Greetings fellow readers, MasterW here
I present to you a new story.
I hope you like it
Without any further to do, enjoy!
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(Third Person's POV)
The weight of a crown, even a ceremonial one, was a subtle and persistent kind of exhaustion.
As the newly ascended Queen of Rota, Ilene's day had been a marathon of ribbon-cuttings, diplomatic pleasantries, and upholding traditions that stretched back centuries.
While her title held little direct political power in the modern era, the influence of her name and the deep cultural history of Rota commanded immense respect, a respect that required constant, graceful maintenance
"A tiring day, Lady Ilene?"
Turning, she saw the familiar, kindly face of the old maid Jenny, her most loyal confidant and a woman who had served her family for longer than Ilene had been alive
"You could say that, Jenny," Ilene replied, offering a tired but genuine smile. "Sometimes I think battling an angry Gyarados would be simpler"
"Well, perhaps a distraction would help settle your mind," Jenny said, a knowing glint in her eye.
Ilene didn't need to guess. She already knew what, or who, Jenny was referring to. "Are they...?"
"Yes, in the main garden," Jenny confirmed.
As they approached the secluded royal gardens, the air, usually scented with blooming flowers, carried the sharp tang of ozone and the sound of muffled explosions.
The gentle rustle of leaves was punctuated by the crunch of impacting feet and the whistle of something moving at incredible speed.
They turned the corner and entered the ample clearing. The scene before them was anything but ordinary.
A young man with teal-colored hair, his expression one of intense focus, was engaged in a blistering sparring match with a Riolu.
And standing imposingly to the side, his arms crossed over his chest, was the legendary Lucario of Sir Aaron himself.
Even now, after all this time, a part of Ilene still felt a thrill of awe at his presence.
Her attention returned to the fight.
The young man, Pali, moved with a fluid economy of motion, evading the Riolu's attacks with precise shifts of his body, blocking strikes with his forearms in a way that spoke of ingrained muscle memory.
He saw an opening, leaping into a spinning kick that connected with the Pokémon's guard.
The force of the impact sent Lucci skidding backward across the grass.
Not missing a beat, the Riolu planted its feet.
It raised its paws, and a sphere of brilliant blue Aura formed between them.
It launched the sphere, and then, in a stunning display of control, two additional Aura Spheres shot forth right behind the first, creating a tri-pronged volley of destructive energy.
Pali didn't retreat.
He settled into a deep, rooted stance, his hands moving in flowing, circular patterns that seemed to leave faint, shimmering trails of blue light in their wake.
As the first sphere reached him, he used the back of his palm to redirect it upwards, where it detonated harmlessly in the air with a sharp crack.
The second, he deflected downwards with a sweeping motion; it exploded against the ground, kicking up a thick cloud of dust and obscuring him from view.
The third sphere shot into the dust cloud. A hand, wreathed in a faint blue glow, shot out and caught it. With a sharp clench of his fist, Pali crushed the sphere. The resulting explosion scorched his hand, but he emerged from the dust a moment later, shaking the smoke from his fingers as if merely brushing off dust.
Then he moved.
His feet dug a small crater into the earth as he launched forward, crossing the distance to Lucci in a blur.
A single, precise tap landed on the Riolu's forehead, the force behind it carefully controlled yet still enough to send the Pokémon tumbling onto its back.
A calm, telepathic voice echoed in both Ilene and Jenny's minds. "[First Hit. Pali wins]"
"Thanks, teacher," Pali said, his serious expression finally softening as he offered a hand to his partner.
The Riolu, Lucci, grumbled but took the hand, pulling himself up with a determined look in his eyes.
"That was a nice showing, Pali, Lucci," Ilene said, announcing their presence.
The trio turned and bowed respectfully. "Thank you, your Majesty," Pali said.
"[Your majesty]" Lucario's voice resonated in her mind again. "[I believe they are ready.]"
"Truly?" Ilene confirmed, though the evidence had just been displayed before her. She looked at the collar the Riolu carried, holding a particularly stone
"We have been for a while" Pali admitted, placing a hand on Lucci's head "But Lucci and I wanted to be stronger, to be worthy of the legacy we represent, before we took the first step."
"Gao" The Riolu nodded
"That's very insightful of you, Young Pali," Jenny said, her voice full of pride.
Ilene knew what this meant.
The moment Lucci evolved into a Lucario would not just be a personal milestone; it would be the official start of their journey, a journey many of the people of Rota were expecting
"Then, let us retire to the main chamber," Ilene declared, her regal composure returning fully. "We will hold the ceremony there"
The trio nodded, falling into step behind Jenny and the Queen as they processed toward the throne room.
She remembered the first time she met Pali and Lucci
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(Years Ago)
The sun beat down warmly on the grand stone arena of Rota, its ancient stands packed to the brim.
Banners depicting the legendary hero, Sir Aaron fluttered in the gentle breeze.
It was the annual Aura Guardian's Festival Tournament, a celebration of the kingdom's history and a chance for young trainers to prove their mettle.
In the royal box, a young Princess Ilene, her hair not yet in its signature mature style, watched the proceedings with a polite but slightly disheartened air "The battles are spirited, but it seems we have very few Rota-born trainers making it to the later rounds this year," she murmured to Jenny, who stood beside her
"It is a trend, I'm afraid, my Lady," Jenny replied softly. "The world grows, and our youth look outward. Though, the next participant is one of ours. An orphan from the town's shelter."
Ilene's interest was piqued. "Is that so? I wonder what he will bring to the arena."
Down in the stadium, the announcer's voice boomed. "For this match, from Saffron city, give it up for Leo and his Spearow!"
A confident boy in a cap released the screeching, Normal/Flying-type bird. It flapped aggressively, eager for a fight
"And his opponent, from Rota itself, please welcome Pali!"
A boy stepped onto the opposite platform. He had messy dark-green hair and striking green eyes that held a calm intensity unusual for his age. He had the sharp, handsome features that promised to make him a looker in the future, but for now, he was just a focused young trainer.
"Go, Lucci!" Pali called, tossing a simple Pokéball.
In a flash of red light, a small, blue-and-black canine Pokémon materialized. It stood on steady feet, its red eyes sharp and observant, the two long appendages on its head swaying slightly.
For a split second, there was silence.
Then, a wave of astonished murmurs rippled through the Rota-born spectators.
A Riolu. Here. In their tournament.
To them, this wasn't just a rare Pokémon; it was a living piece of their soul, a sacred echo of Sir Aaron's legendary partner.
In the royal box, Ilene leaned forward, her disinterest utterly vanished. "A Riolu..." she breathed. "Jenny, this... this changes everything. This will be an interesting Festival indeed."
The battle commenced. "Spearow, Fury Attack!" Leo commanded.
The bird dove, its beak becoming a blur. Lucci didn't wait for a command. It dropped low, allowing the Spearow to overshoot, then sprang upward, a paw glowing with white energy as it executed a swift Quick Attack that slammed into the bird's underside.
"Wha—? Get back and use Leer!" Leo yelled, flustered
Again, Pali remained silent. He simply watched. As the Spearow glared, attempting to lower Lucci's defenses, the Riolu was already on the move.
It zigzagged across the field, a blue-and-black blur, closing the distance in an instant. It didn't use a standard move; it simply feinted a lunge, causing the Spearow to flinch back, and then delivered a precise, powerful kick to its wing joint.
The Spearow cried out, stumbling
"Finish it, Lucci," Pali said, his voice calm and low, the first words he'd spoken since the match began
Lucci's paws came together. A sphere of blue Aura, small but brilliantly concentrated, formed in an instant and launched forward. The Aura Sphere struck true, and the Spearow was knocked out cold.
The crowd was left in stunned silence, not just at the victory, but at the how.
The Riolu had fought with an unnerving independence, its movements a perfect, seamless dance of offense and defense that seemed to be guided by an unseen thread
Beside Ilene, Jenny whispered, her voice full of awe and dawning realization. "He never gave a single tactical command... the Riolu moved on its own, yet in perfect harmony with the boy... Could it be...?"
Pali was awarded the win, the referee raising his hand. The announcer called for the next round of competitors, but Ilene's eyes were fixed solely on the green-haired boy as he recalled his Riolu with a quiet word of praise.
She turned to Jenny, a definitive spark in her eyes. "That boy... Pali. He isn't just interesting. He could change everything for Rota"
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The air in the arena crackled with anticipation. The preliminary rounds had been whittled down to the final two contestants. On one side stood the surprise of the tournament: Pali, the quiet orphan from Rota, and his partner, the awe-inspiring Riolu, Lucci.
On the other was a seasoned trainer named Kaito, who had traveled from Johto. The announcer's voice boomed, emphasizing the apparent mismatch.
"And now, for the final battle of the Aura Guardian's Festival! On one side, our local hope, Pali and his remarkable Riolu! And on the other, a challenger with proven might, all the way from Goldenrod City, Kaito, who has six Gym Badges to his name! Let's see what his powerful Magmar can do!"
A hush fell as Kaito sent out his Pokémon. The air warped with heat as the Flame Pokémon emerged, its body a roadmap of fiery ducts, a low, rumbling growl emanating from its chest.
It was a fully evolved, battle-hardened creature, a stark contrast to the small, canine Riolu.
"This should be over quickly. Magmar, Smog!" Kaito commanded.
A thick, purple haze billowed from Magmar's beak, rolling across the field to poison and obscure. Pali's response was a quiet, almost inaudible murmur. "Flow."
Lucci didn't need more.
Instead of retreating, he took a single, deep breath, his paws settling into a low, ready stance.
As the smog approached, he began to move, not in a panicked dash, but in a series of subtle, circular sidesteps. His body weaved, the two appendages on his head twitching minutely, seemingly reading the air currents themselves.
He flowed around the edges of the toxic cloud, never letting it fully engulf him, his movements an elegant, unhurried dance
"It's predicting the smog's spread!" Someone yelled from the crowd.
"Fire Punch!" Kaito barked, growing impatient.
Magmar's fist ignited and it lunged, a blazing comet of force. Lucci stood his ground until the last possible moment.
As the fiery fist descended, he didn't block; he shifted his weight, one paw coming up to deflect the punch at the wrist, guiding it harmlessly past his shoulder in wasn't a Pokemon move, it was a martial art one.
The crowd gasped at the sheer audacity.
"Now, Force Palm!" Pali instructed, his voice calm.
Lucci's open paw, already in position from the deflection, glowed white and slammed into Magmar's chest. The effective Fighting-type energy sent the Flame Pokémon stumbling back with a grunt of pain.
Kaito's eyes widened. "Don't let it get away! Confuse Ray!"
A shimmering, disorienting orb of light shot from Magmar's forehead. Lucci's eyes tracked it, but Pali simply said, "Eyes closed. Trust the flow."
Without hesitation, Lucci shut his eyes. He dropped into a roll, feeling the heat and energy of the Confuse Ray pass mere inches above him, his movements guided not by sight, but by an innate sense of the Aura around him. He came out of the roll directly beneath Magmar's guard.
"Aura Sphere, point-blank," Pali said, his command barely a whisper.
Lucci's paws came together and a sphere of blue energy formed and erupted directly into Magmar's stomach. The powerful Pokémon roared in agony, doubling over.
"Enough! Lava Plume!" Kaito screamed, desperate.
Magmar straightened, its body glowing a terrifying orange as it prepared to unleash a torrent of fire in every direction—an unavoidable area attack.
This was the critical moment. Pali's green eyes narrowed. "The overpass. Now."
It was a nonsensical command to anyone else. But Lucci understood. He didn't try to outrun the blast. Instead, he used a tiny, concentrated Quick Attack not forward, but down, shattering the stone beneath him and creating a small crater. As Magmar released the cataclysmic wave of fire, Lucci was already below the main concussive force, the flames licking harmlessly over the edge of his improvised foxhole.
The Lava Plume subsided, leaving Magmar panting and exposed. Lucci exploded from the crater, a blue streak moving towards the fire Pokemon.
He didn't use a named move this time. He executed a flawless, three-part combination: a feinting jab to the face that made Magmar flinch, a low sweep to its legs that broke its balance, and a final, Aura-infused palm strike to its jaw.
Magmar crashed to the ground, its eyes swirled. It did not get up.
The arena was silent for a heartbeat, then erupted into the loudest cheers of the day. The announcer's voice was thick with emotion. "He's done it! He's done it! Pali and Lucci are the winners! Rota has its Aura Guardian! And he's one of our own!"
As the cheers washed over him, Pali walked onto the field, kneeling before his panting but triumphant partner. "Well done, Lucci. That was perfect."
Soon after Princess Ilene herself descended the from the podium and approached the podium, a gentle smile on her face. The crowd watched respectfully.
"Pali," she began, her voice carrying a warmth that silenced the remaining cheers. "That was an incredible victory. You and Lucci… you two share a bond that proves your might"
"Thank you, your Highness," Pali said, bowing his head slightly. Lucci mimicked the gesture beside him.
Ilene's eyes softened as she looked at the Riolu. "A bond like this… it's rare. It must be more than a coincidence. How did you two meet?"
Pali looked down at his partner, a fond, distant look in his green eyes. "A long time ago, in the woods near the shelter. He was alone. I was alone. We found each other. He's been my partner ever since"
Ilene looked at the two, her gaze shifting from the boy to the ancient arena around them, feeling the weight of centuries of history.
A Rota orphan, a Riolu partner, a bond that defied conventional training… it was too perfect to be mere coincidence.
"Yes," she whispered, more to herself than to him, her heart swelling with a profound certainty. "It must be destiny"
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The grand ballroom of Rota Castle was a whirl of silk, laughter, and clinking glasses. The Aura Guardian's Ball was in full swing, a formal celebration in honor of the new champion.
Seated on a slightly raised dais beside Princess Ilene's throne, Pali felt like a statue in a museum.
His formal attire itched, and the constant, swirling dances below seemed endless and pointless
He leaned slightly towards Jenny, who stood vigilantly behind his chair "So the grand prize for winning is... having to sit and watch everyone else have fun?" he muttered under his breath. "This is more exhausting than the fight with Magmar."
Jenny let out a sharp, discreet cough. "Have some composure, Guardian Pali," she whispered, her tone leaving no room for argument. "You represent the legacy of Sir Aaron tonight. Behave."
Pali sighed, giving a curt nod. Well, at least Lucci was having fun with the feast
He shifted the ornate, ceremonial staff of the Aura Guardian in his grip, his gaze drifting over the crowd without really seeing them. It was then, in a lull between musical phrases, that he heard it, a voice, faint and strained, like an echo from the bottom of a well.
[Sir Aaron... how could you?]
He stiffened, his eyes snapping down to the staff in his hands
"Miss Jenny" he said, his voice low and serious, all traces of boredom gone. "There's something in the staff"
Jenny leaned closer, peering at the intricately carved wood. "It is the sacred staff of the Aura Guardians, Pali. It contains generations of history. But there is nothing physically 'in' it. It is merely wood and symbol"
Then the music swelled to a final crescendo and then stopped. A hush fell over the ballroom as Princess Ilene rose from her throne. She glided down the few steps to the main floor, her presence commanding absolute attention.
"My friends, honored guests," she began, her voice clear and resonant. "We have celebrated our new Guardian, and the bright future he represents. But we must never forget the past from which our traditions spring. We will now pay one last tribute to the hero who founded it all: to Sir Aaron."
She turned, her gaze finding Pali's. "Our new Guardian will now give the signal to commence the fireworks display, a light to honor the light of a hero."
There was no order, no whispered instruction. It was simply the next step in the ceremony. Pali nodded, understanding his role. He stood, feeling the weight of every eye upon him. He raised the staff high, his body instinctively falling into the iconic pose of the giant portrait of Sir Aaron that loomed on the wall behind the dais, one arm thrusting the staff skyward, body turned in a profile of resolve.
As he held the pose, the first of the fireworks exploded outside the stained-glass windows, painting the room in fleeting blossoms of color
It was then that the staff answered.
A warmth spread from the wood into Pali's hands, quickly building into a brilliant, blinding light. The staff was no longer a symbol; it was a conduit. A beam of pure, blue-white energy erupted from its tip, not aimed at the ceiling, but lancing down into the very center of the ballroom.
The music died. Gasps and shrieks filled the air as guests stumbled back, shielding their eyes.
The light coalesced, solidifying, taking form. As the fireworks continued their colorful tribute outside, the light inside faded to reveal a figure kneeling on the polished floor.
He was tall and canine, his fur a sleek blue-black, the spikes on his paws and chest sharp and pronounced. His eyes were closed, his head bowed as if in prayer or deep sleep. A pair of long appendages swayed slightly from the back of his head.
It was a Lucario.
The ballroom was utterly, profoundly silent, the only sound the distant, muffled thumps of the fireworks.
The legendary Pokémon of Sir Aaron, the very soul of Rota's history, was no longer just a picture on a wall or a story in a book.
He was here
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(Present)
The grand throne room of Rota Castle, usually a place of quiet reverence, was filled with a palpable, buzzing energy. It was not packed like the tournament arena, but the select crowd gathered here carried a different, heavier kind of weight.
Alongside the palace retainers in their formal attire stood elders of the community, historians, and prominent citizens, the living heart of Rota.
They were not just here for a show; they were here to witness history in the making.
At the center of it all, standing before the dais where Queen Ilene sat with Jenny and the legendary Lucario at her side, was Pali. His teal hair was neat, his posture straight and formal, but his green eyes were fixed on the partner standing before him: Lucci, the Riolu, who met his gaze with unwavering determination.
A respectful hush fell as Ilene rose, her voice clear and carrying to every corner of the stone hall.
"People of Rota," she began, her gaze sweeping over the assembly. "For generations, we have honored the legacy of Sir Aaron, keeping his memory and his ideals alive in our traditions. The title of Aura Guardian has been bestowed upon worthy trainers who compete in our festival. But today… today is different."
She looked down at Pali and Lucci, her expression filled with a profound pride. "Today, we are not merely bestowing a title. We are witnessing the birth of a new, true Aura Guardian. We are here to bless the beginning of a journey that we believe will carry the spirit of Rota to the far corners of the world. A journey that begins not with a command, but with a release."
She nodded to Pali. The signal.
A wave of anticipatory silence crashed over the room. Pali took a deep breath, his serious expression softening as he looked at his best friend. He knelt down, bringing himself eye-level with Lucci.
"This is it, partner," he murmured, his voice quiet but heard by all in the stillness. "No more holding back"
His fingers reached for the simple, dark-grey collar around Lucci's neck. Secured firmly in its center was a small, mottled grey stone, an Everstone.
With a gentle, deliberate motion, Pali unclasped the collar and pulled it away.
For a moment, nothing happened.
Then, a brilliant, blinding white light erupted from Lucci's small form.
The crowd gasped as the Riolu's shape was consumed by the radiant energy.
Within the light, his silhouette began to shift and grow, stretching upward.
The two long appendages on his head receded, while new ones, sharper and more defined, sprouted from his back of his head and the backs of his paws sprouted pointy bone like profusions.
His torso elongated, his shoulders broadened, and his snout became more pronounced. The light pulsed, solidifying the new, taller, more powerful form.
When the light faded, the Riolu was gone.
In his place stood a Lucario.
He stood a head taller than before, his blue-and-black fur sleek and vibrant, the spikes on his chest and paws gleaming.
He opened his eyes, the red orbs now holding a deeper more condensed power. He flexed his new paws, feeling the immense surge of Aura power coursing through him, a river that had finally been allowed to flood its banks.
A voice, clearer and stronger than ever before, resonated directly in Pali's mind. "[I am ready, Pali. Let's go see the world.]"
A wide, genuine smile broke across Pali's face, a rare sight that made several in the crowd catch their breath. "Yeah," he whispered back. "Let's."
The throne room erupted into thunderous, heartfelt applause. It was not the wild cheer of a battle victory, but a deeper, more resonant sound of approval and hope.
As the applause began to die down, Ilene gestured. A retainer stepped forward, presenting Pali with a sturdy, high-quality backpack, bulging with supplies.
"This is a gift from the Kingdom of Rota," Ilene announced. "It contains all you will need for your travels. Furthermore, the Crown will sponsor your journey. Go, show all the region the might and spirit of a true Aura Guardian from Rota."
Pali slung the pack over his shoulder with a grateful nod. "Thank you, your Majesty. I won't let you down"
Then, the legendary Lucario moved. He stepped down from the dais and stood before his student. In his paws, he held a pair of finely crafted gloves, dark blue with gold fastenings, strikingly similar to the ones depicted in portraits of Sir Aaron.
"[For you,]" Lucario's telepathic voice echoed in the minds of those nearby. "[They will help you focus. Channeling your Aura will be like breathing through your hands. Do not forget your training.]"
Pali took the gloves, his expression one of deep respect. "I won't, teacher. Thank you for everything." He slipped them on, and they fit perfectly.
Lucario then turned to the newly evolved Lucario, placing a paw on his shoulder. "[And you. Look after him.]"
The new Lucario met the elder's gaze and gave a single, firm, respectful nod. The passing of the torch was complete.
Finally, Jenny approached, a soft smile on her face. In her hands was a simple, well-made adventurer's hat "For the sun and the rain, young man," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "And to remind you that you always have a home here."
Pali took the hat and placed it on his head. "I'll bring it back in one piece, Jenny. I promise"
He looked at each of them, the Queen, the teacher, the caretaker. He then turned to face the great doors of the throne room, his Lucario falling into step beside him, a true partner and equal.
"Pali," Ilene called out softly. He turned back. She descended the steps, and before the entire assembly, she leaned forward and pressed a gentle, chaste kiss to his forehead. "For luck," she said, her cheeks slightly flushed.
Pali touched the spot, a faint, confident smirk gracing his lips. "Sure thing, Princess."
With that, the new Aura Guardian and his Lucario turned and walked out of the throne room, the great doors closing behind them, stepping into the sunlight and the beginning of their legend.