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

IV Iris' P.O.V

The sweet Meloetta that had been spying and following us for months has finally been returned back home by her protector Ridley. He had been contacted by Ash and they had arranged the whole thing. It was a pity she had never been brave enough to come and say hi, I would have loved to meet her. I did not dwell much on it, focusing on visiting my hometown, the Village of Dragons. We met with my childhood friend Shannon, who I was so happy to meet and tried to convice to join us in our journey. However, she refused saying that she had found her dream, while raising two Zweilous, and decided to become a breeder. I was sad she would not join, but I was also very happy she had found her dream.

Later that day I paid a visit to the Village Elder, who greeted me warmly. After a quick examination, she declared that I've been taking good care of Fraxure, after congratulating me on evolving him. Some of the other villagers wanted to see the rest of my pokemon, so I called Altaria and Dragonite to come out. Everyone oohed and ahhed over my impressive catches—at least, until Dragonite decided to pick a fight with a nearby Haxorus. Before Altaria and I could interfere, with a few gentle words from the Elder, she had calmed them both down.

It was fascinating! So, I decided to train hard and be able to do the same! I did not expect to find an opportunity that day's same night. We were having dinner at Shannon's house when we began to hear the frantic cries of one of the Zweilous outside. We rushed to investigate, and discovered that the older Zweilous was evolving into Hydreigon. It was an exciting moment and I was ecstatic for my friend! However, the moment was quickly disturbed when it became clear that Hydreigon's sudden evolution had thrown her into a state of panic and confusion. She went on a rampage, attacking everything in sight! That's when I sprang into action!

With the aid of my pokemon, we backed Hydreigon into a corner where I could get close to her. It was a difficult task, one that the Elder had made seen much easier, but I hanged in there, speaking calm words of reassurance and encouragement. My patience paid off, because I succeeded and Hydreigon calmed down, much to everyone's relief. The Village Elder, who had been watching, came up to congratulate me... and so did Gym Leader Drayden! The same person I've been trying to avoid because I felt bad about leaving school, but he just complimented my growth and challenged me and Max to come to the Opelucid Gym for a battle with him.

Which we were already going to do...

So, here we are now, in front of the Opelucid Gym.

"Welcome back Iris," Drayden greeted me warmer than I've ever heard him sound. "Welcome to my gym, Maxwell Maple, Ranger Captain Ash Ketchum, and Blue Knight Riley Gen and his bonded partner Lucario." It was then that Pikachu squeaked angrily. "Of course, welcome to my gym as well, Pikachu." Pikachu was still angry, but he had calmed down. "Who will be facing me first?"

"I will," I stepped forward.

"Ok," Drayden agreed. "As I have three challengers today, it will have to be a two-on-two match for all of you," he informed us. "Then, please, let's all take our positions." Once my friends were all seated and I took my place on the challengers box, Drayden finally released his first pokemon. "Haxorus!"

"Haxorus, eh," I muttered, recalling the brutal loss of my dear friend. "Then, it's time for our rematch! Excadrill! Use Metal Claw!"

"Block it!" Drayden comanded. Haxorus easily blocked it, although he was pushed back by the hit- making me smile.

"Dig!" I commanded, as Excadrill burrowed himself underground. This time when Haxorus was able to dodge it and start a Rock Smash, we were ready. "Focus Blast!" Excadrill fired a Focus Blast at Haxorus before the move could hit, hitting him in the move-using jaw. "Let's take advantage of this opening! Drill Run, now!"