Ao was certainly an enigmatic Pokémon. Even after months of bonding with the Mauville Gym Leader and fighting with him in mounted combat, the Roaring Moon at times had a mind of his own, wrenching control from Josh and flying where he wanted to. The Paradox Pokémon's strength was immense, beyond even that of Yosei, his Salamence. While Ao (pronounced "ow") had grown beyond outright hurting Josh, whether it be by thrashing him within his cocoon or clawing at him, the Roaring Moon and his trainer had yet to truly ride as one. With how little was known about the Salamence look-alike, that level of trust may not come into being for a long time yet.

Several passers-by at Mauville's north gate whistled toward their Leader's Pokémon, Ao each looking ready to lift a passenger or two into the sky. Yosei was not so ready; the TRUANT Salamence curled up and kicked back, lazily watching several frolicking wild Pokémon at play. One of those expected passers-by, Sierra Benoit , was to show up any minute now...