The light blue energy ball was very fast at first, but as it approached Aoki, it suddenly slowed down.
Aoki could sense the strange energy within it.
Slowly, it merged into his chest.
After waiting silently for a minute, he felt no changes.
Aoki blinked, looking at Altaria, hoping for an explanation.
Altaria, however, gazed at him with deep envy, leaving Aoki slightly confused.
"This is the Aura Blessing—a rare ability only granted by those who have mastered Aura power. It can only be used three times in a lifetime. Those who receive this blessing will earn the favor of Pokémon skilled in Aura abilities. This is Lucario's apology to you, as well as a gift for healing the Ancient Tree of Life," Altaria explained through Telepathy.
Hearing this, Aoki finally understood the significance of the energy and why Altaria regarded him with such admiration.
In this world, few Pokémon—and even fewer humans—could wield Aura power. Those who did were exceptionally strong.
Now that Aoki had received Lucario's blessing, any Aura Pokémon he encountered in the future would instinctively regard him favorably.
This was no small advantage. Under the right circumstances, it might even allow him to befriend—or even capture—an Aura Pokémon.
Much like how Psychic-type Pokémon often distrusted ordinary humans, Aura Pokémon typically kept their distance. But with this blessing, Aoki could bridge that gap, opening the door to deeper bonds—or even partnership.
Of course, this was just speculation.
Still, an invisible aura now surrounded Aoki.
Or, as some might call it—
The Favour of Aura Pokémon.
Any Pokémon that sensed this blessing would, in a way, be acknowledging Lucario's influence.
At the top of the tree trunk, the faint blue figure vanished into the bark after the energy had merged with Aoki.
He could sense Lucario's pride—this Pokémon would never abandon its sacred duty of guarding the Ancient Tree of Life.
Bound by honor and the respect of the island's Pokémon, Lucario had tied itself to the tree. As long as it stood, no harm would come to it.
This had once been an easy task—none of the island's Pokémon would ever dream of harming the tree. Even the elite-level Pokémon held it sacred.
But now, with Team Rocket's invasion, Lucario's duty had become far more dangerous.
Yet Aoki felt, inexplicably, that he and Lucario would meet again someday.
This feeling hadn't existed before—it only appeared after receiving the blessing.
Somewhere, in some way, their paths would cross once more.
But Aoki knew the truth: Lucario was unlikely to survive Team Rocket's assault.
As one of the island's spiritual pillars, the Ancient Tree of Life would be a prime target.
After gathering his thoughts, Aoki recalled Altaria.
Since Team Rocket's operatives were armed with powerful Pokémon, he needed Altaria as both a deterrent and a combatant.
If only his Gengar were stronger—then, with both Gengar and Altaria under his command, he could briefly rival even a high-tier Trainer.
Perhaps even one on the verge of Champion-level strength.
From a distance, the island's ruins appeared close to the Ancient Tree of Life. But up close, the journey was far longer.
To reach the ruins' entrance, one had to traverse a vast forest.
By now, most survivors on the island had likely gathered here.
Aoki doubted many had ventured inside the ruins—and even fewer had returned alive.
But desperation bred recklessness. There were always those willing to gamble their lives for power.
The moment he stepped into the forest, Aoki sharpened his focus.
Wild Pokémon lurked everywhere, but the real threat was Team Rocket.
They were more dangerous than even the strongest wild Pokémon.
Aoki allowed his Gengar to fade back into the shadows—his last line of defense.
Though Gengar wasn't the most prominent member of his team, it was one of his most trusted. It spent nearly every moment at Aoki's side.
As his personal guard, Gengar's loyalty was absolute. Aoki refused to take that for granted.
Lately, however, Gengar's strength had plateaued. Aoki planned to transition it from covert operations to open battle—where it truly belonged.
For now, he rode atop his Drapion.
Drapion had become Aoki's ideal land mount. Though not suited for riding, it excelled in every other way.
Its four-legged stance allowed smooth movement across any terrain. Its powerful body bore Aoki's weight effortlessly, while its flexible frame could react to threats from any angle. Its thick armor shielded them both.
And Drapion's explosive power was unmatched—any foe underestimating it risked instant defeat.
Honchkrow patrolled the skies, scanning for movement below. At the first sign of danger, it would alert Aoki.
Weavile moved like a phantom through the trees, its agility letting it navigate the forest with ease. Against a direct threat, it could strike lethally while Drapion held the enemy's attention.
It darted ahead and behind, scouting the path.
Slowking floated beside Drapion, its Psychic senses active. A Water Pulse hovered in its grasp—a fusion of Psychic and Water energy, honed through Aoki's training. Googlᴇ search N0veI.Fiɾe.net
Developing Slowking's Water-type abilities was a priority.
This formation was the result of countless survival trials—Aoki's optimal strategy.
Ready to face any Team Rocket operative on this island.