"I found it on a mountain. This thing isn't exclusive to the Kalos region — it actually exists in other regions too. But Kalos was where most Mega Stones were first discovered. Sadly, it's unlikely you'd find one there now."
Seeing Cynthia's growing excitement, Ash explained patiently. The Kalos region had indeed been the first to uncover Mega Stones — and for a time, there were plenty of them. Unfortunately, most have long since been used.
Mega Stones, after all, can only be used a limited number of times. That limit depends on the energy contained within the stone itself. When they were first discovered, people in Kalos didn't even realize there was a limit.
Although modern technology is advanced, it still can't properly analyze elemental energy — at least, not the kind that flows between humans and Pokémon. Scientific tools can measure energy sources, yes, but that's not the same as understanding Pokémon power.
Because no one knew how many times a Mega Stone could be used, people in Kalos kept using them carelessly — until someone noticed that after repeated use, the stones began to shatter. That discovery made it clear: Mega Stones aren't infinite. Their power fades with time and use.
And Mega Evolution isn't something that happens just by using a stone. It requires a strong bond between Trainer and Pokémon — that's the true key. In a way, Mega Evolution is the ultimate test of their friendship.
"Other regions have them too? Come on, Ash, you're kidding, right? You know as well as I do that, so far, Mega Stones have only been found in Kalos."
"And with the region locked down, no one can even travel there anymore. Something happened there, though we don't know what. Unfortunately, our network doesn't reach Kalos, so we haven't heard any updates."
Cynthia's tone was doubtful, and Ash could only scratch his head. He hadn't expected that the Mega Stone he found for his Beedrill might be the first one discovered outside Kalos.
"I don't really know the details," Ash admitted. "I just found it while hiking in the ancient mountains. I actually tripped over it. When I picked it up, I didn't think it was anything special."
Even though he now realized how rare it was, Ash wasn't overly excited. After all, raising a Beedrill strong enough for Mega Evolution would take time and patience.
In truth, Cynthia wasn't completely wrong — Mega Stones did exist in other regions, but most people kept them secret. After all, who would publicly announce that they had one?
"Anyway," Cynthia said suddenly, changing the topic, "let's talk about something else. Grandpa helped find that Ralts egg for you. Grandma got it from one of her friends — she said it has incredible potential."
Since both Cynthia and Sabrina were now considered Ash's partners, they had started using more familiar names around him — though not without some initial embarrassment.
Cynthia had adapted quickly, but Sabrina… not so much. Though she accepted the relationship, she still struggled with intimacy, taking her time to open up.
"Really?"
Ash's face lit up. He immediately dashed toward Skye Draconis's study. Seeing his childlike enthusiasm, Cynthia smiled softly.
Ash's fascination with Pokémon was endless. Even after more than ten years in this world, he still felt the same curiosity he once had as a boy watching them on TV. And this world held countless Pokémon beyond Kanto — creatures he hadn't even dreamed of meeting yet.
"Grandpa! Where's the Ralts egg?"
Ash burst into the room where Skye Draconis was playing chess with Professor Oak.
"In a rush again, are you?" Skye said with mock irritation. "Go ask your grandmother — she's the one holding onto it."
Without waiting for another word, Ash hurried to the bedroom. Inside, he found Yuko Draconis carefully polishing a pale green-and-white egg.
"Ash, you're back. Look — this is the egg you wanted," Yuko said warmly, handing it to him.
The egg was smooth and faintly glowing, its colors swirling between mint green and white. When it hatched, it would likely be a Ralts — destined to evolve into Kirlia, and one day into the elegant and powerful Gardevoir.
"Thank you, Grandma," Ash said, his voice full of excitement as he gently cradled the egg. He could feel the faint pulse of life within it — a sign of its strong vitality.
Gardevoir was truly a remarkable Pokémon. Ralts began as a timid, childlike creature, growing into the graceful Kirlia — and finally, the majestic Gardevoir, often seen as a noble and protective guardian.
"Ash, you don't need to get that excited," Sabrina said calmly, glancing up from a nearby table where she was reviewing psychic research notes with Suzie.
"There are plenty of strong Psychic-types here in Kanto."
Suzie, curious as ever, looked up from her notes as well. Having only traveled within Kanto, she had never seen a Gardevoir before — and Sabrina, who'd lived in isolation for much of her life, hadn't either.
"Hahaha! If you saw Gardevoir yourself, you'd want one too. Go ahead — take a look," Ash said with a grin, tossing over his Pokédex.
Sabrina and Suzie both looked puzzled, unsure why Ash seemed so amused.
Ash's Pokédex wasn't just any standard model — it was a complete national version, containing data on Pokémon from every known region. He'd compiled and updated it using the vast resources of Professor Oak's lab.
Still, even with such an extensive database, Ash preferred learning through direct experience. Seeing and understanding a Pokémon firsthand always meant more to him than any entry on a screen. That's why he rarely used the Pokédex unless necessary.
As the device flew through the air, Sabrina's eyes glowed faintly blue. With a thought, she used her psychic power to stop it midair and gently floated it into her hands.
...
TN:
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