Hello again.
I know that some of you probably hate me for how the last chapter ended but I couldn't help it I had to do it.
There's some Pokéspeech in this chapter but it should be understandable with the setting its in.
That's enough from me lets get on with the story
Chapter 8
When Legends Attack
Ash and May stopped in their tracks when they saw the Legendary Volcano Pokémon standing over an unconscious Riley. Ash moved in front of May as Entei turned to face them, Ash's grip on his staff tightened as he lifted it from his side.
"May, get out of here now." Ash urged the brunette. May shook her head.
"No, I'm staying with you. You can't fight a Legendary Pokémon alone." She replied. Ash was about to tell May to leave again when he saw that there were still people in the banquet hall and they were too scared to move, he could see that the Queen had gotten out but Sian, Ursula and Harley were still there. Even though he wasn't too fond of Ursula or Harley he didn't want to see them get hurt, so he quickly came up with a plan.
"Okay, May I need you to try and get everyone out of here so they don't get hurt. I'll distract Entei." Ash said. May was about to protest and say that she could look after herself but she stopped herself and knew that Ash was right and that he stood a better chance of stopping Entei if the room was empty. She started to move when Entei took a step forward, she froze and winced when Entei let out a deafening roar. Ash moved the opposite way May had gone and formed an Aura Sphere throwing in front of the Legendary Pokémon's face to get its attention. Ash's plan worked, problem was he didn't know what he was going to do next, he couldn't start a battle now because the people in the hall could get hurt and Riley was still unconscious at Entei's feet. Ash could sense the Aura coming from Entei and it seemed familiar but he didn't have time to try and place it as he kept throwing Aura Spheres to keep Entei looking at him and not at May.
As Entei turned to focus on Ash, May started to move again slowly making her way to the closest group of people, May noticed that Glaceon and Ash's Pokémon were close and enlisted their help in evacuating the hall, she sent Pikachu to help Ash while asking Lucario, Meowth and Glaceon to help her.
Pikachu was making his way round to Ash when he saw Riley's Lucario running back into the hall. Lucario stopped, quickly assessed the situation and waited to see what Ash was going to do, Pikachu did the same, ready to move at a moment's notice if Ash told him to. Ash saw Lucario and Pikachu waiting for his signal, he threw another Aura Sphere trying to force Entei away from Riley and out of the hall into the gardens so that he could battle properly. Ash had left his Pokéballs in his room and May had only brought Glaceon with her, Ash racked his brain trying to come up with a plan but nothing came. The constant barrage of Aura Spheres force Entei towards the doors that led outside, Riley's Lucario seized his chance and used Extremespeed to get to Riley but Entei was fast as well. Entei launched a Flamethrower that hit Lucario full force in the chest and the momentum from Extremespeed increased the damage, Lucario was thrown back out of the doors leading to the rest of the palace.
"LUCARIO!" Ash shouted, reacting out of instinct he sprinted across the hall to get to Lucario but was cut off from the doors by another flamethrower. Turning on the Volcano Pokémon Ash threw a large Aura Sphere hitting the legend in the face, Entei was about to fire another Flamethrower at Ash but was stopped by a Thunder attack from Pikachu. Whirling round Entei bore down on the electric mouse, who showed no fear by staring the Legend in the eyes with arcs of electricity flying from his red cheeks.
"Pika!" (Translation – "Bring it!") (AN Pikachu is Badass)
May had gotten most people out of the hall with the help of Sian, Ursula and surprisingly Harley along with the Pokémon when she heard Ash cry out, she turned and saw Riley's Lucario lying just outside the doors and a Flamethrower barely missing Ash. Her hands covered her mouth as she Entei about to attack again when Pikachu came to the rescue, she turned to Ash's Lucario and Meowth.
"Please help him!" she begged desperately, both Pokémon nodded and ran forward. She then turned to Sian, "Get the rest of the people out of here," Sian nodded in agreement and started move to the next group of people with Ursula and Harley splitting up and doing the same. May looked to her loyal ice type, "Come on Glaceon, we need to go and get help." Glaceon nodded and together they left the banquet hall in search of help.
Pikachu was dodging Entei's attacks while Ash shouted out warnings, neither of them noticed Ash's Lucario charge in with an Aura Sphere infused Force Palm. The combined attack (AN I call it Aura Force) knocked the Legendary dog away from Riley and closer to the doors, Meowth ran to Riley and tried to drag him away from the battle but struggled until Ash came up beside him and helped. Together they managed to get Riley to the doors that led the rest of the palace, Sian, Ursula and Harley had just finished getting everyone out of the hall so they took Riley from Ash and Meowth, promising to make sure he would be okay. Ash noticed that May was missing and asked where she was, Sian told him that she had gone to get help, Ash nodded and together with Meowth returned to the battle, which had moved away from the doors leading to the garden and was now in the middle of the hall. Debris was scattered around the room, shattered chairs, broken tables, scorch marks and small carters covered the floor and walls.
Pikachu and Lucario were working as a team against Entei but even though they were both exceptionally strong Pokémon they were still losing to the Legendary, the battle had only been going for a few minutes but they were still covered in small burns and bruises. Ash saw how badly the battle was going and channelled his Aura into the crystal on his staff, forming a large Aura Sphere around it. He charged in, a war cry flying from his lips as he swung his staff causing the Aura Sphere to fly off the crystal and knock Entei towards the garden, Entei was about to attack Ash when Meowth ran up Ash's back and leapt from his shoulder, landing on Entei's face and launching into a high speed Fury Swipes. Entei howled in anger as a Fire Blast escaped its mouth, the fire type attack encompassed Meowth and blasted him across the room and into the wall creating a crater twice the size of Meowth. Meowth fell to the ground hurt badly, Lucario ran over and used Heal Pulse to try and help his injured teammate. Pikachu had watched Meowth's actions and how Entei had retaliated, Pikachu was shocked, Meowth had jumped to Ash's rescue and paid the price. The savagery of the attack and the obvious pain that it caused sent a chill to the depths of Pikachu's soul and filled him with an all-consuming anger. Even though Meowth had hounded and tormented Pikachu and Ash for years, now he was a member of Ash's team, Pikachu's family, and no-one messes with Pikachu's family, a metallic taste and the smell of O-Zone filled the air as Pikachu unleashed all his power in the form of an enormous Thunder attack, charring the ground surrounding both himself and Entei, the Legend was force to its knees under the pressure of the attack. Once it was over Entei slowly got back to its feet, electricity still sparking in its coat, Pikachu collapsed in exhaustion panting heavily, Entei made its way to the electric mouse creating another Fire Blast. Ash saw his Pokémon, his friends in trouble, Meowth was severely wounded, Lucario was using Heal Pulse over and over to try and heal Meowth, Pikachu, his first Pokémon, the one who had been with him every step of the way since he first started his journey to become a Pokémon Master, the one was so close to him that they viewed each other as brothers, was lying on the floor completely wiped out and about to be attacked again. Something inside Ash snapped, he had had enough, he dropped his staff and charged Entei screaming at the top of his lungs, Entei stopped its attack and looked back surprise at what it was seeing, a human had never openly attacked it before. Ash took advantage of Entei's hesitation and jumped on to the Legendry's back, grasping its mane and clinging on for dear life as he pulled with all his Aura infused strength trying to turn the Volcano Pokémon to the garden and away from Pikachu. Entei started bucking and jerking trying to shake Ash loose, completely forgetting about Pikachu, Ash held tight and gripped with his knees as he tried to stay on Entei's back. He saw a flash of light out of the corner of his eye but ignored it focussing on staying where he was, but it was no good Entei was too strong and Ash was thrown from his position and landed on the ground hard, his breath knocked out of him, he expected Entei to attack but nothing came as a blur of green crossed Ash's vision followed by another blur of red and cream. Slowly getting up Ash saw Sceptile and Blaziken fighting Entei while Gardevoir picked up Pikachu and teleported to where Lucario was kneeling by Meowth before joining the Aura Pokémon in healing their teammates. Ash felt a hand on his shoulder, turning he saw May stood behind him carrying Pokéballs with one arm.
"I ran back to the room to get our Pokémon. Looks like I got back just in time." She said.
"May, I owe you one." Ash replied thankfully.
"Look out!" May cried jumping on Ash, dropping the Pokéballs knocking them both to the floor as a Flamethrower missed them by inches.
"Guess now I owe you two." Ash said, he grabbed his Pokéballs and found the one holding his last Pokémon, "I choose you Gengar!" he shouted throwing his Pokéball. The ball opened and in a flash of light the Shadow Pokémon appeared. May released Flaffy telling him to try and recharge Pikachu, she also released Spoink telling her to use Psychic to protect the injured Pokémon.
"Gengar, use Shadow Ball." Gengar formed a ball of black crackling energy between his hands before throwing it into Entei's side. Entei was hit by the attack and turned its attention to the Ghost type, charging another attack Entei took aim at Gengar and was about to launch another Fire Blast only to be stopped by a Sky Uppercut from Blaziken which slammed Entei's jaws closed causing the attack to be swallowed. A fiery red Aura surrounded Entei as it let out a roar that shook the palace walls and made Ash's blood run cold while May shrank back in fear, all the Pokémon backed away from the legendary Pokémon.
"This is bad," Ash said, "because Entei swallowed that attack it'll be stronger than ever. I came up with the same technique when I was in Sinnoh, Dawn uses it for her Contests as well. We need to get Entei outside NOW."
"Glaceon, use Ice Beam on the floor between Entei and the doors to the garden." May said to her Ice type. Glaceon nodded and ran around Entei, making sure not to be noticed, to do as May asked. "Blaziken, use Sunny Day." Blaziken nodded and threw an orb of energy into the air.
"May, what are you doing?" Ash asked, "Entei will be even stronger now."
"Ash, do you trust me?" May replied
"Of course I do." He said instantly.
"Then trust me now and have Sceptile ready."
"What for?"
"You'll know in a minute." Was all May said before reaching for another Pokéball, "Munchlax, Take the stage." May's Munchlax appeared in a burst of white light, "Munchlax start taking in energy." Ash's mind then started to understand what May was up to.
"Gengar, use Ice Punch to help Glaceon freeze the floor to the garden." Ash shouted to his Ghost Pokémon above the noise to the battle. Gengar gave Ash a grin and a salute before floating over to Glaceon and starting to punch the ground with a fist covered with icy energy. "Sceptile come here quick! Start taking in energy." Ash called to his Grass type. Sceptile looked at Blaziken.
"Scep Scep Tile Sceptile?" he asked.
"Blaze Blaziken." She replied. Sceptile nodded and ran back to Ash as Blaziken faced the Legendary dog alone. Sceptile stopped in front of Ash and started to absorb energy, the buds on his back started to glow.
"Blaziken put everything you've got into a Blaze Kick." May said to her first Pokémon. Blaziken's foot erupted in giant flames as she spun a delivered a powerful kick to Entei's face knocking it on to the icy floor. Ash knew that they needed to act fast because the heat coming from Entei was starting to melt the ice.
"Gengar, get Glaceon out of there." Ash called out, Gengar picked up the Ice type and carried her to where Lucario and Gardevoir were healing the injured Pokémon.
"Now Munchlax," May started.
"Sceptile," Ash added.
"Solarbeam!" They shouted together as their Pokémon fired twin beams of pale yellow light at the Legendary Pokémon. The two powerful Grass type attacks collided with Entei and thanks to the icy floor, Entei slid out of the banquet hall and into the gardens from the force of the attacks.
"May, look after the Pokémon, I'm going after Entei." Ash said as he picked up his staff and ran out of the doors, "Lucario, Gardevoir don't let May follow me. All of you keep her safe." He called over his shoulder. May started to follow Ash but Lucario ran in front of her shaking his head before leading her over to where the Pokémon were lying on the ground. Blaziken, Sceptile, Gengar, Glaceon, Spoink and Munchlax were stood nearby in case Entei came back and to make sure that May was safe. They knew that Ash would never forgive himself if anything happened to May because she was following him, he was still beating himself up over what happened with Team Rocket. He kept it hidden from May but he hadn't slept much since coming to Rota spending most of the night either training or just staring at the sky thinking about how he should have been able to keep her safe. Pikachu had tried to snap Ash out of it but nothing worked, even Meowth had tried to help by saying that it was his fault and he should have turned Team Rocket in when he heard them come up with the plan to kidnap May but Ash just told Meowth that he redeemed himself by helping rescue May and telling Officer Jenny everything he knew about Team Rocket. Riley and the Queen had noticed the difference in Ash but he asked them not to tell May as she would only worry and she needed to focus on the Contest. Ash's Pokémon had told May's about Ash's insomnia and asked them to help keep it from May as it would upset her and that would make Ash feel worse, all the Pokémon agreed to help out in any way they could, they even tried to use some of their attacks to try and help Ash sleep but while that did work it was only for a short time before he would wake up again, the longest he'd slept at night over the last week was an hour.
May released Wartortle from her Pokéball and asked her to try and soothe the burns with a weak Water Gun, Wartortle nodded and got to work. While May helped Gardevoir and Lucario where she was able to, though she couldn't focus properly as her mind kept thinking about Ash. Since coming to Rota, May had noticed a change in him, he seemed to be less 'Ash' than usual and that the Pokémon were trying to keep her from noticing, she was worried about him and try to talk to him about it but he kept distracting her by telling her to focus on the Contest and teaching her Pokémon new combinations. May had decided that when the Contest was over she would corner him and not back down until he told her what the problem was but she didn't get the chance and now with Ash off fighting Entei alone she was even more worried, she tried to get some of the Pokémon to go and help him but they wouldn't budge and wouldn't let her past to go after him. Her mind repeated Ash's last words before he left the hall 'Keep her safe.' She wondered why he had said, he knew that she was capable of looking after herself, though she couldn't deny the pleasing warmth that flooded through her when she heard him say it. May was even more sure of her feelings now but after what had happened tonight she wasn't sure if she would be able to tell him how she felt, she felt worry grip her spirit once more as she thought about how Ash was going to stop a Legendary Pokémon without any help. Please be okay Ash, she prayed, I don't want you to be hurt again. I don't think I could stand seeing you like that again. The image of Ash lying in the Pokémon Centre bed with his shoulders wrapped in bandages, his face pale and drenched with sweat and various drips and sensors connected to him flashed into her mind, she felt tears fill her sapphire eyes and she started to cry, tears trailing down her cheeks. May felt a hand on her shoulder turning to see who it was, she saw Blaziken stood next to her.
"Blaziken Blaze Blaziken Blaze Iken Blaze." She said to her trainer. May tried to dried her eyes and smiled at the fire type.
"You're right Blaziken. It's Ash, he'll be alright." May replied though she still sounded unsure. Blaziken looked at Sceptile with a pleading look.
"Blaziken Blaze?" she asked, Sceptile nodded to her and put his hand on May's other shoulder.
"Sceptile." He said, May looked at him confused and felt Blaziken let go of her shoulder. May turned back to her Pokémon, only to see her running out of the doors in pursuit of Ash.
Ash was running through the gardens trying to find Entei but not having any luck. He stopped to catch his breath placing his hands on his knees bending over, it was then he felt the same Aura he had felt before that came from Entei. He focussed on locating the Aura and trying to remember where he had felt it before, he sat on the ground and placed his staff alongside him. He tried to meditate but his pounding heartbeat wouldn't let him calm down enough to pinpoint where the Aura was coming from he could only workout a general direction. Ash heard footsteps coming behind him, he stood up quickly grabbing his staff and holding it defensively ready to block any incoming attack. He saw Blaziken coming towards him and relaxed a little and waited for the Fire type to get closer.
"What are you doing here Blaziken? Is May alright?" he asked worry creeping into his voice.
"Blaziken Blaze Blaziken." She replied, shaking her head, "Blaze Blaziken Blaze, Blaziken Blaze Blaze." She continued.
"May's okay but she was worried about me and you came to help so she wouldn't worry as much?" Ash asked.
"Blaze." She answered nodding, Ash smiled slightly, May okay, now to find Entei he thought.
"Okay then, I'm glad of the help. Entei is over this way." Ash said turning and running into the trees with Blaziken close behind. They ran through the trees until they found a clearing, they walked into the middle of the clearing and found…..nothing. The clearing was empty apart from a few broken branches and some footprints that looked like they belonged to Entei.
"That's weird," Ash said, "The Aura is definitely coming from here but where's Entei?" No sooner had Ash finished his sentence when he heard a piercing shriek. Looking to the sky Ash saw another Pokémon diving towards him, Ho-Oh.
Ash and Blaziken dived in different directions to avoid Ho-Oh's talons, Ash rolled and came to a stop crouching and threw an Aura Sphere at the Legendary bird while Blaziken launched a Flamethrower both attacks missed and Ho-Oh circled back around for another attack. Ash could still feel the Aura from Entei but now it was coming from Ho-Oh, he tried to remember where he had felt this Aura before, he was sure that it held to answer to why Legendary Pokémon were attacking. Ho-Oh flew down at high speed launching Flamethrowers at Blaziken before retreating and circling back for another attack run, Ash was throwing Aura Spheres but Ho-Oh evaded each one. Ash then came up with one of his usual insane plans, he ran to Blaziken.
"Next time Ho-Oh gets close jump into the air, and get above it but take me with you. I've got a plan." He said, Blaziken nodded and together they waited for Ho-Oh to come back around.
May was still helping Lucario and Gardevoir heal the Pokémon when Sian came back into the hall carrying an armful of medical supplies and berries, she was followed by Riley and Queen Ilene. There was a bandage visible under Riley's hat and his arm was in a sling, the Queen looked a little scared but unharmed.
"Here, use these." Sian said dropping the medicine on the floor by May before crouching next to her and starting to help heal the Pokémon, wrapping a bandage around Meowth's arm after gently cleaning one of his burns.
"Thank you for bringing these Sian, we really need them. Lucario and Gardevoir are really tried from using Heal Pulse over and over again." May said picking up two Oran berries and handing them to Lucario and Gardevoir, the two Pokémon took them and quickly ate them before returning to their work. Pikachu was feeling better thanks to Flaffy helping him to recharge but he was still tired, Gengar had a few small burns but was tired as well, Meowth had taken the most damage and was still unconscious, Sceptile had taken a lot of damage, he was standing by May but because of his injuries he was struggling to stay upright, though he wouldn't let that stop him, Ash and Blaziken had asked to look after May and he would do that until they came back no matter what. Glaceon was feeling tired as she had been using Ice Beam to provide water to put on injuries and for the Pokémon to drink, Flaffy was feeling tired from helping Pikachu recharge, Wartortle was doing okay but was worried about the conditions of the other Pokémon and Spoink was exhausted from stopping various attacks and debris from hitting the injured Pokémon. All the Pokémon were eating the berries to regain some of their strength.
"May, where's Ash?" Riley asked. May looked at the floor as all the Pokémon went quiet.
"After we managed to get Entei out of the hall, Ash went after it." May replied softly not looking at the Aura Guardian. The Queen gasped in shock and her hands covered her mouth, Riley just stared out to the gardens.
"We must send help." The Queen said but Riley held up a hand.
"I understand what you're thinking but right now Ash is the only one who stands a chance against Entei. If we send anyone to help they'll either be in Ash's way or they'll be badly hurt. I'd go but I'm not at full strength and I'd be more of a hindrance than a help." He said solemnly closing his eyes, "Until his Pokémon are better, Ash is on his own."
"My Blaziken went after him a few minutes ago," May said, "she'll help him but I'm still worried about him, it's been just nearly two weeks since he was hurt saving me and even though you healed him Riley, I don't think he's fully recovered from it. He hasn't been himself since we got here." Riley and the Queen looked at each other and nodded, even though they had promised Ash they wouldn't say anything to May, she had noticed a change in him and deserved to know the truth. Riley and the Queen took May to one side to tell her about Ash's lack of sleep, knowing that he wouldn't want anyone else to know about it. Sian stayed where she was and continued to help heal the Pokémon.
"May," said the Queen, "Since Ash came to Rota, he hasn't been sleeping well. He blames himself for letting Team Rocket kidnap you and that weighs heavily on his mind," May was about to say something but the Queen cut her off, "there is more you need to know, during the feast to celebrate Ash's graduation Riley took Ash to the Royal Vault…" Riley interrupted.
"My Queen you mustn't…" he started. The Queen turned on him.
"Aura Guardian Gen, I am the ruler of Rota and I deem Miss Maple to be an honourable and trustworthy person. My Guardian has the utmost faith in her and knows that she would in no way deceive or harm the people or Kingdom of Rota. I believe in him and those he supports therefore Miss Maple can be trusted to keep what I am about to tell her a secret." The Queen said in a serious and commanding tone, "Do you not trust your fellow Aura Guardian and former student?" she questioned.
"Of course I trust Ash my Queen…and though I too trust May, I believe that the secrets of Aura and Rota must stay as such." Riley replied, "However as you have said you are the ruler of Rota and the decision is yours to make. I will support your decision whatever it may be and beg your forgiveness if I have spoken out of turn but I needed to voice my opinions of your decision, it is my duty as a member of your court." He finished with a sigh, bowing slightly. The Queen nodded in understanding.
During this May had been silent watching them talk and wondering what they were going to tell her. Ash's Lucario had been watching all of this take place but didn't say anything as he knew that Ash was going to tell May about what happened in the Royal Vault after they left Rota.
"May," the Queen started turning to look at the brunette again, "In the Royal Vault there is a room and in that room all of Sir Aaron's belongings were kept along with a Time Flower. This Time Flower was different to any you encountered before as it would only open to a certain person's Aura, that person was Sir Aaron. The Time Flower held Sir Aaron's last words and a message to the ruler of Rota, we know this because Ash opened it and told myself and Riley. Ash is the only person who knows the full details of what Sir Aaron's last words were. As for the message to me, it was Sir Aaron asking the current monarch of Rota to support his decision to pass his title as the True Guardian of Aura and possessions to whoever opened the Time Flower."
"You mean that Ash…" May said quietly.
"Yes, Ash now holds Sir Aaron's title and has taken possession of his belongings. That is way all of those things came to Ash's room the day after the feast. I know he told you that it was part of becoming and Aura Guardian but he did not tell you a lie he only told you part of the truth, do not hold any anger towards him though he said that he had sworn to keep all he was told a secret. This has kept him from sleeping also, both I and Guardian Riley are worried about him just like you are. We will try and relieve him of this burden he bares but as you know he has a way of being incredibly stubborn." They all looked out to the gardens wondering where Ash was and if he was okay. The Queen turned to look at May. "You must not feel any anger towards him for lying to you. He didn't want you to worry about his lack of sleep and the full events relating to the Time Flower are only known to Ash. Guardian Riley and I only know what Ash revealed to us as he said the message was only meant for the Guardian who opened the Time Flower." She said, May nodded.
"I understand why he did it." May said without looking at the Queen, her eyes never leaving the gardens. May felt something climb on to her shoulder and when she looked she saw Pikachu with a worried look on his face.
"Don't worry Pikachu, I'm sure Ash won't do anything too dangerous." She said to the electric type scratching him under the chin as she turned her gaze back to the gardens.
"Look out!" Ash shouted as a Hyper Beam missed Blaziken by centimetres. Ash and Blaziken threw attacks back but both missed as Ho-Oh circled back around for another attack.
"Blaziken, I think this is it." Ash said as he got close to the fire type.
Ho-Oh soared towards Ash and Blaziken, a white energy flowing over its body. Ash recognised the energy as Sky Attack, both he and Blaziken had been dodging Flamethrowers, Fire Blasts and Hyper Beams but now Ho-Oh was coming close it was time to act.
"Blaziken, are you ready for this?" he asked the Fire type.
"Blaze!" she replied, picking Ash up and readying her legs for a jump. Ho-Oh came closer and closer until just before Sky Attack was going to hit Blaziken launched herself and Ash into the air. Ash hadn't told Blaziken his entire plan, he wriggled out of the Fire type's grip and landed on Ho-Oh's back much to Blaziken's horror.
"Blaziken, go back to May. I'll be fine." He shouted as Blaziken looked on in shock at what Ash had just done. Feeling Ash land on its back Ho-Oh cried out in anger and took off high into the sky before performing numerous aerial manoeuvres trying to dislodge the young Aura Guardian but Ash held on tight wrapping one arm around Ho-Oh's neck and holding his staff with the other. The aerial manoeuvres had brought Ho-Oh closer to the palace but all Ash could see were the feathers in front of his face. Ho-Oh looped into the air and then plummeted to the ground at tremendous speeds before pulling up and soaring back into the sky at the last second, the force of the wind from this action ripped Ash's staff from his hand and his hat was blown off his head. He now wrapped both of his arms around Ho-Oh's neck and tried to calm the Legendary bird using his Aura, it was then he realised where he had felt the Aura that came from both Legends before forcing his body and mind to be at peace he focussed on the feelings that he felt when with his friends and Pokémon, the relaxed feeling that meant he could just be himself and not who someone wanted him to be. In his mind Ash was no longer an Aura Guardian, member of Queen Ilene's court or the Chosen One of the Shamouti Prophecy, he was Ash Ketchum, son of Delia Ketchum and Pokémon Trainer, he was a normal person with friends who made him happy and Pokémon that were a second family to him. He channelled these feelings through his Aura into Ho-Oh and the Legendary bird started to slow its movements and calm down, its eyes started to close and then together they fell.
Pikachu was still sitting on May's shoulder and together they looked out into the gardens hoping that Ash was alright. When Pikachu had recovered some of his strength he was about to run after Ash when Sceptile told him that Ash asked them to keep May safe and he would be fine. Though he wasn't happy letting his best friend run after a Legendary Pokémon alone and wanted to go after him, Pikachu knew that Ash would want him to stay with May so that's what the electric mouse would do. It was then that they saw Ho-Oh diving towards the ground then pull up again, they noticed something on Ho-Oh's back and they realised who it was.
"Ash!/Pikapi!" They yelled, Riley and the Queen ran to where May and Pikachu were standing and saw Ho-Oh flying through the air trying to dislodge its unwanted passenger. Ho-Oh started to slow down, then the Legendary bird stopped flapping it wings and fell towards the ground.
"NO, ASH!" May cried tear starting to fall down her cheeks once more, she ran towards Ash, Riley tried to stop her but was cut off by the Pokémon who followed May without hesitation.
Ash looked at Ho-Oh and saw a white light being emitted from the Legendary bird, slowly the bird began to shrink. Red and gold feather turned to pink fur, tail feathers merged together and lengthened to a long thin pink tail and the beak shrank back to a small nose. Now falling next to Ash was a sleeping Mew, reaching over he managed to catch the Legendary cat and held her close keeping her safe. Holding Mew in one hand Ash started to focus his Aura in his outstretched arm channelling it then into his palm, remembering his battle against Harrison in Johto, Ash kept firing Aura Spheres at the ground to try and slow his descent, which he was doing but not enough. The tree tops came closer and Ash closed his eyes I'm sorry May it looks like our travels end here. Goodbye. He thought as he waited to hit the ground hoping that Mew would be okay, he said silent goodbyes to all his friends, Pokémon and his mother but May was still the first person that came to his mind, he started to wonder why as he drew closer and closer to the ground. Suddenly he felt a pair of arms grab him and take him sideways, slowly opening his eyes he was the red and cream chest of a familiar Pokémon.
"Blaziken, you saved us." Ash said gratefully, "Thank you."
"Blaziken Blaze Blaziken Iken Blaze." The Fire type said so quietly that Ash didn't hear. (Translation – "May would never forgive me if I let you fall.")
When Blaziken landed on the ground she let go of Ash and as he was about to thank Blaziken again he felt two familiar Auras approaching fast, knowing he wouldn't be able to escape he put Mew in Blaziken's arms and was tackled to the ground by two blurs one blue, the other yellow. Ash lay on the ground with May and Pikachu holding onto him as if their lives depended on it with all of their Pokémon surrounding them, Meowth was being carried by Sceptile as he was still hurt and had some trouble walking. Glaceon walked up to Ash and licked his cheek, Ash wondered why she did that but just put it down to her being a girl. The Queen and Riley appeared a minute later, Riley chuckled at the scene before realising that Ho-Oh wasn't there.
"Ash, where's Ho-Oh?" he asked. Ash tried to sit up but May and Pikachu wouldn't let him, he looked pleadingly at Gardevoir who nodded and used Psychic to lift May and Pikachu off of Ash and placed them on the ground near him. Ash stood up shakily and brushed himself off, he saw Lucario step forward holding his staff, Ash thanked Lucario and took the staff leaning on it to stabilize himself, he then turned to Riley.
"There was no Ho-Oh or Entei or Zapdos, it was Mew. I don't know why Mew was attacking but I could tell the Aura coming from Ho-Oh and Entei was familiar but I couldn't figure out why, when I realised that it was Mew I used my Aura to calm her down that's when I felt that her Aura seemed 'off'." Ash said.
"What do you mean 'off'? I don't sense anything different in her Aura." Riley asked.
"I can't explain it but when I channelled my Aura into Mew to calm her I felt…," Ash paused to try and work out what it was he felt, "I felt worry, sickness and fear along with something uncomfortable but I don't know what that was." Riley nodded, he could understand what Ash was talking about but didn't know what it could mean. Mew was always a happy carefree Pokémon why would she feel those things.
"Come it is late and this business has been concluded. My Guardian, you and your Pokémon are tired, go rest and we will see you in the morning." The Queen said, Ash was going to protest but he felt his exhaustion set in and nodded.
"Yes my Queen." He said, Ash went over to Blaziken and lifted Mew from her arms and carried her back to the palace. May, Riley, the Queen and the Pokémon followed Ash. Lucario and May walked either side of him, ready to catch him if he fell and Pikachu sat on May shoulder again so Ash didn't have to carry him weight.
When they got back to the palace Nurse Joy was waiting for them and took the Pokémon to the Pokémon Centre though most of them would be okay with a good night's rest, Meowth still needed some medical attention and Mew saw still sleeping peacefully in Ash's arms. Nurse Joy took Mew from Ash and promised to look after her. Getting back to Ash's room May had to force Ash to sleep in the bed while she would sleep on the couch, he tried to argue but May held her ground and he relented. May waited to see if he would be able to sleep or not, because of the amount of energy Ash had used calming and fighting Mew he fell asleep in seconds. May sat by Ash's side putting bandages on the various cuts and bruises that he had obtained, she also thought about what had happened in the garden and how close she had come to confessing her feelings to Ash. She looked at his face, at how peaceful he features were, she smiled sadly knowing that the perfect moment to tell him had passed and now she had lost her nerve I can't tell him now, he worries about me enough as it is and if he feels about me the way I feel about him, that will make him worry even more. I can't do that to him there's too much on his shoulder's as it is. I can't tell him now I just can't. May thought as she felt tears start to fill her eyes, she felt something rub against her leg looking down she saw Glaceon staring at her, Glaceon hadn't battled Entei and was only a little tired so she had stayed with May while the other Pokémon had gone to the Pokémon Centre, Glaceon jumped onto May's lap and curled up in a ball. May smiled at her Pokémon before looking at the clock seeing it was five o'clock in the morning, it had been midnight when they got back to the room, knowing she needed to get some sleep she leaned back in her chair, closing her eyes as she yawned and drifted off to sleep saying.
"Good night Ash, see you in the morning."
May woke up and stretched her arms, she rubbed some sleep from her eyes and looked at Ash but he wasn't there, she panicked slightly before calming down she looked at the clock and saw that it was ten in the morning. Glaceon woke up when May scratched her behind the ear and jumped from May's lap onto the floor. May walked out of the bedroom looking for Ash and heard music coming from the small kitchen, going over she saw Ash making pancakes while miming along with the song playing on the radio. Pikachu was sitting on the counter happily eating from a bottle of ketchup, Ash reached over and took the bottle from the mouse.
"Pikapi Pikachu?" he asked.
"You know why. You got us kicked out of a Pokémon Centre in Sinnoh because of your obsession with this stuff." Ash replied shaking the bottle slightly, "You stole all of the ketchup they had and hid it."
"Pikapika Chu Pikachu Pi."
"I know I give you some but that's only as a treat and I know you love it but you need to deal with your addiction. Please Pikachu, you have a problem let me help you with it."
"Pika." Pikachu agreed quietly. Ash smiled and scratched Pikachu's ear making the mouse coo in delight. May giggled and drew Ash's attention.
"Morning May. Did you sleep well?" he asked.
"Morning Ash. I did, how about you?" she replied.
"I slept great, I really needed it after what happened last night." May smiled a little then remembered what the Queen had said about Ash.
"Ash," May said, "The Queen told me about how you haven't been sleeping properly since we got here. Please tell me what's wrong, please let me help you." She finished as she put her hand on Ash's arm.
"May, I'm sorry." Ash said softly, "I'm sorry that I wasn't strong enough to stop Team Rocket from kidnapping you. I failed you and my Pokémon maybe if I was a better person, a better trainer I would have…" May put her finger on Ash's lips interrupting him, Ash looked at her confused and May gave him a small smile.
"Ash you've got nothing to be sorry about. It wasn't your fault, you proved your strong enough by rescuing me and sending Team Rocket away. You are the best person I know, you've proved that time and again by helping anyone who needs it and you are the strongest trainer I've ever met, you have amazing Pokémon who love you, the relationships you have with them is more than being trainer and Pokémon, its more than friendship you're more like a family. You could ask anyone who knows you Brock, Misty, Max, Dawn, Iris, Cilan or any of the people you've met over the years and they would say the same. You have nothing to be sorry about and you didn't fail me, you saved me. Ash Ketchum you taught me about Pokémon, you help me in Contests even though you knew nothing about them, you've saved me more times than I can mention, you helped me save Manaphy and helped me come to terms with saying goodbye to him, together we have had hundreds of adventures and had fun during each one and now that we're travelling together again you've rescued me from Team Rocket and Brock told me that one of the first things you did when you woke up was ask if I was alright. So do not say you've failed me, you can never do that do you want to know why?" May asked, though she had started talking normally her voice had gotten louder and louder, Ash nodded his head meekly, May calmed herself down to stop shouting at Ash, she carried on in a quieter tone. "You can't fail me Ash because after everything you've done for me since we met I've realised something, you're my hero and nothing will ever change that."
Ash stood in front of May shocked at the amount of emotion she had put into what she had said. After a minute he smiled and gave May a hug.
"Thank you May. I needed that, but do you really think I'm a hero?" he asked releasing May from the hug. May blushed and looked at the floor.
"Of course I do Ash otherwise I wouldn't have said it." May was about to continue when her stomach growled, "Heh heh sorry about that."
Ash laughed and turned back to the kitchen counter picking up two plates stacked high with pancakes and a bottle of syrup, handing one to May as they walked into the main room, put their plates on the coffee table and sat on the couch to eat. Pikachu and Glaceon followed them and sat on the couch next to their trainers.
"Don't worry, I didn't forget about you two." Ash said standing up and going back to the kitchen, before returning with two bowls of Pokémon food. Ash placed them on the table and sat on the couch again to eat his breakfast.
"Ash, how long have you been up?" May asked.
"About an hour, I was going to wake you but you looked so peaceful I couldn't bring myself to do it. Why were you sleeping in the chair anyway, you said you were going to sleep on the couch?" Ash replied.
"You were covered in scratches and dirt so I cleaned your face and arms then bandaged your injuries, when I was finished I just fell asleep. You weren't hurt too badly mostly you were just exhausted I guess fighting a Legendary Pokémon does that to a person though. Thinking about it, from the stories you've told me you should be used to it by now." May said laughing at the end, Ash laughed as well.
"You're probably right, I do that a lot don't I." Ash said, May nodded and carried on eating her pancakes.
"Hey Ash, how did Pikachu get here, didn't Nurse Joy take him to the Pokémon Centre last night with the other Pokémon?" May asked a minute later.
"Nurse Joy came by about half an hour ago and gave me our Pokéballs, she said that they needed to rest today and that Meowth would be need to take it easy for the next day or two because of his injuries. I told Meowth what Nurse Joy had said and he said that he'd stay in his Pokéball for today to get some rest. I said that I could send him to Professor Oak's Lab and he could rest there but Meowth said he wants to stay here for now. Your Pokéballs are next to your bag." Ash answered pointing to May's bag and the five Pokéballs next to it. "I thanked Meowth for what he did during the fight against Entei and that when he felt better I would start training with him so that he can become stronger. Meowth saved me from one of Entei's attacks, if that attack had hit me then this whole thing might have finished differently. Nurse Joy said that Mew was still asleep and would be returned to the Tree of Beginning when she woke up."
May nodded and they finished their breakfast in silence, after cleaning their dishes they got changed. Someone knocked on the door and when May opened it a maid told her that the Queen wanted to see them in an hour, May thanked the maid and told Ash. An hour later they made their way to the Throne Room. May was wearing her usual travelling clothes and Ash was wearing jeans, his blue jacket, a plain black t-shirt and his baseball cap, as his Aura Guardian uniform had been damaged during the events of the previous night and his hat was missing. When they got to the Throne Room Ash knelt in front of the Queen while May, Pikachu and Glaceon bowed.
"My Guardian rise," the Queen said, "I wish to thank you for your actions last night, you have done your duty to protect Rota and myself. Whatever you wish to have as a reward shall be yours you have only to ask." Ash looked at the Queen in shock.
"My Queen, as you said I did my duty for that I do not need a reward." He replied. "I do have a favour to ask."
"What is that My Guardian?"
"I wish to resume my journey to take on the Indigo League and May wants to continue her journey to the Grand Festival. Will you allow me to leave Rota to do this?" Ash asked. The Queen smiled at both Ash and May.
"Of course you can leave My Guardian. When you are ready to leave please inform me and I shall have the helicopter take you to wherever you wish to go." She said, Ash looked at May and she nodded.
"On the way here we talked about it and we would like to leave this afternoon if that is possible." Ash said, the Queen looked surprised for a second then she smiled and nodded.
"Very well My Guardian. I shall inform the pilot to prepare the helicopter for departure be sure to see me before you leave as I have something to present you with." Ash nodded bowed and turned to leave, May and the Pokémon bowed as well and followed Ash. Ash stopped and turned back to the Queen.
"My Queen, where is Riley?" he asked.
"Guardian Riley is resting his encounter with Entei took a heavier toll then he previously thought. He is well but will need a few days of rest before he can return to his duties."
"One of his duties is to protect you. My Queen you can't be left without a Guardian, I will stay with you until Riley is better and then I will catch up with May." Ash said.
"Ash if you're staying here then so am I." May said. The Queen stood from her throne.
"Neither of you will be staying. My Guardian, I understand your concern but it is unnecessary, I shall be fine until Guardian Riley is better as he has ordered a squad of soldiers to guard me until he is ready to return to his duty. Both of you are going to continue on your journey and I expect both of you to win. Am I understood?" The Queen said, Ash and May shared a small smile. The Queen looked at Ash, "I want you to do Rota proud and next time you return to Rota you will bring the Indigo League trophy with you." The Queen turned to May, "And you shall return with him carrying the Kanto Grand Festival Ribbon Cup. Am I understood?"
"Yes My Queen." Ash said bowing.
"Yes Your Majesty." May added also bowing.
"Pikachu/Glaceon." Answered their Pokémon.
"Very well, the two of you must go and pack if you are leaving this afternoon." The Queen said, Ash and May nodded, they bowed again and walked back to Ash's room to pack. On the way they saw Sian and told her that they were leaving. Sian said that she was leaving at the same time as them, Ash excused himself and ran back to the Throne Room saying that he needed to ask the Queen something. May and Sian stayed where they were talking about the Contests they had competed in, Sian then mentioned how romantic it was watching Ash and May singing together while they danced. May blushed and agreed that it was romantic but the Legendary attack ruined the moment.
"Hey Sian," Ash said running back to the girls, "How are you getting to your next Contest?"
"I'm getting the bus to Pewter City, with the other Co-Ordinators and then I'm walking to Viridian City, they have a Contest in about a week so I should get there in time for it. Why?" she replied. Ash smiled at her.
"You don't need to get the bus now, I just asked the Queen if you can catch a ride with us on the helicopter and she said yes. Me and May are going to Cerulean City but we can ask the pilot to take you to Viridian then take us to Cerulean." May stared at Ash and was about to tell him that was a great idea when Sian jumped on him giving him a big hug.
"ThankyouThankyouThankyouThankyou!" she said, "Now I don't have to share a bus with Ursula and Harley. I can't stand them." Sian let go of Ash and smiled, she turned to May and saw the slightly angry look on her face, "Sorry about that, I got a little over excited."
Sian went to pack her things leaving Ash and May alone. May gave Ash a quick peck on the cheek.
"What was that for May?" he asked.
"That was a really nice thing you did Ash," May said, "not that I'm mad about it but why did you do it?"
"Sian helped heal our Pokémon and she's a good friend. I though a good way to thank her would be to help her get to her next Contest." Ash answered, "That reminds me. I still owe you two don't I."
"Don't worry about it Ash, I'm just repaying all the help you've given me since we met." May said, "Now come on we need to go and get ready to leave."
A couple of hours later Ash and May were ready to go but before meeting up with Sian, they went to the Throne Room as the Queen had asked. The Queen was still sitting on her throne but now Riley was stood next to her and there were two servants as well.
"My Guardian, it saddens me to see you go. In thanks for your actions last night I give you these." One of the servants stepped forward and gave Ash a new Aura Guardian uniform. "This is to replace the one that was damaged and I request that you keep it with you in case you ever have need of it. I also present you with this medal for actions above your duty and for showing great valour, it is known as the heart of Rota." The Queen stood from her throne, put the medal around Ash's neck and returned to her throne, Riley stepped forward next.
"Ash, I want to thank you for getting me to safety after I was knocked out by Entei and I want to give you these." Riley handed Ash a royal blue box, opening the box Ash saw a pair of Aura Gloves. "In the past when a person had two pairs of gloves one during he used while he was training and on becoming an Aura Guardian he was given a new pair, now we only use the one pair, as the size of Aura Crystals needed for gloves are scarce and larger ones can't be crafted to the right size as it effects the way they work. These gloves are the same ones that Sir Aaron used for his training, when he graduated he was awarded a new pair. These are amongst the most precious artefacts known to Aura Guardians, use them wisely as they hold great power." Ash nodded and thanked both Riley and the Queen. The Queen then turned to May.
"Miss Maple do not think that your actions last night went unnoticed. I do not have a medal to present you with, though I do have a few gifts that you could use for your contests." The second servant stepped forward and handed May a neatly folded pile of clothes along with a five small boxes. "Opening these boxes you will find the dresses you wore to the feast and the banquet along with three others plus the shoes and accessories that go with them. They should come in useful for any Contest you enter." The Queen said, May peeked in to the boxes and saw that the three new dresses were different colours to the two she had worn, one was black, one was yellow and the other was royal blue.
"Your Majesty I can't accept these it's too much." May said but the Queen raised her hand to stop any further protests.
"Miss Maple, your actions last night saved people from getting hurt, you saved My Guardian twice once by sending Pokémon to battle Entei and once by tackling him to the floor to avoid a Flamethrower and you healed the injured Pokémon that fought with you, you have done much for Rota and its people so these gifts are a token of our appreciation which we gladly give to you. I also have a request to ask of you, will you look after My Guardian?" The Queen said. May looked at the Queen for a minute before bowing and saying.
"Your majesty thank you for these gifts, please forgive my earlier comment, it's just that I did what I needed to do and don't feel the need to be rewarded for doing that. As for your request, yes I will look after Ash," She turned and winked at him, "after all he'd be lost without me." May finished smiling, the Queen laughed and smiled back.
"Very well, I bid you both farewell and wish you both the greatest of luck on your journeys." she said. Riley stepped forward and held out his hand.
"Goodbye Ash, May Aura Be With You." He said, Ash nodded and took Riley's hand.
"Goodbye Riley, May Aura Be With You too." He replied, Ash turned to the Queen and bowed, "My Queen, may the Aura shine on you and keep you safe." The Queen bowed her head slightly.
"Farewell My Guardian, look after Miss Maple and next time you return bring with you, new tales from your adventures."
"I shall do as you ask My Queen, I will bring stories of my travels."
"And what of Miss Maple? Will you look after her?"
"Always." Ash said instantly, May turned a deep red hearing this and bowed to the Queen.
"Your Majesty, if you would excuse me I need to go and pack these gifts. Thank you again and goodbye." May bowed again and left the Throne Room walking quickly. Ash looked at the Queen in confusion as she giggled slightly. Was it something I said? thought Ash, he shrugged and bowed to the Queen once more before leaving the Throne Room to pack his Aura Guardian uniform and gloves before going to the helicopter. Once Ash and May had packed their gifts and collected their things from Ash's room they made their way outside towards the helipad.
When they reached the helipad they saw Sian taking to the pilot, as they walked over Sian turned round and saw them.
"I've asked the pilot to take me to Pewter City so I can visit an old friend before going to Viridian City for the Contest." She said.
"Sir Ketchum, where do you want me to take you?" the pilot asked, May giggled at the look on Ash's face when he was called Sir.
"Could you take us to Cerulean City please." Ash replied.
"I'm sorry Sir but with a trip to Pewter City as well, the furthest I would be able to take you would be the Cerulean side of Mount Moon before I hit the point of no return fuel wise."
"That's fine," said May, "We can walk the rest of the way it's not that far." Ash nodded his head in agreement.
"In that case, let's get in the air." The pilot said happily as he climbed into the cockpit. Sian, May and Ash picked up their bags and climbed into the helicopter, Pikachu and Glaceon jumping in behind them. The helicopter rotors started to spin and the helicopter slowly rose into the air. Ash saw the Queen and Riley standing by the palace entrance and waved to them, they waved back and the helicopter flew off in the direction of Pewter City. It took four hours to fly to Pewter City, as they were flying against a strong wind, so Ash, May and Sian spent the time telling stories of their journeys. Ash and May found out that Sian had come close to winning the Grand Festival in Sinnoh last year but her Jigglypuff had been knocked out in the last few seconds of the battle and Sian was amazed when she heard the adventures that Ash and May had been on such as helping Pokémon Rangers, constantly being hounded by Team Rocket and the event that happened just before coming to Rota. When they arrived in Pewter City Ash and May asked Sian to visit Brock and Lucy to say hello for them and tell them that Ash was now a full-fledged Aura Guardian. Sian agreed to do this and gave both Ash and May a hug as she said goodbye promising to see May in the Grand Festival. The pilot then took off again and an hour later they landed in a clearing on the Cerulean City side of Mount Moon. It was close to sun set when they landed, Ash and May thanked the pilot and said goodbye, they then watched the helicopter disappear into the distance and then started making their way to Ash's next Gym battle.
As they left the clearing where the helicopter landed one of Ash's Pokéballs opened, when the light died down Lucario was standing in front of them.
"Lucario, what are you doing out of your Pokéball?" Ash asked. The Aura Pokémon turned to him.
As you are now an Aura Guardian I must be by your side at all times. Lucario said, If you send me to Professor Oak's lab then I will simply leave and return to your side. We are partners in Aura and we must stand together. Ash looked at his Pokémon and sighed knowing that he wouldn't be able to change Lucario's mind.
"How do you know all this?"
Master Riley's Lucario taught me all I needed to know about being your Aura partner.
"Alright then, let's go to Cerulean City. Watch out Misty you've got a Cascade Badge with my name on it." Ash was about to start walking when he felt May grab his arm, he looked at her in confusion.
"Ash, it's getting late and it'll be dark soon shouldn't we set up camp and leave in the morning?" Ash nodded.
"Okay May, I'll set up camp and you get some firewood so I can start making some food."
Master allow me to get the firewood while Mistress May helps you set up camp. Lucario said.
May looked at Lucario "You don't have to call me that, just call me May."
As you wish Mistress May. Lucario said before he turned and walked into the woods. Ash laughed but quickly stopped when May glared at him.
"Sorry it's just that I've been trying to stop Lucario from calling me Master for three years and he still does, so he won't stop calling you Mistress." Ash said chuckling a little. Lucario turned and walked into the woods to collect the firewood, Pikachu jumped off of Ash's shoulder and curled up under a nearby tree and to take a nap. Glaceon saw this and walked over to Pikachu and curled up next to him nuzzling his cheek with her own, May was this and winked at the ice type who blushed slightly before closing her eyes to take a nap.
"Ash," May said while unrolling her sleeping bag, "Why is Lucario calling me Mistress?" Ash looked up from the fire pit he was digging.
"I don't know, ask him when he gets back." Ash replied as he returned his attention to the fire pit checking if it was deep enough. Why is Lucario calling May Mistress? He doesn't call anyone else Mistress not the Queen, my mom no-one so why is he saying it to May? Could it be that he's doing it because of me? Because May's my best friend or is it something else? Ash thought.
May could see Ash was deep in thought and walked over to him, she knelt down next to him and placed her hand on his shoulder. Ash jumped slightly from the unexpected touch and nearly went into a defensive stance but quickly got control of himself.
"What's wrong Ash?" May asked.
"Nothing, just thinking about my Gym battle against Misty." He said quickly trying to sound convincing. May realised that Ash didn't want to talk about it as she felt his muscles tense up, so she decided to change the subject.
"Should we tell Misty about the favour or let her think that we're actually a couple?" May asked. She could feel Ash's muscle relax under her hand, Ash looked at her and smiled.
"We'll tell her about the favour but I do have a trick in mind for Misty first." He said he smile growing bigger and more mischievous. Before May could ask what the trick was Lucario came back with the firewood, he placed some of it in the fire pit and the rest to one side for later use.
"Lucario, can I ask you something?" May said standing up.
Of course Mistress May.
"Why are you calling me Mistress?"
Through my Aura I can sense how close you are to my Master and how close he is to you. That sense tells me that you are an important person in my Master's life because of this that I call you Mistress, as a sign of respect. Ash and May were silent for a minute before Ash asked a question.
"Why do you call my mom, Lady Delia instead of Mistress?"
That is a simple answer Master. You are a knight of Rota and you hold the title of Sir Ketchum, Master Riley's Lucario told me that the members of an Aura Guardian's family have unofficial title's your mother holds the title of Lady and if you had any brothers or sister they would hold the titles of Sir and Lady.
"What about Ash's dad?" May asked without thinking, she then realised what she had said. The campsite suddenly felt colder as Ash slowly stood up looking at the ground, the brim of his hat covering most of his face leaving only his mouth visible. Pikachu and Glaceon woke up feeling the change in the atmosphere. Ash turned and walked slowly into the woods, May walked in front of him to stop him from leaving the campsite completely. "Ash I'm sorry I know you don't like talking about him, I wasn't thinking please forgive me." She pleaded.
Ash stopped and lifted his head and looked May in the eyes, she could see tears forming but Ash wouldn't let them fall. It was always the same, whenever someone mentioned Ash's dad he would leave, come back after a few hours and it would take a few days to get Ash back to his usual self. May remembered the first time it happened and felt a chill run down her spine, she had innocently asked Ash about his dad and the look on Ash's face still appeared in her nightmares occasionally, that look was the first and only time that she had been afraid of Ash. The happy and confident boy with a constant smile changed into a sad and angry boy with a face of stone, Ash had walked off without a word and didn't come back until the next morning. During the time Ash was gone Brock had explained to both her and Max that Ash's father was something you just don't mention, he didn't know what happened all he knew was that you don't talk about Ash's dad at all. May slowly got closer to Ash and wrapped her arms around him hoping that hugging him would help, after a minute Ash responded to the hug and put his arms around May. They stayed there in each other's arms for a few minutes until they both let go.
"May, thank you." Ash said as he wiped the tears from his eyes.
"Ash, I'm really sorry I wasn't thinking." May whispered as she looked at the ground feeling a little ashamed for making Ash feel like that, Ash put his hand under May's chin and raised her head gently.
"It's okay, there's nothing to feel sorry about. Let's get something to eat then get some sleep, it's been a long day." Ash replied still sounding sad, May nodded and they walked back to their campsite. May called out Blaziken to light the fire then released Munchlax, Spoink, Flaffy and Wartortle so they could eat as well, while Ash cooked Pikachu released Gengar, Sceptile, Gardevoir and Meowth. While most of the Pokémon were talking to each other Gardevoir stayed close to Ash trying to comfort him as she could feel the emotions that crashed about inside him, Blaziken and Sceptile sparred a little while Lucario sat close to Meowth and used a Heal Pulse to try and soothe the Scratch Cat Pokémon's injuries. May finished setting up the camp with Pikachu and Glaceon helping her, when Ash had finished cooking a simple stew they all sat down to eat, May gave Munchlax one of her special Pokéblocks so he didn't each all of the food.
"Ash." May said hesitantly, Ash looked up from the fire.
"Yeah May." He replied. May looked at the ground and took a deep breath.
"I know you don't want to talk about it but I'm really sorry about before. You know I can be an airhead sometimes and I didn't mean to say that. I can be stupid sometimes and…" May stopped talking when she felt a hand on her shoulder, looking up she saw Ash sitting next to her.
"It's okay, I know you didn't mean it. Don't talk down about yourself like that, you're not an airhead and you're not stupid. You're my best friend and one of the best people I know, it's just that…" Ash stopped and took a breath, "he's not something I like talking about. I need to apologise to you anyway, I've been meaning to for years but I couldn't bring myself to talk about it."
"What do you mean?" May asked, unsure why Ash needed to apologise for.
"The first time you asked about him and I walked off, Brock told me a couple of days later that I really scared you and Max by doing that. I'm really sorry for that and I'm sorry it took me so long to say it." May looked at her friend and shook her head, Ash never changes always putting someone else's feelings before his own, she thought before giving Ash a quick peck on the cheek causing him to blush. "What was that for?" he asked.
"For being you. Ash you've got no reason to say sorry to me for that, when you walked off Brock told us about 'that' and not to bring it up. Don't be mad at Brock though he was only trying to help." May explained, "How about we both except that we're both sorry and leave it there?"
"Deal." Ash said smiling slightly.
"Ash," May started, "You didn't tell me what trick you're going to play on Misty."
"Oh yeah I forgot. What I'm going to do is…." Ash then told May his plan and she agreed to help him as she chuckled softly. (AN did you really think I'd tell you the trick? If you want to know you'll have to wait for the next chapter. Sorry.) After telling May his plan they both lay on the ground and watched the stars in silence just enjoying the quiet and each other's company, a little while later Ash spoke.
"It's getting late we should get some sleep." he said, May agreed and they got into their sleeping bags.
Ash and May decided to leave their Pokémon out for the night, Sceptile climbed into a tree, Blaziken sat down leaning against a different tree and Gengar floated on to a nearby branch before resting on it and closing his eyes, though his ever present grin remained on his face. The other Pokémon excluding Pikachu and Glaceon just lay on the ground by the fire, Pikachu curled up next to Ash and Glaceon did the same with May. It was a cold night so they all lay close to the fire and soon fell asleep, knowing that tomorrow promised to be an interesting day.
So what do you think? I couldn't resist having a little intervention for Pikachu's ketchup addiction.
I've got a few things to say quickly.
First is Aura Force, just to giveit a better description. Lucario forms an Aura Sphere in his hand but doesn't throw it he then puts the energy of Force Palm into the Aura Sphere. After that he hits his opponent with the Aura Sphere/Force Palm combo like he would just using Force Palm.
Second is just to say that Anime Physics is in effect, to explain how Ash and May canhold all there things in their bags.
Lastly is just to say that the part about Ash's dad is just my idea of why he hasn't been mentioned since the second episode (at least O don't think he has."
Please Review and tell me what you think.
Thanks for Reading.
See you next time
Basic Trainer