The sounds of turbulent metal clashing echoed in the unspoilt cave at the bottom of the Tree of World's Beginning.
Ash was sent hurling across the pure water, then reorientated himself to a standing position. Within his newfound senses, his eyes blazed blue and he 'saw' the outline of Lucario's Aura and him hopping from pillar to pillar.
One of the basics of Aura was to sense the Aura of other living beings and view the surroundings even when blindfolded. With enough practice it's possible to see through objects. For the planet it was also alive so to speak and thus Aura exists everywhere. From the air to within the ground seeped Aura. Ash demonstrated an unconscious use of this before he even unlocked his Aura.
Lucario's seamitar came at Ash with meteoric force and he blocked it with his own. The impact sent him flying again through a few pillars before getting embedded into the wall. He managed to mitigate the damage by channeling the majority of his Aura to the area right before the moment of impact.
Another basic was to use Aura to reinforce the body, enhancing durability, speed, and striking power. Proof of great mastery over this was to evenly distribute Aura through the entire body and focusing a large amount towards specific parts of the body for greater defense or offense at the precise moments. This required sophisticated control of Aura.
The fundamentals to keep in mind was how much Aura a person could naturally hold and this varied. There was the output for how much Aura can be brought out from this reserve, the efficiency and control of Aura to reduce as much wasted use of it, and the rate at which Aura is recovered.
But the most eye-catching of all when being an Aura Guardian was using moves that normally only Pokemon can perform, an advanced technique.
The seamitar in Ash's hand glowed wholly white. The Normal-type energy strengthened the object and Ash swung it five times to perform Slash. Each strike was deflected by the spike on the back of Lucario's forepaw and he deftly spun over the last one, landing a kick to his face.
Human Aura and Pokemon Aura were distinctly different. What must be done was to change Aura to mimic that of a Pokemon. This required a clear mental image of the Pokemon and the move desired. With enough practice this process could be done instinctively. The next step was to convert the Aura into the type energy to match the move.
Some people have an affinity to specific Pokemon or types of Pokemon that allow for them to clearly imagine them and their moves. This was also seen in how Trainers have certain types they have an easier time connecting to and training them though this does not correlate all the time.
Ash recovered by placing his hand to the ground and then landing on his feet. His free hand was balled into a fist and striking with it forward shot a wave of pure vacuum at Lucario through the air. Lucario simply slapped away the Vacuum Wave.
'You've got an affinity for my species, and though you've never seen a Samurott, you can naturally pull off their moves without the need for a clear image with the help of holding that seamitar. The same as Sir Aaron.'
Ash took a stance as if he was going for an upwards slash with his seamitar. He exhaled and intensely concentrated. His eyes seemed to spark with an orange glow as he used Laser Focus to prepare for the next attack.
Lucario's ears twitched and the four black appendages behind his head rose. He read the Aura surrounding Ash and predicted a Flying-type move. True to his senses, Ash swung his blade and a flying slash flew. The Air Slash was dodged and flew further until it split a tree in half.
Ash closed the distance when his body burst with white energy using Quick Attack. He clashed with Lucario, exchanging strikes with Slash. There was a glint in his eyes and Ash drove his leg covered in fire up at a small opening before Lucario could react. With the use of Me First, Ash struck out a Blaze Kick before Lucario could do his.
Lucario ducked down and from below threw out a Bullet Punch to Ash's stomach. He coughed from the impact to his unguarded midsection.
Ash was forced back and skidded to a halt. Regulating his breathing, Ash closed his eyes and used Swords Dance. An array of swords appeared and circled around him. Lucario made a move to interrupt, but Ash grabbed one of the swords, surprising Lucario, and got into his range.
They both used Close Combat and Ash fought back using two blades in conjunction with Swords Dance.
At the perfect moment, Ash crossed his blades together and thrusted them forward where Lucario's neck came between them.
"One victory out of 251 losses!" Ash shouted. Lucario eyed him for mere moments as a smirk showing his teeth formed on his face.
The sword from Swords Dance dissipated and Ash stepped back. "I've now mastered Aura. This is good enough, right, Lucario?"
'Mastered? No. THIS is mastery.' Lucario projected his thoughts and looked squarely at a hole in the ceiling revealing the sky. He placed his palms towards each other around his side, put a distance between his legs and crouched slightly. His muscles were tensed and Aura pulsed between his palms and enlarged into a massive sphere.
'Hrraaaaahhhh!' Lucario fiercely roared as he shot his palms towards the direction of the hole, launching a massive beam of Aura through it that traveled a long distance to burst apart a cloud.
Ash gaped wide open. Misty and Brock watching the mock battle gaped. The Pokemon watching gaped.
'A supercharged Aura Sphere continuously powered after it's been launched, creating a beam. Only a few that can be counted on one hand are able to perform the Aura Storm. I expect you to be one of them one day.' Lucario crossed his arms and looked at Ash like a teacher lecturing his disciple.
"Brock, he just did a Kamehameha." Misty said in a daze.
"Yeah, I saw." Brock answered in a similar dazed state.
'Consider your training is finally done. I won't hold you up any longer on your journey. You have places to go and more where you might be needed, but do not neglect your training as an Aura Guardian.'
"Finally! I'm beat…" Ash fell down to the ground on his rear end.
A week of training with Lucario passed since he was abducted to the Tree of the World's Beginning. Within that time, he had his Pokemon train at their own spot in the cave. Brock ensured that everyone was well-fed with his homely cooking and Misty comforted Ash after each grueling training session he did with Lucario.
"I'm sorry you guys had to be holed up here during this time to look after me." Ash looked apologetic.
"Everything's alright, Ash. Staying was well worth it for us too." Misty assured him. "I've always wanted to catch a Clamperl." She was giddy with the new Pokemon in her Dive Ball.
"I caught an Omanyte and Kabuto." Brock was happy to have new Rock-type Pokemon on his team. And they were rare Fossil Pokemon no less.
"What!? You guys caught new Pokemon without me!?" Ash bemoaned at the unfairness of being preoccupied with training.
"I have some questions about this place if you can, Lucario." Brock directed to Lucario.
'I don't mind so long as I can choose not to answer if they step over my boundaries.'
"That's more than okay." Brock appreciated the chance. "I've noticed a lot of ancient Pokemon residing in the ecosystem that exists in this tree. Just what exactly is this place?"
'The Tree of the World's Beginning is not an actual tree. It is a giant rock formation that looks like a tree surrounded by mountain ranges. As a living organism, it feeds on sunlight and has roots that are said to reach as deep into the planet's core. The tree is an immeasurably important element to the world as it provides energy and life that is felt worldwide.'
The group were entranced by the exposition and listened attentively.
'It has existed since the formation of the planet and pulses with life force and nutrients that have existed since time immemorial. Therefore, it became an ideal environment for Pokemon that were thought to be extinct.'
"And that's why so many Fossil Pokemon live here…" Brock muttered. "What about its relationship with Mew?"
Lucario looked contemplative. '…I shall ask all of you beforehand to not speak of this to anyone else. I've come to trust you to some degree since the time we've spent together so to speak.'
"We understand. We won't do anything to betray your trust, it's a promise." Misty spoke for them and they nodded in agreement.
'Mew connected its lifeforce with the tree and formed a symbiotic relationship with it. I'm sure humans on the outside have this belief that Mew is the common ancestor for all Pokemon, correct?'
Misty and Brock nodded.
'Mew does share something common to all Pokemon, but it's not how you think it works in a conventional sense such as ancestry. It happens to involve Mew's authority as the God of Beginnings. Every time a new species of Pokemon is born or one that is newly discovered, Mew's authority will bend cause and effect to make it so that Mew existed before them. What this means is that within Mew's enormous genetic information, the new species' DNA is added and thus it can be traced back to Mew and why he can transform into any Pokemon and use their moves. That information is shared with the tree and it provides energy and life to create an environment suitable for them.'
The information dumbfounded them and was something any researcher would salivate over and get their hands on for any price.
"So Mew and the tree support all living beings on the planet…" Brock spoke in awe. "Surely something this important is heavily fortified to protect it."
'That's right. There is a fog that covers a large area around it that disorientates the senses of intruders if they come too close. Relying on electronic devices won't be of use either as the fog disables everything and hides it from any sensors. That isn't to say they won't work from inside the tree however. The other defense is the tree's complex antibody system where organic mass takes the shape of Pokemon to protect it. It even assumes the form of Legendary Pokemon like the Titan Legends as guardians. Consider them to work like white blood cells. You were spared since Mew views you as non threats.'
"I'm learning so many mind blowing secrets in such a short amount of time." Ash was dazed from processing all of it.
"Besides the tree being a tremendous support for the planet, are there any other legends or rumors about it you can confirm are true?" Brock asked.
'Well, in the long distant past when I used to live, I've heard of a legend where an explorer entered the deepest part of the tree and stumbled into a completely different world connected with ours through the connection shared between our tree and that world's tree.'
Misty gasped with wonderment and Brock felt his jaw go slack.
"You're telling me this place has a gateway to another world?" Ash immediately asked to sate his curiosity.
'Who knows. I've heard that the other world is a world without humans and only Pokemon exist. Pokemon live together forming a society and economy in which they explore uncharted lands and mysterious locations called dungeons in search of treasure.' Even Lucario felt himself getting lost into the legend he spoke of.
The group digested the information for several minutes thinking about what kind of world where only Pokemon lived was like.
'Mew should be here to bring you back to Cameran Palace soon. Pack up your things in the meantime.'
Lucario's words interrupted their musing for them to grab their belongings. Ash was about to follow suit until he noticed a small Pokemon came out of a bush and trudged towards him.
"Huh? What's that Pokemon?"
'That little one has been closely observing our training for quite a while. It appears that you have caught its interest.'
The Pokemon was short and green, walking on two legs with no arms and had a stubby tail. Its head had a white cap resembling an egg shell and a beak-like mouth with a single front tooth. The mysterious Pokemon headbutted Ash's leg and jumped to express its intent.
"You wanna go with me?" The Pokemon's jumping intensified to confirm Ash's thoughts. Ash scanned it with his Pokedex but no results came back.
"I think I recognize this Pokemon." Brock spoke up. "This is a Capsakid and they're more commonly found in a region called Paldea. Normally this Pokemon lives in places where there is intense sunlight to feed on."
'Then it is little wonder it lives here at the Tree of Beginnings. Here the sunlight is rich with energy for the tree to feast on, so of course this little one would take advantage of that.'
"Well, welcome to the team, Capsakid." Ash kneeled down and presented a Poke Ball. Capsakid then tapped it lightly and let itself be caught. "I've caught a Capsakid!" Ash jabbed his Poke Ball to the air with a spurt of excitement.
Mew then arrived as requested by Lucario. The group got everything they needed and was enveloped in a white light, teleported back to the throne room at Cameran Palace.
"Welcome back, everyone." Ilene greeted them, a little shocked at their sudden return before composing herself.
'My apologies once more, Queen Ilene, for troubling you again.' Lucario immediately took a kneeling position with one leg again and dipped his head.
"You came back much quicker than I thought."
'Yes, Ash's tremendous talent speaks for itself. And you've fulfilled everything that was needed, Your Majesty?"
Ilene nodded from her throne. She stood up and took an egg incubator presented by a maid at her side into her hands and approached Ash.
"Ash, would you be willing to accept the egg inside here?" Ilene extended the incubator to him.
"I… of course, I'm honored to receive this from Her Majesty." Ash mustered every bit of formality in his tone and received the incubator.
Ilene giggled at his attempt to sound formal. "This is the egg of a Riolu our kingdom produces. It is the Pokemon that eventually evolves into a Lucario. What is most surprising is that the Riolu inside reacted to your Aura. Since it sought you, that means it was destined to be your Pokemon."
"Wow…" His childlike astonishment returned as he admired the egg and Ilene couldn't help but find that cute.
"There is also this I must give you." Ilene rummaged the inside of her sleeve and pulled out a book that seemed to be worn out due to time. "This is an ancient training guide into the deepest secrets of Aura personally penned by Sir Aaron. It's been kept secure where Lucario was enshrined and is one of our kingdom's national secrets."
"T-That's… Why are you showing that to me?" Ash nervously asked.
"Why to hand it over to you, of course!" Ilene chuckled, not the least bit worried about giving away one of her kingdom's greatest secrets. "And do not fret, we have many copies. Lucario told me you can do as you please with it. Share it with others you trust if you like."
Ash switched between looking at her and the book in her hand. He gulped and handed over the incubator to Brock and took the book with heavy hands.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I won't let your kindness go to waste and train diligently every day by following Sir Aaron's teachings here." He bowed.
"It would do me, Lucario, and Sir Aaron proud if you could walk the same footsteps as Sir Aaron." Ilene grabbed his hands into her own.
"Ilene?" Ash blurted out her name and foregone formality in surprise of her boldly taking his hands into hers.
"Ilene… Yes, I like the sound of my name coming from your voice." Ilene smiled, dwelling on him saying her name as if it were music to her ears. "While I admire the idea of you becoming a hero just like Sir Aaron, I hope that you will surpass him in one area not even he could fulfill."
"What's that?"
"That you will return to me." Ilene heartfully requested. "When Sir Aaron disappeared at the end of his legend, my ancestor, Queen Rin, was heartbroken that her most devoted and loyal retainer did not come back to her even until the end of her life." Sadness slipped into her voice and smile.
Ash couldn't stand to see Ilene express such sadness.
"Okay… I promise that I'll come visit Rota again in the future." Ash determinedly declared. "Not only to return this treasure you've given me, but to see you again."
"And that no matter what danger you face, you'll come back safely every time?" Ilene asked hopefully.
"I… I'll try." Ash nervously chuckled.
The tension seemed to be lifted from Ilene's shoulders and her smile relaxed back into a happy one.
"Then I'll hold that promise to you. I eagerly await the day we'll see each other again." Ilene brightly said. "Especially when you've become much older. At that time… that's when I'll express what I cannot say today to you."
Brock shook his head, envious at how Ash caught the attention of a queen. Some people just have all the luck in the world.
Misty was NOT happy with what she was seeing. Just how long were they going to hold hands for!?
"Well then, I have to go. Goodbye, Ilene." Ash hesitated but decided to say her name directly. He didn't understand why, but Ilene looked happier when he referred to her by name than by her title.
"Goodbye, my little Hero." Said Ilene gently and affectionately.
Ash turned around and walked out of the Throne room together with Brock, Misty, and Pikachu. He waved his hand to her and Lucario without looking back.
"Oh thank Arceus that's over." Misty murmured under her breath.
"Didya say something Misty?" Ash thought he heard something but Misty denied it.
Ilene waved back languorously. After their figures disappeared, she sighed wistfully and spoke to Lucario. "Was it really a good idea to give that book to Ash?"
'Are you worried that you've made a mistake?'
Ilene shook her head, clasped her hands together and held them over her chest. "Nonsense. I believe in Ash."
Lucario chuckled. Ilene's affection for Ash was clear as day to him.
"He is destined for greatness, I know it. I can't help but worry though, that part is true."
The Pokemon huffed. 'The teachings contain a streamlined guide on unlocking Aura. Should Ash share it, possibly anyone could use Aura. It's what Sir Aaron wished to see in the world. How any human could form a deep bond with Pokemon and coexist peacefully.'
"Yes, you're right. The world has not seen any Aura Guardians in so long."
'Not since the incident where almost every Fairy-type Pokemon retreated into the Dream World in the past. How Fairy-type energy was seemingly sucked away from the world and Pokemon who used to be Fairy-types lost that part of themselves.'
Lucario was deep in thought, reminiscing about the past. He focused again on Ilene.
'Your Majesty, I request to explore this world for some time.'
"I shall permit it. What are you hoping to find outside?" She couldn't help but ask why Lucario would want to leave Rota which he was supposed to protect.
'If there is evil out there, I must correct it. That too is part of my duty to Rota.' Lucario replied, having seemingly read her mind. 'Are there any organizations I must expose and dismantle?'
Ilene mulled over the news she heard about recently. "There is one that is prominent in Kanto. I believe it's called Team Rocket. Unfortunately, we do not know much about them."
Lucario bowed his head deeply to Ilene and stood up. He was about to leave the premises until he stopped in his tracks with an awkward expression.
'Ah… I forgot. The book's writing contains ancient Kantonese. I doubt Ash could read any of it.' He scratched his cheek with his claw.
Ilene was surprised, then she covered her mouth to contain her laughter as her cheeks puffed and her shoulders trembled.
Lucario walked away deep in thought. He rolled over a previous question Brock asked him. One in which he neither confirmed nor denied, only spoken with half-truths.
He could not forget that moment. When he faced another Pokemon from a different world.
'You are not supposed to be here. What is your purpose for coming to this world?'
"It has nothing to do with you. Those who get in my way… will be thrown to the side!"
Lucario blocked a Leaf Blade coming for his side with his Bone Rush.
The Tree of the World's Beginning cried for help. The Aura Guardians who came to assist vanished.
And after an extraneous and long battle, Lucario forced the Pokemon back through the gate.
"No! Not yet… Mohn… Satoshi! I will… save the future of my world… Celebi, lend me your power one more time!"
The roar of that Grovyle was seared deeply inside Lucario's memories.
He had doubts. Did he… make a mistake back then?
Afterword:
Yup, that's the Aura Storm, Lucario's Final Smash from Super Smash Bros. To that one reviewer who asked if I would include Pokemon from Paldea and I said not yet. I changed my mind. We have Ash's Lucario, now a Riolu in its egg, appear early in the story too! And finally, some spicy foreshadowing at the end!
Sammy-1000:
I don't know, will Ilene be in the harem~?
Guest:
I'm aware of Shalourshipping. Don't worry, Korrina will be included too.
thanhmacu:
Indeed. I'm hoping I can write all of the heroines from the games well enough when it's time for them to be part of the harem.
Rustudio:
Thank you for reading my fic, I hope to see you continue to read and possibly give your thoughts again.
UltimateCCC:
Hoho, I wonder what thoughts you'd have now after reading this chapter.