Miss Joy was greatly shocked to see the human-like Pokemon for the first time. Even the most advanced technology in the Pokemon Center couldn't do anything for Riolu's condition, yet Ash only had to place his hand on Riolu's head for its condition to start improving.
What is this? Isn't this a natural doctor!!
Miss Joy really wanted to ask Ash what he did, and whether he would be interested in working at the Pokemon Center. If Ash were willing to come, the entire Joy family would probably welcome him with open arms.
But now was clearly not the time to ask, as the current situation was serious.
As Ash infused Aura, Riolu's condition became increasingly better, and the exchanges between him and Ash became clearer.
Through his communication with Riolu, Ash learned that Riolu's awareness was born three years ago, meaning he had been fully conscious yet completely unable to move, always facing the danger of losing his life, for the entire three years.
For Riolu's will, this was definitely hellish torture, but Riolu endured it.
If Riolu could regain his normal talent, even at C or D level, he could overcome his physical defects through his will and become one of the top Pokemon in the world.
During these three years, Riolu had also learned the human language through communication with his family via Professor Cerise and learned how to use Aura through his own feelings.
This laid the groundwork for seeking Ash's help yesterday.
As for why he hadn't sought Professor Cerise or others before… if Professor Cerise had been able to save him, he would have done so.
Previously, he could only barely survive in the Poke Egg because Professor Cerise and the others couldn't do anything about his condition.
Before Ash arrived, he did everything he could to suppress his Aura from dissipating. If he had relied solely on the lake water of Clear Cliff, he wouldn't have lived this long. In the end, he still rescued himself.
Then, just before he felt his life was truly about to end, he tried his best to emit Aura around himself. If anyone or any Pokemon could sense his Aura, it meant they might save him.
Finally, yesterday, he sensed Ash's Aura. Ash's powerful Aura was so strong, even in his weakened state, that he could clearly feel it. It was such a powerful Aura, almost surpassing all the Auras he had sensed while in the Poke Egg!
So he immediately called out for help to Ash. He used all his Aura in that plea. If Ash hadn't sensed it, it would have been all over.
Fortunately, the result was good. The human he called for help had not only a powerful Aura but also an excellent character, willing to handle everything despite the mess.
In the Poke Egg, he had listened to too many conversations between Professor Cerise and others. Those experts who came to check his condition basically sentenced him to death, saying there was no possibility of treatment.
He still survived in the end, but in his current state, it was no different than being dead...
His body asleep, his mind awake, he heard Miss Joy's judgment during treatment. Given his physical state, just being able to move after treatment would be considered very good, let alone fighting.
This instantly made his mood drop to the bottom, as he initially wanted to fight all over for his life-saving benefactor.
Unable to fight, what could he do for the benefactor who saved his life?
After a discussion with Ash, Riolu suggested that Ash give up on him, as staying by Ash's side would only be a burden.
Ash saved his life, and yet he would be a burden to Ash by staying with him. Isn't that repaying kindness with ingratitude?
'… Don't worry; I can solve your problem. But returning to a state where you can train will take a considerable time. You're not worthless. You'll become the strongest Lucario in the future, believe me. As your Trainer, I promise you this.'
While helping Riolu recover, Ash comforted him.
These words weren't just to comfort Riolu. His talent was among the top for Riolu, and as long as he could recover his talent, he would become the strongest Riolu in the future!
Hearing Ash's words, Riolu fell silent. From Ash's Aura, he felt the sincerity in Ash's words; Ash was not lying nor needed to lie to him.
The Pokemon Center couldn't do what Ash was doing!
Many people came to check his condition, sentenced him to death, yet Ash saved him. Why shouldn't he believe in Ash?
Riolu hid his gratitude deep in his heart. Gratitude isn't spoken; it's shown through actions.
In the future, when he can fight, he will give his all to bring victories to Ash!
Minutes later, the infusion of Aura Power from Ash ended, and Riolu's physical condition stabilized, though he still did not open his eyes.
According to Ash's estimation, Riolu would need one or two more sessions to recover to normal activity levels, but to return to peak condition, at least one to two months would be needed.