Chapter 98: Lucario vs. Lugia (2)

During its earlier meditation, Lucario reflected on many things.

Back when it was still a Riolu, it had been ridiculed and ostracized by its peers.

In the sacred training grounds of the Lucario and Riolu, Pokémon like itself—who focused purely on honing psychic abilities—were seen as outliers. It was neither respected nor valued and was often shunned.

Most Lucario relied primarily on physical attacks, with Aura Sphere being one of the few special moves they commonly used. After all, most of their natural abilities were suited for close-quarters combat.

As a Riolu, it had always been physically weak. Whenever it fought in close range, it was easily outmatched by its peers. Its repeated failures in melee combat led it to become timid and deeply insecure about itself.

Then it met Klein.

"If you don't like close combat, then don't use it. Why not become a ranged spellcaster instead?"

Klein had laughed, holding the newly captured Riolu in his arms. Seeing his trainer's warm and encouraging gaze, Riolu had shyly nodded, ultimately abandoning melee training in favor of mastering special attacks.

Psychic, Dark Pulse, Aura Sphere, Calm Mind—

As it gradually mastered these moves, one day, it finally evolved into Lucario. That was when Klein introduced it to two new companions:

Two freshly captured Clawitzer.

"Lucario, you can learn Water Pulse too, right?"

According to Pokédex data, Lucario was theoretically capable of learning Water Pulse and Dragon Pulse. However, Klein knew that in the real world, not every Pokémon could actually master every move they were technically compatible with.

To his surprise, Lucario learned Water Pulse in just three days.

That astonishing talent for special attacks confirmed Klein's belief—Lucario was truly gifted in psychic and long-range techniques.

Originally, Klein had expected Lucario to train in both melee and ranged combat.

But now? It was a pure spellcaster.

Klein then devised a complete battle system for it:

Illusionary Psychic Manipulation Calm Mind for heightened mental acuity Seamless synergy with Clawitzer for long-range barrages

The truth was, Clawitzer's learning speed was much slower than Lucario's evolution rate. For a long time, they struggled to keep up.

Only when they finally mastered Heal Pulse did the entire strategy finally reach completion.

Now, empowered by its unique meditation, the blue photon-like energy around Lucario's hands shone even more brilliantly.

Then, in an instant—

Lucario flashed forward, appearing directly before Lugia.

In its hands, it condensed a massive sphere of dark energy.

At the same time, Lawrence issued a command.

Both ultimate attacks were unleashed simultaneously!

Lugia's Aerial Burst concentrated into a single focused energy beam, clashing head-on with Lucario's Dark Pulse.

The two devastating forces collided, unleashing a cataclysmic shockwave.

As the explosion erupted, both Lugia and Lucario radiated with power.

However—

Lucario had Clawitzer's Heal Pulse continuously restoring its stamina.

And as the Guardian of the Sea, Lugia also possessed extraordinary self-repair abilities.

"Incredible! This Lucario is going toe-to-toe with the Sea Guardian!"

A Rocket Executive, watching from afar, was shaken.

Ordinary Lucario lacked this level of endurance.

But this three-in-one fused battle system allowed Lucario to use Heal Pulse strategically, transforming it into a high-output special attacker with incredible sustain.

And it was facing Lugia, one of the strongest Legendary Pokémon—not some lesser mythic creature.

The fact that it had endured this long was unbelievable.

Meanwhile, Articuno was moving at blinding speeds, launching a barrage of Ice Beams to pin down Lugia.

However, Lugia swiftly countered, shifting its explosive energy to its surroundings, forming a protective shield that drastically reduced incoming damage.

Even so, wounds began accumulating—Articuno's stamina was clearly declining.

Thankfully, Lucario fired another Heal Pulse just in time, fully restoring Articuno's health.

Not only that—

Lucario momentarily vanished, reappearing before Zapdos and Moltres, healing their injuries as well.

Now, all three Legendary Birds had rejoined the battle—working together to stop Lugia's rampage.

Alongside them, Wailord constantly disrupted the battlefield.

At that moment, the Shamouti Archipelago was shrouded in darkness. The sun and moon seemed to have switched places.

This four-on-one clash against Lugia had completely rewritten the original storyline—this was far more chaotic than what should have happened.

But despite everything—

Under the Dark Crystal's influence, Lugia's energy seemed endless.

On the other hand, the Legendary Birds and Wailord—if not for Lucario's continuous healing, Klein's side would have already lost.

"Ash! How much longer?!"

Klein gritted his teeth.

"Damn it! Why is that kid taking so long?!"

Lucario closed its eyes once more, diving even deeper into meditation.

Its blue aura surged violently, flickering with immense energy.

Sensing the growing threat, Lugia altered its attack pattern—

Instead of a single beam, it unleashed thirty simultaneous Aerial Bursts!

The resulting explosion obliterated multiple islands, submerging them beneath the sea.

Deep within the ocean, a long-forgotten island stirred, emitting a faint glow—as if something ancient was beginning to awaken.

Just as Lucario was about to be engulfed by the massive energy storm, something unexpected happened.

Klein's DNA Splicers resonated with Articuno—

An icy, yin-yang-like balance took form, infusing Articuno with Kyurem's glacial power!

Absolute Zero!

A newly mastered Ice-type move erupted from Articuno's beak, rivaling even Lugia's destructive power.

Two supreme forces collided—a deafening explosion shook the heavens.

But most importantly—

Articuno had bought Lucario enough time!

"Elite Klein! We're ready on our side!"

Finally, Ash's voice came through.

Klein and Lucario immediately prepared their finishing move.

Plusle and Minun supercharged Wailord, who slammed into Lugia at full force.

At the same time, the Three Legendary Birds unleashed a synchronized attack, weaving elemental energies together, binding Lugia in place.

Seizing this opportunity—

Lucario leaped high into the air.

Both Clawitzer fully integrated into its body.

After countless hours of meditation—

Lucario's dual-wielded guns fused into one.

Lawrence tried to intervene—

But his control device suddenly exploded!

"Naga, you tricked me!"

Ignoring him, Lucario took aim.

A spiraling sphere of dark energy formed—

Dark Pulse!

This final attack was stronger than any Z-Move, tearing through Lugia's dark barrier and shattering the Black Crystal.

At the same time—

From a distant island, a gentle melody played, resonating across Shamouti.

Lawrence was flung from Lugia's back, plunging into the sea.

As the Legendary Birds and Lugia regained clarity, they soared into the sky together.

The crisis—one that could have destroyed the world—was finally over.

Klein, Ash, and the others had become the saviors of this world.

(End of Chapter)