Too, too fast!!!
Looking at her own figure flying backward in the reflection of the Bone Club's light—the Ariados leader's mind only managed to conjure such a thought—before she was knocked out by the Poké Ball.
The Riolu—who had been a complete novice in battle—after meeting that farm owner—not only immediately evolved into the much stronger Lucario form—but even this series of attacks showed none of the previous clumsiness.
Can a Trainer really make her so strong?
Under the dazzling sunlight—Ariados looked at the Black-haired Youth not far away—such questions—along with an accelerated heartbeat and an unprecedented surge of emotion—arose in her heart.
Nearby—just after capturing all the fainted Ariados leader and Spinarak swarm on the ground—Wade suddenly felt a weight on his shoulder.
Lucario stumbled several steps—then collapsed onto him.
The accumulated battle injuries—finally taking their toll.
"Come on—let's go back now~"
Wade shook his head with a smile—turning to signal Ms. Gardevoir to use her Psychic to carry the unconscious blue-furred dog back.
"Gar~"
Inside the farm villa.
"Lucario~"
Lucario slowly opened her eyes.
An unfamiliar ceiling. A soft large bed.
Taking a light sniff—she could faintly smell a familiar and comforting scent—and the thought of peacefully sleeping there for the entire afternoon came to mind.
Just as she was looking around with a puzzled expression—the Black-haired Youth—who had fought alongside her earlier—gently pushed open the door—walked in—carrying a bowl of freshly brewed Energy Root water.
"You're awake? Then try this first."
Wade said with concern—looking at the weak Lucario.
Due to overusing her Aura Power—the blue-furred dog Pokémon now found it difficult to even stand—urgently needing recovery medicine to recuperate.
"Lucario~"
As soon as the medicinal soup was brought before her—the keen-nosed Lucario smelled a pungent odor—instinctively furrowed her brow.
So bitter!
"But good medicine tastes bitter, you know~"
Before Lucario could react further—Wade seemed to guess her thoughts—chuckled.
"I simmered this bowl for a full hour. Are you really not going to try it?"
"Lucario~"
She could only pinch her nose—sip the medicinal soup into her mouth little by little.
After all—this was medicine brewed with her Trainer's effort—how could she easily waste it?
However—as soon as it touched her tongue—her originally misty eyes completely welled up with tears.
Unlike the initial moved feeling—the latter was purely because the taste was simply too bitter.
Just as the blue-furred dog Pokémon squinted her eyes and finally finished the bowl of Energy Root—the sound of spider silk sticking to the wall—a "sizzle"—came from the nearby window sill.
"Liss~"
Seeing Lucario suddenly sit up—vigilantly watching them—the scouting Spinarak retreated several steps along the spider silk.
The Ariados leader—who arrived shortly after—remained as cold and silent as when they first met—merely dropping a small object suspended by spider silk into the room.
"Lucario~"
Looking at the shiny object that landed in her hand—Lucario said with a surprised expression.
"This is... Razor Fang?"
Wade looked at the tooth-like object—nodding thoughtfully.
[Razor Fang (Purple) ]: When held—using any attacking move has a chance to make the opponent flinch—and can cause a certain Pokémon to evolve.
It seemed this Ariados leader—who appeared unapproachable—was not as gloomy and vicious as she seemed on the outside.
Instead—like a tsundere—pretending not to care by turning her head away—but then immediately sending over her most treasured possession.
After understanding her intention—Lucario no longer kept a cold face—magnanimously shook her head.
Interactions between Pokémon—not as complicated as imagined.
Though adversaries not long ago—now captured by the farm owner—partners living together in the future—unpleasant matters could also be put behind them.
Wade and Ms. Gardevoir exchanged smiles.
"It seems we became friends through fighting~"
"Gar~"
As the Ariados leader and Spinarak disappeared as quickly as they came from the window sill—the effects of the Energy Root finally began to show.
Lucario jumped off the bed—stretched her limbs—surprised to find her body perfectly fine.
"Stand still for now—don't move."
Wade produced a brand new red string—fingers twirling—skillfully stringing the Razor Fang.
A delicate necklace—thus completed.
"Lucario~"
Lucario obediently watched her Trainer place the Razor Fang necklace around her neck.
Size and style—just right.
She genuinely liked this symbol of turning an enemy into a friend.
"Min~"
Minccino—cleaning the room's cabinet with her fluffy tail—inadvertently looked over—beautiful eyes suddenly shimmering with envy.
For this clean-loving little Minccino—this shiny Razor Fang necklace—meticulously maintained by the Ariados leader—was undoubtedly something she yearned for—
"Alright—Lucario—are you interested in joining our farm?"
Looking at the revitalized blue-furred dog Pokémon—Wade smiled contentedly—then extended an invitation.
"Bi" "Cream"
Celebi and Alcremie also cast expectant glances.
Lucario—who already had a strong fondness for the farm owner—nodded vigorously.
Not only the timely assistance in crisis—but also the telepathic understanding brought by compatible Aura.
What's more—she had originally come to become Wade's partner!
[Farm Upgrade Quest 89 – Completed] : Protect the orchard and fight alongside Aura Pokémon.
[Quest Rewards] : Razor Claw (Rainbow), Oran Berry Seedling ×150, Razz Berry Seedling ×150.
As evening approached—Wade and the overjoyed Little Sneasel together placed the freshly pulled ice radish into the underground freezer for storage.
These past few days—besides the fully ripened crops—his harvests could be said to be quite abundant.
First—accidentally caught a delicate, adorable Minccino.
Under the diligent work of the white-furred Minccino Girl—who loved cleanliness and couldn't stand even a speck of dust—the farm villa was cleaned no less than ten times a day—spotless.
Then—Lucario—incredibly compatible with his Aura—added another powerful member to the farm's guard team.
Perhaps when they visit Oldale Town in the future—Wade and Lucario could even become Aura Guardians together.
Of course—the most important thing—the addition of another group of Spinarak that could produce high-quality spider silk.
Whether for direct sale or subsequent processing—both were excellent choices.
Just as he was thinking about finding them a suitable habitat tomorrow—Wade pushed open the door and saw the Ariados leader—who had been waiting for a long time—on the bed in the room.
This black silk spider lady's eyes were filled with affection—completely devoid of the haughty, aloof demeanor she put on in front of other Pokémon Girls.
"M-Master—I… I want to become stronger!"
???
Wade was stunned.
The 'stronger' you're talking about—is it proper?