Author's Note:

Here it is, the final of the Hoenn league. Now I want to talk a bit about Ash's final challenge in this chapter. I don't expect this to be a massive personal fight like the end of the silver conference. Paul had two regions to be built up and challenged Ash's ideology. Katie is more of a strategic challenge. Some might ask why I made her the main rival to finish this off and simply put, because her character interests me. I remember seeing her in the Hoenn league and was like, she's an awesome trainer, why haven't we since her before now? She was like Gary in knowing a bunch but used actual strategy. She was a far more interesting than the actual rivals the Hoenn league presented to Ash. Even with some subpar Pokémon like Venomoth, she still performed greatly and so I wanted to give her a bigger role. She's like Sakura in that regard (the giving a bigger role, not subpar Pokémon since Espeon is awesome (easily in the top eight eeveelutions teehee). I also realised Ash suffered from not having many female rivals and even fewer good ones. At a push, you could say Iris in journey's but given the battle record there, I doubt it and Bea just seemed to disappear after their third match. Other than them... Casey? who didn't appear in the league. I really can't think of another example which I think is a real shame. We've seen how bad it can just rehashing the same thing... need I remind you of Paul 2.0 (or Trip) from the Black & White anime? This is also my longest chapter in Hoenn and was the first battle I wrote for this league. I tend to pick the battle I'm most invested in being the starting point... which usually ends up being the finals now I think about it. Don't forget to vote in the poll and with that, let's begin


Chapter Ninety-Eight: Emerald Conference - Experience

He smiled as he stood on the trainer's box in the largest stadium at Ever Grand City. A plain outlined field, slightly large than average filling the gap in front of him although it was hard to focus. Waves of people filled the stands above in all directions, but it was difficult to make out anything specific.

"So, we're back here again," his starter muttered from by his feet.

"We sure are." Taking a deep breath, the fresh sea salt air filled his lungs. "But this time no-one will stand in our way. We've all worked too hard and not even Paul could come between us and the league championship."

"Well, it's not Paul we need to worry about," Pikachu whispered as their opponent walked out of the resting room and took up the opposing trainer's box.

Across the field stood his opponent. A blue haired girl in a red jacket and long skirt. Her arms were crossed with a slight frown. A quizzical scowl framed her eyes. She slowly tapped her chin and her cheek moved in slightly, signalling her chewing on the inner

"Our two finalists are ready and waiting on the field so let's find out more about who'll be battling today!" An announcer echoed. "Coming from one of the strongest battling families in Hoenn, Katie Kaede, her father married into the family and while not related by blood she has definitely inherited their skill. Even being trained by her grandfather-in-law who was our former champion before Steven Stone. In battle she uses smart strategies and tricky traps to leave her opponents without options. Having waited a few years to complete, she first took on the indigo conference two years ago and reached the final at just fourteen. Taking another couple years out she's back in hopes of claiming victory again!"

The crowd roared in applause as he watched the corner of her lips flick up in a smirk. She raised a hand as she relaxed into a more comfortable expression. Waving to the audience, they seemed to go even crazier.

"And her opponent, hailing from the Kanto region in the town of Pallet, young Ash Ketchum has already made a name for himself in the league circuit," the announcer continued, conquering the Orange league was just the predecessor to his own final battle placement in last year's Silver conference! Unlike his opponent, he tends to use out there strategies which his opponents struggle to overcome!"

An equally big applause rumbled the stadium. Unable to stop the stupidly wide grin spreading on his face, the familiar rush of the impending battle energising every cell in his body.

"It's bound to be a non-stop action-packed battle between mind and heart! So now we'll hand it over to the referee for this match so she can explain the rules."

"This will be a six-verses-six full battle, where both sides have registered their teams prior to arriving today," she explained, "we're not imposing a time limit and both sides will be able to substitute throughout. We'll take a fifth teen minute intermission when the first side loses three Pokémon. This'll as be when we switch over the fields! Our first half shall be fought on a rock field! And Katie shall reveal her Pokémon first!"

The plain field in between them opened and slid away from sight. With the rock field raising up to fill space, he couldn't stop the wide grin from overtaking his face. It wasn't anything special, a typical slab of earth with boulders scattered around. Two large pillars of earth stood high over them, either side of the centre.

"Battle formation, Walrein!" She yelled.

In a flash of light, the large blue water ice type landed on the dusty ground. With an intimidating glare, he only figured she went this route to counter any ground or rock types which might've taken advantage of the field. Running through his options, he gave a side glance to his starter.

"What'cha say buddy?" he asked, "you wanna take this one?"

"As if you need to ask." He smirked, leaping out over the field. Crouching on the ground, his tail waved back and forth, and cheeks sparked.

As he glanced to the ref to confirm they were ready, a red blur caught his attention. The water ice type had been recalled and in their place was a Dugtrio, who faced opposite his starter.

"And Katie has made a switch straight of the bat to keep her type advantage! One has to wonder what she's planning as she's been shown to be the strategist in this tournament!" Hearing the crowd cheer amongst the announcer, he frowned and bit his inner as he scanned the ground type:

Dugtrio, the mole Pokémon. The final evolved form of Diglett. Its three heads move alternately, driving it through tough soil to depths of over sixty miles. Many farmers pair with this Pokémon because of quality of the soil they inhabit

He frowned knowing they'd need to start the round before he could consider switching. Due to her picking first, Katie got that privilege, but she has now revealed one third of her team. He couldn't help but wonder if she deliberated baited him into this unfavourable match up or just made a last second decision. It doesn't really matter but it's something to keep at the back of his head.

"Pikachu verses Dugtrio," the ref declared, "let the battle begin!"


Ash verses Katie: Round One

Ash smiled seeing his electric type charge off from the field, disappearing in the blink of an eye. Dugtrio started vibrating violently causing an earthquake.

His starter reappeared as he lept off the ground. His previous speed giving him momentum to fly over the powerful seismic tremors. His tail glew white.

Spinning through the air an orange emerged with his tail. Smashing it straight across two of the three faces, sending the ground type over the ground.

Dugtrio crashed into one of the boulders, leaving cracks from the impact. While Pikachu landed where the ground type once was, the tremors settled.

"Interesting," Katie mused with a glint in her eye. "Alright Dugtrio, looks like speed alone won't win this. You know what to do."

Spinning on the spot, her ground type disappeared under the field. His starter dropped onto all fours and raised both his ears and tail whilst his eye closed.

Watching with baited, time seemed to stand still. Not even the crowd made a noise as he felt each beat of his heart through his tightly clenched fist. A bead of sweat trickled down his forehead and his eyes darted round for some clue. Finally, his starter's ears twitched.

Jumping forward into a handstand, the ground type erupted where Pikachu stood. His Tail shimmered in metal as he twisted his body.

Bringing it down onto the mole Pokémon's head. He used the momentum to launch himself into the air and send the ground type back into the earth-field.

As his electric type landed a feet away from the hole, the entire field turned into a dirt-whirlpool. His starter disappeared amongst the fallen earth and land slide.

Covering his eyes from the dust flying everywhere, he end up violently coughing. Almost toppling over, everything around seemed to fade as his senses returned. Slowly, he straightened himself out and brushed the debris off his body.

"And would you look at that!" His head snapped up to screen, showing the results of Dugtrio's work. Pikachu saved himself from a nasty fall by using grass knot!"

His starter was dangling down the side of giant cavern, holding onto the blades of grass which tied together. Their opponent popped up at the centre of the hole.

"Whilst he's hanging out, we can set up," Katie instructed.

Closing his eyes, the pure ground type started to vibrate. This time, however, the ground didn't shake with him. Several rocks pierced out of the ground.

"Let's finish this with a bang!" He hollered. "Explode-y tail!"

Watching the screen, he saw his starter back flip from his ledge. Spinning around as he fell deeper into the cavern, his tail glew bright.

Silver, orange, yellow and pink swirled around his appendage. Smashing down onto the ground types head. An explosion filled the creator.

"And Pikachu makes a devastating move, channelling multiple types through his tail to cause a chain reaction!" The announcer explained. "And as we await the results, we have to ask... why stick with such a silly name when you've created your own combination?!"

Frowning at the jab, he knows it's not the greatest name for a move, but he likes it. It also properly says what the move does-

The smoke faded to reveal Pikachu crawling up the incline but struggling due to the angle. Glancing below, nothing could be seen of Dugtrio.

His eyes widened as the ground type shot out of the earth, charging for his starter, "thunder straight up, then iron tail into agility!"

A massive bolt of electricity shot up out of the hole, striking the base of the rock pillar. Due to the hole weakening it's foundation. The pillar fell.

Pikachu lept up and spun in the air with his tail shimmering in metal. Smashing into the slab of earth, it shattered into hundreds of pieces.

The father-to-be landed on one of the pieces. Leaping forward, he used the falling debris as steps to climb out. While the rocks rained down over Dugtrio.

His starter landed on the little bit of the main field which was still intact. Dropping onto all fours, both his tail and ears stood up as his eyes closed.

In a split second his eyes burst open. Spinning on a heel, he swung his tail overhead. Slamming it down into the ground, a mini shockwave shot out.

Katie's ground type was thrown back with a dazed expression. Leaving him open as the electric type sprinted across the field. His tail shimmering with multiple elements again. A red light engulfed the mole Pokémon, withdrawing him from the field.

Frown off by the lack of a target, his starter stumbled over his own feet. Rolling over head, he ended up sitting over on Katie's half of the field.

"Katie has decided to switch out her Dugtrio!" the ref announced. "She needs to select her next Pokémon before we continue!"


"And Katie makes another switch despite having the clear type advantage! Unless she wants to give Walrein a shot at Ketchum's rodent, she'd have revealed half her team already! Which has one question remain, just who will be the first to score a knockout in this final battle of the Emerald conference?!"

Ash couldn't stop the wide smile overtaking his face. The crowd roared in applause all around them as he focused on his starter catching his breath.

"I must say, your Pikachu is certainly impressive for its species." Katie praised. "Very few Pokémon can keep up with Dugtrio, let alone outmanoeuvre. Well done."

"There's more where that came from!" He declared, pumping his fist into the air. Which caused the crowd to roar in applause once more.

"Don't get too ahead of yourselves." Katie wagged her finger in a patronising manner. "I might've underestimated you once but not again. Go Mismagius."

In a flash of light, the purple ghost appeared floating above his opponent. Her hat-shaped head piece covered her eyes with a shadow as the duo radiated power from their stance. Swallowing hard, his memory flooded with watching these two battle throughout the league. He was certain she was one of Katie's strongest.

"You alright to keep going?" He called out to his starter. Who carefully stood back up and turned towards him to give a thumbs up. He pulled out his Pokédex:

Mismagius, The Magical Pokémon. The final evolved form of Misdreavus. Mismagius have been known to cast spells to make people fall in love, so some people search for this Pokémon as if their life depended on it

While not overly confident in the match up after Pikachu's first battle, none of his team for this match are a perfect match up. Seeing as she's already shown half her team, it would be silly to pass up his element of surprise currently on his side.

"And Kaede has chosen to reveal Mismagius as her third Pokémon while Ketchum is sticking with his Pikachu! None of them hold a type advantage over the other but given the battle we just saw we have to give the edge to Mismagius but only one way to find out!"

The crowd erupted in applause as Pikachu stood back up. Slapping his cheeks, a couple times, he shook his head before narrowing his gaze at the floating opponent. His own eyes focused on the massive hole in the field, no doubt a levitating Pokémon would have the advantage if his starter went down there... or-

"Pikachu verses Mismagius," the ref declared, "let the battle begin!"


Ash verses Katie: Round Two

Ash took a deep breath. "Hide in the hole!"

A multicoloured beam of psychic type energy shot down and he back flipped out of the way. Landing on all fours his starter took off, zigzagging to avoid the continued psybeam. Chunks of earth went flying from the powerful attack.

Diving into the hole, his starter disappeared from sight. While Mismagius stopped her attack, she dived into the hole after his electric type.

"Oh, you think the darkness is your ally?" Pikachu's voice echoed. "But you merely adopted the dark; I was born in it, moulded by it!"

He caught glimpses of his opponents ghost type. Floating around the surface of the hole, seeming to scout out their prey.

"I didn't see the light until I was already a mon, by then it was nothing but-" There was a moment's pause. "BLINDING!"

The word was emphasised by a massive bolt of lightning striking her face. Blowing the magical Pokémon back into the open air. Waves of electricity emerged out of the ground, trapping the ghost type in their electric counter-shield.

The female magical Pokémon let out grunts of pain as she bashed into the bars of her prison. Stopping mid-air, the red gem glew bright red.

Spinning in place, rings of fire spun out from her red jewel. Expanding out around her, the mystic fire spread out and hit the electric bolts trapping her.

"Ah yes, your famed counter-shield technique." Katie nodded with a smirk flicked across her lips and arms crossed. "Quite the useful tool for a tricky situation, if I do say so myself."

Her pure ghost type continued to spin. The flames pushing the electrical prison to all sides, giving her more space to escape.

Both elements exploded into nothing but sparks as it fluttered down over the field. Although Mismagius continued to spin, sending out waves of leaves.

Multicoloured razor sharp projectiles soar down over the field. Swirling over the ground like discs, they homed in on the pure electric type.

His starter wasted no time in taking off from his position, but to no avail. Due to the difficult terrain, it seemed they'll soon catch his electric type.

"Quick attack straight into Mismagius!" He hollered.

Pikachu wasted no time in tripling his speed. A sheen shed over his body, and he shot up the side of the ditch with the magical leaves on his tail.

"And it seems like Ash forgot about ghost types immunity to-" The announcer stopped in his tracks. Shooting straight through the pure ghost type, his partner ended up on the other side of the magical Pokémon. "-Mismagius is hit by her own magical leaf! Who would've thought of using an immunity against them?!"

Curling up into a ball, his starter sent a massive bolt of lightning down. Striking Katie's magical Pokémon in the back as the leaves hit her front.

The two Pokémon landed back down in the pit of the field. His starter stood tall over the bent over ghost type.

"Nighty night, don't let the bed bugs bite!" Katie smirked.

Her partner looked up and two red beams shot out of her eyes. Striking his starter, a red outline seemed to surround him but otherwise harmless.

Looking himself over, he shrugged and rubbed his cheeks. A massive bolt of lightning shot out straight towards their opponent, but a blue outline stopped it.

Directing it upwards with her psychic move, the move seemed harmless. Soon his spark ran out and his starter stopped his thunderbolt.

Multicoloured waves flowed out of the ghost type and hit his electric type. Stumbling back and forth, Pikachu landed flat on his back... asleep.

A pink mist covered the bottom layer of the pit and the ghost type floated back up. Balls of energy flew out and a mystic healing light surrounded her body as he watched helplessly down in the pit. He couldn't recall him due to the mean look so all he can do is hope his buddy wakes up on his own.

The dream eater cloud faded and revealed his electric type... lying at the bottom of the pit with his eyes replaced by swirls.

"Pikachu's unable to battle," the ref declared, "making the winners of this round Katie and Mismagius!"


He turned his hat back and ran to the edge of the pit, ready to slide down... only to see a psychic outline around his starter. Pikachu was lifted up and soon landed in his arms. Looking straight ahead, he noticed the source being none other than Mismagius herself.

"Thanks," he uttered.

"My pleasure," she bowed.

Turning back around, he walked to the trainers box and carefully slid his backpack off his back. Once in his safety area, he kneeled and placed his starter comfortably in the backpack, using a blanket in there to wrap him up. He let out a small smile at the peaceful looking mouse Pokémon.

Standing back up, he turned to see the magical Pokémon hovering beside her trainer. It was a weird feeling, like facing a gym leader. She always seems one step ahead and has even taken his own tactics to create her own. He's had rivals before, but this is like challenging a gym leader or another professional.

"And Katie takes the first victory of finals, but she has revealed half her team to do so," the announcer explained, "so the question is, who'll be Ketchum's second Pokémon to enter the field, and will they be enough to handle Katie's tricky ghost Pokémon?"

He quickly ran through his remaining five Pokémon and none of them had a strong advantage over a ghost type. Not wanting to reveal his powerhouses so early and also taking out any weak to ghost types left him with three solid choices and he believes each could take her.

Running his hand over the three Pokéballs, he detached one and enlarged it. While each of them could, given their affinity of dark type energy, his choice was made.

"I choose you, Blastoise!" He shouted as he tossed the device into the air.

Bursting open, his pure water type landed on the field. Withdrawing into his shell, the stealth rocks curtsy of Dugtrio, crashed into him. As they returned to their original, his shellfish Pokémon started spinning. His shell ended up right and he popped back out.

Performing a handstand, his two canons moved slightly. Each shot out a jet of water and he rocketed into the air. Spinning around high above the ground, he landed on one knee with a fist in the ground. In one swift motion his hand entered his shell before flicking out with his sunglasses.

The crowd erupted in applause as he stood up, bathing in the attention as he put the eyewear. A signature smirk spread across his lips as he encouraged the audience.

"And Ash has picked Blastoise as his second Pokémon!" The announcer exclaimed. "And he certainly seems to be a crowd favourite with those sharp sunglasses!"

He felt his heart thump harder as the magical Pokémon floated back onto the field. Hovering over the great pit, she leered down to his pure water type. A creepy grin spread across her face as his shellfish took up a more traditional battle stance.

"Blastoise verses Mismagius," the ref declared, "let the battle begin!"


Ash verses Katie: Round Three

His partner extended his canons out of his. Two massive jets of water shot out. One of them landed directly on Katie's ghost type. Knocking her further into the air. She floated up to get out of the hydro pump.

Stopping both jets, he readjusted and fired them once more. Taking less than three seconds to re-launch his twin torpedoes into the air.

With her spooky movements, she danced between the two jets of water. Despite trying to adjust them several times, the female ghost continued to taunt.

His eyes widened at the sparks jumping of her centre gem, "look out! It's thunderbolt!"

His pure water type withdrew into the shell as the lightning bolt shot down. The last blast of water hit the ground and propelled his shellfish Pokémon away.

Skidding down the dirt path into the pit, Blastoise started spinning to control his decent. A shield of dust blew up, protecting from subsequent thunderbolts.

"If we can't hit from a far, we'll just need to get in close," Katie exclaimed.

Picking up speed as he smashed through the first couple of stealth rocks on his path. Overhead the magical Pokémon dived down.

Popping back out of his shell, Blastoise launched rapid fire squirts. Each hitting a bit of rubble, blasting it into the opposing ghost type.

Crying out from the makeshift water stone edge, she winced over. Slowing her decent just a little off the ground.

Readjusting his canons, two massive black beams with a purple outline shot out. Striking Mismagius head on, she flew backwards and crashed onto the floor.

"We need to remove the last of the stealth rocks!" He hollered.

Coating himself in water, the fully evolved gang leader shot up into the air like a torpedo. Once high above the ground, he broke the aqua jet and started spinning, using the fall to build up momentum. Smashing into one of the larger rock hazards.

Bouncing off the floor, he continued to spin across the floor much faster than before. Leaving the pit below as he smashed through more of the pillars.

Glancing down to field, he noticed Mismagius had disappeared from her current position. His eyes widened as he tried to notice some sort of sign of her.

The female ghost burst up out of the ground right in Blastoise's path. He couldn't stop his path and passed right through her. A massive bolt of electricity engulfed both of them and he withdrew from the shell. Flying down onto his stomach as she hovered above.

Spinning in place, she launched down a barrage of multicoloured leaves. Her magical leaves crashed directly onto the back of his shell.

Withdrawing back into the body armor, massive blasts of water shot out of one of the holes. Sending his pure water type backwards into the pit.

"Don't let him get away again!" Katie instructed.

The ghost type hovered over the pit and doses herself in electricity. Two beams of dark type energy blasted out and struck her before the bolt could launch.

Knocking her down into the pit, a splash could be heard but the light was limited. Some of the stadium lights brightened to illuminate the bottom of the pit

"Finish it!" Ash yelled.

Entering a strong run, the shellfish Pokémon charged forward. His open mouth foamed with dark type energy as the ghost type struggled to push herself up.

A thunderbolt struck out and hit his shelled chest. Grimacing from the shock, he continued forward. Their opponent slowly levitating back up.

Leaping at her, he crunched down hard on Katie's magical Pokémon. Landing back with her trapped, he shook her around to stop a thunderbolt escape. He continued to thrash around to maximise the power of his dark type move. Ending when he launched her up into the air.

His twin canons moved and launched a second set of dark pulses. Striking the magical Pokémon, a single red beam shot down and hit Blastoise between the eyes.

He watched as he the ghost type landed flat on her back with swirls replacing her eyes. His pure water type stumbled back and laid knocked out.

"Both Pokémon are unable to battle," the ref declared, "since Katie picked first at the start of the battle, Ash shall pick first next."


"Destiny bond," he muttered under his breath as he pulled out his Pokéball. Holding it up, he recalled his fallen shellfish Pokémon as Katie did the same to Mismagius. He held the device close and whispered, "thank you. You took down one of her toughest Pokémon, so rest up."

Clipping the device back to his belt. Staring across the field he noticed a small layer of water at the bottom of the pit. Clearly left from Blastoise's battle.

"And just like that Katie makes two consecutive knockouts in a row!" The commentator announced. "One more and we'll be thrusted into the second half of this exciting Hoenn league finale! So, let's see who Ash has decided to use next!"

Closing his eyes, the sight of her Walrein and Dugtrio came to mind. She's been pretty efficient at dictating the flow and forced him into unfavourable match ups. A plan formed in his head of giving her the perfect opponent for her speedy ground type. One with a type disadvantage and with a lot less speed.

"I choose you, Torkoal!" He shouted, tossing the device into the air.

His eyes flickered over to Katie as the sun seemed to strength from his fire types presence. She pinched her lips together and narrowed her brow. Her own eyes seemed to be studying him before she closed her eyes. Reaching to her belt, she pulled out a Pokéball.

"Back at it, Dugtrio!" She declared.

The pure ground type materialised on the far side of the pit. While not looking in the best position, they were clearly rested from the first battle with Pikachu.

"Katie has gone with her Dugtrio for a second round while Ash has picked his Torkoal!" The commentator announced. "Based on typing, Katie once again holds the advantage but as Pikachu proved earlier, typing isn't everything! We'll just need to wait and see what these two have in store for this action filled battle!"

He couldn't help but notice her face sour from the mention of her previous battle. Inwardly smirking, she must've noticed as her face returned to the stoic stare as her ground type turned angry. Possibly from his Torkoal's relaxed expression... he always seems to be in a zen-like mod, even before battle.

"Torkoal verses Dugtrio," the ref declared. "Let the battle begin!"


Ash verses Katie: Round Four

Almost instantly he felt the ground shake violently. He fell down to his behind as the earthquake ran across the field. The water in the pit became choppy as he stared back across the field. Katie stood tall with her arms crossed and Dugtrio shook rapidly back and forth.

His pure fire type stood in place, with eyes closed. Despite trembling slightly, he seemed otherwise unaffected by the seismic attack.

Seeing his opponents shocked reaction caused him to smirk. Her ground type took off as the earthquake settled down. Using incredible speed to race forward.

"Iron defence!" He shouted.

His coal Pokémon withdrew, and his shell shimmered with a metal silver colour. Taking the blow head on, he went spiralling across the field.

Leaving a dazed Dugtrio from the collision.

Torkoal continued to spin as a grey outline formed around his base. Making a wide berth, he ended up on a direct course for the pure ground type.

Katie's mole Pokémon dived back into the ground as his pure fire type spun over the new hole. He burst out of his gyro ball on the edge overlooking the pit.

Cracks formed on the ground under his feet. He barely had chance to withdraw before entering a rockslide down into the pit. A shimmering silver covered his shell.

Sliding to a stop just above the water level, his shell remained unmoving. The pure ground type popped up near him, looking closely to see if he won.

A powerful stream of flames spewed out of one of his shell holes. It engulfed the mole Pokémon and a blast of steam erupted as it hit the water.

Ash couldn't stop the smile overtaking his face as an idea formed in his head. Dugtrio dived back into the ground as Torkoal emerged from his shell.

"Torkoal, I've got a plan!" He hollered. "Walk into the water and use heatwave!"

A bright, dark red glow surrounded his body, and he stepped forward into the pool. A high-pitched sizzling erupted with bubbles forming on the surface. By his second step, the bottom of the pit disappeared in a thick cloud of steam. He smirked and took a deep breath.

"Weather ball!" He yelled.

Through the mist, he saw a blue sphere of water form. It ended up being triple the size of his coal Pokémon as he started walking up the pit side with the water ball.

"Ash's Torkoal, a fire type, has created a massive sphere of water to attack Dugtrio!" The commentator laughed. "You can't make this stuff up folks!"

The pure ground type appeared over the edge of the pit, leering down on his fire type. Vibrating violently, the earthquake restarted and Torkoal began to slip.

Launching the weather ball straight up, he withdrew and fell back the other way. As Katie's mole Pokémon tried to dig under the water, he slammed down in the pit.

Massive seismic tremor shook the stadium, throwing Dugtrio up into the sphere of water. The psychic barriers used to protect the audience on full display.

It took nearly a minute for the seismic shakes to settle and the subsequent psychic barrier to fall. First thing he noticed was Torkoal walking up and out of the creator, which now took up three quarters of the field. On the other side of the pit lay Dugtrio, who had swirls over each eye.

"Dugtrio is unable to battle," the ref declared, "making the winner's in this round Ash and Torkoal!"


He couldn't help but throw his fist into the air as his coal Pokémon walked back across the destroyed field. He hollered praise down, but it seemed to be drowned out through the crowds thunderous applause. Feeling his heart pump through his chest, he focused on his opponent.

She was recalling her fallen ground type and held the device close. Whispering something to the device, she swiftly switched it with another.

"Your Torkoal is quite the battler, Ash, I must say I'm impressed." Katie praised. "Not many have the patience to observe then react to have an upper hand."

"Thanks, but that's just who Torkoal is," he beamed before turning his attention to the fire type. "What'cha say, bud? Are you feeling warmed up now?"

He heard an audible collective gasp from the audience as some made an 'ooooh-ing' sound. He couldn't stop the tingling through his veins at her shock.

"I believe Crawdaunt might've been a bad influence on you," Torkoal replied, "he seems to have you involved in that trash talking none-sense."

"Well, if you're sure," he replied, pretending his fire type said something else, "hey Katie, Torkoal asks if you can give him a real challenge this time?!"

The crowd erupted in laughter and Ash couldn't help but inwardly chuckle at his opponents dropped mouth. A tiny bit of pink hit her cheeks.

"And Ketchum seems to get the crowd on his side with some jokes at his opponents expense!" The commentator announced. "But one has to wonder if he's just full of hot air as we move onto the final match of the first half! And just which Pokémon will be closing out this section!"

His pure fire type let out a small smile and rolled his eyes before focusing a head. She held a device ready in her hand, with a smirk spread over her lips.

"If it's a challenge you want, we're more than happy to comply!" She tossed her device into the air. "This one should really help us reach new heights!"

In a flash of light, her next Pokémon materialised on the small patch of ground before the pit. Spreading the large cotton wings, he noticed the size being bigger than May's but smaller than Winona's. As the dragon flying type took off, circling around like a predator waiting, he pulled out his Pokédex:

Altaria, The Humming Pokémon. The final evolved form of Swablu. This Pokémon has a kind disposition, but if it's provoked, it will threaten opponents with shrill cries before attacking them without mercy

While he knew Winona's was far more experienced, but he also knew not to underestimate any of Katie's team. She was a well-versed tactician and trained them well, even if she can't use mega Altaria, the threat both pose is pretty big, and this will decide who's leading in the second half.

"Torkoal verses Altaria," the ref declared, "let the battle begin!"


Ash verses Katie: Round Five

As soon as that match start, the dragon flying type left balls of cotton in the sky. The white bits expanded out and ended up blocking the sun. A dark grey colour filled them and drops of rain started to fall down. His attention turned to the minimum pool, which would quickly end up refilled.

Katie's humming Pokémon dived straight down in front of the coal Pokémon. Splashing into the pool as a water wall erupted up.

Bursting out on her feet, her wings seemed soggy with water. Failing them around like whips, the water-filled wings struck his shell hard.

Torkoal wasted no time in withdrawing back into his shell. A silver shimmer covered his shell as the wings continued to bounce off them.

"Time for a ride!" Katie hollered with a smirk.

Latching her taloned feet onto his shell, the dragon flying type took off. With the rain slowly getting heavier as they tried to fly out of the pit.

A silver outline formed around his shell and the humming Pokémon took a hard turn. Crashing into the side of the pit, both Pokémon broke apart and slide back down to the bottom of the pit. Torkoal withdrew, standing on all four feet as Altaria slid in the mud.

With a deep breath, he launched a small purple smog cloud out of his mouth. It spewed straight into her face, and she started coughing violently, jerking back.

"Get above the clouds and recoup!" Katie shouted.

"Don't let her escape!" He retorted. "We need to stop that rain as well!"

Flapping her wings, the fully evolved Pokémon took off. She needed a running start and continued to cough as she skipped off the ground.

Withdrawing back into his shell, the fire type took off spinning around the pit. Picking up speed as he curved over the wall, he used a rock sticking out as a ramp and ended up airborne over Katie's humming Pokémon. Withdrawing from his shell, fighting type energy surged through his body.

Crashing onto her back, the two went tumbling and landed partly in the pool. With a loud whistle, purple smog erupted out of the back of his shell.

While both Pokémon disappeared under the poisonous cloud, a single fire ball shot up. Orange mixed in with the purple fumes and a field of fire formed.

Diving back on his trainers box. A rush of hot air blasted back as a loud bang echoed. A constant beeping filled his ears as he tried to breath.

Coughing on the smoke surrounding himself, he pushed himself up and glanced around. Feeling the world spinning, he shook his head and turned to the field, his arms wobbling as he tried to stand once more. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath before refocusing on the situation in front of him.

The first thing he noticed on the field was bits of burning cotton were raining down. Both the smog cloud and rain cloud were gone, and the sky was clear.

Down in the pit, the water levels were quite high. Each of the Pokémon were on either side and staring the other down. Panting heavily and covered in marks.

"Twister and add in the water!" Katie instructed.

Her dragon flying type wasted no time in kicking off the ground. Flapping her wings as she hovered within the pit, a wind formed blowing across the field.

Dark blue tints of dragon type energy formed as the water began swirling around. A tornado formed in the middle of the field, spitting water everywhere.

Raising his arms to block from the debris of the attack, he squinted towards his Pokémon. Torkoal seemed unfazed by the combination and walked forward with his shell glowing a dark red colour. Pinching his lips together, it took a moment for him to realise what his coal Pokémon was planning.

He felt his throat go dry as he disappeared underneath the vortex. Moments later a fiery orange coloured the previously blue cyclone. Mist hissed off.

A bright beam of solar energy shot out and broke through the twister. Striking the humming Pokémon, she hit the pit wall and crashed down in the pit.

"And Torkoal protects himself by standing at the eye of the storm! Using Heatwave to weaken the twister and knocking Altaria down!" The commentator announced. "I think I speak for everyone when I ask, just how in the sky pillar did Ketchum train this Torkoal?!"

The reminiscence of the cyclone spewed out, leaving both Pokémon on wobbly legs. They raised their heads and stared... each gave a single respectful nod.

Altaria shot out a stream of dark blue dragon flames and Torkoal a flamethrower. The two moves met in the middle and seemed to bath each other.

She built up a ball of dragon type energy by her beak, as the dragon breath continued spewing. Launching the pulse with a mass of flames.

Torkoal transitioned his own flamethrower into an overheat. It struck the dragon pulse head on and caused a massive explosion.

Black smoke covered the result and Ash ran to the edge of the pit to try and make it out. His mouth went dry as the results emerged through the smoke.

"Both Pokémon are unable to continue!" The ref declared. "Since both sides have lost three Pokémon, we'll take a small fifth-teen minute intermission for them to regather their thoughts! When we return, it shall be on an oasis field!"


Serena watched as Ash and Katie each recalled their two Pokémon from the bottom of the pit. Each seemed to whisper something to the device in their hands but neither could be made out. She couldn't tear her eyes away as they each walked off the main field, with the cover sliding over the mostly destroyed field.

Relaxing back in the seat, she glanced up to the right where Sawyer, Brendan and Morrison were all sat on the row behind. They seemed to be having a heated discussion about the battle, but she couldn't detail herself with anyone's stance on the matter. The thought of how involved Ash got during anyone else's matches came to mind and caused a small smile to cover her lips. Rolling her eyes, she turned her attention to the side, where her two older companions sat.

"-so, you don't think we've got anything to worry about?" May asked.

"I didn't say that," Brock replied with a bemused expression.

"What're you talking about?" she asked her two friends.

"May's concerned for Ash since the battles been pretty back and forth so far," Brock chuckled. "I was just telling her that both trainers have worked hard to get here. If there wasn't a little give and take, then something would've gone wrong with one of the trainers being out of their league."

"Don't worry, May, Ash has had close battles before, but he'll pull through." She offered a smiled. "You'll see."

"Right," she nodded before jumping up. "Whilst we're breaking, I'll go grab some grub. You guys want anything?"

Declining the kind offer, she watched the brunette take off down stand with some other members of the audience. She relaxed back into her seat, having her eyes cast down to the row in front. A small smile spread on her lips as she watched Max and Walley discuss the battle, whilst holding hands.

She felt the same bubbly feeling in her chest from the early interactions she had with Ash. Over the course of this journey, she's grown to see the boy as a little brother, and she couldn't be happier he was able to find his own partner. Whilst she'd cringe at his early crush on her, it was easily dealt with and allowed them to grow the strong relationship. He even admitted not being able to talk with May about romance stuff, so it felt even more special.

Sinking back into her seat, she leaned back and stared up to the bright sunny sky. Torkoal's drought was still active so hopefully Ash would be able to make the most of it... part of her wanted to go and find him during the break but decided against it. Sometimes already passed and by the time she's made it down there, the intermission will be over. Not to mention, she really doesn't want to distract him from the importance of this match.

Sighing, she slouched slightly. Closing her eyes, the television run of the master class flashed before her eyes with Lisia being crowned the Hoenn Queen.

Nothing could be done now due to the turn of events, but it did bring up a strong point. She lost the Sootopolis showcase because her attention was divided, she was focused on the young girl she failed to save from magma's clutches... Courtney. She's been taking battling less and less seriously, even during Johto her focus was on make her moves look good. She started her journey on the same day as Ash, at the same time but he's able to make it to the finals of leagues consistently and she's... would she even stand a chance against him now in a serious battle? She doubts it.

That's why she failed Courtney. She was too weak and that spiralled out. Maybe it's time she-

"Hold onto your seats folks as we restart this exciting finals match of this year's Hoenn league!" The commentator announced. Her attention turned back to the field, pushing those thoughts aside, to see both Ash and Katie walking out. A small smile spread over her lips as she saw Pikachu looking much better, even if he can't return to the field now. The field between them raised up and revealed an outer grass land ring with shrubs and flowers, even a couple tall trees. While the centre was made up of a crystal-clear pool, sparkling under the strong sunlight. She glanced up to the board where Ash's image lit up. "And to start off the second half Ash Ketchum shall need to reveal his Pokémon first! Let's see which side is able to take the lead in this neck-to-neck race to victory!"

"I choose you, Meganium!" He hollered. Tossing the device up into the air, a red light shot down and his fully evolved grass type materialised. With her head raised high, she let out a loud cry and narrowed her gaze across the field. Cracking her neck to one side then the other.

"You know, I think starting off the second half with Meganium is the right move for Ash." Brock commented.

"What do you mean, Brock?" May asked, taking a massive bite out of a cheese-burger the size of her own face.

"Because of their determination." He turned to face the brunette with a smile. "That stubbornness and fighting spirit. If Katie underestimates either of them and gives an inch... well, they have all they need to control this match."

"Well, I hope your right," Max muttered, "Katie's proven to be all kinds of tough already."

Serena smiled as she saw the blue haired opponent contemplate her own options. Meganium one more call and knowing what the grass type was like, she wouldn't be surprised if it was daring her to go with a massive type advantage, given how stubborn she can be in battle.

"And Ash has picked Meganium for his first Pokémon of the second half!" The commentator announced. "A grass type would work well on this field but just what sort of opponent will Katie pick to match?!"

"This one should surely cut you down to size!" She declared, holding her own device out. "Go Scizor!"

The familiar looking red bipedal bug steel type materialised on the field. Her mind flashed back to the several encounters with this species over the years. Each one showed them as smart, cunning, and skilful Pokémon. Although seeing the expression on both Ash and Meganium helped her relax. Wanting a refresher on the fully evolved Pokémon facing down her boyfriend, she pulled out her own Pokédex:

Scizor, The Pincer Pokémon. A final evolved form of Scyther. Once it has identified something as an enemy, it will continue beating them with its steel-hard pincers until there's nothing left but scraps. They were once known to train humans as warriors in ancient times

Putting the device down, she watched as both Pokémon faced off against each other. In any normal circumstance, one would think Katie holds the upper hand but given how well she knows both Ash and Meganium, typing seems like the least effective way to judge any outcome her. She closed her eyes and made a silent plea for him to finally pull off what he's worked so hard for. Clasping her hands together as she stared out over the field once more.

"Meganium verses Scizor," the ref declared, "let the battle begin!"


Ash verses Katie: Round Six

Ash frowned as the bug steel type shot across the field with incredible speed. Zooming over the lake, water went flying up either side. His giant metal claws shone with a silver colour as they smashed into his grass type. Meganium hung tough as he delivered a barrage of bullet punches to her chest.

Raising up onto her hind legs, the opponent took off to the side. Smashing down onto the field, seismic tremors echoed out across the field.

The pool in the middle rocked back and forth with waves crashing on either side. Cracks formed on the ground beneath herself.

Scizor lept up and his back wings spread out. Soaring over the earthquake, he circled around, and his wings began glowing a pale blue.

Her vines shot out to the pincer Pokémon but were caught in the red clamps. His wings slashed over her neck, causing her to collapse as he landed behind.

Pushing herself up, her nostrils flared, and eyes narrowed as she turned to face the bug steel type. Swinging her head around, a barrage of multicoloured leaves shot out and flew towards their opponent. Her anger filled cry was best not translated in public.

Katie's pincer Pokémon took off over the field, slower than before. The magical leaves following his every move as he curved around the outer field.

Shooting straight towards the Meganium, she tightened her stance. Extending her vines, she watched as he lept over her top. Leaving her to stare down her own attack but she lowered her vines down. Following his every move still, they curved over her top and continued to follow the bug steel type.

"Huh, guess that it's not gonna work." Katie shrugged. "Time to build up your fury cutter, Scizor!"

The speedy-red Pokémon turned and his claws glew with a green tint. Snapping them in rapid succession, he cut up the homing attacks.

Bits of leaves fluttered down to his feet, and he turned back to his opponent. Thick vines wrapped around his body, and he was being dragged over the field.

Slicing his claws down, he whacked the vines. Causing her to let go and drop him. Mini thuds echoed as his sighed as he dropped to one knee.

Ash's pure grass type used her built up momentum and pushed down with her vines. Lifting herself into the air. Extending her body out, she smashed down onto the bug steel type, crushing him onto the floor. She stood up and walked off, revealing Katie's Pokémon.

Whilst still conscious, static bounced off his body. He rolled over and kneeled over, panting heavily.

"If Katie isn't gonna recall it then finish this Meganium!" He hollered.

Her vines shot out and wrapped around his body. Lifting him over head, she smashed him down onto the floor.

Without releasing her grip, she pulled back. Tossing him over the field, he plummeted down into the oasis with a heavy splash.

Moments passed as they waited for the end results. He could've sworn he heard a pin drop as the audience went quiet. As the ref stepped closer for inspection, the water burst up and Scizor emerged with open claws. Glowing with a green tint, tiny pins shot out across the field.

"Razor leaf defence!" He hollered.

Swinging her head down, rows of razor-sharp leaves sailed across the field. Smashing into the oncoming pin missiles, closer to Meganium than not.

He tightened his fist as he saw the bug type slowly gain more ground. The collision point getting closer to his herb Pokémon with each passing second.

Ash knew it was a risk, but he just needed her to hang out for a little longer. While her razor leaf couldn't overpower their opponent, he didn't need to.

Static bounced off Scizor and he cripled over. The leaves took out the last of the pin missiles and shot across the field, hitting the bug steel type.

"Earthquake into Solar beam!" He shouted.

She wasted no time in smashing her front legs down onto the ground. Seismic tremors echoed out across the field and turned the pool back into a rocking pit of waves. Katie's pincer Pokémon cried out as waves threw him side to side. Her petals glew white with solar energy flowing into them.

Letting out her own cry, she launched the massive beam from her mouth. It struck Scizor and blew him across the field, out of the water.

Smashing him into the psychic barrier which protected the stadium from the battle. Scizor slid down with swirls in his eyes.

"Scizor is unable to battle," the ref declared, "making the winners of this round Ash and Meganium!"


Ash smiled and ran out to the field, embracing his pure grass type in a hug. She affectionately nuzzled her head against his as he swung on her neck.

"Oi, off the field!" Pikachu called out. "In case you forgot, you've still got two more mon to go through before any celebrations."

"Remind me why I healed him during the intermission?" she asked.

"You offered if I used you in the first match of this half." He shrugged. "I think you was getting board of being on the side-lines."

"Right... well clearly it worked," she mused.

Offering a smile, he whispered one more word of thanks before walking back to his trainers box. He couldn't help but notice Katie kneeled next to her pincer Pokémon as she recalled him into the Pokéball. By the time he reached the platform, he noticed her already with a Pokéball in hand.

"Before we continue, I must ask Ash, do any of your Pokémon behave like their species should?" she asked. "A Pikachu with no qualm of facing down a ground type. Whatever your Torkoal's capable off and now an aggressive Meganium. I always thought they were meant to be gentle and tranquil."

"Eh, it keeps things interesting," he shrugged.

"It certainly does." She smirked. "So, guess that leaves us to get things back on track. Go Walrein!"

He took in the sight of the thick Pokémon, which like Snorlax had a large layer of blubber padding the body. He had a primarily blue colour, with thin, white rings around his neck and lines on the fan-like tail-fin. The thing which caused the most concern were two large ivory tusks which projected from the upper jaw. A round snout and yellow eyes made up the face, which had large tufts of white fur around the face and neck. He had four short legs which had flippers instead of feet. Seeing the hardened expression in his eyes, he couldn't help but compare to Katie herself in terms of presence as he pulled out his Pokédex:

Walrein, The Ice Breaker Pokémon. The final evolved form of Spheal. Its thick tusks are strong enough to shatter drift ice. They have been known to break, but they will grow back by the next year. Due to their medical uses, poachers have been known to farm them from wild species

As he put the device away, he chanced a glance up to the score board. She was down to the last two Pokémon and for once, he had no idea which Pokémon remained for her. Maybe she realised revealing her team previously really did help him when planning out this battle.

"And Katie goes with Walrein, who we saw way back as her opening partner in the first half!" The commentor announced. "So, let's see what tricks they have!"

His eyebrows flicked down as he glanced over to Meganium. An idea of how to best handle this opponent given his limited options formed but given the skillset of Katie so far, he couldn't risk any more surprises. Especially at this stage of the match.

"Alright Meganium!" He called out. "You up for another match?"

"You need to ask?" She retorted with her own question, causing him to smirk.

"Well, you try and test the waters," he replied, "I wanna see what we're dealing with here."

"Yeah, yeah," she muttered. Tightening her stance, she lowered her head and offered just as hard of a battle expression.

His eyes glanced across to Katie whose wrinkled brow and pinched lips caused him to inwardly smirk. She clearly knows he's got some sort of plan but not enough to know what. While he can keep her concerned with what's to come, the easier time Meganium will have drawing out the surprises they hold.

"Meganium verses Walrein," the ref declared, "let the battle begin!"


Ash verses Katie: Round Seven

His pure grass type spun her head around. Razor sharp leaf-discs flew out of her neck petals. Rapid firing across the grass and water field.

The opposing water ice type let out a massive roar, letting a massive icy breath out of his mouth. A massive blizzard blew across the field, freezing the leaves in the air and caused them to crash down. Snow covered in grassy edge, as a sheet of ice replaced the oasis. Leaving Ash with a chill down to his bones.

Meganium stood tall through the artic blast. Shaking herself clear of the frost layer, a mystic healing glow covered her body as solar energy fell into her.

He guessed that synthesis was more to help warm her up rather than the healing capabilities. Meganium's never been a fan of the more stall-style or moves.

"Time to get moving!" Katie hollered.

Ash's head snapped in the direction of the ice breaker Pokémon. Using his front flippers, he easily slipped onto the ice. Using it to travel across the field.

Picking up speed with each movement, he gasped at the momentum which quickly picked up. His herb Pokémon tried to move out the way but slipped.

Walrein crashed into her side, sending her sliding on her side. Using his flippers to push forward, he went in for a second body slam.

Undeterred, Meganium shot out two vine which wrapped around the twin tusks. Sending a shock wave through them, she struggled back to her feet. The forced lifted Walrein up into the air, revealing his stomach to her. Opening her mouth, a bright beam of solar energy shot out.

Despite the change on the field, Torkoal's bright sun was ever present in the sky. The beam struck his stomach, blowing him back.

Katie's water ice type spun overhead and landed on his side with a heavy thud. Cracks over the frozen pond formed as he rolled back onto his front.

"Earthquake!" He shouted.

Quickly jolting her front body, the legs slammed down on the icy field. Seismic tremors echoed out and the frozen pond cracked more.

Collapsing underneath the ice breaker Pokémon. He splashed down into the presumably chilly water. Disappearing from sight as he dived under.

"Ya know Walrein naturally live in water, right?" Katie asked with a bit of disbelief in her tone. "You've just given him a hiding place."

Inwardly smirking, he watched her water ice type lept out of the pool. An ice ball in front of his mouth. Shooting it across the field, Meganium acted fast with a single razor leaf. Slicing it in half, the two chunks of ice fell either side of her.

"He's gonna keep going!" He shouted. "So toxic the water!"

Her petals glew a bright purple colour. She swung her head and sent blobs of toxic sludge out across the field. Their opponent lept out as they hit water.

Another ice ball struck her side, knocking her sideways as he crashed into the now toxic water. Emerging above the surface, a purple mark covered his face.

"Encore!" Katie instructed. "Then finish this!"

Walrein let out a loud cry and some sort light circled around Meganium. Struggling back to her feet, she shook her head, as if in a daze.

A massive icy wind shot out, striking the herb Pokémon head on. She gritted her teeth as she shook her body but only blobs of toxic sludge shot out. His eyes widened and he quickly reached to his belt. Pulling out her Pokéball, he held it out and recalled her back into the safety of the device.

"Ash has recalled his Meganium," the ref declared, "so he'll need to send out his next Pokémon before we continue."


He sighed in relief as the blizzard came to a stop. Glancing across the field, he noticed Walrein swimming back across the field and climbing back out, taking up a spot in front of his trainer. Despite the status condition, he still seemed as tough and ready to go as he was before.

"You're not normally one to switch out your Pokémon." Katie commented. "What happened?"

"It's the right move in the situation," he replied, "and I thought I might show you how to use it effectively after your first half."

"Heh." She scoffed and crossed her arms.

"And it seems things have really heated up between the two challengers as we come close to the end of this exciting finals match for the Ever Grande conference!" The commentator announced. "So now all we need to see is who Ketchum plans on using to beat Walrein! Don't go anywhere folks!"

He didn't need to consider his remain options for any amount of time. Best to let Meganium rest it out after the turn of events and out of his two other Pokémon, one of them has a massive type disadvantage against Walrein. Since Katie's stuck unless she reveals the rest of her team, he should take it.

"I choose you, Gardevoir!" He shouted as the red light shot out of his device. His older sister figure materialised on the field, taking up a battle stance as her necklace shimmered under the bright sun. As he glanced over to their opponent, he noticed Katie's brows flickering down in a scowl.

"So... you was one of the trainers Steven gave a key stone too." She smirked. "Now things just got interesting."

"Your sticking with Walrein?" His eyebrow flicked up. "Might as well given the options... and I'm sure he can show me what your Gardevoir is made off."

"It seems our two competitors are ready as we enter the next exciting round between Gardevoir and Walrein!" The commentator announced. "Both species fully evolved and native to our lovely Hoenn region! This promises to be one great display so hold onto your seats!"

Taking a deep breath, he noticed his fairy psychic type crack her neck as she shuffled forward. Glancing to the side, he noticed the ref's eyes meet his and he gave a single, small nod. The man raised his two flags. "Gardevoir verses Walrein! Let the battle begin!"


Ash verses Katie: Round Eight

He barely had chance to blink as a beam of solid ice shot out of their opponent. Shooting across the field like a bullet, it seemed to collide with his partner.

Gardevoir, however, sent out a pulse of ESP. Catching the ice beam before impact, she spun around, swirling it around before diverting it back across the field and into one of the palm trees to the side of the field. As the attack faded, she slipped slightly on the icy floor.

"Look out!" He hollered.

The sight of Walrein sliding across the field once more reminding him of the previous battle. Except Meganium is better built for taking physical blows.

Unready knowing, she wouldn't teleport, she clasped her hands together. A shield of ESP extended out around her.

The twin tusks glew black and with a whip of his head, crushed through the psychic shield. He continued forward and knocked Gardevoir.

She went flying back and spun. Landing on one knee, she skidded to a stop against the barrier-wall used to protect the audience from the display.

"Use the broken-up field!" He shouted, seeing the water ice type take off towards her once more. "Psych-Ice!"

Seeing her eyes blow bright blue, she clenched her fists together. Slamming them down on the ground, large chunks of the ice sheet which shattered from the previous earthquake lift up. Throwing them forward, they crashed headfirst into the ice breaker Pokémon.

Shattering upon impact, they seemed to do little to hurt him. They did, however, knock him off course, sending the large Pokémon back to the lake.

"Dive and aqua ring!" Katie ordered.

Plopping back into the murky ice water, a glow formed under the surface. He smirked and gave a simple nod to his psychic fairy type.

Gardevoir ran rand forward. Her body charging with electricity jumping off. Giving a massive leap, she lands right at the edge of the pool.

A massive bolt of electricity shot off. Striking the top of the pool. Water erupted out like a volcano with Walrein thrown in. Splashing down all over, the water ice type landed on his side right in front of his trainer. His embrace Pokémon stood up and walked back to him as their opponent collapsed.

"Walrein is unable to battle," the ref declared, "making the winners of this round Ash and Gardevoir!"


Smiling at the fully evolved psychic fairy type, she stopped near her original starting position and returned the expression. Giving him a small nod, she pointed to her necklace. Turning back around, they focused on their opponent as she stood, whispering to the Pokéball in her hand.

"So, Katie." He called out. "It's three to one now. Still feeling as confident as you were at the start?"

"Your tougher than I gave you credit for, Ash, I'll make no secret about that," she replied, "but since my last one is my starter... I fully believe we can win this. And we're not about to go down without a fight. So, I need to ask you, are you and Gardevoir prepared to use that gem in her necklace?"

"If you can match it," he replied, pulling his keystone out of his pocket.

Katie smirked and held up another device. Giving it a kiss, she tossed it up without a single word. A familiar looking Pokémon landed in front of her on two legs. Flexing his arms to the side, the wrists burst into flames and eyes stared across the field to lock on Gardevoir.

"Katie's last Pokémon is none other than a powerful looking Blaziken!" The commentator announced. "But will he be enough to handle three of Ash's team?!"

His eye glanced over to the fully evolved starter, remembering Harrison's as the first one he ever saw. Swallowing hard, he couldn't help but feel intimidated by the presence of the mighty fire type. Maybe it was the mega stone embedded in a band around his head. He pulled out his Pokédex for a refresher:

Blaziken, The blaze Pokémon. The final evolved form of Torchic. Blaziken has incredibly strong legs. It can easily clear a thirty-story building in one leap. This Pokémon's blazing punches leave its foes scorched and blackened. They're known for their speed, running across continents with prowess

"I don't know about you, Ash, but I don't see a point in delaying the inevitable any longer than it already has been." She held her own key stone up and gripped it tightly. The beams of lights shone out and strands flowed from Blaziken's stone. The two sets connected and a shell of light engulfed Blaziken.

Jumping up through the construction, the fire fighting type soared high into the air. Performing a triple forward roll, he came down and landed bright back where he originally stood, allowing Ash to take in his mega form for the first time. While he lost the yellow markings and black markings on the upper legs and chest, the hair-like feathers took on a wing-like shape and pointed upwards, and a portion around the chest was rough around the shoulders. The crest on his head changed into a flat horn that curved backwards. Both the wrists and feet flames burnt larger, searing the icy grass beneath him.

"We're not about to disappoint you, right Gardevoir?!" He held his own key stone up, gripping it tightly. "Respond to my heart! Mega evolve!"

Just like with their opponents, the lights connected, and a shell of light engulfed his embrace Pokémon. Closing his eyes, the memories of their short time together rushed in front of his eyes. From their original meeting and her claims of only joining to keep an eye on her little brother to the first gym battles against Wattson and Flannery. While she acts aloof, she's shown that she cares deeply for her friends, like the time at sky pillar. Having her around felt like an older sister who'd always stand up to the school bullies. As he opened his eyes once more, she emerged in her full mega form.

"And what a turn of events folks!" The announcer yelled. "We're in for a full-on mega match between Blaziken and Gardevoir! Typing wise gives Ash, the edge but his Gardevoir has already battled and both sides have proven type match ups mean nothing here!"

Taking a deep breath, he felt his heart thump against his chest as a tingle echoed through every cell. His eyes continued to dart around as his hand sweetly loosened up from the tight grip. A stupidly wide smile forced its way onto his face, and he couldn't even begin to try and fight it off.

"Blaziken verses Gardevoir," the ref declared, "let the battle begin!"


Ash verses Katie: Round Nine

His embrace Pokémon held her hands together, shooting out a multicoloured beam of psychic type energy. It struck the spot where the fire fighting type stood just moments before. His eyes widened at the speed of the mega-evolved starter. The red-blur zoomed across the field, melting the ice where he stepped.

Stopping just in front of her, Blaziken delivered a swift flurry of punches into her side. An orange-y-brown tint through the swift assault.

Her eyes burst open, and a wave of ESP expanded out. Leaping back and high over the lake, he landed near his original starting position.

"Magical Leaf!" he shouted.

Gardevoir's brow flicked down for a brief moment, only for her to expand her arms out. Multicoloured leaves formed and shot out, rapid-fire.

Stamping his feet down, they burst into bright flames. Jumping from one leg to the other, he took the attack head on.

Burning up each leaf with his blaze kicks, the mega opponent disappeared amongst the ash. Soon the entire half of the field was grey-burnt remains

"Psychic on the ash and use it for cover!" He hollered.

A wave of ESP surrounded the reminiscence of her attack. The black cloud flew over the field and his own partner disappeared from sight.

Moments past as he saw the flicker of flames just over the top of the cloud. A pink ball of fairy type energy shot out and struck his chest. Knocking him back.

"Funnel," Katie instructed.

Taking off around the field, the starter Pokémon glew with a red outline. Zooming around the outside of the field, his arms spread like wings, glowing with flying type energy. Frowning at the sight, he pulled out his Pokédex to check it out:

Ability: Speed Boost - This ability allows the user to continuously increase speed whilst in the heat of battle

He lowered the device and watched as they implemented aerial ace. The wind from his run created a vortex around the field, blowing the ash upwards.

"Psyche Up!" He yelled.

As the field became clear once more, Gardevoir was in a meditative stance. Her body vibrating violently and glowing red.

Her eye burst open, and she took off with incredible speed. Smirking at the two blurs zooming around the field, he glanced over to Katie who frowned, and eyes bulged slightly. Red and pink covered the blurs as they seemed to dance on the race around the field.

Skidding to a stop, Blaziken made a deliberate turn and shot into his opponent. His claw glew purple and slice across her stomach.

Stumbling out of her stand she crippled over next to the lake. Flexing behind her, he noticed the energising appearance of his opponent.

"Use the lake!" he shouted.

Taking off across the lake, a blue blur of ESP leaked off her eyes. She stopped over the open water and expanded her arms out, lifting the water up into a bubble around her, leaving a gap to breath. She glew with a mystic healing light. A pink tint hit the bubble, clearing out the previous toxic water.

Blaziken turned to face her and shot into the shield. Striking the bubble as he zoomed past with another shadow claw. Water splashed out.

Stopping behind and turning on a heel, he continued the assault. Each blow widdled the water shield down until only a thin layer remained.

As he took off for one more hit which would definitely break through to his embrace Pokémon. Sparks jolted out from her body, infusing the mini shield.

Katie's blaze Pokémon slashed through the shield. Stopping in his place as an electrical current stunned his body.

While Gardevoir went flying back. Spinning overhead, she caught herself with ESP, lowering herself back down onto her feet. A pink outline around her body.

"If we can't get close then go for range!" Katie shouted.

Her started jumped back and took a deep breath. A stream of flames shot out of his mouth. Taking up a five-pointed symbol as it shot across the field.

Collapsing her hands together, a psychic shield surrounded her body. Flames broke apart on all sides of her as she raised herself up.

Jumping up to meet her in the air, Blaziken tackled her and entered a summersault. Using his momentum, he tossed her back down into the empty lake.

Landing on the ridge over the field, his feet burst with flames once more. Taking off around the edge of the field, small prints of flames were left which connected up. Creating a wall of fire around them. Spreading his arms once more, the wind funnel fanned them into a fire-tornado.

"You're not the only one able to use your Torkoal's bright sun to their advantage!" Katie declared.

"Counter-shield!"

His psychic fairy type pushed herself and began glowing with ESP. Spinning in the middle of the pit, rings of psychic energy expanded up.

Pushing the flames back and creating wholes within the vortex. The hot wind blew out and he covered his face from the incredible power.

Seeing the two energy's colour the sky, a single thought entered his mind. His mouth curled up into a wide smile and he burst out laughing.

"What's so funny?" Katie asked.

"Sorry." He tried to calm his giggles to speak. "But this whole time I've been the more spirited and go for it competitor and you've been the tactician."

"And?" she asked, a hint of annoyance in her voice.

"Just look at our two Pokémon, what do you make of them?" he asked as her eyes wondered over to the two mega evolved Pokémon. It must've clicked as she letting out a series of giggles herself, covering her lips before letting them get like he was. "Our Pokémon are each the opposite of us, in that regard."

The fighting energy exploded over the field, and he dived down. Seconds past as he ended up on his stomach, with bated breath, he glanced over the field.

Both Pokémon were stood in the pit, panting heavily. Katie's fire fighting type shot forward with his fists glowing orange-y brown once again.

Attempting to close combat her side, she was able to keep up with his movements. Shuffling back through the pit.

As he watched the close-quarters combat, a pit of dread filled his stomach as he realised one fact... Blaziken was naturally faster, even after copying his boost.

A blur of purple covered his fists, and he jabbed her stomach as she hit the wall of the lake. Letting out a gasp as she slumped forward, eyes glew red.

Leaping backwards, the destiny body beam effortlessly hit the ground and she toppled over. A flash of light consumed her body, and she planted the wet ground, spraying mud everywhere, back in her original form. While the fire fighting type landed right beside Katie, both with arms crossed.

"Gardevoir is unable to battle," the ref declared, "making Katie and Blaziken the winners of this round."


He felt his mouth go dry as he walked forward to the edge of the once lake-oasis. Seeing her lying down on her stomach, he pulled out his Pokéball and carefully recalled her into the device. Swallowing hard, he glanced down to the Pokéball, the image of his fallen partner on the metal case.

"What's the matter, Ash?" Katie called out. "You're not about to call the battle here, are you?"

"Of course, not!" He barked back, clipping the device back to his belt. "We're just getting started!"

"Then show us what you've got!" She challenged with the crowd cheering.

"And Katie has made her stance clear to her opponent!" The commentator announced. "She might be facing two opponents to her one, but she still has mega evolution which the challenger doesn't! It's still either trainer's match so will Ash give his Meganium a second shot or will we see his final Pokémon?!"

Ash knew that out of his two options, he could only really go one way. Meganium is tough but she has a massive type disadvantage and has already battled so he'd be crazy to send her in now. Taking a deep breath, he unclipped the ultra-ball off his belt, "I choose you, Dragonite!"

Tossing the device with all his might, it burst open and his powerful-pseudo-legendary materialised on the field. She extended her two arms, the long, well-kept claws pointing out. Her head twisted from one side to the other as she rolled her wings back.

"Hmm, figured you'd go with at least one of your powerhouses." Katie mused. "This is certainly going to be interesting."

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"I did my research on your team, there were a lot of options to consider but I made a short list of powerhouses you might bring," she explained, "including your Aerodactyl, Snorlax, Alakazam... and of course Dragonite, here. I made sure Blaziken had an option for each of the threats."

"And what if I brought all four of them?" he asked.

"Mismagius for Snorlax and Alakazam. Scizor for Aerodactyl and Alakazam. Walrein from Dragonite and so on." She smirked. "Most of my team were configured to handle them... I even brought Dugtrio specifically for your Pikachu! Given he's your best-known partner."

"And look how well that turned out for you." he retorted. "We're not about to back down, right Dragonite?!"

She let out a thunderous roar as she stepped forward. He couldn't stop the feeling of blood pumping through his veins as his chest thumped against his chest and his fingers curled into a fist. Twitching on edge as he felt ready to get the match underway once more.

"And Ketchum has gone with his Dragonite! A pseudo-legendary dragon! Will she be enough to handle mega Blaziken?! Only one way to find out!"

His dragon flying type stood tall and her eyes flicked down. Cracking her knuckles, she lowered down slightly and extended her wings out. His eyes glanced over to their opponent and Blaziken walked forward. Entering a stance like he's about to race, but it hardly deterred her royal majesty.

"Dragonite verses Blaziken," the ref declared, "let the battle begin!"


Ash verses Katie: Round Ten

He tightened his grip as he watched the fire fighting type charge over the field. Just like before, he was little more than a red blur. His pseudo legendary crossed the arms over her chest. Delivering a punch straight into her, he entered a swift. She scrapped against the ground slightly but held strong.

Her antenna's shot up and sizzled with electricity. A massive bolt of lightning shot down from the sky and engulfed the nearby area.

Jumping back before the blow, Blaziken landed on one knee. She used the opportunity to spread her wings, taking off over the field.

Katie's starter took off and started running around the outside of the now empty lake. Leaping up into the air, he easily reached Dragonite's height.

His dragon flying type hovered over the pit, doing her best to ignore the fire fuelled punches as he flew past. Closing her body off, the antennas extended once more. A black cloud formed over, and rain drops started fall down over the field. Strikes of lightening colouring the now dull sky.

Blaziken landed back down and the flames over his fists faded. The rain drops causing his hair-feathers to sag slightly as he stood and turned towards her.

Vibrating in place, a dark blue outline surrounded her body. Her eyes were closed, and she seemed to be in some sort of meditation state.

Flexing his arms to the side, his entire body burst into flames. With a massive kick, he rocketed up to Ash's female dragon.

"Thunder!" He yelled.

Reaching out she grabbed her opponent through the flames. Her antenna's stuck out and a mass bolt of lightning consumed both Pokémon.

As the chaos cleared, he found both Pokémon looking relatively fine. Muttering under his breath, he figured the flare blitz acted as a shield against thunder.

Bringing his legs up to her chest, he kicked off but tightened the grip on her arms. Pulling her overhead, the came tumbling down. With Blaziken on top, the two crashed into the grassy edge, bringing up the plants and dirt as she skidded to a stop. His hands glew and he sliced them onto her back.

Crying out in pain, the ever-worsening rain dripped off his face. Cracks of thunder bellowed as lightning coloured the sky. A strong gust swirl around the field.

Leaping off her back, the mega evolved Pokémon spun in the air. Crossing his hands, he dived down to deliver a second strong duel chop.

Pushing herself up, she shot forward. Hovering a couple inches off the floor, their opponent landed where she once landed and took off in at a high speed.

He inwardly smirked as the rushing wind helped keep Dragonite just out of his reach. Coating herself in a dark blue dragon fire, she made a complete u-turn.

Blaziken stopped in his tracks, coating himself in an orange flame. The two burning Pokémon collided, and an eruption of flames engulfed them.

Extending her claws, she ended up in a close quarters match. Smashing dragon claws into duel chops. Neither side able to land a direct hit.

"The lakes filling up again!" He shouted in excitement.

Flapping her wings after deflecting another attack, she hopped off the ground diving in the lake. The pouring rain continued to hammer down. Soaking the field.

"Defence!" Katie hollered as bubbles popped atop the water's surface. Her starter punched the ground causing four rocks to shot up and surround him.

His dragon flying type shot out of the lake, water spiralling around her tail. Spinning it around, it smashed into the rock tomb wall. Creating an opening.

Blaziken took full advantage as she recovered from the impact. Leaping out, he delivered a duo of duel chops into her gut. Knocking his pseudo down in the water.

Ripples echoed out through the water as she laid face in the half full pool of water. The referee approached the edge as the fire fighting type loomed over.

"Dragonite is un-"

"Not yet!" Blaziken growled, cutting the referee off.

She stirred slightly in the water, lifting herself up into a standing position. Water dripped down her face as she glared up to their opponent. "Let the battle resume!"

"Dragonite, we gotta go all or nothing!" He declared. "Storm!"

Letting out an ear-bursting roar a massive bolt of lightning erupted down into the pool. Consuming Dragonite and the nearby area, it acted as shield from the fire blast Blaziken launched. Whilst bathed in electricity, she shot up into the air. An orange blur appeared circling the top of the field.

A strong wind started to blow around the field and he had to hold onto his hat. A second blur appeared running around the bottom field.

Katie's starter smashed into his rock tomb shield. With swift fists, he close combatted the rubble up into the air. They bounced of the protective shield.

Water from the lake sprouted up in a cyclone. Even the announcer was drowned out by the endless bellowing roar. His vision little more than a blur.

Smears of dark blue and fire red streaked across the hurricane and twister combo. Bold bolts of lightning became more frequent as he curled up on the floor.

Forcing his head down from the massive storm whirling around them, he focused on Dragonite. She mastered this combo to finish off most opponents, but it massively exhausts her. Once she got it going, not even Aerodactyl could survive it. However, she also couldn't continue afterwards-

His heart thumped hard against his chest. The rush of aura through his body made breathing difficult. Blinking. He found himself looking down over the field.

Rain and wind echoed around but not nearly as bad as what he previously experienced. The central cyclone was clear, glancing down to the pool below.

A whirling wall built of water, fire, earth, and dragon type energy blocked out the view of most of the field. He caught a glimpse of a shadow within the flames.

Blaziken burst through the cyclone. His head feathers extended out, as if wings riding the current. He jumped around the inner wall. Fists glowing a dark blue colour for another duel chop. His eyes widened and took a deep breath. "Aqua tail!"

The feeling of water embracing his lower half felt weird but despite the sudden stop, he didn't feel the physical force. Doing a front roll, Dragonite's tail smashed into the fire fighting type. Knocking him straight down the centre. Returning to an upright position, his pseudo legendary roared. Lightning erupted as they shot down. Everything went black as a tingle spread over his body. A massive blast exploded and knocked him back.

"Everyone awaits with bated breath for the final results of this magnificent finals match!" the announcers voice announced among the deafening silence. "It could go either way as both sides have really put their all! With turning the entire field into a storm by Dragonite being a massive display of power!"

Groaning slightly, he used his arm to slowly push himself up. His head was spinning but he closed his eyes to help the adjustment.

Moving into a more comfortable sitting position. He slouched and looked across the field with the effects fading in front of him.

Both Pokémon were found stood in the lake, which had a thin layer of water. The two stared each other down before giving a small respectful nod to their opponent. His dragon extended her claws to the side with dragon type energy as Blaziken flicked his fists for another duel chop.

The two Pokémon charged forward, Dragonite's claws struck down on his shoulder and neck area. While Blaziken delivered a double gut punch in return.

Passing each other, his pseudo legendary fell down onto her knees but caught herself. Panting heavily, her arms wobbled under the weight.

As he reached for his ball, he knew she couldn't continue like this. An audible gasp escaped the crowd above. Blaziken's body swirled with lights, and he returned back to his original form. Falling down into the water face first. Offering him a soft smile, his dragon flying type collapsed as well.

"Both Pokémon are unable to battle," the ref declared, "since Ash still has his Meganium remaining, he's this year's Emerald conference winner!"


Ash's lips curled up into a smile, pushing his dimples into his eyes. Every cell of his body felt like it was pushing him to move. Glancing over the field, he held out the device and recalled his orange dragon from the field. Whispering a word of thanks, he clipped it back to his belt as a weight hit his shoulder.

"I feel like I should say something profound right now," Pikachu uttered, "like one small step for mon."

"What'cha mean?" he asked.

"I dunno, but who cares?" He shook his head. "We won! That's all that matters right now!"

"I know buddy!" He couldn't stop himself any longer. Leaping up into the air by throwing his fist up, he felt the blood rush and he let out a loud cry. Which only seemed to be matched by the loud crowd roaring in applause. Laughing joyfully, he glanced over the field and notice Katie kneeling beside her starter.

Without missing a beat, he took off and charged over the field. It didn't take him for him to end up standing over her. She had a Pokéball in her hand and recalled her fire fighting type. Holding his hand down, she glanced up before accepting the open gesture. With a slight tug, he pulled her up to her feet.

"That was a great match, Katie, and you are a great trainer." He smiled. "This is the most fun I've had in a real long time."

"Thanks Ash, and back at ya." She sighed, turning to face the sky. Taking a deep breath, she looked back, "just know next time the outcome will be different."

"We're looking forward to it," he replied, as Pikachu added in his own quip from his shoulder.

The two shared a firm handshake as the crowd erupted in applause once more. Turning to face them all, he raised his hand and tried his best to wave to each and every one currently watching. Breaking the handshake, they each turned to make their way down to the corridors which they entered.

"And we get to see a great show of sportsmen-ship between our two finalists!" The commentator announced. "After a long and hard-fought competition with many twists and turns, we can officially announce the winner of this year's Hoenn League as Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town in the Kanto region!"

He continued to hear the cheers as he disappeared off the main field. While slightly quieter, he certainly couldn't deny the surreal atmosphere which seemed to be everywhere he went. Reaching the seating area within the waiting room, he took a seat and pulled out a Pokéball. Pressing the middle button, Meganium materialised right in front of him. She seemed to be looking around before settling her gaze on his own.

"So..."

"We won!" He declared. "And you just happened to my last one standing, which is why we won!"

"Figures..." She shrugged. "But know I would've rather gone down fighting then sat on the side-lines with a meaningless victory by default."

"Do you have to be a spoil-sport?" Pikachu asked.

"Shut up, Sparky." She retorted. "Need I remind you which of us failed to take down either of their opponents? While she couldn't even come up with a decent answer to face me."

"Hey now, don't start you two-"

A slow clap echoed throughout the corridor and all three of them turned to face a rather large man, in his late thirties or early forties, with curly-light-brown hair and an Alolan-styled flower shirt, walking towards them. He was the source of the applause, stopping in the middle of the room where they sat.

"Hey there pal." He greeted with a wide grin. "That was quite the battle you put on out there."

"Thanks, mister... erm-"

"The names Scott." He approached and held his hand out. Unsure what to do, he glanced at his two Pokémon before shrugging and accepting the open gesture. "I'm actually a travelling agent. Specialising in strong trainers. More specifically, I'm looking for battle experts."

"Battle experts?" he asked.

"You see, I've built up my own competition of sorts." He held out a small rectangular card. Accepting the item, he glanced at item to see a blue and white Pokéball symbol with three semi-circles poking out from the top, bottom left and bottom right. A phone number filled the bottom row. "Separate from the leagues where the best of the best face off against each other. It's called the Battle Frontier."

"Battle frontier..." he muttered.

"I've currently got three regions involved." He continued. "Those being in the Kanto region, Sinnoh region and the Paldea region. Although I am looking at both Johto and Galar as possible fourth region."

His mind flashed back to the trek between Foretree and Lilycove, specifically the day when Serena caught her Absol. They ended up meeting a man who referred to himself as the pyramid king and who claimed to be a Frontier brain... he couldn't help but wonder if there was some sort of connection.

"I can see I've peaked your interest, kid." Scott smirked. "So, any questions?"

"D-do you know someone called Brandon?" he stuttered slightly.

"I do, as it happens, if it's the same Brandon then he's my head of the Kanto Battle Frontier." He smiled. "You see, I like to broadcast high-skilled battles between well-established trainers. The leagues are fun but for battle fans, sometimes they wanna see the best go at it. It's rare both finalists in a league can compete like yourself and Katie today and even rarer is when the champions league accept challengers."

"So, the battle frontier-"

"Heh, yeah kid." He smirked. "They're all on the level of elite four members, at the very least. I only offer this chance to those trainers who prove themselves. Win a league, that sort of thing. I'm offering you the chance to pick which regions frontier you want to take on and if you win... then you could even become a new frontier brain in my next Frontier. So, what do ya say, son?"

"I-I'll need to consider it," he stuttered slightly, "I mean. I've gotta talk it through with my friends. We're not even sure where we'll travel next and the I've got the champions league challenge here in Hoenn-"

"I get it, take your time. Unlike the leagues, I don't run the battle frontier on a set season." He held his hands up. "Enjoy your champions league challenge but know it's just a taste of the sorts of trainers you could face. I'm not putting a time limit on my offer either. There's a few other rules around challenging the battle frontier but we can discuss that when or if you decide to take it on."

"Y-you're not surprised I need time?" he asked.

"I've been doing this for the last ten years and I've only ever had one challenge jump at the chance without hesitation," he shrugged. "I'd be more surprised to get a straight answer right from the start. Just keep the card safe and I'll be looking forward to hearing from ya."

The man took off down the corridor and Ash stood still, staring at the business card in his hand. Feeling a heavy weight on his shoulders, he realised that despite winning a league, there's many, many more tough trainers out there. Slipping the card into his pocket, he turned to his two Pokémon.

A slight flicker in his head and he felt his girlfriend's presence once more. "Hey. Just to let you know it's real crowded at the stadium entrance and Steven said he needs to talk with you. We'll meet you at the centre. Love you."

Hearing those two words at the end brought a stupidly wide grin to his face. No-matter how many times he hears her say it, the warm fuzzy feeling sizzling through his body never faded. They continued on into the lobby of the stadium when a vine stopped him in his tracks.

Turning towards the fully evolved grass type, she silently pointed with the tip of her vine. Turning to the direction, he found himself looking out of the glass doors to a swarm of people. Some holding cameras or lights, some with microphones and some with just cheering behind with bits of paper. For a brief second, his eyes seemed to meet with every single person before a loud-pitched screech echoed through the building.

"Erm-"

"I always knew we should spend our time preparing for the zombie apocalypse," Pikachu muttered... receiving a whip to the back of his head.

"Shut it," Meganium hissed. "Want me to sleep powder them? It'll make getting through easily."

"When did you learn sleep powder?" Pikachu asked.

"I don't... but I do know poison powder." She shrugged. "Same difference really."

"You're not going to poison anyone!" He raised his voice. "We need to come up with a plan b."

"But we didn't even try plan a, though," Meganium mumbled.

"Something wrong?" He turned to see none other than Steven Stone approaching from a nearby staircase, his Metagross behind him.

"How did you-"

"I was involved in constructing every stadium in Ever Grande," he replied, "I know every way in or out of this place. Now I take it there's a reason you haven't left yet?"

He silently pointed to the crowd, "them."

"Not a fan of the attention?" he asked, to which he silently shook his head. "Heh, it's a little surprising, coming from one of Red's kids. No worries, just stick close and let me do the talking. Metagross, would you do the honours."

His fully evolved pseudo gave a simple single nod. Turning towards the exit, the steel psychic type levitated an inch off the ground and floated out through the large, automatic doors. Stomping down just outside, the crowd seemed to get the hint and stepped back, creating a sort of bubble around the exit. The champion of Hoenn set off and he couldn't help but gulp but followed regardless. Soon they ended up outside in front of the crowd.

He felt a comforting pat on his back from Pikachu's tail as he perched on his shoulder. One of Meganium's vines lightly wrapped around his hand and he tightened his grip. A dry crack stretched down his throat as he nervously glanced around the crowd of reporters and spectators.

"Good evening." Steven started. "I understand that you all wish to congratulate this year's Ever Grande champion. However, I need to ask you to leave us. I have important matters to discuss with the league winner. Our champions league shall be holding a conference in two day's time at the main stadium, followed by a meet and greet. There we shall also be formally announcing who shall be replacing Glacia given her retirement at the end of this season."

He started walking forward with the steel psychic type leading the way. The crowd seemed to take the hint and parted, creating a walkway for them to walk through. As he followed the champion, he couldn't help but inwardly cringe from the looks of the crowd... mostly some of the girls, which he knew would really upset his girlfriend heard what they were whispering. Closing his eyes, he tried to quicken his pace but couldn't overtake Steven himself.

"So, Ash," Steven spoke, once far enough away from the crowd, "as the league champion, you've got the chance to challenge Hoenn's champion league. This means you'll battle our elite four and then myself... assuming your victorious in your endeavour. I want to stress that this is not a chance for you to take up a position in our champions leagues. The battles will be heavily favoured to your side."

"They will?" he asked.

"Yes." He nodded. "For starters, you'll be able to use a full team of six while each member of the elite four shall only use five... but then I shall use six if you make it that far. You'll also get the benefit of substitutions, while none of us will."

"Right," he replied, "so... who will I be facing first?"

"Your first battle will take place next Monday. Then we'll rotate between a rest day and the next battle until your knocked out," he explained, "different regions handle the challenge order differently. Some have a set order, which is the case in Hoenn. Some allow the challenger to pick their order. Due to the circumstances of Glacia's retirement, however, she'll get the first battle. A sort of goodbye and one last battle in her position. Hope you don't mind."

"Not at all." He smiled.

"She is normally the third in line with our order starting with Sidney and then Phoebe," he explained, "in addition to a rest day between each battle. You'll be permitted to switch one member of your team of six. This is to keep you on your toes. This is to keep things interesting and not allow you to build a perfect counter team for each member. For Monday's battle, you'll need to register the first six Pokémon by six on Sunday evening. Then our tech people can prepare the score boards in time for the next day's battle."

He couldn't find any words to reply and simply nodded. Out of all the members of Hoenn's elite four, Glacia is the one he's yet to meet. He would've loved a rematch between Aerodactyl and Phoebe's Sableye or even let Swellow give her chance against Drake's dragons. Even getting to face Sidney and his Absol-

Stopping in his tracks, he found himself in front of the centre. Turning to the side, he noticed Steven stood with his hand out. Realising their little chat was over, he accepted gesture and bid him goodbye. Climbing onto his pseudo's back, the silver-haired man took off into the orange sky.

With a deep breath, he turned back to the entrance. Glancing to both of his Pokémon partners, a smile curled on his lips. Without another moment's hesitation, he set off into the Pokémon centre where his friends were waiting.


Thanks for reading... Please Favourite, Follow and Review. Also, feel free to ask any questions through PM, I will answer them all, although don't expect too big of spoilers. Don't forget to vote in the polls. I really appreciate the support. Thank you and see ya next time...