Thanks for the reviews guys I really appreciate you taking the time to write one.

Here's chapter 6 I hope you enjoy.

In conversations:

'- Translation of Poké Speech – No human unless otherwise stated can understand it.

"- Human speech

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon.

Ash quickly walked back to the clearing and sent everyone out. Ash had spent so long talking with Vanya and Thalion that by the time he got back to the clearing it was time for dinner. Since it would soon be dark Ash told everyone to relax and they would start training tomorrow morning. His Pokémon seemed happy with that and all settled down waiting for Ash to make their evening meals. They didn't have to wait long an dafter they all scoffed their food they settled down to get rested for the training tomorrow. The next morning Ash woke up knowing that they would have to get some serious training done. They had missed out on a lot of training due to various interruptions and they really needed to make up for the lost time. When they finished their breakfasts the Pokémon looked at Ash waiting for him to tell them what they were doing today.

"All right guys we look to have some serious competition. Both Vanya and her brother Thalion are going to be a challenge. So I want you all to continue the training you had been doing before we met Vanya."

Ash watched as his Pokémon ran off to various areas to continue training, he saw how easily Mudkip was moving with the rock attached to his tail-fin and knew that he was ready to start learning Iron Tail which hopefully Raichu would help him master. Ash turned his attention to his other Pokémon Cyndaquil, Phanpy and Nincada were still working on Hidden Power. Nincada had learned pretty quickly from the others and was now working on his accuracy like they were. Although to say his control was erratic would be an understatement but in time it would be just as Cyndaquil or Phanpy's. He then saw Totodile who was happily dancing. Ash smiled knowing that Totodile must have perfected Hydro Pump. Totodile was ecstatic that he had just gotten Hydro Pump down, he knew when he used it against that guy on the boat that he needed to work on it and he was delighted that he had perfected it. Ash walked over to the him applauding him.

"Great job Totodile. Listen I'm working on a new move for you so in the meantime can you try charging Ice Punch into both arms?"

Totodile nodded and started encasing both his arms in ice. Ash finally looked at Pidgeot who was pummelling a rock and causing quite a bit of damage. Ash felt a bit smug knowing that his theory had been right. After all if a Staraptor could use Close Combat then there was no reason why Pidgeot couldn't do the same.

"Way to go Pidgeot. I knew you could do it."

She cried out happily and wrapped a wing around Ash as she nuzzled him. He laughed as her feathers tickled him and he stroked her crest. He then heard a couple of voices below him. He looked down and saw 2 pouting young Pokémon Pidgeot released him and Ash picked them up and gave them a tight squeeze. They smiled and nestled their heads into his shirt. Ash left Pidgeot who had started striking the boulder again and called out.

"Hey Raichu, Mudkip and Totodile can you come here please."

Although Ash knew he had told Totodile to work on Ice Punch he wanted Mudkip to learn Iron Tail and having Totodile help Raichu train him he'd have no trouble learning it. They stood in front of Ash and he took the rock off of Mudkip's tail-fin.

"It's time for you to start learning Iron Tail Mudkip. I really am proud of you as you have worked so hard in these past few days. Totodile, Raichu would you mind helping him out?"

Both nodded and led Mudkip away from the main group and began demonstrating the move. Ash laughed at the look of horror on Mudkip's face when Raichu launched a powerful Thunderbolt at Totodile. He laughed even harder at the shocked look he pulled when Totodile came out unscathed.

The training followed the same pattern for the next 2 days. Once Mudkip had started using Iron Tail Raichu and Totodile left him to it and began training together with Sneasel and the trio all started exchanging attacks. As he watched his Pokémon train Ash was feeling a little guilty. He hadn't had the time to do some training with his Pokémon on a 1 to 1 basis as he had done back in Pallet Town. But Eevee and Ralts needed his attention so he had spent most of his time with them. When they were a bit older he would be able to take the time to help every one of his Pokémon individually. Time flew by and before any of them knew it they had been training for 4 days. With the tournament starting tomorrow Ash had his Pokémon do some last minute training before lunch. He'd been surprised how well his new Pokémon had done Mudkip learned Iron Tail in no time and Nincada had learned how to use Hidden Power although his control of the move wasn't great. Ash looked at the time and saw that it was about lunch time so he started making their meals. The smell of the food made his Pokémon stop battling and they ran over to Ash. He looked at his Pokémon and chuckled as he saw their mouths watering. He put the finishing touches on the meal and said.

"Alright guys it's time for lunch."

They quickly snatched their food away and started scoffing it. After lunch Ash packed up camp and walked back to Rotarka Town so he could get a room in the Pokémon Centre and rest up for the tournament. He got back to Rotarka Town in time for the evening meal in the Pokémon Centre's cafeteria. After filling his stomach he walked to the main desk and asked Nurse Joy for a room. He was lucky as there were only a few rooms left due to people being here for the tournament. He took the key from Nurse Joy and went to his room. After letting all of Pokémon out they all fell to sleep.

Ash woke up early the next morning. The anticipation of today's tournament making him wake up earlier than usual. He couldn't wait to battle Thalion and Vanya as he had been looking for a challenge ever since he had started his training back in Pallet Town and hopefully they would give him that challenge. Ash looked at the clock on the bedside table and saw that it was only 5:30. He did think about trying to get back to sleep but he knew it was pointless. He was far to excited to sleep. So he just started his daily routine instead which began with his physical training. He made sure to keep quiet so he wouldn't wake up his Pokémon, they needed all the rest they could get for the tournament today. Ash finished his exercises and looked at the clock again. He was annoyed to find that only 45 minutes had passed which meant he still had over an hour to kill. He went to the bathroom and then got dressed but still had over an hour to kill. Since he had nothing else to do Ash got his Pokédex and started looking through his it for potential moves to teach his Pokémon in the future. As he looked through the lists he felt something rub against his leg. He looked down and to his surprise saw that Eevee had woken up. Ash leant down and picked her up placing her in his lap. Eevee looked at the strange object in Ash's hand wondering what it was. He smiled as he saw the confused look on her face.

"This is a Pokédex it tells me things like what moves you can learn."

Eevee nodded. She was interested to see that she was the Pokémon displayed at the minute.

"I was just looking at future moves to teach you when you're ready. But don't worry you are not going to be battling for a long while."

She seemed happy at that and nuzzled Ash who hugged her in return. Eevee then accidentally hit a button on the Pokédex and the picture changed to show the 8 Eeveelutions, she looked at them curiously.

"These are the various Pokémon you can evolve into. Always remember that you don't have to evolve if you don't want to. If you wanted to stay as an Eevee I wouldn't mind at all. The only thing that matters to me is that you're happy."

Eevee nodded again.

"One thing you should also know is that you're colours would be different to them."

Eevee looked at Ash bemused.

"You see you are a very special Eevee. You are what we call a shiny Pokémon which means you are a different colours to most of your kind. Let me see if can get the shiny version of your evolutions on the screen."

Ash pressed a few buttons and managed to get the shiny version of them on the screen. Ash selected Jolteon first.

"How about I go through all of them and you can choose which ones you like? Like I said before if you don't like any of them you don't have to evolve."

Eevee nodded and Ash began telling her about every one of the Eeveelutions as their image appeared on the screen. As he shifted through them she shook her head at Jolteon, Flareon, Vaporeon and Espeon. She nodded her head at Umbreon which he found surprising. He then flicked to Leafeon and Sylveon which from Eevee's reaction were the most disliked so far. Ash finally got to the Ice type Glaceon, when she saw what she would look like as a Glaceon Eevee started yipping and nodding.

"So you like Glaceon the most. Well when you start training we can start preparing you to evolve into Glaceon."

Eevee nuzzled Ash again. As he held her Ash wasn't sure how they were going to do that. From what he knew from his time spent with Professor Oak there were only a few known places that evolving into Glaceon would be possible. Sadly to his knowledge none of those places were in Hoenn. The only thing Ash could so would be to talk to Professor Oak about this. If anyone could think of a way to achieve this it would be him. He heard a soft snoring below him, when he looked down he saw that Eevee had fallen back to sleep. Ash smiled smiled at the adorable sight and gently stroked her fur.

Ash didn't know how long he had sat there with Eevee in his lap. When he finally looked at the clock and saw that he had lost track of time as it was now 8:15. He cursed himself for not paying attention to the time, he quickly woke all his Pokémon up and got them ready for the battles they would be having later. He looked through his pack and saw that he'd need to restock after the tournament which wasn't a problem as he had a lot of money that he hadn't known about that he had earned during his journeys through Kanto, the Orange Archipelago and Johto.

When everyone had eaten their breakfast Ash returned them and walked out of the Pokémon Centre towards the stadium. He had chosen to keep Eevee out today as with Raichu and Meowth here he would have no problem keeping her safe and after seeing the heartbroken look she had on her face yesterday when he had hidden her he knew he couldn't do that to her again. As he walked to the stadium Ash knew that he'd be incredibly early but he didn't mind waiting. His mother had always told him it's better to be an hour early than a minute late. After a short walk to the stadium Ash leaned against a wall and began talking with his Pokémon. Meowth joining him had been one of the best things that had happened as due to him being able to translate for him Ash was able to have much more in-depth conversations with his Pokémon. After an hour or so Ash saw Vanya and Thalion approaching and ended the conversation with his Pokémon.

"Hey guys."

"Hey Ash. You ready to battle." Thalion replied.

"Yeah I am. You guys better not lose until I get to battle you."

"The same to you Ash."

The trio talked for a while to pass the time. As it got closer to 10:00 more and more people were gathering outside the stadium. Then at the stroke of 10:00 the doors were opened and the competitors walked into the stadium. Ash looked to the stands and was surprised how many people had turned out to watch what was a relatively small competition which consisted of in general novice trainers. Ash turned his attention back to the stage when he saw a man approach the microphone.

"Attention everyone. Before we start the tournament there are a few rules that must be explained. First thing you all have to do is send out the four Pokémon you will use for this tournament so your opponents can see them."

Ash took Sneasel, Cyndaquil and Mudkip's Pokéballs off his belt and sent them out and Raichu jumped off Ash's shoulder and stood alongside the trio. Ash looked around at his competitors and was generally disappointed with what he saw it was mostly starters, Wurmple's, Zigzagoon's, Poochyena's and the odd Lotad the only exceptions being Thalion and Vanya who like Ash had more unusual Pokémon. They heard the man say a few more basic rules for the new trainers. Once he was done explaining the rules the man looked at a board to his right.

"Here is the board that tells you who you will be battling."

The trio looked at the board and saw that Thalion was on one side of the table and Ash and Vanya were on the other side so Ash would battle Vanya and then the winner would face Thalion. They were disappointed that there were no other trainers that would provide them with a challenge as beating beginners would not offer any worthwhile training for their Pokémon.

Ash's battle was first he took his place and and looked at his opponent who looked terrified. He was obviously a new trainer who knew he didn't stand a chance. Ash felt kind of bad that he had to do this, but he wanted to battle Thalion and Vanya as soon as possible so he had to finish this quick. A few minutes and four easy knock out's later Ash looked at his opponent who looked crushed. Ash was going to go and talk to the boy but he ran out of the stadium before he got the chance. After Ash's battle Thalion and Vanya beat their opponents just as easily. After watching each other battle Ash and Thalion couldn't wait to have their battle. Ash, Thalion and Vanya swept through their next opponents just as easily as the first which left Thalion against another beginner trainer who he obliterated and Ash against Vanya.

"This battle is between Vanya Robbo and Ash Ketchum. The winner of this match will face Thalion Robbo in the final. Trainers choose your Pokémon."

"Ok Sneasel, Mudkip take to the battlefield."

The pair walked forward looking focussed.

"Skitty, Marill you're up first."

They walked forward with the same look of determination.

"Marill use Water Gun and Skitty hit Sneasel with Doubleslap."

"Mudkip counter with your Water Gun, Sneasel grab Skitty's tail at the last minute and throw her then use Ice Beam."

Marill shot a blast of water at Sneasel but Mudkip jumped in front of him and used his own Water Gun. The jets of water collided and neither Pokémon was able to gain an advantage. Meanwhile Skitty ran at Sneasel with her tail glowing as Sneasel stood still waiting for her moment to attack. Skitty swung her tail at Sneasel's body but the Sneasel was too fast and grabbed her tail before it made contact. Before Skitty had time to recover from her shock she was thrown and went skidding along the ground. Sneasel then formed a pale blue orb in her hands and fired a beam of ice at Skitty who got to her feet in time for the beam to hit her and send her crashing into the stadium wall.

"Mudkip charge through the water and use Iron Tail."

Mudkip kept firing his Water Gun to match Marill's but was gradually moving forward. When he got close enough he did as Raichu had shown him and leapt in the air and his tail-fin became metallic.

"Marill Headbutt."

Marill used his tail as a springboard and shot himself into the air straight at Mudkip who was now descending towards him with his tail-fin. The attacks met and Marill's Headbutt easily beat back the Iron Tail and sent Mudkip flying through the air and he crashed down next to Ash. Marill managed to land on his feet however he quickly but an arm to his head showing that Iron Tail had done some damage to him.

"Sneasel Quick Attack to get close then Iron Tail."

"Skitty Assist."

Sneasel shot off at incredible speed at Skitty. As Sneasel charged at Skitty a white orb appeared on Skitty's front paw and a horde of razor-sharp leaves were shot from it. Sneasel used her quickness to duck and weave her way through the leaves although a few did connect making a few small cuts. Sneasel ran past the last few leaves and appeared in front of a stunned Skitty. Sneasel's tail then turned metallic and she slammed it down on Skitty's head. The cat cried out in pain and backed away. She lied down while rubbing her head trying to soothe the pain now shooting through her. Ash looked at Skitty who had managed to get back to her feet but was clearly struggling to stand and he was certain he could get rid of Skitty now but it may mean that Mudkip will take a bad hit.

"Mudkip hit Skitty with Water Gun and Sneasel Dig then Night Slash."

"Skitty dodge the Water Gun, Marill use Rollout on Mudkip."

Sneasel dug underground and Mudkip shot a jet of water at Skitty, the cat saw the attack coming and leapt to her right easily dodging the water. Marill then rolled into a ball and slammed into Mudkip sending him crashing back towards Ash. Sneasel then burst out of the ground and her claws turned pitch black and slashed down Skitty's right side. The attack created a gash and she collapsed from the pain and was in no way able to keep battling.

"Skitty is unable to battle, choose your next Pokémon."

Vanya returned Skitty sad that she'd fallen for an obvious ruse. She silently promised to avenge her.

"Combusken it's your turn."

The fire type walked on to the battlefield and Ash knew he had to get Sneasel off the battlefield as she was very vulnerable to attacks from Combusken. All keeping her out would result in her being knocked out.

"Sneasel I'm switching you, Cyndaquil take to the battlefield."

They swapped places, Sneasel was disappointed but could understand the logic as there was very little she could do against either of Vanya's Pokémon. Mudkip had gotten back up and looked ready to continue. Although Ash could see that Mudkip was injured the determination in his eyes made Ash decide against returning him.

"Cyndaquil stop Marill with Flame Wheel and Mudkip use Water Gun."

"Combusken jump and hit Mudkip with Brick Break then Blaze Kick."

Cyndaquil rolled into a ball and became engulfed in flames, he then charged full speed at Marill and despite being at a type disadvantage he pushed Marill back and forced him to break away and jump back near Vanya. Meanwhile Mudkip shot another stream of water at Combusken who easily jumped over it, her hand glowed and she slammed it down on Mudkip's head making him cry out. Her leg then became engulfed in flames and she kicked Mudkip sending him into the air and making him crash to the ground again.

"Combusken Double Kick."

"Intercept with Flame Wheel."

"Marill use Rollout again."

Combusken began running at Mudkip who hadn't managed to get back to his feet. Cyndaquil rolled into a ball again and went to block Combusken's attack but Marill blocked him off. Like before Marill was overpowered but he had prevented Cyndaquil from stopping Combusken who hit Mudkip with the kicks and sent him skidding along the ground coming to a stop in front of Ash clearly unable to continue.

"Mudkip is unable to battle, choose your next Pokémon."

Ash returned Mudkip and thanked him for his efforts, he looked to his best friend as he knew sending Sneasel back out would be suicide. Raichu saw the look and walked on to the battlefield, this would be his first real battle since he evolved and he was excited to see how much he had improved.

"Raichu Volt Tackle, Cyndaquil block Combusken with Quick Attack then use Swift."

"Marill Rollout to get away and Combusken use Brick Break."

Raichu became surrounded in electricity and charged at Marill. Cyndaquil shot ahead of him straight at Combusken who's hand glowed again and the 2 attacks clashed which knocked them both back. Cyndaquil quickly recovered and shot a horde of stars at Combusken which created several cuts on her body. Meanwhile Marill had rolled into a ball but was far to slow and Raichu slammed into him and knocked him out immediately.

"Marill is unable to battle send out your last Pokémon."

The Roselia next to Vanya walked on to the battlefield looking cocky.

"Stun Spore."

"Cyndaquil Counter Shield."

Roselia released an orange powder from the flowers on her hands at Cyndaquil and Raichu hoping to paralyze them. As the powder got close Cyndaquil got on his back and started spinning while using Flamethrower creating a vortex that burnt the spores which nullified the attack. Ash smirked at the astonished expressions on many people's faces.

"Toxic."

Cyndaquil had only just stopped spinning and Ash knew he wouldn't have the time to dodge the poison so Ash hoped what he did against Team Rocket would work here.

"Raichu use Thundershock to stop it."

Ash chose Thundershock as due to Cyndaquil's proximity to the poison a big explosion would catch him in the blast which would be just as bad as him being hit by the poison.

"Combusken counter with Flamethrower."

Roselia fired some poisoned liquid from her flowers at Cyndaquil. Raichu fired a Thundershock at the poison but it was intercepted by Combusken's Flamethrower making the 2 attacks cancel each other out, this allowed the Toxic to drench Cyndaquil who cried out as the poison flooded his system. He got to his feet but the poison was clearly having a bad effect on him and he coughed up some purple ooze.

"Cyndaquil you ok to continue?"

Cyndaquil nodded although Ash could tell he was putting on a strong front. But if he wanted to keep going then Ash would have faith in him.

"Flame Wheel and try to keep it up until Roselia faints."

"Stop him with Sludge Bomb."

Cyndaquil rolled into a ball again and was engulfed in flames he charged at Roselia who fired a Sludge Bomb at him but he easily dodges it, he then slammed into her, she staggered back but stayed on her feet. Cyndaquil then hit her left flank and she fired another Sludge Bomb in that direction, but again she missed, Cyndaquil was just moving to fast for her and not long after she ran out of strength and she collapsed unable to continue. Cyndaquil stopped rolling and stifled a yelp as the toxic in his system caused him more pain and nearly made him collapse.

"Roselia is unable to battle."

"Cyndaquil come back you don't need to take any unnecessary damage from the poison. Raichu can do this on his own."

He nodded and walked back to Ash happy that he could rest, this left Raichu and Combusken on the battlefield. Sneasel was about to join the battle but Raichu glanced at her and Sneasel knew that look meant he wanted to fight on his own.

"Raichu Thunderbolt."

"Flamethrower."

Raichu fired a bolt of electricity and Combusken shot a burst of flames, the burst of blames and the bolt of electricity clashed and created an explosion which shrouded the battlefield in smoke. Combusken fell to one knee as she was exhausted.

"Iron Tail."

Combusken looked up and saw Raichu run through the smoke, he slammed his now metallic tail on her skull making her fall face first to the ground, Raichu walked back towards Ash assuming that it was over but he then felt heat radiating from behind him. He looked back at Combusken who was pushing herself up and flames engulfed her showing that her Blaze ability had been activated.

"Combusken Blaze Kick."

"Thunder Punch."

Combusken charged at Raichu and launched a kick at him however the fatigue she was feeling and the quick reflexes of Raichu made her miss, she was then launched into the air by an electric infused uppercut. Combusken crashed to the ground but to everyone's surprise she somehow managed to get to her feet. Ash admired the determination she was showing but it time to end this.

"Now grab Combusken's leg and throw her."

This was something Ash had been training Raichu to do as due to his now elongated tail Raichu was able to do a lot more with his tail than he could do as a Pikachu. He wrapped his tail around Combusken's leg who was too tired to try to counter the move and Raichu span her round, when he gained enough momentum he let go of her leg and she slammed straight into the wall which finally knocked her out.

"Combusken is unable to battle, Ash Ketchum advances to the final and will battle Thalion Robbo."

Ash and Vanya walked across the battlefield and thanked each other for a great battle, she gave Ash a hug and walked back to Thalion. Ash and Thalion met each other's gaze and smirked both looking forward to a great battle.

Notes

Please give a review telling me what you liked/didn't like.

If you have any questions I am more than happy to answer them.

Ash:

Kanto – Raichu, Meowth, Ivysaur, Wartortle, Charizard, Pidgeot, Kingler, Muk, Tauros(x29), Snorlax & Eevee (Shiny)

Johto – Totodile, Bayleaf, Cyndaquil, Heracross, Noctowl (Shiny), Phanpy & Sneasel

Hoenn – Mudkip, Nincada & Ralts