The streets of Lumiose City bustled with life. The air was filled with the aroma of fresh pastries, the chatter of tourists, and the hum of taxi cabs weaving between the crowds. Ash and Serena walked side by side, Pikachu perched on Ash's shoulder, while Clemont and Bonnie followed close behind.
Serena's eyes sparkled as she gazed at the rows of fashion boutiques, the colorful dresses in the windows, and the hats stacked neatly in displays.
"This city really is incredible," she breathed, twirling slightly as they passed a shop with a sparkling evening gown in the window. "It must be the fashion capital of the world!"
Ash chuckled at her excitement, scratching Pikachu behind the ears. "Yeah, Lumiose is huge. You could spend a whole week here and still not see everything."
Serena slowed to a stop as her gaze lifted upward. Her eyes locked on the gleaming Prism Tower rising high into the clouds, its glass surface reflecting the sun. She clasped her hands together.
"And that," she whispered, "is the crown jewel of Lumiose City..."
Behind her, Clemont and Bonnie stiffened. A nervous bead of sweat slid down Clemont's temple, while Bonnie forced a laugh that came out much higher-pitched than usual.
"H-ha, yeah... Prism Tower sure is something, right, Clemont?" she nudged her brother.
Serena tilted her head, her brow furrowing slightly. "Wait a second... isn't Prism Tower also the Electric-type Gym? That means..." Her eyes shifted back to Ash. "Why didn't you challenge it, Ash?"
Ash's expression turned sour, his arms crossing in a huff. "I tried! But they wouldn't even let me battle. Apparently the Gym has some stupid rule where you need at least four badges before you're allowed to face the Leader. I couldn't believe it."
"Four badges?" Serena blinked in disbelief. "That's ridiculous. I heard rumors about that, but I never thought it was actually true."
Behind them, Clemont and Bonnie shared another nervous laugh, both trying desperately to turn the group's attention away from the tower. "Anyway!" Clemont blurted, adjusting his glasses quickly. "There's so much more to see in Lumiose—cafés, gadget shops, the—"
A deep, gruff voice cut through his words. "Clemont. Bonnie."
Both siblings froze as though lightning had struck them. They turned around slowly, and standing there was a tall, broad-shouldered man with a square jaw and a stern expression. His presence was commanding, but his voice carried a fatherly weight.
"D-Daddy!" Bonnie squeaked, hiding halfway behind Clemont.
Ash and Serena blinked in confusion as Clemont stammered, "D-Dad! W-we were just, uh—"
The man's serious face cracked into tears, streaming down like waterfalls as he lunged forward and wrapped Serena and Ash in a crushing hug. "Friends! My children finally made friends!" he sobbed dramatically. "Thank you... thank you for being by their side!"
"P-Pikachu!" Pikachu squeaked, struggling to keep from being smothered.
Ash waved his hands frantically. "I-it's no big deal!"
Serena blushed, unsure how to react under the man's heavy embrace.
Pulling away at last, Meyer's tone turned firm again as he looked down at his son. "Clemont. Why haven't you come home in so long? Being the Gym Leader means more than just turning challengers away, it means teaching them, guiding them. Even if you're strict, you should always offer advice to those who step into your Gym. That's your responsibility."
Clemont's mouth opened, but before he could say a word, Meyer turned on his heel. "I've said what I needed to say. Think about it, son."
With that, he strode off into the crowded street, leaving the group in stunned silence.
Clemont and Bonnie turned back around nervously... only to find Ash and Serena staring at them with wide, questioning eyes.
"Alright! Spill it out!" "What's all this about being a gym leader!?" "Pi Pikachu!" Came the indignant shout from their companions.
[Line Break]
The sweet aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries drifted along the bustling street. A line of people stretched far from the entrance of Lumiose's most famous bakery, all waiting for the shop's prized delicacy: its decadent chocolate cake. At the end of the line, two cloaked figures stood discreetly, trying not to draw attention.
Diantha sighed, her voice tinged with longing. "Just a little longer and we'll finally taste it."
Beside her, Cynthia clasped her hands like a child awaiting candy. "After today's battle and all the walking, this cake will be the perfect reward."
But before they could step closer, the bakery doors creaked shut, and a sign was hastily pinned to the window: Sold Out.
Both champions froze. Then, simultaneously, they let out overdramatic cries of despair.
"Noooooo! The chocolate cake!" Cynthia wailed, her usual composure shattering.
"It's the end of the world!" Diantha lamented, slumping against the wall like a tragic actress.
Their cries carried across the street, catching the ears of two young trainers sitting on a nearby bench. One, a brown-haired girl with a red-and-white Poké Ball bandana, glanced over curiously while holding a forkful of cake.
The other, a bespectacled boy with neat blue hair, nearly dropped his own slice in shock at the sight of the two cloaked women.
The girl smiled warmly. "Excuse me... would you like to share? We've got plenty."
Cynthia and Diantha turned as if the heavens had just answered their prayers. They quickly approached, and once seated at the bench, the disguises felt unnecessary.
Cynthia's eyes widened when she finally saw the girl clearly. "Wait... I remember you! You're May, the Princess of Hoenn, aren't you? "
May nearly dropped her fork. "You know me?! Rayquaza's Claws! You're Cynthia! And Diantha!"
Max, her younger brother, was already trembling, eyes sparkling with awe. "I can't believe it... two Champions sitting with us!"
The four shared laughter and, more importantly, forkfuls of the rich chocolate cake. Cynthia savored each bite, her earlier woes vanishing. "This... this makes the whole trip worth it. First the battle against Ash, and now this cake. Truly heavenly."
At the mention of Ash, May and Max froze. "Did you say... Ash?" May's eyes shone. "As in Ash Ketchum?"
Max leaned forward eagerly. "The same Ash who defeated Tobias's Darkrai, Latios, and Raikou?"
"Oh right, I remember you travelled with him once. Dawn told me about that." Cynthia nodded, her expression softening with fondness. "Yes. Ash has grown so much since I first met him. I can see the potential. One day, he might stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us Champions."
Diantha nodded, agreeing with her fellow champion's statement.
"Wow! You hear that May! Ash is here!" Max shouted out, his excitement bubbling. "I've been waiting for that battle he promised me! It'd be awesome to clash in the Kalos League!"
May and Max both had a soft expression on their face now. "By any chance do you know where Ash is? We'd love to meet him, but it's so hard to stay in touch."
But when they asked where Ash was now, both champions shook their heads. "I'm afraid I don't know," Diantha admitted apologetically.
Max, undeterred, stood confidently. "Then I'll find him myself! First stop, Santalune City. I'll earn my first badge there!"
May laughed at her brother's enthusiasm but couldn't hide her own excitement. "And maybe... I'll get to see Ash again too."
As the group finished the last crumbs of cake, Cynthia leaned back with a satisfied sigh. "Yes... this was worth every moment of the wait. Cake, friendship, and the joy of running into familiar faces. I couldn't ask for more."
Diantha smirked. "Though next time, we'll have to come earlier before the line forms."
The four of them shared a laugh, the bustling city around them carrying on, unaware of the quiet meeting of Champions and old friends over a slice of chocolate cake.
[Line Break]
The late afternoon sun spilled golden light across one of Lumiose City's grand plazas. The fountain at the center sparkled, its jets of water glistening as crowds of people bustled about. Ash, Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, and Pikachu had settled on a nearby bench, taking a short break after exploring the streets.
Clemont sat stiffly, fiddling nervously with a small gadget in his hands. His usually bright eyes seemed clouded with worry.
Bonnie tilted her head, her Dedenne perched comfortably on her shoulder. "We should just come clean Big Brother."
Clemont sighed in defeat. "I guess you're right Bonnie." Taking a deep breath, he stood up, straightening his glasses. "Ash, Serena... there's something you both deserve to know. I am its Gym Leader of Lumiose City."
Ash and Serena both gasped. Pikachu's ears shot up with a startled "Pika?!"
"You're the Gym Leader?!" Ash exclaimed, eyes wide with excitement. "That's amazing, Clemont!"
But Clemont didn't smile. His voice carried more weight than pride. "It's not as amazing as it sounds. You see, being Gym Leader kept me so busy that I barely had time to follow my true passion creating inventions. So I came up with a solution. I built a robot, a stand-in Gym Leader, Clembot."
Serena tilted her head, intrigued. "A robot... to take your place?"
"Yes," Clemont continued, his fists tightening at his sides. "I programmed Clembot with everything I thought a Gym Leader should be kind, but tough. Fair, but demanding. I even set a requirement: challengers are recommended to have four badges before Clembot would accept their challenge. That way, only serious Trainers would step onto the battlefield."
Ash scratched his cheek, thinking. "Sounds kinda strict..."
Bonnie crossed her arms, puffing her cheeks. "That's putting it lightly."
Clemont sighed, the memory heavy on him. "But then, something went wrong. Clembot's programming malfunctioned. When I tried to return to the Gym, it scanned me, and saw me as just another challenger. Since I didn't have any badges myself, Clembot ordered me to leave."
Serena's eyes widened. "It locked you out of your own Gym?"
Clemont nodded grimly. "I had built in a 'Master Recognition Battle Mode,' a backup so that Clembot would always recognize me as its creator... but I registered the wrong voice code. When I tried to activate it, Clembot expelled both Bonnie and me from the Gym."
Bonnie let out a dramatic sigh, waving her arms. "And no matter how many times we tried to sneak back in, it wouldn't work!"
Clemont slumped back down on the bench, shoulders sagging. "Since then, I've been locked out of my own Gym... and I can't think of a single way to fix it. I've failed as both a Gym Leader and an inventor."
For a moment, there was silence. Then Ash shot up to his feet, clenching his fists with fiery determination. "No way! You're not a failure, Clemont. You're just facing a tough challenge, that's all! And when we face tough challenges, we don't give up, right Pikachu?"
"Pika-pi!" Pikachu chirped with a spark of agreement.
Serena gave a gentle smile, placing a reassuring hand on Clemont's arm. "Ash is right. You've helped us so much already, Clemont. Let us help you this time. We'll figure something out—together."
Bonnie grinned brightly, hugging Dedenne close. "See? I told you they'd understand!"
Clemont blinked, adjusting his glasses again as a faint smile crept across his face. "You really think we can fix this?"
Ash gave him a thumbs-up. "Absolutely! Let's go check out the Gym and show Clembot what the real Clemont is made of!"
Serena nodded firmly. "We'll find a way. And if you built it once, you can fix it again."
With renewed resolve, Clemont stood, his heart lifted by his friends' encouragement. The group turned toward Prism Tower, its spire glowing in the fading sunlight. Their next destination was clear.
The Prism Tower loomed tall and glowing, a crown jewel of Lumiose. But its base was crowded, not with admiring tourists, but with frustrated Trainers.
"Unbelievable!" one Trainer snapped, fists clenched. "I've never been treated like that in a Gym before!"
"Yeah!" another added angrily. "That robot threw me out after defeating me. Said I was 'unworthy' and banned me from ever coming back!"
"And what's with needing four badges just to start a battle?!" a third Trainer spat. "This isn't a Gym it's a joke! I'm never coming back here again!"
The crowd's voices rose in a chorus of anger and disappointment before scattering, muttering curses about the Lumiose Gym.
Clemont winced, lowering his head, the sting of their words cutting deep. "They're right. I messed up. If even strong Trainers are walking away furious, how could I ever take the Gym back? And with only Bunnelby... against all of my Pokémon that Clembot controls"
Bonnie tugged at his sleeve, frowning. "Clemont..."
But Ash stepped forward, fists clenched, fire in his eyes. "Clemont, stop putting yourself down! You built Clembot, which means you know it better than anyone else. Even if it has your Pokémon, you've still got Bunnelby and, more importantly, your brains! You don't need perfect odds, you can't give up until it's really over!"
Pikachu sparked in agreement. "Pika-pi!"
Serena nodded in agreement. "Clemont, tell us, why did you become a gym leader in the first place!" Her voice wasn't condescending, instead she was trying to help him regain his purpose.
Bonnie chirped excitedly. "My brother is called the Boy Genius of Electric Types! Everyone in Lumiose knows about him!"
Clemont nodded shyly, before his face turned solemn. "As a trainer specialising in electric types, I felt that becoming a gym leader would allow me to challenge trainers who specifically prepare to counter my pokemon. If I could still win against them, then it would mean that I have become the best electric type trainer I can be!"
Serena's eyes softened, smiling at him. "You said it yourself! You just have to have faith in yourself and Bunnelby! Don't give up until it's over Clemont!"
Clemont looked at his friends — Ash's fiery determination, Serena's quiet support, Bonnie's unwavering pride — and took a deep breath. "...You're right. I can't run away anymore. It's time to face Clembot."
Ash grinned. "That's the spirit! Let's go!"
They slipped through the side of Prism Tower, sneaking past barriers until they reached the gaping hole left behind by Garchomp's earlier rampage. The twisted metal and shattered wall opened straight into the lower halls of the Gym.
Inside, the air hummed faintly with electricity. The group crawled through a narrow ventilation shaft, beams of light shining through grates as they crept closer to the Gym arena.
"Almost there..." Clemont whispered.
But before they could move further, a sharp metallic whir filled the air. Dropping into the corridor below, two familiar figures hovered — a Magnemite and a Magneton. Their eyes flickered with recognition.
"Mag... neton!"
Clemont's face lit up with relief. "Magnemite! Magneton! You're here!"
The Pokémon buzzed, circling their Trainer happily. For a moment, it seemed like a reunion.
But then their eyes glowed red, their cheerful hums shifting into sharp, aggressive tones. Electricity crackled dangerously across their bodies.
Clemont's expression fell. "No... Clembot must have ordered them to attack intruders..."
The machines charged their attacks, sparks dancing.
Ash pulled a Pokéball from his belt. "Guess they don't care who you are right now. Clemont, what do we do?!"
Clemont clenched his fists. "We don't fight them... not seriously. They're my Pokémon. They've just been given the wrong commands. If we battle, it'll only hurt them more."
Serena bit her lip, glancing nervously between the glowing Pokémon and the group's narrow path forward. "Then how do we get past them?"
Bonnie raised a fist dramatically. "Easy — we dodge and run! Come on, Clemont, you can outsmart your own inventions, right?"
Clemont adjusted his glasses, his eyes flashing with determination. "...Right. I built them. I know their attack patterns. Follow my lead!"
The group burst out from the corridors, sliding into the massive Lumiose Gym battlefield at the tower's heart. The floor gleamed with polished steel, and glowing yellow lines pulsed across the arena like veins of electricity.
From the far end, a mechanical whir filled the air.
"Intruders detected. Commencing ejection protocol."
Clembot's voice echoed coldly, its glowing eyes locking onto the group. But Clemont stepped forward, raising a trembling hand.
"Clembot, wait!" he said firmly. "Activate Master Recognition Battle Mode!"
The robot whirred, scanning Clemont. "Voice code required. Identification pending."
Clemont froze, sweat trickling down his brow. He'd failed this before... but this time, he focused hard, remembering the day Clembot came to life.
[Flashback Starts]
A younger Clemont, hair frazzled, worked furiously at a console as sparks danced across the nearly-finished Clembot. "Almost there... just one more command and—"
Bonnie, holding a sandwich, skipped into the lab. "Clemont! You forgot lunch again!"
"Bonnie, not now—!" Clemont snapped, flustered.
The robot's eyes blinked awake, scanning.
"I'm Clemont, the Gym Leader," Clemont muttered under his breath as he tested connections, "and you're Clembot. You can begin from today!"
The robot's core lit up. "Voice code accepted. Registration complete."
[Flashback Ends]
"I remember now! The voice code is–I'm Clemont, the Gym Leader! And you're Clembot, you can begin from today!"
For a tense moment, the chamber was silent. Then Clembot's eyes flickered from red to green.
"Creator recognized. Master Recognition Battle Mode... activated. Commencing Gym Leader protocol."
Ash and Serena grinned in relief, Bonnie pumping her fist.
"Go, Bunnelby!" Clemont cried, sending his partner onto the field.
Clembot's eyes flashed. "Opponent selected. Heliolisk: engage."
Heliolisk padded forward, its frill flaring brightly. It chirped happily at Clemont, but at his firm nod, it steeled itself.
"Thunderbolt," Clembot commanded instantly.
The arena lit up with a surge of electricity.
"Bunnelby, use Double Slap on the ground!" Clemont countered.
With a swift flick of its strong ears, Bunnelby flung dirt and dust into the air, diffusing the lightning. Then, darting forward, it slapped with glowing paws. "Now Double Slap!"
Heliolisk retaliated, its tail shimmering with draconic energy. "Dragon Tail!"
The two clashed head-on, Bunnelby's slap struck true, but the Dragon Tail sent it skidding back.
"Dig, now!" Clemont ordered.
Bunnelby dove underground, the field rumbling. But Clembot's monotone voice rang out: "Counter with Bulldoze."
The ground erupted beneath Bunnelby, hurling it skyward. Clemont's eyes widened. "Bulldoze?! I... I never taught Heliolisk that move!"
"Wow, Clembot can even teach moves to a pokemon!? Science is so amazing!" Ash gushed out.
Heliolisk whipped its tail again, a second Dragon Tail smashing into Bunnelby midair.
"Alright then, we'll use something new as well! Double Team!" Clemont called desperately.
Dozens of Bunnelby clones scattered across the arena. But Clembot was merciless. "Parabolic Charge."
Electricity surged outward in a deadly wave, erasing every copy in an instant. The real Bunnelby tumbled, panting, struggling to stand.
"Clemont..." Serena whispered, clutching her chest.
But Clemont's eyes lit up, a spark of genius igniting. "That's it...! I'll outthink my own creation!"
"Bunnelby, Dig again, but this time, Double Teamunderground!"
Bunnelby nodded, understanding Clemont's plan, and vanished into the earth, its copies scattering below the surface.
Clembot responded instantly. "Bulldoze."
The arena quaked, dirt exploding as a dozen Bunnelby copies burst out, only to be fried again by Parabolic Charge.
But beneath the chaos, the real Bunnelby tunneled deeper, avoiding detection.
Clemont thrust out his hand. "Now, strike back with Mud Shot!"
Bunnelby shot out from below Heliolisk, launching a point-blank Mud Shot. The attack slammed into Heliolisk's chest, sending it sprawling backward with a cry. Sparks flew across the arena as the Electric-type collapsed, fainted.
"Heliolisk unable to battle. Challenger victorious." Clembot announced, then its voice turned surprisingly emotional. "I–recognise you Master Clemont!"
The room fell silent. Then Bonnie leapt up, cheering. "He did it! Clemont won!"
Ash punched the air. "That's how it's done!"
Serena smiled warmly, her voice soft. "Clemont... you really are incredible."
Clemont knelt beside Heliolisk, stroking its head gently. "Thank you... you fought brilliantly."
Heliolisk purred, licking his hand before retreating into its Poké Ball.
Clemont stood, glasses glinting. "Clembot, I'm reprogramming you. From now on, no more violence toward challengers, and challengers are only recommended to have four badges. The Lumiose Gym should be open to all Trainers, no matter their level. After Defeating a trainer provide constructive criticism, that's the role of a gym leader."
"Command accepted," Clembot replied, voice now softer, almost friendlier. "Updating... complete."
Its eyes flickered warmly. "Clemont... thank you."
Clemont smiled, relief washing over him. "And thank you, Clembot."
The Gym lights brightened, the cold hum softening into a steady glow. For the first time, Prism Tower felt welcoming again.
[Line Break]
The familiar hum of electronics and soft whirring of gadgets filled Meyer's shop. Clemont stood near the counter, fingers nervously adjusting his glasses, while his sister peeked around from behind a shelf, trying to hide her curiosity.
"Dad... I... I need to tell you something," Clemont began, voice trembling.
Meyer looked up from a circuit board, eyebrows raised. "Hmm? What is it, Clemont?"
Clemont took a deep breath. "I... I got... ousted from the Gym."
Meyer blinked, stunned. "Ousted?!" He dropped the tiny screwdriver he'd been holding. "But... why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"I... I didn't want you to worry," Clemont admitted, shoving his hands in his pockets. "But it's not just that. I've been traveling... with Ash and Serena. We've battled so many Pokémon, explored places I never imagined, and..." His voice brightened, energy building. "I've made incredible friends—friends I... I can't imagine leaving behind."
His sister stepped forward, smirking. "Told you! Clemont's always doing big things behind your back, Dad."
Meyer's frown melted into a wide, proud smile. "Clemont... that's amazing! I'm so proud of you, son!"
Before Clemont could respond, Meyer enveloped him in a tight hug. "You've grown so much! And you've found friends who will stick by your side. That's more important than any badge!"
Clemont giggled, feeling the tension drain away. "Thanks, Dad... I was so worried you'd be upset."
Meyer ruffled his hair. "Upset? Nonsense! I just wish I could have seen all of it firsthand. But I trust you—you'll make the most of every adventure."
Clemont's sister bounced forward, wrapping her arms around both of them. "See, Clemont? Told you Dad would be happy! Now, go! Travel, battle, and have fun with Ash and Serena! And don't forget to write!"
Clemont laughed, hugging them both back. "I won't! I promise!"
Meyer chuckled and stepped back, eyes gleaming. "Remember, the world is big, and friends make it brighter. Go, my children. Explore, learn, and treasure every moment. The shop—and your family—will always be here for you."
[Line Break]
The warm glow of lamps spilled across the cozy living room as the group settled in at Meyer's place. The air smelled faintly of oil and metal from his repair shop, but the homely atmosphere was undeniable. Bonnie was already curled up with Dedenne on her lap, while Serena helped Meyer set out mugs of hot cocoa.
Clemont sat near the window, polishing Bunnelby's ears gently. His thoughts still lingered on Prism Tower and the battle he had fought earlier. After a long pause, he glanced at Ash, who was fiddling with Pikachu's ears on the couch.
"Ash..." Clemont began quietly, adjusting his glasses. "You're not... disappointed, are you? About not getting your Gym Battle today?"
Ash looked up, surprised by the question. He leaned back, rubbing the back of his head with a sheepish grin.
"Well... I'll be honest. At first, I was kinda bummed out. I came all this way, saw Prism Tower, and I couldn't wait to battle." His expression softened, and he sat forward, determination flickering in his eyes. "But after hearing what you said... I get it now. You wanted your challengers to have already proven themselves with four badges. That's your way of making sure they're ready to give it their all against you."
Clemont blinked, touched by Ash's understanding.
"So, when I do earn four badges," Ash continued, clenching his fist with that familiar fire in his voice, "I'll come back here. And instead of battling Clembot, I want to face you, Clemont. That's the Gym Battle I want."
Bonnie perked up at that, eyes sparkling. "Big brother versus Ash! That'll be amazing!"
Clemont smiled, pushing his glasses up with renewed resolve. "Then I'll be waiting for you, Ash. I'll keep training hard every day, so when that time comes... I'll give you the Gym Battle you truly deserve."
Ash nodded firmly, grinning. "Deal."
The two shook hands, their bond strengthened not just as friends, but as future opponents.
Serena watched them with a soft smile, thinking to herself how both of them were growing in their own ways. Meyer, standing at the door with crossed arms, gave a proud nod.
The night deepened, laughter filling the room as the group finally allowed themselves to rest. Tomorrow, their journey would continue. But for tonight, they were home.
AS THE JOURNEY CONTINUES!