Before the chapter begins, I want to mention the updated cover for the story. I've been meaning to have an image like it made for a while but never could until I recently found a software that allowed me to finally get it done.

This chapter skips ahead a while from the end of last chapter since I wanted to get it finished quicker and also so I wouldn't have to write about so much training and combat since that is probably one of the most common scenes in Pokemon stories.


Chapter 40: Hello Farewell

It had been a couple days since their first training session with Gurkinn. The first day wasn't too bad with Aura only leaving with a few aches while Prince wasn't as affected from the strain- thanks to him being a Pokemon. But more recently, after their long training session the prior day, both Aura and Prince were completely worn out from the multiple hours of nothing but physical exercise, like running across the sand while dragging tires and barrels tied to their waists with rope. Despite him being a Lucario, one of the most physically fit and resistant Pokemon around, it almost seemed like Gurkinn's training was actually intended to leave Prince so exhausted.

Last night after their training, Prince and Aura couldn't even walk back to the Pokemon Center on their own and had to be carried. Aura had left everyone's Pokeballs behind like he had been since they got to Shalour, so he couldn't return Prince for the trek back. In the end, Lee supported Prince on his own while Alice and Korrina supported Aura. It took almost twice as long to get back, but they managed. Before they returned to their suite, Alice asked the nurse on duty for a few bottles of painkillers for the worn out duo.

That morning, Aura had trouble getting out of bed from the intense strain in his muscles. Diamond understood that he was in pain, but she continuously urged him to get up and eat something. Eventually, he finally mustered up the strength to slowly push himself up in a sitting position and turn himself so his feet rested on the floor.

"Here." Diamond said, holding out a glass of water in one hand and three pills in the other. "Alice told me to give these to you once you woke up. She said they were painkillers."

One at a time, he popped the pills into his mouth and downed some of the water to help him swallow. "Ahh~ Thanks, Diamond. I feel kinda bad that you're the one taking care of me when you're the one who's pregnant."

It was true that over the past few days her belly has gotten slightly bigger, but Diamond waved it off as no big deal and smiled at her mate. "I'm just ending my third week, so it's not that bad."

Aura groaned as he stood up, Diamond helping him by pulling on his arm. "I still don't want you to overwork yourself, you're the one carrying our baby." Without warning, Aura began to rub Diamond's stomach. "It's still kind of crazy that I'm already gonna be a dad."

Diamond blushed and kissed him on the lips, "You'll be a great dad. I've noticed you started acting more mature too ever since we found out."

Aura shrugged and put his arm around Diamond's shoulders, "Maybe it's just a natural instinct, but I've noticed the same for you too."

With Diamond's support, her and Aura slowly walked out of their room together. When they entered the main room of the suite, Darlene looked up from the couch and waved, "Good morning, sleepyhead. How you feeling?"

Aura forced a smile and grunted, "Still sore as hell but other than that I'm peachy." His mother rolled her eyes and continued watching the show with the others. "Your breakfast is on the table."

Aura thanked her and the couple headed towards the table, although as he started looking around the room, he noticed the absence of a few faces. "Where's Alice, Stan, and Tia?"

Diamond let go of Aura as he sat down. "While you were still sleeping, Alice and Lee took Stan down to the training room for some exercise and Tia decided to go with them." She sat down in the chair next to him while Lilly looked over the couch and continued.

"Stan was saying he didn't feel too well and he was letting off a lot of sparks. After Alice checked him she just said it was a buildup of electricity and he just needed an outlet, so she took him to let out some of his energy."

Aura would have smacked himself in the face if his arms weren't too sore to move that fast. "Agh- I feel like an idiot. I should have been making sure he got enough exercise instead of just having him sit around and do nothing. I've gotta start making sure everyone else gets enough exercise from now on too." He sighed and poked at his food, "How's Prince doing by the way?"

Lilly turned around for a moment. Just as he was the night before, the Lucario quietly lay on the sofa fast asleep. He was given a few extra pillows to help keep him comfortable along with some painkillers to help him sleep through the night. This was actually one of the first times anyone ever saw the loyal Fighting type Pokemon seem so casual and relaxed, in contrast to his usual serious and stoic personality.

Diamond took hold of Aura's arm and lightly tugged, "Don't worry about him right now. Prince is the toughest member of our team, so just focus on getting your own strength back first, okay?"

A wide grin formed on Aura's lips from the way Diamond was treating him was so similar to how he had been treating her these past few weeks. Diamond tilted her head bewildered as to why he was quietly snickering under his breath, but he just waved it off as nothing and started to eat.

Not long after that, the front door of the suite clicked and swung open. Alice stepped inside wearing a casual yellow tank-top and jean-shorts with her green hair done up in a ponytail. Lee walked in beside her while Stan and Tia followed close behind. Upon seeing Aura finally awake, Stan casually headed over to greet their trainer while Tia quietly followed along.

"Morning, Aura!" Stan beamed.

"How are you feeling?" Tia asked.

The two sat on the floor beside the table as Aura turned to them. "I'm doing better than I was last night." He told them with a smile, though honestly his whole body still felt like he had gotten trampled by a herd of angry Tauros. Moving the focus away from himself, Aura set down his fork and asked, "So how was the exercise?"

Stan's eyes lit up as he began to talk about how great it felt to run around for an hour and let off a lot of his pent up energy. He went into great detail about when Alice brought out some of the training dummies and how he let loose so much energy while blasting each of the rubber targets with Electric attacks. The Luxio suddenly paused and briefly glanced at Tia, "And I was also glad that Tia came with," he slightly blushed under his blue fur, "it felt nice having her there to support me." Tia felt her face warm up too as she quickly glanced away with a shy smile.

"By the way, Aura. I think you'll be happy to hear who we ran into on our way back." Alice walked over and pulled a slip of paper from her pocket, she handed it to Aura and stepped back. Aura could already guess who she was talking about before opening the note, and sure enough, Alice confirmed his suspicions. "Diantha wanted me to tell you to meet her in her suite this afternoon to talk."

Aura skimmed over the paper which contained her suite number, and a short note mentioning how she knew he had questions for her. She also asked for him to only bring Diamond along for now, even reminding him this would just be a casual meeting so the formalities were not necessary.

He thanked her and set the note on the table. "Guess I'd better finish eating and get myself cleaned up. I can't imagine I smell too nice after so much training." Aura quickly returned to his breakfast before returning to his bedroom to shower, Diamond deciding to follow and take this time to clean up her fur a little, taking a little extra time to polish her necklace and earrings while Aura dried off and got dressed.


After Aura had finished his shower and Diamond had smoothed out and groomed her fur, the two walked down the hall to the suite Diantha resided in.

Since Diantha wanted to keep things a little more casual, Aura simply donned a fresh pair of jeans and a dark grey shirt with a simple Pokeball print on the front. Diamond, however, wound up spending an extra hour or so grooming her fur and polishing her necklace and earrings until they practically sparkled in the lighting of the hallway. Thankfully they weren't expected at Diantha's until that afternoon, so Aura had no issues with waiting for her.

Diamond absentmindedly fiddled with her necklace as they walked, her claws clicking against the glimmering stone inside.

"You okay there?" Aura asked.

"Y-yeah. Just a little nervous." She took a breath and drew a little closer to Aura's side.

He cocked his brow slightly, "I don't understand why you'd be nervous. Diantha just wants to talk with us."

Diamond swallowed, "I-I know. I'm just worried about making a mistake that could mess it all up or leave a bad impression for you."

Aura grabbed her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. They abruptly stopped in the middle of the hall so he could look her in the eyes as he told her, "Everything will be fine. From what Arceus told us before, I'm sure that Diantha will be understanding if anything does happen. And if you still feel nervous," he paused to pull her into an embrace, his voice falling soft by her ear, "I'll be with you the whole time."

Diamond lifted her arms and grasped the back of his shirt. She pushed her face into his chest and sighed, letting his heartbeat sooth her nerves. "Thank you, Aura."

Diamond may have become far more confident and outgoing over the span of their journey, but even now (the one thing that Aura hopes never changes about her), she is still just as caring and selfless as ever before, worrying more about those around her than her own self.

He smirked and stroked the back of her head. "No problem." Aura could sense the tension around her lift almost entirely, though he could feel some still lingering behind so he decided to lighten the mood just a little more. Once they pulled away, Aura looked at her with a sly grin. "If it's any consolation, I'll let you sit on my lap the whole time." He teased, jerking her closer slightly.

Diamond giggled and playfully pushed his chest, "Maybe some other time." They both laughed and resumed down the hall with their hands locked together.

Stopping at the suite mentioned in the note, Diamond edged closer to Aura whilst he politely knocked on the door. A few seconds later they heard the door unlock and watched as it was pulled open with Diantha standing on the other side.

"Ah, you must be Aura and Diamond." The aged woman stepped back and invited the couple inside, closing the door behind them once they passed through. "It's a pleasure to meet you both." Diantha greeted them with a cheerful smile. "Come, have a seat and we can get started. I understand you have some questions for me."

Aura nodded back, "Thank you very much."

Diantha lead them towards the sofa where a Gardevoir quietly sat with a cup of tea in her hands. Diantha sat herself down beside the Psychic Pokemon and Aura and Diamond sat across from them. "This is my partner, Gardevoir."

Gardevoir set down her teacup on a plate and smiled at the pair, slightly bowing her head with her green bangs lightly swaying, "It is an honour to meet you two." She shifted her attention to Aura for a minute, "Miss Diantha had informed me that you were capable of understanding the natural speech of Pokemon."

Aura smiled and confirmed the Pokemon's statement, "It's nice to meet you, too." He added.

Diantha sipped from her cup and let out a content sigh, "Please, help yourself to some tea. Gardevoir made it herself." They politely thanked them and Aura poured himself and Diamond a cup each, Diamond's ear twitching as the glass clinked in the process.

Diamond wasted no time tasting the herbal drink, just knowing it was made by another Pokemon piqued her interest. Quietly sipping from the small teacup, Diamond shuddered in delight from the distinctly sweet yet bitter flavour of the warm liquid as it slid down her throat. She smiled and looked from her tea to the Pokemon across from her. "This is really good!" She beamed.

Gardevoir smiled modestly and bowed her head, "Thank you very much."

Diantha smiled at the Pokemon and took another short sip of her tea. "Now then, as much as I enjoy the subject of fine tea, we should return to the reason we're meeting." She set down her cup and crossed her legs, "I understand from Lady Arceus that you have a few questions that need answers?"

Aura nodded and set down his own cup, "Yes, there are a couple things I'm curious about." She gave a single nod and urged him to continue. "Well, I guess the first thing I wanna know about is the whole VIP thing? Arceus didn't really explain much about it and said we could ask you more?"

Diantha leaned back and crossed her arms, "This might require some further explaining, you don't mind, do you?" Aura shook his head. "Very well. You see, I've been well aware of you and the Guardians for many years now, ever since Arceus first contacted me and informed me of everything that was going on long before you arrived in Kalos."

"So how much do you know exactly?"

Diantha shrugged and lifted her hand, "I'm afraid I'm not sure exactly how much I truly know, my knowledge of it all is limited to what I was told by Lady Arceus which could very well only be a fraction of a much bigger picture."

Aura gave a half-hearted laugh, "I'm quite familiar with that feeling. Whenever Arceus contacts me she usually keeps things pretty vague and tells me that I'll eventually learn everything I need to when the time comes; in fact, last time she spoke with me and Diamond she kind of explained her reason for that." Aura poured himself another cup of tea, "She wanted me to learn from experience and be more independent instead of always relying on her to give me all the answers. And I honestly feel like that actually made a big impact on how I look at the world."

A proud smirk appeared on the woman's face, "You certainly seem to act more mature for your age."

The corner of Diamond's mouth twitched as she thought back to Aura's little joke in the hallway. She glanced at her mate and giggled, "Sometimes."

Aura turned and looked at her with a slanted scowl that was more joking than serious. "I beg your pardon?" He said in a mocking hurt tone, his scowl breaking into a smirk. Diamond wrapped her paw over her muzzle as she looked away and snickered loudly, only stopping to let out a very short squeak as Aura tugged her against him with a sly grin.

Diantha laughed at their display of affection. Arceus had told her that the young couple would probably behave more reserved or timid during their meeting; however, from what she was witnessing at the moment, the couple seemed to act quite the opposite and were much more comfortable and outgoing with their relationship than she initially anticipated.

"Well you two certainly seem to be happy together. It's almost hard to believe you've only been with each other for a few months." She pointed out.

They turned their attention back to Diantha. Diamond blushed a little from unintentionally interrupting the conversation, while Aura just grinned and shrugged in response. "Sorry about that. But yeah, we've only been together for maybe a little over two months? But it really feels a lot longer than that, like we've both grown a lot overtime. I really can't explain it any differently than we just kind of grown more comfortable with each other, but with Diamond evolving and finding out we're having a kit, I guess that was what finally did it and sparked up something between us."

Diantha nodded. "I completely understand. But the main reason you received that suite in the first place was actually because of your child. When Lady Arceus first informed me of your abilities a few years ago, she asked that I not supply you with any form of special treatment or aide, but after learning Diamond was carrying your child, she came to me again to request a more suitable living arrangement to raise your young. In the end I offered to provide you with a more limited VIP status that would simply allow you and your family full access to Pokemon Centers so you could have a more comfortable place to stay after traveling: which reminds me." Aura and Diamond watched as Diantha suddenly stood up and retreated to one of the bedrooms, soon returning and taking her seat again. She extended her hand out with what appeared to be an ID card between her fingers. "Here. This new Trainer ID card is registered with your updated files and shows that you are recognized by the Pokemon League as an important trainer."

Aura's eyes widened as he slowly reached out and took the plastic card with his information and picture printed on it. "This is amazing! Thank you so much, Diantha!"

The Champion and her Gardevoir smirked, glancing at each other for a moment before returning their gaze to the awe-struck trainer. "Before we get too far, keep in mind that this doesn't make you immune to the law or gives you any special perks other than VIP access to Pokemon Centers across Kalos. Now, is there anything else you would like to discuss?"

Aura slipped the new card into his wallet and shook his head, "I can't really think of anything else at the moment. I was more focused on finding out why we got that suite than anything else really."

Diantha slowly bobbed her head in understanding, "Well I'm glad I could answer that for you. However, I didn't come just for that, I'll still be in the city for a while yet to oversee next months tournament."

Diamond's ears perked up with her teacup paused at her lips. Aura's reaction was quite similar as he blinked at the older woman in bewilderment. "Wait a second. What tournament?"

This actually made Diantha and Gardevoir look at each other in surprise. "You mean you haven't heard of it?" Gardevoir asked.

Aura shook his head. "No, but I am interested."

"Well you are a trainer, and you will be here for a while longer from what I was told." Diantha affirmed. "This tournament is held once every few years where many skilled trainers from around the world are invited to compete for the grand prize. You know Gurkinn, the Mega Evolution Guru, correct?" Aura nodded. "Well for many generations his bloodline has taught hundreds of trainers to master Mega Evolution. Though many trainers are capable of accomplishing such a feat on their own, the chance to train with a master is still a great honour to behold. And in the end, the winner of the tournament is not only given the chance to be trained personally by a master of Mega Evolution, but he or she will also be awarded with a Keystone and Mega Stone of their very own."

Aura and Diamond looked at each other in awe. "Is there any way for Aura to compete?" Diamond asked.

Aura blinked, he was about to interject when Diantha held up her hand, "I'm afraid that because the grand prize is so valuable, the only trainers who are allowed to even compete in the tournament must be given an invitation to do so."

Diamond's ears drooped back, "Oh."

"However," Diantha continued, she dug through her purse and pulled out an envelope, "lucky for you, Aura, I have your invitation right here." The two looked at her in shock as Aura slowly took the paper, "Think of this as a small test of your abilities. Many of these trainers have years of experience so you will certainly be in for a challenge."

Aura smiled and closed his eyes, lowering the letter while lifting his gaze to the Champion, "Thank you for this. I'm not sure if I'm even ready for such a competition, but no point in letting this opportunity go to waste."

The woman nodded, "That's what I like to hear from young trainers. There's no harm in testing yourself." Diantha stood up and looked to the clock on the wall, "We have been talking for quite a while, perhaps it best you return to your own suite for supper." She reached out her hand while Aura and Diamond stood up, the trainer taking her hand in his own, "It was very nice to finally meet you, and I hope you do your best in the tournament."

"Thank you, Diantha."

Aura and Diamond headed to the door, "And if you have any more questions for me, don't be afraid to come visit while you can."

They waved back to her, "Sure thing. Thanks again." Finally, Aura and Diamond exit the suite into the hallway, Aura looking over the invitation he received with a large smirk on his face as they returned to their own residence.


Immediately after returning from their visit with Diantha, Aura and Diamond told the others all about it and the upcoming tournament over supper. His Pokemon all looking forward to the competition.

While everyone was gathered around the table eating, the door swung open as Dan had finally returned from his classes, the trainer walking in with an enthusiastic skip in his step. "Sorry I'm late everyone." He apologized.

Aura waved his hand, "No problem. But what's got you so excited?"

Dan beamed and hurried to the table, "I'm glad you asked." He practically slapped a flyer down onto the table in excitement, "On my way up I got this flyer from these two girls for a huge fair next week!" He began to point at stuff across the page, "There's gonna be a huge pod of Wailmer and Wailord passing by the coast during their migration so their's gonna be a festival to celebrate."

Alice grabbed the flyer and read more, "That's amazing. It says here the fair will be going for a few days and on the final day the Wailmer and Wailord will pass by at sunset spouting water in the air."

"Sounds like quite the sight." Darlene noted.

When Aura looked up at his friend, he saw Dan's grin suddenly shrink and his gaze face the floor. "Something wrong?"

The trainer sighed and his smile slowly returned, though he still appeared to be feeling rather melancholy as he shook his head. "No, but there is something I have to tell you all." He took a breath before continuing, "On my way back from the class, I got a call from Professor Sycamore." His smile widened, "He told me they might have found a lead on the cure for Missy's illness."

Everyone went wide-eyed. "That's amazing!" Aura exclaimed.

Dan's smile faltered but remained strong, "It really is, but the sad thing is that he needs me to come to Lumiose City so they can run some tests." Everyone grew quiet.

"So. You're leaving?" Diamond asked. Dan nodded.

"Yeah. He said that someone will be waiting at the train station to bring me to the lab… So I came to pack my things and say goodbye."

Aura smiled and stood up, "It's been nice traveling with you, Dan." He held out his hand and Dan took it, "We'll be sure to come see you when we go to Lumiose for the Gym Badge. I wish you and Missy all the best."

Dan blinked away a tear and nodded, "Same to you. And I can't wait to meet your child when they're born." They let go of each others' hands and Dan quickly went to his room to grab his stuff. He returned shortly with his bag over his shoulder, "Looks like this is it… Good luck you guys, I'll be waiting to hear from you."

Aura nodded and thanked his friend.

"Daniel, thank you for keeping Aura company up to this point." Darlene spoke up, "You seem like a good kid, hopefully your Sylveon gets the help she needs."

"Thanks. It was great meeting you too." Something began to beep in Dan's pocket and he quickly pulled out his Pokedex, a little LED on the top flashing blue, "I guess this is it, don't wanna keep them waiting too long. See you all next time." Sliding his Pokedex back in his pocket, Dan headed to the door and waved goodbye to the others, walking into the hallway with high hopes of meeting his friends once again in the future.

He took Missy's ball in his hand and smiled, "After so long. It'll finally be over."


Again I am sorry for the rushed ending, but I've spent too long on this chapter alone.

Honestly I've been planning to have Dan finally leave during this part of the story for a while. I never had any really plan for his character since he was literally added last minute as a traveling companion with Missy being added even more last minute for a reason I can't even remember. It was difficult to keep them constant and give them enough screen time when they were last minute additions so my only option was to eventually let them go for the most part.

I originally was planning to have Sycamore call Dan while Aura was around or have Dan decide on his own to leave for some reason related to Missy, but I'm happy with what I eventually decided on since I have a general plan for where to take it.

So yeah, hope you all enjoyed and I hope to continue soon. ~Aura