Chapter 18

It has been one week since the announcement of Domino's Grand tournament and the registries have been rolling in except one which was particularly troubling Ash; causing him to groan in annoyance. It was an act that did not go unnoticed by Serena who was sitting across from her husband as she brushed her fairy partner Sylveon. Eventually Serena couldn't help but ask Ash just hat was troubling him?

It was a question that once asked got Ash to turn his attention to the honey blonde trainer as he finally answered her. "EHH... THE ORANGE ISLANDS DECLINED OUR INVITATION SERENA! It was news that the performer couldn't quite believe as Ash confided in Serena that he was disappointed because there were two trainers in particular that he wanted to battle with her. Seeing Ash like this bothered Serena she couldn't stand to see Ash worked up like this so the honey blonde performer decided to try and change her husband's focus as Serena assured Ash that he didn't have to worry because she was positive that there would still be plenty of strong trainers participating that they could end up going against. It was at that moment Ash realized Serena was right and it did help him relax a little a sight that was particularly reliving to Serena who suggested to Ash that they should go get some sleep. An idea Ash agreed with but he couldn't help but tell Serena that he may be a little too excited to sleep. words that caused both trainers to share a laugh with one another as they grabbed each other's hands and headed upstairs to their bedroom to get some sleep.

The following Morning:

Excitement filled the air in the normally quiet city of Domino Excitement for the world champions Ash and Serena's tournament. The city population had temporarily swelled and most of those visitors and just about every resident of Domino made their way to the Domino Coliseum to watch this tournaments opening. While inside the coliseum there was not an empty seat to be found as Ash and Serena took center stage in front of the cameras to perform their roles as the masters of ceremonies and with the entire Pokemon world watching them Ash and Serena opened their tournament;

"Good morning everyone; we welcome you all to the domino battle coliseum and domino's grand tournament now I'm sure it goes without saying that me and Serena will be representing our adopted home of domino in this tournament, but before we begin let's see just who will be representing each region in our tournament!" It was a plan that caused the entire crowd to become even more enthralled as Ash and Serena turned to their assistant Kali who began the process of introductions;

"Right; now sadly the orange islands have declined to participate but all the other regions have answered our call so first, from the Kanto region we have brock and misty two of the Kanto regions strongest gym leaders next, from Johto we have the dragon type master iris and pokemon researcher Gary oak then, from the Hoenn and Sinnoh region we have teams made up of two pairs of coordinators from Hoenn we have the team of May and drew and from Sinnoh the team of dawn and Kenny! excitement just continued to build so much so kali had to take a step back before continuing on; "next from Unova we have a pair of promising young trainers who have been said to be tactical geniuses in battle Hilda and Hilbert then, from Kalos we have the current Kalos region champion bonnie and her protégé' Seto and, finally from Alola we have the current Alola champion Lillie Aether and her brother Gladion Aether.

With everyone introduced the domino coliseum broke out into even louder applause as ash and Serena spoke one more time to wish all the participants the best of luck and for kali to launch the match board who will tell everyone just who would face whom. With the large match board selecting the first participants behind her Kali began to address the crowd once more; "now keep in mind the matches will be chosen at random and once the first selections are made the battle will begin immediately!

No sooner did kali finish her statement the Match Board displayed the first participants and it was none other than Ash and Serena's picture displayed and next to them was the picture of Hilda and Hilbert. As soon as those pictures became visible Ash and Serena were able to manage getting a look at their opponents as Kali addressed everyone once more; "alright and competing in the first battle of round one will be tournament hosts ash & Serena Ketchum vs. Hilda and Hilbert from Unova and with that the first battle of domino's grand tournament will now begin but, we invite the trainers not participating in the first battle to observe on the observation deck." an invitation every participant took them up on as they cleared the field allowing ash and Serena Hilda and Hilbert to take their positions on the battlefield.

The tension in the air was so thick that you could cut it with a knife as Ash and Serena gazed across the field as they asked one another if they were ready to go. However; a looming question remained in Serena's mind and that was just what their opponents were capable of? It was a question that was running through Ash's mind as well but he wasn't too overly concerned confident that as long as Serena was by his side and together they were unstoppable. A mindset Serena was quick to enforce as Kali took her position and announced the rules;
"Alright the first battle of domino's grand tournament will now begin each trainer gets one pokemon each however; the battle will not be over until both trainers on one team are unable to continue!" terms all trainers quickly agreed to as kali instructed them to bring out their pokemon; Ash decided to go with Charizard and Serena her Absol which she acquired in Hoenn. While Hilda placed her bets on her Samuraut and Hilbert his Lucario. With their Pokemon Selected there was only one thing left to do and that was battle but not before Hilda and Hilbert informed the world champion trainer couple that they had waited a long time to battle them and defeat them to which Ash and Serena responded with one phrase; "come at us!"

It was an offer Hilda and Hilbert were quick to take Ash and Serena up on as Hilda commanded her Samuraut to go after Charizard with Aqua jet. While Hilbert commanded Lucario to attack Absol with Aura Sphere; With Absol being within closer range to Lucario that was the battle everyone's attention focused on none more so than Serena who decided to put some of their performance training to use as she instructed Absol to dodge with a jump and spin. Instructions Absol carried out flawlessly allowing him to escape any damage but he wasn't the only one because Ash's Charizard had also taken to the air to dodge huge damage by Samuraut with his speed which was second to none. With both Charizard and Absol both airborne Ash and Serena decided to use one of their most famous tactics; "switch!" It was then within moment's Charizard and Absol switched positions allowing Absol to get right over Lucario and giving him the perfect vantage point to finish Lucario off it was a chance Serena didn't let go to waste as she commands Absol to use cut! Of course Hilbert ordered Lucario to dodge but as expected Serena's Absol's speed was second to none as it's cut makes its mark on Lucario's head allowing Serena's Absol to achieve a one hit knockout much to Hilbert's dismay.

As kali made the call; "and Lucario is unable to continue!" it was a victory both Serena and ash were quick to celebrate but ash knew this battle was not over as he reminded Charizard that it was; "their turn!" but Hilda wasn't just going to stand by and let that happen as she commanded Samuraut to charge in with Aqua jet while Ash instructed Charizard to charge in with Arial ace fully aware of their type disadvantage. As the two Pokemon charged towards one another and collided it caused smoke to build. Now of course Serena could've jumped in with Absol but she opted against it after all she trusted Ash more than anyone in the world and had the up most confidence in him. This battle would all come down to a battle of attrition the question now was would it be enough? An answer that wouldn't come until everyone watched Charizard fly straight up as the smoke cleared reveling Hilda's Samuraut laying on the field with swirls in his eyes signaling that it was over and that he was done. Hilda immediately called out to her Pokemon in concern at the scene.

It was all kali needed to "make the call"; "Samuraut is unable to continue and with both Hilda and Hilbert's pokemon unable to continue so tournament host's ash and Serena shall advance to round two!" it was truly depressing for Hilda and Hilbert to loose in the first round; they felt like they had let Unova down but after gazing over at Serena and Ash. Hilda and Hilbert realized how incredible this opportunity was and assured one anther that they gave it their all and that was what mattered as they marveled over the world champions. As Ash and Serena walked over to their defeated opponents and shook their hand as Kali asked the four trainers to clear the field. It was a request the four trainers complied with as Ash and Serena took it upon themselves to escort Hilda and Hilbert off the field and down one of the corridors as the other participating trainers looked on in admiration and awe.

After a few minutes kali then brought up the match board as she addressed the crowd; "and now we will select our next two teams of competitors, keep in mind when the next selections are chosen both teams must proceed right to the battlefield!" as the challenger board began the process of making the next matchup behind her. several tense moments passed but eventually the next selections appeared on the board and once they did kali announced the selections; "first up we have misty and brock from Kanto and they'll go up against Lillie and Gladion Aether from Alola!" and so with that decided; I'd like to ask our teams to enter the arena now please."

Meanwhile With Ash and Serena:

Ash and Serena continued to escort Hilda and Hilbert outside so they could have a brief discussion in piece. Once outside Hilda and Hilbert were surprised to be thanked by Ash and Serena for a fun battle. A gesture the two Unovans returned in kind as they asked Ash and Serena if they could return to battle them again one day. It was a question that brought a smile to the couple's faces as they assured them that they'd be looking forward to it! However that was a concern for another day for now there was still an entire tournament to go so Serena couldn't help but ask Hilda and Hilbert if they planned to stay to which Hilda and Hilbert assured them that they did indeed plan on staying as they turned away and walked back inside leaving Ash and Serena alone. With Hilda and Hilbert gone Ash and Serena took their moment to congratulate one another before returning inside.

Once inside the young couple made their way up to the observation deck where they found themselves being congratulated by all their friends bar for and they were of course Brock and Misty Lillie and Gladion which means just one thing they were battling next and sure enough the couple gazed down at the match below just now getting underway. Lillie had called out her Alolan Ninetails while Gladion chose to use his Lycanroc to go up against Misty's Gyarados and Brock's Steelix. The four battling trainers wasted no time in getting the battle underway. Lillie and Gladion took the initiative as Lillie commanded her partners Snowy to use powder snow while Gladion commanded Lycanroc to use stone edge. Misty and Brock expected as much so they commanded their Pokemon to dodge but alas due to Gyarados and Steelix's size and the speed of Lillie's nine tails and Gladion's Lycanroc proved to not be a good combination for the Kanto gym leaders as their Pokemon wound up taking the attacks broadside. It was an observation shared by Ash and Serena as they watched on from their seats in the stadium but Serena couldn't help but turn to her husband and ask Ash just who he thought would win!? As things stood now it was too tough of a call for Ash to make but it was then and there Brock and Misty decided to kick this battle up to a new level as the two gym leaders called for their Pokemon to mega evolve.

Hoping that Mega Evolution would turn the tide in their favor but unbeknownst to them Lillie shared her past experiences with them and planned accordingly. Gladion's excitement was adamant when he muttered; "Mega evolution huh; perfect!" through he pierce lips before turning to his sister and shared a nod to acknowledge it was time to execute their strategy. As the Alolan siblings did this Misty and Brock went all in with their strategy to use the raw power of Mega Evolution as Brock commanded his Steelix to use hyper beam on Lillie's ninetails and Misty commanded Gyarados to go after Lycanroc with water gun. As these attacks were preparing to launch Lillie and Gladion decided they had to work fast and quickly got into position to execute their Z-moves Lillie and Ninetails with; "Sub-Zero smasher" and Gladion and Lycanroc with Contenital Crush just in time for the moves to collide with power enough to rock the entire stadium and when the smoke cleared it was apparent to everyone that this time (Z-Moves) got the last laugh as Gyarados and Steelix reverted back to normal and feel to the floor with a loud bang much to their trainers dismay. As the battle was called the four trainers cleared the field as instructed but at the same time Ash and Serena got up from their seats to go talk with Misty and Brock.

Once outside of the arena it didn't take Ash and Serena long to track down Misty and Brock who were apparently getting ready to depart an assumption Misty and Brock confirmed when Serena questioned them about it. Full of regret Misty and Brock told Ash and Serena that although they'd love to stay they had commitments back home that required their attention. A sentiment Ash and Serena completely understood after all between their careers and family they have had to do things like this before although they really hated to and tried their best to attend everything sometimes life happens they guessed. However before taking their leaves Misty and Brock did have a brief exchange with their friends even expressing to Ash how proud they were of him and assuring Ash and Serena they'd be watching on television and rooting for them before finally turning their backs and walking away. It felt like a brief discussion to the young couple but they soon learned once they got back inside they were in fact gone longer than they thought because once inside they heard Kali calling for the final match of the tournament to begin; May and Drew going against Bonnie and Seto.

Learning that he missed the previous battle disappointed Ash as Lillie and Gladion filled the couple in on how Kenny and Dawn stomped Iris and Gary. Which just disappointed Ash more but what was done has been done so all he could do now is watch the battle going on in front of him and he was curious to see just what Bonnie had up her sleeve.

The battle began at a feverish pace as May and Drew called their Pokemon first; May who called out her choice with her famous catch phrase; "Blaziken on stage!" while Drew placed his bets on his his Roserade. The coordinators from Hoenn however realized they'd have their work cut out for them as Bonnie brought forth her Tyrantrum and Seto his Florges. Tyrantrum really knocked the coordinators off guard as they wondered just how they were supposed to deal with the dinosaur in front of them but they weren't about to back down as Kali called for the battle to begin. While up in the stands Ash and Serena looked on Serena wondering if it was Possible Bonnie was holding back. A sediment Ash didn't agree with and was frankly astonished by that is until Serena explained her thoughts; "Well Bonnie isn't using squishy!" It was then Ash realized why Serena was thinking the way she was but Ash was also quick to remind Serena that they didn't use the Dimensional Dragons in their first battle and they didn't hold back and that he was sure Bonnie had something planned" As their attention went back to the field and the Battle.

Bonnie was first to issue their commands as she ordered Tyrantrum to go after Roserade with Fire fang to which Drew quickly commanded Roserade to dodge which it did gracefully and with such speed. It cause Bonnie to realize she was running into the same problem Misty and Brock ran into with Lillie and Gladion and she was determined to not let this battle have the same result. So when she saw May going after Florges with flamethrower she commanded Tyrantrum to use its tail to block the attack and protect Florges much to Seto's relief but Bonnie wasn't done after protecting Florges she commanded Tyrantrum to swing his tail as hard as he could to sweep the field. Which Tyrantrum did with such speed Roserade was unable to get out of the way and was sent flying into Blaziken which sent both Pokemon across the field and into the wall much to the amazement of everyone. Several tense moments passed as the smoke cleared reveling Roserade would be unable to continue much to Drew's dismay and Bonnie and Seto's excitement. May of course was worried about Roserade but didn't hesitate in reminding Bonnie and Seto that Blaziken was still standing and as long as he was they were still in this and they could still win this! As she commanded Blaziken to go after Florges once again with Fire blast but Seto was quick to teach the Hoenn native that he was not a push over either as he commanded Florges to defend with solar beam. Which just as planned materialized and cancelled each other's attacks out much to the amazement of the audience but as smoke built from the attacks Ash and Serena's attention was focused to Bonnie and they could tell by the grin on her face she had something up her sleeve but just what that something was; was anyone's guess. Eventually the smoke settled just enough to reveal a sight that no one could quite believe as it appeared Tyrantrum had pulled a Houdini but something that size just couldn't disappear which is something May and Drew realized I'll be it too late; because high above their heads was Tyrantrum who had apparently used the smoke cover to jump up without being seen and with him in a prime Location Bonnie made the attack declaration that she was sure would win the match; "TYRANTRUM USE FIRE FANG..." May still in disbelief at what she was seeing tried to have Blaziken get out of there but he apparently had developed a bit of target fixation as he watched Tyrantrum close in and blast him knocking him out instantly just as Bonnie predicted. That was it the final battle of the first round one was over as Kali made the call; "Blaziken is unable to continue; both drew and may's pokemon have been defeated which means bonnie and Seto from Kalos will advance to round two!" it was a declaration that caused the stadium to erupt in excitement and as Bonnie and Seto celebrated on one side of the field May and Drew were not so enthralled.
After a few seconds Kali's voice rose above the noise thanks to the p.a.; "with that round one of domino's grand tournament is over and, the four teams moving on to round two will be Sinnoh's dawn and Kenny, Alola's Lillie and Gladion Aether, Bonnie and Seto of Kalos and, of course our tournament host's and wielders of the dimensional gods; Domino's Ash & Serena Ketchum!" "Round two will begin tomorrow so make sure you rest up competitors and to our audience we'll see you tomorrow morning!"