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

III Utau's P.O.V

As I stepped into Coumarine City during the enchanting evening hours, I could feel the buzz of excitement in the air. The Coumarine City Festival was about to begin, and the entire city seemed to be adorned in a vibrant tapestry of colorful lights. Buildings and streets were adorned with shimmering decorations, casting a warm and inviting glow that beckoned visitors from afar. As I made my way through the bustling streets, my heart swelled with anticipation. This festival held a special place in my heart, in the heart of every trainer really, for it celebrated the unbreakable bond between Trainers and their Pokemon. The legends of the Pledging Tree resonated within me, reminding me of the extraordinary journey I had shared with my own pokemon.

And there it stood, the awe-inspiring centerpiece of the festival—the Pledging Tree. Its towering branches reached toward the starlit sky, casting a majestic shadow over the city. Illuminated by countless twinkling lights, the tree seemed to come alive, as if every leaf whispered tales of friendship and loyalty. As the sun began to set, trainers and their pokemon gathered beneath the grand tree. The atmosphere was filled with a tangible sense of unity, as if we were all part of a single harmonious melody. The air hummed with anticipation, and the joyous laughter of both humans and pokemon echoed through the evening.

In that moment, as I stood there surrounded by the many trainers and my beloved pokemon, my heart overflowed with a profound sense of gratitude. I was humbled by the incredible bond I shared with my pokemon, the memories we had forged together, and the countless battles we had overcome. I glanced at each of my pokemon, their eyes gleaming with excitement and trust. Each one had played a unique role in my journey, their strengths complementing my own. We had faced challenges together, celebrated victories, and comforted each other during moments of doubt. They were not just my companions; they were my family.

As I reached into my bag to retrieve the special presents I had prepared for each of them, my hands trembled with emotion. I carefully placed the gifts at the feet of my pokemon, watching as their eyes filled with delight and gratitude. Their happiness mirrored my own, and in that moment, it felt as if time stood still.

Underneath the majestic Pledging Tree, amidst the shimmering lights and the collective energy of trainers and pokemon, I couldn't help but be overwhelmed with love and care. The Coumarine City Festival served as a poignant reminder of the beauty and power of the bond between humans and pokemon, and I was grateful to be a part of such a magical celebration.

It was later that evening, when everyone had gone home, that a shadow stepped foward. None of my pokemon reacted in my defense, neither did I, as we all knew perfectly well who it was.

"Hey, did you enjoy the festival?" Ash asked me with a soft smile, his Pikachu on his shoulder, his Lucario on his right, and his Galarian Slowking on his left.

"I did, it was wonderful," I answered him warmly. "Thank you for inviting us."

"I'm sorry I did not greet you, but I thought you would rather spend it with your pokemon in private," Ash apologized.

"I did, thank you," I thanked him. It was an overwhelming moment for us, one that I was thankful we spent with each other. "Did you spend it in private as well?"

"As private as we can with a whole crowd," Ash chuckled. "But yes, I got myself a little corner and had my Psychic-type pokemon create a barrier for us. Riley and Gary did the same, though Max, Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie spent it with each other. Serena gave Fennekin and Pancham a pink ribbon and special sunglasses, respectively. Clemont showed Chespin, Bunnelby, and Luxio the music box he made for them. Bonnie showed everybody her drawing, while Max gave a big pile of berries to his pokemon."

"I can totally see that!" I laughed. "But I do not believe you," I raised an eyebrow. "A small corner? I know you, you had all of your pokemon sent here for the festival. You would have never left anyone aside, not with a festival that celebrates bonds between Trainer and Pokemon."

"Guilty as charged," Ash laughed, before getting serious. "Talking about guilty people, my lieutenant here in Kalos has news. She has finished interrogating Merilyn, Riot, Argus Steel, and Millis Steel." I straightened up at that, this was business after all. "We need to get to the mean headquarters."

"Yes, sir!" I nodded and recalled all of my pokemon, but Altaria.

Galarian Slowking's eyes and jewel then shone as he used his psychic powers to teleport us. I bid Ash goodbye, as he followed the Head Ranger of Kalos main Headquarters, and went to the meeting room, where Rodrick and Rose were waiting for me. As I walked towards them, I could not stop myself from listening in to the conversations of the other Ace Rangers in the room.

"We were in the Diamond Domain!" An Ace Ranger hissed to her partner in excitement. "That place only existed in fairy tales!"

"Screw the Diamond Domain!" Her partner replied, close to histerics. "We saw a Mega Diancie that created a Diamond Heart from scratch!"

"With the help of our captain!" A third Ace Ranger added. "Ace Captain Ketchum Mega Evolved a mythical pokemon! How cool is that?!"

"You think that's cool!" A fourth Ace Ranger got involved. "He fucking woke up Yveltal from the cocoon of darkness on porpuse, only to scold him into behaving and not causing trouble. How messed up is that?!"

"What has me stumped is that he summoned Xerneas," the first one commented, still in disbelief. "Who summons Legendary Pokemon? Do they have a number or something?"

As Ash's Kalos Ghost Team continued to discuss their last mission, nearby we were having our own debate.

"Amateurs," Rodrick scoffed, as Rose giggled.

"Be kind," I warned him with a raised eyebrow. "They haven't dealt with Ash as much as we have, especially since most of the work against Team Flare is being done via espionage and not raids."

"Even the Unovan Team Ghost had gotten used to Ash before the month was done!" Rodrick protested. "It's almost as if the kalosians have not even read Ash's ranger bio!"

"Well, you have to take into account that Ash met with a Legendary on his first day in Unova," Rose pointed out. "This is late by Ash's standards."

"Still!" Rodrick growled, but stopped when Ash re-entered the room. Everyone froze and took a step back at the expression of pure fury in his face. I watched in awe as Captain Ash's usually composed and happy face was twisted into a mask of fury. Eyes blazing with a fiery intensity that sent a chill down my spine. I had always admired Ash's unwavering determination and happy demeanor, but this display of anger was something I had never witnessed before. Not even when we had gone after the various different criminal syndicates we had faced throughout the years.

I couldn't help but feel a pang of worry for whoever had angered my captain to this extent. I knew his anger was not to be taken lightly, and those on the receiving end of his wrath were in for a formidable reckoning. Yet, a small part of me secretly relished the thought of the poor fools who would soon meet their end. I couldn't help but despise those who had managed to push my captain to his breaking point, for they were about to face the consequences of their foolish actions. As I glanced around the room, I saw my fellow Ace Rangers exchanging uneasy glances. They too understood the gravity of the situation. The air seemed to crackle with tension as Captain Ash's voice thundered through the command center in Kalos main Ranger Headquarters, his words carrying a palpable weight of authority and fury. The room fell into a tense silence, punctuated only by the occasional shuffle of nervous feet.

"Merilyn, Riot, Argus Steel, and Millis Steel have recently been captured for their crimes against Princess Diancie and the Diamond Domain," Ash's booming voice echoed through the walls of the room. "They wished to capture Princess Diancie and have her jewels be sold to the black market... to a specific channel that we have just discovered is dedicated to the sell of pokemon jewels. Espeon, Persian, Starmie, and Golduck, gems, Carbink and Sableye diamonds, some of the many pokemon species that have been hunted down and... killed to get those gemstones."

"Sableye... aren't their eyes made out of jewels?" Rose gasped horrified. "They are selling pokemon eyes?!"

"Monsters!" Rodrick growled, punching the wall in a fit of anger.

With a sinking feeling in my gut, I resolved to redouble my efforts and ensure that These mosters are caught. My Altaria, who was out of her Poke Ball, growled in pure fury. They will not get away with this, I promise you that!