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The moment the power of Aura was integrated into Sam's body, something about him subtly changed.
He stood a little taller. His gaze sharpened, no longer just calm, but quietly piercing.
"Luka…?"
Lucario, who had just returned to Sam's side, paused.
As a Pokémon who also wielded the power of Aura, Lucario sensed it instantly.
That familiar rhythm, that warmth pulsing gently beneath the surface—it now flowed from Sam himself.
"Luca," Sam smiled, resting a hand on his partner's shoulder.
"You did great just now."
"Luka~" Lucario responded softly, eyes filled with surprise—and respect.
Although he couldn't quite understand what had happened, Lucario could feel something profound.
Their connection had deepened.
A bond stronger than before.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the clearing…
Dawn rubbed her eyes, staring quietly at Sam from afar.
"…Brock," she said, hesitating.
"I don't know if I'm imagining things, but…"
"…does Sam big brother… look even more handsome now?"
Brock glanced up, following her gaze.
His shoulders slumped again as he gave a quiet, tragic sigh.
"…It's not your imagination."
Even the air around Sam feels more refined now…
Ash crouched beside Pikachu, gently stroking his exhausted partner.
"You did great, buddy. Really."
"Pika… chu…" Pikachu weakly raised a paw, still smiling.
Then Ash walked up to Sam, eyes bright with admiration.
"Brother Sam, your Lucario's technique back there—using an Aura Bone Club to ground the lightning…"
He gave a respectful nod.
"That was incredible!"
Despite his reputation as a little dense, Ash wasn't slow when it came to battle.
Even in defeat, he was always absorbing.
Always growing.
Sam chuckled warmly.
"Your Pikachu is the real surprise," he said.
"His power exceeded my expectations. It was a great match."
Truthfully, Sam had gained a lot from the battle. Not only a new understanding of Aura, but firsthand experience with Ash's legendary Pikachu.
Without that challenge, he might never have unlocked this power.
Ash grinned. "Hey, Brother Sam—where are you headed next?"
Still in a good mood, Sam answered casually, "Through the Psychedelic Forest to Canalave City. I want to study the texts at the city library."
At that, Ash's face lit up.
"No way! That's exactly where we're going!" he beamed.
"We're headed to Canalave too, to challenge the Gym!"
He leaned in slightly.
"Why don't we go together?"
Dawn chimed in with a bright smile.
"If Sam big brother comes with us, we definitely won't get tricked by Stantler again!"
She gave Ash a teasing glance.
Brock, who had been moping in the background, suddenly snapped upright like a man reborn.
"You're absolutely right! Traveling together will be safer—and more efficient!" he said, eyes gleaming as if he were trying to sell Sam on a team-up mission.
He stepped forward, striking a pose of exaggerated camaraderie.
"Sam, my friend, walk with us!"
Sam looked at the three eager faces—plus one slightly overdramatic bro.
He gave a soft laugh, and nodded.
"Sure. Let's travel together."
Lucario gave a gentle growl of approval.
The more, the merrier.
And so, the group of four—Sam, Ash, Dawn, and Brock—stepped deeper into the forest.
Lucario walked silently at Sam's side.
Pikachu, recovered and back on Ash's shoulder, chattered happily.
The journey to Canalave City had officially begun…
Thanks to Lucario's champion-level aura, their journey through Psychedelic Forest had been smooth.
Even notoriously aggressive Pokémon like Arbok and Beedrill chose to steer clear.
Their instincts screamed caution at Lucario's overwhelming presence.
With no detours or dangers, the group made great progress.
By the time the sun began dipping behind the trees, casting long golden shadows over the forest floor, Sam led them to a secluded clearing to make camp.
Ash, Dawn, and Brock were no strangers to traveling.
They set up camp with practiced efficiency.
Dawn laid out cutlery with Piplup hopping helpfully at her side.
Brock crouched over a foldable stove, humming as he prepped ingredients.
Ash played with Pikachu and his Turtwig, their laughter echoing softly into the woods.
Lucario kept a silent watch nearby, standing like a sentry at the edge of camp.
With him there, no wild Pokémon dared to approach.
Ash, however, was far from winding down.
"Brother Sam!" he said, practically bouncing over.
"How do you usually train Lucario?"
"Is it better to focus on offense or defense against Rock-types?"
"Oh, oh—and how many moves should a Pokémon ideally learn?"
"What was Sinnoh like back in ancient times?"
Sam chuckled softly, leaning back on his travel mat.
He didn't mind Ash's enthusiasm.
In fact, it reminded him of someone… maybe himself, back when he first arrived in this world.
He answered every question with patience, even through dinner.
But when the food was packed up and the stars began to twinkle overhead…
Ash was still asking questions.
"Brother Sam! What kind of training improves Aura Sphere aim? I saw Lucario barely move when—"
"Ash!" Brock's voice finally cut in, firm and fatherly.
"It's late! Let Sam rest."
"Aw… okay…" Ash sighed and looked over at Dawn's tent.
She'd already slipped inside, and Pikachu was clearly fighting sleep, head nodding with each step.
"Thanks, Brother Sam. Goodnight!"
Sam smiled and gave a small wave.
"Goodnight, Ash."
With Ash and Dawn settled in, Sam expected peace.
He rolled out his own bedding, unzipped his tent flap—and that's when he noticed it:
Brock was still standing there.
He wasn't leaving. In fact… he was looking around.
Left. Right.
Making sure the coast was clear.
Then, with the awkward shuffle of someone harboring a very specific request, Brock leaned in closer.
"…Sam," he whispered, rubbing his hands nervously.
"There's something I need to ask you."
The flickering campfire cast shadows across his face—and Sam swore it looked like Brock's cheeks were… blushing?
His voice dropped low, trembling with tension:
"…Please, I need your help with something very important…"
Sam instinctively stepped back, eyes narrowing suspiciously.
"…Brock," he said cautiously, "what… exactly are you trying to ask?"