Corbin



Corbin (Japanese: コービン, Koubin) is a hailed from  in the  region. Corbin's goal is to defeat every Pokémon in existence, and ultimately, become known throughout the world as a "Mega Evolution Master".

Background
From a young age, Corbin was 's assistant, and it was Sycamore who initially inspired him to begin seeking in order to solve the mysteries of. Sometime after receiving his licence to become an official, Corbin received a from Sycamore as a gift for his assistance. Sometime after this, Corbin left Sycamore's laboratory to seek out Mega Pokémon to defeat, and shortly after setting out, his Charmander evolved into. After reporting to Professor Sycamore, Corbin came to a nearby ruin in search of, but discovered that the raw Mega Stone had been taken by. Alain battled Lysandre for ownership of the stone, but his Charmeleon was soundly defeated by.

Corbin was then invited to, where Lysandre revealed his intention to harness the energy Pokémon produce when they Mega Evolve, for peaceful purposes. He also claimed that if Professor Sycamore were to publish the secrets of Mega Evolution, mankind would find a way to use those secrets to nefarious ends, and said that he would not allow the Professor's name to be tarnished. Asking if Corbin would assist him, Lysandre revealed a metal attaché case with a and. Believing he could protect Sycamore this way, Corbin accepted Lysandre's proposal. Shortly after this, Corbin's Charmeleon evolved into, which finally allowed the Flame Pokémon to achieve Mega Evolution.

Mega Adventures
Somewhere in a field, Corbin and Charizard are battling against a Trainer named Selina and her, and mid-battle, both Trainers notice that the other have both a Mega Ring and a Mega Stone. Charizard uses, but the attack is countered by. Absol uses, but Charizard stops it using its claws.

Corbin admits Absol is impressive, but decides to take this to a new stage. Selina presses her, Mega Evolving her Absol. Corbin sees Mega Absol and presses his Key Stone, Mega Evolving his Charizard. Selina is impressed by Mega Charizard's dark skin. Mega Charizard uses, but Mega Absol charges using Megahorn and both clash with each other. Near a river, a girl travels with, but a strong blast causes her to fall into the river. She goes with Froakie to check out what is happening, but trips over and falls into the river. Froakie comes to her to help the girl get up. Mega Charizard repeats Dynamic Punch, hitting Mega Absol, as the girl and Froakie watch. The girl notices these are supposed to be Absol and Charizard, but look quite different from the ones she knows. Mega Charizard uses, hitting Mega Absol and pushing it away, then attacks it with a blue Flamethrower. Mega Absol retaliates with, but is countered, exploded and defeated by Mega Charizard's.

Mega Absol is defeated and reverts to its original form. The girl notices this, as well as Charizard changing back, seeing these Pokémon changed forms. Corbin hopes to battle Selina once again, but Selina wonders if Corbin really wants to battle to become the strongest. Corbin replies his only wish is to defeat all Mega Evolved forms of Pokémon and be at the very top. Later, Corbin eats with Charizard, seeing Absol was well-raised. Corbin notices someone watching them, and tells them to come out, which is the girl with her Froakie. The girl admits she was surprised to see Charizard with a dark skin, thinking it was a new Pokémon. Corbin wonders if the girl is challenging them to a battle, but the girl denies that, since she has only started out the journey, and Corbin sees the girl is just a beginner. The girl introduces herself as Renee, and says she got her Froakie from. Corbin introduces himself to Renee, as he wants to master the Mega Evolution. Renee wonders about the Mega Evolution, so Corbin explains the dark-skinned Charizard she saw before was a Mega Charizard, and she admits not knowing much about Mega Evolution.

Corbin remembers Sycamore investigating the Mega Evolution and found out the power is contained within the Pokémon, but the Trainer uses the stone to unravel such power, through bonds. However, Sycamore knew there are still mysteries, as why do Pokémon only Mega Evolve during battles and change back. Sycamore also recorded the Pokémon's type or ability can change as well. Corbin thought such power could become a burden for Pokémon, but Sycamore couldn't confirm that fact. Corbin wondered what do other regions have recorded about this phenomenon. Sycamore told him such things have been reported only in and  so far. Thinking the Pokémon may be telling something through Mega Evolution, Corbin sets off with Charmander on a journey to collect all Mega Stones. Sycamore allowed him this wish, if Corbin reported back continually on.

In the present, Corbin tells Renee he was remembering the past, and Renee starts asking questions, but Corbin refuses to answer them. Corbin receives a call from a person, telling him his "next destination". Corbin calls Charizard back and leaves, ignoring Renee's questions. Renee wonders about Corbin as well and jumps, but nearly falls down, since Froakie catches her using bubbles. Renee comes to a ruin, but does not see Corbin. Corbin is inside and touches a wall, which crumbles. He comes and finds a stone, which pulses, along with his Key Stone. Renee checks and finds Corbin exiting the ruin. Just as Corbin was leaving, a man appears, who notices the Mega Stone. The man was also asked to bring the Mega Stone and decides to battle Corbin for it. Renee and Froakie hide, as the man sends a Garchomp. Corbin sends Charizard, while the man introduces himself as the Dragon Trainer, Roman. Corbin claims he also has a Pokémon. Roman laughs, as Charizard wasn't a Dragon-type, so Corbin presses the Key Stone, Mega Evolving Charizard to prove that fact. Roman smiles and presses his Key Stone and Mega Evolves Garchomp.

Mega Garchomp uses, hitting Mega Charizard. Mega Charizard flies up and uses Flamethrower, hitting Mega Garchomp, who retaliates with. Mega Charizard clashes with Mega Garchomp by using Dragon Claw. Both land down, but in the end, Mega Garchomp is defeated. Mega Garchomp reverts to his original form, while Corbin lets Roman know during Mega Evolution, Charizard changes his to Dragon-type. Renee and Froakie are surprised that Corbin won again, who looks at the Mega Stone. Renee starts following Corbin, despite the latter's protests, but Renee remarks that Corbin is a nice person, especially towards Charizard, she plans on finding more about Mega Evolution and defeating Corbin one day to gain his respect. Noticing a, Renee and Froakie chase after her and decide to battle her. Froakie uses, but Flabébé dodges and retaliates with. Froakie is hit and retaliates with, but misses. Corbin advises Renee to go with a poisonous or confusing move, so Froakie uses, affecting Flabébé. Renee is excited and throws her, catching Flabébé. Since Flabébé is still poisoned, Renee and Froakie go to the nearest, where heals Flabébé. Renee wonders where Corbin went and is told he is likely at a restaurant, owned by the 's.

Renee and Froakie run towards the restaurant, where Corbin meets Siebold, the chef. Corbin asks for the "unofficial menu" and seeing the Mega Ring, Siebold understands what he meant. Suddenly, Renee barges in, demanding why Corbin left so suddenly, since she is her traveling companion. Seeing Siebold, Renee is surprised to see him here. Soon, Renee watches the battle of Corbin vs. Siebold. Siebold is surprised to see Corbin battle with a Pokémon against his. Corbin replies he wants to become the strongest with Charizard, who Mega Evolves. Siebold is glad to see Alain appreciates the battle, considering it an art. Mega Charizard uses Dragon Claw, dodging Blastoise's. Blastoise uses, but is countered by Dragon Claw. Siebold is glad to see Charizard well-raised, but decides to put his own "main dish", as he Mega Evolves Blastoise. Mega Charizard uses Dragon Claw, but is knocked down by Mega Blastoise's. Siebold warns Alain Mega Blastoise's ability is, increasing the power of Pulse moves.

Mega Blastoise uses Hydro Pump, hitting Mega Charizard, who endures the attack and flies closer to Mega Blastoise. Mega Blastoise uses, while Mega Charizard uses Flamethrower. Both clash with each other, but Mega Charizard uses Dynamic Punch hitting Mega Blastoise. Mega Blastoise then retaliates with Dragon Pulse, defeating Mega Charizard. Renee sees Siebold was too strong for Corbin and Charizard and laments for his defeat. Siebold praises Corbin, for even in type disadvantage, they nearly cornered Mega Blastoise. Later, Renee goes after Corbin and says she wants to search for the Mega Stones with him. Corbin replies he will let Renee do as she pleases, and Renee goes after him, but trips over during her running. Corbin, however, recalls Sycamore's words on how will Mega Evolution affect people and Pokémon, planning on solving this mystery, as more Mega Evolved Pokémon are being recorded. Elsewhere, a man analyzes data and starts smiling.

About a week later, Corbin and Renee arrive in the region via airplane, with Corbin stating about reports of a stone that resembled a Mega Stone. Shortly after arriving, Renee gets stuck within a bush and cries for Corbin's help, but she gets helped by another man instead, whom Mairin thanks for help. The man introduces himself as, welcoming Renee to Hoenn. Corbin and Froakie soon arrive and Renee introduces them to Steven. Corbin bows, but notices a Key Stone on Steven's jacket. Corbin asks Steven for a battle, since he wants to defeat all Mega Evolved Pokémon, but Steven replies he is currently busy. Corbin reminds him eye contact between Trainers means a challenge to a battle, so Steven decides to battle for a short moment.

Corbin sends Charizard, against, who possesses the Mega Stone. Renee remembers that Pokémon are weak against Fire-type attacks. Corbin presses his Key Stone, Mega Evolving his Charizard. Mega Charizard uses Flamethrower, but Metagross uses, redirecting the attack towards the sky. Steven presses his Key Stone, Mega Evolving his Metagross. Mega Metagross uses, hitting Mega Charizard, reducing its speed. Corbin plans on finishing the battle quickly, having Mega Charizard hit Mega Metagross with Dragon Claw. Mega Metagross retaliates with, sending Mega Charizard onto a rock, since Mega Metagross' speed has increased. Mega Charizard breaks out and returns to the battlefield, attacking Mega Metagross with Blast Burn, but after the smoke clears, Mega Metagross is still standing. Steven reminds Corbin not to underestimate Mega Metagross. Mega Charizard uses Dragon Claw and clashes with Mega Metagross' Meteor Mash, but the attacks are interrupted by a Flamethower.

A appears, surprising Corbin and Steven. A man with red hair appears, which Corbin refer to as the director. Per the director's orders, the battle is stopped and both Pokémon revert to their original forms. The director apologizes for Corbin's rudeness to a battle challenge, knowing Steven is the of the. Renee hears the director's voice, as the director introduces himself as, owner of the in the  region, who asked Corbin to investigate the Mega Evolution. Renee asks Lysandre asks Lysandre whether he was Corbin's contact she'd heard him talk to, and Lysandre questions her identity, so Renee introduces herself to Lysandre, calling herself Corbin's travelling companion. Lysandre teases Corbin about possibly being Renee's boyfriend, leaving Corbin embarassed, but Renee clarifies she is no girlfriend of Corbin but rather a mere partner, and Corbin tells her to leave, for he has things to discuss with Lysandre. Renee feels insulted, but falls down, to the bush again. Steven asks Lysandre what did he mean by "investigate" Mega Evolution, and Lysandre replies his Labs are collecting data about Mega Evolution from Corbin's battles, hoping some peaceful purposes can be achieved from it.

They come to an excavation site, where they meet up with Steven. Steven admits he has been researching some stones, but seeing the Mega Stones, he has been working to uncover its origins. Steven shows them a wooden slab on his tablet, which is what brought Lysandre and his disciples here. Lysandre shows a holograph of a wooden slab, but with different text, since the original slab was broken into pieces. Steven knows if they were to bring the pieces together, they will find the answer. Steven reads "the path to the megalith starts with the gate", while Lysandre continues "the key to opening the gate is a glimmer of two stones – when those two stones come together, a new path will appear". Steven is certain the text refers to they Key Stones. They climb up the tower, finding two pillars, which represent the gate. Corbin and Steven touch the pillars, their Key Stones responding, as a shining bridge leads towards the mountain. Steven is grateful for Lysandre, for they couldn't accomplish this without his text, as well as Corbin for participating in this and Renee thinks Corbin is an important figure to have the Champion's gratitude.

They climb the shining stairs and find come to the ruins of the megalith, and while Steven reads an ancient text, he tells Corbin to go to the other altar. They show the Key Stones close to the altar, which reacts in a shining light. The center reacts, summoning the megalith. They think that is the origin of Mega Evolution, as Corbin's Key Stone pulses. Lysandre sends word to his people, claiming they found it. An airplane appears, as Lysandre has his scientists set the equipment to analyze this megalith. The megalith starts pulsing, as the scientists discover this megalith, while being similar to the Mega Stones, radiates a much greater power. Suddenly, the sky turns dark, for a appears. Rayquaza links itself to the megalith and Mega Evolves, starting to roar, which awakens and. Mega Rayquaza fires out an attack, blowing the ruins up and destroying the airplane. Lysandre wonders if they enraged Rayquaza while Corbin sends Charizard and immediately Mega Evolves it, along with Steven's Metagross.

Mega Charizard uses Flamethrower, but Mega Rayquaza dodges and attacks Mega Charizard with, hitting Mega Charizard and causing severe damage. Mega Metagross catches Mega Charizard, but is attacked as well. Mega Rayquaza uses, damaging the ruins. Renee tries to escape, and nearly gets hit, but Corbin manages to save her. Steven wonders if Mega Rayquaza wants to destroy the ruins because of their research bothering it, and the megalith starts responding and explodes, causing Mega Rayquaza to fly off. Steven removes the rubble and notices Corbina and Renee. Corbin holds his shoulder and while he claims he is fine, Renee knows he is lying. At any rate, the megalith is gone, as they all wonder if it is connected to Mega Rayquaza, who is above the planet and reverts to its original form. Lysandre detected some energy waves at, sensing they are the same ones from the megalith. Lysandre claims they will find the megalith back, dismissing Corbin to Rustboro City. Steven decides to find a transport for there. Before leaving, Corbin is ordered by Lysandre not to leave the Champion, for his knowledge is useful to them.

At Rustboro City, Corbin and Renee arrive via the helicopter, and Renee admires the city, finding the owned by Steven's father. Corbin goes off, but Renee and Froakie follow him, wondering if he shows emotions at all. Corbin reminds Renee this is an urgent crisis, as they both enter the Devon Corporation's HQ. Inside the building, Steven, Corbin and Renee watch the footage of Groudon that Lysandre sent them. Lysandre zooms in the video, showing Groudon activated – showing Groudon's original appearance, saying that it hold greater power than Groudon usually does. However, Steven suspects there is the other Pokémon. Soon, they receive reports of a Pokémon near – Kyogre, who has also triggered Primal Reversion.

Lysandre fears they will destroy the world and Renee also fears for that, while Steven explains Groudon expands the land and Kyogre expands the sea. However, Steven states they once met each other and fought a great battle years earlier, which shook up the earth and the sky. Renee remembers Mega Rayquaza, who also destroyed the ruins where the megalith was held, which, according to Steven, is sought by these two Pokémon. Steven analyzes and finds Kyogre and Groudon are moving towards a point, where the megalith could be located. Lysandre dismisses Corbin to go on. Steven decides to observe the situation from the sky. Corbin goes as well, but Renee tells she is not going, and neither should Corbin as she reminds him of the power Mega Rayquaza possessed, and now there are these two ancient Pokémon wanting to destroy the world.

Corbin replies he made a promise to Lysandre to become the strongest and gather data, and Renee asks Corbin on what bounds does he have to pass to become the strongest, even if it means to fight against the world's destruction. Corbin is upset, angrily asking her what does she know about the situation since she was merely a rookie. Renee shudders, as she does not want Corbin to get hurt, and Corbin simply replies to her to return to Kalos and departs. Corbin shares with Steven that Renee was simply a burden for him, but Steven doubts Corbin's harsh words and believes he was merely trying to protect her. The aircraft flies off, as Primal Groudon walks, creating more land and Kyogre, who swims off. As they go above Primal Groudon's land, the temperature rises. Steven and Corbin wait, while Renee is in the car inside the aircraft. The people of Rustboro City watch Primal Groudon, who finds the megalith, along with Primal Kyogre. Steven and Corbin hear the confirmation that is the megalith. Lysandre calls them, reporting the energy is present, but the megalith is not there as a solid matter, wishing Steven and Corbin luck.

Suddenly, out of the sea, Primal Kyogre emerges out. Primal Kyogre attacks with, though Primal Groudon withstands the attack and retaliates with , attacking Primal Kyogre. Primal Groudon uses, but is countered by Primal Kyogre's , who then follows up with. The helicopters and aircraft are nearly hit, while Primal Groudon is frozen. Primal Groudon melts the ice, breaking out of it. Renee stands up and notices the stairs have been damaged. She looks out of the aircraft, noticing Primal Kyogre. Steven and Corbin are told the megalith is starting to become solid, but needs time. Lysandre contacts Corbin, ordering him to protect the megalith from both Pokémon, for such an object needs to be used for humans alone, as his team will go to obtain the megalith. Corbin opens the doors, sending Charizard and Mega Evolve it while Renee tries to reach the stairs and sees Corbin's Mega Charizard.

Primal Groudon uses, but misses Mega Charizard. Primal Kyogre attempts to attack, but is stopped by Steven's Metagross. Steven is displeased Corbin thought he can take on both Pokémon at the same time and calls him arrogant. Instead, Steven tells he'll fight Primal Kyogre, as he Mega Evolves Metagross. Mega Charizard uses Flamethrower and Mega Metagross attacks with Flash Cannon, hitting both ancient Pokémon. Primal Groudon uses Precipice Blades, but Mega Charizard dodges the attacks and uses Dragon Claw to crush through the rocks. Primal Kyogre uses Origin Pulse, but Mega Metagross evades the attack and hits it with Meteor Mash. However, Primal Kyogre hits Mega Metagross, sending it onto the ice. Mega Charizard uses Dynamic Punch and hits Primal Groudon, who uses Precipice Blades and damages Mega Charizard, who falls on the ice and bashes into an icy boulder. Mega Metagross hovers above and is hit by. Corbin attaches a hook and descends down to rescue Mega Charizard. Corbin frees Mega Charizard and sees its flame on its tail is getting smaller, so calls Mega Charizard back in its.

Primal Groudon tosses Primal Kyogre away and uses Eruption. The attack causes Corbin to be blown off onto an icy rock. Steven's helicopter descends, though Renee opens the door at the back and rushes to help Corbin, trying to wake him up. Primal Groudon uses Solar Beam, scaring Renee. Mega Metagross rushes in her aid and uses Protect. Renee drags Corbin away from the battlefield. Primal Kyogre attacks with Origin Pulse, but is countered by Primal Kyogre's. The blast releases ice rocks, which start falling down. Mega Metagross uses Psychic and Flash Cannon to destroy some of them. Some of the rocks start falling near Renee, so Froakie uses Bubble, destroying them. Renee places Corbin in a safe location and watches as the megalith solidifies itself while Lysandre is glad the megalith has appeared.

However, Mega Rayquaza comes from the sky. Primal Groudon uses Solar Beam while Primal Kyogre attacks with Origin Pulse. Mega Rayquaza dodges both attacks and fires out Draco Meteor, hitting both Pokémon. However, Primal Groudon uses Eruption, causing Mega Rayquaza to fall down on ice and get hit by Origin Pulse. Mega Rayquaza uses Hyper Beam, hitting and sending Primal Kyogre onto Primal Groudon. Primal Groudon uses Precipice Blades on Mega Rayquaza, who breaks out and uses Dragon Ascent, hitting both Pokémon. Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre revert to their original forms and fall down into the depths of the ocean. Mega Rayquaza stares at the megalith, allowing Steven to see its true power. Corbin wakes up and sees Renee rescued him but decides to remain quiet rather than thank her. Suddenly, a submarine appears and fires out flashing lights, which blind everyone. The submarine releases a powerful bolt, trapping and dragging the megalith. Mega Rayquaza reverts to its original form and leaves, while Lysandre reports to Steven they have successfully acquired the megalith and devised a system to counter its radiation, as it goes to Kalos region.

As Froakie high fives Metagross, Corbin asks Renee whether she was scared of possibly losing her life during the chaotic battle. Renee admits she was, but couldn't just stay and see Corbin defenseless and nearly killed by the two. Corbin thanks Renee and hugs her. In the Kalos region, Sycamore watches the news, shocked Corbin participated in the crisis of Hoenn region and wonders about his recent actions. The next day, Renee is terrified to see that Corbin left without her, as he did not want her to be in danger. Renee rushes off, but stops when Steven promises to give her a ride back to Kalos. Lysandre, at his lab, thanks Corbin for protecting the megalith, for he is one step closer to managing peace. Corbin is still displeased, for he is nowhere near being the strongest. Corbin has Mega Charizard fight a for training as Lysandre watches. Lysandre considers Hoenn's crisis being a turning point for Kalos' future – a change for joy, which the humanity will hear about soon.

Having arrived in the Kalos region, Renee and Steven call Professor Sycamore for an update on Corbin's situation since he decided to travel separately. Corbin has, in the meantime, returned to Lysandre Labs to request a battle scenario from Lysandre. Lysandre agrees, and declares that Corbin shall face ten other Mega Evolution Trainers in a row; if Corbin loses even once, Lysandre shall take away the Key Stone and Mega Stone he gave to Corbin and Charizard. observes the proceedings as well, smiling to herself.

The first Trainer appears, haughtily remarking that he'll quickly defeat Corbin, sending out his. Both Trainers Mega Evolve their Pokémon, with Charizard firing off a Flamethrower to begin, but Venusaur's Ability prevents it from being as effective as it would have been. Venusaur counters with, releasing poisonous projectiles that home in on Charizard; despite its attempts to dodge, Charizard takes a direct hit and becomes. Subsequently, Steven and Renee arrive at the labs, received by Lysandre and his secretary. Lysandre tells Renee that Corbin is battling and arranges for an escort so she can go and watch, while confirming that Steven is here to inquire about the Giant Stone. Renee and Froakie arrive on the scene, concerned for Corbin and Charizard as the latter is restrained by Venusaur's. Charizard notices Renee's presence, as does Corbin, before he orders Charizard to stay focused. Venusaur slams Charizard to the ground, and Corbin asks it to get up before ordering Dragon Claw. Venusaur's Trainer responds with, but Charizard manages to break through the barrage of seeds and land a powerful Dynamic Punch that wins the match. Corbin gives Charizard a for the poison, but the second Mega Evolution Trainer has already taken to the field, informing Corbin that his ordeal isn't over yet and promises to crush them with his. Alakazam fires its, which Charizard manages to bear the brunt of before charging in with Dragon Claw.

In another room, Lysandre reveals the Giant Stone to Steven, which he has contained in a high-security tank to ensure no energy leaks out. Lysandre says that this is to prevent another crisis like the one in Hoenn, as Steven watches silently.

Meanwhile, Charizard defeats the Mega Alakazam, followed by a, , , and in quick succession. As Corbin heals Charizard with a for the next battle, Renee approaches him to ask why he's decided to put himself through the battling. Corbin tells Renee not to follow him around, claiming that she's not strong enough to protect herself from the dangers he will be experiencing. Renee insists that she became stronger because she was with him, and if they stay together, they can continue to do so. At this, Corbin snaps at Mairin, coldly declaring that he can't be stronger because of Renee's presence and claims she was dragging him down. Froakie becomes irate at this and prepares to attack Corbin, but Renee recalls her and runs away, shaken. Malva observes their interactions, smiling, and even Charizard is concerned, looking over to Corbin and doesn't hide its displeasure of its Trainer's treatment of Renee, but resumes its battle stance at Corbin's command, telling his Pokémon to forget about "unimportant events".

Having retreated to a stairwell, Renee is confused and sad at how Corbin treated her, weakly informing Froakie that she wishes to be alone before crying to herself. Froakie goes on its own exploration before hearing a faint cry from somewhere, and follows a scientist into a hidden laboratory full of trees in enclosures. One particular enclosure holds a green, cell-like creature, surrounded by other similar creatures, which notices Froakie's presence. Two other scientists begin conducting an experiment, irradiating the cell creature with energy. This causes an energy feedback that causes vines and vegetation around the lab to glow and grow, much to Froakie's alarm. Eventually, the enclosure overloads and explodes, destroying the containment field holding the cell creature, irradiating not only the cell with energy but Froakie as well. Instinctively, Froakie runs for the cell creature, picking it up and evading the scientists chasing after it, using its frubbles to lift the cell to an air vent so it can escape. Froakie then collapses on the floor, still glowing with the energy it absorbed, unconscious.

At the battlefield, Charizard defeats a, Corbin's ninth opponent. Malva makes her appearance, congratulating Corbin for making it to her. Corbin identifies Malva as a member of the, and Malva confirms that she heard about Corbin's earlier loss to Siebold. Corbin swears that he won't lose this time, and Malva sends out her. Mega Evolving Charizard again, Alain orders a Flamethrower, but Houndoom remains unscathed. To his horror, Corbin realizes that Houndoom canceled out the Flamethrower with. Grinning, Malva proceeds to Mega Evolves her Houndoom and orders her own Flamethrower, strong enough to send Charizard flying despite its efforts to hold it back. Corbin orders a Dynamic Punch, which Malva counters with as Houndoom releases a cloud of black smoke to trap Charizard. Corbin has Charizard destroy the cloud with Flamethrower, but this gives Houndoom the chance to hit it with, pinning Charizard to the ground.

Malva comments on Corbin's desire to become the strongest Mega Evolution Trainer, pointing out that many strong Pokémon exist. She questions why Corbin chose Charizard as his partner and why he decided to go on this path of strength. Corbin responds that he and Charizard share the same bond and dreams, and he seeks strength to protect the ones he loves. Malva is intrigued by this, remarking that Corbin's sincerity is what made Lysandre interested in him, but subsequently questions his remark about protecting others and mentions his lash out towards Renee, which greatly shocks Corbin, who becomes angry at her comments, and Malva subsequently orders a. Charizard dodges the move, and Houndoom lunges for another Crunch, both Pokémon ready to clash.

As Renee looks for Froakie, she sees the scientists wheel her Pokémon out on a stretcher, and demands answers. The scientists claim that they're seeking medical attention for Froakie when Steven arrives on the scene. Distraught, Renee tells him that Froakie is a coma.

Having exchanged many attacks, neither Corbin's nor Malva's Pokémon are out for the count. As Houndoom goes for another Crunch, Corbin finally commands Blast Burn, which eventually catches Houndoom and sends it flying in an eruption of energy, defeating it. Malva, retreating Houndoom, notes that Corbin is "irritating" but congratulates him on his win. Lysandre, arriving, does so as well, reminding Corbin that Pokémon can't achieve Mega Evolution on their own. Corbin agrees, recalling that a Trainer's own power is needed, and he reaffirms his resolve to protect those he loves. Amused, Lysandre begins to ask who Corbin is referring to, until his secretary shows up with a message, alarming Lysandre and Corbin.

In the Labs' medical facility, informs Renee that while Froakie is physically fine, they have yet to determine why it's unconscious. In tears, Renee blames herself for letting Froakie go off on its own. Professor Sycamore tries to assure her that Froakie is fine. Lysandre promises to keep Froakie at Lysandre Labs under the care of their high-end medical facility, but Renee falls against him sobbing. Behind a corner, Corbin is angry at himself for pushing Renee away and effectively causing Froakie's accident. He walks off silently, with an intensely furious glare and resolve in his eyes.

Having left Lysandre Labs on another journey, this time alone, Corbin comes across a Trainer with a that challenges him to a battle. Corbin recalls what Lysandre told him – they need to finish work on the Mega Evolution Energy machine to heal Froakie. Corbin affirms this, choosing to pursue greater power with renewed zeal so he can see Renee's smile again and angrily commands his Charizard to attack, telling his opponent that he was in a bad mood. Separately, Malva chides Lysandre for manipulating Corbin's actions to suit his own goals, and Lysandre responds by saying that he technically hasn't lied to Cprbom. Malva shrugs, remarking that Corbin's sincerity is what Lysandre likes about him, and her boss merely smiles to himself.

Kalos
TO BE CONTINUED