Author's Notes:
Happy day after Thanksgiving everyone, and welcome to another chapter of Alpha and Omega. Two things need to be said today, so let's get to it.

First, today is the last day to submit your entries for the theme song for the Torrent League. Remember, a Pokémon AMV has to be included, and all submissions must be sent to me by PM.

Second, on Monday I will be starting a new job. I have know idea what it's going to be like, but I do know I'm going to have to learn a ton about the equipment, as I have never worked on anything like this before. Also, in January there will be some big life changes for me that I need to focus on. Combine those with the craziness of the holidays, I'm not sure if I'll be able to keep up my updates. I know in January I will be taking a short break to handle things here, but I have know idea how everything else will work out. For now, I am going to move to an every two weeks update schedule, if I need to I will put the book on hold so I can focus on my life off of Wattpad, but it would only be till February if I do. To clarify, this book will now be updated every other week. If life doesn't give me the needed time to write, I will put the book on hold until I can write. This is not me abandoning this book, just saying updates will be slowed down.

With all that said, if you like my work please vote, feel free to comment, and please share this story with your friends. I now present to you chapter 66, enjoy.

Lucario threw a punch at Ash, but he managed to duck then charge forward, picking Lucario up and throwing him over his shoulder. Greninja then came out of nowhere with his hands and feet glowing white as he used Aerial Ace. Ash put his arms forward as he created an aura barrier in front of him to take the hits. As Greninja pummeled away at the aura barrier, Lucario got back on his feet and charged at Ash. Ash felt Lucario charging in, but was unable to avoid Lucario sweeping his legs out from under him causing him to fall. Greninja then shot his tongue at Ash and wrapped it around his waist, stopping him from hitting the ground. Ash breathed a sigh of relief, but was then sent flying into the nearby river as Greninja's tongue released him.

"Ash!" Serena cried out.

"Serena!" Gardevoir shouted. Serena looked back just as a rock with a red outline stopped right between her eyes, almost hitting her. "You must pay attention! Anything can happen! You must remain focused otherwise you can get hurt too and then both your lives are in danger!" Gardevoir scolded.

Since the attack from Team Rocket, Ash decided William was right and that he needed combat training. Even though he hoped he would never need it, he hated the idea of possibly killing even more, and hoped some fighting skills could help prevent that. This resulted in Lucario sparring with him every day, with Greninja sometimes randomly joining in at different points to keep Ash on his toes. Serena agreed that this would be beneficial to her as well since she died a few days prior. So Gardevoir focused on training her to use her psychic powers in combat. Gardevoir and Delphox would levitate several small rocks around Serena and launch them at her from different directions to make her either dodge or deflect them. They kept it to defense mostly, until Serena decided to start shooting back. She started to take the rocks they fired at her and send them right back at them, keeping them on their toes as well.

The other Pokémon were resting from their training, except Fearow and the Drakeons. They were flying in formation through the air as Fearow lead them through several maneuvers in an effort to help them get a better grasp on flying.

"I'm ok," Ash called out as he finally managed to swim to the bank of the river. A blue webbed hand then appeared in front of him. Ash took the hand allowing Greninja to help pull him to his feet.

"You are improving Master. However you still appear to have difficulty when you are being attacked by two opponents at once," Lucario criticized as he walked over.

"Well don't forget, I'm only human. I'm not as strong or fast as you two. And you two have more combat experience," Ash replied.

"Experience aside, you are not only human, you are an Aura Guardian. Which means eventually you will be able to match us," Lucario explained.

"Delphox! Delphox!" Gardevoir yelled getting everyone's attention. "Pay attention! We're starting back with Serena's training."

"Delphox, are you ok?" Serena asked as Delphox being distracted like that was out of the ordinary.

"I don't know, I feel drawn that way," Delphox replied as she pointed her stick towards the forest.

Lucario heard this and decided to use his aura to check out that direction. "There doesn't appear to be anything in that direction as far as I can sense," Lucario stated as he looked back to Delphox.

"I know there is something that way, and the feeling is getting stronger. Kind of like it's getting closer," Delphox argued in her defense.

"Well I can't," Lucario started before he stopped and shot his head back in the direction Delphox pointed. "Someone just entered my range. Two of them, both Aura Guardians, and they are closing in fast," Lucario said in disbelief.

"Delphox, how did you sense that before Lucario?" Gardevoir asked.

"I don't know. Only now do I feel the presence of people. I just knew something was coming," Delphox replied.

"Well it sounds like we'll have some guests soon. Let's just rest for now, just in case," Ash suggested. All the Pokémon agreed, and all training was brought to a halt.

Deciding to act casual and not wanting to just sit around waiting, Ash and Serena started to prepare breakfast for three as they learned the second Aura Guardian was a Lucario.

"They're here," Lucario told everyone seconds before the two Aura Guardians arrived.

Two figures burst out of the forest, jumping out from two trees at the edge of the clearing and landing halfway between the campsite and the forest. The first was a Lucario with a mega stone on his left wrist, the other was a man in his late twenties to early thirties wearing black pants and a black turtleneck with a blue coat on top, and a wide brim blue hat with a black band around it. Around his neck was a gold necklace that held a key stone.

"Riley?" Ash said in shock upon seeing the man he met in Sinnoh many years ago.

"Hello Ash. It's nice to see you again," Riley replied with a pleasant smile as he walked to Ash and extended his hand. Ash did the same and two shook hands when they met.

"It's good to see you too," Ash replied.

"I see that you started your Aura Guardian training. Let me guess, your Lucario is your teacher?" Riley guessed, to which Ash nodded. "That's a smart idea, I wish I thought of it. Your training could have been complete by now."

"I don't mean to be rude, but why are you here?" Ash asked.

"William sent me. He wanted me to fill you in on some new information about Team Rocket's plans here in Torrent," Riley replied.

"Well why don't you join us for breakfast. We have plenty," Serena chimed in, reminding them both that she was there too.

"Oh I'm sorry. Riley, this is my girlfriend Serena. Serena, this is Riley, an Aura Guardian I met during my travels through Sinnoh," Ash introduced apologetically.

"A pleasure to meet you, Serena," Riley said as he extended his hand to her.

"Likewise," Serena replied as she took his hand and shook it.

"I've actually heard a lot about you. The psychic girlfriend to an Aura Guardian. Your relationship is making a lot of noise in a lot of circles," Riley stated.

"What do you mean by a lot of noise?" Serena asked.

"I'm sure you both are aware of the bad blood between Aura Guardians and Psychics by now." Ash and Serena both nodded. "Well, apparently after you left Eligor's gym, his grandfather made a plea to the psychic council to remove you from Ash. Saying that a psychic of your power couldn't be left with their blood enemy," Riley explained.

"You've got to be kidding me," Ash groaned as he put his head in his right hand.

"Doesn't that old man have anything better to do?" Serena asked with an annoyed tone.

"Not anymore. The council opinion has been split over the last couple of years about Aura Guardians, and his plea was the last straw for them, and he was removed from the council and Eligor was put in his place. They said his prejudice against Aura Guardians had no place at the time, and he was clearly letting his personal opinions cloud his judgment considering the current situation," Riley explained.

"What situation?" Serena asked.

"And how do you know all this?" Ash asked.

"As for the situation, let's talk over breakfast. Lucario and I are starved. As for how I know about psychic council meetings, William told me. Like I said, they've been divided on us for some time now. A few that are on our side, to put the past behind us and move to the future, they filled him in," Riley explained.

They all took a seat at the table, while the Pokémon were all given bowls of Pokémon food. Once everyone had food, Riley began.

"I'm sure you both know the story of creation, about how Arceus created the universe and all life, correct?" Ash and Serena nodded as they ate. "There's a part of that story that was erased from every text for thousands of years, since before the fall of the Aura Guardian order. As you know, after he created the universe Arceus slept for thousands of years, as he depleted his energy, and this is where things were cut out. You see, he created all Pokémon by using the plates that represent each typing for Pokémon. Now some were created using multiple plates because he needed more power. But where do we come in?" Ash and Serena both looked at Riley with expecting looks. "Now the details are a little unclear at best, but apparently we were created with the power of a different plate entirely. From what we have been able to piece together, he went into a sleep after humans were created, but it only lasted a day. In that time, the plate used to create humanity went missing. It's unclear who took it, humanity, one of his first Pokémon creations, or if he literally lost it. But what we do know is that after he awoke it was gone, and he practically ripped the world in two trying to find it? It's said that his wrath killed so much life that he wept when he saw what he had done, and that his tears nearly flooded the world. That's when he used the other plates to create Pokémon, to fill the world with life again. That's when he slept for thousands of years. The strain was too much for him that he needed to rest for that long."

"So what ever happened to the plate?" Ash asked.

"Thousands of years later, while Arceus was still sleeping, a tyrant king found the plate and was able to somehow harness its power to begin conquering the world. However, Arceus also created the Psychics and Aura Guardians, and they worked together to stop the king. When they stopped him, they took the plate, seeing it as too much for any being to ever control, and hid it away, working together to keep it safe."

"But Aura Guardians and Psychics hate each other. How could they work together like that?" Serena questioned.

"It's amazing how a common threat can make people become allies," Riley replied with a chuckle. "They guarded the plate together for centuries until an Aura Guardian wanted the power for himself, and killed everyone else guarding it. Then somehow he built himself an army to conquer the known world, and the Aura Guardians and Psychics had to work together again to get the plate. After they defeated him, this time they decided to somehow seal the power of the plate to prevent anyone from ever using it again. After that well, the war broke out that nearly wiped us out."

"Ok so, Team Rocket was after this plate. So what? You said it's sealed, so they can't use it, right?" Ash asked.

"As you know, William has tons of Aura Guardian artifacts, several of them books. But he wasn't the first to gather Aura Guardian knowledge. According to William, your great grandfather did too, and when he died your grandmother inherited his books. Now those books should have been left to your mother, but when Giovanni killed your grandparents and took over Team Rocket..." Riley started.

"Giovanni took the books," Ash finished in realization.

"Exactly. Apparently most of William's books he stole from Giovanni when all hell was breaking loose, but those are only a fraction of the collection Giovanni has, and we have no idea what kind of knowledge they hold," Riley explained in a concerned tone.

"But Aura Guardians and Psychics sealed it. Even if one of those books explained how to unseal it, wouldn't it be safe to say that he would need both to unseal it? And is he one of them in the first place?" Serena asked.

"No, he's just a normal human without any powers. And that's true, he probably would need both. But this is Giovanni we're talking about here. He made Team Rocket look like a bunch of Pokémon thieves for years before they were seen a legitimate threat. He lives life like chess, taking his time to get his pieces into position before making his big moves. I'm willing to bet he knew where the plate was for a long time before he acted, so that way he could be ready to use it. He most likely either has Psychics and Aura Guardians working for him, or has ones he's forced to work for him. What we do know is that Giovanni doesn't do anything without purpose, so he must have a plan already in action as we speak." Riley explained with a serious expression. After he was done speaking, Riley could see the distressed looks on both Ash and Serena's faces. He hated telling them this. They were both still pretty much just kids, and here he was putting problems on them that, if not for their blood lines, they would never have had to learn about. "I'm sorry I had to tell you guys all of this."

"No, it's fine. Part of me is actually happy to hear this. Normally, when the world needs saving, I tend to not realize it until I'm in the middle of saving it," Ash replied with a fake laugh as he scratched the back of his head.

"Just the same, maybe we can bring things to another topic," Riley suggested.

"Like what?" Serena asked.

"That's your Delphox right?" Riley asked as he pointed to Delphox, who was staring right at him.

"Yes," Serena replied curiously as she notice her staring as well.

"She's been staring at me since I arrived. I don't suppose you have any ideas why?" Riley inquired, clearly feeling uncomfortable due to her attention.

"That's a good question. She's actually the one who told us you were coming. She saw you before anyone else did," Serena replied.

"Really?" Riley replied as he turned to face her.

"Delphox, are you still getting those feelings?" Serena asked.

Delphox nodded.

"What kind of feeling?" Riley asked.

"Like I'm being drawn to you. And don't you dare think of it in a sexual way, I'm not into humans. Besides, I already have a mate," Delphox replied as she grabbed Greninja's arm and pulled him close. Everyone else had a bit of an awkward chuckle by this.

Riley then looked to his Lucario. "You don't think it's that do you?"

"Perhaps. It would explain her feeling," Riley's Lucario replied.

"What would explain it?" Serena asked.

"Last year while on Iron Island, Lucario became drawn to something much like how Delphox is. We went deep into a network of caves, Lucario even made a few new openings to get us to the source. In the end we found a chamber with two mega stones. One was Lucarioite, but the other," Riley said as he reached into his coat and pulled out a red and yellow mega stone. "We had no idea what Pokémon this mega evolves."

"Wait, are you saying that might be Delphoxite?" Serena gasped.

"It would make sense," Riley replied.

"I can't believe you kept it. I would have thought you would have taken it to Professor Sycamore, seeing as he's the leading expert in mega evolution," Ash commented.

"If I sent it to him who knows how long I would have gone without it. I don't believe in coincidences, everything happens for a reason. And I now believe this is why I found this, to give it to your Delphox, Serena," Riley said as he handed the stone to Delphox.

Delphox took her paws off her egg that sat in her lap and took the stone from Riley as she gazed at it with wide eyes filled with wonder and excitement.

"That's amazing Serena! You'll have the first ever Mega Delphox! I can't wait to see it in your performances!" Ash said with excitement and stars in his eyes.

"Well I'm going to need to find a key stone first, and who knows how long that will take," Serena replied sounding a little disappointed.

"Well, I won't give you mine, but if you want I can let you borrow it for now so you can at least try it out," Riley told them as he brought attention to the stone around his neck.

"That would be wonderful, thank you!" "Yes thank you so much!" Both Serena and Delphox replied full of excitement.

Riley began fiddling with the key stone in his necklace, and with the sound of a click, the stone was free and in his hand. He then handed the stone to Serena from across the table.

"Alright Delphox, let's give this a try!" Serena said as she stood up from the table. Delphox then handed her egg to Greninja and walked over a few feet from everyone. "Ok Delphox, let's see your beautiful new look. Mega Evolve," Serena said as she held the stone. Bands of light left from the two stones and connected as Delphox was engulfed in a white light. Soon after the light dissipated, showing Delphox's new form.

The yellow fur that she once wore on almost half her body was now dark red, even darker than the fur that as on her arms and legs. Only her face remained yellow and white. The fur on her head grew longer and now held a shape resembling a witch's hat. The rest of her fur resembled a cloak now, and her black legs became more visible to just above her knees. Flames also now were coming out of her ears, forearms, and top of her feet. Her stick also changed, becoming longer to form a staff.

"Oh wow Delphox, you look like a witch," Serena exclaimed as she looked at her newly evolved Pokémon.

Delphox began to look herself over, and she had to admit she was overall pleased. She was happy that her mega evolved form looked more feminine, as she missed the features she once held as a Braixen, especially her legs. When she was still a Braixen, Greninja commented once that she had beautiful legs, and now that they were mates she would feel his hands moving up her legs when they would make love. She always felt a little sad that all that fur was in the way now, but now that it was back to how it was in her previous evolution, she looked to Greninja for his thoughts. "So Greninja, what do you think?" Delphox asked as she stepped one of her legs out so that the remaining fur wouldn't cover it up as much.

"Looking amazing!" Greninja replied with a thumbs up and a nose bleed. Delphox smiled, loving the effect her Mega Evolved form had on her mate.

"You know, if your staff had bristles on it, you would really complete the witch look with your broom to fly on," Ash commented with a chuckle.

Delphox then looked at her staff intently as she pondered Ash's comment. She then moved her staff so that she was sitting on it as her eyes glowed light red and she used Psychic on her staff. Delphox lifted her feet off the ground, to see that she was indeed floating. She smirked as she looked in the direction her staff was pointing and began flying around.

"Oh my Arceus Delphox, you're flying!" Serena announced excitedly.

Delphox circled the campsite before her egg became outlined with a light red psychic energy, and lifted up out of Greninja's arms and flew over to Serena. "Please watch this for us," Delphox asked Serena through telepathy. "We'll be back in a little bit." Delphox then swung back around, picked up Greninja, and flew off out of site into the forest.

"What just happened?" Riley asked.

"I find it best not to think about it," Ash replied.

"How long can a Pokémon maintain their mega evolved form?" Serena asked.

"There's really not a set amount of time. Pretty much until the Pokémon runs out of energy, loses consciousness, or both Pokémon and trainer are in sync that the mega evolved form is no longer needed," Riley replied.

"Well considering they both just ate breakfast, it's probably going to be a while before they come back then," Ash replied and went back to eating his breakfast. Everyone else soon joined in as they tried to not think about what was happening in the forest. "Hey Riley," Ash said after a few minutes. "How about we have a Pokémon battle between our Lucario's after Greninja and Delphox get back?"

"Alright, but why wait till after they get back?" Riley asked.

"Well I need to practice mega evolving my Pokémon. I can do it, but I really need to focus on it to make it happen. I'm hoping that with enough practice it'll become easier," Ash replied.

"That's right, William told me you could mega evolve your Pokémon without using mega stones. That's fine, shortly after they get back we'll have our battle."

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Nearly and hour later Greninja returned with Delphox riding on his back. He lowered her down so she could get off, she then tried to walk to the table, however her legs were very wobbly, causing her to collapse. However Serena was close by and managed to catch her. "Delphox, you need to learn a little self control and moderation. You shouldn't wear yourself out to the point you can't walk," Serena advised with a stern voice.

"So are you saying that if you and Ash both had the energy and will, that you two wouldn't do the same?" Delphox teased.

Serena merely blushed and continued to help Delphox to the table, refusing to give her the satisfaction of hearing she was right.

Now that they knew the key stone was available to be used again, Ash and Riley stood across from one another with their Lucarios in between them.

"Now just keep in mind Ash, I've been training my Lucario a lot longer than you've had yours. So I'll give you the first move," Riley commented.

"Thank you, but don't think just because of that you're going to beat us. Lucario extreme speed and force palm!" Ash called out.

"Dodge followed by blaze kick," Riley ordered calmly.

Ash's Lucario moved at blinding fast speed, while Riley's stood there with his eyes closed. Ash's pulls his right arm back, then pushes it forward with his palm open. He is about to strike, but with a spin Riley's dodges to the left as his right leg becomes engulfed in flames, then kicks Ash's in the back causing him to fall forward on to the ground. Ash's Lucario quickly got back up on his feet and turned to face his opponent.

"Normally I don't want to be the first to do this, but I feel like it's necessary. Lucario, MEGA EVOLVE!" Ash yelled. An explosion of aura occurred at Ash's Lucario, engulfing him in what looked like blue flames while he transformed.

"We might as well keep giving them a challenge. Lucario mega evolve!" Riley called out as he touched his mega stone. After the light died down the two mega Lucario stood there ready to continue.

"Time for us to take control of this battle. First use earthquake, followed by mega kick on the ground," Ash called out. Lucario first lifted his left leg then stomped it hard onto the ground, causing the area to shake violently.

"Use detect!" Riley called out. Lucario's eyes glowed light blue, allowing him to see a safe spot to avoid taking damage from the attack. He then jumped up into the air and to that spot.

"That won't save you!" Ash called out, as his Lucario's right leg glowed white and he stomped down. The mega kick shattered the ground, sending several large rocks up into the air. "Now use close combat to send those rocks at him." Ash's Lucario then began rapidly throwing punches and kicks, sending dozens of rocks at Riley's Lucario.

"Use an aura infused close combat to destroy the rocks!" The fists and feet of Riley's Lucario glowed blue as he unleashed an onslaught of punches and kicks that began destroying every rock that came at him creating a dust cloud that hid him from sight.

Ash and his Lucario clenched their teeth in frustration as they saw that their last two attacks completely failed. "Use bone rush to throw him off balance, then follow up with aura sphere before he's capable of dodging!"

Ash's Lucario charged in at Riley's as he put his paws together then separated them, creating a bone staff made of aura, making it light blue instead of the normal light green. Through the dust it could be seen that Riley's Lucario formed two bone clubs, must likely with the intention of blocking. Halfway to Riley's Lucario Ash's Lucario's aura burst out around him looking like a blue flame as he picked up speed. He then swung his staff at Riley's, who tried to block, but was still sent up into the air by the hit. With a howl Ash's Lucario created six aura spheres around himself, however before he could fire them they dissipated as both he and Ash collapsed to the ground.

"Ash!" Serena screamed as she ran to him, Gardevoir doing the same to Lucario, who is now reverted back to his original form. Riley and his Lucario rushed to Ash and Lucario to check on them as well. "What happened? Are they going to be ok?" Serena asked in a paniced state.

"I don't know. I'm not even sure what happened to them," Riley replied.

"I think I have an idea," Riley's Lucario replied calmly.

"What?" Serena urged as she held Ash.

"It will be best to wait until they wake up. Just know for now they will be fine," Lucario replied in a comforting tone.

A few minutes later, both Ash and his Lucario were awake. "Ash are you ok?" Serena asked urgently.

"I've got a splitting headache, but besides that I think so. What happened?" Ash replied as he rubbed his head.

"I believe your Lucario can answer that for us," Riley's Lucario replied, then looked at Ash's sternly. "Tell me I'm wrong and you weren't stupid enough to try and do what I think you did." Ash's Lucario didn't respond as he looked away with a shamed look on his face. "YOU FOOL!" Riley's Lucario yelled as he punches Ash's in the face. "DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW LUCKY YOU ARE THAT YOU TWO ARE STILL ALIVE AFTER THAT STUNT?"

"Woah, calm down. What did he do?" Riley said as he gently pushes his Lucario back a little.

"My apologies. It's just that he nearly killed himself and his trainer, it leaves me furious," Riley's Lucario replied in a much calmer tone.

"What do you mean? What did he do?" Ash asked.

"He tried to use max aura," Riley's Lucario replied.

"What's that? I've never heard of that move," Ash asked.

"It's the ultimate Lucario move, exclusive only to us. It temporarily fuses out bones and muscles with aura, temporarily amplifying attack, defense, and speed. It can be learned very early on, but is deadly if you aren't ready for it, which your Lucario clearly isn't," Riley's Lucario replied.

"I don't understand, how did it affect Ash too?" Serena asked.

"It's because of their aura bond. Their auras are on the same wave length, so they naturally connected. My master and I also share this kind of bond, it is the hope of all Lucario to form a bond like this. Not only is communication effortless, but we are able to share our aura to help one another. That's what happened here. Ash's Lucario wasn't strong enough to use max aura, so through the bond he unintentionally started pulling Ash's aura into the attack. He nearly drained them both to go as far as he did, thankfully they lost consciousness before the attack was executed, otherwise they would have died," Riley's Lucario explained.

"Can you use this attack?" Ash asked.

"Yes, but barely. I've only used it once, I was at my full strength and it left me barely able to move afterwards. This Lucario's father taught it to me, so I know how he learned it, and I know he is aware of the risks," Riley's Lucario said as he looked sternly at Ash's as he finished.

Ash's Lucario had not been able to make eye contact with anyone since this began. Every word Riley's Lucario said felt like a knife to his heart, as he felt horrible that he nearly killed Ash. He then moved to his hands and knees pointed towards Ash as he faced the ground, tears streaming from his eyes. "I'm so sorry master. I never meant to endanger you, I just wanted to win, and that caused me to make a dangerous mistake," Lucario said as he cried for the thought of losing Ash.

"It's ok Lucario, I understand how you felt," Ash replied as he placed a hand on Lucario's shoulder.

"You do?" Lucario asked as he finally looked up and made eye contact with Ash.

"I do. I've had that desire to win before. It's so strong that you don't think of the consequences, where winning is all that matters. But you can't forget that you aren't alone, and losing isn't the end of the world. We're going to face tons of strong opponents, some probably stronger than us, and we are sometimes going to lose. But what matters most is learning from the loss, giving it all you've got, and not giving up until the end," Ash said with an inspiring enthusiasm. "Now that we know where you stand with max aura, we're going to train harder, and eventually you'll have that move mastered."