It is that time again! Dimensional Wars birthday! As of this chapter, this story will be two years old! Alright, let's crunch some numbers then.

Past year / total

Words: 64,144 / 204,644

Average words per day: 176 / 561

Chapters: 11 /36

Views: 5,812 / 9,156

Reviews: 63 / 167

Favorites: 20 / 38

Follows: 23 / 42

With that said, I have noticed my progress this past year has been slower… A lot slower actually… less than half even…. With that said, I will try and dedicate more time to writing. Sometimes I just enter into slumps and it is hard for me to get back into writing… that and college… I will say this though, reviews, favorites, and follows really do inspire me to write more. I am sure that is true for a lot of authors here though.

Anyways, enough about all that, time for the story! Thank you for all your support! Will have more at the end of this chapter.

Act III: Uprising

Chapter 36: Rise

(White Bird, Pt 1, Ace Combat 5 OST, Namco Sounds)

(Song Start)

"SSTO launch in T-minus three minutes."

Basset Space Center was a hive of activity and had been for the past several days. Final preparations had been underway for the past twelve hours, running well through the night into the early morning hours. Unlike most launches, this one was being conducted with no public access whatsoever. Not even news crews were allow onsite to film the launch. Osean military forces had set up around the space center a month in advance and swept the facility on a daily basis.

Tanks and IFVs were set up around the perimeter. Helicopters buzzed overhead hourly. The Osean Maritime Defense Force (formal name of the Osean navy) even had an Arleigh Burke class destroyer sitting off the coast next to the space center. The facility had been on complete lockdown ever since the hyper laser cannon had arrived. Anyone who knew about its presence was forbidden to leave the complex. Most of the space center personnel were left in the dark about the whole operation and tried to go about their business as normal. More than a few people had been detained and questioned for snooping around too close to the hanger that housed the SSTO craft and the laser cannon it carried.

"SSTO launch in T-minus two minutes"

Most of the top brass was attendance for the launch. They all wanted to see Osea's newest and most secret weapon as it was launched into the upper atmosphere. The Arkbird had already begun its approach vector, descending into the upper stratosphere. The white, elegant space plane would be visible to those paying attention and had the proper equipment. After today however, if it was ever caught by an amateur space watcher they would notice a subtle difference under the left side of its sloped delta wings. Several squadrons of F-22 Raptors were in the air above Basset on a combat air patrol in case any aircraft breached the no fly zone.

"SSTO launch in T-minus one minute."

Generators started to whir as power was delivered to the rails along the seven mile long mass driver. After a few seconds, the SSTO craft lifted off of the rails and hovered a few centimeters above them. Its two oxygen-hydrogen rocket engines were fully prepped and ready to help the craft achieve its low Earth orbit. The blast area had been cleared and all was ready for ignition.

"I hope this toy of yours works Mr. Lance," Admiral Warren said, having just flown in along with General Ryan from the 3rd Osean Naval Fleet.

"I understand you never got to see any of its tests Admiral, but I assure you this weapon will launch Osea into a new age of technological supremacy," Lance replied.

"Technological supremacy off of captured Belkan weapons, which they have had in development for fifteen years," Ryan countered, disappointment in his voice. "Need I remind of Excalibur from the last war?"

"Excalibur was new for its time, but it had its draw backs. It was an instillation and required absurd amounts of power. This hyper laser is more powerful, more compact, and uses less energy. You have nothing to worry about General," Lance answered.

"I am not worried about your weapon underperforming Mr. Lance. I am worried about what else the Belkans might have cooked up, especially after they gained access to Orion," Ryan said with a grunt.

"Thirty seconds till SSTO launch."

From the observation deck, Ryan could see smoke starting to build up behind the rocket engines as they started their ignition sequences. The accumulation of months of hard work was about to be launched into space.

(Song End)

(Dunecraft, Speed of Sound, Nick Phoenix)

(Song Start)

"Ten"

"Nine"

"Eight"

"Seven"

"Six"

"Five"

"Four"

"Three"

"Two"

"One"

"Ignition!"

A blinding light burst into existence as the rocket engines went to full thrust. The magnetic current of the mass driver instantly went into overdrive, accelerating the SSTO craft along with its engines.

"SSTO passing checkpoint one."

Ryan could now see the space craft through is binoculars, but it was becoming increasingly difficult to track the craft.

"SSTO passing checkpoint two."

Smoke trailed behind the SSTO craft as the rocket engines continued to push it down the mass driver.

"SSTO passing checkpoint three."

By now the spacecraft was over halfway down the mass driver. The mass driver itself had started sloping upward, preparing the launch the SSTO up into the air. Moments later, the SSTO cleared the edge of the mass driver and continued its upward climb. The smoke left behind by the rocket engines began to clear as a gentle breeze blew along the coast.

Several minutes passed before all the smoke had cleared and the SSTO has out of sight. Those in charge of the launch were reporting that everything was running smoothly. The SSTO and the Arkbird were on intercept course for rendezvous. Once they docked, the transfer of the laser cannon could begin and the SSTO would return to the surface.

(Song End)

Meanwhile a few miles from Basset Space Center, two men observed the launch through binoculars. Each had a pistol laying on the ground next to them as the lay prone in the grass.

"The boss isn't going to be happy…" A Belkan soldier said, putting down his binoculars.

"He specifically said not to return empty handed… and we found out nothing about what they have been up to…" His comrade replied.

"Who would have thought they would have the entire Osean army guarding this place… Getting in there would have been impossible."

"I suggest we don't say 'impossible' when giving our report… Marshal really hates hearing that something can't be done."

"No kidding…. The last guy that told him that got put through a jet engine," the soldier said with a shudder. "Would rather not have that happen to us."

"Come on, let's get out of here. Being around the Osean military like this makes me nervous. The sooner we get back to the safe house the better."

It was around four in the afternoon when Lucario made his way out of infirmary at Fort Aaron. Well, forced his way out would be a better term. The doctors insisted that he rest more, but Lucario would have none of it. One growl with a baring of teeth and he made his way out through the door. While human medicine may be advanced, Lucario did not like it. It burned and was unnatural. The synthetic odor still fouled up his nose.

"YOU'RE BACK!" Nova yelled out, glomping Lucario in a hug as he left the building. Lucario fell to the ground caught off guard by Nova's sudden tackle. She gently nuzzled Lucario neck with her eyes closed. "Those jerks wouldn't let me in…"

"And still in some pain," Lucario groaned out.

"Oh… Sorry…" Nova said, sitting up and getting off of Lucaro.

"It's alright. I have been through worse. Besides, I know you meant no harm," Lucario finished with a faint smile.

"Still… I kind of feel bad for it…" Nova murmured, looking down at her feet.

"Don't," Lucario replied, nuzzling Nova's forehead.

"Thanks," Nova replied, smiling warmly. "Oh, I found something while I was looking around here that I want to show you."

Before Lucario could even question as to what Nova had found, the energetic Zoroark pulled Lucario to his feet and started running off. Lucario let out a sigh and shook his head some. Several soldiers on the base stopped what they were doing as the blue and black Pokémon blazed past them.

"Some things never change," Lucario said with a smile as he started after Nova, albeit at a slower pace than normal. The cut on his leg was more than a hindrance.

Lucario eventually caught back up with Nova. She was sitting, much like a canine Pokémon would, in front of a statue. He stopped in his tracks as he saw what the statue was.

A Lucario.

Given the name of the military base, he could already guess who the statue was honoring. The spear in the statue's right paw removed any doubt from his mind. Moving up to where Nova was sitting, Lucario got a better view of the monument. His speculation was correct, it was a statue of his father. The royal Azorian armor, Triarii (tree-ARE-ih-ee) spear, and aura sword made it all too clear to him. The spear was a little over four feet long with its butt resting on the ground and the sword handle was clipped to the left of his waist. Looking down at the plaque mounted in front of the statue, Lucario started reading its inscription:

Aaron, a Lucario wise in the ways of the ancient Azorian Kingdom. While not much is known about this mysterious Pokémon, it is thanks to him that Saldara was freed of the rule of the Old Guard. His actions during the Saldaran Civil War will never be forgotten.

"You probably know more about that statue than any of us do."

Lucario and Nova turned around to find one of the soldiers from before, Tyler if Lucario recalled correctly. His arm had been properly bandaged and was now in a fresh uniform

"You could say that…" Lucario answered, looking back at the stone Pokémon.

"If you don't mind be asking, what do you know about him?" Tyler asked.

"…." Lucario was silent for several seconds, looking down at the ground as he thought.

"You don't have to if you don't want," Tyler continued.

"You seem like a good man Tyler," Lucario started, "I know much about Aaron. However, I will not share it with you. I do not trust you humans. But I will say this much. The armor he wears is that of royalty, the crown prince of Azoria. The spear he brandishes is that of a Triarii, the best troops in the Azorian army. He was a better man than most of you humans."

"How do you know all that?" Tyler questioned, hoping to learn more. As far as he knew, humans were the royal family of Azoria, not Lucarios.

"Do not push you luck human," Lucario answered harshly.

"Okay, okay," Tyler said, backing up several steps. "But if you don't trust us… Why help us?"

"There is a difference between willing to trust and willing to protect," Lucario replied. "This region is as much my home as it is yours."

"So you're only helping because you want to protect your home?" Tyler asked.

"No. While I do not trust humans, I will protect those in need, humans included," Lucario countered.

"Well, thanks for sticking your neck out for us. Today could have been a lot worse if it hadn't been for you," Tyler started. "By the way, General Ford wanted to talk with you. He and Sergeant Powell are in his office. I was sent to get you and your lady friend."

"I have a name you know…" Nova telepathed, slightly irked that Tyler kept referring to her as Lucario's 'lady friend.'

"Oh, ummm sorry," Tyler offered, caught slightly off guard by the new voice in his head. "So what is your name?"

"Nova."

"Oh, well it is nice to formally meet you Nova," Tyler replied, "We should get moving though. Eric wanted you to be there before diving into details and General Ford really hates to be held waiting."

"Very well," Lucario said, turning to follow the Saldaran soldier.

"If you don't mind me asking, why did you tell me that stuff about Aaron?" Tyler questioned as we walked.

"I can tell that you are a man of knowledge as much as you are a man of war," Lucario started, "I was willing to share a brief amount of history that I saw no harm in telling you."

"I see, thanks. I appreciate the information," Tyler responded, though he made a mental note to try and get more from the Aura Pokémon later. He had more questions now than ever before.

The rest of the short walk was spent in silence. Lucario and Nova got a few stray glances from some of the soldiers on the base. Lucario could tell that they were just curious, but it was still awkward to have several dozen sets of eyes following them. Most of the soldiers eventually went back about their business, most of which was loading supplies into HKP 10s to be transferred to Silverlake. Food, blankets, and medical supplies were stacked into large pyramids. The last thing Lucario saw before entering into the building was three helicopters laden with supplies taking off in formation.

It didn't take long upon entering the building to reach General Ford's office. Lucario was thankful because outside Ford's room was rather hectic with people running around with stacks of paper and phones constantly ringing. Some of the noise bled through the walls, but it was noticeably quieter.

(Extraction Point, Call of Duty: MW2 OST, Hans Zimmer)

(Song Start)

"So you're the source that's been helping us out," Ford said as Tyler stepped aside and closed the door.

"That would be correct," Lucario replied.

"I was rather shocked to learn that you were a Pokémon. Didn't even know that until you all got off the helicopter here," Ford continued. "A Lucario named Aaron… If it hadn't been a hundred years since the Civil War, would have thought you two were the same. Well, physical differences aside."

"My name is not actually Aaron. That was a lie I told Eric at the time as a cover story," Lucario corrected. "You can just call me Lucario."

"So is Nova's name a lie as well?" Eric questioned.

"No, that is my actual name," Nova said with a smile.

"Anyways… I got a question for you," Ford started, "How did you know what Alpha has been up to?"

"I don't actually know their plans. But because of an experiment they did on me, I gained the ability to foresee disasters. That is why I knew they would be staging an attack today," Lucario explained.

"So like an Absol?" Tyler asked.

"Exactly like an Absol. The aforementioned experiment takes two Pokémon and merges them into one. One of the Pokémon is destroyed and has its abilities and power transferred into the other," Lucario continued.

"But how does that allow you to locate their bases?" Ford questioned.

"It doesn't. Whenever I run into a member of Alpha, I scan their mind for information. Usually since they just departed from their base, it is a relatively recent thought," Lucario started. "Speaking of which…"

"You know where another one is after today don't you?" Eric hypothesized.

Lucario nodded as Ford fetched out a map from his desk. The Saldaran general quickly spread it out, placing small weights on the corners.

"Where?" Ford asked bluntly.

"The northern mountains," Lucario said, pointing to an area at the far north of the region.

"The closest base we have to there is White Rock," Eric observed, noting the small symbol a bit south of the mountains.

"That area is extremely hard to navigate in… Pretty much impassible for vehicles except for a few roads and valleys…" Ford stated.

"Not to mention the weather… Blizzards are common up there, even in the summer," Eric said. "I suggest we set up a checkpoints on the roads."

"No, that will just let them know that you are onto them," Lucario interjected.

"I am afraid no matter what we do, Alpha will be alerted to our hunt. I assume their base in under one of the mountains?" Ford asked to which Lucario nodded. "Given the extreme cold, any exhaust ports will be long chilled before they reach the surface making it hard to find them as we did last time."

"Aerial reconnaissance is too risky. No telling if or when a storm will pop up," Tyler stated. "Pretty much our only option is to go in on foot and search with the mark one eyeball."

"So it seems…." Ford said, leaning back in his chair. "Alright, I will give to the order to start prepping the alpine gear at White Rock. Eric, Tyler, you two are reassigned to the same squad, chose two men to complete it. We depart for White Rock in one week. Get rested, you all need it."

"What about those two?" Eric asked, nodding toward Lucario and Nova.

"Up to them," Ford said with a shrug, "They aren't part of the military."

"We're going," Nova replied, nodding in determination.

"You guys aren't the only ones with a bone to pick with Alpha," Lucario said, pounding his paws together.

"Alright, you two will travel with Eric and Tyler then," Ford stated. "Just do whatever it is that you two do I guess."

"Sounds easy enough," Lucario replied with a shrug.

"Alright them, you all are dismissed," Ford said before turning his attention back to the mountain of paper work sitting on his desk.

(Song End)

"WHAT TO YOU MEAN HE WAS THERE?" Hamilton screamed out.

"Just as I said, your lost pet project was there," Gallade returned in a calm manner. "And he is quite the fighter."

"You imbecile! Why did you not tell me this sooner?!" Hamilton ranted, "Our number one priority is to recapture him."

"I am not to blame as I was never informed of this," Gallade responded petulantly.

"Fair enough…" Hamilton submitted. "Do you know what he was doing there?"

"Stopping us, simple as that," Gallade said, "He seemed rather…irate. I will say he is quite terrifying when angry." He chuckled darkly.

"You have any idea what he is up to?" Hamilton inquired.

"If I had to speculate, he is probably working with the Saldaran military," Gallade responded, "That would explain their extraordinarily fast reaction time to the attack. I would be willing to bet that he managed to pull the location of at least one base from the minds of your soldiers as well."

"And how would be have managed that?" Hamilton asked, raising an eyebrow.

"He has a relatively strong grip on psychic powers for a non-psychic type. It would not surprise me if he could read minds of unsuspecting humans or Pokémon," Gallade said with ashrug.

"So you are telling me we cannot operate as long as that pest is around?" Hamilton gritted out.

"It would appear so. Quite a setback in my opinion," Gallade responded. "Now if will excuse me, I am going to train some more. I will not be bested by that demon again."

"Why do you call him a demon?" Hamilton inquired.

"Simply put, he is quite ferocious and literally has fire in his eyes," Gallade said, recalling the purple flame that burned in his opponent's eyes. He shuddered some at images before recomposing himself. "Well if you do find that project of your, do let me know. I would very much like to have a rematch against him."

With that, the hybrid Blade Pokémon turned and left, leaving Hamilton fuming in his own thoughts. If another one of Alpha's bases was compromised, he would have to work to find out which on it was. Based on the information of where Gallade fought his lost project, he should be able to deduce which soldiers were near him and which base they were from.

(Rise, Epic Music, John Dreamer)

(Song Start)

Lucario and Nova were walking around outside the base. Most of the trees in the general area around the military installation had been cut down for security reasons, leaving just flat grassland. The soldier at the gate to the base told them to be back by sunset if they wanted back in as the base was going into lock down then. The two canine Pokémon were simply enjoying time alone again, walking paw in paw trying to find some place to relax. Nova was leaning her head on Lucario's shoulder, enjoying his close proximity.

After a while, they stumbled upon a small field with a few flowers blooming. The flowers, Lins if Lucario recalled correctly, were rather small. They had five blue petals around a small yellow core. Lucario bent down and picked one of the flowers before pinning it behind one of Nova's ears. Nova smiled gently, nuzzling Lucario in response.

Deciding it was a good as spot as any, the two canines laid down in the soft grass. Nova had her head lying on Lucario's arm, which was wrapped around her, as she pressed against the white wolf smiling contently to herself.

"This is nice," Nova said as the wind gently blew over her fur.

"Yeah, it is," Lucario responded. "You want to sleep here for the night?"

"Sure why not, I am perfectly comfortable just like this," Nova answered, emphasizing her last three words.

"Heh heh," Lucario laughed, "I bet you are."

"Not my fault you make a great pillow," Nova said, rubbing her head affectionately against Lucario's shoulder.

"Maybe I should see if you make a great pillow," Lucario shot back, a mischievous grin cresting his muzzle.

"Nah, I would make a terrible pillow," Nova said with a laugh.

"Doubt it, that mane of yours is just as soft as it is fluffy," Lucario countered, laughing some as well.

"That it is… But still nope!" Nova replied, sticking out her tongue.

"You still act like a child sometimes," Lucario said with a smile, shaking his head. "I like it in you though. Makes you different."

"The two of us are about as different as it gets," Nova started. "I mean, a blue and black Zoroark who can use aura and a white Lucario that can predict disasters and travel through portals. Not much normal about that is there?"

"I guess not," Lucario mused, "But I was more of talking about your personality, not your beautiful appearance or unique abilities."

"Thanks," Nova returned, blushing some at the compliments.

"Bene veneris," Lucario said with a smile before nuzzling his mate.

By this point, the sun was already sitting low in the sky, night slowly taking dominance over day. The two Pokémon spent the rest of the evening just enjoying the other company and gazing at the stars as they appeared. Shortly thereafter, Nova's breathing became soft and rhythmic, signifying that the fox had fallen asleep. Lucario pulled her close against him, making sure that she was comfortable before closing his eyes and giving way to the tug of sleep.

(Song End)

"Hello child," the kind voice of Lauren greeted Nova as she entered her dreams.

"Lauren!" Nova screamed out in childish excitement, jumping up from her spot in the dreamscape. "It has been awhile."

"Yes, roughly a week has it not?" Lauren said, walking over and embracing the fox in a friendly hug.

"I think so…" Nova answered, "Still it is nice to see you again!"

"Same to you child," Lauren responded with a warm smile and a nod. "How have you been?"

"Well… today wasn't the best… A lot of people died…" Nova said, her ears drooping down along with her voice.

"I am sorry to hear that…" Lauren replied, placing one of her translucent paws on Nova's shoulder. "Do you want to explain?"

"I guess… It all started last night," Nova started. "Lucario had another one of his visions-"

Lauren listened intently as Nova told her story. Anger burned inside her, but she refused to let it out. She had already spent one life time angry at Alpha and there wasn't much point in spending a second one angry at them. Instead she comforted Nova and gave her words of encouragement.

"After the battle ended, the remaining soldiers, Lucario, and I went back to the military base. Lucario was sent to the infirmary although he wasn't too happy about it. I explored around some and found this cool statue of Aaron."

"So they actually did make a statue out of him?" Lauren mused.

"Yeah, they also apparently made… one of…" Nova paused for a second. "Wait… LAUREN! You! You're! You're Lucario's mother!"

"So you managed to pick up enough information to put the puzzle together now did you child," Lauren laughed. "Yes, Marcus is my son. And I cannot say how proud of him I am. Though I don't know why he never told you my name…"

"Despite his openness toward me, he really still doesn't like to talk about what happened before we met…" Nova answered. "I just found out your name today after Lucario said 'mother' and 'father' after the names Lauren and Aaron were mentioned. That was how I figured out your name, well in the real world."

"I see," Lauren said, "Very perceptive of you."

"But how and why are you here now, in my dreams?" Nova questioned, puzzle some as to what was going on.

"I am afraid I cannot divulge that information at this time child. But you shall learn soon enough," Lauren replied before pausing for a moment. "Does he make you happy?"

"Pardon?" Nova said, tilting her head to the side some as she sat down.

"Does my son make you happy?" Lauren repeated, sitting next to her.

"Oh, of course! He means the world to me. There isn't anything or anyone I would trade for him," Nova answered. "But why do you ask?"

"If he makes you happy, then I know that you make him happy," Lauren said, a caring smile cresting her muzzle, "And even though I might not be there for my son anymore, I still want him to be happy."

"I see."

"So thank you child," Lauren started, "Thank you for caring for my son."

"Well, he is more of the one that cares for me," Nova said, rubbing the back of her head with one of her claws.

"Perhaps physically, but emotionally you care for him do you not?" Lauren asked.

"I guess that is true," Nova replied, leaning back and lying down in the grass of her dreamscape.

"You are very kind and tender hearted child. I know that you will take good care of my son," Lauren said with a warm smile. "I must take my leave now unfortunately."

"Awww…" Nova whined, "Are you still going to have to suppress my memories though?"

"I'm afraid so child," Lauren answered. "But perhaps soon it will no longer be necessary."

With that, the ghost-like Lucario wavered out of existence and Nova woke up from her sleep. Not remembering much of her dream, Nova just pressed up against Lucario's fur as a cold chill blew over her. It was still night and she figured it would be a while before morning came. She smiled contently to herself, absorbing warmth from Lucario's body heat and his soft fur.

(Ironheart, Classics, Vol. 1, Two Steps from Hell)

(Song Start)

"It's ready," Hopper said upon entering Marshal's office.

"Fully calibrated and locked on target?" Marshal questioned, putting down an uninformative report that had just come from his useless, and now dead, spies in Osea.

"Yes sir," Hopper answered. "The scientists are ready to test it and send a small group through. All that remains is for it to be fired up. A recon team is already in position."

"How many exactly?"

"Ten men and a Luchs A2 recon vehicle."

"Good, power it up and send them through," Marshal ordered.

"Also, our operatives in the government gained access to the Prime Minister. They managed to get the mind control device onto him. He is completely under our control. No one should know the difference give how small the device is. They have already sent us arming codes for the V1 warheads," Hopper finished handing his superior a folder.

"Excellent! Order one of the V1s smuggled into November City. Having a knife at Osea's throat will come in handy," Marshal started. "We'll see how they like having one of their cities vaporized as seven of ours were during the last war."

"Those seven nuclear explosions ruined and divided our country, even if we were the ones who detonated them. They left us with no choice. But we will overcome," Hopper continued.

"Come, I want to see the troops off. Let us get this first test underway," Marshal ordered.

With that, the two Belkans headed for the large room that housed that Gateway. It took them several minutes of navigating the subterranean halls to reach the massive archway. Scientists and soldiers were lined up all around it. In front of the device stood a small squad of combat ready soldiers and an eight wheeled vehicle armed with a 20mm auto cannon.

"So you men are the volunteers?" Marshal asked, walking up to the troops.

"Yes sir!" They all responded.

"Good, I wish you all the best of luck on your endeavor. May you bring glory and honor to Belka!" Marshal yelled out, earning cheers from everyone in the room.

"Turn it on."

Lucario shot up from his sleep, short of breath. Something wasn't right… A weird surge of spatial energy had just flowed through him. As quick as the feeling had come, it vanished. The whole ordeal lasted barely a few seconds, but it left him unnerved.

"What's wrong?" Nova asked, stirred from her sleep by Lucario's sudden movement.

"I… I don't know…" Lucario answered. "Just this weird feeling for a moment…"

"Like another disaster?" Nova questioned, worried for a moment.

"No… not like. It was different," Lucario said. "Whatever it was, it is gone now."

"So it begins…" the large purple and white dragon said, blunting the force of a massive hole being ripped through his dimension.

"So it would seem Palkia… Earlier than we had hoped as well," Giratina responded, also helping to stabilize the dimensional rift that had just been created. "Now it is up to the Azorian."

(Song End)

Osean: and done! Not super long for two year anniversary chapter but oh well

Nova: I am not complaining, I liked being able to relax after a day of fighting

Lucario: you didn't do too much fighting though….

Nova: oh be quiet…. You were the one who didn't let me fight

Lucario: true….

Osean: anyways, hope y'all enjoyed this chapter!

WOW! Two years…. Where did the time go? Anyways, I never thought I would be getting this far into Fanfiction. Two years and two hundred thousand words. Over nine thousand views and lots of friends and fellow authors made. Thank you to all who have read and supported this story! Special thanks to PkmnMaster Rolf for beta reading this story and to GameManiac and Soof49 for their detailed reviews. There are many more I would like to thank, but that list is long… So pardon its exclusion. Thanks for making this a great two years!

Also, would like to thank Jack Storm 448 for his dedicated support and kind words about this story in his latest chapter. Shameless advertisement for same story two chapters in a row is shameless. Seriously though, check out his story if you haven't. Thanks again for your support Jack!

Okay, time for reader input. Names. I need names for the hybrids. I really don't like referring to them as their species. So hit me with names and there is a chance it will be picked. Be noted that I will only consider serious suggestions that fit them well.

I think I forgot to mention something several chapters back…. Going back and rereading a part, I saw I never mentioned an aura sword before (that or I did and I am blind as a bat). It should have been mentioned around chapter 28 when Lucario was in Aaron's study and he found his armor. But it appears I forgot… Basically an aura sword is just sword handle that one channels aura into to make a blade of aura. Anyways, pardon my mistake!