1. Ash's Story (Part 7: Kalos)

Chapter 3: Aquacorde Contest

Professor Sycamore trusted me with three starter Poké Balls before we left his lab, and that made the walk through Lumiose feel different from a normal errand. I had carried rare items, badges, ribbons, and Legendary responsibilities before, but starter Pokémon always felt special because they were waiting for someone's first step.

I looked at the three Poké Balls in my hands and wondered which new Trainers were waiting at Aquacorde Town. One ball held Chespin, one held Fennekin, and one held a Froakie that was not the Froakie resting on my belt.

My own Froakie had chosen me after the Garchomp crisis, and Professor Sycamore had been careful to explain that this delivery set was separate. I was glad he said it clearly, because I did not want anyone thinking I was handing away the partner who had just trusted me.

"Whoever receives them, I think all three Pokémon are wonderful choices," Elline said as she walked beside me.

"Yeah," I said. "A starter can change someone's whole life."

Clemont walked on my other side, looking a little nervous but much brighter than he had after the Prism Tower machine incident. Bonnie skipped ahead with Pikachu, though she kept asking before touching him now.

"You know, Ash," Clemont said, "I confess I am a little in awe of you."

"In awe?" I asked, surprised.

"You were willing to do anything you could to help Pikachu and Garchomp," Clemont said. "Just watching you gave me courage. I realized that I want to become stronger too, not just with machines, but as a Trainer."

"Come on, it was not that big of a deal," I said, rubbing the back of my head.

David gave me a look that told me he disagreed completely. "I have to agree with Clemont. I can understand why Froakie chose you."

Pikachu's meaning came warmly from ahead of us. "He jumps first and apologizes later, but his heart jumps in the right direction."

"That is not exactly a compliment," I said.

Bonnie laughed. "It sounds like Pikachu knows you really well."

We entered the Pokémon Center, where Nurse Joy greeted us with a bright smile. The clean lights, soft voices, and calm Pokémon made the building feel like a breath after the chaos of the lab.

"Good morning," Nurse Joy said. "At this Pokémon Center, helping Pokémon in need is our number one goal. We are here for Trainers and Pokémon alike."

"I was hoping you could help me register for the Kalos League and Kalos Contests," I said. "I also need Showcase access because of my special case."

Nurse Joy's smile widened with recognition. "You must be Ash Ketchum. Your grandmother told us about your Showcase access. Please place your Rotom Phone here, and I will process everything together."

I set my Rotom Phone in the reader, and the screen began to glow. Clemont watched the registration with interest until the Showcase part made him blink.

"You are attending Showcases?" Clemont asked. "But those are usually for girls."

Elline answered before I could. "Ash is a perfect actor. His crossdressing is beautiful enough to make people forget what they were going to say."

Bonnie's eyes sparkled immediately. "Really? Can I see it?"

"Maybe sometime," I said, trying not to laugh at Clemont's stunned expression.

Nurse Joy also confirmed my League account, Contest Pass, and Showcase access one after another, and each confirmation made Kalos feel less like a place I had just entered and more like a road officially opening under my feet. The Unova journey was behind me, but the familiar rhythm of registering for a new challenge still made my chest tighten with excitement.