Ash whistled as he took in the glory of the amazing piece of architecture before him. The design itself felt like it was ripped straight out of a fairy tale. He felt like the building itself contained some sort of mystical property.

"I was looking at it the entire trip here, but looking at it from here…" Ash remarked, trailing off at a loss for words.

Serena nodded.

"It's even better on the inside. It's essentially a treasure trove of information for Mega Evolution."

"Well, let's get to it." Ash replied. "We're burning daylight. Would you lead the way? You are more familiar with the area after all."

Serena took the lead and slowly walked them down the sandy beach telling them more about the surrounding area. She stopped in front of the arched entrance where she showed a security guard an ID card and said something to him as she motioned to Ash and Latias. The guard stepped to the side and let them pass.

"A security guard seems a little unusual in a place like this." Latias remarked as they were climbing a flight of steps.

Serena pointed out several people ranging from early teens to early adults were sitting on the stairs pouring over books.

"The tower serves as a school and a library. Not just everyone has entrance, but the tower is recognized as a national landmark and is given free security. After the Lysandre event 3 years ago, security has been pretty tight."

Ash nodded.

"Makes sense. It'd be a huge loss if you were to lose the information stored here."

The group walked through the large doors and the atmosphere immediately changed. The air smelled like aged paper and sunlight could be seen pouring in from the large, narrow windows above them. Another thing that Ash noticed was the large statue of a Lucario erected upon a spherical base. He trailed his eyes down and found a door in the base the statue stood on. Ash watched Serena walk towards it and followed. Just as Serena was about to open the door, it burst open and all Ash saw was a flash of yellow before everything went black.

"Oh my Arceus! I'm so sorry!" exclaimed a random voice.

Ash felt some pressure lift up from his chest as someone helped him up. His vision began to return as he was righted himself. He focused his eyes and shook his head a bit.

"Are you alright?! I'm so, so very sorry! I didn't know anyone was out here!"

Ash looked up and saw a young girl about his age jumping around on her… rollerblades? He looked down again to confirm and sure enough, she was wearing rollerblades. She had her hands up to her chest and appeared very distressed. Ash just waved his hand at her.

"It's alright, no harm no foul." Ash replied as he flinched from a jolt of pain surging from the new bump on his head. "Well, I guess there was a little harm."

Ash looked over and found himself being supported by a Lucario. He thanked it and removed his arm from the Pokémon's shoulder. It jogged over beside the girl and simply stared at him. Latias walked over and took a look at his bump as Serena turned to the young girl.

"I didn't expect to see you here Korrina. Are you off-duty right now?"

Korrina, as Serena called her, stopped jumping around and shook her head quickly.

"No, I just had a small break in between challengers so I decided to visit gramps. It's been kind of hectic these past couple of weeks with the League coming up. Trainers are pouring in and trying to get last minute badges."

Serena nodded and Ash looked over to Korrina.

"You're the Gym Leader for the town?"

Korrina nodded enthusiastically and gasped.

"Are you a challenger? I'd be glad to fight you, but I'm booked for the next few days. Actually, haven't I seen you before?"

The young girl leaned in close and inspected him. Her eyes suddenly lit up and she stifled a scream. She had returned to jumping up and down.

"Y-You're Ash Ketchum! The youngest Champion in the history of the League! I can't believe you're actually here! Can I have an autograph!? Actually, no, would you battle me?! Holy jeez, I can't believe this is actually happening!"

Ash's head started spinning at the torrent words flooding his ears. He put his hands up and she immediately stopped talking.

"A little slower, please?"

Korrina nodded and took a deep breath.

"I'm a big fan of yours! I started following your ventures shortly before you overcame the League and became the Champion of Kanto. I've been wondering where you were! You disappeared almost immediately after becoming Champion and then I hear rumours that you only took the title and not the position?"

Ash nodded to all of what she said as he processed it.

"Well, it's not a rumour. I didn't want the responsibilities that came with the position and just let Lance keep it. My disappearance, well, I just went home to Pallet."

Korrina's shoulder sagged a little at the news, but perked up almost immediately.

"You're still technically Champion, right?"

Ash nodded.

"Would it be alright if we had a battle? It doesn't have to be on the book or anything and I can most definitely fit in a battle for you!"

Ash scratched the back of his head and looked up.

"I don't know. I haven't battled in a long time. I'm probably a little rusty and I only have one Pokémon on me."

Latias nudged him a little.

"Come on, it'll be a refreshing experience. Who knows, maybe you won't get thrashed."

Ash lightly pushed her with a small chuckle.

"Alright, you know what, why not? I'll have a battle with you. Just tell me the time and place and I'll be there."

Korrina's smile, if at all possible, grew wider.

"We'll battle in my Gym tomorrow at 7:00 P.M. I close early on weekends so it all works out!"

Ash stuck his hand out and Korrina shook it with glee. She immediately left without another word. Lucario turned to follow but stopped and stared at him for a few more seconds. Ash knew why and didn't say anything. He simply smiled and waved. Lucario eventually turned back and ran off after Korrina swiftly.

"That's a fast Lucario. I'm willing to bet that's who she'll use in the battle tomorrow. It's good that Charizard has an advantage on it."

"Don't get too cocky." Serena stated. "Korrina may not look it, but she's one of not the strongest Gym leader here in Kalos."

Ash nodded.

"I could tell. Her Lucario is certainly powerful. It had a strong aura, stronger and more pronounced than most others. It's going to be an interesting battle." He replied with a smile.

"You look excited." Latias remarked.

Ash clenched his hands into fists. They were shaking. He didn't need to say anything. Latias could read his emotions and Serena was a fellow trainer. Both in their own unique way understood his blood was boiling from excitement. Serena clapped her hands together catching Ash and Latias' attention.

"Okay, so shall we meet the Guru?"