My Little Pokémon

by Amarvax

Trial of Chivalry

The Crystal Empire. Day.

At the moment, over at the Crystal Empire. Some double training was due. One that involved Cobalion, Shining Armor and Doublade and another involving Ash and Farfetch'd.

Both Doublade and Farfetch'd had almost identical goals. One wanted to be a Swordmaster while the other wished to be a Leek Master.

Ash held a leek and so did Goh. Goh decided to help Ash and Farfetch'd in their endeavour. As for Shining Armor, his training his Cobalion was the same as always. Nothing new.

"Here goes!" Ash cried out.

"Give it your best shot!" Goh replied.

"Haa!" Ash then rushed towards Goh, swinging the leek at him. Goh quickly put up the leek for protection. Ash started rapidly hitting Goh's leek from above, trying to break through while Goh backed away.

"Woah! Woah!" Goh was feeling the pressure as his foot came in contact with a nearby pebble. He ended up losing his balance because of that pebble. "Ah!"

"You're mine!" Ash roared before jumping into the air.

"Afraid not!" Goh responded, only for him to have a leek smack him in the face. "Oof! Gah...!" Goh then fell on his back after the initial hit. The winner of this was Ash.

"Pika!" Pikachu cheered for Ash's victory while Cinderace's ears dropped from disappointment.

"Cinder."

"That's it." Ash put the leek on his shoulder before thinking about something. He wanted another round. "No, I'm not done yet. I have to get much better or I won't be able to keep up with Farfetch'd's special training. Applejack, do you want a go next?"

"Nope. Pass." Applejack shook her head. "But uh...there a point with battling a leek?"

"Yeah. Is there?" Goh sat up.

"There is a point." Cobalion went up to them. "I don't need to explain what it is. You already know the answer, Ash."

"Sure do." Ash held the leek out. "If we're gonna be Leek Masters, we gotta keep training with just leeks and nothing else, ya know? I mean, everyone else looks like they're getting into it."

"Sceptile!" Indeed, Sceptile and the other Pokemon were. Sceptile held a leek and so did Pheromosa, Audino, Golett Scorbunny and even Keldeo.

"Keldeo put the leek down. You don't need it." Cobalion shook his head while Keldeo let go of the leek from his mouth.

"Aww..." His ears dropped with disappointment.

"Leek!" Flurry Heart, who was currently being carried by her older self from another universe also wanted to hold a leek. She brought one over with her magic, holding it in her hooves.

"Uh...I got a question!" The older Flurry Heart raised her hoof. "How are leeks strong? I mean, they're pretty soft when ya think about it. I could like bite into one and that would be it, right?"

"Yes. But a Farfetch'd's leek is a cut above the rest. It's larger than the average leek and has a durability equal to that of plastic." Cobalion explained.

"Far!" And at the same time, Farfetch'd smash some ice rocks with his leek with little effort. He emerged from the smoke, immediately going after the next ice rock without end. "Far! Farfetch'd!"

"He's gotten better, alright." Pinkie Pie nodded.

"Yeah. Ever since he lost to Gallade, Farfetch'd's training has been happening day in and day out." Ash gripped the leek tightly. "And that's why I wanna help in any way I can!"

"Hm?" Just then, Goh's Rotomphone started ringing. It was a call from Cerilse Labs all the way in the Kanto Region. "Professor Cerise?" He answered the call.

"Goh. Is Ash still with you?" Cerise asked.

"Yeah. We're still doing leek training with Farfetch'd." Goh replied.

"Good. Then this is some great timing. Since Ash is looking for a great place for Farfetch'd, I've found something that could interest them." Cerise said as Ash and everyone immediately started listening in on the conversation.

"Farfetch'd?" Especially Farfetch'd.

"Well, my assistant Ren discovered something quite interesting. There's this location in the Kalos Region. Take a look." Cerise had then shown everyone the image of a certain Pokemon Trainer. An Elite 4 member.

Wikstrom of the Kalos Elite 4. Standing behind a castle with his signature Aegislash.

"The Castle of Chivalry." Shining Armor readout. "All Trainers and Pokemon who desire to find their true strength are welcome. Oh, hold on a sec!" Shining Armor then took a closer look. "This looks like something Doublade and I need!"

"Receive personal training...by Wikstrom of the Elite 4?!" Ash also readout, noticing the name. "Awesome!"

"What's an Elite 4?" The older Flurry Heart asked.

"From what we've been told, the Elite 4 are a group of Pokemon Trainers that are regarded as the toughest in their regional Pokemon League." Cadence explained. "Just behind a Champion."

"Oooh..." Flurry Heart and her baby self gawked.

"We have to go, Cadence!" Shining Armor turned to Cadence. "I mean, he's got an Aegislash and is an Elite 4 Four member. This could be a major breakthrough for me and Doublade!"

"I'm not objecting to it." Cadence shrugged. "If it helps you and Doublade get better then sure. What say you, Cobalion."

"Go for it. Having multiple teachers only brings greater benefits, Shining Armor." Cobalion was instantly onboard with it. He would support his student all the way through.

"Sounds like a safe bet to us. So what do ya say, Farfetch'd?" Ash kneeled to face Farfetch'd. "Wanna go?"

"Far." With golden twinkles in his eyes, the response was clear as day.

"Alright! We're gonna make a one-stop visit to the Kalos Region!" Ash stood up, with his hand in the air. "Shining Armor and I are gonna be great at swinging weapons, right?"

"Uh...I can't swing." Shining Armor pouted. "Cause ya know...hooves."

"Scyther!" Just then emerging from Goh's Poke Ball by itself and hearing the whole conversation was Scyther. "Scy! Scyther!"

"Hm? Scyther?" Goh turned to the Mantis Pokemon who was flailing its arms around. "Are you trying to tell me you wanna come along too?"

"Scyther!" It certainly did.

"You're right." Goh scratched his hair. "I haven't been bringing you to battle a lot lately. Okay! Come along!"

"I'll be waiting for your return," said Cobalion. "Improve yourself there. The Swords of Justice and I will keep the Crystal Empire safe in the meanwhile."

"Sweet. Let's go to Kalos!" Ash raised the leek with enthusiasm as he had a massive group coming with him. As always.

---

Kalos Region. Castle of Chivalry. Afternoon.

Always looking for ways to get stronger, Ash and his friends had travelled to the Kalos Region, ready to see what awaits them at the Castle of Chivalry. This would also be a big experience for Shining Armor and Double. And they had Cadence and both Flurry Hearts to support them.

And about this Castle of Chivalry, it certainly was a castle. Ripped straight out of medieval times with its old yet sleek appearance and spectacular size.

"This looks like the place. Castle and everything," said Ash as they all stood at the door. "I mean it sure looks like it."

"But how are we supposed to get in?" Flurry Heart asked. But as soon as she said that, the doors started opening in front of everyone's eyes. And standing there was the man himself along with his ace Pokemon.

Wikstrom of the Elite 4 and his Aegislash.

"Ye who seeks strength!" Wikstrom spoke in a medieval language. " I bid you good day! I am a member of the Kalos Elite 4. The Trainer of Steel. Wikstrom by name!"

"Wow. That guy's intense." Rainbow Dash uttered.

"It is my belief that chivalry is the only path to true strength."

"Aegis." Aegislash agreed as it and Wikstrom went up to the group.

"I have established the Castle of Chivalry! To extend this concept to Trainers and Pokemon all over both worlds. From all regions to Equestria! Now! All of you! Would you like to reach to the top altogether?!"

"Aegislash!"

"Heck yeah, we do!" Ash radiated enthusiasm.

"It would an honour!" Goh nodded his head.

"Can't turn down something like this, so please yes." So did Shining Armour.

"Gh!" With responses like that, Wikstrom backed with tears in his eyes after hearing their passion. "That's excellent! Such refreshing determination and unclouded eyes! The youth bring glory to our future!" He then put his arms over his eyes, crying.

"Um, are you okay?" Fluttershy asked the weeping Elite 4 Member.

"He seems super passionate." Twilight's eyes widened as everyone shifted their eyes.

"Espeon."

"Mm!" Wikstrom sniffled before ending his crying, putting on a serious face. "The challengers' names please!"

"My name's Ash! This is my partner, Pikachu!" Ash, Goh and Shining Armor started introducing themselves.

"Pikachu!"

"We came here to train up Farfetch'd!"

"Far!"

"I'm am Goh! And this is Scyther!"

"Scyther!"

"Name's Shining Armor! And this Doublade!"

"Dou!"

"Oh! I like your fire!" Wikstrom complemented before looking at Farfetch'd's serious eyes. The other two were determined but not more than Farfetch'd. "It seems you are worthy of training. Now. Let's get you three in armour."

"Armour? I like the sound of that." Ash grinned.

"Pikachu!"

"Oh! I didn't bring my armour with me! I didn't know we'd need it!" Shining Armor gasped, putting his hooves over his head with panic starting to emerge.

"Do not worry, my little pony! Last year I made sure to make armour that would fit species from Equestria. So we have your size right how you would want it."

"Oh...phew. Thank Celestia."

---

5 minutes later.

After 5 minutes of heading inside and attempting to put the armour on, the six of them were ready. Ash, Goh, Shining Armor, Farfetch'd and Scyther wore armour. Doublade was excluded due to his body being somewhat armoured already thanks to the Steel-Typing.

"Pika." Pikachu and the others gazed at their armoured appearances.

"Looking good, you three!" Pinkie Pie clapped her hooves.

"Wow! We look cool!" Ash gawked at the armour.

"Yeah. But why are we wearing the armour and not just the Pokemon?" Goh asked.

"There is but one reason and that is because you are trying to attain true strength. And once we begin our training, you will understand."

"Sounds good to me! I feel so psyched!" Ash exclaimed.

"First an explanation!" Wikstrom raised a finger. "The Castle of Chivalry has three areas. When Pokemon and Trainer clear those three areas and stand atop the highest castle point, that's proof of their true strength! There they shall receive the symbol of the title of knight. The Knight Medal!"

"Let's get it, Farfetch'd. Okay?" Ash looked down at Farfetch'd.

"Farfetch'd...!"

"Good luck, dad!" Flurry Heart and her baby self cheered for their father. And so did Shining Armor's wife and little sister.

"Now! Training area one!" Wikstrom closed his eyes before becoming passionate once more, clenching his fist and raising it. "A knight must be stronger than anyone. Polish to shine! Sharply honed!"

"To be stronger than anyone? That means...we start with battles, right?!" Ash asked.

"Far?"

"It means running 10 laps around the castle!" Wikstrom gave out the real objective as they each gasped. They knew that would take a while but they were up for the challenge anyway.

"Go, you six! And get that medal!" Twilight cheered along with her friends.

"Pika!" Pikachu waved his arms as the six of them began the challenge.

"Tourist exercises? Start with the basics!" Ash said as Goh was already showing signs of struggle due to the armour.

"Yeah! But 10 laps won't be easy! This armour's at least a ton!" Goh panted.

"Good thing I'm already used to wearing some armour!" Shining Armor responded. "But this does feel different from what I'm used to."

"It'll be a piece of cake you two! We'll finish this up in no time!" But Ash didn't seem to have an issue with running in this armour. Travelling across regions for so many years and being in perilous situations truly does come in handy at practically every moment. "Right, Farfetch'd?"

"Farfetch'd!"

"Scyther!"

"Doublade!" All three Pokemon were really into this. Although Doublade got it off easy due to him being made of steel already and having the ability to float as a Ghost. The concept of running was nonexistent to him.

"Probo!" But suddenly, jumping from one of the castle pathways up above was the Compass Pokemon Probpass as it stood in front of Ash and the others. "Probopass!"

"A Probopass?" said Ash as they had passed the Rock-Steel-Type. "It's probably here training just like us. Wonder if there's more?"

"Probo...!" Just as the six of them passed the Compass Pokemon, Probopass then turned around with its eyes glowing gold suddenly. It wasn't here to train. Rather, it was here to train the six of them. With its eyes glowing gold, it emitted a red and blue aura from its body, utilizing its magnetism powers.

"Oh!" Ash and the others noticed how their bodies were getting heavier due to Probopass affecting their steel armour. Doublade was affected due to already being Steel. With this magnetic manipulation, they started slowing down. "T-This is Probopass' magnetism! Man, this is heavy!"

"Probopass is a dear companion who helps me in the first round." Wikstrom suddenly appeared on the higher pathway above Probopass. "The strength that it takes you to run past his magnetic field will reveal a strong body and heart!"

"Is that even possible?" Twilight asked. "I mean, Probopass' magnetic abilities are insane. They can even move massive ships."

"Have no fear, Princess Twilight. Probopass is limiting its magnetic pull for fairness. But if the body and heart are strong enough, then perhaps, even at Probopass' absolute limit, it could still be possible to breakthrough."

"Pika."

"We'll totally...breakthrough!" Ash strained while trying to overcome Probopass' magnetic field. "Right, you guys?!"

"T-This is a bit much though!" Goh groaned. "Just how difficult can this get!?"

"F-Far! Farfetch'd!" But Farfetch'd, Scyther and Doublade were going ahead, passing their trainers.

"We gotta keep going...!" Ash roared. "We can't let them down!"

"Hm. The indomitable will to carry on." Wikstrom observed as Probopass ended the magnetic pull. "Most impressive."

"Huh?" Ash soon noticed that the field was gone. "We did it!" They had proven that even when having their bodies restrained by a powerful and overpowering force, they would press on either way. Not thinking of stopping for even a second.

With that, they were free to run 10 laps across the castle with no worry. But it was a bit exhausting, however. The magnetic pull really had some after-effects that it left behind. Plus, the castle's huge size and having to run 10 laps around it was time-consuming.

"That was very well done." Wikstrom praised. "All of you have passed the rigorous first trial."

"Yeah. Alright." Ash grinned. A bit out of breath.

"Ah..." Shining Armor fell on his back. "My body's completely worn out. In a good way."

"Mmm!" Just then, Wikstrom broke into tears once more, putting his arms over his eyes. His intense passion was showing again. "I've bared witness to your extraordinary drive and determination!"

"Slash." Along came Aegislash with a handkerchief for his trainer. Wikstrom took the handkerchief, wiping his tears and blowing his nose.

"And with that drive and determination....there!" Wikstrom then pointed over to the castle door. "To the second location!"

---

Inside.

"Area number two. The Labyrinth of Doubt!" Wikstrom introduced as they had all entered the castle. Even the inside was medieval as a Litwick could be seen acting as the candles for the castles.

"Litwick!"

"Labyrinth of doubt?" Goh repeated.

"Kind of a creepy-looking place, isn't it?" said Shining Armor.

"A knight is braver than all others." Wikstrom turned to face them. "The battlefield is filled with doubt and fear pressing every moment. A Pokemon and its trainer must walk side-by-side, passing countless traps and tricks, then emerge gloriously!"

"Then let's get going! We're not gonna let anyone beat us on the battlefield, ever! Right, Farfetch'd?" Ash exclaimed. However, Farfetch'd suddenly walked ahead, not responding to Ash's words. "Huh? Hey, wait for me."

"Pikachu!" Pikachu then tried going along, only for Wikstrom to grab him. "P-Pika!"

"Hold on. This trial is a test of the one-on-one bond between the Pokemon and Trainer taking part in the challenge. We shall all go to the labyrinth exit to await their arrival. "

"No need to worry, Pikachu! I'll see ya after!" Ash waved before leaving everyone's view. Pikachu's ears dropped with disappointment as he wished to explore the labyrinth as well.

The six of them moved through the labyrinth, passing many medieval weapons that were hung on the walls. After moving a certain distance, they had two directions to chose from.

"The path goes two directions. Which one should we take?" Ash wondered.

"There's six of us and only two of it," said Shining Armor. "Maybe we can-" Suddenly, his words were cut off when a massive steel gate down from above, getting between Ash, Shining Armor and Goh. "Oh!"

"What's going on?" Ash looked around.

"Guess this is what they call the fated parting of ways," Goh spoke. "You and Shining Armor can go ahead since you're in the same spot."

"Sure thing. Then, let's meet up at the goal line!" Ash pointed his thumb at the pathway as he and Shining Armor went ahead. It would them, Farfetch'd and Doublade while Goh would stick by Scyther.

If the castle was large on the outside then the inside was just as if not larger. Goh and Scyther started shimmying across the castle walls, acting cautiously. The little amount of light in this castle and silence made them cautious.

But that silence would soon break up once they heard the sounds of swords being either clashed against each other or unsheathed. Either way, they were approaching that sound, hearing the volume go up.

"What's this?" Goh wondered as he and Scyther came across the source of the noise.

"Escavalier!" Appearing in front of them with the walls themselves flipping to the side was the source of the noise. The Cavalry Pokemon, Escavalier.

"Ah!"

"Scy?!"

"Escava...!" Immediately, Escavalier went on the offensive, attacking Scyther without hesitation. The Cavalary Pokemon struck its lances at the Mantis Pokemon, only for Scyther to block it and push its fellow Bug-Type back.

"Scy!" Scyther then attacked as well, hitting Escavalier once with its scythes.

"Escavalier!" After being hit, Escavalier returned to the wall, causing it to flip as it had vanished.

"Phew..." Goh sighed. "Way to go Scyther."

"Scyther."

"Okay. Let's keep going!" Goh and Scyther pressed on. They were bound to run into surprise Pokemon after that little encounter.

And as they ran, a camera was watching them. This camera was meant to monitor the actions of Trainer and Pokemon. And spectating over this was WIkstrom and everyone else from the end of the labyrinth. The camera was connected to a phone that Wikstrom would use to see and track their movements. He pressed an arrow that showed Ash, Shining Armor, Farfetch'd and Doublade.

"It splits off again," Ash observed. "Think we should split up too, Shining?"

"Far." But going ahead by himself once more was Farfetch'd. Not even taking a moment to wait. With that, Ash, Shining Armor and Doublade ended up following Farfetch'd.

"Hold on, Farfetch'd!" Ash cried out. But as they followed the Wild Duck Pokemon, from the lower part of the wall, another wall flip had happened. But on a smaller scale. That was because the Pokemon in question was relatively small. A Dedenne.

"Dedenne!"

"Oh. Dedenne." Ash kneeled.

"Aww, it's cute." Shining Armor gushed at the Antenna Pokemon as the Electric-Fairy-Type hopped into Ash's arms.

"What are you doing that for, Dedenne?" Ash chuckled as Dedenne started nuzzling his face. "Haha! Stop that tickles!"

"Dede. Dedenne." But in reality, Dedenne was just building up electricity for one reason. To shock Ash, Shining Armor and Doublade. "Denne!" And it did just that, unleashing 40,000 volts and shocking all three of them.

"Aaaaah!"

"Dou!"

"Guh..." Ash and Shining Armor fell on their backs while Dedenne hopped off, returning to where it came from. Farfetch'd didn't care, however. He just pressed on.

"D-Doublade!" Doublade didn't take too kindly to this. The Sword Pokemon hovered over, landing in front of Farfetch'd to speak with him. "Blade! Doublade!" Doublade asked Farfetch'd to assist them in this. Going ahead in this trial without any help would probably go against the whole point.

"Far? Farfetch'd." But Farfetch'd dismissed Doublade's words, deciding to act on his own volition instead of staying with the group. He already made that clear in the beginning as he walked past Doublade.

"Dou? Doublade!" But Doublade insisted on their concept of teamwork, trying to convince Farfetch'd. In response, Farfetch'd aimed his leek at the Sword Pokemon. Doublade felt threatened by this. So, he also responded by slapping Farfetch'd's leek back.

"Far? Far!" Farfetch'd didn't take too kindly to that as the two of them started eyeing each other down. Clearly, there was some slight hostility around.

"Hold on you two!" Ash got up as he and Shining Armor rushed over to put a stop to the potential conflict. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves, okay?"

"Try to calm down, Doublade." Shining Armor said.

"Doublade."

All the while, Wikstrom had observed this scenario with his eyes squinting. He saw how Farfetch'd responded to others and how the potential battle between him and Doublade had almost happened. Wikstrom kept a close eye on those two especially.

Farfetch'd didn't listen as he went ahead again. Even when Ash and Shining Armor were trying to solve the potential conflict. They did solve it but not in the way they were hoping to. Farfetch'd just walked off.

And as he walked off, popping out of the side of the wall was another surprise Pokemon. This time it was the form of Doublade's pre-evolution. Honedge.

"Hone!"

"Farfetch'd look out!" Ash cried out after noticing Honedge going towards the Wild Duck Pokemon. Ash leapt forward, trying to stop Honedge. Farfetch'd just kept walking as Honedge moved out of the way, causing Ash to hit the floor.

"Honedge!" Honedge then went back into the side of the wall. As for Farfetch'd he noticed that he ended up coming across a dead-end. Nowhere left to go in this part of the castle.

"Far."

"Dead end," said Shining Armor. "No way out too. What now?"

"Let's go back to the last point," Ash recommended before he, Shining Armor and Doublade changed directions. But Farfetch'd had a solution to this problem.

"Far!" Destruction. Farfetch'd swung his leek, smashing the dead-end wall as a crack had formed. "Fetch'd!"

"Y-You're kidding, right? Does that even work?" Shining Armor stuttered, wondering if there was something past a dead-end wall. He's always assumed there wasn't.

Farfetch'd kept swinging at the wall to try and shatter it. A commendable effort and display of determination. Albeit on his own. With a few mighty strikes and brute force, Farfetch'd had shattered the dead-end wall. Revealing another area.

"Farfetch'd."

"Well, that's one way to do it." Shining Armor blinked a few times.

"Awesome work, Farfetch'd!" Ash praised Farfetch'd for coming up with a fairly simple approach to dealing with the dead end. They followed after Farfetch'd as he seemingly knew what he was doing after all.

"That Farfecth'd has a rare battle sense and attack power," Wikstrom observed while observing the group. "Refusing to retreat. A splendidly talented swordfighter, who forges its own path and then bravely proceeds on it."

"He's great isn't he?" Pinkie Pie suddenly appeared on Wikstrom's shoulder.

"Truly. However..." That's when Wikstrom changed the mood. "He will never attain true strength in his present state."

---

"How far is it gonna be until we get to the end?" Shining Armor wondered as Doublade had something in mind. The Sword Pokemon was aiming to phase through the walls for a quick exit but Shining Armor already knew about that. "Don't even think about it, Doublade."

"D-Dou!"

"Far." Farfetch'd and the group came across another hallway, leading to another direction. However, as Farfetch'd approached the end of the hallway, the floor beneath him suddenly opened up. "Far?! Fetch'd!" And with that open hole, he fell through, screaming.

"Ah! Farfetch'd, no!" Acting rapidly, Ash rushed over towards the hole to save his partner.

"Ash!" Shining Armor cried out after seeing Ash rushing forward and Farfetch'd encountering a trap. He and Doublade looked down at the hole to see a hopeful sight. Farfetch'd had managed to save himself by grabbing onto a protruding brick.

"F-Fetch!"

"Farfetch'd! You gotta grab my hand!" Ash called out before putting his hand in the hole.

"Far!" Farfetch'd moved the feather that his leek was holding, putting it on the brick. Ash leaned his arm down as far as he could as he managed to grab ahold of the other feather instead of the one holding the leek.

"Gotcha!" But as Ash managed to get Farfetch'd's feather, the leek ended up falling.

"Far!"

"Your leek!" Ash gasped as he dragged Farfetch'd out of the hole and then later jumping into the hole without a second thought. Farfetch'd landed on the floor as Shining Armor and Doublade had come over.

"Farfetch'd!"

"Ash!" Shining Armor and Farfetch'd each bellowed Ash's name as was diving deep down. Ash grabbed the leek as that was all that mattered.

However, even when falling down a hole, he always had a plan. Ash swiftly spread his legs out, using them to stick on the walls of the hole. Farfetch'd was also planning on jumping in for Ash and his leek, only to find out that Ash saved himself.

"Heh. Close one right?" Ash laughed.

"Too close, Ash." Shining Armor said before dragging them both out with his magic. "You could've waited for me to use my magic and grab Farfetch'd.

"My bad," Ash said before giving Farfetch'd his leek. "Here ya go, buddy. Good thing it's still fine."

"Far." Farfetch'd help the leek before looking closely at it. He then looked up at Ash who had that signature grin on his face.

"You care about that leek more than anything. Isn't that right?" said Ash. After hearing that, Farfetch'd looked at his leek once more, realizing that Ash knew its importance to Farfetch'd. "Now, let's get moving!"

After that little adrenaline rush, Ash and the company pressed on. Farfetch'd, for once, was behind everyone else. Witnessing this, Wikstrom gave an approving nod.

"I think a see a change," Wikstrom observed as everyone else leaned in to see. "Good."

---

After walking a good distance, Ash and Shining Armor ended up coming across Goh, reuniting. That meant only one thing if they were both here.

"Oh. Ash! Shining Armor!" Goh cried out. "Does that mean...?"

"Yes! You have all passed the second trial!" Wikstrom cried out as he and the others appeared before Ash, Goh and Shining Armor.

"Pika!"

"Nice work, dad!" Flurry Heart flew above everyone else to make herself the loudest in the room.

"Oh yeah! We did it!" Ash cheered.

"Excellent!" Goh clapped as his form of cheering. He also gave Scyther an elbow nudge.

"Scyther!"

"Mmm!" Once again, Wikstrom's passion was showing as he was about to tear up and weep once more. And he did. Bawling out into tears immediately. "Bahahaha! Perfect!" And coming to his aid was Aegislash with another handkerchief. "It was stupendous!"

"Aegis."

"To the candidates who made it this far, I offer my heartfelt respect," said Wikstrom as he went over to grab three swords off the wall. "And next is the much anticipated third trial. I suggest you get prepared. The Kalos Elite 4 Member then gave each of them swords to hold. Shining Armor would use his magic to do so.

The third trial was about to begin.

---

And this one would take place on the upper floor of the castle. The room they were in had green lights for the ambience as it was incredibly empty. More so than the other rooms and floors.

"This area seems pretty empty," Goh observed.

"Wonder what kind of trial this is?" Ash wondered.

"This trial will be the deciding round." Along came Wikstrom and Aegislash, carrying his own sword. "As I informed you in the beginning, passing this last trial will earn you the Knight Medal. The object of the trial is quite simple." Wikstrom then turned to the long hallway in this room with a door up ahead. "If you are able to open the locked door behind us, you will pass the test. And the key that you seek..."

"Klef!" Floating into Wikstrom's open hand was the Key Ring Pokemon. "Klefki!"

"If Trainers and Pokemon can combine their skills to take the key from Klefki and open the door, then all shall be considered to have passed the trial!" Wikstrom bellowed before holding his sword out. "However! Taking it shall be no easy task."

"Aegislash!" And getting in front of Wikstrom was Aegislash.

"So that's what it's about." Ash held the sword with both hands as he, Goh and Shining Armor caught on quick.

"A swordfight? How fun!" Rarity and Cadence clapped their hooves.

"Pika-Pika!"

"Looks like you'll get to swing a sword after all, huh dad! Flurry Heart bellowed.

"Are you six prepared?" Wikstrom added as all six of them had determined looks on their faces. They were prepared without a doubt. Alright! And now! Let's go!"

"So all we have to do is steal that key!" Ash grinned. "The first move wins! Farfetch'd use Night Slash!"

"Far...!" Farfetch'd made the first move, jumping into the air while getting ready to swing his leek that was coated in a white aura.

"Now, Scyther use Slash!" Goh commanded.

"Scyt...!" Scyther zoomed ahead with its claws out.

"Doublade, Fury Cutter!" And next was Shining Armor.

"Dou...!" Doublade lit up both his blades with a green aura, dashing forward.

"Aegislash! Defend!" Wikstrom commanded, putting his hand out.

"Aegi...Slash!" Aegislash put his shield forward for defence. And what a great a defence it was. Farfetch'd's leek smashed onto Aegislash's shield, only for it to be blocked. Scyther and Doublade followed up by slashing the shield but even their attacks had been blocked by Aegislash's precise timing with his defences. He had also used his bladed body to block the hits.

"Use Fury Cutter!" Both Ash and Shining Armor bellowed.

"Scyther, Air Slash!"

"Farfetch'd!" Farfetch'd kept the pressure on along with Doublade as they both used Fury Cutter, trying to break through Aegislash's defences.

"Doublade!"

"Scyther!" Scyther flew back, slashing the air as it sent cutting waves of wind forward. But with each movement and attack that came his way, Aegislash was still able to block each of them with his shield and body. No matter what, Aegislash would not let his guard down.

"Man. Aegislash is really tough," said Ash.

"Wait a sec." Shining Armor then noticed Klefki. "You know there's nothing keeping us from taking the key, right?"

"Oh yeah!" Ash gasped as they each grinned at each other. "While we've got the chance!" Altogether, the three of them leapt for the key, going straight for Klefki. "That key is ours!"

"Didn't I say it would be no easy task!" But interrupted the trio was Wikstrom who had swung the sword in their direction, forcing them back.

"Woah!"

"You mean you'll be fighting as well?" Goh stepped back.

"These swords are harmless training replicas." Wikstrom played with the sword as it was revealed to be flexible. "But, you should never let down your guard. Alright! Your move! Have at thee!"

"That explains the armour. I've got some experience with some swords! Ash stood firm with the sword out. "Maybe not much but the training with the leek's is gonna pay off. Let's go!"

Ash, Goh and Farfetch'd rushed towards Wikstrom with their swords. All the while, their Pokemon were trying to get the advantage over Aegislash. No matter what they did, they couldn't seem to find a blind spot. Truly, Aegislash was a Pokemon worthy of the Elite 4 status. Ash swung first with Wikstrom moving out of the way. The Trainer of Steel then avoided Goh's hitting, knocking him in the back. The Kalos Elite 4 Member had then blocked Shining Armor's incoming sword swing before pushing him back.

Ash ran back in for another slash only for it to be evaded again. The same went for Goh and Shining Armor as they missed their swings too. Wikstrom was too adept with a sword, meaning he knew every possible moves they could make.

"Klef! Klefki!" Klefki chuckled throughout all of this.

"Come on, Shining! Stab right through his armour!" Cadence cheered while holding onto Flurry Heart. She was getting too excited about this with her adrenaline rising. The same could be said for the others.

"Bonk him on the head, Ash!" Rainbow Dash roared. "Or the knee or something!"

"Is that all?" Wikstrom slid as Aegislash got in front of him. "Really?"

"Aegislash!"

"We're not gonna let it end like this!" Ash declared. "Okay. Shining Armor and I will deal with Wikstrom. Farfetch'd. You keep Aegislash busy. While we're doing that, you and Scyther go get the key."

"Farfetch'd!"

"I gotcha!" Shining Armor responded with a nod.

"Doublade!"

"Got it!" Goh replied.

"Scyther!"

"Let's do it!" Ash and the others charged forward with Goh and Scyther going after Klefki instead.

"Klef?! Klef-Klefi!" Klefki started flying away as fast as it could with the two of them chasing it down. Ash, Shining Armor and Wikstrom ended up clashing swords, meeting face to face.

"Courageous decision. However, it may have been foolhardy." Wikstrom said.

"We're gonna win!" Ash and Shining Armor said together.

"We'll see about that!" Wikstrom pushed them back before slashing the duo.

"Oh!" Ash kept his footing without losing his balance as Shining Armor bumped into his knee.

"Pikapi!"

"Ash! Shining Armor! Are you okay?!" Twilight gasped.

"We're fine!"

"Far!" Farfetch'd and Doublade kept swinging at Aegislash, only for more blocking to get in their way. However, they made sure to put the pressure on so that Aegislsah would be overwhelmed. That is until Wikstrom gave a command.

"Aegislash! Use King's Shield!"

"Aegis!" The Royal Sword Pokemon put his shield in front of him, blocking Farfetch'd's incoming hit. Farfetch'd kept swinging as the effects of King Shield could be seen emanating each time the leek struck the shield.

"Far...Fetch'd! Fetch'd! Fetch'd!" Farfetch'd fell on his back after all the swinging. But he quickly regained his momentum, swinging his leek in a familiar fashion. One that Ash had seen before.

"Like when he fought Gallade," Ash observed the familiar movements. "That's not gonna work."

"How can you worry about others now?!" Wikstrom roared before pushing Shining Armor away and swinging towards Ash. Ash Ketchum quickly jumped out of the way, evading the initial hit.

"Far?!" Farfetch'd gasped after seeing Ash almost take a heavy blow.

"Hold it!" As for Goh and Scyther, they were rapidly chasing Klefki down, trying to catch it. The Steel-Fairy-Type's small body allowed it to be speedy and outpace them. "Slow down!"

"Scyther!"

"Klefki! Klef!" In response, Klefki used Fairy Wind, spinning around and sending a spiral of magical wind that blew Scyther away.

"Scy!"

"Ah! Scyther!" Goh cried out before cutting away the pink winds with his sword. Klefki then flew off after that mild distraction. "You okay? We're still looking out for each other."

"Scyther!"

"Let's try again! We'll come from both sides and corner Klefki!"

"Scy-Scyther!"

"Your movements are sharp. But not sharp enough!" Wikstrom said as he knocked Shining Armor's sword off of his magical grasp. Shining Armor yelped as he had been pushed back, going against the wall. Ash had also been backed against the wall by Wikstrom's precise movements. "Let's finish this up!"

"Far! Fa?" Farfetch'd then stopped swinging at Aegislash as he and Doublade noticed how their trainers were backed into a corner. Farfetch'd then started thinking about how Ash put himself in danger for his leek. He could've just moved on after saving Farfetch'd but he didn't.

"Here ya go, buddy. Good thing it's still fine. You care about that leek more than anything. Isn't that right?"

"Aegislash!" Aegislash caught them both off guard, lurking next to them like an actual Ghost.

"Now, Aegislash use Sacred Sword and then Night Slash!"

Aegis...Slash!" Aegislash's body was cloaked in a blue light as he swung towards Farfetch'd while he wasn't looking.

"Far?!"

"Blade!" But protecting him was Doublade. Before, they had their differences during the trial. But thee were no hard feelings at all as he had protected Farfetch'd, utilizing his immunity to Fighting. However, Aegislash quickly switched attacks, using Night Slash to knock the Sword Pokemon away. "Dou!"

"Your Farfetch'd cannot hope to defeat Aegislash!" Wikstrom exclaimed.

"I don't believe that! I trust Farfetch'd all the way!" Ash roared.

"Far!"

"You can have your trust! As you fall together!" Wikstrom swung at both Ash and Shining Armor, ready to end this.

"Farefetch'd!" But getting in the way of their attack was Farfetch'd who had turned around. By turning around, Farfetch'd had been slashed in the back by Aegislash's Sacred Sword.

"Slash!"

"Far! F-Fetch'd!" But even with that attack, Farfetch'd powered through, lunging towards Ash's direction. With great timing, he had blocked Wikstrom's swing, protecting them both.

"Oh! Farfetch'd!" A smile graced Ash's face as Doublade quickly stood in the way of Aegislash, preventing him from going after Farfetch'd. Ash also saw the slash on Farfetch'd's back.

"Hoh...Farfetch'd even took damage to come and defend his trainer." Wikstrom observed. "And Doublade is acting a personal shield for Farfetch'd to have a chance."

"Aegis." Aegislash floated over to Wikstrom.

"Farfetch'd!"

"But it won't be enough to brush off this next attack! Aegislash! Combine Sacred Sword and Night Slash!"

"Aegis! Aegi...Slash!" By merging two moves into one, Aegislash rushed over to both Farfetch'd and Doublade, ready to end it.

"Dou!" Once again, Doublade used himself as protection, making sure none of his allies would be harmed. But that's when the roles had been reversed.

Farfetch'd's eyes glowed blue as he had knocked Doublade out of the way. Not only did he knock him away, but the Wild Duck Pokemon had also moved at lightning speeds, leaving behind afterimages of himself as he evaded the attacks.

"Oh! What move is that!?" Flurry Heart gasped.

"It's Detect!" Twilight stood up.

"Right! Follow it up with Night Slash, Farfetch'd!"

"Farfetch'd!" He rushed back in, striking back with Night Slash as he finally found an opening on Aegislash, dealing a super-effective hit.

"A-Aegis!"

"Far...!" With a reckless surge, Farfetch'd was ready to swing again while Aegislash was flying through the air. Until...

"Hold up, Farfetch'd!" Ash promptly stopped him as Farfetch'd ceased his attacks. There was a reason why he had stopped Farfetch'd.

Goh had retrieved the key.

"Guess what? I just got the key." Goh twirled it around.

"Oh! They did it!" Fluttershy flapped her wings with excitement as now everyone could collectively cheer now that the final trial had ended. And they filled the rooms with their voices.

"Excellent!" Wikstrom nodded in approval. He was proud of them.

---

With the final trial ending, they reached the top of the tower where the medals could be given out. Wikstrom had a few words to say beforehand.

"A knight fights for either the sovereign or for the weak who do not possess the strength to fight for themselves. It is when you fight to protect those you hold dear, that your strength increases many times. This is true for everyone out there in each world. Each universe. Farfetch'd. Ash. Goh. Scyther. Shining Armor. And Doublade. I acknowledge your success and present you each with a knight medal!" Holding a box in his hands, Wikstrom had shown them six medals. All for them each for a job well done.

"Awesome! We just got the knight medal!" Ash roared with victory, raising the medal like he does with Gym Badges and Z Crystals. Goh and Shining Armor did the same as their Pokemon wore the medals.

"Now that was fun! Wish I could've done it too!" Flurry Heart pranced on the spot.

"By the way, Goh. Shining Armor. I wonder about your partners. Would you like it they evolved?" Wikstrom suggested?

"Evolved? Well, we were planning to head to Evolution Valley one day, but we haven't gotten around to it. Too busy and all that." said Shining Armor. "But I'd love to evolve Doublade and grant him his wish."

"Dou."

"Same here." Goh nodded. "I'd like a Scizor."

"Scyther."

Wikstrom granted them their wishes. He had Aegislash bring over two items in particular. The Dusk Stone and the Metal Coat. He then led the group to one other room. A room that had a Trade Machine. Goh recalled Scyther as it had the Metal Coat.

"Firstly. If we have Scyther hold a Metal Coat while transferring it through this Trade Machine, evolution will take place." Wikstrom explained. Indeed, Scyther immediately went through an evolution process as the screen switched it to Scizor.

The Poke Ball came out as Goh grabbed it. He then released the newly evolved Pokemon inside. Out came the Pincer Pokemon Scizor.

"Scizor!"

And as for Shining Armor, it was simple. Give Doublade the Dusk Stone and the evolution will begin. Which is exactly what happened. Doublade's body reacted to the rock with a light glowing out of him. His body changed to resemble the Pokemon he had fought and dreamed to be.

Aegislash.

"Aegislash!"

"Finally! Look at you, pal! Wait till Cobalion sees this!" Shining Armor laughed as baby Flurry Heart immediately latched herself onto Aegislash. "Oh! Flurry Heart, that's dangerous!"

"Aegis?!"

"Thanks for everything, Wikstrom." Ash went up to the Elite 4 member.

"Well, I expect you to stay diligent, Ash Ketchum."

"Right. Count on it." Ash pit his fist on his chest before facing Farfecth'd. "Hey, Farfetch'd. What do ya say you beat Gallade next time?" He put his fist out.

"Far!" Farfetch'd was finally syncing ell with Ash as he put his leek on Ash's fist as respect and gratitude. "Fetch'd!"

Ash and Farfetch'd discovered strength, bravery and kindness. By the way of chivalry. As did Shining Armor, Aegislash, Goh and Scizor. Many adventures are still to come as the journey continues.

Chapter 548 End.

Comments

[GamePlayer64]

KING'S ROCK?! It's a Dusk Stone that Doublade evolves into Aegislash

[Amarvax]

11005812
Right. Thanks.

[ArcticAce01]

Nice that Shining Armor got a aegislash now and now goh has a Scizor

[Amarvax]

11006397
Thanks. But I'm fine with how things are right now.