(A/N: Okay, I've been doing some thinking and brainstorming and I've decided that after this story to do a Pokemon 3. This one will be different since it'll have only OC's, but everything else will be the same. And no, it won't be a sequel, and no, I'm not copying off Final Fantasy, even though that series is similar to mine as it branches off. I already have some of the characters thought up, but I'm not giving anything away yet, sorry :(.)

Chapter 14: Training

It had soon gotten dark, and Ash and his friends decided to stop and set up camp. However, there was something on his mind, something he had been meaning to ask. He looked over to where Lucario was and saw that he was meditating away from the group, like he used to in their last adventure.

Hoping not to disturb the Pokemon, he went over to him. "Hey Lucario," he said. Lucario opened one of his eyes. "You mind if I ask you something?"

"I don't see why not," Lucario said, now both eyes open.

"Well, I'm sure you know about my encounter with Palkia, right?" Ash asked.

"Right," Lucario said.

"And, well, you know how you said my aura is comparable to Sir Aaron's?" Ash said.

"Right," Lucario said again.

"Well, maybe I can use it to my advantage," Ash said. "Would you be willing to teach me how to use it at will?"

Lucario thought about it for a minute. He then smiled. Seems like the student has become the mentor. "Very well," he said. "You do know it will take time to learn such a power. It took me months to get to they way I am now."

"I understand," Ash said.

"Well, I guess now is a good time to start then," Lucario said. "Take a seat by me."

Ash nodded and sat alongside Lucario, cross-legged. May noticed the two sitting side by side and was rather confused. "Um Brock? What's Ash doing?"

Brock looked over and saw him, appearing to be meditating. "Who knows?"

"Now," Lucario said. "Empty your mind of all thoughts and feelings and let your aura take control."

Ash kept his eyes closed and cleared his mind of everything. All of a sudden, a blue glow surrounded his body. Lucario opened one of his eyes and glanced over and smiled, seeing that he was already making progress.

"Good," he said. "Now, can you sense anything around you?"

While still having his eyes closed, Ash looked to see if he could see anything. He noticed that he could see even with his eyes closed, but everything looked different. He could see May, Drew, and Brock, but only the outlines of their forms. "I see everything, but in a different vision," Ash said.

"Yes, that's your aura, guiding you," Lucario said. "With it, you can see things the naked eye cannot." He then stood up. "That's enough for tonight. It takes time to master your aura, and it's also good to not overuse your power. Your aura is still, yet I sense you've used it since our last encounter."

"Right," Ash said. "I used it to help rescue a Riolu from capture."

"I see," Lucario said.

The group then had dinner, which was mostly eaten in silence. While the other Pokemon had their usual Pokemon food, Lucario went around looking for berries, since they were part of his diet.

A couple of hours later, it was starting to get late and everyone decided to turn in, that is except for one.

Lucario stood in silence, staring at the full moon above him. It was strange, being in this world once again. For generations, he had been trapped inside Sir Aaron's staff, watching the world as it changed. He was used to living in a different time, and a different place. The land was the same, but the world has changed. It had been about five days since he had returned, and he immediately had to go undercover. That world... it gave even him shivers down his spine.

"Lucario?" He looked back and saw Ash staring at him. "Is something wrong?"

Lucario smiled and shook his head. "No," he said. "Just been thinking."

"About what?" Ash asked, going over and standing next to him.

"You know that because of fate, I saw five hundred years pass by me," Lucario said. "I should be dead right now."

"Five hundred years," Ash said, amazed. "But how could you still be alive even when we first met?"

"The staff I was in, somehow stopped my aging," Lucario said. "I cannot easily explain it, really. I guess Sir Aaron knew that by trapping me, I would be released in a better time."

"Lucario," Ash said. "You've been to that world haven't you?"

"Yes," Lucario said. "It's different from here. I hope your Pokemon are strong Ash, because I don't know if they could handle it."

"What do you mean?" Ash said.

"It's strange," Lucario said. "When I was there, all I felt was discomfort and uneasiness. I think that explains why there are no Pokemon there. Real ones at least."

"No Pokemon?" Ash said.

Lucario nodded. "I remember Sir Aaron telling me a story of old. Back in ancient times, it was believed the world of darkness was seen as a prison, a place where evil souls go being banished by the gods. Those who did not follow the will of the gods were exiled there for eternity. Unfortunately, it happened to many people during that time."

"That sounds rather harsh," Ash said. "And those who were banished?"

"They just adjusted to the new lifestyle," Lucario said. "Always darkness. It changed them, mentally and physically. My only guess is that those who live there are angry at the gods for their banishment and wish to destroy the lives of humans and Pokemon alike in this world."

"Well, that's not going to happen!" Ash said, raising his fist into the air. "Not on my watch."

Lucario smiled. "You haven't changed at all, Ash, have you?"

"Well, you know what they say, old habits die hard," Ash said, chuckling.

Lucario nodded. "It's best if you get some sleep now," he said. "We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow."

"Right," Ash said. He started walking back to his sleeping bag, but then turned back. "Night Lucario."

Lucario only smiled in response as he returned his gaze to the moon.

(A/N: YES! FINALLY I'M GOING TO BE USING SOME FINAL FANTASY MUSIC! Anyway, the name of the song coming up is "Twilight" from FFX.)

Drew woke up the next morning in his tent, feeling a little tired. He looked over and saw May next to him, sleeping peacefully. He smiled, while placing a kiss on her forehead. She then responded by placing her arms around his waist, pulling him closer. He sighed happily, remembering the day when he first asked her to come with him.

Flashback

Drew was staring up at the sunset. Another day gone by and another contest won. It wasn't easy though. To no surprise, he and May were in the final round. He figured that he would meet her here. After all, they both came to Johto around the same time. The battle was definitely close, but Drew was able to squeak by, even though he could easily tell that May has improved.

"Hey Drew!" He looked up and saw May running over to him.

He smiled. "Hi May."

"I wanted to congratulate you again on your win," May said. "You earned it."

"You were pretty good yourself, May," he said. "I may have won, but only barely."

May giggled. "Oh Drew, you're so modest. Don't worry, I'll have plenty of chances to win more ribbons."

"Right," Drew said, nodding.

"Well, I guess it's time for me to get going then," May said. She then looked to Drew. "It was nice seeing you again, Drew."

"Yeah, you too," Drew said. He watched her walk away and something inside of him, something he's felt plenty of times before, told him to stop her. "Wait, May!"

She turned around and looked at him in confusion. "What is it, Drew?"

Drew was starting to blush. "Um. Well, I was wondering if... you wanted to come along with me. Travel with me, I mean."

May then started to blush as well. "Well, I..." she started to say. She then smiled. "Sure, Drew. I would love to accompany you."

He had finally asked her. He had been wanting to for awhile, but she had been traveling with Ash and he had a feeling she wasn't willing to leave yet. But now that she had been traveling alone, it seemed like the best time to ask her.

May then opened her eyes slowly and looked up to Drew with a smile on her face. "Morning Drew," she said softly.

"Morning May," Drew said, kissing her on the lips. However, once he had done that, he didn't want to stop then. May, who opened her eyes in surprise, starting kissing him back. He then placed his tongue into her mouth, while she did the same as she put her arms around his neck and he put his arms around her waist.

May then gave a slight shudder as she felt his hands go up her back inside of her shirt. Alarms then went off in her head as she had a feeling she knew what he would next. "Wait, Drew," she said, breaking away from him.

"What's wrong May?" Drew said.

"Look, I know we're in a relationship and all," she said. "But, I'm not sure if I'm quite ready for this yet. At least, right now I don't think I am."

"Oh, I understand," Drew said. "Sorry."

May laughed. "Don't be. We just have to take it slow first, and then work our way up."

"Right," Drew said. His stomach then rumbled, causing him to sweatdrop. "Now that I think about it I am feeling rather hungry now," he said, grinning sheepishly.

"I think I might be rubbing off a little on you," May said, smiling.

"Oh no," Drew said. "I still don't quite have the stomach you have." That got him a pillow in the face.

"Come on," she said. "Let's see if Brock is up yet making breakfast."

Once they got out though, something strange caught their eyes.

"What in the world?" they both said at the same time.

"What's wrong?" Ash said, waking up, along with Brock.

*"Look at the sky," May said.

Ash looked up, and quickly noticed. The sky, which was usually blue and cloudless, was now dark with clouds covering it. It was almost as if dusk was settling in already.

"It's twilight." the others looked over to Lucario, who was already awake.

"Twilight?" Ash said.

Lucario nodded. "This is not good. If this is happening now, then that means the darkness is starting to take over."

"Take over?" Brock said.

Lucario then looked to the others. "It won't be long before the world of light is cast in shadow. And once that happens, all hope will be lost."

"Which means we better hurry to Sandgem Beach," Ash said. He then looked over to his companion. "You ready for this, buddy? At this point, it's only going to get tougher and tougher."

"Pikachu!" Pikachu said, raising a fist. He wasn't afraid of any danger.

"Well, we better eat a quick breakfast and then get going," Brock said.

And that's what they did, although a lot quicker than usual. At this point in time, anything could happen.

"Alright, are we all set?" Ash said to everyone. They nodded. "Well, let's get a move on then." However, there then came a quick change of plans.

"Ash Ketchum!"

Everyone looked behind them and there stood Dawn, accompanied by no other than-

"Paul!?" Ash and Brock both said.

"You seem rather surprised," Paul said calmly.

"Dawn, what are you doing following Paul?" Ash said.

"To challenge you, that's what!" Dawn said angrily.

"Challenge me? What are you talking about?" Ash said.

"Oh don't even try to play stupid with me Ash," Dawn said. "I always knew you saw me as a weak and amateur trainer."

"What!?" Ash said, surprised. "I have never said those things to you!"

"Maybe not, but I'm sure you meant it!" Dawn yelled.

"Dawn, where is this coming from?" Brock said.

"Don't butt in Brock! This doesn't concern you!" Dawn said.

Ash had never seen Dawn this upset before. "Dawn, what's going on here?"

"I'm challenging you Ash, that's what's going on here!" Dawn said. "I want to prove to you how strong I am. That's why I had Paul helping me train. So, are you going to battle or not?"

Pikachu then looked to his companion, who had his head down in thought. All of a sudden, he looked to Dawn with a determined look on his face. "Alright Dawn, if it's a battle you want, then it's a battle you got!"

(A/N: Oh boy! This is it! The big moment. I wonder how this will turn out. Well, you'll have to find out next chapter, bwahahahaha!)

FoxMcCloud7921