Aura (Zeon1)

Aura (Japanese: 波導/はどう, Nami Shirube/Hadou, lit. "wave-guiding") is the life energy of all living things within the Pokémon world as it is presented within Generation ζ and Pokémon ANT. The ability to sense and utilize aura is largely believed to have been taught to humans by Pokémon, as even to this day they have a far stronger connection to it. Pokémon moves such as Aura Sphere, Heal Pulse, and Dragon Pulse are believed to be made primarily up of Aura. While humans could initially use it in the form of Aura Guardians, they are a breed that has died out in the present day. However, trainers who have a strong bond with an Aura-using Pokémon appear capable of sensing and using it, such as Sage, who managed to eventually project his own Aura Sphere, as well as Murtaugh and Volundr, who both possess the ability to sense and use it to some extent. Xhaiden has been shown to have some limited control over Aura as well.

Aura is described as a wave, in a manner akin to sound, that grants the user a select amount of abilities. The most unique of these appears to be the ability to sense the aura of others, as each living thing has a different aura type exclusive to them and them only. Going along with this, the color of a being's aura appears to differ, allowing them to picked out of a crowd by sight (even if in disguise) by a skilled Aura user if they are familiar with the Aura color of their target. The ability to sense the Aura of all things also allows the user to effectively "see" even when blindfolded or blinded. At times, one can even peer through objects in order to locate a desired Aura, though this is a rare occurrence and is usually the result of extensive training or pure dumb luck. In general, however, the most commonly used skill that can be accomplished with Aura is the ability to project it in battle. This can range from energy blasts to defensive barriers that can even hold back attacks from much more powerful humans and Pokémon. Interestingly, while Aura's color is said to differ from living thing to living thing, when projected and used in battle it generally takes on a blue shade with a much lighter center. It also appears possible to transfer aura from one being to another, though at the risk of the performer's life. Humans and their Pokémon can also bond closer through their shared Aura, allowing them to achieve Mega Evolution with at times a greater amount of ease than their counterparts. However, if dissonance occurs between the two's Auras, that Evolution can fall apart until the issue is remedied.

Aura is not without its faults. As a wave, the closest thing it has been compared to is sound, and therefore many options that would block out sound have proven effective against Aura users. Cutting the airspace around them appears to be the most effective method, though more creative options. In her first Pokémon battle with Sage, Fayanna used her Gardevoir's Confusion to disrupt the air around him and Aladdin, his Lucario, distorting the aura that they received and effectively giving them false signals, then making use of it to deliver a variety of surprise attacks that proved devestating. In addition, Aura appears to have some amount of relative strength, as when two Aura-based attacks or Auras in general clash, the one that is "stronger" will almost always win over its opponent.

In extremely rare cases, various materials can be encountered that prevent their holder's Aura from being sensed by others.

Trivia

 * The basic design of Aura in Generation ζ is based around all the different depications of Aura throughout the Pokémon franchise, with the exception of how it is used within the Super Smash Bros. game series.