The Legend Unleashed

Thanks for the wait guys! I was planning to update this around Christmas but I got my motivation back for this story so I wrote the chapter.

I hope you enjoy!

Ash leaned back on the bed after throwing the remote of the television away. The last of the quarter final battles of the Lily of the Valley Conference had just concluded. And the match-ups for the semi-finals had also been revealed.

Just like the rounds before, Tobias only needed his Darkrai; that Pokemon was so strong that it had defeated all of the six opponents without much difficulty. Ash had been looking forward to fighting against Tobias but it seemed like that wouldn't be possible until he won his semi-final match against a girl named Brittany. That wasn't so bad, he reflected. It just meant that he would get a shot at Tobias and his Darkrai in the finale.

Right then, he heard a knock on the door.

"Come in." he loudly said to whoever was at the door, too bored to even get up from his position on the bed. He simply waited for the one who'd knocked to come to him instead. And when that person did arrive, he was quite surprised; enough for him to get up instantly. "Lance!"

The taller man with red hair flashed a smile to the trainer. "So you remember me!"

Ash rose up from the bed and replied right away. "Of course, I do." His tone had evident shock in it. "I am surprised that you remember me."

"How can I forget you?" Lance, the champion of the regions of Kanto and Johto let a titter out. "You helped me catch my Gyarados so whenever I look at him, I am reminded of you." His cheerful expression now turned to one more earnest as he finished. "That's not the only reason, though. You were one for the future and I keep my eyes on rare talents like you. It's my job as Champion after all."

Sheepishly, Ash rubbed the back of his head at the praise. "So," he began. "What brings you here? I am sure you didn't come here just to tell me that, did you?" he sat himself back on the bed and gestured for the Champion Dragon Master to take a seat as well.

Lance took a seat beside Ash on the bed. "You're quite sharp." He remarked before grinning. "I am here to invite you to the party that's going to be held here."

The younger trainer frowned. "Party?"

Lance nodded. "Because of trainers like you lighting this Sinnoh League, the success of this tournament was boosted. The sheer amount of people who came to the stadiums as well the ratings on television, this has been by far the most successful regional Pokemon League in years." He explained to the trainer who keenly listened. "To celebrate that, our amazing President Mr. Charles Goodshow has decided to hold a gathering along with a banquet."

"I see." Ash said. "I didn't know this Sinnoh League was such a success." He recalled his experiences in the past Pokemon Leagues and of what he remembered, the stadiums were full every time. "But how's this year's Lily of the Valley Conference any different?" he raised the question towards the Champion. "I mean of what I have seen, I think that all the Pokemon leagues have a great number of spectators. The television ratings are a different matter but how could you tell that this one has been that much bigger a success than the others recently?" He didn't doubt what Lance had told him. He was simply curious to know what was different.

"Well, for one thing, the T.V. ratings have boosted." Lance pointed out and continued. "About the difference in the crowds coming to the stadium in this League has been that people have come to great numbers even in the less anticipated matches. Trainers like you have always attracted the spectators but because there has been so much talk about this Sinnoh League, people have swarmed here and watched most of the matches with interest."

Ash gave a nod in understanding. "The main attraction has been Tobias and his Darkrai, I guess." He observed sharply.

Lance shrugged. "Well, we are talking of a Legendary Pokemon here," Suddenly, he shifted his gaze to look Ash in the eyes and kept a hand on the boy's shoulder. "But I want you to beat Tobias." His words weren't meant to jest. The way he spoke only pointed to him speaking the truth.

The mentioned trainer was a bit taken aback by Lance's words. They held a lot of power. Ash now had the added responsibility of the Champion backing him to win. The belief Lance showed in him was something he could be happy about but it also meant that he couldn't even think of losing to Tobias now. If he ended up second best, he would disappoint a lot of people and this red-haired Champion was the latest addition to that list.

Lance sensed the tension that had built around by his statement. "Anyway," he smiled, eager to bring down the intensity in the room. "As I said, you are invited to the party which will be held the day after tomorrow. You can bring your friends along as well."

Ash took a deep breath and rolled his shoulders. "Are you the special guest?"

"That's not entirely true." The man said and continued when he saw Ash raise an eyebrow. "The Elite Four of different regions as well as several champions are all the special guests. And of course, all of the participants are also invited. But we can't invite friends of every participant so that's only for you."

Ash's eyes widened. "That's one hell of a gathering!" he exclaimed.

"That's true."

Ash eventually entered the hall where the atmosphere was over the roof. Several people appeared to be chatting with one another at every corner of the huge hall. The hall itself was something to be talked about, Ash noted soon enough. The decorations were marvelous and certainly the people that he saw everywhere were even more amazing. He could spot Elite Four members from Kanto, Hoenn, Sinnoh and Johto. He couldn't spot any of the Champions, though.

Ash was the last to arrive of the people that would be coming along with him. He was away training even today and by the time he'd returned, Professor Oak, his mother, Dawn and Brock were ready to leave. He didn't want to make them wait so he told them to leave without him, which of course they denied at first. But somehow, he managed to convince them and assured them that he would arrive on time and even told Pikachu to go along with them.

The teenager from Kanto wore a dark blue blazer with black collar over a white shirt and black pants. His head missed his trusty hat and his hair wasn't the mess it usually was. The only reason he managed to convince his mom and Dawn to leave without him was because he told them that he would do his hair as best as he could and would turn up at the event dressed like a gentleman. And he had definitely kept his promise. His hair were stretched back, not exactly slicked back but none except for one strand of his hair leaned on his forehead. And that one strand too was intentional.

Just then, he felt a strong tap on his shoulder. He looked back and saw the very man who'd invited him here. "Good evening, Lance."

"Good evening." He replied as he observed Ash with raised eyebrows.

Ash too couldn't help but keep gaze upon the red tuxedo the Champion wore. The black shirt and neck tie with the same colored pants suited him perfectly. This man looked truly amazing. "You're look dashing!" he commented.

"You stole the words out of my mouth." He shifted his gaze to the new hairstyle of Ash's which he'd seen for the first time. "That new look is amazing." He said and it wasn't a lie. This hairstyle would look good on anyone but it suited Ash simply too well. "Why don't you have your hair like this the whole time?"

"Like my hair would allow me to." He snorted. "I would be surprised if this hairstyle stayed for the night."

"Is that so?" Lance chuckled wholeheartedly. "Anyway, come with me."

Ash shrugged and didn't question the Champion. He followed Lance further into the large hall and he had to say, it took a long time. There were simply too many people who came to greet Lance on the way; some of them whom he recognized like Bertha. The old lady remembered Ash as well; it had hardly been a few months since they'd met.

But when Lance came to a stop, that was when Ash's heartbeat hastened. The two men that Lance stopped in front were both well known figures. In fact that would be an understatement.

"Ash, meet Wallace," Lance pointed his hand towards the tall and slick man with light blue eyes and teal blue hair that curled gracefully around his head. He wore a long, white cape over his suit. "and Alder." Lance this time pointed to the other man who was tall and powerfully-built with flaming red hair tied in a small ponytail.

"Guys, this is Ash Ketchum." Lance gestured towards Ash.

Ash's heart began pounding even harder than before and there was a significant reason for that. He recognized the first man as the Champion of Hoenn and the other one as the Champion of Unova, the region he'd set his sights to journey through soon. Being in the company of three Champions was new to Ash. He'd met Wallace once during the Wallace Cup but it was a brief meeting and he didn't expect the Hoenn region Champion to remember him. But even more threatening was the Unova Champion Alder, who wore a massive grin on his face but Ash could tell that behind that grin was a true Champion Class trainer.

Alder was the first to offer Ash a handshake. "I am Alder, the Champion of Unova. It's nice to meet you, Ash Ketchum." He greeted, retaining the same grin as before.

Ash shifted his body uncomfortably for a moment but responded to Alder's handshake immediately after. "I am Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town. It's an honor to meet you, Alder."

"The pleasure's all mine kid." As soon as his hand was free from the handshake, the Unova Champion ruffled Ash's head cheerfully, destroying the work Ash had put into his hair in the process. "I have been meaning to see you after how Lance and even that Sinnoh Champion have been going on and on about ever since I arrived in Sinnoh."

"They have, huh?" Ash raised an eyebrow in interest. He then shook Wallace's hand.

"Have we met before, Ash?" Wallace questioned.

Ash answered immediately. "I didn't think you would remember me. We did meet once during the Wallace Cup."

Wallace's eyes widened in realization. "Ahha!" he snapped his fingers and laughed. "I was sure I had seen you before."

Right then, Lance looked past the two Champions standing and smirked. "It sure did take you a while."

Lance's statement made the three others standing around him follow his gaze and what they saw could only be called be described by one words – gorgeous. The Champion of Sinnoh, Cynthia walked towards them gracefully wearing a simple yet charming sleeveless dress which was v-chest and black in color. The slim dress ended right above her feet. However, it was the beauty of the blonde that made the dress appear so amazingly pretty.

The men who awaited her could only awe. It wasn't the first time that the Champions had seen Cynthia wearing something marvelous like this but every time she amazed them with her beauty. Her mascara, her lipstick; everything was in low proportion but she hardly needed makeup to define her presence.

Although, Ash who saw Cynthia like this for the first time, was at a loss for words. He was speechless. Her white skin that remained uncovered made the perfect match for the black dress that had the luck of being worn by her.

"You look stunning!" Alder patted Cynthia's shoulder as soon as she arrived. "I had been waiting for you for so long."

This act from Alder didn't impress Cynthia, however. She simply rolled her eyes and shoved Alder's hand aside. "Thank you, Alder!" she thanked hysterically.

"At least what he said held some truth. You're looking pretty as always." Wallace commented. There was a mysterious finesse to his words that seemed unique to him.

"Why thank you!" Cynthia said before she turned towards Ash and Lance. "Look who joined us!" she exclaimed as she glanced at Ash, her eyebrows furrowed.

"You'd rather that I stay away?" Ash gestured to the empty space on his right. He had an easier time talking to Cynthia than any of the Champions. Well, he had spent some time with her after all, which he didn't get the chance to with the other. Except maybe Lance.

"Well," Cynthia began, looking away. "You've been avoiding me anyway."

Ash raised an eyebrow curiously. "Avoiding you? I have no reason to do that. Not to a Champion anyway." Wallace and Lance both sniggered at the bickering of Ash and Cynthia while Alder appeared to be watching with interest as well. They didn't get a chance to see Cynthia quarrel like this everyday. They wouldn't dare interrupt.

"Is that so?" Cynthia retorted. However, just as she was about to mouth a few more words, Goodshow had begun his speech on the stage.

"Hello and welcome!" Goodshow began in the microphone, getting everyone's attention to himself. "Thank you for coming to this party, which is held for a very special reason as you would know. This year's Sinnoh League Conference has turned out to be a huge success and its been thanks to the amazing competition that the participants have put up. On behalf of the entire Pokemon League, I would like to thank everyone who battled from the preliminary rounds till the quarter finals."

Goodshow paused, waiting for the applause of the people present in the entire hall to come to a halt. That little speech so far of the President's had reminded Ash of something. Or rather someone. Since all the Pokemon trainers who participated in the League were invited, it meant that even Paul would be. Although Ash wasn't sure if Paul had already left the Lily of the Valley island. Even if he didn't, considering his personality, it wouldn't be a surprise if Paul simply didn't attend.

"The chief guests for this party as some of you might know are the Elite Fours and the Champions of Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh and even Unova." As soon as he finished that, another loud roar and applause began. This time, it was mostly the participants who were excited to get to meet these figures who stoop at the top of the Pokemon League up close. As they cheers died down, Goodshow continued. "This Sinnoh League has been more successful than any other regional Pokemon League in the last 9 years. The amount of people who have gathered on this island to watch the tournament live as well as the people watching the matches all around the world have been far greater than anything the League has achieved in the last 9 years. So, for making this such a special competition, I would again like to thank all the participants of the Sinnoh League." The short President of the Pokemon League adjusted the tie of his black suit and stroked his white beard. "That will be all from this old man. Enjoy your time here and all the best to our four semi-finalists – Ash, Brittany, Tobias and Ross!"

Mr. Charles Goodshow earned himself another huge applause at the conclusion of his speech. Indeed, this had been an amazing tournament. The battles all around had been exciting and the trainer's had given them their all. Although everyone knew that the main attraction was Darkrai. People had flown from all direction just to see the Nightmare Pokemon in action and in doing so, had also watched some of the other battles. Not to say they were disappointed in the lesser matches. They had all been exceptional fun.

With Goodshow exiting the stage, some beautiful classical music began playing by the musicians that sat behind. Soon, the guests took their seats and the banquet started. There were enough tables for everyone to sit and have dinner at once.

As people finished their meal, the dancing also began. Even some of the Elite Four had taken to the dance stage and began to show how elegant they were. Agatha, the Ghost specialist Elite Four had forced Charles Goodshow to dance with her while Aaron, Flint and Volkner – The Gym Leader who'd been invited – also took the stage.

Ash watched the dance all the while being immersed in the beautiful melody that was being played. He'd already reunited with his Mom and friends with whom he ate his dinner. Now, he stood besides Dawn, who wore a beautiful white gown. Pikachu and Piplup seemed to be talking about something while standing on the floor.

"Let's go dance, Ash." Dawn caught Ash's hand and took a step forward, tugging on to Ash.

Ash was surprised when his friend pulled him ahead, while he was dazed in the music. "Come on, Dawn," Ash chuckled and scratched his head. "You know I am not good at dancing."

The girl walked forward and dragged Ash along with her. "No need to worry Ash. I am really good at dancing. Just follow my lead!" Her tone sounded confident.

He wouldn't escape this. "All right." The black-haired boy groaned.

As the couple entered the dance stage, Ash noticed a few eyes on him, particularly a few interested looks from some people he knew. The duo soon got into position; Ash's left hand intertwined with Dawn's right. Dawn placed her left arm around Ash's right shoulder while he slid his right arm across her waist. Their bodies remained in contact as Dawn lead the way, while Ash dubiously followed her steps.

The people watching were quite surprised; it would generally be the male leading the female but this was the other way around. However, Ash and Dawn's dance remained quite unique and actually suited the music. Dawn, of course was enjoying herself while Ash warmed up steadily getting in the groove. He still felt somewhat uncomfortable as he wasn't the best dancer around but as the dance began to flow, he realized that this might not be too bad.

They continued for several minutes and their steady speed picked up a little. Ash appeared to be a quick learner. He now managed to pull a few steps that he couldn't earlier. As Dawn slid her body weight onto Ash's arms, he bent towards the girl and their chest pressed together.

Ash blushed when he realized how close he was to Dawn at that moment. Their faces almost touched the each others; their warm breaths brought heat to the other's cheek, which reddened at the realization. Ash could smell her from the proximity. She smelled good, amazing even. Her perfume smelt like a bouquet but what he was dazed by was her scent. It was wonderful.

The girl blushed and lost control of her body. She felt it impossible to move her limbs as she stared into Ash's amber eyes. She couldn't blink even when his hair grazed her forehead. All she could do was let out a gasp of cool air right into his face.

A lot of applause could be heard acknowledging the show these two had put on for the last few minutes. It wasn't perfect. Faults could be pointed right throughout their dance. But that wasn't what had impressed these people. It was the sync and understanding the two showed while dancing that had earned them those claps.

The applause brought Ash and Dawn back to reality. Ash straightened up and so did Dawn, however they couldn't look away. Ash was the first to break eye contact and soon, Dawn followed suit. They didn't speak a word as they both walked to join Brock and Delia, who could be seen waving at the two.

A slight wince appeared on Cynthia's face as she watched the dance end. She clutched onto her left folded arm but a sigh calmed her down once again. She'd wanted to ask Ash for a dance but Dawn had already beaten her to it. After watching them on the stage, she questioned herself just how far she was to Ash.

Her peculiar behavior didn't go unnoticed by another blonde woman standing beside her. "Jealous?" Caitlin mumbled into Cynthia's ear. When she saw the Champion startled, she smirked. "That's something new for you."

Cynthia looked away in order to avoid eye contact with her friend. "Maybe."

Caitlin let out an amused giggle. "So you won't deny it?" She was quite surprised that Cynthia didn't tell her otherwise. She'd never caught Cynthia in a situation like this so she didn't know how she would react but she figured she would be more sensitive to the matter.

Cynthia didn't bother to answer.

"Greetings, Cynthia."

Wearing a blue cape, similar to the one he normally wore, Tobias walked towards Cynthia with a hint of a grin on his face. He came to a stop right in front of Cynthia and offered his hand to her. "Care for a dance?" he requested with a slight bow.

"Hello, Tobias!" The Champion greeted back. "I am sorry but I don't really feel like dancing." She tried to hide her aggravation about the events that just took place but her tone didn't sound exactly like usual.

Tobias's face held quite shock as displayed by the wrinkles on his forehead. He closed his wide open mouth within a second and straightened up before flashing a smile. "That's quite alright."

Although, Caitlin had other plans. "Just go," she patted her friend on the back and pushed her slightly forward. "It'll freshen you up."

Cynthia rolled her eyes. "I really don't want to." She glared for a moment.

"I'll spill your beans!" The Elite Four stared back at Cynthia with her hands on her hips. She tried her best to act as natural as possible but couldn't hold back a laugh. Getting no response from Cynthia again, Caitlin pushed her forward once again. "I wanna see you dance."

"Alright," Cynthia sighed in defeat. She knew that Caitlin wouldn't breathe easy until she really made her dance. "Stop pushing me already!"

The Champion walked with Tobias onto the dance stage and soon, they began. Cynthia was a good dancer which became evident by her elegant movements. Tobias was no mug either as he gracefully moved his body with his left arm resting behind Cynthia's waist.

She hadn't been dancing for even a minute when her eyes noticed Ash. She eyed the black-haired trainer as he just stood there watching her dance with his hands in his pockets. She ignored how good Ash looked earlier tonight because of her pent up exasperation due to the fact that he hadn't met her in a few days. But his smiling face right now made her enter a daze, even while she danced.

A sudden shriek left her lips. The dance stopped as Cynthia knelt down on her knee. She let out a curse when she realized that she'd sprained her ankle.

"Are you alright, Cynthia?" Tobias asked in concern as he bent down.

She fought a grimace. "Yeah. I think I've sprained my ankle though."

"Cynthia," Caitlin called as she stepped forward and offered her a hand. "I am sorry."

Cynthia grasped the hand offered and stood up shakily. "You don't need to be." She appeared in pain.

Caitlin let a ghost of a smile cover her lips as she helped the Champion up and walked her towards a chair nearby. She could tell that Cynthia's heart wasn't in to it. Well, anybody could but she now realized that she shouldn't have forced her.

As she sat on the chair – which brought her a lot of relief and comfort, Cynthia saw the younger boy because of whom she'd ended up spraining her ankle approach her. Not that she blamed him for that. It was her who'd lost her concentration and begun dreaming.

"Is your ankle alright?" Ash asked as he seated himself on the empty chair next to Cynthia.

Cynthia couldn't help but smile. "Well, it'll be better soon." She answered.

Ash was about to open his mouth but Caitlin beat him to it. "Hey Ash, could you escort Cynthia to her hotel? She'll be better off getting some rest." Her face which peeked from beside Cynthia had the slightest of grins hiding beneath.

"No, I am fine." Cynthia retorted, cursing herself a moment later.

"You're not!" Caitlin argued, her true motives hidden behind her stern glare.

Ash shrugged. "Yea sure." He didn't have anything better to do anyways and he even he realized that Cynthia would be better off in her hotel room after he saw her wince. He stood up and took Cynthia's hand in his own, surprising the blonde. "You need to rest."

Caitlin was careful enough to make sure that Cynthia would be in the best position to walk and would be supported amply by Ash. She made Cynthia glide her arm around Ash's neck and also made sure that Ash's hand was around her waist. As they began walking off, hey eyes followed the two as she now freely grinned at the success. She could take relief that at least something good had come out of that sprain of Cynthia's.

A five minutes walk from the hall and the two had reached Cynthia's hotel. As they both eyed the building, their cheeks flushed pink. In these past five minutes, they had gotten into an even more awkward position than what Caitlin sent them off with. The sides of their bodies were in contact while Cynthia had wrapped her arm even closer and tighter to Ash's neck.

"Thanks Ash," Cynthia smiled warmly as she leaned her hand onto the lift. "I'll manage from here. You should go back."

Lies. Those last few words were all lies. But she didn't want to burden Ash if he was enjoying himself in the party.

Ash shook his head. "Getting to your room won't take long."

Cynthia nodded without another word. She wouldn't even think about refusing him now. She would never get a better chance than this to spend some time. He'd already been ignoring her as it was. So she deserved some attention. And if doing that meant that he would miss the rest of the party, then he deserved it for not meeting her often enough.

In another minute, they now faced the door to Cynthia's room. Ash took the keys from Cynthia and unlocked the door before he led Cynthia inside. He switched on the lights before he let Cynthia rest on the sofa. He smiled at the sighing figure of Cynthia. A night's rest would do Cynthia a world of good. Being a Pokemon Champion wasn't easy, he realized.

He was about to leave when he felt his palm being tugged on to. When he turned around, he saw Cynthia looking at him in a way that made his heart stop. The position she sat in didn't make it any easier for Ash. Her arms hanging low in exhaustion, her slender legs sliding against the sofa and her beautiful face tilted towards him.

Cynthia's lips parted themselves as she breathed heavier, pulling Ash towards her.

The boy wore a perplexed look on his face. "Umm… Cynthia?"

She couldn't take this now. Ash wasn't reacting to her at all.

She slowly rose up from the sofa and got closer to his face. Their foreheads touched as she brought her face ever so closer to his. She could feel him breathing. She didn't get too many opportunities to get a look at his burning amber eyes too often. Her soft, blonde hair grazed his hair as he stayed unmoved.

Ash couldn't do anything right now. His blood got hotter every passing second. Cynthia's soft, warm hands touched his own as he gazed into Cynthia's grey eyes, which had been staring at him all this time. Their noses brushed together as Cynthia caressed Ash's cheeks with the palm of her hands. She tilted her head ever so slightly and got closer and closer to his red, juicy lips.

Finally they touched. Neither of them moved, nor did their lips. They stayed put, plastered to one another. Moments passed and eventually, Cynthia advanced. She moved her arm around his neck and onto his hair and prodded deeper.

He didn't resist. He hardly could. No thought played inside his mind. Even as Cynthia progressed a little deeper into his mouth, he didn't mind. This was pleasure. The feeling was heavenly. And then they took over. His manly instincts called for him to take charge. He did.

He pushed Cynthia onto the sofa but their kiss didn't break. He didn't want it to. He wanted this feeling to last forever. Hands around Cynthia, he deepened their kiss as he leaned above Cynthia. His arms were placed on either side of Cynthia's head now as he moved his bent knee between her legs.

However, as he moved his knee further and further and moved his hands closer and closer towards her face, the realization came. His eyes that had been closed opened up instantly. He pulled out from the kiss the very next moment. What was he doing?

He frantically jumped out of the sofa, his breath hastening. He looked over at Cynthia and his eyes were blank. If anything they held sadness; disappointment. They were almost pleading to Cynthia.

"I ….I am sorry." He whispered, his hands reaching for his hair. He moved a hand through his head as he contemplated what had just happened.

Cynthia's eyes held almost the same emotions as Ash did. But she knew it was her fault. She felt the guilt build up inside her. And that guilt became too much for her to handle. It let itself out in the form of tears. She wanted to hug him right then but she knew that would be taking advantage of his kindness.

"What are you apologizing for?" A few tears ran down her cheeks as she cried that out.

Ash watched Cynthia tear down in front of his eyes. And he realized that he simply couldn't take it. He couldn't fit that image of her inside his mind. He walked forward and steadily seated himself on the sofa. As Cynthia's tears stopped, she gazed at him while he hesitantly moved his arm around her.

"Don't cry." He muttered softly as he gently ran his hands down Cynthia's back. "I don't like seeing you that way."

Their gazes met again. Cynthia nodded and rested her head on his chest. And Ash didn't mind it right now.

Ash stared right forward. In his view was a petite girl around his age, wearing a pink shirt and blue shorts. Her light brown hair highlighted her fair skin as she smirked at him. Ash smirked right back, though his expression held a vicious intensity that she lacked. She was the only boulder left on his way to fight Tobias and win the Sinnoh League and today, he would make certain that he got to the stage of a Pokemon League he'd never reached before: The Finals.

If he could clear this hurdle, he would be facing Tobias in the finals. Ross had met the same fate as everyone else facing Tobias before him did. All his Pokemon were knocked out by only Darkrai. Ash had closely watched that match and discerned that Ross was a pretty good trainer but he stood no chance against the power of Tobias' Darkrai.

"Welcome one and all to the second semi-final of this year's Sinnoh League!" The commentator screamed to the microphone. "Tobias has already won the first semi-final match and whoever wins this match will be battle him in the finals of the Lily of the Valley Conference. Fasten your seatbelts folks, because this promises to be an amazing battle!" his tone calmed down as he continued. "Our special guests for today's match are Agatha from the Kanto," Huge cheers went around the packed-capacity stadium as the Ghost-type Elite Four Member from Kanto was introduced and they became even louder when the commentator mentioned the others. "The Dragon Master Drake from Hoenn, and our very own Aaron!"

In the middle of the grassy battlefield that had been chosen for the second semi-final of the Lily of the Valley Conference, the referee began loudly. "This semi-final match between Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town and Brittany from Lilycove City will be a full battle with six Pokemon each. Each trainer will be allowed to substitute Pokemon whenever they wish. The match will be over when all six Pokemon of either trainer is unable to continue battling." He explained through the microphone he wore and raised both the red and the green flags. "The first move goes to Brittany. Begin!"

Brittany raised her Pokeball and out came a large blue Pokemon with a wide open mouth. The Pokemon had two peg-like teeth on each jaw and protruding tubes with holes all around its body.

However, Ash didn't even care to have a look at the first Pokemon his opponent would be using. He simply gazed into his own Pokeball with narrowed eyes. Eventually, he raised his own Pokeball and as the red beam of energy from the ball took the shape of his Pokemon, he smirked. "The stage's all yours!"

The roaring spectators had been stunned silent. Brittany's expression changed to one of horror as well as astonishment; her jaw dropped and her eyebrows curved up in pure shock. Even the Elite Four members in the commentary box couldn't utter a word at the sight. Only a moment had passed but it seemed as if time had stopped for hours.

The Pokemon with the ferocious aura which caused it, opened its eyes in an instant. And that one moment became so dreadful that fear spread through the stadium. Everyone watching had their breaths ceased by this amazing display.

Darkrai let out a loud, emanating roar that announced his arrival. He hovered a feet above the ground in front of Ash and eyed his opponent; an Exploud who too could feel the horrifying power that its foe exhibited just by being simply being there. The Normal-type trembled at the fearsome glare of the Nightmare Pokemon.

"A Darkrai?!" It was Agatha, the white-haired old lady from the Kanto Elite Four who found her voice before anyone else could. But her breath was still heavy due to the shock.

"A second Darkrai at the Sinnoh League!" Aaron in the commentary box gasped. "Impossible!"

Between the two, Drake calmed himself and got back to his senses. He gazed at the Darkrai that had just stunned everyone. Just by looking at the Pokemon, he could tell how terrifying that Legendary creature was. Darkrai's aura reached even up there where he sat and made his hair stand on end.

"Why… Why do you have a Darkrai?!" was all Brittany could shout out to her opponent before gulping at the eyes of Darkrai turning to her.

Ash's expression didn't change. "I am not sure I can answer that. But I suggest that you concentrate on the battle. I'll still wait for you to have the first move."

The spectators had just begun to realize that this was not a dream. That, there was a second Darkrai who would be fighting in the Sinnoh League. Their silence first turned into fear of the darkness that Darkrai emanated. However, that fear turned into excitement once Darkrai controlled itself. A massive roar went around the stadium; the loudest even the Sinnoh League had witnessed.

And people watching on television were not any less surprised. Reggie had been shook in Veilstone City while Paul still on the Lily of the Valley Conference couldn't believe that his rival owned such a Pokemon. Gary from Oak's lab in Pallet Town finally realized why his grandfather was so excited to watch Ash in the Sinnoh League. None could have expected this.

Cynthia coughed out her juice at the bombshell. Lance could only gaze at the Pokemon that had caused him to feel an emotion that he so seldom did: fear. Wallace and Alder just watched in utter disbelief as Darkrai hovered in front of his trainer.

Brittany somehow built up the courage to call out a move. "Ha-Hammer Arm!" Her senses still worked and they told her to make use of Exploud's Fighting-type move.

Exploud got itself together and charged forward. Its right forearm charged up power as it glowed silver with Fighting-type energy. Darkrai watched his opponent all the while it approached him. At the last moment, he displayed his speed as he simply shifted his position a feet to his left to easily evade the attack.

"Dark Pulse." Ash calmly ordered.

With a hollow howl, Darkrai brought his black hands together and formed a chain of purplish-black energy in between them. In no time at all, he fired the Dark Pulse and the chains of darkness headed towards Exploud. The Loud Noise Pokemon could only let out a cry as the attack stung his entire body with wounds.

"That Dark Pulse," Drake mumbled in the microphone. "Its power is astonishing!"

Brittany was amazed as well as dreaded. "Exploud…" she muttered as her Pokemon failed to stand up.

Ash didn't want to waste any time though. "Now Focus Blast!"

Once again, Darkrai brought his hands together and this time, he formed a light blue orb of energy with a nucleus as bright as the sun. He launched the Focus Blast into Exploud and it sent it crashing through the ground. It only stopped when it crashed into the cemented boundary of the battlefield, unmoving and unconscious.

The referee who'd taken a few steps back - even though he was a good distance away from the field – declared with the red flag raised towards Ash. "Exploud is unable to battle. Darkrai wins!"

Guess who made his debut? Well, we're nearing the end of the Sinnoh League so the star had to make his appearance.

How was the chapter? Tell me what you thought in the reviews.