Pokémon XYZ: Life, Death, Order, and Chaos (book 2 of the HBoD series)

Chapter 26: Taking on Mega Evolution

"It's locked," Alex tugged on the handle slightly. "That's weird. I guess the gym's not open at the moment."

"It is still morning," Robert said. "Maybe they don't open until after lunch."

"We can always go check the Tower of Mastery itself," I said, pointing back the way we had came. We had woken up to see that the path to the island where the Tower of Mastery and the gym was located was now able to be crossed. We had come over once we filled our stomachs, but the gym appeared to be closed.

"Hello!?" I called out as we walked into the Tower of Mastery. The tower looked old, but it seemed to be maintained well. A ramp started at one end of the circular area, leading up and around, going all the way up the tower. And in the center, standing at least 50 feet high, was a statue of a Mega Lucario. The pedestal he stood upon was 7 feet high by itself with a door facing us. Upon it was a symbol. 

"The Mega Evolution symbol," Robert said, going up to it and rubbing his hand across it. 

"Indeed."

We turned to see an old man standing in the entrance to the tower. He had a path of pale blonde hair on top of his bald head, his eyebrows ridiculously long. He wore a sort of track suit, the Mega symbol emblazoned on his heart. 

"Welcome," he smiled. "To the Tower of Mastery, youngsters. I assume you're the others sent by Professor Sycamore."

"Ash and the others were already here then?" Alex asked.

He nodded. "I am Gurkinn, commonly known as the Mega Evolution Guru. Sycamore said he sent two groups of trainers my way, seeking the knowledge of Mega Evolution. He must think very highly of you three. He normally doesn't tell trainers about me. Mega Evolution isn't for anyone to use, nor can all Pokemon possess the ability. Only those with a strong enough bond with their Pokemon can fully unlock the full potential of it."

He chuckled as he moved past us. "That Ash kid, he had the nerve to say he couldn't accept my offer of a mega ring."

"Really?" that surprised me. From what I knew of Ash, he always wanted to get stronger.

Gurkinn nodded. "He proved himself worthy to posses it when he faced my granddaughter, Korrina. She's the gym leader of this city. He thoroughly beat Mega Evolution without using it himself. He decided that he wouldn't need the power of Mega Evolution to beat anyone using it. It's for the best anyway. With the Pokemon he has currently, he couldn't mega evolve them if he wanted to."

He stood in front of the door. "I will not say if any of you could use Mega Evolution or not. Not until you have proven yourselves worthy."

We heard a noise behind us and a girl zoomed in on roller skates. She spun a circle around us once before stopping beside Gurkinn. She wore a white and red dress skirt with black shorts beneath. She had a long blonde ponytail poking out from the back of her helmet, bangs shooting out from the front. 

"Hey there trainers," she waved while grinning. "My name's Korrina. I'm the gym leader of Shalour City and a wielder of Mega Evolution."

She jerked a thumb at herself. "Beat me, and you'll be able to possibly wield it yourself."

Gurkinn smiled. "My granddaughter is quite energetic as you can see. But if any of you wish to learn of Mega Evolution, you must first beat Korrina."

Korrina looked riddled with excitement, so I stepped forwards. "Then I'll challenge you first."

She grinned widely. "Then meet me at my gym."

She zoomed past us and out of the tower.

"Good luck trainers," Gurkinn said. "I'll be waiting."