29 Chapter 29 : Serena's Starter & Mega Ring!

"Chespin, the spiny-nut Pokemon. Chespin can flex the soft spikes on its head, making them so stiff and sharp that they can even pierce through stone."

"Fennekin, the fox Pokemon. Fennekin dispels hot air that can reach nearly 400 degrees. It likes to snack on twigs."

"Froakie, the bubble frog Pokemon. Shiny variant. From it's chest and back, Froakie creates bubbles called frubbles, which acts a cushion that can soften a blow of an opponent's attack. This Froakie was cast away from the army it belonged to due to the lighter blue coloring of its skin." (A/N : I'm trying to make this not sound bad, trust me, the words just combine weirdly like that. A group of frogs is called an army)

"Chespin."

"Fennekin!"

"Froakie."

Three creatures suddenly said, announcing themselves to the world. Or more specifically to us. After Serena calmed down from meeting Lillie in person for the first time since we were kids, Professor Sycamore went right down to business as he didn't have much time left to be here before departing again. Lillie had wanted to meet Serena again after our Summer Camp ten years ago but she hesitated during those times. As I left for my vacations here, Teacher Hobbes would find himself looking after Lillie during my absence.

Looking at the three figures that appeared before us on the table from Professor Sycamore's case, one of them appeared to be a bipedal figure in the shape of a large chestnut with spikes on its head. This was of course, Chespin, the grass type starter Pokemon of the Kalos region.

Next to Chespin was a more elegant looking figure, appearing in the form of a red fox. This was Fennekin, the fox fire type starter Pokemon of the Kalos region.

Next to Fennekin was a light blue frog like figure . It's skin was several shades lighter than its normal sky blue counter part. This was of course, Froakie, the water type starter Pokemon of the Kalos region, and by far one of the coolest Pokemon among the starters in its later evolutions.

As for why its skin was several lighter shades of blue, if I didn't hear incorrectly, Professor Sycamore's dex reading just now said it was a shiny variant...?

Professor Sycamore, you're joking right? How in the hell did you manage to snag a shiny Froakie!?

I mean, sure, this shiny Froakie was apparently abandoned from the group it belonged to. Guess you really lucked out eh?

As for Serena, she was surprised that Professor Sycamore deemed it was ready for her to choose her starting Pokemon. But in reality, both she and I had finished Pokemon School and chose the same class of what we wanted to be. I was sure she was going to choose Pokemon Performer, but she wanted to follow my footsteps, aiming to become a Pokemon Trainer with me.

Lillie had also finished her school alongside me as we both went to one of the most prestigious schools in Alola. We did end up in different departments though. Her dream was to become a Pokemon Caretaker after what she had personally experienced.

Ever since that "incident" which involved an appearance of one of those worm holes, Lillie had become frightened of any Pokemon that came across her, rendering Lillie unable to touch any single one of them. Thanks to one of those Ultra Beasts showing up, it tried to attack Lillie after taking her father. Thankfully we were able to prevent the latter, but unfortunately for the rest...

Well, ten years later Gladion is still trying figure out where that mysterious creature took their father. The Aether Foundation haven't been able to reverse engineer those worm holes, but they've been making steady progress on patterns predicting their arrivals.

And well, by the time Ash starts his Island Challenge, the Aether Foundation would be able to support him in driving back all the Ultra Beasts that are bound to show up, but hey we haven't reached that far yet. As for Lillie, with my help, she now has a fondness for Pokemon, very much like how Brock cares for his.

As a result of me helping Lillie curing her fear of Pokemon over time, she came across Snowy early on. By some twist of fate, we managed to locate Amber's pack on Mount Lanakila during one of our travel periods. We did manage to explore a lot of Alola in my ten year stay, and that mountain was one of them. It was not an official journey so to say, more being like tourists as I was not a Trainer yet at the time.

At that time too I had the Ice Stone accept Vulpix, and nicknamed her Amber there, successfully evolving into my current Ninetales. At the same time Amber's pack leader accepted her growth. As a result the pack leader gave us a normal Alolan Vulpix egg to raise, this passing it to Lillie. And well now that my stay is over there, her egg had long hatched and goes by Snowy now.

But I digress about Lillie's situation. The one at hand was Serena.

And if I had to say, the current expression she had was quite funny. After getting an introduction to the three Pokemon, Serena acted as if she was currently in the biggest conundrum of her life. She was really excited to see a shiny Froakie appear, but she was struggling in her heart after seeing how cute Fennekin was. She also looked at Chespin with interest. It was clear she was having a hard time deciding.

Well, we did have this talk about who to choose once our journey began. And since Serena hailed from Kalos, Professor Sycamore would be the one to do it.

As part of our one year dating anniversary I gifted Serena a Kantonian Vulpix who she immediately fell in love with. He now goes by Sapphire. Amber and Sapphire were both a play on words nickname, as Alolan Vulpix was an ice type, and Kantonian Vulpix was a fire type. Two opposite names for each other essentially.

As such, for having a fire type already, even though Fennekin would eventually evolve into a Fire/Psychic type, I hinted Serena to choose Froakie. It's final evolution would become water/dark and would give a lot of coverage to her future Kantonian Ninetales.

As to why Serena didn't immediately choose the shiny Pokemon, well, it's simple really.

We are not in a game. This is real life. And choosing a starter Pokemon meant it would accompany you for life from the very beginning of your journey. One had to think carefully. If this were the games, a player wouldn't hesitate and immediately use shiny Pokemon, mostly cause they looked coo.

But that way of thought doesn't work here. I don't flaunt Amber's shiny status around either. I see her as my first partner Pokemon. And when I go to Professor Oak in a couple days to receive mine, I would see that Pokemon as my partner too, regardless if it will be shiny or not.

Serena kept looking at the three before turning her head toward me again. Indecisiveness could be seen in her eyes.

"Say, Itsuki, as I thought I'm having a hard time deciding...What should I do?", Serena asked worryingly.

"Heh, I told you, didn't I? Just remember what we went over. This decision is solely yours to make.

"I know...it's just besides Froakie, Fennekin looks super cute and Chespin looks like it has good defense capabilities...", Serena replied with a struggled look.

"It's as Itsuki said, Serena. This is your choice to make. While your case is a bit special for having Sapphire already, one of these three Pokemon will journey with you as your partner too. It's a decision not to be made lightly."

"Yeah...", Serena replied, nodding her head.

After Professor Sycamore said that, Serena turned silent again, looking at each one again.

Several moments then passed in silence, waiting for Serena to make her decision. She gave a good look at Fennekin one last time, before her eyes switched to Froakie.

"Froakie, would you like to join me?", Serena asked, feeling determined.

As soon as Serena said that, Fennekin and Chespin became a bit dispirited, but Froakie had the biggest reaction of the three. Its beady eyes turned wide. It wasn't expecting to be chosen, as he was an outcast. It immediately bobbed its head in acknowledgment.

"Froakie!", Froakie yelled out happily, jumping into Serena's arms.

"Haha, guess it's decided then.", Professor Sycamore replied with a laugh. He then went to go grab Froakie's pokeball.

"Here is Froakie's Pokeball, Serena. While this fellow may be a shiny variant, please keep in mind he was left behind by his group. He may have some setbacks, so be diligent in raising him, okay?", Professor Sycamore asked with a serious tone.

"Of course. I won't slack off in that. Otherwise I won't become a great Trainer now will I?" Serena replied with a smile. "You ready, Froakie?"

"Froakie!", Froakie replied happily once again. After Serena received his Pokeball, Froakie jumped up out of Serena's arms. Serena aimed the Pokeball, and tossed it at him.

There was no wiggle, as this was Froakie's Pokeball already. It was enveloped by the red beam, and vanished from sight. The Pokeball landed back in Serena's hand. Froakie from this point onward was now hers.

If I said I wasn't a bit jealous, well I'd be lying, haha! Shiny Greninja was one of the coolest looking Pokemon.

We gave a round of applause for letting Serena choose her starter. Yet afterward, I saw Professor Sycamore turn toward me.

"Now that the first thing is out of the way, I also have something for you, Itsuki."

Hearing that, I became surprised.

"What is it?", I asked him.

"Well, I'll say it simply. You know I published my Mega Evolution thesis to the public not too long ago, right?"

"That's right. It seems the public in Kalos is slowly accepting the fact that certain Pokemon can break past their limit and evolve once more, right?"

"Exactly. And we at the lab have been fervently been working on the tool to achieve that status. We've come a long way, but we've finally developed our first round of prototypes.", Professor Sycamore said, taking out the smaller case that was inside the starter Pokemon case.

After he said that, I suddenly got chills down my spine.

'Prototype, it's been a while since I've heard that...', , I retorted to myself.

Without saying anything else, we saw him open the smaller case. It revealed a black bracelet of sorts.

'As I thought...', I retorted again. But I didn't say anything, and waited for Professor Sycamore to begin his explanation.

"During the course of my research into Mega Evolution, I found that our natural habitats that Pokemon live freely in induce this Evolution naturally. It is not a by-product of any kind."

"A naturally induced evolution?" I asked him with intrigue.

Professor Sycamore nodded his head, only for him to reach out into his pocket. He brought out a stone of sorts, which appeared just like q marble. This one had a red and yellow stripe going through its center.

"What I have here is the catalyst that allows these Mega Evolutions. They can be found anywhere in nature, and during my travels I had chanced upon this. Without these stones, Pokemon will struggle to Mega Evolve on their own."

"After debriefing this with my team, we concluded a name for these stones. We call these stones, Mega Stones. And this bracelet here is called the Mega Ring. With these two combined, it will allow a Pokemon to achieve Mega Evolution, the same way one can find them naturally doing it in the wilds."

"So this is the Mega Ring...", I responded in amazement.

"Yes, the Mega Ring. We have developed several prototypes to deliver them to specific recipients. And Itsuki, you're one of them on that list."

"Thank you for letting me receive this chance, Professor Sycamore. I have the Z Ring, and it didn't take me long to matter the custom Z Move Tapu Koko only gave to me. I will train hard to master Mega Evolution."

"Hahaha, good. It looks like we didn't choose wrongly. Ho, do be warned. A Mega Ring without a Mega Stone is useless Unless you locate one of those natural inducing spots during your journey, you will have to find those Mega Stones. In a way, one can see them as a treasure hunt."

"A treasure hunt eh? Got it.", I said, reaching in to grab the Mega Ring. My Z Ring was fitted into my left arm, so my right arm will have the Mega Ring.

I was not expecting to be given a Mega Stone either. And from looks of it, Professor Sycamore only has the one in his hand. As I recall, that's a Garchompite. Lucky fellow for finding it.

Now I have to start hunting Mega Stones when my journey starts. A few hours have passed by before we realized it, and Professor Sycamore excused himself.

Now it was just Lillie, me, Grace, and Serena hanging around on the first floor. We brought the Pokemon in and Serena introduced Froakie to the group. He accepted it rather quickly and was happy to be with them.

As the time passed, it was time to bring up Serena's position. She had yet to learn the fact that she's coming with us. After some conversation, I proceeded to ask her a question.

"So Serena, what do you think you'll do from here? Lillie and I are only staying the night before we catch our flight back to Kanto.", I asked her, while Lillie looked at me in interest. During the day I did whisper to Lillie that Serena didn't know yet, so she was now into it with me.

And as I asked that, a look of sadness appeared in Serena's eyes.

"Hmm, I wonder. It is sad you two are only here tonight, so I guess I'll head to the nearest town starting tomorrow? I can now start my journey. What do you think, mom?", Serena asked.

"It's up to you where you want to go, dear.", Grace replied, staying vague.

"Mom?", Serena looked at her, confused by what she said. Lillie then turned toward Serena and spoke out.

"Serena, we won't beat around the bush any longer. If you were given the chance to come with us, would you take it?", Lillie asked.

"Eh? W-What are you saying so suddenly, Lillie? How would that be possible? Of course I would love to travel with you two, but you are going back home to Kanto..."

"Hahah, what if we showed you this?", I asked Serena.

Without delay, I grabbed into one of my pockets, and brought out three boarding passes. Serena became stunned seeing this.

"Itsuki, t-this can't be...what I think it is?"

"Well, it's up to you if you believe what I'm currently holding is or not, haha!", I answered her with a grin. Serena puffed her cheeks out and pouted. It didn't take long before tears formed in her eyes.

"Geez, don't tease me like that, Itsuki. But are you really saying, that I can go with you?"

"Of course that's what we're saying. We already paid for your flight. You're coming with us whether you like it or not."

"Itsuki!", Serena said, finally letting the tears streak down her face. "I love you!", she yelled out happily. Serena then got up and rushed at me, jumping right onto my lap. She immediately leaned in, planting her lips onto mine.

This action surprised me but I accepted it. Seeing Serena kiss me, Lillie's cheeks turned red. She wanted to turn away but couldn't. She closely watched on, letting something swell up inside of her.

As for Grace, she grinned and let out a laugh.

"Hoho, so it looks like something did happen while you two were up there. I was wondering why it took you guys a while to come down." Grace grinned with a laugh.

"Ahh..." Serena replied, realizing that she kissed me just now. After she parted from me, she turned toward Grace.

"I-It's not like that, Mom!", Serena replied embarrassingly.

"Hmm? Why do we need to hide this, Serena?", I spoke out in a teasing tone.

"It totally looks like that, Serena. Not that I don't mind at least, since I already accepted your relationship with Itsuki here. But going back to what I just said, if you want to go, I won't stop you."

"Really?, Serena asked. I wiped off her tears in the mean time. "But why do I get this feeling that you knew all along..."

"A mother's secret~", Grace teased Serena. "But seriously speaking, Itsuki informed me ahead of time. He wanted to surprise you."

"Well it definitely surprised me. I'll be able to travel with you and Lillie now!"

"That's the plan.", I replied.

"I know we'll have lots of fun exploring together, Serena. Since I decided to accompany Itsuki, it's natural I'll be a part of this too."

And just like that, we revealed our plan. Grace would be left to herself after we leave, but she accepted this. Moreover she was happy that the relationship of Serena and I advanced a step.

The rest of the day soon passed and we had the biggest farewell dinner leaving all of us stuffed. Serena decided for us three to have pajama party in her room, as we won't be seeing hers from here on for a while.

It was fun seeing Lillie's flustered expressions during this but we were able to have fun, and got well rested.

The next day arrived, and after packing up our things, we said goodbye to Grace after she took us to Vaniville Airport.

Of course Mew didn't forget and rode beside the airplane we took off in.

With a new Mega Ring in hand, and Lillie and Serena now beside me, our next destination, Kanto, will the first region of where my own Pokemon Adventure starts!

*

Double chapter length!

Next chapter the three will depart for Route 1!

Don't forget to drop those power stones and leave comments below!