Shinx was running as far away as he could. He just wanted to get out of here. Tears were falling down his face. He heard someone calling him from behind but didn't want to look back. Him being  chosen by Gary was his chance to get away from the misery that he had to put through.

But as always he had messed up. His trainer had tasked him with guarding the exit but he ended up shocking him instead. What a poor excuse of a Pokemon he was, who shocked his own trainer. His mother would be so ashamed of him. More tears started flowing down as he thought about his mother.

Shinx wasn't looking where he was going anymore. Therefore he ran head first into the wall. He got startled and again released electricity all over the place. He fell on the pavement, sprawled on his fours. The collision with the walls had made him dazed.

Unbeknownst to him there was a persian sleeping nearby until he got shocked. The white feline looked around to see a small pokemon lying at a distance from him. Persian assumed that he was the one responsible for disturbing his sleep. Slowly he made his way towards the smaller Pokemon.

Shinx slowly came to his senses. He looked around. It was pretty much of a deserted street except a huge cat like pokemon. That cat was actually walking towards him. He had a mischievously menacing look on his face. Shinx gulped. He quickly got up and started to walk away. He noticed Persian increased his speed. That was a problem, Shinx thought. He started running but before he could put some distance between him and Persian, he was pounced upon by the feline pinning him to the ground.

Shinx tried shocking him with all his might. But he was too tired to cause any damage. The Persian grinned and raised his paw to slash at Shinx's face, who was writhing to get free from the grasp. But before the Persian could attack he was tackled by another Pokemon. Shinx saw that it was none other than his buddy Litleo.

"Litleo, Ember." Shinx looked at the direction the voice came from. It was from his trainer. He and Litleo had followed him all the way.But he thought they were angry at him.

Litleo opened his mouth and shot embers of flame towards Persian. The white feline dodged most of the embers and dived straight for Litleo with his jaws wide open. Litleo moved out of the way just in time leaving Persian to bite the thin air. Gary understood his new pokemon weren't a match for the classy cat pokemon. He took his Umbreon's pokeball off his belt but before he could release him there was an air slash that hit Persian from behind. The Persian quickly turned behind only to be hit by another on his face. A Golbat was chattering excitedly in air.

Persian stumbled backwards. Litleo noticed now that he had a window to strike. He charged with full force at the white cat to tackle him. But somehow he garnered more force than he had expected. He tackled with full force. The Persian went flying back and collided with the wall.

"I think you just learned takedown." Gary said smiling at Litleo.

Litleo's head was reeling. He smiled wearily towards Gary. He felt something soft smothering against his neck. Shinx was at his side thanking him. Litleo touched his head to that of Shinx's and purred his apology. He was sorry for behaving the way he did with Shinx. Gary smiled at his two young pokemon. He moved towards them

"Now you didn't have to run away like that, Shinx." Gary bent down and patted Shinx. The small cub looked down guiltily. "I know it was just a  mistake. Litleo was just scolding you and he too is sorry. Aren't you?"

Litleo nodded towards Shinx. The electric cub smiled and licked his friend. Litleo was taken a little aback but then licked back in affection. Golbat meanwhile was hovering above.

"Thanks for the help." Gary said looking above at the bat. Golbat chattered and flew away. "C'mon now who would like to have some food?"

Litleo and Shinx both purred an affirmative towards Gary. "Let's go then. Whoever reaches last is a rotten exeggcute."

With that Gary ran towards the direction of the pokemon centre. He was followed by his smaller pokemon. It wasn't extremely late in Lumiose city but there was hardly anyone in the streets. The streets were lit by dim lights. This had to be a less busier section of the city, he thought.

After some time Gary entered the pokemon centre. He went up to the nurse Joy's counter and placed Litleo and Shinx on it. Nurse Joy took them in for the check up. Gary waited in the cafe and ordered some food for Shinx and Litleo. After a while they both returned. Gary placed there bowls on the floor. Both of them rushed to their bowls and started eating.

As Gary waited for them to finish.
A young man wearing a league personnel jacket came to stop in front of Gary.

"Gary Oak?" the man said to get his attention.

"Yes?" Gary said looking at the unknown person. He was wearing the league jacket and a crossbody bag. He recognized that this was the uniform of the league messengers.

"I am supposed to deliver this to you." the messenger said.

"Oh really? An actual envelope message for me from the league? They could have just poke-mailed me." Gary said a little bit taken aback. League had contacted him before through mails. This was the first time he was addressed a real letter.

"The league wants this to be kept as a secret. That's why poke-mailing is avoided." the man said. "Also that's the reason why I will be waiting outside the centre. I will have to take back the letter with me."

Gary raised his eyebrows. This was definitely new to him. What does the league have in store for him which requires this much secrecy. He was usually just contacted for some research purposes regarding rare discoveries. He wasn't employed by the league. They had offered him a job but he preferred to work on his own.

"Alright, thanks." Gary said accepting the letter. The messenger nodded and walked outside the Pokemon centre.

Gary looked at the Envelope. It was quite bland except the insignia of the league. But it appeared different. Gary looked at it a little closer to find out that it was of the President of the Pokemon League. He was being directly addressed by the President. Gary's heartbeat quickened upon learning that.

He quickly got his multi knife from the pocket and carefully cut open the envelope. He found a letter inside along with some other things. He quickly read through the letter.

Gary Oak,
     This might come as a surprise to you but league has been following your progress over the years. Your research papers on migration patterns of mantines were path-breaking. It proves your outstanding perception regarding pokemon.

You sure would have heard about the Delta region. There have been reports of new sightings. The league is planning to send a team of experts to Delta region. You have been chosen as the person who will lead those experts in this region. Your analytic understanding and skills as a trainer make you a perfect person for the job. That is if you decide to accept our proposal.

I know you have refused our offers in the past but you should know this is once in a lifetime opportunity. A whole new region and discoveries would be waiting for you.
Also just to tempt you further, you will be accompanied by G-men which includes your childhood friend Ash Ketchum.

There are documents in the envelope which you would require to carry while joining the team. I need you to keep this information a complete secret. That's why you will have to hand the letter back to the messenger.

President Goodshow

Gary was surprised that the league would go to this length for inviting him to joining the league. A personal letter from the President and even letting him know that Ash will be going to Delta too. He couldn't help but feel a little bit pressure.

As for his decision of whether to join or not, the team of experts, his mind was made up the moment he read that it was the Delta region. He wasn't going to let this opportunity to pass by. It was a bonus that Ash will be there with him. He felt his heart thumping with excitement of a new adventure. Calming himself a little bit, he took those documents and slipped them into his pocket.

Shinx and Litleo had finished eating by now. Gary placed the later back into the envelope and walked outside the centre. The messenger was waiting beside the door. Gary handed the letter back to him. The man took the later, thanked and walked off in the opposite direction. Gary slowly walked towards his rented flat.

He then remembered the call he had with the police. He was supposed to meet Officer Jenny at the Professor's lab. He had almost lost track of time after dealing with the thieves. He sighed as he continued walking towards his flat. He wasn't in the mood of explaining things to the police. He hoped that Ash had already taken care of that.

As he neared his flat he saw a bakery shop. It was still pretty crowded. Even at this hour customers were keeping the shop busy. He wasn't that hungry as it wasn't a long time since he and Ash had eaten. He thought he could take some packed food home, so he walked towards the shop.

Though there was crowd in front of the counter most of them were waiting for their orders. Gary went to the counter and and ordered.

"Pack four of these Vienoisseries." Gary said loudly pointing at the menu on the wall behind. Few people frowned at him "What? Did I pronounce it wrong?"

"Not at all, sir. You will have to wait while we bring your order." the man behind the counter said.

"All right. Bring me some macrons while I wait." Gary said.

The man brought a basket full of macrons. Gary gladly took it and started munching on them. He had eaten macaroons before but none like these. These were just brilliantly flavored. Even if the taste was great, he thought he shouldn't finish all of them. He should try to save some of these for Ash too.

He looked around the place. Most of them were busy talking amongst themselves. Except an ocean-blue haired girl who was also looking around like she was checking out things. Gary thought she looked kind of cute in her lovely blue dress which went along pretty well with her hair. He smirked as an idea popped up in his head. He went towards her.

"Want some macrons?" Gary said bending a little bit towards her.

"No, thank you." She said without even looking at Gary.

"Oh! That's a shame. They are delicious, you know." Gary said as he bit on to another macron.

Miette turned her attention towards the man in front of her. She noticed that his accent was different. She had come to the bakery to check if everything was in order. Now that her job was done she was going to leave for her home.

"Well in that case, I think I will take one." Miette said giving a small smile. She found the brown haired boy a little familiar but couldn't place it exactly.

"Yeah. This place is always busy isn't it?" Gary said.

"Tell me about it." Miette said.

A worker came and handed Gary his order in a paper bag. " Thank you. How much is it?"

The worker looked a little surprised. He turned to look at Miette who nodded.

"18 poke-francs, sir" the worker said. Gary handed him his money. After the worker had left Gary was preparing to leave when the girl next to him spoke.

"Gary Oak!!" Miette said with her eyes widened. "You are Gary Oak, aren't you?"

"How on Earth do you know my name?" Gary asked with raised eyebrows.

"Well...umm...it's a little hard to explain." Miette said calming herself down. She appeared a little flustered. "Let's go somewhere else."

"Now this is.." Gary said with a serious face. ".. strange"

Miette had to stop herself from laughing. The two small pokemon at his feet were trying their best to imitate their trainer's serious expression as they followed him outside. Miette gave a few instructions to her workers and walked outside.

She saw Gary leaning against a lamp post with hands stuffed in his pocket. He was tapping his foot impatiently. He looked up at her as she walked up to him.

"Hello. So you were going to explain?" Gary asked.

"You see, I got to know about you from my friend. You helped her a few days backed when she was attacked by some robbers." Miette said. She thought it would be better to let him know about Serena first.

"Oh yes Selena, right? That explains it." Gary stood up straight and began to walk away.

"Wait! I want to tell you something else too." Miette tried to stop him.

"Like what?" He said but didn't stop walking. Miette was getting a little annoyed by the Kantonian. Does he even realize what I am trying to tell him?

"The girl you helped is Serena, the one who stepped down from the title of Kalos Queen." She said desperately. It did work since Gary wasn't walking anymore. He had stopped right in his tracks.

"Say what now?" Gary spun around to look straight at her.

"Her name is Serena Yvonne. She uses her alias, Selena while she is in public." Miette explained. Gary frowned but didn't say anything. Not surprised of the fact that he wasn't able to recognize her. He didn't even knew how the Kalos Queen looked in the first place. He was thinking about what Ash had said earlier. How he had met a certain girl while his traveling around Kalos. She later went on to became the Kalos Queen.

"The thing I wanted to ask you is, do you know Ash Ketchum?" Miette asked.

"I think I might." Gary pretended to think. He was surprised by how much this girl knew about him. "But why are you asking?"

"It's for Serena..." Miette trailed. She thought whether she should tell about Serena's feelings for Ash. It would be wrong to reveal those to another person who she had just met. It would be unfair for Serena. "Serena and I are his friends. We haven't met him in years. Serena was  actually one of his traveling companions."

"Wow Really?" Gary found himself smiling. What were the chances that he was going to meet some random girl who knew Serena. The girl for whom Ash came all the way to Kalos.
Moreover he had already met Serena and he didn't even know that she was the one Ash was talking about.

"Why are you smirking at me?" Miette asked.

"Huh.. nothing." Gary laughed it away.
"Here, have a macron."

Miette narrowed her eyes at the boy. There was more to him than what meets the eye. It felt like he was hiding something. Nevertheless, she took the macron offered to her.

"What if I tell you, Ash is in Kalos right now." Gary said. Jolted by the news she just received, the macron fell from her hand. Only to be caught by Shinx in his mouth.

"Are you serious?" Miette asked with a dumbfounded expression. The brown haired boy just smirked and nodded. "Where is he staying?"

"Well he is staying with me for now. I live just down the street. You can drop by anytime." Gary said gesturing down the street. "Why don't we just meet here tomorrow morning, all of us. I love these macarons."

It was only this evening that Miette learned about Gary and here she was talking with him. Somehow Ash had ended up being in Kalos. She pondered what Serena will say when she learns about these heaven sent set of coincidences.

"I think that's a great idea." Miette said. "Also if you like them so much, come with me for a moment."

Gary wondered what she wanted now. He followed the blue haired girl back into the shop. He saw that she was talking to some person behind the counter. He gave her a basket full of freshly made macarons.

"Here you can have them?" Miette said offering him the basket. Gary was taken aback and hesitated to take it. "Don't worry, it's free of cost for you, just for you."

"Wow, Thanks a bunch." Gary happily accepted the macarons. He took one and started munching on it. "Are you some kind of celebrity too or what?"

"Not really. It just happens to be my shop." Miette said smiling. Gary choked on the macaroon he was eating. He started to cough violently. Miette asked to quickly bring some water. She made him sit at one of the seats at the shop. He recovered after a while, his eyes watered a little from the violent coughing he just suffered.

"Sorry...about that." Gary said after taking a sip of water. "But this means I offered you your own macarons a little while ago. Damn, this is embarrassing."

"It's okay. They weren't mine, as in, I didn't make them. I didn't work at all today." Miette explained. "These were made by my staff."

"Doesn't make it any less embarrassing." Gary laughed. "First I fail to recognize the Kalos Queen and now I offered you the macarons. I am not really appearing smart for a researcher right now."

"You are a researcher?" Miette felt curious. The casual spiked brown haired boy sitting in front of her looked anything but a pokemon researcher to her.

"You can say that. I do some pokemon related research here and there and publish it. But most of my time is spent on exploration." Gary said while feeding some macarons to the Pokemon at his feet. Miette felt like she wanted to know more. This was new to her. But she felt for some reason Gary was purposely being vague.

"I came to Kalos to learn about mega evolutions from professor Sycamore. I helped him find new megastones from around Kalos." Gary said. Miette kind of had an idea about it. She had come to know from Serena that Gary was working with professor.

"Speaking of professor, I don't know if it's on the news yet, but his lab was attacked today." Miette said.

"What are you talking about?" Gary had no idea about it. He remembered Officer Jenny had asked him to come at the lab but didn't think that it would be for this. He felt a little guilty for not listening. "Is professor all right?"

"He isn't hurt. But has been put to sleep. Might take some time before he wakes up. According to Officer Jenny, professor and his assistants were put to sleep by some psychic pokemon." Miette said. "But the attackers were caught by some brave trainers. The police even managed to recover most of the megastones which were stolen from the lab."

"Wait a minute now." Gary said. "Were they caught like in the late evening?"

"Yep. I guess it was around that time. Why?" Miette said.

"It'sbjust that, Ash and I also helped police nab some thieves with megastones around that time." Gary said smirking. "I think they might just be the same ones that stole from the lab."

Miette looked at Gary with an astounded face. Did he really help with catching such important criminals or is just bluffing?

"But I gotta go now. I left Ashy boy somewhere around there." Gary said getting up. "He isn't very good with directions, so don't want him to get lost."

"Alright" Miette did feel a little disappointed Gary had decided to end their conversation.

"Thanks a lot for the free Macaroons." Gary said holding the basket up. "I am enjoying my time in Kalos. It's way more interesting than I had imagined."

'So are you.' Miette thought to herself.

"What did you say?"

Miette's eyes widened when she realized that she had said it aloud. She had no idea why she was behaving like Serena at the moment.

"Umm..See you tomorrow." Miette said quickly.

"Yeah..See you too." Gary said. "You must be having a Pokenav or a phone or something like that?"

"I do..why?" Miette said.

"Can I borrow it for a second?" Gary asked. Miette hesitated a little bit but handed him her phone. He quickly tapped a few times and returned it to her. "There you go. I have saved my number. It's better if we stay in touch."

'Wow' "Thanks" Miette said. She felt her face heating up a bit. She wasn't used to this kind of situation. Boys in Kalos would usually ask her politely for number. 'That's not how things work in Kanto, I guess.'

Gary took her leave and walked out of the shop. She wondered if she had given him the wrong impression of being head over heels for him, which she wasn't. Though for whatever reason she did want to know more about him.

Miette got herself out of her thoughts to look at her watch. It had been some time since she left Serena. She began walking in the direction of her flat. Thinking how Serena's reaction will be when she will break the good news to her.

----

Aria was waiting in the Pokemon centre lobby. It was dimly lit than normal as it was late. There were only a couple of people around. She had asked nurse Joy to check on her Delphox after having done some training that afternoon and battling some rookie trainers. They didn't provide her with much of a challenge but she just wanted to get back into shape for her next journey. It had been a while since she had done some battling.

Being the head of the Kalos branch of Beyond Borders didn't spare her much time. Especially since it was announced that Beyond Borders will be aiding the league's efforts in Delta region. But in their own way. Without a show of force or power. Sometimes things require a different approach. The league  accepted the proposal of the Non League Organization and even helped them with finances.

A lot of people came forward across all the regions with help. Many even volunteering to travel with them to the new region. Aria was surprised with such a strong response. Previously she had doubts if Beyond Borders will be able to carry out such a huge task. But now she was more than confident.

Aria was one of the two senior members of the organization who were going to lead the operation. She was stunned when she learned that she would be tasked with such an important duty. Even if she had proved her worth by working sincerely, she had never expected this.

To be honest she was a little annoyed when she found out the other person she would be working with. He was an ex-gym leader from Kanto. He quit to become a brilliant pokemon Doctor and a breeder. His name was Brock Harrison.

He was a very kind hearted and generous person. She respected him and his achievements in the field of pokemon medicines. But whenever he would be around some beautiful girls his hormones kicked in. Which would make him completely lose control and do some absurdly weird stuff. On one hand she was looking forward to work with such a qualified person but on the other hand she wasn't very excited on handling this other side of his personality.

Today she was supposed to provide an update to Brock. She thought it would be better if she got it over with till Delphox is healed. She stood up and walked towards the phone booths. Only a few of them were occupied as it was pretty late, so she didn't have to wait for her turn. She seated herself in front the phone and dialled Brock's number. It was quickly picked up on the other end.

"I was waiting for your call, beautiful Aria." A brown skinned man said as he appeared on the screen. Aria noticed he looked pretty exhausted. His eyes appeared almost shut than they normally are, which was saying something. "How are things going in Kalos?"

"Much better than we had anticipated." Aria replied. "We have received donations of about 900 thousand poke-francs, of which significant part is from the Alten technologies, Sir."

"Please, just Brock..I am not sure but isn't that almost double the amount you estimated." Brock said with raised eyebrows. "Other regions have not even met their estimates."

"As I said it's because Alten technologies decided to donate such a huge amount." Aria explained. She herself hadn't expected the margin by which they would beat their estimates. "But at least we won't have any problem with finances."

"That's true. But after the support from league, I don't think there's going to be any problem at all." Brock said with a smile. "And what about the volunteers?"

"About 24 people have come forward for traveling to the region. I know it's not a huge number but it's still something." Aria said with a little disappointment.

"Of course. It's quite a lot to ask from people to leave their normal lives and join us. I am surprised at least these many came forward." Brock said while resting his face on his palm. He looked really tired, as if he could collapse any moment now. "So how long till you will be able to send me all details regarding the money transfer?"

"I will send it by tomorrow. Also Brock, please take some rest. You are looking terrible." Aria said frowning.

"Ha! Trust me I would love to. But work takes priority." Brock replied laughing. "Alright take care Aria. Also before I forget are you using tail whip?

"What?"

"Because your beauty leaves me defenseless."

Aria rolled her eyes and disconnected. Brock's flirting was getting worse. She had no idea how she was going to put up with it during their time in the new region. She sighed and got up. Walked towards the lobby again and took a seat. Nurse Joy still hadn't returned with Delphox.

There were some news reporters across the lobby. Aria had heard about the incident at Professor's lab. She thought these reporters must have been trying to cover the event. But police weren't allowing them anywhere near. The police only revealed that the lab was attacked but the professor and his assistants were safe. Aria hoped that it wasn't anything serious. Perhaps she will pay a visit to professor later sometime.

After a few minutes, nurse Joy returned with her pokeball. She thanked her and walked out of the pokemon centre. It was late in Lumiose city so the streets were already deserted. So she headed straight for her place. She had rented an apartment nearby. Some would ask why does Ex Kalos Queen doesn't have her own home. After her tenure as Kalos Queen ended, Aria was offered tons of opportunities. Where she could easily make a ton of money. But they didn't interest her at all.

Her only aim in life was to spread happiness. Seeing the smile on people's faces is what she strived for. She achieved it through her performances and was still achieving it through Beyond Borders. She wasn't earning money as she used to but her job made her satisfied. She only had to make certain changes to her lifestyle. Living in a rental apartment was one of them.

When Aria reached her apartment she saw that a woman was standing at the front of the stairs. She was wearing a black dress which came all the way down to her feet. It had a red neckline. Her hair contrasted her dress with shining white. Even if the woman's back was turned to her, Aria had no problem recognizing her.

"Palermo!" Aria said smiling. The woman turned towards her. She wasn't smiling and had a slight frown on her face but quickly regained her composure.

"Aria." Palermo nodded at her while giving her a faint smile. "I see things aren't going that good for you."

"Why...Not at all." Aria knew why Palermo would say that. "Let's have some tea as we talk. Let's go upstairs to my place, shall we?"

"No, thank you. You even call that your place. It's rented to you." Palermo said. "Do you remember your way of living when you were the Kalos Queen?"

"Yes, I do and I don't regret one bit for the way it is right now." Aria replied immediately looking straight at Palermo. She didn't really expect her former mentor to understand what she wanted to achieve. But her manner did make Aria a little annoyed. "We shouldn't talk here, please let's talk upstairs over tea."

"I don't have time for that." Palermo said with an annoyed expression. "Anyway, I have come to offer you a great opportunity."

"What kind of opportunity?" Aria asked.

"That you take back the title of Kalos Queen. We are kicking off this year's showcase circuit with the position of  Kalos Queen empty. Just imagine that for a moment. People are already asking questions about why Serena stepped down. Someone like you holding the title will at least shut a few mouths up.." Palermo said with almost a disgusted face when she talked about Serena.

Aria didn't know know why Serena had stepped down but she respected her decision. If she really had some personal issues like she had said then she appreciated her courage. Many won't give up the title for the world. Aria didn't reply to Palermo as she was lost in her thoughts.

"So..what do you say?" Palermo said with a smile fixed on her lips. "I don't think anyone else is worthy enough for the title."

"I am flattered that you considered me for the title but I am afraid I can't take your offer." Aria said. Palermo's smile disappeared the moment Aria had said that. "I have already committed myself to Beyond Borders. I will be heading to the Delta region shortly."

"You choose to reject the title for something like traveling to the Delta region. For what? For helping those people. If you haven't noticed till now, that region is in complete chaos. If the league is not able to handle it, what makes you think you people can?" Palermo said with a scornful face but softened it a moment later. "I assure you if you choose to become the Kalos Queen again you will be leading the life of a real Queen."

Aria wanted to shake her head. She had never seen her mentor this desperate.

"Sorry, Palermo but I have already chosen my path. I always wanted to make people smile and through this I am able to do it on a different level. After a performance people might smile. But if I am able to help them lead a better life, then they will be happy forever." Aria tried her best to explain.

"Alright..So there won't be a Kalos Queen this year" Palermo said in a resigned manner. "If you happen to change your mind, let me know."

As Palermo began to walk away, Aria asked her, "Why did Serena chose to step down anyway?"

Palermo looked at her for a couple of seconds before answering.

"Just like you she chose to follow her dream, but in Serena's case her dream is a lot more...childish." Palermo said before walking away.

Aria had no idea what her mentor had meant. She looked at her as she climbed into her limousine. She was aware that Palermo was well known producer and had quite some influence in the showcase circuit. The next Kalos Queen won't be chosen until she decides to say 'yes'. But whatever the case was, popularity of the showcases wasn't going to be affected. Aria was sure of that.

----

Gary had arrived at his flat. As he was climbing the stairs he saw Ash sitting on the stairs with his head leaning on the wall. He was fast asleep.

"Get up, Ashy boy."

"Ugh...what?" Ash said a little groggily "About time you got back."

"But why were you sleeping on the stairs?" Gary asked.

"I didn't have the keys to the flat, you genius."

"Oops forgot about that." Gary said sheepishly. "But look what I got."

He raised his hand to show a paper bag and a basket. "Fresh pasteries and macaroons from the best in Lumiose city."

"Great." Ash immediately got up grabbed the packet. "Open the door already, Gary."

Gary rolled his eyes and went ahead to open the door.

"You won't believe who I met a little while back." Gary said. He was very pleased he had found out some information about Serena.

"Oh really! I am pretty sure you won't believe me if I told you who I met a little while back." Ash said with a glowing face.

AN: Perhaps not the chapter you all were expecting. But I have to take the story forward. Don't worry you will get some amourshipping moments in next chapter.

Sorry for the delay in updating. I am hoping that I will be able to maintain a regular schedule.