Chapter 8 is finally here, after two weeks I have produced a 8.9K word chapter Thank you guys SO SO MUCH for the reviews for the last chapter. Reading them honestly made me forget all about that guys comment. Special thanks to A-Gallade and ShinyAeon for giving me advice about this chapter aswell as helping me with some ideas. Thanks to everyone as a whole though

Note: After re-reading the story myself, I realised that I was spelling Electivire 'Electrivire' for the first few chapters, my bad.

Unfortunately for me, this chapter was difficult! I messed up big time. You'll understand when you read the chapter. So anyway on with the fic, and if you're keeping up with the story so far (Trust me, I know you are -.-) You would remember that we're still in the alley with Tracey, Kenny and Empoleon. Enjoy

Tracey covered his face with his arms in an attempt to protect himself from another one of Kenny's attacks.

"Never…ever…tell anyone what I'm about to do, or else…well, you know what's going to happen, don't you?" Those words haunted Tracey ever since Pallet Town. I've got to act, if I act like a coward, nothing will change.

"Scyther!" Tracey quickly grabbed one of his pokeballs and threw it high in the air letting out his bug type pokemon. He pushed Kenny aside and rose to his feet quickly.

"What do you think you're doing?" Kenny said surprised at Tracey's actions.

"Retaliating. I'm not going to let you bully me like you have done" he said with determination.

"Bully? I'm merely trying to motivate you Tracey" Kenny said innocently. Tracey edged his way with Scyther to the far end of the alley so he could stay as far away as he could from Empoleon. The objective for Tracey was to somehow evade Kenny and get passed Empoleon. Behind him was a dead end. Dustbins that were infested with Rattata surrounded Kenny and Tracey.

"You've done nothing but torture me since Pallet Town!" Tracey shouted. "We're all better off without you Kenny! Scyther, use Slash!" The bug type pokemon made its way at speed towards Kenny who simply stood still. Out of nowhere, his Empoleon placed itself in front of Kenny, taking Scyther's deadly attack as if it had been hit by a soft breeze.

"You're a fool Tracey! You're pathetic! I'm going to give you one last chance! Return Scyther and I'll let you go, but you must get Dawn away from Ash!" he demanded. He sounded serious despite being invisible to Tracey as the massive penguin pokemon was in the way.

"And let you intimidate me again? Scyther, Slash once more!" He commanded his pokemon. Scyther's sharp claw quickly made contact with Empoleon's tough exterior, pushing the Empoleon back a few steps and less than a step in front of Kenny.

"That's it! Breloom!" Kenny threw a pokeball in the air letting out his pokemon. "Stun Spore on Scyther!" The mushroom pokemon released an orange mist from the holes on its head, trapping Scyther. The bug type was barely able to move as he was paralysed severely by Breloom's attack.

"Come on Scyther!" Tracey called out to his pokemon. He quickly hovered his hand over his other pokeballs before grabbing them and throwing them in the air. "Marill! Venonat! Help him out!" he called out, unleashing another one of his bug type pokemon and his water pokemon.

"Come on Tracey. Do you really think your pokemon stand a chance?" Kenny mocked him. Tracey didn't often battle, especially with Venonat and Marill, but it was the only thing he could do to get away from Kenny.

"Of course I do! Venonat, Sleep Powder!" Tracey said fiercely. Venonat started to shake its body as blue powder fell from its fur, putting Breloom to sleep. "Excellent work Venonat! Now use it on Empoleon!" Tracey said with sudden joy. He quickly glanced over to Marill who was on standby and ready to battle. Scyther was still down, but slowly looking as if it will rise again.

"Empoleon, use Drill Peck on Venonat before you fall asleep!" Kenny said. Almost immediately, Empoleon sprang into action. With its glowing white beak, the large penguin pokemon started to spin like a drill, hitting Venonat and hurling it backwards.

"Venonat, return!" Tracey said returning his pokemon its pokeball.

"I warned you Tracey" Kenny said. "I'm a top class co-ordinator; I battle all the time, unlike you. You look like you could do with some help" he said mockingly. That smile was back on his face, the one that Tracey feared. But Kenny was right; he did battle all the time and Tracey barely ever did.

"I'm not giving in Kenny! Marill, Water Gun!" Tracey said as a gush of water came rushing out from Marill's mouth, aimed straight at Empoleon.

"Take the hit Empoleon!" Kenny said. The gush of water hit Empoleon, but it didn't move a muscle. The incredibly ineffective attack barely made Empoleon even blink. "Water attacks against a water type?" Kenny said questioning Tracey's strategy. "Empoleon, Steel Wing" Kenny said calmly. The penguin type pokémon's arm illuminated and smacked the tiny Marill back towards Tracey.

"Marill, return" Tracey said returning his Marill. I can't send out Venonat, he's too badly injured. Marill just fought…sometimes I wish I was a pokemon trainer. Tracey quickly glanced over to Scyther to see it finally stand on both its feet. A smile was finally brought to Tracey's face. Scyther was his only chance to get away from Kenny, and now that Scyther was ready, it looked probable.

"Scythe" the bug type said, signalling that it is ready to battle.

"Scyther, use Quick Attack!" The bug type sprinted up to Empoleon slicing it with its razor sharp claws.

"Hang in there Empoleon" Kenny said to his pokemon. Empoleon definitely took damage from the Quick Attack despite it being not very effective.

"Scyther, Slash!" The pokemon made its way at speed towards Empoleon, once again slicing it with its razor sharp claws. "Great Scyther!" Tracey congratulated his pokemon as it looked like Empoleon was tiring fast. It started panting heavily and was only just able to still stand on its feet still. Why isn't Kenny calling out any attacks? I should just take advantage of this. Tracey quickly observed the silent and emotionless Kenny, standing still as if he was uninterested…or with a plan. "Scyther! Finish Empoleon off with Skull Bash!" Everything seemed to be going well for Tracey, he looked on top with his Scyther, and Empoleon looked weary. Scyther quickly flew towards Empoleon with its body surrounded in a golden orb and gold streaks around it. Well done Scyther, Tracey thought to himself. The win almost seemed in Tracey's favour. His huge cheerful smile matched his confidence, but it was all shattered by one a simple command.

"Breloom, Energy Ball!" Kenny commanded. The Breloom instantly woke up from its sleep and shot a green energy ball towards Scyther. Tracey looked horrified as he watched the energy ball explode on impact on Scyther, throwing it across the alley.

"No! Scyther!" Tracey watched his pokemon fall to the ground. The grass type move was extremely ineffective against Scyther, but it was enough to send it flying across the alley. Breloom's unexpected awakening and its surprisingly quick attack froze Tracey in his stance, watching Scyther lay on the alleys hard ground, fainted. "I-it can't be…" Tracey said to himself quietly. His solemn and slightly terrified frown only grew as Kenny's intimidating smile grew.

"You're a fool Tracey!" Kenny said glad that he won. "You've overstepped the boundaries again!" He shouted angrily, angry that Tracey had the guts to disobey him despite the numerous warnings. "Breloom, Stun Spore. Make sure that he doesn't move" Kenny said to his mushroom pokemon. Breloom released an orange mist from the holes on its head trapping the terrified Tracey.

"You don't scare me Kenny" Tracey said bravely as he fell to the floor, weakened by the stun spore.

"You should Tracey, when I'm done, you will do as I say and you WILL get Dawn away from Ash" he said firmly whilst making his way towards Tracey. "Empoleon, Steel Wing on him!" Kenny commanded. The massive arm of the penguin pokemon lit up and smacked Tracey across the face where Kenny's previous attacks were still visible. Tracey bravely hid his pain from the attack and blandly looked at Kenny. "That's the softest it's going to get Tracey" Kenny said towering over him. "You're lazy, useless and all round pathetic! And to think they call you their friend!" Kenny said slightly louder and trying to intimidate Tracey. "If you continue to disobey me, then the same thing will happen to them too."

"…At least I have friends" Tracey said, secretly proud of himself. He tried his best to stick to his plan and intimidate Kenny himself, but it didn't look like it was working as soon after his comment, he wished he'd never said it. Kenny stood still for a moment. Tracey's comment hit him hard. Kenny had an angry look in his eyes, his fist clenched in outrage and anger. The infuriated Kenny looked at Tracey once more.

"You can't intimidate me Tracey! I know what your plan was! I heard every word of it! And trust me when I say this: you are going to regret ever saying that to me" his angry words rattled through Tracey's mind. He knows my plan? But how? Tracey knew that the plan was over. Tracey was unaware that Kenny watches him every day. Before Tracey could rethink his plan, Kenny launched his fist at Tracey's nose. "I warned you Tracey!" Kenny shouted whilst Tracey held his nose in pain. His eyes watered even though he was far from crying, blood leaked from his nose slowly. "You're weak Tracey" Kenny angrily said. "And now you're going to pay." That was the moment when Tracey gave up. The plan is over, I cannot intimidate him, my pokemon aren't strong enough- no wait, I'm not strong enough, Tracey thought to himself. The horror returned to his face and the fear of what Kenny was going to do to him was still in his mind. But as time went on, Tracey only got more and more scared by Kenny.

"No Kenny! Please!" Tracey's words proved to make no difference to Kenny. He grabbed Tracey's shirt harshly with the sadistic smile on his face. Tracey's eyes shook with fear for his uncertain future. Drops of sweat mixed with drops of blood fell down from his face to the ground of the dark alley where they were.

"I warned you more than once now" Kenny said before punching Tracey with all of his force. Tracey cried out in pain as his face was thrown to one side.

"I-I'm sorry Kenny!" A large bruise appeared on his cheek, with many cuts surrounding his entire face.

"You're not sorry! If you were sorry, you wouldn't be here" he shouted at Tracey. Another slash came from Kenny's demonic hand, again hitting Tracey on his cheek where the effects of the old attacks were still visible. Almost immediately, Kenny pulled back his fist and delivered an incredibly strong punch just below Tracey's eye. The defenceless individual fell silent for a moment before crying out in pain. Kenny let go of his shirt, stood up again and took a step back from Tracey.

"Next time…next time…your friends share the consequences." Tracey could tell that he meant it this time. This conflict between Tracey and Kenny had only just begun. He knew that he got off light today; he could see this through Kenny's harsh and cruel actions. "You will make sure there is a next time, won't you Tracey?"

"N-no" He said struggling to speak with the small amount of blood coming from his mouth and nose. "I-I'll do something. I swear"

"Of course you will, just like last time-" Kenny teased before being interrupted.

"No-no, I mean it this time" Tracey said with slight seriousness despite being in incredible pain from Kenny's beating.

"I'm sure you do" Kenny smirked. "I'll see you next time Tracey" He walked around Tracey up to his Empoleon. "Return Empoleon" he said before walking back into the afternoon light.

Tracey was still lying on the ground with his eyes semi-open. Kenny's ferocious scratches etched themselves into Tracey's cheeks; a couple of bruises were present on the young individuals face. A black outlining surrounded one of Tracey's eyes which were shaking at the thought of what just happened. Can't go on like this, I've got to- Tracey struggled to think under the immense pain. Bravely, he tried to get up despite Breloom's Stun Spore still having an effect on him, but he fell almost immediately. Why me? What have I ever done against Kenny? He thought to himself as he crawled and sat against the wall of the dark alley. I wish…that I never got caught up in this. If only he could just leave me alone. If only… Tracey breathed in and out heavily in an attempt to gain enough to energy to get up and back to his hotel room. If only Kenny could get Dawn himself instead of dragging me into this.

"Tracey?" A familiar voice came from the light. Tracey smiled at the silhouette of a familiar figure. Help at last.

At the trainer's hotel…

The lobby at the trainer's hotel was bustling with trainers and pokemon, all joyful and highly anticipating the second round match-ups. A positive atmosphere was present in the area. But for one person in particular, their excitement was almost uncontainable. Surprisingly, it was Gary Oak. The second match-ups announcement was imminent, and had excited a lot of trainers in the lobby, but another thing was on Gary's mind that made him so excited.

"Jasmine…Jasmine…I'm sure Ash has met her before…" he quietly whispered to himself. "After the tournament, I'm heading to Johto to-" Gary's out-loud thoughts were cut short by the introduction of Ash and Dawn.

"Hey Gary, where' you gonna go after the tournament?" Ash nosily asked.

"Erm…back to Sinnoh…" he said slowly. I can't tell Ash that I like someone, that's what a hard earned reputation stops you from doing.

"Ah, then what was that name that you kept saying to yourself?" Ash said intrigued.

"Nothing Ashy boy, you should learn to mind your own business" Gary taunting whilst smiling. There was a brief moment afterwards when Gary remembered the early days of his pokemon journey, and how he always called him 'Ashy Boy'.

"OK Gary, I'll try" Ash said jokingly before turning his attention to the massive screen on the wall. "Oh man, next round match-ups! I'm so psyched!" Ash was also barely able to control his excitement.

"Attention trainers" a feminine voice announced, it was obviously Nurse Joy. "The second round match-ups will appear on your screen now." Everyone's heads quickly turned to the large screen where the match-ups for the second round were visible. Thirty-two pictures appeared on the screen, including Gary's and Ash's.

"Great! Mine's in stadium A at 12:30" Gary smiled at the choice of his time.

"Looks like an early start for you Gary" Dawn had kept quiet until now.

"That's easy, 12:30's fine for me"

"Not for some people though…" Dawn gestured towards Ash.

"No need to worry Dawn" Ash chuckled. He said my catchphrase! Dawn silently squealed to herself, ecstatic that the love of her life is slowly moving towards her. "My battle is in stadium A also, but it's at 2:30pm" Ash looked carefully at the screen to see his opponent. "Harrison is my opponent."

"Harrison? Isn't that the guy who beat you in the Silver Conference in Johto?" Gary asked.

"That's him, but he won't beat me this time!" Ash said crammed with excitement. "Who's your opponent Gary?" Gary looked at the screen carefully.

"Barry" Gary said blankly. "Never heard of him."

"Barry? You don't suppose that's the Barry from Sinnoh?" Dawn looked at Ash inquisitively. Ash carefully inspected the photo of the trainer named Barry.

"It's him all right" Ash concluded. "Oh man! Everyone's here! Now I really can't wait for the next round!"

"So it's Ash versus Harrison" Dawn said.

"And it's our Gary against Sinnoh Barry" Ash smiled. Dawn froze in amazement at what Ash just said.

"Ash! I didn't know you were good with poetry!" Dawn tightly hugged Ash, nuzzling her head in his chest. Ash, unaware how what he just said was special, looked at Gary in confusion.

"Gary and Barry rhyme genius" Gary whispered into Ash's ear. Dawn released Ash and took another look at the second round match-ups.

"Looks like Max has Conway…" she said slightly uninterested.

"Conway?" Gary asked looking slightly confused.

"Conway is from Sinnoh, from what I last heard from him, he made it into the top 16, but may have competed since then" Ash informed.

"Yeah, Conway scares me sometimes because-" Dawn started, but was interrupted by one of Ash's old rivals.

"Hey Dawn, how are you?" Conway said entering the conversation in his usual mysterious way.

"H-hey Conway" Dawn sweat dropped. "H-how are you?"

"I'm great Dawn. It's nice to see you" Conway's glasses lit up as he gazed at Dawn.

"Hey Conway" Ash said as Conway turned his attention to the young trainer. "You ready for the second round?"

"Of course I am, and naturally I have a strategy that I have been waiting to use since the Sinnoh league, so there's no way anyone is going to beat me" Conway boasted.

"Wow…that's great…Conway" Dawn said with a fake smile.

"Anyway, I've got things to do" Conway said as he walked to the exit. "And may I just say Dawn… you look beautiful" he stated chuckling to himself lightly. The atmosphere between Dawn, Ash and Gary fell silent for a moment.

"He sure is…strange" Gary said, still confused over what just happened.

"Well, there's normal, strange, mysterious, freaky and then comes Conway" Dawn giggled at her own comment.

"Freaky or not, Conway seems to like you" Gary smiled at Dawn cheekily. "…looks like someone has someone to go with to the dance…" Dawn's face turned incredibly red from embarrassment.

"Excuse me Gary! But I don't like Conway that way! And no chance am I going with him to the dance" she told Gary furiously.

"OK Dawn, I was only messing with you" Gary said calming her down.

"Don't ever joke about that again!" Dawn shouted fiercely at Gary who flinched at her comment. To Dawn, Conway was repulsive. Mostly because of his inability to walk up to her normally, instead sneaking up on Dawn and startling her was his method. "I don't like Conway and he doesn't like me that way" she denied.

"Whatever, I've got stuff to do, see you" Gary exclaimed before walking off. Ash simply watched the events take place in front of him without saying a word, but he did notice Dawn's angry face.

"Don't worry Dawn, he's only joking. He did that with me when we were younger" Ash reassured, but something else was troubling Dawn.

"It's not that" she said with her head held low.

"Then what is it Dawn?" Ash walked into her line of sight. He could see her distressed frown on her face.

"It's just that…when a good looking guy who I really like asks me to the dance…" she looked up to Ash with her sapphire blue eyes tearing up. "…I wouldn't want that guy to be someone like Conway, but I'm worried it will be." What am I saying? Ash won't feel sympathetic for— Dawn's thoughts paused when she felt Ash's arms pull her closer towards him.

"Don't doubt yourself Dawn" Ash whispered to Dawn softly, whose head was rested on Ash's shoulder. "I'm sure you'll get any guy you want" Ash said, not knowing that she secretly meant him. Come on Ash, do I have to spell it out for you? Ash didn't say anything though. He merely held Dawn to try and comfort her, but he didn't say anything. Ash… Dawn craved him to ask her to the dance, but Ash didn't say a word. Dense…or just doesn't love me? The tears came back to her eyes in an instant. Her eyes widened in shock and horror of the possibility that Ash does not love her. No…no…I can't think like that, Dawn tried to reason with herself. As she separated from Ash, a bleeping noise came from inside her bag.

"Excuse me a second Ash" she said, slightly embarrassed. She reached into her bag and pulled out her cell phone. A text from May appeared reading: Hey Dawn, come back to the hotel, I need to talk to you. May x

"Who is it Dawn?" Ash asked her. Dawn looked up and looked at Ash for a few seconds.

"It's only May. Anyway, I've gotta go, see you later Ash" Dawn said. She winked at Ash as she left the reception and exited through the door that led into the late afternoon air, leaving Ash on his own. He stood there for a few seconds, thinking of what to do next.

"I think I'll get some rest" Ash said to himself quietly.

"Hey Ash" a voice came from behind Ash, catching his attention. Ash turned around to see a tall male wearing a purple and pink shirt. His recognisable smile and his unforgettable stance only meant one thing.

"Harrison?" Ash said questionably. He took a closer look at him.

"Hey Ash, how are you?" Harrison asked politely. He was much taller than Ash, so he had to look down on him.

"I'm great thanks, and you?" Ash said.

"I feel great too. How's the tournament treating you?" he exclaimed whilst smiling.

"The tournament is going well, no doubt, I'm gonna win" Ash boasted. His big headedness and over confidence didn't surprise Harrison one bit. To him, that was the Ash he knew from before.

He laughed at Ash's comment. "We'll see about that" he said whilst looking at the door. "By the way, who was that girl you were talking too?" Harrison asked. "The one with the blue hair" he went on to say. Ash froze for a second.

"Oh that, that was only Dawn…" Ash said, slightly annoyed how they went off topic.

"Ah OK" Harrison said. "…you seem to be very…close to her." A cheeky smile appeared on his face, making Ash slightly uncomfortable.

"Yeah, so?"

"…do you like her?" Harrison's smile grew as Ash's cheeks went redder.

"What?" Ash shouted in outrage. "No, of course I don't like her. I mean…well, I like her…just…I mean I…OOHHH!" Ash let out his anger for himself for not finding the right words to explain his situation.

"Take it easy Ash, I was only kidding anyway" Harrison laughed. "Anyway, it's getting late; I'll see you in The Indigo Plateau tomorrow Ash" Harrison said whilst looking away from Ash, who was still stunned by Harrison's comment.

"Bye Harrison" Ash said before thinking about what he said. Me and Dawn…I never really thought about it. No Ash! Concentrate on the tournament! You've worked too hard, just don't go off track, he thought to himself harshly. But she is always there for me…I remember in Sinnoh, whenever I was down or my pokemon were feeling bad after losing, she was always there to make me feel better. Not to mention she always wore that cheerleading outfit during my gym battles…she sure is beautiful. His mind was beginning to think for itself. No Ash! Focus on the tournament! Girls can come later. Ash was never great at telling when a girl likes him or not. He mostly thought of girls as being friends, rivals, or just random people. Having a relationship with a girl had never crossed the mind of Ash, but for someone like Dawn, it was always on her mind.

Ash then reluctantly retired for the day after having nothing to do, he returned to his room and rested.

Back in the alley…

"Tracey, is that you?" The heavenly voice seemed to get louder as the silhouette of a human came closer to Tracey. Tracey didn't turn though. The exhausted individual felt the blood trickle down from his nose over his mouth. The area below his eye ached in pain as it was black around that area. Scratch marks and bruises scattered his face. Even from a distance, it was visible that something bad happened to Tracey. It was Misty who had come to Tracey's aid.

"Tracey, what are you doing here any…" She stopped mid-sentence and then started running towards Tracey. "Tracey! What happened?" Misty asked in a distressed voice. She knelt down quickly and inspected his face.

"I…got mugged…" he lied whilst struggling to talk. The aching pain he was in could be seen from his trembling voice.

"That's terrible! Are you OK?" Misty's face got more worried by the moment. She quickly placed her hand on his cheek causing him to flinch.

"Ouch. Sorry, it really hurts" he said.

"Here" Misty quickly reached into her bag and retrieved a handful of tissues, which Tracey slowly moved to his nose.

"You look terrible Tracey! What exactly happened?" Misty said urgently, her green emerald eyes began to tear up as she felt sorry for her friend.

"Well err-" Tracey began reluctantly, but fortunately for him he was interrupted.

"Tell me later actually, we've gotta get you to a safe place" Misty rubbed her eyes quickly and placed Tracey's arm on her shoulder. By this point, the Stun Spore was slowly weakening, but Tracey still had difficulty taking strides on his own. Despite not looking like it, Misty was surprisingly strong; she lifted Tracey up with ease and they started to make their ways to the hotel. Misty's arm was around Tracey's shoulder as his arm was around hers, Breloom's Stun Spore from earlier ago was still having an effect on Tracey, who struggled to walk. "What happened to your leg?" She said, slightly concerned. Tracey looked at her then to the floor.

"The mugger had a Breloom…" Tracey said reluctantly. He didn't want to lie to any of his friends, especially Misty, but he knew that the situation would get out of hand if more people knew.

"Stun Spore" she said almost knowingly. "I know what it's like. Come, I'll get you fixed up" Misty said holding Tracey's hand and pulling him into her room, as time went on, the Stun Spore began to weaken. The room was surprisingly organised. Tracey was expecting clothes to be everywhere and litter to be scattering the room, but it looked very clean and uniform. She pushed Tracey onto a bed and searched inside her bag. Tracey moved his hand to his face to feel the damage done by Kenny. How could this have happened? Kenny can sure pack a punch, that's for sure. He moved his hand just below his eye where he found a small lump; he could not see the colour of it, or the scale of damage that it was, all that it was painful. Tracey held the tissues tightly against his noise, collecting the blood that came out. Soon later, Misty turned around with a cloth and a bottle of clear liquid.

"What's that?" Tracey asked whilst glaring at the bottle, trying to identify it.

"It's better if you don't know" she said immediately after. Misty then unscrewed the lid of the bottle and poured a very small amount on the cloth.

"OK…" Tracey said, feeling slightly unsafe as he was unaware of what was inside that bottle, but he still trusted Misty. She slowly moved the cloth towards Tracey's cheek, when they made contact, Tracey flinched dramatically. "OUCH!" Tracey cried out as he jumped away from the sharp burning pain that magically appeared when the cloth touched his scar on his cheek. "What's in that?" he shouted.

"Alcohol. Don't worry; I know what I'm doing" she said calmly.

"It hurts though, more than the wound" he argued.

"Come on Tracey, you're stronger than that" she said flatteringly.

(Flashback)

You're a fool Tracey! You're pathetic!

You're a fool Tracey! You're pathetic!

You're a fool Tracey! You're pathetic!

(End Flashback)

After remembering what Kenny said to him, Tracey refused to stay weak. The cloth was merely something that Tracey would have to brave to make him stronger. If he couldn't take the pain of the cloth, he would never beat Kenny.

"OK, just be careful" he said cautiously before sitting back on the bed. Misty slowly pressed the cloth onto Tracey's scar. He did not move surprisingly. He braved the sharp burning pain of the alcohol filled cloth, and was getting used to it.

"Thanks for helping me Misty" Tracey said sweetly. A smile appeared on the girl's face as she dabbed the cloth onto his wound.

"That's OK Tracey, anything for a friend" she replied, equally as sweet.

"No really, I'm so glad you helped me"

"Just be thankful that the mugger didn't come back to finish you off" she joked, laughing slightly at her comment. Trying to break the silence that entered the conversation, Tracey said something.

"So…when did you learn about first-aid?" Tracey asked, slightly intrigued at how Misty seemed to know what she was doing. "And why do you have a bottle of pure alcohol on you?"

"Well you know. It gets kind of quiet at the gym, and when I'm not training, I learn random things" she stated. Being one of the best gym leaders in Kanto, it was not surprising for someone like Misty to pick up some interesting skills.

"You don't get a lot of challenges do you?" Tracey asked, still feeling the burn of the cloth.

"I do, but it's not so fun when my sisters are always travelling to new places and I'm stuck at the gym making it all possible for them" Misty moaned, feeling a lot sadder.

"I know what you mean Misty. Gary's in Sinnoh meeting new pokemon every day and having adventures of his own, whilst I'm in the lab in Pallet Town. I'm not jealous of Gary, nor do I hate working at the lab, but it would be nice to relive some of the Orange Island days" Tracey retorted. He missed the Orange Islands just as much as Misty did. Something about travelling around with Ash and Misty really made him feel great.

"Yeah, those were the days…" she said as she stopped dabbing the cloth on Tracey's face. "Here" she reached for a mirror and held it in front of Tracey. He looked almost surprised at how well Misty's method worked. He gazed in front of the mirror for a few seconds, analysing Misty's work.

"Wow Misty! It worked like a charm" he said happily, he felt no pain and he could move again. He moved his hand to his black eye and frowned. He glared again in the mirror and the black outlining of his eye. His black eye acted as a burden to him. People may think of him differently or see him in a different way. "It looks terrible" he said solemnly.

"You still look handsome to me" Misty blurted out. She immediately covered her mouth with her hand, shocked that she said such a thing. She glanced at Tracey who looked at her with his cheeks shaded a light red colour. He smiled at her lightly, almost impossible to tell if he was smiling, but he felt good inside. Misty's hand stayed on her mouth and her eyes were fixed on Tracey. Something about him caused her eyes to be ensnared, maybe his caring attitude, maybe his vast knowledge or maybe the fact that he looks after her just as much as she looks after him. Tracey hadn't acted the same since Pallet Town, he walked differently, talked differently and all round looked at everything in a different perspective, Misty noticed all this, but she felt as if it is not her business. After only a few days since leaving Pallet Town, certain feelings began growing inside her for the pokemon watcher, feelings that contradicted what she said about Ash. She had no idea if Tracey had had the same thoughts about Misty, but it was too much of a risk for her to ask.

Tracey giggled, as did Misty. "Anyway, I better get going. Thanks again" Tracey said, pleased that his face was no longer covered with the harsh marks that were left by Kenny. He got up and walked out the room slowly. Misty didn't say a thing as he exited; she stared into mid-air in shock at what she said. Did I really say that? Or maybe I'm just imagining it. Oh damn! I forgot to ask him about the mugger! Shall I ask him now…no. I'll ask him tomorrow about the mugger, he's had a hard day and he must be tired, she thought sympathetically about him. Misty looked at the mirror that Tracey had placed on her bed. He does look handsome though, black eye or no black eye.

On the way back to the hotel…

The young blue haired co-ordinator was walking down the empty road to meet up with May.

"Dawn" a voice came from behind her. Walking just a few metres away was Paul. She turned around and frowned at him.

"Oh, hey Paul" she said as if totally uninterested. There was a hint of anger in her voice that was easily detected by Paul.

"Why are you mad at me?" he slowly said. Paul knew that he was something to do with Ash.

"I never said I was mad" Dawn said.

"Yeah, but it doesn't take a genius to know" Paul said wittingly. A short silence followed, which ended with Dawn's sigh.

"Why do you hate Ash? He's never done anything bad you know" Dawn said.

"I just… don't like him" he said slowly whilst trying to pick the right words. "He doesn't understand that pokemon are meant for battling, research and nothing else" he retorted. "And that Gallade is hardly worth recognition. A psychic type should easily beat a poison type, but it barely was able to stand up to it and it fluked the win."

"Ash worked very hard in raising his Gallade, the least you can do is congratulate him for his efforts" Dawn said slightly angrily.

"If that's how he raises all his pokemon, he won't get very far in the tournament" he said. Dawn stepped in front of Paul, halting him.

"OK Paul, you've gone far enough in insulting Ash. Now tell me, why do you hate him so much?" She was very angry now, aswell as intrigued. "Are you jealous of Ash? All because he beat you in the Sinnoh League." Jealousy was the reason. Not because Ash beat Paul in the Sinnoh league though, but because Dawn travels around with him. Paul was unfortunate enough to be the kind of person who didn't make friends easily. He had the urge to criticize everything and everyone, but not Dawn.

"I don't like the way that Ash treats his pokemon. Pokemon are meant to be used for battling and that's it" he lied. "All this talk about being friends with your pokemon and bonding with your pokemon, it's not me"

"You've never bonded with any of your pokemon?" Dawn asked him, slightly shocked.

"No" he said firmly.

"Why not?" Dawn asked him again.

"What's with all the questions?" Paul said, feeling slightly unsafe.

"If you don't want to answer them, then you don't have to." A short silence followed.

"Pokemon were made for fighting" Paul's philosophy was never going to change. Dawn frowned. "What's wrong?" he asked, sounding sweetly. She didn't say anything though. Paul was beginning to think that it was something that he said. "So…how are your contests going?" Paul didn't know much about contests, nor did he know how well Dawn does in contests.

"I haven't competed in about 2 months now. But after the tournament, I'm thinking of travelling to a new region and start competing in contests there" she exclaimed with her mood suddenly lifted.

"Do you find them difficult?" Paul asked her.

"It can be tough sometimes, but I've got my pokemon and they've got me" she said smiling cheerfully. Her contagious smile forced Paul to give a rare smile.

"So you have a bond with your pokemon?" he said.

"Of course, my pokemon and I are so close together" she said joyfully. A long silence passed when Paul couldn't think of any more questions.

"Hey Dawn…" he said, getting her attention. "…Do you hate me?" Paul looked at her critically. His question startled Dawn. She took a moment thinking of a good answer without hurting him.

"W-what made you say that Paul?" She felt slightly sorry for him.

"Because…people just don't like me…" he said, failing to think of a good enough reason.

"…I don't hate you Paul…" she said. "In fact, I think you're allright". The fiery crimson blush struck Paul's cheeks just as his heart sprung into life again. "Sure your ways of raising pokemon are not right and you treat Ash like garbage even though he's never done anything bad to you, but I don't hate you" she smiled at him with her irresistible smile. This only made his cheeks go redder and redder, yet Dawn still hadn't noticed.

"Thanks Dawn…" he thanked her. They walked up to a crossroad. Paul quickly glanced to the right as Dawn glanced to the left.

"Well, I'm this way" Dawn stated as she looked back at Paul.

"And I'm this way" Paul said as he looked back at her.

"I'll see you around Paul" she said before walking to the left.

"See you soon Dawn" he said before walking to the right. That's all the evidence I need. Dawn Berlitz loves me, I'm certain of it. Paul was so adamant that Dawn loved him more than Ash. He walked down the street with a swagger and a joyful smile. His cheeks started to settle down and go back to their natural colour, but the roaring flame in his heart was still burning brightly. Paul's harsh and unforgiving side was never shown to Dawn, but when it was shown to others, Dawn easily noticed. Paul thought that Dawn will be his no matter what, but a certain young co-ordinator thinks otherwise…

Behind a nearby tree, Kenny observed Paul and Dawn's interaction. He heard every word of it. He watched Paul's smug expression as he walked down the street, his overconfident swagger accompanied by his friendly look. It was obvious to Kenny that Dawn had said something to him that made him like this. "You may not know Paul, but Dawn has already been taken" Kenny quietly said to himself. He was just as certain as Paul that Dawn will be his. He hadn't washed his hands since his encounter with Tracey, the stench of blood clung to his hands still and his sinister face glared at Paul as he walked down the street. "Just as long as you don't get in my way" he said to himself before walking off. A hint of jealousy was inside him. Ash was hard enough to get away from Dawn, but the way Paul acted in front of Dawn just then made him a formidable rival.

With Dawn, on the way to the hotel…

Dawn's encounter with Paul was seen in different perspectives. To Paul, it was as if an angel came down from the heavens and blessed him with the ability to love. To Dawn, it was just a friendly chat. No matter what Paul thought, Dawn's heart belonged to Ash. It was just a matter of getting closer to him. Despite all this though, Paul and Ash was the last thing on Dawn's mind. Just in front of the hotel, standing alone was May.

"Dawn, can we talk?" May said, frowning.

"I have something to say aswell May" Dawn followed. They made their way to their room where they stopped.

"What did you need to tell me Dawn?" May asked.

"I want to know what's going on" she demanded. "What has Drew done to you or you've done to Drew?" Dawn wondered.

"…you really want to know?"

"Yes, of course" Dawn said.

May sighed. "Not so long ago, I was travelling with Ash, Brock and Max. I began taking part in pokemon contests, which is where I met Drew" May started.

"Go on" Dawn took her seat on the bed opposite May.

"At first, Drew was insulting and criticizing, a bit like Paul is to Ash. He taunted me before and after almost every contest for the first few contests that I participated in" May remembered clearly how Drew was always stuck up and self-centred.

"Then what happened?"

"But then he gave me a rose…" The first rose Drew gave to May was still fresh in the young co-ordinators mind.

"Drew gave you a rose? How sweet!" Dawn squealed, jealous of May.

"But then he said straight afterwards that it was for Beautifly, not for me"

"Oh…" Dawn said, sounding slightly disappointed.

"But me being me, I always thought that the rose was secretly for me" May said. "Whenever he gave me a rose, I blushed. He still teased me in contests, but he sometimes did help me. And of course, with his good looks and the fact that he was starting to seem like a nice guy, I was onto him"

"Did he like you back then?" Dawn asked.

"I was never sure. The roses he left my Beautifly and the help he gave me when I needed it was never really enough to know"

"Then why don't you like him now? It's obvious that he loves you May". After analysing Drew's actions over the last few days, it was clear that Drew had something for May.

"I'll explain. When I travelled with Ash, Brock and Max, I thought the world of Drew, but being the popular co-ordinator that he was, there were so many girls that thought the same thing. Whenever I just wanted to have a friendly chat with Drew, there would always be some girl who would ask for his autograph and get in my way. I could've easily just punched the girls, but I'm a co-ordinator and I have a reputation to keep"

"I know what you mean May. But why do you avoid Drew now?"

"I never had the courage to tell Drew that I loved him. I dropped hints everywhere hoping that he would say that he loved me, but it never happened. The screaming girls, the life of being a co-ordinator just kept getting in the way. Until one night, just after the Grand Festival, I finally had a chance to speak to Drew alone. We spoke for hours, even though it felt like minutes. I could see that he was really enjoying talking to me, so I asked him…"

(Flashback)

Drew and May were sitting down on a bench. In front of them, a large ocean that separated the different regions. The glistening moon provided a spotlight that had its full attention on Drew and May.

"I don't suppose you still have that ribbon I gave you for your birthday?" May smiled dreamily at Drew. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a light blue ribbon.

"Still there. What's so special about it anyway?" Drew asked her.

"That's the first ribbon I ever won in a contest. I was thinking that you could use it…you know… as a good luck charm" May explained. Drew replied with a heart-warming smile.

"Thanks May. You really are one of a kind" Drew said whilst putting the ribbon back in his pocket.

"So what are you going to do next?" May asked Drew.

"I'm heading for Johto tomorrow" Drew said. "I'll participate in contests there and hopefully win. And besides, I have your ribbon, so I can't lose!"

"I'm heading to Johto too!" May screamed out in joy. "And don't think you'll win so easily Drew. After all, I have loads of those ribbons" she said, winking at him. Despite it being late at night, it was pretty warm. A moment passed when the two co-ordinators looked out to sea. "Err…Drew…" May began shyly.

"What is it May?" he asked.

"I-I've been keeping this little secret for a while now…" May said slowly. Her legs shook in nervousness. What if he doesn't love me? What if he already has someone? May quickly got the thoughts out of her head and proceeded. "But you have to promise that you won't tell anyone…" May warned Drew nicely.

"Depends what it is" Drew said smartly.

"Can you just promise me?"

"…OK, I promise" he said, giving in.

"Pinky swear" May said, holding out her pinky finger.

"OK then…" Drew shook her finger with his.

"OK Drew, here's the thing, I…"

"Go on…" Drew said curiously. For May, it was harder to get out than she planned. It surprised her how difficult a few simple words were to say to someone like Drew.

"I…kind of like you…Drew…" May quickly buried her face with her hands to hide her deep red blush. A huge rush of emotions flowed through May. Feelings of regret and passion were the main ones. She looked up, still hiding her red cheeks, to find Drew showing a smile that May had never seen before. The smile was filled with so much compassion and understanding, it was impossible for May to take her eyes off of him. But behind that irresistible smile, masked Drew's true feelings…

"That's great May…" he said falsely. Drew looked uncomfortable about the whole situation. May only looked at him dreamily with her trademark smile. "…but you see-"

"Drew?" A voice came from behind them both. Drew and May instantly turned around, hoping that no one had heard what they were talking about. "What are you doing out here this late Drew?" A fairly short girl who looked around May's age was standing there, looking fairly annoyed.

"I was just hanging out with my friend, that's all" he said calmly. His friend didn't look so calm though.

"Who? That thing over there?" She pointed at May harshly.

"Errm…yes Brianna, but we weren't-" Drew was cut off rudely by the young girl.

"Wait a minute…is that…May Maple?" Brianna said before having a closer look at May. Drew stood up and stood to the side as Brianna got closer to May. "Wow Drew, talking to losers like May…you really sunk, haven't you…" Brianna laughed and criticized before turning back to Drew.

"We weren't-" Drew started before being rudely interrupted by Brianna once more.

"Like she deserves talking to you Drew" she grabbed Drew's hand and held it tightly. "She knows nothing about you Drew. I bet she doesn't even know your birthday!" She laughed. "Not knowing a world famous person's birthday, that sure is something". She quickly shook off the laughter though and proceeded with Drew staying totally quiet. "Come on, let's go" she walked off with Drew, hand in hand, before May could say anything they were gone. May was astounded, to say the least. Tears started rushing out of her eyes. Did that just happen? Does Drew really have someone else in his life? After everything I've done…after all the things I've given up… May's eyes watched the love of her life walk away from him, with her first ever ribbon still in his possession.

(End Flashback)

"That's terrible!" Dawn lunged in and hugged May. "A random girl just takes Drew, that's awful! Is Brianna the reason why you avoid Drew?"

"No. When Brianna was insulting me, Drew did not once stop her or stick up for me. Shows how much he really loves me" she burst into tears, clinging onto Dawn.

"Where's Brianna now?" Dawn asked, embracing her in a friendly hug.

"She's long gone. I think Drew had enough of her. But the way she insults me and gets away with it…"

"The nerve of some people. Does Drew still have your ribbon?" she asked.

"I-I'm not sure, but I don't dare ask him. It just brings back more painful memories" May's tears rushed out her eyes again. The memories of her and Drew mentally scarred her for life.

"…then why Ash?" Dawn said, reminding herself of the current situation.

"…Ash was there for me when Drew was not. He helped me train and become the co-ordinator that I am today, and he gave me this" May pulled out half a ribbon. "You remember seeing this don't you Dawn?"

"I remember, when we met in Sinnoh. That's the Terracotta ribbon that you and Ash split" Dawn said.

"But with Drew back and showing those same feelings again to me, I don't know what to do…" she said, putting the ribbon away.

"It's obvious that Drew loves you, so why not go for him?" Dawn suggested.

"I would…but I can't bear being hurt again like what happened in Kanto" she said, frowning and lowering her head. "Drew meant everything to me…and I'm not sure if I can love him that much again"

"No need to worry May, you'll be fine" Dawn reassured her using her classic catchphrase. "All will turn out well in the future. Just be nice to Drew…"

"OK" May said whilst rubbing her nose. The tears stopped flowing from her eyes and she looked slightly happier.

"Promise?" Dawn held out her pinky finger.

"Yeah, I promise" May giggled and connected hers with Dawn's.

"Anyway, you wanna go get some ice cream?" Dawn quickly glanced at the window, it was almost dark.

"That's what I want to hear" May exclaimed happily as they both exited the room. With friends like Dawn, nothing can go wrong…I wonder if Drew's still got my ribbon though… May didn't have the guts to ask Drew about the ribbon. Asking Drew about the ribbon will just bring back the painful memories and mentally scar her even more. For now, she chose to leave her ribbon in Drew's hands.

At night…

The sounds of Murkrow and Noctowl echo in the night sky. The moon's spotlight was centred on The Indigo Plateau stadium. It was hard to imagine how some people were not able to sleep, but it happened. Tracey slept like a baby, despite his black eye and the faint marks on his face. Misty however, was worried for Tracey. She twisted and turned in her bed with her eyes fully wide open. Poor Tracey. At least he's feeling better. A sudden thought struck her head. …but what kind of a mugger would beat someone up…and not take anything? She remembered Tracey having all his pokeballs with him. He didn't look like he was missing anything. So why would a mugger not take anything from him? Is there something he didn't tell me? I'll ask him that tomorrow.

The trainer's hotel…

Unlike Misty, Ash was fast asleep after having such a hectic day. He didn't look peaceful though. He began fidgeting and mumbling certain words.

"And the winner…" He was dreaming again. "…the winner is…"

"And the winner of The Rivalry Tournament and newly titled Pokemon Master, Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town!" The announcer called out as seas of people roared out in applause, all cheering for their new champion. He turned around to see a lone figure standing behind him. His purple hair and his signature angry look on his face made him recognisable to Ash. "Paul?" Paul didn't answer though. He simply glared at the newly turned champion. "Paul, where is everyone?" Ash asked. None of Ash's friends were there, nor his family, just Paul. Paul grabbed a pokeball and threw it to the side of him. A tall pokemon, mostly white with a green head appeared in front of him. It was a Gallade, and a well raised one for that matter. "Paul, you never said you had a Gallade" Ash reached for one of his pokeballs, only to feel five instead of six. He panicked as Paul smiled menacingly. One of Ash's pokeballs were missing, and then he realised, Paul had his Gallade. "Paul! Give me back my Gallade!"

"Psycho Cut" Paul said. The blade type pokemon hurled light blue rings at Ash.

"Gallade, it's me! Ash!" The pokemon didn't stop though. The light blue rings were carefully dodged by Ash. He quickly reached for one of his pokeballs and threw it high in the air, but nothing came out. The pokeball simply fell on the floor, motionless. "What?" He threw a second pokeball in the air, this time higher. The pokeball fell to the ground, not moving or releasing any pokemon. "What happened?" Gallade had stopped firing the blue rings at Ash.

"Close Combat" Paul called out. Why was Paul controlling his Gallade? Why doesn't Gallade remember Ash? Ash only had enough time to think of a couple of questions, for his Gallade ,that was mysteriously under Paul's control, had its fist behind its head and was ready to make contact with Ash.

"CCHUUU!" A Thunderbolt came out of nowhere and struck Ash, waking him up at the same time.

Ash woke up from the nightmare to find Pikachu under him and struggling for air.

"CCHUUU!" A powerful Thunderbolt attack electrocuted Ash out of his bed and on the floor. After years of travelling with Pikachu, he was used to it, but not often would his Pikachu muster that much power.

"S-Sorry Pikachu" Ash said, still absorbing the effect of Pikachu's attack. Pikachu got up and made his way to his master to see if he was fine.

"Pi-ka?"

"Don't worry Pikachu, I'm fine" Ash said, standing up and dusting himself off. He looked at his pokeballs to see if they were all there. All six were still with him. Ash breathed a sigh of relief that it was all just another dream. He quickly glanced at the clock to check the time. "12:00. Still half an hour 'til Gary's battle" he said to the electric type. "Come on Pikachu."

Also note: Updating will be a lot slower unfortunately. Exams are coming up and I have to revise so I don't screw up my future. I will hopefully update, but it won't be so often.

If it sounds like I'm making Tracey sound weak, I'm sorry, I love him too. But there will be chapters in the future that give him opportunity to fight back against Kenny. Onto the summary:

Paul's being nice to Dawn, aswell as being deluded by thinking that Dawn loves him back. Kenny knows about Paul aswell as Tracey being warned once more and losing in a battle to Kenny, he paid the consequences unfortunately. Misty came to the rescue and fixed him up using none other than pure alcohol (Don't ask, it just came to my head), but she also has feelings for Tracey. Ash has a similar dream to the last one, but this time Paul appears to own Ash's Gallade. But hey, May explains to Dawn about her past with Drew and why she is avoiding him. And that's all I can remember.

The time here is 23:45 and in 15 MINUTES IS MY BIRTHDAY! So no flaming please.

Please review guys, I need motivation to live. Next chapter is the second round of the tournament so stay tuned and remember to review.