Just to clear up, Lucario is NOT done with his training. I realize the way I had it worded might have made it sound like he was, but he is not. Sorry for the confusion.
Also, I accidentally left of an important bit of information from the end of the last chapter… heh, oops. To save you all some time I will just put it right here for you, it was an item on the report about the hybrids: Minor problem in that hybrids cannot be returned or captured with standard Pokéballs. We believe this has to do with the fact that they have the DNA of two Pokémon, confusing the programming in the balls and nullifying them.
Additionally, PkmnMaster Rolf has volunteer to Beta Read this story for me from here on out (and the previous chapter), so I would like to thank him for his help!
Finally, the beginning of this chapter has some Ace Combat back story in it. So anyone already familiar with Strangereal might know some of what I start off with. But I am assuming most people here are not familiar with the Ace Combat universe.
Osean: who is ready for the surprise?
Lucario: depends on what type of surprise it is.
Nova: and who it affects the most.
Osean: well, I would view it as a nice surprise and it affects you, Nova.
Nova: YAY, I get a surprise. What is it? What is it? *jumping at my legs* Come on tell me!
Osean: that would defeat the purpose of it being a surprise. You like the color blue right?
Act II: Vengeance
Chapter 21: Facing the Masters Part I
The military presence in Oured was only now beginning to recede despite the elimination of the Belkan threat posed by the Orion Base weeks earlier. Tanks were still set up around the capital district and security was still tight, but the outer layers of troops were being sent back to their respective bases. The downtown area was steadily being clean up, rubble being moved by heavy bulldozers and cranes. Large chunks of former skyscrapers were slowly being removed from their resting places, loaded into dump trucks, and hauled away from the area.
General Ryan was in a meeting with a very select few in the Capitol Building. He didn't even know all the details of what was being discussed; only that it concerned some new weapon system. The small group was waiting for whoever was giving to the briefing to show up, as it was fifteen minutes past the meeting's scheduled starting time. Much to everyone's relief the doors swung open and two people entered the room before the doors swiftly closed behind them. Everyone recognized the first of the two men, Andrew Lance, head of the advanced weapons development section in the Department of Defense. He was a rather tall man with an imposing figure and black hair. However, the second man raised a few eyebrows. He was short in comparison to Lance and had brown hair that looked like it hadn't been touched in a few days. Additionally, he was dressed in a white lab coat with a space center insignia on it, not something typically seen at this sort of meeting. Ryan had never seen him before and was even further confused by the Basset Space Center emblem.
Basset Space Center was the primary Osean facility when it came to national space operations. It was located on the southwestern part of the Osean continent and had several platforms for launching satellites into orbit, but its main feature was the seven mile long mass driver. The mass driver was used for launching Single Stage to Orbit (SSTO) crafts into a low orbit where they were picked up by the pride of Osean Aerospace Engineering, the Arkbird.
The Arkbird was a large, sleek space plane designed to clean up space debris left behind by the Ulysses Asteroid after it was destroyed by Stonehenge* and parts of the space rock impacted the planet's surface. However, much of asteroid remained in immediate space around earth, risking further devastation from possible falling remnants. It was launched a few years back and had been making remarkable progress in destroying the remaining fragments with various missiles launched from the topside of the majestic craft.
General Ryan eyed the man in the lab coat semi-suspiciously; he was curious who he was and why he was in this top secret meeting. This was not the type of meeting unfamiliar faces showed up to. Just what was this meeting about anyway?
Briefing 2, Ace Combat 5 OST, Namco Sounds
(Song Start)
"Sorry for being late," Lance said, taking a seat at the table as his guest sat next to him, "Getting through the check points took longer than we thought it would."
"Well at least you're here," Admiral Warren, the captain of the 3rd Osean Naval Fleet, said, "So why are we here and who is that with you?"
"This meeting was called because you are the select few to learn about my department's latest achievement. As for Dr. Greyson, he will explain himself in a moment. I must say that this information cannot under any circumstances leave this room."
All the heads around the room nodded in acknowledgement before Ryan spoke up.
"What is this achievement Mr. Lance?" Ryan questioned, leaning in over the table some.
"The Belkan technology used in the attack on Oured was far more advanced than anything we have, thanks to their hijacking of the Orion Project. One particular weapon of theirs that grabbed my department's attention was the tanks they used. The Belkans call them Dominbell Medium Hover Tanks. These tanks were able to destroy our M1A2 Abrams with little to no difficulty with their laser cannons. My department took some of the still functional laser cannons back to our research facility and studied them. As of now we believe we have a sufficient understanding to reverse engineer such a weapon, albeit larger but more powerful as well. However, because of its size, we won't be able to deploy it on any of our current vehicles or armored units."
"So you're telling us we have a usable laser cannon that we cannot actually get into combat?" General Ogden asked.
"Not at all, there is one place we can deploy it. Not only will its range be maximized, the chance of potential counter attack is minimized as well," Lance said.
"Where is this? The only thing I could think of large enough to hold what you are describing is a Montana class battleship or some other naval vessel," Admiral Warren asked, somewhat hopefully, since having his fleet gain such a weapon would be invaluable.
"While that is also a possibility, it is not the most practical."
"Then where do you plan on setting up this laser cannon of yours?"
"I think I will let Dr. Greyson answer that question."
"No way…" Ryan muttered under his breath as he put two and two together.
"As Mr. Lance said, I am Dr. Greyson. I was one of the engineers that designed the Arkbird," Greyson said, "When we designed it, we kept in mind possible additions that could be made in the future. Mr. Lance and I believe that we could successfully attach a large laser cannon on the underside of the craft."
"It would take some time and require a few modifications but we estimate we could have it done with in five months," Mr. Lance continued, "By mounting it on the Arkbird, this hyper laser will have range over large portions of the globe at any moment as well as keep it out of reach from most forms of counter attack. Once operational, it could accomplish a range of tasks from ICMB interception to anti-submarine operations to basic ground support. Anything you imagine, it would most likely be able to accomplish." Some more of the top brass leaned forward, giving the engineer their utmost attention. The weapon system was starting to sound like the super weapon of the century.
"We would have to upgrade the Arkbird some," Greyson elaborated, "As of right now, it does not have the computing capability to use the hyper laser accurately. This means that more advanced electronics would have to be launched up and installed. Externally, there is a mounting port that should accommodate the laser's housing."
After Greyson finished talking, there was a moment of silence as everyone absorbed the information that had been set before them. After a few seconds passed, Admiral Warren broke the silence.
"You say you can have this done in five months?" Warren questioned.
"If everything goes smoothly, yes five months would be correct. If something goes wrong, seven or eight would be more likely," Greyson answered.
"I say you get to it," President Jackson said, who had remained quite the entire meeting, "The sooner that hyper laser is operational the better."
(Song End)
Lucario and Nova had departed from Cynder Falls after stocking up on supplies ranging from a backpack to water bottles. Thankfully no one was suspicious of the white haired psychic that came through the city. After they had filled up the bottles with water from one of the many rivers that ran down from the mountain and gotten an assortment of berries, they continued their journey westward. The days went by as they traveled, both training under their respective masters, honing their skills to perfection. After a week, Lucario was able to quickly, though not too accurately, open portals in the Void. He still had trouble getting the exit portal to open when and where he wanted it to. Most of the time it would appear a few seconds late and a few yards away from where he wanted to appear. It was frustrating but he was slowly getting more accurate. Cutting holes through space takes a little more skill than aura techniques. As for Nova, her stamina when it came to maintaining illusions was steadily increasing as was her resistance to Lucario's 'distractions.' Not only was her stamina improving, but the complexity of her illusions was also advancing.
At the end of the week, Lucario and Nova could see the Western Mountains in the distance. Feelings of nostalgia began washing over Lucario as they got closer to the mountains that made up his childhood home. They were already covered in a multicolor sea of trees as their leaves prepared to submit to the coming winter snow.
The Gift of Life, Illusions, Thomas Bergersen
(Song Start)
"It really is beautiful," Nova said, bringing Lucario out of his trance like stare.
"Huh?" Lucario stammered before his mind processed what she said, "Yeah… it is."
"So which mountain did you live on?" Nova asked as she looked down the chain of similar, yet different, mountains.
"Too far away to tell right now," Lucario replied, "When we get closer I will be able to tell. Besides, we aren't going straight there remember?"
"Yeah… I just haven't wanted to talk about that…" Nova said, dropping her head slightly.
"What do you mean?" Lucario asked as he stopped walking and looked down at his companion.
"I mean I am afraid of what you are going to do when you get there…" Nova replied, sitting down at Lucario's feet. "What are you going to do when you get there and find these elders?"
"I…" Lucario paused after starting, he had never really thought about it in reality. He just assumed he would go there and kill anyone in his way. But now that he was thinking about it, that didn't seem like a plausible idea. There would be people there who played no part in his pain; it would be just as evil for him to end their lives without reason as what the elders did to him.
"I… don't know…" Lucario answered, hanging his head some, "I guess that I only thought about getting my revenge… Not how I was going to get it…" Lucario paused and sat down as well. "I just assumed I would go in there in rage induced fury and end all who opposed me…"
Nova cringed slightly when she heard that. While she was not as opposed to violence as she once was, she still didn't like the idea of killing people. She knew that Lucario had killed and would continue to kill, but everyone he had killed while she was with him deserved it. From either trying to harm her or others without a morally sound reason or cause, they ceded what Lucario called 'The Right to Life.'
"But I can tell you wouldn't be happy if I did that," Lucario continued, looking down and rubbing the head of the small fox next to him, "So I won't. But I will confront them. They still have much to answer for."
"You would to that for me?" Nova asked, looking up into Lucario's flaming eyes.
"Scilicet," Lucario answered with a faint smile, "Quid faciam tibi."
Nova crooked her head sideways as Lucario spoke, still not able to understand the ancient language. Though she couldn't understand it directly, she could get the general meaning of it sometimes.
"Was that just a really fancy way of saying yes?" Nova question, wondering why the response was as long as it was.
Lucario let off a low laugh at Nova's comment before answering, "Yeah, that is it." Nova smiled. 'Though not all of it…' Lucario finished in his mind, recalling the last part of what he said.
'I would do anything for you.'
(Song End)
The storm was still raging outside as Dr. Hamilton was looking over the review for the last two hybrids to be produced, bringing their total to five, though they lacked control over the original. All they had to do was find it though and his problems would disappear. The Belkan technology that they had brought back would prove extremely useful in capturing the rogue hybrid, and controlling it once it was recovered.
He was startled when his phone rang; drawing his attention away from the folder he had been scanning through. The storms used to disrupt any communications in and out of the facility, so a cable was buried beneath the desert sand to link the isolated desert base to a communications center that was not affected by the deadly storms.
"Hello?" Hamilton said upon answering the phone.
"Dr. Hamilton," A computerized voice responded, "As soon as the storm clears, we are sending a transport helicopter to pick you up along with all of the hybrids and the technology you recovered. You are being summoned to headquarters to give a presentation on your projects and what it was achieved. Understand?"
"Yes sir," Hamilton said.
"Good, see you soon then."
With that the line clicked dead and Hamilton hung up the phone. He was both excited and nervous. He was happy that he was going to be able to showcase his achievements, but he was also nervous that something would go wrong. He pushed those thoughts to the back of his head as he stood up to get everything ready. He was not going to embarrass himself because of a last minute packing job.
After careful consideration, Lucario had thought up a plan for when they got to Axiom. He was going to have Nova disguise herself as a Lucario and have her stay close to him in order to distort her aura field. He, however, would not be disguised. He would go in and confront the elders. If anyone got in his way, he would tell them to move and incapacitate those who continued to impede him. He had yet to decide what to do with the elders who brought his suffering on him, every bone in his body screamed for their death. He knew Nova would understand but she would still be disappointed with him. While he honestly couldn't care less what most people thought about his actions, Nova was… special. He really didn't understand it, but being around her just made him feel better, easing the pain of his past.
The sun was already crossing the border between the sky and the mountain tops, painting the clouds in a bright orange as it descended. Lucario smiled to himself at the sight. It had been many years since he had seen this sight.
"Praesent ..." Lucario muttered under his breath, bowing his head slightly.
Nova had heard Lucario say something very softly; when she looked up at him he was walking slightly behind her with his eyes closed and head bowed. She wanted to ask what he had said, but she decided against it. He looked like he was at peace right now and Nova didn't want to ruin it. So she continued to walk in silence, hoping Lucario would bring something up. However, the white wolf just continued his quiet walk behind her. She let out a low sigh and hung her head some as she walked closer to the mountains.
"What's wrong?" Lucario inquired, hearing the fox Pokémon's sigh and sensing the sadness emitting from her.
"Nothing… I am just bored I guess," Nova replied.
"Well, do you want to talk or something?"
"Sure, that sounds good," Nova said, her voice lifting up some.
"What do you want to talk about?" Lucario asked.
"What is your favorite thing about the mountains?" Nova said. While there were other topics she wanted to talk about, she wasn't sure Lucario would be so open to them.
"My favorite part about the mountains…" Lucario said before pausing some, "I would have to say the terrain and landscape. There isn't much you can't do around here."
"What was your favorite thing to do?"
"Just walking around, exploring the mountains. There was always something new that you could find. There are plenty of caves, lakes, rivers, even some old Azorian watch towers linger on the peaks. You haven't seen a sunset till you see one from one of those towers."
Lucario continued reminiscing about his childhood as they walked toward the setting sun. A smile was slowly working its way onto his face. For the first time Lucario could remember, he was actually enjoying himself. That wasn't to say he didn't enjoy his time with Nova, but most fun he had with Nova before had to do with training or something similar, never just spending time together, doing what humans call 'hanging out.'
Nova listened as Lucario continued to tell her about the mountains, his voice picking up some, excitement becoming more audible in his voice. She was glad he was enjoying himself. He looked truly happy for the first time since they met. It was nice to hear about some of Lucario's happier memories and not just his stories of pain and suffering. His tale went on as she listened intently, giving her hope that she was making progress in tearing down the rugged wall that stood between them at times. When Lucario finished, the sun had long since disappeared and the sliver of a moon took its place in the dark sky. Tired from the long days walk, Lucario and Nova decided to stop rest for the night. Once again, Nova fell asleep next to Lucario, pressing against his soft fur.
Revel Yell, Vietnam in HD OST, Michael Plowman
(Song Start)
Palkia pulled Lucario's mind into the Void again that night, continuing his arduous training. After a brief welcoming, Lucario started warming up for the long night of practice. This consisted of him rapidly charging his blade then discharging the energy once it had stabilized. Once that was done, he proceeded with opening and closing portals when and where Palkia directed. By the end of the night, Palkia had Lucario 'traveling' through his portals. They still were not perfect, but they did work and they were stable. Lucario had just emerged from a portal when Palkia summoned him over.
"You are done for the night, Azorian," Palkia said, trace amounts of satisfaction in his voice, "You have accomplished much this past week."
"Thank you, Palkia," Lucario said, getting up from his bow.
"Now it is time to take your training to the next level."
"What do you mean?"
"You are to start practicing in your own realm, with your real body. There is nothing more I can teach you; however, there is still much you can improve on."
"So is this goodbye?" Lucario asked.
"For now, yes," Palkia answered, "But Giratina and I will be near if you require us. Good luck Azorian, your journey is only starting."
"Huh? How do you know that?" Lucario asked confused.
"My sister Dialga as seen you in some of her visions, I cannot tell you what she has seen. Father forbids her knowledge be shared with anyone outside his siblings," Palkia said before pausing for a moment, "Goodbye, Azorian."
Before Lucario could question further, he found himself expelled from the Void, waking up to the cool, night air. He could feel Nova's rhythmic breathing on his side as she slept.
(Song End)
'Guess she finds out soon about my powers,' Lucario thought to himself, sitting up and forming a fist with his right paw. He closed his eyes and concentrated on the spacial energy, forcing it down his blade. When he opened his eyes, the tip of his blade was giving off a bright purple light. Nova started stirring from the bright light, as it was in close proximity to her, before Lucario quickly dispelled the energy. It felt a lot of the same as it had in the Void, yet different at the same time. Here it was more invigorating, more powerful; it felt nice as well, like pent up frustration that was finally able to be released.
Lucario noticed Nova shivering some due to the exposure to the cold wind from him sitting up. Smiling faintly, he put a paw on her back and slowly rubbed it some before laying back down.
"Bonum nocte, Nova," Lucario said quietly before closing his eyes and drifting back to sleep.
Hopper was admiring the new insignia that crested his shoulder, three black diamonds arranged in a vertical line with a black wreath at the bottom, the emblem of a Colonel. Given his role in General Marshal's upcoming plan, the promotion was fitting. Marshal had filled him in on the next offensive operation. It was truly an ingenious idea. Most of the pieces to execute it were already in place. The dimensional technology they had gathered over the past few years played a crucial role in its success.
The first phase was rather simple, a silent coup d'état against the prime minister. Normally such a task wouldn't be easy, but when all you had to do was slip a mind control devise onto him, things got much simpler. After General Marshal had control of the armed forces, the invasion could begin. Hopper had been entrusted with command of the invasion force once the day came. How long it would be before that day came, he didn't know. It depended on how long it would take for the Gateway to become operational.
Axiom, the ancient ruins stood proudly against the mountainside. While much of the city had been destroyed during the Taldaran siege, it still remained intact in various areas. The most notable structure was the palace that rose toward the heavens at the top of the city as it clambered up the slopes of the mountain. Next to it was a large courtyard that was surrounded by cliffs on three sides, overlooking much of the once proud city. It was a sight to behold, its history full of stories, both happy and tragic ones.
"So that is Axiom?" Nova asked, looking at the majestic ruins that lay only a few miles ahead.
"Yeah, that's Axiom…" Lucario said quietly as the memories of that fateful day started returning to him. It took every ounce of self-control that he had to not rush in there and kill all in his path. His paws were curled up into tight fists and his eyes were closed as a tear leaked out of his sealed eyes.
"Quoniam tempus est..." Lucario said, opening his eyes. The fire in them burned brighter than ever; they filled with determination to see this through, to bring justice to his parents.
"You ready?" Nova asked, already masking herself behind an illusion of a female Lucario. She too was determined to help Lucario. While she hoped not too many would be hurt by Lucario's actions, she recognized that this had to be done, and she would help him, for better or for worse. Lucario only nodded as he took off the backpack and hung it in a nearby tree, leaving behind trace amounts of his aura to keep others away and to be able to easily find it again.
"Let's go."
(Okay, in order to prevent some confusion, I need to say this. Lucario will be fighting other Lucarios in this part. In order to differentiate them, the other Lucarios will be referred to as guards.)
Two guards were standing at the old gatehouse, each holding an ancient Azorian spear. Their job was simple; don't let anyone in without them proving themselves first. Most Pokémon that tried to get in were kids that would simple ask to get into the ruins. They would kindly turn them away. At such a young age there was no reason to be rough with them. However, every once in a while some grown Pokémon would come by thinking he had what it took to get in, whether that was brute strength or deception. These Pokémon required a bit more 'persuading' to leave, usually with bruised bodies and their tail between their legs.
Both stiffened upon sensing a force in the distant forest. They exchanged worrying glances before one of them nodded and closed his eyes. The aura sensors on the back of his head levitated for a moment before falling back down.
"Well, what is it?" His partner asked.
"I… don't know…" The guard replied while rubbing his forehead with his free paw, "Whatever it is has an aura signature like nothing I have seen before. It gave me a headache it's so powerful."
"Eh, let's just hope it isn't heading this way."
However, it soon became clear this wasn't the case. Whatever it was, it was coming straight toward the ruins. Both started growing more and more nervous as the source came closer. It was absurd the amount of power this thing was radiating. It took every bit of courage they had not to abandon their post. They could already feel the auras of some of the others inside the ruins retreating farther up the mountain.
"This is ridiculous! Why are we still standing here? Everyone else has already gotten out of here!" One of the guards nearly yelled.
"Because we can't abandon our post, you know what the punishment for those that leave their post is," his partner replied, his own confidence wavering.
"That, thing, is going to destroy us if we stay here. I think I will take my chances with the Elders," the guard answered; however, before he could turn and run something in the distance caught his eye. Both he and his comrade looked at the white figure in the distance as it approached them.
"You don't suppose, this is the source do you?" His partner asked fearfully.
"I'm guessing it is."
As much as they wanted to run, the two aura Pokémon couldn't bring themselves to do it. Their own fear paralyzed them. They watched in a mix of horror and fascination as the white figure came closer. Once it was close enough, they could see that it resembled a Lucario. They could also see another Lucario, a normal one, walking close behind it. The white Lucario walked past them, glaring at each of them, before saying a single command in an authoritative voice.
"If you know what is good for you, don't get in my way."
After it passed by they exchanged glances before turning and facing the duo that had walked past.
"What in Giratina's name is that thing?"
"I have no clue… We have to warn the others."
"I am not getting in that things way. It will destroy us."
"We can just run past it, I am not planning on fighting that thing either. Now come on."
With that the two Lucarios turned and ran towards the ancient palace located midway up the mountain. Their spears were trailing at their side as they ran, not even looking back as they passed the intruding duo.
"Well, now what?" Nova asked as she walked behind Lucario, watching the two guards retreat up the city.
"We keep going," Lucario replied.
When they were about half way up the ruins, Lucario stopped. He could sense several Pokémon hiding in the ruins that flanked both sides of the street. They were powerful as he could sense, but not powerful enough.
"Just come out already," Lucario yelled out, "I know you're there."
Slowly a group of four Lucarios came out of the ruins, two on each side of him. They looked fierce and confident, but he could tell that they were also just as nervous though they weren't showing it.
"You are not welcome here," One of the guards said, "Leave or we will be force to remove you from these ruins."
"Really," Lucario said, crossing his arms over his chest, "You think you can beat me? I know you don't want to fight me, so don't. I have no quarrel with you. However, if you get in my way, I will not hesitate to make sure you're not going anywhere anytime soon."
Archangel, Archangel, Two Steps from Hell
(Song Start)
Lucario finished his threat by taking up a battle stance and elongating his blades, making them glow in a white energy. The guards exchanged glances before nodding. All four of them took up combat stances and began charging up large Aura Spheres.
"If you will not leave voluntarily, then we have no choice but to remove you by force," a guard said before launching his Aura Sphere.
Lucario quickly brought his blade around before slashing it down at the ground, cutting the explosive sphere in half and causing both halves to miss wildly. Two of the other guards fired their attacks simultaneously. Instead of seeing their target vanish in a cloud of smoke, they saw it catch the blue spheres, one in each paw before smirking at the shocked guards. The Aura Spheres began to dilute in color, changing to a bright purple. Lucario then threw the explosive orbs back at their owners, who barely dodged out of the way as the Aura Spheres detonated where they once stood. The fourth Aura Sphere came moments later; in response, Lucario focus a small amount of aura into his foot and kicked it off its path. The sphere exploded a few seconds later after colliding with an old ruin, which promptly collapsed in a cloud of dust.
At that moment, one of the guards rushed at Lucario from behind, his paw glowing a bright white energy. Sensing the incoming attack, Lucario turned around and held out his right arm. The attacking guard stopped as fast as he could, Lucario's deadly blade resting mere centimeters from his throat. Before the guard could react, Lucario swung his foot around and delivered a swift kick to the side of the guards head. The aura Pokémon hit the ground hard, maintaining the momentum from Lucario's foot, knocking him out cold.
Two more of the guards got in front of Lucario, each forming a blue bone in their paws. Lucario in turn formed his own Bone Rush attack, a purple bone forming in his own paws. The two guards nodded at each other before charging toward Lucario. Lucario readied himself for the incoming attacks, spreading his feet a bit more. The two guards both raised the auric staffs and brought them down toward their adversary's head. Lucario quickly brought his own staff up in front of him, his paws resting at the ends of the purple bone. He felt his elbows bend slightly as both attacks made contact. Before he could counter, one of the guards lifted his staff up and brought it around and nailed Lucario in the side. Lucario winced in pain from the super effective hit. The attacking guard didn't relent either; he swiftly followed up by kicking Lucario in the stomach, sending him flying back. Lucario's Bone Rush fell onto the ground and dissipated as Lucario landed on the dirt street.
Lucario groaned as he stood up and saw the two guards attacking him yet again. This time Lucario extended both of his arms toward the charging guards, forming three golf ball sized Aura Spheres on the tips of each of his paws. Lucario began to rapid fire the miniature Aura Spheres, firing a few off every second, creating a virtual wall of the explosive spheres. The guards had no time to react to the multitude of incoming projectiles and took the brunt of the attack, each getting hit by several of the small, yet powerful, spheres. The force of the attack was enough to throw the guards to the ground. Before they could react, Lucario charged up a large Aura Sphere and launched it at the ground between to the guards. The magnitude of the resulting blast was enough to send them flying in opposite direction into the ruins that lined the street.
(Song End)
When Lucario looked up, only one of the guards remained, standing up the street some distance from where he was. He could feel the fear radiating from her. Her body was ever so slightly shaking in her poorly formed stance. Lucario relaxed some and stood up straight before motioning Nova, who had watched the skirmish from the safety of one of the ruins, to follow him. She quickly ran up behind him and followed him as he walked slowly up the street. She looked at the female Lucario who stood in their way. It didn't take aura reading powers to tell she was scared. Nova hoped Lucario wouldn't hurt her too bad.
The female Lucario watched as the white Lucario and the female behind him approached her, as much as she knew she was supposed to fight him, she couldn't bring herself to do it or to turn and run. Instead she stood there, paralyzed in fear. When her opponent was a few yards away, she closed her eyes and braced for the attack that was bound to happen. A few seconds passed and nothing happened. No bone shattering Force Palm or deafening explosion from an Aura Sphere. She slowly opened her eyes and didn't see anyone. Turning around, she saw the duo walking past her, the female Lucario looking back at her with small amounts of shock that must have also been on her face.
"Why?" She asked softly, "Why didn't you attack me?"
She watched as the white wolf stopped walking and looked at her. The fierceness that occupied his face a few moments ago was gone, replaced by a somewhat softer expression.
"I said I had no quarrel with you. I have no reason to harm you or your comrades," Lucario said, his voice much gentler than it was before, "They should be fine, just sore some once they wake up."
"Then why are you here?" The female Lucario asked.
"To mend old wounds," Lucario said after a brief pause, "The masters of this place brought me great pain as a child. I am here to see that they receive what they deserve."
The female Lucario watched as the white aura Pokémon and his companion continued on their way up the city. She could feel that he spoke the truth, but she couldn't believe that those who had taught her had wronged anyone. Not knowing what else to do, she decided to tend to her comrades.
As Lucario and Nova continued up the mountain, he could sense more guards preparing up ahead. He could tell this group was going to be more troublesome than the last. There were more of them, they were better trained, and a few of them were carrying those spears he saw that the first two guards had. This group was gathered on the passageway that led to the courtyard from the main street, which was rather narrow and didn't have any side passage ways, only the walls of the palace on one side and a steep cliff on the other.
"Nova," Lucario said, "I might need your help this time."
"Umm, okay…" Nova said uneasily, "But what do you want me to do?"
"Distract them; try to keep them from grouping up on me. You're small and fast, do what you do best, be annoying," Lucario jested with a faint smile.
"Oh you're such a comedian," Nova said, rolling her eyes, "I think I will just stick with my illusions."
"Sure, why not," Lucario said with a shrug, "Now get ready they are around this corner."
True to Lucario's word, a group of seven Lucarios was gathered around the corner. Three of them had spears in their hands, pointing the sharp ends toward them. The guards were in a wedge formation, the three with the spears making up the point while the other four were on the edges. Each one of them looked determined, ready to fight. Lucario could still feel the fear in them, but it was considerably less than that of the previous group.
"Move aside and I will bring you no harm," Lucario said in an uncharacteristically calm voice, "I have no reason to harm you or your comrades. My business is with the Elders."
"We will not stand aside," the lead guard said, stepping forward some and resting the butt of his spear on the ground, "As you have asked us to stand aside, so I will ask you to leave."
"Your heart is sound, but your leaders are corrupt," Lucario said, sensing the pure aura the lead guard had, "They are not as innocent as you think."
"So you say, but I have no reason to believe you," the captain said, backing up into the tip of the wedge again and leveling his spear toward Lucario, "I cannot let you pass."
"Fiat," Lucario said, spreading his legs some, "Speravi ut hoc non fieret."
The guards exchanged nervous looks after hearing the ancient tongue. Only the elders were supposed to have a basic understanding of it. However, they quickly cleared their minds and got ready to fight. Each eyed the white wolf and his female companion warily, waiting for the order to attack.
To Glory, Invincible, Two Steps from Hell
(Song Start)
"Now," the captain said through telepathy. Immediately, all seven of them started running toward their opponents, keeping their wedge shape intact. The four guards on the sides formed auric bones in their paws as they charged, lowering them toward the white Pokémon.
"Smart," Lucario commented, "Using telepathy; however, two can play that game. Nova, I need you to simulate an Earthquake attack for me."
"Gotcha," Nova replied as Lucario jumped into the air before coming back down and slamming his paws into the ground. Nova instantly made it as if the ground surrounding them was cracking and parts of the palace were falling off. The guards instantly halted their attack in the fake Earthquake attack, struggling to keep their balance.
Lucario just closed his eyes and relied on his aura vision to see through the illusion. He charged at guard closest to the palace wall and elongated his right blade. Putting a non-lethal amount of power into his Metal Blade attack, he slashed across the guard's chest. The guard had been too busy dealing with the Earthquake to notice Lucario until it was too late, by then he was already flying backwards from the force of the attack, a shallow cut running across his torso. Once he hit the ground, the guard continued to slide for a good distance before coming to a halt.
Instead of finishing off that guard, Lucario turned his attention to the guard that was standing next to him. He quickly, grabbed the guards arm before twisting it around and forcing the guard to the ground. He raised his other arm up as it started emitting a purple glow, intending to bring a Force Palm down on his helpless opponent. However, before Lucario could execute his attack, he was forced to let go of the guard and jump back as the end of a spear was thrust toward him. By now the others had recovered from the fake Earthquake and were surrounding him. Of the seven guards, four were getting ready to attack him, two were still recovering from his attacks, and one of them was going toward Nova. Lucario's eyes immediately narrowed on the guard running toward the disguised fox.
Lucario concentrated his aura into his legs and used Extreme Speed to tackle his way out of the semicircle of guards, knocking one of them flat onto the ground, hard, knocking him out. Nova had started backing away from guard that was coming at here. She cringed some when the guard lunged out at her, intending to tackle her; however, the guard just sailed through her illusion before landing and getting a face full of dirt. It took quite a bit of self-control for her to not burst out laughing as the guard struggled to stand up after his fall.
"Nice job," Lucario commented as he ran past her toward the guard.
"Thanks," Nova replied, smiling that her illusion had tricked yet another.
"How about you do another Earthquake to keep the rest of them busy for a bit?"
"Sounds good to me," Nova said as she made her illusion jump into the air before landing and slamming its paws on the ground. Just like last time, she made it as if large cracks ran out from where she came down toward group of guards, forcing them to stay back.
The guard that had attacked Nova had finally recovered from his mishap and turned to go back to the fight… only to come face to face with Lucario.
"I wouldn't recommend attacking her again," Lucario said, some anger audible in his voice.
The guard attempted to use Force Palm, but before he could Lucario swept his feet out from under him and used his own Force Palm to send the guard painfully into the ground.
'Two down,' Lucario though as he ran back to Nova's side. The remaining guards were recovering from Nova's illusion. They were getting back into a rough formation again, the three guards with the spears in the middle.
"There is something weird about those Earthquakes…" the captain telepathed to his group.
"What do you mean?"
"They should be causing more damage than this. That and did you see how that other Lucario's body fizzled when it was hit? Something's up."
"Too bad that other guy is ruining our aura vision with his aura signature."
"Yeah… no kidding."
"Alright, let's try this again. Do not stop for anything this time, not even one of those Earthquakes."
With that the guards charged at Lucario and Nova again. As before, Nova leapt into the air and brought her paws down against the ground, 'creating' a large crack that raced toward the attacking guards. However, unlike the times before, they kept charging through the illusion toward their targets.
"Ah crud…" Nova said, "They wised up."
"Couldn't expect them to fall for that forever," Lucario replied with a shrug, "That just means we are on more even grounds now."
With that, Lucario instead created a large wall of aura in front of the attacking guards, who didn't have time to stop and slammed into it. Lucario hoped that would be enough to hold them back while he thought of a better plan. Unfortunately, one of the guards armed with a spear took a few steps back before the sharp tip of the spear began to glow a bright blue and he slashed at the wall, tearing a large hole in it.
Lucario frowned as his wall had only slowed them down for a bit. Not having any better ideas, he created a large handful of marble sized Aura Sphere and threw them onto the ground in front of him, causing them to roll and bounce toward the guards. The guards once again didn't have time to avoid the attack as the Aura Spheres detonated under their feet. The attack also threw up a large cloud of dust, adding a disruptive effect of the attack. Lucario followed up by extending his blades and charging into the fray, using his aura vision to see through the dust cloud. His first target was the guard closest to the wall, mimicking his attack from the start of the fight. He slashed at the guard's side, leaving a nice cut and sending the guard flying into the wall, knocking him out.
Lucario was about to attack the guard next to him when he felt a sharp pain in his side. The one he was planning on attacking had thrust his spear in his general location, grazing the side of his stomach. Before the guard could pull the spear back, Lucario grabbed it and yanked it toward him. Lucario raised up his other paw, readying a Force Palm, as the guard was pulled toward him. Once the guard had passed Lucario, he swung his paw around and unleashed the Force Palm into the guard's back, sending the guard into the wall before his unconscious body fell next to his comrade.
By now the dust had settled and the three remaining guards had positioned themselves in a line in front of him. On a telepathic command, all three of them began charging Aura Spheres. Lucario tensed as he readied himself to defend against the barrage that was about to happen. Once the Aura Spheres were all fully charged, all three guards launched them in unison at their target. Having only seconds to react, Lucario put his paws in front of him and created an aura shield. His feet skidded back when the blue explosive sphere made contact with his purple shield. Lucario knew his shield could easily hold back the Aura Spheres, but what he didn't count on was the guards using their spears to break his shield as they had done before. Both of the guards with spears thrust the glowing ends into his shield, easily ripping it at the points of impact. Lucario could sense his shield failing now, so instead of trying to outlast the Aura Spheres, he redirected the remaining energy in the shield to the point where the attacks where impacting. Once this was done he dissolved the rest of the shield and angled the last parts so the Aura Spheres would be deflected instead of dissolved.
The only problem with this plan was Lucario's close proximity to the palace wall, which the deflected Aura Spheres hit almost immediately afterword. Large chunks of the wall began to fall as the Aura Spheres exploded. Lucario turned around and watched in horror was the entire section of the wall began to destabilize and fall down. Because they were on a narrow path that boarded a cliff, they had nowhere to run. All four aura Pokémon quickly tried to put up a shield around themselves. Some succeeded, others didn't. Unfortunately, Lucario was unable to gather enough aura before the rubble started landing around him. His steel coated bones helped make the impacts from some of the falling rocks bearable, but a rather large piece of debris caught him on the right shoulder, creating a large gash that started to bleed. The force of the bolder also forced him down onto his knees.
'Dang that hurts,' Lucario thought to himself as he gritted his teeth and placed his paw over the large cut on his shoulder. Several more chunks of rock continued to fall but most of them missed or were not large enough to cause any serious injuries, though there was now a pile of rocks on top of him. Once the debris settled down, Lucario forced himself up and the rocks off his back. He hurt like hell and had scratches and bruises all over, but the only major injury he sustained was the gash on his shoulder.
He quickly looked around to see how everyone else had fared. Nova and the first two guards he knocked out where outside the area affected by the wall collapsing. The two he had just dealt with where buried under the debris. They were alive, but they had sustained far worse injuries than he had. Two of the three remaining guards had managed to get shields up and kept the rocks away from themselves. The third however…
"SOMEONE HELP ME!" a voice rang out from over the side of the cliff. The two remaining guards ran over to the side and looked over while Lucario slowly made his way over as well. The walls collapse had brought about a sort of ceasefire in the fight, survival taking precedence over fighting. When Lucario looked over the edge, he could see the Lucario he had spoken with early, the leader of the group, thirty feet below him on the side of the cliff. He was using Metal Claw and had the white blades jabbed into the rock, keeping him in place…for the moment.
"I don't know how much longer I can stay like this!" He shouted up. Lucario took a closer look at him, his arm that was stuck into the rock face was twisted around and there were several large cuts all around his body. Lucario could tell he was in great pain, his arm most likely was pulled out of place and the blood loss was not helping the matter. In this time, Nova had joined them as well, carefully looking over the cliff.
"One second," Lucario called back, getting ready to use Psychic to pull him back up. However, before he got a chance to get a solid mental grip on the injured Lucario, the rocks around his Metal Claw gave way, and he started falling through the air.
"Ah crud," Lucario said as the other watched in horror, "Well… I hope this works…" Everyone looked in bewilderment at Lucario as he said that before jumping off the cliff as well.
"LUCARIO!" Nova called out as she watched him sail through the air.
"What on earth is he doing?" One of the guards asked.
"I… I don't know," Nova responded, barely remembering to keep her illusion up through the nerve racking experience.
Lucario had heard Nova's call. She was going to be pissed at him…if he survived this. He was pretty confident that his impromptu plan would work. But he hadn't done this for real yet, and something could always go wrong…
He quickly forced those ideas out of his head. He had done it, now he had to go through with it. He closed his eyes and relied on his aura vision to find the falling guard. It only took a moment to find the descending aura signature and Lucario streamlined his body, making him fall faster toward his target. Thankfully because Lucario had jumped off mere seconds after the captain fell, so it didn't take him long to catch up with him. Lucario could 'see' him shouting at him, but he couldn't hear anything because of the wind.
"Can't hear ya," Lucario telepathed as he came up alongside the falling guard.
"What in Giratina's name are you doing?" The captain responded.
"Saving your sorry ass," Lucario responded with a smirk as he wrapped his left arm around him.
"How do you plan on doing that?"
"Just be quiet, I need to concentrate or else we both go splat in about ten seconds."
The guard watched as Lucario's right blade extended, but instead of its normally whitish glow, it was illuminating purple instead. He could feel unreal amounts of power radiating from the white wolf next to him as this process happened. The next thing he knew, Lucario slashed his blade at the open air beneath them and a purple portal appeared as Lucario's blade cut a hole in space. Everything was black for a moment before he could see the sky again. Moments later, he felt himself hit the ground, but sideways instead of vertically. The guard felt Lucario's grip around his waist loosen as both of them skidded across the rough ground before coming to a halt. He hurt like no other, but he was alive. He had no clue how, but did it really matter?
(Song End)
He could hear voices, some familiar, one not, as he struggled to stand up. His left arm was in unbearable amounts of pain as he put weight on it and collapsed back down onto the ground seconds later. He could see the white Lucario a few feet away from him; he was in better shape than he was, except for a large cut on his right shoulder.
"Are you okay?" The white Pokémon asked.
"No… I hurt like hell," The captain responded, "How about you?"
"I've had better days," Lucario answered as he pushed himself up, pain searing from his right shoulder. He looked around some and saw that they were at the edge of the courtyard, which wasn't where he wanted to be, meaning he screwed up the exit portal again. But he was alive, it doesn't matter that much, though a few more feet would have put them back over the cliff. Lucario could hear Nova calling out at him and saw her and the two other guards running toward him.
"Hold still for a moment," Lucario said as he examined his battered kin, using his aura vision to see what was wrong with his arm. Last time he checked, arms didn't bend backwards. Carefully placing his paw on the guard's shoulder, Lucario got ready to pop it back into place.
"What are you doing?" The captain asked, turning his head toward Lucario.
"This might hurt a little."
"Only a little?" The captain asked doubtfully before screaming out in pain as Lucario forced his bones back into their proper places.
"Okay, I lied, more than a little," Lucario said with a shrug.
"Thanks… I think," The captain said before sitting up moving his arm around some, "But why go through all that? I was told you came here to kill us all? Why save me?"
Lucario let out a heavy sigh before answering, "I told you I had no quarrel with you or your comrades. I was holding back the entire time, fighting with attacks that would only incapacitate you and would not knock you off the cliff. I could have easily killed you; it would not have been a challenge at all. It was more of a challenge to make sure you kept your life instead of taking it.
"So… You were telling the truth before… The Elders really are corrupt…" The captain said, sounding as if his world had just collapsed around him. Lucario nodded as he focused his aura into his paws, forming a liquid like state over them. He then placed his paws over some of the captains more serious wounds and began healing them.
"That feels… amazing. Better than anyone else's healing," The captain said looking around and seeing the others finally reaching them. He barely had time to roll out of the way as the female Lucario that came with the white one threw herself at him.
"DON'T DO THAT!" She screamed before breaking out into tears against his white fur. Through her emotional release, she forgot to keep her illusion up as the blue wolf faded into a black fox that had its face buried in left Lucario's shoulder, "I thought you were dead…"
"I'm sorry, I didn't have time to tell you," Lucario said.
"H-how did you… W-what happened?" Nova cried out, not understanding how the two had appeared in the courtyard after falling off the cliff.
"That's another thing I need to tell you," Lucario said somewhat nervously, as he had not mentioned his training with Palkia or the manifestation of his powers to her.
"What are you talking about?" Nova asked, looking up at Lucario's face with her tear filled eyes.
"I suppose it would be easier to show you," Lucario replied, setting Nova down. Everyone present watched at Lucario elongated his right arm blade and it began glowing a bright purple. He slashed it up from his side, leaving a swirling purple hole in its path. Without saying a word, Lucario walked into the hole before it disappeared, leaving everyone stunned. Moments later, there was a thunderous crack behind them as a similar purple portal appeared and Lucario emerged from it.
"I have never seen such a technique before," The captain said, "What is it?"
"Spatial portals," Lucario replied, "Palkia has been training me for over a week on how to perfect them. Still have yet to get it down though."
"Palkia… The legendary dragon of space… has been training you…" Nova said slowly; trace amounts of anger building in her voice.
"Umm, yeah…" Lucario replied, going to rub the back of his head before the pain in his shoulder made him stop.
"WHEN WERE YOU GOING TO TELL ME THIS!?" Nova screamed out, tackling Lucario.
"Soon…" Lucario replied, prying the angry fox off his chest, "And I am sorry for keeping it a secret from you."
"How are you able to do that?" The captain asked, "And what happened to you? Why are you white and such?"
"That's a tale for another time," Lucario responded, "Could one of you please heal my shoulder? This cut hurts like no other."
"Jon," The captain called out, "Think you can handle that?"
"Yes, captain," one of the guards, Jon apparently, said before going toward Lucario and healing Lucario's shoulder.
"Not bad," Lucario said as he moved his arm around some, "So you all have names?"
"Yeah, when there are this many of one species of Pokémon living together, you kind of have to have names. So you can call me Luke," Luke said.
"I know, this isn't my first time here. Though you can just call me Lucario, my old name doesn't mean much to me anymore," Lucario said with some sadness in his voice, "The Zorua is Nova."
"Well, it's nice to meet you," Luke said, "I thought there was something fishy about those Earthquake attacks you two were doing. Sure makes a lot more sense now. You're quite the master of illusions."
"Thanks," Nova relied cheerfully, "You all are quite the fighters as well."
"Anyways, think you could give us a hand getting the others out from under the rubble?" Luke asked.
"Sure."
With that the group exited the courtyard back onto the path where they had their skirmish. The cracks created by Lucario and Nova's 'Earthquakes' where gone and there was only the rubble from the collapsed wall. Lucario could still sense the other twos aura underneath it. Their condition had slightly worsened; it was serious but not quite life threatening as if yet. The four aura Pokémon went to work at the rubble, slowly lifting it away as to prevent any more injury to the two that were trapped.
It took some time, but after half an hour they had the other two safely unburied and their major wounds healed. They were still unconscious and looked pretty beat up, but their condition was no longer deteriorating. The other two guards Lucario had knocked out were still out cold as well. After gathering them all in one safe location, Luke asked why Lucario was here, curious as to what the white wolf was seeking. Not wanting to go through his tale entirely, Lucario gave him a very short, abridged version. By the time Lucario finished, the sun was already approaching the horizon and he wanted to finish this before sun down.
When he told the others that he and Nova were moving on, Luke offered to come with him. After everything he had seen, he had lost all faith and respect he had for his superiors. If everything Lucario had told him was true, then the Elder had played him and everyone else here as a fool. His presence would make getting to the Elders much simpler, many here held him with high amounts of respect. Some more than the Elders themselves because of the distance they kept from almost everyone else, though there were many that still held the Elders with high regard. Things would get ugly if this escalated before Lucario could resolve the issues with the Elders.
Knowing his way around better than Lucario, Luke took the lead when they entered the remains of the palace. The halls were all but empty as the trio progressed toward the inner most chambers where the Elders resided. It was slightly unnerving to both Lucario and Luke, who knew that these halls usually had some form of activity in them. Nova, who was back in her disguise, was walking behind Lucario with her arms clung his left arm. Even though she had never been here before, there was something familiar about it. She felt as if something here was trying to draw here in. The feeling itself wasn't hostile, if anything it was warm and inviting, but it still unnerved her some. Eventually the group came to a large set of old wooden doors that had survived despite their age.
"They are in here," Luke said, "Or at least they should be."
"Good," Lucario said, his voice becoming much more serious as his right palm started emitting a purple energy, "I think I will do the knocking."
Before anyone could object, Lucario delivered a powerful Force Palm to the doors, blowing them off their hinges and into the room. Both doors landed with a loud clamor, though screams of terror could be heard from inside the room.
"I found everyone else," Lucario said as he walked into the room, followed by Luke and Nova. They could see quite a few Lucarios all gathered in groups throughout the room. Almost all of them looked scared, trembling in fear. There was another line of guards standing in front of Lucario. Though this time Luke took the lead, moving out in front of Lucario.
Dragon's Breath, The Best of Brand X Music, Brand X Music
(Song Start)
"Stand aside," Luke ordered, earning him mixed looked from everyone in the room. After a few seconds of hesitation, Luke repeated himself, this time more firmly. "I said, stand aside."
This time the guards listened, pointing their spears toward the ceiling and moving toward the sides of the room, allowing Luke, Lucario, and Nova to pass by.
"Captain Luke, what is going on? Why is the demon with you?" One of the guards asked, turning and following Luke with the other guards falling in behind him.
"He isn't a demon. They lied to us," Luke answered harshly. "He never tried to kill anyone. He was merely making it so we couldn't block his way. Not only that, he endangered his own life just to save mine. The Elders lied to all of us."
"Then why is he here?" Another female guard asked.
"Simple answer, free us from our own blind allegiance," Luke said, "He knew the Elders long before us. They did terrible things to him, things that no one should have to go through."
"You believe him?"
"He jumped off a cliff to save me even though we had done nothing but try to kill him. If that isn't a reason to believe him, I don't know what is.," Luke answered, calming down some. "So where are they?"
"The Elders took some of their personal guards into the chamber room," The female guard said.
"Hmm, go figure," Luke mumbled before giving another loud command, "All guards loyal to me, gear up and follow me. The Elders have some answer to give, and I don't think they are going to give them up willingly."
The guards in the room exchanged uneasy glances before their faces hardened with determination. Something wasn't right. Luke treated them much better than the Elders ever had, why should they back down when he needs them the most? Minds made up, they followed their commander toward the chamber room, for better or for worse.
(Song End)
Osean: GGGAAAAAAHHHHHHHH! I don't want to stop right here… I want to get this little arc finished. But this is getting out of hand; I didn't expect this chapter to be so long.
Nova: but what about my surprise?
Lucario: it's coming, and you are going to love it, I am sure.
Osean: ….you read my mind didn't you?
Lucario: yep
Osean: *sighs* does privacy mean nothing to you?
Lucario: depends
Nova: tell me! TELL ME TELL ME TELL ME!
Lucario: no, you will just have to wait
*Stonehenge is a large railgun network built on the Usean Continent. It was used to destroy most of Ulysses before it made earth fall.
Also, my little background info on the Arkbird is not accurate to the Ace Combat descriptions. I changed it a bit to fit my liking to make it fit into the plot easier. I will have links for most of this stuff on my profile if you want a better idea about it.
Time for the story recommendation of the chapter, the lucky story this time is Into the Shadows by PrimeHunter01. Slight catch with this one, only the first 12 or so chapters are on Fan Fiction. However, the full story is located on deviant Art. I will post a link to the story for all who are interested on my profile under the references for this chapter.
I am sorry about taking so long to get his chapter out, and for not even getting all the way to the finishing point I originally planned. But I figured this is better than nothing, besides I think this leaves a nice bit of suspense in the air. Till next time, God bless and have a great *insert amount of time till next chapter here, aiming for Christmas*