"Raaaargh! Stupid Riolu! Stupid Zorua! Stupid, stupid, stupid!"
SMASH!
"Raaaarrrr! Little bugs! I'll crush 'em! Crush 'em flat!"
SMAAAASH-CRACKSNAP!
"Smash 'em like rocks! Snap 'em like trees! All their friends and family too! RAAAAAAAAAARRRGH!"
Family of Four
or how the Lord increased all that Lucario had fourfold (Job 42:10b NASB)
Part Three- Aura and Illusion
Zoroark and Lucario ran through the forest as the sun began to set in the distance. Lucario led Zoroark with his Aura Sense. Zoroark watched him in amazement as he easily dodged every root, tree branch, and rock with his eyes closed.
"He is very agile," Zoroark thought.
Lucario could sense Zoroark right behind him, and he was impressed at her ability to keep up with him. Lucario looked up ahead to a Pecha Berry bush. He turned back to Zoroark and flashed a smile at her. He grabbed a Pecha Berry and playfully tossed it to her, landing it right into her open mouth. Zoroark's eyes widened at the sudden sweet surprise. The berry made her smile as she ate it up. As she looked at the winking Lucario, and odd sensation arose in her chest. However, her facial expression suddenly turned sour.
"Smart-aleck. . .making me feel odd," she thought bitterly. The sweet taste of the Pecha Berry reminded her of Zorua, and she pouted. "Zorua. . . my precious baby. . .where are you?" she let out a vicious snarl. "Why is this taking so long?"
"You have no idea where you're going, do you?" Zoroark shouted at Lucario impatiently.
Lucario opened his eyes and turned back to Zoroark, "Of course I know where I'm going. The trail of Aura is getting stronger. It won't be long before we catch up to them."
Zoroark suddenly skidded to a halt. "That's what you say," Zoroark said as she folded her arms and leaned sideways a bit.
As Lucario stopped and turned to stare at Zoroark, he felt his mouth go dry and he licked his lips. His temperature went up a bit as well. The Pokemon before him was just so gorgeous to him, so strong, so alive, and always ready to speak her mind.
"Are you listening to me?" Zoroark snapped.
Lucario flinched nervously as he felt himself begin to sweat. "I-I-I . . .well. . . "
Zoroark rolled her eyes. "I'm out of here."
Lucario's eyes looked as if they were going to pop right out of their sockets as Zoroark began to run off on all fours. "W-wait! I need y- I-I mean you need me-my Aura Sense to find-"
"I don't need your Aura Sense, I can sniff my son out."
"But wait-!"
"Shut up!"
Lucario looked in Zoroark's direction, then he made up his mind and ran of after her.
Meanwhile, Zoroark was running through the trees with frustrated thoughts buzzing around in her head.
"What an idiot. Going on about that Aura nonsense. Leading me on in the wrong direction. Wasting all my time!" Zoroark growled angrily, and dipped her head and sniffed the ground as she ran on all fours. As she modified her path to go after the scent, she began to slowly realize that she was going in the very same direction Lucario had been leading her in.
"Huh. Maybe he did know what he was doing," Zoroark thought briefly, "He said he was an Aura Guardian. He must have trained for so long and hard to grow so wise and strong." Zoroark shook her head vigorously. "No. Just forget about him. His muscles and bold colored pristine fur don't matter to me-."
"What!?" Zoroark shouted aloud in shock at her own thoughts. She frowned in confusion as her mind drifted around the subject of Lucario:
Lucario smiled in a friendly manner and said, "Well then, why don't we find them together. I am an Aura Guardian; able to see the Aura of all things. I can use my Aura Sense to track down our children."
"He's so polite," she said thoughtfully, as she began to picture Lucario standing before her, with the spikes on his paws and chest looking sharp and ready for battle. "So strong. . ." Zoroark whispered. At this, she ground to a halt and stood up straight, loosing herself in thought.
"No," she said, "I don't- I can't-."
Zoroark recalled Lucario's smooth movements through the forest, his spikes, his smooth blue tail, those black appendages on the back of his head that just seemed so attractive to her. Zoroark felt the odd feeling return to her as he recalled that smile and wink he gave her.
"Oh my. . ." Zoroark said.
Zoroark was suddenly bowled over by something. One tumble later, Zoroark looked up to see Lucario on top of her. She noted what a nice shade of red his eyes were.
Lucario stared down at Zoroark, but then gasped and jumped off of her. "Oh my goodness, I am so very sorry for that. Please forgive me," he said as he bowed down and up frantically. He then reached out and gently gripped Zoroark's right paw to help her up. As soon as they made contact, the two of them froze and stared at each other.
Lucario's stomach churned violently as he held the Illusion Fox's paw. Zoroark, however, felt very warm.
After a moment, Lucario finally pulled Zoroark up onto her feet. Zoroark watched as Lucario looked away nervously and rubbed his left fore arm. Zoroark couldn't help but grin as she said, "It's fine. Now we're even."
"Huh?" Lucario asked, allowed a slightly clueless look to creep up onto his face. This caused Zoroark to laugh.
"I pinned you down didn't I?"
Lucario bowed his head, "Only because I carelessly slammed into you before."
Zoroark put her claws on Lucario's shoulders and said, "Oh, Lucario, will you please not take all the blame."
Lucario actually blushed as Zoroark leaned in so close to him. Zoroark took in the Aura Pokémon's scent. It was filled with tenacity and self-determination. A sudden urge entered into her, and her curiosity caused her to explore it. So, at the spur of the moment, Zoroark leaned in and took a quick but deep sniff.
("Wha-?") Lucario thought as he mind drew a blank.
"You smell so good. . ." Zoroark said softly, "You just smell like. . ." Zoroark stopped dead in her tracks, and her eyes widened as her face suddenly turned red.
Lucario stood in stunned silence as Zoroark quickly turned and ran off in shame and embarrassment. Lucario slowly placed a paw over his heart to still its rapid beating.
("So strong. So gorgeous. So-")
Lucario's thoughts were shattered when he heard the loud crash mingled with furious roaring echo throughout the forest. He was immediately spurred into action and ran forward after Zoroark. After tearing through a bush, he was greeted by a horrible sight.
Zoroark was being slammed into the ground by an Ursaring's Hammer Arm.
"Crush 'em all! Crush black foxes! Crush blue dogs! RAAAAAAAARGH!" Ursaring roared.
Zoroark was breathing heavily as the Ursaring's huge claws pushed her down into the ground, putting lots of pressure onto her chest. She fought to bring forth an Illusion, but the painful Fighting Type move was destroying her concentration.
"No. . ." she gasped out breathlessly, "Please. . ."
"GET OFF OF HER!" Lucario roared as he pounced onto Ursaring's side and used Froce Palm on him. The blast knocked Ursaring back and off of Zoroark.
Ursaring roared with blind rage and shot a Leer at Lucario.
Lucario actually faltered for a bit, surprised by the intensity of his opponent's Leer. This allowed Ursaring to throw a Hammer Arm at Lucario. The Aura Pokemon dodged it and jabbed Ursaring in the chest with his Bone Rush. Ursaring was thrown flat onto his back with a huge crash. Zoroark quickly took this as an opportunity to pounce onto Ursaring and hit him with Night Slash. However, Ursaring shrugged it off and threw Zoroark off of him and into a tree. Ursaring then charged up a large Focus Blast in his claws.
"NO!" Lucario shouted as he ran forward.
Ursaring threw the attack at the stunned Zoroark. But at the last moment, Lucario jumped in the path of the attack and attempted to block it with his Bone Rush. However, the Super Effective move threw Lucario to the ground. He rolled, tumbled, and skidded across the ground before landing unconscious a few yards away.
Zoroark roared with intense rage as her eyes burned ice blue. Ursaring raised an arm to strike her, but was distracted by the loud buzzing sound that suddenly assaulted his ears. He looked around and saw to his horror that a horde of Beedrills had descended upon him. Ursaring swung his arms wildly to swat the Bug-Types away, but to no avail. The Beedrills shot past him multiple times, their eyes malicious and vile, their stingers sharp and pointy, their buzzing getting louder and louder.
Ursaring covered his ears and roared in anguish. If this kept up, he would go insane. He ran off in a random direction, hoping with all his might that those Beedrills would leave him alone.
Once Zoroark was satisfied that Ursaring was far enough away, she canceled her Illusion and the Beedrills vanished. The fox then ran up to the fallen Lucario and took his paw into her claws. As a whirlwind of emotions surged through her, Zoroark hung her head low and gently nuzzled Lucario's face.
Zoroark mashed the herbs and berries in her claws until the paste was fully mixed. She looked down at the unconscious Lucario who lay near her against a tree. She silently fed bits of the bitter mixture into Lucario's mouth, gently moving his mouth and touching his neck to get him to swallow. Once Lucario had gotten all the medicine down, Zoroark gently stroked his cheek. She then moved down to his muscular chest, and then stopped at his chest spike.
"Wow," was all she could say as she admired him. "Why am I attracted to him? We've just met," she thought to herself, "Maybe it's because, we are so much alike? Maybe, we both cannot shake the feeling of being alone in certain aspects of our lives."
Zoroark's thoughts were interrupted when Lucario groaned and coughed a bit, clearly still a bit disoriented. He opened his eyes and looked up at the gorgeous Pokemon above her. He quickly noticed the bitter taste on his tongue and said, "Thank you for . . .tending to me."
Zoroark noted that he said that with a slight blush. However, she frowned and said, "Simply returning the favor. Why did you do that, anyway?"
Lucario simply stared up at Zoroark silently.
"That Leer lowered your Defenses! And that Focus Blast was extremely dangerous for you!" Zoroark said.
"It was dangerous for you as well," Lucario said plainly.
Zoroark kept her mouth closed at that.
"What kind of Aura Guardian would I be if I did not fight to defend others, whether they need help or not," Lucario flashed Zoroark a quick smile, but it faded as soon as it came, "But look at me. I was the one who needed rescuing in the end. How foolish of me."
Lucario looked over and saw with great surprise that Zoroark was laying against the tree next to him. "Shut-up," she said.
Lucario's brow raised a bit.
"Even the Masters get into tough scrapes that don't turn out alright," she said as she but her arms behind her head. Then she asked thoughtfully, "Is your son much like you?"
Lucario stared at how Zoroark's thin arms bent back, and then his eyes took in her delicate looking frame. He smiled and said, "Yes, I suppose he is. How about I tell you how I came to adopt him. . ."
As the Sun rose over the island, Riolu's nose twitched and he opened his eyes. He looked over to see Zorua cuddling next to him. The fox's fur was very plush and warm. Riolu smiled and rested a paw on Zorua's back.
"Having a little brother would probably be nice," he thought silently. He then tapped Zorua gently and said, "Zorua, wake up. It's morning."
Zorua rolled over on his back and yawned a bit.
Riolu looked down at Zorua's stomach, and a sudden mischievous desire filled him. Unable to contain himself, Riolu began relentlessly tickling Zorua's soft tummy.
"Aha-ha-ha-hee-hee-hee! No! P-please s-stop! Hee-hee-hee-hee!" Zorua laughed out as the two young Pokemon rolled around, laughing hysterically. Zorua even managed to get a few tickles at Riolu's stomach as the pair rolled out of the den.
". . .and then we got off the ship and returned here to our home," Zoroark concluded.
Lucario sat in silence after Zoroark finished her tale, just as Zoroark had after Lucario had finished his.
Lucario looked straight and into the distance, as if in thought. Then, after a long moment, he said while still looking into the distance, "I guess we're-"
"-Not so different," Zoroark said with a smile.
Lucario nodded, and turned towards Zoroark. At the same time, Zoroark also turned and leaned in slightly. This caused the pair to touch noses for an extended moment. Their faces blushed hotly as they stared eye to eye for the moment. They eventually managed to pull away. Zoroark put a paw over her heart as she did her best to remain calm as her blush faded
Lucario's blush did not fade as he sat so close the Pokemon he had such strong feelings for. At this moment, Lucario gained the resolve to show his bravery and honesty to her.
("The worst that can happen is that she declines. But I will respect her decision, whatever it is.") Lucario thought.
"Zoroark. . . I-" Lucario began, but was cut of by the sound of innocent childish laughter.
Zoroark immediately jumped up and moved quickly towards the laughter. Lucario quickly followed suit as well. The pair ran through a bush or two and soon discovered the two young ones laughing contentedly while lying on their backs.
"Zorua!"
"Riolu!"
Zorua gasped and flipped over onto his paws. "Meema!" he cheered as he wagged his tail and ran over to jump into his mother's open arms.
Riolu got up and ran to his father, who picked his son up and held him up at eye level. Riolu's smile was big and his tail wagged joyfully. "I knew you'd fine us in no time! I just knew it!" he said.
"Riolu," Lucario said softly as all the worry he had been too preoccupied to experience started hitting him at full force. With tears in his eyes, Lucario held the small Pokemon close in a warming hug.
"Dad," Riolu said with a smile.
"I'm just glad you're safe," Lucario said soothingly.
Zoroark was nuzzling and kissing Zorua as she held him protectively in her arms. "Mmm. Love you. I love you, my little baby."
Zorua licked his mother's face and said, "Riolu saved my life!"
Lucario and Zoroark looked at Riolu and Zorua in shock.
"Really?" Lucario gasped.
Zorua nodded, "Yeah! A really mean Ursaring came outta nowhere. And the Ursaring was like 'I will crush you!' But then Riolu was like 'No you won't!' And he hit him with his paw, and boom! He knocked him down!"
Lucario and Zoroark exchanged glances.
"An Ursaring?" Lucario said to Riolu as he set him down gently.
Riolu nodded, "Yes, father. But Zorua did put up a decent fight with his Illusion Ability. Either way, I could never abandon him."
Lucario looked at his son, seeing only honesty, and smiled as he patted him on the head. "I am extra proud of you, my son."
Zorua jumped back onto the ground and ran over to Riolu, tackling him in a hug much to the shock of Zoroark and Lucario. However, Zoroark managed to get over her shock rather quickly and she chuckled, "Heh-heh-heh, you two sure became good friends quickly!"
Riolu and Zorua got up from the ground. As Riolu chuckled and dusted himself off, Zorua smiled proudly and said, "His Aura is with me!"
"Hmm?" Lucario said in a concerned tone. Zoroark merely tilted her head quizzically.
Riolu became nervous and fiddled with the wooden figurine hanging from round his neck. "Um. . .well. . .Zorua got hit by a Leer and a Mean Look. He needed help, so I had to connect our Auras so he would feel safe and not alone."
Lucario nodded and gave a small smile that put Riolu at ease. "Mm-Hm. I see," Lucario added.
Zorua looked at the wooden Riolu figurine and said, "Ya know, I've been meaning to ask you about that little thingy. Where did ya get it?"
"It's kind of a long story," Riolu explained.
"How about we all go back to our den first, and relax after our little adventure," Zoroark said.
"You defeated the Legendary Beasts?"
"Well, actually I fought them to a draw."
"I. . . I don't believe- no, I do believe you. I'd believe anything you say."
"Well, well. But you fought the Legendary Golems, so I'd say we're on the same level."
"Not really. Mew bailed me out. You actually held your own and trapped them in crystal."
"Don't you go sell yourself short," Zoroark said with a slight bit of laughter in her voice.
Zoroark and Lucario sat in the mouth of the cave that overlooked the wide green field of grass before them. They looked out and saw Riolu and Zorua off to the side at the nearby forest edge. Riolu was climbing up a tree and attempting to get Zorua to follow.
Zoroark smiled as she ate up a Pecha Berry. Lucario stole a quick glance at her, but then quickly turned to look out into the distance.
Zoroark rested her chin in her claws and sighed, "Riolu's much like Zorua. . .remarkable in his own way."
Lucario nodded, "Yes. . .I did my best to raise him. And from they told us, it's clear you brought up Zorua to be brave and bold." Lucario took a moment to collect his thoughts. He then took a deep breath and said, "For a long time, I've been alone. Only recently have I felt the need to have something more. Adopting Riolu was one of the best things I've ever done. I felt fulfilled after that, but now-." Lucario swallowed hard, "I don't doubt your strength or your wisdom, and I am sure you are more than able to watch over your son. But. . .have you even considered that maybe. . . you're entitled to have someone to defend you?"
Zoroark turned her head very slowly in Lucario's direction. She glared at him hard with a bemused facial expression.
Lucario actually felt himself begin to sweat. "I'm sorry. . .it's just that. . .sitting here, speaking with you, watching over our children, discussing our talents and past experiences. . .I've never felt so content, I. . .I never want it to end!"
Zoroark then stared at Lucario in shock.
Lucario got up and began to pace around the cave. He did this for a few seconds before nodding his head hard, turning to Zoroark, and falling to his knees.
"My heart desires you, Zoroark. You are skilled, kind, loving, loyal, strong, determined, interesting, and absolutely gorgeous. I've never thought of such things before, but if I had, then you would be everything I could have ever wanted. I am in true love with you, my Lady. So I humbly ask if you return my feelings."
Zoroark's mouth hung slightly open as she stared at the Lucario who's head was lowered slightly in submission. Her mind screamed yes at her like an Loudred, but the rational part of her brain quelled the shouting of that voice. "Does he mean this? Does he really find something like me attractive? Is this best for Zorua? Do I truly love him, or do I just admire his strength? Can I make this commitment? Are we both truly sincere?"
Lucario suddenly interrupted her thoughts, "I understand." Lucario got up and sighed, "It is okay if you do not return such feelings. I am willing to move on-."
"WHAT?!" Zoroark shouted angrily, causing Lucario to flinch and step back. "That's it? Are you serious? Why?!"
"Because I put you above myself!" Lucario shouted quickly.
Zoroark became confused at this. "What?" she asked in a softer tone.
Lucario breathed in slowly and said, "I love you, Zoroark. But know this: I never ever lusted for you. You are the most beautiful and majestic Pokemon I have ever seen, but to me, that's a simple objective fact. I merely look at you and see a beautiful spirit with a matching physical appearance. I knew that you may not return my feelings, and it would be unthinkably selfish and sick to try to force you into taking me as your-" Lucario blushed fiercely and then continued tentatively, "I - I meant what I said before. I want to be your guardian. And, well, I feel that Riolu needs a mother. . .and maybe Zorua could use a father?" Lucario winced a bit and said, "But in the end, your feelings matter the most to me. If I really do love you, then I must put you first."
Zoroark stared at Lucario, still in her shocked state. Lucario's head drooped low as sadness began to rise within him. "I. . .think I had better go," he said before getting up and walking out of the cave. ("That's it, then,") he thought somberly.
"YOU IDIOT!" Zoroark shouted before pouncing onto Lucario's back. Lucario actually cried out in shock and fear as he was forced down onto the crowd. Zoroark rolled him over and pinned him down with her claws. To his surprise, Lucario saw that Zoroark had a wide smile on her face.
"You're not going anywhere," she said in a smooth tone, still wearing that smile as she lowered her face towards Lucario and pressed her muzzle against his in a kiss.
("Oh, Father in Heaven!") was all Lucario could think of as his entire body was flooded with a bliss unlike anything he had ever experienced. It felt like his body was on fire with passionate fulfillment. He placed his paws on Zoroark's arms as he allowed her to continue her deep kiss.
"Come on! Come on up! You can do it!" Riolu said as he climbed up the trunk of the tree.
Zorua jumped up at the side of the tree and scratched at the bark with his forepaws. "I can't do it!" he moaned.
"Sure you can! I know it!" Riolu said with a smile as he stood on a branch looking down.
Zorua frowned and shook his head. "No! I can't!" Zorua held up his left front leg, "I don't have any arms."
Riolu smiled encouragingly and said, "You don't need arms. Don't copy me. Do it your own way!"
Zorua blinked and thought about this for a moment, then he smiled as an idea came to him. The little fox ran up to the tree and jumped at it. He bounded off of the trunk and over to another tree nearby. He then bounded off of that one and over to the tree branch Riolu was standing on. Zorua caught the branch with his front legs and kicked his back legs as he hung there. He struggled hard as he tried to pull himself up onto the branch.
"Ahh!" Zorua shouted as he began to loose his grip.
"I gotcha, brother!" Riolu said as he reached out quickly and pulled Zorua up by the leg.
Zorua balanced himself on the branch and faced Riolu. The fox gave Riolu a huge smile with gleeful eyes. "Brother!?" he repeated happily.
Riolu blinked, then he smiled and nodded his head. "Yeah Zorua. I really do-."
Zorua went in and hugged Riolu while laughing joyously. Riolu smiled and hugged the little fox in return.
"Hey, Riolu?" Zorua asked as he pulled away.
"Yes?"
Zorua tapped Riolu's nose with his paw and said, "Tag! You're it, big brother!"
Zorua then jumped off to another branch and continued to jump from tree to tree. Riolu laughed and followed suit, calling out, "Oh, you're not gonna get away that easily!"
"Do you honestly consider something like me gorgeous?" Zoroark asked as she rolled herself off of Lucario and lay next to him.
"Certainly," Lucario said with telepathy, which was good because he was laying on his back breathless after the kiss, "Everything about you steals my breath away."
Zoroark lowered her head slightly. "My frame is scrawny, and most of my fur is a dull gray," she said, "I am mostly unkempt looking, and these thin arms-."
"Now, hold it right there," Lucario said with a slight smile, "You are not scrawny. You are sleek and agile. And there is nothing dull about your fur coat. I'd say it adds to your sleekness, as well to your air of mystery." Feeling suddenly bold, Lucario reached out with his paw and felt around with Zoroark's mane. "And I couldn't possibly call this marvelous mane unkempt. This is your freedom, your ferocity, your fighting spirit, your majesty."
As Lucario took his paw out of the crimson red, Zoroark stared at him in wonder.
"Do you. . .really mean all of that?" she whispered.
Lucario just smiled. "My love. . ." he said softly. Lucario then suddenly rolled himself over until he was right up against Zoroark. With no apprehension whatsoever, Lucario kissed Zoroark with all the passion he could muster. Zoroark immediately wrapped her arms around Lucario and kissed back just as strong.
"What a guy. . .what an incredible guy. . ." Zoroark thought, "He loves me. . .for the Pokemon I am."
Riolu and Zorua had finished playing and were approaching the cave entrance. Zorua's stomach gurgled loudly. "I'm hungry! I'd really like some Pecha Berries now!" he complained.
Riolu chuckled and said, "Relax, Zorua. It's right-," Riolu suddenly stopped dead in his tracks, causing Zorua to bump right into his backside. "Wha-?" Riolu gasped.
Zorua blinked and followed Riolu's gaze. His eyes went very wide, and then he pulled a disgusted face. "Ewwwwww!"
Zoroark and Lucario suddenly became aware of the two children nearby. They quickly pulled away and got up to see a confused Riolu and a frightened Zorua.
Zorua ran up to his mother and clung tightly to her arm. "Meema! Meema!" he cried out.
Zoroark gently stroked Zorua's back as she spoke in a soothing tone of voice, "It's okay, it's okay. Everything is alright."
"But- but what's going on? What were you-? I don't understand?" Zorua replied, still looking slightly fearful.
Zoroark looked down at her child nervously, cursing her bad luck. "He's too young. What am I supposed to tell him? Oh, someone help me!" she thought desperately.
"Ahem!"
Zoroark turned to see Lucario with a calm expression on his face. Looking at him seemed to fill Zoroark with an inner calm.
"Riolu," Lucario said, addressing his son directly, "You said you made a connection between yours and Zorua's Auras, correct?"
Riolu blinked, and he nodded, "Yes father. Was. . .it okay for me to do that?"
Lucario smiled and nodded, "Yes, Riolu. It was very okay. For you see. . .well. . ." Lucario knelt down to Riolu's height and said, "How would you like to be a big brother?"
Riolu blinked with a confused expression as Zorua's eyes widened.
"Zoroark and I. . .are happier together," Lucario said, "And so, we could all be a family." Lucario put his paws on Riolu's shoulders. "Zoroark can be your mother," he said with a smile.
Zoroark lifted Zorua up and hugged him. "You can finally have a daddy, Zorua," he said.
Riolu looked up in amazement at his father. "Wow," he said.
Suddenly, Zorua jumped out of Zoroark's arms and tackled Riolu in a hug. "YAY! I got a big brother!" he cheered.
Riolu laughed happily as he ruffled the tuft of fur on Zorua's head playfully, "You sure do! And you get the greatest dad in the world too!"
"Well you get the greatest Meema in the world!"
The new pair of brothers laughed as they playfully wrestled with each other, tickling each other fiercely.
Lucario smiled and turned to Zoroark, who looked very much relieved. She quickly jumped to his side and nuzzled him. "You're the greatest. You know that?" she whispered.
Lucario chuckled and wrapped his arms around Zoroark's slender waist, embracing her lovingly. "Anything for you, my love," he replied.
One Week Later. . .
". . .and when I learned Fury Swipes! Wow! It was so awesome!" Zorua cheered as he scampered into the cave at sunset.
Riolu ran in behind him and ruffled Zorua's hair, "It sure was, little brother. I'm so proud of you."
As Zorua hugged Riolu and the pair was all smiles, Zoroark and Lucario followed them into the cave after a day of helping their children training each other.
"A remarkable child, your Riolu is," Zoroark said with a smile as her eyes were filled with joyful tears of pride.
Lucario actually winked at Zoroark and said, "'Our Riolu is,' my love. He was very clever, suggesting that the method he learned Bone Rush could be used for Fury Swipes."
It was a very exciting and long day, so everyone was tired. Soon, Zorua was asleep within Zoroark's mane, and Riolu was asleep next to Lucario, with his long blue tail resting on his back. Lucario and Zoroark simply lay next to each other, enjoying the feeling of warmth and closeness between them.
"Oh Lord, you have greatly blessed me. I have such a wonderful family now. They are worth much more than any kingdom, or any palace, or any title. Period. Thanks to You, oh Lord, I am not alone anymore. I feel fulfilled."
"Yes, God, I feel the same way as him. I was content with it being just me and Zorua, but my heart did desire someone to love me and care for me and be by my side in raising my child. I never asked for it, but You know all, and You had your plans for me, Zorua, Riolu, and my new love. We did not all meet by chance. You orchestrated it all. You have blessed us greatly, and we are grateful, oh God."
"You will only want what's best for us, so we will gladly endure any hardships and follow your law."
"Yes, we will."
"Amen."
THE END
A/N: And that, Imperarator Justinian, is why the aura-sphere Riolu called Zorua brother.
I have been sitting on this idea for a long time. for years actually. It originally was going to go on with a plot where Grings Kodai joins Team Rocket and tries to catch Zorua and Zoroark, but then Mew and Mewtwo come in and teleport them away, and then they go on a quest to fight Team Rocket. . . .
But maybe I should leave that for a future sequel.
So, what did you think of the story? Did everyone act properly? Are the moments of Christianity okay? Is this all believable? Be honest with your reviews, I can take it. I worked so hard on this and I want to know how you all really feel.
Well, this is Matthais Unidostres signing off!
