Episode 550: The Aura Storm
We come back to where we last left off. Korrina's Lucario has Mega Evolved into Mega Lucario for the first time ever. It has slimmer thighs, and longer yellow colored fur. Its paws become crimson and have grown more spikes. There are black markings on its blue fur due to its heightened aura. The sensory bundles also grown longer with two of them having crimson tips. Its eyes have changed from red to orange.
Korrina gasped in awe to see her partner taking on a new form. Mega Lucario's eyes glows red.
"We did it!" Korrina exclaimed. She started to run up to her partner. "We really did it!"
"So that's Mega Evolution," Lucy said.
"Whoa," Gray could only say.
Mega Lucario looked at its paw and waved it. A wave of its aura energy sends a shockwave to the ground.
"You look awesome, Lucario! Your aura's really strong now!" Korrina said. "It's the super strong! Wow, this is it!" She ran up to Mega Lucario. "Wow, this is it! The thing we've been waiting for!"
Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Clemont, Bonnie, Will, Helen, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Dedenne, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, the Digimon, Team Natsu, the Cooper Gang, Carmelita, and the Panda King all went up to her and Mega Lucario.
"Congratulations on passing your test, Korrina," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"You look so strong," Bonnie said.
"You sure do," Bonnie agreed.
"I'm totally in awe," Clemont said.
"All that hard work has paid off in a big way," Terra said.
"You should be proud of yourself," Aqua said.
"Thanks a lot," Korrina said with a smile. She turned to her grandfather. "Well, grandpa. We hung in there, and we did it! It was all worth it, right?" Gurkinn doesn't answer. "Well, wasn't it?" Mega Lucario looked at Sora and does some punching and kicking poses.
"We can feel your aura, Mega Lucario," Sora said.
"The future of the Shalour City Gym is in good hands," McGinty said.
"Yes," Gurkinn agreed.
Mega Lucario does some more kicks all around.
"That breeze feels really warm," Helen said.
"That was Lucario's aura you were just feeling. It's being projected from out his body," Korrina said.
"According to my scanners, Lucario's aura levels has increased greatly," Bentley said. "All I can say is, it's amazing."
"So, how about we test out Mega Lucario's awesome power to see how awesome it came right out," Murray suggested.
"I think you're right, Murray," Sora said. He took out his Lucario's Pokéball and opened it. Sora's Lucario came out by Sora's side. "How would you like to have to have a battle? My Lucario against yours?"
"I would like that," Korrina said.
Both Lucario got ready for their battle. Sora readied his Keystone for his Lucario's Mega Evolution.
"You ready to go, Lucario?" Sora asked.
"Car!" Sora's Lucario said.
"Okay!" Sora said. He pressed his Keystone as his Lucarionite reacts with it. "Let yours and my aura become one! Mega Evolution!" Sora's Lucario reacts to the Lucarionite he possesses, and to Sora's Keystone. Sora's Lucario has become a Mega Lucario same as Korrina's.
"Sora's Lucario can do that, too!" Wendy said.
"His and Lucario's aura become one?" Erza asked.
"Mega Lucario! Use Bone Rush!" Korrina ordered. Korrina's Mega Lucario came at Sora's Mega Lucario with Bone Rush.
"Use Bone Rush to block it!" Sora ordered. Sora's Mega Lucario used Bone Rush to block his opponent's attack. Korrina's Mega Lucario's Bone Rush is knocked out of his hands.
"What power," Will said.
"The both of them are giving off more juice than the Contessa's hypnotherapy," Murray said.
"Isn't it weird for Korrina's Lucario to miss an attack like that?" Ventus asked.
"Pika, Pika," Sparky said.
"I think I noticed it, too," Bonnie said
"Denne, ne," Dedenne said.
Gurkinn could tell something was off. Sora's Mega Lucario can tell something was wrong with him. Korrina's Mega Lucario attacked again.
"Take it easy! You need to control yourself!" Sora's Mega Lucario said through his aura.
"What's wrong?" Sora asked through his aura.
"He doesn't appear to be in full control of his own actions! If this keeps up, he might take it out on everyone else!" Sora's Mega Lucario said through his aura.
"Try to neutralize him! And hurry!" Sora said through his aura. Sora's Mega Lucario. Sora's Mega Lucario nodded as he attempts to grab Korrina's Mega Lucario by the shoulders, but Korrina's Mega Lucario attacked every time he got close enough.
"Keep it up, Mega Lucario! Power-Up Punch!" Korrina ordered. Korrina's Mega Lucario came at Sora's Mega Lucario again.
"Use Double Team!" Sora ordered. Sora's Mega Lucario uses Double Team. Korrina's Mega Lucario searches for his opponent, and found him with ease. He gave Sora's Mega Lucario a toss. "Mega Lucario!"
"Hey, that's not how to behave in battle!" Korrina said. Mega Lucario then became out of control and came at Sora's Mega Lucario again.
"Use Force Palm!" Sora ordered. Sora's Mega Lucario uses Force Palm on him, but it does little to calm him down. Korrina's Mega Lucario gave him another punch, and then gave him another toss. Gurkinn took out a Pokéball, and waited for Korrina's Mega Lucario to come close with another Power-Up Punch, but Gurkinn tossed it. Gurkinn's Lucario came out and stopped him in his tracks.
"Korrina, that's enough!" Gurkinn shouted.
Korrina's Mega Lucario backs up. Korrina gasped in shock, seeing what was going on. Korrina's Lucario reverts back to regular Lucario and fell on the ground, along with the Lucarionite. Sora's Mega Lucario reverts back to normal as well. Sora went to help his Lucario on his feet.
"I got you," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu added.
"McGinty, please take this," Gurkinn said.
"Right," McGinty said, taking the Lucarionite. Korrina skates towards her Lucario.
"Lucario!" Korrina gasped. "What could have happened to you? Lucario."
"Korrina, we should head for the Pokémon Center," Sora said. Korrina looked at Gurkinn.
"Grandpa, is this...?" Korrina asked. He didn't answer her.
The group made it to the Pokémon Center. Sora waited patiently for his Lucario to be fully healed. It didn't take long until Nurse Joy and Wigglytuff to come strolling out with his Lucario.
"Your Lucario is just fine, Sora," Nurse Joy said.
"Thanks a lot, Nurse Joy," Sora said. He turned to Lucario. "Glad you're okay, Lucario."
"Cario," Lucario said.
"What about my Lucario?" Korrina asked.
"Your Lucario has used up more energy than Sora's has. He's completely exhausted, but he's recovering as we speak," Nurse Joy said. "Don't worry."
Korrina turned to Sora.
"Sora, I just want to say, I'm sorry about earlier," Korrina apologized.
"There's nothing to be sorry about, Korrina," Sora assured.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Was your Lucario like that in your first try, grandpa?" Korrina asked.
"In some way, yes. You cannot expect to get it right the first time," Gurkinn said.
"I still can't believe this happened," Armadillomon said.
"You and me both, Armadillomon. None of Sora's Mega Evolved Pokémon acted anything like this," Wormmon said.
"None of the ones we have ever seen," Palmon said.
"What do you mean?" Gray asked.
"I'm not even sure if there's a right way to explain it, to be honest," Veemon said.
"Whatever the case, we need to determine what was wrong with Korrina's Lucario," Erza said.
"Erza's right. It got me wondering as well," Terra said.
"I already know. It's both Korrina and Lucario," Gurkinn said. Korrina was caught off guard with his claim.
"Me and Lucario?" Korrina asked as McGinty entered the Pokémon Center, bringing everyone's attention to him.
"Mr. McGinty," Kairi said.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Gurkinn," McGinty said.
"So, is it finished?" Gurkinn asked.
"Aye, and it came out great," McGinty said, presenting a small box to Korrina. He opened to reveal the Lucarionite in a red band.
"The Lucarionite," Korrina said.
"And this is for you, too," McGinty said, showing her the newly printed copy of the photo.
"Thanks so much," Korrina said, taking the photo.
"That's such a great photo," Sora said.
"And now, we have the complete set. Like the one grandpa's Lucario has," Korrina said. "Did you make that one, too, Mr. Ginty?"
"I did," McGinty said proudly. "And I'm proud of my handiwork."
Everyone sat down to discuss what happened to Korrina's Mega Lucario during the battle.
"So, what happened during the battle between Sora and Korrina?" Clemont asked.
"He just Mega Evolved for the first time, so he probably got carried away," Korrina said.
"Didn't seem that way to me," Meowth said. "Sora and Kairi's Pokémon can Mega Evolve just fine, and not one of them went bananas just like earlier."
"Come to think of it, I think you're right, Meowth," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Dedenne," Dedenne said.
"What makes you say that, Sora?" Clemont asked.
"I first used that trick during the Sinnoh Pokémon League, but the only difference was, they were really calm. I have to admit, seeing my Pokémon Mega Evolve was really cool, but the way Korrina's Lucario Mega Evolved, it was like he didn't recognize Korrina at all," Sora said.
"We faced Mega Evolution before we came to the Kalos region," Kairi said. "I remember Edgar's Blastoise Mega Evolving when he battled against Gary back in the Indigo Plateau. He overwhelmed Gary's Blastoise like it wasn't a problem. We saw that again in the final round."
"I remember that," Aqua said. "We were all amazed when we saw that for the first time."
"And then there was Prince Wesleyan with his Mega Charizard Y before that. He almost had Sora that time. And there's Archer with his Houndoom, and Rasputin with his Tyranitar," Kairi added on.
"And the one thing they had in common was, they didn't go berserk on us," Sora said.
"It was a little bit scary to watch," Bonnie said.
"Talk about a living nightmare," Patamon said.
"Maybe, that might be what Gurkinn meant by being," Bentley said. "Korrina's Lucario must have a different reaction than any of Sora's Pokémon; especially his Lucario."
"No way," Korrina said. "He just got carried away, that's all."
"All the same, like people, Pokémon has a different reaction to Mega Evolution," Gurkinn said.
"Sora, didn't Diantha's Gardevoir Mega Evolve as well?" Agumon asked.
"That's right," Sora said. "Seeing Diantha's Gardevoir Mega Evolve during our battle was really something. She used that trick to take me down."
"What could that mean?" Will asked.
"That's what I need to figure out," Korrina said.
"The power of Mega Evolution might have been too much for Korrina's Lucario to handle on his own," Gurkinn said. Korrina turned to her grandfather.
"Too strong?" Korrina asked.
"It's believed the strength of Lucario's aura is heightened to its limit when it Mega Evolves. During a battle, every nerve in its body is concentrating on battling, so it's unable to think about anything else. That's why its heightened aura wakened its battling instincts so strongly," Gurkinn said.
"You're right," Korrina said.
"But, how did Sora's Lucario managed to stay so calm and collective?" Lucy asked.
"It would seem Sora's Lucario has a much better understanding of Mega Evolution. I think it has something to do with Sora," Gurkinn said.
"How did you come to that conclusion?" Helen asked.
"I could see it as clear as daylight, but it's possible, Sora might have unlocked its secrets before he could accomplish that goal," Gurkinn said. He looked right at Sora.
"I didn't know I was trying anything special," Sora said.
"What secret did you unlock, Sora?" Natsu asked.
"You think I might tell you if I knew?" Sora asked.
"Fair point," Sly said.
"Still, a Pokémon losing control a Mega Evolution during a battle is not unheard of," McGinty said.
"So, it means Korrina has to learn how to control it before she puts it into practice for her Gym battles," Karen said.
"That's right. And it's a power she must make her own as the Shalour City Gym Leader," Gurkinn said.
Just then, Nurse Joy and Wigglytuff came rolling in Korrina's Lucario in a stretcher.
"Lucario!" Korrina said happily. She happily embraces her partner. "Thank goodness!"
"He's feeling much better now," Nurse Joy said.
"Thank you very much, Nurse Joy!" Korrina said.
"You are very welcome, Korrina," Nurse Joy said.
"Wigglytuff," Wigglytuff added.
"How are you feeling, Lucario?" Korrina asked.
"Cario," Lucario answered.
"Here. The Lucarionite," Korrina said, putting it on her Lucario. "A good fit."
"Cario," Lucario said.
"So, how about we show off how strong we really are when. we Mega Evolve again!" Korrina said. Gurkinn shuts his eyes as he sighs.
"It seems you don't seem to understand Mega Evolution, Korrina," Gurkinn said. "Come outside, and I will personally educate you."
"Okay," Korrina said.
With that said, Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Clemont, Bonnie, Will, Helen, Korrina, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, Dedenne, Blossom, Sparky, Thor, Eclair, Lucario, the Digimon, Team Natsu, the Cooper Gang, Carmelita, and the Panda King all stepped outside along with Gurkinn.
"It looks like a battle is going on," Gabumon said.
"I understand what Mega Evolution is all about. Let's show him how strong we've become," Korrina said.
"This will be a Mega Evolution battle," Gurkinn said.
"All set!" Korrina said.
"This should be good," Sly said.
"It doesn't look like he's going to pull any punches with his own granddaughter," Carmelita said.
"If he did, then it wouldn't be a test, would it?" McGinty asked.
"You mean, this is nothing but a test?" Charla asked.
"It is," the Panda King said. "A test to see if she can master this Mega Evolution. I have my doubts since the last time."
"It's time to Mega Evolve!" Korrina said, pressing her Keystone. Korrina's Lucario has Mega Evolved.
"It's our turn. Time to Mega Evolve!" Gurkinn said, pressing his Keystone. His Lucario has Mega Evolved again. Sora took out Lucario's Pokéball and opened it.
"Pay close attention, Lucario. This might help for our Gym battle," Sora said through his aura.
"I agree, master. I intend to see what my future opponent has in store," Lucario said through his aura.
"Watch closely, you two," Korrina said. They turned to the Shalour City Gym Leader. "Me and my Lucario never ever beaten my grandfather before. We never really stood a chance."
"I hear you, Korrina," Sora said. "Give it everything you've got."
"Pika!" Pikachu said.
Gurkinn looked at Sora and his Lucario. He could tell something was up between those two.
"Power-Up Punch!" Korrina ordered. Korrina's Mega Lucario came at Gurkinn's Mega Lucario with Power-Up Punch.
"Block with your aura," Gurkinn said. Gurkinn's Mega Lucario blocked with its own aura.
"That Mega Lucario dodged Power-Up Punch like it was nothing," Gomamon said.
"It's just the beginning," Gatomon said.
"Come on! Stop treating me like a little kid and battle me seriously!" Korrina said. Gurkinn's brow twitched.
"That's what we're doing," Gurkinn said. "This is how aura Pokémon should be battling! Now, use Bone Rush!" Gurkinn's Mega Lucario came at Korrina's Mega Lucario with Bone Rush.
"Alright! Use Bone Rush, too!" Korrina ordered. Korrina's Mega Lucario held two bones Korrina's Mega Lucario came at Gurkinn's Mega Lucario and they clashed their bones at one another. He threw one of the bones at Gurkinn's Mega Lucario, but deflected it. He threw the other one as he rushed at his opponent. Gurkinn's Mega Lucario deflected it as well. Korrina's Mega Lucario went for Gurkinn's Mega Lucario's feet, catching him by surprise.
"Great move, Korrina!" Ventus cheered.
"You're doing great, Mega Lucario! Keep it up!" Korrina called out. Gurkinn's Mega Lucario got right back his feet. "Awesome."
"It's best you do not underestimate us," Gurkinn said. Korrina's Mega Lucario caught his bones again. "Alright then... Aura Sphere!" Gurkinn's Mega Lucario sends an Aura Sphere right at Korrina's Mega Lucario.
"Use Bone Rush! Crush it!" Korrina ordered. Korrina's Mega Lucario tried to block Aura Sphere, but he was easily overpowered and sent back. Korrina grits her teeth. "He's got more power."
"This isn't good. Gurkinn's just too strong for her," Sora said in his thoughts.
"I know you can do it! You can beat their Aura Sphere!" Korrina said. Korrina's Mega Lucario got back up and gave the same look from her battle with Sora.
"I was afraid this was gonna happen again," Meowth said.
"Same here," Agumon said.
"Does that mean her Mega Lucario will go nuts like earlier?" Natsu asked.
"Aye," Happy said.
"No! Not again!" Korrina gasped.
"So, the real battle begins," Gurkinn said.
Korrina's Mega Lucario lost his focus.
"Mega Lucario, can you hear me?" Korrina asked. "Swords Dance!" Korrina's Mega Lucario ignored her commands and came at his opponent with Power-Up Punch.
"He ignored her commands again," Kairi said.
"Stop it now," Gurkinn said. Gurkinn's Mega Lucario blocked with one of his arms. Korrina's Mega Lucario then makes another attempt on his feet. "Dodge it with your aura!" Gurkinn's Mega Lucario dodged by jumping over him.
"Listen to me! Bone Rush!" Korrina ordered.
"Aura Sphere!" Gurkinn ordered.
Gurkinn's Mega Lucario prepares to fire Aura Sphere before Korrina's Lucario could make a move. Korrina's Mega Lucario was taken down. He reverts back to normal.
"Our battle's over," Gurrkin said.
"Lucario, Lucario!" Korrina said, rushing to Lucario's side.
"Well done," Gurkinn said. His Mega Lucario reverts back to normal as well.
"They've got a lot of work ahead of them," McGinty said. Gurkinn didn't answer, but he did agree.
"Lucario, Lucario," Korrina pleaded. Korrina's Lucario opened his eyes. "I'm so glad you're awake." Gurkinn approached his granddaughter and her Lucario. She looked at him with a sad face, and then looked at the ground. "It's hard..." Tears forms in her eyes. "But why?! He Mega Evolved again, but we still couldn't control it!"
"I'm afraid the only ones to blame for the lack of change are you two," Gurkinn said sternly. Korrina and her Lucario continued to look at him. "Now, Lucario. The reason you're consumed by your aura is because of your overconfidence with regard to your power. Attacking excessively without Korrina's command is nothing short of arrogant. And Korrina, because you allow Lucario to do just that, it shows you don't understand it as well as you claimed to. The way things are now, becoming stronger is impossible! You two have spent too much time together. And because you believed you truly understand each other, you have unfortunately neglected the training that would make you stronger. It's this sort of immature behavior that's unbecoming of the Shalour City Gym Leader!"
"I don't get this. I don't get this at all," Korrina said. "We've battled so much..."
"WHY, YOU FOOL!" Gurkinn shouted at the top of his lungs. This surprised everyone. "I order you to go on another training journey! There's a trainer named Mable. She has guided me ever since I was young. You will find her on Pomace Mountain. That's where she lives. Her partner is a Pokémon who has the ability to Mega Evolve as well. I'm certain she will teach you what you need to be able to see beyond the surface of Mega Evolution."
"Okay," Korrina said, obeying her grandfather. She stands back up on her feet. Her Lucario stands up as well.
"Korrina, if it's okay, we would like to go with you," Sora said. "We might be able to help you train to be able to control Mega Evolution."
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"I appreciate it, Sora," Korrina said.
"I'm sure training will be much better if you had some sparring partners," Murray said.
"I'm getting fired up just thinking about it!" Natsu said, with his fists emitting fire.
"Hey, cool it, hot head!" Gray said. "Or I'll have to do it!" Gray started to get in Natsu's face.
"I'd like to see you try, you pervy snow monkey!" Natsu said, getting into Gray's face. Erza gave them both a punch, sending them flying.
"ENOUGH!" Erza yelled.
"That certainly hasn't changed. Erza is never shy about keeping those two from killing each other," Sora said.
"What do you mean, Sora?" Karen asked.
"I heard the story from Lucy. She told me that Natsu and Gray have been going at each other's throats ever since they were kids. They seems to like getting into fights all the time," Sora explained.
"I get it," Karen understood.
"Pikachu," Blossom said.
"Anyway, Korrina, if Will and I are gonna battle you, it should be when you and your Lucario are in total control of your Mega Evolution," Sora said. Korrina smiled.
"When we I battle you two, you won't be able to win a Shalour City Gym Badge," Korrina said.
"I know it's not gonna be easy, so I might as well try as hard as I can, Korrina," Sora said.
"Me too," Will said.
Gurkinn looked right at Korrina and then towards Sora.
"Korrina, Lucario. How will you come to terms with Mega Evolution and learn to use the power of aura, same as Sora? This is a trail that must be overcame. Especially with an Aura User like Sora. Until today, I thought the Aura Users were all extinct, but after today, I can see I was wrong. Now go! To Pomace Mountain!" Gurkinn said in his thoughts.
Korrina and Lucario have started on a new journey, complete with a new task. Just what will Sora and his friends gain from this experience? More answers to these questions to come soon.