(2 Days Later)

"Damn. Being stuck in that plane for two days straight was irritating," Ash declares as he twists his body and arms to free his body from rigidity.

"You are right Ash. We should have gotten here 10 hours ago if we hadn't to stop over in the Unova region. Not to mention the mix up at the airport as well," Oak agrees with Ash.

"Anyways. Enough time has been wasted. So now, let us go to Professor Sycamore's lab," Oak says while yawning. Ash nods on hearing that but doesn't do anything.

"What are you waiting for?" Oak asks.

"What?" Ash asks in a confused tone.

"Go on push the luggage trolley," Oak says firmly.

"Oh right. Sorry. Of course. Right away professor," Ash replies while placing Pikachu on the top of the luggage, before pushing the trolley.

(A few minutes later outside the airport)

"Looks like that is the valet pickup," Oak says while pointing to a man who's holding a placard with 'KIP Kanto Students' written on it.

Ash nods as he steers the trolley towards the person with Oak following in tow.

"Hello. I am Ash Ketchum and this is Professor Oak. We need a lift first to Professor Sycamore's lab in Lumiose city. After that we will go to KIP," Ash tells the man holding the placard. 

"Of course, your escort passes?" the man asks while holding out his hand.

"Right. Here you go." Ash says while rummaging his pockets and then handing the passes over to the man.

The man inspects the two driver escort passes, handed to him, following which he takes out a walkie-talkie from his pocket. 

"Of course. Right away sir. We are very glad to have you with us this year, Professor Oak," the man answers while giving Professor Oak a curt bow before switching on the walkie-talkie.

"Bring the limousine - 42 for guests SAK134 & PSO424 right away," he speaks into the walkie-talkie.

"Roger that. Limousine 42 is en-route," A voice replies from the other end.

On hearing that the man switches off his walkie-talkie, turns to Professor Oak and smiles, "Your transport is en-route. Please wait for a few moments, sir."

(Meanwhile in KIP)

Serena steps out of the limousine along with her friends. She comes out and takes a deep breath.

Serena stretches her arms and says "We're finally here."

"Thanks, Serena. This was a lovely journey. Especially the stopover at that super luxurious hotel. That was spa was sublime," Shauna replies while smiling.

Serena on hearing that turns around and says, "No problem. It was my pleasure," while smiling.

"Hey Serena, I was wondering if you would take part in my dance sequence that I have been practising," Tierno asks with 2 pink hearts popping out of his eyes.

Serena slightly rolls her eyes on this familiar scenario. On cue, Shauna comes and pulls him away by the ear.

"I think Serena has better things to do than that, one of them being taking my, Trevor and your luggage and transporting them to our rooms," she says while dragging Tierno away.

"No fair," Tierno is heard pouting from a distance while Serena giggles at Tierno's innocence.

She then hears a source of noise and turns around.

"Oh boy. Not again," she says as a horde of reporters surrounds her with cameras and mikes.

"Serena, so how are things going with you and Calem?" one reporter shouts.

"When will your next performance be? Do you see any competition for your title this year?" shouts another.

Serena puts on a smile and answers the horde of questions to the best of her abilities. Fortunately, a group of KIP security staff see what's going on and they rescue the Kalos queen from her predicament.

A few minutes later, Serena is at the registration desk. She gives the registrar her Admission order and places her Pokedex on the scanner.

"Congratulations, you have now successfully become a member of the Kalos Institute of Pokemon. Here is your ID card and your room card. Please enjoy your stay," registrar replies with a smile as she hands Serena her ID card and room card.

"Thank you," Serena says before turning around to leave.

"One more thing. My daughter is a huge fan of yours. Would you mind giving me an autograph for her sakes? You see, it is her birthday tomorrow," the registrar asks as his feet shuffling.

"Of course. It will be my pleasure," Serena replies while beaming.

Thrilled, the registrar hands her some pen and paper. She asks in whose name should the autograph be. The registrar informs her that his daughter's name is Maria. Serena smiles as she writes down the autograph and then gives it back to the registrar who's extremely grateful for this.

"Thank you Kalos queen. This means a lot," registrar replies.

"No problem. It was my pleasure. I just adore kids, and I believe that everyone's birthday should be made special." Serena replies with a smile.

"Now which way to my room?" Serena asks.

"Oh. That is easy. Go out of this building. Take a left. Keep walking ahead till you cross 2 blocks. Then enter the third block, where you'll find your room." registrar replies.

"OK. Thanks," Serena says as she turns around and walks away towards her room.

(Ten minutes later)

"Finally! Home sweet home. Here you go," Serena says as she opens the door of her room. 

She turns around, gives the luggage carrier a smile. The luggage carrier places her luggage in the room following which Serena gives the carrier a 100 poke francs as his tip.

"Thank you, madam," he says before giving a curt bow and taking his leave.

Serena inspects the whole apartment. She looks in every nook and corner. Checking out the rooms and the different facilities available. Then she spots a comfy couch and without ado, jumps onto the couch and stretches her arms and legs.

"So soft and comfy," She replies before dozing off.

 (Meanwhile ct Professor Sycamore's lab)

"Well, Professor Oak. It has been a while since we last saw each other." Sycamore says as he shakes Professor Oak's hand with a smile.

"Yes, young man. It has indeed been quite a while. Hasn't it?" Oak says while shaking Sycamore's hand.

Suddenly Sycamore spots Ash and asks "And who are you, young man?"

"My name is Ash Ketchum from Pallet town in the Kanto region. My goal is to become a Pokemon master. And this is my partner Pikachu," Ash says while pointing to Pikachu who's perched on his left shoulder.

"Pika Pika," Pikachu replies. Sycamore comes close and examines Pikachu. After a brief visual examination, he comments on how healthy Ash's Pikachu is. He even compliments Ash on the way he's taken care of Pikachu, which causes Ash and Pikachu to slightly blush.

"Ash Ketchum. Interesting. You are the one who got the recommendation from Brandon, the Pyramid King. Diantha told me about you. You must be very strong," Sycamore says.

"Oh. Thanks for the compliment," says Ash while developing another blush.

"Speaking of Diantha. Why don't we go and meet her?" Sycamore suggests.

"Meet Diantha?" Ash and Oak reply in a bewildered state.

"Of course. Right now, she's in my office. Let us go," Sycamore states while turning around.

Ash and Professor Oak exchange a brief visual confirmation and say, "If you say so professor." before following Professor Sycamore's lead. A few moments later the of them enter Professor Sycamore's office.

"May I introduce. The champion of the Kalos region and the owner of KIP. The world-famous, movie star, champion Diantha herself," Sycamore says while gesturing to a brunette lady sitting in white silver clothes on his chair.

"Thank you for the introduction professor. Who are these people if you don't mind me asking?" Diantha replies curtly.

"I am professor Oak from Pallet town in the Kanto region. I will be teaching this year at KIP," Oak answers.

"Ah yes. The famous Professor Oak. I am honoured to have someone of your brilliance teach at KIP this year. Your research regarding the dynamics of Pokemon-Human interaction is second to none," Diantha says as she extends her hand forward.

"Please, don't embarrass me. It is my pleasure to teach here," Oak replies as he takes Diantha's hand.

After Diantha and Professor Oak are done shaking hands, Ash steps forward and extends his hand to Diantha as well.

"Hi, I am Ash. Ash Ketchum. From Pallet town in Kanto. My dream is to become a Pokemon master. I shall be studying at your institute as well. This is my partner Pikachu," Ash says with a spark in his eyes as he shakes Diantha's hand.

'It's almost as if I can feel his determination coursing through his hand. That Brandon was right this boy is different,' Diantha think to herself as she shakes Ash's hand.

"Well young man. I have high expectations from you. Don't let me down," Diantha replies in a stern yet curt voice.

"But tell me what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at KIP and finishing the registration process of your studentship?" Diantha enquirers.

"Yeah, that was the plan. But the problem is that I don't have my Kalos Pokedex or my Kalos Pokemon. So I came to professor's lab as soon as we landed," Ash replies.

"Well, here is your Pokedex," Professor replies handing Ash his Pokedex.

"Alright. Thank you, Professor. Now, which Pokemon can I choose from?" Ash replies.

"Well. There is a slight problem with that," Sycamore replies while scratching the back of his head nervously.

"What problem professor?" Ash questions Sycamore.

"Well ... there are no Pokemon left," Sycamore says in a rather embarrassed tone.

"What?" Ash says before falling down on the ground with swirly eyes.

After Ash regains consciousness he gets up only to see Diantha having a serious chat with the professor.

"The situation is unacceptable, Professor. How can you be short on starter Pokemon? I specifically told you to get them with the admissions for abroad students approaching," Diantha rounds up on the professor.

"Don't blame me Diantha. The breeders cut their supply short at the last moment. I managed to arrange some backup from other breeders but as you can see we still fell one set of starter Pokemon short," Sycamore sighs.

"Well, don't worry. I shall have a talk with the breeders myself. I shall give them quite an earful so that such a thing is never repeated again. But what to do for Ash?" Diantha says in a more relaxed yet concerned tone.

"Well... there is one Pokemon left Ash. If you are interested, that is" Sycamore says.

"Which on is it professor?" Ash asks as a spark of hope flickers in his eyes.

"A Froakie. The Kalos water type starter. But I should warn you in advance. This Froakie is not like other Froakies," Sycamore says.

"I don't quite follow professor," Ash answers.

"This Froakie has been picked by 6 other trainers in past. Yet, it abandoned all of them and returned back to the lab. It may prove to be a challenge." Sycamore says but then stops and turns to Diantha.

"But I think Diantha and I can make an exception for you. When the new set of starter Pokemon arrives I shall come myself and let you choose. How does that sound?" Sycamore asks.

Diantha seems to be considering Professor Sycamore's advise but before she can say or do anything, Ash cuts in.

"Thank you for the offer. But I think I want a shot with Froakie first. I think it will make an excellent partner based on what you have described," Ash replies with a grin.

Both Professors exchange curious looks. But when they see Ash looking like he knows what he's talking about, they agree.

"OK then. Follow me," Sycamore says as Ash, Oak and Diantha follow suit.

"Diantha, you don't need to come along. I am sure you have more important things to do," Oak says while walking.

"Oh! Not at all. I wanted to see what happens. What Ash said regarding this Froakie has me intrigued," Diantha replies with a smile.

A few minutes later Sycamore, Oak and Diantha are sitting at the edge of the room. Ash walks up to the Froakie and kneels down to talk with it.

"So. You are the Froakie who has a reputation for leaving its trainers. Well, I am Ash from Pallet town and this is my buddy Pikachu. I would like to challenge you to a battle. If I win you can come with me as my Pokemon should you choose to do so? If you don't think I am a trainer meeting your high standards then you are free to leave. If you win, then you don't have to come with me. Deal?" Ash replies with a fire in his eyes.

Froakie looks at Ash's face for a while then nods before running off towards the other edge of the arena.

Ash goes to his end as well and says "OK Froakie. This will be a one on one battle. Are you ready?"

"Froakie Froak," Froakie replies.

"OK then. Pikachu I choose you," Ash shouts.

"Pika Pika," Pikachu shouts while taking battle-stance.

"Alright, then lets start this battle. We'll go first. Use thunderbolt Pikachu," Ash commands.

Pikachu fires a thunderbolt at Froakie, but Froakie dodges the attacks using athletic somersaults. Then it jumps high into the air and counters with a Water Pulse.

The water pulse hits but Pikachu stands unfazed by the attack. Upon seeing Pikachu unaffected, Froakie release a bubble beam.

"You are speedy alright, but don't think that two can't play the same game," Ash replies as he nods. Pikachu understands the signal and shoots off while using Quick Attack. Pikachu avoids all the bubbles with the increased speed of the Quick Attack then slams into Froakie, sending it flying into the wall.

"Whoa! Speedy," Diantha remarks as her eyebrow gets raised.

"Indeed. That's one well trained Pikachu to be sure," Sycamore comments.

Froakie, not being one to give up, suddenly leaps into the air and throws its Frubbles at Piakchu.

"Dodge it with dig, Pikachu. Then come out and finish it with Thunderbolt," Ash commands. Pikachu goes underground ad Froakie comes to a halt, looking here and there, as it trys to figure out from where Pikachu will come out of. Suddenly, Pikachu comes out underneath Froakie which causes Froakie to be sent flying through the air. Pikachu, without wasting a moment, fires another Thunderbolt.

Froakie corrects its balance midair and counters with Water Pulse. But the Water Pulse gets overpowered, which upon making contact with Froakie creates a loud explosion. After the smoke clears, Froakie barely able to stand upright. Ash observes that it's panting profusely and it's clearly injured quite heavily. To everyone's surprise, Froakie suddenly hops out of the battlefield. A few moments later, it returns with its Poke-ball and places it in front of Ash. Ash smiles as he kneels down and picks the Poke-ball up.

"So Froakie, am I good enough to be your trainer?" Ash asks Froakie, looking for the final confirmation.

"Froakie," Froakie happily replies as he jumps towards the Poke-ball and pressing the button, thereby allowing itself to be captured.

Diantha, Oak and Sycamore observe as Ash smiles to himself as he looks at Froakie's Poke-ball with a feeling of pride.

"Very interesting indeed," Diantha thinks to herself as her conversation with Brandon plays in her mind.

"This kid is different. His compassion for Pokemon is different. Bear that in your mind when you see him," Brandon says.

"I am starting to understand why Brandon recommended this kid," Diantha says with a smile while getting up. On seeing her stand up, Sycamore and Oak rise as well.

"Well, this has been fun but I must be getting back now," Diantha says as she turns around to leave.

"Well, Ash and I must also get going. Thank you very much Professor Sycamore," Oak says.

"Not at all. See you tomorrow Professor Oak," Sycamore replies.

"Wait, professor. Before we leave can I get some of my other Pokemon?" Ash request after turning to Sycamore.

"Sure Ash. Follow me," Sycamore says while walking towards a room.

A few moments later, Ash comes back with six more Poke-balls and climbs into the limousine that has been waiting all this while.

"Well, my boy. Which other Pokemon did you choose apart from Froakie and Pikachu?" Oak questions. He is curious as to the choices and the reasons Ash had behind making those choices.

"It is a secret. You will see," Ash replies with a chuckle.

(2 Hours Later)

"Well. My boy, here is where we part ways. I need to go register somewhere else. See you tomorrow Ash," Oak says before proceeding to walk away.

"Thanks, professor," Ash says while handing his Pokedex and admission order over to the registrar.

"Here you go. Congratulations for you have become a student at the Kalos Institute of Pokemon. Here is your ID Card and room card. Please enjoy your stay,"

"Thank you. One more thing, which way to the room and where is the food court?" Ash asks.

"For your room go outside then take a left. Then go to the 3rd block. Every block has its own food court," registrar replies curtly.

"Sweet. Thanks," Ash says while running out of the registration building with Pikachu running side by side.

(In the room)

"Finally, we made it. What do you think Pikachu? Do you like the room?" Ash asks.

"Pika Pika," Pikachu nods in approval.

Pikachu runs around in circles, clearly content with the staying arrangement. Even Ash is impressed by the sheer opulence of the accommodation provided by the institution.

"Alright. Wait here as I take all the bags and put them in our bedroom," Ash says as he picks up his bags and goes towards his room.

Pikachu, on the other hand, runs around. He sees a coffee table and feeling at the top of the world, he jumps and playfully lands onto the coffee table. He lands right next to the face of a very pretty girl with honey blonde hair who is dozing away on the couch. She is blissfully unaware of Pikachu's presence and Pikachu being inquisitive, cocks his head to one side as he decides to take a closer look.