"Hey, do you mind making a detour?" Ash asked Celeste as they were on their way to Lilypad Town and, hopefully, Celeste's last contest before the Grand Festival. "Professor Oak had just contacted me, it looks like he is in Sinnoh."
"Oh, I do not mind, we have time," Celeste replied. "Though, why is he doing in Sinnoh?"
"He was invited to a festival in a town nearby, Twinleaf Town," Ash answered, whistling to call down Nephele, who was out enjoying a fly with her Thunder. The moment they heard Ash's whistle, the Thunder descended in a matter of seconds, landing in a protective circle around the human trainer. Celeste giggling at how overprotective Ash's dragons were and wondered when such a impossing group of pokemon had become natural to her. Her life was insane! "He is scheduled to give a lecture on "the interrelation of pokemon and evolution stones." But a flat tire forced him to make a stop near a marshland, where he discovers a wealth of pokemon. I had to cut off the call there, otherwise he would have spent the remaining battery of my Xtransceiver talking my ear off about how he helped one of the pokemon, a Lombre, evolve into a Ludicolo using a Water Stone. Honestly when it comes to pokemon he never shuts up! And his pokemon poetry! Don't even get me started on that!"
Celeste chuckled at that, she had only met Professor Oak shortly but his passion for pokemon had come through. "Let's get going then."
Ash and Celeste mounted Nephele, one of the few dragons of Ash's Thunder, that allowed another person other than their trainer to mount her. They flew towards the directions Professor Oak had sent Ash and found him having quite a lot of fun researching the wild pokemon in the marshland. His smile was beaming when he noticed the five dragons and two trainers flying towards him.
"Ash, my boy!" Professor Oak received him with a warm hug. "Thank you for picking me up! You too Celeste!" He turned to the coordinator with a warm smile, before going to check on the dragons, but specially Nephele and Agni who Professor Oak had been there for when Ash had gained them. "Look at them... magnificent! No wonder I've been hearing nothing but praises of you from Unova and Sinnoh." Professor Oak's praises had Ash blushing, as they meant the world for the aspiring Dragon Master. After all, it had been Professor Oak the first one to have believed in him and giving him the tools to come this far. "I wish Gary would be more like you, focusing on quality rather than quantity," Professor Oak sighed, making Ash feel a bit vindictive about it, even though he had long since grown up from his childhood rivalry with Gary. "Oh, well, let's get going. I am already late as it is."
"Aeolus will fly you to Twinleaf Town," Ash told him, guiding him to the Dragonite, who hugged him with excitement and warmth. "Other than Nephele, he is the only one willing to let others ride on him. Ladon, Bruce, and Agni would fret if anyone but me rides them for anything but an emergency."
"It's better we make sure pokemon are comfortable. Otherwise, you end up with rider pokemon throwing off humans in anger," Professor Oak told them seriously, making the best friends wince at the image.
"Yeah, we better," Ash nodded in agreement. "Don't worry about the car, Ladon will get it to Twinleaf Town for you."
Professor Oak beamed. "Perfect! Thank you, my boy."
They made quite the stir when they reached the small town, five dragons, one of the carrying a car on his own, was quite a sight after all. They were rapidly hounded by the whole town, who had been waiting excitedly for Professor Oak. Though, Ash and Celeste were also received by some fans. A couple of Twinleaf Town's natives childhood friends, Barry and Dawn. Barry had seen Ash's telivised competitions and his father seem to have some contacts in the Sinnoh League and had been telling him stories about Ash's dragon, so the ten years-old-boy was quite eager to chatt up with Ash. Which had Ash blushing bright red, but he was not the only one. Celeste was being cornered once more by another young aspiring coordinator, this time she was a bluehaired. Dawn was adorable, but most importantly, her mother was Johanna! Celeste grew up watching Johanna's contests and studying up her techniques to use for her own training.
So, it was to no ones surprise that the two of them had missed Professor Oak's lecture. Not that they needed one, they've studied evolutionary stones in the Opelucid Academy, and Ash had even seen them while he had been privately mentored by Professor Oak. Professor Oak did not mind and waved their apologized away, enjoying spending time with the young duo for the remaining of the festival, even with the shadows they've seem to have gained in Twinleaf Town. Barry and Dawn looked like adorable Psyducks following Ash and Celeste around town. It brought a smile on every adult's face.
They were having so much fast that before they've realized it, the last event of the Twinleaf Festival was upon us. The Festival Battle Challenge! The winner of the event will get the chance to battle none other than Barry's father—the Sinnoh Battle Frontier Tower Tycoon, Palmer!
"Would you look at that," Celeste hummed. "It seems that Sinnoh will get its own Battle Frontier." She turned to her best friend who was vibrating with excitement, and chuckled. "You will enter, right?"
"You bet I will! And I will win!" Ash's announcement ended up becoming true shortly afterwards. There was no one on that town that could match his dragons in strength, especially with Professor Oak and Celeste not participating. Ash cheered and Nephele did a twirl in the air in victory, as Palmer congratulated the two and took his position for the exhibition match. Celeste and Professor Oak cheered Ash and Nephele on, while Dawn and Barry cheered Palmer and Rhyperior on. "If I am to face a Frontier Brain I will do it going all out!" Ash exclaimed, clutching the Key Stone around his neck, as Nephele gave out a melodious cry and began to shine.
A radiant light enveloped Altaria, a dazzling halo that cast shimmering sparks into the air. The very atmosphere seemed to tremble with awe, as if the world itself held its breath in reverence of the moment. Altaria's form began to shift, her figure expanding and elongating as if touched by the hand of some celestial magic.
Feathers, once soft and delicate, now swirled and cascaded, forming an intricate tapestry of celestial clouds. A magnificent plumage burst forth, extending from Altaria's back like a resplendent cape, the individual feathers gleaming with a radiant iridescence. These feathers, grown as a shield of grandeur and strength, seemed to capture and reflect the very essence of the heavens. Altaria's iconic wings, now even more pronounced, embraced the sky like a symphony of flight, their cottony grace more distinct than ever. The familiar blue belly was now unveiled, inviting the world to witness the evolution of a true marvel. Around her neck, an additional flourish of fluff cascaded like an ethereal collar, framing Altaria's visage with an aura of regal charm.
Atop her head, a hat-like crest now adorned Altaria, a crown woven of the very fabric of dreams. A single, exquisite feather spiraled outward from her forehead. And yet, despite the cosmic transformation, Altaria's gentle countenance remained unchanged, a comforting presence amidst the splendor. The most striking transformation, perhaps, was Altaria's tail. What was once a modest display of plumes had now evolved into a magnificent streamer, trailing behind with a grace reminiscent of a celestial comet. Three central plumes, elongated and regal, danced in the air like a chorus of serenity.
And then, as the light began to dim, the transformation was complete. Mega Altaria stood before the crowd, her form was nothing short of ethereal, a harmonious fusion of the heavens and the earth, a melody sung by the stars themselves. And then, she began to sing.
Her voice, even more resonant and enchanting than before, rang out like a chorus of angels, a melody that carried with it the very essence of wonder and delight. The crowd was awash with a serene, almost surreal atmosphere, as if the boundaries between reality and dream had blurred in the presence of such elegance. As the final notes of Mega Altaria's song drifted through the air, the crowd erupted in cheers, their awe was palpable, their spirits lifted by the spectacle that had unfolded before them. The evolution of Altaria into Mega Altaria had not only reshaped her form, but it had transformed the very atmosphere, infusing it with an aura of pure magic.
Whispers of amazement floated through the crowd, expressions of astonishment and reverence etched on the faces of trainers and spectators alike.
"Incredible," one exclaimed in a hushed tone.
"I've never seen anything like it," marveled another.
And among the collective gasps and words of admiration, a sentiment echoed in unison: "Truly, a wonder of the pokemon world and evolution."
Dawn was on tears as she observed Nephele's new form. "S-she is beautiful..."
"It does take a while to get used to her," Celeste agreed, her eyes held the same kind of awe as the spectators. "No matter how many times I've seen her Mega Evolve, there's simply something wonderous and magical about their bond. She simply changes the atmosphere with her presence."
Johanna joined them in the crowd with a serene expression on her face, but you could clearly see the admiration as her eyes lingered on the golden dragon. "That's quite a talent very few pokemon possess, most of them the Aces of Pokemon Masters like Steven's Metagross, Lance's Dragonite, Cynthia's Garchomp, and Wallace's Milotic. It's quite a pity they do not do contests, they would take the coordinator world by storm."
"I tried to convince them, but dragons are quite stubborn and set on their ways," Celeste sighed, as Barry and Dawn looked on awe. After all, Johanna's praise are hard won, if she compared Ash to those great trainers was because she could see his potential to reach those heights.
Meanwhile, Professor Oak had a teary look in his eyes, as he recalled the young boy and little Swablu that would follow him around his lab. They were now replaced by a mature trainer and a magnificent dragon. "Look at our boy Delia... he's grown so much..."
They all turned their attention back to the makeshift battlefield, as it crackled with anticipation as Ash's Mega Altaria, Nephele, and Palmer's imposing Rhyperior faced off. The clash between these two titans promised an electrifying spectacle. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden hue over the battlefield, adding an aura of grandeur to the impending showdown.
"Alright, Nephele, let's show them the power of Mega Evolution!" Ash's voice resounded through the arena, a note of determination evident. "Use Dragon Dance to get things started!"
Nephele's form shimmered briefly, a testament to the latent energy coursing through her. With graceful movements, she began to dance, her figure seemingly weightless as she twirled and leaped, a dance that resonated with the very essence of the skies.
Palmer's voice boomed across the arena, a calm assurance in his tone. "Rhyperior, don't hold back! Initiate Rock Polish to boost your speed!"
With a rumbling grunt, Rhyperior's body began to glow as his rock-hard skin smoothed and polished, the very earth beneath it seemingly lending him strength. The ground trembled slightly with each step he took, a display of raw power and determination.
As the battle commenced, Nephele's wings unfurled with a regal grace. "Nephele, let's take to the skies with Sky Attack!"
A radiant aura enveloped Mega Altaria, her form ascending towards the heavens with an awe-inspiring elegance. She gathered energy, her body blazing like a comet as she shot down towards Rhyperior with a blazing momentum, ready to strike.
Palmer remained composed, his commands flowing effortlessly. "Rhyperior, brace yourself with Solid Rock and then retaliate with Rock Wrecker!"
Rhyperior's eyes gleamed with determination, his body shimmering as the power of Solid Rock protected him from the incoming blow. His entire form then pulsed with energy, and with a tremendous roar, he charged towards Mega Altaria, the very ground beneath him shuddering with his colossal weight.
However, Ash's voice pierced through the turmoil. "Nephele, evade with Aerial Ace!"
Nephele's instincts kicked in, her wings slicing through the air as she swerved aside just in time, narrowly dodging Rhyperior's mighty assault. The gust of air created by her rapid movements ruffled the crowd, eliciting gasps from the spectators.
"Nice try, Ash, but you won't dodge this," Palmer countered with a hint of challenge. "Rhyperior, unleash a powerful Megahorn attack!"
Raising his horn with a primal growl, Rhyperior charged, his horn gleaming like a blade in the sunlight, making the crowd held its breath as Rhyperior lunged forward.
"Nephele, counter with Dragon Claw!" Ash's voice remained steady amidst the mounting tension.
Mega Altaria's talons glowed with an ethereal light as she met Rhyperior head-on, her claws clashing with his horn in a dazzling collision. The very air seemed to crackle with the force of their clash.
In the midst of this fierce exchange, the trainers locked eyes, a mutual respect and fierce determination reflected in their gaze. "You've got quite the fighter there, Ash," Palmer remarked, a spark of admiration in his eyes.
"And you're no slouch either, Palmer," Ash shot back with a grin. "Nephele's not backing down!"
As the battle raged on, it became clear that victory was inching ever closer, but at a cost. Mega Altaria's form was battered, her wings scorched from the intensity of the battle. Rhyperior too showed signs of exhaustion, yet the determination in his eyes remained unwavering.
The decisive moment approached, a culmination of tactics, strategy, and sheer heart. "Nephele, summon your strength!" Ash's voice rang out, a mix of encouragement and determination. "Nephele, finish this with Moonblast!" he commanded, the words resounding with unwavering faith.
Mega Altaria's eyes glowed with an ethereal light, her form radiating with the sheer power of her resolve. With a mighty roar, she unleashed a torrent of fairy energy, the Moonblast surging forward with a brilliance that seemed to rival the sun- ironic, I know. The impact was seismic, the very air quivering with the force of the clash. The ground trembled beneath the titanic struggle, and when the dust settled, a victor emerged. Rhyperior lay sprawled on the battlefield, defeated.
But the battlefield wasn't completely still. Mega Altaria stood, her form battered and wings drooping, yet her eyes shone with an indomitable spirit. The crowd erupted in cheers, their awe and respect tangible in the air, for they had witnessed a battle that would be talked about for years to come.
"Go Ash!" Celeste cheered proudly, eyes shinning with tears for her best friend. "Show them the might of Opelucid Academy's Prince! Nephele, the Golden Queen! You rock!"
Barry and Dawn were sad that Palmer had not won, but cheered up when they saw him congratulate Ash with a smile on his face, and rushed towards him to congratulate the two trainers. Johanna had a supportive hand on Professor Oak's shoulder as this one could no longer hold back his tears. Who could blame him? His little boy, the one he saw as his own grandson, was all grown up!
The Twinleaf Festival conncluded with Palmer giving Ash the Gold Trophy for winning the Festival Battle Challenge and promising the Dragon Specialist that he would talk with Scott about him. The win and the promise had Ash vibrating with excitement and happiness. With one last goodbye to everyone, the duo made their way out of Twinleaf Town and continued their journey towards Lilypad Town.