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

Chapter 14: Moving Lessons

On the way toward Camphrier Town, a woman named Penelope steps into our path and asks me for a battle. She looks cheerful and polite, but the Sylveon beside her carries itself with enough confidence that Froakie immediately straightens on my shoulder. Pikachu watches from beside me, while Serena and the others step back to give us room.

"I would like to challenge you," Penelope says. "My Sylveon and I enjoy meeting traveling Trainers."

"Sure," I say as Froakie jumps down in front of me. "Froakie, let's do our best."

Sylveon gives a graceful cry, and its meaning reaches me with elegant confidence. "This little Froakie looks serious, but serious does not mean ready." Froakie's eyes narrow at the challenge, and his meaning comes back sharp and insulted. "Do not underestimate me because I am smaller."

The battle begins with Froakie using Bubble, but Sylveon moves with delicate steps and avoids the attack without wasting energy. When Froakie rushes closer with Pound, Penelope calls for Attract. A wave of hearts catches Froakie in the middle of his charge, and he freezes for just long enough that Sylveon can move in gracefully.

"Draining Kiss," Penelope commands.

Sylveon strikes before Froakie can recover. The attack drains enough energy that Froakie stumbles back, cheeks dark with embarrassment. He tries to force himself forward again, but his focus has already been broken, and Sylveon ends the battle with one more elegant strike.

"Froakie is unable to battle," Clemont says carefully.

Froakie sits down hard, facing away from us. His meaning reaches me in a tight, sulky rush. "I let that move affect me. I looked foolish. I am not finished, but I lost because my focus broke."

I kneel beside him and place a hand near his shoulder without forcing him to look at me. "We lost this one, but we will learn from it."

Penelope smiles gently. "Your Froakie has strong pride. That can become a strength, as long as he learns not to let embarrassment control the next move."

After the battle, Penelope explains that she is a teacher at a nearby kindergarten. She asks if we can visit and show our Pokémon to the children, since many of them love Pokémon but do not always have chances to meet different partners safely. Bonnie immediately agrees before Clemont can even answer, and Dedenne pops out of her bag with cheerful interest.

The kindergarten is full of bright drawings, small chairs, and children who gather around us as soon as we arrive. Serena sends out Fennekin, Clemont lets Bunnelby greet the class, Elline introduces Mareep carefully, and David lets Klink float low enough for the children to see without getting too close. Bonnie proudly introduces Dedenne as if she is giving a formal speech.

Most of the children are excited, but one boy named Randall stays near the back wall. His eyes follow the Pokémon with obvious interest, but whenever one comes too close, he grips his shirt and steps away. Penelope explains quietly that Randall likes Pokémon but is afraid to touch them.

Froakie notices before I say anything. He hops down from a low table and sits several steps away from Randall, not reaching for him and not staring too hard. His meaning reaches me with patient understanding. "Fear does not disappear because someone says not to be afraid. I can wait where he can see me."

Randall looks at Froakie for a long time. Froakie makes a soft sound and places one hand on the floor, then waits again. He does not demand trust. He earns it by letting Randall choose the distance.

Little by little, Randall kneels. His hand trembles as he reaches out, and Froakie leans forward only when Randall is ready. When Randall finally touches Froakie's head, his face changes from fear to wonder.