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

IV Ash's P.O.V

So, I was not expecting to invest in the academy as well. I had used most of my money for the other projects in the archipelago, which have started to bear fruit these last couple of months. However, while all of the money gained from The Saint Festival goes to charity, I get to keep a large commission from the merchandise sell from my inage by the various brands. I really need to stop underestimating how famous I've become. The quantity of money I've made from just merchandise in the last year has me speechless. So, I decided to also invest in the Naranja Academy and allow students and trainers like me to have a voice.

The name came from Clavell, who used to be the Director of a very famous school in the Paldea region, next to Kalos. Naranja in spanish means Orange, so it suits us such fine. Clavell's previous school, Uva Academy, is the oldest school in the region and located in the largest city Mesagoza. The academy itself is also huge and well known worldwide for their academical achievements. However, Clavell thought that the academy needed to take a step forward and get in time with the new world. He had wanted to implement an idea similar to the treasure hunt, but was rejected. So, when he heard of the idea of a new academy in the Orange Archipelago he jumped to join us.

With Clavell and his deep knowledge of the academical structure of Uva Academy, not to mention the aid of the Oak family, the classes were easily structured. But as fun as the Treasure Hunt personal project is, it takes a lot of administrative work and planning behind. So, that's why ever since I came back to the archipelago I've been from meeting to meeting.

"So, what's the plan for the regional starters of the Naranja Archipelago?" Director Clavell inquired once the investors and administrative workers left the meeting room. "In the Uva Academy they would get their starters the moment they started classes, that way they can grow with the students and we, teachers and staff, can observe the process and make sure no abuse is going on."

"I believe that's great!" I exclaimed, so happy that someone out there is taking care of such a hugge problem our society is going through. Abuse and abandonment of pokemon is a serious crime, one that has been happening more and more each year. "Many of my pokemon were victims of abuse before I got them, most of them starters. My Squirtle even formed a Squirtle Squad of many abandoned Squirtle."

"That's aweful," Director Clavell shook his head with a frown.

"I know," I sighed, before regaining my smile. "Which is why I am starting a rehab center here! I've already talked with the champions of Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, and Unova. Cynthia also put a good word for me with the Champion of Kalos. They've all agreed to send the starters of their regions that were victims of abuse and abandonment. Alola is also on board with the project. I was thinking of having the students participate in some volunteer work to see first hand what happens to pokemon if they do not treat them right. Also, I was thinking of adding some classes of how to take care of injured pokemon with PTSD."

"That's a wonderful idea," Director Clevell praised me with awe in his eyes.

"Thank you," I blushed under the attention, but rapidly goto back to the issue at hand. "I was thinking of having the students bond with them and allow the pokemon for once to make the choice in trainer. After what they've gone through I believe they deserve it. One year it might be a rescued Popplio, Treeko, and Chimchar. The next year a Piplup, Bulbasaur, and Cyndaquil. However, before the students can get their starters, the pokemon must have already gone through professional rehabilitation and said trainer must have passed a psychological and physical test. I was thinking of even having Alakazam scan them, with the parents permission of course!"

"I believe that's perfect!" Director Clevell exclaimed, eyes shining with passion. "Let's start planning for it!"

I got myself dragged into another planning meeting of over five hours. I loved the progress we've made and how Director Clevell, with the experience he has, gave me a new perspective of my project. But... I was so damn tired! Not only do I have to plan for the Naranja Academy, I also need to organize the opening act for the Battle Frontier opening, plus my future champion duties, not to mention my ranger ones... and now this?! Are you trying to kill me Mew?! But, lukcily, I was finally able to take a break and enjoy some of the amenities of my tower. Who knew that the sauna was so relaxing, and Meganium's Aromatherapy plus her vines message had me in heaven. I slept very well that night, but of course, next morning I had to be woken up by a ruckus. I groaned as I descended the stairs to the main lounge and found Garchomp and Dragonite at each other's throats, while Charizard cheered them on in one corner.

"Charizard," I sighed shaking my head. "Again boys? Can't you give me a break? At least take it outside!" I scolded them, finally stopping their fighting. "What is it this time?" Both of them remained silent. "Charizard?"

"Garchomp was taunting Dragonite again," Charizard gleefully explained. "Dragonite does not want to tell you that because of the bro code."

"Bro code? Since when do my pokemon have a bro code?" I wondered out loud, in disbelief.

"Since day one!" Charizard barked. "The things we used to get involved with behind your... back..." Charizard finally realized what he was confessing to and shut his mouth, I could see Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Pikachu shaking their heads and moving their hands, trying to shut Charizard up, but being unnable to until the last moment. "Well... you see..."

"I'll stop you there, before you end up digging yourself into a deeper hole," I sighed. "I honestly do not want to know what you guys got involved with, it's better if I do not, if only for my sanity."

"What sanity?" I heard Squirtle whisper to Bulbasar. I was tempted to say something, but Bulbasaur had me covered, like always, slapping the back of Squirtle's head with his vine. "Ouch!"

"Now, both of you," Garchomp and Dragonite straightened up at being the focus of my attention. "I know you guys want to become stronger, everyone in our family does! You want a battle, ask anyone in this team! They'll love the idea of joining you! However, taunting teammates is not the way to go. Honestly, Garchomp what is your obsession with Dragonite?" I turned to my Dragon/Ground dual-type pokemon. "It's not that he is another dragon, I also have Altaria and Flygon in my team, even Sceptile and Charizard when they Mega Evolve. It can't be him being a pseudo-legendary because I know for a fact that you have not asked Tyranitar for a battle since you've evolved. So, what is it about Dragonite that has you getting all violent?" Garchomp looked down with a blush tainnting his cheeks. "Well?" He mumbled something under his breath, something that had Dragonite freezing and Charizard rolling on the floor in laughter. "I did not hear that, speak up!"

"I said he is pretty! Ok?!" Garchomp growled with an embarrassed glare.

A pause... then Squirtle and Pikachu joined Charizard on the floor, while Bulbasaur released a deep sigh.

"Did I just stumble in the pokemon version of pulling the pig tails?" I turned to my first Grass-type starter in disbelief. "You know what? It's too damn early for this, Bulbasaur you are in charge and try to get some sense into Garchomp's head," I turned to go back to my room. "And here I thought Gary was bad."