ℂ𝕠𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦 |𝚊𝚖𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚙𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚐|

1.

The battle between Ash and Steven had finally arrived. 

In the arena, there was an air filled with excitement and tension; all the spectators were eagerly awaiting the beginning of the clash between two of the world's top eight trainers. 

Ash was going over some strategies that could be useful when he received a visit in the locker room from Goh, Chloe, and Dawn.

<<Come on, Ash, you can do it!>> .
The blue-haired girl high-fived her best friend, while his adventure companions from Galar encouraged him to give his all. 

On the other side of the corridor, Steven received a visit from Alan.

<<You know? I envy you. I wished I could fight Ash again after the Kalos League>>.

Steven smiled, reminiscing about when he first met the boy from Pallet Town.

<<I can't wait. I want to see what he'll come up with this time>>.

 Alan laughed, then headed towards the door, when Steven spoke again.

<<Why didn't you ever come back? We waited for you for a long time. Where did you disappear to?>> Alan shrugged, then joined the other champions in their dedicated room.

ASH KETCHUM AND STEVEN STONE ARE REQUESTED TO COME TO THE BATTLEFIELD

After the final farewells, the trainers made their way to the battlefield.
They finally stood face to face.

Ash felt his heart pounding in his chest, his journey in the Hoenn region had been a period of growth and self-discovery, and now he found himself facing the region's champion, ready to show how much he had grown as a trainer.
On the other hand, the Hoenn champion had heard about the young trainer's incredible strategic abilities and his special bond with his Pokémon, and he couldn't wait to battle.

The spotlights illuminated the arena, and the stadium was filled with excitement.

From the beginning, it was evident that it would be a fierce battle, with powerful attacks and phenomenal strategies exchanged between the two trainers and their Pokémon, showcasing an impressive force and balanced control of the battlefield.

As the battle commenced, it was evident from the start that it would be intense. Ash and Steven engaged in a series of strategic moves and powerful attacks, while their Pokémon demonstrated remarkable strength and balanced control of the battlefield.

Things began to look grim for the young trainer from Pallet Town when Gengar was defeated by Cradily, leaving the fate of the battle in Ash and Pikachu's hands. After an excellent use of Electroweb and the defeat of Steven's second Pokémon, the electric mouse found itself facing the champion's third and final Pokémon, Metagross.

Despite Pikachu sustaining considerable damage, Ash refused to give up. He then removed his hat, tossing it into the air so it would fall on Pikachu's head. A light surrounded them, their energies merging into a single light as they executed a Z-Move. Colored lightning struck Metagross, but it remained standing. After another exchange of attacks, Pikachu managed to defeat Metagross with a final powerful Iron Tail.

Thunderous applause accompanied Ash and Pikachu's joy as they headed to the center of the field to congratulate Steven.

<<Great job, Ash! Seeing a Z-Move live was fantastic! I felt your strength grow and accompany your Pokémon during the battle. The trust your Pokémon have in you led to a fabulous victory!>>. 
 This was a step towards realizing his dream. He was happy, satisfied, and excited; a wave of emotions was engulfing him. He had truly made it to the semifinals!

<<Thank you, Steven. Fighting you brought back wonderful memories. Pikachu learned Iron Tail in Hoenn! I had a blast; thank you so much!>>
The celebrations of his friends continued for a while, with thoughts turning towards the impending party at the Pokémon Center that evening.

However, the party would have to wait...

The handshake between Ash and Steven was interrupted by a sudden disturbance.
Flames were hurled towards them from one of the side corridors, creating an atmosphere of mystery and apprehension in the tense air.

The flames danced in the darkness of the corridor, casting eerie shadows on the surrounding walls, while smoke enveloped the air with an aura of mystery.
 The crowd grew restless, exchanging worried glances and silent questions about what could be causing this sudden attack. Some stood up, others ran away and some screamed, adding to the increasing chaos.
Ash and Pikachu tensed, ready to face the imminent threat, but when the fog cleared, it revealed something unexpected: a Delphox, wounded and enraged. Its fur was covered in ash, tufts of fur lost, its eyes glowing red with a sinister light. Steven stiffened at the sight, prompting him to step back.

Everyone wondered what could have brought to that situation: some were screaming, some were crying, some were questioning what was happening...

Before Ash could fully process what had just happened, Leon, the champion, furious, mounted Charizard. <<This Pokémon must be defeated at all costs. Everyone, attack with me!>> he said firmly and resolutely.

The attendees looked at each other reluctantly, unsure of what to do in such an unexpected situation. However, Leon's authority was undeniable, and soon the other trainers joined him, ready to launch a combined attack against the Delphox.

Ash felt a sense of discomfort in his chest as he watched the action unfolding around him. While he understood the importance of protecting everyone's safety, he also felt that there was something wrong with simply attacking Delphox without knowing what was happening. 

He couldn't stand idly by as another attack hit the Fire-type fox.

"No, I can't watch this anymore... I have to do something," he muttered to himself.

<<Courage, Charizard! Now or never, Dragon Pulse!>>
No, he couldn't just stand by... he had to do something. Delphox had taken too much damage; another attack like that would be too dangerous.

<<LEON, STOP!>> He spread his arms, Delphox behind him, while the entire arena fell into a deathly silence. He locked eyes with Leon, angry, disappointed, determined.

<<Do you not see how scared it is?! I won't let you hit this Pokémon again!>> .
The monarch stopped, visibly surprised by Ash's words. Once he landed, he told everyone to stop so that the young man could put his idea into practice. He wouldn't hesitate to knock out that Pokémon if it harmed Ash.

Ash tried to approach the Pokémon, which for some unknown reason wasn't attacking him. Every step he took forward corresponded to one backward for Delphox; there was no way to calm it with words; action was needed, immediately.

He closed his eyes for a few seconds, trying to concentrate; then,  a light enveloped him entirely.

There.