I walked along with Shieldon, who was happily prancing at my side as we journeyed from Vailstone City to Ash's next gym battle. We'd had breakfast, washed up and were all fresh faced and ready to meet the long day.
We'd been walking for some time when Ash suddenly stopped, going stiff as a board as he yelped slightly. "Hey genius, what's wrong?" I asked him as we all stopped around him.
"Are you okay Ash?"
"Yeah. I'm fine." Ash said, shaking his head slightly.
"Pika!" Pikachu called out and we all looked ahead to see a small black and blue Pokémon walk out of the bushes. Instantly my heart stopped in place, a deep gasp snatching my breath away as I stared wide eyed.
"What's that?"
"A Riolu!" Brock answered as Ash brought out his Pokédex.
"Riolu, the emanation Pokémon. When sad or scared, it's aura becomes stronger as a way of signalling to its allies." That's it, I can't take it anymore.
"I WANT IT!" I yelled at the top of my voice and shoved Ash aside. "Quick, Shieldon use…" I trailed off when I saw Riolu fall to one knee, clutching its arm tightly as I felt its pain. "Hold on, it's hurt." Pointing to its wound Ash instantly ran forwards. "Wait Ash, it might not be friendly to strangers!" I called but he was already way ahead.
"Here, let me help you." Ash offered, kneeling down and tried to inspect the wound but the Riolu shoved his advances off with a strong hand. "I'm trying to help you!" I launched myself forwards as Riolu held out its paw.
Before its Aura Sphere could fully form, I wrenched Ash backwards and stood in front of him, lifting my arm like a horizontal bar and the Aura Sphere deflected off of my guard, keeping both Ash and Pikachu safe from being hit. "It's scared, don't make any sudden movements." I ordered everyone. "And try to stay quiet."
Shieldon crept over to my side, hiding behind my legs as I slowly crouched down to Riolu's height, making myself appear less intimidating as Ash did the same. I gave Riolu a smile, keeping the distance between us. "You're very strong, I thought only a Lucario could learn Aura Sphere, but you're obviously something really special." I said softly, keeping my eyes fixed on Riolu's to show fearlessness. That way, I would earn it's respect. "But you're hurt, and you've got to let us help you. Reach your with aura and you'll see we're not lying."
In answer Riolu closed his eyes and lifted a paw, searching our auras to find out exactly what we intended, but when he only found truth and honesty, he blinked in surprise, giving a soft grunt. "You see?" Ash said with a smile. "Ruby can use aura just like you, so you can trust her, and you can trust us too. Will you let her bandage your wound?" He questioned and Riolu thought for a moment before nodding and walking towards us as I sighed with relief and quickly got my things out.
I sprayed the injury with Super Potion then bandaged it up for Riolu who stood patiently, not showing one ounce of pain though I knew it stung like crazy. "Very good, you're a great patient Riolu." I told him as Shieldon sniffed him curiously. It obviously irritated him as Riolu swept out a paw, taking a swing at Shieldon but I quickly grabbed it. "Shieldon, you know that's not polite. If you want to say hello, say it properly."
"Shieldon!" He called out, smiling at Riolu who blinked before his ears pricked. Suddenly he tore away from me before I could finish the bandage just as a figure jumped through the bushes. "Shield? Shieldon!" Shieldon ran after Riolu as I hastily grabbed my things and threw them back into my bag.
"Hey! Wait for me! Riolu, Shieldon! Don't run off!"
"Is everyone in one piece?" A voice asked and I glanced over my shoulder to see a boy standing there, but I ignored him and chased after the two Pokémon even though Pikachu called for me to slow down.
Running through the bushes and trees I searched for my Pokémon and Riolu. "Shieldon! Shield!" I heard his panicked voice and instantly turned half a circle, heading back the way I came then towards his voice.
"Shieldon, I'm coming!" I yelled and broke through a bush, not caring if it scratched me then stopped when I saw none other than Hunter J's trucks and her men standing around a tree which Shieldon was fiercely guarding, Riolu stood on one of the branches.
"Go Crobat, Wing Attack!" Their ring leader yelled and instantly I held out my hand, forming a shield wall as tall as the tree in front of Shieldon and Riolu. The Crobat slammed into it then cried out as it was flung back with force.
"You're not getting Riolu, or my Shieldon!" I shouted to them as I dropped the guard. Suddenly Ash was at my side, standing with Pikachu with a determined face.
"Yeah! You're not getting away this time. Pikachu Thunderbolt, let's go!" He called and Pikachu aimed straight for the Crobat.
"Shieldon, Take Down combined with Iron Head, let's go!" I called the battle combination and Shieldon instantly charged forwards, aiming straight for a truck but when an Aura Sphere blasted in front of him, he was thrown off course and struck a tree. "Shieldon no!" I cried out then yelled as Ash tackled me around the middle.
"Look out!" Another Aura Sphere hit the ground where we had been standing and I whirled around to see Riolu blasting everything he saw as a threat, including us. "You okay?"
"I'm good." I chirped, getting back to my feet and look to the trucks as the smoke began to clear. Had they been destroyed?
"So that's the famous Aura Sphere, impressive power." The ringleader said and I growled. Guess not. There wasn't even a scratch! "Riolu is ours. Let's go!" He called and his three companions let out their own Crobat, making me instantly leap to my foot.
"I'm not going to let you take Riolu!" I yelled but then the strange boy from before suddenly stood in front of me.
"I won't allow it." He declared then whipped off his green coat, revealing a ranger uniform and he clicked a Styler in place on his arm, glaring across at the Pokémon thieves before using his cool equipment to capture an Ariados. "Ariados, use String Shot!" He called and I stared in disbelief as the Pokémon actually did as it was told. I'd heard about rangers like this but I'd never thought I'd actually meet one. Awesome! Wait a second…Shieldon! Riolu!
Scrambling to my feet I ran over to Shieldon and opened my arms, sighing with relief as he jumped into them. "Shieldon! Shield Shieldon!" He said as he rubbed his head against me and I smiled.
"I'm glad you're okay. You'd better take a rest, it's a little dangerous outside right now." I said and returned him to his Pokéball before turning to Riolu. "Now, how about you let me finish that bandage?" I offered and Riolu blinked at me before looking to his arm. I reached out and tied it off securely, making sure it was clean before sitting back on my knees. "There, you'll be good as new in no time." An idea came to mind and I pulled around my bag and reached into a side pocket. "Here, let me show you something."
Taking out the wooden carving of a Lucario I showed it to Riolu who blinked at it. "My dad carved it for me when I was a little baby. He's an aura guardian too and he has a Lucario as his partner." I explained to Riolu who took my offering to look at it more closely. "You want to go home, don't you?" Riolu nodded his head so I gave him a confident smile. "So home is where we'll take you. Don't worry, we'll make sure you stay safe."
Suddenly I was aware of the boy standing behind me and I turned around, giving him a curious and cautious look but he stepped forwards and knelt down to Riolu's height, holding out a bag. Riolu's eyes widened as a Riolu carving fell into the guy's hand which he showed to Riolu before speaking. "You see? You can trust me Riolu." He said, putting the figure back in the pouch before placing it over Riolu's head to hang around his neck. With that he picked Riolu up then turned to us. "Follow me." He started to run and we followed, though I kept a sharp sense out in case anymore of Hunter J's goons decided to follow.
"So you came out here to help that Riolu, right?" Ash questioned and he turned his head.
"Right. The name's Kellyn. Hi there."
"Hi, I'm Ash."
"And my name's Dawn."
"Nice to meet you, I'm Brock."
"And I'm Ruby." I finished after the Pokémon had all called out their names too. We stopped by a small river for a rest and Kellyn wanted to take a look at Riolu's wound, but Riolu wouldn't let him touch it. He leaped away from Kellyn and rushed to the water's edge away from everyone else.
"Hey, Riolu!" Ash called but I rested my hand on his shoulder to keep him from going after the young aura Pokémon.
"It looks like Riolu's suffered through some tough times, and that can make it hard to trust anybody. It's going to take time before Riolu can trust people again." Kellyn informed as I lifted my head, sensing the breeze begin to pick up a little. It combed through the loose locks of my hair that framed my face, the rest of it tucked up in a plaited bun.
"Hey, isn't that the doll you gave Riolu?" Dawn questioned, noticing how Riolu was now holding it. I smiled and looked down to my Lucario figurine.
"Yeah. It was a gift from the man who raised him." Instantly I sensed a flicker of aura reaching out and my eyes fell on Ash, his body tense as he stared outward before he blinked a few times then shook it off. What was that all about? He walked over to Riolu quietly as not to alarm him.
"That's worth more to you than anything, right Riolu?" Ash questioned and I was happily surprised to see Riolu smiling up at Ash. "You used your aura to tell me that."
"Of course." I said with a chuckle and everyone looked at me. "That's why I felt aura being used. Riolu used his aura to transmit memories and emotions from himself to Ash. You two must have a lot in common to have a bond like that." I smiled at Ash, one hand resting on my hip.
"Don't worry Riolu, I'll help you get home. You can trust us, I promise." Ash said to Riolu before Kellyn's styler rang and everyone crowded around as I sat with Riolu. We sat facing one another in meditation, me listening and watching as Riolu showed me his memories of home, a beautiful valley with a kind old man he saw as father. I couldn't wait to meet him.
Suddenly there was a thunderclap and my eyes shot open, looking up to see a large ship flying through the clouds a fair distance from where we rested. "It's Hunter J's ship." Dawn said coldly.
"So she finally arrived."
"Everybody needs to stay calm and do just what I say, okay?" Kellyn asked and everyone nodded their heads.
"Right." He lead us through the woods and I carried Riolu on my back, keeping him close as he held both his Riolu figure and my Lucario one for comfort, thinking of home and wishing he was there right now. Kellyn brought us to a beautiful lake and he untied the boat, however we needed both Piplup and Buizel to pull us across the crystal clear water.
Once we were settled, he began to explain Riolu's story to us. "This Paradise Kingdom is Riolu's home. His official title is Inheritor of the Aura, he was carefully raised by his breeder. Each royal generation uses Riolu's aura to protect the kingdom, it's passed on and on from generation to generation, and Riolu is next in line." Wow, that's a lot of pressure for such a little guy.
"That's why Riolu can use Aura Sphere." Brock said and we all looked to Riolu who stood at the front of the boat, watching serenely as the world around him drifted by.
"Riolu was kidnapped and locked up by people who planned to use his power for evil purposes. But a different group of people orchestrated Riolu's breakout for their evil purposes. Although it's obvious Riolu was able to escape from them too." The vision flashed before my eyes.
"He blasted his way out of the truck then ran into the night." I answered in a quiet voice before shaking my head. "Sorry."
"Now he's being hunted by a Pokémon Hunter." Brock said sadly. "No wonder Riolu doesn't trust anyone outside its kingdom."
"What an awful way to live." Dawn said as Ash grew angry.
"Selfish people mistreating Riolu like that. I can't stand it!" He almost yelled but I whacked the back of his head without even looking what I was doing.
"Cool it genius. We get it, you hate bad guys." Without warning the wood of the boat burst into pieces and several Sharpedo appeared, glaring hungrily at us though they didn't attack further as we all cried out and crashed into the water.
I floundered for a moment before Buizel picked me up, Ash helping me back to the surface where we both hung on to our water type friend. "What're they doing?" Ash groaned as I glared.
"I bet they're with Hunter J. Look!" I pointed as several armoured trucks pulled up on the bank shore, the punks getting out to see us floating in the water.
"Now, capture on!" Kellyn called as a Floatzel leaped out of the water and he captured it successfully before using it to try and escape to the other side of the river, however four Sharpedo combined their Aqua Jets to hammer the water, forcing us out of the water but then the Pokémon continued to swim for it.
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt, now!" Ash called as the Sharpedo jumped out the water again and Pikachu hit them with a powerful zap, draining their energy and getting them off our backs.
"Floatzel, step on it!" Kellyn called, Riolu in his grasp but before we could make our escape, a Hyper Beam came in contact with the water, exploding it in front of us and we all pulled up short. When the water drizzled back down, it was to find Hunter J and her Salamance.
"I'm taking Riolu." She announced but Dawn bit back at her.
"I don't think so. Piplup, Bubblebeam!"
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!" Ash echoed and both Pokémon launched their attacks.
"Alright Salamance, Hyper Beam." The three attacks collided in a huge explosion, making me turn my face away from the heat before looking back up to see Hunter J still standing there. She lifted her arm and armed her capture gun, aiming straight for Riolu.
"Quick Floatzel, Water Gun!" Kellyn smartly called and the Pokémon hit Salamance's wing, knocking it off course but it quickly regained balance and Hunter J aimed for Riolu again. "Dodge it!" Kellyn pushed both Pokémon away to dodge the beam and I turned my head to see Riolu diving after its lost figures. "No!"
"Riolu wait!" I cried out then sprang after him, cutting through the water as swiftly as a Buizel in the rain, chasing after Riolu as Hunter J followed in the air.
"Salamance, use Hyper Beam." Doesn't that Pokémon know any other moves? Geez. Salamance struck a jutting rock above and the crumbling rocks struck the water, causing the others to cry out as they hurried to avoid the falling obstacles.
"Ruby, grab on!" Ash called and I stopped, turning to see him holding out his hand and I grabbed it as he and Buizel shot past and I clung on tightly, letting Buizel pull both of us to safety as we followed after Riolu.
We followed the river, letting the current take us but when we hit a small waterfall, Buizel powered over it with the both of us where we then spotted Riolu, flailing in the water before going under. "Buizel dive!" Ash called and instantly Buizel carried us underwater towards where Riolu began to sink.
With a hammering heart I reached out and scooped Riolu up where Buizel then shot to the surface, all of us gasping for air before climbing onto the bank. "Ash, you have to get the dolls…" I panted as I held Riolu close to me, pulling out a towel and blanket. "They'll help keep Riolu calm."
"No sweat, we'll find them, just hold on." Ash said before turning to Buizel. "Come on! You take the water and we'll run along by the bank. Let's go Pikachu!" As he ran off I rubbed Riolu dry and kept him warm and comfortable. I dried out my clothes as best I could then waited.
It felt like forever, but eventually Ash returned with both figures and I smiled as my fingers curled around the Lucario again. "You better put that somewhere you can't lose it again." Ash suggested and I nodded.
"Good idea genius." I answered, putting it in my bag then noticed Riolu beginning to stir. "Hey there sleepyhead, glad to see you're awake." I said with a smile.
"Yeah, we were starting to worry." Ash said as Riolu opened his eyes and looked around him in confusion. He looked at the warm blanket I had put around him then to me with a questioning look.
"I didn't want you to catch cold, that's all. It's my favourite blanket, it's all soft and snuggly." I told him as he stood up and I took it back to fold up and put away. Riolu was looking around him, panicked and in a frenzy until Ash held out his Riolu figure.
"Here. Looking for this?" Ash asked then knelt down. "I'll tell you Riolu, your home is a beautiful place. I can really feel it, I mean its aura." He smiled before taking Riolu's paw and handing him the figure. "This belongs to you. Now take good care of it." Ash chuckled but then Pikachu's ears pricked up and he whirled around with a glare.
"What's the-hmph!" My hand clamped down on Ash's mouth to silence him as I peered through the trees, spotting Hunter J and her men only a few feet from where we were hiding.
"We received a report they didn't turn up downstream. They must have washed up somewhere in this vicinity." Her head henchmen reported as Hunter J's scowl grew more agitated.
"Are you certain?"
"There's no doubt about it." Quietly I nodded and together we moved out, trying to keep low and silent. We ran as a group, keeping close together but then a wildfire sprang up out of nowhere, burning bright and hot. This has to be J's doing. I could hear Pokémon crying out in fear as they ran for their lives.
"Ash look out!" I cried out and grabbed him, tugging him out of the way of a burning branch and we avoided it by mere inches.
"Ruby! Are you okay? Did you get burned?" At his fussing, I laughed. Ash looked at me as if I were crazy but I stood up with a clenched fist and a confident smile.
"Hey, I raised Charizard, remember? Heat doesn't bother me. Now let's move it before we become fish kebabs!" We continued to run however we seemed to be herded whichever way Hunter J chose, using Flamethrower to cut off any escape routes until we were left facing her.
"I'm taking the Riolu now." She stated simply but Ash stepped forwards with a protective hand flung out to cover Riolu.
"We're taking care of Riolu, your luck has just run out!" Ash yelled and I stepped forwards also.
"You can't take us both on J, you're not taking Riolu, and that's final!" She smirked in answer.
"Salamance, use Flamethrower." She ordered but I merely lifted a hand and stopped the attack, the flames swallowing over my shield which made Riolu's widen in awe. When the flames stopped, I lowered my hand and glared up at her.
"Like I said. You are not, taking Riolu." It felt like everything spiralled away as Hunter J and I glared at one another. I knew she wanted Riolu, but I couldn't let that happen. He'd suffered enough already. It just wasn't right.
"You're a fool if you think you can defeat me. Hyper Beam!" She ordered and instantly I held out my hand again, though this time, I felt some real power. I cried out as the Hyper Beam hit then kept on coming, hammering against my shield as I tried to hold it back, gripping my wrist to force it to remain upright.
"You can do it Ruby, just focus! Remember back at Veilstone City, the way you protected us all with that aura blast? You can do it again!" Ash encouraged and Pikachu waved his arms.
"Pikachu Pi! Pika!" Clenching my eyes shut I ground my teeth, growling as the force began to build. That was one powerful Salamance, she must have been training it for years. I can't do this, I can't hold it back forever!
"You can do it!" Ash yelled again but at that moment, my shield shattered into a thousand pieces and in one soundless gasp, we were all flung backwards by Hyper Beam. I cried out and hit a tree, causing pain to flash up my side but it was all gone the moment I heard Riolu cry out for help before his cry was cut short.
"No, Riolu!" I yelled, leaping up and started to run to him but then Hunter J turned to me.
"This time. This time you won't escape."
"Ruby watch out!" Ash called but instead, I just stood still. Fine. Let her take me. Maybe that way I can help bring the others to me.
"Ash!" I called, spinning around as Hunter J aimed. "Remember, everyone has aura inside them. You've just got to find it! Use it Ash, use it to find m-" My words were cut off as everything went bright white…and then pitch black.
Though this time, I could still feel. My conscience was still active because I could sense Riolu close by. He was with J, but feeling scared so I focused my aura on him. Don't be afraid Riolu. Ash and the others are coming. Help me reach out to them. Riolu instantly felt more at ease, surprised that I was here but glad too.
It was easy to find Ash, seeing as he was shouting so desperately loud, but also because his aura was the most familiar to me. I'd grown up around him, even though we hadn't always been best of friends, I've known him and his aura the longest of anyone's.
We showed him the way, Riolu seeing through Hunter J's eyes as she looked out her window and together, we led the gang to our location. Now that my aura was stronger, I was more in tune with everything around me.
Hunter J had moved Riolu away from me, which instantly made me angry. That no good Pokémon thief, she can't sell Riolu! He needs to go home. He needs to go home to his family! Hatching a plan, I began to think of all the things that made me angry.
Paul, Gary Oak, Pokémon hunters, thieves, liars, Team Rocket, mistreated Pokémon…argh! This is not good for my attempt at anger management. Oh well. I need to do this for Riolu. I have to fight back, I have to, otherwise everything is lost. I…must…FIGHT!
With an explosion of aura from within, the casing that surrounded my body shattered into a thousand pieces and the dome broke apart around me as I took a breath of fresh, free air. "She's loose! She's loose!" Voices began to call and I smirked darkly, opening my eyes.
Oh yeah. I'm back, and I'm mad. Where is that Hunter J? She's got an appointment with my fist! As people tried to run at me I flung out two Pokéballs. "Shieldon, Ponyta, charge!" I yelled and they both powered forwards, lowering their heads and cleared the way as I turned around. "Leafeon, Razor Leaf on the double!" Starting to have some real fun, Leafeon appeared and instantly flung back everyone who was advancing from behind before following after me.
Shieldon and Ponyta charged through anyone who dared tried to get in our way, leading me straight outside where I saw Riolu in the hands of the client. "Not so fast!" I yelled, shocking Hunter J who whirled around as I leaped. I used her as a foothold, slamming my boot into her face and heard a satisfying crunch as I broke her nose. "Give Riolu back!"
"We found you J!" Ash yelled from the cliff and I paused to send him a smile. Impeccable timing genius, as usual. Staravia was sent out, using Quick Attack to separate Riolu from the client as I ordered my Pokémon forwards.
"Go! Shieldon use Take Down, Ponyta, charge them! Leafeon, use Razor Leaf on the tyres!" Just then Ponyta began to crackle with electricity, stomping his hoof before rearing up onto his hind legs with a magnificent battle cry then large bolts of electricity jumped from him as he charged the band of thieves. "Hey, is that Wild Charge Ponyta?" I questioned, scratching my head before cheering. "Alright! I just got me a new move with Ponyta!" Focus Ruby, get Riolu back!
"Give Riolu back!" Ash yelled at the man as Hunter J escaped on her ship but I let her go.
"Not a chance. Dispose of them!" The client ordered and his men all obeyed, sending out an impressive array of Pokémon before he called out his Fearow, laughing as he grabbed one of its legs then was carried up into the air. "Ha! I'll leave you to take care of them!"
"Oh no you don't! Charizard, I need you now!" I yelled and the moment he appeared, I jumped onto his back. "Climb on Ash! You guys stay and do what you can to help protect Dawn and the others, okay?" I called to my Pokémon and they all nodded their heads, turning and stood protectively in front of Dawn and Brock as Officer Jenny and Solana appeared. At least they've got backup. "Now after that Fearow!" I directed as Ash jumped up behind me and Kellyn followed on the ground riding a Dodrio.
Charizard caught up with that Fearow without a problem, snarling as we came close enough for an attack. "Flamethrower, let's go!" I pointed and Charizard instantly flapped his wings for extra lift before blasting Fearow on the back, knocking it clean out the sky and the client yelled in fear as he dropped. "Nice work Charizard, now let's get him!"
"Give Riolu back!" Ash yelled as the guy got up, gasping for breath.
"Not in a million years!" He shook his head and tried to make a run for a cave for cover.
"Dragon Tail!" I directed and Charizard whirled around, striking the rock face above and it shattered, caving in and blocking the way before he snarled, landing directly on top of him and pinned him down with a claw before folding his arms proudly. "Good job Charizard. That's another bad guy on lock down." I said as I slid off after Ash who instantly ran to Riolu's case.
"Riolu!" He called out then stood the dome upright, turning down the dial to release Riolu who blinked then looked around, slightly confused for a moment. "Man am I glad to see you." Ash said with a smile and Riolu beamed before flinging his arms around Ash. "You're okay!"
"Thank you. Both of you." Ranger Kellyn said as he walked towards us with a rope, swinging it around like a lasso so I nodded my head, signalling to Charizard who instantly let our prisoner stand up, ignoring his weeping. "Thanks to you, Riolu can go home safe and sound."
"No problem. Happy to help!" I beamed, giving a victory sign and a wink as our guy was captured and tied up securely. "Just one more thing…" I said, stepping forwards then retrieved all three Pokéballs from his person.
"Hey, you can't take those, those are my Pokémon!" He yelled at me but I just rolled my eyes.
"Please, save your tears for the police." I smirked. "You're going to need them after what you've done. Adios!" I waved my fingers as he was thrown over a Dodrio to be taken back to Officer Jenny. Looking at the three Pokéballs I found the empty one then held it out to the poor Fearow. "Fearow, return! You take a long rest, and we'll find you a new home." I promised before walking over to Riolu who was still in a laughing Ash and Pikachu's embrace. "Nice work buddy. You'll make a great guardian." I complimented and Riolu smiled up at me before jumping into my arms too, making me giggle as he hung onto me tightly. "Now, I think it's time we took you home." I said as I closed my eyes, feeling Charizard place his head against me and Ash joined the hug too, placing his arms around me from behind as Pikachu nuzzled my cheek.
With all thieves safely locked away, it took no time at all to take Riolu back to his trainer and guardian. Dawn and Brock joined Ash, Kellyn and I after we met up then we all brought Riolu home together.
The moment Riolu could see his home, there was no stopping him. He ran the rest of the way and didn't stop until he'd jumped into his guardian's arms, all too happy to be back safe and sound. "On behalf of all the wonderful people who live in this kingdom, we are very grateful to you for bringing our Riolu back." He said and Ash rubbed the back of his head bashfully.
"It was nothing." He assured him before looking straight at Riolu. "You take care now, and make sure you don't lose that figure of yours." Riolu beamed then nodded his head, waving it at us before blinking, going perfectly still.
"Riolu? What's wrong?" I asked him but he leaped out of his guardian's arms without another word, running into the house and making everyone frown slightly at his odd behaviour. "What's gotten into him?"
"I don't know, maybe he's just happy to be home and can't wait to get some rest. I'd be tired if I were Riolu after all he's been through." Brock suggested but then Riolu returned, carrying a Pokémon egg and everyone gasped.
"Is that what I think it is?" Dawn asked as Riolu carried it very carefully.
"It must be a Riolu egg!" Ash said as Riolu's guardian blinked.
"Why yes, but that one is barren. Unfortunately it never hatched, though Riolu has never allowed me to let it go. I'm certain he thinks it's still alive, but I can't see how that's possible." He said to us all.
"Why's that?" Ash asked.
"Because it's been sitting there for nearly three years." He answered and we all blinked in surprise. Riolu called out and I looked down at him where he then offered me the egg.
"You want me to take it?" I questioned slowly and Riolu nodded his head, smiling. He gestured to me again so I knelt down and picked up the egg, running my hand over it with closed eyes. "Riolu is right, there is a Pokémon in here!" I gasped, smiling. "I can feel its aura. You knew that too, didn't you Riolu?" He nodded his head proudly but then, to everyone's shock and amazement, the egg began to glow.
"I don't believe it…" The Riolu guardian whispered, leaning forwards as everyone awed in wonder, leaning closer as I stared with wide eyes until finally, the light disappeared and a small baby Riolu lay cradled in my arms, curled up and sleeping before it awoke and opened its eyes. "Now I understand." My heart hammered slowly but heavily in my chest as a cold rush of shock ran over my body. "It wasn't barren, it was just waiting for its right partner. An aura guardian with the perfect bond."
"You mean…it chose me?" I asked as the Riolu looked up at me then smiled, lifting its paws and touched my face, making me smile brightly.
"It obviously wanted you and no one else. I should have known better. Riolu and Lucario are very special Pokémon. They know which trainer they will have a strong bond with, and sometimes will choose to serve one trainer and one trainer alone throughout their life. This Riolu, is yours." I can't believe it. I finally got a Riolu. And it's a girl! I can just tell, she's so adorable, with her baby blue eyes and little smile.
"Wow, that's amazing! You're so lucky Ruby." Dawn said to me as I hugged my new Pokémon.
"I know. I am very lucky. Thank you Riolu." I said then hugged him too before sitting down on the ground and cradled my young Riolu in my arms. "Hi there, I'm Ruby! You and I have a lot of adventures and fun times ahead of us, as well as hard work. One day, I hope together we'll be great aura masters." She giggled up at me and I couldn't help but smile back. "Of course, for now I'm just going to admire how adorable you look!"
"All babies are adorable Ruby. Once you've seen one you've seen them all." Ash said so I stood up and whacked the back of his head.
"Zip it genius." I ordered before lifting little Riolu up into the air. "Yeah! I just got a Riolu!"
"Pi Pikachu!" Pikachu cheered with me and we all laughed and giggled together, the light of the setting sun shining on our faces.