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

Chapter 51: Wallace Cup

We finally returned to Lumiose City with the glow of restored power shining across the streets. After everything that had happened at the Kalos Power Plant and across Route 13, seeing the city alive again made the air feel lighter. People moved through the plazas without the same worried whispers, and every window that caught the light felt like proof that Lumiose had survived another crisis.

Serena walked beside me with her shorter hair moving in the breeze, and I noticed how often she looked toward Prism Tower. Her new look still carried the sadness of her Coumarine Showcase loss, but it also showed she was trying to keep walking forward. Tierno stretched his arms as if the city gave him energy, Elline looked up at the tower with open wonder, and David studied the electrical panels like he wanted to take them apart and rebuild them better.

A familiar voice suddenly called from ahead, and Shauna ran toward us through the crowd with both hands waving. She almost skidded when she reached Serena, then leaned forward with a bright smile that made the city feel even warmer.

"Tierno! Serena! Guys! It is so nice to see you here," Shauna said, still catching her breath.

"Shauna!" Serena greeted, and her smile softened because seeing Shauna clearly helped.

Shauna looked at Serena's hair with surprise, but her voice stayed gentle. "Wow, you changed your hair. Was it because of what happened at the Showcase?"

"Yeah, I think I needed a change after that loss," Serena said, touching the end of her hair. "It still hurts, but I want to keep moving forward."

"Then I think it looks great on you," Shauna said. "It feels like you are ready for something new."

"So what are you doing here?" Serena asked.

"I was exploring the city," Shauna said. "I ran after you like crazy when I spotted you. Know what? I heard the power is back on here in Lumiose City. Some really bad people were stealing electricity from the Kalos Power Plant, and then somebody came and stopped them. No one knows who, but they must be awesome. Who do you think it was?"

Tierno glanced at me with a grin he tried to hide. "Well, it must be someone who is really strong."

I looked away before Shauna could read my face too easily. "Whoever it was, I am glad Lumiose is safe again."

Pikachu pressed his cheek against mine from my shoulder, and his meaning reached me through the proud warmth in his posture. "We helped because this city needed its light back."

"We are here because we are going to the Wallace Cup," Tierno said.

"You mean we get to see the Hoenn Champion Wallace here?" Shauna asked, and her eyes widened at once. "That is awesome. They are also going to light Prism Tower tonight. It is Lumiose City's most famous sight."

"Wow, that is so cool," Elline said, still looking up.

"It will be even better if Clemont's lighting system works without exploding," David said.

We made our way to the Contest Hall, where blue and silver banners waved above the entrance. Coordinators, Trainers, reporters, and fans filled the steps, and the familiar mix of polish, flowers, and stage dust made my hands tighten with excitement.

"Ash!" a familiar voice called from near the entrance.

Zoey stood there with Glameow beside her, her arms crossed and her smile warm. "You made it. I also got a call from Dawn, and she will be here as well."

"Really? She really does not like missing the Wallace Cup," I said with a smile.

"That sounds like Dawn," Serena said. "She always talks about Contests like every stage has a story waiting on it."