Your Aura [Ongoing]

Chapter 3 - Steps Along the Way

      Throughout Kit and Riolu’s early childhood, they were totally inseparable. They went everywhere and did everything together, and for the most part, stayed within arm’s reach. Kaila and Dulche even enrolled Kit into a general education school that would allow them to not be separated during the day. Riolu and Kit would attend class together and were always well behaved. They tended to keep to themselves, preferring the company of one another rather than their peers. Even though Riolu wasn’t technically a student, he still participated in class just as Kit did. Both were quite intelligent and developed quickly. Eventually, Kit signed up for a basic elective pokémon training class where he’d learn a bit more about pokémon than what he gathered on his own by spending time with Riolu. They had lessons on the different types of pokémon, the type advantages and disadvantages, and basic battling rules. Not only did they learn about battling, but they also learned about general pokémon care as well. Kit and Riolu took a lot of interest in these classes. After some time, students were introduced to pokémon battles themselves. At first, students were given a pokémon to use during these educational battles as they were taught the basics. Later, though, students were encouraged to use their own pokémon if they had any. For some reason, the thought of actually using Riolu in battle never crossed Kit’s mind during these educational battles. The realization crashed onto him all at once and he became terrified of anything happening to his beloved partner. He couldn’t bare even the thought of Riolu getting hurt. As Kit thought about this, Riolu sensed the gentle white haired boy’s internal struggle and was overjoyed at his precious human’s loving concern. The blue furred pokémon hugged his trainer tightly bringing Kit out of his deep thought. Seeing Riolu’s perked ears and bright expression, Kit took notice of the pokémon’s enthusiasm towards the battling happening on the field.

“You really want to do that, huh?” Kit asked the bouncing Riolu.

The pokémon barked excitedly and began throwing mock punches at the air. Kit looked at his adorable little companion and smiled. He knew in his heart that even though he was worried about Riolu getting hurt, this would make his pokémon happy. Even though he had doubts that he’d be any good at battling, he decided then and there that he’d push his fears away to make Riolu happy. With silver eyes filled with determination, Kit nodded at Riolu, and they entered the battlefield.
     These educational battles only proved to strengthen the boys’ bond with one another as they became more in sync. Their time in school didn’t go without hitches, however, as Kit’s gentle nature and fragile physique made him the target of those with less than savory personalities. On a good day Kit would only have to endure snide remarks and hurtful insults which the boys could deal with. On the bad days though, the inseparable pair would suffer physical torment which often resulted in Kit wrapping himself around Riolu to shield the terrified pokémon from harm. The delicate human boy didn’t care what happened to him as long as his masked pokémon companion was safe and sound. The small pokémon could do nothing to help as he watched Kit protect him while being beaten until he lost consciousness. Witnessing this left lasting effects on Riolu in the form of chronic insomnia. As he lay at the human boy’s side at night and close his eyes, he’d see his precious, innocent friend being assaulted over and over again without being able to help. The little blue pokémon would toss and turn or cry out until Kit would wake up and whisper comforting words to him. Over the years, Kit got into the habit of gently singing to Riolu until the little red eyed pokémon fell deep into peaceful sleep. While Kit’s parents were incredibly loving, they lead very busy lives. Dulche being an airplane mechanic spent most of his time in Mistralton City working at the airport. Kaila, on the other hand, was a respected doctor who spent long nights at the hospital which meant that Kit and Riolu spent the majority of their time at home alone. The busy parents did try to speak to the school in order to curtail their son’s horrendous treatment but were met with statements that none of the staff saw this happening. Dealing with the treatment from their peers, the pair of boys developed strong desires that would drive them forward. Kit absolutely hated when the other kids would insult Riolu and tease him for being so unknown. This drove the fair skinned boy to do everything he could to show everyone how strong and incredible his Aura sensing pokémon is. Riolu, on the other hand, strove to become stronger so he could protect his pure hearted human from everything that wished to hurt him. Together they grew to dominate the battling classes and snatched victory after victory from even the most enthusiastic and popular trainers at their school. Kit and Riolu entered into the school-wide pokémon battling championship that was set to take place on the last day of their final year in middle school. What happened at that championship cemented the future of the inseparable duo in ways they couldn’t have ever imagined.