Ash vs Sidney, Marnie's first Mega?

"Aerial Ace!"

"Sol!" Absol moved so fast it almost appeared as if he flew across the battlefield before slashing at his opponent!

"Blaziken!" The Fire starter was knocked onto his back, hitting the ground with a soft thud as swirls formed in his eyes.

"Bzzzt! Blaziken is unable to battle, thus Challenger Sidney is the winner!" A Rotom Drone recorded the results. The winner flashed a smirk before walking across the battlefield and offering his opponent a hand up after he'd fallen to his knees in defeat.

"That was a damn good battle! You and your Pokemon may have lost but you gave it all you had and that's what counts, keep practicing and someday you might actually beat an Elite Four member, of course it won't be myself!" The man chuckled, the only hair visible on the man's head was a small tuft of red hair and given his age it appeared to be intentional rather than hair loss. He appeared to be very upbeat as well as he never stopped smiling!

His opponent bowed his head in appreciation as he returned Blaziken before quickly making off for the nearby Pokemon Center to recover his Pokemon. Sidney watched him go with a light laugh before speaking up once more. "Took you long enough to get here, Ketchum." He turned to reveal he was well aware of Ash's arrival, his eyes cast over the group before smirking. "Group's smaller than I expected."

"Heh, well some of them have gone off to get a bit of relaxation." Ash laughed lightly as he rubbed the back of his neck. True to his word Zach started to relax after his win against Kabu, Lavaridge Town wasn't too far off from the desert Sidney's home was located at so he and May had decided to go to the hot springs for a bit of alone time after wishing him luck in the battle! Ash wasn't offended they weren't there, it was just another battle and wasn't too special. Besides he aimed to battle Sidney while Marnie was off on her Mega Evolution trial if that was possible as to help kill time, while Marnie wanted to see him battle she thought it was for the best as she knew Ash would likely go stir crazy otherwise just standing around waiting for her to return.

"Enjoying the hot springs I presume," Sidney smirked while looking Ash over. "Heh, thought you'd be more muscular from how Glacia and Drake talk about cha but I guess looks can be deceiving!" He laughed while Ash lightly rolled his eyes, unlike Brock, Kiawe and Zach he didn't see much point in working out, finding it rather boring. He much preferred spending time with his Pokemon and practicing their techniques instead!

"I do have a favor to ask before we begin," Sidney tilted his head as Ash continued. "I noticed that you've got a Mega Ring on your wrist, any chance that you know of a Mega Evolution Trial nearby that Marnie can take part in?" Ash thumbed towards his girlfriend who was shaking and looking a bit star struck upon being that close to one of her idols!

Sidney looked towards Marnie while rubbing the bottom of his chin. "Hah, let me guess you're a Dark type specialist too?" He asked, taking in her appearance while his gaze lingered on her Morpeko.

Marnie took a nervous gulp before quickly nodding her head. "H-Hello mister Sidney sir, it's an honor to meet one of the world's most renowned Dark type specialists!"

Sidney let out a laugh. "No need to be shy, I don't bite... well there was that one time with a Kalos girl but she asked for it!" He then decided to get back on course with a wave of his hand. "So Marnie, Mega Evolution is what you seek? Well you're in luck, one site just happens to be in this very desert! There's a cave that for centuries has housed the location of a trial site but part of the trial itself is enduring the walk, you can fly back by all means but if you fly rather than walk to the trial itself then you're deemed unworthy. Then you must venture forth into a dark cave and rely on your Pokemon to guide you through, attacks are fair game just be careful you don't overdue it else you risk accidentally injuring yourself! And after finding your way you must battle the Guardian!"

Chloe cast a glance towards the direction Sidney was pointing as the Elite Four member directed Marnie to her trial. "That's bound to be hot!"

Sidney nodded with a light smirk before turning his gaze towards Marnie once more. "I've got plenty of water to give you so ya don't dehydrate out there, just say the word and I'll go fetch it from my house!"

Marnie cast a quick glance towards Ash while wondering if he had any concerns about this, Ash merely responded with his usual grin while flashing her a thumbs up. Marnie gave him an affectionate smile before turning back to Sidney. "I'm ready!"

Sidney gave off another smirk before proceeding to walk off in the direction of his house, coming back moments later with a pack of water bottles in hand as he passed them off to Marnie. "There you go, good luck!"

"Watch your step, Trapinch live out there!" Ash warned before holding out a ball. "And take Charizard for the ride back, I know you don't have any Flying types."

Marnie let out a giggle before giving him a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about me, I'll be fine! Good luck with you battle!" The two stared at each other for a moment wanting to kiss each other but weren't exactly comfortable doing so with a stranger right there, even if Sidney was a nice bloke! Marnie soon turned and began walking off into the desert with Morpeko atop her shoulder while Sidney turned his attention towards Ash.

"It's pretty boring out here so I suppose you want to battle while waiting on her?"

"You know it, I've never gotten to beat a Dark type master before!" Ash pumped his fists as excitement flowed through him, there was Nanu but the man wasn't exactly motivated to give it his all, he wasn't close to what others like Sidney and Grimsley could be!

"Well then I'll be sure to impress!" Sidney laughed before waving his hand as he walked onto the battlefield, Ash was quick to follow in his example as they took rivaling positions upon the battlefield. The Rotom Drone reactivated shortly after Sidney and Ash both touched their Rotom Phones in order to set up the match as an official World Championship match!

"Bzzzt! The battle between Pokemon World Championship challengers Ash Ketchum and Hoenn Elite Four member Sidney will now commence! Challengers are restricted to three Pokemon each and as soon as one side is unable to battle or forfeits the winner will be declared!"

"Scrafty, let's go!"

"You too Scraggy!"

"What?!" Chloe face faulted upon Ash's choice in Pokemon as Scraggy burst out and gave his evolution a glare which was quickly returned as the two stared each other down.

"Huh, interesting..." Sidney noted with a light smirk as he rubbed the bottom of his chin. "I was informed that your battling style was... interesting to say the least. Scrafty use Headbutt!"

"You use Headbutt as well!" Ash ordered out.

The two Pokemon charged at each other before bashing skulls, grunting out and growling as they attempted to push each other back with both seeming equally matched despite Scraggy's size!

"Poison Jab!" Sidney suddenly called out, Scrafty pulled back his right hand as his glowed a bright toxic shade of purple before striking Scraggy in the gut! Scraggy's eyes went wide from the pain while a light tint formed across his face causing Ash to grit his teeth as Scraggy was afflicted with Poison.

"Focus Blast!" Scraggy grunted as he got a good footing onto the ground while locking eyes with Scrafty as he held his arms up above his head as a light blue energy orb formed between his hands, Scraggy uttered out a cry as he threw the orb at Scrafty, the attack exploded upon impact and knocked his evolved form back. Scrafty shook his head and formed a respectful smirk.

"Focus Punch!" Scrafty's fist glowed orange as he rushed his opponent before delivering another powerful blow to the stomach, Scraggy let out a grunt upon impact before letting out another as the poison took its effect. Ash clenched his fists as he started to doubt his choice for the briefest moment before quickly shaking off the thought.

"Give off a Leer and follow up with another Focus Blast!" Scraggy cast off a leer at Scrafty before raising up his arms as he formed another blue sphere of energy before giving it a good toss, aiming it right for Scrafty's head! The attack made impact, Scrafty's face was knocked to the side with a loud grunt moments before the Dark/Fighting type hit the ground, eyes turning to swirls as he laid in defeat!

"Alright Scraggy!" Ash cheered while Pikachu leaped upwards with a loud cry.

"Pika pika!"

"Scraggy!" Scraggy smirked as his body became surrounded in a bright blue light, his body started changing as his head began to shed it's skin and reveal an orange color beneath, the old skin remained around his neck and acted like a hood for the Pokemon while a red crest formed atop his head resembling a mohawk. The light faded as Scrafty pulled up his baggy pants and let out a cry of his new name!

"Scrafty!" Scrafty smiled at Ash before suddenly keeling over from the poison, swirls forming within his eyes as well.

"Bzzzt both Scrafty are unable to battle, challengers please choose your next Pokemon!"

"You were great Scrafty, take a well earned rest." Ash returned his newly evolved Pokemon before looking towards his opponent, a smirk was still present on the Elite Four member's face as he threw forth his next Pokemon.

"Shiftry, let's go!" The Grass/Dark type burst out and spread out his arms as he uttered out a cry of his name!

"Shiftry, shift!"

Ash took a long look at Shiftry and formed a light smile before reaching for his next Pokeball. "Primeape, I choose you!"


"And here we are at the final round of the P1 championship, on one corner is our eight year reigning champ and on the other is Masked Royal Jr!" The announcer shouted out.

Primeape stood on one corner while Ash stood on the other in his Masked Royal outfit, Primeape didn't recognize him on account of it being years and Ash being bigger and having a different voice along with defining features being hidden behind the mask.

"Incineroar use Darkest Lariat!" Incineroar flashed Primeape a smirk as his hands began igniting in flame, the feline held out his arms before spinning as fire spun all around his body while he spun towards his opponent! Primeape attempted to leap out of the way as he uttered out a loud cry and aimed a Mega Punch at Incineroar from behind, his eyes went wide as Incineroar merely changed direction and sent him flying out of the ring upon impact!

"Oh my, what an amazing outcome! For the first time in eight years our champ has lost a match!"

Primeape laid on the ground, growling out in frustration while tears formed in his eyes as he couldn't help but feel like he failed his trainer. His cry stuttered into a one of shock as Masked Royal Jr walked towards him and got onto one knee while extending his hand.

"It sure has been awhile Primeape, you ready to get back into the fold?" Primeape's eyes grew watery as he quickly shot up and gave Ash a tight hug before shortly afterwards letting out a cry of aggression, still proving to have that side of him as he punched Ash in the gut!

"I-I guess I do deserve that..." Ash groaned out as Primeape seemed ticked at Ash leaving him there without a word or a checkup for eight years. Primeape glared at Ash before happily returning to his Pokeball as Ash held it out for him.


"Primeape!" Primeape eagerly punched the air in front of him as he gave Shiftry a menacing stare.

"Outrage!" Primeape's eyes shot red while his body became surrounded in a red aura, the monkey stomped his feet against the ground before rushing his opponent and relentlessly beating him back and forth with his fists! Shiftry was knocked back and forth by Primeape's attacks with the monkey Pokemon teetering back and forth from confusion after ending his attack.

"Sunny day and follow up with Solar Blade!" Shiftry raised his arms as a harsh sunlight came down upon the field, blinding the confused Primeape as Shifty slashed at him with a blade made from solar energy! Primeape fell onto his back before quickly hopping back up with a shake of his head, giving Shiftry an outraged expression as he stomped his feet and smashed his fists together, appearing to be over the confused status as his eyes had their usual ticked off look to them!

"Close Combat!" Primeape rushed forward and began repeatedly striking Shiftry up close at a rapid speed! Shiftry grunted as he was knocked back each time he tried to counter attack, the monkey soon ran back to his side of the field while Sidney surveyed the situation with a smirk.

"Hurricane!" Shiftry began shaking his arms back and forth, causing a massive gust of wind to stir up and send Primeape flying through the air! Primeape waved and twirled his arms about frantically while giving his opponent an enraged look before the wind died out, sending the monkey crashing face first into the ground!

"Primeape?!" Ash called out only to get a groan in response as Primeape rolled onto his back, swirls visible within his eyes as Ash returned him to his Pokeball. "You fought well Primeape, we'll take it from here." He placed Primeape's ball back onto his belt while reaching out for his third and final Pokemon for the battle.

"Incineroar, I choose you!"

"Incineroar!" Incineroar roared out before taking a battling stance before his trainer. Sidney looked at the Fire/Dark type with an impressed looked.

"Hurricane!" Sidney was forced to repeat himself as Shiftry's other moves involved an upfront assault which wasn't a good idea given the situation! Shiftry began shaking his arms, his tree branches summoning forth another gust of wind that started to pick Incineroar up and lift him off the ground!

"Flare Blitz!" Incineroar's body became surrounded in fire as it spiraled around his body, the wind caused sparks of flame to fly out and strike random areas of the field including Shiftry by chance as the Grass/Dark type grunted out before going wide eyed after opening back up his eyes and spotting Incineroar's fiery cloaked body coming right for him! Due to the effects of Sunny Day still going it hurt a lot, Shiftry let out a long drawn out groan of pain as he collapsed onto his side in defeat while swirls formed within his eyes.

"Bzzzt Shiftry is unable to battle, both challengers are now on their final Pokemon!"

Sidney returned Shiftry with a smirk, the man seeming awfully calm and happy despite the situation he was now in as he tossed a ball up and down while giving Incineroar a glance over. "That Incineroar sure is powerful but is it powerful enough to beat a Mega Evolution?! Absol, let's go show them our bond with Mega Evolution!" Sidney tossed forth the Pokeball containing his faithful partner while activating his Mega Ring with his other hand, Absol burst out and was swiftly engulfed in the bright pink light as he was transformed into Mega Absol! The Mega Evolved Dark type gave Incineroar a challenging stare while Incineroar let out a roar to show that he was ready for this!

"Night Slash!" The scythe atop Absol's head glowed a bright purple as the Dark type raced forward, almost appearing to be riding the wind from how fast he moved as he struck Incineroar with the Dark type move!

"Roar!" Incineroar flinched from the attack as it made impact, the feline looked back up with a growl before turning to his trainer as he awaited Ash's command.

"Darkest Lariat!" Incineroar's hands became encased in flames as the feline started twirling and spinning his body, rapidly spinning on towards the direction of Absol before striking, his hands slapping against the Mega Evolved Dark type's face! Absol was pushed back but shook itself as it still looked raring to go!

"Payback!"

"Sol!" Absol rammed into Incineroar with incredible force, the Fire type began toppling back and forth as he momentarily struggled to keep his balance!

"Hold on Incineroar, you can do it! Use Cross Chop!" Incineroar crossed his arms to form an x as he charged towards Absol and lashed out, striking the Dark type with his crossed arms! Absol was knocked back and started to sweat as he appeared to be wearing out.

"Thunderbolt!" Absol's scythe sparked shortly before the rest of him became surrounded with electricity, the Dark type ushered out a cry as he sent the electricity flying across the field, Incineroar letting out a pained growl as electricity surged through his body! Incineroar was putting in some good hits but Mega Absol still hit pretty hard, if they didn't finish the job soon then Incineroar might go down!

"Flamethrower!" A massive stream of fire burst from Incineroar's belt, blasting on across the field and through the air before making impact with the Mega Evolution. Absol grunted out and fell onto his knees, creating an opening as Incineroar rushed forward and delivered another Cross Chop against the Mega Evolution's face! Absol fell completely forward, eyes rolling upwards shortly before the pink light returned as he reverted back to his normal form with swirls visible within his eyes.

"Bzzt Absol is unable to battle thus challenger Ash Ketchum is the winner!" The Rotom Drone buzzed out before going silent as it transmitted the results of the match.

"Alright, way to go Incineroar!"

"Incine!" Incineroar rushed towards his trainer and pulled him into a tight hug, Pikachu let out a gasp of air as he was squashed between the two of them. Sidney gazed down at the defeated Absol but rather than look disappointed he continued to have a smirk on his face as he returned Absol to his ball before turning to Ash and giving him a thumbs up.

"That was a great battle Ash, I had a feeling that you'd put up a great fight and I'm pleased that my gut was right! You've got some powerful and interesting Dark types on ya and your other Pokemon look just as impression. Perhaps if I make it into the top 100 I can have a rematch with that Pikachu of yours," Sidney smirked as he turned his attention to the Electric type. "I've heard many things about him and I'd love to see him in action for myself!"

"Well if you make it you can count on a fight, I aim to win and become the new World Champion so that my journey towards becoming a Pokemon Master will be complete!" Ash pumped his fists with a look of excitement across his face that caused Sidney to utter out a light chuckle.

"I'll hold you to that, now how about I take you two inside to cool off? It'll probably be a few hours before Marnie returns."


Sweat ran down Marnie's face, her hair stuck against her face while her biker jacket had been taken off in order to prevent herself from overheating. A sigh of relief soon escaped from the girl's lips as she spotted the entrance to the cave, increasing her speed and only stopping for a rest as she reached the inside of the cavern. Quickly downing another bottle of water while holding one up to Morpeko who greedily drank away at the bottle. Marnie placed the empty bottles into her bag and reached out for the ball containing Houndoom before going any deeper as the cave was too dark to see properly even a few feet into it!

"Houndoom, light the way with your flame!"

"Houn!" Houndoom barked before firing off a light stream of fire that lit the way through the cave as Marnie and her two Pokemon slowly advanced. This part was relatively easy compared to the first part of her trial but she knew that it wouldn't stay that way as the Guardian would be waiting ahead for her arrival! Eventually they'd see a glow at the end of the pathway signaling them nearing the end, the three sped up and arrived at a large room which was lit up by a giant black crystal that sat in the middle of it, a powerful amount of energy radiated off of it which resulted in Houndoom immediately turning into his Mega Houndoom form as the crystal behaved like a giant Mega stone!

"Hello? Guardian...?" Marnie called out.

"Hehehe," An old man's laughter caused Marnie to leap up and immediately dart around to discover an old man standing right behind her, looking her over while having a familiar look about him. Marnie could swear that she saw him somewhere before but couldn't remember where that was perhaps she was just imagining the similarity. "So the chosen one's girlfriend has come to seek Mega Evolution? Tell me girl, are you ready to handle the power and responsibility of Mega Evolution? It's no easy feat and only somebody who has a strong and pure bond and love for their Pokemon can pull it off without the Pokemon suffering a great deal of pain!" Marnie flinched at his words as she couldn't help but wonder if that meant the Pokemon Team Rocket inflicted that upon were in constant pain?

"I'm ready, I may not have had Houndoom long but he and I get along good enough. I'm confident that we can do this," Marnie stated with a light shrug while Houndoom let out a bark of confirmation.

"Hehehe we'll see about that, come come my friend, assist me you will!" A loud rumble shook the ground causing Marnie to lose her balance and fall onto her rear as a Mega Steelix burst out from the ground, the giant rock serpent towering over Marnie and Houndoom as she couldn't help but take a nervous gulp while the thought of giving up silently crossed her mind. 'No, Ash wouldn't give up! It doesn't matter if the odds don't look good, I shouldn't give up! Zach didn't give up when things look bad for him when he fought Kabu, there's always a chance to win!'

"Flame Charge!" Houndoom let out a howl as flames engulfed his body as he raced across the field before throwing himself up against Steelix! Steelix uttered out a loud roar as the fire attack made it's mark, Houndoom's Speed stat began to rise up as Marnie smirked. Seeing Cinderace in action the past few months made her grow an appreciation for her, she was practically a speed demon once she got in a few Flame Charges so Marnie decided to take some notes on the technique knowing that it would be useful for situations like this... or so she thought.

"Earthquake!" Steelix roared out as he slammed his tail into the ground, causing the entire cave to begin shaking as Marnie toppled about while her face turned bright red from anger.

"What are ya doing you fool?! We're in a cave, you'll kill us!" The old man merely cackled in response making Marnie sure that the old man was insane, besides nobody sane referred to somebody as 'chosen one'. Houndoom fell to his knees before a glowing sleek tail lashed out as Steelix hit him against the wall with Iron Tail! A crack of sunlight began to pour into the cave and Marnie was quick to take it in before throwing out her arm as she prepared to set up her next move.

"Sunny Day!" Houndoom howled out as the sun beam turned brighter, covering more of the cavern as Marnie ordered the next move. "Inferno!" Houndoom let out a loud howl before blasting Steelix with a powerful steady stream of fire, the Steel type grunted out while a dark burn mark remained rather visible on his sleek shiny skin! Steelix flinched as he took some burn damage.

"Stone Edge!" Steelix slammed his tail into the ground as giant rock pillars burst out and rush towards Houndoom, the wolf attempted to dodge them but proved to be too slow as the last struck his hind leg causing him to whimper out and collapse onto his knees. Marnie clenched her fists and started to walk forward to check on him before halting in place as Houndoom slowly started to rise, giving a growl before nodding at Marnie to show he was still capable of fighting!

"Flamethrower!" Unlike earlier in the day his flame was much stronger than it had been before, appearing much larger as the fire flew in the direction of Steelix!

"Steeel!" The giant rock snake cried out as the fire spread across his body, his eyes began to roll upwards before falling forward with a loud thud that echoed throughout and shook the cavern! The old man gazed down at the defeated Mega Steelix as it reverted back into it's normal form.

"Well I do believe you're ready!" He produced a Mega Ring along with a key stone and Houndoominite from his robes before handing them over to Marnie. "Earned these fair and square you did, now I suggest that you get back no doubt the chosen one's waiting for you." Marnie took them and thanked the man as she slid the Mega Ring onto her wrist before pausing as a certain word caught in her mind again.

"Chosen one? Why do you keep saying tha-? Huh?! Where'd ya go?!" She looked back up to ask him that but he was already gone. Marnie narrowed her eyes and muttered out how rude it was he left without saying anything before turning around to head back out with her Pokemon, upon exiting the cave she released Ash's Charizard and climbed onto the Fire type's back. "Let's head back to Ash."

"Charrr!" Charizard roared off before taking to the skies!


"OW! What the hell is going on up there?!" Courtney growled, rubbing her head as she glared up at the cavern roof before turning her attention back to the battle in front of her as her Camerupt and Shade's Metagross had Regirock cornered, the Rock type let out incomprehensible cries of fear before being met with a Meteor Mash courtesy of Mega Metagross! Regirock was blasted through the cavern wall, destroying ancient text as he laid sprawled out in defeat. A sinister smirk formed across Shade's face as he hurled a Rocket Ball at the legendary before it disappeared in a beam of sinister purple and black light. The ball chimed almost as soon as it hit the floor while Courtney approached the ball with her hands in her pocket.

"That's all three Regi then, now all we have to do is find Regigigas!"

"It's in hidden ruins just outside Petalburg City," Shade spoke causing Courtney to narrow her eyes with a suspicious tone. "For somebody relatively new to Team Rocket you seem awfully informed about legendary Pokemon... just what were you before you joined up? And how old are you for that matter?"

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you," Shade waved off the question with a smirk causing Courtney to clench her fists and flash him a glare. "I'm sure you'll find out soon enough." He cast off an evil smirk before taking his leave, Courtney glared after him before following him, her eyes paying little attention to a cracked tablet that laid only feet away that showcased a familiar hooded individual riding a Mega Metagross fighting off against a Decidueye and Typhlosion thousands of years ago!

Yeah, Shade's been alive since the Legends of Arceus era.

'But why Scraggy?' You may be asking? Remember who his best friend is, that's all I'll say for now.