"Your Aura is stable," Skye Draconis said, "but for those of us from the Dragon Clan, once we awaken the Aura, we must head to the Sacred Dragon Cavern within three months. There, we use the power of the dragon veins to evolve the Aura in our bodies and awaken a new force."
Ash looked puzzled. Skye explained patiently. Aura wasn't just useful for combat—being able to sense a Pokémon's emotions or communicate with them was a rare gift that alone could make someone world-famous.
"Aura can evolve?" Ash asked, surprised. "If it does, will the original energy disappear?"
After all, his current Sharingan had been awakened by channeling his Aura. What if the evolution disrupted that?
"Don't worry," Skye said with a chuckle. "Your Aura will remain. Its evolution will simply awaken a deeper, dormant power in your bloodline—what we call the Dragon's Might. That force is the pride of our family."
"The Dragon Clan's Aura is unique," he continued. "It's said that long ago, our ancestors aided a mysterious Dragon-type Legendary Pokémon. In return, we were granted this sacred power."
"No one knows what that Pokémon looked like, but the legacy it left us is the Dragon's Might. When used, it greatly enhances the power of any Dragon-type Pokémon."
Skye slowly revealed more about the secrets of the Dragon Clan. Cynthia and the Oaks weren't shocked—this kind of lore was common among elite families, where ancient partnerships with Legendary Pokémon often led to the development of extraordinary abilities.
The Oak family, despite its high standing, had no such powers. Their strength came from academic research, not combat prowess.
"So… it's like Sabrina from the original Saffron Gym?" Ash asked. "Using her psychic powers to synchronize with Psychic-type Pokémon and amplify their abilities?"
"That's right," Skye nodded. "It's a similar concept."
"I haven't used Aura in over a month," Ash said. "Once I collect the remaining Gym Badges, I'll head to the Dragon Clan estate."
Now that he knew his Aura wouldn't disappear, he didn't need to hesitate. Gaining another ability only made him stronger.
"That's good to hear." Skye was visibly relieved. "I never expected you to reach this level so soon after awakening Aura. You may truly be the strongest prodigy our family has ever seen."
In truth, how far a person could awaken the Dragon's Might depended on their bloodline. The purer it was, the higher the probability. The Dragon Clan had long maintained strict bloodline integrity, rarely intermarrying with outsiders.
But Skye wasn't worried about Ash. Lance was his son, and despite Delia being an outsider, Ash's extraordinarily powerful Aura suggested the Draconis blood ran strong in him. It was even possible Ash's gift was an atavism—a resurgence of ancestral power.
After dinner, Ash had a cordial chat with both Skye and his uncle, Draco. As for Lance, he remained aloof as always, but Ash no longer paid him any attention.
The older guests—Professor Oak, Skye, and the others—retired early, tired from the wine and conversation. Masaki Oak remained with the Dragon Clan elders, having once been part of the same generation.
Later that night, around 2 AM, Ash wandered alone to the Pokémon Center's battlefield. The field was massive—four or five football fields in size—but now, only Ash stood on the trainer's platform under the night sky.
As he gazed upward, memories surged in his mind. It felt like just yesterday when he first crossed into this world. Ten years had passed in the blink of an eye.
He had finally accepted the Draconis name. Though his relationship with Lance remained strained, that thorn in his heart had dulled. Revenge no longer mattered.
All that grueling training over the years—what had it been for? To defeat his father? To prove himself? But now that hatred was gone, and he had no enemy left to chase. He let out a soft sigh.
Maybe the real power wasn't his strength, but his stubbornness. After all, in every anime world, what defeated villains in the end wasn't brute force—but words.
"I knew you'd be here. Couldn't sleep?"
A gentle voice broke through his thoughts, and Ash instinctively turned toward the sound.
Bathed in moonlight, Ash turned toward the approaching figure. Long, silky blonde hair trailed behind her, cascading down to her waist.
Her skin glowed under the moon's soft light, delicate features framed by grace and a quiet confidence. Her figure, enchanting yet dignified, stepped into view—there was no mistaking her.
"You're still up?" Ash asked, recognizing Cynthia immediately. His tone was casual, showing little surprise.
"I was worried someone might try to sneak off and leave his fiancée behind without a word," Cynthia replied with a gentle smile. Somehow, the flowers and grass nearby seemed to dim slightly in her presence, as if the moonlight itself bowed to her aura.
Ash sighed. "I've told you before—even if we do get married, life with me won't be easy. You know what I'm like. You've seen it for yourself. Aren't you afraid?"
He wasn't being modest—there was a darkness inside him. Ever since unlocking the Mangekyō Sharingan, something violent and twisted stirred in his mind, like the urge to destroy that had once consumed him in his past life. It was cold, oppressive, and addictive.
Cynthia stepped onto the opposite side of the battlefield platform, facing him with poise. "Of course I'm aware of that. But under the current conditions, even among all the arranged matches being considered for me, you're still the top candidate. Flaws or not, your talent outshines everything else."
She held his gaze with rare vulnerability. "And besides, I'm twenty-eight now. A few more years and society will start calling me a leftover woman. If I'm going to settle down, I'd rather do it with a man who makes my heart stir than wait and regret. I'd rather take the risk with you than waste time hoping for someone better."
Ash let out a soft laugh, not mocking, but amused by the irony. "That's a funny way to look at things. Aren't you worried you're giving up a watermelon for a sesame seed? Maybe after leaving me, you'd meet someone truly perfect for you."
"You said it yourself—maybe," Cynthia replied without hesitation. "But what if that 'maybe' never comes? I believe in my feelings. Even if things don't turn out well after we marry… it'll still be a marriage I chose. I won't regret it."
Then, her voice steadied with the same resolve she brought into battle. "That's my way… the way of a true Pokémon trainer."
...
TN:
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