The gaggle of friends made their way to the edge of the forest where they could finally take a short break. Ouvert Way was finally in sight and they couldn't have been happier to know that they were a lot closer to their destination. The group sighed in exasperation as they took a seat beneath a tree.

"That took longer than usual," Shauna breathed, taking out a water bottle from her pack and taking a swig.

"Yeah, but I think it was because we stopped to catch our new friends. It usually takes a day or so to get out of here. We should reach Santalune City before it gets too dark. We should check into the center when we get there. This way, we can have some down time before we challenge the gym," Trevor added.

Calem had released Fletchling and Froakie to get some fresh air. Heaving a sigh of relief, he looked up at the clear sky above, admiring the beauty that the trail presented to him. Serena noticed the way he looked at the trail and smiled. She figured that he was taking in the sights.

"So, Calem, Serena. What are your strategies for defeating Viola?" Shauna inquired, getting a raised brow from Calem.

"Viola?"

"Oh, that's right. You don't know much about Kalos do you? Here, let me fill you in!" Shauna said with a bright smile. "You see, Viola is rather famous for her photographs of Bug-types. She takes killer pics, and travels all over the region. She has her own gallery and has several of her photos entered into an art museum in Lumiose. But it's not just her stellar photographs that make her famous. She's also a Bug-type leader."

"There are several Bug-type enthusiasts out there that really know their stuff, however there are few that capture them in the light that she does. There's Burgh of the Unova region who paints exsquisite works of art and Bugsy of Johto and even the Sinnoh Elite Four's; Aaron. They all have something to bring to the table," Serena inputted.

"So, in other words, I had better be prepared for a challenge huh," Calem replied with a determined look.

"Big time. She may be the first you encounter, but she is by no means a pushover," Tierno added.

"You guys really know a lot about the leaders here. I guess it was a good thing I caught Fletchling then huh?"

"More than a good thing, if not a stroke of luck," Serena added.

"Luck? As in lucky to catch him or lucky that his ability will be very useful in battle?" Calem grinned.

"The ability. And before you ask, yes, I am very envious," Serena replied curtly.

Calem rolled his eyes at this remark. His mind slipped back to the battle he fought against Fletchling when he caught him.

The day before...

Calem caught sight of a rustling in the trees. Slowly, he reached for Froakie's ball and snapped it off his belt. He observed a small Flying-type nestled on a branch. Tapping the mechanism on Froakie's ball, he released the frog from his chamber.

"Alright Froakie, see that branch? Get close to it and use bubble on it," Calem commanded quietly.

He didn't want to scare the little guy away by shouting. Froakie nodded and lept to the first branch and then the next few. He was silent as he did this, hardly disturbing the leaves as he jumped. He made it just above the branch where the Flying-type rested and swung himself upside down. Froakie inhaled and fired.

A stream of bubbles exploded in the trees and Froakie's target took flight out into the open. Now Calem could see him clearly. He aimed his dex at it and read the information. Clearly flustered, Fletchling dove quickly and began rapidly pecking at Froakie who kept evading.

Odd...I can't seem to find a time for Froakie to attack. It's like Fletchling is faster. No...not faster, just aggressive. He thought as Froakie was nailed hard with a Peck, sending him stumbling back.

Wait a minute! His speed seems to increase when he is about to use Peck. He's not using Quick Attack so that means...it must have something to do with his ability!

"Froakie, into the trees!"

Froakie lept high into the air, landing on a branch before leaping to the next to avoid another Peck.

Maneuverability will be cut off for Fletchling, but Froakie will have the advantage.

Fletchling dove again, only to be avoided and forced to pull up. By that time, Froakie had already positioned himself to fire. "Bubble!"

Fletchling found himself on the receiving end of a stream of bubbles that exploded upon impact. This left him in a panicked state and because of this, he didn't see the blue dive bombing frog. Froakie came down on Fletchling with a swift Pound attack, sending Fletchling slamming into the ground.

End flashback...

"Look alive people, Santalune City, dead ahead!" Shauna exclaimed excitedly.

The rest of the group looked up to see the gates to the city. Relief washed over them and they hurried into the city. It was a small city, but it had its charms. A Roselia fountain was in the center of it and south of that was a Pokémon Center. Near that was a small shop. Northeast of the center was the gym. West of the gym stood the Trainer's School. All of this was surrounded by stone walls with European-style houses within.

Serena and Shauna looked at the school and smiled. Before they even set foot into the world of a trainer, they spent years at the school before them. Tierno and Trevor also remenisced at the sight.

"Just think you guys. We spent twelve years here. Now look at us. We're on our own and ready to carve our own path in this world," Serena stated with a bright smile.

"Always the gifted speaker huh, Serena?" Shauna laughed.

"That's what I do. Now, if you three don't mind. Calem and I need to take care of a little something before he takes on Viola," Serena stated, looking pointedly at Calem.

"Ah. Right. The registration for the League," Calem replied, his eyes shifting towards the Pokémon Center he spotted entering the city.

"You two can do that, and I'll take care of getting us rooms," Trevor declared.

"And I will be taking a bath. Like I said. I can rough it, but that doesn't mean I want to smell like I have been," Shauna snickered.

"Sounds like a plan guys. I don't know about you, but I'm hungry. I'll get us some food while Trevor gets the rooms," Tierno added.

And with that, the group headed into the center. They had finally made it to Santalune City. But their journey had only just begun.