Chapter 6: So Close But Still So Far

I didn't notice how fast two months went by. Soon, Lucario started teaching me how to use my special attacks. You know, like Quick Attack and Force Palm. The only problem was that I still can't control them. Sometimes I can use them (normally, it's when I'm angry or scared), and sometimes I can't.

Lucario wanted me to use Quick Attack to tackle a dummy. It wouldn't move if I just ran at it, so I tried Quick Attack.

"Focus on your stored energy," Lucario told me. "Force it out."

I tried several times over, but I couldn't get it. Once, I thought I was using Quick Attack, but I tripped over a rock.

That night, at dinner, I couldn't keep the question in.

"Why can't I use my attacks when I want to?" I asked.

Lucario thought for a while.

"It is easier to use your attacks if your real parents are around," he said. "I had similar trouble. I fought with my father because he thought I was spending time with the wrong people and I was hardly home to help. He didn't know that I was working to bring home the extra money that we needed, and, eventually, I stopped coming home. I sent extra money in a package addressed to my mother, not my father. Around this time, I joined the PokéGuardians. I was constantly bullied because I could only punch, kick, and guard."

"How did you finally master your attacks?" I asked.

Lucario looked at me.

"The same way you are learning," he answered.

That made me think. Lucario and I aren't so different. Are we?

After another month of training, Lucario decided that it was time to go back to Luce Village. I was gathering my stuff when Gallade ran up the stairs.

"Riolu!" he said so suddenly that I jumped. "I just found this!"

He handed me the necklace that I lost in the fight against Zoroark.

"Thanks!" I told him. "Where did you find it?"

"It was buried in the dirt, and all I saw was a little glint of red!" he proclaimed.

I put the necklace in my bag and brought everything to the door. On the way to Luce Village, I noticed that, even though I packed everything I had, my bags were a little lighter.

Everyone welcomed us as we entered the gates.

"Riolu! You're back!" Blissey cried as she and the orphans raced towards me.

She picked me up and gave me a back-breaking hug. I have to admit, I did waver as I touched the ground. Then I suddenly didn't have my bags anymore.

"I'll put these in your room," Blissey said. "You have a crowd of fans right now!"

She was right. Almost every villager came up to us and started asking questions like "Why were you gone so long?" and "Did you know you've grown a few inches?" and other random questions.

Soon, I was off to Hitmonchan's office again. I wanted to find out if he would actually let me join now! When I got there, he wasn't too happy.

"No."

This made Lucario angry.

"When will you finally be satisfied?" he said quietly. "After you've missed the opportunity?"

My throat got dry and tight. Now Lucario was angry. Why wasn't Hitmonchan letting me be a PokéGuardian?

I left after Lucario told me he needed to speak with Hitmonchan alone. I walked along the courtyard for a little bit and then left for home. I was glad that no one paid attention to me. No one even noticed that I came in and went to my room. I didn't bother to unpack. I just lay down on my bed and stared at the wall.