Pokemon Heroes: Sinnoh Saga [Book 1]

Chapter 106

"I had it easier with Lucian than past challengers had.

Gone were his Medicham and Girafarig...immune to Dark and Ghost Types respectively—though a well-prepared Trainer had other ways to deal with these Pokémon and their secondary typing.

He still had his Bronzong and brought on a Gallade—both could easily be taken care of with proper preparation.

No...the issue with Lucian's Pokémon has never been their typing, but their Psychic strength.

Lucian's were some of the strongest Psychic Type Pokémon I had battled until I met Sabrina of Saffron City."

* * *

Lucario felt the warmth of the Poké Ball leave him. Something chalky and powdery filled his mouth as he subconsciously chewed on it. It tasted like sand. Sand and dirt and grime. He wanted to retch. Then...the pain in his side subsided.

Something cool, wet and soothing sprayed his side where the burn was, instantly beginning to heal the seared flesh and subdue the pain. It was nice.

Lucario opened his eyes and found he was being supported by Sam as his partner force fed him a Max Revive. He coughed and sat up. "That stuff tastes disgusting."

"Yeah, I know," replied Sam. He watched the Full Restore dry up in Lucario's fur. "But it's faster than waiting for you to sleep it off—and I can't exactly go see a Nurse Joy."

Lucario grunted in responded.

"Why did you do that back there?" asked Sam. "You risked cheating to help me win."

Lucario remained silent.

Sam didn't say anything further. He waited for Lucario to respond.

"I have lived for some time now," explained Lucario. "As long as you have been alive, I have lived twice as long. In that time, I have only come to join you as your friend and partner quite recently...and even so I can see and feel how important defeating the Champion is to you and your other Pokémon."

Lucario turned to look at Sam.

"In the time I have known you...it has come to be important to me, as well. I cannot explain it...but it has become my goal as much as it has been Empoleon's, or yours."

Sam was speechless. He didn't know what to say. Finally, he found the words. "Just don't go jeopardizing your health and safety again. I can always battle the Elite Four again...but I can't do it without my partners."

Lucario smiled wide, baring fangs harmlessly. "It would be advisable that you do. Your strategy, Pokémon, methods of attack and battle style have been laid bare before your enemies. A change of team would be recommended if you attempted this again."

Sam laughed. "Back in your Poké Ball. Time's up, and we'd better get going."

Lucario smiled and was returned to his Poké Ball.

The bell notifying Sam that his return to the field was imminent. He had but a single Elite Four member left...and then it was Valentina.

"Don't get cocky now," warned Aurelio. He reappeared beside Sam as the platform rose up towards the field again.

"I know," nodded Sam. "I'm nervous, more than anything really."

"That's to be expected. Rowan threw up at this point of the challenge if I'm not mistaken." Aurelio laughed while he remembered.

"Really?" asked Sam. He was trying not to hurl himself.

Aurelio nodded. "Threw up his dinner right over the side of the challenger's box. They had to call a recess so he could empty himself...and call a clean-up team for the vomit. It wasn't pleasant."