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

IX Ash's P.O.V

As I stood at the base of the stony slope leading up to the Ruins of Hope, a surge of nervous anticipation coursed through me. The exterior of the ruins was a sight to behold, a mixture of weathered stone and patches of vibrant coral scattered haphazardly around. The proximity of the ruins to the vast ocean was evident in the fragments of coral strewn across the landscape, as if nature itself was reclaiming this ancient place.

I took a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest, as I prepared to descended the slope. Each step felt heavy, as if the weight of my expectations and fears were physically pressing down on me. I had come here in to see my dad, hoping to connect with him once again through the power of Tapu Fini. As I descended, the stones beneath my feet shifted and crumbled, reminding me of the fragility of the world around me. The sound of crashing waves echoed in the distance, a constant reminder of the relentless power of the ocean. The occasional gust of salty wind brushed against my face, mixing with the warmth of the sun on my skin, creating an eerie and yet strangely comforting atmosphere.

Reaching the end of the slope, I found myself standing before the entrance of the ruins. The structure was worn, its stones weathered by time and the elements. Moss and vines had claimed the cracks, adding an otherworldly touch to the ancient architecture. It felt as though I was stepping into a realm where the boundary between the living and the dead blurred. With a mixture of trepidation and determination, I stepped inside. The air felt heavy, charged with an unseen energy that sent shivers down my spine. The soft glow of sunlight filtered through the cracks in the ceiling, casting ethereal patterns on the walls. The silence was profound, broken only by the distant sound of dripping water.

As I ventured deeper into the ruins, I could feel the weight of the past pressing upon me. The remnants of forgotten rituals and offerings lined the corridors, telling the stories of those who had sought solace and guidance here. I couldn't help but wonder if my dad's soul had also been here, seeking answers or simply finding peace. Finally, I arrived at the heart of the ruins, a sacred chamber bathed in a soft, blue light. Before me stood a magnificent shrine of Tapu Fini, I approached with reverence, my breath catching in my throat.

With trembling hands, I offered my plea to Tapu Fini, beseeching the deity to allow me to see my dad. I already knew that my wish will be accepted, but still the anticipation and nervousness that had accompanied me throughout this journey reached its peak, my heart pounding like a drum in my ears.

Suddenly, the air in the chamber changed, as if the very fabric of reality was shifting. A mist began to envelop me, swirling and dancing in the ethereal light. My pulse quickened as I realized that Tapu Fini had heard my plea, and the veil between life and death was about to be lifted. Within the mist, shapes and figures materialized, wisps of memories and echoes of the past. And then, amidst the haze, I saw him. My dad, his form translucent but unmistakably him, appeared before me. Tears welled up in my eyes as I reached out.

Words failed me as I stood there, in the presence of my dad. The emotions that had been building inside me over the years surged forth, overwhelming and bittersweet. It was a moment of connection, of closure, and of hope. In that sacred chamber, in the Ruins of Hope, I found solace. The nervousness that had consumed me was replaced by a profound sense of peace. Tapu Fini had granted me this extraordinary opportunity, allowing me to see my dad and to carry his memory with me always.

"Dad... I... I did it," I stuttered, choked up in emotion. "Savage, the man who took you away from us... my pokemon, they... they took his life."

My dad paused, his ethereal form radiating a mixture of concern and understanding. "Ash, my son... I'm here. I'm listening. Tell me everything."

"It was... it was in the heat of battle, Dad," I began to explain, voice trembling. "We had tracked down a captured ally, and... and he ambushed us with Lysandre, Team Flare's leader. It was clear that he would never show remorse for what he did... I couldn't really handle seeing him and had a panic attack, before fainting. He was a monster, Dad, and I couldn't let him escape justice. But... but it was my pokemon who struck the final blow, not me. All while I was unconscious."