Thursday afternoon.

Richy was getting ready to train with Margaret, although it seemed she'd had a problem and couldn't come.

"Damn, now I can't 'train' properly," he muttered amidst the green fields of his property. He still couldn't believe how an island where Pokémon used to vacation had become such a hellhole, trapped with that dragon...

"Hey, you seem a little pensive," said Megan, who was passing by to relax.

"Oh, it's just that I still can't believe my peaceful life turned into chaos. I just turned 20 a week ago," Richy said, gazing at the horizon.

"I just can't believe my peaceful life turned into chaos. I only turned 20 a week ago." "Hey Richy, if it makes you feel better, I can keep you company for a while." The enormous Luxray sat down beside him and continued...
"You know, Richy, since the war I haven't felt that same fighting spirit. I like nature, tranquility, and maybe that's why I decided to be in this lovely place. Although nothing lasts forever. Since we're more independent from a trainer, I see that it's difficult to face this world now. Although you have advantages, Richy, and now that your physique is better too, you should feel good... shouldn't you?"

Richy looked up, gazed at his curves, and with melancholic eyes said, "I've always felt alone. Since I was 17, I was already making money trading, but I was still a weakling, someone shy and quite nervous,I didn't have a real opportunity to be with anyone, not even with all the poke-dollars I accumulated in my digital account."

"I see, you still feel that weakness for never having been such a fighter, but understand this, Richy: all the Pokémon we've recruited work or live here. They aren't Pokémon with a long history in fighting (not like Liz or Gabi, or like me). There's Cindy, who's a nurse; Meredith and her aquatic friends are all lifeguards; Margaret (even though I don't like her very much) is a circus performer with Rogue; Alma is just a baker (with a big appetite and a split personality); Samantha only has studies in alternative medicine and I think philosophy (I have no proof, but I also have no doubts); Sally is a soccer player; Lilith worked in the fire department once and then joined Rogue's circus; and believe it or not, Valentine and Astrid, despite their gang-like appearance and unfriendly faces, weren't really in many fights and usually ended up badly injured. Damn, Brenda isn't even our size and she's just a mechanic, and everyone is here because they want to defend what is their home." Come on, get up"


She takes Richy by the hand, helps him to his feet, and steps back until they're about three meters apart.

"I'm going to teach you something no one has ever taught you before. You're going to fight for real, none of this 'lifting weights with Margaret' nonsense. I'm going to put you in a real-life scenario, and I want you to respond like a Lucario would—or rather, a Megalucario."

He remains silent, but understands that besides trying to cheer him up, she's really trying to give him some purpose.

"Ready? Well, I'm YES!!!"

She lunges forward like a runaway train, Lucario's reflexes kick in and it dodges the first blow.

"Bravo, but you're supposed to attack at the same time!"

She spins with a speed disproportionate to her size, stalling to charge a powerful attack and using her entire body as a wall against Richy.

"Remember, our target is as big as me. Are you going to let yourself get crushed? Answer me!"

Richy blocks with his arm, charging an Aura Sphere in his other hand. Both were charging up their attacks, perhaps a decisive blow, the winner being the one who accumulated more energy...

"Dinner's ready, come and eat!"

A clear and familiar voice caught their attention. It was Alma calling them to dinner.

"Maybe we can finish this training next time, okay?"

The Lucario looked tired but full of determination.

"Okay, Megan, let's go eat."

"That's it! Now you feel better? That's what you were missing, excitement. Well, now I need a good meal."

They both left the combat area.


note:
Well, I wanted to continue. I'm back now, and since it's been a long time since I've drawn or written anything about this story, I decided to add more to it (so read carefully so you don't keep asking me about the lore, which I'm still expanding). I'm also experimenting a bit to make up for my absence, learning new techniques, and maybe reading more or watching movies for references. I think this message got a little long (xd), but what can I say? I enjoy creating things. See you tomorrow when I open commissions.