Chapter 60: Golden Resonance vs. Mega Evolution (Part 10)
A pillar of golden Aura pierced the sky. The entire stadium was illuminated by the light radiating from Lucario>.
The audience rose to its feet. Even the commentators fell silent.
Golden streams of energy spiraled around Lucario as its heartbeat synchronized with Elior.
Without speaking...Trainer and Pokémon understood one another completely.
Across the battlefield, Mira smiled.
She wasn't frightened.
Instead...She looked inspired.
"So this is your true strength...Then I'll answer with mine."
Lucario slowly opened its eyes. Its entire body was surrounded by radiant golden Aura. Its senses expanded across the battlefield. It could hear Salamence's breathing. It could feel the movement of the wind. It could even predict Salamence's next motion through Aura.
The crowd watched in amazement.
The referee lowered his flags.
"Battle... Continue!"
Elior: "Lucario! Aura Sphere!"
A massive golden Aura Sphere formed between Lucario's paws. It was far larger than any Aura Sphere Lucario had created before. The sphere roared across the battlefield.
Mira: "Salamence! Flamethrower!"
A torrent of blazing fire met the Aura Sphere.
For a brief moment...The attacks pushed against one another.
Then—
The golden Aura Sphere broke through. It exploded against Salamence.
BOOOOOOM!!
Smoke filled the battlefield. When the smoke cleared...Salamence was still flying. It had taken heavy damage. But it refused to fall.
Elior: "Extreme Speed!"
Lucario disappeared.It moved so quickly that only golden afterimages remained.
It appeared above Salamence.
"Meteor Mash!"
CRAAASH!
Salamence was driven toward the ground. Before it could recover—
"Bone Rush!"
Lucario's Aura staff struck repeatedly.
One hit.
Two hits.
Three hits.
Salamence was pushed back again. The audience erupted.
Despite Salamence's injuries...Mira smiled confidently. She reached toward the bracelet on her wrist. A brilliant Keystone embedded within it began to glow.
Elior noticed immediately. His eyes widened.
"That bracelet..."
Mira raised her arm high into the air.
"Salamence!Let's show everyone the bond we've built together!"
The Keystone shone brilliantly. At the same time...The Mega Stone attached to Salamence's harness responded. The two lights connected. The entire stadium trembled. The commentators shouted,
"It's Mega Evolution!"
A brilliant sphere of light surrounded Salamence. Its body began to change. Its wings expanded into a magnificent crescent shape. Its power increased dramatically. The light finally shattered.
From within emerged...
Mega Salamence.
The crowd exploded into deafening cheers.
Lucario's Golden Resonance blazed even brighter. Mega Salamence roared. The battlefield shook beneath the pressure of their powers.
Elior: "Aura Sphere!"
Mira: "Hyper Beam!"
The two signature attacks collided. The explosion illuminated the entire stadium. Neither trainer looked away. The smoke cleared. Both Pokémon were still standing.
Barely.
Mira took a deep breath.
"Salamence...One last attack. Double-Edge!"
Mega Salamence became enveloped in brilliant white energy and charged like a meteor. Elior answered immediately.
"Lucario! Meteor Mash!"
Lucario rushed forward, its fist glowing with golden Aura. The audience held its breath. The two Pokémon collided head-on.
BOOOOOOOOOOOM!!
A shockwave swept through the stadium.
Dust covered the battlefield. Seconds passed. No one spoke. The smoke slowly drifted away. Lucario stood motionless.
Mega Salamence also remained still.
Then...Lucario's golden Aura began to fade. The brilliant light disappeared. Lucario smiled toward Elior. It tried to take another step. Its legs gave way. Lucario collapsed onto the battlefield.
THUD....
The referee immediately raised the red flag.
"Lucario is unable to battle!"
The stadium erupted into applause. Mega Salamence remained standing, breathing heavily and covered in injuries, but it had won.
Elior silently recalled Lucario.
"You were incredible..."
He looked down at the final Poké Ball on his belt. The black-and-gold Poké Ball pulsed faintly.
Inside...
Eclipse Lunashade slowly opened its crimson eyes.