Yo! So i'm back with another chapter, Sorry to all my readers who were eagerly (or not) waiting for another chapter, I've been busy with a lot of crap, plus there's the new semester of college so that sucks, anyways, yeah…..I appreciate you all waiting, and last time I did get a lot of angry mail and some reviews with people saying it's unfair about the review thing so yeah, won't be saying that anymore, anyways, hope you guys enjoy the chapter, and hopefully I won't take long the next time to update. BTW I do not own pokemon, otherwise Ash would be about 17 or such by now, seriously, the guy needs to grow a few.

(Flashback/Mt. Silver)

He was kneeling on the cold snow, staring down at the ground as he grabbed a chunk of the frozen ice in his hands, letting it melt through his fingers as his breaths increased and heartbeats ran faster, "Get up, We're not done yet." Riley pulled his hat off, along with his jacket as he kept his turtle neck sweater on.

"To be the best…..you must endure the worst of pains and continue to fight on, both you and your pokemon". His head slowly lifted itself up, he was met with both raven haired men who were looking down at him, Blue and Red eyes, both piercing him like burning daggers.

"Do you want to be the best?" Red's eyes kept staring him down, so cold yet they reflected the flames of an intense inferno, Ash nodded, "I want it! I want to be the best!" he shouted, standing up from the ground as his fists became engulfed with a fiery blue aura. "Lucario!" he turned his head to the side, finding that the Aura pokemon was already back on it's feet, also ready to continue with training.

The blizzard got harsher but they withstood it, standing at the peak of Mt. Silver where they were above the clouds. "Focus….let your mind be free and rid the poison from your thoughts". He looked at his Lucario, nodding as it immediately took off, clashing with Ash's own pokemon who went head on as well, both of them striking back and forth as Red stood to the side, watching it all with Ash's pikachu on his head.

His brown eyes had disappeared from beneath his lids as he closed them, the thoughts of his friends and family from that day came into presence, *I just think it's time you give up on this dream of yours…*

*...Such a kid…..*

*...follow a path you know you will achieve…*

His eyebrows had furrowed together as he could hear the noises his teeth were creating from being grit together, *I'm going to become a Champion….I'm going to show them all that they were the fools…..* he took in a deep breath, exhaling as the many thoughts bundled up in his mind had disappeared. He clenched his hands and then loosened them repeatedly, tightening them into fists once more as the energy around his fists increased and grew larger.

Riley took a step forward, swinging his energy built fist at Ash who quickly shot his eyes open, dodging the hit as he struck back. It was avoided by the older man who was quick again to send another strike at the brown eyed male who blocked it. They went back and forth just like their lucarios, showing off their incredible speed, power, and endurance.

Riley was pushed back, dragging his feet across the snow as he swiftly grabbed hold of Ash's arm, twisting it as he struck his palm to the boys stomach, blowing him back against a rock as he screamed out from the impact, "More! Show me the power of your Aura Ash!" he shouted, receiving a glare from the younger male, he quickly got back on his feet and shot right for Riley, swinging his fiery aura built fist towards him which he dodged.

"Heh". he was caught off guard by Ash who spun on his heel, grabbing Riley's left arm as he struck his palm against his mentors chest, a ear piercing sound shot through there ears as Riley was struck onto the ground, gasping for air as he sat back up, grabbing a hold of his chest as he glanced over at Ash.

"...Better…." he whispered, still trying to catch his breaths as Red chuckled, lowering his head as he smirked and tipped his hat upwards.

"-Cario!" They pulled away from one another still in mid air as they shot out a light blue energy ball towards each other, causing a series of explosions to occur and a powerful draft of wind to blow by, shielding everybody's sight as both fighting types crashed onto the ground.

"You two have gotten better…...much better". Red clapped, making his way to both Ash and his Lucario.

He narrowed his blood red eyes onto both of them who returned the look,"But it's not good enough if you want to become the best there ever was."

(Gary and Dawn)

"I don't know who to root for…..I mean, you've finally decided to get back in the arena…..and then there's Misty, and Iris, then Max….Argh, so many of our friends are competing in the tournament, there's just no telling who's going to be crowned a Master trainer". She frowned, throwing her head back against the wall as she sighed.

Gary held a smirk towards the bluenette who looked torn between her thoughts, "It doesn't matter who you root for, you should just know that I'll be the one who comes out on top".

"Must have hit your head….." they looked back, seeing Paul who was passing by their table, a cold expression as usual.

"Paul". Dawn smiled, lighting up upon seeing the purple haired trainer who shifted his eyes from her and onto Gary who narrowed his eyes at him.

"What are you trying to say"?

Paul's eyes had closed as he curved his lips into a devious smirk, "Thinking you'll be the one to win? You must have hit your head pretty hard in order to believe that, you may have just returned to the trainer world a couple years back…..but you are still behind on all the skills for this tournament, don't be surprised if you get eliminated in the first few rounds".

Dawn's eyes drew wide open as she held a hand over her mouth, Gary's teeth began grinding together as he tightened his hand around his drink, he loosened it and regained his composure, "True, I may have just returned to the world of battling not too long ago, but my skills have never once faded, a true master never let's his abilities rust away, you and I, I hope we meet on the stadium field, that way you can have a taste of what a true trainers battling skills are like".

"I'll be looking forward to it, make sure to take notes while you're at it, because once I'm done with you, you'll be needing them to take a look back and study on how to actually be good". Paul chuckled, strolling away from Gary who glared after him, and Dawn who stifled a small giggle.

"That guy…...how can he act like that when he got his ass handed to him by Ash in the Lily of the Valley conference years ago?" he grunted, releasing a sigh as he turned back to the bluenette who held a saddened look in her eyes, he clicked his tongue. *Damn...shouldn't have brought it up…*

"Dawn! Gary!" They both glanced at the entrance of the restaurant, seeing Max and May rush over to them, both of them holding worried filled expressions.

"What's wrong?!" they shot up from their seats, looking at both siblings who were now out of breath, leaning by the table as they attempted to gasp there words out.

"M-misty…..battle…...Starmie...Blastoise...and lost!" Max wiped the sweat from his head, shaking his head as he caught his breath.

"What? I don't understand"? Dawn shook her head in wonder, trying to figure out what they were saying.

"Misty lost! She lost to this really strong trainer chick! Her starmie is under intense care!" He blurted out, startling both the bluenette and Gary who grew shocked at his words.

"What?! B-but how?!" the brunette looked at them both, they had grim expressions, May crossed her arms hesitantly, "It just happened so fast, they were both equal in power…...but then...she was taken down from out of nowhere".

"That's not all….." Max averted his eyes from Gary who quirked an eyebrow, he then looked over at Dawn as he grabbed her shoulders, staring into her cerulean hued eyes, "...Ash…...he's back, and he's on the island…."

"W-what…...are you saying"? she gasped and then covered her mouth, holding a shocked look on her face as she pulled away from Max, now stumbling back and being caught by Gary who was just as surprised.

"Ash? As in….Ashy boy? Our Ash?" Gary's eyes grew more intense towards May and Max and who nodded simultaneously.

"We saw him! He witnessed Misty's loss and was even with the Champion of Sinnoh, Cynthia!"

"Cynthia? He was with her"? Dawn looked down towards the ground, dazing off into her thoughts as she kept her hand over her mouth.

"So...he's here, he's actually here…..It's no doubt….Ash came for the tournament as well". Max's jaw dropped.

"Ash?! So...that means….I-i'll probably have a match a-against….him….I can't believe it…."

"May…...Who was the trainer that Misty went up against?" Gary narrowed his eyes onto the blue eyed brunette who tensed up.

"M-max said…...her name was, Leaf….Why?" His eyes grew wide in fear, shocking all three of them who were stunned by the rare expression.

*No…...It can't be her…...It just can't…... not her….not that Leaf…...Impossible….* He handed the bluenette over to May and Max, "Gary?" she looked at him weirdly, he was still in a daze, shaking his head quickly as he turned his expression into a stern one.

"Take care of Dawn for me, I'm sure this must be a shock for her, finding out about Ash….I have something I need to check out, don't wait for me". he stormed out of the front door, leaving both siblings to look at the bluenette who was just as lost.

(Misty/Iris/ Cilan/ Brock)

She shot up from the bench, holding a fist up, "That girl…...next time….she better watch out, because she has no idea who she just sparked a fire within".

Cilan answered back bluntly, "Of course she does, You're Misty Waterflower, Kanto's number one gym leader".

Iris pinched the bridge of her nose, shaking her head as she gave a mad stare to the green haired boy, "You idiot…."

"Misty…." They looked back at the entrance to the ICU where Brock was coming out of, she rushed up to him, grabbing a hold of the white coat he was now wearing.

"Brock! How's Starmie? Please tell me Starmie's ok!" he lowered his head, grabbing a hold of her wrists as he gave a deep sigh.

Her eyes began flooding with tears, all of them ready to pour out as he gave that grave expression, "Starmie…...Is going to be alright". he gave her a reassuring and comforting smile, sparking a relieved look on her as she leaned her head on his chest.

"Thank you…...thank you Brock…." she whispered lowly for only him to hear.

"However….." she shifted her head upwards, looking into his narrowed eyes as he seemed a bit serious.

"Starmie won't be able to compete in battles for quite a while, the damage he took….was impressively brutal and grave….It's going to be a while before it can recover and get back on the arena….I'm sorry".

She shook her head, "I don't care….as long as Starmie is out of harms way, I don't care how long till It's recovery….I should have never put my pokemon in that position, I was an idiot". he was taken aback by the first tear that slid down her cheek.

"You didn't know…...It's no ones fault". he wrapped his arm around her head, letting it rest on his chest as he turned over to Iris and Cilan who frowned.

He could hear her quiet sobs, and feel her tears soak through his shirt, "I…..I won't….lose…" she pulled herself away, wiping her tears away as she gave a slight smile to Brock.

"That girl…..She got lucky this time, but her luck will quickly fade when finds herself across from me again, She'll be the one feeling a loss very soon". She walked away, passing by Iris and Cilan who followed her movements with their eyes, "Hey, Misty! Where are you going?" she called out, waiting to hear the red head's response.

"I'm going to make a call to my sisters, there's a favor I need from them". she gave them a quick wave, letting them wander through their own curiosity of the red head's intentions.

"Excuse me". Brock turned around, finding himself staring into the crystal blue eyes of an attractive blondish brunette, she seemed about the same age as Max, 15 or so. He stopped and kept gazing at her, feeling something within, *Why….why does this girl seem so familiar?*

He stared her up and down, long wavy hair that was spread out like two free ponytails from the back, split bangs, large white circular earrings that hung down from her ears, a giant blue bow that rested around her neck, a short blue dress, brown boots, and a long white sleeveless coat that went down to her calves.

"Yes"? he shook his head, flashing her a smile which prompted her to do the same. "Do you know where I can find the registration desk"?

"Sure, It's on the west wing of the building, right at the front of the entrance". she nodded, giving him another smile.

"Thanks". she gave him a quick wave before going on her way.

"Wait!" He grabbed her by the arm, stopping her from going any further and startling her at the same time.

"Brock?" Iris and Cilan stared at him, both looking stunned.

"We've met…..somewhere, haven't we? I get the feeling that we have". he stared at her firmly, she glared at him.

"Are you trying to hit on me?" She yanked her hand away.

"No, that's not it-" he was cut off, she snapped back in retaliation, "Look, I'm not into older guys, so hit the road, or else I'll show you exactly who Molly Hale is".

"Molly…...Molly…" his eyes shot wide open, "Molly?!" she looked at him weirdly, the same as Iris and Cilan.

"You know her?" The dragon trainer pointed over to Molly who shook her head, Opposite of Brock who nodded.

"It's me, Brock! You met Ash and Misty as well, you met us all just when you were a kid!"

Her eyes shot open, "N-no way! That Brock?! I can't believe it! W-where's Misty and Ash?!"

(Leaf)

She was seated on top of the boulder, laying her chin on her knee as she looked out towards the ocean view, letting the breeze sway her hair aside.

She looked over at her bag which was set beside her, she pulled a photo out from within, staring down at it as she closed her eyes and shook her head "Just when am I going to find you…" she whispered, putting it back inside.

There was slight rustle in the back, "Come out, Just how long do you plan to hide behind the trees?"

"You always were a sharp one". he murmured, stepping from behind as he pushed his hands into his pockets, slowly making his way over to her.

"It really is you….I didn't believe it at first, but now that you're here…...in front of me as I stare with my own eyes, there's no denying it". He had a hurt and horrified look, shifting his eyes far away from her as he slid his hand through his hair, keeping it still there.

"Nice to see you too, Green". his body jolted on the spot, he shot her a glare as she turned her head back to stare at him, a blank expression crossing her face.

"Don't….Don't ever call me that again…..". he seethed through his words, although it showed no effect on her.

"Why? It's who you are….or are you going to turn your back on me again…..you did it once before, so it shouldn't be a problem doing it twice". He pulled his other hand out which was now formed into a fist, trembling furiously as he quickly looked away from her.

"I never turned my back on you….". he closed his eyes, sighing as he slid his hand from his hair down to his face.

"You're right…..you didn't turn your back on me…...but on all of our friends, on the team".

"Stop….." she held in a laugh, shooting him a mocking pitiful expression.

"You walked away...especially when Red needed you the most, and now because of you…...he lost the only person he loved, and I lost someone very important to me…...So do yourself a favor and leave, I can't stand to look at the face of a traitor".

"I was never a traitor, you know damn well I would never do that to you guys! I lost someone very important to me too! Staying wasn't an option if I wanted to keep the only other people close to me safe".

"Are you talking about your gramps and Ash"? He snapped his head over to her.

She smirked, "You did all this just to protect Ash and gramps, but let me tell you this, no matter how much you tried to prevent it, he still found a way to Red, you can't interfere with destiny, it's bound to happen….one way or another".

"What….what are you saying? It can't be…"

"But it is…..Red took him under his wing, and because of that, the Ash you knew long ago is gone. Red turned him into a Champion, a Fighter, he broke the walls preventing Ash from being who he was destined to be. He turned him into the Legend that is going to save us all, and there's nothing you can do about it".

"Are you guys crazy?! Because of what he did, Ash is playing with fire now!" he grabbed her by the shoulders.

"That may be so, but you can't ignore the purpose given to your life by the legendaries. Red's was to become a Master, to wait at the peak of Mt. Silver for the one who he will train, Yours was to guide him to Red throughout his journey…..but you ignored it...instead, you became selfish and wanted to be the chosen one, and when you found out just what exactly it meant to be it…...you left".

"That's because I never knew the consequences of what it meant to be the one…...I was stupid to believe I could take on this title, but because of that, I lost her….I know what it was like…...Ash will only watch as the people he loves get taken away from him."

"You don't think Red suffered the same? He didn't wish this task onto anybody and decided to take it on himself right after you left, just like you….but he also suffered the consequences, it was only then that he realized, Ash is the only one who can do this, It's his purpose, his destiny, and no one else's".

"You say destiny has to go as followed….but it doesn't always have to be that way, it can be changed, and you know it".

She jumped off the rock, pulling herself away from his hands, "We've all been waiting for this moment, LTO created the Legend's tournament just for him, this is what Red has especially trained him for, he needs to win this". She brushed by him, only to be snatched by the arm.

His eyes became cold and cruel, "Which is all the more reason why I can't let that happen".

She brushed her fingers down his cheeks, giving him a full wave of chills, "Which is exactly why I'm here, I'm going to make sure Ash wins this tournament, if you plan to get in the way, then do as you please, but I won't hesitate to take you out…" She looked down at the tear shaped pendant hanging around his neck, she moved her fingers down to it, tapping it once as she grew a smirk.

"How sweet….you still kept my gift to you…...doesn't it hurt to wear it? Knowing it was given to you by the one person who trusted you the most"? she pushed him as she walked by, leaving him to stand alone on the beach.

"No….this isn't how it was supposed to be…." he reached into his pocket, pulling out a rustic white half from a pokeball. "...I never meant for it to be like this….."

(Ash/Cynthia)

He leaned over the balcony, staring at the bright lights flashing up into the night sky that came from the stadium, Lucario walked over, leaning back against the rail as it crossed it's arms. Pikachu was resting back inside with Cynthia, both of whom were laying down on the couch.

*Master….tomorrow it begins, are you nervous?* Lucario glanced over at Ash who kept a calm smile, having his eyes closed as he held his chin under his palm.

*No, I'm more fired up than ever, this it is Lucario, it's my time to show the world that they were wrong…...this is the last step in me being a Master, and no one is going to get in the way of that….no one.*

*I won't fail you, I'll give it my all for this tournament…...But aside from that, I too worry about what Sir Red has involved you in….Lady Cynthia feels the same way, something big is on it's way, I can feel it, Team rocket is not the way they used to be, they've gotten darker, crueler, and have deadly secrets beneath their walls*

He chuckled, *So it wasn't just me, I also have that feeling, but I won't hide or run away, I'm ready to take on the tournament and the world, and I know I have you and my pokemon to believe in, Red and Riley put their ultimate skills into me, I won't let them down. Tomorrow morning, the other trainers better look out, because I'm not handing over that title to anyone.*

"A-ash?" he opened his eyes, glancing back to see the blonde haired woman making her way over to him, pikachu was still sleeping.

"What are you doing up?" she wrapped her robe around herself tightly, shivering from the cold ocean breeze.

"I can't sleep…...you'll catch a cold if you stay out here you know.." he grabbed the blanket sitting on the balcony chair and wrapped it around her.

"Is it because of the tournament"? he nodded, leaning back over the railing as he put his attention back on the view, she followed with doing the same thing beside him.

"It's a lot of things…..my heart races every time I think about standing on the arena, ready to face my opponents….my blood pumps faster with the idea of me taking down the trainers who will stand between me and that trophy".

He reached into his pockets, pulling out what looked like a rustic red half of a pokeball, "In the end…..I want it to all come down between me and one other special person…"

"I'll be rooting for you all the way….I believe you can do this.." she pulled the blanket off, slithering her arms over and around his neck from behind, crossing her arms over as she leaned her lips close to his ear.

She whispered into his ear, sending a rush of sensual jolts running throughout his body, "You were born to be a Legend….." She placed her lips lightly on his cheek feeling it's iciness, he turned around, grabbing a hold of her curved waist as he kissed her, pulling her in closer as their bodies touched.

He slid his right hand down to her leg, lifting it up over and around his waist as she did the same with her other leg, now being held by the raven haired male who spun back to the railing, seating her on top as he pulled her robe down to her shoulders. He trailed his lips away from her own, down to her neck and across her shoulders and chest. She slowly arched her head back, moaning in quiet breaths as the feel of his icy lips over her warm silky skin sent her into euphoric daze.

"...Ash….." she whispered, feeling the tip of his fingers stroke up and down her thigh as he held onto her with the other.

"Why is that you always make me like this…" he responded with a hushed tone, looking up at her as he slid his tongue down the center of her chest, making her cringe in good feeling.

She let out another moan, "No…..I….." she couldn't find her mind to speak, only biting down on her lip as he went up again to kiss her ravenously.

He bit down on her lip, pulling away slowly as he smirked, seeing her pink tinted cheeks and eyes closed. "We should probably get some sleep, it's going to be an early start tomorrow". she opened them, looking down where he held his hand out to her, she took it, jumping off the rail as he led her back in, being joined by Lucario who had his eyes closed the entire time.

(Morning, Tournament First rounds)

"It's time…." he put his last fingerless glove on, tightening his hand into a fist and then loosening it as he turned back to Cynthia who handed him a red and white hat.

"It was nice of Red to give you his hat". he nodded, "He said it'll bring me good luck, but I know victory will come from my strength and skill".

He glanced over to the mirror, looking at his appearance once more, dark black pants, red and black shoes, a white shirt, and a sleeveless red hooded sweater. He placed the hat onto his head, grabbing the six pokeballs laid out on the surface of the table and clipped them onto his belt.

"Let's go". Pikachu jumped onto his shoulder as he was joined by Cynthia, the both of them exiting out the front door.

(Legends Stadium hall)

"Wow! So many people!" Iris exclaimed, looking back and forth at the crowd of trainers waiting in the battlers hall just like them.

"Not as much as that". Max pointed to the large screen set up in the top center of the room, showing the inner stadium field where the rows of seats were filled completely with a roaring crowd.

"This is it". Misty held up a fist, staring up at the screen of the stadium with a determined look.

Gary had stood quiet, looking over at Leaf who was on the other end of the hall, leaning back against the wall as she stared up at the screen as well, she shifted her eyes onto him, smirking before turning to the side and walking away.

He sighed, looking back as he noticed Paul this time, standing only a few inches away as he also looked up at the screen, he caught sight of the brunette from the corner of his eye, turning his head just slightly to shoot him a cold smile. He clicked his tongue, returning a glare to the purple haired trainer who strolled away.

He was making his way out of the hall, passing by Ash who was coming in, a smirk grew on his lips as he chuckled quietly, "I knew you weren't that much of an idiot to let yourself die".

A grin appeared on his face as he tipped his hat upward, "Good to see you too Paul". they parted opposite ways.

The screen had shifted onto the tournaments host, Master Coordinator and former Hoenn Champion Wallace, "Welcome all! To the annual Legends tournament! Where only the best of the best trainers compete to be crowned Master! That's right! One of these trainers will rise out from all else and be titled a Master trainer, a title prestigious even among champions! But who will it be?! Well, it looks like we'll just have to find out!"

(Stadium Seats)

"Wallace! Oh Arceus he's gorgeous!" May squealed, growing huge bold shimmering eyes as she drooled over the master coordinator, Dawn had an anxious expression to her face as she swayed her head back and forth, looking around the arena.

"Are you trying to find Ash"? she stiffened up at Brocks words.

"Yes…." she sighed, slumping forward depressingly, Cilan patted her back.

"Dawn! May! Brock! Cilan!" The four of them turned back to see a group of familiar faces making their way down to them.

"Mom! Dad!" May shot up from her seat, hugging her parents as they passed by to take a seat in there row.

"Mrs. ketchum! Professor Oak!" Dawn hugged them both, allowing them to pass through as they took up the last two seats in their rows.

"What are you guys doing here? Dad! What about the gym?!" The bluenette still looked shock about their sudden appearance.

Her mom giggled, "Well, we wouldn't miss your brothers big shot at the Legends tournament now would we"?

Norman nodded, "That's right, I'm so proud of both of you, with you being a well known coordinator and your brother making it this far after getting second place at the Indigo League, a father couldn't be prouder". his eyes were watering up and lips were rumbling as both brunettes comforted him, each of them holding a sheepish and embarrassed look.

"I can't miss my grandson on this special day either". The professor laughed, Dawn looked over at Delia who held a saddened smile on her lips. "Mrs. Ketchum…." she shook her head, turning over to Dawn with a cheery smile, "Yes dear?"

"There's something you should know…." All eyes were on her now as she stared into the brunettes eyes.

"Enough talk! The first rounds for the tournament will be a double battle, we will now determine the matchups and partners for this round!" He pointed up to the screen where the pictures of every trainer on a card was being shuffled around.

A large beep rung out as each card was shown faced down, being paired in two's as they flipped over, everyone gasped at the outcome while others were just downright shocked.

"Ash…" Delia pressed both her hands over her mouth, tearing up as she saw her son's photo on the screen.

"...No way…" Max turned back to Ash who seemed just as stunned as they saw their photos paired up.

"You gotta be kidding". Gary narrowed his eyes onto the partner he had been set up with, Paul.

"Just my luck". the purple haired trainer sighed sarcastically.

"They're all here…...all the people I've ever fought against". Ash chuckled, staring on to the many familiar faces shown the screen.

Cynthia was seated at the top of the balcony of the stadium, her seat being next to the other champions, Steven, Alder, Diantha, and Lance. She leaned her elbow against the armrest, placing her chin ontop of her index finger, a smirk crept up on her lips, *Right off the start and things have gotten interesting*

Alright so that's where I will end this chapter, I know I promised that this chapter was going to be the matches but I'm still outlining the way the tournament is going to be, I have some of it down but not the rest, so if you guys have any suggestions then just throw them out there, who would you like to see in a double battle? I have plenty more of characters to bring out so don't you worry if you didn't see your fav one here, which pokemon would you guys also like to see Ash battle with? What characters should I bring out? ANOTHER decision I need help with is deciding whether I should add mega evolutions in here, i'm debating whether or not so help me out here guys, my heads kind hurting from it, So yeah, I'll be posting up a poll on my page so check it out and don't forget to review or whatever, not gonna say anything since I got many lashing reviews about angry readers who weren't happy with me asking for reviews in exchange for a chapter. So yeah, if you guys have any questions or whatever then feel free to pm, send smoke signals, send a pidgeot messenger…... or not, and I'll get back to you. Laterz!