Victory! The Best Publicity!

Looking up at Latios, Ash sent out Swellow. He had wanted to call on Charizard, but Charizard was still training in Charizard Valley in the Johto Region and couldn't leave anytime soon...

Swellow faced Latios, the two Pokémon calling out to each other in midair. This might turn into a spectacular aerial battle.

Unfortunately, while Swellow could keep up with Latios's speed, the gap in their strength was enormous.

Even when Swellow unleashed Brave Bird at full power, Latios's Giga Impact overwhelmed it. Swellow fell from the sky, defeated.

In the blink of an eye, Latios had taken down three opponents without suffering any serious injuries. That familiar feeling was back.

"..."

Every spectator's gaze fell on Ash, who stood with his head lowered. They couldn't help feeling sorry for him. If Tobias hadn't entered, Ash would surely have won with strength like his.

But there were no what-ifs...

Cynthia watched with a smile, wondering how Ash could possibly turn things around now.

"Ash..."

Dawn looked down at him. He had worked so hard and come so close. Even so, he couldn't give up. Dressed in her cheerleading outfit, she sprang to her feet and shouted toward the field.

"Come on!"

"Piplup!"

No matter what happened, his friends would always be there behind him, cheering him on.

Perhaps hearing them, Ash clenched his fists and raised his head. He turned his cap around and smiled.

"It's not over yet. I can't let everyone down... Let's show them everything we've got!"

"Pika!"

"I choose you, Pikachu!"

"Pika!"

Pikachu leaped out beside him, grinning eagerly as it faced Latios above. It showed no fear at all.

"Interesting. Then show me what you've got!"

Tobias's fighting spirit flared too. He swept out an arm and shouted, "Dive at top speed, then use Giga