"Speech"

'Thoughts'

[Pokemon Speech]

"Okay, we have everything we need now."

[Why did you need to me to get a leaf anyway?] Riolu couldn't help but wonder in complete confusion as he handed over a small green leaf to Azure. Azure didn't answer, instead giving Riolu a small grin as he placed the leaf down onto the table that he had placed between the both of them as they were now in the room that they had rented at the Pokemon Center.

Riolu was majorly confused when Azure had requested him to go outside and to the nearest bush he could find and bring back a small leaf from it, which Riolu did do without hesitation as he was excited to learn something else about Nen. The task of getting the leaf was confusing though, why did he even need to get one?

"Before we get the more practical side of what we'll be doing. I need to explain something very important to you, something that is a vital point to becoming a skilled Nen user." Azure stated firmly as Riolu nodded his head and watched as Azure took the cap off of his marker and began writing on the whiteboard he had borrowed. Hopefully not breaking another one.

Riolu watched with interest as Azure began drawing a hexagon on the board along with writing different words at each of the points, ones that confused him. Azure then wrote another word off to the side of the drawing, the word being one that he had been told about before, which was 'Hatsu'.

"I am impressed with your progress so far in mastering the three principles of Ten, Ren, and Zetsu. So, I believe it is time to start training in using Hatsu, the final of the four basics of Nen." Azure explained as Riolu felt a wave of pride wash over him at the words, making him smile as his tail wagged side to side. "As I have explained before. Hatsu is the way you control your Aura, the culmination of Nen abilities."

[Nen Abilities? What do you mean by that?] Riolu blinked in confusion at the term as he had yet to hear this from Azure. [Do you mean the stuff like Ren and Zetsu? Those kinds of abilities?]

"That's incorrect. What I'm referring is the ability to utilise your Aura in all kinds of ways, such as how I am able to produce blue flames with my Aura." Azure explained as Riolu nodded his head with an excited look on his face, making Azure chuckle slightly. "For the development of such abilities, it is important to learn the six categories."

[You mean those words that you just wrote down on that hexagon?] Riolu wondered as his attention was turned towards the whiteboard where the different words were. Azure nodded his head in response as Riolu read each of the words aloud. [Enhancement, Emission, Transmutation, Manipulation, Conjuration, Specialisation...]

"Those are the six categories that Nen users are placed under, some people fall under the same and some different from each other." Azure explained as he then used the pen to circle the word that said 'Enhancement'. "Those who fall under the Enhancement category are called Enhancers. They reinforce and strengthen their natural abilities."

Azure then circled one of the others.

"Those of Emission are called Emitters, they propel Aura. Being from the Transmutation category means you're a Transmuter, allowing you to change the quality of Aura. Conjuration users are called Conjurers, allowing the materialisation of objects. Manipulation are called Manipulators, they control things with their Aura." Azure then circled the final of the six, being at the bottom of the hexagon. "Specialisation users are called Specialists, those with unique and distinct Auras that don't fall under the other five."

[So, are these really that important?]

"Of course. It is crucial that you are able to find an ability that suits you well. As Nen abilities are known to be highly personal, having two areas of particular prominence." Azure explained as he then held one finger up. "An ability you're born with, and the ability that you end up refining as you go about your life."

[I... don't understand]

"Allow me to give you an example then. A friend of mine, as you know is named Gon, is more flexible compared to others. Since he had lived most of his life in nature, his senses and such were far more refined compared to normal humans." Azure explained as Riolu listened intently. "He honed these abilities by living with nature."

[Oh, I see now!]

"Good. So, from the moment of your birth, your ability will fall under one of these six categories. Enhancement, Transmutation, Conjuration, Manipulation, Emission, or Specialisation." Azure repeated the names as he pointed to each one with the marker. "Though, it is a possibility that some people's category changes over time. Rather uncommon though."

[So, if I'm understanding what you're saying correctly. People's category is determined when they are born? But, are able to change as their life goes on?] Riolu asked as he crossed his arms with an interested look on his face. Azure nodded his head in response. [I see. That's really interesting...]

"You should keep in mind that if you try to invent an ability that doesn't suit your natural Aura, then you will have a rather difficult time doing so." Azure explained as he then turned to the board and began writing down percentages for each of the categories, making Riolu raise an eyebrow. "The compatibility can be seen here. The closer a category is to your own primary one, the more likely you will be of learning it. We're taking the Enhancement category as the example for this."

[So, if I'm interpreting the graph right, then an Enhancer has a better chance at learning an ability of the Emitter and Transmutation category?] Riolu asked as he read the percentages that were written beneath each of the categories. Enhancement having '100%', and both Emission and Transmutation being '80%'.

"Indeed. As you see, the Enhancement category is one hundred percent for those that fall under that particular category. Those adjacent to it having a less percentage, but still higher compared to the other three." Azure then drew Riolu's attention to the other three. "As these are further away, they will be harder to learn if you are an Enhancer."

[So, is it because you fall under one of these categories that you can produce that fire like you do?] Riolu wondered with immense curiosity as he managed to grasp his head around the concept. He may not be the most studious, but he can be when he wanted to. Especially when it was about this Nen that Azure was teaching him.

"That will be a good example for me to use, yes. As you know how I am able to alter my Aura to create flames, that will place me under the category of a Transmuter." Azure explained as he produced a small blue flame that danced around his left hand. "It is also important to note that it can be wasteful to focus on trying to gain abilities that fall far from your category, then you can squander your talent in Nen ability. Overall, it is important to know just where you are on the diagram."

[If it's really that important for us Nen users to know where we are on the six categories, is there some method that we can use to determine what category we fall under?] Riolu hoped as Azure nodded, bringing relief to Riolu. Azure then pointed at the table, which was where the leaf he had gotten was placed. [The leaf?]

"This is the reason that I had requested that you go out to fetch this leaf for me, it will assist us in determining where you stand." Azure smiled as Riolu watched curiously as Azure placed a full glass of water on the table before taking hold of the leaf and placing it atop of the glass, allowing it to float on the water at the centre.

[What is this method anyway?]

"It's commonly referred to as Water Divination, the most common method used by people back in my world that allow Nen users to find out their category. It's also a very nice way to train ones ability in the use of Hatsu." Azure explained as he pulled up a chair and sat down as Riolu sat down on the table in front of the glass.

[How does it work?] Riolu wondered as he curiously looked all over the glass with curiosity. Azure just gave a small chuckle at Riolu's antics as he then placed both of his hands on either side of the glass, though not touching it. "What you do is perform Ren, though you don't need to use it to the max, when placing your hands like this. We will know what your ability is when you do it. Give it a shot."

[Okay! I got this!] Riolu grinned before placing both of his paws on either side of the glass as Riolu then activated his Ren. A soft gentle Aura releasing from Riolu's body as they both stared at the glass in front of them, Azure narrowing his eyes as the water didn't seem to change at all. Not visibly at least. [Eh? Nothing's happening...]

"It would seem so."

[B-But, does that mean I don't... have a category?] Riolu asked with horror plastered over his face as Azure just gave a small chuckle at the expression. Riolu acted pretty similar to how Killua had done when he tried to find his Nen type the first time around, though with more panic. Azure then pointed at the glass.

"That isn't the case. Give the water a taste, you should see the difference. In this case, taste the difference." Azure smirked. Riolu blinked in confusion before dipping his paw a bit into the water as Azure did the same with his fingertip, Riolu looked at his paw before licking it, widening his eyes a bit after doing so. "You taste the difference?"

[Yeah, it's... sweet] Riolu answered with confusion as he let the small sweet flavour process in his mouth. Riolu then looked up at Azure and tilted his head. [Isn't this normal water from the cafeteria? Or was it some kind of sugar water that you ended up getting or something? I'm confused...]

"It is perfectly normal water, was anyway." Azure responded with a shake of his head as he then crossed his arms over his chest. "The fact that you managed to change the taste of the water means that you fall under the category of being a Transmuter. Meaning, you fall under the same category as I do."

[Wait... does that mean I can do something like you do?] Riolu asked with excitement as he widened his eyes at the explanation that Azure had just given. Azure sweatdropped at the act as he nodded his head in response before adding. "That's right. But, that doesn't mean you need to do exactly what I do. Anyway, I want you to continue doing this along with training the other principles until you can make a more prominent change."

[Keep on doing this Water Divination?]

"Yes, it is a good way to train your Hatsu. Which will prove incredibly useful in the future. A change like this. " Azure nodded his head as he said this. Azure then placed his hands on either side of the glass before releasing his own Ren, though did hold it back as he didn't need to release an immense amount of it.

[Woah... what's happening?] Riolu watched in awe as the water began to quickly change into a deep sapphire blue colour in less than five seconds, giving the water a beautiful look as Azure stopped his release of Ren. Riolu gained a really confused look. [Wait, didn't you say you were a Transmuter? Why did the colour change?]

"You see, in very rare cases, some people are born with more than one primary category. As for me, I am both a Transmuter and also an Emitter, thus the change in colour as that signifies that a person is an Emmiter." Riolu stared at Azure with both awe and envy as he hoped that he could have had more than one primary category too. "Being two categories, my percentages are one hundred percent for those two categories as the others are eighty since they are adjacent to the two, but Specialisation remains at zero."

[Huh? But, how come it does anyway? If I'm looking at the percentages, shouldn't you end up having a sixty percent on the Specialisation category?] Riolu asked with confusion as he blinked. Azure shook his head at this. "That isn't the case here. You see, it is either you have the ability or you don't. You can turn into one in the future, but the chance is very low. Anyway, have a taste of the water."

[Hm? Oh, okay...] Riolu responded before dipping his paw again before tasting it, which he immediately widened his eyes as wide as possible as the appendages on either side of his head stood up straight. The taste that was going through his mouth right now was insane! [It's... it's so sweet! It tastes sweeter than even chocolate!]

"I've trained in Hatsu for much much longer than you, obviously since you just started, so the changes are much more prominent for me. So, I want to see a more significant change when I decide to test you again, so keep practising with it whenever you are able."

[R-Right! I'll get better at it for sure!]

"Good, then I'll be looking forward to seeing just what you are capable of accomplishing. The next time that I will be checking can be at any point in time, so be prepared." Azure smiled before standing up from his chair and headed towards where his bed was, flopping onto it as he crossed his arms behind his back. "Anyway, we should get some rest. We have a long day tomorrow."

[I think I'll stay up for a bit, I want to practice this Water Divination thing] Riolu responded as he turned his head to face towards Azure as the male stared at the pokemon for a second before nodding his head as he closed his eyes. "Very well, but do make sure to actually get some sleep. Don't want you completely exhausted."

[I know. Don't worry.]

[H-Huh? What the...?]

Riolu slowly opened his eyes as the sunlight that came through the window of the room crept through his eyelids, causing him to stir as he slowly began to wake up. Riolu was laying down on the bed with his eyes blinking a few times to get used to the sudden light as his vision was beginning to become clear.

When he could see properly, he blinked when something was looking down at him with unblinking eyes... no, whatever was looking down at him didn't have any eyes at all as it seemed to just be what looked to be a humanoid figure composed entirely of what looked to be some kind of cloth of sorts.

[W-Woah!] Riolu gasped as he quickly rolled off the bed and flipped onto his feet as the figure suddenly launched a downwards smash with both hands towards the pokemon. Riolu looked up to see the figure turning towards him as he quickly got into a stance. [Who are you?! What are you?! Why are you here?!]

Riolu gritted his teeth as the figure didn't say anything in response and just turned towards him and began charging with pretty impressive speed, preparing to launch a punch towards Riolu as the pokemon got ready. Riolu used his Aura to block the punch as he felt a strong amount of force come from the punch.

[What? Does this person know how to use Aura? It's definitely not Azure, his punches are much stronger than this!] Riolu thought to himself as he gritted his teeth as he blocked the punch that the clothed figure sent at him. Even if it wasn't nearly as strong as Azure, he still needed to be careful. [This guy... he's dangerous!]

Riolu then dodged a low kick from the figure by jumping up.

[What did you do with Azure! Where is he?!] Riolu demanded as he sent a roundhouse kick while midair, to which the figure was sent skidding across the carpet of the room. The figure straightened itself as they then charged back towards Riolu. [I don't know who you are! But, you aren't beating me! Force Palm!]

As soon as the attack had been released from Riolu's hand, the figure was sent flying back and onto the wall as it then fell to the ground face first. Riolu watched as the figure began to stand back on its feet, but narrowed his eyes before widening them as he noticed something that was rather strange.

[What the...? There's nothing inside!] Riolu gasped as true to his words, a bit of the cloth had loosened and revealed that there appeared to be nothing beneath. He had expected to see a person that was covered by the cloth, but that didn't seem to be the case! [What in the world is going on?!]

"Okay, that's for now."

[Huh?] Riolu dropped his stance as he heard a familiar male voice. Riolu then turned towards the door as he looked to see none other than Azure walking into the room, an amused smile on his face as he had his arms crossed over his chest. Riolu was surprised by the sudden appearance. [Azure! What's happening? Who is this guy?]

"It's not an actual person. It's a Nen Construct."

[Nen... Construct?]

"Mhmm. Take a look." Azure smirked as he held up his hand and snapped his fingers. Riolu widened his eyes as the figure that he had just been fighting ended up falling to the ground, though no longer shaped like a human as it was just a pile of cloth. The cloth was now recognisable as the bedsheets. "I was the one controlling it."

[Wait... controlling it? Do you mean you were...]

"Yep. I was the one that was controlling that figure as you were fighting against it, using my abilities in the Manipulation category to accomplish this while also using Emission to actually form the construct." Azure explained as he walked on over as he snapped his fingers again, the figure once again standing up. "I was testing you, nice reflexes."

[But, they weren't made of Nen! Even when I made physical contact with it, I couldn't sense any of your Aura on it...] Riolu responded in confusion as he looked up at Azure. Azure chuckled lightly with amusement as he looked at Riolu and answered. "That's understandable. The reason why was because I was using In to conceal it."

[In?]

"Yeah, it's one of the advanced techniques in Nen, which I have yet to teach you. In is an advanced form of Zetsu used to render one's aura imperceptible, effectively concealing it without stopping the flow of Aura. Unlike Zetsu." Azure had explained as Riolu listened. "That's why you can't sense the Aura. When attacking and using In for things complicated such as that construct, then it is rather daunting to do so. I must admit, I have a lot of trouble using In to hide my attacks, that's why I don't do it."

[It's really that hard? Does anyone in your world even do that?] Riolu wondered as Azure shook his head. No one ever actually used In to hide their attacks when fighting since there was no point, the opponent would just use Gyo to see it easily and the whole idea of using In on attacks is both difficult and tiring to do. So, it wasn't a common thing. [Hold on, if it conceals everything from being sensed, how do you counter it?]

"To do so requires the use of another of the advanced techniques, which is what I will be teaching you this morning before the day truly starts." Azure informed as Riolu perked up and looked up at him expectantly. "It is a technique that is known to Nen users as Gyo. An advanced application of Ren by which a Nen user concentrates a larger than normal portion of their aura into one specific body part."

[Sounds interesting. But, how does that help see the Aura?]

"You use the technique and focus the Aura into your eyes, which is what Gyo is commonly used for back in my world. By doing so, you'll be able to see the Aura." Azure had explained as he then looked towards the still standing construct. "Try it yourself. Use Ren then focus the Aura into your eyes."

[Okay, so use Ren... then focus it to my eyes] Riolu muttered to himself as his aura exploded and closed his eyes to focus as he then opened them. The Aura around Riolu's body got less intense as more Aura was visibly gathering around Riolu's eyes. Riolu seemed to be gritting his teeth in difficulty as he was doing this.

"Good, now look at the construct and tell me what you see." Riolu did what Azure had requested of him and looked towards the standing bedsheet figure. When he did, Riolu noticed the humanoid shape construct made of Azure's Aura beneath the bedsheets as he could now see it in its true beauty.

[I-I see it! Your Aura is shaped like a human and is being covered over by the bedsheets!] Riolu explained to Azure as the young male nodded his head. Azure then added. "Using Gyo for the first time can be difficult, it was the same for me as well as the others I trained with. So, just keep practising it until you get comfortable with it."

[So, the whole reason you did this was to teach me how to use Gyo and why I should use it in the first place?]

"Pretty much. It will be useful in the future."

[You didn't have to attack me in the morning when I wake up though...]

Azure and Riolu were now sitting down resting in the lobby room as Riolu was still practising his Gyo and also In now as he was focusing while sitting next to Azure on one of the couches around the room, gaining a few strange and curious looks from passing trainers as they noticed Riolu's Aura disappearing and appearing over and over again. Also seeing his Aura shifting onto his eyes a few times.

They had just finished having breakfast, which Azure had ordered up to their room as it allowed Riolu to keep practising his Hatsu with the glass of water. Azure just had his eyes closed as he crossed his arms over his chest while leaning against the back of the couch, not having either of their skateboards on them as they were still in their room.

"Azure!"

"Hm? Oh, Ariana. You're here." Azure had responded to the sudden loud voice calling out to him as he opened his eyes, to which both Riolu and himself turned to their right to see Ariana coming through the front doors of the Pokemon Center and towards them. Azure stood up as Riolu followed while still practising. "Good morning."

"Morning to you too! So, are you ready to get working?" Ariana asked with excitement as Azure just shrugged in response before getting taken by his right hand and was quickly dragged towards someplace else within the pokemon center. Riolu blinked at this before quickly following after them. "Let's do this!"

"Where in the world are we going?" Azure asked with a raised eyebrow as they soon stopped in front of what appeared to be a small open 'shop' of sorts with a few people that were around. From what he could see inside the place, there were many shelves with boxes stacked on them. "What is this?"

"It's the place where we can get a bunch of different equipment to help with recording this Pokevision video of yours! They have many different things here that we can use as we like, even a bunch of costumes." Azure just blinked at her explanation as he was honestly not sure if he was up to doing this.

Riolu was the same as he was barely focusing on the conversation and was practising his Aura.

"Excuse me, can we rent a camera here so we can start making a video?" Ariana had asked as she leaned her head into the place, the worker inside was a female, to which the female nodded her head before heading to one of the boxes and began to get everything they needed out. "Okay, we should also think about what we should do for the different scenes."

"I'll leave that up to you, I'm no expert on this sort of thing." Azure responded as Ariana gave a happy nod as they both waited patiently as the worker could be seen unpacking a few things, that being a fancy looking camera along with a few other items. "So, what kind of trainer are you, Ariana? Are you going for gym badges?"

"Hm? Oh, I'm not really into that sort of thing. I prefer the Pokemon Showcase, it's tons of fun!" Ariana smiled brightly as she looked up at Azure's face. Azure seemed confused as he could not remember that ever being mentioned in the games, did he just miss it? Or was it anime exclusive? "What about you?"

"I'm going for gym badges. I only started my journey in Kalos not too long ago, so I've only gotten my badge from the Cyllage City Gym. Heading off to my next one after we finish up with the video." Azure explained as he showed her his badge case. "Can't say I've heard of this Pokemon Showcase though, what's it about?"

"Well, it's a competition that's only for females. Participants are referred to as Pokemon Performers." Ariana started off her explanation as Riolu and Azure listened, though Riolu still put more focus into his training. "It's a competition held all over Kalos. It's made up of two competitions, starting with the theme performance and then the general freestyle performance! If you manage to win three showcases, then you can participate in the Master Class!"

"Huh... sounds very much like a Pokemon Contest." Azure muttered as he listened to the explanation. The whole idea behind it just seemed to be very similar to a Pokemon Contest, which was introduced in Generation 3 if he remembered correctly, just that these Pokemon Showcases were just female only. Other than that, it sounded the same. "So, I assume that you are participating in these showcases?"

"E-Eh? Oh, no, nothing like that! I just like watching them...!" Ariana stuttered, making Azure raise an eyebrow out of suspicion as he noticed her tone. Riolu rose an eyebrow as well as he could feel the nervous emotion coming from her. Azure just shrugged his shoulders as everyone had their secrets, him included.

"Thank you for waiting so patiently. Here is all the equipment that you will need to start making that Pokevision video of yours. Just bring the video here and we'll edit it all for you." The woman explained as she handed over a large duffle bag and also a camera, Ariana taking hold of the bag as Azure took the camera. "The outfits you can borrow for the video are located in the room next to this one. Feel free to use it how you like."

"I see, thank you!" Ariana thanked as Azure nodded his head politely. Ariana then swung the bag that she was given over her right shoulder before turning to face towards Azure as she gave him a big large excited smile. "Alright, let's get right to it! I can't want to see just what kind of video we can make!"

"Okay, but I'll leave it up to you. I have no clue what I'm doing." Azure explained as Ariana nodded her head with a smile. Ariana then held her chin in thought as she was seemingly deciding about something, to which she open them up and nodded her head. "Okay! We should start at that rocky beach area, it's a perfect place to start!"

"If you say so."

"Yes, that is perfect! Stay sitting like that and I'll get it all ready!"

"Okay...?"

Azure responded with uncertainty as he was now seen sitting atop of a flat rock that was looking towards the ocean, having his left leg straightened out as the other one was bent while he used his arms as support. Riolu was also seen sitting beside Azure as they calmly looked towards the ocean, enjoying the calmness.

Ariana was seen setting up the camera and also the lighting and such along with the help of two of her pokemon, one being a Fennekin, and the other was a Spritzee. Spritzee having the microphone connected to its body as it was flying in the air, the microphone having been directed towards where Azure and Riolu are.

Fennekin was holding onto the light as to make sure it didn't fall over at all, Ariana being the person that was setting the camera up and making sure it was positioned correctly. Azure just did as told and stayed in the position he was with Riolu as Riolu then turned to look up at him with a curious look in his eyes.

[Azure, there's something I've always been curious about]

"Hm? What's up?"

[How did you learn about Nen in the first place? From what you've told me, not everyone in your world has knowledge about how to use their Aura. Some don't even know it exists] Riolu further explained about his question as he then added. [I've just wondered how you had come across Nen in the first place]

"How I came across Nen?" Azure repeated as Riolu nodded his head curiously. Azure held his chin in thought before looking up towards the sky as the calm winds of the ocean caused his hair and clothes to sway gently. "I guess it really all started when I ended up participating in the Hunter Exam. Being where I met both Gon and Killua, which soon lead to me learning Nen from someone else alongside the other two."

[Oh, the Hunter Exam thing that you mentioned! So, it was because of this exam that you came across the existence of Nen?] Riolu asked as Azure nodded his head in response. It was true that he probably never would have learnt about it if he never took the exam. [You told me about how you worked as a Hunter, but what is a Hunter exactly?]

"Well, they're individuals who have proven themselves through the rigorous exam to be elite members of humanity, in a sense." Azure started off as Riolu listened. "With the passing of the Hunter Exam, an applicant is rewarded with a license to go almost anywhere in the world and do almost anything, thus declaring them Hunters."

[Woah, so becoming a Hunter sounds like you would get tons of different privileges] Riolu awed as he listened to the explanation. Hunter did indeed gain many permissions for things normal people don't, so the exam had to be difficult so not everyone can just easily have access to such help. [But, what do Hunters do exactly?]

"Typically, Hunters devote themselves to tracking down priceless items, mystical places, and the unseen wonders of the world. Many other things as well." Azure explained as he stared up at the sky. "It entirely depends on the kind of Hunter that you are. For example, someone who is a Disease or Virus Hunter are Hunters who try to find new elements to cure immedicable diseases."

[Oh, I think I see. So, you Hunters are categories into different kinds of Hunters all going after different things in your career?] Azure responded to this question with a nod of his head as he gave a small sigh. [If that's the case. Then what kind of Hunter are you, Azure? Do you specialise in curing diseases?]

"No, that's not the field that I work under. I've worked under a few, but mainly two particular ones." Azure shook his head as he said this. He didn't exactly know much about such things, that's why he left that sort of stuff to people like Cheadle. "I'm a Hunter that tracks down dangerous and wanted criminals as well as searching the world for scientifically undocumented animals and also animals, and even plants, with questioned existence, thought to be extinct or to not exist entirely. So, I'm both a Blacklist and Beast Hunter."

[Woah, that sounds cool! I wonder what kind of Hunter I could?] Riolu wondered to himself as he listened to Azure's explanation. Riolu could tell these Hunters were kind of like superheroes you would see in books and stuff, and Azure was a prime example for taking down wanted criminals!

"More specifically, I'm a Triple Star Blacklist and Beast Hunter."

[Triple Star?]

"Yeah. It's a rank given to Hunters who have contributed to the association and society in one or more areas. Triple Star being the highest as you have to have accomplished a number of conditions." Azure explained as Riolu had his eyes widened at him. "Being one, I have access to a lot of information even professional Hunters don't have."

[That means you must be a really important and skilled Hunter!] Riolu grinned as he seemed excited about the whole idea. [Just from hearing you talk about these Hunters gives me the idea that even holding the title of a Hunter is an incredible gift!]

"It very much is, that's why they make the Hunter Exams extremely difficult for those that don't know Nen, which is pretty much every applicant as they aren't introduced until after becoming one. The exam is dangerous." Azure said with closed eyes. He then noticed the look Riolu had, a confused one. "The exam is very risky, known for its difficulty if you aren't prepared. When I took it, the majority of the applicants didn't come out alive. Many perished."

[What?! Why would they take the exam if they knew it would be so dangerous that their lives would be put at risk like that?!] Riolu gasped at the explanation as he just couldn't understand the reason for why someone would risk their lives to be a part of something that had such a high chance of death. It didn't make sense!

"It's not as surprising as you would think." Azure replied with a small chuckle. "Considering the incredible factors you attain when becoming a Hunter, the main one being the Hunter's License, you can see how far people are willing to risk themselves just to get one. Some are even desperate enough to resort to killing, blackmailing, and stealing to just get the card."

[That... sounds horrible...]

"That's just how important the Hunter's License is to people, it'll allow them to do many things that they normally can't without major consequences." Azure sighed as he remembered having a few encounters of being threatened if he hadn't handed over his Hunter's License. "A Hunter's life isn't so great sometimes, but I don't regret it a bit."

[What do you mean?] Riolu wondered curiously as he could sense the strange array of emotions that were going through Azure. Azure looked at the pokemon before responding. "There were many points in my life after becoming one that I have come close to losing my life, having felt helpless under the gazes of criminals and monsters that know how to use their Nen very well. I was honestly frightened, along with both Gon and Killua."

Riolu could only stay silent as he listened to Azure, surprise very much present on his face as he could sense the immense power that Azure had under his grasp. If someone as strong as this was frightened when facing others, he could only wonder just how strong they were to actually frighten Azure.

Azure could only remember all the times that he had felt so helpless and useless in battle, one being against the members of the Phantom Troupe, sometimes during his time in Greed Island, and all the way leading up to when they faced off against the immense power of the Chimera Ants. Even beyond that after those events transpired.

He had felt weak.

Useless.

Frightened.

"Even after everything that had happened to me after becoming a Hunter, I cherished every single moment of my life with no regrets. Even if becoming a Hunter had brought me great adversity, there wasn't a single time that I regretted or cursed becoming a Hunter. I love being one, and always will."

[...] Riolu closed his eyes as he listened to Azure's speech. At first, when he heard Azure talk to him about him being a Hunter, he had thought it was incredible, an incredible life that anyone would want. But, even if that was true, there seemed to be that it had its major ups and downs at the same time.

"It hadn't even been that long since I had felt like my life was meeting its end, but I somehow have managed to pull through each and every time." Azure chuckled as certain memories had rushed into his heard, terrifying ones. "But, even if I die, if I die doing what I love, then I will have no regrets when it happens."

[Azure...] Riolu had looked up to Azure as his role model ever since he had first met him all those days ago, and he couldn't help but somehow raise that admiration for the Nen user by even more after hearing his story. He could see through Azure's eyes, he had been through so much in such a short time. Situations beyond comprehension.

"Amazing, absolutely amazing!" Azure and Riolu's attention was suddenly brought to Ariana as she was seen hopping up an down on the spot in excitement as she seemed to have just turned the camera off record mode as the light was turned off. "What an amazing scene to show your coolness! That wind blowing on your hair and clothes just add to it!"

"Wait, you were recording us this entire time?" Azure blinked in surprise as Ariana nodded her head before responding. "Yep! I just had to take the chance to record the scene as I saw such an amazing chance, both of you seemingly so calm, cool, and collected throughout the entire thing! I can totally see the bond between the both of you!"

It seemed that Ariana hadn't heard anything that they were talking about, which was a good thing as he didn't want to have to explain anything to people who didn't need to know that he wasn't from this world. Though, he had not even noticed that she was recording them at all this entire time, not like he actually minded, but still...

"Now, we just need to record the remaining scenes that we need for the video before having you voice over a few lines and have the woman back at the rent area to edit it!" Ariana cheered as both of her pokemon gave their own cries of excitement with her. Riolu and Azure looked at one another and shrugged their shoulders.

"Publishing it? You mean make it public?"

"Of course! It'll allow all kinds of people to see the video that you made." Ariana explained as they were now standing in front of one of the computers that were set up, a progress bar appearing as the video that they had finished getting edited by the person who had lent them the recording equipment was publishing.

It had taken a decent amount of time before they had recorded all the scenes that they needed for Azure's first-ever Pokevision video, along with the need for Azure to voice over a few lines over the video. In the end though, it seems that it came out great as the video looked incredible, the video staring both Azure and Riolu.

"So, what do you want to call it?"

"Hm... I guess something to do with Riolu, so let's go for Aura Flow." Ariana nodded her head in agreement with the name as Riolu and Azure watched as she entered the name into the computer, thus finishing off the progress bar as the video was soon sent onto the Pokevision site. "So, is that all we needed to do?"

"Yep! We just wait for people to view the video and see just how much they like it!" Ariana smiled as she nodded her head with satisfaction. Ariana then looked at both Azure and Riolu as she gained a curious look on her face. "So, you said that you were going after your next gym badge, right? Where are you off to then?"

"Well, we were thinking of heading off towards Geosenge Town and then to Shalour City, we'll take on the gym leader there." Azure responded as he looked down at Riolu, who had nodded his head in agreement as he was back to practising his Nen. "What about you, Ariana? What are you going to do now?"

"W-Well, I'm actually going to be pretty busy with... um, business!" Ariana answered with a bit of hesitation, causing the males to look at one another with suspicion and confusion. Though, they didn't pry at all as they then heard ringing coming from Ariana's purse. "Oh! I better get going, or I'll be late!"

"Oh, if you say so. Good luck with whatever you're doing."

"Same to you! Maybe I'll see you guys some other time!" Ariana responded as she took out her phone and began running towards the entrance of the Pokemon Center, to which she then turned back to face him as she had her phone to her ear. "Good luck with your gym battle! See you another time!"

"Right, see ya!"

[Have a nice day!] Riolu waved as well as they watched as the doors closed after Ariana had exited the building. They both then gave a small sigh as today was a bit more hectic and stressful than they had hoped, they hadn't really expected to have ended up making a video or anything at any point in time. [I wonder when we'll see her again...]

"Who knows? Maybe we'll see her soon, or maybe a good amount of time later." Azure responded with a shrug as he flipped the skateboard he had up into his left hand as Riolu was holding onto his own as well. Azure then faced down towards Riolu. "Anyway, it'll probably take a couple of days to actually get to Shalour City. We're not in a rush so we can train on the way and take our time. You ready to start heading off?"

[Sure, let's get going!]