The beginning of a new road {Path of the Aura Ranger: Book II}

I Ash's P.O.V

"Has it finally arriaved?" Pikachu asked me excitedly, jumping on my shoulder as I opened the delivery box.

"Yup! We've got a Dusk Stone that we forgot in Pallet Town! Thank you Riley for the gift!" I cheered excitedly. "Doublade will finally be able to evolve into an Aegislash!"

"Nice!" Riolu exclaimed with cheer, on my other shoulder.

We were at Pummelo Island in the Orange Archipelago at the moment. We've been in the islands ever since we were defeated by Cynthia. We sulked a lot, we were so close to being able to defeat a champion... but it did not happen. Charizard took it the hardest, it was his defeat that made us lose our opportunity. Not that any of us blamed him! He faced against one of the most powerful Dragon-types out there! Even Lance has difficulty facing Cynthia's Princess. With time we were able to get through his thick skull and set his determination blazing. He now had a whole new goal, not only did he want to become the strongest Charizard, but now he wanted to defeat Cynthia's Garchomp as well!

My month in the Orange Islands was not a quiet and peaceful one. No, sir. It was hectic and I was flying from one island to the other working. I had meetigs set up with James and my mom, about our business in the archipelago. James' parents were investing in the Archipelago, doing cruises and luxury resorts. I invested a lot of the money I had saved up in the business and allowed my image to publicize the business, as another form of payment. I now owns 30% of the future business. There are also plans I have with my mom to expand her restaurant in the islands and create a chain all over the Archipelago. Only rumors have left the outside of the islands, but Todd has been telling me that everywhere he goes for a photoshot everyone is talking about it and are excited to be the first guests.

Not to mention, the Pokemon rent travel business, which aided trainers so they can travel from one island to another easier. Not everyone had a Lapras at hand. Elite Four Lorelei was also investing in that side project, leaving her Lapras' Pod in charge of the pokemon used for the rent travel business. My Lapras had also contacted her pod and they joined Lorelei's. We already had enough number of pokemon to start, we will need more later, but for now it was enough. It will also aid to collect funds to aid the Lapras, as they are pokemon in danger of extinction. The Orange Islands had the largest pokemon natural reserve of Lapras in the world, where the pokemon are taken care of and made sure that no rogue trainer or poachers try to capture them. The only way to get one is to fins a wild pod, something that was very rare. Especially, since the wild pods tend to be defended by strong leaders. Those that dared to face against my Lapras Pod got pulverized for sure. They have to get stronger, to make sure no trainer can capture them and leave their pod defensless.

Honestly, some trainers just don't care... I thought sadly at the uncaring behavior of others. They just want a rare pokemon.

James, Jessie, and Meowth, were the ones taking the lead on this project and giving out a hand to my mom with starting her own restaurant chain. I felt quite reassured that the project was in their hands, I did not trust anyone more than them.

Wow... how far we've gotten this last year. I thought in wonder. I trusting Team Rocket's craziest trio. Well, they are no longer part of Team Rocket. Another thing that changed, Team Rocket is no more, alongside with Team Galactic. 

I also had meetings with Sarah and Josh, not to mention my Kanto and Sinnoh Ghost Teams. Those were the most hectic meetings, as we had to fly from island to island, discussing the best places to built the different Ranger Headquarters and planning the right protocols to follow until the ranger branch is finished. Luckily, Utau took time off from getting used to her Elite Four duties, and came to aid us. She is truly my right hand and with her here, I know I can leave for Unova and feel in peace, knowing that she'll keep everything in order. I believe that my Ghost Teams are more scared of her then of me.