World Leaders Tournament

by Venoms Cross 2

Five years since the world has seen Ash Ketchum. Last seen in Celadon City, the world had concluded he had died. However, our hero was in hiding in Tohjo Falls when he receives a letter from an old friend.

3. Chapter 3

There was a blanket of awkward silence between Ash and Paul as they walked to the restaurant. The story Ash had told him really got him to think. Who knows what else Ash has seen or dealt with, besides the death of Giovanni.

The city was bustling with tourists and trainers alike, all who were there for the tournament. There was a rich life and many vendors were making efforts to try and sell their products. Ash and Paul kept walking until Paul pointed out the place they were going to eat.

The two were seated and sat quietly. "Alright Ash, why are you back?"

Ash chuckled, Paul's tone was serious and reminded him of when they would meet every once in a while in Sinnoh. "What do you mean?"

Paul adjusted himself. "You know what I mean. What are you doing here? Why leave for so long and then randomly come back?"

Ash sighed and leaned back in his chair. Truthfully, he did not know why. Things were perfect at Tohjo Falls. His Pokémon were stronger than ever, he felt at peace with the world. He was still haunted by his showdown with Giovanni at Silph Co, but that would take years to go away. Ash rapped on the metal chair as he thought.

"Truthfully Paul, I'm not too sure. Maybe it's to show what I'm really worth. I mean, my two biggest achievements were winning the Orange League and beating the Kanto Battle Frontier. Coming second in Kalos was awesome, but it would have been amazing if we won. I think maybe that's why we left." Ash paused as he pet his Raichu. "I think now every member of my team can defeat a mega evolved Pokémon without a battle bond such as Greninja."

This was a bold statement. Mega Evolved Pokémon had unmatched strength, disregarding legendary Pokémon of course. However, if trained properly, one mega evolved Pokémon could contend with a legendary.

Paul let the words sink in. He was shocked at how mature and serious Ash had gotten, especially compared to the days back in Sinnoh when they were far less than friends. Ash did have his respect after all though.

"So what happens after this?" Paul asked after the waitress set their food down.

"What do you mean?"

Paul smirked, "Are you going to go back into hiding? Or are you going to stay out in the world?"

Ash gave another pause. "I don't know. I'll cross that bridge when we get to it."

Paul simply nodded. "You know, they're all going to be here. Fortunately with that scar on your face and your hair being longer they may not recognize you."

Ash cringed slightly. He had two long scars across his left cheek, after his Zangoose was going wild before he captured it during the battle.

"They may forgive you, you know."

Ash sighed. "Can we change the subject?"

Paul simply grinned, "what are you going to do for the week until this shindig starts?"

"Train. We need to be in top shape for this."

"Do you mind if I see them?"

Ash simply flashed a feral grin. "I can show you a few of them for sure."

They finished eating and headed towards the woods behind the Pokémon center. After a few minutes, a clearing came into view. The trees formed a natural circle, and a small lake was behind them. The mountains were hanging on the horizon and some wild Pidove flew by. It was breathtaking simply. Unova has a lot of fantastic views.

"I suppose I'll let you see a few of them." Ash reaches into his bag and pulled out six Pokeballs. "Alright gang, come on out!"

Six flashes of light appeared. A Flareon, a Swellow, a Kingler, a Froslass, an Umbreon, and a Hawlucha appeared. The six all stretched and took in their new surroundings. Paul noticed they all looked extremely well taken care of and that they all seemed bigger than average. Swellow took the trees and sat on a limb as did Hawlucha, while Flareon and Umbreon went off to the side by themselves. Kingler waddled towards the lake and took a jump in. Froslass merely floated next to her trainer, boring her eyes into Paul.

"These are a few of the many Pokémon that I have." Ash grinned as Paul could feel their strength. "I've kept all my Pokémon and have refound old ones and caught new ones. I've been busy these past five years."

Paul simply whistled. "Impressive Ketchum. I've got new additions myself and we've gotten stronger too. But you'll have to wait and see in the tournament."

The two rivals smirked at each other. "I guess I'll be setting up camp here. I'm gonna let out a few more to set guard and just roam around generally while we go get registered."

Paul nodded as Ash let loose six more Pokémon. The two then made their way back through the thicket and into civilization once again. Entering the Pokémon center, they saw there was already a line for registration. There were even three Nurse Joys working to keep pace with this grandiose display of battling and prowess that Scott had a hand in coming up with.

Eventually Ash and Paul reached the counter. Paul was able to register with no issue.

"Name please?"

"Ash Ketchum."

The Nurse Joy flashed a look. "I'll need to see your Pokédex."

"Not a problem." Ash handed over his Pokédex which confirmed his identity. He watched the nurse cast him a wary eye, even though his Pokédex was his own. "Hey Nurse Joy?"

"Yes Ash?"

Ash grimaced slightly. "Is it alright if I go under a pseudonym?"

Nurse Joy have a perplexed look. "I don't see why not I suppose. Although it will just be between you and me."

Ash smiled, "Yes of course. I'd like to register under the name Wraith please, and can Celestic Town from Sinnoh be my hometown please?"

Paul snickered slightly, "A little edgy don't you think?"

"You have any better ideas?"

Paul shrugged, "Not really, but it's still edgy."

Ash rolled his eyes. "Can it actually just be Tom Ato instead, please? But still keep Celestic Town."

Nurse Joy smiled and happily obliged, although she didn't know how anyone would believe 'Tom Ato' was his actual name. Oh well, he was clearly trying to avoid someone, or something. Maybe multiple someones?

"Just so you're aware, once we enter the top 32 your actual name will need to be used, Tom, so I will need your actual name and hometown as well. You can either tell me or hand over your Pokédex."

Ash sighed in defeat. "Can I still use my alias until then?"

"Yes of course!"

Ash wipes his forehead in relief. It would buy him some time. "Alright, but just make sure not to make a big deal?"

Nurse Joy smiled. "Of course."

"Ash Ketchum, Pallet Town."

She gave him a raised eyebrow, but decided not to prod. Besides, all answers come in due time. Why he was so hesitant, she did not understand. But, it wasn't her place.

"Matches begin in three days, and for all matchups you will come here. Matches will be announced the day before the battle. Preliminaries will last three days, then a rest day, then the 256 that remain will be whittled down until we have a winner!"

Ash gave a perplexed look as he took all this information in. "But Scott said it began in seven days!"

Nurse Joy smiled, "Yes not counting the preliminaries. I need to help the next contender please!"

Ash sighed and took the hint and left. Paul was snickering as Ash walked up beside him. "So, Tom, what do you wanna do for the next three days?"

"You could've told me it started in three days you know."

Paul smirked. "I'm aware, however I wanted you to be caught off guard. Besides preliminaries are a joke. Things won't get serious until the top 8 anyways. With you and me here, then there's no way we can lose. We'll bulldoze through this!"

Ash was impressed, Paul sounded like him. Maybe he wore off on the rugged, veteran trainer.

"I suppose so. Besides, I need someone to give me a challenge in the finals."

The two clasped hands and parted. Neither were aware if there were any big names in the tournament, but it wouldn't matter, both were confident in their ability.

It was then that a certain group entering the center grabbed Ash's attention. Raichu flashed him a worried look, hoping not to be discovered. "It'll be fine buddy, they would still try to find a Pikachu." Raichu sighed and simply stood by his trainers feet.

"You know Barry, there's still three days until the preliminaries start."

"IF YOU KEEP REMINDING ME DAWN I WILL HAVE TO FINE YOU!"

Ash sweatdropped, Barry still seemed the same.

"What're you gonna do, Tom?" Paul asked him, trying to hold back a smirk.

Ash sighed. "I don't know honestly, I really don't know. I figure by the top eight they'll know I'm not really dead, and that I'm alive and breathing." The two who were off to the side as they watched Barry, Iris, and Max enter the tournament. Ash simply kept a straight as he saw all the familiar faces. Misty, Brock, May, Max, Barry, Dawn, Iris and Cilan as well. He figured Serena and the Kalos crew were all busy and too far away to attend. He was wondering where Gary was though.

"Hey Paul, lets get out of here. I need to go train and get everyone in tip top shape for this thing."

"Sounds good to me. You know, my Electivire wants a rematch with Infernape."

"Is that so? Unfortunately you're going to have to wait until we meet in this tournament."

Ash's Pokegear rang in his pocket. He pulled it and saw Scott was calling him. "One Minute Paul. Hello?"

"Hey Ash! How are you?"

"Well I just found out that matches start in three days instead of a week."

He could hear Scott chuckle in the background. "Slip of the mind! But you'll be ready."

Ash sighed, "I suppose so. What's your reason for calling?"

"Well, I need a favor. You see, Annabell needs your help."

"Why me?"

"Because you ran off for a few years which devastated her. Now, she's trying to get better but if you know her, which I know you do, then a battle will stimulate her. And frankly you're one of the best I know of."

Ash sighed into the phone. "Alright, when and where?" He did feel bad at what Scott said about Annabell being devastated.

"Tonight at 7:30, meet us behind the West stadium." Scott simply hung up after that.

The stadium set up was rather simple. Four stadiums in each of the cardinal directions with one big stadium in the middle for the big matches.

"Well, I guess I have another practice battle tonight though."

"With who?"

"Annabell, Scott has called me asking me to come wake her up essentially."

"Who will you use?"

"I think I'll just surprise you. But I need to go do some things first."

"Alright, I'm going to go take a nap."

Paul left for his room while Ash headed back to his clearing. The two however were noticed by a group.

"Who was Paul talking to?" May asked.

"I don't know, but there's something about him, I can't put my finger on it." Brock trailed off his sentence.

"Whatever, he didn't look so tough! I could beat both of them with one hand tied behind my back!" Barry shouted.

Dawn sweatdropped, "You know Barry, you never beat Paul."

Barry deadpanned.

"Who should I use?" Ash mused. He had all of his Pokémon released and knew Anabel's Pokémon pretty well. However she had to have caught some new ones. Most of his Pokémon we're just relaxing or swimming in the lake.

"Who do you think Raichu?"

Raichu pointed to himself all proud and mighty. "No, I need to use other members buddy."

Raichu deadpanned and have Ash a dirty look.

"Flareon, Gigalith, Swellow. I need you three."

The three Pokémon approached him. He returned the three to their Pokeballs and he called upon Alakazam.

"Can you teleport me somewhere buddy?"

The psychic type nodded and the two disappeared in a flash. In a couple seconds they appeared in a wooded clearing, behind the yellow stadium with a big, purple W on it, designating it as the West stadium.

"Well, I guess we will relax until they show up." He released his three battlers and they all laid in wait for the Salon Maiden.

Speaking of our Lilac haired Frontier Brain, she was in a heated debate with Scott over battling this stranger. The two were at a cafe table outside, each drinking some sort of a hot beverage.

"Scott you know I shouldn't battle unless it's actually in the tournament itself."

"Annabel trust me, it'll help you feel better. Don't you miss the adrenaline rush, the feeling that you're alive that comes from battles?"

Annabel sighed. "You're right. I mean, what could it hurt?"

Scott smiled. "There ya go. I tell ya what, you can use your strongest Pokémon against this guy too."

Annabel raises an eyebrow at Scott. "Oh really?"

"Yes really. He's going to push you to your limits."

"But who is he really?"

Scott smirked, "Annabel, just trust me. You're gonna be happy at the end of it."

Annabel gave a smirk as she set down her cup. "You can count me in then."

"Great, let's go!" Scott exclaimed with joy. Annabel changed and the two made their way behind the West Stadium. The sun was beginning to set in the Unova region, casting an orange glow on the surrounding forest near the conference. Ash was taking it all in. It was the middle of October and everything felt right. He watched some of the native Pokémon play around and have fun. The crisp air pushed the scents of the trees which brought a smile to Ash's face.

Before he knew it, a Pidove had landed on his shoulder. He didn't budge, as he could tell it was merely resting. Himself, he was sat on the ground, meditating, his three Pokémon with him. He noticed that the spines on Flareons collar started to flare and Seelöwen braced her wings.

"Who's there?" He called out, standing up. The wild Pidove flew off into the forest.

"Hello, Tom," Scott said coyly, "Annabel is here. Are you ready for battle? Your Pokémon certainly look so."

Flareon has begun generating heat, as Gigalith took a defensive stance for its trainer and Swellow had her wings out ready to attack.

"Stand down you three. Relax, they are friends."

Annabel raises an eyebrow. "Friends? I haven't ever met you."

"A friend of Scott is a friend of mine, miss…"

"Annabel, Salon Maiden Annabel."

Ash smiled and shook her hand. "A pleasure, the name is Tom."

"You know, it's clumsy to have your battlers out. Annabel already has the advantage," Scott said, knowing perfectly well what he was doing.

"Oh trust me, she won't win."

Annabel got irked at that comment. "What did you say, punk?"

"I will win, easily," Ash stated, as if the battle was already over.

"Oh yeah? We'll see about that!" Annabel cast a glare at him. She crossed her arms and moved to one side of the clearing. Ash winked at Scott with a smirk and walked to his side of the field, his Pokémon joining him.

"Annabel, you have the first choice."

Annabel, who was now facing Ash about thirty feet away, was gripping her Pokeball hard.

"Metagross, my friend!"

The steel type came out with a roar, appearing on the grass battlefield. Scott stood in the center as referee.

"Swellow, get on there."

Swellow nodded and landed in front of Ash, glaring at Metagross. Annabel noticed how fierce the look in Swellow's eyes were, and how clean and healthy the flying type looked.

"Are both battlers ready?"

Ash and Annabel nodded.

"Battle begin!"

"Metagross use Meteor Mash!"

Ash smirked. Really? She had a trick up her sleeve.

"Swellow, barrage the area with Air Slash then use Brave Bird!"

Metagross levitated itself with one of it's appendages glowing a bright white. Swellow simply flew up to dodge once it swung. The flying type then unleashed a volley of Air Slash attack around Metagross, kicking up dirt and debris. Swellow then began to ascend and then began her descent, picking up energy and glowing blue on her way down.

"Metagross! Use Psychic to stop Swellow!"

"Keep your attack going and use Double Team."

Metagross' eyes glowed blue and began pushing out pink waves of psychic energy, while Swellow made multiple copies of herself cloaked in energy, now on her way towards the steel type. Annabel smirked and tried to use her 'secret' ability to find the real one, but couldn't. 'Have I lost my empathy?' She thought to herself.

Metagross began blasting the copies one by one. However, Swellow just kept making copies until eventually she struck Metagross with the fierce attack on its left side. Swellow recoiled back as energy was drained from the recoil.

Metagross weakly got up but had a strong face. "Metagross, use Bullet Punch!"

Ash smirked, he had already won. Metagross grew closer, it's appendages glowing silver. "Steady Swellow, you know our technique."

Annabel raised an eyebrow. Metagross' attack struck, and a flurry of hits landed on Swellow. She took the beating with a strong face but held her ground. She looked closer to fainting when Ash gave a command. "Alright, finish with Reversal."

Swellow nodded as she glowed orange. Swellow struck Metagross with her wings which pushed the steel type off her a considerable distance. "Metagross! You planned that!" Annabel glared at Ash. "You let your Pokémon get hurt just to win? Who are you?"

"I'm a winner, use Roost Swellow." Swellow nodded and rested herself on the ground as green energy enveloped her. In a matter of seconds she was partially healed and ready to go.

Annabel huffed. "You're a serious trainer. Roost takes way longer than that. Plus, you've been tossing around my Metagross like a rag doll. Who are you really?"

"Time will tell. You should command an attack before my Swellow finishes off that Metagross."

Annabel looked back to her Metagross. The steel type slowly and shakily got up. That bird was really tough. However, it nodded to Annabel that it was ready.

"Alright my friend, let's continue this fight!"

Ash simply smirked at her. "No way, I'll win. I wager I'll win with only my Swellow."

Annabel was getting impatient and her face turned red. "No, my team and I will win. Our bond is unbreakable, especially not by some punk like you!"

"Annabel please calm down." Scott began to plead. His plan was beginning to blow up in his face.

"Listen to your friend. You seem to be washed up. When was the last you battled?" Ash egged her on.

Metagross looked at it's trainer with worry. It floated next to her and gently nudged her trying to comfort her.

"Metagross use Hyper Beam!" Annabel said in anger.

Metagross hesitated a little bit but obliged. It formed an orange sphere infront of its face, gathering pure energy.

"Be ready Swellow." Swellow nodded and braced her wings.

Metagross fired the beam of energy. It drew closer to Swellow. Right when it was a few meters away, "Quick Attack! Then hit it with an Air Slash!" Immediately she darted out of the way with white streaks, the beam going into several trees and cutting them down but no wild Pokémon hurt. Swellow struck the steel type with the Quick Attack but it little damage, but gave her the bounce to fire multiple Air Slash attacks. Metagross roared in pain at the volley of attacks.

"Finish it with your own Hyper Beam Swellow!" Ash grinned, he could feel his blood pumping. He himself hadn't had a proper battle in years. He was glad to be in civilization.

Annabel however, she watched in horror as this very powerful Swellow, who had one of her strongest Pokémon put in the corner for the whole match, charge one of the most powerful attacks. She had a hard time believing she let herself get this way, so negligent to her partners and family. She isolated herself and for what?

Annabel quickly thought of what to do. Scott saw a twinkle in her eye and knew that she was fired up.

"Metagross my friend please tell me you're okay!"

Metagross weakly called out its name as it stood up. "Just trust me, we can win this!"

Metagross nodded at the conviction in Annabel's voice. Ash grinned as he could feel the battle was now just beginning. However, he knew Metagross was done for. His Swellow was simply stronger, plus he had the luxury of having his head in the game the whole battle.

"Fire it Swellow!"

"Quickly, Protect!"

Metagross threw up a green bubble around itself as Swellow fires the orange beam at it. Annabel could see cracks form but the shield stayed. "Use Psychic as Swellow recovers! Then Meteor Mash!"

Metagross has Swellow in a psychic hold as it came towards her with glowing arms, ready to strike.

"Now Swellow us Protect!" Swellow managed to cast up a green dome and watched as the major attack simply bounced off the shield. The psychic hold on her released as well.

"Double Team, then finish with an Air Slash barrage!"

Swellow nodded and began making copies of herself. She kept going until there were about forty of them, which surprised Annabel.

"Metagross, just keep blasting Psychic until you find her!"

Ash grinned, "It's no use! Finish it Swellow!"

All the copies began sending Air Slash after Air Slash, of course the ones from the copies did no damage but the real one came in from behind. Swellow then began moving around in the air so Metagross couldn't hit her with a counter attack. Hit after hit, it was all too much for Metagross. Metagross fell, with swirls in it's eyes. Swellow ceases her attack and tested in front of Ash.

"Metagross is unable to battle, Swellow wins! Which means Tom is the winner of the battle!"

Annabel sighed as she pulled out Metagross' Pokéball. "You did. well friend. Thank you for your effort." Metagross let out a weak cry as red light enveloped the steel type. Annabel faced Ash, "I thought this was a three on three battle?"

Ash walked forward, his two Pokémon one the sideline joining them all as they congratulated Swellow on the victory. "It was a battle until you got your spirit back."

"What?" Annabel said, puzzled.

"Scott, my work here is done." Ash said to the leader of the Battle Frontier. Scott nodded. "Thank you Tom, I knew it was only you who could help."

Ash gave Scott a grin. "Of course! Now, let's boogey before anyone finds out." Ash returned all three of his Pokémon and Annabel returned Metagross.

"It was a pleasure Annabel, I shall hopefully see you again shortly."

With that, Ash disappeared into the woods, heading back to his base camp.

"Scott, who was that really."

Scott looked at the lilac haired trainer. "That was Tom, Annabel. He's gonna take this tournament by storm."

Annabel sighed. Something was wrong, she could feel it. Her secret ability was screaming at her to investigate. Something was familiar with that guy. But he was so dangerous, so reckless. No way would be endanger his Pokémon's life just to win. If that's what he'd do in just a casual battle, what would he do for a tournament win?

"Scott, he seems dangerous."

"He's hardened Annabel. Tom has been through a lot." The conversation was cut by Scott's stomach rumbling. He sweatdropped and gave an embarrassed laugh. "I guess I got hungry watching."

Annabel simply laughed at him. "Let's get food then. I'll cover for us, since you managed to awaken my inner battler. Thank you Scott." The two began walking back to the stadiums. "No problem Annabel. I know you can challenge this guy."

Annabel grinned, "Oh I will. And when I Battle him next, I'm going to win."

Ash has arrived back at his camp. All of his Pokémon were roaming around, or sleeping. Ash did leave several of his Pokémon at Tohjo falls, but most wanted to join him. A lot of them had been itching for a battle.

"Hey Raichu, anyone wander too close?"

Raichu shook his head 'no' and jumped onto Ash's shoulder. Ash has Flareon, Swellow, and Gigalith our to mingle with the crowd.

"Rai, Raichu ChuRai?"

Ash blushed a little bit. "No Raichu, she doesn't know it's me. But she will. I'll tell her eventually."

Ash sat on the ground and began to meditate. Some of his Pokémon joined with him. Soon, night had fallen on the camp and everyone fell asleep, with a few nocturnal Pokémon keeping guard.

AN: Yikes it's been a while. I'm sorry about that, hopefully this chapter made up for it. I'll try to be quicker with updates, but with college and personal affairs I'm not too sure how it'll go. Nevertheless, I hope everyone enjoyed this one, and I'll see y'all again soon!