--------------------------------------
Enjoying the story? Get early access to 430 Advanced Chapters!
👉 Support now: patreon/PokemonStoryWeaver
--------------------------------------
Caran Palace Pokémon Center
Festive lanterns adorned the stone halls of the castle.
Natsu handed Squirtle—uninjured but insisting on a spa day—to Nurse Joy.
"Is today a special occasion?"
Joy accepted the Dive Ball with a smile. "Every New Year's, we commorate Sir Aaron, the Aura Guardian who saved Caran Palace in legend."
"There's a grand Battle Tournant, and the castle hosts a banquet for the winner."
"Huh. So strong Trainers must compete?"
"Yes," Joy said wistfully. "Not just League champions, but masters from various regions..."
Natsu scratched his head.
"Gengar?" The Gengar tilted its head at his puzzled expression.
"Just thinking... Ash's skill level should make winning impossible."
Yet his hazy mories insisted:
In the original plot, Ash swept the tournant effortlessly, earning the "Aura Guardian" title.
The only explanation?
Protagonist halo.
Otherwise, any regional master would've crushed him.
"Natsu-sensei."
Joy returned the Dive Ball, sneaking a satisfied glance. "Aren't you joining the tournant?"
"Wait, sign-ups are still open?"
She checked the clock. "If you didn't register earlier... it's too late. The matches start soon."
"Ah." Natsu felt no regret.
This was Ash's pivotal storyline.
The world's correctional forces would ensure his victory—whether through missed attacks or a convenient legendary showdown.
Best to observe quietly—
"Let the battle begin!"
Cheers erupted as the center's TV screen lit up with tournant footage.
There stood Ash, clad in dieval garb.
Pikachu landed critical hits; Ash's "Dodge!" commands flowed like water.
The Kalos master—expecting an easy win—got steamrolled.
"...That's so insane buff stacking."
Was this the power of his bond with Lucario?
"Movie Ash on steroids. TV Ash could never."
Perhaps Caran Palace's ambient aura amplified Ash and his team—
Like how Yellow once tapped into "Viridian's Aura" to boost Pokémon from level 30 to 80.
Natsu nodded sagely. "Makes perfect sense."
He settled in to watch Pikachu's Iron Tail rampage—
Until his phone rang.
"Mr. Steven? You're nearby?"
...
The light-blue-haired man wore a wool-lined suit with a vest, his smile as warm as spring sunshine.
"Natsu-sensei, long ti no see."
Whispers rippled through the Pokémon Center as patrons stole glances.
Nurse Joy's eyes darted between the two n, overwheld.
What do I do... they're both so handso!
No! She shook her head, clenching her fists.
Stay strong! Natsu-sensei is slightly more handso!
Natsu stood to greet him. "Mr. Steven, you're really in Kalos?"
Steven nodded gently. "I finished my collection hunt. When I heard you were at Caran Palace, I thought I'd drop by."
Digging up treasures wherever he goes—typical Steven. Natsu coughed. "What collection?"
"Just so trinkets. Nothing noteworthy."
Steven's pale blue eyes, the color of rare ores, glead as he thought of the newly acquired ga Stones.
Natsu didn't press further. "By the way, Mr. Steven, have you heard any legends about Sir Aaron?"
As a history enthusiast, Steven pondered briefly. "A thousand years ago, to end the war between Kalos and Galar... Sir Aaron sacrificed his life to awaken the Tree of Beginning."
"The revitalized World Tree radiated a soothing aura, calming the hatred between humans and Pokémon."
"That's why people called him 'The Aura Guardian.'"
Steven smiled. "Most libraries carry illustrated fairy tale books about him."
Natsu rubbed his chin.
That matched his mories.
Wait... when you say 'library,' you an your personal study, don't you?!
"Mr. Steven, when are you heading back?"
"Depends." Steven glanced at the screen. "Your friend is about to win, isn't he?"
Natsu looked up just as Pikachu leapt into the air—
BOOM!
A devastating Thunderbolt struck, drawing gasps from the crowd.
"...Seriously?" Natsu facepald. "Pikachu's not even pretending anymore?"
...
Later
Victorious Ash stood before Queen Ilene, receiving the title of "Aura Guardian."
"Can I bring my friends to the banquet tonight?" he asked hastily.
The elegant queen, bearing an uncanny resemblance to her ancestor from centuries past, smiled. "Of course."
Back at the Pokémon Center, Ash scratched his head sheepishly.
"Sorry, Natsu-sensei, I got held up..."
He braced for scolding—
But Natsu just sighed and patted his shoulder.
"Let's go."
What was coming would co.
On the bright side...
Maybe the banquet buffet would be good?
"What about Mr. Steven?"
"I'll stay the night." Steven mused.
The Tree of Beginning nearby... seed rich in fossil traces.
He'd survey it properly tomorrow!
--------------------------------------
Enjoying the story? Get early access to 430 Advanced Chapters!
👉 Support now: patreon/PokemonStoryWeaver
--------------------------------------
User Comments
0 comments from readers