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

III Iris' P.O.V

Traveling with Ash is so much fun! You always end up meeting someone new, be it a human or a pokemon, and there's always an adventure at every corner. Like when we met a lonely Cottonee on our way to Nimbasa City. Cilan informed us that it was a rare occurance, as around that time of the year it's when large groups of Cottonee visit the Rainbow Valley, which was nearby, and ride on the Diamon Breeze. So, Ash approached the lone Cottonee and asked him what was wrong. That's another thing I adore about traveling with Ash! He can speak to pokemon! It's not like the feeling link I can do from my upbringing in the Village of Dragons, but something much better! He had aided me so much with Axew and Excadrill.

Going back to the issue with the Cottonee, it seemed like he had wandered away from his group to pursue a prospective partner, but was rebuffed! Poor thing!

Luckily, Ash jumped at the opportunity of teaching a wild pokemon how to battle. Which aided the Cottonee to gain some much-needed confidence. After some intense training, Cottonee was ready for courting once more. With newfound confidence, Cottonee again approached the object of his affection. But she was already being wooed by several others! The battle training with Ash had really paid off, as Cottonee managed to fend off his rivals, and impress his mate. The Cottonee couple ended up floating off on the Diamond Breeze happily with each other!

Afer that, it was Cilan's time to be a fanboy. We ended up meeting Professor Icarus, an astrophysicist who specializes in the study of dark matter and is a published author on the subject. He has a laboratory in Area 28. What happened to us, for me to mention a scientist that I knew nothing about previously, was that one night while en route to Nimbasa City, we were awakened by a UFO! We could not believe our eyes! Though, Max and Ash were not that shocked for some reason. The following day we stopped at a café to discuss the sighting, when some townspeople there told a story of a friend who had a vision of outer space. Ash looked worried, but did not tell us more other than to guide us to Professor Icarus' home at the mountain. Cilan's fanboying got us inside and our aura sensitive teammates were quick to find an Elgyem hiding in the house.

Ash looked so relieved when we found out it was her the one causing the visions! Still, he never told us why, though Max seem to know the reason behind Ash's worry.

While Elgyem was the one causing the visions, the UFO we had seen flying saucer Professor Icarus had built. A saucer that he had promised to use to aid Elgyem get back home in space. However, it seems that it was the last thing Elgyem wanted. Ash aided Professor Icarus realize that Elgyem had stayed for so long in his house because she wanted to say with him- she enjoyed her company. We left town that same day, leaving behind a happy Professor and a happy newly caught pokemon.

But it is not always that our adventures go so smoothly. Which leads us to my actual situation. On our trip we had stopped for a break, while Cilan was cooking us one of his gourmet meals, so I had decided to go and look around. I ended up stumbling upon Trip, who was trying to catch a Palpitoad. Of course, I ended up ruining the whole thing and angering Trip! However, as soon as he realized I am from the Village of Dragons and I am working towards becoming a Dragon Mater... well, he challenged me to a battle.

But! But, he did not want to battle Excadrill or my newly caught Emolga. He wanted me to battle with a dragon... but the only dragon I have is Axew! And he is a baby!

"Sorry but..." I tried to explain to Trip but got interrupted by Ash of all people!

"I think that's a wonderful idea!" I rapidly turned around to find Ash appearing through the trees. "Iris, you've been babying Axew for too long. I've helped you train him and he is ready to battle. You just need to trust him, he trusts you."

I looked at Axew in surprised when he jumped down and growled at Trip challengingly. When did my sweet Axew grow up? And why did I not notice it? Feeling a burning determination growing in my chest, I straightened up and turned to face my challenger. "If it's a battle you desire, I'll give you one!"