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

Chapter 13: Pattern Rescue

At the gate leading toward Route 5, a cheerful man in a suit stops us before we can leave Lumiose City properly. He introduces himself as Mr. Bonding and begins explaining O-Powers with the same excitement Clemont usually has when he unveils a machine. Bonnie listens with wide eyes, while Clemont nods politely and David looks as if he is already trying to compare O-Power effects to support systems.

I listened carefully because O-Powers sounded useful enough that I did not want to misunderstand the basics. "That makes sense," I said. "Thanks for explaining it to everyone."

Mr. Bonding laughs as if being told we already know only makes him more determined to be helpful. He shares a few reminders about how O-Powers can support Trainers during travel, then disappears with a strange flourish that leaves Bonnie staring at the empty space where he stood.

"That man really enjoys helping people," Serena says.

"He also enjoys dramatic exits," David adds.

Once we finally step onto Route 5, also known as Versant Road, the road immediately feels more active than the quieter paths near the manor. Slopes run along the route, Roller Skaters cut across smooth stretches of pavement, and wild Pokémon dart between grassy patches with enough speed that everyone has to watch their footing. The route feels alive, but not fully controlled, like one careless step could send a traveler sliding downhill.

Near a skating area, I let Lucario out for some training. Lucario closes his eyes, sensing the movement around us through aura, while Pikachu and Froakie watch from beside me. Serena keeps Fennekin close because the dust from the road keeps making Fennekin flick her ears in annoyance.

Lucario suddenly turns and throws an Aura Sphere toward the far side of the park.

"Lucario, what's wrong?" I ask.

Another Aura Sphere shoots from behind a stone ramp and collides with Lucario's attack. Both spheres burst apart in blue light, and a second Lucario lands across from mine with sharp focus in its eyes. Before either one can move again, a girl in roller skates rushes after it.

"Wait, Lucario!" she calls, braking with impressive balance. "Sorry about that! Are you okay? I was doing special training with my Lucario when all of a sudden it dashed off."

Her Lucario keeps staring at mine. Its meaning reaches me through aura as challenge, curiosity, and recognition. "That aura is strong. I did not come here from anger, but I cannot ignore a Lucario carrying that kind of power."

The girl studies both Lucario and smiles. "Hey, Lucario, what's going on with you? Did you get drawn in by this Lucario's aura or something?"

"I think maybe your Lucario wants to battle my Lucario," I say.

The girl laughs brightly. "That would be fun, but I cannot do it right now. I'm Korrina, the Shalour City Gym Leader. If you are collecting Gym Badges, I am sure we will be battling sooner or later. I will be looking forward to it, so I hope you know how to roll with the punches."

"Korrina," Serena repeats. "So you are one of the Kalos Gym Leaders."

"That's right," Korrina says, then glances down the road with sudden panic. "But Lucario, we have to go now. Grandpa is going to be worried."

Her Lucario gives mine one last intense look. The meaning reaches me like a promise. "This first clash is not finished. When we meet again, we will answer it properly." Then Korrina waves and skates away, pulling her Lucario back into training before the meeting can become a real battle.

David watches her go. "So she is a Gym Leader we are meant to remember before Shalour City. Good to know before the real challenge arrives."

"I am still confused about why she was training here," Serena says.