Master Craftsman of the Pokémon World

Riolu—an exceptionally rare Pokémon in Unova. In the game, there are only two places where one can encounter it: the ranch near Floccesy Town in the far west, and the training cavern to the north.

Its appearance is reminiscent of a young child, and it possesses a mysterious power capable of sensing the hearts of others. It avoids approaching dangerous opponents.

Those with a kind nature are accepted by it, while those with evil intent are met with hostility.

It perceives the feelings of people and Pokémon alike through an energy known as "Aura," reading both emotion and the flow of nature. It communicates with companions by emitting waves of Aura. This Aura grows stronger when experiencing fear or sadness, warning its allies of imminent danger.

However, the average Riolu can only manipulate Aura in its early, undeveloped form—what could be called "Ripples." These ripples cannot be used to attack and are simply the prototype of true Aura manipulation.

Standing atop the chain-link fence, the small blue pup shifted its gaze from Aegislash to Hikaru.

Then, with a firm shake of the head, it scattered the doubts and negativity from its heart.

Huff! Riolu bent its arms at the waist in a stance to boost morale. Its round, balloon-like black ears bounced up and down.

Time to pull itself together!

"Awooo! (Righteous and mighty Aura!)"

With a nimble flip, Riolu leapt down from the fence, cautiously approaching the towering Aegislash. The massive blade Pokémon exerted immense pressure on its much smaller frame.

Riolu had been tailing Aegislash ever since it sensed the mighty Aura emanating from it.

That immense, unfamiliar Aura—it closely resembled the human standing beside Aegislash.

Though that human didn't seem to possess Aura powers, every living being possessed at least a basic Aura signature. And this human's Aura… felt remarkably compatible with Riolu's.

Actually, it wasn't just compatible with its Aura…

It felt compatible with every Pokémon's.

This was the first time Riolu had ever felt such resonance.

Having witnessed the remarkable power displayed by Hikaru and Aegislash earlier, it thought—

If it's this human and this royal Pokémon... they can defeat that green-haired guy!

That's what it believed!

"Gehhh..."

Aegislash sensed Riolu's Aura clearly. Indeed, this was the same Riolu from Central Park—the one who didn't participate in the battle.

It had been a companion of that elite trainer once.

And within this Aura... there was a deep-seated anger, though Riolu was suppressing it well.

[Who are you angry for?]

Aegislash questioned with interest.

"Awooo! (You're strong! I want to battle you!)"

A wild Riolu had issued a challenge!

Among Pokémon, battle was the language of understanding. Riolu had heard Aegislash's words earlier—it wanted to confirm its own feelings through combat. Their Auras would clash in the process!

It had questions it wanted answers to.

[I see, I see! Your eyes are resolute, but your heart still hesitates... Searching for a new trainer, are you? Then let me help you decide!]

"…A new trainer?"

"In that case, fight with everything you've got."

Hikaru gently waved his hand, establishing a telepathic link. No words were needed—Aegislash flew forward on its own!

Use Sacred Sword!

The massive blade thrust forward.

Its enormous body resembled a towering slab. Honestly, Hikaru thought that at this rate, Aegislash might one day illegally learn moves like Body Press or even Gigaton Slam!

If combined with its Heatproof training, maybe even high-heat pressure attacks would be within reach. A weapon this massive not being used for tackles would be a waste. Just bash people's heads in with that kingly shield—no one could endure it.

Aegislash did not use its Ghost-type immunity to Fighting moves this time. Instead, it willingly enveloped itself in Fighting energy and began to spin!

Just like Hikaru once explained:

Sometimes, there isn't only one way to wield a sword.

He recalled how, in Sinnoh's Iron Ruins, the Registeel that once forged ancient tools fought.

It focused its aura into a heavy hammer to unleash the illegal and devastating Focus Punch.

Or in Galar's legends, how Zacian executed Behemoth Blade—

Gathering all its might, summoning the King's Armor into a singular blade to strike down its enemies in a single massive blow.

Aegislash, too, possessed Aura, inner strength, and a clear heart!

And the power of a King and a Hero, recognized by the gods!

It combined shield and sword, locking the shield into the hilt, leapt forward, and spun mid-air while swinging its weapon!

Ghostly light and silver-steel brilliance surrounded the blade's edge, forming a unique Sacred Sword glow.

Sacred Sword: Lion Cleave!

Honestly, that gate-sized sword wasn't something a regular person could wield. For something this heavy, a spinning, downward slash would be terrifying! One had to make full use of their kinetic energy!

Riolu was startled and immediately leapt back—only for Aegislash to use its shield as a pivot and switch to its Shield Forme!

Stance Change!

That's the beauty of being a Ghost-type Pokémon. You think my body is just a sword?

No—I am both sword and shield!

The shield wielded the blade, and the greatsword shot upward with force!

Sacred Sword: Giant Slayer!

Hikaru found the names of these Sacred Sword techniques to be pretty entertaining.

Aegislash could hear Hikaru's internal monologue through their mental link, and it seemed stunned by its own performance!

Heh! That sounded cool—keep praising me!

If Zacian is the King of Swords, I'm not bad myself, right?

"You actually pulled it off! First Sacred Sword cancel, now Lion Cleave and Giant Slayer too…?!"

"Though, I did originally envision Lion Cleave as a Steel-type downward slash, like a 160 power super-move similar to Gigaton Hammer… you're still using Sacred Sword as swordplay…"

Hikaru muttered to himself, assessing. Aegislash's eye narrowed unhappily.

Tch, not like I've even seen a Gigaton Hammer before, okay?!

Even Registeel uses Focus Punch instead!

Riolu had expected dodging would be enough, but the odd trajectory of that sword caught it square in the chest, sending it flying into a trash bin!

[Is this your limit?]

Aegislash, still in its ridiculous "shield-wielding-sword" pose, looked hilariously absurd.

"Wangoo???"

Riolu hailed from the training cavern near Opelucid City—a place where the legendary Swords of Justice once trained their disciples. Many powerful Pokémon gather there to sharpen themselves, and Riolu was one of them.

Wait… That move… Sacred Sword!?

Wasn't that a move only known to the legendary Swords of Justice?!

Could this King of Blades be… one of their disciples?

[Oh, a disciple? Sure, let's go with that. Sacred Sword was learned from the Swords of Justice. What, you know them?]

Riolu shook its head like a rattle drum—but the hint of uncertainty in its eyes had vanished.

It didn't personally know them!

But it had always looked up to those legendary heroes!

So this was a disciple of the Sacred Swordsmen! Riolu stood respectfully!

"Awoo!"

Its spirits lifted, ears flicking excitedly, and it gave a cool swipe across its mouth.

Ptoo! Ugh, smells like trash back here!

Riolu shook its head furiously and refocused. Then it grinned.

Sacred Sword, huh? I saw it with my own eyes—guess I'll give it a try too!

It raised both paws… and—

A sharp-edged Ghostly Sacred Sword materialized!

"Copycat!"

Hikaru blinked, then recognized the move immediately.

It mimicked the opponent's last-used move!

"Gehhh?!"

The uniquely colored Sacred Sword slashed toward Aegislash—but the King's Shield blocked it, absorbing the force.

Aegislash was shocked!

Wait, WHAT?! That's my hard-earned technique! The Sacred Sword that once pierced Arceus! You just copied it?!

Riolu looked smug and proud.

See? I'm no weakling!

No matter what move you use—I can return it right back at you!

…Too bad Sacred Sword doesn't affect Ghost-types. Riolu was quite annoyed.

Otherwise, he could've used Sacred Sword to counter Sacred Sword!

Steel + Ghost… what a broken combo! Immune to Fighting! So unfair!

Now was the chance! As Aegislash staggered from the block—

Quick Attack!

Not for damage—just to close in!

As a +1 priority move, it's nicknamed "Baby Extreme Speed" in close combat.

As Riolu dashed forward—

Stomp!

Aegislash was caught off guard and struck by the Quick Attack + Stomp combo!

Boom—shockwaves rippled through its steel frame, making its blade hum!

Ground beats Steel—Super Effective!

[Not again! How many times have I been kicked with Stomp?!]

[But your growth isn't enough! Your 'level' is too low! That's what humans call it, right?]

Aegislash swung its blade with force!

Shadow Claw + Shadow Sneak!

A sharp-edged ghost sword erupted from the shield's reflection, and the main blade surged with ghost energy—its claws aiming for a critical hit!

Twin Shadows Strike!

Riolu peeked at Hikaru during the clash.

Aura told it that Aegislash was still taking orders from the human—but their Auras were so intertwined that there was no delay between command and execution!

Fine, then I'll do the same!

Its paws surged with ghost energy!

Copycat – Shadow Claw!

Shadow Claw vs. Shadow Claw!

"Again with the Copycat?!"

What is this—Sharingan Riolu?

Copycat Pokémon Riolu at your service.

BOOM! Ghost energy exploded—Riolu was sent flying, tumbling across the ground with numb, aching arms. With no Steel typing to defend itself, its pure Fighting-type body couldn't endure that well.

[So, are you—wait, what are you doing?!]

"Fling!" Hikaru shouted as Riolu started rummaging in the trash can.

It picked up the lid and some large pieces of garbage—and chucked them at Aegislash!

Ah yes, dragging others through the mud like Lü Bu reincarnated…

Fling, a Dark-type move whose power depends on the item thrown.

In a city setting, trash cans = armory.

But man, what an unsporting strategy!

Hikaru: "Should I slice this incoming garbage or not?"

Aegislash Σ(っ°Д°;)っ: "Gehhh?! Are you seriously making me choose?"

In the game, trash cans in Unova are cleaner than your face—but in real-life Mistralton City? Garbage everywhere.

Riolu smirked, then hurled a big chunk of unknown solid waste!

Pretty heavy!

"A worn-out sofa. Probably Power 130 or more. Damn, that pup's strong!"

"Gehhh?! (You're estimating move power by furniture size?!)"

Aegislash returned to Shield Forme—Hikaru muttered how it looked more normal this way.

"Gehhh (King's Shield)!"

A shimmering blue barrier appeared!

Blocked the flying garbage!

Now!

Riolu pulled out a Black Iron Ball from the bin!

Important detail—this thrown ball also has Power 130!

CRACK! The iron ball struck Aegislash squarely, bending its blade—but it slowly straightened out again.

[I'm a Ghost-type, remember? Altering my form is easy. I can triple-fold if needed.]

Yet Riolu wasn't done smiling!

"Throw it away!" Hikaru suddenly shouted.

In the mental link, Aegislash was feeling proud—too proud to notice Hikaru's warning.

"You're in trouble!"

"Gehhh?!"

Riolu took a deep breath and struck the ground hard!

Earthquake!

Damages all nearby Pokémon on the field!

Normally, Flying or Levitate Pokémon avoid Earthquake altogether. Some can even just jump to avoid it!

But the Black Iron Ball changed everything—it grounds the user, making it vulnerable to Earthquake!

Earthquake: strong, universal, and devastating.

This Black Iron Ball was a common, dirt-cheap item in the market—many saw it as useless and dumped it in trash cans!

In a fast-paced meta, deliberately slowing yourself down is seen as pointless.

"Don't pick up things other people threw away—that's how it becomes your held item!"

Hikaru sighed. Riolu's Earthquake even hit the trainer's area—typical of its wide AOE.

But this Riolu was clever—and used mind games!

Hikaru was really starting to like it.

Aegislash took a brutal hit and immediately tossed away the Black Iron Ball—but before it could float again—

Stomp!

Riolu's follow-up kick landed hard on the greatsword!

Shockwaves rippled again—

But this time, Aegislash's purple ribbon grabbed it.

Its massive singular eye narrowed in displeasure.

Riolu: (°ロ°)

Aegislash's shield turned rocky and jagged—like a boulder.

Head Smash!

A high-power Rock-type move! Both attacker and target suffer damage!

Even though Riolu resists Rock—it's still Base Power 150!

"Wahoo!"

Smashed silly, ears twitching, Riolu staggered around, dazed—then—

Iron Head!

"Wangoo!"

Unbelievably, Riolu still tried to prove its strength, forcing itself to use—

Copycat – Head Smash!

Rock energy surged from its forehead—it clashed directly with Iron Head!

THWACK! A heavy blow echoed, and Riolu's whole body trembled. Despite biting its tongue and trying to hold on…

It stuck its tongue out, eyes rolled back—

And collapsed.

Battle over.

Seeing the fainted blue pup lying there, Hikaru thought—normally, this was the time to use a Poké Ball.

However—

Even though it was wild, the way Riolu had come here seemed to have a purpose.

So Hikaru didn't throw a ball.

Better to heal it first.

Besides, this was a good chance to test that new potion recipe.

Of course, Hikaru wouldn't concoct it here in this open lot. Looking around, he decided to avoid letting Aegislash use any more blast-type moves.

The trash can was a wreck, the chain-link fence torn… though the pavement held up fine. Mistralton's roadwork was solid. Made Hikaru wonder if he should chip a bit to see what it's made of…

He'd already stolen bricks from the Heart Stairway and the Spear Pillar—what's a bit of pavement? Risk was getting caught by Officer Jenny...

"What a gutsy pup—charging headfirst into a Steel-type and copying moves like crazy. What, does it have Prankster as its Ability?"

Carrying the unconscious Riolu home, Aegislash's Iron Head might've been too much.

Hikaru pulled out some supplies and began crafting using one of his recently unlocked recipes.

After a while—

[Crafted Medicine: Emergency Jelly (Secret Recipe).]

[Description: A special medicine made from Revival Herb Leaves, Lost Four-Leaf Clover, Max Energy Cube, Energy Root fragments, and a Figy Berry. Cooled rapidly using Never-Melt Ice and an Ice Stone. Though bitter, it does not reduce friendship. Extremely effective on fainted or near-death Pokémon.]

[Effect: Only usable on extremely weakened or fainted Pokémon. Cannot be absorbed by those with full stamina. After consumption, the target will fully restore stamina, vitality, and all five stats temporarily! Will be energized for three hours, followed by a long fatigue period.]

[Note: Emergency Jelly may save lives in critical moments! Pair with Energy Drinks for maximum effect. Flavor can be adjusted!]

(End of Chapter)

[Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum]

[+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]

[Thank You For Your Support!]