Chapter 3: Sinnoh

Pikachu jumped on Ash's shoulder sensing that his mind was elsewhere. His theory was proven correct when Ash jumped at Pikachu's contact, Ash then scratched Pikachu's head trying to settle his nerves. The two of them were once again in the waiting area before going into the stadium. Ash had to admit that he did feel slightly unnerved going up against Cynthia and he had more than one reason.

Even back when he first travelled in Sinnoh he remembered how strong Cynthia was and she had only gotten stronger as the years had gone by. She had held her place as Champion for a long time and many thought of her as unbeatable, which wasn't hard to see when her Garchomp along was able to wipe out entire teams. He had seen Garchomp be knocked out but only after the challenger had had a knockout of their own, no one had ever knocked out Garchomp without losing at least one Pokémon. Ash knew he had to be the first to break that rule but even if he did there was no way to tell what other Pokémon Cynthia would be using and they were no push overs either. Pikachu pushed against Ash's shoulder breaking his train of thought again.

"Sorry buddy I guess I'm a bit tense is all." Ash addressed his starter.

Pikachu shook his head and pointed to the waiting room door. It had opened and to his surprise Dawn had made her way in, a huge smile on the face.

'How the heck do the girls keep getting past security?' Ash asked himself despite being pleased to see Dawn.

"Ash, Pikachu!" Dawn exclaimed in her usually bubbly way before wrapping her arms around Ash's shoulders in a big hug.

"Hey there Dawn it's great to see you." Ash said as he returned the embrace.

"I'm really sorry that I couldn't be there for your other matches but I was cheering for you the entire time." Dawn explained as she pulled back.

"Its fine Dawn you're here now so that's all that matters." Ash assured her.

"Well I'm sure you don't need me, you beat Lance and Brendan so I'm sure you'll be able to defeat Cynthia." Dawn spoke confidently.

"Well I really only won because my Pokémon pulled through for me, I mean I made a few mistakes in those matches and Cynthia is well, she's different to the others." Ash's mind started to wonder again.

"Ash Ketchum." Dawn's voice snapped him back to reality. "Where's that confidence of yours gone? You have beaten the odds so many times I can't even count them all. You're a damn Champion for crying out loud. So what if Cynthia is strong so were Lance and Brendan and you found a way to best them. Stop thinking about your opponents strengths and concentrate on yours, isn't that what you would say?" Dawn laid it all out in front of him.

Ash was a bit taken back by what Dawn had said, he looked down at the Pokeball's on his belt, he knew they were the right choice for this match. Dawn was right he had been building up Cynthia as this incredible person who no one could best, but that was what he was here for, just like every match before.

"Your right Dawn if I'm going to win this I have to put faith both in my Pokémon and myself, thanks for reminding me of that." Ash's spirit got fired up all over again.

"That's better, now don't let me see you like that again got it." Dawn wagged her finger at him.

"Yes ma'am." Ash chuckled.

"Right then my work here is done, I'll be cheering for you from the stands." Dawn flicked her hair as she turned to the door.

"Hold on Dawn I need you to do something for me." Ash said as he bent down and picked up Pikachu. "I need you to take care of Pikachu for me."

"You're not using Pikachu in the match?" Dawn asked.

"I would but do you remember in my battle with Lance when Pikachu got knocked out by Hydreigon's Dragon Rush?" Ash asked.

"How can I forget, that last attack was brutal." Dawn reflected.

"Yes well because of that attack Pikachu did take some additional damage to some of his muscles, he will be all better in about a week or two but another battle like that one could make the injuries a whole lot worse." Ash explained.

"So you don't want him to battle till he's at one hundred percent?" Dawn concluded.

"Exactly and I know if he's down there with me, he won't be able to control himself." Ash joked a little making Pikachu cross his arms in annoyance.

"Alright I'll take him." Dawn agreed as Ash passed the electric type to his old Sinnoh partner.

"We'll all be cheering for you." Dawn assured Ash with a smile.

Pikachu perched on Dawn's shoulder as the girl left the room. Ash did want to take Pikachu with him but he was under strict orders to rest and Ash took it very seriously. He had thought he was ready before Dawn had come in but now he was truly prepared thanks to her. Cynthia may have gotten stronger over the years but so had he and by defeating her he would become even tougher. It was time for a battle.

Up in the stands Dawn took her seat next to Misty who Pikachu greeted by jumping onto her lap.

"So why didn't you come with me Misty?" Dawn asked the red head.

"I don't know, didn't want Ash getting the wrong idea I guess." Misty shrugged her shoulders.

"He seemed a bit worried about going up against Cynthia but I straightened him out." Dawn said with a confident smile.

"Ash worried, it almost sounds like he thought things out." Misty joked making both girls laugh.

Ash himself was reflecting on how he had changed over the years. His ability to take in a situation and come up with a plan of attack had become almost instantaneous and even if he didn't know his opponents exact line up he was able to plan ahead with whatever knowledge was available. His skills had definitely increased but much of his core strategies remained the same. He had always believed in his Pokémon and they in turn believed in him, with that he was ready to take on Cynthia.

Cynthia

This stadium was different to the previous ones Ash had fought in. He and Cynthia would be raised up onto the battlefield from below instead of walking onto the field individually. Ash thought it was more of a theatrical touch then anything, the field opened up above him and he felt his platform rise as well as hear the announcer finish Cynthia's introduction.

"She'll be facing off against Ash Ketchum who in his youth mastered the Orange League the Battle Frontier and worked his way up to become Champion of Kanto, even managing to beat Hoenn's Champion Brendan. Now he's here to face off against our own Cynthia, will his luck hold out or will Sinnoh's Champion end his winning streak? Let's find out!" The announcer shouted gets a roaring applause from the packed stadium.

As Ash arose he saw Cynthia rise opposite him, one hand on her hip with the same determined smile she always wore. This battle would be different to the ones against Lance and Brendan for the simple fact that Ash had in a way been trained by Cynthia. Whenever he would visit Sinnoh he would happen to run into or meet up with her, during those times she had mentored and taught Ash a great deal. This battle was the closest he would get to the teacher facing the student. He pushed those thoughts to the back of his mind as the two walked up to greet each other.

"Ash, you've come a long way from that boy I meet all those years ago." Cynthia greeted Ash obviously having reflected on past events herself.

"I could say the same about you, well to a degree anyway." Ash replied tilting his head.

"Although I certainly thought of it at the time I didn't see you rising to fame so quickly, even today you continue to surprise me." Cynthia grinned happily. "Anyway I'm sure that you'll be giving me a great battle today Ash."

"Believe me I intend on doing more than just that, I intend to win." Ash returned with his own grin.

"Doesn't everyone." Cynthia retorted before raising her hand.

"Very true." Ash chuckled before shacking Cynthia's hand, the two champions then walked back to their sides of the field and waited for the referee.

"This will be a three on three battle between Champions Ash of Kanto and Cynthia of Sinnoh." The ref began. "Both sides may substitute Pokémon and the battle will be over when one sides Pokémon cannot continue, bring out your Pokémon."

"Garchomp it's time for battle." Cynthia threw her Pokeball revealing that she was going with Garchomp right off the bat. As the large intimidating dragon stood up it slashed its arm forward and growled viciously making the audience cheer at seeing their Champions star fighter appear.

'She's using Garchomp first, good this way all my Pokémon will be at full strength.' Ash thought to himself, and I have just the right Pokémon for the job.

"Glalie I choose you." Ash called out releasing the round, spiky headed ice type. As Glalie opened his eyes it was obvious that it meant business, this was the chance he'd been waiting for. The time to prove his worth as an ice type and bring down this dragon.

Cynthia knew all too well how effective ice type attacks could cripple a dragon and ground type Pokémon like Garchomp which is why she always had a counter or three for them, and her Garchomp wasn't any normal Garchomp. She was one of the most powerful and resilient of her species.

"Both competitors are ready, let the battle begin!" The ref declared.

"Glalie use Ice Beam." Ash wasted no time in fired the first shot.

The freezing temperatures inside of Glalie's body concentrated between the tips of his horns and then sent a brilliant white stream of ice at Garchomp.

"Dodge then move in and use Brick Break." Cynthia began.

Garchomp sidestepped the Ice Beam which hit behind the dual Dragon-Ground type leaving a cluster of ice on the field. Using her powerful legs Garchomp propelled forward her front claws glowing white then orange, her speed and movement an incredible sight to behold as the gap between herself and Glalie rapidly decreased.

"Now evade and use Ice Beam." Ash yelled at the last second.

Garchomp thrust both claws down on Glalie but missed completely surprising even Cynthia. Glalie had moved so fast that most of the crowd missed it, the black and white Pokemon hovered a few feet above the confused Garchomp who only moments ago was in the perfect position to strike. Glalie capitalised on Garchomp's confusion and fired an Ice Beam that hit Garchomp's shoulder, covering its arm, neck and chest in ice as well as causing a shocked cry from the dragon.

"So fast." Cynthia merely stated to herself but Ash managed to hear her.

"That's right I trained my Glalie to move like no other, his speed is well above any other Glalie you've even seen." Ash revealed getting a knowing nod from Glalie himself.

"I'll admit I didn't see movements like that coming from a Glalie but still it's no issue, Garchomp show them your strength." Cynthia signalled.

Garchomp reared up and using just the strength in its shoulder broke the ice covering its body, shattering it into pieces. Ash was not so easily intimidated, he knew how powerful Garchomp was, that ice might as well of been paper, the thing he had to concentrate on was its weaknesses.

"Ice Beam go." He instructed.

"Flamethrower." Cynthia countered.

Glalie and Garchomp both fired their moves at the same time, fire and ice slammed together in the centre of the battlefield pushing against each other for a split second before a steam filled explosion burst out across the battlefield blasting both sides with an odd mix of heat and cold.

"Move in and use Brick Break." Cynthia called out through the mist.

Ash knew that Cynthia was trying to use the temporary cloud as cover and with Garchomp's keen senses he had no doubt that Glalie could be found. Before he could tell his Pokémon to move the silhouette of Garchomp appeared to Glalie's right. Bursting through the mist Garchomp hammered one arm into Glalie's side, the super effective move sent Glalie hurdling into the air spiralling from the impact. As much as he hated seeing his Pokémon in pain Ash had planned around this.

"Glalie pull it together and use Payback." He yelled out.

Glalie halted himself in mid-air as a black glow formed in his mouth, opening his eyes and seeing his target Glalie released dozens of purple streaks that battered Garchomp from above causing Glalie's target to shield herself with her fins as the attack battered her body.

Ash knew that he had to hit Garchomp and any other Pokémon hard were it counted, but he also knew that his own Pokémon would inevitably take damage as well, by using Payback after being hit the attack doubled in strength, this way he might be able to make even Cynthia question when she was going to attack. This theory was questionable when he heard Cynthia's next command.

"Use Draco Meteor." Cynthia called out pointing to the sky.

Garchomp widened its stance as it pooled the orange energy inside its body, growling lowly before rearing her head to the sky and blasting a single bright orange ball straight into the air. The ball continued to rise slowing and then detonating into dozens of smaller sphere's that rained down on the battlefield. Glalie might have been fast when it came to dodging head on attacks but didn't have the manoeuvrability to deal with an attack like Draco Meteor, Ash had to defend.

"Glalie use Counter Shield on that Darco Meteor with Blizzard." Ash reverted to his tactic that he invented right here in Sinnoh.

Glalie turned towards the sky and spun around and at the same time summoned a cold wind from his body that jetted upwards forming into hard spears of ice. As the meteors rained down they were intercepted by the blizzard, those that didn't detonate on contact with the fragments of ice were sent off course by the winds colliding harmlessly with the ground.

Cynthia watched as Garchomp's attack failed to land a single hit. "Impressive." She quietly stated to herself.

When the last meteor had detonated Glalie ceased spinning and returned to hovering off the ground, Counter Shields took a lot of concentration and more energy than a standard attack but Glalie and Ash knew they couldn't afford to give any openings.

"Use Ice Beam." Ash called out getting Glalie to fire his attack from between his horns.

"Move forward with Slash." Cynthia commanded.

Garchomp leapt into the air and flew head first towards the Ice Beam. Drawing closer Garchomp positioned both claws in front of her face and began to spin like a drill, as the Ice Beam connected with her spinning Slash attack the beam splintered off in four directions as Garchomp sliced through the attack her claws preventing any damage. Ash had to act fast before Garchomp collided with Glalie, Ice Beam wasn't working he'd have to switch attacks.

"Glalie go into Double Edge." Ash yelled out over the sound of ice smashing against claws.

Glalie ended his attack and charged at Garchomp a faint yellow field covering its body. Both Pokémon hit each other at great speed creating a loud thud before the impacts took their toll and sent Garchomp and Glalie backwards, both hitting the ground on their stomachs but neither taking any damage.

"Glalie up and use Ice Beam." Ash kept up the pressure with the super effective move.

"Dodge and use Draco Meteor." Cynthia said in her usual calm voice.

Glalie was up in a flash and launch his ice attack, Garchomp rolled to the side getting only her arm caught by in the ice and was subsequently frozen to the ground. This was little hindrance as Garchomp merely flexed her shoulder and broke away from the ground and then charged up the orange energy in her body ready to launch the next attack. Reaching full power Garchomp roared as she launched the Draco Meteor into the air.

"Glalie Counter Shield." Ash stuck with his old plan.

Glalie began spinning again sending the freezing winds in intercept the Draco Meteor. As the ice went upwards Ash noticed something off about Garchomp's Draco Meteor, instead of covering the whole field like it usually did there was a space between Garchomp and Glalie that none of the meteors were going to hit. This meant that both Pokémon were wide open for attack, except Glalie was preoccupied in taking out the meteors and Cythia was using this to assure that Garchomp wouldn't be hit by her own attack and had a clear shot at Glalie.

"Attack with Brick Break." Cynthia ordered as Garchomp sprinted towards Glalie arms glowing and completely protected from any stray meteors by Glalie's own defensive shield.

"Glalie move out of the way now." Ash shouted.

Glalie had no idea he was about to be hit, hearing his trainers voice the ice type stopped using Counter Shield and gazed forward seeing Garchomp charging right at him. Glalie barely had enough time to back up when Garchomp's arm slammed across his side sending Glalie spiralling across the field before crashing into the ground leaving a small crater where he landed.

Ash exhaled sharply at seeing Glalie take such a powerful hit, he had presumed Cynthia would be able to beat his Counter Shield but not that quickly. If he wanted Glalie to stay in the game he would have to find a way to protect him while using Counter Shield or else chose between being hit by Draco Meteor or Brick Break. As Glalie pulled himself out of the ground Cynthia called out her next move.

"Use Flamethrower." Cynthia said motioning with her hand.

"Glalie get moving, dodge that attack." Ash instructed.

Hearing Garchomp use Flamethrower Glalie turned to his opponent and swiftly moved to the side dodging the flames. Garchomp kept using Flamethrower attempting to overwhelm Glalie but the Ice type was too far away and easily avoided the attacks.

"Alright let's see if Ash can chose between the lesser of two evils." Cynthia grinned slightly. "Garchomp use Draco Meteor."

Ash didn't have much time till Garchomp launched its next attack and if he tried to hit the Dragon type from this range she could just dodge, he would have to get Glalie protected from two oncoming attacks.

"Glalie use Ice Beam on the ground." Ash called out.

Glalie turned to the ground and fired twin beams of ice onto the field. The ice spread out freezing the field in a wide diameter eventually spiking upwards into two meter high pillars surrounding Glalie from all sides. By then Garchomp lunched another Meteor into the air which detonated and sent down dozens of the orange projectiles all over the battlefield except directly in front of Garchomp herself.

"Let's see if this works." Ash said under his breath. "Glalie use Counter shield."

'Going with the same tactic again? Let's see how far it takes him.' Cynthia thought to herself.

She of coarse had seen Glalie create a makeshift ice field around itself with some large pillars sticking up but those wouldn't slow Garchomp down by a major degree. The Sinnoh Champion watched as Glalie began to spin, waiting till the ice type fired his Blizzard attack before giving Garchomp the go ahead to charge forward with Brick Break. Garchomp didn't fly forward this time instead opting to run along the ground and smash any columns of ice in her way, carving a path to Glalie.

Ash watched the scene in front of him unfold, he was playing a risky game wagering that Glalie would be able to stop all the meteors in time while relying of the fewer and fewer pillars of ice that blocked Garchomp from getting to Glalie. He waited as the orange projectiles exploded overhead and Garchomp drew nearer, the final meteor that was a threat got blown off course by Glalie's Blizzard and Ash made his move.

"Glalie back up now." Ash exclaimed.

Almost instantly stopping his rotation Glalie caught sight of Garchomp as the fearsome dragon raised both wings about to strike, in the end it was Glalie's lightning fast reflexes that made the difference. The ice pillars had done their job giving Glalie enough time to completely avoid Garchomp's swipe leaving the dual ground-dragon type open to attack as she swung at nothing.

"Ice Beam." Ash called out seeing his opening.

At point blank range Glalie blasted Garchomp with a full power Ice Beam strong enough to slam Garchomp into the ground with a loud howl forming a cloud of dusk covering Garchomp's prone form. All that could be heard was the freezing of ice until Glalie finished his attack and positioned himself in front of Ash, quietly waiting till the dusk settled.

As it did Garchomp was revealed to be completely covered in ice, frozen to the ground. Ash could hear some gasps coming from the audience along with the occasional question of if it was over? Ash knew that Garchomp was far from defeated and if he wanted to capitalise on its current status condition he had to do it fast.

"Glalie use Double Edge." Ash called out. Glalie backed up and then charged forward covered by the faint yellow glow gaining great speed.

"Block it." Cynthia told Garchomp despite the fact that it was still frozen in ice.

A large crack appeared along Garchomp's icy prison, then without warning she burst out sending chunks of ice in all directions and roaring as Glalie accelerated towards her. With her opponent closing in fast Garchomp raised a single wing to block, when Glalie hit he hit hard. A loud bang bounced around the stadium from Glalie hitting at top speed, but it had only managed to push Garchomp back about an inch. The large Dragon wasn't even in a good defensive position yet had stopped Glalie's attack cold, a point that was made even worse when Glalie flinched from the recoil of Double Edge.

"Fall back Glalie." Ash directed not wanting to be too close to Garchomp's powerful claws.

Cynthia didn't bother to give chase, she usually let her opponents attack first and then counter while they recovered, it was a simple strategy but Cynthia had made it her own. Ash remembered when he first saw Cynthia in person and Paul challenged her, even a Blizzard attack didn't make Garchomp flinch. Now days times had changed, Ash was doing damage to Garchomp but it didn't even seem to be making a difference, Garchomp was still moving as fast and as precisely as if she just entered the field. Ash changed tactics, he knew it was risky but if dodging and countering weren't working he would have to try overpowering his opponent.

"Glalie use Blizzard full power." Ash instructed.

Glalie's eyes glowed momentarily then while groaning lowly the ice type began to conjure a freezing wind from his body that quickly escalated beginning to form a tornado within the stadium.

"Garchomp get into the air." Cynthia called out.

Using its natural ability Garchomp took flight and began circling the borders of the battlefield. Glalie's originally small tornado of ice was rapidly growing in size till it nearly went above the stadium roof. But even with the howling winds and the rapidly dropping temperature Garchomp continued to circle, her speed increasing with every rotation.

Ash knew that Glalie couldn't fully control Blizzard now that it had become so large, the trouble was Garchomp was not within the attack's perimeters and now Garchomp was moving at an incredible speed, showing why her species was called the Mach Pokémon. Glalie was using a great amount of energy to keep the Blizzard going and Ash knew if he directed Glalie to reposition the attack Garchomp would just avoid it. It was then Ash noticed how fast Garchomp was really going. The speed that she had generated was manipulating the very Blizzard itself, her momentum was pushing back the winds so that even if she did get close the cold air was simply pushing harmlessly out of the way. Ash understood what Cynthia was trying to do, get enough momentum so Garchomp could charge right through the Blizzard to Glalie in the centre and take basically no damage at all.

"Garchomp use Brick Break." Cynthia called out over the howling winds.

Ash watched as Garchomp suddenly burst off course at a ninety degree angle still traveling at an overwhelming speed now aimed directly at Glalie. His assumptions about Bliazzard not being able to affect Garchomp were right as the dragon blitzed through the storm taking next to no damage.

"Glalie move." Ash tried to warn his Pokémon of the imminent danger but he was too late. Even with Glalie's quick reactions the ice type was locked in place trying to control the Blizzard and Garchomp was moving so fast it wouldn't have even mattered. Garchomp hit Glalie so hard that the after effect could only be described at explosive. The blow was so fast that barely anyone saw it happen before both Pokémon were covered in a large cloud of smoke that tore out from the centre of the field and dissipated the Blizzard, ceasing the turning winds.

Ash waited with baited breath, seeing Garchomp stand just out of the dust cloud that covered its lower body and Glalie. The cloud cleared and Ash could see the aftermath of the attack. Garchomp had landed so hard that her feet had created individual cracks in the ground but the multiple fractures that surrounded Glalie's body dwarfed them. The force of Garchomp's Brick Break sunk Glalie nearly a meter into the ground and now the ice type lay face first and motionless in a wide crater. Through all of this Ash saw movement, Glalie shifted slightly against the ground. Ash knew his Pokémon well enough that if he was moving then he could still fight and took the opportunity before Cynthia realised.

"Glalie use Payback." Ash ceased his chance.

Ash's command hit Glalie like a bucket of cold water, pushing its pain aside Glalie turned around facing directly at Garchomp and released the powered up dark type move on his un-expecting foe. Garchomp didn't have a chance to move before dozens of black projectiles collided into her body forcing the sturdy creature to cover her face and back up from the onslaught.

"Garchomp fall back to me." Cynthia directed not wanting her Pokémon to take on any unnecessary damage.

Garchomp leapt back sliding on its heels before coming to a halt in front of Cynthia, Glalie rose from the ground the damage from Brick Break all too apparent. A large mark was spread out over Glalie's side where he had been hit and his breathing was long and deep. Ash couldn't risk Glalie being knocked out so early, that last attack had taken a huge chunk out of his health and he was in desperate need of some rest.

"Glalie return, take a break I'll need you later." Ash spoke before placing the ball back on his belt.

"Cynthia I'll think you'll recognise my next Pokémon." Ash stated as he pulled up his second Pokeball.

"Why's that is it one you caught in Sinnoh?" Cynthia asked.

"Indeed but its more than that, you battled this Pokémon before, when he was training under Paul." Ash revealed.

"Oh I think I know exactly who your referring to." Cynthia replied with a smile.

"Infernape I choose you." Ash yelled out.

Infernape appeared on the field one hand resting on the ground, as he rose to his feet the dual Fire-Fighting type roared out his name making sure that everyone knew that he had arrived and he meant business.

"Still as fiery as ever." Cynthia referred to Infernape's passion for battle.

As soon as Infernape recognised Cynthia and the very Garchomp that had knocked him out in one move all those years ago Infernape allowed a slight smile to appear on his face. He then raised a single fist in front of him signalling he was ready, even in the face of an opponent nearly twice his size. Garchomp allowed a smile of her own to crawl across her face but hers was for a different reason.

"Infernape use Flamethrower" Ash began.

"Flamethrower as well." Cynthia countered.

Both Pokémon pulled their head back and released a stream of flames both colliding in the middle of the field pushing against each other for a few seconds before the combined heat caused a small blast. Ash wondered what Cynthia was up to, was she trying to psych him out by using the same attack as a block? Was she trying to bait him into coming in close, or was she merely testing him?

"Infernape get close to Garchomp." Ash instructed.

Infernape placed one foot behind himself and then launched into a sprint quickly closing the gap between himself and Garchomp.

"Into the air." Cynthia said as she pointed to the sky.

Garchomp bent her knees and then propelled herself like a rocket into the air high above the ground. Infernape skidded to a halt unable to follow Garchomp when she was airborne, forced to watch as his opponent hovered above.

"Draco Meteor." Cynthia called out dropping her hand towards the ground.

Ash could easily see how he could get to Garchomp. Draco Meteor would take a lot of energy to use and that meant Garchomp wouldn't be able to stay afloat, plus the recoil from launching the attack would force Garchomp down.

"Infernape lock on and use Flamethrower again." Ash pushed forward with his plan.

Although there was a fair distance between Infernape and his target the Sinnoh starter did have the advantage of Garchomp charging its attack and being relatively still. He fired his attack at the still airborne dragon. Garchomp may have had less manoeuvrability but that didn't mean she couldn't see Infernape's incoming flamethrower. Before the fire attack hit her Garchomp released the Draco Meteor into the air using the recoil from the attack so push her body down, completely avoiding Infernape's attack.

"Dammit." Ash hissed not thinking Garchomp would be able to turn a disadvantage like losing altitude into a dodging manoeuvre. He focused back on the battle, the Draco Meteor was in the air and Garchomp was descending to the ground. Ironically the safest place for Infernape would be right next to Garchomp, the only place the meteors wouldn't hit.

"Infernape move towards Garchomp and dodge those meteors." Ash called out a seemly impossible order.

Infernape showed no hesitation as the explosion roared over his head and orange projectiles rained down from above. Turning towards Garchomp's landing position Infernape charged forward. As the meteors came down he side stepped one, rolled out of the path of another, got back up and cartwheeled between the explosions of two his speed barely decreasing. Cynthia was slightly impressed, not many Pokémon could avoid Garchomp's Draco Meteor, as her Pokémon landed she got ready to meet Infernape's advance head on.

"Garchomp use Slash." She directed when Infernape had gotten close enough, his built up speed meaning there was no way he could stop.

Garchomp swung her arm in a wide arch at Infernape's midsection, at the last second Infernape dropped onto his knees and threw his head back going into a slide his chin just going under Garchomp's claw. Garchomp didn't realize she had missed until Infernape had stopped directly behind her, jumped to his feet and used Flamethrower before she could even turn around.

"Slash attack." Cynthia stated without delay. Garchomp spun on her heel turning around with another wide slash just missing Infernape's neck and leaving behind a faint white streak.

"Back to back." Cynthia continued. Garchomp stepped forward and with her other arm swung again. Ash ordered Infernape to move back just in time, Garchomp's claw only managing to cut some fur from Infernape's chest. With Garchomp off balance Ash switched to offence.

"Close Combat now." He uttered.

Infernape delivered a straight kick into Garchomp's gut momentarily stunning her before jumping up and delivering a blindingly fast series of punches to Garchomp's face. His attacks so quick that he had landed dozens of hits before he even landed, as he did the fire type got ready to deliver another kick when Cynthia called out her next move.

"Sweep Garchomp." Cynthia uttered her tone still as calm as ever.

Garchomp turned on her heels and with one quick movement swung her body around, her tail slid just above the ground smacking against Infernape's leg causing him to go off balance and topple to the ground.

"Now Brick Break." Cynthia called out. Still turning Garchomp leapt up with one claw in the air about to come down on Infernape with her entire body weight.

"Infernape roll now." Ash yelled.

With Garchomp bearing down on him Infernape rolled to the side just managing to avoid Brick Break before the attack shattered the ground he just occupied. Infernape now lay directly beneath Garchomp who still had one claw submerged in the ground and both feet to his side.

"Use Flamethrower and get out of there." Ash instructed.

Infernape used a short burst of flame in Garchomp's face, it did little damage but it gave Infernape the chance to get up and move to a safe distance.

"Garchomp use Draco Meteor and target directly in front of you." Cynthia told her Pokémon.

Ash knew Infernape wouldn't be able to avoid the attack if all the meteors were clustered together so he had to give Infernape another way to advance.

"Infernape use Dig." Ash called out as Garchomp propelled the meteor into the air.

Infernape dove into the ground and disappeared beneath the surface, as the Draco meteor came down it slammed harmlessly against the field. The detonations also meant that Garchomp couldn't detect where Infernape was underground but it did mean he had to go deeper to avoid any shock damage from the meteors, Cynthia had a way to excavate Infernape however.

"Garchomp lift up the field." Cynthia ordered.

"Wait what?" Ash stuttered.

Garchomp drove her arms halfway into the ground she strained and groaned as she pulled, to his disbelief Ash could see the outlines of the field slowly beginning to separate. Ash couldn't believe what he was seeing, was Garchomp strong enough to raise the entire field? With a loud roar Garchomp pulled herself up and with it the entire field between herself and Ash, a solid one meter thick slab of earth that she lifted over her head and titled to her left.

Infernape appeared at the bottom of the hole Garchomp had just made. He looked around wondering why there was a space where there should have just been more dirt, when he looked up he saw the intimidating sight of Garchomp baring over him holding the battlefield above her head.

"Now throw it on top of Infernape." Cynthia directed.

Garchomp didn't just let the field go, she heaved it up even higher and then threw it downwards aiming to crush the stunned fire type.

"Use Flame Blitz now!" Ash shouted.

Infernape snapped back into action his body heated up and red flames ignited around him, as the huge pile of earth fell towards him Infernape jumped upwards before he disappeared beneath it. The field slammed down back into its original position shaking the ground, Ash shielded his eyes from the dusk his focus fixed on the spot Infernape was now under.

Both trainers were watching the ground but it was Garchomp who could feel the earth beneath her feet heat up. As she looked at the ground Infernape burst from beneath her surrounded in a red fire, propelled upwards by Flare Blitz Infernape slammed into Garchomp's chest forcing the large creature to slide back with a cry of pain.

"Brick Break now." Cynthia called out no sooner had Infernape landed the hit.

Before she had even recovered from the attack Garchomp grabbed Infernape's back and pulled him off his fire going out as she did.

"Get out of there with Close Combat." Ash instructed.

Infernape lashed out with a quick set of punches but Garchomp was already about to attack. As Infernape tried to overwhelm her with strikes Garchomp pulled back her second arm and delivered a brutal blow with her wing right into Infernape's midsection. A yelp of surprise escaped Infernape's mouth along with a line of spit before he was sent hurdling across the field all the air knocked out of him. As he hit the ground the fire type rolled head over heels until he finally came to halt on his stomach.

"Infernape are you alright?" Ash called out as red sparks from Flare Blitz recoil darted over Infernape's body.

The Sinnoh starter pushed himself up with one hand and with the other holding his battered midsection coughing weakly as he stood up. Garchomp growled lowly as Infernape righted himself when a suddenly burst of flames appeared along the right of her chest, inflicting damage before it disappeared completely.

"Garchomp's been burned." Ash uttered his strategy of using ineffective fire type moves paying off.

"Infernape return." Ash recalled his fighter.

"Going with your third Pokémon already?" Cynthia asked calmly.

"Nope I'm bringing Glalie back out, and this is where he and I bring down Garchomp." Ash responded assertively.

"Is that so? Well I hope you've still got some tricks up your sleeve." Cynthia played down Ash's claim.

"Glalie lets go." Ash called out as the returned his ice type to the field.

Glalie still had a confident look on his face and his breathing had returned to normal, however he also had the large mark on his side, a reminder of Garchomp's strength.

"Use Double Edge." Ash told Glalie punching the air as Glalie accelerated forward.

"Block it." Cynthia instructed.

Glalie came in low to the ground forcing Garchomp to drop to one knee crossing both arms, as Glalie hit the impact reverberated between the two Pokémon's bodies but Garchomp didn't move an inch. The flames from Garchomp's burn appeared again this time covering her chest and right shoulder, the spreading indicating the amount of damage Garchomp was taking over time. Before they ceased Ash ordered Glalie to fall back, this was his plan. He would slowly were Garchomp down with the burn effect and since it limited her movements every time the flames reappeared he could withdraw and attack.

"Glalie use Ice Beam." Ash continued to attack.

"Jump and use Slash" Cynthia countered.

Glalie was still low to the ground and fired his Ice Beam at Garchomp's feet. Garchomp effortlessly leapt out of the attacks path and flew directly at Glalie arms extended and claws glowing.

"On the ground Glalie." Ash yelled.

As Garchomp closed in Glalie fell backwards onto his back causing Garchomp to miss her swing. The dual dragon-ground type rolled in mid-air and landed on her feet when the burn effect took hold again slowly moving down her side.

"Use Blizzard." Ash called for Glalie's strongest attack.

Glalie groaned lowly as the temperature around him began to drop and a strong wind began to blow, the flames on Garchomp dyed down and Cynthia gave her dragon its next move.

"Flamethrower now." She ordered.

Before Glalie could finish his attack he was blasted with hot flames from Garchomp knocking him to the ground terminating his half completed move. Even with the status condition Garchomp was still fast and deadly, but Ash still had one 'trick' as Cynthia called it to show her.

"Glalie Ice Beam in front of yourself." Ash prepared his new move.

Glalie titled his head so his horns faced towards Garchomp he then charged up his Ice beam creating a block of ice in front of him that rippled out forming a makeshift shield of ice. Cynthia watched wondering what Ash planned to do with this odd form of Ice Beam, eventually her curiosity wore out.

"Garchomp use Flamethrower." She commanded.

Once Glalie's ice barrier was large enough to cover his front Ash went onto the next step of his technique, "Now Glalie use Double Edge."

Before Garchomp's flames could meet their mark Glalie propelled himself into the Ice shield and with it covering him continued forward leaving a trial of ice shards and yellow streaks from the Double Edge. As Glalie barrelled towards Garchomp he was hit by Flamethrower but Glalie cut through the attack completely unharmed, the flames not even melting the ice. Garchomp was momentarily stunned as a great sphere of ice continued straight at her.

"Get ready because this is Glalie's Counter Spear!" Ash shouted revealed his brand new invention.

Glalie rammed into Garchomp his shield of ice smashing into hundreds of tiny pieces and with enough force to send a screeching Garchomp toppling over sending her sliding along the field on her back, the combination attack doing a staggering amount of damage.

Cynthia was for the first time lost for words, Ash had broken her calm demine. She looked over Garchomp wide eyed asking how such an attack had not only managed to deflect Flamethrower but send Garchomp across the floor like it had. She composed herself and turned to Ash.

"That was an impressive move." The Sinnoh Champion complimented her challenger. "What did you call it, Counter Spear?"

"Yes it works similar to Counter Shield but as it's opposite. Counter Shield is a stationary move that blocks an attack and then can hit the opponent. Counter Spear is an offensive move that go's for the target while deflecting any attacks, in a way they are counters of each other." Ash explained.

"Going from offensive defence to defensive offence. That is quite creative Ash." Cynthia smiled as she placed one hand on her hip before staring him dead in the eye. "However let's get serious from now on."

The look that Cynthia gave Ash had him on edge, he had seen it before but never been in the path of it. This was when she stopped playing around and opened up another side of her. A side that seemed to mirror her Garchomp.

"Brick Break now." Cynthia called out with more gusto in her voice.

Garchomp locked Glalie in her sights and charged forward with one wing poised behind her back. Glalie still had the agility to avoid the move as Garchomp swung the edge of her wing cut straight through the ground as if it was butter.

"Now Slash and don't let up." Cynthia called out.

Garchomp closed in on Glalie slashing her claws with wide and quick movements, Glalie was still able to dodge but was unable to move out of Garchomp's range and was forced to keep shuffling back.

Ash watched and waited knowing he could still use Payback, it didn't matter how much damage Garchomp did as long as Glalie got hit. One of Garchomp's claws grazed Glalie's forehead, which was as little damage that Ash could have asked for.

"Glalie use Payback." Use yelled.

Glalie ducked under Garchomp's follow up slash opened his mouth and released the dark projectiles catching Garchomp in the underbelly.

"Hit it with Brick Break." Cynthia yelled without hesitation.

Even while being pelted by Payback Garchomp lifted up her wing taking even more damage and then slammed in between Glalie's horns. Glalie hit the ground and bounced a metre in the air from the force of the strike landing several body widths away. Garchomp was once again covered from her shoulder down to her leg in flames from her burn, flinching as the flame sipped away her health.

"Garchomp control those flames." Cynthia told her Pokémon making everyone including Ash think they had misheard.

Garchomp closed her eyes and concentrated, the flames on her side didn't burn out like they should have, they seemed to slow almost to a standstill. Then the flames began moving along Garchomp's body leaving her lower half and spreading to her chest and shoulders. Ash watched in amazement, Garchomp was manipulating the burn on her body and bending it to her will. He had seen Fire types influence fire attacks around their bodies before but never had he seen a status effect controlled in such a way. The only question was what was Garchomp planning to do?

His answer came soon enough, when the fire was controlled entirely over Garchomp's chest and wrapped around her shoulders Garchomp opened her eyes and let out a thundering roar. To Ash it looked like Garchomp was wearing an assault vest made out of fire, she had to be taking on constant damage but none of it showed on the Dragon types face. The whole move seemed to edge on madness, why would Cynthia have her Pokémon do this to itself, what advantage did it gain?

"Glalie hit Garchomp with Ice Beam." Ash exclaimed not wanting to find out what Cynthia had planned.

Glalie took the time to back further away from Garchomp before firing the super effective attack at his flaming adversary. As the freezing move closed in Garchomp puffed out her chest and took the attack head on. The Ice Beam made contact but was melted upon impact by the flames covering Garchomp who took little to no damage at all. Ash knew now why Cynthia had pulled that move, Garchomp might have been taking continuous damage but it stopped any ice attacks almost completely and he guessed that once she dispatched Glalie that she could return the burn to normal and keep fighting.

"Garchomp use Slash." Cynthia threw her arm to the side.

Garchomp shot forward like a burning missile intent on crushing Glalie at all costs. Glalie having barely gotten over the shock of his attack doing next to no damage was forced to dodge the seemingly infuriated Garchomp's fast attacks with the added danger of coming into contact with the flames on her chest. Ash could see Glalie was also beginning to slow down the time he'd spent on the battlefield had taken its toll.

"Glalie use Ice Beam on the ground to push back." Ash tried to get his Pokémon to safety.

Glalie aimed at the ground and using the force it took to fire the attack was forced backwards away from Garchomp and in the process froze Garchomp's lower leg to the ground. Garchomp angrily glared at the ice trapping her, she strained against it eventually braking away leaving a pile of broken ice behind her. Ash could see that Garchomp has starting to grow tired as well, she had broken her entire body out of ice before easily and now was struggling to get just her foot out.

"Garchomp Flamethrower now." Cynthia went after Glalie.

"Hit back with Ice Beam." Ash countered.

Coming to a halt from his first Ice Beam Glalie fired a second that intercepted Garchomp's Flamethrower but this time the Flamethrower pushed against the Ice Beam pushing back before it detonated a few feet away from Glalie sending him spiralling backwards.

'Those flames on Garchomp must be powering up her fire attacks as well.' Ash thought to himself as Cynthia ordered Garchomp to attack again.

"Now Garchomp control that fire and use Flaming Brick Break." Cynthia said as she curled one hand into a fist.

Garchomp growled lowly as the flames on her chest spread over her arms covering her wings and claws. Letting out a cry sounding like a mix of pain and furry Garchomp dived forward one arm raised about to crush her stunned opponent.

"Glalie Ice Beam to the side now!" Ash yelled as Garchomp came down with her super charged attack.

Glalie didn't see Garchomp coming which was a good thing because if he did he might have completely frozen up. Instead the ice type shot his attack into the ground on his right and was propelled out of the path of Garchomp's strike. As the blazing dragon hit the ground it cracked the earth in five different directions which then erupted with flames that shot into the air. As the flames on Garchomp's arms receded Ash let out a deep breath he didn't realize he was holding. There was no way Glalie could withstand an attack of that magnitude, he had no moves to even match it, expect one.

"Garchomp use Draco Meteor and this time target the outside of the field." Cynthia called out.

Ash knew what she was trying to do, limit the area Glalie could move in and then go for the finishing blow. Cynthia was planning to end this right there and then, if she wanted a test of strength then she was going to get one. As the Draco Meteor slowed in the air and detonated trapping both Pokémon together the two champions faced off and called out their most powerful attacks.

"Garchomp finish this with Flaming Brick Break!" Cynthia shouted over the sound of falling meteors.

"Glalie use Counter Spear!" Ash yelled just as loud.

Garchomp ignited her arms in flames as Glalie condensed ice in front of his body, both Pokémon reached full strength and relentlessly charged at each other each leaving behind a trail of mist or embers. The meteors slammed and detonated around them as the two fighters closed in on each

other with everything they had. Garchomp swung both flame covered arms forward meeting Glalie's ice shield being propelled by Double Edge, as the two powerful attacks clashed in the centre of the field it created a massive explosion spreading out waves of mixed hot and cold energy completely covering both Pokémon and sending dust and dirt across the stadium.

Both Cynthia and Ash were forced to shield their faces as the wind from the explosion pushed them back but neither looked away from the centre of the field where their Pokémon had committed so much strength. Suddenly the dust faded leaving behind a slowly descending mix of snow flakes and embers and in the middle of this was the outcome of Glalie's and Garchomp's collision. Both Pokémon lay on their side right in front of the other, completely unconscious.

"Both Glalie and Garchomp are unable to battle, this is a double knockout." The referee announced raising both flags.

The cheers and noise coming from the audience was mostly one of shock, a double knockout was very rare and the final moments that lead up to it was awe inspiring. Ash didn't feel any need to celebrate, he had planned to be the first person to knockout Garchomp without losing a Pokémon and he had come so close but that last attack was so powerful that neither Pokémon would have come out of it. He was however immensely proud of Glalie, the ice type had been waiting to show his strength for a long time and as he returned him to his Pokeball Ash knew that Glalie put in everything he had and so much more.

"Glalie you were excellent, rest and well I'll take care of the rest." He spoke quietly while Cynthia returned Garchomp.

"Thank you Garchomp, a brilliant battle as always." Cynthia spoke softly to Garchomp's Pokeball before turning her attention back to Ash.

"Both trainers must now present their next Pokémon together." The ref declared.

"Alright then, Infernape come on out." Ash threw the Pokeball returning Infernape to the field.

"Gallade it's time." Cynthia called out her second Pokémon.

The stern looking dual Fighting and Psychic type materialised on the field, raising one hand vertically in from of his face, his extendable elbow blades ready to slash any opponent. Infernape pumped both his fists to either side of his body showing no signs of the huge blow he had taken from Garchomp. Infernape was not having to best luck that day, he was going against another Pokémon who had type advantage over him and Gallade was fresh an uninjured. Ash had fate in his choice though, together the two of them had overcome a lot of obstacles with both opponents and themselves.

"Begin the next round." The referee declared.

"Gallade use Close Combat." Cynthia took the first move.

"We'll use Close Combat as well." Ash responded.

Both Pokémon ran right for each other, as they met both let loose a barrage of hand combos. Their movements were hard to follow as they seamlessly transitioned from strikes to blocks to counters but neither of them was able to land a hit. Both Infernape and Gallade finished their combat with a powerful turning kick. Both their shins smashed into each other with the cracking sound of bone on bone, enough to make even Cynthia reel. Each Pokémon pushed against the others leg trying to prove their strength but just like the rest of their Close Combat clash they were evenly matched.

"Gallade Night Slash." Cynthia broke the dead lock.

Gallade pulled back his leg letting Infernape step forward, Gallade's arm glowed a deep black and his elbow extended a foot, he then slashed at Infernape who avoided the sharp attack by a hairs length. Infernape rolled backwards before jumping up into his fighting stance, arms raised and moving lightly on his feet.

"Now Psycho Cut." Cynthia commanded.

"Hit back with Flamethrower." Ash countered.

The dark colour on Gallade's arm faded before glowing a light blue, Gallade swiped at the air several times sending three crescent shaped blades on energy at Infernape. The Sinnoh starter didn't hesitate before blasting his Flamethrower at the incoming attack, as the flames intercepted them the Psycho Cut burst in the air and the flames kept on going hitting Glallade directly. Cynthia's Psychic type stood firmly against the Flamethrower not even breaking his form till the attack had ceased.

"Gallade Psycho Cut again rounded formation." Cynthia signalled by throwing her hands in the air.

Gallade used both his arms and slashing them up and down sending six individual Psychic crescents in different directions, but they all changed course and headed for Infernape from different angles.

"Infernape use Dig to dodge." Ash instructed.

With multiple projectiles coming at him Infernape dove into the ground avoiding the attacks that hammered harmlessly into the ground.

"Feel where Infernape is under the ground." Cynthia instructed Gallade who used his psychic powers to track Infernape.

"Not so fast, Infernape use Close Combat." Ash put a stop to Cynthia's plan.

Hearing Ash's instruction Infernape began attacking the earth all around him making the ground shake slightly and causing enough vibrations to stop Gallade from being able to pin point his position.

"Alright now Flare Blitz." Ash yelled.

"Going with that same move are we, Gallade move back now." Cynthia grinned.

Gallade flipped backwards with the skill of an elite gymnast as Infernape erupted out of the ground covered in a brilliant fire. Infernape wasn't about to give up and accelerated towards Gallade who stood with one arm still raised.

"Night Slash." Cynthia spoke confidently.

Gallade readied one arm that glowed with dark energy, when Infernape looked set to collide with him Gallade side stepped and swung his arm cutting through the Flare Blitz and hitting Infernape in the side of the head sending the fire type veering off course and slamming into the ground. Infernape picked himself off the ground slightly dazed, he had not been hit very hard but the speed he was travelling at and the accuracy of Gallade's strike was what did the damage.

"Alright Gallade use Swords Dance." Cynthia revealed Gallade's fourth move.

Gallade closed his eyes, widened his stance and laid both his arms horizontal to his body. Five blue swords appeared and circled around Gallade's body which then glowed a faint red showing his attack strength had increased sharply.

"Infernape quickly use Flamethrower." Ash called out knowing how dangerous a Pokémon like Gallade could be with higher attack.

Infernape turned around while Gallade was still charging up from Swords Dance hitting him with Flamethrower. Gallade took the full force of the attack, though it was a cost he was willing to pay for the boost in power.

"Psycho Cut." Cynthia ordered."

Opening his eyes Gallade now appeared far more focused, the red of his eyes burning brighter. With his new strength Gallade thrust his arm upwards releasing several crescent shaped attacks in one swipe.

"Infernape hit them with Flamethrower." Ash called out.

The three Psycho Cuts were larger now, Infernape blasted all of them with Flamethrower and though they all held out longer then last time, each one detonated one after another creating a small cloud of grey smoke. Gallade burst through the smoke with his right arm readied with a Night Slash.

"Quick Block." Ash responded to the surprise attack.

Infernape raised both hands in front of himself as Gallade swung his extended elbow into the fire types forearms with enough force to make him slide back on his heels. Though Infernape didn't take much damage he still had a wide mark on both his arms where he was hit.

"Flamethrower lets go." Ash instructed knowing a front on attack was more dangerous now.

Infernape was in relatively close proximity to Gallade and so had an easy target. Gallade crossed both arms vertically in front of its body which still had Night Slash in effect and then bent down guarding his body from the flames. When Infernape had finished his attack the Psychic type launched straight into his next move.

"Close Combat." Cynthia called out.

Gallade moved in on Infernape giving Ash barely enough time to counter with Infernape's own Close Combat. The two combatants clashed it was another flurry of lightning fast moves but Gallade was clearly stronger, his powered up strikes forcing Infernape to step back. Before neither Pokémon were able to land a hit on each other but now Gallade was getting through Infernape's defence. Infernape was hit in the jaw but still managed to keep attacking, then the ribs, the stomach and the chest all of which took place in the space of three seconds. Infernape couldn't keep up with his adversary and was forced to jump back, he had avoided any major injury but was now starting to tire.

"Follow up with Psycho cut." Cynthia instructed. Gallade charged up both his arms with the Psychic attack but only launched three of them from his left arm.

"Knock them down with Flamethrower." Ash responded.

Infernape still had little space between himself and Gallade but was able to let off his flamethrower covering and blasting away the Psycho cuts, the flames then continued straight towards Gallade. At that moment Gallade swung his right arm releasing an extra charged up Psycho Cut several times the size of the others and rippling with energy. As it contacted the flamethrower it cut right through it, splitting the flames down the middle before it battered into Infernape and detonated across his body sending him flying backwards hitting the ground hard on his back.

"Infernape get up." Ash called out.

Infernape propped himself up with his elbows but was struggling to lift himself to his feet, that last Psycho Cut was more powerful than Ash realised and it didn't help that it was super effective, through all of this Infernape still steadied himself for the next attack.

"Flamethrower Infernape." Ash instructed.

Infernape blasted his flamethrower but Gallade easily side stepped and ran at Infernape. Cynthia then gave the call to use Close Combat. Infernape only had a chance to cease his own fire attack before he was bombarded with the relentless assault.

The strikes from Gallade's hands were as fast as ever, not even Infernape knew where he was being hit but it wouldn't have mattered as not a single square inch of his upper body was left untouched. The fire type simply stood there unable to even put up a block leaving Gallade free to decimate his target unhindered.

Ash watched knowing there was nothing he could do, Infernape was so weak that was expression barely changed as he was pummelled relentlessly until Gallade ended his attack with one final blow to the stomach making Infernape's back and head arch forward.

Gallade removed his hand and took two steps back, looking over his opponent. Infernape stood there limp with a completely vacant stare in his eyes, it was as if he had been knocked unconscious and just hadn't fallen to the floor. Cynthia didn't like to attack an opponent while they were in such a state, but it was better to put Infernape out of his misery then let him continue to fight in such a state.

"Gallade finish this with Night Slash." Cynthia spoke neutrally.

Gallade slowly extended his elbow as it changed colour to dark black, he stepped forward and swung at his stationary and stunned target.

Infernape's hand snapped up blocking Night Slash before it collided with his head. Both Gallade's and Cynthia's eyes widened at this, Infernape had somehow managed to pull himself back into the fight at the last second. Not only that he had blocked Gallade's powered up Night Slash him one hand. The air rippled around Infernape as the heat from his body began to build, his eyes darted upwards meeting Galldae with an almost possessed look about them.

"Gallade fall back." Cynthia ordered. Gallade jumped back anxiety starting to enter his mind at the sight of pure intent utter ferocity in Infernape's eyes.

"You said you were getting serious before Cynthia?" Ash looked from under the brim of his hat.

"Well Infernape is going to be as serious as they come." Ash spoke brazenly his own eyes filled with determination.

Infernape straightened his body groaning lowly as the energy inside his body seeped out and flickered in the air.

"Here it comes." Cynthia readied herself.

"Infernaaaaaaaapppppeee!" The fire type roared into the sky as fire erupted from his body blasting the field around him and sending a massive blast of fire into the air that threatened to escape the very stadium ceiling. Infernape's unrivalled and overwhelming powerful ability Blaze had taken effect in a breathtaking display.

"Just like when Ash battled Paul." Cynthia remembered the incredible ending to that battle so many years ago, she didn't know it but that was the last time Infernape had used Blaze but if anything it was more powerful than ever.

"Let's go, Infernape Flamethrower." Ash thrust his hand forward.

Infernape breathed in and unleashed his flamethrower that with the power of Blaze made it look more like a bright red Hyper Beam as wide as Infernape's body. The energy from the blast enough to rip apart the field that stood in its way.

"Gallade evade now." Cynthia called out in the face of such raw power.

Gallade rolled to the side but wasn't fast enough to completely avoid the attack, his right arm and leg were caught in the flamethrower. As Gallade rose to his feet his arm and leg were covered in black from the heat of the attack, Gallade flinched momentarily at the pain in his limbs.

"Close Combat." Ash directed.

"Gallade focus and use Close Combat as well." Cynthia responded.

Infernape jumped high into the air the flames on his head now as large as his body, as he threw his fist down at Gallade the Psychic type jumped back. Infernape's hand slammed into the ground cracking it and sending dirt into the air which almost instantly burnt up from the heat surrounding Infernape. He locked onto Gallade and went after him with furious punches.

Gallade struggled through the heat but was able to block Infernape's strikes though they were faster, harder and far more aggressive. Blaze was boosting more than just his fire attacks, it acted like a huge shot of adrenaline and even with Gallade's moves powered up from Swords Dance he was unable to find an opening. Infernape now had the advantage. Gallade became overwhelmed by Infernape's ferocity, the fire type leapt upwards delivering a knee into Gallade's chin sending him sailing backwards through the air before hitting the ground.

"Gallade Swords Dance." Cynthia instructed.

Gallade got to his feet and summoned the blue swords that circled his body powering up his physical attacks even more.

"Flamethrower go." Ash yelled not wanting Gallade to get any stronger.

Infernape let loose another massive flamethrower, Gallade wasn't done powering up and through closed eyes could feel the heat of the attack closing in. The Flamethrower completely covered his body and kept on going colliding with the arena walls showing only Gallde's silhouette from within the fire. When the attack ended Gallade stood there covered in black soot, as he opened his eyes the red in them glowed even brighter and his pupils dilated. The boost in attack also cleared his mind, focusing on the battle so that he didn't even feel the pain across his entire body.

"Gallade Psycho Cut." Cynthia instructed as soon as Gallade was ready. Gallade charged up the attack on his arms releasing three from each arm but they appeared to move a lot slower.

"Infernape show them all your Flare Blitz." Ash yelled intending to charge right through the Psycho Cuts.

"Now control your attack." Cynthia directed Gallade while Infernape charged his own.

The blue Psychic attacks froze in mid-flight controlled by Gallade's psychic powers, they then turned around and headed back towards him. Infernape growled as he leapt up and became surrounded in a massive sphere or fire that turned blue from the incredibly high temperatures Infernape was producing.

"Now combine Psycho Cut with Night Slash." Cynthia called out her final move.

Gallade's arms shoon as black as night, he held both extended arms out in front of himself as the returning Psycho cuts slammed into his arms. The opposing forces of dark and psychic energy rippled together along Gallade's arms fusing together to make an astonishingly powerful combined attack. The new energy on Gallade's arms burst forward and backwards extending past his elbows and hands creating two dark, body length blades. Energy coursed along Gallade's arms and blue sparks whizzed along its borders. Two powerful attacks were set to collide and each one was already radiating with power.

"Gallade use your Night Psycho Slash!" Cynthia yelled.

"Give it everything with your Flare Blitz!" Ash responded.

Gallade rushed forward carrying his huge blades effortlessly, Infernape roared again as he accelerated forward completely surrounded by burning blue fire. As they neared each other Gallade slashed downwards in an X movement while Infernape threw both arms forwards. Both Pokémon collided, a shock wave burst in all directions accompanied by a thunderous crash of noise that reverberated around the field. Gallade pushed against Infernape's Flare Blitz and suddenly two massive pillars of flames burst along the back of his blades, the two columns of fire erupted upwards surging high above the top of the stadium.

Ash's mind flashed back in time, this was almost exactly like his battle with Paul. Though it might have been more like a tornado of fire and lightning, this display of power was just as breathtaking. The twin spouts of fire were enormous and yet neither Pokémon gave in inch, they stayed transfixed on each other knowing that this clash would decide the winner.

Infernape roared again and thrust both open hands forward grabbing Gallade's arms through the dark energy and twisted them upwards. Gallade's eye widened in shock, he peered upwards knowing what was about to happen. The two pillars of fire reversed on themselves and spiralled back towards the ground, straight at Gallade and Infernape.

Gallade tried to pull away but Infernape held onto his arms refusing to let him budge. Gallade's eyes snapped back to Infernape's the fire type's eyes not even wavering as two mighty lengths of fire fell towards him. It was Infernape's gaze that truly frightened Gallade, even more then the fire above him.

The colossal spears of flames slammed into Infernape and Gallade creating a firestorm of rotating blue flame. A ten meter high tornado that consumed both Pokemon and had everyone bracing against the heat, all except Ash and Cynthia even as the fire burned right in front of them they refused to avert their gaze, their strength of will all but equal.

The vortex suddenly dissipated as quickly as it had developed leaving a scorched earth and the two Pokémon standing motionless in front of each other. Their bodies were limp and steaming from the fire that had just consumed their bodies. Even as a fire type Infernape couldn't even have held out against such overwhelming power. Both Pokémon's eyes were still fixed on each other, pushing through their own pain so that they could fight one last time.

As dual fighting types each one raised their hand weakly, mustering all of their hidden strength for one last strike, one last chance to prove who were better. Neither trainer could say a word, their Pokémon were so willingly so push beyond their own limits not only for themselves but for their trainers that it shook them it the core.

At the same time Infernape and Gallade threw their fists forward with all their limited might and hit each other square in the jaw at the same time, fixed in position, neither willing to pull back or unable to. They stayed poised with each other's fists in the others face, their eyes still locked. In the last seconds Infernape grinned, and Gallade did the same. Knowing they had found worthy rivals, then together they fell forward, collapsing either side of each other, knocked out.

"Both Gallade and Infernape are unable to battle, this is another Double Knockout." The referee declared to everyone's amazement.

Ash barely even heard the cheering in the background, looking at Cynthia she had the same astounding look on her face. Their Pokémon were so close in strength that they only had one left each, not to mention two double knockouts, Ash hadn't even heard of that before. Together they recalled their fallen Pokémon, still incredibly proud of their efforts.

"Infernape your incredible, no one's more deserving of a rest then you are." Ash said with a deep amount of respect.

"Even in the face of such strength you fought well Gallade." Cynthia thanked for fighter.

Both knew it all came down to this last match, a one of one confrontation where they were both even. This would be the ultimate test of skill between them.

"Both trainers reveal your Pokémon now." The ref declared.

"Togekiss it's time for the final battle." Cynthia said as she released her last Pokémon.

"Gliscor I choose you." Ash yelled releasing his own final Pokémon.

Ash looked over Cynthia's Pokémon Togekiss, this wasn't an elegant contest bred Togekiss like Dawn's, this one was a fighter. It rested on the ground with folded wings eagerly waiting to fight, a determined and confident look on its face.

He then turned his attention to Gliscor weighing up the positives and negatives of his choice. Gliscor had two moves that would be super effective against a flying-fairy type like Togekiss however, despite both Pokémon being flying types there was an important difference. Gliscor was mostly incapable of powered flight like Togekiss, without wind she could only manage to glide. Fortunately there was a light breeze going around the stadium which would be enough for an aerial expert like Gliscor, and she could use her tail to leap off the ground to get into the air.

Cynthia's Togekiss would be no pushover of coarse and he doubted in the air Gliscor would be able to match its speed. This battle would test him to use his advantages to overcome those weaknesses.

"This is the final round, Togekiss vs Gliscor begin!" The ref yelled.

"Togekiss use Dazzling Gleam." Cynthia instructed.

Togekiss opened his mouth showing a pink glow, he then leant forward and fired a barrage of thin silver beams of light. The Fairy type move Dazzling Gleam.

"Gliscor into the air." Ash pointed to the sky.

"Gliscor balanced on her tail and using it like a spring, sprung into the air avoiding Togekiss's attack.

"Now use X Scissor." Ash countered.

Gliscor crossed her arms over each other building up the light blue energy that extended from her claws to her elbows. At full power Gliscor opened her arms up sending the attack straight down. Togekiss without opening her wings slid to the side on her small feet leaving the X Scissor to detonate harmlessly on the ground.

'Trying to show of hey, well trust me you're not going to be so cocky for long.' Ash thought to himself. "Gliscor move in with Fire Fang."Gliscor opened her mouth which had flames billowing from her lower jaw and dived at Togekiss head first.

"Up Togekiss." Cynthia spoke as she folded her arms.

Togekiss opened up his wings for the first time waited for Gliscor to near and then with barely a flap ascended two metres into the air dodging Gliscor who was forced to stop her advance by thrusting both her claws into the ground, right under Togekiss.

"Now Steel Wing." Cynthia ordered.

"Dodge to the side." Ash responded.

Togekiss aimed one wing down at Gliscor which suddenly took on a silver colour and doubled the length of her wing, making it look more like a knife then a body part. His attack was already dangerously close to Gliscor who still lay on the ground all he had to do was drop down. As he did Gliscor lifted off one arm and dodged manoeuvring under Togekiss's body and avoiding the Steel Wing which sliced into the ground.

"Now use your own Steel Wing." Ash took his chance.

Gliscor looked up at Togekiss who still had his wing stuck in the ground. Using this to his advantage Gliscor raised her claw as it too extended and hardened to steel, she jumped up and struck Togekiss square in the chest with enough force to uproot him and send him sailing higher into the air. Ash was right about Togekiss not remaining arrogant for long, as he shook off the last attack and glared down at Gliscor clearly not happy having taken the first hit.

"Air Slash go Togekiss." Cynthia retaliated.

Togekiss flapped his wings sending sharp cuts of air in the shape of blue buzz saws. Gliscor propped up on her tail and launched back into the air angling so she avoided the attacks but was able get to Togekiss's height and stay close.

"Gliscor use Stone Edge" Ash yelled.

"Fight back with Dazzling Gleam." Cynthia responded.

Gliscor became surrounded by multiple white lights that spiralled around her, these lights materialised into grey rocks which Gliscor launched forward. Togekiss responded by firing her attack of silver beams of light. The attacks collided in the air between the two Pokémon detonating as each rock met a fragment of the Dazzling Gleam creating a cloud of smoke, not a single projectile from either attack made it through. That was until one last round of each attack escaped the smoke screen and grazed both Gliscor and Togekiss across their shoulder. They flinched more in surprise then pain, not knowing whether to be proud or frustrated at the result of landing a single blow.

"Togekiss use Magical Leaf." Cynthia instructed.

Togekiss pulled its wings over its head and spun around making bright green leafs form around himself, once he had completed his spin the leafs raced towards Gliscor.

"Dive Gliscor and then bounce back up." Ash directed knowing that Magical Leaf was able to track its target.

Gliscor dove towards the ground opening up her wings before she hit to stop her fall, she readied her tail to launch back into the air when the leafs slammed into her back sending her face first into the dirt. Ash had thought Gliscor would have been fast enough to launch back into the air past Togekiss therefore leading the Magical Leaf right into its own creator. But this Magical Leaf was a lot faster than any he had seen before, in the future he would more likely have to try and destroy the attack before it hit rather than risk any more damage.

"Gliscor up and use Fire Fang." Ash got right back into it.

Gliscor jumped to her feet and swiftly propelled herself towards Togekiss her fire lit mouth leaving behind a trail of embers.

"Get moving Togekiss." Cynthia directed.

As Gliscor advanced on Togekiss the fairy type jetted away leaving Gliscor to chomp harmlessly at the air. Togekiss kept flying through the air while Gliscor remained floating in her position. Gliscor was unable to keep up with Togekiss and Cynthia knew it, she simply had Togekiss circle Gliscor and wait for an opening.

"Gliscor use X Scissor." Ash called out.

Gliscor tracked Togekiss's movements while charging the blue energy along her crossed arms, when she saw Togekiss raise his wings in preparation to ascend Gliscor opened her arms and sent the energy forward. It was a smaller projectile then the last X Scissor and was far quickly, it accelerated towards Togekiss so fast he didn't even realise Gliscor had launched the attack until he felt it impact his right wing causing him to spiral through the air momentarily until he regained his balance.

X Scissor did little damage to a Flying-Fairy type but Ash had his reasons for using it. He had taught Gliscor to be able to release the energy off her arms instead of charging an opponent turning it into a ranged attack. When it was used at a lower power the attack was also extremely fast and very accurate. In comparison to Stone Edge which requires a lot of power and relied more on overwhelming the target then pin point accuracy. Plus a hit was a hit, if he had to ware Togekiss down bit by bit that's what he would do.

"Togekiss use Air Slash." Cynthia instructed.

Togekiss turned to face Gliscor she then lifted one wing above his head twirled the tip compressing the air around him into a tight ball of blue energy, he then flicked his wing sending the alternate form of Air Slash right at Gliscor.

"Use the air currents to dodge." Ash told Gliscor.

After her training with the 'Air Battle Master' Gliscor was an expert at taking advantage of any winds to her advantage. Adjusting her wings Gliscor turned around and went into a slight dive as the Air Slash attack closed in on her. At the last second before it impacted Gliscor peeled off to the right nearly turning on a full ninety degrees, the Air Slash was on the same current but was unable to follow Gliscor and slammed against the stadium wall. Gliscor had chosen the best current to follow as it looped around and gave her a direct path back to Togekiss.

"Gliscor use Steel Wing." Ash saw the advantage Gliscor had gained.

Togekiss faced Gliscor in time to see her approaching his side with one claw glowing and slightly extending into steel.

"Block with your own Steel Wing." Cynthia reacted.

Togekiss hardened one of his wings, as Gliscor lunged forward with her claw Togekiss blocked downwards diverting the attack off to her side.

"Now use your other claw." Ash called out.

Gliscor raised her other glowing claw to her opposite side and swung it to Togekiss's face but Togekiss had already raised her other wing and blocked Gliscor's attack with a loud clang of metal on metal.

"Now we got ya, Gliscor Fire Fang go." Ash yelled.

Ash's plan was revealed, by getting in close and forcing Togekiss to manoeuvre her arms in an odd position she wouldn't be able to use them as a means of escape and Gliscor was still travelling forward with the air current. With that Gliscor retracted her Steel Wings and lunged forward as her mouth lit up with flames and bit down on Togekiss's neck. Togekiss groaned as Gliscor's fangs bit down on his neck and flames scorched along his shoulder.

"Togekiss now use Dazzling Gleam." Cynthia ordered trying to take advantage of Gliscor being so close.

Togekiss charged up the fairy move in his mouth, the sound alerted Gliscor who quickly let go of Togekiss and tried to back off. Togekiss flapped his wings getting above Gliscor and then released the beams of light. Ash yelled out for Gliscor to block with Steel Wing only this time Gliscor hardened her black wings instead of her claws forming a protective barrier when she wrapped over her body. What Ash didn't expect was the power of the Daazzling Gleam, as it impacted Gliscor was sent flying backwards into the ground and then continually pounded by the remaining projectiles. When the attack ceased Gliscor lowered her wings but was still pretty badly beaten up, Ash didn't want to know how much damage that attack would have done if Gliscor hadn't blocked.

"Togekiss fly low and use Steel Wing." Cynthia followed up. Togekiss swooped low to the ground with one wing forged into steel ready to slam across Gliscor.

"Gliscor get ready on my mark." Ash instructed. Gliscor squared off against Togekiss who accelerated towards her knowing exactly what Ash wanted her to do against this attack. "Now throw it." Ash yelled.

Gliscor rolled onto her back as Togekiss's wing flew over her but she didn't just dodge, Gliscor whipped her tail up and grabbed Togekiss's neck in between the two pincers on her tail. With Togekiss locked in place Gliscor simply held on and let Togekiss's momentum do the rest. The Fairy type was anchored down by Gliscor and sent face first into the ground creating a cloud of dust around her.

"Gliscor attack with Fire Fang." Ash exclaimed.

Gliscor got back on her feet and though she couldn't see Togekiss through the smoke she ran towards it ready to crunch down on her opponent again. Suddenly out of the smoke came a giant blade that slammed right into Gliscor's chest sending her tumbling backwards along the ground, as she came to a stop she coughed up excess flames.

The dust cleared revealing Togekiss had pushed back Gliscor with Steel Wing at the last second, using the dust as cover so Gliscor couldn't see her use the attack till it was too late.

"Togekiss use Dazzling Gleam." Cynthia ordered.

"X Scissor." Ash responded.

Togekiss steadied himself with his wings and arched his head back in preparation for his next attack. Gliscor swiftly crossed her arms and released her attack almost instantaneously, the quick draw move hit Togekiss square in the mouth dazing him enough that his own attack was cancelled out.

"Come on Togekiss get into the air." Cynthia yelled.

"You too Gliscor." Ash matched Cynthia.

Both Pokémon got to their feet at launched into the air meeting eye to eye once they reached the centre of the stadium. Cynthia and Ash both yelled out to use Steel Wing and their Pokémon extended their wings or claws each as long at their bodies. Gliscor swung both claws in wide arch's to either side of Togekiss who blocked both with his own wings. He then forced Glsicor's wings apart and threw his right downwards at Gliscor's head but Gliscor blocked the attack with her right and slashed at Togekiss with her left. The clashing of steel type attacks made it sound like a sword fight, and it had the spirit of one as well. Each blow was met with a swift block and then a counter move followed by a rapid mid-air manoeuvre, each one matching the other's movements perfectly.

"Attack with Magical Leaf." Cynthia instructed.

Togekiss withdrew her Steel Wing returning her wings to their normal state, Gliscor tried to take advantage of this by slashing with one claw but Togekiss was too quick and flew backwards to a safe distance. Togekiss rotated in the air forming three rows of glowing leafs which she sent spiralling towards Gliscor who had retracted her own wings in order to move easier.

"Block those with Stone Edge." Ash called out.

Gliscor built up the stones around her body and fired them to push back the Magical Leafs. Unlike the Magical Leafs that were sent in three straight rows however Stone Edge was scattered and sent off in different angles. Those that did manage to hit the Magical Leaf attack only took out about half its number which also shielded Togekiss from those rocks that would have hit her. Gliscor hadn't even finished her attack when she was hit across the body by the remaining leafs leaving her open to any follow up attacks.

"Steel Wing now." Cynthia yelled.

"Gliscor watch out." Ash tried to warn his Pokémon.

Gliscor was too dazed to dodge and could do nothing to stop Togekiss from racing forward and slashing her with his wing. Gliscor fell backwards for a moment until she was struck from behind and then again from below. Togekiss was moving so quickly that he was able to keep Gliscor afloat with his hits, before Gliscor even had a chance to recover she was struck from a different angle. Gliscor wouldn't remain conscious for much longer, a few more hits and she would be unable to continue.

"Gliscor you've got to concentrate and lock onto Togekiss or it's all over." Ash yelled out.

Gliscor forced her eyes open, her vision started to become blurry as Togekiss continually slammed his wings against her. Through all this Gliscor was able to track Togekiss by the way he routinely hit her. She predicted exactly when Togekiss would attack her from the front having felt the last hit Gliscor charged up a small amount of energy into her arms, Togekiss hit her again but she held on knowing exactly where he would attack from next. She eyed the space where he would fly into and released a low powered X Scissor. As it raced forward Togekiss flew right into it causing him to shut his eyes and his speed to decrease, this was Ash's chance and he grabbed it.

"Gliscor grab hold of Togekiss." Ash yelled out.

Gliscor straightened out her wings just in time you Togekiss to fly under her, she then latched onto his shoulders and was pulled along as Togekiss continued forward shocked that he had gotten seized.

"Now Fire Fang." Ash shouted.

Gliscor had the wind rushing against her but was still able to ignite the flames in her mouth and clamp her jaws onto Togekiss' neck. Togekiss gritted his teeth as his neck was once again attacked by Gliscor but he was still able to stay in the air even as Gliscor dug her claws into his shoulders and her feet into his back.

"Togekiss get Gliscor off your back now." Cynthia yelled sensing Togekiss's strength was reaching its limits.

Togekiss barrel rolled then corkscrewed through the air trying desperately to get Togekiss off him but Gliscor moved with his actions knowing exactly how to keep herself from falling off. Every few seconds the flames she was emitting would run out and Gliscor had to remove her jaws in order to recharge and attack again. Togekiss did his best to use that short amount of time to his advantage but Gliscor was proving impossible to shake off and her constant biting was wearing him down bit by bit. As a last resort Togekiss started to ascend, he kept going higher and higher far above the stadium itself, the air grew thinner but his speed didn't decrease, eventually one of them wouldn't be able to handle it.

Gliscor's vision narrowed she couldn't take much more of this, suddenly she saw something. Togekiss was forced to pull his wings all the way back to his body in order to keep his speed up but if she stopped him from moving all together she could halt him altogether. When Togekiss's wings went parallel to his body Gliscor unhooked her claws and wrapped her arms around his wings and chest preventing him from flying. The look of shock on Togekiss's face when he realised what Gliscor had done was only outdone by the look he gave when the two of them started to fall. Ash could barely make out what was happening at that height but when he saw them both tumbling back to the ground he became increasingly worried.

"Gliscor what are you doing?" Ash asked only just able to make out their forms.

Togekiss thrashed around with all his might to try and escape Gliscor's grip but she didn't budge even as their speed increased and the space between them and the ground rapidly decreased.

"That's far enough Gliscor let go, come on, come on." Ash exclaimed.

Gliscor knew when she should have let go but waited, if she was going to hit the ground then so was Togekiss. With no time to spare Gliscor pushed off Togekiss's back and stretched out her wings reducing her speed but knowing she would collide with the ground. Togekiss stretched out his own wings and frantically tried to slow down but it was all in vain. Still travelling at great speed both Togekiss and Gliscor crashed onto the battlefield with enough force to send two dust clouds across the field and shake the ground. Ash and Cynthia couldn't believe what had happened both Pokémon had been in such a desperate state they were willing to risk their own bodies in order to win but Gliscor's actions verged on outrageous.

The smoke cleared but only one Pokémon was on its feet, it struggled to raise its wings but as it did it revealed a battered and bruised body barely able to stand. With a cry of mixed pain and rage, Togekiss declared itself the victor.

Gliscor lay on the ground her body twitching in her attempts to pull herself up but she could barely manage to lift her head up and look at her opponent. Ash didn't want to believe it but his experience made it clear. There was no way Gliscor could continue the fact she was till conscious was in itself incredible, but her body was in deplorable condition. It was like Sceptile and Starraptor all over again and he couldn't bare to push Gliscor to that point.

Togekiss grinned at Gliscor rubbing it in and taunting her to make another move. Suddenly Togekiss became covered in flames, his entire body lit up and made the Fairy type cry out in shock. Everyone couldn't believe it but all those continual Fire Fangs had left their mark, Togekiss had been burned.

"Oh no Togekiss." Cynthia exclaimed.

The flames on Togekiss's body disappeared he stood there eyes wide opened his instincts telling him even before his body could that that was it, that last burn had sealed his fate. Togekiss exhaled weakly and collapsed to the ground. Ash stared at this sudden outcome in disbelief when he heard the ref's voice.

"Gliscor must now stand up or she will be declared unable to battle and the match declared a tie." The referee laid out the rules.

"Gliscor you've got to get up, if you can do that we win, all you have to do is stand!" Ash shouted in desperation.

They had come so far, been matched by Cynthia at every turn, tied twice and nearly lost. This was their last chance to prove themselves and finally come on top. He knew he was asking a lot from her but if Gliscor could push through this last obstacle then that would be it.

Gliscor gritted her teeth as she propped one arm up and struggled to get her other one up as well. She was straining with every small movement and grunting in pain trying to force her body to do what she wanted but this was proving to be harder than the entire battle combined.

Ash suddenly saw Cynthia begin to raise her hand, she was going to forfeit. Either out of some mutual respect for Ash or the fact that she didn't want to see Gliscor suffer any longer the long standing champion of Sinnoh was about to surrender.

"Hold it Cynthia." Ash yelled out making the blond haired women stop in her tracks.

"Don't take pity on us, it's your job as Sinnoh's champion to not forfeit." Ash informed her.

"But Ash it's over, Togekiss can't battle and I don't want this to end in a tie." Cynthia explained.

"I know but." Ash cut her off. "If you forfeit this match then we didn't truly win. A real victory is one that we push ourselves to till the very end." Ash poured his heart out making Cynthia stand there almost shocked.

"So come on Gliscor use what even is left inside of you and stand up!" Ash yelled.

Gliscor roared as she positioned both feet flat on the ground, pulled back her shoulders and with one almighty cry straightened her back and threw her head towards the sky. With Ash's words to push her and years of honing her body and skill Gliscor had taken unbelievable damage and managed to stand up. The referee raised his flag to announce Ash as the winner but the crowd was already cheering. What looked like a certain three way tie had turned into a glorious victory for Ash.

With another blissful smile on his face Ash returned Gliscor before she fell to the ground thanking her as he did.

"You did it Gliscor you, Glalie and Infernape were unbelievable, rest easy now." Ash said as he placed Gliscor's Pokeball next to Infernape's and Glalie's.

"Well what do you know, you've finally managed to beat me Ash." Cynthia grinned remembering the young boy she meet all those years ago.

"Looks like I did but you certainly gave it your all I can tell." Ash responded.

"Your right and so I have nothing to be ashamed of. Let's give another round of applause for of the strongest trainer in Kanto, Hoenn and now Sinnoh." Cynthia called on the crowd who responded with a roared applause.

Ash never got tired of hearing that applause and the fact that he had beaten the closest thing he ever had to a mentor made it that much more incredible. As he waved to the crowd the floor beneath him began to lower, taking him back down to the waiting room he started in. The doors above him slowly shut and the sound of the crowd died down, as he got off the lift Ash let out a deep sigh and walked back to the waiting area. He was about to enter when he heard Cynthia's voice coming from behind him.

"Ash hold on a second." Cynthia called out.

Ash waited for Cynthia to walk up to him not sure what could be so important that she couldn't have said it in the stadium or even later on.

"What is it Cynthia?" Ash asked.

"You're going to face Alder in Unova right?" Cynthia asked.

"Yes that right why is there something wrong?" Ash responded.

"Well the thing is Ash that from now on I don't think people will be supporting you as much as they have been." Cynthia revealed.

"There are going to be those that want you to loss, people who are jealous and think that Alder will 'teach you a lesson' so to speak." Cynthia explained.

"Why are you telling me this?" Ash asked.

"Because your battles with each Champion have all ended on extremely close calls, they could have gone either way. So in your battle with Alder you'll have to do more than just beat him, in order to truly show that you are the strongest you'll have to defeat him properly. Not by the skin of your teeth but as if he was just another trainer, you have to rise beyond the level of a champion to prove your worthy of the title you seek."

Cynthia's words hit Ash hard, she was right of course he couldn't keep scraping by in his battles, his fight with Alder would have to be won effectively and decisively to crush any thoughts people had about his abilities.

"Thanks Cynthia, I'll be sure to do just that." Ash grinned confidently at the Sinnoh Champion.

Cynthia smiled back but with a hint of concern still evident in her features, she then turned and returned the way she came. Ash was in secret worried, the Champions he had faced up until now were nothing like Alder, of all the people he had to try and make it look easy to beat it just had to be him.

"Alright no time to sit around, if I'm going to rise above the level of all other champions I've got to train. And then I'll be ready for you Alder, ready to take my next step to becoming a Pokémon Master."

Three down two to go. First time I actually used the video games as a reference for how the attacks should look like Payback instead of the anime. Again the wait for the next chapter is going to be long so I apologise for that. This is super fun to take characters and moments from the show and put my own spin on it by creating huge earth shacking battles. Alder is a bit of a tricky one for me as I never got into Black and White but I've got a few ideas so let's get back into it. As always please leave a comment.