Ch. 9- Adept and Firsts

Getting Wattson used to his new body was somewhat easy as these things go. Electric types have some of the easiest control out of any type of pokémon. Most of how they interact with their power is sorta like dimming a light or increasing the brightness. They then affect their attacks by way of nodes or sharp points on their bodies. Wattson has both his two new tails and the node-thingies (no idea what to call them and Wattson just laughed and said that 'node thingies' was the technical term. The ass.) to control where he wants something to go. Everything else is just a matter of voltage or so he describes it. As if I understand that. There is no real internet here for me to make myself an obvious expert in moments. Glergh.

Zaela was the test subject due to immunity and it was glorious to see. Wattson has such a wide range of physical moves but almost all were perfected before we met. All in all there was a lot of learning the new TM moves for the whole team going on. Toxic was particularly hard for those who got it. Sunny actually did the best. She just channeled 'mean thoughts' and got it down faster than Mars….Who again perfected every other move the fastest. He did give Sunny a particularly long look at that.Which she took as a staring contest and won readily of course. Alarmingly, she added it to a book of counts of things. No idea where that came from.A refrigerated Hyper Beam is all I could have hoped for. Focus Blast has been the biggest issue for Query and to a lesser extent Wattson. Tru of course dealt with the fighting energy attack suuuuuuper easy. Her and Mars started taking over helping the others.Sunny has found a new game with Shadow Ball. With Tru of all things. They basically play dodge ball with lower level versions of it and score points on the most dramatic dodges. Wattson thought it up as motivation for Sunny to learn the attack. My bottle of Sunshine is slowly starting to get more determined in battle because of Wattson. The encouragement he gives and the way he shows her that you can find fun in it are changing her mind even more.He really fits in well.Aurora is getting closer to evolution I think. She's been with us for over a year and my won knowledge tells me the way her trunk is growing and the fins on her head mean she's getting closer. Amaura level slowly but it shouldn't be more than a few more months as I can see. Once she evolves I think Zaela's going to find someone to challenge her in a much different way. It'll be the giant type advantage but still. Query can match her up close and Mars annoys the shit out of her but neither of them hurt her truly as a four times weakness does. I think she's in for a wake up call. Their friendship is still gaining momentum and if Aurora beast my sister it'll probably only get stronger.Zaela is definitely the example of strength for our group. The pinnacle we all push ourselves towards. But Aurora cuts through that feeling and just mothers her in a way Momma never did. Some of it bemuses my starter. Like how Aurora asks how she feels and seeks to understand her but it also is cherished as only really myself treats her in any sort of softer way. Of course she wouldn't accept that from anyone but me until Aurora. Just something about our time-lost girl that sets everyone at ease.Tru is subtly excited for the next gym battle. My Truthseeker has come so far from the prideful girl that I had so much difficulty with in our year of getting to know each other. Patience has become what she's known for and it shows. Wild pokémon have started visiting our camps to talk to her. She settles disputes, helps them figure out a bit of training and heals injuries constantly. I'm extremely proud of her and she can't help but smile at me whenever she feels that.Having lost so much to Mars in the National Park last week my boy has been badgering, as much as he would, Mars constantly for more games against him. Query never really minded losing when we still played video games together with my dad in Blackthorn but something about Mars defeating him while he was using all his brains at once has made my metagross stubborn about a rematch.Mars is still kicking his ass. Zaela finds it beyond hilarious as Mars is utterly indifferent to Query's continued frustration. The few times I wake up in the night and find the ever watchful Query having three of his brains continuously running out ways to beat Mars is darkly amusing. My poor boy. Still funny though.Sunny is Sunny. She's still running around excited with the world. Helping the wild pokémon with Tru was a pleasure to watch. Ursaring known to go on rampages end up following her around to pick berries she can't reach for a giant slushy party she set up on our last day in the clearing we found to train up Wattson. There are no real ice types around here so seeing the faces of these random pokémon light up at the treats Aurora has gotten so proficient at making was a joy. Query says he'll make a sculpture of it later. Since he has perfect recall I'm pretty excited when we have time to let him work.Mars has been pretty focused. I wish he'd have a bit more fun but then again his emotions scream contentment anytime he comes up with an idea for the future. We're going to Alto Mare right after the Gym Battle. He rightly pointed out that flying away from Goldenrod without a reliable teleporter would waste a lot of time to go back towards Alto Mare after we finished our run in Blackthorn.So boat time after the Plain Badge. One last thing before we get to that. Just a bit of life during camp one of the last nights there that eventually leads to some hilarity I hadn't expected later when we do get to the boat."Yes. I know a fair number of stories about the sea. I tend to read a lot." And watched a ton of movies in my last life.""Well come on! Lets hear a few. Good and bad. Its always good to get a tad scared at times.""Wah! No it isn't Wattson! That's the first stupid thing you've said since we met!""Oh Sunny. You're very brave when you have to me. A slightly scary story will not hurt you.""Aurora is right. I doubt Mistress would tell us anything that is likely to occur anyway. Our luck has gotten much better.""Way to jinx us Tru. Mother. I'm curious as well. Tell us a story." Maybe this is an interest I can set into Mars? He's got a good imagination. Maybe I can get him to read stories or make them up to tell us at nights."Fine fine. Sorry Sunny. Wattson asked first so I'm going to tell him what he likes. You are most welcome to go bother Query over there if you don't want to hear it. I won't think less of you.""No! I'm a brave girl. I'll sit and listen!" She immediately covers her eyes with her ribbons and partially hides her body behind Aurora a bit.I paraphrase a lot but Titanic actually comes off well. By the end of it Sunny is leaning forward to hear the sad end, her lip quivering as Aurora struggles not to keep in her laughter at the sight. Mars is actually quite enraptured, probably because I recall telling him stories when he hatched. And sang a bit too. Alright. Ideas for making less of a serious boy."That's so sad! At least she found something else in life later! Sorry Mom. That was a good story. And I was brave! See!" Cue the 'thinking dance' I associate with her thinking hard about a concept. Pacing and such. Sadly whatever she was about to tell us is interrupted by Wattson."That wasn't sad! It was amazing! Bam! Drama! Whoosh! Fist fights! Rawr! Musical idiots going down with the ship! I'm pumped! ZAELA! We're gonna wreck shit!"From then on Wattson badgered me for epic stories. Didn't matter if they were sad or not. Just if they had something he found amazing. Which translated to him having to do something epic in response.Oh boy.The Goldenrod Gym is pretty impressive in its simplicity. I think its different than the one in the anime. Can't remember it too well and I think I'm fine with that. This is my true life. I'm so blessed with joy I can't describe it.Wow. Where did that come from? Tru gave me a wavering smile at my emotion and I returned it.Argh. Back to the gym. Wattson, Tru and Query are set for this due to their experience with fighting abilities. If it is more than a three on three it'll go Mars next, Aurora and finally Zaela. Sunny didn't feel up to fighting today so she's gathered wildflowers to wave around as we battle in support. Its been a while since she's done that so we're kind of pumped.This receptionist recognizes me. Sunny is slowly walking while carefully keeping her bundles of flowers together and Tru just gazes calmly about the cream colored building. None of the Gyms so far have had convoluted puzzles to go through like the games. When I have had to face gym trainers its always been in the main room and they go one by one."Ah. Ms. Mita. Mr. Howard has been expecting you any day. I must say hearing of the thugs you apprehended has set up quite the buzz in the gym. Please let me see your pokédex briefly and you can head on in." Huh. So my name did get around. Makes sense. Gyms are often called on to help with the police. Why waste a source of well trained, powerful pokémon?Tru tilts her head at the man and I wonder what she's feeling. My aura project is still going on until I can't feel the strain of holding it to reinforce my body. Probably a few more months from what Tru and I can tell. Stepping into the main battle room makes me laugh a bit inside. It really is plain.Sunny sets up her cheering section next to the referee who comes in. To his credit he just shrugs and takes his place while doing his best to ignore the usual joy from my sylveon. We only wait a few more minutes for a somewhat tall man with the biggest grin to enter followed by a girl around my age. Whitney. I recognize that hair. Holy shit did she wreck me the first time I played Silver.Some defeats you just don't forget."Hey! Hannah's gal! Hope you don't mind if my niece here watches the fight. I'm Milton Howard." He's got one of those over the top mustaches that looks like it could jump off his face and bark at me. But he's very friendly and Whitney gives me an excited wave I return. Good people. They don't comment on my black and blue eyepatch nor seem to care. Tru-colors today. Oh. I need to get one in Wattson colors as well as the colors of the rest of my eventual teammates. I'll do that before we leave. Or rather order them. Our Joy made the ones I'm carrying with me for borrowing Sunny all those times. Sunny's rewards were her favorite foods."Right! Excited. Got some strong fellows for yah but I have a feeling you'll be earning my badge anyway. Whitney, go on and keep her sylveon company." Whitney just grins and skips on over to make baby talk at Sunny who eats it up and starts showing off the flowers she's brought."This will be a three on three battle between Ella Mita of Blackthorn and Gym Leader Milton Howard. The challenger may substitute only. Begin!"Without me saying anything Tru hops into the arena. Us trainers are in a booth that isn't that far off the floor. Milton releases a mammoth of an Ursaring that gives a near Zaela level of anger roar. Tru pulses determination as she springs forward in Extremespeed and sets up the new combo that she and Query have been working on to bastardize Psi-Fist's second stage for her at least a little. Calm Mind, Detect and Mind Reader mean the first two massive slashes miss her by inches as her eyes close. The dance is magical to watch as she starts weaving around within the giant bear's guard to get the flow of him like she's some xianxia mistress about to slap some faces.She doesn't attack until she knows what she wants and then its her new move. Its not anything she can yet combo with but Ursaring is so enraged that he takes it head on. Close Combat is brutal though and I wince at the impacts. Thick hide and muscle or not the impacts are driven by Query's long history of learning weak spots of pokémon anatomy. He spent a lot of time reading Joy's medical books and taught Tru his methods as best he could.Ursaring tanks it with a giant roar of pain and uses the reckless way Close Combat works to pound my aura partner into the ground before she can react. The impact sounds horrid but not as much as the Counter she uses. Spinning at impact with the floor she kicks hard at Urasring's legs and flips him.He does not appreciate this. Both take a bit longer to get up but he's fuuuuucking pissed. Strategy goes out the door as I pale a bit. Energy I am familiar with from Sunny powers up the bear's fists and then light on fire. In probably the most physically destructive combo I've seen yet Milton's bear uses Fire Punch, Play Rough and Fury Swipes at the same time.My breath hitches as I truly fear for Tru. She starts dodging with millimeters to spare trying desperately to use new combo Reader to not get hit. Sadly its too new and my lucario is slammed across the floor. Tru lets out a cry as she slides into a heap at my feet. My hand reaches to her ball but she springs up a moment later with a harsh groan and clutching an arm. Ursaring is already on his way, hurt, but anger overriding his pain.Tru doesn't panic though and her hand blazes with power as she forces an Extremespeed to the side to dodge. She blitzes across the room two more times to charge her attack which is more than an aura sphere. Ursaring calms just enough to shoot what look like Seed Bombs at my lucario. She dodges barely and just looks unimpressed.Ursaring snaps and his mouth opens in what is obviously a Hyper Beam. It charges faster than any of my team can currently and I get ready just in case. I believe in Tru but I'll not risk her health. I shouldn't have worried.Tru shifts her hurt arm that she's been steadily pulsing Heal Pulse against a small Protect screen in that method she learned from Joy's Lucario all those years ago. Ignoring the pain she Bullet Punches forward and once again is in Ursaring's guard. Showing that she hasn't been slacking the Focus Blast she was preparing tosses the bear into the psychic shields hard enough to make them flicker in distress. The giant bear crashes to the floor a moment later, out.Tru is already falling forward as I return her. Holy shit.Whitney just gapes at the damage to the field and with both she and Sunny hopping up and down, cheering as Milton and I turn to each other with a matching grin. A lopunny is released onto the field and Sunny cheers even louder as Wattson comes out. His words make me facepalm though."Woooooooo! Hell yeah! Allllright!"I shouldn't have told them the story of Aquaman last night.Milton's Lopunny just tilts her head as Wattson crashes his fists together and starts off at his unnatural speed. With how big and bulky he looks its all the bunny can do to dodge a massive cross chop. Wattson just whoops some more in joy and a discharge makes my hair stand on end as he pulses it across the whole field. There's no dodging that so Lopunny takes the damage and hops forwards, two ears jabbing out at my newest family member in mega punches.Wattson tanks them with a laugh of joy and ice punches followed by fire punches and sneaky thunder punches show how happy he is that the bunny chose to stay in close combat. Wattson must have been studying with Aurora as he pulses a surprise thunder wave with a 'hah!' but Lopunny must have limber as it washes right over it. Taking a battering she bounces high and a way to shine with a defense curl and pulses of agility to try to close the speed gap.Wattson just chuckles and tosses out thunderbolts that cause us all to cover our ears. Lopunny takes two with admirable effort and reluctantly, if their face means anything, shifts into a dig.That's a big mistake. Query's trick of negating a lot of the damage earthquake can do has only gotten more effective. Since Wattson is even more vulnerable to it, he and Query have worked on a devastating way to counter ground moves that he can see coming. For dig which is slower than most? I wince ahead of time.Everyone ignores how Milton is yelling something because of how loud things get. Wattson really lives up to the spirit of his name.Chortling in anticipation Wattson causes the lights to flicker as he hits himself with a Thunder with visible ease. Motor Drive activates and his tails spark madly. When Lopunny attempts to come up from behind with a dig enhanced mega punch they take a Motor Drive boosted Focus Punch that shatters the ground. Everyone stumbles as if Wattson used Earthquake and all that can be heard is him yelling out in joy."Get some! Yeah! Who's back and badder than ever! Me that's who! Oy good fight. Shit. Sorry. I might have hit you a bit hard. You! Hairy face! Get this bunny some help stat! I know I kicked ass but your mon needs medical attention!"Face meet palm. Again.Of course Milton is just staring blankly as Wattson carefully extracts lopunny from the crater, vigorously dusting off the pokémon. Milton returns his partner, eye twitching as Wattson crosses his arms and nods in satisfaction."Right. Last one. Then I think we have to repair. A lot."Wincing at that I look to Wattson. He's a-okay and definitely solidified his position as one of my strongest pokémon but he sees my unspoken question and grins. He gives Sunny and Whitney a thumbs up before being recalled.What comes next is what I was hoping for. The titan of destruction. The haunter of my dreams. I was hoping against hope for this. Miltank. The true threat to the world. The true last boss I must defeat. Seriously though I want payback.Query was very amused at my thoughts on this. Thus he requested this fight if it came. I was going to use him anyway. My shiny metagross makes Milton raise his eyebrow and Whitney gasp in delighted shock even as she jumps around more with Sunny. Ribbons no longer have flowers in them. Some of Sunny's flowers are scattered on the long suffering ref but my eye is on the miltank.The moment I saw Whitney I was hoping against hope that her uncle would be the cause of her destroyer of dreams. And he is. The miltank immediately curls into Rollout and Defense Curl at the same time. Query has been training like mad with a certain move just for this fight. Agility is already humming but from the speed Miltank is going at it wouldn't be enough for Psi-Fist to truly make its mark.So Query uses Pursuit, over and over again. The cow of doom is unfortunately (for miltank) not able to outrun my metagross. If Lopunny were out there Query would have a rough time keeping up. Instead the most feared cow is treated to Rock Smashes to lower her defense, psychic spears to push against her momentum and Bullet Punch Meteor Mashes that have almost no loss of attack from shifting mid swing. A brilliant attempt to use Bide to put the hurt on Query is ignored as dual point blank Focus Blasts are switched to immediately. There is very little chance of them missing that close and they don't.Then Query hits Psi-Fist Stage 2. Its finally ready for anyone. Flash has become deadly with stage 2. Not only does he pulse out confusion waves but he starts targeting parts of his body with flash the more likely they are to be in his opponent's face. The reflective nature of his body makes this more brutal as we watch a hulking, fast behemoth spin his dazed, confused and utterly off balance opponent with impunity. The rapid uses of Flash almost match a strobe light going out of control and everyone has to avert their gazes.If that weren't enough Toxic was used in the first Pursuit , hidden by the dark glow of the move's activation. Milk drink is attempted and foiled as Query reverses gravity and then its pounding the poor cow into the floor in a manner I'm certain is going to make my boy famous someday. Its too much damage in an impressively short time. The terror falls. The demon of world's end is finished. Truly the best timeline.Ahem.As Milton recalls his last pokémon I again am amazed at how far Query has come. Even against my King Garchomp he can hold his own in close combat and its just getting better."Well. Crap. That was impressive. Forgive me if I'm a bit lost. Three times I couldn't even speak. Thought it would be a bit more even on the last one. Whitney! We're training hard tomorrow!" Miltank was my nightmare! Deal with it!Milton regains his good humor as he spots his nice with Sunny's ribbons in her hands as they jump about in a circle around the pouting ref. We carefully make our away around the shattered ground and I laugh internally that out of all my pokémon its my electric one that has done the most damage ever save the fight with Momma."I've been training for years and years. Thank you for taking me seriously." Milton just chuckles and tosses me my plain badge."You too kid. Ursaring seemed all bloodthirsty but he had fun. This'll drive him to train harder. The others too. I've gotta go get a crew ready to clean this up. Do me a favor and wreck a few other gyms would yah? Make me feel better."Its easy to nod a promise to that as he passes me. Whitney and Sunny come tearing up as I recall Query who was just basking in his victory. "Oh my gosh! How do you have such strong friends?! You look my age! That was amazing! Your slyveon is so cute! Where did you get a shiny pokémon?"I more or less let her babble a bit until she gives me a chance to respond. "Seems like I've been training since birth along my friends with me. Though Wattson, my electrivire, has actually only been with us about a month. Helps that he was already so strong when we met. The rest is hard work and dedication. Plus my mom is the Blackthorn Gym Leader. I had a lot of advantages."My eye goes to Sunny who is humming a tune she describes as 'mega victory' or rather the FF victory theme I told her meant I won a game. "As for Sunny, she found me and we've never been parted." Cue purring and rubbing against my legs. "Query my big steel guy? Well he did the same. Huh. Happened to a few of my partners. Nice to meet you by the way. Ella."Taking my hand and rushing it up and down makes her even more excited. I cite needing to get Tru to a pokémon center and she offers to take me. Its nice to talk to her. Kind of like a human Sunny. This was a great day.SeaI'm leaving the plotting of course to Mars and Zaela now. Mars might be able to deduce things quickly but Zaela knows where she is at almost always. Direction, landscape. She has a knack for memorizing things quickly. We're not yet confident enough to fly to Alto Mare so the boat it is. Which also leads to some interesting training.I forgot that garchomp can learn surf. So Zaela has been swimming like mad next to our boat for most of the trip. She's no beginner when it comes to unpleasant training but she particularly hated this until I idly told her that tentacruel don't give a shit what they fight and are regularly know to try to attack any boat or creature in the sea. I don't know if she just found it too boring before the idea of possible constant battle, but it was funny seeing my shark (land or not) annoyed at swimming.My shark dragon grinned wide and large though. Wattson joined her in a bonding smack down of asshole jellyfish that had them laughing together about it for hours. Of course all the other passengers were rightfully scared of my giant dragon off the side and the booming laughter of my huge electric type. There were complaints until the captain in the nicest way I've seen someone say 'fuck you' told the complainers that if they'd like to go in the water and drive of the hostile pokémon he'd happily tell me to return my two friends.So yeah. Fun training. Aurora stayed out the most with me besides Zae and Wattson. Tru was still recovering a bit. She strained a few things but would be fine in a few days. The one time she did come out came a moment of hilarity from telling Titanic. Tru went to stand at the front of the boat and you guessed it. Wattson came up behind and yelled 'I'm king of the world!' Tru acted affronted because she got stared at along with him by passengers. The blush in her emotions again said otherwise.Mars took to flying above and enjoying the air while Query was just a bit too heavy for the boat and he can't levitate himself forever. Sunny discovered she gets seasick so I kept the miserable sylveon in her ball. Thus it was Aurora who had never actually been over the ocean that was my companion."So how have you found this new world? I know the last time I asked you were a bit iffy about some things.""True, but I've found that life is life. All the weird technology and customs don't mean that people don't live, eat and die just as it was in the past. What truly matters to me is that its so much easier to be nice."Something on my face must have posed a question because she crooned her lovely chuckle and increased her ice a bit to cause snowflakes to fly backwards across the deck. She likes confusing the passengers."Before it was find food and defend it. The battles I remember were not as brutal as some of the ones you've shown me but they were more desperate. Here I can enjoy fighting to defend our family and because I like it. The look on Zaela's face whenever we fight is intimidating,yes, but I can tell she expects me to give her great joy. How can I not like doing that for her? And we all know what Sunny does to us. Wattson too now. Everyone has their place and I've never been more happy."I stand with my ancient pokémon for the rest of the day in silence, just enjoying being alive.Its ruined a couple times by crackling laughter and roaring, draconic delight. Still great.Alto MareRight. Time to fuck canon. This makes me a bit nervous. I remember the Eon twins being nothing impressive in strength but I only saw the movie once. I'm positive I can find them with Tru but still. Legendaries. The alternative is unacceptable though. With Sunny still a bit under the weather I feel odd without two of my family out so Wattson gets the nod and while he clears the sidewalks a bit with his size his jolly smile and the lucario on my other side ease most people's fear."So why are we here?" Damn. I really have to tell the rest of the team my origins soon. Tru hasn't asked, but she's nice about things like this. My aura is determined to do good and that's all she cares for. Aurora and Sunny don't care where we go as long as we're with each other. Query and Mars both know the truth but Wattson is a curious fellow.I refuse to lie to him but this isn't the place. "I know a bit about some potential allies here. I'll tell the rest of the group the hows and whys later. For now just enjoy the city and let Tru and I do our aura thing to find who I'm looking for."Wattson takes the words easily and leans down to help a child who dropped their ball. Handling it over to the delighted kid with a chuckle makes the tension around us lessen again and we do indeed enjoy walking about. It helps that anytime anyone gives Wattson a look he flexes, 'breaking' his back and acting pained only to miraculously heal himself a moment later and two giant thumbs up. Snickers follow us constantly.The canals in this city are amazing and I long to let Zaela out and surf them, scary as it might be for others. Who doesn't want to surf a giant shark dragon? But alas. Duty.My aura enhancement fades as Tru and I join energies to look for likely Latias flying about the city. Latios was the responsible one if I recall. Latias seemed young but young for a dragon is still likely quite old. It only takes us an hour or so to get a ping of a particularly strong energy that has me smiling. She's curious alright.Kicking Wattson in the butt to get his attention has me laughing at his face. He joins me when he sees I was messing with him and Tru starts leading us to where we feel her exploring. The canals are the key as we wander about.Another reason I have Wattson out is we make quite the sight. Something perhaps an invisible dragon who longs to see new things would want to investigate hmmm? Once we feel her interest we start moving towards a nearby park that is somewhat secluded and patiently wait until Latias comes over to peek out of a canal within speaking distance. I flare my aura in slow pulses of intent and kneel down towards her, obviously seeing through her invisibility. Or at least that's how it appears."Why hello there. You've got a lovely feeling to you. Bright and cheery. Reminds me of one of my family here. Don't be afraid. I mean you no harm." She's spooked but also very, very curious. No one has ever seen her before and the emotions I'm radiating ease her concern. I leave my mind open for her to touch for the most part. Aura helps me protect it very well but I can nudge what I want her to feel far, far easier."How can you see me?" Just her head is out of the water, still invisible."Its not so much sight as it is aura. I can feel yours." Yep. Another waving of aura covered hand makes her even more curious. "Not sure if you've ever heard stories of aura guardians but I'm training to be one."That gets her attention. There is familiarity there and she slowly floats up and turns into a young woman in her twenties or so. I vaguely remember she took the form of a girl she knew in the movie. Probably hasn't been born yet or is a newborn right now come to think of it. Maybe this is that girl's mom? They were caretakers or something. The only humans the Eon Twins trusted."Aura Guardian?! I though there were no more!" Her voice is sweet and breathy. Once Sunny feels better I'm sticking them together and watching the magic."For the most part yes. But I've been able to use my abilities almost from birth. My hope is to find more of my kind and rebuild." My words fascinate her as if she's been waiting forever to talk to anyone."That's amazing. I've been here for as long as I can remember. Have you been many places? What are they like?" She's still a bit cautious but she relaxes quite a bit more as I sit and pat the grass next to me. Wattson's happy chuckle startles her until she giggles in response to his random flexing. Someday I'll figure out what causes this quirk. Tru simply sighs and bows."Since no one is doing the polite thing, I am Truthseeker and this is my Mistress. Ella Mita. Wattson is the Thunderbug right there." Wattson just laughs again and gives Latias a 'Nice Guy' pose. I shit you not. Did I tell him naruto stories? Fuck I did. I don't remember talking about Guy-sensei but here we are….I'm never letting Wattson have a disciple. I don't want to know how anime this world can get.Latias relaxes more and the next few hours are describing my life and about what I want in the world. She listens raptly and makes adorable gasps at the dramatic moments and even sniffles when I talk about how I lost my eye. She's desperate to meet my family after talking about them all but I say its getting late and we can meet up the next day."Oh no! It is late. Brother will be furious. And worried! But mostly furious!" Cue my offer."Would it help if I met him and explained I kept you? Can you get him to come here?" At that she frowns and considers hard. Eventually her face firms and she nods. I've sill only seen her illusion even if I know what her true form looks like. Seeing her eyes glow much how mine do when I'm channeling a lot of aura is pretty amazing."We can share sight. He's seen you and on his way. Uhm. He might be a bit angry and worried. I don't think he'll attack but don't make any sudden moves alright?"Her concern is touching and I just nod. Tru tenses but a look from me relaxes her somewhat. Wattson just looks excited for some drama.I can hear him through the water he's moving so quick. A splash and he's there. Not invisible and spiking anger and worry. Latias' face panics a bit and she steps in front of me. "No! Brother! Don't! She saw me when I was invisible! I didn't approach her until she talked to me! And feel her. Read her. She's nice and just wanted to talk!"Latios flares a bit of his energy in deep worry but calms enough to feel my aura pulsing outwards. You can't lie with aura and he knows that from the way his guard rapidly starts to drop. He's still quite angry but not worried I'll attack his sister."Who are you? What do you want with us?" Yep. Growly boy."Ella Mita. Aura Guardian in training. I've heard rumors of you two and figured I'd come and say hi. Possibly exchange information about issues that might arise and to offer my help in any way I can."I take a deep breath and look back at Wattson with a small apologetic smile that has him confused."Also, if you'd like to read my memories I have seen a future you may want to avoid. It might seem like an odd viewing but I think the location of a certain garden even if I've never been there will convince you."More alarm from the both of them and a gasp from Wattson at that statement. Tru feels as if she's realizing something but her emotions settle immediately. Loyal girl. Then I feel the twins peering in. I don't know what they think about the anime style of my vague memories but Latias starts sniffling as she sees her brother fade and Latios radiates disbelief for a while but can't deny that I know of the caretakers, the soul dew and where the Secret Garden is.There are long moments that follow as they consider things."That...Is very hard to accept. When does this happen?" That makes me think. Ash is not even one. And Johto happened a year or so after his journey began? I think? It was also towards the end of his journey. I believe."In about just under twelve years from now. I think. Time is odd in the way I saw this happen. I've got a lot of other events of similar nature I'm trying to stop. I've toiled and fought since I could walk to achieve my dream. I couldn't leave you to fade like that." That's the absolute truth. Tru puts her paw on my shoulder and Wattson's follows. I owe him and everyone an explanation but his support without it is touching.The Eon twins just stare at each other, one dragon, the other a human. I don't pull up my defenses and my aura still rings true."Alright. How did you want to help?" Gotcha. Smiling in relief I let a bit of the tension fade and relax. They're listening."Sorry to say this but...While you are a legendary, I kind of think you two...Are not that skilled or well trained. I came to offer help with that and in a couple years I'd like you, Latias especially, to meet that boy in my memories who tried to help you."Am I trying to get Ash two legendaries before he even goes on his journey? Yes. Fuck canon. I'm doing my best to be a hero but I'll say it again. He's the chosen one.Latias seems very curious about this and her emotions fill with hope as her brother just thinks hard, even with a bit of resentment. Still, seeing his own death and watching his unprepared sister be left to do his job as he sees it must hit him hard because he sighs and nods a bit later."I'd like to see proof that you can offer us training. As to seeing that boy? Ash was it? Perhaps. In time. Would you require to catch us?" Definite resentment there. And I nod."Yes but not as you think. I have my own family to find. Ones I expect and a legendary as well someday." Wattson makes another surprised sound at that and Tru just nods as if I confirmed something. The Eon Twins show shock. "I'd like you to travel one at a time to a friend of mine in pokéballs. His name is Professor Oak and I tell you with all of who I am that he is a good man that would never take advantage of you."Seriously. Amazing guy. "He'd examine you, help you grow and even teach you when I'm not around. Also I'd make sure he keeps you secret. Plus, yes, he lives near where that boy will grow up. The Professor doesn't know of my future knowledge but in all of it he continues to be an honest and caring person."My conviction is getting to them and I'm so very glad for it. Latias is vibrating with excitement and Latios is relenting. After some time he nods and just rolls his eyes at his sister. "Since you already know about it lets get to the Garden. You can show me your skills there and we'll talk more about being caught. I know Latias has wanted to see the world a bit more so I'm willing to entertain this. Its hard to argue against your own death."Things get a little glum at that and Latias flags before offering me a ride, visibly trying to perk up, as I let them know I don't have a pokémon who can get me there particularly quick. Query could but yeah. Slower. I recall Tru and Wattson with a smile and we're off.I don't know if I can properly describe the Garden. Or the soul dew. It feels...Damn. Everything. Like everything. Brightness is present here in ways that aren't just physical. Don't get me wrong. The view is beautiful. But its the energy that makes me want to stay here and meditate for a year. Nuts.Tru feels the same way when I release her and simply sits down to do just that. Wattson is quite against his nature silent. I ask if I can let out the rest of my family and Latios gives a nod after a moment.Mars looks about and gives a short nod to a suddenly defensive Latios, which increases more at the sight of Zaela. My team's body language shows no hostility though. Query's bright mental hello probably helps a ton. Psychics. Aurora is cooed over by Latias as she floats to examine my beautiful pokémon dinosaur. Then what I expected occurs.We are all blinded. Lost. Nowhere is safe as Latias and Sunny meet. Joy meets Sunshine and all is lost! The cuteness! For real though. They hit it off immediately, not that I expected anything else. Sunny immediately starts to explore the Garden with Latias in excited squeals, happy laughter and bright words. Latios looks dazed and we all start when Wattson laughs so hard he has to lean against a tree."Arceus you all look stupid. So funny. Hah! Come on. We're supposed to show our stuff right? Are we fighting you blue guy?" Latios is a bit put out by Wattson's attitude but his jolly nature gets through and he nods."Yes. Which of you is the strongest?" We all look at him a little weird as we glance to the thirteen foot tall dragon who is suddenly grinning with sharp teeth."...fine. Dumb question." It kinda is. She is better at condensing, if not at Momma's level, but Zaela's presence radiates power. When she wants she can turn it on to an extreme, like a d&d dragons fear aura somewhat."Oh? Shooting for the top blueboy? I like your attitude. We can have a bit of a tussle. Sure your sister will approve?" Zaela has shown a lot of signs that she likes Mars more than just a teammate but I'm not surprised she would consider a legendary dragon someone worth flirting with. Also to try and perhaps make Mars jealous.Sadly he's already napping. He predicted the moment we were in the Garden that the Eon Twins would agree to my request. So of course he's napping."I. What. I. No! Lets fight. Not..Uhm." Saved by the cuteness! Latias and my sylveon are now using her ribbons to run together. Latias holding onto them like Sunny is a horse she's trying, and failing, to control."Fine fine. Whatever blueguy. Got someplace we can wrestle that won't get all torn up? I'm not one for particularly pretty things but even I wouldn't want to see this ruined." Latios feels like his face should be red if that were possible and silently leads us deeper into the garden. Mars, Tru and Aurora hang back while Wattson follows us along. A few minutes later we find a clearing that has a few craters and few plants. Probably where Latios does some self training or such."This will do. Just show me you can defeat me." His tone suggests he doesn't quite believe it. He didn't look over my memories other than the movie. The rest of his time in my head was to read my intentions.Zaela just chuckles and waits patiently for Latios to move. When he doesn't immediately she gives the equivalent of her shrug and Latios is immediately in a sandstorm. He levitates out with a squawk but Zaela is already in the air, judging correctly that he'd go straight up instead of backwards away from her as he should have. Crunch causes Latios to hiss in pain and in her favorite move she pulls him into the sandstorm with her.Flashes of light and the hum of psychic abilities pulse from within the concentrated sand. Zaela has gotten to the level where she can use sandstorm in distinct ways. A savage, localized tornado of skin ripping wind or a widespread area with horribly poor visibility but lower damage. This is the damage part and she tosses Latios out with contempt not that much later.She used bite to interrupt his psychic attempts to flee in a way that disrupts such efforts. A trained psychic finds way around it. Added to that were a near constant set of dragon claws and I'm a bit surprised she let him out so early.I'd be overly proud of her defeating her first legendary but Latios doesn't look too hurt and both Zae and I know he's not anywhere near his full potential. Still. The point is made as the Eon shakily floats back up, Zaela's malice in her dark attacks having cut his levitate."Well that was humbling. I see. So I do have far to go." Latios' mind goes out to me again as Zaela starts repairing the area as best she can. Considering how our group fights she's gotten pretty good at it. Finally his voice carries a bit of resignation and just a hint of relief. "I agree to your terms. For now I'd ask that you let my sister go first. Until she is stronger as you say I'd prefer to be here alone. Even if we can share things through our eyes."I'm a bit surprised at that. I was expecting more argument but I'm not going to look this gift rapidash in the mouth. "Glad to hear it. We'll get this all started in a few days so you can prepare, talk to the caretakers and such. Plus I think if I split up Sunny from your sister right now she'd bite me."His eyes widen as he peers through his sister's vision and I finally hear him chuckle. Its a pleasant sound. "They do seem to be having a lot of fun...Yes. Perhaps this is for the best. Thank you for scaring me silly Guardian.""Of course! I've been doing it to my mom for years. And I'm not quite a Guardian yet." I'm not actually sure when I get to say it. Maybe at the end of the first big part of the plan?"If you say so. Saving me from my fate has me at least honoring the title." Oh. Well. Don't blush!Time goes quickly after that. The caretakers I'm pretty positive are the girl from the movie's parents. I seem to recall her just having a grandfather or something so I give Latios a look and he hums curiosity in my mind. A quick thought and he promises to look after them closer just in case. Its weird having a pokémon other than Query in my mind but the twins are unfailingly kind. Even Latios. Its hard to be mad at how protective he is with all the love he's got for his sister.Do good where you can. I must. The parents, Jordan and Elisa, actually make things easier as they know what my lucario means. The Eon Twins are quite isolated so having the caretakers tell them about how lucario are all inherently good and that they only follow those they believe in did a lot to ease the rest of the fears. Being an aura adept on top of that made them gape and ask me endless questions.Sunny and Latias did indeed bond fast. I may have to consider actually sending my Sunshine off to Oaky's lab to visit with Latias. I always hated the idea of being away from my team but a few days visit at times might not be bad right? Things to consider.Days end and we're ready to start things. As much as it pains me I'm not going to troll Professor Oak with sending him Latias without warning. I'll catch both now but leave Latios' ball with Jordan and Elisa to switch out with the Professor. After the Silver Conference this year I'm going to return and train the Eon twins in earnest for a few months. It'll give my team training against legendaries for the future too. Even if the twins aren't exactly strong yet.Oak's reaction was funny regardless.Ring ring. Hah! So he does answer the wrong way! Classic. "Professor. This way." The way he rubs his head is pretty fantastic. Teasing later. "Got some interesting news.""Is it the electivire that showed up on your ID? They are very rare. But then again not so much for your team." My grin must have got him thinking, and possibly a bit worried, as he just quieted down for me to talk."Nope! I'm going to send you a catch in a few minutes and you have to keep her isolated from the lab assistants. She'll take care of hiding herself except in whatever way you two agree to meet. Let her explore the ranch and if you can get your team to train her some. In return she's agreed to let you study her."Professor Oak's eyes narrow in thought and he rubs his chin. I've sent him regular updates about my team and he's quite appreciated it but this is asking a lot. Still, he nods slowly and holds up a hand before moving away to lock the doors to the lab he's in. "Go ahead and send her over then. Do I need to sit down?""Yes."My lack of snark widens his eyes and he just waits patiently. I come back with Latias in her premier ball. She loves it by the way. She spent at least an hour returning herself with giggles and squees. Sunny found it so funny that they tried to play tag by returning themselves and popping out near each other. I had her unregistered until she was ready to go to surprise Samuel. Hey. I might not be my dad but I can do some stuff. Incidentally if anyone ever caught me doing that I'd be in big trouble.Samuel had some warning right? Yeah that was enough.Waving the ball at the professor I put it in the console. I'd asked the local Joy for a private way to talk to the Professor and she let me use her office for a bit after making sure I was indeed talking to the famous Oak.I can see Samuel waiting for the information to pop up and the look on his face makes me sigh as if I've watched a romantic movie's climax. That's how pleasant it is to me. Idly I register Latios' ball next . He's elsewhere but I've still got his ball here. The second gasp from the Professor isn't as good as the first but just as satisfying."Anyway Samuel. They've agreed to switch off so one of them is always here to protect the city. This is for extra security and they aren't actually mine. I'm a caretaker of sorts like the ones I'll introduce you to later. Jordan and Eliza will keep their balls. Then after the Conference I'm going to come back and help them get stronger."The Professor is gone. He's heard all I've said but the mouse in his brain has fallen off its wheel. "That's all professor! Latias can tell you the rest. Buh byyyyyeeee."His mouth opens to demand some sort of answer and I shut down the call to the picture of Latias hopping out with a mental 'Boo!' ….Okay maybe I did plan to troll him some more. Whatever. Sunny let Latias see all her memories of Professor Oak. I think he doesn't quite know how much the Eon Twins are actually eager to meet him. There's a lot to be said for Sunny's utter approval.The good Mr. Oak would scold me later for trying to give him a heart attack in earnest but ultimately appreciated the laugh. Latias would thrive there I know it.We left the city a few days later. Lots of things to see with the team. Those that wanted to at least. All Zaela did was start Latios' road to hell. She pounded him into the dirt for the entire time we were there...But he is a dragon. And yes, again, dragons and hardship.Wattson and Sunny made it their mission to find every cotton candy stop in the city. Guess its a local thing here? They came back radiating need to run in circles and they succeeded. Tru went with them to talk to people and make sure no one messed with them. I sat down with Jordan and Eliza and went through a training plan I'd been building for the twins ever since I thought of this idea.They weren't trainers but they could help a bit. I also showed them what foods dragons as well as psychic liked and various ways to help growth. They knew some of this but I bent the rules and offered some Blackthorn recipes as well. Aurora wouldn't leave the garden until we had to go. With that and the National Park I resolved to get her a garden if/when we settled someplace.Mars slept. Woke. Planned. Slept. Query kept me the most company. Usually he goes off to find people to play with him in games but he knew I was very happy to have started what I hoped was a major change for good and he basked with me in the emotions I was feeling. Every new emotion causes him to examine it and roll it around in his unique mind. This was different than usual satisfaction and he was fascinated by it. I let my boy enjoy my high.When it was time to leave it was to a hopeful and resolved Latios and his human caretakers waving goodbye. Sunny was already in her ball for the boat ride back and yes, I will be letting her visit Latias at times.Already I could hear Wattson and Zaela roaring in pleasure at another return voyage of stomping fools. Tru just sighs next to me and watches Mars take off to get some exercise. Its Aurora who makes me think again. Boats and her must agree with each other."So this is why you came here? You came from the possibility of anywhere and you chose us to live your life with?" The confession of who I used to be was so utterly anticlimactic. I don't want to cry again. They didn't care. Zaela thought it was awesome I beat death. Sunny was just glad she got her Mom. Aurora had died already once so it wasn't too surprising to her. Tru just smiled and said nothing. Wattson was the most fun in that now he knew how dramatic my life would be. He was excited to learn all the entertainment I knew of my old life.And of course Query and Mars already knew."Yes. This is what I wanted. A family and a way to help this world I love even before it was mine." Aurora isn't very touchy. She radiates care and warmth but she rarely actually touches us. Her leaning into me then meant a lot as she gently nuzzled my side."Thank you then. I'm not sure what my fate would have been if not with you all. Perhaps I would have been revived. Perhaps not. This is where I belong though. Where we all do."Its nothing she hasn't expressed before. I'm very blessed to feel them all care for me. And each other. But seeing Latios there...Tangible proof that I'm changing this world for the better? Aurora's sincere thanks makes the world brighter.More crackling laughter and draconic roars of pleasure don't ruin the moment this time.FirstLiza was beyond excited. Ever since Ella Mita and her family arrived in the valley her life changed in ways she didn't even know to hope for.The answer to her strange ability alone was worth it all. But here, today? Waiting for her first pokémon? A riolu to help guide her and for her to adore in turn? She doesn't know what to do with herself. What's more is she's aware that her Dad is also preparing a charmander for her. Everyone in her family get one.Two pokémon in the same day to start her life anew. Insanity.The Rota examiner was interesting. Funny too. He had a way to sense what you needed to hear whenever she didn't know how to respond. Kind and earnest, she could see how he could get the most from her in the answers he sought.After he left with a smile and a promise to recommend her she couldn't stay still for days. It took helping a few of the charizard work out some steam to get her distracted. She might not like all their anger at times but she adores their will. The burning purpose to be more.Mars' request has taken about as well as she can expect. The charizard she's approached trust her but a future goal not yet in sight isn't exactly that exciting. Charizard live in the moment. She'll succeed though. She knows her path now.Liza never really wanted to travel but she did always want a pokémon. A charmander was the obvious choice and she's sure she would have loved her life without another option.Once she met Tru on the one night that Ella was here though? The way the lucario's voice rang out and sent shivers down her spine? She knew she was meant to have one someday.Aura is amazing. She hasn't been able to activate it fully yet but now that she knows what it is she's sorta gotten able to get the emotions of one of the breeder's pokémon. That led to another day of hard work to get the excitement down.Today though. Today's the day. Ella's dream is fantastic. To help the world. Serve the people. Its like all those stories kids get told about heroes but this is achievable. With pokémon who can understand you? That's an amazing gift. She knows its a hard road that Ella has set before her but Liza has lived with charizard her whole life.She knows hard effort.Her father steps outside with her as they watch the road up the their home. Gently laying his hand on her shoulder, she just smiles up at him. He took her change in dream well. All he did was make sure she really wanted it. And it was easy to see her desire.Again, they live with charizard. Both recognize stubborn resolve.Bouncing on her feet she spots two dots. She wasn't told who would be coming but its obviously pokémon from the way they are bounding up the trail. One tall and one short.As they get closer she can spot the longer ears of the lucario and the dainty feet of the riolu as they leap in graceful jumps upwards. Her eyes focus as intently on the riolu as the riolu does her. There is something in the air that they both feel and without a word Liza steps forward to meet him.The riolu is tall for his kind and rather burly, built more for power than speed. Lucario just sighs and watches the interaction. Typical of his kind, Lucario moves forward to talk to the child's parent. Liza doesn't notice nor does riolu. Aura sings between them."Its obvious that they are meant for each other. You are her father yes?" A slow nod confirms it. "Then I leave you with this advice. Let them grow and fail together. Riolu has a lot of pride but he's a good one, that one. Nothing more need be said. Your daughter is worthy. I can feel it."Nate just stares numbly as the lucario departs. As civilized as they might be lucario are pokémon and his former charge can take care of himself and his new partner. Liza and Riolu don't notice still, so intent on each other they are."Uhm. I'm Liza. I can feel you. Is that weird? We're going to be the best of friends." Riolu just nods his head and his small face splits in a wide grin."Of course we are! I have trained to serve you in our quest to root out evil and grow stronger! Fair partner! None shall stand before the might of our conviction!"Liza blinks. That she can understand him is joyous but did she hear that right? "Sorry. Say that again?""I shall say it as many times as I must for it to drive things forward! A knight I shall be to you, my liege! Aaron and his partner will fall into the past at the legend we shall bring!"As Liza just continues to boggle she fails to notice her father move off to the room he told her not to go into until her pokémon arrived. Even as her new partner regales her of all that he is ready to accomplish with her the footsteps of her father pull her attention away finally."Alright kiddo. Here she is. She's been waiting for you I think. This one is something special just as your riolu. If you're going to go forward with this goal of yours then you need the strongest."Behind him small black eyes peer at her out of a tiny orange face. The charmander shyly waves her tail and looks curiously at the riolu still huffed up behind his new partner."Hello. My name is Charla. Uhm. We're going to be friends right? Mother said you spoke to us. Is that right? I don't like to fight as much I don't think but I wouldn't mind helping protect you...If. If you'll have me."Liza isn't sure what to do. Riolu, finally quieting stands next to her and peers up with bright eyes. "Another comrade! Amazing! Truly I was requested well."More blinking occurs. "You were requested?""Yes! The Princess' Mistress wrote that you'd likely get a rather calm charizard so she suggested to give you the most mighty of warriors! The most bold! I!"Liza can't help it. She laughs just a bit to both her new companions' confusion. This was not what she expected. Not at all. But his earnest heart can't lie to her. She can feel it. He'll stand by her against all the inhabitants of the valley. And her charmander would calm those he could not tame. Turning down to see a tiny claw tugging on her shorts she reaches down to hug both her new partners. A sword and a shield. Maybe Ella's dream wasn't too far away from her fairy tales. She'd stand as a Guardian no matter what."Now! Let us be off to adventure! Come Charla! We shall learn what your strengths are! And if not we shall create them with the courage of our deeds! Forward!""...you're funny."