Jhoto

Casey looked around, "It says we could collect Legendary Pokemon's scale, fur, tooth, etc, but I do not know if I want or am ready to run into them."

Meganium, "Nium?"

Ampharos, "Ampha."

Casey, "I am alright, don't worry."

Jolteon frowned beside her but did not refute instead sitting beside her to give her silent comfort. Meganium muttered under her breath about unlucky Aura users that made Ampharos sweat drop but he did not deny it. It was pretty common knowledge among the Pokemon that Legendary level Pokemon always searched Aura users out, either for missions or company. So far, most of the Legendary Pokemon they ran into required them to help out with missions nothing more. At least, the ones they ran into and no Legendary Pokemon has so far demanded company.

Max looked back, "That was weird."

Gou, "What's wrong?"

Max, "I thought I saw someone follow Ash to the bathroom. I could be wrong."

Gou, "Gengar would not allow anyone to sneak up on Ash."

Brock, "Who is sneaking up on Ash?"

Max, "Brock, you are here. I thought I saw someone or something follow Ash. I could be wrong of course."

Brock frowned, "Maybe but it is better to stay safe than sorry. Gou, could you go and make sure Ash is alright. I will ping out in the mean time."

Gou, "Yeah, I will do that."

Brock pinged his card out for the day, "It is most likely nothing but better safe than sorry."

Max nodded in agreement, "Yeah, ready for the festival?"

Brock smiled, "It has been a while since we enjoyed a festival. I believe it is The Hooh full moon festival."

Max, "Yes, it is pretty important and it is celebrated all over Jhoto, right?"

Brock, "Yes, it is. It is to celebrate the other unknown abilities Hooh have. The ability of rebirth after death."

Max, "That is more under non - attack abilities right?"

Brock, "Right."

Gou found the bathroom stall, "Ash, you done yet? Brock has finished his round at the Pokemon center..... Hey, what are you doing here?"

Marshadow looked at Gou then back at Ash, -I will see you at the temple.-

Ash, "Alright."

Gou watched the shadow Pokemon disappear, "Ash, what the hell was that?"

Lucario, -Marshadow approached us with a request.-

Cinderace, "Ace cin?"

Ash, "The festival requires a Priest or a Priestess to perform at prosperity ritual."

Gou, "A ritual? Why you though? Wait, is it because you are a... "

Ash, "Most likely yes."

Gengar was frowning, "Gengar geng gengar."

Pikachu nodded, "Pika pika pikachu."

Lucario, -I understand your reluctance on the matter but Marshadow does not seem like the other Legendaries. I don't think he will pull anything dangerous.-

Ash, "Come on! Let's go meet the others first and then talk."

Gou, "Are you sure you are alright?"

Ash, "Yes, Marshadow did not do anything bad to us."

Gou, "Well, you never know. Especially with everything that happened to them because of people like Team Rocket. It stands to reason they will want a little payback. I just worry they will target you in anger."

Ash, "I understand. Anger can blind humans and Pokemon very easily. Mew knows I lost my own temper many times ever since the incident in Lavender town."

Lucario, -And with good reason too. What happened to that child was horrible.-

Gengar nodded, "Gar geng gengar."

Ash pat his ghost Pokemon's head, "I know buddy."

Casey, "Houndoom? What are you doing?"

Houndoom, "Ooom."

Casey went to where her newly evolved Pokemon was sniffing, "What is that? Oh, we are not alone."

Meganium growled, "Meganium."

Casey looked around the area and motioned at her Pokemon to hide while she climbed up a tree and hid there. Before they left for the second part of the test they had been warned they were entering a wild area which was also a reserve. This meant there was a chance that they might run into unwanted people like poachers, Team Rocket or heaven forbid hunters. Casey narrowed her eyes at the broken trap, they would not leave a trap behind which means there was a hurt Pokemon and one of the three unwanted bastards around. This could get dirty anytime soon and she would have to really consider her options over this.

Meganium nudged Ampharos who looked at where Meganium was pointing and saw the Pokemon foot prints. Casey nodded at them and started to follow the prints left behind while Casey moved from branch to branch keeping an eye out for trouble. Meganium looked ahead and hissed quietly at the others, up ahead in the clearing there was a camp that was still active. Casey bit her lip as she saw the Pokemon being held in small cages instead of pokeballs. She looked at Ampharos who stared at her and then she nodded getting a vicious grin from her fully evolved electric type.

Casey, "Thunder wave but only to paralyse."

Ampharos sent a wave of electricity that paralysed whoever was in the camp, "Am amp ampharos."

Casey, "Good job. Now, let's use this. In the mean time, start healing those who are hurt Meganium."

Meganium nodded, "Mega meganium."

Casey took out the emergency flare they had been given, "Everyone else help me secure this area. Grab their pokeballs, get rid of the cages and the chains."

Casey released the emergency flare into the sky while instructing her Pokemon on what to do around the camp. Inside the rent were three people who were unconscious and looked like poachers which made Casey release her breath. No wonder their security was lax, though she was not sure if she should thank her luck or not over this. She decided to thank Lady Luck just to stay on the safe side and pray nothing else happened while she waited for help. A few minutes later Bruno appeared at the area and looked around with a frown, this was not a surprising occurrence.

Casey, "They are unconscious inside the tent, we made sure to secure them."

Bruno, "I see, good job on securing the area."

Casey smiled then became serious again, "The Pokemon need medical help. We have given them basic first aid but I am not a medic, that's Brock."

Bruno, "I will take the three in the camp. You will take the Pokemon to the closest Ranger camp, here. This is the location."

Casey took the co - ordinates, "Okay, I know the Pokemon trust those who help them."

Bruno, "Go young Elite. Consider this your first mission as a future Elite."

Casey saluted and then turned to the Pokemon, "Hey there, I am Casey. We are here to help you."

The Pokemon stared at her with wary eyes but Casey did not let that deter her and spike softly to them. She promised them safety and food of they followed her to the Ranger station which made the Pokemon relax and look at her. Casey grinned at that and the Pokemon started to follow her and her Pokemon as they headed to the Ranger station. The medics at the Ranger station were already alerted by Bruno and they prepared to receive wild Pokemon. Casey watched the Pokemon get treated and the Rangers gave Casey a badge explaining it gave her the authority to help Pokemon who are in distress.

Casey, "That was quiet the test."

Meganium sighed, "Mega meganium."

Houndoom snorted, "Oum."

Ampharos pressed his paws against Casey's back and pulsed electricity, "Am ampharos."

Casey sighed, "Thank you Ampharos. That felt much better. Better than massage parlours."

Meganium used aromatherapy, "Nium mega."

Casey, "It is a beautiful evening. We should return to our own camp."

The Pokemon agreed with her and returned to their camp though Casey had to wonder what the final day would bring. It had already been two days since the test started, she hoped the boys were not getting into any trouble either. She had been lucky so far but Ash and Brock were Aura users, which meant trouble found them even if they tried to stay out of it. Casey took a deep breath and settled down in her camp after scheduling watch times for all of them. She and Houndoom would take first watch, Meganium and Jolteon would take the second one and Ampharos and Electivire would take the final one.

Gou, "So, that's what happened."

Brock deadpanned, "Casey just went for her second test two days ago."

Ash, "I know."

Max, "This has to be a record of some kind Ash, Brock. Yes, I am blaming you both."

Brock, "Fair enough... Actually wasn't Misty complaining about being taken to the Lugia temple by force yesterday? Something about a lunar festival."

Ash, "Yes, she did. Huh.... I guess every Legendary is celebrating it. Or at least the ones in Kanto - Jhoto region are."

Gou, "Should I record it? This is really interesting."

Max, "I think we should. If this is important to the Legendary Pokemon to the point they will approach you or force you then."

Ash, "I think I will agree. Just to make sure nothing happens."

Brock nodded, "I will as well. Guess we better get our hands on Priest outfits. Or do we need Aura Guardian outfit?"

Ash, "Um... I am not sure. Ah!"

Marshadow appeared holding two pair of clothes and placed them on the table looking at them then disappearing. They stared at where Marshadow had appeared then disappeared then looked at the blue coloured clothes. That answered one of their questions at least and Brock took the clothes to check it only to be surprised. The clothing was like a cross between the Aura Guardian outfit and a Priest outfit which was quite interesting. Ash decided to call Lance after noticing a certain symbol on the back side of the clothing.

Lance, :Our clan's symbol on those clothes, are you sure?:

Ash, "Yes, in fact, the others are here with me looking at it."

Lance, :You are at the centre?:

Ash, "No, at San Lian restaurant. Private room 7. The only reason no one has uploaded anything on social media."

Lance, :I am heading over. Just wait there.:

Ash, "Okay, see you in five? We can have dinner together."

Lance, :Yes, we can do that.:

Brock, "So, Lance is joining us then."

Ash, "He sounded worried."

Gou, "I hope we do not have to face anything crazy and dangerous."

Max, "Pray for peace."

Ash chuckled as he placed another order for Lance, "He will be here soon."

Lance appeared outside the hotel and asked for room 7, "Ash, Brock, Gou, Max, I see Casey is not with you."

Max, "Second test is in the forest. Tomorrow is her final day there."

Lance nodded, "I am sure she will perform splendidly. Is that the clothing?"

Ash nodded, "Yep, looks like your clan was pretty close to the previous Aura Guardian."

Lance, "This is not just any Aura Guardian's clothing. It belonged to the first and second Aura user that were born in the clan."

Brock, "Are you suggesting that Marshadow stole your family heirlooms?"

Gou pinched his nose, "It does look that way."

Lance, "I will call the treasury to check the heirloom closet."

Ash, "I am really sorry about this."

Lance, "It is not your fault, Ash. I am sure Marshadow had their reasons."

Brock muttered, "It better be good reasons."

Max, "So, we are taking part in this ritual?"

Ash, "It will be held tomorrow, we will have to check the temple first. It is located in the forest not in the City."

Lance nodded and after dinner they went to check on the temple that Marshadow had pointed Ash to. They traveled through the forest away from the City and Lance was greeted by the Elite Four who had noticed his presence. To say they were surprised by the situation was an understatement and felt pity for the two Aura Users. They did not say it out loud but it was very obvious from the looks they were sending the two. Instead Koga offered to join them and act as back up in case something went wrong. Ash though reassured them the ritual would be the next day so hopefully nothing crazy happens.