As soon as he got off the plane, Ash’s attention was drawn to two Spritzee nearby.
If he remembered correctly, these two little ones were the Pokémon that had caused him to stumble on the boarding stairs in the original timeline.
[Pokémon: Spritzee]
[Type: Fairy]
[Gender: Female]
[Strength: Normal Level 12]
[Ability: Healer (May heal an ally’s status condition
[Held Item: None]
[Moves: Sweet Scent, Fairy Wind, Aromatherapy, Odor Sleuth, Attract, Wish]
[Pokémon: Spritzee]
[Type: Fairy]
[Gender: Male]
[Strength: Normal Level 11]
[Ability: Aroma Veil (Protects allies from mental interference)]
[Held Item: None]
[Moves: Refresh, Attract, Fairy Wind, Sweet Kiss, Moonblast, Calm Mind, Draining Kiss]
Looking at the pair, Ash immediately had the idea of capturing them.
One specialized in support, the other leaned toward offense.
Together, they formed an excellent combination.
Ash turned to Pikachu.
“Pikachu, our first capture battle in a new region.
Let’s go!”
“Pika!”
Pikachu leaped down from his shoulder.
Sensing hostility, the male Spritzee immediately took a defensive stance, watching Ash and Pikachu cautiously.
A faint blue light flashed in Ash’s eyes as he used Aura to transmit his intent.
“Spritzee, capture battle!”
After two days of training, his control over Aura had improved significantly.
His detection range had expanded to about fifteen meters in open space and five meters in obstructed environments.
The two Spritzee struck first, releasing Fairy Wind.
“Pikachu, Quick Attack!”
Since they were still inside the airport, using Electric-type moves recklessly could cause trouble, so Ash chose a safer approach.
Pikachu’s Quick Attack was swift and powerful.
In a flash, both Spritzee were knocked to the ground.
Ash immediately threw two Poké Balls.
The Poké Balls opened, drawing in the two Spritzee.
After shaking a few times, both emitted a solid click at the same time, signaling a successful capture.
Ash picked them up and struck a familiar pose.
“Pokémon, got them!”
“Pikapi~chu!”
Pikachu cheered happily.
Alexa then asked, “Ash, which Gym are you planning to challenge first?”
“Miss Alexa, I’ve already looked into the Kalos Gyms.
My first stop will be your sister’s Gym.”
Knowing how things would unfold, Ash was well aware that challenging Lumiose Gym without enough badges would only end in failure.
He had no intention of walking into that situation unprepared.
At most, he planned to visit and get acquainted with Clemont and Bonnie.
After all, Bonnie had a soft spot for Pikachu.
“So the first stop is Santalune City, right?
I’ll call my sister.
You can wait for me in the lobby.”
Alexa ran off toward the waiting area.
Meanwhile, Ash’s gaze shifted toward the top of a nearby tower, where a tall and powerful figure stood watching the airport.
The figure suddenly leaped down, landing silently behind Ash before disappearing in an instant.
Ash adjusted his hat and murmured, “A Mega Blaziken…”
If he remembered correctly, that Pokémon belonged to Meyer, Clemont and Bonnie’s father.
“Pikapi, pika Pikachu?” (Ash, is Mega Evolution really that strong?)
“Pikachu, Mega Evolution is only a temporary boost.
True strength comes from a Pokémon’s own foundation.
Besides, there are other battle systems in this world.
As long as we keep traveling, we’ll keep getting stronger.”
After regrouping with Alexa, Ash noticed a trace of apology on her face.
After asking, he learned that Viola was not at the Gym, and even Alexa did not know when she would return.
However, Alexa suggested that Ash visit Lumiose Gym instead.
Half an hour later,
Ash stood before Prism Tower, the location of Lumiose Gym.
Prism Tower was the landmark of Lumiose City, towering at its very center.
“Big brother, look!
It’s Pikachu!”
As soon as he arrived, Ash heard an excited voice.
Turning toward the sound, he immediately recognized Clemont and Bonnie.
Bonnie ran straight up to him, her eyes shining.
“Um…
big brother, can I hug your Pikachu?”
Ash looked at Pikachu.
“Pikachu?”
Pikachu sighed helplessly but still jumped down.
Bonnie immediately hugged Pikachu tightly and began rubbing her face against it, clearly delighted.
However, Pikachu looked slightly uncomfortable.
As Bonnie’s grip tightened, Pikachu instinctively released Thunder Shock.
A burst of electricity enveloped all three of them.
The sudden discharge attracted the attention of someone nearby.
Bonnie, after taking the hit, showed incredible resilience.
Not only was she fine, she even laughed happily.
After moving to an open space, Ash, Clemont, and Bonnie introduced themselves properly.
Clemont asked curiously, “Ash, are you here to challenge the Lumiose Gym?”
Ash shook his head.
“I just arrived from Kanto and plan to challenge the Kalos League.
Lumiose Gym is definitely on my list, but I heard it only accepts challengers with at least four badges.”
Bonnie leaned closer and whispered, “Ash, let me tell you a secret.
The Gym Leader here is a really troublesome person!”
“But you and Pikachu have such a strong bond.
If you weren’t close, Pikachu wouldn’t sit on your head like that.”
Ash smiled.
“Pikachu is my first partner.
We’ve been together for a long time.
That’s why we came to Kalos together.”
“Pikachu~”
Pikachu nodded.
Ash suddenly said, “Clemont, how about we have a battle?”
Clemont blinked in surprise.
“A battle?”
“Yes.
It’s my first battle in the Kalos region, so I want it to be meaningful.
You and Bonnie are the first friends I’ve made here.”
Bonnie immediately cheered, “Come on, big brother!
Let’s test Bunnelby’s strength!”
Seeing their enthusiasm, Clemont could no longer refuse.
“Alright…
let’s do it!”