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

II Trip's P.O.V

New Tork City was buzzing with excitement. It's always like that. But today there's people from all around the regions and a sea of red hats dominated the streets in Times Square. Even Unova natives were more excited than usual. The news have been raving and escalating the situation for weeks, the Battle of Titans, the Fight of the Generation, the Match-Up between Champion Alder and the up-coming future Champion Ash Ketchum was happening this weekend, and everyone was in New Tork City to see it.

Right now I was having dinner with my family for the first time since I've left home, in a small family restaurant named: Tavern on the Green. My sister, Tara, being the biggest fan of The Saint I've known entered every lottery and fan challenges out there and scored us four tickets. I've never loved my sister more than then and there. I will be able to watch my favorite trainer, my region's champion battle... LIVE!

Oh, Tara was also delighted when I gifted her with Ash Ketchum's autograph. She hugged me with tears in her eyes and a huge smile on her lips.

"It's impressive how the news had not stopped finding stuff to talk about Ash and they did not sound repetitive once," my mother commented impressed, as the T.V in the Tavern on the Green showed another segment dedicated to Champion Alder and The Saint.

"Ash has been helping people since he left Pallet Town!" Tara informed us excitedly. "He even has a very popular T.V show, which isn't really his but is dedicated to him, called: The Time Ash Ketchum Helped Me Out. They've been at it for more than a year, with weekly episodes and they've only just finished with Kanto and began moving on with Johto. Of course, Unova's News Channels will have so much to talk about."

"I also think that people here in Unova love stories like his," the owner's son, Owen, told us with a smirk as he came to fill our glasses of water. "Small town boy with a ranger legacy and the memory of a hero father's to uphold? Long lost Larvitar finding his way back to him after years apart? The girls fell in love with him and the boys... well, half of them have only just discovered that they might not be as straight as they had once believed. Not to mention, his team. Have you seen his team?!"

"His work against Hunter J and the criminal syndicates all over the regions has also endeared him to the older generations," my father cut in. "Him stopping the trafficking ring between the Orange Islands and Unova's Delacore Islands, and hindering one of the largest smuggling routes between regions is no easy feat... especially, if you consider his age."

"I know!" Owen exclaimed. "Most guys his age are still living at home and going to school, yet here he is, being prepared to take over a whole archipelago!"

"It is truly impressive work," I admitted, ignoring the knowing smiles directed at me by my family. "I can't wait for the match."

"You guys have tickets? Lucky!" Owen whistled impressed.

"My sister won them," I smiled at my sister, who beamed back.

"Ah, a fan of The Saint," Owen smiled at Tara, noticing her red hat. "I've seen a lot of those coming in today, so many tourists. Some even only came for the battle, can you believe that? That's loyalty and dedication. I've seen videos of him taking time of his busy schedule doing interviews, just to sign autographs and take pictures. He sometimes even just sat down and straight out talked to them for like an hour!"

"Really?! Lucky!" Tara pouted, but then smiled with pride. "He is simply that guy! So kind and smart and strong! He is the best!"

"Hahaha!" Owen laughed. "Well, that's my dad telling me to go back to work. Enjoy your food!"

"Thank you," we all replied together.

"The atmosphere is something else," mom commented. "Even for a big city like New Tork."