OH MY MISTYFOOT I AM SO SORRY THAT IT HAS BEEN YEARS SINCE I HAVE UPDATED. Okay, maybe not literal years, but a few good, lengthy months. I've just been so busy with school starting shortly after I began this fanfic and then writing more different fanfics. I have FINALLY returned though in order to continue this amazing journey! I am also considering writing a fanfic of my experiences with Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, so make sure to leave a review if you want me to do that. I would also like to mention that my new cover image was NOT made by me, but instead an amazing artist under the name of LovePokemon33 on WeHeartIt. Credits to them for this awesome piece of art! Lastly, if a bunch of time has passed without me acknowledging it, please just imagine it's been a day... I'm awful at remembering these things! Now, with enough of my rambling aside, here's Chapter 4: Lights, Camera, Lumiose City!

CHAPTER 4

Serena dashed into Route 4, pausing to glance around. Surrounding the beautiful fountain was a mass of green hedge mazes. Roller skaters skated around the fountain, and beyond them was a staircase and a tunnel to lead to the next area; most likely Lumiose City.

After strolling down into the fountain area, a roller skater approached Serena. "My name is Roller Skater Roland. I battle just like I skate! Nonstop victory is the only way for me!" He grabbed a red and white PokeBall at his waist and tossed it. "Go, Pidgey!"

Serena whisked her PokeDex out and scanned the bird-like Pokemon. "Pidgey," the Dex began. "The Tiny Bird Pokemon. A Normal and Flying-Type. Very docile. If attacked, it will often kick up sand to protect itself rather than fight back."

"I don't have anything strong against Flying yet..." Serena mused. "My best bet is... Flame, I choose you!" Flame leaped out of his PokeBall the second it was thrown.

"Flame, get ready and use Flame Charge!" Serena exclaimed. Flame bounded forward with tongues of fire swirling around it, colliding with Pidgey.

Pidgey was flung backwards, stunned. The roller skater grimaced. "You're alright, Pidgey!" he reassured. "Because now you're gonna use Sand Attack!"

Pidgey flung a mound of sand at Flame, stinging his eyes. Flame whimpered.

"Our accuracy is lowered," Serena realized. "We have to keep trying! Use Scratch!"

Flame leaped into the air, missing Pidgey with his paw by an inch. Pidgey chirped and rammed into Flame, using a fierce Tackle.

"Awright, Pidgey!" Roller Skater Roland cheered. "We might win this one!"

Serena clenched her fists. Both Butter and Leafy would be weak, or at least partially weak, to Pidgey. It was too big a risk to take them out in case Pidgey used a super-effective move like Gust.

Speaking of Gust, Roller Skater Roland shouted, "Now Pidgey, use your strongest Gust attack!"

Pidgey sent a steady whirling mass of air streaming towards Flame. The whirlwind made impact with the Pokemon, leaving Flame on very low health.

Serena knew what she had to do. She whipped out a Potion and healed Flame.

"That's cheating!" Roller Skater Roland pouted.

"It's called being strategic," Serena retorted. "Now Flame, go and use another Flame Charge!"

Flame scraped his white paws on the earth, kicking up dust. Then, he crashed into Pidgey, sending it spiraling down. Pidgey shook its head one last time and fainted.

"We won!" Serena cheered. It had been yet another close call, but Flame had pulled through to snag the victory.

Still slightly upset, Roller Skater Roland grudgingly handed Serena several PokeDollars before heading off to continue his better attribute: roller skating, of course.

Serena returned Flame to the PokeBall and walked towards the hedges. The weaving green patterns twisted and turned throughout the grass. Though they were not large, somehow the thought of solving them was slightly intimidating by itself.

As she entered the hedges, Serena paused to scan for Trainers. A man was carefully clipping away at a sticking-out twig poking out from a hedge, seemingly unsuspicious. Serena strolled through the hedge, wondering whether it had been a good idea or not to solve the hedges when she could easily pass by them. She decided that the team needed the experience from the possible Trainers and that it was good practice for her brain-skills.

Suddenly, as Serena passed by him, the gardener whirled around, a PokeBall leaking from one finger. "Hey!" he yelled. "You wanna battle me? I'm a fierce Gardener; Gardener Grover!" Without a warning, Grover tossed his PokeBall and out came Corphish. Serena fished out her PokeDex from her bag to explain the new Pokemon.

"Corphish," the Dex stated in its metallic voice. "The Ruffian Pokemon. A Water-Type. No matter how dirty the water in its river, it will adapt and thrive. It has a strong will to survive."

Serena threw a ball too, sending out Leafy, as it was strong against the Water-Type. The Pansage jumped happily, chirping excitedly.

Corphish clenched its claws together, glaring. "Cor, corphish!"

Leafy scratched the ground anxiously with a leg. "Pan?" It turned to give Serena a look, showing it was ready for instructions.

"Alright Leafy, use Vine Whip!" Serena commanded.

Leafy jumped into the air, sprouting thin green vines and smacking Corphish. Though the Pokemon's body was hard, it was obvious that the move was doing brute damage.

"Corphish, it's just a single attack!" the gardener shouted. "Use Vice Grip!"

Without a warning, Corphish charged at Leafy, grabbing its torso tightly. "Cooooor!"

Leafy winced, shooting Serena a baleful glance.

Serena hesitated. They were in a pinch, with Corphish trapping Leafy. Then she noticed Leafy's orange and green arms were free. "Perfect," she muttered. "Now, Leafy, Fury Swipes!"

Leafy nodded and scratched Corphish vigorously. Eventually, the Water-Type released its solid grip on Leafy, already looking slightly more defeated. On the contrary, Leafy was quite tired from its ordeal.

Serena knew now it was battle of speed. Whichever Trainer could strategize the quickest and dodge each others attacks would emerge victorious.

Swiftly, Serena measured the distance between Corphish and Leafy. Her blue eyes darted from side to side, calculating the best way to win. Finally, an idea appeared in her mind. "Leafy!" she exclaimed.

The exhausted Pansage slowly turned its head towards her.

"You need to use Vine Whip again, before Corphish can react!"

A look of determination grew on Leafy's face. It chirped confidently and rapidly swung its vines, securing the victory as Corphish toppled over.

"No, Corphish!" the gardener cried. He sadly returned his red and white Pokemon to its PokeBall. "You won. Perhaps I'll just stick to gardening..."

Serena grinned and darted off once again. After she completed a number more of Pokemon Battles, healed up her team, and finished exploring the hedges, she headed to the tunnel.

As soon as she reached it, two people stepped out. Both were wearing lab coats, though one was a boy with dark blond hair and blue eyes, and the other a girl with deep violet hair and eyes. The girl waved in a friendly gesture, smiling. "Hello there!" she greeted. "You must be Serena. The professor asked us to find you. You match his description perfectly, so you must be her!"

Serena nodded slowly. "Why did the professor send for me?"

The boy piped up. "We're Sina and Dexio," he added. "And the professor is gathering all five of the kids who began their journeys not long ago. He wants to meet you, especially you, Serena." His gaze rested on the young Trainer. "You must be really special."

"Hey, get to the good stuff!" Sina pouted. "Have you heard about the new Fairy-Types?"

"Fairy-Types?" Serena echoed, perplexed.

Dexio sighed. "Sina, please do not rush into topics like this. The truth is, Professor Sycamore has recently discovered a new Type of Pokemon, called the Fairy-Type. They are quite mysterious, and not much is known about them yet. But you come from Kanto, correct?"

Serena again nodded. Fairy-Types sound so strange... But yet so powerful! Imagine having one on my team.

"Well, you have Pokemon such as Clefable and Clefairy that are normally classified as Normal-Types. However, they have both been renamed as Fairy-Types. Addtionally, Pokemon within the Jigglypuff line have been reclassified as Fairy and Normal-Types."

The statement hit Serena surprisingly. It would be odd knowing that Pokemon from her own region would now be new Types.

"Fairy-Types are strong against Fighting, Dark, and Dragon-Types," Sina continued. "And what's super cool is that Dragon-Type moves don't even affect them! Probably from the legends of fairies and pixies and such vanquishing dragon-like beasts."

"However," Dexio furthered. "The Fairy-Type Pokemon are weak to Steel and Poison-Types. They also show some weakness to Fire-Types."

Serena tried to take in the information, following along as best as she could. "Are we going to head to the Professor's Lab, then?" she asked, trying to break out of the lecture.

Sina laughed. "You're probably getting bored of all our talking. Come along; we'll show you the way."

Serena followed the pair of young lab assistants as they guided her into Lumiose City. A slight darkness in the further reaches of the city made her squint, wondering if her vision was off.

Dexio followed her gaze. "Of course, we forgot. That half of Lumiose City has experienced an odd blackout, so all residents that way have been evacuated. It's now been blocked off from the public."

After the brief explanation and more walking, the trio finally reached the lab. Sina led the way inside. Serena enjoyed a short elevator glide to the top level in order to finally meet the professor.

The professor was a tall man with a thin shave of a beard visible. His hair was black, and he had blue eyes and a long lab coat with a dark blue shirt visible underneath. He waved to greet Serena.

"Ah, finally!" he exclaimed. "I've waited for a long time to meet you, young Serena. I have heard good things about you from Viola and Alexa."

Serena blushed shyly. "I-It's an honor to be here, Professor Sycamore," she stuttered.

The professor chuckled. "I am glad that you're here. Sina, Dexio, did you gather the rest of the kids as well?"

Sina shook her head. "Not yet, Professor. We'll go get them right away."

As the pair exited through the escalator, the professor faced Serena. "I was told by Viola that you are quite the strategic girl," he praised. "I want to test this for myself. How about a Pokemon battle?"

Serena flushed. "Right now?" she queried, shocked.

Professor Sycamore nodded. "Of course right now," he said. "Do you accept my challenge?"

Serena paused. The team should be good to go, she thought. After all, Sina and Dexio let me heal my Pokemon at the Pokemon Center... But I have no idea which Types of Pokemon the Professor favors! I guess I'll have to wing it. Still unsure, Serena put out, "Yes!"

"Excellent! Then let the battle begin!" Professor Sycamore declared. He tossed a PokeBall, and out came a Pokemon quite well-known by Serena: Charmander.

"Hey!" Serena realized. "That's Charmander, from Kanto!" She used her PokeDex to identify its features.

"Charmander. The Lizard Pokemon. A Fire-Type. It has a preference for hot things. When it rains, steam is said to spout from the tip of its tail. If the flame ever extinguishes on its tail, this Pokemon will die."

Nothing strong here, Serena pondered. Flame is my best choice. "Flame, you're on!" Serena shouted. Flame burst out as the ball was thrown, ready for battle.

"Fighting fire with fire," the Professor quoted. "Quite a risk."

"It may be enough to beat you," Serena pointed out.

"We'll see," Professor Sycamore remarked. "Charmander, use Smokescreen!"

Flame coughed as Charmander puffed out a cloud of smoke, lowering the opponent's accuracy.

"Flame, use Scratch to break free of this smoke!" Serena ordered. Instantly, the flaming fox scratched its way out, strong as ever. "Awesome!" Serena cheered. "Now use Howl!"

Instead of howling upwards, Flame surprisingly shot a line of purple twirls and waves towards Charmander. Both the Professor and his Pokemon looked taken aback.

"You-you used Psybeam!" Serena stammered. "That's amazing, Flame!"

Flame barked happily.

"Now, while our opponent's weak, use Psybeam again for the win!" Serena ordered.

Flame growled and used its new move once again, taking out the Lizard Pokemon.

"You defeated my first Pokemon with such ease," Professor Sycamore noted. "However, I still have two more!"

How much would I bet that they're Squirtle and Bulbasaur! Serena thought.

Sure enough, the Professor sent out the tiny green Bulbasaur.

"Bulbasaur," the PokeDex explained. The Seed Pokemon. A Grass and Poison-Type. There is a seed on its back right from the day this Pokemon is born. The seed slowly gets larger before its evolution."

"Flame, return," Serena said, holding out her PokeBall. "Now, Butter, I choose you!"

The Butterfly Pokemon popped out, fluttering its graceful wings. "Freeee, free!"

"Bulbasaur, use Leech Seed!" the Professor commanded. Bulbasaur shook out a pelting of seeds from its back, which planted and sprouted under Butter.

"What does Leech Seed do?" Serena asked.

The Professor's only reply was, "You'll see."

"Now, use Gust!" Serena shouted.

Butter used its wings to create a large spiraling wind that made impact with Bulbasaur, sending the small Pokemon tumbling. However, it was able to bounce back up from the hit.

"How?" Serena wondered. Then she noticed that though it was not by much, Butter's wingbeats were slower, showing it was just a little weaker. "Bulbasaur didn't inflict any damage on Butter!"

"That's the power of Leech Seed," the Professor explained. "Now and then, the seeds will suck health from the enemy and give it to Bulbasaur. It's a great move to lead with for this case."

"We have to get rid of Bulbasaur, and fast!" Serena called. "Use Gust, one more time!"

"Knock it aside with Vine Whip," the Professor retaliated calmly.

As Butter used its whirling mass of wind, Bulbasaur shot out vines and hit it until the Gust was gone.

"Oh no!" Serena cried out. "We have to make Bulbasaur not be to get back on us... I have an idea!"

Butter turned around to face its Trainer.

"Use Sleep Powder!" Serena exclaimed.

Butter hovered over a confused Bulbasaur, letting small flakes of sparkling white dust gradually fall onto its green body. Bulbasaur's eyelids slowly closed, and soon the Pokemon was snoozing on the ground.

"Bulbasaur!" the Professor yelled in worry. "Wake up!"

"Perfect," Serena muttered. "I have Bulbasaur just where I want it." More loudly, she said, "Finish with one last Gust attack!"

Butter cinched the win using Gust for the final time. Bulbasaur fainted.

"Excellent, excellent," Professor Sycamore murmured. "Your performance and maneuvers were perfectly timed and well executed. But there is one final Pokemon I have to use." He gripped a PokeBall and threw it, sending out Squirtle.

"Squirtle. The Tiny Turtle Pokemon. A Water-Type. When it retracts its long neck into its shell, it squirts out water with vigorous force."

"In that case, Leafy, you're up!" Serena tossed her PokeBall, and an excited Leafy twirled out, clapping its paws together. "Start this dual with your Vine Whip!"

Leafy's eyes narrowed and it proceeded to attack Squirtle with its thin vines.

"Use Water Gun and aim for the face!" Professor Sycamore ordered. Squirtle nodded and burst out water from its mouth, surprising Leafy and pushing it back.

"It's okay, Leafy," Serena reassured. "We can still win this if we think hard! Let's use Fury Swipes!"

Leafy charged at Squirtle, fiercely attacking it with a series of scratches. Squirtle swayed on its feet, looking ready to faint.

Come on, come on, Serena thought, gripping her hands together.

Then, the Professor squirted a Potion onto his Pokemon. Squirtle jumped up, looking refreshed and ready to fight.

Darn it! He can heal his Pokemon, too. Aloud, she shouted, "Let's try to use Vine Whip, but watch out for its Water Gun!"

Leafy appeared to have come up with a strategy of its own, and leaped into the air to avoid any jets of water. It slapped Squirtle even harder than before, causing the tiny turtle to stumble.

"Don't let it get to you," Professor Sycamore directed. "Rapid Spin!"

Squirtle tucked itself into its shell and began quickly rotating, swerving back and forth. Leafy, now on the ground, wasn't quick enough to dodge and was hit full-force with the attack.

"No, Leafy!" Serena yelped in panic. "Are you okay?"

The green and orange Pokemon weakly stood up. A look of sheer determination crossed its face. It turned to look at Serena and flashed her a thumbs-up.

"That's great, Leafy!" Serena praised. "Use a final Fury Swipes; I believe in you!"

Leafy screeched and ran towards Squirtle, who whirled around only to be hit by the ferocious charge. It toppled over, defeated.

"Well," the Professor mumbled. "It would appear that, through some amazing miracle, your Pansage was able to take down my Squirtle. Congratulations, you won!"

Serena beamed from ear to ear. "Thank you so much Professor, it was an honor to battle you," she quickly acknowledged.

Professor Sycamore winked and healed his team, then brought all three of the Kanto Starters once more. Serena, puzzled, watched.

"I would like you to have choose one of these three bright Pokemon to join you on your journey," the Professor offered. "They may look cute, but they are all quite strong if you raise them well."

Serena's eyes flashed over each one of the Pokemon. Any of them would be a great addition to my team, she realized. But I've always been fascinated by Squirtle. Therefore, I know who to choose! "I'll choose Squirtle!" she cheerfully picked. The Pokemon's brown eyes flashed happily, and it leaped into its new Trainer's arms.

"I think Squirtle is pleased," Professor Sycamore laughed. "Here is its PokeBall." He handed Serena the red and white ball as she placed Squirtle on the ground and sent out Flame and Butter so all three could greet their new friend. Leafy chirped happily, while Butter made circles around Squirtle's head. Flame barked in excitement.

"One last gift," the Professor said. He passed Serena a small, shining orb with a swirled pattern in the middle.

"What's this?" Serena questioned, turning it over in her palm.

"It's called a Mega Stone," Professor Sycamore explained. "If you have a matching Mega Stone Band, and once Squirtle evolves in Blastoise, you will be able to Mega Evolve it. Recently, I've been studying this new form of evolution. It only is temporary during battle, and if the Mega Evolved Pokemon faints, it will revert back to its original stage. You can only Mega Evolve once during a battle."

Serena quickly nodded, trying to memorize all the information. "But where do I get a Mega Stone Band?"

The Professor paused. "I believe that the Gym Leader of Shalour City's grandfather has some. He may be willing to share one with you."

All of a sudden, Shauna and Calem burst into the room. "Are we late?" Shauna yelled in worry.

Professor Sycamore shook his head. "No; you're just in time! Come on, let's battle!"

"Perfect!" Calem cheered. "Froakie and my team are all fired up and ready for this."

On perfect arrival, Tierno and Trevor also zoomed in, each ready for their own battle against the Professor.

Serena waved farewell to her friends and left the lab. She held up Squirtle's PokeBall in the sunlight. "I think I'll name you Wave," she decided.

The PokeBall rocked back and forth as if Wave agreed with its new name. With a new team member acquired, Serena headed off to finish exploring Lumiose City!