The airport at Indigo Plateau was bathed in the morning sun, and Ash and his companions had long been waiting at the exit.
Pikachu stood on Ash's shoulder, its tail gently swaying, looking particularly excited.
"Mom and Professor Oak's plane should have arrived by now, right?" Xiao You stood on her tiptoes, trying to spot familiar figures in the crowd.
"According to the flight information, it landed five minutes ago," Brock said, looking at his watch.
Serena smiled and tidied her hair: "Delia must be eager to see Ash.
Making it into the top 8 is an amazing achievement!"
"Hmph, it's just good luck," Gary said, crossing his arms, but the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.
"But since Grandma is also here, I'll reluctantly admit your performance this time was decent."
Lucia chuckled: "You two are still the same."
Just then, two familiar figures appeared at the exit.
Delia quickened her pace as soon as she saw her son, a proud smile beaming on her face.
"Ash!" Delia opened her arms.
"Mom!" Ash ran forward and gave his mother a hug, "I didn't expect you guys to actually come."
"Of course we'd come!" Delia released her son, tears welling in her eyes, "My son entered the top 8 in his first tournament; how could I miss the upcoming matches?"
Professor Oak pushed up his glasses and said with a smile, "And we heard your opponent today is Xiao Huo?
That's your childhood playmate; what an interesting coincidence."
Pikachu jumped off his shoulder and affectionately rubbed Delia's leg.
"Pika Pika! (Long time no see)"
"Oh, Pikachu, you also did very well!" Delia bent down and stroked the Electric-type Pokémon's head.
"Alright, let's not just stand here," Brock suggested.
"The matches start in the afternoon.
How about we grab something to eat first, and then head to the venue together?"
Everyone readily agreed and walked out of the airport together.
Along the way, Delia asked with concern, "Ash, are you ready?
If your opponent is Xiao Huo, he must know your battle style very well."
Ash nodded confidently: "No problem, Mom.
Pikachu, all my Pokémon, and I are all prepared.
And..." he lowered his voice, "Lucario and I recently had a new breakthrough."
Professor Oak keenly caught this remark: "Oh? A new breakthrough?
It seems there's progress in the research of the Fist Plate?"
Ash smiled mysteriously: "You'll just have to wait and see the match."
The main venue of the Indigo League was packed, and the stands were buzzing with excitement.
At the commentary desk, Hoenn region's star Coordinator Trainer Jin and Kanto Champion Lance were already ready.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Indigo League Top 8!" Jin's passionate voice echoed through the arena via the loudspeakers.
"Today's match will feature a brand new composite battlefield, made up of four terrains: rock, water, ice, and grass, with an area four times that of a standard field!"
Lance took over: "Not only that, but starting from the Top 8, the match format will change to a 6-on-6 full battle.
After one side's three Pokémon are unable to battle, there will be a ten-minute break before the second half of the match begins."
"Today's combatants both have impressive backgrounds!" Jin continued to introduce, "In the red corner, we have Ash from Pallet Town, who has already showcased multiple rare Shinny Pokémon in this tournament, including Rainbow Eevee, a pink Shinny Dratini, and Ceruledge!"
Lance nodded and added, "And in the green corner is Xiao Huo, from Viridian City, a childhood friend of Ash.
These two Trainers grew up together and will meet today as opponents on the stage of the Indigo League!"
In the stands, Delia, Professor Oak, and others had found their seats.
Xiao You excitedly waved Ash's cheering flag: "Ash, go for it!"
Serena clasped her hands and whispered, "He will definitely win."
In the center of the arena, Ash and Xiao Huo emerged from the player aisle on opposite sides and took their positions at the ends of the field.
The referee stood on the central platform, holding up two flags.
"The match rules are 6-on-6.
The first side to render three of the opponent's Pokémon unable to battle in the first half wins.
Both Trainers, please prepare to send out your first Pokémon!"
Xiao Huo showed a confident smile: "Ash, I didn't expect us to battle in this setting.
I won't hold back!"
"Just what I wanted!" Ash responded with fighting spirit, "Let's both give it our all!"
"Both Trainers, please send out your Pokémon!"
Xiao Huo was the first to throw his Poké Ball: "Scizor, I'm counting on you for the first battle!"
A red flash, and a red Scizor appeared in the grass area, its metallic shell gleaming in the sunlight.
Ash took a deep breath and took a Poké Ball from his waist: "Lucario, I choose you!"
As the Poké Ball opened, the blue and black Lucario appeared in the rock area, its sharp eyes fixed on its opponent.
At the same time, Ash whispered, "Aura is with me."
[Another rare Pokémon]
[How many rare Pokémon does Ash have?]
[This Lucario's muscles are very strong]
[Aura Pokémon vs. Steel-Bug Pokémon]
Jin exclaimed in surprise: "Wow! Ash has once again sent out a Shinny Pokémon!
This Lucario's coloring is completely different from a normal one!"
Lance analyzed professionally: "Scizor is Steel/Bug-type, which is weak to Lucario's Fighting-type.
However, Scizor's speed and attack power should not be underestimated, especially its Bullet Punch which almost guarantees a priority attack."
The referee announced loudly: "The first half of the match begins! Scizor vs. Lucario!"
"Scizor, Bullet Punch!" Xiao Huo quickly ordered.
Scizor instantly vanished from its spot, rushing towards Lucario at a speed almost imperceptible to the naked eye, its metal pincers glinting coldly.
"Lucario, Detect it!" Ash calmly responded.
Lucario's eyes flashed blue, and it dodged sideways just as Scizor was about to hit, the Bullet Punch grazing its fur.
[Such a quick reaction]
[That prediction was flawless]
[Ash and Lucario have such great synergy]
"Now, Aura Sphere!" Ash seized the opportunity to counterattack.
Lucario condensed a blue Energy Ball between its hands, but this Aura Sphere was twice its usual size, emitting intense energy fluctuations.
With a low growl, the Aura Sphere directly hit Scizor's chest, knocking it back several meters.
"What?" Xiao Huo's eyes widened in surprise, "How could the Aura Sphere's power be..."
In the stands, Professor Oak nodded thoughtfully: "I see, Ash used the Fist Plate to enhance his Aura, and then resonated with Lucario's Aura, thereby increasing the power of the Aura Sphere."
Although Delia didn't fully understand, seeing her son's confident expression, she also showed a relieved smile.
"Scizor, don't back down! Use Swords Dance to boost your attack!" Xiao Huo regrouped.
Scizor spun in the air, its metallic wings making a crisp clanging sound, and its attack power significantly increased.
"I won't give you a chance! Lucario, continuous Aura Sphere!" Ash pressed his advantage.
Lucario fired three enhanced Aura Spheres consecutively, forming a triangular pattern that blocked Scizor's escape routes.
"Use X-Scissor to cut through them!" Xiao Huo urgently ordered.
Scizor crossed its pincers, attempting to slice through the Aura Spheres.
The first two were successfully intercepted, but the third Aura Sphere broke through the defense and hit again.
"Scizor is unable to battle, Lucario wins!" the referee announced, "Green corner, please switch your Pokémon!"
[The battle ended so quickly]
[That Aura Sphere was too strong]
[Ash's Lucario is practically invincible]
Xiao Huo recalled Scizor, his expression becoming serious: "It seems I underestimated the bond between you and Lucario.
Then, Rhyperior, it's your turn!"
A massive Rhyperior appeared in the ice area, its heavy body making the ground tremble slightly.
"Rhyperior's ability is Solid Rock, which reduces damage from super-effective attacks," Lance explained.
"This will be a tough fight."
"Lucario, can you still go on?" Ash asked with concern.
Lucario looked back at its Trainer and nodded firmly.
"Good! Then let's keep going!" Ash said with full confidence.
The referee announced, "Rhyperior versus Lucario, the battle continues!"
"Rhyperior, use Rock Blast!" Xiao Huo launched the first attack.
Rhyperior shot several sharp rocks from the holes on its back, covering a large area.
"Quick Attack to dodge, then use Metal Sound!" Ash commanded.
Lucario nimbly weaved through the rock rain, while rubbing its hands together to emit a piercing Metal Sound wave. Rhyperior showed a pained expression, its Special Defense lowered.
"Don't give it a chance to breathe, Drill Run!" Xiao Huo immediately followed up with an order.
Rhyperior lowered its head, and its drill-like horn began to spin at high speed. Its entire body charged towards Lucario like a tank.
"Jump up, then use Vacuum Wave!" Ash responded quickly.
Lucario leaped high, firing an air shockwave from the air, but Rhyperior was thick-skinned and seemed largely unaffected.
"The icy area restricts Lucario's movement," Ren analyzed. "And Rhyperior's defense is too astonishing."
"Rhyperior, Ice Beam!" Xiao Huo seized the opportunity.
A cold blue beam shot from Rhyperior's mouth. Although Lucario tried its best to dodge, its left leg was grazed, and its movements visibly slowed.
"Lucario!" Ash called out worriedly.
Lucario was panting, but its eyes remained firm. Ash suddenly thought of something and smiled: "I understand! Lucario, use the terrain! Jump into the water area!"
Lucario leaped with effort, jumping from the ice into the adjacent water area. The cold sensation immediately lessened considerably.
"Clever counter!" Watari praised. "The water area's temperature is higher than the icy area, which can alleviate the effects of freezing."
"Rhyperior, chase it, use Stomp!" Xiao Huo was unwilling to give up the advantage.
Rhyperior stepped into the water area with heavy strides, raising its forefoot, preparing to stomp down heavily.
"Now, dive underwater!" Ash seized the timing.
Lucario took a deep breath and dived into the water. Rhyperior's Stomp stirred up huge splashes, but it missed its target.
"Use Aura Sphere underwater, attack the bottom to create a whirlpool!" Ash commanded creatively.
A muffled thud came from under the water, followed by a whirlpool beginning to form. Rhyperior lost its footing and started to sway.
[What kind of tactic is this?]
[Utilizing the terrain is too clever!]
[Ash's ability to adapt on the fly is too strong!]
"Rhyperior, quickly leave the water!" Xiao Huo shouted anxiously, but it was too late.
"Final blow, a full-power Aura Sphere!" Ash clenched his fist.
Lucario leaped out of the water, a never-before-seen giant Aura Sphere condensed in its hand. It used the rising water current from the whirlpool to accelerate, striking Rhyperior's weak spot on its abdomen.
"Rhyperior is unable to battle, Lucario wins!" the referee announced. "Red Trainer, please send out your next Pokémon!"
[Two consecutive wins!]
[This Lucario is too strong!]
[Xiao Huo is in danger!]
The audience erupted in enthusiastic applause and cheers. Delia stood up excitedly: "That's amazing, Ash!"
Xiao Huo recalled Rhyperior, his expression becoming serious: "I really didn't expect you to defeat both of my Pokémon. It seems I have to get serious now."
He took out his last Poké Ball: "Electabuzz, it's your turn!"
A yellow Electabuzz appeared in the rock area, its arm's black stripes flashing with electricity.
"Electabuzz has powerful Electric-type attacks, and it's very fast," Ren explained. "Lucario has fought two consecutive battles and is very exhausted. How will Ash respond?"
Ash looked at the slightly tired Lucario and made a decision: "Lucario, come back and rest. You've done very well."
He recalled Lucario, then took out another Poké Ball: "Metagross, it's your turn to battle!"
As the Poké Ball opened, a silver-white Metagross with red eyes appeared in the water area. Its massive body shimmered in the sunlight.
[Another Shiny!]
[Why are Ash's Pokémon all so rare?]
[This Metagross is too cool!]
[Today is truly an eye-opener!]
The entire venue was once again in an uproar. Even commentator Ren was so surprised he was momentarily speechless: "This… this is another Shiny Pokémon! Trainer Ash's Metagross is an extremely rare silver individual!"
Watari quickly regained his professional demeanor: "Metagross is Steel/Psychic-type, it has no resistance to Electabuzz's attacks, and Electric-type has resistance against Steel-type. Electabuzz usually carries Fighting-type moves to deal with such situations."
The referee announced: "Electabuzz versus Metagross, the battle continues!"
"Electabuzz, preemptive strike, use Thunder Punch!" Xiao Huo quickly ordered.
Electabuzz rapidly charged towards Metagross, its right fist enveloped in dazzling electric light.
"Metagross, use Telekinesis to float!" Ash calmly commanded.
A blue light flashed in Metagross's eyes, and its massive body suddenly floated into the air. Electabuzz's Thunder Punch missed.
"What?" Xiao Huo looked up in surprise.
"Now, Comet Punch!" Ash seized the opportunity to counterattack.
Metagross's right fist in the air emitted a dazzling white light, diving down like a comet, heavily striking Electabuzz's back.
"Electabuzz!" Xiao Huo cried out worriedly.
Electabuzz barely stood up, but it was clearly significantly damaged.
"Electabuzz, use Light Screen to reduce special attacks!" Xiao Huo adjusted his tactics.
A transparent light barrier formed around Electabuzz, weakening the power of Psychic and other special attacks Metagross might use.
"Metagross, don't be afraid, use Bullet Punch!" Ash chose a physical attack.
Metagross charged towards Electabuzz with a speed unbefitting its massive body, its silver fists striking continuously like bullets.
"Electabuzz, grab it and use Dynamic Punch!" Xiao Huo took a risky gamble.
Electabuzz endured several Bullet Punches, then suddenly grabbed Metagross's arm. Its other fist charged up and then slammed into Metagross's head.
"Metagross!" Ash watched nervously as his Pokémon swayed a few times, but ultimately stabilized itself.
"Amazing endurance!" Watari commented. "Metagross's defense truly lives up to its reputation."
"Metagross, can you continue?" Ash asked with concern.
Metagross emitted a low hum, indicating it was fine.
"Good, then let's end this battle with a final Flash Cannon!" Ash commanded with confidence.
The cross symbol on Metagross's chest began to gather dazzling white light, then a thick beam of light shot directly at Electabuzz.
"Electabuzz, quickly dodge!" Xiao Huo shouted anxiously.
Electabuzz tried to dodge, but due to previous damage, its movements were half a beat slow. It was grazed by the Flash Cannon, falling to the ground, unable to battle.
"Electabuzz is unable to battle, Metagross wins!" the referee announced loudly. "The first half of the match is over, Red Trainer Ash is victorious! The second half of the match will begin in ten minutes!"
The entire venue erupted in thunderous applause and cheers. Ash ran towards Metagross, happily patting its hard body: "Well done, Metagross!"
Xiao Huo also recalled Electabuzz, then walked over and extended his hand: "A brilliant match, Ash. I won't lose again in the second half."
Ash shook his hand, smiling: "I won't let my guard down either. Let's have another showdown in the second half!"
[Too exciting!]
[Ash leads three to zero!]
[How will Xiao Huo counterattack in the second half?]
[Looking forward to the showdown in the second half!]
In the audience, Delia excitedly wiped the corners of her eyes: "Ash has really grown up, he's become so strong."
Professor Oak nodded with satisfaction: "The bond between him and his Pokémon is his greatest strength."
Gary, though still wearing a disdainful expression, had a glimmer of approval in his eyes: "Hmph, a barely passable performance."
Serena, Xiao You, and Brock, among others, had already stood up to cheer for Ash. Lucia smiled and said: "It seems the second half will be even more exciting."