Chapter Text
It was about three o’clock in the afternoon when Reina was on the railroad train on its way to Lumiose City. She had a single brown duffel bag on the seat next to her and two Pokémon sitting in front of her, an Espeon and a Sylveon. She had pastel pink wavy hair with parts white, sporting a light grey blouse that had a purple ribbon at the collar, a violet skort, a pair of white tights, and a pair of white thigh-high boots.
Reina hailed from Galar and was going to visit Kalos for a bit, though she only brought her Sylveon and Espeon along for the ride, with the rest in the care of her mother at home. In front of Reina was her Rotom Phone, showing a video of a blond with three small Pokémon advertising for a place called Hotel Z.
“Arriving at Gare de Lumiose momentarily. Passengers, please disembark as we will be here for approximately five minutes. Please do not forget your belongings.”
“Ah, we’re here now, Espeon, Sylveon,” Reina said as she rose to her feet.
Reina recalled her Pokémon into their Poké Balls and attached them to her belt, then picked up her brown duffel bag. As she disembarked from the train, there were many people on the platform. It was a grand sight to see, but it wasn’t unfamiliar to Reina, as she came from Wyndon. She achieved the rank of Pokémon Champion back in Galar, but she wanted a change of scenery now, which was why Reina was in Kalos now.
The moment Reina stepped out of the station, a blond with pink tips in his hair was standing a little away. He had a Tepig, Chikorita, and Totodile at his feet while holding his Rotom Phone in hand. It seemed he was recording another advertisement for Hotel Z.
“OK, ready to record! Now all we need is a tourist fresh off the train,” the blond said to the three small Pokémon at his feet. “Hope you three are ready for the spotlight again!:
“Chiko!” Chikorita said enthusiastically.
“Sniiirt!” Tepig cried out.
“Toh! Toh!” Totodile shouted.
“If we’re gonna protect Lumiose, we’ll need a bigger team!” The blond said. “So let’s keep spreading the word about how magnificent Hotel Z is. And once we get a guest who has what it takes, we’ll recruit ‘em to the cause!”
The blond looked around and spotted Reina with her enormous duffel bag. “Hey you!”
Reina looked at the blond with a confused expression.
“Just pulled into the Gare de Lumose, am I right?” The blond asked. “And judging by that big old travel bag, I’ve got a hunch you’re here to see some sights!”
“Yes… That’s correct,” Reina said slowly.
“You’re just the type I’m looking for!” The blond said. “And you’re about my height. We’ll look natural standing side by side. Listen, could you do me a small favor? For real, it’ll be so small. I need you to look into my camera and say, ‘Hotel Z’s the best stay in Lumose!’ Easy, right? No worries if you’re staying somewhere else! I just need a hand with advertising the hotel. Sounds good? Good! OK, lights, camera…”
The blond’s blue Rotom Phone popped out and was about to record until the giant TV advertisement interrupted him. On screen, the mayor named Jett introduced Pokémon, their coexistence, and apologized for ongoing construction. The blond muttered about how it’d be impossible to record with that advertisement going on. After the ad was over, the blond noticed Reina’s duffel bag was missing in action.
“Whoa, did you hire a Pokémon courier service or something?” The blond asked.
Reina shook her head. “No. I don’t even have a place to stay right now.”
“Wait…” The blond said. “So your bag got bagnapped?! I shouldn’t have bugged you with my video stuff… My bad! Come on, I’ll help you get your bag back!”
The blond pointed at a small critter that was black and white carrying Reina’s bag. It looked like a Pancham, based on what Reina was used to. Reina and the blond, along with the blond’s Pokémon, ran after Pancham. The thief Pokémon zigzagged through the streets of Lumiose City until it reached its owner, a dark-skinned woman standing with a chubby man in the corner. Reina and the blond stood outside their scope, waiting to hear the thieves’ plan.
“Should’ve known that wasn’t a wild Pokémon,” the blond said. “That bag-nabbing Pancham must’ve been with those two. Listen, tourist—what’s your name?”
“Um, it’s Reina,” Reina said.
“Reina? Got it, I’m Urbain,” Urbain said. “And don’t you worry—I’ve got your back here!”
“Come on, Pancham!” The woman exclaimed. “Even a backpacker like me wouldn’t be caught dead with a bag this tacky!”
“Maybe it was trying to clean up this eyesore,” the man said. “Let’s bring it to the cops! Bet they’ll pat us on the back.”
“No need for that!” Urbain said, interrupting the conversation. “I’ve got the bag’s owner right here.”
“Hey, you’re Urbain!” The woman shouted.
“I…can’t say I know you. Did you see one ad I filmed, maybe?” Urbain asked.
“It’s me, Andi! From the Z-A Royale!” Andi shouted. “How could you forget already?!”
“Yeah, I’m Andre!” The man said. “We faced off just last night!”
“Oh, trainers from last night?” Urbain asked. “Sorry, not ringing a bell. I don’t recall all the names of the people whose asses I kicked.”
“That stings, but… I guess… fair,” Andi said. “Listen up! We’ll return your bag—if you battle us right now!”
“That makes no sense,” Urbain sighed. “If you want a rematch, all you have to do is wait till nightfall.”
“Shut up!” Andre shouted. “Pancham’s itching for another shot at you. That’s why it snagged the bag! Uh, probably!”
“It’s nice of you to consider what Pancham wants, but the two of you against me?” Urbain asked. “That’s unfair!” Then Urbain turned to face Reina. “Listen. How about I guide you through this mess? I’m just a helpful kind of guy, you see. Your bag got stolen, right? So what’s your next step here?”
“Take it back myself!” Reina answered enthusiastically.
“That’s right!” Urbain nodded. “And you’ve got three Pokémon right here ready to help!”
“Whatever,” Andi said. “Just hurry up, or it’ll be night anyway!”
“Hear that? They’re down!” Urbain said. “Now choose which Pokémon you’ll battle with!”
“Well… I have my own Pokémon with me, but—okay,” Reina said.
Reina knelt to the three Pokémon on the ground and deliberated for a few minutes before deciding on Chikorita. She gave Chikorita a quick pat and then rose to her feet, facing Andi and Pancham.
“Now get ready and experience your first battle in Lumiose City!” Urbain said cheerfully.
“How much longer are you gonna drag your feet?” Andi asked impatiently.
“We’re ready,” Reina said.
Reina positioned herself by Chikorita and began the fight. She commanded Chikorita to use Razor Leaf on the Pancham. Chikorita jumped ahead, and multiple leaves shot from her neck buds and struck Pancham straight in the chest.
Pancham attempted to dodge the leaves by rolling away, but a few leaves still struck it. Pancham tried to counter with its own moves, but Chikorita dodged it with gestures from Reina. Chikorita used Razor Leaf again, toppling Pancham.
“Pan!” Pancham yelped.
Then, Chikorita ran at Pancham and tackled it at full speed. Pancham fell forward and could not fight any further. Disappointment washed over the woman after she was beaten by someone unfamiliar.
“You really held your own…” Andi said. “But that was supposed to make US feel better, not you! Ugh, I can’t believe we lost. And to a newbie, at that. I’m more disappointed in myself than in Pancham.” Andre returned to Andi’s side. “Please tell me you won, Andre!”
“Nope,” Andre shook his head. “Can’t believe I thought I’d score a next-day comeback. My Pokémon and I are so let down.”
“This is why you and I get along so well,” Andi said. “We even lose together.”
“If you’re that upset, wait till night falls and come try again!” Urbain said.
“And I’m not quite the newbie you think I am…” Reina mumbled under her breath.
“I don’t know what you just said, girl, but no way, Urbain!” Andi protested. “We’re not dealing with you again—not even if we meet during the Royale! You can have your bag back. Pancham says sorry. Now au revoir!”
The three fled the scene, leaving Urbain and Reina in the alleyway. Urbain held up his arm with his fist in the air.
“Don’t leave me hanging!” Urbain said.
“You want a fist bump?” Reina asked.
“Yeah, a fist bump!” Urbain grinned. “Put them knuckles out!”
Reina returned the fist bump to Urbain.
“That’s huge, winning your first battle!” Urbain praised. “You and your new buddy must’ve been meant to meet. Why don’t you keep Chikorita as your partner? Something tells me you two are gonna be great together!”
“Well… I do have two Pokémon with me right now, but… thank you!” Reina said.
“Here, have Chikorita’s Poké Ball, too,” Urbain said.
“We keep Pokémon in these to bring ‘em around with us,” Urbain explained.
“Ah… So it’s the same in Kalos, I see,” Reina said, nodding.
“Chiko!” Chikorita jumped up once.
“Chikorita looks as happy as you are!” Urbain observed, looking down at Chikorita.
Chikorita walked up to Reina, and Reina knelt on one knee, then gave a fist bump to Chikorita. In return, Chikorita jumped up and gave a light headbutt to Reina’s fist. But what happened next was something Reina never expected in Kalos. The sky turned dark, and the surrounding area had glowing red walls erected around the area. Reina looked scared and confused, while Urbain merely sighed.
“Great, it’s that time already,” Urbain grumbled. “And here we are in a battle zone. Rotten luck. We gotta move, so here’s the deal, super-short version. Battle zones are intense! Anyone who finds you in here can challenge you to a battle on the spot! But I know somewhere safe, and it’s right nearby. Let’s get going!”
“Really? Where is this?” Reina asked.
“I’ll tell you later,” Urbain said. “Here, let Totodile and Tepig take your bag first. They’ll be fine! Other Pokémon will leave ‘em alone. Plus, those two can climb fences and get into places where people can’t follow ‘em. Unfortunately, that won’t work for us. So we gotta hightail it outta this battle zone. Follow me!”
Reina nodded as Totodile and Tepig grabbed the duffel bag and ran off elsewhere. Urbain began running straight while Reina ran after him, avoiding any trainers lurking nearby. The two got in a few steps before another trainer interrupted them.
“What have we got here?” A trainer asked from behind Reina. “A pair of battle zone loiterers! You must be after a Pokémon battle. So square up and give me your best shot!”
“No, wait! My friend here isn’t part of—” Urbain tried to interrupt.
“I’m not talking to you!” The trainer said.
“Sounds like you gotta beat her, Reina!” Urbain said to Reina. “Don’t worry, you and your partner can win this!”
Reina sighed and sent out Chikorita. The other trainer sent out a Cleffa and sent it to tackle Chikorita. Chikorita, on command by Reina, dodged the tackle and countered with a Razor Leaf. The Cleffa fell backward for a bit before regaining its balance and tackled Chikorita. Chikorita could not dodge it, but Reina commanded it to tackle it back, which downed Cleffa.
The trainer sent out Bunnelby next and Reina recalled Chikorita, and sent out Sylveon. Sylveon readied itself and used Fairy Wind on Bunnelby. Bunnelby winced and tried to tackle Sylveon, but Sylveon dodged out of its range. Sylveon then used Fairy Wind again and downed her enemy.
“Wait a second,” the trainer said. “Are you not competing in the Royale?”
“I was trying to tell you!” Urbain said, exasperated.
“Ugh!” The trainer muttered. “I wasted precious nighttime on the most useless opponent in the battle zone!”
“Okay, wow, Reina,” Urbain said, facing Reina. “You are something else!”
“Hehe, thank you,” Reina blushed lightly.
“Anyway, now you know how intense battle zones can be,” Urbain said. “So here’s my advice as your kind new friend who loves helping people. Let’s get the heck out of here before someone else comes after us looking to battle!”
“Got it!” Reina said.
Reina continued running through the battle zone after Urbain. The two met no resistance until they were almost out of the battle zone. What happened next was unexpected; a group of trainers and their Pokémon stood in their way to the exit. Urbain sighed at the sight of the trainers.
“Can you guys please let us through?” Urbain negotiated. “I’m just trying to get our hotel guest out of here.”
“Non, non, we’re going to battle!” One trainer said, smirking.
“What part of no do you not get?” Urbain asked, exasperated.
“Umm…” Reina said uneasily.
“I guess I’ll have to get serious…” Urbain said when he saw something familiar flying toward them.
It was a small Floette, but this one had blue markings on its body and was holding a black flower instead of the usual colors Floette came as. When this Floette arrived at Urbain and Reina, she twirled around repeatedly.
“Oh, look at that, a Floette with a black flower. I wonder how that one battles,” another trainer said.
“Uhhh…” Reina was speechless.
“Kyururu…” The black Floette said, readying her black flower and aiming toward the group of trainers.
“W-Wait, don’t hit them!” Urbain shouted.
As the Floette aimed its flower at the group, a bright magenta light came flowing from and seeing the strength in that light, the group of trainers fled the scene, and Reina and Urbain were left alone with the Floette with a black flower.
“Kyururu!” The black Floette said.
“Nicely done, Floette!” Urbain said with obvious gratitude in his tone. “But maybe you should save that Light of Ruin move for when it really counts, huh? Anyway, Reina, let me introduce you to Floette. She’s a very special Pokémon. She’s apparently three thousand years old!”
“Wow,” Reina said in awe.
“And thanks to Floette, those troublemakers cleared off!” Urbain said. “Let’s hurry to our safe spot—Hotel Z!”
The trio then left the battle zone, which looked more like a regular city than the battle zone. Urbain mentioned that Hotel Z was right through there, so Reina continued following Urbain to the hotel.
“Welcome to our humble establishment—Hotel Z!” Urbain said with a half bow to Reina.
“Wow, it looks really nice and relaxing,” Reina said.
“Yeah, you won’t find a more tranquil, relaxing stay anywhere in Lumiose,” Urbain said. “Since we don’t have a single other guest. C’mon in though.”
Reina nodded and followed Urbain into the hotel. Once inside, it had a homely, cozy feel and a rustic atmosphere. It wasn’t a bad thing; it made Reina feel right at home. At the counter was a man, or more like a giant, standing and glancing over at Reina when she entered with Urbain.
The giant man had long grey hair and was wearing a red striped vest over a black dress shirt, a green ribbon at the collar, and red striped long pants with a green cloth over the knees. The Floette from earlier was floating by his side. Reina gave a quick nod of acknowledgement and followed Urbain to the gigantic man.
“I’m back, AZ!” Urbain said. “Check it out—I brought us a guest!”
“So this is the owner of the travel bag sitting over there?” The gigantic man asked. He looked at the bag to see a green being climbing from inside the bag and exiting it.
“That’s right!” Urbain said. “This is Reina. She stepped off the train at the Gare de Lumiose and right into a world of trouble. But she battled her way out! Clicked with my Chikorita perfectly! So I entrusted her with Chikorita as a partner!”
“A wise decision,” the giant said. “People and Pokémon meet when fate dictates it should be so.”
“Yeah!” Urbain said enthusiastically. “It felt like they were meant to be a team. But then night fell and we got caught up in Z-A Royale stuff, so I brought ‘em here.”
“I see,” the man said. “I was concerned when a bag arrived with no owner. That is why I sent Floette out to seek you. It seems my worries were unfounded.”
“No, I’m glad you did!” Urbain waved his hands around in a gesture. “Floette saved our skins with her Light of Ruin—it’s a heck of a move. You’re so wise, AZ, I can almost believe you really ARE three thousand years old like you always say!”
“Reina,” AZ said. “I believe you have been led here because this is where you are meant to be. I am AZ. And as the owner of Hotel Z, I welcome you.”
“Thank you, AZ,” Reina said with a head bow. “I mean it. This is my first time in Kalos, so…”
“Pray, allow me a few words,” AZ said. “I hope you’ll indulge me, as your host.”
Reina nodded. “Of course.”
“Urbain entrusting you with Chikorita makes you its keeper—a Pokémon Trainer. So hear me now, Reina, for Pokémon are truly wondrous creatures. Every Pokémon possesses great power of its own. And it will wield that power for a Pokémon Trainer it has placed its faith in. I urge you to treasure your Pokémon.”
“But of course!” Reina said.
“And never betray that faith,” AZ added on. “That is all I wished to say. Room 202 is yours to use.”
AZ handed a key to Reina, and she took it gingerly, pocketing it in a smaller bag. Urbain told Reina that she could take the elevator to the second floor, so Reina left the two men and went into the elevator. Urbain also told Reina to meet him in the lobby tomorrow morning after she got a good night’s rest. Reina sat on her bed, but the moment she did so, a knock came and Urbain’s voice came from outside.
“Hey, I know I told you to sleep, but mind if we talk for a sec?” Urbain’s voice came.
“Sure, no problem,” Reina said as she got up.
Reina opened the door to see Urbain at the door. The moment the door opened, Urbain gave a low bow.
“Begging your pardon, dear guest!” Urbain said formally. “I neglected to show you our hotel’s true gem—a stunning panorama. That means, ‘C’mon, you gotta see the roof!’”
Reina followed Urbain to the elevator, and the two rode to the rooftop, which was a small area with a couch and a table in front. There was a flowerbed on the other side of the table. Urbain welcomed Reina to Lumiose City, though it was a bit late to say that now, and showed her the stunning view of the Prism Tower from the hotel.
“Listen,” Urbain said solemnly. “I owe AZ big time for all the help he’s given me since I got here. I want to do right by him in return. Not to put you on the spot, but… think you can give me a hand?”
“Of course!” Reina said enthusiastically. “I owe AZ a good deal too, for giving me a room to stay at.”
“You’re the best!” Urbain praised, putting up a fist bump.
The two shared a fist bump with the green creature watching the two of them from above. Then Reina returned to her room for a good night’s sleep. In the lower level of the hotel, AZ was sitting alone with his Floette.
“A girl accompanied by a Zygarde Cell… Was she also brought here because Lumiose requires her?”