"Luca!"
Holding a pale blue longsword wreathed in icy mist—as if condensing cold air into solid form—Lucario made its dazzling entrance.
Its appearance instantly stunned many spectators.
Why?
Lucario was a fist-fighter! Especially Teacher Azure's Lucario—the monster who mastered the true "Unseen Fist" at the Isle of Armor. Given time, it could rival the two Urshifu masters as a battling legend.
Yet today? Lucario (Sword-Wielding Form).
Sword-wielding Pokémon were vanishingly rare—and Lucario certainly wasn't among them.
Even the Masked Royal blinked in surprise.
But he swiftly dismissed the detail—focus sharpening on Lucario before Aiden.
A Fighting/Steel-type. Mutually checked with his Incineroar—neither held clear advantage.
And that strangely radiant ice sword? Likely a special item.
Though it radiated palpable pressure… for Incineroar? No issue.
As Aiden observed—Incineroar reacted first. Another thunderous roar erupted.
Intimidate activating again?
Aiden narrowed his eyes.
To guarantee victory over Professor Kukui? He could've sent out Ogerpon. Incineroar might not survive a single Ivy Cudgel strike from Water Ogerpon.
But tonight's battle prioritized passion over victory—needed to ignite enough fervor to draw Tapu Koko from the nearby war ruins.
Thus—a thrilling, fiery showdown was essential.
Among his roster: Sylveon, Mewtwo, and Indeedee favored underhanded tactics; Ogerpon and Miraidon were too overpowered—they risked ending the match before the atmosphere peaked.
Only Salamence or Lucario fit.
Why Lucario over Salamence you ask?
Salamence was still a sheltered, immature child. Lucario? His steadier temperament was more suited for this stage.
"Luca——"
Facing Incineroar's roar, Lucario instinctively raised its sword to block the pressure.
After all—though a tool in its hands, this sword was alive. Proven capable of deflecting attacks in prior clashes (like against Aegislash).
After weathering the tiger's aura—the battle commenced.
"Go, Masked Royal!"
"Teacher Azure's serious mode? He's never lost!"
Locals and tourists cheered fervently. Hala—now standing at the field's center axis—raised a hand.
"Then I shall referee this match."
"Judging with absolute fairness!"
Across from Aiden, the Masked Royal flexed an arm—subtly flashing the golden belt at his waist.
Battle Royal Dome's highest honor. Equivalent to Hall of Fame status.
"OHOHO! FIRE IT UP!"
"Aiden—let us offer Tapu Koko a magnificent battle!"
Aiden raised an eyebrow.
Does wearing the mask make Professor Kukui completely drop his scholarly facade?
Perhaps this was his true self—clashing with his "respectable professor" image, hence the hidden identity?
Professor Kukui, you wouldn't want your mask to slip—
Wait. Did I mix up the trope?!
Aiden cut the thought short.
Simultaneously—Hala slashed his arm down: "BEGIN!"
"Incineroar—Flare Blitz! Close the distance!"
"Lucario—counter with Sacred Sword when the chance arises!"
Incineroar's body erupted in flames. Fire surged across its frame—transforming it into a hellish beast lunging at Lucario.
"Luca!"
Lucario stood firm. Only as Incineroar neared did it slash forward with the Calamity Sword.
Through training, Aiden and Lucario had mastered the sword's nuances:
No energy projection = no Ice-type conversion.
Sacrificing range and minor damage boost—but retaining Lucario's preferred close-combat style with unchanged typing.
In battle? Switching a single move between two typings proved immensely practical.
"Don't block head-on—seize its weapon!"
The Masked Royal's voice cut through.
"ROAR——!"
As Champion-tier partner, Incineroar's instincts were flawless. Palms snapped forward—attempting the legendary empty-hand sword seizure.
"Lucario—stop it!"
Aiden countered instantly.
Mid-Sacred Sword swing, Lucario released one hand. Reduced force—but now dual-wielding.
"Luca!"
Before Incineroar's palms closed, Lucario unleashed Inch Punch—left fist exploding with force, violently shoving Incineroar's right hand aside.
Caught off-guard by the sudden strike, Incineroar staggered.
"Incineroar—use the momentum to evade!"
Kukui's command synced with its motion.
Off-balance, Incineroar fluidly backflipped—leverage and flexibility dodging the lethal slash.
WHOOSH——!
The Calamity Sword missed—yet carved a deep gash into the earth.
(Though Lucario's fists could achieve similar results, the sword's penetration and destructive power were unmistakably superior.)
"So impressive!"
"That slash—if it landed, Incineroar would've been critically wounded!"
"The Masked Royal's no slouch either! Golden Belt legend for a reason—reflexes and synergy maxed out!"
The spectators' awe grew with every exchange.
To the islanders—this was the Masked Royal: undefeated in hundreds of Royal Dome battles, fastest Golden Belt legend. Even if Island Kahuna battled, it wasn't a guaranteed win.
Yet this youth held his ground—even gaining the initiative.
Undoubtedly a powerhouse!
This Grand Trial Festival would surpass all before!
"Incineroar—Will-O-Wisp!"
Seeing direct offense fail, the Masked Royal pivoted—aiming to weaken Lucario first.
That Sacred Sword's power had spiked his defensive pressure, constraining offense. Needed resolution—fast.
"Lucario—cleave through it!"
Pre-Calamity Sword? Lucario might've used Protect against many moves.
Now? The solution was simple.
Will-O-Wisp's slow startup—Lucario casually deflected it with a sword slash.
But the assault wasn't over.
"Incineroar—Bulk Up!"
"Lucario—Extreme Speed! Interrupt it!"
Commands synced. Pokémon moved.
As Incineroar readied a self-boost—Lucario exploded forward with terrifying acceleration.
This time—Aiden's intent was read perfectly.
"I knew you'd do this!"
"Incineroar—prepare Flare Blitz again!"
Extreme Speed's momentum meant Lucario couldn't brake.
Perfect moment to unveil the trump card!
The Masked Royal slammed a fist to his chest—crouching into a horse stance. A supremely confident grin spread as his right fist shot forward.
"IT'S HERE—THE ROYAL MASKED MAN'S SIGNATURE Z-MOVE POSE!"
"Will it be Incineroar's exclusive Z-Move?!"
"No——must be Firium Z!"
What electrified Alolans most? Their local superstar and their proudest pride: Z-Moves.
Now—both converged!
"ROAR!"
All eyes locked on the blazing Masked Royal—gasps erupting.
"So amazing! Z-Moves make you shine too?!"
Moon vibrated with excitement—Z-Moves growing ever more alluring.
Beside her, Lillie remained oddly calm.
Having served as Professor Kukui's assistant for three years, she knew Z-Moves intimately.
Her gaze fixed on Aiden.
From Professor Kukui's stories—he'd once used this move mid-battle against the Kanto League, forcing even Lance to yield.
Adults often exaggerate… but some credibility remained.
So—how will Teacher Azure counter this full-power assault?
"Teacher Azure—you'd better withstand this!"
Golden Ultra Aura surged into Incineroar. Its blazing fur now shimmered with radiant gold light.
"Z-Flare Blitz——"
"INFERNO OVERDRIVE!!!"
The moment the words left his lips—Incineroar struck.
Ultra Aura radiating, flames eclipsing the bonfire's glow—a golden titanium tiger stepped forward, poised to collide head-on with Lucario.
Terrifying power—
Even Aiden was impressed by Kukui's decisive choice.
A Champion-tier Pokémon unleashing a fully powered Z-Move—super effective against Lucario.
Theoretically? There was a zero survival chance. Even Lucario's tenacity couldn't overcome it.
But—
Aiden was Paldea's Gym Leader. He had his own way.
"Lucario—maintain full-speed charge! Close Combat on impact!"
As he spoke—his hand dove into his pocket. He hurled a cold sphere skyward without hesitation.
[OOOOOH! KNEW IT!]
[IT'S HERE—TEACHER AZURE'S SIGNATURE TERASTALLIZATION! Planning Water Tera to nullify the Z-Move?!]
[Does Teacher Azure have any weaknesses?!]
[Of course! Teacher Azure can't hold back—because he never imagines opponents could be this weak XD]
[Feeling personally attacked by upstairs… thanks——]
While most Alolans were stunned—online viewers instantly recognized it.
Showcasing Paldea's Terastallization abroad? This was truly why Teacher Azure travels!
SO DEDICATED!
"Whoa—it's that move!"
As Teacher Azure's fan, Moon knew Terastallization well. But when the Tera Orb shattered midair—scattering countless reddish-brown crystal shards—she froze.
"Wait… not Water Tera?"
"Terastallization requires prep time. You can't adjust mid-battle based on field conditions."
Beside her, Lillie had already pulled out her phone—recording the scene for Professor Kukui's research.
Temporarily altering a Pokémon's type while amplifying power—
Like Z-Moves… making Pokémon shine brilliantly.
Lillie smiled shyly.
Beside her, Moon—turning to speak—suddenly froze.
She's so beautiful when she smiles… like an ancient princess!
BOOM——!!!
As Moon was dazed—a deafening explosion erupted.
Oops—forgot to watch the battle!
She whipped around—only to be blasted by shockwaves, eyes squeezed shut, body wobbling. Instinctively, she clung to Lillie.
The two girls huddled together until the gusts subsided seconds later.
What met their eyes? Utter devastation.
The plaza—once pristine—was now cratered. A shallow pit (3-4m radius, half-meter deep) centered where the Pokémon clashed.
The two combatants seemed frozen mid-collision—fists locked. Embers still smoldered beneath them.
Incineroar—struck squarely in the chest by Lucario's fist—eyes unfocused, pupils vanished. Completely unconscious.
Lucario? Half its body scorched where Incineroar clung tightly. Even the Calamity Sword (now gripped in its left hand for right-fist power) was webbed with cracks—threatening to shatter.
"Luca——"
Yet Lucario breathed heavily—still standing.
Already low on stamina… plus lugging the deadweight Incineroar—
Had it not endured weighted training daily? It would've collapsed. Uncool!
The victor was clear.
"WINNER—AIDEN!"
Hala—blasted back meters by the clash—strode forward, assessed both, and declared firmly.
"I lost. Worthy of the Trainer who defeated champions worldwide, Teacher Azure."
The Masked Royal showed no defeatist gloom. He laughed heartily—recalling his exhausted Incineroar.
"WHAT?! THE MASKED ROYAL LOST?!"
"That bling-bling thing—why did the Fire-weak Lucario survive Incineroar's full-power Firium Z?!"
"Uh—that's Paldea's Terastallization! The only thing is: in Teacher Azure's hands? It makes offense and defense flawless. Losing's not shameful."
"Truly Teacher Azure—even the stream's 'Universe #1 Pokémon' Incineroar can't elbow past him!"
Alolans reeled in shock. Tourists began explaining:
"Phew—Lucario's stamina nearly depleted too. It was almost a draw."
Aiden stepped forward—recalling Lucario (legs trembling, still posturing heroically). He turned to the Masked Royal.
"Haha—loss is loss. Witnessing another region's phenomenon up close? Well worth the trip!"
They shook hands—completing the Grand Battle's finale.
"What a thrilling clash!"
The Masked Royal beamed—scanning the crowd for the Island Guardian.
And then—
A bolt of lightning shot from the sky. Overwhelming energy washed over the plaza, coating the ground in crackling golden film.
"IT'S HERE—LORD TAPU KOKO!"
An elderly villager leaped up, pointing ecstatically at the dancing sky-light.
"Tapu Koko?"
Moon blinked—glancing at Lillie.
With Teacher Azure still on-field, her curiosity sought a new outlet.
"Mm—it's Melemele Island's guardian deity. Legends say it loves battle—craves clashes with strong foes. That's why we use battles to draw its attention."
As the sky-light settled—a slender figure emerged: orange hair nearly as long as its body, arms shaped like patterned shells that, when clasped, resembled a golden bird-head… or sacred totem.
One of Alola's four revered Island Guardians.
Tapu Koko!
Even Island Kahuna Hala stood momentarily awestruck.
"It seems we truly offered a battle worthy of Lord Tapu Koko's satisfaction."
The Masked Royal smiled at Aiden.
Compared to them? Aiden remained utterly placid.
Island Guardian? Small potatoes.
Temporal-Spatial dragons? Giratina? Shiny Rayquaza? Teacher Azure's seen it all.
Yet his gaze—like everyone else's—locked on Tapu Koko.
And for some reason…
He felt Tapu Koko's full attention was fixed solely on him.
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