Ok so I am back with another chapter and a long one at that, my fingers hurt and are cramping slightly so I take that as a form of accomplishment, hope you all enjoy and don't forget to review. (Btw I recommend you listen to some badass music while reading this, it gives more effect and make its more awesome, or it could just be me, any who, yeah...)

(Seven years ago)

She looked up at the sky, holding her hand out as she caught the first drop of water from above. "I need to find shelter".

She knew her hair would be ruined, but having flawless locks like her didn't make her worry, she just didn't want to catch a cold from the rain. She picked up her pace as she continued following the one way path through the forest, only to stop as she heard a large explosion.

She stopped and turned to the left, walking through the bushes and tall plants which she scooted aside, finding herself now watching what looked to be a finished pokemon battle. "Alright! Finish it up with Hyper beam!" the trainer pointed to his opponents Riolu who was barely able to stand.

"Flygon!" the dragon type soared up into the sky, slicing the rain drops in half with it's wings vibrations as it shot back down, firing a deadly purple and black energy blast at its foe.

The riolu's trainer looked troubled, biting down on his lip as he quickly called out, "Dodge and then use Force Palm!"

"Pi! Pika!" the pikachu on his head had quickly covered its eyes with it's tiny paws.

The riolu had attempted to throw itself aside in order to dodge it, but rather instead was struck by Hyper Beam, "Riolu no!" he shouted, running after his pokemon who was screeching in an ear piercing manner. Another explosion occurred, causing a cloud of smoke to block everyone's sight.

"Hmm.." She crossed her arms, taking cover beneath one of the trees as she leaned against it, interested to see what happened next. The smoke was quickly washed away, revealing the raven haired boy on his knees, down on the ground, holding his pokemon in his arms.

"Hmph, you're not even worth my time! Flygon return!" His opponent had called back his pokemon, leaving the young trainer without another word.

"Sorry Riolu….I got carried away…." he sighed, not bothering to stand up as he let his pants get stained with mud.

*W-wait….is that Ash?* she kept staring at him, waiting to see if it really was.

A tiny smile crossed his lips, "You got better though, we just need to keep training and soon enough we'll be able to defeat that gatekeeper and gain entrance within Mt. Silver". His riolu nodded, also returning the same look as he pulled himself away, pulling the last of his strength to stand up and pose with both his arms bent upward.

*What is he doing here?* She took in a slight breath, calmly making her way over to the raven haired boy.

"What a pleasant surprise this is". he rose his head up quickly, turning it from side to side as he searched for the voice. He saw the blonde making her way over to him, smiling a very mischievous smile.

He fell back from surprise, "C-cynthia? What are you doing here?"

She chuckled a bit, this time growing a smirk, "How have you been Ash, I see you're the same as ever".

He frowned at her words, she took notice, becoming somewhat intrigued as to why, "I'm not the same….I'll never return to the person I was before, a weakling who was thrown by the people he trusted most…".

"Why do you say that? I've always seen you as a promising trainer, to become strong requires patience, only those who can give their time will prevail over all and become the legends". her words continued repeating over and over in his head, he looked at her, being taken aback by how serious she became while speaking.

"You? You saw me as a promising trainer?" she nodded.

"I still do, no matter the losses, it is the experience and training that counts the most…." she closed her eyes, seeming to be holding back.

"What". he asked, now curious.

"...Come with me Ash….come and train with me". He looked stunned by her request, now staring at the hand she held out to him.

"You mean like a student?" he asked, slowly reaching his hand towards her own.

"No, more like a protege…...you have so much potential, all you need is the right training to reveal the skills locked within you". She kept her hand out to him, waiting for his response as he turned to his Pikachu and Riolu.

"I'll do it…...whatever it takes". he took her hand, leering up at the blonde who returned the same gesture.

(Currently)

"Meowth and Raichu are no longer able to battle! Trainers! Call out your next pokemon!"

They pulled out a new pokeball, throwing it up in the air with a scream.

"Metagross! Let's go!"

"Tyranitar! I need you!"

"And it seems both trainers are hitting back with a destructive duo! How will Ash and Max pull through with these two?!"

"Max…" he swiped his arm down, keeping his eyes ahead on the field as Max turned to him.

"Don't let your guard down at all, understand?" he kept staring, becoming distracted by Ash's firm attitude.

"O-ok". he nodded with hesitation, turning his focus back to the field.

Ritchie shot his hand forward, "Tyranitar! Use earthquake!"

Tyson's smirk widened, "In that case, Metagross use magnet rise!"

Everything was too quick, Tyranitar's foot slammed into the ground, stirring up a massive vibration below which began trembling the ground apart. Metagross's body was engulfed with electric currents, allowing it to rise up from the ground and float.

"Pikachu! Look out!"

"Gallade! Jump!"

They watched as both of their pokemon were struck with the powerful force ignited from below the cracks of the ground, blowing the two of them back with cries of defeat.

"Finish them both off with meteor mash!"

"What!" the steel type's arms connected into one, it quickly raced after both Pikachu and Gallade, spinning rapidly in clockwise manner while being surrounded in a blue aura.

"Dodge!" they shouted, but it proved effortless as they watched Metagross ram straight into both pokemon who collided with the stadium's wall, stunned by the damage the attack left, a split and crumbled apart wall and their pokemon unresponsive.

The crowd was left shocked, he could hear the whispers over and over, looking back at his pikachu who was unconscious.

"No way….that metagross is deadly, with just one hit he took down two pokemon". May cringed, unable to stop staring at the steel type.

Brock began rubbing his chin, "Not only that, but it seems Ash and Max will have to figure out a way to take down both Tyranitar and Metagross who are total powerhouses, but how is the question".

Norman laughed, crossing his arms firmly as he kept a confident look on his face, "Max knows at this time, there is only one pokemon in his team who is capable enough to go head on with either of those pokemon.

"Who?" Asked Dawn, now curious like the others, May clicked her tongue, sending a wink over to the bluenette who frowned.

"You'll see".

"Pikachu and Gallade are unable to battle! Trainers call out your next pokemon!"

"Pikachu return…." he looked down at his pokeball, forming a slight smile, "...Thanks buddy".

"You did awesome Gallade, thank you".

"Ready?" Ash pulled out his second pokeball, looking over at Max who did the same, both of them now nodding as they threw them up.

"Slaking you're up!"

"Typhlosion! I choose you!"

"Wow! So it seems like he evolved his quilava as well, just like you did Dawn". Cilan continued talking, oblivious to the fact that the blue haired coordinator wasn't even listening, her only focus being on the raven haired trainer.

Professor Oak remained silent, staring intensely at Typhlosion who roared, releasing a powerful flame from it's back. "Now that I think about it, I don't know how any of Ash's pokemon are…..the last I remember of them was Professor Rowan claiming rights for all of Ash's pokemon".

"No more wasting time! Typhlosion! Use Eruption all around!" Typhlosion growled as it charged towards its opponents with the flames on its head and tail growing larger, igniting a bright geyser of fire to shoot up.

"Protect now Metagross!" shouted Tyson, watching as a green energy shield formed around the steel type who countered the heating move away from itself.

"Perfect". smirked the raven haired trainer with closed eyes.

Eruption exploded around the arena, leaving a cloud of smoke to block Metagross and it's trainers sight as Typhlosion swiftly burrowed into the earth.

"Slaking! Use Hammer arm on Tyranitar!"

It growled while pounding on it's chest, charging heavily towards Tyranitar with it's arm glowing in bright white essence.

"Use Dragon claw Tyranitar!"

It quickly took off, sparking with Slaking as it's claws gripped onto the normal types fists, overtaking it with it's red glow as it began shoving Slaking backwards.

Max shot his fist forward, "Let's bulk up"!

It's body was suddenly outlined with a magenta hue while it pushed Tyranitar away, allowing it enough time to flex it's body and tighten it's muscles which had thickened.

Norman laughed, clapping his hands together in a controllable manner, "That's my boy! He's going for an early KO!"

Cilan breathed out, "I wonder what they have planned, Max seems pretty worked up but Ash has yet to show any type of reaction".

"Ash….." she whispered, frowning deeper as the match continued on with only her attention focused on him.

The smoke cleared, allowing Tyson to realize that Typhlosion was nowhere in sight, he quickly whipped his head back and forth, "What the…..Keep an eye out Metagross! Typhlosion can appear any second!"

His eyes opened, he held his hand forward, not saying a word as Typhlosion shot up from beneath the steel type who was still floating mid air.

"Inferno, and let's make it critical". he clenched his hand into a fist, smirking faintly as the fire type faced its mouth upwards, releasing a spiraling ring of dark red fire which had engulfed Metagross who was now trapped.

"What does he mean by that?" Max whispered, keeping his eyes on his own battle yet having his thoughts turning towards what Ash had said.

"Break free!" he shouted, watching as the steel type growled over and over as it received destructive damage from the fire.

"Help Metagross out Tyranitar! Sandstorm all around the field!" It's roar echoed around the arena as a cycling wind of dust took over the field, making it both hard for Slaking and Typhlosion to get through as they were repeatedly bruised and cut back and forth by the sharp grains of sand hitting them.

"M-metagross". it could no longer hold itself above the ground and had dropped onto the surface, flinching as it's sleek shiny body was now covered in smudgy burns and smog.

"It seems Metagross has been affected deeply by Inferno, now suffering with critical burns how, will it get through?"

"Stay strong Typhlosion! Flame wheel directly towards Metagross!" It wasted no time, jumping straight up into the air as it continued taking hit after hit from the sandstorm, now balling up into a round shape and engulfing itself with flames as it shot down.

Richie laughed, keeping a confident leer as he pointed to flame wheel, "Stop it with Stone edge!"

Max threw a punch forward, "Leave it to me Ash! Slaking protect Typhlosion and then use brick break!"

Tyranitar's eyes began glowing white as sharp stones appeared circling around it, being sent up where they were racing towards the fire type who was still shooting for Metagross only to be stopped as they hit Slaking who took on the attack without any hesitation, landing it's palm straight down onto the rock type's head, grunting as they both clashed onto the ground with a loud blow.

Tyson had exchanged glances with Ritchie who nodded, something noticed by Ash who narrowed his eyes onto the two.

"Stealth rock!" they both ordered.

His eyes widened, "What!"

Both pokemon released blinding lights of glitters which shot out all around the arena, forming into giant pointed gray rocks which had trapped Typhlosion instantly, crushing the fire type who began screeching from the tightening feeling.

"Sla-slaking!" it roared, being pushed backwards by a hammer punch from Tyranitar who had trapped it within a quadrant of stones who began crushing it too.

"No! Slaking!" Max's breaths got heavier as he watched his pokemon get crushed within more stones.

"Alright Metagross, Use rest".

"Rest as well Tyranitar". He could see a smirk forming on both Ritchie and Tyson's lips before being blocked by another large stone, suddenly coming to realize that the entire field was now shaped to be like a maze, with only minimal pathways available.

"Shit…..I should've know that's what they were planning this whole time". He bit down on his lip, quickly looking over at Max who seemed to have a frightened expression.

"G-get out of there Slaking!" he shouted, clenching and then releasing his hands continually without even realizing it.

"Not good, he's panicking". A worried expression crossed over May's face, she was comforted within her father's arms as he too seemed worried about how the glasses wearing boy was behaving.

Misty sighed, crossing her arms together as she shook her head, "They're visibility has been completely cut off, those stones are too big to be able see past or even destroy, looks like Ash and Max have hit a hard bump now".

"Max, I have an idea, but you have to listen closely". He looked over at the young trainer, being stunned by how frightened he looked upon watching his pokemon get burrowed and nearly crushed horrifically under stone.

"Sla-slaking". he whispered shakingly.

"Max!" he grabbed his shoulder, forcing him to turn and face his direction as he stared into Ash's assertive gaze.

"Ash". he mumbled, shaking his head as he looked down at his trembling hands.

"I have a plan to end those two pokemon once and for all before they recover, but I'm going to need your help".

He remained silent, only looking at the raven haired trainer in curiosity before taking in a deep breath and nodding in compliance.

"Ok".

"Slaking!" the normal type shakingly opened one of it's eyes, staring with a painful expression towards Ash who had called it's name.

"Use Hidden power". his tone had become more soothing, calm, yet strong enough to show a form of command.

Max shook his head, staring at Ash as if he had lost it, "W-what are you saying? Slaking doesn't know how to use hidden power".

Wallace seemed just as shocked as the audience, "What's this?! It seems Ash is now giving commands to Max's pokemon, but why?!"

"What are they doing?" asked Delia, biting on her nails anxiously.

He got no response from his partner, only seeing that he was focusing all his attention onto Slaking who was staring back at Ash, almost as if they were communicating through gazes.

*Relax your body and mind, and use Hidden power*

His words rang through the normal types ears over and over which it followed along to, closing it's eyes as it loosened its body beneath the rocks force.

"Sla-slaking…." it murmured.

"Slaking?" Max watched, questioning as to what it was doing, then he looked over at Ash who was keeping all his focus onto the normal type.

It's eyes quickly shot open, a trio of green orbs appeared around it, rotating slowly around as they combusted into one giant hurricane of water, swerving and expanding across the field where all of the pointed rocks had been destroyed upon contact, including the ones surrounding it and Typhlosion.

"N-no way…..how did you-". he quickly turned to Ash who had brought his palm down in front.

"Now Typhlosion! End it with a blast burn! Maximum power!"

He whipped his head back over to the field where Typhlosion had stomped on the ground with it's foot, stirring up a series of powerful energy waves which had raced over to both Tyranitar and Metagross who had been hit by the large wave, interrupting their healing process.

"No!" Both Richie and Tyson watched as multiple pillars of blood red fire shot up from beneath their pokemon, engulfing them entirely as they were awakened from their slumber, now screeching and crying helplessly within the trap.

"Finish it!" he shouted, watching with a growing smirk as the flames increased, the ground began rumbling, putting everyone in the stadium out of balance as they swayed uncontrollably.

"M-metagross!"

"-Tarrrr!" there roars echoed throughout the stadium as a giant explosion appeared from Typhlosions powerful move, sending the entire arena into a smog clouded chapter.

They coughed to the thick smog, now holding their arms over their mouths and noses for protection, "This is insane! So much power and such a fiery taste in just one attack! Ash has truly outgrown the kid he once was".

Professor Oak nodded to Cilan's statement, "You're right Cilan, but it seems Ash has also learned quite a bit new things, did you see how he commanded Max's Slaking so easily? I've never seen such a thing".

Norman chuckled wearily, scratching his head hesitantly as he stared into the clouded arena, "Neither have I, and it's truly impressive to see how well Slaking complied to Ash's order, Max had quite a bit trouble back when it was just a slakoth, and only recently has gotten in synch with Slaking…...Ash is something that even words cannot describe".

Dawn had a tiny yet light smile, giggling to everyone's stunned reactions, "It's only because you are all finally starting to see just how powerful Ash has always been".

Gary growled beneath his breath, "I can't believe this…...he commanded another trainer's pokemon, who does he think he is?"

"He's the future master of this world, or have you forgotten? Ash can do things that not even you and I can accomplish, he can synchronize with any pokemon even if they are not his own, that is what makes him the true chosen one, try as you might, you could never do something like that, not in a million years". he felt Leaf's presence behind, but chose not to turn back, rather instead, he remained silent, feeling the smirk growing on her lips.

Little by little, the smoke began clearing, giving both sides a chance to see the after effects, "Amazing! Would you look at the impressive damage done to the stadium! Team 1 sure plays rough!"

"Metagross and Tyranitar are no longer able to battle!" the crowd was left shocked by the enormous crater on the field, both pokemon laid unresponsive in the center, covered in burns and critically damaged.

Brock looked taken aback, "N-no way….I know Blast burn is a powerful move…..but I didn't think it would be this powerful".

"Neither did I". answered Professor Oak, staring intensely at the damage Typhlosion had done.

Iris's eyes narrowed onto the screen showing Ash, "To think he took out a strong rock type like Tyranitar out with only a fire move…..I'm beginning to think Ash might be a much more powerful opponent, we can't underestimate him at all".

Misty nodded, also staring at the screen intensely, "If he could take out a pokemon who clearly had the advantage over him, then no one is safe".

"Ash…..h-how did you-". he was interrupted by the raven haired trainer who recalled the fire type back into it's ball.

"Eight years did enough to open my eyes and find my true power, like I said Max, I'm not the person I was back then".

He couldn't find anything to say, all he could do was just remain quiet and let his longtime friends words sink in, realizing that Ash was like a stranger, a changed person who had drifted off in memory.

"Trainers! Call out your next pokemon!"

A silent moment came between the four as they pulled out there pokeballs, Ash looked down at the one in his hand, "It's been a while". he chuckled quietly to himself, throwing the ball up along with the others.

"Pidgeot! I choose you!"

"Shiftry! It's up to you!"

"Zippo! Take them down!"

"Swampert! It's time!"

Four growls intercepted over one another as sparks of rivalry quickly formed over the pokemon.

Brock smiled upon recognizing the familiar flying type, "Wow, looks like Ash kept his promise and came back for his pidgeot".

"What do you mean?" asked Dawn.

"Ash had released it so it can protect and lead a flock of pidgeys, but Ash promised to come back for it someday, and it seems he kept that promise".

"Did you see how he quickly commanded the battle? Ash never ceases to surprise me, Cynthia, what are your thoughts on him?" Diantha sleekly smirked towards the blonde whose cheeks were becoming noticeably pink.

"I think Ash is an amazing trainer, he was born to be a champion". she kept staring at him, oblivious to the fact that all the other Champions were now staring at her, a bit of suspicion now on there faces.

"Zippo! Use Flamethrower on Pidgeot!"

"Shiftry! Use energy ball straight at Swampert!"

The fire type quickly took off up towards the sky, leaving the crowd in awe at how fast it was, it swiftly came back down, releasing a powerful flamethrower towards Pidgeot who remained on the ground.

Ash looked over at Max who nodded, already knowing what to do, "Swampert! Hydro pump directly into Flamethrower!"

"Alright Pidgeot! Quick attack and use steel wing to cut straight through energy ball!"

Swampert unleashed a strong roar, jumping in front of the flying type where it released a massive beam of water towards flamethrower, clashing with the fire type who kept going. Pidgeot took off behind Swampert, swooping under the water and fire mixed attacks as it's wings turned completely into metal, slicing cleanly through the green and blue energy attack heading for swampert.

Tyson leered over to Ash, "Your pidgeot's fast! But my Shiftry is even faster! Use seed bomb!"

It's figure disappeared, but another copy appeared above Pidgeot, as well as three small seed like objects in between it's leaf shaped hands, it dropped them over the flying type while disappearing once more, escaping the massive chain of explosions taken on by Pidgeot who was thrown out of the sky, now crashing to the floor.

"Pidgeot! Stay strong!"

"Let's make this quick Shiftry! Hurricane! Now!"

It shot down for Pidgeot, shifting both of its arms in a spiral motion, whipping up a massive hurricane of wind which struck down on the flying type, drilling it straight into the ground which crumbled horribly into a pool of rubble.

"Pidgeot!" Max held his breath as he watched the entire time, horrified by the damage Shiftry had done, his head whipped over to Ash who seemed the least concern about what just occurred.

"What's wrong with you! Pidgeot just got drilled into the ground and you didn't even do anything!"

He closed his eyes, "My pokemon don't need my commands for them to know when it's time to take action, our minds link together into one, you may not see it, but Pidgeot knows what I'm thinking".

"W-what do you mean? Like telepathy?" He kept staring at Ash, confirming the answer to his question from the tiny smirk growing on his lips.

"No! But how!?" his head snapped over to the field where Pidgeot was safely on top of a large boulder, surrounded by a glowing green force field protecting it.

"Protect". he whispered, already at a loss for more words as he turned to Ash once more, his eyes open this time as his fist was shot forward.

"This is the big league Max, if you plan to even make it to the finals, you have to get more creative, because I won't be beside you to help".

His eyes settled onto his Swampert who was still clashing with Zippo's flamethrower, his eyes narrowed darkly as Ash's words repeated over and over in his head, "Swampert! Give them a taste of your scald!"

Hydro pump quickly thinned out, becoming more sharper in aim as it cut through flamethrower with ease, now being surrounded by a thick steam which hit Zippo who screeched upon impact.

"Get out of there!" shouted Ritchie, watching with staggering eyes as the fire type dropped from the air and onto the ground, burned spots now began appearing all over it's body.

"Pidgeot!" it's head turned back to Ash who shook his head.

"No, we'll win this without the extra power, we can do this".

"Pidgeot!" it screeched, taking off into the sky.

*Extra power? What is he talking about?*

He shook his head, ridding the words again as he focused on his own battle, "Stay strong Zippo! Use Solar beam!"

"Stop Zippo with your Water pledge!"

"Keep a lookout for Shiftry pidgeot!" Ash kept scouting the entire field, waiting for Shiftry to reveal itself.

Showers of light were raining over Zippo who kept absorbing it, causing the bright green and yellow orb in it's mouth to grow rapidly.

"Swampert!" it charged for the fire pokemon, stomping both of it's fists onto the ground where it began rumbling, chains of geysers shot up from the ground like pillars racing all the way towards Ritchie's pokemon who had fired Solarbeam.

"Do it now Shiftry! Solarbeam as well!"

"What!?" they watched as Shiftry finally appeared beside Zippo, firing the same attack which combined with its allies, now cutting through each water pillar until it struck Swampert, sending it racing across the field and past Max who quickly spun around, watching his pokemon crash against the stadium wall.

"Swampert no!"

"Swampert is unable to battle!"

"Whoo! What a surprise! Both Ritchie and Tyson decided on instead focusing their attacks onto one pokemon which proved successful because Max is now down to his final pokemon!"

Norman sighed, "I should have known they would double team on a single pokemon, the stakes are high now, Max only has his Slaking, but even so, it must be worn out from the damage it took from Stealth rock".

His breaths became rapid like before, he turned back to see the menacing smile on Ritchie and Tyson's lips, "The real battle has now begun".

"Slaking! It's up to you now!"

He released the normal type, staring worriedly at how drained his pokemon was, he bit down on his lip, clenching his fists tightly as he began strategizing in his head.

Ritchie whispered over to his partner, both of them chuckled as they settled their eyes onto Slaking, "This'll be an easy one".

"Sure will, Shiftry use Leaf storm on Slaking!"

"Not if I can help it, Pidgeot intercept it with your brave bird".

It pulled in it's wings and dove down for Shiftry like a missile, its body bursting into flames. Dozens of leaves appeared around Shiftry who was glowing with a turquoise energy, bringing it's arms up and then down, sending a rapidly spinning cyclone of wind and leaves heading for Slaking.

"Do it Max, I'll try to hold off both pokemon". He only gave a nod towards the raven haired male who had his eyes focused on the battle.

"Slaking! Use rest!" It laid its body on it's side, slipping into a deep slumber to begin it's healing.

"Alright Zippo! Use dragon pulse on Slaking!"

He clicked his tongue, chuckling quietly to himself, Max titled his head from curiosity.

"What".

"This battle is too easy".

Pidgeot had pulled out its wings, surrounding itself with a blue aura, Ash struck his palm upwards, "Follow it up with a double team!"

It screeched with an ear piercing cry, multiplying by the second one next to the other like a wall, several of the copies had rammed straight into Leaf storm, destroying it instantly and then striking Shiftry while the others had charged into the fire type with two explosions occurring from both impacts.

They blocked themselves from the gusts, now staring with one eye open as there pokemon still stood but were now critically injured.

"Pidg-pidgeot" it soared back up to the sky, flinching from the blue sparks which had appeared all over it's body from the recoil damage.

May's eyes glistened the entire time, "Wow…..the way his Pidgeot's copies flew side by side in synchronization and showed off the glowing light of that blue aura was beautiful, it would be killer in a contest battle, don't you think Dawn?"

The bluenette nodded, having a half hearted smile which quickly made the brunette realize her mistake, "Oh…..right, sorry".

She shook it off, flashing her friend a full smile now, "Don't be".

"Let's see you try to get out of this! Razor wind Shiftry!"

It's leaf like hands began glowing with a bright, intense white energy, swiping them across, it had released giant crescent shaped blades which multiplied and created a rapid gust of wind.

"Flare blitz!" Shouted Ritchie, grinding his teeth as his pokemon shot up in the air, engulfing itself with a blue fire as it shot forward like a missile for Slaking once more.

"Dodge and try to stop Zippo Pidgeot!"

It soared past each crescent attack, swiftly dodging one by one as it twirled and spun in the sky, Dawn's eyes widened as she continued watching the bird pokemon dodge each move, "That technique…..he still uses it?"

Brock nodded, having a soft smile on his lips towards the bluenette, "It would seem so, the move that Ash took from you when we journeyed together, looks like it still stuck with him".

Wallace's excitement was shown through his voice as he basked over Pidgeot, "Look at that Pidgeot go! It's flying with such grace and beauty! I can't take my eyes off of it!" the crowd gawked at the flying type, impressed by it's agility and swift dodging skills.

"Now!" he shouted, commanding Pidgeot who soared even higher, doing a quick loop as it raced back down, the crest resting on it's head had begun glowing white, releasing a strong energy which had surrounded it whole, now targeting Zippo for impact.

"What a powerful Sky attack". mumbled Max, staring in awe at Ash's pokemon.

He could hear the faint tone of Ash's words, "That isn't even half of what my Pidgeot can do".

"Pidgeot!" it screeched even louder as it got closer and closer to the fire type who was just as close to hitting a slumbering Slaking.

"Char!" it plunged straight against the charizard, taking it fastly across the field where they both hit the wall.

"Now's our chance Shiftry! Use X-scissor on Slaking!" Shouted Tyson, swiping his arm across for effect.

"Shift-!" it reappeared above Slaking in seconds, crossing both of it's arms over the other which began glowing a light green color.

"Well, you haven't seen what my pokemon can do either…..thanks for the protection Ash, but I'll take it from here". He gazed at the young boy from the corner of his eyes, noticing the intense energy around him.

"Shiftry!" it landed a direct hit on Slaking who was being repeatedly hit with X-scissor.

May shot up from her seat, "What is Max doing! Slaking hasn't recovered enough and now he's going to lose!"

Norman pulled her down into her seat, "I think I might have a clue as to what your brother is planning, it's something I taught him, let's just hope it goes accordingly".

Professor Oak sounded calm, leaning back in his chair as he carefully observed the glasses wearing boy, "Whatever it is, he needs to act now or it's all over".

"Finish it off with Giga drain!" he shouted, proudly wearing a smirk when Shiftry Body slammed Slaking, both of their bodies now glowing a dark green as Slaking began groaning wearily, energy was rapidly being sucked out from it.

"...Perfect". a simper appeared on his face as he pushed his glasses up.

"Slaking! End it with Reversal!"

"Sla-slaking!" it pushed Shiftry off, releasing a disturbing roar as it's body became outlined in a deep red aura, it's eyes turned the same color where it grabbed the grass type by its arms, lifting it up in the air and then bringing it back down harshly onto the ground, doing it once more and then thrusting it's fists repeatedly onto its stomach where it kept being pushed back.

"Dodge it!" it tried but couldn't, being continually hit one after another by deadly blows all over it's body, it grabbed it again by it's arms and swung Shiftry around, releasing the grass pokemon who was now sent against the wall, being struck by a red and white blast of energy released from Slaking's mouth.

"Shift…..Shiftry…" murmured Tyson, dropping to his knees as his pokemon laid flat on the ground, unresponsive.

"Shiftry is unable to battle! It only leaves Ritchie's Zippo against Ash's Pidgeot and Max's rampaging Slaking!"

"Zippo! Use dragon pulse on Pidgeot!"

"I think it's time for us to end this battle for good, what do you say Max".

He nodded, both of them now turning to Ritchie who was glaring at them, his fists held up as he tried holding back any type of worrisome emotion.

"I'm not about to go down! Zippo! Use Outrage!"

"Charizard!" it's eyes turned a glowing red while it's body was engulfed in the same energy, it soared up, racing straight towards both pokemon.

"Go Slaking! Reversal!"

It charged ahead, taking a big leap up where it grabbed onto Charizard's left wing, pulling all of it's weight down and flipping the fire type over on it's back and onto the ground viciously.

"Do it!" Shouted Ritchie, laughing madly as Charizard quickly grabbed onto Slaking with both arms, trapping it in its grasp and soaring once more into the sky, it went higher and higher until it stopped and came racing back down, releasing Slaking who was falling faster.

"Char!" the red energy surrounding it had begun separating from it's body and stretching downwards, taking on the shape of a malicious dragon which drilled onto Slaking and the ground.

"Ngh!" they kept their ground as the force of the winds kicked up from the impact had hit them.

"Slaking is unable to battle!"

Brock frowned, "He did well with Reversal, allowing his Slaking to get interrupted towards the end of it's healing so the power of its move would increase, but that Charizard's outrage was just too strong….and fatal".

Norman nodded, having his arms crossed as he agreed completely with Brock, "It's all up to Ash now, but how does he plan on defeating a Charizard with Outrage?"

He recalled his pokemon, staring down at his pokeball contently, "You did excellent Slaking, thank you….". his head was lowered.

"...Ash…." he kept his head down, yet felt the older trainers eyes on him.

"Show them Pidgeot's true power…...don't hold back….at all".

A scoff echoed in his ears, yet for some reason he could sense a sharp grin on Ash's lips now, "Max….if that's what you wish to see, then I'll do it, but I'll warn you, this is only the beginning of what I've trained my pokemon to do".

"..." His lips remained shut, all he could do now was watch.

"Pidgeot!" his pokemon looked back at him.

"It's time, we end this now, show everyone what we've trained for".

"Pidgeot!"

"Zippo finish them!"

It took off like before, aiming straight for Pidgeot who waited for Ash's word.

"Let's go Pidgeot! Sky attack, ruinous mode!"

"Ruinous mode?" he repeated after Ash, whipping his head up to see Pidgeot screeching as it unleashed a powerful white essence up into the sky which had taken the form of a giant mystical bird.

His eyes widened as the image of the bird reflected on his eyes, "W-what is that?"

"It's what you asked for". he responded, thrusting his palm forward, "Go!"

Pidgeot was now surrounded by the white energy based figure, racing directly towards Charizard who once again unleashed the red dragon from its body, the audience gasped as both figures clashed, white and red had swirled up into the sky while a silver orb appeared from Pidgeot and Charizard's impact, growing larger and igniting a deadly explosion which had taken the entire stadium by loop.

Vicious winds had been created, sparking the audience members to hold on as they were forcefully being moved while the opponents from both sides were thrown back onto the ground. Screeches and roars could be heard from behind the thick smog, yet nothing was still visible.

Delia was held by Professor Oak, "W-what was that?! Did you see the size of that thing!"

Dawn was held down by both Cilan and Brock, "I don't know, but I'm beginning to wonder what kind of training Ash did while he was gone".

"How…..how could he have so much power?" Misty took notice of Iris's shaky tone, she could see her balling her fists and then releasing over and over, yet she herself was also the same, her heart was beating rapidly and what she had witnessed only made it beat faster.

"I-...I…" he was startled when he felt Leaf's presence beside him.

"He is not the Ash you knew before, this Ash is much more powerful, enough to make the decision on whether he wants you and your pokemon to suffer, or not".

He could feel the endless waves of chills running down his back, her voice was dark, threatening, he couldn't take it.

"We'll see about that". he walked away, oblivious to Paul who was watching the entire time.

She seemed worried, now standing and practically hanging over the balcony as she tried searching for Ash's figure below, "Why…..why are you releasing their ruinous mode now?"

The smoke had finally cleared out, revealing Pidgeot who was still guarded by the white figure, standing above Charizard who was lying flat on the ground unresponsive, it's body coated in gashes and critical wounds which had made Ritchie rush over to it.

"Z-zippo! No!" he looked up at Ash who stared back assertively, a dominant look in his eyes had immediately startled the brunette who looked away.

"You...did all this". he gazed around the entire field which was now in ruins.

"It could have been much worse, but I hold nothing against Ritchie, so I went a bit easy on him, but next time it won't be that way". he pointed his pokeball towards Pidgeot who had disappeared along with the white figure.

"Zippo is unable to battle! After a long and enticing fight! Ash and Max have taken the win and will be moving onto the next round! Truly amazing!"

The entire stadium erupted into applause and cheers, girls could be heard screaming from above while others whistled, Ash stopped and looked up towards the Champion's balcony, making fierce eye contact with each Champion, ending with Cynthia who stared back, showing no emotion but as if they were communication through only their eyes.

"One step closer…" he whispered, closing his eyes and making his exit out of the stadium beside Max.

"Wait!" he grabbed Ash by the arm, stopping the trainer who remained calm, staring Max down who seemed conflicted.

"Was that really your pokemon's full power"? he stared in dissatisfaction.

He stifled a chuckle, faking a small grin to the young boy "What's the matter, you don't believe it was"?

Max shrugged, "I don't know what to believe at this point, you showed everyone, and me, that you're someone to watch out for, and that's I'm going to do, but I also think you still held back on that power, am I right?"

Silence quickly came before them, Ash's grin slowly faded, "I showed enough to intimidate the other trainers and you, if I were to reveal all of my pokemon's power, believe me, the opponent would no longer have a pokemon to battle with, I did it for everyone's best interest".

His body stiffened when Ash placed his hand on his head, he held his breath upon feeling his hair being ruffled, "You and Dawn were the only ones who truly believed in me…..that is why I prefer to not show you, or her, what I am capable of, because I want you to keep the memories of who I used to be, with you forever, and not have them be destroyed by the sight of who I have become".

He left before Max could even respond, leaving the young trainer to watch as he got farther and farther away, "Ash…"

"Dawn, where are you going?" She looked back, growing nervous when everybody's eyes were now on her, she chuckled wearily, waving off Cilan's question.

"I'm just going to the restroom, be back in a bit". she hurried off, setting her mind on one thing only.

"She's gone to look for him". Brock leered.

Cilan laughed to himself, nodding with Brock's statement, "She just couldn't wait any longer".

"Maybe I should go with her". Delia stood up but was stopped by Oak who objected.

"I think you need to carefully plan out how you will approach Ash, after all, none of us have seen him for almost 8 years".

She sighed, having a dark and sad filled expression on herself, "I believe you're right".

"I'm done here". she strolled off from the balcony, ignoring the protests of the other champions who told her to stay.

"What's gotten into her lately?" questioned Diantha, the others shrugged.

Steven's lips grew into a devious grin, "I have a feeling it might have something to do with our beloved future Champion, Ash".

Alder seemed deep in thought, clicking his tongue as he came to a realization, "Doesn't it feel like a repeat of when she behaved the exact same way towards the former Champion of Kanto"?

Wallace appeared on the screen, "Alright folks! Time to find out who's up next!" the teams were being shuffled where two pairs were pulled out and revealed.

"Take a look at who our next battlers are!" The crowd whispered and talked amongst themselves when they noticed the faces on screen.

"Teams 4 and 9!"

"Team 4, that's us". exclaimed Iris, looking over at Misty who stared at her opponents images bitterly.

He stopped to look at the screen, noticing the familiar faces as well, "Misty and Iris vs. Trinity and Morrison….this should be interesting".

She hurried down the hall, looking back and forth, hoping to see his figure somewhere nearby, "Ash, where are you?"

She looked towards her left but bumped against something hard in front which had made her fall back on the ground, "Ow.." she moaned, rubbing her forehead as she peeked upwards, eyes widening when she realized who it was.

"Ash". she breathed out.

He was just the same, staring in surprise at the bluenette, "Dawn".

(Outside of the Stadium)

The doors had opened for her, but her feet paused as she was met with two figures, "You two…...it can't be".

"Long time no see Cynthia, how's our second favorite champion?" his laughter made her cringe.

"What are you doing here?" she was still in shock by their presence, but they laughed it off.

"Red sent us here, remember him? The champion of Kanto, the guy you loved, our leader". she held her palm out to them, gesturing the male to stop.

"I understand, but I am asking why, why are you here? As members of the Elite four it was your duty to keep the league safe, but you all chose to follow your beloved Champion who fled and have now left the Kanto region without a leader".

A female voice approached her, "We had no choice, we were all being targeted, one of our own was taken, we weren't about to let it happen again, but Red told us of the chosen one, Ash, who was the one helping us infiltrate team rocket, we wanted to check him out for ourselves".

Her eyes darkened into a glare, "Is that really why you're here?"

They chuckled once more, "Not entirely, this entire island is run by the LTO, Red believes several people are targeting the island and will try to wreak havoc soon during the time of the tournament, it's our job to make sure nothing interrupts this event, so think of us as secret guardians and forget that you ever saw us".

"Believe me…...I will".

Ok, So there you have it, I hope you guys enjoyed it, and if you didn't….well then…...tough luck, but anyways, let me know what you all thought and I'll try to update as soon as I can, but I won't promise for it to be that soon since I am pretty busy at the moment, anyways, until next time.