-Author's note: just to prevent any confusions in this story most of the Characters aka Ash, Clemont, Serena, Bonnie and Gary and possibly the rivals they've met or will meet have aged up so they're around like their eighteens and fifteen in Bonnie's case other character remain their canon age-

Third Person's POV

Our heroes are gathered in a Pokémon Center to have a break and get their minds off what they had experience before they arrived.

Serena shows the group a picture of a castle located near them "Ta-da!" she sang.

The others look at the picture confused "What's that?" Ash questioned.

Whitley recognizes the picture "Oh, it's the Battle Chateau" he says.

Ash looks at the white hair boy "Battle Chateau?" he repeats.

"You and Eli are going to love this place, Ash!" Serena tells Ash.

Maddie nods "Yeah, the Battle Chateau is really located just a few ten-to-fifteen-minute walk from here" she says.

"Let's check it out!" Serena says as she places her guide on the table "It says when you have a battle at the Battle Chateau, the winning trainer earns something, though I'm not sure just what" Serena explains.

"That sounds cool, maybe you're awarded some kind of badge!" Ash guesses.

Bonnie's eyes light up dreamingly "Or a cake! I love cake!" Bonnie states as Clemont chuckles. 

Nurse Joy then walks up to Bonnie "Hello, Bonnie?" Nurse Joy calls the younger blonde.

The youngest at the group gets up and looks at the nurse "Yes, Nurse Joy" she ask.

"You have a package from Professor Sycamore form Lumiose City, you're officially a Pokémon trainer here's your Trainer ID" Nurse Joy hands Bonnie a white card with her face in it and six Pokéballs "I normally wouldn't do this, but Professor Sycamore have sent these for you in case you've arrived here" Nurse Joy says which to Bonnie's excitement she takes her ID and Pokéballs.

"Thank you so much Nurse Joy!" Bonnie states.

Maddie goes up to Bonnie "Congratulations, Bonnie you're a trainer now" she tells the shorter blonde.

"Now you can battle alongside us if you wish to" Whitley adds.

Bonnie smiles at the twins "thanks, guys!" she thanked as she sees a Pokéball flying to her direction which she quickly caught it.

Clemont smiles "Well Bonnie, now that you're a trainer that means that Dedenne's officially your partner" he tells her.

Bonnie's eyes widen with realization and looks down at her now partner "Dedenne, we're partner!" Bonnie cheers as Dedenne jumps out of Bonnie's bag and hugs its now trainer and partner.

Serena looks back at the guide "Now let's see..." Serena mutters before being startled by two random guys.

"Noble title, yo!" a tall chubby guy tells Serena with a red bird on his shoulder.

"Fletchlinder! Fletchlinder!" the Pokémon cried.

Ash looks at the Pokémon curiously "Who's that Pokémon?" he asks while pulling out his Pokédex.

Maddie crosses her arms "that's a Fletchlinder" Maddie answers

"Fletchlinder, the Ember Pokémon and the evolved form of Fletchling; Fletchlinder flies faster and faster as the flame sac on its stomach gradually hears up."

"Chinder!" Fletchlinder cries.

"the evolved form of Fletchling, huh?" Ash then questions.

"Yo, Yo, Yo! A Pokedex in my face, not cool, bro!" Fletchlinder's trainer says with a sad shrug.

"Sorry about that, so what's a noble title?" Ash then ask while putting his Pokédex away.

the two boy who seem like urban artist "Nico, he actually listened to what you said Yo, yo!" a other kid with a Fletchling on his shoulder tells the other teenage boy named Nico.

"Yo, yo! You're not from around here, yo" Nico then says.

"Check out the legendary Rivière walk, yo" the other boy with a rapping tone as he and Nico walk around the group.

"You should learn it if you're going to be here Yo!" Nico then says.

the group seem utterly confused at the two new faces' statement.

"You think they're rapping?" Serena ask as the two boys froze into ice making Whitley giggled.

"So, noble title?" Ash then asks.

"It's a real pain to explain, yo" Nico simply answers

"But we're heading to the Battle Chateau now, yo!" the other red cap guy named Chester tells the group.

"Come with us and check it out for yourself, yo!" Nico then adds.

"Great let's all go together, it'll be a perfect warm-up before I challenge the Cyllage Gym" Ash says.

Eli then gets up "I'm quite curious about this Battle Chateau place, so I don't see why not" he finally speaks up.

"Warm up? I wouldn't be too sure about that; it may be tougher than you think!" Nico tells Ash.

"You're going to be floored when you get there, yo!" Chester adds.

"By the way, I'm Ash and this is my partner, Pikachu!" Ash introduces himself.

"Pikachu!"

"I'm Clemont; it's a pleasure to meet you both" Clemont introduces himself.

"I'm Bonnie, Clemont's my big brother, also this is Dedenne" Bonnie introduces herself.

"Denene!"

"Serena's my name" Serena says.

Maddie smiles "I'm Maddie" she says.

"I'm Gary and this is Umbreon" Gary introduces himself and Umbreon.

"Umbre!"

"Whitley" Whitley introduces himself.

Eli nods "The name's Eli, and that's Sylveon" he says.

"Veon!" Sylveon waves with his ribbons.

"I'm Nico! and my partner's Fletchlinder!" Nico says.

"And I'm Chester; my partner is Fletchling, yo!" Chester introduces himself.

-scene change-

Our heroes along with Nico and Chester are not heading towards the Battle Chateau "So today's the first time you challenge the Battle Chateau, Chester?" Ash asks the shorter teen.

"Uh huh! it sure is!" he responds.

Nico looks back at the group "I already have a Battle Chateau title; my brother's gotten really good at battling, so I figured it's time for his debut!" Nico explains as Chesters seems moved with his brother's words.

Serena then sighs "They're finally not talking weird" Serena says to herself.

"don't get too relieve at that, Serena" Maddie tells the other female.

"Yo! There it is, Yo!" Nico then weirdly says making Serena cringe.

"Told you" Maddie says as Serena looks down with a embarrassed blush making Whitley chuckle.

Chester looks at Whitley who then looks at Chester and tilts his head and smiles at the red cap kid making the orange hoodie male look back forth with hint of red on his cheeks which only Nico notices this and chuckles.

The group then looks forward and they see the Battle Chateau.

"Wow! Check it out!" Ash says.

Serena looks at the place with awe "It's gorgeous!" She states.

Maddie nods "Yeah, it's like a castle" she agrees.

When they arrive to the entrance, they've noticed a written on the entrance.

"What's written up there?" Ash questions.

"Battle Chateau. Show your strength with a title!" Whitley says

Ash then looks at the written determine before everyone else then enters the Battle Chateau which they're in awe by how beautiful the inside is.

"Beautiful" Serena says

Maddie stares at Serena as she sees how the lights reflect through Serena's honey brown hair and shiny sapphire blue eyes making the white hair female feel her heart skipping a beat which surprises Maddie since it never happened to her before.

When they all enter, they met up with a woman wearing a maid uniform "Hello, Baron Nico; The Battle Chateau welcomes you with open arms" she greets Nico with a small bow.

"Baron?" Ash repeats looking at his traveling companions confusedly.

Nico walks up to the maid "I brought my brother with me today" he tells the maid He'd like his debut battle" he tells the maid.

"I'm Chester, very pleased to meet you" Chester politely introduces himself to the maid.

Ash walks up to the Maid as well "I'd like to have a battle too" he tells the maid. 

"And You're?" the maid then ask.

"The name is Ash, and I came from all the way from Pallet town in the Kanto Region" he introduces himself.

Eli then walks up "Greetings my name is Eli, like my friend Ash, I am a native of the Kanto Region as well, and I also planning on competing in this Battle Chateau" Eli then says making a small bow to the maid little does he know that Gary, Ash and Clemont melted by the blue hair young man's swooning words.

"Well, well" then a tall man wearing a suit then walks up to the group "It's the Honorable Baron Nico it's a pleasure to see your brother make his debut" he says.

Chester makes a small bow thanking the gentleman.

"This is the Chateau owner, Duke Turner" Nico introduces the owner to the group.

"Pleased to meet you" Duke Turner says as he then notices Whitley "Ah, Earl Whitley welcome back! it's been such a long time since you were here" he tells Whitley shocking Nico and Chester while leaves Ash and the others minus Maddie even more confused.

"Earl Whitley!?" Nico and Chester repeat before looking over at Whitley with shock making the white hair teenage boy look down embarrassingly.

"It is my honor to welcome guests who traveled all the way from the Kanto Region" The Duke says.

"Likewise, sir" Eli responds.

-scene change-

"Our Chateau provides a fulfilling battle experience and serves as a meeting place for all the many trainers who visit here" the duke explains as they were all walking down the hall.

Serena looks at Ash "Ash, this place sounds perfect for you!" she whispers.

Ash nods agreeing with the girl.

Turner looks at the group "Now, the first thing to know, is all trainers at the Battle Chateau are referred to as knights" he explains.

"Knights! What an appropriate title for trainers battling at a castle" Clemont states before looking at Eli and Imagining the blue hair boy wearing a knight armor making the blonde blush hard.

Duke nods and looks at Whitley "Earl Whitley, would you like to continue on explaining?" he asks the white hair young male.

"Well then, each and every knight has a noble tittle bestowed upon them that is based on the grand total of their battle chateau victories" Whitley explains.

"I'm wishing you the best of luck in earning your highest possible noble title" Duke turner then says

The Maid then goes to open the door "Allow me to show you the Battle Chateau sitting room; each time you visit here this is where you'll be choosing a battling adversary" she says before opening the door.

They all enter the sitting room and see a bunch of people in fancy clothes gathered around the room chatting with one another.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I have the distinct honor to present Baron Nico, and the returning Earl Whitley Snow" Duke Turner announces.

everyone looks at the group which Ash seems impressed.

"So everybody here is a knight?" Clemont questioned.

"Right! This is a great place to hang out with other trainers, trade stories and information and also look for an opponent!" Chester explains trying to make a good impression to Whitley.

Whitley nods "that's true, but in order to battle someone the opponent has to have the same noble title as you" he adds.

Pikachu the sees something on the wall and looks at Ash getting his attention before pointing at what he sees on the walls, and they all see a young man climbing on the walls.

"What's that guy doing up there?" Ash questions.

Whitley looks up at the male "Oh don't mind him, he aways climbs on walls" he says as he walks off to his seat.

Eli then follows Whitley to a couch "You know your stuff Whitley" he says

Whitley blushes embarrassingly "yeah, although about that guy on the wall although I know him, we'd never interact due to our title difference" he explains and then a waiter walks up to Whitley handing him a soda pop and they take them and thank the man.

"So about the titles, Whitley, how many are there?" he asks. 

"there are total of eight titles, first we have the Baron/Baroness who is also knowns as the rookie level when you first battle you will be known as Baron if you're a boy or Baroness if you're a girl, after winning at least ten victories here, you'll get to receive the Viscount title and then after twenty wins you'll get to earn the  title of Earl which is the title I'm addressed here as" Whitley explains not noticing that there's going to be a battle going on.

"That's so cool twenty victories, I wouldn't make that far if I'm being realistic" Eli says while petting Sylveon's head.

"Sylveon" the intertwining Pokémon cry.

Meanwhile while the two were chatting the climbing man was watching the two of them interact before noticing a blonde male and a pitch-black hair male walking up to the two younger males.

"Well, well if it is my favorite little cutie~" A familiar flirtatious voice is heard by the blue hair boy and hugs Eli from behind.

Eli looks back and sees Anthony smiling brightly at him wearing a white and suit with a yellow dress shirt underneath the overcoat. while Roy walks up to them with a small smile wearing a black suit with a dark purple tie.

"Oh, Anthony, Roy it's been a while since the whole Photoshoot chaos" Eli greets the two young man.

"Yeah, I was really hoping to see you again, cutie" Anthony says with a wink only for Roy to hit the blonde on the back of the head.

"Easy there, Anthony, if he's here which it means they're also here" Roy tells Anthony.

"Oh yeah, Viola probably notices them, and she went off to say hi" Anthony responds before looking back at the blue hair boy "Hey Eli why don't we go and see the others?" the blonde then ask taking Eli with him while Roy disappointedly follows leaving a dumbfounded Whitley.

"Your soda pop, Earl Whitley" a young man hand Whitley a soda pop.

"Thanks" the white hair young man thanked the man before getting up and catching up with the others.

when Whitley arrives, he sees that Nico defeated his opponent while taking off a white cape and putting on a blue one.

"Alright, Nico won!" Chester cheer

"That Fletchlinder is strong" Ash states.

Gary nods "you got that right" he agrees.

"Now that Nico has ten victories his noble title will change; he goes from the noble title of Baron to the tittle of Viscount" the maid announces.

Everyone begins to applaud "Excellent! we applaud the two gifted knights and their Pokémon for their valiant battle" Duke Turner says.

Then Whitley startles when he noticed someone falling next to him making Ash and the other look over Anthony already knew who it was and laughs while Ash and the others went up to where Whitley is

Viola sighs "Not again" she mutters to herself.

"You fell again, Grant" the tall blonde says laughing only to be elbowed by Viola "Ooof! what was that for?" Anthony question.

"you shouldn't laugh Anthony, plus he almost hurt Whitley" Eli explains for Viola much for Anthony's embarrassment.

Whitley looks at who fall, and it was a tall young man who has dark skin, black hair and greyish eyes. He wears three stones in his hair, colored yellow, red and blue; he wears a black dress shirt underneath a dark shade of gray suit.

"I'm afraid I just couldn't help but applaud; It was to show my respect for such a brilliant battle" the young man who Anthony called Grant explains while getting up.

Viola, Anthony, and Roy then walk up "But, Grant, if you felt that way why didn't you come down first?" Viola asks.

Anthony sweat drops "you shouldn't ask that Vi" he tells his sister.

Eli looks at Anthony "What do you mean by that?" he ask before they all hear Grant speaking.

"Because the wall refuses to let me go; the walls here are so smooth, they're irresistible they draw me to them" Grant explains "You do see the delicate beauty of the Battle Chateau's walls don't you, Viola?" he then ask the blonde female who sweat drop.

"Talk about their beauty all you want, but I'll never understand the appeal of walls" Viola then says.

"Why I expected that answer" Roy questions himself.

"So you three know this guy?" Ash ask.

"His name is Grant; he's never seen a wall around here he didn't love" Viola explains.

"Also, he's strong so I suggest to not take him lightly if you ever challenge him to a battle" Roy add.

Grant then notices a stain on Whitley's vest "your vest has a stain" he tells the white hair young man.

"Oh?" Whitley looks at himself and realizes that he has soda pop stain on himself "Oh that's okay" he says before putting the bottle away and takes off his vest "I'll deal with it later" he adds while Grant looks at Whitley with quite curiosity.

little did the group know a familiar dark brown female's watching from a distance while her eyes were on the blue hair young man.

Ash then looks up at Grant "They told me the rules; I'd like to battle you, so I was wondering what your title is?" Ash asks.

"My Noble title is Duke" Grant explains.

Whitley looks at the dark-skinned man "The second-highest title you can get" he says.

Grant looks at Whitley and smile "I'd believe this is the first time we actually interact, am I correct?" he asked.

Whitley nods "It is, Name is Whitley My Noble title is Earl, is pleased to meet you, Duke Grant" he politely says.

Grant chuckles "Please, don't need to be formal with me I'm fine with only be called Grant" he tells Whitley.

"Now then" Turner says regaining everyone's attention "let us proceed to the debut battle involving the four new knights who have come here for the first time today" he explains.

"New knights?" Ash repeats as Chester walks up to him.

"Yeah, Turner's talking about us and Eli" Chester explain.

Ash seems pretty excited as he and Chester walk down to the battlefield where the maid's waiting for them.

"Please give the knights who are about to have their first battle at the Battle Chateau a round of applause" she tells the crowd which they applaud "Ash and Chester, whoever wins this first battle will then be awarded the noble title of Baron" the maid then explains Both Ash and Chester understood "then let's get underway."

Both Ash and Chester pull out a Pokeball each and then they made contact "To a good battle" Chester first says.

"Oh, Yeah, to good battle!" Ash responds as if he almost forgot to say that.

The two Trainer then walk off to their respective distance from Ash then puts the Pokeball away while in the distance Eli notices a lightning bolt on the Pokéball which he and Gary immediately knew who's Pokéball belongs to as Ash puts it away.

"'Kay, Pikachu, get in there!" Ash yells as Pikachu then jumps off Ash's shoulder and goes on the battlefield.

Nico looks confused "Hold on, what was in Ash's Pokéball" he asked.

Eli looks at Nico "that's Pikachu's Pokéball, Pikachu doesn't like being inside it so it stays out" he explains.

"Sylveon!" Sylveon cries cheering for the now blushing mess mouse Pokémon much for the Moon Pokémon's jealousy and pouts.

"This is our first battle here; I want to win it with you!" Ash tells his Partner.

Pikachu looks determine "Pika-Pika!" Pikachu cries.

"And my Pokémon, it's Fletchling!" Chester says before throwing his Pokéball and Fletchling makes a appearance on the field.

"Fletch-Fletchling!" the tiny robin Pokémon makes a battle cry.

Eli watches the battlefield but both he and Sylveon couldn't help but feeling that someone's watching them.

Clemont then notices this "Eli are you okay?" he asks as Roy then looks at both Clemont and Eli.

Eli looks at the blonde with glasses "I-I'm fine is just Turner said that there's going to be four knights battling, I know I'm one of the other two, but I couldn't help but wonder...who's the fourth?" he explains.

"Sylveon..." Sylveon feels uneasy.

"Now let the battle begin!" the maid announces as the battle officially starts

"Alright, Use thunderbolt!" Ash tells as Pikachu's body generates with electricity and fires it at Fletchling.

"Agility!" Chester says as Fletchling uses agility to dodge the electric type move.

Ash looks at Fletchling impressed. "You won't get away! Use Electro Ball!" Ash yells as Pikachu creates a sphere of electricity and throws it at Fletchling which the tiny robin Pokémon continues on dodging.

"Ash is starting off strong!" Viola says.

"Perhaps; although flying type Pokémon are weak against Electric type moves; It doesn't mean anything if those moves don't connect, strength can only take you far" Grant says.

"Well it's clear as day that Chester's Fletchling is well trained when it comes to opponents with type advantages like Ash and Pikachu" Grant looks over and sees Whitley standing behind him watching the battle as well "I may know ash for a short time, but I can tell that no matter who the opponent is he loves a good challenge" Whitley then says making Grant look at the white hair shorter male impressed.

Viola looks at Grant and then at Whitley and giggles to herself.

"Use feather dance!" Chester shouts as Fletchling flaps its wing while white feathers falls on Pikachu.

"What's going on?" Ash questioned.

"We just lowered Pikachu's attack power!" Chester explains the Kantonian male "Now Steel Wing!" he then commands his Pokémon which flies down with glowing wings.

"We won't lose! Iron Tail, Let's go!" Ash yells

Both Pikachu and Fletchling clashed their respective steel type moves making them both create distance between the two Pokémon.

"Pikachu's Iron Tail is weaker than it normally is" Clemont points out.

Maddie nods "that's the power of Feather Dance; Feather Dance is a status Flying type move that can lower the opponent's physical attack power, the more it uses it the weaker the opponent's physical attack power will become" she explains which Gary nods agreeing with the white-haired female.

"Feather Dance is a amazing move!" Bonnie commented.

Eli frowns a bit "Come on Ash, I know you have a games changer hidden under your sleeve" he says.

"Sylveon!" Sylveon cry cheering for Pikachu.

"Fletchling use steel wing!" Chester yells as Fletchling's wings glow and charges at Pikachu.

"Use Iron Tail one more time!" Ash tells Pikachu who nods and jumps and uses Iron Tail and repeatedly swings its tail at Fletchling.

"But Pikachu's attack power is down!" Chester points out.

Ash looks at Chester with determination to win "if one hit isn't enough, we'll just hit a bunch of times!" he explains as Pikachu finally lands a hit on Fletchling making the flying Pokémon fall to the ground.

Grant looks at the Battle impressed with Ash and Pikachu's power "you know, you were right about Ash's strength" Grant tells Viola.

Viola looks back at Grant from watching the battle "See?" she questions.

Grants smirks "But the strength to deal with adversity, looks like this battle's already over" he says as Whitley agrees.

"that's Ash for you" Whitley agrees "I'll be taking my leave and catch up with my friends, see you in a bit" he says before leaving the two young adults.

"You know Viola, this Whitley guy really reminds me of her" Grant tells Viola.

"You mean the Great Duchess Well I can see that; I did have a feeling that he and his Sister Maddie are related to the Great Duchess Willow" Viola agrees.

back at the battle reaching to the conclusion.

"Now check out Pikachu's thunderbolt!" Ash yells

Pikachu uses thunderbolt which Fletching gets hit by the electric type move before it could even dodge as it falls down to the ground.

"Oh No!" Chester gasped as he sees Fletchling laying on the ground with swirls in its eyes.

"That's it! And Pikachu is the winning Pokémon!" the maid announces both Ash and Chester went to the center of the battlefield while Clemont and the others were happy that Ash won but glad that Chester gave Ash quite a interesting challenge.

"Thank you very much" they both tell each other as they both make a small bow.

Ash kneels down to Pikachu "I knew you'd win it, Pikachu!" Ash tells his partner while petting its head.

Chester Picks up Fletchling "you were strong too Fletchling, thanks for working so hard" he tells the tired tiny robin Pokémon.

"Chester lost" Nico says.

Clemont turns to the chubby trainer "There's always next time" he says.

"Yeah; he'll just have to train with me more" he agrees.

Gary patted Nico's back "that's the spirit, this lost might give Chester and Fletchling the spark of want to improve their strength not just individually but as a team too" he tells Nico.

Nico nods at Gary "I'll keep that in mind Gary, after all Today's loss is tomorrow's win" he says

"And Now, I'm pleased to announce that Ash from Pallet Town is awarded the noble title of Baron, Congratulation" the maid announces.

Ash looks at himself now wearing a white cape "I'm a Baron now!"

"Pikachu!" Pikachu says.

"Bummer, I lost, but congratulations!" Chester says reaching a hand out to Ash which he only nods and takes his hand and shakes it.

"Now it's time for the next two knights to make their first Battle in the Battle Chateau" Turner announces.

Eli feel uneasy "I still don't know who the other knight is?" he says to himself.

"That would be me" a female voice is heard from behind Eli which made him tensed up as he slowly turns his head, and his eyes widen with disbelieve as if he just saw a ghost.

It was Eli's former traveling companion and friend, Lila.

"My name is Lila is nice to meet you all" Lila introduces herself to Eli's friend.

'What is she doing here!?' he questions out of disbelief not noticing that Lila's now standing next to him.

"You don't want to keep everyone else waiting, old friend" she says as she walks down the steps.

Eli looks at Sylveon who nervously look back at its trainer before walking down the steps.

Maddie was the first to notice this behavior and frown "something's not right" she mutters to herself.

Serena didn't quite understand what Maddie said "You said something?"

Maddie shakes her head "nothing, just talking to myself" she lied.

"Now the Battle for Eli vs Lila will soon commence, and the winner of this battle will gain the Noble title of Baron or Baroness" the maid explains as Lila and Eli were facing each other, and they pull out a Pokéball

Lila reaches out a hand forward with her Pokéball "To a good battle!" she says.

Eli hesitated looks at the brunette female in front of him and does the same she does "t-to a great battle" he responds as they both went to their distance Eli could feel Gardevoir's Pokeball wiggling from his belt.

"Sylveon you're ready?" he asks.

"Veon!" Sylveon nods as it jumps forward.

'So your Eevee finally evolved, that's good because so did she' Lila thinks before throwing her Pokéball forwards and Ninetales appear on the field.

"Nine!" Ninetales cry.

-Meanwhile-

"Wow a Ninetales!" Ash tells as Serena pulls out her Pokédex.

"Ninetales, the Fox Pokémon, and the evolved form of Vulpix; each of its tails contains a different mystical power. With its nine tails and thick golden coat, Ninetales is said to live a thousand years."

Gary then sees Eli's hesitated expression which confuses the brunette male "Is he okay?" he asks himself.

-back at the battlefield-

Eli's eyes widen with shock 'her Vulpix evolved!?' he questioned in his mind 'W-Why am I...Afraid of her?' he questions.

"Let the battle begin!" the maid announces.

"Ninetales use Fire spin!" Lila yells as Ninetales opens its mouth and a spiraling red-orange flame is released at Eli and Sylveon from its mouth.

"Use Protect!" Eli yells as Sylveon pulls up a pink like barrier which Lila smirks as if she was expecting him to do such move.

"Use Confuse Ray!" Lila yells.

Ninetales forms multiple purple balls of energy around its body and fires them at Sylveon which unfortunately for Eli the confuse ray hit the intertwining Pokémon.

"Sylveon!" Eli calls his partner.

-with Ash and the others-

"Oh no, Sylveon's confused by Ninetales' confuse ray" Clemont states.

Bonnie looks worried "Poor Sylveon!" Bonnie yells.

Ash looks at Eli and seem tensed "what's wrong with Eli?" he asks

Gary nods agreeing with his childhood friend "You're right, Eli seems tensed" he says

Serena looks at both Ash and Gary "what are you talking about?" she questions.

Maddie sighs "I think it has to do with this Lila, girl when he saw her, he looked at her as if he saw a ghost, no wonder I could feel a tension when these two locked eyes with one another" she explains.

"Could it mean, that Lila and Eli knew each other before?" Ash questioned.

"that's a possibility" Whitley responds.

Anthony and Roy hear this and sees both Eli and Sylveon's states "They're not battling like themselves" the blonde says.

"You could tell, Antony?" Viola asks.

Roy looks at Viola "the day when Ash got your rematch against you we both saw how Eli battles, he has such grace and confidence and so did his Pokémon, and now looking at them, they both look hesitated as if they're afraid of that Lila girl" Roy explains.

Grant frowns "We just hope he doesn't let his emotions get the better of him" he says while the other young adults agree with him.

-back at the battle-

"Ninetales use Fire Spin again!" Lila commands the fox Pokémon.

Ninetales opens its mouth and releases a stream of spinning orange bit of yellow flame at Sylveon. 

"Sylveon, look out!" Eli warns the Fairy type but it was too late When the stream of fire hits the Sylveon, it curls around it for a moment before disappearing.

"Sylveon!" Sylveon falls on its back harshly after taking damage and struggles to get up.

"Sylveon are you okay? say something?" Eli ask Sylveon with concern which Sylveon turns towards Eli and smiles at him meaning that Sylveon's no longer confused but gets burn "Sylveon!" Eli calls his Pokémon.

"Now Ninetales time to show them what we can do use Fire Spin on yourself!" Lila tells Ninetales Surprising everyone, Ninetales uses Fires spin and creates a Giant fire tornado "Now Ninetales use Scary face!" she yells as Ninetales uses Scary face creating a frightening image of a large, glowing-eyed Ninetales in the whirling flames making Sylveon feel intimidated by it.

'Damn it not only Lila improved but also Ninetales' Eli thought 'But that move I'd seen it before Ursula used this technique on Dawn in the Grand festival that one time!' he then realizes "You used Ursula's Grand Festival strategy against me did you!?" Eli questioned.

Lila smirks "so you finally talk to me, I was so hurt when you ignore a good old friend" she says.

Ash and Gary's eyes widen when they hear Eli mentioning Ursula and they remembered their friend Dawn's contest battle when they were in Sinnoh.

"On the other hand, it's not me you should be worried about" she tells Eli as they see Sylveon stumbling from the burn "Everyone around you seems to be improved From Haku, to your friend Ryuu in Unova, and even Sylveon improved, but your still the pathetic little boy who still believe that running away from your problems is the best option!" She the states confusing everyone.

Ash, Pikachu, Gary, and Umbreon did not like the words that she's saying especially Gary because he knew how exactly that happened and hearing Lila telling him that infuriated him and so did Umbreon which to their luck the others didn't notice that.

Eli panics looking at his partner "Sylveon hang on-" he says before Sylveon cuts him off.

"Syl!" Sylveon cries reassuring Eli that it'll be okay and that Sylveon's strong thanks to him.

"Sylveon..." he mutters with shock.

Eli places a hand in his heart 'Sylveon you and I went through everything together since the very beginning, from having our own adventures in Sinnoh with Haku, at Hoenn alone, and at Unova with Ryuu, we faced tough opponents' he thinks as he looks over at Lila and Ninetales 'Lila and Ninetales taught us both something important, that no matter who the opponent is even if it is once your best friend...you must take down what disturb you to be able to succeed and that starts with you Lila' he thinks before looking at Sylveon "Sylveon! Beautifly!" he shouts Sylveon knows exactly what he's planning.

"Wallace cup?" Lila questioned.

"Nine?" Her Ninetales seems confused as well.

Eli raises his hand to the sky "Now Sylveon Use Fairy Wind!" Sylveon pulls its feelers together and twirls them together creating a pink glittery tornado covering Sylveon completely "Now Sylveon Use Giga Impact but charge when I tell you!" 

"I don't know what you're planning but I won't let you win, Ninetales use Fire Blast!" Lila commands as Ninetales jumps to the air and releases a 大-shaped blast of yellow-orange fire from its mouth at the glittery tornado.

Eli smirks "Now Sylveon while Ninetales' distracted, Charge!" Eli shouts

Sylveon's body becomes surrounded in an invisible energy. A bright flash of yellow light appears in front of its face, and it faces the opponent. It then shoots itself at the opponent and an orb of light purple energy with spiraling light yellow streaks around it appears around Sylveon's body and it slams into the opponent with great force while it leaves a trail of pink, sparkling dust as it charges at Ninetales which it hit.

Lila gasps as she sees Ninetales falls on its back "Ninetales are you okay?" she asked.

Ninetales struggles to get up Eli snaps his fingers "Now Sylveon time to wraps this little show, Fairy Wind!" Eli shouts Sylveon pulls its feelers together, and the air around them starts to glow light blue. Sylveon then spreads its feelers wide open, sending a strong gust of glittery wind at the fox Pokémon.

Ninetails gets send back and falls harshly with swirls on its eyes making Lila gasps with shock.

Sylveon and Eli sigh with relief "That's it! And Sylveon is the winning Pokémon! meaning that Eli gains the Noble title of Baron!" the maid announces.

Eli smiles and runs to Sylveon "Sylveon you did it!" he cheers hugging his exhausted yet relief Pokémon partner.

"Veon!" Sylveon happily cries.

Ash jumps for joy "Eli did it!" He cheered.

"Pikachu!" Pikachu cheers

Gary sighs with relief "That was close"

Umbreon reliefs "Umbre" it cries.

The maid walks up to Eli with a White Cape and put on the light blue hair young male

Eli looks over at Lila who returns her Ninetales to her Pokéball and scoffs before walking off "just because you won today doesn't mean you get to win any future battles" she tells him before leaving everyone else in question what she means by that.

Eli and Sylveon frown at the direction Lila walk off to 'I need to tell Haku about this' he thinks before being interrupted by Ash hugging Eli.

"Eli that was awesome! it's so awesome seeing you battle every time" he says.

Eli blushes and looks away "you were awesome yourself, Ash" he says.

Roy, Anthony, Gary, and Clemont smiles at the duo but with a murderous aura flowing around them.

Viola then walks up to the duo with a camera "A picture to mark your first victory here!" Viola says as she positions herself to take a better angle while Ash and Eli gather to pose with the capes "now smile!" she says before feeling a pair of gloves on her shoulder which confuses the duo.

"Looks like we're not the only ones who will have some fun" Eli tells Viola.

Viola smirks "I was wondering when he'd gonna finally ask me" she says before getting up and turns to Grant who was the one who dropped a glove on her shoulder "Hi, Grant" she greets.

"Duchess Viola, I would like to challenge you to a battle" Grant says to the blonde female.

The Bug-type specialist smiles "And I accept" she responds.

"We'll looks like we're going to save that little photoshoot for another time" Eli tells the two young adults.

"As we will now move out of your way, come on Eli" Ash says while taking Eli by the hand as the two walk up the steps.

-little time skip-

Eli came back with a now healthier Sylveon sadly he missed the battle with Viola and Grant and seeing Grant becoming a Grand Duke, but he was okay since Maddie and Whitley decided to accompany him to the Pokémon Center, so he wasn't that lonely.

As Eli and Sylveon was arriving they both hear Anthony speaking to Ash "Grant is the Cyllage City Gym Leader" he tells him.

this shocks the group even Eli but smirks 'So I'll be challenging him huh?' he wonders in his thoughts.

"You used Onix, so that means your gym is a Rock-type Gym!" Clemont states.

"I'm surprised that you didn't seem to realize that since you're the Lumiose Gym Leader yourself Clemont" Eli then says as everyone sees the trio arriving.

"Eli!" They all chant as the mentioned walks up to the group.

"You missed the incredible battle between Viola and Grant, Yo!" Nico says making Serena cringe and Maddie laughs at her reaction.

"And Grant just became the Grand Duke, Yo!" Chester added.

Whitley nod "I see" he says before looking up at Grant "Well congratulations for the high ranking, Gran Duke Grant" the white hair shorter male says with a small bow to the darker skinned young man.

"Thank you very much" The Rock-type gym leader says before looking at Both Ash and Eli "now that you both are here, I can tell you guys that Your Pikachu and Sylveon are strong, I'll be looking forward to the day you two come and challenge me at the Cyllage Gym" he tells the two of them.

Ash nods "Great!" he responds determine.

"Pikachu!"

"You can say the same for me" Eli agrees with Grant.

Sylveon nods with his trainer "Sylveon!" the intertwining Pokémon cry.

"Until then!" Grant says before looking at Whitley and winks at him before leaving catching the white hair male by surprise and blush while looking down.

Our heroes along with Viola, Anthony, Roy, Chester, and Nico watch Grant leaving.

"You'll need to come up with a strategy that can counter that powerful Rock Tomb if you want to win a badge" Serena says.

"Yeah, I'll be ready! We'll train like there's no tomorrow! No offence Eli but when we enter the league is every trainer for themselves" Ash tells Eli who shook his head.

"Froakie!"

"Fletchling-Fletch!"

"Don't worry too much about me, I wouldn't want you to hold back on me because if you do" Eli says before leaning closer to the now red-faced Ash "you and I were going to have a serious problem" Eli tells Ash while petting Pikachu's head who cooed at the touch.

Umbreon goes up to Sylveon "Umbre?" Umbreon cry asking Sylveon for his well-being.

Sylveon head pets Umbreon with his feelers reassuring that Sylveon's fine now Making the Moon Pokémon blush as Pikachu frown out of jealousy. Speaking of Jealousy Gary, Clemont, Anthony, and Roy's eyes were glowing red for how close Both Eli and Ash are with one another.

Eli then takes a few steps back and Looks at Viola "it was really nice to see you again, Viola" he tells the bug-type Gym leader.

Viola smiles "me too, Eli, Anthony wasn't wrong about how strong Sylveon is when you guys battled" she tells the blue hair male.

Eli smiles back "that's nice to hear" he says before turning to the Tall Blonde and Black hair males "Anthony, Roy..." he smiles at the taller males "is nice seeing you again" he says while Anthony and Roy's faces turn red.

"M-Me too" Anthony responds stuttering.

"U-US too" Roy corrects also stuttering.

-scene change-

Our heroes now outside of the Battle Chateau with Nico and Chester.

"Nico, Chester, thanks for showing us this cool place" Ash thanked the two brothers.

"No problem, Yo!" Nico responds.

"Good luck with your Gym battle, Yo, Yo!" Chester adds.

Serena looks away "here we go with the Yos, yo" Serena mutters.

"Yo, yo! They're contagious!" Chester states making Serena cover her mouth and Maddie giggles.

"That's so cute" Maddie says making Serena turn redder "Serena are you okay?" She then asks the brunette female.

"We're going to become a whole lot stronger and the next time you see us, you'll be looking at two Grand Dukes yo, baby, yo!" Nico tells our heroes.

"I hope that day will come" Whitley says before walking up to Chester and gives him a peck on the cheek making the shorter brother blush hard.

"I'll be a lot stronger next time, too! See you then" Ash says.

"Pikachu!" Pikachu agrees with his trainer.

Eli nods "as will I! And until then farewell!" Eli adds.

"Sylveon!" Sylveon cries agreeing with Eli.

A visit to the Battle Chateau has not only given a memorable experience, but also introduced Ash and Eli to Grant the Gym Leader of Cyllage City! Despite Eli's unexpected reunion with Lila his arch-rival Excitement is in the air as the journey continues.

while our heroes continue on walking off

Gary looks at Eli with concern "Hey Eli" he calls Eli.

Eli looks at Gary "Yeah, what's up?" he asked.

"Are you okay?" the brunette male ask.

Eli smiles "everything's okay, Sylveon's healthy so we don't need to worry about the burn.

"Eli, you know that's not what Gary meant, we know that you came back from the Pokémon Center, but we want to know...are you okay?" Clemont then ask as everyone looks at Eli concern since he seemed that he was having a mental break down during his battle with Lila.

"O-Oh..." Eli says before looking down on the ground before feeling Sylveon's feeler wrapping around his hand "I... will be okay, I'm sorry I worry you guys, I'm just not in the best state of mind in explaining in full detail, but what I can says is that Lila and I have a history during my solo adventures, we were companions, but she changed and not for the better" he explains.

"And about you that she proclaimed that you run away from your problem what does she mean by that?" Serena then ask.

"Like I said, I can't fully explain, but I promise that one day I will tell you when I feel ready" he reassures them.

Maddie to the rescue goes to change the subject "hey Ash, with which Pokémon you're going to use during your gym battle?" she asks

Ash thinks and then begin to talk about what would he do and the attention went back on Ash.

Eli looks at Maddie which the female twin looks back as Eli smile at her with a grateful expression "Thank you, Maddie" he mouthed.

To. Be. Continued...