The atmosphere in the Veilstone Gym had shifted from a heated contest to something far more solemn. It was as if the temperature had dropped ten degrees, replaced by a static hum that made the hair on Julian's arms stand up.
Across the field, the jackal-like Pokémon didn't move. Its posture was effortless, yet every muscle was coiled with the potential of a lightning strike. Julian felt a strange, pulsing sensation behind his eyes—the feedback from his own latent Aura reacting to the sheer density of the power across from him. This wasn't just an "Official" rank opponent. The feedback he was getting was massive, echoing with the weight of decades of experience.
This feeling... it's not even Elite Class, Julian thought, his heart hammering against his ribs. It's a Gym Leader's Ace. A regional pillar. Are you kidding me? This is only my fifth badge! Shouldn't this level of power be reserved for the final challenge in Sunyshore City?
Lucario's crimson eyes flickered toward Julian. The Pokémon seemed to tilt its head almost imperceptibly. It sensed the spark of Aura within the young challenger—an unrefined, raw potential that was rare among modern Trainers. It was curious. It had spent a lifetime by Aaron's side, and even its master hadn't fully awakened that specific frequency of power.
Up in the front row of the stands, the atmosphere was electric. The apprentices, who usually watched these matches with professional detachment, were now whispering frantically, their eyes wide.
"No way... Grandpa Aaron is actually calling out him?" one apprentice muttered.
"I haven't seen Lucario on this field in two years," another added. "That guy in the baseball cap is in for a world of pain."
Maylene, the pink-haired girl who was destined to take over this very gym, was practically vibrating with excitement. She turned to the blonde girl sitting beside her—a traveler she had befriended earlier that week.
"I can't believe it! We hit the jackpot!" Maylene cheered, her hands clenched into fists. "Bringing you here instead of doing our morning drills was the best decision I've made all year!"
The blonde girl, however, looked more concerned than excited. Her own Riolu sat tucked against her leg, its blue sensory bundles twitching. "It's definitely a sight to see... but isn't this a bit much? According to the registration, Julian only has four badges. Why would Senior Aaron bring out his lifelong partner for a mid-level challenge? Is this common in the Sinnoh region?"
Maylene paused, her expression turning thoughtful. "Actually... no. Even for the eight-badge challengers, Grandpa usually sticks to his younger rotation. He must have seen something in Julian. Grandpa's always been a bit of a wildcard when he senses a 'worthy' soul."
The blonde girl nodded, patting her Riolu's head. "Study this well, Riolu. This is the peak of our school of thought. Watch how Lucario moves—not just with its body, but with its spirit."
"Ri-olu!" The little Pokémon barked, its eyes locked onto the legendary figure in the center of the ring.
The Weighted King
Back on the floor, Julian found his voice, though it was a bit more strained than he would have liked.
"I have to ask, Gym Leader Aaron... aren't you overestimating me just a little?" Julian gestured to the imposing Lucario. "I've only been on the road for a few months. Bringing out a Pokémon that looks like it could solo the Elite Four seems like overkill for a Cobble Badge."
Aaron let out a booming laugh, his muscles rippling under his bare skin. "Hahaha! I suppose it does look a bit daunting, doesn't it? But there's a reason for it, young man. You see, for a Pokémon like Lucario, recognition is everything. Once a Lucario chooses its partner, it's a bond for life. I never caught another Riolu because no other could ever take his place. He is my Fighting spirit."
He pointed to the heavy, dark metallic bands around Lucario's wrists and ankles. "But don't worry, I'm not a monster. See those? Those are weighted locks. They suppress his speed and limit his output significantly. For this match, he is instructed to only use energy equivalent to the Elite Class. Think of it as a test of your strategy against a superior mind, rather than a superior force."
Aaron's eyes sparkled. "Of course, if the pressure is too much, I can swap him out. He just seemed so interested in your Aura that I couldn't say no."
Julian looked at his Growlithe, who was still growling at the titan, and then at the Luxury Ball in his hand. Three against one, he calculated. If he's suppressed to Elite Class, and I have the numbers... it's not impossible. It's the ultimate training session.
Julian's fear began to melt, replaced by a cold, sharp focus. He adjusted his cap and gave Aaron a fierce, determined grin. "No need to switch, Leader. If Lucario wants to see what I'm made of, I'd be honored to show him. Please, give us everything you've got!"
"Haha! That's the spirit!" Aaron roared. "Let the final act begin!"
The Speed of Light
"Growlithe, let's test his defenses! Fire Spin!"
"Woof!" 🐾
Growlithe didn't hesitate. Even knowing the power gap, the pup lunged forward, unleashing a spiraling ribbon of intense flame. The fire hissed through the air, aiming to trap the jackal in a searing cage.
Lucario didn't move an inch as the flames approached. It waited until the heat was close enough to singe its fur, then, with a movement so fluid it looked like water, it raised a single paw.
"Force Palm," Aaron commanded calmly.
A pulse of brilliant blue energy erupted from Lucario's palm. It wasn't a blast; it was a shockwave. It slammed into the Fire Spin, shattering the vortex into harmless orange sparks that rained down like confetti.
"Now! While the sparks are falling! Will-O-Wisp!" Julian shouted.
He had planned for this. He used the shattered Fire Spin as a screen, and from the middle of the glowing embers, Growlithe spat out three ghostly blue flames. They zigzagged through the air, hidden by the orange light, aiming for Lucario's chest.
"Excellent camouflage," Aaron noted, his voice full of genuine praise. "But Aura doesn't need eyes to see. Lucario, finish this quickly."
Julian didn't even see Lucario move. There was a sudden whoosh of air that brushed past Julian's left cheek—a gust of wind so sharp it felt like a blade.
Bang!
The sound of the impact followed a split second later. Julian blinked, and Lucario was standing exactly where he had been before, his arm extended in a follow-through.
Growlithe, meanwhile, was no longer in the center of the ring. He had been launched across the arena, hitting the back wall with a sickening thud. He slid down to the floor, his eyes spinning in dazed circles.
"Growlithe!" Julian sprinted toward his fallen partner.
"Growlithe is unable to battle! Lucario is the winner!" He Zhi announced, his voice steady despite the overwhelming display of power. He didn't even need to check the pup; the difference in strength was absolute.
Julian knelt beside Growlithe, checking his vitals. The pup was okay—just completely overwhelmed. "You did amazing, buddy. You actually made him use a move. Take a long rest."
He recalled Growlithe and stood up, looking back at the blue-and-black figure. One hit, Julian thought, his hand trembling slightly. Even with the weights, even at Elite suppression, he's a monster.
"Challenger, please send out your next Pokémon!" He Zhi prompted.
Julian took a deep breath. The "Four Foodie Treasures" were usually a comedy act, but today, they needed to be legends. He looked at the Poké Ball containing his most graceful fighter.