"Now, presenting the first wild card winner from the Mt. Silver Tournament. From Shamouti Island, in the Orange Islands, Aaron Tajiri!" the announcer exclaimed.

Ash could hear the crowd roaring, as his platform rose. The bright lights of the stadium caught his eyes, but he doesn't flinch or even squint. The same could be said for Pikachu, who sat firmly on his shoulder. They had been there before, as they both have battled in front of massive crowds in high tense situations. They were calm and relaxed. Unfortunately, Lucario is feeling the exact opposite.

Ash noticed Lucario shaking. He placed a hand on his shoulder. "It's alright, Lucario. We have prepared five years for this. I know you can do it," Ash communicated with him through the aura.

Lucario took his eyes off the stands and focused them back onto Ash. "Thank you, master. I will not disappoint you."

Ash smiled and nodded at his faithful friend, before turning his head to where his opponent would be presented.

"And now, give a warm welcome for the 'Dragon Queen of Unova', the Dragon Master from the Village of Dragons, Iris!" the announcer yelled out with bravado. It was clear to Ash who the crowd favorite was, but he couldn't blame them. Iris had accomplished quite a lot since their travels through Unova.

Ash held a cold stare, as he saw her rise from the ground. She kept many of the same features she had since their travels. The same bushy purple hair, the same long-sleeved yellow shirt with the pink trimmings and the white leggings. What had changed was the Pokémon that was standing next to her.

The once small Axew was now a mighty Haxorus. The ax jaw Pokémon roared when the platform stopped. The tan armor-like scales that adorned its back and tale were a stunning contrast with the black that was on its stomach and nose. What really stood out was the ax-like appendages that came from the dragon Pokémon's mouth.

---

The group looked on in awe. "Wow. Iris sure has done a great job raising her Haxorus." Max said hesitantly as he observed the awe jaw Pokémon.

Gary Oak didn't hear the commotion that the rest of the group were making about Iris, as his eyes were focused on Aaron. Trevor wasn't part of the commotion because he was in deep thought as his eyes were fixed on Aaron. Time to see how good this Aaron guy is and what I might be up against.

As for Gary, his eyes were still fixed on the dark figure with the Pikachu. So, you finally came out of the shadows. What are you planning? He thought as his body tensed up from the tender touch of his grandfather.

Professor Oak laughed at his grandson. "My, my, if I didn't know any better, I guessed that you wanted to be out there. I see that you haven't lost that battling spirit after all these years," he stated with a chuckle.

---

Ash couldn't wait anymore. He was ready to get this battle underway. He could feel the heat of moment coming on. But it wasn't nerves, it was pure excitement that was coursing through his veins. Ash waited five years for this moment, and now, it was finally here. He paused for a second, as his eyes made their way to the box. He saw her standing there.

The group gasped as Ash's eyes fell onto Serena, who was standing towards the back of the group. She froze. Their eyes met for just a brief moment, but it was as if time stood still. Serena could see an ever so minor relaxation in his posture. His shoulders hung a little lower and his clenched fists loosened their grip.

Ash had seen what he needed to see. He remembered all his Kalos Gym Battles and Lumiose Conference battles. During each one, Serena was there to cheer him on, and she always had the same effect on him. He would look to her before every match, and now, he was able to do it again.

---

That brief moment, between Aaron and Serena, clicked something in Trevor's head.

Where I have seen that happen before? He pondered.

However, he didn't have enough time to think about it deeply, as the battle was about to begin.

---

Ash turned when the referee started to call out the battle.

"This first round matchup between Aaron, of Shamouti Island, and Iris, of the Village of Dragons, is about to begin! It'll be a 3-on-3 battle!" the referee said as he raised his flags in the air. "The trainers will be able to substitute their Pokémon at any time, after the first battle! The trainers have already selected their first Pokémon before entering the field and cannot change until one of the Pokémon is unable to battle! Is that understood?" Both trainers nodded their heads in agreement.

---

"Hey Brock," Dawn asked, "What's with the new tournament rules? I have never heard of the tournament where the first Pokémon was pre-chosen."

"It's to give the person, who came prepared for the round, a better advantage," he stated calmly. "This way, a trainer can't keep substituting Pokémon for a better type matchup. That way, it sort of gives the trainer, who's ready, who has already thought ahead and done research, the upper hand."

Trevor, who was listening to Brock's explanation of the new tournament rules, responded, "Geez, thanks for explaining that new tournament rule to us, Brock. Now I know not to switch out my first Pokémon during the first round of the battle."

"You're welcome, Trev. Everyone needs a refresher course in learning about the rules, especially those who decided to come out of retirement and compete in a tournament once again." Brock said while turning to see his friend, sitting behind him.

"Yea. Five years can do that to anyone, even well-seasoned battlers." Trevor joked.

Brock chuckled at Trevor's comment, and then, turns back to watch the battle that will begin, real soon.

---

The referee continued. "The winner will be determined when one side's Pokémon are unable to battle! Trainers, present your first Pokémon!"

With that, Iris took the first move. "Aaron, allow me to introduce you to the only Pokémon that you'll be seeing in this tournament. Haxorus, I choose you!" With that declaration, Haxorus jumped out. It took a battle stance and let out a mighty roar.

Ash didn't even flinch at the sight of the awe jaw Pokémon. He reached to his belt and selected his Pokémon. He knew she would start off with her trusted partner.

Predictable. He thought as he tossed his Pokéball in the air. When the ball opened, a light flashed. When the light dimmed, an otter-looking Pokémon stood in front of him. The Pokémon was predominantly orange with a tan front section, hands, and tips of his two tails. Bluefins could be seen on the sides of his arms and a yellow collar-like feature that wrapped around its body.

The Pokémon came up and shouted, "Zel zel Floatzel!" The Pokémon crossed its arms in front of him and looked at his opponent with no fear in its eyes.

The referee looked at both Pokémon, confirming that they were the ones that had been pre-chosen. Satisfied with what he sees, he raised the flags and yelled, "Let the battle begin!"

"I'll take the first move," Iris shouted. "Haxorus use Dragon Rage!" Haxorus could be seen beginning to glow, as he concentrated energy in his chest before unleashing a glowing blue ball from his mouth.

Predictable, as usual. Ash smirked, before calling out a counterattack, "Floatzel, use Ice Beam!" Floatzel responded by firing a light blue beam from its mouth.

The two attacks speeded towards each other until they met head-on, but to the shock of the crowd, the blue sphere of Haxorus exploded and the beam, from Floatzel, continued its course as if it hit nothing at all.

Iris gasp in horror. "Haxorus, get out of there!" she shouted. Haxorus barely evaded the attack. Before Iris could stop to think, she saw her opponent jump into the air. "Ha! Big mistake Aaron! Haxorus, go after Floatzel with Dragon Rush!" A blue aura surrounded Haxorus, as it sent itself flying through the air towards his opponent.

Ash's smirk got bigger. "Quick Floatzel, use Ice Punch!" the sea weasel Pokémon's fist began to glow a light blue. Floatzel hurled the punch right as Haxorus got to him. The two attacks clashed in mid-air causing an explosion. From the cloud of smoke, came to the awe jaw Pokémon, as it was sent cascading towards the ground while making contact with the floor of the field with a hard thud. Floatzel; however, gently landed in front of Ash, as if nothing had happened.

Haxorus was desperately trying to get up. Iris was about to call out a command, but she was too late, Ash beat her to it.

"Floatzel, finish this with Hydro Pump!" he said flatly. The water Pokémon leaned back, and then, threw his head forward and powerful stream of water came out of its mouth. The jet of water made its way over to Haxorus, slamming the already weak Pokémon into the wall, behind Iris. When the dust settled, the entire stadium could see that Haxorus wasn't getting up anytime soon.

"Haxorus is unable to battle, Floatzel is the winner!" the referee announced.

Iris was shocked at what just happened. Her plan was to intimidate Aaron, but it didn't work. Hell, he didn't even flinch. His Floatzel appeared as if it had just come out of its Pokéball; no strain on the water Pokémon's face could be seen. She sighed and returns Haxorus back into its Pokéball, before retrieving her second Pokémon.

---

Ash's friends sat in shock. "Wow, that Floatzel is strong. It doesn't even look like it broke a sweat out there." Misty said in admiration of the water Pokémon.

"Yeah, and Haxorus was one of her strongest Pokémon," Dawn stated. "What is she going to do now?"

"Well for one, she shouldn't panic. She needs to remain calm if she wants to take down his Pokémon." Trevor answered.

Bonnie turned towards Serena who had been silent throughout the battle. As she looked at the performer, Bonnie saw a look that she hadn't seen since Ash's battle with Grant at the Cyllage Gym. Serena watched on with complete distress in her eyes and her hands held tightly together, pressed against her chest.

"Serena, are you ok? Don't worry, Iris will be fine! She's got this!" Bonnie said to comfort her friend.

Serena just looked at Bonnie and nodded. Actually, she was more worried about Aaron. She knew that Iris had more powerful Pokémon up her sleeves and was hoping that he can pull out a win.

Don't get cocky, Aaron! Stay on your toes! Serena said in her thoughts.

---

Iris looked over to her opponent before enlarging the Pokéball in her hand and smiling, "I have to give you credit, Aaron, you're better than I expected. But that's the last time that I underestimate you! Go Emolga!" With that, she tossed her Pokéball in the air and produced a black and white Pokémon that resembled a flying squirrel with yellow underneath its wings.

This time, Ash took the first move, "Floatzel, let's end this quickly. Use Aqua Jet!" The water Pokémon became entrenched in water before launching itself towards its opponent.

"Looks like you are the one who got cocky, this time!" Iris responded. "Emolga use Thunderbolt." Emolga flew into the air before curling its body and letting loose a powerful lightning attack.

"Floatzel, spin and use Hydro Pump," Ash responded calmly to the incoming electrical attack. Floatzel maintained the aqua jet but began to spin and releasing a strong jet of water, which created a barrier of spinning water around it.

The two attacks collided, resulting in an explosion, in the middle of the battlefield. Iris looked over to her opponent, with pride in her eyes, only to see him stand where he was, with no fear visible upon his features.

"Floatzel, Ice Punch into a Sonic Boom!" Iris' eyes shot up when she heard Ash, giving the command, only to see Floatzel flying through the smoke and towards Emolga with the same speed that it was traveling with before the explosion. She looked on in horror as the combination hits home.

Floatzel used the momentum, gained from spinning to power up the Ice Punch that hit Emolga square in the chest, sending the sky squirrel Pokémon flying toward the wall. Not fighting his momentum, Floatzel's tail began to glow white, its body twisted and a powerful wave of air burst from its tail hurling the electric Pokémon into the wall. Emolga smashed into the wall and fell unconscious onto the ground.

"Emolga is unable to battle, Floatzel wins!" the referee called out.

Iris was silent. She knew that she was down to her last Pokémon. It seemed a part of her had been broken, after already losing two of her Pokémon, while Aaron still has all of his. Hell, she didn't even look at Emolga, as she returned it to its Pokéball. Her eyes were squarely set on her opponent across from her. She studied the Floatzel and began to notice that sparks were flying around the Pokémon every so often. She slowly began to gain hope.

Ok, Emolga's Thunderbolt didn't have the effect that I wanted, but his Pokémon is paralyzed at least. This gives me a fighting chance! As she was finishing her thoughts, she witnessed the water Pokémon vanishing back to its Pokéball. Crap! Aaron noticed it too!

---

Dawn turned to Brock with a look of shock in her eyes, "Brock. . . . that strategy. . . the combination, it looks so similar to. . . ."

"I know, Dawn. I know. We'll talk about it later," Brock said quietly as he looked on the strange trainer below.

Who the hell is this guy? He pondered.

Trevor, also shocked about what Dawn noticed, said to himself, I thought Ash and Dawn were the only ones that knew how to do that strategy and combination in battle. How does Aaron know how to do them? Unless maybe... No, it can't be him! That would be impossible! Or is it?

Trevor then started towards the mask that Aaron was wearing on his face.

What are you hiding underneath that mask, Aaron? Trevor pondered.

Gary noticed the look on Dawn, Brock, and Trevor's faces, and he smirked inside. They're beginning to recognize him too. I'm surprised that Dawn didn't even recognize his Floatzel, especially since she was the one who originally captured it when it was just a Buizel. No matter, I will get to the bottom of this either way.

Gary's eyes turned to Serena. He noticed a slight bit of joy beginning to radiate in her eyes. She's starting to recognize him too, whether she knows it or not. Gary thought, as his eyes returned to the rout that was unfolding below.

---

Iris took a deep breath and looked at her Pokéball. "Ok, time to kick it up a notch!" With those words, she threw the Pokéball in the air and out came her most powerful Pokémon. The dragon type Pokémon had become nearly legendary since the six years that Ash had left Iris, but he still recognizes the fighting spirit that was in the Dragonite's eyes. The Pokémon stood tall with a mostly orange body, antennas and a horn protruding from its head and green wings that formed from its back. It roared its challenge to Ash.

Ash turned to Lucario and asked, "You ready?"

Lucario didn't take his eyes off Dragonite. Ash could sense that Lucario was up for the challenge.

"I will not disappoint you, master," he responded.

With that, Lucario rushed out onto the field. He assumed a battle pose, while his eyes never leaving Dragonite.

---

Trevor felt something, on his belt, shaking. He looked down to see the Pokéball, containing his Mewtwo, begin to shake viciously. Trevor took a quick look at Aaron's Lucario, and then back to Mewtwo's Pokéball.

What the hell? Something about that Lucario seems to be troubling Mewtwo. But why? Trevor pondered, as he resumes watching the battle below.

---

The battle between Dragonite and Lucario has started. Before Iris could even say a word, Ash commanded his first attack. "Extreme Speed, Lucario!" The steel and fighting type Pokémon vanished, but only to reappear underneath the Dragonite's chin. "Now Aura Sphere!" Ash shouted. Lucario created an Aura Sphere and smashed it under its opponent's chin, sending it flying into the air.

Iris tried to respond but to no avail. She felt like the dark figure across from her was suffocating her with the constant pressure he applied.

"Close Combat!" Ash commanded, to which Lucario responded with a barrage of kicks, jabs, and knees to the stunned Dragonite.

Iris was stunned. She was watching her most powerful Pokémon getting tossed around like a ragdoll by fighting moves, and then, it hit her.

Fighting moves don't do much to Dragonite. He hasn't taken that much damage. We can still win this, but we'll have to go for broke here. Iris thought.

"Dragonite," she commanded, "focus and use Hyper Beam!"

Got ya! Ash smirked, then yelled his counter, "Lucario dodge, and then, get behind it!" Just like that, Lucario vanished from in front of Dragonite, while still in mid-air, before Dragonite could hit him. The dragon type sent the Hyper Beam but barely missed its target. Instead, landing a few feet from Ash who acted like he didn't even notice it.

"Time to finish this. Lucario, use Dragon Pulse!" Ash commanded. Suddenly, Lucario appeared behind Dragonite and formed a darker blue sphere with a yellow light in the middle. Lucario struck the defenseless Dragonite in the back with the attack sending it plummeting to the ground. "Now, send another one!" as Dragonite hit the ground, Lucario sent another Dragon Pulse to the injured Pokémon, while causing a devastating explosion, before softly landing by Ash's side.

"That'll do, Lucario. That'll do." Ash said as he messed with the fur on top of his Pokémon's head.

"Thank you, Master. It was good to get out and exercise, for a bit." Lucario stated as he enjoyed himself during that battle.

As the dust settled, it was clear that Dragonite was down for the count. Iris went to her knees. The sound of the referee making the final call drifted into a void of nothingness.

How could I lose?! Iris pondered, as she returned Dragonite to its Pokéball and stared at it. I worked so hard, gone through so many obstacles, only to be crushed in the first round.

Iris could feel tears beginning to swell up in her eyes. Then, she heard footsteps. She looked up to see Aaron, in front of her, with a hand stretched out, to help her up.

"That was a good battle," he said with a friendly look in his eyes. "Thank you for a wonderful time. I wish you and your Pokémon good luck in the future. You're very strong and you should be proud of that."

She took his hand and got to her feet. "Thank you; and maybe, in the future, we can have a rematch," she said as she looked at Aaron.

"I would like that," he turned and began to walk back to his platform.

---

"That was. . . . unbelievable!" were the only words that could escape out of Alder's mouth as he looked down from the box.

Drake just chuckled, "Looks like the Orange Islands are here to stay!"

The rest of the champions looked on in shock at what had just occurred. An unknown trainer had just trounced one of the tournament favorites, a trainer who was specifically chosen by a champion to represent their region. Everyone was shocked, all except for Gary.

"What the hell just happened?" asked May still bewildered by the quick battle.

"He completely outclassed her. That's what happened." Gary commented. "Especially in that last battle. He attacked her, not just her Pokémon."

"What do you mean, Gary?" asked Bonnie who had turned to him.

"Easy, Aaron knew those fighting attacks would do little to no damage, but he still got the desired effect. He made Iris panic, and he capitalized when she made a costly mistake," Gary explained coldly. "He set it up well with the domination that his Floatzel showed and he compounded it with the shock value of his barrage style attacks with his Lucario. Iris panicked and went for broke while leaving her Pokémon completely defenseless."

"That's right," Clemont began to understand the strategy Gary was pointing out. "When Hyper Beam missed its mark, it made Dragonite immobile, which makes him such an easy target, for a more effective attack, like Dragon Pulse."

"Exactly," Gary nodded. "It's a devastating strategy, but one that's difficult to pull off. Max, Bonnie, and even you, Trevor," Trevor looked up when Gary said his name, "be careful with this guy. He isn't messing around." With that, Gary got up from his seat and began to walk out the door, leaving the stunned crowd.

"Wait! Hold up, Gary! Where are you going?" Brock quickly inquired.

"I'm going to get a quick snack and then stretch my legs, before the next match," he lied as he walked out the door. Great! If I hurry, I may be able to catch him, before he leaves the locker room, and finally get some answers to the last five years!

Trevor, still shocked at what he just witnessed, sighed softly. "I'll be careful, alright." He quietly said to himself as he looks down at Mewtwo's Pokéball, to see it still shaking. His hand, holding the ball, started to shake as well. "Very careful." He muttered.

---   

As Ash exits out of the platform, with his Pokémon, he noticed another trainer walking towards them. He had a Persian at his side. As they passed, they made eye contact. The gaze lasted only for a second, but at that moment, Ash saw all that he needed to see. His heart began to beat intensely and his mind started to race.

Glad to see you made it, Giovanni. We can now finish what we started five years ago. Ash continued to walk down the corridor, in silence, with his trusty Pokémon at his side.