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

II Ash's P.O.V

I was back at Poni Island, somewhere that I swore I would never got back... at least, until, I've made my decision about what to do about... dad.

However, I could not turn down this invitation. After all, it was for the funeral of Kahuna Sofu.

The ceremony was beautiful, people all over the islands were present. Even wild pokemon came to pay their respects. Alola was in mourning... and I could feel it.

My aura empathy worked both against me and in my favor this time. I felt their sadness, but also their joy at the memory of such a great man. I felt Alola as a whole come together... and what a feeling it was!

Even the Tapus came around to say goodbye to one of their Kahunas.

As the funeral came to an end, I grimaced as I observed Hapu, Kahuna Sofu's granddaughter, try and fail to contain her tears of sadness. I might have only known him for a couple of weeks, but he was a great man and a wonderful Kahuna. I'll miss him.

We did not get to have that rematch we promised, I thought sadly.

"Thank you for being here," Hakuna Kaeo approached me once the ceremony was over. He smiled at the pokemon resting on my head. "What a beautiful Sewaddle, is she a new friend?"

"She is, I saved her life and she decided to join my team," I smiled at the memory, but even then my smile did not really reach my eyes.

"I hate funerals, so did Sofu," Hakuna Kaeo scoffed. "He always said that when he parted this world he wanted his memory to be celebrated mourned."

"I... I don't believe that's a bad thing, but I also think that those he left behind need to be able to mourn him first, before celebrating his memory," I answered him softly.

His expression softened and he smiled gently. "You are right... poor Hapu, she worshipped her grandfather. Don't get me started with Sofu's pokemon."

I felt Pikachu, Riolu, and even Sewaddle tense, and nuzzle closer to me.

"Did he leave many behind?" I inquired softly.

"A Dragagle and an Alola Exeggutor, the rest had already passed," Hakuna Kaeo sighed. "Sofu knew... he knew that he didn't have much time left, so he did not get any new pokemon. Even with his Kahuna duties requesting it."

"What about the pokemom we faced last year?" I asked him confused.

"He's... he was the Kahuna of Poni Island for decades, the wild pokemon of the islands are his- they joined him to have some fun," Hakuna Kaeo chuckled.

"Really? But they were so strong!" I exclaimed shocked.

"Sofu might have not caught them, but he did train them. He needed all the help he could get keeping Poni Island safe with only two pokemon," Hakuna Kaeo replied. "Now, the island is protected even without Sofu."

"What will happen to Dragagle and Exeggutor?" Pikachu asked and I translated for him.

"They are staying with Hapu, to guide her and protect her- as requested from Sofu," Hakuna Kaeo answered. "She'll be the interm-Hakuna of Poni Island, until Tapu Fini chooses her or someone else for the spot."

"Good, at least, they are staying with family," Pikachu sighed in relief.

"I am still here partner, I am not leaving any time soon," I assured him quietly with a kiss.

"Hey, how about we have the rematch battle you promised us all?" Hakuna Kaeo suddenly asked us.

"I... I don't know," I stuttered. "I don't think it will feel right without Hakuna Sofu."

"I'll tell you what, why don't you think about it and you give me an answer before you go back to Unova," Hakuna Kaeo smiled encouragingly, before going back to his family.

I looked at Kiawe, Lillie, Gladion, and Hapu, all sad and teary... and I left. I could not stand it. I felt like an intruder in such an intimate situation. I gave my heartfelt statement to the new journalists and hid away.

"Hey! Ash! My egg finally hatched!" Max joyful exclamation was like a balm to my heart. "I have a Scraggy!"

"I am so happy for you, Max," I told honestly. "What pokemon did you send back to Hoenn this time?"

Max after catching Snivy, sent his Pikachu back to his dad's gym, after he was given orders from my Pikachu about his training regime.

"I sent Bayleef back to Professor Oak's Lab, so he could train Atomatherapy under Meganium," Max answered with a smile.

"Good choice," I praised him. "After all, Beyleef had evolved after learning Energy Ball. He is already used to his body and the power gained through evolution, so I am ok with it."

"Good!" Max cheered. "By the way, Iris wants to talk with you. Iris!" He called out. "Ash is on the Xtransceiver!"

"Hi!" Now it was Iris on the creen, with a beaming smile, but more subdue than before. "Is the funeral over?"

"It is," I answered with a hum. "Are you guys close to Castelia City?"

"Yeah, we should be getting there in a couple of days with the time we are making," Iris answered. "Ash... about what you told me before... I would like to work with you once you get back to Unova."

Right, before I left Unova I had this huge fight with Iris. The thing is that I had already told her why using a newly evolved pokemon in battle is a bad thing, yet she asked the same question again when my Dratini had evolved. Why? Why is she so obsessed with Dragon-types that everything around her is forgotten. I can understand obsession. While, I love all pokemon and their types equaly, never wanted to specialize in one type like Cilan, Riley, or Iris. I was obsessed with battles. While I still enjoy them, I am no longer blinded by the hunger and adrenaline. I now can stop and make rational decisions. But it seems that Iris was not in a position to do the same. Whenever she sees dragons, especially when they do something cool like evolve, she loses her shit. She can't keep on acting like her, especially when she can end up hurting her pokemon with an irrational command.

Like have them keep on fighting after evolving.

I told her so, and highlighted the fact that I could not continue mentoring her if she did not change that atittude.

She did not like that.

"What changed?" I inquired, honestly quite curious.

"We met this girl, Burgundy, she is obsessed with revenge on Cilan and it has made her unable to see the harm she is doing to those around her," Iris sighed. "I... I do not want to be like that. With a blinding obsession that has already harmed my Excadrill. So... can you help me?"

"Of course," I answered, making her smile- but the smile did not last long.

"Are you ok?" She asked me with a frown. "You seem... troubled."

"Something from my past came up and I do not know what to do," I sighed. "I do not want to do something, but if I do not... does that mean that I am running away?"

"Running away is something you do when you do not want to face something, mostly your troubles," Iris told me, in a sudden moment of maturity. "Are you unable to face whatever is troubling you, or have you already faced it? Made your peace with your past?"

"I... I have, I moved on a long time ago," I whispered.

"Then what does it matter what others think? You are not running away, as such you can do whatever you want," Iris smiled.

"You are right," I smiled back. "I have to go Iris, I'll meet you guys in Castelia City!"

I ended the call andd rushed to where Hakuna Kaeo was.

"Ash!" He greeted me warmly.

"Hakuna Kaeo, can you please pass a message to Hapu from me?" I asked him politely. "Tell her that I am giving her my gift from Tapu Fini to her... I do not need it. I am sure of it."

"Why don't you tell her yourself?" Hakuna Kaeo smiled proudly, as if I had just passed a test... and maaybe I have. Who knows how the Tapus work? "She is at my home at the moment."

"Great!" I exclaimed. "Also... are you up for a battle? I did promise you all a rematch."