(3 Months Later)

"Well it's been 3 months. You both still have a long way to go. But you have done very well. Now we come back to where we met. KIP is just a hour or two away. So here is where we part ways for the moment. After wrapping everything up in Lumiose I expect you to meet me here." Dragon Emperor says before stopping.

"Right we will." Ash and Serena says as Dragon Emperor walks away.

"So you ready for your battle with Paul?" Serena says while they are walking.

"Yup. Yesterday Diantha told me that Paul has been training hard with Cynthia to prepare for his match with me. Plus I heard that Clemont and Korrina are in KIP as well. Being Gym Leaders they are giving some guest practical lectures on electric and fighting type Pokemon." Ash replies.

"That's good. We haven't seen those 2 in a long while. I can't wait to meet mom again. She must have been worried sick. We haven't talked to her in over 2 months now." Serena says.

"Hey don't worry. After I wipe the floor with Paul and win my last badge from Clemont we shall have some dinner or something before rejoining Dragon Emperor." Ash replies.

"Of course. It's just that I wish I could have a battle too. I have been itching for one." Serena says in a rather sad tone.

"Don't worry. I am sure you will have one soon." Ash says as they continue walking.

(One and a Half Hours Later)

"Good to see you Ash. Long time no see." Sycamore says as he shakes Ash's hands.

"Same goes for me Prof. It's good to be back here." Ash says as Diantha, Cynthia, Brandon, Prof. Oak, Grace and Paul walk into the room as well.

"Mom." Serena shouts as she tackles Grace into a hug. Grace smiles when Ash comes over and gives her a hug as well.

"I missed you two a lot. You have no idea how much I missed you two." Grace says with a few tears trickling out of her eyes.

"We missed you too." Ash and Serena say in unison.

"Ash good to see you." Diantha and Cynthia say in unison.

"Good to see you 2 as well. Cynthia what are you still doing here? what about the Sinnoh league?" Ash asks.

"Oh it got finished a week back. After finishing all my challenges I came back here. I just came back 2 days ago actually." Cynthia says.

"Young man. How are you?" Brandon asks.

"Good Brandon. But what are you doing here. Is your work over?" Ash asks.

"Oh yes. My work in the ruins is done. Now today I will set out for Kanto once again. From there I will go to the site of the next ruins which I hear about." Brandon says.

"Oh. I will be sorry to see you go Brandon." Ash says.

"About that. Young man I would very much like if you could have a battle with me before I left. I want to see how much you have grown since you left on your Kalos journey. Would you mind."

"Sure I would love to battle you." Ash says.

"Now hold on. I am the one who is going to battle Ash first." Paul interjects.

"I am sure you can adjust. I am leaving later today." Brandon says.

"That's not my problem. I have this match booked and everything. Furthermore I have been training quite hard." Paul replies in an annoyed tone.

"Paul that is no way to talk to Brandon." Cynthia says.

"Agreed. But Paul does have a point." Diantha says.

"Well I am sure we can come up with a solution." Oak says.

"No need to think so much. The solution is simple. How about 3 double battles. Me and Serena vs Paul and Brandon. If my team loses Paul gets my title." Ash says.

"Interesting idea." Sycamore says.

"Wow. I didn't know that travelling on a journey with your performer girlfriend would actually make you foolish enough to think that a performer like her could actually compete against trainers like me or Brandon. You must be desperate to get rid of your title." Paul says in a mocking tone.

Serena however gives a smile and says "If that is the case you should have no problem wiping the floor with us. That is unless you are scared to do it in the first place."

Diantha, Cynthia, Grace, Brandon , Sycamore and Oak raise an eyebrow at Serena's calm reply.

"I guess then that is settled then. Any objections?" Ash asks.

Upon seeing no objections Diantha says "Very well then it is settled. The match will consist of 3 double battles with no substitutions. It will happen in 2 hours."

After everyone leaves Grace comes over to Serena and asks her "Dear. Will you be OK? I don't mean to sound discouraging but Paul and Brandon are tough battlers. You have never been one for battling? Will you be alright?" in a concerned tone.

"Relax mom. About time I got some exercise." Serena says while giving a yawn.

She then turns to Ash and says "I am going to my mom's room for a nap. Will you join us?"

"No thanks. I have an errand to run. I will see you later." Ash says.

https://youtu.be/nl5WtF7YLZk

(2 Hours Later)

"The 3 double battles between Ash Serena ad Paul Brandon is about to begin. Once the battle begins there will be no substitutions. Bring out your first Pokemon." Referee shouts.

"Kid. Let's use a strategy. If she is as weak as you say. We should get rid of her first then deal with Ash with a numeric advantage." Brandon says.

"Sure. I would like nothing better than to wipe that look of her face." Paul replies as he bring out a Poke-ball.

"Ursaring stand by for battle." Paul says.

"Regirock I need your assistance." Brandon while tossing his Poke-ball.

"Sylveon let's go." Serena says.

"You too Sceptile." Ash says.

"Battle begin." Referee says.

"Stone Edge on Sylveon." Brandon commands.

"Use your feelers to knock them away." Serena says lazily.

"But how?" Brandon says as all the rocks are knocked away.

"Don't worry about how for you have me to deal with Sceptile Bullet Seed." Ash commands.

"Regirock Iron defence." Brandon Counters.

"Ursaring Bulk up. Then Hammer arm." Paul commands.

Ursaring get close with Hammer Arm. It is about to attack when suddenly Serena says "Use Safeguard then Attract."

Ursaring bounces off Safeguard then stumbles and loses it's balance. Then it get's hit by the Attract attack.

"Pathetic. This is why you don't bring an amateur to fight against someone like me. You see Serena my Ursaring's ability is Guts." Paul says with a smirk as a red Aura engulf Ursaring and it get's very angry.

"Now crush that Sylveon with one blow. Use Hammer Arm." Paul says while Serena is standing calmly observing the entire battle.

Moments before Ursaring is about to attack Sylveon Serena orders "Quick attack to evade then Yawn."

Sylveon disappears to Ursaring and Paul's confusion.

"Where is it?" Paul says in a frustrated tone while looking all over the battlefield. Suddenly Sylveon appears behind Ursaring and that Yawn attack meets it's mark causing Ursaring to fall asleep.

Paul is shocked at what just happened. There is stunned silence in the stadium.

"Misty Terrain followed by Draining kiss." Serena commands.

Meanwhile Brandon's Regirock is having a tough battle with Ash's Sceptile.

"Stone Edge go." Brandon says.

"Bullet Seed knock them all away." Ash commands.

"Come on Brandon you can do better than that." Ash says in a taunting tone.

"Use Lock on followed by Hyper Beam." Brandon Commands.

Ash smirks upon hearing that. He says "Solar beam to counter then Leaf Blade at the legs."

"Oh no." Brandon shouts as he realises that he has played right into Ash's hands.

Seconds later Regirock is on it's knees after taking effective leaf blades at it's knees.

"Even the strongest building can't stand up without the proper support from the foundation. Your tactic to use Lock on before Hyper Beam is getting old." Ash says.

"In that case try Focus Punch." Brandon commands.

"Sceptile Razor Leaf into Leech Seed." Ash coolly commands.

A few seconds later Regirock is wincing in pain as it once again falls onto it's knees.

(In the VIP Box)

"It seems both Paul and Brandon have bitten of more than they can chew." Diantha says.

"You are right. I am especially surprised by Serena. I think she knew that Ursaring's ability is Guts but she still activated it to make Paul think he had got the upper hand and drop his guard. She kept Sylveon's speed in her back to use it at just the right moment to lure Paul into a trap. No wonder she was so calm when Paul was taunting her. She has been in complete control of this battle all this while." Cynthia says.

Grace is shocked at what Cynthia said. Furthermore she can't believe how well Serena is doing.

"One thing I don't get is how strong she has become in such a small amount of time. How did she do that?" Oak says.

"Even I have been thinking that. It generally takes trainers years to reach the level which she has manged to reach in what appears to be a little over 3 months. Very impressive." Diantha says while breaking her silence.

(Back in the Battlefield)

"Now Sylveon time to show Paul how pathetic you and I are. Use Moonblast." Serena says.

A little while later an explosion occurs revealing a fainted Ursaring with swirly eyes.

"So much for finishing of my Sylveon." Serena says while smirking. Paul gets extremely irritated at being so thoroughly humiliated as he returns Ursaring to it's Poke-ball.

"Regirock use Focus Blast." Brandon says out of desperation.

"Shadow ball." Serena says suddenly.

The attacks meet in mid air neutralising each other.

Brandon gets shocked at this.

"Don't forget it's a double battle. Too bad your partner can't help you. Now Sylveon use Moonblast." Serena says.

"Leaf Storm Sceptile." Ash says.

"Stone Edge go." Brandon attempts to counter. However the stone edge get overpowered and an explosion takes place revealing a knocked out Regirock. Brandon recall Regirock and then turns to Paul and says "Your analysis was wrong. That girl is a competent battler. Our own strategy backfired on us."

"Tell me something I don't know." Paul snarls back.

"Drapion stand by for battle." Paul says while tossing a Poke-ball.

"Registeel I need your assistance." Brandon says while tossing a Poke-ball.

"Return." Ash and Serena say recalling their Pokemon.

"Now Noctowl stand by for battle." Serena says while tossing a Poke-ball.

"Infernape you as well." Ash shouts while tossing a Poke-ball.

"Battle begin." Referee shouts.

(In the VIP Box)

"Interesting. It seems Serena will be battling with Ash's Noctowl in this round." Oak says.

"But that Noctowl seems a little different." Sycamore remarks.

"Yes it is smaller but it's colour marking is unique. I enjoyed studying it." Oak replies.

"Looks like the first round went to Ash and Serena. Any predictions for this round?" Grace asks.

"Hmm. If we look by type Infernape has a huge advantage over both Drapion and Registeel. But no one ever knows what will happen." Diantha says.

"I bet Paul is going to use Toxic Spikes with his Drapion." Cynthia says while reminiscing Ash and Paul's battle in the Sinnoh League.

"Any way it should be a good match." Oak replies.

(In the Battlefield)

"We need to take the upper hand in this match otherwise we will be in big trouble. I shall deal with that Infernape with my Electric attacks. You deal with that Noctowl." Brandon says.

"Agreed. Pin missile go." Paul commands.

"Dodge it. Then Air Slash." Serena counters.

"Stop it with Cross Poison." Paul says.

Meanwhile Registeel is engaged in a fierce battle with Infernape.

"Flash Cannon." Brandon commands.

"Intercept with Flamethrower. Then Flare Blitz." Ash commands.

"Iron Head go." Brandon counters. An explosion takes place sending both opponents sliding back.

"Metal Claw." Brandon commands.

"Focus Punch." Ash counters. Another tie takes place.

"Mud shot." Paul commands.

"Use Zap Cannon." Brandon says.

"You are up Serena." Ash says while smirking.

"Right. Noctowl use Psychic to stop them both. Send Mud Shot at Registeel and Zap Cannon at Drapion." Serena commands.

Both Brandon and Paul clench their fists as both Registeel and Drapion take damage.

(In the VIP box)

"That was incredible. Sending their attacks back at each other." Sycamore exclaims.

"Not just that. If I were to take a guess ,I would say that they waited patiently for that very attack combination. They both knew that Mud Shot being a ground type move will inflict good damage on Registeel and the Zap Cannon shall have a paralytic effect on Drapion." Oak remarks.

Grace is clapping happily while Cynthia and Diantha are observing the battle in pin drop silence.

(Back on the battlefield)

"Time to put this to bed Ash. Time for a opponent switch." Serena says.

"Right. Infernape Fire Spin on Drapion." Ash commands.

"Oh no you don't. Registeel protect Drapion. Use Sandstorm." Brandon says as the Sandstorm absorbs the Fire Spin and starts moving slowly towards Infernape.

"You never change do you Brandon?" Ash says suddenly while smirking.

"What do you mean?" Brandon asks with a puzzled tone.

"Don't you remember this is exactly what happened in your Registeel's battle with my Torkoal. Serena if you would do the honours." Ash says.

"Right. Noctowl use Gust to push it back." Serena commands.

"Don't think it will be that easy. Keep pushing the Sandstorm towards them Registeel. Show me your willpower" Brandon shouts.

"Drapion use Toxic Spikes quick." Paul says knowing Drapion is partially paralyzed and won't last much long.

Ash and Serena both smirk then they give each other a nod.

"Noctowl climb higher but keep using Gust to keep the Sandstorm at bay." Serena says.

"What are they planning?" Paul shouts as Toxic Spikes are about to land on the field.

"Infernape Dig. Then you know what to do." Ash says.

The Toxic Spikes land on the battlefield but suddenly the ground starts glowing a hot red.

"Alright Noctowl. Abandon Gust and fly as high as you can." Serena says.

"Oh no." Paul and Brandon shout as they realise what's going to happen.

"And Ka-Boom." Ash says as the entire battlefield gets engulfed in flames due to Infernape's underground Flare Blitz. Registeel and Drapion howl in pain while Noctowl is safely flying out of reach of the fiery chasm below. Furthermore the Toxic Spikes are also being destroyed. When the flames subside Noctowl comes down and Infernape comes up. While Drapion and Registeel struggle to get up.

"Time to finish it." Serena says.

"Right. You know what to do." Ash says.

"Noctowl use Psychic to pick Registeel up." Serena says while smirking.

"What she up to? Drapion Cross Poison at Noctowl." Paul says Registeel is floating in mid air.

As Cross Poison is about to be fired, Serena snaps her finger while grinning. Noctowl stops Psychic and Registeel falls down on Drapion with a crashing noise, squashing it and thereby causing the Cross poison to miss completely.

"Unbelievable!" Brandon says in disbelief as he see Registeel lying on top of Drapion who seems to be partially crushed and unable to move due to Registeel's sheer weight on it.

"Finish them both of at the same time. Give me your best Overheat." Ash commands in a final tone.

The powerful Overheat attack meets it's mark, landing on the immobilised duo of Drapion and Registeel on the ground, and a huge explosion takes place revealing them both fainted on the ground with swirly eyes with some smoke arising from their partially charred bodies. There is stunned silence in the stadium. Both Paul and Brandon are shaking in disbelief as they have never been outclassed like this before. Ash and Serena on the other hand are simply smiling back as they calmly recall their Pokemon back to their Poke-balls.

(In the VIP Box)

"I don't believe it." Cynthia says in disbelief.

"Paul and Brandon didn't even land a proper hit on those 2. How is that even possible. It's like they predicted all of Paul and Brandon's moves and had a counter set up before they even had to encounter it." Sycamore says.

The rest of the people including the frontier brains, professors and Grace are all shell shocked at this level of display of dominance.

(In the Battlefield)

Brandon recomposes himself and shouts over to Ash and Serena and says "I am very impressed and proud at the both of you. I know I have been beaten but know that I am happy to see your progress."

Ash and Serena give a small bow and says "Thank you Brandon. That means a lot coming from you."

"But I am fighting till the end. Don't expect an easy victory just yet." Brandon says as he tosses Regice's Poke-ball.

Paul on the other hand is still shaken up. He casts a nervous glance on Serena who returns a smirk. Upon seeing that smirk he loses control and shouts "Electivire stand by for battle."

"I see while I would love to battle your Electivire and beat it but my Ash's Pikachu has a bone to pick with it. Since Pikachu is so adorable I cannot refuse it." Serena says as Pikachu jumps onto the battlefield to face Electivire.

"Arcanine deal with Regice for me." Serena says while tossing Arcanine's Poke-ball.

"Battle begin." Referee shouts.

"Arcanine Fire Spin on Regice." Serena commands.

"Regice Protect." Brandon commands.

"Arcanine run towards Regice while using Fire Spin then break through using Iron tail then Fire Fang." Serena commands.

Brandon clenches his fist in anger as he knows if he uses a counter move then protect will get overpowered and Regice will get overwhelmed by the continuous Fire Spin. Soon Regice is sent flying after being hit by Arcanine. Meanwhile Pikachu is fighting against Electivire.

"Pikachu use Iron Tail." Ash commands.

"Electivire Thunder Punch." Paul counters.

An explosion takes place with both being sent sliding back.

"I see. Pikachu has got stronger." Paul remarks.

"So has your Electivire." Ash replies.

"No matter. Electivire use Brick break." Paul commands.

"Come on. Do something different for a change will you. Pikachu counter with the same." Ash replies in a bored tone.

"Then how about this. Electivire use Ice Punch." Paul says.

"I see. An Ice type move. Not bad. just not good enough. Pikachu use Fire Fang." Ash says.

"Fire Fang!" Paul shouts in surprise as Pikachu bites on to Electivire's Ice punch with Fire fang.

"You didn't think I would be goofing around while training for 3 months did you. Just because Pikachu is the Electric mouse doesn't men it can't use moves of other types." Ash says with a smirk.

Paul clenches his fist with pure frustration as this battle is turning just like the previous battles were. Meanwhile Brandon is struggling against Arcanine's continuous Fiery Assaults.

"Regice Ice beam to trap Arcanine." Brandon says.

"That tactic again. Ash was right you really don't change. Do you? Arcanine, Extreme Speed to dodge then into Fire Blast." Serena commands.

'That Arcanine is too fast. Need to do something fast. Can't use Hyper Beam it will leave my Regice immobilized and vulnerable.' Brandon thinks to himself.

Regice use Lock on followed by Zap Cannon." Brandon says hoping to paralyze Arcanine to get a clear shot.

"Arcanine use Flamethrower to neutralize it." Serena counters.

"Use Zap Cannon rapid fire." Brandon says.

"Come on. You can do better. Arcanine use Protect." Serena calmly says.

"Now Regice Ice beam around that Protect to trap it. Then rest." Brandon shouts.

"A rather desperate move. Arcanine use Dig then come out and finish it with Overheat." Serena says while smirking.

An explosion takes place revealing a fainted Regice.

Brandon gives a sigh then recalls Regice while saying it did a great job. Meanwhile Ash and Paul are still engaged in a fierce fight.

"Now Electivire use Giga Impact." Paul commands.

"Enough fooling around time to use your true power Pikachu. Stop Electivire with Psychic and lift it up." Ash says.

"Psychic? But how can an electric Pokemon use a Psychic type move. It doesn't make any sense." Paul shouts as Electivire is floating in mid air.

"Pikachu use Psybeam then finish it off with 3 iron tails." Ash says.

A few moments later Electivire is on the ground with swirly eyes.

"Electivire an Regice are unable to battle. The winner of this tag team battle is Ash and Serena. So retaining his title of coveted school champion is Ash Ketchum." Referee shouts as the crowd erupts into cheer. Brandon also claps while Paul drops to his knees in disbelief after returning Electivire. After a while he looks up to see Serena looking down on him.

"What do you want?" Paul asks in annoyed tone.

"Nothing. I just wanted to say that you have a long way to go before you can actually think of challenging my Ash seriously. But I was quite impressed with your Pokemon. They are quite well raised." Serena replies.

Paul gives an annoyed scowl then gets up to his feet. "I don't need your opinion." he says.

"Sure. After all I am the performer who couldn't even hope of beating a competent trainer like you or Brandon. So why should my opinion matter." Serena says in a sarcastic tone before walking away.

Paul clenches his fist in anger. When suddenly Brandon comes up to him and says "She is right you know. You let your emotions get the better of you in the second half of the match which allowed them to score an easier win. The truth is neither of us as we are right now could win against those 2. Bitter as it may be you need to accept it."

(In the VIP Box)

Everyone claps for Ash and Serena. Grace wipes her tears then runs out of the box to meet Ash and Serena.

After the clapping has subsided Diantha stands up and says "Prof. Oak, Sycamore and Cynthia I need to speak to you. We will meet in my office after everyone has gone home."

"I know what's on your mind Diantha. I too wish to speak about it." Cynthia says.

"Very well then. For now let's go and congratulate the 2 on their victory." Diantha says as everyone leaves the Box.