Chapter 17:
Habituation
Gyles stumbled forward awkwardly, fumbling with the chunks of wood to no avail, as they dropped out of his grip and onto the ground and his feet.
"Naaargh!" He cried out in pain. He cursed aggressively under his breath.
"Gyles," his Lucario sighed, gathering up some of the fallen wood while his trainer continued to swear bitterly in increasing volume. "Angry words won't get the fire started."
"No use crying over spilt milk," a deep voice caused them to both turn with a silenced start. "Or, that is how the saying goes, yes?"
Gyles stared into the red eyes of a large, rocky Pokémon.
"Gah!" He yelled in shock, throwing what firewood he still had in his hands. He stumbled backward and fell onto his backside.
"It's true!" Gyles breathed. "Rhydon really can evolve!"
"Rhyperior!" The Lucario identified the Pokémon.
"That's right," a female voice chuckled from behind the Rhyperior. "You guys haven't met, have you?"
"This 'im, D?" The Rhyperior asked his trainer.
"Delia?" Gyles stood up cautiously.
"G, meet Crush," the youthful Biker waved a hand between them. "Crush, this is Elite Gyles. The one with morals."
"A Rocket with morals?" Crush chuckled. "I thought you were the last one, before Top Elite Miyamoto chased you off."
"Do all of your Pokémon speak?" Gyles blinked.
"Of course," Delia placed a hand on Crush's arm. "I taught each of my six Pokémon how to speak human language myself. And, every one of them has a name."
"Why?" Gyles looked at his Lucario, then back to Delia. "I mean, only he can speak on my team, and we're just…"
"It puts us on equal ground," Delia helped to gather the fallen firewood. "I have a name, after all. No one calls me 'human,' really. I'm just D…er, Delia. So, they have names, too. They are just as much of individuals with personalities as we are. And, they speak human, because then there's no language barrier between us; we can always understand what the other is saying."
"I don't under…"
"Because," Delia looked at him, "my Pokémon and I are equals."
"It's not gonna be easy for 'im," Crush told his trainer as they carried the firewood back to their camp. "He's been a Rocket for far longer than you. He's likely been brainwashed for years."
"I'm not brainwashed!" Gyles retorted, dropping his pile of wood in the unlit campfire. "I've always known that the Team's corrupt and cruel! I hate them!"
"Then, why do you stay?" Delia asked.
"I…" Gyles looked at his Lucario. The Pokémon glared briefly at Delia, before giving Gyles a curt nod.
"I have no place else to go," Gyles muttered. He knelt next to the fire and pulled out a dagger and a long, thin hunk of flint.
"What are you doing?"
"Starting the fire," Gyles raised an eyebrow at her. "Just like I always do on wilderness missions."
"Cindy," Delia sighed, tossing a Pokéball upward. "Start the fire wo'ja?"
TSSSEW! The Charmeleon materialized in a burst of red light. With a smirk, she spat a burst of flame at the pile of firewood.
"Gaah!" Gyles fell backwards again. "Watch where you're breathing that stuff!"
"Sorry, Jill," Cindy sneered.
"Play nice, Cin," Delia gave her starter a light slap on the back of the head. "Gyles is going to be traveling with us for a while."
"I thought we were headin' on your bike to the Keep," Cindy looked at her trainer. "Our ol' buddies there won't be glad to know you're bringing a Rocket with ya. Particularly not an Elite."
"I won't betray them," Gyles glared at the Charmeleon.
"Crush took the bike to one of the nearby shelters for safekeeping," Delia sighed. "We normally end up walking the last leg of the trip up the mountain by foot, anyway. We'll just start that leg a day or two's walking distance earlier."
"But, Jill's an Elite," Cindy emphasized. "She will not be happy to know that you've brought such a high ranked Rocket to one of the safest places on the planet from evil."
"And if we we're ever seen by a single Rocket with you," the Lucario scowled, "then we would be charged with fraternizing with a deserter. We would be guilty of mutiny against Rocket law."
"The Boss would have us sentenced to death," Gyles nodded to his companion. "Her decision would be absolute, and our punishment immediate."
"She wouldn't kill you," Delia scoffed. "You're not just any Elite. You've had a higher rate of success than any three Elite Agents combined."
"Which is why Miyamoto was so pissed off when a lowly Grunt busted you out of jail on that one occasion where you actually failed," Cindy added.
"Though, why you would bother with saving us at all, I'll never understand," the Lucario growled.
"Yeah, it was a risky move on your part," Gyles nodded. "If you'd been caught, you'd been arrested, too. And your success got you nothing in return…nothing but the wrath of Madame Boss and Top Elite Miyamoto. Why would you do that?"
"Why indeed," his companion narrowed his red eyes to thin slits.
"Maybe because I'm a good person, and you looked absolutely pathetic in that cell," Delia sat down near the fire, on the opposite side from Gyles. "And, despite your skills as a Rocket, you must be a good person, too."
"How can you be sure?"
"You love your Pokémon."
"I'm not even sure I really know what love is," Gyles fell to the ground, lying on his back and staring up through the mountain forest to the darkening sky.
"If you're such a great, caring person," Lucario snarled at Delia, "then why did you join the Team in the first place?"
"I was thirteen when I was enlisted," Delia whispered. "I already had my full team, though not everyone was as evolved as now."
"Yes, Crush was still a Rhydon and Jewel was still an Eevee," Cindy nodded, sitting in a cross-legged pose next to her trainer. "They would both evolve on a deployment to that snowy mountain in Sinnoh."
"That whole thing ended in disaster, otherwise," Delia chuckled, zipping up her leather jacket and flipping her long, brown hair out of its way. "But, no. I'm still not entirely sure why I enlisted. I guess…my parents were…having…problems."
Gyles leaned up slightly to look at her.
"I remember feeling that they thought that their fight was more important than my journey, than my dependence on their support," Delia continued. "I got pissed off, and got sick of being stuck in a rut, despite my skills as a trainer, and my team's developing strengths. I wanted recognition, and my parents weren't giving it to me."
"Normal people have marital strife?" Gyles blinked.
"Have you ever talked to a non-Rocket for more than three minutes?" Delia chuckled.
Gyles blinked, and shook his head. Delia stared, unable to believe him.
"Yes, people argue and fight and cheat on each other in the real world, too."
"So, your father cheated on your mother?"
"I'm not sure," Delia shook her head. "I never got a straight answer. Even before I left on my journey, I would run away into the mountains as a child whenever they'd fight. It was rarer then, and they still tended to put me before their own problems. They were still parents then. It was during such an escape into the mountains–these mountains–that I found the Keep, and her."
"Who?" Gyles sat up properly.
"The Sage," Delia said simply. "She became a mentor and a friend, someone to listen and heal the wounds whenever my parents weren't available. I learned that Pokémon aren't just some magical animals, they're our equals, and are just as sentient and intelligent as we are, maybe even more so."
"So, you teach them to speak, and give them names."
"But, I was in Saffron when my mother told me she was leaving my father for good," Delia glared into the fire. "My mother had the nerve to tell me of their divorce over the phone. I was too far away from the Keep to make the trip. I stormed around the city in a rage. And…the recruiter…well…he was in the right place at the wrong time in my life. He took advantage of my emotions, and before I knew what I was doing…well…I'd sold my soul to the devil."
"And, then about a year ago, we got chased off by Miyamoto," Cindy chuckled. "Simply because we were giving dangerous ideas to the Boss's kid, or some such garbage."
"Isn't that considered to be a form of mutiny?" Gyles asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Why would Miyamoto chase you off, when the Boss would've killed you herself?" Lucario asked.
"I…I dunno," Delia shrugged. "You're the Elite. You tell me."
"Well…Miyamoto has always been more reasonable than the Boss," Gyles admitted. "Though she would never directly disobey Rocket law. Something's definitely missing in that equation."
"In any case, I've spent the last year wandering through Kanto back in this general direction, spending weeks at a time in various Biker Gangs. Then, a few months ago, I made it to the mountains past Pewter, and traveled south down the range. I took my time and familiarized myself again to the surroundings of my childhood escapes. Which is where you come in."
"I…I see."
"What about you?"
"Me?" Gyles blinked. "My parents never divorced. And my father couldn't leave my mother or have an affair, even if he wanted to."
"She that controlling?" Delia asked.
"You…you could say that," Gyles said softly. "My mother is…the perfect, model member of Team Rocket. Everything she does is for either the advancement of the Team…or her own gain. Even…even me."
"What do you mean?"
"My mother sold my soul and my life to the Team…before I was even born. And my father…my father should want nothing to do with me. It would be perfectly understandable if he detested the very sight of me."
"Why?"
"I…I'm…he…uh…" Gyles stammered, looking away. "I…can't."
"No rush…" Delia said in a calm, low tone. "If you're still uncomfortable talking about it, I can respect a need to be private."
"Though, the Sage will not let you in the Keep, or even near it, until you prove your worth, Rocket," Cindy grimaced.
"Who said we need to prove ourselves to you?" Gyles's Lucario companion snarled back.
"Shut up, man," Gyles shot a dark look to his friend, running his hand through his black hair in frustration. "That's enough fighting from you for one night. Go to bed."
"Yes, sir," the Lucario gave Gyles a curt nod, before leaping up into a nearby tree and slouching on a branch against the trunk.
"He is obedient, I'll give you that," Delia said.
"I'm going to bed, too," Gyles said flatly.
"Don't you have a sleeping bag?"
"Do you?"
"No," Delia blinked, before chuckling. "I guess I always preferred to just sleep in the open while in these mountains."
"I don't like sleeping bags or tents," Gyles sat himself leaning against a tree near the fire. "They're too…confining. I prefer to sleep…free."
Delia said nothing, recalling Cindy as Gyles closed his eyes without another word.
Good night, then, she thought. I guess.
She looked at Gyles through the flames.
He looked calm, but then, he always did. Despite his reputation in the Team, Gyles had always come across to her as a calm, gentle individual, at least for a Rocket. But, now…now he looked so…pained. He always seemed to be a sturdy, strong person and a powerful trainer. But, here in the mountain forest, alone with her, he was almost…vulnerable. There was a weakness and a sorrow to him.
And it intrigued her.
He really is human, she thought. I was right to realize that he has a heart, even if he doesn't understand what that means.
She did tell me that our salvation would likely come from a warrior born in the darkest hell.
Did she mean that Gyles would be the one to lead the battle–our battle–that will bring down Team Rocket once and for all?
She looked up into the tree where the male Lucario glared down at her. Delia gave him a nod, and he looked away, closing his eyes as well.
Either way, Gyles will not be the same when this is over. Either he'll leave the Team, forever, or….
Or Hikari will judge his heart as still being…too evil to be able to leave the Keep.
…
Aura rubbed her forehead, as she stumbled awkwardly across the room to the others.
"Still disorientated?" Nyx asked.
"Fine," Aura grumbled, holding onto the nearby table for support.
"If your Lucario isn't feeling well," Nurse Joy approached Misty, the latter sitting in the booth at the table, "then I can give her treatment for her nausea."
"It's alright," Misty dismissed her with a nod.
"We just got off a flight," Aura added. "I just need to readjust to having solid ground beneath my paws again."
Nurse Joy blinked at Aura's words.
"Why don't you let her give you a basic treatment?" Ash asked, sitting across the table from Misty. "I mean, we're already waiting on our Pokémon as it is."
"I'm not going into a Pokéball," Aura said firmly. "I've stayed out of them since the day I hatched. I'm not changing now."
"You don't have to go into a Pokéball," Nurse Joy smiled again.
"Pikachu never does," Ash chuckled.
And for good reason, Aura scowled. Such a minor victory for all of our group's sacrifices and losses. So many lives lost, so that such a powerful Pokémon could end up in the hands of the precious Chosen One.
Such irony.
"No," Aura repeated. She tried to storm off in a huff, but lost her balance and fell forward. She broke her fall with her arms, clenching her teeth to keep from yelling out.
"C'mon!" She felt hands pull her up onto her feet. Aura looked up at Misty's aggravated expression as the human teen continued. "You could have caught something on that flight. You did live alone in the Kanto wilderness for years, after all. You're probably underexposed to common diseases, and the last thing we need is to have to nurse you on the road. Go with Nurse Joy."
"Yes, Mom," Aura sighed, rolling her eyes in distaste.
"Come, now. I promise it won't hurt," Nurse Joy helped Aura walk into the back rooms.
"She has a point," Ash smirked at Misty. "You have kind of acted like her mother the past couple days."
"Someone has to," Misty scowled at him. "She's having trouble adjusting, Ash. She clearly needs help with accepting the changes in her life."
"You just think her maternal instincts are cute," Nyx smirked under his breath.
"What?" Ash looked at the Shiny Umbreon seated next to him.
"Nothing," Nyx grinned innocently.
"Can I come ou' now?" Jerzy peeked his head out from Ash's half-unzipped backpack.
"No," he instantly pushed him back.
"I just wish I knew what was going on in her head, sometimes," Misty sat back down with a sigh.
"Probably insanity," Ash smirked.
Though…I wonder…
Aura…
"Ash?" Misty's voice broke through his thoughts.
"What?" Ash blinked.
"You okay?" She raised an eyebrow. "You had a strange look on your face."
"I was just…thinking," he shrugged.
"So that's what that strange burning smell was."
"Shut up."
"Nice comeback," Misty chuckled.
"So," Nyx cut in, changing the subject. "What Pokémon did you request from Professor Oak for the Poison Temple?"
"Huh?" Ash blinked at him. "Oh, um, I kept Pikachu and Pidgeot, of course."
"Of course, we never thought you'd ever choose separation from Pikachu," Misty smiled.
"Pidgeot's a good staple, too," Nyx nodded. "A bird with the strength to carry you away from danger at a moment's notice. That's always a good out to have handy."
"Except that it'll only work for Ash and Pikachu," Misty said. "You, Aura, and I would be stranded and left to face whatever danger we were in."
"You think I'd leave you and escape myself?" Ash stared. "You've been hanging around Aura too much. I'd definitely have him carry you to safety before me."
"Chivalry for the lady?" Nyx grinned.
"What?" Ash blinked.
"Playin' da hero'll only gecha killed, boy," Jerzy's nose peeped out from the top of Ash's pack again.
"Shut up," Ash retorted. "It's not playing hero, it's being a decent person and a good friend. Something a selfish thief like you would never understand."
"Don't bother with him Ash," Nyx shook his head. "Please, do go on."
"Hmm?" Ash tried to remember their topic. "Oh. Yeah. I also had him send Muk and Donphan."
"A Poison type for the Poison Temple," Nyx nodded brightly. "Fitting. And Donphan's type advantage of Ground over Poison could come in very handy, too."
"Are you actually learning to plan ahead and strategize with Element types?" Misty smiled. "Finally going against intentional disadvantages and using insane battle strategies? Wow, I leave for a few years, and you suddenly learn to think."
"Shut up," Ash muttered again, shooting her a dirty look.
"Your vocabulary's as developed as ever," she chuckled.
"And the final two?" Nyx asked cautiously.
"NAAAAAAGGGARRGH!" A yelp from one of the back rooms made them all jump.
"Um," Ash stammered. "Sceptile and Bayleef."
"What," Misty gaped. "Ash, they're pure Grass types. Grass is weak against Poison. You're still playing the disadvantage-on-purpose card after all," she added with a sigh.
"Hey, I have a gut instinct on this one," Ash insisted. "Something is telling me that they'll come in handy."
"If you say so, Ash," Misty chuckled.
"Hey," Nyx spoke up. "Ash could have a legitimate point here. The legends do say that the Chosen One will have some minor clairvoyance to what he'll need to prepare for."
"Fairy tales!" Jerzy's voice sounded again.
"Shut it!" Ash reached in his pack, and grabbed a hold of Jerzy, forcing his mouth shut. "Please, stop talking."
"If he's so clairvoyant," Misty smirked, "then, why didn't he foresee this?"
"What?" Ash asked, just before a loud, nearby slam caused him to jump.
"Pikapi!" Pikachu leapt from the Pokéball tray onto his trainer's shoulder.
"Here," Aura growled, handing the top tray of five Pokéballs to Ash, and the bottom tray of six to Misty.
"That was fast," Ash blinked.
"Never tell a medical practitioner that I'm underexposed for anything, ever again."
And Aura stormed off to return the now empty trays back to Nurse Joy.
"Vaccinations," Misty chuckled again. "I should've warned her."
"If she develops a fear of needles, now, I blame you," Ash narrowed his eyes at her.
"At least that would be rational."
"Aura can't be rational ever."
"What about me?" Aura returned to the group, rubbing her left arm gingerly.
"Don't do that," Misty ignored the question. "You'll mess up the bandages."
"I'm sick of bandages. I'm sick of being a punching bag on this quest."
"It hasn't been that bad," Ash scoffed.
"Let's see," Aura sat down next to Misty. "I've been poisoned, had my ankle sprained by a fall that–by rights–should have killed me, been beaten to unconsciousness several times, and tossed overboard into the sea where I nearly drowned."
"Could be worse," Misty reminded her.
"Let's not tempt fate," Aura scowled. "I'm just talking about the past several weeks…er, couple months…here."
Has it been that long already? Five minds thought in unison.
"You said you were dying once, during the storm," Pikachu brought up. "What did you mean by that?"
"I…" Aura stammered.
"What?" Misty looked at the Electric Pokémon.
"I didn't catch that, buddy," Ash added.
"That's a good question," Nyx apparently had. "Aura?"
"I…I just…" she stammered, staring at the Shiny Umbreon.
"Aura?"
The Lucario stood up and started to walk away.
"I think we should get going. According to the map, Pastoria's at least a day's walk or two from Sunyshore. I'd like to stop burning daylight."
"I wish she wouldn't lock everything away from us," Misty sighed, standing up and walking after her.
"I know," Ash sighed, putting on his pack as he and Nyx followed suite.
"I wish she wou' stop talkin'…" Jerzy's voice sounded from the pack, gaining a strange look from a nearby trainer and his Arcanine.
"I wish you'd stop talking," Ash muttered.
Aura's mind…her past…her heart…they're locked away…
If Aura is the lock…maybe…Aura is the key….
…
"Nrrrgh!"
Aura slammed her fist in a straight punch into a large, jagged boulder. Ice crystals formed near the impact point, but began to melt away almost instantly.
"Nrraaaargh!" Aura roared again, punching harder, the fur on her paw chilled from the power of the Ice Punch. "C'mon!" She barked. "Why?"
Why can't I use my full power anymore?
"C'mon!" She yelled again, twirling herself around in a roundhouse kick, her foot making contact with a thumsh! She inspected the impact point to find the slight scorch mark.
Not even a Blaze Kick! Aura snarled in frustration. She slammed her foot against the boulder again, a small fire exploding from the impact.
Finally! Some progress!
Aura exhaled deeply.
"Aura?" A voice cut through her thoughts.
The Lucario looked over her shoulder to see Misty approaching from where the others had stopped and made camp for the evening.
"You okay?" The redhead asked cautiously.
Aura looked back at the boulder. She struck it with a successful Cross Chop, causing the boulder to split into several chunks and fall apart.
"Fine," Aura said in a disinterested tone.
"What…are you doing?" Misty pressed gently.
"Practicing," Aura sighed. "Some of my…lesser-used Attacks are a bit…rusty."
"Maybe you're trying too hard," Misty suggested.
"When's dinner going to be ready?" Aura changed the subject abruptly.
And, which one of you is cooking it? She added in silent disgust. Ash's food is generally tasteless, and I wish yours was.
"Not sure. Soon, I hope. Assuming Nyx and Jerzy can agree on how to cook a simple stew."
"Nyx is cooking?" Aura glanced at her with a raised eyebrow.
"Well, he's telling Ash what to do," Misty admitted. "But, basically, yeah. Which is better than eating Ash's food again," she chuckled.
"I have to agree with you there," Aura smiled slightly.
"If you like, we can have a practice battle," Misty reversed their conversation. "So you can improve…again."
"I-I…" Aura stammered. "If you want," she eventually shrugged. "I don't care."
"C'mon! Politoed!" Misty sent out the frog Pokémon.
"Politoed! Poli Politoed!" He jumped up and down happily.
"Should be a nice, even matchup, huh?" Misty smiled.
"Whatever," Aura shrugged.
"You can have the first move."
"…Okay, then," Aura hesitated. She threw an Ice Punch at the frog Pokémon.
"Poli!" Politoed rolled with the blow, and jumped backwards, clapping his hands.
"Wha?" Aura blinked, before jumping forward with a Low Kick.
"Dodge!" Misty ordered.
Politoed hopped out of the way, and Aura crashed into the ground from the momentum.
"Nngh!" She groaned before getting back on her feet. She charged Politoed, slamming into him, pushing him back with great force.
Strength. A Hidden Machine attack.
Someone definitely helped her train, somehow, Misty thought quickly.
"Water Gun! Get her off you!"
"Poli!" A burst of water expelled from the frog Pokémon's mouth, and hit Aura in the face. The Lucario ceased her attack and stumbled backwards, shaking water from her pelt.
If she knows a Hidden Attack, Misty grimaced, then she not only knew a human, but a wealthy one.
Which might explain how she knows so much about our politics and…and the involvements of Team Rocket in them.
"Use Body Slam!"
"Poli!" Politoed slammed into Aura, who fell onto the ground.
"Mega Punch!"
Before the attack could make contact, Aura opened her mouth and let out a deafening, metallic shriek. Politoed stopped and grabbed his head, hopping back and forth while muttering in pain.
Metal Sound, Misty recognized the move, as she clenched her own ears.
Politoed is a Water-Type, Aura stood up. Maybe…
She clenched her paw into a fist, willing the surge of electricity to crackle in her fur. She moved to attack Politoed with her punch.
TSSSSEW! A stream of red light came from Misty's pack, materializing right in front of Aura.
"Psy?" The yellow duck Pokémon gazed up at Aura in confusion.
"Psyduck!" Misty yelled in frustration.
Aura tried futilely to pull back, instead stumbling awkwardly forward. Her Thunderpunch made contact with the duck Pokémon's bill. The Lucario felt the electricity course through Psyduck's body.
Aura steadied herself, watching Psyduck as he held his head. He blinked at her.
"Duck?"
"You didn't feel that?" Aura gaped at him.
"Psyduck's a little…" Misty started nervously.
Psyduck suddenly tensed, before dashing around the clearing like a mad man.
"Psy-y-y-y-y-y-y-y!" It yelled in pain.
"Delayed," Aura finished Misty's sentence in a flat tone.
"Psyduck!" Misty called out to the frantic Pokémon. "Please…calm down."
The duck Pokémon still ran around, screaming frantically.
Aura sighed, and closed her eyes.
Maybe…if I can tap into my namesake…
Aura tried to relax her mind, tried to see the blue pulsations of the auras around her in her mind's eye.
"Is something wrong?" A male voice Aura was unfamiliar with broke her concentration.
A young teenager–probably around fourteen or so–with green hair stood in the clearing nearby. He wore a purple jacket over a black shirt and light teal pants. A Roserade stood next to him, its head tilted slightly in interest.
"Who are you?" Aura glared at him. And why did you have to appear now?
"I'm…" He started.
"Misty!" Nyx ran up from the other direction. Ash wasn't far behind.
"We heard yelling, and…Drew?" Ash noticed the newcomer.
"Ash!"
…
"So, you're the Coordinator who won the last Johto Grand Festival?" Misty asked.
"Hmm?" Drew hummed through a mouthful of stew. "Uh, yeah." He responded.
"I saw that!" Ash didn't bother to swallow before speaking. "You and May battled in the Finals! Wasn't it really close? Didn't you win by, like three points or something at the time limit?"
"…Yeah."
"It was awesome!" Ash insisted.
"If you're a Top Coordinator now," Aura was staring into the fire the group sat around, swirling her stew with her spoon, "then why are you competing in Sinnoh?"
"Aura!" Misty looked at her. "Even champions still have a lot to learn and improve on."
"No, it's alright." Drew held up a hand. "I had actually considered sitting this year out, actually."
"Why?" Ash asked.
"Why are you sitting out from a League this year?" Drew countered.
"That's…a long story."
"It's complicated," Misty added.
The crackling of the fire drowned out all thought for a few moments.
"Have you seen May recently?" Ash eventually asked.
"May?" Drew blinked. "N-no. I saw her contest in Solaceon on TV, but no. I…we are going to meet up in Hearthome…f-for the next contest…though."
Misty smirked.
"I see."
"So, you're heading through Pastoria, then?" Ash didn't notice Misty's knowing smile.
"Yeah, I'm gonna catch a new Pokémon or two in the Marsh. I have some ideas for new combinations. Might try for a Croagunk or…"
"Psy!" Psyduck interrupted in a loud voice. The Water Pokémon stood right in front of Aura, and stared at her intently. "Duck!"
"What do you want?" The Lucario growled.
"Duck! Psyduck!" His eyes became as large as a Miltank's.
"No, you may not," Aura scowled. "Go mooch off of Misty or Nyx."
"Psyduck!" Psyduck suddenly attempted to snuggle against Aura.
"Mwah!" Aura struggled to keep from spilling her bowl of stew while fighting to get the duck Pokémon off of her.
"Psy!"
"Psyduck!" Misty stood up. "Leave Aura alone and eat your own dinner!" She scolded firmly.
"Psy! Psyduck!"
"No!"
"Psy…" Psyduck sulked off.
"Well…he's at least a bit more obedient, now," Ash chuckled nervously.
"If I could just get him to swim without a floatation ring…" Misty sighed. "Maybe I could train him for Gym battles."
"You said you're the Cerulean Gym leader?" Drew asked.
"Yeah, but my eldest sister and…her boyfriend are watching it while I take a break to travel with Ash."
"So, they are official, then?" Ash mumbled through another mouthful of stew.
"Yes, Ash. I told you that a while ago. Pay attention."
"No, you didn't. And, I do."
"I told you at least three times, Ash. You just don't listen. If it's not about Training, then it's not important."
"Yeah, well, at least I…" Ash started his retort.
"Have they always been like this?" Drew muttered, leaning over towards Aura and Nyx while Ash and Misty continued their argument.
"I wouldn't know," Aura returned her attention on eating.
"More or less," Pikachu answered with a sharp nod. "They have their moments. That's for sure."
"What they have is hormones," Aura grumbled to herself.
"What was that?" Nyx asked innocently.
"I'm going to bed," Aura sighed, tossing her bowl in the empty pot on the ground nearby. She lumbered off, mumbling to herself.
Ash and Misty ceased their bickering, and blinked as Aura vanished into the darkness surrounding their camp.
"Has she always been like that?" Drew asked them.
"Pretty much," Ash frowned.
"She used to be a lot worse," Misty reminded him. "We've made a lot of progress."
"She's still as cranky as a…" Ash started.
"So, you're headed through Pastoria?" Nyx asked Drew. "That is what you said, right?"
"Yeah," Drew blinked at the Shiny Umbreon.
"Maybe we should travel there together," Nyx offered. "You know, since we're all headed there, anyway."
"…Sure, I guess. I mean, if you guys don't…mind." Drew shrugged. "I'm perfectly fine on my own, if…"
"I don't have a problem with it," Misty nodded.
"Sounds good to me," Ash smiled.
"Do I have ah say en-?" Jerzy's voice sounded from Ash's pack.
"No," Ash responded automatically.
"What…was that?" Drew asked.
"Long story."
"It's complicated."
"Guys…I think I can give him…a brief explanation of what's going on," Nyx said cautiously. A very abridged recap, of course.
"If you want," Misty shrugged.
"I don't care, either way," Drew shrugged.
"At the very least, you won't be confused as to our…situation," Nyx smiled. "I guess I could start with what little we know about Aura…."
…
Ash stumbled forward, muttering groggily.
"Hey!" Aura snapped at him as he bumped into her again. "Watch where you're going, dolt!"
"Wha?" Ash blinked at her.
"Wake up!" The Lucario exasperated, grabbing the teen by his shoulders.
"Is he going to sleepwalk the entire way to Pastoria?" Drew asked Misty, as they walked behind them. Nyx trotted cheerfully on the other side of Misty from Drew.
"Possibly," Misty sighed. "He normally is more alert by now, but it happens sometimes."
"I…I didn't…sl…sleep well…last night," Ash yawned.
"Did the mighty Chosen One have a scary nightmare?" Aura growled low enough that only he could hear.
"No," Ash grumbled at her. "I was…trying…something…"
I was trying to reach your mind with Aura. The power that I have.
Great. Now I'm confusing myself.
Who the hell named you? A ten-year-old has more originality than that.
"You should have tried sleeping."
I wanted to, but your mind wouldn't budge. It's like you've built an iron wall around your mind, even while asleep. I spent hours and…nothing…
Ash yawned and tripped over a rock, tumbling forward. He crashed into Aura, knocking them both onto the ground.
"Pikapi!" Pikachu gasped.
"Aura!" Misty ran up to them.
"Are you guys okay?" Nyx and Drew followed her.
"I'm fine," Aura scowled as she accepted Misty's help onto her feet.
"Yeah, no…I'm fine…don't help me," Ash grumbled as he stumbled around by himself, while Misty helped Aura. Eventually, Nyx managed to use his head to give Ash something to balance on as he returned to his feet.
"Wake up, Ash!" Aura snarled at him. "I don't relish the idea of dying from you crushing me."
"Are…you calling me…fat?" Ash blinked slowly.
"Wake up!" Aura repeated.
"Don't waste your time," Misty chuckled. "The only things that will completely wake him from one of these stupors are food and Pokémon battling."
"Did someone say 'Pokémon battle?'" Ash asked excitedly, suddenly wide awake and looking around at the others expectantly.
Aura sighed.
"A battle sounds great!" Ash continued.
"I wouldn't mind a little practice," Drew shrugged. "I have that Contest to prepare for, after all."
"I think we can spare twenty minutes for a break," Misty nodded. "What about you?"
"Sure, I believe I'd enjoy watching Ash train with someone other than us for once," Nyx grinned.
"But," Aura started.
"I tink…" Jerzy's voice mumbled from the Lucario's pack.
"No." Aura slapped the pack on her back with her paw.
"What…was…?" Drew started, giving the Lucario a look.
"Don't ask."
Drew blinked at her.
"C'mon!" Ash said. "Are we gonna battle or what?"
"Sure," Drew closed his eyes in a smirk.
"Who's going to ref the battle?" Nyx asked.
"I guess I could," Misty offered. "I've been a Gym Leader for a few years, after all."
Aura wordlessly took Misty's pack for her, and stalked off towards a lone tree, while Ash, Drew, and Misty selected a section of the grasslands by the road for the battlefield and took their places.
"So, a two-per single battle sound good?" Drew offered.
"Sounds great!" Ash grinned. "Pikachu, you ready, buddy?"
"Pika!" Pikachu leapt off of his Trainer's shoulder and onto their side of the field. "Pikachu!"
"I'll start with," Drew started, selecting and tossing out a Pokéball, "Absol!"
"Absol!" The Dark-type Pokémon materialized with a roar.
"Aura, are you gonna come watch this?" Nyx turned back towards the Lucario.
"Whatever," Aura shrugged, not moving from where she stood against the tree.
"This match is between Pikachu and Absol," Misty tried to remember the proper way to officiate a battle. "There is no time limit. Begin the match."
"You can have the first move," Drew waved a hand politely.
"Thanks," Ash smirked. "Quick Attack!"
"Pi! Pi! Pi! Pi! Pi!" Pikachu sped towards the Absol, dashing from side to side as the distance closed.
"Flash!" Drew countered.
"Sol!" Absol's horn glowed with a bright light that filled the field.
"Kaaa!" Pikachu skidded to a halt just in front of the Absol, eyes slammed shut.
"Nnngh!" Ash clenched his own eyes shut from the light.
Drew smirked.
"Absol-!" He started.
"Double-Edge!" Ash interrupted, blinking wildly as the light faded.
"Kachu!" Pikachu flung himself into Absol.
"Sol!" It growled in pain.
"Pi…ka…" Pikachu was knocked back in recoil.
"Bite!" Drew yelled.
"Ab!" Absol took the recovering Pikachu's tail in its mouth.
"Ka!"
"Headbutt!" Drew added before Ash could react.
"Sol!" Absol let go, just to bash its head against the Electric mouse.
"Chu!" Pikachu was knocked upward. He twisted his body and managed to land on all fours with a soft thud.
Come on!
"Pikachu!" Ash tried to get back in the game. "Agility!"
"Chu! Chu! Chu!" Pikachu dashed around the field, vanishing for short bursts from sight. "Sol?" Absol turned sharply several times, trying to keep its back unexposed.
"Jump and use Thunder!" Ash shouted. "Full power!"
"Pikaaaaaaaa," Pikachu leapt high above Absol as he charged his cheeks.
"Absol! Razor Wind!" Drew tried to counter in time.
"Chuuuuuuuuu!" Pikachu let out a huge burst of electricity before Absol could comply.
"Sol!" It roared in agony. It struggled with the lingering shocks as Pikachu landed with a few heavy breaths.
I've let myself get out of practice, Ash scolded himself. Drew's not a Top Coordinator for nothing, but I've got more experience…and we're at a higher level.
I'm better than this.
Aura walked towards the field, her head tilted slightly.
This little guy's got a lot of strength, her father's voice echoed in her mind. They did this to him. They forced him to unlock his potential before he was ready. He's nothing more than a weapon to them.
Like you? Aura's eyes widened slightly at her own words.
Yes…and no.
Come on, Chosen One, she forced herself to the present. Show me that you're worthy of even this power. Give me a reason to follow you.
Give me a reason to….
"Sol!" Absol unleashed a sharp wave of wind from its horn.
Pikachu was knocked back a few feet from the Razor Wind, but didn't seem to be more worn down than before it.
"Iron Tail!" Ash clenched one hand into a fist.
"Block it with your Iron Tail!" Drew said quickly.
"Chuuu Pika!" Pikachu swung his glowing tail around at Absol.
"Aaaaab Sol!" Absol swung its tail as well.
Clank! The two Attacks made contact with each other and canceled each other out. The two Pokémon landed on the field right next to each other.
"Night Slash!" Drew shouted rapidly.
"Sol!" Absol slashed Pikachu in his side, knocking him back a few feet again.
"Quick Attack!" Ash yelled.
"Pi! Pi! Pi! Pi! Pi!" Pikachu dashed around and at Absol.
"Detect!" Drew reacted.
"Ab!" Absol's eyes and horn glowed purple.
"Pi!" Pikachu tried to complete his attack, only to be knocked back by a purple force field.
"Come on!" Aura clenched her paws.
"Aura!" Nyx turned sharply to face her. "Where…when…how long have you been standing there?"
Aura didn't hear him.
Come on, she repeated silently. Fight! You can take him down now! Do it!
"Razor Wind!"
"Agility!" Ash reacted. "Dodge it!"
"Sol!"
"Chu! Chu! Chu!" Pikachu easily dashed out of the way in time.
I have to end this, fast, Ash grimaced. Pikachu's tired. We're both out of shape.
We'll both have to up our training schedule after this. Our quest is no excuse. I'm a Trainer, and he's my best Pokémon. We're both better than this.
"End it!" Ash yelled. "Volt Tackle!"
"Pika! Pika! Pika!" Pikachu charged at the Absol, electricity surging visibly from his little body. "Pi-ka!" He made contact in a flash of blinding lightning.
"Sol!" Absol roared.
Pikachu landed, as the attack faded.
They stood, panting and staring each other in the eye.
"Pi…ka…." Pikachu nodded.
"Sol." Absol nodded, before it fell in an exhausted heap.
"Absol in unable to battle," Misty raised a hand towards Ash. "Pikachu wins."
Barely, Ash looked at Pikachu. He's not in much better shape than Absol. That's my fault. I'll have to get back in the game again.
Either way, he can't fight anymore.
"Pikachu," Ash said softly. "Come back. You've done more than enough."
"Ka!" Pikachu ran up to his Trainer. Ash knelt next to him.
"You did great, buddy," Ash scratched the top of Pikachu's head. "You deserve a nice long rest."
"Your Pikachu's gotten stronger, Ash," Drew said calmly as he recalled Absol, eyes closed. "But, he's not the only one," he opened his eyes in determination, as he threw another Pokéball.
"Roserade!" The Grass-type Pokémon slashed the air with its roses in a battle cry.
I'll have to fight smarter, Ash scowled as his mind raced. Pidgeot would be a good match…
He looked to the side of the field, his eyes making contact with a pair of red ones. Aura's face, her fists, her stance all showed a fierce determination. Ash smiled.
"Aura."
"What?" She dropped the packs in shock. "What are you doing?"
"Fight with me."
Misty turned to gape at him.
Aura will not take orders from you, she blinked. Not even in battle. Especially not in battle.
"Why do you think I would do that?"
"Because you want to fight. Because you want to show us that you're strong."
Because you want to prove it to yourself, Aura heard a soft voice in her mind. It wasn't Ash's, but its truth jolted through her as if it had been.
"You're not my Trainer," Aura reminded him. "I don't have a Trainer. Never have. Never will."
"I know," Ash nodded. He turned to Drew, who had been glancing back and forth between them. "If you don't mind."
"I don't care," he shrugged. "It'll only put you at a disadvantage."
Just until I get her into the flow of battle, Ash refrained from a chuckle. Just until I get her calmed down enough to trust me.
"Fine!" Aura took to Ash's side of the field and faced Roserade. "Just don't expect me to listen mindlessly."
Which, Ash added to himself, will not be easy, apparently.
"Uh…" Misty looked back and forth. "This match will be between Aura…Lucario and Roserade. There is no time limit. Begin."
"Whenever you're ready," Ash smirked.
"Hrm," Aura tensed in a battle stance.
"Gladly," Drew smirked in return. "Double Team!"
"Rose! Rose! Rose!" Roserade circled Aura with illusionary copies of itself.
"Wha?" She turned around rapidly.
"Aura!" Ash yelled. "Calm down! You know which one is real!"
"I…"
I know how to find out, she looked Ash in the eye.
He nodded, and shut his own ears with his fingers.
"What?" Drew blinked.
Aura turned back, and let out a high-pitched, metallic shriek.
Metal Sound, Ash recognized it, muffled as it sounded to his closed ears.
The others on and around the field moaned and turned away in pain from the sound.
"Wat is dat awfu' wail?" Jerzy poked his head out of Aura's pack next to Nyx.
"Rrrrooooose!" Roserade's copies faded until only the real one remained.
"Force Palm!" Ash yelled.
Aura stopped the Metal Sound to slam her palm against Roserade's forehead in the Attack.
"Magical Leaf!" Drew shook his head in recovery from the shriek.
"Rose!" Roserade shot out glowing leaves that blasted into Aura at point-blank.
"Hrmm," Aura groaned slightly, but otherwise brushed it off.
I was right, Ash grinned. Lucario are part-Steel. So, her defense gives her an advantage against Roserade's Grass-type Attacks.
"Ash just might have the advantage after all," Nyx breathed.
Not if he doesn't gain Aura's trust, Misty thought to herself. They won't be able to unlock her true potential in battle unless they have complete trust in each other.
I don't think that's something that's going to happen today. At least, not easily.
"Quick Attack!" Ash barked.
Aura glared at him, before dashing towards the retreating Roserade.
"Stun Spore!"
"Rose!"
Aura took the full blast of the orange powder in close range. She stopped in her tracks, and knelt in pain.
I…I can't move…
"Mega Drain!"
"Nrrngh!" Aura felt her energy being sucked away slowly.
"Aura!" Ash yelled. "Stand up! ExtremeSpeed!"
"Rrargh!" Aura tried to throw herself in the rapid attack, but stumbled forward into the ground again instead.
She's Paralyzed, Ash grimaced. I have to think of something else! What Attacks can Lucario use? Think!
"Seed Bomb!" Drew yelled.
"Rade!"
"Nnngh!" Aura groaned as the bursts exploded against her pelt.
I have to get the Spore off her…
That might work!
"Dragon Pulse!"
Dragon…Pulse?
Aura suddenly let a burst of what appeared to be purple fire out of her mouth, incinerating the rest of the Seed Bomb harmlessly. She then expelled the rest of the Pulse downward, its energy engulfing her.
When the Attack dissipated, Aura was standing again.
It worked, Ash smiled. I'll have to remember that.
I can…use Dragon Pulse…again? Aura blinked.
"ExtremeSpeed!" Ash tried again.
Aura dashed towards Roserade.
"Petal Dance!"
The spiraling petals blasted Aura in the face, and she stumbled back from the force, halting her attack.
That does it!
She raised her paws, facing them towards each other, trying to focus.
A jolt of pain pulsed from her chest, and she dropped her arms limply to her side.
Was that…? Ash narrowed his eyes.
"End this! Solarbeam!"
"Rrrrroooooose!" Roserade raised its roses towards the sun, and they glowed with the charging Attack.
"Psychic!" Ash yelled.
Aura raised her arms again, and her aura sensors rose in the same purple light that glowed from her eyes.
Roserade levitated with the same glowing light. It cried out in pain as the light faded from its roses.
Aura! Misty and Nyx both thought at the same time.
'Oly Gawd! Jerzy stared.
"Nngh!" Aura groaned suddenly, and the Psychic attack failed, the purple light fading.
Roserade landed on the ground gracefully.
"Shadow Ball!" Ash yelled.
"Rargh!" Aura produced and threw the dark sphere of energy before she could realize what she was doing. Roserade took it, and was knocked back several feet as it cried out again.
Wait.
How did he know I knew that attack? Aura turned to gape at Ash. Not even my mother did. I don't think Lucario can. Normally.
My father…
"Shadow Ball!" Drew reacted.
"Aura!" Ash tried to snap her out of it.
Aura turned back halfway, just in time to see the orb of energy as it made contact with her face.
"Rrrngh!" Aura was knocked backwards and onto the ground in a heap. She struggled to get up, blinking wildly.
You're pathetic. Some child of Arcanus. You have no power. You're just as weak as this child!
No…No! Aura shook, caught in the memory.
"Aura!" Ash yelled. "Snap out of it! Calm down! I need you at you best now!"
"Huh?" Aura blinked, and started to stand.
"Roserade!" Drew started.
"Rock Tomb!" Ash interrupted. "On yourself!"
"What?" Nyx gaped.
Aura understood, however, and stamped her foot, causing a triangular, stone tent to rise up and seal her off from the battle.
"Seed Bomb!" She heard over the echoing sounds of her own breathing and heartbeat.
The stones rapidly echoed with the sound of the Attack beating against it.
This defense won't last long.
"Calm Mind!" She heard Ash yell.
Why should…? She started angrily.
Fine, she bowed her head, and tried to clear her thoughts, to calm herself entirely.
Moments later, her world was engulfed in light and a loud shattering of the stones.
She looked Roserade calmly in the eyes.
"Now finish this!" Drew said in a low voice. "Hyper Beam!"
We got one shot at this! Ash tensed.
"Aura Sphere!"
"I…" Aura hesitated as the Hyper Beam in front of her charged.
She raised her paws, which glowed in a faint, blue light, and she tried to focus.
Her senses were suddenly overwhelmed in a pulse of golden energy.
"RRRRRRAAAAAARGH!" She bellowed in agony.
"Aura!" She heard Ash yell out.
When the Attack was over, Aura tried to will herself to remain on her feet, but felt a force drag her to her knees. Then, she was on the ground, trying to push herself away. Finally, her arms gave out, and she collapsed to the earth, unable to move.
"Aura…Lucario is unable to battle. Roserade is the winner!"
I…lost, Aura closed her eyes. I…failed.
Why can't I use my true power…anymore?
You know why…a soft voice whispered gently in the back of her mind.
She felt something grab at her arms and try to help her to her feet.
"Let go of me," Aura growled. "I don't want your help."
"But, you need it," Ash muttered. "You fought…good."
Well, she corrected automatically. And, no. I was disgraceful.
"You need me now."
"I do not need you," Aura growled in a low voice. "I have never needed you. I will never need you."
Never. Nev…er…
Aura's world turned blurry and dark, as her eyelids suddenly became heavy.
"Hmm?" Ash looked up.
Roserade was holding a small leaf to its mouth, whistling a gentle tune through it as if it were a flute.
Or…a whistle. Grasswhistle, Ash identified the attack.
"I…" Aura said slowly. "I…I…." After a brief struggle, the Lucario fell asleep in the human's arms.
"Thanks," Ash looked at Drew.
"No problem," Drew ran a hand through his hair. He recalled Roserade.
"She's going to be rather cross when she wakes up," Nyx walked up to Ash.
"And," Misty joined them, "how did you know she knew some of those attacks? Particularly Shadow Ball?"
"Yeah," Drew nodded. "Shadow Ball is very difficult for a Lucario to learn on their own. It can take years to master even a fraction of the power she showed with it."
"I…I don't know," Ash looked at Pikachu, who sat on his shoulder.
He thought of how he had spent the previous night trying to tap into the Lucario's Aura with his own.
"I just…don't know."
…
"Well, I guess this is where we part ways," Drew shrugged.
"I guess," Ash scratched the back of his neck.
The buildings of Pastoria towered above them, casting shadows onto the street in the fading sunlight.
"I'm gonna be spending the night in the Marsh."
"Hunting for Pokémon?" Misty smiled.
"Yeah."
"We'll be at the Center tonight," Misty looked at Aura, who stood a few feet away. The Lucario's arms were crossed, and she wasn't making eye contact with anyone. "Aura and Pikachu need a rest."
"I think Aura has another migraine," Ash said softly.
"I wish I knew what her headaches meant," Pikachu muttered to himself.
"Well, I'll see you around," Drew raised a hand as he walked away.
"Good luck in your next contest!" Misty shouted as they waved him off.
"Well, he was a refreshing change," Aura growled when Drew was out of sight.
"What do you mean?" Ash turned to face her.
"I'm glad to know that there are male minors in your species capable of both intelligence and minding their own business," Aura said in an angry tone.
"Well, forgive me for-!" Ash started to retort.
"Guys!" Misty yelled, walking between them with her arms raised to keep them apart. "Now's not the time for this!"
Just when I thought that Aura might finally be starting to trust Ash, too…
"Whatever," Aura grimaced, turning away.
"C'mon," Nyx said through the strap of the pack he held in his mouth, shaking his head towards the red-roofed building nearby.
"Nyx is right," Misty nodded. "Let's go to the Center and get some dinner."
"Yeah!" Ash grinned. "Food!"
"Hrmph!" Aura stomped in front of them, marching towards the Center.
"Pika…chu," the Electric Pokémon sighed from Ash's shoulder.
"Let's go," Misty followed after her, Nyx trotting gleefully beside her.
Ash and Pikachu looked at each other. Ash raised his eyebrows quizzically, and Pikachu nodded in response.
Maybe now Aura's mind would be a bit more open.
Ash raised one hand towards the Lucario. A soft blue glow was barely visible on his hand. Ash closed his eyes and tried to focus his mind, tried to find Aura's. He sought out her anger and rage.
Suddenly, he saw a brief flash of the growing Center in his mind's eye. Aura's line of sight.
Yes!
He had little time to celebrate, however, as a flurry of intermixed voices suddenly filled his senses. Rapid flashes of various sights blinked before him like a choppy home video that had been poorly copy-and-pasted.
Then, a pair of red eyes drowned them all out. They seemed to be human, and were filled with a dark rage. They were pure evil.
Pure evil.
"And now, little dog, you shall perish!" A deep, menacing voice rumbled through his mind.
Ash drew his mind and Aura out. He stumbled back, shaking his head. His skull throbbed with a dull, pulsating pain.
"Pikapi?"
Ash looked up at Aura, who had stopped. She glanced back at him.
"Chosen One," he saw her sigh. She glared at him briefly, then sharply turned back and continued walking.
She didn't know I had the powers of Aura before. She does now.
Why can't Aura use…Aura? Why did her Sphere fail?
Ash thought of the eyes and voice from Aura's mind.
The real question here, though, is…why is she keeping me out of her mind?
Is it because she still doesn't trust me with the truth? With her past?
The mere shadow of Aura's memory of the evil being sent a jolt of fear through Ash's heart.
Or…is it out of mercy?
A/N: Sorry for not getting more done this summer. Things here were crazy, to spare you the details. I have just two things to say. One, some of you may have noticed that I've now started to reply to every review I get (from a certain point in time. No need to drag up old reviews, but it may bring older readers to comment again…). Two, I have a sort of request on the bottom of my profile page that some of the members that have been around longer may be able to help me with. It's silly of me, but hey. Hope to get the next chapter up within a week. See ya!