Pokemon is owned by Gamefreak and all Pokédex entries are from Bulbapedia.

"Butts"- Humans speaking

"Butts"- Pokemon speaking

'Butts'- thoughts

"Butts"-Pokedex entries/TV commentary

"Butts"- Telepathy/Aura speech

Maxing Out And Meeting The Monarch

After Serena managed to win her contest in Circhester, the group had decided to make their way to Hulbury, where they would catch the cruise liner to get to Unova. However, they were caught at a bad time at the ticket office.

Gary: What do you mean the next boat doesn't leave until tomorrow?!

Clerk: I'm very sorry, but it's the busy season. After the holidays, people are coming back home to or from other regions by boat if they can't go by plane.

Ash: But we need to get to Nimbasa as soon as possible.

Serena: Along with Virbank.

Clerk: Sorry, kids. I can reserve you a spot on that ship though.

With a sigh of defeat, the group accepted the offer and left with their tickets for the upcoming cruise ship.

Green: Great, now we're trapped here until tomorrow. It's like Cinnibar all over again!

Serena: Cinnibar?

Ash: Tell you later. But relax Green, the next Frontier battle isn;t going anywhere.

Cobalt: Yeah, but what are we supposed to do for the next 3 days?

Ash: I don;t know. Train? Maybe-

Gary: Hey, what's going on over there?

The group had noticed a large crowd was swarming in front of a large arena on the outskirt of Hulbury right next to a lighthouse. As they approached, the group could hear excited screaming from inside.

Green: Wonder what all these people are for.

Cobalt: Who knows. Whatever it is, it must be something big.

Ash: *addresses man* Excuse me, sir, but what is this huge crowd for?

Man: Oh, it's one of the battles in this year's World Coronation Series!

Cobalt: "World Coronation Series"?

Gary: Sounds like a big deal.

Man: You bet! Leon, the champion of Galar, is facing off against Nessa, the Hulbury gym leader! People are fighting tooth and nail to see them battle!

Serena: The champion of Galar?

Ash: *slowly gets excited* Guys… I think I know what I want to do right now!

—-

After managing to squeeze past the crowd and make it into the stadium, Ash let out some of his Pokemon to watch the match as they managed to make it to the 2 front rows.

Aiden: What's going on, Ash?

Kestrel: Where are we?

Ash: We're watching a battle for something called the World Coronation Series. I thought it'd be a good idea for us to watch and get some ideas for new strategies for the Battle Frontier.

As the Pokemon agreed and took their seats. Yami immediately vanished and reappeaed, plopping down next to Hunter with a gigantic tub full of popcorn.

Hunter: Jesus, Yami. Think you got enough popcorn?

Yami: You know what's funny? THIS is a SMALL.

Azula: That explains why it costed 10 bucks, huh? How'd you get money, anyway?

Yami: *smirks* I took a 20 from Gary's wallet.

Suddenly, the lights dimmed and an announcer spoke up, catching the crowd's attention as they looked down at the battlefield to see two people walking onto the opposite sides of the field as colorful spotlights shone down upon them.

Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome one and all to the Hulbury stadium, where we'll be witnessing a battle you've all been waiting for! This is one of the greatest battles to determine the world's greatest and strongest trainer! THIS! Is the World Coronation Series!

The audience screamed in joy as Ash and Cobalt froze, letting the words from the announcer ring their heads.

Ash: A tournament to determine…

Cobalt: ….The world's strongest trainer?

The lights center on one of the trainers, being a dark-skinned girl with blue and black hair and a swimmer's outfit on.

Announcer: Introducing our competitors right now. She's been declared as Turffield's greatest rival! The mistress of Galar's waters! The raging wave herself! Give it up for Hulburt's own gym leader: Nessa!

As the audience cheers for the girl, who smiles and waves at the crowd, the lights then center on the other trainer: a young man with long, purple hair, a black cap atop his head, and a long red cape flowing behind him.

Announcer: And now, I am pleased to announce her opponent. Known for winning the Galar Cup on his very first try, even with low chances! Willing to take on any challenge, any time! Give it up for our champion: the unstoppable Leon!

As the crowd kept roaring, Ash and his friends became amazed at the description given to Leon. An undefeatable champion? That's truly an interesting moniker. Just then, a referee comes forth, floating in on some sort of Pokemon resembling a sword with its body sheathed within a shield.

Referee: This battle wll be a single match. The trainer with their Pokemon still standing against the other will be the winner!

Nessa: I've been waiting for this battle since forever. Just you wait, Lee. I'm gonna be the one to take your crown!

Leon: ….Do you feel it, Nessa?

Nessa: What?

Leon: To witness the tense, still air on the pitch, the opposite of the audience's cheering and yelling. Both pretty fantastic, don;t you agree?

Green: Dude… This guy is cool.

Ash: More than cool, Green. This Leon guy's something else entirely.

Leon: But the audience is a bit cruel. After all, they all came to see one of us lose…. But I love pushing past that fear, giving it all I got as a trainer. So, let's give them what they want!

Nessa: *takes out Pokeball* I couldn't agree more.

Referee: Will both trainers let out their first Pokemon!

Both trainers smirked as Leon and Nessa threw their respective Pokeballs. From Nessa's ball came a blue turtle-like Pokemon with a jagged mouth, a yellow horn on its forehead, and a segmented yellow and brown shell on its back. And from Leon's Pokeball came another Charizard, much to Aiden's surprise. However, this one was different as he let out a large, gutteral roar. While all Charizard were strong, this one seemed to radiate power, making him hyped up at the dragon as Gary excitedly scanned the terrapin Pokemon.

Pokedex: Drednaw, the Bite Pokemon. A Water and Rock type. Drednaw lurks along the shoreline with a ferocious disposition. When prey comes to drink water, Drednaw stretches its neck out and chomps down on them with teeth strong enough to snap steel rods.

Nessa: The time's come, Drednaw! Get ready!

Leon: Alright, old buddy! Let's have us a champion time!

Referee: Battle….. BEGIN!

Leon: Alright, Charizard! Flamethrower!

Nessa: Drednaw, use Hydro Pump!

Both attacks collided with one another, a large cloud of steam enveloped the field. However, the steam quickly dissipated as the large geyser of water cut through the fire stream from Charizard.

Announcer: And Hydro Pump overpowers Flamethower!

Leon: Dodge it!

Alan's Charizard quickly flies away from Drednaw's blast, leaving the turtle wide open as it stays rooted in its spot as it keeps spraying.

Leon: I must say, Drednaw, you're a lot stronger than the last time I saw you battle. Great to see Nessa taking such awesome care of you. Alright, Charizard, use Hurricane!

The dragon immediately began flapping its wings harsh and rapidly, causing a massive gust to hit the turtle and send it flying.

Nessa: Hold your ground and use Rock Tomb!

Drednaw tries to keep rooted to its spot by digging its claws into the ground and thn growls at the sky, summoning several rocks to fight back against the wind, which seems to work.

Leon: Flamethrower!

Charizard let out a large stream of flames once more, burning brighter than Aiden could have ever imaginced as Drednaw was knocked back.

Aiden: That power…. The heat of that Flamethrower…. IT'S LEGENDARY!

Kabu: Very impressive, indeed. But how will the mistress counter that move?

Psi: This will be interesting to see.

Nessa: Use Aqua Tail as it gets closer!

The turtle's tail became encircled by water as Charizard flew closer towards it, which works as Drednaw jumps and slams its tail into Charizard, sending it crashing down, much to the audience's amazement.

Serena: That's some power.

Gary: Especially so, since Charizard's weak to water-type moves.

Leon: Now THAT was a hit. You okay, bud?

Charizard: *shakes head* Just fine, Lee.

Nessa: We gotta keep going. Use Jaw Lock!

Drednaw snarled as it jumped, where suddenly, its neck stretched out. It bit into the dragon's shoulder, causing him to scream out in pain.

Yami: *winces* Oooh.

Green: That's gonna leave a mark…. Hey, Yam, you gonna share that?

Gary: Leon's in a bit of a bind. Jaw Lock's a move where like Wrap, it damages Chariard continuously and he can;t switch out.

Ash: What's he gonna do?

Leon: Throw it off, Charizard, then use Fire Spin!

With Leon's instruction, Charizard spun as his tail flame extended and flicked as Drednaw was thrown off of his shoulder and trapped in a fiery vortex.

Nessa: Aqua Tail, get rid of the flames!

Drednaw spun with a watery tail, extinguishing the flames as it then charged towards Charizard.

Leon: Alright, there's the money, yeah! Now, use Thunder Punch!

Nessa: Thunder Punch? OH NO!

The dragon's fist became covered in electricity, colliding it into Drednaw's jaw and sending it flying, dealing super effective damage.

Jaws: Ooooh, pretty~!

Hunter: That Charizard knows an Electric type move?!

Psi: It must have had it in reserve this whole time.

Announcer: And Drednaw is hit point blank with Thunder Punch! Things aren;t looking good for Nessa, folks!

Gary: This is bad. If that Nessa girl doesn;t do something, he'll win this.

Leon: No need to worry, folks! This battle ain;t over yet! I forbid it.

Nessa: Well… Looks like we have no other choice.

Announcer: Could this be…?

Nessa: Alright, here we go!

The woman then proceeded to recall Drednaw to its ball before suddenly, 5 sparks of light flashed out from her wrist and absorbed into the ball, not only making the Pokeball glow bright pink, but enlarge in size. As the crowd watches in amazement, Azula quietly gasps in surprise as she leans closer, holding herself up by the railing.

Ash: Is something wrong, Azula?

Azula: I don't know, but something feels…. Familiar.

Nessa: Alright, Drednaw! Dynamax!

She then threw the ball into the air, which surprised the goup due to its sheer size. Suddenly, the sky grew dark as three small red clouds swirled above the ball as it opened. And out from the ball came a now gigantic Drednaw, now equipped with a red sheen and the clouds swirling above it. Upon seeing the now giant turtle, the crowd went wild.

Announcer: And there we have it, folks! Dynamax Drednaw!

Gary: Dy,,,,, Dynamax? I had no idea this existed…

Cobalt: They use this to battle in Galar? So cool…

Leon: Dynamax, eh? Well, now things are getting good. Time to turn up the heat!

Just then, Leon recalled Charizard as the same thing happened to him as the 5 sparks caused Charizard's ball to grow and glow, which Leon threw up into the air.

Leon: Charizard! Gigantamax!

The ball opened as three clouds hovered over Charizard as he grew. However, he seemed much more different. The lower part of his body glowed white with several yellow diamonds located on the lower belly, its claws grew longer, and its wings transformed into literal flame wings extending to the shoulder blade and two flames sprouting from his horns. The flame on his tail extends out as the clouds surround it. The crowd roared in glee just as the dragon roared, Ash and the others gasping both at the sight of the Charizard, but also at the intense heat he gave off.

Announcer: And now we have Leon's famous Gigantamax Charizard! This has gone from a normal Pokemon battle to a full-on Dynamax battle!

Azula: Gi…..Gantamax…

Kestrel: *to Aiden* YOU CAN DO THAT?!

Aiden: Yes!... No?... I don't know, I just know this is awesome!

Serena: So amazing… I wonder if any of my Pokemon can do that.

Nessa: Use Max Geyser!

Drednw then opened its mouth, charging a blue ball of energy before unleashing a large torrent of water. As the attack fired, it then began to rain.

Leon: The Water type Max Move, huh? Seems like something you'd use. Charizard, meet it head on with Max Lightning!

Chariard then roared mightfully as he then unleashed a massive electric blast, striking Drednaw and cutting the Max Geyser short. Just then, the rain dissipated, replaced with an aura of yellow and crackling bolts.

Ash: Huh? What happened to the rain? *looks around* And what is this stuff?

Gary: It's the effects of a move called Electric Terrain, Ashy boy. It boosts the power of Electric type moves and prevents Pokemon on the ground from falling asleep.

Green: They can even change the weather? Damn, Dynamaxing is really something else.

Nessa: Alright, now, Drednaw! Use Max Rockfall!

A massive stone slab then rose fro below, Drednaw yelling out as it fell forward towards Charizard.

Leon: Max Airstream, now!

With a growl, Charizard unleashed a large flurry of air, pushing back against the slab so hard, it eventually fell backwards and hit Drednaw.

Announcer: And Drednaw takes a direct hit with its own attack due to the sheer force of Max Airstream! Will this finally be the final move that ends it all!?

Leon: Now, time to push the heat to the limits! Charizard, let everyone have a champion time! Use G-Max Wildfire!

Charizard's fiery wings glowed bright as it roared, where it then fires a giant bird-shaped flame from its back at Drednaw.

Nessa: Hang in there, Drednaw!

The terrapin took the hit with mild discomfort. But even though Drednaw was able to live the hit, the flame then swooped back down and struck it, coating Drednaw in flames as it yelled out. Though it was extra resistant to fire-type moves, Drednaw then proceeded to collapse and revert back to its regular size as Charizard did the same, turning back to normal as the crowd roared with cheers.

Referee: Drednaw is unable to battle, the winner is Charizard! And therefore, the match goes to Leon!

Announcer: And Leon pulls out yet another exciting victory!

Psi: *taken back* Drednaw…. A Water and Rock type against a Fire and Flying type… Lost…..

Ash: No wonder he's called "unstoppable". That was awesome.

Serena: That's not enough justice for that raw strength.

Gary: Now THAT'S a champion.

The crowd kept cheering Leon on as he and Charizard stood tall, a spotlight on them both as Nessa went off to treat Drednaw.

Announcer: Now, once again, presenting a true monarch of the World Coronation Series, the monarch: LEON!

Leon struck some kind of pose as the crowd cheered like crazy, Ash's party doing the same as Azula still couldn't shake the feeling that the force of Dynamax seemed… familiar to her somehow.

Cobalt: So, Leon's the strongest trainer in the world…. And that means his Charizard….

Green: Is the strongest Pokemon. Ash, you know what needs to happen, right?

Ash: *nods* Definitely.

Cobalt: *nods* Hmph, then it's settled… One day, we're gonna battle Leon! And most importantly, WE'RE GONNA WIN!

Aiden: …..We're what?

As the rest of Ash's party cheered in agreement, Yami's popcorn bucket slipped out of his hand, where it flew right into the back of Azula's head.

Azula: OW! Who threw tha- *stumbles* Woah woah woah-

Due to Azula mostly leaning on the rail and her thin form not giving her much weight, the sudden impact of the buckt was enough to send her off balance and over the rails, falling into the arena.

Ash/Cobalt/Kestral: Azula/Mom!

The Inteleon kept yelling as she plummeted, but suddenly, she stopped falling as she felt something catch her. She looked up, seeing a Charizard looking down at her as he flew down. She had thought this was Aiden, but she noticed one glaring flaw in her theory; this Charizard wasn;t wearing a collar with a Mega Stone.

Azula: You're…. You're not Aiden.

Charizard: I'm afraid not. *lands, sets Azula down* Are you alright?

Azula: *dusts herself off* Just a bit shaken up. Thanks for the save.

Charizard: Not a problem.

Just then, Leon had come over to check on Azula just as Ash, Cobalt, and Green ran onto the field, the boy fearfully clinging to his Pokemon.

Ash: Azula! I'm so glad you're safe!

Cobalt: You okay, honey?

Azula: Just fine, thanks to Charizard.

Leon: Hey, kiddo, is uh… Is this Inteleon your's?

Ash: Um… Yes. *bows* Thank you for saving my Pokemon, sir.

Leon: Ah, no need for this "sir", bullhonkey. Leon's just fine.

Ash stopped his bow and looked up to the man, relieved that he wasn't just some cocky rich boy, but instead… Lon was just a nice guy.

Leon: You have a bit of a unique collection here, especially for your age. Got a name, kid?

Ash: Oh, uh… I'm Ash. Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town.

Leon: Well, Ash Ketchum, you're very welcome for helping out your Inteleon. If that's about it, you better get outta here. *whispers* The security dones't mess around…. They search EVERYWHERE….

Ash was creeped out by the warning and was about to leave, but then he saw Cobalt admirably looking at Leon's Charizard as if he was looking at Arcues itself. Seeing the admiration in his best friend's eyes, Ash smiled and turned to the champion.

Ash: Actually, Leon, there's one thing.

Leon: Oh?

Green: *suspicious* Ash, what are you doing?

Ash: If it's okay with you….. Would you have a battle with me?

The man gasped at the request coming out of the blue as the crowd murmured and Ash's friends gawked at Ash's request. Though as Leon looked at Azula, he seemed to have sensed something. Something that just seemed to resonate within the Secret Agent Pokemon. With curiosity and love of battling getting the better of him, he smiled.

Leon: Well, since it IS said that I'm "willing to take on any challenge, any time"... Sure. Let's battle.

Cobalt: *excited* What?!

Gary: *horrified* What?!

Leon: But I have a request….. *points at Azula* I want you to use her.

Ash: Azula? Well, that depends. *to Azula* Would you mind battling?

Azula: *shrugs* Sure, why not? It'd be great practice.

Ash: *nods* Alright, then. We accept.

The crowd began cheering at the revelation as Ash's party stared in shock.

Psi: This will not end well.

Yami: Come on, just have confidence. I know Ash can do this. And to make sure of that….

The Gengar then teleports to a betting booth, talking to the clerk's Chatot as he puts down the rest of the cash in Gary's wallet.

Yami: Put it all on Ketchum!

—-

On the field, Ash's party now sat on a bench on Ash's side as Ash met face to face with Leon, Cobalt and Green by his side as the referee spoke to the both of them as the crowd began to majorly thin out.

Referee: Since Leon himself agreed to this battle, It'd be my pleasure to referee this match.

Ash: Thank you so much.

Leon: Hey, Ash, take this.

The man then hands Ash what seems to be a white sweatband with red and blue interior and some sort of red symbol on top.

Leon: It's called a Dyna-Band, with it, your Pokemon can Dynamax whenever you like. Just recall them to their ball and throw it when it grows. Just a bit of a warning, when Dynamaxed, all their moves change names and the effect only lasts for 3 minutes, so you gotta make them count. Think you got that?

Ash: Moves change names, 3 minutes, got it.

Leon nodded as he retreated to his side and Ash and his starters went over to the rest of his Pokemon.

Cobalt: So, you're actually going to battle the world's strongest Pokemon trainer?

Azula: Looks to be. No worries, sweetie. One of my hits will be for you.

The inteleon then kisses him on the cheek, causing him to blush madly and goofily smile.

Psi: I overheard your conversation, Ash. *hands over Pokedex* I read Leon's mind and learned the names of all the Max Moves. I updated your Pokedex to show you what they are.

Ash: *takes Pokedex* Thanks, Psi. *to Azula* Ready?

Azula: For you, Ash? Always.

Ash nodded as he walked over to his spot with his Inteleon by his side, the crowd applauding for him by Leon's request as he could simply feel Serena and Gary cheering him on.

Referee: Trainers, release your Pokemon!

Ash: Azula, I choose you!

Leon: Charizard, let's go!

Both Pokemon simply rushed onto the field, Charizard growling with his wings spread and Azula preparing a finger gun.

Aiden: *pouting* Lucky.

Green: It's a stretch, but can Azula really win this?

Kabu: It would be hard to say, green one. Normally, she would have the type advantage, but that dragon knows an electric type move. It can be anybody's game.

Kestrel: Yeah, go Mom! Take him out!

Leon: It seems you really understand your Pokemon, Ash. But when it comes to battles, the monarch loses!

Ash: *smirking* That's what we're hoping for.

Referee: Battle begin!

Ash: Azula, use Liquidation!

With a yell, Azula's hands became inswirled with water as she charged at the Charizard, who then took to the air.

Leon: Charizard, Thunder Punch to counter!

Charizard's fist became covered in electricity as he lunged forward, their hands clashing with one another before Charizard managed to overpower Azula, sending her back, but fortunately not getting electrified.

Ash: Use Surf to get closer!

Azula's back membrane spread out with her arms, forming a pair of gliding wings to catch her and allow her to glide through the air being encoated in a massive wave.

Leon: Cut right through it!

Ash: Get out of there, Azula!

The Inteleon suddenly leapt out of the wave, allowing Charizard to miss his punch as Azula landed safely away.

Ash: Now, spin and use Snipe Shot!

Leon: Huh?

With a smirk, Azula stood on one foot and began to spin as she then fired of Snipe Shots off of one of her hands, creating a blitzkrieg of water shots that peppered the dragon over and over.

Leon: What the- What's this?

Gary: YES! Yes, it's the Counter Shield!

Serena: Counter Shield?

Gary: It's a technique Ash made up during the Indigo League.

Cobalt: Now Charizard won't have the chance to get Azula, she's got this in the bag!

Leon: Wow, I guess they were right. Offense really is the best defense. But we can tak the offensive just as well! Use Air Slash!

Charizard fired off several blades of air from his wings, although he got hit by more Snipe Shot, but he did manage to swerve Azula off of her axis and knock her over.

Ash: Are you okay?

The Inteleon shook off the damage and staggered a bit, but was otherwise just fine.

Ash: Alright, now use Ice Beam!

With a nod, Azula points a finger forward and holds her wrist with her other hand to steady herself as she fires an ice cold laser of energy right at Charizard.

Leon: Flamethrower!

Charizard roared as he breathed a jet of fire to counter Azula's Ice Beam, only for the two blasts to be met at a stalemate, much to everyone's shock. However, Azula seemed to falter as she got down on one knee and began to be pushed back by the attack clashing with hers.

Green: She…. She can't even fight back against Flamethrower….

Ash: *worried* Azula!

Suddenly, five sparks of light came forth from the Dyna-Band on Ash's wrist and swirled around Azula before entering her body. She then gained a red glow before the skies turned red, where she then began to grow.

Azula: Huh? What… Going on?

As Azula kept up her growth, her tail became even longer before stretching out vertically and coiling at the base, where Azula proceeded to kneel down on, much to her surprise. The finger she was blasting with gained a small blue harpoon made of water, resembling a sniper rifle. Her eyes then turned black and red as three clouds circled around her tail a short distance below the coiled tail platform.

Azula: *amazed* Woah….

Ash: Did she…. Dynamax?

Psi: I believe this is called Gigantamax. It is very rare among certain species of Pokemon.

During the explanation, Azula's Ice Beam became empowered before it managed to fight back against the Flamethrower and hit Charizard square in the chest, sending him down to the ground and surprising Leon.

Leon: *amazed* Holy Arceus…. Well, I'm glad we're here! Charizard, come back!

The man then recalled Charizard to his Pokeball, where the sparks emerged once again his band and phased into the Pokeball, enlarging it and turning it pink.

Leon: This is what I would call a champion time! *throws Pokeball* Gigantamax!

The giant Pokeball opened, releasing the now Gigantamax Charizard as he roared at the admittedly taller water lizard. Ash got out his Pokedex, learning Azula's new moves now that she had gained a new form.

Ash: Alright, Azula, let's test this Gigantamax out! Use Max Hailstorm!

With a nod, Azula aimed upwards and used her harpoon to fire a large ice ball into the air, raining down several large chunks of ice.

Leon: Max Lightning, now!

Charizard released a large bolt of lighting, melting the ice chunks before they landed their mark and hitting Azula with super effective damage. She nearly fell over, but was able to keep her balance before she leaned too far off balance.

Ash: We gotta finish this quick. Azula, use G-Max Hydrosnipe!

With a leer, Azula took aim, closing one eye as she leaned against her harpoon hand as it charged up a ball of blue energy.

Leon: Now, let's enjoy the finale! G-Max Wildfire!

Charizard once again fired off a bird-shaped flame towards Azula, who had finished charging and fired off her Hydrosnipe just as the fireball hit, where the blast of water hit Charizard.

Ash: It's a draw?

Leon: It's not over yet!

Charizard shook off the water damage, wincing and clutching his neck as he stood while Azula was covered in flames and was hit by a bird-shaped spark over and over again. As Ash was about to call out to his Pokemon, a red light suddenly covered Azula as she then shrunk back to normal and fell over, having fainted.

Ash: *runs onto field* Azula, no!

Referee: Inteleon is unable to battle, the winner is Charizard! And therefore, the match goes to Leon!

The crowd cheered as Leon held a small smile while his partner looked back to him, his pupil having to go far onward to really meet his gaze.

Leon: It's a shame it's over, ey, pal?

Charizard: Yeah….

The man recalled Charizard as Ash knelt down, picking up Azula and helping her stand up, Aiden and Cobalt rushing over to help.

Ash: Azula, you were awesome out there.

Azula: *groans* …Thanks, Ash.

Leon: Here, Ash, give this to Azula.

He then handed Ash a Max Revive, which he took and used to heal Azula.

Ash: Thank you very much. *sprays Azula* Leon, I'm actually really glad you went all out on me.

Leon: Hey, a battel's no fun if you hold back. That's some Inteleon you got there. Gigantamax is a pretty rare talent.

Ash nodded in appreciation before pulling the Dyna-Band off of his wrist and handed it to Leon.

Ash: Thank you for letting me use this.

Leon: Hm…. You know what? How about you keep it?

Ash: Keep it? Are you sure?

Leon: Of course. You're a trainer with great potential and who's going around rough edges. I like that. You're kinda like me at that age.

Ash: Wow, I…. Thank you.

Leon: No problem. Your Pokemon got a real unique power, Ash Ketchum. But to beat me, you got quite a bit of work to do.

Ash: Maybe we can… Battle again soon?

Leon: On the condition that battle's in a tournament. Maybe try out the World Coronation Series next year… *turns around* See ya.

As Ash and his party said their farewells to Leon, they exited the stadium, where they met up with Gary and Serena.

Gary: That was some battle, Ashy boy.

Serena: I never thought Azula could be so quick on her feet.

Ash: Gary…. I think I've decided on something. After this Battle Frontier, I'm entering this World Coronation thing and I'm gonna battle Leon again.

Cobalt: But this is different. Next time, we're gonna win!

Gary: *chuckles* Why did I expect anything else from you?

Suddenly, Yami came back from wherever he was, crying into his hands.

Azula: Don;t be sad, Yami. There was a good chance I would lose the battle.

Yami: I lost my bet! *cries*

The gang was on their way to the Pokemon Center, but not before Kestrel spotted something on the ground; a red glow that seeped out from a crack. With a strong nough kick, Kestrel broke a hole into the ground, revealing a small black rok with glowing red cracks, which he proceeded to pick up.

Kestrel: Huh… Neat.

Ash: Kestrel, come on!

The Togetic quickly flew to catch up to the group, slipping the rock into Ash's bag as Leon walked out of the stadium, a familiar purple haired boy and Wooloo right next to him as they boarded a flying taxi. Leon couldn't stop looking down at the retreating boy and his friends as the taxi took off, though he smiled as he watched them. He wasn't sure how or where… But that Ash Ketchum was gonna go places….

Gary: Does anyone know why my wallet's empty?

TO BE CONTINUED…..

—-

Ash's Team

Lucario: Cobalt

Sceptile: Green

Alakazam: Psi

Gengar: Yami

Charizard: Aidan

Inteleon: Azula

Togetic: Kestrel

Lycanroc *Dusk form*: Hunter

Marowak: Kabu

Dracovish: Jaws

Rotom: Sparky (at Oak's lab)

Umbreon *shiny*: Blacky (at home)

Serena's Team

Fennekin: Kyubi

Murkrow: Lucky

Oshawott: Oliver

Gary's Team

Blastoise

Jolteon

Arctozolt

Grookey