syakirmuhammad57: Thanks for the support as always!

UltimateCCC: I don't think so… All will be revealed later!

JediMasterAJKNIGHT: That will make Ash OP but I'll think about it! Thanks for the suggestion!

Xxx

Game On!

"Ash?" Amelia knocked on his door. There was no reply so Amelia knocked again. "Ash! I brought you food." She called out softly. Again, there was no reply.

Grabbing the door knob, Amelia entered the room. She looked around but found Ash nowhere in sight. "Where did he go?" Amelia mumbled to herself.

She spotted a framed photo of a beautiful blonde woman with ample figures. Grabbing it up, she identified it to be the deceased Sinnoh Champion.

"Amelia?" The girl turned around to see Ash at the doorstep. Amelia placed the photo down and looked at him.

"There you are." She smiled. "I brought you food. Thought you'll be hungry." Amelia placed the tray of food on his bed. Ash sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

"I don't feel like eating right now Amy." Ash admitted. Amelia frowned at his slackened posture.

"What's up?" She asked. Ash shook his head.

"Nothing." Ash walked over to his bed and sat down, face in deep thought. Now Amelia knew something was up.

"Ash, you can tell me." Amelia soothed him. Ash shook his head at her attempt to make him spill the beans. "Don't you consider me a friend?"

"I do. It's just that…" Ash trailed off. "I don't want to bother you Amy." Ash sighed. Seeing Amelia's worried look, he continued. "I'm just thinking how close I was to death. How I was unable to protect myself. How can I protect Kanto from threats if I can't protect myself?"

"Ash, are you beginning to doubt yourself?" Amelia asked the Kantonian. Ash swallowed. "Where did the confident, fearless, brave Champion I adore go?"

"I don't know. After Cynthia's death, my world is beginning to fall apart." Ash looked at her. "I almost lost you due to my temper and now, about a hundred people are dead even with me being in the proximity."

"Ash, if you cannot press forwards without thinking about the negative things, you will fail." Amelia told him. "Also remember, every time someone tries to win a war before it starts, deaths occur. You did the same with Aether and so, deaths occurred."

"I don't want to talk about it." Ash frowned. "I want to be left alone for a while. Think about myself." Amelia placed a hand on his shoulder.

"If you need someone to talk to, I'm always here for you." Amelia promised. "I won't leave you alone Ash." Amelia got up and walked out of the room leaving Ash alone.

'Don't stay close to me Amelia. I don't want to lose you too.' Ash thought while looking at Cynthia's photo.

Xxx

"Anything on the warship?" Amelia asked. There were shakes of heads.

"I don't know how they constructed the ship without any blueprints or data!" Gladion exclaimed. "It's impossible!"

"There must be something." Amelia told the duo. "Find it out and we'll bust that ship."

"We will once we find out its weaknesses." Hilda calmed her down. "I know you are angry due to the condition Ash is in but we have to work calmly."

"Oh I am calm." Amelia balled her fists. "And I'll make sure to get those Aether bastards sorry." The semi blonde walked away, anger radiating off her.

"She's just like Ash." Gladion commented.

Xxx

"Ash?" Ash looked back to see Hilda peeking from the door. "Charles Goodshow is here. Do you want to meet him?"

"Yeah." Ash got up and smoothened his face. "Let him sit in the lobby. I'm going there within two minutes." Hilda nodded and walked down. Ash got up, changed his clothing to something more formal, washed his face, and combed his hair all in two minutes.

Getting down, Ash spotted the jolly small bearded president chuckling and striking a conversation with Hilda and Amelia. Gladion was sitting on the side a little awkwardly.

"Good evening president." Ash greeted him. Charles got up and the two exchanged a handshake. Sitting back down, he offered a seat to Ash who sat down as well.

"You look like you just got blasted." Charles commented seeing the almost healed burn marks on his face and neck. Ash grinned at the almost accurate comment.

"Yeah. You could say that." Ash replied. Charles's gaze went to Gladion who looked back.

"So, you're Gladion." Charles commented. "I guess Ash, Amelia, and Hilda finally got through your thick skull eh?" The mentioned champions smirked at the comment while Gladion felt mildly insulted.

"I really hope the other Champions are not so… direct." His gaze trailed to Amelia and Ash. Charles chuckled and handed him a few papers.

"Take your time. Read them before signing." Goodshow told the blonde. He turned to Ash and Amelia. "So, how is the New Champions doing?"

"We're doing great!" Amelia answered. "A little on the negative side since the war with Team Rocket has put a great strain on us." She added.

"How about I get treated to a battle?" Goodshow asked the two. "Would that be too much to ask?" The two champions looked at each other before nodding.

"Nope." Ash replied. "I think it's time to see how much we have grown."

"Meet me outside." Amelia walked out of the mansion towards the training fields. Ash chuckled at her excited look and turned to the dwarf sitting.

"C'mon." Ash spoke up to the others. The President, Hilda, and Gladion followed the Kantonian out. Ash took a position a little distance away from Amelia and thought over his pokémon.

"I Call Nidoking!" Amelia called out her Poison/Ground Type. The heavy pokémon landed on the ground, shaking it a bit. Ash closed his eyes to call his choice.

Nidoking was a tall purple Pokémon standing fearsomely, covered spikes coated in poison, his maw wearing a savage smirk. A sinister looking horn stood on his head as he roared his arrival.

"Meganium, I choose you!" On Ash's side, Meganium stood elegant and proud, tall and mighty. Gladion's eyes widened at the stark contrast between the two pokémon. This seemed to be a losing battle from the beginning.

"Leaf Storm!" Ash began.

"Sludge Bomb!" Amelia countered.

A massive cyclone of glowing leaves surged forward, with a powerful bombardment of thick gooey sludge flying to meet it head on. Both attacks exploded upon impact, signaling their equal strength.

"Energy Ball!" Ash called out. Ash's fully evolved Grass Starter fired the ball with a mini sun immediately. The attack exploded upon impact, but Nidoking appeared to just shrug it off.

"That the best you can do?" Amelia smirked. "Shadow Ball!" With a vicious roar, Nidoking charged up the dark colored orb in his maw before firing it at Meganium.

"Light Screen!" In a flash, the golden cubic shield was formed around Meganium. The Shadow Ball exploded on impact with Meganium barely feeling the attack. Amelia frowned as Nidoking snarled in annoyance.

Ash just grinned. With Light Screen in play, Amelia would be hard pressed to attack unless it was in close quarters. Meganium's strength was more than enough to match most Pokémon in that area.

To his surprise, though, Amelia just smirked. "Nidoking, Fire Punch. You know what to do." Nidoking's fists became covered in raging fire, but to everyone surprise, he didn't charge Meganium. Instead, the Drill Pokémon slammed them into the ground.

The ground around Meganium exploded, flames swallowing the space inside her Light Screen. Ash bit his lip as Amelia bypassed his defenses with a simple technique. She was smart.

"Again!" Amelia pressed on. Nidoking slammed his burning fists into the ground again and again, unleashing more fiery explosions on Meganium's side, further damaging her.

"Now, Mega Horn!" Nidoking roared as he charged the ground rumbling as it felt the titan move. All the while, his large horn glowed a sickly green as it seemed to grow even larger.

Amelia realized, however, that Ash had not call out a dodge or any form of defense. He just stood there, watching as Nidoking grew closer to Meganium. "What's he up to?"

Ash knew just what Amelia was trying to force him into. She wanted Meganium to counter or move and so, she must have a great counter against it. So, when Nidoking was near her, he made his move.

"Power Whip!" Two thick vines shot out from Meganium's petals, slamming into the ground with echoing force. Meganium shot into the air, Nidoking passing right under her. The dual type growled in confusion.

"What the?!" Amelia asked in surprise. Ash's battling style changed completely with Meganium. Did he have separate battling strategies for all of his pokémon!?

"Now! Leaf Storm!" Meganium's petals glowed before the cyclone of leaves was fired, striking Nidoking with a vengeance. Despite his thick scales and armor, the Drill Pokémon roared in pain and anger as Leaf Storm tore at him.

"Now use Body Slam!" Ash simpered. Meganium adjusted her falling angle, landing directly on top of Nidoking whose knees buckled at her momentum and weight. Still, he managed to stand and keep her in the air.

"Poison Jab!" Amelia exploited. Shrugging off the pressure, Nidoking's horn was covered in deadly venom and he stabbed it into Meganium's underbelly making the Herb Pokémon cry out in pain.

"Keep up the pressure!" Amelia called out. "Double Edge!" Nidoking roared and threw the Herb Pokémon on the ground, body glowing in a golden aura. Slamming into Meganium, he sent the Herb Pokémon tumbling back.

"Slow him with Sweet Scent!" Ash commanded. Meganium shook her petals, a soothing smell spreading in the air. Nidoking's battle lust slackened, replaced by a new sense of calm and tranquility. The inner beast of Nidoking seemed to be silenced.

"Snap out of it and use Mega Horn!" Amelia's command was in vain, though, as Nidoking didn't make any move to attack. He simple roared lowly as he stumbled slightly, the cheesy grin still on his maw.

"Giga Drain!" Ash commanded, to which Meganium quickly obeyed as several vines shot out from her petals. They wrapped around her opponent, entrapping his upper arms as well. A sickly green aura then enveloped the Poison/Ground Type as his energy began to get sucked.

This had been one of a few strategies Ash had formed for Meganium: lulling them into ignorant submission before draining them of energy, allowing for a quicker finish.

The pain from the latest attack snapped Nidoking out of the tranquility, the Poison/Ground Type roaring and beginning to thrash against the tight wrap of the Giga Drain. Meganium struggled to keep her hold on.

Knowing that Light Screen was still in effect, Amelia acted quickly. "Grab the vines and reel her in!" She had to take advantage of every move Ash made. He was really dangerous.

Snarling, Nidoking grabbed Meganium's vines and jerked her towards him. His lower arms were free enough for locomotion and so, Meganium was pulled towards the Drill Pokémon.

"Giga Impact!" Ash hollered. Lowering her head, a lavender aura enveloped Meganium and she flew at Nidoking, using his momentum against him.

"Protect!" A green barrier was erected and Meganium slammed against it. She stumbled back in dizziness and Amelia continued. "Hammer Arm!"

Arm aglow with power, Nidoking rammed his Hammer Arm right into Meganium's neck. The Herb Pokémon gasped in pain as the attack struck.

"Use Mega horn!" Amelia continued. Nidoking roared as he charged again, his rage on full display while his horn glowed that sickly green.

"Hold him back with Strength!" With a powerful yell, Meganium rose up and slammed her front legs into Nidoking before he could hit her, the impact loud and heavy.

The two immediately began a battle of dominance and power, struggling to overcome the other. The violent struggle ripped up the ground below them, throwing dirt and grass up with each step and drag. Nidoking grabbed at Meganium's legs, trying to force them off him, but to no avail.

After almost twenty five seconds of struggling, Meganium pushed more power into her Strength. With a powerful cry and a final push, she managed to force Nidoking back, overwhelming his own strength and sending the vicious Drill Pokémon crashing down into the ground again.

"Now! Body Slam!" Ash yelled.

"Toxic!" Nidoking's body glowed a sickly purple and as Meganium dropped on him, burying him into the ground, he injected his venom inside her.

Meganium near immediately cried out, shuddering violently while her body glowed a sickly purple.

"Meganium!" Ash cried out in concern. Nidoking was the perfect match against her and he knew it. Amelia was pushing his chances to win with all of her might.

Poison Point. The Toxic made the ability occur and with Meganium dropping on Nidoking, injected deadly venom inside the Herb Pokémon.

"Grab her and use Venoshock!" Amelia smirked relentlessly. Nidoking wrapped his arms around Meganium's green body and unleashed a stream of gunky liquid.

Meganium found herself unable to dodge the powerful liquid blast. The Grass Type screamed in pain as the burning sensation flowed around her body. She shuddered as Nidoking didn't let up.

Worry formed on Ash's face. Amelia's Poison Point strategy had completely blindsided him. Ash had been confident that the Johto powerhouse would win the battle, but now the match was closer than he'd like.

Amelia smirked in triumph. "Looks like this is as good as won. Venoshock, again!" Nidoking again readied himself to shoot the glob of green liquid.

Ash wouldn't allow himself to fall for a trick twice though. "Light Screen, quick!"

Cringing in pain, Meganium nevertheless willed the golden cubic shield around herself, the Venoshock exploding on impact. Despite the immense pain within her from the poison and from Venoshock, Meganium could now counter.

"Outrage!" Ash had to make Nidoking release Meganium. She couldn't overpower such a behemoth in pure power. Meganium's eyes diluted into rage and she began to unleash unfocused brutal strikes.

Nidoking roared in pain as the whole body of Meganium wracked against him, the draconic aura hurting as well. Amelia quickly solved it. "Roll over!"

Nidoking quickly used Meganium's random movements against her, rolling her below him. "Now! Flamethrower!" Flames burst from Nidoking's mouth, hitting Meganium's face at point black.

Ash waited patiently as Meganium broke through it, hitting Nidoking with her Outrage. "Now use Frenzy Plant!" Meganium refocused and, throwing Nidoking off her, slammed her head into the ground.

Thorny vines burst, hitting Nidoking and throwing him into the air. Moving with them, it hit him again and slammed the Poison/Ground Type into the ground.

"Hyper Beam!" Nidoking unleashed the destructive beam and cut through the jungle, striking Meganium and breaking her concentration.

"Aromatherapy!" Ash continued with a smirk. A soothing sensation ran in the Herb Pokémon's body as the Toxic was neutralized and so was the brief confusion. "Synthesis!" Her wounds began to heal, hiding.

"Ash was almost defeated there." Gladion commented. "He played his cards right."

"Amelia almost has him." Hilda muttered. Nidoking got up, growling in irritation as the pain made it known. He climbed to his feet and roared at Meganium.

Meganium snarled back as Amelia simply nodded. "Tough as always Ash." She commented.

"What did you think? I will hand you the victory on a silver platter?" Ash asked. "Earthquake!" Amelia's eyes widened as Meganium slammed her front legs into the ground. Being that they weren't on a reinforced League-sanctioned battlefield, the Earthquake wasn't deterred in any way.

The ground rumbled as violent shockwaves rippled in all directions, cracks tearing through the grass and dirt in several places. Almost everyone present barely managed to keep their footing.

Nidoking was unable to keep his footing against the Earthquake's shock waves. He fell face first into the ground, the Drill Pokémon roared in in intense pain as the attack bombarded him mercilessly. Meganium finished her strike and roared.

Nidoking slowly rose back to his feet, panting and snarling heavily. With Meganium's power, brute strength, and such heavy attacks, the battle was taking its toll on him.

Ash knew Meganium and Nidoking both were at their end lines. He could heal with Synthesis but what mattered more was stamina. Stamina Meganium had lost over the course of the battle.

"It's time to end this Ash!" She called out to her opponent. "This was a great battle but let's end it!"

Ash was just as ready. "You stole my words! Meganium…" The Grass Type took a stance.

"Nidoking…" Amelia called out. Nidoking prepared himself as well. "Poison Impact!"

"Meganium Leaf Storm!" A swirling cyclone of leaves flew at the approaching Nidoking whose whole figure was covered with a purple dome.

His horn was sticking out and all of his energy seemed to be focused on the point. Ash exploited Amelia's brilliant strategy's weak points. The leaves struck Nidoking who began to power through them.

"Sunny Day!" Ash continued. Meganium brightened the sun above them a Nidoking reached the middle point. "Now! Synthesis and Solar Beam!"

Wounds beginning to heal, Meganium launched a drastically weakened Solar Beam that struck Nidoking. Slowing his momentum and energy more, Meganium poured more energy.

"Power through Nidoking!" Amelia supported. Nidoking finally broke through the Solar Beam and struck Meganium.

"Counter."

The pain was countered back twice as Meganium rammed her head into Nidoking's head. "Dragon Tail!" Meganium spun, tail scalier and longer, and slapped Nidoking on his cheek.

"One last Poison Tail!" Nidoking's heavy muscular tail slammed into Meganium's chest and breaking sounds were heard. The Herb Pokémon stumbled back as blood spurted from her mouth and she collapsed.

Nidoking did so as well, dropping next to her. Ash's fist clenched at the result. Amelia knew he would counter and used that to her advantage. He played into her hands.

"It's not over." Ash heard a strained voice say. Meganium began to rise on shaky legs, gasping for breath. Taking a few seconds, she finally stood straight and roared dominance. Placing one foot on Nidoking's back, she roared again.

Amelia returned her Nidoking, praising his attempts and turned to the almost fainted Meganium. Ash returned his Herb Pokémon before turning to Amelia.

"You gave me a run for my money there." Ash spoke. "Had Meganium not healed, she would've been a goner." Amelia smiled a little.

"I still have miles to go before I can catch up to you Ash." She admitted. "Had it been anyone of you're A team, I would've lost more quickly."

"That's true." Ash chuckled. He turned to the smiling president and stunned Gladion. "What about you president?" Ash questioned.

"Epic as fast. Compared to your fast fight with Lance, this was more entertaining." Charles chuckled. "Amelia," He spoke making the semi blonde perk up. "I have no doubt you'll be a great Johto Champion."

"Thanks Sir." Amelia lowered her head in respect. Goodshow turned to Ash.

"I have something to talk to you about Ash." His voice turned serious. Ash nodded and the duo walked a good distance away from the trio of Champions behind.

"It's time?" Ash asked him. Goodshow nodded. "I'm ready for it. So are Amelia and Hilda."

"Your Elite Four will stay here, handling the regions. I hope their up to the task." He asked pointedly. Ash smirked.

"I have everyone prepared. My pokémon are here as well. I'm taking a select few with me." Ash replied.

"You're A Team?" Goodshow asked. Ash nodded. "What we will be striking is the stronghold of Hiero and Holon. The local people say that's where all the darkness began."

"We will be there tomorrow. What about Gladion?" Ash questioned.

"I don't think it's appropriate to put a new Champion in such a serious fight." Goodshow sighed. "It will be a big clash. Cipher has all of its army ready to attack."

"We have Six Regions against them." Ash countered. Goodshow seemed to hesitate. "Why do I feel like there is something more to that?"

"There is." Charles pulled out his IPhone from his pocket and showed Ash a few pictures. The Champion's eyes widened at the photos, or, more specifically, the person in them.

"That can't be." Ash gasped. Charles nodded.

"It has happened." Charles replied. "That's one reason why we want you to be in the attack."

"But how?" Ash asked his façade breaking. "This can't be."

"We're confused as well." Goodshow replied. "We believe Cipher had ties with Team Rocket. That's how they were able to change the body."

"Which means that the Champion I killed wasn't Lance?" Ash asked in surprise. "If that's true, I wonder if-"

"Yes." Goodshow nodded a smile on his face. "Cynthia is there as well. The two are commanding the strike against us."

"All of this was a planned strategy." Ash realized. "Cynthia must've known about it all along. That's why she told me-" Ash slapped his face, realizing how stupid he was all along. "Cipher wanted Team Rocket to die. They played me."

"That's correct. We declared war on the syndicate while forgetting who the real enemy was." Goodshow sighed. "You, Hilda, and Amelia will be leaving early tomorrow in the League's jet. Chances are the fight would've already started."

"Okay sir." Ash agreed.

"And do remember," Goodshow interrupted. "If it comes to choosing the win or any Champion, you know what to do."

"I hope it doesn't come to that." Ash sighed. Goodshow walked away leaving an excited Ash behind. 'She isn't dead! She's alive!'

Tomorrow was the deciding day, the time.

Cynthia & Lance. Two sabotaged Champions. They will be returned to the throne.

Ash would make sure of it.

Xxx

And done! Surprise for all of you! Sorry for such a delay but examinations and stuff came in the way! Had to study a lot and resist from spending time on TRMD!

So, a big twist eh? Cynthia and Lance are alive! However, are they allies or foes? IF so, why? All be revealed so tune in!

Merry Christmas!