The Champion Stage {Path of the Aura Ranger: Book III}

II Ash's Lucario's P.O.V

I giggled as Greninja and Hisuian Zoroark playfully teased me, their affectionate banter filling the air with warmth and laughter. The bond between the three of us was something truly special, something I never expected to find but now couldn't imagine living without.

Greninja, with his calm and steady aura, was like a reassuring presence by my side. His touch was gentle, his gaze filled with a deep understanding that reached into the depths of my soul. He was my steady rock, my unwavering support, and the love in his eyes made my heart swell with warmth.

And then there was Hisuian Zoroark, a creature of ever-shifting aura, like a tempest in the night sky. His presence was electrifying, his touch sending shivers down my spine. With Hisuian Zoroark, every moment was an adventure, every day filled with excitement and wonder. His playful antics and mischievous grin never failed to make my heart race with anticipation.

Together, the three of us made a formidable team, each complementing the strengths and weaknesses of the others. Greninja's speed and agility balanced out my strength and endurance, while Hisuian Zoroark's cunning and trickery added an unpredictable element to our battles.

But our bond went deeper than just battling together. We shared a deep and passionate love, a connection that transcended words and actions. Greninja's touch ignited a fire within me, his presence filling me with a sense of peace and contentment. And Hisuian Zoroark... oh, Hisuian Zoroark. His touch was electric, his kisses setting my heart ablaze with desire.

As I looked into Greninja's eyes, I felt my heart swell with love. He was my soulmate, my partner in every sense of the word. And Hisuian Zoroark... he was my wild, untamed passion, my fiery desire that burned bright in the darkness.

Together, the three of us laughed and joked, enjoying each other's company. We were lost in our own little world, their playful affections filling the air with warmth and laughter. Greninja's gentle kisses and Hisuian Zoroark's playful nips sent shivers down my spine, and I couldn't help but lean into their touch, savoring every moment of our time together.

But our blissful moment was shattered by a familiar chuckle, and we jumped away from each other as if caught red-handed. Greninja and Hisuian Zoroark looked at Father with wide eyes, their cheeks flushing with embarrassment as if they were caught with their hands in the cookie jar.

"Having fun, guys?" Father's voice was laced with amusement as he watched us squirm under his gaze.

I felt my cheeks flush with heat, and I couldn't bring myself to meet his eyes. How could he always catch us in these compromising situations? Father took his time teasing us, his playful grin widening as he watched us squirm. I felt my cheeks flush with heat, and I couldn't bring myself to meet his gaze. How could he always catch us in these compromising situations?

Finally, Father turned to me, his expression softening. "Hey, Lucario, mind if I steal you away for a bit?"

Greninja melted into the shadows, disappearing from sight, while Hisuian Zoroark transformed into a Pidgey and flew away. I watched them go, feeling a pang of betrayal. They left me alone! Pouting, I crossed my arms over my chest, already plotting my revenge on Greninja and Hisuian Zoroark. They wouldn't get away with abandoning me like this. Oh no, they were going to pay for leaving me to face Father's teasing alone!

My thoughts of revenge dissolved as I heard Father's chuckle once more. Turning to my trainer, I found him smiling at me fondly, his eyes filled with warmth and affection. Father's presence always had a calming effect on me, grounding me in the present moment.

"Hey, Lucario," Father began, his voice gentle. "Are you up for some meditation?"

I blinked in surprise at the unexpected request. Meditation? It had been a while since Father, and I had practiced together. Riley had always emphasized the importance of meditation in maintaining balance and strengthening our bond, but lately, with Father 's busy schedule as Champion, we hadn't found the time.

Father went on to explain that he had just ended a conversation with Riley, who had expressed disappointment in Father for neglecting his meditation practice. Guilt tugged at my heart as I realized how much I had missed our meditation sessions.

"I'm sorry, Lucario," Father said, his tone apologetic. "I know I've been slacking lately, but meditation is important for both of us. It helps me balance my aura and strengthens our bond."

I shook my head, a small smile playing on my lips. "No need to apologize, Father," I replied. "I understand that being Champion comes with its own set of responsibilities. We all need a moment to acclimate to new challenges."

Father's smile widened, his eyes reflecting gratitude. "Thanks, Lucario. I appreciate your understanding."

Feeling a surge of determination, I met Father's gaze with unwavering resolve. "Let's meditate then," I said, my voice steady. "I've missed our sessions."

Father's smile softened, his eyes filled with warmth. "Me too, buddy," he said softly. "Let's make the most of it."

As we settled into a comfortable position, I closed my eyes and focused on my breathing, allowing the familiar rhythm to soothe my racing thoughts. Beside me, Father did the same, his aura intertwining with mine in a delicate dance of energy.

"Feel the energy flowing through you, Lucario," Father's voice was calm and reassuring. "Let it ground you, let it center you."

I followed Father's guidance, allowing the energy to wash over me like a gentle wave. With each breath, I felt a sense of peace settle over me, my mind quieting as the outside world faded away.

"Inhale... exhale," Father's words were like a mantra, guiding me deeper into a state of meditation. "Focus on the bond between us, Lucario. Feel it growing stronger with each breath."

And so, we meditated together, our auras intertwining in a silent symphony of energy. As we sat down facing each other, our eyes closed, we opened our aura canals. It was like flipping a switch, allowing us to tap into a deeper connection with each other and the world around us. Suddenly, everything felt more vivid, as if we were no longer confined to our physical bodies but were instead part of the very fabric of nature.

I could feel the gentle caress of the breeze against my soul, its whispers soothing and comforting. The sound of Pokémon playing nearby resonated deep within me, filling me with a sense of joy and belonging. But above all else, I could feel the bond between Father and me.

It pulsed steadily between us, a luminous thread of energy that connected our souls. It was like a heartbeat, strong and unwavering, casting an icy-blue light that illuminated the space between us. In that moment, I knew that Father and I were truly connected, bound together by something far greater than ourselves.

As we continued to meditate, I felt a sense of peace wash over me, washing away the stresses and worries of the outside world. Here, in this moment, there was only Father and me, our bond shining bright like a guiding star in the darkness.

For the first time in a long while, I felt completely at ease. The weight of my responsibilities as a Pokémon, as Father's partner, melted away, leaving behind a sense of tranquility and contentment. This meditation was exactly what we needed.

Beside me, I could sense Father's presence, his aura merging seamlessly with mine. I could feel his calm and steady heartbeat, mirroring my own. Together, we sat in silence, basking in the warmth of our shared connection.