As I spotted Sawyer in the distance, my heart leaped with excitement. It had been a while since we last met, and I couldn't wait to see him again. My legs carried me swiftly towards him, a wide grin stretching across my face. "Sawyer!" I called out, unable to contain my excitement.

Sawyer turned towards me, a bright smile matching my own. "Max! Hey, buddy! It's great to see you again!"

I reached him, and we immediately embraced in a warm hug, our laughter filling the air. It felt like no time had passed since our last adventure together. We were just two young trainers with dreams as big as the sky.

"Man, I've missed you, Sawyer!" I exclaimed, still unable to wipe the smile off my face.

"I've missed you too, Max," Sawyer replied, patting me on the back. "You won't believe what happened since we last saw each other."

Curiosity piqued, I leaned in, eager to hear his story. "What happened, Sawyer? Tell me everything!"

Sawyer's eyes sparkled with excitement. "You remember my starter, right? Well, he evolved into a Sceptile! He's become an incredible powerhouse, Max. I couldn't be prouder."

My eyes widened in awe and admiration. "No way! That's amazing, Sawyer! I knew your Sceptile was special. It must be so cool to have a fully evolved starter on your team."

"You should know! You have two!" Sawyer's grin widened. "You bet it is! Sceptile and I have been training hard together, pushing ourselves to reach new heights. It's been an incredible journey."

I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride for my friend. "I'm so happy for you, Sawyer. You've come a long way as a trainer, and it's incredible to see your progress. We'll have to battle again, with your powerful Sceptile and all!"

Sawyer chuckled. "Oh, you're on, Max! It'll be an epic rematch, for sure. But remember, I won't go easy on you!"

I playfully nudged him. "Bring it on, Sawyer! I'm ready for the challenge. Our battles are always the best."

As we continued chatting and catching up, a feeling of pure joy enveloped me. Reuniting with Sawyer, sharing stories of our pokemon journeys, and knowing that we were still on this adventure together—it filled my heart with warmth and happiness. In that moment, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the incredible friendships that pokemon had brought into my life. And Sawyer, with his evolved Sceptile by his side, was a shining example of the extraordinary bonds we form with our pokemon and the adventures that lie ahead.

After a while, I decided to go and ask Ash to be our referee. Catching up was fun, but not as much fun as battling! And we were ready for our rematch! However, when I found Ash, he was not alone. Much to my surprise, Alain was with him.

"How are you doing? All healed up?" Ash asked Alain kindly.

"We all are," Alain assured Ash. "I got all of my pokemon back and they are completly healed up. I even got Tyranitar and Unfezant to join me officially."

Ash raised an eyebrow at that. "They were not already yours?"

"No, they had been given to me by Lysandre for my... mission," both Ash and Alain had a grimace on their faces. "Well, I just wanted you to be the first to know, well, second, as Mairin already knows." A blooming smile spread through Alain's lips. "I accepted Champion Diantha's invitation to join the Elite Four of Kalos."

"Congratulations!" Ash told him warmly. "You deserve it. Now, though, we have someone listening in." Ash turned towards me, where I was hiding. I sheepishly left my hiding spot and smiled awkwardly at the two. "What are you doing Max?" Ash asked me, with an amused smirk.

"Well, I came to ask you to referee a match between Sawyer and me... but I can see you are busy..." I answered him, feeling completely awkward.

"I was already leaving anyways," Alain released his Charizard. "I have to meet with Champion Diantha to discuss my new position. Have a good battle, Max, see you soon, Ash."

"There he goes," Ash chuckled, as Alain left on his Charizard, before turning to me. "Let's get going, I want to see how much Sawyer has advanced."

"Let's go!" I cheered excitedly.

The excitement between Sawyer and me reached its peak as we got ready to have a battle, with Ash serving as the referee. We both knew it was going to be an intense showdown, but we were ready to give it our all.

"Alright, Max! It's time for our battle!" Sawyer exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with determination.

I grinned back at him, feeling a surge of adrenaline. "You're on, Sawyer! Get ready to face my powerful Gallade!"

Ash stepped forward, taking on his role as the referee. "Alright, trainers, get your pokemon ready. Three-on-three battle, and may the best trainer win!"

I faced Sawyer, my heart racing with anticipation. "Gallade, let's start this battle with a Ice Punch!"

Sawyer quickly reacted, shouting out his command. "Sceptile, use Quick Attack to dodge and counter with Leaf Blade!"

Gallade's fist was covered with ice as he lunged forward, aiming to deliver a powerful punch. But Sceptile's agility allowed him to dodge the attack with ease, swiftly closing the distance. His leaves glowed with a vibrant green aura as he swung his tail, unleashing a sharp Leaf Blade towards Gallade.

"Gallade, jump and counter with Close Combat!" I shouted, hoping to turn the tide. Gallade swiftly leaped into the air, narrowly avoiding the Leaf Blade. He then descended upon Sceptile, launching a barrage of swift and powerful punches with his Close Combat. The clash between the two pokemon was intense, each landing solid hits against the other. The battle continued to unfold, with both Sceptile and Gallade giving it their all. We exchanged commands back and forth, the excitement building with each move. "Alright, Gallade, let's go for a Psychic attack!" I called out, determination fueling my voice.

Sawyer countered with a confident response. "Sceptile, use Dragon Claw to break through the Psychic attack!" Gallade's eyes glowed with psychic energy as he unleashed a powerful wave towards Sceptile. However, Sceptile's claws glowed with a fierce dragon-like aura as he sliced through the psychic energy with his Dragon Claw, negating the attack. The battle raged on, each pokemon showing their strength and resilience. They were evenly matched, neither willing to back down. But as the battle drew to its climactic end, it was Gallade who emerged victorious. With a final flurry of powerful moves, Gallade managed to outlast Sceptile, leaving both pokemon exhausted but proud. We stood there, catching our breath, a mix of excitement and respect in the air. "Wow, Max! Your Gallade is incredible!" Sawyer exclaimed, a smile spreading across his face.

I grinned back, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "Thanks, Sawyer! Your Sceptile put up an amazing fight too. It was a close battle, but we both gave it our all."

Ash had a proud look on his face. "That was an impressive battle, you two. You showed great skill and determination. Keep up the good work!" He then went back to being serious on his job as referee. "Sawyer, release your second pokemon please."

"You are up Shelgon!" Sawyer called out, his second pokemon.

"Shelgon?! Your Bagon evolved!" I was stunned, two of his pokemon had evolved since we had last seen him. "Alright, Sawyer, let's see what you've got!" I exclaimed, my eyes locked on his Shelgon. "Gallade, it's time to show them our true power!"

Sawyer grinned mischievously, clearly confident in his choice. "You're in for a surprise, Max! Shelgon, let's go with Dragon Claw!"

Gallade and Shelgon faced off, ready to unleash their moves. I quickly strategized in my mind, thinking of the best way to counter Sawyer's attack.

"Gallade, use Double Team to dodge Shelgon's Dragon Claw!" I commanded, hoping to buy us some time. Gallade swiftly multiplied, creating illusions of himself that confused Shelgon. As Shelgon swung his claws, the illusions evaded the Dragon Claw attack, leaving Shelgon momentarily bewildered. "Gallade, let's go for broke! Use Close Combat!" I shouted, determination fueling my voice.

"Shelgon, use Protect to defend yourself!" Sawyer called out, adjusting his strategy. Shelgon quickly encased himself in a protective barrier, shielding himself as Gallade burst forward with incredible speed and unleashed a flurry of powerful punches and kicks with his Close Combat. "We're not done yet!" Sawyer declared, a fire of determination in his eyes. "Shelgon, retaliate with Dragon Pulse!"

Shelgon mustered his strength and released a powerful blast of Dragon Pulse towards Gallade. The energy crackled and surged through the air, aiming to strike Gallade head-on.

"Gallade, use Protect to defend against the Dragon Pulse!" I commanded, copying Sawyer's own defensive strategy. As the Dragon Pulse collided with the protective barrier, I took the chance and went for it. "Gallade, let's Mega Evolve!" The energy from my Key Stone resonated with Gallade's Mega Stone, triggering a transformation that filled the battlefield with an awe-inspiring aura.

"M-Max, your Gallade... it's Mega Evolving!" Sawyer exclaimed in astonishment, his eyes widening.

"Mega Gallade, let's finish this with a Mega Punch!" I shouted, my voice brimming with confidence.

Mega Gallade dashed forward with blinding speed, his fist glowing with a brilliant aura. The Mega Punch connected with Shelgon, sending him flying back and crashing onto the ground.

"Max, that was amazing! Your Mega Gallade is so strong!" Sawyer exclaimed, a mix of surprise and admiration in his voice.

I grinned widely, feeling an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. "Thanks, Sawyer! Your Shelgon put up a great fight too. This battle was epic!"

"But we are not done yet!" Sawyer promised me. "Honedge you are up next!"

"A Honedge?!" Ash exclaimed, breaking his referee character. "So cute! I still remeber when my Aegislash was an Honedge. Which was not that long ago if I think about it... but still! Take care of your Honedge! They are incredible pokemon!"

"They are!" Sawyer beamed back.

"Well, then," Ash calmed himself back. "Let the match begin!"

While, Ash was quite excited about the Honedge on the battlefield, I knew I was up against a tough opponent. Mega Gallade was at a disadvantage, but I was determined to give it my all.

"Alright, Honedge, let's see what you've got!" Sawyer exclaimed confidently. "Go for it with Iron Head!"

Honedge lunged forward, his blade gleaming menacingly as he aimed to strike Mega Gallade with his powerful Iron Head attack. I knew I had to think quickly to counter this move.

"Mega Gallade, dodge and use Psycho Cut!" I called out, my voice filled with determination. Mega Gallade swiftly sidestepped Honedge's Iron Head, narrowly avoiding the attack. With a focused concentration, Mega Gallade summoned blades of psychic energy and launched them towards Honedge with his Psycho Cut. But Honedge proved to be a formidable opponent, deftly maneuvering to evade the incoming blades. He retaliated with a swift and precise Shadow Claw attack. "Mega Gallade, use Fire Punch!" I commanded, hoping to regain the upper hand. Mega Gallade launched himself towards Honedge, delivering a fiery punch, which landed with precision.

Sawyer grinned confidently. "Honedge, follow up with Sacred Sword!"

Honedge glowed with a radiant energy as he unleashed his powerful Sacred Sword attack. The blade sliced through the air, aiming to strike Mega Gallade head-on.

"Mega Gallade, use Protect!" I called out urgently, hoping to shield my pokemon from the devastating blow. But despite Mega Gallade's valiant effort, he was not able to form it on time, and the force behind Honedge's Sacred Sword connected and dealt a heavy blow to Mega Gallade. My heart sank as Mega Gallade stumbled backward, visibly weakened by the powerful assault. I could sense the odds stacking against us, but I refused to give up. "Mega Gallade, we can still do this! Use Fire Punch!" I encouraged, my voice filled with determination.

Mega Gallade mustered its strength and launched a powerful punch infused with fire. The attack connected with Honedge, making him stumble back. Two FIre-type attacks had landed and caused damage.

Sawyer, too, showed his determination. "Honedge, don't let up! Follow up with Night Slash!"

Honedge lunged forward, his blade emanating a dark aura as he unleashed the slashing attack. Mega Gallade braced himself, but the disadvantageous matchup took his toll. Despite Mega Gallade's valiant efforts, the strength of Honedge's Night Slash proved overwhelming. Mega Gallade faltered, unable to withstand the powerful blow. My disappointment was evident, but I couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for Sawyer and his skilled Honedge. We both knew it was a hard-fought battle.

"Mega Gallade in unable to battle!" Ash announced. "Max, please send your next pokemon!"

"Great job, Sawyer! Honedge really proved to be a tough opponent," I said, a mix of respect and disappointment in my voice, as I returned my starter.

Sawyer nodded, a smile playing on his face. "Thanks, Max! Your Mega Gallade put up an incredible fight too. It was an amazing battle!"

"This is far from over!" I promised him. "Pyroar you are next!"

"Alright, Honedge, let's show them what we're made of!" Sawyer exclaimed, his voice filled with confidence. "Use Shadow Claw!"

Honedge charged forward, his blade glowing with an eerie aura as he unleashed its Shadow Claw attack. It was a formidable move, but I knew just the pokemon to counter it.

"Pyroar, let's go! Use Flamethrower!" I commanded, my voice filled with excitement.

Pyroar let out a fierce roar before releasing a powerful stream of flames from his mouth. The scorching Flamethrower engulfed Honedge, dealing significant damage due to the type advantage.

Sawyer gritted his teeth, determined not to give up. "Honedge, use Swords Dance to boost your attack!" Honedge swirled his blade, performing an elegant dance that enhanced his strength. The Swords Dance increased Honedge's attack power, making him an even more formidable opponent. "Now, Strike back with Iron Head!" Honedge lunged forward, his blade gleaming as he aimed to strike Pyroar with his Iron Head attack. I knew I had to act quickly to counter it.

"Pyroar, dodge and use Fire Fang!" I called out, my voice filled with determination.

Pyroar swiftly evaded Honedge's Iron Head, showcasing his agility. His fangs ignited with flames as he lunged forward, clamping down on Honedge with his fiery jaws. The super-effective Fire Fang attack took its toll on Honedge, weakening it significantly. Sawyer clenched his fists, his determination unwavering.

"Honedge, let's finish this! Use Shadow Sneak!" He commanded, his voice filled with urgency.

Honedge disappeared into a shadowy mist, swiftly reappearing behind Pyroar with a surprise attack. His Shadow Sneak hit Pyroar, but my pokemon stood strong, refusing to give in.

"Pyroar, don't back down! Show them your power with a powerful Fire Blast!" I exclaimed, my excitement growing. Pyroar unleashed a massive blast of fire, engulfing Honedge in a blazing inferno. The powerful Fire Blast attack overwhelmed Honedge, leaving him unable to battle. The realization of our victory washed over me, filling me with elation. Pyroar had triumphed! I turned to Sawyer, a wide smile spreading across my face. "That was an incredible battle, Sawyer! Your Honedge put up a great fight!"

Sawyer grinned back at me, a mix of admiration and friendly competitiveness in his eyes. "Thanks, Max! Your Pyroar was amazing too. It was an epic showdown!"

Ash approached us, his voice filled with praise. "You both did an excellent job! Your pokemon battled with determination and showed incredible skill. Keep up the fantastic work!"

As we shook hands, the camaraderie between us grew stronger. The battle had been intense, but the friendship and shared love for pokemon were evident. With hearts racing and smiles on our faces, we celebrated our hard-fought battle, ready to continue our journey as trainers, always striving to become stronger.