"I'll trouble you to take Ampharos to the Pokémon Center. Please keep what you saw today between us and Clemont," Meyer asked the referee, hands together.
The referee nodded, "Understood, as always."
Meyer smiled awkwardly and waved as the referee left.
Since Clemont became gym leader, Meyer often substituted for him, becoming familiar with the staff.
After arranging for Ampharos, Meyer turned to Lucas. "You really don't need to go to the Pokémon Center?"
Lucas was just finishing treating Arcanine's electric burns and post-battle paralysis, giving it a pat before recalling it.
He replied, "I have electric-type partners, so injuries from sparring are common. I'm pretty good at treating electric wounds myself."
"With Wild Charge's energy blocking the worst of it, Arcanine only had minor injuries—looks worse than it is."
Meyer: "…"
Remembering Ampharos's severe burns, Meyer wondered if its physical strength was that much worse?
After calming himself, Meyer shook Lucas's hand, saying, "Looks like you really have no ulterior motives toward Clemont. Sorry for being suspicious."
Lucas shook back, smiling, "No problem. Clemont is a famous genius—in your shoes, I'd be cautious too."
The two shared a laugh. For trainers, friendship often forms after just one battle.
Meyer, all smiles, clapped Lucas on the shoulder, "With no more challengers this morning, Clemont should be back by noon. You're from Paldea, right? Your first time in Kalos?"
"How about I give you a local's tour? Don't be fooled by my appearance—I've got connections. I can get you into top spots without waiting in line."
Lucas was about to refuse, but that last offer tempted him.
With a local connection, sightseeing would be much easier.
Especially with Oranguru telepathically nudging him, suggesting he ask Meyer for help getting the Lumiose Gâteau, rather than risking a long wait.
So Lucas said, "I'd like to buy some Lumiose Gâteau to take back, and I'd love to see the famous Lumiose Art Museum, too—can we?"
He glanced at Meyer. The last request was Oranguru's idea; Lucas wasn't much into art himself.
Meyer gave a thumbs up and patted his chest, "Leave it to me!"
With Meyer leading the way, Lucas got to experience what having connections really meant.
Meyer's network in Lumiose City was impressive. For the Gâteau, he led Lucas in through the back, and they left with several big boxes.
After dropping off the souvenirs at the hotel, Meyer took Lucas and Oranguru to the renowned Lumiose Art Museum.
Notably, it happened to be the museum's closed day, yet Meyer got them in anyway.
Lucas didn't understand the art, but Oranguru loved it. Lucas wondered if he was the human or if Oranguru was.
Why did he have zero artistic talent?
During their visit, Meyer asked what Lucas wanted with Clemont. Lucas didn't hide it—he explained about the Luxio waiting for Clemont at the Electric-Type Pokémon Academy.
When Meyer brought Lucas back to the gym, a blond boy in a jumpsuit was chatting with a tall, broad-shouldered, red-haired man.
The blond was, of course, Clemont—about twelve or thirteen years old, already a famed inventor. He'd even go on to invent the Super Training.
A true prodigy.
The other man, Lucas recognized—Lysandre.
Noticing Meyer and Lucas, Clemont's eyes lit up.
Meyer knew his son's personality: shy, introverted, not good at refusing people, easily flustered.
The other man was Lysandre, head of Lysandre Labs, rumored to have done much charity work and helped many people in Kalos. Even Champion Diantha had endorsed his company's inventions.
Yet, for some reason, Meyer just couldn't bring himself to like Lysandre.
"Dad!"
Clemont's voice had a hint of relief, as if Meyer's arrival had rescued him.
Meyer nodded, "Clemont. And… Mr. Lysandre."
Clemont hugged his father, then turned curiously to Lucas. "Dad, who's this?"
"He's Lucas—a friend of mine," Meyer said, exchanging a meaningful glance with Lucas, who played along. It would make things easier.
"Hello, Clemont," Lucas greeted.
Clemont, curious why his father had a young friend, politely replied, "Hello, Mr. Lucas."
Before Lucas could respond, Lysandre, smiling, joined their circle. His calm, charismatic presence drew attention and trust.
"Now that your father's back, I'll take my leave. Clemont, I hope you'll consider my invitation—Lysandre Labs can offer you the best environment and let you pursue your passion for invention."
Lucas inwardly rolled his eyes. Passion for invention probably meant mega evolution energy collectors, or Zygarde heat sensors.
Clemont hesitated, "I…"
Meyer stepped in front of Clemont, smiling at Lysandre, "He's still young, and his gym duties keep him busy enough. He doesn't need any other positions."
"Mr. Lysandre, please, take your leave."
Lysandre wasn't offended. With a final smile, his gaze briefly lingered on Lucas and Oranguru, showing a hint of surprise.
That Oranguru… was exceptionally well-trained, almost mesmerizing. Lysandre had seen Champion Diantha's Gardevoir, which had a similar presence. He recalled this was a trait of powerful psychic Pokémon.
He remembered Meyer calling this young man Lucas—a newcomer? Lysandre's organization needed more battle-capable people; only that boy with the Charmeleon was notable. Maybe Lucas could help collect mega evolution energy.
With a glint of interest, Lysandre handed Lucas a business card, slipping it into his pocket.
"Mr. Lucas, Lysandre Labs is always looking for talented battlers, especially for field research. If you're interested, contact me anytime."
Finishing, Lysandre, knowing Meyer's dislike, didn't give Lucas a chance to refuse. He waved and left by the elevator.
There would be other chances to recruit Clemont and Lucas.
After Lysandre left, Lucas couldn't help but laugh, staring at the card. He'd never expected to be recruited by Kalos's main villain.
Glancing at Lysandre's departing figure, Meyer said seriously, "Lucas, just my opinion, but you shouldn't accept Lysandre's offer. He gives me a bad feeling."
Clemont looked confused. "But… Mr. Lysandre is famous for helping so many people, isn't he?"
Meyer ruffled Clemont's hair, making him protest, "That's why you're still a kid—never judge by appearances."
Clemont ran off, shouting, "I'm not a kid! I'm a gym leader now! If anything, Bonnie's the kid!"
At that moment, Lucas, holding Lysandre's card, suddenly asked, "Where's the trash can?"
Both Meyer and Clemont froze, then answered in unison: "Over there."
A moment later, Lucas returned empty-handed, glancing at Clemont, who tensed up, wanting to hide behind Meyer.
To Clemont, Lucas was still a stranger, despite Meyer's introduction.
Meyer, raising an eyebrow, pushed Clemont forward. Clemont stumbled, looking at his father with puppy-dog eyes.
Meyer ignored him and said sternly, "As a man, there are things you can't run from—especially mistakes you made when you were younger!"
Clemont, confused by Meyer's seriousness, didn't know what to do. Lucas and Oranguru stepped forward.
"Clemont," Lucas said, "let's talk about the Luxio you abandoned."