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Chapter Text

No. No! “Lucario!” Ash jolted awake with tears streaming down his face. For a moment, he began to panic as he looked around, not recognizing his surroundings. Then his eyes fell on the soft bundle of yellow fur curled up next to him. He took a shakier, albeit calmer, breath and let out a sigh. Pikachu. Alola. Professor Kukui. Home. Realizing that he was safe, he finally calmed down. Then he remembered his dream, and the sick feeling returned. Knowing he wouldn’t be able to go back to sleep, he sighed tiredly and opened his palm, allowing a few thin streams of light-blue Aura to trickle out. Lucario’s Aura. After the traumatizing disastrous events (Because he’s Ash Ketchum. The Chosen One. Nothing is traumatizing because he can handle it. Right?) at the Tree of Beginning, Ash’s Aura became stronger. It wasn’t until much later that he realized it was because of Lucario. Lucario’s Aura had somehow merged with his own when he— 

It was only after a few minutes that Ash was startled out of his thoughts by a soft squeak from Pikachu as he woke up, and Ash became painfully aware of the fact that Lucario was gone. You knew he was gone. It was all your fault, his mind supplied. If you had been stronger, he would have lived. You should have been the one to die. The world would have been better off without you anyway. Tears started streaming down his face again. The voice was right. He should have been the one to die, not Lucario. His vision blurred with tears as his nails dug deep into his arms, drawing blood. It wasn’t the first time he had used physical pain to distract himself from the emotional pain. The scars on his forearms were proof of that. The secret that almost no one knew. If anyone saw his scars, he would brush them off as his recklessness on his journeys and give another fake smile to brush them off easily. No one ever questioned it. The only ones who knew about the self-harm and suicidal tendencies, aside from his Pokémon, were Misty and Brock. Of course, they had tried to get him to stop, but the trauma kept piling up, especially since he was the fated “Chosen One.” Alola had almost been a chance to get away from that, but then there was the whole deal where he ended up raising Solgaleo and fighting Ultra Beasts, and then he wound up in some sort of superhero team (as if he didn’t save the world so many times already) and all he could think was “What if they find out?” He didn’t want anyone here to find out about the whole “Chosen One of Arceus” thing. He wasn’t sure he would be able to handle it. Especially not since anyone who knew got even more involved. He couldn’t let anyone die again. He couldn’t fail anyone else. Not like he failed Lucario.

As tears streamed down his face, Ash sat up, his breathing uneven as he tried to ground himself in the present. The weight of his guilt threatened to consume him, the memory of his dream ringing loudly in his mind. He could still feel the presence of his Pokémon beside him, a comfort in a world that seemed to constantly demand more than he could give. Pikachu stirred beside him, nuzzling against Ash’s arm with a soft, concerned chirp. “Hey, buddy…” Ash whispered, forcing a weak smile as he wiped his face with the back of his hand. He wanted to reassure Pikachu, to let him know that everything was okay, but the words felt hollow. His heart ached, a constant reminder of Lucario’s sacrifice. Deep down, he knew Pikachu could sense his turmoil, could feel the lingering shadows of grief surrounding him.

His gaze shifted to the window, where the first light of dawn began to creep into the room, illuminating the small space like a delicate touch. Ash blankly watched the sky turn from dark to light, as if hoping the brightness would somehow ease his heartache. It didn’t. Instead, each beam felt like a reminder of every time he had failed, as if the world continued to turn without regard for the void left behind. Pikachu’s small paws gently nudged Ash’s cheek, pulling him back from the edge of his despair. “Pikapi,” he squeaked, a sound filled with concern and affection. Ash’s heart swelled at the sight of his loyal friend. Despite everything, Pikachu was still here, still fighting by his side.

“Yeah, I know…” Ash murmured, his voice cracking. “I just… I can’t stop thinking about him.” The admission felt like a weight lifted, even though the sadness remained. “I failed Lucario. I couldn’t save him, and now he’s gone because of me. I know it’s been years but… It still feels so raw inside,” he said, a hollow feeling settling in his chest. Pikachu turned his gaze toward Ash, and in that moment, Ash could see the unwavering loyalty in his eyes. It wasn’t easy. They had faced countless battles and trials together. Ash threw back the covers and swung his legs over the edge of the bed, grounding himself with the cool floor beneath his feet.

While the sun continued to rise, painting the room in soft yellow hues, Ash took a moment to breathe deeply. “C’mon, buddy. It’s a school day today so we should get ready. It’s still early, and since we aren’t getting any sleep, we should take the time to train.” Pikachu perked up immediately and leaped from the bed and onto his spot on Ash’s shoulder. Ash crept towards the bathroom, careful not to wake anyone else in the house, and slowly began to wash the dried blood from his arms. Pikachu sniffed and let out a worried squeak. “I know buddy. I’m sorry. I-I couldn’t stop myself this time,” Ash looked down once he had finished washing his arms. He hummed gratefully when Pikachu nuzzled against his cheek. “Thanks bud. What would I do without you?” At that, Pikachu let out a happy squeal. After getting changed, Ash and Pikachu ran out onto the beach and began their training.

Chapter Text

The sun was higher in the sky when Ash and Pikachu had finally finished their training. It was 6:45 in the morning, and the professors would be up soon, so Ash thought it would be best to head inside and get ready for school. Carefully opening the door and stepping lightly on the wooden floor, Ash and Pikachu crept back up to the loft and sighed deeply when they had climbed the last rung of the ladder. Now, to pretend I’ve been asleep the whole time. Ash scrambled into the couch as quietly as he could, and not even 2 minutes later, Rotom came flying into the loft, telling him to wake up at exactly 7:00 AM. Time for school, I guess. Once more, Ash heaved himself off the couch and climbed (read: fell) down the ladder and walked over to the kitchen. Seeing Ash heading his way, Kukui spoke up. “Morning, Ash! You sleep well?” 

“Morning, Professor! Uhhh, y-yeah I slept well.” Ash winced at the small stutter that escaped, hoping that the Professor didn’t catch on to it. Too bad he did. 

Kukui narrowed his eyes slightly, his smile fading as he studied Ash with concern. “Are you okay, Ash? You seem a little less… energetic than usual.”

Ash began frantically shaking his head and yelped out, “No, no, I’m fine. Just… hungry! Yeah! I’m starving…” Kukui sighed, and Ash prayed that he wouldn’t push.

“Alright, Ash. Breakfast is almost ready, but could you put out some food for the Pokémon?” the corners of his mouth twitching with an unconvinced smile.

“Yeah! I’ve got it!” Grateful for something to do, Ash got out the box of Pokémon food and started pouring it out into everyone’s bowls. “Okay, guys, breakfast’s ready!” Ash yelled to call over the Pokémon. Almost immediately, he was surrounded by all of the Pokémon, and they all clamored around him. He chuckled despite the somber weight resting in his chest. “Good morning, guys!” Ash left his Pokémon to their meal when the professor called him over to eat. 

“Hey, where’s Professor Burnet? I haven’t seen her this morning.”

“Oh, she had to leave on business for the Aether Foundation. She should be back around the time school ends.” Kukui cast a side glance at Ash. “Speaking of, if we don’t hurry, we’ll be late.” He stood, dusting his pants.

“Right!” Ash scarfed down the rest of his food (which was less than he usually ate, but if Kukui noticed, then he didn’t say anything about it), picked up his backpack, and bolted out the door with Pikachu hot on his tail.

“Wait— Ash!” Kukui called out. “He never changes,” he muttered, shaking his head. Grabbing his own bag and making sure he had his lesson plans, Kukui walked out of the house and started down the path leading towards the school.

As the sun washed over them, Ash felt the soft breeze whisk by, making him momentarily forget the thoughts swirling in his mind. It wasn’t long before he and Pikachu reached the school, but despite being in one of his favorite places, Ash felt isolated, weighed down by memories he couldn’t shake.

Seeing that he still had time before classes were supposed to start, Ash walked up to the malasada shop that was set up outside the Pokémon School. “Hey, Jess. Where’s James and Meowth?” 

Jessie looked up from where she was frying malasadas and put down the batch when she saw who was speaking. “Hey, twerp. They got caught by Bewear trying to sneak out. A bunch of idiots.” Jessie muttered fondly. “So, twerp, what’s wrong?” Ash must have seemed surprised that she knew something was wrong, because Jessie arched a brow and deadpanned, “Kid, we basically stalk you everywhere. I think I can tell when something’s bothering you. So, out with it, or do I need to get the rest of the gang?”

Ash sighed. Team Rocket as a whole might be bad, but Jessie, James, and Meowth have been the only constants (other than Pikachu) in his life since he started his journey, especially since Brock left. And after multiple life-or-death situations together, they began to see each other as friends whom they could rely on. Now, they still tried to steal Pikachu, but they were a lot more for show at this point, so that they could please Giovanni. Of course, Ash had tried to get them out of Team Rocket, but the trio had made it pretty clear that they wanted to stay. “It’s just— nightmares. Nightmares and memories.”

“Ah. Those.” She said with a sympathetic face. “What was it about this time?”

“The Tree of Beginning incident. And…” Ash trailed off and looked down at his shoes. Jessie understood immediately and pulled him into the truck, where she enveloped him in a big hug. No words needed to be said; just the calmness and the silence between them was enough comfort for Ash. Stepping back and wiping his eyes (When did I start crying?), Ash checked the time. “I should get going. Class is about to start. And, Jessie?” Ash looked up at her. “Thank you.” With that, Ash ran towards the school and into his classroom, seconds before the bell rang. 

Kukui walked into class not long after. “Good morning, class!”

“Good morning, Professor!” He received a series of replies. 

“Now, today’s lesson is a very special one. We’re going to be learning about a small kingdom in Kanto.” Ash paled. The only kingdom in Kanto is… “Today, we’re learning about the Kingdom of Rota!” Ash froze. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Not today. I can't— Rota is where— Ash felt like he couldn’t breathe, but then, Professor Kukui continued. “Not only do we get to learn about it, but I got special permission from your parents and Queen Ilene to take the class on a field trip, and it’s right around the time of the annual Aura Guardian Festival, where you can compete to become an honorary Aura Guardian of the Year!” The class began to cheer, but all Ash could hear was the ringing in his ears, as Pikachu desperately tried to calm him down. We’re going to Rota.

Chapter Text

No, no, no, no, no. I can’t— Ash felt like he couldn’t breathe. Black spots danced around his vision, and his head felt like it was splitting in half. Everyone was still cheering in the background, but he couldn’t hear a thing because there was a fuzz in his mind and a desperate chant of please, no was ringing in his ears, and he couldn’t move, just like he couldn’t move to save Lucario , and he couldn’t feel anything . Pikachu nuzzled into Ash’s neck, squeaking softly, and trying to soothe him as much as possible. “Pikapi… Pikapi, pipi chuuu. kaa pi pi. Ka pi Pikachu.” After what seemed like an eternity, Pikachu managed to bring Ash back into his mind. Once Ash finally realized what had just happened, he shakily raised his hand and quietly asked the professor if he could leave for a minute. With a swift nod from Professor Kukui, he was out of his seat and speed-walking to the most secluded place on school grounds. The rooftop. 

The door to the rooftop creaked open, and as he stepped outside, Ash was hit by a rush of fresh air that felt cool against his flushed skin. The sky was an endless blue, dotted with fluffy clouds that seemed to float effortlessly. He took a deep breath, trying to fill his lungs with the calmness of the atmosphere, but the panic still lingered deep within him, clinging like a shadow. The memories of his nightmare and Rota pressed in on him, like a weight he couldn't shake.

He leaned against the low wall, staring out over the sprawling campus. Students moved like a vibrant pattern below, oblivious to the turmoil inside him. It felt surreal how life continued, relentless and indifferent. The sun shone brightly, but Ash felt cold. Trying to ground himself, he closed his eyes and focused on the rhythmic sound of Pikachu's heartbeat against him.

“Pikachu,” he whispered, his voice barely more than a breath. “What if I can’t face it? What if all those memories come flooding back? What if— What if I fail again?”

Pikachu looked up at him with wide, concerned eyes, his usual energetic demeanor replaced by a sense of understanding. “Pika…” he replied softly, as an attempt to comfort him. But even that comfort felt distant, like the warmth of the sun not quite reaching him. The panic attack slowly receded, but the knot in Ash’s stomach remained. He frowned, feeling the weight of the announcement that had triggered it all. A school field trip to the Kingdom of Rota was supposed to be exciting— a chance to explore, learn, and grow. But for Ash, it felt like a cruel reminder of his failures. The memory of Lucario, slowly fading away, was an image burned into his mind, one he had struggled to move past. He had thought he was ready. He had hoped that time could heal those wounds, but now, faced with the opportunity to return to that place, he felt shaken to his core.

“I just need to figure this out. I need to remember why I fight.” Suddenly, the door swung open behind him, and he felt a shiver run down his spine as he recognized the voice that followed. 

“Ash. There you are. Lillie says you’ve been gone for a while.” It was Gladion, but what could he possibly be doing here? His expression was a mix of curiosity and concern.

“Gladion? What are you doing here? Is it an Ultra Beast? Do I need to come down? I’m so sorry I didn’t realize how long I’d been up here—”

 “Woah, calm down. There’s no Ultra Beast. My mother told me about the trip and I got special permission from the Professor to tag along. Apparently the Aether Foundation is researching some phenomenon that happened there with a Lucario a couple years ago. Anyways, you look a little pale. Everything okay?” Ash winced internally, having an idea of what “incident” Gladion was talking about..

Ash turned to face him, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Yeah, just… needed a breather, you know?” 

Gladion raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. “Mhm, sure. We both know you’re not one to shy away from adventure, so this isn’t like you.”

Ash’s heart sank. Gladion didn’t know the half of it. How could he explain the tangled mess of emotions? The fear of returning to Rota, a place tied so intimately to his past, and the loss of Lucario? 

“It’s just… Rota brings back some memories,” Ash admitted, his voice softer than intended. “Memories I’d rather not revisit right now.”

Gladion frowned, his tone becoming more serious. “What do you mean? I get that it’s a new experience, but isn’t that the point? To learn and grow?”

“Nonononono! That’s not what I meant.” Ash said, glancing at Pikachu, who was watching their exchange closely. “I’ve… I’ve been there before. It… didn’t end too well.”

Gladion’s eyebrows knitted together in confusion. “You’ve been to Rota? When?”

Ash hesitated. He had no desire to relive that painful chapter of his life, to share the story of how he failed to save Lucario. In his mind, it felt like admitting defeat all over again. “It was… a very long time ago.”

Gladion’s expression softened a little, pondering Ash’s words. “If you don’t want to talk about it, that’s fine. But maybe this trip might turn out to be the closure you need.”

Before Ash could respond, the door swung open once again. This time, it was Lillie and a few other classmates, their bright energy spilling onto the rooftop. Lillie’s eyes lit up when she saw them. “Ash! Gladion! You’re here! We were looking for you! We’re setting up the details for the trip,” Lillie explained, her voice bubbling with excitement. “We want to prepare all the activities we could do! Did you hear about the Aura Guardian Festival? It’s going to be amazing!”

Ash flexed his fingers against the wall, but Lillie’s enthusiasm drew him in. “Yeah, that sounds incredible. I can’t wait to experience a new place!” he said, forcing a smile to his lips. 

Gladion watched the exchange with mild interest but turned the conversation back to Ash. “You said you’ve been—” he began, but Ash quickly cut in, feeling the heat of anxiety rising again. “Really excited because it’ll be a good opportunity to learn something new,” Ash said, trying to steer the conversation somewhere less sensitive.

“Exactly!” Lillie agreed, her enthusiasm infectious. “It’s not just about where we’re going, but about all the things we can learn. I read in one of my books that Rota used to have Aura Guardians, one of the most famous being Sir Aaron and his Lucario, but they…” Ash began to zone out, but Lillie kept talking as they made their way back to the classroom.

Just then, a voice interrupted from outside the door. “Hey! I hope you’re all ready because we’re about to brainstorm our supply list!” Professor Kukui strode into the room. The classroom buzzed with energy as everyone settled into their seats, Ash feeling a mixture of anticipation and dread swirl within him.

As Professor Kukui laid out the plans for the trip, Ash tried to concentrate, but his mind kept drifting back to Rota—the memories he kept locked away. 

“And I want each of you to think about which Pokémon you want to bring along!” Kukui said, his eyes bright with enthusiasm. “We’ll mainly be learning about Aura and its influence in the Pokémon world, and I encourage all of you to make the most of it! Ash, you might be our natural guide for this, having experience with different Pokémon!”

Ash froze as the room turned toward him, everyone’s expectations shining brightly in their eager gazes. He forced a laugh, masking the anxiety resonating within him. “Yeah, sure!” When the class finally broke for lunch, Ash found himself on the rooftop again, stepping outside into the sunlight to escape the noise. He needed clarity; he needed to breathe. Pikachu followed him closely, ensuring he wasn’t alone.“I don’t want to let everyone down,” Ash confessed, glancing out to the horizon. “What if I can’t handle it? I really, really tried my best before, but…” As Ash paused, he couldn’t shake the vision of Lucario fading from view. The burden of that memory hung heavy in the air, and he felt tears threatening to spill. “As much as I want to be brave, I can’t help feeling that I’ll break this time.” 

Suddenly, Ash spotted Gladion walking up the stairs, a look of determination etched on his face. “You know,” he said as he caught their attention, “there’s a reason why you’re leading this trip. You’ve obviously been through a lot, even if the others haven’t exactly noticed, but you’ve still gotten back on your feet. This is your chance to not only prove it to everyone else, but to yourself.”

Ash looked up, surprised at his bold statement. “I don’t know if it’s that simple.”

Gladion hummed. “Sometimes, the strongest journeys begin with a single step. Think about it.” And with that, he turned around and walked back to the classroom.

Chapter Text

Boarding the plane to the Kanto region, Ash was beginning to have second thoughts. Well, beginning was a strong word that implied he wasn’t having qualms about it before, but it had hit him so suddenly. Rota was the place that embodied one of his biggest failures, not to mention how he and his friends had technically died, even though they came back to life unlike Lucario thanks to the pokémon. There was just so much that surrounded the place, and going there again, especially with people who didn’t know about what had happened there, just felt like so much, and had sent him spiralling on multiple occasions before the day of. After finding his and Pikachu’s seat on the plane, Ash was pleasantly surprised to see that Gladion was seated next to him. “Gladion! Doesn’t your mom usually book private planes for travel?”

“Yes, but I made a special request to come on this flight with Lillie a–and you.” Gladion stuttered out the last 2 words, but Ash paid it no mind.

“Well, I’m glad that you’re here with us!”

Gladion had a faint blush on his cheeks, but it went unnoticed by Ash. “Anyways, how are you feeling?” Gladion spoke softly, with a hint of concern in his eyes,

“Oh. I’m… doing better, I think. I’m starting to come to terms with the fact that I’m going back, but I still can’t just… accept it yet.” Ash still hadn’t told Gladion exactly what happened in Rota, even though the blond boy had (somehow) been around to help him through each of his panic attacks, but that was something that Gladion could wait for, if only to let Ash feel comfortable enough to tell him.

“That’s good. But just so you know, I’m here for you. We all are.” Leaving the conversation there, Ash hummed in acknowledgement and stared out the window while Gladion put in his earbuds. It felt nice knowing that he had someone in his corner, and it felt even better knowing that that someone was Gladion (though Ash couldn’t quite figure out why just yet), but Ash just couldn’t shake the feeling that it would go terribly. 

As Ash gazed out the window, the vast blue sky stretched before him, dotted with fluffy white clouds. Each passing moment felt significant, yet somehow, the distance to Rota seemed immeasurable. Memories of the Tree of Beginning came flooding back uninvited—the festival, releasing Lucario from Sir Aaron’s staff, Mew almost fading away, Lucario’s death . He closed his eyes momentarily, taking a deep breath as he mentally prepared himself for whatever awaited him in the Kingdom of Rota. 

In an attempt to distract himself, he turned his focus to the airline magazine resting in the seat pocket in front of him. He flipped through the colorful pages, half-heartedly skimming articles about upcoming Pokémon events and regional cuisine. After a few moments, he felt a gentle nudge at his side. He turned to find Pikachu, his loyal companion, snuggled against him. “Pikapi!” the little Pokémon squeaked. 

“Hey, buddy.” Ash smiled, scratching Pikachu behind the ears. “You feeling okay?” Pikachu nodded, his electricity flickering anxiously. Ash could tell that Pikachu was nervous about going back too. Rota held painful memories for both of them, but Ash was just grateful that Pikachu was there with him.

As the flight continued, the chatter around them faded into a comforting background hum. Ash leaned his head against the window, allowing his mind to wander until it was almost time to land.

“Attention passengers! We will be landing at the Kanto Regional Airport in 15 minutes. Please stow away any belongings and fasten your seatbelts. Trays must be stowed and seats must be upright.” a voice announced over the intercom, jolting Ash from his thoughts. He felt a mix of emotions churning in his chest, anticipation battling anxiety. 

The plane's descent was smooth, and Ash grabbed his backpack, feeling both nervous and excited. He looked over at Gladion, who had removed his earbuds and was observing Ash with an earnest expression. “You good?” Gladion asked, fidgeting slightly. 

“Yeah, I’m good. Just… ready to get this over with,” Ash said, trying to sound more assured than he felt. 

As they stepped off the plane, the warm air of Kanto wrapped around them like an embrace. The familiar sights and sounds flooded back to him—vendors calling out, Pokémon trainers chatting, and the faint sound of music from a nearby festival. Yet, Rota loomed in the back of his mind like a shadow from which he couldn’t escape.

“Are you guys ready? Unlike last time, we won’t be having any guides to take us around. We will head on a bus to the outer gates of Rota, where we’ll be greeted by Queen Ilene, before heading to our rooms in the palace to settle in.” Professor Kukui spoke loudly, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm as he joined his students outside the terminal. The class let out cheers and began boarding the bus that had pulled up while Kukui was talking.

“Ready as I’ll ever be, I guess,” Ash sighed, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. 

Gladion glanced at him, his expression neutral, but Ash could feel the collective tension in the air as they walked together toward the bus, where their friends were waiting. 

The group sat on the bus for some time, though Ash couldn’t focus enough to keep track. However, he felt the anxiety returning as they parked just outside the palace, and he saw Ilene standing there. Every step felt heavier than the last as they got off the bus, his heart racing as he remembered the last time he set foot on that soil. I can’t do this. Gladion saw Ash freeze up, and gently put his hand on Ash’s shoulder, which made him relax a little. “It’s okay. You’re okay.” Gladion guided him to follow the rest of their group into the castle.

When Ash came back to himself, he caught Queen Ilene’s eye, and she donned a look of surprise to see him there. Ash waved minutely, and Ilene came over to the group and greeted them warmly, but her smile flickered as her gaze passed over Ash, as if she sensed Ash’s turmoil. “Welcome everyone! It’s always a pleasure to see the next generation of trainers. I understand that you had plans to stay in the local Pokémon Center, but plans have been changed,” she glanced at Ash, “And I’ve thought that it would be beneficial for you to stay in the palace!” At that the class cheered and broke out into a stream of thank you’s and pleasantries, but Ash could feel the Queen’s eyes on him the whole time.

After going over the plan, the others began to disperse, with everyone heading to their own rooms in the palace. When everyone left, it was just Queen Ilene, Mime Jr., Ash, and Pikachu left in the room. After a couple of seconds, Ilene began to speak, “So, Ash… I didn’t expect you to visit. Especially not so soon. How have you been doing?”

Ash hesitated. “I’ve been better. It’s great to see you again, but just coming back here, especially around the time of the festival is just… a lot.” 

“I understand, but if you ever need anything, I, along with everyone else in Rota, am in your corner. Now, you should head to your room. I imagine that you are tired after the journey, and we will be coming together soon to have lunch.” Ash quickly thanked her and went up to find his room.

As Ash walked into his room, he immediately saw the window opening up so he could see directly into the heart of the city. The energy of Rota pulsed around him, weaving his fate, and with the cool breeze, Ash could tell that the journey was only just beginning.

Chapter Text

Ash barely slept. Rota’s night air was thick with distant music and the shimmer of lantern light sneaking through his window. He lay on top of his covers, staring at the ceiling, his mind looping through old wounds and new fears. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Lucario’s last moments. Pikachu, ever vigilant, pressed close, but even his warmth couldn’t reach the cold at the center of Ash’s heart.

By dawn, Ash felt raw and restless. He dressed in silence, splashed cold water on his face, and let Pikachu lead him out to the palace gardens before breakfast. The air was cool, the dew silver on the grass. If he focused hard enough on the beauty—the way the sunlight caught in the trees, the sleepy chirp of a Pidgey—he could almost pretend he was just a regular kid on a field trip with his class. But every path twisted back to memory.

He found a quiet spot by the reflecting pool and sat, knees pulled close to his chest. Pikachu settled next to him, eyes never leaving Ash’s face. “Sorry, buddy,” Ash whispered, voice hoarse. “I know you’re worried. I just… I don’t know how to do this.”

Footsteps crunched behind him. Ash tensed, but didn’t turn until Gladion’s shadow fell across the grass. “You’re up early,” Gladion said, not unkindly.

“Couldn’t sleep.” Ash shrugged, picking at a blade of grass. “You?”

Gladion let out a breath, sitting down beside him. “Me neither. Takes a while to get used to sleeping in a new place.”

Ash managed a thin smile. “Yeah, that used to happen to me too, but I guess I’ve gotten used to it by now.”

“Right, you’ve pretty much traveled around the world.” There was a moment where neither of them spoke. Then Gladion said, “You don’t have to talk about it. But you should know, it’s okay if you’re not fine. People think you’re always okay—like nothing ever gets to you. But you don’t have to be that for us.”

Ash’s throat tightened. “It’s not that simple. I can’t… I don’t want them to see how messed up I am. I don’t want anyone else to get hurt because of me.”

Gladion’s hand hovered, like he wanted to put it on Ash’s shoulder, but thought better of it. “Listen, I don’t know what happened, nor do I expect you to feel obligated to tell me. Just… don’t shut us out.”

Before Ash could respond, Lillie’s voice called from the garden entrance, “Breakfast! The Queen says we’re starting the tour right after, so don’t wander off!”

Ash wiped his eyes, hoping the others would think it was just the morning sun. “Guess we better go,” he muttered. The palace dining hall was loud with chatter and the clatter of silverware. Ash kept his head down, answering questions with half-smiles, grateful when Kukui didn’t press. After breakfast, the group filed out into the city. The festival’s energy buzzed around them, but Ash felt like he was walking underwater.

They visited the old library first. Vaulted ceilings, shelves crammed with ancient tomes. Ilene herself led the tour, her eyes lingering on Ash every so often, as if she could see the storm behind his eyes. She showed them the Hall of Guardians, with its stained-glass windows depicting Sir Aaron and Lucario, Aura swirling like blue fire. Ash’s breath caught in his throat. Why did I ever come back here? When the group moved on, Ash lingered in front of the Lucario window, tracing the lines of blue glass with his gaze. His reflection stared back at him, pale and tired.

He wanted to scream. To run. To confess. But he stayed silent. That night, the festival’s opening ceremony blazed through the city. Lanterns drifted skyward. Music filled the streets. Ash stood at the edge of the crowd, half in shadow, Pikachu pressed close, Gladion hovering nearby. The others laughed and danced, swept up in the moment. Ash closed his eyes, listening to the pulse of the city, the distant echo of Lucario’s voice. Ash lingered at the edge of the festival until the crowd began to thin and the music faded into the hush of Rota’s winding streets. Even then, he didn’t move. Pikachu pressed up against his leg, warm and real. Ash stared up at the lanterns still drifting above the rooftops, their tiny flames like a trail of memories he couldn’t outrun.

He felt the ache in his chest settle, heavy and familiar. Every part of this place—every cobblestone, every drifting scrap of music—seemed to pull him backward. Gladion stepped up beside him, hands in his pockets, watching the lanterns without saying a word. For a long time, they stood together in silence. Eventually, Gladion spoke, his voice low so only Ash could hear. “Do you ever wish you could just… stop remembering?”

Ash let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. “Sometimes. But… I don’t want to forget what happened. I just want it to stop hurting so much.”

Gladion nodded, picking at the edge of his sleeve. “I get it. When my dad disappeared, I tried to pretend it didn’t matter. That I could just move on. But it was always there. Still is, sometimes.”

Ash didn’t know what to say, but it helped, just a little, to know he wasn’t alone in this kind of ache. A sudden burst of laughter pulled their attention back to the festival square. Lillie and Mallow were twirling, wild and laughing, holding hands as they spun beneath the lanterns. Sophocles sat with Lana and Kiawe on the fountain’s edge, showing them something on his Pokégear. Kukui chatted with Queen Ilene, who looked more at ease now that the crowd had settled. For a moment, Ash felt like he was on the outside looking in. A ghost haunting his own life. Pikachu tugged at his sleeve, reminding him to return, even if only for a moment. Ash crouched down and scratched Pikachu behind the ears. “Thanks, buddy,” he whispered. Pikachu nuzzled his cheek, and Ash managed a small, genuine smile. Gladion watched the others, then nudged Ash’s shoulder. “Come on. If we stand out here any longer, they’ll start planning a rescue mission.”

Ash snorted. “Wouldn’t put it past them.” He hesitated, but Gladion just waited, patient and steady. Finally, Ash nodded, and together they wandered back into the light and laughter. For the first time since arriving, he let himself hope that there might be a way through the pain. But the scars were still there, raw and unhealed, and the road ahead felt impossibly long. He wasn’t whole. He wasn’t healed. He wasn’t sure he ever would be. But as the lanterns rose into the night, Ash breathed in the scent of hope and fear, he decided, quietly, not to leave. Not yet. Because the fault lines were growing bigger, and unless he looked his demons in the eye, he would end up destroying himself.

Chapter Text

When Ash got back to his room in the palace, he instantly fell asleep. The only problem? That was when the nightmares came.

Ash stood in the center of the room, holding Sir Aaron’s staff. I’m… back? Suddenly, there was a blinding light, and Lucario was right there. It came rushing back to him. No. No, no, no, no, no. Not again. I can’t do this again– Lucario turned to him. “You couldn’t save me.” Ash heard Lucario in his head. “I died and it’s all your fault. I TRUSTED YOU! WHY DIDN’T YOU SAVE ME?” 

The staff clattered to the ground as Ash sank to his knees with his hands pulling at his hair. “Im sorry. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to, I swear. Lucario, I’m sorry. Please…” He kept mumbling as fat tears started rolling down his cheeks.

Lucario came flying at him. “YOU KILLED ME!”

The light around Ash died as he was shaken awake, still screaming and crying, and clawing at the hands that were gripping his shoulders. There was a voice coming from somewhere, but Ash couldn’t make out what the person was saying. “-sh! -an yo- -ear me? Ash!” The voice became clearer as Ash came to his senses and saw Gladion in front of him. 

“Gladion?”Ash whispered. His eyes became wide. If Gladion was here, it meant that he saw his panic attack. He heard him screaming and crying. Gladion saw his panic attack. Ash began hyperventilating and fiercely scratching at his arms, desperate for something to make it all go away. He couldn’t breathe, because Gladion saw his panic attack and he must think he’s weak and-

“Ash! Hey, it’s okay. It’s just me.” Gladion gently grabbed Ash’s wrists to stop him from hurting himself, and spoke in a soft voice. “Just me.”

Ash slowly got his breathing in check, taking slow, deep breaths as his vision started getting clearer. “ Gladion? What are you doing here? Did I wake you up? I’m so sorry, I’m so stupid–”

“Hey, no, none of that. I had to get water, but I ran into Pikachu, who led me here.” Ash followed Gladion’s gaze as he glanced at the little pokémon who was nuzzling his face. Ash smiled slightly and rubbed Pikachu’s head. “But before anything else, why don’t you let me bandage your arms? They look pretty scratched up.”

Ash’s eyes widened. Gladion had already seen his panic attack, but this too? “No! I mean, it’s fine, you really don’t have to, I–” Ash snapped his mouth shut with a look from Gladion. It was clear that it was not up for discussion. Ash sighed and turned his head as Gladion got some antiseptic and bandages from the first aid kit in his bag. 

They were silent as Gladion cleaned and bandaged Ash’s arms, and remained silent until Ash spoke softly. “ Um… I–I came to Rota a couple years ago with some of my friends while we were on our journey.” Gladion looked up as Ash continued. “I participated in the Aura Guardian Festival and… I won. The winner of the festival got to hold the staff of one of the greatest Aura Guardians ever. Sir Aaron. Though I doubt people have been allowed to hold the staff since I last came. But, when I held the staff, something happened with my Aura and I accidentally released Sir Aaron’s Lucario, who had been trapped inside the staff for a really long time. Then, a pokémon who could basically become any other pokémon, called Mew, took Pikachu.” Pikachu let out a small whine as Ash scratched his chin. “We all followed them to a place called the Tree of Beginning, which is home to all kinds of pokémon, including Mew. We followed Mew and Pikachu deeper into the heart of the Tree, but it was like it had its own immune system that decided that humans were a threat. My friends and I got absorbed by these giant, orange, blobs , until Pikachu convinced Mew to help save us by essentially turning off the Tree’s immune system, but that made the tree unstable because hundreds of years ago, Sir Aaron trapped Lucario in his staff to protect him, but sacrificed himself to activate the Tree of Beginning's self-healing function, using his Aura to calm the tree and prevent a devastating war. To stabilize the Tree, someone had to use an insane amount of Aura, which would probably kill them. Lucario a-and I were the only Aura users, so it would have had to be one of us who died.” Ash started crying again and Gladion gasped as the pieces fell into place. “I had started letting my Aura into the Tree, but before I used up too much Aura, Lucario pushed me out of the way and finished it himself. He died, while I got to live. He died, and it was all my fault. I was the one who was supposed to die that day and–”

“Hey! Don’t say that. It wasn’t your fault. Lucario made his choice because he wanted to save you. And Ash, I’m glad that you’re alive. If you weren’t here, who knows where the rest of us would be? I know you feel guilty about what happened, but you have saved so many people by just being you, and I wouldn’t change that for the world.” By the time Gladion was done talking, Ash’s tears were gone, and his eyes were wide.

“Do… Do you really mean that?”

“Yeah. I do.” Gladion’s face inched closer to Ash’s as the seconds ticked by. The two closed their eyes and leaned closer until… There was a loud beeping sound from the alarm clock next to Ash’s bed, and the two jumped apart and fumbled as Ash tried to turn it off. 

“O-Oh uh I-I should probably g-get going, so uh, bye!” 

“Wow, u-uh it’s 6:00, w-we should go get ready, u-uh, bye!”

The two stuttered over each other with a furious blush on their faces as Gladion ran out and Ash finally managed to turn off the alarm clock.

Today was not their day, but they had better get over themselves and confess soon or there WILL be repercussions! You hear me, author? REPERCUSSIONS!!!

Chapter Text

The morning light seeped softly through the tall windows of Ash’s room, casting long, golden beams that danced across the polished floor. But inside Ash, the light struggled to penetrate the thick fog of restless thoughts and emotions. The awkwardness of the night’s moment with Gladion still hovered in the air, warming his cheeks with an unfamiliar flush. He sat on the edge of his bed, running a hand through his disheveled hair, as Pikachu clambered up beside him, tail flicking anxiously. His phone buzzed on the bedside table. A message from Professor Kukui: “Breakfast in 30. WEAR TRADITIONAL CLOTHING FOR THE COMPETITORS’ MEETING LATER!!!”

Ash stared out the window at the sprawling city of Rota beneath him. The festival was alive with sound and color, the distant beat of drums and the murmur of voices flowing up like a river. Somehow, after his talk with Gladion, Ash felt the weight of the past lighten ever so slightly. The memories still haunted him, tangled up with the raw, aching guilt he carried, but now, it felt almost bearable. Slowly, Ash rose and moved to the window, breathing in the fresh air. The scent of blooming flowers from the palace gardens drifted upward, mingling with the faint aroma of roasted chestnuts and festival treats from the streets below. The city was calm, but Ash’s heart felt like it was going to beat out of his chest as he remembered the moment before his alarm rang.

With his face quickly heating up, he dressed quickly, changing into simple blue traditional clothing (only slightly similar to what he wore last time). His hands trembled slightly, but he forced himself to steady them. Whatever he felt about Gladion could wait until later to be figured out. The ghosts of his past were waiting, and no amount of running could keep them at bay. 

Outside, the palace corridors were already stirring with life. His classmates hurried past, voices light with excitement and the thrill of the unknown. Lillie’s bright laughter echoed down the hall, Mallow’s animated chatter about the festival’s games floated on the air, and Professor Kukui’s voice carried through the marble halls, full of encouragement and energy. It felt like a world away from Ash’s jumbled up thoughts. Just as he was about to step out, the door creaked open again, and Gladion appeared wearing a red and black traditional outfit. His usually pale face instantly flushed when he caught sight of Ash. “H-Hey uh…” his face somehow got even redder. He mumbled out a “You look nice.” and ran outside before Ash could respond, face red and flustered.

Ash hesitated before walking behind him, trying to calm his racing heart. He descended the palace steps to the great hall, where the rest of their group had gathered for breakfast, only to see the only free seat next to… Gladion. Trying his best to act normal ( don’t blush, don’t blush, don’t blush–) , Ash sat down, only sending a quick glance at Gladion before hurriedly taking some food into his plate.

The festival’s bright banners fluttered in the breeze, and the scent of fresh bread and tropical fruits filled the air. Ash felt the pull of normalcy, a tempting invitation to lose himself in the moment, but just as he began to feel the guilt bubbling up, Gladion took his hand, providing a sure sense of comfort. Both their faces were pink, but Ash gave him a grateful smile nevertheless before turning to the center of the room, where Queen Ilene stood.

Her eyes scanned the group with warmth and expectation as everyone quieted down. “The Aura Guardian Festival is not just about the battles.” Her voice was clear and commanding. “More than that, this journey is about understanding and facing the past to forge the future. It’s about celebrating the heroes who made today’s life possible, and showing our appreciation for those who gave their lives to protect Rota. You have 2 days until the tournament begins, but today, rest, relax, and enjoy Rota.”

The group dispersed to explore Rota, winding through narrow cobblestone alleys, past ancient stone structures etched with the marks of time and legend. The class’ footsteps echoed softly as they passed the Hall of Guardians, its stained-glass windows gleaming in the morning sun. Ash’s gaze lingered on the familiar image of Lucario, the blue aura captured forever in glass. The sight stabbed at him like a fresh wound.

Lillie skipped beside him, oblivious to the storm in Ash’s eyes. “I read that the Aura Guardians once protected the kingdom from great threats,” she said, voice full of wonder. “Sir Aaron was the greatest among them, wasn’t he?”

Ash swallowed, nodding. “Yeah. He was… like a legend. And his Lucario was incredible.” His voice faltered, the memories rushing back unbidden. “He saved the Tree of Beginning, the heart of Rota. But it cost him everything.”

Gladion walked up to them. “And now it’s up to us to understand that legacy,” he said quietly. “To learn from it, and maybe find a way to heal.” The hidden meaning under it did not go unnoticed by Ash. He could feel Lillie’s confused look and Gladion’s soft gaze on him as he looked away and continued walking.

Finally having space to think, Ash’s mind wandered to his talk with Gladion that morning. Gladion now knew about some of the darkest parts of his mind, but what Ash couldn’t figure out for the life of him why it was so easy to talk to him. Mentally replaying the conversation, Ash paused and turned pink as the realization hit him. Yes, Gladion and him had almost kissed, but the part that made Ash blush so furiously was the fact that he wanted to kiss him. Ash wanted to kiss Gladion . Ash TRIED to kiss Gladion. Burying his face in his hands, Ash began remembering every moment between him and Gladion, but it only became more and more obvious. From helping with panic attacks, to the little bits of encouragement, Ash liked Gladion. As in, like, liked. Groaning in embarrassment, Ash smiled slightly into his palms. Well, at least he figured out some part of his tangled mess of emotions. One good thing that came out of today. That and the almost-kiss. That too. Obviously. 

Chapter Text

The revelation hit Ash like a Thunderbolt, leaving him feeling both exposed and strangely lighter. He liked Gladion. Not just as a friend, not as a rival, but with a warmth that hummed beneath his skin, echoing the subtle blush that had stained Gladion's cheeks that morning. The idea, once a hazy, unacknowledged flicker, now shone with startling clarity. Ash’s mind, usually a chaotic swirl of battle strategies and Pokémon aspirations, focused on this singular, exhilarating truth. He replayed their interactions—Gladion’s quiet support during his panic attacks, the gentle squeeze on his shoulder, the hesitant, almost-touch that morning, and the earnest gaze that held more understanding than anyone else had ever offered. It all made a profound, terrifying sense.

Pikachu, sensing the sudden shift in Ash's demeanor, nudged his leg and let out a curious "Pika?" Ash chuckled, a genuine, if slightly nervous, sound. "Hey, buddy," he murmured, scratching behind Pikachu's ears. "Looks like I've got another mystery to solve, huh?" Pikachu chirped back, as if offering his full support in this new, bewildering quest.

The rest of the day was a blur of ancient architecture and vibrant festival stalls. Ash tried to engage, tried to listen to Lillie’s enthusiastic explanations of Rota’s history and Mallow’s delighted exclamations over local delicacies. He even managed a few genuine laughs at Kiawe’s over-the-top demonstrations of Z-Moves to the people of Rota. But beneath it all, a new current pulled at him, a nervous anticipation whenever Gladion was near. He found himself stealing glances, wondering if Gladion was thinking about the same thing, if that blush had been for the same reason.

That evening, a dinner was held in the palace's grand hall. The long table groaned under the weight of exotic dishes, and the air was filled with lively chatter. Ash, typically the first to dive into food, found himself picking at his plate. He was acutely aware of Gladion across from him, who seemed equally subdued. Their eyes met a few times, and each time, Ash felt a jolt, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken moment they had shared.

Later, as the group gathered in a common room, sharing stories and playing cards, Ash gravitated towards a window, gazing out at the softly lit city. The festival’s energy had mellowed, replaced by a quiet, contented hum. He watched lanterns drift upwards, slow and steady, like tiny stars making their ascent.

“Still thinking?” Gladion’s voice was soft, right beside him. Ash hadn’t even heard him approach.

“Always,” Ash admitted, a small smile playing on his lips. He turned, leaning back against the window frame. “Just… trying to process everything.” He gestured vaguely at the city lights. “This place… it’s a lot to take in.”

Gladion nodded, his gaze following Ash’s. “It is. History hangs heavy here.” He paused, then turned to face Ash fully. “You seem… different, since this morning.”

Ash’s heart hammered. This was it. “Yeah,” he said, his voice a little strained. He swallowed, trying to find the right words. “I–I realized something. About myself.” He glanced at Gladion, searching his eyes for any hint of understanding, any flicker of shared emotion.

Gladion’s pale face flushed faintly, and his gaze dropped to his hands, which he clasped in front of him. “Oh,” he said, his voice barely a whisper. “Is that so?”

The silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken thoughts. Ash’s palms grew sweaty. He wanted to blurt it all out, to just say, I like you, Gladion , but the words caught in his throat. What if he was wrong? What if Gladion didn’t feel the same way? The thought was a cold splash of water, instantly dousing the tentative spark of hope. He couldn’t risk alienating the one person who seemed to really get him. He couldn’t ruin this friendship when it meant so much to him.

“Yeah,” Ash finally managed, steering the conversation away from the precipice. “It’s… complicated. Just like Rota. And the whole… Aura Guardian thing.” He watched Gladion’s shoulders relax ever so slightly, and a pang of disappointment shot through him. He’d chickened out.

Gladion looked up, though a shadow of something unreadable still lingered. “Right,” he said, nodding. “The Aura Guardian Festival. The competition starts in two days, doesn’t it?”

Ash seized the change of topic with a forced enthusiasm. “Yep! The battles are always really great. The festival itself is supposed to celebrate Aura though. Even if the battles themselves are just regular ones.”

“That’s what I heard,” Gladion confirmed. “It’s not just about battling, but about honoring the legacy of the Aura Guardians. They say the winner becomes an honorary Aura Guardian for the year, and they get to learn even more about Rota’s history and traditions.”

“Yeah, it’s kinda intense,” Ash said, trying to project a casual air. But inside, his mind raced. Aura. He thought of his recent panic attacks, the uncontrolled bursts of energy that often accompanied his despair. He thought of Lucario, his Aura master, who had given his life for him. The guilt, always simmering, intensified.

“It will be a challenge, for sure,” Gladion agreed, his gaze softening. “But you’ve faced challenges before, Ash. And you’ve always found a way.”

Ash looked at Gladion, truly looked at him. There was no judgment in those eyes, only a quiet strength and unwavering belief. It was a stark contrast to the self-loathing voice in his own head. “Thanks, Gladion,” Ash said, his voice genuinely soft. “That… means a lot.”

Gladion just nodded, a small, almost imperceptible smile gracing his lips. The air around them felt less charged, but a new, subtle tension had replaced it—the unspoken acknowledgment of something deeper simmering beneath the surface.

The next day dawned with a renewed sense of purpose, at least for the rest of the class. For Ash, it was a day of careful navigation. Professor Kukui had arranged a series of workshops focusing on Aura theory and its historical significance in Rota. They learned about the different types of Aura, its connection to nature, and the ancient techniques used by past Aura Guardians. Ash found himself surprisingly drawn into the lessons, despite his inner turmoil. He already had an innate connection to Aura, a raw power that often manifested without conscious effort. Now, hearing the theory behind it, the intricate dance of energy and intention, he felt a strange pull. It was as if a part of him, long dormant, was stirring.

During one of the practical demonstrations, a local historian, a kind-faced woman named Elara, showcased ancient artifacts believed to have been touched by Aura. She had the class close their eyes, encouraging them to feel the lingering presence of history and energy. Ash hesitated, remembering what happened the last time he had held an Aura-touched artifact. However, feeling everyone’s eyes on him prompted him to try focusing on his breathing, on the faint hum he sometimes felt in his chest. For a moment, he felt a flicker, a cold, sharp spike of energy that was distinctly Lucario’s. He flinched, opening his eyes.

Elara, whose gaze had been sweeping the room, paused, her eyes lingering on Ash. “Ah, young man,” she said gently, approaching him. “You possess a powerful resonance. And… a deep connection to another. A Lucario, perhaps?” The rest of the class’s eyes snapped to him, confused, but they thankfully did not ask.

Ash froze. How could she know? He stammered, “Uh, yeah. I…” He gulped. “I did have a Lucario.” He avoided Elara’s gaze, the guilt resurfacing.

Elara nodded, her expression understanding. “Aura never truly fades. It intertwines, leaves echoes. Sometimes, the strongest connections leave the deepest imprints.” She placed a hand lightly on his shoulder. “Do not fear the echoes, young one. They are not weaknesses, but reminders of the strength that once was, and the strength that still resides within you.”

Her words resonated deep within Ash. Not weaknesses. Reminders. He thought of Gladion’s words from the previous night, about how he always found a way. Maybe he was right. Maybe the only way out was through.

During a break, while the other students examined ancient maps, Ash found himself drawing a little apart, attempting to focus. Pikachu sat patiently beside him, watching with bright, encouraging eyes. He tried to mimic Elara’s suggestion, reaching inward, not for power, but for understanding. He felt the familiar surge of Aura, but this time, he tried to control it, to shape it. It was difficult, like trying to grasp smoke.

Gladion approached him, holding a small, smooth stone. “Elara mentioned that focusing on an object can sometimes help to ground your thoughts,” he offered, extending the stone to Ash. “Something to anchor your mind to.”

Ash took the stone, its surface cool beneath his fingers. He closed his eyes again, concentrating on the stone, on the faint warmth of Pikachu beside him, on the feeling of Gladion’s presence. He imagined his Aura, not as a wild, untamed force, but as a gentle current, flowing from him, around the stone, and back. A faint, shimmering blue light enveloped the stone, pulsing gently. It was small, unstable, but it was there.

“You did it,” Gladion whispered, a genuine note of awe in his voice.

Ash opened his eyes, a flicker of surprise and a small sense of accomplishment stirring within him. “I–I guess I did.” He looked at the stone, then at Gladion, a shy smile gracing his lips. “Thanks, Gladion.”

Gladion returned his smile, a warmth spreading through Ash’s chest that had nothing to do with Aura. “Anytime, Ash.”

That afternoon, Queen Ilene led them on a tour of the palace's private gardens, a serene oasis filled with exotic plants and ancient sculptures. As they walked, she spoke of Sir Aaron, not as a distant legend, but as a man, full of conviction and sacrifice. She shared stories of his bond with Lucario, their unwavering loyalty, and the difficult choices they had to make. Ash listened intently, a knot forming in his stomach. He felt a profound connection to their story, a chilling echo of his own experience.

“Sir Aaron’s sacrifice was immense,” Ilene said, her voice soft. “He chose to save Rota, even if it meant leaving behind his closest friend. That kind of burden… it is not easily carried.” She paused, her gaze resting on Ash for a moment, a knowing look in her eyes. “But true strength lies not in avoiding pain, but in carrying it with grace, and learning to live with the echoes it leaves behind.”

Ash swallowed, the words hitting home with painful accuracy. He felt exposed, as if the Queen could see right through him, into the darkest corners of his guilt. He clenched his fists, forcing himself to breathe. He had to be strong. For Lucario. For everyone.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long, purple shadows across the garden, Ilene led them to a hidden grotto. A statue of Sir Aaron and Lucario stood at its center, bathed in the fading light. Their poses were solemn, reflective. Ash approached it slowly, Pikachu on his shoulder, his heart aching. He reached out, his fingers brushing against the cold stone of Lucario’s paw.

“They say that on the night before the Aura Guardian Festival, if you stand before this statue and reflect on the legacy, you can feel the faint presence of their Aura,” Ilene explained, her voice barely a whisper. “A reminder of the bond that transcends even death.”

Ash closed his eyes, pressing his forehead against the cool stone. He focused, not just on the memory of Lucario, but on the feeling of his Aura, the echoes Elara had spoken of. He felt a surge of warmth, a bittersweet familiarity. It was fleeting, a mere whisper, but it was there. And with it, a profound sense of peace, however temporary.

He opened his eyes, a single tear tracing a path down his cheek. He wiped it away quickly, hoping no one had seen. But when he looked up, Gladion was standing beside him, his expression one of quiet empathy. He didn’t say anything, just stood there, a silent presence of support.

The rest of the class eventually dispersed, heading back to the palace, their voices a distant murmur. Ash and Gladion remained by the statue, the deepening twilight wrapping around them like a comforting cloak. The air grew cooler, and the stars began to prick through the darkening sky.

“It’s… powerful, isn’t it?” Gladion said, his voice low.

Ash nodded, still staring at the statue. “Yeah. It is.” He took a shaky breath. “I just… I wish I could have done more. For him.”

Gladion finally spoke the words Ash had longed to hear, the words that resonated with his own pain. “You did everything you could, Ash. You always do. Lucario knew that. He made his choice because he believed in you.”

Ash turned to Gladion, his eyes wide. It was the reassurance he desperately needed, spoken by the one person whose words truly mattered right now. He felt a deep, profound connection to Gladion, a bond that went beyond friendship, beyond rivals. It was a connection of shared understanding, of unspoken pain, and a quiet, budding hope. The fault lines were still there, deep within him, but with Gladion by his side, they didn't feel quite so terrifying anymore. Just maybe, he wasn’t as broken as he thought.

Chapter Text

Hey guys, so I’ve been sick this past week (*cough cough*) and I haven’t gotten the chance to write this next chapter, but I promise, I will try my best to make sure it’s out by next week. Hope u guys are enjoying this fic!

- AJ <3

Chapter Text

The day of the Aura Guardian Festival competition dawned, a perfect reflection of Rota’s vibrant spirit. The sky was a clear, brilliant blue, and the air thrummed with a different kind of energy—not the quiet, reflective hum of the night before, but the electric anticipation of a crowd. Banners fluttered from every pole, and the central stadium, a grand, ancient arena carved into the hillside, was packed with spectators. For the rest of the class, it was a day of excitement. For Ash, it was the final confrontation with his past.

He stood in the competitor’s waiting area, his blue and white traditional clothing feeling both familiar and heavy. Pikachu sat on his shoulder, his small body a steady, comforting weight. Across the arena floor, the competitors gathered, a mix of local Rota trainers and a few others who had traveled to partake in the festival’s most honored tradition. Ash saw Kiawe, Mallow, and Lana, all looking ready for battle, their Pokémon bristling with anticipation. Lillie, who wasn't competing, was in the stands with Sophocles, both of them cheering loudly.

Just then, he felt a familiar presence. Gladion approached, his expression a mix of seriousness and something Ash could only describe as protective. He wasn’t competing either, but he had insisted on being close by. “You okay?” he asked, his voice low and for Ash alone.

Ash managed a faint smile. “As okay as I can be, I guess.” He watched a trainer send out a Scyther, the Bug-type Pokémon's blades glinting in the morning sun. “It’s weird. Being here. Competing in this again.”

Gladion nodded. He looked at Ash, his eyes searching. “You don’t have to do this, you know. You can walk away.”

“I can’t,” Ash said, the words coming out in a rush of honesty. “I have to face it. The last time… I ran. I let Lucario die for me. I’m not running this time.” Silence and understanding hung heavy in the air between them.

Finally, Queen Ilene took the stage, her voice echoing through the stadium. “Welcome, trainers and spectators, to the annual Aura Guardian Festival! This tournament is not merely a test of strength, but a celebration of the bond between human and Pokémon, a testament to the legacy of Sir Aaron and his noble partner, Lucario. Let the battles begin!”

Ash’s first few matches were almost a blur. He battled on instinct, his mind a whirlwind of memories and anxiety, but his body moved with the muscle memory of a true Pokémon master. He and Pikachu were an unstoppable force, a whirlwind of speed and lightning, easily advancing through the early rounds. Each victory was met with cheers from his classmates, their faces a sea of support in the crowded stands. But the guilt still gnawed at him. He was using the very power that came from Lucario’s sacrifice, a power he felt he didn’t deserve.

Between rounds, he found Gladion waiting for him near the competitor's entrance. “You’re incredible,” Gladion said, a look of genuine admiration on his face. “Pikachu and you… you’re in sync like I’ve never seen before.”

“Thanks,” Ash murmured, but his gaze was fixed on the stained-glass window of Sir Aaron and Lucario that was visible from the stadium. “I just… I feel like I'm a fraud. This power… it’s his, not mine. I shouldn’t have it.”

Gladion’s hand landed gently on his shoulder, a steady, grounding touch that sent a jolt through Ash. “Listen to me,” Gladion said, his voice firm but kind. “Lucario chose you. He chose to give his Aura to you because he saw something in you, Ash. He saw the same heart and courage that Sir Aaron saw. You’re not a fraud. You’re a legacy.”

The words struck Ash with the force of a Gigavolt Havoc. A legacy. Not a failure. Not a fraud. The cold knot in his stomach loosened just a little. He looked at Gladion, truly seeing him, seeing the fierce sincerity in his eyes. “Gladion, I need to tell you something. I—”

Suddenly, a voice boomed over the intercom. “Ash Ketchum! Report to the main arena for your finals match!”

Ash took a deep breath, the comforting pressure of Gladion’s hand still on his shoulder. “I have to go.”

“Tell me after you win. I’ll be right here,” Gladion promised, squeezing his shoulder one last time before letting go.

Ash nodded, feeling a strange mix of dread and resolve. He walked into the arena, Pikachu on his shoulder, ready to face his opponent. It was a red-headed boy from the Kalos Region with a mega-evolved Lucario, and Ash’s breath hitched. Suddenly, he was trapped in a whirlwind of thoughts, and he was back at the Tree of Beginning, watching helplessly as Lucario faded away in front of him. He started taking in short, gasping breaths, unable to focus, but then, he heard a calm voice cut through his thoughts.

“Trust in yourself, Ash. You are their legacy!” 

And it was like a switch had flipped. Regulating his breathing, Ash took up a stance and yelled out, “Pikachu! Get ready! We’re going all in!” Thus, the battle began. It was intense, a true clash of wills. Lucario’s defenses were formidable, and its attacks were relentless, but Ash and Pikachu, fueled by Gladion’s words and a newfound sense of purpose, fought with a clarity that Ash hadn’t felt in years. They weren’t just fighting to win. They were fighting to honor a legacy. Pikachu's quick, precise movements and devastating Z-Move finally broke through Lucario’s defenses, and Ash had won.

The roar of the crowd was deafening, but all Ash could hear was a different kind of voice in his head, a voice that was finally, blessedly, quiet. The crushing guilt had been replaced by a quiet determination. He was still carrying the burden of Lucario’s sacrifice, but now it felt less like a weight and more like a purpose. One that he had to be worthy of.

After the match, he was mobbed by his classmates, all of them congratulating him on his hard-fought victory. He managed a genuine smile, but his eyes were searching for Gladion in the sea of faces. He found him standing a little apart from the others, a small, proud smile on his face. Ash excused himself from his friends and walked over to him.

“You were amazing,” Gladion said the moment Ash was in earshot. “You really showed them the spirit of a true Aura Guardian.”

“That’s… what I’m trying to do,” Ash admitted, feeling his cheeks heat up slightly. “Thank you. For what you said earlier. It helped. More than you know.”

Gladion just smiled, a soft, easy smile that made Ash’s heart do a strange flip. “You’re welcome, Ash. I’m just telling the truth.”

“Gladion, about what I was saying before… I– You’ve helped me so much, and I don’t know where I’d be without you, because I can’t be without you, Gladion. A-And you mean so much to me and I’ve realized that when I’m with you everything just feels right , and–” Gladion’s eyes widened. “What I’m trying to say is… I really like you!” There was a moment of silence as Gladion tried to process what Ash had just said, but he must have been silent for too long, because Ash had begun rambling again. “Ack! I’m so sorry, I understand if you don’t feel the same, it’s just that I–” And suddenly, Ash couldn’t speak, because the next thing he knew, Gladion had closed the space between them, and they were kissing . It was soft, and kind, and everything was perfect.

When Gladion pulled away, Ash gently opened his eyes, only to be looking into Gladion’s beautiful green eyes as he rested a hand on Ash’s cheek. “I really like you too, Ash.” 

Ash’s heart throbbed with the weight of everything he’d faced. The pain, the guilt, the fear. But when he looked at Gladion’s loving eyes, all he felt was happiness and… love . Ash smiled, small but real, and for the first time in a long while, he felt the shadows inside him disappear, and made way for the light.

And finally, Ash got his happy ending. At least, until his next adventure begins. Maybe I’ll end up telling you guys other stories of his until–

“*******, ꀷꊿ ꋖꁝꑀꐔ ꑀ꒦ꑀꃔ ꈵꃔꊿꅐ ꅐꁝꊿ ꐔꊿꌈ ꁲꌅꑀ ꐔꑀꋖ?” 

Did I never introduce myself? Did you think this whole thing was narrated by the author the whole time? Sorry to disappoint, but seeing as Ash has been throwing himself into guilt over my death for so long, I kinda expected you guys to figure it out. The author has just been giving me a script of what to say. Honestly, I was a little bit hurt by the way she portrayed me in Ash’s nightmare back in Chapter (* flips through script* ) 6. Not cool. But anyways, you might know me as Sir Aaron’s Lucario, AKA, your wonderful narrator for Ash’s story, and the guy who reminded me to introduce myself was none other than Sir Aaron himself. You could say that our Aura vestige… things… have been looking out for Ash for a while. For now, though, why don’t we give Ash a well-deserved break? As the journey continues!