No one dared to even breathe too loudly.
Every pair of eyes in the stadium was locked firmly on the battlefield, right where the two Pokémon's devastating attacks clashed.
But by now, it could hardly even be called a battlefield anymore.
The ground, strained to its limits by the overwhelming power of the collision, looked as if it was about to crumble apart entirely.
At the center of the chaos, two dazzling forces gripped everyone's gaze.
On one side burned searing, molten flames.
On the other, radiated a golden brilliance so bright it was blinding.
The Golden Water Shuriken—just what kind of move was it, really?
That was the question echoing subconsciously in every spectator's heart as they watched, their nerves stretched taut.
And Ash… truly was a remarkable trainer.
Many had already realized that this Ash was the very same person who had stirred up a storm throughout the Pokémon world.
Because of him, Mega Evolution itself had been introduced to the world.
And now, it seemed, he was paving the way for an entirely new path.
Just look at him and Greninja—how perfectly their movements mirrored one another.
Everyone, even the highest officials of the Kalos Pokémon League, understood this now: there were still countless mysteries hidden within the bond between trainers and Pokémon.
Alain's heart twisted with unwillingness.
Deep down, he knew the truth of his situation.
He had believed that with Charizard's newfound strength, they were ready to challenge Ash's Mega Sceptile.
But now, it wasn't Sceptile who stood before him—it was Greninja.
And even that Greninja had completely stopped their advance.
Yes… Alain knew very clearly that Charizard had reached its limits.
This was the end.
And yet, despite his frustration, he couldn't help but feel a surge of respect for Ash's strength.
Ash was a truly powerful trainer—one unlike any he had ever faced before.
Not even when battling against the representative, Lysandre, had Alain felt such pressure.
He had once tested his Charizard against Lysandre's Pyroar, and that alone had shown him how terrifyingly strong Lysandre was.
But now… Ash was the one standing tall.
The smoke began to clear.
Every gaze turned toward the center of the battlefield, where the two Pokémon stood facing each other.
Greninja and Charizard X locked eyes, each holding on with everything they had.
"Kroaaa!"
Greninja panted heavily, its body tired but still standing proud.
And though worn, there were no obvious visible injuries on its sleek frame.
Charizard X, however, was in far worse shape. Its body was riddled with injuries, burns and cuts evident across its scales.
"Gra… roar…"
Its mighty black body, once taut with strength, suddenly loosened.
Charizard X's legs buckled, sinking slowly to the ground.
And as it collapsed, its Mega Evolution faded away, returning it to its original form—Charizard.
"So… it's over. You really are too strong, Ash," Alain whispered, never once taking his eyes off his rival.
"It's here!!! Alain's Charizard has fallen!!! That means—the winner of the Kalos League Lumiose Conference finals, the champion is—Ash Ketchum!!!"
The announcer nearly choked before bellowing the words with every ounce of strength he had, his voice echoing throughout the arena like thunder.
Whaaaaaaa!
In an instant, the crowd rose to its feet as one, exploding into the loudest cheers and applause since the very start of the Lumiose Conference!
"This is unbelievable!"
"Incredible! Watching this takes me back to when I was a trainer, twenty years ago!"
"Haha! My kid is about to start his own journey soon—I'll make sure he looks up to Ash as his goal! Even if he only becomes a Gym Leader one day, it'll all be worth the sacrifices I made to send him to learn about Pokémon!"
Around the stands, spectators were sharing their stories with one another, their excitement overflowing.
"Ash… he did it! He finally became champion again. I always knew my son was the best," Delia whispered, her hands covering her mouth, tears welling in her eyes.
She knew just how deeply this child of hers longed to win a championship.
From Kanto, to the Orange League, to Johto, to Hoenn…
Through every journey, Delia had prayed for Ash's success.
Whenever she could, she had even gone to the tournaments in person, always cheering him on.
Ash was her pride. Her greatest pride.
"Kroaaa!"
Greninja turned its head, looking at Ash, and raised a thumb in salute.
Ash grinned, returning the gesture. Pikachu, perched on his shoulder, also raised a paw.
"Pika pika!"
Alain, with Charizard in his arms, quietly left the field in defeat.
At the judges' table, Professor Sycamore, Diantha, and the other Kalos League officials rose to their feet.
It was time to crown the champion.
Diantha herself carried the gleaming trophy toward Ash.
Before the eyes of the entire world, she held it out and placed it in Ash's hands.
"Ash, congratulations. As champion of the Kalos League Lumiose Conference, this trophy belongs to you. The trust and growth between you and your Pokémon are an inspiration to us all. Every trainer who strives forward should look to you as their goal. May they too carve their own path, just as you have!"
Ash accepted the trophy, taking a deep breath as a storm of emotions swirled within him.
After thanking Diantha, he adjusted his cap with a familiar, long-forgotten motion.
"Alright! The Kalos League, the Lumiose Conference—first place, the championship trophy… it's finally mine!"
"Pika pika!"
Pikachu's cry was joined by the roars and cheers of every Pokémon Ash had ever trained, as one by one, they emerged to share in the victory.
Pidgeot, Rapidash, Ivysaur, Charizard, Wartortle, Kingler, Muk, Tauros, Primeape, Snorlax, Lapras!
Heracross, Meganium, Quilava, Feraligatr, Noctowl, Donphan, Gengar, Tyranitar!
Swellow, Crawdaunt, Sceptile, Torkoal, Glalie!
Torterra, Floatzel, Electivire, Gliscor, Garchomp, Metagross, Lucario, Infernape!
Serperior, Emboar, Talonflame, Salamence, Gyarados, Hawlucha, Noivern, Goodra, Greninja…
Every single Pokémon who had fought beside him—whether in this tournament or in journeys past—stood by his side now, sharing in the glory.
Together, they basked in the spotlight, united in triumph.
Author's Note:
Up next—the clash between Team Rocket and Team Flare! Ash's final showdown with Giovanni is drawing near, and Hoopa's story will begin to unfold. The journey isn't ending here—it's only getting more exciting from here on out!
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T/N:
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