"Laaa…"

"Latios, what is it?"

"Little sis… my little sis is watching this… I feel it…"

"…"

"…"

"I know. She must be proud of you."

"Now, let's start!" Jira shouted. "Draco Meteor!"

"Kingdra, use your own Draco Meteor as well!" Stephen said.

As the two attacks shot up in the sky, they created a huge star storm above the battlefield, with Latios and Kingdra doing their best to aim at each other through their mind. Causing a massive explosion, it left the Wyndon Stadium blown away, as Ash and his friends were feeling the massive draconic energy.

When the dust settled, both Pokemon have taken a bit of damage. Latios seemed mostly unfazed, however, using its significantly higher reaction speed to dodge Kingdra's attack.

"Ugh." Stephen said. "Let's try something else! Dragon Dance!"

"Latios, let it do its thing."

As Kingdra was increasing its attack and speed stat, Ash began to remember his Johto battle against Clair. Kingdra was one of her main Pokemon, but that one seemed like it was mostly relying on underwater tactics, utilizing its water-type abilities. This Kingdra, however, seemed much more offensive in nature.

"Now Kingdra, charge towards your opponent! Liquidation!"

"Psyshock!" Jira replied.

Kingdra was too fast to get caught at point blank, but Latios's Psyshock managed to deviate its course to the point where Kingdra barely missed. Although Latios was resistant to water-type attacks, Jira, knowing that its opponent has boosted its attack, preferred to rely on a resilient gameplay.

Stephen ordered another Liquidation as Latios responded with Psyshock. This time, Latios managed to actually hit Kingdra straight in the face.

"Ugh! It's not finished!" Stephen shouted. "Kingdra! Giga Impact!"

"Use your own Giga Impact as well, Latios!"

"Latios… I'm starting to realize why it's so powerful."

"Ash, what are you thinking about?" May said.

When the dust settled, Kingdra and Latios stared at each other, before Kingdra crashed.

"Kingdra is unable to battle! Latios wins!"

"Return, Kingdra. You did well." Stephen said.

"You too, Latios."

"Jira! We're just getting started." Stephen smiled, before suddenly turning serious. "I have to fight for Blackthorn City. I want to destroy Team Rocket."

"Destroy… Team Rocket?" Ash thought.

"They are the ones who spread rumours about my town… some article appeared yesterday, describing Blackthorn City as a hub for… prostitute life..."

"WAIT?! WHAT THE-" Ash thought.

"Ash…" Misty and Serena spoke at the same time, before Serena continued "...this is why we quit our… idol life. We just want to be left alone."

"We're gonna tell you more about it," Dawn said, "but let's just say… most of the media is controlled by Team Rocket."

"Hm… they corrupted my mother. And I thought they were just after my Pikachu."

"So you're like him." Jira said. "My friend, Ash Ketchum."

"Ash? The first finalist?"

"Yeah."

"I'm gonna be the one who will defeat him. I will first…" Stephen said as he smiled, "defeat you, Jira."

"Rhyperior, let's get them!" Jira shouted.

"Lapras! Come on out!" Stephen said.

"That's quite unexpected." Goh thought. "That's not a dragon-type."

"Rhyperior! Stone Edge!"

"Hydro Pump!"

"Shit, it almost hit Rhyperior at point blank."

"Try waiting for its next movements, Rhyperior. Meanwhile, use Swords Dance."

"Ugh.. can't let that thing get stronger!" Stephen thought. "Use one more Hydro Pump!"

Lapras charged its Hydro Pump at a stronger level and hit Rhyperior just as it was about to dodge. Rhyperior was able to succesfully boost its attack power, but it was already huffing and puffing because of Water-type moves being doubly effective. Nevertheless, Rhyperior really had the spirit of a true warrior, and continued.

"Now, Lapras! Charge towards it with Body Slam!"

"Use Megahorn!"

Lapras jumped above Rhyperior, a truly impressive feat for such a peaceful and large Pokemon… but it wasn't able to take advantage of its slow speed, as it was met with a boosted Megahorn straight to the stomach. That's gotta hurt.

"Let's finish this! Ice Beam!"

"Rhyperior, counter with Fire Punch!"

Rhyperior's Fire Punch was able to thaw off the Ice Beam thanks to its superior strength, and charged towards Lapras. But…

"Hm." Stephen smiled.

"Hit it with Fire Punch!"

"Horn Drill!" Stephen shouted.

"What the…"

The two attacks collided, before making contact with each other, causing a huge explosion. When the dust settled, both Pokemon were left on the ground.

"Lapras and Rhyperior are both unable to battle!"

"And it's now 2-1! Stephen pulls off a last-minute Horn Drill and takes Rhyperior down with it! A true spirit of sacrifice we have!" the announcer said.

"Man, this guy must be one of us. After this whole tournament…" Ash thought, as all the four girls and Goh were looking at him. Hop was more concentrated on the battle, but was still glancing from time to time.

"Feraligatr! Let's get them!" Jira shouted.

"Porygon-Z! Come on out!" Stephen responded.

"This Porygon-Z…" Stephen said… "it was a Porygon I found. It was from Team Rocket… but it was thrown away…"

"Team Rocket?" Jira asked.

"Yes. Porygon overheard something… and I got the understanding that he was going to be sold…"

"What a bunch of cretins", Jira spoke. "I want you… to meet Ash."

"But for now, I want to see what your Pokemon can do. Feraligatr, use Dragon Dance!"

"Porygon-Z, let's not allow that. Thunder!"