Once again her mother in law was right just as Delia had predicted when faced with the combined might of herself, Ash's mom and Professor Oak the league had no choice but let them watch the battle which fortunately for them had not begun yet. After thanking Dragonite and sending him back to Oak's ranch the three of them entered the league headquarters to find the room where the match was being live stream.

''I'm surprised Ash didn't take Dragonite to face Red.'' Misty observed she knew how powerful Dragon types were in general and while Ash took two Dragon Pokémon with him she knew how powerful that Pokémon was. ''It's simple my dear." Oak responded ''Dragonite might be powerful but at heart it's a lover not a fighter Ash wanted to take Pokémon that he knew would want this battle as much as he does.'' Dragonite would battle for Ash as he had done so in the past but in his heart of hearts he is a hugger not a warrior.''

''I guess that makes sense.'' Dragonite was a force but he would rather kill with kindness than hyperbeams. ''Besides I think Ash took nostalgia into account.'' Delia interjected ''did you notice who he took with him?'

''Yes he took some of his oldest ones I guess that is Ash he is so sentimental.''

'They are also some of his most powerful Pokémon .'' Professor Oak said. ''Ash didn't take his fastest or any that had special moves he picked his most powerful and he hasn't always done that. Many times when he asked me for some advice before a battle he always emphasized he always wanted the right Pokémon not just his strongest. This time it is different he took what he believed to be his strongest Pokémon.''

"He said and I quote The time is right professor and there no better team for me to face Red.''

''Oak's right Ash knows tactics and speed won't win this match power will make the difference.'' Lance's voice called to them.

''Ah Hello Lance.'' the Dragon master approached them in his every dramatic clothing. It was hard to believe a man as down to earth as lance would ware such expensive and flamboyant capes but it seems Dragon masters loved them. ''Just like Water type master and beach clothes I suppose.'' Misty thought to herself.

''My dear Mrs. Ketchum, Professor Oak, and Madam Ketchum I hope the guards didn't give you too much trouble.'' Every the gentleman Lance made sure to give Misty's hand a quick kiss.

''Oh course not, when they saw who were they practically escorted us in.'' Delia said her voice full of her usual cheer. ''I'm glad please allow me to escort you to where we are set to watch the match. Of course we have three seats reserved for all of you after all if Ash's Wife, mother, and mentor can't watch this battle than who can?'' The Dragon master began to lead them to the viewing room and behind hm Delia winking at Misty.

Misty could just smile back. ''Yep she called it.'' Once again amazed at the wisdom of her mother in law.

Ash followed silently, he knew where Red was leading him, the area sized training ground Red had build for himself and his Pokémon he had been here before and it was impressive to say the least. The field itself was the size of an official league tournament but there would be no changing of the field. Oh no it was like the Indigo field the same field throughout the match there was only the natural light around them outside of a couple of floodlights on the sidelines and of Course there was no stands for a crowd.

When they arrived Red took his spot of the field and turn to face Ash again without speaking wordlessly telling him to take his spot on the challenger side of the area.

"Oh man this is really happening." Ash thought to himself as a shiver crawled up his spine than Red spoke. "Champion Ash Ketchum I Pokémon Master Red Challenge you to Pokémon match for the title of The Interregional Pokémon League Champion do you Accept?" The question was simply formality on Red's part.

'Yes.''

''This match will be recorded and viewed live by the highest members of the Pokémon league do you understand and accept this?''

'Yes.''

''This will be a six on six battle and Neither trainer will be allowed to recall their Pokémon except if they are unable to battle or refuse to. Red Smirked a bit at that last part no doubt he referred to Ash's Charizard's past history. Ash knew it too and it only made him clinch his teeth.

''Don't let him psych you out Ash.'' he though to himself but out loud Ash just said "Yes.'

''There will be no use of mega evolution, Gigantamaxm, or another such form changing methods do you understand and accept?'' Ash knew Red had a deep hatred of the newly discovered evolutions and forms. Red was not an old man but he was rather conservative in his views of Pokémon and battles but when Red had Pokémon powerful to take down mega evolved Pokémon without need to change form he could be.

''Yes'' Ash somewhat agreed with his father on that front Pokémon could only show their true strength at the purest form.

''Should you win you will no longer be the Champion of Kanto, Johto, and Alola instead you will become the new Pokémon League Interregional Champion if you lose you will still retain you current titles do you understand and accept?''

''Yes'' Ash said barley able to control his excitement the formalities were over.

''Very well.'' Red declared grabbing his first Pokémon ball Ash did the same. However while Red choose his Pokémon silently as always Ash was not so stoic.

"I choose you Garchomp." and out came the giant land shark Dragon, gone was goofy and easily districted Gible what stood now in his palce was a giant beast of dragon with the pride and size to go along with his strength. He was taller and more build than an average male of his species and Cynthia had asked him if he would consider allowing their Garchomps to mate. The dragon had impressed the Sinnoh champion during Ash's battles throughout Kanto and Johto often serving as his first Pokémon out in the league tournaments and against the Elite Four of multiple regions and he battled well. So well that he had solidified himself as Ash's go to number 1 slot when he was really serious and needed raw power and the dragon had that.

Garchomp was ready and willing to prove himself to his trainer and to the other 5 Pokémon, The Pokémon Ash took knew what this battle meant to him and what an honor it was to be chosen for this task. He was not only ready and willing but he had the confidence in himself that he could win this match alone. Arrogant yes but not unusual among Pokémon with his powerful especially among pseudo-legendaries especially when he saw his opponent.

''Pikachu'' the mouse exclaimed in surprise the Pokémon Red had chosen was his Raichu who even after seeing what he was facing had a confident look on his face befitting a Pokémon of the Master. The choose puzzled Ash, Red surly knew the type advantage Garchamp had over an electric mouse. Was it arrogance on his father's part or did he think so little of his Pokémon that he believed an electric mouse could take out an ground-dragon Pokémon? As much as Ash trusted and believed in his Pikachu he didn't know if he would make the same choose when facing a Garchomp.

''Is he trying to psych me out?'' Ash wondered to himself he now knew the mental aspect of a battle was just important as the physical part and Red was master of that. his face gave Ash no indication of what the motive or reason was for selecting Raichu. It was a perfect poker face and it made Ash wonder all the more.

Garchomp had none of these thoughts in his mind to him the opponent standing before him was just a small mouse sure he had seen Red's Pokémon fight against Team Rocket but it wasn't anything he could not handle so he gave the rodent a predatory smile that said I am going to enjoy toying with you.

Raichu gave his taller opponent a confident we shall see smirk and the two glared at each other waiting for the first move.

The battle will begin next chapter I promise and I just one to clear something up here in chase anyone gets confused. Garchomp isn't Ash's strongest Pokémon although he is in the top 6 but Ash used him to begin his matches more often than not when he evolved in to Garchomp in Kanto and Johto and often won matches by himself in the 3 on 3 rounds.