Continuing their journey to the Ghastly Gorge that would lead them to Baltimare City and Flash's third Equestria Region gym challenge, our heroes find themselves on an open mountain road. After crossing the giant lake, the landscape had changed from forest to rock and dust. It is here that our heroes had came to a halt, having run into someone.
It was a male trainer a few years older then the group. He had cream skin and brown hair that looked like he had been electrocuted and was wearing thick glasses. The trainer was also wearing a lab coat, making them think he was a scientist of sorts as he spoke up. "When the eyes of two trainers meet, it means that a battle must be waged."
Flash smiled at this. "I like the sound of that. Let's go!"
The scientist smirked before pulling out a Pokeball. "Then let's see how well you do against my Beakula!"
He tossed the ball, soon revealing a creature that looked like a small black science beaker. It's main body was round with a funnel sticking out of its head. On its body were a pair of blank white eyes above a semi-circle like mouth. Sticking out of its sides and its back were three small spheres with a cone sticking out of the bottom, which it used to stay upright. Finally, a continuous wisp of purple smoke flowed out of the funnel on its head as it called out, "Beak..."
"Beakula, huh?" Flash asked as he pulled out his Pokedex.
Name: Beakula
Category: Chemical Pokémon
Type: Poison
Info: This Pokémon can produce and mix any chemical it desires, meaning it is often used by healers to create potions and antidotes.
"Alright," Flash commented as he closed the Pokedex, "Then I choose you Springer!"
"Riolu!" Springer hopped in front, a big smile on his face.
Twilight slightly adjusted her glasses at the sight. "This should be good, as that Beakula doesn't look very fast. Springer's speed and agility should give him a major advantage."
"Alright! This is gonna be awesome!" Spike cheered, Peewee mimicking his movements.
Doc stepped between the two. "I'll be referee. Are both trainers ready?" The two responded with a pair of nods, "then battle...begin!"
"Springer, use Quick Attack!"
"Ri!" Springer yelled as he quickly sprinted forward, slamming Beakula with a tackle.
"Counter with Acid!" Beakula staggered slightly back before firing a blast of purple gunk out of its funnel. Springer saw this and started back flipping away, avoiding the goo with ease. But as he did this, he saw the acid melt the ground in front of him, causing him to shiver.
"Better keep our distance. Use Aura Sphere!" Springer created the orb of power and thrusted it towards the Beakula.
"Beak!" It cried as the orb hit the ground, exploding and sending it flying. It soon rolled as it hit the ground, coming to halt to try and pick itself up.
"Force Palm!" Springer rushed towards the Beakula who was still working on getting back up.
"Go Flash!" Spike cheered.
The scientist blinked at the sight, only for a smirk to follow. As Springer was about to strike, he pointed forward and yelled, "Smog!"
"Beakula!" Beakula unleashed a cloud of toxic gas from its funnel, which surrounded its entire body. Springer tried to stop his attack as he saw this, only to rush right into the cloud.
"Ri!" He cried out as he tried to cover his mouth, soon coughing as he breathed in the fumes.
"Get out of there!" Springer tried to stagger out of the cloud from his trainer's owner, but found he couldn't even open his eyes. As such, he just wandered as Flash yelled, "Springer? You okay?" The cloud then cleared, showing the Beakula was back on its feet and Springer was swaying from side to side with a purple blush on his cheeks.
"Springer's been poisoned," Twilight gulped, "That's not good."
"Aww man...." Spike moaned.
"We're fine Springer. We'll finish this before the poison can sap your strength!"
"Riolu!" Springer replied before flinching, purple sparks now surging around his body.
"Power through buddy! Aura Sphere!"
Springer fired off his best attack, which flew right at Beakula as the scientist commanded, "Protect!" Beakula nodded before a blue shield appeared around its body. The Aura Sphere bounced off with ease, only for Springer to flinch from the poison again.
"Dang it! Quick Attack now!" Springer quickly rushed forward, slamming his tail into Beakula.
"Beak!" It cried, staggering back as Springer tried to hit it again. But as it did this, the purple sparks surged again, causing Springer to yelp.
"Acid!" the scientist yelled as Beakula pointed its funnel at Springer, firing the corrosive attack at point blank range.
"RIOLU!" Springer cried as he felt the goo plaster his body in burns.
"Hang in there Springer!"
"Don't let up! Venoshock!" Beakula pointed its funnel at Springer once more before firing a light green slime, this one striking the Aura Pokémon before purple lightning consumed the Riolu.
"RIOLUUUU!"
Flash's eyes went wide. "SPRINGER, NO!" The sparks then died down and Springer stood there, weakly swaying back and forth on the spot. "Springer?"
"Ri..." was all Springer said before collapsing to the ground, his eyes now replaced with swirls.
"Springer is unable to battle, Beakula wins."
"Springer!" Flash cried as he rushed over to his partner and picked him up. "You okay?"
"Ri...riolu..." Springer moaned, his face still wearing a purple blush.
"Don't worry buddy," Flash said as the rest of their friends moved over to them. "We'll get you to a Pokémon Center right away."
As Twilight started looking through her journal, the scientist returned his Beakula and moved over to them before reaching into his lab coat pocket. "Here. I'm out of Pecha Berries, but this should help." Flash looked down and saw it was a Oran Berry, which he grabbed before feeding it to Springer.
As soon as Springer swallowed, Flash saw the look of pain on his face weaken and sighed in relief, "Thanks."
"No problem. Your Riolu is strong. I'm just lucky it wasn't a Lucario, or I wouldn't have won." As soon as those words left the boy's mouth, Flash's entire body froze. "Well, I'll see you around. Let's battle the next time we meet." With that, he walked off.
"Found it," Twilight spoke up at that moment. "There's a Pokémon Center not far from here." As soon as she pointed at the direction it was in, Flash was gone. He sprinted off at lightning speed, continuing to cradle his best friend in his hands.
"Don't worry bud. You'll be right as rain in no time." But as he continued to run, he couldn't help but remember what his opponent said.
One transition to a Pokémon Center later...
It didn't take long for Nurse Redheart to help Flash. As soon as Flash entered the center, she called for her Audino partner and quickly took Springer into a room. It was here that the others arrived and waited to see if Springer would be okay. A few minutes later, Redheart stepped back into the reception area. "Your Riolu is going to be fine. We managed to neutralize the poison, so all it needs is a night's rest to get back to full health."
"Thank you Nurse Redheart," Twilight said with a bow.
"Can I see him?" Flash asked next.
The nurse shook her head. "He's sleeping right now, but his room has a window you can watch him through." Flash nodded and went up to the window, soon seeing the Riolu laying on an bed, bandages over his peaceful sleeping body.
Flash stared at his partner, a large frown on his face as he let out a long sigh. "Springer..."
Spike then spoke up. "Hey, there's something I don't get. That guy said that he would've lost if Springer had been a Lucario," hearing this made Flash once again freeze. "Why did he say that?"
"Lucario are part Steel-Types," Doc explained as he pointed at Springer. "Steel Pokémon are completely immune to any Poison-Type attacks."
A look of realisation dawned on Spike. "Oh, that would be great. You'd never have to worry about moves like Toxic again."
Twilight nodded in agreement. "And since Riolu evolves into Lucario through having a close relationship with it's trainer, I bet Springer will evolve really soon."
"I'm honestly surprised it hasn't happened already," Doc commented as he turned to Flash. "Especially considering the bond...you...share?" Twilight and Spike blinked at Doc, wondering why he stopped like that. They then followed his vision, turning to Flash as two gasped followed.
Flash...was crying, causing Twilight to ask, "Flash? Are you...alright?"
Flash sniffed before wiping his eyes on his sleeve. "No, I'm not."
"Why not?"
"Cuz Springer won't ever evolve into a Lucario."
Twilight let out a snort, "Don't say that Flash! The bond you have with Springer is so strong that-"
"That's not the problem," Flash interrupted her. "Springer can't evolve...period."
"What are you talking about?" Spike asked next. "Riolu evolve into Lucario, and that means Springer can evolve."
"AND I'M TELLING YOU HE CAN'T!" Flash screamed, causing the others to backpedal in fear. Flash saw their faces, his breath short from yelling before turning away. "I'm sorry. I just...I gotta go!" With that, he rushed down the hall and out of sight.
Twilight, Spike and Doc were all speechless as they stared at the spot Flash had disappeared. "What...just happened?"
"I'm not sure, but I'm gonna find out." Twilight admitted as she ran off towards Flash, the others soon following.
As soon as they were gone, Springer's eyes opened and looked towards the window. He then rolled onto his side, having been awakened by Flash's outcry. "Riolu…" he moaned as he closed his eyes tp try and go back to sleep. A dream-like memory awaited him, one that had both happiness and sadness.
The teens eventually found their travel companion in the Center's cafeteria. He was sitting in a booth, slurping down a monster milkshake before clutching his head at the brain freeze.
"You should really drink that slower," Doc told him.
"I'm fine," Flash grumbled through gritted teeth. "Leave me alone."
"Yeah....no. You're not fine, and we're not leaving you alone Flash." Twilight replied as she sat in the booth opposite of him. "Flash, what's going on? And don't say its nothing, because we're worried about you."
"And why can't Springer evolve?" Spike added as he and Doc sat down.
Flash gave them a glare as he finished off the milkshake. Pain was shining on his face as he stared at the looks of concern blinking at him. A long sigh followed as he said, "I guess its time you knew. As I said before, Springer can't evolve. As for why....well, this story goes back to when I first met Springer." A small tear went down his face, "Back...back when I was ten years old..."
Several years ago...
"I was born in a little village beside a large forest, several miles from Canterlot City. My parents died in an accident when I was younger, so I was raised by my dad's mom."
It began at a basic house, right beside the forest compared to the village's other houses. Inside, a ten year old Flash was running downstairs. He was wearing blue shorts and a white shirt under a black hoodie that had his crest on the back. The boy rushed into the kitchen, where is grandmother was making breakfast. She was quite young looking for her age, having cream coloured skin and flowing blonde hair with two pink streaks on the edges. She also wore a tracksuit, which was light blue with lightning bolt patterns on it.
"Morning gran," Flash said as he picked up the slice of toast that she had put on his plate on the table.
"Morning hon. What you doing today?"
"I'm gonna go out into the forest again!"
"Alright, but remember-"
"Don't get to close and let the Pokémon come to you," Flash grumbled as he chomped down on the toast.
"Good boy. But first, I need you to feed the others."
Flash nodded as he swallowed his breakfast before rushing outside. Soon running up to a shed in the backyard, he pulled out a bucket bird feed as he walked up to a series of bird house. "Alright guys, grubs up!" As soon as he said that, multiple Flying-Types flew out their homes and covered the area. It was every single flying type you could imagine, all of them in every size. They were all his gran's Pokémon, and they had known Flash for as long as he could remember. "Here you go guys."
As they started their feast, Flash walked up to the back fence. "Pidgeot!" Yelled a voice, causing him to look up and see his grandmother's most powerful Pokémon sitting on a nearby tree branch.
"Don't worry Pidgeot, I'll be fine. I'm not a baby anymore."
Pidgeot stared down at Flash, only to then smile before nodding. "Pidgeot."
Flash shined a cheeky grin before continuing his race to the forest, leaping over the fence and rushing into the trees in search of new Pokémon. Several hours passed as he ran through the rocks, tree and streams. And as he did this, he soon found a clearing, filled with multiple large boulders of differing shapes and sizes. It was here a loud gasp came out of his mouth as he saw the Pokémon using this area as a training ground.
"Riolu..." He had heard about Riolu, with their ability to sense the life force of living things. He stayed perched within the treeline and watched them train. Some were pounding the rocks with Force Palm, while others were racing one another with Quick Attack. They were also sparing against each other and some were sitting in a meditative pose.
But out of all of them, one stuck out the most. This Riolu was on its own, staring at the largest rock in the clearing. It then closed its eyes as a blue glow radiated off its body, soon bringing its paws together. And as it did this, the glow soon formed and spiralled between its paws. The other Riolu went wide eyed as they watched the sphere of blue energy form in the singular Riolu's grasp.
In that moment, the Riolu opened its eyes before rushing towards the rock. "RIO...LU!" It thrusted the attack, instantly shattering the rock a giant explosion.
"Wow!" Flash exclaimed, only to then start coughing as the explosion's dust reached him. The rest of the Riolu also coughed as they tried to fan the dust away. And as it cleared, it revealed the Riolu standing over the destroyed boulder, looking down at it's paws in amazement.
The Present...
"That was Springer, wasn't it?" Spike asked in excitement.
Flash nodded, a smile appearing on his face at the sight of the boy's excitement. "Yeah, it was."
"So...is this how you two met?" Twilight asked next, getting another nod in response.
Doc let out a small hum. "I must admit, I'm a little curious to hear how you two became friends. So what happened next?"
Flash took a deep breath, a small sigh soon following, "Well, after the Riolu had destroyed the rock, everyone's attention was on him. You would think the other Riolu would be happy, but...." His eyes then narrowed, a low deep growl releasing itself from his mouth, "That's when he showed up."
The Past...
"Lucario!" yelled a new voice. Everyone looked towards the source of the voice, spotting a taller looking version of the Riolu. Flash blinked at the sight, instantly realizing this Lucario must be the leader of the pack. He watched as the Lucario stepped towards the Riolu who had destroyed the rock, crouching down to examine the debris. He then looked up at the Riolu on the pile before standing up and pointing to another rock, "Cari."
The Riolu nodded before jumping down and moving over to the boulder. Once again, it brought its paws together and created the sphere of energy before thrusting it into the rock.
SMASH!
Once again the rock was destroyed, showing just how powerful this Riolu was. The Lucario crossed its arms before nodding, a small smile appearing on his lips. "Lu, Lucari...oh." He turned away and started to walk towards the trees, the special Riolu raising an eyebrow before following. The rest of the Riolu stayed where they were, knowing they shouldn't follow as the two disappeared into the treeline.
"Wonder where they're going?" Flash whispered as he hopped off the tree, soon following the two at a distance.
"Ri?" He heard the Riolu say in the distance, "Riolu?"
"Car..." Lucario replied without even looking back at its pre-evolved form. Riolu didn't say anything else after that as the two trodded through the woods for several minutes. It was here they got to their destination, which was a small open area with a large bluish gray rock. Flash was now hiding behind a thick tree, watching every movement of the Lucario as it pointed at the rock. "Lu, Lucario."
The Riolu raised an eyebrow as it walked over to the rock, placing his paw on it. The Riolu felt an odd sensation, as if the rock was filled with an unknown energy. While he did this, the Lucario stepped right behind him, a huge frown on his face. He then barred his teeth, raising its paw as aura consumed the paw.
Flash saw this and gasped, soon rushing out of the clearing without even thinking as he called out, "LOOK OUT!"
The Riolu heard this and spun around, just in time to see the Lucario use Force Palm right into his chest. "RIOLU!" He cried as he was thrown backwards, slamming into the rock. A large crack appeared as he slumped slightly over, pain surging through his body. But as it started to fall, the Lucario grabbed and pinned him to the rock.
"Car, car, car, car, car!" Lucario laughed as he raised his other paw. A familiar blue orb appeared in it before quickly growing in size.
The Riolu's eyes went wide as it tried to escape, but it couldn't break its evolved form's gasp. "Rio! Riolu!" he shook his head as he began to beg.
The Lucario laughed once again as the orb was finally big enough. Flash was still trying to run up to the duo, but it was too late. "Lu...CARIO!" The Lucario thrusted the sphere into the Riolu's chest, pushing him deeper into the rock.
"RIOLUUUUUUUU!" It cried as it was stuck between a rock and the spiraling ball of aura. Eventually, the cracks along the rock grew bigger and bigger, until finally-
SMASH!!!
The rock gave way, the Riolu now flying through it. Time seemed to slow down as the shattered rock fragments began to glow, the light soon absorbing itself in the small Aura Pokémon. Time sped up once again as the Riolu went rolling along the ground, going limp as it finally stopped. Flash then got to the Pokémon, sliding to his knees as he yelped, "Are you okay?!"
"Ri?" The Riolu moaned as it cracked its eyes open, looking up at Flash.
"Don't worry, I'll get you some help."
"Lucario!" Flash turned around, now seeing the Lucario from before with another sphere in its paws.
Flash let out a low growl as it stood up, stretching his arms in protection of the Riolu. "Back off! I'm not scared of you!"
The Lucario just laughed at this, the orb in its paw still growing as it walked up to Flash. "Lucario, lu." it mocked as it lowered its paw, now aiming dead center at Flash, "Lu..." it said as it readied to attack. "Car-oh!" it yelped as a sudden figure smacked its face, knocking its sphere away.
"Whoa!" Flash yelped as he saw a new Pokémon appear before him. At first, Flash thought it was a kid in armour, but upon closer inspection, he saw that it was a Pokémon. It reminded him of the Pokémon Pawniard, but it was taller as it was around the same height as the Riolu. It's armour was silver and resembled a knight's design. Attached to its left arm was a shield, while its right arm had a long blade sticking out of it. Its head had a knight-like helmet with a visor, which it then pushed up to reveal a pair of yellow eyes. "Squire...."
The Present...
"A Squiron..." Twilight spoke up.
"Squiron?" Spike asked back.
Flash pulled out his Pokedex, typing in the name of the Pokémon's name. Once he found it, he showed it to Spike.
Name: Squiron
Category: Squire Pokémon
Type: Steel/Fighting
Info: A young Pokémon who wishes to do good deeds, it trains endlessly to perfect its skills with the blade. The iron on its body is a material stronger and lighter than steel.
"Amazing. What are the odds of a wild Squiron showing up to save you?" Doc asked while rubbing his chin.
"I never said it was wild," Flash replied before continuing the story.
The past...
Flash stared at the Squiron in amazement. "No way."
The Squiron turned and scanned Flash over, soon nodding as it turned back to the Lucario. The Pokémon was now picking itself up while holding its paw over its left eye. "Car...Lucario..." it growled before removing its paw, now showing a closed eye with a large bleeding scar over it.
"I think you made it mad," Flash gulped, shivering at the sight.
"Relax kid." Flash turned to the owner of the voice, seeing a figure that looked a few years older than him. The figure then hopped between them and the Lucario, glaring at the Pokémon. "Leave now and you won't get hurt. We can still go our separate ways."
The Lucario glared at them for several moment, only to then turn and stagger away. "Lucario...Lu..."
"You're letting it go?"
The teen turned and pointed at the Riolu on the ground. "We've got bigger problems to deal with right now kid." He kneeled down and looked the Riolu over, "We need to get this little guy to a Pokémon Center."
"There's one in town. I can take you to it."
The teen nodded before pulling out an all white Pokeball. "It's best I catch this guy and take him that way. I wanted to save this Premier Ball for something special, but I guess a Riolu that knows Aura Sphere counts as special." He tapped the ball onto the Riolu's head before it opened, red energy consuming the Riolu. The ball wobbled in his hands for several seconds before going ding, "Alright. Now kid, which way's the center."
Flash quickly picked himself up and nodded, running as the teen and his Squiron followed him.
One transition to a Pokémon Center later...
The Riolu was now in a waiting room, his body covered in bandages as he laid under the bed covers. Slow tiny breaths were releasing themselves out of his mouth, his body barely shivering. Flash and the teen were also in the room, Flash sitting on a chair next to the bed while the teen leaned against the wall.
"Is...is he gonna be okay?" Flash asked as he stared at the Pokémon, an increasing frown on his face.
"He'll be fine. The nurse said he just needs some rest."
"Yeah....yeah, you're right." Flash slightly moaned as he rested a hand on the bed. As he did this, a small smile started to appear on his face as he saw the Riolu start to stir.
"Ri....Riolu?"
"Hey there. Glad to see you're awake." Flash said as he reached over and scratched it behind the ear, causing the Riolu to relax before it could react to the stranger touching it. "I'm really glad you're alright."
"Riiii…." he moaned back, a smile appearing on the Riolu's face.
"Yeah...you're awesome, you know that? That Aura Sphere move of yours was really cool."
"Especially since Riolu shouldn't be able to learn Aura Sphere until they evolve," the teen added as he walked up to the bed. "Good to see you're awake little guy."
"Riolu." Springer replied, nodding as he pushed the covers off himself. "Ri Riolu."
"Heh, you're already feeling better? Wow..." Flash chuckled as he stopped scratching his ear, "If you're that fast, I bet when you evolve you'll be even stronger then that jerk Lucario. Then you'll show him."
"RIOLU!" The Riolu yelled before flexing its muscles.
This caused both teens to laugh. "You're bouncing back faster than a spring," Flash commented, only for a bulb to go off in his head, "Say...Springer! That's a good name."
"Riolu?" the Riolu tilted his head for a few seconds, only to hop in place and nod.
"Oh? You like the name huh?" Flash then turned to the teen, "Say, would you mind if he's called Springer? I mean, you are gonna train him now that you caught him right? Especially if he can evolve and beat that jerk!"
The teen just nodded. "You bet. When I'm done, he'll be the strongest Lucario to have ever lived."
In that moment, the door opened and Flash's grandmother stepped inside. "Flash!" She rushed over and hugged him, soon scanning him over, "Are you alright?! I heard what happened!"
"I'm fine gran," Flash replied before pointing to the teen. "He saved me."
His grandmother sighed in relief as she turned to the teen, "Thank you. I'm Cloud Clipper." Flash began to tune them out before the teen could say his name, as he turned to Springer and started talking with him. He began to scratch his ears again as he asked the Riolu to show other moves it could do. And as the duo started to bond, they were so focused that they didn't notice Nurse Redheart step into the room. She then asked the teen to come outside so they could talk.
It was here that Flash and Springer finally started paying attention as Cloud followed them out and closed the door. The sight made them blink as Flash turned to Springer, "Stay here bud, I'll go see what's going on." He stood up and stepped outside, soon finding the three down a hallway corner, where he began to listen in.
"So what's up?" The teen asked. "Is something wrong with Riolu."
Nurse Redheart sighed, a slow nod following. "Yes. You see...well, when I was healing your Riolu, I detected a strange energy coming from it. I scanned it and got a sample. It...I honestly don't know how to explain it."
"What energy is it?" Cloud asked next.
"Its hard to explain, but from what you told me about what happened...well, I think I know what that rock was that Riolu was exposed too."
"What was it?"
Then Nurse Redheart said one word, one that would forever be ingrained into Flash's mind.
The Present...
"An Everstone."
As soon as Flash uttered those words, Twilight gasped as Doc's eyes went wide. Spike on the other hand, just raised his hand and asked, "Um...what's an Everstone?"
Doc grimaced as he started to explain, "Its...well, its a rare and special item Spike. It contains a special kind of energy that prevents a Pokémon from evolving for a while after coming in contact with it. Trainers use them if their Pokémon doesn't want to evolve, or if they're trying to teach them a move that they can only learn in their current stage."
Twilight then tapped the table, "Now hold on here! Everstones are usually the size of a Pokeball. Are you saying that rock...was one giant Everstone?!" Flash gave a weak nod, causing Twilight to go wide-eyed. "No way...that Everstone must have been the biggest one that's ever existed. Incredible...though if that's the case-"
"The energy in that stone would also be super strong," Flash interrupted as another sigh exited his mouth. "Coming in regular contact with it would have probably made Springer unable to evolve a for like...a year or so. But...but its more than that. When the Everstone was shattered, the energy escaped and...and it..." Flash's hand covered his face as more tears began to appear, "It went into the nearest thing around that could contain it."
"You mean....Springer?" Twilight guessed.
Flash nodded, more tears starting to fall. "That energy is a part of Springer now, preventing him from ever evolving." The rest of them then saw Flash's expression turn dark as he slammed his fist into the table. "And its all that blasted Lucario's fault! He knew Springer was special! He....he....he knew that if Springer evolved, he could easily take leadership from it." Another fist slammed into the table, "And I couldn't do a thing. That Lucario took Springer's future from him."
Tears began to fill everyone else's eyes, Twilight slowly removing her glasses to wipe her eyes while Spike rubbed his nose into his sleeve. "We're sorry Flash," Twilight said as she put them back on. "I...I had no idea."
"Agreed. I know talking about this was hard," Doc added.
"It's alright. It uh...kinda felt good to get it off my chest."
"So uh...not to be nosy, but what happened after you heard this?" Spike asked next.
"Well..."
The past...
Flash stood in shock after hearing Nurse Redheart explain Springer's condition. He slumped over, his legs falling to the floor as he continued to listen, his mind already melting as he realized what Springer would now have to go through.
"So...you mean to tell me that the Riolu won't ever evolve?" Flash heard the teen ask.
A long sigh followed from the nurse, "Its possible that the Everstone energy will one day dissipate, but that could take years, maybe decades."
"I see. Such a shame," Cloud Clipper replied while shaking her head. "When I heard that that little one had such potential, being able to use Aura Sphere like that, but now-"
"Now nothing. Just because it can't evolve, doesn't mean he isn't still strong." the teen interrupted, causing Flash's head to perk up, making him look around the corner.
"But if it can't evolve-"
"Who cares if he can't evolve. A Pokémon's true power isn't in its evolutionary form or the moves it knows. It isn't even just how psychically strong it is. It's true power is in the strength of its will to grow stronger." The teen then pointed towards the room Springer was in. "That Riolu's will is strong, I can tell just by looking at it. Even if it can't evolve, that doesn't make it worthless."
Cloud let out a small glum sigh, tapping her foot in thought. She then did a slight nod. "I guess you've got a point. In fact, now that I think about it, there are many trainers who have unevolved Pokémon and are still strong. I think there's a trainer who has a...was it a Pichu? Yeah, a Pichu that refuses to evolve and is just as powerful."
"Exactly!" the teen added, snapping his fingers as he continued, "Besides, since it already knows Aura Sphere, evolving wouldn't change it too much. I suspect it could learn new moves that Lucario can't usually learn."
Cloud nodded again. "You're right. A Pokémon's form doesn't decide its strength."
"Exactly. I'm not gonna give up on Springer just because he's got a handicap. A true trainer can make any Pokémon strong, even if there's something holding it back.
Flash smiled at hearing this, only to then ask himself, "But...how would he react to hearing he can't evolve?"
"Riolu?" Flash froze at that voice, soon turning around to see Springer standing right behind him.
Flash let out a long gulp, "You just heard me say that, didn't you?" His response was a nod, causing him to sigh. "Let's go back to the room and I'll tell you." They quickly returned and began talking, Flash explaining what he had just heard. "But that guy's right. Being unable to evolve doesn't mean you can't still become the most powerful Pokémon ever."
He then stared at the Riolu, waiting for a response. However, he just stared at his paws, a low somber moan following, "Ri..."
Flash frowned before shaking his head, grabbing both of the Riolu's shoulders, "HEY! Don't get depressed, alright little buddy?" He then tapped the Riolu's belly, "You...are not a weakling. So what if you can't evolve?! That'll just mean becoming the world's strongest Pokémon will mean even more. That Lucario saw how amazing you were and tried to stop you from reaching your full potential, but he didn't stop anything. You will be the strongest Pokémon, even if I have to train you myself. If that other trainer decides to give up on you, then come to me and we'll be partners."
Springer stared into Flash's eyes, seeing the look of pure determination in them. Something inside the Riolu seemed to click, as if a puzzle piece that Lucario had knocked loose had been put back into place. He smiled as he held out a fisted paw, Flash then bumping it with his own.
"See? With us together, the world won't know what hit it."
The present...
"And you weren't kidding," Doc commented as he rubbed his chin in thought. "Springer's probably the strongest Riolu alive."
"Yeah...but we're a long way from making him the strongest Pokémon alive."
Twilight smiled before reaching over and grasping the teen's hand. "You'll get there eventually. In fact, hearing this story, I know you will."
"Yeah! You and Springer are totally gonna be the strongest team one day," Spike added before patting Peewee on the head, "Well, you know, for about five minutes. Then me and Peewee will knock you off your perch."
"Terr!"
Flash laughed at this while wiping away the last of his tears, "Thanks guys. I'm sorry for not telling you sooner."
"It was your secret to tell," Doc told him. "We have no right to demand you tell us, but we're glad you did."
Twilight nodded at this. "Indeed. We're gonna help you and Springer achieve your dream. Even if we can't find a way to get Springer to evolve, we'll help you in other ways." Spike and Doc both nodded in agreement, showing their willingness to do anything they can to help. Flash's smile brightened at this, glad he had agreed to let Twilight and Spike join him, with Doc following after. He would probably be all depressed about Springer's loss if he had not told them about back then, which reminded him of the promise he and Springer made.
But there was someone else who needed that reminder as well.
Springer was still laying on his bed, trying to get back to sleep. But as the thoughts of the battle rattled around in his head, his ears heard the opening of the room's door. Looking up, he saw one Flash Sentry walk up and sit by him, "Hey bud, how you feeling?"
Springer shrugged at this, "Ri."
Flash sighed before sitting back and look up at the ceiling. "We've been through a lot since that day, haven't we?" He looked back at his partner, "Remember the promise we made? You know, back when he gave you to me?"
Springer nodded at this, his memories playing that day perfectly.
The past...
Both Flash and Springer slowly began to stir, having fallen asleep together in the Pokémon Center bed. Flash then rubbed his eyes, yawning, "Mmmm….morning."
"Ri..." Springer replied as he copied the boy's movement.
Flash laughed at this, only to feel his hand holding something. He glanced down at the palm, soon seeing a familiar Pokeball in its shrunken state laying in his palm. "What's this doing here?"
"A gift from your new friend." They both turned to see Cloud Clipper smiling at the two. "He asked me to tell you that he was sorry for not giving it to you while you were awake, but he had places to be."
"He's gone?" Flash asked, getting a nod from his grandmother, "So he just left Springer? I thought he said he wasn't gonna give up one Springer."
"Oh he did, but then he heard your little conversation yesterday." Both Flash and Springer paled at hearing this. "He was quite moved by your little speech, so he decided to give you a gift as a reward."
"He gave me Springer?" Flash asked in surprise, Cloud nodding in reply.
"You've been given a great responsibility Flash. Both you and Springer are partners now, so you'll need to work hard to live up to the expectations he has set for you."
Flash cheekily smiled and nodded. "I won't let him or you down gran."
Cloud giggled as she patted her grandson's head. "I know you won't sweetheart." She then turned to Springer, "As for you, welcome to the family little guy. I hope you'll make sure my mischief hunting grandson stays out of trouble."
Springer chuckled before nodding,"Riolu!"
Flash then held up his fist. "You hear that bud? From now on, every moment of every day, we'll train until we're the strongest trainers ever. Agreed?"
"RI!" Springer replied before bumping Flash's fist, mirroring the motion they made the previous day.
The present...
"We've spent the last six years training our butts off. But if today's any indicator, we're still a long way from being the strongest team ever."
"Ri..." Springer nodded.
Flash then smiled and held out his fist, "So let's keep training until we're the best. We owe it to the guy who brought us together. What do you say bud?"
Springer smiled at his partner, thankful to the one who had made him and Flash a team. "Riolu," he stood up and bumped Flash's fist.
The next day...
After a full nights rest, Springer was back to full health and our heroes were now leaving the Pokémon Center. "Alright, let's get going." Flash said as they stepped out of the building before turning to Twilight. "How far until we get to Ghastly Gorge?"
Twilight double checked her journal and smirked. "As long as we don't get side-tracked, especially to haunted mansions, we should be at there by this time next week."
"Then let's get going!" Spike cheered as they started walking.
"Time's a wasting," Doc added.
And so, they got back on the road, ready to take on whatever challenges awaited them. But as they were walking, Spike asked a question. "Hey Flash?"
"Yeah?"
"You never told us the name of the guy who caught and gave you Springer."
Flash's face scrunched up at this, a low sigh following, "That's because I don't know it. I don't think I ever caught his name. Heck, I can't even remember what he looked like."
"You can't remember the name or face of the guy who gave you your first Pokémon and best friend?!" Twilight asked with a raised eyebrow. "Seriously?!"
Flash nervously chuckled. "I had a lot of things going on at the time. Plus, I was ten. How good was your memory and attention span back then?"
Before Twilight could answer, Doc chimed in, "Well, do you remember anything apart from him having an Squiron?"
Flash opened his mouth, trying to respond, "Ummm….I think..."
"Yes?" Everyone asked.
"He had...blue hair."
"That's not much to go on," Spike added.
Flash just shrugged. "Well, whoever he is, I hope I get to meet him someday. I really want to show him just how strong Springer and I are now."
"I'm sure you will," Twilight replied as they continued on the road to their next adventure.