Zacian & Zamazenta.
Though their appearance resembled certain canine Pokémon, their true identities were those of legendary heroes from 3,000 years ago.
Three millennia ago, a phenomenon known as the "Darkest Day" descended upon Galar, causing countless Pokémon to uncontrollably absorb Gigantamax energy and spiral into chaos—nearly driving the entire region to ruin.
In that desperate hour, two "Legendary Heroes" wielded the power of Sword and Shield respectively, uniting to defeat the source of the catastrophe and restore Galar to peace.
Yet time had obscured their legacy. Modern Galarians had long forgotten the heroes' true forms, mistakenly attributing the feat to a single monarch.
Consequently, contemporary knowledge of Zacian and Zamazenta remained profoundly limited.
Few even knew these two legendary beings dwelled within the southern Slumbering Weald.
Thus, when Lucario trespassed into their domain, their surprise was palpable.
Though "excitement" was the far more accurate term.
"Woof—"
Zacian let out a taunting bark, its gaze toward Lucario unmistakably clear:
Let's spar.
It sensed this intruder possessed respectable strength—perfect for a long-overdue stretch.
Zamazenta, observing, calmly stepped back—granting them space.
Seems its not just Trainers… even Pokémon lock eyes and instantly clash.
Yet while Zacian brimmed with eagerness, Lucario appeared perplexed.
"Lucario?" (Aren't you drawing your sword?)
Though it guessed the "sword master" Aiden mentioned must be one of these two… neither showed intent to wield a blade.
A flicker of irritation stirred. Am I being underestimated… by a dog?
"Woof——" (You're not worthy of my sword!)
Zacian's hind legs coiled—then exploded forward. Its speed sharpened Lucario's focus instantly.
So fast!
But—I can match it.
Whoosh!
Lucario raised the Sword of Ruin, slashing preemptively toward Zacian's landing point—a frigid blade of ice-laced energy slicing through the air.
Zacian made no move to evade.
Struck squarely by Lucario's "Sacred Sword," it merely shuddered from the chill—landing unscathed, eyes glinting with mild disdain.
Is that all?
Lucario fell silent, gathering power inwardly.
It sensed this opponent's immense strength—and that their clash had barely begun in earnest.
Yet not a single scratch remained on Zacian.
Slightly… irritating.
Lucario's eyes narrowed. It shifted stance, charging forward.
If ranged strikes failed—close-quarters combat would decide this!
Zacian anticipated the move. As Lucario swung again, it pivoted with fluid grace, dodging effortlessly.
After several fruitless exchanges, Lucario halted.
Clearly—I can't match its speed.
Continuing blindly wastes stamina.
Time for counterstrategy.
Lucario settled into a defensive stance—feet rooted, breath steady—awaiting Zacian's advance.
"Woof~"
Zacian saw through the ploy.
No matter. It never considered this Lucario a genuine threat. Leading the assault suited it equally.
Its movements grew swifter—blurring into afterimages within seconds. Pressure mounted on Lucario.
Thankfully, Lucario needed no eyes to track it. Aura revealed all.
There—a gap!
As Zacian vaulted behind Lucario's blind spot to strike—Lucario seized the fleeting opening.
Mid-air! No leverage to change trajectory!
Without hesitation, Lucario spun—sword flashing toward Zacian's face—
—but met only resistance.
"Lucario?!"
Zacian had bit the blade—locking it firmly between its jaws.
Lucario strained, pouring strength into its arms—yet the sword remained immovable. Zacian's gaze turned almost playful.
You've got ten thousand years to go before you master the sword.
Lucario's eyes widened.
Ah… so that's how they wield blades.
No hands required—just jaws.
No matter.
A smile touched Lucario's lips. Its arms abruptly went slack—releasing the Sword of Ruin entirely.
This close? I don't need a sword anymore.
"LU-CARIO!"
"WOOF?!"
Now Zacian froze in shock.
Lucario's freed right fist coiled—then detonated forward, targeting Zacian's vulnerable abdomen!
Trapped mid-leap, Zacian had no foothold to evade.
Oh no—I messed up!
BOOM—!
The punch unleashed a shockwave that sent nearby wild birds scattering in panic from the forest.
---
[Lucario has arrived at the Slumbering Weald!]
[Lucario is searching for its target————]
After sending Lucario to Galar via the Travel System, Aiden settled onto the grass, awaiting real-time updates.
How nostalgic… I haven't used this in ages.
Though one flaw remained glaringly clear:
He couldn't follow along.
Initially unavoidable—back when he only had two baby Pokémon and a mysterious system stood beside him.
But now? Knowing that the system was Arceus's doing… couldn't he negotiate an upgrade?
If it can manifest gadgets straight from Doraemon's world… surely Arceus has seen a Certain Door somewhere!
So… how about granting me one?
Pleeease, O Greatest Arceus of the Universe!
Your loyal subordinate shouldn't be reduced to walking everywhere—it's so uncool, right~?
Alas——
Arceus (or the system) remained utterly indifferent to Aiden's mental pleading.
...
Aiden sighed in resignation.
But soon—exciting news arrived:
[Lucario ventures deeper into the forest————]
[Two powerful presences detect Lucario and appear before it!]
[Lucario encounters the "Mighty Pokémon" Zacian and Zamazenta!]
[Zacian initiates a challenge!]
"???"
Aiden blinked—then realization struck.
Right. I sent Lucario charging into the Slumbering Weald… sword in hand. Of course it looks like it came to pick a fight!
I hope Lucario's okay—
He could only pray Zacian held back.
After all—these two might seem unassuming, but they'd once defeated Eternatus.
At full power, Eternamax Eternatus surpassed even Arceus in raw stats—a "category-defying" entity like Necrozma.
Yet Zacian and Zamazenta, together, had subdued it.
Even accounting for type advantages—their combat prowess was undeniably monstrous.
Pre-nerf, their BSTs sat at Arceus-tier 720—towering above most Legendaries.
On paper, their strength alone placed them near the pinnacle.
Even Lucario—unconventional as it was—couldn't possibly defeat Zacian 1v1.
As Aiden's anxiety spiked, new text flashed:
[Lucario accepts the challenge!]
[Lucario uses Sacred Sword—apparently no damage dealt————]
[Lucario cannot keep up with Zacian's speed!]
[Lucario attempts defensive counter—but Zacian sees through it instantly!]
"—Figures."
Aiden exhaled.
Three millennia of existence meant inevitable growth. Their power now likely eclipsed ancient records.
Any Pokémon surviving millennia possessed strength beyond mortal comparison.
Still—Zacian clearly held back. Otherwise, Lucario would've had zero opening to strike.
So… Is there hope for camaraderie?
Just as he thought this—
[Lucario seizes the opportunity and uses Bullet Punch for a counterattack!]
[It was super effective against Zacian!]
"Huh?!"
Aiden froze.
What?!
My Lucario… punched Zacian?!
"Lucario——"
Lucario exhaled after the strike.
With zero prior knowledge of its opponent, it had relied purely on instinct—reading movements, deducing typing.
And it gambled correctly.
This Pokémon was Fairy-type. Hence its initial restraint—merely toying with Lucario.
But I'm no pushover. Underestimating me has consequences!
Relaxing slightly, Lucario crouched to retrieve the fallen Sword of Ruin—
—but froze.
A primal chill shot through its spine.
It was locked on by something.
Something terrifying.
Its body trembled instinctively; the crouch halted mid-motion.
"Woof——!"
Zacian now stood directly behind it. Heated breath brushed Lucario's neck—a silent warning halting all movement.
When?!
Lucario hadn't sensed a thing. This duel was unquestionably lost.
To reposition undetected meant Zacian could've ended the fight instantly.
Lucario raised both hands—maintaining its crouch.
"ROAR——!" (Enough!)
Zamazenta's voice cut through the tension, concluding the brief clash.
"Woof——" (Understood.)
Zacian replied—then turned its gaze back to Lucario.
Though struck by Lucario's punch, it showed no anger. Only heightened curiosity.
This was the Lucario it envisioned:
Fists forged in battle. Instincts bordering on monstrous.
But—
If its fists were already this formidable… why wield a sword so clumsily?
"Woof?"
Zacian posed the question directly.
As the defeated party, Lucario had no choice but to answer truthfully.
"Lucario Lucario——"
It explained everything: its sudden arrival in the Slumbering Weald, Aiden's instructions, the purpose of the Sword of Ruin…
"WOOF?!"
"Woof——?"
To Lucario's surprise—
The two Legendaries paid little mind to it. Instead, their focus sharpened on its Trainer.
Zacian and Zamazenta exchanged glances—confusion flickering in both eyes.
After all this time… humans still remember us?
And knows that Zacian wields a sword? Hoping it would mentor this Lucario?
How strange…
After a silent understanding passed between them, Zacian spoke:
"Woof!"
Lucario's ears drooped.
Their terms: If your Trainer meets us… we will teach you the sword techniques for battling colossal foes.
But as for how Aiden transported it here? Lucario had no clue.
[Recognizing the power disparity, Lucario concedes!]
[Zacian and Zamazenta express interest in Lucario's Trainer—and wish to meet them!]
Watching the update, Aiden finally relaxed—then blinked in bewilderment.
This——
Why am I involved now?!
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