Going forward and beyond {Path of the Aura Ranger: Book I}

III Josh's P.O.V

"You are right," Utau admitted, calming down a little bit, but she still looked quite angry. "What are we supposed to do? Just let them insult our Captain?!"

"No, let us deal with them. Champion Wallace brought his finest Ace Rangers for a reason and one reason only," Tsubasa explained. "And that reason is to impress Ash and show the other Champions that his region does appreciate him and his aid. After all his region was the only one that gained something free when Ash could have easily just left it to the people in charge. It was not his job and they could not count on nationalism. They were only saved because of Ash's goodness and they want to show that they are not going to take advantage of that."

"What a nice way of showing that?" Sarah scoffed... scoffed?! The always polite and respectful Sarah scoffed, she was truly angry. Then again, so was I.

"Unfortunately, trong does not always equal good or polite," Tsubasa sighed. "You guys might know how to behave and deal with political figures, both from and outside your region, but not all of them do. I will directly speak with Champion Wallace to make sure it gets dealt with." With that said she turned around and left.

"Political figure... Ash counts like one Lieutenant?" I asked Utau, confused. I've always thought that Ash was a wonderful leader and great trainer, but I never thought of him as a political figure, even with all of his fame. He was not part of the 13 pillars of any region, nor the Head of any Ranger's Headquarters.

"Ash was Knighted three times, that is a political title on its own. Nor to mention... Do not speak a word of it... but there have been rumors circulating that Alola might not be the only group of islands that might be getting their own Pokemon League," Utau told us, body tense.

"The Orange Archipelago..." I murmured. "Is Ash going to be the Champion?!"

"No one knows... but I was asked to form part of their Elite Four," Utau admitted.

"Wow... that's amazing Lieutenant!" Rose congratulated her.

"I have not said yes yet," Utau told us.

"What? Why not?!" Rodrick exclaimed shocked.

"Because she wants to work with Ash," Sarah deduced.

"I told them if Ash accepts the position as Champion, I will follow him to the Orange Islands. If he does not I will stay as his second in command to whatever mission he sends us to next." I looked at her in wonder, such loyalty and conviction... Ash couldn't have found himself a better Lieutenant.

"Well, they'll have many Ace Rangers ready to fill out their ranks if Ash's accepts," I said. "We will all follow him to wherever he takes us. Isn't that right?"

"Sure!"

"You've got it!

"Of Course!"

"Damn sure you are!"

"Good," Utau spoke. "However, for now, we all better return to our positions. The Press Conference is still in progress."

"Yes, ma'am!" We all replied, rapidly taking our positions and looking out for possible enemies.

The Press Conference was happening in the Manalo Stadium and was packed full. The four Kahunas, on the right, the three Champions and Professor Kukui, on the left, and Ash was sitten in the middle. They've been at it for half an hour now, most of the questions directed to the Kahunas and Ash about the arrest of Faba, and some questions to Professor Kukui about his opinion on the upcoming Saint Festival and how he felt about it being of great help to the found the Pokemon League he has been dreaming of.

Grateful, Professor Kukui, felt very grateful.

"Ace Ranger Ash, wow do you feel after being challenged by the Tapus?" A reporter finally asked the question, everyone was thinking but no one has dared to ask. Champion Lance's glare was quite intimidating.

"Just another Tuesday," Sarah said beside me, imitating Ash. "I eat Legendaries for breakfast," we both laughed hard.

He totally thought that! I exclaimed in my head, after seeing his and Pikachu's expression. They are so fed up with Legendaries barging into their lives and asking for a battle. Though, I doubt he would say that out loud.

"Well, I feel honored that they felt that we are worthy to deserve a trial given by the Alola Guardian's themselves." I could tell that it was a very carefully fabricated answer. "I also feel really grateful that they held back against my pokemon... and were careful not to affect the environment around us." The last part was added at the last minute and said mostly to himself, though the other Champions were nodding their heads empathetically. I recall Dialga and Palkia, the stories from Utau about the Legendary Birds... yes, many Legendaries just don't care how their powers affect nature around them. I am so jealous of Alola for having such caring guardians. "However, I am also disappointed."

"Disappointed? Why?" The same reporter inquired, confused as the rest of the journalists present. "Because they held back?"

"Of course, not! Unlike what most might think about me, I do not have a death wish, thank you very much!" He joked, making the room laugh with him. "I just... when I found out about Alola and their culture from the Alola Festival I was charmed. I wanted to come here and earn my Z-ring and do the Island Trails like everyone else. That now is not possible... that does not mean I am not happy with the unique chance the Tapus gave me! It's just the feeling of what could have been."

The journalists were quiet, trying to digest what Ash had just said. They've been only thinking about what Ash had gained, and no one thought of what he could have lost because of Legendaries barging into his life and demanding things. No matter how good intentional they were being.

"Well, if it is a fight you want you can always come to Melemele Island and challenge me, I would love to take you on!" Hala spoke up with a big smile, breaking up the tense atmosphere.

"You've got it!" Ash replied with an excited smile, Pikachu exclaiming alongside him.

"We are very happy to have Ash with us here in Alola," Sofu spoke out. "The Tapus chose him for a reason and we can see it crystal clear. He might not have been born in Alola, but Alola lives within him. We accept and fully support the Tapus decision."

Flashes of cameras blinded the stage before us. Many questions were shouted at once. However, it all stopped when a young girl rushed through the crowd and jumped at Ash. We all stood shocked at what was happening before us. How did she get through security? How did she even get into the island?! It should be closed for today's event!

"Didn't she get through the section the Ace Rangers from Hoenn are guarding?" Sarah asked me.

Looking closer she was right, and by Champion Wallace's stormy expression he had too realized it.

"What should we do?" I asked her.

"Nothing I guess," Sarah replied slowly. "She looks harmless... if a bit enthusiastic.

"L-Lance! Help!" Ash turned towards Champion Lance with a panicked expression that had me laughing.

"Ace Ranger Ash I love you! Please marry me!" The girl exclaimed, making Ash turn towards her in shock.

"M-marry?!" Ash squeaked, his voice going up an octave in panic.

Arceus! I was laughing so hard, poor Pikachu had fallen off the table from laughing too hard! Champion Lance wasn't doing any better, holding his stomach as he laughed.

"Lance!" Ash yelled, trying to get the girl off him without hurting her, as she kept proposing. By now everyone was laughing at the scene unfolding before us.

Who would have thought that a Press Conference could be this fun?!