After Ash and Hilda's battle, Clay returned to the stands, and said "And now there are just two battles left! Firstly, we have the second semi-final battle between Colress and Maximus, to find out who will be taking on Ash in the final", and at this, the crowd cheered loudly.
Meanwhile, in the waiting room, Colress and Maximus are waiting for their turn.
"Let's see how you unleash the power of your Pokémon," Colress said, to which Maximus replied "We'll see. Prepare to lose". But at that point, the message for Colress and Maximus to get ready came through, and they headed for opposite sides of the arena.
While they prepare, Clay exited and said "And now, for the final battle of the second round. On one side, we have the Scientist who's looking to bring out the power of Pokémon, Colress", and Colress approached the arena, to some applause.
"And on the other side, the wonder child of Nacrene City, Maximus" Clay continued, and Maximus approached from the other side to quite a bit of applause.
"Now, let's produce a great battle," Clay said, and he stepped back as the Referee approached, said the rules, then added "Begin"
"Klink, Bring out your power," Colress said, and Klink materialised. Maximus added "Simipour, let's go" and Simipour materialised.
Battle: Simipour, Zebstrika and Cofagrigus VS Klink, Elgyem and Magnezone
"Simipour, use Surf" Maximus called, and Simipour unleashed a wave of water at Klink.
"Klink, use Charge to avoid it, then use Gear Grind" Colress called, and though Klink was able to charge up, raising its Special Defence, it was still hit by the wave of water, taking Significant damage. Klink then shot electrified grey gears at Simipour, dealing Minor damage each hit.
"Finish this Simipour, use Surf again" Maximus commanded, and once again, Simipour shot a wave of water at Klink.
"Quick Klink, shoot Gear Grind again" and Klink was able to fire off two more gears at SImipour, dealing minor damage each hit before being KO'ed.
"Klink is unable to battle, Simipour wins" the referee called as Colress withdrew Klink.
"I'm not getting cocky, Colress has that Magnezone, which is very powerful, and something I will have to plan to defeat," Maximus thought to himself as Colress withdrew Klink. Colress then added "Now, for the second Pokémon, Elgyem, bring out your power" and Elgyem materialised.
"Well then, Simipour, return," Maximus said, and Simipour was withdrawn. Maximus then added "Now Cofagrigus, let's go" and Cofagrigus materialised.
"Cofagrigus, end this in one blow with Shadow Ball" Maximus called, while Colress added "Elgyem, deflect it with Psybeam" and Cofagrigus' ball of spectral energy collided with Elgyem's beam of psychic energy, and both exploded, blowing Elgyem back.
"Keep up the offensive, use Shadow Ball," Maximus said, and Cofagrigus' ball of Special Energy hit and KO'ed Elgyem in one hit.
"Elgyem is unable to battle, Cofagrigus wins," the referee said as Colress withdrew Elgyem.
"Rest up Elgyem" Colress sighed. He then added "Let's see if you can handle my last Pokémon. Magnezone, bring out your power" and Magnezone.
"This is it. Magnezone. Alright, Cofagrigus, return" Maximus said and Cofagrigus was withdrawn. Maximus then added "Now Zebstrika, let's go" and Zebstrika materialised.
"Zebstrika, use Hidden Power" Maximus called, and Zebstrika generated orbs of fire to shoot at Magnezone.
"Magnezone, stop it with Flash Cannon" Colress replied, and Magnezone swept a beam of grey light across the field, not only stopping the Hidden Power before it hit Magnezone but also inflicting Considerable damage to Zebstrika.
"Zebstrika, quick, charge in and strike with Double Kick," Maximus said, and Zebstrika's hooves glowed orange, but Colress was also ready.
"Magnezone, spin and use Tri Attack" he commanded, and Magnezone spun in the air while white energy sparkling with fire, ice and electricity, respectively, spun around it. And in the process of using Double Kick, minor damage each hit, Zebstrika was KO'ed by the Tri Attack.
"Zebstrika is unable to battle, Magnezone wins," the referee said as Maximus withdrew Magnezone.
"Alright, now for number two. Simipour, let's go" Maximus said as SImipour materialised, giving him an "Are you serious look?"
"I'm sorry Simipour, but we need this to defeat Colress' Magnezone" Maximus replied. Simipour sighed, then took a battle stance.
"Magnezone, win in one blow with Thunderbolt," Colress said, and Magnezone shot a blast of electricity at Simipour.
"Simipour, use Surf to evade, then use Focus Blast," Maximus said, and Simipour was able to ride the wave enough to narrowly avoid the electrical blast, and charged a ball of orange energy.
"Magnezone, use Magnet Rise, then Thunderbolt" Colress commanded, and Magnezone floated on magnetism, avoiding the shot Focus Blast.
"Another Focus Blast Simipour," Maximus said, and while Simipour was KO'ed by the Thunderbolt, the Focus Blast KO'ed Magnezone.
"Magnezone and SImipour are both unable to battle, and although this battle is a draw, Maximus still has Cofagrigus left, so the victor is Maximus," the referee said as both their Pokémon were withdrawn.
"You've definitely shown that you can bring out the power of your Pokémon. Well done, my research has come quite a long way" Colress said, to which Maximus replied "OK I guess. I'd better get going, I've got to get ready for my battle with Ash", to which Colress nodded, and they both departed.
Having watched the battle, Ash smiled.
"So, Maximus will be my final round opponent. This is going to be interesting, even though my team isn't at its strongest. Then again, I also get the feeling Maximus isn't at full power either" Ash said to himself. Hilda looked to Ash, and asked: "Are you nervous?"
"A little, not going to lie. But I should be OK, this will be an intense battle. Hopefully good enough for the fans", to which Hilda smiled and nodded.
"Good Luck Ash" Hilda added, to which Ash replied, "Thanks Hilda".
Soon, Clay returned, and said "And with that, the final Pokémon battle of the Driftveil Cup will soon begin. from another region, but making a splash in Unova, the Tournament Veteran, Ash Ketchum" Clay called and, as Ash stepped out onto the arena, the cheers were enormous. Clay then added "Now for his opponent, the Wonder Child of Nacrene City, Maximus" Clay added, and it seemed that the only person who got a bigger cheer than Ash, was Maximus. Clay then stepped back from the arena, and the referee stepped up and explained the rules. Once that happened, Maximus said "Alright Cofagrigus, let's go" and Cofagrigus materialised. Ash nodded, then said "You ready Pikachu?" to which he nodded and responded.
"Alright then. Pikachu, I choose you" and Pikachu joined the battle.
Battle: Pikachu, Pignite and Frillish VS Cofagrigus, Simipour and Zebstrika
"Alright Pikachu, use Thunderbolt" Ash called, and Pikachu unleashed a blast of electricity at Cofagrigus, dealing Significant damage. Maximus was ready, however, and said "Now Cofagrigus, use Trick Room" and Cofagrigus generated a blue room.
"I've faced this before. So, Pikachu, get back" Ash called, and Pikachu returned. Ash then added "Now Frillish, I choose you" and Frillish materialised.
"Cofagrigus, use Shadow Ball" Maximus called, and Cofagrigus shot a ball of spectral energy at Frillish, to which Ash replied "Quick Frillish, obscure where you are, Water Pulse into the ground" and Frillish did just that, and narrowly missed the Shadow Ball.
"Quick Cofagrigus, use Shadow Ball," Maximus said, and Cofagrigus moved behind Frillish and struck with Shadow Ball, and did two-thirds of Frillish's health in damage.
"Frillish, use Ominous Wind" Ash commanded, while Maximus added "Cofagrigus, dodge it and end this with Shadow Ball" but though Cofagrigus avoided the Ominous Wind, Frillish' Cursed Body ability had negated the Shadow Ball.
"Frillish, get back" Ash commanded, and he withdrew Frillish.
"What is Ash up to?" Maximus asked, to which Ash replied "Pikachu, get back in there" and Pikachu got back into the battle.
"Alright. Since Cofagrigus isn't able to use Shadow Ball, then use Dark Pulse" and Cofagrigus shot a blast of anti-positive energy at Pikachu, hitting and dealing Significant damage. The Trick Room then fell, and Ash took advantage.
"Alright Pikachu, end this with Thunderbolt," Ash said, and Pikachu unleashed a blast of electricity at Cofagrigus, KO'ing it.
"Cofagrigus is unable to battle, Pikachu wins," the referee said as Maximus withdrew Cofagrigus.
"Well done Cofagrigus, now rest up," Maximus said as Pikachu cheered at his victory. Maximus then smiled and responded "Now let's see how your Pikachu handled my Zebstrika" and Zebstrika materialised.
"I have a feeling that Zebstrika's being used to absorb Pikachu's electrical attacks," Ash thought to himself. Then, Maximus called "Zebstirka, end this with Double Kick" and Zebstrika's hooves glowed orange as it charged at Pikachu.
"Pikachu, quick, dodge it with Quick Attack" Ash replied, and Pikachu dashed at Zebstirika, trailing white energy, and dealt Moderate damage. Pikachu avoided the first kick, but was hit by the second kick, and took Minor damage.
"Zebstrika, end this with Spark" Maximus called, while Ash replied "Defend against it Pikachu, use Iron Tail" and Pikachu's tail was cloaked in grey energy and swung at Zebstrika, who was charging while covered in electricity, and they collided, dealing Considerable damage, but Pikachu was KO'ed in the process.
"Pikachu is unable to battle, Zebstrika wins," the referee said as Ash grabbed Pikachu and returned him to his side. Ash responded to the puzzled look on the referee's face with "My Pikachu doesn't like being in a Poké Ball, so he doesn't. It does mean, though, that I have to pick up and carry him back", to which the referee nodded.
"Alright. Next up, Pignite, I choose you" Ash called after putting Pikachu next to him, and Pignite materialised.
"Zebstrika, use Spark," Maximus said, while Ash responded "Quick Pignite, use Substitute, then charge in with Flame Charge", and Pignite was barely able to get the Substitute in, costing a quarter of its health, before it was destroyed by Zebstrika's Spark. Pignite was able to cloak itself in fire and strike just as Zebstrika withdrew, leaving Zebstrika with One Hit Points, and boosting Pignite's Speed.
"Zebstrika, quick, use Double Kick," Maximus said, while Ash responded "Another Substitute Pignite, then dodge and use Fire Punch" and Pignite got the Substitute in before Zebstrika struck with the first orange-cloaked hoof, which destroyed the Substitute, and Ash cloaked his fist with flames and, after barely avoiding the second orange-cloaked hoof, Pignite KO'ed the Zebstrika with Fire Punch.
"Zebstrika is unable to battle, Pignite wins," the referee said and Pignite and Ash both cheered as Maximus withdrew Zebstrika.
"You did well Zebstrika, now rest up"` Maximus said, before he added "Now then Simipour, let's go" and Simipour materialised.
"Simipour, use Surf" Maximus called, and Simipour generated a wave of water at Pignite.
"Pignite, quick, Substitute, then Thunder Punch, using your Substitute skill" Ash commanded, and Pignite managed to get the Substitute in, to absorb the Surf. Just before it did, Pignite cloaked its fist with electricity, then leapt over the Substitute and struck Simipour with the electrified fist, dealing Significant damage.
"Quick Simipour, end this with Ice Beam," Maximus said, and Simipour shot a blast of ice at Pignite, and it did enough damage to KO Pignite.
"Pignite is unable to battle, Simipour wins," the referee said as Ash withdrew Pignite.
"You did well Pignite, now take a long rest". He then added "Well, there's one left. Now, Frillish, I choose you" Ash said, and Frillish materialised.
"Simipour, use Surf," Maximus said, and Simipour shot a wave of water at Frillish.
"Frillish, shoot Water Pulse into the ground to deflect the Surf" Ash commanded, and Frillish managed to reduce the damage it took by half, only taking slight damage.
"Frillish, quick, use Pain Split" Ash commanded, and Frillish shot a beam of white energy at Simipour, inflicting slight damage, while Frillish restored a slight amount of health.
In the foyer, Hilda said "Whoa, Maximus' Simipour has Gluttony, not Torrent. Ash could use that and win"
Back in the arena, Ash noticed that Simipour didn't have a blue aura around it.
"Frillish, end this with Ominous Wind" Ash commanded, while Maximus responded, "Simipour, fire a Surf" and though Frillish was hit with the wave, taking Minor damage, though Frillish' wind of spectral energy shot at Simipour, KO'ing Simipour.
"Simipour is unable to battle, Frillish wins. The victor is Ash of Pallet Town" the referee said, and Ash and Frillish both cheered to raucous applause and cheering as Maximus withdrew SImipour.
"Heh, I'm definitely going to have to diversify my Simipour's moveset, if it could be shut down by a Frillish," Maximus said, to which Ash replied "I'd be disappointed in my new rival if you didn't"
"Alright, noted," Maximus said as he departed. Ash then approached Clay, who had the Driftveil Cup trophy, and said "To Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town, I give to you, the Driftveil Cup trophy. And, if you get all eight badges, you automatically skip the qualifying rounds of the Unova League Championship", to which Ash, taking the trophy, replied "Thanks Clay", and he showed it off to cheers from the crowd.
Clay turn turned, and yelled "Hey Maximus"
"What is it, sir?" Maximus asked, turning to face Clay, who added "Since you came in the runner-up position, so long as you obtain eight badges as well, you'll also automatically skip the qualifying rounds of the Unova League Championship"
"Alright, that's awesome to hear" Maximus replied, smiling and waving at Clay, who returned it.
"Ash, well done" came a voice from behind, and Ash had to return the cup to its stand to accept Hilda's surprise hug, which he closely returned.
"Hey Hilda," Ash said, to which Hilda replied "Well done Ash, that was an amazing performance"
"Thanks, Hilda" Ash replied as they broke apart.
"Heh, now there's a close bond if I've ever seen one" Clay said, smiling at Ash and Hilda's embrace.
"We'd better go and get our Pokémon healed up, or at least I should," Ash said to Hilda, who nodded, and said, "Alright, let's go". Ash waved to the crowd, took the Driftveil Cup, and slowly departed, to the cheers of the crowd.
Ash informed his mom of his success through the communicator set up near the entrance to the arena.
"Mom, I won the Driftveil Cup, so my path through the Unova League Championship is easier," Ash said, showing the cup to Delia, who replied "That is wonderful darling. How did Hilda go?"
"I uh, eliminated her in the final four, there were eight entrants" Ash replied, to which Hilda's mom smiled and responded, "How much did you learn from that Hilda?"
"Oh I learned a lot, it's really going to help with battle strategies going into the future" Hilda replied, to which both Delia and Hilda's mom nodded. Clay then appeared behind them, and said "Hey Hayley, how are you?"
"Hayley? That's your mom's name?" Ash asked, to which Hilda replied "Yes, it is", while Hilda's mom replied "Yes, that's my name"
"Is it OK if I refer to you as Hayley from now on?" Ash asked, to which she replied "Sure Ash"
"Thanks" Ash replied. Hayley then turned to Clay and said "Yeah, I'm doing well. How about you?"
"I'm doing amazing, just saw some amazing battles at the Driftveil Cup, including a couple your daughter was involved in. Kinda reminds me of her big brother in a few ways, but she definitely has her own style" Clay responded, to which Hayley added "Oh that's wonderful. Well, we can't stay long, so we'll see you around"
"Alright, see you around" Ash replied, and the communication was cut.
Meanwhile, with Neo Team Plasma
A group of about twenty Neo Team Plasma Grunts were standing in front of a podium, where a man dressed in almost totally purple addressed then.
"The enemies of Neo Team Plasma are all congregated in one place. This is our chance, to crush Team Rocket before they can implement any of their plans, and to show the Unova region that we're a force they cannot stop. We'll capture as many civilians as possible to use as bargaining chips against the Unova Government and League" Zinzolin said, and the Neo Team Plasma Grunts signalled.
"Today is the day, that we show the region a taste of Neo Team Plasma's true power! Now get ready, the battle soon begins" Zinzolin commented, and the Neo Team Plasma Grunts signalled again, before dispersing.
"This seems a bit, extreme, doesn't it?" Colress lightly asked Zinzolin, who replied "We're here to make a statement. You're just here for your silly little research, while I implement our lord's plans"
"Alright, just beware. I've done some research on this, Team Rocket, and they're not to be underestimated. They've caused serious problems in Kanto and Johto, and if they're coming here, they're got something big planned. It could be that the individuals known as Jessie and James are just the reconnaissance"
"Still, we'll crush them the same we crush all our enemies" Zinzolin snapped back. Two Grunts then approached one with an Amoonguss, and the other with a Galvantula.
"You called for us specifically?" one of them asked, to which Zinzolin replied "Yes I did. Your specific mission is to find and capture Hilda and Ash. The capture of those two will be very important, as they will be powerful bargaining chips"
"Sir yes sir" both Neo Plasma Grunts said before the second one asked, "Is that all?"
"No, you are dismissed" Zinzolin replied. They nodded, then departed with their Pokémon. Zinzolin then turned to Colress and added "Your mission is to seal off the Tournament's entrance to the Relic Passage. My spies have been telling me that's where Team Rocket plans to launch their resistance against our plans"
"Alright, what about you?" Colress replied, shrugging, to which Zonzolin replied "Keep an eye on the situation"
"OK," Colress said, and he put his tablet away, and departed. Then, another figure appeared.
"Lord Ghetsis, our plans are about to unfold," Zinzolin said, to which Ghetsis replied "Good. With any luck, we'll have lots of prisoners, and our plans can proceed, without interference"
"Very good my lord" Zinzolin replied. Ghetsis then added "You had better get involved in some way Zinzolin, I'm tired of you doing nothing"
"Alright my lord" Zinzolin said, and the communication was cut. Zinzolin adjusted his cloak, then departed himself.