The day before the Kalos League finals between Ash and Alain, our heroes meet Alain’s young friend Mairin when she rescues Clemont’s wayward Chespin! Team Flare is also in Lumiose City, preparing for a secret operation while all eyes are on the League—and Lysandre has plans for Ash once the League is over.
Meanwhile, Professor Sycamore, who has been researching Ash-Greninja, shows our heroes an old manuscript describing the mysterious Bond Phenomenon, which requires Trainer and Pokémon to have a particularly close connection. Afterward, Ash rallies his Pokémon for the battle ahead, while Alain trains hard with his Charizard. His mission to gather Mega Evolution energy is nearly complete...