Chapter 25: The Aura Guardians
Sir Aaron nodded.
"An ancient order of knights sworn to protect Rota and its royalty," he explained. "With the power of Aura, we keep our people safe."
"Aura?" Ash asked, confused. Sir Aaron chuckled.
"Perhaps a visual demonstration would help."
He stretched out his hand and produced a similar energy orb to the one that Ash did, only larger, much to Ash and May's amazement. Sir Aaron extinguished it before continuing.
"To put it simply, Aura is the energy that surrounds everyone and everything. It dictates who we are, our emotions, and our thoughts. Most people can't see it, but a select few like Ash and I can. Not only can I see it, but as you can see, I'm able to manipulate it."
"Incredible," Ash said.
"Is that how you were able to sense those traps back there?" May asked.
"Yes, and how I could tell Ash wasn't being truthful. But that's only the tip of the iceberg."
Just then, the captain approached them.
"Pardon me, sir," he interrupted. "But if we want to get back to the mainland anytime soon, then we should get going."
Sir Aaron nodded.
"Set course for home, then," he said, before turning back to the young royals. "I'll explain more later. I want to inform Queen Rin about our discoveries before I continue."
"Ok."
Ash watched Sir Aaron walk away, his mind still processing all of this information.
Three days later, the group reached mainland Rota, and headed straight for the castle. Once they arrived, they told The Queen all about their adventure, as well as telling her the truth about Ash. To his and May's relief, she was very understanding about it all.
"I must admit, I don't know if I would've believed that story if you had told me right away," she said. "But my loyal knight Sir Aaron vouches for you, so I trust you. And I must thank you for ridding my kingdom of those horrid pirates."
"You're welcome, your highness,"' May said with a bow. "Does…does that mean you'll aid Hoen?"
To her and her people's relief, Queen Rin smiled, and nodded.
"After everything you've done for us, how could we not return the favor? Besides, I don't think I'd like any trade agreements either Magma or Aqua would put forth."
Everyone chuckled at that.
"Give us a few days to prepare, and we'll send as much support as you need."
"Thank you, your highness," May said with a bow.
"Of course, dear."
"Excuse me, my queen," Sir Aaron interjected. "But I wish to accompany them back to Hoen."
"Are you sure?" Queen Rin asked with a raised eyebrow. "I'm sure Sir Jackson can handle the mission."
"As am I," Sir Aaron acknowledged, "But Prince Ash here has the ability to manipulate Aura. It may be weak now, but if I train him he could be as strong as I am."
"Oh?" Queen Rin said with a smirk. "Well, I'd be happy to allow it, but it's up to Ash if he wishes to go through with it."
"I don't know," said Ash. "It's a lot to take in…"
"I promise, it'll be worth it," Sir Aaron said. "By the time I'm through with you, you'll be a fine Aura adept. If nothing else, it'll give you extra power against the Magma and Aqua Kingdoms."
Ash thought for a minute, before nodding.
"Alright then, I accept."
"Excellent! We'll begin training tomorrow."
That night, Ash and May were getting ready for bed, the events of the past week still fresh on their minds. Manaphy was snoozing in a small bed Sir Aaron had provided, with Pikachu keeping his tail around him to keep him safe.
"Man, what a week this has been!"
"Hm hm," May agreed. "I'm just glad Queen Rin agreed to send reinforcements home with us. Hopefully we'll be able to end this menace once and for all."
"We will," Ash said. "And it was all thanks to you."
May giggled, before scooting over to Ash.
"So, first a knight, then a prince, and now an Aura Guardian, huh?"
"Heh, I guess," Ash chuckled nervously. "I don't think I'll be very good at it."
"I know you will, and do you know why?"
"No, why?"
May grabbed Ash and gave him a quick kiss, allowing him to relax.
"Because you're amazing at everything you do, that's why."
Ash smiled, and gave her a kiss of his own.
"Thanks, May. I'd better let you get to sleep."
But just as Ash was about to get up and leave, May grabbed his arm to stop him.
"Actually, can you sleep with me tonight? I'd feel a lot more comfortable with you by my side."
Ash smiled, and gently climbed under the covers. May snuggled up to his chest, embracing him as he did the same.
"Goodnight, my Princess."
"Goodnight, Prince Ash."
With that, the two fell into a deep sleep.
When Ash opened his eyes, he found himself not in the bedroom with May, but standing in a white void.
"What the…Am I dreaming?"
Indeed.
Recognizing the voice, Ash turned around. Sure enough, there stood the Alpha Pokemon itself.
"Arceus," Ash whispered, before bowing.
Rise, Sir Ash, The voice of Arceus echoed in his mind. You have done well, but your mission is not over yet.
"I know, but hopefully with Rota's help it will be soon."
Arceus shook their head.
They will help, but you'll need more than that. Which is why I came to give you this.
From out of nowhere, a white object appeared and floated into Ash's hands. It looked like a phone, but it was shaped like Arceus's head.
"What…what is this?"
An Arc Phone, Arceus replied simply. In time, you will discover its power. But you must always remember to use it wisely. Goodbye, and good luck.
"Wait!"
But in a golden flash of light, Arceus disappeared, leaving Ash to wake up.
Ash woke up with a start, the dream still fresh in his mind. His jump also woke May up, but luckily it was morning.
"Ash, is something wrong?"
"I just…had the weirdest dream, that's all. Sorry I woke you."
May yawned, stretching her arms out as she walked over to a waiting Manaphy and picked him up.
"Ah well, I had to wake up at some point."
"Pika, Pika Pi!"
"Hmm? What is it, Pikachu?"
Pikachu gestured to the nightstand, and when Ash saw what he was pointing at he gasped.
"Ash, what's wrong?"
Ash picked it up, and stared at it. There, in his hands, was The Arc Phone from his dreams.
"That dream…it was real…"
Something told Ash that his mission was going to get a lot more interesting.