Author's Note: Yes, this story is rated M for good reasons other than me being cautious. Soon, we'll be getting to the steamy bits, nothing too bad, yet. Just a warning, I don't know what censorship is.

7: The Opening Ceremony Begins!

The Galar region was everything Ash hoped it would be. Massive, wild, and a place he knew would challenge him. When they landed in Wyndon, however, he saw a city almost as grand as Lumiose City of Kalos.

"Look, Ash, a ferris wheel," Serena pointed out as they walked through the city, "I wonder if there's an amusement park?"

Ash smiled at her, "Should we check it out later?"

Serena beamed at him, "Oh, yes, please!"

Frowning at the two of them, Max made a disgusted face, "I think I'm gonna be sick," he groaned while making gagging sounds.

Bonnie dope-slapped him upside the head, "Could you be any less mature!"

"I'm feeling kind'a sick myself," Paul grumbled,eyeing the couple, "I thought I'd feel better after Barry left to go off on his own, but the queasiness is still there."

Dawn looked ready to smack him like Bonnie had with Max, "Just blame it on jet lag and keep quiet." She said, before looping her left arm through his right, "Besides, are you saying that you don't wanna do the same things they are?" She batted her eyes at him for good measure.

It worked as Paul blushed and grumbled quietly to himself while just Delia laughed at the newest couple. "Ah, young love."

Ash chuckled, having forgotten that they weren't alone. "You know, I wonder if the tournament will start up right away, or if we'll have time before the battles start."

Serena tapped her chin in thought, "Well, since this is such a massive tournament, then I'd guess that the battles will start as soon as all of the top eight have arrived."

"Which means we won't have time for much else until after I battle," Ash said thoughtfully, "Id really like to have some time to explore."

"Pika pika," Pikachu agreed from inside Ash's bag, as usual.

Serena reached down and gave his hand a squeeze, "Don't worry, after the battles are done, we'll have plenty of time."

The group headed to the center of the bustling city, and found themselves at the foot of Rose Tower, where they would be staying for the duration of the opening ceremony.

When they entered it was to find a familiar face waiting for Ash. "I was wondering when you would arrive, Champion Ketchum." Steven Stone smiled brightly at the young man, reaching out to shake his hand, "It's good to see you again my friend."

Ash smiled and took hold of his hand in a firm grip, "You, too, Steven." He grinned, "Glad to see you decided to come out of retirement."

Steven grinned right back at him, "Well, when I heard about this tournament, I just had to put my name in the eighth spot," he said, "Though it does irk me to be ranked below a green horn like you." He joked.

Ash smirked, "Green horn, huh?" Ash laughed, "I've been doing this for nearly ten years, you can hardly call me a green horn by this point."

Steven chuckled as he took in the group of people with him, "That I can't," he said, recognizing Paul, "Ah, you're Brandon's son, aren't you?"

Paul's eye twitched, "What of it?"

"Paul," Dawn cautioned him with a hiss, "I'm sorry, Mister Stone, he's - "

"Just like his dad," Steven chuckled, "I meant nothing by it, young man," he said to the young man, "I have great respect for your father, and your family as a whole, especially since your father has a Registeel."

Paul gained a small smirk on his face, "He does love his Regi-trio."

"That would be sextet, now." Steven said, much to the boy's confusion, "He recently caught Regigigas, as well as two newly discovered Regis here in Galar, a Dragon and Electric-type if I'm not mistaken." He smiled widely, "He's looking forward to facing you, you know?"

Paul nodded, "So am I." He clenched his fists tightly, "I can finally show him just how strong I've become."

Steven smiled at him and looked toward the two girls that were clinging to their respective boys, and the two younger trainers, "Well, now I feel like the odd man out," he chuckled, "I'm the only one without a lovely young lady as an escort!" He laughed as Max and Bonnie glared at each other pointedly stepped away form each other. His eyes landed on Delia, who grudgingly held up her left hand to show off her wedding band.

"Let me introduce you," the younger Champion said, "Dawn you've met, and you seem to already know Paul," Ash nodded to the bluenette, who gave him a friendly wave from Paul's side, "This is my mom, Delia," he gestured to Delia, who smiled at him, "Max and Bonnie, two young trainers I've traveled with before," Max gave a huge grin while Bonne gave a little bow of her head before Ash gestured to the girl on his left, "and this is Serena from Kalos, and she's - "

"Ash's girlfriend," Serena finished for herself as she reached out to shake his hand.

Steven smiled and returned the gesture, "Glad to meet you, my dear," he said, "Now, why don't we find out your room numbers, and then we can meet up with the others so that we can get things underway."

Ash nodded as he escorted them to the front desk where Ash saw another familiar face. "Lance?" The Kantonian Dragon Master turned his head and gave a small smile toward them before his eyes landed on Delia. Unseen by the group of teenagers, Mrs. Ketchum's cheeks gained a faint dusting of pink to them as she locked eyes with Lance. Lance quickly broke the eye contact, and focused on the group of youngsters.

"Ash, it's good to see you again," he said as he took the boy's hand, "Man, you've certainly grown since I last saw you!"

Ash grinned. True, three years ago, he had barely come up to Lance's chest in height, but now the two of them were close to the same height, with Ash being only slightly shorter. "I'm glad I got to see you before the tournament started," Lance said, "I'm sorry that this whole mess stopped your traveling. I know how much you enjoy it."

Ash just shrugged, "There's always next year," he said, "Besides, I've traveled enough for myself." He smiled as he started introducing the group. Ash he got to his mother, Lance stepped up to her and knelt to kiss the back of her hand.

"It's an honor to meet the amazing woman that raised such a strong son." Lance said as Steven gave the pair of them a questioning look while Delia blushed heavily.

Suddenly, Steven had a grin on his face, and decided to move things along. Ash was given the keys to their rooms and handed them and Pikachu off to his mother before Lance and Steven escorted him to the elevators to meet up with the other Champions.

Delia sighed as she watched them go, and turned to the others, "Dawn, Bonnie, you two can bunk together, Paul, do you mind sharing with Max?"

"So long as he doesn't snore, or annoy me, I'll be fine," Paul shrugged as Dawn looked a little disappointed. "You've got the suite all to yourselves, I guess?"

"That doesn't mean you can't come over," Serena told him, "As a matter of fact, I'd like it if you did. I wanna hear more about your dad and his Pokemon."

Paul nodded, "Alright."

ガラル

The meeting was to take place on the tenth floor where the dinning room was located. Ash felt slightly nervous, as well as excited to be meeting and battling the other Champions as the three of them exited the elevator. Steven suddenly latched onto Lance's arm, "You go on ahead, Ash," the Steel-type expert said, "There's something I'd like to speak with Lance about before this all starts."

"Alright," Ash nodded, "See you there."

Steven smiled as he left before turning a hard glare on Lance, "Does he know who you are?" He demanded.

Lance was visibly shaken by the man's sudden ire, "Of course he does," he said, "All of Kanto and Johto know who I am."

"That's not what I mean, and you know it, you fool," Steven snapped quietly, "I saw the way you acted around the boy's mother, and how she looked at you." He glared as Lance's face hardened, "The only reason anyone looks at a person the way you two looked at each other is love, Lance. Which leads me to believe that either Ash's mother is being unfaithful to whomever gave her that ring, or that you gave it to her yourself."

Lance glared at the man, "You are stepping on thin ice, my friend."

"Ah, so you're saying that Mrs. Ketchum is being unfaithful?" Steven asked.

"Of course not!" Lance snapped loudly.

Steven tightened his grip on the man's arm, "Then tell me this, Lance," he growled, "Are you, or are you not Ash's father?"

Lance pulled himself out of the man's grip, "What does it matter?" Lance snarled, "We share no features."

"I know for a fact that you've changed your face before becoming a Champion," Steven said, "I have a feeling that had that not happened, you and Ash would be nearly identical."

Lance frowned, his brow knitting together, "I had no choice, Steven," he said, "You think I wanted this to happen?"

"Wanted what to happen, exactly?" Steven pressed, "That your own son can't recognize you for reasons you can't give?"

Lance growled at the man, "I hope I face you in the first rounds," he sneered. "Listen, when we were young, I ran afoul with the leader of Team Rocket."

"The man that runs Viridian City's Gym?" Steven asked, "So what? He knows better than to expose himself for what he truly is."

"He didn't," Lance said, "After Delia and I married, he sent someone after me. I was hurt fairly badly during the attack, and Delia was beside herself because of it." He sighed as he looked across the room where Ash was greeting Chairman Rose and being introduced and re-introduced to the other Champions. "It was after that incident that I decided to change my appearance so that Giovanni couldn't recognize me. He didn't know anything about Delia or my son, thank Arceus for that, but I couldn't go anywhere near her. So I had to watch her bring our son into the world alone, and raise him without me there."

"And after I became the Kanto Champion, Giovanni was finally within arms' reach." He sneered, "But that slippery son of a bitch kept getting away with his schemes. So I went on the get more power, and became Johto's Champion. Forming my G-men after that was the best coarse of action since I had that man by the throat. He could barely move now that I had my people looking out for him."

"And thanks to you, most of his Team Rocket members have been taken into custody." Steven put out, "Lance, don't you think it's time to at least let your son know that you're alive, and that you at least care about him?"

Lance snapped around and glared, "What do you know about it?" He demanded, "I've spent my son's entire life away from him, and I've never even got to hold him as a baby, he doesn't even know that I've been there the whole time, watching out for him when I could! What would he say, what would he do if I just came up and told him that I'm...I was his father."

"That's something that you need to figure out, and soon, I should think," Steven said, "Delia obviously still loves you, if the look in her eyes was any indication. And that boy is about to enter a tournament that will make, or break him. He needs you right now."

Lance took a deep breath, "Now, you see, that's where you're wrong." He nodded to where Chairman Rose was speaking to Ash, "That boy's never needed me. He's a natural born fighter, and battler. And he's got the luck the devil himself." He shook his head, "What would he need from a father that's never even held him in his arms?"

Steven sighed, "Lance, I will not claim to know what you're feeling right now," the former Hoenn Champion said, "But I do know that there are plenty of young people out there that have never met one of their parents for one reason or another. And they all have the same wish; to make that one parent proud of them."

Lance smiled softly, "He's already done that," he said fondly, "Many times over."

"Then you might try telling him that." Steven said before moving off the join the others. Lance frowned and followed him.

Chairman Rose smiled as the two of them joined the table, "Ah, good, I trust your talk was productive?" He smiled as the two were seated.

"Vastly," Lance groused.

The chairman cleared his throat, seeing that the man was in an obvious bad mood, and decided to move on to the proceeds. "Now then, as you're all aware, tonight we will be opening the World Coronation Tournament with matches between the Champions of each region."

"Former Champion," Steven chuckled, "Don't forget that I'm just an extra you picked out to even things up."

Chairman Rose laughed, "Perish the thought, Master Stone," he said, "You are not just an extra. Nor is anyone at this table," he gestured to the large round table, "Now, to get on with things, the rules of this tournament are simple. Trainers in the top eight are allowed one Pokemon each to battle with, and, obviously, the last man standing is the winner. However, if either side makes a request for a larger scale battle, then you may use anywhere from three to six Pokemon each if the other trainer agrees to it. Substitution is allowed at any given time, from ranks Ultra down to Normal ranks. Those of you in the Master ranks cannot substitute, even if you and your opponent have agreed to use more than your allotted single."

"After the ceremonial battles have ended, only those of the same rank may challenge you. Each battle will earn you points if you are victorious, or take points away should you lose. Losing, however, does not mean that you are out of the tournament. You can earn more points, and rise through the ranks to the spot right beneath the first ranked trainer, my very own Leon," He gestured to the young man next to him that looked like a walking billboard. He had so many patches on his clothes from different companies. "And defeating him means that you will become the top ranked trainer."

"Now, at the end of this tournament, I expect many things to have changed, namely those who are in the top eight will have mostly likely moved up, or down in rank to replace or be replaced by another."

Ash looked at the man, "So, basically, anyone that earns enough points can challenge those in the top eight, and take their spot if they beat them in a battle, right?"

"Precisely," Chairman Rose said. "The tournament we start today is going to be a simple show, nothing more, so no matter who wins or loses the rankings will not change."

Cynthia nodded, "Sounds simple enough, yet exciting at the same time," she said, "So, whom is facing whom?"

The man smiled, "Our first match of the night will be from lowest to highest." He said, "Meaning that Master Stone, and young Master Ketchum will face off first." He said, "Next will be Diantha against Alder. Wallace against Cynthia, and finally Lance facing Leon." He said as the table broke into excited chatter, "And the winner of the first round will face the winner of the second round, etc. etc. You all understand, of course." He smiled happily, "This will prove to be a most excellent opening act for the world's largest tournament to exist!"

Ash smiled, "I'd like to make a request for my first match," he said, looking at Steven, "If you'll agree, I'd like to have a three on three match."

Steven nodded in agreement, "I do believe I would enjoy that greatly, Ash, especially since when last I saw you in a tournament, you did so amazingly well."

Chairman Rose laughed, "Splendid, absolutely splendid!" He laughed loudly, "The perfect way to start the first round!" He smiled, "The first round will begin in roughly one hour. Plenty of time to get yourselves settled, and choose what Pokemon you will be using." He turned to Ash and Steven, "I wish you both the best of luck out there, and hope that you will show us all what it is to be a Champion!"

ガラル

One Hour Later

Delia and Serena were treated to the Champion's Box as members of a competing Champion's family. Pikachu was sitting between the two of them with his ears down in disappointment as he was sitting the whole thing out.

Serena reached over and petted him, "It's okay, Pikachu, I'm sure Ash will let you battle as soon as Professor Oak says you're all better."

"Chu?" He chirped, asking for reassurance.

"You bet," she told him, "You know he doesn't like being without you."

Delia nodded, "She's right, Sweetie," she said, "Ash hated having to leave you out of the battle."

{Ladies and gentlemen,} Chairman Rose said over the PA, {Today we of the Pokemon League Association will begin the opening ceremony of the largest Pokemon League tournament in the history of the world!} The roar of the crowd was deafening, {Our first round of the night will be a special match between a young rising star of the Leagues, and a veteran Champion. Please give a warm welcome to Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town,} the crowd roared once again, joined by Delia and Serena's applause, {And a returning favorite of the Hoenn Region, Steven Stone!}

Down on the stadium floor, both Ash and Steven entered the battlefield. Again, with his new look, Ash looked more handsome than Serena could ever remember. His unique set of Artisan Poke Balls on full display to the world. Below, she could already hear some people chattering about them.

A Rotom drone floated down to the field and settled on the sidelines, "This battle will be a three on three match. No substitutions will be allowed. The battle will be concluded when one trainer is out of usable Pokemon, or concedes defeat. Do you agree to the rules of this battle?"

"I do," Steven said to the drone.

"I agree." Ash said.

"Then Trainers, please send out your first Pokemon." The drone said.

Ash picked up a Friend Ball from his jacket, "Riolu, I choose you!"

Steven sent out a Poke Ball of his own, "Skarmory, I need you!"

Riolu burst onto the field and readied himself for battle as the large Armor Bird Pokemon landed with a heavy thump, cawing loudly. The drone beeped as the Pokemon appeared on the jumbo tron above it. "The first round; Riolu vs Skarmory! Battle commence!"

"Quick Attack!" Ash shouted at once.

"Autotomize!" Steven shouted.

Skarmory started shedding steel feathers and armor, the effects boosting its speed, while Riolu closed the distance between them.

{And Ash starts off by using Riolu's Quick Attack, but will it be strong enough to get passed Skarmory's defenses?} The announcer shouted, {But with Skarmory boosting its speed, will Riolu be able to land the hit?}

Lance frowned as he watched from his spot in the Champion's box, "Ash has a slight type advantage, but that Riolu looks young," he muttered to himself, "Why use a youngster against a seasoned Pokemon like that Skarmory?"

Beside him, Alder just laughed, "Just watch, Lance. This kid's an out of the box thinker."

"Now, use Slash!" Steven shouted as Riolu closed in.

"Dodge, and use Force Palm!" Ash order as Riolu used the Quick Attack to dodge the Skarmory's Slash, and darted back in to deliver a blow to the Pokemon's side just under the wing. "Now get some distance and use Vacuum Wave!" Riolu back flipped away and launched the next move before Skarmory could recover.

Skarmory screeched in anger as the little Pokemon kept getting distance. "Do not let it hit you again!" Steven ordered, "Agility to close the distance, and use Wing Attack!"

"SCREEE!" Skarmory became a blur of motion before Riolu could react, and was hit by the Flying-type move, sending the young Pokemon into the stadium walls.

"Riolu!" Ash called out, "Are you alright!"

{What a brutal way to start out the match!} Shouted the announcer, {Ash's Riolu may have a slight type advantage over Steven's Skarmory, but the same could be said of the reverse with Skarmory being a Flying-type as well to counter the pure Fighting-type that Riolu is!}

Steven smiled, "A poor choice to send out such a young Pokemon, Ash!" He said to the younger trainer, "In this battle, you must fight with everything, or lose all that you have!" He shouted, "Skarmory, finish it off with Drill Peck!"

Skarmory took to the air, and started spinning down toward Riolu as the little Pokemon was trying to get up. As the Drill Peck drew closer, however, Ash felt a smile come to his face, "Jump up and use Blaze Kick!"

Riolu's eyes gleamed before he lept into the air, leaving Skarmory to crash right into the wall. He rolled through the air, his left foot becoming engulfed in flames, and delivered a kick right to the back of Skarmory's neck.

The giant Armor Bird squawked and hit the ground in a dead faint.

The Rotom drone floated over to examine the downed Pokemon. "Skarmory is unable to battle. Riolu is the winner!"

{Oh, what a stunning turn of events!} Shouted the announcer as the crowd went wild for Riolu's comeback, {It looked like Riolu was done for, but some quick thinking and a surprise move has Riolu standing victorious!}

Serena breathed out a deep sigh, "Oh, thank goodness!" She felt totally drained, and it was only the first of three rounds!

Over to their left, Alder was braying with laughter, "You see! I told you the kid was good!"

Lance nodded feeling proud, [Good work, Son.]

Back on the field, Steven had a surprised, sad smile on his face as he returned his Pokemon, "That," he smirked across the field at Ash, "Was quite the opening act. Well done, Ash."

Ash smirked, "It's all thanks to Riolu, really." He smiled, "If he hadn't learned Blaze Kick during our stay in Alola, then I might be singing a different tune."

Steven chuckled as he picked his next Pokemon, "So very true." He said, "But let's see how he handles this? Aggron! I need your help!" He tossed his next Ball out onto the field, and out came a massive battle-scarred Aggron. Even Riolu, who Ash found loved to battle, had to take a step back from the fierce-looking Pokemon.

{And Steven sends out a monster of an Aggron!} The announcer shouted, {Can Ash pull another win out of his hat, or is Riolu done for!?}

"Steady, Riolu," Ash said to his Pokemon, "We can get through this. Just keep your distance from this one."

"Rio," Riolu nodded.

Steven just smirked, "I'm afraid that that is not an option."

"Second battle: Riolu vs Aggron! Battle begin!"

"Iron Head!" Steven ordered.

"Vacuum Wave!" Ash shouted, but with a speed that surprised Ash, Aggron was already on top of Riolu before he could make his move, and slamming its horned head right into the little Pokemon, and throwing him across the field at Ash's feet. Riolu rolled back to his feet and tried to get back up, but the massive Stee/Rock-type was already on him.

"Iron Tail!" Steven ordered. Aggron whipped its tail around and smashed Riolu into the ground. Riolu glared at it from the ground beneath its tail, and defiantly tried to rise. "Again!" Steven ordered mercilessly.

"STOP!" Ash shouted. "Rotom, I forfeit the use of Riolu!"

Steven was surprised. The Ash he knew would have tried to find a way for his Pokemon to make a comeback. However, the drone heard his request, "Ash Ketchum has forfeited Riolu. The second match goes to Aggron!"

The crowd started cheering in approval of Riolu's forfeit before Ash returned it to his Ball.

{In a startlingly compassionate move, Ash Ketchum has forfeit the round in favor of sparing Riolu further injury.} The announcer said while Lance could only smile his own approval, {That leaves two Pokemon for both trainers, but what will Ash do now that he is one Pokemon down?}

Ash picked up a Lure Ball from his jacket, "Alright, Palpitoad, you're up!"

A little blue Pokemon appeared on the field bouncing on the balls of its feet.

{And Ash has chosen Palpitoad as his second Pokemon. Another slight type advantage over Aggron's Rock-type nature.}

"Third match; Palpitoad vs Aggron," the drone said, "Battle begin!"

Ash wasted no time, "Hydro Pump!"

"Iron Tail!" Aggron reacted just as quickly, but the distance between the two was the deciding factor as Palpitoad's attack stuck and blasted Aggron back on its heels to keep the force of the attack from sending him into the wall. "Power through it!"

"Keep it up, Palpitoad!" Ash shouted. "We're gaining ground!"

Palpitoad kept the attack up as best it could, Aggron's feet beginning to slip on the now muddy ground. Suddenly, the little Water/Ground-type stopped and Aggron charged forward. "Palpitoad, move!"

Palpitoad held its ground, however and began to glow.

"Metal Claw, quickly!" Steven shouted in panic as Aggron raised its glowing claws.

As the glowing subsided, and Aggron's claws came now, a massive brawny arm shot out and grasped it before it could connect and a Seismitoad now stood toe to toe with the Aggron.

{What incredible luck!} Shouted the announcer as Serena and Delia slumped in their seats while Pikachu was doing flips, {Just when it looked like Aggron would take the win, Palpitoad evolves into Seismitoad! How is Steven going to handle this?!}

Steven smiled, "You really do have the devil's luck, Ash." He found himself laughing, "Alright, Aggron, use Reversal!"

Aggron pushed Seismitoad away, and charged at it full force as its body glowed. "Drain Punch!" Ash shouted.

Steven paled, "Break off! Break off!" But it was too late. Seismitoad reared back and punched Aggron in the face with such force that it was sent hurtling toward Steven who had to throw himself out of the way as Aggron sailed over him and crashed into the wall with the force of a freight train.

Rotom drone buzzed over immediately, and found Aggron completely defeated. "Aggron is unable to battle!" It said, "Seismitoad is the winner!"

The crowd erupted as Ash took his second win against Steven.

Ash smiled as Seismitoad grinned bashfully, "Great work, Seismitoad!" He smiled at the large Water/Ground-type. "I'm so proud of you!"

"Toad," he grinned right back.

Steven returned his Aggron, and smiled across the field, "That's two for you, and one for me so far, Ash." He smiled at the boy, "You truly have grown as a trainer, Ash."

Ash shook his head, "I owe a lot to my friends, human and Pokemon," he said.

"Wise words for one so young," the former Champion said as he held out his final Poke Ball. "But I was not the Champion of Hoenn for nothing. Let's end this, shall we?" He tossed the Ball, "Metagross, come out!"

What came out of the Poke Ball shocked the crowd. The Metagross was not only huge, but Shiny as well. Silver and gold instead of blue and grey. Ash could also see a Mega Stone attacked to it right front leg. "Seismitoad, be careful with this one."

{Ladies and gentle, Steven has sent out his third and final Pokemon, a Shiny Metagross!} Shouted the excited announcer, {With Ash's newly evolved Seismitoad at a severe disadvantage, what will the young man do?}

"Fourth match; Seismitoad vs Metagross!" Rotom said, "Battle begin!"

"Drain Punch!" Ash shouted.

"Meteor Mash!" Steven roared as Seismitoad barreled toward them like a wild bulldozer. Metagross lifted itself from the ground, and spun around like a spinning top, and knocked Seismitoad across the stadium. But the brute of a Pokemon was up and after the Steel/Psychic-type again in a minute, "Don't let up! Use Hammer Arm!"

This time, Metagross stopped and used its right leg and smashed Seismitoad into the ground, "Mud Shot!" Ash shouted. Seismitoad spat a large ball of mud out of its mouth and right into Metagross' eyes.

"META!" The giant roared as it tried to clear its eyes. A move that took its immense weight from Seismitoad's back. The Drain Punch it had been holding onto slammed into Metagross, and tossed the Iron Leg Pokemon off of him.

"Gross!" Metagross stood up, angered by the blow.

"Metagross, hold it with Psychic, and then use Hammer Arm again!" Steven order as the Pokemon gained a feint purple aura around its body. Seismitoad was held in place as it began to advance on him, its right leg glowing.

"Stop it with Hydro Pump!" Ash shouted out, but Seismitoad was unable to move because of Metagross' hold on him, and was helpless to stop the attack from connecting. Seismitoad was sent sailing through the air and landed in a heap in front of Ash. Ash sighed as Seismitoad's eyes turned to swirls.

"Seismitoad is unable to battle, the winner is Metagross." Rotom announced. "Trainer Ketchum, please send out your third and final Pokemon."

Ash nodded, "I've saved my best for last." He said as he reached for yet another Friend Ball on his jacket.

Steven smiled as he rolled up the sleeve of his right arm, "As have I, my young friend."

Up in the stands, Serena gasped as she recognized what Steven possessed and shot to her feet, "He has a Mega Stone!"

Ash tossed his last Ball out onto the field, "Infernape!"

Steven touched the Key Stone on his wrist, "Metagross, it's time to go beyond our limits!" He called out as the stone came to life and empowered the Metagrossite attached to Metagross' leg, "Mega Evolve!"

Infernape appeared on the field with a wild roar of flames from his head whilst beating his chest as the Metagross was encased in a ball of crystallized energy before burst free in a newly evolved form.

Delia, having never seen a Mega Evolution but once during Ash's battle with Alain, gasped at the sheer size of Metagross' new form, "Good heavens, it's gigantic!"

{Ladies and gentlemen, we have a clash of titans on our hands,} the announcer said, {Ash's Infernape is well known as an immense powerhouse, while Steven's monstrously powerful Metagross has become even more powerful through Mega Evolution!} He shouted, {It's down to the final Pokemon on either side, ladies and gentlemen, and it's anyone's guess who will win!}

"Final match; Infernape vs Mega Metagross!" Rotom said from the sideline, "Battle begin!"

"Mach Punch!" Ash shouted.

"Meteor Mash!" Steven order.

Mega Metagross came spinning at Infernape at high speed, while Infernape was closing in just as fast, "Jump up and hit it in the head!" Ash ordered.

Infernape did as he as order and jumped over the spinning limbs of Metagross and landed his punch right dead center of its head. The force of the blow sent out a shock wave upon impact.

Metagross stopped spinning and hit the ground hard before coming up swinging at the nimble Infernape, "Don't let it escape!" Steven yelled. Metagross spun after Infernape, but the smaller Pokemon was much too fast for the gigantic Steel/Psychic-type to keep up with it.

"You're doing great, Infernape," Ash called out with his confidence growing, "Now, get in close and use Flame Wheel!"

Infernape tucked his legs in and rolled through the air, his head flame igniting the rest of him in a fiery wheel. He rolled right back at the advancing Metagross, and rammed right into it spin for spin, neither one of them slowing down. Finally, the combined powers of Meteor Mash, and Flame Wheel caused an explosion around the two Pokemon so strong that the barriers around the stadium were activated to protect the spectators.

Lance kept his eyes on the field for any sign of his son's Pokemon, and sighed in relief as the Infernape lept out of the smoke left by the explosion. Unfortunately, a quick spin from Metagross revealed that the giant Pokemon was still willing and able to fight.

Steven smiled in excitement, "It's been years since a battle has made my blood run this hot," the former Champion said, "Win or lose, I thank you Ash, from the bottom of my heart for this outstanding battle!"

Ash grinned, "It's not over yet!" He yelled, "Infernape, time to wrap this up! Close Combat!" Infernape roared and shot toward the Metagross at full speed.

Steven smiled, "Time for something new," he smiled, "Metagross," he snapped his fingers, "Steel Beam!" Metagross' entire body began to glow with a immense amount of powerful, "FIRE!"

Ash didn't have the chance to warn his Pokemon before the beam fired, and Infernape was fully engulfed by the beam attack. But Infernape was still powering through it. It was then that Ash noticed the the flames on his head had gone white hot. [Blaze!]

"Infernape, Flamethrower, full power, now!" Ash ordered. The flames that shot from Infernape's mouth were so powerful that they matched and began to overpower the Steel Beam pressing him back. Steven was stunned. Steel Beam was the most powerful Steel-type attack he had his Pokemon learn, and now it was being pushed back!

Soon, the beam took its toll on Metagross, during severe damage to the Pokemon, just as Flamethrower overpowered it. The Metagross was thrown, slamming into the wall of the stadium, barrier and all, and hit the ground in its normal state.

Rotom floated forward to examine the Metagross as Serena and Delia both prayed it was over, and then -

"Metagross is unable to battle!" Rotom announced, "Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town takes the match!"

Ash hollered in victory as Infernape roared before the teen grabbed the Flame Pokemon in a huge hug, "You did it, Infernape! You beat a Champion!"

"Ape!" Infernape hugged him back happily.

Steven chuckled as he returned his Metagross, and walked out onto the field, "Ash, I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a battle so much," he smiled as he reached for the Key Stone band on his right wrist, "And for that, I thank you." He held out the band, "Take it, Ash, it belongs with you."

Ash eyed the stone, "Are you sure about this, Steven?"

Steven chuckled, "Of course I am," He reached out and took hold of his right wrist, and slipped it on him, "Besides, Champion, you're going to need it!" He held his arm up, and the crowd roared with applause. "I look forward to facing you again, and next time, both of us will have Mega Evolution on our side."

Ash grinned and decided to enjoy the moment. The tournament was off to a roaring start, and this was only the opening ceremony!

ガラル

Author's Note: Wow, I'm glad I got this done! Sorry if that battles weren't good, or too long, but I'm hoping to get better! Anyway, other than Ash's first battle of the opening ceremony, not a lot's happening. Next chapter is going to be a "date chapter" for Ash and Serena, so don't expect too much out of it. And I hope you all like how I made Lance Ash's padre. Never did like how the anime never gave the guy a face or a name.

Anyway, if ya'll liked the chapter, and wanna see what happens next, then ya know what to do!

Adios Amigos!