Chapter 7
Ash immediately rushed to the Pokémon centre to heal Salamence who was likely in a lot of pain in her Pokéball. Rushing inside the centre he handed her over and explained what had happened.
"I tried to see if I could help but the break was so clean and the weight of her wing just folded it back down" Ash said sounding concerned.
"Luckily clean breaks are very easy to heal" Joy said as she handed the ball over to Chansey "she'll likely have to stay here for the day though just so we can see how we can fix it."
"That's fine" Ash said, "her health is more important than leaving for my next badge."
"Good" Joy said happily "are any of your other Pokémon injured?"
"No" Ash said "Machamp basically played pinball and Lapras was only hit once."
"No problem" she replied, "I'll send you a message when we know more."
A few hours later Ash was putting the finishing touches on his report of the battle, mainly for his own benefit to see where he went wrong and what he could do better in future when he received a message from Nurse Joy. Walking down he went to the desk and waited for Joy to appear which she did a few minutes later.
"Hi Ash" she said "ok, we've got good news and bad news. Salamence is fine, her wing has been repaired and she shouldn't have any issues in the future. However, the break was on the most sensitive part of her wing, that being the middle of the curve, so the recovery period is going to be fairly lengthy."
"How long" Ash said frowning.
"Three weeks at least" Joy said making him wince "it's really important she does not fly in that time Ash to make sure she gets fully healed but she should be fine then."
"I'll send her home" Ash said "Matilda Joy is my personal Nurse Joy on my ranch so if you could send her the report I would appreciate it. I'll explain it to Salamence so she knows why she needs rest, she's very sensitive about being sent somewhere after what happened a few years ago when I had to send her away during the league, so it's better that I explain."
"That might be a good call" Joy said laughing as she handed over her Pokéball.
Walking outside to the practice field he released Salamence who tenderly stretched her wing and winced.
"Ok" Ash said gaining her attention "we have some good news and bad news. The good news is that your wing is fine and will heal. The bad news is you won't be allowed to fly for three weeks while it heals."
"So, what options do I have?" she asked frowning.
"I'm going to send you back to the ranch for three weeks so you can get some rest" Ash said making her chuff irritated "it's either that or you stay with me and do nothing for three weeks, no training, no flying, no nothing. So, it's your choice. Matilda already has your report so she can help in your rehab. It might be beneficial for you to get some rest as you've been training very hard lately which showed in that battle."
"I can't say I'm happy about those options" she groused after a few moments of thinking "but maybe a rest will do me good."
"Good" Ash said "so there's a few things I'd like you to do while you're there. If you could find out how the fossil project is going and give me your impressions on if it's actually working, that would be great. Venusaur can only tell me so much as he's too busy with the garden project, so his knowledge is limited. If you could also let me know how the Lapras pod are getting on it would be helpful too as most of them should be starting to nest soon as they're about four or five months off from giving birth so I'd like you to chat to the Royal Pidgeot clan and the other Pokémon on the ranch about setting up a safe zone for them that's always got someone looking out for them. If they start telling you they'll be fine don't take any shit from them, it's part of the deal we made when I allowed them to take up residence there. Repopulating endangered species is the primary objective of our home. I know you can't fly yet but it won't be long until you can so just let me know what responses you get."
"I could do that" she said nodding.
"Thanks Queenie" he said patting her maw. "But be nice, I don't think you'll get any issues, but you never know."
"I like that name by the way" she said butting his body with her head "I can accept that name."
Laughing Ash nodded and patted her head before recalling her and pressing the button on his Pokédex and she disappeared.
"Do you think she'll get any resistance?" Pikachu asked as they walked back into the centre.
"No" Ash said "but you know what she's like. I need to give her something to focus on or she'll decide to go flying tomorrow and set herself back."
"So, it's not something that you can see being an issue?" Pikachu asked as he jumped onto Ash bed.
"No" Ash said "the Pidgeot and the others are pretty excited about the new arrivals which should be around Christmas time, which is fast approaching, and they've already set out boundaries which no one is able to go past except my Pokémon and Nurse Joy, at least for the first few months anyway."
"So where to next?" Pikachu asked.
"Well Goldenrod City is our next destination Pi" Ash said "but before that we need to trek through Ilex Forest, which is quite long, easily a good week or so. Then once we leave the Forest Goldenrod City is two to three weeks away depending on the route we take. I plan on taking the direct route along Route 34."
"Sounds like a plan" Pikachu said as Ash picked up his bag and he jumped on Ash's shoulders. As they left the Pokémon centre a noise went off from his Pokégear. Looking at it he saw it was his mum.
"Hey mum" Ash said, "everything ok?"
"No" she said looking scared "last night Amanda Hale disappeared from the face of the Earth. We have no idea where she is or if someone took her. All we know is that she was working late on the site at the Ruins of Alph when she disappeared."
"Do you have any more information?" Ash asked concerned "I mean given what I told you and dad a few days ago I have my guesses on what's happened."
"No," Delia said, "at the minute no one is telling us anything."
"Ok" Ash said heading back into the Pokémon centre and up to the professor's room "I'll email Sam and see if he can find anything out. Who told you by the way?"
"Spencer did" Delia replied "After the email the other day I told them that it wasn't you that took the tile. I doubt they believed me, but they trust me enough to give me the benefit of the doubt. Just before he hung up he told me he's going to the Ruins to try and find out what happened."
"Keep in contact with him" Ash said "unfortunately I don't have a flying type on me anymore as Charizard is at the Charicific Valley settling in as the new Alpha and Salamence has literally just been sent home because she broke her wing during the gym battle yesterday so I can't go back to the ruins without passing through Goldenrod. I really don't want to have to trek through Union Cave again to go back up to that route."
"That's fine" Delia said "I'll be honest Ash; I was reluctant to tell you about this as you weren't wrong with your statement to us the other day about how it's always you that has to sort it out. As worried as I am about Amanda I'm also glad that you're moving in the opposite direction."
"How's dad getting on with the book?" Ash asked.
"Not great" came a faint voice from somewhere else in the house.
"Your father said not great" Delia said laughing.
"Let him know I'll give him a ring probably the night after next." Ash said "hopefully he can glean something about what happened. How are you getting on with your book?"
"I've nearly finished it" Delia said biting her lip with worry "I don't like the sound of these Unown Ash. From what I've read they're virtually unstoppable so the fact it took four people to sacrifice themselves to do so worries me."
"That's why I'm hoping dads journal has some information inside it" Ash said "I really have a very bad feeling about it all."
"I agree" Delia replied "anyway we need to get going. The first of the roadshows at Indigo Plateau starts next weekend and Delia's is one of the restaurants that has been given a contract to supply the food so it's hands on here. Not only that but your father's talk is one of the first on the docket when they open up and he's already fully booked."
"That's really good" Ash said "what's his topic?"
"Using the battlefield to your advantage" Red said having wandered over "I can't tell you the number of matches I've watched in the last few months where the trainers haven't used the field when they could."
"Trust me I know" Ash said "I try to use it as much as possible, mainly for defence now I think on it. You'd have loved watching my match against Bugsy, his Mega-Heracross used the field superbly to combat Salamence to the point her flying advantage wasn't an advantage anymore but a major issue instead. It was very interesting to watch."
"Exactly what I mean" Red said "type advantage counts for nothing against practice and strategy."
"Yup" Ash said nodding "Oh, Sam's just got back to me. He says he'll try and get more details and he'll let me know. I'll forward them on to you both when he lets me know. Anyway, I need to go too, I have Ilex Forest to go through on my way to Goldenrod City so I'll see you soon."
"Don't forget to take an offering to the Shrine" his dad said making him look confused "the Ilex Forest is said to have a Mythical protector that keeps the forest safe and has a shrine dedicated to it. Sadly no one has ever seen it, which is probably why people believe it's a superstition but take one anyway."
"Will do" Ash said nodding "I'm sure the mart will sell talismans of some sort. By guys. Have fun, both of you and I'll speak to you soon."
Hanging up Ash picked his bag up again and headed back outside and walked to the mart where he had a look on the shelves and found a strange green pendant shaped like a Pokémon Ash hadn't seen in a while.
"I'll take this" Ash said to the clerk.
"Oh, a Celebi pendant" he said "we don't sell many of those. I take it this is for the shrine in the forest?"
"Yeah, it is" Ash said "I've only just been told there was one. All I really knew was that it was a forest in between Azalea Town and Goldenrod City."
"Quite a few people are like you" he said "the gym and Kurt usually takes precedence when people talk about Azalea but along with the forest North of Ecruteak, Ilex Forest is the lifeblood for Johto. It stretches on for hundreds of miles East and West and covers half of Johto, it stops at Olivine in the West and Union Cave in the East. A lot of people think it stops near Goldenrod as the area between there and Olivine is more swampland but nope, it's still Ilex Forest."
"Wow" Ash said impressed "you learn something new every day. So, I take it the swampland area is uninhabitable?"
"For humans yes" he said nodding "however over the last few decades or so Pokémon from various other regions have been introduced there such as Croagunk and Skorupi and the like and have absolutely flourished as it's the perfect habitat for them."
"How do you know so much?" Ash asked curious.
"I'm studying for my masters and Ilex Forest was my chosen subject" he said "soon I'll be able to speak up more for its protection and preservation. I recently heard of a forest East of here being cut down with no thought about the Pokémon that inhabit them, and it made me so mad."
"Yeah" Ash said "it was us that discovered it and thankfully I was able to get in touch with the AONB to get some new trees planted. It won't be like it was for decades yet but at least it's a start."
"You did that?" he asked astonished.
"I did yeah" Ash replied nodding "it was home to a Pinsir swarm who were pretty much forced out of their home which caused conflict with the Heracross on the other side of the canyon. Luckily, we managed to come up with a solution and it was resolved."
"Wow" the clerk said wonderingly.
"Anyway, we need to get going" Ash said picking up the pendant and putting it in his bag. While he was doing so, he pondered on something before deciding to do it "I'll tell you what" he said pulling out a card "if you ever need someone to bounce ideas off just email me. I have somewhat of a voice where Pokémon are concerned so anything to preserve their homes is important to me. You don't have to, but I'll happily share whatever I find out while I'm going through there."
"Oh, thank you" he said reading the card "Champion of the Kanto region?" he finished looking up only to find Ash had gone from the shop. The rest of the day went happily by for him, pleased that he had someone to help him with his life goals.
Walking into the entrance of the forest Ash spoke to the man on the desk and signed his name along with what his reason for going in was.
"It's so we know who's in the forest" he said looking at Ash's name "at the other end you'll sign your name again and we'll clear you from the register. You wouldn't believe the number of people who get lost in here every year."
"That's actually a good system" Ash said, "Viridian Forest could do with having the same thing."
"It's new" the man said "and apparently every region that has a major forest is getting a station like this at both ends of the paths to make it easier for the rescue people who inevitably have to go chasing after people. Oh, and every few miles you'll see cabins being erected for those in need of a place to sleep if you don't fancy sleeping in the wooded areas."
Nodding Ash waved at the man before heading out of the other side and had to blink at the sheer darkness. It wasn't pitch black by any means, but it was extremely gloomy, the path having floor lights every two hundred yards certainly helped to prevent getting lost, but the trek was pretty tough going. Sure enough every few miles he saw construction happening for places to stay but after conversing with the workers he found out that he wouldn't likely reap the benefits of any of them as they wouldn't be finished for another few months so it was sleeping in his tent for him. Ash didn't mind this that much really as he had years of experience roughing it.
It was on the third day that Ash had an idea. Bringing out Heracross and Chikorita he told them of his idea.
"Heracross, this is the perfect environment for you to try and practice your stealth and attacks. What I want you to do is go into the forest and every so often try and land a hit on Chikorita. Chikorita I want you to walk about fifty yards ahead of us at all times and I want you to focus on preventing his attacks. This will be purely hit and run, tagging each other with either your horn or your vines."
"Why?" Chikorita asked confused.
"You'll soon be going back to my home" Ash said "and one of your roles, both of you that is, is the protection of our home. It's surrounded on three sides by deep forests, so this is training in prevention of any attacks coming through the forest. If you can get close enough to land a big hit in here, then you'll be able to do so at home."
"Did Pikachu have to do this?" Heracross asked.
"Yes" Ash said "Pikachu was the very first of my Pokémon to go through this counter-attacking training which is why he's so good at it."
Getting nods they moved off and for the next few hours Ash and Pikachu watched on with interest as the tagged each other with Chikorita getting more and more frustrated as Heracross learned what he was meant to do.
"It seems he picked up on where he was going wrong" Pikachu said as they all sat down for tea that evening "it took him long enough."
Sadly, there wasn't enough space to have everyone out, so Ash fed his Pokémon in teams until only Heracross, Chikorita, Pikachu, Machamp and himself were out.
"What was I doing?" Heracross asked looking up from his food.
"Don't answer that" Pikachu said to Ash who looked intrigued. Turning to Heracross he continued "what did you do differently and why were you more successful in landing a hit because of it?"
"I know what he did" Chikorita growled irritated that she'd been tagged over fifty times in the space of six hours "and I've no idea how to counter it."
"That'll come with training with Venusaur" Ash said "once you get a grip on how to use nature to your advantage, you'll know how to counter it. Go on Heracross, what did you do differently?"
"I don't know" he said confused.
"I admit I'm intrigued too" Machamp said "has my training not been sufficient?"
"More than" Ash said, "however today Heracross learned how to practice stealth attacks and did something pretty important in his development as a battler."
"Have we ever had this conversation?" Machamp asked.
"Yes" Pikachu said, "we had it the night after we arrived back in Pallet Town after Granpa Canyon when you asked us what you could do to improve."
"Oh yes I remember now" Machamp said "it made such a difference being told."
"Being told what?" Heracross asked in frustration.
"None of us are going to tell you" Pikachu said "I'll give you a clue though in the form of a question. You've been with us for about a month or so now and seen us all battle at some point. What do we do, all of us that wild Pokémon don't do?"
"That's a good riddle" Ash said laughing as he picked up the bowls and placed them back into his bag. "Think on it. If you've not got it by the time we exit Ilex Forest then we'll tell you, but it would be good for you to figure it out for yourself."
The next day Pikachu took over from Chikorita who walked and watched to see what she could do differently. Pikachu was currently coaching Mareep on how to do the challenge Ash had set and was doing ok.
"Why is this really beneficial?" Chikorita asked.
"Did you notice that you were sometimes able to move out of the way and land a hit in retaliation?" Ash asked.
"Yes" she said sounding uncertain.
"The training is for when you cannot see your opponent, nor hear me so it's just you and your senses" Ash said "if you can hear them, move out of the way at the last second and score a hit on their back you can use their momentum to do further damage. All my Pokémon have gone through this kind of training, usually against each other which is why I rarely have to issue any commands. We've trained for situations so much that many times all I need to do is watch and comment."
"Machamp is by far the best at this kind of training" Sneasel said as he picked up a branch "he just has this uncanny ability to not get hit by any of us and has completely mastered the art of deflection."
"He's right" Ash said "sense training is something we all practice at least three times a week."
"Why haven't you done so with me?" Chikorita asked.
"Because you're new" Ash said "there were other aspects of training I needed you to get the hang of first that were more important. All three of you new catches are years from being as good as Sneasel, and he's years off being as good as Pikachu. It's not a knock on any of you by the way, it's just I had months of training with just Pikachu at the beginning and everyone else has been playing catch-up ever since."
As they fell silent Heracross came bursting out of the right-hand side path at Pikachu who span on his heels and used Iron Tail to deflect the attack and hit him with a weak Thundershock.
"Ok" Ash said "that's enough for today. Heracross you did very well, Pi you're still brilliant."
"Thanks Ash" Heracross said sighing "I still don't know what I'm doing differently though."
"You'll get it" Ash said kindly before stopping as the single path came to an end. In front of them lay a huge expanse of water that seemed to go on for miles with the path splitting off into either direction. Walking up to a slab of stone that was in the middle of the intersection he read Ilex Forest Shrine, East 1 mile. Goldenrod City also this way. Ilex Swamp West 20km "well we know which way to go" Ash said chuckling and recalling everyone except Pikachu as they walked East towards the Shrine. Less than an hour later Ash came to the shrine that was standing in its own little clearing. It was a wooden structure that stood six foot tall that was shaped like a small house with a two-foot door that was standing open. Inside it housed a wooden box on a plinth that looked hand carved. Upon a closer look it had an imprint in it that looked like a fairly big dent with a tiny little hole in the centre of it.
"I wonder what that is" Ash murmured as he looked around and saw that on top of the plinth under the roof bit was a flat top full of different items "this must be where the offerings go." Reaching into the bag Ash pulled out the pendant and in doing so the G.S Ball fell out. Shaking his head he picked it up and stopped stunned as the ball lit up green along with the wooden box. Curiously Ash looked between them both before remembering the bottom of the G.S Ball had a tiny spike, the exact size of the hole in the dent. Cautiously Ash placed it in the dent and immediately he was blasted backwards as a light that was so blinding the area he cried out in pain and a wave of green aura spread outwards in a huge wave going straight through both Ash and the trees causing him to pass out.
Elsewhere
A man wearing an iron mask grinned cruelly as he stood opposite a woman wearing a blue hat and cape gasping for breath. Before he could move forwards she cried out in pain and collapsed backwards grasping at her chest where her heart was. Without thinking the man rushed forwards and impaled her with his dagger making her fall limp. Standing up the man looked around making sure they were alone before he wiped the dagger on her cape and grabbed the Pokéball on her belt. Reaching into his pocket he brought out an object and tapped it to the ball. Immediately the ball opened and shut as the red energy transferred from the red Pokéball to the black one. As soon as it was finished, he dropped the red one casually onto the ground and walked off laughing as his mission succeeded.
Hailee was practicing with Lucario going through a mini assault course he had created. In the few months since Ash had been there, she had been improving at an incredible rate and was quickly mastering the basic footwork techniques that were required for pirouetting and stepping forwards to attack.
"Good Hailee" Lucario said "only the net wall to climb and we're done for the day."
Nodding she looked as determined as a five-year-old could before rushing forwards and leaping onto the net, quickly scaling it and climbing over. Unfortunately, it was at that moment that the wave of green passed through Olivine and the outskirts causing her to gasp in pain and her grip faltered. Luckily Bruno was at the side of the net on the off chance she slipped and saw what was happening and quickly positioned himself to catch her. Placing her gently on the ground Bruno was alarmed that she had passed out. Looking round to question Lucario he noticed that he was also passed out, so he shouted for Lorelei who came waddling out, heavily pregnant and less than three weeks away from her due date.
"What happened?" she asked rushing over as fast as she could to her daughter.
"I've no idea" Bruno he said as he nodded to Lucario "both of them passed out at the same time. I'm as stumped as you are."
"Well thankfully she seems to be breathing" Lorelei said sitting down heavily and looking concerned at both aura users that were out cold "I'm going to ring Ash; I have the strangest feeling he'll know what's going on."
"Here" Bruno said, "use my phone, no point in you hurting yourself getting up to go and get yours."
Nodding she looked through his contacts and rang Ash. Three times she tried and received no answer increasing her concern. Picking up Hailee he motioned for Lorelei to follow him which she did and he placed his daughter on the couch and turned on the TV to the news channel.
"We interrupt the usual news to bring you an urgent message. Aura users globally have been stricken with a mysterious malady. Around the country Aura users have been admitted to hospitals as witnesses say they were hit with a bright green flash before collapsing. We are heading over to the Royal Palace in Rota where the worst cases are located."
"Well, it seems that it's not just Haliee and Lucario" Lorelei said stroking her daughters hair "I'll bet that's why Ash didn't answer, he's probably one of the worst affected."
Red was standing on the side of the stage about to go on for his talk when he felt the wave of aura hit him. Crying out he grasped for the wall as it spread through him causing him to gasp for breath as he slid down the wall. Immediately an aide that was on the stage saw what happened and came rushing over followed by several other people who were shouting for someone to call an ambulance. The aura filled him with the force of a charging Rhydon, so much so that he passed out. Several hours he awoke in a hospital bed and groaned wondering what the hell had hit him.
"Oh good, you're awake" a voice said. Looking over he saw Delia awakening from what was obviously a very uncomfortable nap "you passed out just before you were about to go on stage."
"What happened?" he asked as he tried to sit up and failed, feeling very weak.
"I've no idea" she said fussing over him and moving his pillows "Something hit every aura user in the world and knocked them out. I can't get in touch with Ash as he's in Ilex Forest but I'm very worried as I just know he's connected to this."
"My heart hurts" Red said sounding in pain as he rubbed the area "it felt like I was having a heart attack."
"Everyone else that's woken up has said the same thing" Delia said kissing his head "you should be ok. Get some sleep, I'll wake you up when I find out more."
Nodding Red closed his eyes and drifted off. Frowning Delia stood up and walked to the hospital shop to get some food. Looking around the aisles she found something else she needed, something she'd been putting off for a few weeks. Sighing she grabbed it and paid for everything before going back to Reds room and sitting down. After half an hour of fretting she sighed and picked up her bag and went to the bathroom where she took out a box, and after reading and following the instructions she walked back to the chair and waited glancing at the stick in her hand.
A knock on the door disturbed her thoughts, quickly she put the stick under her legs and let the person enter.
"You have a phone call from Samuel Oak at reception" the nurse said.
Standing up Delia left the room, forgetting momentarily about the little white object she'd left on the chair whose box was changing colour.
Samuel Oak was sitting down typing an email to one of his fellow professors when the wave hit causing him a severe headache. After a few minutes he shook his head and immediately looked at the date before walking over to his safe. Opening it he pulled out a very tattered book and skimmed through it before settling on one picture and sighed "It's nearly time Ash" he said before he placed the book back into the safe and sat back down, finished his email and went out of the door to his ranch. He needed a distraction and likely would for the next few months until the issue was sorted out.
The Hall of Origin
It had been nearly a year since the last time they had all gathered in one place so the various legendaries were very surprised to hear their mothers call once again. Nether-the-less they were duty bound to answer it so one by one they all appeared on their plinth and waited for the full compliment to attend. When the last one arrived Arceus stepped forwards and observed them.
"Greetings my children. I know it has been many moons since we last met but I fear we are, all of us, reaching a point where this will no longer be possible for an indeterminate time. My power is waning, I can feel my aura weakening by the day as the time is drawing close to when I must hibernate to preserve what power I have should I be truly needed. The course being taken now cannot be undone by anyone save the Chosen One, a burden I would not wish on anyone. The next time we meet I will either be whole again or we will simply not meet. Much depends on the actions of fate and time. During that time you will all forget me, as will everyone except the Chosen One and Mew. I wish you all to know this, I am very proud to call you all my children and should I return I hold no ill will towards any of you for what is going to happen."
As soon as Arceus finished a toll went through the hall of origin originating from Celebi.
"It is time, my daughter" Arceus said "Dialga, do what you must to aide her. Farewell my children. I wish you luck."
As soon as she finished, she raised her golden hooves and slammed them into the ground causing a golden wave of aura to pass through them all. On Earth every legendary who was slumbering awoke momentarily, every one that was awake paused in their step and looked upwards towards the heavens and as one they all roared.
Around the world various objects glowed and pulsed as their respective legendaries roared before going dormant once more.
In the Hall of Origin Arceus' aura diminished until she was just a tiny speck of light. Celebi hovered over her and began to glow, and her aura interacted with Arceus' sending another wave down to Earth, this time green that hit everyone.
As the legendaries opened their eyes they looked around in confusion at each other, none of them knowing why they were here and one by one they left until it was just the Pillars of Creation and Mew. Looking at each other their demeanours changed and with a snarl Giratina opened a pathway to his world and left, Dialga and Palkia doing the same leaving Mew who looked around confused at being alone before she too popped away appearing by her brothers side.
Ash
A few hours later Ash groaned as he woke up, flat on his back gasping for breath. His heart felt like it was trying to break out of his body, causing him quite a lot of pain.
"Oh, you're awake" a voice said from above his head. Leaning his head backwards so his back was arched he saw a little pink Pokémon sitting on top of the shrine.
"Mew?" he asked confused "what…why…er…"
Giggling she zoomed down, turning upside down so her eyes were level with his "Hi!"
Turning over Ash sat up grasping his chest as he did so. "What the hell happened?"
"You activated the shrine" Mew said turning the right way up "it won't be long now."
"What won't?" Ash said looking up at the shrine which had now gone dormant. Looking around he saw that he was now alone with just a concerned looking Pikachu. "Fucking Legendaries and their cryptic bullshit." Groaning he got to his feet and used the shrine to steady himself. Reaching to the shrine he picked the G.S Ball back up and it pulsed slightly blue and green before that too went dormant again. "Sam better have a bloody good explanation for this Pi."
"What happened?" Pikachu asked "you placed the ball on the shrine and then started shaking and collapsed. It's been a few hours now since that happened."
"I have no idea" Ash said, "I placed the ball on the pedestal, and I felt like my aura was being ripped from me and being forcefully shoved back in at the same time." Carefully he conjured a ball of aura which pulsed before dissipating "my aura doesn't feel any different Pi, but something is very strange about this" he said holding up the ball which again pulsed blue and green.
"Well, that's never happened before" Pikachu said "usually it only lights up when you place the feathers near them."
"Dad still has them in his cap" Ash said "I'm hoping we get his aura back soon because I miss the calmness they gave me. I feel like I've been a lot more hot-headed since I gave them up and I'm more worried about things."
"You have been different" Pikachu said "not majorly but your interactions with people have changed. Maybe this is who you are naturally without their presence though."
"This is who I was before I started my journey" Ash said sitting back down on the floor and rubbing his chest "you weren't with me that long before I received the Rainbow Wing, so you've only ever really known the level-headed me. Before that I was very irritable, didn't really care about anyone other than mum, Sam and Pokémon and couldn't stand interacting with people."
"Ash, you have never been level-headed" Pikachu said laughing "and I was with you long enough to see the change happen. It didn't happen overnight. Are you forgetting you punching AJ and Damien, how you were when we first met Ilene and the fact you killed those Rocket members without flinching? That's not normal Ash, but I know what you mean. The loss of the wings has seen a change in you but don't forget that while your body had to change and grow to adapt to your aura you're still only fourteen, your mind has yet to settle and catch up."
"I suppose so" Ash said, "anyway we need to get going don't we." Standing up Ash wobbled and shook his head before sitting back down "I don't think I'm in any condition to move at the moment, maybe we should set up camp and rest."
"Good idea" Pikachu said as Ash released all his Pokémon and told them what happened.
"Well, it's a good job we're at this lake" Lapras said "it was getting a bit boring not having water to play on. Come on Gyarados, we don't know when we're going to be on water again."
Gyarados chuffed in amusement before following her fellow water type.
"Good to see someone has their priorities straight" Machamp said chuckling "you stay sat down; we can put the tent up."
"Cheers" Ash said leaning against the shrine looking knackered. After a nap and dinner Ash was feeling a lot better but decided to stay the evening where he was. Looking at his Pokégear he immediately became concerned as he had missed many calls while he was out cold. Weighing it up he decided to ring his mum first. After the fourth ring she answered.
"Oh, thank Arceus you're ok" she said looking relieved "what happened Ash? Every aura user in the world was knocked out a few hours ago and I couldn't get through to you. Are you ok?"
"I'm doing alright now" Ash said, "I suspect it was my fault as I accidentally activated the Shrine in Ilex Forest."
"What do you mean?" she asked confused.
"Do you remember why I went to the Orange Islands?" Ash asked.
It took a minute before Delia remembered "The G.S Ball that Sam had you get that he refused to say why."
"That's the one" Ash said holding it up.
"Ash, why is it glowing?" Delia asked.
"I wish I knew" Ash replied as he got to his feet and walked over to the shrine and shining a light onto it "apparently it fits perfectly in this Shrine, can you see the dent in the box? That's where it fits. Anyway, I placed the ball in there on a whim and it activated, knocking me out in the process. When I woke up hours later Mew appeared briefly before she disappeared leaving behind another cryptic statement of "It won't be long now". What won't be long I have no idea, but it can't be good."
"No, that doesn't sound great does it" Delia said "I suppose we'll know soon either way. Your dad and every aura user in the world were hit by whatever you activated Ash. Rota is in a panic because someone leaked it and of course the conspiracists came out of hiding. The latest one is the belief the psychics have found a way to combat Aura users and wanted to test it out, so you'll be pleased to know they're being hounded for no reason."
"At least one good thing has come from this then" Ash said chuckling "well two really. It proves dad has enough Aura in his body still to be affected by whatever I did. Is he ok?"
"He's fine" Delia said before stopping and looking like she was getting ready to say something else "he'll be ok. Give him a ring tomorrow, he should be up and about by then."
"Ok" Ash said looking concerned "are you ok?"
"I'm fine" she said with a false smile "it's nothing for you to worry about. I was just worried about you and Red that's all."
"If you're sure?" Ash asked getting a nod "ok, well I'm going to have to go. I've got a few more people to ring, I have an update on Amanda by the way, I'll forward Sams email on to you when I get the chance."
"Ok" Delia said nodding "bye Ash. Love you lots."
After she hung up, he stared at the phone for a minute in silence "is it just me or did she seem worried about something?"
"She was worried about something" Sneasel said "you and your dad."
"No" Ash said shaking his head "there's something else. Anyway, I better ring Bruno, see what he wants."
A few hours later after he finished calling around people including a very frantic Nia who scolded him for being an idiot and not ringing her more.
"It's been three weeks Ash Ketchum since you last sent me a message or an email or rang me!" Nia said "that's not good enough. Explain yourself!"
Sighing Ash apologised and explained what had happened over the last few weeks.
"Who is Nia?" Chikorita asked Pikachu quietly "and why is Ash letting her shout at him?"
"Nia is his life mate" Pikachu said "and he's not spoken to her in a while it seems. So, she's mad. Humans are strange like that."
Chikorita frowned and fell silent at the news very unhappy at this new development.
Hanging up a few hours later Ash sent his mum the email and sent to sleep absolutely exhausted, leaving his Pokémon out to chat amongst themselves. The next day he awoke to a strange noise from outside his tent. Walking out he stopped as he saw the strangest thing. His Pokémon were all cheering on as Chikorita was using Razor Leaf on a wild Pokémon who was dancing out of the way of each attack and posing after it did so.
"What's going on" Ash asked Sneasel quietly as he sat down and observed.
"You seem much better" Sneasel said "well you know how stubborn Chikorita is and adamant that she's always right. Well, every now and then we'll give her a challenge to do. This time was to battle a Pokémon without you giving commands and see if she can win. Well, she decided to challenge the Totodile and it's not going well, for her that is as that Totodile has just danced out of the way of every attack and hit her on the turn with a Water Gun. I'll be honest I don't think he's even trying to hurt her with how weak the return attacks are but as you can see she's getting more and more frustrated and she's blind to everything else around her."
"Ah ok" Ash said observing the battle "that Totodile isn't wild. There's no way a Pokémon in that condition and with footwork that good hasn't been trained before. I wonder where his trainer is."
Five minutes later Ash stood up and walked over and the battle stopped "good show Totodile. That was some great footwork and fantastic countering. I'd ask where your trainer is, but I can sense him in the bushes. You can come out you know; we won't harm you."
Cautiously the bushes parted and a young boy with red hair and startling green eyes walked out looking worried.
"Hello there" Ash said as he rummaged around in his bag and pulled out his Pokédex scanning Totodile.
"Totodile, Pokédex number 158, the Big Jaw Pokémon. Its well-developed jaws are powerful and capable of crushing anything. Even its trainer must be careful. This Pokémon is male and has a Hasty Nature."
"Very nice" Ash said as he pulled out a Pokéblock and threw it at Totodile who snapped it up with one bite and danced happily as he ate "you can sit down Vincenzo; I'm not going to harm you." Pulling everyone else's boxes out he loaded up their dishes and walked over top Gyarados who was lying down stretched out on top of the water, her mouth open expectantly.
"I just wondered where my Pokémon disappeared to" Vincenzo said looking at his Totodile who came wandering over and sat beside his trainer "I had no idea he would bother you."
"Oh, he didn't bother me" Ash said stroking Gyarados' crown and placing a Pokéblock in her maw "if anything he bothered Chikorita more."
Ash chuckled when he heard a huff and a grumble from her and turned to face her "Totodile outclassed you without even trying, why?"
"He was too fast" she mumbled.
"No, he wasn't too fast at all" Ash said "if anything he was deliberately moving slowly. I know when a Pokémon is holding back. So, why couldn't you hit him?"
"I don't know" she replied shouting "I didn't know he was trained, he cheated."
"He did not cheat" Ash said sternly stopping any rant "Vincenzo has had Totodile only five weeks longer than I've had you, so we'll have less of that. Vincenzo, why did Totodile outclass Chikorita?"
Startled at being asked a question he cautiously answered "he deliberately didn't attack until he knew she couldn't or was already in the middle of one and she became angry, losing her focus."
"Exactly" Ash said looking at her "you lost focus because your pride got in the way. You have natural type advantage so you thought it would be easy only you didn't count on Totodile knowing a counter. Pride is the biggest downfall of a trainer and Pokémon. The next time you see Charizard or Salamence ask them what pride will do to you and listen to what they tell you. While we're all competitive in our family we still acknowledge our limitations and work on them. You could have gone all day and still not landed a hit because you didn't watch what he was doing, if you had you'd have noticed he always pirouetted starting with his right foot, from there you could have changed your angle to predict where he would land."
"That's good to know" Vincenzo said interrupting them "that's something we can work on as I never noticed that."
"He's good" Ash said nodding "he's been well trained."
"I originally wanted to stamp that out" Vincenzo said looking at his Pokémon causing Ash to frown "but I realised that his footwork was really good, and his movement and attacks could be based off that. So, every day my Geodude and Totodile train for two hours in dodging and attacking. They've done well."
"They have" Ash said nodding "how's your journey been so far?"
"Why?" Vincenzo asked frowning.
"I'm just making conversation" Ash said, "it's been three years since Pikachu and I set out and I remember it well."
"Hmm" Vincenzo replied "it's been ok so far. We've not had many issues with battles, except from this one kid with another Totodile. She was really good and for some reason I just can't seem to beat her whenever we battle."
"Sounds like you've got another goal to aim for besides collecting the badges" Ash said.
"We won't lose again" Vincenzo replied narrowing his eyes "why are you here?"
"I'm also doing the badge challenge" Ash said.
"But you're already the Champion" Vincenzo said looking confused.
"Of Kanto yes" Ash said nodding "but in order to earn Pokémon Master status you need to beat four leagues along with their Elite Four and Champions so I'm travelling the regions getting badges, catching new Pokémon and meeting new people such as yourself before I have to settle down and take over Blue Oak at Indigo Plateau."
"Sounds like a lot of busy work" Vincenzo said looking around at Ash's various Pokémon wo were chatting amongst themselves "are you following me?" he asked abruptly causing silence in the group.
"Why would you think that?" Ash asked.
"You're deflecting" Vincenzo said narrowing his eyes "are you following me?"
Ash laughing was not what he expected, and he began to get irritated.
"No" Ash said "while I have the ability to do so I have no desire to. Why?"
"My father told me you were" Vincenzo said looking at Ash "which is why I wasn't surprised to see you here."
"Yes" Ash said looking at him shrewdly "I've met your father. I'm not going to lie to you Vincenzo, your father and I will never be friends, and if he's told you the truth about our past you should know why but as I told him and your grandfather, I have no desire to get you involved in any way. You, so far have done nothing wrong so you have nothing to fear from me."
"My grandfather?" he asked confused "I don't have one."
"Yes, you do" Ash said taking out his laptop and loading it up. Accessing his photos he loaded Giovannis portrait and description and handed it over to Vincenzo who hungrily read all about him.
"He's the next president of the Pokémon League?" Vincenzo asked reluctantly handing over the laptop.
"He is" Ash said, "he lives in Viridian City at the Gym, but when he's not there he has a penthouse at Indigo Plateau."
"I wonder why father has never told me" Vincenzo said confused.
"That's between your father and your grandfather" Ash said earning a frown "it's not my business Vincenzo. But remember this, you are your own person Vincenzo and have the right to your own thoughts and feelings. If you want to talk to your grandfather, then I'll help however I can. You could always message him yourself too, he was excited to know he had a grandson."
"I'll talk to mum first" Vincenzo said "maybe she'll know what to do. I don't want to upset father."
"You know, you remind me a lot of myself three years ago" Ash said after a few minutes of silence "You seem very driven, very focused and very smart. Just be careful to not let that go to your head. I've been humbled many times whenever I thought I was 'the man'".
"By whom?" Vincenzo asked surprised "I read your stats after meeting you. You were unbeaten until a few months ago."
"I've been beaten a few times over the last month or so when training my new Pokémon" Ash said smiling "And I didn't mean being humbled in battle, I meant in general. My Pokémon have never been shy about calling me out on my nonsense, but my biggest humbler is my mother. While it's been a few months since the last one she never fails to deliver reality checks to me. If you take away anything from this conversation it's that, talk to someone and get advice from someone in your life that is not afraid to call you out on your shit."
"My mum is like that" Vincenzo said frowning "must be a mum thing."
"It likely is" Ash said standing up with Vincenzo following suit "remember what I said, should you need anything then just ask. I want you to remember one thing though, you are the only person that is accountable for your own actions so try and make the best decisions with whatever information you have but when you do decide, own it and more importantly, back yourself."
Nodding Vincenzo looked at Totodile and beckoned him and they walked away leaving Ash to pack things up in silence. An hour later they set off down the path at a more sedate pace before he remembered he needed to ring his dad.
"Hi Ash" Red said answering his phone "how are you doing?"
"I'm feeling a lot better today actually. How about you?" Ash replied.
"The same really" Red said rubbing his chest.
"Yeah, my chest has been hurting too ever since I woke up yesterday but it's getting easier to breathe and move now" Ash said "anyway I rang to see what you found out about the journal. If you have the time that is."
"I have half an hour before I go on stage" Red said "I can give you the highlights. So, it started off by telling us who he was and what he did. We as Aura users already know so I can skip that part. The journal covers the last few years of his life. He begins by telling us about a new apprentice that joined Rota, a young boy named Malokei, whom we know very well and the clashes he had with the elders over his attitude towards Rota and helping people less fortunate than himself. Malokei grew up inside the walls of Rota so he was from a fairly well off family so he was privileged his entire life, a stark contrast from Aaron and his humble beginnings.
Alvalor heard whispers of people going missing and sent several Aura Guardians to inspect the areas where the disappearances happened and they all were found months later with their minds completely wiped, I mean totally gone including all their training, so they were nothing more than vegetables. It was Jupiter that had the breakthrough when she joined the party to visit Alaria, the first place to be wiped off the face of the Earth by the Unown. She discovered when she arrived at the flattened city that there was still a strange presence hovering over the place. It was pure chance that she found a tile with a letter on it and it was only her mind shields that protected her from the Unown trying to take over her mind. Anyway, she was successful in blocking it and brought the tile back to the closest base they had, which was what is now New Bark Town.
Over the next few months of investigating several places that were being attacked they found more of the tiles and soon enough they managed to find 26 different tiles. They found many duplicates of course but it was an incredibly significant discovery. It was during this time that they heard rumours of a young girl who had discovered a new way of using aura only it was a corruption of aura. She was seen when several guardians were sent to Kitarna, the second city that was destroyed and they tried to confront her. She was surrounded by these strange tiles as she walked through the place, systematically destroying buildings as she passed. She managed to escape because of the strange symbols that orbited her stopped any attacks from reaching her but through the sacrifice of three guardians they found the weakness, aura. It seemed what she'd been doing was corrupting the minds of weaker guardians and using them to attack anyone that confronted her and when she had no further use for them they had their minds wiped using psychic power."
"That makes sense" Ash said "my mind shields held up to their attack in Alvalors tomb so I would probably have been ok, but I didn't want to risk it. It sounds like the guardians that had their minds wiped didn't have strong enough shields and so were susceptible to corruption. It concerns me though because when I confronted Mewtwo not one of his psychic attacks could harm me, he couldn't even use telepathy against me because of my aura."
"That's because he's a new creation Ash" Red said "he was created by humans, and with it came the limitations all manmade creations have. It seems the Unown are Ancients, created by means as yet unknown which far supersedes anything we can come up with. Just because they used a Mew fossil as the base for him doesn't mean her DNA was all they used."
"What do you mean means unknown?" Ash asked "they were created by Arceus."
"Who?" Red asked confused "is that a person that existed millennia ago? I've not read about them yet."
"No" Ash said confused "Arceus is the God Pokémon and the creator of all Pokémon dad. You know this."
"Ash, I have no idea who you're on about" Red said.
"What do you mean?" Ash asked "I've told you repeatedly who she is. I was created by her to combat Mewtwo and his rage."
"Ash, that's very disrespectful to your mother and I" Red said frowning "you were created by your mother and I because we wanted a child. We'll speak of this at some other point. Anyway, that's as far as I have been able to read so far. Hopefully over the next few days I can find out who this young girl is and why she's so significantly and more importantly why she's not mentioned in the archives."
"Ok" Ash replied warily "good luck today and I'll speak to you soon."
"Bye Ash" Red said hanging up.
Looking at the blank screen Ash shook his head and asked Pikachu "what do you think of that?"
"It seems the Unown were either being controlled by the young girl, and they were controlling her" Pikachu said, "I wonder why."
"No not that" Ash said "the dismissal of Arceus. What's that about?"
"Well, he's right" Pikachu said, "your mum and dad created you, not this Archie person."
"Arceus" Ash said "and you know who she is! You can't stand her because of what she's put us through over the last few years."
"Ash, I have no idea who you're on about" Pikachu said, "I've never heard of this Arceus."
The rest of the day Ash walked on in silence contemplating just what was going on for Pikachu of all people to forget who Arceus is. How was that possible when they were talking about her the day before wondering why they hadn't heard from her in a while. Seeing a sign that read "Goldenrod City 6km" Ash decided it would be a good idea to set up camp for the night. As they were all chatting that night about being glad they were nearly able to leave Ilex Forest Ash brought out his laptop and looked up several of his documents concerning Arceus. It was all there! Every single argument and issue they'd had was still documented and read like fiction.
"Pi" Ash said, "come here and read this, tell me what you can see."
"Ok" Pikachu said confused but hopping over and starting to read aloud 'why was I chosen? And why for what seems like the millionth time has ****** not come to my aid, why do I have to sort out the issues she has created and left. I'm done with ****** bullshit, Pikachu is right, we have enough to worry about without having to sort out her crap too.'
"Ok" Ash said looking distressed "you remember me mentioning a name before?"
"Archie, right?" Pikachu asked.
"Close enough" Ash replied "those blanks that you left out when speaking then are references to her name. For some reason you seem to be incapable of speaking her name and apparently have no knowledge of who she is."
"Ok" Pikachu said sounding unconcerned "and?"
"I'm not sure what it means" Ash said closing his laptop "but it can't be good. I'm going to bed, don't stay up too long."
Pikachu looked on concerned as Ash climbed into the tent as something had clearly happened to Ash when he touched that shrine. Why was he speaking about people that didn't exist like they did and trying top convince Pikachu that he knew this Archie too. Maybe he should speak to Ash's mum and dad about this as it was quite concerning.
The next day Ash woke up with a banging headache and felt very lethargic.
"Maybe we should spend the day here?" Pikachu asked concerned.
"No" Ash said "I don't want to spend another night in here. I'll be ok, I just want to leave."
"Ok" Pikachu said as they packed up "Machamp will stay by you though and if we tell you to sit down you sit down ok?"
"Fine" Ash said nodding "I just want to get out of here."
The 6km was normally done in a few hours but it took them until 3 in the afternoon to finally get to the entrance/exit station. Signing his name and saying goodbye to the clerk on the desk he walked out of the forest and stopped dead as the light blinded him. As his eyes became adjusted he sighed in relief as before him lay a single path that stretched on as far as the eye could see going up and down the distant hills. Having no other option he carried on walking and a few hours later he set up camp and read several emails that all came through at once. Over the next few days he headed in the direction of Goldenrod City and was relieved when he saw a signpost a few days later. Goldenrod City 18km, Greenfield Town 5km.
"We'll set up camp for the evening" Ash said "and pass through Greenfield Town in the morning on the way to Goldenrod City."
"What's in Greenfield Town?" Chikorita asked from his lap.
"Not much really" Ash said "it's a quaint little town really. The main place there though is the mansion on the hill which belongs to our good friend the Hales."
"Oh right" Pikachu said "any news on Amanda yet?"
"No" Ash said "according to Sam they solved then puzzle we never saw and found Tarin Saurwolf's tomb along with a book and an empty box. So, someone had the bright idea to smash through that wall and tunnel to Aramis' where they found the box. Amanda told the workers to go home one night while she stayed and did paperwork and disappeared. No one knows where either."
"Do you think the box had anything to do with it?" Sneasel asked.
"Yes" Ash said shaking his head "I knew this would happen."
Taking out his laptop he loaded up his emails and saw he had one from his dad. Opening it he read fascinated by the newest entries in the journal of Aramis Dreadfire.
"The young girl was named Tabitha, whether that was her real name or not is unknown, but it was the name given to her by the guardians who confronted her. It was in the last city that she was finally challenged and defeated. All four Elemental guardians created a trap for her in what is now known as the Ruins of Alph, and she walked into it. They managed, with great difficulty to separate her from the Unown and they all fell inert and their power became dormant. They collected the tiles that had rained from the sky and placed them in a box, which they sealed with several glyphs.
Unfortunately, though the damage they did to Tabitha was beyond their means of healing. They kept her captive for several weeks but found that her body was building power steadily. They were naturally concerned as it wasn't the same as theirs, it was a corruption so, they came up with a ritual to contain her and used the ruins as the place to bind her.
According to Aramis, from the little information they got from Tabitha when she had lucid moments the Unown had latched onto her using her sadness as power and her body became the vessel that contained their power. When that link was broken the remaining power needed to escape and so began building up. The guardians all came together and poured their aura into Tabitha and managed to dispel the psychic power but at great cost. Not only did it kill Tabitha but it severely depleted the guardians of their aura, killing Alvalor, Jupiter and Tarin. Aramis managed to survive a few more months but he too eventually succumbed to the lack of aura but not before he buried his fellow guardians along with dummy boxes and a warning on each tomb. He created four rooms with four puzzles, each of which would unlock a seal that prevented the Unown from reanimating. Only when all the puzzles were completed would the seal break fully. He left is journal so the ones who unlocked them would have an idea of how to contain them again.
That's all I could glean from the book Ash, so I must ask. Did you leave the puzzles completed when you left the ruins?
"That's very interesting" Ash said sitting back after replying negatively "so it seems the Unown need a host to activate themselves and once that link is broken they become inert."
"We sealed the tombs though" Pikachu said, "I know we did, so how could they activate."
"I have an idea, but it's tentative at best" Ash said as he explained his theory to them all "It's the only possible way, right? I mean those tombs were undisturbed for nearly a millennium before we solved their puzzles. There's no way they could be found, right?"
"Anything is possible Ash" Sneasel said "if you can find them then so can others. I mean you spotted them from the air, surely you couldn't be the only one to do so."
Rubbing his eyes in tiredness he shook his head and went to sleep, something that seemed to elude him for a long time. The next day they packed up and headed back down the path and as they reached the top of the valley that looked down on Greenfield they stopped dead.
"Oh, this can't be good" Ash said looking over the valley as his Pokégear rang.