Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon or anything to do with the franchise. If I did Ash would age, and actually, win a real league.

A/N: Here is Ash's third symbol battle, please enjoy.

Scott's House

Scott was sitting behind his desk in his private office, his latest challenger Ash Ketchum was making light work of his Battle Frontier. Already the young trainers had two symbols, and according to the boys latest message, he would soon be arriving at Celedon City, where he would take on Greta at the Battle Arena, from there Scott would assume they would head to Saffron City, where Ash would battle Anabel. His adoptive daughter was training hard in anticipation of challenging Ash.

Scott lounged back and removed the letter from his drawer, he still wasn't sure what he should do about Anabel resignation. The young brain had insisted this would be her last challenge as she really wanted to leave the Battle Frontier and travel the world with Ash. Anabel had faced many male trainers in the past, but none had grabbed her attention like Ash had. When he had asked her where this obsession had come from, Anabel had told him that she felt a deep connection to Ash. Scott had dismissed that being the girl had never met the boy before, but it was clear that this wasn't some sort of crush, but genuine love.

Scott had known Anabel the longest, in fact he was basically her adoptive father, he knew about the special connection she had with Pokemon, and it seems she felt that Ash might have the same connection, when Scott had asked her to provide proof of this, she had laughed, and told him, that he just needed to see how Ash battles, and how much his Pokemon trust him. So Scott had taken a special interest in this Ash and had watched all his battle to see just what Anabel was trying to explain to him. After several battles Scott too was convinced that there was more to Ash then just being a good trainer, and so he had invited him to the Battle Frontier to see first hand this special connection he had to Pokemon.

From a father point of view though, Scott was worried, Ash already had two female companions and it was clear that the three shared a deeper bond than just friendship, he had seen this first hand the way Ash interacted with both of them. Scott didn't want Anabel becoming just another girl, he wanted her to find someone special, who would accept her, and appreciate her talent, however, it seems Anabel's heart was set on Ash. Scott just hoped that Ash would feel the same way about Anabel when the time came for them to meet.

Battle Arena

Ash, Cynthia, and Sabrina stood in awe at the structure in front of them. Two large red doors were in front of them, and on the other side was a large building that was designed to look like a Japanese dojo. Ash looked to his shoulder.

"Well buddy this will be our third battle, you ready?" Ash grinned as Pikachu gave a paw up.

Ash pushed open one of the large doors. Before him was a large courtyard and on the courtyard were rows and rows of people dressed in martial art gear, all following the demonstration of what Ash assumed was the leader, who was now demonstrating to the group.

"Left thrust, right thrust, that it imagine your a Hariyama using its arm thrust, faster, that's the way." Greta noticed the three arrivals. "And stop, well down everyone, class dismissed." The group all moaned and groaned as they dispersed from the courtyard. Greta marched straight up to Ash.

"Welcome Ash Ketchum, I've been expecting you, please follow me." Greta noticed the surprise on Ash's face, she then turned on the group and lead them into the Dojo, as she did she began to talk again. "You're wondering how I know who you are right?" Greta turned her head towards Ash and noticed he nodded his head. "Like the other brains I watched the silver Conference final, also Scott sent word that you would be heading this way soon. I must say though you look different compared to the last time I saw you battle."

Ash followed Greta. "My two traveling companions decided I needed a new look, and between them, they came up with this. The coat is actually an official League Champion coat, a reward from Mr. Goodshow."

Greta entered the dojo and then turned to Ash. "I see, well let me explain how things work at the Battle Arena, here it is all about making sure trainers are kept on their toes, and so before we battle you spin a large wheel. Whatever the arrow lands on will be the type of battle we will have. Some battles will have certain restrictions where others will not. So now that you understand how the Battle Arena works, do you still want to challenge?"

Ash nodded his head confidently. "Yes, Greta I challenge you to a battle."

Greta grinned. "Excellent, I will lead you to the battle area, I hope you don't mind but my class will sitting in on the battle, your companions are more than welcome to join and watch too." Greta pushed opened two large doors revealing a large battlefield, her class was already sat around the field waiting.

Ash got a kiss each from Sabrina and Cynthia, he then handed Pikachu to Sabrina and walked onto the field and into his trainer box. Greta had done the same on her end. He noticed the large wheel to the side. And then looked to Greta.

"Okay Ash this is it, Todd spin the wheel please."

The student called Todd reached up and pulled down the wheel to make it spin. Eventually, it stopped. "Its a three on three battle, two Pokemon must be fighting types."

Greta grinned. "Excellent then my first Pokemon will be Hariyama!" The ball snapped open to reveal the large fighting type Pokemon.

Ash removed a ball from his jacket. "Let's go Knuckles!" The ball snapped open and Knuckles appeared on the field focused and ready for battle.

Greta was impressed. "I was hoping you would use your Lucario, it was quite impressive in the finals, now let's see how it matches up against a true fighting type. Hariyama use Bulk up!" The large fighting type flexed its muscles increasing its attack and defense,

Ash decided to follow suit. "Knuckles you use Bulk up too." Knuckles attack and defense rose.

Greta decided to launch the first attack. "Hariyama use Arm Thrust!" The large fighting type charged forward at surprising speed for a large Pokemon, it then used its large arms to thrust at Knuckle.

"Knuckles use Iron defense and then use Blaze Kick!" Knuckles used Iron defense causing it body to become hard as steel, Hariyama suddenly pulled back and winced both palms were glowing red before it could retreat further. Knuckles bought his leg up in a huge flaming arc that smacked into Hariyama causing the fighting type to skid back.

Ash fist pumped. "Good work Knuckles now use Power up Punch!" Knuckles ducked under another arm thrust which Greta had ordered to counter his Power-up Punch. He landed two fists right into Hariyama stomach causing the large fighting type to fall to one knee. As each fist landed he flickered and his attack rose.

Greta looked worried. "Don't give up Hariyama use sand attack!" Hariyama grabbed a handful of sand and threw it into Knuckles face causing the steel/fighting type to howl in pain. "Now use Arm thrust."

Ash could see Knuckles was in some discomfort, so would he be if sand was thrown in his face. "Knuckles don't panic, stay calm, use your aura to sense Hariyama attacks and dodge."

Knuckles was taking a pounding from Hariyama attacks, however, he used his aura and soon was avoiding all strikes.

Greta looked on stunned. "But how? Hariyama use Close Combat"

Ash frowned. "Knuckles use Double team and then counter with Sky Uppercut!" Knuckles duplicated itself until a dozen Lucario appeared. Hariyama had hit one of the copies causing it to miss its attack, and now it was open to counter-attack. Knuckles crouched and charged up his fist, with all his duplicate doing the same. He then landed a hard punch under Hariyama chin sending the large fighting type flying into the air and crashing down on Greta side of the field. It slowly got to its feet, and started to sway.

"Now Knuckles use Tri Punch combination!" Knuckles moved in and hit the dazed fighting type with a powerful fire punch, he then followed up with ice punch which lifted Hariyama off its feet. Knuckles then jumped and used a downward thunder punch right onto the top of Hariyama head, causing the large fighting type to sway before falling with swirl for eyes.

Todd looked to the field. "Hariyama is unable to battle winner Lucario."

Greta recalled Hariyama and looked over towards Ash. "Impressive, I have never seen such a combination before, you are proving to be every bit as strong as I hoped you would be. Now prepare yourself I choose you Medicham!" The ball snapped open to reveal Medicham ready for battle.

Ash looked on a little worried. Although Medicham was a fighting type it was also part psychic which could be a problem for him. "Knuckles return"

Knuckles turned his head towards his father and nodded, he was then returned to his Pokeball. Ash grabbed another ball from his jacket. "Let's go Snorlax" The ball snapped open and Snorlax appeared on the field and yawned.

Greta wondered why Ash would recall his Lucario and send out a normal type, especially when it was weak against fighting types. "Medicham use Bulk up and then use Force palm."

Medicham raised its attack and defense and then powered up its fist before smacking them into Snorlax, this caused Snorlax to skid back and grunt in annoyance.

Ash grinned. "It will take more than that to beat my Snorlax Greta. Snorlax use Curse!" Snorlax flickered red, its attack and defense rose, but its speed fell sharply.

Greta didn't look impressed. "You won't win this match on defense alone Ash, Medicham use Force Palm again."

Ash watched as Medicham closed in on his Snorlax. "Counter Snorlax use Curse and then Yawn!"

Snorlax used curse just as the palms made contact with its body. It then opened its mouth and yawned catching Medicham who was now swaying as it was fighting to stay awake.

Greta knew Medicham would fall asleep next turn, so decided to prepare. "Medicham use Substitute?"

Medicham was feeling the effects of the yawn but it was able to create a substitute before it fell asleep.

Ash looked at the substitute now on the field. "Snorlax break it using Thunder punch!"

Snorlax charged its fist with electricity and slammed it hard into the substitute causing it to break, this revealed Medicham still asleep.

Greta was worried, however, she had her own trick, she was use to trainers using status effects on her Pokemon, a lot used hypnosis so she had taught all her Pokemon Sleep Talk, in preparation. "Medicham use Sleep talk!"

Medicham jumped up high with its knee raised, it then dived downwards towards Snorlax.

Ash seeing the incoming High Jump kick decided to counter. "Snorlax dodge and then use Body Slam!"

Snorlax jumped to the side to avoid the high jump kick, this, of course, caused Medicham to take damage. With Medicham down, the huge Pokemon fell on top of the fighting/psychic duel type smothering it under its huge weight. As Snorlax got up Medicham could be seen flat on the field with swirl for eyes.

Todd made the call. "Medicham is unable to battle the winner is Snorlax."

Greta recalled Medicham and looked over towards Ash. "Well Ash you have beaten two of my Pokemon, I only have one left. Come on out Primeape!" The ball snapped open and the fighting type appeared on the field ready to battle.

Ash could tell this Pokemon was strong. "Snorlax use Yawn!" Snorlax used Yawn however it had no effect on Primeape.

Greta laughed. "The same trick won't work twice Ash, Primeape ability is Vital spirit which means he can't fall asleep. "Primeape use Focus energy!"

Primeape was surrounded by a red glow, its next attack would be a critical hit.

Ash decided to recall Snorlax, he then picked another Pokeball from his jacket. "Let's go Heracross!"

The ball snapped open to reveal the large bug/fighting duel type ready to battle.

Greta decided to launch her next attack. "Primeape use Cross Chop!"

The fighting type jumped and crossed its glowing arms in an x formation, before landing the attack on Heracross who skidded back and locked eyes with the fighting type.

Ash could see Greta wasn't playing around, focus energy and the cross chop, both had a high chance of landing a critical hit. "Heracross use Double team and then Arial ace."

Heracross flickered and duplicated itself. All the copies wings then started to flap as they all took to the air. Primeape then was assaulted by a dozen or so Heracross diving down on it. Eventually, the real one hit and sent Primeape crashing to the floor, however, it soon recovered and started to jump up and down, steam was coming out of its ears.

Greta was relieved her Pokemon was okay, she hadn't been expecting the flying type move from the bug type. "Primeape use Double team and then Fire punch!"

Primeape flickered and created duplicates of itself, all the copies and the real Primeape then began pummeling Heracross who was doing its best to avoid the attacks. One by one the copies vanished until the real Heracross was revealed. It cried out as it took the super effective attack head-on, and fell to one knee.

Greta was pleased. "Finish it Primeape use Fire Punch again."

The fighting type charged towards the bug type once more, however, Ash was ready, he had a surprise. "Heracross use Earthquake!"

The bug/fighting duel type slammed its large foot into the ground causing the battlefield to shake. This caused all the Primeapes to stumble, as they did the copies vanished.

Ash grinned. "That's your target Heracross use Megahorn! And then Arial ace!" Heracross charged across the field towards the down Primeape. Its huge horn was now glowing. Heracross slammed it's horn into the Primeape launching the fighting type high into the air. Heracross then took off and dived down on the now helpless fighting type. The impact of the two Pokemon caused an explosion. From the cloud of smoke, Primeape crashed into the field below creating a small crater where it had landed. The fighting type laid motionless with swirl for eyes.

Todd again announced the result. "Primeape is unable to battle, the winner is Heracross. Greta the Frontier brain has lost all her Pokemon and so I declare the challenger Ash Ketchum the winner."

Greta sighed and recalled her Primeape. "An excellent battle Ash Ketchum, I can see why you have won three league championships. As proof of your victory here at the Battle Arena I present you with the spirit symbol."

Greta handed over the symbol, which Ash took and raised it in the air. "I won the spirit symbol" Pikachu also posed on Ash's shoulder, he had ran onto the field once the result was announced.

On the outside, Sabrina and Cynthia groaned. It was clear Ash was growing up, but it looked like he still had a long way to go.