-Indigo Plateau-

Thunder shook the earth as lightning tore the dreary sky in two, electricity raining down from the heavens. Rain had come at last to Kanto, and torrents of water poured from clouds more than eager to compensate for the past months of fair weather.

Jessie and James huddled inside their hastily-pitched tent, shivering in soaked garments as Growlie attempted to warm his masters with the heat that naturally radiated from his body. Outside, Ash and Riley sat cross-legged in the pounding rain, meditating. His heavy cloak removed and tucked carefully inside his pack, Ash smiled faintly as the water plastered his dark hair to his scalp, running in long rivulets down his face and bared chest. Soaked to the bone, he kept his breathing deep and even, his eyes closed but seeing each and every drop of water that fell from the sky. The ambient roar of the clouds was soothing as with each breath his sight expanded, his Aura snaking through the forest in invisible tendrils of energy, seeking nothing but finding nonetheless.

To his left, Spectre moved, the great dragon shifting subtly in his sleep as a crimson wing shielded his head from the torrents above. Soul had since returned to her Pokéball to escape the cold wet, and Riley's Skarmory had done the same. Pikachu had scaled a tree as the storm began, and remained there now, cheeks sparking with calm excitement as he watched the storm dance overhead with rapt attention. Athena and Lucario had followed their masters' suits, meditating together in the pouring rain. Eve slept soundly in the riverbed, almost indistinguishable from the racing waters that enveloped her.

In one moment, there was nothing; in the next, she was there. Like the flick of a switch, Absol appeared in the midst of the pouring rain as another bolt of lightning rent the clouds asunder, the drum of thunder pounding close in Ash's ears. With a heavy sigh Ash opened his eyes, his shoulders slumping forwards. "Absol," he said after a moment, "I don't suppose you're bringing good news today, are you?"

The Disaster Pokémon tossed her head, almost sadly. "Sol."

"I didn't think so." His eyes went to his teacher. "Riley, this is Absol."

"I see that," the Aura Guardian said. "Finally found a sixth member for your team, eh?"

Ash shook his head. "I've asked before. No, we met in Ecruteak."

Understanding washed across Riley's features. "I see."

"So," Ash turned to the Pokémon, his mouth a thin line. "Shall we?"

"Sol," Absol replied, tossing her head towards Riley. The waterproofed XTransciever strapped to the Aura Guardian's wrist lit up, an electric tune sounding.

Riley raised a brow. "It's... Lance," he said, tapping the 'accept call' button. The screen flashed, replaced by an image of the Champion's face.

"Riley, where the hell are you?" the Dragon Tamer all but roared. "I've been trying to contact you for over an hour now."

"Interference from the storm," Riley replied. "What's happened?"

"Iron Island happened," the Champion replied. "Rocket sent a fucking army. They killed the G-men I had guarding the place, Riley! They took over!"

All color drained from Riley's face. "They did what?"

Lance's voice took on a hard edge. "Get to the League HQ. Now. We need to talk."

Riley nodded. "R-right. I'm on my way." With a shaking hand he tapped the screen, ending the call, and stood. Releasing Skarmory from his Pokéball, he glanced at Ash. "Whatever Team Rocket is up to, we need to put a stop to it."

Ash nodded. "You don't have to tell me."

Riley suddenly seemed very tired. "I'm getting too old for this," he mumbled, mounting the Iron Bird. "Come on, Lucario," he said, the Aura Pokémon nodding a goodbye to Athena and Ash and joining his Trainer. "Ash, don't forget you have a battle today!" Riley called as Skarmory took to the skies, soon obscured by clouds and rain.

Ash sighed, turning to look at Pikachu, who had descended upon Absol's arrival. "It all happens too much," he said as his starter climbed his shoulder.

"Pika," the Electric Mouse agreed.

"Well then," Ash began after a moment's silence, "is that all you came to show us, Absol?"

The Disaster Pokémon tossed her mane. "Ab."

Ash had been afraid of that. "Right. Everyone?" he called, rousing his Pokémon. "Come over here." He tapped the release button on Soul's ball. "Spectre, if you would?"

The Dragon nodded, lumbering over to the Aura Guardian and lifting a crimson wing to shield the Fire Type from the pouring rain – not that the rain hurt her, but a soaking wet Ninetales is generally not a happy Ninetales.

With everyone settled, Ash nodded to Absol. "Whenever you're ready," he said, taking a breath.

Absol's horn flashed white, bathing Ash and his Pokémon in bright light. For a split second there was a rush of air and the sensation of falling from a great height before the world went dark. Color burst before Ash's eyes, and suddenly he was standing in the Pokémon League Village.

Or, rather, what was left of it.

The air was thick with smoke and the unmistakable stench of blood. Ashes fell from the clouds like snow, and all was silent as the Village burned around Ash. Bodies were strewn about the street, tossed around as though they were little more than pieces of garbage. Somewhere, a Houndoor howled in mourning, its pained cries echoing through the abandoned streets.

Ash turned to see Absol standing behind him. "How?" he asks.

Absol took a step backwards, bidding the Aura Guardian follow. The Disaster Pokémon walked slowly through the streets, Ash close at her heels. As they approached the village center, a sound like a low wave rolled over them, the sound of bloodlusted roars and rabid cheers. The sound crescendoed as the two walked ever closer, until turning a corner Ash finally saw it.

Hundreds, no, thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of them stood together, the blood dripping from their hands and feet reaffirming their victory. Armed with rifles raised high in triumph and with Pokémon that reveled in the chaos their masters created they roared.

Team Rocket.

Before the great army, three stood in chains. Heavy bags covered their heads, and their shoulders were stooped in pitiful defeat, but somehow Ash knew who the prisoners were. Who else could it be?

A Rocket stepped forwards, a chrome pistol gleaming in her hands. She grabbed the first of the three by the shoulders, forcing them to their knees and ripping the bag from their head. The army roared as Cynthia was revealed, bloodied and barely recognizable. The Rocket pressed the gun to her temple, and she closed her eyes. Ash looked away.

Bang.

The roar of the army only increased.

Bang.

Another Champion lay lifeless on the warm stone.

"Enough," Ash said, quietly. "I've seen enough."

"Sol absol." The Disaster Pokémon replied. Not yet.

The final bag was torn away. Lance, the Dragon Master, Champion of two regions, held his head high, his face hardened. The Rocket spat in his face and laughed, but the Dragon of Fusube did not even acknowledge the slight.

From out of the background a man stepped forth to the rising cheer of the crowds. The Rocket saluted, offering the pistol to him. Flames danced in the man's eyes as he accepted the weapon, lifting it up for all to see. The man who wore shadow like a suit said something to Lance as he pressed the gun to the Champion's temple, and smiled.

In his mind Lance damned each and every one of the thousands before him, mentally shouting curses that Yveltal would weep to hear. But he said nothing as Giovanni pulled the trigger, the words dying unspoken on his lips with him.

The vision faded. Ash was replaced with rain, and the roar of armies faded into the roar of thunder echoing against the skies as Ash blinked, coming back to his senses as his Pokémon recovered from their own similar revelations.

Ash sighed. "So. It's war they want."

"Sol." The Disaster Pokémon stood, meeting the eyes of all those before her. The unspoken message that shone in her eyes was cold, yet a glint of something that could perhaps be called hope flashed there too. You can stop this, her eyes seemed to say. You must.

And then she was gone, walking soft through the heavy rains until she disappeared from view.

Ash sat for a moment, then stood, glancing to where Jessie and James has taken shelter in their tent before making his way into the trees, his Pokémon following close behind.

-Pokémon League Village, Pokémon Center-

Dawn stared out the window, watching the rain pour down onto the empty streets outside. A bolt of lightning split the sky, and the Coordinator supported her head with a hand as thunder boomed in response. She sighed, watching a solitary raindrop make its way down the windowpane.

Nearby, Piplup snoozed on a nest of Dawn's coat. May was still asleep as well, her breathing deep and even on the nearby bed. Misty was, none too surprisingly, nowhere to be found. Dawn hoped the Gym Leader was getting breakfast. She was hungry.

Her Pokégear buzzed in her pocket, and she casually pulled out the device, raising a brow at the purple-haired face that appeared on the screen. "Hello?" she answered, accepting the call. "Reggie?"

"Hey, if it isn't our favorite Coordinator!" The Pokémon Breeder says with an easy smile. "How's it going, girl?"

Dawn grinned. "Hey, Reggie! Haven't seen you in a while! I'm doing great! I'm at the World Tournament with Brock and May! We're cheering on Max and Misty!"

Reggie nodded. "Nice, nice. You hear that, Paul? Dawn's here at the Tournament, too!" he said, glancing over his shoulder. Behind him, his younger brother lounged on a couch, his eyes closed.

"Thrilling," the Trainer deadpanned, giving Dawn the slightest of nods. Around his head, his Ninjask buzzed in a greeting to the Coordinator.

"Hey Paul!" Dawn said with a wave. "What's up?"

The Trainer shrugged, and Reggie rolled his eyes, turning the phone back to hisself. "What's up is that Mr. Stoicism over here made it into the top 32. I know, right?" he says as Dawn's eyes widen. "Paul and I were wondering -"

"You were wondering," Paul interrupted, looking away from the phone and rubbing at the back of his neck.

"-Paul was wondering," Reggie corrected, sticking a tongue out at his brother, "if you and your friends would be interested in coming down to his match today and cheering him on?"

Dawn smiled, finding herself nodding. "Yeah, we could totally do that! When is it?"

Paul appeared behind his brother's shoulder, the threat of a smile playing at his pursed lips. "This afternoon," he answered, glaring into the phone as though Reggie was instead holding a dangerous-looking bug. "Terra Stadium."

"Sweet!" Dawn beamed, giving the camera a thumbs-up. "I'll make sure to tell everyone when they get up! See you then!"

"Later, Dawn!" Reggie said with a grin, cutting the call.

Dawn beamed, sliding her phone back into her pocket. She stood, stretching, and glanced at May, who still lay snoozing in the bed. "Rise and shine," she said, nudging the Hoenn native's shoulder. "C'mon, time to get up."

Her eyes fluttered, and a sound like a death rattle emanated from the Coordinator's throat. "Five more minutes." She shrugged deeper into the mattress, not wanting to leave the warm blankets.

Dawn rolled her eyes. "Now, May. It's almost eleven already."

"Bluhhhh," May replied, her eyes blinking open, and sitting up with a deep yawn. "Who called?" she asked, rubbing the sleep from her face.

"Reggie. Paul's got a match this afternoon, wanted me to come."

"Oh yeah? Didn't know Paul had even entered."

"Me neither, but he must be doing pretty good to have gotten this far."

"Yeah. Well hopefully it won't take long. Max has a match today too."

"Oh?"

"Mm," May replied, standing and throwing on some clean(ish) clothes. Tying up her shoes, she yawned again and stood, her stomach rumbling.

Dawn chuckled. "Hungry?"

May stuck her tongue out at the Sinnoh native, gathering up her Pokémon and walking to the door. "Shut up. Let's find some food."

"No argument here!" Dawn responded, keeping on her friends heels.

The lobby of the Pokémon Center was relatively full, with Trainers and spectators alike mingling together and partaking of the complimentary breakfast. Finding Brock, and Max already in line, the two Coordinators joined them, bidding the two good morning.

"Hey, Brock!" Dawn said.

"Hey, Dawn, May," the Doctor responded, yawning. "You two sleep well?"

One shoulder raised in a sort of half-shrug. "I guess. That storm woke me up!"

"Same here," Max said, not glancing up from his Pokégear. "Geez, when are they going to post my opponent already?" he complained, frowning.

"They haven't told you who you're up against yet?" May asked, looking over her brother's shoulder at the screen.

"Nope," he replied with a frown. "They told me when and where, but it looks like the actual opponent won't be announced for a little while."

"Weird. Oh, that reminds me. Reggie called me this morning, asked if we'd like to go to Paul's match today, cheer him on. I told him we would."

Max grimaced. "Paul's in this tournament? Great."

Dawn shot the Hoenn native a look. "Don't be like that. He's not that bad and you know it. He's gotten a lot better the past few years."

Brock shrugged. "If you say so. Hey, has anyone seen Misty?"

"Right behind you," the Gym Leader said, smirking as the group turned to see her already holding a plate of food. "Woke up early and went for a run," she explained, taking a drink from the cup she was holding. "The rain was refreshing."

"Hey, you have a match today too, right, Misty?" May asked.

The redhead nodded. "Yup. Indigo Stadium at noon. Up against Fantina. From Hearthome?"

Max whistled. "That's gonna be a fun match. She specializes in Ghost Types. Do you have any good counters to Ghost?"

Misty stuck out her tongue. "Have a little faith, Maxy. You don't get to being one of the best Gym Leaders in the region without learning a few things about Typing. I've got a few tricks up my sleeve, kiddo. You'll see."

"Oh yeah? Like what?"

"Nope. Sorry, guys, I'm keeping that one to myself."

"No fair!" Max complained. "Come on, Misty, you can't do that!"

Misty opened her mouth to reply, but a sudden chime from the nearby television interrupted her. The screen, which had before been broadcasting reruns of the latest battle and up-to-date information on the day's scheduled matches, now transitioned to reveal a sharply dressed news reported, sitting behind a desk, clutching a sheathe of papers in her hand. "We interrupt our regularly scheduled broadcast to bring you this special news bulletin."

The image changed to an aerial view of a war-torn looking landscape. Craters littered the landscape, and the wreckage of downed helicopters was strewn about the scene. "At approximately 9:15 Sinnoh time last night, members of the criminal organization Team Rocket infiltrated and captured Iron Island, off the coast of Floaroma Town. There have been unconfirmed reports that 'G-men' agents of the Pokémon League were stationed at the Island during the time of the attack, and that only a single agent was able to escape with their life."

The image shifted back to the newscaster behind her desk. "These reports have not yet been confirmed by the Pokémon League, who has yet to release an official statement concerning the incident. No changes concerning the Pokémon World Tournament, being held at the Kanto region's Indigo Plateau, have been announced. More on this story as it develops."

An outro piece played, and the transmission returned to its normal broadcasts. Slowly, the Pokémon Center returned to normal, its occupants easing back into their previous conversations, the comfortable din of breakfast gradually settling back upon the denizens of the building.

"Iron Island... that's where Riley is, right?" Brock asked, his jaw clenched.

"I think so," Dawn confirmed, clutching Piplup to her chest. "Unless he was off on his Aura Guardian errands or whatever he does."

"Say, Red knows Riley, doesn't he?" Misty asked, raising a brow at Brock. "I mean, he's mentioned Riley a couple times, at least. They're both Aura users, right? It makes sense that they'd know each other."

Brock nodded. "Yeah. Yeah, that's pretty smart. We can ask him after his battle today. Hey, Max, check when that is?"

The Hoenn trainer nodded, already scrolling through the listings. "Looks like it was just posted. Cinnabar Stadium, in about an hour. Ooh," he whistled. "Up against that Nyugen guy from Sinnoh. Can't wait to see that match." His Pokégear beeped, the listings updating. "Sweet! My opponent was finally posted!" he said, tapping his name on the screen. "Let's see here: Max Maple of Petalburg, blah blah blah, Terra Stadium, ah, here it is. Paul Shinji, of Veilstone City."

There was a pause.

"Well, that's gonna be fun."

-Cinnabar Stadium-

"THE NEXT MATCH IN THE WORLD TOURNAMENT WILL BEGIN IN TEN MINUTES!"

"Sweet, we got here in plenty of time," Brock said, walking through the gate that led to the stadium seating. "Say, Misty, think the rain's gonna let up anytime soon?"

Misty shrugged, giving the overcast sky a sidelong glance. "Doubt it. Looks like it's gonna keep up all day."

"I hope not," Dawn said, frowning up at the clouds.

May nodded in agreement, and Misty rolled her eyes. "A little water will be good for the two of you," she joked, elbowing the Coordinators.

"Ouch! Misty!"

Brock chuckled at the girls, grinning as he cast a glance about his fellow spectators.

Wait. Was that?

Ash, dressed as he was in his stylized cloak and hood, stood concealed behind a pillar that supported the stadium, watching the oblivious group. Meeting Brock's eye, he shook his head ever so slightly, gesturing with his eyes to the rest of the gang who still had not noticed him. I need to talk to you, he seemed to say. Alone.

Brock responded by nodding curtly, discretely tilting his head first towards the group, then back to Ash in a way that declared he would first see his friends to their seats before coming back down to find Ash.

Ash nodded, taking a step back and disappearing into the crowds.

Max raised a brow at Brock, glancing in the direction he was looking. "See something, Brock?" he asked.

Brock blinked. "Huh? Oh. Yeah, weird, thought I saw an old friend of mine. Lookalike," he finished, scratching at the side of his face. "C'mon, let's get to our seats before the match starts." Max frowned at his friend's quick reaction, but didn't say anything, following the Doctor to their seats.

Brock waited for a few seconds after they were all seated before standing. "I'm gonna run to the restroom real quick," he announced, shuffling out of the bleachers. "I'll be back in a sec."

Max shared a look with Grace, who shrugged, and stood. "Same. Save my spot, yeah?" he said to his sister. Sparing a glance at his Pokégear, he sidled through to the staircase, eyeing Brock as he walked out of the arena. Keeping a safe distance, Max attempted to blend into the crowd, walking alongside a small group of Trainers too caught up in their conversation to notice him.

Brock glanced over his shoulder, feeling somebody's eyes following him. Max ducked behind a booth peddling concessions and closed his eyes, taking a breath and pushing out with his thoughts. In his mind's eye he saw Brock scan the crowd once more before shaking his head and continuing on, muttering something about his imagination getting the better of him. Max watched through closed eyes as Brock glanced around him once more before approaching a relatively empty section of the stadium at the edge of Max's vision.

The image flickered, and Max swore, opening his eyes. He would have to get closer.

Max, what are you doing? Grace's voice came bubbling up in his mind as he approached.

Tailing Brock. He's acting weird. I think he's meeting with someone.

Grace raised a brow. Or, rather, the feeling of a brow being raised came to the forefront of Max's mind. Oh?

Yeah, he replied, squatting behind a support pillar and daring to peek out. Wait, is that Red?

Red? Shouldn't he be preparing for his match?

Yeah. Hey, shut up a second, I need to listen.

"...coming to Indigo?"

"Yes. Absol showed me. Team Rocket wants war, and now that they have Iron Island they have a way to wage it. Here, look," Red said, pulling a bundle of cloth from his cloak and showing it to the Doctor.

"Is that what I think it is?" Brock asked in an awed whisper.

Red nodded, shoving the bundle back into his cloak. "I wish it wasn't. And there are countless more now in Team Rocket's hands. Who knows what they could do with an entire army of Mega evolutions?"

Max felt Grace gasp. Did he just say..?

"But... don't Mega Stones require some kind of device to activate them?" Brock asked. "Some kind of key or bracelet or something?"

Red nodded. "Key Stones. Modern ones do, yeah. The League requires it so criminals or inexperienced trainers can't get their hands on them. But the stones at Iron Island are thousands of years old. All they need is contact with a Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution, and bam."

Brock shook his head. "So why are you telling me all this?"

"Because we have to stop it. Absol gave me a vision of what'll happen if we don't, Brock, and it is not a pretty sight. I'm telling you so when the shit hits the fan, you and Misty and everyone will be ready for it."

Brock sighed, nodded. "Alright."

Red smiled underneath his hood. "I gotta go. Match starts in five. I'll meet you guys at Indigo Stadium for Misty's match, yeah?"

"Yeah. Sounds good. Good luck out there, Ash."

To Max, it was as though he'd been hit by the Magnet Train running full speed to Goldenrod. Ash!? It couldn't be... could it?

"You too, Brock," Red – Ash – replied, clapping his friend on the shoulder. The two parted ways, Ash making his way towards the locker rooms and Brock turning to return to his seat.

Hearing a sound, Brock glanced down and stopped dead in his tracks, seeing Max staring back up at him.

"Well, shit."

"THE NEXT MATCH IN THE POKÉMON WORLD TOURNAMENT IS ABOUT TO BEGIN!" the announcer yelled into his headset. "OUR FIRST COMBATANT, THE STAR FROM SINNOH, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, NYUGEN DAVIDSON!"

With a smirk, the Sinnoh Trainer strutted onto the field, raising an indifferent hand to the crowd. "Hope you're ready, Red," Nyugen said, flipping jet-black hair back into place.

"AND FACING HIM, THE MYSTERY TRAINER OF KANTO, GIVE IT UP FOR RED!"

The audience roared as Red wordlessly marched onto the field, Athena and Eve at his side. Pikachu rode atop the hooded Trainer's shoulder, cheeks sparking in anticipation. Taking his place at one end of the arena, Red gave Nyugen a curt nod, looking to the referee.

"THIS MATCH WILL BE A FOUR-ON-FOUR SINGLE BATTLE, COMPOSED OF FOUR BOUTS! ONE BOUT IS ENDED WHEN A POKÉMON IS EITHER UNABLE TO BATTLE OR RECALLED! TRAINERS, SELECT YOUR POKÉMON!"

"I'll start this! Rampardos, you're up!" Nyugen called, hurling the Pokéball onto the stadium floor. The Headbutt Pokémon crashed down onto the rocks, letting out a primeval roar.

Red grinned. "Spectre!"

Another roar shook the stadium as the Dragon raced overhead, flaring crimson wings and landing hard enough to crack the arena floor.

The referee held up his flags. "BEGIN!" he yelled, swooping the canvas down. Along the corners of the arena, pillars of flame burst upwards from pipes underground in a dramatic display.

The two prehistoric beasts let out savage roars, calling the other forth to do battle. Following ancient tradition honed by millennia, the Pokémon circled each other, searching for even the smallest of openings.

Rampardos flashed silver and white, stomping at the earth with a muscular leg. A swirling ball of energy formed atop its cobalt head, launching itself towards Spectre, who responded by opening his maw, lavender flame pouring from his mouth. The two attacks collided, the ancient power bathing in dragonflame and slowing to a standstill. The attacks dissipated, leaving both unscathed and with new insight into their opponent.

Spectre took to the skies after a signal from Red, beating his hard-earned wings and soaring high into the air. Tasting the freedom of the skies, the dragon grinned, rolling in the breeze and honing in on the earthbound dinosaur.

Nyugen smirked, barking out a counter. Rampardos leapt into action, jumping and slamming back into the ground, dislodging a chunk of stone nearly as big as the Headbutt Pokémon. The dinosaur rammed its head into the stone, breaking it down further. With a snarl, Rampardos hefted the rock, his eyes flashing brown and gold. With a mighty heave Rampardos hurled the stone skyward, the rock glittering with energy. Spectre attempted to roll away, but the stone clipped his wing and exploded into a cloud of dust, shooting the dragon straight down into the unforgiving ground.

Red pursed his lips as Spectre stood, a sliver of flame curling from his snout as he huffed. The dragon had been slighted, and Rampardos would pay dearly for the offense. Spectre roared, cobalt and azure spewing from his jaw and coating himself in the ethereal blue. Powerful legs tensed and raced forwards as crimson wings caught the wind, blitzing forwards and tackling the Headbutt Pokémon to the ground.

Nyugen watched Rampardos climb to his feet and shake itself, and he clenched his hand into a fist, calling out his next attack. Rampardos leered at Spectre, its muscular legs slamming into the earth and summoning up massive pillars of stone that encircled and enveloped the dragon, slowly closing in upon themselves.

Within the crypt-like walls of earth, Spectre growled low in his throat, baring sharpened teeth. He would not be confined. His eyes flashed, swirling with a crimson and lavender energy that spread across his body. With a roar that shook the very foundation of the stadium, Spectre thrashed against the stone walls, the strength of his movement cracking the earth beneath and crumbling the walls that held him to all but dust.

Rampardos had not even a moment to run before the great dragon was upon him, eyes blazing with a fire matched only by that which rocketed forth from his maw, dousing the dinosaur in a substance more like magma then flame. Savage claws swiped at the Rock Type and pinned it to the ground. Vicious jaws snapped at the helpless beast. The dragon stood on hind legs and roared to the heavens before retreating, leaving Rampardos lying on the hard stadium floor. The red aura around Spectre faded, and the dragon stumbled, catching himself as he lumbered away from Rampardos.

The Headbutt Pokémon twitched on the stadium floor, slowly, slowly crawling to its feet. Its breath came in great heaves but it stood tall and faced its enemy all the same, determined to fight until the very last. Nyugen smiled at the Rock Type, giving what would be the Rampardos's final command of the battle.

A sheen of white enveloped Rampardos, two rings of energy spinning around the exhausted Pokémon. The rings split, forming spheres of energy that themselves formed jagged rock and stone, hurling themselves at the dragon.

Spectre turned just as the stones buried themselves into his thick hide, letting out a roar of pain. His eyes flashed red, and he stumbled again, collapsing onto the stadium before picking himself up from the ground and shaking himself. A beam of amethyst energy streaked from his open mouth towards Rampardos, kicking up a small cloud of dust.

Rampardos lay unconscious on the arena floor.

"RAMPARDOS IS UNABLE TO BATTLE! THIS BOUT GOES TO RED! BOTH TRAINERS WILL SELECT THEIR NEXT POKÉMON!" The referee called, waving a flag. On the stadium screens, the image of Rampardos was grayed out, and a red mark appeared over Red's half of the display.

Red nodded as Spectre slowly lumbered over and collapsed at his trainer's side. "You're up, Eve," he said, expanding a Pokéball from his belt and offering it to Spectre, who groaned and nodded. Recalling the dragon, he reached up to scratch the Electric Type still perched on his shoulder. "Go get 'em, girl."

"Poreon!" the water fox responded, dashing onto the stadium.

Nyugen recalled Rampardos, eyeing Eve as she took the stage. "That was impressive," he admitted, reaching for another Pokéball.

Red shrugged, accepting the compliment. "I hope the rest of your Pokémon are similarly trained. We've been looking forward to a good fight."

Nyugen laughed. "Well, I hope I can give you one! Shedinja!"

Red's eyes widened as the Shed Pokémon appeared on the stadium.

Nyugen chuckled at Red's expression. "Like it? No one ever expects going up against a Shedinja. They're one of my favorite Pokémon, you know," he said conversationally as Eve launched a torrent of water at the motionless Bug/Ghost Type. The attack struck Shedinja... and did nothing. "Such strange creatures. Did you know their ability, Wonder Guard, makes them immune to attacks of all types except a choice few? I'd bet good Poké that Vaporeon of yours doesn't know any moves that could damage Shed here.

"Oh, I almost forgot. Shedinja, Shadow Sneak!"

Red clenched his jaw. Nyugen was right, of course. As diverse as Eve's moveset was, she most certainly didn't know any Ghost or Fire Type moves. And he couldn't switch out Eve without forfeiting her from the match entirely, and not only would that not be fair to the Vaporeon, but something – call it intuition – told Red that he would need all the Pokémon he could use.

Shedinja moved. No, that wasn't quite right. Its shadow moved, snaking outwards despite the cloudy sky above. Lazily it crept towards Eve until it rested in the Bubble Jet Pokémon's shadow. From within the dark came a black fist that connected with Eve's gut, knocking her back a good few feet.

Eve retaliated with an Ice Beam that bounced harmlessly off the husk's skin.

"Shadow Ball," Nyugen yawned, suppressing a grin. Shedinja buzzed, a sphere of black energy crackling with purple electricity forming before the husk and launching towards Eve.

"Dodge it!" Red ordered, clenching a fist. This was bad. He needed to figure out a way to injure Shedinja, and fast.

Eve snarled, sidestepping the sphere of spectral energy.

"Shadow Barrage," Nyugen said lazily, glancing up at the Vaporeon.

Shedinja buzzed again, louder this time, and as before the sphere of supernatural energy formed in front of the Shed Pokémon. This time, however, the sphere fractured and split, forming dozens of smaller spheres that orbited around Shedinja for a moment before screaming towards their target.

"Protect!" Red called.

Eve's eyes flashed white, the translucent barrier fully forming mere instants before the attacks broke against it. Another volley of spheres exploded against the barricade, but still it held.

"Phantom Force!" Nyugen called, and Shedinja disappeared, fading from the arena like a bad dream.

"Keep up that Protect, Eve, and keep an eye out!" Red instructed, closing his eyes. Behind his eyelids he saw the stadium in shades of deep blue and black, his Pokémon highlighted in a familiar white. Opposite him he saw Nyugen in a pale blue, and his vision swept through the battlefield, ignoring the gray pillars of flame cornering the arena as he searched for Shedinja.

He felt rather than saw the Shed Pokémon, only barely visible against the dark backdrop of the arena, moving like a shadow from here to there, slowly creeping towards Eve's blind side.

Red's eyes snapped open. "Behind you!" He yelled. Eve whirled around to see a shimmer like the air on a hot day waver towards the Protect that still held around her.

Despite herself Eve grinned, taunting the invisible husk. "Por Vaporeon," she snarled. Nothing would be getting through the shield on her watch.

"Dinja," Shedinja replied, become fully visible once again. It hovered closer to the Protect bubble, reaching out with an arm to tap the sphere.

Its arm went straight through.

"What!?"

Now inside the Protect, Shedinja buzzed again. Eve stared at the bug with a mixture of horror and disbelief as it descended, glowing purple and black.

Up in the stands, Misty flinched, looking away as Shedinja attacked. "This is horrible!"

"Yeah, no kidding," Brock agreed, crossing his arms. "I hate to say it, but I don't think Eve even has a chance here. There's no way she knows any moves that would be effective against Shedinja."

"And judging from that battle between Rampardos and Spectre," Max added, "the rest of Nyugen's Pokémon are really powerful as well. A-"

Brock not-so-subtly elbowed Max in the gut. "Yeah, Red's got his work cut out for him for sure," he finished, ignoring the small whimper of pain from the Trainer beside him.

Eve slowly crawled to her feet, bruised and battered from the onslaught. It hurt Red to see her like this, but what could he do? Eve would not retreat, could not without forfeiting the match and giving the bout to Nyugen. But as it was she had no attacks that could even damage the bug, much less stand any chance of defeating it.

Come on, think, Arceusdamnit! There must be something! There –

His eyes widened. "Eve! Knock that bug into the flames!"

"X-Scissor!" Nyugen countered. "Don't let her touch you!"

Eve panted, renewed determination alighting in her eyes. Her body glowed blue, a ring of water appearing in orbit around the Bubble Jet Pokémon and soothing her wounds. Her eyes flashed, and she blurred, becoming more a nondescript flash of blue than a Pokémon.

Shedinja hovered above the stadium, its tattered wings glowing silver. A shimmering 'X' formed at the crown of the husk's forehead, slashing through the air towards Eve. The water fox danced around the attack, a torrent of water spouting from her jaw and blasting the Shedinja back a few feet.

Nyugen frowned. "Silver Wind!"

Eve blurred again, racing towards the husk at full speed, leaping into the air as the Shed Pokémon released a wave of metallic energy that sliced into her. Letting out a battle cry, she flung herself into Shedinja, tackling the bug out of the arena before crashing down onto the stadium floor.

"Come on, Eve! You can do it! Take Down!"

With herculean effort, Eve dragged herself to her feet, eyes set upon the husk. Water washed around her wounds, and with newfound strength she raced forwards and leapt once more into the skies, flipping at the last moment to lash out with her tail. The attack connected with a sharp crack!, sending the Shed Pokémon flying into the pillar of flame that decorated the arena's outskirts.

Eve collapsed to the floor as Shedinja slowly floated out of the flame, red burns scarring the underbelly of the husk. The Shed Pokémon wavered in midair, but stayed afloat.

"VAPOREON IS UNABLE TO BATTLE! THIS BOUT GOES TO NYUGEN! TRAINERS, SELECT YOUR NEXT POKÉMON!"

Red nodded to Athena, who blurred onto the stadium, reappearing at her Trainer's side a moment later, the unconscious Eve sleeping in her arms. Taking the Water Type, Red ran a hand across the Water Type's back, whispering softly to the Bubble Jet as he recalled her into a Pokéball.

Across the stadium, Nyugen smiled, recalling Shedinja and giving Red an apologetic shrug. "If it's any consolation to your Vaporeon, that burn would probably've knocked Shed here out the next turn. Some good thinking, that was."

Red returned the shrug, accepting the compliment. "I hope there's no more tricks up your sleeve," he replied with a grin, nodding to Athena again.

Nyugen's smile only widened as the Aura Pokémon took the field. "Sorry to disappoint!" He answered, expanding a Pokéball. "Isis!"

The two Lucario regarded each other. I believe you know what it is I am going to ask, Athena said, not taking her eyes off her opponent.

Red chuckled, a wry grin upon his face. "I believe I do," he replied. "She's all yours."

Athena grinned.

Isis cracked her knuckles, dropping into a low stance, beckoning Athena closer. Athena's grin widened and she complied, adopting a stance of her own and inching closer to the Lucario. The two circled each other for a moment, each of them reading the other for weakness or opening.

There was a long second in which neither combatant moved. Cerulean blue eyes met crimson bloodred ones and they stood for a second longer, the tension hanging thick in the air.

And then suddenly they were upon each other, meeting in the center of the arena. It was Athena who struck first, leaping into a spinning kick that Isis only just managed to dodge before landing and pressing forward with a flurry of punches. Isis deflected the first with her forearm, spinning to the left and striking back with a barely-blocked roundhouse kick. An elbow strike from Athena was caught, Isis using Athena's momentum to throw her a few feet behind. Athena flipped and twisted in midair, skidding to a halt, considering her opponent anew.

She grinned, cracking her neck as her fists began to glow. Isis returned the smile, her own paws doing the same as she dropped back into her stance, beckoning Athena come and play a while.

May's eyes widened at the display before her. "Wow," she commented, not wanting to take her eyes off the battle, "This is pretty incredible."

"No kidding," Misty replied, watching the almost dancelike battle unfold. The two were almost perfectly matched, so much so that it was almost like watching Athena fight herself, or perhaps the other way round. "I can hardly tell the two apart. This is –" an Aura Sphere detonated in a burst of blue that sent Athena tumbling to the ground. In an instant, she was back on her feet, wiping a thin line of blood from her mouth.

Isis smirked, summoning another ball of Aura to her palms. Leaping forwards she launched the sphere and followed it, racing towards her opponent.

Athena's eyes narrowed as the sphere approached, channeling Aura to her paws. Moments before the attack struck, she reached out – and caught it, spinning and hurling it back at the rapidly-approaching Isis.

In the League Box, Riley smiled to himself, putting a finger to his chin. "Looks like our students have improved some since we last saw them, eh, Lucario?"

Lucario nodded, watching the two Lucario with rapt attention. The other Lucario – Isis? – is quite skilled as well.

"She certainly is. This will be interesting."

Isis's eyes widened as her attack was turned back upon her, striking her square in the chest and forcing her into the air in a blast of cerulean light. Not wasting any time, Athena blitzed forwards, leaping into the air and flipping into an axe kick that sent Isis crashing into the stadium floor. Still in midair, she called up an Aura Sphere in either hand and sent them flying down to her opponent before landing softly on the ground.

Isis kipped to her feet, raising a hand and summoning a Protect. The shield shimmered, and the two spheres of energy crashed into it, shattering the Protect but exploding harmlessly against it. Aura swam into her paw, forming another sphere that she launched towards Athena, who responded with a pulse of swirling green and blue energy.

Isis sprinted forwards and leapt into the air, twirling into a hurricane kick that trailed with flame, cutting through the pulse of draconic energy. Her leg crashed across Athena's chest, sending the Lucario tumbling into the ground.

Athena crawled to her feet, keeping low to the ground, spitting blood onto the arena. You're good, she said, Aura flaring and briefly enveloping her body in a flash of blue. Giving a sigh of relief, she took up her stance again, summoning a shimmering staff to her paws, pointing one end to Isis. Shall we see how good?

Isis smirked, calling out a similar staff. Aye. We shall.

The two Bone Rushes met in a clash of blue and lavender. The combatants danced, their staffs twirling and trailing Aura as they flipped and spun. Isis brought up the staff to deflect an overhead blow from Athena, and they deadlocked there for an instant.

Athena's foot raced forwards in a savage front kick that knocked the air from the enemy Aura Pokémon, and Isis flew, collapsing to the floor. Still clutching the cerulean staff, she climbed to her feet, ignoring the slow drip of blood from her mouth, shifting back into her stance.

Athena dropped her staff, forming a sphere of Aura no larger than the size of a softball. Another charging in her other palm, she threw the first, barraging Isis with the miniature Aura Spheres.

Aura flared off of Isis's shoulders, and she moved, swinging her staff to intercept the Sphere, which burst harmlessly upon contact with the weapon. She twirled the staff again, deflecting the second, and third.

The forth snuck its way through Isis's defense, hitting the Aura Pokémon in the chest. The air in her body leaving her in a great gust of wind, and she fell gasping to the stadium floor.

Here Athena paused her onslaught, bringing her paws to one side and summoning an ever-growing sphere of Aura, swirling and shifting in her palms. She watched as Isis climbed to her feet and sunk into the same position, a similar sphere charging in her hands. A single blow, then? She asked.

Isis nodded, gritting her teeth. For a long second, both Pokémon stood there, their attacks readying as all noise in the arena died down to a whisper. Then, as one, the Lucario launched the spheres, which met in the center of the arena and exploded in a brilliant display of blues and lavenders.

Slowly, the light faded, revealing both Isis and Athena lying unconscious on the stadium floor.

"BOTH POKÉMON ARE UNABLE TO BATTLE!" the announcer cried, raising his flags. "THIS BOUT IS DECLARED A DRAW! BOTH TRAINERS WILL REVEAL THEIR FINAL POKÉMON!"

Red raised a hand to the referee, jogging out into the arena. "C'mon, Athena," he said, lifting his friend and gently carrying her out of the arena, setting her down next to the box where Trainers were required to conduct the battles. From his cloak he drew out a vial, uncorking it and tipping a few drops of the red liquid into Athena's mouth.

The Lucario stirred, and slowly sat up, taking the vial and nodded her thanks to Red. With a grin, the hooded Trainer turned, his attention back on the battlefield.

"Pikachu! I choose you!"

Nyugen nodded, recalling Isis. "Down to the wire, isn't it?" He asked, pulling his final Pokéball from his belt. "Well, let's make this count! Spiritomb!" He called, releasing in a burst of crimson the Forbidden Pokémon.

Pikachu's cheeks sparked in anticipation as he stared down the Ghost/Dark Type. The rain, which had lessened somewhat since that morning, seemed to redouble as the static in his cheeks formed more storm clouds, which opened, drenching the stadium in the pounding rainfall.

"Thunderbolt!" Red called, testing the waters. Pikachu nodded, firing off a sizzling bolt of electric charge that arced through the ethereal purple fog, momentarily scattering it before the cloud swirled back in on itself, a low laughter echoing through the arena.

"You're gonna have to do better than that!" Nyugen boasted, pointing to the Electric Mouse. "Ominous Wind!"

Red shivered as the cold wind blew forth from the Forbidden Pokémon, purple energy slicing into Pikachu's fur as a feeling like that of a terrible foreboding washed over the stadium.

"Alright, Pikachu, you know what to do!" Red ordered.

Pikachu nodded, racing forwards. As he ran, he leapt, juking from side to side, blurring into a streak of yellow as he sprinted, the Agility boosting his speed. Electricity sparked from his cheeks as he ran, the yellow aura surrounding him and forcing him run ever faster as he fast approached the Spiritomb.

"Dark Pulse!" Was Nyugen's response, a beam of black and amethyst circles that spun as they flew racing towards the oncoming Pikachu.

Pikachu grit his teeth and forced himself blitz through, waves of yellow and amethyst mixing in the air as Spiritomb's attack met its target. The Electric Mouse let out a pained cry as the waves of energy bit into his fur, stumbling only slightly before finding his feet and racing on.

Crying out his name, Pikachu crashed into the Forbidden Pokémon, dispelling the fog that projected from the cracked stone that was Spiritomb's physical body. Screeching to a halt, Pikachu turned and tackled the Keystone again, sending it flying into the air.

From within the Keystone came a pained groan, and Red smirked. Just like old times, he thought. "Alright, Pikachu! Iron Tail!"

"Shadow Ball!" Nyugen countered, his brow furrowing.

From the small, cracked stone formed a swirling sphere of black that launched itself at Pikachu. Pikachu grinned, spinning into a flip. His tail, now glowing a dull silver, crashed into the sphere of Ghost Type energy, deflecting it into the stands, where it burst against the invisible Barrier summoned up by a League Alakazam.

Pikachu's attack didn't end there, and he continued the spin, his tail blurring into almost a solid disk of silver. With a cry, Pikachu struck the Keystone with the flat of his tail, sending the cracked stone crashing into the arena floor.

Nyugen winced as another pained cry emitted from the stone containing Spiritomb, clenching his palms into fists. "Come on, Spiritomb! You can do this! Sucker Punch!"

With a groan, the keystone responded, rattling slightly on the stadium floor. Pikachu landed on all fours, turning to see the purple fog emanate once more from the cracks on the stone, wavering in the rainfall. Spiritomb's jagged, emerald smile curled into a sneer as a fist formed from the mist, sparking with purple energy.

Pikachu snarled, pulling back a fist that crackled with electricity as he neared the Keystone. As his fist roared forwards, Spiritomb seemed to cackle, the amethyst fist disappearing and reappearing inches from the Electric Mouse, striking him in the chest and knocking the air from Pikachu in a gust of breath.

"Mistake." Victory was Red's, now.

Pikachu leapt back to his feet, his eyes flaring a pale yellow. Above, storm clouds roiled, the rain coming down in harsh waves. The Electric Mouse smirked. From his cheeks he fired a single, thin bolt of electricity into the storm clouds overhead.

For a moment, nothing. Then the skies responded, a sizzling bolt of lightning tearing the sky in two as it was hurled back down to the earth, following the path of electrons and ionized air Pikachu had laid out for it.

The crowd gasped as the lightning enveloped Pikachu, surrounding the Electric Mouse in a sphere of crackling electricity that arced off his fur, hairline sparks bending their way up and down his body.

Pikachu grinned, a devilish smirk that bared his teeth to his opponent. The energy from the lightning surged through him, and in less than an instant Pikachu was again upon Spiritomb, crashing into the Forbidden Pokémon and knocking the Keystone once again into the air. Pikachu spun into an Iron Tail once again, knocking the stone hard to the stadium floor. In midair, Pikachu tensed, channeling the excess energy from the lightning strike into a wave of electricity that arced downwards, blitzing into the stone in a strike that had the crowd covering up their eyes at the blinding flash.

Not done yet, Pikachu leapt higher into the air, kicking off an almost invisible screen summoned up via Magnet Rise, his fist pulling back once again. Roaring his name, Pikachu fell towards the Keystone, cheeks sparking with energy that coursed through his entire body, supercharging his attacks.

Pikachu's fist connected with the Keystone and burst, electrical discharge flying out in all directions. In the stands, the audience flinched as stray bolts of lightning bounced off more hastily-summoned Barriers and Light Screens. After a moment the light show faded, and Pikachu stood victorious over the Keystone.

"SPIRITOMB IS UNABLE TO BATTLE! THIS BOUT AND TOURNAMENT MATCH GOES TO RED!" The referee called over the roar of the crowds. He made to say more, but his voice was lost in the cheers of the audience.

Slowly Pikachu made his way over to Red, who bent down and offered his arm. With a tired "Pi," the Electric Mouse climbed up it, excess discharge sparking onto Red's cloak. With a grin Red patted his Pokémon's fur, absorbing the electricity that still flickered on his skin. "Good job, buddy," he murmured, offering Nyugen a respectful nod before sweeping out of the arena.

-Indigo Stadium-

Indigo Stadium was perhaps the most well-known Pokémon League Stadium this side of the Lily of the Valley, and for good reason. While not as versatile as the newer Terra Stadium, Indigo held both a rich history and a natural aura that seemed to almost radiate the adrenaline high Trainers felt during battle. Even seasoned Trainers itched in their seats, their hearts beating fast in the familiar battle tempo.

"Did you know," Brock began as he and Max found their seats – Dawn and May having since wandered off to Arceus-knew-where, "that Indigo Stadium is also the site of the first Pokémon League's inception?"

Max raised an eyebrow. "What, really?"

"Yeah! See, long ago – some three, four hundred years, I want to say – during the Kanjho Shogunate, Kanto and Johto were ruled by warlords who used Pokémon more as tools of war than as partners. To the north of here, near Mt. Silver, lived a simple man of the steppes, a lone wanderer who disagreed with their practices. He loved Pokémon, you see, and saw them as friends, brothers-in-arms. The people of Kanto and Johto called him 'Monsutā no yūjin.'" Here Brock grinned. "You might know him by his taken name, Tajiri Satoshi."

Max's eyes widened. "The guy who-?"

"Yup. Anyway, Satoshi didn't like how the warlords of the Shogunate treated their Pokémon, and challenged sixteen of the most powerful warlords of Johto and Kanto to a duel, right here at Indigo Stadium.

"Now, Indigo Stadium wasn't a Stadium yet, just a peaceful field of rolling flowers. When the sixteen warlords arrived, Satoshi challenged each of them to release their most powerful Pokémon to face off against his own."

Max nodded. "And he won?"

"Utterly destroyed them. Honestly they didn't stand a chance. The battle over, Satoshi made each of the defeated warlords pledge their allegiance to him, promising they would follow his lead and not make war with each other. Then Satoshi formally disbanded the Shogunate, forming the very first Pokémon League, all right here," Brock finished, gesturing to the Stadium below.

"Wow..." Max whispered, a chill running down his spine as the history of Indigo Stadium revealed itself to him. "That's pretty incredible."

Brock nodded, smiling and clapping Max on the back. "Yeah, it really..." he trailed off, glancing over his shoulder. "Oh, hey, Ash."

Ash growled, sliding into the seat next to the Pokémon Doctor. "Two things. One, wow, way to spoil my entrance. Two, what did I say about not telling anyone who I was?" He asked, jerking a thumb towards Max.

Brock raised his hands. "Whoa, hey, that's not my fault. He knew. Snuck up on us while we were talking before your battle."

Ash paused, glancing at Max. "Really?"

Max started when he realized Ash was talking to him, and nodded. "Y-yeah?"

Huh. "Huh. I didn't even know you were there." Ash shook his head. "You've filled him in, right?" He asked, turning to glance at Brock.

Brock shook his head. "Not yet. I couldn't during your match, Misty and the others were sitting right next to us, and there wasn't time on the way here."

Ash paused, nodding. "Alright. Well, I guess now's as good a time as-"

"THE NEXT MATCH IN THE POKÉMON WORLD TOURNAMENT IS ABOUT TO BEGIN! IN THE BLUE CORNER, THE SOULFUL DANCER, THE UNCONTESTED BEAUTY OF HEARTHOME CITY, FANTINAAAAAA KIMÉRAAAA!"

"...Or maybe not," Ash said, rolling his eyes as the Ghost Type Gym Leader strolled gracefully onto the field, blowing kisses to the audience before her. "I'll tell you everything once the match starts proper."

Max's eyebrow knit together. "Ash, what are you tal-"

"AND FACING HER, THE MERMAID OF CERULEAN COVE, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, MISTY WATERFLOWERRRRR!"

Ash, Brock, and Max applauded as their friend marched onto the battleground, her eyes glinting in the midday sun. She offered a nod to Fantina, saying something unheard over the roar of the crowds. Fantina smiled and laughed, nodding her head and reaching for a Pokéball.

"THIS MATCH WILL BE A THREE-ON-THREE SINGLE BATTLE! BOTH TRAINERS WILL SELECT THEIR POKÉMON!"

"Bring the rain, Golduck!" Misty shouted, tossing a Pokéball onto the field.

"Allez, mon ami!" Fantina replied, responding with her own Pokéball. "Mismagius!"

"TRAINERS, AT THE READY! BEGIN!"

"Okay, so as I was saying," Ash began again, grinning slightly. "I guess before I get too into anything I should ask if you have any questions."

"Damn straight I have questions!" Max said, his jaw set. "Where the hell have you been, for one! Why did you leave in the first place? And why are you masquerading as this 'Red' guy?"

Ash raised his palms. "Alright, Max. Calm down. I'll explain everything in time, okay?" He pulled his hood back, exposing his face and rubbing at his jaw. "First things first, I guess, huh? I left because I felt I needed to start over. Make my own path, you know? I've been all over. I wasn't lying to you the other day when you asked where I'd been. Orre, Johto, Sinnoh, Unova for a few days... I've been on the road a lot.

"Now, 'Red' is a bit of a different story. He's an alias I've used a few times before, a fake name to keep people off my tail. During the interview I think I'm gonna have to come out and kill him, now that I think about it. That's when I'm gonna reveal myself, see? Oh yeah, speaking of." Ash suddenly leaned in, catching Max's gaze. "You can not tell anybody who I am until then. Understood?"

The Hoenn native swallowed, and nodded. "Alright."

Ash breathed a sigh of relief, leaning back. "Good. Thanks, Max, but I've become a bit paranoid recently."

"Yeah, no kidding," Brock joked, crossing his arms. "Now, earlier you were saying something about a vision, right?"

Ash nodded, his face turning grim. "Yeah. Absol showed up again, and showed me what Team Rocket is planning."

A sphere of dark energy slammed into Golduck, sending him crashing into the stadium floor. For a moment the Duck Pokémon struggled, attempting to claw its way back to its feet, but collapsed under its own weight, utterly spent.

"GOLDUCK IS UNABLE TO BATTLE! MISTY, SELECT YOUR NEXT POKÉMON!"

Misty nodded, recalling her friend. "Good job, Golduck," she whispered, carefully placing the ball back in the pouch on her leg. "Alright, Aria, you're up next! Send the waves!"

In a flash of scarlet a Lapras appeared on the arena, coolly regarding the weakened Mismagius before it. Her gaze swept over the battlefield, humming at the hard rocks. In these circumstances her maneuverability would be lessened, and she'd become an easy target.

And that would simply not do.

A sphere of water swirled into being before the Transport Pokémon's mouth, hovering there a moment before it was slammed down onto the battlefield. The sphere exploded outwards, surging out in a massive wave that swept across the arena.

Beneath Misty and Fantina, the ground shuddered, and pillars of stone called up by a League Dugtrio rose from the stadium, taking the two Gym Leaders with it as the water rose, flooding the battlefield with perhaps five feet of water.

Fantina clapped her hands together in delight as the water surged around her. "Fantastique!" She exclaimed, beaming out at Aria and Misty. "Mais mantenant," and here her voice dropped to an almost ominous tone, "it is my turn."

"Now, mon chère, Magical Leaf!"

Max paled. "W-whoa."

Ash nodded, his mouth a thin line. "Yeah. I told you, what Team Rocket is planning isn't pretty."

Even Brock looked a little queasy, but he steadied himself, daring to ask the question burning at his mind. "So what can we do about it? I mean, you saw Absol's vision of the future. Team Rocket has the Mega Stones from Iron Island. They'll be on their way here any day now."

"If they aren't already," Ash agreed, sharing a glance with Athena, who looked considerably better now, yet still felt drained from her fight. "And that's why I'm talking to you guys now. I need you all to be ready. Tonight I'm going to try and talk to Lance, tell him and Goodshow everything I know about the Rockets, but since we don't know what their plan is I can't guarantee when they'll strike. But hey," he cracked a smile; "we've saved the world before, haven't we? What's one more time?"

"MISMAGIUS IS UNABLE TO BATTLE! FANTINA, SELECT YOUR NEXT POKÉMON!"

Fantina recalled her Pokémon, a happy smile on her face as her next Pokéball was tossed into the air. "Voler, Loony!"

Crimson energy burst from the metallic sphere, expanding out as it took the form of the Blimp Pokémon.

"Wow, Misty sure has gotten good," Ash commented, gazing down at the redhead from his place in the stands.

Brock snorted. "You bet she has. There's talk of her joining the Elite Four when Agatha finally resigns. As it is only the strongest Trainers challenge her. Most nowadays skip her and battle the Gym in Lavender instead."

"No shit? That's amazing," Ash said, grinning down at the Gym Leader. "I mean, I knew she'd been doing great, but she's in the running for the Elite Four? Damn."

"Yeah. You've missed a lot, man."

"Ominous Wind!"

"Ice Shard!"

Fantina's Drifblim trilled, spinning its body in midair, twirling around as tendrils of purple wind bled into the air, spinning together around the Blimp Pokémon. The winds picked up, a miniature cyclone swirling into existence that the Drifblim released towards Aria, who responded by throwing off the chill that hung in the air and conjuring a sphere of ice. Hurling it towards her opponent, Aria called out the name of her species, and the orb of ice exploded into dozens of vicious fragments of sharpened icicles.

Thunder cracked overhead as the two attacks met their targets, knocking either Pokémon backwards. The tempest struck into Aria, slicing into her spotted blue hide as shards of ice cut deep into Drifblim, the Blimp Pokémon seeming to deflate under the attack.

"Now, Frost Breath!" Misty called.

"Châtiment!" Fantina answered, flinging out an arm to point at the Transport Pokémon.

Aria closed eyes that briefly flashed a pale, cold blue, rearing back her head and inhaling. The air around her seemed to freeze, crackling with the sudden drop in temperature. Flakes of snow formed in the area surrounding Aria, and when she exhaled a frigid blast of cold air blew out from her maw, snaking its way towards her opponent.

Drifblim hummed, a low, almost rumbling sound, its eyes glowing a deep violet. It raised its arms to the sky, and thunder rumbled in the distance. Dark energy flowed from the tips of its arms, floating into the air above where it coalesced, intricate patterns forming above the Blimp Pokémon's head. The tendrils swirled together, and there in the air a great eye formed, blinking once or twice before locking its gaze onto Aria.

She shuddered, staring into the dark eye and finding herself unable to look away. The eye flashed and beams of light shot out from within it, streaks of amethyst and cobalt that Aria made no attempt to dodge, enraptured as she was by its deep, searching glare.

The lights lanced into Aria, striking through her blue hide. The Transport Pokémon finally broke eyes with the conjuring, a pained cry escaping her lips as the attack registered. Her vision swam in circles around her, narrowing to tunnels of light. Inside her mind neurons fired haphazardly, streaks of red flashing in what little sight she retained as the sound of an incessant ringing filled her ears.

Misty set her jaw. With Aria in the red like that, it would only take one more hit to knock out her second-to-last Pokémon. Not that she wasn't confident in her Pokémon's abilities, but she'd been hoping to keep the last member of her party a secret as long as she could. "Alright, Aria, let's finish this! Thunderbolt!"

"Destiny Bond!"

Drifblim's eyes flashed violet as a bolt of sky blue electricity cracked towards the Blimp Pokémon. Tendrils of invisible energy snaked from the Ghost Type, ensnaring Aria in a vicegrip. As electricity surged through Drifblim's body, the stems tightened around the Lapras, draining what little remaining energy the Water Type had left to offer.

"DRIFBLIM AND LAPRAS ARE BOTH UNABLE TO BATTLE! BOTH TRAINERS WILL NOW SELECT THEIR FINAL POKÉMON!"

Fantina tossed her head, smiling down at Misty. "Down to the last, mon ami! Let us make a good show, yes?" She recalled her Drifblim, expanding her final Pokéball and holding it up. "Terminer cette, Noctunoir!"

Thunder cracked overhead, and from the Pokéball emerged a shadowy figure that floated heavily upon the air, searching for an opponent. "Dusknoir," it called, its voice deep and heavy on the air.

Misty raised a brow at the Hearthome Gym Leader. "As you wish!" She called, placing Aria's Pokéball back inside her pouch. Reverently, she took another from her pocket, bringing the pure white of the Premier Ball to her face. Whispering something to the sphere, she expanded it with a tap of the button and silently released it onto the arena.

In a flash of pure white, a beautiful beast strode onto the waters, a mane of silky lavender billowing in the breeze. Streamer-like tails whisped back and forth on either side of the Pokémon, and crimson eyes regarded its enemy calmly. At its summoning, the rain seemed to pause as a cold wind blew from the north, heralding its master's approach.

Suicune, Lord of the North Wind. Master of the Borealis, the Great Purifier. They whose breath is long winter. The bringer of quenching rains.

The reaction was, shall we say, mixed.

Ash stared at the Legendary, his mouth hanging open a little. "When did Misty..?"

"No idea," Brock answered, pinching himself to make sure it wasn't a dream. "She's not breathed a word of this to anyone."

Even Dusknoir was surprised, bowing its head as though kneeling to the Legendary. In response Suicune offered a brisk nod of the head, its mane tossing in a wave of amethyst. The Gripper Pokémon righted itself in time to see the Aurora Maker melt into a blur of deep blue before it was upon Dusknoir, icy fangs biting into its shoulder.

Dusknoir roared, grabbing at Suicune and ripping the Legendary off of it, tossing the Beast away. The Ghost Type held up its palms, a sphere of ectoplasm forming in the air. Suicune responded by lifting its head, its mane shimmering with pearlescent light as the cold wind blew harsher, a beam of multicolored energy lancing out from Suicune's jaw.

Dusknoir didn't even have time to attempt to dodge, the freezing attack striking the Ghost Type in the center of its torso and blasting it backwards. Suicune did not grant respite, however, instead redoubling its assault by summoning up a frigid blizzard that rolled into the Gripper Pokémon with cold intensity. Above, the stormclouds shuddered as hail began to fall, harsh winds freezing the rain as it fell from the skies.

And still the god persisted, a pale mist forming in the air, wisps of clouds dancing about the battlefield. North winds billowed down from on high, sinking sharp fangs into Dusknoir as torrents of water shot out from Suicune's icy maw. Great gusts of wind forced the Ghost retreat, hands coming up to block the bitter cold.

The water beneath Suicune froze where it walked, ice spreading out across the arena. The North Wind breathed in the cold, its breath crystalizing into fractal patterns that shimmered in every color. Scarlet eyes flashed a pure, pale white, and the crest on its forehead shone with power. The very air itself seemed to break, cold seeping into the bones of everyone in attendance as pillars of ice rose from the water, meshing together to trap Dusknoir in a prison of pristine, frozen ice. There was a sound like the crack of a whip, and a great spear of an icicle broke itself off from the icy tomb, the wind howling frozen canticles to its master as the spear came down, impaling the Ghost upon it.

There was a single, brief sigh of pain, carried upon the winds, and Dusknoir melted into shadow.

Suicune approached the shade, bowing its head to gaze at its opponent. It exhaled, a miniature aurora on its breath that drifted down to mingle with the darkness. In another instant Suicune had turned to Misty, bowing its head in reference to its Trainer.

Misty nodded, reaching out to run a reverent hand through its glistening mane. "Thank you," she said, her voice even in the presence of a god. "You fought brilliantly. If I have need of you again I'll contact you."

The North Wind nodded, its eyes meeting Misty's for the briefest of moments. Then it blurred, and Suicune was gone, racing from the arena until all that remained was a lingering chill that hung upon the air.

Greetings, internet. Been a while, hasn't it? Apologies for that. I hope 11,064 words makes up for it.

Now, before you cry foul, I've been planning on giving Misty a Legendary pretty much since the beginning. I was debating for a while giving her Articuno, but in the end I decided Suicune would probably be a better fit for her. Especially since, in the manga, Suicune chose to fight alongside her for a while. I figure that's what happened here, too. Like if she needs its help she can summon it or something? In case you're curious, no, Ash will not be receiving any Legendaries of his own, and he'll never compete in the Tournament with anyone except his current team plus one. Too many fics go down that route, and while having gods fight at your side is pretty badass, it doesn't fit what I'm going for here.

I think that's all for now, other than to say thanks for being so patient with me, and much thanks to WillPistoch and warriorsfan101 for sending me PMs essentially inspiring me to get this chapter done and uploaded. Oh, that's right, two internet points to anyone who can tell me the attacks Spectre and Rampardos used in their battle. I rather liked writing the battle without Trainer commands, though the Lucario fight was a bit difficult.

Next chapter will have Max's battle with Paul, the Top 16 interview, and Team Rocket. Stay tuned, my friends, and if you feel so inclined I'd much appreciate your dropping me a review and telling me what you think.

'Til next time,

-Wolverinejoe