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

Chapter 37: Tower of Mastery

Shalour City finally appeared beyond the road, bright against the coast and full of the kind of sea air that made every step feel lighter.

After Reflection Cave, the open sky felt welcome. The crystals had left too many questions behind, especially about shiny Frogadier and the possibility that Team Flare had touched his past before he ever chose me at Professor Sycamore's lab. Still, Frogadier walked with steadier steps now, and that helped me breathe easier. He did not have answers yet, but he was no longer looking at every reflection like it might steal him away.

We went to the Pokémon Center first. Nurse Joy checked everyone carefully, and I felt relieved when she confirmed that Frogadier was still healthy after the cave examination. Pikachu, Braixen, Quilladin, Fletchinder, Dedenne, and the others were tired from travel, but nothing was wrong. Diancie seemed especially curious about the Center, while Yveltal stayed in its Poké Ball because Shalour City did not need that kind of panic on our first afternoon there.

Serena stood beside me while Nurse Joy returned the last Poké Balls. "We made it to Shalour City."

"We did," I said. "That means the Tower of Mastery is next."

Clemont adjusted his glasses with immediate interest. "If Gurkinn is there, then we may learn more about Mega Evolution than Professor Sycamore has been able to explain."

Bonnie hugged Clemont's Dedenne while our own Dedenne sat beside Pikachu, both of them trading tiny signals with their whiskers. "And Korrina should be here too."

"She should," Serena said. "After everything she went through at your family's manor, I want to see how she and Lucario are doing."

So did I. Korrina's road had not been easy. She had found Lucarionite, lost control of Mega Lucario, trained through flower arrangements with my dad, and finally learned how to hear Lucario inside the aura instead of letting the aura drown them both. Now we were in her city, and my Gym battle was closer than ever.

When we left the Pokémon Center and followed the path toward the Tower of Mastery, the city opened toward the water. The tower rose on its own island, tall and solemn, with the sea surrounding it on every side. It looked less like a building and more like a promise that had been standing there for generations.

Clemont stopped near the edge of the water. "How do we get there? I do not see any sort of bridge."

Elline looked across the water. "What about a Pokémon that can use Surf?"

Before anyone could answer, a familiar voice carried over the sea breeze. "Those who seek power, show your heart, and the path shall reveal itself."

Korrina stepped into view with Lucario beside her.

Serena smiled brightly. "Good to see you again, Korrina."

Korrina grinned. "Good to see you too. Welcome to Shalour City. I figured you would be showing up soon, so I waited for you."

Lucario stood beside her, calmer than it had been back in Geosenge. The pressure of its aura was still there, but it no longer felt like a blade trying to cut free of its sheath. It felt focused.

I looked from Lucario to Korrina. "You two look better."

"We have been training hard since I last saw you," Korrina said proudly. "I have beaten every challenger since returning."

Elline folded her arms, impressed. "So that means you have won all your battles."

"That is amazing," I said. "But soon, I am going to beat you and your Mega Lucario so I can win my third Kalos Gym Badge."