The beam of energy hits the Genetic Pokémon, causing him to let out a cry of pain that echoes across the stadium. Once the beam vanished, it showed a motionless Mewtwo still standing, but its eyes expressed defeat. The crowd gasped in shock, as the powerful Psychic-type collapsed to the ground, while the rain had finally ceased. Everyone knew, at that moment, the battle was finally over.

Then, the ref made the call. "Mewtwo is unable to battle! Lucario wins, and the match goes to Aaron Tajiri of Shamouti Island!"

The moment that the ref made that announcement, the crowd's expression changed from shock to pure excitement. They erupted into a thunderous roar that echoed throughout the whole stadium, as they applauded the trainers, on the battlefield below, for giving them an intense battle to watch. Everyone, in the audience, was cheering.

---

The group, in the elite suite, were awestruck at what they just saw on the field below. Nearly, everyone's mouths were opened wide in shock. They were all stunned to see their friend's most powerful Pokémon, one that no other trainer has ever beaten before in battle, losing a battle. Even the champions were surprised that Aaron had done something that no one has ever done before, which is defeating Trevor's Mewtwo. The whole room was completely quiet, until

"I can't believe it..." Brock began to say. "Aaron actually defeated Trevor and Gregor."

"That's impossible," Misty commented about the battle they just witnessed. "How could Aaron manage to beat Gregor, just like that?"

"It's because of teamwork," Brittany responded, as everyone turned to the young woman and her daughter, who aren't looking upset by Trevor's defeat. "Aaron's Pikachu helped Lucario defeat Gregor.

"What do you mean, Brittany?" Bonnie asked Trevor's wife.

"Simple," The young woman began to explain. "When Aaron's Pikachu was trapped in Gregor's tail, it activated Pikachu's Static. Aaron managed to paralyze Gregor before his Pikachu was knocked out of the battle. The paralysis then made it difficult for Gregor to move or use any of his attacks. That's why he wasn't able to use his Hyper Beam because of the side effects of the paralysis. Basically, Pikachu made it simpler for Lucario to fight against Gregor. That kind of teamwork was what helped Aaron win this battle today."

"But shouldn't you two be upset by Trevor's defeat, right now? I thought that Ashley would be really upset about her dad's losing." Max questioned the mother and daughter, as the young boy looked at Ashley's face, which didn't show any signs of tears or sadness towards her father's loss.

"Why would we get upset because of that?" Ashley asked, before continuing, with excitement in her voice. "That battle was purely amazing! The attacks, the movement, the excellent combos used, and both Pokémon fought to the best of their abilities! I was on the edge of my seat!"

Brittany giggled at her daughter's energy, as she tries to explain, to a puzzled Max, why she wasn't saddened by her father's defeat.

The young woman then answered, "You see, Max, Trevor informed Ashley that no matter who wins or loses in a Pokémon battle, the important thing is to have fun. By the looks of it, she really enjoyed watching that battle today, despite having to witness her father lose."

"I don't believe that one bit," Max responded, with his arms crossed in front of his chest, in disbelief, to Ashley's reaction towards her father losing. "How could she possibly understand that? She's only 3 ½ years old."

"Oh, knock it off, Max!" May told her little brother. "At least she's taking her father's loss extremely well. Unlike you, when our father lost to Ash in a Gym Battle. After the battle, you took Ash's badge away, locked yourself in the greenhouse, and cried about our dad's defeat that day! Ringing any bells?"

"Oh...well...shut up, May!" was all that Max could say to his older sister, as his face became red like a tomato, causing the group of friends to erupt in laughter at the young boy's reaction, towards his older sister's comment about him.

Brittany then turned to see Serena, smiling and breathing a sigh of relief, as the Kalos Queen was expressing happiness for Ash's win against Trevor and Gregor.

Brittany sat back down, to make eye contact with the smiling performer, and whispered, "You see, Serena, I told you there's no need to worry about him. He put up a great fight against Trevor. I'm sure he'll win the next round, as long as you cheer him on. Everyone needs somebody to bring them happiness in their life, just like how Trevor brought me great joy when we first met. It's the same between you and Ash, Serena. Never let go of that happiness. It's what allows our loved ones to be able to express their true power, during a battle. Never forget that, my friend. Ever."

"Yeah. Thanks, Brittany." Serena responded as Brittany nodded back, before getting up and walking to the exit, with Ashley and her Pichu and Charmander, by her side.

Serena turned around and stared at the walking out mother and daughter, before questioning them, "Where are you two going?"

"Well, someone got to treat my husband's Pokémon. I am a Pokémon nurse, after all." Brittany answered back, before leaving the room, to head towards Trevor's locker room.

Serena looked back to the battlefield below, as the trainers came out, on the field, to get their Pokémon. She smiled upon Ash, as he's praising his Lucario for a job well done. Her thoughts were racing.

One more, Ash. Just one more to go, and then, things can go back to the way they were before the incident happened.

---

"You've done it, Lucario! You beat Gregor! Well done!" Ash exclaimed, as he hugged his loyal Pokémon, who was feeling exhausted from the intense battling that it had just gone through.

"Thank you, Master," Lucario responded while trying to catch his breath. "That was one very intense battle there. I'm glad that I won it, for you."

"Yeah," Ash said, as he petted the Aura Pokémon's head. "I'm proud of you, for doing that, buddy."

"Pika?" Pikachu stated, as the mouse Pokémon woke up and rushed over to where the masked trainer and Lucario were positioned on the field.

"Of course, Pikachu," Ash began to say, as he chuckled at his starter coming up to them. "You were an amazing help in our battle against Gregor."

"Pikachu!" The mouse Pokémon chirped in delight.

Ash chuckled as he walked over to Trevor, who was cradling his fallen comrade.

"Gregor," Trevor said to his fallen companion. "You did great out there, today. You should be proud of that."

"Yeah, but I failed you, Trevor. We've lost." The Genetic Pokémon replied through telepathy.

"That doesn't matter," Trevor assured his Pokémon. "What matters most is that we had a great time battling against a worthy opponent today. Did we?"

"Yeah. It was the most fun we had in years. I'm glad to have lost to such a powerful opponent." Gregor responded to Trevor's statement, with a smile forming across his face.

"Our loss, today, will strengthen our bond and makes us even stronger," Trevor stated as the Psychic-type nodded in agreement with his trainer.

Trevor smiled at his Pokémon, before looking up and noticing Ash and Lucario, standing in front of them, smiling.

"You've trained your Pokémon very well, Trevor, especially your Charizard and Mewtwo. You should be proud of them." Ash commented as Trevor helps his Pokémon stand on its feet while getting up from the ground.

"I am proud of them, Aaron, that I am," Trevor answered while smiling at the Genetic Pokémon. "That I am."

He then turned back to the masked trainer and saw him holding an Oran berry in his hand. Trevor reached out and took the berry. He examined the blue piece of food, before looking back to his opponent.

"Thank you," Trevor responded to Ash's generosity, before questioning his reason behind it. "But why are you giving this to me? Shouldn't Lucario eat this too?"

"Yeah, but I got plenty back in my locker room," Ash responded. "I know how hard it is to see your Pokémon in pain. If Pikachu, here, was in pain, I would do anything to heal him."

Pikachu cooed as Ash scratched behind his ears. Trevor gave Gregor the Oran Berry. It helped restore a bit of his strength, as he is able to stand on his own now.

Ash then continued his comment towards Trevor. "It's clear that you deeply care for your Pokémon a lot, and I couldn't just sit back and watch you worrying about their condition."

"Thanks, Aaron," Trevor replied, as he extended out his hand to shake his opponent's, while Gregor did the same thing with Lucario. "Maybe, after the tournament, we could battle again."

Ash smiled and answered, "I would like that."

"Good luck in the Finals, Aaron. Make sure you win." Trevor stated as he let go of his masked friend's grip.

"I will," Ash promised his friend, as he turned to Lucario after the Aura Pokémon just finished shaking hands with Gregor while thanking it for giving him an amazing battle.

Ash bent down, so Lucario could, once again, be carried on his back.

"You know, a guy could get used to this," Lucario chuckled from his position on Ash's back. "Now I know why Pikachu always sits on your shoulder."

"Hey now, don't get too comfy back there!" Ash responded. "Once we get a couple of Oran Berries in you, you're walking back on the ground." The trio laughed, as their platform began to lower them down to the corridors, below the stadium.

Gregor smiled, as he begins walking back, slowly, to the platform, along with his trainer. Trevor was helping his Pokémon walk by holding the Genetic Pokémon's right hand on top of his shoulders.

"Come on, Gregor." Trevor proclaimed. "Let's get you to Nurse Brittany."

"Oh good!" Mewtwo responded to Trevor's plan. "I always like it when Brittany treats me. She knows how to heal my injuries well."

"Yeah," Trevor replied, before continuing. "Especially when she gives you a poffin, for good behavior. Am I right, pal?"

Gregor's face became red in embarrassment, as he turns to Trevor, who was laughing at his reaction.

"She told you, didn't she?" He asked his trainer.

"Yep," Trevor answered. "Don't forget, we don't keep secrets from each other."

"That explains why you told her about Ash. Even though he clearly told us not to tell anyone else about this." Gregor stated.

Trevor hesitant to answer because if he had kept it a secret from Brittany, then she will believe he can't trust her with a big secret. Thankfully, she managed to not tell the rest of Ash's friends about Ash still being alive. Trevor didn't doubt that Brittany would spill the beans.

"Yeah, I did, Gregor. You know why?" Trevor responded as the duo got on the platform. As it begins to lower them down to the corridors, Trevor finishes his statement.

"Because I trust her."

---

Lance looked down on the battlefield with a smile, imprinted across his face. My, my, he performed beyond my expectations! He actually managed to beat Trevor's Mewtwo! I'm really impressed. After watching that intense battle, I'm now conceived that Ash can keep up with Giovanni. Lance continued to smile, until he noticed a person, standing next to him.

He let out an annoyed grunt, as he turned to see the blonde Sinnoh champion had placed herself next to him. She turned and gave a smirk.

"What's wrong, Lance? Not happy that I'm invading your personal space?" Cynthia asked sarcastically.

"I'm annoyed because you made me lose my train of thought," Lance answered back.

Cynthia took some time before she decided to speak again. "You seemed to have been doing that a lot lately," she began. "It gets me thinking about what exactly is going on, at this tournament. It's obvious that you know the answer; but the real question is, why aren't you telling us, especially your fellow champions."

"We aren't at a PLA tournament," Lance answered. "We are at a tournament that's held outside the PLA's reach; and therefore, it goes, without saying, that the champion, of the region, is responsible for what happens. You are a guest here, Cynthia. Let me and my G-Men deal with the issue. Personally, I would be more worried about what you'll be eating later, rather than what's going on here."

"Your eyes betray your words, Lance," Cynthia replied to the Kanto and Johto champion's response to her question.

Lance remained silent, as he watched the Sinnoh native return to her seat. Man, I hate it when she's right. Ash may be strong, but so is Giovanni. It's a crapshoot between who'll win in two days . . .