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Hope you guys like this chapter. Enjoy.

Chapter 22

"Delphox, it's time to battle." Both Serena and Aria called their final Pokemon on to the battlefield.

"Let the battle begin."

"Use Future Sight," Serena called the first attack.

"Use Future Sight." Aria also called the same move. It seemed both the trainers had a similar strategy.

"Use Fire Blast, Delphox." Serena's Delphox made the move.

"You too Delphox, Fire Blast." Aria's Delphox also unleashed the attack as the two Fire Blasts cancelled each other.

"Now Flamethrower."

"Use Flamethrower to counter." Both the Flamethrowers again cancelled out each other. At this moment, the Future Sight of both the Pokemon hit each other. Though the damage was not a lot, still both the Pokemon flinched a bit.

"Use Telekinesis." Serena's Delphox used the attack as Aria's Delphox was now levitated for the next three turns but it would be easier to land a hit.

"Use Flamethrower," Aria called the next move. She knew her opponent had an advantage now.

"Wait for it," Serena said calmly. "Now dodge and use Fire Blast."

"Use Fire Blast to counter it."

"Now Flamethrower again." Serena had called the next attack even before Aria's Delphox had released the Fire Blast. That split-second advantage helped her to land the Flamethrower on her opponent's Pokemon as the Fire Blasts cancelled out each other.

"Use Thunder Punch," Aria called the next attack

"Dodge it and use Future Sight." The effect of Telekinesis was over now.

"Now Foul Play." The Foul Play hit its mark on Serena's Delphox who took a lot of damage but she was standing. Serena smiled and immediately called the next attack.

"Shadow Ball." The ghost-type move from the close-range hit its target. Aria's Delphox winced in pain this time but carried on with the battle.

"Now Flamethrower," Aria called the attack.

"You too Delphox, Flamethrower." Both the Pokemon were evenly matched and were at a very close distance with each other as the heat radiated in the arena. But neither of them was giving up. At this moment the Future Sight hit Aria's Delphox.

Serena used this chance to call the next move. "Use Future Sight."

"Delphox, use Future Sight too." Aria also used the same attack.

"Now use Fire Blast."

"Counter it with your Fire Blast." The two Fire Blasts again cancelled out each other. By now both Pokemon had gotten tired due to the continuous attacks and damage due to the super-effective moves.

"Shadow Ball," Serena called the attack again.

"Delphox, dodge and use Foul Play." Aria's Delphox just dodged the attack and went for the hit.

"Shadow Ball again." The Shadow Ball landed on Aria's Delphox but Serena's Delphox also got hit by the Foul Play. The two Future Sights also hit both the Pokemon at that moment. Both of them had taken serious damage now.

"Use Foul Play." "Use Shadow Ball." Both the trainers shouted out the moves as the attacks hit their respective targets at the same time.

"Use Mystical Fire." Both trainers called the move at the same time as the attacks landed on their respective targets that inflicted damage on the already hurt Pokemon.

"Use Foul Play."

"End this with Shadow Ball."

The attacks hit their targets perfectly inflicting enough damage for them to faint. But both Pokemon were still standing and looked at each other panting. At that moment, Serena's Delphox went down one knee and hit the ground but still managed to get hold of herself. Aria took this opportunity to call out another attack.

"Delphox, use Fo-" Even before she could complete her sentence, her Delphox fell on the ground and fainted.

"Aria's Delphox is unable to battle. Serena's Delphox wins. Since Aria has lost all her Pokemon, the winner of the battle is Serena."

"What a match this was, ladies and gentlemen! Started with two Aromatisse and ended with two Delphox. Serena loses a Pokemon for the first time since her return as Yellow. In fact, she lost her second Pokemon today. Aria started brilliantly winning the first battle but Serena showed why she has been the Top Co-ordinator in five regions. In the end, the current Kalos Queen gets the victory over the former Kalos Queen. Serena moves into the Semi-Finals. The two elite trainers hug it out to show their sportsmanship and friendship as they wave to acknowledge the crowd for their support.

Don't go anywhere, friends. We have two more exciting battles. The next one is between the former Kanto-cum-Johto and the former Unova Champions, Lance and Alder. Who will win this amazing encounter? Stay tuned to find out," the commentator announced enthusiastically.

Serena and Aria went to the Pokemon centre first and deposited their Pokemon to heal. They soon found out their friends and Serena's mother had come from the stands to meet them. They all congratulated Serena on her victory and Aria on the incredible battle.

"That was a wonderful battle both of you. I can believe my little girl is into Semi-finals. Aria you were really exceptional out there." Grace said smiling at both of them.

"Congratulations Serena. It was wonderful. Aria you were amazing too." Cynthia said.

"It was a wonderful battle! You both were great." Diantha said hugging both.

"Congrats Serena. Hard luck Aria but you were absolutely awesome." Clemont told excitedly.

"Yeah! Finally, someone managed to beat Serena's Pokemon." Steven stated.

"That's true and to be honest I am glad its Aria. I have always looked up to her and this means I still have a lot more to improve." Serena replied smiling.

"You are right, it was really great. I enjoyed a lot even though I lost. Well, now that you have beaten me you better win the whole tournament." Aria said grinning.

"Well, let's get something to eat. Then we have to go for Lance and Alder's battle." Ash said as he led the way to the restaurant holding Serena's hand.

"That's classic Ash. Always hungry." Bonnie sighed as everyone laughed and followed him.

"I hope you are ready for our battle, Alder. It is an honour getting to officially battle you finally." Lance said Alder with respect.

"The honour is mine, lad. But I am not going down. You might have been the winner last time around but this old man has got some tricks up his sleeves too." Alder replied smiling.

"Well, I am going to give it my all."

"Dragonite use Outrage."

"Bouffalant, take it down with Head Charge."

The two Pokemon hit each other all their power as the impact could be felt even in the stands. Both the Pokemon slid back due to recoil. Moments later, Bouffalant fell on the ground unconscious.

"Boufallant is unable to battle. Dragonite wins. Since Alder has lost all his Pokemon, Lance is the winner." The referee announced.

After recovering their initial shock, both trainers thanked and recalled their Pokemon.

"You were amazing out there Dragonite. Now take a good rest."

"Wonderful as always, my old friend. You did great. Take a long rest for now."

"Now that was a battle I'm going to remember for the rest of my life," Alder said grinning.

"True that. Thank you for the wonderful battle Alder. It was a close one. I thoroughly enjoyed it." Lance replied with a smile. The two trainers shook hands and waved at the crowd as they went inside to meet their friends.

"I swear the tournament is getting heated up even more after every battle. That battle was a showcase of speed, strength and strategy. It was so evenly contested throughout that for the first time in this tournament we got to see four double knockouts in a single match. This was a battle for the history books. We now have our third Semi-Finalist, the winner of the previous Masters' Victory Tournament, Lance. Can he win it this time too? Only time will tell that. But do not leave your seat people as we have one more power-packed battle, the last Quarter-final, as the former Champion and current Elite-Four of Hoenn takes on the Champion of the six regions. It's Steven Stone vs Ash Ketchum. Who will be the last to join Cynthia, Serena, and Lance in the Semi-Finals? To get your answers, stay tuned." The commentator announced with a lot of enthusiasm.

"What? But why?" Ash asked surprised. Everyone was astonished at this sudden revelation.

"Well, I am already old and this seems to be the perfect time to retire. Might go visiting a few places. Probably settle in Alola and help out my good friend Samson in his research and that school of his. I have had more than enough of my share of battling. Perhaps, it's time to have a peaceful life for now." Alder replied.

"But what about the Unova Elite Four?" Ash questioned with concern.

"I believe Caitlin will have no issues in returning to her duties as the Elite-Four member. She has done great in this tournament too. I am sure she will be excited to return to her previous status." Alder said with an assuring smile.

"Alright, if that's your decision, then I have no option but to accept it," Ash said as he shook hands with the older man.

"That means we have a party to plan for tonight," Bonnie said excitedly.

"Ah, young age; always up for a party. But maybe not tonight dear girl, after the tournament you can do whatever you want but for now let the others concentrate on their battles. It is will be one from this group that is going to the champion. So, all can celebrate later together." Alder said smiling at Bonnie, who pouted.

"I think we can talk about this later and let Ash and Steven focus on their battle for now," Clemont said as everyone nodded in agreement. They all went to the stands to witness the last match of the Quarter-finals.

"Ready for the battle, Ash?" Steven asked smiling.

"Absolutely. May the best trainer win. Good luck, Steven" Ash replied as the two friends shook hands.

"You too, Ash." They both went on to enter the battle arena.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the final match of the day. The last battle in this Quarter-finals. So, far we have had three breath-taking matches and this will surely be one of that kind. We have already got our three Semi-finalists in Cynthia, Serena and Lance. So, who will be the last one to reach the final four? Without further ado, let us call the two trainers going to battle for that spot in Semi-Finals. On one side, we have the former Champion and current Elite-Four of Hoenn, Steven Stone. His opponent for the day is the man who has taken this tournament by storm, the Champion of the six regions, formerly known as Red, Ash Ketchum." The crowd went bonkers as the two trainers entered the arena waving at the masses. The commentator continued his announcement, "The rules for the battle are the same as the previous three matches. It is going to be a six-on-six battle with substitutions allowed. The computer randomiser will now show the trainer to choose his Pokemon first." The computer showed that Ash had to send his first Pokemon.

"Ash Ketchum will reveal his first Pokemon." The referee announced.

"Snorlax it's time to show your power," Ash called out his powerhouse, the Sleeping Pokemon.

"Armaldo, it's time to battle." Steven sent out his first Pokemon.

"Let the battle begin."

"Snorlax, use Mega Kick," Ash called the first attack.

"Armaldo, Harden." Armaldo increased its defence but still felt the power of Snorlax.

"Use Mega Kick, again."

"Armaldo, use X-Scissor." This time the X-Scissor blocked the Mega Kick but Armaldo was pushed backwards with the sheer power of the Sleeping Pokemon.

"Mega Kick once more." Ash used the same move again.

"Flash Cannon." Steven didn't go for a physical attack this time, rather defended it from a distance.

"Alright Snorlax, use Hammer Arm." Ash was not backing down from attacking even though it took the Flash Cannon.

"Dodge it and use X-Scissor again." Armaldo was faster than Snorlax and dodged before landing the move. Snorlax felt the attack but then shrugged it off.

"Snorlax, Ice Punch."

"Counter it with Flash Cannon." Again, Flash Cannon block the incoming attack

"Snorlax, time to get more offensive, use Belly Drum." Ash was going all out. 'A good offence is the best defence,' he thought

"Armaldo, it's our chance, use Stone Edge." Steven wanted to end this before Snorlax could land a hit on his Pokemon because Snorlax had increased its attacking power to maximum but had lost half its energy. For that, he needed to get closer.

"Block it with Hammer Arm." The Hammer Arm broke the Stone Edge into pieces.

"Move in close and use X-Scissor," Steven called the next move.

"Ice Punch."

Steven smiled and called the super-effective move. "Dodge it and use Brick Break."

This time Ash smiled. He was waiting for something just like this. He had full confidence in Snorlax that it could take the hit and still stand to fight. "Catch it and don't let go."

"Armaldo, get out of there."

"Heavy Slam." Snorlax jumped holding Armaldo and proceeded to land.

"Armaldo, use Flash Cannon get out of the grip." Armaldo used Flash Cannon desperately but Snorlax's grip was way too strong. Snorlax took the attack but still held its opponent as they landed on the ground with it on top of Armaldo.

"Armaldo is unable to battle. Snorlax wins." The referee announced. Armaldo was unable to get out of the super-effective move with the increased power of Snorlax as it fainted. Ash won the first round as Steven lost his first Pokemon.

How about that? Delphox vs Delphox was pretty obvious but I hope you enjoyed the course of the battle. Writing battles between two same Pokemon is a bit tough, as more often than not, their generic moves don't have much effect (not considering dragon-types). Anyways, Serena moves into the finals but she has finally lost a Pokemon and she lost two in this battle. The semi-finals are going to be tougher for her. Also, we got our third semi-finalist, Lance, who beats Alder in a close match. Alder retires from the Unova Elite-Four and he is going to Alola to spend rest of his life peacefully.

Now, coming to the next match, Ash gets the better of Steven in the first battle. You didn't think Snorlax will lose, did you? I probably can never make that happen as I love Snorlax way too much in the anime. I wish I could get to sleep as much as Snorlax. Anyways, the battle will get more interesting as it progresses. Steven will do his best to avenge his defeat in the Hoenn Championship match. Will Ash lose a Pokemon in this tournament finally? That's the question, isn't it? Well, I have almost decided the ten Pokemon I'm going to use further in the match but I would like you guys to guess some of them (at least the last battle).

*I would like to inform you guys that I have been updating the chapters every weekend and that is going to be my schedule. I know I told in the previous chapter that I would increase the frequency. But I don't get enough time in the weekdays. So, I'm sticking to my original schedule. Having said that, I will do my best to update it sooner (on weekdays), if I can, though it is a bit unlikely.*

Thank you once again for your reviews and messages.

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