The moment Aura was integrated into Sam's body, something in him quietly shifted.
He grew slightly taller. His eyes grew sharper, no longer merely tranquil, but softly piercing.
"Luka…?"
Lucario, having just returned to Sam's side, hesitated.
As a Pokémon who mastered Aura, Lucario could feel it.
That rhythm, that heat simmering softly below the surface, it now came from Sam himself.
"Luca," Sam grinned, placing a hand on his partner's shoulder.
"You were awesome just then."
"Luka~" Lucario replied quietly, surprise, and respect in his eyes.
Even though he couldn't fully comprehend what had occurred, Lucario could sense something meaningful.
Their bond was stronger.
And yet, on the other side of the clearing…
Dawn rubbed her eyes, watching quietly from a distance as Sam stood in front of the Lucario.
"Brock," she muttered, unsure.
"I don't know if I'm going crazy, but…"
"Does Sam … look even more handsome now?"
Brock looked up, echoing her stare.
His shoulders fell once more as he let a soft, tragic breath escape.
"It's not your imagination."
Even the atmosphere surrounding Sam appears more refined now…
Ash sat down next to Pikachu, tenderly petting his weary partner.
"You did great, buddy. Really."
"Pika… chu." Pikachu weakly lifted a paw, still smiling.
Then Ash approached Sam, eyes shining with admiration.
"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."
Honestly, Sam had learned a lot from the fight.
Not just a new appreciation of Aura, but experience with Ash's fabled Pikachu firsthand.
Thanks to that test, he may never have discovered this ability.
Ash smiled. "Hey, Brother Sam, where are you off to next?"
Still cheerful, Sam replied matter-of-factly, "Canalave City. I want to read the books at the city library."
On hearing this, Ash's expression brightened.
"No way! That's where we're going!" he grinned.
"We're going to Canalave as well, to test our strength in the Gym!"
He inclined a little.
"Why don't you come with us?"
Dawn spoke up with a sunny smile.
"If Sam is with us, we won't ever get fooled by Stantler again!"
She playfully glared at Ash.
Brock, who had been sulking in the background, suddenly sat up straight like a new man.
"You're right! Traveling in groups will be safer and more efficient!" he exclaimed, eyes shining as if he were pitching Sam on a partnership mission.
He took a step forward, striking a posture of over-the-top friendship.
"Sam, my buddy, walk with us!"
Sam regarded the three smiling faces, plus one bronchitis-level dramatizing bro.
He smiled softly and nodded.
"Certainly. Let's travel in groups."
Lucario emitted a soft growl of approval.
The more, the merrier.
And so, the four of them, Sam, Ash, Dawn, and Brock, set further into the forest.
Lucario crept by Sam's side.
Pikachu, healed and once again on Ash's shoulder, chattered cheerfully.
The trip to Canalave City had begun in earnest.
Thanks to Lucario's champion-level presence, their passage through Psychedelic Forest had been uneventful.
Even notoriously hostile Pokémon such as Arbok and Beedrill preferred to avoid them.
Their natures shouted a warning at Lucario's overpowering aura.
Without detours or risks, the group progressed wonderfully.
By the time the sun began to dip below the trees, sending long, golden shadows across the forest floor, Sam guided them to a hidden clearing to camp.
Ash, Dawn, and Brock were not beginners when it came to traveling.
They quickly set up camp with skilled ease.
Dawn spread out the cutlery with Piplup hopping to assist her beside her.
Brock bent over a portable stove, humming as he readied ingredients.
Ash tossed with Pikachu and his Turtwig, their giggles softly carrying through the trees.
Lucario stood quiet guard nearby, standing as a sentry at the camp's edge.
With him present, no wild Pokémon dared come close.
Ash, though, was a far cry from relaxing.
"Sam!" he exclaimed, bouncing over practically.
"How do you train Lucario normally?"
"Is it more advisable to specialize in offense or defense against Rock-types?"
"Oh, oh, and how many moves should a Pokémon learn, ideally?"
"What was Sinnoh like during ancient times?"
Sam chuckled, reclining on his travel mat.
He did not mind Ash's excitement.
It reminded him of a person.
Perhaps himself, when he first entered this world.
He answered all questions patiently, even at dinner.
But once the food was packed away and the stars were twinkling above…
Ash was still questioning.
"Sam! What sort of training enhances Aura Sphere accuracy? I saw Lucario hardly move when,"
"It's late!" Brock's voice finally interrupted, stern and paternal.
"Let Sam rest."
"Aw… okay…"
Ash let out a sigh and gazed in the direction of Dawn's tent.
She'd already ducked inside, and Pikachu was struggling to stay awake, head bobbing up and down with every step.
"Thanks, Brother Sam. Goodnight!"
Sam cracked a smile and waved goodbye.
"Goodnight, Ash."
With Ash and Dawn all tucked in, Sam was looking forward to peace.
He unrolled his bed, zipped up his tent flap, and that's when he saw it:
Brock remained there.
He wasn't going anywhere. Indeed, he was surveying the area.
Left. Right.
Double-checking the coast was clear.
Then, with the fumbling shuffle of one who had a very particular request, Brock came in closer.
"Sam," he whispered, his hands nervously rubbing together.
"There's something I have to ask you."
The dance of the campfire flames threw shadows on his face, and Sam could've sworn that Brock's cheeks were.
Blushing?
His voice lowered, shaking with tension:
"Please, I need your help with something important."
Sam took a step back instinctively, eyes narrowing distrustfully.
"Brock," he spoke guardedly, "what. Exactly, what are you trying to ask?"