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

Chapter 48

As we continue to walk on Route 19, also known as Grande Vallée Way, I was trying to train Greninja and in the end, it causes me to wake up really weak the next day. I don't know what's going on, but when I walk to Serena, I just... I just fall into her arms.

"Now's our chance. Now! Now!" I mutter.

"What's wrong?" Serena asks.

"I... I... Iron Tail, Pikachu..." And that's when I pass out again. Then they put me back on the bed until I get the medicine, and I realize that Serena is seemingly in battle against some weird guitarist with a Pikachu. Considering that we share Pokemon, I mean, Serena is doing great against that guitarist with a Pikachu. He then introduces me as Jimmy, at first he wants to battle me but with my state, Serena battles in my stead.

And then at the Pokemon Center, we continue to investigate our powers with Greninja. Clemont says, "Up until now, Greninja has shown changes three times. We also know those changes have occurred only when a battle is taking place. During those battles, Greninja's appearance seems to resemble Ash. I believe that this is most likely deeply related to a psychological element between the two of them. In other words, it's a mental change. And because they have the same responses, how they react and move starts to look alike. As for why Serena is also influenced, I believe it might be because of the similar auras."

"This is just like the thing Olympia told us, right?" Serena asks.

"That might be what Olympia's prediction was referring to!" Clemont says.

"Also, Olympia told you that Greninja was trying to earn your love." Elline says. "So maybe that's the reason for all the changes."

"Sawyer did say Pokemon and Trainers with deep bonds begin to look alike. Maybe that's what could be happening to you!"

Then David and Clemont give us Battle Pulse meters to me and Greninja each, explaining that the device will collect and display changes in brain waves, heart rate, and other data during a battle, as well as measure any changes Greninja experiences and how they are reflected in me. I seem pleased with the device and am excited to test it out in the battle with Clemont.

However, in the battle, there aren't any notable changes in Greninja. I know that considering we don't know how to activate that transformation.

"Maybe there's a piece of critical information we're overlooking." Then I notice Squishy jumping back into Bonnie's bag, and that's when we find Alain approaching us.

"Whenever we meet, you're in the middle of a battle." He says. "Interesting device you're wearing. Clemont made this?"

"Yeah. I mean, you know that we're trying to figure out what's up with Greninja's power!" I say.

"But looks like it won't happen today." Bonnie says.

"Maybe battling yourself might help, Ash?" David asks.

"Sure. I was hoping to battle Greninja again." Alain says.

Then it is time for us to battle Charizard again, Greninja uses Water Shuriken, but it is countered by Dragon Claw, damaging Greninja. Greninja uses Double Team to evade a Flamethrower and then hits Charizard with a Cut.

"Yes, it's only right to use the massive power we possess to face them in battle." Alain Mega Evolves Charizard once more and uses Thunder Punch on Greninja; the Ninja Pokémon retaliates with Aerial Ace, stopping Thunder Punch and slamming Charizard into the ground.

"I'm not seeing any changes yet." Clemont mutters.

Greninja uses Cut but it is blocked by Charizard and Greninja is hit point-blank by Flamethrower; Charizard follows up with Thunder Punch to hit Greninja, who tries to retaliate with Water Shuriken. Charizard dodges though, and lands the hit, sending Greninja to the ground.