The Final Dream

Twenty Years After

Ash's POV 

I stared down the enemy.

It was the World Tournament again, and this time, I was facing someone special.

"Charizard, Flamethrower!"

"Archaludon, Electro Shot to counter!"

The two attacks cancelled each other, and a massive plume of smoke quickly erupted from the spot where they met. 

"Charizard, Fire Blast! Full power!"

"Archaludon, Unleash Draco Meteor!"

The Lizard Pokémon charged its attack, launching a raging torrent of flames towards the opponent. 

Suddenly, Archaludon bent down, summoning its attack from the air and hitting Charizard with Draco Meteor, extinguishing the Fire Blast in the process. Charizard recoiled back, looking like he got hit hard.

"Charizard, are you okay?", I asked.

"Char... Zard.", he responded. He sounded determined, but also in pain.

"Alright, don't push yourself too hard. Use Air Slash, and try to avoid his attacks."

He flapped his wings, the familiar strokes of wind coming out and hitting Archaludon, who merely stood in place.

Suddenly, I realized what was happening.

"Electro Shot, Archaludon."

The Steel-Dragon type blasted forward a beam of electricity, striking Charizard hard. Worse, the attack seemed to power him up.

"Char...", he said weakly before fainting.

Not good. I was at my last Pokémon while he still had... Four.

"Let's go, Pikachu!"

"Pika Pika, Pikachu!"

"Alright, buddy. You ready?"

"Chu!"

"Gigantamax!"

Pikachu's body glowed red, increasing in size very quickly. He let out a roar that echoed across Wyndon Stadium.

"G-Max Volt Crash!"

Archaludon had no time to respond. The attack annihilated the Alloy Pokémon, and suddenly, my opponent's expression changed. I knew, too. It's almost over.

"Go, Sigilyph!"

The Avianoid Pokémon was released from its Pokéball, letting out a bizarre sound.

"G-Max Volt Crash, Pikachu.", I ordered.

"Sigilyph, Protect!"

However, Pikachu's attack broke through the barrier, knocking out Sigilyph in one shot. He let out another roar after the Flying-type fell down.

"Go, Ninetales!"

The white Alolan Fox Pokémon soon emerged, taking on a hunting stance and summoning snowfall across the battlefield.

"Ninetales, Endure!"

The Ice-Fairy type soon braced for Pikachu's attack, its eyes closed and its body forwarded in a defensive position.

"Max Steelspike!"

The metal thorns rose up from the ground, hitting Ninetales from below. She winced at the attack, but survived. She stood up, but the pain was visible.

Quickly, my opponent's expression changed. A smile crept across his face, as if this was all part of a plan.

I looked back at Ninetales, who ate a Berry. My eyes recognized it instantly as a Custap, one that makes you move before your opponent, even if they are faster.