"Hello Ash" Lorenzo said shaking hands with him.

Bianca pulled Ash into a hug. Surprised for a second Ash hugged back smiling. "I see you've kept your promise" she said. "Latios has defiantly become a lot stronger."

Ash nodded, "Latios trained until he dropped to become stronger. I don't think I could ever be more proud of him."

"What about Latias" Bianca asked.

"She's gotten a lot stronger as well" Ash said. "I'm saving Latias for as long as possible. Everyone now knows that I have a Latios so they'll try and focus on a way to take it out. Then I'll have Latias as a backup to surprise my opponent."

Misty stared at Ash for a few seconds "That was very clever of you Ash.

Ash shrugged smiling, "It's been known to happen." That got all of them laughing. "So Bianca did you and Lorenzo come all the way out here from Altomare to see me battle?"

"Of course" Bianca said "Plus I really wanted to see both of them again. Sometimes it's hard for me to remember that they're not in the garden anymore" Bianca said her tone going sad. Lorenzo put a hand on his granddaughter's shoulder.

Ash also looked a little sad, but he brightened up, "Well I do have a few days until my next match so you guys can spend all the time you want catching up with Latios and Latias." Bianca and Lorenzo wholeheartedly agreed. "C'mon, let's go back to the Hotel" Ash said brightly. The others nodded and they went back to the Hotel Room. "Alright, Latios, Latias, come on out" Ash said and released both of them. "Hey guys, Lorenzo and Bianca stopped by to watch our battles."

Latias was immediately by Bianca and nuzzling her affectionately while cooing happily. Bianca laughed slightly, "I missed you to Latias" she said hugging the female dragon. Separating from Latias Bianca turned towards Latios, who floated down in front of her, "I missed you too Latios." Latios nuzzled her softly as Bianca hugged Latios tightly while a small tear ran down her eye. Ash and the others smiled at the reunion.

They spent the rest of the night catching up with each other until they went to bed. Latios and Latias slept outside the Pokeballs with Lorenzo and Bianca like they use to. Ash found that he couldn't sleep so he got up, put his hat and shoes on and went outside to the lake to clear his head. When he got there he saw someone else already sitting by the lake, it was Gary. "Gary" Ash called out.

Gary turned to Ash and smiled slightly, "Hey Ash, what are you doing out so late?"

Ash was surprised that Gary didn't use the little pet name Ashy-boy, but he wasn't going to question it, "I couldn't sleep" Ash said, "What about you? You having trouble sleeping too?"

Gary nodded as they both sat down by the river, "I'm been thinking about our match today. It was awesome and you were awesome as well. That battle was the best battle of my life and I don't even feel bad that I lost. Even though I lost it feels like I've gotten a lot stronger."

Ash grinned, "Really? Because it feels like I got a whole lot stronger by battling you too."

Gary nodded, "I'll be cheering you on in your next match up in the stands." Gary held his hand out and Ash took it and they shook hands as equals. Gary then reached into his pocket and pulled out the other half of the rusty Pokeball and put it in Ash's hand. "Take it; you've earned it after the victory today."

"Thanks Gary" Ash said happy to have his old friend back even though they were still rivals.

"By the way after your next match" Gary began as he started to walk away. He turned and smiled at Ash, "You have got to tell me what that mystery Pokémon of yours was so next time we battle I can defeat it."

Ash laughed slightly, "Sure I'll tell you, but don't count on defeating Latios anytime soon." Both trainers smirked and went back to their rooms now finding it easier to sleep. In the stadium the next day there were cheers all around as the first Match of the Johto League Quarterfinals was about to begin.

"Ladies and Gentlemen welcome to the first match of the Quarterfinals" the announcer roared amongst the cheers of the crowd. "The battle is between these two young trainers; Harrison from Littleroot Town and Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town. Though Harrison is a very tough trainer the fan favourite of the match is Ash for his Legendary Pokémon Latios. Let's see how this match will turn out."

"Hey Ash" Harrison called, "Just because you're a friend doesn't mean I'll take it easy on you."

"I wouldn't expect it any other way" Ash called back grinning.

"Now to determine which field these two will be battling on" the announcer said. The screen flashed through the four fields before stopping on the green one with grass blades, "And it's a grass field" the announcer said. The neutral field was then swapped out for a grass field and the grass field took its place.

"Harrison's pretty tough" Bianca whispered, "Do you think Ash can win?"

"If I know Ash at all then he'll find a way to win" Brock said confident in his young friend.

"Now to determine who has the honour of sending out the first Pokémon" the announcer said. The screen flashed between the red and green colors and after a few seconds it slowed down before it stopped on the green. "And Ash Ketchum will be sending out his first Pokémon."

"Pikachu, let's go" Ash said. Pikachu hopped down from Ash's shoulder and was now in the field.

"Kecleon, let's go" Harrison called sending out a large chameleon shaped Pokémon.

"And Ash's first Pokémon is Pikachu and choosing to start the battle with his Kecleon is Harrison" the announcer said. Ash pulled out his Pokedex and scanned Kecleon;

"Kecleon: the color swap Pokémon. Kecleon is able to blend into the surroundings by changing the color of its body" the mechanical voice of Dexter said.

"Alright Pikachu use thunder bolt" Ash ordered. Pikachu's cheeks sparkled before Pikachu fired a large thunderbolt at Kecleon. Without Harrison even needing to give it a command Kecleon jumped out of the way "What" Ash said shocked.

"Good job Kecleon now use psybeam" Harrison ordered. A bright light formed in Kecleon's open mouth and it shot towards Pikachu.

"Pikachu dodge and use hyper beam" Ash shouted. Pikachu jumped to the left and rolled to avoid the attack before straightening up and launching a powerful hyper beam attack at Kecleon. Kecleon was too slow to dodge this time and took the attack fully. Kecleon flew back a bit before straightening up.

"Don't let that slow you down Kecleon; use cut" Harrison called. Kecleon's tiny hands glowed and Kecleon charged at Pikachu and tried to hit Pikachu with its fist, but Pikachu dodged left and right to avoid the attacks. Every time to cut attack missed beads of grass were cut perfectly. Ash knew he couldn't let Pikachu get hit by that. "Kecleon, wrap Pikachu up with your Lick attack" Harrison ordered.

Kecleon stopped the cut attack and shot its tongue from its mouth and wrapped it around Pikachu. Kecleon then began to slam Pikachu into the ground repeatedly. "And Pikachu is caught in Kecleon's ferocious lick attack and it's causing Ketchum quite the frustration." It's true as Ash was gritting his teeth.

"Pikachu try and break free" Ash shouted. Pikachu tried in a futile attempt to struggle, but nothing was working so far, until... "That's it" Ash suddenly said, "Pikachu use thunder bolt quickly" Ash shouted. Pikachu charged up his thunder bolt one more time and let it loose and since Kecleon's tongue was attached to Pikachu that meant the electricity travelled up Kecleon's tongue and hit Kecleon at full power.

"Kecleon, no" Harrison cried.

Kecleon lost its grip on Pikachu and its tongue retracted into its mouth and Kecleon proceeded to pass out cold with swirls in its eyes.

The ref raised the green flag, "Kecleon is unable to battle. Pikachu wins." Up on the screen Kecleon's icon went dark signifying its defeat. The people in the stadium cheered loudly.

"A shocking defeat for Kecleon as Harrison recalls his down Pokémon. What Pokémon shall he bring out next?" Harrison returned Kecleon and pulled out his next Pokémon.

"I choose you Steelix" Harrison said sending out the giant snake-like steel Pokémon. Steelix gave a loud roar and Pikachu felt intimidated by scary face Steelix was making its attack drop.

"Don't give in Pikachu; you can do this" Ash encouraged "Use tackle attack." Pikachu regained some confidence and charged at Steelix.

"Steelix, use iron tail" Harrison shouted.

"Pikachu dodge it" Ash shouted back. Steelix's tail glowed a bright white and Steelix swung its tail at Pikachu with intent on causing serious damage, but Pikachu managed to jump the iron tail attack, "Alright Pikachu continue with the tackle attack." Pikachu's tackle hit Steelix hard and Steelix grunted in pain.

"Steelix, dragon breath" Harrison shouted. Steelix's eyes glowed and opened its mouth and a green ball forming in its mouth and Steelix fired it directly at Pikachu, who was too slow to dodge. Pikachu was hit hard by the attack and flew back next to Ash.

"Pikachu," Ash called worried crouching down next to Pikachu. Pikachu struggled to stand, but collapsed to the ground with its eyes closed. "Pikachu" Ash said sadly.

The ref raised the red flag, "Pikachu is unable to battle. Steelix is the winner." Pikachu's eyes went dark signifying its defeat. Ash carried Pikachu over to Misty and Brock, who were behind him, and gently put Pikachu down before resuming his place back at the box.

"Now for Ketchum's second Pokémon" the announcer said. "It would half to be a real powerhouse to have a chance against Harrison's Steelix."

"Go Quilava" Ash shouted. Out came Ash's Quilava with a small roar as it landed on the ground and the flames on its back erupted to life. Up on the screen Quilava's icon made an appearance.

"And Ketchum's second Pokémon is Quilava" the announcer said. "Well when it comes to type then Quilava has the advantage. How will Harrison respond?"

"Steelix Return" Harrison said returning the giant snake Pokémon. Harrison pulled out a different Pokeball, "Go Houndoom." Out of the Pokeball came a dog like Pokémon with large horns on the top of its head. On the screen Houndoom's icon appeared. "Houndoom use flamethrower." Houndoom took a deep breath and with a mighty roar flames flew from its mouth right for Quilava.

"Quilava, flame wheel" Ash shouted. Quilava charged forward with the flames surrounding its body and it charged directly into the flamethrower, but it stopped soon after as it was taking a lot of strength to even keep his footing.

"And once again we witness another clash of flames" the announcer said. "To determine this it will all decide on which Pokémon has more will to continue." Ash and Harrison grit their teeth as they tried to think of something.

"Houndoom, keep up the flamethrower, but charge in for a head butt attack" Harrison suddenly shouted.

"What" Ash said shocked. Houndoom charged forward with the flames still shooting from its mouth and when it got closer it dropped the flamethrower as Quilava dropped the flame wheel in surprise and smashed its head right into Quilava's sending it flying. "Quilava, swift let's go" Ash shouted. Quilava flipped in mid air and fired the swift stars at Houndoom and they all connected sending Houndoom flying.

"Houndoom" Harrison called out.

"Finish it with a flame wheel" Ash shouted. Quilava charged once again with the flame surrounding its body and it slammed itself directly into Houndoom. Houndoom was sent flying and landed on the ground with a whimper, Houndoom rolled over with swirls in its eyes.

The ref raised the green flag, "Houndoom is unable to battle. Quilava is the winner." Up on the screen Houndoom's icon went dark. Harrison growled slightly.

"Alright good job Quilava" Ash congratulated. Quilava stood up straight and then let out a shout of its name before it was surrounded in white light. Everyone gasped and stared. Quilava then turned into a massive form of its former self that stood at about Ash's height and it somewhat had the physical appearance of an ape. The new Pokémon growled loudly as flames shot from its back.

"Quilava evolved" Misty said shocked.

"Oh no" Harrison said wide eyed.

"Well folks it looks like the intensity of the previous battle has caused Quilava to evolve into Typhlosion" the announcer said excitedly and the crowd cheered loudly. Up on the screen Quilava's icon changed to a Typhlosion.

"Well I'm sticking with Typhlosion until the end" Ash said confidently.

"Now what Pokémon will Harrison send out to do battle against Ketchum's Typhlosion" the announcer wondered. Harrison pulled out a Pokeball.

"Hypno, let's go" Harrison called out. The Pokémon that came out was bipedal human shaped with yellow fur, large cat ears, a large nose and carrying a pendulum in its left hand. "Hypno use shadow ball." Hypno held its right hand up and shot a shadow ball so fast that Ash had no time to react and Typhlosion was hit hard in the chest.

"Whoa" Ash said shocked, 'That Hypno is fast.' "Don't give in Typhlosion, use fire blast." Typhlosion roared and shot out a massive fire blast attack.

"Dodge it Hypno and use Hypnosis" Harrison ordered. Hypno jumped into the air to avoid the attack and waved the pendulum around in a fashion similar to a grandfather clock muttering its name over and over again. Typhlosion was caught in the blast and began to fall asleep.

"Typhlosion no" Ash shouted. "Try and shake it off."

"And Ketchum's calls are futile as Hypno's powerful hypnosis attack has put Typhlosion to sleep" the announcer said. "It looks like this match is all wrapped up in the bag for Harrison ladies and gentlemen."

"Good job Hypno, now let's end this with a dream eater" Harrison said. Hypno launched the dream eater attack at the sleeping Typhlosion and it hit. Typhlosion seemed to convulse slightly and then just lied still. The ref was about to call the match when Ash shouted out,

"Sleep talk now." Typhlosion shot up with its eyes still closed and shot out a huge flamethrower attack from its mouth. Hypno and Harrison were too shocked to react and Hypno was enveloped by the flamethrower. Hypno was then shot back and landed on the ground with swirls in its eyes. Then Typhlosion fell back with swirls in its eyes as well.

The ref raised both flags, "Typhlosion and Hypno are both unable to battle. This match is a draw." On the screen both icons went dark signifying their defeat.

"And after that exciting double knockout we got to a five minute break since Harrison has lost three of his Pokémon" the announcer said. Harrison and Ash walked off the field towards their resting area.

'Ash is much stronger than I thought he would be' Harrison thought. 'It's not just Latios that I have to worry about.' Harrison looked up at the board to see that he only had two spots left unfilled while Ash still had four spots left unfilled. 'Who knows what other Pokémon he has under his belt? I know Latios is one of them and maybe his Charizard it another one, but I don't know about the other two.'

"You've done well so far Ash" Brock complimented Ash once he sat down.

"Thanks Brock" Ash said. "With how this is going I'll have this in the bag."

"Remember that Harrison still has two Pokémon left uncovered and his Steelix is still pretty Powerful" Misty said. "Plus there's no doubt that Harrison is using his Blaziken to battle as well and that is a pretty powerful Pokémon."

"I know" Ash said quietly, "And that's exactly what I'm waiting for." Up in the stands Lorenzo, Bianca and Latias were watching the match. Latias was disguised in human form and when people looked at her and Bianca then Bianca just explained that they were twins.

"Ash is doing pretty well" Lorenzo commented. "That Harrison boy is no pushover either."

Bianca was drawing a picture of Ash sending his Pikachu into battle, "I know grandpa" she said. "Maybe Ash might not need Latios after all."

"I wouldn't say that" Lorenzo said. "Harrison still has three Pokémon left and Ash only has a slight lead. It's still anyone's battle."

Latias kept her eyes on Ash, 'You can do it Ash' she thought silently. 'I know you can... you too brother.'

"Attention trainers" the announcer suddenly said, "Five minutes have now passed. We shall now return to the battle." Both Ash and Harrison walked back out into the field with determined looks on their youthful faces. "Now we shall determine who shall send out their first Pokémon." The circle in the center of the screen flashed around for a few seconds before stopping on green. "And once again Ash Ketchum shall send out the first Pokémon."

"That doesn't sound so fair" Misty grumbled at the fact Ash had to go first twice.

"Remember misty" Brock said. "It's all done by random computer selection."

"Bayleef, let's go" Ash said sending out the affectionate grass type Pokémon that looked ready for battle.

"Steelix come back out" Harrison ordered. Steelix reappeared on the field with a mighty roar.

"The second half of the match is Ketchum starting out with Bayleef while Harrison has chosen to start with his Steelix" the announcer said as both icons blazed to life again.

"Bayleef use vine whip" Ash ordered. Bayleef sent her vine whips at Steelix, but they did little effect against Steelix's hard outer skin.

"Steelix is way too tough to be affected like that" Harrison smirked, "Steelix use sand storm" Harrison ordered. Steelix picked up a massive amount of sand and covered the field in it obscuring it from view and making Ash shield his eyes.

"Keep an eye out Bayleef" Ash called. Soon the sand cleared showing Steelix nowhere in sight "Where did it go?" Ash and Bayleef looked around for a second confused until they felt rumbling. Ash's eyes widened, "Bayleef jump quickly" Ash shouted.

"Too late" Harrison said. "Steelix use bind now." Steelix burst from under the ground and wrapped itself around Bayleef and began squeezing hard.

Ash grit his teeth, 'So Harrison had Steelix use dig while the sand storm was still in play to get Bayleef.' "Bayleef try and break out... use your vine whip" Ash shouted. Bayleef tried using her vine whip to break out, but Steelix was too strong and was barely taking any damage what-so-ever.

"You'll need something stronger than that to beat my Steelix" Harrison smirked.

"Is that so" Ash said. "Fine then I will use something stronger. Bayleef charge a Solar Beam attack." The leaves around Bayleef began to glow a bright white color.

Harrison's eyes widened, "Steelix get rid of it hurry. Use crunch attack." Steelix completed its crunch attack just as Bayleef gathered enough energy for a Solar Beam and the result was a massive explosion.

"Bayleef's Solar Beam attack has caused a massive explosion, but Steelix managed to complete its crunch attack so we are all wondering, which Pokémon will emerge victorious?" they waited with their breaths held to see who's Pokémon would come out on top.

"C'mon Ash" Gary whispered from within the stands.

Soon the smoke cleared showing Steelix still standing, "And Steelix is still standing, but what about Bayleef." The smoke cleared on Bayleef's side to show Bayleef lying on the ground with swirls in her eyes.

The ref raised the red flag, "Bayleef is unable to battle. The winner is Steelix." Up on the green Bayleef's icon went dark signifying her defeat.

"And now both trainers are down three Pokémon a piece" the announcer roared.

Ash recalled his Bayleef and gave her a small thanks of appreciation and pulled out his next Pokeball "Snorlax let's go" Ash called sending out the huge Pokémon that was thankfully awake again. "Snorlax use hyper beam." Snorlax opened its mouth and fired off the massive hyper beam attack.

"Steelix use dig to dodge" Harrison called. Steelix dived underground and the hyper beam dived right over the spot where Steelix once stood.

"Be careful Snorlax" Ash called. "Steelix will probably appear either behind you or below you. "Snorlax grunted in acknowledgement.

"Very perceptive of you Ash" Harrison complimented, but then he smirked, "But not this time." Ash's eyes widened when Steelix popped out of the ground in front of Snorlax. "Steelix use iron tail" Harrison shouted. Steelix's tail glowed a bright color and then it smashed the tail directly into Snorlax causing a significant amount of damage.

"Snorlax, use ice beam" Ash shouted. Snorlax opened its mouth and fired an ice beam attack that hit Steelix before it could react. "Now hit it with focus punch." Snorlax's punch hit Steelix dead in the face and made it go flying. "Finish it with another focus punch." Snorlax charged its fist and went in for another punch.

"Steelix use bind" Harrison shouted. Steelix opened its eye and wrapped its tail around Snorlax and squeezed hard to keep it in place. "Dragon breath quickly" Harrison said. The Dragon breath hit Snorlax dead center and once it stopped Snorlax was slack. Steelix unwrapped itself from Snorlax and Snorlax fell to the ground with swirls in its eyes."

The ref raised the red flag, "Snorlax is unable to battle. Steelix is the winner." Snorlax's icon went dark signifying its defeat. Ash recalled Snorlax to its Pokeball.

"Good job, take a nice long rest" Ash whispered. In a louder voice he called out to Harrison, "That's a pretty strong Steelix you got there Harrison."

"Oh what a compliment Ash" Harrison grinned, "Don't expect me to go easy on you because of it."

"Totodile let's go" Ash said sending out the little dancing blue alligator. Up on the screen Totodile took its place as Ash's fifth Pokémon. "Totodile use water gun" Ash shouted. Totodile took in deep breath and launched a massive water gun at Steelix.

"Steelix, watch out" Harrison shouted. Steelix was too exhausted to move and the water gun hit Steelix head on. "C'mon Steelix I know you have it in you. Keep going" Harrison encouraged. Steelix struggled, but managed to get back up, "Alright now use dragon breath one more time." Steelix took in a deep breath and spat out a dragon breath that was nowhere near as powerful as the one from a while ago.

"Totodile, dodge it" Ash shouted. Totodile jumped to the side. "Now go and hit it was a tackle attack." Totodile shot forward and hit Steelix hard making it grunt in pain and nearly fall to the ground. "Now finish it with Water gun." Totodile's water gun flew out from its mouth and that was all he wrote for Steelix as it collapsed to the ground with swirls in its eyes.

The ref raised the green flag, "Steelix is unable to battle. Totodile wins." Up on the screen Steelix's icon went dark signifying its defeat and leaving Harrison with two Pokémon.

"This is turning into a most exciting match folks" the announcer roared. "Both trainers are matched evenly neck and neck with only two Pokémon left. It's anyone's battle now and we all eagerly await to see what Harrison's next Pokémon will be." Harrison took out a Pokeball with a determined look in his eye.

Harrison held his second to last Pokeball in his hand and with s determined look he threw it to the field with a shout of, "Blaziken, let's go" he called. Out came Harrison's starter Pokémon with a loud roar and its hands ignited with flames. Up on the screen Harrison's fifth spot was filled with Blaziken's icon.

"A surprise indeed folks" the announcer said. "Harrison has chosen to send out his most powerful Pokémon so soon. He must have some strategy packed up his sleeve."

"Why did Harrison send out his Blaziken so soon" Misty asked surprised.

"I don't know" Brock said. "Maybe Harrison has a special Pokémon reserved for his last spot to take out Ash's Latios and he only sent out his Blaziken to defeat Totodile."

"Blaziken use fire punch" Harrison shouted. Blaziken's fist glowed with fire and faster than Ash could respond Totodile was punched directly in the face with a massive fire punch dealing a lot of damage.

"Totodile" Ash called out. Totodile stood up refusing to give up, "Alright use bite attack." Totodile charged forward and tried to bite Blaziken anywhere it could get, but Blaziken just kept jumping out of the way with a bored look on its face. Ash grit his teeth in frustration.

"You'll have to do a lot better than that to latch onto Blaziken" Harrison smirked. "Blaziken use Blaze kick." Blaziken jumped to the side of another bite attack and then his foot ignited with flames and he kicked Totodile hard in the ribs and Totodile flew back from the attack and landed hard on the ground.

"Totodile are you okay" Ash called out. Totodile struggled to get up, but then it collapsed to the ground with swirls in its eyes.

The ref raised the red flag, "Totodile is unable to battle. Blaziken wins." Totodile's icon went dark signifying its defeat and leaving Ash with one Pokémon left.

"Blaziken's ferocious kick has sent Totodile packing leaving Ketchum with only one Pokémon left and I think we all know what Pokémon it will be" The announcer said more excited than ever.

Ash recalled Totodile, "You did good I'm proud of you." Ash pulled out his final Pokeball and the crowd was now on the edge of their seats. "I choose you Latios" Ash called sending out his final Pokémon. Latios appeared in all his beauty with a loud cry ready for battle. Up on the screen the icon of Latios appeared and took Ash's last spot.

Harrison stared in awe, "Latios is incredible" he said. "Well Ash even though you have a legendary on your side I'm still gonna win."

Ash smirked, "Good luck Harrison."

"And Ketchum's Latios has finally made its appearance" The announcer shouted amidst the cheers of the crowd. "Harrison's Blaziken is strong, but will it be strong enough to take out Latios?" Harrison then recalled his Blaziken. "What's this? Harrison has recalled his Blaziken. What sort of strategy does he have up his sleeve?"

"Go Sneasel" Harrison called sending out the very same Sneasel that he caught during the problems with the torch lighting.

'Uh oh' Ash thought to himself worried. Latios narrowed its eyes at the Sneasel. 'Latios has a weakness to dark type Pokémon. I have to defeat this Sneasel quickly.' "Latios use steel wing." Latios' wing glowed brightly and it charged at Sneasel.

"Sneasel, jump on top of Latios" Harrison called. Sneasel jumped up into the air and dodged to steel wing and then landed directly on top of Latios. "Good jog now use night slash attack" Harrison called. Sneasel's claws glowed darkly and slashed Latios hard on the back doing a significant amount of damage.

"Latios use Safeguard" Ash shouted. Latios glowed a bright white color. "Alright now try and shake that Sneasel off." Latios began flying around the area trying to shake Sneasel off of its back, but Sneasel refused to let go.

"Good job Sneasel use night slash again" Harrison called. Sneasel hit Latios in the same spot with night slash, but it didn't do as much damage because of the safeguard, but because it was the same spot and a dark type move it still did significant damage.

Ash grit his teeth trying to think of a way to get Sneasel off, "Latios use your extreme speed at full power" Ash almost growled. Latios picked up massive speeds and flew high into the air and tucked its paws in to go even faster. Sneasel could not hold on because of the speed and flew off and fell back down towards the stadium.

"Sneasel, shadow ball" Harrison shouted desperately. Sneasel put its paws together and a black ball formed in its hands and it shot the ball towards Latios and the shadow ball hit its mark causing Latios more damage, but Latios still looked strong.

"Latios, use your dragon rush attack" Ash shouted. Latios charged down at Sneasel at amazing speed and smashed itself directly into Sneasel and smashed them both into the ground shaking the earth a bit. Dust and dirt picked up everywhere obscuring everyone's view.

Soon the dust cleared showing Latios still floating in the air, but Sneasel was out cold on the ground with swirls in its eyes. The ref raised the green flag, "Sneasel is unable to battle. Latios wins." Up on the screen Sneasel's icon went dark signifying its defeat and leaving Harrison with only his Blaziken.

"And now Harrison is down to his final Pokémon, but it looks like he succeeded in what he was trying to do as Ketchum's Latios has taken some significant damage" the announcer said.

"Good job Sneasel; return" Harrison called returning Sneasel. Pulling out his final Pokeball he shouted, "Let's go Blaziken." Blaziken's icon lit back up and now it was a final showdown between the trainer's most powerful Pokémon. "Blaziken use flamethrower" Harrison shouted. Blaziken sucked in breath and launched a massive flamethrower at Latios.

"Dodge with extreme speed" Ash called. Latios dodged the flamethrower and flew towards Blaziken, "Good job now use steel wing" Ash called. Latios' wing glowed brightly as it neared Blaziken.

"Blaziken, fire punch" Harrison shouted. Blaziken's fist glowed red with flames and just as Latios neared with its wing did both Pokémon shoot their attacks at each other causing quite a massive explosion. The smoke cleared showing both Pokémon had jumped back. Blaziken was covered in some scrapes, but not too bad and Latios had more scrapes and bruises because of the last battle.

"Don't give in Latios, use dragon pulse" Ash called. Latios opened its mouth and released a massive shockwave at Blaziken. Blaziken was nearly thrown back, but it managed to keep itself up. "Keep it up Latios, you're doing great" Ash cheered.

"And Blaziken is stuck in place with Latios' powerful dragon pulse attack" the announcer said. "Harrison had better think of something quickly or this'll be it for Blaziken."

"Blaziken use quick attack" Harrison shouted. Blaziken gained some strength and jumped into the air towards Latios and hit it hard with a quick attack stopping the dragon pulse attack.

"Quick Latios use Dragon rage while Blaziken is in mid air" Ash shouted. Latios opened its mouth and sent a fully powered dragon rage attack that hit Blaziken head on. Blaziken cried out in pain as it fell to the ground.

"Blaziken" Harrison called, "C'mon I know you can do it. Please get up." Blaziken opened its eyes and jumped to the air with its fist igniting in flames, "Alright Blaziken good job. Now use fire punch."

"Latios dodge it" Ash called.

Blaziken flew towards Latios with a fire punch, but Latios dodged directly to the side. Harrison smirked, "Alright Blaziken use blaze kick" Harrison shouted. Blaziken's leg glowed brightly and it turned in mid air and delivered a hard kick to Latios and sent it flying to the ground. "Quick use flamethrower" Harrison shouted. Blaziken opened its mouth and sent out a massive flamethrower on Latios before it could get up.

"No, Latios" Ash called. The flames cleared to show Latios on the ground with its eyes closed. "Latios, please get up. I know you can do it. Please get up." Latios did not move and the ref was about to announce the winner when Latios stirred. Latios opened its eyes and hovered back in mid air, but it was panting. "Alright Latios, use your dragon breath attack" Ash called. Latios opened its mouth and launched a massive dragon breath attack.

"Blaziken use flamethrower" Harrison called back. Both dragon breath and flamethrower met in mid air creating another explosion of power. "Blaziken use fire punch" Harrison shouted.

"Counter attack it with your steel wing attack" Ash shouted back. Both Pokémon jumped into the fray and the audience could hear the sound of them hitting each other back and forth. When the smoke finally cleared it showed Blaziken had just landed a fire punch onto Latios and Latios turned and delivered a powerful steel wing to Blaziken. After another hit each they both jumped back and both were panting hard.

"Blaziken use your flamethrower one more time" Harrison shouted.

"Latios use your Luster Purge attack" Ash called out. Both Pokémon opened their mouth and charged their attack. Blaziken launched its flamethrower at the same time Latios launched the swirling purple attack known as Luster Purge. It looked like both attacks would meet in mid air, but then they shot right past each other. Harrison and Ash stared wide eyed as both of their Pokémon were hit by the other's attack. Both Pokémon flew back and hit the ground and both of them were not moving. "Latios, please get up. I know you can do it."

"C'mon Blaziken you can do it." Harrison shouted. Neither Pokémon moved for a few seconds before Latios twitched slightly and using sheer will power Latios cried out and floated back up in mid air.

"And Latios is back up ready for battle" the announcer said "But will Blaziken be able to get up and battle as well or will this be it?"

"C'mon Blaziken" Harrison called. "We're almost there I know you can do it." Blaziken then groaned weakly, but managed to open its eyes and while shaking it managed to get up and ignite its fists in flame.

"And Blaziken is back up as well" the announcer said.

"Alright Blaziken let's go with another fire punch" Harrison called. Blaziken cried out igniting its fist with flame and went ready for an attack, but then it grit its teeth in pain and stopped. Harrison looked shocked as did everyone else before Blaziken collapsed to the ground.

"And Blaziken collapses to the ground once more? Could this be it" the announcer said. Blaziken struggled to get back up, but then it just went limp with swirls in its eyes.

The ref raised the green flag, "Blaziken is unable to battle. Latios is the winner. The winner of the battle is Ash from Pallet Town." Harrison's picture and Pokémon faded leaving Ash's picture to elongate and take up the screen with the word 'WINNER' underneath it. The crowd cheered wildly.

"Ash has defeated Harrison and will now move onto the semi-finals" the announcer shouted. Ash looked shocked before a wide smile lit his face. "And it looks like it's the end of the road for Harrison after making it to the final eight." Harrison had a shocked look on his face before he looked down with his hair shadowing his eyes slightly.

"Ash won, I don't believe it he won" Misty cheered along with Brock and Pikachu.

"He did it. He did it" Delia cheered. "My Ash did it." Professor Oak and Elm were clapping vigorously after seeing that amazing match. Gary was also clapping politely too happy that his friend won.

Ash walked up to Harrison as he checked on his Blaziken, "Hey Harrison" Ash said getting his attention. "That was an awesome match" Ash said sticking his hand out. Harrison stood up with a smile on his face and grasped Ash's hand.

"Yes it was Ash" Harrison said. "That was my most toughest match ever. You and your Latios are something else entirely. Good luck in the Semi-finals. I'll be cheering for you."

"Thanks Harrison" Ash said. Ash turned to Latios to see him panting hard. "Latios you okay" Ash asked worried.

'Just really tired and sore' Latios said telepathically.

"Take a long rest" Ash said pulling out his Pokeball and returning Latios to its ball. Waving to Harrison Ash departed from the stadium to take his Pokémon to the Pokémon center. He arrived there shortly since he practically sprinted there. "Nurse Joy" Ash called.

Nurse Joy appeared shortly, "What can I do for you?"

"I need all of my Pokémon checked on" Ash said handing over five Pokeballs and Pikachu.

"Right away" Nurse Joy said, she took the six Pokémon and left the front and went to the back. Not long after that did the others appear as well.

"That was one heck of a match there Ash" Gary said.

"Thanks Gary" Ash said blushing slightly.

"How's Latios" Bianca asked nervously.

"I don't know" Ash said quietly. "Nurse Joy just took them to the back to get checked up."

"Ash" Professor Oak said getting Ash's attention. "You have done remarkably well in these last two battles. Even though Latios is a legendary you have done a marvelous job in training it."

"Indeed" Professor Elm said. "You have a unique battle style that seems almost impossible to predict." Ash was blushing from all the praise and then they spent a little while just sitting around talking about Ash's match. After fifteen minutes Nurse Joy finally came back out.

Ash was up there in a second flat and Pikachu jumped back on his shoulder "Hey Pikachu, you feeling better?" Pikachu gave a small "Pika" in response, which Ash took as a yes. "Nurse Joy how are my other Pokémon?"

"Most of them are okay" Nurse Joy said, but her tone dropped to sad slightly, "But your Latios has suffered significant damage and will need to rest for the rest of the day and all of tomorrow before he can battle again."

"Is he gonna be okay" Bianca asked.

"Oh he's fine" Nurse Joy assured. "He just needs to rest and he'll be as good as new."

"Thanks Nurse Joy" Ash said taking his Pokeballs. Ash turned to Brock, "Hey Brock when's my next match?" Brock pulled out the book of the Silver Conference and looked through it.

"You're in the first match of the Semi-finals so your match will be..." Brocks tone turned to someone who was delivering bad news. "11:00 tomorrow" Brock finished.

Ash's eyes widened and everyone else turned to look at him. Ash chuckled slightly, "Well... then I won't be using Latios in that battle."

"You aren't" Professor Elm asked surprised.

Ash shook his head, "No matter how great the thought of winning the tournament is... no trophy is worth the health of one of my Pokémon."

"Told you so" Professor Oak whispered to Professor Elm.

"So what are you gonna do" Gary asked. Ash turned to the disguised Latias and she stared back for a few seconds before nodding. Gary noticed the exchange, "Well" he asked.

"Not here" Ash said. "Back at the Hotel room." Everyone was back in the Hotel room now.

"So Ash, back to my earlier question, what are you gonna do" Gary asked. Ash turned to the disguised Latias and nodded. She nodded back and dropped her human form and appeared in a small coo. Gary, Professor Oak and Professor Elm were wide eyed. "Is that..." Gary tried to ask.

"Latias" Professor Elm finished shocked. Latias cooed and flew around in circles making Ash chuckle.

Ash nodded still chuckling, "Yeah it is. I asked Latias back at the Pokémon center and she agreed to take Latios' place in my next match."

"I never picked Latias as the battle type" Lorenzo commented.

"Neither did Latios" Ash said making them chuckle a bit. "But Latias wanted to learn how to battle so we taught her and now she's almost as strong as Latios." Silence for a few seconds reigned, "Hey Brock who's my next opponent?"

Brock checked the computer, "It says here that his name is Jon Dickson from Sento Cherry town. He has a very powerful team. It's composed of Rhyhorn, Rapidash, Typhlosion, Haunter, Scizor and a Tyranitar."

"That's gonna be tough to beat" Misty said quietly.

"I think I've got a team that'll do well against that lineup" Ash said. He walked over to Brock and began to tell him what Pokémon he wanted to use in his next match.