Previously our heroes were attacked by two mysterious individuals, and were then protected by a Froakie. But the bubble frog pokemon was injured in the process. To help Froakie, Ash carried it to Professor Sycamore's Lab, following Bonnie who showed him the way.
"Professor Sycamore!" Ash's voice cracked as it echoed across the empty lobby. "Somebody, please! Froakie needs help!"
Footsteps echoed down the corridor. A girl appeared, moving quickly into the hall. She looked about Ash's age, with honey-blonde hair cascading past her shoulders and sapphire eyes that caught the sunlight. She froze for the briefest moment when her gaze landed on Ash — some strange flicker of familiarity crossing her face — but then her attention snapped to Froakie.
"Oh no..." she gasped, hurrying closer. "Quick, lay him on that table."
Ash didn't hesitate. He set Froakie down on the nearest polished surface, stepping aside as the girl pulled on light gloves she kept tucked in her apron pocket. Her hands moved fast but gentle, brushing over Froakie's bruised side and listening to his shallow breathing.
"He's weak," she murmured, brow furrowed. "But it's not too late." Her tone shifted, calm and decisive. "We need to treat him right away."
Ash's heart hammered. "Can you help him?"
The girl nodded firmly. "Of course! I'll take care of him."
Another figure arrived from the side passage — a blunette with neat bobbed hair and square glasses, balancing a tray of medical supplies.
"Serena, here," the newcomer said briskly.
"Thanks, Sophie." Serena accepted the supplies without breaking focus. Together the two began their work: Serena gently applying antiseptic while Sophie readied potion vials and gauze. Their teamwork was fluid, practiced — a rhythm that left Ash standing helplessly at the edge of the table, fists tight at his sides.
The door to the professor's office opened then, and Sycamore himself emerged, tall and composed in his white coat, his smile fading into concern when he spotted Froakie. "Froakie, we've all been worried about you! Your trainer has been in recent contact with us!"
"Thanks professor. We've been really worried about Froakie too. Ash spoke with gratitude. "So, is Froakie's trainer coming back to take him back?"
The professor's mood turned solemn as he responded. "I'm afraid not. Froakie's trainer contacted us to let us know he wanted to give up on Froakie."
"Pika pi?" "What?" Both Ash and Pikachu expressed their shock. Why would someone give up on such a powerful and loyal pokemon?
Just then the doors to the lab opened up again, and Clemont walked in, huffing and puffing, as he collapsed to his knees. Bonnie walked up to him and chided. "You're so slow!"
But Clemont, more worried about Froakie, asked about its condition. "How's Froakie?"
[Line Break]
Serena carefully pressed a damp cloth along Froakie's side before applying potion drops across his bruises. Sophie monitored his pulse and breathing with a handheld device, murmuring vitals under her breath.
Ash hovered nearby, his eyes never leaving Froakie. "Is... is he going to be okay?" His voice cracked despite his effort to stay calm.
Serena glanced up, her earlier focus softening into reassurance. "He's stable now. He'll need time to rest, but he'll recover." Her blue eyes lingered on Ash's worried expression, and she felt a faint tug in her chest. Whoever this boy was, he cared deeply.
Ash let out a breath, shoulders sagging in relief. Pikachu climbed onto the table, curling protectively beside Froakie, his tail flicking nervously.
"Thanks," Ash said quietly, turning his gaze back to Serena. "You... you really saved him."
Professor Sycamore walked from behind and spoke in a confident tone. "You don't have to worry about anything. Sophie and Serena are the absolute best at what they do here."
He then led the group towards the lobby and seated them on the couch before introducing himself. "I'm professor Sycamore. I'm a pokemon researcher working her win the Kalos region."
"Nice to meet you professor, my name is Ash, and this is my partner Pikachu." Ash introduced himself and his partner.
"I'm Bonnie, and this is my brother Clemont.""It's an honour to meet you professor Sycamore." The siblings followed and introduced themselves.
"It's marvellous to meet you all." The professor let a smile appear on his face. "And I must thank you for saving Froakie."
"The truth is, Froakie saved us." Ash replied, nervously rubbing under his nose, but his face soured as he remembered something. "But why would someone give up on such a strong pokemon?"
Serena returned just at that moment, and her gaze continued to flutter between the past and the present. Something stirred faintly in her memory — a summer camp, a boy with a cap who had offered her a hand when she'd fallen. Could it be him? Her heart skipped, but she quickly pushed the thought away.
She took her seat across the table, and responded. "Froakie are one of the starter trio for the Kalos Region. However this Froakie is a little different. You see, it doesn't always listen to the commands of its trainers. There have been times when Froakie simply ran away because it didn't like its trainer. Many have come back to us to return Froakie."
The trio were shocked to listen to Serena's account. "You mean more than one?" Ash asked in disbelief. He remembered his own struggles with his Charizard. It took him a long time to gain Charizard's trust, but now they were unstoppable.
Professor Sycamore let out a hollow smile. "I'm sure there's a reason Froakie behaves like that."
"I've heard of new trainers having trouble with their first pokemon, but it seemed too farfetched to belive." Clemont spoke out.
Bonnie let out a sad sigh. "Froakie must have had a really hard life then."
"Gab Gab!" Right then they were interrupted by the hoarse call of a pokemon from behind. Everyone turned around to find a Garchomp watching Froakie from behind the glasses in worry.
"Cool, a Garchomp!" Ash exclaimed, as everyone got up and walked towards the mach pokemon. The professor rubbed his hand over Garchomp's head while it responded bashfully.
"Garchomp is a pokemon that lives in the lab, she's like a protector for all the other pokemon here." The professor explained.
"Wow, can I pet her too?" Bonnie asked, immediately resorting to baby doll eyes.
"Of course." Professor Sycamore nodded as he hoisted the little girl. Bonnie proceeded to pet Garchomp on the head, and the mach pokemon let out delightful grunts.
Seeing Garchomp reminded Ash of his own Gabite. He had caught it as a little Gible that simply loved to chomp on stuff.
Ash turned to Professor Sycamore. "Professor... do you have a transfer machine here?"
Sycamore tilted his head. "Yes, of course. Why do you ask?"
"I want to call Professor Oak. There's a Pokémon I want with me here in Kalos."
The professor nodded with understanding and guided Ash toward the console near his office. "Right this way."
Moments later he was in touch with professor Oak. "Ah Ash my boy. I see you're doing well." He expressed jovially.
Just then a pokemon walked into the frame and started nibbling on the professor's head. Ash and Pikachu instantly recognised Gabite and exclaimed joyfully. "Pika Pi!" "Gabite, I was looking for you!"
Hearing his trainer's voice Gabite left the professor's head and stared into the screen in joy. "What do you say buddy? Want to join us here in Kalos?"
"Gab Gab!" The cave pokemon growled in excitement.
Ash then looked towards professor Oak. "Well then professor, could you send him over?"
Professor Oak, who had just been a victim of Gabite's playful chomps rubbed his head and retrieved a pokeball. "Get ready Ash, Gabite's coming right your way!"
Moments later, the pokeball materialised in the transfer pod, gleaming under the lab lights. Ash held it close, smiling. "He's here professor! Thanks, I'll see you later!"
Before rejoining the others, Ash stole a quiet moment at Froakie's bedside. The Bubble Frog Pokémon stirred faintly as Ash knelt beside him, Pikachu hopping down to sit at his shoulder.
"Hey, Froakie..." Ash spoke gently, his voice low and earnest. "You're really strong. The way you protected us back there... it was awesome. Pikachu and I—" Pikachu nodded with a soft "Pika"— "we'd be lucky to have a Pokémon like you as our friend."
For a heartbeat, Froakie's eyes cracked open, faintly glimmering. Then he drifted back into rest, his breathing steadier. Ash clenched his fists, resolve burning brighter.
[Line Break]
Out in the backyard, Serena and Sycamore showed Bonnie around the gardens, where flocks of Fletchling swooped between branches and playful Skiddo grazed peacefully. Clemont trailed behind, his notebook out, scribbling observations about Sycamore's caretaking methods.
Bonnie laughed, chasing after a spritely Ralts that teleported circles around her. "This place is amazing!" she beamed. Serena smiled faintly at the sight, though her eyes strayed back toward the lab, where Ash was.
Soon, Ash joined the others outside. The sun cast a golden glow across the garden as he tossed the Poké Ball high into the air. "Come on out, Gabite!"
The Cave Pokémon emerged with a roar—only to immediately chomp down on Ash's head.
"Gaaah! Gabite, knock it off!" Ash flailed as Pikachu panicked.
Serena gasped, half rising to her feet. Clemont and Bonnie looked on with wide eyes.
Before panic could spread further, Garchomp lumbered over, growling lightly. With a single swat of her claw, she pried Gabite off Ash's head and gave him a scolding glare. Gabite grumbled but quickly straightened, puffing his chest.
Then, almost playfully, the two Dragon-types locked eyes—before launching skyward in a whirlwind of speed, circling above the lab in a dazzling display of power.
"Unbelievable..." Clemont whispered, adjusting his glasses.
Ash, rubbing his sore head, laughed. "That's Gabite for you."
But Serena's gaze lingered on him, half worried, half curious. He really was reckless... but there was something admirable in how deeply he connected with his Pokémon.
Clemont faced professor Sycamore. "Professor, I heard that you research pokemon evolution."
Sycamore's smile returned, calm and proud. "Indeed. But not just ordinary evolution. My studies are on Mega Evolution — a phenomenon where certain Pokémon can reach even greater forms, beyond their usual limits."
Clemont's eyes gleamed behind his glasses. "Mega Evolution? I've read fragments of papers about it... but it's still considered a mystery, isn't it?"
Sycamore clasped his hands behind his back, watching Garchomp and Gabite soar overhead. "A mystery, yes, but one that may hold the key to understanding the true bond between Pokémon and their trainers."
The professor smiled warmly. "Mega Evolution is a rare phenomenon where certain Pokémon, under the right conditions, can evolve beyond their final forms — not permanently, but in battle. It requires incredible trust and a powerful connection between Pokémon and trainer, along with a special stone known as a Key Stone, and the corresponding Mega Stone for the Pokémon."
Serena's sapphire eyes widened. "So... it's like unlocking hidden potential?"
"Exactly." Sycamore nodded. "Imagine a Pokémon you've raised, one who knows your heart as you know theirs. Through that bond, you ignite a strength far greater than either of you could achieve alone. Mega Evolution is proof that bonds are the true foundation of growth."
Ash's hands balled into fists, excitement brimming in his voice. "That sounds amazing! I wanna see it for myself one day!"
Pikachu chirped in agreement, eyes shining with anticipation.
Clemont adjusted his glasses again, scribbling furiously in his notebook. "If it's temporary, then the evolutionary mechanism must be completely different from normal. A resonant energy feedback loop, perhaps..." He muttered more theories to himself, lost in the possibilities.
Bonnie's eyes sparkled as she tugged at Serena's sleeve. "Serena, wouldn't it be cool if Pikachu could Mega Evolve?"
Serena smiled at her enthusiasm. "No silly, Pikachu can still evolve into Raichu, so it cannot mega evolve." She ruffled Bonnie's hair, but her gaze wandered back to Ash. The way his eyes lit up when Sycamore spoke of bonds... she could see how deeply it resonated with him. He really believed in that connection with his Pokémon.
Sycamore let out a soft chuckle. "I see that you're all intrigued. Mega Evolution is rare, but the Kalos region has seen traces of it more than any other. Perhaps, if fate is kind, you may witness it during your journey."
Ash nodded, determination already shining in his eyes. "Then I'll definitely see it! I want to understand it — and I want to get strong enough to fight alongside my Pokémon at that level."
Professor Sycamore was about to continue, but they were interrupted by an anguished roar.
[Line Break]
Outside the lab, Jessie, James, and Meowth stepped forward in disguises, clad in pristine white coats and false spectacles.
"Fellow researchers, we're researcher reporting for duty!" Jessie announced dramatically.
James adjusted his fake glasses. "We heard a very rare specimen was just transferred here."
"Yeah, and it'll be ours before long!" Meowth cackled.
Their eyes locked on Gabite, who had just landed beside Ash.
"Now's our chance," Jessie hissed, pulling a sleek capsule from her coat.
With a mechanical click, she hurled it. A high-tech collar, gleaming with blue circuitry, shot through the air.
However Garchomp leapt in the way, protecting Gabite. The device clamped around her neck with a sinister snap, glowing an ominous red.
Garchomp roared, her eyes flashing with confusion and pain. The ground trembled beneath her claws as energy surged through her body, and she let out Hyper Beam in random directions.
Hearing the commotion, the group walked out to see that there was a collar around Garchomp's neck, which was causing her to rampage.
"Garchomp No!" Serena and professor Sycamore cried out, while Ash glared at Team Rocket, his eyes showing a glint of hatred.
However before a confrontation could break out, a stray Hyper Beam from Garchomp sent the trio flying off into the sky.
"Hey look at Garchomp's neck!" Clemont pointed out to the collar that was crackling with red electricity.
"It's from those people!" Sophie spat out angrily.
Meanwhile Garchomp continued to let out stray attacks. Deep inside, she knew that if she stayed, then she would hurt her friends. So the next instant she took to the air, smashing through the roof of the lab and flying off into the distance.
Sophie's voice trembled with urgency as she explained, "Garchomp jumped in to protect Gabite, that collar wasn't meant for her!"
Ash clenched his fists, his teeth grinding as he glared at the empty sky where Team Rocket had vanished. "I really don't get why they keep following me! And using something like that on Garchomp!" His anger burned hot, and Pikachu growled beside him, cheeks sparking.
Bonnie tugged at Clemont's sleeve, her small voice quivering. "But Garchomp... she must be so scared right now..."
Serena's gaze drifted to Ash. She had never seen anyone so furious, not for himself, but for a Pokémon in pain. She herself was just as cross with Team Rocket, especially since Garchomp was a pokemon she cared for in the lab.
[Line Break]
The city was bathed in orange glow as panic filled the streets. Cars jammed intersections, horns blaring as Officer Jenny shouted orders through a megaphone. "Everyone evacuate! Stay away from Prism Tower!"
Above, the news chopper circled, its camera zooming in on Garchomp. She clutched at her collar, thrashing in agony, firing Hyper Beams wildly. Each strike sent shockwaves through the tower, glass raining down onto the streets.
Ash sprinted through the crowd, Pikachu at his side, Froakie bounding determinedly behind, and Gabite growling in protective stride. Serena kept pace with him, her honey-blonde hair catching the fiery light of the setting sun.
Clemont and Bonnie rushed after them, though Clemont panted with each step.
"I'm going to calm Garchomp down!" Ash shouted over the chaos.
Serena's eyes hardened with determination. "Then I'm going with you!"
Clemont grabbed at their sleeves. "Wait, that's too dangerous! Garchomp isn't in control! You could be hurt!"
Ash spun to face him, his voice fierce. "No! Garchomp's the one in danger! If we don't help her, she'll just keep suffering!"
Clemont froze. Ash's conviction, blazing like fire, ignited something inside him. He nodded calmly. "You're right... then I'll help however I can!"
"The future is now thanks to science! Activate! Aipom Arm!" A mechanical arm extended from his backpack, its claws clicking as it reached the back entrance of Prism Tower. With a hiss of gears, the door lock popped open.
Ash and Serena dashed inside, Pikachu and Froakie at their heels.
Before Gabite could follow them inside, the ceiling groaned and a cascade of debris tumbled down, sealing him, Clemont and Bonnie off from the others.
"Serena! Ash!" Bonnie cried, pounding against the stone.
"Don't worry!" Clemont gritted his teeth, forcing his Aipom Arm to lift the wreckage while Gabite protected Bonnie. "I'll get us through. You two just... save Garchomp!"
[Line Break]
From the helicopter's perspective, the camera zoomed in. Viewers across Kalos watched as two small figures climbed the inner scaffolding of Prism Tower.
"They're climbing to the roof! Could they be Garchomp's trainers?" the reporter speculated breathlessly.
Miles away, in a quiet home, Grace stared at her television in shock. Her daughter's figure was unmistakable, hair fluttering in the wind beside a boy in a cap. Grace pressed her hands together.
"Serena... please be safe." Her eyes softened as memories returned — a younger Serena at summer camp, smiling shyly at the boy who offered her his hand. And now, that same boy was by her side again.
Ash and Serena emerged onto the rooftop just as Garchomp let out another desperate roar, the collar's red light flaring.
"Garchomp, please!" Serena called, her voice trembling yet firm. "You're not alone! We're here for you!"
"Fight it, Garchomp!" Ash shouted, dodging a crackling Hyper Beam as the roof shuddered. "We know you don't want to hurt anyone!"
Pikachu barked out, "Pika pi!" and "Fro Froakie!" Froakie croaked sharply, throwing out frubbles to shield Ash and Serena from falling debris. Gabite flew up and shielded his trainer from the attacks as well. He growled loudly at his elder, trying to reach her with sheer will.
For a fleeting moment, Garchomp's wild eyes softened — she heard them.
But the collar sparked violently, forcing her body into a spiral. She lost footing on the tower's edge, claws scraping against steel.
"Garchomp NO!" Serena gasped.
In that instant, Froakie hurled a net of frubbles, anchoring her just long enough to steady her fall.
"Now, Pikachu!" Ash cried.
"Pika—CHU!" Pikachu's tail glowed like silver lightning as he leapt, slashing through the collar with Iron Tail.
With a final spark, the collar shattered, clattering into useless pieces. The red light died. Garchomp's eyes cleared. She let out a relieved, weary cry.
Ash and Serena fell to their knees, breathless but overjoyed. "We did it..." Serena whispered.
Without thinking, Ash threw his arms around her, both of them laughing shakily as relief washed over them.
Pikachu bounded towards Ash's chest. "You were amazing, buddy!"
But before they could savor the moment, the tower groaned. Cracks splintered beneath the mouse pokemon's feet.
"Pika?!" Pikachu yelped as the steel plate gave way beneath him. He slipped, tumbling into open air.
"Pikachu!" Ash screamed, instinct taking over. Without hesitation, he dove straight off the tower after him, and tucked him protectively within his arms
"ASH!" Serena's voice cracked, terror ripping through her chest as she and Froakie lunged toward the edge.
The camera from the helicopter zoomed in on the boy's plummet, the city watching in collective horror.
Ash tumbled through the air, the wind screaming in his ears as he reached for Pikachu. His heart raced — but then a sudden burst of fiery light cut through the twilight sky.
A shadow streaked past him, faster than he could follow. Strong arms caught both him and Pikachu mid-fall, the air swirling with heat.
"Wha—?!" Ash gasped as he clutched onto the figure's chest.
It was a Pokémon he had never seen before — tall and fierce, feathers blazing with crimson and gold, its wrists flaring with fire as it soared on powerful legs that kicked against the wind itself. Pikachu blinked wide-eyed, clinging to Ash as the Pokémon descended with flawless control.
They touched down gently on the plaza below. The Pokémon released Ash and Pikachu, then launched upward again in a single bound, landing atop a building across from Prism Tower.
Ash pointed, his voice trembling with awe. "That Pokémon... what is it?"
Professor Sycamore arrived just in time, his eyes widening with almost childlike wonder. "Incredible... That was a Mega Blaziken!"
As if in answer, the glow surrounding the Pokémon flickered and vanished. The extra height and markings dissolved, its form returning to that of a regular Blaziken. It stood proud for only a moment before turning away, leaping into the shadows between rooftops.
Ash called out after it. "Thank you, Blaziken!" Pikachu raised a paw, echoing a heartfelt, "Pika!"
Sycamore's voice quivered with excitement. "Marvelous... to witness Mega Evolution with my own eyes... This is exactly the topic of my research!" His hand clutched at his coat pocket as though reaching for a notebook, though his gaze never left the building where Blaziken had vanished.
The sun rose gently over Lumiose City, its rays spilling through the windows of Sycamore's Lab. Inside, Ash stirred awake on the couch, Pikachu curled up against his chest. Clemont yawned loudly, his glasses slipping as Bonnie stretched and rubbed her eyes. Serena tied back her honey-blonde hair, quiet but thoughtful.
"It was a wreck in there!" Professor Sycamore yawned out loud.
"Yeah, but I slept like a log!" Ash sat up, determination in his eyes. "Now that everything's settled... I think it's time. I'm ready to start my journey in Kalos."
His gaze turned towards Serena, while the memory of a little girl in straw hat played at the back of his mind. He wondered if she was that same little girl, and it caused a stir within his heart.
"Hey Serena, why don't you join us?" He asked, his face circling between nervousness and excitement.
Serena hesitated for a moment, then turned toward the professor. "Professor Sycamore... would it be alright if I... if I joined Ash on his journey?" Her sapphire eyes flicked briefly toward Ash, then away again.
Sycamore's smile was warm. "Of course, Serena. A journey shared is always richer."
Bonnie tugged at Clemont's sleeve, her voice bubbling with excitement. "If Serena's going, then let's go too, Clemont! Please?"
Clemont stammered, caught between logic and his sister's wide-eyed plea. "...I suppose... it wouldn't hurt. Traveling together may actually be... efficient."
Bonnie beamed. "Yay! We're coming too!"
Ash grinned. "Awesome! The more, the merrier!"
But before they could set out, Professor Sycamore cleared his throat. "There's one more thing, Serena. If you're to begin your journey... you must first choose your partner Pokémon."
Serena blinked, her breath catching. She hadn't expected this moment to come so soon.
Sycamore led the group toward the lab's courtyard, where three pokemon sat on the floor. Froakie sat calmly, though his eyes were fixed on Ash instead. Next was, a fiery little fox pokemon, Fennekin. It flicked its ears and turned its nose up with a faint sassy expression, clearly full of pride. The last of the trio, Chespin, bounced around happily, his eyes darting toward Serena every time she shifted her bag, hoping she might have more treats tucked away inside.
Ash, Clemont, and Bonnie watched with anticipation. Serena stepped closer, her hand hovering just above the three pokemon, but she had already made her choice.
AS THE JOURNEY CONTINUES!