With the Grand Festival over, it was finally time for Ash to get his eight badge in the Sinnoh Region. Eight, and the final one he needs to enter the Sinnoh League Tournament.
As such, Ash, Lillie and Dawn, have traveled from Lake Valor, back to the Sunyshore City, where Ash is going to have a gym battle.
When Ash, and the girls arrived in the Sunyshore City, they found out that there is a long line of trainers, who want to battle against Volkner for a badge. Fortunately for Ash, Volkner already promised him that he will be the first one to have a battle against him, thus, Ash doesn't have to wait in line.
Right now, Ash is already at the battlefield in the Sunyshore Gym, along with Volkner, and Flint.
As for Lillie, and Dawn, they are on the bleachers. Lillie is seating down, as usual, with Ash's Rotom Pokedex floating next to her, as it will record Ash's battle.
Dawn, on the other hand, has dressed up as a cheerleader, along with her Piplup, and Buneary; and plans to cheer for Ash.
"Since Ash cheered for me at the Grand Festival, now it's time for me to cheer for him." Dawn said.
"I don't know about Ash cheering," Lillie gave a small comment. "It's… unlike him."
"He did cheer, in his own way." Dawn said, as she heard Lillie's comment. Then, Dawn, Piplup, and Buneary started to cheer, and wave with their pompoms.
Down at the battlefield, Ash, Flint, and Volkner were speaking. "Does out agreement still stand?" Ash asked.
"If you want to," Flint said. "We are both ready, either way."
Ash nodded. "I want to battle against both of you, one-on-one." Ash said.
Flint, and Volkner agreed, before it was decided that Volkner will go first.
The referee-bot announced the match. "The Sunyshore Gym battle, between Volkner, the Gym Leader; and Ash, the challenger, will now begin! It will be a one-on-one battle, and the battle will be over when one of the trainers Pokémon, is unable to continue!
"Battle, BEGIN!" The referee-bot started the match.
"I hope you are ready, Ash," Volkner said, as he threw his Poke Ball, and released his strongest Pokémon.
It was a Raichu. "Let's do this, Raichu." Volkner said to his first, and strongest Pokémon.
Raichu nodded at Volkner, while looking at Ash. It looks pumped-up for the battle.
"I figured that Raichu was your strongest Pokémon, after I heard about your story," Ash said to Volkner. "Thus, I chose this Pokémon. Come on out, Melmetal!"
Ash released his Pokémon to the battlefield. Its appearance surprised Volkner, and Flint.
"What Pokémon is that?" Volkner asked.
"This, is Melmetal," Ash said. "It's a Steel Type Pokémon, which I caught in the Alola Region."
"Alola Region," Volkner spoke. "Never been there, so don't blame me for not knowing which Pokémon you are using."
Ash nodded. "You should know," he spoke again. "Melmetal, is considered to be a Mythical Pokémon. So, it's naturally strong, plus, I trained it."
"I see." Volkner said in understanding. He now knew that Ash wasn't messing around when he challenged him, and Flint to battle him with their strongest Pokémon.
"Let's do this." Volkner said. He was just as pumped-up for the battle, as his Raichu is.
Ash started the match, with his Melmetal using Flash Cannon.
Melmetal created a white ball of energy in front of his eyes, before he fired a white, and light blue beam of energy, toward Raichu,
"Use Thunderbolt." Volkner said to his Raichu, whose cheeks crackled with yellow electricity before Raichu released a bolt of yellow electricity.
The two attacks clashed, and destroyed one another, creating a big explosion at the middle of the battlefield.
Before the smoke even disappeared, Volkner reacted, and had his Raichu use Dig. Raichu went underground, and a moment later, it jumped right from below of Melmetal, and hit him on the screw which is Melmetal's head.
Melmetal's head went back a little bit, but he didn't fall down. "Use Double Iron Bash." Ash said.
Melmetal started to rapidly spin his body, and once he built enough force, he extended his arms and hit Raichu with them, one after the other.
Raichu was sent flying from the force of the two hits, and rolled on the battlefield. Luckily, it was able to stop itself, and then stood straight. Raichu was looking at Melmetal, with a smirk on its face, which was mimicked by its trainer.
"Use Thunderbolt." Volkner called out, before Raichu fired another powerful bolt of electricity toward Melmetal.
"Use Iron Defense." Ash said to his Pokémon. Melmetal's body became outlined in white, before he shined. Then, he was hit by a Thunderbolt, but it didn't do any damage.
"Now, use Mega Kick." Ash said.
"Counter with your, Mega Kick, Raichu." Volkner said.
Both Pokémon jumped toward one another, with Melmetal's right leg, and Raichu's leg, going first. The legs glowed, before they collided… better said, Melmetal kicked Raichu over the face, and sent it flying, while Raichu didn't make any contact with Melmetal.
"Damn," Volkner cussed, when he saw his Raichu be kicked on the head, and fall to the battlefield. "The difference in leg length, slipped my mind."
"Flash Cannon." Ash called immediately, not wanting to give Raichu a chance to recover too much.
Melmetal fired another white, and light blue beam, toward Raichu, but unfortunately, Raichu recovered in time, and used Dig to escape from Melmetal's attack.
Ash looked around, to see where Raichu is going to come out from, before he noticed the movement of the ground on Melmetal's right side. "Jump backwards." Ash said to his Pokémon, who quickly did just that, before at that exact moment Raichu broke out from underground.
"Use, Focus Punch." Volkner said to Raichu, whose right paw glowed white, before it jumped straight toward Melmetal. Immediately, Raichu was in front of Melmetal, and slugged him over the head, which made Melmetal fall on the ground.
"Double Iron Bash." Ash said to his Pokémon, even though he was on the ground.
Melmetal quickly got up, and used its signature attack, hitting Raichu two more times, and sent it flying.
"Raichu, use Volt Tackle." Volkner said.
"Counter with Giga Impact." Ash said.
Raichu run toward Melmetal, as its body becomes surrounded by golden electricity. While covered in electricity, Raichu's body looks black and white.
From the other side, Melmetal slams his fists together in front of himself, and a purple orb with orange-yellow streaks spiraling around it appears around his body. Melmetal then run toward Raichu, and slammed into his opponent, who was surrounded in electricity.
The two Pokémon clashed at the middle of the battlefield, and caused a shockwave to spread around the gym. The two pushed at each other for a few moment, before Melmetal's greater physical strength overcome Raichu, and sent it flying away from the battlefield.
Melmetal stood on the ground, and looked toward where Raichu was sent flying, away from the battlefield, and behind Volkner.
Everyone looked toward where Raichu is, and some even thought that it was defeated, those being Lillie, and Dawn.
Unfortunately, Raichu suddenly moved, and got up. He slowly walked back to the battlefield, while electricity was surrounding its warn-out, and damaged body. It was due to recoil from the Volt Tackle.
Raichu got back to the battlefield, and looked ready to continue.
Volkner knew that his Pokémon, is at its last leg. He knows that Raichu is a strong Pokémon, with powerful attacks. Today, though, he's fighting against a Pokémon who can counter the power of Raichu's attacks, but is also physically stronger and larger, thus; giving Melmetal a great advantage.
Deciding to continue, and see how it goes, Volkner told Raichu to use Thunder.
Raichu's body become surrounded by electricity, before it fired a massive yellow beam of electricity at Melmetal.
"End this, with Steel Beam." Ash said to his Pokémon. He knew that Raichu won't last for much longer. Melmetal's physical strength is overwhelming his opponents, and it was only a matter of time when the battle will come to an end. Ash figured that this is the time, so he called out his Melmetal's strongest attack.
Melmetal created an orb of bluish-silver energy in front of the screws at the top of his arms. Then, he fires a beam of energy from the orb, and straight toward Raichu.
Steel Beam collided with Thunder, before the two attacks pushed at each other for a few moments. Quickly, though, Melmetal's attack broke through Raichu's, and went toward the Electric Type.
Raichu had no chance to dodge, and was hit by Melmetal's most powerful attack. Raichu was swallowed by the explosion, and it took almost half a minute, for the smoke to clear out, so that everyone could see what happened to Raichu.
When the smoke finally cleared out, everyone saw Raichu lying on the ground. It was unconscious.
"Raichu is unable to battle," the referee-bot announced! "The winner is Melmetal, and the match goes to the challenger. ASH!"
Volkner sighed, as he lost. "Thanks for the great battle, Raichu." He said to his Pokémon, as he returned it to its Poke Ball. He then looked at Ash, who was congratulating his Melmetal for a great battle, and the win against a very powerful Pokémon.
"That's was a great match, Ash," Volkner said to Ash, as he approached him. "Congratulations, on defeating my strongest Pokémon."
"Thanks', Volkner." Ash said, after he returned his Melmetal into its Poke Ball, for a well-deserved rest.
Volkner nodded. "But, as it was your desire to battle against me, AND Flint, you now have to defeat him as well, if you want to get the Sunyshore Gym Badge."
Ash nodded at that, before he looked at Flint, who has gotten up from the bleachers as soon as the battle ended, and is now standing next to Volkner. "Hope you are ready." Ash said to a member of the Elite Four."
"OH, I am," Flint said with a smirk. "I hope you are."
Ash only smirked.
Volkner left the battlefield, and went to the bleachers to watch the battle with Lillie and Dawn.
Ash, and Flint stood on their positions, while the referee-bot, announced the match. It was the same announcement as the first time, only with Flint's name, instead of Volkner'.
"Come one out, Infernape!" Flint released his strongest Pokémon. It was a no one's surprise when they saw his Infernape.
"Let's do this, Kommo-O!" Ash released his Dragon Type.
Once Flint, and Volkner said Ash's Pokémon, they both looked surprised.
"What's that?" Flint asked.
"Another Alola Pokémon," Ash said. "This is Dragon/Fighting, Pseudo-Legendary Pokémon."
"So you decided to use two Alola Pokémon against, Volkner, and I," Flint stated. "Is there a reason, why?"
"My Sinnoh Pokémon are not ready to battle against Elite Four, or a Champion Level Pokémon," Ash said. "My Alola Pokémon, are… at least few of them. The thing about them, is that they didn't have a chance to compete in a Regional Tournament, because I decided not to enter the first ever Alola League, which was held last year. As such, I want to give my Alola Pokémon a chance to show what they've got, in the Sinnoh League. Of course, I will also use my Sinnoh Pokémon. It will be a good mix of my new, and my relatively older Pokémon."
"What about your older Pokémon," Flint had to ask? He was really curious. "The ones from Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn."
Ash shock his head. "I seriously doubt that I'll use them any time soon." He said.
"Why?" Flint asked, curiously.
"Because even the weakest among them, is a Champion Level Pokémon," Ash said, much to Flint's and Volkner' shock. "When I was in Alola, I didn't train my Alola Pokémon that much. I focused on my Kanto, Johto and Hoenn Pokémon. I broke them, and then rebuilt them again, until they were all Champion Level Pokémon. Some are even beyond, like… the High-Legendary Pokémon."
Flint was shocked. "I don't think I've ever heard of a Pokémon Trainer, with that amount of Champion Level Pokémon." He admitted.
Ash shrugged with his shoulders. "There is a first time for everything, I guess." He said.
Flint had to not at that.
With his curiosity satisfied, Flint was ready to start the match.
Before he did, though, Ash released his Monferno and sent him to watch the match from the bleachers, as his evolved form is Infernape, so he can learn a lot from watching Flint's Infernape.
With that settled, it was time for the match to start.
"BEGIN!" The referee-bot started the battle.
"Kommo-o, start with Dragon Pulse." Ash started the battle, as his Pokémon formed a turquoise ball in front of his head, and then he fired it at Infernape.
Infernape dodged by jumping into the air, before he had to quickly use Flamethrower, to counter the Boomburst, fired by Kommo-o.
The two attacks were of equal power, so they canceled each other out.
"Use Close Combat." Ash said.
"You use Close Combat, as well, Infernape." Flint said.
The two Pokémon jumped at each other, before they started to punch, kick, and slam at each other. Their attacks were of great speed, though Infernape was clearly faster, but Kommo-o's attacks were stronger. As such, while Kommo-o was hit more times, Infernape was hit harder.
By the time the two Pokémon stopped hitting each other, and moved back, they received about equal amount of damage.
"Dragon Pulse." Ash said.
"Dodge, and use Mach Punch." Flint countered, as his Infernape jumped away from Kommo-o's attack, and then hit him across the face with his glowing right fist.
Kommo-o's head went to the side, and he took a few steps back from the force of the attack, and so he won't fall down.
As soon as Kommo-o turned his head straight, he was hit by at Thunder Punch, from the other side of his face.
"Iron Tail." Ash said quickly, which made his Kommo-o react immediately, and swung his glowing tail. He slammed it at Infernape, and sent him flying backwards.
Infernape was able to turn backwards mid-air, and stood back on his feet. "Overheat." Flint called.
"Focus Blast." Ash countered.
Infernape's body turned red, before he released a powerful orange-yellow fire with an orange flame spiraling around it. The attack went toward Kommo-o, who created a light blue ball of energy in between his hands, and then fired it at the incoming fire attack.
The two attacks collided, and caused a huge explosion which sent shockwaves across the gym, and made everyone close their eyes. The two Pokémon were closest to the explosion, and they were sent flying backwards, and out of the battlefield.
"Infernape, get up, and use Close Combat." Flint called to his Pokémon, who was able to get up, and jump toward Kommo-o.
Kommo-o was just able to get up as well, before he was repeatedly hit by Infernape's fists, which moved at light speed.
Kommo-o was brought to his knees, from the amount of punches that Infernape has delivered to him. Still, he wasn't defeated. He was tougher than that.
"Clanging Scales." Ash said to his Pokémon. Kommo-o folded his arms, before he quickly unfolded them letting out a powerful roar. The roar released blue shockwaves toward Infernape, who had no chance to dodge, and was hit by the shockwave. He was sent flying all the way out of the battlefield, and crashed into the wall of the bleachers.
Infernape got up, and returned to the battlefield. He looks somewhat damaged from the fighting, but he can still go on.
"Flamethrower." Flint said.
"Disperse it with Dragon Claw." Ash said.
Kommo-o right claw got surrounded in green aura, before he slashed toward the incoming Flamethrower. He slashed the fire type attack, and completely dispersed it, leaving nothing behind.
Kommo-o was surprised though, when he saw Infernape right in front of him, with his right fist glowing. Infernape used Mach Punch, and hit Kommo-o over the head. Kommo-o reacted just as fast as Infernape, and used Iron Tail.
Infernape was sent backwards from the hit, before he was hit by a Dragon Pulse, which caused an explosion to envelop Infernape.
When the smoke cleared out, Infernape was seen standing, and looking at Kommo-o. He looks tired, and damaged, as he is looking at his opponent.
On the other side, Kommo-o is also standing, and looking at Infernape, while breathing hard from exhaustion.
"Infernape, use Overheat." Flint said.
"Protect." Ash said.
Just as Kommo-o created a green barrier around himself, the barrier was hit by one of the most powerful Fire Type attacks.
It caused a huge explosion around the barrier, but the barrier held on, and saved Kommo-o from a certain defeat.
Kommo-o released the barrier, and used Boomburst. He sent the attack through the smoke, and hit Infernape straight on.
"Use Close Combat." Ash said. He wanted to finish this right away.
Flint told his Infernape to use Mach Punch.
The two Pokémon appeared in front of each other, before Infernape – due to his greater speed, and agility – hit Kommo-o with Mach Punch.
Kommo-o held on, and didn't fall down. Instead, he started to hit, kick, slam, and everything he could think of.
Infernape couldn't do anything, as he was constantly hit, and kicked by Kommo-o. The attacks were powerful, and hit everywhere across his body.
With one last attack, Kommo-o used Iron Tail, and slammed Infernape over the head. Infernape fell down on the ground, and this time, he didn't get up.
"Infernape is unable to continue," the referee-bot said! "The winner is Kommo-o, and the match goes to Ash Ketchum!"
Ash smiled, as he approached to his Pokémon. Kommo-o fell on the ground, barely conscious, but he has held long enough, and was able to defeat Flint's Infernape, though just barely.
A win, is a win, though. And Ash is proud of his Pokémon. "Thanks' for the great battle, Kommo-o," Ash said to his Pokémon. "Take a nice rest inside the Poke Ball, until I take you to Nurse Joy."
Kommo-o nodded, before he was returned to the Poke Ball.
Volkner, and Flint approached Ash, with Volkner presenting a Beacon Badge, to him. "Congratulations, Ash." Volkner said.
"Thank', Volkner." Ash said, as he took the badge. His eight badge in the Sinnoh. Now, he can enter the Sinnoh League, and go for the win.
"I got to say, Ash," Flint spoke. "You are one scary trainer."
Ash smirked, but he also shrugged. He does that… a lot. "If you say so." He said to Flint.
XXX
Later, Ash, the girls, Flint, and Volkner, were outside of the gym. Flint, and Volkner are there to say goodbye to Ash, Lillie, and Dawn. Volkner also said a few words to Ash. He thanked him for a great battle, and for reminding him of how great the Pokémon Battles, are. In many ways, it was because of Ash' actions when the Sunyshore Tower was taken, and then the battles today, that Volkner is back to how he used to be.
A Shining Shocking Star of the Sinnoh Region.
"The Sinnoh League is taking place in a month, on Lily of the Valley Island." Flint informed Ash. "You can catch a ferry at the Sunyshore City Seaport, which will take you there, no problem."
Ash nodded. "Great," he said. "It gives me, and Lillie enough time to prepare."
And with that, Ash, Lillie, and Dawn, waved at Flint, and Volkner, as they left the Sunyshore Gym, and went straight to the Pokémon Center.
XXX
Sometime later, Ash, Lillie, and Dawn were in the Pokémon Center.
Ash has left his Melmetal, and Kommo-o with the Nurse Joy, so she can heal them, after their tough battles against Volkner, and Flint.
As for Ash, and the girl, they are in the cafeteria, where they are having lunch, and talking about their future plans.
"What are we going to do now, Ash," Lillie asked Ash? "There is still a month left until the Sinnoh League starts."
"We train." Ash shrugged. "There really is nothing else we can do. Nothing better to do, really. Training will help our Pokémon be prepared for the tournament."
"Where are we going to train?" Lillie asked.
"We go to the Lily of the Valley Island." Ash said.
"That's where the Sinnoh League is being held." Dawn said.
"Exactly," Ash said. "We can go there right now, and spend the next month training there. The island is quite big, and the Sinnoh League is held on one small portion of it. As such, we have a lot of space to train in the forest, and no one to bother us."
Lillie agreed. "It's a good idea."
"When do we leave?" Dawn asked.
We and our Pokémon rest today, before we head to the island tomorrow," Ash said. "We will be there by the late afternoon, so we can start the training the day after tomorrow."
Lillie nodded.
So, with the plans made, Ash, Lillie, and Dawn spent the rest of the day in peace. The next month, is going to be a hell of training.
Ash, Lillie, and Dawn, have finally arrived at the Lily of the Valley Island. The sight of the Sinnoh League, a competition Ash, and Lillie will try to win.
It was a long road to get to there. A road filled with good, and bad stuff. With excitements, and rage (Ash's rage). A road filled with wins, and occasional loss.
All in all, it was a long and tough road, but Ash, Lillie and Dawn have reached its end.
The three of them have arrived on the island, which was full of people who have come to compete in the Sinnoh League, but also those who have come to watch to League.
The first place Ash, Lillie, and Dawn went to, once they arrived on the island, is the Pokémon Center. It is there, that they registered for the Sinnoh League, and were assigned rooms, for the duration of the tournament.
Now, the three of them are doing some sightseeing around the trainer's village, to see all the people and Pokémon currently there, but also to see the shops, and maybe buy something.
"It's so different here," Dawn commented, while looking around. Her Piplup in her arms. He was agreeing with her. "It's so different then the Grand Festival."
Suddenly, Dawn, and Piplup shivered when they felt a presence, and heard a voice behind them. "Hehehe," Conway laughed. "Well, it is a Sinnoh League, after all."
Dawn turned around, only to see Conway. Ash, and Lillie have already seen him when he arrived, as they were standing in front of Dawn, so they were able to see Conway approaching from behind her. "The atmosphere is a lot different here, and not only that, trainers village has a lot of different facilities. For example, the restaurant is, all you can eat. Hehehe."
The, he turned around, and walked away.
"That guy is as strange as ever." Lillie said, as she watched Conway, walk away.
Dawn agreed.
"I guess he's competing, as well." Ash said. He also thought that Conway is strange, and that's saying a lot, considering that he's the strangest of all.
XXX
Sometime later, the three arrived in the room they are going to share in the Pokémon Village. There, they found a basket of flowers, and a card. It was from Professor Oak, who wished Ash, and Lillie, good luck, and said that he will watch the tournament on a TV.
Ash smiled, before he decided on something.
"Professor Oak," Ash nodded to the old Professor, though his Rotom Pokedex, which was floating in front of his face. "How are you?"
"I'm fine, Ash," the old professor, replied. "What about you."
"We just arrived in the trainer's village," Ash said. "I found the flowers, and the note. Thank' for that."
Lillie, and Dawn were with Ash, as he was speaking with Professor Oak. Lillie also thanked the professor, just as Ash did,
"So, can I help you with something, Ash?" Professor Oak, asked.
"Actually, yes," Ash said, drawing everyone's attention. "I've decided to use the Pokémon I've caught in the Alola Region, for this tournament. I will also use my Sinnoh Team, but I also want to use the Alola Team as well."
"That's a nice decision, Ash," Professor Oak said. "The Alola Team didn't have a chance to enter the Pokémon League so far. As such, the Sinnoh League is a good chance for them to prove themselves."
Ash nodded. "Exactly what I thought."
"Do you want me to send you some of them?" Professor Oak, asked.
"No," Ash shock his head. "I'll start with the ones I have with me. When I need another, I'll call you. I called you now, just to inform you of my decision, so you know to expect my call."
Professor Oak nodded. "Don' worry, Ash," he said. "In case I can't send you your Pokémon, Tracey is here, and he will be able to."
Ash nodded.
XXX
Later that evening, the Sinnoh League flame has been lit, which signifies the start of the Lily of the Valley Conference.
At the grand stadium, all the tournament participants are standing, and watching the lighting of the flame. The stadium seats are also full with people who came to watch the tournament, which will start tomorrow, while now, it's only the opening ceremony.
Ash, and Lillie are standing in the stadium with the other participants. They are looking around to see who else is there, and who they've already met.
The two already know that Conway is there. They've seen him earlier today. They knew that Paul, and Barry are there, as they had eight badges before Ash, and Lillie had theirs.
As they looked around, Ash, and Lillie also saw Nando, which isn't really a surprise, as they knew that he only needed one gym badge, when they last saw him at the Grand Festival.
Another familiar face, which Ash and Lillie saw among the competitors, is Athena's. Again, not really a surprise. Ash, and Lillie were expecting here to be there.
The only other familiar face which appeared, that neither Ash, nor Lillie expected, is Jessica's. Truthfully, Ash has almost forgotten about her, as it's been a long time since he's met her. What he didn't forget is the fun time he had with her, that one night.
Ash wondered how she's doing, and if they can have a repeat of that night. They did - kind of - agreed on that last time.
Ash decided to think on that later. He looked around a little more, but he didn't see any other familiar face.
What he did see, is Charles Goodshow, the President of the League Competition Committee. He is seating on one of the VIP seats, along with Cynthia.
Ash was slightly surprised to see Cynthia, as he didn't expect her to be here. She didn't mention anything the last time they talked. Then again, maybe she wanted to surprise him. If she did, then she was successful, as he is surprised.
With the Sinnoh Flame lit, all that was left was to see who will battle whom, in the first round. That was decided right away, as the large screen at the top of the stadium, showed the pictures of the competitors, and their opponent's right next to them.
Ash quickly found his opponent in the first round. Much to his surprise, it was Nando. A truly tough opponent for the first round.
As for Lillie, and the other familiar faces, they are all facing off against unfamiliar opponents.
"Perhaps fate, has a hand in our upcoming battle, Ash." Nando said, as he approached to Ash.
"I agree." Ash said.
"It was after meeting you, that I decided to enter the Sinnoh League, myself," Nando said. "And now, I get to battle you here. Yes… I'm truly honored."
"I hope we're going to have a fine battle, Nando." Ash said to his friend, and opponent.
"I'm sure we will, Ash," Nando said. "Good luck."
Ash nodded, before the two shook their hands.
After the lighting of the Sinnoh flame, and the announcement of the first round matchups; Ash, Lillie, and Dawn left the stadium, and went for a walk. The evening was nice, it was warm, and there was no need to go back to the room. As such, a walk around the trainer's village, was a good idea.
"Do you know which Pokémon you are going to use in the first round?" Dawn, asked Lillie, and Ash.
Lillie shrugged. "I don't know anything about my opponent. I'll have to check him out later, and see which Pokémon he has. All the trainers competing here have their Pokémon registered, so there is a database I can check out, and see my opponents Pokémon. Once I see that, I'll decide."
Dawn nodded. "What about you, Ash?"
"Well, we already know Nando, and most of the Pokémon he has," Ash said. Lillie, and Dawn agreed. "He has some Bug, and Grass Types, but there were that Lopunny, and Altaria, he used at the Grand Festival, so it will be tricky to decide. Not to mention that some of his Pokémon are dual types, so it's not just Grass, or Bug. Roserade, for example, is part Poison Type." He shrugged in the end. "I guess I'll check him out in the database, and then see. I'll have to make a good choice, though. It's one-on-one battle, so there is no space for mistakes."
Dawn nodded, once again.
They run into Paul. They spoke with him for a little while, and found out that he already has his opponent checked out, and knows which Pokémon he's going to use.
"He sure works fast." Ash, Lillie, and Dawn thought of Paul.
The next hour was peaceful for the gang, before Lillie and Dawn went to the room, as they were tired, and wanted to sleep. Ash decided to stay out a little longer. He didn't feel like sleeping, thus, his decision.
XXX
An hour after Lillie, and Dawn went to sleep, Ash was still outside. He was currently seating under a tree, legs crossed, and his eyes closed.
He wasn't sleeping. He was meditating.
He does that a lot. It's something he does to keep himself calm, and to get better control over himself, and his powers. In most cases, it actually works, but there are times when he simply can't control himself, and those cases are such that no amount of meditation will help him.
Ash's meditation was intercepted by a female voice. A voice, which he managed to recognize, even though he hasn't heard it since months ago.
"It's been a while," the voice spoke. "Hasn't it… Ash?"
Ash opened his eyes, and took a look at the girl standing in front of him.
It was none other than Jessica. The girl he met all the way back during the Ghost Clash, in the Hoenn Region, and then met again in the Bewilder Forest, not long after he arrived in the Sinnoh Region. It's also a girl with which he has had sex, that one night outside of the Bewilder Forest.
Ash took a good look at her, and noticed that she looks… different then the last time he saw her. Last time, she wore very revealing clothing, and looked really sexy. Now, she wears less revealing clothes, but still looks beautiful, and sexy.
Jessica wears a black, crop t-shirt, and jean pants. She has a necklace with a cross on it. Finally, she wears a high-hill sandals. Her long brown hair is tied in a high ponytail, giving everyone a good look on her beautiful face, and green eyes.
"It sure has," Ash said to Jessica's question. He stood up from the ground, and stood in front of Jessica. He looked down at her face, as he was almost a head taller then she is, even though he's around 17 years old, and she is close to 20. "You look as beautiful as ever. Though I'm surprised to see you so… dressed up. You usually wear more… revealing cloths."
Jessie noticed a look on Ash's face, and smirked. "I didn't think that it's a good idea to show up here in mini skirt, and showing my tits."
Ash hmed. "I guess so." He said. "I am surprised to see you here, though."
"I did tell you I was challenging the gym, the last time we saw each other." She said.
"Did you," Ash asked back? "Must have slipped my mind."
"Well, you were preoccupied with other… stuff, at that time." She saw with a teasing smirk.
Ash looked at her top to bottom, and back again, before he said. "I sure was."
The two looked at each other, with smirks on their faces.
XXX
The next morning, the battles have started.
Out of all those Ash, Lillie, and Dawn know, the first to have a battle, was Barry. He used his Empoleon, to battle against a trainer who was using a Probopass. The battle ended with Barry as a winner, meaning he's going to the next round.
As Barry left the battlefield, and was walking through a pathway in the stadium, he walked pass the girl, few years older than him.
Barry instantly noticed something about a girl, which drew his attention. He knew that something about her was… off.
He decided to check it out, as it seems that the girls is going to be in a match right after his own.
XXX
Ash, and Nando are standing on the battlefield, ready to start their match. The referee is standing next to the battlefield, also ready. They are all waiting for the announcer to start the match.
Lillie, and Dawn are already on the bleachers, ready to watch the match. Naturally, Piplup was with Dawn.
Neither of the two girls noticed Jessica, standing near the top of the stadium, also watching the start of the match.
Nando went, and released his Pokémon. It was a Roserade. A Grass, and Poison Type Pokémon.
Ash smiled, before he released his Pokémon. It was a Litten. A Fire Cat Pokémon, which he caught in the Alola Region, but never really used that much in battle. He did have a lot of training, though. Now, it was time to see how strong he is.
Seeing Litten, Nando was shocked, as he has never see a Pokémon like that. He can only guess that it's a fire type, from the way it looks. Thought, there is a possibility for a Dark Type, as well.
The crowd was also surprised by Ash's Pokémon. Practically none of them knew which Pokémon it is. The announcer had to reveal the name of Ash's Pokémon, and that it's a fire starter from Alola Region.
"So, he chose a Fire Type," Dawn commented, while seating next to Lillie.
"It's a good choice," Lillie said. "Litten is a strong Pokémon, and has a type advantage. I really don't see Ash having too much trouble with this match."
Dawn couldn't correct Lillie, but she couldn't agree either. She really didn't know that much about Litten, as she has only seen it with Ash, recently. It was mostly staying at Professor Oak's Ranch, though from what she heard from Ash; Litten, and other of Ash's Alola Pokémon, were regularly sent to Professor Kukui, in Alola Region, as they like it there.
"Hey, you won't believe what I just saw!" Barry said to Lillie, and Dawn, after suddenly appearing behind them, breathing hard, as he seems to have run all the way and is short on breath.
"What did you see, Barry?" Lillie asked, while looking at the younger kid. Dawn, and Piplup were also looking curiously at Barry.
"There is this girl who had a battle after me on the same stadium," Barry spoke. "She used a Pokémon from the Kalos Region, called, Florges. Apparently, it's a Fairy Type Pokémon."
"OK," Dawn said. "So what about her? Having a Pokémon from a different region, isn't that weird."
"It's not that she's using a Pokémon from another region," Barry said. "It's that it was so powerful, that one Moonblast, and she has defeated her opponent. In less than 10 seconds, the match started, and was over."
Lillie, and Dawn were really shocked by that revelation.
XXX
Down on the battlefield, the referee has just started the match between Ash, and Nando.
"All right Roserade, use Sweet Scent!" Nando started the battle.
Roserade held out its arms and released a pink powder with light pink sparkles from the two flowers at the end of its arms. The powder went toward Litten, but Ash reacted on time.
"Use, Protect." Ash said, casually.
Litten created a green barrier around himself, and stopped the powder, which fell on the barrier, but didn't affect him in any way.
Litten released the barrier, once he saw that the powder has stopped falling. The release of the barrier, has also caused the powder on it, to disperse around him, and not affect him at all.
"Magical Leaf!" Nando said to his Pokémon. The flowers on the end of Roserade's arms, glowed green, before she fired green crescent leaf's toward Litten.
"Counter with Flamethrower." Ash said. Litten took a deep breath, as he rose his head up. Then, he lowered his head toward the incoming leaf's, and shot a very powerful flamethrower.
The Flamethrower broke through the Magical Leaf, as if it wasn't even there, before it proceeded to head toward the shocked Roserade.
"DODGE!" Nando shouted to his Pokémon, who barely managed to get away from the fire type attack, though she was still singed, by the powerful flames.
She was mostly fine, though, and can continue to battle.
"Roserade, use Bullet Seed!" Nando called out. Roserade fires multiple light green seeds from both of its flowers at Litten.
"Dodge." Ash said. Litten easily jumped around the battlefield, and dodged Roserade' attack.
"Fire Fang." Ash said. The inside of Litten's mouth turned into fire, before he jumped toward Roserade, and bit her by one hand, which then became enveloped in flames, and caused Roserade to scream in pain.
Litten let go of Roserade, after he dealt damage, before he stood back in front of Ash, while Roserade was on her knees.
Ash though of ending this, but decided to give Nando one last attack.
Roserade got up, but with one arm burned. "Solar Beam, and give it your all!" Nando said.
Roserade's flowers glowed, as it gathered the energy from the sun. Once it did, Roserade fired it at Litten.
"Flare Blitz." Ash said. Litten's whole body became surrounded with red flames, before he charged toward the incoming Solar Beam. As he run, Litten gained speed, before it hit the Solar Beam.
The attack, and the Pokémon, pushed against each other for a few moments, as the flames around Litten grew more powerful. Eventually, Litten broke through the Solar Beam, and shot like a missile toward the shocked Roserade.
Litten slammed into Roserade, burned her badly with a mere contact, before Roserade shot backwards at great speed.
Roserade slammed into the wall at the bottom of the bleachers, and fell on the ground. "Roserade! NOOOOOO!" Nando yelled, as he saw his Pokémon, lying on the ground, defeated.
"Roserade is unable to battle, so Litten wins," the referee called, as he rose green flag toward Ash! "And that means that Ash, from Pallet Town, is our victor!"
Ash smiled as he was announced as the winner. He went on one knee, and patted his Litten. "You've certainly gotten stronger." Ash said as he patted him.
Litten gave a happy nod, before he suddenly glowed.
Everyone on the stadium watched in surprise, as Litten evolved right after his battle.
"Would you look at that," Ash said to his newly evolved, Torracat. "It seems you got stronger than I thought."
"Of course," Torracat said. "I trained with your other Fire Types."
"Really?" Ash questioned.
Torracat nodded.
"I'm happy for you." Ash said to his Torracat, patted him on the head once again, before he recalled him back to his Poke Ball.
On the bleachers, Lillie, and Dawn were happy for Ash and Torracat, while Piplup was jumping in excitement. Conway - who appeared out of nowhere during the match - was applauding for Ash's win, and his Pokémon's evolution; while Barry was looking in surprise.
"Ash whipped the floor with that guy." Barry said. "Not only that, but his Pokémon evolves right after that match was over. Who would have thought?"
"He won easily, yeah," Dawn agreed. "But that says a lot about his Litten's power. Nando is no slouch. He has reached the semifinals at the Grand Festival. He's a really good trainer."
"I agree," Lillie said. "He was unlucky that he run into Ash in the first match. I'm sure that he would be able to get to quarterfinals, if he didn't run into Ash, and few others."
"Just you wait," Barry said with a smile, and confident look on his face. "I'll defeat Ash when we battle. And I'll win the whole of the Sinnoh League."
Conway laughed as he disappeared, much to Dawn's surprise, as she looked toward where he was.
Several interested characters, like Paul, Jessica, and Athena were watching Ash's match. They were all interested in battling against him in one of the future rounds.
XXX
After the battle, Ash, Lillie, and Dawn found themselves in front of the stadium. They were talking with Nando for a few minutes, before the Pokémon Bard left to continue his travels as a Pokémon Trainer, and Coordinator.
Later, Ash, Lillie, and Dawn found out that Paul, Jessica, and Athena, won their matches. "Barry, and Conway did as well," Dawn said to Ash. "They were watching your battle against Nando."
"There is also some trainer, who has a very powerful Florges," Lillie said to Ash. "According to Barry, she defeated her opponent, with a single Moonblast."
"That is interesting." Ash said, while wearing a smile. "There are a lot of good trainers in this tournament. It's sure going to be interesting to go against all of them. And that includes you… Lillie." Ash said to Lillie, while she smirked.
"It sure will." She agreed.
After that, the gang went to the stadium, where Lillie is going to have her first match.
XXX
Lillie used her Cloyster, in her first battle of the Sinnoh League. She fought against a male opponent, who used Absol.
She won her match relatively easily. She had a bit of trouble due to her opponents speed, but in the end, few well-shot attacks ended the battle, thus, she has also passed the first round, and is continuing her participation in the Sinnoh League.
With the end of Lillie's match, the first day of the Sinnoh League, has ended.
The night has passed quickly, and soon, the second day of the Sinnoh League has started with the second round battles.
Unlike the first round, where the matches were one-vs-one, the second round matches are two-vs-two.
Ash's match was, once again, before Lillie's. He went against a girl, who was using a Grumpig, and Granbull.
Ash was using his Hippopotas, and Kirlia. It was an easy win for Ash, though his opponent was good, and her Pokémon were not so bad. It's just that Ash' were much better.
With this win, Ash has passed into the third round of the Sinnoh League.
XXX
Later during the day, Lillie, Paul, Barry, Conway, Jessica, and Athena, have all passed the second round, and will compete in the third round.
At the end of the second day of the battles, the remaining competitors were shuffled, to see who will fight against whom in the third round.
As such, Ash, Lille, and Dawn were standing in front of the stadium, and looking at the big screen, to see who will be Ash's and Lillie's next opponents. The pictures of the trainers were shown on the big screen, and their opponents next to them.
Ash's next opponent, is Conway. Interesting thing is that Paul, and Barry will go against each other in the next round. Lillie's next opponent, is a girl with short green hair. Athena is going against a brown-haired guy, and Jessica is going to battle against a girl with pigtails.
"Who would have thought that Paul, and Barry will go against each other so soon?" Lillie questioned.
"Luck of the draw," Ash said. "I wasn't exactly thinking of going against Nando in the first round. He's actually better than a good deal of the trainers, who are still left in the tournament."
"I agree," Dawn said. "He was really unlucky to go against you right at the start. I feel sorry for him."
"And look at that, you are against Conway, Ash." Lillie moved the talk toward Ash's third round battle.
"Yeah," Ash said. "He's going to be a tricky one."
"I agree," Lillie said. "He's not better then you, but he can be pretty slick. Be careful with him."
Ash smirked. "I'm always careful in official matches. You won't see me making mistakes."
"You know, I WILL give it my all." Conway said, as he suddenly appeared behind Dawn. "As long as you are cheering me on, Dawn."
"Hi, Conway," Dawn said in shock, after once again seeing a guy appear behind her. He's really scaring her, and annoying her when he does that.
"I happen to have a secret strategy to defeat Ash." Conway said with a confident look on his face.
"It better be a good one." Ash said. He was annoyed with the guy, but not so much as to get angry at him, or anything.
"Of course it is," Conway said. "It's a kind of strategy, only I could have come up with. Do you want to know? I guess I'll make a special exception for you, Dawn."
She was really bothered by the guy. "I never asked." She saw, awkwardly.
Conway approached closer to Dawn, shocking her. "No need to be shy," Conway said. "So come, let me get near."
"Back off!" Dawn yelled, as she moved away from Conway, only to hit Barry, who was passing behind her.
The blonde-haired kid fell on his ass, and rubbed his head. "Oh, man," he yelled! "Hey! What's the big idea, bumping into me?"
"Barry." Ash nodded at the kid. He didn't care that Dawn bumped into him, and made him fall on his ass. Not after all the times Barry bumped into others, including Ash. Of course, it was Barry who always falls down, when he hits Ash.
"I'm fining you for bumping into me right before my battle!" Barry yelled at Dawn, practically entering into her personal space.
"You are the one who bumped into me." Dawn yelled back.
Lillie sighed, as she went, and defused the situation. "Where were you even going in such a hurry?" Lillie asked.
"To see Paul." Barry said, much to everyone's surprise.
"Why?" Ash asked.
"No matter how you look at it, Paul, and I, are the top two contenders in the tournament," Barry said with a smile on his face, and confidence in his voice. "And now, the two seats are going to battle, head to head. It gets lonely at the top, but Paul is there to keep me company!"
Everyone, even Conway, looked at Barry like he's crazy.
"I was just on my way to let Paul, know all this." Barry said.
"I don't think that's such a good idea." Ash sighed.
"I agree with Ash," Dawn said. "I really wouldn't do what you are planning."
"Why not?" Barry asked in confusion.
"Because I know exactly what Paul's gonna say," Dawn said, before she made a very good impression of Paul, "You. Who are you?" Dawn imitated Paul, the same voice, and the sideway glare.
"No way," Barry yelled! "Paul would definitely know who I am!"
"Even if Paul does know you, he'll say," and again, Dawn did a perfect imitation of Paul. "You're pathetic, and no match for me."
"No no no," Barry yelled, as he shook his head! "A trainer of his level of skill, has to know who I am! And I'll prove it!" Then, he run of.
XXX
Ash, Lillie, and Dawn, ended up following Barry, though none really knew why.
They all ended up in a Pokémon Center, in a PC room, where there are a bunch of computers, which trainers can use to look at the database of other trainers, and see their Pokémon, stats, and few other things. All that info could be useful to know, if you are battling against unknown trainers.
"You are looking at my data, aren't you?" Barry asked Paul, when he saw the purple haired guy seat by a PC, and looking at Barry's database.
"Did you hear that," Barry asked the others? "Paul just proved that the strong know who the strong are. He's looking at my data, because that's what I am. You are looking at my data, so you can come up with a strategy. Correct?"
"Data is important." Paul said, much to Barry's joy.
"You can gather all the data you want, but it's useless!" Barry said to Paul, making the older kid slightly confused.
"Why is that?" Dawn asked.
"Don't you see that every second, hour, and day, I'm getting better," Barry yelled at Dawn, and the others!? "Outdated data is useless!"
Everyone groaned at that.
"Barry, even if the data is somewhat outdated, there are still interesting stuff you can find on other trainers while looking at their database," Ash said to Barry. "Paul might not find out everything about you, but he can find a lot of stuff, which can help him come up with a plan to battle against you."
"We'll see about that," Barry said to Ash, before he looked back at Paul. "Look, Paul. The truth is, our battle will determine the title of top trainer. So with that in mind, let's give them all one awesome event."
Paul shut down the PC, and stood up from the chair. "Our battle is only one of the battles taking place in the third round," Paul said to Barry. "Overestimating your ability will only backfire on you."
And with that said, Paul left the room, leaving Barry and the others behind.
"What's your problem," Barry yelled, as he started to run after Paul. He stopped, though, when Paul said that he looks forward to battle against Barry.
With that said, Paul has left the room.
For a second, Barry was confused, before he smiled widely. "Now that's what I call a worthy opponent," he said.
Lillie, and Dawn smiled awkwardly, while Ash sighed as he placed his hand over his eyes.
XXX
Minutes later, Barry was seating by the PC, and was watching at Paul's database. At the same time, Ash was looking at Conway's database on another PC.
Lillie, and Dawn were standing behind them.
"What did you find on Paul?" Dawn asked Barry.
"I researched everything on him, but it's all outdated," Barry said. "There is not one thing that's current."
Lillie smiled. "I guess you were right, earlier," she said to Barry. "The database really is outdated, so he can't find much on you, but you can't find much on him, either."
Barry frowned. He didn't like being told off, and that's exactly what Lillie just did, though in a more… refined way.
"What about you, Ash," Lillie asked Ash? "Did you find something on Conway?"
"It says that he's an impulsive Pokémon trainer with many different battle styles," Ash replied to Lillie's questioned, before he asked. "Am I right, Conway?"
Lillie, Dawn, and Barry looked at Ash, confused, before Conway's face suddenly appeared from the other booth.
"Yes," Conway said to Ash. "You are right."
"So you are unpredictable?" Dawn questioned. She has started to get used to Conway appearing out of nowhere, though he's still freaking her out, from time to time.
"It's a big part of my appeal." Conway said.
"I guess you are doing some research, as well." Lillie said.
"A little bit, yeah." Conway said.
"You're gonna need more than a little bit, if you even want to have a chance against Ash." Dawn said.
"I wasn't looking on Ash's data," Conway said, making everyone surprised. "Everyone knows stuff about Ash, and they are easily found. When you win three Pokémon Leagues, in three different regions, in just four years, you become very famous, and stuff on you are easily found."
Ash actually groaned, while Barry was very surprised that Ash is that famous. He knew that he is, but not that much.
"I'm currently doing research on Athena." Conway said.
"Why?" Ash asked.
"Because she has a very powerful Florges, and was able to win her first two rounds, with just Florges," Conway said. "It seems that she wishes to keep her other Pokémon a secret as much as possible, which is why she's only using her strongest Pokémon."
Ash hmed. "Well, that could be truth," he said. "We have seen some of her Pokémon, but never that Florges."
Conway, and Barry were surprised by what Ash said.
"You know her?" Barry asked.
"We've met her a few times," Lillie said. "You can say that she's… a friend. Thought not a very close one, but still a friend."
"Then you must have more information on her, then the database?" Conway asked, curiously.
Ash shock his head. "The last time we saw her, was months ago when we were in Canalave City," he said. "And before that, we've only seen her once. I know a few of her Pokémon, which she has shown, but not much beyond that."
Conway looked back at the PC for a moment, before he said. "Well, the data on her shows that, besides Florges, she also has a Leafeon, Metagross, Walrein, and Gallade. It also says that she has won all her gym badges, with only those five Pokémon. No one even knows if she has more than that."
"She must have at least one more Pokémon," Dawn said. "The rules for the Pokémon League say that you must have at least six Pokémon, otherwise, you wouldn't be able to compete."
"There is no data for any other Pokémon, beside the ones I just mentioned," Conway said, seriously, before he smiled. "Fighting against her will be fighting against the unknown. It should be really interesting."
"You have to get pass me, first," Ash said to Conway. "And I won't make it easy for you."
Conway smiled. "We will see." He said, before he waved at Dawn, and disappeared behind the booth.
"That guy is really strange." Lillie said. Everyone agreed.
"I give up," Barry said with a sigh. "No sense in making myself, nuts."
"Good decision." Ash said.
XXX
"I finally found you," Cynthia said to Ash, as she saw him seating near the shore. The trainer's village was about a kilometer away from them.
"You could have just called me, and we would have met as soon as I came here." Ash said, as he turned his head, and looked at one of his first girlfriends. He didn't stand up, though. She set next to him.
"I could have," Cynthia said. "But I felt like just finding you, instead of calling you."
Ash looked at her for a moment, before she shrugged. "If you don't have problem wasting time…"
"I don't." She said, before she kissed him. Ash kissed back.
"So," Ash spoke, after they broke away from kissing. "How've you been, lately?"
"I'm fine," she said. "Thanks' for asking."
"Any new challengers," Ash asked? "Flint did mention that he plans to challenge you, very soon."
"I heard about that," Cynthia said. "But he hasn't challenged me yet. He's probably training for it, though."
"I'm sure he is," Ash said. "He' going to need all the training her can get, to defeat you."
"I'm not unbeatable, Ash," Cynthia said. "I never defeated you. I never defeated Leon, either."
"You only battled me, once," Ash said. "You might be able to defeat me now. Who knows? As for Leon… I honestly know very little about him, so I can't tell you if you, or I would be able to defeat him."
"If you use your strongest Pokémon, you could defeat him," Cynthia said. "Trust me."
Ash shrugged. "If you say so." He said.
"When do you plan to enter the World Coronation Series?" Cynthia asked
"Not for a while," Ash said. "After Sinnoh, I'll probably head to Unova, and then Kalos. After that… maybe I'll enter the World Coronation Series. I'll visit Galar, but I don't think I'll be doing gym battles, at that point. I'll already be over 20 years old by then. I doubt I'll have interest in gym battles by that point."
Cynthia nodded.
"Are you going all out, right now?" Cynthia asked.
"You mean in this tournament," Ash questioned? Cynthia nodded. "I will." he said.
"I thought you might decide to let Lillie, win." Cynthia said.
"You know I never let anyone defeat me, unless they are good enough to defeat me." Ash said with a smirk.
Cynthia smiled at him. "I know," she said. "I was just asking."
Ash nodded, before he said. "Besides, I have a feeling that Lillie won't make it to the final round."
"Why is that?" Cynthia asked.
"She has that Pidgeot, and it's an Elite Four level Pokémon," Ash said. "She has some other Pokémon, which are very powerful, but not Elite Four level. Normally, she should be able to easily get to the final round, unless she runs into me, and even then, I wouldn't be able to defeat her with only my Sinnoh Pokémon."
"Then why do you think she won't make it to the final round?" Cynthia asked.
"Because of Athena." Ash said, and Cynthia rose her eyebrows.
"You mean that girl with Florges?" She questioned.
"I guess you noticed her." Ash said.
"I did," Cynthia said. "That Florges is very powerful, though I can't exactly say how powerful, as I never saw it go all out."
"Athena is a member of the Shadow Legion," Ash said, and Cynthia gasped. "I can't say for sure… but I think that she's one of the high ranking members. If she is, then that Florges is definitely Elite Pokémon. The question is. How powerful are her other Pokémon? That's the reason why I think that Lillie will have problems if she goes up against Athena. She's a big, unknown, and trainers like that are troublesome to deal with. You don't know what to expect, and while Lillie has had a lot of training, and has powerful Pokémon… I just don't know if that will be enough for Athena."
"Maybe you are just overthinking it," Cynthia said, after a minute of silence. "Maybe Florges is Athena's strongest Pokémon, and maybe it's not even Elite Level Pokémon. Maybe it's just very powerful."
"Maybe," Ash agreed. "But maybe she is a trainer with Elite Level Pokémon. We can't know until we see it."
Cynthia agreed. "I'm surprised you haven't taken her out by now," she said, getting a look from Ash. "I know all about your hatred for the Shadow Legion, and its members. For you to let one of them walk around… it's surprising."
"She's just a young girl, around Serena's age," Ash said, with a sigh. "As much as I hate the Shadow Legion, and its members… I wouldn't be able to bring myself to kill her. As for sending her to jail… I haven't actually caught her doing anything to deserve jail time. And even I can't just accuse someone of being a member of the criminal organization, without proof. 'I read her mind', won't cut it."
Cynthia understood what Ash was saying, and knew he was right. Also, she was actually happy that he doesn't want to kill Athena. She would be really worried for Ash, if he has said that he could kill a 15 year old girl, without blinking.
"Can you defeat her, if you battle against her," Cynthia asked Ash. "And I mean without using your older Pokémon."
Ash nodded. "I can with my Alola team," he said. "Besides, there is a… Pokémon I caught in Alola, which I can use as a tramp card, if necessary."
"Really?" Cynthia questioned, with raised eyebrows.
"Really." Ash said with a smirk.
Cynthia looked at him, waiting for him to tell her which Pokémon it is, but Ash said nothing. When she realized that he won't say it, Cynthia asked. "Are you going to tell me, which Pokémon is it?"
Ash just looked at her, with a smirk on his face.
"Oh, come on." Cynthia whined. She looked adorable, when she does that.
"You know… I can be convinced to tell you." Ash said to her, while looking at her with a smirk on his face.
"Is that so?" Cynthia asked. She knew what Ash was implying.
"That so." He confirmed.
Cynthia smirked back.