Becoming a Pokemon Master

by PenUltimate Rex

After years of training Ash is finally ready to face the Kanto Champion. But in order to truly become the world's 'Greatest Pokemon Master' Ash will have to beat more then one Champion, he'll have to take on all of them.

4. Chapter 4

Chapter 4: Unova

Ash had thought hard about what his team would have to be in order to beat Alder. In the process he had changed the way he battled to bring out the full potential of his three Pokémon.

Then there was Alder, the man he not only had to beat but beat confidently. Alder was different to any of the other Champions so far. Lance, Brendan and Cynthia had one major thing in common. Like Ash they were all young adults were Alder was well past middle age. Alder hadn't risen to power quickly like the others, he had trained for years with his Pokémon making them extremely well experienced before he found himself as Unova's Champion. And he had held that title for many years, taken on countless challengers and usually beaten them back using raw strength alone.

Ash had met up with Trip a few days before after the Unova locals own attempt to take down Alder had failed for the fifth time. Trip had tried every technique he had but Alder had proven time and time again to be too much and had only one piece of advice for Ash.

"Power Ash." Trip had told him. "Powerful attacks are the only way the break through Alders defences."

That had always been Trip's underlying strategy and though that had ultimately let him down he did have a point. Ash planned to match strength with strength for at least some of the match and in effect beat Alder at his own game. This was not his usual strategy and training for it had been difficult but in the end it had improved his battling skills overall, he was confident that Cynthia's request could be achieved. Ash heard the sound of the waiting room door opening and turned to see Iris and Cilan walking in.

"Hey there Ash." Both gym Unova leaders said in unison.

"Hi guys, good to see you." Ash replied.

"Well we thought it would be a surprise if we visited you before your match to wish you good luck." Cilan explained.

"Yeah pretty good surprise don't you think?" Iris stated proudly.

'Well it would be if everyone else hadn't already thought of it.' Ash thought to himself.

"Thanks guys it really means a lot to me." Ash told Iris and Cilan.

"Well no matter what happens, after your match my brothers and I have cooked up a special surprise meal for you." Cilan told Ash making his mind wonder at what sort of delicacy Cilan could have cooked up.

"What do you mean 'no matter what happens' Cilan?" Iris scolded the slightly older gym leader.

"Ash is going to wipe the floor with Alder, did you even watch his match against Cynthia? He took her down without breaking a sweat." Iris wagged her finger in his face.

"Well it certainly wasn't that easy." Ash proclaimed.

"Oh don't sell yourself short Ash, besides if you don't defeat Alder they I guess even I could beat him." Iris shrugged her shoulders.

"You a champion, now that's something I've got to see." Ash snicked.

"Hey, can it Ketchum just because you're on some personal crusade across the regions to be the world's best doesn't mean I can't cut you down to size." Iris pouted.

"Are you bickering again?" Cilan groaned.

"How about we have a battle later, after I win of course." Ash grinned.

"You're on." Iris responded, she then shook Ash's hand when the ready bell rang.

"That's my cue, be sure to cheer loud for me." Ash thanked his friends.

"Will do Ash good luck." Iris said as she exited.

"Best wishes." Cilan told Ash before he shut the door.

Pikachu jumped on Ash's shoulder ready to move out. Though he wasn't going to fight in the battle today Ash couldn't deny his requests to be by his side this time.

Iris and Cilan had seats directly behind where Misty, May and Dawn were sitting but noticed that one seat beside Misty next to the walkway was empty before they left and was still vacant after then had gotten back.

"Excuse me Misty but do you know who that seat is reserved for?" Cilan asked the redhead.

"No but I do recall Ash saying that that particular person who may not turn up, even though he was sent an invite." Misty told Cilan.

"Well if he doesn't turn up by the time the match starts I'm claiming it." Iris proclaimed.

"That won't be necessary." A voice came from behind Iris.

Everyone turned around to see who had spoken and saw a young man with purple hair and a blank expression on his face, almost as if he didn't want to be there.

"Wait Paul!" Dawn exclaimed practically leaning over May out of shock.

"Yes it's me don't act so surprised." Paul groaned. "Ash invited me and I had nothing else to do, that's the only reason I'm here." Paul shrugged off any incoming questions as he sat down.

"I wouldn't have thought you'd have cared about Ash's battle?" Dawn asked.

"I wasn't interested, but then I heard he beat Cynthia and that peaked my interest." Paul admitted.

"You wouldn't be jealous of Ash now would you?" Misty teased. She had never met Paul but knew all about him from speaking with Ash and Dawn in the past.

"Ha as if I'd be jealous of him." Paul blew off the question.

Misty wanted to probe Paul some more and she had a feeling that the others did as well when suddenly the announcer came on and started to introduce the competitors.

"Alright now for the main event let's go, let's go!" Iris called out getting everyone pumped up.

Everyone was visibly excited except for Paul who sat there quietly waiting to see exactly how this battle would go.

Alder

Ash heard the last of his introduction finish and walked out onto the field with Pikachu on his shoulder to a cheering crowd. He wondered if what Cynthia had said about people starting to turn on him was true, with the applause he was getting he could have almost forgotten her warning. But as Alder began to walk onto the field the crowd roared with excitement, their cheer for Alder very obviously louder than the one for him. Ash now knew more than ever that he had do exactly what Cynthia had said but even with all the experience he had gathered over the years he couldn't help but feel the slightest hint of nervousness.

As he walked to the middle of the field to meet Alder Ash was now almost as tall as the older man who upon getting to him crossed his arms and chuckled briefly.

"Ha ha ha, well then my boy look who has climbed the ladder to success." Alder joked.

"I know fancy finding you at the top of it." Ash grinned.

"Oh come now Ash, when it comes to your journey I'm most certainly not the top rung. I'm sure in your future you'll battle many others far greater than me." Alder informed the younger trainer.

"But enough philosophy for now let's get to our battle." Alder declared holding out his hand.

"Music to my ears." Ash responded shaking Alder's hand before the two walked back to their sides of the field.

"This battle will be a three on three battle and will be over when all of one sides Pokémon are unable to battle or by forfeit, are the challengers ready?" The ref declared getting a nod from both Ash and Alder. "Then Champions bring out your Pokémon."

"Druddigon it's time for battle." Alder called out releasing the red and blue dragon.

'Just the opponent I wanted to show off my first Pokémon now that he's evolved.' Ash thought to himself.

"Garchomp I choose you." Ash called out releasing the powerful Sinnoh Pokémon who let out a terrifying roar as his feet hit the ground.

"Well this is a surprise I guess after you fought Cynthia you decided to add a Garchomp to your team." Alder admired Ash's fearsome looking Dragon.

"Actually I had him with me for some years now ever since he was a Gible." Ash informed Alder.

"Well Garchomp's are an incredibly strong force if you can manage to evolve one. I see you plan on bringing out the big guns from the start." Alder grinned.

"Indeed so do you want the first move?" Ash offered.

"Mighty kind of you Ash, Druddigon use Dragon Tail." Alder began.

Druddigen's tail became covered in a green energy that looked like interlocking scales, he then charged forward at Garchomp and spun on his heels making his tail swing right at Garchomp's head.

"Block it." Ash directed.

Garchomp widened his stance and thrust one arm to the side intercepting Druddigon's tail, as they connected a shockwave was sent blasting outwards accompanied by a loud bang. Dust was sent in all directions but despite such a heavy blow Garchomp hadn't moved an inch. Everyone in the audience was silent the match had only just begun and already the field was shacking, this was setting up to be a powerful head to head battle.

'Good Garchomp's strength is enough even for Alder's Druddigon now let's see how we go in attack.' Ash grinned confidently.

"Garchomp use Dragon Claw." Ash responded.

Garchomp lifted his other arm over his head as his long claw glowed green. Garchomp thrust his arm downwards when Druddigon's hand moved upwards intercepting the attack. Druddigon was able to halt the Dragon Claw but the force of the attack was still so great that it sent a blast of air in all directions and created a sharp but loud crack around the stadium.

Ash looked over the result of Garchomp's first move as Druddigon kneeled on the ground holding Garchomp's arm as the energy over his claw faded.

'I know it shouldn't be a surprise but Druddigon's power is still incredible, enough even to halt Garchomp's move.' Ash thought cautiously but without a shred of fear.

"My turn, Druddigon back up and use Dark Pulse." Alder called out.

Druddigon jumped backwards and charged up dark purple energy in its mouth, it then released a stream of purple circles straight at Garchomp.

"Garchomp use Fire Blast." Ash countered

Undeterred by the approaching attack Garchomp puffed out his chest as small flames escaped the side of his mouth. As he pushed his head forward and opened his mouth a large ball of flame escaped his jaws spiralling till it formed into a five sided projectile. The Dark Pulse attack collided with the Fire Blast which pushed against the dark energy for a few seconds before detonating in a fiery explosion. Before the smoke could clear Garchomp burst through the dark cloud with both claws glowing with energy. Druddigon barely had enough time to lean his head back before Garchomp's first strike flashed past his face leaving a small scratch on his chin. Garchomp's body spun around with his first attack and his opposite arm came swinging at incredible speed, but Druddigon was able to duck under the Dragon Claw leaving his attacker wide open.

"Now use Super Power." Alder called out.

Druddigon tensed making his muscles bulge and a red aura appear around his body, with Garchomp so close his hit was guaranteed. Druddigon stepped forward and hammered his forearm across Garchomp's chest with a reverberating slam he then lifted Garchomp just off the ground before tossing the large dragon across the ground leaving a shallow trench as Garchomp slide over the battlefield.

Garchomp came to a halt to Ash's right and was quickly back on his feet, Ash knew that Garchomp could take heavy attacks like that square on but all that power would go to waste if Garchomp didn't land any solid hits himself.

"Alright Garchomp get in the air and use Fire Blast." Ash changed tactics.

Garchomp bent his legs and jumped into the air spreading his arms out so he remained hovering in the air. He then breathed in and released the five sided fire attack down at Druddigon.

"Go get him Druddigon." Alder instructed pointing at Garchomp.

Druddigon bent his own legs and leapt into the air straight into the path of the Fire Blast which exploded upon impact leaving a red cloud between Garchomp and the ground. Despite the power of the attack Druddigon still burst out the other end and grabbed a startled Garchomp by both arms. Druddigon then faced Garchomp's body towards the ground and using his legs pushed Garchomp back to the earth. Garchomp had been surprised by the fact that Druddigon had been able to jump so high but was able stop his fall right before he hit the ground and land safely on his feet. But Druddigon wasn't done, as he fell back to earth his tail became covered in green scales.

"Garchomp block up with Dragon Claw." Ash called out.

Garchomp twisted around and raised one glowing arm above his head just in time to block Druddigon's tail creating a mighty crash which cracked the ground beneath them, even with his full weight crashing downwards Garchomp was able to hold back Druddigon's attack. Garchomp then pushed Druddigon backwards sending him falling head over heels to the ground but not before Garchomp thrust his other powered up arm into Druddigon's back making the dragon type let out a deep gasp before he was sent rolling across the field coming to a halt in front of Alder.

"Quickly up and use Dark Pulse." Alder instructed.

Druddigon had taken some heavy damage but was still able to get to his feet and fire the Dark type move at Garchomp to try and keep the large dragon at a distance.

"Block with Sand Tomb." Ash countered.

Garchomp stomped on the ground and brought up a large mound of earth that moved forward in front of him smashing against the Dark Pulse attack creating a cloud of sand and smoke. Garchomp then lifted his other foot and stomped it again, another mound of earth moved forward and thanks to the dust cloud in the centre of the field was hidden from Druddigon's view right until it rolled across his legs, trapping him to the ground.

"Got him, now Garchomp use Draco Meteor." Ash ceased his chance.

Garchomp crossed his arms over his chest which began to glow orange he then growled at the sky and released a single orange energy ball from his mouth and soared into the sky. The ball slowed and then detonated into dozens of smaller balls which began to fall like meteorites. Druddigon had no way to move with its legs trapped by Sand Tomb and watched as the projectiles closed in.

"Druddigon use Protect." Alder instructed.

Druddigon lifted up his hands and a faint green barrier appeared around his body, the first meteor detonated at the centre of the barrier and the rest detonated all around the dragon covering the area in a thick dust cloud. As the air began to clear Ash knew that his last attack had done no damage, he could see Druddigon's silhouette through the dust as well as his still active barrier.

'Smart of Alder to save that move till I backed him into a corner, next time I better make sure he can't use Protect before I launch my next powerful attack.' Ash thought to himself.

Druddigon lowered his arms and the shield vanished just as Ash had thought, he had taken no damage from the Draco Meteor but he was still stuck to the ground thanks to Sand Tomb.

"Now use Dragon Tail on the ground." Alder called out.

Duddigon lifted his tail up as it charged up for an attack he then slammed it into the sand at the base of his feet sending the earth around his feet in all directions freeing him from the ground. Druddigon smirked slightly until the secondary effect of Sand Tomb kicked in. Pieces of earth lifted up and battered across Druddigon's body taking away a small portion of his health, Ash knew that even if Druddigon was able to free himself the effect of Sand Tomb it would still be active. It didn't do much damage but every little bit counted to Ash.

"Druddigon use Dark Pulse again." Alder restarted his assault.

"Garchomp into the air again." Ash instructed.

Garchomp jumped off the ground right before the purple projectiles detonated on the ground he just stood on. Druddigon continued to fire at Garchomp but the dual dragon-ground type easily avoided the attacks.

"Go get him Druddigon." Alder called out.

'Here he comes.' Ash thought to himself.

Druddigon put one leg forward and jumped into the air after Garchomp and was able to grab onto his tail with both hands, the extra weight meant that Garchomp couldn't keep in the air and started to fall.

"Garchomp use Fire Blast." Ash called out.

Garchomp opened his mouth and released a quick blast straight to Druddigon's face, though the damage wasn't huge it was enough to get Druddigon off of Garchomp and send him to the ground. Garchomp took some damage from his own Fire Blast but nothing compared to the direct hit Druddigon took. Druddigon fell on his backside and rubbed it with his hand at he stood up in time for Alder to give his next command.

"Druddigon go under the ground." The Unova champ instructed.

Using his large claws Druddigon ripped a hole in the stadium floor and soon disappeared beneath the surface. Garchomp was still in the air and Ash had a feeling that Alder was doing more than just getting Druddigon under cover, he planned to attack.

"Druddigon now use Super Power." Alder instructed with more enthusiasm.

The ground began to shake and Ash had a bad feeling that Alder was trying to use the field itself much like Brendan had done with his Flygon against Starraptor. His theory was proven partly correct as a huge chuck of the field was lifted up, Ash could just see the faint red glow of Druddigon's Super Power from under the large slab of earth. Druddigon then roared as he titled the slab and threw it into the air at incredible speed right at Garchomp.

"Garchomp hit it right back." Ash yelled unfazed.

Garchomp waited in the air till the projectile of earth had closed in he then thrust both his feet down at the same time crashing them into the giant section of ground halting it almost immediately. With a slight grin Garchomp extended his legs and sent it falling back the earth. Druddigon was shocked, he had thrown that section of field with everything he had and Garchomp wasn't even fazed.

"Druddigon intercept it with Dragon Tail." Alder called out.

Druddigon leapt out of his hole and charged up his tail, as the huge earth fell towards him Druddigon wiped up his tail and smashed the front section of the incoming pile of earth smashing apart the area that would have crushed him. The remaining section of earth slammed into the ground in an upright position looking like a large pillar had been suddenly erected in the middle of the field. Garchomp appeared at the top of the pillar and stared down at Druddigon.

"Attack with Dragon Claw." Ash called out.

"Intercept with Dragon Tail." Alder responded.

Garchomp raced down the face of the pillar with both arms brimming with energy, two green streaks of light being left in his wake. Druddigon jumped onto the pillar sunk his claws into it and erratically raced up the vertical face, his tail glowing the same colour as Garchomp's.

The two dragons closed in from above and below Druddigon propelled himself upwards and swung his tail at Garchomp who in turn thrust both his claws straight down. Garchomp's claws skewered into Druddigon's side with incredible force, Druddigon's tail was still able to come around and hammered Garchomp in the side of the head. Within the blink of an eye both Pokémon were sent off course with Druddigon rocketing back to the ground and Garchomp crashing into the side of the pillar with such force that his body was embedded into the rock and sent the towering pillar falling back to the earth.

Garchomp groaned as the pillar began to fall, realizing his resting place was collapsing the dragon pushed himself out of his self-made crater and hovered in the air as the large pile of earth crashed back into the field spreading debris in all directions. Garchomp descended to the ground touching lightly on his feet, he rubbed his temple briefly but otherwise seemed rather unbothered by Druddigon's last attack. Druddigon himself was definitely worse for wear, as he picked himself up his movements were clearly slower and a bruise was starting to form where Garchomp had drove his claws into his side. To make matters worse the effects of Sand Tomb kicked in and pelted Druddigon's body from all sides with harsh sand, when the sand did subside Alder was ready with his next attack.

"Dark Pulse into the ground." Alder called out.

Druddigon fired the purple attack at the ground in a wide arch lifting up a dust cloud between the two Pokémon. Ash didn't want to just charge in and waited for Alder's next move but when the dust cleared Druddigon was no were to be seen, Ash's mind snapped into action.

"Garchomp behind you grab Druddigon!" Ash yelled.

Druddigon burst out of the ground directly behind Garchomp his arms outstretched ready to grab Garchomp but the dragon-ground type was ready. Garchomp had just enough time to see Druddigon and fling his arm around Druddigon's neck pulling him down to the ground into a headlock.

"Alright Garchomp now use Draco Meteor straight up." Ash called out.

With Druddigon firmly secured Garchomp leaned his head upwards and released the single ball of energy. Now Ash had given Alder a tough choice to make, both Pokémon were at risk from the Draco Meteor. Ash could have Garchomp move out of the way at the last second but it would be hard to time. Alder on the other hand could have Druddigon us Protect and shield both Pokémon but then Druddigon would be wide open.

'Very good Ash, you got me right where you want me.' Alder thought.

"Druddigon use Protect." Alder called out.

Druddigon projected out the green energy field around himself unwittingly covering Garchomp as well but only just. The bombardment of orange projectiles hammered the ground around the green orb covering the two dragon types, creating a massive cloud of dust but not able to penetrate Druddigon's shield. As the final meteor fell Druddigon's Protect faded, Ash could see the light of the move fade and sprung into action.

"Garchomp use Sand Tomb." Ash directed.

Garchomp stamped his foot into the ground and then jumped away from his foe before the sand ripped up from under Druddigon's feet and covered his legs.

"Now Dragon Claw." Ash directed as he threw his arm down.

Druddigon was unable to move or use Protect as Garchomp took one step back and charged up both claws. Alder wasn't about to give up so easily and directed Druddigon to block with Dragon Tail. Druddigon moved his glowing tail upwards but it was only able to stop one of Garchomp's arms while the other one speared straight into his back and as Garchomp put his shoulder and hip into the strike Druddigon was ripped from the Sand Tomb holding him and sent barrelling across the field. Druddigon laid on his back momentarily before trying to lift himself off the ground when sand once again battered his body from all sides making him wince at the irritating attack. Druddigon eyed Garchomp and roared angrily and was met with an equally loud roar from Garchomp.

"Super Power on the ground." Alder commanded.

Druddigon lifted both arms above his head before slamming them into the ground cracking it in half and sending it straight towards Garchomp who jumped into the air and hovered as the surface he once stood buckled beneath him.

"Now Dark Pulse." Alder shouted.

Garchomp only had enough time to raise his arms in front of himself before he was pelted by the purple coloured attack reducing the damage to his chest and face.

"Draco Meteor Garchomp and aim for the outside of the field." Ash instructed even as Garchomp continued to take damage.

Druddigon wasn't letting up with his Dark Pulse but Garchomp was able to look towards the sky and release his powerful attack into the air. As it detonated the orange meteors were sent to the outside of the field forcing Druddigon to stop his attack and move forward to avoid being hit. As he ran Garchomp flew low and set a collision course with Druddigon, Alder saw this and decided to meet him head on.

"Druddigon keep going and use Dragon Tail." Alder called out over the sound of exploding meteors.

"Garchomp use Dragon Claw with everything you've got!" Ash yelled.

Druddigon powered up his tail, Garchomp powered up his claws, both Dragon types ran at each other at top speed ready to deliver bone crushing attacks. When they were finally in range Druddigon spun on his heels as Garchomp swung both his arms from the left side. The impact was nothing short of devastating. Druddigon's tail smashed across Garchomp's left side while Garchomp's claws impacted right into Druddigon's cheek and ribs. The force of the impact sent an enourmous shock wave out from the two Pokémon blowing dust and bits of rubble out from the centre of the field with such power that no one could believe it was brought on by two physical moves. Despite the colossal impacts that were just sent through their bodies neither of the dragons moved either because they were still struggling against each other or because they couldn't move at all.

Suddenly the glow on Druddigon's tail faded and as if all the strength in his body left him all at once Alder's dragon collapsed the ground completely unconscious. Garchomp took a few breaths in, it was obvious that he had taken a lot of damage during that fight but as he lowered his claws, straightened his back and growled loudly he showed no sign of exhaustion to the crowd.

"Druddigon is unable to battle, so Garchomp wins." The ref declared getting the appropriate loud cheer from the crowd.

Ash didn't take the time to relax most people couldn't tell but Ash could see that Garchomp was in a bad way. Though he didn't show it Garchomp was hurting from his battle, especially that last attack. Ash could see Garchomp's left arm was tucked in more than usual, trying to cover up where he had been hit and if he could see it so could Alder.

"Garchomp return." Ash recalled the dragon-ground type. "That was great, now just rest up for a bit alright."

'That was a good first round, I can safely say I didn't hold back.' Alder thought to himself. 'But as I say the battle's just begun and I'm not through by a long shot.'

"Ash let's continue." Alder called out from across the field.

"You got it." Ash replied holding his next Pokeball.

"Champions release your next Pokémon." The ref began the second round.

"Go Bouffalant." Alder released his most well-known companion.

"Gigalith I choose you." Ash said as he released another one of his most recently evolved Pokémon.

Two heavy Pokémon landed on the battlefield with resounding thuds, one a thick furred normal type the other a spiky, fierce looking rock type. Bouffalant was exactly as Ash remembered him, large, intimidating and eerily focused. He knew Pikachu would have loved a rematch but it was Gigalith's time to battle and both of them were ready to show what they could do.

"I'm guessing this one is recently evolved as well?" Alder inquired.

"That's right." Ash replied casually not wanting to give away the fact that he was changing up his battle style for this match.

"Well since you won the last round I'll go first, Bouffalant use Stone Edge." Alder pointed at Gigalith.

"Iron Defence Gigalith." Ash responded.

Bouffalant lifted his front legs up and then slammed them into the ground making a line of large rocks shot out of the ground each one getting closer to Gigalith's position. Gigalith tensed his body which shined brighter for a brief moment signalling that his defence had increased. The projectiles battered Gigalith's form with resonating bangs as rock hit rock, Gigalith flinched slightly with each impact but was barely fazed.

"Bouffalant use Head Charge." Alder went in with the powerful physical attack.

Bouffalant began to run forward, as he did a giant blaze appeared around his body making him look like a comet sprinting across the field.

"Gigalith use Iron Defence again." Ash opted to boost his Pokémon's defence further.

Gigalith hardened his body even more, his hard exterior gleaming as Bouffalant accelerated towards him. The large normal type lowered his head right before getting to Gigalith and with incredible force slammed against the rock type. All the fiery force around Bouffalant's body converged at the point of impact and exploded forward. Gigalith was sent flying backwards crying out in shock before he collided with the stadium wall getting buried halfway in it, the audience gasped at incredible display of strength and power.

"Ok that was impressive." Ash admitted out loud.

Ash had told himself he wouldn't be surprised by the strength of Alder's Pokémon but the force it must have taken to propel Gigalith like that was enormous. It might not have done a large amount of damage but that wasn't the point, Alder was trying to psych him out.

"Gigalith let's go we're counter attacking now!" Ash yelled out. Gigalith pushed against the wall around him and released himself from his self-made hole cracking the ground as he landed.

"Use your own Stone Edge." Ash instructed.

Gigalith stomped his front feet into the ground and a row of large boulders shot out of the ground heading towards Bouffalant who was still recovering from the recoil damage of Head Charge.

"Bouffalant use Head Charge again and break right through those rocks." Alder called out.

Bouffalant stared at his opponent and started moving forward the fiery field appearing in front of his head. As one of Gigalith's boulders rose out of the ground in front of Bouffalant the large normal type flicked his head forward and smashed right through it with ease and then continued to smash the rocks in his path. Bouffalant wasn't slowing down as it approached Gigalith but Ash was quick to turn the situation around.

"Gigalith aim for Bouffalant's underside." Ash directed.

Gigalith shifted his weight redirecting his attack which caused a new boulder to appear directly underneath Bouffalant, his Head Charge may have protected him from attacks from the front but he had no protection from beneath. The boulder slammed into Bouffalant's underbelly shattering the top upon impact and then flipping the Bash Buffalo Pokémon backwards till he landed hard on the ground. The normal type exhaled sharply out his nose and lifted himself back onto his feet shaking off the critical hit.

"Alright Bouffalant use Earthquake." Alder instructed as he crossed his arms.

"Gigalith you use Earthquake as well." Ash responded immediately.

Both Pokémon lifted their front legs into the air and then slammed them into the ground sending forward a shockwave that lifted up the earth in front of them and created two large waves of dirt and rock, both set to collide. When they did connect both forces hammered against each other sending pieces of rock and earth across the field like a small hail storm and shaking the ground with such force it felt as if the whole stadium would be split down the middle.

"You ready Gigalith, use Flash Cannon." Ash instructed as the battlefield continued to shake violently.

While still focusing on pushing forward the Earthquake Gigalith charged up the steel type attack in his mouth, with the huge wall of earth in between the two Pokémon and their trainers neither Alder nor Bouffalant could see the threat.

"Fire straight through." Ash instructed.

Gigalith lent forward and released the silver beam impacting the still moving mass of soil and dirt and blasted a hole right through it. Ash couldn't see is the attack hit Bouffalant but the loud cry he heard echoing over the twin colliding Earthquakes confirmed that the attack met its mark. With that the rolling terrain slowed and began to settle back to its original state as both Pokémon were no longer using Earthquake, but it was still enough to prevent Ash from hearing Alder's next command.

Bouffalant rushed over the shrinking terrain with a field around him beginning to form. Ash instinctively knew it was Head Charge and instantly countered as Boufallant landed and rushed Gigalith.

"Quick Gigalith use Flash Cannon on the ground to your left." Ash yelled.

Gigalith was a heavy Pokémon but was able to fire his attack with enough force to get his body to slide across the ground a few feet, not a huge distance but it was enough to get out of Bouffalant's path who couldn't change direction at that speed.

"Now Gigalith hit Bouffalant from the side with Rock Smash!" Ash called out.

An orange light covered Gigalith arm and as Bouffalant rushed past him with no way to stop, slow or change coarse all Gigalith had to do was throw the super effective attack forward. The fighting type attack drove into Bouffalant's side where the protective field of Head Charge didn't reach. The force of which blew Bouffalant off course so suddenly that it was as if he had been hit by a train. Bouffalant slid and then tumbled across the ground the fiery effect of his Head Charge fading till he ground to a halt on his knees.

"Boufflant up and use Head Charge again." Alder instructed without hesitation.

Bouffalant got right back up to its feet and begun to run to Gigalith the flame like field appearing in front of its head.

'He just keeps coming.' Ash thought regretting not continuing his attack after he had hit Boufflant.

"Gigalith use Rock Smash again full strength." Ash yelled wanting to meet Boufflant head on.

Gigalith lifted up both front legs and charged up his attack as the stampeding normal type raced forward and crashed against twin Rock Smashes.
A loud thud followed by what sounded like rock grinding against rock echoed around the battlefield as Bouffalant pushed Gigalith back even as the rock type tried to force his attack through Bouffalant's own.
"Go Gigalith Go!" Ash yelled as his partner dug his back legs into the ground and drove his front legs forward to hit Bouffalant.

Ash could hear the crowd getting louder with cheers for both Bouffalant and Gigalith alike. This was exactly what Ash wanted, meeting Alder blow for blow with two powerful Pokémon and it seemed that Bouffalant was slowing down, until Alder spoke up.

"Come Bouffalant put your back into it." Alder instructed more forcefully.

Bouffalant narrowed his eyes and began to groan, his pace quickened and with it so did the intensity of his groan till it was a roar. Gigalith lost his balance from the sudden boost in speed and went from slowing Bouffalant down to being driven backwards straight towards the stadium wall. Gigalith was rendered powerless as he was slammed into the concrete wall and buried halfway into it leaving huge fractures splintering from the point of impact. Both Pokémon's attacks faded with Bouffalant's head still planted on Gigalith's midsection, the two opponents took in long and deep breaths.

"Earthquake now." Alder uttered without warning.

Before Ash or Gigalith could respond Bouffalant leapt backwards rearing its legs in the air. Gigalith was still stuck in the stadium wall and his attempts to free himself from his confines proved useless as Bouffalant stamped the ground and sent three waves of earth at the trapped rock type.

"Iron Defence now!" Ash called out knowing they would have to take the super effective hit.

The three shock waves of Earthquake may have looked like waves but they hit Gigalith like trucks. The first one nearly covered Gigalith in earth, the second one buried him and the third one covered nearly half the wall in what was previously the battlegrounds terrain. If Gigalith hadn't have used Iron Defence so many times that last attack would have knocked him out but it still had done serious damage, plus there was the issue of getting him out from under all that soil and dirt.

'I might just be able to use that.' Ash thought to himself.

"Gigalith use Earthquake on the earth around you!" Ash shouted to get his voice through to his Pokémon.

Gigalith heard and with a loud grunt forced his energy into the earth currently securing him to the wall. The soil that lay around and above Gigalith burst outwards making it look like a tidal wave which raced forward and by more chance then skill crashed on top of Bouffalant covering him completely.

"Alright now use Rock Smash to break free." Ash continued.

With one slam of his front feet Gigalith broke free from the wall causing a slab of it to break off along with him, he settled back onto the battlefield just as Bouffalant was able to emerge out of his on confides.

"Use Toxic." Alder said confidently as he revealed Bouffalant's finale move.

Bouffalant curled in his head slightly and then released a small yet fast moving purple projectile that hit Gigalith dead centre. At first Gigalith wondered if he had even been hit by anything having not even felt the moves impact, but it soon became apparent what had happened as a purple smear spread over Gigalith's midsection sapping away his health and then faded away.

Ash had not excepted Bouffalant of all Pokémon to use Toxic but the more he thought about it the more it made sense. If heavy damaging attacks weren't working Alder would just wear his opponent down with Toxic and keep hitting them hard, much like Garchomp had done with Druddigon. Alder had never used this tactic before. This proved that Alder was still full of surprises, and that perhaps Ash was pushing him to change tactics. The poison would only get worse as the battle went on so Ash knew he had to finish this fast or switch out.

"Gigalith Flash Cannon now." Ash directed.

Gigalith didn't have enough space or time to dodge the Toxic before and Bouffalant wasn't able to dodge either, taking the steel type attack directly to the face.

"Bouffalant use Head Charge now." Alder directed.

Shaking off the disorientation Bouffalant built up speed again but was noticeably slower than before.

"Gigalith Rock Smash the ground." Ash instructed.

Ramming his front arms into the round directly in front of himself Gigalith then lifted upwards pulling the stadium floor upwards and creating a ramp that Bouffalant ran straight up going right over Gigalith and continued to soar through the air with a screech of surprise before slamming into the wall. Toxic's effect took hold as the purple poison spread around Gigalith's body making him flinch.

"Now use Stone Edge." Ash directed not letting up.

Gigalith turned his head around summoning dozens of rocks that floated around his body and then with a loud groan fired them at Bouffalant who was only just getting back up. Rocks collided all over his body, the wall and the terrain lifting up a small dust cloud. Gigalith flinched and Ash saw his Pokémon's body become covered in a dark purple as Toxic's effect took hold again.

'That settles it I'm pulling Gigalith out of there.' Ash thought to himself.

"Gigalith return." Ash recalled his Pokémon from the battle.

'A wise tactic to remove Gigalith before the poison became worse, but who will you bring out next?' Alder thought to himself.

"Alright, Garchomp I chose you!" Ash yelled as he threw the Pokeball forward.

Coming back onto the battlefield Garchomp gave a fiery growl that resonated around the stadium making the crowd cheer at his return. Ash could see Garchomp was raring to go, being confined in his Pokeball during an intense battle wasn't his style but now was his time to shine.

"I'll go first, Bouffalant use Head Charge." Alder began.

Ash could tell Bouffalant was tiring with every move and with Garchomp rested and ready now was the time to show everyone just how strong they could be.

"Garchomp use Dragon Claw." Ash responded wanting to meet Alder head on.

As Bouffalant ran forward head ablaze Garchomp pulled both arms back and created large green claws over his arms. He didn't have to wait long for Bouffalant to get close and when he did the large dragon lifted up his arms and slammed them downwards.

Ash expected Garchomp to be able to smash right through Bouffalant's attack at best and at worst stop his advance, what actually happened was completely different.

Garchomp's attack bounced straight off of Bouffalant's, meaning that Garchomp was moving forward at full momentum when he was struck by the Head Charge. The result, was decimating. Boufflant's head smashed into Garchomp's chest with such force Ash swore he felt the impact from behind Garchomp. The fierce dragon let out a howl of pain that Ash had never heard Garchomp make before. All the flames on Bouffalant's head burst onto Garchomp right before he was sent flying backwards crying in pain the entire way before smashing into the stadium wall pushing a three metre slab on it back and embedding him in the concrete. Ash couldn't believe his eyes, the power of that attack was unbelievable.

The flames died down over Garchomp's body who grunted weakly, he pulled his head out first and then removed each limb from its concrete confines now looking far worse than he had even after his battle with Druddigon.

"Come on Garchomp you can do it." Ash urged his partner on.

Garchomp finally got his body free and stepped back onto the battlefield. He went to make another roar but suddenly stopped. Garchomp clutched his side and fell to one knee his face riddled with pain.

"Garchomp what's wrong?" Ash exclaimed in shock.

Garchomp tried to stand but peeled over once again taking deep breaths and gritting his teeth.

'The way he's clutching his side, have Garchomp's ribs been broken?' Ash thought to himself.

Serious injuries like broken bones were rare in Pokémon battles but were more likely to happen in matches with highly experienced trainers. Ash wasn't about to let Garchomp continue to fight in such a condition even as the dragon steadied himself and walked forward. The injury would only get worse and as far as Ash was concerned Garchomp was out of the match, weather he wanted to be or not.

"Garchomp that's enough, return and leave the rest to me." Ash instructed.

Even as he was returned to his Pokeball the look on Garchomp's face was obvious, he had just gotten back into the fight after a long rest and then was almost instantly pulled out of it. It hurt his pride but Ash was more concerned about his health then that, something not all trainers cared about.

'That was the right choice Ash, I see that time hasn't taken away the care you have for your Pokémon. I don't care what these nay-sayers think, you're a great example of a champion.' Alder thought to himself.

Ash looked down at Garchomp's Pokeball thinking deeply about his next move.

'It just doesn't feel right, battling like this. Trip told me to go all out on attack, but that's not what got me here in the first place. My own strategies and battle style were what made me a Champion, if I'm going to win this I need to do it my own way.' Ash concluded.

Ash had one Pokémon spare that he had brought along just in case, and it perfectly complimented his battle style. No more of this heavy blow for blow fighting he was going to battle the way he knew best, his own way. Grabbing the ball from his belt Ash lifted it up in front of himself and looked over to Alder, a determined smile on his face.

"Alright Alder prepare to meet my newest Pokémon. This is our first battle together, I choose you Lucario!"

The Pokeball flew through the air before popping open and releasing the fighting-steel type from within. The Sinnoh Pokémon materialised on the battlefield standing tall with hands by his side and eyes shut. As he slowly opened his eyes they focused straight forward clenching his fists and making the appendages on the back of his head rise in readiness for battle. Alder crossed his arms and smiled at Ash's choice, knowing that this was a well-trained and powerful Lucario.

"Alder have you ever heard the story of Sir Aaron?" Ash asked.

"I have, he was a hero that stopped a war long ago in the Kanto region and was also an Aura Guardian." Alder told Ash.

"He also had a Lucario who he trained and befriended, and my Lucario is a direct descendant of that Lucario." Ash revealed.

"Well that is interesting." Alder replied looking quite impressed. 'Though I think there's more to it than that.' He thought to himself

'Ash' A familiar voice sounded in Ash's mind.

'Yes Lucario.' Ash responded engaging the mental link that only he and Lucario shared.

'I'm not sure how to put this but I feel my ancestor would want to wish us luck in today's battle, he and Sir Aaron.' Lucario told Ash in a voice nearly identical to the Lucario had in Rota.

'Yeah I think he would too.' Ash agreed before focusing back on the battlefield.

Ash had never had a connection with a Pokémon like he had with this Lucario. They could talk to each other telepathically and that gave them a big advantage as Lucario could respond to commands before Ash could say them out loud. Ash still called out verbally both out of habit and not to raise suspicions. In some ways Ash believed he was destined to find this Lucario and battle alongside him.

"Alright Ash show me what you and your Lucario can do, Bouffalant use Head Charge." Alder ordered.

'Wait for it Lucario.' Ash told his fighter telepathically and then spoke out loud. "Charge up an Aura Sphere." He instructed.

As Bouffalant ran forward looking like a fireball soaring across the field Lucario placed one foot back and began to charge up the blue ball of energy in between his hands waiting for the exact moment to strike. When that moment came both trainer and Pokémon knew it simultaneously.

"Slide under Bouffalant!" Ash yelled.

Lucario leapt forward and slid along the ground on his back sliding under Bouffalant's attack while still holding his Aura Sphere close to his body. 'Now' Ash's voice sounded.

Lucario thrust his arms upwards connecting the Aura Sphere with Boufflant's underbelly, the normal type didn't even realize what had happened till he felt the attack hit him from underneath making his Head Charge dissipate almost instantly. Lucario's Aura Sphere left his hands and propelled Bouffalant up into the air slowly losing power as it carried the large Pokémon higher and higher.

"Now Lucario follow up with Close Combat." Ash instructed.

Lucario got to his feet an immediately jumped upwards following Bouffalant right as the Aura Sphere faded away. Lucario then delivered and barrage of lightning fast hand attacks to Bouffalant's exposed underside with such power the two of them seemed to remain airborne instead of falling back to earth. Lucario finished his super effective attack by pulling himself above Bouffalant spinning vertically and delivering a brutal axe kick to Bouffalant's back sending the buffalo crashing into the ground cracking the earth and bringing up a cloud of dust around him.

"Lucario use Flash Cannon." Ash finished his combination attack.

Lucario locked both his arms straight down at the point Bouffalant had landed and with a deep growl fired the silver beam bringing up a cloud of brown an silver that blasted away the previous cloud of dust in a wide hourglass form. Before the cloud settled Lucario landed back in front of Ash as everyone waited to see the result of Lucario's devastating first attack. Lucario closed his eyes and used his Aura abilities to see through the dust.

'This fight is over.' Lucario declared calmly.

A few seconds later Lucario's was proven correct, Bouffalant lay on the battlefield unconscious.

"Bouffalant is no longer able to battle, Lucario is the winner." The referee announced getting a loud cheer from the audience. Ash looked to the section that all his friends were sitting and could see them cheering a clapping, all except for Paul who sat with his arms crossed making Ash grin slightly at his never changing attitude. Alder returned Bouffalant thanking it for its hard work and then looked over to Ash and his Lucario.

'You say that your Lucario is he ancestor of Sir Aaron's Lucario, but I think there's more to it than that. I think that you may be more closely connected to Sir Aaron himself Ash.' Alder thought to himself.

'Sir Aaron was said to have a large Aura and though I can't see Aura like Lucario can I have a feeling that yours is a lot larger than most other people's. I think your meeting with Lucario was much more then coincidence.' Alder smiled.

Lucario punched the air to get some of the dust off his form pushing the air and dust in front of him out of the way for several meters. Alder knew this was a sigh that Lucario's Aura was also very strong which for his kind was very useful.

"Looks like I'm down two to zero Ash, very well done." Alder congratulated his opponent.

"Thanks Alder but I know you're not the type to be fazed so easily." Ash replied.

"That is true I'll admit." The older man laughed. "Alright my final Pokémon, come on out my friend."

Alder threw his Pokeball in the air which released his third and final fighter. As it materialised Ash could see a wide body with multiple short wings, definitely a bug type but which one? As the fire-red and ash-white colour that covered most of its form appeared Ash recognised the creature Alder had released and he felt the slightest inkling of alarm. It was the fire-bug type Volcarona.

As the crowd cheered Ash's expression hardened, this was a terrible match up for a steel-fighting type like Lucario especially since he only had those two types of moves. Ash had also never fought a Volcarona before but what he had heard was that they were a serious force to be reckoned with for any class of trainer. If he had Gigalith out however the tables would be instantly flipped in his favour.

'Ash please.' Lucario's voice sounded in his head.

'I only just got onto the battlefield and that last victory was not truly mine. Please let me continue to fight, let me show you what I can do.' Lucario asked his trainer.

'You do know you'll be fighting one hell of an uphill battle Lucario, and they know most of our moves.' Ash informed Lucario.

'I know, but that will make it even more interesting don't you think?' Lucario said as he looked back at Ash with a slight grin on his face.

Ash smiled right back, the same look of confidence etched on his face. 'Alright let's show this crowd how strong we are.' Ash confidently backed up his fighter.

"Alder you get the first move." Ash declared as Lucario lowered himself into a fighting stance.

"Very well then, Volcarona use Hurricane." Alder began a sense of resolve far more evident in his voice.

Volcarona made a snarl like growl as it flexed its six wings and with one flap kicked up a fast moving wind that spiralled and created a giant twister in the centre of the field taking up the entire space between the two Pokémon breaking past the stadium and into the sky.

'That attacks a lot bigger than I thought it'd be.' Ash thought to himself as he brought both arms up to shield his eyes.

"Lucario use Aura Sphere." Ash called out.

Lucario placed one palm over the other and built up the blue ball of energy in between them. When the attack was large enough he thrust his arms forward releasing it forward where he knew Volcarona was positioned behind the raging Hurricane. The Aura Sphere did not make it through however and was caught up in the winds circling around and was eventually flung right back at Lucario. Dropping to his knees Lucario dodged his own attack and then gritted his teeth in frustration. It was then that the Hurricane began to advance towards Lucario, its powerful winds beginning to pull Lucario in.

"Run to the far left side of the field." Ash had to yell.

Lucario spun on his heels and raced to the left side of the battlefield and then held his position even as the violent tornado followed him.

'You can feel the direction and strength of the wins right?' Ash asked Lucario through their link.

'Yes' Lucario answered somewhat confused at his trainer's question.

'Then use that to your advantage, fire an Aura Sphere at the right angle so you can hit Volcarona.' Ash instructed.

Lucario understood, he tracked to way to wind blew and adjusted himself so when he fired his Aura Sphere it would ride the wind to its target. Once he knew he had it right Lucario released the ball of energy at Volcarona who had been unwise enough to stay exactly where he had been since he launched the Hurricane.

The Aura Sphere curved around the perimeter of the battlefield and then lurched sharply before impacting on the side of a rather shocked Volcarona. A small blue explosion flowered outwards from the point of impact and suddenly the Hurricane ceased, vanishing as quickly as it was brought up.

With the immediate threat out of the way Ash switched to offense instructing Lucario to use Flash Cannon. Lucario fired the silver beam at his opponent but there was still a great distance between the two.

"Volcarona use Heat Wave." Alder countered.

Turning to face the incoming attack Volcarona released a wide stretch of fire. The flames were not as concentrated as a flamethrower attack but covered almost three times the area. As it connected with the Flash Cannon it stopped the attack dead in its tracks and since it covered a wider area continued to go past the Flash Cannon like an inferno racing up a tree.

Ash and Lucario both realised that the remaining flames were fast approaching and couldn't be stopped there was no chance of a power struggle here, if they remained standing and that attack would hit with devastating effect.

"Lucario dodge to the side." Ash directed getting Lucario to roll off to one side right before the flames surged past him.

'Now quickly run before Volcarona readjusts.' Ash spoke directing to Lucario.

As Lucario got to his feet and started running the Heat Wave attack was right behind him, once again Lucario was forced to run to the border of the battlefield to avoid the attack as Volcarona tracked his target and scorched most of the field in his attempt to engulf Lucario in flame.

'Lucario I'm going to need you to quick fire multiple Aura Sphere's to front of you to bring up the sand and hide yourself.' Ash instructed.

'Understood.' Lucario responded.

While still running Lucario fired several Aura Sphere's at the ground in front of him bringing up a dust cloud that would easily conceal him, before entering the cloud Lucario closed his eyes and used his aura so see his surroundings.

"Volcarona don't let up keep using Heat Wave." Alder instructed. The older trainer assumed Ash created the dust cloud to hide in and that Volcarona would stop attacking with no clear target, but Heat Wave covered a lot of area and if Lucario stopped he would be hit so Alder didn't let up his attack. Ash's plan however was different, Lucario did stop as soon as he wasn't visible within the cloud. He waited a split second to let the fire attack draw closer and then back flipped into the air and over the Heat Wave which passed right under him just missing the agile Pokémon. Now behind the Heat Wave Lucario turned towards Volcarona.

'Now quickly attack with Metal Claw.' Ash's voice reached Lucario.

Eyes still shut Lucario extended three hook like claws from the back of his palms and ran towards Volcarona still under cover of the smoke, it was at that moment that Volcarona's Heat Wave exited the dust cloud.

"Volcarona use Bug Buzz to your side." Alder suddenly instructed.

Lucario exited the dust cloud and opened his eyes, Volcarona wasn't facing him and wouldn't be able to swing around in time to hit him with Heat Wave. However Volcarona's wings and white fur ruffled, and suddenly multiple green balls about the size of tennis balls appeared from beneath Volcarona's fur. The small balls then glowed green and raced towards Lucario who was still in full sprint.

"Lucario cut those with Metal Claw." Ash stopped his attack.

Lucario almost didn't see the Bug Buzz get launched and drove his heels into the ground to stop his advance, he didn't have a moment to spare before the first round buzzed past his head. Lucario frantically brought up his claws and deflected multiple projectiles, slicing and parrying each one as Volcarona flew away from Lucario while he was fixed in one position.

"Time to kick it up a notch, Volcarona use Quiver Dance." Alder said as he threw his hand forward.

Volcarona flexed his wings an began to weave from side to side, as he did this ash's fell from his body and embers were dispelled into the air. His movements became faster and faster until the fire-bug type suddenly stopped and a thin mist like flame escaped his body. Volcarona's form glowed a light green and then red, its special attack, special defence and speed had just been raised.

Right as Volcarona's Quiver Dance ended Lucario had cut down the last of the Bug Buzz attack and Ash wasted no time to strike before Alder could.

"Lucario use Close Combat." Ash instructed since the space between the two Pokémon was so small.

Lucario dashed straight at Volcarona who was still locked in place from Quiver Dance, Lucario stopped right in front of the large moth and held nothing back. The vicious combination of punches and kicks he unloaded on the bug-fire type had him sliding backwards and Lucario kept right on him, staying at the exact distance to make his attacks as effective as possible, With one last uppercut to Volcarona's chest Lucario ended his attack an stood there overlooking the result. The attack had been fast, brutal and excellently timed but there wasn't a single bruise on Volcarona's body, he may have been a bug type but to withstand such and onslaught like that was extraordinary. Lucario stood there his hand still locked on Volcarona's chest completely stunned, until he growled lowly. Lucario looked up and saw a very agitated look on Volcarona's face, he might not have taken much damage but he was certainly ticked off now.

"Lucario back up as fast as you can!" Ash shouted snapping Lucario out of his stunned state.

"Volcarona Heat Wave!" Alder commanded.

Lucario had already turned tail and ran from Volcarona but wasn't far enough before Volcarona's now powered up Heat Wave blasted from behind him, the attack was large before but now it looked like a giant wave of fire.

"Block with Metal Claw." Ash called out at the last second.

Lucario spun around in a long stance and pointed both sets of Metal Claws forward in a spear formation right before the Heat Wave struck him. The flames broke around Lucario like water hitting a rock creating just enough space that his body wouldn't get hit by the attack, except for his hands. Lucario roared in pain as the heat splintered through his claws, hands and forearms making it feel like his very bones were being branded.

'Just hold on Lucario! Just wait till the Heat Wave is over and then use Aura Sphere.' Ash connected to Lucario.

'A-Alright I'll do it.' Lucario responded pained but determined.

The attack itself only lasted a few seconds but it felt like an eternity to Lucario as the harsh heat burned up his arms. Finally Volcarona's Heat Wave dispersed leaving the ground scorched and Lucario with red hot claws. Carrying out Ash's instructions Lucario charged up an Aura sphere and flung it at Volcarona. The blue sphere was quick to its target when Volcarona suddenly dashed to the side completely avoiding the attack which detonated harmlessly on the ground.

'With its increased speed we can't rely on long range attacks anymore, we'll have to get in close.' Ash thought to himself and to Lucario.

"Lucario run to the nearest wall." Ash instructed.

"Follow it with Heat Wave." Alder commanded.

Lucario ran to the wall of the stadium but soon felt the approaching heat of the inferno behind him getting closer and closer.

'When you reach the wall jump off of it straight at Volcarona and use Metal Claw.' Ash told the fighting type.

Reaching the wall Luacrio jumped up planting both feet flat against the concrete surface, angling himself just right Lucario launched off the wall right before the powered up flames scorched the point he had just occupied. Gliding directly at Volcarona Lucario extended the three claws on one hand and before Volcarona could move or blanket Lucario with Heat Wave the fighting type slashed past the large bug leaving a silver streak along it's abdomen an abruptly ending it's Heat Wave.

Lucario landed on its feet and spare hand, quickly swivelling around ready for a follow up but it was Alder that moved first.

"Turn around and use Heat Wave now Volcarona." Alder instructed.

"Lucario stop Volcarona using Metal Claw." Ash responded.

Volcarona faced Lucario who ran to close the gap between them even as Volcarona charged up the powerful fire move within its body. Lucario extended the blades on his other hand as he ran at Volcarona, right as the larger Pokémon was about to blast Lucario at point blank the fighting type drove one of his arms upwards catching Volcarona's head in-between two of the Metal Claws. At that point Volcarona's Heat Wave surged from his mouth creating a wide inferno that went into the air and even above the stadium roof.

"Now Lucario hold onto Volcarona and keep using Metal Claw!" Ash yelled over the flames.

As flames continued to fume out of Volcarona and into the air Lucario used his spare arm and jabbed his Metal Claw's into the bug type's midsection, repeatedly hitting again and again but doing so little damage that Volcarona was still discharging flames as he attempted to push his head down and burn Lucario.

"Use Bug Buzz." Alder changed up his attack.

Volcarona ceased using his fire move and switched to a bug type move. As the flames dyed down Volcarona extended his wings and multiple green orbs shot outwards and then swung around to intercept Lucario.

"Keep going Lucario, don't stop." Ash called out.

The projectiles of Bug Buzz detonated on Lucario's back like fire crackers but Lucario keep battering his claws into Volcarona. It was now a test of determination seeing which Pokémon would hold out the longest against ongoing attacks. Lucario thrashed his claws with unwavering ferocity even as his back was bombarded by Bug Buzz while Volcarona released more and more of the green shells. They were both taking a tremendous beating but in the end it was Ash that proved to have the stronger durability then his older opponent.

"Volcarona use Hurricane in front of you." The Unova Champion gave in.

Volcarona flapped all its wings forward bringing up a powerful gust of wind, it spiralled and formed a twister even larger than the one before ten meters away from where he and Lucario stood. Lucario tried to ignore the howling winds behind him but he only had to glance to see the large force that had been brought up behind him not to mention the wind that threatened to pull him right into the storm.

"Now use Heat Wave!" Alder shouted.

Volcarona released his fiery attack over Lucario's head and straight into the churning Tornado. The flames spiralled with the winds until the entire hurricane became a huge, gyrating vortex of fire. Lucario turned his head around to see a wall of flame just behind him.

"Volcarona hold your position." Alder commanded.

Ash then saw that the flame filled Hurricane was in fact moving towards Volcarona and Lucario who was still in front of the bug type.

"Lucario jump over Volcarona and then use Flash Cannon." Ash yelled out.

Lucario retracted his Metal Claws and flipped himself directly over Volcarona, while upside down Lucario charged up the steel type attack in his hands and fired it but not at the bug type below him. The Flash Cannon went straight forward and hit the centre of the fire filled Hurricane and then up to the very top. The Hurricane seemed to expand at the point where the attack had hit it and then suddenly the entire Hurricane exploded sending hot flames in all directions. At that exact moment Lucario landed directly behind Volcarona and pressed his back against him. The force of the explosion and the flames it carried blasted against Volcarona who unwittingly became a shield for Lucario just as Ash had planned. The force of the explosion was so great that Lucario had to dig his feet into the ground in order to stop Volcarona and himself from sliding backwards but it had worked, Lucario had avoided any damage and made his opponent absorb it all.

"Bug Buzz." Alder ordered before the winds had even died down.

Volcarona flexed his back and without any hesitation released a hail of green projectiles onto Lucario.

'It can still attack so quickly even after all that damage.' Ash's mind raced in disbelief.

Lucario had no chance to defend against the sudden attack and could only blindly back up while covering his face. Volcarona however was already moving into position for its next attack, while keeping it's back to Lucario the bug-fire type rose into the air a few meters above Lucario an then ceasing its former attack turned and faced the ground.

"Volcarona use Heat Wave!" Alder yelled as he threw a clenched fist into the air.

Staring down at his target Volcarona unleashed the giant fire attack direct over Lucario, Ash knew there was no way to dodge an attack of that size and did the only thing he knew he could.

"Lucario block upwards with Metal Claw!" He yelled.

Facing a the giant descending mass of fire Lucario extended his claws and threw them upwards in a spear formation blocking the attack much like he had before but this time he was in far greater trouble.

"Aaaaarrrrgh! "Lucario screamed as the heat blistered through his arms, they hadn't fully recovered from his last encounter and with this attack the pain was only magnified.

"Hang in there Lucario!" Ash shouted despite the fact he could barely see his Pokémon through the mass of flames engulfing him.

"Keep using Heat Wave do not let up." Alder instructed.

Volcarona did more than just that, he increased the force behind his attack driving Lucario to his knees. Ash knew his Pokemon couldn't last much longer and with the strength of that Heat Wave it was likely that Lucario would be knocked out in one hit.

'Lucario listen to me, I need you to hold Metal Claw and use Flash Cannon. Do you understand?' Ash instructed telepathically.

'But I can't use Flash Cannon without dropping Metal Claw.' Lucario replied.

'You won't know till you try and if you don't it's all over.' Ash stated hastily.

"Now use Flash Cannon!" Ash shouted above the inferno that was enveloping his Pokémon.

Lucario could barely hold up his burning arms, his palms were now right in front of his face but he forced his hands to open just enough so that his Metal Claws wouldn't retract. He closed his eyes and focused the energy into his hands, it took far longer than usual but despite the odds being stacked against him Lucario was able to build up enough strength for an attack.

Roaring into the air Lucario launched the beam of energy upwards but instead of a straight silver beam it was a purple jagged attack. This energy soared through the intense flames and hit Volcarona dead centre and lifted him into the air before detonating in a large purple explosion. The remainders of the Heat Wave faded leaving the field steaming and scorched, except for Lucario who stood there taking deep breaths. Ash looked up at the after effects of Lucario's last attack as Volcarona fell from the sky before landing somewhat dazed on the ground.

"Lucario did you just learn, Dragon Pulse?" Ash asked with excitement in his voice.

'Well, Flash Cannon wasn't really working.' Lucario replied trying to hide the fact that he had done it by accident.

"Your timing couldn't have been better." Ash declared his confidence suddenly returning.

"Sure was lucky that he learned that move but it still doesn't change anything. Volcarona use Heat Wave again." Alder instructed making Volcarona release another giant wave of fire that hurried towards its target.
"Lucario show them your Dragon Pulse." Ash said as he pushed the air.
Lucario placed both hands close to his chest and then released the purple attack at Volcarona's own. The beam it created took the form of a dragons head and wings.

As the menacing attack made contact with Heat Wave it cut through the flames parting them like a speed boat through the water. It continued forward looking as if it was eating the fire attack before it got to Volcarona and clamped him in its jaws before exploding in a brilliant purple explosion.

"Now this battle's really firing up." Ash declared.

"Well now's as good a time as any." Alder stated rather simply. "Volcarona use Quiver Dance."

Having been hit by a move that at least did normal amounts of damage Volcarona was now starting to feel it all set in. With Alder's command he began to wave back and forth initiating his dance.

"Don't let Volcarona finish Quiver Dance, move in and use Close Combat." Ash called out.

Doing exactly what it had before Lucario ran in and without hesitation began striking Volcarona with punches, kicks and open palms. As he pummelled Volcarona's body the dual bug-fire type released a shower of embers from his body indicating that his stats had been raised ever higher once again.

'Finish it off with your best attack and get ready.' Ash instructed telepathically.

To end his ravenous assault Lucario jumped and spun in mid-air before straightening out his leg connecting his heel to Volcarona's face with a jumping spinning heel kick, this stunned Volcarona for a mere second which was plenty of time.

'Now use Aura Sphere!' Ash instructed.

Before Lucario even landed he charged up an Aura Sphere in his hand and pushed in into Volcarona. It then detonated sending both Pokémon shooting backwards rolling across the ground. Lucario was quick to his feet but was breathing even heavier and clutching the arm he had used his last attack. Detonating the Aura Sphere in his own hand was not how the attack was meant to be used and he had sustained quite and injury from it.

"You alright to keep going?" Ash asked making Lucario stand up straighter and ignore his injury.

'I'm fighting this to the end.' Lucario replied his resolve still unwavering.

"Then use Dragon Pulse." Ash called out as Volcarona wearily got back up.

"Now Volcarona Heat Wave." Alder called out to his Pokémon.

As Lucario charged up the attack between his hands Volcarona puffed out his chest, the two released their attacks almost at the same time but the difference in the size of the attacks was all too clear.

The Heat Wave was now enormous and completely dwarfed the purple energy beam that took the form of a dragon's head and wings but Ash knew it didn't have to be larger than the opposing force.

As the Dragon Pulse met the front of the Heat Wave it continued straight forward as if it were eating the flames while the rest of the attack continued forward hitting everywhere except where Lucario was standing. This time however the Dragon Pulse didn't continue straight to Volcarona it began the swell and gyrate before the heat became too much and it detonated sending the fire across the sides of the fields.

"Lucario move forward." Ash instructed even as fire and purple energy continued to fall.

Lucario moved forward still breathing heavily planning to use the dust and smoke as cover once again. Before he could reach the relative safety of the dust cloud an ominous shadow moved forward through the haze astonishingly fast.

Lucario was meters away from the cloud when right in front of him Volcarona burst through and stopped right in front of Lucario's path. Grey smoke streaming off his body and two lines of fire escaping the sides of his mouth and his eyes fixed on his target that was still running straight for him. Lucario did his best to spin on his heel to avoid Volcarona and the impending fire attack he was charging in his mouth but the fire-bug type was right on top of him and with his body so drained from the battle, there was no way to dodge. Ash's eyes and mouth opened in realisation and dread as the whole battle seemed to slow to a crawl, Lucario slid forward and Volcarona hovered just above the ground and released a giant Heat Wave.

The full force of Heat Wave erupted from Volcarona and hit Lucario dead centre covering his entire body and blasted out behind him like a tidal wave of fire engulfing all the field behind him and continuing to the edge of the stadium scorching the ground beneath it. Lucario roared in pain as the double boosted fire attack blasted through him. Even a water type would have been decimated by the power that Volcarona was unleashing, for a steel type to take such a devastating attack it could only mean one thing.

"Hold on Lucario!" Ash yelled even as the unbelievable heat nearly overwhelmed him.

The Heat Wave was so powerful the entire stadium's temperature skyrocketed all of Ash's friends were in disbelief that such energy could be produced by a none legendary. Suddenly the attack finished, the fire dissipated leaving the air hot, the ground burnt and the stadium silent. Volcarona slumped to the ground his energy completely drained.

Opposite him Lucario stood there in a petrified state, his mouth agape from yelling, his body steaming from the heat and his eyes white. Lucario had fainted, his body just hadn't fallen to the ground.

'I didn't want to go that far, but Ash knew what he was doing pushing Lucario like that. In the end that was the only thing I could do.' Alder thought to himself as he glanced away from the battle.

Despite all of this Ash didn't look shocked or alarmed in the slightest like he usually did when his Pokémon were knocked out. Instead he looked at Lucario an almost emotionless expression on his face, not even his friends in the audience could tell what he was thinking. Lucario's knees began to shake his head swayed and finally he began to fall.

'You said to believe in you, that you were fighting to the very end.' Ash though at the last moment.

"Well I still believe in you." Ash said outloud.

Lucario's leg snapped forward stopping him from falling his fists tightened and he straightened his back. Alder turned suddenly and saw something that he thought should be impossible.

'How? Even at full health a Lucario shouldn't have been able to take such an attack. Did it somehow pull itself back into the fight?' Alder questioned in astonishment.

Volcarona hadn't noticed until he heard a faint growling, as he looked up he saw the Lucario he hit with his strongest attack was somehow still standing and had a look in its eye that made the fire type freeze in his place. Lucario grinded his teeth and tensed every muscle in his body and smoke billowed from his body creating a frightening image as he an Ash connected completely.

"One last time!" Ash yelled. "Close-"

Lucario roared a violent battle cry raised both hands and stepped right up to Volcarona who despite all his boosts couldn't move.

"COMBAT!" Ash screamed in unison with Lucario.

Despite all the pain throughout his body Lucario threw his hands forward and unleased a Close Combat unlike any he had done before. His hands moved so fast no one could even see them, the barrage of punches struck all across Volcarona. Each blow felt like Lucario has punching through him as blasts and shock waves blasted out from his body in all directions. The sound of so many punches echoed throughout the stadium like a machine gun on full burst.

"Go Lucario GO!" Ash yelled his voice the only thing above the reverberating sound.

Lucario lifted his head and roared as every muscle in his body screamed at him to stop but he just kept punching and punching, he wouldn't stop until he blacked out or Volcarona fell before him.

"Bug Buzz!" Alder suddenly shouted.

Volcarona heard the command and could barely muster the ability to launch the move. Dozens of green projectiles were sent in all directions some hitting the ground others flying away on random paths but some were able to loop around and detonate on Lucario's back. Lucario still refused to stop both Pokémon now just throwing everything they could as Ash and Lucario yelled at the top of their lungs.

Finally after what seemed like an endless barrage of punches Lucario pulled back one arm and threw a wild full force strike hitting Volcarona in the centre of his body with such force it created a great shockwave and sent the bug-fire type flying backwards at explosive speed right past Alder and straight into the stadium wall. Lucario couldn't hold himself up any longer and collapsed to the ground, still refusing to give up he watched the place in the wall Volcarona had impacted and waited for the dust to settle. It didn't take long for it to do so and when it did Volcarona was half embedded in the concrete wall unmoving, sealing the end of this battle.

"Volcarona is unable to battle, Lucario wins which means the winner is Kanto Champion Ash!" The referee announced to the sound of thunderous applause.

Ash ran over to Lucario who lay prone on the round. "Lucario you still with me?" Ash asked as he got down to his knees.

'We did it.' Lucario responded weakly 'We beat Alder.'

"Yeah we did, now come on you're not going to enjoy your victory laying there on the ground." Ash said as he put one of Lucario's arms over his shoulder.

Ash helped lift Lucario up who was so fatigued he wouldn't have been able to do so on his own. Upon doing so the crowd who hadn't stopped cheering became even louder. Ash had just won against a fellow champion without a single knockout on his side, it had been one of the most gruelling battles on his life but he had none the less done what Cynthia had asked of him.

"That was indeed a well won battle, I didn't hold back even for a second." Alder proclaimed as he walked up to Ash a big smile on his face.

"Your whole team especially Lucario showed absolute trust in you and you gave it right back to them even in the face of type disadvantage, and that's just one thing I could say about you Ash but I don't want to glorify you too much." Alder said with a laugh.

"Thank you Alder you yourself were as impressive as always." Ash smiled.

Lucario slumped a bit in his grip. 'Ash thank you for believing in me all the way, I know we made everyone proud.' Lucario stated with a previously unheard amount of joy in his voice.

'Of course, now get some rest you deserve it.' Ash told his partner as he returned him to his Pokeball.

Alder put his hand forward to the once clueless boy he met years ago and shock his hand, still reeling at how far he had come in these short years.

"Till next time." Alder told Ash sombrely.

"You got it." Ash replied.

With that the two champions turned around and walked back out the way they came one waving to the crowd the other with his head slightly down deep in reflection.

'I thought that when I was defeated I would be able to retire. I guess I'll just have to wait a little longer, who knows the way some of these kids are growing maybe Iris will take my title.' The though making Alder smile that much more.

"Damn that was exhilarating." Iris sighed glad it was all over.

"Leave it up to Ash to pull something like that off." Cilan added.

"Still he should have just changed to Gigalith he could have won without pushing Lucario so much." Misty put in rather annoyed.

"He pushed him because Lucario wanted to be pushed." Paul put in making everyone look at him.

"How can you tell that?" Misty asked.

"You could tell by the way they battled, the connection those two had was unlike anything I had seen before. One that's not simply between trainer and Pokémon it goes deeper than that." Paul explained.

"Well come on out with it." Misty asked of him but Paul got up and started to gather his things.

"I believe in making your own destiny but I guess sometimes, two individuals are destined to find each other and do incredible things." Paul uttered and walked away without looking back.

"So they were destined to battle together." Iris spoke quietly and though none of them said it out loud everyone had a feeling that Paul was right.

Ash made it back into the waiting room and practically fell into the chair, that last attack by Lucario had him so fired up I felt like he was punching right alongside him, it had been a hard won match for all involved. He heard the door open and for once he knew who was coming through. As he turned his head he saw a blonde haired girl walk in and close the door behind her, Ash got up from his chair walked over to her and embraced her in a hug. The girl returned the hug holding Ash close to her barely containing the joy she felt for him after another stunning victory.

"One more." Ash whispered making the girl nod slowly.

"Thank you for being with me all the way." Ash said as he looked into her eyes.

"I'll always be here." She replied.

Scans showed that Garchomp did sustain broken ribs from his battle and would need the appropriate time to heal. Lucario also needed ample time to rest and recover as he had pushed himself so hard in the fight has body had basically nothing left, Gigalith was the only one who needed standard healing. Ash was just happy he could take all of them home and not have to leave them at the Pokémon centre away from their team mates. There was another party set up but Ash left early, his mind a drift with all different thoughts. Eventually he found himself in the room where Lucario was resting. In complete silence he stood on the balcony looking at the night sky with only Lucario and Pikachu to keep him company, the noise of the party barely audible in the background.

'What has you so distracted?' Lucario asked.

"We've come so far, it all doesn't seem real some times." Ash replied. "The next match is a long way down the track but I-" Ash stopped not sure wat to say next.

"I'd thought you'd be up here." A new voice came from the doorway.

"Yeah sorry I just had a few things on my mind." Ash replied still looking at the sky.

The female trainer checked on Lucario and then Pikachu before walking to the balcony and stood next to Ash.

"Worried about your next battle already?" She asked.

Ash closed his eyes and thought, he knew exactly what she was going to say. That he shouldn't dwell on it, and that whatever happens happens, so with that he stood straight and looked at her.

"Mt Silver is where it ends. Win or lose I'm ending it there." Ash declared.