Ep 2. Lumiose City Pursuit!

Ash and his friends, Pikachu, Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie, are back in Lumiose City, where they reunite with Alexa, their friend and journalist who offers to guide them for the day. The group strolls around the city, looking at the various shops, restaurants, and gardens, and taking in the sights and sounds of Lumiose City.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket has arrived in the city and is devising a new scheme to capture Pikachu. They are in disguise and plan to cause chaos near Cafe Soleil, a popular cafe in the city. As the group walks by, a commotion ensues, causing Ash and Pikachu to jump into action. After Pikachu defeats Team Rocket's Pokemon, the group realizes that a briefcase has been stolen from a passerby. They offer to help retrieve it.

Using Clemont's gadgets, they track down the thief to a nearby alley where they confront him. The thief tells them that he was hired to steal the briefcase and hands it over. The briefcase belongs to none other than Alexa's sister, Viola, who has lost it while on assignment. The group makes its way to the Prism Tower, Lumiose City's most famous building, where Viola is waiting for Alexa. Upon their arrival, they come to know that Viola is a famous Gym leader for Bug-type Pokemon using photography as a method to study and understand the behaviour of Pokemon.

Viola was in town to cover a photography exhibition that showcased the work of Professor Augustine Sycamore, an expert on Mega Evolution. Sycamore has discovered a new way of Mega Evolution, which involves the use of a Key Stone to activate a Mega Ring, which is worn by the Pokemon. A demonstration is imminent, and the group is invited. However, before they can enter, they have to prove their worth by participating in a battle in the Lumiose City Gym.

The gym's doors open, and thousands of people rush in to watch. Ash is nowhere near prepared for what he encounters. The gym is like nothing he has ever seen before, with various obstacles, like a giant spider web, a bouncing trampoline, and spinning hoops, making it difficult for teams to clear. Ash and Pikachu's opponent is none other than Viola herself, the Gym Leader, who uses Bug-type Pokemon.

Pikachu starts strong, and Ash feels confident. But Viola's Pokemon are no pushovers, and they start to take control. Pikachu's quick thinking and agility allow for some headway, but ultimately Viola's strategy beats Ash and Pikachu. Despite their defeat, the group is happy to have made it as far as they have.

As the day passes, the group learns more about Mega Evolution and has a chance encounter with Professor Sycamore himself, who promises to help Ash and Pikachu in their quest to learn more about Mega Evolution and become even stronger. As the evening comes to a close, the group bids goodbye to Alexa and Viola, promising to meet again soon and continue their journey together.

In conclusion, Pokemon season 17, episode 2, Lumiose City Pursuit! follows Ash and his friends as they travel to Lumiose City and encounter new challenges and adventures. The episode introduces the concept of Mega Evolution, which becomes a recurring theme throughout the season. Through their encounters with Viola and Professor Sycamore, the group gains a deeper understanding of Pokemon and becomes stronger in their quest to become the very best. The episode is filled with action, humor, and heart, making it a joy to watch for fans of all ages.