X and Y a Different Story

Episode 20 - A Powerful Plant

There was a unanimous decision to leave early the next morning, so the gang decided to jump into bed and rest up for the long journey, to Lumiose City. That morning, Ash was up and ready to go, pushing for everyone to get ready; he was excited for his gym battle and his fifth gym badge. They said goodbye to the folks in the village and set off. Finishing their trek through the Lumiose Bad Lands.

"Once we get through this area, we will be close to Lumiose City," Serena said pointing to her map.

Chelsea shook her head and giggled.

Jolteon looked up at her and gave her a nudge to get her attention.

"Oh, I was thinking 'duh' that's all," She whispered.

Serena looked over to her, "What was that?"

Chelsea perked up, "Nothing, don't worry your pretty little hat over it," She said with a snarky voice.

Ash looked over his shoulder and stopped.

Clemont was falling behind; he gave a huff.

Chelsea whipped around and started to walk back to him. "Are you ok?" She asked, looking at him worriedly. "Do we need to take a break; it is getting hot out here."

Clemont put his hands on his knees and took a breath, "Yeah, sorry to keep you all waiting," He said.

"No prob," Ash said, "You sure you're ok Clemont?" Ash urged, he wanted to make sure that Clemont was going to be ready for their battle. His rib was probably still bothering him.

"Pika-chu," Pikachu urged.

Luxio looked up at Clemont.

Clemont thought back to when they stayed at his house, the night before they first set out on their journey. He remembered that he was on the floor and Ash was using the couch to sleep on.

"Hey Ash, are you sorry you weren't able to challenge the Lumiose Gym?" He remembers asking.

"Yeah, but back then you decided that challengers should be strong enough to have earned four gym badges. Right?" Ash answered, he still had his eyes closed as he prepared to sleep, with Pikachu lying on him.

"Huh? Well yeah," Clemont felt some confusion and looked at Ash, up on the couch.

"Since that's what you wanted, I will just come back when I have gotten four of 'em," Ash replied.

"Pika," Pikachu agreed tiredly.

Clemont turned back and looked at the ceiling, "If that's what you want."

"One thing."

Clemont looked back over. "Huh?"

Ash looked back at him, he had a challengers look on his face, "I want the battle to be against you, instead of Clembot," He said.

Clemont laid there with a bit of a surprised look on his face, "Deal," He said then got excited. "I'll make sure I get stronger, so I can give you a gym battle you will never forget for the rest of your life," He promised and sat up.

Ash sat up and held up a fist, feeling pumped just talking about it. "That sounds good to me!"

"Great that's what we'll do," Clemont agreed.

"When we get to Lumiose City let's have our battle right way," Ash encouraged.

Pulling Clemont out of his memory, "Sure, you've got it," He said feeling on fire about this battle.

"Wow, I can't wait to see this battle," Chelsea said breathlessly, "I am super excited for the both of you," She leaned back and looked Clemont up and down; she was glad he was feeling better, he just needed a bit of a "pick-me-up" to get going again.