Part LXXII: Preliminary Rounds

"Welcome to the Indigo Conference, the annual Conference for trainers who have earned 8 badges from licensed gyms in the Kanto region at some point during their careers." Charles Goodshow, the President of the League Competition Committee, said. "And congratulations to all of you for making it here today, be you new to the Conference this year or returning for another crack at winning the Kanto League and earning the right to challenge the Kanto Elite Four, possibly even the Champion if you beat the Elite Four."

Ash stood with 255 other trainers on the battlefield of the main stadium on Indigo Plateau listening to the short and spectacularly bearded Charles Goodshow, a man Ash knew well from a few adventures in the past, give the opening remarks to the assembled trainers. This was the opening ceremony for the Indigo Conference and Ash could barely contain his excitement. At last after a long year and a lot of tough, full, battles he was here, ready to once again try and win a League Conference.

Standing with Ash were the majority of his friends who were also competing this year. Lyra, Bianca, Stephan, Cameran and his newest friend Brendan were all clustered with Ash as they listened.

They were all in an area by themselves but as Ash looked around he saw the few others he knew in the Conference. Conway was off to one side of the group listening intently to Charles, Nando was near the center on his own but easy to spot in his usual getup while Trip was being his usual aloof self and standing on the edges. They were all here and they were all ready to compete in the Indigo Conference.

"So without further ado, it is time to light the torch with a flame from the legendary Pokémon Moltres and officially open this year's Indigo Conference." Charles said and a man that Ash recognized appeared from outside the stadium, flying above the caldron where the flame would be lit, ridding a Dragonite and holding a torch in his hand, a cape billowing behind him. "To do the honors, the Champion of Kanto and Johto, Lance."

Lance, a dragon type master who Ash had met a few times but hadn't seen since his days in Hoenn, smiled to the crowd before his Dragonite flew down and past the caldron, Lance leaning over its side and lighting it as he passed it before flying away and into the night. Lance was a busy man but Ash knew he would be here to watch the Conference so he may see him later if there was time. As Lance left, the caldron burst into flames illuminating the sky as it burned.

"Well the Indigo Conference is now open and the draw for the first round is about to be held but I first must go over the rules for the Conference." Charles said to the gathered trainers and their friends and family who were present in the stadium to watch the ceremony. "There are 256 of you competing this year and for the most part the format will be the same as it has been in the past."

Charles paused and Ash saw him looking around the gathered crowd of trainers. There were no doubt many returning faces but just as many, if not more, new faces who needed to know the rules of the Indigo Conference as all Conferences, while following the same basic idea, had their own quirks and rules unique to them.

"Over the next four days we will be holding the preliminarily rounds of the Conference." Charles continued when he was ready. "These will be held in the various small battlefields located around the Plateau and will be on either rock, ice, grass or water terrains, those being as random as the opponents you face so you may end up on the same terrain multiple times."

Ash saw many trainers, likely those who had been in Conferences before, be it Indigo or one of the other regions, nodding at this. The use of different terrains was a staple of Conferences so it was something Ash had been preparing for over the last 2 weeks in the various training facilities around the Plateau that had those terrains.

"All matches are single round knockout matches with the winning trainer advancing to the next round." Charles was saying and Ash went back to paying attention to the man. "Each day will have one round during it so you will only battle once a day. In addition, during the preliminaries, trainers will be allowed to use 3 Pokémon and the winner is the one who knocks out, or forces the other trainer to withdraw, all 3 of their Pokémon from the battle. There will be no substitutions during the stage, doing so disqualifies the Pokémon from the battle."

This caused a few murmurs from the trainers, especially those who were from regions where substitutions were allowed. However Ash already knew this, it was the same as before so he could easily deal with it. All he would have to do is decide his teams, along with two alternatives just in case he needed to change his strategy midway through a match, the night before based on who his opponents were. There was a transport terminal in his room so Professor Oak, or Tracy after the Professor arrived, would just send the Poke Balls he needed.

"At the end of each day, the winning trainers will be displayed on the many screens around the Plateau and the next day matches drawn shortly after the last match of the day ends." Charles said, continuing with his speech regardless of the reactions to the rules. "After 4 days of this we will have 16 trainers remaining. These 16 will advance to the final rounds of the tournament. These matches will begin after two days rest for those trainers and the draw will be held here the night before the round of 16. This will be the same for the quarter and semifinals once the last of that day's round is over."

Charles paused at this point so that all the trainers could process what he was saying. It was pretty straightforward and most Conferences ran it this way but the break was something that not many of the others did so the ones who were new here had to understand that.

"All matches from that point on will be full battles with a round held each day making this also a 4-day event that will culminate in the final and the trophy presentation by Lance on the afternoon of the final day." Charles said once he deemed everyone understood. "This is first for the Indigo Conference as in the past we have started the full battles at the quarterfinals stage but this year we will have all 16 trainers compete in full battles."

This was the first new thing to Ash though it was something he'd expected might have happened. Hoenn and Johto started the full battles earlier than Kanto when he'd been in those regions so starting in the last 16 made sense to Ash.

"The full battles will be held in this stadium and there will be no terrain changes during the final rounds." Charles said confirming what Ash already knew from his time before, this hadn't been changed at least. "Unlike other regions, Kanto does not have the full battles on various terrains that change after 3 of one trainer's Pokémon are defeated. They prefer a more traditional approach here."

This did surprise several of the trainers and Ash saw that Brenden was a little confused by this as all other regions, at least in Ash's experience, had terrains for the full battles and did field changes when at least 3 Pokémon for one trainer had been knocked out. It was an interesting challenge that Kanto did it this way and Ash couldn't say he disliked it as it was a test of pure skill with no environmental factors to deal with. Those were for the preliminaries, anyone who got to the final rounds should have to win with skill alone.

"Furthermore there has been a slight change to the substitution rule during the full battles." Charles said getting Ash's attention at that. "A trainer still cannot sub out a Pokémon mid battle, that along with the Pokémon sleeping or refusing to battle is still a disqualification of that Pokémon from the battle, but after winning a trainer can withdraw that Pokémon before both trainers send out their next Pokémon. however, the opponent can opt for a quick change to force the winning Pokémon to remain in the battle. Again the winner is the trainer who knocks out, or forces a disqualification of, all his or her opponents Pokémon."

This announcement caused a few murmurs as trainers processed the rules. Ash was a little surprised at the slight change but he could understand it and if he was fast enough he could either switch out to avoid a potential bad matchup or quickly send in a Pokémon with a type advantage over his opponent's.

The new system wasn't as freewheeling as some of the conferences but it worked for him, Ash could strategize well with this rule. That was basically how he had done his full battles with most of the gym leaders so he had inadvertently practiced it giving him a bit of an advantage.

"Lastly before the draw there is a new rule this year, one that is in effect in all Conference but the Lumiose Conference being held in Kalos." Charles said quieting down the crowd of trainers again. "Mega Evolution is banned in the Indigo Conference. Doing so is an immediate disqualification for that Pokémon."

Ash knew that they were banning Mega Evolution so the rule made sense. If you did try to get the potential advantage of Mega Evolution you would lose that Pokémon from the battle instead. It was a good deterrent to prevent it.

"Kalos, where the primary research on this phenomenon is conducted, is allowing it this year to assess its viability in future Conferences." Charles continued. "If it works there then it will be allowed in other regions going forward. I know that several of you have Key Stones and Pokémon capable of Mega Evolving so I suggest you remove them to avoid disqualification."

This did cause some discussion amongst several trainers who clearly had Key Stones, some Ash saw in interesting places on their bodies, but now couldn't use them. Ash wasn't wearing his special glove that contained his Key Stone so it was safe from use. In addition, Professor Oak, after getting torched in the process, had removed Charizard's Mega Stone to completely avoid its use in the Indigo Conference. Ash looked to Brenden and saw that the Hoenn trainer had removed his bracelet with his Key Stone so he was already covered.

"That concludes the rules so if you will all turn to the jumbotron." Charles said and on cue all the trainers turned to the large, and Ash thought new, jumbotron located at midfield on one side of the stadium and would be where the trainers and their Pokémon would be shown during the full battles. "The first round is now officially … drawn."

Instantly 256 pictures in 128 rows and two columns appeared on the board showing the matchups for the first round of the Conference. The board was divided into in 4 squares of different colors telling the trainers which battlefield they would be on. It was easy to guess which field they were on based on the colors. Green was for grass, light blue for ice, standard blue for water and light brown for rock. Ash and his friend began to scan it to try and find their images.

Given the number of trainers, it took a while but finally Ash saw his picture next to that of a trainer with light brown, almost gray, hair and a weird quaff thing at the front that was shaped into 3 spikes. The image showed that he wore a light greenish shirt with a white color. The last thing Ash noted was that their match was in the light brown square indicating that he would be on the rock battlefield.

Ash looked around and saw the trainer in question several feet away trying to find his own image on the screen. Ash thought he was vaguely familiar but he couldn't quite place him. Well he would see him tomorrow and could ask if they had crossed paths before then.

Ash turned back to the board to find his friends and when he did he realized that none of them were facing each other. That was good, that meant that they all would advance if they won though that streak might not continue for long, Ash's luck always ensured that he was drawn against a friend sooner or later in a League Conference.

"Alright that will be up for the rest of the night all in the Trainers' Village and the Pokémon Center but you also will be sent your location, battle time, opponent's name and who has been randomly assigned the first move within the hour so you can prepare." Charles said causing all the trainers to turn back to him. "So I suggest you go back to your rooms and get some sleep, the Indigo Conference starts first thing tomorrow morning."

Ash waited for his friends to find their pictures before they all left to return to the Pokémon Center, discussing where their matches were and when they were going to be the next day. Ash could feel the thrill of the competition begin to fill him. This was why he was a trainer; this was what he did best. Tomorrow, his quest to win the Indigo Conference began.


Ash walked out onto the rock battlefield in the area of the Conference that had those fields and surveyed the, well, rocky terrain. The battlefield was of course regulation size but rather than be just earth, it was filled with large rocks and boulders in random places on the battlefield providing cover and vantage points for certain Pokémon. it was similar in a lot of ways to the Pewter Gym so it was familiar to Ash.

Thinking of that gym remined Ash that Brock was supposedly here. The Pokémon Doctor in training had let them know, via message, that he was around but because of the sheer number of trainers battling during the early part of the Conference, he was basically on the clock at one of the many recovery stations all day each day until the break. At that point Brock would have a written evaluation for advancement to the third year of his course.

Brock did confirm that he would be present during the full battles but once again on call for healing the defeated Pokémon. However, he hoped to find some time to see them but had already apologized in advance if he failed to do so.

All of Ash's other friends who were in attendance were in the front row of the stands near him. Misty was naturally in her cheerleader outfit, not caring about the crowd, with Piplup and Pikachu both dressed up in male versions in front of her they cheered for him. The rest of them were cheering more normally though Cilan had once again appeared to have been bound and gagged by Iris for his own protection, and to avoid annoying her the entire battle.

Ash and Pikachu had agreed that he wouldn't use the electric type until the full battles but rather Ash would have a preplanned trio and two alternates of different types on him for the preliminaries so he could cover whatever he faced. He'd researched his opponent a little but with no Conference data Ash just had to go with a balanced team for the first round.

Ash had also decided that no Pokémon used in the preliminaries would be used in the final battles and that each full battle team would be different except for Pikachu. However, that was something to deal with when he got to that stage, first he had to get through the preliminaries.

With no ability to substitute, Ash had to preplan as much as possible but he knew what the key was to winning the preliminary rounds. He had to win the first battle so that he saw his opponent's second Pokémon first and knew which of the ones he had on him to use, or if he should switch in an alternate, if he lost his Pokémon next.

Speaking of opponent, the guy he was facing had also walked out and was standing in his box on the other side of the battlefield. Ash was now more than certain that they'd met each other before. He knew it had been years ago, that it was in a Conference but not Kanto and not Sinnoh, it was one of the ones between them. However Ash couldn't remember him at all and it was bugging him a little.

"Trainers, introduce yourselves." The ref said as he took his position at midfield.

"I believe we have met before." The other guy said to Ash as they got set in their positions. "I'm Jackson from New Bark Town out in Johto."

"I'm Ash from Pallet Town here in Kanto." Ash said as it all hit him and he grinned as he remembered th guy opposite him. "And I was thinking the same thing but hearing your name and hometown reminded me of where we met. We were in the same group in the Silver Conference 5 years ago."

"Oh yeah you were the guy who I tied with allowing you to advance out of the group stage there." Jackson said with a grin. "And we had that fire specialist in our group as well. What was her name again? Stacy?"

"Macy and yeah she was in our group." Ash said with a nod fully remembering unique part of the Silver Conference well as it wasn't used in any other region. "We drew I believe but I advanced on points because of how it worked. Johto is the only region that does the Conference like that."

"Yeah it is different back home." Jackson agreed. "Little more leeway but a pure single round elimination is more exciting in my opinion."

"I agree." Ash said with a nod. "No room for mistakes that way, simple survive and advance system so every match matters."

"I don't intend to make any mistakes." Jackson said. "This is my time, been out of the game for a few years with a few friends but I'm back while they are off in Galar together cos Marina is a Top Coordinator who's helping set up the circuit there. I'll join her and my buddy Jimmy next year but I wanted to take on Kanto this year to get back into the swing of things. That means that this time I will win Ash."

"We shall see." Ash said with a grin as he pulled out his first Poke Ball. "I've never lost in the first round, or any preliminary round for that matter, before and I don't intend to start now."

"Allow me the honor of being the first to give you that loss." Jackson said pulling out his own Poke Ball. "When I beat you today."

"Then let's get this started." Ash said and the ref nodded. "I've waited all year for this Conference."

"Are both trainers ready?" The asked checking the time on his watch to make sure it was started on time and Ash and Jackson both nodded in confirmation. "Then, begin!"

"Magneton go!" Jackson said throwing out his Poke Ball.

"Donphan, I choose you." Ash said throwing his ball out at the same time and grinning at his choice to begin this match, he had the type advantage which was how he recalled fighting Jackson last time.

The Pokémon burst forth, Donphan landing with a thud in front of Ash and belting its trunk in challenge while stars burst from Jackson's ball and an off colored Magneton appeared before him. Ash remembered that Pokémon, it was hard to forget a shiny that defeated two of his Pokémon in a row. This time that Magneton wasn't going to win one matchup, let alone two.

"Double Team." Jackson ordered to begin the battle having been randomly assigned the first move shortly after the draw the night before. "We can't do much against a Donphan but we can hold out and weaken it."

"Earthquake." Ash said as several Magneton's appeared understanding Jackson's strategy even if it wasn't' going to work.

That was because Earthquake the right move for multiple reasons as Donphan reared up and then slammed its feet down on the ground. The main one being that it was the most effective move that Ash had against Magneton as the duel electric and steel type was really weak against the ground type attack was super effective against both of Magneton's types Add in the area effect of Earthquake and the Double Team was essentially negated. The only thing that Ash had to keep in mind was what Magneton's ability might be.

If it was Levitate, a common one for floating non-flying types, then the move would be useless. If not then Ash had a huge advantage from the start. Thankfully it wasn't Levitate as Magneton gave out a mechanical wail of pain and instantly all of its copies vanished as the real one that was off to the side fell to the vibrating ground getting badly injured by Ash's opening move.

Slowly the Earthquake ended and Ash looked to see if Magneton had swirls for eyes. Alas it did not but it looked a lot worse for wear as it slowly floated up and glared, well Ash thought it glared at least as it was hard to tell what the Pokémon's facial expressions were, at Donphan.

"Tri-Attack." Jackson ordered. "It's the only offensive move we have that will work on a Donphan."

"Rollout." Ash said as the three beams of Tri-Attack were formed by Magneton at the tips of its 6 magnet things. "Plow through it and hit Magneton, I know you can do it Donphan.

Donphan instantly leapt into a ball and tore at Magneton as the beams blasted into the Armor Pokémon rolling at full speed at Magneton. They did a little damage and held Donphan in place for a few seconds but ended shortly afterwards and Donphan continued rolling forward, none of the potential side effects apparently triggering this time.

There was no way for Magneton to get out of the way as Donphan launched itself into the air, still rolling, and slammed into Magneton's center of mass. Magneton was thrown back and crashed hard into the rocky ground at Jackson's feet with swirls for eyes as Donphan turned and rolled back before popping up in front of Ash and roaring its victory as it looked across the battlefield at Jackson.

"Magneton is unable to battle." The ref said raising a red flag to Jackson's side. "Donphan is the winner."

"Magneton return." Jackson said recalling his Pokémon. "That was a tough match, you were at a serious disadvantage the entire time so it was hard to win from the start, I'm not disappointed at all. Don't worry, we have something to beat that Donphan."

"Then send it out." Ash said trying to recall what Pokémon Jackson had used last time and wondering if he would change it up as Jackson put away his Poke Ball and pulled out another one. "We're waiting to see what you have."

"Poliwhirl, go." Jackson said throwing it out. "You had the type last time Ash, now I do."

"That you" Ash said thinking hard and fast.

"Poliwhirl, Hydro Pump." Jackson ordered, he had first move as he had been defeated in the last matchup.

"Dodge that with Rollout." Ash said quickly as the water blasted from the center of Poliwhirl's swirl. "Then bring it around for the attack."

Donphan once again leapt into a ball and sped off at its opponent. It took an arc around a pillar of rock just managing to avoid the super effective attack as it rolled as fast as it could, using the rock as shield in the process, before turning to barrel down on its opponent. Jackson however was ready for that.

"Brick Break." Jackson said using the longer arc Donphan was taking to get a second attack off.

Poliwhirl's right hand glowed with fighting type power as it cocked it back and prepared for the approaching Donphan. Then, as Donphan reached it, Poliwhirl punched it, hard, hitting Donphan as it was still spinning.

There was a boom and Donphan's attack was ended as it was thrown back a few feet while Poliwhirl staggered where it stood. It was an impressive move and Jackson was already prepared for the next part of a combo of sorts.

"Body Slam." Jackson ordered and Poliwhirl leapt up and landed onto of Donphan before Donphan could get up.

"Hyper Beam." Ash called out taking advantage of the proximity to land the powerful attack. "Blast it away."

As Poliwhirl was getting off Donphan, it raised its trunk, opened its mouth and before Jackson or Poliwhirl could react, sent out a blast of orange colored normal type power right into Poliwhirl at close range. Poliwhirl was blasted back and hit the ground hard before rolling and slamming into one of the boulders on the battlefield with enough force to crack it. However, what Ash had expected to be a finishing move wasn't as a batter but still able Poliwhirl slowly got to its feet as Donphan breathed hard, recharging after the attack.

"Hydro Pump." Jackson said using his best and most logical attack in the situation but Ash was already ready for this.

"Donphan, return." Ash called pulling out Donphan's Poke Ball and returning it before the water hit earning him a confused look from Jackson so Ash explained why he'd just withdrawn his Pokémon, disqualifying Donphan in the process. "I knew that if Hyper Beam didn't work then you would have the opening and after a few recoils from two Rollouts, a Brick Break, and a few other attacks, a Hydro Pump would knock Donphan out without a doubt. No point in forcing Donphan to experience that pain."

"A caring decision." Jackson said as Poliwhirl walked back to stand in front of its trainer. "I both respect and admire that."

"Yes well because Ash has recalled Donphan that Pokémon has been disqualified making Poliwhirl the winner." The ref said raising a red flag to Ash's side. "Send out your next Pokémon."

"Noctowl, I choose you." Ash said as he threw the ball out, he didn't have a type advantage on him against Poliwhirl so he decided to go for speed and utilize a few of Noctowl's more unexpected moves. "My turn to show off a shiny Pokémon, though Noctowl is my only one."

The ball burst open, stars emitting from it as Ash's small, more brightly colored Noctowl burst out. It hovered in front of Ash, beating its wings in a steady rhythm, ready for the fight. As Ash's Pokémon had technically lost the last battle, he had the first move.

"Noctowl, Extrasensory." Ash ordered.

"Huh?" Jackson asked as the Noctowl sent out the peculiar psychic type attack from its beak. "A Noctowl can use that move?"

Before Poliwhirl could react, mainly thanks to Jackson's surprise at the move, it was hit by the move and wailed in pain. However, while it fell to one knee, it wasn't out. That didn't matter though, Ash saw a shudder suddenly ripple across Poliwhirl's body. Ash grinned, he had this matchup.

"Noctowl, Air Slash." Ash ordered. "Poliwhirl's flinched."

"Oh that's not good." Jackson said his eyes wide as Noctowl slashed the air with its wings creating a blade of air that was sent at Poliwhirl while it was skill on one knee. "Hold on Poliwhirl, I know you can do it."

Alas Poliwhirl couldn't do it. The Air Slash hit it across the chest and sent it tumbling back. It rolled a few times before coming to a rest on its back at Jackson's feet, swirls for eyes showing that it was out.

"Poliwhirl is unable to battle." The ref said holding up a red flag to Jackson's side as Jackson returned his Pokémon. "The winner is Noctowl."

"You did well my friend, got that Donphan out of that battle and now I will win it, I promise you that." Jackson said as he put the ball away and pulled out his last one. "This is it, win it for me Quagsire."

Jackson threw out the ball and it burst open. The bipedal, blue, water and ground type blinked dumbly at Ash and Noctowl as it stood there. Well it would have been good to have a grass type on him Ash realized but regardless he didn't need it. Noctowl would be immune to any ground type attacks so Ash had an advantage there. The rest would be down to skill and that was something Ash knew he had.

"Muddy Water." Jackson ordered to begin the matchup.

"Sky Attack." Ash countered. "Brace for the Muddy Water and be ready."

Noctowl understood and searched for weak spots on Quagsire and saw them just as the dark colored water closed in on it. Bracing, Noctowl took the attack, got buffered a bit by it, shook itself off and then shot at Quagsire. The Muddy Water had caused some damage but it wasn't super effective against Noctowl so it still had plenty more to give after taking one single hit.

"Quagsire, meet it with Slam." Jackson said.

Quagsire made a noise as it leapt at Noctowl who was closing in on it. The two Pokémon collided in midair as the attacks met each other. Quagsire was thrown down to the ground and bounced of it before slowly getting to its feet, too dumb to realize that it had taken a critical hit. Meanwhile Noctowl spun backwards with a cry but a quick beat of its winds steadied itself and avoid crashing into the ground and then get some height so that it could look down on Quagsire.

"Extrasensory." Ash said going with Noctowl's psychic type attack again.

"Yawn." Jackson countered at the same time.

Noctowl opened its beak and the peculiar beam of psychic type power just as Quagsire gave a large yawn and sent out what looked like a fluffy cloud at Noctowl. The attacks shot at and then past each other, not colliding at all before slamming home on their opponents. Quagsire staggered back from the hit as Noctowl yawned widely and its wings began to beat slowly as Yawn slowly took effect.

Jackson grinned as he waited for Noctowl to fall asleep and drop out of the sky. It was a sleep-inducing attack so not a disqualification but it was what he needed to beat Noctowl by either knocking it out or forcing Ash to withdraw it and as such get to Ash's last Pokémon. That grin lasted until Quagsire blinked one more time and fell backwards with a crash, its eyes swirls.

"Quagsire is unable to battle." The ref declared raising a red flag to Jackson's side. "Noctowl is the…"

The ref didn't get to finish his sentence before Noctowl dropped out of the sky like a stone and crashed into the ground as it began to snore loudly. The Yawn had taken effect but it didn't matter. The match was over, Ash had advanced.

"Um well despite that Jackson is out of Pokémon." The ref said as both Ash and Jackson returned their Pokémon and he raised the green flag to Ash's side. "The winner is Noctowl and Ash from Pallet Town."

"Well done." Ash said walking out to the middle of the battlefield as Jackson did the same and shook the other guy's hand. "You fought well out there."

"But not well enough." Jackson said with a smile. "Guess I'm a little out of practice, need to knock that rust off when I get to Galar. Good luck with the rest of the competition Ash, I'll be watching so don't make me look bad by losing your net match."

"Wouldn't dream of it." Ash said with a laugh as they walked off the battlefield so that the net match could begin soon.

Ash smiled at his friends, Misty naturally blowing him a kiss as he walked past them and got ready to join them when they made their way back to the Pokémon Center. They had planned so that Ash could get his Pokémon healed up and wait there for everyone else in one central location.

He had won his first match and advanced. That meant that it was time to enjoy the rest of the day, support his friends in the competition and see who he was facing tomorrow. It was a good start to the Indigo Conference.


Ash stood in the lobby of the Pokémon Center, his arm around Misty, as they waited for the final matches of the first round to end and the draw for tomorrow to be held. All of his friends who were competing had advanced to the next round with Trip being the last of them to win about half an hour ago. He'd joined them as they were all here though he stood to the side as always and would likely go back to the house in the Village once the draw was done. Even Nando and Conway were present to see who had advance.

"And that is the last battle." A TV announcer for one of the water battlefields said and Ash saw that a familiar looking female trainer had won. "With Katie's victory, all first day matches are over and we have the 128 trainers who have advanced to the second day of the Indigo Conference. In a moment the random draw for the next round will be complete and the battles will be on screen."

Ash waited, not breathing, as a large screen in Pokémon Center that they were watching went black for a few seconds before suddenly lighting up with 128 pictures in 64 rows and 2 columns. As with the night before, the screen was split into 4 colored squares to show which battlefield type there were on. instantly, they were all looking for their matches.

It took a few moments but Ash finally found his in the green square meaning that he was on the grass battlefield the next day. That wasn't too bad but then Ash saw his opponent he smiled. It showed a familiar picture of a man in a fancy hat with a cape around his neck in the spot next to Ash's. His next opponent was Nando.

Ash looked over to Nando and the bard looked back to him. with a nod and a touch of his hat, Nando acknowledged the match before he left the Pokémon Center likely to go and get ready for the match without any words. No one else was facing a friend in the next round so they all began to go their separate ways to prepare for tomorrow.

They were rivals after all so once the Conference started they prepared alone. Ash was no different as he and Misty began to head back to the house in the Trainers' Village holding hands the entire way. Ash had a battle to plan for, Pokémon to bring in, and this was one battle he knew he could really prepare for. He had faced Nando before, it was time to face him again. Tomorrow was going to be interesting for sure.


Ash and Nando walked out onto the grass battlefield for their second-round match. It was the afternoon of the second day of the Indigo Conference and their battle was now about to begin.

"I feel like fate has decided that it this will be out match." Nando said to Ash as they took their spots opposite each other. "Just as in Sinnoh when we faced off first being fateful as you helped me decide to enter that League, so too is this field for it was on grass that we met and I decided to take my duel approach to my travels. A fitting place to face you."

"So it would seem." Ash said with a grin. "I'm excited for this."

"As am I Ash." Nando said with a small smile of his own. "There are different rules here, we may have different Pokémon and we have both grown as trainers in the last few years. This time I will not be so easy to beat as I was back in Sinnoh."

"I don't expect that." Ash said. "But neither will I."

"Trainers, introduce yourselves and then reveal your first Pokémon." The ref said before pointing to the screen above him showing an arrow facing Nando's picture though they'd known that the night before when they'd been sent the information on their battle today. "Nando has the first move as determined from the night before so we will begin once both Pokémon are on the battlefield."

"We already know each other but for the sake of those watching, I am Nando." Nando said. "A wandering Pokémon Bard from the Sinnoh region who is both a trainer and coordinator."

"And I'm Ash from Pallet Town here in Kanto." Ash said. "This time around we meet in my home region."

"That we do so let us begin." Nando said pulling out a Poke Ball and throwing it out. "Kabutops, let's go."

"Snivy, I choose you." Ash said at the same time throwing out his first Pokémon and internally grinning at Nando's choice of Pokémon. "I see you have found another prehistoric Pokémon."

"Yes a happy accident while I was wandering Kanto." Nando said as the large, once extinct, rock and water type appeared before Nando. "I found the fossil shortly after leaving your party as I was making my way through some mountains. The lab in Pewter restored it before I faced the gym leader there and have been raising him ever since. I don't use him in Contests though. That Snivy is an Unova Pokémon, correct? It's one I haven't seen before."

"Yup got it while I was out there." Ash said deciding not to reveal Snivy's gender just yet but already knowing that he had a two major advantages in this match up. "My Snivy has a strong battling spirit."

As soon as Ash had been drawn Nando he began his strategy for facing the man. Nando favored sound-based attacks and Pokémon who could use sound related moves. While he didn't have many Pokémon that could fully counter that strategy, he did have one who could but that one was one of his two reserves for this battle as he'd rather save it for the full battles.

Instead Ash had decided to counter Nando's style with Snivy to begin with as she was his first choice when he needed a less than straightforward battle style, plus she was a tricky Pokémon so she'd counter Nando's style well. Of course Nando had clearly prepared for this by going with Kabutops, a Pokémon more suited for facing Ash's style than most of Nando's Pokémon, but it was male and its two types were weak to grass type moves so that helped Ash.

"Trainers, begin!" The ref said.

"Kabutops, Slash." Nando ordered once again showing Ash that he was going to change his style to face him, shame that wouldn't work.

"Let it get in close and dodge it." Ash ordered Snivy as Kabutops closed in on her. "Then hit it with Attract when you know you will get a clean shot on it."

Kabutops reached Snivy a second later and slashed his claw things at her. The small, nimble grass type easily leapt over the lower blade while staying under the higher one, dodging them before giving her foe a seductive wink while still in midair. The hearts burst from her eyes and slammed into Kabutops who was too close to avoid it. Instantly his eyes were hearts.

"That Snivy is female I see." Nando said with a note of surprise in his tone. "Unexpected but infatuation can still be fought through so do that Kabutops and use Slash again."

"Throw it away with Vine Whip." Ash ordered. "Get some distance between you and Kabutops so you can use ranged attacks."

Kabutops didn't move, he was infatuated with Snivy and couldn't do anything. Snivy could however and she quickly grabbed him around the waist with her vines and threw him away grinning all the time. Tricking a Pokémon with Attract may seem like an underhanded move but it was Snivy's signature style and helped her compensate for her size. Besides, if the male in front of her was dumb enough to get hit by Attract, he kinda deserved it.

The super effective attack did a lot of damage to Kabutops as he flew through the air but he wasn't out of it yet. He just didn't make a noise the entire time, even when he crashed into the ground and lay there in a heap.

"Finish this with Leaf Storm." Ash said. "We have this Snivy."

"Ancient Power." Nando said.

Again Kabutops did nothing, the infatuating holding for another move and that was all Ash needed to ensure victory over it. Snivy released a storm of leaves and sent them right at the still downed Kabutops. They slammed into him and he was thrown back, rolling over the grass before coming to a rest near Nando.

Two grass types attacks against Kabutops's type combo was more than he could handle and he was out cold before he came to a rest on his side, eyes swirls. Ash had taken the first matchup as he had intended to.

"Kabutops is unable to battle." The ref said raising a red flag to Nando as Nando returned his Pokémon and thanked it for battling hard against such a disadvantage. "Snivy is the winner."

"Not a bad strategy Ash, that was different to how you used to fight back in Sinnoh." Nando said as he pulled out his second Poke Ball. "I see you have adapted more to different situations, as have I."

"I knew facing you would require a more nuanced approach than a simple head-to-head battle and Snivy offered that for me." Ash said as Snivy gave Nando a coy, and slightly cheeky, wave. "She's the Pokémon I use when I need to be a little more sneaky in my battles."

"I can see then I shall answer it with an old one of my own as I tried to meet you on your terms at the start but I see that that was a mistake." Nando said as he threw out his ball. "Sunflora, let's go."

The ball burst open and the Sun Pokémon appeared before Nando. This was one of his oldest, Ash knew that as he'd met it all the way back in his early Sinnoh days. That meant that Nando was going to go with his more traditional style with it. Ash could handle that though.

"Show your own status attack, Grass Whistle." Nando ordered as he began the matchup.

"In that case let's see Sunflora handle this." Ash said ready to risk it with Snivy. "Attract."

Snivy gave Sunflora her seductive wink and the hearts shot out at Sunflora right after the other grass type began to create a soothing melody played on a piece of grass. Unlike Sing, there was nothing physical about Grass Whistle so it quickly took effect and Snivy staggered but Ash gritted his teeth and prepared for it. If he could Attract Sunflora then it was just a matter of Snivy's status attack lasting longer. Alas that was not to be the case.

The hearts hit Sunflora and did nothing confirming that the Sunflora was female. She just kept her song up until Snivy fell forward and began to snore lightly on the ground. Sunflora had turned out to be a girl which meant that Ash's gamble had failed.

"Leach Seed." Nando said calmly as soon as Snivy was asleep and she would be for at least this attack.

All Ash could do was grit his teeth and wait as the seeds where sent out and hit Snivy, leaching some of her energy out and into Sunflora. It wasn't much but it would all add up in the end and in a battle like this, even the slightest edhe could me the difference between victory and defeat.

Ash had researched all sound attacks that Nando might use in this battle and knew that Grass Whistle lasted at least one attack and possibly up to 3. With the first move done Ash could try and attack.

"Snivy I know you can do it, wake up." Ash said pouring his love for her into his words as he spoke. "And use Vine Whip."

"Cut Sunflora." Nando said and Sunflora sped at Snivy, her leaves glowing with power.

Again Ash was on the losing end of the battle as Snivy kept sleeping while a faster than average Sunflora reached her and slashed the attack against Snivy's sleeping body. The one advantage of it was that it woke up Snivy as she bounced off the ground and wailed in pain before landing hard. Slowly Snivy got up, glaring at the retreating Sunflora.

"Leaf Storm." Ash ordered quickly. "It's our turn to show your speed."

"Snivy." Snivy said as she prepared but then the Leach Seed triggered again and she wailed in pain.

Ash watched as Snivy lost energy and fell forward before she could get the attack off, her eyes swirls. As good as his Snivy was, her real skill in battle was her tricky and cunning nature, well that and Attract. If Snivy faced a female she lost that advantage. Add in a situation in which she didn't hold a type advantage then as good as she was, she was also still a first stage Pokémon. she didn't have the health to outduel an opponent like Sunflora and with the Cut attack and two leachings she had already reached her limit apparently.

"Snivy is unable to battle." The ref said raising a flag to Ash's side. "Sunflora is the winner."

"You did well Snivy." Ash said with a smile at her as he returned her. "You got a win for us and that's important. We know that once you're tricks run out it is tough for you to win but you always give it your all and I am proud of you. Don't worry, we will win it now."

"Last time we faced Ash you had me fight at your level, which is what I tried at the start again." Nando said. "From this point on I will control the battle."

"We shall see." Ash said as he decided to go for broke against Sunflora, he had his reserve just in case and that Pokémon knew a fire type move so he could afford it with this Pokémon. "Tauros, I choose you."

Ash threw out his Poke Ball and the Wild Bull Pokémon, the same one that he had used in the Chrysanthemum Contests, appeared. He snorted and stamped his hoof in preparation of the impending battle.

"Fissure." Ash ordered.

"Grass Whistle again." Nando countered. "Put it to sleep."

Fissure was a risky move and Ash knew it but what was a battle without a few risks though. Tauros was his only Pokémon with a one hit knockout move and those were notoriously inaccurate at best. However, he wanted to end this Sunflora quickly and this was his best bet to win quickly.

Thankfully this time Ash hit that small chance as the Tauros stamped down on the ground and a fissure shot right at Sunflora as she began to play her, well, grass whistle. Before more than a few notes had come out the crack reached her and she wailed as the earth lowered and she fell into the fissure in an explosion of dust that covered her from their view. It had worked and when the dust had settled Sunflora was on her back in the fissure with swirls for eyes.

"Sunflora is unable to battle." The ref said raising a red flag to Nando's side as he recalled her. "The winner is Tauros."

"That was bad luck my friend." Nando said to the Poke Ball in his hand. "An attack like that is inaccurate but today fate smiled on Ash when he used but it won't again if he tries it a second time, we will come back from this."

"Then send out your last Pokémon Nando." Ash said. "And see if it can beat my Tauros."

"Oh I will and you won't get lucky again." Nando said with a grin as he pulled out his last Poke Ball. "Armaldo, let's go!"

Nando threw out the ball and a familiar rock and bug Pokémon bust out in front of Ash. It was the same, once extinct, Pokémon that Ash had faced at this point in the Lily of the Valley Conference. It was going to be like Kabutops and Ash knew it. Good thing he had Tauros and was ready. He wasn't going to risk Fissure just yet but he had another move to start this battle off, depending on what move Nando used first.

"Rock Blast." Nando said.

"Take Down." Ash countered. "Dodge those rocks as you run."

"Armaldo, that will take time so as soon as you are done activate Protect and then send it back with X-Scissor." Nando said as Tauros whipped himself and charged as the rocks began flying.

Tauros was fast and relatively agile but he had to take a circuitous route to avoid the rocks thrown at him by Armaldo. It was a move that could strike between 2 and 5 times and in this instance it was right in the middle with 3 rocks. Tauros easily avoided them before he turned and began his charge right at Armaldo fully intent on striking it with a powerful Take Down.

However there was too much time for Armaldo to defend itself and just before Tauros reached it a protective bubble formed around Armaldo. Tauros slammed right into it doing nothing. Protect was a useful, high priority, defensive move and it stopped Tauros right in his tracks though still allowed him to feel some recoil damage from the Take Down.

As it faded, Armaldo's claws or whatever they were as Ash never really knew, glowed with bug type power and slashed Tauros across the head sending him staggering back. However, Tauros was still close to Armaldo and Ash had an attack that wouldn't miss at this range.

"Horn Attack." Ash said and before Nando could react, Tauros thrust his horn into Armaldo's gut.

Armaldo staggered back a few steps but was otherwise relatively unhurt. It was still a rock type so a normal type move like Horn Attack wouldn't do much to it and Nando hadn't reached the Indigo Conference by not being quick on his feet.

"Rock Blast." Nando said again. "Force it back Armaldo."

Armaldo began hurling rocks at Tauros for a second time in the battle. The first hit and staggered Tauros back and from there it was just rock after rock, each one landing with ease until 5 rocks had struck Tauros as he backed up all the way to Ash's side of the battlefield. It was the max allowed in the attack. Apparently Arceus had decided that because Tauros's Fissure had landed, Armaldo would get to land 5 rocks on Tauros in this attack.

Tauros was still standing though and Ash had every intention of trying to end this now. It was time to bring this battle to Nando once more. Ash would like to use Fissure but he knew that it would likely miss and he didn't want to push his luck. Of course Nando was going to bring it right back to Ash in return.

"Take Down." Ash called out.

"Brick Break." Nando ordered. "Intercept it, don't let that Tauros reach its maximum speed."

Armaldo began running at Tauros, its claw glowing white with fighting type power as Tauros stamped his hoof, lowered his head, whipped itself and charged. The two Pokémon ran at each other until they met in the center of the battlefield, Armaldo punching Tauros in the head as he slammed into it.

There was a brief second where they held the position before the boom happened and both were thrown back and into the grass. Armaldo rolled over a few times before slowly standing near the edge of the earlier used fissure, hurt but still able to fight.

Tauros meanwhile had been hit with a super effective attack and skidded, churning up grass and earth in the process, until he stopped near Ash and didn't get up. His eyes were swirls showing that Ash had lost his second Pokémon of the match. It was now down to the deciding matchup.

"Tauros is unable to battle." The ref said raising a red flag to Ash's side. "Armaldo is the winner."

"Tauros return." Ash said recalling his Pokémon and looking at the ball in his hand. "You did great but that Armaldo is one tough Pokémon to face. Don't worry I have just the Pokémon to beat it."

Ash put his ball away and pulled out his last Pokémon for this match. It wasn't one of his reserves, he had intended on using it if it came to it but with Nando's style it was the first candidate to be switched out. However, Armaldo was clearly a Pokémon Nando used to battle in a more traditional fashion and Ash could meet that with ease. For all of Nando's claims to not face Ash on his terms it appeared that other than Sunflora he had done just that.

"Corphish, I choose you." Ash said throwing his last Poke Ball out.

"I see going with the type advantage this time." Nando said with a nod as Corphish appeared in front of Ash. "As I would expect from you Ash."

"Yup and why not start with Bubble Beam." Ash ordered.

"Protect." Nando said quickly as the bubbles shot out of Corphish's claw. "Don't let it hit you Armaldo."

"Get in close for a Crab Hammer." Ash said as the protective barrier went up around Armaldo.

Ash had a feeling that this might happen so he had decided to follow up a ranged water type attack so that he could then get in with a close quarters move, again water type, while Armaldo protected itself so that Ash could land the next move. That was why, as bubbles hit Armaldo's Protect and did nothing Corphish had already reached Armaldo, its claw glowing with the water type move.

Before Nando could get another order off, Corphish leapt up and slammed its claw into Armaldo's face staggering it back and right to the lip of the fissure between it and Nando. Armaldo bellowed in pain but it was still standing despite the super effective move and Nando was already ready.

"X-Scissor." Nando said and Ash grinned.

"Harden." Ash said as his training the week prior with Misty and her Pinsir kicking in as he called out the defensive boost move.

Corphish's training regime had been inspired a bit by how Misty used Pinsir in a more defensive manner when she battled with her. That included fast and efficient Harden moves though that was also to make Pinsir look good as it really brought out her carapace.

For Ash it just meant that Corphish learned how to quickly activate its Harden and raise its defense just as Armaldo's X-Scissor hit it. Ironically Armaldo had used the same attack that Pinsir had used when they practiced getting Corphish's Harden speed up against an attack which made this even easier for Ash.

Corphish had flashed in the split second before Armaldo's claw hit it, raising its own claws to take the attack at the same time. Corphish was forced back and took some damage but it was not nearly enough to take it out and now Ash had his opening to end this.

"Bubble Beam." Ash shouted.

"Corphish!" Corphish yelled as it threw off Armaldo's claw, opened its own and blasted the bubbles out.

Nando didn't have time or space to order a dodge or use Protect this time. The bubbles slammed into Armaldo's chest doing a lot of damage as the Plate Pokémon took a step back and fell into the still present fissure as the bubbles continue to hit it. Armaldo had reached its limit and crashed to the ground without a noise right where Sunflora had fallen earlier, it's eyes swirls. Ash had won the battle.

"Armaldo is unable to battle." The ref declared raising a red flag to Nando's side. "Corphish is the winner. As Armaldo was his third, Nando is out of Pokémon so the winner of the match and advancing to tomorrow's battles is Ash from Pallet Town."

"Armaldo return." Nando said recalling his Pokémon with a small smile on his face. "You did great my friend but Ash has gotten even better than last time so don't feel bad for the loss. We will do better at the next Conference and Grand Festival, I know it."

"Well done Corphish." Ash said as his Pokémon, who had already begun running back to him, leapt into his arms as Ash held them wide to embrace Corphish. "That training really paid off and we got the win."

Ash then returned Corphish after a few moment celebrating with it, planning on a fuller celebration afterwards before walking out to shake Nando's hand at midfield, his delay allowing Nando to walk around the fissure. It was a good battle that had pushed Ash more than he had expected but that was the purpose of the Indigo Conference.

"Congratulations Ash." Nando said as they shook. "You're even better than you were in Sinnoh, I see that now. Good luck in the rest of the tournament."

"Thank you Nando." Ash said with a smile. "Are you staying for it?"

"No my time in Kanto has come to an end. I feel" Nando said shaking his head as they headed off the battlefield so that the next two trainers could start once it was fixed. "I can feel the winds blowing me to new places. I think I shall head to Johto next; we are right on the border and it is the only region out here that I have been to so it's feels like the right place to go to."

"Well good luck there." Ash said as Nando nodded and they left the battlefield to go their separate ways.

Nando was going to wherever he went when he lost and Ash was heading back to the Pokémon Center where he would get his Pokémon healed, meet up with his friends, talk about the battle and watch the others to see if they had advanced as he had done the day before. Ash was smiling the entire time. He had won his second match and was advancing to the third day of the Indigo Conference. Time to wait and see who his next opponent was.


Again Ash and his friends, minus Nando this time, were in the Pokémon Center looking at the big screen as they waited. Once again they had all advanced to the next round. Only Nando, because of his loss to Ash, hadn't advanced. Rather than stay however, Nando had decided to go to Johto where he decided he would continue his duel pursuits there but Ash knew that he would see the bard again one day.

Naturally Misty had congratulated him in her usual way and praised him for the battle, as had all his friends without the heavy make-out session, but that was in the past. Now they were all gathered as the final match of the day ended on one of the ice battlefields and the 64 trainers left for the third day were all finally known.

"With that win we officially have 64 trainers remaining." The last battle's TV announcer said before the screen turned black, Misty taking Ash's hand and giving it a squeeze as they waited for the random pairings to appear as the announce continued speaking. "And here are the matches for tomorrow."

Again the screen was split into the now familiar 4 quarters and with the remaining trainers' pictures, larger this time, appeared in each one to show their matches. Ash quickly scanned it for his own one and saw it in the standard blue square indicating a water battlefield next to…

"You won't beat me this time Ash." Stephan said from near them as Ash turned and smiled at his friend and opponent for the next day's battle. "I won't lose to you in a Conference again."

"We shall see Stephan." Ash said pronouncing his friend and rival's name as he always did. "I beat you last time and I will beat you again."

"It's Stephan." Stephan correcting Ash for some reason. "And no you won't but let's save this for tomorrow, I need to prepare so that I can beat you."

"And I you." Ash said as Stephan turned and left to return to the room in the house they were all sharing.

Ash stayed for a moment longer to check the other matches and give Stephan time to get back to his room. None of his other friends had matches against anyone they knew so it looked like the main one impacting them tomorrow would-be Ash and Stephan. One of them would be going home and Ash fully intended for it to be Stephan. It was time to retire for the night, get the information on the match and prepare. Ash had another battle to win tomorrow.


Ash walked out onto the battlefield and towards the pool with several large, sturdy, platforms in it that served as the water battlefield on the Plateau, Stephan walking out from the other side at the same time. Ash had had to change his roster the night before when he realized that he was dealing with both a pool and Stephan. He needed both type advantages and to deal with the water factor.

Thankfully Ash had Pokémon that could handle both so he had selected the team that he felt was best for this matchup while going with two reserves just in case Stephan surprised him. Best to be prepared for anything and so far Stephan had used 6 different Pokémon so Ash had to be ready for any of them and a few surprised just in case.

"Well Stephan we meet again in a Conference." Ash said with a grin. "A little earlier than last time though."

"It's Stephan and yes but this time it will be I who will win and send you home." Stephan said. "I have the team I need to beat you and your style. This year is mine."

"Perhaps but I also have the best team to facing you." Ash said having selected his Pokémon based on what he knew, and had seen in the Conference so far, of Stephan. "So we're going in pretty even."

"Then bring it Ash, I'm not losing to you again." Stephan said with a grin. "This is a matchup I was hoping for so I'm ready."

"Trainers, please introduce yourselves for the cameras." The ref said from her spot and pointed to the screen to show that Ash had been assigned the first move as they'd been informed the night before. "Then send out your first Pokémon when I give the order to start."

"Stephan, I'm from the Unova region." Stephan said emphasizing his name's pronunciation as he puffed out his chest and pulled out his first Poke Ball. "Here to show Kanto trainers how we do it back in Unova."

"Ash from Pallet Town here in Kanto." Ash said with a grin as he pulled out his own Poke Ball. "And I've been to Unova and know how they do it there but I will always defend the honor of Kanto."

"Begin!" The ref said starting the match before any more bantering could take place.

"Persian, go." Stephan said sending out the fully evolved normal type Kanto Pokémon.

"Heracross, I choose you." Ash said at the same time.

The two Pokémon burst forth and landed on the platform in front of their trainers. Ash smiled, he already had a type advantage against a Persian with Heracorss's fighting type, he just had to figure out how to land one of the moves while also dealing with whatever unpredictable moves a Persian had for him given its normal typing.

"Start this off with Megahorn." Ash ordered.

"Send it back with Swift." Stephan countered as Heracross extended its wings and took off at Persian, it's horn glowing with power as it skimmed the surface of the water.

"Brace and get through it Heracross." Ash called out to his first Johto Pokémon. "Make sure you are on the same platform as Persian even if you miss with Megahorn. If need be use it up defending yourself from the Swift."

Persian opened its mouth and sent out a series of stars right at Heracross as it flew. Heracross grunted and swung its horn around a little to send some of the stars away but powered on threw the attack for Ash. Heracross was going to get to that platform and face the cat it was up against and show Ash it could do it. Heracross knew that it had to be near the other Pokémon to really win this so it could take the pain of the attack if it meant reaching Persian.

Heracross did take some damage from the Swift attack and had to use up its own attack to defend itself but it managed to get to the other platform, landing a little hard on it as Persian leapt out of the way with a look of shock that Heracross had made it across the water. Ash just grinned, he had Persian now.

"Focus Punch." Ash said.

"Dodge it and us use Fury Swipes." Stephan said just as surprised as Persian at Heracross's dedication to get to the other platform.

Heracross turned and faced Persian, its fist glowing with fighting type power. Persian tried to leap out of the way but it was too close to the water and didn't have the space to avoid it and get its own attack off in response. This was where the water battlefield killed a trainer who tended towards ground-based Pokémon. Persian couldn't get out of the way in time as Heracross brought its fist down and smashed it into the side of Persian's face.

Persian yelled in pain as it took the super effective attack and crashed down onto the platform. It was a lot sturdier then Ash had expected as Persian was still conscious trying to get up but Ash knew he had it. Persian's whole body had just rippled as it flinched from the attack so Ash had his window. A super effective attack followed by a naturally powerful attack should be enough to take down a Persian.

"Finish this with Megahorn again." Ash said.

"Come on Persian I know you got this." Stephan said encouragingly despite the clear flinch. "Night Slash!"

Alas the flinch meant that Persian didn't have it in it to attack. All it could do was brace itself as Heracross's horn glowed with bug type power once again. With a downwards slash, Heracross brought its horn down onto Persian's head and it crumpled on the platform. Heracross knew it had won and was already flying back to the platform in front of Ash smiling at its victory as a swirl eyed Persian lay on the platform behind it.

"Persian is unable to battle." The ref said raising her red flag to Stephan's side. "The winner is Heracross."

"Persian return." Stephan said smiling at the ball. "You did well my friend, that Swift did some damage but once it was on the platform we had limited chances. Don't worry, I have just the Pokémon to win this and get us back into it."

"Good job Heracross." Ash said with a smile at his Pokémon. "You won it for me and have to stay in so get ready, this next one will be tough, I know it."

"Oh it will be Ash; this one is perfect for a water battlefield." Stephan said with a grin as he pulled out his second Poke Ball. "Fearow, go!"

"Of course it's a Fearow." Ash said with a slight shudder at one of the Pokémon he had a less stellar reputation with burst out of its Poke Ball but it was the one he'd been expecting to face all along as he'd seen Stephan use it in the round before when he'd watch his friend's match and knew it was his best for this terrain. "Alright Heracross get ready for this."

"You will need to be." Stephan said. "Aerial Ace."

"Brace and prepare a Horn Attack for after it hits." Ash said knowing that Heracross couldn't avoid the highly accurate flying type attack.

Heracross just chittered knowing that Ash was right as the large, angry looking, bird closed in on it. A second later Fearow slammed into Heracross doing a lot of damage due to both of Heracross's types being weak to flying type moves. Still, Heracross held on and gave a sharp jab of his horn up and struck Fearow in the chest sending it spinning back a little but not far enough to create the needed space.

"Drill Peck." Stephan ordered.

Before Ash or Heracross could react, Fearow went in a corkscrewing motion with its beak acting as the drill and dove at Heracross. The attack slammed into Heracross's chest and threw it back and down onto the platform, Heracross wailing in pain as it fell back. Fearow just cawed triumphantly and flew away as Heracross lay the platform on its back, swirls for eyes, the two flying type attacks being more than it could handle.

"Heracross is unable to battle." The ref said raising her red flag to Ash's side this time. "Fearow is the winner."

"Heracross return." Ash said with a smile at the Poke Ball once Heracross was back in it. "You did well buddy, flying types are always going to be hard to face with your type combo so we should look into teaching you an ice or electric type move if you can learn one. That will help in the future."

"Come on Ash, show me what else you got." Stephan taunted. "Fearow and I can handle whatever you throw at us."

"Oh you will have to." Ash said with a grin as he pulled out his second Poke Ball, going with one of his Pokémon that he'd chosen for both a water battlefield and who would be good against a flying type like the Fearow he'd expected to face. "Glalie, I choose you,"

"Glalie? What's…Oh that's not good." Stephan said as the Face Pokémon burst out of his Poke Ball and laughed at Stephan revealing what it was to him. "That's an ice type, isn't it?"

"Yup and one that hovers." Ash said with a grin. "Got him in Hoenn as a Snorunt so as soon as we got this battlefield I knew that he was the perfect Pokémon for it. Now let's retake the lead with Icy Wind."

"Pursuit." Stephan said in defense. "This will be tough but we can hold it out, I know it."

Fearow moved at blazing speed and struck Glalie with the higher priority dark type move. It didn't do much but it would have been a good strategy if Glalie was using an attack that required focus and precision but Icy Wind was an area attack. All Glalie had to do was blow it out and across the battlefield right after being hit to counter the Pursuit. Fearow couldn't avoid it as it returned to its starting spot in front of Stefan and wailed in pain from the super effective attack.

"Double Team." Ash said. "Surround it and begin moving in a circle so it can't figure out which one you are."

Ash knew that he could beat Fearow but he had to put Stephan on edge first and he had just the combo for it. Glalie knew as well and quickly created several copies of itself around Fearow and began moving all together in a ring around it so that Fearow was now looking around as it flapped trying to determine which one was the right Glalie from all the copies of it.

"Agility." Stephan called out. "Boost your speed Fearow so that you can dodge it."

"Headbutt." Ash called out as Fearow no doubt activated an Agility boost.

"Aerial Ace." Stephan responded but Fearow cawed in confusion, still unable to determine which was the right Glalie.

Glalie used that distraction as he, and his clones, all speed horns first right at Fearow form their ring. Even Ash wasn't certain which one was the right Glalie until the attack landed. All the Glalie's burst and vanished except for one, the one that hit Fearow behind its left wing with Headbutt and disrupted its flight patter as it cawed more in anger than pain but Ash knew he had it. One thing Ash had a lot of experience with was avian flying types, even if he'd failed to catch that Fearow, and if you could disrupt their wings then you had a brief opening to strike.

"Ice Beam." Ash ordered as Glalie had risen up and into the air behind Fearow after hitting.

"Glalie." Glalie said as he sent out the beam of ice right into Fearow's back before it knew what had hit it.

Fearow was out cold before it hit the water beneath it with a splash, its wings spread and eyes swirls as it floated. Glalie just chuckled as he flew back to turn and hover in front of Ash and await his next opponent.

"Fearow is unable to battle." The ref said raising a red flag to Stephan's side as Stephan recalled his Pokémon from the water. "Glalie is the winner."

"You did great Fearow, that ice type is one I've never seen before so that loss is on me, not you, but we have just the thing for ice types and he's going to win it for us." Stephan said before putting the ball away and pulling out his last one. "Time for my best Ash. Sawk, you're up!"

"As I expected." Ash said grinning already knowing what Pokémon to use last even if Glalie fell, not that Ash planned on that, as the Unova fighting type appeared before Stephan. "He is your best Pokémon, shame he's the last one you'll use in the Indigo Conference."

"Sawk, Bulk Up." Stephan said and instantly Sawk tightened his belt and began to flex as his attack increased. "Show Ash why you're my best."

"Glalie, Icy Wind." Ash said. "That Sawk is good and super effective against you, best to keep it at a distance. Most fighting type moves require them to be up close so we're going to avoid that."

"Not if we can help it." Stephan said as Glalie began to blow out his Icy Wind at the blue thing in front of him. "Show them your toughness and power through that for a Close Combat."

"Sawk." Sawk said before he leapt at Glalie as fast as he could.

Sawk used the various platforms on the water to quickly close the distance to Glalie, powering through the cold wind, the ice type attack doing damage but it was only a normal amount against him. That wouldn't be the same for Sawk as he reached Glalie on one last leap just as Glalie's Icy Wind ended and began the close quarters, powerfully fighting type attack on the Face Pokémon.

For a few seconds Sawk unleashed an impressive series of kicks and punches onto Glalie as Glalie floated in midair wailing in pain from the blows. When it was done, Sawk put both feet on Glalie and leapt backwards off him, flipping once as the powerful leap carried him all the way back to the platform in front of Stephen where Sawn landed in a crouch his eyes never once leaving Glalie.

Glalie for is part had been pushed down to one of the platforms scattered around the pool, not that he would notice. Even without the Pursuit, Sawk's level and bulk up combined with a super effective and powerful move like Close Combat had been more than enough for Glalie who hit the platform with a dull thud leaving a slight crack in it. Glalie lay there on his side with swirls for eyes showing that he was out of the battle.

"Glalie is unable to battle." The ref declared raising her red flag to Ash's side. "Sawk is the winner."

"Well done Glalie, you did well but I know how good that Sawk is so no shame in losing to him." Ash said as he recalled Glalie and looked at the Poke Ball before putting it away and meeting

Stephan's gaze, pulling out his last Poke Ball in the process. "The only way to really beat that Sawk is with type advantages, be it a Pokémon or a move."

"That is true." Stephan said proudly. "Sawk and I are near unstoppable."

"Sawk." Sawk agreed with a nod and tightening of his belt.

"Yes but there is one thing you should know about me Stephan." Ash said as he began to grin.

"It's Stephan and what Ash?" Stephan asked.

"The type I have the most of and am probably best with, is flying." Ash said, his grin widening as Stephan's eyes went wide at that. "And knowing I was facing you, I made sure to have one on me because I knew you would use Sawk against me, he is your best after all. That's why I have my own familiar Pokémon for you. Unfezant, I choose you!"

Ash threw out his last Poke Ball that burst open and Unfezant appeared with a battle caw. She flapped in front of Ash and glared at her opponent. It was a familiar looking Sawk that she hadn't seen in over a year at least.

Good. She had the type on him and she was going to win this battle for Ash. The rivalry between all of Ash's birds was great and Noctowl had apparently won twice a few days ago adding to its resume. She was not going to lose her matches, not for herself and not for Ash and this Sawk was a worthy foe to add to her list of conquests.

"Unfezant, show them your Aerial Ace." Ash said and instantly Unfezant shot at Sawk.

"Sawk, we can't dodge that but use Bulk Up." Stephan said and as Unfezant closed in on him he tightened his belt again and flexed his muscles as he raised his attack. "Fighting type moves may not be that effective against flying types but power is power and we have a lot of it. Brace for impact!"

"That it is." Ash said as Unfezant slammed into Sawk just as the fighting type got his arms up to block the attack.

Sawk's sheer strength allowed it to withstand the hit by only being forced back a few paces but that didn't stop the super effective damage from the attack. Sawk took a lot of it as Unfezant flapped up and away from him to create space. He was breathing hard but still standing which was impressive but Ash had what he needed to do to finish it.

"Air Cutter." Ash ordered. "Don't let it get near you."

"Dodge that and use Karate Chop." Stephan ordered as Unfezant flapped her wings and sent the slices of air at him.

Sawk tried, he really did. He leapt up at Unfezant, his right hand raised for the attack as he tried to twist out of the way but he didn't have the strength to both attack and dodge. Had he not taken the Aerial Ace, Sawk could have but the damage had been too much for him. The cuts of air caught him in the chest and sent him crashing back down onto the platform with enough force to noticeably crack it.

The two super effective attack, plus the Icy Wind earlier, were more than enough for Sawk as he lay on his back, eyes swirls, on the platform. Unfezant cawed in victory as she flew back to celebrate with Ash while Stephan just stared blankly at his defeat to Ash, again.

"Sawk is unable to battle." The ref declared raising a red flag to Stephan's side before raising her green one to Ash's. "Unfezant is the winner. Stephan is out of Pokémon. Therefore the winner is Ash of Pallet Town. He advances to the last 32 tomorrow."

"You did great girl." Ash said petting Unfezant as she hugged him in victory. "Just what we needed. We advance to fight another day."

Ash then returned Unfezant as the crowd, especially his friends, cheered. Ash just ignored them as he walked around the pool while Stephan did the same having recalled and congratulated Sawk for fighting a hard battle. They met on the side behind the ref as the next pair began to make their way out and shook hands.

"Well done Ash." Stephan said before rubbing the back of his neck. "Guess I was a little too predictable going with Sawk there. I wanted my best and forgot you had an Unphezant."

"He's your best so I get it but as good as fighting types are, flying types often have their number, especially when the terrain is a water one." Ash said. "Plus as you notice I didn't have Pikachu with me and am not using the same Pokémon twice so you couldn't have guess any of my Pokémon."

"A good lesson to learn for my next adventure." Sawk said as they left the stadium to head back to the stadium. "I'm thinking of heading to Sinnoh next year and seeing what it's like there."

"It's a good region to go to and they have a fighting type gym that could be useful for you and Sawk." Ash said. "But you should stay and watch the rest of the Conference and then some, I think there may be another party in Pallet Town this year."

"My friends are still in it and there's no point in heading back to Unova if I'm going to remain in the part of the world." Stephan said simply. "Though I'm going to get my Pokémon seen to first and see if Bruno is still around to talk to trainers. He's a fighting specialist and Elite Four member so I want to see if he has any tricks for flying types."

"A wise strategy." Ash said as Stephan headed over to one of the medical tents to get his Pokémon looked at while Ash returned to the Pokémon Center as was mow tradition when he won in the preliminaries, calling out as they parted. "See you later Stephan."

Ash needed get his Pokémon healed and decide his initial 5 Pokémon for tomorrow that he would like to use pending any last-minute changes once the field and opponent were revealed. After that he would enjoy a private moment with Misty in a secluded corner of the Pokémon Center before they joined all their friends and saw who had advanced tomorrow as they waited to find out who they would face.

Ash had to wait a few hours for everyone as Lyra had a one of the last scheduled matches of the day but soon he would know and could see who his last preliminary opponent was. It was starting to heat up and Ash was fully in it. Soon he'd get his shot to advance to the full battles and he fully intended to take it.


As was now their habit, and for the last time, they had all gathered in the Pokémon Center lobby to look at the large screen there. Even Stephan was with them has he was going to stay and watch the rest of the tournament with them. He was also likely come to Pallet Town afterwards as there was going to be a party there for Ash's 18th after the conference, something his mother had confirmed after Ash had called her to tell l her he'd won again.

There was one person missing, however. Lyra and her Meganium, showing that her Bayleef had evolved at some point, were in a pitched battle on one of the screens showing the grass battlefields. Hers was the last of the matches that day and it was coming down to the wire. However, her opponent was using an Onix and Lyra was using bot the field and Meganium's type to her advantage.

A few seconds later Meganium landed a Razor Leaf and Onix crashed to the ground with swirls for eyes. It was over, Lyra had advanced to the last 32 ensuring that only Stephan had been knocked out that day.

"And with that Lyra advances and the matches for the third day are over." The announcer on the TV for that match said. "In just a moment the matches for the last day of the preliminaries will be revealed. Keep an eye on the screens around the Plateau for them when the randomization process is over."

Ash looked to the large, black, screen, holding Misty's hand, as they waited for the randomization to finish. It was quicker this time and showed the remaining 32 trainers on the screen with 8 pairs per colored box. Again Ash instantly tried to find his picture and opponent and with so few left, he quickly found them.

This time Ash's picture was in the light blue square indicating that he was going to be on an ice battlefield thus ensuring that he had competed on all 4 terrains but that wasn't as important as the trainer he was going to face. The picture next to Ash's was of a female trainer with long teal colored hair. Her fringe was parted over her right eye and stuck up in a gelled fashion on either side. She also appeared to be wearing a zipped-up top with a round collar in the picture.

"I know her." Ash said as he recognized the picture as he remembered the end of the first day and that she was the final trainer to go, the announcer calling her Katie, and everything clicked. "I've faced her before."

"You have?" Misty asked confused but not entirely surprised that Ash had met the trainer, he'd apparently met the first one he'd faced as well. "Who is she?"

"Her name is Katie and she's from Hoenn, at least I think she is." Ash said. "We faced off on the round of 32 there which was the first full battle round in the Hoenn League. Looks like it is the same round only half as long here as Kanto starts the full battles later than Hoenn."

"And you beat her before." Misty said knowing that Ash had reached the top 8 in Hoenn.

"That I did." Ash confirmed. "So time to prepare to beat her again."

Ash spent another moment looking at the matches and was surprised to see that none of his friends still in the competition, including Conway, had been drawn against each other so they all had the chance to make it to the full battles. Good, Ash wanted them all to advance. That meant that it was time for him to get to his room in their house, confirm the Pokémon he wanted to use tomorrow, prepare for the battle and get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow, he advanced to the last 16, again.


Ash walked out and shivered slightly as he approached the ice sheet dotted with large icebergs in random positions that served as the ice battlefield for the preliminaries. Walking out from the other side, in the same outfit as Ash remembered her wearing when they met in the Ever Grande Conference was Katie.

Ash had spent his prep time the night before checking to see what Pokémon Katie had but it was hard to predict as she had used 9 different Pokémon to this point just like he had. As such Ash had to prepare for anything and had gone with 3 solid Pokémon that were strong and could counter most things she threw at him as well as two reserves including a big surprise one that he had planned for this match.

"We've met before, haven't we?" Katie asked as they reached their starting positions. "Back in my home region of Hoenn if I recall."

"Correct, we faced off in a full battle in the last 32 of the Ever Grande Conference 3 years ago." Ash said with a nod. "And now we are in Kanto so this time we're on my home turf."

"I remember that battle, and that loss." Katie said her gaze hardening a little at the memory. "You were good Ash, surprised me at times but that won't happen again. This time I will win."

"Then show me." Ash said simply. "A spot in the top 16 awaits the winner and I intend on taking it."

"Trainers, introduce yourselves to each other and those watching here and at home." The ref interrupted. "As you know the random draw last night has assigned the first move to Katie so we will begin on my order."

"Katie, I'm from Lilycove City out in Hoenn." Katie said simply as she pulled out her first Poke Ball.

"And I'm Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town here in Kanto." Ash said using his full name for the first time as he fully intended on advancing to the final battles, pulling out his first Poke Ball as he spoke.

"At the same time, send out your Pokémon." The ref said. "Begin!"

"Misdreavus, go." Katie said sending out her first Pokémon of the battle.

"Gliscor, I choose you." Ash said sending his own first one out as Katie threw hers.

Both Pokémon appeared at the same time and Ash groaned at Misdreavus who was floating in front of Katie, smiling at him as it did. Not only had it been the Pokémon to use Destiny Bond on him the last time they had battled and would likely again but it was a ghost type that could float.

That meant that it almost certainly had the Levitate ability, one of the more common ones for ghost types, so any ground type moves, in addition to fighting and normal types, wouldn't have an effect on it. Of course Ash just so happened to be using a ground type. That made it harder but Ash wasn't one to back away from a challenge.

Fortunately, Gliscor, who was standing on its tail with its tongue out, had a wide range of moves and experience against a ghost type in Blaine's regional Marowak. If Katie wanted to take Gliscor with her when he beat Misdreavus then Ash could live with that, he still had plenty to use against her in this battle.

"Destiny Bond." Katie said with a grin to start the match out. "Remember that one Ash."

"Sure do." Ash said with a nod as Misdreavus tied its fate to Gliscor's. "And if you want to go down that road so be it; I will indulge you by beating Misdreavus. Gliscor, Stone Edge."

"Dodge that and send back a Shadow Ball." Katie replied as Gliscor leapt into the air, wings wide, and formed the stones between those wings.

Misdreavus began to fly to avoid the stones but Gliscor sent then out in a large arc at Misdreavus, a tactic they had practiced whenever Gliscor had been with him during the interlude to deal with more mobile opponents. The small Pokémon tried to avoid all the rocks but a few slammed into it causing it to wail in pain as it failed to get its move off and Ash was already ready with his second attack.

"Fire Fang." Ash called. "Dodge anything sent at you."

"Shadow Ball." Katie countered.

Gliscor dove at Misdreavus, flames in its mouth, as Misdreavus sent out a ball of ghost type power right at Gliscor. The attack came at Gliscor but it easily avoided the move with its impressive flying skills, rolling away from it, before reaching Misdreavus and clamping its burning jaws down on Misdreavus. Misdreavus wailed in pain as Gliscor shook it a few times, imparting as much of the fire type attack into it as possible, before throwing it down to the ice.

Ash knew he'd won the match before Misdreavus hit the ground and bounced off it, not because he saw it on Misdreavus's face but because he saw Gliscor suddenly fall out of the air and crash onto the ice, lying there on its belly with swirls for eyes. He didn't need to see that Misdreavus had the same thing to know that it too was out as it rolled and slid along the ice from the point it had fallen. Such was the nature of Destiny Bond.

"Both Misdreavus and Gliscor are unable to battle." The ref declared raising both of his flags into the air. "Trainers will now recall and then send out their next Pokémon at the same time."

"Gliscor return." Ash said recalling his Pokémon at the same time as Katie recalled Misdreavus. "You won that one bud but that Destiny Bond ensured we stayed tied. I won't let that last, I promise you that."

"Good job Misdreavus, you allowed us to keep this unpredictable for as long as possible." Katie said before putting it away and pulling out her second Poke Ball and throwing it out as Ash did the same. "Golduck, go."

"Muk, I choose you." Ash said a split second later and waiting for Katie to make the first move as it was still hers as her Golduck appeared before her, easily staying on the ice with its webbed feet.

Muk materialized before Ash sliding a little on the ice but smiling as it looked at its opponent. It was ready to battle again as it knew that a win meant more hugs with Ash as it had been doing whenever it had arrived. All it had to do was beat the blue, oversized, duck it was facing.

"Golduck, Fury Swipes." Katie ordered over the few gasps of surprise from Ash's friends at his choice of Muk but that was the point, Muk was a surprise and that was why he was using it.

"Brace and take it Muk." Ash said as Golduck ran across the ice its claws extended knowing that Muk's gelatinous body would be able to withstand the attack well. "Await my next order."

Golduck reached Muk and swiped at it with its claws. Muk just laughed as the claws did little more than bounce off it as the sludge wobbled from each hit. It did more damage than a grass type attack would but it wasn't that much against Muk. Plus it was only 2 swipes, the minimum of the attack, so Muk didn't take too much damage.

"Now Muk, Gunk Shot." Ash ordered using Muk's latest move as Golduck's Fury Swipes finished and there was no way to avoid it. "Blast that Golduck away."

The plan was simple. Muk was Ash's surprise choice and a rare, defensive heavy, Pokémon in his rotation. Muk's body allowed for an opponent to think they had a good chance but as soon as they were close but all Muk had to do was take a few shots before it could retaliate and ensure a hit because of the close range.

That is what Muk did now as it opened its mouth and blasted a jet of putrid trash right into Golduck's face sending it flying back and rolling across the ice until it slammed hard into one of the icebergs and came to an abrupt stop. The force of the impact was enough to almost crack the iceberg in half as Golduck sat against it.

However, despite the power of the move, Golduck was a fully evolved and experienced Pokémon so it was too resilient to let itself be beaten by one move that wasn't super effective against it. As such, it slowly got to its feet. Unfortunately for Ash the potential poisoning that came from Gunk Shot hadn't taken hold and Katie was already ready with a response that was perfect against a Pokémon like Muk.

"Confusion." Katie ordered and Ash grit his teeth, that was not an easy move to avoid.

"Distract it with Fire Blast." Ash ordered knowing it would do much to a Golduck but that wasn't the point, it was to distract it and minimize its damage to Muk.

Alas it didn't work. The five-point star that was Fire Blast burst from Muk's mouth a split second after Golduck used the weak telekinetic attack on Muk. Muk wailed and for the first time in a long time something actually affected it beyond a mind irritation as the super effective psychic attack ripped through its mind doing a lot of damage due to Muk's poison typing.

Golduck had made sure to give it it's all despite taking the Fire Blast and being sent back through the weakened iceberg it had hit earlier leaving shards of ice as it bounced and slid on the ice. However it wasn't that effective and Golduck slowly got to its feet still in the fight.

Muk meanwhile had suddenly gone cross eyed and Ash groaned at the sight. Muk was confused and with an attack like Confusion, Golduck only needed to land one more attack to take Muk out. Plus right now Muk was as much of a danger to itself as it was to Golduck given its current state.

Ash had to make a hard choice but it was also the right one. Fortunately, with the full battles on the line, Ash had just the Pokémon with him, one that he knew would win it for him. Also Golduck didn't have much left, one hit at most and against Ash's next Pokémon that's all he would need.

"Muk return." Ash said with a sigh recalling Muk and disqualifying it from the battle in the process.

"Muk has been recalled and as such is now disqualified." The ref said raising a red flag to Ash. "Send out your last Pokémon Mr. Ketchum."

"Sceptile, I choose you." Ash said sending out his fully evolved Hoenn grass type starter.

"Well that has evolved since I last saw it." Katie noted.

"And it's gotten better." Ash said with a grin. "Sceptile, Bullet Seed."

Sceptile instantly opened his mouth and sent out the fast, ranged grass type attack before Katie could give Golduck an order to counter it. The attack hit Golduck in the chest and face blasting it back and onto the ice where it slid until it slid right off the battlefield to Katie's side. As expected, it had swirls for eyes showing that it was out of the battle.

"Golduck is unable to battle." The ref said raising th red flag to Katie's side as Katie recalled it. "The winner is Sceptile."

"That Sceptile does look a lot better than the Grovyle I faced in Hoenn." Katie said as she put the ball away and pulled out her final Poke Ball. "So it has come to this again Ash. One battle to advance and I have the advantage."

"So it would seem." Ash said already trying to think of what move to use against a Pokémon that would almost certainly have a type advantage. "But an advantage will only get you so far, it is skill that will win it."

"I agree and that is why I will not lose to you Ash." Katie said throwing her ball out. "Scizor, win this for me!"

"Scizor." Ash said with a groan that wasn't good as it was really resistant to grass type attack due to its duel type. "That isn't good."

"No it isn't." Katie said with a smile. "Quick Attack."

"You too Sceptile." Ash said focusing back on the battle with all his energy, type disadvantage or not Ash was going to win this. "Quick Attack."

The two fully evolved Pokémon shot at each other at full speed, Scizor flying just above the ice while Sceptile used his powerful legs, the ice not a hindrance to him at all. They slammed into each other in the center of the battlefield and locked up as they both did damage. They were too strong to be thrown back from the impact and both Ash and Katie used the moment to attack again, this time with quick, physical attacks.

"Metal Claw." Katie called out.

"Leaf Blade." Ash ordered.

Scizor's pincer became steel and flashed in the sun at the same time as the leaves on Sceptile's arms merged into one long green blade. Sceptile leapt up to get some height and brought the blade down in an overarm strike as Scizor punched up.

As with the Quick Attacks, the attacks met at the same time with Sceptile's blade striking Scizor on the side of its head at the same moment Scizor's pincer hit Sceptile in the gut. Scizor was sent down and into the ice with a crash while Sceptile was thrown back with a few flips before he crashed into the ice in front of Ash.

Both Pokémon got up from their respective positions and looked at each other across the battlefield. Their gazes locked and nodded. Both could see a highly skilled fighter in the other Pokémon and there was a sense of mutual respect between the pair, along with a steely determination to win this duel.

Sceptile had no plans on losing this for Ash. He was going to win and reinforce his status as one of the best on the ranch with this victory. His loss to a Gyarados earlier in the year had been understandable given how strong Gyaradoses were and the fact that he'd taken a fully powered Flamethrower. However he still needed to get a good win rather than one against a stupid duck and another its less stupid evolved form.

This win would boost his reputation, not that it was low after his win over a Darkrai ranking as the 3rd best win of any of Ash's Pokémon to date but still, he wasn't going to lose. Not to this overgrown insect at least.

"Scizor, Double Team." Katie said with a grin as a swarm of Scizors suddenly appeared before Sceptile. "And charge it with another Metal Claw."

"Sceptile, Leaf Storm." Ash said as all the Scizors' right pincer turned to steel before they flew as a swarm Sceptile. "Find the real one, dodge it and hit it with Leaf Blade."

Sceptile nodded as he sent out the maelstrom of leaves from his tail at the now charging swarm of Scizors. The leaves filled the stage and quickly removed several of the copies but not the real one as that Scizor didn't disappear when it was hit. Sceptile saw the real one as being right behind the lead Scizor and once again activated his Leaf Blade ready to strike.

Sceptile leapt up and over the first Scizor clone, his blades glowing with grass type power. The real Scizor had a brief moment of realization that the evasive move had failed before Sceptile brought down his Leaf Blade down and onto Scizor's back. Scizor wailed in pain as it was driven into the ice again, this time face first. Katie frowned but she knew that Scizor was still in it and quickly acted as Sceptile landed between her and her Pokémon.

"Now, Quick Attack." Katie yelled. "And into another Metal Claw."

Before Ash or Sceptile could do anything, Scizor leapt up from the crater its impact had formed and sped into Sceptile with Quick Attack sending the Forest Pokémon into the air as it too buzzed into the sky. Scizor then showed impressive mobility as it turned on a dime in the air, its pincer turning to steel and slamming it home into a still airborne Sceptile and driving him into the ice with enough force to create a second crater as a fine small mist of ice shot up and covered Sceptile.

"Leaf Storm." Ash ordered recovering and quickly getting the attack off so that he could sent Scizor back and create space.

There was a flash of green from within the ice cloud and suddenly a series of leaves shot out and right into a still hovering Scizor's chest. Scizor wailed as it was thrown back before slamming into the ice and skidding across it creating a furrow until it hit another one of the icebergs on the battlefield with enough force to destroy it though the iceberg did stop Scizor's slide.

The odd thing was that the green glow didn't die down. Ash was a little confused at it until Sceptile jumped out of the crater and roared, his entire body glowing green. Ash grinned, Sceptile's ability, Overgrow, had activated. It meant that Sceptile was near its limit but it had also just boosted its grass type moves.

That was when Ash noticed that Scizor was also glowing green only rather than bright green like Sceptile, a more off, almost forest, green. After seeing Sceptile's Overgrow Ash recognized it. It was Swarm, an ability that some bug type Pokémon like Ash's Leavanny and apparently Katie's Scizor, had. It powered up bug type moves when the Pokémon was near its limit just as Overgrow did with grass types and Blaze did with fire types.

"Looks like this is the decider." Katie said as Scizor slowly began to hover and move to be in front of Katie looking beat up but still fighting, just like Sceptile. "Both of them have to be at their limits."

"Their abilities are active so I would think so." Ash said his heart pounding knowing that grass types was weak against bug moves while bug types were resistant to grass type moves but he had to use a grass type move so he trusted Sceptile to do the right thing. "So it looks like one last clash."

"I believe so." Katie said with a grin. "Scizor, X-Scissor."

"Sceptile, Leaf Blade." Ash said at the same time. "Be smart about it and win this!"

Sceptile knew what Ash meant and charged, his leaves becoming glowing blades jutting out of his elbows as Scizor did the same, flying at him with its pincers glowing with bug type power. He had felt the Overgrow activate the moment he hit the ice a few moments ago and knew that he would either win or lose this on this move. Noticing that Scizor's ability was active only added to the need for the win, especially with the other Pokémon having the type advantage on him.

However, Sceptile wasn't a top tier Pokémon of Ash's for no reason. It was time to show that fact. As Sceptile neared his foe he knew just what he had to do to win this battle.

The Pokémon met in the center of the battlefield one last time as Scizor used its height to bring down its glowing pincers onto Sceptile. There was a boom and a shockwave appeared blowing everyone but the clashed Pokémon back a few steps and clearing the battlefield of most of the ice debris on it.

Scizor looked down on Sceptile to see that Sceptile had blocked both its pincers with the left Leaf Blade, leaving the right one free. Sceptile was grimacing with the effort as Scizor tried to push through the block but he had the battle and with a slash upwards of his right elbow his now powered up Leaf Blade slammed into Scizor's gut with a hard strike that sent it backwards.

It was just too much for Scizor as it feinted while arcing back before it crashed into the ice a few feet from Katie as Sceptile staggered but stayed standing, panting hard as the glowing faded. It had already faded from Scizor and as it lay there in a newly formed crater on the ice, limbs splayed and swirls for eyes.

"Scizor is unable to battle." The ref raid raising a red flag to a shocked Katie's side before raising the green flag to Ash's side. "Sceptile is the winner. Katie is now out of Pokémon so the winner of the battle and therefore advancing to the final battles is Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town."

"Sceptile that was amazing." Ash said running out onto the ice and sliding along it until he came to his Pokémon's side, Sceptile had fallen to his knees unable to stand anymore so Ash was also on his knees as he put a hand on his Pokémon's shoulder to congratulate him. "You put it all on the line and won it in the end."

"Tile." Sceptile said with a tired smile at Ash, he had won against a serious disadvantage and this would be a great win for him when he bragged about it back home. "Scept, tile."

"Take a good long rest." Ash said with a smile as he pulled out Sceptile's Poke Ball and returned a grateful Sceptile before standing to see that Katie had returned Scizor and had carefully walked out onto the ice to meet him.

"Well done Ash, that was as good as last time even if it wasn't a full battle." She said holding out a hand to Ash to both help him up and then shake it once he was standing again. "That was intense, especially the last one."

"It was." Ash agreed. "I thought you had me at the end though."

"That Sceptile is an impressive Pokémon, one of the best I've seen of its kind." Katie said as they made their way off the ice as best they could, the Hoenn woman forced to take Ash's arm to steady herself at one point that earned her an unseen glare from Misty. "I hope you go far in the final rounds."

"Thank you." Ash said as they reached the end of the ice and Katie let go of him. "Are you staying?"

"Nah my time here is done; I think I need a whole new area in a different part of the world." Katie said shaking her head. "Perhaps Unova, I've seen a few of the Pokémon from that region in this Conference that have peaked my interest in visiting. Best of luck Ash."

"And to you in your next adventure Katie ." Ash said as they separated and left the stadium.

Ash quickly headed back to the Pokémon Center to relax and wait for Misty and his friends. He had just won and was advancing to the last 16 once again. From now on it was full battles all the way to then end of the Conference.

That meant that it was time to relax, see who had advanced before he got ready for the next part of the tournament. In 2 days the final stretch of the Indigo Conference would begin. Ash was determined to win it this time.

2 Days Later

Ash stood with 15 other trainers in the main stadium waiting for Charles Goodshow to take the stage at the base of the torch. The stadium wasn't full, only friends and family of the 16 remaining trainers were allowed to be present so it was pretty spartan at the moment. Naturally of Ash's supports, along with several for the 4 other Kanto trainers and a couple for one trainer from Johto, along with Khoury who was supporting Lyra and Stephan who was just supporting them all, were all present.

Ash stood with his friends and smiled. Only Stephan and Nando, had been knocked out having both having lost to Ash. The rest, including Conway, had all made it to the final battles, an impressive achievement and that meant that of the 16 trainers remaining, Ash knew 6 of them so the chances of facing one of them in the next round pretty decent.

Right now Ash was next to Lyra and his newest friend Brendan, who along with Ash had impressed during his preliminaries. Brendan had only lost 2 Pokémon once though apparently one of the other trainers never lost more than one in the first four matches. Standing with them were Cameron who was excited, Bianca who had surprised most people by getting this far, and Trip who reluctantly stood near them as there weren't many people left so he couldn't really be an aloof loner at the moment.

Conway was in their area but off to the side on a portable devise likely looking over the data he had compiled on all the remaining trainers and planning a battle strategy for each. Ash didn't care.

If he faced Conway he was going to use 5 Pokémon that Conway had either never seen him use before or who Ash hadn't used yet in the tournament, including Pikachu, so Conway wouldn't have any recent data on them. Conway was a great planner but his biggest weakness was a lack of improvisational skills, something that was key in a full battle. Still the guy had gotten this far which was impressive so Ash couldn't take the man lightly and Conway had a point, getting data on the other trainers present was a good idea.

"So do you know anyone else here?" Ash asked Brenden who was next to him. "From your other Conferences or general travels that is."

The Hoenn trainer was the only other one Ash knew had been in more than one other Conference having been in the same number as Ash at 5. Ash didn't expect the Unova lot to know the other trainers unless they had met on their respective Kanto journeys.

That left Lyra but she didn't seem know anyone meaning any of the other Johto trainers present likely hadn't competed with her. She had seen Brendan at the Silver Conference the year before though they hadn't remembered each other until they had met again through Ash as they had never faced off in Johto.

"Yeah one of the, the guy over there in the old timey hat." Brenden said nodding at a quiet trainer standing near the front of the gathered trainers with no one near him indicating he was almost certainly here alone. "He's a good trainer from Sangem Town out in Sinnoh called Lucas. We've met in both the Sinnoh and Kalos Conferences and faced off both times. Not much of a talker though, prefers to let his Pokémon do the talking for him if you catch my drift."

Ash looked over to see trainer in question. He was about their age, maybe a year or two younger, and if he had been present at least two of Brenden's conferences that were 2 and 5 years ago respectively then he had to be a skilled trainer. That meant that he was a potential threat if they were matched up together so Ash studied him for a moment.

Lucas wore a newsie hat of all things that was red with a Poke Ball design on the left side so definitely old timey as Brenan had described it. His hair, from what Ash could tell, was short and dark blue, almost midnight blue in fact, a trait Ash knew well existed out in Sinnoh given Johanna's blue hair.

The Sinnoh boy wore a short sleeved dark blue shirt with light blue sleeves and a white horizontal stripe around the center of his chest. He also wore a standard pair of blue cardo pants and simple sneakers. He completed it with a red scarf around his neck, another odd fashion statement that seemed prevalent with Sinnoh kids in Ash's age range.

"Is he good?" Ash asked after he'd gotten a good look at Lucas.

"Yeah he's the one who didn't lose more than one Pokémon in the preliminary rounds." Brenden said instantly peaking Ash's interest in him. "I faced him in the last 16 of Sinnoh and he upset me despite me having two years on him in terms of experience though he would lose in the quarters. I repaid the favor in Kalos two years ago where I beat him the quarters to reach my first semis before losing."

"So he's got experience." Ash said. "Someone to keep an eye on."

"Yup, only other one I know here who's made it past a quarterfinal other than us." Brenden said. "He lost in the Hoenn semis last year, I watched it as it was my home region's Conference so I always watch it."

"There's one more, Cameron." Ash said flicking his head to the over excited blonde trainer trying to do some meditative exercise with his Lucario near them. "He beat me in the Unova quarterfinal last year before losing in the next round."

"I see so we're the big 4 in a sense." Brenden said. "That's a bit of pressure but this is random so we could all meet in the next round if the draw goes that way. That's the fun of Conferences, anything can happen."

"Very true." Ash agreed.

Before Ash could say anything more Charles Goodshow appeared on the stage from some side door near it. The all watched as the magnificently bearded man who ran the Pokémon League walked to a microphone on the stage. He was alone but that didn't diminish the excitement of the situation.

"I want to start off by first congratulating all of you on reaching the final rounds of the Indigo Conference." Charles said with a smile at them. "You all deserve credit for getting through the first 4 days and reaching this point."

Charles paused to clap for them, as did the supporters present. It was a nice gesture but Ash felt it wasn't entirely necessary. He just wanted to know who he was facing in the first full battle round.

"Anyway, starting tomorrow at 8am the last 16 begins." Charles continued a moment later. "As I said in the opening ceremony, all battles from this point on are full battles in this stadium and there will be no field changes or different terrains. You will compete on a standard earth battlefield that is ubiquitous all over the world. All rules are still the same though substitution is allowed only after a matchup win and before your opponent has sent out his or her next Pokémon. You do not have any duty to wait for a change, you can send out your next Pokémon as soon as your vanquished one has been returned."

Charles paused for a moment so that they all knew what was coming in the morning as well as being clear on how they could substitute during the full battles. They all did but it was still a somber moment to remember what it took to get to this point in the competition.

"There is one last thing to say before the draw." Charles said once he was sure they understood what he had just said. "Your friends and family will have their seats but none of you will be allowed in the crowd during the matches unless you lose your own match. This is so that you have time to get ready in the waiting room or if you win head to the Pokémon Center to get your Pokémon healed up but make sure you are back here for the draw fir the next day's matches after the last one ends."

Charles paused once again to take a breath and let them digest what he was saying to them regarding how the waiting worked. When he was apparently satisfied that they got it, he spoke again.

"There will be a TV in the waiting room so you can watch the matches though." Charles continued. "The only change to this setup is the semifinals where the second pair will be housed in separate waiting rooms. Is that understood?"

There were a few murmurs and nods but for the most part it was all straightforward. Many of them had been in at least one Conferences before and most of those people reached this point so they knew how the final battles tended to work.

"Good then without further ado, here are the randomly drawn matches for tomorrow." Charles said and instantly 16 pictures in 8 matchup configurations and two columns appeared on the screen that they all turned to. "The ones in the left column are in the morning, the ones one the right are the afternoon and you will go in order from top pair to bottom Pair. Best of luck to all of you."

Charles turned and left the stage while they all looked up at the board and tried to see where they were and who they were facing. The first thing Ash saw was the next day started with a matchup between two of his friends. Bianca and Trip were in the first match.

Trip just looked at Bianca who looked back. He nodded respectfully at her and Ash knew why, the only time he knew that they had faced each other had been in a Clubsplosion match where Bianca's Emboar had surprised everyone by beating Trip's Conkeldurr after learning Fling and hitting it with its own concrete pillars. A full battle was a different animal, however.

A moment later Trip turned and left the stadium without a word while Bianca mumbled something to them before she hurried off to her own lodging. After the last 32, those who had advanced and were staying in the house Ash had had moved out to their own places that had been vacated by defeated trainers who had already left. It was the right move as they could now focus on their battles by themselves so Ash didn't mind it. He still had Misty and all his friends with him so they had a great time there.

Ash then turned back to the board to check the other matches. Brendan was up second against one of the other Kanto trainers while Lucas, the guy Brenden said to look out for, was 3rd up against another one of the Kanto trainers. The morning ended with Lyra facing another Johto trainer. Then there was the afternoon that kicked off with…

"Well Ash, looks like we meet in a Conference for a second time." Conway said walking over to Ash to stand in front of him, the light from the stadium's floodlights reflecting off his glasses and briefly obscuring his eyes. "This time in a full battle. I think by this point you know there is more to this, you may be as dense as a rock but Misty isn't and she'd have made it clear to you by now. You must understand how I feel by now."

"Surprisingly I do know." Ash said looking Conway in the eye. "And while I am winning for myself and not proving anything to you regarding my girlfriend as I know she's mine, I will still show you who is the better in battle, again."

"We shall see." Conway said with a grin. "I've had the time to fully prepare for you. I knew we would face off this year and I hoped it would be a full battle in the Indigo Conference as it is the best stage for it. It looks like I have gotten my wish. I have watched all your battles from the last few years so I am fully prepared for you. I will not lose to you again."

"Then show me tomorrow." Ash said back. "But bring your best Conway because I'm coming at you with everything I got."

"Oh I intend to." Conway said still grinning as the light again reflected off his glasses hiding his eyes for a second. "I will see you tomorrow Ash, I must go and make a few final preparations."

With that Conway turned and walked out of the stadium. Ash knew that Conway would bring his A-team to face Ash and while Ash had a lot of good Pokémon he had to make sure he had the right team to counter Conway and that meant going over the boy's battle footage from the last few days. Fortunately Ash had already prepared a team to face Conway. He would just need to make sure that it was the right one and that they were ready for the match.

"Well he was creepy." Lyra said from Ash's other side after Conway left. "Is that one of Dane's admirers?"

"Dane?" Brendan asked confused. "Who's Dane?"

"Misty." Ash clarified to his new friend and leaving it at that, it was apparently pointless to try and explain why Lyra called Misty Dane as no one actually knew why she couldn't get Misty's name right. "And yes Lyra he is."

"Then you will easily beat him tomorrow." Lyra said smiling at him. "Love should always prevail."

"I intend to." Ash said with a nod. "I know how Conway battles and what he's good and bad at so I am more than ready for him."

"Good well I am going to get a good night's sleep with Khoury, I really need it." Lyra said with a smile before she walked off.

"Er, does that mean what I think it means?" Brendan asked Ash.

"Don't know, not going to ask." Ash said shaking his head as he looked up at the board for the last three matches. "There are some things best left unknown."

The two after his one with Conway were between 4 trainers; 2 from Kanto, one from Hoenn and one from Kalos, that Ash didn't know. That left the last match which had Cameron in it against a third trainer from Johto so it looked like Cameron was going to round out the day tomorrow.

Ash looked around for Cameron but the guy was already gone and he realized that it was just him and Brendan left in the stadium standing together for some reason. With a shrug at Brendan, not sure why the guy had stayed with him but decided it was time to leave and Ash headed out, the stadium almost empty now, Brendan hurrying to catch up and walk with him.

Neither of them talked as they left the stadium before going their separate ways, Ash to the Trainers' Village and Brendan to the Pokémon Center where he'd decided to stay. Each thinking their own thoughts so neither noticed the other was gone until they got to their final destinations.

Ash knew that he had to be ready for Conway and try and predict what the guy would send at him. That meant some last-minute prepping with Misty, Dawn, May Iris and Cilan, a pep talk with his team, and a good night's sleep. Tomorrow the first full battles of the Indigo Conference took place. This time Ash intended on advancing past the last 16 and he would do so in style by beating a rival for Misty. It was time to face his own second rival. It was time to face Conway.