𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗬𝗔𝗟

𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗥 18

Ash and Serena were sitting in the cafeteria with their new friends waiting for the fixtures of the next round. So far it had been more or less comfortable victories for all of them but this was where the real competition was going to begin. The best sixteen trainers in the world were going to battle each other. Bonnie had lost the previous round and was out of the contention but the rest of them were through to the next knockout round. The group was discussing their battles of the previous round when the fixtures of the next round were announced.

"Two weeks into the Masters' Victory Tournament, ladies and gentlemen, and we finally have our best sixteen trainers of the world battling for eternal glory. This is the last round before we proceed to full six-on-six battles. So far, we have had some gruelling battles, some landslide victories and of course some unbelievable upsets. The top eight seeds are still in the tournament as expected and have cruised through quite easily. Without further ado, we present on your screens the fixtures of the Round of 16. The winners will proceed to the Quarterfinals. On behalf of the Pokemon League and the Masters' Victory Tournament, Reporter Alexa wishes all the trainers their very best."

The fixtures appeared on the screen and that brought a predatory smile on Ash's face. He was battling Alain. He had never won a battle against Alain. Though that was in the past, Ash wanted to change the stats. The only ones pitted against each other in the group were Clemont and Diantha.

"The last one of your so-called friends. I guess you are ready for him, Ash," said Bonnie.

"Of course, I am ready. I would have been disappointed had I not been able to battle Alain. He is one of the few against whom I haven't won yet. I am going to improve my record." Ash replied.

Alain was in two minds. He was about to face Ash who had never defeated him. On the other hand, he had seen him decimate his other friends. Mairin was worried about him because Ash had been particularly ruthless against his 'old friends'. Alain was aware of that but he would not back down without a fight. He was going to take Ash down and continue his perfect record against him. It was time for him to choose his five best Pokemon.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the first match of the Round of 16. It has been a wonderful tournament so far and it can only get better from now. So, let's call our trainers for the first match. We have the former winner of Kalos and Hoenn League, Alain, on one side. And his opponent today is none other than Champion Ash Ketchum. Don't leave your seat people." The commentator announced.

The computer screen had chosen Ash to reveal his first Pokemon and he was ready to win it.

"Trainers reveal your first Pokemon," the referee announced.

"Come on out my dear friend." Ash sent his fastest Dragon-Type.

Alain had the perfect counter for Ash's dragon-type. "Weavile come on out."

Ash smirked as he said, "You can go first, Alain."

"Weavile start with Ice Beam."

"Dodge it, Noivern." Noivern dodged it in a flash.

"Weavile use Double Team and then Ice Beam again."

"Use Boomburst" Ash called his first attack. The Boomburst was able to deflect the Ice Beam along with all the fake copies of Weavile.