There are four rounds until the end of the tournament, but I will only write one battle, all the others will just be mentioned who battled and who won. Nothing more. I'm doing it like this because I don't feel like writing battles, and there really isn't that much need to them, so I can just skip them.

That being said, let's get to the chapter.

XXX

The next day, came the eight-finals of the Ever Grande Conference.

Ash, Serena, Amber, Marina, Macy, Venus, and Morrison all participated in this round, along with nine other trainers.

This round found Ash battle against Morrison in a full, six-on-six battle. Ash used his Grovyle, Milotic, Shiny Metang, and Swallow, to battle against Morrison's Girafarig, Growlithe, Gligar, Steelix, Swampert and Metang.

Morrison is much better trainer then the opponent Ash faced in the previous round, but, the Pokemon that Ash used against Morrison are also stronger than the ones he used in the round before. On top of that, all of Ash's Pokemon have recovered and were rested from the beating Ash gave them during the training two days ago, so they were ready to battle as best as they could.

In the end, Ash defeated Morrison, losing three Pokemon against him, while two didn't even battle. The Pokemon he lost are, Metang, Grovyle and Swallow. Milotic battled but wasn't defeated. As for the last two Pokemon, Ash planned to use Blaziken and Swampert, but there was no need.

After the battle, Ash and Morrison shock their hands with smiles on their faces. Ash was happy with the win, while Morrison was unhappy with the loss, but still, losing against Ash is better than loosing against someone else, as Ash is one of the best trainers in the world.

After Ash's battle, Amber won her battle against some unknown trainer. She, once again had an easy round and an easy win, proving that at this point, there is hardly anyone who can stand in her way, as all her matches were won fairly easily. Much easier than anyone else of the remaining trainers.

Serena, Marina and Venus also passed the round, by battling unknown trainers.

During her battle against her opponent, Serena's Ducklett evolved into Swanna. Serena was happy for her new Pokemon, as she was much more powerful than before, and it has been a while since she got, Ducklett, so it was about time for her to evolve. Still, she has a bunch of other Pokemon who need to evolve, but just need one or two battles to push them to reach that next level.

The one who didn't manage to get pass the top 16, was Macy, who was defeated by Tyson.

The rest of that day, was spent resting, and with all the Pokemon which battled, recovering at the Pokemon Center.

Since the rounds are now going day-by-day, there is no time to train, as no one wanted to risk one of their Pokemon getting injured or being too tired from the training and unable to battle in the next round. Ash has made that mistake, and learning from him, no one else will make that same mistake.

XXX

The next day was the day for the quarter-final battles.

In the first quarter-final match, Serena defeated Marina in a full six-on-six match. This has been one of the best matches so far in the tournament, as both trainers were great and had strong Pokemon. None of them have also limited themselves with using only their Hoenn Pokemon, which means that Marina has gathered one of the strongest teams she could, if not the strongest.

Serena did limit herself though, but only in a way that she was using flying and part flying type Pokemon, and no others. Still, since she was using her older Pokemon as well, she has made a very respectable team consisting of, Hoothoot, Staravia, Skarmory, Crobat, Pidgeot, and Gyarados. It was a powerful team, which has allowed Serena to go up against Marina's, Manectric, Magcargo, Froslass, Weavile, Magnezone and Tyranitar.

Marina has known that Serena prefers Flying Type Pokemon, and was expecting to battle against six flying type Pokemon, as such, has made a team of Electric, Rock and Ice type Pokemon, which have advantage against Flying Types.

The battle was long and hard for both girls. They gave it their all, along with their Pokemon, who fought to the last drop of sweat. In the end, Serena was able to pull a win, though barely, with her Pidgeot and Gyarados, pulling out the win after Serena lost the other four Pokemon, while only defeating two of Marina's. Pidgeot and Gyarados were Serena's strongest Pokemon in that team, and they defeated Magnezone, Weavile, Froslass and Tyranitar.

Marina has thus ended her participation in this year's Ever Grande Conference by reaching the quarter-final, and she was fine with that, as it's a big success to reach that far in any regional tournament, though she was also feeling a little bad, for not defeating Serena, when she was so close. I mean, her Tyranitar literally fell defeated just seconds before Serena's Gyarados. She was so close, and yet so far at the same time.

As for Serena, she was happy that she has gotten to the semi-final of the Ever Grande Conference, which is better than her previous participation in the Silver Conference, when she lost in the quarter-finals.

Amber and Venus have also went to the semi-finals after they defeated two unknown trainers in their quarter-final matches. Neither of the two girls, have had much trouble with their opponents. They won relatively easy.

The final quarter-final battle was between Ash and Tyson. In that battle, Tyson has shown to everyone that he was an amazing trainer, who has trained his Pokemon very well. His team consisting of Hariyama, Shiftry, Sceptile, Donphan, Metagross and Meowth, was a team worthy of winning the Regional Tournament. The same goes for Tyson. He was definitely a trainer who is good enough to win a regional tournament.

Unfortunately for him, as good as he is, there is always someone better. A better trainer with stronger Pokemon. In this case, it was Ash.

Ash has made a team consisting of, Blaziken, Swampert, Glalie, Dusknoir, Swallow and Shiny Metang. Technically speaking, it wasn't the strongest team that Ash could form, with Milotic being out, but since he had Swampert as a part water type in the team, he didn't need another water type like Milotic, and instead has used Glalie, an Ice Type.

That was the team Ash used to win the battle against Tyson, who was able to defeat Ash's, Glalie, Metang, Swallow, and Swampert. Blaziken and Dusknoir weren't defeated, but unlike in the previous round where Ash defeated Morrison using only four Pokemon, now he had to use all six, as Blaziken and Dusknoir, did fight.

With Ash vs. Tyson over, the four semi-finalists were known. They were, Ash, Amber, Serena and Venus. Right after Ash's battle finished, the semi-final matched were decided. It was going to be Ash vs. Venus, in the second match of the day, and Amber vs. Serena, in the first semi-final match.

XXX

That night, Ash and the others all gathered in the hotel room, where Ash, Serena and Amber were all congratulated for getting to the semi-finals of the Ever Grande Conference. It was a great success, especially since Ash and Amber are siblings, and Serena is Ash's girlfriends. Something like that has never happened before, that three out four semifinals are so close together, and even the fourth participant of the semi-final, knows Ash and Serena personally.

Another thing that was noticed by many, and that was commented on after the last quarter-final match was over, is that three out of four participants, prefer one type of Pokemon, while only Ash used different types. Serena uses only flying and part flying types. Venus only used poison and part poison types, and Amber uses fire or part fire types.

Trainers who only prefer one type of Pokemon are rare. It's ever rarer that three of them show up at the same tournament, and then manage to get to the semi-finals. It's literally something that has never happened before, and many doubt that it will happen again, any time soon.

After the dinner that night, Ash was dragged to his room by all of his girlfriends, while Delia, Amber and Max were left alone, to go to their own rooms. They all knew what was going to happen in Ash's room, and while all three were embarrassed by it, none of them wanted to say anything, as none of them wanted to be on the bad side of Ash's girlfriends, even if they are Ash's mother, sister, and Max being the brother of one of the girls in the room.

XXX

Ash and Venus found themselves on the battlefield, across from each other. The stadium was full of the Pokemon fans who have come to watch the battles and cheer for their favorite competitors.

This battle is the second semi-final match of this year's Ever Grande Conference. In the first semi-final, Amber was able to defeat Serena. It was a great match, filled with excitement, powerful Pokemon, powerful moves, and two very good trainers. The winner was decided by a lot of luck, and not that much by the skill, as both trainers have been pretty close to each other in terms of skill as trainers, and the power of the Pokemon they chose for the battle against each other.

Both Serena and Amber were the same age. They started their journey at the same time and at the same place. They traveled through Johto and Hoenn, pretty much at the same time, and the only difference between them is that Amber started traveling through Hoenn, few months before Serena. On the other hand, Serena has traveled with Ash, who is a better trainer then Amber, so in the end, both Serena and Amber, are all but completely equal when it comes to the level or skill and Pokemon they had. Literally a single speck of dust, is the difference between Amber and Serena, and in the end of their battle, that speck of dust is what decided that Amber is the winner and Serena the looser of the match.

In the last round of the battle between Serena and Amber, when they both had only one Pokemon left, Serena with her Mega Altaria, and Amber with her Mega Charizard X, both Pokemon fell down on the ground a split second from each other, and the referee has decided that Amber is the winner, because Serena's Altaria, has fallen first, a hair's width before Amber's Charizard.

After the battle, the two have congratulated each other on the great battle, and Serena wished Amber luck in the finals, as she knew she will need it against Ash… even though Ash still hasn't reached the finals, and still has to defeat Venus, there is no doubt in Serena's and Amber's minds, that Ash will win his match against the Poison Type Maiden.

Now, it was time for the second semi-final round. Ash vs Venus. Two trainers who have shown to everyone that they are great trainers, though in Ash's case, many have already known that, but not in Venus's case, as she is new and has never before competed in any of the League Tournaments. Which proves even more that she is good trainer, as not many young trainer manage to get to the semi-final of the Regional Tournament, on their first try. Ash and Amber were just two of the few, and now Venus has joined them in that small group of trainers.

As the two were standing on their sides of the battlefield, the battlefield being a rocky surface, they both looked ready for this. They have each gotten to the semi-finals, with relative ease, and have defeated some tough trainers on the way there, but this battle will be the hardest so far, and in Venus's case, the hardest battle of her life, as she has never before faced a trainer of Ash's level.

The announcer announced the match, said a couple of things about both trainers, basically where they are from and their history as trainers, before the referee called both trainers to release their first Pokemon.

"Swellow, get ready to battle!" Ash said as he released his first Pokemon.

"Crobat, you are up first!" Venus released her first Pokemon. A Poison/Flying Type.

After both trainers chose their first Pokemon, the referee started the battle. "Let the battle, BEGIN!"

Venus started the battle, with her Crobat using Supersonic.

Ash told his Swellow to dodge, before he used Air Slash.

Crobat dodged this, before it flapped all four of its wings, sending sonic booms at Swellow.

Swellow used Double Team to evade the Sonic Boom, before he flew toward Crobat, using Aerial Ace. He slammed into fellow flying type, and sent it to the ground.

This wasn't enough to defeat Crobat, though. It got up, and used Sludge Bomb, but Swellow dodged. Unfortunately for Swellow, the Sludge Bomb was just a distraction, as Crobat fired Cross Poison, right after. This time, it hit Swellow, and poisoned him.

Swellow felt to the battlefield, and was barely left standing, due to the poisoning. Ash saw this, and though of recalling him, but he knew that recalling won't cure the poison. As such, he decided to stay with Swellow, and see what happens. He was sure that Swellow won't be defeated this easy.

Venus told Crobat to use Steel Wing, and end Swellow.

Swellow noticed his opponent coming toward him, and he managed to dodge the attack which would have defeated him. Normally, it wouldn't, but him being poisoned, it changes the situation.

Ash went with Air Slash, as Swellow flapped his wings, and sent many crescent shaped blades toward Crobat.

Crobat dodged them, before it used Dark Pulse, but Swellow used Double Team to dodge.

Crobat used Supersonic, and destroyed all the copies of Swellow, but it didn't hit the real one. The real Swellow, was high up in the air, and was coming down fast, while enveloped in white aura, and leaving a trail of aura behind himself.

Venus, and Crobat were surprised that Swellow can pull of a Sky Attack, while being poisoned. As such, neither was ready, and Crobat was hit by Swellow, who slammed into it full-force, and sent the Poison/Flying type, crushing into the ground.

A small dust cloud rose, and covered Crobat, but it quickly disappeared, and revealed that Crobat is unconscious.

"Crobat is unable to battle," the referee called, as the crown cheered! "The round goes to Swellow!"

Ash smiled at the first-round win, and thanked his Swellow. "Take a nice rest," He said to his Pokémon, as he returned him to his Poke Ball. With Swellow poisoned, there is no need to keep him in the battle, now that he has won the first round, and gave Ash the advantage. As such, Ash decided to keep him in the Poke Ball, until the end of the match, unless he has no other Pokémon left, and is forced to send him back.

Venus sighed, and returned her defeated Crobat. She was sure she will win the round, after Swellow was poisoned, but it seems she was wrong. She has underestimated Swellow' endurance, and physical power. Her Crobat wouldn't have been defeated by a single Sky Attack, from almost any other Pokémon. It actually shows how strong Swellow is.

Venus took her second Poke Ball, and released her second Pokémon. "You are up, Gengar!"

Gengar came out of its Poke Balls, and levitated few feet of the ground, in front of its trainer. It looked ready for the battle.

Ash saw his next opponent, before he decided on which Pokémon to use. He took one Poke Ball, and called out. "Come out, Metang."

Ash released his Shiny Metang, which drew a lot of attention. Shiny Pokémon aren't very common, so seeing one, is a treat.

"BEGIN!" The referee started the second round, as soon as both trainers had their Pokémon at the battlefield.

Venus started the battle, with her Gengar using Night Shade. It fired two dark beams, with red outline from its eyes, which went toward Metang.

Metang used Agility, and disappeared from where it was, before it appeared again in front of Gengar. Then, Metang used Bullet Punch, and hit Gengar on the face with its right claw.

Gengar was sent flying backwards, and bounced of off the ground, before it stood straight. Venus told it to use Shadow Ball, which Gengar did, as it fired a dark ball of energy from his hands.

Metang used Metal Claw, and broke the Shadow Ball, but then Gengar appeared in front of it, and hit Metang on the head, with Fire Punch.

As a Steel Type, Metang has a disadvantage against Fire Type attacks, so this one did some damage. To make matters worse, Gengar followed a Fire Punch, with Will-O-Wisp.

This dealt a lot of damage to Metang, but not enough to defeat it.

Metang got back up, and levitated into the air, before it used Agility, to escape from another Fire Punch. Then, Metang used Flash Cannon, and hit Gengar head-on, dealing it quite a bit of damage, even though Gengar isn't necessarily weak against Steel Type attacks. They still work, though.

Ash attacked once again, right after, as he had Metang use Confusion. Metang' eyes glowed red and its body become outlined in light blue energy. Then, Gengar become outlined in blue energy, and was then lifted into the air, much to its surprise.

Gengar couldn't escape, as it was slammed back into the ground, before it was lifted up, once again. Then, Metang used Flash Cannon, and fired it at Gengar.

It was a clean hit, which sent Gengar flying out of the battlefield.

"Gengar is unable to continue," the referee called! "The winner is Metang!"

Venus sighed at another loss. She lost two rounds, and is now down by two Pokémon. One can argue that Ash's Swellow is poisoned, and can't battle again, but he is still there for Ash to use, if necessary. Now, she lost Crobat, and Gengar, leaving her at a huge disadvantage for the remaining of the battle.

Venus returned her defeated Gengar, and released her third Pokémon. "You are up, Nidoking." Venus released her third Pokémon. It was a rather large, and powerful-looking, Nidoking. A Poison/Ground Type.

Ash saw his next opponent, and decided to stay with his Metang. He will pin power, against power.

Venus started the battle, with her Nidoking using Thunderbolt.

Ash was actually surprised that Venus has had her Nidoking learn Thunderbolt. It's usually not an attack which Poison/Ground type would learn. Then again, if it's possible to learn an attack, why not learn it. It can prove useful.

The surprise was enough to prevent Ash, and Metang from reacting, and Metang was hit by the powerful electric type attack, which dealt it heavy damage, but didn't defeat it.

Ash told Metang to use Flash Cannon, but Nidoking countered it with a Dragon Pulse. Another surprising move.

The two attacks clashed, and canceled each other. Metang went with Bullet Punch, but Nidoking countered with Dynamic Punch. The clash pushed both Pokémon backwards, showing that their power is about equal.

Nidoking used Earth Power, and made the ground below Metang explode, and damaged Metang even more, then it already was.

Metang stood back, though, and used Meteor Mash. Surprisingly, before the attack could hit Nidoking, the poison/ground type glowed with white-blue aura, and then caught, Metang with his bare hands, stopping it in its tracks.

Ash recognized this as a Superpower. He could only watch, as his Metang was slammed into the ground, getting even more damaged.

Before Metang had a chance to get up, it was hit by another Thunderbolt, which was followed by Dragon Pulse.

"Metang is unable to continue," the referee called out, when he saw that Ash's Pokémon, has passed out! "The winner is, Nidoking!"

Ash returned his defeated Pokémon. His first defeated Pokémon, in todays' battle, before he thanked him for a nice match.

Then, he took another Poke Ball, and released his third Pokémon. "Come out, Milotic." A Water Type Pokémon like Milotic, should give Ash a type advantage against a part ground type, like Nidoking.

Venus decided to stay with her Nidoking, even with a type-disadvantage. And so, the round started.

"BEGIN!" The referee called out.

Ash started this round, with his Milotic using Water Pulse. She created a ball of water in front of her mouth, and then slammed it onto the battlefield, which created a wave of water.

The wave went toward Nidoking, but before it could be hit, Nidoking used Dragon Pulse, which broke the wave, and stopped Milotic's attack from hitting it.

Nidoking used Thunderbolt, which would have been very effective against a Water Type Pokémon, like Milotic… that it, if it hit.

Milotic stopped the Thunderbolt, by using Protect, surprising Venus, and Nidoking. Then, Milotic used Hydro Pump, and landed a clean hit on Nidoking, sending it falling on its back.

Nidoking got up quickly, and used Megahorn, but Milotic stopped it by using Iron Tail. She slammed her hardened tail, right over the horn on Nidoking' head, and slammed the ground type Pokémon, into the ground.

For a moment, Venus though of switching her Pokémon, but in the end, she decided to stay with her Nidoking. She went, and told her Pokémon to use Earth Power.

Nidoking did, and made the ground below Milotic, explode, sending Ash's water type, into the air. Then, Nidoking use Sludge Wave. Venus intended to poison Milotic, and make it easier for her Nidoking to win, and even if it didn't win, it would made sure that Milotic won't be of much use to Ash, in the remainder of the match, just like his Swellow.

Luckily for Milotic, Ash told her to use Twister, before she could be hit. While still in the air, Milotic spins her tailfins like a fan and a tornado comes out of the fin, and went toward the Sludge Wave. It hit it, and broke it apart, saving herself from being poisoned.

Milotic came back to the battlefield, and then Ash told her to use Hydro Pump.

Venus had Nidoking counter this with Thunderbolt, which broke the Hydro Pump, and struck the surprised Milotic, dealing her heavy damage, as she screamed in pain.

Milotic fell on the battlefield, and lied there, but she wasn't defeated just yet. She was damaged, but still conscious.

Venus saw this, and decided to end the battle, by having her Nidoking use Dragon Pulse.

Nidoking created, and fired a turquoise ball of energy from his mouth, which then flew at Milotic.

Ash told Milotic to use Protect, and she barely made it in time, to stop the Dragon Type attack, fired by Nidoking.

With the Dragon Pulse stopped, Milotic managed to get her front half of off the ground, and then Ash told her to use Recover.

Venus was shocked when she saw Milotic's body glow pink, and all her injuries, and fatigue started to vanish.

In seconds, the glow around Milotic disappeared, and she was completely recovered.

Venus growled in anger, at the missed chance to win another round. She told Nidoking to use Focus Blast.

Ash countered this with his Milotic using Iron Tail. She swung her tail, and struck the light blue ball of energy fired by Nidoking. By doing this, Milotic didn't disperse the ball, but instead, she sent it back at Nidoking, and caused its own attack, to hit it.

Milotic fired a Dragon Pulse, and then followed it with Iron Head. All those attacks hit Nidoking, and brought it to its back.

By some crazy miracle, Nidoking was still conscious. It got up, and Venus told it to use Thunderbolt.

Milotic used Protect, to stop the electric type attack, but that's exactly what Venus expected. As soon as the Thunderbolt hit the barrier around Milotic, and caused an explosion, she told Nidoking to use Horn Drill.

With the last of its strength, Nidoking started to run toward Milotic, while the drill on its forehead, spun.

Just as the barrier around Milotic dropped, she was slammed into by Nidoking with its spinning horn.

Milotic gave a cry of pain, before she fell on the ground, and passed out. She couldn't handle a one hit knock-out move.

Unfortunately for Venus, as soon as Milotic fell on the ground, so did her Nidoking. It was able to defeat Milotic, but due to all the damage, it couldn't stand any more, and passed out right next to Milotic.

As such, the referee called the round, a draw.

Ash, and Venus returned their unconscious Pokémon, before they thanked them for the great battle. They both took two other Poke Balls, and released their next Pokémon, at the same time.

"Come on out, Dusknoir/Dragalge!" Ash, and Venus called at the same time.

Ash was surprised by the Pokémon which Venus sent. He knew of it, but he didn't think that she has it. Then again, it is a part Poison Type, and Venus loves Poison Type Pokémon. On top of that, Dragalge aren't that uncommon, or even hard to catch, so it can't be too much of a surprise for her to have it.

That being said, as a Poison, and Dragon Type, Dragalge will not have any advantage against a Ghost Type, like Dusknoir. It will, in fact, be at a disadvantage.

Venus started the battle, with her Dragalge using a Hydro Pump.

Dusknoir dodge it easily, and then used Shadow Punch, which landed a clean hit on Dragalge. Then, Dusknoir fired a Dark Pulse, but Dragalge managed to counter with Focus Blast, causing the two attacks to cancel each other.

Dragalge attacked next, as it used Draco Meteor. It fired an orange ball of energy into the air, which then exploded, and started to rain down on the battlefield, and Dusknoir.

Dusknoir managed to use Protect, to shield himself, so instead of him, the barrier was bombed by the Draco Meteor.

Dusknoir used Phantom Force, as he disappeared into the dark portal below himself, and then appeared behind Dragalge. Then, he used Shadow Punch, followed by Dark Pulse.

Both attacks hit Dragalge, and dealt it a lot of damage, though it wasn't defeated just yet.

Dragalge got up, and used Hydro Pump, which was dodged by Dusknoir. Dragalge continued to fire Hydro Pump at Dusknoir, but Ash's Ghost Type, kept dodging them.

Eventually, Ash decided to have his Dusknoir attack, so he told it to use Shadow Ball.

The Ghost Type attack stopped Dragalge from using Hydro Pump, but it didn't hit it, as it moved away from the attack.

Dusknoir used Phantom Force, once again, and appeared right in front of Dragalge, and was ready to hit it with Focus Punch.

Dragalge reacted quicker then Ash though it could, as it fired a Dragon Pulse, right in Dusknoir's face, before Dusknoir could hit it with Focus Punch.

The Dragon Type attack sent Dusknoir flying backwards, until he fell on the ground, and rolled over for a few meters.

Dusknoir wasn't defeated, but that Dragon Pulse has certainly done some damage.

On the other side, Dragalge was tired. It was more tired, and damaged then its opponent, but it can still battle. For how long, it remains to be seen.

Dragalge attacked once again, using Dragon Pulse, but Dusknoir countered it with Dark Pulse. The two attack clashed, and canceled each other. Then, Dusknoir attacked with Shadow Ball, but Dragalge countered with Sludge Bomb.

Poison type attack wouldn't have had any effect on a ghost type Pokémon, but it's good to cancel out opponents attack.

The two Pokémon attacked each other few more times, only for their attacks to clash, and cancel each other out. At this point, Ash, and Venus didn't really have any plan. They just went for the attack, and are waiting to see who will last longer.

It seems that they won't have to wait too long, as their Pokémon are tired, and on their last leg.

As such, they decided to attack at the same time, with everything they've got left, and see what happens.

Ash told his Dusknoir to use Hyper Beam, which is his strongest attack.

On the other side, Venus told her Dragalge, to use Giga Impact, which is its strongest attack.

Dusknoir fired a yellow beam of energy from in front of his face, while Dragalge enveloped itself in purple energy with orange swirls around it. Then, Dragalge rushed toward the incoming Hyper Beam.

The two clashed in the middle of the battlefield, and caused an explosion which shock the whole stadium, and rose a smoke cloud, which covered the whole battlefield.

It took a few moments, but when the dust cloud cleared out, Dusknoir, and Dragalge were revealed lying on the battlefield, unconscious.

The referee called another round, a tie.

This means that Venus is left with only two Pokémon, while Ash has three, though one of them has already battled, and is poisoned. It still gives Ash a small advantage, though.

Ash, and Venus returned their defeated Pokémon, and then sent out their next one.

Ash sent out his Grovyle, as his fifth Pokémon, while Venus called out her Venusaur.

Ash saw a Venusaur, and he smiled. This will be a perfect opponent for his Grovyle to see how strong he is. A clash of two Grass Type Pokémon, which are the evolved forms of starter Pokémon from Kanto, and Hoenn Regions, though Venusaur is in a higher form, and it is also a part Poison type. As such, it has some measure of advantage against Grovyle.

"BEGIN!" The referee started the round.

Venus started the round, with her Venusaur, using Sludge Bomb.

Grovyle dodged this easily, before he used Iron Tail, and slammed it on top of Venusaur' head.

This has dealt some damage, but not that much. Venusaur reacted quickly, and used Power Whip, and slammed Grovyle with them.

Grovyle was sent flying backwards, but he somersaulted mid-air, and jumped back on his feet. Then, Ash told him to use Quick Attack, followed by Leaf Blade.

Grovyle showed his amazing speed, as he landed another hit on Venusaur, but at the same time, Venusaur showed its endurance, as it tanked the Leaf Blade, just like it did with Iron Tail, earlier. Not to mention that, as a Grass Type move, Leaf Blade doesn't have much effect on a part grass type Pokémon, like Venusaur.

Venusaur used Petal Blizzard, making Grovyle use Quick Attack, to dodge it, and then try to attack using Iron Tail.

Unfortunately for Grovyle, before he could hit Venusaur with Iron Tail, he was slammed away by the Power Whip, which was then followed by a Poison Powder.

The powder fell all over Grovyle, and poison him. At that moment, Grovyle, and Ash knew that Grovyle is in trouble, as the poison will steadily make him weaker, as the battle progresses.

Grovyle stood on his legs, and used Bullet Seed.

The attacks landed on Venusaur, but didn't do much damage. Venusaur is simply very durable, and even the attacks which have type advantage, wouldn't be of much use. A Grass Type attacks are pretty much, useless.

Unfortunately for Grovyle, except Iron Tail, and Quick Attack, he doesn't know any other non-Grass type attack. He knows Protect, but that's useless for attacking, and he can't always put it up, before he was hit.

As such, Grovyle knew that he was in trouble.

Grovyle used Quick Attack to dodge the Sludge Bomb, and then used it again, to dodge Petal Blizzard. He then went, and used Iron Tail, on Venusaur.

Ash, and Grovyle both knew that their chance to win this, is to use Grovyle' speed, and land many attacks on Venusaur, who can't dodge anything. They knew that they will have to hit many times, and hard, in order to deal damage, but they also can't allow Grovyle to get hit, as he will be done for, in just few moves, especially since he was growing weaker due to being poisoned.

Grovyle kept attacking, and hitting Venusaur, dealing more, and more damage, but due to the poison, he was also growing weaker.

On the other side, Venusaur had trouble hitting Grovyle due to his speed, but it had a lot of stamina, which allowed it to be in better position as the battle progressed.

Grovyle fired an Energy Ball, which Venusaur deflected with its vines, but then Grovyle appeared in front of Venusaur, and hit it with Leaf Blade.

Venusaur shrugged of the hit, and then used Power Whip, to force Grovyle far from itself, landing one of the rare hits. Then, Venusaur prepared the Solar Beam, and fired it at Grovyle.

Grovyle couldn't dodge it, but he was able to use Protect, and stop the Solar Beam. The power of the Grass Type attack was great, though, and has put a lot of pressure on the barrier, forcing Grovyle to use more power, and stop the barrier from breaking.

In the end, the barrier held, but Grovyle was spent. Many attacks he used, as well as the poison, have been too much, and he was now down to his knees.

Venus saw this as her chance to win, so she told her Venusaur to use Sludge Bomb, and end the battle.

Unfortunately for Venus, just before her Venusaur was about to fire it's attack, an amazing thing happened.

Grovyle, not wanting to lose, stood back on his legs, and gave a strong cry, before he started to glow, much to everyone's shock.

Ash smiled as he watching his Grovyle glow, and grow in size.

Soon enough, the glow stopped, and in Grovyle's place, stood his evolved form, Sceptile.

Ash congratulated his Pokémon, on evolving, but he knew that even though he has evolved, Sceptile is still weak, and poisoned. As such, he won't last long.

On the other side of the battlefield, Venus growled as she saw Grovyle evolve, just before she was about to win the round. She cursed her luck, as she knew that Sceptile is faster, and stronger then Grovyle, which makes him a much stronger opponent for her Venusaur.

Before Ash even told him what to do, Sceptile used Leaf Storm. It's an attack he didn't know so far, so Ash realized he must have learned it upon evolving.

Venusaur tried to counter with Petal Blizzard, but its attack was weaker then Sceptile', thus it was broken through, and the Leaf Storm hit Venusaur.

Venusaur shock its head, as it stood straight. It was damaged, but not defeated. As such, Venusaur used Power Whip, once again, but Sceptile dodged it, and use Iron Tail, dealing even more damage to Venusaur.

Unfortunately for Sceptile, he didn't move away from Venusaur on time, and was caught by Venusaur' vines, and held in the air. Ash told Sceptile to use Bullet Seed, as his mouth were free. Sceptile did, but that didn't do anything more than annoy Venusaur, who proceeded to slam Sceptile into the ground.

Sceptile was barely hanging to consciousness at this point. His will-power is the only thing keeping his going. His will-power, and desire not to lose.

Somehow, Sceptile got up, and Ash told him to use Solar Beam.

On the other side, Venus told her Venusaur to also use Solar Beam.

The two Pokémon gathered the necessary energy, and fired their attacks, at the same time.

The two attacks looked equally powerful, as they clashed in the middle of the battlefield, and caused a small shockwave to spread around the battlefield, and the stadium.

For a few moments, the attacks pushed at each other, before Venusaur' Solar Beam, started to overpower Sceptile', and push it back.

Sceptile gave it his all, but he was very weak, and couldn't go on any longer. The most he managed to pull in the end, is hold long enough for the collision of the two attacks, to make them both explode.

When the attacks exploded, the two Pokémon were pushed back by the force of the explosion.

As Sceptile' weight was considerably lower, he was thrown back farther, then Venusaur. He flew all the way out of the battlefield, and at the edge of the stadium.

Venusaur wasn't throw back, but he was pushed slightly by the explosion, and has received a lot of damage.

The referee, and everyone on the stadium looked at the two Pokémon, and saw that, while Venusaur was barely left standing, Sceptile wasn't standing at all. He was lying down on the ground, unconscious.

"Sceptile is unable to battle," the referee called! "The winner is, Venusaur!"

Ash sighed at the loss, which means that he is now down to one remaining Pokémon.

Yes, he still has his Swellow, but he is poisoned, and it's unknown how much he will be able to do. On the other hand, looking at Venusaur, it doesn't look like it can go on much longer, meaning that he and Venus, are in about the same situation.

Ash returned his defeated Sceptile, and noticed that Venus isn't returning her Venusaur, meaning that she will keep in on the battlefield, until it is defeated, before she sends her last Pokémon.

For a moment, Ash though to send his Swellow, which would most likely result in Swellow, and Venusaur, taking each other out, leaving them both with one last Pokémon, to battle it out in full power.

In the end, Ash decided not to do that. He decided to send his last Pokémon, which will be able to take Venusaur out, quickly, before it takes on Venus's last Pokémon.

As such, Ash took his sixth Poke Ball, and released his sixth Pokémon. "Let's do this, Blaziken."

Ash's final Pokémon, is a Fire/Fighting Type; Blaziken.

The referee started the battle, right away.

Venus decided to attack first, and told her Venusaur to use Poison Powder. She knew that her Venusaur won't be able to defeated Blaziken, but she hoped it can at least, weaken it, for her final Pokémon.

It wasn't going to happen, though. Blaziken reacted with lightning speed, and before Venusaur even had a chance to use its attack, Blaziken used Flamethrower.

The fire attack was very powerful. So powerful, that it completely engulfed Venusaur, and caused it to cry out in pain from the burns.

The burning lasted for a few moments, before Venusaur couldn't handle it anymore, and simply passed out.

"Venusaur is unable to battle," the referee called out, once again! "The winner is, Blaziken!"

Venus sighed at the loss of her fifth Pokémon. She can't say that she wasn't expecting this. Her Venusaur was already tired, and Ash's Blaziken, on top of being a Fire Type, is also very powerful. She knew she will lose the round, but she wasn't expecting it to happen in one attack.

Venus returned her defeated Venusaur, and released her final Pokémon. "Come out, Salazzle." She called out, as her Poison/Fire Type Pokémon, came out to the battlefield, and stood opposite of Blaziken.

She looked ready for the battle, and to show what she can do.

With both trainers having their Pokémon on the battlefield, the referee started the round. "BEGIN!"

Venus started the battle, with her Salazzle using Dragon Claw.

She jumped toward Blaziken, with her right hand glowing blue as it formed into a claw. She showed her great speed, and power, as she slashed at Blaziken, who managed to get away from the Dragon Claw, which then hit the ground, and caused a small explosion, which opened a hole in the battlefield.

Blaziken used Bulk Up, and then he used Thunder Punch, intending to punch Salazzle. Unfortunately for him, Salazzle dodged, and then used Fire Lash. She managed to land a first hit on her opponent with her attack, dealing him small amount of damage.

Blaziken recovered immediately, as he used Flamethrower on Salazzle, and hit her with it.

The fire type attacks don't have much effect on fire type Pokémon, but they are not entirely useless. They have effect, if they are powerful enough, and Blaziken' Flamethrower was quite powerful.

Salazzle attacked back right away, as she used Sludge Wave, but Blaziken dodge it, and used Thunder Punch, once again.

Again, Salazzle dodged, and countered with Poison Jab. She landed a hit on Blaziken with her purple-glowing fingers. She managed to poison him with it.

Ash cursed as another of his Pokémon was poisoned, but didn't dwell much on it, and immediately had Blaziken use Focus Punch, and hit Salazzle as hard as he could.

The punch hit Salazzle on the cheek, and sent her flying back from the force, dealing her a lot of damage.

Then, to add even more damage, Ash told Blaziken to use Thunder Punch.

Blaziken jumped toward Salazzle, and as soon as she managed to get back up, he hit her across the face, with his electricity-covered right fist. The attack was just as powerful as the Focus Punch, and dealt just as much damage.

Salazzle was left lying on the battlefield, but she was still conscious, so she can still battle. She stood back up, and Venus told her to use Dragon Pulse, followed by Poison Jab.

Ash had his Blaziken counter the Dragon Pulse, with Flamethrower, which led to the two attacks canceling each other out. Right after, Blaziken had to dodge the Poison Jab, by jumping backwards,

Then, Blaziken' right leg was enveloped in flames, before he jumped toward Salazzle, intending to use Blaze Kick, on her.

Luckily for Salazzle, and Venus, Salazzle reacted on time, and used Dragon Claw, to counter the Blaze Kick. The collision caused a small explosion, which sent both Pokémon, away from each other.

Ash told Blaziken to use Overheat, which he did, and at full power. The fire type attack was so powerful, it melted the ground and left a trench on the battlefield.

Luckily for Salazzle, she was able to use Fire Blast, and fired it at the incoming Overheat. Salazzle' attack was weaker, but it was able to collide with Overheat, and caused it to explode, before it could reach her.

The explosion was massive, and both Pokémon were sent flying all the way out of the battlefield, and crash at the bottom of the bleachers.

The two Pokémon were both injured due to the crash, but they were still capable of fighting. They both stood up at the same time, and charged at each other, with Salazzle intending to use Dragon Claw, while Blaziken went with Focus Punch.

They clashed once again, the two punches hitting each other, and forcing the two Pokémon, away from each other.

Salazzle quickly used Fire Lash, and hit Blaziken over the face, but Blaziken recovered quickly, and struck back with Blaze Kick.

Salazzle used Fire Blast, which Blaziken countered with Flamethrower. Salazzle used Sludge Bomb, which Blaziken dodged, and then tried to use Thunder Punch, but Salazzle also dodged, and once again, hit Blaziken with Fire Lash.

Blaziken used Bulk Up, and rose his attack power, then he fired a Flamethrower.

Venus knew that Salazzle won't be able to counter it, so she had her Pokémon, dodge.

Neither Venus, nor Salazzle expected the Flamethrower to be just a distraction, which was followed by Blaziken using Flare Blitz. As they didn't expect it, they didn't react in time, so Blaziken slammed with his whole body, and at full power, at Salazzle, sending her away from the battlefield, and injuring her heavily.

Before Venus, or Salazzle could do anything else, Ash decided to end the battle, so he told his Blaziken to use Blast Burn, at full power.

Blaziken fired a crimson and orange ball of fire from his mouth, which went toward Salazzle, and hit her, before she could even think about evading it. The hit caused a large explosion, which completely engulfed Salazzle in fire.

It took about half-a-minute, but the fire, and smoke disappeared from around Salazzle, and revealed to everyone her defeated body.

"Salazzle is unable to battle," the referee said, after her saw that Salazzle has passed out! "The winner is Blaziken, and the match goes to Ash Ketchum!"

And so, Ash has won his semi-final match against Venus, and is going to the final round.