Author's note
I hope you all had a great memorial day, I did. I have in fact made a decision to not ship Red and Shauna like I originally planned. I started to think that it just seemed wrong to have Shauna there just to have her be Red's love interest. I feel I should have her exist outside of just that role. I may or may not fix Red up with someone depending on if I think I can fit it in the story or now. If you guys have any ideas for girls to ship with Red , except leaf sorry it's just not going to happen, please let me know.
So anyway go ahead and enjoy the chapter
Disclaimer I don't own pokemon
Chapter 19: Rematch at the battle Chateau
It was early in the morning at Nummel city. The sun just peaking over the horizon as Ash was scaled the rocky cliffside with Pikachu climbing beside him.
"We're almost to the top Pikachu, just a little further", "Pika!".
"Ash please slow down!" Serena said as she slowly moved up behind him. Despite her notorious fear of heights , Ash had convinced her to come rock climbing. He thought it would get them warmed up, before they did some practicing for her battle chateau tournament .
"Oh right, Sorry Serena" Serena slowly moved up towards Ash, taking several minutes just to go a few feet. Ash and Pikachu could see the fear in Serena's eyes. He could understand why she was so afraid. They were very high up and it was a bit dangerous. Plus Ash had to keep in mind that he had years of training with this kind of stuff. Serena on the other hand didn't. Moments later Serena slipped a little and yelped as she held onto the cliffside for dear life.
"Serena!", "Pika!".
"Ash I can't move , I'm to scared. I just can't " She started before Ash let go of the cliffside. He fell until he was directly beside Serena and grabbing onto the cliffside again.
"I'm right beside you. We'll do this together" Ash said as he put his hand on hers. Serena's face turned red as she tried to calm down.
"Ash I'm just so scared, we're so high up and if we fall".
"Serena, don't let your fear handicap you, learn to look beyond your fear and you'll be able to accomplish more than you ever thought you could". Serena took a deep breath and started slowly moving up the cliffside with Ash beside her.
"That's it you're doing good". When Pikachu saw Ash and Serena reach the peak he let out a relief breath. Serena climbed over the peak followed by Ash.
"Well that was quite an exercise " Serena said as she whipped sweat off her forehead.
"If you did that a lot" She started when she noticed Ash taking his shirt off and whipping the sweat off his face with it. Her face turned red as she saw the light shine on the sweat all over his muscles.
"I have done it a lot" Ash said as he walked over to her. They looked over the peak at the city below and the ocean beyond it as the morning sun glistening off it.
"It's beautiful " Serena said.
"I know, it makes the climb worth it in the end" Ash said. Serena started to think about what Ash just said. The climb had been very scary but seeing this view didn't even make her think about how high up they were.
"Thanks for helping me get up here Ash. It really is amazing".
"I knew you'd like it". Serena knew she had many fears but being with Ash helped her get through her fear of heights rather easily and now she didn't feel bothered by how high up she was, but simply amazed at how beautiful the view was.
"So do you want to get some practice in?" Ash said.
"I'm ready" She said confidently as she took out one of her poke balls.
"Lets go Corsola!" Serena said as her Corsola came out.
"Riolu I choose you" Riolu came out and took a battle stance .
"Corsola start out with spike cannon. But he's quick so aim for the area in front of his feet". Ash was very impressed with how Serena thought it through. However, he had another idea. He turned to Pikachu who smiled as he nodded.
Corsola unleashed a furry of spiked coral bits from her head aiming in front of Riolu's feet like Serena said. However, Ash didn't plan on Riolu running to avoid the coral bits.
"Riolu use low sweep". Riolu swept across the ground using his feet to knock the spike bits away, as they hit the ground in front of him.
"Nice try Serena, but no".
"Alright then, Corsola use water gun while he's still on the ground", "Cor!" She shouted as she unleashed a powerful water gun that him in the chest and forced him back.
"Great shot Corsola!". Ash was impressed at how accurate Corsola was and how quickly Serena responded.
"Riolu dig deep and use quick attack" Riolu grunted but got back on his feet. He roared as he used his speed to run through the water.
"Harden!" Corsola hardened her defenses before riolu could reach her.
"Riolu force palm" Ash said. Riolu came out of the water stream with his palm thrusted forward. When he made contact with Corsola he sent the smaller pokemon flying back. While harden had raised her defenses Riolu's attacking power was very immense, not to mention rock was weak against fighting types.
Corsola struggled to catch her breath as she recoiled from the force palm.
"Corsola are you ok?", "Cor!" She said.
"Alright, we're not giving up just yet".
"That's the right attitude Serena", "Pika".
"Corsola use spike cannon around Riolu".
"Riolu use Quick attack". Corsola quickly unleashed a furry of spikes as Riolu sprinted towards her moving away from groups of spikes. When Serena saw the spikes land behind Riolu she smiled.
" Use Bubble beam on the spikes behind him" ,"Cor!" Corsola blasted the spikes behind Riolu sending them into his back and forcing him onto his knees. Ash and Pikachu were both very impressed with Serena and Corsola. When Riolu was hit again Corsola felt her self confidence rise.
"That's great work Corsola keep it up", "Cor!". Corsola felt a new power inside her as a small gem formed in the center of her chest.
"Wait a minute what is that?" Serena said. Riolu looked up just in time to see Corsola unleash a burst of energy from the gem.
"Riolu move!" However, it was too late. Riolu took the full impact from the Power gem as a cloud of dust formed over him.
"Woah Corsola just learned a new move!" Serena said.
"Riolu force palm!" To Serena and Corsola's surprise Riolu quickly jumped out of the dust looking completely fine. When Riolu reached Corsola he slammed his palm into her face hurling Corsola back right in front of Serena.
"Corsola!" Serena shouted. She knelt down next to her and lifted Corsola up.
"You fought very well, I'm proud of you", "Cor".
"Great work Serena, I noticed that you seemed a lot more confident in yourself when you battled. That's good, like I said if you can look past your fear and be confident in yourself, you'll accomplish more than you ever thought you could". Serena thought for a minute and realized Ash was right. She looked past her fear of hight knowing Ash was beside her, and when she got to the top she felt more confidence in herself. It was when she felt more confidence in herself and was able to battle much better.
"Thanks Ash for helping me get ready for my tournament".
"It's no problem, Serena" Ash said. Serena then came over to Ash and gave him a short kiss.
"You know what I really love about you. You aren't afraid of difficult or things that might seem scary. You face them with confidence and passion".
"Well I guess years of training with an Aura guardian will help you with that" Ash said.
"Aww look at you two lovebirds" A familiar voice said. Ash and Serena looked over at a rock formation directly over them, and saw Red sitting on top of the rock.
"Red? How long have you been here?" Ash said.
"I was here before you two even showed up. I've been training with my new Aerodactyl".
"Your Aerodactyl? But where is he?" Serena said.
"What? Oh no not again. Aero where are you!" Red shouted.
"Aero?" Ash said.
"Yeah I decided to give him a nickname. Grant was right, he is pretty feisty and isn't the most obedient pokemon". Suddenly Serena felt a large burst of air hit her back and heard something hit the ground. She slowly turned around to see the massive Aerodactyl behind her. Aero shrieked as he raised his wings up at Serena who jumped back behind Ash, frightened by Aero.
"There you are" Red said as he jumped down from the rock and walked over to Aero.
"You need to start listening to me Aero. We're partners". Aero Shrieked again as he raised his wings and flashed his fangs.
"You want to have another battle? Sigh, ok fine".
"Another battle?" Ash said.
"He's been battling against Pangoro and Fletchinder all morning. I had to buy a few potions for him before I came up here".
"If he wants to battle why not have him face Pikachu", "Pika!" Pikachu said excitedly as he jumped down from Ash's shoulder and sparked electricity on his cheeks.
"You're on little bro. Are you ready Aero?". Aero shrieked as he jumped up into the air and flew directly over his trainer.
"I guess I'll referee the battle" Serena said as she walked to the side.
"Aero fly in close and use Fire fang". Aero flew towards pikachu with fire coming out of his teeth.
"Pikachu intercept with Thunderbolt".
"Aero hit the ground with Iron head". Pikachu gathered electricity and unleashed it at Aero. Meanwhile the dinosaur pokemon hardened his head and smashed it into the ground, causing several rocks to shoot up and block the incoming thunderbolt.
"Pikachu Quick attack into Iron tail. Make him pay for that!". Pikachu smiled as he sprinted forward with incredible speed and reached one of the large rocks while it was still in the air. He quickly turned his tail metal and smashed it into the large rocks into Aero's head. Moments later he fell towards Aero and smashed his tail into the dinosaur's head as he tried to get get up.
"Nice improvising Red, but Pikachu and are in in too good sync" Ash said as pikachu landed and smiled.
"Alright if that's how it's going to be. Supersonic!" Without much warning Aero opened his mouth and unleashed a piercing screech that made pikachu get dizzy and stumble around.
"Perfect use Ancient power come on I know you can do it , just like we practiced" Red said. Aero concentrated and after a moment his eyes began to glow violet.
"Oh no Pikachu snap out of it!" Pikachu tried to fregain his focus but was too too late. Aero had lifted several large rocks out of the ground and hurled them at pikachu. Two of the rocks hit pikachu dead on, but he managed to regain his composure before the last two rocks hit him
"Pikachu use the rocks to move over him and unleash Thunderbolt!". Pikachu quickly jumped up and off the two putting himself directly over Aero.
"Aero move!" Aero tried to move away, but his wings made it harder for him to move away from where pikachu was.
"Pika chu!" Pikachu blasted Aero with the full force of his electric attack forcing Aero to the ground.
"Oh no Aero!".
"Now Pikachu use Iron tail!".
"Aero you need to move now!" Red said. Aero fidgeted as he tried to recover from the thunderbolt . Meanwhile pikachu fell directly over Aero. When he got close enough he slammed his tail into the dinosaur's head , knocking Aerodactyl out.
"Alright great job buddy!" Ash said.
"Aero return, eh it was pikachu. Well looks like I'll need to bring him to the Pokémon center. I'll see you guys later at the battle Château"Red said as he returned Aero and began climbing down cliff sides.
"You two make a great team" Serena said as Pikachu climbed back onto Ash's shoulder.
"Pikachu was my first pokemon. You may not believe it but he didn't like me at first" Ash said as he moved his head across the side of Pikachu's face.
"What?" Serena said completely confused. She had never seen a trainer and pokemon closer than Ash and his Pikachu, even thoughthey had only been partners for around 2 months now. She just couldn't imagine the two of them not getting along.
"How could you two not get along".
"You see when Pikachu and I first met he didn't like any humans very much. He had only met and experience bad humans before except professor Oak and Sycamore. After that he didn't trust many humans. When I saw this I tried to understand Pikachu and wanted to help him trust humans more. I convinced the professor to stop putting him in a pokemon because I could tell he didn't like it".
That didn't surprise Serena very much. She knew how well Ash could work with pokemon.
"That was when team rocket revealed themselves and tried to take Garchomp. Pikachu knew Garchomp and wanted to save her from team rocket. So he agreed to work with me to try and save her. Eventually we made it to Prism tower and got the collar off. Unfortunately so much damage had been done to the walkway where pikachu was standing, that it broke and pikachu fell towards the ground. That was when I dove over and tried to catch him".
"Wait a minute, that's why you jumped off the tower to try and save pikachu!" Serena almost shouted.
"I couldn't just let him fall to his death. I cared about him too much" Ash said. Serena couldn't believe what she just heard. When she saw Ash fall off the tower on TV she assumed it was an accident. She never would have imagined that he actually jumped off to try and save a pokemon he just met. She knew Ash cared deeply about pokemon, but he really cared that much.
"Pika pikachu" Pikachu said as he nudged his head against Ash's shoulder.
"I don't think I've met anyone who loves pokemon more than you Ash" Serena said blushing a little.
"I guess I've just spent my entire life around them. From that summer camp to all those years of training with Felix. Pokemon are my life".
A few hours later after a trip to the pokemon center , the group got changed into their formal cloths and went to the battle Chateau. At the front door there was a man wearing a suit almost identical to the one Winston had worn at the other battle Chateau.
"Welcome to the Cyllage city battle Chateau. I am Fredric, may I help you".
"Yes we're returning members here to compete in the tournament today" Serena said as she and the others took out the baron coins they earned from the last battle Chateau.
"Ah yes, welcome barons and baroness. The tournament will begin in a few hours, oh and we have 2 very special guests here today. A grand duke and a grand duchess are going to be having a match against each other in the main battle hall after the fourth round of the tournament".
"Really! That sounds incredible!" Serena said.
"Well lets go and get registered for the tournament first Serena" Red said.
"Right" She said sweat dropping. After the group got themselves registered for the tournament they made their way to the lounge where dozens of other fine dressed trainers had gathered.
"Oh brother there are so many pretty girls here!"Bonnie said as she tried to run over to one. This time however, Clemont was prepared. Chespin's vines as well as the robotic arm on Clemont's backpack quickly grabbed Bonnie and pulled her back towards Clemont.
"Nice try Bonnie but not this time" Clemont said as he and Chespin, who was sitting on his shoulder, smiled in victory.
"Aww but how am I suppose to find you a wife if I'm stuck beside you" Bonnie said.
"I wonder if Shauna is here" Red said.
"I hope so" Serena said.
"Why don't we split up and look around for her. I'm sure if she's here we'd find her" Red said.
"Alright sounds good, lets meet by the windows in 20 minutes" Serena said. Ash and Serena began looking around the lounge for Shauna. However, after ten minutes they still couldn't find her. After 15 minutes Serena heard an all to familiar voice. She slowly turned towards the voice. When she saw who it was a feeling of dread and displeasure filled Serena's head, she saw none other than Sara standing across the lounge.
"Oh no".
"Serena is everything ok?" Ash said. After Ash spoke Sara heard him and looked over towards them.
"Ash! I was hoping you'd come here my darling" She said.
"Oh no" Ash said as he saw her. Sara came over and gave Serena a nasty look as she approached Ash.
"I've been missing you so much since I last saw you. I know you must have been missing me" She said as she slid her finger under his chin. A feeling a rage and furry built up in Serena before she pushed Sara back, grabbed Ash, and pulled him away from her.
She then looked at Sara and said almost with a sense of pride "You stay away from him, he's mine".
"Excuse me" Sara said.
"You heard me. Ash is my boyfriend now" Serena said.
"What!? Ha ha ha! That's really funny, tell me Ash is she just this delusional or have you been humoring her" Sara started as Serena and Ash got a rather angry expression on his face. Before Sara could even finish her sentence Ash put his arm around Serena's back and his hand on the back of her head as he came in and kissed her.
When Sara saw this she almost screamed. After Ash withdrew Serena's face was completely red with a goofy smile on her face.
"You were saying" Ash said.
"You little Siren! You're going to regret this. I hope that we end up facing each other in this tournament ,that way I can humiliate you again!" Sara said before storming off.
"She's never going to change is she?" Serena said.
"Just ignore her. You're going to beat her this time" Ash said.
"You're right, now we should probably keep looking for Shauna" Serena said. After another 20 minutes the group met up by the windows.
"I couldn't find her anywhere" Red said.
"Neither could we" Ash said.
"I guess she just isn't here" Clemont said.
"Yes she is!" Bonnie shouted as she pointed a few inches away from them. They all turned to see Shauna standing by two young men.
"Wait a minute she was where we were going to meet if we couldn't find her" Serena said.
"That figures" Red said.
"Shauna" Serena said. Shauna turned around and saw the group standing behind her.
"Hey guys you made it".
"We wouldn't let Serena miss out on advancing her rank" Red said.
"Did you guys here about the grand duke and duchess coming to have a battle?".
"Yeah it's going to be awesome to see two trainers of that caliber face off against each other" Ash said.
"What is one of them is an elite four member. I hear that's how some of them got started" Serena said.
"Who knows, but that would be amazing if an elite four member came here" Shauna said.
"Shauna would you mind introducing us to your friends" One of the young men said.
"Oh I'm sorry, guys these are new members of the battle Chateau. Winston and Benedict, they're brothers" The two brothers looked like they were in they're mid twenties. Benedict looked a year or two older than Winston, with blond hair that was lighter than Serena's , and brownish eyes. Winston had darker blonde hair, but did have brown eyes like his brother.
"Nice to meet you" Ash said as he shook Winston's hand. As they shook Ash noticed that there was something under his sleeve on his wrist, something brown. When Red shook Benedict's hand he noticed the same thing under his sleeve.
"So if you guys just joined , are you planning on entering the tournament today?" Serena asked.
"Actually we're not" Benedict said.
"You're not?" Red said in confusion.
"Yeah the thing is we don't think we're good enough to compete in the tournament" Winston said.
"That's nonsense guys I'm sure you'd do well" Shauna said.
"Yeah, don't doubt yourselves" Ash said.
"Thanks for your words, but we'd feel more comfortable if we had more practice before we compete" Benedict said.
"We actually needed to meet someone else" Winston said.
"But the tournament is going to start soon. If you can't compete you should at least watch" Clemont said.
"Yeah you could get some pointers on how to be better trainers" Red said.
"Look we really need to" Winston said.
"Well I'm sure he'd be ok if only one of us met him" Benedict said. Winston turned and gave Benedict and irritated expression.
"He expects both of us to be there".
"But I'm sure he'd understand if I wanted to watch our new friend compete" Benedict said. Winston shook his head looking almost disappointed as he walked off.
"What was that all about?" Serena asked.
"Oh it's nothing, I just didn't want to miss out on your battles" Benedict said.
"Well thanks" Shauna said.
"Attention members of the battle chateau the postings for the tournament are up. If you are competing please come and see when your first match will be" Fredric said as he entered the lounge.
"We better go check when we're competing" Clemont said.
"Right" Red said. The group made their way to the postings but had to wait a minute for the mass of other trainers near the front to disperse. When they finally reached the postings they saw Serena would be competing first followed by Red, then Ash , then Clemont, then Shauna.
"Looks like you're up first Serena" Red said.
"Show them what you can do" Ash said. Serena nodded with a determined look on her face. When the tournament started the group made their way to the room Serena's match was in. While Ash and the others stood on the side with Benedict , Serena stood on one end of the battle floor. Across from Serena was her opponent, a very all and skinny looking boy with black hair.
"Match three of round one will now begin. Baroness Serena vs Baron Tom. Trainers send out your Pokémon" the referee said. Serena smiled with confidence as she took out her first Pokéball.
"I choose you Furfrou!" Serena shouted as she sent out her poodle Pokémon.
"Go Farfetch'd" Tom said as a brown duck like Pokémon with the green stick in its beak came out.
" A Farfetch'd I haven't seen one of those in a while" Ash said.
"It looks so cute" Bonnie said as she clamped her hands together next to her face.
"Farfetch'd start off with Leer" .
"Were not going to let you do that Furfrou use Sand attackt". Furfrou quickly splashed sand into Farfetch'd's eyes as the duck pokemon prepared to use leer. When the sand went into his eyes Farfetch'd quickly closed his eyes thus keeping him from using Leer as he tried to wipe the sand out of his face.
"What?!" Tom said in confusion.
"Perfect Furfrou now follow up with Headbutt". Furfrou smiled as he sprinted forward as fast as he could towards the duck Pokémon.
"Farfetch'd he's right in front of you, use Poison jab".
"Furfrou stop now and use tail whip!" Serena shouted. Using the pads on his feet Furfrou stopped and moved his body down as Farfetch'd jabbed his stick forward with the violet end towards Furfrou. When he was sure the poison jab had missed him Furfrou smacked his tail into Farfetch'd, lowering his defenses and making him stumble backwards.
"Perfect now use take down " Serena said. Furfrou quickly took advantage of Farfetch'ds disorientation and slammed into him with all his might. While the take down did do some recoil damage to Furfou it was strong enough to knock out his opponent.
"Oh no Farfetch'd".
"Baron Tom's pokemon has been defeated. The winner is Baroness Serena".
"We won!" Serena shouted as Furfrou ran back towards her and into her arms. When Serena came back over to them Shauna gave her a pat on the back.
"Wow you did great" Shauna said.
"I'm proud of you Serena , you stayed confident in yourself and it paid off" Ash said.
"Thanks guys, but it's only round one. We've still got a long way to go" Serena said.
"Speaking of which I think my match is up next. I should get over there" Red said. Over an hour passed as the tournament progressed. Red defeated his opponent with his Fletchinder, Ash defeated his with his Fletchinder, Clemont defeated his with his Helioptile, and Shauna defeated hers with her newly evolved Frogadier.
In between rounds the group hung out in the lounge with Benedict.
"You guys really are good trainers. I can see you have strong bonds with your pokemon" He said.
"Thanks Benedict" Serena said.
"Say Benedict you said you didn't think you were a good enough trainer to be in the tournament. But if you're a trainer then you must have a pokemon" Ash said.
"Well I do" Benedict said.
"Can we see him!?" Bonnie said.
"Yeah come on show us" Shauna said.
"Well, I suppose" Benedict said as he took out a pokeball. When he opened it a large pokemon came out and stood on two feet. The pokemon had yellow skin with a brown chest. Its head was shaped somewhat like a star with mustache like appendages on its upper lip. The most notable thing was a pair of spoons in his hands.
"What is that?" Serena said as she opened her pokedex.
"Alakazam, a Psi Pokémon. This Pokémon usesPsychic attacks to overcome its opponents" .
"An Alakazam sweet" Red said. He noticed that the Alakazam seemed much larger and more power powerful than the one in the pokedex. This seemed strange as he thought that Benedict said he wasn't a good trainer.
"Hey Benedict your Alakazam doesn't seem weak. In fact he looks stronger than the one in the pokedex".
"Uh well you see, my Alakazam isn't weak. I'm just not a very good trainer".
"But how is he strong if you're not a good trainer" Bonnie said.
"Bonnie!" Clemont said in a stern voice.
"Sorry".
"No it's ok, I uh just uh". The Alakazam turned back towards Benedict and looked into his eyes. Almost as if the pokemon had said something to him Benedict quickly said.
" Well you see my father gave him to me. He was a master trainer. I know Alakazam is a very powerful pokemon, but I know I'll have to improve as a trainer before I'm worthy of using him in battle". The Alakazam seemed flattered by what his trainer said.
"Don't worry Benedict I'm sure in time you and Alakazam will be a great team" Ash said. As the day went by each one of them one their round 2 and 3 battles. When it came to round four everyone but Serena and Ash had gone and won. Ash was competing against a Viscount named Stan who was using a Medicham.
"Medicham use Fire punch!".
"Pikachu slide under her and grab her with your tail!" As Medicham jumped forward with her right fist covered in fire . Pikachu ran forward towards Medicham. When Pikachu got close enough he kicked off his back legs , shooting himself forward as Medicham's fist slammed into the ground right behind him. When Pikachu was directly under Medicham, he wrapped his tail around her leg and pulled it her back making Medicham loose her balance.
"Pikachu use Iron tail!".
"Behind you medicham! Use Ice punch!" Before Medicham could regain her composure, she tried to turn around as he right fist turned to ice. Pikachu , however, was more than ready. He jumped up and slammed his right his now metal tail into Medicham's face before her fist could even get close to him.
"Great shot pikachu!" Medicham stumbled backwards as she tried to regain her footing.
"Quick pikachu use Electroball!" , "Pika chu!" He shouted as he channeled his electrical power through his body and into his tail. Moment's later he thrust-ed his tail forward and hurled a large ball of electricity towards Medicham. When the ball of electricity made contact with Medicham, it exploded into dozens of other smaller charges that filled Medicham's body knocking her out.
"Medicham is unable to battle , the winner is Baron Ash".
"Alright great job Pikachu!", "Pika pikachu!" Pikachu said proudly before running back to Ash.
"It looks like I'm up again" Serena said as Ash and Pikachu walked back over.
"You got this Serena" Ash said.
"I know it's just , I'm facing her" Serena said looking over towards Sara.
"Your fierce rival" Red said.
"Don't worry Serena you can beat her. Just remember to stay calm in yourself and your Pokémon" Ash said.
"Your right, thanks Ash". A few minutes later Serena was in another battle hall facing off against Sara.
"I've been looking forward to this" Sara said as she took out a pokeball.
"So have I" Serena said as she took out a Pokeball.
"The match between Viscountess Sara and Baroness Serena shall now begin. Choose your pokemon".
"I know we can do this. I choose you Amaura!" Serena said as her dinosaur pokemon came out and let out a puff of cold air.
"A dinosaur? Where on earth? Oh it doesn't matter go Diggersby". Sara's Diggersby came out and smacked his stomach as he gave Amaura a sinister look.
"Amaura use Ice beam".
"That won't work. Diggersby use Dig". Amaura opened her mouth and shouted as she unleashed a powerful beam of ice. Diggersby quickly began burrowing himself under ground as the ice beam flew towards him. Diggersby was able to get completely underground before the ice beam could make contact.
"Amaura use Ancient power on yourself!".
"What?" Sara said in confusion.
"Why would she do that?" Shauna said.
"I think I know what she's planning" Ash said. Amaura's eyes began to glow violet as she lifted 4 large rocks into the air and hurled them at herself. Moments before they hit Diggersby came up from under Amaura, knocking her in the underside with so much force it forced her into the air. However, because of this Amaura was now completely clear of the rocks as they slammed into Diggersby.
"What!?" Sara said.
"Perfect now use Powder snow on the ground" Serena said. Amaura opened her mouth and unleashed a large pile of snow directly beneath her. Amaura landed softly in the snow looking as if she had been hit it all.
"Ama!" She said happily.
"Yes just like I planned it".
"That was quite a plan" Red said.
"Don't let her do that to you Diggersby. Use Mud shot".
"Freeze that mud with Icebeam" Diggersby jumped up into the air and hurled a dozen thick clumps of mud at Amaura with all of his might. Amaura smiled as she opened her mouth and unleashed ice beam, freezing all of the mud shots. When they were all frozen Amaura moved the crystal on her side in front of the mud shots causing each one to shatter when they made contact. The frozen mud shots still did a little damage, but by having them shatter and where they hit minimized their effect.
"Dam it, Diggersby use Bulldoze!".
"Amaura use Icebeam on his legs and on the ground in front of him" . When Diggersby hit the ground he sprinted at Amaura as fast as he could picking up momentum. Amaura opened her mouth and unleashed ice beam, hitting Diggersby's feet and the ground in front of him. While Diggersby did manage to break free of the ice on his feet, the abrupt halt made him stumble forward and slip on the ice.
"Now Amaura smack him with your tail!". Amaura smiled as she ran forward and slammed her tail into Diggersby sending him sliding back across the ice.
"What did I tell you. She's got plenty of confidence in herself and she's not letting Sara intimidate her" Ash said. The tables had completely turned from their last match. This time Serena had the upper hand and was full of confidence while Sara was in turmoil.
"That's it I won't be made a fool any more. Swords dance!" Diggersby quickly got up and began to glow blue as his power rose sharply.
"Now use quick attack into Hammer arm" Diggersby sprinted at Amaura with incredible speed as he prepared to smash his arms into Amaura with all his might. Serena didn't blink as she saw Diggersby approaching.
"Amaura ancient power on the ground" Amaura's eyes began to glow violet as 3 large rocks shot out of the ground in front of Diggersby making him trip over them.
"No!".
"Yes , now finish him with aurora beam!" , "Amau!" Amaura's crystals glowed yellow as she opened her mouth and blasted Diggersby with aurora beam, knocking him out.
"Diggersby is unable to battle. The winner is Baroness Serena".
"We did it! We beat her!" Serena shouted as she ran over and hugged Amaura as she nuzzled her head against her trainer.
"No! No , no. How could I loose to her" Sara said as she dropped to her knees.
"I knew she could do it. I'm so proud of her" Ash said. When Serena came over to the others with Amaura she felt so good about her victory that she immediately grabbed Ash by the shoulders and kissed him. When she withdrew Ash's face had turned slightly red.
"Great battle Serena" Red said.
"Yeah you and Amaura were amazing" Clemont said.
"Thanks guys. Especially you Ash, you were right staying confident was the key".
"It always is" Ash said.
"Wait ! Now that round four is over we should get over to the door to the hall where the grand duke and duchess are going to battle" Serena said.
"Right before it get's too crowded" Shauna said. When they got to the hall there was a massive line that took up nearly the width of the room.
"Well now what?" Clemont said.
"I guess we have no choice but to wait" Ash said. Everyone in the group sighed.
"Well look who's here" A familiar voice said. The group turned around to see none other than Professor Sycamore standing before then.
"Professor!" Shauna said.
"It's great to see you again" Serena said.
"It's great to see you kids here. I see that you've met Shauna".
"Yeah and we've become friends" Shauna said.
"So what brings you here professor?" Red asked.
"One of my first students is making an appearance here. She's a grand duchess".
"Wait the grand duchess is one of your students!" Serena said excited.
"That's right, I haven't seen here in a while so I thought it would be nice to meet here here. That's not all, when she heard I was coming she arranged for me to get a private box. Seeing your situation with the line here I would be more than happy to allow you sit there with me".
"Awesome! Thanks professor" Ash said. Sycamore lead them up a set of stairs to the private box overlooking the battlefield. The massive room looked much like an 18th century theater , except the battlefield itself was in the center of the room with the seats and boxes above were placed around the battlefield.
"This is going to be amazing! We have such a great view from here" Serena said.
"So professor if your student is a grand duchess then who is she?" Red said. Sycamore was about to speak when the lights in the room were dimmed and a spotlight shined on the center of the battlefield. Fredric stood there with a microphone in his hands.
"Attention members of the battle chateau. It is an honor and privilege to give you todays competitors. Grand Duke , Luke Thibault. Lieutenant general in the Kalos army". The spotlight moved over to one end of the battlefield as a man in a Kalos army service uniform with 2 gold stars on his shoulder patches and 3 stars on his red Beret, walked to his end of the battlefield.
"A general, this should be good" Ash said.
"And now the Grand duchess" The spotlight shined to the other end of the battlefield showing a tall woman with short brown hair and blue eyes. The back of her hair was almost shaped like the petals of a flower. She wore a white coat that had two large white ends attached to the back that looked like wings and a pink purse in her left hand.
"Famous movie actress and Champion of the Kalos Region Diantha Carnet!".
Yeah I bet you're getting sick of these chapters split in half. I'm sorry but I just couldn't do everything I planned for the battle chateau in one chapter. If I did it would be a repeat of chapter 15 , to much stuff happening in one chapter. I'm not making that same mistake again. So the next chapter will finish up the battle chateau stuff and the one after that will show Ash vs Grant.
As for Diantha she will play more than a minor role in the next chapter so stay tuned
As always, review, comment, suggest, or ask questions.