Hey guys the deadline to omega ruby and Alpha sapphire is closing in on us it is making me slightly impatient and I know it will be a great game because I got access to the special demo for it and wow some of the new mega's are great but one thing that disappointed me is that only japan got to see mega Steelix in the demo. That's not surprising at all. But I can say the new themes especially the magma and aqua grunts are amazing. A few people have already posted the themes on YouTube. Just over a month to go now until all the amazing stuff happens. Anyway back to the story.

Chapter 28: Another tournament

It was very festive in a certain part of the Kanto region at the present time. This year the Kanto region was going to be hosting the World Tournament junior Cup. A famous tournament where anyone would be able to take part in and if emerged the winner would get the opportunity to face off against the region Champion which is usually a one on one elimination battle.

This time it was held in Fuchsia city at the more southern area of the region. Today was registration and the first half of the tournament where the tomorrow would be the second half and possibly last of it depending on how many trainers sign up for the tournament. As expected of him Ash was going to be attending. He was currently in Fuchsia town just after getting a lift off Zapdos and returning him to his poke ball.

He was in the centre of town currently along with Pikachu standing looking at the main stadium. By the looks of it he was waiting for someone to arrive. Ash now looked to Pikachu and said "Brings back memories this doesn't it?" The mouse Pokémon happily agreed with him "It sure does Ash. Reminds me of Unova this does. When we took part in the tournament".

Ash nodded in agreement to his partner and then turned towards Tia who was Latias in disguise in her human form. "So Latias this is your first time at this tournament isn't it?" The Eon disguised Pokémon nodded to this "Yeah, but what exactly is the tournament about in this one? It isn't the same as the Wallace cup from what I know".

She had replied via her telepathy as due to her nature of being a Pokémon she is only able to speak a couple of words in human speech like hello but fully capable of telepathy but it did raise some difficulty during discussions. Ash now gave his reply "Well basically this tournament allows anyone to participate in it regardless of achievements like gym badges or league trophies. It is like the Indigo league an elimination battle but only one Pokémon per team and whoever wins the finals get a trophy for their record".

Latias smiled towards this and she looked to the stadium building "Sounds like fun but how come we aren't participating?" The young Champion made a smile on his face as he looked to the stadium as they weren't on the main path but by a couple of tree's as countless people were heading for the stadium. "Because we are co-hosting the event and the best part of the tournament is the winner of this tournament will get to challenge me to an official one on one battle. And however wins must be strong".

Pikachu was very excited by this face and spoke out "Yeah I wonder if anyone we know will be competing as well". After hearing that statement Ash grinned towards his partner "Well Pikachu there will be a couple of familiar faces in the exhibition match and who knows we may run into a couple of other trainers we know". Right on cue after hearing that statement he heard a voice "Ash...Is that you Ash" He turned behind him and he immediately spotted his accomplice who he was waiting for.

It turned out to be Anabel of the Battle frontier. She had grown from her last meeting with Ash many years ago. The young Champion faced her as she walked up to him "Anabel it is great to see you again after all this time". The battle frontier member smiled happily at him "look who's talking Ash. Gosh you sure have changed yourself. When I last saw you were merely a challenger of the battle frontier and now the Kanto and Johto region champion".

She said that which made Ash rub his check a little in realisation of the truth in that statement "Maybe. Anabel I did put a lot into it". Annabel spotted Pikachu sat on Ash's shoulder and said "Hello Pikachu. I can tell you have grown yourself as well". The Mouse Pokémon happily waved to her as the frontier member noticed Latias in her human disguise "Oh and who is this Ash, a friend?" She had asked out of curiosity to which the Champion replied to her question.

"Yeah, her name is Tia she is a friend and came with me to the tournament". Latias to keep her disguise in the loop said one of the few words she could physically speak "Hello" She nodded very kindly and Anabel retuned the sentiment to her as Ash looked to the stadium "Well we better start making our way inside. It looks like it will soon be starting now. Speaking of which you ready for the Exhibition match?" He asked to the frontier member who hastily responded "Yeah I was surprised when I was called about it but I couldn't turn down the offer really".

The group left the tree's and walked on the path towards the stadium which was having everyone enter through the main entrances. But Ash and Anabel had special VIP access and Latias could come through as Ash cleared her to be along with him. They moved their way into the entrance and although some people were eying them and being excited straight away by the sight of them.

However they all passed on through to the main area where the hallways factor off to arena entry the private area for Ash and other authorised people and the public areas. Ash then stopped and said "Well Anabel you better get ready I am pretty sure it won't be long now before the introductory into the junior cup tournament begins and you are called". Upon hearing this Anabel nodded happily and said "Do you know who my opponent is, I have not been told about this".

The young Champion upon hearing this made a smirk at the comment "Yeah, she is an old friend of mine. We go back a few years and she took part in the one I was in. She has come a long way for this". He said to Anabel nodded and was about to speak until they heard a voice "Ash…Is that you Ash…" They all looked behind to see a young woman carrying a small bag of drawing equipment and had a Glaceon accompanying her".

Initially Ash was confused by her but assumed she wanted something "Yes is there something I can help you with? Upon hearing him say that to her she was surprised "Don't you recognise me Ash? I know it has been a couple of years but surely you should remember me". Ash continued to be confused but she did start to ring a bell "Wait a minute you look familiar. Have I seen you somewhere before?"

The young woman sighed a bit humoured by this as her Glaceon stood by her side "Gosh Ash doesn't Glaceon and the painting equipment ring any bells". He looked over all that and it was coming to him a little more "Wait a minute…Amy". The young woman was confirmed to be Amy who he met on his way back from his second visit to Unova after he defeated Team Plasma.

She smiled happily "Ah so you do remember us Ash". The young Champion begun to smile until he heard Anabel "Ash I will see you inside as I see you have some pressing matters". Anabel waved off and headed down the hallway as Ash waved back and immediately shook hands with Amy "Wow it has been a couple of years Amy". The breeder/artist nodded agreeing to him "Yes It is so good to see you too. I heard rumours you were coming here and since I was here I thought we could meet again".

Hearing that brought a big grin to his face "Yeah. What brings you're here quite a bit far from home don't you think?" Amy giggled a little to this as Pikachu and Glaceon were exchanging their greetings "Yeah but we came here as I was on business with another breeder and since the tournament is here I thought of drawing a few battles I see here".

Ash nodded to this before he knelt down a little and said "Hey Glaceon how are you doing?" The Glaceon smiled happily to the Champion "Very well thanks". She had said while unaware Ash could understand Poke-speech "Great to hear so where are the Eevee?" Amy looked to Glaceon for a moment and said "Well Glaceon's sister is still with us but she is at home with mom and dad as for the brothers well the two followed their brother's idea and went with trainers as well and speaking of which the eldest is actually here with a competing trainer".

Amy stopped straight away and said "Speaking of their brother how is he doing? Do you have him with you I actually haven't seen him since he left with you as I keep missing the news when you are on due to work?" Upon hearing this statement he took out a poke ball and said "You can ask him yourself" He then opened the poke ball and energy flew out to Ash's and it came together and formed Espeon in a sitting position next to Ash.

"Espeon look who it is?" The Sun Pokémon looked to see Glaceon and Amy and he smiled "Sister…Amy". He moved forward and hugged himself against Glaceon who happily returned it. Ash, Latias and Pikachu all smiled content on seeing Espeon reunited with his sister and former owner.

Once the pair finished with their nuzzle they separated and Glaceon said "Wow you have really grown little brother. So much as well". Espeon smiled happily and saw Amy who knelt down "Wow you are an Espeon now. You have grown up you have". Espeon gave her a hug although it wasn't as mutual as it was with Glaceon. He pulled back after the hug and he said to her with his telepathy "It is good to see you as well Amy".

Amy immediately was surprised by this with a blank face "Wait how did you speak then?" This comment made the young Champion make a little chuckle to this "Well when he evolved into an Espeon he developed telepathy which allows you to use your mind to communicate"

Hearing this impressed Amy a lot and she looked to the Sun Pokémon "Wow you sure have grown Espeon…I knew going with Ash was a good choice for you. You have changed so much for the better". Espeon then lost the smile a little as while she was correct it wasn't all true as Ash's smile partly diminished as well.

"Is something wrong?" Amy had said out to the group which they both shook their heads and Ash replied to her "Oh no nothing is wrong". They suddenly heard a voice on the speaker system "Will all participants in the tournament report the viewing area and everyone come to your places now as we will soon be getting underway". Ash looked back to Amy and sighed "Well Amy we better get going now. We can meet up later after the start of the tournament".

Amy nodded and Glaceon waved a little to this "Okay Ash. We can meet up later. Maybe we can get the siblings together as one Espeon and Glaceon's brother is also here as well". Hearing this made Espeon form a little glare towards this as he thought to himself "One of my no-good brother's is here as well". Ash knew what he was thinking from the glare and said "Okay we will see you later Amy". The painter/breeder kindly bid a brief farewell and left along with Glaceon to the public area. Ash now turned around and they went walking down the hallway and Ash saw how Espeon was still slightly glaring and he spoke "Espeon I know it is a bit difficult with your brother's situation. But just try to stay calm".

The Sun Pokémon was continuing to glare a little as he spoke back in his telepathy "I know Ash but he and my other brother made life hell for me when I was little and an Eevee. He has done a lot worse then what you observed on the cruise ship. One time at home he cornered me and my other brother with him and made me feel weak. I can't forgive that bullying he put me through. So if I see him here don't expect me to be welcoming". The young champion looked down a little disappointed towards this.

A while later the tournament was about to get under way. Ash had left Latias in human disguise along with Pikachu and Espeon in his private viewing area just situated above the main audience area where they had a great view of the entire stadium and battlefield. Just off the battlefield was the desk where the main commentator was to be seated along with a spare seat right beside it.

The seats were nearly filled to the max aside from a couple of free seats. Everyone was raring and very excited to go. Eventually a man who appears to be the commentator stood up from the seat and had a microphone in his hand as he begun. "Good morning everyone and welcome to this year's official World Tournament Junior Cup". The Crowds lit up in uproar for a few seconds before the commentator continued "My name is Daniel Trek and will be your host for this year's junior cup. This year we have sixty two contestants who will be battling it out to win and take home the junior cup trophy sitting right beside me".

The golden junior cup was shining a little as the sun came through the glass ceiling which everyone was mesmerised by. "And now I would like to invite in here a very special guest who will be commentating and co-hosting this event with me. Give it up for the master of the art of battle and the champion of Kanto/Johto: Ash".

Everyone erupted into cheer as from the entrance behind Ash walked out from behind walking forward to the commentator desk and he waved a little to some of the audience as he approached behind Daniel who spoke as Ash had a microphone on his chair with him as Daniel spoke "Champion Ash welcome to junior cup". Ash picked up his microphone and spoke out "Glad to be here Daniel and glad to see everyone is pumped and excited for this tournament".

Another wave of cheering came over the place for a moment as Daniel sat down and Ash sat alongside him as the battlefield stood in front of them as Daniel begun "Now everyone this tournament is a one on one elimination match with one Pokémon per team. The winner of this tournament will receive the prized junior cup trophy and as a bonus prize the ability to challenge Champion Ash to an official one on one battle".

Ash nodded towards this face with and replied with a comment of his own "Yes, and I am looking forward to facing against the winner of this tournament so don't keep me waiting" Daniel now stood up and spoke "But before we get underway with the tournament will be hosting an exhibition match with two very special guests who have travelled all the way just to take part in this tournament".

Two spotlights came on the trainer boxes "Now on my right a very famous Psychic type user who works as one with her Pokémon. The salon maiden of the battle frontier: Anabel". Roars of confidence went about as Anabel appeared with a pink cape surrounding her as she stepped onto the floor into her positon "Very glad to be here. The power of feelings in this place is strong".

Daniel continued then pointed an arm to his left "And on my left travelling here all the way from the Unova region. The girl who understands the hearts of Dragon type Pokémon and the Gym leader of Opelucid city: Iris". Another wave of uproar came over as Ash's old travelling companion from Unova stepped onto the battlefield in her usual clothing but in a more purple colour and had a couple of symbols. "I will show true strength from Dragon types and a great battle".

Ash smiled happily to see how two old friends of his have changes so much over the years. The referee on the edge of the battlefield help up an arm "Alright ten minutes on the clock for the exhibition match. And Begin". The clock on the main screen beeped and it began counting down. Anabel spoke up first and held a poke ball behind her "My friend. I need your help here. GO". She threw the poke ball forward which opened and materialised a Metagross on the battlefield.

Ash remembered his battling against that Metagross which proved difficult for him as Iris now held a poke ball "Now it is time to show them what we can do. Go Haxorus". The poke ball spinned up and unleashed energy that shot together on the ground to form a Haxorus. Ash immediately smiled towards this "I know him. That's Axew. The little guy evolved".

Anabel smiled towards this and said "Iris you may have the first move". Saying this made Iris smile and an immediately reply "I certainly will. Haxorus use hone claws". The Axe jaw Pokémon immediately powered his claws and went swiping them against each other and red energy begun to envelope Haxorus for a moment.

He then appeared extremely pumped for the battle ahead of him with a big smirk. "Now Haxorus use Brick break". The Axe Jaw Pokémon had his left tusk power up in orange energy and charged forward quickly. What Iris did not count on though was Anabel's secret ability as she spoke to Metagross via telepathy "Now Metagross use Metal claw". The steel type had one of his legs light up in silver and he suddenly floated up and lunged forward as well.

Haxorus upon seeing this moved slower in order to better aim his shot as he collided his break brick against the Metal claw. They held for a moment until they cancelled each other out. They both pushed back a little and they both smiled towards this and Anabel took the second move "Now Metagross use Psychic". The powerful Iron leg Pokémon immediately glowed in blue energy as Haxorus got caught in the energy and was lifted into the air slowly and prepared to attack by throwing him down "Haxorus use Dragon rage". Haxorus's quick timing fired a dragon rage which shot into Metagross releasing the Axe Jaw Pokémon to land back on the floor.

Anabel was surprised by Haxorus's determination but smiled "Metagross use Iron defence". Metagross was revealed out of the smoke to be completely covered in silver energy as it powered up his defensive power and roared out in confidence but Haxorus was not put off or intimidated in the very least.

The two trainers were smiling at each other with Anabel saying "You sure are impressive Iris. Not many Pokémon have been able to counter out of Metagross's psychic attack like that before". Iris returned the sentiment "You have some surprises of your own". Anabel gave a smirk towards this "Now Metagross use Psychic and then Meteor mash". Metagross's eyes lit up again in blue and held Haxorus up.

Iris was about to issue a command until she saw Metagross leap forward with two leg claw's powering up and smashing into Haxorus's face. The Iron leg Pokémon then begun to make repeated hit's knocking back the Axe Jaw Pokémon. Haxorus took some considerable damage from all of this "Now throw him into the air".

Metagross shot his claw's up in an uppercut hitting the Axe Jaw Pokémon into the air with noticeable pain and Anabel smiled to see she was pulling ahead but what happened next would undo this. Iris however looked confident "Now Haxorus use Giga impact". She pointed forward as the Axe Jaw Pokémon opened his eyes with a glare and then became consumed in energy and went flying towards his target.

He crashed into the Metagross sending him flying with considerable damage from the attack powered up by hone claws. Metagross crashed into the ground clearly hurt by the attack and Anabel called out "Metagross are you fine. Can you continue?" Ash was impressed by Haxorus being able to fight back so well like that "Iris sure has become a lot more powerful. Anabel has too. I would wonder who would win out of this but time is about to run out".

He looked forward to see Metagross stand back up slowly on his four legs and Anabel smiled "Such power. But we have power too. Use Hyper beam". Metagross begun to power up a sphere in front of his mouth. "Haxorus you use Hyper beam as well". The Axe Jaw Pokémon begun to create a sphere as well which was building up quickly.

There was a slight flicker before the two moves were ready and they both fired the powerful beams against each other. The two approached fast and slammed against each other trying to push at each other for a moment before an explosion in the centre took place which covered the centre of the field in smoke for a few seconds. Daniel was impressed by this as the commentated "Wow…the two moves cancelled each other out". The young Champion sat next to him also spoke "They seem to be equal in the attack power. But either could break through the other's defence"

Iris concentrated and looked to Haxorus "Get ready to finish this with Brick break as soon as the smoke is about to clear". Anabel was having a similar idea as her opponent "Metagross as soon as the smoke is clearing attack with a Meteor mash. This should be the finisher". As time was about to run out in the final minute and the smoke was clearing fast, the two Pokémon were not wasting time as their moves were readied and they lunged towards the smoke.

The timer was in the last fifteen seconds as the smoke cleared to show everyone the two Pokémon go at each other with Metagross moving his powered up leg forward and Haxorus shot forward with his Tusk aimed towards Metagross and the two moves collided. Energy sparked around for a moment before they pulled back and attacked again trying to pierce each other's defence.

They immediately pulled back as their moves came to a finish and they glared at each other waiting for what was going to happen next. The two trainers were impressed by each other and were about to call another move until a ping sounded off and they saw the timer hit zero and the referee held his arm up "Stop…Time has now expired. The exhibition match has now come to a draw".

There was clapping and cheering from the crowds as the great battle had come to an exciting end. Iris walked up to Haxorus and stroked his right tusk as he leaned down a little "You were just amazing Haxorus. You did so well despite having a disadvantage type wise. You should be so proud". The Haxorus smiled happily as despite evolving from the playful Axew did retain that cheerfulness a little.

Anabel walked forward and patted Metagross "You did your best my friend. No need to feel shame to this". The iron leg Pokémon nodded as the two trainers walked up to each other as Anabel first spoke "Travelling from Unova is quite distance but I am glad I got a new experience with facing against you and your Haxorus". The Opelucid city gym leader agreed to this "Yes. It is not often I battle someone of your calibre. It was a new experience for me as well".

The two shook hands from the statements and Daniel stood up and spoke "And now with the Exhibition match now drawn to a close. And a very exciting one I must say. We can now commence with the main event". Ash agreed to this statement "Yes. A very awesome battle. Seeing this is pumping me to see what kind of battles we will see in this tournament". There was a wave of cheers and applause to the two combatants and to Daniel and Ash for commencing the main event. Now it was to get underway.

Well let's stop there for a moment. Yes I brought two of Ash's friends back into the fold just for the moment in this tournament. I like to mix up and not always use the same characters but they will all get some screen time. Anyway taking a breather from Team Rocket with this tournament but things will be rocking. I assure you.

Thanks for the reviews and see you next chapter.