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

Chapter 55

Now we're back at our home, my Mom says, "Ash, Serena, and Alice. There is something that I need to discuss with you if you're okay with that?"

"Sure." We are confused as my Mom looks out of the window. "Lumiose City... It is a tourist destination whose name is known all over the world. Many kinds of people live here, and even more come to visit and enjoy the atmosphere. The fact is, wherever there are so many people in one place, trouble is never far behind."

"Really? Are you saying that you're going to become a detective? If that's the case, why don't you just call Minami? She's the detective, not me..." I mutter.

"And maybe she inherited that from me." My Mom says with a soft smile. "Being a detective and doing such work requires a person with a hard-boiled heart. But even a heart that embraces loneliness can sometimes stumble, falter, and doubt. And that's where you come in, if we join forces, I promise we can bring peace to Lumiose City! What does your heart say? Will you partner with me and fight crime?"

Serena says, "Well, I guess we should do it."

"I mean, what's worse than that?" Alice asks.

"For your brave answer, I thank you. Lumiose City will regain its tranquility!" My mom says. "Now please read the notes."

As we read the notes, we begin to read.

Client: A rep from a Lumiose City mothers' group. Details: Kids in Lumiose City seem to be spending a lot of time in back alleys recently. What are they up to in these shadowy, suspicious places? Inquiring mothers want to know! My son is about to take the entrance exam for an elite school for future Ace Trainers! I can't have him do anything stupid and get a black mark on his academic record! You must do something to make kids stop hanging out in those suspicious alleys! Reward: Enough dough to last for a week

My mom says, "All read up and all ready to go? Good! The first thing I want you to do is to visit those dark alleys in Lumiose City. Find where kids are hanging out, and get the lowdown on the situation. Got it? Think you can handle it?"

"I think it's fine, but it is not a big deal if they want to hang out in the alleys..." I shake my head.

"I am counting on you, guys. There are a number of alleys here in Lumiose City. Somewhere, in one of them, you should find those kids!" My mom says, "My instincts tell me there's something fishy about the alley leading off South Boulevard. Maybe you should start your investigations on South Boulevard. I'll join you when I can."

The three of us head to an alleyway in South Boulevard, and it is just like the kindergarten that we met on Route 3 of Unova Region, the school kids are trying to battle us using their Pokemon. After we defeat them, Mom manages to catch up to us as we hear an Espurr's cry.

"Why, it's an Espurr! But to threaten humans like that, it is apparently none too gentle... It may consider this area its territory."

"Yup, old lady, you got that right." Just then, we see a girl with some broken clothes appears in front of us. "Who are you?" My Mom asks.

"Oh, nobody special. But this little sweetie right here is Mimi. That's what I named it, anyway." The girl says as the Espurr Mimi nods.

"Ahem. Then this is your Pokémon? In which case, would you mind returning it to its Poké Ball for a bit?" My Mom asks.

"Huh? What Poké Ball? I'm not a Trainer! Mimi is my friend. I have no money to buy Poké Balls, so I can't be a Trainer, you get it? Anyway, Mimi and I don't need a Poké Ball to be friends!"

"You're right. I'm sorry for saying that. My name is Aurora. I work as a detective and a member of the International Police. This is my son Ash and his partners Serena and Alice. If you will permit me to ask, Mimi's friend... I am interested in what you're all doing here."