Chapter 7 – Trials of the Phoenix
The fire cracked low in the early morning mist, casting long shadows across the sleeping camp. Misty stirred first, then Serena. But it was Joshua who sat awake at the edge of the woods, his hand glowing faintly with Aura, tracing the outline of his father's old pendant—a gift Red had passed to both his sons before they left Pallet.
Mewtwo approached, silent, yet he felt her presence in the ripple of his Aura.
"You didn't sleep," she said.
"I couldn't." He sighed, letting the pendant fall back against his chest. "That girl… Aira. Something about her…"
"She is like you. Born of blood that does not belong to this world. Of power and purpose," Mewtwo said softly. "And she is watching."
Joshua turned to meet her gaze. "You sensed her?"
"She never left."
Before he could respond, flames sparked in the trees ahead. Not destructive—controlled. Beautiful. A voice echoed with calm confidence:
"Prepare yourselves. The Trial begins now."
---
Mt. Ember – Later That Day
Ash, Serena, Joshua, Misty, Mewtwo, and Mew stood at the base of the volcanic slope, looking up at the shrine once dedicated to Ho-Oh. Aira waited at the summit, her silver hair glimmering, eyes closed as she meditated on a floating stone slab ringed by golden fire.
"I'm guessing this isn't just a conversation," Ash said, cracking his knuckles.
"Nope," Mew said, tail curling. "This is a sacred battleground. Only those tied to Legendary essence can pass."
Aira's voice rang out, even across the wind.
"You are Chosen. But strength without harmony means nothing. Only one of you may climb. Only one can prove themselves worthy now. The other… must wait."
Ash and Joshua exchanged a look.
"I'll go," Joshua said quickly.
Ash smirked. "Good. I'll win the next one."
Misty stepped forward, touching Joshua's hand. "Be careful."
Mewtwo leaned in close, whispering so only he could hear: "Do not hold back. Show them what we are."
---
Aira's Trial: Round One
Joshua stepped into the ancient circle. The moment he did, flames rose around them, and the sky dimmed. Aira's form shimmered with golden light, her outfit transforming into a robe of red and gold feathers.
"I will test your body, your heart… and your restraint," she said, forming a staff in her hand. "Show me the truth of your soul."
She struck first—flames in the shape of wings sweeping across the stone. Joshua dodged, leapt high, and channeled his Aura into a wave of pressure. Aira batted it aside easily.
"Your Aura is potent," she mused. "But it trembles… your desire distracts you."
Joshua flushed slightly.
She circled him, eyes glowing. "You carry love. Lust. Loyalty. That is good. But dangerous. When the fire burns too hot… it consumes."
Joshua growled, summoning Mewtwo's energy, wrapping his hands in psychic flame. "I'm not afraid of burning."
They clashed midair, Aura against divine fire, explosions shaking the mountain. Joshua began to see it—Aira wasn't attacking to harm. She was reading him.
"You test my thoughts as much as my strength," he said.
Aira smiled slightly. "And what do your thoughts reveal now, boy of twin blood?"
His body was exhausted. But his mind… drifted. To Misty's lips. Mewtwo's touch. To the fire of both women entwined in his arms.
And that, he realized, was not a weakness.
"It makes me stronger," he said aloud. "They make me stronger."
Aira paused. Her staff lowered slightly.
"Then prove it."
---
Back at the Camp – POV: Misty
Misty paced beside the fire, arms crossed. The battle on the mountain was distant, but the sparks and pressure in the air were unmistakable.
Serena glanced over. "Nervous?"
"Of course I'm nervous. Joshua's up there with a flaming goddess who looks like she could melt steel."
Mewtwo, sitting in quiet meditation, opened one eye. "He will endure."
Misty sat down hard. "He better. He's got two women down here waiting for round two."
Serena blushed. "You say it like it's a competition."
"It is," Misty muttered.
Mew chuckled from Serena's shoulder. "You humans are so spicy."
---
Back on the Mountain – Final Clash
Joshua's Aura flared with both golden light and violet flame—a fusion of his own spirit and Mewtwo's bond. He struck with a roaring uppercut that met Aira's fiery palm head-on. The explosion of energy shook the peak.
When the light faded, they stood only a few feet apart—Joshua breathing hard, Aira barely winded.
But she smiled.
"You pass."
The flames vanished. The shrine shimmered back into serenity.
Joshua collapsed to one knee. "That's it?"
"For now," she said, stepping closer, her hand on his shoulder. "But your true trial is coming. You and your brother must prepare. The Divine Tournament begins in one moon's time."
Joshua looked up, heart pounding. "What's that?"
"A gathering of those like you—born of Aura, blood, or divine will. Champions. Heirs. Lovers." Her smile tilted. "And enemies."
She helped him up, eyes suddenly soft. "You fight like fire. But your soul… sings like a storm. I look forward to seeing how far you'll fall… or rise."
---
Nightfall – Forest Clearing Again
Joshua returned, exhausted but glowing with victory. Misty ran to him first, throwing her arms around him.
"I knew you'd win."
He chuckled. "Almost didn't."
Mewtwo approached silently, her hand cupping his cheek. "You shone brighter than I expected. I find that… arousing."
Misty elbowed her. "He just fought a flaming demi-goddess, let him breathe!"
"Actually," Joshua murmured, pulling both women close, "a little flame might feel good right now."
They guided him to the tent, laughter and warm shadows following.
Meanwhile, Ash sat with Serena under the stars, her head on his shoulder.
"Do you think we're ready for this… Tournament?" she asked softly.
Ash looked up. "We have each other. And our Pokémon. That's more than enough."
In the distance, a shadow watched from a branch. Pale eyes gleamed.
"Soon," came the whisper of Giratina's son. "Soon they'll all know the truth of the void."
---
End of Chapter 7