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

Chapter 6: Depth of Field

We left the Pokémon Center with the Santalune Gym waiting somewhere in the city, and I could already feel the familiar pull of a first badge ahead of me. The streets were bright, the morning air was clear, and the thought of finally challenging a Kalos Gym made my steps faster than everyone else's.

Clemont tried to keep up for about two blocks before the difference showed. Bonnie hurried beside him, Dedenne peeking from her bag, while Serena and Elline followed with patient smiles. David looked ready to comment on our lack of direction, but he waited until Clemont tripped over his own feet.

"Hey, Clemont, hurry up!" David called, stopping before Clemont could fall completely flat.

Clemont pushed himself up with a groan and adjusted his glasses. "One thing, and I think it is important. Do any of you know where the Santalune Gym is located?"

I turned around and answered honestly. "No clue, of course I do not."

Everyone stared at me for a moment.

I climbed onto the edge of the fountain nearby and pointed down the street with confidence I had not earned yet. "I figure things out best when I run. Keep moving ahead, and you cannot go wrong. That is the way we roll."

Serena sighed like she had heard that explanation too many times. "And that has been the way since Kanto."

A camera clicked before I could answer, and I turned to find a woman holding a camera with a bright, satisfied smile. She lowered it just enough to study us from behind the lens.

"Thanks so much for the great picture," she said. "You all look like you have the makings of a great team."

"Thanks for the picture," I said, stepping down from the fountain. "Pikachu, Absol, and Zoroark are our partners too."

Pikachu waved from my shoulder, Absol stood calmly at my side, and Zoroark folded his arms with the expression of someone who was not sure he wanted to be photographed. The woman seemed even more interested when she saw them.

"If you are going to the Santalune Gym, make a right at that corner," she said, pointing down the street. "You will recognize it when you see it."

"Thanks for the directions," Serena said.

We hurried the way she pointed, and after a short turn through the city streets, the Gym sign finally came into view. I stopped in front of it with the energy of someone who had reached the battlefield before the battle even started.

"We made it to the Gym," I said.

Clemont caught up while breathing hard. "If I remember my facts correctly, the Santalune Gym Leader specializes in Bug-type Pokémon."

"I cannot wait to go inside," Bonnie said. "It is going to be fun."

The moment we opened the door, a Helioptile sprang toward me and knocked me backward. I caught it before falling too hard, and recognition hit me immediately.

"Helioptile, I know you," I said, laughing despite the surprise.

Alexa stepped forward from inside the Gym, smiling warmly. "Welcome, Ash, Pikachu. It is nice to see you both again."

"Hey, Alexa," I said. "I did not know you were here."

"I finished my reporting and thought you would arrive soon, so I decided to wait," Alexa said. "Are these your new friends?"

After everyone introduced themselves, David looked at Alexa with interest. "That is amazing. Ash already knew the Gym Leader before arriving."

"She is not the Gym Leader," I said. "Alexa is a Pokémon journalist."