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

VII Ash's P.O.V

I sighed as I watched Max giggle, he was watching the new episode that came out of "The Time Ash Ketchum Helped Me Out", which was already on it's third season and passed on into my adventures in Hoenn. That show was getting more and more popular with each season, Kanto was even gearing up for a second season. Though, they were planning on filming the Orange Archipelago next, so it concurs with the archipelago's Pokemon League opening.

Shaking my head, trying to ignore my growing fame for the moment, I moved back to my corner of the area we had taken and focused on what I had been doing until then. I was training my newest pokemon! It was so much fun! Like it took me really back to have another Cyndaquil on my team, the same goes for the other two Hisuian Starters, but they do not have the same nostalgia as Cyndaquil, the second fire-type starter that I've ever caught! These pokemon were quite similar to my first ones, yet at they were also unique. I was quite surprised when I noticed how different the two Rowlets were. This Rowlet was as fast and dangerous as the Rowlet that hatched, but unlike my first Rowlet he does not sleep that much. He would rather train and get stronger. This one was also quite interested in evolving.

Of which, I can clearly see the signs on all three, I thought with a hum. Especially, with how much more violent Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott have become after Hisuian Zorua had evolved into Hisuian Zoroark.

As a pokemon trainer, I have the privilege of witnessing the haunting beauty of my Zoroark. This particular Zoroark has undergone a transformation, taking on a drastic and ghostly appearance due to his tumultuous past and the harsh conditions he endured. It is a testament to his resilience and indomitable spirit. Something I am very proud of. The long and flowing mane that once adorned Hisuian Zoroark has transformed into something even more captivating. Now, it is a longer mane, pure white in color, cascading gracefully around my pokemon's face. The tips of each strand of the mane display a mesmerizing combination of light and dark red, adding depth and contrast to its overall appearance. The right side of Hisuian Zoroark's face is partly veiled by this magnificent mane, adding an element of mystery and allure. He was truly a captivating pokemon, full of mystery and grace.

It took a while to earn his trust as a Zorua, but it was worth it at the end, I thought warmly. I never thought I would meet a pokemon with so much spite and hatred in his body. I didn't think anyone could ever compared to Spiritomb, but Hisuian Zoroark proved me wrong. Then again, despite his extremely hostile and aggressive nature to everything, once you earn his trust he becomes an invaluable ally. Hisuian Zoroark can be quite compassionate to those he cares about... especially, Lucario. I snickered. Especially, since Hisuian Zoroark had been growling at Korrina's Lucario while on training on Pomace Mountain. Korrina's Lucario could not stop flirting with his Lucario, which Hisuian Zoroark did not take kindly to. Neither did Greninja, who had taken Hisuian Zoroark under his wing, mentoring him into becoming another great ninja. I shook my head in amusement. I truly need to stop them from spending time with Koga. He is corrupting my pokemon... if there's anything left to corrupt to begin with.

With one last fond look, I turn to look for my starter. I laughed, when I found Pikachu, Blackie, and Princess having a family cuddle pile. I rapidly took a picture of that and sent it to everyone in my contact list... which were quite a lot of people. I laughed as I started reading the comments that started coming in. There were a lot of cute, adorable, and hearts popping up.

"Ok! That's enough everyone!" I clapped my hands, bringing the training session to its end. "We need still need to pack everything up before continuing on our journey to Shalour City!" However, before we could do anything, a Hawlucha jumps from the trees and strikes an artistic pose right before us. "W-what?" I stuttered, taken aback for the first time in a while. My pokemon quickly surrounded me to protect me from the wild pokemon, Pikachu even jumping from where he had been napping and growling at the pokemon. "Stop! I don't think he wants to battle us," I thought out loud. "What brings you to us Hawlucha?"

"Ash!" Max shouted, coming through the bushes with Gallade by his side. "Stop that Hawlucha! He stole my Xtransceiver!"

It was then that I noticed the Xtransceiver that was still showing "The Time Ash Ketchum Helped Me Out" show. Hawlucha striked more artistic poses... trying to impress me?

I threw my head back laughing at the realization. I had a fan! One that wanted to joining us. I beamed at Hawlucha and showed him an empty Poke Ball. Hawlucha's eyes pactically sparkled in happiness, as he striked one last pose as he allowed himself to be caught. I laughed even more, catching Max's Xtransceiver before it fell into the ground and turning to get ready to leave. My pocket fuller with one more friend... another flying-type! I do love them!

However, my fun did not end there. On our way to Shalour City we passed through the majestic Kalos Canyon and witnessed a Sky Battle. Why did I not know about them before? I was born for them!

"Lugia, this kind of battle is what Ash was born for," Riley commented with an impressed whistle. My friend and aura mentor knows me so well! "You'll join right?"

"Of course!" I agreed readily. "I'll even use Fletchling, so they can't refuse battling me. He is a rookie pokemon after all!" However, my dreams were quickly crushed by the hard and cruel reality. "What do you mean you won't accept a battle from me?!"

The trainer Moria winced, looking at me worriedly. She clearly knew who I was and did not want to disappoint me. Normally, I would hate that treatment just because I am famous. But right now I want to be treated differently!

"You see, Talonflame does not want to battle his first evolution stage," Moria answered me carefully, as Talonflame huffed haughtily.

I raised an eyebrow unimpressed, as Fletchling squeaked angrily on my shoulder. "Is that so? Well, if Talonflame is scared I can totally understand, my pokemon are known for being the strongest. There's no shame in being afraid of losing." I smirked as Talonflame glared at me and turned to his trainer with determination. "It seems that the battle is a go!" I clapped happily, turning on my heals perked up and started skipping to get to position. For some reason my friends' faces paled, maybe it was something on my face? "Oh, well, we will crush that Talonflame, won't we Fletchling?"

I could not see my own evil smirk, but I knew it was being reflected on my pokemon's small and cute face. We will show them not to mess up with us!

The battle was hard. Moria and Talonflame were a good team, I'll give them that. They had experience and power, two things that Fletchling did not have. However, what we do have is grace and terrain manipulation. What not many people understand is that Terrain Manipulation also involved the sky. Using Acrobatics, coming in and out of the clouds to evade attacks, utilizing Tailwind to hide in and strike Talonflame with Air Slash when he was not expecting it, are only some of the things we did. Still, Talonflame was a hard opponent, charging at us with a powerful Fire Blast. Poor Fletchling ended up consumed within the flame and just when all seemed lost, Fletchling evolved into Fletchinder and learned Flame Charge! Fletchinder then proceeded to use the move consecutively, and made use of the speed boosts from the move to outpace Talonflame and score a final hit with Flame Charge, defeating Talonflame.

"That's my Fletchinder!" We celebrated our victory together. "See that Talonflame! You got schooled by a little bird!"

"He does know that Talonflame is knocked out and can't hear him... right?" Bonnie asked sweetly, if a little bit disconcerted.

"Just let him be," Gary, me beloved who understand me too well, sighed, shaking his head.

"Did you see that Talonflame!" I continued to taunt, as Moira looked at me stunned. Surely at what a good team Fletchinder and I made! "Never underestimate a pokemon by their size!"