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

VI Gary's P.O.V

The last month has been a hard one for all of us. Ash had given up his mentorship over Max and handed it to Riley, before secluding himself to the Champion Tower in the Orange Archipelago and its surroundings. With Team Flare's main force gone, he had handed the command over the rest to Utau and the Kalos Ranger Force. Ashy was focused on healing and I could not be prouder of him. Even if it hurt me like a lost limb to travel without him by my side. The group was not the same without him, how could it? However, it was clear as day that he was infected us with his Ketchum luck because the adventures we got ourselves into, even without him, was ridiculous.

We went back in time, 10 years! Yes, you've heard me right. We traveled back in time, and without the aid of a Celebi! What in the Distortion World?! Well, at least, we helped Weston get back his hotel. But how in the name of all that's sacred, a Rotom managed to do that? That's just plain scary! Unfortunately, not rare when it comes to us and our adventures. I am blaming Arceus for that, he just had to go and name Ash, The Chosen One!

We then assisted to the Gourgeist Festival and then healed a sick Snover. Then, Serena and her pokemon had some issues. While Serena was reworking her Pokemon Showcase routine, a powerful attack from Pancham hit Braixen and broke her beloved branch! Everyone tried to find Braixen a new branch, but she wasn't interested in a replacement. Luckily, Nurse Joy suggested that we take the branch to a tree surgeon, Mr. Woodward, for repairs. However, he first wanted Serena and Braixen to demonstrate their bond, and the best way to do that was with a battle. Braixen eventually used her broken branch to unleash a powerful new move: Fire Blast! This shattered the branch beyond repair but restores Braixen's confidence, and she finally accepted the new branch that Pancham had offered.

We then met a Moltres. Yes, a Moltres. What is with Kalos and all the Legendaries popping out of the woods. This is starting to become ridiculous! No matter, how much Lance and Ashy want to explain that the Giant Rock's destruction had Legendaries acting crazy because of all the primordial energy being released, shouldn't they be going to Alola? Where the fucking Giant Rock had been destroyed!

Well, it could be because of that bastard of Lysandre collecting primordial energy for so long, I thought grimly. Maybe they were attracted to Kalos because of that.

Serena had a busy month as well, not only because she's been training extra hard for her Pokeshows, but also because she got a new pokemon partner! An Eevee! Eevee is such an important pokemon for Ashy and I. It was honestly adorable how Eevee would follow Blackie arround, just like a puppy following her mother. Princess will adore the idea of having another sibling, a sister this time! Her stride didn't break in Anistar City, if anything it got better. In the city's Pokemon Showcase she won her second Princess Key! Not to mention, Max won his seventh gym badge in that city.

Though, those wins were not the same. Max and Serena tried to act excitedly, but I could see an underlying sadness to their smiles. Especially, Max, as this was the first Gym Battle he had faced without the support of Ash, and with a new mentor. Then again, Ashy was working on himself and could not be fault for that. He was finally putting himself and his health first. Though, that does not mean I have not missed him. Which lead me to be standing before the Champion Tower, waiting for him to finish his session.

My heart swelled with a sense of awe and admiration, as I looked at the Champion Tower- Ash and the Orange Archipelo League had done an excellent job. The towering structure stood proudly, its walls, adorned with intricate designs and embellishments, shimmered with a radiant golden hue, brilliantly reflecting the warm sunlight that engulfed the archipelago. I had been at the top of the tower, and let me tell you that the the view was nothing short of breathtaking. The Orange Archipelago had sprawled before me, a mosaic of idyllic islands that seemed straight out of a dream. Each island was a paradise of its own, boasting sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush vegetation. Palm trees, their fronds swaying gently in the caress of the breeze, added a touch of serenity to the vibrant landscape.

As I had gazed out at the archipelago, a profound sense of peacefulness washed over me. The tranquility of the surroundings enveloped my being, soothing my mind and rejuvenating my spirit. It was as if the Champion Tower and its surroundings were crafted with the sole purpose of providing solace to weary souls, a sanctuary where one could find respite and heal their minds. In this serene haven, it felt as though time stood still. The cares and worries of the outside world seemed to melt away, replaced by a profound sense of harmony and contentment. The Champion Tower served not only as a testament to Ash's accomplishments but also as a refuge for those in need of solace and reflection.

The gentle breeze carried with it a whisper of adventure, it was a place that evoked a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature and the indomitable spirit of human endeavor. The Champion Tower in the Orange Archipelago was a haven of peace, offering a sanctuary for tired hearts and restless souls, a place where one could find solace and emerge renewed, ready to embrace new challenges on their own personal quests... a solace that Ashy needed a lot lately. One that I am glad Ash had been getting this last month.

"Hey," I smiled softly at my boyfriend, as he walked out of his therapy session- I was so happy he was back on them.

"Gary?" Ash looked surprised by seeing me- not that I had expected anything else.

"How are you Ashy?" I asked him kindly, as Blackie moved foward to greet Pikachu- my smile widened when Princess joined her parents, making it a family greeting.

"Better," Ash sighed, smiling softly. "Much better now that you are here."

I threw my head back, laughing at Ash's words. "That's even corny for you Ashy."

"Don't start tallking about corny," Ash warned me playfully, raising an eyebrow. It made my heart ache in happiness, this was the Ash I've been missing for so long. "It was not me the one that carried half of Poke Ball for years as a symbol of my bond with the person I am in love with."

"You carried it too!" I protested, blushing- I did not expect him to bring that up.

"I did it because of my rivalry with you, not because I was a lovesick boy," Ash teased me.

"Shut up!" I scowled.

"All joking aside," Ash chuckled. "I am glad you came... I need your help with something."

"Anything," I quickly replied, getting serious. "Ask and you'll get it."

"I need to pay the Ruins of Hope a visit," Ash told me, voice cracking. "I still have my favour from Tapu Fini and I need to talk with my dad about... Savage. But I can't do it on my own, so can you come with me?"

My eyes widened in surprise at his request, I had not expected that from him. He had been adamant about not opening closed wounds and going to see his father... then again, the one who had opened them was not Ashy.

"Of course," I agreed gently.

"Thank you," Ashy rested his head on my shoulder as we hugged.

Oh, how I missed having him in my arms.

"You're welcome," I replied, tightening my arms around his waist. "I'll give you the world if I could. I will still try my best to do so."