Author's Notes:
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages, the writer Azazel is proud to present to you the latest chapter for Alpha and Omega. As I sit in my chair typing this, I can't help but think there was something I wanted to tell you. But I am drawing a blank so maybe next time.

If you like my work please vote, feel free to comment, and please share this story with your friends. I now present to you chapter 28, enjoy.

Upon arriving at the Huelva Pokémon Center, Ash and Serena got their Pokémon healed and then Serena sent Sylveon to Professor Oak's lab for the night. But before she left, Ash and Serena asked her to pass along a message to Ash's Tauros. They asked her to notify them that Serena wanted to use one of them for her latest performance, and if any of them in particular wanted to to be ready when Sylveon and the Eevees came back. That night as Ash and Serena slept, Pikachu felt guilty for not being with his family. He knew the only reason was due to his hatred of being inside a pokeball, so he decided in the future he had to be stronger and overcome this for them.

The next morning, Ash sent Growlithe and Boldore to Professor Oak's, and got Eevee and Totodile. While Serena sent Beautifly and Rapidash and got back Eevee, Sylveon, and one of Ash's Tauros. Sylveon passed along the message as requested, leaving the Tauros to decide. Since none of them had a preference, the herd leader decided it should be a Tauros that hadn't been to Torrent yet, which didn't narrow it down much. In the end they had their own small tournament to decide, and the winner went.

After the transfers came training. Serena proceeded to explain her plan for her next performance, and then step by step going through the routine. It was different from what they have done in the past, so it looked rougher than usual. However, Tauros found his part very easy, with his only part he needed to focus on being his timing. Since Sylveon wasn't going to be participating in this performance, she was watching both her Eevees and Swablu. This was particularly easy as the female Eevee and Swablu were busy watching Serena and the others practicing, while the male Eevee was watching his father and the rest of Ash's Pokémon train. This worked out rather well with the Eevees as Serena had captured the female and Ash captured the male.

Upon completing their training, Ash and Serena washed up and they all went to a nearby cafe for breakfast. Upon arriving and placing their order, Ash and Serena went to a table outside to release their Pokémon and give them their breakfast. Ash walked back inside to get his and Serena's breakfast while the Pokémon ate. Ash grabbed their breakfast and headed back outside, while another couple placed their order.

The man was in his thirties, a little taller than Ash, and had tattoos going down both of his arms. He was wearing black shoes, blue jeans, a grey tee shirt, a blue cap, and sunglasses. The woman was about the same age as the man, just a little shorter than Ash, and had long blonde hair that was up in a ponyta tail. She was wearing flip flops, skinny jeans, a white tee shirt that had a black silhouette of a Noivern, sun glasses, and was carrying a black purse.

After their order was placed, the man stayed inside to wait for their order while his wife went outside and sat at a table, the table beside Ash and Serena.

Most of the Pokémon had finished their food rather quickly, and were now socializing with one another. Tauros was particularly socializing with Serena's Pokémon since he was going to be working with them the most for now. The Eevees however weren't socializing, they were running around playing tag. They were running around chairs, tables, Pokémon, and people, both sitting and walking.

The man who was waiting for his order after Ash was walking outside carrying two lattes. Two Eevees ran towards him as he was walking, and then around him, resulting in him stumbling as tried not to step on them.

"You two get back over here," Ash said sternly to the two Eevees.

"We're sorry. They just hatched yesterday and are still learning to be careful," Serena said to the couple.

"Oh it's fine. No harm done," the woman replied. She then looked at the two Eevees walking back sadly. "Those two are just so cute. I don't suppose I could interest you in a trade?"

"No I'm sorry. Those are my Sylveon and my boyfriends Pikachu's babies," Serena replied.

"Oh well. I'm Behati by the way, and that's my husband Adam," the woman now identified as Behati said as she extended he hand to Serena.

"It's nice to meet you. My name's Serena, and this is my boyfriend Ash," Serena replies as she shakes her hand.

"I'm sorry, but you seem very familiar to me," Behati said as she looked at Serena curiously.

"You probably saw me on TV. I'm one of the performers from Kalos that has been performing for the openings at some of the showcases," Serena replied.

"That's right. Now I remember, you also subbed in for me for one of Valerie's fashion shows in Kalos," Behati stated.

"Wait, you were the model!?" Serena replied in shock.

"Shhh. It's sometimes hard for us to get out without being noticed," Behati replied.

"Sorry," Serena replied.

"It's ok. You know if you wanted to, Valerie would probably make you one of her models if you asked. She still talks about how you bailed her out, and you clearly have the body for it," Behati said.

Behati then noticed her husband Adam looking at Ash curiously.

"Adam, what are you doing?" Behati asked, a little annoyed at his behavior.

"Sorry, I was just taking notice of those birthmarks under Ash's eyes," Adam replied.

"Oook," Ash said sounding uncomfortable.

"I've seen those marks before. Tell me Ash, are you related to Red Ketchum?" Adam asked.

Ash sat up tall and his eyes widened as Adam grabbed his attention.

"Yes, did you know my father?" Ash asked curiously.

Adam smiled.

"More like met him, but him and his girlfriend left one hell of an impression. He was probably a little younger than you and was traveling with a girl named Delia," Said Adam.

"That's my mom," Ash stated.

"I'm not too surprised. They were pretty affectionate towards one another," Adam replied.

"Would you mind telling me about your meeting with them? My father died before I was born and my mom doesn't talk about the past much," Ash asked.

"I'm sorry to hear that. And sure I'll tell you about it. He came here to challenge the gym. I didn't travel much back then, so I would come to the Pokémon Center to challenge trainers. I challenged Red to a battle, but he shot me down. He said he didn't want to risk hurting his Pokémon before his gym battle, which I understood. I guess your mother felt sorry for me, because she then challenged me. Her and that Lucario of hers were the strongest team I ever battled. It was supposed to be a three on three battle, but it turned into a one on three, my three Pokémon and I didn't stand a chance against those two. After that I went with them to the gym, where I saw Red narrowly pull off a win," Adam explained.

"Was the gym leader really that strong?" Ash asked.

"Back then he was considered the strongest in the region," Adam replied.

"Please tell me he's still the gym leader and still just as strong?" Ash asked excitedly.

"He retired years ago. However his replacement is just as powerful, some even say he's stronger," Adam replied with a smirk.

"Oh now I'm really pumped," said Ash.

"So I take it that your here to earn a Torrent League gym badge?" Asked Adam.

"That's the plan for today. After I win the badge, Serena and I are going to take a mini vacation in town," Ash replied.

"Well in that case, why don't I help you get to that vacation a little sooner. Why not after we're done here I show you to the gym, we heading that way anyway," Adam offered.

"That would be great. Thanks," Ash replied.

"No problem. And since you seem to like strong battles so much, I'll put a good word in with the gym leader, tell him to bring in his A team," Adam added.

This got Ash extremely excited, resulting in him finishing his breakfast very quickly. The down side of this was he was left with a brain freeze from his Carmel Frappuccino.

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Upon leaving the cafe, the two couples made their way to the Huelva gym. The gym was rather large, looking like a coliseum with a retractable roof. As they walked up they saw several lines of people along the front, going to several windows.

"What's going on here? Are they all looking for a gym battle?" Serena asked.

"No, they're buying tickets for a concert tonight," Adam replied as they walked past the lines.

"That's right, I remember hearing the gym leader was a musician," Ash commented.

"Why do I have the feeling you know nothing about your opponent?" Asked Adam.

"I know a little, but only him as a gym leader. I only heard he was a musician a couple of days ago," Ash replied.

Adam and Behati chuckled a little as they all walked around to the back of the colosseum. There were a lot of people working, bringing in boxes and equipment. They walked past many people, even security, and all they did was smile and wave as they walked by, showing that Adam must be welcome here. As they continued to walk they saw several of the boxes had the band's name on them.

"So is Maroon 5 the name of the gym leader's band?" Ash asked.

"That's right," Adam commented as he continued to walk.

"Are they any good?" Ash asked again.

Everyone else fell over anime style.

"Your kidding right?" Adam asked.

"Nope," Ash replied casually.

"Ash, Maroon 5 is a very popular band world wide and have over a dozen hit songs. How could you not have heard of them?" Serena asked in a shocked tone.

"I have spent most of my time in the middle of nowhere since I was ten, and I don't exactly carry a radio. I might have heard their music before but didn't know who they were. I've never even bought any songs before, I just travel and hear music when I come to a town," Ash replied.

"Ash we need to work on this. After your gym battle we're getting concert tickets. You need to be exposed to more music. Have you ever even heard of Adam Levine, he's very well..." Serena started, but stopped as her eyes widened in realization.

"Wait a minute," Serena then looked to Adam and Behati. "Your not..."

Adam then removed his sunglasses and hat as he smiled, and tried to contain his laughter.

"Adam Levine? Why yes I am. I'm also the fourth generation gym leader here," Adam revealed.

————————————————————————

The group proceeded in through a back door, where Adam only stopped to quickly say something to one of the people, who appeared to be in charge. When they arrived in the battlefield area, they saw the last of the stage lowering as the battlefield came together from opposite sides. A referee was already there waiting for their arrival. As Ash and Adam proceeded to their respective places, Serena and Behati walked up to some seats to watch the battle. Serena then also released all of her Pokémon and Ash's Eevee, but not Tauros as he was too large for the area.

"This will be an official gym battle between the gym leader Adam Levine, and the challenger Ash Ketchum. This will be a three on three battle with no time limit, and only the challenger will be allowed to substitute his Pokémon. Trainers send out your first Pokémon," Said the referee.

"Altaria, I choose you," Levine commands as he sends out his first choice.

"Hmm," Ash says as he figures out which Pokemon to send out first.

"Pikachu, let's go, buddy," Ash says while pointing to the battlefield.

"Pikaaa," Pikachu enthusiastically acknowledges as he darts onto the battlefield.

"Both trainers ready?"

Ash and Adam both nodded.

"Battle begin!"

"Alright, Altaria use Cotton Guard," Levine orders as Altaria's defence increases.

"Pikachu use Thunderbolt," Ash orders as Pikachu fires a crackling thunderbolt towards Altaria.

"Block with Dragon Breath," Levine commands.

The greenish Dragon Breath blocks the Thunderbolt, stopping it in its tracks.

"Alright, use Draco Meteor, Altaria," Levine commands as Altaria starts glowing a bright red.

"Altariaaaa!" cries before shooting a Draco Meteor straight into the sky.

Ash watches, impassively, as the sizzling meteors start descending towards the ground.

"Now Pikachu, use Iron Tail just like we did in Grant's gym," Ash orders.

Levine, speechless, watches with awe as Pikachu jumps from one Draco Meteor to another by hitting them with Iron Tail and using the force of the hit to propel itself higher into the sky.

"You haven't seen everything, yet," Ash says as the last few Draco meteors approach Pikachu.

Instead of using them as stepping stones to gain more altitude, Pikachu smashes the Iron Tail and redirects the last few meteors back at Altaria.

Levine's eyes widen as he shouts, "Dodge them!"

Altaria manages to dodge most of them but the second last meteor clips its wings causing it to wince in pain for a few moments. In that very second of distraction, the last meteor hits home causing a mild explosion.

"Not bad, Ash!" Levine remarks as Altaria steadies itself.

"Use Sky Attack," Levine orders, deciding to take advantage of the fact that Pikachu is now helplessly high in the sky and will start falling down any moment.

Ash doesn't say anything for a while as Pikachu falls further and further down while Altaria comes directly from beneath it with a Sky Attack.

"Now go into Volt Tackle!" Ash shouts as Pikachu opens its eyes and the very next second starts speeding towards the ground before being coated with electricity.

Levine doesn't say anything as it's too late to order an evasion. He, merely, watches with bated breath awaiting the outcome of the clash.

"Pikaaaa!" Pikachu shouts.

"Altariaaa!" Altaria shouts back before they fiercely clash, resulting in a mid-air explosion.

Serena, hands instinctively grasp each other, internally praying for Pikachu's wellbeing.

Ash gives off a small growl when he sees Altaria has survived the clash.

"Cotton Guard," he mutters, knowing the reason behind Altaria still being conscious.

Pikachu falls back to the ground but doesn't wince despite taking recoil damage.

"Not bad Ash. But Altaria is my second most powerful Pokemon. But since you wanted a tough full out battle from me, so I must respond," Levine says as he clicks the cap of a pen he has in his pocket.

Ash realizes that it is a keystone and clenches his fist when he sees Altaria mega evolve.

'No wonder everyone said Torrent was tough! Now, I see why,' Ash realizes as Altaria finishes mega evolving.

"Air Cutter," Levine commands.

"Electro Ball," Ash counters.

Both attacks meet mid-air and cause an explosion. Suddenly Pikachu comes out through the dust cloud and then jumps on top of Altaria.

"Iron Tail," Ash commands as Pikachu slams Iron Tail on Altaria's head causing it to stumble.

"Shake it off," Levine says as Altaria knocks Pikachu back.

"Good. Now use Moonblast!" Levine orders as Altaria fires a powerful pink beam towards Pikachu.

"Dodge it," Ash shouts as Pikachu manages to sharply jump to the right, narrowly evading the attack.

It comes to a screeching stop when it hears Ash order another Electro Ball. Altaria sharply rises into the sky as the Electro Ball passes under it.

"Alright. Use Quick Attack," Ash orders hoping to put more pressure on Levine with the back to back onslaught of attacks.

Pikachu develops a white outline before it darts towards Altaria at very high speed.

"Dragon Breath," Levine orders.

Altaria fires breath after breath but Pikachu with its trained senses manages to dodge all of them as it proceeds to close in on its opponent.

"Drop Dragon Breath and use Haze," Levine switches his tactic midway causing Ash to be completely taken by surprise.

As expected Pikachu comes to a screeching stop due to being restricted in terms of mobility by the cold haze.

"Ice Beam, go," Levine shouts, deciding to seize his opening.

Before Ash can say or do anything, Pikachu is sent flying through the air after getting a face full of Ice.

Pikachu struggles to get back onto its feet when Levine says, "Your Pokemon have heart, but this is where this round end. Use Solar Beam."

'Come on Ash. Think. What to do what to do?' Ash racks his brain when suddenly realization dawns on him.

"Of course. Solar beam takes time to power up. I can use that time for a Z move," Ash remarks causing Levine to be taken aback.

"Oh no. Hurry up Altaria!!" he frantically shouts.

"Let's do this Pikachu," Ash says as he crosses his hands and throws them out in front of his body. Both he and Pikachu begin moving in a synchronized manner.

"Alright, Gigavolt Havoc. Gooooo!" Ash shouts at the top of his voice as Pikachu punches a ball of electricity in front of it sending it moving at breakneck speed towards Altaria.

"Altariaaa," Altaria shouts as it fires off the Solar Beam.

Both moves collide which results in a huge explosion. The dust bowl created, envelops, both Pikachu and Altaria. When the dust settles Serena, who has her heart in her mouth, breathes a sigh of tremendous relief when she sees Pikachu still conscious and Altaria fainted on the other end.

"Altaria is unable to battle!" Announced the referee.

"Not bad, Ash. Not bad," Levine commends Ash as he recalls his fainted Pokemon.

Ash pants as he asks Pikachu to come back. Pikachu, who's also exhausted, saunters off the field before it decides to take a break by Ash's side.

"We took too much effort to take out one Pokemon. I need to up my game," Ash says to Pikachu who tiredly nods.

"Alright. For my second choice. Come forth with a roar, Exploud," Levine says as he sends out his next Pokemon.

"A normal type, eh? I know just the one to go against it. Come on out, Riolu!" Ash shouts as he sends out his choice.

"A fighting type? Good matchup by choice of opponent's type," Levine smirks.

"Alright Riolu use Focus Blast," Ash commands.

"Crunch," Levine orders.

Ash's jaw drops when Exploud eats the Focus Blast.

"Use Boomburst," Levine orders as two intense sonic blasts are fired by Exploud.

"Use Quick Attack to get in close then follow it up with Sky-Uppercut," Ash orders.

The sleek yet agile Riolu slips and slides its way through the incoming Boomburst attacks.

"Pound," Levine orders.

Both Pokemon fiercely clash sending each other sliding back towards its trainer.

"Use Double Team," Ash orders, deciding that it is best to put this battle to bed as soon as possible.

Levine calmly watches as hundreds of copies of Riolu appear on the battlefield.

"Use Force Palm," Ash shouts as all the Riolu's palm starts shining brightly and they all run together towards Exploud.

"Not bad. Use Earthquake," Levine orders as Exploud jumps and then lands back on the ground sending tremors throughout the entire battlefield.

"Disarming Voice," Levine orders just before all the Riolus, fake and real ones, are about to pounce on Exploud.

Ash gets shocked as the attack land on the real Riolu causing the fakes to vanish.

"But how?" Ash asks, lost for words.

Even Serena is completely bamboozled by this turn of event.

"You're asking me how Exploud was able to detect where the real Riolu was, aren't you?"

Levine chuckles as Ash mindlessly nods.

"Well, you can thank your mother for that," Levine smirks.

"My mother?" Ash gasps.

"Yup, she's the one who showed me this technique, back when I was a trainer and my father was the gym leader," Levine remarks.

"Uhh," is all that comes out of Ash's mouth.

"The Earthquake sends out quaking vibrations through the ground. The copies don't get affected, but the real Riolu's footing got affected by all that shaking, causing it to stumble a little. All Exploud had to do was keep a good eye on which Riolu stumbles and then attack accordingly," Levine explains which causes Ash and Serena to both raise their eyebrows.

"My mother showed you this technique?" Ash asks in a bewildered tone.

"Yes. She was quite the battler, after all. She was pretty, headstrong, very smooth. Unlike your father, who was shabby, she was very well groomed. Not a hair out of place," Levine says as old memories come back into his mind.

"I see," Ash says before resuming the battle, "Blaze Kick."

"Roar," Levine says in an affirmative tone causing Ash to get another shock.

He watches as Riolu tries his best to stay in the battle before being sent back into its Pokeball. Ash breathes a sigh of relief when Greninja comes out on the battlefield.

"What just happened?" Serena says, completely bamboozled by the previous move.

She checks her Pokedex only for her shock to get confirmed when she sees the description of Roar attack.

"Very clever. Using Roar like that," Ash says, partially pissed off about how he's not been able to corner Levine using strategy.

"Don't expect anything different. Exploud is the Soundwave Pokemon. It can more than hold its own," Levine replies.

"Sure. But I will win this fight," Ash says.

"Sure you will. But only if you give it your all," Levine answers.

"Bubble Beam," Ash commands.

"Protect into Boomburst," Levine orders.

The Protect absorbs all the Bubbles and then Exploud fires a Boomburst.

"Dodge, then Night Slash," Ash orders.

Levine's eyes widen as he gets caught off guard by Greninja's speed.

"Woah!" he silently mutters as Exploud gets sent sliding back after taking a full Blow of a precise Night Slash.

"Water Pulse," Ash commands.

"Screech," Levine orders.

The Screech violently obliterates the Water Pulse in mid-air, causing a mini rain drizzle.

"Use Disarming Voice," the gym leader commands as his Pokemon takes in a deep breath and then fires the attack at Greninja.

"Use Aerial Ace then Low Kick," Ash orders as Greninja vanishes from view.

The very next instant it smashes its right shining knee into Exploud, sending it sliding back before jumping next to the still dazed Exploud and attacking it with a Low Kick.

"Night Slash," Ash decides to finish the battle.

"Thunder Fang!" Levine orders moments as Greninja proceeds to deliver the finishing blow.

"Oh no!" Serena shouts in a worried manner as she sees Expound has bitten down on Greninja's arm with Thunder Fang and refuses to let go.

"Greninja!!" Ash shouts as he sees his faithful Kalos starter wince in pain from the attack.

"Now, Disarming Voice," Levine shouts.

Ash sucks in a gulp of air, as Greninja is hit by another effective attack, that too from point blank range. Greninja crashes into the opposite end of the battlefield, kicking up dust, hiding it from sight. Levine is smiling back, thinking he's won, when suddenly two extremely fast Water Shuriken spiral their way towards Exploud. Before Levine can do or say anything, Exploud is sent flying too. When the dust clears, Greninja is still standing, having recovered from the attack while Exploud has been knocked out.

"Way to go Ash. Well done, Greninja!" Serena and her Pokemon enthusiastically cheer for Ash and Greninja.

"Come back for a break Greninja," Ash says before recalling Greninja for a well-deserved break.

"You too Exploud. You gave them a run for your money," Levine says while internally commending Exploud's effort.

"Alright, now this should be easy. Ash has three Pokemon left while Levine has only one," Serena says.

"No, on the contrary, the next battle will be the most difficult one yet," Ash says.

"Huh?" Serena asks, confused by Ash's words.

"Don't you remember? He said Altaria is his second most powerful Pokemon. That Exploud was strong but wasn't as strong as Altaria was," Ash reminds Serena who turns to see Levine smiling.

"Which means..." Serena says only for her to get cut off by Levine.

"Which means I have been saving the best for the last," Levine smirks causing Ash to adorn a serious focused expression once more.

Levine then proceeds to release a Happiny.

"A Happiny? That's your most powerful Pokemon?" Ash enquires.

"Oh no. Happiny will go and fetch the last Pokemon," Levine says before Happiny merrily skips out of the gym.

A few moments later Serena sees Happiny return with a Meloetta by her side.

"A Meloetta? You have a Meloetta?" Ash asks in disbelief.

"Technically the Meloetta doesn't belong to me. It has never been caught by anyone. But it is a dear friend of mine and battles with me when the challenges are worth fighting," Levine says as Meloetta floats into the battlefield.

Ash now decides which Pokemon he must send out. He remembers the time when he met a Meloetta in the Unova region and remembers how powerful it was in calming Thundurus, Landorus and Tornadus. Serena, on the other hand, is checking the Pokedex to find information on the beautiful Pokemon that has just floated into the battlefield.

"Pikachu, are you up for it buddy?" Ash asks.

Pikachu gives a firm nod before it runs off to the battlefield once more.

"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt," Ash commands as Pikachu fires its signature Thunderbolt at Meloetta.

"Divert it with Psychic," Levine counters as Meloetta's eyes turn blue and the Thunderbolt gets directed high into the sky where it explodes.

"Now, it's my turn to play. Use Energy Ball," Levine orders.

"Dodge it," Ash shouts as Pikachu skids away to safety.

"That thing is moving randomly through the air. Need to get it to the ground," Ash mutters to himself.

"Use Quick Attack," Ash orders as Pikachu begins to dart ahead.

"We'll use Quick Attack too," Levine orders.

Pikachu gets shocked when it sees Meloetta has bested it in the speed battle. Now Ash gets surprised when it sees Pikachu get sent flying.

"Meloetta use Shadow Ball," Levine orders.

"Agility," Ash shouts as Pikachu vanishes from sight.

"Iron Tail," Ash calls out when Pikachu comes into view behind Meloetta.

It jumps head over tail and then smashes an Iron Tail on Meloetta's head.

"Sing, my dear," Levine says.

Meloetta starts singing in a beautiful manner causing even Ash and Serena to get mesmerized for a second.

"Oh no. Pikachu, get away!" Ash says while snapping out of the music's hypnotic tone.

Ash's words fall on deaf ears as Pikachu falls sound asleep on the battlefield.

"A rose always has its thorns, challenger Ash. Use Dream Eater," Levine says in a smooth tone as a shadow of Meloetta flies out from its body and enters Pikachu.

Pikachu faints and a small portion of Meloetta's health gets regenerated when a small orb of energy flies out from Pikachu's body and gets absorbed by Meloetta's body.

Ash silently walks into the battlefield and then picks up Pikachu's fainted body. He places it gently next to him and then takes a look at Meloetta.

'So much for the Iron Tail. I bet its strength has been fully restored due to the Dream Eater. But since it's a part Psychic type so this should be a good match up.' the thought crosses Ash's mind as he prepares to send out his next Pokemon.

"Greninja, I choose you," Ash shouts as Greninja takes battle-stance on the battlefield.

"A Dark type. Interesting," Levine remarks.

"Don't think that's all we have in store. Now Greninja. Stronger, stronger, stronger. Here we goooo," Ash shouts as both his and Greninja's eyes turn a shiny blue.

The very next second Greninja gets covered in a veil of swirling water. The veil clears which reveals a large Shuriken on Greninja's back.

"Yeah, Ash-Greninja!!" Serena happily shouts as she sees Greninja take battle-stance.

"So, the rumour was true, he did have a special Greninja with him in the Kalos League," Levine mutters under his breath.

"Now Greninja, use Water Shuriken," Ash shouts as Greninja takes the Shuriken from its back and sends it hurtling through the air.

"Shadow Ball," Levine counters.

But to his surprise, the Water Shuriken shreds the Shadow Ball and then hits Meloetta square in the chest, sending it tumbling to the battlefield.

"That thing is powerful," Levine's eyes widened in shock at the level of power.

"Keep on top of it. Night Slash," Ash orders as Greninja charges at Meloetta with a pitch purplish black sabre.

"Thunder Wave," Levine orders catching Ash off guard.

"Oh no!" Ash shouts as Greninja gets hit by Thunder Wave, causing it to fall to the ground.

Ash buckles a bit since he's feeling the pain that Greninja is sharing. He further gets irritated when he sees Greninja has been paralyzed.

"Alright. Now use Relic Song," Levine shouts causing Ash to get confused.

"Relic Song?" Ash asks.

Levine smirks as Meloetta proceed to use another sleep inducing attack.

"Bubble beam," Ash commands.

The bubbles shatter the music notes released by Meloetta's song. But Ash's eyes widen when he sees Meloetta's colour change from green to brown along with a few features of its body.

"What's happening?" Ash says while turning to Serena.

"Ash, it says here in the Pokedex that Relic Song is Meloetta's signature move. It can cause the opponent to fall asleep, but more importantly it allows Meloetta to change its typing from Psychic to Fighting and vice versa whenever it's used. Meloetta is now in its normal/fighting type mode," Serena reads of the Pokedex.

"I didn't expect that!" Ash says as he turns back to the battlefield.

"Of course you didn't. Don't forget you're facing Meloetta, a mythical Pokemon. Do you remember William's Dragonite?" Levine asks.

"Yeah, I do," Ash replies.

"I beat it with Meloetta," Levine smiles back causing Ash to give him a serious look.

"Alright, enough talk. Use Energy Ball," Levine orders.

"Double Team," Ash commands as Greninja multiplies into several copies, causing the Energy Ball to miss.

"Aerial Ace," Ash shouts.

Greninja shakes off the paralytic feeling and then slams into Meloetta. Meloetta steadies itself after recovering from the hit.

"Use Water Pulse," Ash orders.

"Dodge then Dazzling Gleam," Levine shouts as Meloetta flies out of Water Pulse's trajectory.

"Use Aerial Ace to dodge and attack once more," Ash counters.

Levine patiently watches a Meloetta gets hit by Aerial Ace. Ash sees that Meloetta is panting heavily and that it is almost at its limit.

"Don't celebrate your victory just yet Ash. Meloetta use Recover," Levine says causing Ash to gasp.

Meloetta starts shining a bright yellow. After a few moments, it stops shining. Everyone watches as it glistens in the sun without any speck of any kind of bruise or scorch mark, anywhere on its flawless body.

"Use Focus Blast," Levine orders as Meloetta creates a white orb between its palms..

"Water Shuriken," Ash commands as Greninja creates two small Shurikens in both palms and then flings it at Meloetta.

Both attacks cross each other. Greninja manages to cross its arms in front of its chest, mere moments before impact. Ash feels a mild pain in his own arms but ignores it. Meloetta, on the other hand, seems unfazed by the two Water Shurikens it has taken.

'This is not good. Greninja is at a disadvantage. I need to take control of this battle," Ash racks his brain as to how he can beat this Pokemon.

"Energy Ball," Levine orders as Ash suddenly gets a brainwave.

"Use Aerial Ace and smash it right back," Ash commands.

Greninja's arms glow a bright white, before it turns and then smashes the Energy Ball back at Meloetta. Meloetta is pushed back through the air as it reels from the attack. Before it can gather itself, it gets pelted by a phantom Bubble Beam, causing it to crash to the ground.

"Very clever Ash," Levine commends Ash.

"Shall we finish it?" Ash asks.

"I don't think you'll win. But I'll give you a chance. Meloetta use Hyper Beam," Levine's voice echoes through the stadium.

"Greninja! Mega Shuriken," Ash screams at the top of his voice.

Greninja grabs the Shuriken off its back. The Shuriken glows orange as it expands in size. Serena, Braixen, and the others all bite their nails as they see the battle coming to an epic showdown.

"Fire!" Levine roars as Meloetta fires a powerful sizzling Hyper Beam.

"Let it rip," Ash says as he mimics Greninja's swinging motion.

However, just before Greninja is about to launch the massive Shuriken, a bout of paralysis from the Thunder Wave hits. Both Ash and Greninja wince in pain as Greninja collapses to one knee, using the Shuriken like a walking stick to support itself upright.

Ash looks up only to see the Hyper Beam hit and cause an explosion.

"Oh no, Ash!" Serena shouts, concern ringing in her voice as she sees Ash collapse onto his knees.

She breathes a sigh of relief when she sees Ash still conscious. She looks over to the battlefield to see Greninja knocked out.

"Braixen Braix," Braixen worriedly says.

"I know, it's OK. Greninja will be fine," Serena reassures Braixen as she sees Ash struggle to his feet.

"Son? Are you alright?" Levine asks as Ash returns Greninja to its Pokeball.

"I am," Ash says weakly.

"If you want, we can stop here. Your mental and physical health matters a lot," Levine says.

"No, we'll be fine," Ash says in a defiant tone.

"Are you sure?" Levine presses the question.

"Yup," Ash says while breathing heavily.

He blinks two-three times before his vision comes back into focus.

"I guess it's my Meloetta versus your Riolu now. The one who wins, decides the match," Levine says.

"Right," Ash says as he sends out Riolu.

"Riolu," Ash says causing Riolu to turn around.

"I'm counting on you," Ash says, causing Riolu to give a firm reassuring nod, following which Riolu retakes battle stance.

"I'll go first. Use Recover," Levine orders as Serena's worry intensifies.

Ash takes in a few more deep breaths and then says, "Time to rejoin the party. Use Focus Blast."

"Dodge then Sing," Levine orders as Meloetta glides out of Focus Blast's way and then starts to Sing.

"Close Combat, shatter those Sing tune-notes," Ash says.

"Excellent strategy," Levine comments as Riolu's precise and blindingly fast Close Combat shatters all the Sing notes.

"Quick Attack to get close then Sky Uppercut," Ash orders.

"Let it get close then Dazzling Gleam," Levine shouts as Riolu jumps of the ground with Sky Uppercut fully powered and ready to use.

"Riolu!" Ash shouts a Riolu is smashed into the ground.

"Psychic," Levine orders.

Meloetta's eyes turn blue as Riolu is lifted off the ground, much to its confusion. Ash watches as Riolu is repeatedly slammed up and down on the ground by Meloetta's psychic.

"Give it up Ash. Your Riolu is not at a high enough level to best my Meloetta. Might I remind you, Meloetta is still almost at full strength while your Riolu has taken considerable damage already. It can't win," Levine says.

"We won't quit. If you knew my mother, then you know me better than to quit," Ash says causing Levine to raise his eyebrow.

Riolu struggles to its feet. Takes a look at Ash who supportingly smiles back. Riolu gives a loud howl before its body begins shine a bright blue.

"No way," Levine says with disbelief as he see Riolu evolve into Lucario.

"Alright," Serena says positively.

"Well, this was a pleasant surprise and definitely a welcome one," Ash says while smiling.

"Meloetta may have almost all of its health, but it's reaching the limit of its stamina. Need to end this quick," Levine says to himself before turning back to the battlefield.

"Use Hyper Beam," he orders.

"Lucario use," Ash says before being interrupted when Lucario gives a huge roar.

"What now?" Ash questions as a purplish white beam comes out from Lucario's mouth and takes the shape of a dragon.

"Alright, you learned Dragon Pulse," Ash shouts as both attacks tie with each other.

"Lucario use Sky Uppercut," Ash shouts.

Lucario gives of a roar before it darts towards its opponent.

Meloetta, being immobilized due to the after effects of Hyper Beam, helplessly takes the attack. After Meloetta crashes to the ground, Lucario also lands on the ground.

"Blaze Kick," Ash orders as one of Lucario's legs ignites, following which it darts at high speed towards meloetta, who's still reeling from the vicious Sky Uppercut it has just received a while back.

"Restrain it with Psychic," Levine orders, in the nick of time.

Ash develops a growl when he sees Lucario has been restrained.

"That thing is very fast. We need to do something about that mobility. Thunder Wave," Levine orders.

Meloetta who's extremely tired by now, slowly raises its arms and then fires the attack. Unknown to Levine, Ash already has a counter set up.

"Use Bone Rush and stick it into the ground," Ash says as Lucario sticks one end of the Bone Rush into the ground.

The Thunder Wave strikes the immobilized Lucario, but the paralyzing electricity passes through the Bone Rush and into the ground. Ash smirks as Lucario gets up and then flings the Bone Rush at Meloetta like a Boomerang causing it to be sent flying.

"Meloo," Meloetta says as it manages to stand up against all odds.

"How can this be? It's taken so many hit. How can it still battle?" Ash almost shouts in a sceptical tone.

"You forget. This Meloetta has battled alongside members of my family for four generations. It will not go down without putting in every last bit of its fight. Meloetta, Recover," Levine orders.

'This is the third Recover he's ordered, which means it won't heal much damage. I should strike now and strike hard," Ash says before he swipes the Electrium Z off his Z Ring and then puts it inside his pocket.

After rummaging for a few moments, he brings out and places the Fightinium Z on his Z ring. He then looks up to see Meloetta has healed some of the damage that it's undertaken.

Levine who's been observing Ash quietly knows what's coming next. He turns to meloetta and declares, "This is the last attack which will decide it all. I need you to put everything into it. Hyper Beam!!"

"Let's do this Lucario," Ash shouts as he begins striking the activation pose sequence of the Z move.

Even though he's tired he still carries on, knowing not to let down his Pokemon.

"All Out Pummeling, let's go," Ash's hoarse voice echoes through the gym.

"Hyper Beam, go," Levine shouts.

Both attacks meet mid-air as everyone watches with their breaths held despite wanting to breathe. Serena's worry turns to a smile of joy when the Z moves completely overpowers the Hyper Beam and causes an explosion, which she know has decided the battle. But what happens next takes her by surprise when she sees Meloetta being sent out of the dust cloud, flying towards her. Serena stumbles back as she unwillingly catches the fainted Meloetta in her hands. One of Meloetta's fingers presses the button of one of Serena's empty Pokeballs. Before anyone can say or do anything, it gets sucked into the Pokeball.

"Huh?" Serena gasps in disbelief when she sees the Pokeball blink thrice before not blinking anymore, confirming the capture. Then in a flash of white light the pokeball teleports away to Professor Oak's lab.