>>58219331
>The little aura you released came back to rest with its master.
>The sapling was restored.
>The healthy green was back, and it once again stood tall and defiant.
>It was one among many other small shrubs and saplings.
>But this one had a chance.
>It was lucky.
>Chosen, like you were.
>Blessed by the luck of fate.
>You gathered rich soil nearby, scooping it around the base of the sapling.
>A thank you for being such a wonderful teacher.
>For letting you understand yourself.
>It would survive the coming winter, you were sure.
>Gasping, you looked down at your arm.
>Something…
>You wouldn’t have noticed it had you not been lucario.
>It leapt on you.
>Brown, it camouflaged itself among the dirt.
>Pouncing on the unaware.
>Truly dishonorable.
>A disgusting, vile parasite.
>It stood out on your blue arm.
>It clung to the top of a hair.
>A tick.
>The instinct to flick it away was strong.
>But this was a time of learning.
>Bringing your paw over it, you flexed the invisible muscle.
>This was simple creature too.
>But one was destined to a life of destruction.
>Its motives were survival, like any other being.
>Its methods were abhorrent.
>And it was too simple to understand why.
>It thought you were food.
>Nothing more.
>The more energy you drew, the slower the arachnid got.
>Soon, it held its grip no more, and it fell from your arm.
>It bounced on the ground, completely devoid of movement.
>In the swirling miasma of your palm, the soul of the tick spasmed and lashed out.
>For minutes you stared, enraptured by the theatrical display.
>Where the sapling showed acceptance, this demanded freedom.
>You did not grant it.
>Perhaps a stronger aura could break free.
>There was never a chance here.
>It did not comprehend, nor did it care to.
>It knew to feed and mate.
>Not this season, you decided.
>Never again.