Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon and Harry Potter
BloodyKitsune1997: Here is Chapter Twenty! Last chapter was a bit fun and the boys did something a bit out of character, but...plot! Now here is the chapter and before we continued...
Reviews:
Jostanos: We will have to see in this chapter.
Gabriel Herrol: Too true, but Plot
bleach103: Eventually.
Chapter 20
Sliding underneath the arm of a Rocket attempting to stab Orion in the back, Vali grabbed the arm and used the moment she'd been gathering up to toss him away earning a loud shout of surprise. Shoving herself against Orion's back, she panted with a slight grin as he let out a low bark of laughter, "This brings back memories, Firefly."
"Which one? The Tree or Umbral Point?" Vali snickered as she took a moment to breath.
"Both-" Orion's laughter fell silent as a wave of something swept through the room.
Eyes darting about, Vali took in the chaos though couldn't quite see anything that didn't usually happen within a raid. The Rockets and their pokemon were quickly falling even the well trained ones. The Mr. Mime had already been dispatched by Karen with Will taking them away moments later allowing them a bit more freedom to communicate though not by much. The scientists were already taken away by Will who was now working with various Ranger and Ace teams to transport the caged pokemon to a safe place to be looked over. Everyone else was working on the Rockets and ensuring any wild pokemon were warned off. But this...it felt too easy considering what she'd read in the file, she felt her stomach twist and began looking around in earnest.
"We've got a problem!" Elrond almost slammed into Vali's side as panic radiated through their bond and her head snapped towards him, "Ash and Gary, they're in trouble-"
"The fuck?!" Vali snapped as anger and worry surged through her, "How the hell-They were asleep!"
"They must've somehow managed to overwhelm Naz's power," Elrond gave her a worried look, "For now, we need to focus on getting them out of danger,"
Letting out a stream of curses, Vali nodded as Orion looked at her with a frown, "The kids?"
"Somehow got free of Naz's illusions, Ash must've had something to do with it," Vali would definitely be reading Riley the riot act for not warning her earlier about this being a possible side effect of Ash's growing powers, "Eli, what happened exactly?"
Shaking his head, Elrond explained, "I don't have all the details as Ash and Gary were both very scared when transmitting to us. I do know that they were close by and someone, a female Rocket from what I could gather from the images they managed send along, approached them. They realized the danger especially as she threatened their pokeballs and began to lead them off."
"That-" Orion let out a low snarl at that, "I'd gut whoever even thought of making a threat like that,"
"You and every single sane person," Vali frowned slightly, "Female Rocket?" She let out a low sound as the realization of just why things had begun to get easier hit her, "Fuck that damn bitch slipped away without us realizing it!"
"Who-" Orion's eyes narrowed, "The admin?"
"Ariana," Vali's lips pulled into a snarl, "I should've realized she'd gotten away, but-" She shook her head and took a deep breath, "No, I can't blame myself right now especially when we've got things to do," She looked at Elrond, "Can you lead me to where those two were taken away?"
"Of course," Elrond nodded with a determined look on his face.
"You're not going alone even if it's with your pokemon," Orion gave her a stern look.
"I wouldn't even make that assumption, Big guy," Vali grinned at him, "If I'm right about what they might be after and where she could possibly be taking the boys, you might get your wish about finally getting a shot at another powerful pokemon,"
Lips pulling into a savage grin, Orion let out a loud laugh, "Ah, It's a shame that I'm not into women, Firefly. You almost make me want to change things."
Snorting at that, Vali whistled sharply causing her pokemon to give their various opponents one last pot-shot before retreating to her side. She recalled them as Elrond quickly gave Karen and Allen the rundown as they were the ones who'd be taking over things. Nodding to Orion as he did the same to her, they took off out of the cavern and began retracing the psychic signal Elrond had gotten. All Vali could think of is catching up with the boys and keeping them safe even if it means doing the unthinkable in front of them.
Stumbling and tripping over his feet in the dark, Ash was glad to have Gary with him even as they both struggled to keep up with the Rocket's hurried pace through various tunnels that seemed to go deeper within Mount Moon. It got progressively colder as they walked and water dripped from the ceiling even though he wasn't quite sure where it had come from. There didn't seem to be any pokemon this far down, he didn't quite understand it since the chaos with the chamber where Vali was fight the Rockets seemed so far away.
Eventually the Rocket paused by the entrance of a tunnel, she tilted her head and narrowed those cold cyan's eyes of hers. She spoke lowely, "Here? I suppose this is far enough down."
"F-far enough down?" Gary muttered earning a glance from the Rocket.
"You," She pointed at Gary, "Go forward and tell me what you see,"
"W-what?" Gary shook his head only to freeze as the Mightyena who'd been silent so far growled behind them, "W-why?"
"Because," The Rocket sneered at him, "If there is anything dangerous, I won't be risking myself or a valuable pokemon,"
Choking at that, Gary tried to protest only to fall silent as the Mightyena growled loudly again. Slowly stumbling forward, Gary began to move towards the tunnel entrance as Ash murmured, "B-but w-why are w-we doing this?"
"Because my boss wants something that's held within this place and what he wants, he gets," The Rocket kicked Gary forward into the tunnel when he reached her side earning a loud yelp.
"GARY!" Ash shouted and tried to sprint forward only for the Roserade to stop him with Vinewhip.
"Oh no you don't, I am not risking both my hostages," The woman let out a soft giggle before calling out, "Well, what's down there?"
After a few beats of silent, a groan sounded before Gary called up, "I-its dark and-Holy Mew! Are those Omanyte?"
"Bingo," The Rocket clapped her hands, "Let's go join him,"
Grunting as he's tossed down none too gently by the Roserade, Ash landed in a heap beside Gary who'd just gotten to his feet. As Gary helped him up, he looked around slightly stunned at the sight of actual Omanyte sleeping around small pools of water. There were a few of their far larger evolution, Omastar, it looked like they'd stumbled upon a small nursery of living fossil pokemon though how were they here? He had to shake that thought from his mind as the Rocket joined him with a grin stretched across her face. She nodded to herself while pulling out a small pokegear and seemed to make notes on it before beginning to walk forward. Clearing his throat, he asked, "W-what are you looking for?"
"Not these though they're a perk," The Rocket hummed to herself, "But if they're here, we're getting close to what I'm looking for,"
Sharing a look with Gary, Ash swallowed heavily as he wondered over just what the Rocket could possibly be looking for. The air actually seemed to get warmer as they moved further into the cavern and Ash shifted as the heat grew to the point where his jacket became a bit too much. Rather than remove it with the Rocket around, he kept it on while fiddling with the collar as they entered another tunnel and actually found the ground almost completely smooth. The wall looked like they'd been turned to glass and his eyes widened at the sight of various evolutionary stones that looked like they were the same quality as the one on Aragorn's neck resting on the other end. Breath out slowly the sight, he heard Gary murmur, "The walls...the floor...did pokemon do this?"
"Of course not," The Rocket sneered at them, "What pokemon would seal away evolutionary stones like that?"
There were a number if certain things Vali had spoken about were true, Ash just didn't know which ones were settled within Mount Moon. He pushed that thought away soon as the dim light within the tunnel began to grow brighter with each step. Curiosity curled through him, he could feel something tugging at the power curled within his very being. Almost as if it were both guiding and judging him in a way though he couldn't be too sure as the feeling was far too alien, he found his steps growing more sure with each movement forward and a sense of safety started to settle over him. Somehow he knew that they'd be okay soon, he just couldn't be too sure how.
As they reached the end of the tunnel they'd been walking within, the light they'd been following had transformed into that of sunlight. The Rocket turned towards them with a mocking smile and jerked a finger towards Ash, "You first this time, boy."
Rather than feel fear, Ash did as told even as Gary tried to protest. Stepping towards the tunnels edge, he let out a small yelp as the Rocket kicked him forward much like Gary. Falling down a short way, he was surprised to find himself falling into a rather soft bed of springy plants. As he breathed in, a gentle floral scent filled his nose. Pushing himself up, he looked around and his eyes widened as flowers the color of pure starlight covered almost the entirety of the cavern floor. Within the caverns center point underneath a hole where sunlight poured in, a massive moonstone sat radiating an awe inspiring sense of power. Shaking himself after a long moment as he heard a shout from above, Ash called out, "I-Flowers, a lot of flowers!"
"Flowers? Are they the color of starlight, Boy!" The Rocket shouted down at him.
Throat tightening at that, Ash looked at the flowers as a sense of dread curled through him, "Y-yeah!"
There was silence moments before Gary crashed into the ground beside him, Ash quickly began helping him up. Gary gasped softly as his eyes locked onto the massive Moon Stone, "The stone-"
"Such a wonderful thing," The Rocket cackled as she landed in front of them with her pokemon, "How long have we searched for this illusive stone within the damned mountain? And here it is," She held out her arms with an exaggerated sigh, "How wonderful, I almost wish that Boss was here to enjoy this moment with me. Oh well, he'll find out just how wonderful the stone is as soon as I get it to him,"
"W-what?" Ash didn't know how she'd do it since the stone was firmly buried within the ground from what he could see, "How?"
"Simple, Boy," The woman turned to him with that crooked grin, "Shame as it is, I'll just have to break it a bit to ensure this thing fits into my bag, but that's fine. With such a pure stone-"
"It deserves to stay intact," A familiar voice called out and Ash's head snapped towards the source as he felt himself relax, "Ariana of Team Rocket or should I say, Alexandra Raisen of Goldenrod former Heiress to the Raisen fortune,"
Standing at the massive Moonstone's base, Vali leaned against Balto's side with her arms crossed. Aragorn was standing beside her looking ready to tear Ariana apart while Elrond floated at Vali's shoulder completely serene. There was a low snarl from Ariana, she snapped at Vali, "Where the hell did you come from? And how did you even figure out that information?!"
"Let's just say I have some very talented birdies working for me," Vali looked at her nails, "As for where I came from, I, unlike you, know this mountain quite well," She smirked darkly as her eyes flashed, "And I've got certain connections,"
"Connections?" Ariana frowned at Vali, "What connections?"
"Let's just say they're not very happy Team Rocket decided to try their hand at the mountain even if their true goal was the stone," Vali dropped her hand, "Now how about you give up nice and easy? While I'd prefer a struggle, I for one don't like pissing off certain parties for the fun of it unlike some people,"
"Go fuck yourself," Ariana snapped at Vali while jerking her hand outward, "Roselia, Mightyena-"
There was a cold chill seconds before Ash found himself in a tight bear hug by Nazgul, he quickly took a deep breath and was glad for it as the world went strange and cold. He found himself being deposited on the ground beside Vali seconds later and breathed out, "I really hate shadow traveling."
"Maybe don't get yourself into trouble and we wouldn't have to use it," Vali replied with a stern glare directed at him as Gary was deposited beside him seconds later, "We will be having quite a few words once this is over. Mom will be hearing about this alongside your dad, Siri, the Professor, Gare's parents," He jerked as a bark of pain echoed through the air and looked to see Orion's Lucario easily wiping the floor with Ariana's Mightyena, "I am also going to be talking with Riley for obvious reasons,"
"Right," Ash winced since that meant his training was going to be modified again, "Saying sorry won't change things...will it?"
"No," Vali snapped her fingers three times and there was a loud shriek from Ariana.
With wide eyes, Ash watched as Ariana was knocked unconscious by a combined attack from Galadrial and Nazgul who then stripped the woman of her pokeballs. All pokeballs were then locked after being checked for any released pokemon. Mightyena and Roserade were returned alongside some pokemon he couldn't see. Orion tied Ariana up as her pokeballs were secured by Vali in a bag. There was a shiver in the air as Vali whistled sharply calling and a Gardevoir appeared, the elegant pokemon bowed deeply before Vali and grabbed Ariana alongside the bag Vali held before disappearing with them. Running a hand through her hair, she muttered under her breath a few choice words before pulling him into a tight hug then doing the same with Gary. Gary hugged her back tightly as he murmured, "I'm sorry, Vali-I-I tried to stay back at camp."
"We'll figure things out later. For now though," Vali pulled away from him with a soft look, "Now while you two are definitely in trouble and I'd normally not do this since this is definitely considered rewarding such behavior, we aren't exactly going to get another chance to be down here again for a long time. And after today, I doubt she'll be willing to let any humans this close even me,"
"She?" Ash murmured softly as Vali moved away from them.
"She," Vali's expression stayed soft as she moved towards the massive Moonstone, "Do you remember the stories I've told you since returning from my training trip? The ones of guardian pokemon?"
"Yeah," Ash and Gary answered partially as one with Ash continuing, "The ones bestowed with power by the Cardinal legendaries, right?"
There was a pulse in Ash's chest just then, he felt that feeling from before return just that much stronger. Vali spoke as she reached the massive Moonstone's side and actually reached out to touch it, "Right though it goes a bit deeper than that. Each region has a few very special places within it that are considered especially sacred even outside the resting places of the legendaries. To keep these sacred places safe, the guardian pokemon were created. They, much like the ones within Alola and even the ancient Noble pokemon, were gifted with great power after showing off qualities that prompted the Legends to deem them worthy," She smiled softly as if remembering something fondly, "Some are indeed chosen by the Cardinal Legendaries, but others...others are chosen by Mew or Arceus themselves," She closed her eyes, "Can anyone tell me why I would bring this up?"
Ash breathed out, "We're in one of those sacred places aren't we?"
"We are," Vali turned her head with a soft laugh, "It's been awhile, Ayla...Almost a year now since last you revealed yourself, hasn't it?"
"Indeed, Fire Walker," An aged voice murmured.
From an offshoot tunnel that Ash hadn't noticed before, an Umbreon that could reach Ash's shoulders if they stood side by side walked forward leading a small group of Clefairy and Clefable. Graying fur curled about its muzzle revealing that the Umbreon was an old one, it bore many scars though even in the sunlight it's rings shown a pale silvery yellow. It looked upon Vali with a fondness that took him off guard even as his sister seemed to share the sentiment. Turning to them, Vali spoke in a light tone, "Everyone, I want you to meet Ayla, Guardian of the Stone which shines below the mountain. It is through her that Mount Moon is able to survive."
"How is that possible?" Gary asked with a frown.
"Simple young thinker," Ayla looked at Gary, "From the stone which bore this very mountain, the springs within are purified allowing us to drink fresh water. From the stone, the soil gains nutrients which allows both plants and pokemon to grow. The stone allows those old ones to live even as their own age has long passed," She tilted her head, "As you were no doubt told once by Fire Walker, the Stone gives us life,"
"The aura," Ash murmured in realization earning a look of appreciation from Ayla.
"Indeed, Young Guardian," Ayla moved to the stone and tapped it with a paw causing her rings to flash a bright silver for a brief moment, "Through the stones very aura, we are given life. Some are even granted the ability to move forward from it,"
"Amazing," Ash grinned slightly, "And when the time comes, you end up giving back,"
"Indeed," Ayla gave Ash a look of consideration, "You definitely are a smart one, Young Guardian. Smarter than I'd first thought," She looked at Vali, "Tell me, Fire Walker, would he ensure one of ours was looked after? Ensure they wouldn't fall needlessly?"
Eyes widening at that, Ash looked at Vali quickly and saw her eyes narrowing in on Ayla. She spoke after a moment, "Yes though would it not be best to allow the one you're speaking of to make the decision themself? After all, they would be the one who's future is to be changed."
"Perhaps, but the one that I'm considering is a brash child that that walks a thin line," Ayla snorted softly, "In a way, they remind me of you, Fire Walker,"
Letting out a low laugh, Vali rolled her eyes, "Good to know."
"But you are correct, we should allow the younger ones to make their own decisions," Ayla let out a sound that was a mix between a yip and a bark.
There was a loud rumble seconds before the area was flooded with Cleffa and what seemed to be newly evolved Clefairy, Ash stared at the sea of fairy-types in shock. He'd always known them to be rare, but the vertebral sea before him made that statement seem so false right now. Ayla let out an actual bark and stamped a paw which prompted the sea to part with a small Clefairy stepping forward. The Clefairy looked at Ayla for a small moment before walking towards Ash with a slight frown. Stopping before him, the Clefairy held out it's hand and he quickly took it while releasing his aura for the fairy-type to feel. Letting his intentions and emotions fill his aura, he conveyed everything to the Clefairy about just what type of person he was and what his goal in life was.
For a long moment, Ash and Clefairy stood in their own world before the fairy-type pulled away with a look of consideration on his face. He turned to Ayla and let out a series of squeals and cries earning a low nod. Ayla looked at Ash for a moment before saying, "If you're willing to battle the Dreamer of Stars, he will follow you."
"Yes," Ash answered immediately without actually having to think about it since he'd felt the Clefairy's wish to fight the moment they'd first connected, "If you'll allow it,"
"Very well, Young Guardian. Fire Walker, if you'll be the judge," Ayla looked at Vali earning a nod in agreement.
"But of course," Vali whistled sharply causing the noise in the cavern to die down, "If you're not part of the battle, I want the area cleared. Gather within the upper areas if you plan to watch!"
Within a matter of moments, the area around them was cleared of all save for a few Clefable who were moving a few boulders around to clearly mark a battlefield out. Elrond and Aragorn were assisting the Celfable alongside Nazgul which made Ash shift a bit uncomfortably. He pulled off his jacket as Gary turned to him with an excited look, "So who are you going to use? Pikachu, Electrike, or Blitzle? I'd use Electrike since he's a lot more rounded out-"
"I don't-" Ash shook his head only to still when a heavy hand settled on his shoulder.
"Easy there, Kid," Orion peered down at him with an amused look on his face, "Let me guess, you haven't actually battled a pokemon with the intention to catch it before?"
"Well...no," Ash admitted as his cheeks heated up, "With how things were set up so we could bring along our older pokemon, I really couldn't. Not with my Pidgeotto," He swallowed heavily, "Since I've got my Electrike now though, I can technically catch another pokemon..."
"And that's making you feel nervous," Orion squeezed his shoulder, "While I can't say that I've been in your position before, I definitely understand your feelings. When it came to each member of my team even the ones you haven't really met, I had to choose carefully. The feeling of being nervous is normal, but you'll get used to it,"
"Really?" Ash looked at Orion in surprise.
The older man nodded before gesturing to the side where the Clefairy Ash was supposed to battle was standing, "It also helps when you realize how nervous the pokemon is too. In situations like this, you can actually take the time and see it."
Looking towards where Clefairy was standing, Ash was able to pick out the nervous was Clefairy fiddled with his claws and glanced about while bitting his bottom lip. In many ways, the fairy-type brought back those faint memories of Idril from when he was a little kid. Steeling himself, he moved towards Clefairy while taking a deep breath and held out a hand earning a wide eyed look. He spoke with a soft smile, "I...Whatever happens, I know we'll both be doing our best, Clefairy. Whether we end up as partners today or not, I'll be glad to have battled with you."
A slow smile formed on Clefairy's lips and he slowly took Ash's hand with a soft gurgle. They shook hands as a bark sounded and Clefairy's grip tightened just a bit. Squeezing gently, Ash sent the fairy-type a reassuring smile as Vali called out, "Ash, Clefairy, the battlefield is ready!"
"Ready?" Ash asked earning a nervous nod, "I am too, so let's give it our best shot,"
Releasing Clefairy's paw, they moved towards the battlefield and took their places with Ash carefully selecting a pokeball. He took a deep breath before releasing Pikachu earning a surprised shout from Gary, "What the-Ash-"
Ignoring it as Gary's mouth was covered by Orion, Ash spoke to Pikachu as the mouse looked at him, "Hey, Buddy, I need your help real quick, alright? Clefairy is our opponent for this battle and depending on how things go, he might be our next partner."
Pikachu let out a low sound and quickly looked at Clefairy with a surprised look. Gaze shifting into one of consideration, Pikachu nodded after a long moment and shifted into a battle ready position as Vali called out, "The battle will end if either opponent is knocked out or the trainer returns his pokemon! If both parties are ready, begin!"
Eyes meeting Clefairy's, Ash nodded while calling out, "Pikachu, let's start this out with Quick Attack into Nuzzle!"
There was a flash across Clefairy's skin, Ash's eyes narrowed for a brief moment before they widened as the fairy-type turned into a blur of movement right alongside Pikachu. While not as quick as the mouse due to clearly not being trained to move at such a speed, Clefairy adapted quickly and managed to get away from Pikachu's attempt to Nuzzle him. Calling out as Clefairy continued to dodge around Pikachu's Quick Attack, he wanted to test out just what all the fairy could do, "Pikachu let's give this guy a Thunder Shock!"
Hitting one of the boulders and back flipping to give himself some distance, Pikachu shot off a Thundershock as Clefairy slid to an unsteady stop. To Ash's surprise and Pikachu's interest, the electricity slid off of Clefairy fur as if it were water. Shaking himself as if he were a Growlithe that had gotten sprayed by a passing Maril, Clefairy let out an unamused squeak and returned the Thundershock with a weak variant of it. Realizing that Clefairy was using either Copy-cat or Mimic against Pikachu, he called out, "We need to start changing things up, Pikachu! He's copying you!"
Letting out a noise of realization and understanding, Pikachu took off in another Quick Attack that was quickly copied by Clefairy. Rather than move to try and chase the pink blur though, Pikachu started to run in a rather sporadic way until Clefairy stumbled right into his path allowing him to score an Iron Tail on the Fairy-type earning a squeal of pain. Following up the first Iron Tail, Pikachu slammed another one into Clefairy's side as the fairy-type stumble backward in shocked pain. Rushing forward to tackle Clefairy, Pikachu let out a low Growl that echoed through the air.
Clefairy managed to break free of Pikachu with a loud shriek that made Ash's ears ring and sent Pikachu stumbling back. Using their still close proximity, Clefairy slammed a glowing fist into Pikachu's muzzle earning a sharp cry as he stumbled back again and landed heavily on his back. Picking himself up quickly, Pikachu took off into another Quick Attack that Clefairy copied though it was clear that the Fairy-type was being far more careful. Careful or not though, the hits from before and constant running around had clearly worn the fairy out quite a bit as he was slowing down rather quickly.
As soon as Clefairy started becoming visible to Ash's eyes, Pikachu rammed into him with a fairly devastating tackle attack. Clefairy pulled off another of those loud squeals that had Pikachu stumbling away allowing the Fairy to hit him with another Pound attack though this time Pikachu retaliated with a rather brutal Iron Tail to the stomach. Crying out as he slipped to his knees, Clefairy breathed out harshly as Pikachu stumbled to his feet not far away.
Ash called out to Clefairy, "Do you want to continue fighting? We can end it here...I'd rather not cause anymore harm if there isn't a need for it."
Eyes meeting his, Clefairy's gaze was filled with a war before the Fairy-type nodded slowly and Ash breathed an internal sigh of relief. Moving towards the two pokemon, Ash ignored Vali as she called out, "It's a draw!"
Bending down to check over Pikachu, Ash noted that he would definitely need to get a potion for his partner. Absentmindedly grabbing towards his pack, he paused at the fact his back was bare. Frowning to himself at the reminder that he'd been stupid enough to get into this mess, he shook himself while mentally muttering that he'd think about that later. Moving to Clefairy, he bent down while reaching out, "Can I check you over? I can't do much since my supplies are a bit far away, but I'd like to at least see what if I can help."
Eyeing him, Clefairy nodded slowly and Ash began looking over the fairy while internally wincing. They would definitely need to give this guy at least a whole potion and more than a few berries. Letting his aura run free for a moment, he directed it towards where the worst injuries that he'd felt were and focused on wanting Clefairy to feel better. While he couldn't do much, he could at least ease the poor guys pain a bit.
Feeling a hand on his shoulder, Ash look away from Clefairy as his hand fell away and found Vali peering at him with an amused look. She asked, "Already that worried about your possible new partner?"
"Well...we did beat up each other..." Ash flushed a bit as she giggled.
"True enough," Vali bent down while pulling something out of her pocket which turned out to be a pair of potions, "I think these might be worth a try, don't you?"
Nodding with a grin, Ash took the potions from her and began using one on Clefairy earning a low squeal of pain from the Fairy, "Easy, I know it stings, but you'll feel better soon, alright?"
Once Clefairy and Pikachu had been tended to, Vali pulled him to his feet. She pulled him away from the battlefield with Pikachu resting comfortably on his shoulder and Clefairy walking beside them. To his surprise, Clefairy grabbed his hand with one paw and cuddled into his side as they moved to stand before Ayla, the Umbreon. Leaving his side, Vali moved to stand with Ayla who gazed at them with a look of consideration. Vali spoke as she crossed her arms, "Well, Ayla?"
"A well done battle. The young Guardian is indeed worthy of a young sprite," Ayla looked at Vali, "And the young sprite has shown he is ready to leave the nest,"
"But?" Vali looked at the Umbreon in amusement.
Huffing at Vali, Ayla looked back at them, "As Fire Walker is saying without using words," Vali snorted softly, "The choice belongs to you both especially the young Spite. Do you wish to travel together from this day forth until such a time comes that your paths split?"
Turning his head towards Clefairy, Ash's eyes met the young fairy's and he saw the war once more brewing within those eyes. Bending down causing Clefairy to release his hand, he spoke in a gentle tone, "Clefairy, I enjoyed our battle today and could tell that we'd do very well together. But if you don't want to travel with me, I'm fine with that because in the end that's how things are. At the very least, I know we've both made a friend today. After all, a battle like that always creates a bond that lasts a life time," He held out a hand to Clefairy who stared at it with wide eyes, "So no matter what you choose, we're friends."
Soft cry leaving him, Clefairy bypassed Ash's hand and hugged him around the waist tightly earning a soft grunt. Returning the hug, he let his walls down to feel Clefairy's aura. The hesitance he'd felt before was gone leaving only want/happiness/love/glee/Friendship and he returned those feelings which only made Clefairy hug him just a bit harder. Eventually Clefairy pulled away while releasing a series of chirps and squeals towards Ayla who nodded slowly, Ayla looked at Ash with an almost sad look, "Take care of this one, Young Guardian. He can be quite stubborn at times, but his heart will always be in the right place. When the time comes and you both feel that he's ready, he is to return here. Whether alone or together, I do not care, but he will return here to be judged by us before the gift of ascending will be granted."
Heart leaping into his throat as the realization that Clefairy was now one of his pokemon began to settle in, Ash nodded while swallowing heavily, "Understood and...thank you for this."
"Do not thank me, Young Guardian. Not with that is to come," Ayla turned to Vali as Ash's brows furrowed in confusion at those words, "Leave here now, Fire Walker. Sun Eater will ensure you will return to your camp unscathed,"
"My thanks," Vali began to usher Ash and Gary out before either of them could question anything, "Have fun, Orion!"
"I will!" Orion laughed out as they left the large cavern.
Darkness descended over them moments after they'd exited the cavern, Ash gasped at how quickly the temperature plummeted. Tugging his jacket closer to his body again, Ash tried to get his eyes to adjust quickly as Gary asked, "Are we really leaving Orion back there?"
"Considering the fact he's been wanting to fight Ayla since we arrived? Yup," Vali snorted softly, "Trust me, he'll be just fine. He's fought far more dangerous things than Ayla,"
"Huh?!" Both Ash and Gary blurted out.
There was a cracking sound followed by a slight burst of light, Ash winced though was glad for it. He stared at the gentle blue light emanating from a glow stick Vali now held. She handed it to Elrond before reaching into a bag and pulling out a larger lantern. Speaking as she turned on the lantern which lit up the area they were now in, she told them, "Orion's goal is to fight as many strong opponents as possible. To that end, he's fought everything from strong trainers to even Legendary pokemon who were willing to give him the time of day."
"Holy mother of Mew," Gary whispered as Ash gulped at that.
Despite having felt that Orion and his pokemon were strong, he hadn't known the man was capable of going up against a Legendary. Vali let out a low laugh, "Yup! Crazy asshole thinks it's fun, I'll admit that battling certain Legendaries does get my blood boiling, but only when I know they won't get too pissed off," She shook her head, "C'mon, we've got to get moving. I'd rather not waste a lantern."
Nodding as they began to follow Vali, Ash had to ask, "Vali...How exactly...If everyone in that group has a goal, what would yours be among them?"
"My goal?" Vali's lips were pulled into a sad smile, "Explore the world's mysteries, Ash. And maybe in the future, I might still be able to. After all, I still want to know just what exactly happened all those years ago. While accidental magic can be powerful, it can't exactly cross dimensional barriers. With the help of legends though..."
"You think Legends were responsible?" Gary asked earning a nod.
"I know they are. My teacher and...Well, someone very close to me that I met while training eluded to as much," Vali placed a hand on her chest just over where the phoenix feather she wore rested, "So my goal in exploring this world's mysteries involves finding the Legend responsible for pulling me into this world," She dropped her hand, "While I'm happy with things, I...I need to know why. What prompted it's decision or even if it was just a whim," She shrugged, "So that would be my goal...still is my goal,"
"Oh..." Ash murmured softly feeling a bit lost.
"But make no mistake," Vali looked back at them smiling softly, "I will never regret being pulled into this world. After all, it gave me the best family I could ask for. Both my human one and my pokemon one,"
Feeling his chest relax, Ash smiled at Vali in return.
After ensuring the boys were settled and Ash had captured his new Clefairy, Vali met back up with everyone which involved her mediating a meeting between her friends and the League. Before she was forced to invoke not one, but two international laws when several high ranking Ace/Rangers decided to try and butt in, Orion arrived and put a stop to it when he revealed two very important documents that ground everything to a halt. One was a very interesting Passport granted by the Pokemon Commission President himself and the second was a written order that basically granted Orion's team the ability to deal with any terrorists as they saw fit also given by the Pokemon Commission President, everyone fell silent though Karen and Will immediately began to give Vali looks upon seeing those papers.
"How the fuck do you know the Commission's dogs?!" Karen snapped at Vali once everyone had mostly left to deal with the Rocket's off site.
Taking a drink from her water bottle, Vali rolled her eyes while leaning against a supply crate that had recently been emptied of its contents, "Ran into them after my training trip, we got on like a house on fire and had things turned out differently...well..."
"You would've been one of them...Shit, Puppy," Karen slumped against her own crate, "How the fuck is your luck like that?"
"Just is," Vali shrugged her shoulders, "Besides, I didn't know about the whole Commission thing until three years ago when Orion got piss ass drunk during a meet up while we were in Sinnoh together. Fucker would've gotten into big trouble had they not been trying to recruit me,"
Will spat out his water as Karen snorted softly. He coughed out, "Y-you're being recruited by the Commission?"
"Have been for awhile though haven't had a real reason to say yes," Vali crossed her arms, "They haven't really offered anything the League hasn't given me,"
Outside of a real chance to actually search out the Legendaries, Vali thought in a slightly sour tone. She would have that chance once this Rocket bull shit was done though and her resignation was put into place. Sure, the main issue with Lance had been discovered, but...But things had been bad even before Hoenn, no one had wanted to admit it. While leaving before Lance was fully healed would be bad, she would at least make sure he didn't have to deal with the Rocket issue anymore before her resignation was actually put in. Shaking herself from those thoughts, she focused as Karen commented, "But still an organization like that, you could actually do whatever without worrying about the consequence."
"Not quite though I get what you're saying," Vali shook her head, "I still get someone coming around asking if I'll join up,"
"How does one get recruited?" Will mused as Vali pushed herself off the crate.
"Do something extremely stupid to put yourself on their radar...almost get killed doing it...survive," Vali began walking to the caverns entrance, "Like fight a legendary or survive being trained by one and have something so unique about yourself that they just have to want you,"
"Fuck." Will muttered softly.
"I'm heading back to the boys," Vali waved to them, "I'll send a message when we're finally back in Civilization,"
"Noted," Karen called out as Vali turned the corner.
Mind wandering to when she'd first been approached not long after becoming an Elite Four member, it had been a shock to realize that Charles Goodshow was the Pokemon Commision President not just a figurehead in charge of ensuring various conferences ran smoothly. The old man had come to recruit her himself for reasons that she still wasn't too sure about. Despite being denied that day, he'd handed her a card with his number and told her to call him if she ever needed anything. That blank card with only a number on it was still hidden with her Black Thorn home, she hadn't used it since the day he'd given it to her, but...but the day to use it would likely come soon enough.
Ash's Team:
1. Pidgeotto
Female
2. Electrike
Male
3. Pikachu
Male
4. Blitzle
Female
5. Clefairy
Male
Gary's Team:
1. Weepinbell
Male
2. Squirtle
Male
3. Spearow
Female
Vali's present team:
1. Balto/ Arcanine
Male
2. Smaug/ Charizard
Male
3. Elrond/ Alolan-Raichu
Male
4. Eowyn/ Houndoom
Female
5. Aragorn/ Vulpix-King-Gene
Male
6. Pele/ Camerupt
Female
7. Celina/ Pidgeot
Female
8. Thorin/ Flareon
Male
9. Arwen/ Rapidash
Female
10. Galadrial/ Chandelure
Female
11. Nazgul/ Gengar-Shiny
Male
12. Irmo/ Pyroar
Male
13. Ortho/ Furret
Male
14. Noldor/ Smeargle
Male
15. Terra/ Tyranitar
Female
16. Empress/ Salamence
Female
17. Idril/ Sandslash-Shiny
Female
18. Pippin/ Luxray
Male
19. Bombur/ Dewgong
Male
20. Balrog/ Magmar
Male
21. Khione/ Aurorus
Female
22. Rosie/ Meganium
Female
23. Balin/ Typhlosion
Male
24. Disa/ Jolteon
Female
25. Absol
Male
26. Noibat
Male
