a mate she remembers? What if it's her father or mother, or a sibling, or a…?" His voice trailed off.

The words were unsaid, but they echoed in all three minds as if they were.

Or a Trainer?

"Aura is definitely a skilled battler," Misty nodded. "Losing her…family must have scarred her, and left her blaming Attacks, and wanting to never have anything to do with them again."

"Nngh!" Aura stumbled to her knee. Her temporary power boost had worn off. In desperation, she shot out a dark, pulsating blob from her mouth.

Odin effortlessly deflected it with a flick of his paw.

"Dark Pulse?" He grimaced. "You know better than to use Dark Attacks on a Fighting Pokémon."

Aura closed her eyes, clenching her teeth.

Relax, a voice whispered in her head. Relax, Aura…

Relax your body.

Focus…. Focus your thoughts.

Aura relaxed every muscle in her body.

"Hmm?" Odin didn't understand. Was she giving up, after all that?

Aura's mind fought to stay focused, and on one thing.

Purple energy started to form around her paws, then flickered and died.

"What?" Nyx gasped. "Was that…?"

Aura collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

"Aura?" Ash breathed, struggling to his feet. "What? Why?" He turned to glare at Odin.

"She fought better than I did, when I first challenged the Sage before me," Odin never moved his eyes from where she lay. "I lost consciousness within two minutes. Granted, I was but a young Riolu at the time, but still. Even when I finally won, years later, grown and evolved, it was still a long struggle." He looked at Ash with a grin. "But, that's fitting of someone who became the Struggle Sage, wouldn't you say?"

"Aura struggled her whole life," Ash countered. "At least, from what I can understand. I think she did it for her family, not for herself. She did it to protect, not to gain power, and that makes her better than you!" Ash threw another punch at Odin, hitting him in the face.

"Mega Punch," Odin narrowed his eyes. "The Normal Element has woken within you. Not surprising, considering you've had the Orb of Support in your possession for at least a few days. But, you'll have to do better than that." Odin grabbed Ash in a death grip, one the human couldn't break free from, despite his best efforts. The Fighting Sage then leapt into the air, spun a few times, and then threw Ash down to the ground in a Seismic Toss.

Ash had seen the Attack many times, especially when his Charizard had been an active member of his team. But, he'd never felt it, until that moment. The jolt of pain that shot through him, stunning his body, made him instantly pity every Pokémon that had ever been a victim of the Attack. He simply couldn't stand up anymore.

Odin charged an Aura Sphere.

"Pikapi!" Pikachu jumped in-between them, his cheeks sparking with electricity.

"What?" Odin stopped. "Now you?"

"That's enough!" Pikachu growled. "He's had enough! Ash needs rest. He's simply not a Pokémon. He needs to recover, now."

Odin grinned softly at the little electric mouse's fierce love for his Trainer.

"All right," Odin nodded. "This fight is over. Godric, take him to his room, so that he may… rest. And have the guests' dinner brought to their room."

"Yes, sir," the Blaziken nodded curtly. He then gently picked up the human, and started to leave.

"But," Misty stepped forward, "what about Aura?"

"She does not trust strangers, and I have a feeling that having one of my…followers take her will cause far more trouble than it's worth."

"Then," Misty said half to herself, "I'll take her myself."

The teen girl then picked up Aura's limp form, and carried the Lucario out, following Godric. Nyx and Pikachu exchanged a glance, before the former followed the Water Trainer to their room. Pikachu stayed to glare at Odin for another moment.

"Your Trainer has more power than I'm willing to admit to his face," Odin said softly. "Be sure to watch over him. Even a heart as pure as his can be corrupted by wild power."

"Ash won't fall to any darkness that might lie within his heart," Pikachu said firmly. "He is far too loving…" And the mouse Pokémon ran after the others.

"And so was the traitor, before he fell to his own corruption, and killed Hikaru, his own best friend," Odin whispered ominously to himself.

...

Aura woke up slowly.

Where was she? She seemed to be suspended…above the ground. She looked around, realizing she was in her cot back in their room. How did she get there? Did someone carry her?

She looked around the room. Ash was sleeping soundly in his bed, Misty much more quietly in the one next to his. Pikachu was curled up close to his human Trainer, his ears flicking every so often. Nyx was in the cot between Aura's and the beds, sleeping on his back, legs and paws in the air, looking almost comical as they twitched every so often, and he muttered a few words here and there as he dreamed. Aura saw a bowl on the ground next to her cot, and picked it up. It had soup in it. A little cold-it must have been there for a while-but its aromas were still appetizing. How long had she been out?

Aura guzzled the soup, eating it all in a few large gulps. She sat the bowl back down on the ground, trying to not wake the others. She liked the relative silence.

Why had she fought to protect Ash earlier? Looking at him now, she felt absolutely no desire to defend or guard him. Quite the opposite, that feeling of hate and resentment boiled in her chest again.

Odin had inspired a similar feeling during the last moments of their fight. And the feeling of resentment was growing. How dare he suggest that he was better than her? He grew up in this freaky Temple, trained to fight. Aura had learned on her own, out of desperation and need. She had learned how to fight not just tough, but smart. She learned how to fight through exhaustion, how to overcome it. She had to.

She was better. Wasn't she?

Aura nodded sharply to herself.

She would prove it to him, too. To the entire Temple.

She would make it to the Fighting Shrine, and claim the Orb for herself.

Aura paused.

…An overloading surge of pure energy, ripping you apart molecule by molecule, until all that's left is a horribly mangled corpse….

But, she probably couldn't touch it. Not unless the precious Chosen One gave her permission or whatever. She wasn't sure if she believed the Sages' superstitious who-ha about the Orbs having dangerous magic or whatever, but she wasn't exactly eager to risk her life to test that out. Particularly not if it would kill her in a manner like that.

It wasn't exactly an appetizing notion; she had to admit that, grimacing to herself.

She tried to plot it out in her mind. The path to the Shrine was probably somewhere in the Temple, which was carved in the mountain. There were probably many tunnels in those caves, but it was probably only Odin-and maybe Godric, maybe-that ever actually visited the Shrine, at least on a frequent, regular basis. She could track his scent. It would lead her straight there, at least in theory. It might also lead her on a wild-goose chase. That would cost valuable time, and increase her chances of being caught.

Nyx seemed to have some sort of instinctual ability to find Shrines, if the Test at the Normal Shrine was anything to go by. Maybe she should…. No. Nyx would never approve going behind a Sage's back like that, and particularly not this one. No, filling the Shiny Umbreon in on her plan was a bad idea. And Misty…well, she might not rat her out. But she'd probably go all voice-of-reason and try to talk her out of it or at least refuse to participate. And either would waste valuable time.

So it was just the Chosen One, then. Aura grimaced. She didn't like it, but it was the only way the plan would work. If he agreed to it. Should she wake him now? Shouldn't she make use of what nighttime was left?

No, she decided. It'll take too long, and I have no idea how much moonlight is left before sunrise. I'll need all the time I can take. And, I'm not exactly well-rested, either. I'll take tomorrow, take it easy, and build my strength back up. I'll try to get…the human to do the same. There might be traps or puzzles or Arceus knows what else, and as much as I hate the idea, I will need him to at least live through them-I'm sure I can handle anything this Test throws at me-so that he can take the Orb at the end.

It was settled in her mind. She would tell him sometime during the day, and pray that he felt even the slightest resentment towards Odin or Godric. Or both. If he did, then that feeling coupled with the teenage instinct of rebellion would play right into her hand perfectly. She smirked to herself. Humans were as easy to manipulate as she remembered.

All you needed was the right motivation to inspire them into thinking it was their idea, the arrogant bastards. They were all the same, she grimaced sourly again.

She looked at Misty.

She remembered her…healing her arm, helping her. She even thanked her for…saving her life before this crazy journey had started.

Maybe they weren't all the same. Maybe she was different.

But she couldn't let herself trust another creature. Not if she enjoyed having her skull in one piece and her brain unharmed. Her face sobered into a sad expression.

She lay back in her cot, and willed herself to sleep before the memories could surface.

...

Ash didn't get it.

Aura had been so...well, practically bloodthirsty in her desire to beat Odin into submission the day before.

And now…she refused to fight. And wouldn't say why. He figured she was just tired from the previous day's fight, so was he, but….

He really didn't have time to worry about that now, he realized just as he barely dodged another punch from Godric. He had to keep his attention on this sparring match. Just because the Blaziken had said it would be a light one didn't mean that he could let his mind wander.

Misty wasn't watching today. After the last one…no, she couldn't bear it. She secretly made Godric swear to make sure that Ash didn't get hurt, at least not seriously, but couldn't dare watch him risk his life like that. What he had done before, using a Pokémon Attack, she had no way of knowing if it really was some special gift of the Chosen One, or just a power he found within himself during his desperation. Maybe something Odin had said to him just before-she hadn't been able to hear-had set it off. She couldn't know.

She sat outside, by the reflecting pool. Nyx ran up to her.

"How is she?" Misty asked without looking at him.

"The same," Nyx said without surprise. "She's just standing outside that door, like she's waiting for someone to come out when they're done fighting, but she refuses to even really look in, let alone fight."

"She's probably still tired from yesterday," Misty reached over and scratched Nyx's ear. "Don't worry too much about her."

"I hope so," Nyx muttered. "I don't know what kinds of things she plans, but she certainly has something in mind. I'm not sure what to do."

"Nothing," Misty shrugged. "I know that if there's something that she doesn't want to tell us, she won't, and persisting won't help. In fact, it might make it worse. If she chooses to trust us, then she does. If not…."

Misty didn't know why Aura didn't trust her. Wasn't it clear that Aura could? Misty frowned slightly.

The midday sun glimmered off the water's surface in a beautiful, golden pattern, but Misty didn't notice it.

...

It was almost lunch. Aura knew from the way the sounds of battle had sharply decreased, and of course from the sounds coming from her stomach. Granted, the latter wouldn't have been as bad if she had eaten a more decent breakfast than the jug of water and what little bread she had managed to consume. Her appetite had been a little…temperamental that morning. She had managed to keep the more…painful memories away the night before, but one managed to rear its ugly head into her dreams.

It was a hideous monster, a shadow-demon that belonged in the fire and flames of hell. It reminded her a little bit-or, perhaps, a lot-of a Houndoom. It had the same basic shape, a large quadruped canine, and even had the curved horns of a Houndoom. But, it was also far more… grotesque. The horns didn't curve down quite as much as a Houndoom's; instead they more resembled the horns of a dragon that had gotten one too many blows to the head. The face, the muzzle, the head, in fact, pretty much the entire body was covered in long, black fur that looked both unkempt and knotted in many places. There were some spots that the fur didn't grow, where large, scaly silver ridges grew on the…creature's shoulders, knees, and neck. The ones on the neck made it nearly impossible to slit the beast's throat, not that one could make it that close to it. No, the fire it breathed-not normal fire, but black, and yet colorful at the same time, as if it were a flame from a different world, from the world beyond this one-it had the ability to burn like nothing else, chilling the body as the heat consumed, with a paralyzing effect that made it hard to struggle, made it hard to want to extinguish, to save oneself. The fangs and claws were overly long and ragged looking, having a nearly serrated appearance, and the long, whip like tail was covered, from the halfway point down to the tip, in many, large, poisonous tips, ending with a very long, knife-like blade. No, it more resembled a dagger mixed with a scorpion's barb, sharp and metallic, but curved and almost natural. Almost.

But it was the eyes-oh, dear God, the eyes-that made Aura sick. They were red, as one would have been guessed, but despite their glowing feel, they were not a bright red. Oh, no. They were a dark, deep red, nearly black. And creepily enough, they had a tendency to have a flash of dark goldenrod swirl within them, perhaps when the…thing felt-if it could truly feel-a surge of pleasure in its own blood thirst. Those eyes seemed to hold within them the entirety of the fires, the pain, the darkness, the greed, the eternity, the corruption, the overwhelming evil of Hell.

And worse, was the thought of the dark master that commanded this beast, and had, according to sinister legend, actually created the beast.

Aura clenched her eyes shut, trying to forget the hideous things. She had to concentrate on tonight. The present mattered, not the past. The past was a reminder, yes, but for now, she'd have to focus on the task at hand.

Namely sneaking to the Shrine. Well, getting the Chosen One to agree first, but mostly the Shrine.

And, judging by the conversations in that room, Aura thought to herself, I'll be getting a chance to do that in mere moments.

And, as if on cue from her very thoughts, Pokémon started to come out of the room, in slight groups more than in an actual line. When no one else seemed to come out after Godric, Aura grimaced in concern. Did she mess up? Did the human come out with the others, hidden because she was looking for him with the Blaziken? She considered stealing a glance into the room, but hesitated. Maybe he was just too tired to keep up.

Then, she heard the footsteps. Heavy and irregular. Yeah, he was tired. Aura tensed herself, and just as he came through the doorway, she leapt at him, grabbing him from behind, and muffling his cry of shock by covering his mouth with both paws.

"Shut up, human," Aura hissed in his ear. "Just shut up. And listen to me. You're going to eat lunch with the others like nothing is wrong. Then, you're gonna get yourself out of your little training spats for the rest of the day. Say you're strangely drained, or tired, or whatever the hell you like. I don't give a damn. Just get out of it, and meet me in the library. It's easy enough for even you to find. Just head back this way from the mess hall, but go a few doors past this room. It's impossible to miss, even for your inferior, human sight. Don't argue. I'll explain then. And bring me some apples. I need to eat, too."

"Geez," Ash broke out of her grip, which she had lessened. "Are you even capable of having a civilized conversation?"

"Are you capable of having an intelligent one?" Aura retorted.

"I'm smart! I'm plenty-!"

"Or of not messing up with a girl just as you might actually have a chance?"

"Why, you…!" Ash lunged at her, suddenly angry. Most people that he knew would have been surprised at his strange behavior, and thus had been caught off guard and been easy to take down.

Aura was not most people.

She reacted with a speed that could only come from years of a tough life and adapting to the harshest of situations. She grabbed Ash by his neck, and turned them both around in a single fluid motion, slamming the human against the wall.

"Do. Not. Do. That. Ever. Again." Aura growled very slowly, emphasizing every word as to make her point very clear. "I might have dibs on killing you, but I have other reasons that keeping you alive is useful at the moment, besides my promise to Hikari. Don't force me to kill you before your usefulness is ended."

Aura let him go, and he slumped into an awkward slouch on the floor against the wall.

"Don't make me ask again."

"Psycho," Ash muttered, standing up and sulking away.

"And don't forget those apples!" Aura barked after him.

...

Ash didn't like lying. Especially because Pikachu always seemed to know when he was. It was some sort of strange, animalistic instinct that seemed to signal whenever Ash was being less than truthful.

But, what else was he supposed to say? There was no way the others would believe Aura wanted to help him-if she really did want to help him. It could still be some sort of trap. Ash still didn't trust her. Which, quite frankly, was strange, even he had to admit-at least to himself. He was usually naïve to a fault-particularly when it came to Pokémon.

Yet, there was something about Aura that set off sirens in his mind. Maybe it was the fact that she had tried to kill him-or, had wanted to-when they had first met. Or, maybe it was the way she seemed to despise the sight of him. Or, maybe, just maybe, it was that feeling he got, like she knew something he didn't…something important…and kept it from him, on purpose.

Whatever it was, she gave him the creeps, and as much as he couldn't believe that he was going to willingly spend time with her-alone-he had to admit that he was worn out from all the sparring that Godric was forcing him through. Maybe whatever she had in mind could-God forbid-be helpful to him.

After all, she probably wanted to get out of there and go home as soon as possible herself.

Ash grimaced. He wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not.

"What's wrong, Ash?" Misty's voice caused him to look up from his plate.

"Hmm?" He feigned ignorance and innocence. He thought quickly, something that he learned to do over the past couple of year, at least when under pressure-such as in a Gym Battle. "I'm fine," He yawned, "just drained. I'm gonna call it a day and go back and relax in our room. I'm just really tired. I might just go to bed now." He started to get up, and noticed a small bowl on the table, slightly to his right. It had two green apples in it. He grabbed it, putting a few berries and a couple rolls in it as an afterthought.

"But, of course, you won't be giving your stomach a break," Misty smirked.

"I'm still hungry," Ash muttered. "I just need a break from this non-stop brawl. Tell Godric for me, would ya?"

Misty grimaced, but nodded.

She got the feeling – as Ash turned and left the mess hall – that he couldn't get out fast enough. Misty glanced at Pikachu.

"Why didn't you go with him?"

"Ash is hiding something, even from me." Pikachu sighed. "He needs to learn to come to terms with things on his own. He has to be a man on his own two feet. I can't always be there for him."

And, Pikachu added to himself, there are wounds he may yet obtain that even my presence would only make worse.

"Now's a good a time as any for him to practice," Pikachu continued.

"I can understand that," Nyx nodded. The Umbreon had been silent throughout the meal until that point. "My father told me something similar when he left for Hikari's Keep for the last time, to step down and become an Elder, leaving…leaving Nila to be the new Night Sage."

"What, er, what species was your father?" Misty tried to not think about Ash, or about how worried she suddenly was about him.

"An Umbreon, like me," Nyx responded with his usual grin. "Though, he was not a Shiny. That is a rare, genetic fluke that no one's been really able to explain. At least, not yet, anyway."

"Were…er, what I mean is…"

"Were you close to your father, or was he more of a distant mentor-figure to you?" Pikachu finished Misty's question for her.

Nyx blinked. No one, beyond his own mother, had ever seemed to care whether or not Zyne had loved his son, or even truly cared about him.

Maybe…maybe humans weren't the complete savages that some of the Pokémon at the Night Temple made them out to be…and maybe the Pokémon themselves weren't superior, at least not morally, after all.

"Before my father…before Zyne left as an Elder Sage, he and I…yes. We were close. I've seen only a few real families, having lived at the Temple all my life, but I know without a doubt that he was a good, loving father. He helped me become the creature I am today."

"Grin and all?" Pikachu teased, trying to lighten the mood. For some reason, talking about his family in such a personal way…it seemed to make Nyx tense.

"Grin and all," Nyx nodded, his bright aura returning.

Misty looked at the doorway again.

"He'll be fine," Pikachu assured her. "I'm sure he will…"

It's in his blood, after all…

...

Aura sat in an almost-awkward, cross-legged position on a low stool. The room was much smaller than its counterpart in the Normal Temple, though what shelves there were in it were just as packed with books, journals, and scrolls. Perhaps the Fighting Element left less time for reading than the Normal. Or, maybe it just couldn't be recorded with words, the way many tried to do with the various types of Support. She had a bunch of leather scraps in front of her, some in her left paw, and a threaded needle in her right. She was sewing the leather together into some type of pouch with large straps attached to it.

"What's that?" Ash asked, as he came in. He sat down in a kneeling position in front of her, setting the bowl of food down in front of him, slightly to his left.

Aura didn't respond at first. Instead, she took an apple from the bowl, and placed it in the pouch. She shook the pouch by the straps a slight bit, and, when she was convinced it would hold–for now – she pressed the pouch against Ash's chest.

"Um," Ash froze, stammering. "Er, eh heh, what are you doing?"

"Measuring," Aura muttered simply, wrapping the straps over and under his arms to meet together at his back. "Don't move," she growled softly, holding them together with one paw and reaching for the threaded needle with the other, "unless you enjoy the idea of being pricked."

"What…?"

"Shh," Aura tapped his mouth gently with the needle. Then, she went to work without another word. After she had sewn the straps together to her satisfaction she lifted the strange, leather creation up over Ash's head. She then took the apple out and, in a seemingly absent-minded way, tossed it up and down.

"Well?" Ash muttered after a couple moments. "You gonna tell me what's going on?"

"Go get the Orb." Aura ignored his question. "Well, go on, now. We don't have all day!"

"Jeez," Ash hissed under his breath, reluctantly standing up. He gave her one last confused, angry look, before heading out down the hall. As he left the library, he thought he heard the crunching sound of the apple being eaten.

She was psychotic, that was all there was to it. Absolutely crazy.

Ash fumed for a few minutes as he sulked back to the room he and the others had been staying in. He picked up his pack and started rummaging through it, as he took a few steps towards his bed. Not paying attention, Ash stepped and slipped on the strap of Misty's pack, falling forward and dropping his pack, some of its contents spilling and rolling out onto the floor.

Ash pushed himself onto his feet, inhaling in dismay.

He heard the very loud thunk of the Orb as it fell.

No!

He ran to where the Orb lay, still wrapped in the faded blue cloth. He gingerly touched the cloth with his fingertips. Not daring to breathe, he slowly removed the cloth, emptying the Orb into his hand.

He sighed with relief as he checked the surface. There wasn't a single scratch; it was perfectly fine. He stuffed the cloth into his pocket, and placed the Orb on his bed, while he returned the other spilled supplies to his pack. Then he picked the Orb back up.

"I still can't believe I go through all this for something so…small," he sighed to himself.

He started to go back towards the library. Just as he passed the training hall, he heard voices coming from the mess hall. Lunch was over. He couldn't get caught; they couldn't see that he wasn't asleep in his bed. They couldn't figure out that he and Aura were planning to…well, whatever it was that Aura had in mind.

She hadn't yet told him what that was.

He ran the rest of the way down the hall, turning and skidding into the library.

However, yet again, he misjudged his actions, and ended up slipping again, this time on a piece of scrap leather that Aura hadn't used. He fell on his face with an audible thok.

"I give it a three," Aura chuckled.

"Yeah, yeah," Ash got to his feet, thankful that, yet again, the Orb had managed to survive without even a scratch. "I know, I know. You hate me."

"Three out of five isn't that bad, is it?" Aura furrowed her brow.

"Five?" Ash looked at her.

"I suppose you're wondering why I asked you here."

"Asked?" Ash gave her a look. "More like threatened."

"You want out of here?" Aura placed her paw on her hip, looking up at Ash from where she sat.

"What?"

"Do you want to get going, to continue on this little quest already?" Aura narrowed her eyes in apparent annoyance. "Or, do you want to stay here and get your little ass thrashed by Odin day after day until he accidently kills you because you've been worn down so much?"

"When you put it that way…" Ash rubbed his forehead. "But, why do you want to help me; what's in it for you? And how?"

Aura didn't answer right away. Instead, she reached towards the bowl without looking, and grabbed one of the berries. Surprised at the different texture, she glanced down at it, noticing for the first time the presence of Pecha and Oran berries as well as the rolls amongst the apples. She glanced up at Ash, not bothering to hide her confusion.

"Yeah," Ash nodded. "They're for you."

Aura just stared at him.

He…did something…for me? Something…caring? Nice?

After a long moment, Aura's expression hardened again.

"I want to go home eventually," she shrugged casually. "I can't until you're done with your quest. So, we're gonna get out of here as soon as mortally possible."

"How?" Ash repeated. "You plan on challenging Odin yourself? Neither of us can take him on."

"We're not going to."

"What?"

"We're going to sneak into the Temple. Tonight. And you'll take the Orb yourself. Without Odin saying or knowing so. By morning, you'll have the Fighting Orb and there'll be nothing they can do. We'll be able to finally move on."

"What about the Test or whatever? Traps set on the way to the Shrine?"

"That's why I'm coming," Aura stood up. "I took it easy today so that I could be as strong and alert as possible to get you to the Shrine alive. You'll just have to deal with the actual taking of the Orb."

"I…I'm not sure…"

"Typical. You're afraid of getting caught? Odin will never deem you worthy, you know," Aura growled. "You just don't have the stamina to fight a Pokémon. You never will. Maybe a human can never really be the Chosen One after all."

Ash glared at her, but also knew a challenge when he heard one.

"Tonight," he nodded sharply, his voice blunt. "When, and where?"

"Go get some sleep," Aura said, her tone a bit more gentle, although not by much. "I will wake you up when everyone else in the Temple is asleep. Then, we'll make our way to the Shrine."

"Do you know where it is?"

Aura motioned to the books.

"I have some ideas of how to find it, and there's plenty of research I can do to help."

"Why did you want the Orb?" Ash looked at the sphere in his hand. The Normal Orb gave a soft, dim glow.

Aura picked up the straps she had sewn.

"I am more than capable of fighting on my own, but…" She motioned towards the pouch the straps had been sewn on to. "I'd rather you not be completely defenseless. This will allow you to bring the Orb without having to carry it. We both know that you're capable of using it, so…" she shrugged and handed the pouch to him.

Ash opened his mouth to speak.

"Go pass out somewhere," Aura sneered at him, waving him off.

Ash turned out and headed towards the group's room once more. He couldn't help but smile.

She might be crazy, he thought to himself¸ but she's not as bad as she tries to seem.

I think.

Aura turned to the bookshelf, and ran her paw across the books' spines, trying to decide, praying that she didn't waste even one second of research.

...

Jerzy was more than annoyed now.

Granted, no one ever caught him unless he wanted to be caught, but still. Persistence from someone trying to do so was irritating. This time, however, the Rattata knew the species of the agent the Order had sent to seek him out was.

A Machop. A young male, wearing a mask made of similar material to Jerzy's own, only this one covered just the area around the Machop's eyes. A perfect choice, really: Machop were common amongst ports and sailors, and were a common member on teams of sea-faring Trainers. No one would really take much note of another one, even if he was wearing a funny mask.

The Order apparently thought that he would be able to not only find Jerzy, but take him back to them again.

Fat chance. Not this Rattata.

Jerzy smirked. He glanced behind him, where a smaller ship was tied to the dock.

He jumped up and scurried up the rope on all fours, following his rodent instincts.

Rattatas were common aboard ships, after all. Plus, it was really about time he took a vacation. Thievery was hard work, particularly when the Order was after you.

After a few minutes of exploration within the ship, he discovered a small pamphlet of the ship's scheduled trip throughout the Sevii Islands.

"We about ready?" Jerzy heard one of the shipmates yell from the nearby end of the ship. A rookie, from the tone of his voice, Jerzy decided.

Well, Jerzy smiled at the paper map again, as the ship's horn blared outside. It looks like I'm going to Two Island.

...

Ash woke up suddenly, his chest burning with his lack of oxygen.

Why couldn't he breathe?

Aura removed her paw from his mouth, which had also been unintentionally blocking his nose.

Air exploded into Ash's lungs, as he inhaled loudly.

"SSHHHHHH!" Aura hissed, trying to hush his obnoxious breathing. "You'll wake them," she whispered, motioning to Misty and Nyx. "Come on! Before they do wake up."

She motioned for him to follow her as she started to head out into the hallway.

"What about Pikachu?" Ash rubbed his eyes as he sat up on the bed. The little electric mouse was curled up on the pillow, not far from where Ash's head had been earlier. Pikachu's nose and ears twitched as if he was dreaming, but he otherwise kept sleeping peacefully.

Aura hesitated. The fewer the better, but….

I never forgot what you did for me….

"Let him sleep," Aura finally muttered. "Now come on!" And she dashed into and down the hallway.

"Glad I slept in my clothes, then," Ash shook his head at the Lucario's impatience. He grabbed the pouch – the Orb within – and slipped it on, so that the pouch rested against his chest, before following after her.

"I just hope that no one here sleepwalks," Aura said softly when Ash caught up to where she had stopped, at a corner where a new hallway joined the one they were in. According to the scents in the area and the passages she had read earlier, Aura guessed that this new hallway probably led to the Sage's Quarters. Judging by the strong scent of Blaziken, Godric probably had a room nearby. Made sense, she decided, for the Head Aide to always be near the Sage.

"So, how do you propose we find the Shrine?" Ash narrowed his eyes with a smirk.

"Humans," Aura smirked herself, shaking her head in mock disbelief. "Your species' poor senses combined with your arrogance have led you to forget that we have stronger sight, hearing, and sense of smell."

"That simple?" Ash raised an eyebrow.

"I figure that the Shrine is past the Sage's Quarters, away from the main rooms of the Temple. Which would mean that only Odin goes to the Shrine, at least regularly. So, we just follow the path that has only Odin's scent."

"And pray that it doesn't take us to his room."

"That would be far too strong a scent," Aura frowned. "I'm not that stupid. Though, if we must go through his room, he'll probably be asleep. As long we're quiet, we should make it."

"I…"

"C'mon!" Aura breathed, and started to dash lightly down the new hallway. "And be quiet!"

Ash sighed as he followed. He should have brought Pikachu. He wasn't used to being without the little guy. And Aura…

…Aura was definitely no Pikachu. Understatement, but there it was.

Ash followed Aura through a few more turns and twists in the hallways. They stopped every so often, Aura sniffing the air to make sure they didn't wake anyone or were being followed. Then, Aura stopped at a fork in the halls.

"Three choices," Aura muttered. "Left, right, or middle?"

"Um," Ash started.

"Hush!" Aura raised a paw behind her at him, but didn't move her gaze from the three choices before her. She took a couple steps towards the left, identifying the scent.

Godric, she decided. That's the path to the Head Aide's room.

The right path had a strong scent of Lucario. Very strong, and it was accompanied with the soft sound of an unidentifiable echo.

So, that must lead to Odin's rooms. Which only leaves…

The middle path. It smelled of Odin, too, though the scent wasn't as strong. A couple days old, actually, and there was a strange…feeling coming from down that hall.

"This one," Aura beckoned as she started down it.

"You sure?" Ash followed reluctantly.

"You want to try a different one?"

Ash remained silent.

"Exactly."

They traversed the silent path as it gradually became less and less uniform, changing from a worn-down, lived-in hallway, to a twisting and irregular cave tunnel.

"Careful of your step." Aura muttered.

"There seems to be fewer torches here," Ash looked around. "It's gonna get really hard to see soon." The soft firelight on the walls was already low enough that he had difficulty seeing where Aura was. "How could we forget that? We need a new light source, maybe take one of the torches, or…"

Aura never heard what the other possibility could be, as the strange glowing of the Orb intensified, silencing her teenaged companion. Its light illuminated the area around them, creating more than enough visibility to keep going without worry.

"That's helpful," Aura almost smiled, before they kept going.

"Darkness isn't the only thing that worries me," Ash admitted. "I'm surprised that we're just traveling down this without any type of Test or opposition. There's no way that we can just go and take this thing; it's too powerful to not have protection."

"Your point?" Aura wasn't thrilled; humans had a nasty habit of jinxing good luck by opening their mouths to question it.

"Well, shouldn't there be some sort of-?" Ash started, but was interrupted by a sharp rumbling in the ground. Something was digging its way up from under the tunnel a few feet ahead. Rocks in the tunnel rumbled and rolled away from it, causing Aura and Ash to avoid the ones heading their way.

Out of the developing hole came a…strange glowing figure. Neither human nor Pokémon, it stood about seven foot tall or so, with a reptilian-shaped head, and an irregular number of limbs; even if Aura or Ash had wanted to count them, they would not have been able to, with how constantly they moved. It seemed to be made out of a glowing light, burnt-orange in color, with white and black markings swirling around its body.

"Trap?" Ash finished his question, breathless with fear.

"No way," Aura's eyes widened. "It can't be!"

"What? What is it?"

"An Elemental!" Aura barked as it roared a threat, its voice almost ethereal. "Summoned with the Pure Essence of an Element, only a strong Sage of great power and understanding of their Element can summon or control them. One of the passages in the library mentioned them."

"So how do we get past it?" Ash took a step back as it locked eyes with him.

"We fight it," Aura dashed at it, leaping and swinging herself around into a Double Kick attack.

Though the attack hit dead-on, the Elemental seemed unfazed by it, as if she had done little more than poke him.

"What?" Aura yelped. "It didn't even…feel…"

The Elemental looked at her. Slamming her eyes shut, she leapt again, swinging her clenched paw up in a Sky Uppercut. When she landed again, she looked at the Elemental, only to see that it hadn't even flinched.

"No…" Aura couldn't believe how powerful it was.

The Elemental growled at her. It swung one of its hands down on her with a Karate Chop. Aura yelped out in pain as the attack flung her backwards into Ash, causing them both to crash into the ground.

"Yeah," Aura groaned in pain. "It's a Fighting Elemental, all right." She tried to stand, failing and falling as Ash managed to return to his feet. "Now…what elements are stronger than…what attacks do I…?"

I have to do something! Ash thought desperately. Maybe the Orb…but what?

The Elemental roared again, and drew back one of its arms, preparing its fist for another attack.

"ATTACK!" He pleaded with the Orb, swinging his right arm and praying.

"No, Ash! Don't!" Aura barked.

As if to answer, the Orb glowed stronger, as star-shaped bursts of light shot out of his hand, hitting the Elemental in the face.

The Elemental bellowed in pure rage.

"Normal attacks are weak against Fighting!" Aura reminded him. "All you're doing is pissing him off!"

The Elemental swung its fist at them before Ash could retort.

NO! Aura clenched her eyes.

I'm dead, Ash thought. It's going to kill me…I'm…

The Elemental roared again, but the blow never came. Ash dared to look up at it. The beast was glowing in a strange, purple light, which seemed to keep it frozen in the middle of its attack.

Where…?

Aura was half-standing, in front of Ash, putting herself in between him and the Elemental. Her false hair Aura Sensors were raised, but in a purple light, not blue, the same light the Elemental was restrained with, and was also radiating from Aura's paws and, as Ash saw by glancing around at her, her eyes.

Aura slowly stood up, but the light did not fade.

The Elemental roared again, this time in frustration.

"This is the Chosen One!" Aura yelled back at it. "The human destined to bear the Orb you guard. You will suffer him! Return to the ethereal plane from which you were summoned, or I will use the power of the Psychic Element to destroy you!"

A strange rumble – not quite a growl – issued from the Elemental.

Aura moaned and stumbled onto her knees. The light faded from the Elemental, and, gradually, from Aura herself.

However, instead of finishing its attack, the Elemental lowered its fist and looked back and forth between Ash and Aura. It nodded at the Lucario before bowing – in a strange, lopsided manner, but undeniably a bow – to the human teen.

"What?" Ash took a step back.

The will and spirit of Hikaru go with you…Chosen One. The words echoed in Ash's mind, the voice didn't seem either mortal nor in any real, known language…yet he understood.

With that, the Elemental simply faded away into nothingness.

"What the hell?" Aura slowly stood up again.

"I should be saying that to you," Ash looked at her. "Since when can you use Psychic?"

"A while," Aura shrugged as if it wasn't anything monumental.

"Can you use Aura, too? I mean, it is your name and-?" Ash started.

"Come on," Aura grabbed his wrist, leading him the rest of the way to the Shrine.

The room was very similar to the one at the Normal Temple. The walls were also smoothed out into four walls, all covered with carvings of runes and drawings. There was another bronze statue in one of the corners, this one of the Riolu helping the human child stand, both of them smiling, with the Dratini circling around the Riolu, its tail wrapped around the small Pokémon's ankle.

In the center, was another silver statue of another Riolu, sitting cross-legged in meditation, holding the Orb of Struggle above its head. It was also surrounded by statues of varying metal; this time the statues were of a Mankey, Machop, Tyrogue, Makuhita, Meditite, and a Croagunk. The Orb, however, was a bit different this time; while it still had the clear-yet-opaque quality to it, the Fighting Orb was a burnt-orange-like color, similar to the Elemental they had faced mere moments before.

"Ash?" Aura took a step towards him, her head tilted slightly in concern.

Normally, he would have gone into a theoretical heart attack from surprise from her sudden worry. But, like before, he felt a strong fascination and attraction to the Orb; he walked up to it, staring at it, drawn to it like a Dustox to the flame.

"I guess I should get this over with," Ash shrugged.

Reluctant for reasons he couldn't understand, Ash slowly reached out towards the Orb. His hands froze just by the Orb, not yet touching it.

You are the only one who can do this… Saki's words echoed in his head, followed by the last words she had had on the subject. You always have a choice, Ash. Remember that.

Ash exhaled, drawing up every ounce of courage he could muster, and grabbed the Orb fiercely with both hands.

Even though he knew it was coming, the uncontrollable wave of pain was sharp and shocking. He tried to convince himself that it was all in his head…that the pain wasn't real, but when he started to hear the voices, he knew that it simply wouldn't be possible. The voices overlapped, mostly blending into one unintelligible mass of chaos, though a few echoed above the rest.

Who is right? Us? Them?

What am I supposed to do?

I can't kill my own father!

Who am I?

What am I becoming?

Why?

Voices of people facing their greatest internal struggles roared within his mind, and he felt their confusion, their fear, their…their conflict, torn between trying to decide what was right, what was real, and what was wrong, immoral or just illusion.

Suddenly, the pain intensified, branching out from a large spot in his chest. His shirt felt wet, warm…

…Blood?

NOOOOOOOOOO! A sharp, shrill female voice shrieked.

FATHER! A younger one yelled, her tone just as terrified…just as grieved.

Hikaru? Ash felt tears forming in his clenched eyes. Was he hearing, feeling, experiencing Hikaru's last moments?

He could feel the heartbreak, the absolute betrayal.

He was my brother! How could he…why?

WHY?

Ash trembled, futilely trying to hold back the tears that were streaming down his face.

"Ash?" Aura had never seen the teen cry before. She didn't like it, a fact that surprised her. She timidly touched his arm in concern.

I can't kill him! I can't!

You have to; you have to protect your people!

He's my brother!

Suddenly, the pain shifted, to the top of his head instead of his chest. And…his arms and…it kept shifting, as if he was torn between two different events…two different memories.

Why are you doing this? Aura's voice echoed within his mind. At least…it sounded like Aura…a little…or a lot. Was it Aura?

What are you? The voice–Aura or not–continued. How can you do this? I can't choose between…you're family! How can you?

Stand down! A new, yet familiar, voice bellowed. Serve your sworn duty! I must serve mine!

Duty? The Aura-like voice broke into a sob. Damn it, he's your son! If that isn't worth your time, then you're not the man I thought you were!

…Then, it's time to remove the problem, a different voice spoke in a sick, yet strangely intriguing. The pain was solely in his head now…well, in his head and his heart.

No! No, I won't let you touch him! The voice was definitely Aura's now.

I'm not talking about him…

Fear rippled through Ash.

Whose life am I fighting for? Aura's confusion surged through Ash's consciousness.

Ash…

Now, the memories were gone, faded away, and the voice–Hikaru's, if the previous experience was what he thought–was the only presence in his mind.

What do you want? He asked it.

Your greatest struggle…all people's greatest…lie within….

What?

The memory of the other night replayed again. He relieved the sights–few as they were–and the feel of her hands on his arms, her back against his hands, her nose gently touching his, the feel of his rapid heartbeat pounding throughout his entire body, her breath against his face.

Why…? Ash started to ask.

What is Misty Waterflower…to you? Hikaru's voice asked in a firm voice.

We're just friends… That's all…

He remembered the strange, paradox-like feeling, the alertness mixed with the stunned reaction.

It was just a surge of hormones…it wasn't…it isn't…

He remembered the powerful sense of consuming desire. The way it felt…okay. Normal. Not evil or disgusting, the way he would have viewed it a few years before. Was it him, or was it…?

I don't know, he finally admitted.

There was a sense…a sort of click in his mind, and the presence was gone. Ash yanked up on the Orb with all his might, pain searing through him again as he finally removed the Orb from the Shrine.

He stood, hunched over, leaning his arm against the Riolu statue. He inhaled and exhaled deeply, repeatedly taking and releasing huge, irregular breaths.

"Ash?" Aura stepped back. "What…?"

"I dunno," He breathed, looking down at the Orb. "I did…I did it. I dunno…." He stumbled a bit. "M…Misty," He barely spoke, before collapsing onto the ground.

"Ash!" Aura couldn't fight the surge of concern. She'd just fought for him. He couldn't die.

She…she promised Hikari…

"He'll be alright," a male voice behind her made her jump.

Oh, shit…

"Hello, Aura."

"Hello, Godric…Odin."

...

Ash groggily woke up, feeling as if he had been hit over the head with a semi.

"Oh, man," he slowly sat up.

"Glad to see you decided to join the mortal realm," Odin's voice chuckled.

"What hit me?"

"The Test just drained you of energy. You just needed to recharge."

"Oh, I'm in trouble," the realization hit him.

"I'll say!" A female voice caused Ash to turn.

"Misty, I know I should have…"

"It was my fault," Aura spoke up before Misty could interrupt.

"Aura?" Ash and Misty chimed together.

"It is not out of love for you, human, don't kid yourself," Aura grimaced. "I am simply responsible enough to stand up and accept consequences for my own actions." She turned to Odin. "I convinced the Chosen One to go behind your backs with me to the Shrine and take the Test without your permission. While he likely lied to you, it was because, for reasons I cannot fathom, he trusted me."

"I had been starting to fear that I would have to have Nyx or Pikachu give him the idea," Odin chuckled, shocking everyone else in the room besides Godric.

"What?" Ash twitched his eye in absolute shock.

"I couldn't help you decide when to face your greatest struggle. Only that could give you the strength to survive the test."

"Um…" Ash scratched his neck nervously.

"Godric?" Odin motioned to his friend. "Could you go get my special creation from my forge? Take Misty and Nyx with you; they'll probably find your explanation fascinating."

"Of course, friend," Godric dipped his head in a bow that hid his knowing, amused grin. "Come, my new friends," the Blaziken led the shiny Umbreon and teenage girl out.

"Aura," Odin handed her a cloth–the same blue one he'd found in Ash's pocket earlier. "Go and get the Orb out of my room. It's resting on my bed. Be careful not to touch it directly."

"Whatever," she took the cloth and stalked out of the room as well.

"Pikapi," Pikachu rubbed his face against Ash's side from where he sat on the bed next to him.

"I was right, wasn't I?" Odin asked.

"What?"

"She was–is –your greatest struggle, the one you had to overcome to claim the Orb, isn't she?"

"What?" Ash repeated.

"You didn't have to resolve your struggle to pass the Test, obviously," Odin turned around, picking up a small mug of tea from the table that had been behind him. "You just had to admit that the struggle existed. At least to yourself," Odin handed the mug to him.

Ash took it with muttered thanks.

"Don't try to figure it out too fast," Odin sat down on at the foot of the bed. "It'll make sense one day. You won't understand how or why, it just will."

"You sound like you know."

"I've had times I've thought about it, but…" Odin frowned for a moment. "But it creates too much trouble for a Sage when one decides to take a mate. Nyx's father was a great Sage, but there are still amongst our Order that speak of it with great contempt."

"I just don't…" Ash started. "I'm probably just tired. Or just need to spend more time with…with other humans."

"That is possible," Odin got up again. "Just…don't turn your back on the idea. That you would likely regret. Just…enjoy what you can."

"I've got it!" Godric came in, carrying a metal gauntlet.

"Ditto," Aura followed after the others, bringing the Orb of Struggle in the cloth. The pouch carrying the Orb of Support was flung over her shoulder, the Orb secure and safe. She dropped them both onto the bed next to Ash.

"This," Odin took the gauntlet from Godric, "will, hopefully, be the most important tool you will have for protecting and using the Orbs. It took years, but I think I finally got it right." The metallic glove had a total of eighteen holes on it: two rows of eight around the wrist, and two on the back of the hand. They were each about the size of an inactive Pokéball. "Take the Orb of Support, and try to place it in the first hole of the bottom ring."

Ash skeptically obeyed, and was shocked to watch as the Orb shrank to the appropriate size and fit perfectly into the hole.

"Now place the Orb of Struggle in the next one to the right."

Ash did so, and the others were still amazed to see that it, too, shrank and fit.

"How?" Nyx breathed.

"I worked with some members of the Psychic, Dark, and Light Temples to create the spell. Magic isn't common, and usually just the right combination of Element use, but there are some sources left from the olden days. This gauntlet, though a recent creation, is now one such artifact. Beware, though, as not all of them are benevolent in nature, and those that were are often easily corrupted or destroyed.

"Now, this will allow you to use multiple Elements at once or at least in much more rapid succession than simply carrying them around. I trust that Nyx will aid in training you with how to do this in between Temples."

"I'm no expert," Nyx folded his ears against his head. "But, I'd be honored to teach the Chosen One what I do know."

"Nyx…" Ash started.

"Put the gauntlet on," Odin interrupted.

Ash obeyed, but not before giving Odin a look of confusion.

"Now mentally tell the gauntlet that you do not need the Elements now."

And the device simply vanished.

"Where-?" Ash yelped.

"Relax, it's not really gone, just…well, to put it in layman's terms, you've absorbed the gauntlet and the Orbs with it. You can mentally call upon it at anytime, but it should be safe now, as long as you are.

"You might want to take it off when you bathe, but otherwise wear it at all times. If you must take it off, do not let it leave your sight."

"Got it," Ash nodded. I'll deal with how insane this all seems later…

"Place them in order of how you obtain them, starting with where you've started, and all the way around, starting with the same spot of the second round when you get there. The two on the actual hand are for the Dark and Light Orbs, since they are…very powerful."

"Sounds simple enough," Ash muttered.

"Hopefully that means that you'll remember it," Aura smirked.

Ash shot her a glare.

"The next Shrine is on Two Island," Odin changed the subject slightly.

"Sevii?" Ash asked. "We're going to Sevii Islands?"

"You should be able to get a ferry from…Vermillion, I believe. I admit I do not know the name for sure."

"Yeah, it's Vermillion," Pikachu confirmed. "I'll never forget that place."

Ash chuckled.

Odin felt excitement. He could tell that Ash was going to be great, that he was going to succeed in his quest. And, while the thought of the Chosen One bringing in the start of the Age of Hope thrilled Odin, he decided that it was blessing enough to be happening during his own lifetime, when he was a Sage. He could wait a while longer to see the prophecy complete.

After all, he was patient.

"Well, Chosen One, you rest up, and you and your friends can get going after lunch."

With that, Odin left with the others.

Except for Misty, who stayed behind, not quite able to look Ash in the eye.

"Misty…" Ash tried to think. "I…I know you're mad. I guess…you're right. I should have told you. You're my best friend, and deserve my trust. I shouldn't have…"

"When Odin carried you in, saying that you had snuck into the Shrine to take the Test on your own…" Misty lost her voice for a moment, struggling to restrain her emotions. "You looked so limp…you weren't conscious or moving….you looked…looked…" She looked at the ground.

"Misty, I…"

Don't try to figure it out too fast…

"I'm sorry," He finally settled on, hanging his head in sincerity.

There was a brief moment of silence, making him fear he'd said the wrong thing. Then, Misty was suddenly hugging him, in an ineffective attempt to hide her tears, something that was admittedly unusual–for either of them.

"You better be."

...

The moon shone down upon the burning wreckage, like a demon glaring down upon the molten hell of twisted, smoking metal that scarred the otherwise beautiful landscape around it.

The Lucario had no idea why he returned to it. His daughter was home safe with her dear friend, and the Pikachu had made it safely to the checkpoint: the home of a strange, old hermit who lived just beyond the outskirts of Pallet.

Something had drawn him here, though.

Maybe it was something he sensed with either his heightened ability with Aura and Psychic powers. Both had been genetically altered and heightened when he was an embryo developing in his egg. They often led him to find and learn things before he should.

He couldn't hang around for long, though. The human police would be here any minute now.

He sniffed around. Not finding anything worthwhile, beyond the burning corpses, their smell a nauseous taste on his tongue, he turned to using Aura. What it revealed…

…Wasn't possible! It couldn't be!

He ran to where one of the bikes lay on top of a body. He threw the bike off, cursing as the metal singed his paw…

…And the body twitched, coughing.

"Garrison!" The Lucario barked.

"…D…Delia…tell…tell Sp…Spence…" The half-charred body tried to speak.

He was alive!

A/N: Well, damn. I really wanted this done sooner. Tried to make it before the turn of the decade. Hopefully this isn't too late to have turned any of you off. I am surprised at the length of it. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, in any case, and let's all pray I can get the next one out soon. I'm working on tying some of the storylines together, but it'll take time. Also, if you notice anything grammatically wrong, or if you're sensing a plot hole, then please let me know. This was mostly written during bouts of insomnia, and while I didn't catch much of anything while reviewing and editing, I'm not perfect and don't claim to be.

And, in case if you're wondering, yes, I have a reason for rating this M and not T. First, in case you forgot (it happens to the best of us), describes their version of the M rating as "Not suitable for children or teens below the age of 16 with possible strong but non-explicit adult themes, references to violence, and strong coarse language." Basically you're aiming it at high-school age and older, though more towards the older teens and beyond. There are concepts and violence and various other scenes (though no lemon, sorry) that I'm not sure that I'd want a typical middle school student stumbling upon, which is when many people turned 13. Or, anyone even younger who didn't see the T or just didn't care. Plus, the M rating allows me a lot more leniency with the violence. Which, I promise is going to get much more descriptive and bloody. I had to think about it as if I were filming it, and ask, what would I rate a movie like this? I teetered between PG-13 and R, wishing there was a partway. M technically is that, in one point of view. Hope that answered that question for you. If you still have any, or any about the story itself, feel free to drop me a PM. You never know what can inspire a sudden burst of inspiration and creativity.

I'll shut up now.