Here is the twenty-fourth Supplement for the Heart in 'Winning Takes Heart', released just after the right moment in the Hearts timeline. That means that for those wondering, this Supplement takes place between Parts CLXXXIII and CLXXXIV and is the second of the three that will be set during the overall final Lumiose arc with this one occurring a few days before the Lumiose Conference and a few hours after Serena and May's chat in Part CLXXXIII. As with the last Supplement, this one falls under the training battles so would distract from the main story if it was there category hence why it and the next Supplement are here. That is all the administrative stuff and as there are no questions from reviews or guest reviews to respond to I will leave this not off here. Do keep the reviews coming though as I love hearing from y'all and how much you enjoy my work, it keeps me motivated to make more content for y'all to enjoy but that is all I have for y'all which means that it is time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the Winning's twenty-fourth Supplement For the Heart: Full Battle Practice II.

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon.

Full Battle Practice II

"Alright this will be a full battle between Ash of Pallet Town and Dawn of Twinleaf Town." Clemont said as he took the ref's spot in the Lumiose Gym while Ash and Dawn took their starting spots, the latter taking Clemont's as it just made sense that way, and not bothering to state the regions as everyone present already knew that. "As with Ash's battle with Owen and in keeping with the expected Lumiose Conference rules both trainers will have the full use of all 6 of their Pokémon and may substitute whenever though it should be noted that this is based on last year's rules and may change when the Conference rolls around. Lastly, something I forgot last time but should clarify, Mega Evolution or whatever Ash and Greninja do is permitted. Understood?"

Ash and Dawn nodded at this fully understanding the rules of this. Ash was well versed in full battles, and this would be his third one of the year and second since returning to Lumiose City. Like the last one, this one was to prepare for the Lumiose Conference and the full battles there.

On the other hand, it would be Dawn's first ever full battle, but she was doing this to purely help Ash train. After all, she did have quite the suite of Pokémon to choose from so she would be a good challenge for Ash and she'd gone with a team that would ensure that, with one exception that is. Her team would really test Ash and cover a wide range of possibilities that he might face. It was going to be great training for him, she knew it.

Now that the Grand Festival was over, which ended in dramatic fashion in the final between Brianna and Serena that despite Serena losing she didn't let Brianna get to her thanks to how she handled it, it was time to focus exclusively on the coming Lumiose Conference. Ash had faced Owen in a full battle before the Grand Festival to train and now it was time to face Dawn who would give him more of a challenge.

The others all trained with him, and by others it was May, Serena, and Miette who'd officially joined their group after the Grand Festival for reasons Ash didn't understand but didn't mind though the other girls all knew why and didn't mind as Miette was one of them. As for the others, Max was training with Bonnie and Owen while Trevor and Tierno trained with Shauna, and lastly Adam was off training with Emily.

As such only Professor Sycamore was here for this along with the three girls as the rest were focused on their own training. May had faced Max in a full battle right after Ash's one with Owen, one she won but only because of Mega Blaziken carrying her early on and Max hadn't use Mega Evolution in the battle which hindered him a bit as it took him 3 Pokémon to best Mega Blaziken when he probably could have bested it had he been able to Mega Evolve his Gardevoir.

However, Ash was certain he'd not seen all of Max's Pokémon or the tricks that Max might have just as Max hadn't seen all of his, but now they were in their separate groups to prepare for the Lumiose Conference where he and Max would at last be rivals for the first time. That was good for Ash as he'd swapped out four of his Pokémon from that match so that the rest of his team could get some training in a full battle though he was keeping two from his match with Owen, he did have 10 in his rotation after all.

Naturally, Dawn was aware of who Ash was going with, including the two that had gone last time as well, and had chosen her team appropriately to counter Ash's Pokémon as best she could while also challenging him in the process. That did mean that some Pokémon who might have been good choices had to be left out of her rotation for this though that just meant that she could use them in other training battles with Ash in the future.

In fact, there was one she'd wanted to use because it was a great choice against some of Ash's Pokémon, but she couldn't persuade her 6th to not partake in the battle despite not being the best suited for this battle. In the end she lost the argument so she couldn't use the one she wanted in the end.

Another of her Pokémon had been very pissed at not being included in the team and having to be sent back because of it but Dawn felt that it was more that Pokémon's nature towards her than actually wanting to battle. Regardless, Dawn's cheek still stung from that one but as she pointed out she had what that Pokémon brought to the table covered by other Pokémon in the rotation, so her Pokémon had finally relented but not before having words with all of Dawn's chosen team in private that Dawn didn't like the tone of.

Thus, Dawn's team, a mix of Pokémon from all three of her years with Ash and as she hadn't told him who she was using he had no way of knowing which of her Pokémon he was likely to face in this battle. Well, all but two as she was certain that Ash knew of two Pokémon she'd use but one of them was the one that she knew would challenge him the most, so she had to use it. Hell, it may actually be beneficial in the long run to get practice against it given who else had one.

"I'm sure I know what one of your Pokémon is." Ash said with a grin confirming to Dawn that he'd guessed which one she would use during the battle as he pulled out his first Poke Ball. "I don't know when you'll use him, but I know you will because you know I don't have a Pokémon with the type to properly counter him."

"I should have known that you'd guess that, but I know that you will have a strategy for him." Dawn said though in all honesty of her 21 Pokémon it was the one that was all but guaranteed for her to use and in a situation like this she had to though she didn't doubt her words, that Pokémon was so well known with her at this point that Ash had to have found a way to counter it, that was just who he was. "Course you'll have to wait and see when I use him, if I do at all."

"Oh, I know you will and I'm really looking forward to it as if I want to win I'll have to do what only one before has done." Ash said as Dawn too pulled out her first Poke Ball now getting into this battle because of Ash, he just had that way about him when it came to Pokémon battles which was one of the many things she loved about him. "As for the other Pokémon you may use, I have some idea who you might use against me but with your Pokémon I can't really be sure who is in your rotation given what Pokémon you have."

"Don't worry, I have a few surprises for you." Dawn said grinning back at Ash. "So come at me Ash and don't make any fighting jokes, those were old a while ago, just see if you can beat me. Shouldn't be hard given how I'm a coordinator and you're a trainer."

"Alright you two can stop flirting and start this already." May called out from the stands as Serena and Miette echoed her statements. "Clemont, start this."

"Huh, oh right." Clemont said realizing that things were getting a bit out of hand, so it was for the best to start the match. "Battle begin."

"Lucario, I choose you." Ash said tossing out his Poke Ball.

"Mamoswine, spotlight." Dawn said throwing her own Poke Ball out. "Ah Lucario, I knew he'd be one of yours of course but starting with him is interesting. Usually you tend to use him later when you need the power he brings to the table."

"Gotta start fighting." Ash said with a grin as both Pokémon appeared before their trainers, Lucario landing in a fighting stance while Mamoswine landed with a thud and roar at being back by his human's side once again. "So, looks like it's Mamoswine first, good as this was one that I predicted as being one of the more likely Pokémon to be on your team. I've never faced one before so this will be fun and the types balance out well."

"True, fighting on ice and ground on steel." Dawn said. "So, what will win out."

"I will." Ash said as he began the battle." Lucario, use Aura Sphere."

"Mamoswine, that's a near perfect move so rather than block it just charge through it and continue onto Lucario with Takedown, I know you can do that." Dawn said already thinking about how to win this battle given what she recalled Lucario knowing. "Then use Earthquake."

"The moment you can, get a second Aura Sphere off Lucario and then brace through that Earthquake like I know you can." Ash said as he thought on the battle while Lucario formed the Aura Sphere between his paws as Mamoswine roared and charged at him. "Await my orders, we've got this."

Lucario barked in agreement as he released the Aura Sphere at Mamoswine as the latter charged at him. He trusted Ash and knew that this would work as he set himself for what was to come while drawing on Ash's passive aura as it flared from the heat of battle to add to his own strength. It was time to win another glorious battle for his trainer and team.

Mamoswine for his part just roared as he thundered along the ground and charged into and then through the ball of fighting type power that was sent at him, barely breaking stride as he did, and bore down onto Lucario. Lucario had time to yip in surprise at how Mamoswine had been able to just charge through his attack like that, though it did register a super effective hit on the large ground and ice type at least, before Mamoswine slammed into him with Take Down.

Lucario was tossed up into the air and over Mamoswine with a bark though his steel type was resistant to normal type attacks providing him some mitigation as Mamoswine shook his body from the recoil that Takedown had and tracked Lucario with his eyes, turning as Lucario soared through the air. Naturally Lucario wasn't going to be idle in all this and he was already forming the ball of fighting type power again in his paws as he was airborne.

He didn't care about the impact with the ground that was coming for him, his sole focus was on getting his move off and he did so the moment it was ready as he fell towards the ground. The Aura Sphere shot through the air and slammed into the side of Mamoswine's head as he turned to brace for it and grunted from the second super effective attack that he'd taken in the opening shots of this matchup. He was sturdy however and was still in the fight, so he just rolled with the blow and then as Lucario neared the ground he reared with a bellow.

Lucario landed hard on his side, the Aura Sphere ensuring that he didn't have time to land on his feet, just seconds before Mamoswine's rear ended and the larger Pokémon slammed his feet on the ground. There was a boom from it before the entire battlefield began to violently shake with the power his Earthquake. Lucario barked in pain as he was bounced up and down where he was, the ground type move super effective on him, while Ash and Dawn braced themselves through it. Clemont wasn't so lucky as he was tossed to the ground, but Ash and Dawn ignored it as they focused on the battle at hand.

"Charge and hit Lucario with Ice Fang." Dawn said as the move ended, she could have gone for another Earthquake, but she knew that Ash would be ready for it this time so best to shake things up and keep him on his toes.

"Lucario, stop Mamoswine and hold him there." Ash said not giving a direct order but Lucario understood and grinned as Mamoswine's tusks were coated in ice. "I know you can do it."

Lucario barked in agreement as he slowly got up and faced the Twin Tusk Pokémon that was now charging him again, bellowing as he did. His back was to his human's mate, and he couldn't see Ash with this mass of fur, tusks, and muscle charging him, but he could feel Ash through his passive aura that connected them and feel his resolve, his desires, and his love for Lucario that Lucario drew on as he set his feet and raised his forepaws before him.

This was not something many should do when facing over half a ton of charging Pokémon, but Lucario knew he could do it and that he'd be in the perfect position to end this. Add in that he was resistant to ice type attacks, and he knew he'd be fine. Plus, the damage in the end only added to what he knew was coming.

All this flashed through Lucario's mind in an instant before Mamoswine was on him and lowering his tusks. Lucario let out a bark of determination as he grabbed the tusks just below their points and grasped them firmly in his forepaws as the ice type attack hit, his teeth grit and snarling as he took the hit and the speed and power of Mamoswine was transferred into him in an instant. He was driven back several feet, his heels digging furrows into the ground in the process as Mamoswine bellowed and pushed him towards his own human while Lucario howled in resistance.

It took all of his raw strength to manage it, but he did, finally getting his feet set and stopping Mamoswine with enough force to briefly cause Mamoswine's hind legs to lift into the air and letting out a bark of triumph at his success. All this just before a shocked Dawn who recalled a similar experience against Iris's Dragonite back in Unova which was almost certainly where Ash had gotten this idea.

That bark also let Ash know that Lucario had succeed in his goal so it was time and Ash didn't waste any of it giving the order before Dawn could react. It did bring her back to the battle at hand though it was too late for her to do anything.

"Reversal." Ash called out. "End this Lucario."

Lucario barked in agreement as he used his grip on Mamoswine's tusks to pull himself forward, cock his head back, and then slam his forehead right between Mamoswine's eyes. Mamoswine howled as he stepped back from the blow to try and get away from Lucario, but Lucario just let go of Mamoswine's tusks before stepping forward and unleashing his all-out attack on Mamoswine.

Reversal was their go to move when Lucario had taken significant damage and almost always their last resort move as that was when it was at its strongest. In the past it had been what he'd used to win battles for Ash and again he'd use it as such today with the only difference being that he'd not taken as much damage as usual due to taking two attacks he was resistant to and one he was weak to.

Usually, Lucario was near the end of his ropes when Reversal was ordered so it was at or near it's max strength but this time it wasn't. However, with Mamoswine's weakness to fighting type attacks that didn't matter as he took as much damage as he would had Lucario been near fainting and he not resistant to fighting type attacks.

The Reversal only lasted a few moments before it ended and Lucario stepped back panting from it as he stared at Mamoswine with his fists clenched. Mamoswine stood there for a moment but Dawn, who could see his face, already knew that it was over as his eyes were swirls and Mamoswine was being, well, Mamoswine and not really realizing he was out of it for a few seconds. That came a moment later when he crashed to his side and lay there clearly out cold.

"Mamoswine is unable to battle." Clemont, who'd by now gotten to his feet declared raising a hand to Ash's side to confirm it. "Lucario is the winner."

"Mamoswine return." Dawn said recalling Mamoswine as Lucario barked in victory and jogged back to Ash's side while Dawn looked at the Poke Ball in her hand. "You were great out there old friend, really held your own but Lucario isn't one of Ash's best this year for nothing and in the end we fell just short of beating him. Clearly Ash hasn't forgotten the past as I remember what Dragonite did to you in Unova, and he's adapted to made their actions his own. Take a rest, you earned it and I've got just the Pokémon for next, one I know Lucario will want to stay out for."

"Really?" Ash asked as Lucario got back to him pleased that he'd bested one of the strongest Pokémon he knew from back home, they all knew the Pokémon that Dawn had, and many were tough, but Mamoswine was near the top of that crew though there was one all wanted to be the one to best that would come in time, so this would really boost Lucario's rep with the others as the first to beat Mamoswine. "Well, Lucario? Want to stay in?"

Lucario just barked as he turned and grinned at the human female as he took a fighting stance. She had another Pokémon to use against him, one that she claimed that he'd want to face and that was a short list in his book. There was of course the prized one, the one all of Ash's Pokémon wanted the honor of besting even if they had to work together to do it as they all knew it would be coming at some point today, but his gut told him it wasn't that one, they'd not forced her to use him yet. No, this one was going to be the one who Lucario had a little history with and who would want to settle the score.

"I see Lucario understands." Dawn said smiling at that as she pulled out her next Poke Ball. "So here he is, he does want to pay you back for that loss after all and this time moves are allowed. Machamp, spotlight."

With that Dawn tossed her Poke Ball up into the air and it burst open. A second later Machamp appeared and landed with a roar of challenge as he set himself, fists ready, and a gleam in his eye as he looked at Lucario who met it with his own gleam and barked his own challenge to Machamp's roar as he grinned at the strong fighting type across the battlefield from him.

They were top tier fighting types, two of the most prized in the world when it came to fighting types though they were native to the other human's home region, and who'd already tested their strengths against each other once before but back then it was just that, raw strength and talent rather than moves as well. Lucario had won but mainly because of the rules at the time and Machamp would want to get even for that loss. What better way than to do so in a proper Pokémon battle though he would have to thank Mamoswine for his help in assisting the win if it happened.

"Ah I see, yes this does make sense." Ash said ready for this matchup, and it was one in battle terms that he was on the weaker side of given Lucario's steel type so good training for facing other fighting types in battle. "This will be useful especially if I face a fighting specialist like Adam or other fighting types like Max's Chesnaught and Tierno's Hitmontop with Lucario or another that is weak to fighting types like Greninja. It is a type that a few of my Pokémon will struggle against so well worth the challenge."

"Precisely." Dawn said. "And of course, Machamp will want to beat Lucario after that tournament."

"He'll have to land a hit and that was the problem last time." Ash said and Lucario barked in agreement, but Machamp just smiled at that and cracked all 4 of his knuckles in anticipation of the coming battle. "And now we can use moves so show them Lucario, get in close and use Bone Rush."

"Counter that with Dual Chop." Dawn said as Lucario barked again and rushed forward, an aura bone forming in his paws as he ran.

Machamp just roared as he to ran forward all his hands glowing with dragon type power. Lucario may be resistant to this type but that was part of the plan, Machamp understood the moment the order had been given and would take the Bone Rush without hesitation to facilitate it as he had to be up close for all this to work. That was where fighting types were at their best though so neither he nor Lucario would have it any other way.

It only took a moment for the two to cross the battlefield and reach each other where they clashed. Lucario swung his bone and struck Machamp under his lower left arm as Machamp's upper right hand struck him on the shoulder. Neither were done though as Lucario spun the bone in his paws to deflect away the lower right hand and strike the third blow of it to Machamp's gut. A second later both left hands came down and hit Lucario in the neck and side as Lucario spun the bone up so that the end took Machamp under the chin with the 4th and final blow of his Bone Rush.

It was a flurry of exchanges that ended strong, and Ash was already ready for the next move, he'd gotten Lucario in close for this and the damage only helped Lucario out in the long run, but Dawn beat him to it with her own move. She'd had the same thinking and got the command out first which in this instance was what was needed.

"Seismic Toss." Dawn called out as Machamp staggered from the final blow but recovered quickly.

"Reversal." Ash said as Machamp's hands shot out and grabbed Lucario. "I know you can power through it regardless of what happens."

Lucario felt the conviction of his human through his passive aura and drew on it as Machamp's hands closed on him in such a way that he couldn't use Reversal until after the Seismic Toss before the pure fighting type bent his knees and launched himself into the air with all his strength. This was what had helped them in the past and if Lucario could power through it again then he'd be able to land a devastating Reversal that might not end Machamp but ensure that the next Pokémon up would be able to do it. That was his thought process through all this, and he kept it up right until the end.

That end came quickly as Machamp reached the apex of his leap, right below the high ceiling of the gym, and twisted to toss Lucario down to the battlefield with all his strength. Ash knew the move well, it was one he and Charizard used a lot, but being on the receiving end was tough as Lucario shot down and slammed back first into the ground with a boom that cratered the battlefield and kicked up dust that covered Lucario faster than even Charizard had managed without augmenting the move with Dragon Tail. Ash grit his teeth as he waited while Machamp fell to the ground to land on his feet at the edge of the crater.

Unfortunately, the strong fighting type move had been too much for Lucario. He had used all his strength and drew on Ash's passive aura to try and withstand it, but it was one damned powerful Seismic Toss from a fully evolved fighting type, and he'd already taken four moves from his two matchups with one being super effective as well. Lucario had tired but in the end it was too much for him and he passed out just after hitting the ground and that was made clear a moment later when the dust settled to show Lucario on his back in the crater, limps splayed and swirls for eyes.

"Lucario is unable to battle." Clemont said raising his hand to Ash's side. "Machamp is the winner."

"Lucario, return." Ash said recalling his Pokémon which left a distinctively Lucario shaped indent in the center of the crater and looking at the Poke Ball in his hand. "You were great my friend, really held on there but even you can't survive all that you took so don't feel bad. You beat Mamoswine and did well against Machamp, so you earned this break. Don't worry, Dawn's not the only one with a Pokémon who'd love this kind of matchup. I have just the Pokémon to face Machamp."

"I had a feeling that if I used Machamp you'd use that Pokémon against him as you didn't use him in your battle with Owen so I knew he would be on your team for this battle." Dawn said with a grin, one that Machamp matched as he too could tell who was coming. "I think they've been wanting this for a while. Shame it couldn't happen in the fighting tournament, but the bracket just wasn't on our side then as both Lucario and Adam's Poliwrath had other ideas."

"Agreed but this is better I'd say." Ash said putting his Poke Ball away and pulling out his second of the match and tossing it out. "Hawlucha, I choose you."

"As I expected." Dawn said as the ball burst open and Hawlucha appeared, flipping in the air before landing in front of Ash ready for the battle. "Ready Machamp."

"Machamp." Machamp said as he made a come at me gesture to his old rival turned friend from the forest, it was time to really settle things between them now that they both had human trainers to bring out their maximum potential. "Ma, Machamp."

"Hawlucha." Hawlucha said grinning at Machamp as he set himself, both had wanted this since joining their respective humans and at last they were going to give them the chance for that.

"Now Hawlucha, start this off with Karate Chop." Ash said beginning the matchup.

"Machamp, avoid and counter with Vital Throw." Dawn said as Hawlucha charged at Machamp.

There was a large crater in the way of everything and that turned out to be useful to Hawlucha in this as Machamp braced himself ready to dodge and counter with a move that always went second and didn't miss. That was because Hawlucha was able to use the lip of the crater to leap into the air, extend his wings and glide at Machamp faster than he would have managed on foot closing in before Machamp had a chance to adapt to Hawlucha's sudden change.

As such Hawlucha was able to land his Karate Chop, his right arm thing glowing with fighting type power to the slashing to the side and striking Machamp in the side of the head with it the moment he reached the Superpower Pokémon. The higher-than-average critical hit ratio for the move triggered in that instance and Machamp growled in pain from the blow as he staggered to the side. However, as Hawlucha passed him he grabbed Hawlucha by the ankle with his upper right hand, spun around a few times to build up momentum and then threw him away, imparting Vital Throw in the process.

It was a good move that sent Hawlucha up into the air with a squawk of protest, but his flying type helped mitigate it as it made him resistant to fighting type attack. It also put him in the perfect position for his favorite move and Ash didn't hesitate to capitalize on that.

"Flying Press." Ash said as Hawlucha opened his wings to arrest his ascent into the air while also turning his body to face Machamp so that he could get this move off quickly.

"Stop it with Dual Chop." Dawn ordered as Hawlucha pivoted his body in the air and dove downwards.

Unfortunately for Machamp, this was the move that Hawlucha had practiced the most with Ash and as soon as he was diving he tucked his wings in, barrel rolling in the air to gain speed as he glowed with fighting type power before he opened them and slammed his chest into Machamps face. Machamp howled in pain, unlike Hawlucha he wasn't resistant to his own fighting type and staggered back but he rolled with it and raised his upper hands that now glowed with dragon type power and brought both of them down in a chopping move onto Hawlucha's shoulders as he fell back from Machamp.

Hawlucha didn't get out a sound as he was driven down and into the ground with a crash from the attack, but his body was light enough that it didn't kick up too much dust and Ash saw that he was still standing. That was good as it was time to reveal the new move that he and Greninja had helped Hawlucha learn since getting back to Lumiose City, one to play on his other type at last and would come in handy in many battles to come.

"Aerial Ace." Ash said as soon as it was clear that Hawlucha was still in it.

"Seismic Toss." Dawn said ignoring the new move that Hawlucha had as she was expecting a new move or two in this battle from Ash's Pokémon as he wouldn't be Ash if he didn't do that. "Throw it away and create space Machamp."

Machamp roared but he didn't get a chance to set himself as Hawlucha leapt up and off the ground striking Machamp in upper chest with his wings that were glowing with flying type power before he turned in the air, wings open and gracefully falling to the ground. As for Machamp he bellowed in pain from the super effective move and staggered back before his body continued to go backwards. Between the Bone Rush he'd taken from Lucario, the critical hit from a Karate Chop, Flying Press, and now an Aerial Ace was more than he could handle, and he crashed to the ground to lie on his back with limbs splayed and eyes swirls.

"Machamp is unable to battle." Clemont said raising his arm to Ash's side of the battlefield. "Hawlucha is the winner."

"Machamp, return." Dawn said recalling her Pokémon and looking at the Poke Ball with a smile on her face. "You were great out there my friend, handled one of Ash's best in Lucario well and landed some blows on Hawlucha, that will add up and we will get him and the rest of Ash's Pokémon. Take a rest, you earned it."

"Hawlucha, return." Ash said recalling Hawlucha to Dawn's surprise as she put away Machamp's Poke Ball. "Take a break, I may need you later, but I want another Pokémon to get some experience and with what Dawn has this will be good for him."

"I know who you have on you based on how you want to get all your Pokémon experience so you switched the 4 you didn't use in the last full battle practice you had while keeping the two that can be predicted." Dawn said pulling out her next Poke Ball as Ash did the same. "But I'm not sure who you're going to go with now, but I know that it will struggle with my next Pokémon. Dragalge, spotlight."

"So that's who you're going with, I was kind of expecting to face it given its typing so I'm not too surprised though I did figure that you might opt for Togekiss as your anti-dragon type." Ash said as Dawn's poison and dragon type burst out and landed before her standing on his tailfins ready for it. "And you're right, this may be a struggle but a good one as he's not had a chance to face this weakness yet so even better than I had initially planned for. Goodra, I choose you."

With that Ash send out his Poke Ball and his own pure dragon type burst out and landed with a roar before him before looking at his opponent. This was going to be tough; Dragalge was a strong Pokémon with some nasty tricks and had the same type as Goodra in addition to his poison type, but Goodra was ready for this one.

"I'll admit that I thought it might be Sigilyph, but Goodra is a good challenge that I was expecting to face as well." Dawn said. "And we'll show you how hard it will be for Goodra to win this. Dragalge, use Scald."

"Ice Beam." Ash countered almost at once as the fresh battle began.

Both attacks were unleashed at almost the same time as Dragalge blasted out scalding hot water from his mouth at Goodra while Goodra sent off the beam of ice at Dragalge. It was an interesting pair of moves to use as the hot water that could cause a burn collided with the cold ice that could freeze in the middle of the field and, well, misted.

Literally, rather than blow up they effectively fused creating a mist that shrouded the battlefield with neither move landing as the ice was vaporized before it could reach while the hot water that didn't melt the ice rapidly cooled and fell away to splatter the battlefield with droplets of water. Regardless, both Ash and Dawn pushed on.

"Charge in and strike with Poison Tail." Dawn said.

"Clear it and blast it with Dragon Breath." Ash said as Dragalge focused on where Goodra was and charged forward. "That will do a lot, I know it."

Goodra roared in agreement before he exhaled a might gust of Dragon Breath that cleared the mist right away and revealed Dragalge right before Goodra. He'd used the mist to close the distance, leaping over the crater and flipping, his tail thing glowing with poison type power as he brought it to bear on Goodra. The Dragon Breath did more than clear the mist, it also slammed into Dragalge as he flipped but he pushed through the pain of the super effective attack and slammed his tail thing into Goodra's face before landing right in front of him.

The blow caused Goodra to wail as he staggered back from the blow and a line of dark purple appeared under his eyes to show that he'd been poisoned. Ash couldn't see that, but he did see the shudder of a poisoning and knew what he had to do. It was going to give Dawn an opening, but it was going to be beneficial in the long run.

"Rain Dance." Ash said.

"Ok that wasn't expected but thanks." Dawn said seeing it and pressing her advantage as Goodra fired a ball of water into the air. "Dragalge, Dragon Pulse."

Dragalge roared as he used the moment to unleash the dragon type attack at near point-blank range into Goodra's chest causing him to howl in pain from the super effective move and staggered back even more as the ball of water burst and the rain began to fall. Still, Ash grinned at that as he knew it had worked and Goodra was in a good position to do more damage and get an edge in this matchup.

"Ice Beam." Ash said as Goodra glowed with the rain hitting him and the purple line of poison vanished.

"Wait why did Goodra's poisoning suddenly end?" Dawn asked confused, the confusion really throwing her and Dragalge at the same time, so he didn't react in time to avoid the blast of ice that hit him and blasted him back, through the rain, and over the crater that was now starting to fill with water to land Dawn's side of the battlefield to roll over a few times. "What's going on?"

"Goodra's ability." Clemont said his eyes wide. "It's Hydration, it has to be. That's an ability that allows a Pokémon to cure a status problem like being poisoned with rain."

"Precisely, it's why Goodra's always kept Rain Dance as a move." Ash said with a grin. "Remember, we learned it against Valerie in Laverre."

"Oh right." Dawn said as Dragalge grunted and got up still in the battle, but two super effective attacks certainly took a lot out of him. "I was so focused on Sliggoo evolving and you beating a fairy type with Goodra that I forgot that part of the battle and there was the whole Malamar and Machamp destroying part of the gym afterwards, so I missed a detail like Goodra having the Hydration ability. That was a mistake, but we aren't out of this yet, we can still win. Dragalge, Dragon Pulse."

"Ice Beam." Ash said as the rain beat down as Dragalge opened his mouth his Dragon Pulse rising in his throat. "Win this Goodra."

Goodra roared as he formed the ice in his mouth and unleashed it a second later than the shockwave of Dragon Pulse. However, this time the natures of the moves themselves worked against Dragalge and for Goodra when they met as the more rigid and direct beam of ice cut through the shockwave, diverting it to the sides so that it missed Goodra though it did blow the rain all over the place, before it slammed into Dragalge's throat.

Dragalge didn't get a sound out from the hit, he just staggered back, his body turning sideways, before he crashed to the ground with a thud and a splash as the rain continued. Three super effective attacks were too much for him to bear and he lay there on his side with swirls for eyes showing that he was out of the fight as the rain continued to beat down upon his unconscious body.

"Dragalge is unable to battle." Clemont declared raising his hand to Ash's side. "Goodra is the winner. Dawn has now lost half her Pokémon, if the rules of last year are followed this would be where the battlefield changes but we can't do that here so just carry on as normal."

"Dragalge return." Dawn said recalling him and smiling at the Poke Ball in her hand. "That was my fault, I forgot about Goodra's ability which ensured that he recovered from the poisoning with minimal damage, so I let you down. You fought well my friend, take a rest. It looks like I'm in a bit of a hole now, so I guess it's time to pull it out, a little earlier than I had intended but that's Ash for you. Really shows his skills that he's already 3-1 up on me and forcing me to use my ace already."

"Alright, this is the only one I knew for certain you'd use and at last it's my chance to face it in a no holds barred battle." Ash said grinning at the challenge awaiting him and hoping he didn't have to resort to his own desperate measures to beat it as this was a true test for his Pokémon. "Goodra, stay in, this is going to be good."

"Don't you know it Ash." Dawn said putting away her Poke Ball and pulling out her fourth and raising it to her lips to kiss it, this was the one Pokémon she had that all who knew her potential roster expected while both fearing and desiring to face in equal measures and for the first time Dawn truly embraced the fact that it was her strongest battle Pokémon when all factors were considered. "It's time for my ace my dear. I know you wanted to face him for a while well here's your chance to experience what so few can. A Sableye has the same type combo, but it's got nothing on my ghost and dark type. Spiritomb, spotlight."

"At long last." Ash said with a grin as Dawn threw her Poke Ball out and it burst open, a malevolent sounding laugh emerging as the Forbidden Pokémon burst forth and landed on his keystone before Dawn as he continued to cackle. "Only you and Cynthia have one so should I ever face Cynthia this will give me great practice and it's typing is one that until fairy types emerged had no weaknesses. Let's see if I can do what only Lucy's managed and beat it and even then I have to beat it without forcing you to use that fourth move of yours. That's the true potency of facing your Spiritomb, it only really uses 3 moves not 4."

"True, a tall order but you have the Pokémon for it I feel." Dawn said. "Not that I'll make this easy as this is how I catch back up to you in this match. Spiritomb, Phantom Force and then right into Dark Pulse."

"I knew that was going to happen." Ash said gritting his teeth as Spiritomb vanished with a cackle and briefly wishing Goodra still knew Bide before realizing that as a normal type attack it would be useless against Spiritomb regardless and adjusting accordingly. "Brace for that Goodra as we can't predict where it will appear from and then counter with Ice Beam as soon as you get a shot."

"Goodra." Goodra said seriously with a nod as he looked around and prepared for it his arms out and body low to brace for the coming attack.

This was the one matchup his entire team had discussed wanting the night before when they got together for a final plan for the full battle with Ash's mate. They all knew the Pokémon she had, and which were likely, some more than others, but only one was all but guaranteed to appear. Only one of them truly had a strong change against it having learned a useful move that week but as Ash had said that was a last resort though that was what the move was for. He wanted to beat Spiritomb, which was the one Pokémon he was sure Dawn would use against him, without needing to resort to it.

All of his Pokémon had agreed, and all wanted the honor of facing it. Few Pokémon on the ranch had the record that Spiritomb had. The ghost and dark type had one loss with his trainer out of a total of 8 or so battles and even then it had taken two Pokémon and a self-sacrificing move to achieve it. The rest wanted to be the first to claim a true victory and now up to 5 of Ash's Pokémon would get that shot, though Ash would use his last resort if too many fell early, with Goodra as the first of them.

Of course, he was dealing with Phantom Force as the opening move, something that was expected with how Dawn used Spiritomb in battle, and a tricky move to counter at the best of times but he was keeping his eyes open for Spiritomb to reappear so that he could act. Alas, that came from behind and below Goodra as Spiritomb reappeared and slammed into his back staggering him forward with a grunt before flying past and twisting to send out the horrible aura that was imbued with negative thoughts that was the dark type attack Dark Pulse as the rain beat down around them.

Goodra grunted from the Phantom Force but swiveled his head and opened his mouth to unleash his Ice Beam as the Dark Pulse was sent at him. He couldn't avoid the attack, but he didn't try to, taking it in the gut and pushing through it as he blasted off his ice type attack in response. He refused to go down to this Pokémon without at least getting his licks in first.

The result was that Spiritomb couldn't avoid it either and took the blow to the base of his keystone sending him end over end it the air with a wail of pain, it wasn't one of the three types he was immune to or the one that he was resistant to, so it did average damage to him. Still, he'd landed two hits on Goodra and clearly Goodra was nearing the end, so Dawn knew just what to do.

"Phantom Force." Dawn called out again.

"Sludge Bomb." Ash said at the same time.

Goodra focused on the toxins in his body, opened his mouth and unleashed them in several balls of sludge at Spiritomb as he flipped away. Spiritomb just laughed however and vanished mid flip before the first ball could hit him, the Sludge Bomb harmlessly passing through the air where he'd been before it hit the ground. Goodra grunted in annoyance as he looked around for Spiritomb.

"That's part of why this Pokémon is Dawn's best in my opinion." Ash said looking around while Goodra did the same. "Phantom Force, it's one of those annoying moves to deal with. Brace Goodra and counter with Dragon Breath this time."

Goodra nodded as he looked around ready for the attack. As he did the rain finally came to an end and the moment it did Spiritomb suddenly reappeared in the air next to Goodra's head, cackling as he shot through the air to slam his keystone into the side of Goodra's head before arcing and rolling in the air with the grace of a Contest Pokémon as he headed back to Dawn to hover in front of her in the air. He took an evasive route just in case, but he needn't have worried as the second Phantom Force had been too much for Goodra.

As soon as the blow struck him in the side of the head, Goodra let out a long exhale of pain as he flopped to the side and landed in a puddle of water from his Rain Dance with a splash that sprayed water all over him. His just lay there on his side with swirls for eyes showing that he was out of the fight.

"Goodra is unable to battle." Clemont said raising a hand to Dawn's said as Spiritomb lowered himself to the ground to land on it in front of her and cackled in victory. "Spiritomb is the winner."

"Goodra, return." Ash said recalling his Pokémon and looking at the Poke Ball in his hand. "You did well my friend, that is one tough opponent, but you landed a hit, and we have a lead so let's use it. No point in using a fresh Pokémon just yet, let's end this with who's already been so that the rest can be fresh for Dawn's last two Pokémon. Besides, it's a good challenge for us in the process."

"Yeah you've halved you available moves." Dawn said her eyes wide as she knew who was coming as Ash put away his Poke Ball and pulled out one he'd already used. "But this is you Ash so I would expect it from you."

"Exactly." Ash said as he threw out the Poke Ball again. "Hawlucha, come on out again and start us with X-Scissor. This is going to be tough, but I know that you can do it."

"Phantom Force." Dawn said grinning as Hawlucha burst forth and glided right at Spiritomb his claw things already glowing with bug type power, one of the dark type weaknesses that Spiritomb's ghost type balanced out for him. "Then quickly use Toxic when you reappear. Can't be too predictable now can we."

"As soon as it reappears and you get the opening, use Aerial Ace on it." Ash said as Hawlucha closed in and slashed his X-Scissor at Spiritomb, but the latter just cackled as he vanished right before so that Hawlucha's attack slashed through thin air much to Hawlucha's annoyance. "I know that you can do it."

"Hawlucha." Hawlucha said with a nod as he landed on the ground where Spiritomb had been looked around cautiously.

This was a tough matchup for him, and he knew it. While both he and Lucario had wanted to be the ones to face and defeat Spiritomb both knew that their available moves were halved thanks to facing a ghost type. Still, it was a tough opponent worthy of beating and besides, they could face a ghost type in the Lumiose Conference so should be able to counter them regardless. Pikachu had bested ground types in the past, others in their team had also won against such odds so Hawlucha wanted to add his name to that list with a win over Spiritomb. Now was his chance as he kept his eyes peeled for it.

Naturally, that didn't work in the end as Spiritomb suddenly appeared behind him and slammed his keystone into the back of Hawlucha's head, cackling as he did and sending Hawlucha flying forward to face plant the ground with a groan as Spiritomb sped ahead of him. As soon as that happened, and Spiritomb had made sure to land the hit like this, he spun in the air to face Hawlucha as he continued to fly backwards now and turned the ground beneath him to poisonous sludge.

Hawlucha grunted as he got into a runner's stance, ignoring the pain from the Phantom Force he'd taken or that he was now poisoned and launched himself up and at Spiritomb, his wings wide and glowing with flying type power. Before Spiritomb could move he'd struck it in the keystone with his left wing sending Spiritomb spinning to the side with a wail.

The Wrestling Pokémon turned in the air as soon as he landed his hit and pulled his wings in to land on the ground, sliding over it and placing his hand on the ground to steady himself as his body spasmed from a poisoning as he came to a stop at the edge of the now partially water filled crater Lucario had made when he was beaten. However, Hawlucha was still in it, gritting through the pain as he looked at Spiritomb.

"X-Scissor." Ash called out.

"Dark Pulse." Dawn countered knowing that she had Hawlucha.

Hawlucha roared as he leapt at Spiritomb, his wings spread and claws glowing with bug type power. At the same time Spiritomb steadied himself in the air and unleashed his Dark Pulse. The ranged dark type attack reached Hawlucha first but because of the angles it struck Hawlucha in the gut and he spun forward with a grunt of pain. However, his fighting type ensured that he was resistant to the dark type attack. Furthermore, he used the spin to slash the X-Scissor across Spiritomb's projection causing him to wail again and fly back from the impact.

With a grin Hawlucha landed on the ground on one knee and the poison in him struck again. He knew that that was the final straw but he'd done a lot in this battle and added to the damage to Spiritomb so he'd done what he could to set up what he was sure was coming now that he and Goodra had failed to beat it. That was the plan after all, if Spiritomb was taking out too many of them then the last resort would be used so with two Pokémon failing it was time for it. That was the last thing Hawlucha thought as he fell to the side and hit the ground with a soft thump as he lay on his side with swirls for eyes.

"Hawlucha is unable to battle." Clemont said raising a hand to Dawn's side. "Spiritomb is the winner."

"Hawlucha return." Ash said recalling his Pokémon and looking at the Poke Ball with a smile on his face. "You were great there my friend, really added to what Goodra did and powered through to the very end to get that second hit. We won't let that be in vain. It's time to stop being arrogant and wasting Pokémon trying to take down Spiritomb with just power alone, overconfidence can be dangerous after all. Sometimes you must acknowledge a foe and go at it with what you know will work."

"Spiritomb stay in." Dawn said not sure what Ash was talking about but she and Spiritomb were on a roll so she was going to keep it up with the next Pokémon Ash might use, especially when one of his three remaining Pokémon was possibly the worst type matchup for him against her Spiritomb. "We can keep this up, we've tied Ash now and we will take the lead. I know what he has, if it's what I think it will be then it's either Pikachu or the one that you can beat with ease."

"We shall see." Ash said as he put Hawlucha's Poke Ball away hating to do this to Dawn, but this was a battle and he had to win it, so strategy dictated this move as he pulled out his next Pokémon and threw out the Poke Ball. "Sigilyph, I choose you. Start us off with Air Cutter."

"Dodge that and counter with Phantom Force." Dawn said just as Ash had expected as Sigilyph came out with a strange sound and immediately hacked his upper wings to launch a razor like wind at Spiritomb.

Naturally Spiritomb just cackled at that and vanished before the flying type attack could hit him so the razor like wind harmlessly flew through the air where it had been. This was to be expected given Dawn's strategy and all part of the plan. Sigilyph was ready for this matchup against one of the worst types for him to face, a ghost and dark dual type, because he had a trick ready.

In the last week, after they got back to Lumiose City and Ash had the time to focus on working with his Pokémon for the Lumiose Conference, Ash had taught him a specific move that a Sigilyph could learn to counter those pesky dark types he might face and now it was going to come in handy for the first time. First, though, he had to survive a ghost type hit and he knew that if he was here for it then it was because Ash was taking this Spiritomb really seriously.

As such Sigilyph did the same as he waited in the air patiently and a moment later the inevitable came as Spiritomb appeared behind him and crashed into his back as he flew past cackling and Sigilyph wailed in pain from the super effective ghost type attack he'd just taken. However, he was still in the battle as he could survive at least one super effective attack and Ash was already prepared for it.

"Dazzling Gleam!" Ash yelled the moment Spiritomb appeared and crashed into Sigilyph causing Dawn to gasp. "Yup, I taught Sigilyph this to counter dark types and it's going to come in handy at last but know I only wanted to use it if I had not other choice against Spiritomb. That's how good I consider him to be that I had to resort to the only fairy type move any Pokémon I am using this year has."

Spiritomb had only just turned to face Sigilyph again and for once his smile faltered and his eyes went wide as Sigilyph flashed with a brilliant light before he or Dawn could react. Ever since taking this move from Shuppet back when he first met Dawn and she freed him by catching him he'd known that this was a move he didn't want to take.

His species was rare, in fact he'd never met another of his kind, but he knew that as a ghost and dark type he was strong defensively and in the past it would take a lot of raw power to beat him. However, this new fairy type was a bane to him as he was actually weak to it and Dazzling Gleam was a former normal type move that had become fairy type, so it had gone from ineffective to super effective against him.

As such Spiritomb wailed in pain from it but pushed through it. He wasn't going to be bested by a psychic type of all types, it was the type he was best against after all, and he certainly wasn't going to lose unless it was on his terms. He'd only fainted once for Dawn when she'd called upon him in battle and that was to leave a parting gift that could have won it, it was on his terms not his opponents and again Spiritomb pushed through the super effective move to still be hovering before Sigilyph who was slightly stunned that Spiritomb was still floating despite the damage he'd taken so far.

Sure, he'd taken several hits, but Spiritomb was still in it, and he started cackling knowing what was coming for this Sigilyph and how its victory against him would be a brief, hollow one. This was what happened to Pokémon who pushed him to the edge, and as with before it had taken more than one Pokémon to do it.

"That's it Spiritomb, I knew you could withstand it, so we end this on our own terms just like last time." Dawn said as Ash regained his sight from the Dazzling Gleam amazed Spiritomb was still there which gave Dawn the moment she needed to use Spiritomb's 4th move. "Curse!"

Spiritomb just cackled even louder as Sigilyph sweat dropped at that before suddenly Spiritomb cursed Sigilyph causing the latter to wailed at it as he felt it and knew that he had at best three moves left before he fainted, possible less given that he'd taken that super effective Phantom Force. As for Spiritomb, his cackling suddenly and creepily cut off to an eerie silence mid cackle as his projection vanished and his no longer glowing keystone fell to the ground with a thud before going dark.

"Um…" Clemont said blinking at that and looking to Dawn. "I take it that's how a Spiritomb faints."

"It's how mine does, I figure it's because of how his actual body is the keystone." Dawn said with a shrug and grin on her face. "That's what happened against Lucy after we used Curse against her and there's no way that he had more than half his health left so he's out for sure. Only the second time I've been forced to use that move but it's damned useful."

"Right well then Spiritomb is unable to battle." Clemont declared raising a hand to Ash's side. "Which means that Sigilyph is the winner."

Sigilyph certainly didn't feel like the winner, especially with the curse now on him, more like he'd added to what the others had managed and still they couldn't knock out that damned Spiritomb even with his Dazzling Gleam at the end. It had gone out on its own terms and made fools of Ash's team in the process but all that was what made this Spiritomb so strong.

Not only was it hard to beat without using the new fairy type moves, of which Sigilyph was the only one on Ash's team who knew one of them, but it only ever used 3 moves in battle until it was going to lose, and only then did it use its fourth move to end the battle with a sacrifice rather than a defeat. It was a worthwhile sacrifice as well because it was one that made sure others went with it if the battle progressed much longer.

"Spiritomb return." Dawn said smiling as she recalled her Pokémon smiling as she did. "That was great my dear, as always you did more than I could have asked for and brought me back into the match. Ash is as good as we know and still he could only beat you with three Pokémon, a fairy type move, and forcing me to use Curse right at the very end. That says a lot and I'm sure that Cynthia's would be even tougher if he ever faces it, so we really helped out today. Take a rest, I won't let that sacrifice be in vain."

"Sigilyph, we are on a timer so stay in." Ash said as he recovered from it and like Lucy he felt that he'd not really beaten Spiritomb but rather just forced it into surrendering with a parting message that would cost him one of his team in return. "We will keep this up as long as we can."

"Well, I won't let you off that easy Ash." Dawn said as she pulled out her next Poke Ball. "Though this one is more historic than anything, I couldn't persuade him to sit this battle out so here he is. Piplup, spotlight."

"Wait seriously." Ash said his eyes wide as Dawn tossed out the one Poke Ball she almost never used and it burst open and Piplup happily erupted from it to land in front of Dawn, flippers on his side and head held high with pride that he was in Dawn's top team and ignoring the fact that he just refused to leave her thus forcing her to use him. "I guessed that he'd be back at the lab when he wasn't at your side. That means that at least two of Typhlosion, Malamar, and Togekiss aren't present and all three were on my list of likely Pokémon you'd use."

"Nope, he wouldn't go back so I put him in his Poke Ball for this to keep you guessing, it was the best I could do and don't count Piplup out he's just like Pikachu remember, he's much stronger than a normal Piplup." Dawn said as Piplup nodded because as far as he was concerned he was the greatest of all Piplups in the world. "Now Piplup, use Whirlpool."

"Avoid it and counter with Air Cutter." Ash said Piplup tipped his head back and created the whirlpool of water above his head. "We'll win this before that Curse finishes you Sigilyph and force Dawn to her last Pokémon without having called out my last two."

"Dodge that and use Ice Beam the moment you can." Dawn said, Piplup as a first stage Pokémon couldn't take too much damage before fainting despite his experience so she had to be tactical with him in the battle and he thankfully had a move that would be super effective on the already wounded, cursed, Sigilyph. "I know you can do it, show what a Contest Pokémon can do."

"Pip, Piplup." Piplup said as Sigilyph used his strange body to easily get around the Whirlpool and get a line of sight on Piplup.

As soon as Sigilyph could see the Penguin Pokémon he flapped his upper wings to get off the razor like slashes of wind at his foe. They tore through the air at Piplup as the curse on Sigilyph robbed him of more health. However, because he'd had to fly around the Whirlpool to get to Piplup, the water type had had ample time to get ready so as the slashes of air came at him he spun with a graceful pirouette to remind everyone that he was Dawn's starter and stylistically the best at Contest style battling. As such he was able to easily avoid the flying type attack and finish facing Sigilyph his mouth open and the Ice Beam already forming in it.

Ash knew that he had one shot at this and regardless Sigilyph was likely going to go down thanks to the curse on him but Ash and Sigilyph wouldn't let Piplup win this without some cost to him. They were going to get a hit in and ensure that Piplup fell because in a full battle making sure the opponent was hurt before going out was just good strategy.

"Dazzling Gleam." Ash said closing his eyes.

Sigilyph let out a sound as he glowed bright white and unleashed the light-based fairy type attack again as fast as he could for he too knew the score. He did so after Piplup had fired off his Ice Beam that tore through the air but before it hit Sigilyph, so Piplup wailed as he was hit by Sigilyph's attack that he was not resistant or weak to. However, Sigilyph was weak to ice type attacks and let out a wail as it hit him while glowing sending him flipping back. He was still in it though, barely, but the curse was also on him and as he righted himself it hit one last time, and he fell from the sky.

By the time everyone could see again, or in Ash's case had opened his eyes, Sigilyph had hit the ground and was lying on his back, wings splayed and the single eye he had on the head spike thing a swirl. Piplup panted as he recovered from the Dazzling Gleam but as soon as he saw that he'd won he stood up tall and proud and puffed out his chest to proclaim his victory and greatness for all to hear. Naturally, he ignored the significant role that Spiritomb had played in setting up this victory for him though he did deserve credit for how he got that Ice Beam off while avoiding the Air Cutter with such grace.

"Sigilyph is unable to battle." Clement declared raising a hand to Dawn's side. "Piplup is the winner."

"Pip, Piplup." Piplup said proudly with a nod of his head.

"I know you're amazing Piplup." Dawn said praising her starter and meaning it, he'd earned his win despite the assist he had from Spiritomb as that Ice Beam had been a significant contributing factor to ensuring Sigilyph fainted. "Now stay in, I am sure I know who Ash will use next and I want to save my final Pokémon for his final one."

"Sigilyph, return." Ash said recalling his Pokémon while Piplup just nodded ready to take on any foe to protect Dawn and remind her that he was her best and completely missing who he was about to fight. "You were great out there, took down Spiritomb in the end and don't feel bad, we did what we had to and in a full battle sometimes that will happen. We will encounter tough Pokémon who will best numerous of our team, so we must use every trick in the book to best them no matter what. Facing Spiritomb was such a test for us, one that was worth it, and then you landed a blow on Piplup before the curse took you down which is more than I could have asked of you. Don't worry we will exploit that."

"Oh, you will Ash." Dawn said. "And with who? I know who's left, or can at least guess at the second one, so which will it be?"

"You've got your starter out so how can I not send out mine." Ash said looking down at Pikachu. "Ready to face Piplup again Pikachu."

"Pika, pi." Pikachu said with a nod and a grin at Piplup who suddenly looked a whole lot less confident at what was to come as he knew that as amazing as he was Pikachu would be a tough test for him despite his awesomeness.

"Then I choose you." Ash said pointing his finger out. "Quick Attack."

"Dodge and counter with Ice Beam Piplup." Dawn said as Pikachu shot out and at Piplup, leaping over the crater in the process as it was between him and Piplup.

Piplup tried but Pikachu was too fast for him. He was able to move a bit to the side, but he couldn't get out of the way and Pikachu rammed his head into Piplup's chest at full speed and send him flying back, past Dawn, and into the wall of the gym where he slid down to sit there though at least he didn't crack or imbed into it. However, he wasn't out of it and shook his head as Dawn turned to look at him.

"That's it Piplup." Dawn said. "Use Hydro Pump."

"Leap up and counter with Electro Ball." Ash said as Piplup got up and opened his mouth. "Time it well Pikachu, I trust you."

Pikachu just grinned at that, he would live up to Ash's trust for sure as he tensed and waited for the blast of water that shot out at him from Piplup, the strongest water type attack the other starter knew, his tail ready. Then, when he knew he could pull it off, Pikachu leapt as high into the air as he could from a standing leap, forming the ball of electricity on his tail in the process before he flipped forward as the water shot harmlessly beneath him and threw the ball at Piplup.

Thanks to years of battles and how well he knew Piplup, Pikachu was able to time it such that he got the move off as Piplup was finishing the now missed Hydro Pump. As such Piplup was unable to avoid it and could only look up and squawk in protest, blaming Dawn for what was about to happen even if at least this time it wasn't fully her fault, before the ball slammed into his face.

Piplup let out a pained yell as he fried where he was before it ended, and he slumped back to the ground charred, smoking, and with swirls for eyes at the base of the wall. He didn't have the health to survive two strong attacks he wasn't resistant to and one that he was weak to in one battle, so he was out of the fight now.

"Piplup is unable to battle." Clemont declared raising his hand to Ash's side as Pikachu landed. "Pikachu is the winner."

"Piplup, return." Dawn said recalling her starter. "You were great my friend but in the end Pikachu was better, but he has the type on you so don't forget that. Take a good rest, you earned it and I'll pamper you later to make it up to you and to thank you for all your help in this match. We've got one more Pokémon to Ash's two and regardless he'll only win by one."

"Pikachu, return." Ash said recalling Pikachu who knew what was coming as they'd planned for this and so he would be able to step in if need be and thus not hearing what Dawn was saying about how Ash would only win by one or else he would have been able to guess who was about to come. "Stay close, I may still need you but now Dawn has one left, so I want to face it with this Pokémon."

"Yes, I have a feeling I know who is coming." Dawn said as she put Piplup's Poke Ball away and pulled out her last one as Ash did the same. "The other one you're likely to always have because he's the one that fits the Mega Evolution classification even if it's not Mega Evolution thus making him your ace for the tournament. Your Mega Stones aren't for Pokémon you're going to use in the Lumiose Conference, so this is your alternative to that."

"Astute as ever, just as I'd expect." Ash said tossing out his Poke Ball and confirmed exactly what Dawn had predicted. "Greninja, I choose you."

"Yes, precisely what I expected so let's see if I can be like the others and force that Battle Bond to happen." Dawn said as Greninja burst from his Poke Ball and landed before Ash, so she sent out her own Poke Ball. "And surprise you a bit. Banette, spotlight."

"Banette?" Ash asked as Banette burst from his Poke Ball with a laugh from his unzippered mouth that zipped up when he landed and faced off against Greninja without a hint of fear in his eyes despite having the type disadvantage in this battle. "I wasn't expecting that one, I'll admit. I knew you'd predict I'd use Greninja last so expected you to use Togekiss as a fairy type to counter him as well as using her for Goodra, of the ones I expected she's the one you didn't use that was really high on my expected list. I certainly didn't expect a pure ghost type that is weak to Greninja, especially not after using Spiritomb as well."

"True but remember that Banette is one of two I have that can Mega Evolve." Dawn said and Ash did know that he noted that Banette's Mega Stone was now in a hand-crafted charm cradle thing that hung from his mouth zipper to rest against his jaw as he grinned at Greninja. "And of the two he's the one who prefers to battle so he was always an option for me in this match."

"But you don't have a Key Stone yet, so I figured that you'd not go for Mega Evolution." Ash pointed out though now he was seeing his mistake in assuming that just because Dawn didn't have a Key Stone it didn't preclude her from choosing Banette or Pinsir for this match. "An oversight I'll have to correct."

"Then it is a good thing that I'm here to dissuade you of those assumptions because you never know who will have a Key Stone in the Lumiose Conference, or who they've borrowed one from as any Key Stone will work." Dawn said as she reached up and ripped her scarf off from around her neck and tossed it to the side to let it flutter to the ground and Ash's eyes went wide as he saw May's choker that held her Key Stone around Dawn's neck, right above the chain that her locket was on. "Yup, May lent it to me for this so that I could finally Mega Evolve for the first time. I wanted Banette to be the first to as we got his stone first and of course I had to face you first with it so now's as good a time as ever to do so."

"Then bring it." Ash said as everyone leaned closer as the other girls looked to May to realize that she'd done her zip all the way up to hide that she didn't have her Key Stone on her showing that this had all been part of her and Dawn's plan from the start. "I've wanted to see Mega Banette since you got the stone and now's that chance."

"Oh, it is and I'm going to have to start with it because that's the only way to really test you." Dawn said as she reached her hand up and placed her fingers on the Key Stone at her throat. "Now Banette, let our hearts become one as you unveil your full form. Mega Evolve!"

Dawn's fingers touched the Key Stone as she finished speaking and as soon as they did Mega Energy shot from the stone around her neck and from the Banettite on Banette so that they connected midway between Dawn and Banette. When they did Banette glowed with Mega Energy and began to change. He didn't really grow much, maybe a few inches at best, but the biggest changes came in his hands and legs.

First the ends of his arms bulged up and spikes formed on both sides before appearing to unzip and three fingers grew out from where the zips had appeared. At the same time his legs seemed to merge together with more spikes appearing on the hips before another unzipping, this time from his rear where his tail had been but was no longer there, came around to his waist revealing two stubby legs close together now and a lower body. Lastly, the middle spike on his hear got slightly larger and the head tail thing changed from hanging down to now more sticking out and jagged behind his head.

Dawn grinned as the light faded to reveal Mega Banette before her now a darker gray with the unzipped parts showing shockingly hot pink fingers, legs and waist while the zippers were still golden and a new one from the top of his right eye, over the middle spike, and around his head tail to the end though like the mouth zip it was still done up whereas the new hand and lower body ones were undone spewing forth his cursing power. His eyes were also now more pronounced with the pupils now just straight vertical lines.

However, all this wasn't the big change with Mega Banette. No that was reserved for Dawn and that was because when a Banette Mega Evolved it became more vindictive and it's cursing power was amplified so much so that it couldn't help but curse its trainer in the process. That curse slammed into Dawn at full force the moment the Mega Evolution ended, and she let out a scream of pain from it as she felt it in its fullest, falling to her hands and knees as her mind tried to comprehend the sudden and overwhelming amount of pain that she was in.

Instantly everyone in the stands were on their feet and Ash, Clemont, Pikachu, and Greninja all made moves to go to her, those in the stands couldn't, but Mega Banette raised a hand to stop them as Dawn began to adjust to it, his heart one with hers and he could tell that she was fine. He knew that this would happen the moment he touched the stone and claimed it as his own, but he also knew that his human could withstand it, only a human who was truly one with her Banette, who could actually have the connection to Mega Evolve him in the first place, could withstand the curse he would inflict upon her.

It was in that moment that Dawn herself understood and started to laugh maniacally on her hands and knees, a laugh that turned into a hacking cough that caused her to spew blood she didn't realize was in her mouth until that moment onto the ground with a splattering sound. Still, she kept laughing despite this and slowly rose to her feet, her head low and then snapping it up and swaying were she stood causing everyone to recoil slightly at the sight.

Dawn wasn't laughing now but she had a manic grin on her face as she continued to sway where she was, her eyes wide and unfocused with a gleam in them that sent chills down everyone's spines and worst of all bright red blood staining her lips, teeth and dribbling down her chin. Despite all this she didn't let up her laughing fit.

"Dawn, are you ok?" Ash asked really worried for her. "That was some scream, you have to be in pain. You don't have to keep going if you don't want to."

"Oh, it's agony what I'm feeling right now but it's just the curse, just physical pain and I'm used to it now, so I have no intention of stopping at all." Dawn said her voice a little off as she spoke, her laughter still coming from time to time between words. "I get it now; I get why the Chamber is like that."

"What do you mean?" Ash asked still worried.

"The Chamber of Emptiness, it tested me, put me through a pain I never thought I would face and one that almost broke me while allowing me to empathize with the others, but I won out in the end because of my connection to Banette, that was what overcame it and allowed me to claim the Banettite." Dawn said as she continued to laugh which was starting to get really creepy. "It was making sure that I could handle what was to come when I used it and boy was it right, this is nothing compared to what I went through in the Chamber. To truly be able to Mega Evolve a Banette one must withstand his curse and I can do that, our bond is strong enough so come at us Ash, we aren't out of it and to prove it I'll start by forcing your hand. Banette, Destiny Bond. Take Greninja with you if you lose."

At that both Dawn and Mega Banette let out laughs as Mega Banette tied his destiny and Greninja and Ash knew that this battle was on. He wasn't sure what was going on and he'd have to discuss this with Dawn afterwards but for now he had a battle to win, and Destiny Bond really upped the anti in it. He'd forgotten that Dawn's Banette knew the move and now couldn't afford to lose this one as she'd just use it again on Pikachu and force a tie. That caused Ash to grin at the stakes, it was do or die and despite Dawn's state he was just as pumped for this.


"Um, what is going on?" Serena asked Professor Sycamore in the stands as this was happening. "I'm worried for Dawn."

"Yeah she doesn't seem to be in her right mind." May added. "This really isn't normal for her; I don't think even Misty could get this kind of reaction out of Dawn back during the peak of their rivalry."

"I think that's because she's not in her right mind at all." Professor Sycamore said fascinated and disturbed by this. "Mega Evolution can do strange things; you know well from last year May how it can affect a Lucario and how hard Korrina had to work to get that under control and I'd bet the same would be true for Ash should he ever obtain Lucarionite. I'd heard that Banette had something unique as well but never seen it until now. Alain faced one in his time working for Lysander, but the guy didn't say anything to him in their battle. This is the first I'm seeing of the curse it causes, it's why I wanted to be here for the battle the moment Dawn told me you'd lent her your Key Stone May."

"I can get behind that, I do recall the struggles that Korrina went through, I was prepared to help Ash and Lucario if they ended up with a Mega Stone as well but that didn't end up being the case." May said as Dawn swayed and laughed before going into her explanation for why she was in this state. "But, um, this is different from that. With Korrina's Lucario it went berserk, this is affecting Dawn directly."

"It is and I think I know why." Professor Sycamore said. "The curse has affected all of Dawn and her mind seems to have lost some sanity, if not most I fear, to it as a result. She's still able to think and battle but it's as if her mind doing everything it can to deal with what's going on. I'll have to ask her about this when the battle ends, and the curse is lifted as this is fascinating to witness but I feel like she won't remember much. Somehow I feel like this is a phenomenon unique to the Banette trainer that we will never truly understand."

"That doesn't surprise me." Miette said as Dawn ordered the Destiny Bond. "But this just started so we should sit back and enjoy it because she's really upped the stakes for Ash right now. He has to beat Mega Banette with Greninja if he wants to win the overall battle and if I recall from that Showcase Banette was in this won't be as straightforward as the types at play make it out to be."

The others nodded as they settled in for what could be the final battle of the match. One thing was certain with everything going on and the moves that both Pokémon knew, this was going to be one hell of an interesting battle.


"Night Slash." Ash said to kick off the battle following Dawn's opening with Destiny Bond. "We have to win Greninja despite the cost."

Greninja croaked in agreement as he charged at Mega Banette before him, a blade of dark type power forming in his right paw as he ran and leapt over the crater from way back at the start of the battle. He was just as pumped for this battle as Ash was so his and Ash's battle wavelengths were already in the process of synching already thanks to the added pressure a move like Destiny Bond put on the battle.

"That's it, let's see if we can't face all of Greninja my darling." Dawn practically cackled as Greninja charged. "Dazzling Gleam! That will do it, I know it. Ash isn't the only one with a Pokémon weak to dark types that has a counter for them."

"Push through it Greninja." Ash said as Mega Banette raised himself into the air began to glow. "I know you can land the hit."

Greninja croaked again as he closed his eyes and braced himself as landed on the other side of the crater the fairy type attack was unleashed. He never once broke stride after landing or let out a noise at the pain from the super effective hit he took but fought through it and then at the last minute leapt up and slashed Mega Banette as he stopped glowing as that was the moment the opening appeared thus imparting a super effective attack in return for the one he'd taken.

"Send him back with Sucker Punch." Dawn said as she and Mega Banette just laughed at the hit and Mega Banette flipped in the air before striking Greninja in the gut with the Sucker Punch as he was falling back.

Greninja grunted but wasn't too badly hurt as he was resistant to his secondary type thanks to, well, his secondary type, so he just landed on Ash's side of the crater and grit his teeth as he crouched looking up at Mega Banette who was laughing down at him from above. Already the battle was great, and he and Ash had reached the point of the Battle Bond phenomenon in record time.

"That's it Greninja." Ash said as he felt their hearts become one. "It's time to get stronger and stronger and stronger!"

Suddenly the golden helix of light formed around Ash while a matching one formed around Greninja in front of him before they connected as the Battle Bond phenomenon was once again triggered. This was followed by the sound of roaring waves as an intense water vortex shot up from around Greninja where he stood, reaching almost the ceiling of the gym before it burst and coalesced into ball of water on Greninja's back that morphing into the giant, 4-pointed, water shuriken after all the water formed there while the rest of Greninja changed slightly to take on similar traits of Ash thus becoming As-Greninja.

"Yes, that's what we wanted." Dawn said with a laugh, it was actually rather creepy how she was really losing it now, but it was all part of the curse she was currently under. "We've got them now, Banette, use Hex."

"Aerial Ace." Ash said. "Dodge and counter."

While both had super effective moves neither seemed willing to use them again at the moment as Mega Banette laughed and shot across the battlefield at Ash-Greninja who just stood there calmly as his opponent approached him. Then, as soon as he reached Ash-Greninja, the latter acted and began gracefully dodging and avoiding the relentless attack that Mega Banette was unleashing on him.

It wouldn't have mattered much if Ash-Greninja was hit, he was resistant to ghost type attacks and not afflicted with a status issue, so the full power of Hex wouldn't hit him. Still, this was good training, so he evaded the attacks while backing up with Ash mimicking him as he did.

Then, as soon as Hex began to die down, Ash-Greninja countered, and his right forepaw glowed with flying type power as he launched a savage uppercut that took Mega Banette in the chin and lifted him higher into the air. Ash was mimicking his Pokémon's actions as they went and pressed the sudden advantage with Ash-Greninja leaping into the air to strike Mega Banette a few more times with his Aerial Ace as he pushed him up. Of course, Dawn wasn't going to just take this.

"Dazzling Gleam into Sucker Punch once again." Dawn said as Ash-Greninja pushed off Mega Banette at the end of his attack. "We got this Banette."

"Water Shuriken." Ash said as Mega Banette began to glow. "I know you can hit it."

Ash then reached up to his shoulder, Ash-Greninja mirroring this in the air, and tossed the large star of water at Mega Banette as he let off the flash of light that was Dazzling Gleam. Ash grimaced in pain all over as Ash-Greninja was struck with the super effective fairy type attack but persevered as Ash-Greninja fell to the ground to land in a crouch on it. At the same time the Water Shuriken slammed into Mega Banette as he was glowing and tossed him back and higher in the air though thanks to the flash of light no one saw the explosion of water.

What they did see was Mega Banette laughing as he shot down through the aftermath of the attack and at Ash-Greninja to punch him in the face with Sucker Punch. Ash grunted as he felt the hit his Pokémon had taken in the same spot on his body, but it wasn't as bad as it could be thanks to Ash-Greninja's resistance to dark type attacks. It also put the Pokémon face to face.

"Night Slash." Ash called out.

"Hex." Dawn countered at the same time.

Ash-Greninja formed the blades of darkness in his hands as Mega Banette pressed the closeness from the Sucker Punch to go all out on Ash-Greninja with the relentless Hex attack. This time there was no moment to prepare so Ash-Greninja just grunted as he took the attack on his chest, Ash grimacing in the process, but his resistance to ghost type attacks helping a lot.

There was more to taking it than that though as the moment the opening presented itself Ash-Greninja slashed upwards with Night Slash so that his right-hand blade caught Mega Banette in the chest and sent him upwards from it with a howl of pain from the super effective dark type attack. That was it, Ash saw what he had to do and Ash-Greninja as well as both were watching the same moment.

"Aerial Ace again." Ash said as the Night Slash ended and Mega Banette was still moving upwards. "And into a Night Slash. Power through anything that is thrown at you because this is ours Greninja!"

"Dazzling Gleam." Dawn said as Ash-Greninja leapt up and at Mega Banette his right foot glowing this time with flying type power.

Mega Banette knew he couldn't get the Dazzling Gleam off right away, so he braced for the Aerial Ace and took it to the gut on his pink body as it was under the middle zipper with a grunt as he was tossed higher into the air, Ash-Greninja moving with the move to continue his own ascent. Then, as soon as the blades of dark type power appeared Mega Banette laughed and flashed with light.

Ash-Greninja knew this was coming and closed his eyes, powering through the move and taking damage in the process, a lot that Ash also felt, but he was strong, he could withstand this for Ash, for the team, and for the win as he made sure that he knew exactly where Mega Banette was. Had he taken attacks he wasn't resistant to earlier he may have been defeated but he hadn't and right now that was key as he opened his eyes as the light died down to reveal the situation.

Mega Banette was high in the air, over 3/4ths of the way to the ceiling, back arched and parallel to the ground following his Dazzling Gleam with Ash-Greninja now above him and still holding the blades of Night Slash in his forepaws. Both Pokémon grinned at each other in that moment recognizing the other's strength, but they knew that this was over as Ash-Greninja flipped and brought both blades down and onto Mega Banette slashing his face and chest with them as hard as he could.

The Marionette Pokémon didn't let out a sound as the boom of impact happened and he was blasted to the ground a split second later with a lot of force, thankfully not cracking it due to his light weight. The entire time Mega Banette was smiling as he knew what happened when he fainted.

That could be seen by all as the moment Mega Banette was struck and blasted to the ground to hit it with a loud thump on one side of the crater Lucario had created when he'd been defeat back at the start, Ash-Greninja went limp in the air and fell backwards to land on his own back a few feet from Mega Banette with a thump a few seconds after Mega Banette hit the ground Both Pokémon were on their backs with limps splayed and at the same time their changes fell to reveal Banette and Greninja as they normally were lying there with swirls for eyes.

Normally that would be the moment that Clemont declared the battle over, that the final matchup had ended in a tie but that because Ash still had Pikachu active in this battle he had won it but that was put on hold because it wasn't just the Pokémon who were out. Ash had fallen on his ass and sat there panted in exhaustion at Greninja's fainting thanks to Destiny Bond, but he was still conscious showing that they'd improved as in the past he would have passed out. Dawn on the other hand had fallen backwards the moment Mega Banette was defeated and thus the curse lifted from her to land on her back out cold for some reason.

"Is Dawn ok?" Clemont ask and that got Ash and the others acting.

Ash was exhausted but he knew that he had to power through it and that something was wrong the moment he saw Dawn on the ground opposite him. He quickly got up and ran to her, recalling and thanking Greninja for the win in the process as Pikachu went to make sure Banette was ok, and the others hurried down as well.

Soon Ash reached Dawn and fell to his knees next to her as he lifted her upper body to lay her head on his legs and looked at her as the others arrived and stood or knelt around her. She was breathing normally and seemed at peace other than the dried blood on her chin but none of them knew what happened to her.

That would be answered a moment later when Dawn's eyes slowly opened, and she let out a pained groan though that was from her body hitting the ground not the curse she'd just endured. The end of the battle was hazy in her mind, she recalled Mega Evolving Banette and then it was as if she was out of her body, it was as if her body was being controlled like a marionette, fitting as Banette was the Marionette Pokémon, as she watched in an almost out of body experience.

Despite not being in control she had felt it all and as she thought back on it she remembered it, the pain she had been in, the way her mind compensated for it, but it also wasn't her. She understood what it was but still it was hard to really recall what if felt like as it was an experience you could only understand if you went through it, and she was the only one who could experience it.

She wasn't complaining though, she was on Ash's legs and enjoyed it. Had it been any other time she'd have just fallen asleep in this position, but she noted that everyone was around her and looking at her with worry and only then did she realize that she was on the ground of the Lumiose Gym's battlefield. That part did confuse her because she didn't know how she'd ended up here.

"Um, why am I like this?" Dawn asked her voice weak but normal.

"You collapsed Dawn." Professor Sycamore said. "The moment Banette was knocked out you went limp and fell back. You were unconscious when we got here but only for a few minutes at best."

"I guess the strings were cut." Dawn said with a weak chuckle that no one else got. "So, I lost then but I took Greninja down with me, didn't I?"

"Yeah you used Destiny Bond at the start." Clemont said with a nod. "So, when Mega Banette was defeated so too was Ash-Greninja which would be considered a tied matchup in the Lumiose Conference but as Ash still had Pikachu active he won the battle."

"Well taking down 5 of his Pokémon isn't half bad for my first full battle even if Spiritomb did most of the work." Dawn said smiling at that. "And I got to Mega Evolve, that was an experience."

"Yeah about that." Professor Sycamore said. "Can you explain what happened? None of us understood what was going on with you after you Mega Evolved Banette."

"Help me up, I need to recall Banette and thank him first." Dawn said. "And, um, can you support me because I don't think I can stand on my own at the moment."

"One sec." Serena said producing a handkerchief, the very one that Ash had used on her leg and given her the day he rescued her the seed of her eventual love for him was planted. "You need to be cleaned up a bit."

"Huh?" Dawn asked confused as May handed Serena a bottle of water to wet the handkerchief and then she used it to clean the mostly dried blood off Dawn who was now really confused by both the handkerchief and the blood now on it, her blood she realized so she focused on the handkerchief instead. "Isn't that…"

"Yes, I always have it on me." Serena said with a smile as she wiped away the blood on Dawn's chin. "You were bleeding in the battle from somewhere inside, probably your lungs, and it was coming out a bit during the battle."

"I did?" Dawn said as it was done and Serena backed off so that Ash could help her to her feet, an arm around Dawn's waist as she clung to him and looked down to see a splatter of blood on it. "Um, I have no idea where that came from, and I know I'm not bleeding though that does explain the strange taste I have in my mouth."

"You coughed it up after Mega Evolving Banette." Professor Sycamore said as Dawn looked up and saw Banette on his back with swirls for eyes, Greninja had clearly been recalled already, with Pikachu next to Banette making sure that he was ok. "Though honestly I can't explain it either as all this is new to me as well."

"Then you kinda went crazy, like unhinged crazy but not Brianna mad crazy if that makes sense." Ash said. "Your eyes were unfocused with a strange glint to them while blood was running down your chin and you were swaying. Apparently you were also in a lot of pain."

"Oh that, yeah that was not a fun experience." Dawn said as she pulled out Banette's Poke Ball and returned him. "Thank you my friend, we got to Mega Evolve and really challenged Ash and Greninja in that battle, that was the goal and thanks to Destiny Bond he only won by one Pokémon so not a bad showing for a coordinator against the famous Ash Ketchum I'd say. Take a rest, you and the entire team earned it today. I can't wait for my own Key Stone so we can Mega Evolve again."

"You're going to do that again?" May asked her eyes wide, she'd get her own Key Stone back later as Dawn clearly wasn't in good condition at the moment. "That looked like something that no one could handle a second time."

"It was but I get it all now." Dawn said with a small smile as she put Banette's Poke Ball away. "When the zippers are undone Banette is at his fullest thanks to Mega Evolving, the other side is out and he curses me but not out of malevolence, simply because he can no longer contain it and as his trainer I am the one who takes that curse from him. The trial I went through to get the Banettite, that was a test to ensure I could withstand the curse of Mega Evolving him, I see that now that I've been through it. I now understand the cost this power up for Banette comes with and I can bear it when need be because of my bond with him. Together we are strong and can do it."

"But the pain?" Ash asked worried. "That looked really bad."

"It left me the moment the curse is lifted upon Banette's defeat though I am sore from hitting the ground." Dawn said rubbing the back of her head with her free hand where she was sure a lump was forming. "I feel nothing of it, no trace at all in fact. I think that's why I collapsed and passed out, it was such a massive shift from excruciating agony to nothing in a split second that my body was overwhelmed and shut down. I think in time I'll be able to avoid it, but I've got to experience this a few more times I feel to fully understand how to maximize it."

"I don't like this excruciating agony part." Ash said.

"Bit rich coming from the guy who feels all the hits his Pokémon takes when you have Battle Bond active." Dawn said with a small smile knowing that Ash wasn't in a place to comment on pain from something like this. "If you have to deal with that then don't stop me from dealing with this. It painful, yes, and I am sure my mind broke slightly under the curse as a way to compensate for the pain but now that it's over it's all rather foggy to me."

"That is odd." Miette said. "Do you remember anything?"

"I recall being in a lot of pain, but it was only fleeting, and I can't describe the pain now that it is gone." Dawn said shaking her head. "I can tell that it will leave when the Mega Evolution ends, and it was nothing like the Chamber so I can handle it. I will likely become rather manic whenever I Mega Evolve Banette, but such is the price of Mega Evolution, and I am more than willing to pay to for Banette to achieve his maximum potential. Of course, I will at least promise that I'll only use it when absolutely needed, when I have a Key Stone that is."

"Ok." Ash said relenting as he began to help Dawn to the exit, everyone around them. "But for now, I think you need to rest."

"Yeah it's still draining to deal with such drastic changes in such a short amount of time." Dawn said as they all made their way. "I think I'll lie down until dinner. Then we can go over the battle we had and see what can be learned from it."

"Sounds good." Ash said as the others nodded, and they left the gym to make sure Dawn was ok.

They'd discuss the battle and Banette's Mega Evolution later, as well as get their Pokémon healed, but for now it was a little break as they processed what happened and Dawn recovered from what she just went through. Then it would be back to training and making sure Ash was ready for the Lumiose Conference.

After a battle like that Ash knew that he was ready, and he couldn't wait for the Conference. This year was his, he knew it and with that on his mind they all left the gym's battlefield as the Lumiose Conference drew close.

Dawn did well and while she used some parting tricks like Curse and Destiny Bond, those are fair tactics and Ash is now ready for them and others following that closer than he likely expected battle with Dawn, but he is Ash, so he pulled it off in the end. As for what happened when Dawn Mega Evolved Banette, that was based of Banette's Mega Evolution entry that mentions how a Banette puts a curse on its trainer when Mega Evolved, so this is my interpretation of the curse it does and to explain the toughness of getting his Mega Stone for Dawn. Despite this, she will continue to Mega Evolve him, I already have plans for it to happen twice in Hearts 5, so it will continue and the more it happens the more Dawn gets used to it but, well, you'll see when it happens. For visual representation of how Dawn was acting think of some of the more notable anime yanderes or Flare from Fairy Tail when she faced Lucy in the Grand Magic Games if you know that reference though I actually watched that episode after writing this Supplement. Coincidentally, not only is this the debut of Mega Banette in the Hearts series, but the day that this Supplement was uploaded was the same day that Mega Banette made its debut in Pokémon Go as the 25th Mega Pokémon in the game, pure coincidence I assure you. Anyway, that is all I really have for you with this Supplement. There will be one more Supplement coming out before the end of Winning though it is a shorter one and will be released after Part CLXXXV and I do plan to have a Supplement for Hearts 5 but it may be shorter than this one as the timeline of Hearts 5 is a rather tight one but there will be a few. Time to leave this Supplement off so as always please continue favorite and follow both me and this story to keep abreast with new releases and keep the reviews coming. Until next time.

Stringdog