Part CLXXXVIII: Mentor v. Mentee

"Garchomp is unable to battle." The ref on the TV declared as Ash watched the Mega Evolution fall from Remo's Garchomp, nicknamed Garchoo based on his orders, and the camera panned to a shocked Remo's face at the loss of not only his best Pokémon but also his last one in the battle. "The winner is Avalugg. Remo is now out of Pokémon, so the winner of the battle is Paul."

"Well folks there it is, Paul continues his dominance in the Lumiose Conference with another win using at most two Pokémon and has thus advanced to the finals." The announcer said as Ash watched Paul recall and thank his Avalugg before he nodded at Remo without any emotion on his face and then walked off without a handshake as was his fashion though Remo was still processing his loss. "He will face either Ash or Max in tomorrow's final. We will know that matchup soon as the second semifinal is coming up in an hour's time. For now, though it is lunch as we digest that battle and take a much-needed break to rest for the next match."

Ash had to admit, it wasn't much of a battle but that had been Paul's style since the start of the Conference. He'd only used his Electivire and Avalugg so far and continued that habit into the semifinals using the former to take down 4 of Remo's Pokémon before Electivire was finally beaten by Remo's Rhyperior. Paul then sent out Avalugg who easily handled Rhyperior despite taking a rock type attack, and who was called Rhypo showing that Remo liked to nickname his Pokémon, forcing Remo to use his Garchomp and Mega Evolve him.

However, Garchomp, like several of the notably strong dragon types, was super weak to ice type attack and Paul easily handled it as well and had now advanced to the final. Ash was determined to do the same and face Paul there because he felt that he could beat Paul. That said, he had no idea what Pokémon Paul might use, the guy was known to have many Pokémon that he routinely switched out and they were all strong. Add in that he had a Key Stone but not yet revealed his Mega Pokémon and it would be hard, but Ash was certain that he could win.

Of course, first he had to get through Max and that wasn't going to be easy. Max had improved a lot in the last few years and Ash was eager to face his friend and sorta mentee in a full battle with a finals on the line. This was going to be good and as Max had revealed that he had a Key Stone and his Gardevoir had a Mega Stone, well the final matchup could be really good for him if Max pushed him to use Greninja at the end. All that would come though, and Ash was ready as he waited in the special waiting room for his match to start.

For a normal person it would have been an agonizing wait but for Ash it wasn't too bad as this was his third semifinals appearance in 4 years, so he knew the drill by this point. He'd watched Paul's match closely and then enjoyed lunch with Pikachu while they went over their strategy in their private waiting room before going to their starting point as they waited for the match to begin. Ash was fully ready; it was time to make his second consecutive Conference final.

"Alright folks, we've had our lunch and now it's time for the second semifinal to determine who will face Paul in the finals of the Lumiose Conference tomorrow afternoon." The announcer said as Ash and Max walked and onto the walkways that led to the battlefield. "This match pits Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town in the Kanto region against Max from Petalburg City in the Hoenn region."

At this the crowd gave a roar but Ash just tuned it out as he made his way to the starting point, a determined look on his face. Max was nervous and couldn't hide it, but he was also ready for this, this was what he'd wanted for a long time, the chance to face his mentor and idle in a full battle in a league Conference where neither truly knew what might be coming. He'd come to Kalos in part to hope for this and he'd do his all to show Ash just how good he was. It would be a tough battle, but Max was going to go for it and try to beat Ash at last.

"Huh, looks like the usual Ash cheer squad is down a member while Max seems to have picked up one of his own." The announcer said as the boys headed out. "I wonder why the red cheerleader isn't dressed up today."

By this point the Ash Ketchum cheer squad was well known in the media though they were only referenced by their colors for some reason. Likely it was to avoid revealing any identities as all four girls were known in Kalos seeing as two were top level performers and two were Top Coordinators so it made sense that attention wouldn't be drawn to who they were to avoid issues.

Regardless the announcer had noted that May was not dressed up in her usual red cheerleader outfit but in her normal attire for the first time all Conference as she stood and cheered the match in general between Serena and Bonnie in their section of the stands. It was the first time that one of the girls who had been cheering for Ash wasn't dressed up all conference, so it was a noticeable omission that clearly got the announcer's attention.

Of course, the reason for this was obvious and Ash didn't fault May at all for opting not to wear the outfit today seeing as he was facing her brother so May had two important people to her in this match. As such she'd decided to be neutral for it and had even gone as far as to not stay in the gym last night but went to stay with Shauna, and Tierno at Trevor's place in the city to fully avoid any sign of bias. She'd redon the outfit for the winner tomorrow but for now she wasn't going to wear it.

By contrast, Bonnie who was next to May was in a cheerleader outfit for the first time and it was a cute, age appropriate, yellow one that Misty had helped her make the night before so that she could cheer for Max. They'd become close friends after a year together as traveling companions and would be traveling again next year wherever they went, possibly with Owen as well, so it was natural for her to support her friend in his biggest match of the Conference so far.

Naturally Bonnie still had to be Bonnie so she also, so she held a sign to show that she wasn't part of the Ash squad, and to advertise her older brother Clemont as Lumiose City's most eligible bachelor. She knew that the cameras would occasionally pan to their section so she couldn't pass up such an opportunity.

The rest of the Ash cheer squad, that being Misty, Serena, and Miette, were out in full force while the others in their group who had opted to stay for the rest of the conference cheered with them but for the most part were neutral in this battle. They were all looking forward to this battle and Ash was going to make it worth their while and Max did everything to score a huge upset.

"I hope Clemont doesn't mind that." Max said looking to the section and noting that because Clemont was behind Bonnie in the seating he didn't see the sign she was holding or what it said as the boys reached their starting points. "Bonnie is really going all out this time."

"Yeah but she's supporting you as well which is nice." Ash pointed out. "So don't let her down and I won't let my own supporters down."

"I don't intend to." Max said. "I am going to beat you Ash, just you watch."

"I look forward to the challenge." Ash said with a grin. "So, let's do this."

"Alright folks the match is about to begin and we're all excited for it." The announcer said as the ref took his spot and Ash and Max took out their Poke Balls for the first matchup, Ash's indicating that Pikachu wouldn't be his first choice like he had been the day before. "Ash is an experienced trainer who made it to the Indigo final last year and the Lily of the Valley semifinals a few years back so he's been here before but as we know anything can happen and Max is going to try and show that."

This got a loud cheer from the crowd though neither Ash nor Max knew who it was for as the announcer paused to let the cheer run its course. When it was done he continued.

"Max has already improved on his quarterfinals appearance from last year's Ever Grande Conference, but can he go further?" The announcer asked as the crowd got hyped for the coming battle. "Well, we will now know because it is time. Battle begin!"

"Conkeldurr, I choose you." Ash said tossing out his Poke Ball.

"Scolipede, let's go." Max said throwing out his own Poke Ball as the images of Scolipede and Conkeldurr appeared in their respective spots on their trainer's Pokémon bars that were displayed on the jumbotron.

"Fling." Ash ordered getting the second semifinal of the Lumiose Conference underway as soon as Conkeldurr burst from his Poke Ball with a roar and landed on the battlefield. "Make sure you hit it."

"Dodge that with Steamroller." Max said as Conkeldurr began to spin his body his pillars held out as he built up his momentum to use Fling.

Scolipede made a noise before she leapt up and forward the moment she landed on the battlefield as she rolled her long body into a ball and shot across the battlefield at Conkeldurr as he flung his first pillar. That pillar missed as she was able to veer to the side, but Conkeldurr had two pillars and the moment she did that he flung the second on slightly ahead of her along her rolling path.

Scolipede's plan was to arc around using the large battlefield and her momentum to avoid the pillars before turning to come in and strike Conkeldurr in the side without taking any damage in the process. Alas for her that was derailed as the second concrete pillar slammed her on the side and burst her from her ball with a wail and sent her skidding away as she hit the ground on her side and slid over the battlefield.

Conkeldurr already knew that Ash would order him to rush his opponent, his remaining moves were close, physical, ones so he had to be there to use them. He had the window after his Fling landed to ensure he closed the gap on his opponent, and he was going to do just that as he ran at the skidding Scolipede.

"That's it Conkeldurr." Ash said. "Get there and use Chip Away."

"Smart Strike." Max countered as Scolipede came to a stop and rolled to the side to get back on her four legs. "You can do it."

Scolipede let out a chittering sound like many bug types did as she righted herself and turned to face the Conkeldurr that was bearing down on her. Both were fully evolved Pokémon first whose species were first recorded in the Unova region but who had been caught in Kalos though she'd been caught as a Venipede while Conkeldurr had been caught as is and both were going to give their all now as her head horns turned to steel and Conkeldurr looked for opening.

The Megapede Pokémon was the first to strike as she knew her move wouldn't miss so as soon as Conkeldurr was on her she lowered her head and thrust it forward stabbing her horns into Conkeldurr's gut. Conkeldurr gave out a wail of pain but rode it out as he wasn't weak to the attack nor resistant as he looked for his opening. That was almost immediately available as he had Scolipede's head in his gut, so he just began to strike Scolipede continually in the sides of her neck with his Chip Away attack.

Scolipede grunted in pain from the blows, as with the Fling she wasn't resistant to the moves like she was against any fighting type moves, which she was really resistant to thanks to both of her types, so she took the normal damage from it. Still the positioning was good for Ash, and he kept his pressure up knowing that he only had two useful moves in this matchup.

"Chip Away again." Ash said.

"Force Conkeldurr away with a Venoshock." Max said realizing what Ash was trying to do. "We've got to get some distance and force him to use fighting type moves against you."

Scolipede let out a chitter as she pulled away the moment she could, but Conkeldurr kept up his pressure by following her attempt to back up and as she raised her head he saw his opening and stepped forward to unleash his repeated strikes into her chest. Scolipede wailed in pain from it as the blow was a surprise critical hit and backed up even further from it, but Conkeldurr kept his pressure up to ensure that he was under her neck and thus she was unable to get back from it to blast him with Venoshock causing the move to be delayed.

Only when the Chip Away ended did she have the moment to scuttle back without Conkeldurr pressing her and she did so the second she could, her Venoshock already ready so that the moment she could she looked down and blasted the poison type attack right into Conkeldurr's face. There was no way that he was going to avoid it and he let out a groan of pain from the poison type attack that briefly blinded him and caused him to back up and spit out poison. This was just what Max and Scolipede needed to turn the tables and they pressed their advantage.

"Now Scolipede, use Steamroller and then Smart Strike." Max said as Conkeldurr backed up to right where his second pillar was.

"Stop that with Hammer Arm and then Chip Away once more." Ash said as Scolipede leapt at Conkeldurr as she rolled into a ball.

Conkeldurr still had poison in his eyes, but he heard the order as his foot hit his pillar that had hit Scolipede with Fling at the start of the battle. The moment he felt it, Conkeldurr turned grabbed in in both hands and then spun it around as Scolipede rolled towards him forcing her to veer to the side and loop around to avoid it.

That had been unintentional, but Conkeldurr used it as spin cleared the poison from his eyes and he raised the pillar high above his head as Scolipede turned and began her roll towards him now in a straight line. It would all come down to timing to determine how this played out as Scolipede sped at Conkeldurr and he brought his pillar down to intercept her.

In the end it was Conkeldurr who had the edge as the pillar slammed into the rolled up Scolipede and forced her out of her ball as Conkeldurr flattened her to the ground with a boom though as she was double resistant to the fighting type attack it didn't do much damage to her. What it did do though was end her move and Conkeldurr dropped his pillar and began to pound away on Scolipede on the ground with Chip Away as he had the opening.

However, even with so many hits landing, Scolipede was just about still in the battle thanks to none of the hits being super effective against her along with the resilience that came with being a fully evolved Pokémon. As such as was able to endure it and turn her horns to steel so that the moment the move ended she was able to thrust them upwards and stab a surprised Conkeldurr in the chest with her Smart Strike. Still, it wouldn't be enough to down Conkeldurr and Ash knew it and was ready for it.

"Chip Away." Ash said as Conkeldurr roared in pain but held his ground from the blow. "We've got this."

"Smart Strike." Max countered.

Alas for Scolipede she didn't get the move off as Conkeldurr raised his fists and brought them down hard on Scolipede's head with Chip Away as that was where the opening was, the force of the blow driving her into the ground once again. He then continued his strikes and this time he knew that he had it as Scolipede had taken too much damage to withstand it all. As such, the moment he felt her resistance go he instantly stopped and backed up to where his pillar was leaving Scolipede on her chest as she lay on the ground with swirls for eyes.

"Scolipede is unable to battle." The ref declared raising a hand to Ash's side as Scolipede's image went gray on the jumbotron showing that the first matchup had gone to Ash. "Conkeldurr is the winner."

"Scolipede, return, you did well but take a rest as we win now." Max said recalling Scolipede and swiftly switching out Poke Balls to send out his next Pokémon before Ash could recall Conkeldurr. "Reuniclus, let's go with Psywave."

It was a clever move, but Ash hadn't made a move to recall Conkeldurr as he'd sensed that Max might try for a fast swap. As such he was already planning for it and had his move ready to go the moment Max's Pokémon burst forth from its Poke Ball.

He hadn't expected a Reuniclus, that was a Pokémon that Ash hadn't seen since he beat one with Boldore back in the Pokémon World Tournament Junior Cup in Unova a few years back and it wasn't one that Max had shown all year or even in the Conference so far. That meant that he'd been saving it for Ash, which was nice of him, but Ash was still going to win this as Fling was more than just an opening move for Conkeldurr in this situation.

"Fling." Ash said the moment that Reuniclus appeared.

Conkeldurr roared as he picked up his pillar, spun around, and then tossed it right at the Multiplying Pokémon as it got off the wave of psychic power that was Psywave the second after it joined the battle. It was an interesting attack choice given it's random power range based on the skill of the Pokémon in question but as a psychic type move it would be super effective on Conkeldurr, if it hit at least which in this case it didn't.

That was because the pillar shot at the wave and the raw strength of Conkeldurr put so much speed on it that it blasted through the Psywave with a boom and continued on to slam into Reuniclus's small body with another, quieter, boom. At this Reuniclus let out a wail of pain as it fell to the ground, the Fling being super effective thanks to being a dark type attack. That was the biggest advantage of Fling for Conkeldurr, it was his best weapon against psychic types.

The one draw back was that it could only be done if Conkeldurr had his pillars, or at least one of them, on him so he and Ash had worked to always charge after Fling was used to both to get the pillar back and to ensure that he could follow up the attack. That was just what he did as he charged at Reuniclus. Unfortunately for Conkeldurr, Max had already analyzed and assed this tactic and had a counter ready.

"Psychic." Max said. "Toss Conkeldurr back and then use Psywave when it charges again."

"You can endure it Conkeldurr." Ash said as a still on the ground Reuniclus glowed blue and looked at Conkeldurr. "I know it. As soon as you can get up and get in for a Drain Punch to replenish some of your health while avoiding that Psywave."

Conkeldurr roared in agreement, he wasn't going to lose this battle, he was going to win and show the others his skills. He'd won one battle against a tough opponent already and now he was going to win the next one, or at least that was the plan when the Psychic grabbed him and tossed him back to Ash. The blow was quick but imparted super effective damage in the process and Conkeldurr groaned in pain as he was thrown back and hit the ground hard, rolling over it after landing. However, he was tough, he wasn't going to go down that easily.

With a groan, Conkeldurr got up, glared at the now airborne Reuniclus and charged at it once more. He was going to show it just how good he was. Reuniclus for his part just unleashed his Psywave again at the charging Pokémon without emotion.

This was why, to him at least, fighting types were inferior to psychic types like him because they relied too much on brute force compared to mental might like he did though he was atypical for a Reuniclus in that he did prefer to us his psychic powers rather than beating foes into submission with his arms. That psychic superiority showed in this battle, however, because despite that lucky dark type attack at the start, as the Psywave bore down on Conkeldurr.

Conkeldurr really had no way to avoid it and Ash realized too late that they needed to figure out how to avoid such attacks in the future. That would come though as the wave of psychic power hit Conkeldurr in the legs and tripped him up while imparting double damage thanks to his weakness to the type. Without a noise, Conkeldurr was flipped forward before he crashed onto the ground with a thud and skidded along it on his chest until he came to a stop a few feet from Reuniclus was hovering above him, arms spread and eyes swirls.

"Conkeldurr is unable to battle." The ref declared raising a hand to Max's side as Conkeldurr's image went gray to show that he was officially out of the battle. "Reuniclus is the winner."

"Conkeldurr return, you did well but take a break." Ash said as he moved for a quick change over. "We've…"

"Reuniclus return." Max said as Ash was putting away Conkeldurr's Poke Ball showing his own speed with a quick recall to prevent Ash's own quick change. "You did well but take a break, we'll keep up the pressure on Ash now."

"Not bad." Ash said as he pulled out his planned Pokémon regardless as it was one of his offensive specialists though it didn't actually have a move that was super effective against psychic types as Max did the same. "Well then let's continue this. Dunsparce, I choose you."

"Simisear, let's go." Max said tossing out his own Poke Ball. "Huh interesting matchup."

"Perhaps." Ash said with a grin as he did have a move that was super effective against fire types and was already preparing it as both Pokémon burst from their Poke Balls to land in front of their trainers. "Start this off with Drill Run Dunsparce."

"Stop it with Flamethrower." Max countered as Dunsparce flipped over.

"Push through it." As said as Dunsparce shot at Simisear spinning around it's tail like a drill as Simisear opened her mouth to counter. "I know you can do it."

Dunsparce understood this, this was something they'd practiced over the last few days as a way to battle mainly fire types but other Pokémon with ranged attacks that weren't solid as well and while he'd take some damage, the speed of his Drill Run should mitigate it somewhat and he'd still land it. As such, he ignored the gout of flames that shot at him and drilled right into and through them to everyone's shock.

Simisear was stunned as she blasted out her Flamethrower only for Dunsparce to dive right into it and drill through the fire, flames shooting off to the sides in the process, and then burst from the end of it as she finished her move, pointed tail aimed at her and still spinning. She didn't get a chance to do anything before the tail slammed into her face and she let out a howl of pain from the super effective ground type attack that staggered her back and sent Dunsparce up and into the air away from her though as he went upwards he reorientated his body to face her head on.

What was worse for Simisear was the Drill Run had a higher critical hit ration than normal, but that higher ratio was made even higher with Dunsparce thanks to his Serene Glance ability boosting its likelihood even more. As such it triggered doing even more damage to her as she staggered back, and Ash was already prepared.

"Air Slash." Ash called out.

"Focus Blast." Max said as Dunsparce, still in the air, slashed his little wings to send a blade of air at Simisear. "You can push through it, I know it."

Simisear had been heightening her mental focus as the Air Slash bore down on her but the moment it hit her everything went wrong for her. She grunted in pain and tried to push through it but once again she was shown just how offensive this Dunsparce was as the 30% chance of flinching that Air Slash had was now raised to closer to 50% thanks to his Serene Glance ability and did so causing her Focus Blast to end and she shuddered from it. Ash saw this and went for the final blow as Dunsparce landed.

"This is it; you've got this Dunsparce." Ash said. "Drill Run one more time."

"Endure it and use Focus Blast." Max said sounding desperate now.

Simisear grunted as she tried to move but the flinch prevented her from doing so as Dunsparce flipped and shot at her, his body rotating like a drill again. All she could do was stand there growling in frustration and take it as Dunsparce's spinning tail slammed into her chest just as she began to move again.

The Ember Pokémon was thrown back without a sound as Dunsparce flipped and twisted to land facing her ready to fight on, but it wasn't necessary. Even without recording a second critical, the second ground type attack combined with the Air Slash was too much for Simisear to handle and she hit the ground hard and slid for a few feet before she came to a stop on her back, limps splayed, and swirls for eyes.

"Simisear is unable to battle." The ref declared raising a hand to Ash's side as Simisear's image went gray on the jumbotron. "The winner is Dunsparce."

"Simisear, return." Max said recalling his Pokémon and swapping as fast as he could as he had just the Pokémon to take down this Dunsparce providing it could avoid that flying type attack. "You tried your best, but that Dunsparce is too strong. Don't worry, we will beat it, I promise, and I have just…"

"Dunsparce, return." Ash said quickly recalling Dunsparce the moment he had the chance and smiling at Max who looked a little surprised who had been about to toss out his third Pokémon of the battle. "I have a feeling I know who you plan on using next and while I'd enjoy the challenge and Dunsparce does have two moves that would be useful against it, one of which I know you know will be super effective against both types your next Pokémon has, such is the nature of his move set, I think he needs to rest up for a bit. Besides, I've got a better challenge for you now."

"Very well, I'll still win this as I am sure I have the advantage over any of your Pokémon." Max said as Ash pulled out his own third Pokémon of the battle and tossed out his Poke Ball before Ash did the same. "Chesnaught, let's go."

"Lucario, I choose you." Ash said tossing out his Pokémon a second later and grinning as he'd expected Chesnaught to be Max's choice in his attempt to keep Dunsparce in given that it was a fighting type, but this challenge would be just as fun for Lucario as it would be for Dunsparce, maybe more so given both Pokémon's reputations. "Good, two of the medalists from the fighting tournament, I was hoping Lucario would get a chance to face your Chesnaught in this battle."

Lucario barked in agreement as he landed in front of Ash in a fighting stance looked at the large, spiney, shelled, grass and fighting type that he was up against who was looking at him with a wary, well trained, eye as well. Lucario knew this Pokémon, had seen him in that tournament and wanted to face him but didn't as it lost to that impressive Poliwrath in the second semifinal after Lucario had already beaten his human's mate's Machamp.

Well now was his chance to have a proper Pokémon battle with it and Lucario did enjoy facing a fellow, tough, fighting type. Lucario was going to enjoy this as he went all out to beat a fellow top tier fighting type, at least according to the Kalos fighting type tournament that is.

Chesnaught for his part was just as ready for this as Lucario was. He'd seen this Lucario many times when their trainers met up and of course he'd watched Lucario take the belt in the fighting tournament which he'd only managed a 3rd place in. He'd defeated the Pokémon that Chesnaught had lost to which only added to his desire to test himself against this Lucario. Now was his chance to face and beat the Pokémon currently considered the strongest fighting type in terms of raw physical skill in all of Kalos, this was going to be fun.

"Lucario, Aura Sphere." Ash said to kick off the battle. "And follow it with Bone Rush."

"Just as I expected." Max said, he'd spent a while analyzing Ash's Pokémon and while the 'Ash factor' as he called it was unpredictable, some of his preferred tactics were clear just as this had become seeing as Ash had used it in his last two battles, so Max was ready to counter it as Lucario formed the Aura Sphere between his paws. "Brace for that Aura Sphere and then counter with Hammer Arm. Lucario is also a steel type so he's weak to fighting type attacks. We've got the edge here, let's show it."

Chesnaught just grunted and nodded in agreement as the ball of fighting type power was blasted at him. He knew that he couldn't avoid this attack, so he just raised his arms in a cross guard in front of his face and set himself as he got ready for the incoming attack. He had to be ready for it and what was to come as Lucario charged after the Aura Sphere, an aura bone forming in his paws that he was going to bring to bear on Chesnaught after the Aura Sphere hit.

A few moments later the Aura Sphere impacted on Chesnaught's arms imparting average damage as he wasn't resistant or weak to his secondary type but thanks to the guard he wasn't blown back but rather just slid back a few paces which was just what he needed. That was because it gave Chesnaught the time he needed to get his left forearm up to block the first Bone Rush strike that Lucario shot at him with a bark as he reached Chesnaught after the Aura Sphere while also clenching his right fist and raising it high above his head.

Before Lucario could reorientate his bone as it bounced off Chesnaught's left arm, the Spiny Arm Pokémon brought his right fist down to strike Lucario right on the top of his head with a heavy, strong fist that connected with an audible boom. Lucario let out a sharp bark of pain from the blow that drove him to his knees but despite being weak to the attack thanks to his steel type he was still in it and Ash knew it. Already Ash had the counter ready and Lucario acted the moment he heard it.

"Metal Claw." Ash said.

"Vine Whip." Max countered as the spikes on the backs of Lucario's forepaws turned into his Metal Claw move. "Send Lucario back."

Lucario barked as he rose, slashing his right paw up and striking Chesnaught right above his waist and then raked it up Chesnaught's chest as he rose to finish by catching Chesnaught under the chin snapping his head back and causing him to stagger as the hit that the grass and fighting type wasn't resistant or weak to ended. However, Chesnaught was still in this fight and suddenly a pair of vines shot out from his back and lashed Lucario across the chest with enough force to lift him off his feet and toss him backwards with a yelp.

"Aura Sphere." Ash said as Lucario was tossed back.

"Energy Ball." Max countered.

Lucario just barked as he reorientated himself in the air, got his paws up, formed the ball of fighting type power, and then blasted it off just as a ball of grass type power shot from Chesnaught's mouth. Clearly Max had been training Chesnaught hard as none of the moves were ones Ash recognized from when he'd faced it as a Quilladin several months ago but that just went to show how much Max had grown in the last few years.

That continued to be shown as the balls of power shot at each other through the air. Thanks to the angles involved they missed each other with the Aura Sphere coming in from high and shooting down to strike Chesnaught in the face and upper chest staggering him back while the Energy Ball was shot much lower so that it hit Lucario in the chest as he was falling to the ground. The blow blasted him back a few more feet in the air before Lucario hit the ground on his side before rolling a few feet but Ash knew that he was still in it and that it was time.

"Reversal." Ash said as Lucario slowly got to his feet, battered from the hits he'd taken so far but still in it. "You've got this."

"Aerial Ace." Max ordered as Lucario began to rush at Chesnaught. "Finish Lucario now."

Chesnaught just grunted as he ran forward, his fingers glowing with flying type power. Lucario's steel type would negate the fighting type's weakness to the move, but it would land and still do damage to him but that would just increase Lucario's Reversal's power. Lucario knew all this as he ran and drew on Ash's passive aura to get him through it as the two strong Pokémon reached and clashed at the midpoint of the battlefield.

The grass and fighting type was the one who swung first, his fingers raking across Lucario's chest and face causing him to grunt in pain from the blow. Had Lucario not had his steel type he would have fainted from it, but he didn't and pushed through it, his bond with Ash and the passive aura that came from it fueling him forward as he barked and unleashed the all-out attack that was Reversal.

Chesnaught was too close to avoid it or even get his arms up to try and block it as the all-out attack landed on his chest and face, Lucario unleashing a flurry of punches, elbows, and knees into his opponent. The force of the attack was a lot stronger than usual as Lucario had taken a lot of damage though as he wasn't right on the cusp of passing out it wasn't the maximum damage it could possibly be like it had been the day before against that Mega Blastoise.

Still, it was more than enough for Chesnaught to be able to handle as the attacks ended and he knew he was done for. The last thing to go through his mind before he passed out was that this Lucario certainly had earned his title as the strongest fighting type in Kalos that year because it was something else for sure.

Lucario just panted as he backed off a step, fists still clenched, and jaw set as his move ended and Chesnaught stood there for a moment. That lasted a few seconds before Chesnaught pitched forward and crashed face first into the ground, his heavy back ensuring that he fell forward not back and lay there in a heap with swirls for eyes.

The Aura Pokémon let out a bark of triumph and a nod as he backed up and smiled. Another good victory and this was a pure one over one of the others to make the last 4 in the fighting tournament they were all in several months back. He'd lost to that Machamp in practice recently and a few days ago to the Poliwrath but both times he'd been injured going into those battles and still landed enough blows on his opponents to ensure that his teammates won the subsequent matchups.

This time Lucario had had a clean battle against the last one of the medalists where both Pokémon had begun fresh and uninjured and come out on top. As an added bonus Lucario was sure that he had enough health left to take almost any hit that wasn't super effective or an average hit that was both a critical and the same type as the Pokémon using it, so he still had plenty of fight left in him.

"Chesnaught is unable to battle." The ref announced raising his hand to Ash's side as the image of Chesnaught went gray on the jumbotron showing that Max had lost half of his Pokémon already while only taking out one of Ash's in the process. "Lucario is the winner."

"Chesnaught return, you did well but I've analyzed Ash and know that he only uses Reversal when it's at or near the strongest it can be, so we've got this." Max said as quickly switch Poke Balls as Ash pulled out Lucario's Poke Ball to recall him, but Max showed his speed once again by getting the swap off faster. "Gardevoir, let's go with Disarming Voice."

"Brace for it and counter with Metal Claw." Ash said going with the best move he had against Gardevoir thanks to her fairy type as she burst from her Poke Ball, her Mega Stone flashing in the special holder that was on her upper left arm as she landed on the battlefield. "I know you can do it Lucario."

Lucario barked in agreement as he turned to Gardevoir and grit his teeth, drawing on Ash's passive aura as he did and forming the Metal Claw on the backs of his forepaws. Gardevoir was already letting out the charming cry of Disarming Voice as she appeared, and the fairy type attack struck Lucario as he began to move towards her.

The fighting and steel type had been hurt a lot by Chesnaught and knew he didn't have much left, but he pushed through the Disarming Voice as he tried to make his way to where Gardevoir had landed. He knew that he could do it thanks to his steel type negating his fighting type's weakness to fairy type attacks, or at least that had been the plan.

Unfortunately for Lucario, the hit had been a critical one as well as being of the same type as Gardevoir and those two factors combined were the nail in Lucario's coffin. If it hadn't been a critical he could have endured it and landed a Metal Claw that would help in the long run but alas it was and he grunted in frustration as he failed himself, his human, and his team as the hit pushed him past his limit.

Still growling at his inability to at least leave his team with some assistance against the strongest opponent they'd face, Lucario fell to his knees and then pitched forward to crash into the ground. He lay there motionless on his chest, mouth open, and head to the side with swirls for eyes.

"Lucario is unable to battle." The ref declared raising a hand to Max's side as Lucario's image went gray on the jumbotron showing how Max was getting back into this battle. "Gardevoir is the winner."

"Lucario return." Ash said recalling his Pokémon and looking at the Poke Ball in his hand rather than try and press for a quick change he took a moment as he knew that Max would swap out as fast as possible because he'd only used Gardevoir to ensure that Lucario fell and besides Ash knew that Max was really saving Gardevoir for the end, so he'd let Max recall her now to ensure that matchup later on. "You did great and almost had a move off in the end but she's Max's ace for a reason. Don't worry, I'm proud of you, you were amazing this match Lucario. Take a rest, we will still win this."

"Gardevoir, return." Max said recalling his Pokémon just as Ash had expected. "You did what I needed in taking out one of Ash's top three Pokémon in his Lucario but no point in tiring yourself out before the real battle to come later. I need you at your strongest for when that comes because you're the only one I am certain can beat Ash's best Pokémon."

"I look forward to that." Ash said as he pulled out a Poke Ball while Max put away Gardevoir's Poke Ball and did the same. "But you have to defeat all of my other Pokémon first and I'm not going to make that easy. Dunsparce, I choose you again."

"I expect no less." Max said as Ash tossed out his Poke Ball and did the same as Ash in reusing a Pokémon that had already battled. "But you have the right idea. "Reuniclus, time to go again."

"Ice Beam." Ash called out as soon as Dunsparce landed before him and Reuniclus burst forth to hover before Max once again. "You've got this."

"Focus Blast." Max called out as Dunsparce looked up and opened his mouth. "This time we will land it."

Reuniclus heightened his mental focus and looked down at Dunsparce as the blast of ice was shot up and at him and then released it before the ice reached him. A second later the ice slammed into Reuniclus causing him to flip backwards but thankfully he wasn't frozen. As he was flipping back the ranged fighting type attack shot down and towards Dunsparce.

There wasn't time for an order before the Focus Blast slammed into Dunsparce's back and drove him into the ground before bouncing him up with a wail of pain from the super effective attack he'd just taken. Regardless, it wasn't enough to take out Dunsparce and Ash was already capitalizing as Dunsparce was in the air.

"Air Slash." Ash ordered.

"Psywave." Max said as Dunsparce slashed his wings and Reuniclus steadied himself in the air.

Reuniclus let out a noise as he paused and angled himself so that he could send out the Psywave and ensure that it hit Dunsparce. As such, he was able to get the wave off as Dunsparce fell to the ground and it shot out and flew below the Air Slash that was coming at him to strike Dunsparce right before he landed on the ground driving him into it. Alas for Reuniclus this came a moment after the Air Slash hit Reuniclus across his body from the end of one arm to the end of the other and shifted him back a bit.

That wasn't the worst part however, no that was reserved for the sudden shiver that ran through Reuniclus's body after the hit showing that he'd flinched from it. This was just what Ash wanted and he was already pressing his advantage as Dunsparce recovered from the Psywave that was about average in terms of the potential damage that it could do.

"Air Slash again." Ash said. "And follow it up with Drill Run."

"I know you can endure it Reuniclus." Max said as Dunsparce leapt up and slashed his little wings to send out the blade of air at Dunsparce. "Then use Rock Slide."

Reuniclus just made a sound of agreement as he tried to move but couldn't so braced for the Air Slash coming at him as Dunsparce flipped over and began to spin before shooting up and at Reuniclus. The pure psychic type grunted as the Air Slash hit him though at least this time he didn't flinch and knew that his time was coming to an end.

The Multiplying Pokémon had at best one more hit left to take and only if he could resist it he felt but he wasn't going to go down without taking this annoying Dunsparce with him. Thankfully, he could move again just before the normal type reached him and he used that moment to activate his Rock Slide as soon as he could.

That was the last thing Reuniclus was able to manage before a spinning Dunsparce slammed into his body with Drill Run and though it wasn't necessary the hit was a critical one ending Reuniclus while he was still in the air. However, he was smiling as he fell back to the ground and the rocks from his Rock Slide crashed down because one of them was right above Dunsparce as he bounced off Reuniclus after the hit.

All Dunsparce could do was look up in surprise at how the Rock Slide had been activated, he hadn't known that it was done before he hit and beat Reuniclus, before the rock slammed into his body and drove him into the ground with a crash. It was so quick that Dunsparce didn't even have a moment to let out a noise of shock before it happened.

Unfortunately for him this was all too much for Dunsparce to handled. He didn't have the greatest health reserves to begin with and taking that Focus Blast had taken a lot out of him so two more blows he wasn't resistant to, well he wasn't resistant to any type though he was immune to ghost type attacks, was all that he could take, and he was out before he crashed into the ground with the rock still on top of him.

However, thanks that hit and all the other rocks hitting and breaking on the ground there was a cloud of dust and debris over the whole stage, so no one knew what had happened right away. That included Reuniclus going down before Dunsparce did though as both trainers still had Pokémon this wouldn't be an issue to them.

Finally, though, the dust settled from the hits and when it did it revealed the results of the final blows of the battle along with a lot of rock debris and cracks on the battlefield. Reuniclus lay on its back, arms to its sides and swirls for eyes while Dunsparce lay not too far from Reuniclus on his chest, tongue out, and swirls for eyes as well showing that for all intents and purposes it was a tie.

"Both Reuniclus and Dunsparce are unable to battle." The ref declared not raising either hand as the images of them went gray on the jumbotron showing that Max had two Pokémon left with one being Gardevoir and the last unknown while Ash had 3 and all were unknown though it was clear that Pikachu would be one of them. "Therefore, this matchup has ended in a tie."

"Dunsparce, return." Ash said recalling his Pokémon and smiling at the Poke Ball in his hand. "You were great out there my friend. Take a good long rest; you have more than earned it after all you did. We've still got this so don't worry."

"Reuniclus, return." Max said at the same time. "You were strong today; I knew you would be and helped take out two of Ash's Pokémon in the end which is more than I could have asked for. Enjoy your rest and I promise we won't lose."

"We shall see." Ash said as he put Dunsparce's Poke Ball away and pulled out his fourth one showing that he still wasn't going to use Pikachu just yet as Max did the same switching over to his 5th Pokémon. "Noivern, I choose you."

"Barbaracle, let's go." Max said a second after Ash had spoken and tossed out Noivern. "This is a matchup we can win; I know it."

The Pokémon burst from their Poke Balls at almost the same moment with Noivern letting out a caw as he beat his wings and hovered in front of Ash while the Collective Pokémon landed on his feet before Max with all its arms bristling. Ash had seen Binacle's evolved form back when Max had had his full battle practice against May, but it was still an odd-looking Pokémon with its 4 arms, all with an eye in the palm, and the fingers around its head. Still, it was a rock and water type, so it was going to be a challenge for Noivern, but Ash and Noivern ready for it.

"Get high Noivern and use Boomburst." Ash said.

"As I'd expect with your Noivern." Max said as Noivern flapped his wings and shot up and forwards to get into position. "Thanks to your rock type you're resistant to that Barbaracle so endure it so that you can land a Blizzard. That is your best move against a Pokémon like Noivern."

Barbaracle just nodded as he set himself and tracked Noivern with all of his eyes. This was going to hurt but he was resistant to normal type attacks, and he knew the importance of sometimes taking the hit to land a devastating counter. Now was one of those moments as Noivern got into position, angled his ears, and unleashed the boom of sound that was powerful, area affecting, normal type attack right down and onto Barbaracle.

The sound based attacked boomed out and slammed into Barbaracle where he stood, but he just grunted from it as he could withstand it with only moderate damage taken unlike most Pokémon and as soon as it was done he unleashed the Blizzard he'd been preparing. This was done such that the Boomburst didn't disrupt the Blizzard and so that the ice type attack shot up and right at Noivern before he could move, engulfing him in the icy, well, blizzard that Barbaracle had sent in his direction.

Noivern cawed in pain as the ultra effective ice type attack hit him. Ice was by far his greatest weakness as it was strong against both of his types, and he took a lot of damage from a move as powerful as Blizzard, but he was determined to win this battle and pushed through it. Ash knew this as well and as the Blizzard raged he gave his next order.

"Steel Wing." Ash said as the Blizzard continued. "You can do it Noivern."

"Rock Tomb." Max countered as Noivern cawed and dove down, diving through the last of the Blizzard, and right at Barbaracle as his wings turned to steel.

"Dodge that before you land Steel Wing." Ash said. "Show off your flying skills Noivern."

With his speed Noivern was able to close in on Barbaracle fast but not fast enough to get there before the boulders of Rock Tomb were tossed at him. As such, Noivern had to bank and glide as he dove and avoided the rocks with the grace of a seasoned flying type before he reached Barbaracle and scored him across the chest with his left wing as he flew past. Barbaracle let out a grunt of pain, but his water type negated the steel type weakness that his rock type had, and he rolled with the blow, staggering back and sweeping his left leg back as Noivern hit him.

For his part Noivern wasn't idle and he instantly banked up after he was past Barbaracle and flipped with a roll to face his opponent for another dive should it be ordered. Naturally, Ash saw this and gave his order right away.

"Dragon Claw." Ash said.

"Razor Shell." Max said as Noivern dove, the talons on his wings enlarging and glowing with dragon type power. "And then use Blizzard as soon as you can."

"Be wary of that Blizzard." Ash said as Barbaracle produced a pair of shells in all of his hands from Arceus knew where and braced for Noivern's attack. "Get high and avoid it."

Noivern cawed in agreement as he reached Barbaracle and raked his claws along Barbaracle's body as he reached his opponent. Barbaracle grunted but countered by slashing his shells at Noivern with two making contact but even with his Tough Claws ability boosting the power of his contact moves Noivern's resistance to water type attacks ensured that it wasn't too effective. Still, the blow did force Noivern up and away, banking high so that he could avoid the Blizzard but that was just what Max had wanted.

"Abort that Blizzard and use Rock Tomb." Max said as soon as Noivern began to climb higher in the air. "We got this."

"Evade that and use Boomburst." Ash said as Barbaracle began to send out boulders at Noivern. "I know you can do it."

Noivern cawed as he tried to do just that, but Barbaracle had the angle this time and send the boulders out such that they crashed into Noivern's back from above just before he could bank and get into position to launch his own ranged attack. That was too much for Noivern to handle given his weakness to rock type attacks and that Blizzard he'd taken early that the Razor Shell had added damage to, and he and the boulders crashed down into the ground with a boom that kicked up dust so no one could see what had happened for a moment.

Ash grit his teeth as he waited for the results to be clear as the dust began to die down but fearing the worst as he was sure that Noivern would have still used his Boomburst attack if he could while Barbaracle stood calmly waiting, hits 5 arm things and eyes looking closely at the dust. Finally, it settled to show Noivern on the ground, mouth open, wings splayed and swirls for eyes.

"Noivern is unable to battle." The ref declared raising a hand to Max's side as Noivern's image went gray and for the first time since the start of the battle Max had pulled level with Ash. "Barbaracle is the winner."

"Noivern, return." Ash said smiling at the Poke Ball in his hand and knowing that he had the moment as Max would hold off on using Gardevoir until be had to and Ash knew that he had this matchup at least so he could take his time to properly thank Noivern for all that he'd done in this matchup. "You did amazing out there despite the disadvantages you faced and have ensured that we will defeat Barbaracle quickly. Take a rest, it's time to force that Gardevoir out."

"Just because Pikachu is an electric type doesn't mean that you will win." Max pointed out. "He may be one of your best, but he's still got to beat Barbaracle to get to Gardevoir."

"And he will." Ash said pointing out to the battlefield. "Pikachu, I choose you and start us off with Thunderbolt."

"Pikachu." Pikachu said as he rushed out onto the battlefield cheeks sparking and ready for the battle to come.

"Barbaracle, use Earthquake." Max said showing that like Tierno's Politoed his Barbaracle was trained to counter its major weaknesses as Pikachu shot off his electricity. "I know you can withstand that attack and counter with our best move against electric types."

"You can withstand that as well Pikachu." Ash said as Barbaracle raised his foot and brought it down on the ground right as the electricity from Thunderbolt hit him. "Ride through it and as soon as you can use Thunderbolt again."

Barbaracle wailed in pain as the super effective electric type attack rocked him, but he pushed through it as his foot hit the ground and suddenly the entire battlefield shook. This was his counter to electric types just as his Blizzard was his grass type counter, and he kept it up through the pain as the battlefield shook.

Against a normal Pikachu this would probably have been enough, but Ash's Pikachu was far from normal. He was as strong as Pikachu could get without evolved and he grit his own teeth as he rode out the Earthquake, his cheeks sparking and then, as the battlefield kept shaking, Pikachu unleashed another Thunderbolt at his opponent.

The electric type attack once again shot out and tore across the battlefield towards Barbaracle before slamming into his chest just as the Earthquake ended and Pikachu could be seen still standing there, battered and panting from the Earthquake but not out yet as the second Thunderbolt coursed through the water and rock type. Barbaracle just wailed in pain as the electricity coursed through him for a second time before it finally ended leaving him standing there smoking slightly.

Barbaracle remained standing for a moment longer before he let out a long, low, groan and then crashed back the hit the ground with a thud as Max opened his mouth to give his next order. He was a strong Pokémon who'd had good resistances or at least negations to potential weaknesses to the moves he'd taken but for the two Thunderbolt attacks and it was those that pushed him past his limit and fainted, lying there in his back with all his eyes swirls.

"Barbaracle is unable to battle." The ref declared raising a hand to Ash's side as Barbaracle's image went gray leaving Max with one image left active on the screen. "Pikachu is the winner."

"Barbaracle, return." Max said with a small smile on his face. "You were great buddy, really held in there and ensured that we can handle Pikachu quickly before facing Ash's ace with our ace. Take a rest, we've still got this battle."

"Stay in Pikachu." Ash said and Pikachu nodded ready for this matchup. "You've got it."

"Pikachu." Pikachu said with determination in his voice.

"We shall see." Max said as he put away Barbaracle's Poke Ball and pulled out his final one and tossed it out in a smooth motion. "Gardevoir, let's go again and again start with Disarming Voice."

"Push through that Pikachu and counter with Quick Attack." Ash said. "Get in close on Gardevoir. Don't let up after you strike her."

"Pikachu." Pikachu said as he shot at Gardevoir as she let out the charming cry of Disarming Voice.

Pikachu grit his teeth as he was hit by the fairy type attack and knew that he was nearing his limit after the that Earthquake that he'd taken from Barbaracle, but he pushed through it as he shot at Gardevoir and then leapt at her. He knew full well what the purpose of this was and he'd do everything in his power to ensure that it happened as he slammed his face into hers just as she finished her Disarming Voice and staggering her for the split second that Ash needed.

"Iron Tail." Ash called out as Pikachu kept moving forward while Gardevoir staggered back.

"Psychic." Max said. "Throw Pikachu back to Ash."

"Pikachu." Pikachu roared as he turned his tail to steel and flipped forward.

He had a brief moment to land it and he used it to perfection to bring his Iron Tail down right onto Gardevoir's head. She let out a wail of pain from the super effective attack and fell to her knees, but she had an order and her eyes glowed blue as she looked up. Pikachu didn't reach the ground before he too glowed blue and was then tossed back with the full force of Gardevoir's Psychic.

Pikachu knew that he'd reached and passed his limit the moment the Psychic hit him, but he was smiling as he passed out in midair from the final hit he'd taken. He'd done more than he could have hoped for and really set things up for the team's ace to bring it all home for them and advance to another final like Pikachu knew they would. He was still smiling as he hit the ground on his side of the battlefield and rolled to Ash until he came to a stop a few feet from his human on his side with swirls for eyes.

"Pikachu is unable to battle." The ref declared raising a hand to Max's side as Pikachu's image when gray leaving Ash with one blank image left as meaning that this was the deciding matchup and basically everyone knew which Pokémon Ash was about to use. "Gardevoir is the winner."

"Pikachu, you were amazing buddy, really put it all on the line there and set us up for the win." Ash said as he picked up Pikachu and took him back to his box while Gardevoir got to her feet. "Take a rest, you earned it. We win it now."

With that Ash put Pikachu on the ground next to him and then turned to face Max as he pulled out his final Poke Ball. It was clear to all what Ash was going to use and as he withdrew his Poke Ball, Max pulled out his device that he'd had since their first adventure together in Hoenn to show that his Key Stone was dangling from it in a special charm. He was ready, Ash was ready, it was time to end this.

"You know what is coming and are clearly ready of it." Ash said with a smile as he tossed out his final Poke Ball. "So why delay it. Greninja, I choose you."

"No, there's no point in delaying this matchup nor bringing all that I have to bear to it." Max said as Greninja burst from his Poke Ball and landed in front of Ash in a battle stance as Max brought his hand to his Key Stone. "Owen borrowed this from me to use on his Beedrill, so you've faced it before but now you're going to have to beat my Gardevoir and she's got some surprises when she Mega Evolves that really give her the edge in this matchup. Gardevoir, it's time to reach the pinnacle of what you can become, Mega Evolve!"

Ash had seen this before; he'd forced Diantha to Mega Evolve her Gardevoir back when she'd tested him and Greninja on the way to Snowbelle City. That test had been the first time that he and Greninja had reached the final stage of the Battle Bond phenomenon albeit one that they couldn't maintain for long and had only reached because of that specific battle.

Now, though, they could do it whenever and what better way than to practice it just in case he and Greninja ever got a rematch with Diantha and her Gardevoir than to face Max and his Mega Gardevoir in battle. This would be a great warmup should that day ever come.

"That's it, just the battle that gets us going, right Greninja?" Ash asked already right on the cusp of triggering the Battle Bond as Greninja croaked in agreement at that as the Mega Evolution ended and for the second time Ash and Greninja were now up against a Mega Gardevoir and the first time that they'd faced the same Mega Evolution but not the same Pokémon as before. "Let's do this then, Aerial Ace."

"Stop Greninja with Disarming Voice." Max said opting not to go for his trump card just yet as he wanted to face Ash-Greninja first, and if he missed Mega Gardevoir would be wide open for a counter as well. "You can do it."

"Push through it." Ash said as Greninja charged his right forepaw glowing with flying type power.

Greninja croaked in agreement and didn't stopped sprinting as Mega Gardevoir unleashed her Disarming Voice. With her Mega Evolution it was stronger than usual and as Greninja was a dark type he was weak against it.

However, Greninja just grunted through the pain that taking a hit like Disarming Voice caused as he pushed through it the charming cry and reach Mega Gardevoir before she finished. The moment he got to her, he punched up and struck her in the jaw with his Aerial Ace silencing her and lifting her into the air and sending her arcing backwards. It wasn't enough to end her however and Max already had his counter that he expected Ash to dodge but was more done to ensure that Ash and Greninja triggered the Battle Bond ability.

"Hyper Beam." Max said as Mega Gardevoir was in the air. "Force Greninja back and let's see if he can change. If not, well a hit from this will end him for sure."

"Leap back Greninja." Ash said as the orange light formed in Mega Gardevoir's mouth as she fell backwards, tilting her head down to ensure her attack flew true. "Keep backing up to avoid it."

Greninja croaked in agreement, his gut really telling him to back up now because something was different about this Hyper Beam, it wasn't a normal Hyper Beam, but he didn't know why he was feeling like that. Regardless he heeded his gut and Ash's command and hopped back as fast as he could as the powerful attack blasted from Mega Gardevoir's mouth and slammed into the ground blowing a crater in it and then carving a grove along it as Mega Gardevoir raised her head trying to hit Greninja as he fled from her.

Thankfully Greninja avoided it all and the move ended before it could reach him, shooting up and into the sky as Mega Gardevoir landed on her back still in the fight but needing to recharge for a moment. That was just what Ash and Greninja needed as Greninja came to a stop in front of his trainer panting slightly from his hasty retreat.

It was a good thing that Greninja had avoided it because unbeknownst to him and Ash, but of course known to Max, was that Mega Gardevoir's ability was Pixilate, an ability that changed normal type attacks into fairy type ones. It was a strange new ability that had emerged alongside the emergence of fairy types both in Pokémon and the moves that went from normal to fairy type for still unknown reasons.

As such Pixilate was still a little understood ability as the best example of it, Diantha's Mega Gardevoir, didn't know a normal type attack but a fairy type Hyper Beam would have easily ended Greninja no matter how strong he was. It hadn't and now Ash and Greninja were at the point that they needed to be at to trigger the Battle Bond phenomenon.

"This is it Greninja." Ash said grinning using the recharge time for Mega Gardevoir to pull it off as his and Greninja's battle wavelengths synched, and their hearts became one. "Let's get stronger and stronger and stronger!"

Greninja roared as the phenomenon was triggered and there was an explosion of water around him that shot up to the sky in a larger water sprout that subsequently exploded the moment it was formed. However, as with before, the water didn't fall to the ground but coalesced into a ball on Greninja's back as the change to his appearance appeared was shown to all now that the water sprout was over. Finally, once all the water was there, the large, 4-pointed, water shuriken appeared on his back and Ash-Greninja opened his eyes ready to battle at his maximum power.

"There it is folks!" The announcer said excitedly clearly unable to contain it as the crowd roared. "We've been waiting since the last of the preliminary battles to see it again and finally in the semifinals we get to see Ash-Greninja as it is apparently called once more and against a Mega Gardevoir no less!"

"Water Shuriken." Ash said ignoring the announcer as he reached up to his shoulder and tossed an imaginary one that was there.

Naturally, Ash-Greninja mimicked Ash only with the real one and yanked it off his back as he leapt up and forwards as he tossed it at Mega Gardevoir. The psychic and fairy type was just finishing recharging following her Hyper Beam and sitting up when the Water Shuriken reached her before Max could get out his order off. The water type attack, stronger than normal thanks to the Battle Bond enhancements that Ash-Greninja now had which put him on par with a Mega Evolved Pokémon, slammed into her face and drove her down into the ground again.

"That's it keep it up Greninja." Ash said as he punched forward. "Aerial Ace."

"Protect." Max said going full defense now. "Stop it and counter with Hyper Beam."

"Strike her down with Night Slash the moment you can." Ash said as Ash-Greninja landed and charged at Mega Gardevoir his speed much faster after the change. "You can do it."

Ash-Greninja croaked in agreement as he charged at Mega Gardevoir would managed to get to her feet as he ran. At the last-minute Ash-Greninja leapt up into the air, his right foot glowing with flying type power as he twisted and lashed it in a downward kick at Mega Gardevoir's head.

Of course, both he and Ash knew that this wouldn't work as she'd been ordered to use Protect, a defensive move with one of the highest priorities out there that could only really be beat by either extremely specific moves or certain abilities neither of which Ash-Greninja possessed. As such his foot hit the now glowing green shield that had formed around Mega Gardevoir, and he pushed against it as he was diagonal and upside down at the moment. This was just for show though as he was ready for his real attack.

That came the moment the Aerial Ace that had been blocked ended and so too did the Protect. The moment that happened, Ash-Greninja formed a blade of dark type power in his left forepaw and as he righted himself he slashed it up at the sudden opening before Mega Gardevoir could get her Hyper Beam off.

The Night Slash slashed her across her right forearm and chest, a critical hit triggering, and staggered her back with a wail. When Mega Gardevoir suddenly added a fairy type after the change that their emergence caused she was no longer weak to dark type attacks, but it was still normal effectiveness as her types' reactions to dark type attacks balanced each other out and with the critical it hurt.

Regardless, it wasn't enough to take her down though she was certainly nearing it with all the damage she'd taken so far from both Pikachu and Ash-Greninja in this battle, but she was still in it and fighting. Max knew this and countered with a move he knew would hit and then he could end this with a Hyper Beam that would almost certainly take down a wounded Ash-Greninja.

"Disarming Voice." Max said. "And then use Hyper Beam. If Greninja tries anything then sweep it so that you can hit him with it."

"Double Team as you fall back." Ash said feeling Ash-Greninja's gut fear of that Hyper Beam and like his Pokémon not understanding it but certainly heeding the warning the fear caused. "Use it to evade the Hyper Beam at all costs and counter with Water Shuriken."

Ash-Greninja croaked in agreement as he leapt up and back as the charming cry that was Disarming Voice sounded from Mega Gardevoir's throat causing him to damage that Ash felt all over his body through their bond but pushed through with gritted teeth as suddenly several shadow clones of Ash-Greninja appeared. That was just what he needed as a moment later Mega Gardevoir, her mouth still open, formed the orange light of Hyper Beam and then blasted it out and at the nearest Ash-Greninja.

Thankfully, it was a clone that was obliterated by the Hyper Beam, and she began to sweep her Hyper Beam desperate to hit and end Ash-Greninja now as she knew that she'd probably not survive if he evaded her and had the opening to hit her that her recharge allowed for. Naturally, Ash-Greninja wouldn't make this easy for her and as she swept her Hyper Beam he and his clones reached up and yanked the now replaced water shuriken that was there and tossed it at her as Ash mirrored this behind Ash-Greninja.

Several Water Shurikens suddenly converged on Mega Gardevoir from all angles. She just ignored them as she swept her Hyper Beam through some of the shadow Water Shurikens and more clones of Ash-Greninja but didn't find the real one as she could take the hit, but she was sure that her opponent couldn't take a hit from her now fairy type Hyper Beam.

However, the real Water Shuriken, which had gone low and then skimmed just over the surface of the battlefield as it spun, did find her and struck her in the gut right between the protrusions on her chest and the top of her skirt thing staggering her back and sending the last part of her Hyper Beam wild. It wasn't a moment too soon as she was about to hit the real Ash-Greninja in the side when she was struck.

She hadn't however and the rest of the clones vanished as the real Ash-Greninja landed on the battlefield as the Hyper Beam ended. It was clear that this was his chance and neither he nor Ash were going to waste it.

"Night Slash." Ash ordered.

"Protect." Max called out though even he knew that it was likely in vain as Ash-Greninja charge at her with blades of dark type power forming in his hands and he held them in reverse grips as he ran. "If not then I know you can power through it and counter with another Hyper Beam."

Mega Gardevoir did know that she'd not get the move off in time, her recharge was too long and Ash-Greninja was fast enough to reach her before she could use Protect. All she could do was close her eyes and resign herself to what was to come as she did her best to brace for it while chastising herself for failing her darling Max as Ash-Greninja reached her.

Ash-Greninja took no joy in striking a foe like this, it was just how the battle had played out and had she landed that Hyper Beam he would probably have lost so it could have gone either way. He still croaked out a victory cry and slashed her in the chest with both of his blades as he brought them to bear in a pair of horizontal slashes. The blow wasn't a critical one, but it was end Mega Gardevoir as she was lifted off her feet and thrown back in a graceful arc as Ash-Greninja stood there waiting and watching still in the slash pose.

She'd been a tough and worthy opponent, Ash-Greninja knew that, and he knew that if he'd been struck by just one of her Hyper Beams then he'd likely have been done so she could have easily won this one. However, on this day he'd come out on top thanks to his training and his bond with Ash that had brought out his maximum potential and thus they'd won and would advance to the final where he and the rest of the team would do all they could to bring home the trophy for Ash.

Ash-Greninja stood there ready to act just in case he hadn't defeated his opponent as Mega Gardevoir arched back and landed with a soft thump on the ground on her back a few feet from him. She lay there with her arms to her side, her head turned, and eyes swirls before the Mega Evolution fell and she returned to normal still in the same position with her eyes still swirls. It was over and Ash-Greninja stood tall as the crowd realized and erupted in cheers.

"Gardevoir is unable to battle." The ref announced raising a hand to Ash's side and the final image on Max's Pokémon line went gray confirming that it was over. "Greninja is the winner. Max is now out of Pokémon, so the winner of the second semifinal is Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town."

"There it is folks." The announcer said over the noise as Ash-Greninja's transformation fell and he returned to normal where he stood. "Ash has won the second semifinal and will face Paul in tomorrow's final that will decide the winner of the Lumiose Conference!"

"Gardevoir return." Max said a small sad smile on his face as he recalled his closest Pokémon and looked at her Poke Ball. "You were amazing my friend; you beat two of Ash's best when we needed it the most and helped ensure my best result against Ash to date but in the end that Greninja of his proved that it was something else. It's right up there with his Charizard who you've also faced and lost to as week so there is no shame in any of it. Take a rest, we'll watch Ash win it all tomorrow and then it's off to Kanto. I think it's time we took on the region that Ash is from."

"Greninja return." Ash said at the same time, so he didn't hear what Max was saying and looking at the Poke Ball in his hand smiling at it. "You were great as always, just as I knew you would be. Despite the type disadvantage at times, you pushed through it and won it for us. Now it is onto our second final and this time I won't lose it. Take a rest, you will need it because tomorrow we face Paul and he'll be tough for sure, he always is."

With that Ash put away Greninja's Poke Ball and began to walk out and onto the battlefield as Max did the same. It was the end of the day, and the fans were heading for the exits as the jumbotron showed that Ash and Paul would face off in the finals tomorrow. That was for tomorrow however, Ash still had to congratulate Max on a well fought battle.

"Well done Max, you almost had me there." Ash said as he reached the middle and held his hand out to Max who took it and shook it. "You've gotten a lot better since we first battled almost two years ago. You've grown so much since we met in Hoenn, and I know that you'll beat me one day."

"I hope so but to just get this far and face you shows me how much I've learned and how much I still have to learn." Max said as they ended their handshake. "I beat 5 of your Pokémon but I couldn't win in the end so next time I'll show you."

"I look forward to it." Ash said with a smile.

"Now win this Ash, this is your year, I know it." Max said and Ash nodded before they turned and headed out the way they'd entered.

Max would need a moment to process the loss so Ash would let him have it be it with May, Bonnie, Owen, and whoever else might need it but Ash knew that his friend would be back and stronger in the next region he faced. As for Ash, he was ready for what was to come as he reached Pikachu, picked him up, and headed to the exit to get his Pokémon healed so that they were all ready for what was to come.

He had one more night to plan and prepare before he faced Paul in another full battle but this time there was even more on the line because they would battle for the Lumiose Conference title. In a day's time one of them would be a master but who would it be? Well, soon that would be answered as it was almost time for the Lumiose Conference final, and everyone was ready for it because they all knew that this would be a match for the ages.