Chapter 2

Lumiose City Pursuit

And to think we just met him…

Excitement filled the air as Bonnie, Clemont and I met Ash Ketchum and Pikachu, who set foot in the Kalos region for the very first time that day. I had heard so much about him from my pen-pal, Misty, so this was quite a privileging coincidence. However, not too long later, Team Rocket attacked us in an attempt to take Pikachu and Cocoa from us. But then, a brave Froakie leapt in and saved the day, taking a lot of damage in the process.

We rushed down the Vernal Avenue, Ash carrying the injured Froakie in his arms. Our destination: Professor Sycamore's research facility (because it was closer than the nearest Pokémon Center). "This way! Plus vite!" I shouted to everybody else. Ash and Bonnie were hot on my tail, but Clemont was trailing far behind.

"Clemont, hurry up! You're slowing us down!" Bonnie shouted to her older brother.

"I'm running… as fast as… I can…" Clemont panted. "Don't wait form me… just go…!"

"You got it, Clemont!" Ash replied and turned to the Pokémon in his arm. "Hang in there, Froakie. We're almost there."

He was right. We were only a block or two away from the laboratory. Once there, we ran up the stairs and through the front door. I called out to the professor as loudly as I could. "Coming…" yawned the professor as he walked in from a nearby corridor. He seemed rather tired (maybe he worked late last night), but seeing the Pokémon in Ash's arms woke him with a shock, and he darted over to us. "Froakie! No!" he stated, slightly panicked.

"You know this Froakie?" asked Ash.

"I sure do," he replied as he called for one of his assistants. Then he took Froakie from Ash. "We were so worried about you. Your Trainer was in recent contact with us." He handed Froakie to the assistant, who ran back down the corridor with him.

"Merci, professeur." I said thereafter. "We all were worried about him as well. When will Froakie's trainer arrive for him?"

"Actually…" Then a look of concern came over him… "He contacted us to let us know… he wanted to return Froakie."

Before we could say anything more, Clemont came in from behind us. He was exhausted. "So… how's… Froakie…?"

In another room, Froakie was being treated with some rather impressive technology. The rest of us watched from on the other side of the window, and we were all concerned for Froakie. "There's nothing to worry about," said the professor as he came over from behind. "Sophie is the absolute best in our facility."

Since he gave us the assurance, we all felt a lot better, and we agreed to sit down at some nearby couches. After we all got acquainted, Ash asked about Froakie's trainer. "What happened that would make him want to give Froakie up?"

"Well, one of my numerous responsibilities is to give trainers their very first Pokémon," the professor began. "Froakie is a Pokémon meant for new trainers, but this Froakie in particular is rather unusual… refusing to listen to his trainer in battle. There have been many times when he left his trainer, simply because he didn't like them. Actually, this isn't the first time a trainer has returned him to us."

We were all shocked. "You mean there are more?!" I asked.

"We're not entirely sure why he acts that way…"

A Pokémon who doesn't listen to its trainer… who hated its trainer… I had heard tales of Pokémon like that, but I didn't believe them because they seemed absurd. To actually see it for myself was something I would not have expected.

"Gar… Garchomp…" we all heard from the side. Over by the window, we saw a large Pokémon, who looked concerned for Froakie.

"Whoa… I can't believe I didn't see that one when I came here last." I pulled out my Pokédex.

Garchomp
The Mach Pokémon and the final evolved form of Gible
When it folds up its body and spreads its wings, it can fly like a jet plane at the speed of sound.

"Garchomp has lived here at the lab since she was a Gible," said the professor. "She has a good heart."

"She?" I never would have guessed that that Garchomp was a female. My friends and I came over to say hello to her. "You really care about Froakie, don't you? He'll be okay. Je vous promets."

"May I pet Garchomp, please?" asked Bonnie. "I've never seen one before."

"Sure. She'd really like that." He picked Bonnie up to pet Garchomp, who then playfully nuzzled with Bonnie.

"Pardon me, Professor," began Clemont, "I've heard a lot about your research on Pokémon evolution. Is it true?"

"Indeed. There are a lot more Pokémon living right here in the lab other than Garchomp." Then he directed Clemont and Bonnie to the back… But Ash, Pikachu, Cocoa and I stayed behind for a moment. We went into the other room to check on Froakie, who looked up at us when we came in.

"Hi, Froakie. How're you feeling?" I asked the Pokémon on the examination table. He sat up and showed that he was feeling better than he was previously. "I wanted to thank you for helping save Cocoa."

"Bun Buneary!" added Cocoa joyfully.

"Pikachu and I think you're awesome," Ash said thereafter. "I don't understand why anyone would want to give you away. After what I saw, I'd want a Pokémon like you. You cared enough to save Cocoa. You're the best."

After Ash said that, Froakie smiled a small smile.

We left Froakie there to rest and fully recover, and we caught up with Bonnie, Clemont, and Professor Sycamore in the back yard. Bonnie was playing with the Pokémon there-in, Clemont's Bunnelby included, while the other two watched. Cocoa and Pikachu jumped down to join in on the fun. When asked about Froakie, we told him that he was near full recovery in order to relieve him.

"Hey, professor," began Ash, "I've been meaning to ask you: What kind of evolution are you researching?"

"Let me answer your question with a question," he replied. "What if I told you that Pokémon may have an additional evolutionary stage?"

"So you're saying that Garchomp could still evolve?" asked Clemont out of surprise.

"Possibly. That's my research," he answered. "You see, there have been several reports of Pokémon evolving in a way most people in Kalos refer to as 'Mega Evolution.' A lot of the mechanics are still a mystery, but we believe a strong bond between Pokémon and trainer as well as a special stone play a crucial role. And if that's not enough, a Pokémon is able to revert to its previous form after it evolves this way."

"It can change back?!" Ash was surprised.

As we were talking, Cocoa noticed something… it was the Houndour that scared her up the tree when I found her. Since I was distracted with our conversation with Professor Sycamore, I didn't notice them until it was too late.

The Houndour charged at Cocoa, ready to attack her. When I noticed, I ran to stop them, but I wasn't quick enough… but Bunnelby was. Quickly thinking, he used Mud Shot on the attacking Houndour and hit all but one, while Cocoa watched in amazement. With the last one, he used Double Slap, striking his hand-like ears into the Houndour's face and sending him away.

"Cocoa! Are you okay?" I asked my Pokémon friend, who nodded in response. "Thank you, Bunnelby."

"Bunn By…" it replied.

Then, Cocoa started behaving a little weird. It acted completely different than with any of the other Pokémon she had been with. She kept pulling her soft fur over her face every time she looked at him, and she wanted to be near Bunnelby.

We couldn't explain why, but Ash understood. "I've seen this happen once before… Cocoa's got a crush on Bunnelby."

"That's so cute!" Bonnie cooed.

But before anybody could say any more… "GAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRR!"

"What in the world?!" We all ran inside and straight to the main lobby. There, we saw Garchomp destroying everything, if not with her own body then with Hyper Beam. Garchomp, what's wrong?"

"Professor! Those three did this!" Sophie pointed to three people on the other side of the room.

Sycamore became very cross. "Whoever you are, you are so fired!"

"Prepare for trouble, for knowledge is power!"
"And make it double with every passing hour!"

Then the three threw their lab coats off to reveal true forms.

"Team Rocket!" Ash snarled. "That's the second time today!" explained to the real researchers.

"They're thieves who try to steal Pokémon from others," I explained.

"Try?" asked Jessie.

"We succeed," added James.

"And today, Garchomp fills our need," said Meowth.

"HE CAN TALK?!" the shocked professor exclaimed.

"That's exactly what Hairbow over there said," Meowth remarked and pointed to me.

Just then, the rampaging Garchomp used Hyper Beam on Team Rocket, who were shot through the ceiling. "WE'RE BLASTING OFF PREMATURELY…!" they shouted as they flew out of sight. We thought it was over, but then Garchomp shot another one at us as we jumped out of the way.

"What was that about?!" asked Ash.

"Hey," I noticed. "What's that on her neck?" I pointed to some sort of collar she was wearing. It was glowing red, and electricity surged from it. Garchomp howled in pain.

"It's from those people," Sophie explained. "They tried to throw it on Froakie, but Garchomp jumped in to save him!" And after she said that, Garchomp jumped through the wall and out into the city. Then at ran away, smashing everything in its path.

"Garchomp must be in a lot of pain…" I said, worried.

"Quick! After her!" Ash shouted, and we all ran after her. But before we left, Froakie leaped in front of us, and opened the door for us. Obviously, he wanted to help.

Garchomp flew across the city, firing random Hyper Beams wherever she went. The local authorities quickly called a city wide evacuation until the situation was dealt with, which made it harder for us to follow her. At last, we followed Garchomp to Prism Tower. She was too high up the tower, so we couldn't reach her.

"How do we get up to her?" asked Ash.

"We can't go up there! It's dangerous!" Clemont remarked.

"Garchomp's the one in danger!" Ash rebutted. "We've got to get that collar off of her!"

Bonnie, Clemont, and I saw Ash's concern for Garchomp. In that we could see his love for Pokémon.

Then, Clemont had an idea. "I got it! Follow me!" And we ran to the opposite side of the tower. There, we saw a door with a rather peculiar locking mechanism next to it. "There's an emergency stairwell through this door. Good thing I brought my backpack…" We were confused at first, but then… "The future is now, thanks to science! Aipom Arm! GO!" From his backpack, a mechanical arm resembling an Aipom's tail appeared. It stuck its fingers into the sockets of the lock, and after a few seconds of twisting and turning, the door opened.

"Man! Science is so amazing!" Ash cooed like a little girl.

Speaking of little girls… "Clemont's an amazing inventor! You'd be amazed how far ahead he thinks!" Bonnie declared as me, Ash and our Pokémon walked into the doorway.

Then there was trouble. Garchomp fired a Hyper Beam at the doorway, separating us from the two siblings. "Bonnie! Clemont! Are you okay?!" I shouted through the rubble as the smoke cleared away.

"We're fine!" came a voice from the other side, "but don't worry about us. Hurry, and save Garchomp."

"We're on it! Let's go, Rosie!" So Ash and I took off towards the stairwell. It was a little longer of a climb than I originally anticipated, but we made it up to where Garchomp was. Thankfully, she wasn't too far away from the stairwell.

"Garchomp…" I said to her. But as soon as she saw us, she fired yet another Hyper Beam at us, which we dodged. "Please, Garchomp! You have to calm down!" Slowly we approached her, but before we got too close, she took off again towards the top of the tower.

"Now what do we do?" asked Ash.

"I saw an emergency ladder setup not too far away. This way!" We ran over and started to climb the ladder.

The sun was just barely starting to disappear as we reached the top. There, Garchomp was still shooting as many Hyper Beams as possible, one of which yet again barely missed us.

Pikachu, Froakie, and Cocoa then jumped in front of us, ready to defend us and fight Garchomp. "No, everybody!" Ash shouted. "Wait… I don't want you to attack her." He then slowly approached her. "Garchomp, I know it hurts. We just want to help you… please… let us take that collar off."

Instead, the pain caused Garchomp to move uncontrollably in reverse… straight for the edge. Quickly thinking, Froakie threw some of his Frubbles at her feet so she wouldn't move. Then, according to Ash's instructions, Pikachu sliced the collar off using Iron Tail. Garchomp fell to her knees. She was relieved that it was finished, and so was I.

"That must have hurt…" I said, trying to calm Garchomp down. "Don't worry, it's over now."

Cocoa, Pikachu and Froakie joyfully rushed over to help Garchomp. But then something terrible happened. A portion of the tower that was damaged broke off… a portion that Pikachu tried to jump off of, but it was too late.

"PIKACHU!" Ash ran over and jumped off the tower to save him.

If you were there, you would've heard the citizens below gasp and cry out in horror. I looked away, afraid of the outcome… and saw a fireball rush in. A Pokémon I never saw before caught Ash and Pikachu, then landed on the ground, bringing them to safety.

"What a relief…" I sighed. "Garchmp, could you get us down, after we get these Frubbles off?" She gladly did so after Cocoa, Froakie and I climbed on her back. Ash, Pikachu and Professor Sycamore were waiting. "Ash, are you okay?"

"I am now, thanks to that Pokémon," he pointed to the creature in question.

Next to him, a man dressed like that Pokémon stood. "Excellent work, Blaziken." As he said that, it transformed.

"Was that…?" I gasped.

"It was!" added the professor. "Blaziken can mega evolve!"

"So that was Mega Blaziken?"

"And another research topic for me."

As they disappeared into the night, Ash called out to his savior. "Mega Blaziken! Thanks for saving me!"

We spent the night at the lab, and the next morning, I woke up and started making breakfast for everyone. As I neared finishing, my Holo Caster started vibrating, which usually meant I had a phone call coming. I placed it on the counter ans pushed a button. A holographic image of a certain woman appeared "Good morning, Mom."

"Good morning, Brianna," replied the image. "How are you this morning?"

"I'm doing just fine!" I told her, perkily.

"Really... I figured you'd be a bit tired after pursuing the Garchomp."

"How did you know about that?"

"I saw it live on channel seven."

"It was on the news?" I giggled.

"So who was that with you? Do you have a boyfriend already?"

"Not my boyfriend, but my friend. Actually, remember those stories I keep telling you from the Kanto region?"

"Oh! Is it that boy?"

"It sure is!"

"And I take it you told him your name was Rosie."

"Of course... do me a favor. If we happen to cross paths, don't tell them who I am, okay?"

"You have my word as Kalos Champion."

"Thanks, Mom." Then I heard footsteps. "Oh! Got to go. I love you."

"I love you, too, sweetie. Au revoir."

As the image disappeared, every one of my friends, Ash included, came in, ready to eat. "Nice going, Ash," I teased. "You've been in Kalos for less than twenty-four hours, and became a region-wide celebrity."

"Aw, come on," relied Ash, modestly, "it wasn't that big of a deal."

"It most certainly was," I protested. The way you risked your own safety to help Garchomp and Pikachu… You're a hero, Ash Ketchum!" Suddenly, there was the sound a loud grumble, followed by me giggling. "A hero with a rumbly tummy, might I add."

"Yeah," he chuckled. "I don't think I've eaten since Garchomp's rampage."

"Good timing then. I've just finished making breakfast. Bon appétit."

After breakfast, we left the front door of Professor Sycamore's lab. The professor himself came to see us off. "I hope you all got a good night sleep, despite the mess. Oh! Before you go, Ash, I'd like to give you a Kalos Pokédex. I'm sure you'll put it to good use." He handed the device to the Kanto trainer.

"Thanks, professor." He then turned to Pikachu. "Ready to go, buddy?"

"Pika!" replied the Pokémon on his shoulder.

"Then let's-!" He turned around and was met with a face full of Frubble. "What the…?"

There, sitting by the gate, was Froakie. He nudged a Poké Ball towards Ash's feet. "Froak…"

"Looks like Froakie wants to come with you," Bonnie stated.

"Incroyable!" I gasped in amazement. "Normally, the trainer choose the Pokémon. But Ash… they choose you."

He kneeled down and picked up the Ball. "Do you really want to come with us, Froakie?" The Pokémon in question answered by jumping up and pressing the button. The Ball, encapsulated Froakie there-in, and flashed, indicating that he was caught. "I'll take that as a yes!"

With that, Ash had caught his first Pokémon from the Kalos region, Froakie. What other friends and adventures await? Only time would tell, as the journey continues…