All throughout Lumiose city people and Pokemon were hard at work. Garchomp's wild rampage the day prior had caused a hefty amount of damage and destruction across the metropolis. It wasn't a scenario the governing body of Lumiose had been prepared to face after all. Sure, Pokemon had a tendency to get rowdy now and then outside of battle, but the damage done in these minor infractions was no cause for worry. Maybe a bench would be reduced to splinters, maybe a fountain defaced or a shop window shattered, but a city wide trail of carnage was bound to instill a sense of anger and uneasiness even among the most unflappable of people.
When one became a trainer, that title came with an in built responsibility—to guide and care for a Pokemon and to take accountability for whatever that Pokemon may do. When trained Pokemon such as Garchomp endangered the lives of many and caused untold amounts of damage to a human populace, authorities would step in to determine the exact cause behind this. Under normal circumstances, a very thorough, grueling and invasive investigation would take place. A trainer and their Pokemon would come under intense scrutiny by trained professionals to assess what exactly caused the Pokemon to act as it did.
Everything would be taken into account, from a possible disease that caused Pokemon to explode into violent fits, to an abusive or neglectful trainer, or irresponsibility at capturing a Pokemon they were not fit to handle. Even trivial variables the average person might not take into consideration such as the time of year, day or night, elevation, the surrounding climate or ecosystem, the number of people and Pokemon nearby or even something as simple as a gentle breeze carrying specific scents of other Pokemon, herbs or degenerate matter were taken into consideration.
Like humans, Pokemon were a much varied species, if not more so and so they tended to react to stimuli in ways one might not anticipate. If the fault was deemed to be with the trainer, be it a lack of discipline instilled in the Pokemon or mere carelessness, a fine and penalties would be charged, which could range from a fine of two hundred PokeDollars to twenty years in prison with a million PokeDollar bail.
But Sycamore's Garchomp's rampage was considered an open and shut case fairly quickly. Multiple eyewitnesses had placed Team Rocket at the scene, and the consensus was that they'd used a strange device that caused Garchomp pain and sent it into a rage. The remains of the device collected atop Prism Tower corroborated the story and if nothing else, Sycamore's Garchomp was rather well known across Lumiose. The professor often hosted outdoor events where he would educate eager youngsters about Pokemon and what it means to raise one as a trainer and he would always employ the assistance of Garchomp to help in his demonstrations and so many people were aware of its kind disposition and gentle nature.
Even so, the people needed someone to blame for the destruction and Team Rocket made a very acceptable target. The group had fled Lumiose and into the wilds nearby and while authorities had been sent to apprehend them, the restoration of Lumiose's pristine beauty was on top of everyone's mind.
People and Pokemon alike, both government workers and volunteers stood amid the rubble, clearing away the damage or restoring damaged portions of the city. As he, Clemont and Bonnie walked through the streets, Ash, saw Machoke, Machamp, Tyrogue Toxicroak and many other burly Fighting types clearing away the larger pieces of rubble. Psychic types used their telekinetic abilities to do the same and Ground type Pokemon such as Diglett, Sandshrew and Gible went about in the maze of underground tunnels that ran throughout Lumiose, stabilizing the age old structures to prevent cave ins that would harm the people above.
"Are you guys sure you don't need any help?"
"Don't worry about it, Ash," Clemont said, not unkindly, using his weird backpack contraption to help clear up the rubble. The claw he'd used the day earlier had been put to good use, lifting slabs of brick and concrete the unathletic boy would have otherwise been helpless to move. "You helped more than enough in calming down Garchomp. Without you, who know how much longer it would have taken to stop it."
"I guess..." Ash trailed off. "How's Bonnie taking it?" He looked to see Clemont's little sister, a big smile on her face and brush in hand as she scrubbed off the accumulated dirt and gunk stuck between a Sandlash's spines, earning a content purr from the Pokemon.
"Oh, you know Bonnie. Nothing can keep her down. She loves taking care of Pokemon."
Ash chuckled. "I can see that." Indeed, just as Bonnie declared Sandslash to be cleaned, the Ground type turned to affectionately nuzzle and lick her cheek, earning a squeal of delight from the little girl.
"She wanted to go further in to the city, you know," Clemont said quietly. "But it's safer for her here. I hear that the downtown district got really torn up by Garchomp and... not everyone left unharmed."
"What?"
Clemont straightened up, and looking to see Bonnie was nowhere nearby, spoke in hushed tones. "They're saying some people and Pokemon got caught up in Garchomp's Hyper Beams. An apartment building's foundations were weakened enough that it collapsed after being hit. Several people were rushed to the hospital on critical condition and already three of them did not make it."
"Are you serious?"
"Yeah. It's been all over the news for the past six hours. That's why I brought Bonnie out here, so she doesn't have to hear about it."
"And the Pokemon?"
"They're being treated at the Pokemon center and are expected to recover. Pokemon are tougher than people after all."
"Well, that's something at least," Ash said darkly.
"It's not your fault Ash. It's Team Rocket's and they'll pay for what they've done, just you watch." Ash nodded tersely. Clemont looked for something to break the somber atmosphere. "So you're going to Santalune city after this, right?"
"Hmm?" Ash blinked. "Oh, yeah. I figure after getting the Bug badge, I'll double back to Lumiose and Cyllage city after that."
"Now that you mention it, there's... something I've been wondering. I-if I could ask you, if that's okay."
"What is it?"
"I was wondering if Bonnie and I could travel with you."
"You'd want to travel with me? Really?" The idea did not seem to displease him.
"Of course. If I can be honest, I kind of admire you for what you did yesterday, Ash. I don't think I could have done what you did and go up against and enraged Garchomp. The city already sees you as a hero and Bonnie likes you as well. I think it would be a good idea for both me and her to accompany you for a while. So what do you say?"
"What do I say?" Ash smiled widely. "That'd be great."
"You mean it?"
"For sure. Traveling's always better when you have friends along for the ride. Isn't that right, Pikachu?"
"Pika pika," the mouse agreed from Ash's shoulder.
"Well, I'm glad to hear that. I'm sure Bonnie will be ecstatic when I tell her."
"So should we leave now or later?"
Clemont crossed his arms. "Well... I think it would be best if we accompany you later. You said you're going to Santalune city to challenge the gym, right? Well, since you'll be coming back to Lumiose anyway, what do you say Bonnie and I meet up with you then? We still have some work here to do, but by the time you come back we should be able to go no problem."
"That's great! I can't wait to tell Bonnie. I'm sure she'll be excited to come along."
"What's going on?" Bonnie herself asked, joining in the conversation and looking expectantly between Ash and Clemont.
"Ash here is going to Santalune city to challenge the gym."
"The gym? Does that mean Pikachu is leaving too?"
"That's right. But don't worry, Bonnie. Pikachu and I will come back after we beat the gym, isn't that right, buddy?"
"Pika pika!"
"Can I say goodbye to Pikachu, then?"
"Of course." Ash plucked Pikachu from his shoulder and passed him over to Bonnie, who hugged the Electric type to her chest, stroked his fur and tail, eliciting a content purr from the little Pokemon. Bonnie giggled. "Pikachu is so cute!" She gushed and handed him back to Ash. "Alright then, Pikachu. I'll see you soon."
"And you as well, Ash. Good luck on your gym battle."
"Thanks Clemont. Bye Bonnie," Ash said cheerfully, waving goodbye as he set off to Santalune city, where he'd take his first step as a contender for the Kalos league.
As Serena stepped foot into Aquacorde town, she couldn't help but stop in her tracks, close her eyes and inhale the fragrant smell of flowers carried by a cool breeze. The way from Vaniville pathway to Aquacorde was not long, perhaps an hour's walk but the difference between the two towns stood evident everywhere she looked.
Vaniville town's charm lay in its rustic décor, with well worn pathways, mom-and-pop stores, and the fertile green fields that abounded all around. Aquacorde's majestic architecture, with its formidable brick settlements, cobblestone streets, makeshift fountains, bridges and waterways mesmerized Serena, even after visiting time and again. The town had been built at the conjunction of several rivers and the water itself was as much a part of Aquacorde town as the people or the age old buildings it housed.
Gardens of all shapes and sizes adorned the small town. Some were tended by housewifes, others by workers in public squares. Some were small and encompassed a single front yard while others had specially designed fields to contain them. Wherever they lay, they all had one thing in common. The flowers. Fat and bulbous roses of all imaginable colors, fragrant jasmines and lavenders that would go on to grace the shelves of Lumiose as perfumes, daisies and daffodils, petunias and marigolds, lillies and chrysanthemums, Aquacorde had it all. It was only natural that Grass Pokemon would flock to this veritable harvest of nature's bounty.
As she strolled through the streets, Serena saw many Grass Pokemon—Oddish, Bellossom, Pansage, Weepinbell, Bellsprout, Sunkern, Sunflora and even the odd Bulbasaur or two—milling about the many fields of flowers. Grass types were welcomed to do so, as they actually helped keep the flowers healthy and promoted healthy soil conditions that allowed both of them to grow hearty and strong, not to mention they were good at keeping malignant insects or pests away.
The water here was said to be the cleanest and purest in all of Kalos, and Serena would have to agree, having sampled it many times when she and her mother would come to Aquacorde to do some shopping or take in the sights. But Serena's visit today had less to do with pleasure and more with business.
She strode confidently through the town, walking its well worn pathways to her destination, a small convenience store to stock up on supplies for her journey. The owner, a good natured, robust Kalosian welcomed her from behind the counter and after waving a hello, Serena set about to gathering her supplies. Some water bottles, snacks, a first aid kit, meals-in-a-box; magazines, naturally, to alleviate those long stretches of time.
"You don't want that."
"Huh?" She turned her head to see another girl, perhaps her age, closely inspecting the nutrition label on a sizable candy bar. "Excuse me?"
"That magazine you got. You don't want it. It's supposed to be about Elesa's new fashion debut here in Kalos." She snorted. "More like five pages of promises and build up. They don't even give us a sneak peek at her new line of products."
"Really? That's disappointing," Serena sighed and placed the magazine back. She noticed the girl shot a quick glance at her by the corner of her eye.
"I see you have the newest issue of Patisserie Monthly. Do you like to bake? I do. I make the best Poke Puffs this side of Kalos and I'll dare you to find anyone better. They're my specialty, you see. What about you?" The girl asked after putting the candy bar back on the shelf.
Serena blinked, a bit bemused at the girl's directness. "Me? Oh. Well... my macarons are really good."
"Macarons? You like a challenge, then?" The girl said, now turning fully to face Serena. "I've tried making them myself, but I can't get them to come out the way I want half the time. They're very..."
"Finicky?" Serena said helpfully.
"That's it," the girl said. "I've made everything from tarts, to meringues, to cakes and cookies and curds but those darn macarons just get away from me all the time."
"It's not that hard, really," Serena said hesitantly.
The girl's eyes narrowed. "Are you making fun of me?"
"Wha... no! That's not it at all. I was just..." Serena started sputtering, but stopped as the girl broke into fits of giggles.
"Relax, I'm only joking." She extended her hand. "My name's Miette. Sorry about that."
Serena took her hand. "My name's Serena. Please don't worry about it."
"It's all good. But seriously though, macarons don't give you problems?"
"I didn't say that. You have to be careful when handling the ingredients, but as long as you know what to look for, they're not that hard."
"Maybe," Miette muttered, eyeing Serena appraisingly. "Are you a trainer, by any chance?"
"Not just yet. I'm heading to Lumiose city to get my very first Pokemon."
Miette's eyes gleamed in interest. "Lumiose city, you say…" She considered this for a moment. "Well then, what do you say we travel together? I'm heading to Lumiose as well."
"You're going to Lumiose city too?"
"That's right. Have you heard of Monsieur Cotillier?"
"The world famous baker?"
"That's the one. He's hosting a very exclusive class on Lumiose city next week and I intend to get some hands on training from him."
"Really? That's great. You must really love baking."
"Yep, it's my passion. So what do you say, Serena? Want to go together?"
Serena smiled brightly. "Of course. I would love to."
Santalune forest teemed with wild Pokemon, and even as he walked the main path to Lumiose city, Ash could see the variety on display before him. Pidgey, Caterpie, Wurmple, Wormadam, Zigzagoon, Pansear, Jigglypuff, Cherrim, Sentret, Sandshrew and even the odd Pikachu or two. And then there were the more exotic types; types Ash had never seen before and he'd frequently stopped to pull out his pokedex and educate himself on the new species he'd discovered.
He found he rather liked traveling by himself, only Pikachu to keep him company. Sure, having additional traveling companions was nice and all, but there was something to be said about wandering alone through a peaceful ecosystem. Still, while the peace was indeed nice, Ash knew he'd grow tired of it eventually.
Pikachu had vacated his spot atop Ash's shoulder and gone on ahead, scouting and exploring the forest, poking his head out a bush or a tree branch every few minutes or so to make sure Ash had not wandered off. In fact, Ash thought, this would be a good time to capture a new addition to his team.
And speaking of his team, he considered the possibility of letting them out soon enough to get some fresh air, and have them spar against each other to see how their abilities held up while in his absence. Snorlax especially needed some time to forage for food.
But first things first, to catch a new Pokemon. Ash had spotted some promising candidates already. There was Litleo, the kitten-like Pokemon with an unusual typing consisting of Normal/Fire. Then there was Pancham, a scrappy Fighting type with a restless spirit and mischievous attitude. The odd Inkay was a definite possibility as well, with yet another unusual combination of Psychic/Dark. Then again, Flying types were always useful and Ash had seen an abundance of Fletchling soaring the skies.
His stomach chose that moment to remind him he was in need of sustenance and so Ash called Pikachu to him and moved into a cozy spot inside the woods to make camp. Ash was no Brock or Cilan when it came to preparing a meal, but he'd been mindful enough to pack some sandwiches for the road.
"Pi pi pi... chaa," Pikachu sighed with relief as he dropped a bundle of sticks for the fire.
Ash smiled down at his friend. "Thanks a lot, Pikachu, I bet you're feeling hungry right about now, huh?"
"Pika pi. Pikachu." Pikachu rubbed his tummy for emphasis.
"I hear ya, buddy. What do you say to a treat before we dig in?" He dug around a bag and pulled out a delicious concoction that looked like a buttery cupcake topped with rich buttercream frosting. "It'a Pokepuff. There was this specialty store in Lumiose and I made sure to get a few. Want one?"
Pikachu approached the proferred treat, eyeing it with great interest and his nose twitching rapidly. "Chuu," he said in approval, his mouth watering and no sooner did Pikachu reach with a paw to claim his prize that it was snatched out of Ash's hand.
"What the...?!"
"Pika!"
They followed an orange blur to a tree. A Fletchling, triumphantly holding the stolen treat in a talon and looking down at the pair.
"Hey, give that back. That doesn't belong to you, it belongs to Pikachu!"
"Pikachuuu!"
Fletchling looked down at the Pokepuff before tweeting mockingly and downing the whole thing in one bite. Tears formed at the corners of Pikachu's eyes.
"Chuu..."
"Looks like this Fletchling needs a little lesson in manners, don't you think so, Pikachu?"
The little mouse's countenance turned furious. "Pika pika!"
Okay, Fletchling. You're mine. "Pikachu, use Thundershock!"
Pikachu let loose with a moderate jolt of lightning, striking Fletchling who was too slow to dodge.
"Fletchling!" The bird pokemon chirped as its wings spasmed and fell to the ground, hidden by some bushes.
"Pokeball, go!" Ash threw the capturing device to the spot where Fletchling fell. The telltale sound of the pokeball capturing a Pokemon rang out through the forest, and not a few seconds later, the 'ping' followed, indicating a successful capture.
Huh. That was easy. Oh well, at least I have a new Pokemon. As Ash moved forward to retrieve the ball, the bushes where it lay rustled momentarily and out shot Fletchling, chirping angrily and inflicting a number of Peck attacks on Ash's head before flying off.
"Ow..." Ash muttered, Pikachu beside him and looking nonplussed.
"Pika pi. Pikachu?"
"Yeah, I'm okay, Pikachu," Ash said rubbing his head. "I could have sworn Fletchling was captured, though. Weird." He bent down and pulled out the pokeball after rummaging for a few seconds. "That's odd, there's a Pokemon inside this pokeball. But if it isn't Fletchling, who...?"
He shared a puzzled look with Pikachu.
"What do you think, buddy? Should we open it?"
"Chu."
"Well, here goes."
Ash clicked open the ball, releasing the Pokemon inside, and as it took shape, both he and Pikachu looked on, astonished at what came out. The Pokemon in question had a spherical body with no visible limbs. It floated lazily in midair, a seemingly permanent, dazed smile on its face and as it registered its surroundings, it rotated to gaze at its new trainer.
"Koffing!"
Well, that happened. Next chapter, Ash challenges the Santalune gym, friction develops between Miette and Serena and her reunion with Ash is at hand. See you all next time. I can already tell, it's gonna be a big one.