I hope everyone is doing Well in this stressful time, I know this story updates sporadically and it can be rather frustrating but just know this story shall continue.

I hope that this chapter and this story as a whole can be a break from all the stress and everything going on in the world right now. Enjoy!

Diego rushed over to the arena, his battle was about to start and he was almost late due to his focus on training. Thankfully for him, a nurse was able to restore his team and inform him of his battle before he was late. As he made his final preparations, he walked onto the field, confident that he would win and advance to the next round. He looked over and saw that his opponent was a girl that he didn't recognize, but she recognized him straight away...

"And we are back to the Indigo League Tournament!" Juanita announced.

"That's right! And we move on to the battles in Group B with our first trainers being Diego from Pallet Town!" Dallas announced. "While being the son of a former Kanto Champion Red gives this young man a very astounding reputation, can he live up to his old man's legend? Or do you think he wants to carve his own path?"

"And his opponent hails from Ecruteak City over in the Johto region. From what we've seen of her battling style, she enjoys toying with her opponents and taking them out slowly! Here's Oma!"

Oma looked at Diego with a fierce, yet eager look that almost matched the look he gave her. As Diego saw his opponent, he remembered what his friends said about the arenas and their effects. He averted his gaze to the arena and saw that it looked like a plain battlefield, except the ground of the field was a burning red color.

'I guess this might change some things...' Diego thought to himself. 'No turning back now though!'

The two sent out their first pokemon with Diego using his Krookodile against Oma's Salazzle.

"And let's go to the action!" Dallas announced as the audience cheered.

"Ohhh I can tell this one is going to be spicy!"

"Let's make this count Krookodile, Rock Slide!"

"Interesting move choice. Salazzle, use Sludge Bomb to destroy those rocks!"

Krookodile stomped its tail onto the ground, causing large boulders to rise and rocket towards the Toxic Lizard pokemon. However, Salazzle spat out a barrage of the toxic explosives which exploded upin making contact with the Rock Slide attack and either reducing them to dust or leaving them as tiny pebbles.

"You will not stop me from reaching my goal..." Oma announced.

"Crunch!"

In the dust of the explosions, Krookodile charged at Salazzle, digging its fangs into her ans causing the Lizard to fall onto the heated ground.

"Woah... Um... Can we air this on television?!" Dallas asked in confusion, a light blush on his face. "Parents with impressionable children may want to change the channel now..."

"Shut it you dirty minded Passimian... In fairness though, children with impressionable parents may want to pretend their watching My Little Ponyta."

"How dare you! As I was thinking of one of the men I am fighting for!" Oma growled

"One of them?" Diego replied. "You know what, let me stop before I lose focus."

"As you should! Beating you could very well be the ticket to meeting my beloved! And I won't let you stop me! Salazzle, use Flamethrower!"

Salazzle grabbed Krookodile to keep it in place as exhaled the stream of burning flame onto it, the arena's burning aura enhanced at the usage of the fire attack.

"Oh! And that's a scorcher!" Dallas announced.

It was a long shot, but upon seeing how the field reacted to the fire attack, Diego felt as though he got an idea that just might work.

"Ok Krookodile, lets fight fire with Fire Fang!"

The Intimidation pokemon released Salazzle from its jaws only for its razor sharp teeth, and the arena itself again, to glow a burning red.

Krookodile sank its teeth into Salazzle again, this time biting onto her head, with flames erupting out of Krookodile's mouth as it bit down. As the flames died down Krookodile released its target, who promptly collapsed onto the heated field with no energy left.

"What an intense Fire Fang!" Dallas announced. "I'm really getting to like this Superheated Field!"

"As long as we don't hear any more heat related puns." Juanita groaned.

"I cannot let you beat me and using moves empowered by the field won't save you! Tentacruel, you're next!"

"Ohhh, now this could be interesting. Both pokemon have the advantage against each other but the terrain favors Diego and his Krookodile." Juanita commented.

"True, but one important factor to consider with these terrains is that you never really know what can happen with them." Dallas added.

"If fire moves are atronger on this field, then the heat must weaken water and ice attacks, so Krookodile, lets use another Fire Fang!"

"The same trick will not work again!" Oma announced. "And to he sure it won't, we'll get rid of this field effect! Tentacruel, Blizzard!"

Tentacruel lunged its appendages forward and let out the attack. Despite the powerful move, the intense heat actually weakened the attack, which everyone could see from the steam forming.

"If the field powers fire moves then it definitely weakens ice moves! If you made it this far you should know that!" Diego taunted.

"And you should know that field terrains can always change and that a strong trainer must always adapt!"

While the attack did little damage, once the steam cleared up everyone was able to see that the arena was now no longer red but a basic tan color.

"Amazing! Oma was now changed the battlefield into a normal one!" Juanita called out. "Now both of them can fight on an even playing field."

"Oh but she took the fun out of the battle. That's just cold." Dallas added, his pun getting Juanita to roll her eyes.

"Huh?! You can do that?!" Diego asked in awe.

"You're not very bright are you..."

"I'm bright enough to do this! Krookodile, Earthquake!"

Krookodile leaped upwards and towards Tentacruel in an attempt to stomp on it for its attack.

"As I said, you must not be very bright. Tentacruel, use Hydro Pump."

Tentacruel grabbed Krookodile when he was just above using its numerous appendages before aiming its beak upwards and blasting the Intimidation pokemon away with the vicious water attack.

Krookodile landed snout-first onto the ground, sputtering and coughing after the super-effective attack before ultimately collapsing back onto the ground with no energy left.

"And what a turnaround! That first knockout just might be what Oma needs to turn this battle in her favor!"

"Ok so maybe I do need to learn about these fields, but that doesn't mean you get to call me an idiot! Raichu, let's show her!"

Upon seeing Diego's Raichu, Oma couldn't help but cringe...

"Ugh, a Raichu..." She grumbled.

"Yeah I have a Raichu, is that a problem?!"

"Not really, it just reminds me of a very... annoying trainer I met. But I won't just let you have the type advantage."

Oma then recalled her Tentacruel and grinned.

"Let's see how you fare up against my ace pokemon! Gourgeist, I need you!"

Diego couldn't help but grimace, unsure if this 'annoying trainer' she was referring to was him.

"Volt Switch." He said in a low tone.

Raichu used her tail to whip up a ring of electricity which she then grabbed and threw at Gourgeist, the Pumpkin pokemon could not react fast enough and was zapped, stunning it long enough for Raichu to retreat.

"If that's your best, then let me show you mine! Charizard, I choose you!"

Diego's mood lightened when his Starter pokemon was sent out. A sentiment his partner shared as Charizard looked back at Diego with a grin and trusting eyes.

"You think you have me cornered, don't you..." Oma chuckled. "We'll get ready for a cold dose kf reality! Gourgeist, Rock Slide!"

"That thing could use Rock Slide?! Charizard dosge it and use Flamethrower!"

Gourgeist let out a battle cry, summoning rocks just like Krookodile did. Thankfully for Diego, Gourgeist's Rock Slide appeared to be rather untrained, with it being slower and not as precise allowing Charizard to weave and dodge around the attack. Once the attack was over, Charziard unloaded its attack.

"Gourgeist, return!"

Oma sent out her Tentacruel again to take the attack.

"You thought I was aiming at you?" Diego asked with a smirk. Charizard blasted the arena, heating it up once again.

"Wow! Diego just reignited the battlefield and his chances of mounting a comeback!" Dallas announced.

"Keep the attack coming Charizard!"

The Lizard pokemon reused its attack, this time aiming at Tentacruel.

"Hydro Pump!"

Tentacruel attempted to stop the Flamethrower with his water attack, but with the intense heat of the field weaking Hydro Pump and powering up Flamethrower, Tentacruel was blasted by the flames and knocked back. It wasn't enough to take it out, but it did leave it burned and reeling.

"Now let's turn it up with Heat Wave!"

Charizard began to glow orange, and with a flap of its wings, a burning wind blew towards Tentacruel. The attack caused much of the arena to spark before igniting the ground completely. The wind carried these flanes to magnify the attack even further, burning the water pokemon so much that even though it was a resisted attack, it still did massive damage.

When Charizard stopped its attack, the arena was ablaze, flames danced around the battlefield, and Tentacruel was sprawled on the ground with its tentacles splattered around it, dehydrated and flat.

"Things just got better! That Heat Wave changed the Super-heated field to the Blazing field!" Juanita announced.

"Now for those at home who are curious..." Dallas began. "The Blazing field is similar to its predecessor, however the moves it powers up are strengthened even further and with the temperature pushed further, pokemon on the ground will have an especially difficult time, and if they're weak to fire they might as well throw in the wet towel. Figuratively and literally."

Oma clenched her first in frustration but quickly eased up and looked down a bit.

'I can't win... My last pokemon together might be able to take out Charizard but not what might come out next... No. No I can't just give up, if I do then I won't be able to meet Jack!'

"Mawile, you're next."

"A steel type as a last choice? Eugh, she's gonna regret that." Dallas remarked.

"Too easy, use Flamethrower!"

"Use Sucker Punch, Mawile!"

With a smirk from both of its mouths, Mawile leaped at Charizard and delivered a swift punch to its jaw. This punch was almost immediately met with Charizard's Flamethrower eviscerating Mawile and wiping it out.

"Things aren't looking too good for Oma, guess she just couldn't handle the heat!"

"Conversely, it seems like Diego just might have this all wrapped up. Oma's Gourgeist does know Rock Slide, but Charizard might be too quick and agile for that attack to land." Juanita noted.

"I guess Diego has this one all wrapped up."

Oma sent out her Gourgeist again without a word, both her and her pokemon had their heads hung low...

"As cliché as this may sound given the battlefield, I would rather go out in a blaze of glory than fading away!" Oma proclaimed as she raised her head in confidence. "If I want to meet Jack I have to fight until I have nothing left! Gourgeist, Rock Slide!"

"Charizard, dodge it and use Flamethrower!"

Empowered by its trainer's confidence, Gourgeist summoned the biggest boulders it could and forced them towards Charizard. But just as before, Charizard swiftly avoided all the boulders until it was right in front of Gourgeist.

For Oma, time seemed to move slowly as she closed her eyes and looked away as Charizard finished the match with one last Flamethrower.

"And there you have it folks! Diego has managed to make his mark and move on to the next round!"

"Aww yeah!" Diego celebrated, his Charizard flying over to him in joy. Oma recalled her Gourgeist and silently walked away. Diego saw her leaving and remembering what she had said about Jack.

'How does she know him? Did they meet when he was on his own or something?'

As Diego left the arena to search for the rest of his group, Sandra entered and thought of a last minute strategy for her battle.

'I think I've done it.' She thought to herself. 'This team may very well be unbeatable under the right conditions.'

"You're really taking this team planning seriously aren't you."

Sandra looked up to see her brother looking at her from the doorway.

"I get that you want to win, but don't push yourself more than you need to." He told her.

"You're one to talk, you try to act like every battle you have is the last one you'll ever have." Sandra retorted with a noticeable snarky tone.

"That's because of how we are as a family. Mom May use ice pokemon but she battles with a passion that matches my fire team. I battle the way I do because in a way, you never really know if it could be your last. Pokemon gain experience by battling but so do people, and battling helps us learn a little more about each other. But why do you battle? When you left on your journey I could feel something negative about it, and after seeing you on the news regarding what happened in Celadon, Mom and I got worried."

"Is that why you're here? To watch over me and treat me like a kid who cant defend themself?!"

"I didn't say that."

"You didn't have to!"

Sandra left for the battlefield in a huff when she heard the announcers, leaving her brother alone. He sighed and went to go watch the battle.

Sandra took her position on the field, not even bothering to pay attention to what the announcers or her opponent said.

'I can't believe them...' Sandra huffed. 'Treating me like a child... As much as I regret that decision, I joined Team Dark Star because I didn't want them to treat me like that.'

From his seat, Apollo watched his sister intently, while he knew that his sister was more than capable of fighting her own battles, he felt like he needed to help her become a better trainer in mind and spirit...

"Finally good to be home..."

A man and woman in the Hoenn region returned home from a day of work.

"You can say that again!" The woman said. "Time to rest and relax with a little television."

The woman turned on the TV, which currently showed the current bracket for the Indigo League.

"The Indigo Tournament? Wasn't our daughter in that school in Kanto?" The man asked. "I'll never understand why my brother bothered to even recommend her to that place."

"Honestly, that girl is a disappointment." Pandora's mom groaned. Dallas announced the trainers for the upcoming battle.

"And with thatt dominant victory from Sandra we'll be going on a short break before the next battle. But up next, its Pandora against Saki."

"Wait. Pandora? As in our daughter, Pandora?"

"How in the world did she make it this far?!"

The parents cringed and looked on in anger and disappointment at what their daughter was doing.

"Surely she must have just gotten lucky." Her mother grimaced.

"Hopefully she'll get decimated and see that she just isn't cut out for training pokemon and get a real job like a normal person." Her father added.

While the audience awaited the next battle, Pandora was anxiously making her own preparations for her battle.

RING RING

Pandora took a look at her PokeNav which had a message.

'Good luck out there, I'll be sure to watch. -Uncle Sidney'

Pandora couldn't help but smile, knowing that if anything, her uncle supported her. With a deep breath and one last moment to prepare her team, Pandora stepped onto the battlefield...

Alan couldn't care less about any other battle aside from the ones he was participating in. Alan himself was training further away from the training room, he didn't want anybody seeing his strategies.

A spherical black and purple mass shot up from the shadow of a tree Alan was standing by. The sphere then burst and a Gengar landed by Alan, who seemes pleased with Gengar's entrance.

"So you're keeping to yourself?" A woman's voice said.

Alan frowned as he turned to face the woman. It was Minh, his next opponent in the tournament.

"I don't like people." Alan answered flatly.

"Nothing wrong with that. I simply feel it's important to at least get to know you're opponent before you battle them."

"Because you think knowing that person will help you learn about their battle style and what kind of team they have."

"Not exactly. We're more than pokemon trainers, we're people and I believe we should build bridges as people so we can prevent groups like Team Flare and Team Galactic from popping up again. We already have that Team Dark Star bunch running around."

"I understand, so hopefully you can understand that I'm not interested. I already plan on beatinf you in the next round. If you don't back off then I'll make it worse and sweep you." Alan threatened.

Minh raised an eyebrow and turned away.

"Very well, but just know that I don't plan on letting you win. I will give you everything I have."

"I hope you do."

The sky began to turn a brilliant shade of orange as the time for Renée's battle arrived. Jack and Julia would watch from the audience while Diego insisted that he continue to train for his next battle.

Once she stepped onto the field, her eyes widened at the sight of the arena.

A wall of glass stood around the battlefield, which was even polished so perfectly that Renée could see herself within its reflections. A glass dome also covered the field which allowed everyone to see inside.

"And we're back folks! We're getting down to the end with Renée from Silver Village up against Kiku from Wedgehurst over in the Galar region." Juanita began.

"We're getting down to the end of the battles we have for you today but don't worry because we have a special treat for you today! We're showing off another one of our newest battlefield types today! Tell everyone at home about it Juanita!" Dallas added.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is the Mirror Field, which was a gift from a trainer in a faraway region though off the top of my head I can't remember who they were or where they were from... Nonetheless, this battlefield is one of the most mistifying we've seen yet, several attacks that people might not even think of can be unexpectedly useful while others might be an extremely risky play. If these two want to excel in this field, they'll have to learn the rules of this field and adapt or they'll get lost in their reflections..."

"Speaking of which..." Dallas said as he pressed a button on a remote he had in his right hand.

Suddenly the glass changed into a more reflective type that Renée couldn't see through but everyone from the outside could. Aside from herself, Renée saw her opponent, a girl that looked like she was just a bit younger than her. She wore a red furisode with a white flower design.

"So this battlefield is supposed to be new?" Kiku questioned. "I suppose us battling on it makes us trendsetters! Now let's make this one for the history books!"

"You read my mind!" Renée replied. The two girls eagerly sent out the first of their four pokemon; Volcarona up against Alcremie. This specific Alcremie was a Salted Cream flavor with a blueberry decoration.

From their seats in the audience, Jack and Julia looked surprised to see a Galarian pokemon.

"What is that?!" Julia squeed, adoring Alcremie's appearance.

"They said she was from Galar but what exactly is it." Jack said as he used his pokedex.

'Alcremie: The Cream Pokemon. The cells that compose its cream fluctuated suddenly upon evolution, giving the cream a salty flavor. This pokemon is also capable of Gigantamaxing, for it's Gigantamax form; It launches swarms of missiles, each made of cream and loaded with 100,000 kilocalories. Get hit by one of these, and your head will swim.'

"That sounds..." Jack trailed off.

"Delightfully devilish and delicious!" Julia giggled.

"I guess." Jack replied, laughing with her. Both became serious as the trainers were about to make their move.

"How do you think she'll beat it?" Julia asked.

"We didn't learn too much about G-Max pokemon or the Dynamax phenomenon in general, but all I know is that its not like Mega Evolution; not every pokemon in a species thay can Gigantamax can do so."

"Don't they need something called a Power Spot to Dynamax anyway, is there even one here?"

"I would assume so, I think the League in Galar sent over materials to make Power Spots here."

"Well my sister is strong enough to handle a Gigantamax pokemon! I know it!"

"Ok Volcarona, use Quiver Dance!"

"Calm Mind, Alcremie!"

Both pokemon powered up their stats, intruiging the announcers.

"Do you think the field can take their attacks if they boost their attack power this much?" Dallas asked.

"Possibly, but it mostly depends on the attacks they use. The mirror field is called that for a reason."

"Now Volcarona, Signal Beam!"

"Dodge it and use Dazzling Gleam!"

With a flap of its wings, Volcarona unleashed a beam from its mouth. Alcremie rolled to the left to avoid the beam, after which Alcremie reached its hands out in front of it and unleashed a flash of light.

The light reflected off of the mirrors, almplifying its power as it blinded Renée and Volcarona. Volcarona's Signal Beam also bounced off the walls of the arena, gaining momentum and power just like Alcremie's attack did. It continued to bounce around until it hit Alcremie dead on, despite its attempt to dodge.

Everyone watching loocked shocked to see how the attacks reacted to the arena.

"And there you have it!" Juanita announced. "Light based attacks and beam moves can reflect off of the arena. No matter how much you try to avoid it, attacks like those are unavoidable! But there are plenty of other surprises."

"This is one intense field..." Renée said as her vision returned to her.

"Definitely." Kiki agreed. "But enough gawking at the arena! Alcremie, use Draining Kiss!"

'This might go on for a while... Maybe Volcarona isn't the right pokemon to use here.' Renée thought.

"Volcarona, use Whirlwind!"

Alcremie blew a kiss at Volcarona, giggling as it did so. The kiss itself manifested as a pink cloud speeding towards the Sun pokemon, who flapped its six wings to create a mighty gust of wind to blow the cloud away into nothingness. Alcremie was blown back by the wind and right into its pokeball.

"Hmph, there go those stat buffs... But if that's the case then I'll go all out! Besides you're starting off with a Volcarona! So I choose you, Manectric!"

Kiku's Manectric roared proudly as it was sent out, looking at Volcarona right in its eyes as both pokemon got into a battle pose.

"You ready to keep going Volcarona?" Renée asked. Her pokemon responded by chattering and spreading its wings out wide. "I'll take that as a yes!"

"Alcremie was just the start, and just like my Manectric, this battle will evolve into something greater!" Kiku announced as she activated a Mega Ring, the mega evolved pokemon roared with enough ferocity that made it feel as though an actual crack of thunder had roared throughout the arena.

"Use Quiver Dance one more time Volcarona!"

"Manectric, use Flame Charge!"

While Volcarona boosted its stats further, Manectric ran towards the insect, building speed as it moved, quickly moving so fast that it resembled a lightning bolt cloaked in flames.

Manectric slammed into Volcarona, knocking the moth back.

"Now use Discharge!"

Before Renée could react, Manectric roared again and created an expanding field of electricity around it, shocking Volcarona and leaving sparks around the ground for a few moments.

"You ok Volcarona?" Renée asked, her pokemon was paralyzed from the Discharge but was able to move for the time being. "Alright, use Signal Beam on the walls!"

"It's stunned! Now follow up with Thunderbolt!"

Both pokemon unleashed their attacks, with Volcarona's attacks gaining power and momentum before finally blasting Manectric. Manectric's attack hit Volcarona dead on, centering on its wings for critical damage.

With the amount of power Volcarona built up and the momentum the attack had gained, Kiku's Mega Manectric was knocked out easily. Though while Renée's Volcarona was still up, it was breathing heavily and looked to be on the verge of collapsing as electricty sparked over it.

"What an astonishing trade off!" Juanita announced.

"You can say that again!" Dallas added as he leaned in to get a better look at the battle. "I never thought I'd see the day where a mega evolved pokemon would be brought down in one hit!"

"Ugh, I hate Quiver Dance!" Kiku groaned. "But at least I can get rid of the problem, Bisharp, you're up!"

"Volcarona, can you keep fighting?" Renée asked, the Sun pokemon struggled to stay in the air but ultimately powered through the pain. "Great! Ok, use-"

"Not so fast, Sucker Punch!"

Before Renée could finish, Bisharp sped forward and punched Volcarona in the mouth, causing it to finally fall unconscious.

"Ooooh, that's gotta sting." Dallas said.

"Why, because it's a bug?" Juanita asked.

"No, because Sucker Punch can be a brutal move. I may like puns but it's all about timing!"

As Renee recalled her Volcarona, she looked at its pokeball and smiled.

"You did amazing, take it easy and let the others handle the rest... Ok, let's keep up the type advantage; Riolu, let's go!"

Riolu emerged from its pokeball and looked around the arena in awe for just a moment before locking eyes with Bisharp, it could feel Renée's drive to win and matched its aura with her's.

"You should know that type advantages don't mean much if you know the right moves. Bisharp, use Psycho Cut!"

"Riolu, High Jump Kick!"

Bisharp lunged at Riolu with surprising speed, Riolu however was able to match Bisharp's speed and leaped upward. Bisharp stopped charging and leaped at Riolu, its blade arm sharpening and glowing purple, Riolu dove towards its foe with it's foot outstretched, the two pokemon clashed with Riolu's kick landing on Bisharp's face and Bisharp slashing Riolu's torso.

The power output the two pokemon gave off blasted the two apart, causing Riolu to be launched onto the ceiling of the arena and Bisharp to plummet to the floor, both of which cracked and scattered glass shards onto the two pokemon, causing them both additional damage.

"Ah, and there we have another wonderful aspect of this field!" Juanita began. "One misplaced physical attack or in this case, unfortunate clash, and you'll crash into the glass walls and hury yourself. Careful trainers!"

"Well I guess that's why they say breaking mirrors is bad luck." Renée sighed.

"Maybe, but you'll be the one with the worse luck! Bisharp, Iron Head!"

"Dodge it Riolu!"

Bisharp rushed at the Emanation pokemon again in order to drive its axe head into it, but Riolu quickly managed to avoid the attack by jumping to the side. Renée then smirked as she seemed to notice something.

"Don't give them a second to counterattack! Use Psycho Cut!"

"Just keep dodging!"

Bisharp then switched to using its arms, swiping at its target who continued to avoid the attacks by jumping backwards.

With one final swipe, Bisharp backed Riolu up against one of the walls of the arena.

"Now jump over it!" Renée ordered. Bisharp swiped for Riolu one last time, missing jts mark and slamming its arm into the wall and hurting itself, giving Riolu the chance to jump over the Sword Blade pokemon.

"That won't work!" Kiku announced. Bisharp regained its focus and turned around to face its foe. "Use Low Sweep."

Using the glossy floor as a way to pick up speed, Bisharp slid towards Riolu with a smirk on its face and its leg outstretched and ready to trip the Emanation pokemon.

"Fine then, guess we'll make this with a bit more style! Riolu, jump up and use Aura Storm!"

With one big leap, Riolu avoided the Low Sweep and charged the beam attack while in midair. Bisharp could only look up in fear, with a bead of sweat dripping down its axe head as the attack blasted it from above.

Once the bright light of the attack faded, Bisharp was left knocked out as Riolu landed back on the ground, careful not to damage itself on the glass.

"And with an amazing Aura Storm, Renée has taken the numbers advantage, but can she keep it up?" Dallas exclaimed.

"I doubt it." Kiku remarked as she sent out her next team member: Dusknoir.

The Gripper pokemon raised its hands upwards and outwards as it opened the jaw on its abdomen in an attempt to intimidate Renée and Riolu. The two stood their ground, though not without a bead of sweat out of nerves from the metaphorical mountain they would have to climb.

From the audience, Julia shivered in her seat at the sight of Dusknoir.

"I thought you got over your feae of ghosts?" Jack asked.

"M-maybe not completely."

'Riolu can't do much here, I need to switch it out amd send Ampharos in...'

Renée reached for Riolu's pokeball but Kiku was quicker on the draw.

"Not so fast! Dusknoir, Mean Look!"

Dusknoir's eye began to glow purple as it released a wave of black and purple energy around it. The wave washed over Riolu, covering it with an aura of the same energy. Renée tried recalling her pokemon but to no avail.

"Theres no running now!" Kiku taunted.

"Then we'll fight! Riolu, use Metal Claw!"

Despite the difference in size, Riolu stood its ground and ran at Dusknoir with its right paw gaining a silver aura that turned into a sharp claw. As it got closer, a smile formed on Kiku's face.

Riolu slashed Dusknoir, with the Gripper pokemon seemingly struck hard ny the attack.

"Now, Possess!"

Dusknoir, who was faking the pain, turned pitch black and dove at Riolu, envolping its body in shadow and contorting its body into painful shapes before leaving Riolu's body and allowing it to collapse onto the ground with no energy left to battle.

Juanita glanced at Dallas, preparing a verbal comeback in case he decided to make a pun but thankfully he didnt make one.

"Wow, what an intense Possession attack! It's tied up once again, is this Kiku's chance to make a comeback?"

"Well you used your Mega Evolution, it's only fair for me to use mine!"

Renée sent out her Ampharos, the red orbs on its head and tail shone brightly as it began to show off its electric power.

"Ampharos, not bad, but my Dusknoir isn't like anything you've faced until now, I guarantee it! Dusknoir, let's show them!

"Then show me!" Renée challenged as she activated her Key Stone. "Ampharos, Charge Beam!"

Just as Manectric did, Ampharos mega evolved and with its new mane sparking; it sent out the beam of electricity. The Charge Beam bounced around the walls just like Signal Beam, gaining power as well.

"Not this again..." Kiku groaned, then she saw the beam heading right towards her Dusknoir and another smirk formed on her face.

As the beam struck Dusknoir, the force sent it sliding over to Ampharos, who gained a boost from the effect of its attack.

"Now Dusknoir, use Possess again!"

Dusknoir envoloped Ampharos just as it had done to Riolu, though the mega evolved pokemon had enough strength to try fighting back.

"Ampharos, quick! Use Dragon Pulse!" Renée pleaded. Ampharos' movements began to become more dizzying, with the area by its mouth beginning to expand. Eventually, Dusknoir was physically blasted off of Ampharos, who was revealed to be confused from the attack. Dusknoir however was breathing heavily as it struggled to get up after the blow, burn marks visible on its abdomen from the Dragon Pulse.

"Now Ampharos, focus and use Charge Beam!"

"Dusknoir, you have to get up! Ice Punch!"

Ampharos slipped and used its attack upward, however the mirrors bounced tje beam around again, and with Dusknoir still recovering from the previous attack, it had now way of avoiding the Charge Beam. This final hit was enough to knock out Dusknoir and power up Ampharos even more.

"And Kiku is down to her Alcremie, Renée is in prime position to end this battle, but her mega Ampharos is looking a bit unsteady..." Dallas stated, his interest in the battle now reaching its peak.

"Alcremie took a bit if damage though, can it pull through for a clutch victory?" Juanita proposed.

Kiku sent out her Alcremie, she looked less sure of her chances of winning but she continued to battle.

"Alcremie, use Draining Kiss!"

Alcremie blew a kiss to Ampharos, who was too dazed to try retaliating, despite Renée pleas to snap out of its confusion. As the kiss connected, a pink ball of enerhy arose from Ampharos and sped to Alcremie, who absorbed it and regained some of its energy.

"Hmm, maybe that little creampuff still has some fight in it after all." Juanita laughed.

"Ok Alcremie, it's weakened, finish it off with Dazzling Gleam!"

"Ampharos please, you have to use Thunderbolt!" Renée begged.

Ampharos snapped out of confusion and attacked at the same time Alcremie did, as the flash of light from Dazzling Gleam blinded everyone, the sounds of the Thunderbolt rang out.

Once the light faded, Ampharos was revealed to be knocked out, but Alcremie was still standing, it was burned from the electricity and gasping for breath as its left eye was closed tight from the stinging pain of the paralysis brought on by the electric again.

"Wow! Now if that doesn't speak to how bright the futures of these two are then I don't know what will!"

"Dallas, I will strangle you."

"Guess its down to this." Renée said calmly.

"Yeah." Kiku replied. "And y'know whatever happens, this was fun."

The two girls smiled as Renée sent out her last pokemon: a Porygon-Z.

The Virtual pokemon spasmed a bit as it was sent out before finally assuming a proper battle position.

"Alcremie, use Dazzling Gleam one more time!"

"Use Tri-Attack!"

Alcremie attempted to use its attack again, but the paraysis prevented it from moving, allowing Porygon-Z to create a 3-D pyramid of red, white, and Yellow that it sent towards the Cream pokemon. The attack warped the mirrors into indescribable shapes, everyone was in awe at what appeared to be reality itself bending to the attack, which finally made contact with Alcremie in one last explosion.

As the smoke cleared, Alcremie was revealed to be knocked out in a puddle of itself, and with Kiku out of pokemon, the mirrors reverted back into glass windows.

"And it's all over folks! Renée wins the battle and advances to the next round!" Juanita announced.

"Well, hopefully we set the bar for what's to come in this tournament." Kiku sighed, despite this she smiled and turned to leave. "Be seeing you."

Renée returned the smile as she went to go to her friends.

"That was so amazing!" Julia squealed. "And we all made it to the next round!"

The group were all sitting in the lobby of the hotel, taking it easy after their busy day.

"I heard your battle was pretty great, but my next one will be even better!" Diego assured, Renée couldn't help but laugh at his confidence.

"I'm sure it will!"

"That arena was intense though." Jack noted. "Makes you wonder what else this tournament will bring out."

"Well no matter what it brings out, I'll be the one standing on top!"

"Are you sure about that?"

The group turned and saw Sandra and Max sranding before them.

"Hey you two! Good to see you again!" Julia greeted cheerfully.

"Likewise." Sandra said, though her tone was rather flat and businesslike.

"A pleasure." Max sounded much more cordial than his associate.

"I came to discuss something with Diego regarding our upcoming battle. You're a strong trainer, there is no denying it..."

"Yup, and you'll see that for yourself." Diego beamed.

"I'm sure I will, but I have the superior brainpower and a strategy that has never. I repeat, never failed me. So when we face each other, please don't get discouraged when I win. You always have the option to give up while you're ahead."

"In your dreams!" Diego proclaimed, now burning with an intense rage at his next opponent.

"Then I suppose you'll just have to see your chances of winning burn up tomorrow." Sandra said as she turned and walked away.

"She can be a bit... Blunt at times." Max began. "Although she's been especially fired up now, I assume since her brother is here watching her. Now I too have a message; Jack, I intend to win my next battle. I assume you do as well. If that were to happen then we would have to face each other."

"Are you going to ask me to give up as well?" Jack asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Quite the contrary, actually. Just as your friends are, I know you are incredibly strong. Strong enough to take on the boss of Team Dark Star. I know you will be a challenge to beat so I intend to bring my best against you, even if it means showing the true horrific power of my pokemon!" Max explained, gaining intensity as he spoke though he calmed down as he finished.

"I hope that when we do battle, it will be one for the ages!" Max said finally as he followed Sandra. "Wait for me!"

"Hehe, those two are certainly a pair." Renée giggled.

The moon was a bright white waxing crescent in the sky as Oma solemnly walked down a hallway in the hotel. She had lost the battle and her hope of meeting one of the two trainers she had been hoping to.

After a long day of trying to at least enjoy everything that the tournament had to offer, she was on her way back to her room when her eyes widened in shock.

There was Jack, just about to enter his room. She hurried over to him, her face now sticking out as a distinctive red color as opposed to the darkness of the night and the pale moonlight of the moon. The sound of her footsteps caught his attention as he turned to face her.

"Hm? Oh hi, you're the trainer Diego faced earlier. Your name's Oma, right?" He asked, she nodded intensely but she couldn't seem to say anything.

"Well its nice to meet you, sorry if my friend was a bit brutal during the battle, he tends to get that way sometimes."

"G-good luck! I'll root for you!" Oma managed to say with a polite bow.

"Heh, thanks!" Jack smiled as he entered his room. Oma stood in the same spot for a moment, beaming with joy.

'So that's what Jack is like, he truly is a kind man!' Oma thought to herself. 'I hope I can meet Alan soon too!'

She may not have said much but she at least met someone she admired, and with her mood lifted, she headed to her room, where she knew she would at least be able to sleep soundly tonight.

Thank you all for being so patient, and keep holding on. The battles coming up will only prove to be more intense. The fields, as some of you may have already guessed, were inspired by the fan game Pokemon Reborn, which features the fields shown and more. While the effects shown in this chapter don't even begin to cover how complex they are, I thought it would be an interesting addition to the story amd I encourage you to play it if you get the chance.

As for now, I hope you enjoyed the chapter!

New Move:

Possess

Ggost Type

120 Power

75 Accuracy

The user takes control of its target using ghostly energy, this may leave the target confused.