"C'mon, hurry up!"

"I'm coming, I'm coming," Gladion muttered, stalking into the living room of Kukui's ramshackle house. "Yep, it hasn't even begun yet."

"You should still be here early," Hau gestured at the TV while he and Lillie sat on the couch, the blonde's head resting on his shoulder. "He is our friend you know."

"You won't be my friend much longer if you don't sit further away from my sister," Gladion pulled roughly on Hau's hair as he took a seat in an armchair close to Hau, Silvally coming up to lick his trainer's head.

"Hey!" Lillie glared at Gladion. "What have I told you!"

Gladion rolled his eyes, muttering to himself as he turned his attention to the large flat screen TV.

"Hey-o kiddos!" Professor Kukui said cheerfully as he and his wife, Burnet, came in to sit on the second couch. "It start yet?"

"Not yet," Hau leaned forward impatiently. "But soon." He smirked. "Zeno... what kind of battle are you going to give us today?"

...

"I believe in Ash. He'll win for sure."

"Nuh uh, not a chance. Zeno's got this."

"How long do you think before they start placing bets?" Robert whispered to Clemont, who shrugged.

"Oi, ladies," Clara kicked the back of Alex's chair. "Shut it!"

"By the way," Robert glanced around their seats. "Where's Alain? We saved a seat for him and everything."

Alex glanced back. "Oh yeah. I saw Alain leaving earlier. He didn't look that great in a mood."

"That's strange," Clemont frowned. "Alain doesn't seem like the type to not get hung up over a loss. Especially if it was against Ash. Something else must be on his mind."

"Well," Robert shrugged. "Who knows. For now, we have a battle to watch. Hey, look!" He pointed. "Here they come!"

...

"Well well," Silver grinned as he set down his bowl, glancing at the TV in the corner of the Ramen Shop. "I do wonder, brother. How far have you come from being Giovanni's pet assassin?"

...

"So then," Diantha murmured as she gazed at Zeno and Ash arriving onto the battlefield. "Which of you has the most determination to win, the desire to overcome your weakness?"

...

"That's my boy!" Jessie exclaimed as she whooped with joy. "Go get 'em!"

"Beat that twerp!" James punched a fist. "Show him who's boss once and for all!"

"It's payback time for all the pain we went through!" Meowth exclaimed. "Show us you can beat that accursed Pikachu!"

"Woooobbuffet!"

...

My footsteps echoed around me in the glass tunnel, my trench coat swaying as I walked. Ahead of me was the rising battlefield, and further, Ash walking through his own tunnel, Pikachu atop his shoulder. I breathed, setting my gaze. This was it. The moment my, no, our whole journey has led us to.

"I made you a promise." I felt my bond with Greninja, relishing in that wondrous feeling. "That we would win the league, together. Now that time is upon us." I gripped my fist, grinning as I walked into the bright sunlight and roaring crowd. "So then, Greninja, let's show him the culmination of our journey and our true power!"

...

"It's a beautiful afternoon folks and the Lumiose Conference is close to its end! Up till now we've had so many breathtaking battles and we can only wish it wouldn't end! But that's exactly the opposite of what our two finalists are seeking! Coming onto the field now are Ash of Pallet Town and Zeno our mysterious foreigner!"

Smoke exploded into the air around the stadium and the crowd began cheering as we took our positions on either side of the arena. The field had fully risen and locked into place.

"The first field for the final round of the Kalos League will be the City Field! What kind of fight will they give us with this kind of battlefield!? We've already seen them defeat two seriously strong trainers and both are in possession of uniquely powerful Greninjas! One can only wonder if this battle was a long time coming! Is this destiny we're witnessing today folks!?"

"Destiny, eh?" I sucked in a breath, anticipating the thrill that came with battling. "Perhaps."

"Hey, Zeno!" Ash called over to me, pumping out his fist. "Let's give them a battle for the ages, what do you say?"

"Couldn't have said it better myself!" I grinned, raising my fist.

The judge stepped forwards, raising both hands. "The final battle between Ash and Zeno will now begin! You may use six Pokemon each! Pokemon may be substituted freely! As soon as one party's Pokemon are all unable to battle, the battle is over! Also, once once three of either party's Pokemon are unable to battle, there will be an interval so we can change the battlefield! Both of you, please call out your Pokemon!"

"Goodra, I choose you!" Ash shouted, throwing out his Dragon type.

"Seems like this should be in my favor," I threw my pokeball into the air. "Mawile, come on out!"

"A Dragon against a Fairy type! There's no question as to has the advantage in this bout!"

"Now then, begin the battle!"

"Goodra, use Ice Beam!" Ash commanded.

"Mawile, run and dodge!" I ordered. "And use Power-Up Punch!"

Mawile ran across the cobblestone, ducking below the beam of ice. She readied her fist as it began to glow.

"As if we'd let you!" Ash shouted. "Aqua Tail!"

Goodra narrowed his eyes, turning as he swept his tail, water surging around it. Mawile's eyes widened as the water slammed into her chest and sent her flying backwards.

"Ice Beam!"

Goodra blasted a beam of ice from his mouth, freezing the cobblestone ground before hitting Mawile. She cried out as part of her became frozen, making it a struggle to move.

"Now go for a Muddy Water!" Ash called out and Goodra roared as he raised his arms, dirty water surging over him and cascading towards Mawile.

"Baton Pass!" I shouted and Mawile glowed for a second before returning to her pokeball. I sent out Corviknight, who easily flew above the water.

"And Zeno's second Pokemon is Corviknight, a good choice to evade that Muddy Water!"

"Hit him with Ice Beam!" Ash commanded, but Corviknight dodged the attack, folding his wings as he dived towards the Dragon type, circling as he went.

"That's it!" I yelled. "Drill Peck!"

"Bide!" Ash shouted just before Corviknight slammed into Goodra, spinning as his beak glowed brightly. Goodra cried out in pain and Corviknight flew back into the air, wings outstretched.

"Be careful," I warned the Steel type. "Air Slash!"

Corviknight flapped his wings, several air blades slamming into Goodra with a small explosion. When the smoke cleared, Goodra's whole body was glowing red. His face looked enraged as he drew back his head, unleashing a huge beam of red energy.

"Dive!" I shouted and Corviknight quickly folded his wings, letting gravity do the rest. Goodra began aiming the beam down to hit him, the ground rushing way too quickly towards the Flying type.

"Now!" I roared. "Steel Wing!"

Corviknight stretched out his glowing wings as he zoomed towards Goodra, the beam quickly slicing down. An explosion obscured them both, making it unclear which attack had hit who. Corviknight flew into the sky, looking hurt, but otherwise okay. Goodra was on one knee, an eye closed as he grimaced in pain.

"Rain Dance!" Ash shouted and dark rain clouds formed overhead, puddles forming on the street. "Now use Ice Beam!"

"Slice through it with Drill Peck!" I shouted and the Flying type began spinning through the air, the Ice Beam reflecting off the tip of his beak as he zoomed towards Goodra.

"Now use Aqua Tail!" Ash roared. Goodra bellowed alongside his trainer, water surging around his tail as he spun his body around.

"Switch to Dual Wingbeat!" I commanded. "Hit that Aqua Tail first!"

Corviknight broke out of his spin, slapping a glowing wing against Goodra's tail, the force from it spinning Corviknight to the right. The extra momentum allowed the Steel type to swing his other wing into Goodra's neck, slamming the Dragon type onto his back.

As Corviknight flew into the sky, the judge shouted, "Goodra is unable to battle, which means Corviknight wins!"

"The first victory goes to Zeno, putting him in the lead! Will this be the determining factor for his victory!?"

"Let's take this battle to the skies!" Ash shouted, throwing his pokeball into the air. "Noivern, use Supersonic!"

"Counter with Metal Sound!" I ordered and Corviknight let out a metallic screech that sliced through the Supersonic and seemed to make Noivern wince in pain.

I blinked, then smirked. "Oh yeah, now there's a plan. Corviknight, Steel Wing!"

Corviknight cawed and his wings glowed with metallic light as he soared towards Noivern.

"Counter him with Dragon Claw!" Ash shouted.

Both Pokemon clashed in the air, unwilling to let the other win the struggle.

"Now we're close!" I yelled triumphantly. "Metal Sound! As loud as you can!"

The sound that came from Corviknight beak was like the worse ever nails on a chalkboard. Noivern screeched in pain as he shook his head around and plummeted through the air before crashing into a table, a small smoke cloud rising above him. The Dragon type climbed unsteadily from the wreckage, shaking his head.

"Let's finish him!" I shouted. "Drill Peck!"

"It's not over yet!" Ash said with determination. "Noivern, Hurricane!"

Noivern cried out, flapping his wings. Wind swirled around him, increasing in speed and power. Corviknight was forced back up into the air, flying out of the attack's range.

"Sound is out of the question," Ash said grimly. "But we still have our eyes and speed! Noivern, keep using Hurricane!"

Noivern flew back into the air, manipulating the fierce storm towards Corviknight, who was sucked back into it.

"Go with the motion!" I shouted, thinking quick. "Drill Peck straight into the sky!"

Corviknight began spinning, shooting up the swirling winds and towards open air. Then he broke free, unfolding his wings just as a dark shape rose above him.

"Dragon Claw!" Ash shouted and Noivern slashed downwards, striking Corviknight in the head and sending him back towards the battlefield below.

"Get out of that dive with Brave Bird!" I roared and Corvknight's body began to glow. A beam of draconic energy slammed into his back as he pulled out of the dive, slamming him back to earth. He slid along the cobblestone ground, creating a large groove.

"Corviknight is unable to battle, which means Noivern wins!"

"While he did some fancy flying to escape that hurricane and try to avoid crashing back down to earth, Noivern proved to be too much for Corviknight to handle!"

"You did good," I murmured as I returned the Raven Pokemon. " Let us finish him." I expanded another pokeball, tossing it. "Lucario, let's show them your aura!"

Lucario growled as he appeared crouching, slamming a fist into the ground, cracking it. Noivern roared, flying into the air.

"Wing Attack!" Ash shouted and Noivern's wings began to glow as he zoomed towards Lucario.

"Bone Rush over him!" I commanded and Lucario started to run, forming a long bone as he went. He slammed the end of it into the ground and used it to propel himself over Noivern. "Aura Sphere!" Lucario channeled his aura into a blue sphere and launched it into the Dragon type's back.

Noivern cried out, crashing back to the ground.

"Hurry and use Dragon Claw!" Ash ordered as Lucario ran for his opponent. Noivern twisted his body around, slashing Lucario in the chest and sending him backwards.

"Copycat!" I shouted and Lucario extended his fingers, draconic claws forming around his paws. He rushed forwards, blocking an attack from Noivern and slashing the Dragon in the chest as well. "Dodge use Dragon Pulse!" Lucario flipped backwards as Noivern slashed his claws, then blasted Noivern with a beam of energy.

"He's weakened!" I gripped a fist. "Time to finish him! Extreme Speed!"

Before Ash or Noivern could do a thing, Lucario had already rushed past Noivern, coming to a stop several feet behind the Dragon type. Noivern blinked, then collapsed.

"Noivern is unable to battle, which means Lucario wins!"

"A quick victory from Lucario! Even when not Mega Evolved, he's a force to be reckoned with!"

"Dang," Ash smiled as he shook his head upon returning Noivern. "I still can't believe how strong he is. But, I know just how powerful he can really be, and that's what I want to see!" Ash held up a pokeball. "And that's why I brought him!" He drew back his arm, launching the ball into the air. "Let's go! A Fighting type against a Fighting type!"

"INFERNAAAAAAAAPE!" The Pokemon cried, flames blasting from his head.

"WOW! Ash has brought a Pokemon he hasn't used before yet! Wait, this just in! It seems this is the same Infernape Ash used while participating in the Lily of the Valley Conference in Sinnoh! A real powerhouse, sure to give Zeno and Lucario some real trouble!"

"We can't underestimate him!" I pressed my thumb against the Key Stone, ribbons of light connecting me and Lucario. "Ash specifically brought Infernape to deal with us! Let's show them our power, our determination, and our unbreakable bond! Lucario, Mega Evolve!" Lucario howled as he Mega Evolved, his aura swirling around him.

"Let's begin with a Mach Punch!" Ash called out to his Pokemon, pumping his fist forwards. Infernape leaped, slamming a fist into Lucario's chest with insane speed, blasting him backwards. Lucario skidded along the road, dropping to one knee.

"Again!" Ash shouted and Infernape jumped, ready to slam his fist down towards Lucario.

Lucario's eyes narrowed and he swung his fist, meeting Infernape's in the air. A resounding force blasted from the impact and a second passed before both Pokemon were knocked away from one another. Lucario wasted no time in rocketing forwards, slamming a fist into the Fire type's stomach. Infernape's breath was taken away, but he narrowed his eyes as he became enraged, swinging his foot out and kicking the Steel type back a couple feet. Infernape roared and blasted a jet of flames into Lucario's face.

Lucario grimaced in pain for a second before whisking the fire away with his aura. He leaped, slamming his blazing foot against Infernape's side, kicking him away. He then drew back a fist, his four paws glowing orange. He blasted forwards, swinging and kicking. Infernape's eyes widened as he was punched and kicked repeatedly, but he managed to duck as the flames on his head grew and enveloped him. He crashed into Lucario with an explosion, knocking both Pokemon away from one another again.

"Neither Pokemon are willing to give the other an inch! Both seemed to be evenly matched and the battle seems like it can go either way at this point!"

Infernape lunged forwards, managing to grapple Lucario from behind. Lucario tried to grab him and throw him off, but Infernape gave a loud cry and the flames enveloped him once more. He burst forwards while still holding onto Lucario, slamming them into a building with an even bigger explosion then before. The structure collapsed, then another explosion triggered and the building next to it was brought crumbling down as well. Neither Pokemon could be seen within the huge dust cloud. A third explosion rocked the stadium and finally, the dust began to clear. Both Pokemon stood panting amongst the ruined city battlefield, both battered.

Lucario took the first step forwards, Infernape taking the next one without a moment's hesitation. Lucario stretched his fingers before curling them into fists, a harsh glow emanating from them. Infernape snarled, flames circling around him. The Aura Pokemon lunged towards the Fire type, swinging a fist, a wind of aura sending debris up into the air. The Flame Pokemon leaped into the air, twisting into a Flame Wheel. He spun in the air, streams of fire arcing out of it. It burned through the aura wind and blasted Lucario back.

Lucario flipped and landed on both feet as Infernape blasted towards him in the Flame Wheel. Lucario formed a long bone and slammed it into Infernape with all the power of his aura, sending Infernape flying away with astonishing speed. He slammed into a ruined structure with a mighty explosion. Lucario growled, dropping to one knee as he panted hard, the bone disappearing.

An explosion of blue fire made all eyes turn towards the ruined building, the smoke thinning. Infernape trudged through the wreckage, pushing aside a section of wall. His eyes were glowing red, the flames atop his head blasting upwards, turning blue. He roared, the flames exploding higher and wider, lighting up the stadium and casting a deep shadow of himself.

Lucario's eyes widened as the Fire type surrounded himself with blue flames, blasting towards him. Lucario swung a glowing fist, his aura surging around him. He roared, eyes small as his aura increased with power. Both Pokemon slammed into one another with shocking power, sending a shock wave into the crowd and a column of fire straight into the sky, followed by another huge explosion.

Infernape had rocketed past Lucario and stood several meters away, breathing hard as his eyes were still red and small. Lucario's Mega Form dissolved as he fell forwards. As he thumped to the ground, Infernape's eyes rolled into the back of his head as he collapsed backwards.

The judge's words were drowned out by the loud roar from the crowd. But I already knew what was to happen next. As we returned our fallen Pokemon, I glanced back up at Ash.

"To think you were planning something like this all along," I chuckled. "Ash, you really are bringing all you've got aren't you!?"

"You bet!" Ash exclaimed excitedly as the ruined battlefield lowered back into the ground. "I honestly thought we could beat your Lucario and still continue, but I guess you were both stronger than I had anticipated." Ash rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, then a confident smile appeared on his face. "Trust me, I won't make that same mistake twice."

"Neither will I," I nodded, narrowing my eyes as the next battlefield rose up and latched into place.

"An explosive battle that marked the midway point of the Kalos League Finale that put Zeno ahead of Ash! Can he keep up the heat or will his chance at victory be doused!? This final field is the Meadow Field once more! What kind of battle will be made here!? Let the second half of the Kalos League Finale, BEGIN!"

"Talonflame!" Ash shouted. "Flame Charge!"

"Slash!" I yelled.

Bisharp swung both arms, wincing in pain as Talonflame crashed into him, but he managed to slash the Fire type away.

"Brave Bird!"

"Take the hit!" I shouted and Talonflame slammed into Bisharp with incredible force. "Metal Burst!"

Bisharp slammed his arms together, dozens of metal shards exploding outwards and honing in on Talonflame. They slammed into the Fire type, making him cry out in pain. Bisharp ran, his blades turning dark. Talonflame zoomed towards him, flames surrounding him. Just as they were to collide, the Flying type broke off, a gust of wind slamming into Bisharp and sending him up into the air

"Spin in the air and use Night Slash!" I commanded the Steel type, but as soon as he tried, Talonflame slammed into him, sending him crashing back down to earth.

"Alright then," I narrowed my eyes. "Bisharp, use Guillotine!"

Bisharp's blades grew longer as he swung, Talonflame diving towards him, but broke off as Bisharp swung his blades.

"Acrobatics!" Ash shouted and Talonflame darted around Bisharp, who was unable to keep his eyes trained on the Flying type.

"Night Slash around you!" I shouted and Bisharp swung his blades, a dark wind slashing against Talonflame. "Now!" I yelled. "Metal Sound to stun him!"

Bisharp clanged his arms together, the jarring sound making Talonflame shake his head wildly. Then Bisharp was there, leaping towards the Fire type, ready to strike with Guillotine. Talonflame's eyes widened, but his beak ignited with flames and a blast of fire erupted from his mouth, engulfing Bisharp completely. The Steel type fell back onto the grass, burnt and unconscious.

"Bisharp is unable to battle, which means Talonflame wins!"

"Talonflame learned Flamethrower in the nick of time, evening out the scores! Now both Ash and Zeno are tied up with three Pokemon each!"

"Come on back out, Mawile!" I shouted, throwing out the Steel and Fairy Pokemon. Part of her body still has ice on it, slowing her movement.

"Try and break it off," I commanded. "Use Power-Up Punch!"

"Don't give her time!" Ash ordered. "Razor Wind!"

Mawile was flung into the air, the speed and pressure of the wind putting a heavy strain on her as it slashed her.

"Flame Charge!" Ash shouted. "Let's go!"

"That's it!" I snapped my fingers, grinning. "Use Crunch to get onto his back!"

Mawile's eyes snapped open and she twisted her body in the air, clenching her back jaw onto Talonflame's back. She gripped tighter as the flames enveloped her, melting the ice on her body.

"Shake her off with Brave Bird!"

"Sucker Punch his wings!" Mawile clenched both her jaws, slamming a fist into Talonflame's right wing before he could activate Brave Bird. He cried out in pain and began to plummet, the fire whisked away. Mawile, half burned and bruised, leaped while her back jaw still gripped Talonflame tightly. She twisted her body in the air and slammed Talonflame into the ground.

"Now Power-Up Punch!" I shouted and Mawile swung a glowing fist, slamming it beneath his beak and sent him sprawling a dozen feet away. When he didn't get back up, the judge raised his hand as Ash returned him.

"Talonflame is unable to battle, which means Mawile wins!"

"With Talonflame taken care of, Zeno takes back the lead! But, this means the last two Pokemon Ash likely has are bound to be powerhouses! Can Zeno take them on and win!? Or will Ash dominate the rest of the battle!?"

"Pikachu, I choose you!" Ash held up his arm, the Electric type running across it, leaping onto the battlefield. Sparks crackled from his cheeks as he crouched in preparation for the battle to come.

"Be careful, Mawile," I warned the Fairy type. "He'll be a tough one. Sucker Punch!"

Mawile lunged for the Mouse Pokemon, fist wrapped in shadows.

"Quick Attack!" Ash yelled and Pikachu dodged the attack, then headbutted Mawile in the side. Mawile grimaced in pain before swinging her back jaw around, gleaming like iron. Pikachu swung his tail, both Steel attacks clanging off one another.

Mawile swung her arms, a pink wind slamming into Pikachu. His cheeks sparked and a bolt of electricity arced towards the Steel type.

"Slam your jaw into the ground!" I shouted quickly and Mawile did as instructed, the Electric attack hitting her, but it passed straight through her and into the ground. Mawile sprung forwards, fist raised. Pikachu ran for her, a ball of electricity forming on the tip of his tail. Pikachu swung as Mawile brought down her fist, the two attacks connecting. Mawile was blown backwards, arcing through the air, smoke trailing behind her. Electricity sparked around Pikachu before blasting towards Mawile, shocking her midair. She fell to the ground, fainted.

"Mawile is unable to battle, which means Pikachu wins!"

"And Ash has tied up the score once again! The battlers are down to two Pokemon each! These final bouts are what'll determine the winner of the Kalos League!"

"Let's not keep our rivals waiting!" I hefted the pokeball into the air. "Arcanine, let's get a move on!"

A huge roar followed Arcanine's arrival and he breathed a huge jet of flames into the sky. He lowered his head to stare down his Electric rival, eyes narrowed and flames flickering from his maw.

"Pikachu!" Ash shouted, raising his hand. "Volt Tackle!"

"Head on! Flare Blitz!" I roared.

Both Pokemon ran for one another, electricity trailing behind Pikachu as flame blazed around Arcanine. They collided with a massive explosion, rocking the stadium. Arcanine spun around, flames erupting around his fangs. He bit down hard, but Pikachu managed to spring upwards, slamming his tail down on the Fire type's head.

Arcanine twisted his body around, blasting Pikachu with Flamethrower. Electricity burst outwards, countering the flames. Pikachu swung his tail, an Electro Ball blasting towards the Fire type. Arcanine bit down on it, a small explosion obscuring him in smoke. He burst out of it, biting down on Pikachu's body with fire and electricity. He shook the Mouse Pokemon wildly before tossing him along the ground.

Pikachu landed on all fours, blasting a bolt of electricity towards Arcanine, who met the attack with a jet of flames. Arcanine rushed forwards, slamming into Pikachu before he could react. The Electric type sped away, Arcanine keeping pace as they zoomed around the meadow. Their speed was so great, the wind could be felt amongst the crowd.

Arcanine spun into a wheel of fire, slamming into Pikachu's side, blasting the Electric type back towards the middle of the battlefield. He changed course, heading for the Mouse Pokemon. Pikachu leapt to the side, twisting his body as he swung his tail, a small orb of electricity flying towards the Fire type. As Arcanine spun out of the Flame Wheel, the small orb expanded into an electrified web. It landed over Arcanine, trapping him as well as jolting him with a couple thousand volts.

Arcanine struggled against his bonds, only succeeding in tangling himself up further in the webs. Pikachu sprang into the air, his body crackling with electricity. A Thunderbolt blasted into Arcanine, making the Fire type howl. He spun into a wheel of fire, tangling up the web again, but this time it was burnt away and Arcanine was free. He turned and zoomed towards Pikachu. The Electric type's cheeks sparked as he dodged and swung his gleaming tail, smacking Arcanine away.

Arcanine slammed all four paws on the ground, waves of heat rolling off of him. He roared and the searing wind blasted outwards, slamming into Pikachu. Before the Electric type could recover, Arcanine fired a draconic beam from his maw. It slammed into Pikachu and knocked him across the meadow. Arcanine moved in a blur, aiming to slam into the Electric type at full speed.

Bolts of electricity arced upwards from where Pikachu was getting back up, each one slamming into the ground, Arcanine barely avoiding each one by mere inches. A huge bolt crashed down in front of him, blasting Arcanine away with an explosion of electricity. He struggled to his paws, electricity crackling along his body as he narrowed his eyes at his rival. Pikachu in turn was crouching, a fierce determination across his expression, one that seemed way too full of emotion for such a small creature.

Both began to move. Arcanine's slow lumbering picked up into gallop as his body seemed to become more lean. He stretched his muscles, low to the ground as he practically flew across the battlefield, fire and electricity speeding off of him. Pikachu darted forwards, picking up speed as pure energy streamed behind him. Arcanine let out a roar as they zoomed towards one another, colliding in a massive explosion.

As the smoke cleared, Arcanine was revealed to be laying on his side, fainted. Pikachu still stood several feet away, cheeks sparking. The crowd roared as Pikachu limped back towards his trainer, apparently too tired to continue on. Ash welcomed his parter Pokemon with a hug and a smile as the announcer raved on about how that was a spectacular battle.

I heaved a sigh, smiling as I returned Arcanine. "You did good, buddy. It seems his experience outweighed ours. But we'll catch up one day, I know we will." I tucked the ball away and looked back up at my rival. "Ash, you've traveled far longer and much farther than I. You're a strong and worthy rival; a Pokemon Master in your own right. I wonder, what will come from our battle today? Who will move onto the Kalos Champions League?"

A thrill of excitement pulsed through me. If my Pokemon and I won here today, there would be much more challenging battles awaiting us. "We're ready for it! More so than ever." I enlarged my last Pokeball, tossing out the first Pokemon I had befriended in this region. "Greninja!"

"Grenin!" He crossed his arms, the sun shining upon his black rubbery skin. He narrowed his eyes at his brother, whom Ash had just called out.

"Greninja, you and I, we've faced hardship, yet we've overcame it all. You started out weak, shadowed by an overwhelming fate. But that has been conquered, and right now, we'll show the world the fruit of your labors!" I raised a fist, my trench swirling around me. "Greninja!"

...

"What can we do to defeat him?" I folded my arms behind my head, gazing up at the white puffy clouds lazily crossing the blue sky, Greninja laying beside me. "His Greninja is strong, perhaps even stronger than you."

"Gren," Greninja glanced at me with a scornful look.

"Don't worry, I'm not doubting you," I patted his shoulder. "It's just, Ash and his Greninja cunning and not a duo to look down upon. We both know that in the last battle we fought against Ash, we didn't win."

"Inja," Greninja agreed reluctantly.

"We need an edge," I mused. "Something that'll be not only effective, but unique to our style."

"Grenin?"

I closed my eyes, thinking back to the battles Ash and I had together. The first time, back in Lumiose City, Froakie vs. Froakie. We had won, but the next time we faced, Frogadier had been beaten, despite his way of imitating my way of wielding a knife. Then in our third battle, our injuries prevented us from going all out and we ended up losing again.

"Grenin?" Greninja prompted, breaking me from my thoughts. "Inja?"

"The first move?" I raised an eyebrow. "I guess the first move can really decide the outcome in a battle a lot, so I guess that's a good place to start. But how could we start off strong? We both transform and go from there, nothing really to... it..."

I sat up, blinking. Images flashed by my mind. Battles we had fought. That day when Laverre City was attacked by the Cult, the time we saved Clara and her Pokemon in the Lost Hotel, for a brief moment to hold off Yveltal beneath Geosenge, and when we engaged the Ultra Beasts on their home turf.

"That's it."

...

"Connect!"

Water surged upwards around Greninja, our emotions and bonds intertwining. Our breathing settled into one, the adrenaline pumping through us making us fully aware.

"This is where we show you, Ash, just how powerful we really are!" I roared, Greninja yelling with me within his column of water.

Ash's grin was as wide as it could possibly be. "Then show us! Greninja, let's get stronger! Stronger than we've ever been!"

His Greninja gave a cry and water burst around him, forming back into his giant Water Shuriken. He dashed forwards, brandishing the large shuriken.

"GO!" I shouted, thrusting out my hand. Our connection was there, as shaky and powerful as the tornado of water that swirled around Greninja. It wasn't perfect, but that's what made it so powerful.

Greninja blasted forwards, slamming the water hurricane into Greninja, deflecting the attack. He zoomed around Greninja, striking with the churning liquid. Greninja swung his arms, slashing against the torrent with a fierce dark wind. He chipped away at the water, wearing it away.

"Condense!" I said through gritted teeth and Greninja surged backwards, the water around him condensing into a sphere of swirling liquid. He bolted forwards, punching and kicking, Greninja blocking each attack and countering with his own. He swung a blade and Greninja met it with his own.

I narrowed my eyes, our bond increasing with every movement. Within all that, I could sense something else. I seemed to stare across an empty field at Ash, a rival like no other.

"We've both come a long way," Ash said. "Zeno, I'm glad to have met you. You've pushed me and my Pokemon farther than I thought possible. Thank you."

"No, you were the one who pushed us further." I stared determinedly at him. "Greninja, he was destined for death. I pushed him, in hopes that he could become stronger. Strong enough to live, strong enough overcome anyone, including your Greninja. But that ended in death. However," I raised a fist, smiling. "That only made us stronger, just like I had hoped. And now, it's all come down to this. Against our ultimate rival. This is what we've been striving towards. And we won't lose, not ever again!"

Ash laughed. "Took the words right out of my mouth." He stood straight and firm. "Whatever the outcome, we can at least take the pleasure in knowing we gave it our all."

"Agreed," I nodded, feeling something within me stir and I let it rise. "Now then! Embrace the night! Full Sync! We are the Kage-Shinobi!"

Greninja gave a cry and the water burst outwards, blasting his opponent away. It was drawn back in, forming his cloak and daggers, two water blades forming in each webbed hand. He darted forwards, slashing at Greninja. Ash's Greninja formed a blade and struck back, Greninja gaining the upper hand as he parried and slashed upwards as he ducked, knocking him away.

I closed my eyes, reopening them immediately to see Greninja slamming a punch in my middle. I grunted as the cold ice covered my chest as I was blown backwards. I flipped upright, dashing forwards as I multiplied myself. We converged on Greninja as one, blasting him with Hydro Pumps. Mist covered the immediate area, but then a shadow leaped into the sky. He flung shurikens everywhere, slicing through each copy before one managed to hit me. I ignored the pain and smacked my hands together, forming a shuriken, swinging it towards Greninja, catching him in the middle.

I slammed my webbed hand on the ground, fissures spreading towards my opponent. Three jets of water blasted upwards and Greninja was barely able to dodge before blasting a beam of ice at them, freezing them solid. He slammed a glowing foot into them, smashing them to pieces before whipping up a dark wind and shooting them towards me.

Narrowing my eyes, I felt my body lighten as I glowed. I ran, leaping and twisting, barely dodging each missile. I slammed a fist into Greninja's stomach and landed a kick on his shoulder. Then a blow to my head brought me to the ground and I grimaced. I slammed both hands on the ground, blasting myself upwards with psychic energy. I snatched two blades from my legs and threw down on either side of Greninja. He leaped upwards, barely dodging the dark winds that exploded from the blades. He then drew back a fist, ice spreading along it.

In a flash, I had whipped off my cloak, using it to protect myself. The bubbles expanded and exploded, blasting Greninja with water. He soared backwards as I landed back on the ground, a giant shuriken forming on my back. I lunged forwards, swinging it off and slashing it towards Greninja. He countered with his own shuriken and brought it up over my head and brought it down. I slammed it to the side, grabbing my shuriken with both hands and swung up to the side, blasting it against my opponent's side.

He staggered, then slashed upwards with Cut, striking me in the chin. I roared, lunging forwards, Water Shurikens forming on the back of my wrists. They remained there as I slashed and blocked. I leapt to the side and twisted my body around, slashing the edges of the fins atop my head against Greninja's side, making him cry out. I rolled along the ground, flicking the shurikens away and they spun around towards Greninja. He twisted in the air, both shurikens striking the ground behind him.

I leaped back further, tossing water spikes along the ground before forming several Water Shurikens. I launched them as Greninja ran for me, nimbly avoiding each spike. He leaped into the air, avoiding the shurikens as he formed a sphere of water, slamming it down on my head. I grunted and grabbed his leg, flinging him back onto the spikes where they exploded. Greninja then swung a glowing foot upwards, knocking me away before spinning around and slamming his fist into my head.

I staggered where I stood, watching the battle between our Greninjas. It was a melee fight more than anything, a duel between rivals. Gritting my teeth, I knew we had to end this soon. We couldn't take much more.

Greninja held out the sphere of water, holding back Greninja's Ice Beam before hurtling the ball of ice at him. It shattered against his chest and Greninja lunged for him, slamming his glowing fist into his stomach. He swung his hands into the air, a wave of water blasting his opponent into the sky. Greninja froze the water and shattered it entirely, ice raining down on Greninja. He raised his hand, freezing the ice in the air with psychic energy before launching them at his opponent.

Both Greninjas darted forwards, slashing and parrying with blades, both knocking one another back. They were both breathing heavily, enjoying the thrill of the battle.

"C'mon!" Ash and I roared. "Let's finish this!"

Both Greninjas' eyes seemed to glow red as they blasted towards one another. Water surged upwards, striking one in the chest as he swung a shuriken into the other's middle. He rose above the waves, slamming his glowing foot down, shattering the earth as the other dodged, bringing up a sphere of water into his head. Both Greninjas swung their fists, the resulting force blasting both of them back over twenty feet, skidding along the ground.

My Greninja bent his knees, leaping forwards as he multiplied, each one slashing with dark blades. Ash's Greninja moved with surprising speed, slashing each one away before clashing with my Greninja. They parried and one leaped, swinging his foot around, but the other caught it and swung it aside, slamming his fist into their stomach. Both swung their arms and two waves of water slammed into one another. They held it for as long as possible before being blasted back once again.

I could feel our power reaching it's climax as I felt time slow. I met Greninja's eyes and nodded. This was it.

"Greninja!" Ash and I seemed to roar as one with our Pokemon. "WATER SHURIKEN!"

Ash's Greninja swung his giant shuriken off, holding it above him as it swirled, water bursting around it. It expanded, gleaming gold as it spun with power. My Greninja dashed forwards, swinging off his shuriken as he drew his hand back. Water surged around it as it floated inches from his webbed hand, turning a gleaming black as it surged with power, electricity seeming to crackle across it like lighting from storm clouds. Both roared as they swung, both Shurikens gliding past one another, missing by millimetres. Twin explosions obscured the Water types as the resulting force rocked the stadium. I held my hands in front of me as my trench billowed behind me. I gritted my teeth, trying to see Greninja amongst the chaos.

Then all was still. The smoke was thinning and the audience was holding their breath. Two shapes became clear. Both Greninjas stood beside each other, shoulder to shoulder. Both just seemed to stand there, bruised and weary. Then...

The crowd let out a resounding cheer as the judge raised his hand. The announcer was yelling, his words barely audible over the roar of the crowd. I walked forwards, footsteps seeming to echo in my ears. I knelt, helping Greninja to his feet as I pulled his arm over my shoulders.

I smiled sadly as his eyes flickered open and he looked at me weakly. "You did your best, Greninja. I couldn't be any prouder.

"Gren," he croaked and managed a smile as I helped him up, staring at Ash and Greninja.

"This will be the second time I've lost in a league," I joked.

Ash patted my shoulder. "That's nothing my friend. I've lost five. But now," he closed his eyes, seeming to let several emotions wash over him at once. "I'm one step closer to my dream of becoming a Pokemon Master."

"Now there's a broad goal," I raised an eyebrow. "How will you know if you achieve it?"

He shrugged, grinning widely. "I guess I'll just know."

I shook my head, smiling with unheard laughter. "Such a kid, aren't you?"

"Zeno," I looked up at the sound of my name and saw Ash holding out his hand. "Thank you, both you, Greninja, and your other Pokemon. I hope you'll all cheer for me when I take on this region's Elite 4 and Champion."

"Of course," I clasped his hand as both Greninja's did the same. "May you achieve the victory you strive for, Ash Ketchum."

...

Ash stood atop a small platform as Diantha handed him the golden trophy. "Ash, I laud you for being a trainer that raised his Pokemon well, formed a strong bond with them, and displayed unprecedented ."

"Thank you very much, Diantha," Ash bowed his head, accepting the trophy.

The crowd clapped and cheered as Ash soaked in the moment of glory, one he had only dreamed about.

"Ash," I caught his attention as I stood feet away. "Congratulations."

He nodded, smiling. He opened his mouth to say something, but something exploded. The stadium shook as I glanced towards a part of the stadium wall. A huge dark vine had breached the wall, more doing the same around the whole area. The audience shouted with shock as my eyes widened. Blasts of energy slammed into the ground around us, knocking Ash off his platform. I stumbled, trying to keep my footing. I glanced around, only to see something flying towards me. I couldn't even cry out in pain as my body seized up and I fell to the ground.

As darkness closed in on me, I saw the green-haired scientist from Team Flare standing over. "We got both it seems. But only one is useful." She knelt and flicked my hair as I closed my eyes, surrendering to unconsciousness. "And you aren't needed, Zeno."

This is definitely my longest chapter yet, with over 7000 words! I hope you enjoyed this amazing Kalos League Finale, where Ash has finally won a league (I refuse to count the Alola League for two reasons. One, that was hardly a real league. Two, Ash never went to Alola in my canon, so there!). And now Team Flare descends onto Lumiose City. Will things end up as the anime did, or could things go different!? Who knows! Until next time! Toodles!