AN: Not much to say but enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon

Ash would always state that he hated waking up early in the morning. Even if he was now used to it thanks to his training after his recovery, he still was a person who preferred to wake up at least around 9 AM. However, he couldn't deny that he was excited to finally learn how to use Aura, even if it meant waking up at the crack of dawn. Dressed in his training clothing, a gray t-shirt and sweats, Ash and his two teammates made their way to Ranmaru's family house. The house was more modern than the other houses with a more traditional medieval style, but it was impressive in size and scope. Even more amazing was this was the first time Ash had ever seen a house owned by a Pokemon.

While Kanto had given many freedoms to Pokemon over the years, it was still the most traditional and conservative of the known regions. Ash had learned, during his time with Professor Oak, how various regions had different laws regarding Pokemon, including marriage, running for office, voting, business management, property holding, and more. The argument was that Pokemon were living and intelligent creatures who could be taught how to be more human and learn human culture while living in it. It was why there was such a big difference between "Civilized Pokemon" and "Wild Pokemon."

("Wow, it's bigger than your house, Ash,") Skye said as she flapped above him.

("I still find living in a house to be weird. Safer and warmer than a cave. But still,") Azrael said with a curious gaze.

The three entered the gate and soon spotted Yukimura walking over from the left side of the house and smiling at them. "Hey, you guys made it! Come around the back!"

They followed Yukimura until they made it to the backyard. There was a traditional Pokemon battle ring that Ranmaru and Nobuyuki were waiting for. ( "Greetings everyone.")

"Hi, Ranmaru. We're ready to begin training," Ash said as he stood before her.

("Excellent. Master Ash, you will be training with me. My boys will take your Pokemon out for some light exercises before sparing each other without you. One thing your father did was make sure we could fight on our own without his commands in case we were separated or if we had to react to something in battle faster than he did. It was very much necessary during the Shadow War.")

"Alright, have fun, you guys," Ash said to his Pokemon, who nodded and followed the brothers to the other side of the backyard, where they started training.

("Now Master Ash. Do you know what Aura is?") Ranmaru asked seriously.

"Mew says it's the energy that everything is connected to and makes up all life," Ash answered.

("Lady Mew is correct, but Aura is more. It is the very soul of our beings—that which holds everything from our spirit to our emotions. Aura is what gives us the means to experience and enjoy life. Without Aura, we are nothing. You must, therefore, respect it. Do not force it or seek to dominate it. You must be one with it like yin to yang,") Ranmaru said with a nod.

"Is Aura sentient?" Ash asked.

("Yes, but not in the way you and I are. It is a force of living energy that hears, sees, and feels all, including our intentions and feelings. Once you connect with Aura, you will understand what I mean. And that is our first lesson. To help you awaken and connect with your Aura,") Ranmaru said as she soon got down on the ground into a meditation position. ( "Do you know how to meditate?")

"Professor Oak's Alakazam and a few other Pokemon have taught me," Ash said while sitting similarly.

("Good, then we can skip some parts. Now, I want you to close your eyes and focus deep inside of yourself. Look for something that is pulsing inside of you. Even if it is weak, you will feel it if you search long enough,") Ranmaru whispered as she closed her eyes. ( "Do not try to force it. Feel it like searching for a river in the forest. Let the sound of it come to you.")

Ash closed his eyes and proceeded to do so. Soon, the sounds of the rivers and bug Pokemon nearby began to dull in his ears before focusing only on his breathing and heartbeat. He tried to do what Ranmaru was talking about, but it was much harder than it looked. He tried searching for it but felt nothing like what Ranmaru told him to find.

Eventually, Ash opened his eyes and saw Ranmaru in deep meditation as a blue glow surrounded their entire body. Nearby, Azrael and Skye were battling Yukimura and Nobuyuki, with the two brothers having the advantage due to working well together. Whatever time had passed, it must have been a while since the sun had been even more up.

Azrael and Skye did their best to attack low and high, but Ranmaru's kids were too well coordinated. Even if one of them was a human and not a Pokemon, Yukimura could take Pokemon hits and hit them back hard with his Aura, which showed how useful it was for a human who could master it. Ash was almost tempted to go over and help his team, but he remembered his training and repositioned himself. This time, he concentrated even harder.

Whatever determination he used worked this time because Ash soon felt a pulse. It was brief and weak, but he felt something like a small wave of water from the edge of a tide. Determined not to let it go, Ash focused on finding it again. He could sense it. It was like hearing water nearby from a spring, but a dense forest prevented him from finding it.

He was so close. Just so close each time.

("Master Ash?") He opened his eyes to find Ranmaru staring at him. ( "We can stop. It's been four hours.)

Four hours?! Ash thought in surprise as he saw Azrael and Skye resting after their training session with the twins.

He got up and winced at how cramped his legs were. "I was so close...I felt it, but..."

("It's okay. This is your first day, and we only have a week of training to get done before you leave for home,") Ranmaru said as she patted him on the shoulder. ( "Nobody gets Aura awakened on their first day. Not even a Riolu.")

"But can I get it done in a week?" Ash asked with doubt.

("I can sense the potential inside of you. While much of it is gone due to your body spending much to keep you alive after your Pikachu betrayed you, there is still enough to be sparked into an awakening. Your bond with Mew should also help it come sooner,") Ranmaru assured him. ( "You just need to be patient.")

Ash nodded, as such a word was originally something he didn't have much for when he originally planned to become a Pokemon Trainer. Looking back now, it was amazing how ill-prepared he was. He hadn't thought that the concept of training, type differences, or even forming strategies mattered. He just thought capturing strong Pokemon and winning battles were all that were needed.

He just wished it didn't take nearly losing his life to get the lesson across.

("Anyway, why don't you spend some time looking through the town with my boys?") Ranmaru suggested with a smile. ( "Since you are here in Rota, you should enjoy it.")

"Okay. Thanks for helping me, Ranmaru," Ash said with a smile.

("Please, Master Ash. You are Master Red's child. I am the thankful one,") Ranmaru said with a bow as she watched her children walk over with Ash's Pokemon. The five agreed to get something to eat before leaving.

Sighing, Ranmaru remembered what she felt when Ash was meditating to unlock his Aura. He was close to getting it a few times, and she felt Ash would get it soon. The Lucario could also sense just how deep his aura pool was, and it amazed her to see how big it could have been had it not been lost. The potential for Ash to be a fantastic Aura wielder was stunning and heartbreaking at the same time. She had never felt anyone with such a big pool before, but it hurt knowing that most of it had been sacrificed to keep him alive. Whatever he could have done with it was lost now, but it was worth it if he could live.

Still, I feel the world has lost something in return...

The two brothers were happy to show their cousin and his Pokemon everything to do in the capital town of Rota. They dragged him along to various shops and areas of interest, such as the Statue of Sir Aaron, the Aura Fountain, and the Memorial of Heroes. Ash was curious about seeing the palace, but the two told him nobody was allowed there unless given permission or if the annual Festival of the Guardian Tournament was held. Not even their mother or father could enter it.

("Can we take a break?") Azrael sighed as he stopped to take a breather. ( "My feet are getting sore from all this running around.")

*"I'm fine. You don't see my complaining,") Skye said.

("That's because you are riding on my horn,") Azrael replied with a deadpan stare to the cheeky Pidgey.

("Didn't you run from Sinnoh to Kanto to save Ash?") Skye pointed out.

("Yes, but I didn't run all the time. I had to take breaks,") Azrael said while rolling his eyes.

"I think a break would be good. Besides, I'm kinda hungry," Ash said while rubbing his stomach.

("Oh, we can take you to the best place to eat!") Nobuyuki said with anticipation as his tail wagged.

"Yeah! Let's take them to Pops!" Yukimura agreed as the two led the group to a Ramen Noodles Cart, where a man in his fifties was making a fresh batch of noodles with all sorts of spices and ingredients. Helping him were a Magmar, who was reheating the stove with his fire, and a Mankey, wearing a chef's hat, cutting up ingredients with vigor.

Ash took out his Pokedex to get information on the two.

Pokemon: Magmar (The Spitfire Pokemon)

Gender: Female

Type: Fire

Region of Origin: Kanto

Biography: Magmar is the evolved form of Magby. They typically are seen near volcanos and carry a body temperature of close to 2,200 degrees due to its body always burning with orange flames. In battle, Magmar blows out intensely hot flames from all over its body to intimidate its opponent. This Pokémon's fiery bursts create heat waves that ignite grass and trees in its surroundings. When wounded, it bathes in lava to heal its body, much as one would soak in a hot spring.

Pokemon: Mankey (The Pig Monkey Pokemon)

Gender: Male

Type: Fighting

Region of Origin: Kanto

Biography: Known for its superior footwork, it packs a powerful punch and has a nasty temper when angered which can happen at any time. When it starts shaking, and its nasal breathing turns rough, it's a sure sign of anger. However, since this happens instantly, there is no time to flee. It lives in treetop colonies, and when one is angered, the entire colony is angered and attacks as one. However, if defeated, it will show respect and submission to the stronger opponent and seek to join their ranks.

"Hey, Pops!" Yukimura shouted as he and Nobuyuki all but dived into the seats. "We got some new customers for you!"

"Great!" The Ramen Chef said as he turned around and revealed that he had a few scars on his face and was very big-bellied. However, he had a pleasant look in his eyes and a toothy grin. "New friends of yours?"

"Better! He's our mom's trainer's son! So that makes him our cousin!" Yukimura said with a grin of his own. "So you better give him our discount and your best ramen!"

"Anything for you two, little guys," Pops said as he greeted Ash, who sat down. "Welcome to Pops Noodle Shop! What would you like?"

"Um, I guess Chicken Ramen would be nice," Ash said with a nervous smile. "Extra egg, please? Oh, and fried rice and pork dumplings for my Pokemon?"

"Usual for us/( Usual for us!)" The brothers said together.

"Coming right up!" Pops said as he went to work with his Mankey in making the food. "Let's get to it, buddy."

("You got it, boss!") The Mankey said with a salute.

("So Ash, how close did you get to awakening your Aura?") Nobuyuki asked as they waited for their food. Ash was about to answer but paused upon motioning to Pops and his Pokemon. The two then remembered that Ash had to keep his ability to speak to Pokemon a secret and nodded.

"What my brother said is, how close were you to unlocking your Aura?" Yukimura asked, but it felt weird repeating what he was saying.

"Pretty close," Ash said as he looked at his hand. "I could just about feel it. It was like I was about to touch a waterfall, and I could feel the mist on my fingers."

"Yeah, that's how it felt to me," Yukimura smiled. "That means you are close. I bet you'll get it tomorrow."

("If he does, then he'll get it unlocked really fast,") Nobuyuki said before getting thoughtful. ( "I wonder if that's because he's bonded to-")

Yukimura then nudged his brother to get him to be quiet.

"So, Ash!" Yukimura decided to change the subject. "What are your plans for going through the Gym Circuit next year?"

"Well, I figured I would go through the same path I originally planned. My father's route," Ash said as he took out his Pokedex and showed them how he wished to go via the way his father did it. Technically, anyone could do any of the gyms in any order. The difficulty of which was based on multiple conditions:

-How many Badges you already had.

-How many times you've completed the Gym Circuit

-How long have you been a Pokemon Trainer.

-How strong your Pokemon were.

-How many times have you competed in the League.

-And what you did in other Regions outside of the one you were competing in.

These six determined not only the number of Pokemon you would face but also what level. Every gym had multiple Pokemon they could use for different trainers on different levels. Upon defeating the Gym Leader, if you won, you were rewarded with cash, a prize, and the Gym Badge as proof of your victory.

A Gym Badge was good for three years before it would be rendered expired. The reason was that many couldn't complete the Gym Circuit in one season, so some often held themselves back from achieving the rest to train more and finish their run next year. However, once you had all eight badges, you were obligated to compete in the Pokemon Tournament that year or all your badges expired. Of course, sometimes trainers couldn't make it due to circumstances or if the League had too many competitors. So they would join next year instead.

However, there was a way to get a permanent Gym Badge. One that would never expire. That was facing the challenging team of the Gym: The Gym Leader's Personal Team. It was always a six-on-six battle, and you had to defeat them all to win. If you did, you got a permanent badge that never expired, but such a thing was rare. And to this date, nobody in any region has managed to get all eight permanent badges. The most won was five in Unova about twenty-four years ago by the current champion, Alder.

Their food soon came, and they dug in just as Ash was done talking. Ash moaned at the taste of his raman and smiled at Pops. "These are some of the best noodles I've ever tasted!"

"Yeah, Pops is a genius for making ramen!" Yukimura shouted.

"Well, I aim to please!" Pops said as his two Pokemon also cheered in praise.

("This fried rice is delicious too!") Skye said as she continued to peck it.

Azrael continued to eat his dumpling but then paused. He looked in the direction where he felt something…strange again. It felt like his Danger Sense was about to act up, but then it faded. Something was about to happen, but then something stopped it. He narrowed his eyes in the direction where it was coming from. It was in the exact location as before, and this bothered him. Suddenly, just like last time, it was gone.

"Azrael?" Ash asked, getting his attention. "Something wrong?"

("...No,") Azrael said, turning away. ( "Nothing is wrong...")

Yet, as he said that, he didn't sound convinced.

Queen Ilene smiled as her Mime Jr., Sir Puffy, had another cream treat while getting some white puff all over his cheeks. Chuckling, she turned to her Nanny, Jenny, and said, "I think we're going to need some more cream puffs, Jenny."

"I swear, Sir Puffy is going to get pudgy when he turns into a Mr. Mime," Jenny said in amusement as she shook her head at the little glutton.

("No way! I'm going to stay young, cute, and puffy all my life!") Sir Puffy cheered as he had another treat.

The Queen of Rota sipped from her tea and saw the sun shining brightly outside other gardens. It was such a lovely day today, and she had very little to do, which was rare for someone like her. So she decided to have a lovely tea and cake session with her Mime Jr. and her favorite Nanny while feeling the warm sun and cool breeze against her skin.

Sir Puffy was about to have another cream puff when suddenly it levitated out of his hands, much to his shock. It then zoomed around him before speeding away, much to everyone's confusion. Growling, Sir Puffy shouted, ( "Hey! Get back here!")

Sir Puffy chased after the floating cream puff off the table, around it, through a few bushes, and even went under a surprised Jenny's legs before it landed on the grass. Cheering in triumph, Sir Puffy dived for it, only for it to teleport away, and he landed on the ground with grass in his mouth. The floating cream puff appeared near Queen Ilene before the one behind the prank, Mew, emerged from her invisibility while giggling.

Now that was funny! Mew said she put the puff in her mouth and swallowed it in one bite. Ahh, delicious.

"Hello, Lady Mew," Queen Ilene told the Legendary as she patted her head. "We weren't expecting you to return for another few years. Are you here to check up on the Tree of Beginnings?"

Nope! I'm here for a different reason, Mew said before teleporting just as an angry Sir Puffy tried to tackle her. Nice try, Puffy.

("That was my cream puff"), Sir Puffy pouted, but Queen Irine patted her Pokemon on the back.

"Don't worry. We'll get more. Besides, you shouldn't overeat sugar," she said, which made Mime Jr. feel a bit better, knowing more would come. She then looked to the garden entrance gate and smiled. We'll need more since we got company anyway."

A Lucario entered, dressed in a red cloak and wearing actual red metal knight-like armor. His armor held the kingdom's crest in gold while a silver medallion was won on his neck, carrying the symbol of the Aura Knights. Anyone living in Rota could tell you this was one of the Royal Guards—Aura Knights who pledged to serve and protect the Royal Family of Rota with their lives. The Royal Guard Lucario bowed on one knee. Queen Ilene, I am here to provide daily reports of the border patrol.

He then looked up and paused upon seeing who had come for a visit, grumbling. Oh, great. Mew's here.

Hi Leonidas! Mew cheerfully waved before flying in front of his face. So, how long did it take you to clean up all that chocolate pudding?

Four days. We had to pay the cleaners overtime to get it all gone, Leonidas grumbled as he glared at the Legendary. You know, Mew. As a Legendary Pokemon and keeper of the Tree of Beginnings, you need to take things more seriously and act less like some teenager who's always bored.

Hey, you try living for three millennia and not get bored so quickly, Mew teased while sticking her tongue out. Besides, it was better than the time I put super glue on all the toilet seats.

...I lost fur on my rear end because of that one.

But it made your butt look thinner!

"Anyway," Queen Ilene interrupted as she coughed into her hand. She then poured tea for Mew to drink before handing it over. "Is there a reason you came for a visit, Mew?"

Not really. I'm just here to get my new Chosen some Aura training for the week, Mew said as she took the cup and sipped it.

"A new Chosen?" Queen Ilene said in surprise as the others were in a similar state. "Who are they?"

Their name is Ash Ketchem from Pallet Town, Mew answered as she took some more tea. We're staying for about a week to get him some Aura Training from his Dad's old Pokemon, Ranmaru. She teaches at the Academy.

"Is he seeking to become an Aura Knight?" Queen Ilene asked.

Nah, he wants to be a Pokemon Master. We're just teaching him some basic stuff, and he's going to compete in the Rookie Shot Tournament to see how his training is going, Mew explained.

That's a rookie trainer tournament. Is he still starting his Pokemon Journey? Leonidas asked, folding his arms.

Well, yeah. But it wasn't his choice. Mew then explained what happened to Ash on his first day as a Pokemon Trainer. She had to modify it so that they didn't know about how important Ash was and that their whole future as a planet depended on him, but she knew those here could keep a secret. The Royal Family of Rota was one of the few people who knew that she existed and of her duty to look after the Tree of Beginnings. Needless to say, everyone was horrified by what happened to Ash on his first day.

"...That poor boy," Jenny said, wiping tears from her eyes. "For such a young child to go through such a hardship..."

Sir Puffy was sobbing in Queen Ilene's arms from hearing the sad tale while the royal shed a tear. "Is there anything we can do?"

Are you sure you wish to involve yourself, your Majesty? Leonidas asked. Sympathetic as I am for the boy and Mew's Chosen he might be, it would seem strange to suddenly help him out of nowhere.

Well, how about this as an excuse? Mew said as she grinned upon getting ready to reveal her next big bombshell. He's related to Sir Aaron.

"WHAT?!" Everyone screamed in shock as they all stared at Mew.

"Y-Y-You are serious?! Sir Aaron?! Our greatest and most noble hero..." Queen Ilene asked with wide eyes.

The Auras are very similar, and I always remembered Sir Aaron's , Mew said with a nod. He's not his direct descendant. We all know he and Lucian were a couple, even if it was hidden at the time. But he might be related to him by that sister he barely mentioned. But they are very much related. Ash even looks like him in many aspects.

This is...this is incredible! Leonidas whispered in awe. A living member of Sir Aarron's bloodline, even if he's not directly related to him. This would be massive news for the Kingdom of Aura and the knights!

Woah! Hold on there, Mew said with a warning tone. We're not going to go out and brag this out to everyone. This needs to be kept a secret, especially from Ash.

"Why? The entire Kingdom of Rota owes its survival to Sir Aaron," Queen Ilene pointed out. "The least we can do for his memory is do something for a family member."

Yeah, but Ash already has enough on his plate. He's already trying to focus on recovering from his ordeal and getting better as a Pokemon Trainer for next year. Not to mention, he's focused on learning the basics of Aura. What do you think will happen if word spreads he is a descendant of Sir Aaron? Numerous Aura Knights will be begging to take him as an apprentice. Multiple Lucario families will start offering him their eggs to have a child as his partner. The entire nation will worship the ground he walks on, Mew pointed out while firmly making an "x" with her arms. I didn't tell him about being my Chosen because I wanted him to recover and focus on his dream. Telling him he's related to the greatest Aura Knight ever will be just as bad.

There is...wisdom in what Lady Mew says, Leonidas said with a sigh. It would be best to keep this a secret, Queen Ilene.

"Hmm, I suppose," Queen Ilene said as she rubbed her chin. "Still, there must be something we can do..."

Then it hit her.

"You said he was going to compete in a tournament?" Queen Ilene asked, and Mew nodded. "What if we were to reward him something for winning? A certain staff, for instance?"

"The Staff of Sir Aaron?" Jenny asked.

Isn't that in the museum? Mew asked.

"That one is a fake. We keep the real one deep in the Royal Treasury," Queen Ilene answered with a smile. "We can merely state that the reward for the tournament will be a replica of the staff. Nobody needs to know it's the real one but us. When Ash wins the tournament, he can have the real one, as it is technically a family heirloom he can keep. This can be our way of paying the debt back to Sir Aaron by giving something he owned to his family."

What if he doesn't win? Leonidas asked.

"I'm confident he will, but just in case we'll keep another fake one on standby and find some other means to give it to Ash," Queen Ilene replied.

Ooh, sounds sneaky. I like it, Mew said as she twirled around. I better get going to see how the training is going. See you around, Queenie!

You should also check up on the Tree of Beginnings while you are here, Lady Mew, Leonidas suggested.

Relax. I still have a few years before I need to do my annual check-up. I'm sure the tree is fine.

He was close.

So close.

Ash returned the next day to meditate once more, and this time, he was determined to unlock his Aura. He focused as hard as he could as he tried to visualize himself deep inside his mind. He could see himself walking through a warm, dark void where there was nothing—no light, no sound, no air. He kept walking and using his instincts to guide him to the location where his Aura was calling for him.

And then he heard a drop.

A drop of water.

It was faint and yet sounded louder than a Gyarados's roar. Ash paused in his step. Was it close? Was it nearby?

Another drop.

He was close.

Ash didn't run. He wanted to keep his focus. He wanted to make sure he got it this time. Last time, he was within reach but didn't get it. This time, he would. Making his way to the source of the sound, he felt like he had traveled a mile along the way, but the echoes of what had to be his Aura were getting louder and louder.

Finally, after what felt like an hour, he saw something. It was a source of light—the only light in this entire dark void.

A blue orb.

It was small, about the size of a Pokeball, but it was beautiful. It felt cold and yet refreshing. It was slowly dripping its essence in droplets that rippled across the darkness. Slowly, Ash reached out for it. He didn't make any sudden movements, nor did the orb try to move. It was almost as if it wanted to be touched. He swore he could hear something calling out to him. A voiceless voice. A feeling of want and desire. Like a part of him wanting to be reunited.

It was his Aura. It wanted to be unlocked and welcomed into his soul.

Ash eventually pressed his fingers on it...

And then everything exploded in a world of blue and white.

Gasping, Ash opened his eyes and took a deep breath as Ranmaru looked at him with pride, smiling across from him.

("You did it. You unlocked your Aura.")