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Cameran Palace Pokémon Center
Festive lanterns adorned the stone halls of the castle.
Natsume 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 commemorate Sir Aaron, the Aura Guardian who saved Cameran Palace in legend."
"There's a grand Battle Tournament, 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..."
Natsume 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 memories insisted:
In the original plot, Ash swept the tournament effortlessly, earning the "Aura Guardian" title.
The only explanation?
Protagonist halo.
Otherwise, any regional master would've crushed him.
"Natsume-sensei."
Joy returned the Dive Ball, sneaking a satisfied glance. "Aren't you joining the tournament?"
"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." Natsume 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 tournament footage.
There stood Ash, clad in medieval garb.
Pikachu landed critical hits; Ash's "Dodge!" commands flowed like water.
The Kalos master—expecting an easy win—got steamrolled.
"...That's some insane buff stacking."
Was this the power of his bond with Lucario?
"Movie Ash on steroids. TV Ash could never."
Perhaps Cameran 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.
Natsume 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.
"Natsume-sensei, long time no see."
Whispers rippled through the Pokémon Center as patrons stole glances.
Nurse Joy's eyes darted between the two men, overwhelmed.
What do I do... they're both so handsome!
No! She shook her head, clenching her fists.
Stay strong! Natsume-sensei is slightly more handsome!
Natsume 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 Cameran Palace, I thought I'd drop by."
Digging up treasures wherever he goes—typical Steven. Natsume coughed. "What collection?"
"Just some trinkets. Nothing noteworthy."
Steven's pale blue eyes, the color of rare ores, gleamed as he thought of the newly acquired Mega Stones.
Natsume 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."
Natsume rubbed his chin.
That matched his memories.
Wait... when you say 'library,' you mean 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?"
Natsume looked up just as Pikachu leapt into the air—
BOOM!
A devastating Thunderbolt struck, drawing gasps from the crowd.
"...Seriously?" Natsume facepalmed. "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, Natsume-sensei, I got held up..."
He braced for scolding—
But Natsume just sighed and patted his shoulder.
"Let's go."
What was coming would come.
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... seemed rich in fossil traces.
He'd survey it properly tomorrow!
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