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

III Torracat's P.O.V

"That's fine, I'm glad I'll know someone at least," May sighed. "Harley is staying in Johto for another try and Drew is going back to Hoenn. Solidad is getting married to Robert and retirering."

"I did not know they knew each other!" Ash exclaimed.

"Who is Robert?" I asked my trainer confused.

"He was the one who had deafeated Drew for the Ribbon Cup when May challenged the Hoenn Grand Festival," Ash answered before turning to the girls.

Honestly, I thought as I watched Paul observe Dawn fondly as she squeeled with Delia about how romantic weddingd were. If they do not get together in the future I'll jump into a pool.

"Jessie id also retirering," my trainer said gaining incredulous looks from the group. "She is pregnant," he explained.

"Pregnant?!" The girls squeeled as one.

I slowly backed away, following my trainer, and escaped from them to a small clearing nearby. I saw Max and Paul running away as well.

Good, I thought. Nothing is scarier than girls bonding together by their love of weddings, clothes, and babies. All combined means every man and pokemon for themselves.

"We made it, Torracat," Ash panted in relief as we stopped before a beautiful body of water. He straightened up and played with his necklace. "Maybe I should get Lance something. My brother is always giving me the best gifts."

"I'm glad you are enjoying my gift so much," we looked up beaming at the recognizable voice of the Indigo League's Champion.

"Lance!" Ash exclaimed rushing to throw myself in his arms. "Scales!" He then greeted Lance's starter with equal excitement. "What brings you here?"

"Checking on you and to give you my congratulatory gift," Lance told him with a caring smile. "Hello, Torracat," he paused to greet him, before he extended a Poke Ball towards my trainer. "Well earned and deserved." 

"Thank you." Ash took the Poke Ball carefully, though his hands shook under the weight of the pride in Lance's eyes. "This is... a Dratini?"

"I've known you for longer but Cynthia is the only one who has a representation in your team," Lance explained with a blush. "I just... did not think it was fair."

Of course, we have another pseudo-legendary pokemon in our team! I moaned internally. Tyranitar and Gible were not enough! Trainers search all their lives for one of them and Ash already has three, at 15! But I can't really blame him for that, Dratini was a gift... wait, I can! Ash has so many regional starters that I've lost count! It is his fault for sure!

"So, what's next for you?" Lance asked Ash as my trainer hugged and greeted our new teammmate, both ignoring me and my meltdown. "Facing Sinnoh's Elite Four and Cynthia?"

"You've got it!" I cheered excitedly, earning a chuckle from Scales and a curious look from Dratini.

"Hi... are you part of my new weyr?" Dratini asked me shyly.

"I am! I'm Torracat!" I gretted him energetically.

"Nice to meet you, I am Dratini," he greeted me back softly.

"After... our mission, yes," Lance's expression and mine turned dark at the reminder that even if we were celebrating now, we still have a job to be done. "Then to Unova with Riley and Max, after I plan it with Charles. He is my main contact with the International Ranger Commission."

"Good," Lance said, looking uncomfortable.

"What is it?" Ash asked him. "Spit it out, don't beat around the bush with me."