Tryst with Destiny: The Beginning of the End (Main Story)

9 : Underdog vs Champion

(In the food court)

"My my. You sure have a large appetite, I see," Grace remarks while finishes her stew.

"I still don't understand? How can you eat so much and stay so fit?" Clemont says, her voice ripe with wonder and disbelief.

"Well, I am a trainer. I need plenty of energy to perform my best," Ash says while finishing his fourth hamburger.

"Pika Pika," Pikachu replies with a thumbs up while eating his 4th pancake covered in ketchup.

"Well, Clemont. You are the gym leader of Prism tower in Lumoise city. That's nice. What's the story with you and Bonnie?" Serena asks Clemont.

"Well, My dad Meyer is the acting gym leader at the moment. The Lumiose city gym specializes in electric types. In order to ensure that I become a gym leader worthy of the Lumiose gym, my dad had me take the KIP entrance examination. I got a hundred in the first round and of course got in with a hundred per cent scholarship waiver," Clemont says while fixing the position of his eye-glasses with a smile.

"Wow! A hundred in the first test! You must be like one of those freaking geniuses," Serena and Ash shout in unison. Even Grace looks impressed.

"Well, that is enough about us. Tell me something about you guys," Bonnie says as she watches Pikachu and Dedenne converse.

"Well, I am from Pallet town in the Kanto region. My goal is to become a Pokemon master," Ash says.

"Kanto huh. I have never been there. I have heard that it is different from Kalos but it is quite similar when it comes to natural beauty," Clemont says in an excited tone.

"Well, from what I have seen in Kalos you are quite right," Ash confirms.

"How much did you get in the KIP exam Ash?" Serena asks while turning to Ash.

"Oh right! I never got a chance to tell you, did I? Well, I got eighty-one in the first test. Like Clemont, I got a hundred per cent scholarship," Ash replies with a feeling of triumph.

"Oh! I only got a forty per cent waiver," Serena replies with a low tone.

"Don't worry Sere. It is just a test. There will be many more to come now that we are in an institution. Never give up till the end," Ash replies with a determined smile as he points a fist towards Serena.

"Alright," Serena says with a cheerful tone while she gives Ash a fist bump.

Suddenly the bell rings signifying the end of the lunch break.

(In the VIP Box)

"Clemont, what are we doing here? Why aren't we sitting in the stands?" Bonnie asks Clemont.

"Well, since I am the Lumoise city gym leader and you are my sister, hence we both sit in the VIP box. Alongside the other gym leaders and the other important dignitaries." Clemont replies.

"But what event has been planned today? Do you have any idea, mom?" Serena questions Grace.

"Nope. I am equally clueless. We will just have to wait and see," Grace replies.

"Indeed. But I promise you it won't be a dull event," a voice comes out of nowhere.

Grace and Serena turn to see Professor Sycamore sitting down in the seat next to Grace.

"When will it start Professor?" Bonnie asks.

"Should start soon. Ah-ha there's Diantha on the stage. Here we go," Sycamore says while pointing to the stage.