Robin observes Pawniard. The little Pokémon stands at attention, its blades sharp and ready, reflecting the lights of the lobby. It doesn't fidget or whine, but simply waits, disciplined and focused.
"You," Robin says, his voice calm and steady.
Pawniard's crimson eyes fix on Robin.
"Your movements are precise," Robin continues, a hint of genuine respect in his tone. "You hold yourself with discipline. Good."
Pawniard tilts its head slightly, a silent acknowledgment. It doesn't bow or cower, but simply stands as an equal. Robin finds this quiet understanding rather… satisfactory. He extends a hand, not to command, but simply to offer. Pawniard nudges its head against Robin's gauntlet, a gesture of acceptance. A silent pact is formed, one of mutual respect and shared purpose.
Orion beams, watching Robin and Pawniard. It's a perfect match! He loves seeing these connections happen. It's exactly why he opened Pokémon Home!
"Look at them go!" Beast Boy exclaims, bouncing on the balls of his feet. Togepi chirps excitedly from his shoulder, and Rockruff wags its tail furiously beside him. "This is awesome! We all got Pokémon! We gotta have a battle!"
Starfire claps her hands together, her eyes sparkling. "Oh, yes! A Pokémon battle! It sounds like so much fun!" Togepi nods enthusiastically. Misdreavus, perched on Raven's shoulder, lets out a soft, spectral giggle.
"A battle would be… acceptable," Raven says, a hint of a smile touching her lips as Misdreavus floats gently. Whismur, nestled in Cyborg's arm, lets out a soft, excited squeak, its little body vibrating with anticipation.
Cyborg grins, his arm cannon retracting. "You know it, BB! Time to see what these new partners can do! Whismur, get ready to howl!"
Orion chuckles. "A Pokémon battle, you say? That sounds like a splendid idea! It's a perfect way to test your new bonds." He turns to Latias, who has been watching the exchange with a gentle smile. "Latias, my dear, would you be so kind as to escort our young trainers and their new Pokémon partners to the Battle Arena?"
Latias's golden eyes brighten. "Of course, Orion! It would be my pleasure!" She glides gracefully towards the group, her form shimmering with ethereal light. "Follow me, everyone! The arena is just this way!"
The group follows Latias, their Pokémon partners buzzing with energy. Togepi peeks out from Starfire's hair, Misdreavus floats beside Raven with an excited hum, Whismur chirps from Cyborg's shoulder, and Rockruff trots eagerly beside Beast Boy. Even Robin, with Pawniard walking stoically by his side, seems to have a spark of anticipation in his eyes.
"The Battle Arena is an incredible facility," Latias explains, her voice like a soft melody. "It can simulate any environment you can imagine, from lush forests to scorching deserts! It's perfectly equipped for training and friendly contests. Everything is ready for your battle!" The air crackles with excitement as they approach the grand entrance.
Orion watches the Teen Titans head into the Battle Arena, a happy sigh escaping him. It's moments like these – seeing new bonds form, new journeys begin – that make all the hard work worth it. He pulls out his tablet, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. Just then, a little chime rings out, and a new notification pops up.
"Ooh, what's this?" he murmurs, tapping the screen. His eyes widen in surprise. "Whoa! 'Ten Trainers' Achievement Unlocked!" He scrolls through the details. "Valeria, Harley, Ivy… and now the Titans! That makes ten! Wow!"
A little digital confetti bursts across the screen. The reward is displayed: the ability "Aura."
"Aura?"
Orion taps the screen, a smile spreading across his face. Aura. He knows this from that one Pokémon movie with the Lucario! It's that energy field that connects all living things, a kind of spiritual force that allows some people and Pokémon to sense emotions and even manipulate energy. It's not exactly a superpower in the traditional sense, but more like a deep, empathic connection.
He remembers how Sir Aaron used it to protect his kingdom. It's a pretty neat concept, really, and now he can get this power.
Orion accepts the "Aura" reward on his tablet, and a strange warmth spreads through him, like a gentle wave. It's not a dramatic, lightning-bolt-from-the-heavens kind of feeling, but a subtle shift, a sharpening of his senses.
The hum of Pokémon Home seems clearer, the distant sounds from the city outside more distinct. He feels… more present, more alive, like he's just woken up from a long nap. It's subtle, but it's definitely there, a quiet hum of newfound energy.
He looks towards the Battle Arena, where the Teen Titans have gone for their friendly match. The doors are closed, but a playful curiosity bubbles up inside him. Can I…? he wonders.
He focuses, remembering the use of Aura from the movie. He extends his senses, not physically, but… energetically. He pictures a soft blue light emanating from him, reaching out, trying to touch what's beyond the walls.
And then, he feels it. A rush of emotions, a tapestry of feelings. There's Starfire's boundless joy, tinged with affection for her little Togepi. Raven's calm, like a still lake, with a faint, underlying current of amusement at the others' antics, and a gentle protectiveness towards Misdreavus. Beast Boy's infectious energy, a vibrant green pulse, radiating pure, unadulterated fun, with Rockruff bouncing excitedly nearby.
Cyborg's steady, strong presence, a warm, orange glow, mixed with the playful thrum of Whismur's soft cries. And Robin… Robin's is sharp, disciplined, a cool, steely blue, with Pawniard standing beside him, a miniature echo of his focus.
He can even sense the faint sparks of electricity from Pikachu, still dozing by the counter, and the gentle, radiant warmth of Latias, resting in her human form. It's incredible! He can feel their emotions, their spirits, like distinct voices in a symphony.
He smiles, a genuine, happy smile. This Aura thing is seriously cool! He hasn't mastered it, not by a long shot – it feels like trying to understand a new language, but he can already grasp some of the words. He's eager to practice, to learn, to feel the ebb and flow of this amazing energy.
He can already imagine the possibilities – understanding Pokémon on a whole new level, connecting with them even more deeply. The upcoming battle between the Titans is going to be amazing, and now, with Aura, Orion feels even more connected to the whole experience. This is going to be epic!
***
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Advance chapters in P@T0n Najicablitz.