The glowing Prism Tower dominated the cityscape, casting golden light across the crowded streets. Bonnie squealed in excitement, Clemont adjusted his glasses nervously, while Serena clutched her bag tighter—her eyes sparkling at the thought of seeing Kalos's Champion in action.
It wasn't long before they ran into Professor Sycamore, who greeted them warmly.
"Ah, Marvellous! I was hoping to see you all. I've managed to get us VIP tickets for tonight's exhibition match."
"VIP tickets?" Bonnie gasped, eyes wide.
"That's right," the professor chuckled. "And more than that, I've arranged access to the locker rooms. I'm waiting to speak with Diantha about a special favor."
The group followed him eagerly through the massive stadium complex, the hum of excited crowds all around them. Inside a sleek waiting room, they settled in to wait. But before Diantha appeared, the door opened—and in stepped a tall woman with long blonde hair cascading past her shoulders, like a waterfall.
Cynthia.
"Pika!" Pikachu cried, leaping from Ash's shoulder to greet her. Ash's eyes lit up. "Cynthia!" He rushed forward, waving. "It's been so long!"
The Sinnoh Champion knelt, smiling warmly. "Ash, Pikachu—it's wonderful to see you both again."
She released her Garchomp, whose sharp eyes scanned the room, and she waved at familiar faces. Seeing her Ash also took out a pokeball and tossed it into the air. "Come on out, Gabite!"
The Cave Pokémon emerged with a roar, and then immediately chomped down on Ash's head.
"G-Gabite!" Ash flailed comically, but all motion ceased when Gabite's eyes caught sight of Cynthia's Garchomp. In an instant, the chomping stopped, replaced with awe. Gabite's gaze shimmered with stars as he stepped closer to its fully-evolved counterpart.
Cynthia chuckled and walked over, gently rubbing Gabite's head. "You've raised him well, Ash, though it seems he still loves your head." This brought about a round of laughter across the room. "This one has spirit." She then crouched to pat Froakie, who had hopped to Ash's side. "And Froakie... I sense great potential. He will grow into something remarkable."
Froakie croaked quietly, pride swelling in its chest. Serena smiled softly, watching Ash beam under the praise. Clemont and Professor Sycamore exchanged a look of amazement, whispering about Ash's uncanny connections.
Cynthia straightened. "Well, I came to Kalos to study the legends of Mega Evolution. And already the ruins I've seen are fascinating!"
Hearing about the ruins made Professor Sycamore and Serena perk up. They were reminded of Alain, who had just started out on a journey to master Mega Evolution with Charmander. Last they heard, he'd become a Charizard, but they were worried since Alain hadn't contacted them yet.
Before the thought could continue, the door opened again. In walked a tall, elegant woman with dark blue hair styled perfectly and eyes that gleamed with quiet strength—Diantha.
"My! I wasn't expecting so many guests professor." She paused, surprised to see so many people in the room.
Professor Sycamore greeted her eagerly. "Diantha, thank you for coming. I was hoping we might speak about—"
"Your request to study my Keystone?" Diantha finished, voice calm but firm. She lifted a hand, adorned with the sparkling stone. "I must refuse. The Keystone is a bond between me and my Gardevoir. It's not something I can lend away for research."
"I understand, but please–" The professor tried again.
"Alright, the next time I visit Lumiose City, if I have some time–" Diantha started, but was cut off by a scathing voice.
"Nope! Not happening!" It was Kathy, Diantha's assistant. "Right now, Diantha's schedule is jam-packed, and we have no plans to visit Lumiose again any time soon!"
The woman was coming onto Sycamore's face, but the handsome professor tried a different approach. "Your expression is as cute as ever when you get angry you know.
But the flirting didn't work and he received a hit on his face from the journal in Kathy's hand. She then walked back to Diantha's side while Sycamore rubbed his face. "Why don't we discuss this scheduling conflict over a little dinner?" He asked.
"Not happening!" Kathy shut him down once more.
While the others helped themselves casually, Cynthia sat rigid, arms crossed, a furrow in her brow. "Vanilla has the depth I like... but the oran berry swirl has more freshness," she muttered seriously, eyes narrowing at the two tubs like she was about to pick her next opponent in battle. "But what if I regret not choosing chocolate...? The richness would balance the parfait perfectly—"
Serena blinked in surprise. "She's... really debating ice cream flavors."
Bonnie tilted her head. "Wow, she's acting like that's a championship battle too."
Only Ash and Pikachu sat relaxed, sharing a chocolate cone between them. "Don't worry," Ash said casually, "Cynthia's always like this with sweets." "Pika pika," Pikachu agreed, licking happily.
The others nearly fell over.
Meanwhile, down by the seats, Gabite eagerly interacted with Garchomp, staring with admiration at the gleaming stone that hung around its neck. Professor Sycamore nearly leapt out of his chair when he recognized it. "A Garchompite!" he gasped, eyes sparkling with excitement. "I'm sure this battle is going to be just Marvellous!"
[Line Break]
After Cynthia and Diantha left for the battle, the professor led the group to their seating area. But before further discussion could spark, the lights dimmed, and the announcement boomed: "Welcome to the grand exhibition match!"
The group made their way to their seats near the field. As they did, they were greeted by a tall man with a thick mane of orange hair and a neatly kept beard. "Ah, Augustine," he greeted warmly. "It's been a while."
"Children," Sycamore said, "this is Lysandre, a fellow researcher and the founder of Lysandre Labs."
Lysandre bowed slightly, his voice rich and commanding. "A pleasure. My company was honored to help construct this very stadium. It has the ability to change terrains, simulating natural battlefields. I hope it will pave the way for Kalos's future—its progress, its beauty."
The group exchanged impressed glances as the battlefield transformed. From a deep pit, jagged rocks rose, forming a rocky terrain beneath the roaring crowd.
And there, opposite each other on the field, stood Cynthia and Diantha—their eyes locked, confident smirks curving their lips. Two Champions, two legends.
The stadium shook with anticipation as the rocky battlefield locked into place. The referee raised his flags.
"This will be a one-on-one battle between two Champions! Representing Sinnoh—Cynthia! And representing Kalos—Diantha!"
The crowd erupted in thunderous cheers. On one side, Cynthia stood calm and poised, her long blonde hair swaying in the artificial wind. Opposite her, Diantha smiled gracefully, waving briefly to the roaring audience.
"Cynthia, ready?"
"Always."
"Diantha, ready?"
"Of course."
"Battle begin!"
"Garchomp, Battle Stance!" Cynthia's voice rang sharp as her ace burst forth, roaring mightily.
The stands shook at its presence.
"Come forth, Gardevoir!" Diantha called smoothly, releasing her partner. The elegant Pokémon landed gracefully, gown-like body shimmering under the lights.
Serena clasped her hands with stars in her eyes. "It's so beautiful... Gardevoir looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale."
From the front row, Lysandre leaned forward, his orange mane catching the lights. "Yes... Diantha and Gardevoir embody beauty itself. Such beauty should be eternal..." His words carried a strange weight, but his gaze never wavered from the field.
The crowd roared, split between Cynthia's fearsome Garchomp and Diantha's radiant Gardevoir.
"Garchomp! Sandstorm!"
With a guttural roar, Garchomp whipped up a violent sandstorm, the arena engulfed in stinging winds and swirling grit. Visibility plummeted.
Diantha's eyes softened. No words left her lips, but Gardevoir looked at her, nodded slightly, and raised its arms.
"Gardevoir is using Calm Mind!" the commentator announced. "What focus—its power is rising despite the raging storm!"
Gardevoir's form shimmered, serenity shielding it from the chaos.
"That's amazing..." Clemont muttered in awe. "Even with the storm, it's completely composed."
Bonnie leaned over the rail. "Go Gardevoir! You can do it!" Pikachu chirped in agreement, sparks flickering excitedly.
Ash, however, pumped a fist. "Come on, Cynthia! Show 'em the power of Garchomp!"
"Charge in! Poison Jab!" Cynthia commanded.
Garchomp lunged from the storm, arm glowing with venom.
Diantha's eyes narrowed, and Gardevoir instantly released Psychic, hurling Garchomp back through the sand.
"Beautiful coordination!" the announcer cried. "Diantha didn't even need to speak—her bond with Gardevoir is absolute!"
But Cynthia smirked. "Recover, then go again—Poison Jab!"
This time, as Gardevoir prepared a Moonblast, Garchomp twisted sideways, the glowing orb of fairy energy blasting past its wing. The dragon closed the distance in a blink, striking with its poisoned claw.
Gardevoir staggered but quickly retaliated with Shadow Ball, forcing Garchomp to leap aside as the dark orb detonated against the rubble.
The crowd roared as the two Pokémon weaved through the battlefield, exchanging blows of elegance and ferocity.
"Swords Dance!" Cynthia's command rang sharp.
Garchomp's blades gleamed as its attack surged.
"Hold your ground, use Moonblast!"
Gardevoir unleashed another glowing sphere, but this time Garchomp darted low, the attack grazing past. In a blur of speed, it delivered another heavy Poison Jab, leaving a venomous gash across Gardevoir's side.
"Direct hit!" the commentator shouted. "Gardevoir has been poisoned!"
Bonnie gasped. "No! Gardevoir!"
Ash leaned forward, eyes wide. "Yes! That's it, Garchomp!"
"Now! Earthquake!" Cynthia commanded.
The dragon slammed down, cracks spider-webbing across the battlefield. Stone pillars toppled and tremors rocked the entire stadium.
"Steady yourself! Psychic!" Diantha ordered.
The fairy's power surged, bracing its footing and halting the collapse directly around it, even as the terrain broke apart.
"That's incredible!" Clemont exclaimed. "She stabilised her ground mid-Earthquake!"
Gardevoir countered with Shadow Ball, hurling it like a meteor. Garchomp spun aside, sand and grit exploding in its wake. It retaliated immediately with another lunging Poison Jab, catching Gardevoir across the arm before bounding back.
The crowd roared as the battle intensified, every dodge and strike magnified on the giant stadium screens.
"Garchomp's evasion is unbelievable," the commentator yelled. "It's turning the battlefield into its own hunting ground!"
Diantha's calm smile never faltered, even as her partner staggered from poison. She locked eyes with Gardevoir, and the Pokémon's breathing steadied. With no words needed, Gardevoir launched a sudden Moonblast, forcing Garchomp to shield itself with crossed arms, skidding back under the blast of radiant energy.
Cynthia calmly reached into her pocket, pulling out a sleek lipstick tube. She applied it with practiced grace before clicking the base, revealing the Keystone within. Her voice rang like steel.
"Now, Garchomp! Show your ultimate power!"
The stone glowed, resonating with Garchomp's roar. The dragon's body was engulfed in light, transforming, jaws sharper, wings blade-like. Mega Garchomp emerged, fierce and unrelenting.
Diantha swept gracefully, hand clutching her pendant. She spun once, then pressed the Keystone close. "Gardevoir, let us shine together!"
Light burst forth, enveloping Gardevoir. When it cleared, Mega Gardevoir stood tall, elegant gown flowing like starlight.
The crowd erupted, chants of "Mega! Mega!" filling the stadium.
"Garchomp use Earthquake!"
The dragon smashed the ground, quakes splitting the battlefield apart.
"Gardevoir finish this with Moonblast!"
The fairy light soared, colliding with the quake in a blinding explosion.
"Keep pushing, use Poison Jab!" Cynthia snapped.
Garchomp surged through the haze, arm glowing. Gardevoir loosed a desperate Shadow Ball, but Garchomp ducked low, letting the projectile scream overhead, before slashing its poisoned claw across Gardevoir's chest.
The fairy stumbled, gasping, but steadied itself with Diantha's silent encouragement.
"Fight back Gardevoir! Use Psychic!"
Gardevoir seized Mega Garchomp mid-lunge, halting it, then hurled the dragon back into the shattered rocks.
But Cynthia's eyes gleamed. "Let's finish this! Earthquake!"
Garchomp roared, slamming down with a final cataclysmic strike. The battlefield split apart, and Gardevoir responded with a massive Moonblast. The two forces collided, engulfing the arena in blinding light.
When the smoke cleared, Mega Gardevoir had collapsed, reverting to its normal form. Garchomp stood barely upright, then roared in victory as its mega form faded.
[Line Break]
As the roar of the crowd slowly died down and the stadium's rocky terrain receded, the battlefield cleared, leaving both champions standing tall with their partners beside them. Garchomp, though breathing heavily, still radiated ferocity and pride. Gardevoir, fainted but serene, rested gracefully at Diantha's side, her trainer kneeling to gently stroke her partner's face. The Kalos Champion smiled softly, whispering words only Gardevoir could hear before returning her to her Poké Ball.
Cynthia approached, her usual calm smile in place. "That was an incredible battle," she said, extending a hand. "Your Gardevoir is extraordinary, Diantha."
Diantha accepted the handshake warmly, her voice elegant and sincere. "And your Garchomp remains as fearsome as the stories say. Thank you, Cynthia. I couldn't have asked for a better opponent." She gave a small, almost playful smirk before adding, "To make up for my loss, how about we share some of Lumiose's special chocolate cake later? Consider it my treat."
Cynthia chuckled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Chocolate cake, hm? That sounds like the perfect way to end the evening. I'd be honored."
Before the two Champions could continue, the deep voice of Lysandre rang out as he approached from the edge of the arena, flanked by polite applause. His tall figure, framed by his fiery orange mane and beard, exuded presence.
"Magnificent," Lysandre declared, spreading his arms. "Two Champions, not only warriors of unimaginable strength but also paragons of beauty. Diantha, your elegance with Gardevoir was dazzling, and Cynthia, your poise and power unmatched. Tell me... should such beauty not be made eternal? Preserved forever so that the world may bask in it endlessly?"
The statement lingered in the air, causing a ripple of silence. Diantha gave a reserved smile, avoiding the weight of the question. Cynthia, however, met Lysandre's gaze head-on, her eyes sharp yet calm.
"Eternity..." she repeated softly, before shaking her head. "I have to disagree. True beauty lies in change. In growth, in fleeting moments—just like this battle. Humans, Pokémon, bonds... they all evolve with time. That is what makes them truly beautiful."
A flicker of disappointment crossed Lysandre's face, his smile tightening. For a moment, it seemed he might press further, but then he simply nodded.
"Perhaps," he said at last, bowing slightly. "You've given me something to think about." With that, he turned and departed, his footsteps echoing against the stadium's polished floor.
Just then, the group rushed in from the stands, excitement overflowing.
"Ash!" Serena called, breathless from running. Clemont and Bonnie followed right behind, with Professor Sycamore and Alexa in tow. Pikachu bounded ahead of them, leaping straight into Ash's arms as the boy ran up to Cynthia. Gabite wasn't far behind, his eyes shining like stars as he gazed at Garchomp.
"Cynthia, that was awesome!" Ash exclaimed, fists clenched with uncontainable energy. "Your Garchomp is amazing! Gabite and I—we wanna battle you too!"
"Pika-pi!" Pikachu squeaked in agreement, tail sparking with excitement.
"Gabite!" Ash's dragon roared, stamping its claws into the floor, eager to prove itself against Cynthia's mighty partner.
Cynthia's smile grew, this time tinged with genuine warmth. She knelt, giving Gabite an affectionate scratch along its head fin, before rising to meet Ash's eager eyes. "I'd be delighted, Ash. It's been some time since we last battled. Let's see how much stronger you—and your Pokémon—have become."
From the side, Diantha raised an intrigued eyebrow, her lips curving in a small smile. "Oh? Now this could be interesting," she said, folding her arms. "I think I'll stay and watch this one."
Ash's companions blinked in disbelief.
"A-Ash... you're challenging Cynthia?!" Clemont stammered, his glasses slipping down his nose.
Serena gasped, her heart racing. "He's really going to battle... her?"
Bonnie, eyes wide and sparkling, tugged at Clemont's sleeve. "This is going to be even cooler than the Champions' battle!"
Ash stood tall, Pikachu on his shoulder and Gabite at his side, staring straight at Cynthia with unwavering determination. The next battle was already set in motion; one that promised to shake the stadium just as much as the Champions' clash had.
[Line Break]
The stadium that had once roared with cheers was now quiet, its stands empty under the pale glow of the arena lights. The massive battlefield was still set in rocky terrain, jagged stone spires casting long shadows across the sand.
Only a handful of people remained: Ash, Pikachu at his side, Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, Professor Sycamore, and Diantha. Across from them stood Cynthia, calm and composed as ever, her Garchomp looming like a titan at her back.
Ash drew in a deep breath, eyes shining with excitement. "Gabite, let's give it everything we've got!" He tossed the Poké Ball, and Gabite burst out, letting out a guttural growl before immediately chomping down on Ash's head.
"Gaa-bite!"
"Not now!" Ash laughed, pulling his partner free. "You'll get to bite something else soon. Look!" He pointed to Garchomp.
Gabite froze, eyes widening the moment it saw Cynthia's Garchomp. The dragon's gaze burned with quiet authority, and Gabite's starry-eyed awe quickly turned into a competitive fire.
"Battle begin!" Diantha declared with a small smile, acting as referee for the training match.
Cynthia raised a hand gracefully. "Garchomp, Swords Dance."
Ash's eyes widened as Garchomp spun with lethal elegance, blades of energy spiraling around it. "That's trouble... Gabite, we can't let them set the pace! Use Dragon Claw!"
Gabite lunged forward, claws glowing a vibrant green, slashing with surprising speed. But Garchomp slipped back with a predator's grace, dodging cleanly before swinging its tail.
"Now, Poison Jab."
Garchomp's claw glowed violet, slicing down. Gabite twisted away just in time, the poison-laced strike narrowly missing as Gabite scrambled over jagged rocks.
"Woah..." Serena whispered, hands clasped. "Ash's Gabite is holding its own against Garchomp."
Clemont pushed his glasses up. "Barely. Garchomp's movements are on another level—see how it evades with minimal effort? That's the difference between a seasoned Champion's Pokémon and one still learning."
Bonnie gripped the railing tightly. "Come on, Gabite, you can do it!"
Ash's voice rang out, unwavering. "Alright, Gabite! Use Scorching Sands!"
Gabite dug its claws into the earth, blasting a torrent of burning sand toward Garchomp. Cynthia raised an eyebrow as Garchomp crossed its arms, enduring the hit. When the sandstorm cleared, faint burns crackled across its scales.
"Impressive..." Diantha murmured, watching Cynthia's frown deepen.
Professor Sycamore nodded thoughtfully. "Inflicting a burn on Garchomp... that changes things."
Ash pumped his fist. "Yes! Now, follow up with Breaking Swipe!"
Gabite leapt high, slashing with both claws. Garchomp staggered slightly from the hit, then its eyes narrowed.
Cynthia's voice was firm now. "Garchomp. Enough holding back. Earthquake."
The ground split with a deafening crack as Garchomp slammed the earth. Tremors ripped through the battlefield, shockwaves toppling spires of rock.
"Jump, Gabite! Get in the air!" Ash shouted.
Gabite kicked off a rock, leaping high above the collapsing terrain, narrowly avoiding the devastating quake.
"Excellent!" Diantha gasped, impressed. "To think someone would use the terrain to evade an attack like that..."
Clemont's jaw dropped. "That's... brilliant improvisation."
Ash's grin widened. "Now, while you're up there, Draco Meteor!"
Gabite roared, summoning glowing orbs of energy and hurling them down like a rain of comets. Cynthia didn't flinch.
"Dodge and counter Garchomp! Poison Jab!"
Garchomp darted between the falling meteors with impossible speed, closing in on Gabite midair. One claw gleamed with venomous energy, and with a single strike, it slammed into Gabite.
The smaller dragon let out a pained cry before crashing into the dirt, dust pluming up around it.
"Gabite is unable to battle," Diantha declared, though her voice was tinged with awe. "The winner is Garchomp."
Ash rushed forward, kneeling by Gabite. "Hey, buddy... you were awesome out there. Thanks for giving it everything."
Gabite growled weakly, nipping Ash's hair with affection before returning to its Poké Ball for rest.
Serena hurried down, smiling warmly. "Ash, that was incredible. You really pushed Cynthia's Garchomp."
Diantha folded her arms, eyes glinting. "Your ingenuity surprised me more than once, Ash. That dodge against Earthquake... only someone with sharp instincts would think of that on the fly."
Ash stood, brushing the dust off his hat. "Thanks. We still lost, but we learned a lot."
Cynthia approached, her expression softening into a rare smile. She placed a hand on Ash's shoulder. "Losses are as important as victories. You and Gabite fought bravely, and your creativity grows sharper every time I see you. Keep chasing that growth, Ash... one day, you may truly rival Champions."
Ash's grin widened, and Pikachu chimed in with a proud "Pika!" "Count on it," he said firmly.
"You're as formidable as ever, Cynthia," Diantha said warmly. "But for now, I believe we've earned ourselves something sweeter than victory."
Cynthia's lips quirked upward. "That special chocolate cake you mentioned?"
"Of course." Diantha chuckled softly. "Shall we?"
The two Champions exchanged a look of mutual respect before turning to the group.
"It was a pleasure meeting all of you," Cynthia said, her voice smooth as ever. "I'll look forward to seeing how your journey unfolds, Ash."
"Do take care," Diantha added, her elegant gaze sweeping over the young trainers. Then, with her assistant Kathy in tow, she and Cynthia exited together, voices fading down the corridor as they spoke about desserts with the seriousness only Champions could muster.
The stadium grew quiet again. Ash stood still, watching the direction Cynthia had gone, before lowering his eyes to the Poké Ball in his hand. Inside, Gabite rested after giving everything it had.
Ash smiled, a spark of determination flashing in his eyes. "Gabite... we'll get stronger. One day, we'll stand tall enough to rival Cynthia and her Garchomp. That's a promise." With that his grip on the pokeball increased.
AS THE JOURNEY CONTINUES!