A/N - First multi-fic story. Go easy on me :)

Inspired by Champions League Finals - ruggler354


Present Day


The locker room was built for eight but only held two. One was a yellow mouse-like Pokemon who was just quietly sitting in the corner. The other was his trainer, who was pacing up-and-down the locker room.

It was safe to say that one of them was feeling the weight of expectation.

The last four times the duo were in a locker room, both of them were cool, calm, and collected. But those four times didn't involve TV cameras and a capacity crowd that were fully against him. Those four times weren't a championship battle either. A championship battle the trainer had been working towards ever since he started his journey, eleven years prior. His first championship battle.

It was only natural to feel a few nerves, right?

Finally sitting down, he took a few seconds to think about his journey, particularly the last four years. Four years ago, he lost in the final of Lumiose Conference in a battle that many expected him to win. Ever since then he dedicated all his time to bettering his Pokemon and himself, by any means necessary.

He referred to it as "Extra Special Training".

In his opinion, the past four years of his career eclipsed the previous seven. He now considered himself to be a trainer capable of beating the world's best. Part of this was due to leaving his friends and family behind and venturing out on his own. He'd barely even spoken to them, sometimes going months without a word.

The other part was him getting older. Most of his career he was a naïve child and a naïve teenager. Now he was in his early-twenties and he even felt himself maturing.

His train of thought was cut short with a knock on the door.

"Come in," he said sternly.

He was expecting to see a Pokemon League official, but instead he saw a friend. A friend covered top to bottom in her pink cheerleader gear. Even her hair, which was usually a deep shade of blue, now had a streak of pink. It was clear on the boy's face that her appearance was an unexpected one.

"No pom poms, Dawn?" Ash said, trying to pick his jaw up from the ground.

"They're in the stands. Brock has them," she replied, causing the two to laugh. "How you doing, Pikachu?"

"Pika Pika," the pokemon replied, cool as you like.

"Well, someone's calm." Dawn petted Pikachu between the ears, resulting in an affectionate 'Chaa' from the Pokemon, "And how are you feeling, Ash?"

"Well that's the million dollar question now isn't it? I seem to be hearing that a lot recently." Ash put his hands on the back of his head, "I'm ready." He paused for a second. "Wait Dawn, when did you get here and how did you manage to get past security and into the locker room?"

"Well, I flew in from Hoenn last night and-" A devilish smile formed on Dawn's face. "I told them I was your girlfriend."

"Wait what?" Ash responded. Dawn burst into laughter. "Always causing trouble."

"Well, everyone else got to speak to you before your battle, and I was too busy competing in the Grand Festival."

"Congratulations by the way."

"Thank you." Dawn did a fake curtsy, "Back-to-back Grand championships – I didn't think I had it in me."

Through talking to Dawn, Ash felt his nerves starting to settle. He could finally approach this match with a clear head. Most importantly, his confidence was coming back. He would have to thank her for that later.

After five more minutes of catching up, there was another knock on the door. Before they had a chance to react, the door opened to reveal a Pokemon League official.

"We're ready for you, Mr Ketchum," the official said before promptly closing the door.

"Well I guess that's our cue, buddy," Ash said to Pikachu, "I guess you have to go to your seat now, Dawn."

"Yeah but it sucks that we're not all sitting together."

"Wait, really?" Ash said, walking towards the door, "Who are you sitting with?"

"Well me, Misty, May, Brock and Gary are all together. Your Mum and Professor Oak are sitting in VIP and I don't know where Iris and Cilan are sitting."

"Trust me that's for the best. Ever since they became a couple they literally can't keep their hands off each other. Super uncomfortable."

"Well maybe we dodged a bullet." Dawn scratched her head, "Now stop talking to me, you have a title to win."

Ash smiled, his face oozing confidence "Right!"

The pair high-fived before leaving the locker room. Once they were out Ash starting running at full speed down the hallway.

"Good luck, Ash!"

"Don't need it."


6 weeks earlier


For ten months of the year, Vertress City was a quiet city. The inhabitants would usually get on with their business on a day to day basis and go home. There were no real sports teams or museums or anything that could garner attention. All in all, it was a boring city really.

But that was only ten out of twelve months.

The other two months were in the climax of the battle season, when the Vertress Conference takes place. People from all over the world; trainers and fans alike would be in the city to either watch or compete in battles. Fans would arrive weeks before the tournament starts to book their tickets to watch and most would stay after the tournament looking for a new place to live. People will be selling merchandise literally 24 hours a day, whilst food trucks would be all over place.

It was like a different city. The difference was night and day.

For the trainers, it was the most important time of the year. After spending months of their life working to earn the eight badges to qualify for the tournament, now was the time for them to show the world (and themselves) what they were capable of. The winner would get an opportunity at the elite four and if by some miracle they beat all four, then the champion awaits.

For some trainers, the opportunity to compete at the conference was good enough, knowing that no matter what the result, they would leave a better trainer with more experience. For others, not so much.

And Ash was one of them. He was here to win.

"Well then," Ash said to Pikachu, who was on his shoulder. "We're back Pikachu."

"Pika!" the Pokemon replied, very happy.

Ash rubbed his hands, "It's been awhile since our last tournament buddy. I am itching to battle and show people what we've learned in these four years. They are not ready." Ash's smile was ear-to-ear. He couldn't contain his excitement.

"We need to go to the Pokemon Centre to register. As soon as we do that we can begin training. Also, we need to make sure we have a room to sleep in. I'm over outdoor sleeping after this last year."

As soon as he finished speaking, Ash began to sprint towards the Pokemon Centre. He was making good progress until he ran head first into another person and fell on his rear.

Ash clutched his head, "Augh, my ass. You okay, Pikachu?"

"Pika Pikapi."

"What's the big idea running into me!" Ash suddenly heard yelling in his ear. "I have half a mind to... Ash?!"

Ash looked up to see a rather chunky man in front of him. He was wearing a pink Gi which covered literally all of him besides his head and his hands. He was wearing sandals on his feet that looked like they were a day away from ripping apart completely.

Ash smiled as he instantly recognised the man in front of him, "How you doing Morrison?"

"Dude, it's been years." The anger in Morrison's voice had disappeared, replaced by pure joy. "Does this mean you're in the tournament too?"

"I'm not just in the tournament, I'm winning the whole damn thing," Ash said, with a smirk.

Morrison clenched his fist, "You have to go through me first. And I've been waiting for years for a rematch with you."

"Well if you manage to stay in the tournament, then I'm sure it'll be my privilege to eliminate you...again."

"Puh-lease", Morrison closed his eyes and turned his head, "Ever Grande was nine years ago. I'm a way better battler than I was then. If we face each other, it'll be a different outcome."

"I doubt it."

"Oh, do you?"

The two stood there and continued to trash talk each other for about five minutes. Other people would take time out from whatever they were doing to watch these two bicker.

"Honestly dude." Morrison sighed, "I'm running out of ways to tell you that I'm gonna win."

"Yeah me too. But this was entertaining." Ash replied, "I still need to register. Have you registered yet?"

"Yeah. I registered last night when I got here last night. I'll come with you though. You're gonna want some company when you're standing in line."

"Ugh, that's what I wanted to avoid. Lets, get a move on."

"So, Ash," Morrison said as they began to walk to the Pokemon Centre. "Whatcha' been up to these last nine years?"


Present Day


"Man, I knew I should have eaten before we got here. Concessions are a rip-off."

In the stands, a group of four were awaiting the battle to start. Just like the challenger they were nervous for the upcoming battle. That was because they all were close friends of the challenger and they all watched him grow throughout the years.

"Gary, how much did that burger cost you?" the eldest of the group said whilst scratching his spiky hair.

"Eight dollars." Gary replied before taking a bite. "What a rip-off."

From the other side of Brock a ginger haired woman wagged her finger. "You should have woken up early and ate with the rest of us, Gary."

"I was up all night writing papers!" Gary replied, "Unlike the rest of you I'm still working. I had to beg Rowan to let me come here."

Misty smirked, "He wouldn't like you calling him Rowan without saying professor, first."

"Well luckily, he's not here."

"I have his number on my Pokegear." Brock chimed in. "Maybe we should give him a call."

Gary's eyes widened, "You wouldn't."

"Do it, Brock." Misty laughed. Misty would have continued to torment Gary but she was caught off guard by something. "May you're being awfully quiet."

From the other side of Gary, the brunette in question looked up to three faces staring at her, "Yeah I just got some stuff on my mind right now."

"The Grand Festival?" Gary asked. "You know that there's no shame in losing to Wallace. He's great. And you'll win your next one." Gary took a huge bite of his burger.

"Thanks Gary." May said quietly. That wasn't the reason why May was distracted and if Gary wasn't totally absorbed into his burger, he probably would have noticed. Luckily for May, Misty gave her a knowing look which May reciprocated.

"Where's Dawn?" Brock said. "The match is going to start soon."

"I'm right here." The group turned to see the blunette, weaving her way through the crowd until she found her place next to May. "Did I miss anything?"

"Well Gary spent a lot on a burger, and May is still reeling from losing to Wallace." Brock said, his eyes focused on the arena. Dawn looked at May and then looked at Misty, both of which gave her the same look they gave each other. Dawn nodded and took her seat. "How's Ash?" Brock continued.

"He's ready," Dawn replied. "He's nervous but he's ready."

"I have to ask, Gary said. "You guys think Ashy-boy has a chance?"

Gary's question was met by four glares. Each more pissed off than the last.

"LADIES AND GENTLEMAN IT'S TIME FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP BATTLE!"


The sound of the crowd's cheering was intimidating for Ash and Pikachu. The crowd was ready for this battle. Almost as much as Ash was. No battle that he had before had garnered this much attention. He just hoped it would live up to the expectation.

This is it.

"Just one more battle, Pikachu. One more win." Pikachu nodded in response.

"INTRODUCING THE CHALLENGER. FROM PALLET TOWN IN THE KANTO REGION. THE WINNER OF THE VERTRESS CONFERENCE. PLEASE WELCOME ASH KETCHUM!"

Lets Go.

The cheers erupted again as Ash walked from the tunnel onto the battlefield but this time, certain sections of the crowd started to boo him. Loudly. He didn't respond to any of it, he just kept walking until he had reached the middle of the battlefield where the referee was waiting for him.

"Is your mic on?" The referee asked. Ash checked his lapel mic and nodded. "Well then good luck." The referee and Ash shook hands and the referee gave a signal.

"AND NOW, THE CHAMPION. THE PRIDE OF FLOCCESY TOWN AND THE KING OF UNOVA. THE REIGNING, DEFENDING, UNDISPUTED POKEMON LEAGUE CHAMPION OF UNOVA. WELCOME ALDER ADEKU."

The crowd was already going nuts before the champions name. It was damn near pandemonium. And it only got louder when the champion emerged from the tunnel. And louder still when he started playing up to the crowd. Ash scowled as soon as he saw him and he could feel his anger rising as Alder got closer to him.

When Alder finally made it to the centre, the cheers finally started to die down. The two contenders locked eyes with each other and began to stare daggers through each other. Alder was smiling. Ash wasn't.

"Is you mic on, champ?" the referee asked.

Alder nodded, "You ready, Ashton?" Ash didn't respond.

"Alright gentlemen," The referee spoke up. "It's time for the coin toss. As you are aware the winner gets the first move and the loser has to reveal his Pokemon first. Alder as you're the champion, you get to call it."

"Heads."

The referee flipped the coin. And caught it. The two battlers continued to stare at each other.

"It's heads."

Damn.

Alder smiled. "The first of many victories I'll have today." Ash's scowl intensified.

"Okay gentlemen, we know who's going first. All that's left is to shake hands and have a good battle."

Alder offered his hand out to Ash. Against Ash's initial judgement he grabbed it and gave it a firm shake.

"Sorry in advance, Ashton."

Ash didn't say anything. He simply let go of Alders hand and walked to his end of the battlefield.

I'm gonna crush this guy.


6 weeks ago


"I can't believe we were standing in line for two hours just to register," Ash said, clearly exasperated.

"You should have gotten here earlier," Morrison laughed. Ash glared at him and Morrison laughed harder. And he wouldn't stop laughing until he was cut off by the sound of his belly growling.

Now it was Ash's turn to laugh, "Morrison's hungry. Shock." Before Ash could say anything else his belly decided to growl, which prompted Morrison to laugh.

"Ash is hungry. Shock."

Ash had a sheepish look on his face, but he soon joined Morrison in a fit of laughter. It was good to have a friend around. He'd spent the better part of the last two years by himself.

"Lets eat."

"Where? Concession stand? Or back at the Pokemon Centre? We can't afford any of these restaurants."

"But I can." A deep voice caught the two trainers off guard. The two trainers looked up and saw a man in his late forties with wild red hair. Morrison was starstruck.

"I-It's Alder. Th-The champion of the Unova region." He said, his jaw hovering the ground

"I know," Ash said "It's good to see you again, Alder."

"Oh Ashton, I almost didn't recognise you there. You've grown into a quite the young man."

"You know Alder?" The disbelief on Morrison's face was hilarious to Ash.

"I do. I even battled him before." Ash turned to Alder, "And soon we'll get to finish that battle."

Alder laughed, "I guess that means you're in the tournament then, Ashton."

"I am. And it's Ash by the way."

"Well. Play your cards right and I may battle one of you boys in the future."

"It'll be me," Morrison said.

"Not before me." Ash replied.

"No it won't."

"Yes it will."

"No it won't."

"Yes it will."

Ash and Morrison continued to go back and forth, much to Alders delight and Pikachu's annoyance. They probably would have continued for hours, but a third, more intense belly growl caught them off guard.

They both looked to Alder who was smiling, "Well I guess I need to eat. Whatdya say boys? Shall we go eat? I'm buying."

The excitement on Ash and Morrisons face made Alder laugh again. At last there was something that they could agree on.


Present Day


The VIP room was packed. A bunch of people in suits and ties, holding cigars or wine glasses were talking amongst themselves. A lot of them weren't that interested in the battle and were only there for the day out.

Sitting amongst them was a man deep into his sixties and next to him was a concerned mother. Both of them were watching the challenger at his side of the field.

"I hope my baby is doing okay. It's been a tough week for him. It's been a tough year."

"He'll be fine, Delia. He's been working for this since he left Pallet all those years ago. He's not going to overwhelmed by the pressure."

"I hope you're right." Delia got out of her seat. "COME ON ASH!" Delia yelled so loud that it caught the attention of almost everyone in the VIP room. But she didn't care. She was here to support her son and she would do so until the battle was over.

"This reminds me of a poem I wrote. It's called-"

"Not now Sam"


"Before the challenger reveals his first Pokemon, we need to determine which one of the five battlefields that will be used for the first half of the battle."

Both Ash and Alder as well as everyone in attendance looked towards the giant screen. A giant circle appeared on screen and it was split into five sections, each representing the rock, grass, water, ice and ordinary battlefields. One by one each of the sections were highlighted in a quick succession, until it had finally stopped on the rock symbol.

"AND IT'S THE ROCK BATTLEFIELD. HOW WILL IT AFFECT THE BATTLERS?"

The atmosphere in the arena became more tense as the ordinary battlefield that the battlers walked onto had been replaced with the rock battlefield. At last it was time for the battle to begin.

All eyes were on Ash as he prepared to reveal his first Pokemon. He gritted his teeth. He would have preferred to have won the coin toss. Most of his strategy had been based around revealing Alders Pokemon, but now he was already on the back foot.

He picked up two Pokeballs from his belt and held them in his hand. Two of his more experienced battlers, each with overwhelming power, resided in there. Both reliable and durable. Ash took a moment to deliberate and eventually put the two back in his belt.

Don't want to show my hand just yet. I'm definitely going to need both later.

Ash looked up to the Pokemon standing beside him, "It's on you buddy."

Pikachu smiled and nodded, "Pika!"

The crowd started to cheer again as Pikachu ran to the middle of the field. As a staple of Ash's team he had been featured in quite a lot of battles and as a result people became fans as a result. Who would have thought a Pokemon from Kanto would be one of the most popular Pokemon in Unova?

Alder smiled from across the battlefield, "Playing it safe, Ashton? Well get ready I'm coming for you."

Alder enlarged a pokeball and threw it into the air. Before the Pokemon even fully materialised, thick white clouds started to appear. The temperature dropped to below freezing point within seconds Before long, a full hailstorm had engulfed the arena.


6 weeks earlier.


It had been a long day and Ash was tired. After spending two hours in a line to register and four hours nearly putting a restaurant out of business (and Alder into bankruptcy) with Morrison, he was now in his room in the Pokemon Centre. Pikachu was already long asleep.

Sitting down on his bed, he couldn't help but smile. He was excited. The tournament starts in a few days. And there was no way he was leaving Unova without winning.

Look out Unova. I'm coming.


A/N - Thanks for reading. This was little shorter than I wanted it to be. Just want to see how many people are interested in this. If you are, leave a review xD

Also bonus points if you can guess Alder's first Pokemon