Pokémon Journey: XYZ

Hey guys Paradox here and welcome to Chapter 117 and Chapter 34 of XYZ. Part 3 commences with more battles, more progress and perhaps a visit from family. That's pretty much all I can say from this chapter. It'll probably feel shorter than the privous one. Next chapter on the other hand will be more different but I'll get to that in my ending notes. Otherwise, have fun.


"Pride is an admission of weakness; it secretly fears all competition and dreads all rivals."- Fulton J. Sheen


Chapter 117: The Lumiose Conference: Part 3

The sun was shining as the happy couple were sound asleep on the same bed. Once getting back, the couple was too tired and everyone else was already asleep. Not even bothering to change to nightwear, the couple collapse on top of Ash's bed with Serena on his chest. Unfortunately that leads to this morning with Drake planning a rude wake up call.

The others were giggling as Drake had an air horn in hand. "Really?" Rene asked. "Oh yea, and unless you want your ear drums burst, cover your ears." Drake said as Bonnie did what she was told, Rene couldn't care less about his suggestion. Two seconds later, Drake press down on the nozzle.

Honk!

"Aggghhhhh!" The couple fell off the bed in pain holding their ears. "Rise and shine cupcakes." Drake said. "What the hell!?" Ash asked as he and Serena slowly stood. "The matches will start soon. Get dress." Drake said. "But why the air horn?!" Ash yelled. "My fun." Drake said. "Great, my turn now." Serena swipe the air horn from his hand and blasts it to his face, causing Drake to collapse while holding his ears. "You're right, that was fun." Serena smirked evilly as she toss the can to his face, causing harm. "She really enjoys her beauty sleep you know. Just a little tip for when you finally start dating." Ash said as Drake groaned.

The gang minus Clemont (who still took a place among the other Gym Leaders at the main podium) took their seats. "So who is the first matchup today?" Rene asked. "Alain, he's facing a woman name Lavenza." Drake said. "This will be interesting." Ash said. "Do you know anything about her?" Shauna asked. "Almost nothing really, but she must really be formidable to make it this far." Trevor said.

Alain waited in his challenge box until he finally saw his opponent. A woman in her late twenties to early thirties who looks very sophisticated. Donning a deep blue, long sleeve tunic dress, black pantyhose that cover her legs, and black heels. As for physical appearances, she had neck length brown hair, brown eyes, white pearl earrings, a blue headband on her hair, and black brooch on her dress with the golden letter 'V' engraved on it.

"My, such a unique and welcoming individual. There's a lot known about you." Lavenza said. "I came to battle, not for a fortune telling." Alain said. "Very direct I see, very well I'll heed your resolve. Come, Sigilyph." Lavenza said as she released the Avianoid Pokémon. "No contest, let's show them Weavile." Alain said as he release the Sharp Claw Pokémon.


Round 3, Alain vs. Lavenza: Three on Three

"Fight like a young man, eager to begin and quick to finish." Lavenza said. "'For he who desires but acts not, breeds pestilence.' I'm not one to wait around. Weavile use Ice Shard." Weavile jumps to an even level to Sigilyph and hurls shards of ice at it. "Use Psychic to grab them." With it's glowing eyes, Sigilyph grabbed them all and chucks them back.

"Metal Claw." Weavile charges in with sharp claws and cuts through its own attack without remorse. "Use Calm Mind." By relaxing its mind, Sigilyph raises its Special Attack and Special Defense. "Use Tailwind." To take it a step further, Sigilyph stirs a tailwind underneath to increase its Speed temporarily. "Use Ice Beam." Weavile fires a beam of ice at Sigilyph. "I expected more, use Heat Wave." With its wings, Sigilyph expels out heat that counters out the Ice Beam, but the wide spread of it slip past the Ice Beam, causing Weavile to panic out of the way.

"Use Dazzling Gleam." Now with an opportunity, Sigilyph illuminates a shining light at Weavile, engulfing him and causing damage. Despite the super effective damage, Weavile slowly stood up. "So there is still much inside you both." Lavenza said. "More then you can imagine! Weavile navigate using Ice Beam." With Ice Beam, Weavile made and slid across an ice slide to skate across the battlefield.

"Use Heat Wave." Sigilyph expels out heat once more, melting some ice but not being able to hit Weavile. "Charge ahead and use Ice Shard." Now changing course towards Sigilyph, Weavile gains speed and jumps high over Sigilyph, where it then flings shards of ice at Sigilyph, nailing it to the ground. "Now use Ice Beam." To finish this, Weavile fires a straight Ice Beam at the downed Sigilyph, causing an ice explosion and fainting out Sigilyph.

"Sigilyph is unable to battle. Weavile wins." The referee said.

"Hmm...your resolve is courageous but your way about it...deeply flawed." Lavenza said. "What would you know?" Alain asked. "I am a Psychic, bound by the mystical powers of the universe. It tells me things, let's me see deeper than the naked eye." Lavenza said. "Don't really care. As long as you daydream, you only make this easier." Alain said.

"Very well, I'll come back to reality. Beheeyem come out." Lavenza calls out the mysterious Cerebral Pokémon to battle forth. "Weavile let's keep it up." Alain chooses to stick with.

Battle resume.

"Weavile use Ice Shard." Weavile starts fast by flinging shards of ice at Beheeyem. "Totally saw that coming. Dodge Beheeyem and use Miracle Eye." As a way to dodge, Beheeyem appeared to have teleported out of the Ice Shard's path and upward. It then raises its left arm with the three lights and flashes them at Weavile, passing a negative effect.

"Wha- What have you done!?" Alain asked. "Heh, I'm glad you asked. With Miracle Eye, I've removed Weavile's immunity to Psychic-type moves, along with negating his Evasiveness." Lavenza said, making Alain sweat in nervousness. "I would also point out that with Beheeyem's three special abilities. The cards are surely in my favor." Lavenza continues to brag.

"You talk too much. Weavile use Metal Claw." Weavile rushes in with sharp claws to overwhelm Beheeyem. "You don't listen to do you. Dodge it." Beheeyem simply sidesteps out of Weavile's range. "Now Trick Room." With Psychic power, Beheeyem manifest a box around the field that reverses the Speed stats of both Pokémon. "We gotta hold out. Use Ice Beam." Weavile shoots out a beam of ice but with Beheeyem being faster in this field quickly dodges it with minimal effort. "Throw him with Psychic." With psychic power, Beheeyem restrain Weavile from moving, then toss him to a wall of the Trick Room.

"Now finish it with Signal Beam." With a powerful ray, Beheeyem fires at the defenseless Weavile who get nailed with the attack. The smoke cleared, and Weavile lied motionless.

"Weavile is unable to battle. Beheeyem wins." The referee calls.

Alain grunts in disgrace at Lavenza's cunning as he returns Weavile. "Gotta think outside the box if I want get past Lavenza's tricks." Alain thought. "I assure you they're not tricks." Alain heard inside his head, recognizing the voice. "Stay out of my head!" Alain yelled. "Very well." Lavenza shrugged off. "I guess I just gotta beat her at her own game. Metagross come out." Alain selects the Iron Leg Pokémon. "A part Psychic and Steel type...I suspose so." Lavenza said.

Battle resume.

"Let's start with a nice Trick Room." Beheeyem kicks of with the creation of another Trick Room. "Really?" Alain asked. "Believe it or not despite its size, Metagross is supposedly faster than Beheeyem." Lavenza said. "Right." Alain grumbles at Lavenza's insolence. "Use Shadow Ball." Beheeyem charges up and fires a ball of darkness at Metagross. "Charge through with Meteor Mash." Alain accounted for the slight differences in Speed for Metagross and Beheeyem, beside he didn't just count solely on Speed itself. The Shadow Ball connects with Metagross, creating a smokescreen but Beheeyem didn't count for Metagross to keep charging until he struck it against the wall of the Trick Room.

"I'm surprised you didn't see that coming. You temporarily have Speed but I always have power and defense." Alain said. "Well played, use Signal Beam." "Tank it, and use Rock Slide." Beheeyem fires a rainbow ray which Metagross takes it all but remains firm while also hurling rocks at Beheeyem. "Stop them with Psychic." "Gotcha, use Psyshock." While Beheeyem was busying stopping incoming earth, Metagross ambushed it with a control blast of psychic lightning that blasted through and shocking Beheeyem. At the same time, the Trick Room begins to dissolve.

"Oh no." Lavenza said. "Guess you lost track of time, too bad. Metagross use Agility." Alain start to get in the zone by increasing Metagross's Speed now. "While we have the upper hand. Use Meteor Mash." "Stop him with Signal Beam." Metagross Rocket's with its increase speed as Beheeyem fires another rainbow ray at him. Metagross. The latters tanks the attack once more despite the super effective damage and continues its charge until striking Beheeyem like a battering ram. Beheeyem couldn't handle the full force of the attack and fainted.

"Beheeyem is unable to battle, Metagross wins." The referee calls.

"I see...that was a reckless but impressive maneuver." Lavenza said. "Whatever, just call your last partner." Alain said. "So impatient, but very well. Now come forth a true test. Show your might Alakazam." Lavenza calls the Psi Pokémon to battle last. Alain readied for this until he saw something that caught his attention. A Mega stone embedded onto Alakazam's forehead. Turning to Lavenza he saw it, a Key Stone attached to her 'V' shaped brooch. How did he missed that?

"Metagross return." Alain calls as Lavenza smirked at Alain's next set of actions. "Come out Charizard." Alain summons the Flame Pokémon said. "Are you that eager?" Lavenza said. Alain merely raised his right hand and touched his Key Stone which react to Charizard's Mega Stone, surely and drastically turning it to Mega Charizard X. "You're the Psychic here, surely you already know what I'm thinking." Alain said. "What terrible foreplay. Alright kid." Lavenza gave in and touched her Key Stone, causing the similar effect done to her opponent's Pokémon.

From Alakazam's appearance, its yellow fur lighten and parts of its shoulders, forearms, groin, and knees change to a magenta color. It also grew a long bushy white beard, a red gemstone was embedded on its forehead in place of its Mega Stone. What was the key characteristic was a set of five spoons hovering above its head. It also seems that Alakazam permanently stayed in a meditative pose and move around via Psychic power. This was Mega Alakazam.

"A new experience for us buddy. Let's show them we're the best." Alain said as Charizard agreed with him. "We'll show you a Psychic's full strength." Lavenza said.

Battle begin.

"Charizard use Dragon Claw." Charizard charges forward with green claws. "Always on the move, use Reflect." Until intense pressure, Mega Alakazam now drops all physical moves damage by half as Charizard struck it with great force. "Use Psycho Cut." At close range, Mega Alakazam struck Mega Charizard with a psychic blast that force him back. "Use Future Sight." Mega Alakazam focus and foresaw an upcoming attack. For a Psychic, predicting when a Future Sight will strike was child's play for Lavenza.

"Use Steel Wing." With metal wings, Mega Charizard remains on the offensive. "Dodge and use Shock Wave." Under all its wisdom, Mega Alakazam simply teleports out of the way. A moment pass and Alakazam fires a jolt of electricity at Mega Charizard couldn't avoid, dealing damage. "Use Blast Burn." Now angry, Mega Charizard flies up, charges and fires a devastating blast that engulf the whole field. The smoke covers the field until it didn't and Alain saw a surprise sight. Mega Alakazam was unharmed under the protection of a green shield.

"Protect, of course." Alain whispered. "And just in time too." Lavenza said, confusing Alain. Suddenly he realized when a rift opened up and unleashed powerful psychic attacks, surprising Charizard. "I haven't had this much fun in a long time." Lavenza said. "Will you take this seriously." Alain said. "I am serious, don't be so sensitive about this." Lavenza said.

"Use Thunder Punch!" Alain yells as Charizard as rushes with little restraint. "*sigh* sensitive bunch, use Focus Punch." Mega Alakazam dug in, charging up a mighty fist as Mega Charizard gets close and collides his fist to Alakazam's face. Despite the heavy blow, Mega Alakazam remains firm and immediately delivers a heavy blow to Charizard's gut, effectively taking the air out of his lungs and knocking him back.

"Wha- how?" Alain asked. "Simple, with Inner Focus Alakazam is protected from flinching and with his Mega Ability, Trace can copy one of Charizard's ability. In this case, he traced your Charizard's Tough Claws ability which I believe, boost the power of contact moves...I know, just like that Focus Punch I took your breath away." Lavenza said further shocking Alain. Never has he met an opponent this cunning, not since Lysandre. "No, I cannot end here. Not after completing my mission and ensure Mairin and Chespie are back together." Alain promised.

"Keep pulling all the tricks you want, I'll never fall!" Alain said. "There are times kid when you know you have to stay down." Lavenza said. "This isn't one of those times, Charizard use Dragon Claw." Mega Charizard rushes in once more with green claws. "Use Future Sight." Alakazam focuses and foresaw an upcoming attack. "Now Protect." Alakazam then summons a green force field to shield himself from Charizard's Dragon Claw. "Use Shock Wave." "Fly up and use Flamethrower." Just as Alakazam unleashed a jolt of lightning Charizard flies up to unleash a stream of blue flames at his opponent.

Both attacks collide creating a shockwave of kinetic energy. "Use Blast Burn." Flying higher, Charizard charges up. "Just in time." Lavenza said as the Future Sight came in a form of a rift firing blast of psychic balls at Mega Charizard. "Nothing will stop us!" Alain yells as Charizard's daunting willpower push aside the pain and fires a devastating blast of fire that engulfs Alakazam. The smoke later dispersed and Mega Alakazam was still standing, wounded, but still standing. Despite knowing they can keep going a bit longer, Lavenza has had her answer and fill of fun, sending a mental message to her partner.

Alakazam understood, reverts back to base form and faints with no one being the wiser, thinking the Blast Burn did him in. "Alakazam is unable to battle, Charizard wins and the match goes to Alain." The referee declares.

Lavenza returns Alakazam to its Pokéball and smiles. "I know I don't like to concede either, but we have our understanding of this boy. Besides, its destiny for him to succeed to he next round, to face him. And maybe, the Knight can control and quench this boy's fire." Lavenza said, despite placing her trust in "them".

(To those who understand the reference of Alain's opponent, I give kudos to you. To those who don't, I'll tell in my ending notes.)


"That was intense." Ash said. "I didn't imagine even a Psychic would be here." Serena said. "Probably Olympia's idea, if something were to happen here. She'd let her know and provide information." Drake said. "Smart plan." Rene added. "Ash aren't you gonna battle soon." Shauna asked. "Oh right, I gotta go." Ash said. "Best of luck dear." Serena said as Ash smiled and left.

"He'll need it." Eve said. "So will Jason." Serena countered. "This should be interesting." Tierno said. "I suspose Ash has a plan in motion correct?" Trevor asked. "Don't worry, he does." Drake smiled.

Ash walks out of the locker room to head out to the field. He ran a couple of scenarios in his mind but he didn't know all of Jason's current Pokémon much less his battle strategy. "Well Pikachu, we're more than likely gonna wing it. I don't know Jason's battle skills that well." Ash said as Pikachu could only chip and speak from his own tongue. "You're right, our best tool is adaptation under pressure. I'm sure these old dogs can handle it." Ash said

Walking towards the field, Ash then walks to his box just as Jason walks to his. "Let's see how this goes." Ash said. "It's not everyday you battle a superhero." Jason tells Ash. "Today I'm not a hero, just your friend and rival." Ash said. "Well let's see who comes out on top." Jason smirked.


Ash vs. Jason: Three on Three

"Trainers, select your Pokémon." The referee calls. "Let's go Malamar." Jason calls out the Overturning Pokémon. "Why did it have to be a Malamar?...Guess I'll have to grin and bear it. Leavanny let's go." Ash calls out the Nurturing Pokémon to battle.

"Battle begin."

"Malamar use Psybeam." Malamar kicks off with firing a beam of psychic power at Leavanny. "Dodge." Leavanny then gracefully slide steps out of the Psybeam's path. "No dice, let's try Flamethrower." Malamar then retaliates with firing a stream of flames at Leavanny. "Dodge by jumping forward." The Nuturing Pokémon flips forwards into the air to avoid the streaming flames below. "Jason can't be just attacking randomly. He's up to something, I'm sure of it." Ash thought.

"Use Calm Mind." "While we have a chance, use Bug Bite." While Malamar calms its mind to increase stats, Leavanny rushes in and bites down on Malamar's tentacle which caused strain to the squid. "While we got them, use Payback." Fallen were into the trap, Malamar manages to smack Leavanny hard with doing twice the power. "Of course, he let me in so he could retaliate with Payback, doing twice the damage after attacked. He paid a heavy price though since Bug type moves can do four times the damage to a Dark and Psychic type." Ash though.

"Let's follow up with another Psybeam." "Counter with Razor Leaf." Both Pokémon aim and fire their attacks which cancelled each other out. "Use Calm Mind." To compensate, Malamar once again focuses its mind, furthering increasing Special Attack and Special Defense. "Not this time, use String Shot." Leavanny then spews out thread strings of silk at Malamar and started to wrap around him, constricting his movements and lowering Speed.

"Free yourself with Flamethrower." As Malamar burns away his confinement, Ash acted quickly. "Let's go with a Hammer Throw girl. Use String Energy Ball." Bringing on old skill from Unova, Leavanny had tied some string around an Energy Ball, then like a Hammer Throw Leavanny spun it around for momentum. Finally she let go with a straight shot that Malamar couldn't get free from the String Shot fast enough to react.

"That's amazing." Bonnie said. "That's Ash, pulling off new tricks." Drake added.

"Not bad, I surely wasn't expecting that." Jason said. "Stick around, there's plenty more where that came from." Ash rephiled. "Use Psybeam." Malamar stands firm and fires a beam of psychic power at Leavanny. "Use String Shot." Leavanny jumps over the Psybeam to dodge while also spewing threads of silk to restrain Malamar's limbs. "Now Razor Leaf." With an opportunity, Leavanny fires a barrage of sharp leaves at the restrained Malamar, causing damage and also freeing him from the String Shot.

"Use Psybeam once more." Malamar once again fires a beam of psychic power at Leavanny. "Hopefully this works, Leavanny charge ahead with X-Scissor." As a shield, Leavanny charges with her arms crossed using nature's power, taking the Psybeam head on and pushing through. Ash smile that the technique worked, knowing that Psychic moves are weak to Bug types. "I should come up with a name for that." Ash thought.

Jason was worried as Leavanny didn't falter from the Psybeam and was approaching Malamar quickly. "I have one more idea." Jason thought of a last resort for situations like these. As Leavanny got closer, Jason waited to give the order. "Ready Malamar...use Destiny Bond." Jason calls just as Leavanny struck Malamar as the latter implants a thought in Leavanny's mind. The smoke later leaves to reveal both Pokémon fainted on the field.

"Both Pokémon are unable to battle." The referee calls.

"Destiny Bond, of course." Ash smirked sarcastically. "Clever trick." Ash calls. "It has its advantages." Jason said. "Trainers your next Pokémon." The referee calls. "Electivire come out." Jason summons the Thunderbolt Pokémon. "Well this is gonna feel nostalgic. Infernape you're up." Ash calls the Flame Pokémon to battle. In Infernape's mind he was excited but upon seeing his opponent drew up old memories. Regardless he proved once before and he'll prove it again that he's superior.

"Battle begin."

"Use Electric Terrain." Jason starts off with having Electivire charging the field to boost Electricity moves and prevent sleeping temporarily. "Starting off smart huh? In that case, Infernape use Work Up." Infernape compensates by focusing his energy to increase his Attack and Special Attack stats. "Electivire use Thunder Punch." "Match up with Mach Punch." Both Pokémon met up to counter their first punch, creating a shockwave. "Remember those Out-Boxing tactics, capitalize on his mistakes." Ash reminds Infernape.

Infernape remembers as Electivire throws another punch which Infernape dips back to avoid. Another punch and jab, Infernape manages to dodge which he then retaliates with a quick clothesline punch to Electivire's gut. This knocked Electivire off rhythm and Infernape delivered two more jabs to his opponent's face. Electivire threw another high punch which Infernape dips around past Electivire's sight, only to feel pain from a punch thrown to the back of his head.

"Use Rock Slide." Jumping back, Electivire throws rocks at Infernape in anger. "Dodge through them." With his natural aerobatic ability, Infernape hops from moving rock to moving rock. "Use Thunderbolt." Applying pressure, Electivire fires a bolt of electricity at the Rock Slide and Infernape, destroying every rock in its path, and managing to shock Infernape, forcing it back.

"We're going under, use Dig." Changing tactics, Infernape escapes underground. "Use Thunderbolt in the hole." Electivire fires a bolt of electricity into the hole hoping to shock Infernape back to ground. A moment passed and Infernape never retreated back up. Unfortunately the reason why came sooner as Infernape surprise Electivire by popping beneath his feet and causing super effective damage. "You got this bud." Ash cheered.

"Let's try something else. Use Rain Dance." Nullifying the Electric Terrain, Electivire summons a rain cloud to cover the field where it then begins to pour. "Just perfect, we'll take more damage from Electric type moves while it lowers our Fire type moves." Ash thought. "We gotta find a way around it. Use Work Up." As compensation for this, Infernape tenses up to once again increase Attack and Special Attack.

"Use Thunder Punch on the ground." With a strong fist, Electivire struck the ground to spread lines of electricity across the wet field. "Jump and use Flamethrower." Hopping high to avoid the conductivity, Infernape blasts a stream of flames at Electivire. "Roll and use Thunderbolt." Rolling to the side, Electivire avoids the Flamethrower and blast a bolt of electricity at the vulnerable ape Pokémon which struck and knocked him to the ground.

"While they're down use Rock Slide." "Dodge quickly." Ash called but was too late. Infernape was still stun from the Thunderbolt and then ate a pile of rocks that buried him. "Come on buddy, we took worse hits before." Ash said as Infernape immediately felt rage, his burning crown burn intensely. Finally with a war cry, Infernape blasted away the rocks in an explosion. His Blaze now activated and stream rose off his body from the rain. "That's what I'm talking about. Luckily I now have a plan." Ash smiled.

"Use Rock Slide once more." "Use Dig." As Electivire throws rocks at his opponent, Infernape makes his escape underground. "Great, let's give them a ring buddy." Jason was confused when Ash meant by ring. He then found out when several holes popped about quickly to surround Electivire in a ring. "Ring of Fire!" Ash yells as from the holes around Electivire spews out streams of flames that startled Electivire. "Now Underground Flare Blitz." Right then the ground underneath Electivire began to heat up and Electivire knew he wasn't gonna like this. The next second the ground beneath him exploded in a fiery inferno.

"Electivire!" Jason cries as smoke covers the field. A huge gaping hole was left and Electivire was in the middle fainted. "Electivire is unable to battle, Infernape wins." The referee calls. Just like that, the eccentric Infernape pounds his arms into his chest in victory.

"That was intense." Rene said. "Ash's Infernape has proven to prevail through sheer willpower." Trevor added. "Veterans never disappoint with their experience." Drake adds.

"Good job Electivire." Jason calls. "Hit the showers buddy, you've earned it." Ash returns Infernape. "I guess old timers really do have something to tell." Jason said. "Hey I'm not old, I've just been at this for awhile." Ash said. "Well I'm not finish yet. Cryogonal you're up." Jason let out the Crystallizing Pokémon to battle last. "A Cryogonal, I shouldn't underestimate this guy. Oshawott come out." Ash release the Sea Otter Pokémon as his last partner who immediately wasted no time enjoying the spotlight

Jason was surprise to say the least that Ash decide to go with someone less than ideal. "Why not stick with Infernape? Really Ash?" Jason asked. "Hey don't sell my Oshawott short, he can definitely leave you breathless." Ash said as Oshawott awed at his trainer's confidence in him. "If you say so." Jason. "Aww, Ash's Oshawott is so cute." Shauna said. "I'm surprised that Ash has gone with a water type against ice." Tierno said. "It's Ash we're talking about. Are you really surprised at this point?" Serena asked.

"Battle begin."

"Cryogonal start with Acid Armor." By altering its cellular structure, Cryogonal increase its Defense by 2. "Now Sharpen." Next Cryogonal sharpens its body to increase Attack power. "That's using your brain. I'll have to wear him down. Oshawott, get under its skin with Taunt." Ash calls as Oshawott merely dares Cryogonal to attack with a mockery expression, making it only able to use attack moves for a limited time. Since Ash knew Oshawott was an expert in pushing buttons, he knew Cryogonal was no exception. "Even though I thought Taunt was a useless move, I never thought one day I would rely on it." Ash said.

"Clever Ash, but you'll find we're ready for anything you two can throw." Jason said. "Let's see, Oshawott use Razor Shell." With its scalchop, Oshawott forms a blue blade and charges in. "Use Ice Beam." Cryogonal fires a ice cold beam at Oshawott who blocks it with its blade. It was successful but Oshawott panics when he saw his blade frozen in ice. "Smash it on the ground." Ash orders as Oshawott smashes the ice to the ground, freeing his hand.

"Use Rapid Spin." Spinning at a rapid, Cryogonal charges in towards Oshawott. "Use Hydro Pump." Holding his ground, Oshawott spouts out high pressure water at Cryogonal, holding it at bay. "Keep at it." Ash orders as Oshawott held Cryogonal in place until it was pushed over. "Use Aqua Jet." Oshawott then rockets forward in a watery veil.

"Use Aurora Beam." Cryogonal then fires a rainbow colored beam at Oshawott, hitting him and impending his progress. "Shake it off Oshawott, use Razor Jet." With the combination of Razor Shell and Aqua Jet, Oshawott Rocket's ahead once more with a blade as a lancer. "Aurora Beam." Cryogonal fires another rainbow colored beam but fines its attack being blasted through. Oshawott propels through the Aurora Beam using its lancer and manages to catch Cryogonal by surprise. Meanwhile the Taunt's effect wore off.

"We gotta keep an eye for any of Ash's tricks." Jason said. "Use Taunt once more." Oshawott boaster once more and mocks Cryogonal which didn't help the latter at all. "Repay him back with Rapid Spin." Cryogonal quickly spins in place directed towards Oshawott. "Use Razor Shell." Oshawott tries to block Cryogonal's progress but with little success as he gets suck into Cryogonal's vortex and then tossed down.

"There maybe one trick I could try, but Oshawott doesn't know any Ice type moves." Ash thought as he observes Cryogonal. Luckily Pikachu gives a suggestion that Cryogonal can cover that ice problem for them. "I see what you mean buddy. They'll do the work for us." Ash said. "Can you keep going Oshawott?" Ash asked as the Sea Otter gave a thumbs up. "In that case, Use Razor Jet." Oshawott then propels upward and back down towards with lancer in hand towards Cryogonal.

"Hopefully Jason does what I want him to do." Ash thought. "Stop him with Ice Beam." Cryogonal fires a beam of ice at Oshawott, striking the lancer and beginning to freeze the water veil outside Oshawott, trapping him in ice. "We got them." Jason cries. "Did you?" Ash smirked as Jason was confused. "You merely did exactly what I want you to do." Ash said as Jason began to see what Ash meant. Despite being encase in ice, Oshawott was still going forward somehow, like a shiny frozen ice comet.

"What?!" Jason cried. "Now Oshawott, Razor Ice Jet." Ash calls as Oshawott makes contact with Cryogonal, creating a white fog. "I should thank Buizel for this move." Ash thought as he saw Cryogonal go down with a thud.

"Cryogonal is unable to battle, Oshawott wins and the match goes to Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town." The referee calls.


The crowd cheered at such a spectacle and how Ash's unconventional methods earn him another victory. "You did your best Cryogonal." Jason said as he return Cryogonal back. Then he saw Ash, his Pikachu and Oshawott wave to the crowd. "We couldn't keep up now but we'll get stronger for sure." Jason smiled.

"He did it." Drake cheered. "Another fine Ash Ketchum initiative." Rene said. "That last move Ash pulled looked a lot like a contest trick." Shauna said. "It was, a friend of ours gave the idea to Ash." Drake said. "Maybe I should take notes from your boyfriend Serena. It seems he has a lot to offer." Shauna asked. "Oh I don't know about that." Serena said sheepishly, thinking about what lengths Shauna would go for inspiration.

Later that afternoon

"Congratulations Ash, you're in the Top 8." Eve said. "Along with me and Sawyer." Tierno added. "Thanks guys, you did have me on my toes though Jason." Ash told. "Well I've tried, and me and Eve will support you all the way." Jason vows. "Also on top of being in the Top 8, battles will now be a full six on six from here on." Drake said. "Which means I get to have more options to go on." Ash stayed optimistic. "Leave it to you always stay positive." Rene adds. "Is there any other way?" Ash joked, causing the others to chuckle.

Once everyone said their farewells, the group was alone. "So should we find Clemont and head to the Pokémon Center?" Drake asked. "Sounds like a plan. I could go with some dinner right now." Ash calls, poking the already obvious gag that is his stomach. Now in the Top 8 and the battles will be six-on-six from now on, Ash will need to be more open about his variety of choices and strategies. As deeper the Conference goes, the stronger the opponents will be. Nevertheless such a thought merely pumps Ash with more enthusiasm as the Journey continues.


Finally done guys, I know it's been awhile but my life is taking up much of my time in terms of collage and personal matters, especially Midterms but enough of that. Here is part 3 of the Lumiose Conference and Ash goes into the Top 8.

Now I mention how Alain's opponent was a reference and to those who know what I'm talking about, yep. I like to give a shoutout to the Persona series where I got the idea of Lavenza and just in time as the newest game Persona 5 Royal was just release today in Japan. The series isn't a let down and I high recommend you see or play the games yourselves.

As for the next chapter, I can't promise I'll get it out fast, the process will take time but mainly the focus won't be merely on Ash, not on the battlefield that is. While he will battle, it might get cut a bit short and others will have their battles. But mainly half of the chapter will focus on finally have the heros figuring out Team Flare's plans and relationships and trust will be put to the test at this point.

Otherwise that is all, give your thoughts on this chapter. This is Paradox signing off. Goodbye.