Riley watched Natsume-sensei bargaining, utterly bewildered.
Is this really the aura wielder I imagined?
Noble, self-sacrificing… the same Natsume-sensei who quelled Regigigas and saved Snowpoint City?
"Could we… change the terms?" Cresselia's gentle voice echoed.
"Sure. No feathers needed—just the dance." Natsume replied.
Why does this feel like a villain's negotiation?!
This wasn't an aura wielder—this was the demeanor of a Villainous Organization Leader who tamed Legendary Pokémon!
Riley stood frozen for a long moment before lowering his gentleman's hat, eyes flickering.
Somehow, he felt he'd grasped a truth he'd never understood before.
If one rigidly clung to ideals, how could they ever suppress true evil?
Only by outmaneuvering villains in strategy, acting decisively—even wielding Legendary Pokémon's power—
Could such strength be guided onto the right path.
"You wish for Cresselia to bestow Lunar Dance upon your Pokémon?" Riley asked.
Natsume blinked. "How'd you know?"
Of course. Riley smiled. "As an aura wielder, I have my ways of recognition."
Then, he turned to the radiant Cresselia, its ringed wings glowing silver under the moonlight.
"Honorable Cresselia." Riley pressed a hand to his chest. "This Mr. Natsume is an aura wielder who has resolved multiple crises across Sinnoh."
"Surely you sense it too—that unique Aura of Ripple within him." Riley continued. "I believe he will carry Cresselia's name far and bring solace to those in suffering."
His gaze burned with conviction. "I swear this upon my Aura."
During the battle at Snowpoint Temple, Natsume and Riley had crossed paths briefly.
Now—
Natsume stared at Riley's profile in surprise.
Carry Cresselia's name to the suffering?
How did you know my Sylveon loves Fan Tournaments and Baby Cups?!
"Good grief… this'll hurt my career." For the first time, Natsume truly understood the weight of reputation.
Cresselia's serene, slitted eyes studied Natsume.
Riley's words stirred something in its heart.
So… he wasn't threatening me earlier?
An aura wielder couldn't possibly be a bad person… right?
Natsume met Cresselia's gaze.
"I'm not great with words." Natsume said earnestly. "But what he said? That's exactly what I meant."
Riley nodded firmly beside him.
"..."
In the end, Cresselia believed them.
After all, this Trainer had mediated its battle with Darkrai.
If he'd truly been selfish, he could've allied with Darkrai to defeat and capture it.
There was no need to drive Darkrai away first.
"I can present a clip from Lunar Dance."
Cresselia lifted its head to the crescent moon, then back to Natsume.
"Which Pokémon shall receive the blessing?"
"Can't you buff the whole team?" Natsume asked regretfully.
Cresselia's divine expression wavered slightly.
I see. You still want me dead. (つД`)
Riley whispered, "Natsume-sensei, by the time dawn comes, I'm afraid the Lunar Dance clip won't be able to be maintained..."
The battle against Darkrai had drained much of Cresselia's HP.
『Lunar Dance』would also be less effective in daylight.
Natsume nodded softly. A red beam shot from the Poké Ball in his palm, materializing into Sylveon's silhouette.
Sylveon raised its head, the bow at its neck fluttering as its pink ribbons swayed under the moonlight.
Its cry was ethereal—like a veil brushing away dark clouds, a moonlit serenade over a lake—
"Sylveon! (`皿′)" (Hurry up!)
Riley & Cresselia: "…"
"Forgive my impertinence," Riley murmured, unable to hide his curiosity, "but has it always had this… personality?"
"Yep." Natsume was unbothered. "Cute, right?"
"Sylveon~o(′^｀)o" Sylveon lifted its nose haughtily.
"You should be polite when asking for help."
Natsume crouched to ruffle Sylveon's head, then turned to Cresselia hovering nearby. "We'd appreciate your assistance."
Suddenly, a gentle 『Aura of Ripple』dissolved into azure motes, flowing into Cresselia.
The aura's purity—reminiscent of the Tree of Beginning—left Cresselia no room for resistance.
Riley's eyes widened.
Transferring one's own aura to another…
This was an advanced technique, akin to his ancestor Sir Aaron's prowess!
"On the path of an aura wielder," Riley adjusted his gentleman's hat, "I still have much to learn…"
Cresselia trembled under the surge of energy.
H-how? This aura… feels like home!
"Th-that's enough," Cresselia's telepathy wavered.
"No extras?" Natsume blinked.
"…I could spare more."
Soon, Cresselia gazed at the moon, fully restored to peak condition.
"Uu~!" With an echoing cry, she ascended, scattering moonlight.
Sylveon watched, its baby-doll eyes reflecting Cresselia's form, resolve igniting within.
I'll grow stronger… and surpass her.
Above, Cresselia's ringed wings shimmered, gauzy feathers trailing silver starlight.
Dark clouds parted. The crescent moon and Cresselia mirrored each other, casting a beam onto the grass where Sylveon stood.
Glowing dust settled over Sylveon. Bathed in moonlight, it closed its eyes, still and serene.
"Beautiful," Riley breathed.
Natsume smiled. "Like weaving a dream."
Cresselia's 『Lunar Dance』spun moonbeams across Canalave City.
Police Station, near the Library
Officer Jenny stifled a yawn, rubbing her eyes.
"Did I… fall asleep?"
Spotting the wall clock, she jolted upright.
Today's the Library exhibition—Professors Oak, Rowan… maybe even Natsume-sensei!
"Stay sharp, Jenny! EV training starts now!"
A Canalave Residence
A girl with pigtails drowsed against her grandmother's knee, clutching a Marill.
The grandma stirred, patting the girl's back as she peered outside.
"Was it you, Darkrai…?"
Silence.
She smiled wistfully, humming until dawn.
Street Corner
Professor Bill stretched, groaning.
"Slept like a log—"
"Wait, it's morning already?" Crystal rubbed her eyes at the eastern glow.
"Darkrai and Cresselia must have passed by," Professor Oak mused.
"Huh?" Both blinked.
Oak clasped his hands, reciting:
"Sweet dreams and nightmares,
Snorlax on a stump,
Fast asleep."
"…Let's just head to the Library," Bill sighed.
...
The dense forest gave way to an open meadow.
Cresselia's Lunar Dance concluded as dawn broke in the east.
Bathed in the afterglow of Lunar Dance, Sylveon's ribbons shimmered with a faint silver luminescence, its snowy fur dusted with an ethereal glow.
"This is," Cresselia's voice carried exhaustion, "the extent of what I can do."
With Cresselia's buff, Sylveon's 「Moonblast」and 「Dazzling Gleam」would receive significant boosts.
Though the little one's actual battle strength remained unclear,
the next team roster would undoubtedly undergo a major Version Update.
"Good work."
Natsume nodded, rummaged through his coat, and produced a dark-green herb:
"Want one?"
Cresselia blinked. "What is this?"
"Revival Herb."
"My question is—why do you carry this?"
Natsume sighed deeply. "Long story..."
"If you jump into near-fatal condition... I can still patch you up with Heal Pulse and Revival Herb."
The Dive Ball at his hip wobbled. Shades-wearing team medic Blastoise gave a silent thumbs-up.
Though homegrown, it hadn't undergone clinical trials.
Letting another Pokémon test it first couldn't hurt...
Cresselia: "..."
Is... is this the crisis awareness of an aura wielder?!
"I'll pass."
Cresselia declined politely, lifting its crescent-shaped head toward the lightening sky.
"My time to leave has come."
Riley, standing nearby, nodded unconsciously.
This Cresselia, inhabiting Fullmoon Island, was a spiritual symbol for its people.
Yearly, it followed Darkrai to bring solace to nightmare-plagued humans.
Now, mission accomplished, it would return. Worth the journey from Iron Island to witness this.
Among legendaries, Cresselia symbolized the new moon—though its combat presence was... underwhelming.
Natsume had no intention to catch it.
First, the little one already mastered Lunar Dance. Paired with the Lunar Feather, there was room to grow.
With Sylveon around, nightmares wouldn't be an issue.
Second, a Pokémon egg awaited hatching.
Compared to matured legendaries, Natsume preferred the sense of accomplishment of raising one from scratch...
As long as the Renovation Team didn't get involved.
"Keep in touch."
Natsume waved. "Drop by to recharge the feather—rates negotiable!"
Cresselia paused, struck by sudden melancholy.
So you were after my feather all along!
"Gengar~! (￣▽￣)／"
Mirroring his trainer, Gengar waved cheekily.
Cresselia eyed Gengar, recalling earlier events, and addressed Natsume:
"On a new moon, place the Lunar Feather under moonlight. I'll heed the call."
"You... already possess one. Its power shares my origin." Cresselia added warily, "No need to take mine."
Natsume blinked.
Expected a refusal—
yet it agreed outright!
"Deal." Natsume grinned. "Till next time."
With a nod, Cresselia fanned its halo-like wings, ascending skyward.
Sylveon watched, whispering, "Sylveon~~"
Hearing the gratitude,
Cresselia smiled almost humanly.
Its trail painted the dawn like auroras, vanishing into clouds.
...
Case closed.
Natsume studied Sylveon, rubbing his chin.
"Sylveon?" It batted Baby-Doll Eyes, still glowing bulinbulin.
Lunar Dance was oddly aesthetic...
Natsume pondered.
Though the little one fought ruthlessly,
this 'Magical Girl' sparkle suited Sylveon perfectly.
"Nice." Natsume approved.
"Sylveon~~" It smiled, tilting its head, ears swaying.
Having witnessed both a brutal beatdown and a backdoor deal,
Riley stepped forward, formal: "Natsume-sensei, may I ask why you're here?"
"Research conference." Natsume shrugged. "Probably just a benchwarmer."
Riley's respect deepened.
At Snowpoint Temple, Natsume-sensei's ancient language expertise left an impression.
Now, he saw the full scope of his strength.
After small talk:
Riley explained he'd been dispatched by Leader Byron to investigate Canalave's nightmare outbreaks.
Byron himself was excavating giant fossils on Iron Island—hence his absence.
"Roark and Leader Byron... that whole family's fossil-obsessed," Natsume mused.
Riley smiled. "I'll return to Iron Island to report this."
"Leader Byron will likely visit to thank you later."
"Gratitude's unnecessary. I gained plenty."
Natsume glanced back at the guesthouse.
"Late already. Got a presentation tomorrow—let's part here."
"Of course." Riley bowed deeply. "Thank you again for your aid!"
Natsume waved, walked toward the forest, then backtracked.
"Forgot something?" Riley asked.
"No." Natsume scratched his head. "The library's far... mind lending Salamence?"
...
Night winds howled.
Riley and Natsume soared on Salamence, reaching the guesthouse swiftly.
Natsume dismounted on the rooftop, casually casting Aura of Ripple on Salamence. "Thanks!"
"Salamence!!" Salamence's eyes flashed red.
"W-wait, calm down, Salamence!"
After much struggle, Riley pacified it.
"Then, Natsume-sensei, farewell." Riley wiped sweat.
Natsume nodded, waving.
"Salamence..." Salamence shot Natsume a resentful look before vanishing into the night.
"Exhausted..."
Having cleared the "dungeon" and powered up Sylveon,
Natsume rolled his shoulders, muttering, "All-nighter before overtime tomorrow..."
"Suddenly get how someone feels..."
Rotom Pokédex floated nearby, cycling through Cresselia and Darkrai close-ups.
"Precious footage acquired, Rotom!" it bragged.
"Uh... not sure if this'll help tomorrow's presentation."
Natsume sighed. "At least we prepped all night... not a wasted promise to Moe-Moe!."
"Let's go."
He staggered toward the door.
"Sleep first, breakfast after... not cooking today."
"Long live understanding, Rotom! ヽ(≧▽≦)"
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