Ash, Iris, and Cilan walked excitedly into Fermatic City. They were eager to register for the big Pokemon tournament scheduled to begin the very next day.
After registering, they headed to the Pokemon Center, where they heard some strange rumors spreading.
"There are strange lights appearing in town. My rival called them auroras." One trainer said. "What would auroras be doing this far down south and so close to the ground?"
"Do you think that strange girl has anything to do with it? Look at the way she's looking around. It's as if she thinks someone's going to attack her." Another trainer added.
Ash followed the trainers' gaze to a young girl sitting in the corner. The girl's eyes were flitting around quickly, as if she wanted to keep an eye on the whole room at once. He walked over to her.
"What does he think he's doing? That girl looks ready to pounce on anyone who comes near." He heard a third trainer say.
"Hello." Ash said to the girl, who glanced at him worriedly.
You could hear a pin drop in that room.
"Um… hello. I'm Luna." The girl said uncomfortably, holding on tightly to a Heal Ball.
"So… are you participating in the tournament tomorrow?" Ash asked.
Luna pushed a strand of hair off of her face. "I don't know. Too much publicity." She looked around. "If you want to talk, can we do it where no one is watching?"
"Why?" Ash questioned.
"I'm sorry. I don't like people staring at me." Luna replied. "I guess here is fine."
"Well, my name is Ash." Ash said. "And this is my buddy, Pikachu."
"Pika!" Pikachu said.
"Oh! A Pikachu! From Kanto or Johto, I presume?" Luna responded.
Ash nodded. "Kanto. Pikachu and I have been together since the beginning. What kind of pokemon do you have in that Heal Ball?"
Luna smiled. "It's a secret. All I'll tell you is that it's my best friend."
"I can understand that. My pokemon are my best friends too." Ash grinned at her. "Want to go for a walk? It's a nice day out."
Luna nodded. "Sure."