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

VI Pikachu's P.O.V

I was buzzing with excitement as our group made our way to Professor Sycamore's laboratory. When we got there, the professor greeted us with a warm smile. I could see the gleam of excitement in his eyes as he showed us his latest experiment. He held up a shiny Key Stone and a mysterious Mega Stone, explaining that he wanted to test if his friend Garchomp could Mega Evolve.

My heart raced with anticipation. Mega Evolution was something that always excites me, especially when I get to battled a Mega Evolved pokemon! The thought of witnessing a pseudo-legendary pokemon's power multiplied was exhilarating, and I couldn't wait to see Garchomp in action. Well, our Garchomp Mega Evolves all the time, but he is family and kind of normal by now. This however, is different! I was so excited... at least, until, I was told I would not get to battle Mega Garchomp.

Spoilsports, all of them.

Now pouting, I watched as Professor Sycamore carefully placed the Mega Stone around Garchomp's neck, and it fit perfectly. Then he held the Key Stone in front of Garchomp, and the stone began to emit a brilliant light. Garchomp's eyes widened in astonishment. With a surge of energy, Garchomp started to undergo a transformation. His body grew larger and its scales glistened with a newfound radiance. The air around us crackled with electricity as Garchomp's power intensified. He now stood before us as Mega Garchomp, a magnificent sight to behold. His claws sharper, radiating a sense of strength and ferocity.

Riley's Lucario and Ash's Sliggoo exchanged amazed looks, both of us in awe of Garchomp's newfound power. The ground trembled slightly as Mega Garchomp roared, displaying his dominance, as Professor Sycamore beamed with pride, knowing that his experiment had been a success.

As the excitement settled, we thanked Professor Sycamore for allowing us to witness this amazing event. We left the laboratory, towards Laverre City. At least, that was the plan until we got stopped. A familiar figure approached us. It was Clemont and Bonnie's dad, and he seemed eager to talk to his children. I kind of expected Ash to stop him, the last time he met the guy, he gave him a well-deserved tongue lashing. But Clemont surpised me, by moving foward and accepting his dad's request to talk. They moved away from the group to have a private conversation, and curiosity got the better of me. I couldn't resist eavesdropping, keeping my distance to give them their privacy.

Clemont's dad started the conversation with an apology, his voice tinged with regret. He acknowledged his absence and how he had left the responsibilities of being a Gym Leader to his son. I could sense the genuine sincerity in his words, and it touched my heart. Clemont and Bonnie listened intently, their expressions a mix of surprise and cautious hope. Their dad explained how he realized the importance of family and how he wanted to make amends for his past actions. He spoke with such earnestness, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of happiness for Clemont's family.

As the conversation continued, Clemont and Bonnie's dad promised to be there for them, to support them in their journey as trainers and as a family. Their faces lit up with a combination of relief and joy. It was a beautiful moment of reconciliation and the healing of old wounds. I couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth in my heart as I witnessed this heartfelt exchange. Family bonds were precious, and seeing Clemont and Bonnie reconnect with their dad was comforting.

After their conversation ended, Clemont and Bonnie returned to the group with smiles on their faces. The air around them seemed lighter, filled with a renewed sense of hope and unity. We continued our journey towards Laverre City. As we walked, I couldn't help but reflect on the power of forgiveness and second chances. It was a lesson that touched not only Clemont's family but me as well.

As I turned to look at Ash, hoping to share in the joy of Clemont and Bonnie's reconciliation with their dad, I noticed something was off. Ash's usual bright and determined expression was clouded with a distant gaze, his mind clearly elsewhere. My heart sank, sensing that something was deeply troubling him. I watched as Ash's usually energetic and carefree demeanor seemed to wither, replaced by a sense of unease and sadness. It was as if a shadow had cast its grip on his spirit, dimming the light that usually emanated from him. As his closest companion, I couldn't help but feel a deep concern and a knot of fear forming within me.