Calem looked on as the three Pokémon immerged from their chambers. The first one was a small, fox-like Pokémon with cream colored fur and large ears that had orange tufts of hair sticking out of them.

The next one was a bipedal Pokémon with a light brown tummy and face and dark brown arms. A protective green shell could be seen covering its head down to the tail.

The last one was a frog-like Pokémon that had light blue skin with a dark blue stripe going from the center of its head to the nose. It also had large yellow and black eyes.

"You guys, meet Fennekin, Chespin, and Froakie," Trevor announced.

"Wow! They're so...adorable!" Shauna exclaimed.

"I agree, they are quite cute," Serena added.

"Well you two, which of the three do you like?" Trevor inquired.

Serena and Shauna thought hard. All the while, Calem was admiring the three starters. They weren't like the ones where he came from. His gaze drifted from the Fennekin to Chespin and then to Froakie. Fennekin and Chespin seemed focused on Shauna and Serena while Froakie's attention shifted to Calem.

Calem stared right back unflinchingly. As Shauna and Serena finished deliberating their decisions, Froakie suddenly lept atop Calem's head. Calem blinked as the water-type looked down into his eyes. Tierno and the others laughed a bit at this.

"Huh, looks like Froakie likes you Calem," Trevor stated.

Calem looked up at Froakie who kept looking down as if analyzing him. "We've made our choices," came Serena's voice.

Tierno turned to see Shauna contentedly holding Fennekin while Serena held onto Chespin. "I guess we have to give Froakie back to Sycamore," Trevor stated, getting a saddened look from Froakie.

"Not necessarily," Tierno replied with a grin, causing Froakie to perk up.

"Huh? What do you mean, Tierno?" Trevor inquired.

"Isn't it obvious Trevor? Froakie's sitting on his new trainer's head!" Shauna exclaimed.

Trevor palmed his face and looked over at Calem who now had Froakie on his shoulder. The little frog sat there as if Calem's shoulder was his throne.

"Well, he needs a Trainer's License doesn't he?" Trevor asked.

"I actually got mine before coming here. I'm from Hoenn. My mom and I got it right before we got on the boat, just in case I decided I wanted to become a trainer, considering my family is from a long line of them," Calem stated.

"So you thought ahead huh? I like that," Shauna smirked.

"Er...yeah, you could say that," Calem replied.

"Smart, by the way, the name's Shauna. Pleased to meet you, Calem."

"Nice to meet you as well, Shauna," Calem replied.

"Il est bien élevé, vous ne croyez pas?" Shauna whispered to Serena.

Serena raised a brow at her question and furrowed her brows. "I know he is well mannered. Mais beaucoup d'hommes vous tromper."

"True, a lot of men will trick you...but look at the guy. He looks...innocent, not like a lot of the guys you've dated who ended up in another girls pants a few days later," Shauna whispered back.

Serena glared at Shauna who shrugged. "What? It's true," Shauna continued.

As the two girls talked, a strange sound caught the attention of the group. "Ah, Professor Sycamore is calling. One sec guys," Tierno stated.

Tierno pulled out a device and pressed a button to answer a call. Suddenly, a hologram appeared in the form of a man with black hair, gray eyes and fair skin. He wore a white lab coat and a blue dress shirt and black slacks.

"Tierno? How is everything going? Have Shauna and Serena chosen their Pokémon?" Sycamore inquired.

"They certainly have. Serena went with Chespin while Shauna chose Fennekin. Oh, and get this! Froakie took a liking to a new guy who just moved here from Hoenn. So all three are spoken for," Tierno laughed.

"A new guy from Hoenn? You mean the new residents of Vanville Town? I heard there would be a woman and her son moving into the old Jacques residence. He is with you now I assume?" Sycamore deduced.

"Yep, he's right here. His name is Calem," Tierno introduced.

"Hmmm...is he a licensed trainer? He won't be able to journey if he's not. Not that it would be a problem or anything. He could register if that's the case," Sycamore stated with a wide smile.

"He's licensed. I think he's good to go on that end," Tierno replied.

"Well, if all checks out, I don't see why Froakie can't go with him. Frankly, it's a miracle he wants to be with a trainer. He's been rather picky as you both know," Sycamore sighed.

"Well, he sure had no problem jumping on Calem's head and staying there. I have a feeling they will get along well," Tierno responded with a smile.

"That's good to know. In the meantime, remember to give them their Pokédex and make sure Calem gets a holo caster," Sycamore stated with a grin.

"Will do, Professor!" Tierno answered ecstatically.

"Oh, and when you can, stop by my lab and see me. There is something I wish to discuss with you all," Sycamore stated.

"Sure thing!" Tierno responded.

"Best of luck to you all. I look forward to meeting you all in a few days," Sycamore beamed.

The call ended and Tierno put the holo caster away. "That takes care of that! Looks like you can keep Froakie Calem," Trevor declared.

"Isn't that exciting!?" Shauna exclaimed.

"Congratulations Calem," Serena affirmed.

"Thanks Serena," Calem voiced, watching as Froakie lept for joy on his shoulder.

"So Calem. Now that you have your own Pokémon, wanna travel with us?" Shauna inquired.

"This is a little sudden isn't it? I mean...I just got here and everything. I should really talk with my mom about this. You guys understand right?" Calem said with a slight smile.

"Not to worry Calem, I'm sure your mom won't mind. We'll even wait for you. Isn't that right, Serena?" Shauna added, elbowing her best friend who shot her a look before nodding.

"Oui...besides, you have a look in your eyes...I don't know why, but I want to battle you. It's been on my mind since Froakie chose you. Pokémon don't just choose random people for no reason. I want to find out what makes you so special," Serena challenged.

Calem fixed his gaze on Serena. She was much more than just a pretty face and an eye-catching body. Calem saw beyond the scope of what most men saw. Within the depths of her gray pools was a fire, burning with passion. It called out to him like a roaring Pyroar. His only option? To answer it.

"Challenge accepted."
================================

No French translation this time since I made it clear what was said in Shauna and Serena's replies. So Calem now has a Froakie! And already Serena wants to battle him. Get excited!