Work Text:
Night had just broken when everyone headed back to the Pokemon Center, everyone except Ash. Ash stayed as he wanted to investigate the ruins out of curiosity. Brock and Dawn agreed as they headed back to the small town with Barry. Pikachu also went with them as it was exhausted from battling. They said their temporary good byes as Riley promised to escort him back safely. So for about an hour, Ash wandered around the ruins before everyone decided it was time to head out for the night.
Riley went to find Ash who was still inside the ruins, his Lucario closely by his side. He found Ash staring at a mural of Dialga and Palkia. "Curious are you?" Riley asked as he walked up to him. Ash turned to him with a smile. "Yeah, any time I learn about a legendary pokemon I get super psyched!" Riley chuckled a bit at his energy. "It's getting late, why don't we head back to town?" Ash nodded. "Sounds good." Riley smiled as the three of them headed out of the ruins. However, when they got to the exit, the exhaustion and slight beating from earlier came back to bite him. Riley's vision went blurry as he collapsed to the ground.
"Riley!" Ash shouted in concern and quickly knelt beside him. "Are you ok?" Ash asked completely distressed. "Master!" He heard Lucario yell worryingly. "I'm...fine." Riley said as he tried to get up but was too weak. His vision turned to black as he passed out.
Riley slowly opened his eyes as he felt a wave of rejuvenating aura wash over him. It made him feel relaxed and much better than before. Looking up, he was shocked to see it emanating from Ash's hands. The soft teal glow illuminated Ash's features beautifully. Ash and Lucario both looked relieved to see that he was awake. "Ash..." Riley said, barely above a whisper. The aura stopped and Ash smiled gently. "I'm so glad you're awake. How are you feeling?" The soft and gentle tone Ash was using made Riley's heart flutter a bit, as well as caused his cheeks to turn pink.
"I feel much better. Thank you." Riley replied before being pulled into a hug by his Lucario. "You worried me Master." Lucario said through it's aura. "I'm sorry dear friend. But you should thank Ash for helping me." Lucario looked at Ash and smiled. "Car!" Ash smiled. "You're welcome. Glad I could help." Riley, as well as Lucario, stood up. "Ash, are you able to use aura?" Ash smiled a bit sheepishly. "Yeah. I learned I could use it when I traveled through Hoenn. There I met a Lucario who was the partner to Sir Aaron, an Aura Guardian. I would say more but it's a long story." Ash explained as he rubbed his head.
"That's alright. But do you mind if I ask for a brief summary?" Riley was honestly a bit curious. He had been told that he is a lot like Sir Aaron, though he isn't sure if he had any relation to him. For about half an hour, Ash explained to the best of his ability what happened. Once he finished, both Lucario and Riley took a bit of time to think it over. Finally, Riley spoke. "That's quite a tale. From what I know about aura, that move is extremely fatal to the one who uses it. But, I'm glad that they both did it for a good cause. Hopefully, they are at peace." Ash nodded in agreement as he looked at his hands.
"After that, I felt like I should practice using my aura. To honor both Lucario and Sir Aaron, as well as to use it to protect those around me. Of course, it didn't happen overnight. I borrowed some books from the castle library and did my best to hone my aura. Then, one day, I managed to create a healing aura. I knew I still had a long way to go, but I was proud that I made some progress." Both Riley and Lucario nodded. "We both admire that. I hope one day you'll be able to master your unique ability." Riley said encouragingly. Ash turned to him with determination.
"About that, I wanted to ask if you could teach me how to create a shield using aura. Like how you did." Riley turned to Lucario. "What do you think?" Lucario gave a nod of approval. "Alright. It won't be easy, are you sure you're ready?" Ash nodded. "You bet!"
So, late into the night Ash trained with Riley and Lucario. They started with a simple exercise before teaching him to focus his mind. Focus was very important for those still learning to control aura. Without focus, there's a high risk for something to go wrong. However, with enough practice there won't be any need for focus. It'll just be second nature. Once Ash managed to complete this task, Riley and Lucario decided it was time to test him. To create a shield, you need to focus your mind on creating one.
For now, they decided to focus on creating a small shield. Big enough just to protect Ash. Lucario would gently attack as Ash focused on creating a shield. However, when they took a break, Lucario fell asleep. So Riley decided to take over for his partner. He would rush at Ash while he focused. Of course, he didn't want to actually hurt him so he held back a bit. There were multiple instances where Ash nearly formed one, but not quite. Until finally, when the sun started to rise. Both Riley and Ash were exhausted but Ash showed determination in his eyes, determination to keep going.
So Riley once again charged at Ash. Ash closed his eyes and focused. Just as Riley was about to collide with Ash, he was instead reflected back after ramming into the shield. Ash opened his eyes and grinned as the shield faded away. "I did it!" Ash shouted in excitement. Riley smiled and patted Ash on the shoulder. "Congrats Ash. Be sure to keep practicing and I know you'll be stronger than before." Ash smiled as the rising sun bathed him in a orange glow. "You know I will!" Ash said. Riley stared at Ash, the fluttering feeling in his chest returning.
"I never got to properly thank you, for helping to save Iron Island." Ash simply closed his eyes and grinned. "You don't need to thank me. I'm just glad everyone is safe." Riley stepped closer and gently grasped Ash's cheek. Ash opened his eyes in surprise and looked up at Riley, his cheeks turning a bit pink. "But I want to." Riley whispered before leaning down and capturing Ash's lips in a tender kiss. It only lasted a brief moment before Riley broke it and looked away. "Forgive me, I'm not sure what came over me." Riley apologized.
Ash simply laughed and grabbed both of Riley's hands. Riley turned back to him in surprise as his face began to heat up. "It's ok, I don't really mind." Ash reassured before leaning in to give Riley a quick peck on the cheek. This action caused Riley's blush to turn red. Ash grinned at his reaction. Riley didn't say anything for a moment before tightening his grip on Ash's hands. "Would this...make us a couple?" Riley murmured quietly. "If that's what you want." Ash replied. Riley wanted a relationship with Ash, but it felt like it was moving a bit too fast for his taste. They've only known each other for a day after all.
"I would like to be with you, but it's kinda moving too fast for me. Perhaps we should remain friends for now." Ash nodded in understanding. "Alright. Perhaps we could keep in contact." Riley smiled as he let go of Ash's hands, reached into his pocket, and pulled out a blue poketch. "I happen to have a spare poketch. We can use them to stay in contact." Ash smiled and took the poketch. "I'll take good care of it." Riley nodded. "It's about time we headed back." Riley said as he went over to wake up his sleeping Lucario. Once Lucario awoke, they headed back to town together.