Origins of Mega Evolution
Alec's POV
The group had just arrived in Shalour City earlier this morning and were currently retrieving their Pokémon from the Pokémon Center after their quick checkup. "Thank you for waiting. Your Pokémon are just fine," Nurse Joy said as she gave everyone's Pokémon back.
"Great. Thanks, Nurse Joy," Ash said as Pikachu climbed onto his shoulder. "Alright, now we can go and challenge Korrina."
"Wow Ash, you can't wait," Bonnie commented.
"But still, Korrina and Lucario are strong. Are you sure you're ready?" Clemont asked.
"Yeah, what about Tierno's rhythmic battle style? You haven't mastered that yet," Serena added.
"Hey, I'll be fine. As long as I tackle that battle head-on, I'll be fine," Ash said.
[If only he would do just that,] Ethan muttered, but only loud enough that Alec could hear.
The group headed out the back way and they could see the Shalour Gym just ahead. "It's so beautiful," Serena commented, referring to the scenery.
"It sure is," Bonnie added.
"That's the Tower of Mastery, the Shalour Gym is in there," Alec explained, pointing to an island right off the coast.
"How do we get there?" Ash asked.
"I don't see any sort of a bridge," Clemont noted.
"It looks like it's just floating in the ocean," Bonnie added.
"We can't get over there by walking," Serena continued.
"Come on. We came all this way and we can't get to the gym, that's nuts," Ash complained. "I wanna have a battle now!"
[Come on!] Pikachu added.
"Those who seek power, show your heart, and the path shall reveal itself," Korrina said as she arrived.
"Repeating your grandfather now, Korrina?" Alec asked sarcastically.
"He does have some good advice though," Korrina answered.
[If you can figure out what it means,] Ethan pointed out.
"So good to see you again," Serena said to Korrina as her Lucario appeared.
"Good to see you again too. Welcome to Shalour City," Korrina said.
"You came over here just to meet us?" Clemont asked.
"Yep, I figured you'd be showing up soon so I've been waiting for you," Korrina answered before turning to Ash. "If you're trying to get to the Shalour Gym, that means one thing, you must be fully prepared to challenge me, is that true?" Korrina asked.
"Of course," Ash answered confidently.
"But, you haven't decided on a strategy yet," Serena pointed out.
"I've been training hard since I last saw you, and I've beaten every challenger," Korrina told Ash.
"Sounds like you've gotten stronger," Alec commented.
"Amazing! Awesome! But soon, I'm going to beat you and Mega Lucario and win my Kalos Gym Badge!" Ash told Korrina confidently.
"We've got a problem, isn't the gym over there?" Clemont asked, referring to the Tower of Mastery.
"We'll have to wait for the tides to drop before we can get over there, and who knows when that will happen," Alec explained.
"Wait for later?!" Ash asked shocked.
"There's a saying, 'Those with a desire to battle must wait patiently'," Korrina resited.
"What are you talking about?" Ash asked.
"Grandfather says it a lot. It's the motto our family lives by. It's going to be a while before we get over there," Korrina explained.
"Oh no! But I want to have a battle now," Ash said.
"Now now, calm down. It's okay, you'll have a bit more time to train. Remember, Korrina's even stronger now," Clemont pointed out.
"I guess you're right," Ash said. He let out all his Pokémon so they could start.
"You've caught a Hawlucha, and Fletchling evolved into Fletchinder. You've really been thinking about a strategy to counter our fighting-type gym," Korrina commented, seeing Ash's team.
"Sure have," Ash told her.
"But, hold on, if you're going to train I probably shouldn't watch right?" Korrina asked.
"That's a good point, if you watch Ash train, that would give away his strategy," Clemont realized.
"That's okay with me," Ash said.
"You sure?" Serena asked.
"We always battle our opponents head-on. We've got nothing to hide, do we?" Ash asked his Pokémon and they all nodded. "Then let's get working on moving and grooving, and we'll win that badge for sure."
"You might not want to watch," Alec warned Korrina quietly.
"So I don't know how to counter his strategy?" Korrina asked.
"No, so you won't have nightmares," Alec answered. Korrina looked like she wanted to laugh but stopped herself. That's when Ash started training, and it wasn't going well. They were dancing alright, but it was all in place. Alec turned away and covered his eyes so he didn't have to watch.
"Okay, I see what you mean," Korrina said.
"Told ya," Alec replied.
[I really hope he doesn't battle like that. It would be too easy to win,] Lucario pointed out.
The training went on for a bit when Korrina tapped Alec on the shoulder. "Okay, I think I'm going to go crazy watching this. You wanna battle?" Korrina asked.
"Definitely," Alec said.
The two headed for another battlefield not too far away from the Pokémon Center and got ready. "Alright Lucario, let's go!" Korrina said and Lucario stepped forward.
"Lucario huh, in that case. Zilla! Let's go!" Alec shouted as he released him.
"That's a new one. So you caught a Tyranitar?" Korrina asked.
"A few days ago, and he's got some surprises for you," Alec told Korrina. A sandstorm started as the battle began.
"Well then, let's see what you got. Lucario, Bone Rush!" Korrina started. Lucario ran toward Zilla ready to strike.
"Dodge and use Dark Pulse!" Alec countered. Zilla dodged Lucario effortlessly and scored a hit on him.
"You weren't kidding about surprises. That's fast," Korrina commented.
"He sure is, now, let's see what you do about it. Use Ice Beam!" Alec commanded.
"Dodge and use Metal Sound!" Korrina shouted. Lucario dodged the Ice Beam, but as he got ready to fire Metal Sound Zilla sent an Ice Beam at Lucario, freezing his paws.
"Focus Punch!" Alec shouted.
"Lucario, use Power-Up Punch to free yourself!" Korrina shouted. Lucario slammed his fist into the ground, managing to break the ice right as Zilla got up in Lucario's face and slammed Focus Punch into Lucario's chest before hitting the Aura Pokémon away with his tail. "Lucario! Can you still battle?" Korrina asked.
[I can keep going,] Lucario answered as he stood up.
"Great. Lucario, Mega Evolve!" Korrina shouted. "Now, use Power-Up Punch!"
"Stop him with Stone Edge!" Alec called out. The light blue pillars came up right in front of Mega Lucario but he busted right through them all and landed his attack.
"Use Focus Punch!"
"Metal Sound then Aura Sphere!" Korrina shouted. Zilla ran through the Metal Sound, tanked the Aura Sphere, and hit Lucario with Focus Punch. Lucario fell to the ground and returned to his normal form.
"Looks like that's it, good work Zilla," Alec said.
"Wow, Tyranitar is really strong," Korrina commented.
"Yep, he is. Gave Arco a run for his money," Alec added.
"I'm surprised though that he was still able to use Focus Punch after getting hit," Korrina noted.
"Surprised me the first time too. Alright Zilla, return," Alec said.
The two headed back toward the Pokémon Center and Korrina realized the time. "Hey, Ash! Have you finished your training?" Korrina asked.
"Yeah!" Ash answered.
"Perfect timing then, we'll be able to be able to get over to the island soon," Korrina explained.
The group stood on the beach right in front of the tower waiting for the tide to fall. It eventually happened and the group crossed over. Once over, Ash looked like he couldn't contain his excitement. "Alright! Let's have that battle!" he said to Korrina as he ran toward the tower.
"No need to be hasty," Gurkinn said as he opened the doors and stepped outside.
"How are you, sir? Nice to see you again," Ash greeted.
"Glad you made it," Gurkinn responded.
"Me too. I'm here to challenge the gym!" Ash said excitedly.
"But before you do, you must listen to what I tell you. Fact is, that's the rule when anyone comes to this island," Gurkinn started.
"Uh, if you say so…" Ash said, not sure how to take it.
"Here we go again," Korrina said.
"Tell me about it," Alec added.
"What do you want to tell us?" Serena asked.
"A valuable story. It concerns Mega Evolution," Gurkinn answered.
The group followed Gurkinn inside as Korrina and Alec caught up to Ash. "Heads up, get ready for a looong story," Korrina warned.
"And whatever you do, don't fall asleep. Otherwise, he'll start over from the beginning," Alec added, remembering that he had to hear the story 4 times because he, Korrina, and Ethan kept falling asleep. Ash and Pikachu gulped nervously as they stepped into a room at the base of the tower that contained a Mega Lucario Statue.
"It's huge!" Bonnie commented.
"Amazing!" Serena awed.
"This statue symbolizes our family friend, and our bond with Mega Lucario," Gurkinn explained.
"You see, the history of Mega Evolution began long ago with the arrival of one of my ancestors right here on this island," Gurkinn started. "This man was traveling and training with his Lucario when they found two peculiar stones right here. It's generally believed that what happened next was the world's first Mega Evolution."
"So this is where Mega Evolution started," Ash said in awe.
"That's right. Our family has lived here, and protected Mega Evolution Island ever since," Gurkinn finished.
"Wow, this is an important place," Ash commented.
"Yeah, you bet," Korrina added. "I want to become a great gym leader just like my grandfather and my ancestors."
"Wait a sec, your Lucario can Mega Evolve and you're already a great gym leader right?" Serena asked.
"You think? Go on," Korrina started as Alec chuckled at Korrina's ego.
"Stop. To me, she still has a long way to go. It's too soon to pass down the Scroll of Secrets to her," Gurkinn stated.
[Buzz kill,] Ethan muttered.
"Not that again," Korrina groaned.
"Excuse me, what's the Scroll of Secrets?" Ash asked.
"A family treasure. Everything one needs to know about being a gym leader," Gurkinn explained.
"Could we see it?" Ash asked.
"Please show us," Bonnie added.
"I would love to see what it says," Clemont stated.
"Not possible. Only those chosen are allowed to see it," Gurkinn explained.
"Grandfather has it hidden away somewhere, and won't show it to anyone," Korrina told the group.
That's when they heard a stomach growl and the group turned to Ash. "Uh oh, empty tummy," Ash said, a little embarrassed.
[Not surprising,] Pikachu commented.
"The fact is, we haven't had dinner yet," Clemont told Korrina.
"In that case since it's already pretty late, we can have our gym battle tomorrow. You all can stay here for the night," Korrina offered.
"Good idea," Gurkinn said.
After dinner, Alec headed out to do some more training with his team before deciding to head off to bed in the same room as everyone else. He was starting to fall asleep when alarms started going off. "What's going on?" Bonnie asked. The group ran out and heard Gurkinn yelling at someone.
"Korrina, they stole the Scroll of Secrets!" Gurkinn told Korrina, pointing at Team Rocket. Team Rocket ran up the spiral ramp toward the top of the tower with the group right after them. Alec, Korrina, and Ash overtook Gurkinn who was struggling and Serena stopped to help him.
"You're not getting away!" Korrina shouted.
"Annoy people much?" Jessie asked them.
"Inkay, go!" James shouted. "Psybeam please."
The move hit the ramp right in front of the three and Korrina almost fell off but Alec and Lucario grabbed her. "Thanks, you two," Korrina said.
"Inkay, Psybeam!" James called out.
"I don't think so. Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!" Ash called out. Inkay was hit before he could launch his attack forcing him and James to fall back.
"Let's go, come on," Alec said as he and Ethan jumped the gap with Korrina and Ash right behind him. The three made their way to the top of the tower and found Team Rocket climbing into their balloon.
"Iron Tail!" Alec and Ash shouted. Ethan and Pikachu cut the balloon and separated the basket as the balloon flew away from the exiting air.
"That was my head!" Meowth shouted.
"We weren't ready to go yet!" James added.
"Do you three ever give things up?" Alec asked.
"You're going nowhere," Korrina stated.
"And you're not getting this scroll," Jessie countered as she threw out Pumpkaboo.
"You ready Pikachu?" Ash asked.
[Always,] Pikachu answered.
"Wait, I'll take care of them," Korrina said as she jumped down to face them.
"What, just you two lightweights?" Jessie mocked.
"Right. You got some sort of problem with that?" Korrina asked confidently.
"Such sass. Kay Inkay, Psybeam!" James commanded.
Lucario jumped over the attack as Pumpkaboo fired out Shadow Ball. "Bone Rush!" Korrina called out. Lucario pulled out a light blue bone and hit the Shadow Ball right back at Pumpkaboo.
"Awesome, those two are completely in sync," Ash noted.
"You bet. Korrina's really grown as a trainer," Alec added.
"In that case, attack on mass!" Jessie shouted.
"I'm in too," Meowth said as he jumped in.
"Use Shadow Ball!" Jessie commanded.
"Use Tackle!" James added.
"Fury Swipes time," Meowth said as he dove in.
"Dodge them Lucario!" Korrina shouted. Lucario dodged all three attacks effortlessly and landed next to Korrina. "Ready?" Korrina asked him.
[Yep,] Lucario answered. Korrina tapped her keystone and Mega Lucario appeared once more, letting out a battle cry.
That's when everyone else caught up. "Ready Lucario?" Korrina asked.
"So? Knock yourselves out. Use Shadow Ball!" Jessie shouted.
"Bone Rush!" Korrina shouted. Lucario hit Shadow Ball back at Pumpkaboo like last time, but it was also sent into Team Rocket sending them into a blast-off. Korrina caught the scroll as it fell back down and Lucario returned to his normal form.
"Korrina and Lucario are so amazing! Don't you think so too, buddy?" Ash asked Pikachu.
[You bet!] Pikachu said.
"And we get to battle them tomorrow. I can hardly wait! All set?" Ash asked Pikachu again, who nodded.
"Here it is. We got your scroll back," Korrina told Gurkinn.
"Well done. You make me very proud," Gurkinn said.
Korrina handed the scroll to Gurkinn and the rest of the group was curious. "That's the Scroll of Secrets," Clemont said, looking at the scroll. It was a brown case with the Mega Evolution symbol on it and didn't look like anything special.
"What does it say? Show us," Bonnie requested.
"But we're not allowed to see it, right?" Serena asked.
"Since you managed to get the scroll back to me, I guess I can make an exception," Gurkinn said.
"Wow! You mean it?" Ash asked.
"Yeah!" Bonnie celebrated.
"Now," Gurkinn said as he rolled the scroll out and started reading.
Rule 1: Early to bed and early to rise.
Rule 2: Eat in moderation, even if it's delicious
Rule 3: Keep your belongings organized and readily available
Rule 4: Wash your hands several times a day
"Um, is that really the Scroll of Secrets?" Serena asked.
"You doubt me? It took a lot of effort. I spent countless hours writing this so gym leaders could be at the peak of perfection," Gurkinn explained.
"That's what you wrote?" Korrina asked, dumbfounded.
"Profound, right?" Gurkinn asked.
"So, is there anything in there that talks about Mega Evolution or your ancestor's history?" Alec asked.
"Uh… no. Not a single thing," Gurkinn answered. The group flopped to the ground in disbelief.
"Why am I not surprised?" Alec wondered.
"That's my grandfather for you," Korrina stated.