Chapter Six

"...Snow?" Ash asked, slightly surprised as they stepped outside, head angled skywards.

Ash had been expecting to see the sun, but instead the sky was cloaked in a thin gray, small white flakes drifting to the ground. Sunlight filtered in from the clouds, leaving the world lit with a muddled hue. Ash's eyes narrowed, trying to recall his time outside yesterday. Everything was a blur since he had been poisoned at that time, but it most definitely hadn't been snowy temperatures.

Sir Aaron didn't seem surprised at the whiteness coming from the sky. He simply adjusted his hat in the same manner he often did, walking out into the chilly air. The snow didn't stick to anything– melting as soon as it landed. The scattered flakes were few in numbers, and with the sun covered there was a frosty chill in the air.

"Articuno is always reluctant to release her hold on the land," Sir Aaron replied. "...You did say you were from the southern parts of Rota, did you not? I suppose that winter is long departed there."

Ash didn't reply, eyes uncertainly scanning the outdoors, blinking rapidly everytime a flake drifted close to his eyes. His hat was still resting in a closed fist, but he decided that it would be better if he didn't put it on considering the reaction he had gotten earlier. So instead he simply took in his surroundings, goosebumps forming on his arms from the chilly air.

They weren't outside the castle walls, but they seemed to be in a garden or a courtyard of some kind. Everywhere you looked it was gray: the clouds, the keep, the wall. There were plants scattered through the courtyard– but the leaves had yet to sprout on the trees, leaving them feeling just as gray as the rest of the landscape.

Ash peered into a pond as they made their way through the courtyard, staring down at the blurred shadow that was offered as his reflection, the image dark and distorted. He blinked, not quite sure what he had been expecting to see. He let his eyes drift up from the water's surface, looking up at a wall that surrounded the inner section of the courtyard, seemingly blocking off another part of the garden.

Ash could have sworn that he saw a blur of something red slip over the wall as he looked up– but as his eyes swept along the top of the wall he saw nothing.

"Keep up," Sir Aaron said, drawing Ash's focus away from the wall.

It had been four years– at least, in the perspective of his memories– since he had been in Cameran Palace. Of course so much had changed since then and now– but surely the basic layout was the same? He racked his brains, trying to remember the short time he had been here. The throne room was the easiest to recall, since that was where he had released Lucario from the staff, but everything else was just a blur of memory. He had been outside several times in his short time at the castle, but he couldn't recall any courtyard like this. The only thing that came to mind was the arena where the Pokemon battles had taken place– which was of course nothing like where he was now.

Ash felt something within him shift, and he couldn't help but look up at the strange feeling. He first glanced at Sir Aaron, and was very surprised to find a relaxed smile on the Aura Guardian's face. He couldn't help but stare for a few moments, the expression looking almost foreign on the man, before following Sir Aaron's gaze to up ahead. A blue figure could be seen standing in wait, its form familiar to Ash, but yet it was someone he hadn't seen in a long time.

Lucario's face was expressionless as they approached, sharp red eyes watching them as they came closer. Ash stared at the canine, his breath getting caught in his throat as their gaze met. He had known that he was going to be seeing Lucario again– but yet having the Pokemon right in front of him was completely different than what he had been preparing himself for.

He just stared, mind stunned at seeing someone he had accepted as dead. The last time he had seen this Pokemon he had been convulsing on the ground, body glowing as his aura was slowly drained from him. He had held this Pokemon's paw, trying to comfort him in his dying moments. This Pokemon had saved him, and had died because of that.

And now he was right in front of him– alive and breathing. His gaze was as harsh as when they first met– cold and calculating as he looked over Ash with a critical eye. With a sharp jolt Ash realized that technically, this was the first time they had met, for what he remembered wouldn't take place for hundreds of years.

The disbelief was still there, however, as he stared at the one he knew to be dead. Lucario shouldn't be alive, he shouldn't be here. His mind told him that what he was seeing couldn't be real– but when had any of this mess made sense? Ash tried to shake the uneasiness from his head, and focused simply on the fact that Lucario was here, that he was seeing him alive once more.

Lucario then turned his gaze away from Ash, his focus settling on Sir Aaron. His paw was pressed against his chest, right above his spike, as he sank into a kneeling bow. The Aura Guardian said nothing as the canine lowered his head, a few moments of silence passing between them.

Master Aaron. Lucario finally said, his telepathy echoing in their minds.

"Stand, Lucario," Sir Aaron said with a dismissing wave of his hand. Despite the formality in his voice, his stature was completely relaxed, a smile on his face. Ash's gaze flickered between the two of them, trying to both take in Lucario and the sparkle in Aaron's eyes. "How was your rest last night?"

I slept well, Master. Lucario replied, slowly rising up from his bow. I hope that you were able to rest from your journey.

Aaron gave an acknowledging nod at this, and then snapped his fingers. "Lad," he said, voice stiffer than before, and it wasn't hard for Ash to recognize that he was being addressed. "Step forward so Lucario can get a good look at you," Aaron said, and he stepped forward. "Lucario, this is the boy I was speaking of."

He could feel chills forming along his arms, the cool air feeling heavier as sharp red eyes settled onto him. There was a tension about them, the same thickness that had seemed to linger between his and Aaron's conversations, and Ash couldn't help but lower his head as Lucario stepped forward. The feeling was almost sickening, the belittlement in their gazes making his stomach twist unhappily.

Lucario's aura sensors spread out, and a strange tingling ran through Ash as the Pokemon closed his eyes. After a moment of the rushing sensation it faded, and Lucario opened his eyes once more. His expression was unreadable, posture cold as he stared at Ash.

So there is truly another Mystic in the land. Lucario said, telepathy quiet in Ash's mind, almost like a murmur.

"A what?" Ash asked uncertainly. Lucario didn't reply, simply pacing around Ash in a manner that made him want to pull back. But he refused to do anything that would make him appear afraid, and so he forced himself to remain still as he was inspected by the Pokemon.

You do not seem like much. Lucario commented, and he smirked slightly. But looks can be deceiving.

Lucario was a blur as he moved forward– paw becoming lit with a blue glow as he formed a Force Palm. The blow struck against Ash's chest, the aura around the paw bursting as soon as it came in contact with him. A flash of blue light blinded his vision, and the next thing he knew he was flying back, his hat falling from his hands as he collided with the hard ground.

Ash let out a grunt of pain, his bruises flaring as he laid there. His breathing turned slightly ragged, and he closed his eyes as tears stung them. He was fine... just a few more bruises, but he was fine... He pushed himself up into a sitting position, cradling his burning chest from where the Force Palm had hit. He risked a glance up at the two other aura users, but didn't see so much as a gleam of pity in their gazes.

That was fine, he didn't want their pity.

Shame. Lucario said, sounding disappointed. Not even an attempt to evade? I was hoping that you would be able to offer more.

"Well, sorry!" Ash spat, the sarcasm spilling over into his voice as he got to his knees. It was moments after he spoke that he realized that probably hadn't been the best idea, but still the frustration burned through him.

"You will not speak to Lucario in such a manner again," Aaron said, voice sharp, but yet Ash was starting to get used to this tone. His fingers curled into the ground as he continued. "He is my auratic partner– and you will treat him with the same respect you would with me. If Lucario gives you an order, I expect you to follow it without complaint."

"Yes sir," Ash whispered, silencing a burst of anger that ran through him, not wanting to prolong the tension. "...I'm sorry."

Honestly, he wasn't sorry.

"Good– now stand."

Ash forced himself to his feet. It was much easier today than it had been yesterday, even with the fresh bruise forming on his chest, though he kept his gaze fixated on the ground. His throat prickled as he breathed, and he wished that he had some water. He wished he had a lot of things right now, actually, but focusing on that wouldn't help him.

"I will leave the two of you to be acquainted– I have several things I must attend to," Sir Aaron turned his focus onto Lucario. "You are to keep an eye on him and make sure he remains in one piece– I will be by to collect him later."

As you wish, Master. Lucario said, lowering his head respectfully. Ash felt Aaron's eyes being turned towards him, but he didn't offer the man any reply, just staring at the ground. He let out a small sigh of relief as nothing was demanded from him, Sir Aaron simply turning and leaving. His footsteps echoed through the courtyard as he left, silence filling the air behind him.

Lucario turned to face Ash as soon as the last of Aaron's steps faded. He couldn't help but tense as the canine stepped forward, his telepathy piercing Ash's mind.

What is your name?

Ash counted in his head, trying to calm his nerves and the part of him that reeled at Lucario's voice, and raised his head. Brown eyes met red, both wary and slightly hesitant. Ash took in Lucario's form, a part of his heart aching that this Pokemon he had once saw as a friend was now glaring at him so coldly.

"My name is Ash," he said quietly. "Ash Ketchum."

Ash, house of Ketchum. Lucario said, and Ash had to stiffen a laugh at the wording. The fighting type frowned after a moment. Your aura... is strange.

"Um... how so...?" Ash asked, but he had a feeling that he already knew what Lucario was going to say– that his aura was like Sir Aaron's– the same thing he said the first time they had met.

But what did that mean, exactly? That their auras were the same, or that they both simply had the ability to sense and manipulate the strange energy? Ash frowned as he realized that he had never paused to consider what Lucario had meant by the word 'like'.

It is reacting as if we have met before. Lucario said quietly, his tense voice easing away into confusion.

This hadn't been what Ash was expecting– and so his confusion was just as apparent as Lucario's. This was a good thing however– because it hid any guilt that could have been seen on Ash's face. He simply stared at Lucario for a moment, thoughts racing.

"What do you mean?" Ash asked, shifting as his heart pounded. He didn't know aura could react that way– would this be what gave him away?

There was still a frown on Lucario's face. Aura tends to reach out towards familiar auras... and it feels like mine is doing so with yours. Lucario looked up at Ash, staring into his eyes. Yet I am sure we have never crossed paths...

"I- um- don't think we have before," Ash stuttered out. "I don't really know much about aura... maybe it's just a... um, coincidence?"

Aura doth not lie. Lucario said simply. But perhaps it is not reacting to your aura personally– but rather just your auratic line? I have spent so much time with Master Aaron, so perhaps my aura now reacts upon seeing another Mystic?

Mystic– there was that word again. Ash wasn't quite sure what it meant, but he nodded anyways, since it seemed to be an answer that didn't involve them knowing each other.

A flash orange light filled Ash's vision– Lucario raising a paw as a pulsing orange rod formed in his grasp. The Bone Rush expanded, the tip of the staff-like attack being jabbed under his chin, sending him back a step. Ash's whole body tensed, half expecting the attack to be swung right at him.

Where did you come from? Lucario hissed, tone suddenly on edge, eyes narrowed.

Ash took a step back. "Wha–?"

It has been a decade since another Mystic has been in this land. Lucario's lips pulled back into a snarl, telepathy burning in Ash's mind. Perhaps Master Aaron is able to overlook this fact, but I will not.

"I don't even know what a Mystic is!" Ash protested. "I–"

Or how about the fact that you did not even blink at my ability to speak when you claim to know nothing of aura? Lucario asked, pressing the end of the Bone Rush to his throat. I have never met a human that has not been surprised– but yet your aura did not even waver!

Ash paled, realizing that this was yet another mistake on his end. "I- um–"

Why did you come to Cameran Palace? Lucario asked, gaze unrelenting.

"I didn't mean to come here," Ash whispered.

How did you end up here?

"...I was just traveling around Ka– Rota," he whispered quietly, pulling away from the Bone Rush, the energy burning against his skin. "I got attacked and then poisoned, and er– um– I guess that disoriented me? Next thing I know Charles is dragging me into the castle calling me a thief."

And are you one? Lucario asked, a growl rattling his throat.

"No!"

Lucario snorted, and the Bone Rush melted away. Ash relaxed in the slightest. Let me make one thing clear. Lucario said coldly. I do not trust you– and if it was not for Master I would not just let you be wandering this castle.

Ash wasn't quite sure how he was supposed to respond to this, so he chose to remain silent. Lucario paced around him as he had earlier, as if he could find some sign of Ash being a threat. Whatever he was searching for yielded nothing, the canine simply giving a snort, crossing his paws.

While Lucario was the first of his species that Ash had ever met, now that he was able to see him again he was starting to realize that he was much different than the modern Lucario. He stood much taller than the ones Ash had met in his time, claws visible on his front paws. His fur was longer, almost having a rougher edge to it.

Lucario shifted slightly, a white glow forming around his ankles. For a moment Ash thought it was a Quick Attack forming– but then the white glow surged to silver, the light engulfing him. All that Ash was able to make out was a single twitch– and then suddenly Lucario was gone, only a rush of air blowing past him showing that he had been there.

Extreme Speed.

"Lucario?" Ash asked uncertainly, turning about in hopes of locating the fighting type– but the courtyard appeared to be empty. "Oh Arceus..."

Alone in a castle in an era he knew basically nothing about. This was going to be fun.

"Lucario?" Ash called again, taking a few steps forward. It was as if the Pokemon had teleported though, no sign of what direction he had run off in. Would it be best to just wait here for him to come back...? Or perhaps this was a test from Lucario– should he search the courtyard? As harsh as Lucario had been, he trusted the Pokemon more than he trusted being alone. Besides, if Sir Aaron had told Lucario to stay with Ash, he doubted that the canine would have gone far.

He was careful to stick to the paths– even if hardly any plants were growing he knew just how upset people could get about their gardens thanks to his mother. Ash wished he could just relax, but with everything that had happened yesterday his body refused to. But that of course in turn made him jump at every little sound he heard– even at something as small as a Pidgey taking flight.

Several doors and gates lead out of the courtyard and back into the main keep, but he knew that if he truly wanted to get lost that would be the way to go. He stuck to the small path he was already on, just hoping that he looked like he knew where he was going. He was sure he didn't though.

The sound of heavy footsteps made him pause, a part of him hoping that Lucario was back, but he should have realized that the Pokemon would have been far quieter. Any hope he was feeling vanished as he turned and found himself looking into a pair of burning emerald eyes, hidden behind a mass of greasy mahogany hair. Every muscle in Ash's body tensed in recognition, his mind telling him to run.

Charles stopped as soon as his eyes fell onto Ash, gaze narrowing. Ash barely noticed the two guards flanking the captain, nor the boy his age carrying a thick sword in his arms. His heart started racing as he stared at the man, adrenaline flooding into his body as his mind screamed in panic. The bruises from yesterday seemed to ache just a bit more, remembering all too well the injuries this man had inflicted upon him.

Ash hoped that Charles wouldn't recognize him since he was no longer beaten and poisoned.

"You," the captain snarled as his gaze locked on Ash, spit flying from his lips, landing in his beard. "What are you doing here?"

If some sort of reply was in his mind, it was drowned out by his panic, Ash took a step back, deciding that his body's desire to run sounded pretty good right now. He took several more steps back, eyes flickering towards the nearest exit of the courtyard–

A brush of wind ran past him, and a blue figure sped in front of him. Lucario stood between Ash and Charles, the canine's head tilted slightly as he appeared out from the Extreme Speed. He wasn't prepared to attack, simply staring up at the captain, paws down at his side.

The lad is with me, sir. Lucario said, his telepathy reaching their minds.

"That thief should be out of this castle!" Charles spat. "The aura user–" he suddenly paused, eyes widening in realization. "Wait..." The captain hissed, eyeing Ash. "He's one of your kind, isn't he? No wonder the filthy cur was so swift to aid him!"

Lucario tensed at this, but still didn't move from where he stood. The lad is under the protection of my master, Captain.

"The lad is a thief that I should have killed when he was in my hands," Charles snapped, seizing his sword from the boy that was carrying it. The moment the weapon was in his hands a Bone Rush had formed in Lucario's paws. "Step aside– that's an order."

My master ordered me to watch the lad– and I'm afraid his orders override yours, sir. Lucario said calmly.

Charles' hand lingered on his sword, the other curled around the sheath it rested in. Likewise, Lucario had yet to move his Bone Rush into an offensive position. Silence hummed in the air, and after several moments the captain snorted, shoving his weapon back into the hands of the confused teen at his side.

"I will not have another filthy aura user in this palace," he snarled quietly. "The queen will be informed of this."

I believe my master already has informed Her Majesty. Lucario said, a slight smirk pulling at his snout. But I am sure he would have appreciated the help. The Bone Rush dissolved from his paws, and Lucario grabbed Ash by the wrist. Come on.

Ash followed after Lucario with no complaint, though he could have sworn he felt Charles' eyes boring into his back, but he didn't dare turn around. Lucario's sharp claws dug into his wrist, but they didn't break the skin. He stumbled after the canine, whose pace was much faster than his, heart still racing from the sudden encounter with the captain.

"Thank you," Ash whispered as soon as they were out of earshot of the man.

Master said to keep you in one piece. He replied. Leaving you with Charles would not have done so. Lucario let out a small growl. We shall remain in my quarters until Master returns.

A small Pokemon sat perched on the top of the garden wall, its small nose twitching as she watched the Lucario drag the boy away. The red feline flicked a tail, creeping along the stone wall after them, careful not to let her presence be known. The Lucario she knew, he was in the garden often, though she had never approached him– but it wasn't him that had captured her interest today.

But rather, the boy.

She had only got the faintest sniff of his scent, but it had intrigued her. All of her life she only knew the walls of the castle, so the smells of far away was nothing but a treat for the Pokemon. She silently paced after them hoping that somehow she could get closer to the foreign scent.

Her whiskers twitched, ears falling back in disappointment as she saw where the Lucario was leading the boy to. She had never been in that particular room of the castle as he pushed open the door that led off from the courtyard, but she knew that was where the Lucario denned at night.

She used to den within the castle as well– but she preferred the inner gardens nowadays– away from the marching guards and the voices calling to her.

The cat watched as the door was shut behind the boy and the Lucario, blocking her off from her foreign prize. Red and black fur bristled with frustration, and for a brief moment she wondered if she should go and demand entrance. She knew that the Lucario would let her in– no one in the castle would refuse her... but she didn't want to go into the castle.

A glimpse of red caught her attention, head tilting to the side as she focused her gaze on the item. A small piece of red cloth rolling slightly in the wind, the same shade of scarlet as her. Ears flicked forward with interest, realizing that it was the same cloth she had seen the boy carrying when he had first arrived. The Pokemon hesitated for only a moment– before hopping off of the stone wall.

She bolted over towards the object, uncertainly pawing at it with a front paw as she approached. This action caused the hat to twitch, and the feline let out a purr of delight at this– pouncing on the hat. It was made of a cloth she had never felt before, stiff and wonderful on her claws as she dug them into it.

And of course the hat was covered in the same foreign scent as the boy.

She buried her nose into the hat, taking in the plethora of smells. Her purring became louder, shaking her entire body as she nuzzled her head into the hat. The cloth was cool compared to her fiery warmth, which only made the hat that much better. Her claws kneaded into the cloth, mouth gnawing at the rim of the hat–

She froze as a faint scent ran past her nose.

It was faint– very faint– but the Pokemon recognized it. It was a scent she hadn't smelled in years, but it was the one that never failed to comfort her. The Pokemon sat completely still for a moment, before burying her head into the hat, trying to seek more of the distant scent.

The smell was coming from the hat– the smell of someone she thought she'd never see again. A whimper came from the Pokemon, digging her face deeper in almost a desperation to catch the faint scent again.

But what was her scent doing on the hat?

But there was no doubt in the Pokemon's mind that it was there though– that wonderful scent she hadn't smelled in so long mingled somewhere in between the boy's scent.

The Pokemon only took a moment to make her decision, snatching the hat up in her jaws. Though it was nearly as big as her body she still managed to drag it away, only stumbling a few times, but she refused to release her prize.

Climbing back over the wall and into the inner garden proved to be the hardest part of her task, it took her several tries to climb over the stone wall with the hat in her maw, claws digging into the stonework. As soon as she scaled the wall she dropped the hat down and over onto the other side– before jumping down herself.

Lucario's room was modest, though Ash wasn't sure if it was simply his preference or just how things were in this time. Like the room Ash was in earlier there were unlit candles on the wall and a large rug spread out in the center of the room. There was a desk, but no chairs or seating of any kind. A bed was tucked into a corner, but it lacked pillows or a blanket, simply a pelt of a Pokemon spread across it.

Of all the men you had to anger, you chose the captain. Lucario said as he pressed the door shut.

"...It wasn't like I wanted to," Ash muttered, still slightly shaken up by the encounter with Charles. Nothing had even happened this time– but his mind still refused to relax. "His guards were the ones that brought me to him."

It doesn't matter. Lucario said– and Ash stiffened, thinking that somehow he was still blaming him. He would have come to despise you anyways the moment he learned you were an aura user.

Ash frowned at this. "What's wrong with being an aura user?"

Wrong? Lucario glared at him, his telepathy being shouted in Ash's mind, making his head ring. Aura is an honor! There is no wrong from holding the gift! He sighed. Our name was tainted years ago, however– by an aura clan that brought murder and plunder to the kingdom. They were hunted and killed for the deeds they had done, but trust for our kind has been few since.

"A whole clan... so there are lots of aura users then?" Ash asked.

The name of 'clan' is more of a memory of what we once were– groups as small as three still boast the title of clan. Lucario crossed his paws. Have you not interacted with our kind before?

"Outside of you or Sir Aaron, I've only met one other aura user," Ash said. "I, um, got the impression that there's few of us."

An unfortunate but correct assumption. Lucario said. Our kind is few in numbers and scattered across lands. Civals such as Master Aaron– and yourself, it seems– are isolated, while clans stay far from kingdoms. He eyed Ash. That was why we are very surprised to encounter you– a young user not from a clan.

"I didn't mean to come here."

That is what you claim.

Ash tensed, but he bit back his frustration– there was no point in making things worse. "...I understand why you don't trust me, since we've just met and all, but I hope I'll be able to show you otherwise."

The faintest smile pulled at Lucario's lips. We shall see about that, lad. Lucario studied him for a moment longer, before waving his paw. Sit, we shall be here for some time.

With no chairs in sight, Ash slowly sank to the ground, the rug keeping the chill of the cold stone floor back. Lucario sat cross-legged on his bed, sharp red eyes still watching Ash. His body slowly began to relax now that his weight was off of his aching legs, but still a tension remained from the encounter with Charles. Ash buried his face into his hands, letting out a shaking sigh.

You are stressed. Lucario said, and Ash raised his gaze, not sure if the Pokemon was commenting on his aura or demeanor. Either way he was sure it was obvious.

"'Stressed' doesn't even begin to describe how I feel," Ash whispered, fingers curling. "My whole life has been turned upside down. I'm away from home. Someone wants me dead. I've entered an agreement I don't even understand."

Learning the ways of aura is a high honor. Lucario replied.

"...Everything and everyone I knew is gone," Ash muttered, more as a realization than a reply. "I... I just..." he stared at Lucario, before turning away. "...One day you'll get it."

You do not realize the opportunity you hold. Lucario said with a scoff.

"What opportunity? Sir Aaron didn't even give me a real choice."

Ash expected some sort of rebuking for his tone, but to his surprise this wasn't what Lucario commented on. The canine tilted his head slightly, frowning.

Why do you not call him "Master"?

"Because he isn't my master," Ash replied. "Yet."

But after all is made official with Her Majesty he shall be. Lucario replied. And you should address Master as such.

"...Like that will even turn out," Ash muttered. "The only things I know about speaking to royalty are the few things Sir Aaron told me."

Master Aaron. Lucario insisted, glaring at Ash. He held the glare for a moment, but saw no reason to make Lucario dislike him more. Besides, it seemed he would have to address Aaron as such eventually.

"...What Master Aaron told me," Ash forced the words from himself, shifting uncertainly. It was like he was reading a script, no feeling behind what he was saying.

Good. Lucario's tone didn't change. And as for Her Majesty, it is simple. You genuflect and–

"Jen-you-what?" Ash blinked.

Genuflect. Lucario repeated. Tis how you bow before royalty in Rota. Stand– and I shall show you.

Ash rose to his feet, grateful to have some clearer instructions. Lucario stood in front of him, grabbing Ash's wrists.

Since Lady Rin is female, you use your left paw. Lucario said, releasing Ash's right hand. If you were bowing to a king, or even to Master, you use your right paw.

"Um, okay," Ash said, Lucario curling Ash's fingers into a fist.

Left paw over your heart. He instructed, before moving to Ash's side. Lower your head, do not make eye contact with Her Majesty. Then you genuflect by bowing down on one knee– your left for Her Majesty.

He guided Ash as he spoke, who felt a bit silly as he knelt there, bowing to no one. But the instructions provided some substance for what Sir Aaron had told him, and he didn't feel quite as lost. If something as small as using the left or right hand could make a difference, Ash knew he probably would have messed it up. He didn't know what would happen if he did, but he had a feeling that it would be best if he didn't find out.

"And don't stand up until told," Ash finished, trying to make it seem like he had at least some idea of what he was doing. The canine nodded, and Ash pushed himself to his feet. "Thank you."

I could not let you make a fool of Master. Lucario replied.

It honestly hurt, hearing someone he cared so much for being so indifferent. Lucario didn't know him this time around, and he needed to remember that. He'd have to earn Lucario's trust from the start once again. He had done it once before though, so he could do it again.

"Do you have any other advice for eating with the queen?"

Lucario regarded him. Remember that royalty do not lower themselves in such a manner often– I am sure Her Majesty is simply using this as an opportunity to reestablish correspondence with Master, since his journey took him afar. He tapped his chin thoughtfully. And also, savor the food– I doubt you shall ever have the opportunity to eat as well again.