After receiving an explanation from Altaria and with the assistance of Aoki's Telepathy, Lucario recognized his error.
In truth, he had mistaken Aoki for being of the same kind as the destructive force that had previously assaulted the Ancient Tree of Life, prompting his immediate attack. Had Lucario utilized his Aura abilities earlier, he would have sensed no malice within Aoki's heart.
Watching Lucario bow deeply in apology, Aoki waved his hands dismissively. Many of the Pokémon inhabiting the island possessed a certain innocence—Lucario, for instance, could be intimidating when serious, yet his sincerity now left Aoki somewhat flustered.
However, Aoki dared not dwell on his thoughts too deeply—Lucario's Aura Sense allowed him to perceive emotions. This was precisely why Lucario had admitted his mistake so swiftly.
As Altaria and Lucario stepped aside to converse, Aoki hadn't expected the two Pokémon to be acquainted. Given the island's limited size, interaction among powerful Pokémon was inevitable—especially for flying types like Altaria, who could traverse the entire region freely.
Lucario's duty was to guard the Ancient Tree of Life, a role of great significance on the island. As such, no Pokémon would dare act recklessly in his presence.
After all, the island had been shaped by the legendary Mew, and the Ancient Tree of Life was one of its former dwelling places. The Lucario lineage had served as its protectors for generations, earning deep respect from the island's inhabitants.
Yet, despite resolving the misunderstanding, Aoki's expression remained grave.
According to Lucario, the one responsible for damaging the Ancient Tree of Life was a member of Team Rocket currently on the island. Worse, this individual possessed a Pokémon of near-Champion strength—a hidden threat.
It was possible that others among the intruders held similar aces. Clearly, some Team Rocket operatives were unwilling to wait and sought to seize advantages prematurely.
Before long, Altaria and Lucario concluded their discussion.
Altaria glared at Lucario with frustration, while Lucario himself appeared stubbornly resolute.
Curious, Aoki reached out via Telepathy—only to sigh upon hearing Altaria's explanation.
She had tried to convince Lucario that the island faced an impending invasion by powerful forces, with the earlier attack being merely a precursor. A larger, more dangerous wave would follow.
Altaria urged Lucario to leave with her, believing their combined strength would ensure mutual survival.
Yet Lucario refused. Bound by ancestral duty, he vowed to defend the Ancient Tree of Life to the end—even at the cost of his life.
Despite Altaria's repeated warnings about the permanence of death, Lucario remained unmoved.
Defeated, Altaria abandoned her efforts, though not without a final plea: if outmatched, he should flee. Given his status, finding a strong flying-type ally to escape the island once the barrier lifted would be simple.
Lucario, however, was prepared to perish alongside the tree.
Aoki decided to intervene.
Approaching the withered section of the Ancient Tree, he carefully excised the damaged bark, revealing the healthy trunk beneath. Applying specialized restoration medicine, he then instructed his Florette to use Grassy Terrain in conjunction with the treatment.
The effects were immediate—the tree's natural healing accelerated visibly.
Lucario watched, his gaze softening with remorse. Without a word, he passed an object to Aoki through Altaria—a palm-sized wooden block, carved from the Ancient Tree itself.
A key to the ruins beneath.
Aoki accepted it gratefully. Lucario's gesture served as both apology and trust.
With that, Lucario leaped into the tree's canopy, resuming his vigil.
"I hope he survives," Aoki mused, pocketing the key. Its importance was undeniable.
Lucario's unwavering dedication was why he commanded such respect. Even if Mew itself had not been seen in generations, the duty remained sacred.
Aoki couldn't help but lament—such a powerful, noble Pokémon, doomed by Team Rocket's greed.
And worse—unrecruitable.
Mind-reading made deception impossible.
After reassuring Slowking and Honchkrow, praising their efforts, Aoki prepared to depart. Original content can be found at nοvelfire.net
The motive behind the tree's destruction eluded him.
Yet as he turned to leave, a blue energy sphere shot from the branches—straight toward him.
The Pokemon tensed and wanted to protect him, but they were stopped by Altaria.
Aoki noticed the movement of Altaria, so he didn't make any more resistance.
Although Altaria is only his temporary Pokemon, Aoki trusts her very much.
He believes that Altaria will not hurt him.