"That's right. You both know that here in the Kalos region, we've been researching Pokémon Mega Evolution for a long time. But until now, there hasn't been any groundbreaking progress. The young man who's coming here today—his understanding of Mega Evolution is beyond what most people could even imagine. In fact, the reason Mega Stones and Key Stones can now be sold on such a large scale… the greatest credit goes to him."
Professor Sycamore spoke slowly as he introduced the situation to Clemont and Bonnie.
He himself was full of anticipation for Ash's arrival.
"Wow, so amazing! See, I told you, big brother. He's way more impressive than you—totally reliable, unlike you."
Bonnie was already in her usual mode of teasing her brother.
Clemont nodded seriously. Indeed… this was someone truly extraordinary.
No wonder Sycamore had even invited reporters from the television station.
Outside the research lab, after getting Ash's permission, Sycamore had arranged for several Pokémon TV reporters to be there to interview him.
By now, Ash had already walked into the courtyard of the research lab with Pikachu at his side.
The door opened.
"Welcome, Ash. Professor Oak has already told me about you."
Sycamore's eyes lit up the moment he saw Ash—this boy's presence was striking. Tall, sun-kissed skin, and most of all, those bright, determined eyes.
"Hello, Professor Sycamore. I'm Ash from Pallet Town in the Kanto region, and this is my partner, Pikachu. Professor Oak asked me to send his regards."
"Pika, pika!"
Almost instantly, Bonnie's attention was completely captured by the adorable Pikachu.
"So cute! This one's called Pikachu, right, big brother?"
Ash glanced at the siblings with a friendly smile, and soon enough, they'd all exchanged introductions.
When Bonnie heard that Ash had just arrived in Kalos and was currently traveling alone, she immediately suggested that her brother should join him.
She insisted her brother was too unreliable on his own—he'd do better with Ash around.
Ash already had a good impression of Clemont from the original timeline, and besides, traveling with two or three companions was always more fun. So, he gladly agreed.
"Professor, can your Garchomp Mega Evolve yet?" Ash asked.
"We're still working on it—it can't Mega Evolve yet. The bond of trust and closeness still isn't quite enough," Sycamore admitted with a shake of his head, then proceeded to give Ash a brief overview of the various Kalos cities and which ones had Pokémon Gyms.
"Alright, Ash, that's the general idea. Now, could you please help me out and speak with those reporters who've been waiting so long?"
Sycamore's tone was polite but hopeful. Ash nodded without hesitation—this was no trouble at all.
This was a live interview, broadcast in real-time across Kalos on the show Pokémon: Notable People and Events.
…
Kalos Region – Vaniville Town
In a modest home lived a woman named Grace, a professional Rhyhorn racer.
Grace had a daughter—Serena.
Grace loved watching Pokémon: Notable People and Events. As a fiercely competitive woman, she enjoyed seeing these inspirational stories about outstanding trainers, as if they were fuel for her own spirit.
And today, Grace was watching as usual.
Right at that moment, the program showed an interview with Ash.
"This boy is really something… So many professors in Kalos couldn't solve the problem of Mega Evolution, yet he managed to break through it single-handedly. I should have Serena come down and watch this too."
"Fletch!"
A little Fletchling was perched on her shoulder.
"Fletchling, go wake Serena up. She's still sleeping at this hour? The sun's practically warmed her backside by now."
"Fletch!"
Fletchling chirped and quickly flew upstairs.
"Fletch! Fletch!"
Upstairs, Serena was still fast asleep in her room.
The sunlight poured onto her blanket. Fletchling hopped up to her and gave her a few light pecks.
"Ugh, alright, alright, I'm getting up. Geez… ruining my sweet dreams first thing in the morning."
She stretched lazily, her graceful curves outlined in the morning light, and yawned.
Her mother's voice called from downstairs.
"Serena, come look at this boy. He's your age, and already so accomplished!"
Grace's lecture had begun.
She always hoped Serena would take over the family's Rhyhorn racing work. That's why she wanted her daughter to watch and learn from the most outstanding people her age—to be inspired.
Serena groaned and pulled the blanket over her head. Mom was always like this.
And when Serena still didn't come down, Grace simply turned the TV volume up to maximum.
From upstairs, Serena could faintly hear:
"Ash, the young man who solved the mystery of Pokémon Mega Evolution… I can't believe you're so young! Tell me, in your daily life…"
She didn't catch the rest, but the name Ash made Serena's heart skip.
For some reason, she felt a strange certainty… as if this person was connected to her in some way.
Almost without thinking, she went downstairs—she had to see who this Ash was.
And wouldn't you know it—right at that moment, the camera cut to a close-up of Ash's face.
"Ah? Could it be… he's that boy?"
In an instant, Serena was pulled back into a childhood memory—when she was only a few years old, at a summer camp.
She had chased after a Poliwag and gotten separated from the group. Then she lost sight of the Poliwag, and with no one around, she tripped and hurt her leg.
It was Ash who found her.
He used his own handkerchief to bandage her knee, then helped her find her way back to the others.
"As long as you don't give up, you'll succeed."
His words from back then echoed in her mind.
Serena stared at the TV, watching Ash's interview all the way through. She learned that his next goal was to challenge the Kalos Pokémon League.
And in that moment, she made up her mind.
She would go find him.
Not only to finally say the "thank you" that had been over ten years late… but also to travel with him.
Somehow, she just knew—this would be the start of something truly exciting.
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T/N:
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