Tryst with Destiny: The Beginning of the End (Main Story)

68 : Five on Five Battles Begin

<Author's Note Begins>

Now slowly but surely the more intense matches will begin. Some of you might notice a change in Ash and Serena's attitude. A little arrogant and they like rubbing things in their opponent's faces. You'll be like this is not the Ash and Serena we know.

And you would be right. They are the Ash and Serena trained by Dragon Emperor who has taught them everything he knows. The arrogance is an unintended side effect of becoming too powerful too quickly. The attacks that Ash and Serena use are not just on their opponent's Pokemon but on their opponent's mind as well. That is a big part of their overall strategy. Warfare is not just about physical fighting but also about psychological warfare which Ash and Serena employ.

But don't worry. Balance is the law of nature. If Ash and Serena become too arrogant then it will lead to a chain of event which will teach them a lesson in humility and restore balance. Things will get more intense from now on. The battles will be mature like the rating of the book. So till the time all the battles are over you must be a little patient and be open. Nothing including the way Ash and Serena's character is developing is without meaning. But what do I mean by this. You'll have to read ahead patiently. Enjoy.

<Author's Note Ends>

(Next Morning)

"Good morning everyone. I hope you are all fresh after yesterday's holiday and are now pumped up and looking forward for the next battles. The battle from today will get more and more intense for from today the 5 on 5 battles will commence. So trainers look at the screen and find your match up." Diantha announces before handing the mike to the referee.

"Interesting. It looks like I am going up against Gary." Serena says as she turns to Ash who is also scanning the screen for his match up.

"It seems I am going up against ." Ash says before giving a smile.

"What happened who is it?" Serena asks.

"I am going up against Ritchie." Ash says while smirking a bit.

"Ritchie?" Serena asks.

"Yeah. We met when I was competing in the Indigo plateau conference. I lost because my Charizard refused to listen to me. Actually that time it was the right thing I deserved. For I was a very immature and cocky trainer. But this will be fun." Ash says as his lips break into a wide grin.

"Well my match is in 20 minutes so I'll leave." Serena says.

"Go ahead. Knock Gary out of the park." Ash says as he comes closer to Serena.

"I will." Serena says before she gives Ash a quick kiss and walks off.

(15 Minutes Later)

"So Prof. Gary. How are you on this fine day?" Serena asks.

"Good. How are things going with you and Ash?" Gary asks back.

"Fine. Fine. Well interestingly this morning Ash and I happened to overhear a rather interesting conversation between Prof. Oak and his Alola cousin about how he walked in on you and Lillie while you were giving her a very THROUGH examination in your laboratory yesterday." Serena says causing Gary to turns crimson almost as if he has morphed into a tomato berry on the spot.

(In the VIP Box)

On hearing Serena's comment everyone except Ash look at Lillie who grows more and more crimson by the passing moment. Lillie looks at them and says "I had fallen down and got couple of cuts. Gary was-was-was j-j-just applying medicine on them. That's right, applying medicine on them." in a flustered manner.