The Palace Ball
The breakfast went by as expected, with the Aura Guardians asking Lucario questions about his time and Lucario asking them about what happened after he was sealed. They all had to admit, they did not have much information about the events following the war and after Sir Aaron's death. Lucario was annoyed by the lack of information and gave a huff before turning to the children who had sat beside him. He half wondered if they had strategical sat themselves around him so he wouldn't be overwhelmed by questions from curious Guardians.
Lucario turned to observe his older brethren, -I'm surprised, you chose a non - Aura user as your Master.-
Luc gave him a smile, -He is my pack and partner. Not my Master. He refuses to be called such. And I followed my instincts when I decided to follow him. I was not led astray.-
Cypress mumbled, "Follow? Don't you mean stalked me till I had to agree?"
Ash giggled at his family's antics, "Uncle Luc is family. He has been taking care of me since I can remember."
Gary nodded, "Uh huh! You can say that again. Uncle Luc is the coolest."
Lucario blinked as he observed the family in front of him, -You two are different from what I expected.-
Red looked curiously, "What do you mean?"
Lucario shrugged, -When I felt their presence, I thought it was another aura user. But I see I was wrong, you are not an Aura user nor are you a psychic. You are something else.-
Green laughed holding Gary's shoulder, "Figures you would notice. My baby brother is special."
Lucario nodded turning to Red, -Its hard to ignore them. If you don't mind me asking how long were you training? Your aura strength is very high.-
Red blinked before laughing sheepishly, "I just started physical training a few months ago."
Lucario, -You are a gifted.-
Arwen got up, "Yes, he is! My Lady, thank you for the meal but we need to get on with what we gathered here for. Young man, if you would come with us we would like to test you in aura combat."
Red nodded in agreement before getting up and following the older Aura Guardians while the younger ones stayed back. Gary looked at Green as if to ask why he didn't go with Red but Green explained initiations were mostly private, his certainly was. Lucario nodded and said it was the same for him and Sir Aaron before when they first joined the Guardians. This got Riley's interest and he started to ask questions about the customs of the past and compare them with those in the present.
Riley was fascinated, "Huh, I had no idea having Fire Pokemon gather in the castle to warm up was a practice started by Sir Aaron."
Lucario smiled a bit, -My Queen was sceptical about it but after seeing the benefits she made it tradition for all fire types to get a free place to stay at the castle during winter.-
Lucario's eyes dimmed a bit thinking about the past both happy and sad times. Luc pat his shoulder before getting up to follow his partner outside, Cypress had agreed to patrol the area as an added security for the festival today. They were having the Hero Festival in memory of Sir Aaron's sacrifice many years ago, Lucario wanted to laugh. He was not so angry anymore but he still held many questions.
Lucario gave a quite, -Why?-
Green spoke up, "Maybe because he wanted you to live?"
Lucario was startled, -What do you mean?-
Green sat next to Lucario, "Well buddy! I have never been in a war before so I don't know what it is like, but if there is one thing I know about it. It's that people don't come back alive from it."
Lucario looked to be contemplating it as he sat watching the trainers battle down below. Green sat beside him waiting for his turn to battle, Kadavra had been very excited to fight. The two of them had won the preliminary rounds and were waiting for the semi finals to start. Ash and Gary were cheering for him from the stands.
Green, 'Pity Red has his initiation, he would have loved this.'
Green got up as his name was called, he was battling a trainer from Vermillion city who was using a Raichu. He walked to his side of the battlefield and Kadavra got ready to fight. Raichu started off with the classic thunderbolt which Kadavra reflected back using mirror. Green then had Kadavra use hypnosis on Raichu and used confusion to make it believe it was time to sleep. Ash and Gary were giggling at the quick win and the trainer from Vermillion was taken aback at how quickly the match had ended. He had complimented Green on his clever thinking and quick execution of his moves before moving. Green had reached the final round.
The final round was between Green and a trainer from Goldenrod city and she was battling with her Croconaw. They started the battle, with Croconaw attacking with a hydro pump. Kadavra uses teleport to dodge the attack and used hyper beam to retaliate back. Chocolate rushed forward to use bite but Kadavra used reflect to stop him. They were evenly matched then Green decided to use his mind link and told Kadavra to get shadow ball ready. He told Kadavra to use confusion on the bubble attack Croconaw was shooting and to send it back. While the gator Pokemon was busy dealing with the bubbles Green released the final attack
Green, "Alright, Kadavra shadow ball!"
The shadow ball hit right on the target knocking the Croconaw out making Green the winner of the tournament. Ash and Gary cheered loudly and went to congratulate and hug Green for his victory.
Ilene, "Congratulations to our new victor, Green Oak. Everyone is invited to the celebratory ball tonight that we will host to celebrate a new Hero."
The crowd cheered and Green, Ash and Gary were taken by the maids of the Queen to pick their ball dresses or costume from the many outfits. Ash looked at the dress shirts and had a flashback to his past. Gary looked around and raised his eyebrow on not seeing a single ball gown.
Gary, "Ummmm... Head maid? Where are the ball gowns?"
Head maid, "They are in the female section young man. Why are you asking?"
Gary, "It's not for me! It's for Ash. Ash, you want to wear a dress shirt or a dress?"
Ash, "Both, one for the dance and one after."
Queen Ilene who was talking to the maids heard what Gary said, "Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't realize.... Say, Ash how about I help you pick a dress?"
Ash blinked, "You will? Wait, don't you have work?"
Ilene waved her hand, "A little break won't hurt anyone."
Ilene ordered one of her maid to bring out all the dresses that were Ash's size from the racks. Gary smiled then went to help his older brother pick an outfit for the evening. Green had decided to pick an outfit that looked like a copy of Sir Aaron. Kadavra and Fennekin here going through the ribbons and bow ties that were available for Pokemon to wear. Pikachu and Eevee had joined them on it while Litten and Charmander had decided to play around a bit. The Queen and the maids were having a ball dressing Ash up in cute dresses. Ash did not seem to mind them fawning and only commented on whether it was too tight or uncomfortable.
The dresses ranged from strawberry shortcake styled ball gowns to sunflower styled gowns to ballerina type ones. They finally decided on a white fluffy dress with a light gold embroidery on it. As for the shoes, they decided to go for simple one inch heel white shoes with a pearl stud on it. They picked a dress shirt, pants and coats which made Ash look like a young noble. Gary meanwhile was being treated like a mannequin by his older brother who was dressing him up trying to decide which outfit was best. Gary sighed and looked at Lucario who was watching them amused from the doorway. Gary couldn't help but turn a little pink at being watched.
Green noticed him, "You're back Lucario."
Lucario, -Yes. Your friend's initiation has ended. He is officially a student now.-
Green smiled, "Great! He can join us at the ball. I wonder, if he has chosen a Pokemon yet."
Lucario, -From what I saw he received one of the starter Pokemon?-
Green nodded, "Well, you are ready baby bro. Just as I thought you look handsome in a Prince outfit."
Gary smiled shyly, "Big brother looks good as well."
Lucario chuckled at how adorable Gary was, "I think your friend is ready too."
Ilene walked out holding Ash's hand, "I see. everyone is ready."
Green's eyes bulged, "Ash? You look like a Princess."
Ash blushed at being called a princess again, Ilene looked proud of her work and even she agreed with Green, Ash did look like a Princess. If she could, she would adopt this adorable child right now.
Ilene cleared her throat, "Green, if you will join me please. We will have to open the ball so to speak."
Green nodded and the group walked together towards the ball and on the way they met Red and Riley. They had the same reaction, Green did to Ash making him blush again. Before Green joined Ilene at the stage though he asked Kadavra and Fennekin to keep an eye on his sibling, he had a feeling something would happen. The two Pokemon nodded and assured their partner to trust them with Gary's safety.
Green smiled and joined Ilene who then commanded the ball to begin. Green could not take part in the festivities though, he had to play his part as a hero and watch over them. Red took out Snivy for everyone to meet and greet. Snivy greeted them and looked around, he noticed there were quite a mixture of Pokemon from different regions. The group got together and enjoyed themselves as they watched the humans dance.
Red, "May I have this dance, Princess?"
Ash, "I don't know how to dance."
Red laughed, "I don't know either."
Ash still took Red's hand and danced with his big brother, they made quite a sight. A handsome boy in an apprentice uniform and a cute Princess dressed in a silver white gown that made her look like an angel. Gary asked Ash to dance with him next as Red left to join the other Aura Guardians to watch over the party. Gary and Ash enjoyed themselves giggling and laughing as they danced. Most of the older dancers could not help but smile watching them enjoy themselves. The women cooed at how adorable they looked while the men grinned, the feeling of enjoyment and happiness being contagious.
Ilene was smiling from her throne, 'I get the feeling this year will be special for us.'
Green watched over his brother and Ash from his seat as the two danced across the floor. After a bit they took a break to get something to eat and joined the Pokemon at the table. Red joined them along with Riley who was showing him the ropes.
Red, "You two are enjoying yourselves."
Ash smiled, "Yes, we are."
Gary, "Soooo, is this your first job?"
Red, "Security control? Sort of, I'll get more harder jobs the more my training increase according to Riley here. It won't be long now apparently."
Riley grinned, "Yup! It's just a matter of time in fact. You are learning faster than I thought you would so I have a lot of hope."
Red nodded, "Thanks!"
Riley, "Say... May I have the next dance Princess?"
Red glared at him, "Seriously?"
Riley grinned, "Come on! You already danced. It's my turn now."
Ash pat his brother's hand, "I don't mind big brother."
Red sighed, "Fine."
Riley held his hand out to takes Ash's and took him to the dance floor to dance. Riley was amused and very impressed, looking at Ash all he saw was a very adorable little girl. His Riolu he noticed was getting along with the rest of the Pokemon at the table even with Sir Aaron's Lucario. He smiled softly at Ash as he twirled him around the ball, he noticed some of the female Guardians look at him with a hint of jealousy. They wanted to spend time with the cutie too, it seems. He smiled at them, only to get glares. They spent the ball dancing and eating till one of the Pokemon demanded Ash and Gary's attention much to Riley's amusement and Red's exasperation and the two excuses themselves from the ball to spend time with them.