August 26th, 2022 is the date a massacre took place. A Slaughter of a very important factor of Kalos appeal, and the victim is none other than the Kalos Champion, Diantha, that was conquered with the flag bearer of injustice: the plot. Rather than giving us a thrilling battle, it was too necessary to make the Monarch more supreme, more vicious. Like no one should come anywhere near Leon's strength. Man, what the "F"! And no, a journey to Cynthia's childhood is never gonna make up for that. That strength of Diantha was just ridiculed. And a simple starter, just cannot take out two prehistoric Pokemon and a Pseudo Legendary Dragon Type. This is a tough competition on a grandest scale, and we know someone will win, and someone will lose, yet at least there should be a cut throat competition. Diantha deserved to bring Leon to his last Pokemon! I was wrong to believe that Ash carries the shield of Plot Armor, but now it's crystal clear that it's actually Leon. Shameful, just shameful. People like Diantha, Alain, Lance and Raihan can never be seen again with the same hype.
Anyway, now that we have cleared that off our chest, time for a little intro for Chapter 96. This is a little Lucario focussed, and my friend, Punches was very eager to co-write this with me. Unlike the Journeys episode 108, Greninja can't return to train Lucario, since in our story, he is currently with Ash, and yes…we will bring him out soon. We have greater plans for him. However, there resides a much deserving and suitable character in the grand universe of the fandom, that can perfectly fit this role, and he is none other than the Aura Guardian, Riley. The majority of the fanfiction stories where Ash owns a Lucario have been previously trained by Riley, and we would like to try our luck at that.
So before we move to the Canalave Gym Battle, a little stop at the Iron Islands, where a day is spent in discovering something new in Lucario. A lot of ideas were ventured, because we felt that the canonical powers that Lucario possesses: Aura abilities, Inner Focus, Giant Aura Sphere and Mega Evolution may not be enough. So we had to further dig deeper into those Aura abilities and came up with something new. After all, this is a unique Lucario, and probably, the strongest of his species right now.
Storyline date: 4th February, 2023.
Normally ruby colored orbs took on a bright blue shine, the pokemon's basic fighting instincts taking over. He was forced to. His three adversaries were zipping in the dark forest, obscuring themselves in the dark night. Yet, he had persevered to take this training drill because it was his idea – and quite a dangerous one. He began to fetch the auras that had separated themselves after a suspicious agreement.
Lucario growled, knowing that from a 180-degree angle, an attack could come from anywhere. He felt the presence, coming hard at him with the speed of the bullet. Sceptile threw a flurry of Leaf Blades, but at the cost of his aura predicted by Lucario, the latter was quickly able to block every hit with his club of bone.
He's fast…but attacking recklessly won't do him any good.
"Just a little more…" Sceptile continued the onslaught until Lucario was backed against a tree. Sceptile distanced himself, chewing on his twig. Finding that he had accomplished his task, he vanished into the woods above, leaving a staggered Lucario flummoxed. He froze, as he detected a presence inside the tree, or…was it even there in the first place.
Before he could whip around and react, a burst of smoke disrupted his momentum, and a sucker punch thrown from nowhere sent Lucario reeling.
"Graww!" the fighting type toppled off, but soon gained footing. He tightly clutched at his staff, only to find his adversary missing, and so was the tree. He was deceived again. He widened his stance, preparing for a look out. This time, he won't allow any slip. Enough of such dirty tricks. Come out and fight like a man.
His demand was answered shortly, as the earth below him rumbled. Lucario bit as he hurled back, avoiding an uppercut, as Infernape tore off from the ground.
"Good reaction time! But you lowered your guard!''
With a quick spin, Infernape delivered a kick to the gut that sent Lucario tumbling to the ground. While Lucario reeled from pain, he quickly sighted a few sharp projectiles thrown his way from a projected angle. Gasping, he rolled off, watching the sharp shurikens burst into mist and water.
Kicking the ground again, Lucario stood up, only to find himself engrossed in another spar with Infernape. Of course, their business wasn't over. While switching from defense to offense, Lucario thrusted his fists forward, while the older Pokemon blocked it effortlessly. And while the timing had tweaked, Lucario used the force to flip over Infernape's flaming head, like jumping from a spring. In the air, he spun, and delivered a rolling kick to the simian's head.
"How was that!''
"Impressive!'' Infernape snickered, holding the sore spot. He inhaled as much as he could, that puffed his chest, and sent a roaring river of flames at Lucario. Toughening his guard, the jackal flipped backwards avoiding the dreadful flames, only to find it suspicious that the flames weren't chasing him anymore. Flashing his eyes open, he found that Infernape had left the field, leaving behind a hole. So that was an escape technique. He looked into the earth below, tracing the ape's aura. Infernape was burrowing away.
But only later he came to know that the ape had outsmarted him, bringing him to the spot where several water shurikens had burst, leaving behind a puddle, which stood only a feet away behind him. Lucario's bones felt the chills, when a figure burst out from the puddle, sending a kick into Lucario's back.
The Aura Pokemon spat saliva as he stumbled forward, only to find no one yet again.
"Damn that Greninja!'' Lucario grumbled. In agony, he focussed his power on himself, doubling, and then multiplying into several clones. From the deepest corners of the forest, his multiplication was eliminated by a cyclone of leaves and a torrent of flames.
His adversaries threw themselves into the fray, Infernape and Sceptile now working together side by side. The team of clones rushed forward, drawing their rods along. Their spar and exchange of strikes lessened the number of clones, until Lucario was the only one remaining to duel his teammates. He was brave, that had to be admitted, however, brave wasn't the best strategy of them all.
Lucario was sent careening through the floor, as he spotted, his two adversaries were also joined by the third. Greninja exchanged a brief acknowledgement with Sceptile and Infernape, each breaking into a defensive stance.
"I think that would be enough for now.'' Reviewing the training from above, Ash with Pikachu perched on his shoulder, jumped below at the ground, declaring the training had now concluded. "Lucario, you are still standing, which means you were good. Infernape, Greninja and Sceptile, awesome job as usual.''
"Nape!'' the simian chattered.
"Ja!'' the frog folded his arms across his chest.
"tile!'' the lizard snickered, chewing on his twig.
Lucario grumbled. All Ash found was that his efforts were just 'good'. Obviously, he wasn't the very best when he came to challenge these three.
"Ash, I want to do it! I want to Mega Evolve now. This battle isn't over!''
Frowning, Ash refused, ''It is, Lucario. You need some siesta now.''
"Damn it!'' Lucario punched the ground, repressing his emotions. His aura began to bubble, and raged to be released. They found Lucario to become outlined in cobalt blue, before a shimmering tower of blue light began to pour energy into Lucario. He stood up, and even though his body was bruised, his pride was restored.
"Lucario…'' Ash stuttered, ''What's happening, buddy?''
"I don't know…but I feel amazing…'' Lucario threw a look at himself, finding that his body was infused with pure aura. "Ash, just one more. I promise.''
"Man, you're stubborn,'' Ash tiredly sighed, ''Sceptile, Bullet Seed!''
A barrage of explosive seeds were spat from Sceptile's mouth, while Lucario simple gazed at it. While the first of the volley was just an inch from his face, they seemed to slow for the Aura Jackal. He lazily sided his neck to the left, letting the bullets pelt the tree behind him.
"Amazing!" Ash wowed. ''How could you even dodge that?''
"I don't know. It's like I saw them coming from a mile.''
Infernape was next, throwing himself forward, lashing out at the jackal with a volley of punches and kicks. Unhinged and undisciplined, Lucario began to sidestep against the ape's relentless assault. Infernape's aura and intent became the aura wielder's main focus, allowing him to duck under, sidestep, and leap over numerous attacks. As Infernape's attacks grew more furious, so did the difficulty to maintain the new power. Lucario's enhanced perception was thrown off by the timing, and Lucario could only keep it for so long, until the glow of aura had disappeared. A punch soon connected to the jaw that sent the jackal hurled against the tree, in the end making Infernape a little guilty. This time the Aura Pokemon wasn't responding, and the ape did his best to coach him back up.
"Lucario!'' Ash screamed, scrambling towards him. "Man, what was that?!"
The horizon of golden light and bonny black silhouette, is earthen paradise. And to the calm wintry eventide, tucked safe and sound beneath woollen clouds, comes the softest of blue horizons to meet the pastel land. The end of their journey by sea was approaching. With Iron Island's docks in view, Ash and May were packed up after spending a night at sea, ready for a slew of new battles and experiences. The bluest of the waves radiated with a golden light. The sun still labored to climb over the horizon, a blurred and flattened buttery yellow blob across an infinite stretch of pale gray-blue melting into the rich abyssal navy of night. The brightest of the stars remained in the sky, ever defiant yet fading in the presence of the sun. Mirroring this, the waters below remained dark, lit only by the eerie distant gleam the jewels of curious young Tentacool and the quick moving light of Chinchou-likely hoping would-be passengers might drop their breakfasts off the dock so that it would become theirs.
The ferry boat blossomed right there on the ocean, with sails as pretty as any petals, bluish in complement to the sky and waves. The rest was all as solid as any oak of the land, warm browns that reminded Ash of home and hearth, of those quiet family evenings when jokes rise and swirl as eddies in water. Her bows met the water with a regal dignity, creating waves of her own, choosing her path with each passing moment.
In this pale ashen blue light, Ash stood behind the railing on the deck, warmly smiling. Pikachu was on his shoulder, and Lucario by his side. His watch beeped, as it signified that sunrise was upon them, and human and Pokémon watched the orange light creep up into view. A shaft of light formed at Ash's feet as they stood there, watching, for several minutes. Little by little, the sunlight crept up Ash's body, and immediately his body felt warmer with each inch the light crawled up his form. The sight of the sun rising from the viewpoint of Iron Islands was one that had captivated Ash.
"Pikachu, there's nothing like this in the whole world." Ash spewed philosophically. " Seeing sights like this, it makes me realize that this world is a beautiful place, and we should do everything in our power to protect it, because as far as we know and perhaps ever will know, there isn't anywhere else like this in the universe. The sun rises every day, and we take that for granted, yet we could never fathom a day that might come when the sun doesn't rise. Seeing the sun every morning, it's a gift that should be treasured, a testament to the beauty of our world, which we are so lucky to have."
"Pika pika…" the mouse agreed, beady eyes passionately glimmering. He swore in his little head to always remember those words, because Ash was right. Daylight had become so customary, so normal, that living without its existence was something that no one could possibly imagine.
"Would you tell me now, why we are heading over to those islands instead of Canalave City?'' May, who stood behind him, inquired while sipping her early morning coffee.
"Just visiting an old friend…'' Ash whipped around, relaxing his elbows against the railing.
"Riley.." May pondered the name having heard it before somewhere. Just when Ash was about to remind her, she gained the missing link. ''The Aura Guardian? The guy you once trained with?"
"That's right!" Ash beamed, elated to know his girlfriend was aware of every detail. "Well, during my first journey in Sinnoh when Pikachu and I were traveling with Dawn and Brock, we all went to this island when he heard these idiots called Team Galactic were somehow causing all the Steel-types on the island to go berserk. And while we were there, we met him and his Lucario and he helped us against Team Galactic big time with his partner."
"And you think Riley would have some answers?" Mere confusion on May's face was answered with her own suggestion.
"He's the only one who would have any answer on Lucario's aura outbreak. Plus,'' Ash took a deep breath before looking down upon Lucario. "We definitely need a little bit of upgrade…since you weren't sitting down well after watching Sceptile Mega Evolve.''
"Yeah,'' May rolled her eyes, ''he wants a little more than that…''
"I could use a little upgrade too,'' Ash spoke again, quickly, "I am an Aura Guardian in training too.''
May stared at him hard, once again recollecting the events of the Rota and Tree of the Beginning.
"Oh dear…" She managed a smile, however worried she still appeared. "It seems you can never stay out of the surreal, can you? Detouring our trip for something aura-related? Should've known better, really." May drawled as she took a last sip of her coffee. "Oh well, despite how industrial that place looks, I'm sure it would be a nice break. I'm just hoping this friend of yours and his Lucario aren't as headstrong and all over the place as you two."
"Nope, me and Lucario will be all to fit that description today," Ash chuckled, regaining Lucario's attention, "You know Lucario, back when I first met him, he and his partner were only guardians in-training, but considering how long it's been since last time and the fact that Lucario and I are guardians ourselves, I think it's safe to assume they're full-time guardians as well."
"I am fired up to meet Riley too!" Lucario stared at the islands, that were now seeming to get a little closer, and the auras of the residents far stronger.
The trip from Canalave Islands to Iron Islands by ferry lasted by the noon. Of course, with an abundance of breakfast and complimentary snacks that were served by the ferry services didn't leave our heroes worrying unnecessarily about food. Thankfully, this ferry was less crowded thanks to less tourist attractions on the islands. It wasn't all that difficult for the gang to navigate down to the concrete pier that bordered a small cluster of buildings against the rockier portion of the isle.
Their path soon led them away from civilization, and into the puzzling maze of coal and stone. May immediately wasn't a fan of the town's whole industrial aesthetic, so she became actually relieved when Ash led her to the wilder parts of the island. Just as her man told her, May noticed that the majority of the local Pokemon residing were all Steel-type, seeing flocks of Skarmory glide off in the air, an Aggron and Steelix duking it out, three Magnemite coming together to evolve into a Magneton, and even a Metagross sleeping by itself near a lake. Seeing such a powerful and rare Pokemon out there in the open, May quickly tapped Ash's shoulder to point it out.
Hey, Ash! There's a sleeping Metagross right over there for the taking! Wouldn't that be an easy catch for such a strong Pokemon? A Metagross can be a great addition to your team!" she advised.
Ash mused, pursing his lips for a bit. "Maybe…but I'd rather proceed ahead than piss off a Metagross. Not only do I have to fetch Riley, I also need to expose Lairon to this place so that he could feed off the energy from here."
"Ugh…" Lucario groaned at the side. "That's disappointing. You know I could easily take out that Metagross, Ash!"
"Man, what's gotten in you? Ever since you had your brief transform, you're riled up to pick fights." Ash groaned.
"Hmph. Whatever."
"Hey, don't look like that, bud. Just trying to make sure you're gonna be in tip-top shape for when we find Riley." Ash pacified.
"Speaking of which, can't you two use your 'aura powers' to find him faster? We really don't have all day, plus, when lunch time hits, I highly doubt this place has any good eateries anywhere." May grunted.
"You need not worry about lunch, Miss. That's on me.'' A new monotonous voice joined.
Darting black hues skimmed the surroundings before coming across a very familiar figure, accompanied by another familiar pokemon. Standing atop a rocky precipice was a figure standing tall.
Decked in a regal blue coat which billowed gently in the breeze passing him. Similarly, spiky black tresses wavered, but boldly held their form. Sharp eyes focused on Ash, matched by a cool smile.
Ash looked over his shoulder, meeting the gaze of the newcomer. He felt his heart jump in his chest, as a gasp left his lips. "...It's Riley!"
Turning their heads, Lucario and May looked at the top of a nearby rocky incline to see a blue-clad man with a Lucario of his own right next to him. His outfit looked old-school, yet stylish and practical, looking fairly similar to Ash's own Aura Guardian outfit that he kept safe at home. Recognizing three of the four faces and auras, the man smiled down at the group while his Lucario kept a stoic, yet focused glance at his fellow jackal down below.
The youth bore a smile, his demeanor a bit more reserved than Ash's. After letting out a small chuckle, Riley slid down the incline with his Lucario so that they could properly converse with their new acquaintances on the island. Blue hues turned away from the sea, looking toward the island itself. Sounding jovial, despite the regal air he put off. "I had sensed your aura ever since you entered the Sinnoh Region. I was sure you would once stop by. I am humbled if you found it worthwhile to see me again."
"Actually, yes." Ash scratched his cheek, "There was something unusual in Lucario's aura last night, and since you are a walking encyclopaedia…"
"Perhaps it shall be best if we took our endeavour to my home,'' Riley interrupted, in a serious monotonous tone.
"Right!'' Ash gasped. The secrets of aura were as confidential as any company data and being a tech wiz, who better than him to know that. "Sorry."
Overlooking his little folly, Riley blinked and turned his attention at Pikachu and Lucario, "And you two definitely look a lot stronger since you left this island. I have been monitoring your battles with galvanized interest."
"Pika!" Pikachu greeted happily, racing over to meet the other Lucario. Maintaining his stoic face, Lucario simply walked over. Somewhere in his mind, he was giddy to return to the training grounds, but decided to speak out against it.
Not wanting to be rude to the final guest, Riley then turned towards May, offering a bright smile. "Forgive me if there was a lack in my generosity. I believe we have never met before. I am Riley, and you must be a friend of Ash's."
"That's one way of putting it." May slightly joked as she smiled back. "My name is May Maple and I'm from Petalburg City. It's my pleasure to meet you. Ash has told me a lot about you."
Smiling gently, Riley blinked before answering, ''May. A name I heard frequently before. Ash would often mumble your name in his sleep.''
May blushed furiously, yanking her eyesight at the ground, desperately finding an object to stare at.
"Whah,…" Ash doubled over, ''Bro Code has never been your forte Riley!'' he scolded his mentor.
Smiling blatantly at the mishap, Riley drew out a Pokeball and commanded the red flash light…over at the dormant Metagross. "It would be a shame to my hospitality if I kept you waiting here. Let us now head to my house, where we shall discuss your dilemma Ash.''
Ash nodded, rearing a fist, ''Alright!"
May watched with astonishment as Metagross was sapped inside the capsule, which was then hidden away in the Aura Guardian's coat. "That…Metagross belonged to you…"
With just a simple affirming blink that was May's answer, Riley turned around, instructing the gang to move ahead. "Let's go.''
The two Lucarios and Pikachu walked ahead, innately more agile than their human counterparts. He'd been currently telling Riley's Lucario of their endeavors, in which the Aura Pokémon seemed to show interest with Ash's Lucario turning the conversation in his favor. They seemed every bit as remarkable as they were reckless.
Riley began the conversation as they walked forward. "I should have known that you were going to challenge the Canalave City Gym. Perhaps, a small tip I can spare. The Gym Leader Byron has been frequenting these islands a lot lately. Must be something to do with your challenge.''
"I seem to have that impact on trainers a lot lately,'' Ash rubbed the back of his head. He continued to do so, until his finger froze in the tresses of his hair, "Ever since I trained under you, I bounced back through many regions collecting my old Pokemon, and gained new ones. Together, we had been toughing it up on the hills of Mount Silver to take part in the Pokemon World Coronation Series. This year's finally it so I am going to beat every strong trainer that I know – be it Gym Leader, Frontier Brian, Elite Four or even a Champion!'' Ash punched forward with gusto in his hands.
"Pika, Pika!" The electric mouse turned his head to the three trainers, flashing a peace sign with his paw.
Grinning at his energy, ''Well, you were never the one to give up. You certainly have come a long way, and your Pokemon look strong as well. You must continue your training regimen and you shall prevail."
"Yep! That's the idea,'' Ash chuckled.
"So, Riley,'' May not wanting to be left out, tried a conversation, ''Have you been living here ever since?''
"That's correct,'' Riley confirmed, ''These islands are my home now. I had once heard about these islands whose ores and minerals made Steel Type Pokemon stronger. Therefore, I navigated my journey here to train and study with Lucario further. I trained here for a couple of weeks until there was the incident with Team Galactic." Riley took a pause, griming at what had transpired in the past, ''And when that was dealt with, I decided to stay back and complete my training. Days become months, and months became years. Since I had nowhere to go, I made these Iron Islands as my address. It's a known fact that Steel Types are quite monstrous here, so you never know, poachers could always be on the move. I have been protecting these islands for 12 years now."
"That's sounds…(searching for the word)…smart…'' May twisted her lips.
Sensing that his answer was delivered, Riley turned his attention to Ash's Lucario, ''You are awfully quiet, Lucario. You were quite hyper back when you were a Riolu."
"That's the Greninja effect." Ash chuckled, "He feels being a little stolid will make him look cool."
"Hey, it's true!" Lucario whipped back and grumbled. "Sometimes chivalry doesn't suit a Lucario!"
"Yeah yeah, keep talking,'' Ash taunted, "But everyone has a comical side."
Ash kept walking, only to realise that he had taken a few steps ahead alone. Pursing his lips, he craned his neck to find Riley halted. "Riley?"
"Telepathy?" The Aura Guardian observed, sharing a glance with his own jackal. "And at such an enhanced level. That is phenomenal."
"Oh yeah," Ash laughed sheepishly, having yet another important detail slip from his mind, ''When we left from here all those years ago, Riolu was very excited to learn more about aura, because he was already employing aura at a prodigious rate. When he evolved into a Lucario, he wanted to enhance his powers further. He was very thrilled to have Mega Evolved, and our bond had gotten so tight, nothing went wrong unlike many cases where Lucario went berserk. But Lucario didn't wanna stop there, he wanted to be the strongest. So back in Mount Silver, he, without a second thought, challenged my Charizard."
Lucario grumbled upon hearing that accursed lizard's name, so Pikachu hopped from Ash's shoulder to his in order to comfort the jackal. Being a friend of Charizard since he was a Charmander, Pikachu could 100% understand someone not being a fan of the arrogant fire-type.
"He lost though,'' Ash shook his head, avoiding to be subtle, ''But in that fight, there was something that caught my attention. I felt like Lucario was calling out to me, maybe the reason could be to Mega Evolve, but I was sure I heard my name from Lucario's mouth. It immediately took me back to Sir Aaron's Lucario who could use telepathy too. And then what, I packed my bags and set off for the Kingdom of Rota, to study your lessons further. And that's where Lucario honed his telepathy. I guess it had something to do with me too, since I also trained with a Frontier Brain who could command Pokemon through telepathy. Maybe that connection was also the reason for our success."
"I see,'' Riley's brows creased, starting to walk along. "Sir Aaron and his Lucario were a huge inspiration to our generation. Their heroics and sacrifice will always be remembered for generations to come.''
Ash tensed, lowering his eyes to the ground when he witnessed Lucario's demise in the Tree of Beginning. That was hard to come over.
"You should relieve yourself from those memories, Ash.'' Lucario sensed Ash's feelings, realizing that it greatly bothered his master.
"Yeah…you are probably right,'' Ash mumbled, as the group once again resumed their hike. Very soon, a small cottage home came into view. This Private Cottage located in the cool and crisp islands was quaint yet classy. A perfect setting, overlooking the beautiful landscape. It was an immediate proximity to the town, letting the house itself to an easy access. A small well tendered garden around the cottage was enough to let the visitors know that the owner believed in the elegance of nature.
"I see that you have renovated," Ash chuckled, as he approached the porch. "Looks good."
"It's not much, but I have kept it standing,'' Riley smirked, turning towards May. "Welcome to our home."
"Thanks,'' May giggled.
Riley's Lucario entered first, walking into the kitchen, probably to fetch the guests some tea. May scanned around as she entered, marvelling at the tastefully decorated house. Even for a man who would live in relative secrecy, his interiors sure had some flavours. The cottage had the soul and warmth of a well lived house. The interiors exude warmth and offer solitude at the same time.
"There is a bathroom down the hall, if you want to freshen up,'' Riley offered, gesturing towards the path.
"I am good,'' Ash stretched, flopping in an ill-mannered way on a sitting pillow.
Grimacing at her boyfriend's lack of hygiene, May calmed her demeanor and grinned at Riley, ''Thanks Riley, I would love a bath if we stay a little longer.''
"As you wish May,'' Riley nodded, accepting that as an option, and again began to take a serious look at Ash's Lucario.
Shutting the door behind him, the mysterious man looked very pale, very out of place in his drab, dark clothes, and the dark wooden house. "Ash," Riley mumbled.
"Hmmm?''
"I have a theory that Lucario could already communicate with you before birth. Did you not tell me the same?'' Riley interrogated.
"Yeah,'' Ash beamed, "I felt like someone was calling out to me before I even encountered its egg in the Pokemon Center. Man, it was such a subconscious connection, and so bizarre. I had totally forgotten I could use aura to some extent. But then, in my presence, the Egg would react strongly, like…like…it.."
"Like it chose you,'' Riley completed.
"Exactly.''
"So that's why you trained under Riley,'' May deduced. "When Riolu hatched, you both wanted to develop your aura."
"Precisely, yeah,'' Ash confirmed. "I knew that Riolu was responding to my aura, and if it's such a strong link, it could be used in battles as well. That's why I came to Iron Islands to train under you. And of course, Riolu wanted the same too.''
"Of course, I did!" Lucario agreed. "It would have been a wasted potential. And thanks to your training, I gained some really helpful abilities.''
Smiling at the Aura Pokemon's gratitude, Riley replied. "I trained you because you were in some way connected to Ash's aura. As you know, the population of human aura users is very minuscule."
The kettle's harsh whistle interjected between Riley's explanation, and minutes later, Riley's Lucario returned with a tray of three cups, offering one to each human.
"Thank you,'' Riley exhaled, accepting the cup. He gently blew on the beverage, and sighed, looking back at the audience, ''When you had arrived on the Iron Islands, I sensed a rush of powerful emotion. Sometimes these emotions cause Aura energy to physically manifest, other times it doesn't. I sensed that Riolu's aura grew stronger when it was around you. I did somewhat sense some small semblance of your aura capabilities on the occasion, especially whenever you got in sync with Pikachu. Whenever those instances happened, I could just slightly feel the strong aura you hold in your mind and soul as you gave all your effort and support for your Pokemon. Therefore, I willingly accepted you as my apprentice. But…"
"But?'' May repeated.
"I had my own reasons to train you,'' Riley set his cup on the table, ''Every Aura Guardian is bound by own duty when he reaches a certain ascension. He must pass his knowledge and education to a suitable heir, through a bottleneck legacy. Since I don't have any, I decided to train you.''
"Which means, that as an Aura Guardian, I too need to make someone my apprentice.'' Ash mused.
"Precisely, but not now, and not soon. You have a long way to reach that stage, perhaps when you could unlock your complete aura." Take a pause, Riley idly gazed out of the window, ''Now may be a good time to reveal the reason for your arrival.''
"Oh yeah,'' Ash hastily set the cup down, a little tea even spilled from the ridge, ''Last night me and Lucario were training in a forest, and something out of the blue happened. Right in the middle of training, Lucario awoke some kind of hidden power. His instincts peaked, and he could, how would I say it, he could predict everything. Even if it was only for two minutes, it was complete bizzarro! I never saw anything like that before."
Eyes struggled to blink, as the Aura Guardian gasped, ''That sounds a very curious state to be in! It could lead to such a heightened ability."
"I don't know what came over me. I was against three of Ash's strongest Pokemon all by myself, and I was getting pummelled for a while. And when I saw Ash cheering them on, I just couldn't accept it…and I started glowing blue, releasing all my aura at once. I had tapped into a powerful mental state that pushed me to my limits."
Musing over the explanation, the Aura Guardian began to trace his answers. It didn't take him long before he found a lead, "Lucario. Do you still have a problem when other Pokemon get a little closer to Ash than you do?''
"Still?'' May questioned, ''This has happened before.''
"That's correct. Riolu was frequently covetous for Ash's attention." Eyes settling on Lucario, Riley continued, ''He would resent it if any other Pokemon got any more training time than him.''
"And you think this could have something to do with Lucario's latest ability,'' Ash presumed.
"That is just a theory, but of course, one with many possibilities,'' Riley nodded. ''And one shouldn't forget that Pokemon began to act like their trainers, especially if raised from birth.''
"Yeah," May deadpanned, casting a coy side eye at Ash, ''It's just like father, like son.''
"Hey,'' As frowned, ''I ain't jealous of anything, but…'' Ash lowered the tone of his voice and his expression softened, ''now that you mentioned it, I know what craving for attention would be like. Even though I was a single child, Mom would just sing Gary praises when he was home, because he was better at everything than me. He would just steal my thunder whenever he got the chance and that made him a big draw. I guess, that's just how Lucario feels.''
"I have been through that phase my entire life,'' May seconded with an opinion, ''Max was always the preferred one.''
"And such lack of attention turbines our thoughts for self-accomplishment,'' Riley concluded, "which stems my theory that Lucario felt he would receive your attention, the more powerful he became. I feel like he wants to be known as your strongest and wants you to rely on him in every tough situation.''
"Oh Lucario,'' Ash gave a look of dismay, ''It ain't like that. I treat each one of you equally.''
The jackal lowered his head down.
"But if you see the bright side, Ash. Your bond with Lucario has surpassed all the limits too," Riley went into further detail, ''Such abilities are woken up only when a Pokemon and Trainer's heart are strongly connected. This could relate to your Greninja.''
"Greninja?" May repeated, once again sensing Ash hadn't showered any light on that topic ''Is there an ability you share with your Greninja?''
"Uh…" Ash nervously chuckled, ''Yea…kind of. But remind me to explain that next time.''
"Of course,'' May sarcastically rolled her eyes.
"But this ability that you have described, I remember it now, has a very peculiar history attached to it,'' Riley creased his brows, ''and a very intriguing one.''
"Hey, we got all the time,'' Ash set his elbow on the table, ready to keenly listen to Riley's elucidation. May too leant forward, growing curiouser.
"This tale is very holy to us Aura Guardians, something which we call, "the Origin of Loyalty,'' Riley unfolded the title, ''where true friendship of a man and his Pokemon began.''
"Interesting…'' May marvelled.
"When Arceus created the Pokemon Universe, the Original One had expressed its intention for humans and Pokemon to exist in harmony, which would create peace to connect people's spiritual energy so that they would understand one another without even talking. However, things didn't go as the Great One had hoped. Humans felt they were superior since they evolved along with the era. Wealth, power and lust became peace's three formidable enemies. Humans always felt whatever they had was not enough, so they began to strive harder. Greed began to slash the evolutionary spirit. Rich began to grow richer, and the poor began to grow poorer as the line between them furthered. And when humans couldn't gain by simple means and negotiation, this led to war. And Pokemon became the weapons of those wars. They were caught for humans' selfish desires where their strengths were amplified and weaponised. Where science could have helped humans, their greed led them to research and not only discover new Pokemon, but also to revive the ancient ones. And very soon, the fears became reality. Pokemon started to behave like humans too. They resented each other's existence. They made humans' war their own war. This began a cycle of life and death, and eventually, the Universe was stained. The deities that we know as Legendary Pokemon, began to pray night and day, until one day, Arceus appeared, and poured a manifestation of his loyalty into a small boulder on Earth. Studies indicate that part of land was a mountain in the Hisui Region.''
"That's the former name for Sinnoh Region,'' Ash pointed out.
"That is correct." Riley nodded, continuing, "I have heard that the remains of that rock still lie somewhere in deep mountains.''
"Manifestation of Loyalty?'' May questioned, ''What was in that rock, Riley.''
"An egg. The rock slowly glowed and cracked, and the deities began to witness the dormant egg was revealed. Cerulean in color with several parting patterns; black triangles around the circumference, and a yellow ring around its top. It stood, ever lifeless."
"That sounds like a…'' Ash picturized.
"A Riolu egg, or should I say, the egg of the first ever Riolu…'' Riley completed.
"Awesome…'' Ash marvelled.
"However, months passed, but the egg did not hatch. Perhaps because the Pokemon inside wasn't ready to come out yet. Riolu will only hatch when it feels the presence of an aura, a kind, gentle aura that it trusts. Seasons changed, and that day had finally arrived, when Riolu felt an aura. It was raining that day, but it was the 17th day of the battle between Hisui Region and the Hoenn Region. Wade, the Commander of First Cavalry Unit, fought his enemies all the way towards the top of the plateau. He was wounded, and his Rapidash couldn't continue any further. Their wounds had to be nursed but the medical unit was on the way, but enemies had blocked the path. Wade fought valiantly until his enemies were knocked unconscious. He refused to kill anyone, and only wanted to buy some time for himself. While resting, he felt like someone was calling out to him, but there was no one around. He felt like something behind him was flashing, and he turned around to find an egg that was glowing. The egg was trembling so fast that it fell, but Wade caught it in his hands, and very soon, his eyes met with a pair of red eyes. Wade curiously looked at it, not having seen a Pokemon like that before. Riolu recognized the source of the aura radiating from this man, and immediately took a liking to him. Suddenly, Wade felt a slash across his back, as a soldier had taken advantage of his distraction. While he was writhing in pain, the soldier's attention turned towards the scared Riolu, and immediately brought his sword down on the trembling Pokemon, but just in the knick of time, Wade interjected and cut the enemy's throat. Not able to continue, Wade dropped down on his knees and smiled tiredly at the Riolu. He felt like he was taking his last breaths, until suddenly his heart began to beat faster. His breaths slowed, and he felt the pain in his body slowly leaving. He opened his eyes, to find that his wounds were being healed, and it was none other than Riolu. The Pokemon had fulfilled its debt by saving Wade's life. Wade soon realized that a baby Pokemon couldn't use a healing move so early, and this medicine was something natural. Something like this could only be natural energy. Very soon the medic unit had arrived, and Wade was nursed back to full health, but Riolu never left his side."
"Wow," May was amazed. "Such rich history can never be found in books.''
"Guess, because it's too exclusive,'' Ash agreed.
"Hisui Region won the war on the 18th day and Hoenn troops had to retreat. Hisui was saved from invasion, and the war heroes were promoted. However, Wade refused to accept the promotion, and resigned from the military. He couldn't be a part of another conduct of war, and so with his Riolu, Wade set out to travel the world, and get to know more about Riolu's flow of energy, the termed he coined as 'Aura'.''
"Wade discovered 'Aura'?!" Ash gasped.
"Yes,'' Riley affirmed, ''And together they began their adventures. Very soon, he discovered that what Riolu was naturally employing existed in every living being on earth, and became captivated by it. As they trained together, Wade could too control and manipulate to create an aura effect that was not possible otherwise. He researched further into uncovering the secrets of Aura aided by his Riolu. Because aura took time and a great deal of training to gradually build up, the key to its use is not actually having large amounts of aura but instead being able to sufficiently control and conserve it. With this knowledge, Wade began to mold aura, so that he could perform his abilities successfully. And this turned into a subservient relationship that caused Riolu to evolve into a Lucario. With both now adept in use of aura, they heightened their sensory powers, battling skills and healing. Lucario unlocked many abilities, such as telepathy, sense of negative presence, instant healing and even heightened battling instincts. Wade also realized that such knowledge could benefit the world, but will cause ruckus if such power fell in wrong hands. So, while persevering such knowledge was top priority, it also needed to be passed on using a trusted legacy. So Wade formed a small group of people who had given up the path of wealth and only sought answers for existence, and transmitted such high intellect to them. This formed the clan of 'Aura Guardians'."
"Whoa! The first Aura Guardian!" Ash noted, ''That sounds cool.''
"Most of the details that you mentioned, Riley,'' May pursed her lips, ''seems very familiar to Ash's and Lucario's case.''
"Yea!'' the idea bolted in Ash's mind, "Riolu was trying to communicate with me inside his egg, me saving Riolu from an Onix, me and Riolu training together, mastering telepathy, and as you said, unlocked a new ability.''
"A forbidden ability,'' Riley corrected, taking a gaze at Ash's Lucario, ''I feel like somehow the two Lucarios can be connected, but I don't feel like exploring that theory anymore. What's important, that a new ability has been in your possession, and now you don't know how to master it.''
"That's why we are here,'' Ash explained, ''Maybe you could help us bring it out again.''
"The best way for a demonstration can only be a Pokemon battle,'' Riley conducted the experiment, ''we need to sustain that transformation, as long as possible.''
"Alright then!" Ash beamed, getting up and racing out of the door, Pikachu and Lucario following closely.
"Oh dear,'' May exhaled, standing up from the chair and walking out of the door. ''A Pokemon Battle always riled that guy up.''
"I guess some things never change,'' Riley chuckled, as Lucario began to follow him out of the house.
The genteel sanctity of Riley's small home had been abandoned once more for the more rugged isle rows, this time leading Ash and company into a notably dim cavern. Cracks of light dared to shed some visibility through ragged rock, guiding the small group into the center of the chamber, led by Riley and Lucario. The grey stones occasionally grazed by beams of light from the outdoors had become a common sight for Ash, Lucario and Pikachu, often visited for routine sparring sessions. May peered about, pupils dilating to adjust to the surroundings.
In just a moment, the two Aura Guardians had taken their positions. Ash, Pikachu and Lucario on one side, while the trainer had sunk his hands into his jean pockets, scanning the rocky terrain. Pikachu joined Ash on his shoulder, providing an extra pair of eyes. The more experienced due stoon on another side, maintaining a calm demeanor. They had seen Ash battle, and had an eidetic idea that he was going to be a formidable opponent.
May sat between the two sides, resting at a healthy distance, so she could spectate the battle from a more neutral side. From an outsider's perspective like hers, it'd be hard to determine whose Lucario will be whose later on during the battle, but by now, she knew those proficient in aura by Ash and Riley would easily be able to distinguish the two jackals by that very essence.
"It's time that we both show ourselves the result of our training. Please Ash, do not go easy on us, as we shall reciprocate the same," Riley requested, "Lucario, if you please."
The loyal jackal sprung in front of the senior Aura Guardian, ready with his stance. He knew the true intentions Riley had for this battle.
Similarly, Ash motioned Lucario to get into the fray. The Aura Pokemon bristled, bubbling with energy to face the Lucario who was once his mentor.
"Very well, Ash.'' Riley hummed, ''It has been my long desire to finally face you in battle. Watch us as we will fight with our full strength.''
"We will too, Riley! Lucario, go forth with Double Team!''
Lucario wasted no time, sprinting off across the battlefield, multiplying into a steady pack of angry, snarling blurs of blue and gray. They circled around Riley's Lucario, ready with one palm outstretched. Barely more than a blur, they left Riley's Lucario wide-eyed, who only managed to dodge through the virtue of being able to read their intentions. Sidestepping the several pack of his own species, he avoided punishment.
Riley smirked under his breath, simply muttering, ''Bone Rush.''
Drawing a blunt object formed from pure aura, Lucario wielded the weapon with finesse. Intent on punishing Ash's Lucario's moment of weakness, he swat the demolishing several clones, before finally bringing the rod down on the original Lucario.
But Ash grinned, "Bone Rush you too!''
Like trainer, like pokemon. Small canines bared, Lucario quickly conjured a bone of aura, swinging it upward to meet the club. The two staffs crossed paths, parrying unstoppably. However, the more experienced one easily found an opening, thrusting the bone into Lucario's abdomen, making the Aura Pokemon bellow out in pain. With the guard of his counterpart fallen, Riley's Lucario whacked Ash's Lucario multiple times and spun his weapon, heaping damage upon the steel-type.
"Lucario, quick! Block it!''
Embarrassed at his stagger, Lucario split his staff into two, just barely managing to halt his senior's attack. Lucario bared its teeth, growling viciously as it pushed with tremendous efforts against Ash's Lucario's defenses.
Finding struggle to be futile at this point, the two Aura Pokemon skid themselves back to gain some distance.
"Lucario, use Aura Sphere!" Lucario charged a ball of pulsing sapphire energy between its paws, pulling back and launching the Aura Sphere with a fluid motion.
"Use Aura Sphere as well!'' Riley commanded.
The Aura Guardian's Lucario scraped his paws together, and aura billowed off from his body, quickly consolidating into a cobalt glowing sphere. Lucario sent the sphere flying, and thanks to the absurd speed, it met the rival's Aira Sphere. The duel of the two Aura Spheres led to a loud bombing explosion.
"Use that smoke! Double Team!'' Ash observed, trying to gain an advantage off of the terrain.
"Use your aura to detect the real one and use Close Combat!''
The black veil of smoke made a nice cover for the speedy blue bullet to split into several clones; or at least it would have, if not for the other Lucario's talents, whose prowess on aura proved superior nonetheless, allowing him to slip through various clones, throwing a dizzy punch to the jackal's jaw that put an end to all of Lucario's clones.
"Lucario!'' Ash panicked.
Before the jackal could react, he was on the receiving end of a series of punishing punches and kicks. Unable to truly fight back, Lucario was sent reeling.
"Pika pi!''
"Lucario! Are you alright?" Ash called, giving a voice to Pikachu's anxiety.
Lucario growled, as he pushed himself to his feet, riding out the pain with an extended syllable of his growls.
Relieved, Ash's eyes changed expressions, as he roared forward, ''Bone Rush!''
"Lucario, use Bone Rush." Ash ordered. Lucario generated a blazing rod of energy in his paws and sprinted, little more than a blue blur as he bounded across the floor. The other Lucario shifted a step backwards, paws raised and teeth bared.
"Lucario, use Bone Rush as well." Riley commanded, and Lucario lurched forward to counter with a hardened bone. Each Lucario perceived each other's movements before they actually happened and dodged, avoiding the first strike and retaliating with a swift blow to the side at the same time. They staggered back and swiped again, but Riley's Lucario raised the energy rod in his paws to block the staff and counter a second time.
Despite his hindrance of lowered stats, Riley's Lucario let out a fierce cry, startling his counterpart. He sounded awfully angry. All the same, though, he continued, swinging his club towards Lucario. The two met in quite the fierce clash, superior power pushing against superior skills.
Suffering under the pain from Close Combat, though, Lucario relented, allowing the two to split and bounce back from their collision. Brought down to one knee, he let out an irritated growl.
"Its hard to lay a strike on him! He has grown too powerful over the years,'' Lucario grumbled.
"I can see that,'' a sweat dripped down Ash's forehead, ''But you have not fallen behind either.''
"May I suggest that you both communicate through your hearts and mind,'' Riley brought up an enticing idea, "It shall be bound to give us a hard time since we may not be able to predict what comes next, and as the monarch of unpredictability, you shall find it fruitful.''
"Alright then,'' Ash closed his eyes, concentrating. In front of him, Lucario mimicked his actions as well, shutting his eyes. They focused hard and long, until they only found themselves present in an unknown darkness. The only sound they heard was something dripping, maybe a small drop that was separated from its pool.
"You seem to be pushing to your limit yourself.'' Ash communicated first.
"Yes. I want last night's events to repeat itself, even if it takes a toll on my body.''
(Chucking) "There's no rush. We will get to it eventually, Lucario. If you think that power comes in response to you getting beaten up, then that power is useless. We need to summon that power when we are in extreme need. It will come to us, I believe it, when it has to. But right now, Riley has brought up an interesting idea. If we can communicate through our minds more often, we can throw many opponents of guard.''
"So, we shall!''
"Dragon Pulse, Lucario!'' Riley threw a hand out, unlocking extreme measures to test the duo.
The ethereal dragon from Lucario's mouth roared and charged rapidly towards them, as the aura wrapped fully around Lucario like a cocoon. Just as the huge dragon was almost upon him and Ash felt Pikachu prepare to leap into action, the aura burst with energy, and Lucario flashed his eyes open.
"Aura Sphere!''
The dragon blast kept rushing towards Lucario with a frightening howl. Instincts rose, Lucario' eyes took a cobalt sheen, before pouring a collection of spiritual energy in his paws, condensed into a teal sphere of gigantic proportion.
Dragon Pulse struck the expanding orb, coiling around as a python would wrap around its prey. Fusions of numerous lights began to flash in the cavern, producing a large shockwave that began to send both contenders flying. The wyvern shaped bolt was sucked inside the orb, before it exploded. Any larger in size, and the ceiling of the cavern would have been carved.
"Such power!'' May gasped.
"Quite an ability of the first order you have there, Ash,'' Riley admired, scanning the debris on the field. "Exemplary for generations of Pokemon trainers to come.''
"Huh?'' Ash blinked, ''my ability?"
"The power to change Pokemon, and uplift their hidden potential is quite the enchantment only a few trainers possess,'' Riley explained, ''Pokemon become more determined if they fight for a cause. To make your dream of Pokemon Master come true, is a dream all your Pokemon share, and that's why they refuse to give up easily.''
"Power to change Pokemon huh?'' Ash scratched his cheek, "Don't know about that…"
"Indeed. The concept of aura is far beyond that we can fathom. Sometimes, a trainer's nature of aura determines the strength of their Pokemon.'' Riley blinked, before enlarging his second Pokeball, but took a brief address at Ash's Lucario before tossing the sphere ''does this excite you, Lucario?"
"I shall go to any limits to make Ash's dream come true. To be respected as the very best is our only cause.''
"I see,'' Riley blinked, cracking the faintest of smiles and a slight chuckle slipped out of him. "Impressive. You seem to be speaking Ash's language.''
"We'll take that as a compliment for now,'' Ash cocked a smile, throwing his hand forward, "Twin Aura Spheres!''
Throwing both his hands to his side, Lucario fostered two siblings of Aura Sphere, launching them forward, tossing them at his old brethren.
"Bone Rush!''
As the glowing blasts of fighting energy rattled his way, Riley's Lucario sprinted forward, ignited a long rod of energy in his arms, pulsing with energy. He leaped, meeting the first Aura Sphere halfway, batting them off into the walls, like a batsman desperate for a home run. The second came soon, sworn to hit. The adept Aura Pokemon simply held his paw forward, conjuring a barrier of pure aura, making the elemental orb burst uselessly against it.
As dust and muddy air brewed, the two Lucarios stared at one another down, neither making a movement back, not front. They widened their stance, each drawing their staff out. They dashed at one another, clubbing their bones in a serious ward off, shockwaves that travelled through earth beneath were so strong that they burst into a massive crater, yet the two Lucarios did not break their tussle.
May peered on with growing interest, ''They are really something…''
The jackals exchanged punches, throwing their haymakers at such speed, May couldn't see it. All she comprehended were blue sparks. Ash's Lucario emerged much superior in this contest as he threw a powerful hook, sending the foe careening through the floor.
Riley's Lucario quickly recovered, zipping forward to deliver an uppercut that sent Lucario flying through the air.
"Raww!'' the Aura Pokemon went tossing up towards the ceiling, aura quickly detecting another presence closing by. Time to dish the real counter, Riley's Lucario surged forward, dealing swift punches, and finished with a speedy roundhouse kick that sent Lucario flying away, pummelled straight into the crater.
"Lucario!" Ash gasped, stunned.
"Pika pi!''
Riley's Lucario found footing as he faced his master stoically, confident enough that this battle was now over. He sensed satisfaction in his master's feelings, only to realize he wasn't the reason. A few grunts gave him chills. He whipped around, shielded behind his drawn staff.
The other Lucario was knelt over, declaring triumphant over the fate of unconsciousness, the aura that surrounded him was distorted. The pebbles from the crater began to levitate as Lucario's form once again took a sapphire shine.
"It's happening!'' Ash beamed.
Riley and Lucario peered forward with keen interest.
Lucario still bent over, staggered forward out of the crater, trudging over towards his foe. The defendant felt a gargantuan increase of potent in the protegee's aura. Ash's gulped as he watched his Lucario stop, in front of the foe, still. Silence hung in the air for a few good minutes, as Lucario burnt in the spiritual flames of a woken aura. Riley's Lucario dreaded as he felt a mass surge of aura shielding around the younger Lucario.
Finally, Ash's Lucario perked his head up, challenging his opponent with an authoritative bark. His stare was enough to make his senior flinch. The other Lucario was jaw wide open, as he raised his staff higher, although he did feel his muscles quivering. Lucario stood frighteningly in front of him, aura constantly rippling, fire-like energy, complete with sparkling particles. His feelers were slightly erected and more solid. His blue glowing eyes took on a sterner, defined shape, sporting blue-colored irises and visible pupils.
"So, it was this transformation Ash had been talking about,'' Riley mused. "Very different from before. Very… intense. Such a tremendous amount of aura.''
"It's so calm,'' Ash observed.
"Lucario's amazing,'' May marvelled. "How can he survive a beating like that?''
Lucario chose not to speak, and only stood in place with an emotionless face, staring the other Lucario down.
"We shall overwhelm them in power,'' Riley threw an attack, ''Use Bone Rush!''
Lucario's dread faded away, and he leaped at the new transformed figure with his rod of energy, raised behind his head. The latter only stared upward as the Riley's Lucario raised his staff in the air, bringing it down with full force.
His pupils began to study the body momentum of his mentor, granting him a clarity of fast-moving objects. Anticipating the move, Lucario hardly acknowledged it, seamlessly zipping out of place, but to a normal eye, it would look as if Lucario had teleported.
The hardened staff could only carve a rock in two, as Lucario completely missed his aim. Growling in frustration, the senior only scanned the field, able to find his catch staring from the farthest corner of the battlefield.
"Dragon Pulse!'' Riley followed.
Summoning the boiling blast within, Lucario spat the furious, desperate to level up stream of pure draconic energy. Once again reading the pattern of the dragon head, Ash's Lucario, simply inhaled, rolling his shoulders and bent backwards, letting the searing blast flying over him. From an upside-down vision, Lucario smirked, watching the dragon blast explode into the wall.
He righted himself, only to evade a swift jaw hook, punch, eyeing in the eyes of the other Lucario, that had just exploited the advantage of this decoy, or at least that's what was thought. Gained an autonomous ability to read offenses, Lucario leaped to avoid a knee kick.
"Close Combat!'' Riley was struggling to sustain his calm demeanor.
Focussing his aura in the right place, Ash's Lucario successfully visualized Lucario's impending movements through pure aura. Lucario bobbed and weaved, slipping away from each of his senior's strikes with absurd precision.
"He's easily seeing through Lucario's attacks!'' May commented, growing curious about Lucario's state of mind.
Riley's Lucario continued his onslaught, each of his strike bringing him shame as they missed, while Ash's Lucario ended that embarrassment with a swift punch to the gut, infused with aura. The Aura Guardian spat, as his eyes bulged out. His gut was screaming out in pain.
"Alright! Double Team!'' Ash clasped both of his fists.
Still evading the attacks, Lucario was multiplied into a swarm of clones, each surrounding Riley's Lucario upon the birth of their existence. However, Riley's Lucario was ready for them, but made the mistake of underestimating their defensive style. Two or three would attack at once with Close Combat, and when Riley's Lucario would move to destroy those who dared to challenge his focus, they would team up to yank each other safely aside.
This was easily tiring the Aura Guardian's Lucario out, to face this many at the same time. He kept using Close Combat, spending the stats of his defenses without his knowledge. Growling at them, Lucario watched as all the clones had circled around him, at least a dozen – a number too many to jump over them all. Receiving some silent command, nearly the whole pack suddenly sprung off.
When they all jumped closer, Riley's Lucario crossed his arms over his chest, unleashing a huge burst of aura, the blue dome around him expanding that sent all the clones flying, bursting into poofs of smoke.
Suffering under the fatigue and drainage of his natural power, Riley's Lucario winced, panting heavily. However, his job wasn't done yet. He scanned the field once again through his aura, only to find the one he sought was standing right behind him! Again, he was fooled by the clones. But how couldn't he detect the real one's aura.
He gasped, robotically craning his neck to meet two blue hues.
"Great work, Lucario! Blaze Kick!'' Ash balled his fists, as he gave the telepathic command.
Flames began to rage in Lucario's right foot, as he mumbled some sort of sarcastic goodbye to his mentor. With fire power that had blazed enough, there was a cracking kick on Lucario's back, the steel-type rocketed forward with astounding speed. Lucario howled deeply as he flew, pile driven into the nearby rock wall, kicking up a smokescreen of dust.
"Super effective!'' May beamed.
"Well, what a crafty mind.'' Riley snickered under his breath, "Lucario, are you alright?"
Smoke and rubble soon cleared, soon revealing that point to where the battle had reached. Riley's Lucario stepped from the crater created, scraped and long scratches had stained his body. Submissively realizing that he was still in great trouble, yet in utter disbelief, Lucario mustered the last of his strength in standing back upright. He outstretched a hand with a pulsing aura, challenging Ash's Lucario once again.
With his confidence bolstered, Lucario smirked. Drawing his limbs out, he took the first sprint forward, crossing a good distance until he was once again betrayed. Lucario froze in place, before he could land the final blow, and his muscles began to tense. The blue glow around him faded away, and his pupils contracted into a minute dot. His mouth was left wide open, as he could feel that his newly underdeveloped power had reached his limitation.
Best he could do was put a foot forward, until it was all she wrote. Snout face, he collapsed, thoroughly spent. His energy was burnt, and he stayed there, immobile and paralysed. The limit breaking power was too much for his body to sustain.
"Lucario!'' Ash squawked, rushing forward to check on his Pokemon.
"That's enough," Riley intervened. "This battle shall have no victor. Both of you were impressive." Satisfied, he began to rummage for healing supplies in his coat. The aura guardian tossed a Sitrus Berry at his Pokemon, while hopping onwards to heal Ash's Lucario. Riley's Lucario followed, chewing on the restorative morsel. In mere moments, his strength was recovered allowing him to pace faster.
"Lucario!" Ash panicked, as he shook the Aura Pokemon up by his shoulders. Riley crouched, checking on Lucario's pulse, by touching the points.
"He will be okay,'' Riley assured, ''He's just exhausted. Put him in his Pokeball. We can have him rest in your old bed.''
"Got it!'' With every obedience, Ash sucked Lucario's body inside the Pokeball, clipping him away. "Lucario…I think we really over did it this time.''
"How's Lucario feeling now, Ash?''
A color of distraught was painted on Ash's face as he stepped out of the room, so lost in thoughts that he didn't wish to detail his Pokemon's condition. ''He's sleeping peacefully.'' He gave her a look of hope, and she in turn, placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I didn't know that this is the kind of toll it takes on Lucario's body.'' Ash mulled over, "It's just this second time and I don't want to push it. The very same happened with Greninja once, and we were struggling to perfect that power. Man, this all is coming back to me so fast.''
"Ash,'' Riley cleared his throat, taking a hard gaze on the locked door, ''Lucario has been gifted with a mysterious power. I was observing very closely, however, there is one department where Lucario is not excelling to control this power. And as far as I know Lucario, he would not agree to work towards this deficiency.''
"What is it, Riley? Tell me,'' Ash urged, ''Me and Lucario will both work towards it!''
"Ash, to gain control over any power, the most important step is to gain control over oneself, and this includes control over emotions such as pleasure or rage." Riley explained, ''Lucario goes through a turmoil of emotions in a battle, such as his devotion to you while fighting you strongest Pokemon makes him undergo a certain emotional imbalance. Till here, I felt maybe jealousy was triggering Lucario's new state, however, I saw that this power can also be triggered, when Lucario takes more damage but wants to delve deeper into the lust for battle. Such repressed emotions or built-up rage not to forget the lack of control will eventually burn huge amounts of Lucario's stamina. I believe that the full extent of this power is yet to be seen.'' Riley furrowed his brows, looking at Ash.
"Man, this thing's really spontaneous,'' Ash recalled the time Greninja's transformation was discovered, ''What if I am the cause for it? After all, he is relying on this power to get my attention.''
"Now that Lucario is aware of this ability in his arsenal, it wouldn't be easy for him to forget. In fact, he will clamour even more to battle now." Riley elucidated, ''While the control of this power can make Lucario unbeatable in a battle, it is not an absolute guarantee against all dangers. While Lucario's fighting instincts are peaked in this state, the timing is dangerously limited. I do believe that sumptuous trainings can bring succour."
"I noted, Riley, that Lucario totally seemed untouchable in that form." May uttered. "However, when Lucario first used Double Team, your Lucario could easily detect the real one. But when Ash's Lucario developed, his Lucario easily gave your Lucario the slip while hiding between the clones.''
"We have yet to explore his abilities," Riley replied, ''I believe that he could suppress his aura to avoid being detected. Although, as I said earlier, he may seem untouchable, but while this burns up his energy, I believe someone with colossal raw power can bypass such instantaneous defensive impulse, unless Lucario is fully trained. While using the ability may make the user's vital points extremely difficult to target, it is still possible for an immensely-focused attack to break through if Lucario is not careful."
"Riley," Ash exhaled, ''You said that the first Lucario could too use such abilities to a heightened extent. Please tell me how can I get Lucario to control this power?''
"You really want Lucario to utilize this ability, Ash?'' May reprimanded, pointing at the door, ''didn't you see what it does to Lucario?''
"I ain't asking for myself. I am content with his telepathy and Mega Evolution, but I know he won't stop there! He wants to master this power! Trust me, May!'' Ash argued, ''I can sense his feelings right now. He won't let this go so easily. I know I can find a way, Riley. But if you have anything…please fill me.''
"As witnessed, the reckless over usage is causing Lucario's body to break down. Lucario could sustain that form only for five minutes, but if any more than that, it will cause him severe pain and exhaustion. Only proper research and training can help Lucario to access this ability at will. But I am sure a time limit will still be on the form, however, this will not tax Lucario's stamina." Riley took a deep pause, ''While this technique is rudimentary for now, I believe you and Lucario need to harness your emotions together, and gain an authority over them. If your self-control is refined, then you can avoid any distraction easily, however, it is not very easy. Your will must surpass your temptations, fear, pleasure, sadness and anger. Your hearts must be calm all the time, and no unnecessary emotions must enter your hearts. Only then you could use this power at your own accord.''
"Self-control,'' May hummed. "Wouldn't that be extremely difficult? Nobody has a control over themselves, nowadays.''
"This is a huge demand,'' Ash balled his fists, staring a hole into the floor, ''I am reckless and moody, so I don't know if I can master this ability or not, but I can stop myself from being carried away. I'll use my experience of training my Greninja and apply the same on Lucario." He touched the door, smiling at it. ''Don't worry Lucario! We'll get through this, partner.''
Suddenly, there was a loud boom that alerted all the members inside. Flinching, Ash cautiously opened the door, to find Lucario's sleep unperturbed from the explosion, and exhaling a sigh, he shut the door back. However, he swore that the culprit wouldn't be making another bang today.
Riley's Lucario and Pikachu had already sprung out of the door, while May and Riley chased, determined to find the reason for the explosion. Ash followed suit, but his mind was lurking on Lucario. They practically bounded off from the door, able to see a tower of smoke looming at a certain distance.
"What is that?'' May grimaced.
"I don't think it's bad news,'' Riley squinted, "Else Lucario would have sensed it."
"We should see what it is,'' Ash grit, ''I don't want my Lucario disturbed. Let's go Pikachu!''
"Pika!'' the rodent dashed along with his master, while May buffed and scurried behind.
As they neared the location, a booming voice echoed throughout the area, "Wa-haha-ha! Our defenses are tempering! We can't wait!''
A sudden realization clicked Ash as he had heard that voice and manner of speaking before. He raced ahead, nearing the spot where the smoke brewed from. They stopped, finding themselves staring down from an inclined cliff at a messy landscape, deducing that this could have been a battlefield not a moment ago.
Their suspicions became clear as bursting from a rock, an Aggron emerged making his master cackling with pride. Ash's vision lingered to find the trainer, and with hardly any population around, easily found him standing on a rock. The trainer was a muscular hulk, who held on to his trademark shovel on his shoulder. He had a dishevelled appearance of a digger, and that would explain the shovel, however his burgundy hair and beard made Ash think of a certain character.
May caught up to him, soon surmising the scene. She panted, trying to revive her oxygen, ''Who…is…that…man?''
"He's Byron,'' Riley answered, showing no signs of exhaustions after that job, ''He's the one, Ash will be facing tomorrow…''
Once in three years we get to see a battle that's just too premium to ignore. Man, who would have ever imagined Ash vs Cynthia would be so epic. In lucid intervals of the battle, I had already accepted the fate that Ash would be out of the Tournament but what a comeback! His two aces took down the biggest knights.
A huge salute to Sirfetch'd and Dracovish. I no longer need to bawl for their new moves. What they have is enough and they have proven themselves a force to reckon with. Dracovish just had the best career of them all. Man, Ash took down Cynthia..the Empress Cynthia? He lost to the Elite Fours in the Hoenn and Sinnoh Region, and now he has defeated the strongest trainers in Hoenn, Sinnoh and Unova. Why do I feel like screaming? One of the best matches I ever came across, and now can't contain myself to find that Ash will be now facing Leon. But one fear lingers. Maybe we have another Tobias on hand. We all saw that only three of Leon's Pokemon have been revealed, but nah, I am positive Ash will be the one to bring Leon down. He's about to prepare for the best battle of his life, and I have only one wish. All his comrades must be shown in a cameo.
Thank you.