Ash had returned home after his battle with Brandon, but he did a few things with his friends first. Brock and Lucy returned to Pewter city after saying goodbye to everyone. Ash, May and Max went to the sight of the Kanto Grand Festival at the Indigo Plateau.

May was much better this time as she easily made it into the Top 64 and then ascended to the Top Sixteen having to battle Harley first, which she beat easily, causing him to have a temper tantrum.

Then in the Top Eight May had to face Drew again and this one was tough as Drew's Absol was a very strong Pokémon, but in the end she managed to keep just enough points to defeat him. She was once again in the Top 4, but then May had to face an opponent she hoped she wouldn't have to face until the finals.

She was facing Solidad.

This battle was the toughest ever that May had to go through since Solidad was using her Slowbro and her Pidgeot. May was using her fully evolved Blaziken and her Glaceon. A fire and an ice type was a perfect combination for her. That battle was one of the roughest ones in contest history as both sides were taking massive amounts of damage. Finally the timer wore out and everyone looked towards the screen to see who had won.

It was... May winning by .5 points. May, herself couldn't believe that she actually won, but when the announcer shouted that she had won and would be moving onto the finals she broke into a wide smile and jumped for joy.

Solidad, herself, smiled despite her loss and congratulated May for winning and thanked her for a good battle. Later that day May fought against the last coordinator who used a Hitmonlee and a Hitmonchan.

Compared to Solidad this guy wasn't even a challenge as May actually knocked out both of his Pokémon before time ran out making her the winner of the Kanto Grand Festival. As May was presented with the Ribbon cup the crowd cheered loudly for her with Max and Ash clapping the loudest of them all.

Finally Ash made good on his promise and had a battle with Max before he and May went back to Hoenn. "We'll have a one on one battle, how does that sound Max" Ash asked.

"Fine with me" Max said and pulled out a Pokeball while Ash stood there.

"Max I'll give you choices, which of my Pokémon do you want to battle" Ash asked.

"Okay I choose Deoxys" Max said confidently. Ash smiled and released his Deoxys who appeared in a flash. "For my choice I choose Gallade" Max cried released the fully evolved form of the male Kirlia.

Ash smiled "So am I right in guessing that that's the same Ralts we found back in Hoenn?"

"Yeah" Max said. "I kept a promise to Ralts to come back for it when I became a Pokémon trainer and I did." Gallade turned and smirked back at Max "And now it's time for us to battle. Gallade furry cutter" Max cried. Gallade charged forward with its arms glowing intending on doing damage to Deoxys.

'Deoxys defense form' Ash thought. Deoxys changed to its defense form and Gallade's attack hit, but was doing very minimal damage to it 'Now iron head' Ash thought. Deoxys surrounded itself in silver energy and charged at Gallade hitting it hard and sending it flying, but it flipped in mid air and landed on its feet.

"Gallade he's communicating with Deoxys mentally" Max called. "We're strong and we've trained hard for a chance to be able to challenge Ash. Now use psycho cut" Max called. Gallade's arm glowed and it charged at Deoxys and this time landed a successful blow to it making Deoxys wince in slight pain.

'Go speed form and use extreme speed' Ash thought. Deoxys changed to its speed form and began charging around Gallade moving so fast that all there was were blurs making it look like it was double team instead of extreme speed.

"Gallade confusion now" Max called. Gallade's eyes glowed and then Deoxys was trapped in place right in front of Gallade. "Alright now use hyper beam" Max called. Gallade held up an arm and a hyper beam formed in it ready to fire at Deoxys.

'Defense form now and use iron defense' Ash thought. Deoxys changed to defense form and glowed. The hyper beam fired, but it simply bounced off of Deoxys making Max growl slightly 'Now use psychic' Ash thought. Deoxys eye glowed and then Gallade was lifted off the ground and thrown back towards the ground making it lose focus on its own confusion releasing Deoxys.

"Don't give up Gallade use Brick Break now" Max called. Gallade charged at Deoxys with its right arm glowing and began swinging at it trying to smash it with its brick break, but Deoxys was moving from side to side avoiding it easily.

"Max" Ash called "You'll have to be more creative than that to defeat my Deoxys." 'Deoxys use focus punch' Ash thought. Deoxys' fist glowed and it then punched Gallade hard making it fly back and land on the ground.

Max grit his teeth "Gallade use brick break one more time." Gallade charged forward with its right arm glowing aiming for Deoxys.

'Dodge it' Ash thought. Deoxys dodged to the left avoiding the brick break.

Max smirked "Rock smash now" he called. With its left arm Gallade turned smashed it right into the back of Deoxys head making it cry out in pain. "Now use thunderbolt" Max called .Gallade sparkled and then smashed Deoxys with a powerful thunderbolt.

'Deoxys focus blast' Ash thought still maintaining a calm facade. Deoxys turned and formed a blue ball of energy in its arms and nailed Gallade with it sending it sprawling to the ground. 'End it with shadow ball' Ash thought. Deoxys formed a black ball in its hands and launched it at Gallade making it cry out in pain and fall to the ground not moving and out cold.

"Gallade is unable to battle. Deoxys is the in winner thereby Ash wins the match" May said playing referee.

"Good job Deoxys return" Ash said recalling Deoxys. Max went out to Gallade and helped it sit up.

"That was a good job Gallade" Max said smiling "You did your best I'm proud of you." Gallade gave a smile to Max as Max recalled it. Ash walked up in front of Max "Ash" Max said.

"Max that was a good battle" Ash said. "Your Gallade is a very strong Pokémon."

"I owe a lot of it to you" Max said "Watching you battle a lot has given me some great tips and strategy."

"Max" May cried "Our ship is about to leave. We need to get going."

"Oh snap let's go" Max said. Before he left he turned to Ash, "We'll battle again right?"

"We'll definitely battle again one day" Ash said "And that day will be a day I look forward to." Max and May ran off and got onto their ship just on time and waved goodbye to Ash with him waving back until they were out of sight.

Once they were out of sight Ash released Latios and both of them, plus Pikachu, flew off into the sky and back towards Pallet Town. The ride was short, but everyone that was out and about in Pallet Town knew it was Ash as he flew above them and towards Professor Oak's laboratory. Ash landed in the back and all of his Pokémon rushed over to see him. "Hey guys I'm glad to see you too" Ash laughed.

"Ash, I thought that was you" Professor Oak said coming outside.

"Hey Professor Oak" Ash said walking up "How's everyone doing?"

"They're all doing just fine" Professor Oak said. "I've been very busy for a long time. With all of these Legendaries around here it gives me lots of new opportunities to study Legendaries. I never get any sleep these days."

Ash laughed slightly, "I see. How's Gary doing?"

"Last I heard he's continuing his research in the Sinnoh Region" Professor Oak said.

"Cool maybe I'll run into him when I go to Sinnoh" Ash said.

"You just got home, do you plan on leaving already" Professor Oak asked.

"Tomorrow morning" Ash said.

"Well if that's true then you should go and spend some time with your mother" Professor Oak said. "Lord knows she worries about you constantly." Ash nodded and while waving goodbye Ash took off back towards home.

SCENE BREAK

The next day had come quickly with Ash about to set off on his journey to Sinnoh. Last night was great when Ash came home and his mother had surprised him with an enormous amount of food for winning the Battle Frontier.

Skip Time

Ash's mom had given Ash some new clothes and it was the best ones yet. He now wore dark blue jeans with a black and blue jacket with the center being black and the sleeves being blue with the sleeves being long and his fingerless gloves were now black with blue trimmings and for added effect and just to add to an even more cool look his mom personally sowed him a cape for him to clip onto his shoulders. It was black on the outside while blue on the inner part. To finish his new look he had blue and black shoes and a blue hat with a black Pokeball in the center.

"Looking good Ash" Tracey said.

"Thanks Tracey" Ash said checking out his own clothes "They do look awesome."

"I guess it's time for you to set off" Delia said.

"But what Pokémon will you be taking with you other than Pikachu of course" Professor Oak asked.

"That's an easy choice" Ash said and pulled out a new Pokeball. It was blue where it was supposed to be red and it had a small red triangle in the center above the circle button in the center. Ash threw the Pokeball into the air and out came Latios with a small cry.

"Ah a most excellent choice "Professor Oak commented as Tracey began to hastily draw the scene of Latios Pikachu and Ash standing next to each other. "Is Latias going to be coming with you?"

Ash shook his head "Latias decided she wanted to stay behind this time. I think she really likes helping mom around the house with Mr. Mime."

"She is quite a darling" Delia said. A flash later and Latias appeared next to Delia having been invisible the whole time. She nuzzled Delia happily and Delia laughed back and petted her on the head.

Ash climbed on top of Latios and Latios hovered in the air "Goodbye everyone" Ash waved. They all waved back as Latios took off into the sky and through the air and soon Ash was out of sight.

Soon Latios was flying over the sea with Ash riding on top. Latios looked up at Ash and saw him staring off into space 'Something on your mid Ash' Latios asked telepathically.

"It's nothing much" Ash said. "I feel like I going to do something big in Sinnoh, and to be honest I feel scared..."

'I see' Latios responded 'It should pass in time. One time Bianca and Lorenzo had to leave for a few weeks. I and Latias missed them a lot, but we took solace in the fact that they would return soon one day. I worry about them when they were gone for so long'

'That true, Ash, I too feel the same when Sir Aaron left for a long time' Lucario spoke to Ash from his Pokeball. A few week ago Ash return to with Mew to review Lucario from his crystal prison.

Ash smiled as the wind caressed his face "Thanks Latios, Lucario and you Pikachu" he whispered to the Three Pokemon. They continued their flight in silence and in fifteen minutes Ash could see the harbor coming in view, but Ash was NOT going to risk landing in town where a lot of people could see him so he decided to fly above town and straight to Professor Rowan's laboratory. Just because Ash didn't stop didn't mean that other people, Pokémon and Pokémon trainers didn't see him.

One trainer with purple hair had just captured a Starly when he saw something flying over his head. He looked up and when he saw Latios he gaped in silent shock. "A Latios" he said shocked. He looked over as Latios flew by towards Sandgem town towards Professor Rowan's laboratory.

"Come on Elekid" the trainer said to his Pokémon next to him. The Elekid nodded and they both followed Latios.

"There it is Latios" Ash said pointing towards the lab "Let's go in for a land." Latios nodded and flew down towards the ground and Ash hopped off once they reached land.

"Thank you Latios. Take a rest for now" Ash said recalling Latios to his custom Pokeball. Ash stared at it for a second before he pulled out a special present that was given to Ash from long ago.

It was a special necklace designed to hold a Pokeball. It was given to Ash by his father when he was only three and it's one of the few memories Ash retains of his father. Ash slipped the silver Necklace over his neck and then clipped the Pokeball onto the bottom leaving it to hang around his neck.

Ash had 6 of these Pokeballs, each one unique. Latios one as Blue on top, replacing black with red.

Ash walked towards the lab and knocked on the door. An old man answered the door, but he looked like he could break a brick if he wanted to "Yes may I help you young man" he asked.

"Are you Professor Rowan" Ash asked.

"Yes and who might you be" he asked.

"I'm Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town and I've come here to register for the Sinnoh League" Ash said.

"I see" Professor Rowan said. "So you're the one that Samuel has been bragging about for so long."

"Professor Oak talks about me" Ash said in a surprised tone.

Professor Rowan laughed "Of course, there's been a lot of talk about you lately, what with you capturing almost every single Legendary. You've even earned the nickname 'Master of Legendary.'" Ash chuckled sheepishly and rubbed the back of his head.

"Well let's go and get you registered my boy." Ash followed Professor Rowan into the lab and into his main lab. Ash handed Professor Rowan his Pokedex to get him registered and while he did that, Ash noticed three Pokémon sitting on a table. One was red and shaped like a little monkey, another one a blue penguin and the final one a green little turtle Pokémon.

"Whoa are those the starters of the Sinnoh" Ash asked.

"Why yes they are" Professor Rowan said finishing up and handing Ash his Pokedex back "The red one is Chimchar, the fire starter, Piplup the water type and Turtwig the grass type."

Ash walked up and looked at them while they ate peacefully, "Wow they're all cool looking" Ash said.

"Excuse me Professor" an assistant said coming into the room "A trainer is here for her first Pokémon."

"Ah yes Dawn turned ten a while ago" Professor Rowan said. After he was finished a young girl walked into the room. She was wearing a black and pink shirt/skirt with pink boots and knee length black socks, had shiny blue hair pinned with hair pins on the side along with a white hat that had a pink Pokeball in the center on her head. "Hello Dawn it's good to see you again."

"You too Professor Rowan" Dawn said smiling. She then noticed Ash "Oh are you starting your journey as well?"

"Oh no I've already started my journey" Ash said. "I've just arrived from the Kanto Region to compete in the Sinnoh League."

"Wow so you must have seen so many different places" Dawn gushed excitedly. Ash laughed sheepishly scratching the back of his head and then dawn noticed the Pokeball around Ash's neck. "What's with the Pokeball around your neck" Dawn asked.

"This necklace was given to me by my father when I was three and I've just started to use it" Ash said "And the Pokeball houses a very special Pokémon of mine" he finished touching the Pokeball slightly.

Professor Rowan cleared his throat bring attention back to him "Dawn shouldn't you choose your first Pokémon?"

"Oh right sorry" she blushed. She went over and inspected the three Pokémon looking at each one of them as they looked back at her curiously, "Oh they're all so cute I don't know which one to pick" she pouted. Piplup looked proud at being called cute and stood up striking a pose "Oh Piplup looks happy I think I'll choose Piplup."

"Very well" Professor Rowan said. He handed her a pink Pokedex and six Pokeballs "Here you are, your Pokedex and Pokeballs."

"Thank you so much Professor" Dawn said taking them. "Piplup let's go." Piplup jumped into Dawn's arms and squeaked happily while Dawn smiled brightly. Ash also smiled slightly feeling some nostalgia from when he got his first Pokémon.

"Well now that Dawn has her first Pokémon and your registered for the Sinnoh League I think you should both get gong" Professor Rowan said to them.

"Right" they both said and they headed towards the door and walked outside with Professor Rowan going to see them off. Once they got outside they saw another trainer standing there with a scowl on his face. He had cold black eyes, purple hair wearing black pants and a blue jacket with a high collar that was half way unzipped.

"Can I help you young man" Professor Rowan asked.

"The names Paul" the trainer said "And no thanks I'm only here looking for something."

"What is it" Ash asked.

"Not that it's any of your business" Paul said "But I'm looking for a Latios I saw flying over in this direction."

"Oh you saw my Latios" Ash said laughing slightly while everyone else looked at Ash surprised. "I guess I should have flown a little higher into the air. Sorry about that."

"That Latios is yours" Paul said in a surprised voice while he looked a little surprised as well. Then he smirked "If it is then I challenge you to a battle."

Ash looked surprised before he smirked as well "Fine by me, what are the rules?"

"One on one" Paul said.

"You two can use my back field if you wish" Professor Rowan offered.

SCENE BREAK

Everyone was in the back room now with Paul and Ash standing opposite of each other. Dawn and Professor Rowan were standing off to the side "I've never seen a Pokémon battle before. This should be awesome" Dawn gushed.

"Ursaring standby for battle" Paul said sending out a massive bear Pokémon with a mean look on its face.

Ash unclipped the Pokeball around his neck and enlarged it "Latios let's go" Ash called and sent out the blue eon dragon that hovered in the air in front of Ash. Paul eyed the legendary Pokémon with silent awe as did everyone else.

"Wow it's so beautiful" Dawn said eyes sparkling.

"Ursaring hyper beam let's go" Paul called; Ursaring formed a hyper beam in its hands.

"Latios dragon breath now" Ash called. Latios formed a swirling chartreuse ball of energy in its mouth and then launched it at Ursaring just as it launched its hyper beam. Both attacks connected and exploded on impact. It cleared and showed that no Pokémon took damage.

"Ursaring focus blast now" Paul called. Ursaring formed a blue ball of energy in its hands and fired it at Latios.

"Latios use extreme speed" Ash called calmly. Latios flew through the air dodging the focus blast and zoomed about the area at super fast speeds making Ursaring look around trying to spot it, but it couldn't follow Latios' superior speeds "Latios dragon rush now" Ash called.

Latios stopped behind Ursaring and then charged at it with a sapphire blue glow surrounding its body and then it slammed directly into Ursaring's back making it cry out in pain. "Ursaring hammer arm now" Paul growled. Ursaring's arm flowed and it turned and punched Latios right in the face sending him flying back. "Now full power hyper beam" Paul shouted.

"Luster Purge now" Ash called still having a calm facade. Both attacks charged and were fired in unison again, but this time when they hit Latios' attack proved superior as it tore through the hyper beam as though it was butter and blasted Ursaring. Ursaring cried out as it was launched back and landed on the ground near Paul with its eyes all swirly.

"Ursaring is unable to battle" Professor Rowan announced "Latios is the winner so Ash Ketchum wins the battle."

"Return Ursaring" Paul simply said "Still not good enough."

"Good job Latios" Ash said petting his dragon on the neck. He returned Latios to its Pokeball and walked up to Paul "Your Ursaring is a pretty tough Pokémon."

"Spare me the compliments" Paul scoffed. "All it could do was land one hit on your Latios and from what I could tell Latios barely even felt it. It was useless."

Ash frowned "That's a strange way to treat Pokémon."

Paul ignored Ash "Thanks for the use of the field Professor Rowan. I appreciate it" Paul bowed while Professor Rowan nodded and then Paul walked off. Ash looked at Paul as he walked away and frowned slightly.

TIME SKIP

After that Ash gained a new travelling partner named Dawn and the two of them continued to travel around Sinnoh with Dawn catching Pokémon for contests and Ash competing for Gym badges. It was like having May back with him as Ash helped her with her contest training.

Ash had captured a Starly, Turtwig, Chimchar, Buizel and a Gible. Originally the Chimchar belonged to Paul, but when he and Ash were in a tag battle tournament and won Paul deemed Chimchar unworthy and released it with a cold dismissal. Ash was very angry at Paul, but he took pity on the little Pokémon and took it under his own wing and decided to train it himself.

Also Buizel was once Dawn's Pokémon since she caught it first, but Buizel didn't care about contests and only wanted to battle so it ignored Dawn a lot when she tried to command it. Ash thought of a great solution and transferred over and Aipom he caught back in Kanto and they traded so Dawn had Aipom and Ash had Buizel.

Aipom seemed much happier since it loved showing off and seemed to like contests and Buizel was happier under Ash since it could battle a lot more. Buizel and Pikachu had a little rival thing going on, they work it out at the end.

So far Dawn had managed to win three ribbons with her Pachrisu, Piplup, Piloswine, Buneary and a Togekiss. Dawn had also made rivals with another coordinator named Zoey. They were not only rivals, but also good friends.

Ash had also won four badges right now; a Coal Badge, a Forest Badge, a Cobble Badge and a Fen Badge. Three months passed and right now Ash and Dawn just made it Hearthrome City to take a break and to give Ash a chance to earn his fifth badge. Also it was time for the next Ever Grande and Ash was not going to miss Max competing in the victory tournament.

"Ash why are we turning in so early" Dawn asked seeing that it was only 3:00.

"An old friend of mine is about to be competing in the Victory Tournament of the Ever Grande Conference in Hoenn and there's no way I'm gonna miss his match" Ash said plopping down on a couch and turning the T.V. on. Pikachu was up and yawning.

"Ladies and gentlemen welcome back to the second round of the Ever Grande Conference Victory Tournament" the announcer shouted as the crowd cheered. Dawn decided to sit down and watch it with Ash "Our competitors are fighting their hearts out on the field. On the red side we have Michael from Mauville city and on the Green side is Max from Pettleburg city."

"Alright Max you can do it" Ash said clapping his hands together. "Pika chu!" Pikachu cheer as soon he saw Max.

"Max" Dawn said raising an eyebrow and looking at the screen to see a young boy with black hair and glasses wearing black pants and black shoes along with a green and black shirt. Dawn found herself staring at Max.

"Let's remind the crowd of the scores right now" the announcer shouted. The screen then flickered to the main screen in the stadium. "Max is in the lead having only lost two Pokémon while his opponent has lost three. The previous field they battled on was an ice field so now we will switch to a grass field." The field then switched to a grass field.

"Metang let's go" Max cried sending out his Metang.

"And Max has chosen his Metang to do battle" the announcer cried "Now what Pokémon will his opponent choose in response?"

"Mightyena I choose you" Max's opponent called sending out the massive dog Pokémon. Now the battles begun and they were ferocious with each hit Max made his opponent would counter and for each Pokémon one of them lost the other would lose theirs on the next turn.

Ash, Pikachu and Dawn were enraptured by the battle with Dawn staring with avid attention at Max as he battled his heart out and took down Pokémon after Pokémon and soon both of them were down to one Pokémon.

"This match is really heating up folks" the announcer cried. "And now both of them are down to one Pokémon each."

"C'mon Max you can win it" Ash said cheering for Max. "Pika chu, Pika chu!" Pikachu cried.

"C'mon you can win this" Dawn cried.

A flash appeared on the screen and a Sceptile appeared on the field "And Michael has chosen Sceptile as his final Pokémon. Now what will Max choose for his final Pokémon?"

Max pulled out his final Pokeball "It's up to you" he whispered "Gallade let's go" he shouted and brought out his starter Pokémon. "Gallade use psycho cut" he shouted. Gallade's arm glowed and it charged at Sceptile.

"Sceptile leaf blade let's go" Michael shouted. Sceptile's leaves on its arms glowed and they clashed together before jumping back "Now use pound attack" Sceptile turned and prepared to smack its tail into Gallade.

"Gallade use brick break" Max shouted. Gallade blocked Sceptile's pound attack and with brick break and then lifted its other arm "Hyper beam now" Max shouted. Gallade launched the hyper beam and it hit Sceptile at point blank range. Sceptile went flying back and landed on the ground.

"Sceptile solar beam now" Michael shouted. Sceptile shouted and gathered energy in its mouth and then launched it at Gallade who simply jumped high into the air making Michael and Gallade gape. Then Gallade surrounded itself with purple energy and charged down at Sceptile.

"And here comes Gallade's Giga Impact" the announcer shouted as Gallade made contact with Sceptile sending it flying back. Sceptile struggled to get up, but then Gallade came charging forward and smashed into Sceptile with a hard hit sending it flying back.

"Sceptile" Michael shouted worried as Sceptile struggled to get up "You can do it." Sceptile struggled to its feet, but then went wobbly and fell to the ground "Sceptile" Michael shouted as Sceptile went swirly eyes and lied there.

"Sceptile is unable to battle" the red shouted raising the green flag. "The match is over; Max is the winner." On the screen Michael's picture and Pokémon blanked out leaving Max's name and Pokémon to take up the screen showing Max used an Alakazam, a Hypno, a Metang, a Kirlia, a Slowbro and a Gallade. Coincidently they were all psychic type Pokémon.

"A spectacular finish to a spectacular match" the announcer roared as the crowd cheered. "Gallade's Giga Impact was simply too much for Sceptile to handle and Max is victorious."

"Alright he won" Ash shouted jumping up and cheering.

"That match was awesome" Dawn cheered as well. On T.V. Max was hugging his Gallade while they both waved to the cheering crowd.

The next morning around 11:00 we find Ash, Pikachu and Dawn watching the quarterfinal matches of the Ever Grande Conference "As we come to the end of the Fourth Match of the Victory Tournament Quarterfinals, both trainers have only one Pokémon remaining" the announcer shouted. Max's opponent was a young girl about a year older than Max with long green hair and green eyes using an Aggron while Max had his Gallade out. This battle had been going on for a long time and both Gallade and Aggron had taken a lot of damage.

Aggron charged at Gallade and gained a silver energy around it and nailed Gallade hard with its iron head. Gallade cried out in pain as it was launched back and landed on the ground with swirls in its eyes. "Gallade is unable to battle "the announcer shouted raising the red flag "Aggron is the winner."

"There you have it ladies and gentlemen" the announcer shouted as the crowd cheered. "Allison Johnson from Sootopolis City will now move onto the Semi-finals, having defeated Max." Max looked down with his hair shadowing his eyes.

"He lost" Dawn said disappointedly.

Ash had a sad look in his eyes "He did his best" Ash whispered. Then he smiled "He also did better than me on my first try." Dawn looked at Ash confused "My first major tournament in the Indigo Plateau ended with me only making it into the Top Sixteen, yet Max made it to the Top Eight on his first try. He should feel very proud of himself."

On the screen Max and Allison walked into the middle of the field and shook hands with each other while they both smiled. They saw Allison say something to Max before she kissed him on the cheek and walked out of the stadium. Max blushed bright red before the scene cut to a commercial. Dawn felt a small tightness in her chest when she saw that and had a sudden urge to hit something.

SCENE BREAK

Ash and Dawn decided to take a little wander before going over to the Hearthrome city Gym when they heard a little commotion. They walked over to some ancient ruins in the center of a park the depicted Dialga and Palkia and saw Paul battling an extremely beautiful woman wearing all dark clothes and had long blond hair that went down to her legs. Paul had out his Torterra while the woman had out a vicious looking dragon Pokémon called Garchomp.

"What's going on" Ash asked some kid watching the battle.

The kid scoffed "That idiot over there had the nerve to challenge the champion."

"The Champion" Ash repeated confused.

"You mean you don't know" the kid said shocked. "That's Cynthia; the Champion of the Sinnoh Region and the Master of the Champion League. She's the strongest of all the champions and the youngest of them too being only eighteen."

"The strongest eh" Ash mused staring at Cynthia as her Garchomp did battle with Paul's Torterra. It looked like Frenzy Plant had Garchomp for a few seconds before Garchomp defended itself and finished off Torterra with a powerful brick break attack.

"Whoa she is strong" Dawn said amazed.

Paul recalled his Torterra "I guess that's it" Paul said.

"I guess so" Cynthia smiled "Good job Garchomp return" she said recalling her Garchomp.

"What an idiot" kids began to mutter "To think he could actually take on the champion."

"Hey knock it off" Ash defended Paul from more verbal abuse.

"Oh it's you Ash" Paul said walking up to him.

"Hey Paul" Ash said. "I saw your battle. You did your best."

"My best wasn't enough" Paul said before walking off.

Ash shook his head "He really needs to mellow out a bit."

"You are Ash" Cynthia said walking up to Ash "As in Ash Ketchum?"

"Yes I am" Ash said "But how do you know me?"

"Well Lance and Steven never stop talking about you" Cynthia smiled. "They kept saying how amazing you were back in Johto and Hoenn having won both of them at such a young age."

Paul wasn't' out of range yet and he heard everything Cynthia said and he turned and looked at Ash surprised 'He won both Johto and Hoenn' he thought shocked.

While everyone else in the crowd was just as shocked.

Ash laughed and rubbed the back of his head "I guess I did leave quite an impression."

"If it wouldn't be too much trouble I'd like to have a mock battle with you" Cynthia said and everyone and I mean EVERYONE looked at Cynthia in surprise, even Ash. He had battle Elite Four members before, but never a Champion as they were said to be at least five times stronger than the strongest Elite Four members.

But, then again, when would he ever get another chance. Ash smirked "It would be my pleasure." Now Ash stood in the place Paul once stood ready to face Cynthia.

"Spiritomb time to battle" Cynthia said sending out a small swirling purple Pokémon with green spots, a crooked mouth and green eyes with one of them swirled and it looked to be standing on some kind of keystone.

Dawn pulled out her Pokedex and checked it out "Spiritomb, the Forbidden Pokémon; as punishment for misdeeds 500 years ago, Spiritomb was sealed in the fissure off an Odd Keystone."

'Spiritomb has no weakness so I better go with a powerhouse' Ash thought pulling out a Pokeball "Darkrai let's go" Ash called. Darkrai appeared in a flash with a grunt and hovered in mid air.

"Whoa a Darkrai" people began whispering now witnessing a Legendary Pokémon from Sinnoh. Even Paul could hardly believe his eyes as he now knew that Ash had two Legendaries; oh if only he knew.

"So Lance and Steven don't lie" Cynthia said masking some of her amazement. "Let's begin; you may have the first move Ash."

"Thank you Cynthia" Ash said "Darkrai use dark pulse." Darkrai formed the swirling energy attack in its hands and launched it at Spiritomb.

"Spiritomb you use dark pulse also" Cynthia called. Spiritomb formed the same attack in its mouth and then launched it at Darkrai. Both attacks met in mid air and they exploded on impact picking up dust and when it cleared it showed that neither Pokémon had taken any damage.

"Darkrai ice beam let's go" Ash shouted. Darkrai formed the ice beam in its hands and shot it forward and this time it nailed Spiritomb head one, but Spiritomb recovered quickly.

"Spiritomb use shadow ball" Cynthia called. Spiritomb formed a dark ball in its mouth and then launched it at Darkrai.

"Dodge it" Ash called. Darkrai dodged the shadow ball attack.

"Now use ominous wind" Cynthia called. Spiritomb opened its mouth taking a large breath and then launched a swirling vortex of wind towards Darkrai and this time it hit and Darkrai was blown back from the attack.

"Darkrai dark void now" Ash called. Darkrai formed a dark ball in its hands and then launched it at Spiritomb and it connected. Spiritomb was enveloped by darkness and once it cleared it showed Spiritomb lying on the ground sleeping.

"Spiritomb" Cynthia called surprised.

"Darkrai dream eater" Ash called. Darkrai's eyes glowed red and then it launched a spectral version of itself and it enveloped Spiritomb making Spiritomb cry out in pain before its eyes opened again and it was ready for battle again. "It's been weakened Darkrai use dark pulse" Ash called. Darkrai formed the attack and then launched it at Spiritomb.

"Extreme speed now" Cynthia called. Spiritomb dodged the dark pulse and appeared behind Darkrai in a flash "Now use Giga Impact" she said with a smirk. Spiritomb gained a purple glow around itself and then launched itself at Darkrai and smashed right into Darkrai's back.

"Darkrai no" Ash cried. Darkrai struggled, but pushed itself back up and turned to Spiritomb and glared "Dark void now" Ash shouted. Darkrai formed its signature attack and launched it Spiritomb who didn't even try to dodge it. Then Spiritomb fell to the ground asleep "Dream eater now" Ash said. Darkrai's eyes glowed red again and launched the spectral version of itself and it hit Spiritomb making it cry out in pain again before it woke up and jumped back to Cynthia's side panting.

"Why didn't Spiritomb try and dodge it" Dawn asked nobody.

"Because it couldn't" Paul said standing near Dawn.

"What do you mean" Dawn asked.

"Giga Impact is one of the most powerful moves a Pokémon can learn" Paul said "But it has one fatal drawback. After it is used the Pokémon who used it must rest for the next turn so it can recover. That's why Ash used Dark Void to put it to sleep and followed it up with Dream Eater since every time Dream Eater is used the Pokémon that used it takes half the damage caused by it and recovers its own hit points."

"Very smart of you Ash" Cynthia complimented. "But it's not good enough, Spiritomb use will-o-wisp." Spiritomb formed a blue fireball in its mouth and then launched it at Darkrai.

"Darkrai dodge it quick" Ash called. Darkrai jumped and dodged the attack "Now Giga Impact." Darkrai formed purple energy around its body and launched itself at Spiritomb and smashed into it hard hoping to end the battle, but it didn't quite work as Spiritomb was still standing though it was panting harshly.

"Great job Spiritomb now use hypnosis" Cynthia said smiling. Spiritomb launched its hypnosis at Darkrai. Darkrai couldn't move due to Giga Impact's after effects and was caught full blast by Hypnosis and fell asleep because of it. "Now use rest" Cynthia said. Spiritomb began glowing as it healed itself.

"Oh no come on Darkrai you got to wake up quickly" Ash called. Darkrai was still fast asleep and couldn't hear Ash's commands. Spiritomb finished using rest and looked fully recovered.

"Now dream eater" Cynthia said smiling knowing the match was over. Spiritomb glowed and launched a spectral version of itself and it hit Darkrai making it cry out in pain.

Silence for a few seconds as Darkrai didn't move and Cynthia was about to recall her Spiritomb when Darkrai groaned and got up shaking its head "What" Cynthia said shocked now.

Likewise with Cynthia everyone else was gaping in shock that Darkrai was still standing as well and Ash was about to take advantage of their shock "Alright Darkrai use ice beam at full power." Darkrai roared and formed a massive ice beam in its hands and launched it at Spiritomb. It hit hard and Spiritomb cried out in pain as it was launched back far.

"Spiritomb no" Cynthia cried.

"Darkrai dark void now" Ash called. Darkrai formed a black ball in its arms and launched it at Spiritomb.

"Spiritomb dodge it now" Cynthia called. Spiritomb dodged the attack barely because it was so exhausted.

"Darkrai dark pulse full power" Ash shouted. Darkrai roared and formed a very massive dark pulse in its hands.

'How can his Darkrai still have so much power left' Cynthia thought shocked. "Spiritomb you use dark pulse too." Spiritomb formed a dark pulse in its mouth and both Pokémon fired it at the same time. Both attacks hit at the same time and struggled for absolute dominance when they side stepped each other and headed for their opposites. Darkrai's dark pulse hit Spiritomb and Spiritomb's dark pulse hit Darkrai.

Both Pokémon were launched backwards from the attack and landed on the ground bruised and beaten almost beyond belief. "C'mon Darkrai get up. I know you can do it" Ash began calling.

"Spiritomb just a little bit longer c'mon" Cynthia called. Neither Pokémon moved or even twitched.

"You can do it Darkrai" Ash shouted "We've been in tougher spots then this and you've always pulled through. Get up Darkrai." Darkrai twitched and groaned slightly before its turquoise eye opened and with a grunt Darkrai rose off the ground although it looked like it would collapse any second.

"C'mon Spiritomb you can do it" Cynthia encouraged. Spiritomb started to rise off the ground "Alright Spiritomb I knew you cou-" Cynthia stopped when Spiritomb collapsed to the ground and this time swirls were in both of its eyes and it wasn't moving. The crowd was gaping in absolute shock as was Ash since he just realized he had defeated Cynthia's Spiritomb.

The kids and crowd began cheering wildly and clapping enthusiastically. "He did it, he won, he actually won" Dawn cheered jumping up and down. Paul looked out with wide eyes at Ash and his Darkrai and gained some respect for Ash as he turned and walked away.

"Darkrai" Ash called rushing over and catching the pitch black Pokémon as it fell. Ash smiled "Good job Darkrai you were amazing out there. Now let's go and get you healed up" Ash said recalling his Darkrai.

"Spiritomb return" Cynthia said smiling while recalling her down ghost Pokémon "I'm very proud of you." Cynthia walked over to Ash and only stood about two inches taller than him "That was an excellent battle Ash. It's been a while since someone outside of the Elite Four has ever taken down my Spiritomb before."

"Thank you Cynthia" Ash said sheepishly while scratching the back of his head.

"Don't be too proud of yourself though" Cynthia said in a teasing voice. "Spiritomb is not my strongest Pokémon."

"What a coincidence" Ash said smirking back at her "Darkrai isn't my strongest either." Both of them then began laughing good naturedly "Well right now I think we ought to get our Pokémon to the Pokémon center."

"Right" Cynthia said.