After witnessing Diantha defend her championship title against Siebold of the elite four, Ash challenged Diantha to a battle of his own. Ash's Pikachu impressed both Diantha and Siebold, and they encouraged him to continue on his journey. Now our heroes have gathered just outside the Pokémon Center, backpacks tightened and Pokémon at their sides, ready to continue their journey.
Ash stretched his arms high above his head, Pikachu perched firmly on his shoulder. Turning to Korrina, he grinned with his usual spark of energy. "So, Korrina. When are you going to become the Shalour Gym Leader? I want to battle you and Lucario as soon as possible!"
Korrina laughed, Lucario at her side mirroring her calm composure. "You're as eager as ever, Ash. But... we're not quite there yet. My grandfather asked Lucario and me to go on a training journey. He said that before I can stand as Shalour's Gym Leader, I need to master the true strength of Mega Evolution."
"Mega Evolution..." Serena repeated softly, tilting her head. "So does that mean you'll need a Lucarionite? Is that what we'll find in Geosenge Town?"
Korrina nodded, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "Exactly. My Keystone's already with me," she said, raising her wrist to show the gleaming stone embedded in her glove. "But Lucario still doesn't have a Lucarionite, so we have to go to Geosenge Town. That's where Grandfather told us to go when we were ready."
Clemont adjusted his glasses, clearly intrigued. "So your grandfather really is the Mega Evolution guru... I've read articles about him, but I never imagined we'd travel alongside his granddaughter!"
Korrina's smile grew proud. "It's more than just his title. My family has been the guardians of Mega Evolution for generations. In fact, It is said that one of our ancestors was the very first to ever achieve Mega Evolution with Lucario. In fact it is tradition for those who lead the tower of mastery to have a fighting type Pokémon capable of mega evolving"
Serena's eyes widened, a mix of admiration and curiosity swirling within them. Ash, however, clenched his fist with a fiery grin.
"That settles it then! We'll go with you to Geosenge Town. And when you and Lucario get that Lucarionite, I want to battle you at your strongest!"
Lucario's eyes gleamed, giving a firm nod of agreement.
"I'd like that," Korrina said warmly.
Serena stepped forward, her voice calm but bright. "And I'd love to see it too. Learning about the origins of Mega Evolution sounds fascinating. I think... this will be a journey worth remembering."
With a collective cheer and renewed determination, the group set off from Cyllage City, their path turning inland toward the mysterious Geosenge Town—the next step not only for Korrina and Lucario, but for all of them.
[Line Break]
Geosenge Town was unlike any place they had seen before. Jagged stone spires rose from the earth like silent guardians, and the narrow streets wove around ancient monuments that stood as reminders of a forgotten age. The group entered the town with an air of excitement, the promise of the Lucarionite burning brightly in their minds.
Korrina's eyes darted from one towering formation to another, her smile widening with each step. "This is it. Geosenge Town." Her hand brushed over the keystone on her wrist, as if it could guide her. "Grandfather said I'd know what to do once I got here... but..." Her voice faltered, the excitement giving way to a moment of uncertainty.
Ash tilted his head. "So you don't know exactly where the stone is?"
Korrina shook her head, her blonde ponytail swinging. "No. I just... assumed I would. Grandfather told me I'd understand when the time was right."
They tried their luck at the local shops first, peering into glass cases filled with colorful stones and shimmering crystals. Evolution stones were displayed like treasures—glowing Fire Stones, icy Water Stones, jagged Thunder Stones—all of them radiant, all of them captivating. Yet none of them were what Korrina sought.
"Nothing," Clemont muttered, adjusting his glasses after their fifth shop. His analytical mind was already at work. "If the Lucarionite isn't sold anywhere here, that means it's rare. Probably too rare to be traded openly. Something like that wouldn't just be sitting on a shop shelf."
Korrina paused, Lucario standing close by, its red eyes focused ahead. She remembered her grandfather's words: When the time is right, you will know. Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself. "I won't let this discourage me. We'll find it. Lucario and I will figure it out together."
Her resolve lifted the group's spirits, and they pressed onward through the stone-carved streets. That was when a voice rang out, warm and cheerful.
"Welcome to Geosenge, travelers!"
They turned to see a man with a weathered face and a camera slung around his neck. His steps were unhurried, his smile sincere. "The name's McGinty. I like to capture memories for visitors. How about a souvenir photo for you all?"
The idea was met with unanimous agreement. Before long, they were gathered together in front of one of the stone monoliths, Lucario and Pikachu taking pride of place at the front. As the shutter clicked, Ash felt Serena's hand brush against his. Without thinking, their fingers intertwined, and he gave her a small grin. Serena's cheeks warmed, but she didn't let go.
McGinty lowered the camera, satisfied. "A fine picture, that one. You'll treasure it."
As he handed them their prints, Ash asked about Evolution stones. McGinty nodded thoughtfully. "You'll find plenty of stones in these mountains. But if you're searching for something truly rare, there's a cave far from the main paths. People say a special stone rests there." His smile faded into a more serious expression. "But take care. The cave has its own way of judging. If someone enters who isn't worthy, the mountain itself may turn against them."
Bonnie shivered at the words, clutching Dedenne closer. "That sounds scary..."
But Korrina's eyes burned brighter than ever. "If the Lucarionite is there, then Lucario and I will face whatever challenge waits for us."
McGinty studied her carefully, his camera hanging forgotten at his side. As the group turned to leave, their laughter echoing down the street, his smile shifted into something softer, almost pensive.
"So that's how it is," he murmured to himself. "Maybe this is what Gurkinn intended all along."
[Line Break]
The group followed McGinty's directions through the winding paths outside Geosenge until the jagged stone trails gave way to a rugged mining ground. The cliffs around them glimmered faintly in the afternoon light, embedded with veins of crystal and half-unearthed shards of Evolution stones.
Clemont's eyes sparkled as much as the rocks themselves. "Incredible...! The mineral deposits here must have been forming for thousands of years. The crystallization process, the density—this is extraordinary!" He was already pulling a notepad from his bag, eager to sketch diagrams.
Korrina crossed her arms, Lucario standing tall at her side. "We're not here to study the view, Clemont. We're here for the Lucarionite." Her voice was calm, but her determination radiated through every word.
They pressed onward, the terrain becoming harsher and less forgiving. Rocks jutted out of the earth in sharp angles, and narrow trails wound dangerously close to cliffsides. As they walked, Lucario suddenly halted. Its crimson eyes narrowed, ears twitching.
"What is it?" Ash asked, looking down at the Pokémon.
Without a sound, Lucario raised its paw and unleashed a sharp Aura Sphere. The ball of blue energy shot ahead and blasted into the cliffside, cracking the surface. Dust clouded the air before settling to reveal a narrow, hidden entrance, once carefully disguised by stone.
"So that's it," Korrina whispered, her pulse quickening.
Lucario moved with certainty, guiding them down the hidden path. The air grew colder and heavier the deeper they went. The tunnel finally opened into a larger mouth of rock—a cave entrance veiled in shadows.
Clemont adjusted the strap of his backpack and pulled out a small device, clicking it on. A pair of powerful beams lit up the darkness. "There. Now we won't be wandering blind."
The others drew closer, feeling the weight of the silence pressing in around them. Despite the unknown dangers, Korrina's step never faltered. Her eyes locked on the path ahead, the keystone glinting faintly on her wrist.
They pressed deeper into the cave until they came to a massive chamber. The air seemed charged, as if the stone itself carried an ancient power. At the center of the chamber stretched a long, narrow path leading to a pedestal. Resting atop it, glimmering faintly in the pale light, was a single stone. Its crystalline structure radiated an aura unlike anything they had seen before.
"The Lucarionite..." Korrina's breath caught. She and Lucario bolted forward together, the bond between them propelling their steps.
But before they could reach it, a flash of fire illuminated the path. A Blaziken dropped from the shadows, landing with a heavy impact that shook the stone beneath their feet. Its eyes gleamed fiercely as it spread its arms wide, flames bursting from its wrists.
Lucario skidded to a halt, muscles tensed.
Korrina blinked in shock, then steadied herself. "It's guarding the stone..." She clenched her fists. "So this is the trial."
Blaziken roared, crouching low before launching itself forward in a blazing charge. Lucario darted ahead, intercepting with a clash of fists and aura. The cave echoed with the sound of their collision.
Korrina glanced back at her friends, then shrugged off her bag and handed it to Ash. Her expression was firm. "This is mine to face."
Serena stepped forward, worry plain in her eyes. "But—Korrina, you can't just—"
Ash lifted a hand to stop her. His voice was steady, but carried a fire of its own. "No, Serena. This is a test for Korrina and Lucario. If they want to master Mega Evolution, this is the path they have to walk themselves."
His gaze locked with Korrina's, his voice rising over the clash of battle. "Isn't that right, Korrina?"
Lucario parried Blaziken's strike, and Korrina met Ash's eyes. For a moment, her resolve softened into something deeper, a recognition that Ash truly understood. She nodded solemnly.
"You're right, Ash. This is between us and the stone."
With that, she turned back toward Lucario, her voice ringing through the chamber. "Lucario, let's show them the strength of our bond!"
The fight for the Lucarionite had begun.
[Line Break]
Korrina's fists clenched as her eyes locked on the Lucarionite glowing faintly in the distance. "Lucario, let's start strong! Use Power-Up Punch!"
Lucario darted forward, aura flaring as it charged its fist. But Blaziken moved with lightning speed, its foot igniting in crimson flame. Blaze Kick! The strike connected squarely, sending Lucario skidding across the rocky floor.
"Lucario!" Korrina cried, but her partner rolled with the blow, landing on its feet. Blaziken pressed its advantage, unleashing another flurry of Blaze Kicks, its legs a blur of fire. This time, Lucario twisted and ducked, each kick missing by a breath.
"Now—Metal Sound!" Korrina commanded.
Lucario let out a piercing metallic shriek, forcing Blaziken to recoil as its guard faltered. Korrina seized the moment. "Close in—Power-Up Punch again!"
Lucario surged forward, fist glowing. The strike landed with a thunderous crack, driving Blaziken backward. But just as victory seemed within reach, Blaziken roared, opening its beak wide and engulfing Lucario in a torrent of flames. Flamethrower lit the chamber in a blazing inferno.
"Lucario!" Korrina shouted, rushing forward, only to stumble as a stray ember caught the edge of her pocket. The souvenir photo McGinty had taken fluttered to the ground—Serena's soft smile, Ash's bright grin, all of them captured together. She reached out desperately, but the flames consumed it in an instant, leaving nothing but ash.
Her knees hit the stone. "No..."
Lucario was caught in Blaziken's grasp, its head wrenched cruelly as the Fire-type hurled it against the cavern wall. The impact sent cracks through the stone, and Lucario tumbled helplessly into the dark water below.
Clemont gasped, taking a step forward. "We can't just stand here—Ash, we have to—"
But Ash's hand shot out, firm and unyielding. His voice carried a weight Clemont hadn't heard before. "We can't intervene in this fight." He then spoke out loudly. "You're not going to just give up are you Korrina? Only if you fight will you earn the right to the Lucarionite!"
Korrina's trembling fingers dug into the dirt as Ash's words reached her. She lifted her head, meeting Lucario's weary eyes as it struggled in the water, refusing to give in.
"You're right, Ash..." she whispered, then shouted, her voice echoing off the cavern walls. "Lucario! This isn't over—stand up!"
Lucario rose, drenched but unwavering, its aura burning brighter than ever.
"Power-Up Punch!" Korrina roared.
Lucario charged again, fists blazing with fighting energy. Blaziken sidestepped, dodging the first strike, then the second, then the third. But Lucario didn't falter. Punch after punch came in relentless succession, until finally it shifted, slamming its bone staff into existence. Bone Rush cracked against the cavern floor, pinning Blaziken's leg and forcing it down.
Lucario's fist glowed brighter than ever as it raised its arm high. The chamber shook with the force of its will. But just before the final blow landed, a deep, commanding voice cut through the clash.
"Enough!"
Both Pokémon froze. From the shadows of the chamber, an elderly figure stepped into the light. His robe was simple, his gait steady, but the keystone hanging from his neck gleamed with authority.
"Grandfather?" Korrina gasped.
Gurkinn, the Mega Evolution Guru, raised a hand. "You've done well, Korrina. That Blaziken is mine." He walked forward, his eyes kind yet sharp. "I knew you would find your way here. This was your final trial—to prove your bond with Lucario could endure flame, fury, and despair."
Blaziken stepped back, bowing its head respectfully before retreating to Gurkinn's side.
Korrina's heart pounded as she turned toward the pedestal. Slowly, reverently, she stepped forward. The Lucarionite shimmered with a glow that seemed to pulse in rhythm with Lucario's aura. With both hands, she lifted it from its resting place, the stone's warmth spreading through her chest.
She looked at Lucario, who stood tall and resolute despite its battle scars. "We did it, Lucario."
Lucario nodded, its eyes gleaming with fierce pride.
The climb down from the mountains was slow, the last orange rays of the sun stretching over the rooftops of Geosenge Town as the group emerged from the rugged path.
Korrina walked at the front with Lucario, still holding the Lucarionite close to her chest. Her steps were tired, but her smile was radiant, the kind that came only after a hard-won victory.
At the edge of the square, a familiar voice called out.
"Well, well, back already?"
McGinty lowered his camera from his face, grinning as the travelers approached. He raised a hand in greeting, but his eyes went first to Korrina. "Looks like you found what you were searching for."
Korrina stopped before him, her hand tightening around the Lucarionite. "Yeah, we did. But... I'm sorry. You took a beautiful picture, but I lost mine during the battle." Her head dipped, a little embarrassed.
McGinty chuckled warmly, shaking his head. "That's no trouble at all. A picture can always be taken again. I'll make sure to print another one for you." He then turned to Gurkinn. "So, all went well I see?"
Before Korrina could thank him, Clemont blinked in surprise. "Wait a second... you two know each other?"
Gurkinn stepped forward then, his arms crossed and his voice calm as ever. "McGinty here has been my friend for many years. When I asked him to guide you to the mountain, he agreed without hesitation. Consider him part of your trial as well."
The group shared looks of astonishment before Serena clapped her hands together. "So that's why you appeared right when we needed help...!"
Korrina could hardly keep still. The Lucarionite gleamed proudly in her new armband, and Lucario stood at her side, energy practically radiating from its form. "Finally... we did it, Lucario! We can Mega Evolve whenever we want now!" she cheered, eyes sparkling with excitement.
Clemont adjusted his glasses and wheeled out one of his latest contraptions. "With this machine, I can measure the power output of Mega Lucario. This way, we'll see exactly how much stronger it's become."
But Ash stepped forward, eyes bright. "Or we could find out the best way—by battling!"
Korrina's grin widened. "I was hoping you'd say that! Let's go, Lucario!"
The battlefield was chosen, a wide stretch of ground at the foot of the mountains. Ash and Pikachu faced Korrina and her partner, the energy of the moment buzzing in the air.
"Pikachu, Iron Tail!" Ash shouted.
Pikachu darted forward, tail glowing bright as steel. But Lucario leapt into the air, its newly forged Bone Rush slamming down and deflecting the attack. The glowing bone spun out of its hand and smashed into the side of the mountain with such force that an explosion of stone and dust shook the ground.
"Whoa!" Clemont gasped, holding onto his machine. "The destructive power is off the charts!"
Ash narrowed his eyes. "Alright then—Quick Attack, go!"
Pikachu blurred into motion, weaving in and out to disorient Lucario. But Lucario was faster, its fists glowing as it unleashed successive Power-Up Punches, cutting off Pikachu's escape routes one by one.
"Pika!" Pikachu cried, narrowly dodging the last blow—
Until Lucario's eyes gleamed crimson.
"Korrina?" Serena asked, worry flashing across her face.
Lucario lunged without warning, fists pounding against Pikachu and sending him flying.
"Lucario, stop! That's enough!" Korrina cried out.
But Lucario didn't listen. It roared, aura flaring wildly as it grabbed Pikachu by the tail and swung him like a ragdoll. Ash and his friends watched in horror.
"Pikachu!" Ash dashed forward, heart hammering as he caught his partner when Lucario kicked him across the field. "Hang on, buddy!"
But Lucario wasn't finished. It raised its fist again, aura flaring for another Power-Up Punch this one aimed at Ash and Pikachu both.
"Lucario, no!" Korrina screamed.
At the last moment, another figure streaked across the field. A second Lucario appeared, intercepting the blow with perfect precision. The force cracked the ground beneath their feet, but Ash and Pikachu were unharmed.
From behind them, Gurkinn's voice rang out, sharp and commanding. "That's enough, Korrina!"
Korrina's Lucario staggered, panting, before its body gave way. The aura shattered, the Mega form fading as Lucario collapsed, unconscious and returned to its normal state.
Silence blanketed the group, the only sound the rasp of Korrina's breath.
[Line Break]
At the Pokémon Center later, Pikachu bounded into Ash's arms, fully healed. Ash stroked his partner's head, whispering, "You were amazing, Pikachu. Thank you."
But Lucario was still resting under Nurse Joy's care, drained and shaken.
In the waiting area, Gurkinn folded his arms, his tone grave. "There are times when a Pokémon is consumed by the very power it seeks to wield. That was what you saw today."
Korrina bowed her head, tears stinging her eyes. "I'm so sorry, Ash, Pikachu. I never thought Lucario would—"
Ash shook his head, smiling softly. "Don't apologize. You'll figure this out. I know you and Lucario will."
Korrina bit her lip, but her grandfather's silence weighed heavier than Ash's reassurance.
Just then, McGinty arrived, carrying something gleaming in his hands. "I thought this might help." He handed Korrina the Lucarionite, now fitted neatly into a polished armband. With his other hand, he passed her a replacement of the burned photo. "And for the memories you shouldn't lose."
Korrina clutched both gifts, gratitude and determination mixing in her chest.
The group sat together, discussing what had happened. Ash mentioned Diantha and her Gardevoir, how they fought with perfect trust, without even words. Serena added softly, "It felt different... like you and Lucario weren't really connected when you Mega Evolved."
Gurkinn nodded grimly. "That is the truth. Lucario could not control its aura, and you, Korrina, could not guide it. Mega Evolution is not just power—it is harmony."
At that moment, the Pokémon Center doors slid open, and Lucario emerged, fully recovered. It walked to Korrina's side, eyes softer, though still troubled. Korrina knelt, fastening the new armband around its wrist.
"We'll get this right, Lucario. I promise."
Gurkinn rose to his feet. "If you truly wish to master Mega Evolution, you will need more than promises. Tomorrow, we leave for Pomace Mountain. There, an old friend of mine waits, someone who understands exactly what you are missing."
Korrina clenched her fists in frustration. She had done everything right, Lucario and her were supposed to master mega evolution and then return back to take over they gym, so why was everything going so sideways?
Gurkinn adjusted the strap of his pack and turned to the others. "Korrina and I will head directly to Pomace Mountain. It's the path she must walk if she wishes to truly master Mega Evolution."
Korrina glanced at her friends, eyes shining with determination. "I'll come back stronger! Lucario and I both. So wait for me in Shalour. When I return, Ash, I want you to battle me at my best!"
Ash grinned, pumping his fist. "You got it! We'll be ready!" Pikachu echoed with a cheerful cry from his shoulder.
Serena stepped forward, smiling warmly. "Good luck, Korrina. We'll be cheering for you the whole way."
Clemont adjusted his glasses, his voice calm but earnest. "I know you'll figure it out. Just... don't push yourself too hard."
Bonnie, however, leapt right up and hugged Korrina tightly. "Come back soon, okay? It won't be the same without you!"
Korrina hugged her back, blinking rapidly as her voice caught in her throat. "I promise."
With that, she turned to her grandfather. Lucario at her side, she began down the road leading out of town, their silhouettes framed by the moonlight.
Ash, Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie watched until the pair vanished into the dark. Slowly, they turned toward the path leading to Shalour City, their next destination calling.
"Alright," Ash said, his voice steady, though a touch quieter than usual, "let's keep moving forward. We'll see them again soon."
And so, under the starlit Kalos sky, the group parted ways—two journeys now running parallel, each tied to the promise of reunion.
AS THE JOURNEY CONTINUES!