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

Chapter 7: Pride's First Step

Route 22 waited east of Santalune City, and the moment we stepped onto it, the road felt different from the gentle paths before it. Serena said the route was called Détourner Way, which sounded fitting because the path seemed to pull away from the normal beginner journey.

To the north, a track curved across the land like it had been shaped for Rhyhorn racing. Serena paused when she saw it, and I knew she was thinking about her mother and the years she had spent around racing.

"That looks like a training track," Serena said quietly. "My mom would notice every turn immediately."

"Do you miss that part of home?" I asked.

Serena thought for a moment. "Sometimes. I do not want to be forced into racing, but it is still part of where I came from."

Pikachu looked across the track with curious eyes. His meaning came light and teasing. "Large racing Pokémon make loud roads."

"Yeah, they really do," I said.

Clemont dragged himself behind us as if the road had personally offended him. "We have been walking for so long. I am completely exhausted."

"Oh, hang in there, Clemont," I said. "We might come across some cool Pokémon."

David walked beside Elline with a relaxed smile. "You sure have a lot of energy, Ash."

Bonnie turned around with Dedenne peeking from her bag. "Clemont, you have to keep up, or you will get left behind."

Clemont pointed at her in protest. "You have taunted me quite enough today."

Route 22 stretched toward rocky rises, water, and grasslands, with enough side paths to feel bigger than it first looked. Some Trainers practiced near the open ground, and a Riolu shadowboxed beside a rock before darting away.

A Farfetch'd crossed the grass with its leek held proudly, and Bunnelby watched it pass like the route belonged to everyone who knew how to move carefully. Near the water, Psyduck wandered in a confused line while Fletchling circled above us.

"There are many different Pokémon here," Elline said. "This route feels like a training ground."

"It also points toward Victory Road," Serena explained. "But that is much later. We are nowhere near the League yet."

"That is okay," I said. "One badge means the journey started. It does not mean we skip to the finish."

Froakie walked near me with his arms folded. His meaning came sharp and confident. "Finish is far. Feet should still move."

I had another reason for choosing this route before heading toward Cyllage. There was one Pokémon I had hoped to meet here, a young Fire type that could grow through hardship and carry pride without becoming cruel.

Serena noticed me watching the grassland. "You are looking for Litleo, right?"

"Yeah," I said. "The Pokédex says they leave their pride to live alone and become stronger. I want to understand what that really means before trying to capture one."

Bonnie looked uncertain. "Leaving your family sounds lonely."

"It can be," David said. "But some Pokémon species treat that step as part of growing up."

Elline watched the distant grass. "The difficult part is knowing when independence becomes abandonment."

Before I could answer, a roar rolled over the grassland. It was deep, fierce, and filled with authority. Every Pokémon around us reacted at once, and even Clemont forgot to complain about walking.