The beginning of a new road {Path of the Aura Ranger: Book II}

II Clemont's P.O.V

Lumiose City. I am finally back home. Today was a special day, as it will finally be the Gym Battle between Max and I. Even with my father taken back his duties as Gym Leader of the Lumiose City Gym, I still kept my license as Gym Leader. So, when Max told me he wanted to battle me instead of my father, I accepted. I was nervous to be honest, even when my Luxio had evolved into a Luxray battling Goomy, who in return evolved into a Sliggoo. But I was not going to back down. I had learned a lot during my journey with Ash and all of my friends. I was no longer that little boy, scared and overwhelmed. I was standing on my own two feet and ready to take charge. Which is why I returned to Lumiose City before the rest of our group, to train and get ready. If I am to face Max, I will do it the correct way.

"Brother!" Bonnie called out for me with a beaming smile, as she skipped towards me for a hug. I hugged her back instinctually, but with much warmth. No matter how maddening she is, or how much work she gives me, she is my little sister and I love her with all of my heart. If anything she is more like a daughter to me, I was the one to raise her after all. When our father was always away, busy with his work. "You won't believe what happened to us! We met Queen Aria! Well, she was in disguise when we met her and called herself Ariana, but that was her! She had a double battle against Serena! And Fennekin evolved into Braixen! Isn't that cool?! Not only that, we also run into Tierno! We even got to meet Champion Diantha, as we were present for Ash's last filming session! Ash was done, but Champion Diantha still has more scenes- she is the protagonist after all! You missed out so much!"

"It is Bonnie," I smiled, patting her head in a caring manner. "However, you can tell me all about it later. Right now it is Max's moment," I reminded her gently. She pouted but followed the rest to take their seats. "Congratulations!" I told Serena, who smiled back, mouthing a 'Thank you' towards me. With a nod I turned to my first gym challenger in months. On the other side of the battlefield stood my friend and now opponent, Max Maple. "Are you ready?"

"We are!" Max answered, making me smile.

That's an Ash Ketchum answer, if I ever heard one, I thought amusedly. If only more trainers were like them...

"Then let's start!" Clemonbot announced, having taken father's position as referee for this match. No one was happy with father at the moment and after hearing Ash scolding him it made me realize many things... which made me not that happy with my father either. "This will be a 3 vs 3 pokemon battle! Only the trainer will be able to return pokemon and the battle will be over when one side has no pokemon left capable of battle. Do you all understand? Good! Let the battle begin!"

"Flabébé/Luxray!" We both released our pokemon at the same time, by Max's expression I could see he had not expected me to lead with Luxray. Though, he did not recall his fairy, if anything he squared his shoulders and looked more than reasy to take me on.

Good, I smiled. Because I've been waiting for this for a long time.

"Alright, Clemont, let's make this battle one to remember!" Max exclaimed, a determined glint in his eyes.

I couldn't help but smile, the familiar rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins. "You're on, Max! Prepare yourself! Let's start this off strong, Luxray! Thunderbolt!" I commanded, my voice firm yet filled with excitement.

Luxray responded immediately, summoning a powerful bolt of lightning that crackled with raw energy. The electric surge shot towards Max's Flabébé, who dodged with surprising agility.

Max grinned, a twinkle of determination in his eyes. "Impressive dodge, Flabébé! Now, use Energy Ball!"

Flabébé unleashed a glowing orb of energy towards Luxray, who swiftly evaded the attack. The battle had begun, and it was clear that we were both ready to give it our all.