Heyo readers and writers of the world! How goes it today? Hope you guys are looking forward to some action, cause it's coming your way right now.

This story focuses on Keldeo, more specifically on how Keldeo became the wielder of the Secret Sword move (in my version, anyway). As such, I should mention that this is the last of my parts before the big mega story. So expect some big stuff to happen with this new story.

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon or its content. That is the property of Game Freak and Nintendo.

Now, enjoy! :D

Chapter 1:

The Secret Apprentice

A massive clash of energy blades sparked between Cobalion and Keldeo. The Sacred Sword and Secret Sword attacks locked in, until the two combatants backed off. They met again, trading blows left and right. Cobalion struggled to keep up with Keldeo's speed, while Keldeo had to work on fighting against Cobalion's strength. Virizion and Terrakion observed from the side. On the next clash, Keldeo made a feint, and ducked behind Cobalion's strike. But before he could retaliate, Cobalion anticipated the movement and blocked the attack. They backed off again, trying to read what their opponent would do next. Lowering their heads, the two jousted towards each other with the points of their swords meeting in an invisible line. Within moments, the combatants passed by each other, and stood poised at the ends of the field. All was still, only the gust of the wind whistling by the dojo. Then, Keldeo grimaced from the strike, but Cobalion fell to his knees in defeat.
"That's it!" Virizion proclaimed.
"Not bad kid. That was one heck of a battle." Terrakion complimented.
As he reverted to his normal form, Keldeo replied, "Thank you masters."
"Well done, Keldeo." Cobalion commended the young sword Pokemon, "You have definitely earned your title as the Fourth Sword."
"Thank you. But, if you will pardon me masters, I must attend to something." With a quick smile, Keldeo scampered off in a hurry, leaving the other three confused at his peculiar behavior.
"Where is he going that he thinks is so important?" Cobalion wondered.
"Beats me." Virizion and Terrakion replied in tandem.

Keldeo stopped by a flower field some ways down from the dojo. He scanned around the lilies of gold, white, pink, and red for a set of them he thought would be perfect for what he had in mind. Once he spotted a section of turquoise flowers, Keldeo was tackled from out of nowhere.
"Hey! Keldeo!" Mew cheered as she flew around the dazed stallion, "It's been so long since we've seen you."
"It hasn't really been that long." Keldeo groaned, "We saw each other at the battle with Giratina."
"That was several years ago." Latias came in as she floated next, "So you have to cut her a break for being so excited Keldeo."
"I see. Well, it is great to see you two again."
"Uh uh uh. Not two this time, Keldeo." Mew chirped, "We wanted to introduce you to a new friend of ours." From behind Latias floated a strange figure. She looked like a person, with long, green hair that looked like a music bar with blue dots in it like notes. In her hair was what looked like a microphone. She looked like a human singer, but she was shorter than Mew in height.
"Hello." the new figure spoke, feeling shy, "My name's Meloetta. Nice to meet you, sir Keldeo."
With a bow, Keldeo replied, "It's a pleasure to meet you too, Meloetta." Just at the reply, Meloetta shied away behind Latias. And Keldeo became quite puzzled by her behavior.
"Forgive her." Latias requested, "Meloetta tends to be a bit shy sometimes."
"But she is an amazing singer." Mew told him excitedly.
"I don't doubt you." Keldeo replied, then he grabbed a mouthful of turquoise flowers and continued, "Maybe you guys might want to come with me. I'm going to 'her' place."
Puzzled, both Mew and Latias asked, "Who's 'her?'"
"Follow me. And I'll tell you." So they did, including Meloetta.

_

I was still kept secret back then, when I first met her. 10 years ago, to this day. I can remember it all so well. Like it was only yesterday.
Before we became the Swords, my masters were knights to a kingdom of warriors. We remained secluded from the rest of the world, pursuing only to better our skills with the way of the blade. But my masters broke this decree when the two lovers of the moons, Rai and Lia, sought our aid. Cobalion saw their hearts were pure, so he aided their escape. Virizion and Terrakion followed suite. But when the two were killed, it was found out that they had disobeyed their master. Before being put to the sword, the great Arceus spared their lives, but turned them into the Pokemon they are now. And it ended up being their salvation, as war ravaged their old home from the collapse of King Gira's kingdom. I was the only survivor, a child torn from my family. When they found me, they offered me a choice: stay to perish, or surrender my humanity to become a Pokemon, and learn the true nature of the sword with them. I gave up my human self, and became the secret apprentice Keldeo. And so I remained, learning their skills and disciplines. But one day, I began to veer away from becoming the Fourth Sword destined to become the strongest of all warriors. It was the day I found... her.

***10 years ago...***

Keldeo was beaten back as his master Cobalion slammed him down with another Sacred Sword. Keldeo was weak, and wounded. His legs began to fail him as he tried to stand up. But he couldn't get back up. He couldn't fight.
"Get back up!" Cobalion ordered, "You are not done!"
"I can't fight." Keldeo whimpered, "Please, master, stop."
"NO! Now stand!" But Keldeo couldn't muster the strength to stand. Enraged, Cobalion charged, sword about to strike Keldeo down. But two other swords intercepted his, and spared Keldeo.
"Enough Cobalion!" Terrakion scorned, "The kid can't fight. He needs medical attention." With great effort, the two other warriors pushed back against Cobalion. The hardened warrior looked down on the wounded apprentice with disappointment before turning to leave them.
"Keldeo, come." Virizion instructed, supporting Keldeo as they went into the dojo.

Virizion applied a Oran Paste to Keldeo's wounds, and fed him Cheri berries to regain energy. Keldeo took in the medicine bitterly, feeling dejected at how he failed Cobalion.
"What do I do Master Virizion?" Keldeo winced, "I've failed Master Cobalion."
"You didn't fail him." Virizion assured, "Cobalion is expecting too much from you too quickly."
"But I can do it. I just don't know how."
"Rest, child. You're training will continue when you are ready."
Suddenly, a rush of fear gripped Keldeo at the thought of disappointing Cobalion again. "No! Not again!" With eyes tearing up, Keldeo dashed out the door.
"Keldeo!" Virizion called. But Keldeo didn't heed her. He just kept running, the fear of failure running rampant in his mind. He just ran, with no idea where he would go.

Keldeo ran into a nearby wood, battered and barely able to even stand. His thoughts continued to swirl on how disappointed Cobalion looked, and how Terrakion and Virizion had to save him from training. Not watching where he was going, Keldeo tripped near a lake, and landed face-first in the water. As he got up, the bandages Virizion had applied began to come off.
What'll I do? Keldeo thought dejectedly, I can't go back now. I can't face master Cobalion now that I failed him. It looked like there was no hope for Keldeo. His life as a trainee was over.
That seemed to be the prevailing thought, until he heard someone groan off to his left. Lying on the banks was a girl, barefoot, with a short blue dress, and short, sea-blue hair. Keldeo immediately rushed to her side, and turned her over. The girl looked injured, and she was taking short breaths. Keldeo looked back, and saw a few bandages with Oran paste floating in the water. Figuring it was his best chance, Keldeo salvaged the bandages, and began to apply the paste where she appeared injured.
Then, the girl's eyes began to flutter open, and she noticed Keldeo right next to her.
"Are you okay?" Keldeo asked.
"I think so." the girl replied, "Who are you?"
Somewhat surprised that she could understand him, Keldeo told her, "My name is Keldeo. I am..." But Keldeo opted against revealing his identity to the girl. He was supposed to remain secret. To everyone. "I'm a friend. I found you lying down there, and was afraid you were hurt."
"I... was hurt?"
"What's your name? And where did you come from?" The girl gripped her head as she tried to remember, but she grimaced with the effort.
"I can't remember. But... I think I'm called Aquaria."
"Aquaria? That's a... nice name."

Keldeo spent some time with Aquaria, helping her recover as he told her about himself. He told her as little as possible, only detailing what he did and his masters past. Aquaria was a a very great listener, only asking questions at points where Keldeo was unclear. She often asked about Keldeo personally, wondering about him and his own life. Keldeo liked the attention Aquaria gave him. He was worried that she didn't remember much about herself besides her name. But he figured she might remember if he continued to talk to her. Maybe something he says will trigger a memory that she could use to remember her past. Still, something about Aquaria seemed to keep Keldeo fixated on her when they talked. He thought it was the way she brushed back her hair, or giggled whenever Keldeo told a funny story about pulling a prank on Terrakion that gave him a foam beard. Keldeo was so caught up in his talk that he didn't seem to notice the sun go down.
"Uh oh! I best get back to my masters." he observed, "You should come with me to the dojo. It's not safe after dark. And Master Virizion could help you recover your lost memory."
"Thank you, Keldeo." Aquaria replied, "But, I can't leave this lake. I don't know why, but something is keeping me from leaving."
"Will you be alright?"
"I think I will. I feel safe here."
"I don't. I'm afraid you'll get hurt again like when I found you before. I'm getting my masters."
"Alright. Thank you, Keldeo." Without a moments hesitation, Keldeo took off for the dojo.

Even though Keldeo wanted to help Aquaria, he didn't feel right about leaving her alone. Aquaria was capable of getting hurt. And as a Sword Pokemon, it was his responsibility to protect those that couldn't protect themselves. Besides, he was concerned for her. Deciding to see that the forest was alright, Keldeo stopped and looked back towards where Aquaria was. When he did, he saw smoke rising from the forest. And it wasn't campfire smoke. The smoke was too black, and was rising in a huge clump in the sky. Aquaria was in danger, and he had to go help her. Even if he wasn't able to use Sacred Sword like his masters, he had to help her. He was a Pokemon, dedicated to the sword. He would not turn away. So he rushed back to the lake.

Keldeo ran in, and found the whole forest to be on fire. Pokemon living in the forest were fleeing from the growing pyres, panicked by the tongues of flame. Steeling himself, Keldeo shot Hydro Pump at the flames, dousing them and saving the forest from burning down. What was causing these trees to burn up? There were no fire Pokemon that lived on Valor Island. It didn't matter. Keldeo continued the Hydro Pump as he proceeded further to find Aquaria. When he reached the lake, He was startled by what he saw.
Standing over Aquaria were two Fire type Pokemon. One was a large chimp with fire for hair. The other was a huge pig with a mane of fire and huge cylindrical arms.
"Where's the boy, river girl?" the chimp Pokemon terrorized.
"Yeah. Where's the boy?" the pig Pokemon repeated.
"What boy? Who are you talking about?" Aquaria demanded. When Keldeo got a better look at the two Pokemon, he saw that they were Infernape and Emboar. Two Pokemon that had been Cobalion and the others apprentices when they were younger. Keldeo often would spy on them when they trained, and saw that the way they fought was different than his masters. They were bullies, and were banished for hurting others when they were supposed to protect them. And now they were bullying Aquaria. But why? What were they after?
"Don't play the amnesiac!" Infernape scorned, "We know you saw that 'secret' apprentice Cobalion has been training. Now tell us where he is?!"
"I don't know what you're talking about!"
"Oh do you? Emboar?" Emboar stepped forward, raising his arm high in the air. Then, he began slamming it down for a Hammer Arm. But Keldeo shot a Hydro Pump at him, knocking him back and away from her.
"Stay away from Aquaria!" Keldeo threatened, "If you want to find out anything, ask me. Not her!"
"There he is." Infernape grinned, "About time."
"Keldeo, run! Get away!" Aquaria urged. But Emboar grabbed her and kept her muffled.
"I can't believe such a foolish Pokemon like you would come and fight me. So pathetic."
"I never turn from those in need."
"Exactly, Keldeo. I knew all about you. Those clowns could try to hide you, but I saw you sometimes when we trained with your masters. Now, when I beat you, Cobalion will have no choice but to train me to become the new Fourth Sword."
"Fourth Sword?" Keldeo gasped.
"They never told you the legend of the Fourth Sword?" Infernape gasped, "Incredulous! My lucky day. You see, there weren't supposed to be just three Swords. There was a destined prophecy of a Fourth Sword, who would wield a power unlike any other of his kind. One that would rival even that of their own. But he would be burdened with this power, to protect all who would fall into cataclysmic danger. In fact, it is said he would fight in a great clash between light and dark, and bring hope to the world."
"The Fourth Sword? Me?"
"Not for long, kiddo. I will have that power. And then, no one will stand against me. I can get what I want, when I want it. I will be like a king!"
"If there is such a power, then you aren't fit to wield it. And I will see to it that you never harm anyone ever again! Prepare for battle, Infernape!" With a mighty battle cry, Keldeo charged in and used Double Kick on Infernape. The chimp blocked the attack, and retaliated with a Mach Punch. Keldeo was pushed back, but he was unfazed. He had been hit by worse, and he couldn't go down. He had to save Aquaria. Jumping into the air, he launched a Hydro Pump at Infernape, who flipped around like the monkey he was to avoid it. But Keldeo eventually nailed him, and dove in for another Double Kick. Infernape tried to fight back with a Fire Punch, but Keldeo fought back with Aqua Tail. Infernape grew fierce and angry, and fired a powerful Flamethrower. Keldeo fought back with Hydro Pump, but the Flamethrower burst through and blasted him into the lake.
"Keldeo!" Aquaria called to him, struggling to get free from Emboar.
"Come on kid." Infernape taunted maniacally, "Is that the best you can do? If you are the Fourth Sword, you're pathetic."
"I'm still standing. I'm not done yet." Keldeo grunted, keeping himself standing.
"Details details. I'm about to incinerate the rest of you, and claim that power for myself!" And so Infernape prepared a powerful Fire-type move to end Keldeo once and for all. But then,
"NOOOOO!" Suddenly, the lake burst into the air, startling the two Fire/Fighting Pokemon. Aquaria began to glow a dark-blue hue, and disappeared into the wall of water came down as a heavy wave, suppressing the fire from Infernape and Emboar, and returned the trees and plants to how they originally were. Infernape and Emboar were spared, but they weren't safe.

In the center of the lake was Keldeo and Aquaria. But Aquaria looked different. Her dress was longer, and looked to be made of water. In fact, it looked to be coming from the lake water itself. Her hair was longer, and fanned out as if wind were blowing it out. And her eyes glowed deep-sea blue. Keldeo's body glowed in response, and his injuries began to heal. He looked like new, and was ready to take on Infernape.
"Infernape and Emboar!" Aquaria proclaimed, "The power you seek shall never be yours! Your hearts will never let the light of the Fourth Sword be yours to command!"
"And who made you the boss, water girl?" Infernape scoffed, attempting to hide his intimidation from the water duo.
"I am the lady of the lake. I deem the one chosen to use the power of the Fourth Sword. And he stands before me, an apprentice with a heart of pure courage and unshakeable resolve. He will be your downfall."
"Infernape! I end this now!" Charging back in, Keldeo rushed Infernape and kicked him back with a Double Kick. Enraged, Infernape returned the blow with a Mach Punch. Then Emboar joined in, trying to land a Flame Charge. But Keldeo dodged the second attack, and sent him flying with an amped up Hydro Pump. Infernape went for a Close Combat, but Keldeo sent him back with an Aqua Tail. Then the two began trading blows with Mach Punch and Double Kick. Keldeo began to feel a strange change in the way he fought. He began to see, and even anticipate Infernape's attacks. Dodging and delivering, Keldeo knocked the chimp Pokemon back into a nearby tree.
"That does it! I'll end you here and NOW!" With a mighty roar, Infernape blasted Keldeo with a Flamethrower powerful enough to incinerate the forest. He felt good about himself for the attack, until he saw what looked like a glowing sword piercing the flames. Keldeo stepped forward, inch by inch, pressing against Infernape's Flamethrower. The chimp tried to increase his power, but it didn't slow Keldeo down. The Colt Pokemon made his way to the tyrant, and knocked him down with a flash of his sword. Then he pointed his sword at Infernape, poised to deliver the final blow.
"No! Please! Have mercy!" Infernape begged.
"Why should I?!" Keldeo shouted, in a distorted voice like a fusion of many others.
"Please!"
"You harmed Aquaria, sought to kill me, and want the power of the Fourth Sword for yourself! I see no reason to spare you." Lifting his head, Keldeo prepared to deal the final blow. Infernape cringed back, expecting the blow to be dealt. But before Keldeo could deliver it, he stopped mid-strike. His body stopped glowing, and the sword disappeared from the horn on his head. With a stumble, Keldeo backed up. Taking the initiative, Infernape ran off, looking for Emboar and hoping to flee. With that, Keldeo collapsed.

Keldeo. Keldeo! came a distant voice. Groggily waking up, Keldeo's vision was blurry for a little bit. But a couple blinks cleared them right up. And he saw Aquaria resting over him. The lady of the lake smiled in relief at his recovery, and allowed him to get up.
"I was so worried Keldeo." Aquaria sighed.
"What happened?" he asked, "I remember battling Infernape, then getting hit by a Flamethrower. But the rest is a big blank."
"Don't fret over it. It's best to let it go. Bottom line is, you beat him, and sent him packing." Keldeo was surprised. He didn't think he could beat anyone, even Infernape. But if the chimp Pokemon wasn't around, then it had to have been true. Keldeo also noticed the change in Aquaria. She looked like part of her body was made of water, but the rest of her looked like how they did when he first found her.
"Do you... remember who you are?"
"Yes. You helped me to remember my purpose. I am the lady of the lake, destined to guide and choose who would become the wielder of the Fourth Sword. And you have proven your worth. The Three Swords chose well."
"Oh no! Master Cobalion! And the others! They'll be out looking for me! I have to go find them." Picking himself up, Keldeo skimmed over the water and on to dry land. But then he turned back, and asked, "Will I see you again?"
"Yes." Aquaria responded, "I know we will meet again." She smiled that same smile from their first meeting, and Keldeo could not help but blush. Looking around, Keldeo found some turquoise flowers growing by the lakeside.
He picked them up, and told her, "I'll bring these back, as a promise that I'll see you again." And he took off.

Back on the plains, Keldeo spotted Cobalion, Virizion, and Terrakion rushing over to where he was. Terrakion and Virizion looked worried, but Cobalion looked strict and angry.
Once they approached, Cobalion demanded, "Where were you?! You've been gone all night! You missed your lesson!"
"My apologies master." Keldeo explained, "But some rogue Pokemon had set the forest on fire. I happened to spot it, and helped save the forest from burning down."
"What fire? The forest looks like it always does?" Virizion pointed out.
"More importantly, why are you carrying those flowers in your mouth?" Terrakion motioned.
Blushing from embarrassment, Keldeo replied, "Oh, no reason. Just a thank you gift from a friend I saved." His masters eyed him weirdly, but eventually gave up and began escorting him back. And Keldeo kept looking back, promising he would see Aquaria again.

It was such a strange thing. She was the lady of the lake, a being destined to determine who would hold the power of the Fourth Sword. And she chose me. Of all the Pokemon in the world, even my masters, she deemed me worthy. But I knew I wanted to see her again. I just had to.
_

As night began to fall, Keldeo, Latias, Mew, and Meloetta set down for camp as they listened to Keldeo tell his story.
"No way!" Mew exclaimed, "That's so cool!"
"Hard to believe a human chose you to be the bearer of the Fourth Sword." Latias spoke in awe.
"Yeah. She was very nice. And she taught me a lot." Keldeo told them.
"So, what else happened?" Meloetta asked from behind Latias.
With a big yawn, Keldeo suggested, "Why don't we get some sleep. I'll tell you the rest tomorrow."
"Aw! But I want to hear more now!" Mew moaned. But she began to realize that she was getting sleepy. So was everyone else. And one by one, the three girls were fast asleep.
As Keldeo looked up to the night sky, he thought, A promise. That's what I said. And I'll keep that promise, forever. And he too fell asleep.

Wow! Pretty nutso for a first chapter, right? Well, you've only run into a small part in a bigger tale.

Hope you all enjoyed this first chapter. And don't forget to review, fave, share, and what-have-you.

Hasta luego.