1. Ash's Story (Part 7: Kalos)

Chapter 97: Chivalry's Blade

Wikstrom's Castle of Chivalry rose ahead of us like something pulled from an old legend, with stone towers, sharp banners, and gates polished until they reflected the afternoon light. After Siebold's Flood Chamber and the quiet art of his restaurant battle, the castle felt heavier, as if every wall expected a challenger to stand straighter.

The Water Medal rested beside the Fire Medal in my case. Two Elite Four medals were mine now, and only two remained before Champion Diantha. That should have made me feel closer to the end, but after Malva, Xerosic, Emma, and Siebold, each step felt less like climbing a ladder and more like walking through another lesson Kalos had saved for me.

Serena walked beside me, her eyes tracing the castle walls. "It really feels like Wikstrom."

Alice nodded. "Everything about this place says honor, armor, and dramatic speeches."

Bonnie bounced on her toes with Dedenne in her arms. "I hope we get to see the big blades again."

Clemont adjusted his glasses. "I am more worried about the safety system for the big blades."

David looked toward the entrance with quiet interest. His newly evolved Aegislash floated at his side, and Klinklang spun gently behind him. "After what happened in Xerosic's lab, seeing a place built around chivalry feels different."

Elline's Ampharos lit her tail softly. "Protection instead of control."

Emma walked with Mimi close beside her, still a little unsure about traveling with all of us, but she had insisted on coming. She said she wanted to see what real strength looked like when it was not forced by a suit. I think that was important for her, and maybe for Xerosic's Pokémon too, though they were resting back at Normal Manor for now.

The castle doors opened before we knocked. Wikstrom stood inside in full armor, one hand over his heart as he bowed with knightly force.

"Sir Ash, it is nice to see you and your friends again."

"Same here," I said. "I am here for the Steel Medal."

Wikstrom's eyes shone. "A bold declaration, as clear as a polished blade. Instead of the normal Elite Four battle, let us hold five one-on-one battles. The first side to earn three victories shall claim the match."

"I see," I said. "I am ready."

"Then you must dress for the field."

When the armor settled into place, I understood why Wikstrom insisted on it. It slowed me down. It made each breath louder inside the helmet and each step more careful. In a normal battle, I could move freely, shout quickly, and throw myself into the rhythm without thinking about my body. Here, even standing still reminded me that honor was not only about winning. It was about control, posture, and responsibility.

Wikstrom watched me adjust the last strap and nodded with approval. "Armor does not make a knight, Sir Ash. It merely asks whether the heart beneath it can bear the weight."

I flexed my hands inside the gauntlets. "Then I will answer with the battle."

"Ha," Wikstrom said, his voice booming through the hall. "A fine answer indeed."

Like last time, armor was brought for me. It was heavy when the attendants helped secure it across my shoulders, but the weight was not only metal. Wearing it made every step feel deliberate, like I had to prove I deserved to stand in Wikstrom's chamber. Pikachu watched from Serena's arms while I adjusted the gauntlets.

Pikachu's focused look reached me clearly. "Fight straight."

"I will," I promised, holding his gaze.

The Ironworks Chamber waited beyond the inner hall. The floor was circular, the walls dark and metallic, and the ceiling stretched high enough for the giant blades hidden above it. When Wikstrom and I took our places, the chamber answered him like a knight drawing a sword.