Aura. Sometimes referred to as ‘life force’, aura is a mysterious binding energy that flows through all aspects of our universe. All things on our planet, both sentient and not, possess life energy. From the smallest tree to the largest mountain of rocks. Rivers and sky, fire and ice, even the tiniest drop of venom. The term life force is now known to be a slight misnomer. It can more accurately be called ‘life energy’.
While it was previously believed that many separate forms of energy exist in the world of pokemon, it has since been discovered that all energies share similar base properties. Thus it can be said that these energies are a form of Aura existing in various states. In this way, it is not unlike water, in that it can exist in different states with different properties.
Everything we see around us is actually derived from what can be thought of as Origin Auras; Aura in its purest form. A ‘true’ form. The campfire you set ablaze is actually a mere shadow of the true force of Fire itself. A freezing glacier is a pale imitation of the force of Ice. In this way, all of the natural world appears to be derived from the Origin Aura’s. Collectively, these states of Aura can be known as ‘Typed Aura’.
Thanks to newly discovered historical texts from ancient Hisui, it is believed that there are eighteen Origin Plates of Aura that exist, corresponding with the eighteen known classifications or ‘types’ of pokemon. These have been found in the forms of various plates, or fragments of plates. If the legends are to be believed, these plates once belonged solely to the one called ‘Firstborn’ or ‘Sinnoh’. These are also known as Creationary Aura. They are said to have their origin in the plates that formed from the chaos at the origin of all existence.
After careful studying of the ‘Infinity Energy’ said to be possessed by pokemon, it was found that the combination of all eighteen individual Auras form Infinity Energy when together.
While many mysteries still remain about Infinity Energy and Aura, it can conclusively be said for now that Aura is the living energy force that binds reality and all living and non-living things together in harmony.
Where Did Aura Come From?
Currently, Aura itself flows through every aspect of reality. However, recent studies suggest Aura did not always exist as a force freely found in the universe, accessible by pokemon. Countless hundreds of thousands of years ago, in the time of the first pokemon to roam the planet and the cosmos, pokemon were simply fantastical creatures, strange and wild beings gifted with unusual prowess or capability.
Through the use of fossil records, dating techniques, and various ancient texts, it is believed our world used to look much different than the one we know today. Pokemon lived as wild and fierce creatures, disconnected and driven by instinct and pursuit of power and survival.
Ancient pokemon did not possess the capability of drawing upon Aura. Instead, they relied upon the natural gifts possessed by their species. Charizard could breathe fire, bugs could use debilitating poisons, and others possessed claws or blades for combat. All pokemon were not equal, and the strongest ruled the weakest, and the weak could not surpass their limits.
The only exceptions were the supposed deity pokemon themselves, god-like creators and protectors of the world. As creations of Arceus, they possessed his ability to harness Aura and manipulate it, as well as utilize unique abilities to form and guide the natural world.
While the circumstances that led to the world becoming filled with aura are not conclusively known, many recent studies on aura have made excellent strides in understanding it better.
Currently, it is believed a single, cataclysmic event led to Aura suddenly emerging into our world and granting pokemon Infinity Energy. Studies suggest humans did not enter the picture until many generations after this.
Infinity Energy, Aura and its Uses
Any being possessing Infinity Energy possesses the ability to draw upon Typed Aura to form ‘techniques’ or moves, as they are commonly known. A technique is simply a stable and replicable channeling of Aura. While rare, it is known to be possible for pokemon to be able to create new techniques, through rigorous practice and training.
This Aura in turn reacts uniquely with the target via their Aural Alignment, either depleting it effectively or ineffectively, or neutrally. Among some trainers, these terms have become colloquially referred to as ‘super-effective’ or ‘not very effective’.
It is through these techniques that pokemon display the unique capability of engaging in a form of sparring wherein the possibility of grievous harm is unlikely or impossible. Groups of wild pokemon have been observed and recorded engaging in this form of combat predating even the appearance of humans. This combat is known to increase a pokemons capacity to wield and defend against aura based attacks, effectively making them stronger in combat.
One such infamous area is Clawmark Hill, located in Alola. Generations of pokemon appear to have used the location as a sacred battleground for ritual combat and tests of strength and willpower. There are many such similar areas across other regions both known and unknown to humans.
While pokemon have confirmed that they enjoy engaging in this form of combat, it has also been observed that pokemon bonded with a human frequently exceed their wild counterparts in both tactics and breadth of experience. It is believed to be one of the primary reasons many pokemon seek out a human partner, to increase their own skill and strength.
Through observation of trained and wild pokemon, it has been determined that the ‘faint’ state a pokemon enters is an entirely natural reflex triggered by a pokemon as a defense mechanism against over exertion. This state is confirmed through various pokemon and human sources to be non-harmful if adequate rest and food is provided after.
The Various States of Aura
As further research was done, a better understanding of the various distinct states of aura was learned. The ancient Legends of the pokemon world are believed to be the primary source of many of these forms, as well as certain other pokemon.
The first known form is Gaia energy, known more commonly in this era as Mega energy. This form of Aura is wielded by the Legends of Kalos history, Xerneas, Yveltal and Zygarde. It is said that in the moment between life and death, a pokemon can surpass its own limits. This power, which has been observed in Zygarde, can be harnessed by Pokemon to greatly enhance their power and sometimes physical appearance.
However, such power is known to be overwhelming for a pokemon to wield and requires a stabilizer in the form of a keystone, synergy stone, or other stabilizing element, often wielded by a human. Rowan, prominent professor in the Sinnoh region, and Sycamore, are currently studying the ties between Gaia and phenomena such as bond and synchro evolution.
The next form is known as Z-Aura or Ultra-Light, also referred to as Z-Energy. Ancient Alolan texts suggest the great Light Dragon (see footnote on Necrozma and its forms), granted this energy. It is known that tapping into this ‘light’ and directing it can affect or enhance a pokemons ‘techniques’. However, it is believed it is almost impossible for a Pokemon to direct or access this without the aid of a human.
Despite previous theories, Eternatus was recently proved to indeed be a pokemon. As such, it has been discovered it possesses the attributes of a pokemon, including Infinity Energy and the ability to manipulate Aura. Its particles have a unique effect on beings possessing Infinity Energy that is believed to be similar to Gaia energy, and also appears to have a distortional effect when used in large quantities. It has been dubbed Dyna Energy, and its effects are still being studied.
The final form of aura currently known is a strange phenomenon known as ‘terastalization’, which temporarily alters or enhances a pokemon’s internal Aural Alignment. Further studies are still being done on the origins and uses of this form of aura. At current, it is known that through the use of what appears to be crystallized energy, a pokemon can effectively shift its own Aura Alignment via manifesting this energy in the form of a sort of ‘shell’ around itself.
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Despite all the progress that has been made in the past century alone, much more is still being uncovered about the properties of Aura, Infinity Energy, and the world around us. Our understanding of it is constantly changing as Aura itself appears to shift and change in response to the world around us. As long as humans and pokemon continue to keep an open mind, the possibilities we can achieve are truly be infinite.
