Author's Note:

A big one here, folks. Will Ash, Clemont and Trevor be able to follow the Performance Team to the IPL Playoffs? Let's find out!

Chapter 19: A Tight Finish

Ash could feel Anton's eyes on him as he stood with his friends outside the battlefield, waiting to meet Professor Sycamore and their coaches. The other trainer was standing with his own team, although not a part of any of their conversations. When Ash looked back to him, however, Anton turned away quickly, appearing to glare towards whoever was nearest him. Ash could only sigh in response, turning back to his friends as they waited and discussed the matches ahead.

"Well, with the Performance Team in the playoffs now, you guys need to step it up, okay?" Dawn said confidently, looking to Ash, Clemont and Trevor in turn. Trevor looked pale as everyone looked to him, but Dawn didn't seem to notice in that moment. "Ready to turn things around from the last time you battled these guys?!"

"We'll certainly try," Clemont said, adjusting his glasses as he looked to a nearby screen that had the standings up. "It looks like the other matches are done, so we know what we need now."

Ash followed his gaze, seeing that their task ahead was still quite difficult. Unlike the Performance Team, he and the Battle Team would be fighting from behind to get into the playoffs, with Shalour College currently holding second place. They needed two of three points today if they were going to qualify.

1st Place: Laverre University (12pts)

2nd Place: Shalour College (9pts)

3rd Place: Lumiose University (8pts)

4th Place: Coumarine College (4pts)

"Are you guys planning to battle the same opponents as last time?" Marie asked, Ash and the others looking to her. "I guess it's obvious enough that Ash will be battling Anton."

"Yeah, Greninja and I have been looking forward to that rematch!" Ash said, pumping his fist along with Pikachu, who was excited as well, even though he wouldn't be battling.

"I think Bunnelby would probably like another shot at battling Dean and his Diggersby," Clemont said, looking to Trevor as though checking if that was all right. Trevor didn't seem to have any argument against it, but Ash wasn't sure if that was because he was happy battling Sasha, or if it was because he wasn't even focusing on what they were saying, the nerves of the coming battles getting to him.

Tierno seemed to sense his friend's nerves, patting Trevor on the back as he moved up beside him. "That means you'll be beating that girl Sasha, right Trevs? Gotta get payback for last time!"

"Are you going to use Charizard this time?" Shauna asked, looking concerned as Trevor fidgeted with his camera. "Or are you going to give Aerodactyl a chance at a rematch?"

Trevor didn't end up having to answer that, as just then, Professor Sycamore, along with Flint, Agatha and Fantina, arrived to meet the group. Fantina looked quite relaxed, seeming as though she was ready to simply enjoy the battles now that she'd helped guide the Performance Team to the playoffs. Flint and Agatha looked pretty fired up, though, both nervous and excited.

"Hope you guys are ready to burn the field up today!" Flint said excitedly, while Professor Sycamore led the group towards their seats at the edge of the battlefield. "Nothing like a chance to make up for a tough loss. Let's show these guys we're a new team from the last time we battled them."

"And don't get too comfortable thinking they'll be happy with already having secured their playoff position," Agatha added, more seriously. "You saw how their Performance Team fought. These Laverre students don't seem to let up."

Ash nodded, ready to take on whatever challenge lay ahead. "There's no way we're going to waste this chance. We've come a long way as a team, and now's our chance to prove it."

Clemont and Trevor voiced their agreement, the latter a little quieter, as the group reached their seats. The Battle Team remained standing while the others sat, waiting to see who would be heading out first for Laverre. Ash could see the seats filling up quickly, and the referee already waiting on the battlefield. Down along the sidelines, he noticed the Laverre students were huddled together as well, apparently discussing their strategy.

"Looks like Dean will be their first battler," Ash pointed out, noticing Anton and Sasha heading to their seats while Dean moved forward. "I guess that means you're up, Clemont."

"I guess so," Clemont said, taking a deep breath as he looked up to another monitor, checking the points. "We'll take it one at a time. First a win to tie Shalour."

"Don't worry about the standings, Clemont!" Ash said, chuckling as he patted his friend on the shoulder. "Just go out there and win!"

Clemont laughed a little at that, before nodding as an announcer called out that the match would be beginning shortly. Ash and Trevor quickly wished Clemont good luck, and then headed back to their own seats, while the announcer called out who would be battling first.

"Go big brother!" Bonnie called out as she realized Clemont was the first battler.

As Clemont headed out onto the battlefield, Dean doing the same at the other end, Ash sat down next to Trevor, seeing the nervousness in his eyes. "You feeling okay?" he asked, glancing to his left where Flint was looking over to the two of them.

Trevor sighed, looking ahead as Clemont held up his pokeball. "Yeah...I am...it's just...I hope Clemont wins."

Ash knew why Trevor was saying this, but he had to confirm. "I hope he does, too, but if not, you and I can get the last two points we need!"

"Maybe..." Trevor grimaced as he looked back at Ash. "I totally screwed up last time, and you and Clemont have beaten the toughest opponents we've had. I'm not strong enough to keep up with you guys. No wonder I wasn't ranked as advanced when we first got to Lumiose University."

"That's crazy!" Ash argued. "You've totally earned your spot. We had a great battle at tryouts, and you got us all out of our rut by winning the first battle against Coumarine."

Trevor shrugged, focusing more on the battlefield as Clemont called out Bunnelby in response to the emergence of Dean's Diggersby. "I don't know...I'd trained a bunch with Flint and I needed to use Charizard to win. If I can't win with Charizard, though..."

He was silent as the referee then called for Clemont's and Dean's battle to begin, and Ash decided not to push it as they watched the opening moves. The Laverre crowd cheered loudly as Dean opened up with the powerful combo that had put Clemont on his heels the last time.

"Hammer Arm, Diggersby!" Dean cried out. "And then follow up with Agility!"

"Dig diggersby!" it responded loudly, flexing its muscular ears and leaping forward.

Ash was surprised by Clemont's slow response, appearing almost as though he hadn't expected Dean to call an attack so quickly. Bunnelby was left vulnerable, looking surprised himself as the Digging Pokemon reached him quickly, slamming him hard, knocking him back across the field. Diggersby quickly followed it up with Agility, hopping quickly around and building up speed to replace what Hammer Arm would normally cost.

"That's a really hard combo to deal with," Ash heard Flint mutter. "Usually a trainer can deal with Hammer Arm's great strength because the Pokemon using it slows down, but Agility just allows it to keep coming with force."

"Clemont can get around it," Ash told him confidently. If anyone knows strategy, it's him!"

"Bunnelby, use Dig, and follow it up with Double Team!" Clemont then commanded, as if in answer to Ash's assurance.

"Bun!" Bunnelby burrowed into the ground instantly, leaving Diggersby to pause and watch the field closely for any sign of hm. He even emerged in a few random places, before shooting back down and out of sight, making it hard to know when and where he might pop up. Then, after a few holes had been dug, multiple Bunnelby copies began emerging from them, darting back in as quick as they appeared. Some even stayed up, running in circles to keep Diggersby even more cautious.

Ash pumped his fist in excitement. "Great job, Clemont! That'll make it harder for Dean to use Hammer Arm on the ground like he did last time to counter Dig. Bunnelby could come at him from anywhere."

"Diggersby, Hammer Arm on the field!" Dean then yelled, as if in answer to Ash's comment.

"Bunnelby, Double Slap!" Clemont countered.

"Diggersby!" Diggersby then roared, raising his ears up high, before slamming them hard onto the field, everything shaking suddenly. A few of Bunnelby's copies disappeared by the fierce shaking, while some scurried towards Diggersby as the holes were filled up by displaced dirt from the attack. Many were in midair around Diggersby now, and in that moment, the evolved Pokemon seemed to realize his pre-evolved counterpart had the opportunity it needed.

"Double Slap!"

"Bun! Bun!" Bunnelby darted towards Diggersby from behind, using his own ears to swing out at him. He sent Diggersby stumbling forward, grunting in pain from the attack. A moment later, Bunnelby leaped back himself, panting from the effort of the attack, but looking pleased to have gotten around Diggersby's field attack.

"How'd you know Clemont could avoid Hammer Arm like that?" Serena asked, sounding surprised by the move. "It looked like he'd be caught for sure."

"Bunnelby wasn't underground, or on it, when Diggersby was hitting it. By using Double Team, Clemont only made Dean think that's where Bunnelby was. It was the perfect way to hide in plain sight!" Ash smirked, glad to see Clemont finding a workaround for Dean's attack. Now he just needed a way to avoid Hammer Arm when it was direct.

Dean appeared to be planning to try a direct attack again, ordering Diggersby to use Agility once more to build up its speed. Bunnelby backed up at that, knowing how dangerous it was to be close to Diggersby with a speed boost. With Hammer Arm and Agility to contend with, his smaller size offered few advantages in close.

"Bunnelby, get ready to use Double Team again," Clemont ordered, watching closely for when Dean and Diggersby would make their next move.

"Use Agility one more time. They won't match your speed!" Dean countered, narrowing his eyes as he looked across the field at Clemont.

"He's going to make Diggersby too quick to avoid," Tierno pointed out, sounding uneasy. "Bunnelby's already at a disadvantage with Diggersby being evolved, but...this could be bad."

"Luxray or Grotle would've been a better match..." Trevor said, wincing as Dean then ordered a Hammer Arm.

Ash couldn't help but wince as well, seeing Bunnelby once again slow to react as Diggersby kicked off, reaching him in an instant and slamming a muscular ear into him with full force. Clemont cried out in worry, but Bunnelby did his best to shake it off, following through with his Double Team and taking off as he split into multiple copies.

"Use Double Slap right away!" Clemont then ordered, grinning as his determined fighter rushed ahead.

Ash tensed up, watching Dean and Diggersby closely. It seemed they were surprised by Bunnelby's quick response, watching the copies rushing forward uneasily. Before they could make a move to avoid the attack, though, the copies had reached the Digging Pokemon, and a moment later, the true Bunnelby was revealed, striking out at his evolved form with everything he had, smacking upwards into Diggersby's chin, and then down on his head.

"Now, Dig and use Double Slap again!" Clemont commanded, following up quickly.

"Hammer Arm!" Dean ordered, Diggersby stumbling from the Double Slap, but recovering enough to narrow his eyes and bring his ear up once Bunnelby burrowed down. He slammed it down then, but as the ground shook, Bunnelby was already emerging behind him, striking at his back, before following up with his ears and pushing him down further.

Unfortunately for Clemont and Bunnelby, they didn't seem to have done enough, and Ash's eyes widened as he noticed Dean grinning. "Diggersby, use Double Kick!"

"Diggersby!" the Digging Pokemon cried out in joy, glancing back at Bunnelby, who looked back with wide eyes from midair. A moment later, Diggersby struck out with both legs, sending Bunnelby flying back, crying out in pain from the strike.

"Now turn and use Mud Shot!" Dean followed up, pumping his fist as Bunnelby landed hard, before the mud balls were sent rocketing towards him, exploding against him in clouds of dirt. "Get ready with another," he added, as Bunnelby struggled to his feet.

"Double Team!" Clemont yelled, desperate to avoid the attack. Unfortunately, it wasn't going to work, with Bunnelby pummeled once again as he tried to take off.

Trevor sighed, apparently seeing that he was going to be quite important to Lumiose's playoff chances very soon. "Diggersby's just too strong for Bunnelby..."

"Don't you get it, Trevor?" Ash asked, grinning despite Clemont's current struggle appearing to be lost. "Clemont and Bunnelby didn't have the advantage against Dean. But...they didn't want to give up after losing last time. They wanted another chance to get better. And they did, and they'll be even better the next time."

Trevor looked to be considering what Ash was saying, but his eyes drifted over to where Sasha was readying herself for the upcoming battle. "He might've won with Luxray..."

"But Bunnelby wanted this chance," Serena pointed out. "He wanted to prove he could beat Diggersby. He might not be doing it this time...but he was close."

At that, Diggersby spun around to avoid a Double Slap from Bunnelby, striking out with both legs and hitting him with a Double Kick again. That appeared to be it, with Bunnelby lying still upon landing. The referee stepped forward.

As the call was made, Ash looked back to Trevor. "It's up to us, Trevor. I know we can win, but the most important thing is working with your Pokemon. All of your Pokemon."

"Maybe you should change things up a bit, Trevor," Marie added a moment later, while Clemont was making his way back, accepting a hug from a disappointed Bonnie.

Trevor nodded, smiling as he seemed to understand their point. "I think I will." And with that, he was off, exchanging a quick high five with Clemont as he made his way to the battlefield.

"Sorry guys," Clemont said, sitting in Trevor's place as the two battling trainers took their places. "I thought I'd pull it off this time. Dean's pretty clever with that Hammer Arm."

"Doesn't look it, but it seems so," Dawn murmured, looking unimpressed as they all glanced over to see Dean looking quite pleased with himself. Gabby and Casey seemed to be shying away from him.

"Trevor and I can get what we need," Ash told Clemont confidently. "You got us both fired up with that battle so you've still helped a lot."

"Hopefully Trevor does okay," Clemont said, looking out to the battlefield as the referee called for the trainers to select their Pokemon. "Is he using Charizard?"

"He's going to try something different," Marie said, obviously pleased she'd suggested the idea. "I don't think he's realized how well he's trained his other Pokemon with how much he uses Charizard, or even Aerodactyl."

Ash thought that made sense, considering his own experiences with his Pokemon surprising him. Decidueye was a perfect example, already looking like he was keeping up with Greninja in some training exercises. With a Pokemon like Charizard, Trevor's other Pokemon would be working harder to keep up.

Sasha called out her Pokemon first, the Weavile that she'd used in the first match emerging in front of her. She certainly appeared to be expecting a win. She even yawned and smirked in Trevor's direction as he pulled out his pokeball.

"Mudkip, come on out!" he then shouted, the Mud Fish Pokemon emerging in front of him with an excited cry.

"Um...well...I didn't think he'd use Mudkip," Marie murmured nervously.

"Decidueye's strong enough for this kind of thing," Ash pointed out. "Mudkip might not be evolved yet, but I think he can do this despite being newer!"

"Yeah, and they've got perfect rhythm," Tierno said, before standing and cheering. "Go get 'em Trevs!"

With that, the referee raised his flag and waved it down. "Let the battle begin!"

Sasha was the first to act, looking like she was pretty sure, Mudkip would be an easy opponent. "Weavile, hit it with Metal Claw! Let's go!"

Ash was interested in seeing what Trevor was going to do, knowing he'd worked on various things with Mudkip, but not having seen a lot of its strategy since its battle with Tierno at Professor Sycamore's tournament. He was sure it was going to be much more confident this time around.

"Counter with Aqua Tail!" Trevor ordered, just as Weavile's claw began to glow white, the Sharp Claw Pokemon rushing forward at full speed.

"Mudkip!" Mudkip cried out in answer, bracing itself for impact, its tail suddenly covered with water as it glowed blue. He narrowed his eyes, and then launched himself forward, lashing out with his tail as Weavile struck with its own attack.

The crowd gasped as the two Pokemon strained against one another, surprised Mudkip appeared to be holding his own. Ash grinned, seeing the surprise in Sasha's eyes. While last time she had been testing Trevor early in their battle, this time he was almost testing himself and his Pokemon. It already looked like they were passing it, too. He grinned as the Pokemon leaped back from one another, and he was quick to have Mudkip keep the intensity up.

"Mudkip, use Water Gun!"

"Counter with Ice Beam!" Sasha shouted back, appearing frustrated the Metal Claw hadn't given her an early edge. The crowd seemed to sense her frustration, and Ash could already sense the unease among the students. He had a feeling Sasha let things get to her pretty quickly.

"Vile!" Weavile cried out as he sent the icy beam of energy out towards Mudkip's Water Gun. The attacks clashed between the two Pokemon, exploding on contact, before a few pieces of ice fell towards the ground. Trevor seemed to have planned for that, though.

"Use that ice, and launch it back with Aqua Tail!" he shouted, Mudkip already darting forward and nodding. His tail once again glowed blue, water rushing around it, before he spun, lashing out with it and striking the stray pieces of ice.

"Weavile!" Weavile cried out in pain and surprise, raising his arms to protect himself as the pieces struck him.

Sasha seemed more frustrated, glaring daggers at not only Trevor and Mudkip, but Weavile as well. "Hurry and get back in there with Metal Claw!"

"Use Bide!" Trevor then shouted, looking nervous, but exchanging a confident nod with Mudkip as he made the call.

"Mud!" Mudkip replied, narrowing his eyes as he straightened out and braced himself for impact, the fin on his head twitching as Weavile drew closer. His body began to glow briefly, before Weavile reached him and struck out with is glowing white claw.

"Vile!" Weavile shouted in glee, causing Mudkip to slide back a few feet from the strike, wincing, but looking otherwise okay. Sasha seemed to be pleased with Trevor's now defensive approach, though, and quickly followed up.

"Use Metal Claw again!" she ordered, grinning along with Weavile as they looked ahead to their opponent.

"What's Trevor doing?!" Marie said worriedly. "He was doing well. Why get defensive now?"

Ash had an idea of what Trevor was thinking, but Clemont voiced his thoughts first, as Weavile rushed forward for his next Metal Claw attack. "Trevor probably doesn't want to keep Mudkip on the offensive with Weavile being such a speedy Pokemon. Sasha was willing to engage directly at first to see if she could control the match early, but she might've grown more cautious once she could see Mudkip could keep up. Then she might've tried to force Mudkip into a speed game that he couldn't win."

"This way Mudkip keeps Weavile coming at him," Ash added, narrowing his eyes as Sasha ordered another Metal Claw. "And since steel attacks aren't too effective against Mudkip, this won't do too much, while Bide can hit back hard with all the attacks Mudkip is taking."

At that, Weavile lashed out with one last Metal Claw, making Mudkip wince once more, while his body glowed a bright white, with a red aura surrounding him. It was similar to Ash's Goodra when he used Bide, although not looking quite as menacing in his smaller frame. Unfortunately for Weavile and Sasha, it seemed to be menacing enough.

"MUUUDDD!"

"Vile?"

BOOM!

The explosion of white energy blasted forth, the crowd murmuring nervously as smoke billowed up from the battlefield. Sasha was shielding her eyes as wind buffeted her, but Ash could see the shock on her face as she squinted and looked ahead. As the smoke dissipated, he noticed Weavile managing to rise to his feet, but it clearly seemed as though the attack had done some pretty good damage.

"Hit back with Counter!" Sasha then yelled, Weavile nodding after taking a couple deep breaths.

Ash clenched his fists nervously. "This could be bad..."

"Mudkip!" Trevor called out in concern, clearly knowing the damage the incoming attack could do.

Unfortunately, Mudkip couldn't seem to get away, still panting from his Bide attack. His fin twitched nervously as Weavile rushed towards him, and he cried out in pain as Weavile lashed out. The Mud Fish Pokemon was sent flying through the air, crying out as he flew, before hitting the ground hard in front of Trevor. The crowd cheered in response, clearly hopeful that Sasha had taken control of the match. However, Mudkip still managed to rise to his feet.

"Yeah! You show 'em Mudkip!" Tierno called out, clapping for the water type as he stood.

Trevor seemed pleased with his Pokemon's determination, and called for an attack quickly, apparently deciding they couldn't afford to hold back again in case of another attack like that. "Water Gun, Mudkip!"

"Mud!" Mudkip cried out in answer, aiming towards Weavile and unleashing the blast of water.

"Protect! Then use Ice Beam!" Sasha shouted, narrowing her eyes at the incoming water attack.

"Weavile!" Weavile answered her, crossing his arms in front of him, a turquoise barrier shooting up in front of him. The water deflected off of it, before it ended and Weavile was able to rush forward and respond with his own attack. "Vile!"

The icy beam of energy rushed towards Mudkip quickly, surprising the Mud Fish Pokemon as he tried to dodge backwards. The attack hit him square in the chest as he tried to back away. Within moments, ice began to expand across his body, encasing his chest and legs within seconds.

"Oh no..." Shauna then said nervously.

"That's not good," Clemont murmured, adjusting his glasses. "With the damage from those Metal Claws and Counter, Mudkip won't be able to take much if he's left vulnerable to much more."

"Mudkip!" Trevor called out, surprisingly not sounding worried. "I know you can break out of this. Show them what you've got!" He held up his camera, preparing to take a picture. "I believe in you!"

"Metal Claw!" Sasha shouted out, obviously not worried. "Finish this thing!"

As Weavile rushed towards Mudkip, claw glowing a bright white, Ash looked towards Mudkip. The Mud Fish Pokemon had its eyes narrowed, watching its incoming opponent with determination. As Trevor called out to him once more, he seemed to grow even more determined, eyes flashing and body tensing outside of the ice. Then, he began to glow.

"It's evolving!" a Laverre student in the crowd said suddenly, sounding worried. Many other murmurs followed, and as the light expanded, with Weavile closing in, the crowd was watching with intense interest.

"MARSHTOMP!"

"Weavile!"

When the Metal Claw slashed out, the ice was shattered, a tail with rushing water around it coming up to block the strike. Ash grinned as he heard the excited murmurs of his teammates, only not joining in because he was too focused on the match ahead. Mudkip was small no longer, now standing on two feet that appeared much heavier and sturdier, his darker fin twitching atop his head with focus. As he strained against Weavile, Ash could see it wasn't as close as before.

"Go Marshtomp!" Trevor then called out, snapping a picture with the order. His Pokemon answered his call, sending Weavile flying back with a shout, before turning and preparing a final attack. "Now use Mud Shot!"

"MARRR!" Marshtomp cried out, unleashing a barrage of the mud balls, the attack crashing against a stunned Weavile and knocking him back to the ground as he struggled to get up.

"And finish with another Aqua Tail!" Trevor commanded, looking as confident as ever as he made the order.

Sasha could only watch with wide eyes as Weavile stared ahead himself, defenseless as Marshtomp ran forward. "Vile..." it said nervously, before the watery tail crashed into it, sending it flying through the air, before it landed hard on the ground, just a few feet from the referee.

"Weavile is unable to battle!" he announced, raising an arm to Trevor and Marshtomp. "The winners are Trevor and Marshtomp. Lumiose University gets the point!"

Ash and his friends cheered loudly while the Laverre students applauded halfheartedly. They were recovering fairly quickly, though, as Trevor and Sasha began making their way off the battlefield. Ash was pretty sure why, suddenly feeling his heart racing, glancing up to Pikachu on his shoulder.

"Pika!" the electric type said, narrowing his eyes and smiling.

Ash smiled back, looking to the other side of the field, where Anton had risen, ready to head out. "It looks like it's down to me vs Anton."

Serena fidgeted uncomfortably as she watched Ash head out to the battlefield, pausing to congratulate Trevor on his win. While it was great that Trevor had won, Serena couldn't help but feel nervous for what was to come. Obviously this match would decide whether or not the Lumiose Battle Team would qualify for the IPL Playoffs, but what Serena was most concerned about, was how Ash and Greninja's connection would hold up, considering the last match with Anton.

"You okay, Serena?" Dawn asked from next to her, apparently having noticed her fidgeting.

"Yeah," Serena answered, somewhat distractedly as Ash and Anton reached their battle positions. The referee was stepping forward. "It's just..."

"Yeah...I know," Dawn said, looking ahead as she took a deep breath. "Last time was scary. But Ash has worked hard. He and Greninja won't let that happen again."

Serena sighed, not so sure, but nodding as Ash and Anton called out their Pokemon. She couldn't help but notice that Scizor looked particularly menacing in the bright sun, his red, steel body shining brightly. "I hope you're right," she said, listening as the referee held up an arm.

"Let the battle begin!"

"Aerial Ace!"

"Bullet Punch!"

Serena had come to expect fierce attacks from many Pokemon competing in the IPL, especially from Ash's Pokemon. She'd even expected this clash to be even more extreme than the last time Greninja and Scizor had faced off. She, her team, and all the Laverre students weren't prepared for this, however.

BOOM!

As Greninja and Scizor met in the centre of the battlefield, the shock wave from the collision might've shaken the city for all Serena knew. It made Mudkip's Bide and Diggersby's Hammer arm from the previous battles seem like light breezes. This had everyone nearly falling over in their seats, while the referee on the sidelines actually fell over, scrambling back to get some distance as the two Pokemon jumped back, preparing another strike immediately, them and their trainers not bothered in the slightest. Only Bonnie seemed as untroubled as them, cheering loudly for the powerful clash.

"Yeah!" Ash yelled confidently as he pumped his fist, looking fired up. "This is gonna be awesome! Greninja, get in there with Night Slash!"

"We'll see if you keep enjoying this once we're done with you," Anton responded, thrusting his arm forward. "Counter with Fury Cutter!"

"Gren!"

"Zor!"

Once again, the two speedy Pokemon were shooting forward again, Greninja with a menacing purple blade extended out in front of him, while Scizors pincer appeared to straighten out and sharpen, shining in a red light. They shook the field again with their collision, crying out as each tried to overpower the other. Serena had never seen two Pokemon appear to put so much effort into their strikes. It was both inspiring and intimidating to watch.

"Anton might act like he's not interested, but it's pretty clear he and Scizor desperately want to beat Ash," Clemont said, looking uneasy as he tried to steady himself in his seat. "I bet they feel the last match wasn't properly concluded."

Serena nodded, thinking that might very well be the case. As Greninja and Scizor once again broke apart, each panting with the effort from their first two attacks, she remembered Anton's desire to battle Ash way back at the Coumarine Dance. Based on what was happening so far in this battle, Ash had clearly been looking forward to taking on Anton again as well. She couldn't help but smile at the thought, realizing he'd put it off to stay with her that night. She wanted him to win more than ever now.

"Go Ash! Go Greninja! Don't give up!" she yelled, her friends joining in as she cheered.

Ash appeared to grin at the cheers, and in response, Greninja glanced back at him with a knowing look. "You heard them, Greninja!" Ash called out to him. "Our friends are supporting us, so we can't let them down! Let's show our full power!"

"Gren!" the Ninja Pokemon responded, turning and holding up his fist as he stared ahead at Scizor.

"We'll get much much stronger!" Ash yelled. "YEAH!"

As trainer and Pokemon yelled, a torrent of water burst up from Greninja, shooting high into the sky while he glowed from within. Serena could just barely see his form changing, the red and black appearing, his skin lightening, and, as the torrent began to drop, the water forming a shuriken on his back.

As Ash-Greninja stood proudly in front of his trainer, looking ahead to Anton and Scizor, the former clearly knew he needed to respond in kind. "If you want to play things that way..." he said, pulling his Key Stone from the bandana around his neck. "Scizor, show your true power. Show our true power. MEGA EVOLVE!"

The crowd cheered wildly at the display of first Greninja's transformation, and now the glowing lights from the Mega Evolution stones that signaled the transformation of Scizor. As the lights finally dimmed, Serena took a deep breath, nervously watching the menacing pincers that had grown much larger with Scizor's Mega Evolution.

"Marvelous!" Professor Sycamore called out excitedly. "After their interruption last match, I'm sure this will be an excellent battle of Mega Evolution!" He shrugged a moment later. "Well...Mega Evolution and the Bond Phenomenon."

Bonnie's excitement was much simpler. "Go Ash-Greninja! Kick his butt!"

"Bonnie!" Clemont whined, pulling his sister back as she got to her feet and cheered.

And with that, both trainers were ready to continue, and Serena knew that with their powered up forms, the next clash would be even more intense than the first couple. They proved her right immediately, with Ash ordering another Aerial Ace, followed up by a Night Slash, while Anton responded with a Bullet Punch and Fury Cutter combination.

The two Pokemon almost appeared to teleport from their original locations, meeting at the centre of the field while dust clouds shot up from where they'd been an instant before. At first, Greninja's kick from Aerial Ace, and Scizor's closed pincer from Bullet Punch clashed with an earth shaking force, causing the crowd to cry out in surprise once more. Then, the two followed it up with Scizor's other pincer coming up with Fury Cutter, while Greninja flipped over to bring down his purple blade from Night Slash, again, shaking the entire field and the crowd right next to it.

Each trainer wanted to keep up the intensity this time, however, and Serena knew something was going to have to give. Ash appeared ready to ensure Anton and Scizor would be the first to bend, calling quickly for Greninja to leap back and use Double Team. Anton was quick to respond to that, however, ordering an Agility from Scizor to keep his speed up.

"Watch out for Aerial Ace!" Anton ordered. "They'll try to get around you. Keep your focus and use Fury Cutter!"

Ash seemed to have expected Anton's caution, though, apparently perfectly willing to engage. "Greninja, use Water Shuriken!"

"Gren!" Greninja cried out, each of his copies rising up around the darting Scizor and preparing to throw their watery ninja stars. "Ninja!"

As they unleashed their shurikens, Scizor moved quickly, bringing up his glowing red pincer and slashing at each as they headed towards him. Eventually, he struck out with all the force he could muster as the real one hit, grunting with the effort, before spinning around quickly.

"Now counter his Aerial-"

"Night Slash!"

"Ninja!"

"Zooorrr!"

Serena and her friends cheered as Scizor was sent crashing to the ground, dust shooting up from the field as Greninja straightened out above him, a purple blade in his grasp. Anton looked stunned, clearly having expected Ash to have Greninja attack with Aerial Ace from behind Scizor. The last thing he'd expected was for Greninja to attack head on, hidden only by the Water Shuriken.

"Nice move, but that won't be enough," Anton vowed, clenching his fist as Scizor got to his feet. "Vacuum Wave!"

"Zor!" Scizor responded, immediately flying up, his pincers shaking violently, before suddenly spinning rapidly in circles. They appeared to be creating tornadoes in front of them, and Serena blinked in surprise as suddenly a massive wave of windy energy was blasted forth, swirling around before crashing hard into Greninja.

"Gren!"

"Agh!"

"Ash..." Serena leaned forward in worry as Greninja hit the ground, Ash wincing as he did so. He stayed upright, though, grinning despite clearly having felt the hit.

"I forgot about that move. It's pretty strong.." He then took a deep breath, Pikachu looking at him in concern, before Ash gave him a quick nod to comfort him. "All right, Greninja, let's keep it going! Use Water Shuriken! Then hit him with Night Slash!"

Anton wasn't going to let the attack hit that easily, though, instantly ordering a counter. "Agility to dodge it! Then use Bullet Punch!"

"Gren!" Greninja grunted out, bending low as he plucked the shuriken off his back, aiming towards Scizor, before unleashing it with all his might.

The water attack spun towards Scizor rapidly, but unfortunately, the Pincer Pokemon was just too quick, darting out of the way with his increased speed. However, Greninja was ready for that, already leaping into the air, ready to intercept as Scizor flew to the side, swinging out with the purple blade of Night Slash and striking Scizor hard on the side.

"Zor!" Scizor grunted in pain, veering away as he winced, but desperate not to be outdone. "Scizor!" he then cried out, darting back towards Greninja and swinging forward with his pincer, smashing it hard into Greninja's chest and knocking him hard into the ground, causing Ash to stumble again from the pain.

"I hope Ash can handle this..." Shauna murmured nervously. "These look like stronger attacks than even the last time these two battled."

"He can do it," Tierno said confidently, tapping his feet. Serena wasn't sure if he was trying to keep a beat for the battle, or if he was nervous. "Remember, he trained against that Crabominable that Hala showed off at Professor Sycamore's tournament. There aren't many training partners better than that."

Serena thought that was a good point, smiling as she noticed Ash looking more pumped up. She couldn't help but worry a little bit, but he did seem more prepared this time. And he certainly seemed to be enjoying himself despite the strain of it all.

"All right, Greninja, let's use Double Team!" he ordered, sweeping his arm out in front of him, Greninja responding immediately as he split off into dozens of copies.

"Not this time!" Anton shouted, smirking as he tilted up his sunglasses to peer ahead. "Scizor, use Agility and combine it with Vacuum Wave!"

"Zor!"

Despite Greninja's copies spreading out all in front of Ash, Serena could see that he was uneasy by the darting Scizor, watching as the pincers whirled around just as they had before. Then, suddenly, a wave of energy seemed to form in a wide arc around the many copies, Scizor's Agility apparently spreading out the attack. Before Ash and Greninja could react, the attack blew over the field, striking all the copies almost at once. Serena could hear Greninja cry out as he was hit, and it seemed Anton was ready to keep it up.

"Bullet Punch, let's go!"

"Zor!" Scizor cried out, locking onto the staggering Greninja a moment later and shooting forward, appearing like a red streak through the air as he darted down. He slammed his massive pincer hard into Greninja as he reached him, but while Greninja seemed to be in pain, Ash wasn't going to give in.

"Use Water Shuriken, quick!" Ash shouted, his voice pained as he held his chest.

"Gren!" Greninja cried out, bringing out the shuriken and flinging it towards Scizor as he was thrown back. It seemed to work, as he hit the ground hard, but appeared to have landed his own strike well enough.

"Zor!" Scizor grunted, stumbling back and landing on the ground with a thud as the Water Shuriken exploded against him. He panted as he looked ahead to Greninja, the Ninja Pokemon rising and panting as well. Serena was almost sure she saw a nod pass between them.

Ash was the first to break the silence. "All right, Greninja, let's do this! Use Double Team!"

"Scizor, start using Agility!" Anton countered. Serena was pretty sure she knew where this was going, and clearly Anton wanted to counter Ash's move if it was going to work.

"Gren!" Greninja cried out as he leaped high into the air, copies shooting out around him and spreading along his side of the battlefield.

Meanwhile, on Scizor's side, the Pincer Pokemon was darting around furiously, almost appearing to be in two places at once himself at different moments. He already seemed to be building the energy he would need for his counter, and Serena could see that Anton knew it, the Laverre Battle Team captain grinning as he punched the air with his next command.

"Now, build up a Vacuum Wave, Scizor!"

"Greninja, we'll use all our power!" Ash yelled in answer. "Water Shuriken!"

"Zor!"

"Gren!"

The crowd was silent as they watched the two Pokemon prepare their big moves, almost as though everyone was holding their breath. Serena couldn't blame them, staring with wide eyes as Greninja's copies began to converge on one point, a Water Shuriken at the centre growing larger and larger as it began to spin. Meanwhile, Scizor's side appeared to have a significant counterattack being prepared, his swirling pincers whipping up the air all across the field as he darted around.

Then, finally, Ash and Greninja cried out, the true Greninja emerging from the copies, his Water Shuriken spinning rapidly above him, starting to glow red. "Let's go, Greninja! WATER SHURIKEN!"

"VACUUM WAVE!" Anton countered, Scizor crying out loudly as well.

Serena gasped as she watched Scizor thrust forward with his pincers, just as Greninja flung the shuriken down. The two attacks appeared unstoppable, and Serena was sure neither would give. The crowd seemed to think so as well, many now murmuring nervously as the two attacks rushed towards each other. When they clashed, Serena was sure a massive explosion would shake the field again.

But nothing happened.

"It didn't do anything!"

Serena's eyes widened, realizing Clemont was right, seeing Ash and Greninja's Water Shuriken die out as soon as it reached Scizor's Vacuum Wave. It didn't appear that it had been overwhelmed, either, but rather that had simply...failed. Serena quickly looked over to Ash, worried that he might've passed out again, or would be knocked out if the Vacuum Wave hit Greninja. Apparently, though, he was still in the fight, and wouldn't give up.

"Quick! Night Slash!"

"Gren!"

It was just in time. Greninja managed to form two purple blades in tune with Ash's call, and quickly crossed them in front of himself, just as Scizor's Vacuum Wave reached him. While it appeared almost impossible, Serena could see that somehow, the blades held the wave of energy at bay, purple sparks shooting out in front of him as he strained against it. Anton wasn't going to miss his chance to strike, though, quickly ordering another attack for Scizor!

"Bullet Punch!"

"I know you can take it, Greninja!" Ash shouted in answer. "Strike back with Aerial Ace!"

Then, suddenly, Scizor was shooting forward, a pincer pulled back and glowing white. Greninja still strained against the Vacuum Wave energy while Scizor approached, but Serena could see his legs tensed up, starting to glow. She bit her lip nervously, realizing just how close this would be.

"Zor!" Scizor struck Greninja with all his might, and Serena could see the Ninja Pokemon, and Ash, dazed from the hit, nearly slipping and allowing the Vacuum Wave to take over. Somehow, they held on, though, the purple blades of Night Slash still sparking as they held on. And, with the last remaining energy they seemed to have, Greninja kicked out his legs, striking Scizor in the chest and letting the Vacuum Wave shoot up into the air, some of it striking both Pokemon as they staggered from the exchange of blows.

BOOM!

The crowd gasped as the Vacuum Wave exploded high in the sky, almost appearing to disrupt the clouds. But what surprised Serena the most, was what lay on the field. She could see two shapes, glowing as they remained motionless in front of their trainers. A moment later, both Greninja's and Scizor's forms reverted to normal.

The crowd remained silent as the referee stepped forward, looking to each Pokemon cautiously, before raising both arms up. "Both Greninja and Scizor are unable to battle! The battle is a draw! The IPL rules state that in the event of a draw, both teams shall receive one point. As such, both Laverre University and Lumiose University receive a point!"

The crowd seemed conflicted on whether or not to cheer, but surprisingly, they joined in when Serena and her friends began to, the realization hitting them. Serena high fived Dawn as they looked up at a monitor displaying the updated standings. It was official now.

"We're going to the playoffs!"

Author's Note:

And so...PLAYOFFS! Ah...that is a good feeling, isn't it? Just knowing the good stuff is really close...oh yeah. Anyway, obviously a big battle between Ash and Anton here. Hopefully it met expectations (or exceeded...I don't know). I felt Greninja pulling out enough to get a draw after the shuriken move failed again would be a nice bit of progress on that front. As for Clemont and Trevor, unfortunately Clemont lost. You know...dramatic final battle required one to lose, and Trevor needed a win. I kind of like that to get through these big final matches and clinch the playoffs, Shauna, Tierno and Trevor needed to be the heroes. Hopefully it worked out.

Anyway, next chapter is a break from intense rivalry and battling. See you then!