The next day came, and so did the battles of the third round.
Lillie went first on the battlefield, and she made short work of her opponent. She didn't lose any of the three Pokémon she used, though she switched them after each battle, so she can use as many Pokémon as she can. It's something she learned from Ash. Give you Pokémon as much time, and chance to battle. They gain more experience from battling, then from training.
Another trainer who made short work of her opponent, is Athena. Ash has paid attention on her match, and once again, she only used her Florges to defeat all three of her opponents Pokémon.
Ash knew that it's a good decision if she wants to keep the level of skill, and power of her other Pokémon. But it's not a good decision when it comes to training her Pokémon.
Instead of training all of her Pokémon, and giving them a chance to battle, she's only going with one Pokémon, and that leaves her other Pokémon with less skills and power.
And then, it was time for the battle between Barry, and Paul. It was a very good battle. Probably the best of the round three until that point. Maybe even the best battle in the tournament so far. Unfortunately for Barry, he lost the battle, without defeating even one of Paul's Pokémon.
He did make them sweat, though.
(Barry vs Paul, went the same as in the anime. No point in writing it again)
After the battle, Paul actually acknowledged Barry's skill, and said that it was a great battle. They agreed to battle again, one day.
XXX
Right now, Ash was in the forest outside of the trainer's village. The buildings are right next to him, but there is a large clearing, and he can train there as much as he can.
The same goes for Lillie, as she is also there, along with Dawn.
Currently, Ash, and Lillie are doing some training. They are preparing for the third round, which is spread over two days, so while Barry and Paul had their battle, yesterday, Ash, and Lillie will have their battles today.
Lillie is currently doing some battle training, and Dawn is helping her. The two of them are few dozen meters away from Ash. As for Ash, he was training with his Monferno, Gible, and Trumbeak.
The three Pokémon which Ash is currently helping train are all next to each other. All three of them are fighting against a single opponent. That opponent… is Ash.
"Come on," Ash spoke to his Pokémon. "Show me what you've got." His eyes were narrowed, and he was completely focused on what he's doing. He doesn't want to go overboard and injure his Pokémon, as he is considerably more powerful than they are, even together.
Monferno went first, and fired a Flamethrower at Ash. Gible followed this by using Dragon Pulse. At the same time, Trumbeak flew higher in the air, and then flew back down very fast, and leaving a white trail behind himself. He was using Sky Attack.
Ash bitch-slapped the Flamethrower with his left hand, before he grabbed the Dragon Pulse, and slammed it into Trumbeak, sending the flying type Pokémon, flying backwards.
Monferno appeared right in front of Ash, with his right fist crackling with electricity. It was a Thunder Punch. Ash surrounded his left fist in aura, and caught Monferno' fist, stopping him in his tracks. At the same time, Gible jumped toward Ash, while using Rock Smash. Ash caught Gible's fist with his right hand, and then spun both Pokémon around, and threw them toward the incoming Flash Cannon, fired by Trumbeak. Monferno was able to activate Protect in time, and shielded himself from Flash Cannon, but Gible wasn't able to, and was hit full force.
Ash teleported mid-air, behind his Trumbeak, and hit him from behind, and sent him to the ground. Then, Ash teleported in front of Monferno, who was using Flame Wheel, and kicked the Flame Wheel with his right leg, breaking the Flame Wheel, and sending Monferno dozens of meters backwards.
Ash teleported behind Monferno, and grabbed him by the back of his head, and then slammed him into the ground. He dragged Monferno' face through the ground, before he threw him straight toward Gible, who was in the middle of flying through the air toward Ash, while enveloped in light blue aura. He was using Dragon Rush.
Monferno slammed into Gible, causing a large explosion to envelop the two Pokémon. Then, Ash leaned to the side, just in time to dodge Trumbeak, who was flying toward Ash, using Drill Peck.
Trumbeak flew pass Ash, only for Ash to react at blinding speed, and kick Trumbeak from below, and up in the air.
Even though he was kicked really hard, Trumbeak was able to right himself up, and then looked toward Ash.
At that same moment, a menacing aura was felt coming from Monferno, who was able to stand back up. Monferno was starting to release fire from his body, before he screamed to the sky, and raging flames exploded from around him, shutting a fire pillar toward the sky.
Monferno then jumped in the air, and the flames around him turned blue.
Ash looked at this with raised eyebrows, before he smiled. It seems that Monferno has just learned Flare Blitz.
Seeing this, Trumbeak flew behind Monferno, and just as Monferno flew toward Ash, while using Flare Blitz, Trumbeak fired Overheat. The Overheat hit at Monferno from behind, and boosted the flames around Monferno, even increasing his speed.
As he was flying, Monferno started to spin sideways, creating a flaming vortex of pure destruction. The ground bellow Monferno was being melted from the heat, as Monferno flew toward Ash.
Ash saw this, and smirked, before he created a barrier in front of himself.
Monferno slammed into the barrier, which caused a huge explosion and the fire pillar to rise in the air.
Ash was completely swallowed by the flames, while the massive explosion has drawn the attention of Lillie, Dawn and several other people, who noticed the fire pillar, and run to see what's going on.
When the smoke from the explosion finally cleared out, Ash was revealed standing behind the barrier, a smirk on his face. In front of the barrier, Monferno was lying on the ground, completely passed out.
Ash released the barrier, and then looked at his Trumbeak, still in the air; while Gible was standing on the ground. "I think that's enough for today." He said to his two conscious Pokémon.
Everyone who has seen what just happened, had their jaws on the ground.
XXX
Few hours later, Ash was seating on the bleachers, watching the end of Lillie's match in the third round.
Lillie has just won the match, again using three Pokémon, but not losing even one. It was a clear victory for her, which has taken her to the quarterfinals.
XXX
Now, it was finally time for Ash's battle against Conway.
The two were standing on their positions on the grass battlefield, looking ready to start the match.
Ash was looking calm, as if it was just another match, while on the other side of the battlefield, Conway was looking very nervous.
He was one of those who have seen Ash's battle against his Pokémon. He has actually watched it from the start, and was impressed by the power of the three Pokémon. What was scaring him was what Ash was able to do. In his opinion, Ash can't be human, after what he was able to do.
Conway decided to focus on the battle, so he went and released his first Pokémon. It was a Shuckle.
"Come out, Gible." Ash released his first Pokémon. A Gible, who, unlike his Monferno and Trumbeak, wasn't beaten that much in the training that morning. So, Ash decided to use him in today's battle. He doubts he will get another chance in the later rounds, against a tougher Pokémon.
"I didn't think he will use his Gible," Conway though in his head. "Not after that beating this morning."
"Conway gets the first move," the referee spoke! "BEGIN!"
"Shuckle, use Withdraw." Conway said to his Pokémon, which caused Shuckle to withdraw his head, and appendages into his shell before it glowed red. This has raised Shuckle's defense.
"Rock Smash." Ash said to his Pokémon.
"Shuckle, Withdraw once again." Conway said, which made his Shuckle glow red, again, just before it was hit by Gible's glowing right fist.
Gible's attack did nothing, except that Gible's hand was injured from the punch. It felt like he has hit a steel wall.
"Shuckle, Withdraw, again," Conway said, and again, Shuckle glowed red. "Now use Power Trip."
Shuckle came out of its shell, before it glowed with rainbow colors. This led to its attack, and defense stats being switched, which means that now Shuckle's defense power is very low, but its attack power is astronomical.
Ash knew this, and he knew that Shuckle is going to try and take Gible out with one attack.
"Use Dragon Pulse." Ash said. He decided to see how this goes. He might have an idea how to deal with Shuckle. He will see later.
Gible fired a turquoise ball of energy from his mouth, toward Shuckle.
"Gyro Ball, GO!" Conway said.
Shuckle withdrew its head, while its appendages glowed. Then, it started to spin really fast. It broke through Dragon Pulse, and went toward Gible.
"Catch it." Ash said to his Pokémon.
There was only one way Gible can do that, so there was no need for Ash to tell him how to catch Shuckle.
Gible opened his mouth, and then just as Shuckle was about to slam into him, Gible caught it with his strong jaws.
Conway's jaw fell on the ground, while everyone watched in shock. Ash only smirked. "Good one, Gible." Ash said to his Pokémon.
Conway shock his head, before he said. "Shuckle, use Sludge Bomb, in Gible's mouth!"
While Shuckle's shell was stuck in Gible's mouth, its head, and appendages weren't. It withdrew inside the shell, and then turned around, until its head came out from the hole which was inside of Gible's mouth.
Gible's eyes widened, as the Sledge Bomb hit the inside of his mouth, before it burst out from the side of his mouth. Shuckle was still held by Gible's powerful jaws, though. Shuckle kept firing Sludge Bomb inside of Gible's mouth, but Gible didn't let go.
"Let's try, Draco Meteor." Ash said.
Gible turned his head upward, and then the inside of his mouth started to glow orange. The glow spread around Shuckle, before Shuckle's body was completely covered in orange glow. Then, Gible fired it into the sky.
Suddenly, the ball exploded, and started to rain down multiple orange meteors all over the battlefield, and around it. One of the meteors was Shuckle, who fell on the battlefield, and didn't get up.
"Shuckle is unable to battle," the referee said! "Gible wins!"
"Great job with the Draco Meteor, Gible." Ash said, while Gible nodded.
Conway returned his defeated Shuckle, and released his Lickilicky, as his second Pokémon.
Ash stayed with his Gible, so the second round started right away.
"Lickilicky, use Lick." Conway started the round, as his Lickilicky extended its tongue, and started to lick Gible all over his body.
Gible became confused, as he his body started to lose control, and was going from one leg to the other, barely managing to not fall down.
"Get ahold of yourself, Gible, and use Dig." Ash said. Gible shock for a moment, before he jumped underground.
"Use Power Whip." Conway said to his Pokémon. Lickilicky' tongue glowed pink, before it extended, and slammed into the ground. It continued to go underground, before it hit Gible, and threw him out of the ground and into the air.
"Dragon Pulse." Ash said, even though his Gible was in the air. Gible straightened up, before he fired a turquoise ball of energy, downward toward Lickilicky.
"Use Thunderbolt." Conway said, as hit Lickilicky's body glowed yellow, before it fired a Thunderbolt, which hit the Dragon Pulse, and dispersed it.
Gible came back to the ground, and then used Dig, once again.
"Power Whip." Conway said. He wondered why Ash did this, when he knew that Lickilicky can push Gible out of the ground, with the Power Whip.
"Out, and use Rock Smash." Ash said.
As soon as Lickilicky's tongue smashed, and buried underground, but before it reached Gible; Gible jumped out while his right hand glowed.
With his tongue still underground, Lickilicky had no chance to dodge, or block Gible's punch, which hit it on the head, and sent it to the ground. The very effective Fighting Type move, did a lot of damage to Lickilicky.
"Dragon Pulse." Ash wanted to end this right away.
Gible fired another Dragon Pulse, and this time, it did hit Lickilicky causing an explosion to envelop the large pink Pokémon.
Somehow, Lickilicky was not defeated, as it stood back up. "Use Power Whip." Conway told to his Pokémon.
"Use, Dragon Rush." Ash said. Gible jumped in the air, dodging the Power Whip, which burst from under him. Then, he was enveloped in a light blue aura, and then flew toward Lickilicky.
Conway tried to block Gible, with Thunderbolt. It wouldn't have an effect on a Ground Type Gible, but maybe it can stop the Dragon Rush.
Conway was wrong. Thunderbolt had no effect, as Gible, enveloped in a light blue aura which took the shape of a dragon, broke through the Thunderbolt and slammed into Lickilicky.
Lickilicky was done for.
"Lickilicky is unable to battle," the referee said once again! "Gible is the winner!"
"Good job, Lickilicky." Conway said to his Pokémon, as he returned it to its Poke Ball. He took his final Poke Ball, and released it. "Dusknoir, come on out."
A Dusknoir appeared onto the battlefield. "Use, Trick Room." Conway said immediately. Dusknoir's eyes glowed red, before a barrier appeared around the whole battlefield.
Ash knew what this means, as he frowned, and though of how to deal with this. Technically, Trick Room has no weaknesses, except to drag the battle for five turns, so the barrier would run-out. But then, Dusknoir can just activate it again, so it's useless.
"Dragon Pulse." Ash said.
"Dusknoir, use Shadow Punch." Conway yelled out, before Gible could even use his attack. Dusknoir appeared above Gible, and hit him with two shadowy fists.
Gible was slammed into the ground.
"Come out, and hit it." Ash said, before Gible moved under the ground, and jumped out toward Dusknoir.
Dusknoir moved again, and again appeared behind Gible. It was about to use Shadow Punch, but Gible turned around, and bit on Dusknoir's hand while his teeth glowed. As Bite is a Dark Type move, it was very effective on a Ghost Type, like Dusknoir.
"What the hell!?" Conway yelled out when he saw this. Ash on the other hand, smiled. He didn't tell Gible to use Bite, but he has trained his Pokémon to think for themselves, and sometimes, use a move, even if he doesn't tell them to.
This one turned out to be a very nice move on Gible's part. "Use Draco Meteor."
Gible, while still holding Dusknoir by his hand, lifted his head up, and fired Dusknoir into the air, just like Shuckle earlier.
Dusknoir flew into the air, enclosed in an orange ball. The ball burst up, and released multiple meteors toward the ground.
Dusknoir fell on the ground, and was quite damaged from just two attacks. Powerful attacks, though.
"Dragon Pulse." Ash wanted to end the match right away.
"No way," Conway yelled! "Use Shadow Punch, Dusknoir!"
Dusknoir again attacked first, but again, Gible reacted as he hasn't even formed Dragon Pulse yet. Instead, he used Protect to stop the Shadow Punch, much to Conway's shock. He wasn't expecting this.
In his shock, Conway didn't react as Gible formed and fired a Dragon Pulse, as soon as he released the barrier. The Dragon Type attack hit Dusknoir, and took it out of the battle.
"Dusknoir is unable to battle," the referee said! "Gible wins, and the match goes to Ash!"
"After an amazing match, Ash defeats Conway, using only his Gible!" The announcer spoke, as the crowd cheered for Ash.
Up in the VIP section, Cynthia smiled, as she watched Ash's match. On the bleaches, Lillie, and Dawn were also cheering for Ash. Barry, on the other hand, was annoyed by Ash, and his easy win.
"Great job, Gible," Ash said to his Gible, as he approached him.
Gible looked at Ash for a few moments, before he nodded. Then, much to Ash's, and everyone's surprise, Gible started to glow. Gible's body grew, as he evolved into a Gabite.
This is the second time in this tournament that Ash's Pokémon evolves right after the match is over.
Ash congratulated his Gabite, before he returned him to his Poke Ball.
With Ash's match over, all the third round matches were finished, and now, it was time to see who will fight whom, in the quarterfinal round.
The large screen showed the pictures of the eight quarterfinalists, among which were Ash, Lillie, Paul, Jessica, and Athena. The contesters were randomly shuffled. Once the shuffle was over, the matches were revealed.
The first match was Lillie, against Paul. The second match was Ash against one of the three unknown participants. The third match is Athena was Jessica, and the final match are two unknown characters.
"So, I'm up against Paul," Lillie said, while seating next to Dawn and Barry. Piplup being along with them. "This should be an interesting match. Much better than the one we had on Lake Acuity."
"Yeah," Dawn agreed. "This time, Paul will be prepared for you."
"He will," Lillie said. "But my Pokémon are stronger than they were back then. Quite a bit stronger."
Dawn nodded. "And look, Athena will battle against that girl we met in the Bewilder Forest," Dawn said. "Didn't she tie with Paul, back then?"
"If I remember correctly, she did." Lillie said. "That should be another great match."
Dawn agreed once again.
That evening, Ash was with Lillie in front of the building where they are spending the nights during the tournament.
Lillie decided to take a walk, while Ash decided to follow her, and see what's going on.
"Are you ready for the battle?" Ash asked Lillie.
"I am," Lillie said. "But I'm also a little nervous. Last time, Paul underestimated me, on top of not knowing anything about me, and my Pokémon. This time, he knows almost everything, and he will be ready."
"He will be ready," Ash agreed. "But you are much better trainer then the last time, and your Pokémon are stronger. Especially after the month of training we did."
"I know," Lillie smiled. "But still, this is the quarterfinal match. If I win, I'll be in the semifinal of the League Tournament, on my first try. It's natural that I'm slightly nervous."
"I wouldn't know," Ash shrugged. "I was never nervous about any of my matches."
"Yeah, well… you are different." Lillie said.
Ash smiled. "That I am." He said.
XXX
The next day has come sooner than Lillie wanted, and even sooner, her match against Paul has started, and is already underway.
Currently, Paul's Electivire, and Lillie's Aerodactyl are on the battlefield. The two Pokémon are Paul's sixth, and Lillie's fifth in today's battle. As such, Lillie is one win away from winning a match, and going to the semifinal round.
The battle so far has been amazing. Paul has brought a truly terrifying team consisting of Gyarados, Garchomp, Metagross, Magmortar, Torterra, and finally, Electivire.
Lillie's team consisted of three of her newly evolved Pokémon, which were her Froslass, Mamoswine, and Walrein. They have all evolved during the last month, while Lillie was training with Ash in preparation for the Sinnoh League.
On top of those three, she also used her Alolan Ninetales, and now Aerodactyl. She has one Pokémon left, which she hasn't used just yet.
"Aerodactyl, use Steel Wing." Lillie called out. Immediately, her Pokémon's wings started to glow, as he flew down toward Electivire,
"Electivire, use Thunder Punch." Paul countered.
Electivire' right fist started to crackle, as it was surrounded with electricity. Then, Electivire jumped toward the incoming Aerodactyl, and punched him on the head, sending the large Rock/Flying type, to the ground.
"Thunder!" Paul said, as he wanted to take Aerodactyl out, before his Electivire losses even more of its energy, and stamina.
Electivire fired a massive bolt of electricity at the Aerodactyl, and hit him head-on making him scream as electricity coursed through his body.
"Aerodactyl is unable to battle," the referee called when he saw that Aerodactyl has passed out. "The winner is Electivire!"
Lillie returned her defeated Aerodactyl, meaning that she is down to her last Pokémon, just like Paul is.
The battle so far has been very hard for both trainers, but since the start, Lillie has been in the lead. The entire time, she had at least one Pokémon more than Paul, and he would catch up, like he did just now.
Now though, her last Pokémon hasn't battled just yet, while from the looks of it, Electivire is tired from battling against Aerodactyl.
On the other hand, Lillie's last Pokémon will be at a big disadvantage against Electivire, but she really has no choice. She hoped that Aerodactyl will be able to win, but he didn't. At least he has tired Electivire out.
"Let's do this, Pidgeot!" Lillie released her final Pokémon.
"Electivire, use Thunder." Paul started the final round.
"Agility." Lillie said to her Pidgeot, who suddenly disappeared just before she was about to be hit by a powerful bolt of electricity.
Pidgeot appeared right behind Electivire, before, "use Heat Wave." Lillie said, as her Pidgeot flapped her wings, and released a fiery winds, which hit Electivire from behind, and caused him burns.
"Thunder Punch." Paul growled out to his Pokémon. Electivire turned around, and was about to hit Pidgeot, but then she disappeared once again, using Agility.
Pidgeot flew above Electivire, and then used Swift, which rained down on Electivire, and caused him even more damage.
"Use, Hurricane." Lillie said. She hoped to end this very soon.
Pidgeot started to flap her winds, causing strong winds to blow around the battlefield, before they all circled around Electivire, and surrounded him in a large tornado.
"Thunder!" Paul yelled out. Electivire fired a bolt of electricity, which hit the tornado, and dispersed it. As soon as he did that, he saw Pidgeot use Heat Wave, once again.
"Protect!" Paul shouted to Electivire, who barely managed to for a barrier in front of himself, and save himself from more burns.
"Giga Impact." Lillie said.
"Use Giga Impact as well, Electivire." Paul said.
The two Pokémon went at each other, as fast as they could, and with swirling energy around them. Electivire pushed his hand forward to slam into Pidgeot, while Pidgeot started to spin sideways, gaining even more power being her attack.
The two hit each other, and for all of one second, there was a stalemate, before Pidgeot run through Electivire, as if he wasn't even there.
Electivire was sent flying like a bullet, all the way out of the battlefield until he hit the wall.
It didn't take long for anyone to realize that Electivire was defeated.
"Electivire is unable to battle," the referee called out! "The winner is Pidgeot, and the match goes to Lillie!"
The stadium exploded with cheers, as the Sinnoh League has just gotten its first semifinalist in this year's tournament.
Paul sighed, as he lost another match to Lillie. This one was closer, but it is still a loss.
Up at the bleachers, Dawn and Barry smiled, and cheered along with Piplup. Ash was seating calmly, though with a smile on his face. He was happy that Lillie has won. She has defeated a tough opponent, who has brought his strongest Pokémon to battle against Lillie. Considering that Paul is older, and that his Pokémon had more training then Lillie's, Lillie's win means even more.
"Those two were awesome," Barry was freaking out! "And Lillie is the coolest with her Ice Types! She's AMAZING!"
"She sure is." Ash agreed with Barry. Lillie really is cool, and amazing.
Down at the battlefield, Paul returned his defeated Electivire, while Lillie hugged her Pidgeot.
"That was a great match." Paul said to Lillie.
"I agree," Lillie said with a smile. "Let's have another one sometime."
Paul nodded, before he turned around, and walked away from the battlefield.
Lillie did the same.
XXX
The second quarterfinal match came just an hour after Lillie's match against Paul. Ash was one of the trainers in the match, where he went against a female trainer.
He came in, and he conquered. She didn't stand a chance.
Unlike how Ash only used his Gible against Conway in their quarterfinal match; here he used all six of the Pokémon he selected for the match. He didn't have to, but he wanted to give a chance to as many of his Pokémon, as he could. As such, for the quarterfinal battle Ash selected his Magnezone, Froslass, Croagunk, Hippopotas, Buizel, and Staraptor.
Ash gave them all a chance to battle against one opponent. Every time Ash would win a round, he would switch a Pokémon, so the quarterfinal match ended up being six one-on-one battles, and Ash won all six of them.
Now, the third battle of the quarterfinal, was something else. It wasn't as good as Lillie against Paul, but it was close.
The third match was Athena against Jessica.
Up until that battle, Athena has won all her matches using only her Florges, and in the match against Jessica, she also started out with Florges. In the first round though, she realized that she won't be able to defeat Jessica with only her Florges, so she returned her after the first round which Florges won by defeating Jessica's Ludicolo.
From there on, the battle got really heated, with both trainers giving it their all, and wining rounds. The battle ended with a double knock-out, so in the end, Athena won, only because she had her Florges undefeated, as she never returned her to the battlefield, after the first round.
Athena was satisfied that she has reached the semifinal match, though she was sweating a lot to get pass Jessica.
As for Jessica, she was sad to have lost, when she was so close to be in the semifinals.
Then, there was a final match between two random trainers, where one came out on top, and went to the semifinals.
With the quarterfinal rounds over, the semifinal matches were chosen randomly. The pairings for the semifinal are Ash against a brown-haired guy. The second semifinal match is Lillie against Athena.
XXX
"Leaving already?" Ash questioned Paul, as he was seating on the side of the stairs near the exit of the trainers village.
"I lost," Paul stopped, and said. "There is no reason to stay here any longer."
"You could just watch the rest of the tournament." Ash said.
"I could," Paul said. "But I'm going to go to the Snowpoint City, and ask for a chance to challenge Brandon again."
"Hm," Ash hmed. "He'll probably accept… you're gonna need a lot of luck to defeat him, though. Especially if he uses the Legendary Titans."
"I'm better than the last time." Paul said.
Ash nodded. "You are," he said, before he went quiet for a few moments. "Good luck. And I hope to see another battle between you, and Lillie someday. Today's one was good."
With that said, Ash stood up from the stairs, and left.
XXX
"Are you ready to fight against Athena?" Dawn asked Lillie, as the two of them, and Piplup, are in their room, the night after the quarterfinal matches.
"I am," Lillie said. "I watched her battle today, and know what to expect. Jessica has actually done me a big favor by making Athena use all six Pokémon in their match."
"Yeah, but she can use something else," Dawn said. "Those six Pokémon might not be the only ones she has."
"That is true, but it's still better then not knowing anything," Lillie said. "I now know six of her Pokémon, though we've already known five of them. That Houndoom was slightly surprising, as we haven't seen it before, but I now know it, and know which moves her Pokémon have. How they fight, how she fights. Compared to how it was before her battle against Jessica, when we knew very little, and that's mostly from knowing Athena before; this is much better."
"I guess so," Dawn said. "Still, be careful, and chose your strongest possible team. Don't underestimate her, and don't think that she might not pull something out of the bag."
Lillie nodded.
XXX
And so, the day of the semifinal matches, has finally arrived.
Ash's semifinal match has been first, and he has made short work of his opponent. His team in the semifinal was stronger than his quarterfinal match, which was shown during a match against an opponent who was better than his quarterfinal one.
Ash went with Luxio, Torterra, Gallade (which has finally decided to evolve during a month of training, so Ash gave him a Dawn Stone), Gardevoir, Monferno, and Brionne. It was another clear win, six to zero. Again, Ash gave all his Pokémon a chance to battle at least one round. There was nothing more he can do for them.
Now, it was time for Lillie's battle.
She was already at the battlefield, along with Athena. The two of them looked ready for the match. They are both focused, and neither will be underestimating her opponent.
"The trainers in our second semifinal match today are Lillie facing off against Athena!" The announcer spoke. "Our battlefield for today will be the grass field!
"So, folks, prepare yourself for a superheated six on six FULL BATTLE!" The crowd cheered.
Up at the bleachers, Ash, Dawn and Berry are seating together. Surprisingly, Jessica has joined them. She knows Ash, Dawn and Lillie, and she wanted to see Lillie's match against the trainer who has defeated her in the previous round.
"And now," the announcer spoke again. "Let's see out competitor's first Pokémon!"
"Come out, Houndoom!" Athena released her first Pokémon.
Seeing this, Lillie knew that Athena is taking her seriously, as she didn't want to send her strongest Pokémon form the start, knowing that she won't be able to win that way.
"Carbink, let's do this." Lillie called her Rock/Fairy Type Pokémon.
This was a first time Lillie has used Carbink in this tournament, so it came as a surprise for everyone, as they've seen another of Lillie's Pokémon, which isn't at least part Ice Type.
Athena wasn't surprised, as she has seen Carbink in the Amber Castle, so she knew about it. She is slightly surprised that Lillie is using it, as she thought that Lillie will go with four Ice Types, as well as her Aerodactyl, and Pidgeot.
"Lillie will have the first move," the referee spoke, before he started the match! "BEGIN!"
"Use, Power Gem." Lillie said.
"Counter." Athena said, as her Houndoom glowed red, just before it was hit by the Power Gem. Carbink's attack was sent back toward Carbink, at the twice amount of power.
"Protect." Lillie called out just in time for her Pokémon to raise a barrier, which protected it from its own attack.
"Headbutt." Athena called out, as her Houndoom run toward Carbink.
"Dazzling Gleam." Lillie said, before he Carbink emitted a bright flash of light from its body, which blinded Houndoom, and stopped it from hitting Carbink. "Now use, Stone Edge." Lillie said.
Carbink created two rings around its body, which then turned into rocks. Then, Carbink sent rocks toward Houndoom, who was hit by them, and dealt quite a bit of damage from the effective attack.
Houndoom got up, though, and used Flamethrower.
"Counter with Power Gem." Lillie said, which had her Pokémon fire another attack. It collided with the Flamethrower, and led to the two attacks canceling each other out.
Lillie was quite surprised when she saw Houndoom run toward Carbink, while surrounded with red and orange flames. It was using Flare Blitz, and Lillie didn't see it coming right after the Flamethrower.
Houndoom slammed into Carbink, and sent it flying out of the battlefield.
Carbink wasn't defeated just yet, but was hurt. Lillie thought for a moment, before she returned her Carbink back to its Poke Ball, and released her Aerodactyl.
"Meteor Beam." Lillie immediately said. Aerodactyl created an orange orb of energy in front of his mouth, before he fired an orange beam toward Houndoom.
"Counter." Athena called out, knowing that if this hits, her Houndoom is done for.
Houndoom glowed red before it was hit by the Meteor Beam. But then, the beam was sent back where it came from, with double the power.
Surprisingly, when the beam went back where it came from, Aerodactyl wasn't there. He was flying through the air, toward Houndoom.
"Giga Impact." Lillie said, while her Aerodactyl was surrounded with purple aura, with orange swirling rings. Then, he slammed into Houndoom, sending the fire type flying all the way out of the battlefield.
"Houndoom is unable to battle," the referee called out, when he saw that Houndoom has passed out! "The winner is Aerodactyl!"
Athena sighed, before she returned her defeated Pokémon. "You did a fine job, Houndoom," she said to her Pokémon, before she took her second Poke Ball, and released the Pokémon. "Come out, Walrein."
Lillie saw her next opponent, and decided to stay with her Aerodactyl, even though he has double weakness against an Ice/Water Type.
"Use Hail." Athena started the match by immediately calling a powerful attack, which should be very effective against Aerodactyl.
Walrein gives a loud cry, and causes dark clouds to form on the sky, while thick fog forms around the battlefield. Then, snow started to fall.
Aerodactyl growled when he was surrounded by the fog and snow, as he doesn't like it. His weakness against Ice Type moves was worked on, but it's still there.
At least he can still battle.
"Now use, Ice Beam." Athena called out.
"Dodge, and use Meteor Beam." Lillie said.
Her Aerodactyl flew away from the Ice Beam, before he fired another orange beam, this time toward Walrein.
"Counter with Aurora Beam." Athena said, which led to her Walrein firing a multicolored beam of energy, toward the orange beam of energy fired by Aerodactyl.
The two attacks clashed, and caused an explosion, mid-air.
Suddenly, large balls of hail started to fall from the sky, and some hit Aerodactyl, causing parts of his body to become frozen, as he was already under the pressure from the snow which was falling.
Lillie knew that her Aerodactyl can hold on for a little longer, but she wanted him for later. So, she returned him to his Poke Ball, and sent her Carbink, back to the battlefield.
Carbink wasn't weak against Ice, but she was weak against Water. "Use Water Pulse." Athena said to her Walrein.
Walrein created a ball of water in front of its face, before it fired the ball toward Carbink.
"Protect." Lillie said. Carbink created a barrier, which prevented the Water Pulse from hitting it. "Use Power Gem."
Carbink fired its attack, and this time, it did hit Walrein, causing it pain, and damage from the rock type attack, which is its weakness.
"Surf." Athena said.
Walrein created a huge wave of water, and then jumped on it. It rode it toward Carbink.
"Use Meteor Beam." Lillie decided to take a risk, and see what happens.
Just like Aerodactyl, Carbink created an orange ball in front of itself, before it fired it toward Walrein, who was at the top of the tidal wave, which was about to hit Carbink.
In an instant, the orange beam hit Walrein, pushing it away from the tidal wave, while the wave slammed into Carbink.
Both Pokémon were sent backwards, and out of the battlefield.
The referee took a look at both of them, and declared the round a tie, as both Pokémon are unconscious.
Athena growled as she lost another Pokémon. Especially because of how she lost it. She knew that Lillie tends to sacrifice one Pokémon to take out the opponents, but she forgot about it, and now she has lost a valuable Pokémon.
On the other side, Lillie wasn't happy that she sacrificed her Pokémon. She never is when she does that, but at least it wasn't for nothing, and she took out a Pokémon, which she is sure is more valuable to Athena's plans for the match, then Carbink is for Lillie's plans.
Both girls returned their defeated Pokémon, and sent their next ones, at the same time.
"Come on out, Leafeon/Froslass!" Athena, and Lillie called out, releasing their Pokémon.
"Froslass, use Shadow Ball." Lillie started the round. Froslass put her hands together, and formed a black and purple ball of energy, in between them. Then, she fired the ball at Leafeon.
"Counter with Energy Ball." Athena said. The leaf on Leafeon's head glows white and it forms a green ball of energy in front of its mouth. The, it launched the Energy Ball, toward the Shadow Ball.
The two attacks collided, and canceled each other out.
"Use Magical Leaf." Athena said immediately, as Leafeon pulls its head back, then brings it forward. Its ears then lift up and it releases glowing light green leaves from its ears at Froslass.
Magical Leaf can't be dodge, or evaded. It can be blocked with Protect, but Lillie didn't teach it to her Froslass, thus, Froslass was hit by the Magical Leaf's, and dealt damage.
"Now go with Aerial Ace!" Athena said to her Pokémon, wanting to use a chance, and deal more damage to Froslass.
Leafeon's body become surrounded by white streaks of energy, before it flew through the air, toward Froslass.
"Shadow Ball." Lillie said, shortly.
Froslass got up, and created a Shadow Ball just in time, as Leafeon was above her, and about to slam into her. Froslass launched the Shadow Ball at Leafeon, who couldn't dodge it mid-flight, and at such small distance, so it was hit in the face and sent flying backwards.
Athena growled. "Use Sunny Day." She said to her Pokémon.
Leafeon did a backflip in the air, and came down to its feet. Then, its eyes glowed light blue, before it fired a white beam from its mouth, and toward the sky.
This caused the sun to glow brighter. "Solar Beam!" Athena said.
Due to the Sunny Day, Leafeon didn't need time to charge the attack. The leaves on its body started to glow, as light surrounded Leafeon. Then, it opened its mouth, and fired a massive white beam of energy toward Froslass.
"Destiny Bond." Lillie said. She knew that her Froslass won't be able to escape from this powerful Solar Beam, and would be taken out when hit. But, she will not go down alone.
Froslass' eyes glowed purple for an instant. Then, she was hit by a Solar Beam, which caused a large explosion to surrounded Froslass.
When the smoke form the explosion cleared out, Froslass was seen lying on the ground. She was defeated. But then… Froslass' eyes opened up, even though she fainted, and two swirling purple lights come out of them and hit Leafeon.
Leafeon become surrounded by a purple aura and instantly fainted.
"Froslass, and Leafeon are unable to battle," the referee called out! "The round is a draw!"
Lillie sighed, as she returned her Froslass. She thanked her for a great battle, though.
On the other side of the battlefield, Athena was shocked by what just happened. She had a round in the bag, and then she got screwed over… again. She has lost two Pokémon to Lillie either sacrificing her Pokémon to take out Athena's, or Lillie seeing that she lost the round, so she decided to take Athena's Pokémon out as well.
Athena growled in anger. Not so much at Lillie, as she is just doing what she needs to win. She's angry at herself, for falling to Lillie's tactics.
That has to change, and the time for a change is now.
Athena returned her defeated Leafeon, and then released her fourth Pokémon. "To the battlefield, Metagross."
Lillie saw her next opponent, and decided to take a small risk. "You are up, Aerodactyl!" Lillie sent her Aerodactyl back to the battlefield.
The referee started the match. As soon as he did, Lillie attacked. "Use Steel Wing." She said. Aerodactyl flew through the air, as his wings glowed white. As he was closing in on Metagross, Athena spoke.
"Agility." Athena said. Metagross disappeared right before it was about to be hit by Aerodactyl, and appeared behind him. "Flash Cannon." Then, Metagross fired a Flash Cannon, which struck Aerodactyl from behind, and sent him to the ground.
"Stone Edge." Lillie said to her Pokémon, as he got up in the air, and sent a barrage of stones at Metagross.
Metagross dodged again, using Agility, before Athena told it to use Psyshock.
Metagross creates a stream of purple energy in between its hands before firing a purple beam of energy from its hands at Aerodactyl.
"Send it back with Iron Tail." Lillie said. Aerodactyl's tail glowed, and hardened, before he hit the purple beam, and reflected it back toward Metagross.
Athena, and Metagross were caught off guard, which led to Metagross being hit by its own attack. "Steel Wing." Lillie immediately said, using the chance that Metagross was stunned. Her Aerodactyl flew from above, and struck Metagross with his wing, which dealt more damage to Metagross, even though it has resistance to Steel Type moves. There is still a limit.
Metagross recovered quickly, and Athena told it to use Agility, and then Meteor Mash. It disappeared from where it was, and then appeared in the air right behind Aerodactyl, with its hand glowing white. Metagross punched Aerodactyl, and sent it to the ground.
"Now use, Gyro Ball." Athena said.
Metagross extended its limbs, and then started to spin around, while the limbs glowed white. It spun really fast, as it went toward Aerodactyl.
Fortunately for Lillie, Aerodactyl got up in time. "Use Iron Tail!" Lillie shouted.
Aerodactyl's tail glowed white, before he slammed it into Metagross, who came at him while using Gyro Ball.
The two Pokémon slammed into each other, which caused a shockwave to spread around the battlefield. Then, there was an explosion, which sent both Pokémon flying away from each other and fell on the ground.
"Metagross, use Hammer Arm!" Athena shouted.
"Aerodactyl, use Steel Wing!" Lillie shouted back.
Both Pokémon got off the ground, and went at each other. Aerodactyl's wing, and Metagross' right hand clashed, sending sparks around, as well as another shockwave which separated the two Pokémon.
Metagross used Flash Cannon, while Aerodactyl used Stone Edge. Again, the attacks canceled each other out, and did nothing except cause explosion.
"Use Giga Impact!" Athena called out.
"You use Giga Impact as well, Aerodactyl!" Lillie said.
Both Pokémon flew at each other, surrounded in purple energy, with orange rings swirling around it. Then, they clashed against each other, causing a large explosion, which sent both Pokémon flying away from each other, and out of the battlefield.
The referee looked at the two Pokémon, and saw that they have both passed out. As such, he called another round, a draw.
This has left Athena with her last two Pokémon, while Lillie still has three left.
Athena, and Lillie returned their unconscious Pokémon, before they took two other Poke Balls, and released their next Pokémon.
"Come on out… Darkrai." Athena released her fifth Pokémon. A Darkrai.
Lillie's Pokémon was her Alolan Ninetales. The moment she came out of her Poke Ball, Ninetales' Ability activated, and started a hailstorm around the battlefield.
No one paid attention to that, though. Everyone in the stadium was shocked by the sight of Darkrai, which Athena has just released. The crowd was shocked, while the announcer is going nuts.
"How can she have a Darkrai?" Barry was also going nuts, while scratching his head, and with his eyes wide. Dawn, and Jessica were also shocked by seeing Darkrai, while Ash was thinking of where she got it.
It did take too long for Ash to remember about Cresselia he saved in the Canalave City, and how she told him that the Darkrai from the Newmoon Island, has been captured.
"So it was Athena who caught it," Ash thought to himself. "I guess I can't be really surprised. She is with the Shadow Legion, just like Jessie and Meowth, and they tried to catch a Cresselia, just a day after Darkrai was caught. They must have been working together back them, to catch both Pokémon."
Ash didn't know how to feel. On one hand, catching a Legendary, or Mythical Pokémon isn't a crime. He's done it, so why can't others. On the other hand - and here is the problem - he hasn't used Legendary, or Mythical Pokémon in official battles… not continuing Melmetal, in a battle against Volkner, but that was a special case. This is a Regional Tournament, and Ash doesn't think that it's fair to use Legendary of Mythical Pokémon, like Darkrai, Cresselia, or Pokémon of that level, and rarity. At least with Melmetal, it's a bit different. Melmetal is rare, but its natural power isn't as high as Darkrai, Cresselia, or even the Legendary Titans.
Ash sighed, and decided to just watch, and see what will happen. He is sure that Lillie isn't happy to have to battle against a Darkrai.
"So, you brought a Mythical Pokémon to a tournament?" Lillie questioned Athena.
"I caught it a while back," Athena said. "I haven't used it in battle so far, but I knew that I will need to against Ash. I thought that I might need it against you, after I saw your battles so far, which is why I'm using it now."
"I'm surprised it's not your final Pokémon." Lillie said.
Athena smirked. "My Florges, is stronger," she said. "How do you think I caught Darkrai, in the first place?"
Lillie had to admit that Athena might be right. Unless she used multiple Pokémon to battle against Darkrai, Athena would only be able to catch it, if she has a stronger Pokémon.
It turns out that Florges is, the stronger of the two.
At that moment, the referee started the round.
"Use Shockwave." Athena started the round. Darkrai extended its right hand toward Ninetales, and fired a blue beam of electricity.
Ninetales was cloaked in mist, which made it difficult for Darkrai to aim at her. It was due to her ability, Snow Cloak, her evasion rises in the hailstorm.
"Aurora Veil." Lillie called her next move, which had her Ninetales give a cry, and her body become surrounded in a veil of rainbow-colored aura.
Athena knew what this is. This means that Ninetales will now take reduced damage from any move she can send out at her. It doesn't even matter if it's from Darkrai, or Florges, or any other Pokémon.
Athena has just realized that due to Snow Warning, and Snow Cloak ability's which Ninetales has, as well as the Aurora Veil, she is practically untouchable.
Athena growled, before she said. "Use Shockwave on the ground, and spread it all over the battlefield!"
Darkrai placed both of its hands on the ground, before they both glowed. Then, it sent blue bolts of electricity through the ground, which made cracks, as the beams traveled below the ground and spread across the whole battlefield.
This was probably the only way which Athena could land a hit on Lillie's Ninetales at this point. The only way to hit and deal damage, would be a wide-spread attack which can bypass accuracy, and deal some damage due to the Aurora Veil.
Ninetales was shocked by the bolts of electricity which came from the ground, but at least she didn't take the full damage, as the Aurora Veil, reduced it.
"Moonblast." Lillie said.
"Ice Beam." Athena countered.
The two attacks hit, and canceled each other out. Then, Lillie told her Ninetales to use Ice Beam.
"Double Team." Athena said to her Dark Type, who created multiple copies of itself, and spread around the battlefield, thus, dodging Ninetales' attack.
"Dazzling Gleam." Lillie said. Ninetales's body become surrounded in a field of rainbow-colored energy, which expands outwards. It hit all the copies of Darkrai, and even the real one, dealing it damage from the effective Fairy Type attack.
"Shockwave, into the ground." Athena said.
"Moonblast." Lillie said immediately.
Just before she was hit by the electric type attack – which still didn't do much damage due to the Aurora Veil – Ninetales fired a pink beam of energy from her mouth, and directly toward Darkrai.
The attack hit dead center, and sent Darkrai flying from the super-effective attack, which dealt it a lot of damage.
Darkrai was damaged, but still not defeated.
By that point, the Aurora Veil's effects have disappeared, leaving Ninetales at a risk from the attacks. Lillie could use Aurora Veil, again, but she decided to deal with Darkrai, in another way.
Lillie lifted her left hand up, showing a white armband, which was bulging out, meaning that there is something under it. She used her right hand, to remove the armband, showing to Athena, and everyone on the stadium, a black bracelet which had a white crystal on it.
Among those on the stadium, only few knew what that is. They were, Ash, Dawn, Cynthia, Charles Goodshow, and the announcer. Of them all, the announcer is going crazy, while explaining to the crowd that the bracelet it, and what it means; while Ash, and the others looked surprised toward Lillie. Goodshow, and Cynthia because they were surprised that Lillie has a Z-Power Ring, and Z-Crystal, while Ash, and Dawn are surprised that she's using it.
Dawn has learned about the Z-Moves, and Z-Crystals, while traveling with Ash and Lillie. They have shown it to her, and she has seen the destruction caused by the moves. She was surprised that Lillie is using it because she, and Ash said that they will not use them in this tournament.
She realized though, that Lillie is probably only using it, because Athena was using a Darkrai.
Dawn did wonder though, if there is even a reason for Lillie to use a Z-Move. She was doing just fine against Darkrai, and could probably defeat it even without a Z-Move.
Lillie and her Ninetales started to release cold air from around their bodies. The hailstorm stopped, and the air cleared out, allowing everyone to clearly see what's going on.
The Z-Crystal on Lillie's arms started to glow, as Lillie, and Ninetales performed synchronized poses with their hands and front paws. Several beams of energy moved from the Z-Crystal, toward Ninetales, before they surrounded her in a white aura.
"Use Subzero Slammer!" Lillie shouted, as Ninetales gave a cry. Ice appeared under her, before Ninetales rose toward the sky on an ice pillar.
Ninetales fired a white, and blue beam from her mouth, and directly toward Darkrai.
Athena's eyes widened as she saw this, and told her Darkrai to counter it with Dark Pulse, full power.
Darkrai fired its attack, and hit the beam of ice energy fired by Ninetales. Unfortunately for Athena, it didn't do anything, as Ninetales's attack broke through the Dark Pulse, and slammed into Darkrai.
The whole battlefield was covered in Ice, while Darkrai was frozen in, what looks like an ice flower. The flower didn't stay long, though. It glowed, and burst up in an ice particles, which started to fall around the frozen battlefield.
Darkrai was seen lying on the ground, and not moving.
"Darkrai is unable to battle," the referee was barely heard, as the cheering of the crowed was so loud, that it could be heard across the entire island. "The winner is Ninetales!"
"AMAZING!" Barry yelled out, with a large smile on his face. "THIS is the most amazing thing I've ever seen!"
"It sure is." Ash said with a smile on his face. It seems that he might have been wrong when he thought that Lillie might not be able to defeat Athena, and that was before he even knew that Athena even has a Darkrai. Athena was just as good as he thought, but Lillie has surprised him. She is much better, then he expected. It seems that during the month-long training for the tournament, Lillie has advanced more then he thought.
One thing Ash is sure of, though. Lillie is on her way to become what she wishes. An Ice Pokémon Master.
Dawn watched with stars in her eyes. She has already seen this Z-Move, but she was still amazed by it. She swore that one day, she will head to the Alola Region, and take the Island Trials, so she can get the Z-Ring, and Z-Crystals.
Athena watched in disbelief at what just happened. She has never seen a move like this one. She has never been to Alola, and barely anyone in the organization bothered to go there. None had Z-Rings, and Z-Crystals, so this was all new to her.
As such, she didn't know what to expect, but even if she did, this was not it. This was much more.
She sighed, before she returned her defeated Darkrai. She was sure that with Darkrai, and Florges, she would be able to defeat Ash, but it turns out she barely defeated Jessica (though without Darkrai), and can't defeat Lillie (even with Darkrai). Win against Ash in this circumstances, is light years away.
Athena took her final Poke Ball, and released her Pokémon. "It's all up to you, Florges." She said, as she released her sixth, and final Pokémon for her battle against Lillie.
Lillie saw her next opponent, and thought for a moment. She knew that it will be Florges, and with her Ninetales, she should be fine. But, as she has just used the Z-Move, and gone through a battle against a Darkrai, Ninetales is slightly tired. As such.
"Ninetales, return." Lillie said, as she returned her Pokémon. "You did an amazing job. Now take a nice rest." Then, she pulled another Poke Ball. "You are up, Pidgeot."
Lillie released her strongest Pokémon, to battle against Athena's strongest.
With both trainers having a Pokémon on the battlefield, the referee started the match.
"Sunny Day." Athena started the round, with a move which will help her Pokémon's Grass Type attacks. Florges formed a white ball in front of her mouth, and then fired it in the sky. The ball exploded, before the sun started to shine brightly.
"Now Grassy Terrain." Athena said again. Florges releases a light-green ring of energy from her body onto the ground around her, causing grass, and flowers to grow. This will also power-up her Grass-type moves.
"Heat Wave." Lillie called out. Pidgeot flapped her wings, and released fiery winds which burned everything in sight. The ground, the flowers, it all burned. Even Florges was burned. She cried loudly due to it.
"Steel Wing." Lillie called her next attack. Pidgeot flew toward the burned Florges, and struck her with one of her wings, dealing it even more damage.
Florges wasn't defeated yet, but she was heavily injured. "Synthesis." Athena said. Florges' body became surrounded in white sparkles, and in a few moments, all of her injuries were healed.
As soon as Florges got up, Athena told her to use Petal Blizzard. Florges releases multiple shining, heart-shaped, blue petals, toward Pidgeot.
Pidgeot flapped her wings, causing strong winds to spread around, and then start a tornado around Florges.
"Moonblast." Athena called. Florges forms an orb of pink energy in her mouth, and then fired it through the Hurricane, and straight at Pidgeot. The Moonblast broke the Hurricane, and hit Pidgeot, bringing her to the ground.
"Solar Beam." Athena called out immediately.
Florges glows a faint yellow. Numerous yellow balls of energy appear and float around Florges as a larger ball of energy forms in front of her head and she fires an extremely powerful beam of energy at Pidgeot.
"Agility." Lillie said, as her Pidgeot got up, and managed to escape from an attack which was powerful enough to deal her major damage, though not take her out.
"Swift." Lillie called her next attack, as Pidgeot appeared behind Florges, and fired a storm of yellow stars from her wings, at Florges.
"Vine Whip." Athena suddenly said. Two light green vines come from Florges's back, and she wrapped them around the surprised Pidgeot, catching her mid-air, and holding her right in front of herself. "Moonblast."
Florges fired another pink beam, which struck Pidgeot right in the face, and from a very close position. At the exact moment that the beam hit Pidgeot, Florges let go of her, which led to Pidgeot being sent flying far into the distance, and out of the battlefield.
"Finish it with Solar Beam." Athena said.
Once again, Florges fired a Solar Beam, and this time, it hit Pidgeot, causing a massive explosion to surround Lillie's strongest Pokémon.
Luckily for Lillie, her Pidgeot is very durable, on top of being powerful. She wasn't defeated by the Moonblast, and Solar Beam, but was heavily damaged. She still managed to get back in the air.
Florges used Synthesis, once again, and restored herself to perfect health.
"Air Slash." Lillie said. Pidgeot started to flap her wings, and sent many crescent moon shaped attacks at Florges.
"Petal Blizzard." Athena countered with her attack, which led to the two attacks destroying each other.
"Swift." Lillie said.
"Protect." Athena knew that the damage won't be too large, but she still wanted to protect Florges, instead of constantly having her use Synthesis.
"So Florges can use Protect," Lillie said to herself. This was new to her, but it was good to know. "Steel Wing." Lillie said.
Pidgeot flew toward Florges, and was about to hit her, but then Florges used Vine Whip. Pidgeot had to dodge in the last second, so her attack was canceled. She flew from behind Florges, and used Swift. This time, the attack did hit, and dealt some damage to Florges.
"Hurricane." Lillie followed immediately, but Athena countered with Moonblast, which broke the tornado formed around her Florges.
This was what Lillie expected, though. She had Pidgeot use Heat Wave, right after Florges fired Moonblast on the tornado. The tornado was broken, but Florges didn't have time to dodge, or use Protect, so she was hit by a very powerful Fire Type attack, and dealt heavy burns all over her body.
Florges used Synthesis, once again, to restore herself, but Lillie knew this was coming, so she had Pidgeot use Steel Wing, and hit Florges while she was recovering. This dealt even more damage to Florges, and stopped her from finishing the recovering.
Unfortunately, Pidgeot was very tired by that point. The attacks she used, and the attacks she was hit by, have taken a toll, and she can't go on much longer.
Florges used this chance that Pidgeot isn't attacking, to use Synthesis, and recover once again.
Lillie was really surprised by Florges's power. Great deal of it is due to the Synthesis, but she's still very powerful, and hard to deal with. Lillie knew that she will need to take Florges out in one attack, otherwise, Florges will just recover.
Pidgeot's Sky Attack, and Hyper Beam, might be able to do it, but they are risky, as Hyper Beam would leave her a sitting duck, if Florges isn't' defeated, while Sky Attack is risky due to Florges knowing Protect.
As such, she needs something powerful, without drawback, and something which Protect can't stop.
Lillie lifted her hands, and used her right hand, to remove the Icium Z, from the Z-Power Ring. Then, she took another Z-Crystal, which was attached to the Z-Power Ring, though from the side, and placed it where the Icium Z used to be, at the top of the Z-Power Ring.
This new Z-Crystal is blue in color, and was radiating a different kind of energy from the Icium Z.
"Let's do this, Pidgeot." Lillie said to her first Pokémon. Pidgeot looked at Lillie, and knew right away what's going on.
Lillie, and Pidgeot then started to do a series of synchronized poses, while the energy from Lillie, and the Z-Crystal, started to move toward Pidgeot, who has gone back in the air.
Athena saw what's going on, and knew that she can't let it happen. "Solar Beam," she yelled at Florges! "Full Power!"
The two Pokémon finished the poses, and gathering of the energy, at the same time. Then, Florges fired a Solar Beam, much stronger then any before.
From the other side, Lillie shouted. "Supersonic Skystrike!"
Pidgeot was high in the air, and surrounded in blue aura. Then, she dive-bombed toward Florges, and collided with the incoming Solar Beam.
Florges's most powerful attack was able to halt the Z-Move, for all of one second, before Pidgeot broke though the Solar Beam, and flew straight at Florges.
Athena, and Florges were shocked by this, and none reacted before Pidgeot slammed into Florges, causing a large explosion, and sending Florges out of the battlefield, and into the wall.
The aura around Pidgeot disappeared, as she landed back on the ground. She was barely standing from exhaustion, and injuries, but she was still standing, and waiting to see if the battle is over.
At that moment, everyone was watching at the cloud of smoke, which was surrounding Florges. They all waited for the cloud to clear out, and see if Florges is defeated, or not.
It took about half-a-minute, but the cloud cleared out only to reveal an unconscious Florges lying on the ground.
"Florges is unable to battle," the referee called out! "The winner is Pidgeot, and the match goes to Lillie!"
"And that's it," the announcer yelled, though the cheering of the crowd! "This amazing semifinal match is over, with the winner being, Lillie of the Alola Region!"
Lillie sighed, before she smiled.
On the other side of the battlefield, Athena also sighed, but she didn't smile. She was sad, and disappointed that she has lost.
Up on the bleachers, Ash, Dawn, Barry, and Jessica, were applauding for Lillie, along with the rest of the crowd. All four of them had smiles on their faces.