Two weeks had passed and another surprise detour had taken place as they were passing through LaRousse City on their way to Sootopolis city. They ended up getting caught into a battle between the psychic Pokémon Deoxys and the ruler of the sky Rayquaza. After settling up some problems between them Deoxys had read Ash's heart for, like Suicune, Deoxys only revealed itself to a human with a very pure heart.

Through a series of long events Ash had battle Deoxys with Kyogre and this battle was long and hectic, but in the end Ash had actually defeated Deoxys. Rayquaza declined a battle saying that it still needed to patrol the skies, but perhaps in time Ash and Rayquaza would battle.

Right now they were all taking a break by a campsite, "Well Ash after that trip to Larousse I think that makes a grand total of nine Legendaries that you've caught." Ash blushed slightly and rubbed the back of his head.

"I think Max is right Ash" May said, "You do seem to be a magnet for Legendary Pokémon." Pikachu laughed at Ash as his face got redder from that. The others soon began laughing as well. In the distance something was watching them all have fun and was wanting to join in on the fun.

They finished their lunch and began moving on again, but before they started walking Ash stood still, "What's wrong Ash" May asked.

"I can't help, but feel that something's watching us" Ash said looking around into the forests.

"It's probably just a stray wild Pokémon" Max said. Pikachu jumped off of Ash's shoulder and began looking around, "What's up with Pikachu?"

"I don't know," Ash said, "Pikachu what's up?" Pikachu suddenly jumped up towards Ash's waist and tapped a Pokeball on his side. A flash later and Latios appeared, "Latios."

"Pika Chu pika pipi pika Chu Pikachu" Pikachu said to Latios.

'Okay' Latios responded telepathically. 'It seems that we have a little follower.'

"A follower," May repeated, "Who?"

'It's Mew' Latios said surprising them all, except Pikachu. 'It's been following you for two weeks now... ever since you left the Palace. Mew come on out' Latios called. A few seconds later the little cat-like Pokémon appeared before them mewing cutely. (LOL)

"It is Mew" Max said surprised as Mew began playing with Pikachu on Ash's shoulder. He whispered to May, "If what I think is going to happen happens then that'll make ten Legendaries that Ash has caught." May simply nodded.

"So Mew why have you been following us" Ash asked after a while.

Mew spoke to Ash telepathically, 'Well...' Mew said in a feminine voice. 'I've been in the tree of Beginning for millennia and it gets kind of boring in there and after you and Lucario saved it I wanted to come with you on your journey to see new places.'

Ash looked very shocked now, "But... but what about the tree? I thought that you and the tree couldn't survive without each other."

'That would normally be the case' Mew responded. 'But after transferring both yours and Lucario's aura into the tree I found out that the tree became much stronger and no longer needed me to survive. It's amazing actually since it appears that your aura has a special power to it. Whatever your aura goes into strengthens it.'

'That explains a lot' Latios thought to himself.

"So you want to come us Mew" Ash asked. Mew nodded enthusiastically cooing. "Then welcome to the team." Ash pulled out a Pokeball, but Mew looked at it uncertainly. "Don't worry it'll only be quick and then I'll let you back out. It's just to make sure another trainer can't catch you." Mew nodded hesitantly and Ash lightly tapped Mew on the head. Mew went inside the Pokeball and the ball didn't even twitch showing that Mew did not fight it at all. The Pokeball didn't transfer since Ash had transferred Swellow back to the lab back in LaRousse city. "Alright I caught Mew" Ash cheered.

"Told you so" Max whispered to May. May nodded.

Ash then released Mew back out from the Pokeball and Mew shook its head a few times, 'It's very dizzy the first time' Mew said swaying slightly.

'Don't worry it goes away after a while' Latios promised.

"Well we should get going" Ash said and returned Latios, "Oh yeah Mew, you will have to go back in the Pokeball when we reach town. Some people might react when they see you flying around." Mew nodded and they continued on with Pikachu and Mew going ahead and playing around with each other.

"What did you mean when you said 'react'" Max asked.

"It was when I just arrived in the Hoenn Region in Littleroot Town" Ash began. "I flew here on Latios and I landed near the docks. I wasn't really paying attention to everyone around me. I guess they'd never seen a Latios before."

"Oh gee you think" May said sarcastically.

Ash coughed slightly, "Anyway I was on my way to Professor Burch's place when this kid confronted me. You guys should remember him. He was with Team Rocket when they broke into your Gym."

"Blue hair, arrogant look in his eye" Max asked. Ash nodded, "Yeah I know him" Max said bitterly. "His name is Sid. When I first started school he was a fifth grader about to start his journey. He was always very mean to me because I was smarter than him. He always kept bragging about how he would catch every single Legendary from every region. What an idiot."

"I couldn't agree more" Ash said. "Anyway Sid saw my Latios and challenged me to a battle. If he won he would take Latios, but I quickly put an end to that. I took out all six of his Pokémon with Latios."

"He was always a mediocre trainer" Max said.

"So because of the incident with Sid you want to keep all of your Legendaries in Pokeballs while we're in cities" May asked. Ash nodded in confirmation. "Hey Max do you know why Sid acts like that?"

"My guess is that he was born that way" Max said. "He lives with his father in Littleroot town. His parents are divorced and she lives in the Sinnoh Region with his older brother Tobias. I heard that while they were still together that Sid always challenged his brother to everything, but could never defeat him."

"Kind of sad really" Ash commented.

Max nodded, "I've heard a little about Tobias. He is said to be a master trainer in his own League. Rumour has it that his very first Pokémon was a Darkrai."

"A Darkrai" Ash said shocked. Max nodded, 'I better watch out if I ever meet this Tobias.' Ash grinned a little, 'If I ever battle him then it'll be and awesome match.' The three of them kept on travelling farther just watching Mew and Pikachu continue playing around unaware that someone in the shadows was watching and glaring at them.

"You're mine" the person hissed darkly.

After making a quick stop at the Pokémon center to heal up their Pokémon Ash and the others headed for the docks that would take them to Sootopolis Island. While they were walking they felt a large wind pick up, "What the" Ash said almost losing his footing.

"Ha hahahahahaha" a voice laughed. Ash turned and saw Sid holding a large hose that was sucking everything moveable around them.

"Sid" Ash shouted angrily.

"It took me months to find you again" Sid said, "And now that I have I'm not leaving without your Pokémon." The suction got harder and Pikachu almost flew off of Ash's shoulder, but Ash grabbed it and held it tight.

"Ash do something" Max yelled.

"Right" Ash said. "Latios use Giga Impact" Latios appeared in a flash and flew right at the hose device Sid held and it blew to little pieces.

Sid growled as he threw the remains on the ground and pulled a Pokeball out, "Camerupt use eruption." The Pokémon appeared and launched a massive fire attack at Latios.

"Latios Luster Purge" Ash shouted. Latios fired its signature attack and it blasted through the eruption attack and hit Camerupt hard sending it flying and out cold. "C'mon all these months and you still use the same Pokémon I defeated before."

"Shut up" Sid shouted returning his Camerupt. "Shedinja let's go." Out came a little bug Pokémon with a small halo floating over its head.

'A Shedinja' Ash thought 'not good.' "Latios return" Ash called returning Latios to the Pokeball. He pulled out a different Pokeball, "Mew lets go." Out came the little floating cat Pokémon.

"Why would he switch to Mew" May asked confused. "Shedinja is strong against psychic attacks."

"That's true, but Mew is capable of learning every single attack a Pokémon knows except unique moves so Mew can use attacks that Shedinja is weak to." Max explained.

"Shedinja use hyper beam" Sid shouted. Shedinja launched a massive hyper beam for its size towards Mew.

"Mew dodge and use Hydro Pump" Ash called. Mew flew to the side and launched a Hydro Pump at Shedinja.

"Shedinja use Wonder Guard" Sid called. Shedinja glowed white for a second before going back to normal and then Hydro Pump bounced right off if it. Ash and the others looked shocked. Sid smirked, "Wonder guard is a special ability only Shedinja can use. Only super effective moves can penetrate it. Now Shedinja use Giga Impact." Shedinja glowed brightly and charged at Mew and hit the Pokémon hard sending it flying back.

"Mew use aura sphere" Ash called. Mew held its hands out and a blue sphere formed and Mew launched it at Shedinja. It merely bounced off.

"Shedinja use hyper beam" Sid shouted. Shedinja launched a hyper beam at Mew, but Mew flew out of the way in time, but Shedinja kept flying after it.

Ash grit his teeth before his eyes widened, "Mew turn and use brick break" Ash called. Mew stopped in mid-air turned to the oncoming Shedinja with its paw glowing and Mew hit Shedinja hard. All was silent for a few seconds before...

"Shedinja use night shade" Sid said. Shedinja formed a dark purple attack and it hit Mew hard sending it crashing to the ground.

"Mew no" Ash shouted worried.

"Give up Ketchum" Sid said with an arrogant tone. "If you surrender and hand over your Legendaries then I'll make sure they receive proper care."

Ash growled loudly and grit his teeth so hard he thought they cracked a bit before his eyes widened again and then he smirked. "How about no Sid. Mew hit Shedinja with Dark Pulse at full power." Mew hopped up and formed a familiar swirling energy that we've all seen before and launched it at Shedinja. It connected and Shedinja was struggling to keep up its wonder guard, but it cracked and Shedinja took a full powered Dark Pulse head on. Shedinja fell out of the sky and onto the ground with swirls in its eyes.

Sid stomped the ground angrily while throwing a temper tantrum, "No it's not fair. I finally get a Pokémon that could have won and it still lost. Stupid useless waste of space"

"HEY" Ash shouted angrily, "Don't blame the Pokémon because you're incompetent."

"SHUT UP" Sid shouted even louder than Ash. "No one talks to me that way. NOBODY! I've had enough of you Ketchum. I see the look in your eyes, you pitying gaze. I CAN'T STAND IT" Sid lost it and charged at Ash aiming to throw a punch.

"Mew psychic" Ash shouted quickly. Mew's eyes glowed and Sid was stopped three inches from punching Ash's nose. 'He was going to hit me.' Ash glared hatefully at Sid and then he punched Sid hard across the face and he flew back onto the ground. "Grow up Sid. You talk about getting Legendaries as though it's merely a card game to collect them all. If you continue to act like this then you'll never get anywhere in life." Sid was silent as he merely lied on the ground;

"And I don't pity you! The next time you act like to another Pokemon and say my legendaries are yours. I will crush you!" Ash spoke as he crush his fist and his eyes glowing blue with his aura.

Ash sighed after his speech and eyes returning normal brown. "Mew return."

Mew disappeared back into the Pokeball and Ash turned and walked away. May and Max took a look at Ash before following after him. Sid looked up and saw the retreating back of Ash before gritting his teeth and lying still.

Ash was in a bad mood for the rest of the day after that little incident with Sid. May tried cheering him up, "Hey come on Ash cheer up. This'll take your mind off it; there's supposed to be a Master coordinator giving off a performance with his Pokémon in just a few minutes at the stadium down the road.

Ash was silent for a few seconds before smiling, "Yeah that does sound good right now." Ash knew May was trying to take his mind off of it and it was working to some extent as Ash forgot about it and the three of them went towards the stadium to see the so-called master coordinator perform.

They got to the stadium rather quickly and heard the mayor announce the coordinator, Juan, up to the stadium. Juan was a middle aged man with grey hair with a white streak in the side and in the front. He wore a long blue cape and fancy, formal clothing with a tiny little moustache on his upper lip. Juan performed some very lovely tricks with his Pokémon, which were all water type by the way, especially with his Milotic.

Sadly the wonderful performance was ruined by the untimely arrival of Team Rocket who, once again, tried stealing Pokémon and Pikachu. Surprisingly it was Juan who put an end to it this time as his Milotic cut through the net and sent the annoying pests off with a twister attack. "Wow that was incredible" the three of them said amazingly.

"Unfortunately that is all I have for today" Juan announced making the crowd "aw" in disappointment. "Do not be disappointed my fans for if you wish to see more then please feel free to stop by the Sootopolis Gym where I will be battling new trainers." Juan walked off the stage as the crowd cheered loudly.

"So he's the gym Leader as well" Ash said excitingly. "Alright time for my last badge." After getting some directions on where to go they ended up taking a boat ride and soon arrived at a massive mansion. "Whoa... is that the really the Sootopolis Gym" Ash asked amazed.

"Why yes it is young man" said a familiar voice. It was Juan as he walked up towards them along with another man dressed as a butler. "Are you here for a Gym battle?"

"Yes I am" Ash responded with an eager grin.

"Well then I shan't keep you waiting any longer" Juan said "Sebastian, please show our challenger and his friends to the arena."

"Right away" Sebastian said. "This way young masters." Ash and company followed Sebastian into the massive mansion sized gym. Once they got inside they were marvelled by the magnificent sight. There was a massive Olympic sized pool with some platforms on them. There were two sets of bleachers off to the side and two high dive platforms where the Gym Leader and trainer would stand.

"Wow that pool is massive" May said in awe.

"Definitely a battleground for water types" Max commented. Ash and Juan then went up and took their spots on the box. Ash was on the red side while Juan was on the green side. May and Max sat down in the bleachers while Sebastian took a spot in the referee stand.

"This will be a battle between the Challenger ash Ketchum from Pallet town and Juan the Sootopolis City Gym Leader" Sebastian announced. "This will be a five on five battle with the first round being a double battle. After that the second round will consist of three one on one matches. During this battle only the challenger is allowed to switch Pokémon."

"A Five on Five Battle" May said shocked "Wow that's extreme."

"I know" Max nodded. "Juan is good, but with what Ash has in his arsenal then Juan is in for a tough battle."

"Seaking, Sealeo let's go" Juan said sending out a gold colored fish Pokémon with black stripes, white fins and belly along with a massive, sharp horn on its head. The second Pokémon was a blue colored, seal shaped Pokémon with a yellow belly, white fins on the side of its face and sharp, short fangs.

"Alright then my choices are Regice and Suicune" Ash said throwing out two Pokeballs. In a flash appeared the two Legendaries. One of them standing on two feet, and made of ice while blinking rapidly and the other on all fours with a fierce look in its eyes. Sebastian and Juan were slightly wide eyed at seeing the two Legendaries.

Juan regained control of his facial expression quickly, "Well this will definitely be a match I will never forget. Ash let's do our best."

Ash nodded smiling, "Right back at you Juan. Regice use ice beam on the water." Blinking rapidly a blue orb formed in front of Regice's yellow dots and then Regice fired the attack on the field in front of it and began freezing the water up to the other side. Now the entire half of ash's side was frozen and there was a line of ice going along the center and connecting with the other end. "Now Suicune use hydro pump on Sealeo."

"Sealeo ice beam let's go" Juan called back. Suicune launched a massive hydro pump from its mouth just as Sealeo launched an ice beam from its mouth. Both attacks hit in mid air and slowly the ice beam started freezing the hydro pump.

"Regice assist Suicune with your zap cannon" Ash shouted. Regice's yellow dots sparked and then it fired zap cannon from it straight towards Sealeo.

"Seaking horn drill" Juan said calmly while smiling. Seaking jumped in front of the zap cannon with its horn spinning rapidly and it took the zap cannon head on, but the spinning horn seemed to be absorbing it and then Seaking fired it back at Regice hitting it head on.

"What" Ash said surprised. Suicune broke the collision between ice beam and hydro pump and jumped in front of Regice to defend it. "What just happened?"

"I've trained my water Pokémon to be resilient against all kinds of attacks" Juan said to Ash. "Electric attacks just make it more challenging, but challenges are fun to me. Now Sealeo use Blizzard." Sealeo launched a massive Blizzard attack at Regice and Suicune that covered the whole field. It not only affected the field, but the whole area inside.

"It's very cold" May shivered.

"No kidding" Max also shivered.

The blizzard area cleared up a bit and it showed both of Ash's Pokémon still standing as though nothing was going on "What" Juan said surprised.

Ash smirked shielding his eyes from the blizzard, "Regice's body is -328* Fahrenheit so a little snow draft like this won't do a thing to it and Suicune travels on the winds so it is also unaffected by the blizzard. Now both of you use ice beam." Both Legendaries launched a massive ice beam from the blizzard towards Juan's Pokémon. Sealeo was quick enough to dodge it, but Seaking wasn't and got hit hard sending it flying from the pool and into the wall. Seaking slid down with swirls in its eyes.

Sebastian raised the red flag, "Seaking is unable to battle."

Juan returned his down Seaking, "Good job old friend now take a long rest. Alright Sealeo now use ice ball." Sealeo formed an ice ball in its mouth and launched it at Suicune.

"Regice defend Suicune" Ash called. Regice appeared in front of Suicune and took the ice ball with it doing no damage at all. "Alright now use ice shard" Ash called. Regice raised its arm and pointed it at Sealeo and launched three ice shards at Sealeo.

"Sealeo dive into the water and then use ice ball" Juan called. Sealeo dived down into the water just as the ice shards flew over it and smashed through the wall of the gym. Sealeo then appeared out of the water and launched a massive ice ball at Regice.

"Suicune use Giga Impact" Ash called. Suicune jumped over Regice and glowed with purple energy and then slammed hard into the ice ball shattering it and sending the remaining bits back at Sealeo hitting it hard. "Before it can recover hit with Aurora beam Suicune." Suicune launched a powerful Aurora beam at Sealeo hitting it hard and making it cry out in pain. "Regice finish it with ice beam." Regice formed another ice beam and launched it at Sealeo and hit it hard knocking it out of the pool where it rolled on the ground before crashing into the wall. Sealeo had swirls in its eyes and wasn't moving.

Sebastian raised the red flag, "Sealeo is unable to battle. The winner of Round one is Ash Ketchum."

"Alright he did it, he won" May cheered.

Juan returned his Sealeo as Ash returned his Regice and Suicune "Well Ash that was an impressive combination you pulled. An ice and water type to balance each other out is a great combination. Now shall we move on to round two?"

"Let's do it" Ash said.

"For the next round the participants will now switch boxes as we move onto a field change" Sebastian said. The pool drained out and a new field formed. The field looked like a small lake shore with a small lake in the middle with a small piece of land on Ash's side in the center and the rest of its was zigzag land with some rock totems on surrounding it every now and then.

"Whoa look at that battle field, awesome" Ash said amazed.

"This one's got a lot more land then the last one" May commented.

"In that case I'm going with Deoxys" Ash said sending out the DNA Pokémon. Deoxys appeared floating in mid air with its tentacle like arms crossed.

"Alright he's using Deoxys" Max said excited. Juan had another surprised look on his face before he smiled.

"Well this should be good" he commented "Luvdisc I choose you." Out appeared a sideways heart shaped Pokémon.

"Well let's start this off. Deoxys use night shade" Ash called. Deoxys' tentacle arms glowed dark before launching a massive wave of darkness at Luvdisc.

"Luvdisc dodge it" Juan called. Luvdisc swam through the water and avoided the night shade and got closer at a quick pace.

"That Luvdisc is fast, but so is Deoxys" Ash said. Immediately after Ash said that Deoxys changed to a new form that was much skinnier with pointed horns on top of its head; it was Deoxys' speed form. "Now Deoxys use Giga Impact." Quicker than Juan or Luvdisc could follow Deoxys glowed a dark purple and charged at Luvdisc and hit it hard sending it flying back before landing back in the water on the other side of the pool. Luvdisc floated to the top with swirls in its eyes.

Sebastian raised the red flag, "Luvdisc is unable to battle. Deoxys is the winner."

"Whoa he took out Luvdisc with just one attack" Max said slightly wide eyed.

"Luvdisc return" Juan said "Good effort Luvdisc. Take a long rest. Well my next choice is Whiscash." Out came another water type Pokémon that looked a miniature whale only fish sized with long whiskers.

"Deoxys get in close and use psychic" Ash said. Deoxys flew towards Whiscash and its eyes began to glow.

"Whiscash use rock smash" Juan called. Whiscash jumped into the air and its body glowed and then it hit Deoxys hard knocking it back.

"Deoxys change to your attack form" Ash called. Deoxys changed its form once again to attack form "Now use shadow ball." Deoxys formed a massive shadow ball in its tentacle arms and launched them at Whiscash, but Whiscash swam to the side and avoided all of the shadow balls.

"Good Whiscash now hyper beam" Juan called. Whiscash formed a massive hyper beam in its mouth and then launched it at Deoxys.

"Deoxys use night shade" Ash called. Deoxys formed a massive wave of darkness in its arms and launched it at Whiscash. Hyper beam and night shade met head on and remained still for all of one second. The night shade pushed the hyper beam back and soon over took it and then hit Whiscash and sent it flying through the air. Whiscash slammed against the trainer box and slid down it.

"Whiscash" Juan called out. Whiscash lay still with swirls in its eyes.

Sebastian raised the red flag, "Whiscash is unable to battle. Deoxys is the winner." Now Juan was left with only one Pokémon left to battle with.

"Whiscash return" Juan said recalling his down Pokémon. "Good job my old friend, take a long rest. Well Ash your battling style is very impressive and your Pokémon are even better."

"Thanks Juan" Ash said.

"Now here comes a very special friend of mine" Juan said pulling out his final Pokémon. "Milotic let's go." Out came a beautiful serpentine Pokémon that was light yellow in color, with a red and blue stripped tail fin, long red ears on the side of its head going down to its lower body and long, curved, red thin eyebrows going upwards and red eyes.

"And there's his Milotic" Max said quietly.

"It may be strong Max, but Ash still has four Pokémon left even if Deoxys is defeated" May said confident in Ash's abilities.

"Alright Deoxys we're almost there" Ash called. "Now use ice beam" Deoxys arms glowed and then sprang forward and launched the ice beam attack at Milotic.

"Milotic dodge and use twister" Juan ordered. Milotic swam to the side avoiding the ice beam attack and then by lifting its tail up Milotic launched a twister attack at Deoxys.

"Deoxys use your defense form" Ash called. Deoxys transformed into a more bulky version of itself and the twister enveloped it. The twister did do some damage to it, but Deoxys was able to float there and take the twister attack as though it was nothing. Once the twister died down it showed Deoxys still floating there with hardly a scratch on it.

"What" Juan said shocked.

"Alright Deoxys use Brick Break" Ash called. Deoxys transformed into its attack form and charged at Milotic and hit it hard with a Brick Break sending it flying back into the water.

"Milotic use iron tail" Juan called.

"Deoxys iron defense" Ash called.

Milotic's tail glowed bright white and it swung its tail at Deoxys. Simultaneously Deoxys transformed into its defense form and then glowed blue and transformed into its defense form so all the iron tail did was hit it, but did no damage.

"Alright now Deoxys throw Milotic into the water" Deoxys transformed back into its attack form and then it picked Milotic up by the tail and swung it over its head and threw it into the water. "Now Deoxys finish it with thunderbolt." Deoxys gathered electricity around itself and then launched the thunderbolt at the water. The water turned completely yellow from the electricity and then the water blew upwards from the power of the attack. It ended shortly and then Milotic's body floated up to the top with swirls for eyes.

Sebastian raised the red flag, "Milotic is unable to battle. Deoxys is the winner. Since all of the Gym Leader's Pokémon have been defeated then the winner is Ash Ketchum."

"Yes; alright we did it" Ash cheered.

"He did it he won" May and Max cheered jumping in the air.

Juan smiled, "Milotic return." Milotic returned to its Pokeball. "Good job old friend now take a nice long rest." Juan looked out at Ash as he recalled his Deoxys and gave his own congratulations. Now they were outside and Juan was congratulating Ash, "Ash that was a great battle. You have a unique and powerful style with the expertise of grace behind it. Truly a trainer worthy of gratitude."

"Thanks Juan" Ash said.

Juan pulled out a badge that was triangle shaped with three rain drops in it shaped like triangles with a opening in the middle. "And here is proof of your victory here at the Sootopolis Gym; the Rain Badge."

"Thanks Juan" Ash said staring at his final badge. "Alright I got the Rain Badge."

"Well Ash how does it feel getting all eight badges" Max asked.

"It's awesome Ash said putting the Rain Badge with the rest of his badges.

"Eight" Juan commented. "You know what that means right? By getting all eight badges you've qualified to enter the Hoenn League."

"Congratulations Master Ash" Sebastian said. "The Hoenn League is scheduled to take place three months from now in a wonderful place called Ever Grande City."

"Ever Grande City huh" Ash mused. "Well that's where we're heading."

"May" Juan said getting her attention. "There is a contest taking place soon in Pacifidlog Town."

Max checked his Pokenav, "That's not far from here."

"Well first we'll stop at Pacifidlog Town and then it's off to Ever Grande City" Ash said looking off into the sky with a determined look in his eyes.

Three months had come and gone real quickly. Ash and all of his Pokémon trained relentlessly to get to where they were now. The Grand Festival had come and gone for May. She had also trained hard and relentlessly with all of her Pokémon and Ash had helped her out by using his Legendaries to push her Pokémon to the limit. In the end May was unable to make it to the final match. She did manage to defeat both of her rivals Drew and Harley. She defeated Harley and secured her place in the Top 8, and managed to barely defeat Drew to secure her place in the Top 4, but she lost to another coordinator named Robert who defeated her with his Milotic and moved onto the finals to win the Hoenn Grand Festival.

May was sad at first, but after some encouraging words from Ash and Max she went back to her normal self. She should be happy, it was her first Grand Festival and she made it to the Top 4. Not many coordinators could say they made it that far on their first Grand Festival.

Right now they were on the boat to Ever Grande City and onto Ash's way to winning the Hoenn League. "There it is, Ever Grande City" Ash said excitedly seeing the city on the horizon. It was a beautiful city even from the distance.

"Oh I can't wait" May gushed looking through a book. "It says here that there are so many shops to look at in Ever Grande City. Clothing stores, Pokémon shops... Restaurants" she ended with a far off look on her face.

The ferry docked quickly and now they were all exploring around Ever Grande city. There were shops everywhere with masses of people buying things or browsing around things. "Wow there are a lot of people here" Max commented.

"I just can't wait to find a restaurant" May said looking through her book.

"What kind of restaurant" Ash asked.

"It's called the Ever Grande Noodle Nosh" May said excitedly. "It's been rated in the Top 3 restaurants in all of Hoenn. They say once you taste one noodle you'll never nosh anywhere else."

"Where'd you here that" Ash asked. May showed him her book about all of the greatest eating places in all of the Hoenn Region. As they were walking she was telling them all about what the book said. Ash and Max sweat dropped while she was explaining.

Now they were standing in a deserted alley "What did you say that place was called again May" Max asked in a dry voice looking around.

"It's called the Noodle Nosh" May reminded him. "These alleys may look shady, but it's really just a disguise as most of these shops are great and are run by very eccentric people."

"I hope you're right" Ash said looking around. Then they heard the sound of cawing and before they knew it they were under attack by a crowd of Murkrow. "What the... what's with these Murkrow" Ash shouted shielding his eyes.

"I don't know, I've never seen Murkrow so angry before" Max shouted also shielding his eyes. "Maybe we accidently wandered into their territory."

"Ow... Ow, stop pecking me" May cried.

"Pikachu use thunderbolt" Ash called. Pikachu jumped off his trainer's shoulder. Lightning cackled in its cheeks and Pikachu unleashed a mighty thunderbolt that got rid of the Murkrow surrounding them. The Murkrow cried out and flew away, but then another flock of them came flying towards them.

"It's another wave" Max cried.

"Pikachu thunderbolt" Ash shouted. Pikachu released another thunderbolt and hit the Murkrow before they could surround them, but just as the Second Flock flew away did another Third Flock appear heading right for them. They started pecking at them all over again.

"Meowth" a voice called. A Pokémon charged through the Murkrow and slashed at them all as quick as lightning. The Murkrow cried out and flew off revealing the Pokémon. It was a Meowth; only this Meowth was different. It stood up on its hind legs wearing a cowboy hat with a feather on top, a red bandana tied around its neck and cowboy boots.

"A Meowth" Max said surprised "But it looks nothing like Team Rocket's Meowth." The Murkrow were coming back in for another strike.

"Meowth fury swipe, let's go" Meowth's trainer called out appearing next to Meowth. Meowth's claws extended and with a cry Meowth charged forward and began slashing at the Murkrow in rapid succession and soon the Murkrow flew off knowing they were defeated.

"Wow he drove them all off in one attack" Ash said impressed.

"Are you all okay" the trainer asked them. He was taller than Ash, about 5 inches taller, looking to be around the age of 17 with brown hair, black eyes wearing a red shirt, light brown pants and a long green jacket with yellow trimmings that went down to his calves and a backpack slung over his shoulders.

"Yeah thanks for the assist" Ash said gratefully.

"Awe it was nothing" the guy said smiling sheepishly. "I'm just glad we were able to help out." He looked down and saw May's book on the ground, "Wow, the Ever Grande Noodle Nosh. Don't tell me you're all heading there too?" The Scene now changes to all of them sitting in the Noodle Nosh enjoying the noodles. May was right; these noodles were amazing. "Small world huh" the trainer, names Tyson, said. "You're in the Hoenn League Championship and so am I" he said to Ash. "I guess that makes us rivals."

"Yeah I guess so" Ash grinned.

"Well your Meowth is awesome Tyson" May said.

"You must be pretty good with a Pokémon like that" Max commented.

"Thanks" Tyson said. Tyson slurped down the rest of his noodles and broth and put the bowl down with a sigh of content. "That was excellent." His expression dropped when he saw the time, "Augh, oh no look at the time." Tyson grabbed his things and ran to the doo with his Meowth following, "Hate to eat and run, but we gotta go" he said quickly jogging in place. "Meowth we got to step on it." Meowth nodded and they sprinted down the street.

"Tyson wait up" Ash called sprinting after him. May and Max followed behind having slight trouble keeping up with them while ash had no problem. "What's the big rush?"

"The torch will arrive at the Pokémon center any minute now and I've gotta get there" Tyson called back picking up the pace.

"Cool the torch" Max said. "I heard that the torch has the flame of the Legendary Pokémon Moltres."

"Really a Moltres" May said surprised.

"Yep" Ash said. "All regions except Johto use the Flame of Moltres to start the Beginning of a League competition. It's perfect."

"And I'm a torch runner so I've got to get there quickly" Tyson said making the three of them look at him in surprise. At the Pokémon center there was a massive crowd near the street with everyone there hoping to get a glimpse of the torch.

Mr. Goodshow was there looking around impatiently "It shouldn't be long now" Nurse Joy said.

"Thank goodness I hate all this waiting" Mr. Goodshow said.

"Officers this is Officer Jenny" the Jenny of Ever Grande City said into her communicator. "The torch will be arriving momentarily so make sure everyone's in their positions."

"Mr. Goodshow" Tyson called running up with a sash around his torso signifying him as a torch runner. "Sorry I'm late I'm Tyson the Torch Runner."

"Not a problem at all Tyson" Mr. Goodshow said. "It appears that the torch just arrived as well."

"Hey Mr. Goodshow" Ash greeted walking up with May and Max.

Mr. Goodshow grinned widely "If it isn't my old friend Ash. How are doing my boy?"

"I'm just fine Mr. Goodshow" Ash said grinning back.

May and Max looked at Ash in surprise, "Wait isn't Mr. Goodshow the Leader of the Pokémon League?"

"Then how do you know him Ash" May asked.

"Oh because I use to be a Torch Runner as well" Ash said surprising them again.

"Yes indeed back in the Johto League and the Indigo League" Mr. Goodshow said. "And of course you gave us a wonderful battle back then as I remember having Lance present you with the victory trophy back at Silver Town."

Ash grinned slightly while Tyson stared at Ash in surprise, "What... you won the Silver conference back in Johto?" ash nodded, while Tyson grinned, "Well Ash then I'm definitely looking forward to seeing you battle in the Hoenn League."

"Oh are you participating in the Hoenn League Ash" Mr. Goodshow asked. Ash nodded, "Well then this Hoenn League will be a great one."

The torch was then lit and handed over to Tyson, "good luck to the both of you" Nurse Joy said to Tyson and his Meowth.

"Thank you" Tyson said. "Let's go Meowth." Tyson and Meowth took off down the road with Officer Jenny riding her motorcycle in front of him. The crowds cheered as Tyson ran past them.

"Go for it Tyson" Ash shouted after him. Soon a massive limousine rolled up "Wow that car is really big."

"After you Mr. Goodshow" Nurse Joy said opening the door for him.

"Thank you Nurse Joy" Mr. Goodshow said. "Say would you kids like to come along as well? It's not like we don't have enough room."

"That'd be awesome" Ash and the others said getting inside the limo with Mr. Goodshow. The limo took off towards the Ever Grande Stadium.

As they were driving along Mr. Goodshow asked Ash, "So Ash how are your Latios and Latias doing? Will they be with you in the tournament?"

"Both of them are doing great" Ash responded. "We've been training hard together for months to get here. They'll be with me all the way throughout the Tournament."

"That's good" Mr. Goodshow grinned "I look forward to seeing how far they have progressed in a year." A little more driving later and the stadium came into sight, "Look kids there it is; the Ever Grande Stadium. The site of the Hoenn League's Ever Grande Conference."

"Wow it's enormous" May said amazed.

"It even has its very own Pokémon center for all of the participants" Mr. Goodshow said. "It's there you'll be able to register, find out matching information, who you'll battle and everything else you need to know."

"Speaking of Registration" Max said. "Ash once we get there you should go and register right away."

Ash nodded, "Right." After another five minutes of driving they got to the stadium. After departing from Mr. Goodshow Ash and the others went straight for the Pokémon center to register. Ash got inside quickly, "Nurse Joy I'm here to register for the Hoenn League" Ash said walking to the front desk.

"Okay I just need identification and all eight of your badges" Nurse Joy said. Ash nodded and handed her his Pokedex and his badge case. Nurse joy checked everything for authenticity and once everything was all sorted out Ash was officially registered. "Okay everything's all set. Here's your Pokedex, badges and an official Hoenn League Guidebook."

"Thanks Nurse Joy" Ash said.

"Ash you don't mind if I take a look at the Guidebook first do ya" Max asked.

"No go ahead" Ash said. Max took the book and began flipping through it. "Oh yeah Nurse Joy can you tell me if a trainer named Morrison has checked in yet?" Ash had met Morrison about two months ago when Morrison was still trying to win his last badge. They got into all kinds of competitions that was bad for their bodies, but it didn't matter to them. They developed a close friendship after saving their Pokémon from Team Rocket, but they also declared themselves rivals in the Hoenn League.

"Alright let me check... no I'm afraid he hasn't registered yet" Nurse Joy said.

Oh... okay" Ash said. 'Morrison you better hurry up.'

"Ladies and gentlemen the torch runner Tyson has just entered the stadium" an announcer said on T.V showing Tyson holding the torch. "And it was a magnificent run as Tyson isn't even winded."

"Alright he did it" May and Ash cheered. After that Ash went and called Professor Oak to ask for a few transfers for his matches. Once Ash was done the alarm started going off.

"We have a code one emergency" Officer Jenny's voice announced "Someone has stolen the torch. All squads are to remain at all exits and keep an eye out for anybody suspicious. No one is aloud to Leave the area until the torch was found."

"How could the torch be stolen" Ash asked running outside with the other two following. "Hey look its Tyson."

"Hi you guys" Tyson said disappointedly running up to them.

"Is it true and someone stole the torch" Max asked.

Tyson nodded regretfully, "Yeah it was right after I brought it into the storage room." Tyson explained what happened, "I just can't believe it; the torch was stolen right out from under my nose."

"By crooks disguised by people we trust" May said angrily.

"It's not your fault Tyson" Max said.

"There they go" an Officer Jenny cried. They were chasing a disguised Nurse Joy and Officer Jenny on a motorcycle. They were chasing them with their own Motorcycles with Mr. Goodshow riding with one of them.

"Cut them off" Officer Jenny said to the other one.

"Roger" she said. She rode her motorcycle on the edge and managed to jump it over them and block them off. "Now we've got you trapped.

"I wouldn't be the force on it" the thief said in a familiar voice before making a sharp right turn and driving towards the cliffs to everyone else's shock.

"They're heading for the water" Ash called running up with Tyson, May and Max. suddenly a Meowth shaped Balloon appeared and they drove off the cliff. They landed safely in the balloon while the motorcycle flew off the cliff.

"Criminals" Tyson shouted.

"You can't take our torch" Mr. Goodshow shouted as well. Then the crappy motto you all know and hate started playing and the thieves revealed themselves as Team Rocket.

"We should have known it would be Team Rocket" May said scowling.

"Yes you should have" Jessie said in her normal arrogant tone "And you should know what happens next."

"Us saying goodbye" James and Meowth said as the balloon began floating away.

"That's what you think" Ash said pulling out a Pokeball "Latios, let's go." Out came the Blue Eon Dragon with a cry. Ash climbed on Latios' back, "Let's go Latios; we got a Torch to get back." Latios nodded and they took off to the skies after Team Rocket.

Tyson stared wide eyed, "A Latios. Ash has a Latios."

Max nodded, "Yep."

"His Latios is looking as magnificent as ever" Mr. Goodshow said. "You should know Tyson. His Latios was one of the key reasons he won the last Silver Conference."

"Alright Latios fly in close" Ash said. Latios flew in closer to the balloon.

"Uh oh it's the twerp and his Latios" Meowth cried out. Latios got closer and Ash jumped off into the balloon and landed on all three of them knocking them to the ground. Ash snatched the torch flames from James.

"No don't let him get away" Jessie cried out. She grabbed the torch and it was a tug-a-war now, "Give it back twerp we stole it fair and square."

"I'll give it back when you three clowns get a life" Ash countered. "In other words never." Ash wrenched it out of Jessie grip and then jumped out of the balloon basket. Latios came flying in and caught Ash on his back. "Thanks Latios, we got the torch back so let's go land." Latios gave a cooed and a nod and flew back down towards the others.

"No he's getting away" James cried out.

"Meowth go and get that torch back" Jessie practically growled and tossed Meowth after ash. Hey no one told her to get a life and gets away with it... in her opinion at least.

"Ah... why me" Meowth cried flying downwards towards them.

Latios made it to the ground and Ash hoped off with the torch clutched safely in his arms, "Hey I got the torch back."

"Good job Ash" Mr. Goodshow said taking the torch. "But we're not finished with them yet." They noticed Team Rocket's Meowth fall on the ground. Meowth shook its head, cursed Jessie and James silently and stood up.

"I'll take care of this, guys" Tyson said stepping up with his Meowth. "Alright Meowth let's do this." Meowth nodded and jumped in front of Team Rocket's Meowth. Tyson's Meowth smirked and said something to Team Rocket's Meowth.

"Say what" Team Rocket's Meowth said indignantly glaring at Tyson's Meowth. "For your Information I am not a pathetic Meowth. Tyson's Meowth said something that pissed off Team Rocket's Meowth big time "Oh and you're the expert. At least I don't walk around like a pathetic Cowboy."

"Meowth get the torch" Jessie shouted.

"Oh yeah the torch" Meowth said. "Okay partner move so I can get that torch." Tyson's Meowth made a "come on" motion with its finger. "What, you daring me to come and get it. Okay partner make my day. Taste my fury swipe." Tyson's Meowth simply used its own fury swipe and got Meowth easily. "I missed" Meowth said weakly feeling the hit. "I'm not done with you yet." Meowth went for another attack, but Tyson's Meowth jumped and hit it hard with an iron tail sending it into the sky "You ain't seen the last of me" Meowth called before disappearing in a twinkle.

"Meowth come back" Jessie and James said pathetically.

"Alright let's finish them" Ash called to Tyson who nodded. "Latios ice beam."

"Meowth thunderbolt" Tyson called.

Latios charged up a an ice beam and fired it at Team Rocket and it froze them deeply and Mewoth's thunderbolt flew at them and shocked them while they were frozen and it resulted in an explosion that sent them off in the same direction as Meowth.

"I owe you two many thanks" Mr. Goodshow said to Ash and Tyson. "Without some quick maneuvering and great battle attacks we never would have gotten the torch back. But now thanks to you two the Hoenn League will go on as planned."

"Ash you're finally gonna compete" May said excitedly.

"And you're gonna do great" Max said.

"Thanks you guys" Ash said.

"Ash you were great back there" Tyson said to Ash. "I can hardly wait to see you battle in the competition. You and that amazing Latios of yours."

"Thanks Tyson" Ash said "You and your Meowth were good too."

"Let's make this a competition we'll never forget" Tyson said holding his hand out.

Ash grasped it, "It's a deal Tyson."

TIMESKIP

Now we jump ahead to the end of the Preliminary rounds. Morrison had managed to show up in time on the last day and register with five minutes to spare. They met Team Rocket again and they almost got Morrison and Ash again, but thanks to Tyson they were stopped again. The preliminary rounds began with Morrison being the first of the three to battle. He faced off against an obnoxious trainer named Jump using his Beldum while Jump used his Electabuzz.

Morrison almost lost since Beldum only knew Takedown and Jump took advantage of that by having Electabuzz constantly use protect to counter against it. Just when it looked to be the end of Beldum it evolved into a Metang. The battle then turned in Morrison's favor and he defeated Jump and moved passed the preliminaries. The next of the three to battle was Tyson against a girl named Vivica.

Tyson used his Meowth while Vivica used a Persian. Tyson's Meowth was very aggressive while battling the Persia. Meowth took some damage, but a massive thunderbolt from Meowth took out Persian giving Tyson the win. Meowth wasn't satisfied and tried to continue the battle causing Tyson to recall it with a sad look on his face. Later that day Tyson explained to the rest of them the story of Meowth. About how during the start of his journey in the Ever Grande forest he found Meowth after it was beaten and badly injured by a Persian. He nursed it back to health, but it's hind legs were badly injured so Tyson gave it the boots to help it walk better. It was a very sad story and it explained why Meowth was so aggressive towards Persian.

The final match of the Preliminary was Ash vs. Gilbert. Of course Ash used his Pikachu to battle. It was touch and go for a bit because of Hitmonlee having very effective attacks, but a massive thunderbolt took out Hitmonlee giving Ash the win. Now with the Preliminaries over it was time to light the main torch in the Ever Grande Stadium to begin the qualifying rounds. Because ash saved the torch from Team Rocket he was given the honour of lighting the main torch.

All over the Regions all of Ash's friends and family were watching this. Delia was filled with pride for her son as she watched him carry the torch up the steps. Professor Oak, Tracy and Gary, who was back home for a while, were watching as well. The torch was then lit and the crowd cheered loudly as the magnificent flames arouse.

NEXT DAY

Ash and the others were eagerly awaiting their first match of the qualifying rounds. "Come on show it already" Ash said impatiently.

"Calm down Ash they'll show it soon" May said

"What's the matter Ash nerves getting the better of you" Morrison teased.

"What... are you kidding" Ash said. He held his hand up, "See this, solid as a rock."

"Sure, whatever you say" Morrison said.

"Attention all participants of the Hoenn League" Nurse Joy announced getting their attention. "First of all congratulations to all those who made it past the preliminaries to the qualifying rounds. The remaining 256 participants will now be battling in a qualifying round with a double battle. In order to advance to the Victory Tournament a trainer must win three matches. In the end the top 32 trainers will advance to the Victory Tournament."

"That's gonna be me" Ash and Morrison said. The matchups came up on screen and Morrison and Ash immediately began looking for themselves. Ash found himself first, "Alright my match is today in Stadium C."

Morrison smirked, "My match is in Stadium E this morning. I'm battling first so it's definitely gonna be a win." Morrison was right in that aspect as he did win his match. He used his Growlithe and Gligar while his opponent, Gavin, used a Machamp and a Marowak. It was a tough match as Morrison took out his Machamp first and then Gavin's Marowak took out Morrison's Growlithe and in the end Morrison's Gligar barely managed to take out Gavin's Marowak giving Morrison the victory.

Now it was Ash's turn, "Ladies and gentlemen welcome to the fourth match in Stadium C." The crowd cheered loudly, "The two trainers participating in the match are Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town and Dominick from Fallabor Town."

"Hay Ash you better win" Morrison shouted.

"Oh I will" ash said hearing Morrison.

"Tropius, Swalot, let's go" Dominick called sending out his two Pokémon. Tropius was a long neck dinosaur shaped Pokémon with, what looked like, leaf wings on its back. Swalot was a massive blobby purple Pokémon with black diagonal shapes on its body.

"Alright Latios, Latias I choose you" Ash called sending out the Eon Duo who appeared in a flash with loud coos.

"Dominick has chosen Tropius and Swalot while Ash has surprised the crowd by sending out the Eon Duo Latios and Latias" the announcer cried excitedly as the crowd roared.

"Whoa I didn't know Ash had Legendaries" Morrison said shocked with wide eyes.

"He has a Latias too" Tyson asked May and Max surprised.

Max nodded, "Oh yeah Ash is a surprising person. He's had those two since Johto over a year ago and he's got more of them where that came from."

"Wait until later rounds" May said "Ash will just shock you even more." They all turned back to the match.

"Tropius fly into the air and use razor leaf" Dominick called. Tropius flew into the air and launched a mass of razor leaves at them.

"Latias dodge it and Latios charge at Tropius with your extreme speed" Ash called. Latias flew to the side and dodged the oncoming razor leaves. Latios flew quickly into the air dodging the razor leaves and appeared in front of Tropius shocking it with its speed. "Now use Luster Purge" Ash called.

"Tropius watch out" Dominick shouted. Too late as Latios' signature attack hit dead on and Tropius was launched towards the ground. When the blast cleared it showed Tropius out cold with swirls in its eyes. "Tropius" Dominick called.

The ref raised the green flag, "Tropius is unable to battle." Tropius' icon went dark signifying its defeat.

"Latios took out Tropius with just one attack" the announcer roared "To say that Latios is strong is an understatement."

Dominick returned his Tropius "Okay we're not finished yet. Swalot use sludge bomb on Latios." Swalot opened its wide mouth... well... wide and launched massive sludge bombs at Latios.

"Latios use safeguard" Ash called. Latios glowed blue for a second and the sludge bombs just bounced off doing no damage shocking Dominick. "Now to end this Latias use Mist Ball" Ash called. Latias appeared behind Swalot and launched her signature attack at Swalot. It hit Swalot and it was sent flying with a cry of pain towards Latios. "Now Latios finish it with Steel Wing" Ash called. Latios' wing glowed and it smacked Swalot hard in the head and knocked it at the feet of its master.

"Swalot no" Dominick cried. Swalot wasn't moving and it had swirls in its eyes.

The ref raised the green flag, "Swalot is unable to battle. The winner of the qualifying match is Ash Ketchum." Dominick's picture and Pokémon disappeared leaving Ash, Latios and Latias' picture to take up the screen with the word winner on it.

"And it's over. Ash Ketchum has won his first match of the qualifying rounds and without taking a single hit at all from his opponent" the announcer roared excitedly.

"Alright he won" May cried excitedly jumping in the air with Pikachu.

"He was awesome" Max shouted jumping in the air as well. "Both Latios and Latias didn't take a single hit form Dominick's Pokémon."

Morrison smirked and crossed his arms, "Of course no rival of mine would dare do any less." Tyson was silent, but he was smiling as he looked out at the battle.

"Alright guys we won" Ash said happily petting both dragons. "Now round two here we come." With his first round a victory Ash sets his sights on to round two of the qualifying rounds. With that over we scene break over to the next day where more battles take place. Tyson had won his first match as well and right now both Morrison and Ash were in the middle of their second match.

"Well folks we are coming down to the end of the qualifying rounds" the announcer said. "Ash and Clark are battling well out there, but it appears that Clarks Pokémon are having trouble against Ash's legendaries." Clark was using a Quilava and a Charizard while Ash was using Latios and Latias. They had already taken out Quilava without any problems and were focusing on Charizard.

"Charizard steel wing" Clark called. Charizard's wings glowed and it flew at Latios since Clark wanted to take out the strongest of the two first.

"Latios use psychic" Ash called calmly. Latias' eyes glowed and Charizard was stopped in mid air unable to move any closer, only struggle pointlessly.

"Charizard no" Clark cried.

"Latias dragon pulse at full power" Ash called out again. Latias held her paws together and a green orb formed and then she launched it at Charizard. It connected and Charizard cried out in pain from the hit. Once the explosion smoke cleared it showed Charizard falling to the ground with swirls in its eyes. Once it hit the ground it didn't move.

The ref raised the green flag, "Charizard is unable to battle. The winner of the match is Ash from Pallet town."

"And that's it" the announcer shouted. "It's over. Ash has defeated Clark and with two wins under his belt Ash will be moving onto the Victory Tournament." Ash's picture, coupled with Latios and Latias, took up the screen with 'winner' underneath it.

The crowd was cheering loudly and May and Max were jumping and cheering in their seats. "He did it, he did it" May cheered.

"Now it's onto the Victory Tournament" Max cheered as well. The three of them met outside the stadium, "Ash you were awesome in there" Max said.

"Thanks Max" Ash said.

"Ash" Morrison called running up to him. "Sorry I couldn't see your match. I just finished mine."

"That's cool, did you win" Ash asked.

"Of course" Morrison said pompously with a smirk. "With all the wins I've accumulated I'm moving onto the Victory Tournament. I assume you are too?"

Ash nodded also smirking, "Yep and I'm gonna win."

"We'll see about that" Morrison said. "You may have Legendaries, but that doesn't mean you're unbeatable."

While they argued Max checked his Pokenav, "Uh... guys Tyson's match is gonna start soon. We better get there."

"Race ya" Ash and Morrison said at the same time and took off running.

"they do know that they're going the wrong way" Max asked May.

May sweat dropped ,"Let them take the scenic route."

"Pika" Pikachu sighed from May's arms. They made it to Tyson's battle in time to see Tyson use his Sceptile's Solar Beam to take out his opponent's Aggron giving Tyson the win. The next round will be the Victory Tournament.