FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

_ Toward Veilstone City _

---

Along the road, café cabin had never been a popular rest stop. People came and went. Some dropped by to avoid the darkness and coldness of Route 210; some simply wanted to enjoy fresh Moomoo milk, but rarely had the café or its employees seen as many visitors as it did today.

The normally small, tranquil and cozy space suddenly became lively and crowded, thanks to four trainers and their pokemon, smiling and talking among each other casually. The scene might look a little messy, but it was actually joyful and heart-warming.

"Gale, Flash, Nova and even Aurum...Cool! Really cool!" Kai noted excitedly, "How did you come up with those names?"

"I just tried to remember each individual characteristic; then thought of something that fits them...Not much of a big deal, really." Jake grinned sheepishly, his cheeks covered with flush. The young man then looked at his team, excitement masked his face, "But man, it's like a new start...takes me back to my first day as a trainer. Guys, let's always stay close and fight together."

The pokemon exchanged gazes and nodded knowingly among each other. Together, they approached their trainer, who had no idea what his pokemon were planning, but nonetheless made no attempt to avoid it.

Gale sat on Jake's shoulder and playfully nibbled his earlobe; Flash coiled behind the trainer affectionately; Nova and Aurum stood reassuringly on either side of their beloved human whilst Jake stayed amidst the circle of his gathered team, accepting their caring gestures. It was truly a sight to look at, and the positivity quickly spread across the audience, bringing a pleasant smile to everyone's face...everyone, except Buizel.

Life had never been easy for the water weasel, and so far, he'd pretty much spent it along, but it wasn't entirely the case. Buizel couldn't remember exactly when, but he used to be taken care of by his father (as in, the human term) - a Floatzel, who taught him the most fundamental survival and fighting skills. That time, however, was short-lived, as Floatzel left his son to live independently when the cub had barely been able to take care of himself. Also, Floatzel was a strict father, as the smallest mistakes were enough to earn Buizel a beat down from him. It didn't help that Floatzel had drilled many rules into his son's head, two of them being 'strength is the only thing you can really on' and 'never trust anyone but yourself, especially humans'.

Surprisingly enough, Buizel found himself following those disciplines perfectly. Despite having yet to reach his pinnacle, the weasel was miles away from being weak, and that self-proclaimed statement had been proven rights in numerous occasions. Of course Buizel was proud of himself, so it'd been quite a nasty blow when Lucario...Aurum now, along with Jake, defeated him. Buizel's curiosity and eagerness to learn, however, quickly helped him overcome the initial shock, only to leave him intrigued by the aura pokemon's mysterious power. By instinct, Buizel knew Aurum's power must have something to do with the way he and Jake were connected, and in order to learn that secret, the weasel was more than willing to tag along their journey, however long it'd take. Still, Buizel couldn't throw his pride away, and the idea of being ordered by humans simply never sat well with him. Thus, he chose to remain a wild pokemon, and thankfully, Jake understood and respected that decision.

However, watching Jake named his comrades one after, Buizel felt an uncontrollable and inexplicable surge of anger rising in his chest. He got riled up with Jake, but he didn't even know why. Was it because Jake left him out? No...The weasel instantly shook that absurd thought. He wasn't here to make friends, and he'd never considered himself a sociable individual to begin with. So why was he imagining himself one of them? Why was he willing to trade anything to be a part of that circle of bond?

"Am I...jealous of their friendship? No, that's unconceivable!" Buizel scolded himself mentally, but the more he tried to deny that simple truth, the more clearly it became. Thoughts conflicted in the weasel's mind. Should he asked to join Jake's team; he'd make a fool out of himself. On the other hand, if Jake was truly honorable as Buizel thought he was, the young man would never approach him, unless he made the first call, or at least tried to offer some hints.

When all had failed, try time. As of he right now, Buizel didn't even know what he really wanted, and that was very, very dangerous. He needed time to figure it out - his desire, and when things were all clear, it would never be too late for a plan, not for a quick thinker like him.

...

"Are you on your way to Veilstone City? If you don't mind, we can go together." Jake offered as Kai finished paying for the drinks and came out of the cabin. The latter shook his head, "Nah, I'm actually heading to Celestic Town. I've heard lots of cool stuffs about that place. Ancient architecture, Mt. Oreburgh, Sinnoh old legends...I plan to get there and explore the place."

"So you're not here for the league or the battle frontier?" Jaden noted.

Kai shrugged, "Yep. I'm still getting new pokemon, but gym battles are off-limit. My time here is for relaxing, and I want to do it justice. Besides, Lucas needs a break, and I hate to disappoint him, right buddy?" he patted the Lucario's back softly.

"That's too bad. I was hoping we'd meet again in Sinnoh league." Jaden admitted, "Your battle against Jake was certainly impressive, but I'd like to know, first-hand, what strongest is all about."

"I'm honored...but Lucas and I know we aren't strong enough to face you...yet, especially when Latios is still with you, I assume." Kai noted humbly, "But I promise: One day, we'll fight, and I'll give you all I have."

"Granted, as long as you remember that promise..." Jaden nodded.

"Aye." Kai smirked, "Well then, until we meet again."

"Until we meet again." Jake repeated, waving his new friend (and entry on his rival list) goodbye, "Take care of yourself."

"Do your best, Jake," Kai winked playfully, "The Veilstone gym leader is a master of fighting-type, and she also has a Lucario. Good luck with your match against her."

The trio and their pokemon watched until Kai and Lucas's figures were fully swallowed by the thick fog of Route 210, before resuming their own journey, albeit to the opposite direction.

...

"That punk! He completely ignored me!" Ryan grunted, making no effort to hide his distaste for Kai.

"Give it a rest, Ryan!" Jaden chided, "Wasn't you the one provoking him first?"

"Here we go again." Jake muttered, barely able to suppress his sigh. Paying to attention to his bickering friends, the young man turned to Aurum, "That reminds me...didn't you have a talk with Lucas before they left? Mind telling me all the details?"

Aurum was caught off guard by request. Coincidentally, it was pretty much all that had occupied his mind for a while now. Nodding, the aura user started, "Well..."

(Flashback)

Walking side by side with Lucas, Aurum felt a wave of anxiety washing over his body, despite knowing that the latter essentially had no bad intents. Perhaps the battle scar and that unpleasant memory of utter defeat had taken a bigger toll on his mind than Aurum expected.

"At ease, junior." next to him, Lucas chuckled; his voice was powerful but surprisingly hearty, "You look like one of those humans in the show Kai's addicted to...'Attack on Titans', if I remember right."

"Attack on Titans?" Aurum sputtered.

"Yeah. To tell the truth, the show annoyed me at first, but then I started watching it with Kai, I had to admit I've never been more wrong," Lucas noted, nodding, "As for the humans, well, they remind me of caged birds. They're kind of pathetic...They lock themselves in the darkness while their enemies dwell in the light."

"Gee, thanks." Aurum muttered in embarrassment.

"But they're also resilient and courageous... more importantly, they never give up on their dream of freedom, no matter what they have to face, which is why I found them truly fascinating." Lucas added.

The extra information practically turned the insult into a compliment, and Aurum felt himself flushing at that.

"Now then, let's get into business. We're not here to play, and you know what I'm talking about, don't you?" Lucas said; his voice lowered in a more serious manner.

"Actually I don't." Aurum replied, straightening himself up, "So why don't you cut to the chase."

"Very straightforward. I like that, junior." Lucas chuckled, "Our main issue here is your aura control. Now, I think it's safe to assume that as an aura user, you've had lots of practice reading others' auras, never tried reading your own, right?"

Aurum nodded reluctantly.

"Well then, first is yoga." Lucas continued, his teasing voice yet serious expression made it impossible to tell whether he was joking or not.

"Y-yoga?" Aurum faltered, greatly confused.

"Ah...sorry, I mean meditation." Lucas's blush was faint, "Yoga is Kai's term, guess I'm kinda used to it, heheh. Anyway, the first step to master aura is feeling it, and to do that, you must separate your aura from the chaotic surroundings. Free yourself from all negativity of mind and heart."

"So that means I'll have to sit cross-legged, close my eyes and try not to fall asleep?"

"Well it's a basic way." Lucas agreed jokingly, "After you're used to sitting meditation, try swift meditation. In real battles, your opponents will never allow you time to sit down and focus, so learn to do that in an instance."

"Is that really possible?" Aurum inquired doubtfully.

"It is for me, so why can't it be for you?" Lucas replied in a good-naturedly challenging tongue, "I'll call that stage 'clear mind'."

"How long will it take for me to achieve it?"

"For me is two weeks, but it depends on your strength and determination. Given your potentials, I think you can achieve clear mind even sooner than I did." Lucas shrugged, "But that's merely a preparation. What comes afterward is the real hardship."

"Okay...Am I supposed to be intimidated by what you're about to say?" Aurum questioned sarcastically.

"You'd better be. After clear mind, your next goal is to master 'perfect synchronicity', and as its name suggested, this stage is all about being in sync with your aura." Lucas replied, "The secret is to consider aura a different being that exists in your body beside your consciousness. Don't attempt to command or impose your will on it. Feel and convince it to become one with your mind. Let it stir you as much as you stir it."

"That sounds pretty simple...so, uhm, where's the 'intimidating' part?" Aurum ventured.

"You'll know as soon as you try. Ever heard of stories about shadows trying to replace their masters? The same thing will happen to you if you let your guard down for even one second." Lucas countered solemnly, "Normally, aura lies dormant in you, but once you awake it, it'll constantly seek to overtake your body."

A sharp chill ran down Aurum's spines as he pictured Jake kissing his hollow, aura-governed body, "Okayyy...That's creepy, but in Arecus's name, I'll never let it happen!" he stated.

Aurum narrowly missed Lucas's piercing gaze as well as the latter's intrigued expression, but not his smirk, "Sure you won't." he said reassuringly.

(End of Flashback)

"Wow..." Jake couldn't help himself, "The 'aura overtaking body' thing scares the heck outta me, but honestly, the stakes are too high, you're sure you still want to go for it, Aurum?"

"I will." the aura user confirmed; determination reflected in his ruby eyes, "I have to surpass my limits, not only because I want to, but also for..."

"...my sake?" Jake added; voice bursting with uncontrollable emotions, "Power is only worth so much, Aurum, and the last thing I want is you harming yourself for me!"

"If you were me, would you do the same?" Aurum said calmly.

"Of course!"

"So, would you stop if I told you to?" the aura user continued, and Jake suddenly found himself unable to say anything.

Part of him was annoyed, not with Aurum but himself, for having been led by the steel-type so easily. The negativity was, however, quickly put aside as Jake contemplated his lover's words. It didn't take long for him to admit that Aurum was absolutely right. If Jake had put himself the pokemon's shoes, he would have done the same, so what rights did he have to stop Aurum? Granted, Jake deeply cared for Aurum and he also knew the pup was always willing to oblige his will, but there must be a limit to protectiveness, and there would be times when he had to respect Aurum's decisions. Besides, if he went overboard with the protest, he would turn himself into an over-thinking, selfish dictator. Not exactly a reputation issue, but Jake wanted to be at his best, just for the sake of a certain aura pokemon he'd given his heart to.

"Jake..." Aurum's voice pulled the young man back to reality, and he quickly noticed the grin across the pokemon's muzzle, plus a gesture that, unmistakably, told him to get closer. Needless to say, the request confused Jake, but he still lowered his knees until their head levels were equal.

Still with his mischievous grin, Aurum quickly closed the distance between their faces as he softly brushed his muzzle against Jake's lips.

The trainer was completely paralyzed like a victim of Pikachu's fabled thunderbolt, but that feeling was immediately replaced by a much better sensation. Jake remembered when he'd been a small child; his father always brought his family to the beach on weekends. Sure, he liked playing in the water with Zane (Jake's little brother; should anyone forget), but there was something he enjoyed even more: Standing on the beach, burying his bare feet in the warm, yellow sand whilst inhaling the gentle breezes that carried a hint of salt water and sunlight.

Aurum was giving him the same sensation. The touch of his muzzle was short but no less loving than anything they'd shared. The two were no strangers to lips-locking (Jake couldn't count how many kisses they'd had) and heck; he and Aurum had even enjoyed a couple of 'imitating' times together...but nothing felt like this. Not fierce, not passionate, not arousing...just an exquisite sense of tranquility and gentleness.

As their faces parted, Aurum smiled sheepishly; the blush under his cobalt cheek fur was visible, "This is a Lucario custom. We're not good with words so we instead brush our muzzles with that of our loved ones. It signifies affection, devotion and trust."

Trust.

The last word was literally carved into his head, and Jake's last bit of doubt ebbed away, "Thank you, Aurum."

"For what?" the aura user questioned playfully.

"For reminding me why I love you." Jake's smile was bright and warm, just like the glow in his chest.

Aurum's only reaction was the reddening of his already flushed face, and Jake couldn't help ruffling the soft fur on the pokemon's head. No matter how many times he'd seen it, this overload of cuteness always hit of his right spots. Look at Aurum now, who could guess he was the same fierce and focused warrior on the battlefield? Jake, however, always welcomed this change of heart; and, just being a little selfish, the young man wanted his pup to show his sweet side to no one but him.

Aurum, too, shared that feeling. Born loyal and chivalrous, his kin - Lucarios - was considered natural justice-defenders and among the most resilient pokemon in this world. Heck, even Aurum himself had survived and even grown on chocolate, which was considered fatal to canines, but if anyone asked whether he had a weakness or not, the pokemon's answer would be yes. He did have a weakness. _Jake_was his weakness...Troublesome, sure, but loving and addictive. It kept him away from achieving perfection, but also reminded him that he wasn't alone. Around him were friends and loved ones to rely on in tough times.

"Also...Lucas mentioned something about having to work with my trainer," Aurum said; ears dropping entreatingly, "I know it's too much to ask, but...could you stay with me while I'm training. Your presence will make sure I won't stray from my path and surrender to my aura."

"Silly, you don't have to ask. Of course I'll be with you." Jake replied and touched his nose with the blue jackal's, "I might be of little use, but I want to feel everything you've been through just for me. Is that okay?"

Sure it was. Watching Aurum's tail wagging happily, Jake felt an unknown surge of joy in his chest. The more he bonded with Aurum, the more difficult it became to be around the pokemon without feeling warm and fuzzy. Throwing an arm around his mate's shoulder, the young man grinned, "Alright, let's go to Veilstone City and get our next badge."

Aurum nodded eagerly as he snuggled to his trainer's hold. His tail, however, had stopped wagging.

"Trust, huh?" the aura user thought, "I'm not one to talk, because there's something I've yet to tell you."

Aurum's mind drifted to another of his recent memories - the last talk between him and Lucas just before they returned to the others.

(Flashback)

"Hey Lucas, how did you manage to figure out all of this? You know...the whole aura feeling and controlling stuffs." Aurum's question was reluctant as if he was afraid he might ridicule himself with it.

Lucas went silent as he stared at the ground for a while. Aurum was afraid that he'd just rubbed a sore spot, but to his relief, the other Lucario slowly raised his head; looking a bit contemplative, "Sorry...How long have I spaced out?"

"Just a few seconds..." Aurum spluttered, "Really, not that long!"

Lucas couldn't help smiling at the other Lucario's expression, as he had the guilty face of a child caught whilst stealing candies, "Don't be so uptight, you didn't say anything wrong. Now, what was that you asked? How I figured out a way to control my aura?"

"Uh huh."

"Well, things started about 5 months ago, when Kai and I were training for the battle frontier." Lucas took a deep breath and began his narration, "We literally did everything together: eating, sleeping, jogging, practicing martial arts...and Kai worked as hard as I ever did. Heck, I even discovered that he's a better fighter than I've ever been. You can't ask for more from a trainer, right?"

Aurum nodded in agreement; a small tingle of envy arose in his chest. If only he and Jake could have shared the same experience.

"However, I started to notice something was wrong. Kai kept reassuring me that I'd reached my top conditions and advised me against exerting myself, but I knew better. That wasn't me at my best. I could do better!"

Aurum was tempted to say "I don't care. Cut to the chase already!", but thankfully, he forced himself not to.

"Day in and day out, I struggled to improve myself, and failed. Every time I was almost there, my strength fell apart. No matter how much effort I made, I just couldn't overcome my limit. I was so frustrated."

That, Aurum himself could relate to. The aura user wouldn't describe himself as power-hungry, but he did know how it felt. Losing hurt, sure, but no pain burned greater than letting your loved ones down.

"I thought that was it for me, but Kai once again saved my butt. One day, when attempting to cheer me up, he told me the story of Yugi - a boy with split personality: The real self is weak, timid but kind-hearted while the dark self is powerful, ruthless but righteous. Two minds exist in the same body and they switch places to combat evils, but sometimes they conflict. Kai laughed and told me maybe I was having the same problem.

At first, I dismissed his joke, but then I began to think about it, and realized Kai's words might've actually made sense! Perhaps the problem wasn't how hard I tried, but was something else in me that'd been blocking my growth. I'd been trying to improve my physical strength, but I paid no attention to my mental strength. So I slowed down, meditated, and at last, the problem revealed itself."

"Then you tamed your aura and became powerful as you're now?" Aurum inquired, although he knew the question was unnecessary.

"Precisely," Lucas nodded, "But I couldn't have accomplished anything without Kai. He shares everything with me, whether it's wins, losses, smile or tear. He encourages and supports me, and in return, I fight for him and him alone. Are you satisfied with the answer, junior?"

"Am I supposed to say no?" Aurum shrugged, "But you and Kai seem pretty close huh."

"Pretty close is an understatement." Lucas smirked; his eyes gleaming with mischief and bemusement, "I think you must've known better."

Lucas's chipper voice undoubtedly carried an implication, and Aurum had already figured out what it was, but the sheer thought sent chills racing down his spine, "What are you talking about?"

"Still playing dumb, aren't we?" Lucas pressed, "Want me to go ahead and say it to your face?"

"Say what?" Aurum try to put up a defiant front, but his quivering voice betrayed him.

"That your trainer and you are, I don't know, lovers." Lucas replied and tapped his chin, pretending to look thoughtful.

Aurum went silent, but his flattened ears and dropped muzzle pretty much reconfirmed everything. Lucas chuckled, "Heh, I wish we had a mirror, just so you could look at yourself right now. There's a big HOW in your face. Care for an explanation?"

Aurum couldn't find his words, as his tongue felt like it'd permanently stuck to the roof of his mouth, but his head automatically worked itself into a nod.

"That's another advantage of a full-fledged aura master. To me, reading emotions is as easy as ditching out some random aura spheres, especially when my two targets are so clingy. Simply putting it, your auras fluctuate to complement each other, and boy oh boy they're so good at it that I'd nearly mistaken them for the aura of a single entity. The last time I encountered such a case, I found quite a couple, so I think it's safe to assume you are the same." Lucas explained, needing no halt to catch his breath. His excitement-brimmed voice contrasted the gloomy expression on Aurum's face, but Lucas was far from done. Leaning toward the mortified Lucario, he asked with a devilish grin, "So, just one extra question...How does it feel to be at the 'receiving end'?"

It's hard to believe the impact of that casual and apparently meaningless sentence, but Aurum was the one feeling its full extend. His face turned pale, then pink and finally, a deep shade of crimson. Aurum knew at this point, trying to play dumb would only make him look like a fool, but his words still had trouble escaping his mouth, "How did you know?"

"What can I say? No aura reading, I guarantee, but there's just...a hint, when I look at you and your trainer, being so lovey-dovey around each other, the way you comfort him, the way he carried you...They make me feel nostalgic. Perhaps it's my Lucario instinct, or an outsider's sixth sense." Lucas's voice suddenly became dry, and the tease had gone from his face, "But you do know same-sex relationship, especially that with humans, is forbidden among Lucarios, don't you? Not to mention you're the submissive one here."

Aurum's ears dropped feebly. He made no effort to justify himself, but then again, what had he done wrong to need justifying? The aura user was sick and tired of people telling him what's right and what's wrong. True, he might have made many mistakes in his life, but falling in love with Jake was absolutely not one of them. Unashamedly, Aurum raised his head and looked directly at Lucas; eyes gleaming defiantly, "Yeah, I'm in love with my trainer. Heck, I've even mated with him and let him dominate me. So what? Am I a failure? Am I a weak, disgusting outcast of a Lucario?" He ranted relentlessly, as if to vent the pent-up frustration in his chest.

He'd certainly expected a solemn, angry respond from Lucas, but to the pokemon's surprise, Lucas just placed a paw on his shoulder and as he spoke, his voice softened, "Of course you aren't. Screw those Lucarios and their stupid rules! We live for ourselves, not them, so we're free to love whoever we want. Besides, being submissive is different from being weak or being a bitch. It's just a way of showing affection and appreciation, so there's really nothing to be ashamed of. Take it from your colleague, junior."

Aurum could almost hear a *click* in his head. Now everything made sense to him: What Lucas had been leading him to, how did he figure out things between him and Jake, even managed to tell Aurum was a bottom, "You...you and that Kai, don't tell me you two are..."

"Exactly!" Lucas agreed enthusiastically, "That's the reason I helped you in the first place. Like attracts like, and I certainly can't ignore a troubled cutie like you."

The tips of Aurum's ears reddened, but his tail was wagging profusely, "Thanks...But honestly, I never imagined you being the submissive one. I mean, look at you, so strong and manly...why did you choose that role?"

Lucas chuckled, "Don't let the impression fool you, junior. I assure you I'm still proficient at butt-kickery, but I don't know why when it comes to Kai, all of my toughness seems to disappear. Of course that ain't some kind of blind devotion, cuz when I'm occasionally in the mood; I still get him on the ground and have my way with his ass. So don't let nonsense words get into your head. Either exposing yourself to your trainer, or give him a good pounding, do whatever you want to do. As long as you two are satisfied, who gives a damn about what others think?"

"You really help opening my eyes. Thank you, Lucas." Aurum noted appreciatively and gingerly held out his paw for a shake, which Lucas gladly accepted, "Remember everything I said about your training, junior, and next time we meet, I hope our battle will be that between true aura masters."

"You bet."

"Oh, and one final favor: When you report this conversation to your trainer, could you exclude this little relationship discussion?" Lucas grinned.

"What? But why? I though you said it's okay to..." Aurum inquired.

"I did, but Kai and I...we'd like to keep our matters as personal as possible. The less people know about us the better. Could you do it for me, junior?"

Aurum could put his finger on what was in Lucas's mind, but he nodded nonetheless. It was the least he could do for the generous Lucario who'd recently become his mentor.

"Great! Now let's head back. I think we've kept the others waiting long enough."

(End of flashback)

Jake began to get thrill as the sight of Veilstone city greeted him. They'd barely made it just moments away from dusk. Standing on the cliff, the gang was blessed with the amazing scenery of the grand city bathed in the setting Sun's golden light. Veilstone city looked like it'd been literally carved out of steep mountains, which gave it a cold and isolated atmosphere. Jake wondered if the place's citizens had ever ventured outside their city, being surrounded by those rocky natural walls.

The question was, however, quickly dismissed. Jake came here to get his third badge, not evaluating the city or its dwellers. For now, all he wanted was to find the PC, checking in for a room and helping himself to a nice, well-deserved rest before challenging the gym leader tomorrow.

At least that was Jake'd planned, until he spotted the smoke. Even with the feeble light of an ending day, various columns of smoke were explicit in the air.

"Guys, you see that?" Jake inquired nervously.

"Yeah, looks like a big fire, and it's coming from the city's east." Ryan replied.

"Well whatever it is, I think they could use some help!" Jaden noted, his voice heaved with urgency.

"Right. We must get there, fast!" Jake declared, "Flash, can you give me a ride?"

The Luxray, as usual, nodded reliably. As he climbed on the electric-type back, Jake held out some pokeballs and gestured to the rest of his team, "Sorry guys, but for the time beings, I need you to get in there."

A simultaneous nod replaced the others' reply. At the same time, Ryan and Jaden were both on Charizard and Latios, all set and ready to go.

As Flash galloped, dashing through the city with his greatest speed, Jake, despite the wind buzzing in his ears, could only hear one thing, and it was the prayer in his head, "Please, let me make it in time!"

...

(To be continued)