Alakazam sat, meditating. He felt a slight tiredness at the back of his mind, tiredness from not having slept for nearly a full day. It was small though, insignificant. He had spent most of the day teleporting Pokémon around, sending his teammates to fight. He had even been able to watch a few of them. When Ash had given the order for him to subjugate the Wilds he had felt a sort of relief. There were a lot of Pokémon out there but they had grown complacent. Eight years ago Ash had led his team to victory over each of them. Typically he would only use one Pokémon, or even fight himself. While they were powerful Pokémon, Ash had triumphed. In the previous eight years however, Ash's team had gotten stronger. Far stronger. Even without Charizard who Ash was keeping close, Alakazam had a lot of power available to him. And a clear mission as to what to use them for.
He had started by teleporting Pokémon out to deal with those furthest away from the regions. With Cleffa most likely occupied near Sonia, Alakazam hoped to wipe out some of her support before she even realised she was under attack. The Pokémon they were attacking were totally unprepared for the onslaught. Ash's Pokémon were attacking with a ferocity that they rarely displayed. Alakazam had watched Aggron comprehensively destroy one of his early opponents. Yet as they started to move closer to the regions, they began to slow. Ash's Pokémon were starting to feel the exertion of such aggressive battling. While they could sustain it for a while yet, Ash had given him a short time scale to complete his mission. It was the early hours of the morning on the day of Sam's battle. Alakazam figured he had no more than ten hours left. And while he had subjugated virtually every Pokémon outside the regions, he still had four regions to go. A change of tactic to help conserve the team's energy was required.
A mind touched Alakazams, spoiling his meditation. He crossed his spoons slightly, teleporting to where Espeon waited.
"How many more do we have to go?" Espeon asked as Alakazam levitated up from the ground.
"Those whose territory is contained within the four regions." Alakazam said. "The overwhelming majority of our foes outside this area have been dealt with."
Espeon shook her head sadly. "We were never meant to be unleashed like this."
"On the contrary, we all trained for this eventuality."
"You think we trained to attack dozens of Pokémon in a single day?"
"No." Alakazam said. "However the training was designed to make us capable. The power is here. Ash would never require this if us without being betrayed."
Espeon flicked her tail as she considered Alakazam's words. The Psi Pokémon crossed his spoons and more of Ash's Pokémon started to appear, surrounding them.
"Where are we going next?" Espeon asked.
"Kanto. The region will be brought under our control."
"Aggressively?"
Alakazam glanced at her as Snorlax appeared. "They have betrayed Ash. Such action is undeniably foolish. We were commanded to remove Cleffa's support."
Espeon nodded slowly. "And that involves fighting?"
"Yes."
Espeon turned to see Sceptile standing behind her, arms crossed.
"Espeon Ash needs this."
"I don't understand why though." Espeon said.
"Because you don't understand humans, not like we do." This time it was Pikachu who had joined the conversation. "Humans react strangely to many things. If Ash were to start fighting Cleffa publically he would be in trouble, particularly with the ongoing investigation."
"But we are his Pokémon." Espeon argued. "Surely that is the same effect?"
"No." Sceptile said. "Ash has sent us to do what he cannot, because Pokémon fighting Pokémon is not exceptional."
"To the world it looks like he is patiently awaiting the investigation to be completed." Pikachu said. "Yet he is fighting in the only way he can. And every Pokémon we beat will know exactly who has beaten them."
Espeon nodded slowly, mulling their words over. She knew that they were probably right; for all of her power as a battler she was inexperienced at dealing with human society. Even after five years as Pokémon Master Ash didn't interact with them much.
"It is time to progress towards our objective."
All the Pokémon turned to Alakazam as his voice cut through any conversations still going on.
"Thus far we have engaged individual foes, fighting by ourselves." Alakazam continued. "As a method of bringing large swathes of territory back under our control this is effective. However inside the regions our tactics will have to be more conservative. Our foes are too close together and too linked to risk engaging them in single combat. We will split into two full teams, striking hard and crushing before moving on. I shall coordinate the two teams. Pikachu will lead one, Espeon the other. Our objective is to sweep through Kanto as fast as possible."
The Pokémon around Alakazam nodded in agreement. They started to move towards either Espeon or Pikachu. Soon the two leaders had several of their teammates around them.
"There are thirty-seven region Pokémon inside the bounds of Kanto." Alakazam said. "I want them defeated within the next two hours."
He was answered by nods from many of the Pokémon around him. Alakazam raised his spoons in salute before focusing. Each of the groups vanished in a flash of light.
May stormed out of the room, slamming the door shut behind her. She headed down the corridor and into the elevator at the end. The doors opened and she threw herself in, repeatedly jabbing at the button for the ground floor. When the doors opened again she stormed out, straight across the hotel lobby and out the front doors. She strode out into Indigo Plateau and down the street. Eventually she reached a small park and found a tree. She sat at the base of it, head in her hands and felt the tears flow.
After a few minutes she finally felt them stopping. She looked around, grateful that nobody appeared to have seen her. Although, she conceded as it was very early morning she didn't expect there to be many people around. She dug into her pocket and pulled out a phone. After several seconds of staring at it, she dialled a number.
"Hello?" came the voice out the phone, sounding slightly confused and tired.
"Max, it's me…" May said, her voice cracking. "I… I don't really know who else I want to call at the moment…"
"May?" Max said, the tiredness gone. His voice was full of concern. "What's happened?"
"Drew and I had another argument." May said, choking on her tears. "A bad one."
There was a long moments silence before Max spoke again. "Where are you May?"
"I don't know… I'm in this park in Indigo…" May said. "I just had to get away from the hotel."
Another slightly pause before Max spoke again. "I know where the park is. Don't move. I'll be with you in five minutes."
"But you're not in Indigo…" May said, but Max had hung up. She looked at her phone in confusion. Max was in Celadon City. He hadn't been able to get a ticket for Sam's match and so he had said he would come across for after the battle. Not before.
May stood up from where she had been sitting, looking around. She didn't even know where she was, how could Max find her? She headed back towards the path that ran through the park, and peered into the gloom, waiting for her brother. After a couple of minutes she started to feel foolish and felt the tears building again. Her own brother had apparently abandoned her. She knew that they hadn't always gotten on as kids but since they grew up it had been much better. She always said it was when Max had matured. He always retaliated by saying that it was her that had needed to grow up. Yet now when she truly needed him, he was nowhere to be found.
A flicker of light caught May's attention. It was moving fast, heading towards her, coming through the gate. As it came close she heard a voice calling her name.
"May?!"
Her heart jumped. It was Max. She threw herself forwards, heading straight for the light coming from the torch in her brothers hand, engulfing him in a hug. He held her for several minutes as she cried into his chest.
Eventually she drew away.
"Max… what are you doing here?" she asked.
He shrugged. "Something came up. I was invited to Indigo and arrived last night." He yawned. "Very late last night."
Despite herself May felt a laugh breaking out. "Thank you." She said softly.
"You're welcome." Max said, equally quietly. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"I… I'm not sure." May said.
"Fair enough. I think I know something that could be even better though." Max said, his eye gleaming.
"What?"
Max put a hand to his ear listening. Right on cue he heard his sister's stomach growl. "Breakfast."
Fifteen minutes later they were sat in the restaurant of the highest rated hotel in Indigo Plateau. May was looking at the early morning breakfast buffet that had been laid out, feeling the knots in her stomach loosen. When Max had suggested breakfast she had almost scoffed at him, convinced that she was too upset to eat. Now she was looking at the food however, she felt her appetite coming back with a vengeance.
"Good morning." A waiter said as he approached the table. "Can I get you any drinks?"
"Coffee." Max said, almost in a growl.
May smiled. "Just some juice would be fine thank you."
The waiter bowed and withdrew, causing May to glance at her brother.
"Max, how can you afford to stay here? Particularly on such short notice?"
"What?" Max said. "Oh, the room was given to me. I… I can't say by whom yet. But when I can tell you I will."
May considered pressing but the smell of the food was too tempting. She rose and went to fill a plate from the buffet, returning to the table where her brother was sipping a large cup of black coffee.
A few minutes later May put her plate aside, having demolished the food on it. She was considering going back for more but Max was looking at her, seemingly waiting.
"What was the argument about?" Max asked softly.
"Ash…" May said heavily, before starting her story. For the last few weeks, ever since Ash had been revealed, her and Drew seemed to be always arguing. Drew was convinced that Ash was a coward and that he had betrayed his friendship with May by leaving for so long. May for her part had refused to hear Drew talk of him in that way. The arguments had gotten progressively worse until Drew had finally lost his temper.
"It's like you don't love me anymore." Drew had snapped.
"Of course I do." May had retorted. "But it is like you've forgotten that Ash was once my friend."
"And he left you." Drew had roared. "He left you for thirteen years! Am I the only one that sees that?!"
"I…" May had said, but Drew was hitting his stride.
"For thirteen years your so called friend left you. For thirteen years he let you think he was dead. Who would you rather be with May, somebody who treats you like that, or somebody who has always been there for you?"
"And that is when I left." May told Max sadly.
For a long moment Max didn't answer as he mulled over his sisters story.
"I thought he was getting better with Ash." Max said finally.
May snorted bitterly. "No. He's getting worse." She sighed. "It's like Ash returning has turned back the years. Turning Drew back into the jealous type he once was."
"The jealous type he always was." Max said softly. "And always has been. Just without Ash he had no reason to be jealous."
May didn't say anything but they both knew Max's words had hit the mark. She rose to collect more food, returning with another full plate.
"What are you going to do now?" Max asked as his sister started to eat once more.
"I dunno." She said through a mouthful of croissant. "I'm meant to be watching the fight but I Drew and I need some cooling off time."
"Do you still want to watch it?" Max asked.
"Of course."
"Then come with me. An old friend managed to get me in. It's why I'm here. I'm sure I can get you in as well."
May stopped shovelling eggs into her mouth and put down her fork. "Really?"
Max smiled. "He has a lot of influence. I'll let him know I need another ticket."
"Thank you Max." May said. "You're a good brother."
Max laughed. "I'm the best you're ever going to have May!"
She grinned at her brother fondly as he rose. "I'd best go make that call. You can stay with me until after the fight."
He strode away, leaving May to her food.
Espeon felt herself be teleported. She was starting to lose count of the number of Pokémon that they had flattened. As she reappeared in a new place she felt Aggron step forwards. He was taking most of the hits from their opponents that actually managed to fight back. There weren't many.
"This is Raticate's territory." Espeon said to her teammates. "Expect her to be defended by a lot of Pokémon."
There were nods around her as they charged forwards. Subtlety was not featuring in their strikes. They knew roughly where Raticate would be hidden but if she realised who was attacking her she would go to ground. Such a move would cost them time that they didn't have.
"There." Espeon said, sending a Psybeam to streak through the grass. There was a squeal and a Raticate leapt out from where Espeon had attacked. Rattata streamed out to surround their leader. As Raticate saw who was attacking her eyes widened.
"Rati…" she started.
Aggron roared and swept a Hyper Beam through the Pokémon surrounding Raticate. By his side Rapidash unleashed a huge surge of flames. As the two attacks ended Raticate looked around, every single one of her Rattata laid out flat. She looked up to see the trio of attacks from Espeon, Altaria and Rapidash that sent her flying.
Raticate hit the ground and rolled before firing her own Hyper Beam back at her attackers. It hit an invisible wall and redirected, flying up into the air. Espeon flicked her tail as she focused on the defensive strike. Aggron roared and charged forwards, avoiding the next attack as Espeon redirected it as well. Raticate couldn't dodge as Aggron slammed his considerable size into her. She was sent flying into the air where she was met by an attack from every single one of her attacks. She crashed back to the floor, clearly knocked out.
Espeon looked around satisfied at the speed they had struck. They had been in the area for just under five minutes. A quick calculation told her that they were on schedule. She felt Alakazam's touch again as she started to be teleported. Her respect for the Psi Pokémon had gone up throughout this night. It could not have been easy to coordinate the number of Pokémon he had. She suspected that she would have struggled had she been given the task. As they reappeared in a new location she had to admit, Ash had chosen well.
"This time it is Arbok." Espeon said. And the team charged on around her once more. Always pressing on.
Charizard descended through the air, coming down towards Indigo Plateau. After meeting Max last night he had returned to Mystery Island to sleep. Mellanie had gone to Indigo the day before and he had arranged to meet with Max before the battle as well. He hadn't told Mellanie that he was planning on bringing somebody else in as a tutee, but he hoped she would be happy. Somebody else to train with was always useful, especially when they were as tricky an opponent as Max Maple.
As Charizard came in to land Ash slipped off, recalling his Pokémon as he dropped to the ground. He adjusted his hat and strode forwards, down the street towards Indigo Stadium. He reached the doors to the reception area and went straight through. Mellanie rose from where she had been sat, coming to greet him.
"Champion."
Ash inclined his head. "You may use my first name if you wish Mellanie." He said. "There is no need to hide it anymore."
Mellanie shrugged. "I'm used to using Champion in public so I'll probably continue. Assuming you don't mind?"
"Not at all."
He gestured towards the doors he had just come through.
"We have somebody else to meet before we go up to the box." Ash said.
"Who?"
"You'll have to wait and see. Unless you'd care to guess?"
Mellanie grinned as she put her mind to the problem. Ash was less serious than he had been for a while, less wound up by the clash with Sonia. She always preferred it when he was in a more carefree mood.
Ash led her down a street towards a hotel. As they approached she looked up at it in surprise.
"They are staying here?"
"Yes." Came the answer.
When nothing else was forthcoming Mellanie spoke again. "Who is it, some kind of rich businessman?"
Ash turned to look down at her. "Not even close. But I suppose I did feed you a bit of a false trail."
He pushed through the doors into the lobby of the hotel, nodding to the doorman who seemed slightly in awe of the man who had come to his hotel. Ash looked around the lobby once again, before seeing Max leaning against the receptionist desk chatting. He looked up to see Ash waiting for him and turned away.
"Max." Ash said as the Braniac approached. "Are you ready?"
"It's Max?" Mellanie asked in surprise having followed Ash through the doors. "How was I meant to guess that one?"
"You weren't." Ash said simply. "But telling you to guess stops you asking."
Max laughed as Mellanie glared up at her mentor. "I'm guessing you didn't tell her?" he asked.
"Tell me what?" Mellanie demanded.
Ash tipped his hat back just enough so that Mellanie could see his smile. "Max is my latest tutee. Soon he will be coming to stay and train with us."
"About that…" Max said before Mellanie could explode at the Pokémon Master. "I know you said that I could have stayed with you last night but it was a good thing that I didn't. Turns out I needed to be in Indigo Plateau."
"Oh?" Ash asked.
"May and Drew had an argument." Max said. "A bad one. They are…"
"Married." Ash interrupted. "I know."
"Oh." Max said, slightly taken aback. "She called me very early this morning, upset about it. I was wondering if she could sit with us during the fight." He rubbed his head sheepishly before adjusting his glasses. "I kind of already told her that she could."
Mellanie laughed as Max tried to meet Ash's gaze and failed miserably. Eventually Ash took pity on the younger man.
"Yes she can." Ash said. "But I am here to watch my tutee attempt to win a regional crown. Not to catch up with an old friend. Assuming May understands that she is welcome to join us."
"Thank you." Max said in relief. "I'll go and fetch her."
"Did you tell her it was me that you were going with?" Ash asked as Max turned away.
He flushed slightly. "No. Should I have?"
"No." Ash said. "Bring her to the stadium. I will meet you there."
Before Max could say anything else, Ash had turned and strode out of the hotel, leaving a slightly confused Mellanie to trail in his wake.
"What was that about?" Mellanie asked as she caught up with Ash outside. There were crowds beginning to head for the stadium, even though it was more than an hour until the match started.
"I'd rather talk to May in controlled circumstances, like I have with some of my other friends." Ash said. "After this fight I will have to visit Gary and Misty. That could be the hardest of the lot, truth be told. By controlling how we meet it is far easier to manage the conversation."
Mellanie nodded slowly, sort of understanding. She had to hurry to keep up with Ash's stride, he was moving through the town quickly. Before she knew it they were climbing the stairs to the box reserved for the Pokémon Master. They arrived and took their seats, waiting patiently.
Shortly before the fight started, Max walked into the box and looked around in surprise. Despite the importance of the fight there were only two people present; Ash and Mellanie. Behind him May stopped as soon as she saw how deserted the box was.
"Max, who are we sitting with?" May asked uncertainly. At the sound of her voice Ash rose from his seat, turning around.
"May." He said simply.
May froze. Ash hadn't taken his hat off but she knew who he was. She doubted that there was anybody in any of the regions who wouldn't recognise this man. Ash Ketchum, the Pokémon Master.
"Max, take a seat." Ash said quietly. "And please excuse us for a moment."
Max nodded, moving past the Pokémon Master to the front of the box where he was quickly joined by Mellanie. He felt something behind him and glanced around. He couldn't see anything but there was suddenly no sound coming from Ash or May. He extended a hand only to encounter an invisible wall. Max smiled slightly. There was no way Ash would want him overhearing what he said to May.
"It is good to see you May." Ash offered. "Although I am sorry to hear about your argument with your husband."
"You… you heard about that?" May asked shakily.
Ash nodded. "Max told me when he asked if there was space for you." Ash glanced around the box a slight smile on his face, visible as he tilted his hat back. "He probably wouldn't have bothered asking if he knew what it is like up here."
May felt herself laughing. "Why are there so few people?"
Ash shrugged. "I don't invite many."
"You invited Max. And Mellanie."
"And my other students. Only one other said he might be able to make it."
May hesitated. "Max is a student of yours?"
"Yes." Ash said. "Since last night. I'm the reason he came to Indigo Plateau."
May smiled. "And you're the one who paid for his hotel."
Ash inclined his head.
"Then thank you." May said.
"What for?" Ash asked.
"Thank you for putting my little brother where I needed him to be."
"It was by complete chance." Ash said.
"I know. But thank you anyway."
Ash tilted his head slightly to one side before smiling. "You are most welcome May." He turned and gestured towards the box. "It isn't long until the match starts. Shall we take our seats?"
"One thing first." May said quietly. "Can anybody see us?"
Ash raised an eyebrow, hidden under the shadow that his hat still cast over part of his face. There was a slight flicker in the air behind him before he spoke. "Not anymore."
May stepped forwards and wrapped her arms around her oldest friend. Surprised Ash hugged back on instinct.
"Thank you for coming back." May murmured. "Dawn told me about you spending time with her in Hoenn."
"I see." Ash said uncertainly as he started to withdraw from May's embrace.
"I don't care if you've changed." May continued. "If you are still even remotely like the person I knew so long ago, I want to be friends again."
Ash stepped away. "Thank you May" he said. "I… That means a lot to me." He gestured to the field below. "Now I believe we should watch my student take on a battling legend."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the big one of the season. Lance Waturu, the Dragon Master and leader of both Kanto and Johto is fighting for his title for the first time in nearly three years. The challenger, Samuel Fernandez is one of the pupils of the Pokémon Master, Ash Ketchum. If Sam has learned from his teacher, Lance could be in for the fight of his life. It is not often that elite battlers go head to head. Do not go anywhere. This one promises to be special."
Sam rose as the buzzer sounded, striding through the door as it opened. As he reached the field he looked around, feeling a slight breeze ruffle his clothes. He had gone for what Mellanie always described as his wild clothes. Dark colours on top, although his undershirt was white. Slightly baggy, for comfort rather than aesthetics. And clothes that looked worn, to make him look more rugged. As he strode forwards he looked like a battler.
From the other side of the field Lance stepped out. He had gone for his usual suit, jacket done up. His cloak rippled slightly in the breeze. Lance had managed to combine power with authority. Sam gulped inwardly. However good he knew he was, Lance had been doing this for a very long time. He had been Champion of both Kanto and Johto for as long as Sam was alive. He was taking on a battling legend. Yet as he approached the centre of the field, the nerves started to fall away. Sam had been in high-stakes matches before. Despite the quality of the opposition, this was just another one. And if he fought properly, he could win.
As the two shook hands with each other, and then the referee a scoreboard far above their heads lit up. Sam glanced up at it as he returned to his mark and faced Lance across the field.
"As the challenger, Sam Fernandez will select his Pokémon first."
Sam grinned as he raised his arm. "This one always causes a few problems. Gengar, you're up."
The Shadow Pokémon appeared with an evil grin on his face. Lance nodded in respect as he pulled out his own Pokéball.
"Kingdra, you're up first."
The referee raised both his flags up, confirmed both trainers were ready and snapped them down to start the fight.
"Kingdra, Water Gun." Lance barked.
A burst of water shot away from Lance's Pokémon but Gengar seemed to just slip to one side, allowing the water to pass by.
"Gengar, Shadow Ball."
The attack raced towards Kingdra who instinctively fired another Water Gun at it. The two attacks collided, cancelling each other out.
"Again Gengar."
Once again, Gengar's strike was blocked by Kingdra firing his own attack.
"Kingdra, follow it up with Yawn." Lance said.
As Kingdra finished his attack, he let out a loud yawn. Gengar glanced back at Sam quizzically. Sam nodded slightly, causing Gengar to yawn. Sam gritted his teeth.
"Gengar, Shadow Ball one last time. Make it big."
Gengar threw another, larger ball of energy at Kingdra who unleashed a Hydro Pump to block it. When the two attacks collided, they filled the area around the collision with smoke.
"Twister." Lance ordered.
Kingdra started moving quickly, causing the wind to pick up inside the stadium. Soon a funnel of high winds was whipping around, causing Lance's cloak to flutter around him. As the smoke cleared, Kingdra looked around in surprise, letting his attack end. Gengar was nowhere to be seen.
"Hypnosis." Sam ordered.
Kingdra spun but it was too late. Gengar drifted out through the ground, his eyes glowing. As Kingdra met them, she slumped to the ground. Asleep.
"Nightmare." Sam called.
Gengar's eyes flashed again and Kingdra let out a loud squeal. Before Sam could continue to press his advantage, Gengar slumped to the ground, also asleep.
Sam grinned as he looked up at Lance who was gazing at the battlefield, brow furrowed. A few laughs broke out around the stadium as the two Pokémon continued to sleep, until Kingdra squealed in pain again. Lance clenched his fist. Despite the two Pokémon being asleep, Kingdra being afflicted by Nightmare was giving Sam a strong advantage. More time passed with Sam tapping his foot and whistling cheerfully, actions that brought cheers from the crowd. As Kingdra squealed for a third time, she finally rose from her slumber, glaring at the form of Gengar who was still asleep on the floor.
Lance unclenched his fist, knowing that he shouldn't be letting his emotions show. It wasn't often that somebody could dictate the early stages of a fight to him. He was usually able to get on top with a powerful onslaught before seeing the rest of the fight out. Gengar was proving tricky, but he had a chance to do some damage. Even if three hits of Nightmare had severely weakened Kingdra. The grin on Sam's face told Lance that his opponent knew as much.
"Kingdra, Hydro Pump. Maximum power."
As the huge torrent of water fired at the slumbering form of Gengar, Sam's grin never faltered. The attack hit in an explosion of dust, causing cheers from Lance's supporters in the crowd.
"Gengar, Shadow Ball." Sam ordered.
Through the dust came a black ball of energy, smashing into Kingdra, sending the Dragon Pokémon reeling backwards. As Kingdra righted herself it was pretty clear that she was on her last legs. The dust cleared, revealing Gengar floating above the ground, grinning wildly. He gave Lance an obscene finger gesture, causing laughter from around the stadium once more. Lance gritted his teeth in frustration.
"Kingdra, Dragon Pulse." He barked.
Kingdra sent a glowing pulse of energy up at Gengar but her exhaustion was evident. Gengar easily slipped to one side before sending a Shadow Ball down to claim the first victory.
"Impressive." Ash said. "Sam really has improved. He might actually win this."
"What happened?" May asked in confusion, forgetting who she was sat next to for a moment. "How come the Hydro Pump didn't hit Gengar?"
Ash smiled slightly before nodding to Max.
"Go." He said. "I'm sure you spotted it as well."
Max nodded excitedly. "Gengar slipped underneath the ground, probably leaving a Double Team image behind. Superb use of Gengar, although he does look a little tired."
"But Gengar was asleep." May said. "How could he dodge?"
"He wasn't asleep." Ash said quietly. "He was faking. Yawn clearly didn't take on him."
May looked at Ash in surprise. "How could Sam have known that?" She demanded.
Ash chuckled. "Sam is very adept at thinking on his feet. Probably even more so than Mellanie. Gengar knew what the attack was meant to do, and checked with Sam. Sam's nod when the Yawn failed was enough to let Gengar know what he wanted, but not so obvious that Lance could have seen it."
May shook her head in disbelief. "You trained him like this?"
"No. I merely gave him the ability to grow into the trainer he is. Lance is going to be pushed very hard here."
Ash looked around to see Mellanie looking at him strangely.
"Yes Mellanie?"
"You truly think I plan better than Sam?" she asked.
"Yes." Ash said. "You typically display much greater control over battles then Sam does. He reminds me of me when I was his age. You are much closer to me now."
Mellanie didn't say anything but she looked pleased as she looked back down at the battlefield to see Lance send out his next Pokémon.
"Altaria, let's end this one quickly." Lance said as the Humming Pokémon appeared. "Straight into Aerial Ace."
Altaria shot into the attack, sending Gengar sprawling back towards the ground. The Shadow Pokémon hit the stadium floor, passing straight through it before reappearing behind Lance with another grin on his face.
"Gengar, Shadow Ball." Sam called. Gengar slipped past Lance before firing an attack up at Altaria who flew further up to help her dodge. She swooped down once again, but Gengar was able to dodge once again.
"Altaria, Aerial Ace again." Lance called as Altaria banked in the air for another attack.
"Thunder Wave." Sam ordered.
Altaria shot towards Gengar, too quickly for him to dodge but not quite quickly enough. As she tried to pull away she touched one of the rings of electricity that Gengar had sent up into the air. She screeched in pain as Gengar slowly climbed back to his feet, his grin gone.
"Altaria, Dragon Breath." Lance barked, frustration creeping into his voice.
The Altaria flipped in the air before unleashing a torrent of fiery breath down on Gengar who was too tired to get out of the way. Sam's Pokéball was in his hand before the attack even finished, recalling his Pokémon.
"Thank you Gengar." Sam said, before throwing the next Pokéball into the air. "Pidgeot, you can have this one."
Lance glanced at Altaria who met his gaze confidently. He knew she was at a significant disadvantage due to her being paralyzed but she was also his best Pokémon for fighting Sam's Pidgeot. If he swapped her out he knew what Pokémon he would have to use, and he didn't want his Dragonite to have to fight yet.
"Altaria, up into the sky." Lance called.
Altaria took off, climbing rapidly but Pidgeot followed a moment later, gaining on his foe rapidly. Altaria slipped to one side as Pidgeot shot past. There were a few gasps from the spectators. Pidgeot was fast.
"Pidgeot, Aerial Ace." Sam called.
Pidgeot shot towards Altaria who wasn't able to get away. Lance's Pokémon was sent plummeting towards the ground. Altaria managed to catch herself before she got too close, launching herself back up into the air.
"Dragon Breath." Lance barked. Altaria sent another torrent of fiery breath at Pidgeot but Sam's Pokémon merely ascended rapidly, the attack not able to catch Pidgeot.
"Pidgeot, Mirror Move." Sam called. "Use it while you drop."
Pidgeot folded his wings in and went into a dive, heading straight for Altaria who had nowhere to go. As he approached Pidgeot's beak opened and the exact same attack that Altaria had just used shot out.
"Altaria, dodge sideways!" Lance called, but electricity crackled around Altaria, preventing her from moving. Pidgeot's attack crashed into Altaria sending her spiralling back towards the ground, before Pidgeot himself hit her, accelerating her fall.
Just before she hit the ground, Altaria was able to spread her wings, pulling out of her plummet without crashing. She settled back onto the ground, battered but still able to fight. Lance held out a Pokéball.
"Altaria, return."
"And Lance recalls his second Pokémon, to save her from further battering at the hands of Sam's lightning fast Pidgeot!"
Lance ignored the voice of the announcer as he returned Altaria's ball to his belt. The speed of Sam's Pidgeot was an issue, and it meant that the Pokémon hit remarkably hard. He had researched his opponent thoroughly and knew about Pidgeot's strengths but he hadn't envisaged it being quite so quick in a straight line. He pulled a Pokéball off his belt, looking at it. There was only one Pokémon on his team that could match Pidgeot for speed.
"Dragonite, I need a victory." Lance murmured. He threw the Pokéball up into the air, and his Dragonite appeared with a roar. He gazed up at Pidgeot who was circling lazily above with a hungry look on his face.
For the first time in the fight Sam's smile started to falter. "Already?" he asked.
Lance let a smile spread across his face. "You know you'd have to face him eventually." The Dragon Master taunted. "No time like the present."
Ash leaned forwards. "Interesting" He murmured.
"How powerful is his Dragonite?" Mellanie asked.
"It is his strongest." Max said. "Stronger than the Pokémon he used against you, although not much more powerful than Gyarados."
Mellanie nodded. "That Gyarados took a lot to knock out."
"Why is he using Dragonite so early?" May asked.
"He wouldn't save it till the end." Ash said. "Dragonite will be his final Pokémon standing, but it is highly unlikely that he wouldn't feature before then. Dragonite is very good at getting quick wins."
"And Pidgeot is too quick for a paralysed Altaria." Max added. "Dragonite is probably just as quick in a straight line."
"But not as manoeuvrable?" Mellanie chipped in.
"Nope." Max said. "Pidgeot will turn faster. But Dragonite will hit harder. That Pokémon is dangerous."
Sam grinned at Lance. "You know, I didn't think you'd do this. But then I guess it is about time you threw me a curveball."
Lance chuckled. "You won't get this title easily young Samuel."
Sam laughed. "And I'm not about to go anywhere either."
He held out a Pokéball. "Pidgeot, return."
There were a gasps around the stadium as Pidgeot vanished back into his Pokéball. Sam held out another Pokéball, slightly scuffed from age.
"I think it is time for a clash of our best. Typhlosion, you're up."
As Sam's starter appeared with a roar just as loud as Dragonite's Lance met his Pokémon's gaze.
"Win." Lance said softly. Dragonite nodded and launched himself into the air, ready for the clash of the strongest of each of the trainers team.