Pokémon Journey: XYZ

Hey guys Paradox here and welcome to Chapter 118 and Chapter 35 of XYZ. We are now halfway through the Lumiose Conference, after this chapter only two more chapters will remain before moving past this Arc. Now this chapter will feel a bit OC, and we'll be jumping straight in. It might feel shorter but that's only because as we get deeper, there are less battles going on. I also said half of this chapter will consist of development and buildup concerning Team Flare, I figure it'll be a nice break from the constant battles happening. That's all I have to say for now.

Enjoy.

"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance."- Confucius

Chapter 118: The Lumiose Conference: Part 4

Quarterfinals, Ash vs. Terry: Six on Six

Battle begin.

"Use Pin Missile." Chesnaught starts up with firing a barrage of green missiles at Glalie. "Freeze them with Ice Beam." The Face Pokémon simply fires a cold ray from its mouth, and instantly freezing the Pin Missiles, shattering them.

The day started off rather normal for Ash as he was one of the first matchups of the Quarterfinals. His opponent was slightly older woman named Terry, and the first thought in Ash's mind was that she was no daffodil. With the appearance and altitude of a tomboy, Terry had a black pixie cut with red highlights, purple eyes, and smirk that could intimidate or sexually arouse any man. For appearance she had a cut white punk leather jacket, a black t shirt, white ripped skinny jeans that hung to her curves well, and black boots. Lastly she had leather fingerless gloves to fit and a necklace with musical notes.

The match only just started and Ash notes that Terry isn't pulling any punches. The only weakness he did note as in poker was that Terry seem to 'show her hand' too early. She started with her Chesnaught, a combination of a Grass and Fighting type, while he started with Glalie, an Ice Type. There wasn't much of a type advantage this round and both could counter each other.

"Use Headbutt." Charging in, Glalie rams forward toward Chesnaught. "Use Spiky Shield." Chesnaught cross its arms and braced with its large shell. Glalie smashed into it but rebounded off, taking damage as a result. "Use Seed Bomb." Chesnaught fires several explosive seeds at Glalie. "Stop them with Ice Beam." Glalie goes on to freeze every Seed Bomb before they could make impact. "While they're distracted, use Hammer Arm." Taking advantage of the opportunity. Chesnaught charges in with a mighty arm at the ready. "Go upward and use Frost Breath." Glalie floated up to dodge the Hammer Arm then blows out an ice cold flurry at Chesnaught, doing twice the damage at a critical rate.

"Use Rollout." Like a large hedgehog, Chesnaught retracted and roll around the field at a high rate of speed. "Stop him with Ice Beam." Glalie fires a beam of ice at the rolling Chesnaught, but it had no effect to halt its progress, leading to Chesnaught to run Glalie over like roadkill, dealing super effective damage. "Grr...I need to apply the brakes on that guy...I got it!" Ash thought. "Quick create Ice Pillars with Ice Beam." Taking a page from their old playbook, Glalie fires an Ice Beam to the sky which rains down to the ground, creating Ice Pillars. "Now use Double Team." To make it challenging, Glalie created copies of himself aroud the Ice Pillars.

"Strike them all down." Chesnaught begins to attempt to destroy all the copies. "Use Ice Beam and freeze the ground." By using the Ice Pillars as conductors, Glalie manages to freeze the ground below him. In doing so cause the rollling Chesnaught to lose mobility and control, causing it to crash into several Ice Pillars. Once Chesnaught slipped and stop rolling, Glalie took action. "Finish with Frost Beath." Glalie once more blows out a flurry of cold air that nearly freezes Chesnaught but still accomplish in knocking him out.

"Chesnaught is unable to battle. Glalie wins." The referee calls. "Another great Ash Ketchum initiative." Jason said. "He also leaves one to surprise." Serena rephiled.

"You did good buddy, now for my next partner. Haxorus let's go." Terry let out the Axe Jaw Pokémon to battle next. Ash merely thought that Terry had heavy hitters on her team which supported his theory of her being a blunt instrument. While Glalie was ideal against a Dragon type, Glalie was tired and Ash also wanted to give his other Pokémon chance to battle as well. "Glalie return, now Buizel you're up." Ash switch out to the Sea Weasel Pokémon.

Battle begin.

"Haxorus use Dragon Dance." With mythical energy, Haxorus increases his Attack and Speed stats. "Finally playing smart. Buizel use Sonic boom." The sea weasel engages by firing a super sonic blast from its tail. "Weak sauce, Smash it with Dual Chop." With its razor sharp tusks, Haxorus swipes to destroy the sonic blast then charges at Buizel with a second slash. "Dodge then use Ice Punch." Buizel hops up to avoid being swept by the leg, then manages to strike Haxorus on the leg with an icy punch. "Shake it off, use Dragon Tail." Pushing through the pain, Haxorus manages to catch an unsuspecting Buizel with a mighty swing of its tail.

"Oh that's not good." Ash said, thinking of Dragon Tail's secondary effect. Right then Buizel was switched out from the field and replaced with Unfezant. "Definitely not good." Ash said. "Ha it works." Terry cheered. "At least we have an aerial advantage. Use Aerial Ace." Right then Unfezant engages in with glowing wings at Haxorus. "Use Dual Chop." Preparing itself, Haxorus readied to strike once Unfezant got close. "Aim for the damaged leg." Unfezant flew close to the ground then burst in speed and slashed the leg. Luckily out of all of Ash's Flying types, Unfezant just happened to be the best flyer of them all according to Professor Oak upon his studies of Ash's Flying Pokémon.

"Again Haxorus, swap it to the ground." Haxorus once again engages with Dual Chop, trying to land a hit. "Fly up and use Feather Dance." Going out of reach, Unfezant doused Haxorus with fluffy feathers, sharply decreasing its Attack stat. "Now Aerial Ace on it's damaged leg." Going on from a somersault maneuver, Unfezant aims for Haxorus's leg.

"Strike with Dragon Tail." Unfezant managed to strike Haxorus's leg, causing it to stagger but not before landing a lucky hit on Unfezant with its tail. "Not again!" Ash shouted. Once again, Unfezant was switched out and replaced with Ash's Torkoal. "I'm starting to figure you're dong this on purpose." Ash accursed. "You think?" Terry mocked. Of course, Terry is attempting to tire out Ash's whole party with just Haxorus. "I really need to slay her Haxorus now!" Ash thought. "Use Payback." With Dark power, Haxorus engages with its claws. "Iron Defense." Torkoal retreats into its shell, and increases its Defense as Haxorus's claws didn't have any effect.

"Push back with Overheat." Taking Haxorus by surprise, Torkoal unleashed a torrent of flames at it, pushing it back. "I've had enough of this, Torkoal come back for now." Ash returns Torkoal back to its Pokéball. "Buizel, back to action." Ash releases the Sea Weasel back to the field. "Use Dragon Dance." Once more with mythical energy, Haxorus increases its Attack and Speed. "Use Aqua Jet." Under a water veil, Buizel rockets off charging at Haxorus. "Use Dual Chop." Haxorus counters back with a swing of its tusks, canceling out each other's moves.

"Try this, use Aqua Pulse." Bouncing off from Haxorus's attack, Buizel combines an Aqua Jet with a Water Pulse to increase power and hurls the attack like a missile that nails Haxorus in the gut. "Now for another old trick...or maybe not so old. Ice Aqua Jet." Buizel first rockets off the ground then aims at Haxorus. Then with Ice Punch, he forms an icy cone that freezes the water veil around him, encasing him in ice but still propelling him forward. "Ohh shiny! Smash it open with Dragon Tail." Terry calls as Haxorus prepares to strike with its tail. Ash merely smirked knowing Terry has underestimated this move.

As both attacks collide, Haxorus succumbs on its injured leg from earlier and was fully tackled by the icy comet, shocking Terry. "Heh heh, always plan ahead." Ash laughed upon seeing how Haxorus wasn't getting back up.

"Haxorus is unable to battle. Buizel wins." The referee calls. "Great job, buddy." Ash said. "On to number three then, Steelix you're up." Terry calls for the Iron Snake Pokémon. "Yep, blunt instrument indeed. Torkoal come out." Ash return Buizel and releases the Coal Pokémon.

Battle begin.

"Torkoal use Iron Defense." Torkoal retreats into its shell and back out to raise its Defense once more. "Use Dig." Steelix immediately retreats underground lying in wait. "Let's create some cover. Use Smokescreen." By using the exhaust openings on its shell, Torkoal expels out black smoke like a steam engine. "Remain mobile." Ash said as Torkoal blended into the smoke. It was a long shot since Torkoal was more defense than speed.

"Find them." The ground shook as Steelix made multiple holes trying to find Torkoal but failed. Ash knew he had predict where Steelix was and had to attack before Steelix does. "Feel the ground beneath your legs, listen to the space around you." Ash guides Torkoal's senses as the latter looks around for Steelix. Suddenly the ground began to rumble and Torkoal felt a disturbance on his left. "Heat Wave at nine o'clock." Ash calls as Torkoal expels a strong scourge of flames at his left, managing to strike Steelix. Meanwhile the smokescreen dispersed from the air.

"Retreat back underground and use Stone Edge." Steelix heads back down to recover then form several pillars from the ground and collapsing them on top of Torkoal. "Now use Iron Tail." With its large tail, Steelix smacks the entrapped Torkoal away like a fly. "Use Double Edge." Without a care for its safety, Steelix enters a berserk ready to tackle Torkoal. "Use Overheat." With a will, Torkoal fires a blast of flames that nails Steelix head on but the Iron Snake Pokémon persevere through and struck Torkoal. Both attacks were too much for both Pokémon and both fainted.

"Both Pokémon are unable to battle." The referee calls. "You did wonderfully." Ash said as he returns Torkoal. Terry seem to get a foothold at finally taking out one of Ash's Pokémon and hope to keep this streak. "It's three to one now." Bonnie said. "Ash has a good pace going. I'm sure he's has Terry's tactics figured." Trevor said.

"Pangoro you're up." Terry let out the Daunting Pokémon to battle next. "Perfect, Unfezant you're up." Ash let out the Proud Pokémon.

Battle begin.

"Unfezant use Aerial Ace." "Slash her with Night Slash." Both Pokémon charge at each other and collided but both attacks simply bounced off each other. "Use Feather Dance." Unfezant flys above Pangoro and drops a flurry of feathers on him, lowering his Attack stat. "That won't stop us, Use Rock Tomb." Pangoro roars out and summons a downpour of rocks to drop ontop of Unfezant. "Use Air Cutter." Taking aim, Unfezant fires a barrage of razor like winds at the incoming rocks, destroying some of them.

"Use Hurricane." With powerful flaps, Unfezant blows out heavy gusts of wind that Pangoro struggled against and was lifted off and falling back down. "Shake it off, use Rock Tomb." Pangoro summons a storm of rock that rained down on Unfezant. "Don't stop there, use Mega Punch to hurl the rocks back." With the fallen rocks from the Rock Tomb, Pangoro simply punch the rocks back at the unsuspecting Unfezant who got nailed. Unfezant falls to the ground and was exposed.

"Now use Thunder Punch." Pangoro roared and charge at Unfezant and connected an electric fist, dealing high damage. "You took worse before girl, use Air Cutter." Unfezant slowly flies up and fires a volley of razor winds which Pangoro took head on. "Use Rock Tomb and knock her out of the sky." Pangoro summons a hoard of boulders and drops them on Unfezant. "Evasive maneuvers." Ash calls as Unfezant flies through the rock shower. "She doesn't seem to have many options dealing with Flying types other than Rock Tomb. Which only leaves one plan of attack for her...that's it!" Ash thought.

"Get in close proximity girl." Once flying through the Rock Tomb, Unfezant moves in close to Pangoro's personal space. "Use Mega Punch." "Dodge around." As Pangoro attempts to hit Unfezant, the latter simply dips and swings around Pangoro's body. "Aerial Ace." Unfezant then went on the offensive by tackling Pangoro on the back, further angering him.

"Use Thunder Punch." "Dodge up." The angry panda threw a fruitless effort as Unfezant flew up to dodge the punch. Like her Pokémon, Terry too was getting angry at this cat and mouse game. "Knock that flying rat out of the sky with Rock Tomb." "Attack with Hurricane." Ash smirk with confidence, with Terry running on fumes meant she wasn't thinking properly. As Pangoro summon another rock shower, Unfezant blasted him with another powerful gust of wind that blinded Pangoro in the process. Ash saw the Rock Tomb beginning to fall above Unfezant and sadly also above Pangoro. "Dodge now." Unfezant flew up and spun in a helix path to avoid the Rock Tomb, which left Pangoro at the mercy of his own move. The Rock Tomb landed on its user and was buried.

"Pangoro!" Terry cried as she saw Pangoro lie there fainted from his own move. "Pangoro is unable battle. Unfezant wins." The referee calls. "Yea, That was awesome!" Sawyer cheered. "Ash really took charge at the end." Shauna added. "If you can get into the mind of your opponent, then you already won the war." Drake said.

"Sorry buddy, this was on me." Terry apologize to Pangoro as she return him. Taking a breather, Terry tried to stay calm to admit her mistake. "Trainers your next Pokémon the referee calls. "Very well, come out Arcanine." Terry summons the Legendary Pokémon to battle. "In that case Boldore, come out." Ash release the Ore Pokémon to battle next. Terry immediately grew nervous as her Arcanine wasn't suited against a Rock type.

Battle begin.

"I have to switch out Boldore and remain swift,Use Extreme Speed." Arcanine ran forward at blazing speed towards Boldore. "Tank it buddy." Ash calls. "Ohh, if only you knew." Terry smirked as Arcanine got close. "Now use Roar." With a will, Arcanine roars out to Boldore's face, forcing a switch out. "Not again!" Ash shouts as another one of his Pokémon was switch into battle in the form of Glalie.

"Yes!" Terry cheered. "You'll regret that! Glalie use Ice Beam." "Dodge with Extreme Speed." As Glalie fires several beams of ice, Arcanine dodges at incredible speed. "Now Flare Blitz." At close range, Arcanine envelopes itself in a fiery veil and tackles Glalie recklessly, knocking it out. "Glalie is unable to battle." The referee calls.

"A one-hit-knockout!" Terry cheered. "One good move may have knocked me down but this battle is far from over." Ash said. "Knowing Terry, her Arcanine wasn't suited to take on Boldore head on and that's the key. I'll just have to keep them off balance so they don't use Roar." Ash said. "Boldore you're back in." Ash said as he brings back the Ore Pokémon.

"Go again buddy, use Extreme Speed." Arcanine rushes in once more to Boldore to attack. "We're not falling for that again, use Sandstorm." Boldore summons a storm from its body that push back Arcanine and picks gravel and dust to cover the field. "Now let's see if you can fight you can't see." Ash grew serious. Terry was nervous as not even she can see past the Sandstorm. "Keep your eyes peel Arcanine."

"Use Flash Cannon." Through the dust, a flash of energy pierced the earth and struck Arcanine head on. "Use Extreme Speed. At least we won't be sitting ducks." Terry thought as Arcanine ran around the field. "I don't think so, trap it with Stone Edge." Boldore slams down the earth to have a set of stone pillars pop in front of Arcanine, halting it. Then had more stone pillars surround Arcanine with little wiggle room. "Now Bulldoze." Boldore slams the ground once more and causes the earth to shake, causing Arcanine to lose his footing but that wasn't all. The Stone Edge Arcanine was entrapped in lost its support and crumble forward right on top of Arcanine, dealing great damage.

"No!" Terry yells as the dust clear to see Arcanine fainted and buried in rubble. "Arcanine is unable to battle. Boldore wins." The referee calls. "That seem simple." Serena said. "Well if you count Sandstorm dealing small damage each second, then the Flash Cannon, then the Bulldoze which lead to the Stone Edge to fall on top of Arcanine. Both moves deal great damage to a Fire Type but together." "A total knockout." Rene finished Drake's thought. "Ash really pull all the stops on Terry." Shauna said. "Now Terry now has only one Pokémon left out of Ash's four." Sawyer said.

"Guess I'm on my last leg, but I won't go out without a fight. Go Nidoqueen." Terry summoned the female Drill Pokémon as her last. "Exactly how I prefer it. Now I return Boldore." Ash said as he return the Ore Pokémon. "Now my last partner is someone I've train alongside through thick and thin. Come out Sceptile!" Ash summons the Forest Pokémon as the latter brood with his trademark leaf twig sticking out of his mouth. Terry was confuse to why Ash set a Grass type against her Poison type. "I had no idea Ash had a Sceptile of his own. Ohhh I'm so gonna take notes each second." Sawyer geeked out. "Chill out Sawyer." Rene warned.

"You must be demented if you have your Sceptile against my Nidoqueen." Terry said. "Then you have nothing to worry about this handicap I'm generously giving you." Ash threw back, leaving Terry annoyed.

Battle begin.

"Nidoqueen use Thunderbolt." The Drill Pokémon charges and fires a bolt of electricity. "Dodge forward and use Quick Attack." Sceptile attempts a baseball slide to avoid the Thunderbolt then dashes forward to hit Nidoqueen. "He won't know what hit him." Terry smirked as she saw Sceptile strike Nidoqueen in the chest but dueling little damage. "Use Superpower." With a mighty arm, Nidoqueen manage to knock Sceptile back. "We maybe down but not out." Ash said as he saw Sceptile slowly stood up but wince from fatigue.

"What?! Sceptile what's wrong." Ash asked as he saw what was purple bubbles rise out of Sceptile. "I'm guessing you figured out what has happen." Terry said. "Of course Poison Point. When Sceptile use Quick Attack on Nidoqueen, he got poisoned." Ash said. "Yep, leaving you in my trap." Terry said. "Hmm...we've dealt with situations like this before and those were big gambles on my part. Luckily we have a counter now." Ash thought. He smirks until gave a small chuckle at Terry's efforts.

"It was a good effort but luckily with age now comes wisdom. Sceptile use Grassy Terrain." The Forest Pokémon slams the ground, igniting it in a green light. "Not only will Sceptile remain energized, but also Grass type moves will get a power boost." Ash said. "I know how Grassy Terrain works. I'm not impressed." Terry said. "Then perhaps this will. Use Leaf Blade." With its forearms converted to green blades, Sceptile charges forward towards Nidoqueen. "That won't stop us, use Sludge Bomb." Nidoqueen fires several gunks of sludge at the advancing Sceptile. The latter simply slash through until he was in the clear and cross slash Nidoqueen's chest.

"Use Superpower." "Flip over and use Bullet Seed." As Nidoqueen swung her arm but missed as Sceptile back flip over his opponent and spews a barrage of seeds at her head. "Grr... use Drill Run." Nidoqueen roared and gives a full charge using her horn, managing to strike Sceptile before he can react. "Now Giga Impact." Nidoqueen never stopped as she now charges under rainbow veil. "Your mistake, jump high." Sceptile reacted this time and jumps up to avoid the Giga Impact.

"Now your Nidoqueen is vulnerable and the stage is set. Use Leaf Storm." From above Sceptile summons a storm of leaves in a form of typhoon, engulfing Nidoqueen. "Now let's give this a try, Hidden Leaf Blade." By riding the current of the leaf typhoon like surfing, Sceptile use its twin leaf blades slash Nidoqueen continuously all over her body. The last attack came in the form of a cross slash head on and Sceptile appeared out of the Leaf Storm, having it disperse right then. Nidoqueen couldn't move a muscle only to fall down in defeat.

"Nidoqueen is unable to battle, Sceptile wins and the match belongs to Ash Ketchum." The referee calls.

"Yes! That means Ash will move on to the Semifinals." Serena said. "He's getting better." Drake said. "I agree, what do you say we go surprise him." Bonnie said. "That's perfect." Serena agreed. "You guys do that. Me and Sawyer have to get ready for our match." Tierno said. "You guys are gonna watch us right?" Sawyer asked. "Count on it." Drake said.

Coming to the meeting area, the main group met Ash there. "That was amazing sweetie." Serena ran over and hugged Ash. "I agree this has to be one of your best intellectual matches yet." Drake said. "And now you're in the Semifinals." Rene said. "Trust me guys, it'll get even better." Ash said. "So should we go watch Sawyer and Tierno's match?" Ash said. "That's the plan." Drake agreed. "Hey everyone."

The gang turn over to see none other than Blue and Green walking over. "Uncle Blue, Aunt Green, you've made it." Ash cheered. "We've saw you wipe the floor with that lady, you fought smart." Blue said. "I taught him everything he knows." Drake boast, leaving Ash to throw a scowl at him. "Your match wasn't the only reason we came though. We also came to share with you what Looker found from the flash drive." Green said. "We're just waiting for one more person." Blue added. "Sorry I'm late. The recent match has just started."

The group saw none other than Diantha coming under the guise a trench coat, sunglasses and sunglasses. "Mystique as ever Dinah." Drake calls. "We're glad you came, you need to see this as well." Green said. "Is there someplace private we can discuss this?" Drake said. "Yes, if you all follow me." Diantha preceded to lead the group unaware that the group was being watched by a quirky pink-haired reporter.

Diantha leads the group to private board room within the stadium away from peeping eyes. "So tell me what's this about?" Diantha asked. "Well Looker and the lab analysts decoded Team Flare's flies and we found quite a jackpot." Blue said. "So what's the good news and bad news?" Ash asked. "First a question, have any of you heard of the tale of Reckoning that nearly wiped Kalos off the Earth?" Green asked while Ash and Drake were confused. "Well, we're from Kanto and we missed out on history." Ash said. "We all heard it. Even in school." Diantha spoke.

"The story centered around 3000 years ago, with one man named AZ." Rene said. "Is that really his name or initials?" Drake said. Shush you, now to continue off from Rene. AZ was a mysterious man, and at the kingdoms of Kalos rage civil war against one another. Susposely during a battle, AZ lost his only partner which was a Floette. Consume with rage, AZ created a device to somehow revive his Floette." Diantha said. "But for such a thing must come at a terrible price." Drake asked. "Yes, the price was the life force of other Pokémon. This eventually drove him mad in the process and he upgrade his device to the most devastating doomsday machine ever created."

"The Utimate Weapon, and yes that's its name." Rene said. "I'm guessing what happened next was bad." Drake asked. "He turns on the weapon, thus eradicating most life on Kalos, Both humans, Pokémon and AZ himself. Sure that little calamity ended the Kalos Civil War, but millions of people and Pokémon lost their lives." Rene said. "This is sad and all but isn't this just history." Drake asked. "Unfortunately it seems that history is repeating itself. That Project Genyis Team Flare has planned involves the Ultimate Weapon." Blue said leaving everyone in shock.

"Wait what, I'm confused. Wasn't that thing destroyed back then?" Ash asked. "In historical records it was, but apparently Team Flare has discover it and are now gonna use it to wipe us all out. Look at this schematics." Green explained as she set a holo display show plans of the weapon ray, the aircraft and phases that are already in motion. "Wait they mounted the weapon to an airship?" Drake asked. "It seems that way, and top of that, Looker and the International Police failed to catch them at their hideout and we have no idea where they are." Blue said.

"Oh man, we're in deep shit." Ash groaned. "Oh by the way, you don't happen to know the head of the snake who I will punch later right?" Drake asked. "Yea, but beware for a shock." Green said as she presented the image of Lysandre, leaving everyone else minus Ash and Drake in surprise. "Umm...who the guy with the Pyroar fetish?" Drake asked. "No...no that's impossible." Diantha argues. "The evidence doesn't lie Ms. Carnet, Lysandre himself is the head of Team Flare." Green said.

"Okay time out, who is this guy?" Ash asked. "Lysandre is one of Kalos's revolutionary minds. The founder and CEO of Lysandre Labs, creator of the Holo Caster, pioneer of holo display technology, humanitarian who help victims of disasters. He's also a good colleague of mine. There's just no way he's behind this." Diantha argues. "Apparently he is. Your humanitarian colleague is nothing more than a two-faced psychopath." Drake said.

"You're wrong." "Wake up Dinah! It now makes sense how Team Flare is financed. How they have military grade weapons! Because it's always someone with a big piggy bank helping them out!" Drake argues. "Diantha, even the closest of friends are capable of betrayal." Rene adds as Diantha held her temples. "Then...this whole time, I've been associating with a madman." Diantha muttered. "Hey, Diantha don't this get chain you down. I'm sure that guy has been honeypotting everyone in Kalos." Drake said. "But I'm the champion of Kalos. Its people's safety and well-being is my responsibility." Diantha spoke.

"Being champion doesn't exclude being human. We open up, get hurt, and bleed, and it sucks. But we learn, adapt, and prepare. Only then can we truly see if we're worthy." Drake said as he took one of Diantha's hand in his, leaving her in a state of surprise. Diantha blushed when Drake was this close which lead to her remaining silent, other than her romantic soap operas she acted in, she never felt something this real.

"Umm...back on track. So to sum it up, Lysandre is behind everything from the attacks around Kalos, to even gathering components to modernize an ancient weapon. But thing still remains, this Lysandre has apparently been watching us for months and we still don't know why." Ash said. "Maybe he think we're the only ones that can stop him. It makes sense." Rene said. "But if that's the case, wouldn't it make sense to take us out of the equation before they unveil their grand scheme?" Drake said. "Uhh Drake, they have tried. Multiple times in fact." Serena said. "But those were just primary operations for things like Squishy or the flash drive. To them, we were simply a thorn to their side." Drake said.

"I agree with Rene bro, they tried to kill us but failed. And because of our efforts, we'll be ready anything they'll throw at us." Ash said. "You say that, but my gut is telling me something's out of place." Drake said. "Anyway, What are Looker's countermeasures for Team Flare's plans?" Rene asked. "That's the bad news. Team Flare didn't leave much to chance and the flash drive only tells so much so we don't have much to do." Blue said. "What about their endgame, if they are indeed planning to use this Ultimate Weapon to wipe us all out, where would they use it from?" Ash asked. "If you ask me, I'd say they'll do it here in Lumiose City." Green said leaving everyone in dread.

"It makes sense, with the Lumiose Conference happening and around a quarter of a million people present in the city, it would make the best target." Drake said. "Not to mention how Lumiose City being at center of Kalos, if the stories about the Ultimate Weapon is true then one full blast would be enough to eradicate all life in Kalos from the blast radius." Blue said. "So that's their plan, wipe us all out so their can rebuilt Kalos in their image...gotta say this sounds worse than dirty business or interdimensional conquest." Drake said.

"You guys should let Looker know that Team Flare maybe coming here." Drake said. "He already knows but as we stated, there's not each we can do." Blue said. "It's best to not provoke the public, we don't need to cause a panic." Diantha said. "Then what can we do?" Bonnie asked. "Remember when I said, 'nothing until they make the first move?' I feel that's our only option." Drake said. "As much as I disagree with that statement, I too think that's our only option." Diantha said.

"If that is all, then we really must prepare." Diantha spoke. "In the meantime, we'll head back to the match." Ash said. "Enjoy yourselves for the time being, let us worry about any preparations." Green said as everyone agreed and leave the room unaware of someone listening in. "I must report this to Lysandre." Malva thought.

Quarterfinals, Tierno vs. Sawyer: Six on Six

"Both Pokémon are unable to battle." The referee calls out. This has been a grudling match and both trainers were down to their last Pokémon. "This has been a fun dance off." Tierno said as he return Raichu. "I agree, I've clearly been push to my limits." Sawyer said as he return Slurpuff. "But now it ends here and only one of us will go to the Semifinals." Tierno said. "And eventually battle Ash, I'll have that honor." Sawyer thought. "It's a good thing I've saved the best for last, come out Sceptile." Sawyer calls on his Forrest Pokémon, now sporting a green ascot around his neck. "Great minds think alike right Blastoise?" Tierno asked as he released the Shellfish Pokémon.

"Hey guys, we miss anything." The group asked as they return to their seats alongside Shauna, and Trevor. "You guys missed most of the match and now they're on their last Pokémon." Shauna said. "It's all up to this last round." Trevor said. "At least we're just in time for the finale." Ash said.

Battle begin.

"Sceptile use Bullet Seed." The Forest Pokémon starts off by firing a barrage of seeds at Blastoise. "Attack with Rapid Spin." Retreating into his shell, Blastoise spun rapidly towards Sceptile while having the Bullet Seed bounce off his shell. "Use Dragon Pulse." Sceptile changes tactics and fires a rainbow dragon beam at Blastoise. "Jump and use Ice Beam." Blastoise trampolines off his shell to gain some air then fires a frozen beam that froze Sceptile's legs. "Now Skull Bash." Bracing now, Blastoise blasts off head first and manages to strike Sceptile like a hockey puck. "You alright Sceptile?" Sawyer asked as Sceptile knew he needed the weapon.

"You're right, now is a perfect time." Sawyer said as he took his notebook in which sat on top of his pen was a Key Stone. That which was conjoined to Sceptile's Mega Stone on his ascot. "We now summon our true potential. Key Stone activated and now Mega Evolve." Sawyer calls as both stones glowed and Sceptile underwent a metamorphosis. Sceptile grew an X-shape crest made of leaves on his chest, its tail extended out to have a more dragon appearance with orange stripes on it, lastly was second leaf blade on each of his forearms.

"Didn't see that coming." Tierno said. "Nor this, now use Leaf Storm." with a slam of its tail, Mega Sceptile summons scourge of leaves heading towards Blastoise. "Use Ice Beam." With a will, Blastoise fires a frozen beam in which some of the Leaf Storm froze over but the rest kept coming. Blastoise wasn't strong enough and was engulfed by the storm. "Use Rapid Spin." Blastoise grunted through and spun rapidly in his shell and busted through the Leaf Storm.

"Now use Hydro Pump." Now taking a stand, Blastoise blast out a full stream of water at Sceptile. "Use Leaf Blade." Mega Sceptile rockets forward and with two forearm blades slashed through the Hydro Pump. "Now Frenzy Plant." With a roar. Sceptile summons four huge vines that sprung out and directed them to a hopeless Blastoise. After striking, Tierno knew it was hopeless as Blastoise lies there.

"Blastoise is unable to battle. Sceptile wins and the match goes to Sawyer." The referee said.

"Sawyer did it." Bonnie said. "Who would've thought Sawyer had a Key Stone?" Serena said. "I didn't even know Sceptile could Mega Evolve." Ash said. "Gotta say, Sawyer is now full of surprises." Rene said. "Now you and him are in Semifinals." Drake told Ash.

After all the matches concluded, the whole group were together to hear the next matchups for tomorrow. "And now everyone here are our Top Four trainers and their matchups." An official said as it showed Ash, Sawyer, Alain and a trainer named Remo. The pairings showed Ash vs. Sawyer while Alain faced Remo. "As expected, guess we'll finally settle this." Ash said. "Yep, and I'm excited to show you what I've learn." Sawyer cheered. Ash smile at Sawyer's innocence and his own excitement for tomorrow's battle. However one thing lingered in Ash's mind and that was Team Flare who were on their way to Lumiose City. Arceus knows they'll be in the fight of their lives when the time comes.

Elsewhere

"I see, thank you for the report." Lysandre said as Malva commed our. "So they know my hidden face." Lysandre said. "Now what do we do sir?" Xerosic asked. "No more hiding Xerosic, we kick their door down and take over Lumiose City. Soon everyone in Kalos will see clouds of doom in the skies and when they look up, they'll see me staring back at them bring forth salvation." Lysandre smirked.

Whew, done. I gotta say this one was a real head scratcher to do. I know this took long mainly because my life was taking over. But hey the good news is I'm officially done with my finals and school so I'm on my winter break so hopefully I'll have more time on my hands. I gotta say these battles aren't easy to write and I'm now doing full six on six battles. But more good news is that the pathway is now clear.

There are only two more chapters for the Kalos League and I can say they're only single battles between two people just to make it easier for me. As for questions pertaining to see if I was taking recommendations for what Pokémon would Ash use per battle, Sorry guys but this is something I've planned in advance. So next chapter is you guess it, the battle between Ash and Sawyer.

So that's all, I'll try my best to get the next chapter out hopefully before New Years. Leave your comments about this chapter and thanks. This is Paradox signing off. Goodbye.