The forest path of Route 113 stretched quietly ahead. Ash from distant volcanic ridges drifted through the air, settling softly on the leaves. Elior walked steadily along the trail with his Pokémon.
Infernyx moved ahead, its flames glowing warmly. Voltiger leapt from branch to branch above them, sparks crackling faintly. Lunashade followed silently within the shadows.
Riolu stayed close beside Elior, watching everything with alert eyes.
"You're part of the team now," Elior said with a smile. "So we'll train hard together."
Riolu nodded proudly.
Suddenly Voltiger froze on a branch.
Electricity crackled along its fur.
Infernyx stopped walking.
Lunashade's shadow stretched across the ground.
Someone was nearby.
A voice suddenly spoke from behind them.
"So you're Elior."
Elior turned quickly.
A young trainer stepped out from the trees. He looked calm and confident, his eyes sharp as he studied Elior carefully.
"I've heard about you," the trainer said.
Elior frowned slightly.
"And you are?"
The stranger smirked.
"My name is Kael."
He folded his arms.
"They say you're strong… strong enough to challenge the best."
Riolu stepped forward cautiously.
Infernyx's flames flared brighter.
Kael looked at Elior with a competitive gleam in his eyes.
"I'm aiming to become the strongest trainer in this region," he said. "So I'm going to defeat anyone who stands in my way."
He pulled a Pokéball from his belt.
"That includes you."
Elior slowly smiled.
"A battle, huh?"
Kael nodded.
"Just one Pokémon each."
The forest clearing suddenly felt like a battlefield.
Elior looked down at Riolu.
"Ready?"
Riolu clenched its fists and nodded confidently.
Elior pointed forward.
"Riolu, I choose you!"
Riolu stepped onto the battlefield.
Kael tossed his Pokéball into the air.
A flash of light burst open as his Pokémon appeared—a sleek, dark fox-like Pokémon with glowing eyes and a long flowing tail.
Both Pokémon stared each other down.
The wind blew softly through the trees.
Kael smirked.
"Let's see if the rumors about you are true."
"Zorua, move first!"
Zorua dashed forward with incredible speed, its body suddenly splitting into several illusions.
Elior's eyes widened.
"Riolu, stay focused!"
The fake Zorua circled Riolu from every direction.
"Now—Scratch!"
One of them lunged forward.
Riolu quickly blocked with its arms but was pushed back slightly.
"Good reaction," Elior said.
"Now use Quick Attack!"
Riolu burst forward with a flash of speed, striking one of the Zorua images—only for it to vanish like smoke.
Kael chuckled.
"Too slow."
The real Zorua appeared behind Riolu.
"Night Slash!"
Zorua's dark energy claw struck Riolu, knocking it across the clearing.
Riolu landed hard but quickly got back up.
Elior clenched his fist.
"You can do this!"
Riolu closed its eyes for a moment.
A faint blue energy began to glow around its body.
Kael raised an eyebrow.
"Aura, huh?"
Elior pointed forward.
"Riolu! Counter with Force Palm!"
Riolu dashed forward, its glowing paw striking Zorua directly.
The impact sent Zorua sliding backward across the ground.
Kael's smile widened.
"Now this is getting interesting."
Zorua lunged forward again, but Riolu was ready.
The two Pokémon clashed in the center of the clearing—speed against strength.
Dust and leaves scattered everywhere.
Finally, Riolu landed a powerful strike that knocked Zorua to the ground.
The dark Pokémon struggled for a moment… then slowly stood back up, exhausted.
Kael raised his hand.
"That's enough."
The battle stopped instantly.
He returned Zorua to its Pokéball.
Riolu stood breathing heavily but proudly.
Kael looked at Elior with a small grin.
"You're stronger than I expected."
He turned and began walking back toward the forest path.
"But next time we meet…"
He glanced back over his shoulder.
"I won't hold back."
Riolu watched him disappear between the trees.
Elior crossed his arms and smiled slightly.
"A rival, huh?"
He looked down at Riolu.
"You did great."
Riolu nodded proudly.
And somewhere deep in the forests of Route 113, the rivalry between Elior and Kael had officially begun.
And the journey continues...