"Sigh… it seems the thing I feared most has finally happened."
Gurkinn furrowed his brows as he spoke.
The reason was simple—back when he first obtained Lucario's Mega Stone, the exact same thing had occurred.
Lucario was unable to fully control the power of Mega Evolution—resulting in a violent rampage!
"But Ash's Lucario should be able to stop Korrina's Mega Lucario."
Gurkinn could feel it—Ash's Lucario possessed a power on par with an Elite Four's mid-to-high tier Pokémon.
Even without Mega Evolution, Ash's Lucario had the strength to suppress Korrina's unstable one.
Mega Lucario was no longer obeying Korrina's orders.
It simply lashed out with Power-Up Punch, swinging wildly and relentlessly!
"Lucario, listen to me! Please, listen to my voice!"
Korrina cried out anxiously.
"Ash, please—make it calm down."
Ash shook his head, his tone calm yet firm. "Korrina… you're chasing power too recklessly. You think you understand Lucario enough, and Lucario thinks it understands you. But the truth is… neither of you are truly in sync."
This was a common problem between Trainers and Pokémon.
The bond existed, but cracks had already formed.
Ash's Lucario moved with incredible speed, darting across the ground. Korrina's Mega Lucario couldn't keep up—its frenzied punches missed every time.
Ash's Lucario thrust out a palm, striking directly into Mega Lucario's chest!
The Fighting-type move channeled explosive energy in an instant—its principle not unlike the martial art's "inch strike."
The blow launched Mega Lucario into the air with overwhelming power!
While airborne, Mega Lucario's unstable energy collapsed, its Mega form shattering as it reverted to its normal state.
Ding! ["Congratulations, host. Lucario has defeated the opponent's Lucario. 10X Experience Critical activated—earned 100,000 battle EXP!"]
Ash's Lucario leveled up rapidly—an unexpected bonus on top of victory.
"How… how could this happen…?"
Korrina was stunned. She couldn't comprehend it. How could her Mega-Evolved Lucario—overflowing with power—fail to control itself, only to be utterly crushed by Ash's Lucario?
And worst of all—Ash's Lucario hadn't even Mega Evolved!
Seeing her confusion, Gurkinn prepared to step in. But Ash spoke first, his voice steady, carrying weight.
"Korrina, you're too obsessed with strength. When you hold sand in your palm gently, it stays. But the tighter you squeeze, the faster it slips away."
He looked directly at her.
"Your Lucario's level isn't high enough. And more importantly—neither of you truly understand each other. You've both been holding on too tightly. That isn't real trust. That's why… your bond isn't strong enough yet. You're not ready to become one."
Pikachu and Lucario both nodded in agreement, backing Ash's words.
At that moment, Gurkinn's eyes widened. Now he remembered why Ash had looked so familiar.
He had seen him before—on TV!
"No wonder… so it's you. The one who discovered Mega Evolution himself…" Gurkinn whispered in awe. "So strong… Korrina, he's right. You and Lucario still lack training. Listen to me. Go to Pomace Mountain. There, you'll find one of my seniors—the one who once guided me in mastering Mega Evolution. As the Shalour Gym Leader, you must fully master this power."
Korrina clenched her fists, nodding with determination. "I understand, Grandpa. Lucario, we'll work hard together. We'll master this power as one!"
Ash smiled. "Good. Then, Korrina, let's part ways here. Once you and Lucario have truly mastered Mega Evolution, we'll battle again—for real."
"Aww, that's not fair! I wanted to keep traveling with Korrina!" Bonnie pouted. But in the end, the little girl was mature enough to offer her good luck instead, wishing for Korrina to quickly achieve true unity with Lucario.
Leaving Shalour Town behind, Ash and his friends ventured into an enormous forest.
So vast was this forest that dedicated rangers were assigned to protect it.
"This forest is huge… Ash, where exactly are we headed next? Korrina and her Lucario clearly aren't ready to control Mega Evolution yet," Clemont asked.
Ash looked straight ahead, his expression calm. "Our destination is still Shalour City. But for now, let's take it slow. Serena, check the map. Isn't there something interesting just ahead of this forest?"
Serena scanned the map. Her eyes lit up. "You're right! Just beyond this forest lies the Kalos Canyon—it's said to be breathtaking. We have to see it!"
Just then, commotion erupted ahead. Pokémon cries rang through the woods.
Rushing over, the group saw the situation: Pachirisu, Dedenne, and a Sentret had gathered a pile of berries in a large tree hollow. But a greedy Ursaring had barged in and stolen them all.
The massive bear Pokémon cradled the stolen berries smugly, wearing a triumphant grin.
It roared fiercely, intimidating the smaller Pokémon.
Terrified, the little ones trembled, retreating up the branches. They could only watch helplessly as Ursaring hauled away their hard-earned stash.
Serena and Bonnie clenched their fists, ready to step in—
A sharp cry pierced the air. From the treetop above the hollow, a bird Pokémon swooped down.
But this was no ordinary Hawlucha—it wore a mask crafted from woven leaves, giving it a mysterious, almost heroic air.
Perched proudly on the treetop, it looked… dramatic. A little chuunibyou maybe—but undeniably cool.
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