Chapter 1: A Fortunate Generation
Ten years had passed since the fated end to a war torn era. The lands were capable of being rebuilt with cooperation between the demigods and the mortals. For some however, the images and events of war forever remain engraved in those who survive, while those who did not haunt their souls. The name Scorch was practically a black list in of itself, the very name was demanded to be forgotten and buried. The demigods likewise, but forgiveness would remain indecisive for their part in the war.
An era of peace and quietness took over, the war was memorized by the Pokemon themselves. Though its knowledge would only be shared when asked, and only if the Veteran was willing. The war was to be nothing but a memory, a learning experience of sorts. Meant for educating the next generation and preventing any sort of historical repeat. Till then, everyone was quiet, and life was finally good again.
So good that a new story would begin, and it began with a young Riolu. Who stood atop a cottage roof to watch a shimmering rising sun that made the grass of a quiet village glitter. It illuminated many cottage-like houses that created a small village around a large building. Made from the bottom half of an old tree it brought the village together with only four directional paths carved from large rock masses and trees. The Riolu gave a small howl, rousing the village from its slumber.
Once the doors swung open, he retreated to let the sun finish the job. He leaped back through the window and back into his bedroom, where he bunked with his twin sister. The twin of which was still in bed while he reached to his dresser and grabbed a small red scarf. He wrapped it around his neck and looked in a mirror with a smile and a wag of his tail. He gave his cheeks a light slap, then looked to his sister, it seemed she wanted to sleep in for today.
With a snicker and a grin, he ran to her bed and got to her side.
"Good morning Path... This is your wake up call for our final day of schooling."He started with a whisper while reaching under her bed sheets,"We can't be late when today's the day we are permitted to become rescuers...! So please...WAKE UP!"
He grabs her legs and quickly yanks Path under and quickly out of her bed sheets. She screams for a moment till she falls on the floor with a small thud. She pants, and the young lady starts to growl when she sees her brother holding her legs. He laughs, and she promptly kicks his paws off her.
"NOT...funny. It's still early, why are you waking me up?"The female twin huffed and stood up.
"What do you mean? It's the final day of schooling, it's the day we can finally become rescuers!"The other twin exclaimed with a jump.
"Oh... Is...it really the time already? I thought..."She looked to a wall and saw a marked calendar solidifying the day of reckoning,"Well now. I guess it really is time, isn't it Luke?"
"Don't tell me you're getting cold paws again?"He chuckled.
He ran over to a wash basket and used it as he stood tall upon it like a pedestal.
"We get to help Pokemon indeed, fight a bunch of bad ones and see many new places,"Luke tried to preach the wonders of their world,"Soon enough we'll be titled and totally awesome rescuers just like dad!"
"I know that! I just...don't know if I'll ever measure up to that...dad was..."She sighed and walked over to a dresser.
She rummaged through the drawers but quickly noticed something missing. She gasped and started throwing socks and sweaters left and right. Only to freeze the moment she heard Luke clearing his throat. She turned around and saw him dangling a pink bow in his paw.
"Looking for this? Remember when you threw my scarf in the toilet?"He chuckled mischievously.
"Don't...you...DARE...!"She growled.
Luke sticks his tongue out in response, and threatens to put his tongue on it. He barely had time to actually touch it before he was immediately tackled by his growling sister. She tried slapping at him while trying to grab her bow from him, but now he was growling with her. They rolled like Swinubs in the dirt around their room, knocking clothes and wall decor down. They even slammed through their door, Luke slowly beginning to overpower Path and roll her over.
"Just give me my bow back, Luke!"She yells while trying to kick him off.
"Apologize for the scarf then! Dad almost saw that and... And..."Luke's ears drooped and he looked forward.
"What?"Path was confused for a moment.
Then she looked where her brother was staring off to and widened her eyes. The tall figure of Lucas Lucario who bore strange dot-like scars on his face as he stood over them. His look of disappointment commanded Luke to quickly get off Path and even sit with his eyes to the floor. Path did the same, and Luke even returned her bow to her as their Lucario father sighed.
"So what are we fighting about this time, kids?"The Lucario asked.
"Nothing father... We just..."
"We just had a disagreement...over a joke that was...not in good taste."Luke was quick to back his sister up.
"You didn't hurt each other, did you? Luke you should know it's not ok to attack a girl unless you are protecting yourself, right?"The father was soft spoken yet something in his tone commanded respect.
"Yes father. I'm sorry you had to see that."Luke responded quickly.
The Lucario sighed and softened his look with a small smile. He knelt down to their level to make them less tense from their moment of mild discipline.
"It's alright, kids... It's getting to be that time now. You two will soon be rescuers, I can imagine the excitement promotes...competitiveness."The father placed his paws on their shoulders,"Just promise me you two will finally come together and work as a team. Just try to grow and move on from your squabbles."
"We will father. We won't fight again, we swear."Path finally spoke to support her brother now
"Good..."Lucas felt a sense of relief and hugged both of his children,"Now why don't you two go downstairs? You'll need breakfast for the day ahead of you."
"Yes father, come on,Path. Let's hurry!"Luke was quick to run off and down the steps.
Path would follow her twin while fumbling to place the bow on her head before running down the steps. Leaving Lucas to breath with relief for a smooth resolve. He kept his smile, feeling a sense of pride for the new rescuers his children hoped to be. This made him look to the wall on his left and grow lost with nostalgia, seeing himself with many Pokemon. Including his mentor Furnace and a Greninja, but that team member had long since passed, and it hurt Lucas's heart to remember.
The twins chased each other with giggles all around, sweeping into the kitchen with empty bellies. Thankfully there was another Lucario quietly cooking breakfast for the both of them. She was female, and she wore earrings made from the very same materials as Lucas's ring. She heard the twins shuffle into their seats as she finished the food. She gave them sliced sausage pieces over fried rice and scrambled eggs to start their day.
"I assume, you children are ready for today?"She gave the children their plates first.
"You betcha! Final day of school, and you are about to be a mother to the greatest pokemon rescuer in all of Arcadia!"Luke boasted and was already wolfing down his food.
"You really don't have a sense of modesty, do you?"Path interjected.
"Says you! I got the most modesty out of anyone!"He muffled out with cheeks full of food.
"Even more than dad?"She dared him to answer this question.
"Path...!"Their mother interjected with a more stern voice.
Luke's ears drooped and he gave a huff, but he said nothing on the matter. Allowing Lucas to slowly walk into a more peaceful table with a beautiful family. He sighed as his wife sat his plate down then finally got herself some food. He quietly sat down in his seat and watched his kids gorge on the food.
"You look lovely as always. I expected the kids to ruffle your fur with their final day of school approaching."He chimed softly and got his wife's tail wagging.
"It was no trouble, love. Hope you slept well."She slowly sat her plate down to join them for breakfast.
"I...did my best. It's getting easier."He was gentle and encouraged some good news.
Though it was clear by her worried eyes that she feared for his health and struggles with the past. Thankfully this seemed to float over the heads of the twins as Luke was quick to finish his food first and even licked the plate.
"Luke... Please try to slow down when eating... You'll want to enjoy your meals some time down the line."Lucas calmly begged his son.
This got Luke to stop in his tracks and slowly put his plate down. He then took a set up cup of orange juice, which he proceeded to drink very slowly. Lucas caught onto his son's game and even chuckled a bit.
"Alright, alright wise pup. Take your plate to the sink and get ready,"He said while slowly eating at last,"I'll see you two off to school."
"Yes father."Both twins agreed.
Path would be next to finish her food and immediately went to the sink. The mother smiled at her husband, his eyes told many stories but he knew how to keep himself in the here and now. No one could ever be perfect, but no matter the hardship, his faith and his family helped him persist beyond the horrors of war. So long as they were together, he would remain hurt, but never broken. Their eyes meeting told them of their history through the good and the bad, and nothing felt better than him returning from his final mission.
They then looked at their kids combing their fur and Luke even putting a dip hair style on the top of his head. Path laughed and Lucas's heart felt remedied from the earlier pain. These kids chose to carry on his legacy, though he prayed to Arceus that they would never endure the things he had to.
"He finally returned a message by the way..."The mother suddenly spoke.
"Huh, come again, hun?"Lucas failed to understand.
"Furnace... He finally wrote back to you. I...left it on your seat to surprise you."She pointed out,
Lucas gasped, he quickly stood up and slowly pulled out a paper from his seat. He began to read it, but noticed it smelled of musky alcohol and wood.
"It smells..."
"Yeah... I smelled it too. I'm...not sure he's...fully recovered from what happened."She was morbid in her response.
"Had I lost you... I don't know if I would have either."He admitted and continued reading.
'Hey Lucas, might swing in your direction during this mission. Just two tough Pokemon thinking they're gonna destroy a couple properties and landscapes. If I'm close enough, I'll stop by and see you. Hope you and Annie are doing ok... Furnace.'
"Finally. I was hoping he'd consider a visit! This might be my chance."Lucas admitted.
"Yeah, but... Lucas, please keep in mind if he's still drinking. I don't know if I'll be comfortable with him around the kids."Annie made her concern clear.
"I know, but I'll be there to keep it civil. I just really think I can help him. I owe him that much...!"Lucas insisted.
"Are you sure you can keep him under control? You've heard the messes he's caused in Shoreline?"She questioned her husband's logic.
"Yes. Please, Annie. Give me a chance. He needs help... We've been through so much,"He turned away and his paws trembled,"It was the hardest thing...leaving him like that, and..."
Annie was quick to recognize his signs, and she dropped her concerns. She got up and rushed around to hold his paws and try to make them stop shaking. She then hugged his head and shushed him.
"Lucas...! Lucas. I get it, hun. I'm sorry, I...forget how important they were to you,"She held him and felt him calming down,"It's alright... If you think you can do it. I'll trust you...ok?"
He sighed, and his mood started to ease down as he held her, breathing slow. He simply nodded and remained in her arms until it was time to get the kids to school.
Lucas did the honors of opening the door, and letting the kids pour out moments later. They circled around each other in front of their quaint cottage. Waiting for Lucas to slowly step down the stone stairs, he waved back to his wife, who did the same for them. With that the family was off through the village, the village of Veridia. The sign made of wood spoke its name before the entrance, and beyond it was a rushing waterfall and creek.
The houses and paths were full of life, trapinches swimming under the dirt paths that connected different cottages and log cabins. Above them were aqueducts made of clay to supply them with water from the falls. A mix of normal birds and Pokemon birds flocked, some sounding off their view on today's potential weather. But that did not bother the high spirits of the twins. Nor would it waver a young Litleo that jumped out of his home that neighbored the twins home.
He laughed and raced to catch up to them, Lucas closed his eyes and spotted the Litleo with the aura. He smirked and gave the twins some distance, allowing the young Litleo to pass. He jumped between the twins and gave a childlike and bold small roar. It gave the twins a scare, only for them to laugh once they recognized him.
"Hey Path! Hey Luke! Are you guys as ready for the last school day as I am?!"He roared and circled them.
"Hey, Kiba! You bet we are! We're ready to be the newest rescuers of Veridia!"Luke agreed to the hype.
"And we're gonna try our best! We aim to be everything dad was and more!"Path flexed with her own eagerness.
"Yeah...! Hehe! I hope we can all be that good."Kiba blushed and scratched at his head.
He then jumped in front of them like a pouncing Pyroar.
"Not to mention, Stoney is graduating too! His pops is walking him there too!"Kiba added.
"Oh great... Grumpy old Irons. Hope he's not gonna make a scene like he did during last year's play..."Path moped.
"Hey, let's be fair. Irons may be a grump, but you can't deny he was a beast in his prime too! Right dad?''Luke looked towards his father.
"Oh...yeah...heheh. Almost no Pokemon in all the land could break his defense,"Lucas chuckled and scratched his ears from embarrassment,"Though keep in mind, just because he's durable and tough, doesn't mean it didn't hurt when he had to shield others from harm."
"Yeah, we know that. But it REALLY drove home how tough he was!"Luke chose to continue bolstering.
"How about, Lyle Delphox!? He was the ultra toughest and cunning fire type of the rescuer guild!"Kiba injected another name into the pot.
"Oh, please! There were way better ones out there! Dad, worked alongside the greatest one in fact!"Luke brought Lucas into conversation again.
"Son, I told you... Yes...but he's since chosen a life under the radar. He's not the Pokemon that he used to be."Lucas clenched his paws.
"When will you tell us about him, dad?"Path asked and noticed their father speeding up to pass them.
Lucas walked in front of the kids and crossed his arms, struggling to center his mind. The memories of his war torn mentor flashed in his eyes and shrouded his memories of the both of them and another. He breathed out, slow and deep and placed a paw to his chest.
"Soon enough... I'm sure of it. And...''He gave a huff and turned to them,"He really was the greatest of them all. There will never be a fighter like him in this lifetime!"
Meanwhile on the other side of town, older buildings from Pokemon that have lived and grew families for ages lined up with vines across their walls. Only thing that ever woke this side of the village was the stomps of its more intimidating rescuer. Stomping forth was an Aggron with old cracks and grates against his stomach. He grumbled and looked around as he stomped to make his presence known. While right in front of him was the only thing he valued in this world.
In front of him was a small Aron that waddled with his eyes to the ground. He looked around and saw many of their neighbors hiding, his father knew how to intimidate the masses. The young Aron sighed and corner eyed his hulking father.
"What is it?"The Aggron asked with a gruff and gristle voice.
"Nothing, just remembering my lessons is all..."The Aron sighed quietly.
"A wise decision. Remember all that you learned, Stoney. Never break, never submit, and remain standing in the moment of adversities!"The father explained to his son.
"Spoken like a true wall..."Stoney mumbled.
"Keep in mind, I have no issue with you working with a team, but I at least implore you to be ready,"The Aggron sternly warned,"Teammates and allies come with utility, some are careless or think themselves smarter or better. But in the end you are the reason any of them will ever manage to come home alive on each deployment. Treat them respectively but never forget their inferiority!"
"I get it!"Stoney grew irritable.
The former rescuer stopped talking, he tilted his head, recognizing his son's sudden irritation. He shook his head, as a single father he was always advised to keep an eye on his son. Yet never was he to intervene or push himself too hard if he wanted his kid to respect him.
He groaned and kept on moving till they at last made it to the school, a building made of clay and wood, shaped almost like a church. The walk was tense between father and son, so they both needed to breather. Only then did the father clear his throat and compose himself.
"Well...here you are...! Uh...good luck, and...do good for your final day...son."Stoney felt weird hearing his dad try to be supportive at this moment.
"Uh...thanks? I'll see you afterwards. Might even try a mission if possible."Stoney was quick to respond.
"Mr Irons! I thought we'd meet you here too!"Came the calls of Lucas.
"Lucas... I was just dropping my son off for his final day."He responded with a sigh.
"Same here! Just the twins and Kiba. They're all eager to get started as rescuers."Lucas chuckled at the notion.
"A little too eager, but I suppose the best way to learn is on the field. You'd know all about that, wouldn't you?"Irons was grim, the memories returning.
"Yeah...heheh... Thankfully those days are over though, and perhaps their journey will be...somewhat normal."Lucas scratched his ears, his chuckles growing more nervous.
"I wouldn't get too naive if I were you, Lucas... The land still carries its scars..."Irons reminded.
With a grumble he stomped away and scratched his belly a bit. Leaving Lucas to sigh, he knew of the Aggron's words and the meaning behind them. Forever the bleak one since the war, yet forever a shield for the innocent to hide behind.
"Dad...? Is he talking about the war you were in?"Luke spoke out.
This shocked Lucas back to reality before he could even get lost in thought.
"Uh...yes... But, for now. The past is the past, and now the future is coming."Lucas crouched down and kissed his son and daughter's heads,"Do your best, and leave the school on a good note."
Both twins jumped to their dad and gave him a group hug in response, Path nuzzling his shoulder.
"We'll do our best dad... I promise."Luke whispered.
After a moment, they slowly parted ways and Lucas stood tall, nodding with trust to his children. He left them to their day at school, and peacefully walked away back to the house. They waved to him before looking back to their school, and the little Aron snickering.
"What...? Shut up, he's our dad. Nothing wrong with that?"Lucas blushed and speed walked past him.
Path giggled and walked by, but looked back to Stoney.
"He's our dad. We love him no matter what."Path cleared the air between them.
"I..see..."Stoney lowered his head.
The conflict he carried between him and his father came to mind. Kiba simply tip toed around him in an awkward manner, not being the type for too much sentiment. Stoney would be the last to enter the school, but Luke obligated himself to make an entrance upon Path and his own arrival. Nothing was quite as eye drawing like kicking the door open and cheering through the classroom.
"Guess who's here?! That's right everyone!"The eyes were indeed on him.
He pranced towards his desk as eyes either gandering in awe or with indifference. He jumped up on his desk itself while Path rushed to her seat, flustered at Luke's embarrassing display. Luke crossed his legs and waved his paws in arrogance.
"That's right, take a good look. You're looking at the newest rescuer straight out of our home town of Veridia!"Luke managed to get a bulbasaur, a swinub and a trio of scraggy's,"My sister included, my best bud Kiba! Not to mention Stoney! That's right you all watch! We're gonna do some work out there!"
"Luke, can you not...?"Kiba begged and hid his face.
"He never can, he's an air head full of empty heat...!"The sound of bleak animosity called out.
Luke slowly moved his head between two other students and spotted a chimpchar. Sitting at his desk, his smile smug with pearly white deceptive teeth. With him was a machop and a Sheldon, snickering and mocking Luke's bolstering, he knew this group of boys.
"Oh...guess someone got held back again eh, Chiro?"Luke hopped down from his desk with his chest puffed out.
"Perfection takes more time than just getting here because your dad was a war hero, Luke."Chiro got up from his desk as well."Besides, chances are you'll blow it in the missions or better yet, you'll get yourself killed."
"Luke, don't indulge! It's the last day of school for us, come on!"Kiba called out to his friend.
"At least, I didn't go around shaking others down because he can't even handle his big sis at home!''Luke spat and approached the chimpchar.
"Is that right? Path would say otherwise to last week's beating! She knows how good I can stop a dog out!"Chiro's friends were behind him.
"Luke, stop!"Path got up to get in front of her brother.
"Bold talk for the guy I made cry with a bloody nose! Your mother laughed more than she did on school picture day!"Luke spat while Path tried to push him away.
"Yeah?! How about I give you one to go on your rescuer card?! That be a face that MAYBE your mom could love!"
Luke growled and managed to shove Chiro back into his friend's arms before charging the twins. He shoved against Path trying to reach Luke as the kids were getting loud. Only for Kiba to shove Chiro away and help Path push Luke back towards his desk. Stoney shook his head and saw the teacher entering, just in time for Chiro to recover.
"I'm gonna mach punch you so hard, you'll almost pass for a trubbish in the garbage business you!-"
"That is enough!"Called a female voice.
Chiro attempted to throw a mach punch, but was caught in psychic thanks to their teacher. A Gardevoir who seemed to be as old as their parents, but had the beauty of a young model. She was gentle and slow to move Chiro back to his desk and sit him down.
"I...certainly hope I wasn't about to catch another fight between you boys again, was I?"She looked at Chiro, then looked at Luke with very little amusement.
"No Ms Cylia."Both boys responded in defeat.
"Good, I know some of you are graduating after today and it has you all eager."She slowly walked behind her desk,"But these final lessons I have regarding the graduates, you must take to heart. So do not be kicking your feet up and napping through it. Understand, Luke?"
"Huh? Oh yes, Ms Cylia!"Luke exclaimed and quickly put his feet down before they could touch the desk.
She nodded her head and turned to the board to write down today's lesson. Regarding the history of the Rescuers and what the missions will ask of those who become Rescuers.
I'd like to credit Jordan Lego Comix for this story idea and thank him for his support. Give him some love and I hope everyone enjoys the story.