Beginning Author Notes

MAJOR Edit (12/19/10) - This edit is being placed in the first chapter to let all future readers know what is going on with the story as a whole. Initially, the story was to take place 5 years after the events of Pokemon Story. As of now, I am lowering this time-skip to one year (which is the standard amount of time it approximately takes after each region is tackled). Why? I felt that I should stick to the Pokemon canon and keep the cast as young as possible and stay linear to everything. Plus, all the stuff I have planned in the future suits a "one-year-older" cast more than a "five-year-older" cast. That means all implications of things relating to the former 5 years will be edited, taken out, and/or replaced with something regrading the new 1 year.

Thank you for taking the time to enter my story entitled "Pokemon Story 2: The Great Adventure". You have just began reading a story of mine that I am pouring much effort and excitement in to and it thoroughly relieves to know you would humble an author such as myself to take time reading it. PS2 (the abbreviation of this story) is a sequel to PS (abbreviation for Pokemon Story), a story which was written when my skills were below-average. PS2, unlike that one, covers a whole new region along with the twist and turns that come with it. I plan to assimilate some styles seen from all regions (Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh; Unova pending) with the styles I have in my fan-made region, and I hope you enjoy it. Predictably, this is going to take some time to finish so bear with me.

Here is a tentative list for the ages of character that will definitely appear in the story:

Ash - 13

Misty - 13

Max - 10

Brock - 16

Gary – 13

Ursula -12

Drew - 12

May – 12

Nando - 22

Harley - 18

Dawn – 11

Kenny - 11

Zoey - 12

Paul - 13

Jimmy - 13

Marina - 13

Vincent - 13

Ritchie - 13

I'm not sure if these ages are precise or not, but this is how things are going to be in my story. Also, Aaron from Pokemon Story is going to come back. His age will be 16. Lastly, another OC named Ian that appeared in between the end of Pokemon Story 1 and the beginning of Pokemon Story 2 will appear. His age shall be 16 as well. And any other major, recurring characters to appear that I haven't mentioned will have their ages said as well.

Disclaimer: Pokemon is copyrighted to Satoshi Tajiri (characters, concept, and creatures). The things I do own that will appear in the story are Aaron Shadow, Ian Darusu, Professor Xavier Kagu, the Tenla Region, the Gym Leaders of Tenla, the Elite Four of Tenla, the Tenla starter Pokemon, the towns and cities of Tenla, and additional/random people and trainers that appear.

Now that I've got just about everything covered, without further ado, please sit back, get comfy, and enjoy Pokemon Story 2: The Great Adventure:

Prologue: In Due Time

Like every journey in the Pokemon World, there is an exciting beginning and a regretful end. Sadly, there was an end to Ash and company's journey after that impressive performance a trainer and coordinator by the name of Aaron Shadow gave in Jubilife City and Oreburgh City. And this is how everything went.

During their adventures, May appeared in Sinnoh to participate in the Wallace Cup. She acquainted Dawn and talked to Ash and Brock about what happened when she was gone. Aaron, who was circumstantially in the city, met with the group again, not to partake in the Wallace Cup, but to stock up on supplies. May and Aaron reminisced about a contest in Johto, surprising Ash and Brock. May and Dawn faced each other in the finals with the latter claiming victory. This piqued Aaron's curiosity greatly.

Misty also appeared in the Sinnoh region partly to look at the ancient ruins in Celestic Town and partly to research the new Water Pokemon Sinnoh has. In a neighboring city, they held a water Pokemon competition. Misty (using a fully evolved Azumarill), Dawn (using Piplup), and Ash (using Buizel) participated in the tournament. Having more knowledge of Water Pokemon, Misty defeated them both only to face Aaron in the final round, who used his recently evolved Empoleon to ascertain its skills. Quickly learning her skills and countering them, Aaron's Empoleon easily trounced Misty's Azumarill to win the competition.

"So you're a longtime associate of Ash, hm?" Aaron said as he gazed at the orange-haired Water-type enthusiast from his elevated podium at the eastern endpoint of the large circular pool. "That's me!" Misty shamelessly responded. "Then this should be interesting." Aaron stated anticipatively as he took out his Pokeball. "It will, don't you worry about that!" Misty countered with a confident smile as she took out her own Pokeball, "Azumarril, let's go!" She threw out the Pokeball and the Aqua Mouse Pokemon was released into the water. "Azumarril, huh? All right, time for my new Empoleon to make a debut!" Aaron threw out his Pokeball and the Emperor Pokemon was released onto a stationary stone platform.

"Oh wow, Aaron's Prinplup evolved into an Empoleon!" Ash exclaimed. "I'm not surprised," Brock admitted as Dawn's eyes shimmered in admiration, "He's a powerful trainer indeed, but I'd like to see how he fares against Misty." Dawn finally spoke, "I wouldn't be surprised if he pulls a couple more tricks out of his hat." Piplup chirped enthusiastically beside its trainer, obviously going for the same person Dawn was.

"Begin!"

"Misty, you have the honors." Aaron impassively proclaimed as Empoleon readied itself. "Thanks a bunch! Azumarril, Bubblebeam!" Misty commanded. The pure Water-type pokemon shot out of the water and discharged a rapid succession of azure bubbles at Empoleon. "Hmph. Ice Beam then Steel Wing." Aaron enjoined as the Emperor Pokemon shot a ray of icy energy at the Bubblebeam. All of the bubbles instantly solidified into ice balls and were sliced into oblivion by a preceding Steel Wing from Empoleon. Ice crystals dispersed and scattered across the field beautifully. "Oh Empoleon is so powerful..." Dawn said in awe. "But I'm afraid skills seen in Pokemon Contests won't grant him victory against Misty." Brock said.

"Azumarril, Aqua Jet!" Misty commanded pointing at the Water/Steel-type Pokemon. The Aqua Mouse surrounded itself in a spiraling, bullet-shaped water veil and dashed expeditiously toward Empoleon's platform. "Waterfall." Aaron commanded calmly. Empoleon raised its arms and a tower of water suddenly arose around it, obscuring Azumarril's Aqua Jet's path and concealing its target. "Switch to Aqua Tail!" Misty quickly added. Azumarril used the boost from Aqua Jet to leap out of the water, effaced the water veil, swings its tail, and unleashed a small piercing wave from the ball at the end of its tail. The Aqua Tail lacerated through the tower of water and caused the whole thing to collapse. "Not bad." Aaron commented. "If you like that, you'll love this, Aaron!" Misty said. "But you're target is nowhere in sight sadly." Aaron announced. Like he said, Empoleon somehow disappeared after that scene; no one could tell its whereabouts. "Huh? Where'd it go?" Misty questioned as she and Azumarril looked around.

"Steel Wing." Aaron ordered. The Aqua Mouse was suddenly and forcefully jettisoned out of the water by powerful fin that was glowing silver and light blue. "AZU!" It screamed in pain as it received the damage and was sent flying upward. "Of course it would be underwater..." Misty groused as she mentally slapped herself at the rather obvious outcome. "There's more," Aaron proclaimed, "Waterfall." Instead of being enshrouded by another tower of water, Empoleon was actually elevated to Azumarril's height by the same column of H20. "Azumarril, use Aqua Jet to create distance!" Misty commanded. "Grab its tail, go for a ride." Aaron countered. The Aqua Mouse Pokemon shot away using Aqua Jet; however, the claws of the Emperor Pokemon managed to hook itself onto the black, squiggly tail and was literally right behind Azumarril as it went away.

"Ice Beam." "Emp!" Empoleon opened its beak and fired an Ice Beam in order to enclosed Azumarril in an icy prison from the water used for its Aqua Jet. "Azumarril!" Misty exclaimed in concern and astonishment. "Is it me or did Aaron use a loose version of the Ice Aqua Jet?" Ash commented pensively. "I don't think "loose" is a good adjective, Ash," Brock compromised, "I mean as you can plainly tell, Aaron's literally using it on Misty's Azumarril."

"Release it and fire your Hyper Beam." Aaron commanded while closing its eyes. Empoleon removed its claws from the tail of Azumarril (the only thing not frozen on it); the frozen Water-type began its descent while Empoleon charged orange-yellow energy in its beak. "Oh no..." Misty thought grimly, "How is Azumarril going to avoid Hyper Beam if the only thing on it not frozen is its tail...OH!" "Azumarril, Aqua Tail to soften your impact!" Aaron's right eye opened up halfway, "Oh?" The blue ball at the end of the Water-type's tail illuminated in an azure hue and unleashed spiraling of light blue water. At this point, Empoleon fired its Hyper Beam. A great big watery explosion was elicited when the Hyper Beam clashed onto the Aqua Tail and the surface of the pool.

"Clever, Misty," Aaron remarked in an intrigued tone, "You utilized the only aspect your Azumarril had at the moment to save itself from Empoleon's Hyper Beam." Misty smiled suddenly as she affirmed, "That's not all it did. Aqua Jet!"

Out of nowhere, as Empoleon landed on a platform, Azumarril shot out from the water behind it. Before the Emperor Pokemon could even react, it was struck by the Aqua Jet. "Way to battle back, Misty!" Ash cheered ecstatically as Pikachu did the same. "But this is Misty we're talking about," Brock smiled, "I doubt she'll let him take advantage like that." Dawn said in a hushed voice," Wow, Misty's as just as amazing." "Piplup!" Piplup squeaked in objection, apparently still preferring Aaron even in the current circumstances he was in.

"You used the impact from Hyper Beam to shatter Azumarril from its prison...I should've known judging from the blast radius of the explosion." Aaron enounced as Empoleon was currently being chased by Azumarril in the pool. "Told you." Misty stated in response and then ordered, "Now Hydro Pump!" Azumarril judged out of the water and fired a giant gush of water from its mouth.

"OK, I've studied her statistics enough," Aaron said to himself, "Then to end this game. Empoleon, dive down to avoid." The Emperor Pokemon quickly dived into the water so that Hydro Pump could strike the surface with a watery bang. "Ice Beam." Before the water could splash down, all of the airborne vats of liquid were suddenly frozen in place. "I see what you're trying to do, Aaron." Misty articulated, "Not happening! Aqua Tail!" The Aqua Mouse, while descending downward, flipped over so that its tail received the majority of the downward momentum. It impacted against the ice and caused a giant tidal wave to sprout out, shattering the ice instantly.

"Hyper Beam! Now!" Aaron shouted. "Here it comes, Azumarril! Watch your back!" Misty informed in alarm. To her and the Aqua Mouse's surprise, Empoleon revealed itself amidst from the icy and watery wreckage of Ice Beam and Aqua Tail rather than performing Azumarril's previous action with Aqua Jet, something Misty had formerly expected. "W-wait! Huh?" Misty cried out in confusion. "That's what you get for assuming I was copying you rather than simply luring into a false sense of security," Aaron said while crossing his arms and closing his eyes. The Emperor Pokemon discharged Hyper Beam again and this time scored a direct, critical hit.

"Azumarril!" Misty screamed out. "Whoa..." Ash whispered in stupefaction. "...But I had forgot Misty was battling Aaron out of all people." Brock stated in realization. "GO AARON!" Dawn cheered loudly whilst shooting out of her seat; Pikachu and Piplup fell over in their current locations in surprise while Brock and Ash had to cover their ears suddenly. "And I'm afraid that mistake is costly." Aaron said as Azumarril's eyes were replaced with swirls of discontinuity. "And now it's game over for you, Misty."

Dawn took part in the Sunyshore Contest Battle. Knowing Aaron would be present in the contest, she trained really hard. She had her training session with Pachirisu and Cyndaquil, her chosen pokemon to partake, interrupted by a Gengar who was scaring her Pokemon out of concentration and into disarray. A mysterious teen followed up with the act, now frightening Brock, Dawn, and Ash. The character's name was Ian, apologizing for the inconvenience despite the fact the scaring was intentionally. Aaron, who was watching from afar, came out of nowhere and voice his opinion: it was blatantly rude and mean to do such a thing.. Ian apologized once more claiming it was just 'harmless fun'. Even so, Aaron wanted to teach Ian a lesson.

Ian laughed elatedly as he enjoyed the annoyed yet terrified expressions on Dawn, Brock, and Ash's on faces. "Oh man! You need to learn to lighten up!" He said as he managed to stop his hysterics. "You need to learn to be considerate of others..." Ash growled menacingly as his eyes tightened in defiance. "Man, I said I was just-"

"Whatever it was..." A voice suddenly spoke in reprimand, "It was blatantly rude and absolutely mean to perform such a thing!" Everyone turned to the source of the authoritative voice and, to their surprise, it was Aaron.

"Aaron!" Ash exclaimed.

"What are you doing here?" Brock questioned.

"Better yet, when did you get here?" Dawn asked.

"Recently from watching from afar." Aaron answered but his hardened eyes were still glued to the sinister teen. "Ian, you still do that crazy hobby of yours?" He interrogated, souding quite irritated. "Heh, you know it, Aar." Ian responded with a proud grin. "Wait a minute," Ash interjected, "You two know each other?"

Ian answered, "Oh yeah. I met this guy loooong time ago, back in Lavender Town actually. Aaron and I have quite the history together."

Aaron added, "Yeah, he's right. Back when I first started my journeys, Ian and I and another person were traveling companions. Surely, we are best friends...but Ian here likes to scare random people...it's a rather deplorable characteristic of him." During the course of that statement, Aaron's mood shifted from nostalgia to beration.

"It's simply harmless fun, guys. Gosh." Ian claimed while putting his hands up defensively. "Hmph." Was Aaron's indifferent response; he really wanted to erase that so-called hobby of Ian's from existence but now what was not time nor the place for such.

However, Ash did not possess the amount of patience Aaron, so he challenged Ian to a three-on-three battle. Ian only used Spiritomb, who defeated Gliscor, Floatzel, and Pikachu easily. While Ash was left in a state of shock, Brock realized that Ian had the skills to back up his actions and words. In the contest, Zoey and Dawn were defeated by Ian's Gengar. Aaron and Ian faced each other in the finals. During the course of battle, they realized their strategies were similar to an extent. Aaron's Shieldon, who was a novice to the matter, was lingering on the precipice of defeat until it evolved to Bastiodon and decimated Gengar.

Shieldon struggled to stand back up, but it was completely exhausted after the constant beating it suffered from the Ghost/Poison-type levitating above it. "Heh heh heh," Ian chuckled with a grin, "It seems like your Shieldon is at its limits, Aaron. Face it...the end is here." Aaron exhaled sharply refusing to show Ian any signs of aggravation. He looked up the big screen; T-minus one minute remained on the timer, and Ian's point circle was at 47% while his was at 51%. Despite such, Shieldon looked like it would collapse any second against the rather lively Gengar it was combating.

"The end, Aaron Shadow!" Ian shouted, "Gengar, Shadow Ball!" The Shadow Pokemon chuckled sinisterly as it formed dark antimatter in its hands in the shape of a sphere. Shieldon refused to lose; it wanted to prove to its trainer that even a first-timer could dominate in new terrain. The Shield Pokemon's determination finally manifested itself by causing its whole body to illuminate a bright white color.

"What the?" Ian exclaimed in surprise while Gengar was left flabbergasted. "I'm afraid the game has just begun, Ian Darusu." Aaron proclaimed with a smile. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is something that we won't see alot during a Pokemon Contest!" Marian said through her mic. "Shieldon's evolving!" Ash pointed out from the stands as he, Dawn, and Brock watched in amazement. The white glowing body of Shieldon underwent rapid metamorphosis. Eventually, the light faded in order to reveal Shieldon's evolved form, the Steel/Rock-type Bastiodon.

"Bastiodon!" The Shield Pokemon bellowed powerfully. "Uh-oh/Gengar..." Ian and Gengar mumbled in unison and grimly. "Wow, Bastiodon looks great!" Dawn said in amazement. "And ready to finish this too!" Ash added in enthusiastically. "Now then, let's see what my new partner can do!" Aaron exclaimed as he pointed at Gengar, "Rock Slide!"

"Hurry and fire that Shadow Ball!"

Bastiodon's eyes illumined a dim brownish color and then boulders spontaneously started to cascade toward Gengar. The Ghost/Poison finally discharged Shadow Ball and managed to destroy the first line of boulders; this caused Aaron's points to decease to 44%. "Avoided that disaster..." Ian announced in relief. "I don't see why you're getting so lax." Aaron stated with a smirk. From the smoke, the second line of falling rocks from Rock Slide appeared. "Gengar, Psychic!" Ian quickly commanded; Gengar's red eyes altered to a pinkish color as the boulders were halted in place.

"Exactly what I wanted you to do." Aaron declared and then commanded, "Shock Wave!" Bastiodon released a good amount of thin yet widespread volts of electricity at the preoccupied Gengar. "Darn!" Ian cried out as his Ghost/Poison-type was shocked by Shock Wave. Unable to handle the stress of keeping Psychic up, Gengar stopped but continued to be shocked. The Rock Slide resumed falling consequently. "Time to add some injury to insult! Avalanche!" Suddenly, accompanying the falling rocks was now falling snow. "Gengar, watch out!" Ian alarmed, but Gengar was still being restricted of movement thanks to Shock Wave. Eventually the combination of Ice and Rock slammed down on Gengar with tremendous force.

"Gengar!"

"Game over."

It was indeed "game over" as Aaron described. Gengar crawled out from the wreckage but had swirls of discontinuity in its eyes. The trio of judges sounded their buzzers meaning Gengar was officially unable to continue battling in the Pokemon Contest. "With a newly evolved Bastiodon and quickly turning the tables, Aaron is hereby our Sunyshore City Contest winner!" Marian announced as he screen displayed his and Bastiodon's images with the words "WINNER"; the crowd was sent into a jovial uproar.

After a handshake and a couple of words, Ian and Aaron began a big rivalry. Aaron apologized to Ian for harshly attacking his "hobby", but Ian countered back by saying that he realized it was out-of-hand and will moderate his activities more. After so, Aaron gave Dawn the Sunyshore Contest Ribbon and wished Ash good luck in his Gym Battle. When questioned about his actions, Aaron simply revealed he had accomplished getting all Gym Badges and Contest Ribbons before departing.

It was now sunset as the Sunyshore City Contest was officially coming to a close. Ian and Aaron shook hands in a sportsmanlike manner in front of the entrance/exit to the Contest Hall with Brock, Dawn, and Ash watching. "Man, Aaron, you still got it." Ian said as he retracted his hand. "You know it." Aaron responded rather ostentatiously. "But let's just get one thing straight," Ian suddenly articulated, "Next time, you lose. I will defeat you in battle and it's going to be soon." Aaron sighed, not of exasperation but out of content, "Ian, in case you haven't noticed, trash talk belongs in a garbage can."

"Whatever!"

All present then heartily chuckled for a couple of moments until Aaron announced, "Well, I guess we'd better part ways. I'll see you all at the Grand Festival or Pokemon League respectively." Aaron tipped his hat dismissively as he began sauntering off. "See ya, Aaron!" Brock said as he waved with his crew. "I'll be at the Pokemon League for sure!" Ash proclaimed. "Same goes with the Grand Festival!" Dawn added. "You can bet on that!" Ian shouted determinedly.

Aaron waved back without looking as he continued his walk, but then suddenly remembered. "Oh right!" He turned around and yelled, "Hey Dawn!" The blue-haired coordinator, who was also leaving with her peeps, looked at the hat-wearing brunette in confusion, "Yes, Aaron?" Aaron threw something up into the air from his far-off position. Dawn looked up to see something falling toward and held out her hands to catch the object. It was the Sunyshore City Contest Ribbon. ""W-Wait! This is your ribbon, Aaron!" Dawn pointed out objectively. "I don't need it!" Aaron responded, "I have all of my ribbons! You can keep it! I think you deserve it more, so you better take this opportunity wisely!" Before the Twinleaf Town resident could object furthermore, Aaron began to walk off into the distance.

"Wow, that's very nice of Aaron..." Ash said. "I know, how many people actually give a ribbon to someone?" Brock stated. "...You mean to tell me I was an experiment?" Ian exclaimed in outrage, "Ooooooh, I'm soooo going to beat ALL of your behinds in the Grand Festivals!"

Dawn looked at the ribbon with mystified expression as Aaron's short words replayed in her mind. With a joyful and content smile, she held the ribbon close to her heart as she thought, "Thank you SO much, Aaron...I WILL take this opportunity!"

Later on, Ash gained access to the Pokemon League and, because of Aaron's generosity, Dawn gained access to the Grand Festival. The Pokemon League was the first competition to be out of the way. Among Ash, there were also a plethora of people involved; the most notable trainers included Ash himsef, Aaron, Nando, Conway, Barry of Twinleaf Town, Paul, and Ritchie/Sparky. The latter two both surprised and exited Ash who anticipated a great tournament. After grueling battles, Paul, Aaron, Ritchie, and Ash were in the Final Four.

Aaron, slightly upset that Paul uses Pokemon for power, was the destined opponent for Paul. Scizor defeated Ursaring and Weavile but was beaten by Magmortar. Empoleon defeated Magmortar and had a double knockout with Gliscor. Paul's Torterra defeated Steelix and Lucario. Finally, Aaron's Magneton defeated both Torterra and Honchkrow for Aaron to go on to the finals. Paul was irritated and after a lecture by Aaron, held a small grudge on him. Ash defeated Ritchie with Pikachu who beat Sparky as payback from their previous battle.

With the results of the Final Four set and seen, Ash and Aaron's battle in the Final Round commenced with Lucario defeating Gliscor. Staraptor subsequently defeated Lucario using its speed and aerodynamics. Initially, Aaron sent out Empoleon to take care of Ash's Staraptor, but recalled it in order to match the aerial techniques it possessed; so Aaron sent out Skarmory, but it was defeated by Staraptor as well. Now, with a clear idea of how Staraptor battled, Aaron sent Empoleon back out into the battle and defeated it. After Staraptor's defeat, Ash released Infernape into the battle, and the battle with Empoleon ended in a double knockout after activating their infamous Abilities. Ash, determined to beat Aaron and claim victory, then started to use his famous hot-blooded battle style.

"Empoleon and Infernape are unable to battle! This round results in a draw!" The referee officiated as it raised both of the flags in each of his hand. "What an amazing clash between the two final evolutions of the Fire- and Water-type starters of Sinnoh!" The announcer shouted through the numerous amount of speakers in the stadium, "I definitely don't think something of that calibur will ever happen again, folks!" The large screen overhead that displayed the images of Aaron and Ash and their current Pokemon suddenly blotted the images of Infernape on Ash's side and Empoleon on Aaron's side.

Ash recalled his soaked Infernape while Aaron recalled his scorched Empoleon. The Pallet Town resident put away that Pokeball as he thought, "Oh man...I knew Aaron was strong, but seeing his power first-hand is something else. His Lucario, Skarmory, and Empoleon were so skilled that whatever my Staraptor, Gliscor, and Infernape did he could counter it! I barely managed to beat those three..."

"Ash, we're waiting." Aaron's voice suddenly spoke, snapping the raven-haired trainer back into his senses. He had not realized that Aaron had sent out a Bastiodon into the battle and was currently awaiting Ash's next choice of Pokemon. "Oh sorry for keeping you waiting, Aaron." Ash quickly apologized as he took out his next Pokeball, "But now the REAL fun begins! I'm going to show you that I can be a powerful trainer like you by showing my TRUE strength! Torterra, I choose you!" After that invigorating but short speech of determination, Ash tossed out his Pokeball and the Continent Pokemon was released, eager to take down the other behemoth on the side of the field.

"I'd be honored if you did so." Aaron muttered with an agog grin as Bastiodon dug its left back leg in readiness. "Begin!" The referee declared as he raised both of the flags.

"Here I come, Aaron!"

"Bring it, Ash!"

However, his headstrong battle style did not go as planned and resulted with Torterra and Floatzel both losing against Bastiodon. Aaron, rather disappointed in the outcome, then revealed his battle tactics; he analyzes his opponent's skills and attacks and quickly thinks of a counter. Offensively, he balances out his Pokemon's abilities and uses skills to overcome their weaknesses. All this is performed while Aaron remains levelheaded and circumspect.

"Floatzel is unable to battle! Bastiodon is the winner!" The referee officiated as he raised his left-hand flag that represented Aaron's side. "And Aaron practically closes the door on Ash in probably the worst possible!" The announcer vociferated, "Ash has been rendered to his last Pokemon while Aaron still has three more to go!" Ash was absolutely aghast; he could not believe how easily Bastiodon laid waste to both Torterra and Floatzel. Usually when he resorted to his trademark fiery determination, his Pokemon would be able to go against all odds and pull out a miracle, but the exact opposite just occurred, and he was now in the most unfavorable position he has experienced in his whole career.

"Oh Ash..." Dawn whispered sympathetically. "Man...Aaron has unbelievable skills..." Brock remarked uneasily, "He's one of the few trainers I've seen be able to do something like this." Dawn looked at Brock and asked, "Do you think Ash can rectify himself?" Brock did not look back but only bit his lips slightly as he said, "I honestly don't know, Dawn...but I think Ash may be finished."

Ash gritted his teeth and clenched his free hand as he recalled his fallen Floatzel back into its Pokeball. Aaron had a disappointed countenance as he placed both of his hands on his hips. He questioned his frustrated opponent, "What happened? I thought you were going to show me your true strength? Was that it right there?" Ash did not respond because he couldn't tell if Aaron was being genuinely confused or spitefully abrasive.

"Stop doing that." Aaron demanded austerely as he let his arms drop. "Stop what?" Ash spat back as Pikachu looked at him in disquietude. "You clenching your left hand and gritting your teeth," Aaron pointed out, "You showing obvious signs of frustration...you need to quit that right this moment!" Ash's formerly frustrated and aghast expression was suddenly replaced with a mystified and puzzled one. "You cannot allow yourself to become mad or frustrated at any time during a battle. If you do, you must catch that and stop yourself before your opponent does himself." Aaron coached critically, "Right now, I'm being merciful to you."

"But..." Ash complained softly, "Why you are-...How could-"

Aaron instantly cut him off with a question, "Ash, have you figured out my battling capabilities as I've ascertained yours?" Ash looked at him and replied with a shake of his head. "Throughout all of my battles, including this one, I let myself and my Pokemon stay in a defensive mode so that I can analyze my opposition's abilities and skills." Aaron explained as Bastiodon yawned in disinterest, "As it progresses, I deduce the best possible methods and counters so that I can proficiently battle. Concerning my Pokemon, I make sure they are adjusted to such by having their strengths suited for the worst case scenarios. It sounds tedious, but trust me, my Pokemon can do it perfectly and as quickly as possible. Even in the heat of battle, I am able to do this because I don't mad when things do not go as planned! I stay levelheaded so that I come back and claim victory!"

Ash looked up to the sky thoughtfully, "Stay levelheaded, huh...?" He pondered on Aaron's words so that he could register it and finally understood why his performance was so meager. "I see...Time to try it out then!" "Pikachu, you're up next!" Ash suddenly exclaimed as he faced Aaron with his determined expression returning. "Pika!" Pikachu rushed onto the battlefield as electricity sparkled in its crimson cheeks. Bastiodon smirked and ready for the next battle it had. "And finally after an invigorating speech from his opponent, Ash sends out his final Pokemon Pikachu!" The last slot on Ash's side of the screen brightened up to reveal Pikachu's image.

"Begin!"

"Time to end this game."

"Not on my watch, Aaron."

With his new-found resolve, Ash goes against the odds mixing his headstrong approach with a calmer thought process by defeating Bastiodon...

"IRON TAIL!" Ash passionately shouted. Bastiodon, paralyzed from the previous Thunderbolt it was forced to endure, was powerless to prevent an impressive electrically-enhanced Iron Tail from lacerating its face and draining the last amounts of its energy. The Steel/Rock-type Pokemon fell over in defeat with swirls of discontinuity replacing its eyes. "Bastiodon is unable to battle! Pikachu is the winner!" The ref announced as he raised the right-hand flag representing Ash and Pikachu. Ash took a deep breath to alleviate the nervousness welled inside his chest. "OK, so far thinking calmly is working." Ash said to himself.

"Not bad, Ash!" Aaron positively remarked as he recalled his fallen Bastiodon, "I won't lie. That was pretty cool what Pikachu did with Quick Attack. You purposely let it absorb and manipulate the Shock Wave Shield by running circles around Bastiodon. Next, you unleashed a Thunderbolt onto the Shock Wave Shield while its defensive reaction was underway to throw off the rotation. That only caused it to turn against Bastiodon; then, there was no way for my Bastiodon to react properly because of incapacitation. That's when you went for the kill with an Iron Tail!"

"Thanks, Aaron. I couldn't have done it if you hadn't gave me that pep-talk!"

"Any time. I find it deplorable defeating an opponent that wallows in frustration unless they've proven they need to be. Now then, shall we continue?" Aaron stated with smirk as he took out his next Pokeball. "Oh yeah!" Ash cordially responded with an eager smirk. "Then you better get ready! Because this one's gonna REALLY test your mettle!" Aaron shouted as he threw out his Pokeball.

...and Steelix with Pikachu. This greatly surprised Aaron as Pikachu's only offensive move was Iron Tail when up against Steelix. Interested to see how the remainder of the battle goes, Aaron sends out Magneton.

Steelix roared in pain as Pikachu slashed its face with a powerful spinning Iron Tail. "Steelix, no!" Aaron shouted in disbelief as the colossal Steel/Ground Pokemon collapsed to the ground with a booming thud. "Steelix is unable to battle! Pikachu is the winner!" The announcer was thrown into joyous hysteria, "ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! Pikachu has defied all laws of physics as it stands as Steelix's conqueror in this round!"

Aaron blinked in avid disbelief as he recalled Steelix and contemplated, "Wow...Pikachu's only offensive move was Iron Tail this whole time yet Ash managed to revolutionize it and beat my Steelix. Man, Ash is a good strategist when he wants to be." The brunette suddenly let an animated smirk form across his face as he announced, "Now I'm very interested to see how this battle is going to end! I think it's time this we settle this, Ketchum!"

"I wouldn't want it any other way, Shadow!"

"Magneton!" Aaron shouted informatively. The Magnet Pokemon behind him nodded and floated onto the battlegrounds. The sixth and final spot on Aaron's line of Pokemon lit up and revealed Magneton's image. "This battle is breathtaking..." Dawn said completely happy and excited to be able to witness greatness at its pinnacle. "You can say that again, Dawn!" Brock agreed zestfully, "We can officially say these two are on equal grounds now!"

"And it has come down to this, folks!" The announcer boomed elatedly, "Aaron's signature Magneton versus Ash's signature Pikachu! Which Electric-type will win? We'll just have to find out!"

"Begin!"

After a very long and tiresome, the battle ended with Pikachu fainting after a Volt Tackle-Hyper Beam clash. Thus, Aaron won the Pokemon League.

"Magneton, Hyper Beam with all your might!" Aaron commanded anxiously.

"Pikachu, full-power Volt Tackle!" Ash commanded with gusto.

Both Pokemon knew this was it...all or nothing...winner take all. Using that last bit of their energy from the exhausting battle, they began the phases of their final attack. Magneton charged up orange-yellow energy in the center of its metallic body; Pikachu rushed forward while covering itself with a vast amount of intense electricity. In the current circumstances, it seemed that the Mouse Pokemon would be able to connect Volt Tackle before Magneton could complete charging Hyper Beam.

"Here it comes!" Brock exclaimed as the final clash was beckoning. "Oh I can't watch!" Dawn cried out as she turned away, unable to suppress the suspense anymore. "Pika Pika Pika PIIII-KA!" A Volt Tackle-induced Pikachu was now directly in front of the Electric/Steel-type pokemon and vigorously hopped up in order to deliver the strike. "DO IT!" Aaron screamed at the top of his lungs. Magneton instantaneously discharged Hyper Beam, but was in such close proximity to Pikachu that the resulting explosion engulfed them both.

Aaron and Ash pulled down their respective hats so that their eyes could be shielded from the smoke and dust kicked up from the powerful implosion. "Forget what I said about Empoleon and Infernape!" The announcer yelled in suspense, "This is a true clash of the titans, except between two Electric-types! But sadly there can only be ONE victor in this awesome bout!" Everyone knew he was right. Either Pikachu or Magneton would be the winner and it would be revealed when the smoke decides to subside.

Eventually, the smoke did such. Every single person and Pokemon spectating the match-up, either at home or live, were literally on the edge of their seats as the smoke finally thinned out to reveal the status of both Pokemon. Magneton was floating in the air staring indignantly at Pikachu while the latter was standing on its feet returning the stare. No one moved, no one even breathed, and certainly no one spoke as they let fate decided the next event.

Magneton and Pikachu's expression softened into expressions of respect and thankfulness...Then, a small thud sounded to signal the end of the one of them...

"...Pikachu is unable to battle!" The ref officiated. The pure Electric-type was the Pokemon that fell inferior to its conqueror; Ash gasped but he could not feel sad, frustrated, or even disappointed...in fact, he was happy and proud. "Magneton is the winner and the victory goes to Aaron!"

Dawn intently watched whole the tournament to learn Aaron's skills. She knew a fraction of them going into the Grand Festival and kept this in mind throughout the whole thing. Dawn, Aaron, Zoey (whom defeated Nando's Lopunny and Kricketune in earlier rounds), and Ian (whom defeated Kenny's Empoleon and Machoke also earlier in the rounds) all lasted until the Final Four.

Ian, who was Aaron's semifinal opponent, was very eager to get the opportunity to battle him once again. Ian's Mismagius and Shedinja clashed with Aaron's Magneton and Lucario. Near the climax of the battle, an interesting twist happened when Magneton evolved into Magnezone. With the newfound edge, Lucario and Magnezone proceeded to defeat Mismagius and Shedinja. Ian was disappointed at his lost and vowed he will defeat Aaron one of these days. Their rivalry now burned even greater.

Dawn was really excited that she could possibly face Aaron in the finals, but she had to beat Zoey before such could happen. Zoey's Glameow and Leafeon were pitted against Dawn's Buneary and Togekiss. The two rivals battled with everything they had up until the timer ran out and it came to a judge's decision. Dawn's points were unfortunately one-fourths less than Zoey's, so she lost. Aaron and his Bastiodon and Skarmory defeated Zoey's Finneon and Gastrodon in the finals, winning him the Grand Festival. He congratulated Zoey for a great battle and, even though they never battled, Aaron thanked Dawn as well.

Now, that the adventure in the Sinnoh Region was said and done, everyone parted ways back to their homes in their respective regions. Ash went back to Pallet Town, Dawn went back to Twinleaf Town, Brock went back to Pewter City, and Aaron went back to Metropolis Town. Ian went to his hometown of Lavender Town. May won the Johto Grand Festival and went back to Petalburg City. Misty successfully captured a couple of Sinnoh's water Pokemon and went back to Cerulean City.

Like every time when our heroes conquer a region and return, things became oddly quiet.

Which now leads to the present...

Ending Author Notes

As you can plainly tell, the prologue simply explains and describes the events that occurred between the end of PS and the beginning of PS2 that contribute to the events ensuing. The actual activity in the Tenla Region begins in the next chapter. Hopefully, you think this story is at least somewhat or a little bit interesting and continue on. You aren't forced to, but I would appreciate it if you would leave a review every now and then to point out flaws, something you like, or any acceptable constructive criticism.

Adieu and Adios!