Astrid finally remembered. "Oh yeah, his name is Ash Ketchum!"

"The trainer with the Greninja? What was he like? This overwhelming force of power? A stoic battler who never shows his emotions. This untouchable strategist?"

She shook his head. "He's another trainer from Kanto who loves Pokemon and has a strong bond with his Pokemon. Well, almost as much as me of course," chuckling.

"Aren't you worried?"

"No. I know he has Greninja, Pikachu, Hawlucha, and Talonflame. We haven't seen him use his other Pokemon. Plus, everyone else in the Top 8 will be too busy since our battles are one after the other. And My Pokemon's changed since the last time we battled," shaking with excitement.

"Even if you lose, you're still excited, huh?"

"Isn't it the best feeling? Still, he may be a wild card, but the ace always wins out."

He playfully rested his hand on his palm. "And you warn others about being too confident," learning laughter from that well deserved jab.

That night, Absol, Meowstic, and Pyroar all exited their PokeBalls to console her, who couldn't sleep.

"I'm fine you three. Tomorrow, we're going to face one of our toughest battles yet. Since that battle with Alain," pausing as the other three Pokemon: Zangoose, Delcatty, and Liepard released themselves as well.

"No, since the days we've met, we've gone through so much work, battles, and growth together. No matter what happens, I'm proud of you all."

After a group hug, the seven of them held each other tightly before falling asleep. Claude came to her room, and tucked them all in their best as he could, with Bisharp's help regarding Absol, Pyroar, and Zangoose especially.

"I'm rooting for you Astrid. Have fun out there."

The next day, Astrid and Claude arrived at the stadium, and a familiar face weaning Kabuki theater face paint with a boisterous body accidentally blocked her path.

"Remo, is that you?"

"Astrid? I've been watching all of your battles. We're one step closer to getting all the way to the finals! My battle's after yours, so come watch!"

"But you're not going to do some extra training?"

"Already have! Besides, watching the battles can be training in it of itself! Get through this, then Alain, and we'll be in the finals together."

She had enough trust in herself to believe in their confidence. "See you there," hand shaking them.

A third hand joined them to their surprise. "Titus?"

The young brunette teen wearing a purple crop top, a blue jacket fitting of Altaria, and black pants grinned. "You're taking on the guy who took me down. So it's your job to take him down."

"I appreciate the vote of confidence," as Claude added his hand in the huddle.

"We're rooting for you."

The four of them nodded and set out to the stands as Astrid was heading to the waiting room when on the other side, she spotted Ash waving goodbye to his companions.

"Ash?" All of his Pokemon were out, including two she hadn't immediately recognized.

"Wait, you're um, Astrid?" She also had out her six Pokemon.

"Yeah, we met in Avignon Town. Yup, that's your Pikachu, Hawlucha, and that Froakie," inspecting him. "So you grew up to be the Greninja everyone's worried about."

As the frog Ninja Pokemon blushed, Absol and Hawlucha stared each other down.

"Yeah, we're planning on winning the whole Kalos League."

"Hey, don't rush to be crowd champion just yet. You'll have to get past me first."

"Looking forward to our rematch."

"By the way, what happened after our battle? I heard something happened."

After explaining it she grew shocked. "Diancie showed up? Xerneas and Yvetal too?"

"RIght? I thought it was all a dream at times. But we saw them at the Summer Camp."

"Wish I stayed that night. The world is filled with so many amazing Pokemon and adventures."

The two agreed, and reunited at the trainer stands while the battlefield eventually got selected.

"A town?"

"It looks like Avignon Town."

From Astrid's clear field of view, the battlefield had a model of the Lumiose Tower with three sections, a trio of townhouses with the rooftop to battle. Next to it had a chapel with a chimney, with another building featuring a large balcony.

From Ash's point of view, he could see a twin door with corners to hide, another building with a trio with several balconies, street poles connected to the outdoor tables with umbrellas, and a stairwell.

"Challenger Ash, Challenger Astrid. Each of you is allowed to use three Pokemon. The first to render their opponent's Pokemon unable to battle will move onto the semi-finals!"

Ash and Astrid eagerly picked up their respective Pokeballs.

"My name is Astrid, and I'd like to acquaint you with my partner, Absol!"

"Hawlucha, I choose you!"

The Dark feline Pokemon in white landed with power in the stadium while the Luchador Pokemon glided in with passion and elegance.

"Now, quarter-finals, second battle, begin!"

Hawlucha and Absol walked around the center plaza with the fountain in the middle of the town battlefield, waiting for each other to make the first move.

Just as the two of them were able to lunge at each other, Ash's Pokeball opened up, and Noviern released, flying in front of Ash, with it's signature voice to all four of their confusion.

They called out to Hawlucha, who let loose the tension from before to check on his teammate and brother. While Ash was trying to figure it out, Absol looked at Astrid with similar vibes.

"Maybe he's worried about his family getting hurt?"

Team Rocket were still recording with Malva, who didn't know that Meowth was pretending to be a human, watching the match.

"Noviern is saying that they want Hawlucha to save their strength for later. He wants to fight in their place and help them and the twerp out!"

James wiped his face off. "Now that's what we call brotherhood!"

"Go get them Noivern," Jessie claimed.

"Keep your commentary low," Malva asked. "We're still filming."

"You want to fight and let Hawlucha save it's energy for later, right?"

Noviern eagerly nodded, much to Hawlucha's surprise. The smaller bird nodded and walked out of the stadium to watch them battle, who flew in at the same place to battle Absol.

"Sorry about that Astrid."

"All good. Your team seems to really care for one another," as Absol got back in the fighting position.

"Too bad my team's gonna win," as Absol lunged forward. "Shadow Claw!"

"Noviern, intercept with Dragon Claw!" The batlike dragon flew forward.

The battle had truly begun.