Pokémon X and Y News Anime Spoilers: Gym Leaders, Serena, New Pokémon for Ash Ahead of US Debut

Warning: This article contains spoilers not broadcast on television outside of Japan.

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While Japan has been underway with the anime season for the "Pokémon X and Y" series, fans in the United States are still waiting for "Pokémon: BW: Adventures in Unova and Beyond" to conclude.

Although a two-episode preview for "Pokémon the Series: XY" debuted on Cartoon Network on Oct. 19, the season is not expected to continue until late December or early January 2014.

Fans outside of Japan have missed Ash Ketchum catching a new Pokémon, receiving a gym badge and his adventures with a female protagonist.

After the two-episode preview, Ketchum continued his journey with Lumiose City Gym Leader Clemont and Bonnie. Clemont still has not disclosed his status as Lumiose Gym Leader to Ketchum.

In episode three of the "Pokémon the Series: XY," Ketchum officially registers for the Kalos League and travels to Santalune City in order to battle Viola. Along the way to Santalune City, Ketchum catches Fletchling while Team Rocket's James captures an Inkay.

During episode four, Serena visits Professor Augustine Sycamore to choose her starter Pokémon. For Serena, she chose Fennekin. Meanwhile, Ash, Bonnie, and Clemont are still traveling to Santalune City. For Bonnie, Clemont catches Dedenne. Since Bonnie is too young to literally own a Pokémon, Clemont simply allows his little sister to take care of Dedenne.

Episode five arrived on Japanese airwaves on Nov. 7. Ketchum arrived at the Santalune City Gym to battle Viola, an expert on Bug-type Pokémon. It is a two-on-two battle with Ketchum's Pikachu and Fletching against Viola's Surskit and Vivillon. Pikachu lost against Surskit, but Fletching managed to take down Surskit. Vivillon, however, proved too powerful with a solarbeam on Fletching. Viola won the battle.

During the battle, however, Serena enters the Santalune Gym and sees Ketchum battling Viola. Ketchum failed to notice Serena.

Episode six finally revealed the backstory between Ketchum and Serena. She revealed she knew Ketchum from a summer camp trip in Pallet Town in the Kanto region. Ketchum, however, still does not remember her. Serena is disappointed but wants Ketchum to focus on his rematch against Viola.

The rematch for the Bug Badge is on. During the battle, Fletchling is shown to know the move Steel Wing, which proved beneficial during the battle. Ash wins the rematch and earns the Bug Badge.

Episode seven featured more on Serena as she accepts the offer to travel with Ketchum, Bonnie, and Clemont. Serena, however, does not clarify her purpose to travel around the Kalos region but more history between her and Ketchum is revealed. Serena further recalls the first time she and Ketchum met during summer camp. Serena was startled by a wild Poliwag, which led her to trip and injuring her knee. A young Ketchum appeared and helped wrap Serena's knee with a handkerchief. Serena is surprised and flattered by the help by this stranger. Finally, Ketchum remembers the moment and apologizes to Serena for not remembering earlier.

Serena appears to have a crush on Ketchum as blushes during moments with the Pallet Town-based Pokémon trainer. She helps Ketchum during a Rhyhorn race and bakes cookies for her new traveling companions.

The eighth episode is scheduled to premiere in Japan on Nov. 28, featuring Furfrou.

Meanwhile, the final episode of the Unova-based season is set to debut in the U.S. on Dec. 7.

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