The next morning, Ash and his friends were at the Pokemon Center eating breakfast. Ash, Tracey, Brock, and Gary were sitting at one table while Misty, Dawn, and May were sitting at the table next to them.

Brock was currently working as a Pokemon doctor at the Pokemon Center back in Pewter City while Gary and Tracey were currently attending school hoping to become Pokemon Professors and run the Pokemon Research Lab in Pallet Town together someday because Prof. Oak was getting older and it was getting too hard for him to handle.

Misty was still the Gym Leader in Cerulean City while May and Dawn had won the Grand Festival in their home regions of Hoenn and Sinnoh respectively, and were now top coordinators.

On the floor, Ash's Pikachu, Dawn's Piplup, May's Glaceon, and Misty's Marill (Azurill had evolved) were enjoying some Pokemon food made by Brock. As the Pokemon ate, they began a conversation which eventually got around to the topic of Pikachu battling for Ash against Cynthia. (A/N: All Pokemon conversations will be done like normal conversations.)

"So Pikachu, how do you feel about Ash being in such an important battle?" asked Glaceon.

"Ash and I have been together since Day 1 of his Pokemon Journey. I've seen his strategies, determination, trust, and kindness to me and the other Pokemon over the last 15 years. If anyone deserves to be in a battle like this where the title of Pokemon Master is on the line, it's Ash!" replied Pikachu.

"I've heard that Cynthia's no pushover. Don't be too confident in your victory, Pikachu." said Marill.

Piplup stood proudly and said, "No need to worry, Pikachu. I'm sure you'll do just fine! You and Ash are the best combination of Pokemon and Trainer I've ever seen...aside from me and Dawn, of course!"

The Pokemon all shared a laugh at Piplup's comment. They knew Piplup had more faith in Pikachu's abilities than any of the other Pokemon. This was because Piplup was Pikachu's closest Pokemon friend who wasn't one of Ash's Pokemon.

Meanwhile, Ash and the guys were discussing which Pokemon he might use in his battle. Under the circumstances of his battle, Ash should've been very nervous but after his talk with Mewtwo last night, he felt much more relaxed. He knew he had done everything he could do to prepare for today's battle with Cynthia so there was no need to worry.

Ash looked over at May, Dawn, and Misty's table where the girls were sitting and winked at his girlfriend. She noticed him and smiled brightly while the other two girls hid a giggle. Ash cared deeply for each of them but one of them in particular he truly loved above the others.

When Ash revealed to Brock and the other boys which Pokemon he would use, they were very surprised. Naturally, since Cynthia had a well-balanced team of Pokemon instead of most of the Gym Leaders and other Elite Four members who only used Pokemon of one type, they knew Ash would use a well-balanced team of water, fire, grass, flying, and of course, Pikachu and Mewtwo. But they thought Ash would use his more powerful Pokemon of those elements.

"None of your Grass Pokemon have more attack power than Venusaur or more defense than Torterra." said Brock.

"And none of your Flying Pokemon are faster than Swellow!" exclaimed Tracey.

"And your not using either Venusaur, Torterra, or Swellow? Not to mention other Pokemon you're leaving out like Infernape, Floatzel, or Blastoise?" said Gary. "You're leaving out some of your strongest Pokemon from this battle!"

But Ash interrupted them and said, "I'm not looking for the strongest Pokemon for this battle, guys. I'm looking for the right Pokemon for this battle."

Brock, Tracey, and Gary didn't know what Ash was planning but they trusted him. They had known Ash for too long to doubt his battling abilities now.

At the strike of noon, the Pokemon Stadium was packed with almost 20,000 screaming fans. Many had signs that said, "Go Cynthia!" While others said, "Go Ash!" And it wasn't just in the arena, people all over Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh were in their living rooms in front of their TVs watching what some were predicting to be, "The Battle of the Century."

Stores, schools, and businesses were all closed for the day and Gym battles were postponed. Virtually the entire world came to a standstill as hundreds of millions of people watched and waited in anticipation to see if a new Pokemon Master would be named that day.

Ash Ketchum stood in the walkway which led outside to the battlefield. He took a deep breath and readied himself for the biggest Pokemon Battle of his life. And all that stood between him and his ultimate goal was one champion and her six Pokemon.

Ash's girlfriend was there beside him. She hugged him and wished him luck. Ash thanked her and kissed her gently and she left to take her seat. On the floor, her water Pokemon wished Pikachu luck and followed its trainer to the stands.

Ash remembered Mewtwo's words from the night before, "We all trust in you, Ash. Give it all you've got, and we know you'll win." Knowing that he had done all he could to prepare for this moment, Ash motioned for Pikachu to hop onto his shoulder. Pikachu complied and Ash walked out the hallway and onto the stadium's battlefield.

Author's Note: Again, sorry if this is another boring chapter but don't worry, I promise the battle with Cynthia will begin next chapter!

Which Pokemon will Ash be using in his battle?

Will he defeat Cynthia and achieve the rank/title of Pokemon Master?

Find out next time in Pokemon: The Final Victory.