The events that immediately followed the destruction of the Ultimate Weapon in Geosenge Town affected all of Kalos. First and foremost, Geosenge itself. Having sustained massive damage, it currently remains in the rebuilding phase and likely will for the following years. There was also minor damage caused to the Northeastern section just outside the town. An explosion caused midair by unknown causes caused some parts of existing tunnels in Reflection Cave to partially collapse. Proven to still be structurally sound, this wasn't further studied into.

What the International Police kept away from the media was several key pieces of information. One, the legends behind the Ultimate Weapon itself. For the rest of Kalos and most of the world, it has been told it was an energy gathering device meant to steal Kalos' energy. Two, the presence of Yveltal, the Legendary Pokemon of Destruction told in myths and history. Third, the involvement of the key figures in the whole Flare Debacle; Zeno, Alex, Robert, and their Pokemon, particularly Arcanine. Having risen from the ruins of the hole created by the Ultimate Weapon, Yveltal proceeded to cause destruction all around him and was only stopped by Zeno's Arcanine. The final moves exchanged between the two have been identified as "Sky Attack" and what Zeno claimed was a Z-move called "Incinerazing Arrow". This move, further claimed by Zeno, couldn't be used without the bond between trainer and Pokemon, and while present, still needed the use of a special Z-crystal and Z-ring which were not used to activate the move. Further research into this phenomenon will have to be put on hold indefinitely as Zeno himself has strongly argued against research involving him, his friends, and all their Pokemon. As he was key in the dismantling of Team Flare's plans in Geosenge involving the destruction of the known world, his wishes will be granted.

Affects that this incident has on Kalos other than what happened in and around Geosenge Town most notably included the Lumiose Conference, where the Kalos League Tournament has been confirmed to take place this year. Due to earlier events regarding a certain cult, Lumiose underwent construction, but thanks to the gathering of many trainers, repairs were mostly finished by the end of a week. But due to events in Geosenge, the Lumiose Conference postponed the tournament and was scheduled to take place one month after what happened in Geosenge. This is to ensure that potential participating trainers affected by the incident have enough time to recover from injuries and that any arrests made to Team Flare can be wrapped up. However, due to lack of knowledge and computer servers being wiped in Team Flare's Secret HQ outside of Geosenge and the base in Lumiose, it is currently unknown where the remainder of Team Flare is hiding. In two weeks the Lumiose Conference will be held and Zeno's, Greninja's, and Corvisquire's recoveries will be concluded today as long as no other health issues arise. Further involvement of International Police in Kalos' affairs has been strongly recommended by the Champion herself, who seems to be regaining much of her lost strength. With Team Flare and the Cult of Chaos still active somewhere in Kalos, we are to remain here with me being assigned directorship over any future Kalos proceedings.

To conclude my report, I would like to offer my professional opinion. I believe there is something Zeno has yet to reveal about his time in Team Flare's Secret HQ. While I do not know if this would pertain to finding Team Flare or not, I cannot rule out the possibility and will try to keep tabs on Zeno and his friends in the future.

Report Written and Filed by International Police Detective Looker

...

I stretched as I exited the small hospital, breathing in the fresh air. After being kept in one place for two weeks healing from my injuries, it was going to be nice to get back to my journey soon. Greninja, having healed several days earlier than I had thanks to being a Pokemon stood beside me, mouth open as he smelled the brisk morning air. The sounds of a train arriving and the constant thrum of the nearby waterfalls added to the unique and captivating atmosphere of Couriway Town.

I looked at the pokeball in my hand and my mood soured a little. Corvisquire, having been hit by that life-draining beam directly, was going to take longer to heal. While his injuries were tended to, only time could heal him now. He wouldn't be allowed to battle for another week at least.

"You'll get your chance in the Lumiose Conference," I promised him. "Then you'll show the whole region just how strong you've become." Turning to Greninja, I clasped him on the shoulder. "Let's go find our friends, shall we? They said they would be waiting by the falls."

He croaked in agreement and we headed for the Southeastern edge of the town and up a trail. Fletchlings chirped around us and the ground evened out to a small grassy area at the bank of a small lake with roaring waterfalls. Sitting with a picnic blanket spread out along with food was Alex. Robert was at the water's edge, jotting down notes as he stared intently into it.

Alex grinned when she caught sight of me. "You're alive then. Come on over, the food's been waiting and I've managed to stall Robert."

"I'm starting to believe you having seen a Milotic in this small area was entirely fabricated," Robert came over and sat as Greninja and I did the same. "But that's okay. I got some great information by seeing the Buizels and Floatzels interact with the Basculins."

"How are you doing?" Alex asked.

"Better than ever," I grinned. "I guess resting after that whole incident was just the thing Greninja and I needed."

Greninja croaked in agreement as he leaped into the lake, resting on his back. Smiling, I let out Arcanine and he shook his huge body.

"Thanks again Arcanine," I rubbed his side. "I wish I could have seen you battle Yveltal." I turned to my friends. "What did exactly happen? You guys didn't really talk much about it and Looker with his visits didn't reveal much."

"Not much to say really," Robert said through a mouthful of his sandwich. Once swallowed, he continued. "You were beat up badly and upon inspecting your Pokemon, so were Greninja, Corvisquire, and Mawile, the latter better off than the formers. You let out Arcanine and told him to protect everyone and he rushed off to battle with Yveltal."

Alex picked up from there. "Straight out of town too. Good call with that one, leading the battle away from the already damaged place," she rubbed Arcanine's head who licked her appreciatively. She let out Ninetales who went off to play with Arcanine so as not to get licked again. "They both collided with one another with their two moves as you know, but that's where the battle ended. Yveltal hovered over Arcanine for a minute or two before taking off. Arcanine returned to us, injured from battle, but okay. I still don't get how he used his Z-move without you activating the Z-crystal."

"I don't either," I stared at my Pokemon for a couple seconds. "I think I was still slightly conscious after I let him out, because I remember a tugging sensation. Similar to the bond I feel with Greninja and Lucario when activating their forms. I guess... I may have connected to him on some level to make sure he won." I shook my head. "I still don't understand everything about this bond stuff with my Pokemon, not really."

"Leave that to me," Robert jerked his thumb into his chest. "You do whatever when battling and I'll do the research. In fact," he finished off his sandwich. "We need to get to town soon. It's almost time."

"Time for what?" I asked.

"Ash and Serena were planning on heading over," Alex explained. "Wanted to check up on you. I'm assuming Ash wanted to battle you because he said he had something he wanted to show you. Knowing the both of you, its definitely about Pokemon and battling."

"Makes sense," I quickly ate and called out to Greninja, "Let's go! We got a rival to meet!"

Greninja leaped out of the water and Arcanine padded over to me and Ninetales to Alex. We made our way back to the center of Couriway where there was an arena for Pokemon Battle set up in a hole in the ground. There Ash waved at alongside Serena on a bench facing the battlefield. Serena sported a new haircut along with a new outfit as well. Shorter hair and a reddish-pink fedora along were the most notable differences.

"Nice hat," I complimented her. "You should tell Alex hats like that would work for me as well."

Serena laughed. "I might agree with her you know. I'd have to see it with my own eyes. Though, I do like what you have going."

I looked back at Alex. "See? She likes the trench. You should like it too."

On the way down, I figured if I was going to show off Greninja, then we would do it in full Kage-Shinobi style.

After Alex knocked me on the back of my head, Ash patted me on the back. "It really suits you as my rival. Also, glad you're doing better."

Pikachu made a sound of agreement from his trainer's shoulder, then turned to look at Greninja and Arcanine, who were still beside me. As rivals themselves, they were itching to fight and test one another after so long.

"When was our last battle?" I asked. "Lumiose, correct?"

"Nah," Ash shook his head. "Geosenge. Lumiose wasn't a proper battle between us."

"Okay okay," Serena shook her head, but she looked like she was holding back laughter. "We'll give you two room to battle, so get down there already."

"Yeah," Alex agreed, then asked, "First, where's Clemont and Bonnie?"

"They're back in Lumiose at the gym," Serena explained. "Clemont had things he needed to work on, but both would come and see the tournament when it begins."

"Wait," I had a sudden realization at those words and turned to face Ash. "You didn't..."

Ash nodded and held open the left part of his jacket, showing all eight Kalos gym badges. "Finished last week. Had to deal with some stuff, but everything is better now." His eyes sparked with fiery confidence. "More than better actually. Because the bond with my Pokemon will be sure to trump yours!"

Those words resonated in me and I grinned, matching his gaze with my own. "Really? Well then, let's see whose bond is strongest."

"While you two do that," Robert butted in, holding up his modified piece of technology. "I'll be monitoring the battle."

"Sounds like a plan," Ash and I said in unison, both giving a thumbs up.

Alex palmed her face with her hand. "They're both too alike for their own good."

Ash and I both entered the battlefield on opposite sides by walking down a couple steps of stairs. We took our places at each end, Arcanine and Greninja standing behind me patiently, both knowing they wouldn't be needed right off the bat. Ash's Pikachu looked at his trainers curiously, but Ash shook his head and grinned.

"Full six-on-six?" Ash called out, but I shook my head and called back, "Can't. One of mine is still recovering. Five works."

Ash nodded, then gave a short laugh. "Actually, yeah, we have to do five. One of my Pokemon won't be with me until the league starts. Five-on-five it is."

I though for a second, then grabbed a pokeball. "No holding back, right!?"

"Of course!" Ash shouted, his grin as wide as can be. "I want to see what my rival is truly capable of!"

"Alright then!" I swung my hand, tossing the pokeball into the air. '"Let's show him what we're made of! Mawile!"

She appeared on the ground in front of me, fully healed from her fight against Yveltal. She crouched, her back jaw snarling. Ash swung his own pokeball, releasing Hawlucha.

"A Hawlucha," I raised an eyebrow. "So you've added to your team since Geosenge."

"You bet," Ash said proudly. "You ain't seen nothing yet."

"Good," I said, grinning. "Mawile, Sucker Punch!"

As Ash shouted, "Flying Press!" Mawile darted forwards, leaping up and smashing her jaw into Hawlucha's chest as he jumped, knocking him back.

"Come back with Karate Chop!" Ash yelled and Hawlucha shot around Mawile, delivering a chop against her back.

"Counter with Crunch!" I commanded.

Mawile's back jaw snapped at Hawlucha, closing around his arm. She then planted her feet into the ground and swung him over her head, slamming him into the ground.

"Keep it up!" I shouted.

"Go with Bounce!" Ash pumped his fist into the air and Hawlucha quickly got to his feet while still attached to Mawile and catapulted both of them into the sky. "Slam her to the ground!" Hawlucha dived towards the ground, swinging himself so Mawile hit first, and hard. She tumbled through the dirt, but got back up again right away.

"To be expected from someone who has all eight gym badges," I nodded appreciatively. "But we're not done yet!" I thrust out my hand. "Iron Defense!"

Mawile stood her ground, boosting her defense as a shiny metal gleam coated her entire body.

"Again!" I shouted as Ash yelled, "High Jump Kick!"

Hawlucha leaped into the air and directed his knee towards Mawile. Just as he closed in on her, I shouted, "Baton Pass!"

Mawile smirked as she was immediately sucked back into her pokeball and Hawlucha's knee hit the ground hard, hurting him instead of his intended target.

"Alright," I swung out Pawniard. "Laser Focus!"

Pawniard's eyes gleamed as Hawlucha got to his feet, crouching in a wrestler's position.

"Let's take him out in one hit!" Ash called out to his Pokemon. "Flying Press!"

"Psycho Cut!"

Pawniard swung both arms, two blades of psychic energy colliding with Hawlucha. He landed on his back, the damage output boosted by the Laser Focus.

"Sword Dance while he's down," I commanded.

"Get back up and use Karate Chop!"

Just as Pawniard finished, he was slammed backwards, tumbling head over heels through the ground. He skidded to a halt on his face, picking himself up by planting his blades for hands into the stone ground.

"C'mon," I shouted. "You can win this! Psycho Cut!"

Pawniard ran forwards, slashing his arms over and over.

"Dodge!" Ash ordered and Hawlucha ran forwards as well, dodging each incoming blade of psychic energy.

"Pawniard!" I shouted as the two Pokemon closed in on each other. Then Pawniard crossed his arms, each blade enlarging to several feet. They caught Hawlucha in the middle, blasting him backwards over ten feet where he fainted.

"Yes!" I shouted as Ash returned his Pokemon. "Guillotine!"

Pawniard cheered right along with me, so proud and happy that he began glowing. I hadn't had him for that long, so I was surprised at these turn of events as he evolved into a Bisharp. But then again, he was Clara's before he was with me. He made a metal, echoing sound as he finished evolving, standing tall and proud. I was reminded of a story I had heard in the Parfum Palace about the Bisharp general.

"So he evolved," Ash rubbed the back of his head. "Always a sight to see. This just means I definitely shouldn't take you lightly. Man am I so psyched!" He grinned foolishly, showing he was still just a child on the inside.

Alex's earlier comments struck me in that moment. "They're both too alike for their own good."

"No," I thought. "I was molded from a darker time. Ash is someone who never had to deal with the amount of evil I went through. We couldn't be more different in that aspect."

"Talonflame!" Ash shouted, showing off his evolved Fletchinder. "Let's burn bright as we soar towards victory! Flame Charge!"

"Night Slash!" I yelled.

Bisharp ran forwards, his arm blades darkening. He leaped and both Pokemon collided, blasting Bisharp back further than Talonflame. He skidded onto his feet, before launching himself back at the Fire type.

"Metal Burst!"

Bisharp slammed his arms together, over a dozen pieces of shrapnel flying away from him towards Talonflame. They battered the Flying type who blasted the rest away by enveloping his body with fire once more.

"Flame Charge again!" Ash shouted. "Don't be caught by Guillotine!"

Talonflame soared around Bisharp, gaining speed as he went. Bisharp was having a hard time keeping his eyes trained on the enemy, whirling his head around in different directions.

"Slash your arms around you while using Night Slash!" I ordered and Bisharp was quick to obey. He spun his arms around in many directions, dark winds slicing through the air around him, several slashing against Talonflame, knocking him away from Bisharp and cancelling the Flame Charge.

"Get right back in there and use Steel Wing!" Ash ordered and Talonflame flew at speeds I couldn't even see, already having slammed his wings into Bisharp before I could blink.

"One strike," Ash grinned, holding out his hand confidently. "That's all we need. Flare Blitz!"

Fire exploded around Talonflame as it turned blue and he streaked for Bisharp. I had no time to utter a command, but Bisharp managed to slam his arms together in the instant before Talonflame blasted him into the wall behind me. He had fainted, but his battle hadn't yet ended. Metal shards had flown out from him a moment before Talonflame struck and now they all homed in on the Fire type and bombarded him.

"Amazing job," I whispered as I returned Bisharp. "You learned a new move and evolved. Together, we'll do great things. We will win the league. But first comes this battle."

"Lucario," I sent him out. "Let's win this!"

He growled in agreement and readied his fists. He glanced back at me and I shook my head. "No mega evolving this time. But that's no excuse to go all out." He hrred and nodded, turning back to the battle.

"Talonflame, ready your flames," Ash said. "It's going to take all we have to take him out!

"Bullet Punch!" I shouted and Lucario leaped and pummeled Talonflame with flying fists. "Meteor Mash!" He then kicked off of Talonflame's back and into the air, drawing back a glowing fist.

"Aerial Ace!"

Talonflame zoomed about, slamming into Lucario's side, stopping his attack. Lucario fell on both feet, and upon my command, sprung forwards at high speeds, becoming a blur. He kicked off the ground, pummeling Talonflame with quick strikes before darting away before being hit by an attack. The Flying type glowed blue as he flew fast to keep up with Lucario.

"Now!" I shouted. "Force Palm!"

Lucario twisted his body, skidding backwards, and now facing Talonflame. He slammed both palms together, sparks of electricity flying. He flung both paws outwards, the generated electricity striking Talonflame, paralyzing him and causing him to fall to the ground. Lucario slid to a stop, leaping back into the air, readying a Meteor Mash. Talonflame rose unsteadily into the air, flinching at the sparks coursing around his body. Then Lucario slammed his fist into him, driving the Fire type back into the ground where he then proceeded to punch him once with a glowing fist. Talonflame had been defeated.

"Lucario sure has grown," Ash nodded appreciatively. "I remember when he was just a Riolu." He returned Talonflame and sent out a Pokemon I hadn't yet seen in person.

"A Noivern?" I said, surprised. Then, "Three Flying types? Really?"

"Hey, I don't choose," Ash smiled proudly. "They choose me."

I understood that sentiment well.

"Swords Dance," I said, Lucario pumping both fists at his sides, attack increasing.

"Boomburst!" Ash yelled, thrusting out an arm. Noivern reared back his head, then waves of sound blasted from his ears and assaulted the stone ground, heading for Lucario. Unable to escape the attack, he shuddered from the intensity, dropping to one knee.

Noivern then flew towards him, claws glowing. He raked them upwards, sending Lucario flying. He crashed onto his back, but got back to his feet, snarling. His maw glowed as he held his head back and unleashed a beam of draconic energy at Noivern. He flew to the side to avoid the beam, but Lucario twisted his head, blasting the Dragon type in the left wing.

"Blast him with Hurricane!" Ash shouted and Noivern flapped his wings, a cyclone of wind cascading down on Lucario.

"Close Combat!" I shouted and Lucario flung his limbs, knocking away some of the wind, but was still caught up in the hurricane and sent flying backwards. He struggled to his feet, planting one paw on his knee to help himself up.

"No," I held out his pokeball. "You've done great. You should rest for now. Let Arcanine finish the fight."

He looked at me for a second, then nodded wearily. I returned him and Arcanine padded forwards, shaking himself as he bared his fangs. Briefly, I wondered just how powerful Arcanine really was if he was able to take on Yveltal and come out barely injured. Then I focused back on the battle. Ash had already gotten his 8 gym badges, which meant he was already a step ahead of me, if not more. Beating him here would mean I would be ready for the League.

"Alright then," I breathed. "Arcanine, Flame Wheel and Agility!"

Arcanine ran and curled into a wheel of flames, going faster as he sped towards Noivern.

"Knock him off course with Boomburst!" Ash commanded, Noivern blasting the earth with the sonic attack.

"Hold it back with Heat Wave!" I yelled.

Arcanine uncurled and slammed all four paws on the ground, waves of heat rolling off of him and barely managing to hold back the bursting sound. Then Noivern flew past him, slashing with his wings, causing Arcanine to roar in pain. The Dragon type flew around, maw brimming with draconic energy.

"Dragon Pulse!" Ash and I both shouted, both of our Pokemon firing beams of energy. They collided, rippling the air around them. Then Noivern's beam weakened and he was blasted by the energy. Taking advantage of the situation, Arcanine burst forwards, teeth brimming with electricity.

"Air Cutter!" Ash yelled and Noivern, trying to get back up in the air, sliced the air in Arcanine's direction.

"Dodge it!" I ordered and Arcanine weaved around the attacks, clamping his fangs on Noivern's right wing, electricity coursing through the Flying type's body.

"Boomburst!" Ash commanded and Noivern turned his head, blasting Arcanine with the full force of his sonic attack. The Fire type was pushed backwards, rolling head-over-heels.

"Flame Wheel!" I shouted and Arcanine used his momentum to spin into a fiery wheel, blazing around Noivern.

"Boomburst again!"

"Faster!" I yelled and Arcanine barreled straight into the attack, the power of the move blasting him into the air while still curled in Flame Wheel.

"Go for it!" I roared and Arcanine blasted towards Noivern.

Ash's eyes widened, then quickly shouted, "Whirlwind!"

Noivern desperately flapped his wings, a strong gust of wind pushing against Arcanine, returning him to his pokeball immediately. Just as quick, Mawile was brought back out onto the battlefield.

"Fine then," I swung my arm. "Sucker Punch!"

Mawile rushed for Noivern, slamming him in the middle.

"Burn her with Flamethrower!" Ash commanded and the Dragon type blasted jets of flames at Mawile, engulfing her.

"Protect with Fairy Wind!" I yelled and Mawile forced the flames apart with a gust of pink wind. She then directed it at Noivern before leaping at him. "Play Rough!"

Mawile began beating up Noivern however she could, biting him with her back jaw or punching him in the sides. Noivern tried to shake her off, even blasting another Flamethrower, but she tightened her jaw on his wing, punching him one last time in the head. The Dragon type hovered erratically before dropping to the ground, fainted. Mawile stepped back, panting and burnt in several places.

As Ash returned Noivern, I returned Mawile. "You did amazing. Now let's see what we can do here."

"Pikachu," Ash grinned at his long-time partner. "I choose you!"

"Pika!" Pikachu leaped forwards, cheeks sparking.

"Come back out Arcanine," I said, letting the Fire type back out to face his rival. He was already weakened from earlier, but he still narrowed his eyes and prepared to run.

"Start off strong," Ash shouted, grinning. "Volt Tackle!"

"Extreme Speed!" I roared.

Both Pokemon took off at a run, electricity surrounding Pikachu as he ran. An explosion rang out as they collided, both being pushed back five feet.

"Flamethrower!"

"Thunderbolt!"

Both moves struck one another, crackling and popping where they connected. Then the Thunderbolt began overpowering the Flamethrower.

"Extreme Speed!" I shouted again and Arcanine zoomed away, the Thunderbolt harmlessly hitting the earth.

"Quick Attack!" Ash yelled. "Full force, then Iron Tail!"

Both butted heads and Pikachu used the momentum to swing himself around, aiming to slam his tail into Arcanine's head.

"Fire Fang!"

Quick as a flash, Arcanine gripped his jaw down on Pikachu's tail, letting the fire spread across the small Pokemon's body before tossing him into the air. Pikachu's face was clenched in pain, but he sparked with electricity as a thundercloud formed above him and a huge bolt of lightning slammed down on the Fire type, causing him to howl in pain while being electrified.

"Agility!" I shouted and Arcanine began vibrating, faster and faster, then finally bursting forwards to Pikachu, who had landed on the ground ten feet away. Streams of fire and electricity trailed behind Arcanine as he roared, leaping and slamming back onto the ground, rolling towards his enemy in a Flame Wheel.

"Volt Tackle behind him and use Electro Ball!" Ash commanded.

Pikachu swerved away from Arcanine, leaping and tossing a ball of electricity towards him.

"Burn straight through it!" I yelled.

Arcanine rolled faster, the flames turning blue as it sparked with electricity from the Thunder, disintegrating the Electro Ball instantly. He slammed into Pikachu, sending the Mouse Pokemon flying past me and slamming into the wall, creating a large crater. As the small cloud of dust began clearing, Ash shouted, "Quick Attack and Thunderbolt!"

Pikachu zoomed from the hole and straight for Arcanine, cheeks sparking."Piiiikaaaaa!"

"Reversal!" I yelled quickly and Arcanine began glowing orange.

"CHUUUUUUUUU!"

With a mighty roar, Arcanine threw himself forwards, the Thunderbolt slamming into him as he collided with Pikachu, dealing massive damage as another explosion whipped back my hair and trench. When the battle settled, both Pokemon were unable to battle.

I heaved a sigh, returning Arcanine. "Good job, buddy. Now let me and Greninja finish." I looked back at him and Greninja nodded firmly, stepping forwards.

"You said you had something to show me, right?" I turned back to Ash. "Now's the time."

"Indeed it is," Ash smiled, looking more serious now. "It's time to show you what me and my Pokemon are truly capable of."

He held out his pokeball, letting out a Greninja. Both of our same species Pokemon met each other's gazes, both nodding in respect of the other. On the sidelines, Robert was hurrying setting up his equipment, eagerly putting on a pair of huge headphones.

"This will be a test run," I said to Greninja. "Right here we can truly gauge just how far we've come on our journey. Don't hold anything back, Greninja."

He croaked in agreement, adopting a ninja pose, hand in front of his face. Similarly, Ash's Greninja did the same.

"Water Shuriken!" Ash shouted and his Greninja threw two shurikens towards us.

"Cut," I said and Greninja whipped out a glowing blade, slicing both attacks in two.

I crouched slightly, feeling a rush of energy. "GO!"

Greninja shot forwards, brandishing two blades.

"NOW!" Ash roared and his Greninja ran to meet mine, two blades in his webbed hands as well.

Both clashed, striking and slashing, trading blows for blows, blocking and pushing forwards. Seconds later, both Pokemon leaped back closer to their trainers. I saw Ash breathe in deeply, then his eyes flashed.

"Let's show them how far we've come!" he shouted, pumping his fist into the air. "GRENINJA!"

To my utter surprise, a column of water shot up around his Greninja, making my eyes widen. It blasted apart, forming around him. A large shuriken was attached to his back and red lightning bolt-shaped streaks on what looked similar to Ash's spiky black hair, the fin on the middle of his head now red. A small gasp of amazement left me, and the sentiment was shared with my Greninja. He looked similar to Ash. We had thought, believed our bond to be unique, but now it appeared that Ash and Greninja could unlock the same potential.

"But we're the first," I thought. "Aren't we. There has been no other Greninjas quite like ours before I'm sure. So then, what exactly allows us to be able to do this?"

"Now you see," Ash nodded, grinning confidently. "What our full potential truly is! We won't be holding back, so get ready!"

I allowed myself to grin. "Greninja, looks like they truly are the perfect rivals for us. They're willing to show us this power of theirs, so let's do the same."

"Grenin," Greninja agreed, eyes narrowing.

"Cut!" Ash shouted and extra long blades appeared in both hands of his Greninja as he shot towards us.

I felt my pulse race, and alongside it, another pulse. With surging power, we connected.

"Greninja!" I shouted, and a blast of water exploded from him, surrounding him, then forming into his cloak and daggers. He swung both hands forwards, water forming around them then solidifying into blades where he flung off Ash's Greninja's attack. With a loud clang, Ash's Greninja leaped back, eyes wide in surprise, a look mimicked by Ash himself.

"That's-," he shook his head in amazement. "Oh wow. You two can do it as well!?"

"It appears so," I nodded. "Though I thought we were the only ones."

Ash's mouth widened into a grin. "So cool!"

I laughed. "Alright then, enough amazement. Let's see who's bond is strongest!"

"Alright!" Ash shouted, thrusting his arm out. "Aerial Ace!"

"Counter!" I shouted, feeling our connection spike.

Ash-Greninja shot forwards, arms and feet glowing. He lashed out, but Greninja blocked with two blades connected together, heaving Ash-Greninja away. He lunged forwards, multiplying as he went. Ash-Greninja narrowed his eyes, flinging shuriken after shuriken, destroying the copies. Greninja appeared behind his rival, fist glowing as he punched Ash-Greninja in the back.

Ash-Greninja recovered quickly, flipping as he scattered a storm of bubbles that popped with explosive power. Greninja rushed through, ignoring the attack as he sliced through most of the bubbles with Night Slash, clashing again with Ash-Greninja's water blades. Their movements were faster this time, more of a blur as they slashed and parried. Then Greninja swung his left arm up, carrying with it a sphere of water, blasting Ash-Greninja backwards.

I held my sides, feeling the vague sense of sense of being sliced. Ash seemed to be in a similar state, but he held his middle where Ash-Greninja was blasted away. I clenched my teeth, feeling my senses sharpen as I started to see through Greninja's eyes. For whatever reason, this battle, our bond seemed to be easier to access as our thoughts and emotions became one.

(NOTE: The use of "I" and First-Person terminology from this point onwards to a certain point will refer to Greninja and his actions in battle, as it pertains to him and Zeno becoming of one mind.)

I leaped back, grabbing the two shurikens on my legs, flinging them at Ash-Greninja. Both found their marks, but he continued on regardless, dealing a blow to my side and head with foot and hand. A croak left my mouth, but I skidded along the ground, planting one webbed-hand on the stone, small fissures spreading towards my rival. Three jets of water burst from the ground, blasting him into the air. Holding my arms on opposite side, two blades formed from water before turning dark. Launching myself into the air, I got in three slashes before having to leap back.

Suddenly I felt something strike against my chest, flinging me back. Another shuriken was incoming and I only managed to turn enough so it grazed my head. Then there were dozens of Ash-Greninja's, all of them scattered along the ground or mid-jump. I held out both hands, dozens of small particles of water forming in the air. I shot them forwards, each one enlarging into water spikes that littered the ground. As many of the copies moved, most were taken out by the trap, but a few slipped past, limbs glowing.

I blocked one with my glowing fist, destroying that copy in the process, and leapt over another. While doing so, I grabbed the blade attached to my hip, striking downwards to block the real Ash-Greninja's attack. A small burst of wind pushed outwards where our blades connected and for a single instant, our gazes met. In them I could see Ash and as a distant reflection, myself.

The moment was gone and Ash-Greninja swung his leg up in an arc, darkness sweeping behind him. I flung my cloak off, protecting me from the blow and the force of the bubbles expanding and exploding forced Ash-Greninja back, but he rushed back in without hesitating, swinging his arm with a wave of darkness. The force of the attack blasted me back, rolling along the ground. I could see him coming back, blade gleaming in the sunlight. I parried the blade and crouched, slashing and rolling to the side, leaping to my feet, flinging several shurikens before an icy fist punched me in the gut.

(NOTE: End the use of First-Person referring to Greninja)

I gasped, my gut throbbing where Ash-Greninja had struck my Greninja. I felt him weakening and because of that, our connection seemed to be weaker and I no longer felt entirely a part of the fight. After having flung his cloak off, a large shuriken similar to Ash-Greninja's appeared on Greninja's back as well. Both Greninja's leaped away from one another, Ash's holding his head back, then blasting a beam of ice towards Greninja.

Greninja formed a Water Pulse, the sphere absorbing the ice and freezing solid in the process. He flung it towards Ash-Greninja who shattered it, but it proved a good distraction as Greninja shot into the sky, grabbing one end of the large shuriken on his back. I roared along with him, my pulse increasing, faster and faster. Ash-Greninja crouched, flinging his large shuriken at the same time, both attacks colliding mid-air. As Greninja landed, he made to move, but suddenly I felt a sharp sensation shoot through my chest, making me gasp in pain. I clenched my teeth, dropping to my knees. I managed to look up to see Greninja in a similar state.

"Zeno," I heard Alex yell and I could hear her running. Robert was hurrying over to Greninja, but as they arrived, the worse was already passing.

"I'm," I coughed, breathing heavily, my heart racing as I felt sweat drip down front. I suddenly realized that the battle had exhausted me. "I'm okay. Okay." I stood on shaky feet, my pulse settling and Greninja seemed to be mostly fine as well.

Ash had hurried over as well. "The pain in your chest gone?"

I looked at him and realized that he was the only other person who understood this pain. "Yeah. Yeah, it's gone. I guess our bond doesn't quite match up to yours."

"That's not it," Ash shook his head. "I could still feel that pain, albeit faint. There is a limit to what we can achieve with this battle bond. You both just healed from an injury. I'm amazed you and Greninja could hold that form for that long."

"You think?" I wondered.

"Nope," Ash grinned foolishly. "I can just feel it."

I couldn't help but laugh. Robert was coming over, one of Greninja's arms over his shoulder. I embraced Greninja, patting him on the back. "Good battle. Though perhaps doing this just after getting healed wasn't the best of ideas."

"Gren," he croaked in agreement, stepping back so he could sit.

"You won then," I clasped Ash on the shoulder tiredly.

Ash frowned. "No, we tied. You couldn't fight at your best, that's all. Next time will be for real."

"Sure," I agreed.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Alex still looked worried.

"I'm fine, really," I assured her, but I knew it would take more than that to convince her. "How about we spend another day here so Greninja and I can rest from this."

Alex seemed more happy about that idea and nodded. "That will work."

"Just make sure to not miss the league," Ash said, nodding at me. "You just might be my strongest rival and I don't want to miss the chance of beating you."

"Same here," I gripped his hand with a firm shake. "Greninja and I will catch up, and when we do, we'll defeat you for sure!"

...

Alain watched the battle between Ash and Zeno from afar. He had first been curious with Ash and his Greninja's bond form, but now Zeno had one as well. His face became downcast as he remembered Zeno was the one who brought down Team Flare's plan. He was grateful for that, but also deeply ashamed. He needed Chespie to become better so Mairin would become herself again. And for that to happen, he needed to continue to help Lysandre, even if that meant crushing Zeno in the Pokemon League.

Um... 6000+ words... That's a first. Hope you all like what I did with the battle. Still experimenting with different styles and I think they turned out pretty well. I'll be doing college work come fall, so I better hurry and end this book fast, but I doubt I can do that before summer ends. There's still a whopping 28 chapters left to write, plus an epilogue. But it'll be worth it! OH! One last thing. Next chapter will be a special one which all of you never knew you wanted. Till then! Toodles