Back in Action!

by Goldmineempire5

After being away for a decade, all he did was extensively train his Pokémon. He refrained from making any contact with anyone. Now, Ash has decided to make a comeback to the civilization. Now he wants to put his training to test. All he has is one goal on his mind: The World Championship! Advanceshipping! Minor Amourshipping!

68. Chapter 68: The Final Duel!

And this is where the wars begins and ready to knock your socks off! The grandest stage of them all! Every word that I wrote gave me the feeling of the Pokemon Gold, where the Challenger proceeds to face Lance! As per survey, not many stories on Fanfiction have that saga, and those who did, ended the story in merely five chapters – not that I am mocking anyone. But it's just my ambition to service the best series to be remembered after Pokemon ends. It's kind of like my oeuvre.

A short recap of the Elite Four saga till now – After defeating Brendan Birch, Ash is about to set his foot in Sinnoh, when Delia demands his presence for Thanksgiving. Reminiscent of his past, Ash starts making amendments to his old comrades like Brock and Misty – and shares his goal of taking on the Championships. His destiny reunites him with May, whom he abandoned a long time ago, under the delusion she loved Drew. She wants them to get together, but Ash declines, and later reveals he is a widower. Once the truth is exposed, he reconsiders and they start a relationship. Now, he has eyes fixed on being the Kanto Champion, but the Elite Four will be standing in his way. With great difficulties he defeats them, ascending and getting each step closer to the reigning Champion. Now that no one stands in his path – Ash long with his friends and Pokemon, is about to collide with the biggest threat known to Championship aspirants, Lance himself.

I hope you guys enjoy, because a lot happens in this chapter. I want to thank everyone who sent in a review for the last chapter, the response was universally positive and that made me really happy to see.

I hope you enjoy the show, and please, let me know what you think of this installment! Hope all you spectators enjoy!

---

The evening sun cast long shadows on the ground. The slanting rays of the setting sun gave a warm orange tinge to the sky. The glowing sun, a crisp circle in the bloody sky, illuminated a quivering path across the water. It bathed the ocean's meek waves and the wispy clouds in a burning red. The fleeting colors of dusk began to fade away. The charcoal-black rocks circled around small pools of water, shimmering confidently before dark fell upon them. The sky was ablaze with the fire of the setting sun. Seemed even the sun wanted to set down early, so that the moon could enjoy the battle that was about to take place. Battle that was gonna shake up Kanto.

The sun fell asleep, shielded behind three sloping, blue mountains, each smaller but tougher than the one before. The trees were strong, black soldiers, standing in an unmoving row. The last remains of sunlight entered Ash's room through a crack of the curtains. Hushed chatter could barely be heard, filtered through the walls. The bed that the pair had napped on was freshly made, and the only sounds were the Trainer's footsteps.

He took a look at the sunset, trying to reach it. It filled him up with the positivity he needed for tonight. The diminishing sun was the answer to everything he needed, the warmth he needed, the colors he missed, the hope he lost and the faith he seek. Pikachu stood atop the bed his ears bouncing as he watched his trainer prepare for this long-awaited night. He could barely sit still. Inside every Pokeball that Ash had chosen, resided a creature meditating, same feelings and determinations flowing in their hearts. They hadn't trained today, saving their every ounce of energy for the big battle.

Ash watches the horizon, lost in the rhythmic percussion of rays on valley. His eyes are steady to the horizon, face aglow with the last orange rays before twilight beckons the stars. His lips bear the semblance of a smile, just enough to show that he is enjoying his thoughts, whatever they may be. Serena moved closer so that he feels her presence, yet stays quiet, allowing him to stay lost in the moment a while longer. Then finally her image fades.

Ash's brows shot up, as he strut back to the wardrobe, with the patient determination of the Spinarak, something as intricate as a web can be fashioned again and again. He pulled open the doors, and pulled out a small briefcase he had brought along the way, and gently placed it on the bed.

"Pika?'' Curious, the mouse sauntered closer on the bed.

Clasping the baggage open, Ash beamed finding what was placed inside. Stroking his hand on the outfit, he colored his visage with a jovial smile.

Pikachu looked on as Ash emptied the contents of the briefcase and put them on. He ran his hands down his vest as he tugged it on, smoothing out the navy cloth as he stared at his reflection in a body-length mirror. A full sleeved blue colored shirt, with the same white trims, kept open and unbuttoned to reveal the black shirt underneath. Beneath the waist was a darker black jeans, tailor-made with expensive cloth. The footwear remained the same sneakers he had been walking around all this time.

His thick raven hair was messy and hatless as he ran a few fingers through the tresses, grooming them lazily into their usual shape. He smiled, his revamped Kalos attire looked much better. With a click, he fastened the belt buckle in perfect symmetry, and covered the Pokeballs with his loose black shirt he wore underneath. Red, fingerless gloves were tugged snugly onto his hands by their black cuffs, sighing at the feel of the fabric against his calloused hands.

He wasn't done, one thing remained yet to complete his attire. The official Pokemon League cap was placed onto his head – one he hadn't touched for long. The hat fir squarely, over his wild bangs, marred by more severe instances of wear-and-tear, tattered and scraped and burnt. He supposed it was a fitting reflection of himself, considering all of the trials he'd been through—many of which he hadn't exactly signed up for.

Ash looked in the mirror again, decked out in his full ensemble. His dark eyes shone with a vibrant shade of copper, lit with enthusiasm, and Ash puffed out his muscular chest and grinned, clenching a gloved fist.

Ash turned towards Pikachu. The electric mouse had watched patiently as Ash dressed himself for the event. Normally, Pikachu would've likely been lazy at this time of the day—waiting to be woken when it was time to go—but not today. The mutual excitement between Trainer and Pokémon was almost palpable, and sleep had been nigh impossible.

"All good?'' Ash seek the rodent's approval.

"Pika!" the mouse held a thumb up.

Ash smiled to himself, turning to scoop Pikachu into his arms for a hug. "I bet you're excited too, right?"

"Pika!" Pikachu cooed, nuzzling his face into Ash's chin. Obviously! He wiggled out of Ash's arms to stand atop his shoulder, throwing his head up for, from a Pikachu, what passed as a ferocious roar. "Pikaaaaa!" He was pumped!

Ash grinned, inspired by his partner. He could barely contain himself, pumping a fist in the air. "Yes! It's our moment!"

"Pikaa-Pikkaaaa!'' the mouse pointed at something inside the briefcase, Ash blinking to find out what Pikachu wanted to say. He leaned into the bag, gasping to find he had left one portion of clothing to complete his attire – the silk blue ribbon that his wife once wore around her collar.

"Shoot! Thanks Pikachu!'' the man expressed his gratitude, hasting to grab the ribbon, and tie it around his left arm.

"Pika pi!'' the mouse reprimanded.

"Yep, sorry…'' the man chuckled, blushing sheepishly. ''This is my lucky charm. I ain't losing if I wear this.''

There was a soft knock on the front door of the private cabin, and without an answer, the door creaked open, and the duo turned their attention towards it.

May poked her head inside the room, "Are you ready, baby?''

Ash was thrilled to see the brunette. Excitedly, he answered along with a posing question. ''Yeah, ready to go. How does this look?'' he spread his arms and turned around, showcasing his full outfit.

"Amazing!" May beamed, eyes heart shaped and palms clasped. "Just like you used to wear.''

"Yeah," Ash grinned, "After all, today is my big night. Possibly, a defining moment in my life."

"It looks good on you,'' May slipped inside the room, and kissed her boyfriend on her cheek.

"I am so sorry,'' he smelled her hair, hugging her tightly. ''I haven't been giving you so much time since we arrived.''

"That's ok,'' May teetered, ''We still have plenty to be with each other. Now, come down and get something to eat. Oh and your Mom has arrived.''

"Well, that's good, I was expecting her." Ash smiled briefly, before adjusting the cap. ''You carry on, I'll be down in a jiffy.''

But May didn't move. She sensed something was bothering her man. "You are thinking about the battle, aren't you? You look like you got bundle of nerves.''

"Yeah…'' Ash nodded. "I do have the heebie-jeebies. I don't know exactly, but it's a weird feeling. I never had this before."

"You will win this battle, Ash.'' May placed a hand on his chest. ''You have a bond with your Pokemon even Lance doesn't. Your Pokemon will draw their inner strength from you. You planted those seeds years ago.''

"That's very comforting,'' Ash smiled, kissing her hand. ''Thanks babe. Want a quickie?''

"Don't push it,'' May heaved, knocking on Ash's forehead. "Just come down.''

Down everyone was awaiting their presence, Pikachu riding Ash's shoulder as they followed May into the drawing room downstairs. They stood up as he jostled downstairs, their faces lit up with emotions.

"Hey there, Ashy-boy!'' Gary smirked, sipping an evening tea.

"Sup, Gary.'' Ash smiled, a bit delighted at his rival's presence. ''You came to see my battle too?''

"Don't flatter ya-self! Just following my Grandpa, that's all.'' Gary denied.

"My boy, Ash!'' Professor Oak, sporting his usual lab coat stood before him. ''You could learn something from my poetry."

"Sure, shoot.''

"A Pidgey in hand is worth two the bush.'' Oak recited with a finger held up.

"Dawn had to listen to this…'' Brock muttered.

"Not sure, what that meant Professor,'' Ash blinked, perplexed.

"My boy, Things we already have are more valuable than what we hope to get." The elderly explained. ''In this battle, whether you win or lose, that gold or being the Champion of this region won't matter, unless you have your friends and Pokemon standing there with you. Who believe in you, and are willing to risk for you.''

"Then if you see it that way, Professor,'' Ash smiled. ''I am already a winner.''

Next was Delia, who was looking young and attractive in her ivory single dress, and around her was a black shawl with red trims. She had two plastic bags hooked on one arm.

"Oh honey, you look so handsome,'' she chimed, giggling in her mouth, with a face brought to her cheek. ''I just remembered the good old times, stitching up clothes for you.''

"Yeah~'' Ash smiled, tugging his vest. ''This was Serena's doing. She wanted me to wear this for my Coronation match, but now seems a good time as well.''

The mention of his late wife cancelled the noise in the room, as everyone stopped speaking, the only noise were the breaths. This however, didn't stop May from smiling. Serena wasn't something to be frowned upon. She didn't personally knew her, but if she was important to Ash, she was important to her as well.

"Well, she really knows her stuff.'' May scoot closer to him. ''Wish I had her art.''

This brought a sense of pride on the faces of her friends who were joyed that the name of Kalos Queen didn't depress May anymore and she had accepted her. "What's this ribbon?'' she asked, eyes falling on the blue ribbon tightly wrapped around his hand.

"It's the ribbon I had once given her when we were little. I keep it safe with me as my lucky charm, just like I have you…''

The both affectionately gazed in each other's eyes.

"Now~" Delia excused, twirling one of her dark locks. Delia knelt to the group, setting down the bags on the table. "I brought you all of you something to chow on; my son can't battle on an empty stomach and I will not have any of you cheer on my child on empty stomach as well, so dig in!"

"Thanks for coming here, mom!'' Ash smiled, opening the bag to pull out to canned food of ramen on for himself and other for Pikachu.

"I never miss your battles for the world, baby,'' Delia intertwined her fingers. "So how would I miss a battle so important to you?''

"I have a good feeling in these old bones about your outcome." The Pokémon authority folded his arms behind his back.

"You'll do just fine." Delia toed, lightly ruffling Ash's dark, messy hair. "You've come a long way."

"I don't have a doubt in my mind," Oak agreed, standing back up. "You've learned and grown plenty since you left home, Ash."

"Pikachu, guys," Ash started, holding a hand out between them, palm down. "Let's give it our all, together!"

"Pi-Pikachu!" Pikachu cried, putting his paw atop his.

"Oh yeah!'' May placed hers on top of Pikachu's.

Her action was soon followed by Brock, "You leave the heeling up to me.''

"And I'll be your coach just like always.'' Misty strongly slapped her hand against the pyramid of hands.

"I'll cheer you all the way!'' Max jumped in too.

"Don't forget me,'' Tracey joined in. "After all, I am gonna be the one to sketch your team up after your big win. No camera can do that, baby!''

"To Ash!" everyone cried and screamed, releasing their hands after throwing them all up.

---

Fireworks popped in the distance, drowned out by excited cries from the audience. Those rockets spread colors into the black as if it were all canvas awaiting ink of brilliant light. The spectators awed at the graffiti created. People rushed in through the stadium doors to find their seats, fearing the unreserved ones would be full. The Pokemon League pops and themes were met with equal response, the logo that bard through the arena. People arrived with the spouses, and families, there were teens, children, middle aged and even the senior citizens, all who were termed as hardcore fans. The Pokemon League Logo blared through the screen, Kantonian flags kept their guard against the heavy wind. Down below, seats filled up fast, people adorning the merchandise they had chose to wear today. Revenue had gone way up high, with the sales of tickets, beer and snacks.

"Welcome, universe!'' the announcer shrieked in his mike, and the entire stadium roared with enthusiasm. Deafening noises rung everywhere. Banners and fan messages were raised high for both competitors to draw inspiration from.

"I said…Welcome, Universe! To Entertainment's greatest Live EVENT! Welcome to the emotion, to the passage! To the purgatory! To the History! That is the Pokemon League! It's the Super Bowl of sports entertainment – the final Match, live from Indigo League Plateau. A record breaking fans are still filing in! I am Mark Topper, along with one of the very best Hall of Famers, a two time Indigo League Champion, Rex Mitchell!''

"Welcome to the Indigo Plateau, the heart of Kanto! The countdown has begun to the final round of the final Pokemon League Championship for the crown! The game you all have been waiting for! A perfect event between Christmas and the New Year!''

"And I am totally stoked for this moment, Rex!''

Even over the loudspeakers, the announcer's voice could barely be heard. The stadium was packed, the crowd rowdy, and energy abundant. Chatter over the match dominated the crowd, and food vendors walked up and down the aisles.

The crowd cheered as the countdown clock dropped under twenty minutes. Ash' friends sat far above in a executive room, courtesy of the challenger, fortunate enough to snag the best seats. They'd been waiting for the better part of sixty minutes, anxiously watching as the stands steadily filled up and the countdown clock slowly dwindled down toward nineteen.

"Man, just look at the crowd!'' Max stuck his nose against the glass wall, enough to leave a print. "I have never seen anything like this before.''

"Just look at all of his fanclub,'' Tracey marveled. ''They came all over the world just to see him.''

"And now he can't afford to disappoint them…'' Gary sighed.

"Just a few more minutes now! I'm so excited for this battle I could burst!" May buzzed.

Delia swallowed heavily, reaching to wipe her eyes.

"Miss Ketchum?" May turned to the older woman, concerned.

"It's just…" Delia sniffled, smiling to herself, eyes little-teary, as she pulled a rag to wipe them. "I'm so proud of him, I don't say it enough. Even from the start of his journey, he was beating everyone's expectations. He never had anything so he earned them all." From the early days when Gary had been boasting his superiority, Ash swore to surpass him. His losses kept him down, but he kept going. Some may have doubted him, but she didn't. "I've always bragged about him. Even way back, when he placed in the top sixteen."

May held a hand to her heart, touched. She should have known, what could be going inside the kind woman's heart.

Brock smiled to himself. "Mrs. Ketchum, you have already witnessed Ash becoming a Champion once, how was it like?"

"Words would be less to express it, dear. But your mother will understand.'' She chimed. "I've thought for years that Ash could make a living as a professional battler, knowing that he'd been supporting himself since he'd been to that Pokemon Summer Camp. I never really worried about his future. He has his father's blood flowing in him, and I am not worried about him losing."

"And do you think he's gonna stay in Kanto?'' Misty tilted her head.

"Wherever he chooses to go, I'm happy as long as he is." She whispered, brushing an auburn bang out of her face. " ….but… I can' have him live with me forever."

May swallowed, reaching for Delia's hands to grab them. "He will! I will! We will all stay together, Mrs. Ketchum. Like one big happy family! Or you could move in with us to Kalos!"

Delia's expression turned soft. "Just what I'd expect from my da-"

"Just fifteen more minutes to go!''

---

Back in the locker room,

Ash sat on the bench, staring hard at his Pokemon. Pikachu equally gazed upon them.

They were moments away, hardest battle they fought since Tobias, if not tougher. It was matter of minutes, he would be toe to toe against Lance, the dragon Master. This was the battle which could test his abilities. He was going t pour all that he learned in fifteen years since he had become a Pokemon trainer. Ash closed his eyes, remembering his adventures fondly. Among them, several stood out in his mind, like when he saw Ho-Oh at the start of his journey, his encounters with Mew and Mewtwo, the whole Chosen One tale in the Orange Archipelago and many more.

All of those events and many more were forever graved into his memory. They had forged him, molded him into both the person and the trainer he was today.

This battle was the final step, the last challenge he had to overcome in order to prove he had what it takes to become a Pokemon Master.

As he looked at his team isolated in the small Pokeballs on his belt, the raven haired trainer felt both proud and nostalgic as he remembered the adventures he had gone through with them.

With them, Ash felt capable of beating Lance, to prove him and everyone else that dragons weren't all that almighty. To prove that he had what it takes to be better than even the strength of legends. Ash knew his opponent would underestimate him like many had before him and would be overconfident in his Dragonite.

The raven haired trainer intended to make sure it would be his downfall.

Ash schooled his face into a mask of determination as he looked at his team. "This is it, everyone. Soon, they'll call us to the arena. I told you what we're expecting to face, and I sure as hell intend to win today, no matter what. I have only one thing to ask: Are. You. With me?!"

The Pokeballs wiggled that met his question with a yes, but he couldn't help the huge smile that came over his face at this moment.

A small knock perturbed his attention towards the door. "Come in…''

The door opened, and the short, highly aged yet childishly energetic President of Pokemon League stepped in. "Yo! Mind if an oldtimer crash the party?"

"President Goodshow!'' Ash stood up, as a sign of respect.

"You didn't think I wasn't gonna pop here, did you? It's not every day our boys make it to the finals! I am humped for the big match!'' The senior jumped in, flashing the uniforms of a six year old. "Check this homie! Ha ha!''

"No, just surprised to see you back here.'' Ash blushed. "How have you been!''

Flashing a starry glasses indoors, "Awesome dude! Have been rolling with the Vega crew! I am the baddest golden ager at the old match!'' Goodshow posed funny. "Yo why you lookin a' me like dat! Is is something I said, little dude?''

"No, it's just…yeah, looking good!''

"That's right bro! Check this out ladies, the hip-pop grandpa is now available for fun..''

Ash's face hung, exhaling a loud amount of sigh.

"Well, today is the night. It's been a long road to get here, and you have earned every bit of it. I am so proud of you, dude. Nice to see you haven't mellowed in the absence, yo!''

"Hey, Mr. G!'' Ash smiled, rubbing the back of his neck. ''If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be here at all."

"You trying to earn brownie points?'' Goodshow looked at him suspiciously.

"Oh no," Ash shook his head. ''Just expressing how grateful I am, that's all.''

"Kidding,'' Goodshow cackled. "Now you must focus on the task in hand. I have known both of you since you were little. Are you set to win?''

"Too late to say no, heh!'' Ash winked.

"Give us your best, homie! I got my money on ya!" the old President guffawed out of the room, leaving Ash sweat drop behind like a buffoon.

---

"And the wait is now over! Ladies, and gentlemen, please give a big hand, for the man who made it all true, President of the Pokemon League, Mr. Charles Goodshow!''

Like a national anthem was being played, every spectator stood up to greet the supreme authority as the man took over the podium.

"Yo dudes! It's heartwarming for' dis old' timer you'll here!"

The crowd popped.

"It all begins here on this very field. A start of a unique journey,'' Goodshow picked up a normal fluent tone. "A journey driven by our passions, our heritage, our legacy, and an unyielding force, fearless to chase our dreams. A long voyage of milestones, the turning points on our roads, new eras making history, and purely through the source of our own will, we conquer, we rule, we blaze new trails, and though we may stumble, we find the strength to rise again, and thrive. This is life! And it can be experienced only once…like tonight. Tonight, we do something that never has been done before. Paths are gonna cross, a match where two generations collide…and eras will end. Tonight, happens only once…in a lifetime…So Folks, I take immense pleasure to start a new journey, at the end of the year, by officiating "Ash Ketchum vs Lance Wataru!''

The screams touched the skies, no one even thinking of silence that moment. The countdown began to ten seconds left, as the crowds began chanting the numbers in descending order.

The jumbotron's screen winked away, appearing as a dormant box for all of a few seconds before bursting with color. A silhouette formed on the screen, backed by an alluring deep purple background. The announcer went on, introducing the competitor, a dark figure with wild hair and the shape of a Pokémon on his shoulder. His friends, everyone shot up from their seats, hollering and applauding as an elevator on the opposite side of the field opened up. Ash was slowly raised out of the elevator shaft, dark hair in its usual charming mess. A path burst with pyros and fireworks, Ash stepped out of the inner chambers of the stadium, with Pikachu atop his shoulder. Walking to his box with a confidence stride, his jacket swirled around him. Pikachu was perched dutifully on his shoulder, wearing a confident smirk.

"Battling from the north end, a face that has been recognized as the young sensation, and he's often known as the Emperor of Tomorrow! Becoming a multibillionaire just at 21, he's already taken over the business world. He has an entire list of achievement folks, and currently, he is the undefeated Champion of the Alola Region. He has torn his way through the Elite Four, so he has the right to this Championship! Hailing from Pallet Town in the Kanto Region, he's back again, and there's only one thing on his mind! Is to take back the gold! Let's hear it for the son of world's greatest, Ash Ketchum!''

Ash took a place, standing by Charles Goodshow on his right.

The silhouette on the screen filled itself in, revealing a picture of Lance, and the crowd roared as a pit in the ground on one end of the field opened up. An elevator whirr and he slowly ascended on a platform, the Champion Master could be seen under the spotlights, adorned in an intricate outfit, including a blue suit with orange adornments, and a billowing black cape. He looked as stoic as ever, the winter breeze shifting his steely red locks away from his face. He lifted his chin and surveyed the crowd, making no move to wave or showboat. He'd let his battling skills do the talking, as he usually did.

"And now, time for the current, reigning, defending Champion, Lance! If his entrance doesn't impress you, his stats sure will! The Dragon Master, longest Champion for years. Who has succeeded none other, than Red Ketchum himself, now all set to battle his son. Folks, it's all about closure for Lance. He has been unstoppable ever since he reclaimed his title! Oh man! I can't wait! For the first time, I wish I wasn't an announcer, I should have been the ring keeper, so that I could start this battle already! Twitter's already trending this as #ChampionvsChampion! Anything you'd like to put out there, Rex!''

"Oh you have no idea, Mark! This is gonna be an incredible match! One that will tear the sky, one that will shake up the planet! This is gonna be a no other night. This event always gives me the goosebumps, it may be cliché but it's a showcase of the immortals, memories are made on such nights. Lance against Ash, two forces that oppose each other tonight….one word man, EPIC!''

"You got that right, Rex! These two need success like they need air! They put everything they have into getting that air! Ash Ketchum has a pressure to win this match, to validate he is what he is! He's not just fighting in there with his team of six! He is representing an entire generation of tomorrow! And Lance, have to prove to the entire world, that he still has what it takes. I think it's gonna be one of the best matches I have ever seen…because it's destined to be that.'' Mark concluded.

The fans in the arena were still in a frenzy. The two competitors briskly walked over to each other, Ash grinning ear-to-ear, whereas Lance only acknowledged him with a petite smile.

"Hi, Lance. Long time, huh?''

"Ash," Lance replied with a curt nod. ''Haven't seen you last since that Coronation battle in Galar.''

Ash's bold demeanor began to shrink, his eyes turning up towards the Champion's. "I got busy. Life now, you know.'' Ash laughed. "Just so you know, Once in a Lifetime? I think so too. This battle between you and me, is gonna blow your and Leon's out of the water.'' He stuck out a hand out for a handshake, and Lance accepted it with gusto, a smile now engulfing on leader of the G-Men.

"Just as I expect from Leon's apprentice,'' Lance smirked, in a lecture like tone. I've been waiting for you. Ash, I knew that you, with your skills, would eventually reach me here. There's no need for words now. We will battle to determine who is the stronger of the two of us. As the most powerful Trainer and as the Pokémon League Champion… I, Lance the dragon master, accept your challenge!"

"And now time for the event to be inaugurated!"

The crowd's approval came like a peal of thunder, shaking the stadium to its foundations for a brief moment. An athlete jogged down the streets, his right hand fastened around a bronze torch topped with an awesome orange flame, tailed by an Officer Jenny and a company of security guards on motorcycles.

The athlete handed the torch over to Ash, to open the battle and scurried off to the exit. Holding Pikachu in one arm, trainer and Pokémon alike put a hand on it each. He stepped forward.

His mind's eye wandered, playing memories for him. Nine steps until he would open the conference.

Him…a small nobody who set out on his journey, to achieve the impossible. His yes glanced on to Pikachu, how the resilient mouse had become his partner for life. The challenges they faced together, the lives they lost and their love reincarnated them again. The journeys they had been on. The battles they fought and emerged victorious. Regice, Latios, Tapu-Koko…

Eight steps until he would open the conference.

No matter what, his mom, would always be with him. She was his first supporter after all. She believed in his dreams, even when his little friends didn't. She would go to extreme lengths to protect him. Misty and Brock, were very special. He knew he wasn't gonna lose their side ever. They both were his biggest strengths. His memories darted suddenly much further back, to when he was still a young boy. The clammy wetness and a sense of fear came back as he recalled his first meeting with Misty. A sense of sympathy and steadfastness was coupled with the recollection of how Brock had become his traveling companion. The two of them had helped him grow so much, as both a person and a trainer.

Seven steps until he would open the conference.

Ash's thoughts took him to his room, where all his achievements were assorted. The luxurious shining metals that were his Gym Badges – all 48 of them, the Frontier symbols sparkling like gold. The trophies and accolades he earned through sheer hard work. He'd been so proud of himself for defeating Brandon. He was skilled enough to be a Frontier Brain, wasn't he? Then, surely, he could do this! The Zcrystals he earned by instilling his trust in his trials. And finally, his trophy sculptured Professor Kukui as Masked Royal.

Six steps until he would open the conference.

Still a mystery, what could have possibly prompted him to tango with legendaries, perhaps more than most people had a right to even know beyond a shadow of a doubt truly existed. But, he had beaten many of them. But they weren't the enemy, it were the bad guys controlling them. Ash couldn't recall how many times he saved the day without the world knowing.

Five steps until he would open the conference.

His eyes shifted to the executive room of the stadium where his friends and mom were seated. Though, he could just see a glass wall, he knew they were watching him. Professor Oak, ah! Where would have he been without Professor Oak. The old stud had introduced him to so many places and people. He owes a sincere gratitude and favor for the professor. Him and Tracey, deserve much more to take care of his Pokemon. Gary, his mind didn't resent him and his heart said, that he wouldn't be able to push himself further if it wasn't for his rival. He remembered the Top 16 battle with the brunette, and how finally he earned his respect. In Max, he saw an apprentice, and a younger brother. Someday, he would take him under his wing and teach him everything. Wonder what Dawn would be doing right now? He still hadn't seen her in ten years, and he knew she would be watching him right now. There's so much to tell her. Cilan and Iris, played a major role in defining Ash Ketchum in their Unova Journeys, and he really wished they could be here right now watching him. Iris would be torn apart, at one side there was her dear friend, and on the other, a dragon master. Cilan, would annoy everyone constantly bringing up food ingredients. Bonnie, who was a trainer just like Max, she would be overjoyed in watching him. Clemont, his brother and business partner, wouldn't move from the TV, and just like the rest, Professor Kukui, and Professor Burnet, Lei, Mallow, Kiawe, Lana, Lillie, Gladion and Sophocles, they would be watching him, wherever they are. He misses them, he so misses them, he just wants to see them together.

Four steps until he would open the conference.

Though they were not presently with him or out of their Pokéballs, his mind wandered down into his heart and flashed back memories of all his Pokemon. From a Caterpie to the Dracovish he last caught, each of them had their stories. And the trainer and Pokemon alike worked alongside in fulfilling them. His heart swelled with pride as he looked at the flame. He thought of every Pokémon that had lent him their strength on the long road behind them, his heart swelling at the memories. He believed in his Pokémon, and they believed in him! He looked down to Pikachu. He thought of the pokeball he never used but always kept in his backpack. He thought of their first meeting. He wasn't doing this for his own sake. He was doing this for his best friend's sake, too. It was for all of his pokemon! They'd worked so hard for him! He wouldn't let them down by losing now!

Three steps until the opening.

Serena… the face of his wife ignited the passion in his eyes. He loved her. His love was so strong it wasn't gonna be diminished easily even with May's return in his life. He just wanted to see her once again, and let her know that he is happy. He wanted her to haunt him, spend some time with him, share the old stories…share one last kiss…make love one last time…

Two steps.

May…his sun…Serena was his yesterday, and May is today and tomorrow. The twin halves ribbons he and May shared flickered through his memory. Life was giving him a second chance, and he wasn't going to throw it all away. He was gonna respect his duties, and he knew that she was the chosen one for him, from now on. He needed to be with her all the time, and never strand way again. She waited on him for ten long years, and would have continued to do so. A woman like that deserves all the happiness in life…and once this league is over, he was gonna ask her to marry him….He had been given a sign!

One step.

The cauldron stopped his movement, and he looked at Pikachu. The mouse met his eyes, and with just the slightest of smiles, they nodded at each other. After so long, they were finally here. And this time, they'd win!. Nodding, they reached out, together lighting the embellished torch. The air hissed and ignited, forming into an impossibly large flame. The blaze stretched upward, eating up the air and building to its full height.. A flash of left and right to the flame unfurled like wings and a long, slender section of flame jutted up before it all collapsed into the amorphous energy that was a fire.

Satisfied that the flame was lit, Goodshow stepped forward to the microphone, signaling that the match shall now be commencing.

---

Ash smiled to himself, taking a deep breath. His spirit was contagious, his energy boundless. Basking in the announcer's praise, Ash shouted out to the calm, composed dragon master opposite to him, as their trainer boxes elevated to their towers.

"Hey, Lance!" He called, grinning at his opponent. "Kissed your title one last goodbye kiss? You won't get a chance later…" A glimmer in his eyes, he shouted across the field. "I've come to this battle to win!"

An uproar of applause rang for Ash, inarguably from the fanbase he'd gathered during the tournament.

"A lot like Red,'' Lance exasperated, ''But with an ego.''

"I'll show you why…'' Ash smirked, punching a hand into his palm.

"Trainers! Prepare yourself!''

The field parted, revealing a giant pool to overwrite the regular muddy field. A giant bowl, that could have been a Wailord's fishbowl was being ascended into the platforms.

"There you have it folks! Time to unveil the battlefield! We call this one the Black Sea Bowl! It comes with a depth of 200 meters, inspired by the largest meromctic basin in the world. This bowl calls for maximum control! If the guys don't choose a water type, they'll at least need a life preserver!"

"Oh man, Rex! This is one of the extreme battlefields! This pool is totally harbourless and no one knows for sure what's under those waves…except the pool cleaning guy…''

A referee stepped to the sideline, a flag tucked into his shorts at either hip and a whistle around his neck. He raised his arms up, commanding the attention on the field. He patiently waited for the crowd's whistles to drown down, it wasn't happening anytime soon. Asking them to maintain silence was like asking the wind to turn around and blow something else. Soon, the shrieks reduced to chatter and the referee found his cue.

"This battle is an official Pokemon League battle for the Pokemon League Championship of the Kanto Region. This will be a full six against six battle, and the match will be over when one of the two trainers will have lost all six pokemon under the conditions of unconsciousness, overfatigue, sickness, disqualification or forfeit. The four move limit has been lifted for this battle. There will be a short break once either of the trainers lose three Pokemon. After that there will be a change in the battlefield. Just like the every league battles, only the challenger is allowed to make substitutions. There will be no consumption of any healing items or items that boost stats. The same rule applies to usage of Mega Evolution, Z Moves or Dynamaxing your Pokemon. Trainer who violates the rules will be disqualified immediately. There will be no time limit! Are we clear on the rules?''

Ash adjusted the brim of his cap. Lance nodded, respecting the authority. The referee was satisfied and spoke into his body mic, his command booming from the stadium's PA speakers so that everyone could hear.

"Very well. Battle, begin! Champion, please choose the first Pokemon and Challenger, will have the first move!"

The shrieks and frenzy roaring was unleashed. His signature cape swirled behind him, Lance displayed a stunning movement in his hands, as he lobbed the Pokeball in the air. "Aerodactyl, let's go!''

Ash wore a gentle smile as he watched the prehistoric Pokemon take shape, screeching clamorously upon being released. For a Pokemon who remained angry and violent whole life, this one was pretty calm spotting thousands of people and a pool below, as it orbited over the waters…miracles of Lance's training, nothing less to be expected from him. But if this battle needs to be fought in the sky, he had a veteran avian of his own.

"Pidgeot, I choose you!''

"Pidggg!'' The majestic bird, spread his wings, instantly airborne. Gaining an elevation upon Aerodactyl's level, he got the notion this was no walk in the park. His feelings listened to Ash's, sensing hesitance in his trainer's heart. This was undoubtedly one of the toughest battles of their career. The jumbotron chimed and the first Poké Ball graphics for Ash and Lance filled in with their corresponding Pokémon.

"Aero…''

"Geot!''

"That's the Pidgeot you told us about?'' Max whipped around to look at Brock. ''It's majestic. Can't believe I am seeing one of his oldest companions.''

As of now both Pokemon were moving like blurs in the air, fast for their existence in one place.

"Let's go, Pidgeot! Steel Wing!'' Ash yelled, starting off with an offense.

"Well our competitors are wasting no time! Just look at those two Pokemon, burning up the sky! Each from an era of their own!''

"Yeah, Talk about sky rage!''

"geoo…..'' the large bird clad his wings in lustrous steel before, and took off. Speed reformed and mastered, that Pidgeot's erratic patterns threw off Aerodactyl as it scanned the field wildly for his nimble target. Before even it could caw out, he was struck in the chest, as something swift yet with hard feathers zipped past him. The dragon cried out in aggravation, turning to snap at what was it, but he found nothing. Just the crowd looking marvelously at him.

"It's fast…'' Lance narrowed his eyes, covering his face with his cape against the water.

"Once again, go for Steel Wing!''

"Aerodactyl, use Dragon Breath!'' Lance hollered, outstretching an open palm, and grabbing the air in it.

Hacking before enveloping huge oxygen, Aerodactyl arose his mystic powers, shooting a green burning flame at the target. Pidgeot dashed forward, weaving in a spiral around the paralysis pulse, that eroded an iceberg floating on the water, the Bird Pokemon flew with both wings taking a silver coat.

"Rock Tomb!'' Lance ordered.

A plethora of rocks outlined with white were summoned by Aerodactyl, growing up to solidify into multiple large boulders, suspending around the Fossil Pokemon. Pidgeot had to rollover to the side from the fear of a rock crashing atop him, and slide to change direction.

The suspended rocks responded to Aerodactyl's screech, wiggling and then were hurled their fleeing target. Vitality still reserved to fight for long, Pidgeot darted away from the rocks. Those missed, pelted the surface, causing the water to splash up.

"Iron Head!'' Lance followed, spotting an opportunity to toy with the avain.

Pidgeot who was engrossed in evading the rocks, couldn't use the keen hawk eyes to see Aerodactyl was upto its sneaky maneuvers. Seconds ticked by, as a large, dark enveloping shadow fell in his back. Pidgeot felt something following him. The bird whirled around to find the mass that had created the shadow had gone. Just as Pidgeot was about to redirect his way, he felt the air leave his lungs, as a hard skull smashed into his breast, and sent skidding in the water.

"Whoa! Smackdown slam and Pidgeot is taking a swan dive into the water!"

With a gulp, and a cry for breath….Pidgeot was struggling with his talons to break out of the water.

"Damn! If Pidgeot goes in the water again, he won't be able to fly at his high speed!'' Ash frowned.

"…Where is the lifeguard…zzz…." Rotom Dex parroted inside the VIP room.

"As fast as Pidgeot was, its speed was seemingly no match for Aerodactyl! Pidgeot brings an awesome gust but Aerodactyl's totally in control!''

Not willing to give up his strategy yet, Ash made his next command. "Pidgeot, Twister!'' Ash punched forward.

The skies were whispering to the stadium about the danger that was about to unleash destruction upon everything that came in its way. The ashen clouds growled with thunder, flashes of light blinding any observers. The stillness of the damp air was incredibly misleading, but if one were to listen closely, they would hear all the warning signs.

The currents in the pool below began to churn wildly, Vortexes began to rise from the turbulent flow, The erosion here, coupled with the rapid flow of water, results in the turbulent swirling of the river and the creation of a whirlpool. Wind and water formed a reluctant partnership, as the whirlpool give birth to a column that towered on the surface, enveloping everything in its wrath.

"Oh oh! Looks like this was just the calm before the storm! Checkout the whirlpool where Pidgeot fell in the water!''

The hot winds began to rage, screaming like madmen in pain. As nature did what it was prone to, tubular formations began to rise themselves to the air like saucers of aliens. They spun and spun around invisible axes, gaining momentum and force as they gulped down the atmosphere.

The rocks that were drowned in the water were cut and sliced. There was nowhere for Aerodactyl to escape as the prehistoric Pokemon flew around the arena to gain a safe spot. Luckily, with the unbreakable invisible barriers, inspired by Aegislash's King Shield, the audience were protected, but the visuals scared them enough.

A physical whiplash of wind drew Aerodactyl in, winds were majorly disorienting. The storm began to batter the shrieking and scared rock type, as the prehistoric Pokémon was dragged helplessly through the vortex. The storm died down, enough that the twister ejected Aerodactyl in random directions at an insane velocity, catapulted meters away from where it started.

"Aerodactyl is in for some rough weather!''

Pidgeot emerged after calming the waters, the cold temperature left him shuddering, as he left it up to the winds to dry him off.

"Well, if Kyogre's not on desk, Pidgeot's sure bringing in the storm!''

"Well, that sure reminds me of something,'' Lance smiled, the mention of Kyogre pictured how Ash and Gang valiantly participated in the battle between Kyogre and Groudon.

"Aerodactyl, keep up with Pidgeot, using Iron Head!''

Glad that it was still in one piece having went through that vicious storm, Aerodactyl picked himself up from the ice disk, and zapped at Extremespeed to reach out, to rival Pidgeot's swift. The prehistoric Pokemon soon caught up to the regional bird, and rammed its hardened rocky head, to the bird's side. Sensing it was dangerous to stay closer to the bird, the pterosaur darted away into invisibility.

"He's concentrating on his attack…his defense is vulnerable…'' Ash observed. "Pidgeot, Feather Dance, full power!''

"Counter with Dragon Breath!'' Lance countered back.

With an irritated squawked, Pidgeot thrust his wings forward. A moment later, the air was filled with soft transparent feathers, forming into a furious cyclone, as they rushed towards Aerodactyl. If those could Aerodactyl, the game could have been in their favor. Ash cursed Lance under his breath, as Aerodactyl's blistering green flame doused and burnt the feathers into ashes. Using long ranged moves weren't gonna help him here. There had to be a weakness those two were just not seeing yet.

Dragon Breath soon overpowered the twister of feathers, heading out for Pidgeot, but the expert in aerial maneuvers swiftly dodged them.

"Rock Tomb!''

The prehistoric fossil was already upon Pidgeot, screeching. The air began to spit out the usual series of boulders, orbiting around Aerodactyl. One nerve released and they began raining down upon Pidgeot, pelting hi continuously.

"Pidgoo!'' the bird Pokémon cried.

"Steel Wing! But keep spinning!'' Ash rushed his command after watching horrendously.

"pidg…" The large avian uneasily fended off the showers, and complied the power into his wings with a silver glow reinforced with tough steel, whirling himself into a twister. Solid metal gyrating changed the course of the rocks, most of them being slashed and cut down in size as Pidgeot accelerated further in rotation, flying a tad feet atop a disengaged Aerodactyl.

"RO!''

"GEOT!'' the bird returned the assault in response, wielding his wings like two blades, solid steel clashing against the rock skull, striking the wholly unprepared pterosaur. Two more strikes, and Aerodactyl lost aerial control.

As the bird soared into the air, Aerodactyl thundered by, going so fast and so intently, claws outstretched to tear into Pidgeot. Ash wouldn't let the battle get physical, though.

"Pidgeot, use Hyper Beam!''

Aerodactyl was quickly racing towards, sharp fangs ready to sink in. The Bird Pokemon needed to keep his distance, and a sacrifice of mobility was needed. He parted his beak, huge orb of orange glowing inside, already grown to the size of a beach ball.

Gawking, the ancient emperor of the sky took a nose dive an instant before the unparalleled Hyper Beam made contact, just fast enough to avoid the collision, sent the Kanto's resurrection spiralling out of control. The beam of pure orange light slammed the Fossil Pokemon into the surface, dunking underneath. As the light faded, Pidgeot's flaps grew slower.

"Oh yeah…'' Ash sighed tiredly. ''That could work.''

"You think you won already, didn't you?'' Lance smirked, receiving Ash's attention.

"What?''

The water parted, as the dragon burst out from the water, gathering his bearings on the ground, groaning and growling ineffectually.

"geot!'' The Bird Pokemon cawed. Ash's head instantly perked up, adrenaline rushing. The bird was floating down, body too tired to even body had gone numb. Even though the birds were light as compared to others, they still needed functioning organs.

Squinting his eye, Lance bow his head and smirked with closed eyes. "Fatigue is a pernicious enemy. Luckily, we just know the remedy,'' throwing a hand outward. ''Aerodactyl, use Roost!''

Summarizing all the hits it took in last ten minutes, a multicolored aura shined upon Aerodactyl, a cold shower that he needed. All of his lost strength and vigor was flowing back into his body, making him replenished with pleasure.

"Quick, Mirror Move!'' Ash encouraged the Bird Pokemon.

Landing against an ice platform, the bird's crest fluttered with the wind, as he concentrated. What was that last move? With a laser spark that set upon Aerodactyl, Pidgeot was shielded by a rainbow aura as well.

Not bothered by their tricks, Lance order to resume the fight. ''Aerodactyl, Crunch!''

Aerodactyl's bright fangs took a shine, as he surged lunged forward, clamping his jaws. As the predator grew closer, Pidgeot was ready, limbs moving once again. Ash scanned around looking for a strategy. His smirked, as he found one.

"Flap you wings!''

"geo…!'' Beating his wings, the extremities working in a better condition than before, Pidgeot's gust caused the water to splash upon Aerodactyl, the water entering his mouth making him choke and writhe to spit out the liquid.

Eyes red from the water directly making contact with iris, Aerodactyl's vision was blurred. Aerodactyl recoiled. The primeval repeatedly shook his head for better sighting, however some prick from above slammed right onto him, dunking his face in the water.

"Is that legal?" Mark gasped.

"It is! Lance would have known all along that Aerodactyl is not safe around water!''

"Hey, it looks like it's working!'' Misty lit.

Grabbing Aerodactyl's shoulders with sharp talons, Pidgeot dunked the rock type's entire body into the water, dragging him to hit a floating block of ice, straight to the face.

"What level of tactics…so rough, so orthodox…so very effective…'' Lance mumbled.

Releasing the early predator, Pidgeot flew back at a safe distance, watching Aerodactyl surface and board an ice block hacking for breath, coughing up the water stored in his mouth.

"Now, all we do is go for one and it's over,'' Ash smirked under his finger. ''Steel Wing!''

Pidgeot swooped down for the block Aerodactyl was resting upon, preparing a backhanded slice of his wing, beautiful steel covered the extremity.

"Not so soon,'' Lance refuted. ''Double Team.''

Panting, Aerodactyl flickered and split into four copies, which then multiplied to sixteen, and on. Pidgeot sailed through Aerodactyl, or what was possibly his clone, beak crashing against the ice. He suddenly felt a jarring numbness in his head, his mind seemingly blank. Steel Wing died away, leaving him unprotected.

"Dragon Breath!''

A thunderous explosion rocked Pidgeot, sending him tumbling across the battlefield. He landed on all fours, disoriented. Dragon Breath had nailed him. Pidgeot tiredly raised his head up, only to be disappointed with confusion. Had he really been hit that critically to see multiple adversaries or was it just the reality?

"Let's see how you dodge this one… Rock Tomb!''

As if it wasn't vexing to find who amongst the split clones was the real one, Pidgeot's problems knew no bound as each one of the duplicates spread out, boulders dropping down as missiles. Like an opponent crucified, Pidgeot was too tired to move. Ash could only watch in horror as his Pokemon had its focus knocked right out of her, finally being pummeled by several more boulders. The devastating blows took their toll, as only Pidgeot's left wing was visible to the cameras, as several rocks still showered.

"Ash, do something!'' May cried.

"The brutality! A payback from Aerodactyl! Just look at the physical domination, Rex!''

Ash respired hard, not wanting the thought of Pidgeot losing crossing his mind. His eyes could see nothing but Pidgeot's wing which was trying to stop limping.

"Pidgeot…'' Pikachu whipped around, looking right above at his trainer. Ash's iris had been blue as he connected his aura to the avian's.

"I know you are in there and you are listening to me. You can't give up buddy…Not now, not after all we have been through. Just think, think of your family. Think of all Pidgeys and Pidgeotto you had sworn to lead. They wouldn't want to see you like this. Think of our teammates. Think of all your best pals that look up to you…Noctowl, Swellow, Staraptor, Unfezant and Talonflame…they are crying out to you, Pidgeot…so please give another shot….just this one time…''

Ash hung his head, Pidgeot's wing wasn't moving anymore. Pikachu stressed, scooting closer to his trainer's leg to pacify him. The referee who couldn't sense a movement of retaliation, raised his flag.

"WAIT! WHAT IS….WHAT THE…''

Ash whipped his head up, ignoring the announcer's astonishment. The pile of rocks were quaking, most of them sliding down in the water. With a hard cry, the rocks were batted aside to all directions, and Pidgeot stood back up on his talons, severely battered and appreciating any source of strong oxygen.

"Pidgeot! You're…''

"geot!'' the bird turned around for nod of confidence.

"Right there Mark! We can witness the love between a Trainer and a Pokemon! The most beautiful feeling in the world just took place, and I am glad to witness it live!''

"That's right Rex! But you witnessed it because Steve Spectre wasn't available to join me!''

"Dragon Breath!'' Lance called, fist now balling.

"Dodge it!''

The multitudes of Aerodactyl's launched their assault together, as the bird rolled across the ground to get away from Aerodactyl's fire, the attack ran out.

"Now here's something for your clones,'' Ash mocked the prehistoric Pokémon, pulling an eye. A grudge was always alive against the species

"Combine Twister with HeatWave!''

Cawing, Pidgeot took a steep dive, racing against the waters, making the currents twist against one another again. Pidgeot spun inside a spiral of wind that was endorsed by the pool. The rotating column gained height and ranged in strength, powerful enough to deform a skyscraper.

"Look at all that power!'' Tracey gasped.

Pidgeot shrieked, his feathers releasing a blistering, scorching gale inside the waterspout, the hot winds leaving orange trails inside the vortex, making the columns spiraled by orange flames. May gasped, this was a more powerful combination of her creation of fire spin and bubblebeam.

"What an amazing combination,'' May cooed, hand balling in fist.

Multiple clones died just by the slightest touch of the roaring tornado, leaving the real Aerodactyl exposed to the wrath of flames and curse of the weather.

"Boy! Ash really has the weather on his side today! Seems like the weather report girl lied to all of us!''

The twister took Aerodactyl as its prisoner again, circling him in its insides and spitting him out once t was done with him, before dying down. Lance took a step back, as water splashed in front of him, some part of his attire drenched.

Ash spoke quickly, trying to get the advantage. "Steel Wing!"

Aerodactyl was overwhelmed by the fury of another, shrieking wildly, only a few minutes away from going berserk. Battering Aerodactyl with a barrage of heavy iron wings, the bird established that it was by no means lightweight, despite its light bones.

"Take it down," Lance ordered. "Assurance!"

Aerodactyl retracted his head, quickly growing sick of the bird's onslaught. He roared, bringing two sets of dark malevolent claws down upon Pidgeot without mercy.

The bird plummeted, crashing into the water below.

"Pidgeot!" Ash gasped.

"Pi-chu-ka!" Pikachu called out in worry.

"Pidgeot had established his dominion, but looks like Aerodactyl still has the fight left in him!''

Ash frowned, looking up to Lance. He was silent. Ash's brows knit together. "Pidgeot's far from done!" Ash roared, pointing sky-high. "Pidgeot, Sky Attack!''

"pidgeo!'' the bird stormed out from the water again, less fazed by it. The chills no longer remained after Heat Wave. An explosive glow bathed Pidgeot in blue hues, the inner strength that was known to every bird awoken. Sky Attack's might build on. The Bird pokemon shone like a distant, vibrant nova, squawking a beautiful melody.

"geot….'' Pidgeot cried, smashing into Aerodactyl's jaw, knocking the latter higher.

"Crunch!'' Lance scowled at the sight and ordered.

Aerodactyl craned his neck, Pidgeot's wing right in front of his nose. A sick crunch split the air as Aerodactyl bit down, making even Ash flinch. Pidgeot's eyes bulged out and he flailed for a release out, Aerodactyl dug his teeth in, chomping down with increasing force every second.

"Pidgeot, use Feather Dance!''

Pidgeot steeled, forcing himself to fight through the pain and aim his glare down at the rock-type endeavoring to bite clean through his wing. The pain was unbearable. His wing was inside the mouth of a meat-eater. Struggling through the pain, Pidgeot sprinkled glowing white feathers atop Aerodactyl, like salt on food. A tangerine glow on the predator signified that it had been a success and Aerodactyl's crunch was no longer painful.

The rock type released the avian, suddenly seeming weary and weak to continue.

"Perfect timing for Feather Dance, I must say,'' Gary smirked.

Frustrated, Aerodactyl coiled his wings defensively around his hide, giving up altitude to guard. Seeing Aerodactyl cowering left Lance in a state of thoughtful shock, "Roost.''

Surrounded in a faint glow, he began to recover stamina.

"To use that move twice, I think we are doing pretty good." Ash grinned, filled with the rush of a high-stakes battle. "Sky Attack, don't let up!''

"geo!" Pidgeot flapped his wings, continuing flight. A soft glow emanated from his cream colored feathers, gathering from the Bird pokemon's remaining strength. Following Aerodactyl, he dipped into forward flight.

"Behind you!" Lance warned.

Aerodactyl heeded it, brutally swinging his tail behind him. He then felt recurring blows to his gut, much to his shock. He was grounded, wasn't he!?

"You've got him!" Ash encouraged, closing a fist. "Keep attacking!"

"pidg!" Pidgeot cried, his wings pressed to the ground under Aerodactyl. He repeatedly jabbed his beak against his opponent, feeling it flinch with every blow.

"Aero…!" Aerodactyl cried, losing composure with every strike. Even as Roost healed him, he felt his stamina slipping with every blow.

"Dragon Breath!'' Lance shouted, throwing an arm out.

Aerodactyl bared his fangs, firing a snapping storm of heat. Pidgeot shrieked, flattening his body across the ice floor. Green embers snapped over his body, basking him in heat. His heart raced. He'd only been inches from taking the attack's full force. Now, he laid with his wings spanned across the ground, at a Aerodactyl's feet.

"This is over," Lance said. Pidgeot was easy prey, now. "Iron Head!"

Aerodactyl glowered down upon the bird with a menacing grin. He raised his head, cladding with steel energy, and struck at Pidgeot.

"Steel Wing!''

Metal struck metal, as Pidgeot's last minute acrobat of curtaining behind his wing saved him from falling to Aerodactyl's iron head. Both Pokemon struggled to push one another, but nobody got anywhere.

"Assurance!'' Lance added.

A primal light ignited within Aerodactyl. He shrieked, rearing his head back before bashing it into Pidgeot's body. Breath knocked from his lungs, Pidgeot tumbled through the air. He found no relief, when he was battered by Aerodactyl's foreleg. He shook his head in mid-air, spinning to meet Aerodactyl. A smack of the dragon's tail left him airborne.

"Not good!" As grimaced, watching Aerodactyl relentlessly pursue Pidgeot. "Hang in there!"

Groggy, Pidgeot flapped his wings. He'd righted himself, but he could only see buzzed. Aerodactyl hovered over him, coated in a violent dark aura. The bird flinched. Aerodactyl roared, bringing his head down for a brutal headbutt. Pidgeot was sent flying, refusing to tense. He was sent plummeting towards Ash.

"Hang in there! Use Mirror Move!''

There was a gleam in the bird's eye, as Aerodactyl was upon him. Several glowing claws were raised, and struck. Pidgeot turned belly-up, falling into a backwards somersault. The wind kicked up with Assurance ruffled his feathers as he slipped by. Passing Aerodactyl, Pidgeot turned, delivering a brutal strike to the rock dragon's side.

Aerodactyl recoiled, hissing in anger. He turned to deliver his wrath, but Pidgeot was already gone. He heard Lance's voice.

"Above!"

Aerodactyl turned his head upward, and promptly suffered a painful blow to the skull, courtesy of Pidgeot's wings. Snarling, he snapped his jaws at Pidgeot out of instinct, only to eat thin air. A rising kick to the jaw silenced Aerodactyl's thoughts, and he roared with fury. He readied a Iron Head on his own, and felt a blow to his gut.

The two avian were drained by exchanging blows. This battle had equal competitors. Pidgeot panted from exertion, so much dark aura couldn't his talons able to take. Aerodactyl hacked, bruises and cuts visible to the camera. There was one last way to finish this.

"A stubborn effort,'' Lance remarked. ''yet it ends. Hyper Beam.''

The prehistoric Pokemon had already channeled all his rage in that small ball inside his mouth.

Ash yelled out, snapping his eyes back open. A Hyper Beam of that intensity would almost certainly prove fatal. "You use Hyper Beam as well!''

The Bird Pokemon looked opposite, and parted his beak mimicking the same brilliant orange light building inside his beak as well. The stadium shook, as the two energies met center stage. Waves danced violently to get atop each other, the icebergs were thrown away. An explosion rippled through the skies, igniting it with thick smoke.

Black smoke died away, the last of it trailing wings that crossed protectively over Pidgeot's slowly falling form. Ash's heart raced. Opposite, Aerodactyl had already given up consciousness, plummeting down. The two contestants fell from them, landing unceremoniously above thick blocks of ice.

The referee peered over, neither Pokemon in a condition to continue and raised a hand. "This round has been declared a tie as neither of the competitors can continue to battle!''

The jumbotron updated with the changes bringing a gasp on everyone's faces, as the images of both Pokemon were locked.

"Unbelievable! Both Pokemon knocked out, it's a tie!"

---

"…zzz…Am I the only one whose not surprised….''

"I…I have no words…'' Max stammered, "This is the caliber of Champions…''

"Pidgeot is strong but Aerodactyl was too much for him,'' Misty observed. ''What strategies can Ash possibly use against Pokemon that powerful…''

"I would say both Ash's and Pidgeot's abilities were put to test,'' Brock commented, holding up his chin. "I'm sure most of you have noticed the pattern since you all traveled with him at one point or another."

"Most of his Pokémon are usually speedy hard-hitters, Pikachu being the prime example," Misty pointed out.

"To even defeat Lance's one Pokemon pits you with the legends,'' Tracey remarked.

"I am particularly not worried,'' Gary snickered, becoming the center of attention. "He and his Pokemon are playing with a spirit….a spirit Lance may never have had. Ash just keeps getting better with every match. Lance would be a fool to underestimate him."

"Heheheh…'' Misty giggled. ''Should have taped you saying that. You weren't very warm with him using such words.''

"He'll always be the loser he is…'' Gary smirked.

Delia smiled. "Hehe, that's my boy! He's good at putting on the pressure!"

Nodding, May braced herself. With Max and Tracey by her side, she began cheering again. "Ash, Keep him on the rope!"

---

Biting his tongue to keep from cursing, Ash balled a hand into a fist.

"Great work," Ash commended, sadly sighing as the red bolt of light recalled Pidgeot back into the sphere. "I am definitely proud!''

Ash watched Aerodactyl disappear from the field, and stood. Toying with the brim of his cap, he sent Lance a smirk. "Wanting to test my skills, you said?"

The middle-aged man met him with cold indifference, and silence. "They still need scrunity…''

Ash laughed to himself. "Then what was the first round about?'' Ash smirked, as Lance drew his second Pokeball.

"Kingdra!'' Lance chucked the Pokeball with another back handed throw. The flash straight entered into the pool, the figure emerging from beneath was the great Dragon Pokemon, one of the earliest to be discovered. It landed in the now calming waters with a splash and looked ready to fight.

"Lapras, I choose you!''

Ash pitched the PokéBall perfectly onto the field and it burst open, releasing the Transport Pokémon onto the water. The crowd roared approvingly and the jumbotron chimed as it reflected the change. Melodiously humming, one that could even change a cruel heart, Lapras locked horns with a giant head opposite to her. Someone with the same field advantage as her, this could be fun.

---

"Whoa…nobody told me he's brought back Lapras,'' Misty beamed delightfully. ''Look at the Tracey.''

"I am!'' the discoverer laughed. ''Man, it's been long. That Lapras was way too much handy.''

"It was just a baby when you last saw her. Look how big she's grown.'' Misty sparkled.

"Obviously he has put a lot of thought in choosing Lapras,'' Brock mumbled. ''Lapras being a part Ice type is not only super-effective against a dragon type like Kingdra, but if Kingdra has the special ability Swift Swim, which is active only when it rains, it will also boost Lapras water type moves."

"Also not to forget,'' Gary added. ''Lapras has the ability Water Absorb. Water type moves won't harm Lapras. That's a bigger advantage.''

"Is that a dragon? It looks like some giant seahorse to me." Max stated.

"May,'' Misty regained the brunette's attention. ''Are you and I close enough for me to choke your brother.''

''Yeah…knock yourself out,'' May permitted nonchalantly.

---

The crowd thundered as the two Pokemon float.

"The second session is set to begin! Man, this crowd is pumped!''

"Not nearly as pumped as Lance is! He likes to make a short work of his opponents!''

"Lapras, Smart Strike!'' "Kingdra, Agility!'' Both trainers leaned in their trainer boxes, riling to get the battle started.

"It's a strong start for both players, but Ash will need a miracle to beat Lance and Kingdra!''

The waters parted as the two Pokemon collided, shoving each other in the middle. Kingdra, a veteran of such battles, won this contest however, since he accelerated his snout further, throwing off Lapras at a few feet distance.

"Smart Strike again!'' Ash pressed, eager to feel the fruits of the move that never missed.

"Obstruct their view," Lance ordered. ''Use Smokescreen!''

Barely a flicker was seen before thick, black smoke surrounded the field, and soon Lance's entire end of the fray. Lapras began to cough agonizingly, before another swoosh crashed into her, pushing her aside. She sniveled, as she was repeatedly jabbed by an unknown presence.

"Take a dive underwater!''

Taking the advantage of the terrain, Lapras soon submerged herself underneath, but that didn't stop Lance. He had other plans.

"Whirlpool!'' Lance hollered, jubilant that his plan worked.

"The tide has turned against Ash, and Kingdra is making its move."

"Whoa! Kingdra has turned this dish into a spin cycle!''

The waters began to start swirling, making people think that the pool was being drained. A water spout emerged from the pool, the shadow of Lapras beneath shown dragging towards it through the vortex. Her cries were obstructed by the water.

Ash smirked, ''Perfect…''

"Pika?'' the mouse gasped. Why was Ash smiling?

"Command the waters!" Ash threw a hand out. "Surf!''

The pool rumbled, as if the waters had enough of churning today. They were the boss of their own now. Excessive waters rushed into a giant tidal wall, ricocheting Lapras up to the peak of the tidal wave she rode like a queen, the rushing water roared and leaped down on the Whirlpool below, waves swept across the field, spilling all over.

"Toodies-poodles! Why didn't I bring an umbrella today!''

"Cool it, Mark! We are safe in this cabin!''

"Amazing….'' Lance couldn't move his eyes from the rushing waters that slapped anything that came in its vicinity. "He has changed. I can see it in the splendor and strength of Lapras. This is the beauty and power of working as a team.''

"Body Slam. Lapras!'' Ash cried.

The Transport Pokemon took a dive, springing from the wave and spread out her flippers right into the center of the Whirlpool where Kingdra stood, flabbergasted.

"Now that takes guts! Jumping right into the eyes of the Whirlpool!''

Lapras came down to crush Kingdra under her body, by now even the waters had stopped whirling, making the pool calm. Lance, recovered from his thoughts, taking over to command the Dragon Pokemon.

"Use Dragon Pulse!''

Kingdra righted himself, firing a violet blast from his snout, beckoning the image of a ravaging dragon spewing flames, from old fairy tales. And, this assault was all too real. Dragon Pulse rocked Lapras's fall making her hurl into some corner of the pool. Black smoke billowed around the impact point.

"That Dragon Pulse was a lot stronger,'' Ash observed, fingers clenching. ''Of course, I assumed Kingdra's ability to be Swift Swim, where as it was Sniper.''

"That is correct,'' Lance confirmed. ''Now Kingdra's Special Attacks will be the real threat.''

Lapras winced, her underside scorched.

"That looked critical,'' Max gasped.

"Go Kingdra, Agility!'' Lance called.

"..dra…'' Pouting his snout, the Dragon Seahorse lunged forward, retaliating another swift blow to the side. Lapras staggered back with her flippers, but Kingdra swiped again, lunging from the water, with a side tackle.

"Lapras! Use Smart Strike!''

"Impeccable of Lance to use Agility as a physical type move,'' Brock mumbled.

The sea Pokemon concentrated, sensing the water. She communicated with them, persuading them to reveal any information about her opponent. She could hear the waters racing, as a the blue branches atop Kingdra's head were surfacing up, whirrs created behind meant he was racing out for her, with another jab ready.

"Argh! Enough!'' the plesiosaur shrieked, short horn glinting in silver. Thrusting forward, Lapras poked her head right into Kingdra's abdomen as the latter had taken another leap from the water, for a hat-trick. Toppling off the water, the sea horse was careened through platforms for his insolence.

"Lapras, Hydro Pump!'' Ash grimaced.

Lapras didn't hesitate, spitting a huge blasting torrent at Kingdra.

"Kingdra, dodge with Agility, and use Dragon Pulse!''

Kingdra expertly dodged leaving its afterimages behind, zipping the path out of Hydro Pump's reach. Nevertheless, it opened its mouth wide, conjuring a violet swirl of energy. The powerful energy washed over Lapras, she bayed rocketing into an iceberg. The block shattered by her strong, impenetrable shell.

"Don't rest up! Toxic!'' Lance closed a fist, and called the attack as if he were sealing the match with it.

Frustration was evident in the dragon's demeanor. "King!" It spat a bubbling orb of purple liquid. "dra! Dra! Dra! Dra!" Its pitch and volume increased until it was just spitting out globs in waves of poisonous liquid.

"I have heard what 'backed against the wall' is! Now I am seeing it!''

"Body Slam!''

Bouncing off the cold remains of iceberg, Lapras launched herself off in the air, leaving the spectators gasping. Such a huge mass, airborne! Unbelievable! The poison drenched nothing but the ice, adhesiveness melting the top in toxic emits.

"Use Hydro Pump once again!''

Spreading her flippers to make a soft landing on the surface, she fueled her water supply before firing the jet.

"Take a dive!'' Lance spread his hands.

"dra!" the water type immerse itself down. Hydro Pump hit, making the water that splashed up into fury. The waters were separated like two continents were drifting apart, a sight to behold.

"Man, that's one speedy Pokemon,'' Ash managed a stressful laugh. "Oh I know, Body Slam on top of the water!''

The Transport Pokémon did just as told, confident in her trainer's plan. All her weight, was channeled into her underbelly, the muscles in her flippers suddenly seemed heavier. Striking the pool with a mighty slam, she sent tremors through the arena. The pool rumbled again, and the shockwave threw Kingdra up out of the water, clearly caught off-guard.

"That worked!'' Gary coughed into his juice.

"Quick Lapras, Smart Strike now!''

Lapras dashed over the waters, she threw herself at Kingdra, almost having it now.

"Kingdra, dodge with Agility!''

Lapras struck. Where Kingdra had been, she'd only hit thin air. The breath was suddenly knocked from her lungs, her entire body slammed by a blue blur from below. She tried to recall her trainings back in the old days. Lapras wasn't a speedster but she was exceptionally talented being a powerhouse. She had trained with rapid opponents like Lucario, Sceptile and Infernape. The key now lied in prediction.

"Yeah, I am thinking that too….'' Ash grit, "Agility is quite interfering. It makes Kingdra notably fast in air, on the water and even underwater. But every time Kingdra makes a hit, its jumping out of the water. Hey, I get it….It's because Lapras is far tall for it. I got it!"

"Hey Lapras, use Hydro Pump on the water, once again!''

A gargling cry followed, a powerful, persistent jet firing out of the Pokémon's open mouth. The torrent assaulted the surface of the waters, chasing the silhouette of the dragon underneath. The large sea horse soon burst out, snout glimmering to strike on the plesiosaur.

"Now, Freeze Dry on its tail!''

Alerted, the blue dinosaur craned her neck, firing a forking ray of frigid energy at her foe, Kingdra. Light blue glare enveloped the battlefield, striking Kingdra like a lightning bolt, costing the dragon its agility and making the water type plummet down in the water, due to the added weight of the frost. The spreading numbness weighed the disoriented Pokemon down, making it sink faster.

"What is a Freeze Dry?'' May arched her brows, immediately turning over to Tracey or Brock.

"It's an Ice Type move that is supper-effective against Water Types. In one way, if it's better than Ice Beam, you just saw why.'' Brock educated.

"Kingdra, use spin for a Whirlpool! That will take the frost off!''

Kingdra began twisting the pool into a ferocious eddy, it warped into a raging vortex. The roar of it was so loud that it drowned out all other noise in the stadium. Just as the water was whipped up into a fury, so was the crowd. The cruel ice couldn't handle the rotation before slowly crackling before being burst.

Ash's eyes widened. "We gotta use that move now, Drill Run!''

As it approached the submerged Lapras, she braced herself. Her horn began to glow. As she felt it suck her in, she allowed herself to go straight for the bottom of it. Once there, she started whirling inside the pool, twisting herself as a driller. This move was far more effortless in water rather for her to use on land. She gushed forward, entering the Whirlpool, smacking Kingdra away.

Shifting and shaking like a building struck by a strong wind, the Whirlpool began to falter. Then, it failed! The waters calmed and Lapras surfaced for air before giving a victorious mewl to Ash.

"I knew you could do it!'' Ash praised.

"Pika Pi!'' the mouse cried, signaling Ash that Kingdra was gonna foully pay for that.

"Toxic!'' Lance urged.

Leaking out of Kingdra's snout was a toxic trail of purple liquid. Brewing into a bubble, it flashed over Lapras before completely concealing her. A sparkling, gassy purple mist exploded from the collision point, showering contaminated water vapor over the pool spanning the arena.

Ash's cool demeanor briefly slipped. "Just when I thought everything was gonna be smooth…''

"Kingdra almost closed the deal with a well timed Toxic! This could turn the tides for Ash!''

Lapras cringed, as the assault of the poison took over. Two things to worry about now, making her concentration split.

"Dragon Pulse! Full power!" Lance yelled, deciding to end things.

"Surf!''

Quickly surfacing, Kingdra leaped from the water before releasing a blue-hot beam of draconic power. Suddenly, one side of the body of water lowered and the other lurched higher. It then rolled across the entirety of the pool under Lapras's command.

Kingdra, however, merely remained underwater, swimming only as was needed to correctly orient itself. It tore through the pool, blasting the tide with all of its strength. The water around the attack bubbled and boiled briefly before cooling just as quickly. Steam rose to the surface from the force of it. This set a decisive tone for the match.

"Body Slam!''

"La!'' The attention soared as a shadow spread on the pool, the huge mass of Lapras that rode the wave s shouldn't have been forgotten. Huge mass latched on Kingdra, making it dunk once again in the water, with both Pokemons weight sucked in by the pool.

"Smokescreen!"

Gasping, Kingdra spit out a charred sphere, one whose containment couldn't sustain for long, condensing the pool with dark waters, leaving Lapras below with a limited air intake. Taking the advantage of stripped vision, Kingdra distanced itself while Lapras surfaced up. Inflicted poison status had naturally slowed the Transport Pokemon, leaving her condition deterioting after every move she used.

"This is getting harder and harder…'' May held a fist to her chest.

"It's the most important battle of his life, dear.'' Delia smiled. ''Let's not expect anything less.''

"Hey Lapras…'' Ash grinned, heart taken too much. The Transport Pokemon shook her head, turning towards her trainer with red eyes caused by all the coughing. "You have been amazing so far, right from the start when I found you bullied on that beach."

"Lap…''

"And all those journeys we had. I got the feeling of your stamina when you would carry us from island to island, and then that battle we had together in Pummelo Island. You have always made me proud, Lapras,'' Ash sighed, fidgeting with his visor so that he couldn't look in her eyes. ''It was hard to see you go with your family, and equally pleasing to see you again in Johto. It was hard to find you again, but when I asked you to come with us, you didn't hesitate. We battled many opponents, and grew stronger together, but now, this is something we have to win, or all those hardships would mean nothing.''

"Lapras!'' the sea monster swam closer to Ash's trainer booth, eyes furrowed with determination.

"But if we wanna win this, we need to make some…sacrifices…" Ash choked. "So will you do as I say?''

"Lapras!'' the Transport Pokemon nodded. The poison didn't hurt as much as her trainer's tears.

"Then use Perish Song!''

"Lap!'' Turning over, the Pokémon began to sing in a deep, haunting tone, its noble head thrown up to allow its notes to reverberate throughout the stadium. Fortunately, they only went so far, stopping short of affecting Pokémon hanging in the audience. But they did strike the ears of Kingdra swimming below, who cringed, taking in an eerie sense of foreboding. This song, it was haunting…asking something in return and it was its consciousness.

"And Lapras throws in down with a beautiful yet soul stripping Perish Song! With the stipulation that Lance can't make substitutions, Lance's Kingdra now has a only three chances left to finish of Lapras! And that's the only way to save itself from a terrible fate!"

"Lapras…We gotta give it all we have! Stone for Brick, okay!'' Ash encouraged. "We'll knock them out, and if we do that before three turns, I'll immediately recall you!''

"Lapras!'' the sea Pokémon nodded.

"Hmph,'' Lance drawled. ''Think you got this? Dragon Pulse!''

The stout dragon's snout, became the bearer for the bright, potent violent energy that charged in moments, and was sent soaring in a swirl, a dragon head roaring at the front.

"We'll bleed if we must to win!" Ash combated, swiping a hand across. ''Drill Run!''

The trainer was growing excited, thrilled by the way that his Pokemon insisted on going-all out against the opponent and intrigued by the way Kingdra's solemn demeanor. Lapras trotted her flippers forward, her horn shining before growing substantially. She began spinning violently, as the pulsing draconic power heaved on her. While she still took damage from it, she kept the move from being a finishing blow. She split the brunt of it, creating an almost cone shape around her form. When the attack finished, there was the water type, floating on her shaking flippers

Ash's smile widened as Lapras warded the worst of Dragon Pulse off, certainly creative in her counters.

"Wow, they fended off that Dragon Pulse, just by spinning,'' May blinked. ''I could do something like that with Wartortle's Rapid Spin.''

"They are going for the defense!" Rex remarked.

Satisfaction couldn't be contained for long as violet bubbles barraged at Lapras again, her stamina depleting.

"Oh man, taking all those critical hits, and now this Toxic,'' Ash bit, softly convincing Lapras. ''Just a little more, bear with me please.''

"Lap~"

"Hydro Pump!''

"Aurora Beam!''

Roaring gushes met the multicolored wave of rings in the middle, surging powers coiling against one another.

"Oh man! These two are really going at it!''

"Darn it!" Ash's hair whipped back when the attacks collided, the air getting more and more chillier. A concussive blast resulted as the two energies raged on, knocking Lapras and Kingdra backwards, demeaned by the mean force.

"Just one turn left before Perish Song takes effect!''

Lance's face remained blank, he was aware of the consequences. This was Kingdra's final chance for redemption, but if it even if it finished Lapras now, it was gonna lose anyway. Ash's plan had worked brilliantly.

"Kingdra! Giga Impact!''

From the water, Kingdra stirred, summoning an aura of swirling devastating energy around its body. This had raged on for too long, and if it was gonna lose, it still wouldn't be slain. Even the waters thinned and calmed, who wanted to witness this battle, as the water-dragon hybrid surfed forward, within a layer of explosive energy.

"This is it, Lance! Do or die!''

"Lapras, push that iceberg in front of you!'' Ash commanded, more passionately than his previous commands.

The Pokemon nodded, swimming past to challenge her might against the floating iceberg, thrusting it forward as a shield. Giga Impact connected against the wall, the thick ice shielding Lapras, gradually weakening the explosive power. However, it penetrated the defenses, and hampered Lapras, but all strength was lost upon the ice, giving Lapras her chance.

"Freeze Dry full power!'' Ash clenched his fists close.

"Dra!'' the dragon gawked, intimidated by the glowering eyes of the Transport Pokemon. She parted her maw, releasing an intermittent freezing ray, the blast cut through air and struck Kingdra's snout, rocketing the Dragon Type in a blast of frigid air, not all that dexterous when it came to flying, crashing against Lance' trainer tower, sliding down. Fierce eyes, turned to defeated swirls.

Lapras turned around, to share the victorious chant, however Ash' silence and frown told her otherwise. Her body underwent some sort of change, as her limbs stopped moving. She realized her wakefulness was slipping away, and she managed one last affectionate smile to Ash and Pikachu, before her long neck slammed the water front.

The referee gazed at both Pokemon, before whistling and raising both the red and the green flags, ''Kingdra and Lapras are unable to battle! This round too ends in a tie!''

The jumbotron pinged, declaring the result, darkening Lapras and Kingdra's graphic under the trainer portraits.

"It's a tie again! What a tremendous power play between these two Pokemon!''

"A tie, you say Mark! I would say Ash took this round, exploiting the stipulations. He knew Lance couldn't substitute, therefore, Kingdra was in the void of Perish tunes! But it all came at cost of Lapras! Man, I would have wanted to see more of that Pokemon!''

"I won't your sacrifice go in vain, Lapras,'' Ash squeezed the Pokeball, as he returned the sea Transport Pokemon.

"Man, that was close.'' Misty mumbled.

"These two were gonna be goners any minute,'' Tracey agreed.

"Ash seems to have really done his homework,'' Gary unfolded his legs. ''They just have to be more careful from now on.''

Lance gripped Kingdra's ball, recalling Kingdra to return and pocketing the Pokeball in his coat somewhere.

"Oh man! Two Pokemon down! These guys are under a lot of pressure!''

"Are you kidding? These guys love pressure! Look in their eyes!"

Across the field, Lance was stunned into silence. He was being kept at bay. His eyes flashed dangerously, as he uncrossed his arms to pull out his next Pokemon.

"If you are judging me for giving up Lapras, don't think I abandoned my Pokemon, Lance.'' Ash scowled. ''My Pokemon understood it was the only way to beat ya.''

"No,'' Lance lifted a hand, stopping Ash from continuing. ''I am just impressed. Your Pokemon made a sacrifice because it responded to your feelings, and its heart was connected to yours. When we first met, you were the same. You have grown now, and so is the bond between you and your Pokemon. I can tell by seeing Pidgeot and Lapras battle. For them to trust you so much…it only means your adventures have changed you. You are one, pure-hearted trainer.''

Ash was stuttered. ''That's right…I can go to any lengths to save them, and they will too. I won't matter if I beat you or not, I will be powerful because I have my Pokemon.''

Lance smiled, declining to comment further. Pulling the sphere out of his coat, the redhead threw the ball into the pool. The giant shadow formed inside the pool, expanding into a curl. Immediately, the shape of Pokemon registered in Ash's eyes.

"Oh uh…''

Gyarados exploded from the water, in an agonizing roar that made the little children shriek into their mothers embrace. A Pokemon with hardly pleasant demeanor, slammed his tail against the back of the water, making it lurch behind.

Towering over the field, with a blood chilling grunt, Gyarados snarled closer. Ash wasn't unfazed, having battled Misty's Gyarados not long ago.

"Pika pi!''

Ash chuckled, his challenges tougher than the previous. ''I may be gambling here with this one.'' He unclipped a Pokeball and gazed at it.

"Pi?''

"Yup, it's him alright.''

---

And you have to find out in the next chapter, who it will be! I hope this was satisfying. One more coming next week or possibly the week after. Really a lengthy battle, it's gonna be but a hair-raising one! If you liked this chapter, please consider posting a review! This is a big one, so I'd really love to hear a feedback!

Well, can say for sure no one was waiting to watch the episode today but the preview airing along with it. Come on, be honest. Anyway, a week more to go for Ash's old Pokemon to return. Dying to see Infernape take on Moltres! Would it have killed to add Squirtle alongside Bulbasaur and Charizard, after they scene him with the Squirtle Squad in Sun and Moon?!

New faces are returning in the series, I have fingers crossed for many more main characters. Would love to see May or Dawn back!

Anyway, gotta go! Will bring you the next chapter in two weeks!