Ash and Trip's met in Vertress City. The bustling cityscape, with its towering buildings and bustling trainers, was a fitting backdrop to their meeting. As Ash approached Trip, he couldn't help but notice the subtle change in the demeanor of Trip. Trip's usually stern countenance seemed softened, and there was a reflective look in his eyes, mirroring the serious atmosphere that had fallen over Unova. The upcoming Vertress Conference was unlike any other, overshadowed by the uncharacteristic behavior of Unova's Champion, Alder.

"Hey, Trip," Ash began, choosing his words with care. "Thank you for accepting my invitation to talk. I wanted to talk to you about something before the conference starts."

Trip turned to face Ash, his usual air of competitiveness momentarily replaced by curiosity. "What's on your mind?"

Ash's expression grew somber as he spoke, "It's about Alder, Unova's Champion. He's been acting... well, not like himself lately. The way he behaved towards you was inexcusable and I do not want you to think this as an excuse his behavior. But I thought you would like to know. Alder… he's going through a tough time and fallen into a state of depression, that's why he's been acting that way."

Trip regarded Ash, processing the revelation. The Champion was an emblem of strength, revered throughout Unova and beyond. The Trainer that had inspired Trip to start his own journey and enter the Vertress Conference. To hear that he was facing personal struggles was a sobering reminder of the humanity that existed even within the most remarkable individuals.

"Is that so?" Trip replied, his tone more contemplative than confrontational. "I had noticed the difference but didn't know why."

Ash nodded, his concern for Alder mirrored in his eyes. "Yeah, it's been tough on everyone. But he's still a great trainer, and I'm sure he'd want us to give it our all at the conference."

Trip's lips curled into a determined smile, and there was a touch of camaraderie in his gaze. "You're right. We'll give it everything we've got."

As they parted ways, Ash and Trip knew that, when they stepped into the conference arena, they would be opponents. Whatever camaraderie they were feeling at the moment, would vanish and be replaced by a competitiveness.

As the sun dipped beneath the horizon, painting the sky with a tapestry of colors, Ash found himself at the bustling entrance of the hotel in Vertress City. The Vertress Conference was a grand event, drawing trainers and spectators from near and far, and the atmosphere was charged with excitement and competition.

Waiting at the entrance were familiar faces that held a special place in Ash's heart. Cilan greeted Ash with a warm smile. "Hey, Ash, you won't believe the news. I just got off the phone with Celeste."

Ash's interest was piqued. "Celeste? What did she say?"

Cilan's eyes twinkled with excitement. "She's doing her publicity tour in Hoenn after her win at the Hoenn Grand Festival. But she promised she'd make it for the finals of the Vertress Conference."

A grin spread across Ash's face as he absorbed this news. "That's amazing! Thanks for letting me know, Cilan."

As the group entered the lobby of the hotel, Professor Oak and Drayden-sensei joined them. The lobby was abuzz with trainers from various regions, all united by their shared passion for pokemon battles.

Drayden-sensei, ever perceptive, noted Ash's elation. "I see the prospect of Celeste joining us for the finals has brightened your spirits, Ash."

Ash nodded. "Definitely! It's going to be great having her here. I missed her at the Unova League, but I understand she had her own journey to finish."

As the conversation flowed, the name "Iris" unexpectedly surfaced. Drayden-sensei mentioned that he had seen her around, presumably there to watch the conference. Ash's reaction was a subtle shrug and a hint of indifference.

Time had passed, and while Ash may have forgiven her for past misunderstandings, it didn't necessarily mean that they would ever become friends. Forgiveness could only get you so far with Ash, especially if you involve his Thunder.

As they prepared to settle into the hotel for the upcoming challenges, the promise of the Vertress Conference loomed before Ash. As he stayed up, lying on his bed, he could only think of the battles that he would be fighting soon. All the rivals that he will be facing. So, with that in mind, he picked up his Pokedex from his night table to see his pokemon's stats, even though Ash knew them by memory by now, and review his strategies.

Pokemon: Altaria (Nephele).

Gender: Female.

Ability: Natural Cure.

Type: Dragon/Flying.

Move set: Peck, Astonish, Sing, Fury Attack, Disarming Voice, Refresh, Perish Song, Safeguard, Take Down, Mirror Move, Dragon Breath, Dragon Dance, Aerial Ace, Double Team, Dragon Claw, Dragon Pulse, Sky Attack, Cotton Guard, Sunny Day, Solar Beam, Flamethrower, Dazzling Gleam, Mist, Ice Beam, Moonblast, Outrage, Sleep Talk, Protect, Substitute, Draco Meteor, Play Rough, Fire Blast, Bulldoze, Will-O-Wisp, and Tera Blast.

Egg moves: Steel Wing and Dragon Rush.

NOTE: This pokemon is shiny. The Egg moves Steel Wing and Dragon Rush are both unlocked.


Pokemon: Garchomp (Ladon).

Gender: Male.

Ability: Rough Skin.

Type: Dragon/Ground.

Move set: Tackle, Sand Attack, Dig, Bite, Take Down, Dragon Dance, Slash, Dragon Claw, Double Team, Dragon Rush, Sand Tomb, Sandstorm, Sunny Day, Dragon Pulse, Metal Claw, Iron Head, Iron Tail, Metal Claw, Dragon Tail, Dragon Breath, Bulldoze, Fire Fang, Thunder Fang, Aerial Ace, Stone Edge, Outrage, Earthquake, Flamethrower, Sleep Talk, Protect, Substitute, Crunch, Brick Break, Shadow Claw, Poison Jab, and Fire Blast.

Egg moves: Iron Tail.

NOTE: The Egg move Iron Tail is unlocked.


Pokemon: Haxorus (Drako).

Gender: Male.

Ability: Mold Breaker.

Type: Dragon.

Move set: Leer, Bite, Scary Face, False Swipe, Slash, Dragon Dance, Dig, Taunt, Assurance, Dragon Pulse, Dragon Claw, Dual Chop, Sunny Day, Outrage, Breaking Swipe, Endeavor, Night Slash, Low Kick, Giga Impact, Trailblaze, Bulldoze, Aerial Ace, Dragon Tail, Shadow Claw, Poison Jab, Stomping Tantrum, Iron Head, Crunch, Sleep Talk, Protect, Substitute, and Draco Meteor.

Egg moves: Endeavor and Night Slash.

NOTE: Egg moves have been unlocked.


Pokemon: Goodra (Nephertite).

Gender: Female.

Ability: Hydration.

Type: Dragon.

Move set: Rain Dance, Bide, Absorb, Tackle, Water Gun, Dragon Breath, Curse, Water Pulse, Muddy Water, Body Slam, Dragon Pulse, Sleep Talk, Protect, Substitute, Counter, Life Dew, Draco Meteor, Poison Tail, Curse, Power Whip, Iron Tail, Iron Head, Dragon Tail, Thunder Punch, Dragon Claw, Sleep Talk, Stomping Tantrum, Body Press, Ice Beam, Hydro Pump, and Focus Blast.

Egg moves: Counter and Life Dew.

NOTE: Egg moves have been unlocked.


Pokemon: Noivern (Bruce).

Gender: Male.

Ability: Infiltrator.

Type: Flying/ Dragon.

Move set: Tackle, Supersonic, Gust, Acrobatics, Air Slash, Roost, Tailwind, Super Fang, Double Team, Wing Attack, Agility, Sunny Day, Sleep Talk, Protect, Substitute, Aerial Ace, Close Combat, Draco Meteor, Defog, Dragon Rush, Moonlight, Hurricane, Boomburst, Protect, Brick Break, Shadow Claw, U-turn, Dragon Claw, Dragon Dance, Shadow Ball, X-Scissor, Flamethrower, Hyper Voice, Psychic, Wild Charge, and Outrage.

Egg moves: Defog and Dragon Rush.

NOTE: The egg moves have been unlocked.


Pokemon: Dragonite (Aeolus).

Gender: Male.

Ability: Inner Focus.

Type: Dragon.

Move set: Dragon Dance, Dragon Claw, Hurricane, Draco Meteor, Hyper Beam, Roost. Extreme Speed, Thunder Punch, Fire Punch, Ice Beam, Twister, Dragon Tail, Aqua Tail, Dragon Rush, Safeguard, Rain Dance, Outrage, Thunder Wave, Bulldoze, Endure, Sandstorm, Brick Break, Ice Punch, Sunny Day, and Light Screen.

Egg move: Extreme Speed.

NOTE: The Egg move has been unlocked.


Pokemon: Charizard (Agni).

Gender: Male.

Ability: Blaze.

Type: Fire.

Move set: Ember, Leer, Skull Bash, Take Down, Tackle, Slash, Smokescreen, Flamethrower, Scary Face, Swift, Fire Spin, Submission, Seismic Toss, Mega Punch, Overheat, Steel Wing, Wing Attack, Dragon Tail, Fling, Dragon Tail, Dragon Breath, Sunny Day, Dig, Brick Break, Shadow Claw, Metal Claw, Crunch, Heat Wave, Fire Fang, Inferno, Aerial Ace, and Acrobatics.

Egg moves: Dragon Tail and Metal Claw.

NOTE: The Egg moves have been unlocked.


Pokemon: Ampharos (Astrape).

Gender: Female.

Ability: Static.

Type: Electric.

Move set: Tackle, Growl, Thunder Wave, Thunder Shock, Cotton Spore, Charge, Take Down, Confuse Ray, Thunder, Light Screen, Power Gem, Dazzling Gleam, Electric Terrain, Agility, Zap Cannon, Dragon Pulse, Trailblaze, Dragon Tail, Focus Punch, Giga Impact, Outrage, Thunder Punch, Ice Punch, Stomping Tantrum, Sleep Talk, and Fire Punch.

Egg moves: Electric Terrain and Agility.

NOTE: This pokemon is shiny. The Egg moves have been unlocked.


Pokemon: Hakamo-o (Ares).

Gender: Male.

Ability: Soundproof.

Type: Dragon.

Move set: Tackle, Leer, Headbutt, Scary Face, Protect, Iron Defense, Dragon Dance, Dragon Tail, Dragon Claw, Counter, Focus Punch, Close Combat, Aerial Ace, Metal Claw, Bulldoze, Shadow Claw, and Rock Tomb.

Egg moves: Counter and Focus Punch.

NOTE: The Egg moves have been unlocked.

"We are ready," Ash whispered to himself, as he fell asleep with his Pokedex in his hand. "We will win this."

The morning sun cast a warm glow over the cozy breakfast nook where Ash and his mother, Delia, shared a quiet moment before the excitement of the Vertress Conference opening ceremony. The room was filled with the soothing aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the gentle chatter of early birds outside the window.

Ash sipped his juice as he savored the pancakes Delia had made for him. Meanwhile, Delia, with a loving and proud smile, looked at her son and said, "Ash, I'm so proud of you, no matter what happens today. You've grown into an incredible trainer, and I know you'll do your best."

Ash couldn't help but smile back at his mother. He knew that, win or lose, he had already achieved so much. "Thanks, Mom," he replied, his voice filled with gratitude. "I couldn't have come this far without your support."

The two of them continued their breakfast, enjoying the simple pleasure of being together before the day's excitement. Delia couldn't help but feel a mother's pride for her son, who had dedicated himself to his dreams with unwavering determination.

As they finished their meal, Ash hugged his mother tightly, cherishing the love and encouragement she had always given him. "I'll make you proud, Mom," he whispered, his eyes shining with determination.

Delia returned the hug, a mother's warmth and support conveyed in that simple embrace. "I'm already so proud of you, Ash. Now go out there and show the world what you're made of."

With a renewed spirit and his mother's love in his heart, Ash was ready for the challenges and adventures that awaited him at the Vertress Conference. The opening act of the Vertress Conference unfolded with a dazzling display of lights, music, and fireworks. Ash couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement surge through him. This was his second Pokemon League Conference, and the grandeur of the event never failed to awe him. His first experience at the Unova League still felt vivid in his memory, and now he was ready to make new memories in Vertress.

The crowd was electric with energy, and the applause and cheers echoed through the stadium. People from all corners of the pokemon world had gathered to witness the battles, and the atmosphere was charged with anticipation.

As the opening act concluded, the stage was set for the battles to begin. Ash was excited to participate, and it was fitting that he would be the first to step into the spotlight. The thought of going head-to-head with other talented trainers sent a surge of adrenaline through him. His eyes sparkled with determination, and a small, confident smile played on his lips.

Then came the moment. The anticipation was almost tangible as the name of Ash Ketchum, the boy from Opelucid City, was announced to the roaring crowd. He was up against none other than Trip.

It must have been destiny.

His heart raced as he headed towards the battlefield. Ash couldn't deny the thrill of competing with someone he had known for so long. He couldn't help but think, "This will be fun." The rush of excitement coursed through him as the battle was about to begin.

The stadium buzzed with excitement as the first battle of the Vertress Conference was about to begin. Ash and Trip faced each other with anticipation in their eyes. "Let the first battle of the Vertress Conference begin!" The referee's voice echoed through the stadium, signaling the start of the match.

Trip, with his trademark confidence, took the first step. "Serperior, I choose you!"

In a flash of light, Trip's Serperior emerged, coiled and poised for battle. The Grass-type pokemon was known for its elegance and grace, and his piercing gaze showed he was ready for the challenge.

Ash didn't waste a moment. "Ares, it's your time to shine!"

Ares, his trusty Hakamo-o, appeared with a surge of energy. He was a pokemon filled with fighting spirit, his scales glistening under the stadium lights. Ares' intense eyes locked onto Serperior, and the anticipation in the stadium grew.

The battle began with a rush of energy, as Serperior showcased its agility and speed. He moved gracefully, striking with his Leaf Blade. The sharp leaves cut through the air with precision, aiming for Ares.

Ares, however, was not one to back down. He took the hits and retaliated with determination, responding with his own powerful moves. Dragon Claw slashes and well-timed punches showed his strength and resilience.

The audience was completely engaged, watching every move closely as the two pokemon fought fiercely. Ares, fueled by his trainer's unwavering support, held his own despite the formidable opponent.

"Take control of the moment and use Dragon Tail!" Trip commanded with confidence.

Serperior was a rapid and graceful, striking Ares with a powerful Dragon Tail. The impact sent Ares skidding across the battlefield. The crowd watched in anticipation, expecting an immediate counterattack from Ash's Dragon-type.

Ares, still recovering from the strike, responded with a determined growl, showing the resilience and fighting spirit that Ash had come to admire. Ash knew that they had to pull off something extraordinary to overcome Serperior's agility and strength.

Trip, recognizing the opportunity, continued his assault. "Don't let up! Aerial Ace now!"

Serperior launched an Aerial Ace, a blindingly quick and precise move. He struck Ares with unrelenting force, causing the dragon to stagger. The crowd gasped, fearing the battle was already slipping away.

As Serperior gracefully coiled, ready for another attack, Ares refused to give up. He rose to his feet, his scales shimmering with the determination to prove his worth. With one final, fierce cry, he unleashed a powerful and unexpected Dragon Claw. The energy coursed through his scales, and the move landed with stunning precision.

Serperior, caught off guard by Ares' unwavering resolve, was knocked backward, crashing onto the battlefield. It was a defining moment in the battle. The crowd roared in amazement at Ares' resilience and the sheer unpredictability of the fight.

But the battle was far from over. Serperior recovered with grace and poise. The two pokemon, both showing signs of exhaustion, faced each other with unwavering determination. It was this moment, with the cheers of the crowd ringing in their ears, that pushed Ares to evolve.

As a brilliant light enveloped him, Ares transformed into a magnificent Kommo-o. His form was now more imposing, and his fighting spirit more resolute than ever. The evolution was a game-changer. Kommo-o stood tall and confident, ready to take on any challenge. Trip and Serperior watched in awe and surprise as the transformation was completed. The battle had become even more intense, setting the stage for an unforgettable showdown between two powerful and evolved pokemon.

"Wow… Ares, you've evolved!" Ash exclaimed in wonder, his little boy was all grown up now. He could not be prouder of his baby. "Let's turn this battle around!"

With newfound power and strength, Ares launched a Sky Uppercut that was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The punch was delivered with precision and carried the full force of his evolution. He then followed it with a Dragon Dance powered Dragon Tail to the face. Serperior was taken by surprise, unable to recover, and was knocked out of the battle.

The stadium erupted in applause and cheers. Ash had secured a remarkable victory in the very first battle of the Vertress Conference with the incredible evolution of his Hakamo-o into Kommo-o.

"It seems that I still need to train before I can catch up to you," Trip commented as he walked towards Ash. Ash who had been hugging and celebrating with Ares, turned around in surprise. He had not expected Trip to approach him, especially after his loss. "Congrats. You better win this whole thing, otherwise I will not forgive you. Got it?"

"Got it," Ash chuckled, shaking hands with Trip, making the crowd go wild.