Vidal and the trio headed to the preliminary round battlefield. On the way, Vidal excused himself to meet Professor Oak.
In the lobby of the Pokemon Center attached to the battlefield, Vidal found a few familiar faces with some fresh faces.
Professors Oak, Elm, and Ivy were familiar faces and old acquaintances, as well as Professor Birch. There were two other faces, those he had met in this world for the first time.
"Professor Rowan and Professor Sycamore, it's a pleasure to meet you." Vidal guessed they must be the most recent sponsors of his.
"Vidal, it's a pleasure as well; we look forward to your battles in the conferences." Professor Sycamore said with enthusiasm and Rowan just nodded.
"Professor Sycamore, don't get fooled by his sweet words. I believe he is already plotting how to get the evolution stones from you." Professor Oak said with a smile.
"Professor Oak, how can you say something so heartless? I was just greeting two esteemed Professors researching the evolution of Pokemon." Vidal said while shaking his head.
"Professor, my preliminary matches are about to begin. Why did you call me for?"
"I just wanted to ask whether you will also throw the match this time." Professor Oak replied.
"Just that: you need to wait and see." Vidal left the Professors in the lobby.
…
Ash met with Macy on the way to the battlefield, and Harrison and Jackson also joined them on the battlefield.
"So, Macy is your opponent. Good luck to both of you. My match is after yours with a guy named Vidal. I haven't met him yet," Harrison said.
"Thanks Harrison. And about Vidal, he is my brother." Ash got little worried about Harrison, "And you should be very careful while fighting him."
"Your brother. That's a surprise. Then your brother should be very strong." Harrison said while smiling.
Ash nodded, and Brock and Misty followed suit. "But if he is not interested in the match, then there is nothing to worry about." Ash nodded.
Harrison wanted to ask what Ash meant, but an announcement was made for Macy and Ash.
Both Macy and Ash entered the battlefield, under loud cheers. Vidal also came just in time to sit in the audience with Brock and Misty.
'This shouldn't be a problem for you.' And as Vidal expected, Ash won with ease.
Then, it was turn for the Vidal and Harrison match.
…
"So you are Ash's brother. I hope to have a successful match with you." Harrison said.
"I hope so as well." Vidal replied.
[Vidal from Pallet will make the first choice.] The announcement was made.
Vidal pulled a ball out of his belt, and called Tyranitar again. Harrison took a moment to choose a Pokemon when faced with Tryanitar.
Finally, Harrison chose Steelix. It was evident that Harrison didn't possess a water type Pokemon.
Harrison, "Steelix, use dig. And for the right time." Harrison initiated the match.
Vidal, "Let's wait for him to come out. Tyranitar you can just use thrash when Steelix emerges from below." A surprise attack from Steelix was not a problem for Tyranitar.
Harrison, "Steelix, now." Steelix emerges from below Tyranitar. Tyranitar just took a step back at the right time to dodge it.
Tyranitar didn't stop and grabbed Steelix by its tail slamming it on the ground. Tyranitar immediately jumped on top of Steelix's body. Tyranitar thrashes twice on Steelix's body, then returns.
[Steelix is unable to battle.]
The match ended so fast, Harrison took a moment to process what had happened on the field.
Harrison sent Blazikan and Miltank after that. Tyranitar crushed both of them without any problem. Pseudo-legendary was not just a title for the show. (It is a fan-made title.)
"Don't worry. You still have two matches left." Vidal said and left the battlefield.
…
In the second match of the preliminary, Vidal's opponent was Macy and Ash had to face Jackson. Winning this match will take them both to the semi-finals.
Ash had a close win over Jackson.
The fact that Macy was using only fire types of Pokemon put her at a disadvantage against Tyranitar. It was another boring match for the audiences, where Tyranitar finished battle with a few moves easily.
Then the preliminary were finished. Ash, Gary and even Harrison were able to enter the semi-finals.
The semi-finals were set for another day, so everyone headed their ways to get rest.
…
Next day
The contestants were ready for the semi-finals. Ash's first match was with none other than Gary. Darren was Vidal's opponent from another group.
Ash won the first match with Gary entering the top 8.
Vidal opponents Darren pulled out his first Pokemon Feraligatr. Vidal thought for a moment and let Ampharos lead the match.
The audience only noticed things that made Ampharos stand out from other Ampharos when it appeared. But Professor Rowan and Professor Sycamore's expressions were different. They understand how different Ampharos was from a normal one.
Against, Vidal not only used Ampharos, but Alakazam as well. As he tried to make the battle more exciting than the preliminary, he succeeded. The Pokemon displayed amazing moves one after another in a spectacular display.
And at last Vidal won the match as well.
In the second round, Ash opponents turned out to be Harrison and Vidal opponents were a boy named Jon.
In the end, Ash was able to hold up well against Harrison and won by a narrow margin.
Vidal found out Jon was quite strong himself. His Pokemon were well trained and the move pool was also quite large.
Vidal let his six Pokemons battle one match each. Vidal didn't register Dragonite for the match, so she was left behind cheering for others.
With six matches in hand, Vidal got an overwhelming victory.
Now, in the final match, Ash was going to face Vidal.
The final match was kept for the next day.
Audiences were excited to see two brothers face each other in the final.
Professors were still guessing whether Vidal would give up the match or not.
And Delia was worried about both of them. One of her sons was going to win while another would lose.