Aoi Hyoudou: Thank you for your continued support. It's always great to see readers enjoying the new series. As many of you may know or may not know yet, the Traveler will finally appear. The gender of the traveler I went with will be revealed once you read the chapter. Hopefully, most won't be disappointed with the choice.
The Terror of a Dragon
...
As the panic and chaos intensified on the streets of Mondstadt, the city guards of Favonius, led by Aramis, Lawrence, and Swan, took charge of the situation. The urgent need to evacuate citizens to safer grounds was evident, and the guards moved swiftly to restore order.
"Stay together, follow the path! We'll get you to safety," Aramis shouted, his authoritative voice cutting through the panicked citizens.
"Move, move! Stick together, and we'll make it through this!" Lawrence urged, gesturing for the citizens to keep a tight formation.
"No need to shove and push, just follow this path," Swan added, trying to keep the crowd calm from knocking each other over in a hurry.
As the group moved through the chaotic streets of Mondstadt, the guards faced the challenge of sudden surges of panicked crowds. Aramis, Lawrence, and Swan coordinated their efforts seamlessly in the midst of the crisis. Despite the urgency of the situation, the guards continued to guide the citizens through the turmoil, determined to see them to safety.
...
In the midst of the chaotic scenes unfolding in various parts of Mondstadt, Raymond and Miles struggled to maintain order in their assigned area. The panicked citizens added to the challenge as they desperately tried to navigate the tumultuous situation. Raymond, barked orders to the crowd, attempting to restore some semblance of order. "Stay calm, follow the guards! We're doing everything we can to get everyone to safety," Raymond urged, his voice cutting through the panic.
Miles moved swiftly through the crowd, helping those who stumbled or were in distress. He constantly scanned the surroundings, ready to respond to any sudden threats or obstacles.
Amidst the chaos, Lizzie, another NPC guard, noticed the distressed little girl and approached with empathy in her eyes. Kneeling down to the child's level, Lizzie offered a comforting presence. "Hey, hey, what's wrong?" she asked gently.
"Mama... Papa... I don't know where they are," the girl sobbed, her eyes filled with fear.
Lizzie gave the girl a warm smile and reassured her, "Let me help you find them. Come on." Taking the girl's hand, Lizzie guided her through the chaotic scene, weaving through the panicked crowd in search of the girl's parents.
The looming presence of Stormterror in Mondstadt indeed added a layer of tension and uncertainty to the already chaotic situation.
...
At the plaza, Ash, Amber, Noelle, Venti, Paimon, Pikachu, and Lucario, continued to gaze at the stationary figure of Stormterror hovering ominously in the sky above Mondstadt. The lack of movement from the dragon sparked curiosity and concern among the onlookers.
Ash scratched his head, exchanging puzzled glances with the others. "This is weird. It's just... sitting there."
Amber scanned the dragon's behavior. "I've never seen it stay in one place like this. Something might be up."
Noelle squinted her eyes, trying to discern any unusual signs. "It's not attacking, but why is it here? And what's it planning?"
Venti tilted his head, studying the unusual stillness of Stormterror. "This is quite unprecedented. It's as if it's waiting for something. But what?"
Pikachu and Lucario reacted instinctively to Stormterror's unusual behavior. The sparks of electricity began to crackle around Pikachu's red cheeks, signaling his readiness for action. Lucario bared its fangs with intense growling.
Amber, catching the shift in the Pokémon's demeanor, turned to Ash with concern. "Looks like your Pikachu and Lucario are picking up on something. We need to be on guard."
Ash nodded. "Alright, Pikachu, Lucario, stay sharp. We don't know what Stormterror is up to, but we're not letting anything happen to Mondstadt."
Paimon hid behind Ash, seeking refuge from the imminent danger. She peeked out from behind him.
Ash turned to Paimon, giving her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Paimon. You can stay behind with me. We'll make sure everyone stays safe."
Paimon nodded, still a bit wary but appreciative of Ash's comforting words. She hovered near him, offering moral support to the group as they faced the enigmatic challenge posed by Stormterror.
High above Mondstadt, Stormterror observed the chaotic scene unfolding in the city below. Its eyes fixed on the turmoil. The dragon's presence seemed almost contemplative as if it was biding its time, waiting for a specific moment to make its first move. The sudden surge of pain emanating from the purple spikes on Stormterror's back startled the mighty dragon. A guttural growl echoed through the skies as the dragon struggled with the intense sensation. In its agony, Stormterror unleashed a powerful wind shockwave that rippled through the air, directed towards Mondstadt.
Ash and his group braced themselves for the impending impact. The wind shockwave hit the city with formidable force, causing chaos in its wake. Windows shattered, roofs were torn away, and buildings suffered damage under the relentless assault of the elemental force.
The guards of Favonius, who were already grappling with the chaos on the ground, found themselves facing a new level of challenge. The wind shockwave intensified the panic among the citizens, causing them to scatter in all directions despite the guards' best efforts to maintain order.
As the wind shockwave continued to wreak havoc in Mondstadt, Ash, Pikachu, and Lucario prepared to counter Stormterror's assault. Gritting his teeth, Ash exchanged determined glances with his Pokémon.
"Pikachu, Lucario, are you guys ready?" Ash inquired, and both Pokémon nodded in affirmation. "Alright. Pikachu, use Thunderbolt. Lucario, Aura Sphere," he commanded, in an attempt to subdue the distressed dragon.
However, Venti gasped at the sight of Ash's plan. Realizing the potential consequences of attacking Stormterror while it was already in distress, Venti stepped forward, desperation in his voice. "Hold on, Ash! Call off your attack!" he pleaded, drawing the attention of the group.
"Venti, what's up with you all of a sudden?" Paimon demanded with a frown. "Why are you stopping Ash and his Pokémon?"
Venti took a deep breath before responding to Paimon's question. "Paimon, attacking Stormterror while it's distressed might not be the best course of action. It could aggravate the situation further. We need to find a way to calm it down."
"Dvalin isn't doing it on purpose!" Venti defended Stormterror's strange behavior, catching the group off guard.
"What?!" Paimon and the others exclaimed in unison, clearly surprised by Venti's statement
Before they could press Venti for more details on what he meant, the wind shockwave subsided, indicating a momentary respite for the city.
The group's attention shifted as a set of loud, determined footsteps approached. Turning towards the source, they saw Jean, accompanied by a handful of guards rushing towards them. Amber quickly recognized her.
"It's Jean!" The Outrider exclaimed, bringing attention to the approaching figure.
As Jean reached the group, a mix of relief and genuine concern crossed her face. "Amber. Noelle. Ash. I'm so glad you're all okay," she expressed, her words reflecting the relief she felt at finding them unharmed.
Amber nodded. "We're holding up, but Stormterror is acting strange. Venti thinks there might be something going on."
"Strange behavior? Strange or not, it's already causing a lot of damage. We need to hold it off. The safety of Mondstadt is at stake," Jean asserted, emphasizing the need to protect the city despite the uncertainty surrounding Stormterror's actions.
Amber sighed in acknowledgment of the Acting Grand Master's decision. However, her curiosity about the whereabouts of Kaeya and Lisa prompted her to ask, "Where's Kaeya and Lisa?"
Jean offered a reassuring smile in response to Amber's question. "They took station in other parts of Mondstadt to make sure everything didn't get out of control. We're coordinating efforts to cover as much ground as possible and protect the citizens."
Amber nodded in understanding. "Got it."
The sudden, loud growl from Stormterror echoed through the sky, capturing the attention of the group. All eyes turned upward, fixating on the dragon as it seemed to prepare for a more direct approach towards Mondstadt.
Jean's expression tightened, and she spoke with a sense of urgency. "Get ready, everyone. It looks like Stormterror is about to make a move. Stay focused, and let's protect Mondstadt."
Venti's frown deepened, concern etched across his face as he observed Stormterror's behavior. The once-protective dragon now seemed corrupted and unpredictable.
As Ash fixed his gaze on the city's walls, a realization seemed to dawn upon him. The highest point would provide a clear view of Stormterror's approaching form, giving. Without uttering a word, Ash dashed forward with Lucario following closely behind. Ash's sudden dash forward caught the entire group off guard, including Jean, who reacted with immediate concern. She barked out a demanding voice, "Ash, where are you going?! Get back here!" The Acting Grand Master was worried about Ash putting himself in danger, especially without the protection of a Vision.
As Ash dashed forward, he spared a quick side glance over his shoulder to respond to Jean's earlier command. "I'm going to stop Stormterror!" he declared, determination evident in his voice. Jean's eyes widened in surprise at the bold statement. "Or at least stall for time until everyone is out of danger!"
Paimon shouted, "Wait for me, then!" She flew after her new friend. "Paimon wants to... help too or at least be your moral support!"
Jean's voice carried a mixture of concern and helplessness as she called out to Ash and Paimon. "Ash... Paimon..." Her eyes followed their figures until they became small, disappearing from her sight as they ascended the city walls to confront Stormterror.
...
Standing atop the city walls side by side with Lucario, Ash felt a surge of determination coursing through him. The Mega glove adorned with the Lucarionite gleamed in the sunlight, a powerful tool that he was grateful to have brought with him. He had a premonition that it might come in handy, especially in dire situations like the one unfolding with Stormterror.
As Stormterror grew clearer in their sight, Paimon, being a natural worrywart, couldn't help but voice her concerns. She glanced at Ash and asked, "Are you sure you know what you are doing, Ash?"
A chuckle escaped Ash's lips before he turned to the nervous fairy girl with a grin. "Not really," he bluntly admitted, causing Paimon to stare at him in disbelief, her jaw hanging open. "But we won't know until we try, right?"
"I guess...?" Paimon said hesitantly, unsure how to respond to Ash's optimism. His nonchalant attitude caught her off guard, but there was an undeniable charm to his determination.
Ash patted Paimon on the head reassuringly. "Don't worry, Paimon. We'll figure it out together."
Paimon, still a bit uncertain, couldn't help but feel a sense of reassurance from Ash's confidence.
Stormterror, having taken notice of Ash, his Pokémon, and Paimon on top of the city walls, snarled angrily at their presence. The dragon halted its advancement, and with a furious roar, it unleashed a power burst stream of gust towards Ash and his party at full speed.
Paimon panicked and sought cover behind Ash as the wind-element attack hurtled in their direction. Sensing the imminent danger, Ash quickly issued commands to his Pokémon. "Pikachu, Thunderbolt! Lucario, Aura Sphere! Let's go!"
Pikachu released a powerful Thunderbolt, crackling with electrical energy while Lucario gathered energy for an Aura Sphere. The two attacks combined, creating a surge of elemental power that clashed against Stormterror's gust stream. The air crackled with energy as Pikachu's Thunderbolt and Lucario's Aura Sphere met the oncoming assault. The clash of elements created a dazzling display of lights, and the force of the impact rippled through the air. The city walls trembled under the intensity of the confrontation.
KA-BBBOOOOOOOOOOMMMMM!
The clash between Stormterror's gust stream and Ash's Pokémon's combined attacks finally erupted into a thunderous explosion, shaking the very foundations of Mondstadt. The loud burst echoed through the sky, and the citizens below felt the violent rumble as screams and whimpers echoed through the streets.
Jean and the rest of her group, still at ground level, were left in the dark about the unfolding events atop the city walls. The explosive sound and the violent tremors caught their attention, causing them to glance upward anxiously. Concern mingled in their expressions as they hoped that Ash and Paimon weren't at the receiving end of the explosion.
As the smoke cleared, a barrage of wind and dark element projectiles emerged from the dissipating haze. It became evident that Stormterror had launched them, aiming to catch the group off guard. Acting quickly, Ash commanded, "Take them out, you guys!"
Pikachu responded with a rapid succession of Thunderbolts, each targeting an incoming projectile. Simultaneously, Lucario unleashed a barrage of quick Aura Spheres, combining their efforts to intercept Stormterror's attacks. The sky echoed with a series of thunderous booms as each collision occurred.
The group managed to hold off Stormterror's assault, creating a temporary stalemate and preventing the projectiles from reaching Mondstadt. However, the strain on Pikachu and Lucario became apparent as fatigue set in. Each Thunderbolt and Aura Sphere required significant energy, and the relentless nature of Stormterror's assault was taking its toll. Beads of sweat began to visibly appear on Pikachu and Lucario's foreheads, a clear sign of the strain they were under. Ash grew concerned. Pikachu and Lucario were giving their all to hold off the onslaught, but it was becoming increasingly challenging to produce their attacks quickly enough.
Seizing the opportunity as both Pikachu and Lucario showed signs of reaching their limits, their stamina slowly decreasing, Stormterror let out another piercing roar. The corrupted dragon launched another powerful burst stream of gust at the group, causing Paimon to panic and Ash to grip his Mega Glove fist with gritted teeth.
The relentless assault of wind and power burst stream of gust bore down upon Ash and his Pokémon, testing their resilience. A smirk tugged at the corner of Ash's lips, and a sweatdrop slid down the side of his face as he stared down at the powerful burst stream of wind. Then, he spared a side glance at Paimon, who was clinging tightly to his back with a soft whimper.
"Paimon..." His gentle voice grabbed her attention as she glanced up, meeting his gaze with confusion. "Mind moving back a little?" he asked.
Paimon, still gripping onto Ash's back, blinked in surprise. "Huh? Back? Why?" As Paimon flew back, putting some distance between herself and Ash, her gaze lingered on the sparkling Keystone in his glove, which emitted a bright shine.
Ash chuckled at Paimon's priceless expression before turning back to his Pokémon. "Pikachu, make sure Paimon is safe and leave the rest to me and Lucario, okay?" he asked, drawing an immediate nod from his partner. Pikachu quickly joined Paimon's side. "You ready, Lucario?" Lucario gave a nod, eliciting a smile from Ash.
With Pikachu by Paimon's side, ensuring her safety, Ash focused his attention on Stormterror.
As Ash and Lucario took their positions, Ash lifted his Mega Glove fist and touched the Keystone with two fingers, activating Mega Evolution. A burst of energy blasted out from the Lucarionite, enveloping both the Trainer and his Pokémon. Paimon's eyes widened in surprise as she noticed the duo engulfed in a bright light, which soon intensified into a blue glow. Ash and Lucario yelled simultaneously, feeling the new surge of power coursing through their veins.
"What's going on here?" Paimon's eyes widened with amazement as she observed the transformation
The little fairy girl wasn't the only one who was wondering what was happening. Jean and the rest of the group noticed the strange light show on top of the city walls.
Amber pointed at the spectacle, her expression a mix of surprise and curiosity. "What's going on up there?"
"That's some intense light..." Jean squinted as she observed the radiant display. "Is it some new kind of magic?"
"Hmm..." Venti squinted at the aura emitting from Ash and Lucario. "This energy... It's not elemental manipulation. It feels... reminiscent, yet different," Venti mused, his eyes narrowing as he tried to connect the dots. The familiarity of the sensation piqued his curiosity.
As the light subsided, Mega Lucario and Ash braced themselves as Stormterror's wind blast closed in. "All right, Lucario! Let's show Stormterror what the power of Mega Evolution can do!" Mega Lucario nodded with a soft growl.
Ash and Mega Lucario focused their energy, channeling their aura and creating a bright blue glow around them. Their eyes also emitted the same intense shade of blue, indicating their heightened state of power and concentration.
"Alright, Lucario, it's time for the Maximum Aura Sphere! Let's do this!" Ash commanded with a determined look on his face. The duo moved in perfect synchronization, mirroring each other's movements as they prepared for their ultimate attack. Mega Lucario focused all of its aura into its paws, forming a small sphere that slowly began to grow and expand. As the sphere grew larger, their aura intensified, creating a powerful force that could be felt by all those around them. With a final burst of energy, Mega Lucario launched the Maximum Aura Sphere towards Stormterror's assault.
The Maximum Aura Sphere, glowing with an intense blue light, streaked through the air with incredible speed. The city below watched in awe as the formidable attack closed in on Stormterror's wind blast. The clash of the opposing forces created a spectacular show of power as the two forces collided in a burst of energy. The sound of the impact was deafening as the sky boomed with thunder. For a brief moment, it seemed as though time had stopped with the world frozen in awe as the two forces battled for supremacy.
Stormterror was momentarily surprised by the resilience of the Aura Sphere, but quickly recovered and increased its attack, causing the burst of gust to push back Mega Lucario's attack slightly. The dragon remained determined and continued to put pressure on Ash and Mega Lucario. Mega Lucario and Ash, however, were equally determined and pushed back against Stormterror with all their might.
"Come on, Lucario! Just a little more!" Ash shouted, his face glistening with sweat as he urged his Pokémon to keep fighting. The exhausted yet determined Mega Lucario nodded, and both Ash and Mega Lucario extended their hands, channeling more aura into the Aura Sphere. The energy of the attack intensified as they poured more of their strength into it.
The Aura Sphere gained immense momentum and size as it clashed with Stormterror's attack, pushing the dragon's gust back and creating another stalemate. The two forces were evenly matched.
Growing increasingly annoyed, Stormterror launched another burst within its own attack, which sped towards the Aura Sphere. It seemed as though the Aura Sphere might finally be overpowered. However, Ash and Mega Lucario refused to give up. With one final attempt, Ash and Mega Lucario summoned all of their strength and focused all of their aura into the Maximum Aura Sphere. The energy around their bodies intensified as they poured every ounce of energy they had into the attack. With a final push, they launched the massive Aura Sphere towards Stormterror. The extra boost was more than enough to overwhelm the dragon's attack and push it back towards Stormterror.
Stormterror's eyes widened in shock as the Maximum Aura Sphere collided with it.
KA-BBBOOOOOOOOOOMMMMM!
The collision was intense with a blinding flash of light illuminating the entire area. The explosion was so powerful that it boomed the sky with a thunderous roar, shaking Mondstadt to its very foundations. The violent aftermath of the attack was felt throughout the city as buildings shook and debris rained down from the sky.
The citizens of Mondstadt witnessed the breathtaking yet terrifying display of power unleashed by Ash and Mega Lucario. The explosion echoed in the air, leaving a momentary silence before the city erupted into a mix of gasps, cheers, and amazement.
"No, Dvalin..." Venti muttered, his voice heavy with sadness as the bard stared up at the massive black smoke that engulfed Stormterror's original position in the sky.
Ash and Mega Lucario dropped to their knees in exhaustion, their bodies drained of energy after the intense battle. Mega Lucario reverted back to its original form. Paimon and Pikachu quickly rushed to Ash's side. "You guys did it!" Paimon chirped, her voice filled with excitement and admiration.
Though they were exhausted, Ash had a strange feeling that something wasn't quite right. He fixed his gaze on the lingering black smoke in the sky, a sense of unease growing in the pit of his stomach. When the dust settled, however, what he saw left him and his companions in disbelief. Stormterror was there, unscathed by the attack as if the battle had never even taken place. Ash felt a sense of confusion and frustration wash over him, wondering how this could be possible. Paimon and Pikachu looked on in shock, unsure of what to do next. The people of Mondstadt who had witnessed the battle were equally stunned, murmurs of disbelief and confusion spreading throughout the crowd.
"No way..." Ash murmured, his voice filled with disbelief. "We gave everything we had, and it still wasn't enough."
Stormterror was now fed up with all the annoyance and locked its gaze on Ash and his group. With one piercing roar, the dragon dove down from the sky, heading straight towards Ash and Lucario.
As Stormterror inched closer with its beak-like mouth open, preparing to devour the group, Paimon began to have a panic attack. She clutched at her chest, gasping for breath as her heart raced with fear. The massive dragon was closing in, and it seemed as though there was no escape. Pikachu looked on in concern, unsure of what to do. Lucario stood firm, ready to face the dragon head-on, but even it seemed uncertain. Ash felt a sense of worry wash over him, wondering how they would be able to survive this encounter.
As the group watched, a mysterious figure suddenly appeared before them, standing tall and proud as they faced off against the dragon. It was a young man with long blonde hair that flowed down his back in a thick braid, adorned with two white feathers at the end. He wore a dark brown breastplate vest with intricate gold and black accents that revealed his toned midriff, a white scarf tied neatly around his neck with a golden clip, and a white two-tailed cape lined with golden embroidery. A single golden guard with a fleur-de-lis pattern rested on his left shoulder. He wore dark hakama-style pants, dark brown gloves, and black boots with kneecap guards accented with gold. The man's piercing gaze never wavered as he faced down the dragon, and the group realized with a shock that their savior was none other than Aether the Traveler.
As Ash felt his consciousness slipping away, he was relieved that Aether was there to help. He was becoming increasingly fatigued, and his vision was growing blurry. Suddenly, he collapsed onto his back with a loud thud. Aether rushed over and extended his hand towards Ash, trying to help him up. As Ash lay there, he saw flash images of a mysterious white-haired woman and Aether playing in his mind. Soon, darkness overtook him, and he could hear Pikachu's desperate cries and Paimon's panicked voice in the distance calling out his name.
"Ash!"
...
That's right. Having Ash using Mega Evolution was the only way he had a chance against Stormterror. Speaking of which, hopefully, the battle was good for what it was. I'm sorry to disappoint most who wanted Lumine, but going with Aether was the right decision. Don't worry Lumine will still be in the story but for plot reasons and whatnot.