"Fury Falls, bamboo groves, and fruit forests…"
After seeing Sean off, Lucas walked back to the farm, muttering to himself.
Fury Falls was one of the "Ten Scenic Sights of Paldea", located in Paldea's North Area Two, close to Glaseado Mountain, with the nearest city being Zapapico.
It wasn't the same as the huge waterfall from Casseroya Lake, but still impressive in its own way.
The surrounding bamboo groves didn't have Pancham, but the representative Pokémon there, according to the games, included Bisharp (dark/steel), Scyther, Lokix, Kricketune, and other Bug-types.
That would make it dangerous for Applin. Sean's fruit forest was likely on the edge, not the center, or the local Bug Pokémon would torment the poor Grass starters.
Bug/Dragon as it was, Applin was still weak to Bug because of Grass-typing—and faced even greater threats from Bisharp.
Much like Garchomp, forced to share its snowy mountain home with Abomasnow.
Bisharp reminded Lucas of something.
"Didn't Tinkatink say it settled near our farm because it ran out of hammer materials, and that its original hammer was stolen and eaten by some vicious Pokémon in a bamboo forest?"
He turned to Luxray. "Nyao?"
Luxray remembered and nodded. Yes, that did happen.
"Hmm."
Lucas stroked his chin in thought. Today, Tinkatink had officially started learning smithing under the Calyrex.
Her best friend Ogerpon, as well as Victini and Larvesta (for the forge), were there too.
Sean's family would only head out tomorrow—meaning Applin would keep gathering in that forest for at least three days, so Lucas had time to bring Tinkatink—all depending whether she wanted revenge.
Knowing Tinkatink's personality, he judged the odds were high. She was astute, and certainly vengeful.
The farm's area had tripled, including the road to the hills—and Lucas and the Calyrex had designated a spot for the Smithy near Tinkatink's home, where the lush greenery also filtered pollution.
The workshop was built from fireproof and heat-resistant materials, and paved with stone tiles for safety.
When Lucas and Luxray arrived, the forge was bustling.
The furnace blazed, melting Corviknight feathers and purchased metals. Larvesta, with Victini's infinite energy, produced flames rivaling its own evolved form.
On Tinkatink's sturdy workbench, a set of tools—crafted by herself—fit her perfectly.
With the Calyrex watching, Tinkatink skillfully shaped the glowing hammer, repeatedly striking it with another, sending sparks flying in a steady rhythm.
Ogerpon was itching to try as well, but Ceruledge blocked her—for good reason: Ogerpon's strength risked breaking even a solid steel table if she struck it.
With precise blows, the new hammer soon took shape. A decorative pattern was carved with a fine chisel, then she carefully carried it to the quenching tank.
Ripples glimmered in the water as the red-hot hammer hovered above. Tinkatink waited until it cooled to just the right temperature, then plunged it in.
With a "ssss" sound, white steam rose from the water as the hammer rapidly cooled, becoming harder and more durable.
Once the sound stopped, Tinkatink counted the seconds, then fished out the now-cool hammer, placing it proudly on the workbench.
Still some details to polish, but she was nearly done.
She exhaled, turning to the Calyrex for evaluation.
Besides the Calyrex, she noticed Lucas and Luxray.
"Kanu!"
Tinkatink was surprised Lucas had come to watch, but held her feelings back, waiting for the Calyrex's verdict.
Calyrex picked up the hammer and examined it closely.
"You have good skill. The workmanship and precision are clear to see. Though I haven't field-tested it, I've checked the strength with my psychic power. Very good."
As a former king—one who had witnessed the forging of the Swords and Shields—Calyrex's standards were high.
This blunt hammer's most important quality was toughness. For a weapon depending on sheer force, it had to be durable.
For Tinkatink, the weapon was qualified.
But—
The Calyrex's tone suddenly changed. Before Tinkatink could react, he continued,
"But, at this level, there are plenty of competent smiths. There's still a long way to go before you can reforge the 'Rusty Sword' or 'Rusty Shield'."
He meant no insult—just told the truth. Tinkatink understood. Compared to her elders in the tribe, she still had much to learn.
Still, she couldn't help feeling a sting, her eyes brimming with tears.
"Sigh." The Calyrex gave a gentle sigh, then asked,
"I see your talent, but talent alone isn't enough. If you want to reach the mastery I require, you'll have to endure effort, setbacks, and even despair at times."
"Even so, are you willing to train with me?"
"Kanu!" Tinkatink wiped away her tears and nodded firmly.
Her goal had always been to become the strongest smith, better than any elder—and to craft the best hammer.
She was determined.
"Very well."
Calyrex smiled.
"Then, on behalf of the old master, I accept you as an apprentice. May you inherit his craft."
No grand ceremony, just a few words—and Tinkatink's heart was ablaze. One day, she'd forge a weapon greater than the original Swords and Shields!
Calyrex, seeing her earnestness, smiled and left room for Lucas before taking Larvesta and Victini to find Cosmog—who would wake soon.
Lucas didn't interrupt Tinkatink's excitement, but turned to Ceruledge, asking curiously,
"Why aren't you training today, but came here to the workshop?"
Ogerpon, ever the tattletale, blurted out the answer before Ceruledge could reply.
Ceruledge had come to use the supreme whetstone that Calyrex brought for Tinkatink, to sharpen his signature swords—the sharpness of which determined his fighting strength.
Lucas normally maintained Ceruledge's blade and armor, but today was different.
Recently, Ceruledge had received a challenge from Iron Valiant—the first in a long while. The duel would be held near the mines of Zapapico, where they first fought.
This time, Iron Valiant made it clear: if it won, it validated its programming; if Ceruledge won, Iron Valiant would accept defeat and submit to him.
With Ogerpon enthusiastically retelling the story, Lucas understood everything.
Was this a samurai duel? Like Kojiro vs. Musashi?
He swallowed a thousand sarcastic comments and asked, "So, did you set a time?"
Ceruledge shook his head. Iron Valiant said it would wait at the location; arriving meant accepting the challenge.
Ceruledge had wanted to check with Lucas first, but the truth had already been spilled.
"...Alright."
Lucas nodded, making no move to stop Ceruledge.
Ceruledge had improved tremendously in recent months—more skilled swordplay, and far stronger from Victini's help.
So long as Iron Valiant hadn't made disproportionate progress, there was no problem.
Ceruledge, sensing Lucas's approval, felt his spirit flare.
With Lucas's support, he was confident of victory.
Just then, Tinkatink seemed to snap out of her emotional haze. Seeing this, Lucas changed the subject.
"But the condition is—I'm taking you there myself. You can't go alone, alright?"
Ceruledge quickly agreed.
"Good."
Lucas nodded, and then squatted to address Tinkatink, who was curiously watching.
"Young lady, do you want to be a magical girl—er, I mean, do you want revenge?"
"Kanu?"
Tinkatink held her new hammer and blinked, then straightened up with certainty and shouted:
"Kanu! Kanu! Kanu!"
Bang! Bang! Bang!
With her resonant cries, she smashed her hammer against a rock larger than herself. Just three strikes split the stone wide open, shattering it to dust.
The three Garganacl, lined up nearby, exchanged looks. This little one was really fierce—her strength was unreal.
It was their own rock—crafted specially for toughness. For Tinkatink to pulverize it with just a few blows was incredible.
Of course, they'd been shocked before—Ogerpon, the "strong girl," had set the bar. Tinkatink's feat seemed minor in comparison.
Ogerpon, meanwhile, slung her thorny club over her shoulder and kept an eye on her friend. She was monitoring Tinkatink's training per her urgent request—since they both wielded blunt weapons, it made sense.
The motive for Tinkatink's fervent practice was obvious—she would soon have her revenge!
While Lucas handled farm business, she practiced even harder.
Another powerful swing pulverized the rock, sending a booming noise all the way across the hillside, loud enough even for Raging Bolt to wake up.
Tinkatink's eyes were filled with resolve.
Wait for me, you hammer-stealing bastards!
This is the great Tinkatink's revenge!
…
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