Chapter 100: A Battle of Mega vs Max

Ash turned to his partner.

"You ready for another round, buddy?"

"Pi!"

"Alright, Pikachu, I choose you!"

Pikachu leapt off of Ash's shoulder, cheeks sparking excitedly.

"Let's start off with Volt Tackle!"

Pikachu took off, electricity building up around him as he charged towards his opponent.

"Bulk Up and take it!"

Machamp crossed his arms in front of his chest, preparing for the attack to land. Pikachu leapt off the ground and slammed into Machamp's chest, pushing the Fighting type backwards.

"Now use Throat Chop!"

Before Pikachu could break away, Machamp slapped him away with all four arms, sending Pikachu flying back.

"Pikachu, you okay?"

"Pika!"

"Okay, use Agility!"

"Focus Blast, Machamp!"

"Double Team!"

Pikachu took off again, this time without the buildup of electricity around him. Machamp roared, and began firing off multiple energy blasts from his arms to try and hit Pikachu, but between Pikachu's speed and using doppelgangers, only a few managed to hit him. In a surprising move, Pikachu ran around his opponent and jumped, landing on his back. Machamp tried to grab him, but his arms weren't long enough.

"Now use Thunder!"

Just as Machamp was about to grab him, Pikachu summoned a giant thunderbolt from the sky to strike him. Machamp howled with pain, but when the lightning had subsided, he was still standing.

"Pikachu, get off quick and use Electro Ball!"

"Don't let him get away! Grab him and use Seismic Toss!"

Pikachu leapt off and launched his attack, making Machamp grunt in pain. But the success was short lived when Machamp swiveled around and grabbed Pikachu before throwing him across the battlefield, landing him right at Ash's feet. Pikachu struggled to get to his feet, but he couldn't, collapsing right in front of his best friend.

"Pikachu!"

"Pikachu is unable to battle! Machamp wins!"

"Wow, this battle sure is close," Goh commented.

"Now they're both down to their last Pokemon," Chloe added, "At least Ash's will be at full health."

"Maybe so, but if I know Bea she'll Gigantamax the minute Ash sends his out," Bea chipped in. "And if his choice is who I think it is, they'll have an uphill climb."

"You can do it, Ash!" Lillie cheered, waving her pom poms.

"Vul!"

Ash gently picked Pikachu up and set him down on a bench behind him.

"You did great, buddy. Make sure to get some rest."

"Pika."

Ash then returned to his box, taking out his last Pokeball.

"Alright, it's all up to you, pal. Lucario, I choose you!"

Ash's Lucario howled proudly, bowing respectively to Machamp respectfully.

"Alright Ash, this is it! Let's do this, Machamp!"

"Champ!"

Bea took out his Pokeball and returned him, growing it to gigantic proportions before throwing it, Machamp roaring proudly when he was released. Ash was not deterred, instead raising his Key Ring.

"You're not the only one with tricks up your sleeve! Ready, Lucario?

"Cario!"

"Alright then! Mega…Evolve!"

Lucario howled with all his might, transforming into his Mega Evolved form.

"Well folks, this battle is just getting heated up! Both trainers have pulled out all the stops, but who will win? Mega Lucario, or Gigantamax Machamp?"

"Excuse me, do you mind if I join you?"

To the announcer's surprise, Leon stepped into the announcer's booth.

"Of course! Attention, ladies and gentleman! The current Monarch of the World Coronation Series himself, Leon, has just entered the booth and will be joining me in commentating on this match."

The crowd went wild, making Leon chuckle.

"So, Leon, you've faced both competitors before. Any thoughts on who will win?"

"Not a clue," Leon admitted proudly. "But I do know that no matter who wins, we're in for a treat!"

Back with Ash's friends, Korrina was waiting for the battle to get underway again when she felt a certain Pokeball shake. Taking it out, she barely had it out of her pocket before her Lucario emerged, eyes glued to the battlefield in front of him.

"Hey, buddy! You want to cheer on Ash and Lucario too?"

"Cario!"

"Alright then! Hey Ash, Lucario's cheering you guys on too!"

"You hear that, buddy? Now we have to win!"

Lucario smiled, and nodded.

"As if. Machamp, use G-Max Chi Strike!"

"Double Team, then run around him!"

Lucario quickly made his copies before taking off, dodging his opponent's energy fists as he went.

"Max Quake, Machamp!"

"Use it to propel yourself into the air, then Vacuum Wave!"

Machamp roared, then slammed his foot into the ground, causing the ground to crack. Lucario didn't skip a beat, jumping into the air just as it hit him before launching several small energy blasts at Machamp before he landed, causing Machamp to roar in pain.

"Alright, this is it! Charge up a massive G-Max Chi Strike!"

"Aura Sphere, as big as you can make it!"

The two fighting types began to charge up their strikes, Machamp's fists glowing while Lucario poured as much aura as he could into his attack, making it glow bigger and bigger until…

"NOW!"

With all their might, Lucario and Machamp launched their attacks, the Aura Sphere colliding with the energy fists. To Bea's surprise, the Aura Sphere swallowed them whole before connecting with Machamp. As the dust settled, Machamp returned to his normal size, and just stood there for a minute. Before either Bea or Ash could issue another command, Machamp collapsed to the ground, defeated.

For a minute, nothing happened as the crowd took it all in. Dan flew over on his Aegislash to confirm his decision before making the call.

"Machamp is unable to battle! Lucario wins, which means the match and the tournament go to Ash Ketchum!"

Ash's smile grew into a massive grin before he charged over and gave Lucario a big hug.

"Alright! You were awesome, Lucario!"

Lucario, despite how weary he was, smiled and returned it. Bea also smiled as she returned Machamp to his Pokeball.

"You did well, Machamp. Take pride in knowing that you gave it your all."

She then walked over to Ash and shook his hand.

"Congrats, Alola champ. But don't think you can slack off now. If you don't beat Leon, I'll never forgive you."

Ash laughed.

"Don't worry, I will."

Later that night, Ash was standing outside, staring up at the stars.

"That sure was some battle, huh buddy?"

"Pika!"

Ash took out his phone, checking his new rank.

"Now we're number 36, can you believe it?"

"Pi!"

"Just a few more wins, and we'll be in the Masters Eight! And I just know we'll make it!"

"I know I do."

Ash was surprised to see Bea standing behind him.

"Your Pokemon were amazing today, especially Urshifu. I never would've guessed they would be that strong."

Ash chuckled.

"What can I say? He took to training like a Magickarp to water."

Bea chuckled, before looking off into the distance reminiscently.

"You know, when I was training with Master Mustard, I actually completed the trials myself. But when it came to the Tower Trials, Kubfu refused to listen to me. Mustard told me it was because I didn't understand the importance of a loss, but I didn't understand what that meant. After all, shouldn't I want to win, to grow stronger? But when I lost to you back in Stow-on-Side, I finally understood how important a loss can be."

"Really?"

Bea nodded.

"It means a chance to grow stronger, something to strive for. A new rival, someone to push you farther. Thank you for teaching me that."

Ash chuckled.

"Well, as a champion I am supposed to inspire others."

"Indeed you are. I'll be cheering for you, so don't lose until we fight again!"

"You can count on it!"

The next morning, Ash, Goh, Chloe, Lillie, and Korrina were getting ready to head home. Bea, Allister, and Marnie were there to see them off.

"Good luck with your future matches, Ash," Marnie said. "Team Yell and I will be cheering you on. And if any of them don't, they'll have me to answer to!"

Everyone laughed before Bea turned to Korrina.

"Anytime you need a sparring partner, don't be a stranger! And make sure to bring more sweets."

"You got it, Bea Bea!"

"Korrina!"

Everyone laughed as Bea's face got redder than a Pokeball. Allister was the last to step up.

"Um, goodbye. Good luck!"

"Thanks! You too, buddy!"

Attention, PK Airlines flight 24 to Vermillion City is now boarding. Flight 23 to Lumiose City will arrive in one hour.

"Guess that's our cue. Bye!"

"Good luck!"

And so, our heroes waved goodbye and left for home, ready for whatever adventures came next.

A/N: Man, 100 chapters! To think, at this point in Ash's Ultra Journey the story was almost over. But don't you worry, this story is far from done. I hope to get at least another chapter out before the new year, but if I can't then I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!