Chapter 114: Thrash of the Titans

An hour later, everyone was gathered at Opelucid Stadium for Iris and Ash's match. As the two entered the stadium, the announcer began his opening spiel.

"Greetings, Pokefans! And welcome to another exciting World Coronation Series Ultra Class battle! This one is a real treat, for we have not one, but TWO champions duking it out for the right to advance in ranks! In the red corner, he's the Champion of Alola, but he comes all the way from Pallet Town, Ranked 36, he's Ash Ketchum!"

The crowd cheered as Ash took his spot on the battlefield, waving to the audience.

"And in the green corner, the aspiring Dragon Master from the Village of Dragons, Unova's Champion herself ranked 40, Iris!"

The crowd cheered even wilder for their champion, Iris waving to her fans before shaking Ash's hand.

"Good luck, Ash! Let's have a good match!"

"I couldn't have put it better myself, Iris!"

Once the two were in their separate corners, the referee began to explain the rules.

"This will be a three-on-three battle with no time limit! Each trainer may switch out as often as they like. In addition, each trainer may only use Mega Evolution, a Z-Move, or Dynamax once per battle! Both trainers will send out their Pokemon at the same time! Trainers, are you ready?"

"Ready!"

"Ready!"

"Then let the battle begin!"

"Lucario, I choose you!"

"Go, Excadrill!"

"Alright Lucario, start things off with Aura Sphere!"

"Dig, Excadrill!"

Lucario started off fast and strong, firing off a volley of Aura Spheres. A few managed to hit Excadrill, but he soon managed to dig into the ground and disappear from sight. Lucario ceased firing, scanning the battlefield to try and find where his opponent would pop up.

"Now!"

"Aura Sphere, beneath you!"

Lucario reacted just in time, propelling himself into the air with a perfectly timed Aura Sphere into the ground just as Excarill emerged to strike him. Excardill was quick to recover, shaking off the hit before getting up, ready to go again.

"Alright, use Metal Claw!"

"Force Palm, Lucario!"

The two engaged in hand-to-hand combat, Excadrill's drill arms clashing with Lucario's fists. While Lucario had the type advantage, Excadrill wasn't ready to back down.

"Vacuum Wave!"

"Focus Blast!"

The two combatants made some space before firing off two energy balls, the attacks sending them skidding backwards.

"Alright, now use Drill Run!"

"Block it with Bone Rush, Lucario!"

Excadrill twisted his body into one long drill before speeding towards Lucario, arms ready to strike. Lucario braced himself, creating bones out of energy for extra protection. Excadrill rammed right into him, sending him skidding back far. But Ash wasn't worried.

"Now use Counter!"

Before Iris could issue another command, Lucario punched Excadrill so hard that he went flying across the battlefield, landing out cold on the opposite side.

"Excadrill is unable to battle, Lucario wins!"

"And in this battle of champions, it's Ash Ketchum who takes the first win! Will he score another, or will Iris make a comeback?"

"Excadrill, return! You did great, get some rest."

Iris then turned toward Ash with a smile.

"That was a good warmup, Ash! But now I hope you're ready for the real challenge!"

"Oh yeah? Then bring it!"

"You asked for it! Go, Dragonite!"

Ash watched nervously as Iris sent out her powerhouse.

"Lucario, return!"

"Cario?"

"Sorry pal, but I need you in case things go south."

Lucario grunted, but didn't resist being returned to his Pokeball.

"Thanks pal, I'll send you back in soon. Go, Dracovish!"

Iris gasped in awe at Ash's next Pokemon.

"Aw, he's so cute! Too bad I have to beat him."

"We'll see about that! Ice Fang, Dracovish!"

"Dragon Tail, Dragonite!"

Dracovish charged, ready to strike Dragonite down. Dragonite swooped down towards it, tail at the ready to strike…

"Now, Dracovish!"

Just as Dragonite's tail was about to slap it in the face, Dracovish bit down hard, trapping him. Dragonite tried to break free, but Dracovish's grip was too strong.

"Now use Brutal Swing!"

Dravoish swung his head around a few times before tossing Dragonite into the air, the dual type hitting the ground hard. But Dragonite wasn't ready to give up yet, and picked himself right up off the floor.

"No way!" Goh gasped in shock. "Dragonite shook that off like it was nothing!"

"How?" Chloe asked, equally impressed. "I thought Ice Type moves would be four types as effective against a Dragon and Flying type."

Drayden chuckled.

"Never underestimate a Dragon, young Chloe. Iris is full of surprises."

"Come on Ash, did you really think it would be that easy?"

"Of course not! Dragon Rush, Dracovish!"

Dracovish nodded, before taking off at top speed towards his opponent as Draconic energy surrounded him, boosting his speed. But just as he was about to land a hit…

"Thunder Punch!"

Just as Dracovish was within inches of his opponent, Dragonite dealt a hard punch to its face, sending Dracovish flying across the battlefield back to Ash's side.

"Dracovish!"

"Now use Breaking Swipe!"

Before Dracovish could recover, Dragonite flew right up to it and swiped its claw across its chest, finally knocking his opponent out.

"Dracovish is unable to battle, Dragonite wins!"

"And just like that the score is tied up, folks! Who will come out on top?"

"Return, Dracovish! Good job, get some rest. Go, Lucario!"

Ash's ace Fighting Type appeared, howling with an intense desire to fight. Knowing how strong Dragonite was just by himself, Ash raised his Key ring.

"Alright Lucario, let's show Iris our full power! Mega Evolution!"

Lucario nodded, allowing the energy to transform him before emerging in his new state with a prideful roar, much to Iris's interest.

"Mega Evolution, huh? Alright, let's see what you got!"

"Mega Evolution this early?" Lillie thought aloud. "He's taking a risk."

"Are you kidding?" Goh asked. "After Dragonite clobbered Dracovish, I'd say it's warranted."

"I guess we're about to find out."

"Let's start off with Hurricane, Dragonite!"

"Work up, Lucario!"

Lucario crossed his arms, bracing himself as the heavy winds battered him. He got pushed back a few feet, but he was still standing strong when they stopped.

"Dragon Claw, Dragonite!"

"Metal Mash, Lucario!"

Dragonite roared, getting right in Lucario's face and began swiping him across left and right. Lucario growled, and returned them with a flurry of punches.

"Dragon Pulse, Lucario!"

While Dragonite backed off to catch his breath, Lucario thrust his palms right into his gut, firing off a quick burst of Draconic energy right into it, sending Dragonite flying.

"Now, Flash Cannon!"

Just as Dragonite was about to hit the ground, Lucario fired off a blinding blast of energy at him for good measure, knocking him out.

"Dragonite is unable to battle, Lucario wins!"

"Alright! Way to go, Lucario!"

"Cario!"

Iris returned Dragonite to his Pokeball, a proud smile on her face.

"Good job Dragonite, take a rest. Alright Ash, are you ready for this?"

"Bring it!"

"Alright then, you asked for it! Go, Haxorus!"

Ash's eyes widened when Iris sent out her last Pokemon.

"Now way…did Axew…"

"Surprised? It took a lot of hard work, but Axew evolved all the way! He's all grown up!"

Haxorus smiled, and let out a content grunt as Iris stroked his back.

"But just because you're old friends doesn't mean we'll go easy on you!"

"I hope not! Lucario, use Agility, then use Metal Claw!"

"Psycho Cut, Haxorus!"

Haxorus roared, and began swinging his head back and forth, sending several blades of Psychic energy at his opponent. Lucario weaved around most of them, charging through the ones he couldn't before he reached Haxorus and began swiping at him with his claws.

"Outrage, Haxorus!"

Haxorus roared, slashing Lucario with his tusks as a red aura enveloped him. Lucario tried to fight back, but Haxorus's strength was difficult to overcome. After a few minutes, Haxorus paused, Confusion taking over as Lucario fell to one knee.

"Shake it off, Haxorus! You can do it!"

"Aura Sphere, Lucario!"

While Haxorus tried to get his bearings, Lucario fired off an Aura Sphere directly into his face, forcing him to stumble backwards. Unfortunately, this was enough to snap Haxorus out of it.

"Alright Haxorus, are you ready?"

"Orus!"

"Alright! Let's show Ash our true power!"

Iris raised her left hand, revealing her Z-Ring, much to Ash's shock.

"No way!"

"Yes way! Devastating Drake!"

"Dragon Pulse, Lucario!"

Purple balls of energy began to form around Haxorus as they performed their synchronized dance, Lucario watching with intrigue. Realizing that they would soon be launching a powerful attack, he fired his own off first, but that did little to stop what was coming. All at once, Haxorus fired all of the energy, Lucario getting bombarded with it. After the attack ceased, Lucario remained standing for a minute before collapsing in exhaustion, too tired to continue fighting.

"Lucario is unable to battle, Haxorus wins!"

Ash returned Lucario to his Pokeball, his blood pumping even faster after that.

"You did great, buddy. We'll take it from here. Go, Dragonite!"

"It all comes down to this, folks! Who will take home the win?"

Dragonite was apprehensive about battling her new friend, but Iris gave her a warm smile.

"It's ok, I understand. Just give it your all!"

Dragonite smiled, and got ready for battle.

"Alright Haxorus, Outrage!"

"Dragon Claw, and keep at it!"

Haxorus let out a mighty roar before charging once more, head swinging around ready to strike Dragonite, who charged back with her claws. The two traded blows for a few minutes before Haxorus stumbled back, Confusion settling back in.

"Ram your head into the ground to shake it off!"

Haxorus did so, and after shaking his head he was back. Ash began to sweat, this was getting difficult.

"Dragon Tail, Dragonite!"

"You too, Haxorus!"

The two Dragon Types began swatting at each other with their tails, trying to trip the other up. After a while of this back and forth, Dragonite began to wear down, something Iris was quick to notice.

"Time to finish this, Haxorus! Use Dragon Pulse!"

Haxorus acted quickly, wrapping his tail around Dragonite, ensnaring her and preventing her from escaping. As Dragonite struggled to break free, Haxorus began to charge up the final attack.

"Dragonite, you can do it! I believe in you!"

Hearing Ash's words of encouragement gave Dragonite extra resolve, and with one mighty roar, something incredible happened.

In the air above the battlefield, numerous orbs of energy appeared, drawing Haxorus's attention away from her as the orbs came crashing down on top of him, much to Ash's astonishment.

"No way, Dragonie learned Draco Meteor!"

When the dust settled, both Haxorus and Dragonite were still standing, but just barely. Before anyone could issue another command, both Pokemon began to fall. But while Haxorus fell to the ground too weak to move, Dragonite caught herself and stood strong.

"Haxorus is unable to battle! Dragonite wins, which means the battle goes to Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town!"

"And there you have it folks! In the battle between the world's two newest champions, the Alola Champ comes out on top! Let's hear it one more time for our challengers!"

As the crowd erupted into cheers around them, Ash and Iris met in the middle to shake hands.

"Thanks for the great battle, Ash. You were amazing!"

"Thanks, Iris! We had a great time too."

"As a result of today's matchup, there has been a change in the World Coronation Series rankings! Ash ketchum is now ranked 15!"

Ash pumped his fist, ecstatic.

"Alright! Almost in the Master Class!"

"Pika!"

Later at dinner, the two of them were watching their Pokemon play. Pikachu chased Iris's Emolga up and down Haxorus's back, the Dragon type more than happy to be a slide.

"Ash, do you know why Iris was able to pull off Draco Meteor today?"

Ash thought for a minute, then shrugged.

"Honestly, I couldn't tell ya."

"I can. It's because you believed in her, and she believes in you. When the bond between trainer and Pokemon is strong enough, anything is possible. That's what Drayden always told me."

"I never thought about it like that, but it makes sense."

"Ash, I only tell you this because I believe you can go all the way. It'll be a long and daunting road, but I know you can do it."

"Wow…thanks, Iris."

Iris smiled coyly.

"But don't get too comfortable when you get to the top! I'll be coming for your title before you know it!"

Ash laughed, and gave her a thumbs up.

"Bring it!"