A/N : I am not very good at writing battles, but I have tried my best to write as much as I can. Forgive me for any mistakes happened in the story whether it is in the battle or with the moves used. I had tried my best in that area. Hope you enjoy the story.

In the lush green forest on the Indigo Plateau, the sun shines brightly. It's been a few hours since sunrise. As planned last night, Ash along with his pokemon woke up before sunrise and started training. And the training was intense. Even after all these hours, no one resumed from the training.

Lucario was sparring with Mewtwo, Charizard was doing an aerial battle along with Articuno. Poor Pikachu was training with Zapdos and Raikou, both legendaries had come up with the idea to teach some sense into the little electric type after his showoff yesterday, and Ash didn't object it and now he is stuck with it avoiding all the thunderbolts aimed at him. Thus, each pokemon sparred with one another.

Ash on the other hand was meditating. The last four days had been stressful and he took the time to calm his soul and mind. He knows his pokemon will behave well except Mew, she has become a little too playful nowadays. And also they can't be seen, he had placed a barrier around them beforehand. So there was nothing to fear.

"Ash,we are finished . Can we go back? " Pikachu said, coming next to him . Ash opened his eyes and looked at Pikachu suspiciously, then turned towards the others.

His pokemon looked annoyed with something , Lucario and Mewtwo were shaking their heads, Raikou and Zapdos were ….he couldn't say really, they were certainly smirking but at the same time they had a scowl and Charizard looked ready to kill at any moment. What he did find common is that they all had the look of submission.

" Tell me Pikachu , what did you do now? " Ash asked, staring at the mouse type.

Pikachu laughed nervously and began to say ….

[" Pika pikachu pikapi pi pika ,chu chu pikachu pika pika Pikachu.."]

Flashback

Pikachu was really struggling . There was no way for him to escape from the incoming bolts of thunder and lightning. He can surely find a way to escape if he was facing only one legendary, but two at a time was suicidal and Ash had allowed to do this to him. He thought Ash loved him , but now he has his doubts. None of the others are being forced like him. Just because he is an electric type doesn't mean that the two electric legendary duo can do as they like.

Pikachu had been thinking all these when he was avoiding the torture. Once he found that the incoming attacks had ceased he stopped running and turned around in relief. But the relief turned into utmost horror when he saw Raikou and Zapdos preparing their strongest attack ' zap cannon' .

Pikachu visibly paled, if he got hit by that attack he is gone for sure. There wasn't much time, he frantically looked around him. Through the corner of his eye he saw Lucario and Mewtwo, and a few feet away from them but considerably close was Charizard and Articuno, it seemed like they stopped the aerial fight and were continuing on ground. An idea clicked on Pikachu's mind, there was no way he would survive the attack , but those four could. He glanced at his two mentors and saw that they are only focused on their attack and him . This is his chance. It's a risk, but he will be in a potential threat either way, so he made up his mind and used 'Quick attack'. He moved fastly and in the nick of time before the attack hit, he hid behind his four saviors. There was an explosion and everything was in smoke.

Only after firing the attack at the way Pikachu went, did Raikou and Zapdos notice what Pikachu had done. They gulped nervously. When the smoke cleared, Mewtwo was seen with a barrier protectively around him ,Lucario and even Pikachu as he jumped towards them which was his luck . But Charizard and Articuno weren't that lucky. They were paralysed by the attack.

Mewtwo and Lucario turned towards the electric mouse who was fidgeting nervously. Charizard and Articuno, once freed of the paralysis, shrieked at him. Even all the Pokemon gathered around them. Charizard marched towards Pikachu but got held by Lucario.

" What was that?" Lucario asked him sternly. " You knew that , it could have heavily injured us , If me and Mewtwo hadn't sensed you"

Pikachu looked at all of them. Charizard was growling, but strangely Mewtwo was calm. Pikachu took a deep breath and courageously answered. " Lucario, Mewtwo both of you could understand how powerful that attack is for me. Even if my mentors had reduced its power it would kill me. But not you guys. You are stronger than me and Charizard , I know you only felt one fourth of the power, which was nothing for you . But me, I am only reaching that level . So to save myself I had to do it. Forgive me guys , it was the only way." Pikachu reasoned.

Charizard wasn't happy, but again Lucario came to his rescue. " Charizard, leave it for now. We can't start a fight here. Even Mewtwo understands Pikachu's reasoning". To which Mewtwo nods.

" It's your mistake for taking it beyond training level " Mewtwo Said pointing towards Zapdos and Raikou Who looked guilty but internally was laughing, such a sadist.

"Enough of all the training. It's already late . We should call Ash and tell him that we are finished." Lucario said with utmost patience.

" Let him go " Charizard growled pointing towards Pikachu and everyone sighed .

Flashback ends.

Ash stood wide-eyed hearing all this. He can't believe a commotion had occurred and he didn't even notice anything, " But why didn't I hear anything? I should have sensed it at least."

Mewtwo provided him the answer to that, "It's because I had placed a barrier around you while you meditated . You were stressed so I wanted you to not be disturbed and I did the right thing".

Ash retorted that saying that was not ideal and that if he was there, this wouldn't have happened. But at last everyone calmed down and prepared to go back to the village. They all are hungry and also they need to meet Ash's mother and .

Ash met with his mother and the professor at the Pokemart after having breakfast. When he called his mother she had asked him to come there . When he saw his mother,she was carrying two purchase bags and even the professor had something with him.

He talked with them for some time and the professor gave him some valuable suggestions. After spending some time with them Ash decides to roam around, since he didn't get the chance earlier. He, along with Lucario, Pikachu and Mew now transformed as an Eevee, explored the whole plateau. It was such a great place with a charming atmosphere. Ash buyed Pikachu and Mew some Ice cream and a milkshake for himself.

On their way Ash received a message on his Pokephone. He took it and was delighted to know that it was Lance.

To: Ash Ketchum

From: Lance of Blackthorn

Forest near the pokemon centre. Come fast, waiting for you

Ash was confused and speechless. Does that mean Lance is here!.. He wondered. Without wasting time he once again walked back towards the forest.

Standing in the middle of the forest was Lance with his Dragonite on guard, in his formal Champions attire. Ash's cheeks burned seeing him . Lance turned towards him and smiled warmly.

" It's been a long time, Ash ." He said. Ash hugged him, Oh, How he missed this person and smiled at him. "I never expected to see you here. What are you doing here, and how?" Ash asked, confused as Lance hadn't mentioned anything about this earlier.

Lance smirked at this and told him " I wanted to surprise you. And it's the finals. From the top 16, it is the duty of the Champion and Elites to be present at the conference. It's a Protocol "

Ash gasped hearing this, " you mean all the elites are here "

Lance nodded at this and Ash was so excited thinking about the elites watching his match.

" Ash , I am so proud of you. I watched your battle and as expected of you. I am looking forward to battling you Ash. Let's meet at the championship." Lance said. Ash was so happy to hear that from Lance. He told him he will try his best.

" I had to go back now, after coming here I wanted to meet you. Good luck Ash, do your best."

Lance wished him and flew away on Dragonite. Lucario nudged him after a few seconds and told him that it was already late. Thus they went back to the cabin and went to sleep. It really was a special day for him after all.

XXXXXXXX

The second day also went as usual, they trained - this time under Ash's supervision, Discussed about the upcoming battles and In the evening, it was time to know his opponent for the top 16.

The match up was chosen by fishing for Magikarp labelled with a letter and number that match that of another competitor. And as he had assumed it was Ritchie. Before going to bed Ash made sure to look at Ritchie's league profile. He was determined to do his best.

The next day Ash and team were ready for the top 16. This would be the first time they will be battling on the famous Indigo Stadium, and a full 6 on 6. He was excited.

"Are you ready, Guys?" Ash telepathically asked his Pokemons.

He received a warm wave of aura from the pokemons making him grin widely. Ash walked into the battlefield and looked at his opponent, Ritchie was smiling at him, Ash smiled back and both of them gave a thumbs up.

"Are you ready for your biggest battle?" Ritchie asked.

"Ready as you are." Ash answered.

The referee introduced both of them and instructed them to commence the battle.

"Go! Happy!" Ritchie lets out Butterfree.

Seeing Butterfree made Ash sad, he thought about his own. He hoped Butterfree would be happy with his mate . Keeping away the thoughts he let out his pokemon."Go! Gyarados!"

Ritchie got to command first and he was going all on from the beginning. Ash knew that Ritchie hadn't taken him lightly and that is well prepared.

"Butterfree Sleep Powder!"

"Gyarados. Use Hydro Pump on yourself and wash off the Sleep Powder!" Ash commanded.

Gyarados used hydro pump on himself by shooting the jet of water into the sky and due to gravity the water falls on Gyarado like a Fountain. All the sleep powder was washed off and Gyarados stood proudly on the field.

"Tackle!"

Gyrados tackled Butterfree who flew away but for Ash that was enough distraction for him.

" Catch. him using your tail and Hyper Beam!"

He fired a Hyper Beam at Buterfree who was struggling to get away from Gyarados's tail . Butterfree's efforts went in vain as the hyper beam hit him and was knocked out immediately.

"Butterfree unable to battle. Gyarados is the winner!" The referee announced.

Ash then battled Ritchie's Bulbasaur, Pidgeot and Umbreon using Gyarados and Pikachu. The battle was really going great. Ritchie had brought great strategies to counter Ash but at last Ash was able to defeat Umbreon using Gyarados.

Ritchie then lets out his Charmander whereas Ash returns Gyarados and let out his Charizard who roared triumphantly making the ground tremble at his power.

Ash wouldn't have used Charizard if not for the threat of receiving another Flamethrower or even more. And also he had promised his fire type,he will use him in this. He would never back off from a promise.

Charmander let out a Flamethrower at Charizard who received it and removed the soot from his body using his claws like it was nothing. That Flamethrower didn't do a scratch on Charizard.

Ash facepalmed seeing this. And looked at Ritchie and Charmander who were shocked.

"Charizard. Flamethrower!" Ash commanded , shaking his head. He knows what is going to happen.

Charizard lets out a powerful Flamethrower at Charmander who runs away from the powerful fire giving Ritchie no other choice but to surrender. He returns Charmander back to its Pokeball.

Ritchie then sends out his Pikachu which makes Charizard yawn in boredom. He already knew a yellow rodent and had spared with him. A pebble he could throw away easily. He even had to take revenge for what he did the previous day. But he stopped his thoughts the moment he sensed a threatening aura coming from his trainer . He straightened and brought his focus back to the battle. No sarcasm or boistering which made Ash smile sweetly.

"If you behave yourself and win this, you could battle Mol Nii-san and En Nii-san ,whoever you want." Ash said with a sweet smile,"I promise."

Charizard who heard it perked up at that and gave a determined look,fire in his eyes . He roared ferociously even making a crack in the field under the pressure. Pikachu, who had been battle-ready with his cheeks sparking , was taken aback by the sudden fiery fire around Charizard.

"Charizard!" Ash exclaimed. Everything was going so smoothly until he called his fire type. He internally asked the question- why?

" Pikachu use quick attack and then Irontail "

Pikachu gathered his courage and at high speed strived towards Charizard hitting his body with Irontail. Charizard lost his footing by the sudden impact but he kept the balance and stared at the Pikachu.

Ash deadpanned seeing this. Ritchie and Pikachu were worried, but they didn't back off .

" Charizard use dragon claw," Ash commanded.

Charizards claws shined a bright green and used dragon claw on Pikachu and was a critical hit.

"Pikachu, use thunderbolt"

As Pikachu fired thunderbolt Charizard easily avoided it and used seismic toss upon Ash's instruction.

"Pikachu unable to battle! Victory for trainer Ash Ketchum!"

Ash cheered for Charizard who fired a Flamethrower but this time Ash ducked it ,chuckling. He then returns Charizard back.

"Ash." Ritchie called him.

"Ritchie. That was a nice battle!"

"Yes it was . You need to win this Ash, I will be rooting for you!"

"I will do my best! "

Ash looks at Ritchie once more . Battle with Ritchie was just a start, there are more stronger opponents waiting for him . And he needs to be ready.

In the VIP box of the Indigo Stadium Lance smiled, seeing the outcome of the battle. He can't wait to battle him. He wanted to feel that power himself.

XXXXXXXX

Ash was in deep thought. A couple of hours later is his battle with Melissa, the trainer who was able to defeat Gary. Ash knows by heart not to underestimate his opponents, especially her. After his battle with Ritchie last day, he found that his next opponent was Melissa. He had thought throughout the night what had to be done.

He had checked about Melissa, she was a powerful trainer. Even her team is super strong. From what he has gathered , her Golem is the most fierce opponent for his team.

He could use Gyarados and Snorlax at the beginning followed by Lucario and Charizard. Lucario and Charizard would be an equal match against the Golem. But he didn't know what other Pokemon she would use. The league documents show that she had a wide variety of Pokemons. So he can't predict what he will be facing other than Golem .

Ash was so immersed in his thoughts that he didn't notice he was being called for the match. Pikachu slapped him in his cheeks seeking his attention. Ash turned to glare only then noticing the referee's call for him.

"Ash Ketchum, your battle is about to start. Please report to the Indigo Stadium immediately or else you will be disqualified."

" Crap …" he internally cursed and ran towards the stadium. " I am here , sorry. "He said frantically. He raised his head after calming his nerves and looked at his opponent. Melissa was there , looking determined.

Melissa's first pokemon was Primeape , and Ash called out his Snorlax. The battle started with Primeape using Karate chop. Ash ordered Snorlax to use defense curl. The move had raised Snorlax's defence stat and the Karate chop didn't made a critical hit. When Primeape tried to use low kick , Snorlax countered it with Belly drum. The battle with both the pokemon was intense and at last Snorlax ended the battle with Body slam.

The second pokemon Melissa used was Ninetales , Ash recalled Snorlax and let's out Gyarados. Thus the battle continued with Gyarados defeating Ninetails, Pikachu against Pidgeot, Charizard against Blastoise and steelix and finally Melissa brought her Golem. Ash then released Lucario.

" Lucario, Aura sphere "

" Golem, roll out "

Lucario lets loose a blast of aura power from deep within its body at Golem and the attack hits Golem severely even after trying to escape using roll out.

The battle between Lucario and Golem continued fiercely but Ash was confused, he was doing his best to concentrate on the battle, but he was suddenly feeling sparks on his body whenever Lucario got hit with an attack or when he was attacking. But he is also calm, throughout all these. That never happened. He knew he was being distracted but still he was calm. That confuses him. At that thought he looked at Lucario and even he looked calm and collective. He must be imagining things. He then commanded Lucario noticing how tired Golem is.

" Lucario Force palm."

" Golem, Earthquake" Melissa shouted .

Golem sets off an earthquake but Lucario on seeing the attack jumps high into the air with great reflex and mildly avoids the attack. Lucario took the chance and Golem was attacked with a shock wave , paralysing it.

" Now Lucario, finish it with another aura sphere."

Lucario used aura sphere again and Golden was knocked out unconscious.

" Golem is unable to battle, Victory to Lucario."

Ash went towards Lucario and high fived each other in utmost happiness. And for some reason they kept on staring at one another. And Ash was still feeling that spark.

XXXXXXX

At night, Ash was laying on his bed, eyes open and he was in deep thought. All the Pokemon had already slept and Lucario was meditating. Ash couldn't sleep, there was so much on his mind.

He is only one step away from the finals now. Tomorrow is the Top 4. From the 256 trainer's that participated, only 4 remained, And the two to win this semi-final would be facing against each other, with one goal - to be the Champion of this year's league. And the title of the league champion would open the way to challenge the Elite Four and the now reigning Champion of Kanto.

He still didn't know if he managed to win the conference whether he wanted to challenge the Elite four or not. He had taken the responsibility of saving the world, the Pokemon's and also mankind.

These thoughts are making him restless but at the same time there is something else going on with him, to be precise with his aura. And he is sure that is one of the main reasons for his increasing anxiety towards things. He hadn't given it much thought earlier but today….he felt a spark, when he battled with Lucario.

That never happened before. Lucario had been with him for so long. They had trained together, and had even battled. But never had he felt like this. It's like something inside him is growing more and more stronger. And it is now trying to come out. He wonders whether Lucario had the same feeling too . He looked towards where Lucario had been meditating.

He made up his mind to find whatever it is shortly. Tomorrow he has a match to continue. And he needs to rest. It's already pretty late.

So he pushed away all the thoughts and anxieties , and went to sleep.

He didn't see Lucario opening his eyes and staring at him.

XXXXXX

" Welcome all to the most auspicious event of the day. Finally it's time for the Indigo Conference SEMIFINALS. And the two competitors winning this would be moving on to the FINALS. Are you excited?" The announcer shouted through the speakers which received huge roars of applause from the audience.

" Then let's start the first match of the Top 4! On the red side is the talented Assunta from Cremini Town! On the green side is fan favourite Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town!

The crowd roared when both trainer's entered the arena. Ash looked at all the people in the stadium. They were all rooting for a great match. In the VIP box the champion and elites along with were eager to see who would be advancing to the next round.

From the corner of his eye Ash saw his mother and cheering for him. He smiled at them.

"Trainer's please send out your pokemon"

" Go Venomoth " Assunta lets out her bug-type pokemon.

" Gyarados, I choose you" Ash called out his atrocious water type.

" Let the battle begin."

" Alright Venomoth, whirlwind"

Assunta started the match by using whirlwind. But Gyarados was stronger so he overcame the attack, but Venomoth wasn't to be underestimated, the battle lasted for more than Ash had imagined it would last. In the end, Gyarados defeated Venomoth by unleashing a hydro pump.

" Venomoth is unable to battle! Victory for the green trainer! "

" Go Ivysaur" Assunta called out her grass type pokemon. Ash continued with Gyarados. Gyarados was tired by the time Ivysaur used tackle again. And then Assunta asked the grass type to end the battle with Solar beam.

" Gyarados is unable to battle! Victory for the red trainer! Please send out your next pokemon."

" Pikachu, I choose you."

Ash chose his Pikachu , Ivysaur tried to knock Pikachu off its feet using wine whip , but Pikachu escaped. Then Pikachu used thunderbolt and Ivysaur got hit with it. But it used synthesis and regained its energy. But Pikachu wasn't done, he successfully defeated the grass type with thunderbolt attack.

" Ivysaur is unable to battle! Victory for the green trainer!

" Go Tentacruel " Tentacruel was pretty strong and even after being in an advantage Pikachu lost the match. Then it was Charizard who came up and he defeated the water type.

" Tentacruel is unable to battle! Victory for the green trainer!

Now he had 4 pokemon whereas Assunta had two, her next pokemon was Fearow, who fought against Charizard, it was an aerial battle. But at last Charizard won the match. Ash is relief that Charizard fights with the Weather Trio in his Aerial Training.

" Fearow is unable to battle! Victory for the green trainer!"

" Go Rhydon " Assunta called out her rock type pokemon.

" Lucario, come on out." Ash released Lucario from the Pokeball after recalling Charizard. When Lucario came out, Ash again began to feel the weird sensation, that is calling him out towards Lucario"

Lucario used Aura sphere against Rhydon's rock throw attack. The battle was hard. Lucario was being pushed , but Ash and Lucario kept their composure. Ash still felt the feeling of calmness and also the excitement of the battle from Lucario. But at last Lucario defeated Rhydon.

" Rhydon is unable to battle! Victory for the green trainer! Red trainer please choose your next Pokemon!"

" Go Dragonair. '' Assunta let's out the dragon pokemon. Ash smirked as the dragon appeared to be a perfect match for Charizard. Dragonair was well trained and was super strong. It used Dragon rush and Dragon claws and they would have been a critical hit if Ash hadn't come up with an idea to somehow lessen the effect. After a long time of intense battle Charizard defeated Dragonair. But he was really exhausted.

" Dragonite is unable to battle! The winner of the match is Ash Ketchum and his Charizard." The crowd went haywire hearing the announcer. The announcer continued, " Congratulations Ash Ketchum, you will be moving on to the finals of this year's INDIGO LEAGUE CONFERENCE."

Ash smiled hearing that. He is finally going to be in the finals. He raised his fist to the air and jumped in Joy. Pikachu and Charizard joined him.

and Delia high fived each other's hands and there were tears of joy in her eyes. The professor was proud of his young pupil.

In the VIP box, Lance smiled widely. He knew that he would reach the finals. And the fight with Dragonair and Charizard was epic. He can't wait to battle that Charizard. The other elites shook their heads seeing the behaviour of their beloved champion. Even they had expectations regarding the boy and were really waiting to battle him but none could control Lance's over-excitement. They all internally smirked.

XXXXXX

When Ash finally escaped from the reporters and the fans who had wanted his interview and autographs, Ash met his mother and the professor in a narrow alleyway away from the reporters.

"Congratulations my boy , you were great down there". said the moment his eyes fell on him.

"Thank you, Professor." Ash said curtly. Then looked at his mother who was staring at him, " Mama,"

And then she hugged him all of a sudden and it took the air out of him.

" Mama, can't breathe." He said frantically and Delia released her hold on him.

"Sorry honey, I am really proud of you Ash. You were so awesome out there." She told and he was happy to hear those words. Then he noticed that she looked a little sad, even the professor. When he asked them about it, they told him that they wouldn't be able to stay for his finals as they hadn't expected the two days off, when they came and the professor had his work back at the laboratory. He was sad on hearing that but he understood how important it is to go back. So he waved them goodbye and was on his way to the Pokemon centre when his phone rang, saying he had a message and upon checking it was from Lance, congratulating him on the effort took out there and asking him for a battle against Charizard with his dragon's. Ash smiled seeing that and was really happy to know that everyone is rooting for him.

But even among all these happiness, the phenomenon going on with Lucario and him was concerning and also was welcoming at the same time. It was like he was one with Lucario. And that he could feel his emotions as his own was really new to him. He had sensed Lucario's thoughts and feelings earlier too but that wasn't anything like this. He wondered if it was their BOND getting stronger.

Hey, Guys. A New Update for this Fanfiction story. Thank to my Awesome Beta-Reader who can fixed my story to much better. Credit to my Beta-Reader when you guys comment. please...

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