Ritchie stood in the battlefield and faced Serena "This won't be like our first battle Ritchie" Serena said. "I'm determined to defeat you."

"Keep that fire in your eyes Serena" Ritchie grinned. "I'm looking forward to it. Now then, Electivire, time to shine." Ritchie let out his Electivire, who let out a loud roar as lightning spewed from its body.

Serena smirked and pulled out her own Pokéball "I'm fired up; go Delphox." Out of her Pokéball came Serena's starter Pokémon, her Delphox. Both Pokémon stared one another down intently. Rebal and Morrison sat on the sidelines eager to see the battle.

Ash stood in the middle acting as the referee "Ready" he called looking between them. "Begin." He ran back as their battle began.

"Delphox, flamethrower" Serena called. Delphox built up a large flamethrower attack.

"Electivire, thunderbolt, let's go" Ritchie countered. Electivire built up a massive thunderbolt and both Pokémon launched their attacks simultaneously. The attacks collided in a massive explosion that kicked up a lot of dust. "Now use Focus Blast." Electivire built up the attack before launching it into the dust.

"Delphox, dodge and use mystical fire" Serena ordered. Delphox jumped and avoided the Focus Blast before twirling her hand and launching a large blast of flames at Electivire that hit dead on.

"Electivire use Bulldoze" Ritchie called. Electivire flipped back up before slamming both hands onto the ground creating a massive shockwave that hit Delphox head on.

'Electivire knows ground moves' Serena thought shocked. "Don't give up Delphox, let's hit that beast with Fire Blast." Delphox jumped back up before launching a large blast of fire in the shape of a kanji symbol. Electivire dodged it, but Delphox dashed until she was right in front of it. "Fire Spin now" she shouted. Delphox roared and launched a large blast of flames at Electivire at point blank range.

Ritchie was wide eyed at the quick attack while Serena smirked. "Electivire, you okay" Ritchie called. Electivire jumped from the flames looking scorched, but okay. "That was pretty good Serena, but it'll take a lot more fire power to defeat my Electivire."

"Trust me, I plan on it" Serena smirked. "Delphox, use Psyshock." Delphox raised her wand and formed a swirling mass of blue and purple energy before launching it at Electivire.

"Use Agility to dodge it" Ritchie countered. Electivire managed to dodge the attack, but Delphox did not relent. The attack was launched again and again.

"Your Electivire is strong, but even it can't keep this up forever" Serena smirked. Before long the Psyshock hit the ground next to Electivire hurting it from the backlash. "Told you" she smirked. "Flame Charge, let's go." Delphox was surrounded in flames before charging at Electivire.

"Wild Charge now" Ritchie countered. Electivire was covered in lightning before charging at Delphox. Both of them hit each other resulting in quite a standoff before Electivire broke through and struck Delphox head on.

"Delphox, no" Serena cried.

"Alright Electivire use Electro Ball" Ritchie shouted. Electivire formed an electric ball in its hands before launching it where it hit Delphox.

"Delphox are you okay" Serena asked. Delphox was panting and looking exhausted, but could still stand. "Alright Delphox, Electivire may be strong, but we can beat it in speed and we've got a secret weapon. Use Light Screen." Delphox was then enveloped in a bright yellow glow.

Ritchie widened his eyes before gritting his teeth 'She prepared this move for me.' The effects of all of Ritchie's thunder attacks would now be cut in half. 'The only other moves Electivire knows are fighting and one ground type move. The fighting type moves won't be very effective, but if I can weaken Delphox enough I can win.'

"Alright Delphox, we can win this" Serena called with confidence. "Now use Will-o-Wisp" she ordered Delphox formed a dark fireball on her wand before launching it at Electivire.

"Dodge and use Agility" Ritchie ordered. Electivire dodged and began running all around Delphox trying to make it dizzy.

"I don't think so" Serena smirked. "Delphox, time to show off your Ballet moves." Delphox also smirked and stood on her toes before she began swirling rapidly "Now use fire spin." Delphox cried out as she released a large stream of fire that shot out in the entire area creating a large fire tornado.

"Whoa" Morrison was amazed. "How did she do that Rebal?"

"By having Delphox spin like that Serena knew it would increase the range of the fire spin attack" Rebal explained. "Since Delphox was spinning so rapidly the velocity in which Fire Spin would be released would be much higher giving it a longer range of attack."

Electivire jumped out of the flames even more scorched up and panting, but still standing. 'I can't let Electivire keep getting hit like that.' "Alright Electivire let's try this one more time; use Bulldoze." Electivire initiated the Bulldoze attack.

"That won't work" Serena declared. "Delphox jump." Delphox did indeed jump making Ritchie smirk. Serena widened her eyes when instead of using the Bulldoze attack Electivire instead jumped into the air using its antennae to grab Delphox. "A fake out" she gasped.

"Exactly, and you walked right into it" Ritchie smirked. "Now use Bulldoze." With Delphox in its grip Electivire went towards the ground slamming Delphox down hard as well as giving it a point blank Bulldoze attack causing the ground to implode.

When the dust cleared Electivire was seen standing over a downed Delphox. Ash was about to step up and announce Ritchie as the winner when Delphox's eyes snapped open. They turned a completely different color; from obsidian black to burning red. Delphox shot up with a roar as blue flames exploded off her body making Ritchie, Rebal, Morrison and Ash go wide eyed at the sheer amount of heat that Delphox was releasing.

"That's Blaze" Morrison gasped.

Serena was also wide eyed, but a smile came to her face a moment later "You always come through for me Delphox. Thank you so much; now let's end this. Use Flamethrower." Delphox screamed before unleashing a massive flamethrower attack that struck Electivire head on.

"Electivire no" Ritchie cried out.

"Now us Mystical Fire" Serena shouted. Delphox charged and launched her signature attack.

"Electivire use wild charge now" Ritchie shouted hastily. Electivire was surrounded in lightning before charging at Delphox just as the attack was launched. Delphox launched the attack and Electivire charged right into it and kept charging forward getting closer and closer. "Now use Thunder Punch" Ritchie roared. Electivire roared as its fist's was encased in lightning before punching at point blank range. The resulting clash between both attacks caused a massive explosion. Ritchie and Serena were nearly blown off their feet. Everyone shielded their faces from the dust in the explosion and could only wait until it cleared.

A few tense minutes later and the dust did clear it showed both Electivire and Delphox still standing, but both were looking very injured and on their last legs. Then Delphox and Electivire gave out a tiny groan before falling forward onto the ground unable to continue.

Ash stepped forward "Both Pokémon are unable to battle; the match is a draw."

Ritchie grinned "Excellent work Electivire." Electivire gave a proud roar before wincing in pain." I'll get you fixed up in a jiffy. For now, take a rest" and with that he returned Electivire to its Pokéball.

Serena crouched down by Delphox as the Fox Pokémon looked up. Serena softly comforted her Pokémon "You did your best Delphox and I'm so proud of you. I'll give your fur a nice brushing tonight." Delphox cooed softly at Serena.

The matches got better and it became obvious to everyone when Rebal was the strongest closely followed by Ritchie. He defeated Morrison's Skarmory with Rebal's Nihi and he even defeated Serena's Talonflame with his Katana. Then Ash and Rebal battled and Rebal used his Shadow to combat against Ash's Kommo-Oh, which he lost to.

After that came Ritchie who came in second place. He managed to defeat Morrison's Aggron with his Luxray, but his Jolteon tied to Serena's Houndoom. In the end it was Ritchie's Raichu vs. Ash's Dragonite. It was the rematch of the century as both battled their hardest, but it ended up being a tie.

Morrison and Serena tied for last place though as although Morrison managed to lose Serena's Talonflame with his Aggron, but his Metagross won to Ash's Metagross leaving Morrison's record as 1-3. Serena had tied to Ritchie's Electivire and lost Rebal's Katana, but she won against Morrison's Steelix leaving her record at 1-1-1. The records went as followed.

Rebal: 3-1

Ritchie: 1-1-2

Serena: 1-1-1

Morrison: 1-3

If Serena could defeat Ash's Pokémon she'd have a better record than Ritchie and then the two of them would have switch spots and if she lost, she would stay in the same place that she was now.  On the other hand, if she tied, she would have to fight Ritchie again for 2nd spot on Elite Four.

Serena and Ash faced one another before Ash smirked and sent out his Pokémon. In a flash Ash's Goodra appeared with a soft coo and a smile. Serena had to really think on this since Goodra, like a lot of Dragon Pokémon, were resistant to Fire type attacks. So she'd have to pick a dual variant.

Soon she made her decision "Alright let's get fired up Lampent" she called releasing her floating Lamp Pokémon.

"Lampent, good choice" Ritchie said. "She'll have more variety to attack with since Goodra is resistant to fire type attacks."

"Alright Serena, time to show me how good you've become" Ash said.

"I'll show you, no... I'll prove it" she declared as confidently as she could. "Lampent, tell me, are you ready for the next step?" Lampent turned and gave a small nod with a sound of confirmation. "Thank you" she said before pulling out a small purple stone.

"Is that what I think it is" Morrison stared wide eyed.

"It is" Rebal said seriously. "A Dusk Stone. With it Serena can evolve Lampent into a Chandelure." Serena walked up to Lampent and patted her small Pokémon with a smile before gently pressing the stone to its head. Lampent was enveloped in a bright glow. Through the glow Lampent began to morph until it was a much bigger size with multiple fires around its body.

Lampent was now a Chandelure.

Throughout the sight Ash just smiled; he was glad he taught Serena the importance of evolution. When it came to stones they should only be used if the Pokémon was ready for it. Serena had held onto that Dusk Stone for a long time and now it was going to pay off; he just knew it would.

"Alright Chandelure, let's do this" Serena proclaimed. "Use Shadow Ball." Chandelure formed a shadow ball before launching.

"Goodra, Dragon Breath" Ash countered. Goodra launched a thick green beam of energy from its mouth just as Chandelure launched a shadow ball. Both attacks hit and exploded in midair. "Now use Dragon Rush."

"It won't do us much good, but counter it with Flame Charge" Serena called out. Goodra surrounded itself in blue energy before charging while Chandelure surrounded itself in red flames before charging. Both Pokémon met in a mighty clash with both of them trying to push each other back until eventually they realized it was a stalemate. "Now use Night Shade." Chandelure's eyes glowed before it launched a ray of darkness from its eyes.

"Dodge it" Ash said. Goodra flew up into the air "Now use Dragon Pulse." Goodra formed a green ball of energy before firing it. The attack hit sending Chandelure flying backwards.

"Chandelure" Serena cried. "Are you alright." Chandelure gave a firm nod, but Serena was still worried. 'Goodra has many advantages over me. I need to think of a way to defeat it and fast. Fast? Wait that's it' she thought. "Chandelure use Flame Charge." Without hesitating Chandelure did just that and charged.

"Dragon Rush" Ash said simply. Goodra was surrounded in blue energy before charging. 'Serena knows that won't work; what's she planning?' The two Pokémon got within a foot of each other before...

"Now duck" Serena shouted. Chandelure dived down and managed to avoid the Dragon Rush making Ash widen his eyes. "Now use Dark Pulse" she called. Chandelure turned and shot a Dark Pulse right into Goodra's back making the gooey dragon cry out. "Alright Chandelure you did it" Serena cheered.

"It's not over yet" Ash smirked. "Goodra use Flamethrower." Goodra flipped and launched a massive flamethrower that struck Chandelure head on. The fire hit Chandelure making Ash narrow his eyes 'She didn't even try to make Chandelure move.' He understood when he saw the flames vanish and Chandelure glowing brightly'. "I get it; Chandelure's ability is Flash Fire."

"Correct and you know what that means" Serena smirked.

"It means that all of Serena's Fire Type attacks will be powered up tremendously" Ritchie said.

"Yeah" Brock agreed. "Even though Goodra is resistant to Fire-Type attacks, ones that are powered up with Flash Fire will still do some damage."

"Alright Chandelure, time to show them your real power" Serena called. "Use Overheat." Chandelure gave a long battle cry before unleashing a massive torrent of flames. The flames hit Goodra head on.

"Endure it Goodra, you can do it" Ash called. Goodra tried, but the flames were incredibly hot "Alright Goodra, use Aqua Tail." Goodra cried out and jetted out of the flames and flew towards Chandelure with its tail glowing blue.

"Chandelure, dodge it" Serena called. Chandelure dodged as Goodra shot past it, but landed on the ground and with a twirl struck Chandelure head on sending it flying. "Chandelure" Serena cried. Chandelure recovered "Alright, get in close and use Shadow Ball." Chandelure charged, but looked incredibly sluggish.

"Aqua Tail again" Ash called. Goodra charged at a much faster pace before slamming Chandelure again with an Aqua Tail.

"What" Serena said shocked. "Chandelure could've easily dodged it, but it's so slow now. Wait..." she looked closely and saw some goo on Chandelure's body. "Is that... goo?"

Ash smirked "That's Goodra Hidden Ability: Gooey. Once Goodra makes physical contact with the opponent they become a lot slower. Chandelure is too slow to run away now. You fought well Serena, but now it's over."

"Not yet; not as long as we can battle" Serena stated. "Shadow Ball let's go." Chandelure launched a shadow ball at Goodra, who dodged it.

"Use Dragon Rush" Ash stated. Goodra surrounded itself in blue energy once more before charging at Chandelure ready to end this.

"Use Dark Pulse, quickly" Serena shouted. Chandelure launched a swirling ray of darkness that hit Goodra, but Goodra was slowly breaking through it and refused to be stopped. 'Just a little closer... just a little closer' she thought as Goodra was almost close enough. Finally, when Goodra broke through Dark Pulse did Serena shout "Now, use Shadow Ball." Chandelure built up a shadow ball and launched it at point blank range causing a pretty massive explosion. Once more everyone had to shield their eyes from the dust and debris and wait for it to clear.

When it did clear everyone stared in surprise at the outcome. Chandelure was on the ground unmoving. Rebal, acting as referee, announced "Chandelier is unable to battle, Goodra wins."

The results of everyone's battling now stood as this:

Rebal: 3-1

Ritchie: 1-1-2

Serena: 1-2-1

Morrison: 1-3

Rebal clearly had the best record so he was the top of the Elite Four followed by Ritchie who had 1 win and 2 ties. Serena came next with 1 win and 1 tie.  Then came Morrison who only had 1 win. Now they were one step closer to their dream; everything was set up and prepared. Mr. Goodshow would be in for one big surprise.