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The World of Arceus

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon. Only the idea and OC's.

Author Notes:

-X-This will be used for scene breaks and for when the story switches to another character, but it does not mean that a new section of the story has started.

~xXx~ This will identify where each paragraph breaks.

"Human Speech" 'Character Thought' {Pokémon Speech}

The following is a side story taking place in the same world as the story "Watcher of Arceus".

~xXx~

Side Stories

Rick : Part 1

The usual sounds filled the hospital, with a few exceptions. Rick was stuck in a bed for the moment, listening to the beeps of machines, the sound of rain on the windows provided by a white noise machine, and the talk of nurses making their rounds. What wasn't part of the usual sound in the hospital though was the loud talk of a reporter once again trying to get into Rick's room, security arguing with them for the fifth time this day, trying to quietly restrain them until the police showed up this time.

Rick thought he was safe, but was about to snap again when he heard the door open, only to quickly relax. "Ge-... oh sorry about. Heya Luke, Annabelle. Sorry you have to see me like this." Rick smiled looking at his younger brother and the nurse gardevoir that Luke's medical credits had paid for him to get and help out.

"Rick... what happened?" Luke quickly asked as he walked in with Annabelle, the gardevoir finally let Luke go. The boy, just thirteen was a fair bit shorter then his brother Rick, but there was no denying that the two of them looked a lot like each other. Their shared bright green eyes, a darker skin tone not usually native to Japan, and aside from Luke's slightly shorter nose, their faces were practically the same.

Annabelle also stood out a little herself even, a yellow vest over her down with the right hand sleeve a little longer then the left hand one. A few little medical crosses were printed on the front of the vest, with a larger one on the extended right hand sleeve, with the clearly visible words of "Medical Support Pokemon" printed on both the front and back, a small satchel slung over the gardevoir's shoulder as well, and there was even a small little I.D. badge of sorts clipped to the front of the vest which showed both a picture of Annabelle, and Luke showing who she was supposed to assigned to.

"Nothing major, I'll be out of here in a few days. They just want to make sure my nervous system is fine after the attack. Ya know, I never got how rough electricity could get without killing you, but man do I have a much better understanding of things now." Rick smiled some.

"What were you doing with James? Did you s-see a new pokemon! Did you get to see some coo-ol new place? Oh, are you a ranger now! Wait, does that mean you're not working in the Crypt anymore and I won't get anymore blood shakes?" Luke asked very excited with a few minor coughs, and then maybe a little worried.

"No, I'm still going to keep working at the Crypt. Its a well paying job and I'm finally getting the hang of working with that haunter. You won't have to worry about losing your blood shakes or your dark crypt samplers." Rick said with a small amused smile.

As they started talking though, a doctor came in and spared a glance at the gardevoir at Luke's side. "Excuse m-" The doctor started, only for Rick to reach over and pull out some paper work as Annabelle quickly pointed to her badge now making sure that the doctor could read it.

"Annabelle is Luke's support poke-nurse. I've got the paperwork right here. Its a bit of a newer program, she makes sure that he's being cared for medically for when I'm tied up or not at home." Rick stated, the doctor looking over the paperwork, but shaking his head and handing the paperwork back.

"What will they think of next..." The doctor sighed, grumbling under this breath, but let it be.

"So, what's the damage doc?" Rick asked, eager to change the subject.

"Nothing permanent at first glance, but do try to stay out of the way of a pokemon battle next time. You got lucky honestly. I know its not always easy given the circumstances, but sometimes it is better to leave things to the rangers and police." The doctor explained.

"Not my idea, trust me. Team Galactic didn't care who got hurt, they wanted everyone out of the way." Rick replied, the doctor taking a large and slow breathe rubbing his temple.

"I can't fault you for that. This whole legendary pokemon mess here in Sinnoh has got everyone up in arms. You're far from the last case of getting caught in attacks because of them I'll see, that's for sure. I just hope they round up the leaders soon, its not helping anyone." The doctor continued before looking back to Rick slowly.

"And the verdict? I'll get full use of hand back right. Not sure I fancy a few fingers staying numb and not being to fully grip them for the rest of my life." Rick asked.

"A few weeks of physical therapy to help you get full use of your hand and fingers back and things should be back to normal. If your vitals are back to normal by morning, you'll be cleared to go home." The doctor explained, moving over to check a few things on Rick's hand, and then his legs just to be sure.

"Well, the check up still looks good, but we still want you to stay one more night. Any more questions?" The doctor asked, but Rick shook his head.

"No, that's all that I needed to know." Rick replied, and the doctor left. As soon as he did though, someone else walked into the room.

"Team Galactic huh... So you can confirm that you were there. Come on, hurry up with the full story already man. An all access interview, we could spin a great story on it, even make you look like a hero." The lady stated moving up.

"For the last time... no. I've told you to get out of this room multiple times. If I have to ask one more time, and you still don't leave, I'm filing a harassment lawsuit. I'm not breaking the NDA I signed, and I'm not going to risk legal action so that you can profit off of my pain." Rick stated firmly now, glaring at the young woman who had walked in.

"The people have a right to know what's going, now sp-" The lady started, but Rick had already pulled up the call button for the room, or started to before someone had already grabbed the woman.

"Hey, unhand me." The woman snapped, but James easily pinned her as Rick went ahead and pressed the call button.

"I need security in my room, that reporter is back harassing me again." Rick stated clearly into the remote with the call button, getting an annoyed groan on the other end.

"The people deserve to know everything!" The woman snapped.

"There will be an official report on the incident Thursday. No one is talking about it until then. Sucks that you'll be in jail for a few days for trespassing, harassment, resisting a Ranger on duty. Don't worry, whichever news station you're affiliated with will have someone else there and you can hear all about it when you get out." James stated firmly as one of the hospital security guards walked up and quickly took the girl.

"Hold her until the police arrive." James informed the security guard who just nodded.

"Yep... not letting this one get out of my sight again. Seriously, you'd think the world was ending or something with all the crazies out there lately." The guard said rather dully, firmly gripping the woman.

"You can't stop the press. We have a right to know! We have a right to know!" She snapped, screaming as she was pulled out of the room.

"Tell it to the police, I'm sick of hearing it from you." The guard grumbled carrying her along.

"Sorry ya had to see that Luke. Hope you're doing well." James said, closing the door and turning back into the room.

"Hi James!" Luke smiled looking up to him and over his ranger gear. "Oh oh, is that new a discus? Did they update models again?"

"Its one of the older ones actually. My last one got smashed, so I have to make do with this until I can a proper replacement." James laughed a little.

"Leave it to the tech bug there notice the smallest changes on a belt." Rick smiled himself, just shaking his head a little bit at how overly eager Luke was. "But try to take it easy. I don't want you going into a full fit again. I know its been a rough few days, let's not push it okay."

"I'm doing better!" Luke tried to argue now, trying to suppress a quick cough, but Anna just tapped his shoulder and made him look up to her, shaking her head. Luke gave a minor pout.

"I'm doing a little better..." Luke corrected himself, a little discouraged, but quickly smiling again as he moved up Rick's bed and took a seat. "Oh, oh I have a new design for your necklace!"

"You keep that up and it won't be a necklace anymore. I'll have to wear it like a bracelet." Rick teased, Luke quickly up his arm and showing off his bracelet. Several bright blue ovals like giant polished scales shined in the light above them, almost shimmering like water as Luke happily showed it off.

"Just like mom's!" Luke smiled and Rick just rubbed his head a little.

"Yep... yep just like mom's. Hey James, I've got a bag there in that drawer. Can you hand it to me?" Rick asked.

James nodded and quickly got the bag that Rick had taken with him to the Lucario Kingdom, and handed it off to Rick to look though, only Rick quickly got concerned.

He rapidly went through the bag, only to snarl and grumbled. "James... I want a word about that the-... that treasure collector." Rick started, grumbling loudly.

"What's wrong?" Luke asked looking between James and Rick now.

"I'll see what I can do..." James sighed loudly, rubbing his temple now. "You sure you didn't lose it when... Team Galactic got to us?"

"I sincerely hope not. There's no promise of getting it back if that... if Kepto didn't take it again." Rick stated, biting his teeth some to keep from rough language or worse spilling anything about the kingdom in front of Luke.

"Small thing right? Bright blue, kinda like the bracelet on a silver chain?" James asked just to be sure.

"That's the one... please tell me you can find it." Rick asked, almost pleading a bit, just hoping that it could be found.

"If I find it, I'll let you know. In the meantime, is there anything else I need to know?" James asked.

"Nope. Doctor said with a little bit of physical therapy, I'll get the use of my fingers back in full, they just want to watch my vitals over night." Rick stated.

"Glad that's all good then. Hope you get the use of those two fingers back soon." James added, before giving a nod to Luke. "And you... don't over do it. See ya both later." James said looking to Luke before heading back out.

"So, what brought you out here Luke?" Rick asked, once more looking to Luke.

"I wanted to see you! What kind of big adventure you did have with Ranger James?" Luke asked eagerly now.

Rick just laughed a little, but shook his head. "Sorry, but I can't talk about that one. I went into some caves, and Team Galactic found us, and didn't like it. That's all that I can say."

"But I wanna hear about it! You must have found some new pokemon or something, or or w-was it the legendary pokemon?" Luke asked eagerly, but Rick quickly shook his head.

"Hey, come on now. Don't go making wild assumptions. I can't talk about it, even to you. Do you remember the last time someone asked you to a keep a secret? James let you have a broken capture discus to look at and you were so busy taking it apart and trying to fix it, when it was done you quickly tried to use it and then the school called me about the tree you set on fire." Rick sighed loudly, rubbing his head a bit, just knowing that keeping this secret meant keeping another possible disaster in check. Luke was often so caught up in things that he sometimes even forgot other people existed as he talked about all the things he was going to want to do or try.

"Come on! That wasn't my fault. I had that unhappy chimchar captured! I did fi-fix it, and it worked!" Luke countered, whining some again.

"But you didn't it a secret at all. That's why I can't tell you what happened." Rick stated a bit firmly, but still trying to keep a smile. "I know you don't like sleeping over at Tonya's that much, but its just one more day alright. I'll be home tomorrow and back to work the day after that. I'll even bring you a bloodshake and a crypt sampler, but only if Tonya confirms that you have all your home work done."

"And then when you get back, y-you'll tell me all about it!" Luke asked eagerly now, Rick shaking his head.

"No. I can't Luke. And I'm going to keep saying no every time you ask." Rick shook his head a bit more more.

"You're no fun." Luke grumbled.

"I'm your big brother. I have to watch out for you first. Also, because I'm your big brother, I'm allowed to keep secrets." Rick teased.

~xXx~

Rick smiled as he finished cleaning up. The doctor's gave him the all clear, and while his two fingers on his left hand were still a little numb, it felt so much better to get up and move. The house was fine for the week he was gone, aside from a few little things, but that hardly bothered Rick. He finished setting things up, double checked his list of things to do and crossed off the last thing, before knocking on the door to Luke's room and then letting himself in.

"School will be letting out in a few. You ready to help me pick up Luke, Annabelle?" Rick asked Anna who was putting Luke's things from the extended stay at Tonya's away. She turned and nodded towards Rick as she stood back up, reaching over and quickly put on her medical support vest again, as well as grabbing her satchel. She then gave a salute towards Rick with a small nod to show that she was ready for work and then quickly followed him outside to his truck.

Following him along and getting in his truck with him, it was a short trip from their house in the woods not too far from the suburbs of Veilstone City off to the school Luke was attending. A quiet drive to school that Luke was attending and Rick just parked around the corner, before getting out with Annabelle.

A short wait at the entrance of the middle school and Luke came out with everyone else. Luke happily walked up. "Hey Rick!" He smiled walking up slowly, Annabelle looking him over for a quick minute and then nodding. "I'm fine Anna. Not even a big cough today." He smiled, and since he wasn't walking out with a teacher, that meant that things appeared to be a good day. "Hey, can we go to the park today? Maybe I'll get to see some new pokemon! I mean its kinda bad that there are all kinds of weird things going on lately, but I mean its a great chance for me to see new pokemon." Luke asked.

"Sorry Luke. I've got a half shift at the Crypt tonight and they want me there early just in case for that dark type convention at the center just down the road though. I'll make sure to get some copies of the pictures though. But, Tonya did say you did great while I was gone, so I will get you a bloodshake and crypt sampler on my back home okay." Rick smiled, turning to walk back to the truck.

"Full size right? Not kid size?" Luke asked eagerly.

"Where do you stuff all that food?" Rick laughed some, Annabelle just shrugging, but still tapped Rick's shoulder, holding up an imagery cup and taking a sip to show that she wanted a drink too.

"Yes yes, fine. A full size sampler because I was away for more then a week, and two blood shakes." Rick shook his head with a small sigh, but still smiled.

"Now come on, let's get back home. I still need to get ready for my shift this afternoon, and I might be home later then usual if they need me for a bit longer." Rick said as he opened the door to the truck for Luke who eagerly got in.

"Hey, that's a... oh cool, that's the new Big Book of Sciences, Poke-Care Studies!" Luke exclaimed seeing a large book on his seat, and eagerly picked it up.

"Well I mean you're doing something right if that last message on the answering machine was anything to go by. Mrs. Arron wasn't happy with you showing her up in math class again. You've got a good head on your shoulders and... well maybe I won't let you go on a pokemon journey and I'm sorry about that, but you still might just be the next professor Oak." Rick teased as Luke eagerly began looking into the book already.

"Think that will hold you over for a few days?" Rick teased, but Luke was already fully invested in the book as Rick started the truck. Annabelle just nodded though, knowing that Luke would like it and it would keep him busy for a few days at least.

Even when they got home, Luke was still reading through the book, until Annabelle took it away from him. "Anna! I wasn't done with that!" Luke stated rather annoyed now.

"Homework first Luke. And remember, two glasses of water by the time I get back." Rick stated, setting Luke's backpack down on the table while going to get ready for work.

"Yes Rick... Two glasses of water, full glasses of water before any soda, and my homework needs to be done before I can get back to my book." Luke repeated.

"And remember Annabelle, no video games before seven for him. I want him outside a little, but don't let him wander too far off. Stay within sight of the house." Rick added as he went into his room to get dressed for work.

Luke grumbled a little bit, but didn't fight as Annabelle brought him a his first cup of water. A few minutes later, Rick walked out of his room ready for his shift at the Crypt.

While it wasn't that much of a stretch from any other restaurant outfit, being a very dark t-shirt with long pants, the brim of his hat looked easily like a tombstone with his name printed on it in eerie letters, his apron just rolled up in his hand for now.

"I'm scheduled to work until nine, but they may want me to stay until closing this evening around eleven. If I end up staying late and I think your in bed by the time I get back, I'll get the third crypt sampler since you say it heats up better. Otherwise I'll get your usual second crypt sampler, yes a full size one. Be back as soon as I can." Rick stated as he walked out the door, and Luke easily heard Rick's truck drive off.

The next few hours were mostly dull and plain for Luke and Annabelle. Luke as always easily finished his homework, begrudgingly finished his two cups of plain clean water, and then went right back to his new book. Annabelle had at least gotten him to read a little outside, but he was far too interested in the new science book to do much else for now.

A strange knock at the door got both his and Annabelle's attention however and Luke got up to check the door, Annabelle at his side and fairly confused. Annabelle was a little concerned with the strange unusual mind on the other side of the door, but not feeling ill intent, allowed Luke to approach and open the door. Luke didn't think anything of it however until he opened the door however and there was a lucario,

The sun had set by now, but the porch light was good enough to easily show off the lucario standing there, a little taller then Luke still, but the lucario seemed to have a small smile on their face. The lucario was standing there, a courier satchel over their shoulder. Even more, they were dressed in a surprisingly fancy kimono of all things, and had large platform sandals, and a rather fancy umbrella. "Oh wow! A lucario! And you look so fancy!" Luke exclaimed rather excitedly, Annabelle just giving her a very confused look.

'I'm looking for Rick. I sensed his presence near here recently, but I don't feel him right now? I assume this his ... younger brother perhaps, their auras are rather similar. This is his residence correct?' A strong female voice asked, her voice shared with just Annabelle for now and yet the lucario never moved their lips.

'How are you speaking?' Annabelle asked rather confused, having never met a non-psychic type that could speak with just what Annabelle was their mind right now.

'Aura. I am a lucario, and aura is my gift and my rite. Is this the residence of Rick?' The lucario asked again.

Luke quickly noticed something was going on between Gracie and this lucario though, looking back and forth between them. "What's... hey what's going on?" Luke asked, knowing that the two of them had to be talking with each other, already well versed about how lucarios could use aura for many things, even to talk with other pokemon.

'What... do you want?' Annabelle asked carefully now, the lucario reaching into their satchel and pulling something out.

"Hey! That's Rick's amulet! I made that for him, where'd you get it?" Luke quickly stated, the lucario offering it forward, kindly putting it in Luke's hand and closing his fingers around it. "Wait... wait a minute! Are you why Rick was called away! Do you work with James and the rangers?" Luke asked eagerly.

'So, this is his residence then.' The lucario smiled eagerly.

'You still haven't told me what you want...' Annabelle stated, feeling better seeing how gently the lucario was Luke, but still concerned.

'My name is Mana, and it is Rick I desire. He was at our village a few days ago where he helped defend our kingdom from attack and it was there that his aura awakened. His aura is strong, he could be aura guardian even if given formal training. First, I wish to see this returned to him. Our sticky fingered treasure hunter collected it from, three times it would seem. She was fascinated by it, but I made sure to get it while she wasn't looking. It would be shame for him to lose something of such value. And more so, I desire his cub. A child from him, with the strength of genes would surely be strong, a worthy guardian for our valley. Given the new goals we have set for ourselves, our kingdom could use all the gifted children from powerful aura users we can find.' Mana replied as she lightly rubbed Luke's head now, happy to amuse the child.

Annabelle suddenly went a bit red, very thankful for she was communicating psychically with the lucario for now. She wasn't even sure how to respond to that for now. "Annabelle? Are you okay there?" Luke quickly asked now, seeing Annabelle go red now, even more confused not being in the conversation but knowing that the two were clearly talking.

_'Now, I know that I had felt Rick's aura a while ago in this location. Is this his place of residence, his home?'_Mana asked once more, Annabelle just barely able to give a nod.

~xXx~

A few hours had passed, and Rick's truck sounded once more. Mana was currently residing in his room, laid out on Rick's bed, her kimono set to the side with her courier bag and umbrella while she waited. She could feel Rick's aura proper this time as he returned home, a bit tired, but happy enough with himself.

Rick quickly got inside and Annabelle rushed him. "Woah, I got the bloodshakes okay!" Rick stated, having no idea what was going on, Annabelle clearly wanting to say something, beet red again, quickly looking down, to Rick and then his room, and then to him again, before shaking her head, and just collapsing down onto her knees, holding her head.

"Hey hey hey. What's wrong! Where's Luke?" Rick quickly demanded, but Annabelle just lightly pointed to the couch where Luke was collapsed, the tv showing a game over screen for some game, the screen dulled even showing a long period of inactivity, a controller in the sleeping boy's lap.

"Anna... what's wrong?" Rick repeated slowly, knowing that something had to be, but whatever it was, it wasn't Luke.

Annabelle slowly picked herself up, only to smack her face a few times, opening her mouth with a loud "Garr!". It was the first vocal sound that Rick had ever heard her make, and it only added to his confusion when a seemingly defeated Annabelle just moved to the table, not even caring for the bloodshakes or food, just holding her head in her hands at the moment. All she could do was just point to his room after a moment.

"Great... What did he take apart this time..." Rick shook head rather annoyed, but quickly just thinking about it and wondering what all there was to take apart in his room. "What's the worse that he could find or break?"

Sparing one last glance as a very red and possibly flustered Annabelle still holding her head, he just gave a small final shrug. "Okay... so he found my porn. He's a teenage boy, awkward, but what ... father or mother wouldn't find the subject of growing up to be awkward. A lock is just another mechanical device that can be taken apart right? So just get a better lock, and hide my stuff better." Rick stated quickly working to calm himself down as he took off his hat and walked to his door. It was still closed, so either Annabelle had tried to clean up after Luke or it wasn't that bad to begin with.

Rick just opened the door, and instantly stopped though. Mana was there on his bed, and he knew it was Mana seeing the kimono and umbrella set to her side. But even more what he noticed was her fully exposed nude back side, and her tail lifted up and curved back down, pressing into her left butt cheek, rubbing it, massaging herself with a gentle blue glow. With her legs spread, he had a full easy view of her groin, a small blush on his face now.

_'I see someone is an ass man.'_The gentle echoing voice of words just inside his head quickly sounded once more, and he knew it was aura, only to quickly shake his head and avert his gaze.

"M-Mana... right?" Rick asked, covering his face in his hat.

_'I do not understand the male fascination with the back side. It is the front that you should desire, where you may see our hips proper, see our vaginas, our growing bellies filled with a cub, our breasts to feed your child... and yet, many males want to see us from behind. Why is that?'_Mana's voice asked now.

Rick just remained silent for several minutes, even going all the way into his slightly cramped closet and closing to the door to get changed before coming out, still averting his gaze. "You... surely didn't come all the way out here just to ask me that did you?"

_'I am here for a few reasons. First and foremost, I have given the amulet you wore and lost to the cub. He seemed eager to have it back. Kepto shall surely mourn its loss after all the trouble she went through, but you hold it in even higher regard and it seemed a shame to lose it.'_Mana explained.

"So... that bastard did take it." Rick grumbled, but happy to hear that it was found.

_'Found it on the ground most likely. You probably dropped it during the attack, or it got tossed around when the flying ship assaulted our village at the start of the attack.'_Mana replied, finally rolling over and now sitting up, legs crossed in front of her now, closing the book she had.

"I'm just happy to have it back. It does mean a lot to me." Rick replied, still averting his gaze though, taking a seat at the desk in his room, but looking towards the window, only to realize that the door was wide open and quickly moved to close it. "I mean... thank you. Thanks a lot for doing that."

_'Of course. It is only proper to treat such a hero with respect is it not?'_Mana smiled.

"I... really don't consider myself a hero. I mean, I didn't even really do much against those Galactic fools, much less their leaders." Rick stated slowly.

_'Of course you are. You acted selflessly, you defended land that was not yours, you knowingly walked into danger wanting to help and when that danger came, you kept your word. You saved the lives of our cubs, our young unable to defend themselves, and the humans who lived with us. Morag regrets not giving you more before you left, but then I found what Kepto had taken and with Morag's blessing, I set out.'_Mana explained.

"And you just... walked all the way here. How did you even find m... aura. You used aura didn't you." Rick started, only to answer it himself.

_'It was not a concern. James provided me with a courier satchel. It would wrong for any trainer to try and capture me with that bag and I trust my strength against almost any contender. And even if someone did try to push me into service, with the bag James provided, any ranger or even man of law in the human would world offer me aid should I find the need to ask them. It was also just the excuse we needed to offer you something more for your help protecting our kingdom.'_Mana continued.

"Please... no. I'm really not a-" Rick tried to repeat, but Mana cut him off.

_'You are. It only takes one such act to be a hero, and you would do it again.'_Mana stated firmly in his head, before tossing the book she was reading at him. Rick of course easily caught it and looked it over, it was a manga of some kind, a comic that Luke might like looking at the cover, but he just set it down on his desk for now.

_'Those things in those picture books... they call themselves heroes, but they aren't. They do it for themselves. The only super thing about them is their egos it seems like. I admit that I find the villains to be entertaining, but those are not heroes. You are. It was a true selfless act that you defended our kingdom, and that is what makes a hero, the deeds you perform. Not the costume you wear or the villains you defeat. You're help saved our cubs, our kin. Without you, things would have been worse.'_Mana stated, reaching into her bag, and pulling out a bottle now.

Seeing that there was no way to argue with her over it, Rick just dropped the idea of him being a hero for now, but did finally at least look at her, and namely the unmarked bottle she was holding. "What's that?"

_'Old Ginger wanted you have this, or at least part of it. Its one of his special blends, made from special honey. I've never tasted it myself, but he thought that you might like it. Its far from his strongest bottle, but he thought that it would be nice. Unless you drink the whole thing, you should only have a lovely high from it, but it should help you to relax. You definitely seem like you need it.'_Mana explained, popping the cork off of it.

Quickly realizing that it was alcohol, Rick thought about it for a second, before speaking. "I've... never drank before, and I'd rather not find out my tolerance while around Luke. Can we take this to the beach?" He asked.

_'That's right... human cultures are strangely against youth and alcohol. But I suppose given how there are so few of you who learn proper restraint, then many of you would go on to cause many a problem wouldn't you... Very well, its not that cold this summer night. But how far is this beach?'_Mana asked.

"Out the back door. I've got a little bit of river front property. I mean its nothing fancy, but well I guess your right, its less of a beach that I might have suggested." Rick stated, standing up and taking the bottle. "I'll give you a moment to get dressed."

'I am fine as is. I only have my kimono with me for now and I would much rather not get it too wet or sandy. It can be a hassle to wash at times.' Mana replied, getting up only taking her umbrella for now.

"Are... are you sure?" Rick asked, going a little red again, but when Mana moved off the bed, Rick just handed her a coat. "At... at least wear this please. Annabelle is flustered enough and I uh... well Luke's a little young to see a... you on full display." Rick stated blushing a bit more again.

_'I truly do not understand this human need of fake skins being a requirement. But no matter I suppose. I shall at least wear a coat while we move past them.'_Mana stated, taking the coat and wrapping it around her shoulders some, barely closing it, but at least wearing it.

As they moved out of Rick's room, Annabelle looked up, seeing Mana's nude form under the coat some, and going a bit red again, but let it slide. Rick appeared to be in handling the situation well enough. "Hey Annabelle... could you put the food away and clean up that mess while... I have a talk with Mana outside?" Rick asked and Annabelle quickly did as she was asked, moving to get the two bags of food off the floor that Rick had dropped, as well as moving to put them away, along with the milkshakes.

Rick was thankful that Luke was still sleeping, but turned off the game console and television as he moved through the room, before going to get a few glasses for himself and Mana.

Mana was already at the door waiting for him, and once he was with her, moved outside to follow Rick to the river. While a bit sandy and soft enough with few rocks on a clearly cleaned up strip of the river bank with the start of a wooden dock in the making.

Still, there was a bench there on the bank and Rick guided to take a seat. Mana quickly did as she was asked, and took a seat, and Rick sat down beside her. "So... one of the lucarios made this and wanted me to have it?"

'Old Ginger, he was that graying lucario who helped you hold the gates at the temple, the older one who held that attack while you and Sarah aided him with shielding aura.' Mana explained.

"No... No I think aura was Sarah's. I really didn't do much, it certainly didn't help me when that commander tried to break in." Rick quickly replied, setting the two glasses between them, letting Mana pour them both a drink.

_'I assure you, that aura was yours and hers, not hers alone. You've never had the chance to manifest aura before, but the gloves that Sarah wore were designed to aid in that cause, to help humans manifest it themselves. Merely touching them was enough to help you feel its pulse.'_Mana explained, pouring them both a little drink to start, before recorking the bottle.

"Yeah... yeah sure. Look I know you're wanting me to feel good about helping your village, and honestly, I would do it again, but no. No I... I'm nothing truly special. I'm just a guy who is trying to help his brother get better. James needed some help and well... I guess I owe him so I followed his lead." Rick countered, taking one of the glasses and holding it up, taking a few sniffs.

'Aura is your rite, if you only reach out and grasp it. You are much like a riolu, a cub right now with its understanding. You have never truly needed it, never felt the flow of life within your hands, but its there, its waiting for you to command it. Come back to our village a few times, let us teach you its ways, and in time you will command as any lucario might.' Mana stated, taking her glass, and then pulling his hand up some.

_'I believe... we tap glasses? I think this is called... a toast? A moment acknowledgement to your deeds, to your aid.'_Mana stated, tapping her glass to his.

"I... will think about it." He stated slowly tapping his glass back to hers. With that done, he brought his glass up, sipped the drink and let its taste flow over his tongue. It was sweet, powerful even and yet not that aggressive. There was a tingling about it on his tongue and Rick rather liked the honey filled taste. Remembering that Mana said it was supposed to be something weak, Rick found himself a little eager for the drink and swallowed to back for more.

It quickly gave him a tingling feeling in his mind and gut, but he liked it for now, just enjoying the drink as Mana leaned into him some more. 'You really should consider it more carefully, and of course accept the offer. We can still use your help.' Mana stated, leaning on his chest a bit, enjoying the drink herself.

_'Ginger really out did himself with this honey drink. I see why that honey is so valuable, there's so few things as sweet.'_Mana added.

"Yeah... yeah it does taste good. Strong, but over powering, and it is helping me relax." Rick smiled himself, a bit surprised that Mana was curling up to him, but he just let it happen for now.

_'It would be a shame to lose one with such potential as yourself. You have strong genes, an aura in a human I've never seen before so brightly. And to think, it was only woken up less then a week ago. I'd almost mistake you for a lucario yourself given the sudden advancement, newly evolved from a cub, a riolu who found their place and their meaning.'_Mana smiled.

"Look... I... I can't be a hero alright. I mean thank you for trying to play this up some, but... Humans with aura. I always thought it was a bedtime story. I know there are some humans out there that are like psychics." Rick stated going back for another drink.

_'It would be a shame if the world were to lose one with such aura... But if you won't seek training, I know that your cub would be a grand addition to the kingdom.'_Mana smirked, pouring him another glass, which he didn't even stop to think about partaking of, Mana's words a little slow on him as the drink set in, Rick's first time with alcohol leaving him quickly succumbing to the drink.

_'Hmmm... I do hope it fits...'_Mana stated leaving Rick a bit confused, only to give a gasp.

-x-

Annabelle had chosen a very poor time to peak out the window as she was walking through the house making sure that things were good for Luke. With her peak out the window though, her face instantly flustered again and she hurriedly closed the curtains. 'Oh Arceus, she was serious...' Annabelle gasped out, quickly turning and going to close all the windows in the house now.