A few days later, Bonnie was battling a kid her age who had a playful Froakie. They seemed to be a new Trainer, just like Bonnie technically was only a week or two ago. Wanting to train up her newest friend, Bonnie sent out Apple, smiling at the little Chikorita.

"Froakie, use Bubble!" The kid yelled, their Froakie obeying with a clear eagerness to please their Trainer. "Apple, use Vine Whip!" Bonnie smiled, watching vines grow out of Apple's sort of necklace and pop all the bubbles that Froakie spat out.

"Woah! Okay, Froakie, use Pound!"

Froakie ran at Apple, surprisingly fast. It managed to land a hit on Apple, who yelped. "Apple! Are you okay?" Bonnie asked worriedly. Apple nodded.

"Okay, then use Vine Whip!"

Apple leapt forward, swishing her vines wildly and unpredictably. Froakie, being a Water type, took a lot of damage from the Grass type attack. It was clearly weak already, but through sheer stubbornness was refusing to give up.

"Froakie, Bubble!" Froakie's Trainer called, the Pokémon obediently spitting bubbles at Apple. Apple took the hits, but it wasn't very effective. "Now, Apple! Use Vine Whip!" Bonnie called.

Froakie fainted.

"Yeah!" Ash cheered. As usual, he was absorbed in the battle. "Great job, Bonnie!" Clemont praised. "You're getting so much better!"

Apple leapt at Bonnie, who caught her in her arms and hugged her. "Well done, Apple! You're so strong!" "Chikorita!" Apple smiled happily.

The boy returned his Froakie, frowning. "Aw, man!" He sighed, but then smiled. "That's a really cool Pokémon you've got!" "Thanks! Apple's a Chikorita, she came from the Johto region!" Bonnie replied happily, holding Apple up proudly. "Chika!" Apple smiled.

"That's so cool!" The boy nodded. "I'm gonna go take Froakie to a Pokémon Centre. Thanks for the battle!" He ran off.

The gang continued on their way, making small talk as they went. They soon reached Lumiose City, so Clemont suggested they all stopped for a break. "I might as well go check in on Clembot, anyway, and it's about lunchtime so we can always stop at my house to eat," he said.

"Yeah, that's true," Ash nodded enthusiastically. "Then after we eat, we'll get in some training! Right, buddy?" He asked Pikachu. "Pika!" The little Electric type agreed eagerly from his Trainer's shoulder.

Serena chuckled. "Okay, then I'll make something for dessert! Bonnie, want to help me buy some ingredients?" "Sure!" Bonnie agreed. "Maybe we can make some of your yummy macaroons? Or maybe cookies?"

Once again, the girls split off from the boys to get to work. While Clemont sorted lunch and Ash filled bowls for the Pokémon, Serena and Bonnie bought plenty of ingredients to make tasty treats.

"Hm... should I make some more Poképuffs for the Pokémon?" Serena suggested. "Ooh, Yeah!" Bonnie nodded. "The Pokémon will love it! Won't you, Dedenne? Apple?"

"Nenenene!"

"Rita Ri!"

Serena smiled and headed over to the berry stand nearby. "Hm... so many choices... maybe I'll just make simpler Poképuffs today. They don't always have to be extra fancy."

"Yeah, I guess so," Bonnie shrugged. "Though it's nice when they look extra pretty... Wow!" Serena glanced over in time to see Bonnie running at two girls. "Bonnie, wait!"

"Serena, this one's a keeper!" Bonnie called over her shoulder. "Excuse me, I know he isn't here right now, but would you take care of my big brother Cle-? Aah!"

A Mismagius flew in front of Bonnie and used Psychic, pinning her in the air. "Mismagius!" They hissed at her.

"Bonnie!" Serena cried worriedly, hurrying over. "Please, put her down!" She said to the Mismagius, who glared at Serena. The next thing she knew, Serena was pinned in the air as well, yelping.

"Missy, no! Put them down!"

The Mismagius looked back down at their Trainer, gaze softening. "Misma?" They asked. "Yes, I'm sure," the Trainer nodded, voice a little quiet but still firm. Mismagius nodded and somewhat reluctantly set Serena and Bonnie down.

"I'm sorry about Missy," the Trainer apologised softly. "She was just trying to protect me, you startled us when you ran up like that." "It's fine, sorry for surprising you guys," Bonnie replied. "You're just a keeper!"

"A... keeper?" She glanced at her friend beside her, who only shrugged uncertainly. "Beats me."

"Bonnie, stop that!" Serena sighed. "Fine, but she'd be perfect for Clemont..." Bonnie grumbled, only leaving the two Trainers more confused.

"So, Uh... I'm Serena," Serena smiled awkwardly, trying to redeem them of this odd first impression. "I'm Bonnie," Bonnie smiled. "This is Apple, Dedenne and Squishy!"

"I'm Lilac," the Trainer with the Mismagius smiled back, a little shyly. "This is Azalea." She showed them the Mimikyu in her arms, who hissed in greeting and made Lilac giggle. "She says hi!"

"I'm Kit," the other Trainer nodded. "I just call this little guy Bulbasaur." She looked down at the Bulbasaur hiding behind her legs, watching the newcomers curiously. "Come on, Bulby! Say hi!" "Bulba," the Bulbasaur smiled warmly, though still seemed to prefer it behind Kit.

"So where are you guys going?" Bonnie asked curiously, offering her hand to Bulbasaur. He sniffed at her before approaching and allowing her to pet him. "Actually, do you think you could help us?" Kit asked. "My Aerodactyl's getting pretty restless, I need to find somewhere safe and open to let her out so she doesn't hurt anyone. Do you know anywhere nearby?"

"It sounds like your Aerodactyl wants to battle!" Bonnie realised. "You think?" Kit asked curiously. "Aerodactyl love to battle," Serena nodded. "That might be why it's so restless."

"Oh..." Kit took an Ultra Ball from her pocket, looking at it. "Is that true? Do you want a battle?"

The Ultra Ball shook violently, making Kit smile. "Okay, Okay! I'll find you someone strong to battle."

Bonnie then had an idea. "You should battle my big brother Clemont! He's the leader of the Lumiose Gym, so he's one of the strongest Trainers ever!"

"Really? Are you sure it's not too much trouble?" "No trouble at all," Serena smiled. "I'm sure Clemont would love to battle... and if not, there's the backup Gym Leader, Clembot. And I'm sure our friend Ash would love a battle, too! We were actually about to head back to the gym if you want to join us."

Kit and Lilac shared a glance. "Would you want to go check it out?" "Uh... alright, but only to watch you," Lilac agreed hesitantly. They followed Serena and Bonnie back to the gym.