Pokémon: My Name is Lucario

Chapter 14: Eat My Uppercut

The night had fallen, and the bright moon hung high in the sky, silently watching over the creatures that slept below.

A few small figures with leaves on their heads were waiting at the entrance of the valley, glancing around until a small dog-like Pokémon showed up, slowly walking toward them.

"Riolu, you're so slow!" grumbled the older Budew with a pout.

"I mean, is it really necessary to go out this late? Can't we go tomorrow morning instead?" Riolu yawned, still looking sleepy, his mouth hanging open as he fought to stay awake.

Keep in mind, he was still a baby—barely two months old. Staying up late with such a poor sleep schedule would hinder his growth.

"No, the later, the better. The closer to midnight, the brighter the moonlight. It'll be more comfortable," explained the younger Budew with a grin.

"Ah?"

"Wait, no, I mean, if we go in the middle of the night, the Pidgeys and Pidgeot will all be asleep, so we can catch them off guard!"

Riolu, still half asleep, barely understood what was happening, but after hearing the younger Budew explain, he thought the plan made sense. Still half asleep, he was dragged along by the Budews.

As they walked, Riolu slowly began to wake up. This was the first time he'd walked through the forest at night, and while there were some uneasy feelings, there was also a sense of excitement.

At night, the forest seemed different. For example, just earlier, they passed by a pond where countless tiny glowing dots danced on the water's surface. The water reflected the dots as if covered by a thin layer of fluorescent light. When they got closer, the lights scattered, creating beautiful trails that dazzled Riolu.

Or the stream, rushing relentlessly through the forest. During the day, the noise of other Pokémon had drowned out the sound of the water, but now, with everything quiet, he could finally hear the pure sound of the water rushing by. "Drip, drip," the clear, melodic sound was soothing and refreshing, and Riolu felt his heart calm.

"Wow, I never realized how fun the night in this forest could be," he murmured as he walked, taking in the beautiful sights.

Meanwhile, the Budews, used to walking at night, weren't as distracted by the beauty of the surroundings and were focused on reaching their destination.

After walking for a while, the Budews cheered.

"We're here!"

They arrived at a slightly cleared area, surrounded by trees of varying heights. The thick branches above didn't block the moonlight, which shone down and illuminated the clearing, making it look bright and welcoming.

"Come on, help us dig here," the Budews ordered, running in a circle around the clearing. They finally chose a spot near a large tree, under the moonlight, and gestured for Riolu to help them dig holes in the ground.

Riolu, still confused, followed their instructions and dug several holes, just the right size for the Budews. "So, where's the Pidgeot?" he casually asked as he worked.

"Heh, heh, heh." As soon as the holes were ready, the Budews eagerly jumped into them one by one. The holes were perfectly sized to fit their bodies, and they quickly buried themselves, leaving only their leaves exposed, which they used to cover the holes as if hiding in the ground.

"Hey, wait, are you guys planning to stay here?" Riolu finally realized what was happening.

"Oh, yeah, last time that group of Pidgeys chased us away from here. But you'll see them soon enough. You should help keep watch, it's up to you now," the older Budew replied from under the earth, enjoying the coolness of the moonlight.

Riolu stood there in confusion, realizing he had been tricked. All this time, the Budews had led him out to "take revenge" on the Pidgeys, but their real goal was to sneak out and enjoy the moonlight.

He wanted to pull them out, but sighed and shook his head, looking for a suitable tree to climb up. "Well, guess I'll just relive the wandering life of being in the wild," he muttered as he climbed up and settled in comfortably.

Soon, Riolu fell asleep in the familiar surroundings of the trees.

---

After what seemed like only a short while, Riolu suddenly woke up with an uneasy feeling.

He opened his eyes just in time to see several pairs of red eyes lurking in the shadows, glaring at the few patches of leaves in the clearing.

"Could it be…?"

Riolu tensed, quickly pulling up his Pokédex to check the details.

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Pokédex

Progress: Encounter 19/25

Battle Progress: 0/10

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Pokémon: Ordinary - Pidgey (M)

Level: 9

Type: Flying

Moves: Tackle, Quick Attack

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Pokémon: Elite - Pidgeot (M)

Level: 18

Type: Flying

Moves: Quick Attack, Wing Attack, Air Slash

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Pokédex Analysis:

The two Pidgeys were of a much lower level than the previous flock, but the same Pidgeot from last time was still here.

---

"Chirp, chirp!" the Pidgeot screeched angrily. It locked its furious gaze on the Budews hiding in the dirt. The sight of a strange Pokémon's aura in the area made it seethe with rage, and it could hardly hold itself back from attacking.

Finally, the Pidgeot couldn't take it anymore. With a loud screech, it took flight, claws extended and ready to strike at the Budews hiding in the dirt.

"Swish!"

Suddenly, a shadow leapt from a tree. Riolu had used the moment of the Pidgeot's attack to pounce, his legs apart as he accurately landed on the rapidly descending bird's back.

With his left hand gripping the Pidgeot's neck feathers, Riolu raised his right hand, quickly pulling back before launching it forward. "Clang!" The sharp claws covered in metallic energy sliced at the Pidgeot!

"Clang—"

The Pidgeot was forced into the air, its feathers flying as it shrieked in pain. Riolu held on tightly as the Pidgeot tried to shake him off.

"Ah! Ahhhh—!" Riolu screamed, bouncing around on the bird's back, unable to get a steady grip.

Suddenly, the feathers slipped from Riolu's grip.

"Oh no, this is bad!" Riolu thought, losing his balance.

As the Pidgeot dove downward, Riolu plummeted toward the ground.

"Boom—"

He was about to hit the ground when an idea struck him. With a flash of speed, he kicked off the branch beneath him. Lightning-like energy engulfed his body, and he shot off in a dazzling streak of white light.

The Pidgey attempting to attack the Budews was stunned as Riolu zipped past them, smashing into them with full force.

The energy shot forward, bouncing off the ground and heading straight toward the Pidgeot, who was still descending rapidly.

With a roar, Riolu reached the Pidgeot, still hanging in midair. "Eat this!" he cried as he slammed his fist upward with an uppercut.

"Boom—"

The punch landed hard on the Pidgeot. With a sickening crack, the Pidgeot's wings were battered, and the Pidgeot fell from the air.

Both Pokémon crashed to the ground. Riolu, despite his intense pain, managed to get up, only to be helped down by the Budews, who had grown larger thanks to their Growth move.

"Whoa, that was intense!" Riolu gasped, looking at the Pidgeot with mixed emotions. His body felt battered, but there was no denying the rush from the fight.

"Good job, Riolu!" the Budews cheered, clapping their leaves together.

Despite the victory, Riolu winced as his right hand ached. "Ouch... Don't clap me, I think my arm's broken..."

Looking at his limp arm, Riolu realized just how dangerous this adventure had been. But at least he'd grown a bit stronger.