A Chance Encounter with Alain! A Mega Evolution Battle!

"Is that a Key Stone on your wrist? Interested in a battle?"

On his way back to Shalour City, Bai Shi ran into a blue-haired man dressed in a black shirt, gray pants, and a blue scarf.

The moment the man spotted Bai Shi's Key Stone Bracelet, he challenged him.

"Are you... Alain?"

Bai Shi took a closer look and realized he knew his challenger.

It was Alain, Ash's rival during his travels through the Kalos Region.

Alain had once been Professor Sycamore's assistant, helping him research Mega Evolution.

But while traveling in search of Mega Stones and Key Stones, he had fallen under Lysandre's influence and joined Team Flare.

His task was to collect Mega Evolution energy for Lysandre.

Bai Shi glanced around but saw no sign of Mairin, Alain's young companion in the anime.

That probably meant Alain had only recently joined Team Flare.

Alain's strength right now should be nowhere near what it was when he won the Lumiose Conference or reached the Masters Eight.

If I catch him off guard, I might actually beat him.

I'm heading back to Sinnoh soon anyway. There's no harm in battling him.

Even if Lysandre notices me, he can't very well chase me all the way to Sinnoh, can he?

After thinking it through, Bai Shi accepted Alain's challenge.

"I'm Alain, and this is my partner, Charizard."

Once Bai Shi agreed, Alain sent out his ace Pokémon.

"I'm Bai Shi. Let's have a good battle! Lopunny, I'm counting on you!"

Bai Shi wasted no words and sent out Lopunny.

"So Lopunny is the Pokémon you can Mega Evolve?"

"I hope it gives my Charizard a good fight!"

"Respond to my heart, Key Stone! Beyond Evolution... Mega Evolution!"

Alain unleashed Mega Evolution the moment the battle began.

To achieve his goal,