After days of traveling along Kalos's coastal routes, Our heroes have reached their Shalour City. The salty sea breeze carried the sound of waves and laughter through the lively streets, and Ash's eyes lit up with excitement.
"Here we are, Shalour City! That means it's time for my third Kalos Gym Badge!" he exclaimed, clenching his fists in determination.
Their first stop was the Pokémon Center. Nurse Joy kindly took their Poké Balls, giving each Pokémon a quick checkup. A little while later, she returned them with her usual warm smile.
"All your Pokémon are in perfect health. Best of luck on your Gym challenge," she said.
"Thank you, Nurse Joy!" the group chorused before heading back outside.
Not far from the city streets, the sparkling sea stretched out before them. Drawn by curiosity, Ash and his friends followed the boardwalk until they reached the sandy shoreline. That was when they saw it, an enormous stone tower standing proudly on an island just off the coast, separated from the mainland by glittering waves.
Ash's jaw dropped. "Whoa! That's it, isn't it? The Shalour Gym!"
Serena's eyes widened in awe. "It's beautiful... The Tower of Mastery. I read about it once, it's one of the most historic landmarks in all of Kalos."
Clemont adjusted his glasses, intrigued. "If I recall correctly, the tower dates back centuries. It's said to be tied to many of Kalos's greatest trainers."
Bonnie tilted her head. "That's amazing and all, but... how are we supposed to get there? It's on an island!"
Ash froze, realizing the problem. "Wait! You're right! How are we supposed to cross?!"
"Do we swim?" Bonnie asked innocently.
"Or... build a raft?" Clemont said nervously, already sketching ideas in his head.
Before anyone could decide, a cheerful voice called out from behind them.
"You won't be heading to the Tower just yet!"
They turned around to see a familiar figure zooming toward them on roller skates. With her usual energy, Korrina spun to a graceful stop in front of the group, her blonde hair bouncing as she flashed them a bright smile.
"Korrina!" Ash shouted, his face lighting up. "You're here!"
"Of course!" she laughed. "Welcome to Shalour City! Pretty awesome place, right?"
"It's great to see you again," Serena added warmly.
Ash, though happy to see her, pointed to the distant tower. "I came here to challenge you, but you're saying I can't yet?"
Korrina winked. "That's right. The Shalour Gym isn't just about battling, you can't rush it. There's a right time for everything, Ash."
Serena tilted her head. "Then how do we get across to the Tower of Mastery?"
At this, Korrina's grin softened into a thoughtful smile. "My grandfather always says this: Patience is one of the most important qualities a Trainer can pursue."
Ash frowned. "Patience, huh..."
Korrina clapped her hands and spun around on her skates. "Don't look so glum! Your time will come, Ash. For now, enjoy Shalour City. Trust me! This place has a lot to show you."
The group exchanged curious glances, the towering spire of the Tower of Mastery gleaming in the distance, as if silently daring them to discover its secrets.
[Line Break]
As the group explored the lively streets of Shalour City, Ash turned to Korrina with his usual eager grin. "Hey, Korrina! So, did you finally master Mega Evolution with Lucario?"
Korrina smiled, her eyes gleaming with confidence. "Let's just say Lucario and I have been busy. Since we last met, I haven't lost a single Gym battle." She gave Ash a knowing nod, silently answering his question.
Before Ash could reply, Bonnie suddenly jumped forward, stars in her eyes. "Wow, Korrina, you're a keeper! You should totally marry my brother!"
Korrina laughed, shaking her head. "You can't ask something like that on Clemont's behalf, Bonnie. But..." she teased with a playful smirk, "if Clemont himself were to ask, I might just agree."
Bonnie's eyes widened in delight. She immediately turned on her brother. "Clemont! Did you hear that? Ask her! Ask her now!"
Clemont turned bright red, fumbling with his glasses. "W-Wait, Bonnie! That's not— I mean— I... uh..." He took a shaky breath, finally managing to stammer, "K-Korrina, would you... maybe... like to go on a date sometime?"
Korrina chuckled warmly, clearly enjoying his nervousness. "Of course. After Ash's Gym battle, it's a date."
Ash and Serena exchanged amused glances while Bonnie cheered in victory. After some more laughter and teasing, the group eventually made their way back to the shore.
From where they stood, the Tower of Mastery rose proudly in the distance, its stone walls glowing faintly in the sunlight. The sight alone carried an air of mystery, and everyone's curiosity was piqued.
As the waves lapped gently against the sand, Korrina turned to her friends with a softer expression. "Since you're here, I should tell you the story of Mega Evolution, and how it's connected to Shalour City."
She pointed toward the towering structure across the water. "The Tower of Mastery was built during the era of King AZ. When the king fired his ultimate weapon, the energy it unleashed reacted with Pokémon all across Kalos. That energy gave birth to something new. Mega Stones and Key Stones."
Ash and the others listened intently, eyes widening at the scale of the tale.
"One of my ancestors, traveling alongside their partner Lucario, came to that very island where the tower now stands. There, they discovered two stones born from that ancient energy. When their bond was tested, the stones resonated... and for the very first time, Mega Evolution was born."
She paused, letting the weight of the history sink in, before continuing with quiet pride. "Since then, my family has watched over the Tower of Mastery, guarding both the legacy and the secret of Mega Evolution."
The group fell silent for a moment, the sound of the waves filling the air as they absorbed the story. Then Bonnie clapped her hands together, eyes sparkling. "That's amazing, Korrina! But... how do we even get to the Tower of Mastery? It's all the way out there on that island."
Korrina smiled knowingly. "You'll see soon enough." She nodded toward the shore. "My grandfather always said that patience is one of the most important qualities for a trainer. And right now, we just need to wait."
Almost on cue, the tide began to shift. The waters slowly pulled back, revealing a narrow, glistening pathway of smooth stones and sand stretching straight toward the Tower of Mastery.
"Whoa!" Clemont gasped, adjusting his glasses. "Incredible! The tidal patterns here create a natural land bridge... it's like the sea is making way for us!"
Serena placed a hand on her chest, her voice soft with awe. "It feels so mystical, like the ocean itself is acknowledging the history tied to this place."
Ash clenched his fists, eyes locked on the Tower of Mastery as the group prepared to cross. "Finally... I've been waiting for this. My third Kalos Gym Badge is right over there, and I'm not gonna waste a second proving myself!" Pikachu cheered from his shoulder, sparks crackling faintly in agreement.
Korrina laughed, glancing back at him as she skated ahead. "Still as fired up as ever, Ash. I'll be waiting for you at the gym, but don't think I'm going to go easy just because we're friends."
"That's just how I want it!" Ash grinned, his determination shining through. "I'll give it everything I've got, so you better be ready too!"
Serena watched him fondly, smiling at his endless enthusiasm, while Clemont pushed his glasses up with a sigh. "Ash, maybe save some of that energy for the actual battle. The tower isn't going anywhere."
Bonnie giggled, skipping along the stones. "If anything, Ash's energy might get there before we do!"
The group laughed together, their spirits high as they set off across the revealed path, each step bringing them closer to the Tower of Mastery, and to Ash's long-awaited Gym Battle.
[Line Break]
As the group stepped onto the island, the towering spire of the Tower of Mastery stretched above them, ancient yet timeless. Its white stone walls caught the fading sunlight, casting long shadows across the sea. The air here felt heavier somehow, as though the island itself was alive with history.
Korrina, who had been leading the way, turned with a bright smile and spread her arms wide. "Welcome, everyone... to the Tower of Mastery, the home of Mega Evolution."
The heavy wooden doors creaked open, and an elderly man with a long white beard and sharp eyes emerged to greet them. His robes were simple but carried an air of dignity, and his very presence radiated wisdom and authority.
"Grandfather!" Korrina called, skating up to him with a grin.
"So these are your friends?" Gurkinn said warmly, his gaze sweeping across Ash, Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie. His eyes lingered on Ash, noting the boy's clenched fists and fiery grin. "Eager for the Gym Battle, I see. But first, tradition must be respected. Before any battle, you must understand the history this tower represents."
Ash blinked, clearly impatient, but Serena touched his arm gently. "Come on, Ash. If this is about Mega Evolution, don't you want to know more? It might even help you later."
Ash exhaled, then smiled sheepishly. "You're right, Serena. I'll listen."
With that, Gurkinn led them into the tower. The air inside was cool, filled with the faint scent of incense and polished stone. The chamber opened into a grand hall lined with ancient tapestries and weathered carvings that depicted Pokémon and trainers standing side by side, stones glowing between them. At the center stood a tall statue of a majestic Lucario, immortalized mid-battle, the Mega Stone carved into its chest like a jewel.
Serena gasped softly. "It's beautiful..."
Gurkinn's voice echoed through the chamber. "This is where it all began." He retold the story Korrina had already shared, of her ancestor who traveled with Lucario, discovering the first stones that allowed a trainer and Pokémon's bond to resonate, awakening the power of Mega Evolution. His words carried reverence, as though he were speaking not just of history but of a sacred oath. "Since then, my family has guarded these secrets, ensuring they were passed down only to those who would honor them."
Korrina stepped forward, her eyes shining with pride and determination. "And I want to continue that legacy. To be strong like my grandfather, and to uphold the honor of the Shalour Gym."
Ash smiled, fists clenched. "That's awesome, Korrina. I can't wait to battle you!"
Serena nodded in agreement, though her curiosity lingered. "I understand the importance of Mega Evolution, but what about King AZ and his beacon? He was such an important figure in Kalos' history, and yet, so little is really known about him."
At her question, Gurkinn's smile faded. His eyes grew distant and the room seemed to grow colder. Serena immediately backtracked, raising her hands. "I'm sorry. If it's a secret, I shouldn't pry."
But Gurkinn shook his head slowly. "No. Perhaps it is better that young trainers like you hear the truth, and understand the weight behind Mega Evolution."
The group fell silent as he began his tale. Even Pikachu leaned forward slightly, as though it too wanted to listen.
"Long ago, Kalos was a thriving nation, ruled by King AZ. At his side was a great Pokémon, Zygarde, the guardian of balance and order. Yet AZ was a reclusive king, and when war swept across Kalos, he did nothing to stop it. His heart cared only for one thing, his beloved partner Floette. When Floette perished in the war, AZ fell into despair. His grief drove him to build a great beacon, one that siphoned power directly from Zygarde itself. With this stolen strength, he revived Floette, but his betrayal cost Kalos dearly. From that day forward, Zygarde vanished, never to be seen again in this land."
The chamber grew deathly quiet. Clemont pushed his glasses up, stunned by the story. Serena clasped her hands together, guilt flickering in her eyes for asking. Even Ash, always so full of energy, lowered his head slightly, lost in thought.
Korrina's voice wavered as she spoke. "But if Mega Evolution was born from such darkness, why should we protect it?"
Gurkinn placed a steady hand on her shoulder. His tone was solemn yet firm. "Because, Korrina, even the darkest history can become a guiding light. Mega Evolution exists now. What matters is how we use it. King AZ's tale is a warning, one meant to remind us that power must never be misused. Our duty is to guide trainers, so that no one repeats his mistake."
The words hung heavy in the air. Each of them reflected on what it meant, the weight of power, the dangers of misuse, and the trust required between a trainer and their Pokémon.
Then a loud growl shattered the silence.
Ash clutched his stomach, cheeks reddening as he let out a nervous laugh. "Heh... guess history makes me hungry." Pikachu tilted its head and added a sheepish "Pika..."
Serena sighed, though her smile softened. "Ash... we never even had dinner, remember?"
Gurkinn chuckled, his serious expression giving way to warmth. "In that case, let us not dwell on darkness any longer. You are guests in this tower, and it is late. Come, join us for supper. You may spend the night here, and tomorrow, Ash, you shall have your Gym Battle."
Ash's face lit up again, all traces of solemnity gone. "All right! Tomorrow's the day!"
The group followed Gurkinn and Korrina through the winding halls of the tower until they reached a wide chamber lit by soft lantern light.
A long wooden table stood in the center, already prepared with simple but hearty dishes: steaming bowls of rice, roasted vegetables, fresh bread, and platters of fish caught from the sea below the cliffs.
Bonnie's eyes sparkled. "Wow! This looks amazing!" Dedenne squeaked in agreement from her shoulder, nose twitching eagerly.
"Help yourselves," Gurkinn said warmly as he took his seat at the head of the table. "A good meal fills not only the stomach but the spirit."
They all sat down together. Ash didn't need to be told twice. He dug in with enthusiasm, Pikachu at his side helping itself to berries placed on a smaller plate. Clemont tried to pace himself, but Bonnie kept nudging food onto his plate when he wasn't looking.
"Eat more, big brother! You'll need your energy if you want to invent something tomorrow!" she said with a grin.
Clemont groaned softly. "Bonnie, I'm already eating enough..." but he smiled all the same.
Korrina leaned across the table with a laugh. "You guys are fun. It's nice having so much energy in the tower for a change."
Serena, who had been savoring her food at a slower pace, looked around the chamber thoughtfully. "This place feels... alive. Like every stone has a story to tell."
"That's because it does," Gurkinn replied between sips of tea. "The Tower of Mastery has stood for centuries. Trainers from across Kalos, and even beyond, have come here to learn. Each left behind a piece of themselves in these walls."
Ash, his mouth full, raised a fist. "Then tomorrow I'll leave my mark too, when I win my Gym Badge!"
Korrina smirked, pointing her fork at him. "Don't think it'll be easy, Ash. Lucario and I are ready for you."
Ash grinned back, sparks of rivalry flashing in his eyes. "That's just how I like it!"
Serena giggled at the exchange, shaking her head. "You two are already fired up, and the battle hasn't even started."
Bonnie, swinging her legs under the table, piped up. "I can't wait to see Mega Evolution in action again! It's so cool!"
"That excitement is good," Gurkinn said, his tone gentle but steady. "But remember, power and responsibility go hand in hand. Mega Evolution is not something to take lightly."
The words quieted the group for a moment, but then Ash raised his glass of water high. "Don't worry, Gurkinn! I'll show you tomorrow that the bond between me and Pikachu is stronger than anything!"
"Pika pika!" Pikachu agreed, raising its paw.
The solemn mood quickly shifted back to warmth. They talked and laughed through the meal, sharing stories of their travels. Clemont shyly described some of his failed inventions, causing Korrina to laugh so hard she nearly dropped her chopsticks. Bonnie made faces at Dedenne with bits of bread crust, sending the little Pokémon into squeaky giggles. Serena listened more quietly, her eyes lingering on Ash whenever he spoke, but her smile never left her face.
By the time the plates were cleared away, everyone was content and drowsy. Gurkinn rose and gestured to a corridor leading deeper into the tower. "Rooms have been prepared for you. Rest well, for tomorrow will test you in ways a good night's sleep can only help."
The group thanked him and followed Korrina up the steps. Their footsteps echoed softly, mingling with the sounds of the sea outside the tower's windows.
As they settled into their rooms, Ash leaned out the window of his chamber, staring at the glowing lights of Shalour City in the distance. Pikachu curled up beside him.
"Tomorrow's the big day, buddy," Ash whispered. "We're gonna give it everything we've got."
"Pika..." Pikachu murmured sleepily, its tail twitching as it drifted off.
Ash's grin widened. His heart raced at the thought of facing Korrina, and though the tale of King AZ lingered in his mind, it only strengthened his resolve. He would prove that power wasn't something to be feared, but something to be shared with trust and friendship.
And with that thought, he finally lay down, letting the quiet lull of the ocean waves and the tower's ancient stillness carry him into sleep.
AS THE JOURNEY CONTINUES!
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