[ Celadon City - Pokemon Center ]

The evening air in Celadon City was calm and pleasant, a stark contrast to the somber mood between Austin and Green. The city lights softly illuminated the serene gardens of the Pokémon Center, casting a warm glow on the lush greenery and intricate pathways that meandered throughout the grounds. The full moon hung in the sky like a pearl, its silvery light shimmering on the leaves and flowers that surrounded the two friends.

Austin and Green were seated on a wooden bench, nestled in a quiet corner of the gardens. The silence that enveloped them was heavy, weighted with the pain Austin was feeling after sharing the news of watching the horrors committed by Team Rocket. He cradled a cup of steaming coffee in his hands, taking slow sips as he stared at the moon above.

Green, concerned for her friend, gently brushed her hand against Austin's, her eyes filled with compassion. "Are you alright?" she asked softly, though she already knew the answer. The pain was evident in his eyes, a silent scream of anguish that he tried to hide behind his stoic façade.

Austin merely nodded, not trusting his voice to betray his emotions. He took another sip of his coffee, allowing the warmth to spread through him, providing a temporary respite from his pain.

Desperate to lift Austin's spirits, Green attempted to change the subject. "So, have you ever thought about what you'll do when your Pokémon want to start a family?" she asked, a slight smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Will you be their godfather?"

Her question caught Austin's attention, and for a moment, his eyes seemed to regain some of their former sparks. Green's smile widened, encouraged by his reaction.

Up in a nearby tree, Lucario observed the pair intently, his ears perked up at the mention of Pokémon families. He, too, was curious about Austin's response, his eyes filled with interest.

Just then, Nurse Joy appeared at the entrance to the gardens, waving to Austin and beckoning him to come over. The warmth of her smile was a welcome distraction, a beacon of hope in the midst of his sorrow and pain.

Austin paused for a moment, considering his answer.

Austin looked back at Green, his eyes brimming with warmth and compassion. "My Pokémon are family to me," he said, his voice imbued with a quiet strength. "They can leave whenever they want or stay, but I'd prefer if they stayed if I'm being honest. As for the godfather status, I'd probably spoil the kid too much."

With that, Austin rose from the bench and strode towards Nurse Joy. The sound of his footsteps gradually grew fainter, swallowed up by the distance as he left Green and Lucario behind.

Lucario remained perched on the tree branch, his gaze fixed on the ground below. The silence that enveloped him was broken only by the faint rustle of the wind outside. As he pondered the events that had just transpired, tears began to stream down his face, a testament to the depth of emotion he felt.

In that poignant moment, Lucario's mind drifted back to the first words he ever heard from Sir Aaron. The memory played out like a scene from a novel, vivid and full of life.

...

[ 500 Years Ago ]

Sir Aaron, the legendary Aura Guardian, sprinted through the narrow, ancient alleyways of the Imperial City of the Kingdom of Vale. The crumbling brick walls seemed to loom over him, casting ominous shadows that flickered and danced in the dim light of the setting sun. He could hear the distant chatter of the city's inhabitants, but he paid them no mind as he focused on his mission.

As he rounded a corner, Sir Aaron came upon a startling sight. Lying on the ground before him was the body of a dying Lucario, its aura flickering weakly. The creature's once-proud form was now wracked with pain, and its eyes were closed in a final, peaceful slumber. But it was not the dying Lucario that caught Sir Aaron's attention. Besides the creature lay a small, white egg, its surface gleaming in the orange light of the setting sun.

Sir Aaron gasped as he saw the egg, and he knew at that moment that his mission had just become much more complicated. He approached Lucario, his heart heavy with sorrow, and knelt beside the dying creature. The Lucario's eyes fluttered open, and it looked up at Sir Aaron with a pleading gaze.

"Please," the Lucario rasped, its voice barely more than a whisper. "Take care of my child."

Sir Aaron nodded, his eyes misting with emotion. He knew that he could not refuse the dying creature's request. He reached out and gently picked up the egg, cradling it in his arms. He looked down at the Lucario and saw that its aura had grown dimmer still.

"Don't worry," Sir Aaron said, his voice thick with emotion. "I'll train this young one to be a brave warrior."

With those words, Lucario's aura flickered one final time and then went out. The creature lay still, its body now at peace. Sir Aaron closed his eyes, and let out a long sigh as he looked at the aura Pokemon's egg.

I'll raise you into a warrior who protects the weak," Sir Aaron had declared, his voice tinged with both determination and kindness. He paused, a playful glint in his eyes as he continued, "What a corny line to say, huh? Nah, I think I'll just raise you into a warrior who fights for himself and his family."

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The night was dark and ominous, the sky was beginning to be obscured by thick storm clouds that seemed to press down upon Celadon City. Austin walked through the garden of the Pokemon Center, the only source of light coming from the dimly lit lamps that lined the path.

As he approached Nurse Joy, he saw Dr. Smith, the neurologist, standing in the garden and Austin's gut felt like something was wrong. Nurse Joy's expression was grave, and Dr. Smith's face was etched with concern.

"Nurse Joy," Austin called out, his voice barely audible above the sound of the wind. "What's wrong?"

Nurse Joy hesitated for a moment before delivering the crushing news: "I'm sorry, Austin. We did everything we could, but we couldn't treat Charmander's condition. Our resident psychic was injured just by trying to access Charmander's mindscape. We're so sorry."

Austin felt as if his heart had been ripped from his chest. He stared blankly at Nurse Joy, unable to process the words she had just spoken. But then, as the reality of what she had said began to sink in, his blank stare turned to one of anger and despair. "What the fuck did you just say?" he shouted, his voice filled with rage and desperation.

Nurse Joy's eyes welled up with tears, as she tried to explain further. "We're sorry, Austin. We did everything we could, but Charmander's condition is too severe. We're so sorry."

Dr. Smith stepped in, his voice calm but filled with empathy. "Austin, I know this is difficult to hear, but we did everything we could. We're so sorry for your loss."

Austin's anger turned to despair, as he realized that there was nothing more that could be done to save his beloved Charmander.

His mind projected images of Raticate and Charmeleon in front of him, their bodies limp and lifeless.

Before anyone could react, Austin grabbed Nurse Joy by the throat and lifted her off the ground. Nurse Joy's eyes widened in fear as she struggled to free herself from Austin's grasp. Dr. Smith and Chansey tried to intervene, and then the duo felt it.

The full force of Austin's aura.

[ Dr. Smith's POV ]

I stood before this monstrous entity, my legs trembling with fear. Its eyes seem to look into my very soul. My heart raced and my mind reeled as I try to process the sheer scale and horror of the creature before me.

I can feel the very ground beneath me trembling as if the earth itself is trying to flee from this monstrosity. The air is thick with a putrid stench, and I can feel my stomach churning with nausea. I try to scream, to run, but my body is frozen in place, paralyzed by the sheer terror of the being before me.

The creature's gaze seems to bore into me as if it is somehow reading my thoughts, my fears. I can feel myself starting to lose control, my mind slipping away. I can feel my body convulsing, my muscles contracting and relaxing uncontrollably.

....

Chansey and Dr. Smith both were only ground knocked out while frothing from the mouth.

Nurse Joy meanwhile was utterly terrified as she closed her eyes

Lucario grabbed Austin's wrist, causing him to release Nurse Joy. She fell to the ground, coughing and gasping for air. Lucario then turned his attention to Austin, his eyes burning with fierce determination. "I might have a way to save Charmeleon," Lucario said firmly causing Austin's lips to quiver.

" I-Is that true ?"

" Yes."

Austin's face lit up with happiness as he grabbed Lucario's paw and ran into the Pokemon center leaving behind a terrified Nurse Joy who rubbed her neck.

She couldn't believe it.

She was alive.

....

The hospital room was dimly lit, with the only source of light coming from the various monitors and machines that surrounded the bed where Charmeleon lay hooked up to multiple IVs. The machines beeped and whirred in unison, creating a chorus of mechanical sounds that filled the air. The room was sterile and cold, with white walls and a shiny linoleum floor. The only signs of life were the Pokemon and the trainers who had gathered around the bed.

Charmeleon's body was weak and frail, its once vibrant scales now dull and lifeless. Its chest rose and fell in shallow breaths, its eyes closed in a deep sleep. The resident nurse, her face etched with concern, was checking Charmeleon's IVs when the door suddenly slammed open, causing her to jump in surprise. In strode Austin, his face a mask of determination and anger. He glared at the resident nurse and shouted "Out!" and the nurse quickly gathered her things and fled the room.

As Austin approached the bed, he gently brushed Charmeleon's head, trying to offer some comfort to the injured Pokemon. Yellow and Green, rushed into the room, their expressions filled with worry and concern. "Ash, what happened?" Yellow asked, but Austin shook his head. "No time to explain; just keep everyone out," he said, his voice firm and resolute.

Yellow nodded, her face showing her understanding, but Green hesitated, looking as if she wanted to argue. "But Ash, we need to know what's going on, we can't just stand here and do nothing," Green said, her voice filled with frustration. However, before she could say anything more, Lucario, stepped forward, holding a few candles in their hand. "Do what you have to do," Austin said, his voice steady and confident causing the Pokemon to nod.

" Pika !"

...

"We're going to get in trouble for this, aren't we?" Yellow asked, her eyes darting nervously around their surroundings.

"Yes," Green replied without hesitation, quickly donning a mask and hat to conceal her identity. "But I have a feeling Ash has a plan if we do get in trouble."

"Yellow, can you cover for me?"

"What are you going to do?"

"Plan B."

"What's Plan B?"

"Don't worry about it."

"Does Ash know?"

"Yes."

"Really?" Yellow questioned, her heart racing with uncertainty. Doesn't Ash trust her with a plan?

Before her very eyes, Green's appearance underwent a remarkable transformation. In mere moments, the petite woman with bright green hair had become the spitting image of Nurse Joy. She wore the traditional crisp white nurse's uniform, adorned with a red cross on the left side of her chest, and her hair was styled in a sleek ponytail. Green's eyes sparkled with mischief as she flawlessly mimicked Nurse Joy.

"How do I look?" Green asked, performing a quick spin.

"It looks nice," Yellow responded in a subdued tone.

"What's wrong?" Green inquired, noticing that Yellow seemed uncharacteristically downcast.

"Green, am I not reliable in Ash's eyes?" Yellow's voice quivered as she spoke, causing Green to inwardly chastise herself.

"No, I lied about Plan B," Green confessed, and Yellow's eyes widened in surprise.

"Why?"

"I'll explain later." Green hurriedly left the hallway, immediately intercepting the resident nurse who had called security on Austin and Lucario.

From her vantage point, Yellow watched Green converse with the guard. 'What am I doing here?' she wondered, feeling as though she was simply tagging along for the ride. She couldn't help but compare herself to her friends: she wasn't like Lucario, who could teach everyone about aura, or like Ash, who was meticulously planning against Team Rocket, or even like Green, who excelled at spy work. Even her powers seemed overshadowed by Pokémon like Chansey and Abra.

The sound of a metallic clink echoed through the hallway, a reminder that the world continued to move around her, and that she had to find her path and prove her worth.

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[ A Few minutes Ago ]

The hospital room was dimly lit, with the only source of light coming from the various monitors and machines that surrounded the bed where Charmeleon lay hooked up to multiple IVs. The machines beeped and whirred in unison, creating a chorus of mechanical sounds that filled the air. The room was sterile and cold, with white walls and a shiny linoleum floor. The only signs of life were the Pokemon and the trainer who had gathered around the bed.

Lucario moved meticulously as he removed the IVs and machines from Charmeleon's body while Austin, Pikachu, and Haunter placed candles near Charmeleon's heart, head, arms, and legs.

"Lucario, are you sure about this?" Austin inquired, concern etched across his face.

"Do you have a better plan?" Lucario retorted, his tone sharp. Pikachu, feeling the tension in the room, piped up with an annoyed "Pika, Pi!"

Lucario sighed, relenting. "This is a method used back in the war to treat people whose minds were broken."

Austin nodded, his curiosity piqued. "What do we have to do?"

"Well, you're going to talk to the sleeping brat."

"Huh? How?"

"You're going to go into the mind of Charmeleon."

Austin furrowed his brow. "Wait, shouldn't we get Yellow to do it? She can connect to a Pokémon's mind and emotions."

"She can do that?" Lucario seemed surprised.

"Yes."

"Then call her immediately!" Lucario urged.

Without hesitation, Austin rushed to the door, flinging it open. He noticed Green's absence and quickly grabbed Yellow's hand, pulling her inside. Yellow's cheeks flushed with surprise as she found herself pressed against Austin's chest, his heartbeat a soothing rhythm in her ears. As the blood rushed to her face, she realized the intimate position they were in.

Austin, oblivious to Yellow's embarrassment, pulled out two Pokéballs and threw them. "Guys, guard this room, and don't let anyone in." Scizor and Fearow emerged, eyeing each other before watching Austin slam the door behind him.

Rearow squawked, feeling indignant. "Did that blasted human just kick us out?"

Scizor retorted. "Have you smelled yourself? I'm surprised he didn't kick you out sooner."

"Hey, Pidgeot says I smell nice."

The bird snapped back.

Fearow immediately regretted his words and glanced at Scizor, who wore a smug expression.

"Pidgeot, huh?," Scizor teased

Fearow stammered, trying to backtrack. "What I meant was that woman, Green? She said I smelled nice."

Scizor smirked. "You know she's afraid of Flying-types, right?"

Fearow grumbled. "I know that."

The metallic Pokémon continued to tease. "Of course, you did."

The two Pokémon fell silent for a moment before Scizor prodded further. "So, Pidgeot."

Fearow sighed, defeated. "You aren't going to let it go, are you?"

Scizor chuckled. "Nope."

The bird Pokémon snapped. "Fuck you."

The metallic Pokémon replied, unfazed. "Appreciate the love, but I'm sure someone else appreciates it more."

Fearow huffed, embarrassed. "I don't love Pidgeot."

Scizor continued to tease. "When did I say it was Pidgeot?"

....

Yellow knelt on the floor, her heart pounding with a mixture of fear and excitement as she cradled Austin's head in her lap. Her palms were sweaty, and she fought to steady her breathing. Pikachu and Haunter stood nearby, watching intently as Yellow positioned her hands on the sides of Austin's head.

"It's going to be fine," Austin assured her, his voice steady and calming. His expression was a mix of determination and concern, as he tried to instill confidence in Yellow.

"What if I mess up?" Yellow asked, her voice trembling with fear. Her eyes widened, reflecting her anxiety about the unknown.

Austin reached up to touch her hand, offering comfort. "Yellow, look at me," he coaxed gently, capturing her gaze. "It's going to be fine."

"But..." Yellow hesitated, biting her lip and furrowing her brow.

"No buts, Yellow. It's going to be fine, okay?" Austin's unwavering faith in her brought a small smile to her face.

"Okay," she agreed, feeling her courage grow.

Satisfied, Lucario stepped forward and placed his paw on Yellow's and Charmeleon's heads. "Okay, lovebirds, let's do this." His tone was playful, but his eyes revealed a hint of apprehension.

Yellow glanced at Lucario, a hint of trepidation lingering. "Lucario, is this safe?"

"Nope."