Lucas briefly explained to Vulpix the key differences between Aurora Beam and Aurora Veil.
As an offensive move, Aurora Beam only occasionally lowers the opponent's attack, and otherwise isn't special.
But Aurora Veil is different—not only does it have strict conditions (it can only be used during hail), it's also a combination of Light Screen and Reflect.
"Aurora Veil can only be used during hail, and for its duration, reduces both physical and special attack damage."
This move is often used by Ice-type Pokémon in battles, and its stunning effects are a highlight even in contest shows.
Vulpix would never regret learning this move.
Hearing Lucas's description, Vulpix's big eyes shone with anticipation for the future.
It thought, Once I evolve and activate my ability, this move will look so magical!
"Nyu nyu!"
Vulpix almost couldn't wait for Lucas to teach it Aurora Veil.
Coach, I really want to learn!
Lucas smiled, "There are two key points to learning Aurora Veil: first, activate your Snow Warning ability; second, spread the Aurora Beam's energy throughout the snowfall, creating a mysterious, gorgeous curtain of light!"
…
While Lucas was busy with special training, elsewhere, farther from Los Platos Town—
Tinkatink was clutching an even bigger bundle of Corviknight feathers, crawling carefully through tall grass.
It had been a long time since that day.
Though it hadn't been at the battlefield itself, Tinkatink was lucky enough to witness Luxray, Dragonite, Lucas, Super Swampert, Calyrex, and their steeds, as well as their earth-shaking battle with the sky dragon.
Seeing the dragon frozen in the sky, Tinkatink suddenly felt enlightened, as if its horizons had broadened.
So that's it.
After witnessing such a soul-shaking battle, the once-terrifying Pawniard and Bisharp were no longer nightmares to Tinkatink.
As a future master smith, instead of seeking revenge on those bullies who stole its hammer, Tinkatink should set its sights higher—
Someday, I'll forge a weapon mighty enough to knock all those sky-flying dragons out of the air!
Of course, when it gets its giant hammer, Tinkatink wouldn't mind returning to that bamboo forest for a "chat" with those bullies about what "smack talk" really means.
But before dreaming big, Tinkatink focused on the present.
Through the grass, Tinkatink carefully observed the clearing ahead.
There wasn't even a tree or bush—entering that area would mean exposing itself to danger.
But that alone wouldn't have made Tinkatink so cautious.
After all, past the clearing was just a small hill.
More and more moulting Corviknight were flying overhead—Tinkatink sensed it was close to their nest.
If all else failed, it could just charge through!
Sometimes you gotta risk it all for a bigger hammer.
Gambling is an art, but not when you knowingly send yourself to your doom.
Tinkatink's gaze focused on the second half of the clearing, where an eerie purple mist drifted, making the atmosphere chilling.
That purple mist was probably poisonous—the area was a clearing because the toxins killed all the plants.
Slender shadows occasionally moved through the mist, entering a cave at the mountain's base.
Tinkatink figured that was a Pokémon den, just like where it used to live.
That meant, to get to the hill, it'd have to brave attacks from those ominous Pokémon.
Watching those that spat toxic fire and crawled in the darkness, Tinkatink glanced at the feathers in its arms and rejected the idea.
As for hiding the feathers, defeating all those Pokémon, and strutting up the hill? No way—it didn't have the strength, and without a weapon, its strongest move (Ice Hammer) was unusable. Using Fairy Wind or Astonish would just be a joke.
Metal Claw was usable, but Tinkatink didn't think it could win one-versus-seven.
Plus, the enemies could spit fire, and their toxins might even poison a Steel-type like itself.
Otherwise, its goal wouldn't be to forge a weapon to slay dragons, but to smack them down itself.
Tinkatink brainstormed like crazy, but couldn't think of a flawless plan.
Just then, Tinkatink remembered another Pokémon tribe it had seen while crawling through the grass not far away.
A plan struck Tinkatink.
If it could make the two tribes fight, it could sneak into the hill amid the chaos!
Tinkatink's eyes lit up as it recalled the neighboring tribes' identities.
To the east lived a group of Houndoom and Poochyena.
From its observations, the Poochyena were highly territorial—maybe this could be exploited.
In front of Tinkatink was a Salandit and Salazzle tribe.
Like the Houndoom and Poochyena, Salandit and Salazzle were Fire-types—Pokémon Tinkatink really didn't like.
So Tinkatink felt no guilt about tricking them.
A moment later.
At the edge of the Salazzle tribe's territory, a male Salandit, dominated by the queen's pheromones, was on guard.
Suddenly, a small pink figure jumped out of the distant grass.
For a moment, Salandit and Tinkatink's eyes met in midair.
Both froze, then Tinkatink, as if startled, bolted east.
Salandit hesitated only a moment before chasing after the intruder.
Maybe, if it caught Tinkatink, the queen would reward it!
Fueled by fantasy, Salandit used all fours to chase Tinkatink, unaware of the grin on Tinkatink's face—its plan was working.