Riley, dressed in a gentleman's hat with light gray hair, stood with his ever-present Lucario at his side.
The Lucario gazed at Natsume, its crimson eyes flickering with something complicated.
Why does this human's Aura feel so familiar?
No… My Trainer is right here…
"What exactly is happening?" Lucian finally asked, relieved to have the question out in the open.
Riley quickly summarized his and Brandon's findings.
"Anomalies at Snowpoint Temple. Regigigas may awaken—we need to prepare."
His eyes lingered on Natsume.
He didn't outright call Natsume an Aura wielder. Some preferred to keep such abilities private.
But Riley was certain.
This senior had sensed his Aura too.
And Aura would guide them to fight side by side!
"I booked a flight for tonight," Natsume said, checking his phone.
"Wait, why so sudden?!" Ash exclaimed.
Natsume slowly looked up, his expression delicate.
Not everyone can tank a punch from Regigigas like you can!
That thing drags continents—one hit could flatten half of Snowpoint City!
Better to grab reinforcements from Mt. Silver first—maybe even "The Battler"!
Riley blinked, then understood.
This senior was being cautious, seeking backup.
A wise approach for any skilled Trainer—or Aura wielder.
He nodded approvingly.
"Mr. Brandon has already alerted the Sinnoh League. They're dispatching the nearest Elite Four member."
His brow furrowed.
"But other reinforcements… will take at least a day or two."
"Our only options are evacuating civilians… and hoping it stays asleep a little longer."
Candice chuckled dryly.
"If it does wake up… only the seniors here stand a chance of stopping it."
Natsume's stomach dropped.
Too late to run now.
We're locked in.
Ash scratched his head, excited.
"So I'll get to meet another Sinnoh Elite Four?!"
The room fell silent.
Lucian unlocked his phone, checking his notifications.
[To Elite Four Lucian (Psychic-type):
Abnormal activity detected near Snowpoint Temple. Investigate at once. –Sinnoh League]
He sucked in a breath.
…I had a feeling.
After all, I am Sinnoh's strongest Elite Four!
"I doubt another Elite Four is coming," Lucian said, adjusting his glasses with a scholarly flourish.
"I, Lucian, will handle this crisis!"
No one responded.
Lucian awkwardly glanced around.
Candice was busy explaining the dangers of the situation to Ash.
"There's a high chance this could be life-threatening!"
Her tone was deadly serious.
"A ten-year-old kid should leave the city with everyone else!"
"It's fine!"
Ash waved his hand dismissively. "I've got plenty of experience with stuff like this!"
"Besides..."
Ash clenched his fist, fire dancing in his eyes.
"When you hear news about Regigigas awakening, any Trainer would wanna check it out, right?"
If I could just battle Regigigas once—
"Pikachu and I can't wait!" Ash declared loudly.
"Pikachu~! ヽ(`Д′)"
Candice tilted her head, looking puzzled.
Is he really just ten?
Why doesn't he show even a hint of fear?
Nearby, Riley glanced at the loud Ash and smirked.
"Quite spirited, isn't he, ancestor?"
"A-Ancestor?!" Natsume blinked.
Realizing his slip, Riley apologized.
"My apologies. That young man's Aura reminds me of the elders from Cameran Palace..."
Natsume nodded in understanding.
According to the anime's lore, everyone's Aura is unique.
Meaning Ash might very well be the reincarnation of Sir Aaron—or at least closely connected to him.
As a descendant of Sir Aaron, Riley, upon meeting someone with an identical Aura—
Are we just gonna call each other whatever?
Natsume shook his head and turned to Riley.
"Mr. Riley, why did you call me 'Senior' earlier?"
Riley didn't seem like a fan.
Otherwise, he'd have said "Natsume-sensei," not "Senior."
Riley glanced around before lowering his voice.
"You possess an incredibly powerful Aura. On the path of Aura..."
"You are a strong and admirable aura wielder!"
His gaze was utterly sincere.
So much so that even Natsume felt bad about possibly deceiving this gentleman.
Natsume coughed awkwardly.
"Is there anything I can help with?"
Escaping wasn't an option anymore.
Even if they were facing a "Legendary-tier boss" like Regigigas, their team had heavy hitters like Brandon, Lucian, and Riley.
At worst, Ash could just "talk it out with love"—surely that'd resolve things.
Plus, Natsume had the Aura of Ripple.
Maybe he could even recharge Riley's Lucario or ease its fatigue...
Riley nodded solemnly.
"Truthfully, if multiple aura wielders are present, there might be..."
He frowned.
"...a slim chance to calm Regigigas's rage."
"Using Aura?"
"Exactly."
Riley affirmed. "You must have heard of the Legendary Tree of Beginning."
"Back then, it was gentle Aura that quelled the fury and conflict."
"Alone, I had already prepared myself."
Riley looked down at his palm, clenched it slowly, then met Natsume's eyes with sincerity.
"But with your presence, there might be a turning point!"
The "preparation" Riley spoke of was self-sacrifice, following his ancestors' example.
This was the resolve every aura wielder carried.
Natsume's mind flashed to the past.
If he and Blastoise hadn't been there back then...
The Lucario of Cameran Palace would have sacrificed itself to save Ash and the Tree of Beginning.
That was the conviction Aura instilled in them.
Natsume's voice carried newfound steadiness as he smiled.
"Leave it to us."
"We'll work together to seal Regigigas away again!"
Riley seemed momentarily dazed.
This aura wielder before him, though younger, was no less skilled than himself.
More importantly, his demeanor and words exuded an overwhelming sense of reassurance.
Aura never lied.
This was undoubtedly a brave, kind, and pure-hearted aura wielder!
With gratitude in his eyes, Riley nodded softly.
"Thank you, Lord Natsume."
The gym was filled with a warm, battle-ready energy.
Lucian stood awkwardly between the two groups, adjusting his glasses.
"Gengar!" Gengar, ever considerate, tugged at Lucian's sleeve and grinned up at him.
Lucian looked confused before sending out Gallade.
"Gallade, could you translate Gengar's words for me?"
Gallade closed its eyes, the heart-shaped crest on its chest glowing faintly.
A Psychic-type's telepathy could achieve near-simultaneous translation.
It was one of the innate advantages of specializing in Psychic-types.
"Gengar! (￣▽￣)／"
A cold sweat ran down Lucian's forehead.
"You... want to strategize with me?!"
"Gengar!" Gengar flashed a thumbs-up, still grinning.
Lucian forced a laugh and took a deep breath.
Natsume-sensei, just what have you been teaching this Gengar?!
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