AN: So two things: One, I know that the canon calls them Aura Guardians but Aura Knights sounds cooler to me. Plus it's already implied in the story that alternate timelines exist and this one has similar but different aspects from the "Prime" timeline. Plus, as a reminder, this is me trying t world build on Pokemon with some more realism and my own creativity. Second thing, yes, at some point Ash is going to get his Riolu and Lucario but that is REGIONS away. He's not getting one now or for a long time

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon

Dialogue Guide:

"This is normal speech"

This is a person thinking in their head

This is someone speaking telepathically or with Aura

("Pokemon Speak")

("Legendary Pokemon Speak")

It was hard to believe that three and half months had passed since Ash recovered from his injuries. It almost seemed like it had been forever, but Ash had grown used to the changes in his life. He didn't realize it at first, but over time, he began to see those who had joined him on his journey to become stronger again, like family. Azrael and Skye had made themselves fully home now that they were adequately home-trained and educated on most of what Wild Pokemon needed to know about human civilization. Some stuff would have to be learned later, but they knew the basics and most important things. Azrael, naturally wanting to be near Ash always, had gotten his bed right next to Ash's while Skye slept outside in the tree by the house. At first, she had been nervous about sleeping away from her flock but slowly had grown used to it.

Speaking of the flock, it was common to see Sorrin and those under his wing around Pallet Town more often. When they weren't dealing with the Spearows, they looked after the town and interacted with the folks. Many of them happily accepted the flock, especially the children who were looking to see if any of them were willing to be their first Pokemon when they grew up to be trainers. Sorrin had made a significant choice not long ago and told Ash he wanted Delia to capture him formally. This way, he could travel with Ash outside of Pallet Town in future planned training sessions, such as survival and guidance training, without worrying about being caught. Sorrin also felt he needed to be part of the Ketchum family again to compensate for his years away from them. Delia caught Sorrin but also made sure to have Ash registered on her ball in case he needed the Pidgeot for emergencies. Not that Sorrin lived in the Ketchum house anyway. Captured or not, he was still a flock leader and, therefore, needed to watch over his family, which was fine by everyone so long as he visited every so often.

The biggest change was having Mew as a regular visitor. She often would hang around and train Ash or play with him whenever there wasn't training. Most of the time that involved chasing around, doing a few pranks for fun, watching movies, and playing video games, which the little Legendary was quite a big fan of. She even tried to teach Skye how to play, even though it was quite hard to do so with wings and talons.

But Mew had been like the crazy and fun-loving fun-loving Aunt that Ash never had. She made sure to make him and everyone around smile with jokes, tales of her adventures, and fun facts about the Legendaries. Whenever she had to leave for legendary business, it seemed a bit dour when she was gone, but everything was as right as rain when she returned.

Of course, Mew had to obey a number of rules in the Ketchum household, as Delia Ketchum's sternness held no mercy even for her. There was no cursing, pranking, making a mess, or making dangerous moves in her house. There was also no late-night TV or video games, no eating food out of the fridge without permission, and especially no hosting parties with Wild Pokemon on a Friday night when she was out of town.

Ash had never seen a Pokemon look so afraid in the aftermath of that one.

Regardless, Mew was still seen as part of their growing family, so it wasn't surprising to see her having dinner with the rest of them. During one dinner, she dropped her new plan for Ash's training.

"Aura training?" Ash said in surprise as he paused his eating.

Yup! Mew answered telepathically as she ate into one of her red potato wedges. You have the means to use your Aura better than the average human. So it makes sense that the best people to teach you are the Aura Knights in Rota.

"You want Ash to go to Rota?" Delia Ketchum said in surprise as she finished serving a second serving of salad on her plate.

Rota is the best place to get Aura Training in the Kanto area because the Aura Knights and their Lucarios reside there, Mew explained as she floated her glass of milk and drank it slowly telekinetically. While we can look for any Lucario in general that can help teach you, they're very private and travel around all the time in their packs or on their own. There is a reason they are scarce to find, even if they aren't Legendary Pokemon. Rota is one of the few locations where Lucario live in general civilized areas since they're practically equal to humans in the kingdom.

"I don't know that much about Rota, to be honest. Isn't it some medieval kingdom?" Ash pondered as he tapped his knife to his chin.

In the old days, the Rota Kingdom was the birthplace of the Aura Knights, who protected it from dangers, both humans and Pokemon. I should know; I was there when it was formed and even helped it a few times. The order is one of the few that know of my existence, Mew claimed.

"Really? Why?" Ash asked.

Because Rota's secret and actual duty is to help protect the Tree of Beginning which also happens to be one of my jobs as a Legendary, Mew explained. Most people assume this was the tree where all life was created, and they are somewhat correct. The truth is, the Tree of Beginning is where Aura comes from. Aura is the life force of all living things in the world. Pokemon. Humans. Plants. Nature itself. All of them rely on Aura to survive, and everyone has it. Pokemon can use it to perform their abilities and talents, while Humans use it to achieve high intelligence and creation. Very few beings can manipulate the Aura itself.

("Like Lucario and these Aura Knights?") Azrael asked from near the table, lifting his head from his meal.

Yeah, Lucario discovered the means of using Aura very early in their existence, and it's been part of all their cultures regardless of region. Humans with the talent and means to use Aura are rare but can be trained. Ash is one of them, Mew pointed out before sighing. Unfortunately, while you had big Aura pools and much potential, your Aura sacrificed much of itself to heal your body and keep you alive after what Pikachu did to you. While you still can use Aura, it will only be for basic stuff with minimal abilities.

("So why bother learning if he can't learn it all?") Skye asked from the counter where she was picking at her Pokechow.

Even the smallest training can help improve your overall performance. Aura can give you heightened senses, temporarily boost physical strength and increase concentration. If anything, the exercises they can teach you would greatly help your overall performance as a trainer, Mew replied.

"Can I be both an Aura Knight and a Trainer?" Ash wondered as he tried to imagine himself dressed in their famous blue and black capes, fighting in the League and holding a staff while glowing with aura energy like some kind of anime hero.

Only if you want to put off being a trainer for at least ten or so years, Mew giggled, which instantly killed Ash's desire. Aura Knights take their training very seriously, and it's complicated stuff. It requires constant devotion. Few knights have the time to become trainers, and most don't even bother. Especially since the duty of the Aura Knights is seen by many as a more noble and higher calling than a Pokemon Trainer.

"I think we should go to Rota, Ash," Delia said, getting their attention. Smiling at him, she said, "It would be a nice vacation. And I trust Mew when she says it would help you improve."

So why don't you trust me with the kitchen to make cake? Mew muttered disappointedly.

("Because nobody touches Delia's Kitchen. Not even her husband was allowed,") Mimey said as he took the empty dishes. ("Last person to try was Ash here. He wanted to make breakfast for her for Mother's Day. We had to get three Blastoise to put the fire out.")

"I still don't know what went wrong that day. I followed the instructions and everything," Ash muttered in embarrassment.

"I also think Rota would be a great place to go since you can meet your father's Lucario, Ranmaru," Delia said, which widened Ash's eyes.

That's right. Dad had a Lucario. The only Pokemon he got that wasn't from Indigo, Ash realized as he recalled stories about her from her mother and Sorrin.

Ranmaru had been one of the Riolu from Rota training to be a future Aura Knight's partner, but she lost her chance when her human partner died of illness. Despaired, she ran away from Rota to train herself, challenging Pokemon Trainers until she found one worthy of capturing her. That trainer turned out to be Red, who was training in the area for the League. Ranmaru had been a stuffy, uptight warrior who took everything seriously and treated most others as if they weren't strong enough to be proper fighters. Something Sorrin was offended by and would regularly fight with her on. He freely admitted that he and Ranmaru didn't get along at first, constantly heckling and fighting each other, determined to prove who was the better fighter.

That all changed when they separated from the others and had to fight a wild Ursaring together. They nearly didn't survive, but by working together, they managed to hold it off long enough for Red and the others to arrive. After they recovered from the Pokémon Center, the two just looked at each other, covered in bandages, and laughed. They laughed all the way to their final evolutions. They soon became good friends, and Sorrin often said that out of everyone on the team, he admitted that Ranmaru was the one he was closest to. When Red died, his will stated that everyone on his team who survived the war was to be freed. Ranmaru decided to return to Rota to focus on teaching the next generations of Riolu and their Aura Knights what she learned with Red.

"We should bring Sorrin along," Ash suggested with a smile. "He's now your Pokemon, Mom. So we can bring him in his Pokeball and have him meet Ranmaru."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea, Ash," Delia said with a cheerful smile before turning to Skye. "Skye? Do you think you can tell your father about our plans?"

("Sure! I'm sure my moms can look after the flock for a while,") Skye chirped.

Great! Now, let's break out of the desert! I'm starving for some sweet, sugary goodness! Mew claimed while doing a loop in the air.

"No dessert for you, young lady," Delia said in her "Mom Voice," even though Mew was much older than her. "You still are being punished for that little prank of yours."

Oh, come on! I didn't know that Rattatas and Radicates were that excited over peanut butter! How was I supposed to know they would swarm the park like a tidal wave?!

Since they were heading over to the Kingdom of Rota, Ash decided to take a moment to look up the history of the place. The Kingdom of Rota's history began in Sinnoh fifteen hundred years ago in an area known as the Lucario Kingdom. Back then, the Lucario Kingdom was more isolationist than today and outright forbade humans from entering their borders, even with violence. However, the tales say that a baby was found near the borders, and a Lucario couple took her out of pity. They raised her in the village they lived in while naming her Moriko. When they discovered she could use Aura, they were astonished and began to teach her. Moriko soon began to surpass even the most powerful Lucario in her town, but when rumors of her reached the King and Queen of the Lucario Kingdom, they feared her. They sent their son, the Prince, to deal with her, but he fell in love with Moriko and swore never to hurt her. Outraged, the royal family exiled them along with the loving couple's numerous followers.

Moriko, the Lucario Prince, and their followers all left the Lucario Kingdom for a new home. Along the way, they discovered other humans who could use Aura, mostly children, and took them with them to teach, as many feared them for their "strange witchcraft." Their long journey ended when Mew discovered them and offered them a sanctuary in exchange for protecting the Tree of Beginning. They agreed, and so they found their new home in North Kanto. Moriko and The Lucario Prince adopted a human named Rota and loved her so much that they called the Kingdom they had built after her.

From her line, the royal family of Rota has descended, with its current Queen being the young Queen Ilene. From Rota came the first of the Aura Knights, humans and Lucario working side by side together to defend their borders, including the Tree of Beginning. Soon, they spread headquarters all over the nearby regions of Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh in the name of justice and peace.

The greatest was Sir Aaron, who had stopped a war between Kanto and Sinnoh one thousand years ago, which would have seen Rota destroyed in the middle. His sacrifice established a hundred-year peace before the Indigo Emperor arrived and offered them independence so long as they swore to be his allies in his greater empire. They agreed, and since then, they have been seen as fellow Kantonians despite being technically their principality. While their influence faded after the Indigo Empire's destruction four hundred years ago, the regions still respected them.

It was practically a child's dream to always want to be an Aura Knight. Many often consider it the second most desirable thing for children, next to being a Pokemon Master. Ash wouldn't deny he had those dreams as a kid. He watched many episodes of The Aura Knight Sentai Series and pretended to be an Aura Knight with his won Lucario . The fact that he could use Aura, even if he could use just a bit, was amazing in his eyes. He even dreamed of getting a Riolu one day on his top ten list of Pokemon he wanted, but Mew told him that his chances of getting one were slim as they were very protective of who they gave out their Riolu to. Plus, practically every Riolu in Rota wanted to be an Aura Knight, which involved training and bonding with a human who could use a large amount of Aura. If Ash wanted a Riolu, he would have to get one the old-fashioned way.

Sorrin was the only one outside Ash's family, his Pokemon, and Mew who would accompany them. Professor Oak wouldn't be coming as he needed help dealing with the Tentacruel Invasion issue in Hutber Port.

Apparently, due to illegal chemical dumping in the water and an effort to destroy a protected reef, a mutated Tentacruel led an army of Tentacools to destroy the port. It got so bad that the Pokemon Rangers, G-Men, multiple A.C.E. Trainers, and even the Elite Four and Champion to put down the invasion and restore order after five days of chaos. Still, the damage to the city was disastrous, and the death toll was staggering. The woman responsible for causing the Pokemon to lash out was found dead in the wreckage, and most of the Tentacool and their Tentacruel leader had been killed before the remaining retreated. Professor Oak was asked to help study the dead giant Pokemon to see if it resulted from the Gigantamax phenomena in Galar or something else.

It was also a nice opportunity for the Professor to see Gary again. He had been outside the city when the attack happened while on his way to Saffron. Upon hearing what happened, Gary turned back to help the refugees. A massive multi-region relief effort was underway to help the city and its citizens. At the same time, there were ongoing political talks to focus more on preventing companies from causing damage to the environment that could cause Pokemon to lash out like this. Ash wished he could do something as well. However, the most he could do was donate to charities that would help out the survivors.

The vacation, hopefully, would put the tragedy out of everyone's minds.

One mass teleport via Mew later, and everyone arrived outside of the borders of Rota's Capital Town. Practically everyone needed a moment to get their settings adjusted as they had never been teleported like that before. Mew told them it got better the more they did it, but Ash hoped he'd never have to teleport that much in the future.

It's a good thing Mew told us not to eat before we did this, Ash thought, holding his stomach as they entered the town. His nauseousness was soon replaced with awe upon seeing it all up close.

It was like stepping back in time. Despite clearly having modern-day technology like satellite dishes, phones, automatic street sweepers, cellphones, telephone wires, and so forth, the entire architecture of the town was something you'd seen in medieval times. Despite using a housing style over a thousand years old, it all looked brand new and beautifully designed, with some of the residents even wearing old-style clothing like cloaks, capes, gowns, and even suits of armor. Among them were the Aura Knights, dressed just like Ash imagined they would be. The iconic blue and black outfits were styled to represent their Lucario partners with designs made for appearance, efficiency, and combat.

According to Mew, flying invisible beside them, the knights today wore special woven coats that would withstand low-level attacks from Pokemon, were bulletproof, and could even handle knives. Another cool feature was that channeling their Aura through them increased their weight and power for added defense. While each Aura Knight had added specific details and customs to their looks, they were all typically the same: a blue buttoned coat with a black undershirt. A golden necklace around their neck with a shield design made of three bars into a circle below it, their symbol of being an Aura Knight. And, of course, the unique blue hat with a pointy forward and claw-like design in the back.

Some Aura Knights held weapons like spears, swords, and staffs; one or two even had handguns. Mew said that some of the most skilled Aura Knights could channel their Aura into their weapons to make them stronger and deadlier, but this was a skill only Master-level Aura Knights could achieve. And, of course, all of them traveled with a Riolu or a Lucario and sometimes even both. Depending on the evolution, you could tell which Knight was more experienced than the next.

("Are you sure you won't be sensed, Mew?") Skye whispered while resting on Ash's shoulder as they traveled around. ("Aren't Aura Knights and Lucario known for spotting invisible enemies through Aura?")

Relax. I've been through here a million times. I'm strong enough to hide my Aura from Lucario as easily as picking up sticks, Mew answered telepathically as she sat on top of Ash's head. Just don't do anything to stand out, and we should be fine.

"Well, since we're here. We should find the hotel we booked and get ourselves settled in," Delia said as she turned to face Ash with a smile. "Do you want to come with me, sweetie? Or do you want to look around some more?"

"I think we'll go see if we can find Ranmaru," Ash said with a smile as he put his hand on the Pokeball holding Sorrin. "I think Sorrin might be eager to meet his old friend. And, honestly, I want to do so as well."

"Okay, how about inviting her to have dinner with us?" Delia suggested with a bright smile. "We can all catch up that way. She can also invite anyone else she wishes as well."

"Sounds good, Mom. We'll see you later at the hotel," Ash said as he waved his mother goodbye before they split in different directions. Looking up at his head, Ash asked, "Say, Mew? Where would be a good place to find Ranmaru?"

Well, if she moved back to Rota after being freed to teach the next generation of Aura Knights, she'd be at the Knight Academy, that big building to the west. The one that looks like a giant dome colosseum, Mew suggested while turning Ash's head with her telekinesis until he could see what she was walking about. Said building was the second biggest in the area save for the royal palace across the bridge in the middle of the city's miniature lake.

It was made of silver bricks and blue tiles with flags of the nation and the Aura Knights flying proudly in the sky. There were also statues of past Aura Knights and their partners looking proudly into the wild yonder or posing together. Ash looked at its size and whistled. "That's a big school. It must be the biggest in the world."

Nah. There are a few bigger schools in Unova, Galar, and Kalos I've seen, Mew said before poking Ash with her tail. Now, let's get a move on.

Ash did so, but Azrael paused and slowly turned to his right toward a large forest in the distance. Past the forest seemed to be a giant crater with the biggest tree Azrael had seen standing firm in the middle, surrounded by mist. For some reason, Azrael was getting a slight tingle of his Danger Sense in that direction coming from the forest area, but he couldn't tell why. It was small, like an itch, but it wasn't leaving.

"Azrael?" The Absol blinked and turned to face a confused Ash. "What's wrong?"

("...Nothing, I think,") Azrael answered with a shrug. ("Just felt weird. Probably nothing. Let's move on.")

Ash shrugged and led them once again.

The academy was even more impressive up front. The statues of all the famous Aura Knights and their partners in the past were made out of silver. The runes on the walls were carved to perfection. The dome shone under the sun, giving off small rainbows from the light. The front gate showed an Aura Knight and a Lucario statue on opposite ends, lifting a single limb and creating an Aura Sphere in the middle of the gate. Because he wasn't a student, Ash could only enter certain areas on the top three floors for security reasons. What he did have access to allowed him to see murals showing the history of famous battles, events, and Aura Knights in the past, whose stories were told in numerous artistic designs. Ash wanted to learn about them but knew it would take the entire vacation time.

While walking around, the group noticed numerous humans in blue robes and capes ranging from ten to eighteen in terms of age. According to Mew, they were students at the academy and were known as " Pages ." The Aura Knights had a simple hierarchy that hadn't changed since its foundation:

Pages were for those still learning the steps of being an Aura Knight. Often, this was done during childhood so that the upcoming Aura Knights could learn to channel their Aura, bond with their Riolu, and learn basic combat.

Squires were those who learned more advanced training, and the most talented would become Apprentices to Knights to learn directly under them. They knew the Code of the Aura Knight, strategy, tactics, weaponry, survival training, and more.

When a Squire or Apprentice is ready, they take their Knight Trials to see if they are prepared to achieve the rank of Aura Knight . Those who take it are tested on everything they have learned since starting. Success in the trials gives you the title, and you are trusted with missions and patrols. Fail, and you had to wait a year to retake it. Fail it three times, and you will be forever denied the rank and forced to leave the order. And it had to be a team effort. Both Riolu/Lucario and the human partner needed to work together to succeed.

After Knighthood, Aura Knights needed to gain experience in the field before they could join one of the many various companies that existed, such as the Aura Legion, which was more military-based; Royal Guards, which protected the royal family; Rangers, which acted as scouts and spies in faraway lands; and Mentors, who taught at the academy.

The title of " Aura Master" was only given to those who had achieved a great understanding and mastery of the Aura beyond the average Aura Knight or Lucario. The title had to be granted by a majority of the living Aura Masters or by the Royal Family itself.

Naturally, all the students had Riolus or Lucarios traveling with them in the halls. But there were also a few other Pokemon traveling with some trainers. Technically, they could have as many Pokemon as they wanted, but they always started with a Riolu.

Some students stared at Ash, who was walking around with Skye on his shoulder and Azrael by his side, which made more than a few appear nervous due to the latter. It was also evident that he wasn't a student based on how he dressed. All the students wore blue robes with black jackets, making Ash stand out like a sore thumb.

Of course, one thing that also became noticeable was that there weren't as many people or Pokemon as Ash thought there would be.

That's because the Aura Knights have been losing numbers every generation, Mew said calmly but sorrowfully. The downfall of the Indigo Empire and the chaos that resulted in it cost them many members that they haven't recovered from since. Plus, the world is much more advanced and safer than the golden days when danger was everywhere. They have to compete with Pokemon Trainers who are strong enough to defend themselves, Rangers, A.C.E. Trainers, and other similar organizations who can do their job just as well, even without Aura.

I think it's kinda sad that their order is dying, Ash thought as he watched two Riolu's showing off their Aura's Spheres while their partners encouraged the other to be the winner in their little contest.

Nothing lasts forever, Mew said telepathically. I've seen various orders rise and fall into obscurity. Much I love the Aura Knights, they too will one day pass into history like all others. If there is one thing that never changes, it changes itself.

("So how are we going to find this Ranmaru Lucario in an entire building full of them?") Skye asked.

"Sorrin said to find the battlefield area and just let him out of his Pokeball," Ash answered as he followed the signs leading to the battlefield.

After descending a level and entering a wide brick tunnel, the group found themselves in an open dome with various Pokemon battle squares scattered around most of the dirt-covered area. Some Pages and their partners were battling each other while a few were resting on the bleachers or stands, talking to each other or cheering for another student. Water coolers and medical personnel were on standby on the sides, along with racks of various training equipment, including weapons.

Finding an empty spot near the left side of the arena, Ash pulled out Sorrin's Pokeball and opened it. A flash appeared from the ball as it opened, and Sorrin was released in front of Ash. Stretching his wings, Sorrin nicked them a bit before looking around. ("Huh, looks like it hasn't changed much since I was last here.")

"So how is this going to find Ranmaru?" Ash asked.

("I'll take care of that. Find a bleacher to sit on. This is going to get intense,") Sorrin said cryptically as he spread his wings and flew upward. The others looked equally confused as Ash but decided to follow his advice and quickly found a steel bleacher nearby to sit in. Mew left Ash's hat and flew off, still invisible, while Skye continued to rest on Ash's shoulder, and Azrael laid down on his stomach to watch.

"What do you think he's going to do?"

("I have no idea,") Azrael said before turning to Skye. ("He's your father. Do you have a clue?")

("Nope, I'm in the dark about this too,") Skye chirped.

After looking around, Sorrin seemed to be still in flight. He then gathered a large gust of air into his lungs before screaming so loud the entire area had to have heard him to the point that everybody in the battle area and, even beyond it, froze up in surprise.

("HEY! SPIKE BOOBS! GET YOUR BLUE AND BLACK FURRY ASS OUT HERE UNLESS YOUR TOO MUCH OF A PUSSY TO FIGHT ME!")

For a while, there was just a stunned facial expression on everyone until suddenly, an explosion went off, and a window from up above on the higher levels was blown open. A glowing figure erupted from the smoke, blazing like they were on fire, and dived toward a grinning Sorrin, who flew towards the hailing figure. Only by looking closely were Ash and his friends able to see that it was a Lucario with a slightly bigger chest barrel and wearing a blue scarf around her neck with a yellow Pokeball symbol at each end of it. Screaming, the angry Lucario shot its paws out with Aura surrounding them while Sorrin's wings started to glow white, and the two clashed.

An explosion of energy burst from the impact as the Lucario descended to the air, no worse for wear, and landed on the ground with a growl while Sorrin continued to fly up in the air, grinning. Ash and the others stared silently, shocked by what Sorrin had just done.

"(...Well, I know one thing I'll be able to tell my siblings and moms when I get home,") Skye finally said.

"(What's that?") Azrael asked.

"(That since Daddy can curse like now that so can I!")