Disclaimer: - I, SSG-Goku3397, do not own Pokémon. It all belongs to GameFreak and Nintendo. The only thing that I do own is the plot of this story and OC's that are present within the story.

'Thoughts'

"Speech"

Attacks (Pokémon/Aura Based)

Pokédex

'Pokéthoughts'

"Telepathic Speech / Aura Translation of Pokéspeech"

Epilogue

Ash approached Diantha with a grin and offered his hand. Diantha looked at the proffered hand for a moment before smiling and shaking it. "Congratulations Ash. I had hoped that Gardevoir would have been able to take down your final Pokémon and then would face off against Pikachu, but it seems that your Gyarados was far stronger than I expected. You have trained your Pokémon well."

"Thanks for the compliment Diantha, but you and your Pokémon put up quite the fight as well. Your Gardevoir isn't used to Mega Evolution yet, is she?"

Diantha grimaced, "That's right Ash. How did you know?"

"She got exhausted far too quickly for an experienced Pokémon. Pidgeot is still not really used to Mega Evolution as well. Anyway, we better get out of here before the press starts hounding us. Besides, we need to have our Pokémon healed as well, so shall we milady?" Ash said offering his arm with a smirk.

Diantha looked confused for a moment before she humored Ash by locking arms with him. Both had already returned their Pokémon, with Pikachu sitting on Ash's shoulder. Before the girl could even blink, she found herself warped away from the stadium and into the Pokémon Center Lobby, right beside the reception desk.

Diantha looked at Ash in shock as she stuttered out, "You're a psychic?"

Ash nodded, not understanding Diantha's reaction. Diantha gaped at the nonchalant behavior before commenting, "You went easy on me, didn't you? You didn't use your psychic powers to telepathically order your Pokémon, not until you faced off against Gardevoir, but Gardevoir and I can communicate with only our eyes, so we were even there."

"Ah – I see where you are going with this. I don't use telepathy to command my Pokémon to give a bit of a fair chance to my opponent. Here you go Nurse Joy." Ash said handing over Pikachu and five of his guardian balls to Nurse Joy. At the same time, Diantha handed over all six of her own Pokémon.

"They will be completely healed within the hour. You may wait at the longue, or come back later!" Nurse Joy said as she handed the two trays of pokéballs and Pikachu to a Chansey standing beside her. Ash and Diantha nodded before walking over to the lounge area. They took a seat at one of the large sofas and waited. As they waited, the former opponents discussed their theories on training Pokémon and the pros and cons on training a particular team.

Fifteen minutes into their discussion, Lily, Delia and the rest of Ash's friends along with Sylvia, Cynthia and Lance walked into the lounge and spotting them, walked forward with grins on their faces. The first to speak was Lance. "Congratulations you two. That was one of the best battles I have seen in a long time outside the Champions League Battles. Ash, I and the rest of the Kanto Elite Four are ready for your challenge whenever you like. We all hope to have great battles like the one between you and Silvia here and the one between you and Diantha!"

"Thanks Lance. I am sure that in three months, our battles will be as legendary as the one between my father and Blue Oak."

"Your father is the legendary Red?" Cynthia asked, her face sporting a shocked expression.

"That's right. Richard Ketchum was my father. His childhood nickname was Red as he loved wearing red. Let me tell you, red is a shocking choice for an aura guardian, though he was only an adept when he was a child." Ash said with a sad smile.

Cynthia grimaced and said, "Sorry. Didn't mean to dredge up bad memories."

"Don't worry about it. I never got a chance to know him, besides he died a Hero. He and his team of thirty-six Pokémon died saving Pacifidlog Town from a massive tidal wave. Even with thirty-seven aura adepts, it is suicidal to conjure a barrier that can save a whole Town like that."

"We both are very proud of him dear. I never begrudged Red for leaving me alone to raise Ash." Delia said placing a comforting hand on Cynthia's shoulder.

"So. We train for the next three months, right Ash?" Clio said with a grin. His Alolan Marowak growled in agreement with his trainer's sentiment.

"That's right Clio. We are going to be spending the next three months training. Hey Professor Oak, can we get access to Mt Silver?" Ash asked with a pleading smile.

"You and Sylvia; I can allow, but I am not too sure about allowing Misty, Leaf and Clio access. Not without them going through the standard procedure to get the permission." Oak said with a sad smile.

"Why do you wish to train on Mt Silver, Ash? If you want a place away from civilization, but still close, you can travel to the Orange Archipelago. They even have an unofficial Mini-League there. Charles has been talking about making it an Official Mini-League soon as well. The present Champion is quite strong, low-tier Elite Level."

Ash nodded before looking at his friends. Each of them nodded in agreement causing Ash to turn back to Lance and say, "Thanks for the suggestion Lance. I think travelling around an archipelago will be better for our training than the harsh conditions on Mt Silver."

"You are going to leave immediately after return home, aren't you?" Cynthia asked with a knowing grin.

"The same thing you would do no doubt. The path to become a regional champion isn't easy; but you already know that, don't you Cynthia?" Ash said with a teasing grin.

Cynthia flushed causing Lily to narrow her eyes at the Sinnoh Champion before focusing her aura sight on the girl. Seeing the resonance between Ash and Cynthia, Lily's face took on a calculative look. Oh, how she will tease Ash later, especially since Ash had almost certainly already felt the resonance.

Diantha finally spoke up, "We meet again Cynthia!"

Cynthia narrowed her eyes as she turned to Diantha with a fierce expression. "Diantha, it seems that you lost another final. Are you sure that you will be able to become a Regional Champion in our life times?"

The suddenly hostile atmosphere caused everyone to raise an eyebrow. Delia was the first to realize what was happening. It seems that Cynthia and Diantha had a fierce rivalry. Delia giggled and commented, "Now this is a rivalry that can rival the one between Red and Blue, don't you say Professor?"

Professor Oak replied with a chuckle, "That I do Delia. If they were here with us, they would comment about seeing female versions of themselves!"

Both girls flushed at the teasing but glared defiantly at each other for a moment before Diantha commented, "You will see me crowned as the Kalos Champion next year! I can guarantee it!"

Cynthia glared at Diantha and said, "We shall see, won't we?"

"That's enough both of you. Keep the rivalry for the battle field!" Ash exclaimed with a commanding presence causing the bickering duo to quickly fall silent.

Sylvia leaned over to Leaf and whispered, "I see why he is the Grandmaster of the Order at such a young age. He is a natural leader, isn't he?"

"You are right there Sylvia. Look how easily he calmed these two. One of them is a Champion of her own region as well."

"What are you two whispering about?" Misty said over their shoulder, causing the duo to jump and Leaf to quickly say, "Nothing at all Misty. So are you excited to train in an archipelago? Think of all the beaches we can visit?"

Misty eyes started glowing with excitement as she squealed and said, "Don't forget about the water Pokémon! The beautiful creatures are the main reason I am excited! I read that Schools of Lapras travel through the Orange Archipelago every summer. I hope to catch one!"

Misty's squeal drew everyone's attention causing many of the gathered trainers to get intimidated when they saw Ash and the group surrounding him. Ash's own skill had made it difficult for many trainers to approach him, but with the presence of Sylvia, Diantha, Delia, Cynthia and Lance, none wanted to approach and disturb the group, even if many wanted nothing more than to introduce themselves to this distinguished group.

"Talking about Lapras? They are one of the best Ice/Water dual type Pokémon out there, especially if the specimen has Water Absorb as an ability. Then, you have to count their draconic characteristics. My own Lapras is quite strong after all!" Lance commented with a grin.

Misty nodded in agreement. "I always wanted one ever since I was a child, though I am also planning on catching a Magikarp soon. I wouldn't mind a Gyarados as well."

"I can already see a monster of a team in your future, Misty. Keep up your training. If Ash wins the Champions League, and you qualify to be in his Elite Four, then you will be considered the youngers recognized water type master in existence. That is a lofty goal to reach." Lance said with a grin.

"Stop psyching her out Lance!" Ash scolded causing Lance to chuckle.

"Alright, I was just having a bit of fun. Anyway, I better get going. I have a meeting with the Johto Elite Four in a couple of hours, not to mention, I still have to prepare for the Trophy Presentation. Come on Cynthia. I need to fill you in on the customs of the Kanto League!" Lance said grabbing Cynthia by the shoulder and pulled the protesting girl with him. Before Cynthia and Lance was out of earshot, Cynthia called out, "Sir Ketchum, Lucario and I accept your offer for my Lucario to receive training under the Order!"

"Then send her to Dr Kenshin. I will inform him and he will make the preparations."

Ash turned and saw that his friends were giving him strange looks. Lily was the one to ask the question floating about everyone's mind. "Ash, when did you offer her Lucario a chance to be trained in Aura Manipulation under the tutelage of the order?"

Ash rubbed the back of his head and said, "She came to ask me some questions on Final Heaven during the break. I saw the potential of her Lucario and thought I would offer them the choice to have Lucario refine her aura manipulation abilities."

Everyone nodded but Lily gained a teasing smirk and said, "And the high resonance between Ms. Shirona and your aura didn't factor into the decision, did it?"

"I don't know what you mean!" Ash exclaimed as a small pink flush appeared on his face.

"If I could pick up the resonance with my limited experience, I am sure that you knew right away Ash. I am not blaming you. We both know that the resonance only means that you both are highly compatible." Lily said with a serious expression before her face took on a teasing grin, "Though from prior experience, I am sure that you will become attracted to her. After all, two of your fiancée are blondes, what's another one."

"We don't know for sure. We could only end up as good friends as well Lily. You know that as well as I do. If it comes to that, then I will not complain, but right now, I am more interested in preparing for the stupid press conference, the awards ceremony and then training for the Champions League."

Lily shrugged as Diantha leaned towards Delia and asked, "Why does Ash have two fiancées? Isn't that illegal?"

"Normally you would be right Diantha, but male Royalty are still allowed to practice polygamy. Besides, Ash it is an archaic rule of the Order. Any Guardians who are classified at Class A or higher are required to take multiple wives. It was found that children of Aura Adepts tended to be Adepts as well, and powerful lineage gave birth to some of the most powerful Guardians in history." Delia said with a grin.

Diantha nodded in understanding and asked, "How are you taking this so well? I thought that as a woman, you would find it a bit repulsive?"

Delia giggled and said, "Other than me, Richard was engaged to two others. Unfortunately, Tabitha died in an accident before they could marry and Loraine was a Guardian herself. She sacrificed her life to save me, when I was pregnant with Ash. Richard had just died causing some of his enemies to attack me while I was indisposed. Loraine's death hit me hard as I later found out that she was three months pregnant. I have gotten over it, but decided not to tell Ash about the loss of his little sister."

"You have moved on for his sake, haven't you?"

Delia nodded causing Dinatha to smile and say, "That's something alright. I wonder if I would ever have such a strength." Seeing Delia's inquisitive stare, Diantha elaborated, "I have commitment issues. I am afraid of being used. It has happened to me before, and–"

"—and you don't wish for a repeat incident. Diantha, let me give you an advice. Don't let the past affect your judgement. It will only lead you towards despair. You are a strong girl and I am sure that you will grow up to be an even stronger woman. Just believe in yourself and your Pokémon, and that will lead you on to greatness."

Diantha nodded in gratitude just as Nurse Joy's voice rang out through the intercom. "Will trainers Diantha Carnet and Ash Ketchum please come to the reception desk? Your Pokémon are completely healed and ready to be picked up!"

"Well, that was quick!" Diantha exclaimed as everyone agreed. None of them expected their Pokémon to be healed so quickly.

Ash, Diantha and Sylvia stood on a podium in the middle of the Indigo Stadium. The podium was designed with three separate platforms of different heights. On the tallest platform stood Ash with Pikachu on his shoulder and Angel sitting at his feet. On the second tallest platform, on Ash's left, stood Dinatha with her Gardevoir. On the shortest platform, Sylvia stood with her Sylveon at her feet. Behind them, the crowd of defeated participants stood.

Charles Goodshow was addressing the crowd. "Welcome everyone to the ending ceremonies of this year's wonderful Indigo League Championship. I would like to thank all the 256 participants of this year's league for the awe-inspiring battles they showcased. Some better than others. Each and every single one of the 256 participants were aspiring for the coveted position of champion of this year's league. A position that comes with the equally coveted chance to challenge the Elite Four and the Champion of the Kanto Region. Out of the 256 participants, only three were able to stand out the brightest and of them, only the best was given the chance. So let us hear a round of applause for out three top trainers and all the participants for the entertainment they have given us."

A massive round of applause filled the stadium as each and every single person stood up and gave a standing ovation to the three top trainers and the rest of the participants, causing some of the more downcast ones to perk up at the acknowledgement. As the applause tapered down, Goodshow started speaking again, "Now to award the top three trainers!"

Everyone waited with bated breath as Goodshow took a bronze medal and walked forward towards the podium. "After strong deliberation, we award the position of third place to Sylvia D'amour from Alola!"

The crowd cheered as Goodshow placed the medal around Sylvia's neck before withdrawing and stating, "Congratulations Miss D'amour. It was bad luck that you weren't the only Elite level trainer in this year's competition. Better luck next year!"

"Thank you Mr. Goodshow." Sylvia said as he took the small bronze trophy from Lance and the commemorative plaque from Cynthia.

"I expect great things from you Sylvia. Keep up the good work. I am sure that your goal will be met!" Sylvia nodded in gratitude as Sylveon purred out in agreement while Cynthia just smiled encouragingly.

"Now, the position of second place is awarded to Diantha Carnet from the far off region of Kalos!"

The cheering and applause that filled the stadium caused a smile to form on Diantha's face as Goodshow placed the silver medal around her neck before stating, "Congratulations Miss Carnet. I believe that this was your fourth league. Don't let the outcome dishearten you, as you have a very good chance of winning. I expect to see you winning your next one."

"Thanks for the encouragement Mr. Goodshow, but I can assure you that I will win the next one. The Kalos Championship to be exact!" Diantha said with a confident grin causing Goodshow to nod and chuckle as Lance handed over the larger silver trophy. When Cynthia was handing over the plaque, both girls glared at each other for a moment before Cynthia moved away with a huff.

"Finally, the one we have been waiting for. The person who just set the record for being the youngest trainer to win a Pokémon league. I give you Sir Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town, Kanto!" Goodshow exclaimed as he placed the gold medal around Ash's neck. While Goodshow was placing the medal, the crowd had stood up and was giving a massive standing ovation to Ash. The sound created by the claps were sending shockwaves through the very bones of everyone present.

"Ash, I would love it if you took over as Kanto Regional Champion. The post has been empty for too long. Lance is a good substitute, but even he has limits."

Lance chuckled at the not so subtle hit towards his extremely busy schedule as he handed over the large gold trophy to Ash and said, "Charles has been every sad since Blue and Red passed away. With them gone, Kanto had lost a lot of her strength."

"I can understand that Lance and thank you for the encouragement Mr. Goodshow. I will be sure to honor your request. Come the end of this summer, there will be a new Kanto Champion and Elite Four!" Ash declared causing Goodshow and Lance to nod with a smile.

"Congratulations one again Ash. What does it feel like to become the youngest person to become a league champion?" Cynthia asked with a teasing smile.

"You should know, as you held the record before me!" Ash teased right back as he took commemorative plaque from the blonde Sinnoh Champion." Cynthia grinned before stepping back to stand with Goodshow and Lance.

"Now for the rest of the participants, this commemorative badge will be their consolation prize for not making it to the top three positions. Everyone, don't lose heart, for there is always next year. With that, I bid all of you good night and enjoy the celebratory fireworks!"

The crowd and even the gathered trainers cheered at the fireworks display. Pokémon faces of man of the local Kanto Pokémon and some of the foreign Pokémon were abound. As everyone was distracted by the fireworks, Goodshow quietly informed Ash, Diantha and Sylvia of a Press Conference that was going to happen right after the ceremony ended.

Goodshow, Cynthia and Lance was sitting on the left side of a large table while Dr. Kenshin, Professor Oak and Professor Kuikui were sitting on the right. In the middle of the table; Ash, Diantha and Sylvia sat in the middle. The table was situated on a raised platform. In front of the group, a massive collection of reporters sat on folding chairs. Behind the reporters were the camera crews.

Goodshow was the first to speak. "Welcome everyone. Now we are short on time, so I must insist that each trainer only be asked at most ten questions. Please only ask relevant questions so as to not waste time. Now proceed."

"Sir Ketchum, Gabriella Newman, just call me Gabby. I am with TV Mauville, Hoenn. You have just made world history in becoming the youngest League Champion at the age of eleven. How do you feel?"

"To tell you the truth Gabby, I am also the youngest Grand Master of the Order, so this isn't a very strange position for me. I am not even interested in the fact that I am the youngest. The only thing that matters is that I was able to achieve my and my Pokémon's goal. All of us targeted to win this league and we did."

Gabby nodded as she noted it down. At the same time, a man stood up and said, "Matt Sterling, Kalos Now. Miss D'amour, are you by chance related to the famous actor Jean D'amour?"

"That's right. He is my uncle. My parents moved to Alola when I was one as they decided to start up a Popplio breeding farm. In fact, my precious Primarina came from that farm. I had hand raised her myself."

A woman with fiery red hair stood up, "Alicia Roland from Galar Times. Ms. Carnet, from what I know, you were the runner up to last year's Sinnoh League as well, losing to the present Sinnoh Regional Champion, Cynthia. What are your thoughts to your latest loss?"

"A good question Ms. Roland. To answer your question, I am quite pleased with the loss. It showed that I and my Pokémon are close. In fact, my Kalos Gym Badges are valid for one more year, so I plan to take that time to train and then win next year's Kalos League." Diantha said with confidence.

A green haired woman stood up, "Jennifer Haley from Kanto News. Ash, what are you plans now? Are you going to take the Champions League Challenge immediately or in the near future?"

"Good question Jen and to answer you, I plan to train the rest of summer before taking the Champions League Challenge."

"Sir Ketchum, Damien Jameson from Castelia News Network. Where do you plan to train? And what are your plans with the Eilte Four, if you become the new Kanto Champion?" A well-built man with short black hair asked.

"Mr. Jameson, for the record, I would like to announce that Four Agatha and Lorelei of the Elite Four are planning to retire soon. I would also like to state for the record that Bruno and I would prefer to hand over the reins of the Kanto Region to worthy successors. We have informed Ash of this and he already has replacements in mind to make sure that Kanto is protected. Ash, you can now answer the question."

"Thank you Lance. To answer your question Mr. Jameson, in the event that I become the new Kanto Regional Champion, I already have my Elite Four candidates shortlisted. I will now announce the names of my candidates. First is Ms. Sylvia D'amour, the only Fairy Type specialist who I know is at Elite Level. The next is Ms. Leaf Miles from Pallet Town. She is a specialist in Grass Types and I believe that by the end of the Summer, she and her Pokémon will also be Elite Level. The next is Mr. Clio Valdez, also from Pallet Town. He specializes in Fire Types. I am sure that many know of the Sensational Waterflower Sisters of Cerulean. The next candidate is the youngest sister and the best battler amongst them. Ms. Misty Waterflower, who is obviously a Water Type specialist. The final candidate I have in mind is Mr. Brock Stone, a Rock Type Specialist and the former Pewter City Gym Leader. I am sure that may will recognize his cousin Mr. Steven Stone, Steel Type Master and former Hoenn Regional Champion. Throughout the summer, all of us and our Pokémon are going to undergo intense training in preparation of the time I win the Champions League Challenge and am crowned the new Kanto Regional Champion. As for where we plan to train, I believe that the Orange Islands are a good place to visit during the summers."

"Thomas Hardy, Galar Times. Sir Ketchum, you act as if you are assured to become the next Kanto Champion. Why is that?"

"Simple Mr. Hardy. I am being optimistic. For us Aura Guardians, our emotions taint our aura. We tend to keep away from negative thoughts and emotions to prevent corruption of our auras. Besides it is always wise to hope for the best and plan for the worst. I am just following that advise."

After that, the questions started being directed to the Professors, Charles, Lance and Cynthia, leaving the top three participants to wait for the Press Conference to end.

Ash, Lily, Misty, Brock, Leaf, Clio and Sylvia had just walked into an opulent palace when a maid rushed up to them. Before anyone could even greet her, the maid bowed to Ash and said, "Your Highness, Milady the Queen wishes a meeting with you and your companions immediately!"

"Thank you Maria, you may go. Have Guest Rooms ready for my friends in the East Wing."

"As you wish sir." With another bow, the woman rushed away to fulfill Ash's orders.

"Come on guys. We are heading to the North Wing, and it is a bit of a walk from here. Ilene rarely summons anyone, so it is best to not keep her waiting." Ash said as he walked down a corridor in a brisk pace with his friends following behind him.

"Ash? If it is so urgent, why aren't you teleporting us there?" Misty asked with confusion.

"Don't you know that it is impolite to teleport into a lady's chamber!" Ferrum said emerging from his pokéball causing Misty to blush at her blunder. "Father, I am going to go check up with Grand Master Lucario. I want to check up on something."

"Make sure that you are in the dining hall come dinner time Ferrum. And tell Lucario to call a general meeting of all present Guardians and Squires tomorrow at noon. I think it is time that we introduce ourselves."

Ferrum nodded before he took a left and vanished down the corridor. After that, the group kept walking through the corridors, with Ash nodding in greeting to the occasional guards until nearly fifteen minutes later, the group finally found themselves in front of a pair of large ornate doors. Without even knocking, Ash pushed the doors open and motioned for his friends to get in before entering himself and closing the doors.

Misty, Lily, Leaf and Silvia were looking on in amazement at the opulence of the large antechamber they found themselves in while Clio and Brock stared at the large portraits of Sir Aaron, Queen Rin, Sir Harold and Queen Melina.

"Impressive aren't they?" Ilene said walking up to the group with Layla, Delia and Sabrian beside her.

The six just nodded their heads as Ash turned around and hugged Ilene, stating, "It is good to see you again Sis. I was sad that you were unable to stay and watch the whole Indigo League."

Ilene chuckled as he hugged Ash closer before saying, "Good to see you as well Ash, and congratulations on winning the Indigo League. I would have loved to be present for the whole tournament but ruling Rota got in the way."

Ash let go of Ilene and said with a smile, "Don't worry about it. I understand that duty is to be placed above pleasure. You did catch the last three rounds on TV right?"

"Of course I did, as did Lucario, though he was grumbling that you underestimated Sylvia's Primarina too much. Better be careful, I think you are in for a lecture." Ilene teased with a smile.

"By lecture, you mean an all-out spar, right?" Ilene nodded before saying, "Don't destroy the east garden again Ash. I don't want to waste funds repairing it again."

"One time I get carried away, and she never lets me live it down." Ash grumbled causing Sabrian to quip, "Well, you did destroy one of the most opulent gardens in the Palace. I am sure that even a Slaking would be annoyed."

Ilene ignored Ash and Sabrian as she turned to Ash's friends and said, "Forgive me but I don't think I have the pleasure of meeting your acquaintance. I am Queen Ilene and welcome to my beautiful country of Rota. I hope that you find your stay here appealing."

"Knight Third Class, Lily White at your service Lady Ilene!" Lily said bowing to Ilene causing the woman to smirk and say, "No need to bow outside formal occasions Lily. Besides, you are dating my cousin. You are practically family. Just call me Ilene, or sis, what every you prefer."

Lily nodded with a smile and said, "It would be my honor Ilene."

"Leaf Miles, Grass Type Specialist!"

"Clio Valdez, Fire Master in training!"

"Brock Stone, Pokémon Breeder Trainee and Rock Type Specialist!"

"Sylvia D'amour, Mistress of the Fairies!"

"Misty Waterflower, Future Mistress of the Water Types!"

Together the five bowed and said, "Pleasure to meet your acquaintance!"

Ilene nodded before clearing her throat to gain everyone's attention. "There will be a ball next evening in honor of Ash's victory. After that, I believe that all of you will be heading out to train in the Orange Archipelago. I have a few gifts of each of you, so please meet me before you leave. That all. Enjoy your stay in Rota. You have access to most of the Palace, just ask directions to any particular place and the guards or servants will show you the way. I am sure that I don't have to tell you that places that are off-limits are heavily guarded and the guards will turn you away."

"Thank you Ilene. We will be sure to enjoy your hospitality. Besides, in the near future, I will become quite a familiar face in Rota. This will be good time to get accustomed to the Palace and the Order HQ." Lily said causing Ilene to smile and nod.

"Ilene, when is dinner?" Ash asked as his and Pikachu's stomachs grumbled causing everyone to chuckle.

"Soon Ash, why don't you freshen up and meet us at the Dining Hall. Layla, please have Misty, Sylvia, Leaf, Lily, Clio and Brock escorted to their rooms. I believe that Ash has asked for their rooms to be in the East Wing, right?"

"Yeah, that's right. That's the place for friends, extended family and foreign dignitaries, right?" Ash asked with a sheepish expression.

Ilene sighed and said, "You really need to learn the protocols Ash. Making a mistake in front of a possible hostile dignitary can have fatal consequences!"

"She is right Ash. You should have already had these protocols memorized!" Delia scolded causing Ash to nervously chuckle and say, "I will take a quick review then."

Before anyone else could scold him, Ash and Pikachu bid their goodbyes and teleported out of the chamber leaving behind his irritated mother and exasperated cousins. After a few moments, Sabrina commented, "He never learns, does he?"

"I sometimes worry about the future of the resurrected Order." Ilene said before perking up and stating, "Luckily, Grand Master Lucario, Master Kenway and Master Brunner are the ones who handle the day to day administration."

Lily commented with an uncertain tone, "This is Ash. I am sure that he will learn… hopefully?"

Everyone shook their heads at the girl's comment before getting ready for the dinner.

"Welcome everyone to this fine ball I am hosting in honor of my cousin's grand performance in this year's Indigo League Conference. I would like to propose a toast to my cousin, Ash and his team of Pokémon for their stellar performance. To Ash and his Pokémon, may they seldom face the bitter pill of defeat!" Ilene said raising a glass of nonalcoholic apple cider. With her, the adults raised their own glasses of red wine while the underage trainers and children raised apple ciders.

Ash was sitting in the large ornate throne of the Master Guardian beside Ilene's own throne, smiling, though if one focused enough, they would see the slight embarrassed blush he was sporting. Beside him, Pikachu was guzzling down a bottle of ketchup, while Ferrum and Lucario just watched the spectacle with curiosity.

"Now, I declare the ball at an end! Good night to all of you, and thank you for coming to celebrate this fine moment with my family!" Ilene said bringing the ball to a close. It was nearing midnight and everyone was heading towards bed. Ilene had invited most of the nobility near Rota along with some of the most influential people in the world, well those who would care and would be able to arrive on such short notice.

During the night, Ash was forced to dance with multiple of his friends, his mom, Ilene and even Sabrina, which shocked some as Sabrina didn't look like the girl who liked to dance. When Ilene teased the young Psychic Mistress, Ash had to chuckle at the girl's answer. Who would have thought that Erika would have rubbed off on her? Still, Ash was curious to the relationship between the Celadon Gym Leader and his cousin.

While everyone went off to bed; Ash, Lily, Ferrum and Lucario went through a secret passage and came out in a massive underground meeting chamber lit up by the aura crystal growths. In the far end of the chamber was a raised dais and on the dais were arranges twenty seats. On three of these seats, three men sat, all of whom Lily immediately identified. Master Jason Brunner, Master Connor Kenway and Master Jonas Reed, though two were glowing with a faint blue aura.

"Grand Master Lucario, Grand Master Ketchum, Knight Ferrum and Adept White, I was wondering when you four would be getting here. It is quite late." Reed said with a grin.

"Can it Reed. You knew that the ball would be long. Adept White, you look stunning in that gown. Did milady give it to you?" Kenway asked with a smile.

Lily blushed at the praise. Her gown was a simple yet stunning number with a light pink net embroidered with star shaped mother-of-pearls. The gown was sleeveless with a thin waist line before the gown flowed into a bell like shape. The gown material was the finest of silk and was dyed in a dark rose pink gradation. Her feet were adorned by pink kitten heels with a pearlescent gleam. Her vibrant blonde hair was cut into layers giving the illusion of a feathery texture. On her neck lied a stunning pendant made for auracite, the same crystals that were produced by the Tree of Beginning, carved into three teardrops with the middle one being large than the side ones. All three were glowing with an ethereal bluish green glow. Her ears were adorned by teardrop shaped auracite crystals glowing with the same ethereal bluish green glow. White silk elbow length gloves. Her face was lightly contoured, with light pink blush applied to the upper cheeks. A light mascara was applied to her eyelashes giving the illusion of increased volume. Her lips were highlighted by a gentle pink glossy gradient.

Lily curtsied to Kenway and said, "Thank you for the compliment Master Kenway, but I must correct your assumption. This was a gift from Lady Delia on the occasion of my getting bonded to the Grand Master."

Kenway hummed as Ash, Ferrum and Lucario took their seats. "I see. Anyway, you are here because your unique skills in the healing arts. We ask that you train them and then take your Masters Certification as soon as possible. We are sorely lacking a master in the healing arts."

"I will strive to meet your expectations Master Kenway. If there are no other business you have with me, may I now be excused?" Lily asked a bit awed at the high expectations.

"You are excused Adept White." Lucario stated causing the girl to bow and leave the chamber.

After Lily was gone, Reed turned to Ash and said, "I have alarming news Ash."

"What have you discovered Jonas? Please don't tell me that the Brotherhood is still active!"

"I don't know for sure but I have found pockets of unfiltered shadow aura and signs of shadows in some of the more remote parts of Johto. I need you to here as soon as you can, and if possible, please send reinforcements. We need to investigate this thoroughly."

Ash, Connor, Jason, Ferrum and Lucario nodded before Lucario stated, "I believe that my squire shall be ready to become an adept by the end of summer. She has a propensity for the offensive arts, so I believe that she would be a fine choice. Aren't you going to be heading to Johto after the summer as well Ash?"

"I am. Hold on till then Jonas. I will meet up with you at Goldenrod City. I will let you know when. If something happens before summers end, don't hesitate to call on us. What you have come across is something I hope is just a fluke."

"As do I Ash. As do I. I will be going now. I need to meet up with a probable recruit. With your leave Grand Masters, I bid you farewell." Jonas said as Ash and Lucario nodded in dismissal. Jonas faded away in a flash of blue light.

"This is worrisome news. Hopefully, it will be wild swanna chase. Goodnight!" Brunner said as he vanished in blue light as well leaving two Ash, Connor, Lucario and Ferrum to steam in their thoughts.

"Ash, thanks for agreeing to pick up the artefact for me. You will find Professor Ivy's lab on Valencia Island. She will be expecting you."

"Don't worry Professor Oak. I will ferry it to you, safe and sound. See you in three months!" Ash said as he walked into the Zeppelin, his friends already seated.

As the Zeppelin rose into the air, Professor Oak, Delia and Sabrina watched with smiles as Ash and his friend went off on another adventure. This time, to get stronger and hopefully take the thrones of Kanto Regional Champion and Elite Four.

A/N: Here you go guys... and gals. The Final Chapter of Pokemon Masters Path. It has been a good run and I wish to thank all my fans for their support. I know that many weren't expecting such an ending to the story, but fear not, for in a few months, a new story will be up, 'Pokemon Masters Path - Champion Ascension'. It will handle the Orange Islands Arc and the Champions League Arc, so keep an eye out.

SSG out!