I have quite a bit to say after the chapter, so enjoy. Also, don't forget to vote in the poll!

Jake headed out to the field, feeling very confident. He immediately noticed the grass, taking note of the field. On the other side of the field stood a trainer who looked to be in his late teens.

He had a heavyset appearance and orange hair tied in a pony tail. His attire resembled that of a Samurai, with his baggy pants being a dark red, and his shirt being a light red.

May had just found Max, and immediately headed his way. Once she got there, she sat down next to him. Eevee decided to hop up and sit on her lap.

"What took you so long?" Max smirked.

"Nothing. We were just talking." May replied.

"Suure."

The only response was a smack to the back of his head.

Max pouted, turning his attention to the battlefield. His eyes widened when he saw Jake's opponent emerge.

"Hey May, isn't that Morrison?" He asked.

May studied the trainer across from Jake, before giving her answer.

"Yeah, I think it is!" She replied.

"Let's go see him after the match!" Max suggested.

"Sure."

"Vui?" Eevee asked, cocking his head.

"Oh, Morrison is a trainer we met back when we travelled with Ash during the Ever Grande Conference." May explained, scratching Eevee behind his ears.

"Eevee." He cooed.

You ready for this dude? Cause I won't lose this match! I'm gonna go all the way!" Morrison exclaimed.

"Don't get too cocky dude. Overconfidence always leads to making mistakes." Jake said simply.

"I'm not overconfident. I just know that I'll win!"

"That's what overconfidence is," Jake sighed.

Before there was any more chatter, the ref began his pre battle statements.

"This will be a two on two double battle between Jake Smith of Littleroot Town, and Morrison Andrews of Verdanturf Town. Each trainer will use two Pokémon, and the match is over when both of either side's Pokémon are unable to continue battling. The winner goes on to Driftveil, and the loser goes home. Are both trainers ready?"

"You bet I'm ready!" Morrison exclaimed, pulling out two Pokeballs.

"Yep." Jake said, also reaching for two Pokeballs.

"Begin!" The ref shouted, throwing up his flags.

"Flare, Shockwave, engage!" Jake shouted.

The Gleam Eyes Pokémon and the Legendary Pokémon appeared in front of him.

"Swampert, Metagross, let's go!" Morrison shouted.

The Mud Fish Pokémon and the Iron Leg Pokémon appeared.

Morrison made the first move.

"Metagross, Magnet Rise! Swampert, Earthquake!" He shouted.

"Extremespeed into the air! Shockwave, bounce with Iron Tail!"

Flare sped into the air in a streak of light. Shockwave's tail glowed white, and he used it to propel himself upwards. Metagross swung its legs out wards, and started floating in the air. All three Pokémon avoided the tremor caused by Swampert.

"Flamethrower and Helping Hand!"

Immediately, Shockwave shot a blue energy at Flare. Flare glowed the same color, before sending a massive stream of flames at Metagross.

"Iron Defense!" Morrison shouted quickly.

Metagross's body shone with a silver glint a split second before the flames reached it. The flames simply flowed around Metagross, before they dispersed completely. Metagross barely seemed fazed by the attack.

"Thunderbolt on Metagross. Flare, you know what to do if Swampert intervenes!"

"Swampert, protect Metagross from that Thunderbolt!"

Shockwave shot a burst of electricity at Metagross, who was still floating in the air. Swampert started running towards Metagross planning on taking the attack. A small knot of grass tripped him, causing him to fall flat on his face, dealing massive damage. With no one in the way, the Thunderbolt hit its mark, also dealing a good amount of damage to the metal titan.

"Metagross, use Psychic on Luxray! Swampert, Hydro Pump on Arcanine!"

"Shockwave, avoid with Dig! Flare, dodge and hit Metagross with a Flamethrower!"

Before Metagross could do anything, Shockwave had already buried himself into the ground.

Swampert unleashed a massive blast of water at Flare, who swiftly dodged it. He then blasted Metagross with his Flamethrower, burning it in the process.

"Swampert, Earthquake!" Morrison shouted.

Jake didn't give any commands. Instead, he just stood there with a confident look on his face.

Metagross immediately took to the air using his jet legs, while Flare simply waited to jump. Shockwave was still burrowed underground, his whereabouts unknown.

What is he thinking? Surely he knows that an electric type like Luxray who is underground can't survive an Earthquake. Oh well, it's an easy KO for me! Morrison thought.

Looks like he's fallen for my trap. All Shockwave needs to do is time it right. If not, I'm fucked. Just like we practiced buddy, come on, you can do this. Jake said mentally.

Finally, Swampert slammed his fists into the ground, causing it to shake violently. Flare jumped up, avoiding the attack with graceful ease. Less than a second later, Shockwave burst from the ground, shooting into the air. His body was unmoving, causing a few gasps front he crowd.

"Double Edge!" Jake shouted hopefully.

Wait, what? Surely he knows that his Luxray was knocked out from that. There's no way!

Once Shockwave had reached the apex of his climb, he seemingly sprang to life, and angled his body towards Swampert perfectly. As he flew downwards, his body glowed with a white energy. He rapidly picked up speed, and slammed into the stunned Swampert. There was a big burst of dust from the impact. Everyone in the stadium fell silent, waiting to see the result of the impact. Once the smoke cleared, Swampert was lying on the ground unconscious. A battered and beaten up Luxray stood next to him, panting heavily.

"Swampert is unable to battle, this match continues as a two on one!" The ref exclaimed, throwing up his flag to signal a knock out.

"No it doesn't. Shockwave, return." Jake said. He pulled out a Pokeball, and recalled his battered electric type. "I forfeit Shockwave. He's in no condition to continue battling."

"And your Arcanine?" Morrison asked, shocked at the sudden turn of events.

"He's still in this."

"Jake Smith has forfeited Luxray. This match will continue as a one on one!" The ref declared.

"I may be at a type disadvantage, but I have no plans on losing! Metagross, use Thunderpunch!" Morrison exclaimed.

"Charge into it with Flare Blitz! Aim for the burns!"

Metagross, who was still suffering from the burn inflicted on him from earlier, powered through it, and charged towards Flare, his right front leg pointed forwards, cackling with electricity. Flare also charged in, covering his entire body with flames. Both Pokémon met in the middle of the field. Metagross smashed his leg into Flare's side, while Flare made contact with one of the burn marks. Both Pokémon took damage from the impact, with Flare coming off worse thanks to recoil.

"Sunny Day!" Jake shouted.

"Get in close with a Meteor Mash Metagross!" Morrison commanded.

Flare shot a yellow orb into the sky. Immediately, the sunlight got stronger, and the temperature increased ever so slightly. Metagross once again charged in, this time, its leg was covered in a silver energy.

"Flare, go into a Flare Blitz, but let him come to you!"

Right before Metagross made contact, Flare's body burst into flames. Metagross struck Flare on the side, causing him to whimper in pain. Metagross also made a metallic screech when its fist hit the flames. Both Pokémon were looking extremely tired at this point, and both trainers knew that the next attack would decide the outcome of the battle.

"Flare, Flare Blitz!" Jake shouted.

"Metagross use Meteor Mash!" Morrison countered.

Flare covered himself in flames, then charged towards Metagross, who was also charging in with a glowing leg. The two met in the middle of the field, and a massive explosion took place. Both Pokémon were sent flying back, landing in front of their trainers.

"Flare, I know you got this buddy, just stand up!" Jake encouraged.

"Metagross, don't give up!" Morrison shouted.

Flare was struggling to stand. His body was covered in scrapes and bruises, and he had seen better days. However, he was determined not to let his trainer down.

On the other side, the Iron Leg Pokémon was also struggling to stand. It too was determined to win, almost matching Morrison's.

Bingo Jake shouted mentally, suddenly coming to a realization. "Morning Sun!"

Flare looked relieved at this point. His body glowed yellow, and he used the increased sunlight to heal himself. Immediately, Flare looked like he could take on the entire world. With his newfound strength, he was easily able to attack again.

"Let's win this! Flare, finish Metagross off with Overheat!"

Flare opened his mouth, and a stream of pure energy came out, racing towards Metagross.

"No fair!" Morrison whined.

Metagross was helpless to move. It could only watch as the fire type attack came racing towards it. When the attack hit its mark, Metagross succumbed, fainting in exhaustion.

"Metagross is unable to battle, Arcanine is the winner! Jake Smith from Littleroot Town wins the match!" The ref declared.

Jake had just walked into the trainer's room, and he was immediately swamped by May. She enveloped him in a tight bear hug, leaving him no room to move.

"Congrats! That match was awesome! You totally kicked Morrison's ass!" She exclaimed.

"Thanks." Jake replied meekly, struggling to break free of the death grip. "Can you please loosen up a bit? I'd like to be able to hug you back you know." He struggled to say.

"Sorry!" May said, loosening her grip. Once Jake got free, they hugged each other.

"Ugh!" Max said, turning his head. Once he was looking the other way, he said, "Hey May, you wanna go see Morrison after you're done playing kissy face with Jake?"

"Sure. I'd like to see what he's been up to lately." She replied, ignoring Max's earlier remark.

"I'm assuming Morrison is someone you know?" Jake asked.

"Yeah, we met him right before the Ever Grande Conference when we were traveling with Ash and Brock. Him and Tyson." Max explained.

"Tyson King?"

"Yeah, why?"

"I met him when I battled against him in the Unova League."

"Who won?" May inquired.

"Me. I finally beat that damn Meowth in Boots of his. Blazer put him in his place."

"You don't seem to like that Meowth." Max said.

"It had an attitude problem against Shockwave. He was worn out, and Meowth beat him after a short battle. Even after Shockwave was knocked out, he tried to keep attacking him. If I didn't recall him, who knows what would've happened."

"Don't worry about it. That Meowth just doesn't like other felines. Your Luxray resembles one, which is why he attacked. Come on, let's go see if we an catch up with Morrison." May said, leading Jake out of the room by his hand.

"Come on Max, let's go!"

"Coming!" He replied, heading out of the room.

"Eev." Eevee sighed, annoyed that the trio forgot about him. He hopped down from the bench and followed them out of the room.

The four had just left the room, and they started walking towards the other side of the stadium. The halls were crowded. Both trainer's and fans alike were busy walking down the halls to wherever they needed to go. Jake had since picked up Eevee, apologizing to him about forgetting him in the room. Eevee forgave him, saying not to worry about it. Jake responded by scratching him in his favorite place behind his ears. Eevee cooed in response.

Jake and May started to hold hands, walking side by side. Max was to the side of Jake, not wanting any part of it.

As they were walking, people came over, congratulating Jake on making it to Driftveil. One kid who looked no older than eight tugged on his pants leg, causing him to stop and look down.

"Hi mister Jake." He said nervously.

"Please, just call me Jake. I don't need to feel older than I am."

"Sorry, I just wanted to say that I'm you're biggest fan. Ever since you placed top four in Sinnoh, I've watched all your league battles on TV. It was really awesome seeing you win the Hoenn League, especially when I learned that it was your second time."

"Thanks. Do you have a name?"

"Trevor."

"Well thanks Trevor, it's nice knowing that I have fans."

"When I turn ten, I'm gonna pick a Torchic just like you did. I know that it won't be as awesome or as strong as your Blaziken, but thanks to you, it's my favorite Pokémon. I plan on becoming a Pokémon Master just like you!"

"Thanks," Jake said sheepishly, obviously flattered at the praise. "Trevor, do you want some advice?"

"Of course! Anything from the best!"

Jake looked at May, who nodded. They freed their hands, and Jake knelt down so he was eye level with the boy. "When you make your team, make sure that they have good type synergy. But most importantly, above anything else, you have to believe in your Pokémon."

"Believe in your Pokémon?"

"Yes. Believe in your Pokémon. In my match today, you may recall what Shockwave did, right?"

"You mean when he popped out of the ground after that Earthquake attack and owned Morrison's Swampert? Yeah, I remember!"

"When he was underground, he knew that I believed in him. Most trainers would have told their Pokémon to emerge immediately. Granted, I have been working on that strategy for a few years, but it still takes a deep bond between Pokémon and trainer to pull it off. I knew that if I believed in him, he would be able to pull it off. And it worked."

"So if you believe in him, why did you forfeit him?"

"Because I knew that he wouldn't have been able to continue after that. He was wiped out, and was on the verge of fainting. The same thing goes for Morrison. His Metagross was on the verge of collapsing, but he failed to realize it at the time."

"Thanks for the advice." Trevor said. He then started fishing through his pocket, and pulled out a card. When Jake looked at it, he realized that it was a Pokémon Card. The picture was of a Blaziken, with the moves Blaze Kick and Sky Uppercut. "Can you sign this for me please?" He asked.

"Of course, as long as you don't sell it on Pokébay that is."

"Of course not!" Trevor defended, handing over the card.

Jake pulled out a pen, and before he could sign it, Trevor asked another question.

"Can I pet your Eevee? Please?" He begged.

"I don't know, what do you say bud, is it okay with you?"

"Vui!" Eevee said, hopping off of Jake's shoulder and into Trevor's outstretched arms. Trevor immediately started scratching Eevee behind the ears, causing him to coo in enjoyment.

While this was going on, May simply smiled. (Wow, he's really great with kids. Makes me wonder how he would be as a father some day. No, don't worry about that right now. Focus on the present.) May said mentally.

Max was looking bored at this point, obviously not interested.

Jake finished signing the card, and he handed it back in exchange for Eevee. Trevor was overjoyed, thanking Jake about a million times. Jake simply smiled in response, and started getting up. Trevor said goodbye, and started to head back to where a man and a woman were standing, who Jake assumed were his parents. He turned around one last time.

"Oh, and one more thing." He said.

"What's that?" Jake asked.

"Your girlfriend is really pretty, she's a keeper!" He said, running off.

Jake stood there, dumbfounded, his face redder than a Tomato Berry.

"Looks like you have a fan base!" May said, snapping Jake out of his trance.

"Yeah, I guess." Jake replied meekly.

"What's the matter?" May asked.

"I just can't believe he said that." Jake replied.

"What that I'm a keeper?" May asked.

"Yeah, I just can't believe that a seven year old would think that."

"Do you think that?" May asked, somewhat uneasily.

"Yeah, I don't wanna lose you. I don't wanna think about what would happen if we broke up." Jake replied. He was obviously uncomfortable talking about the subject, and it was showing. May noticed this, and squeezed his hand, trying to cheer him up.

"Hey, I think I see Morrison!" Max exclaimed, changing the subject much to Jake's relief. Max pointed a finger, and sure enough, the same person who faced Jake in the last round was where he pointed, eating a large sub sandwich.

Max immediately ran over to where he was sitting to greet him. Jake and May decided to just walk over to them.

"Hey Morrison!" Max said.

"Hi random person," Morrison said, taking a bite of his sandwich.

"You don't remember me?"

"Should I?" He replied, his mouth full of food.

May and Jake had just arrived, and immediately saw Max looking down, walking away from Morrison.

"What's wrong Max?" May asked in a concerned tone.

"He doesn't remember me."

"It has been a few years, and he'd probably remember Ash the best." May replied. "Come on, I'm sure that if he sees us together, it might spark his memory."

"Maybe."

The trio walked over to Morrison, who in a span of less than two minutes, had eaten all but a bit of his sandwich.

"Hey Morrison!" May said cheerfully.

Morrison looked up at May. For a second, she could've sworn that she saw a spark of recognition in his eyes. It then turned to one of disappointment when he moved his gaze over to Jake.

"May, right?" He asked.

"The one and only! The little dude who talked to you a few minutes ago is Max, my brother." She replied.

"I remember now. But what are you doing with him?" He said, pointing a finger at Jake.

"He's my boyfriend." May said meekly.

"Huh, I always thought that you and Ash would've ended up together," he said.

May blushed slightly at the comment. Maybe if he wasn't so damn dense, we could've gotten somewhere. Oh well, its in the past, and I'm with someone who likes me as much as I like him.

"Anyways, we just wanted to say hi. It's been awhile since we've last seen you." Max said.

"Where's Ash?" Morrison asked.

"Not here."

"He's not competing?"

"I don't know. If he is, then he'd be in Kanto. You know, since trainers have to qualify thought their home regions." May said.

"Yeah, I knew that." Morrison replied unconvincingly. "You'll meet back up with him in Driftveil, right?"

"Truth is, we haven't travelled with Ash in a few years. I met back up with him once back in Sinnoh, but I haven't seen him since. Last I heard was that he was in Unova." May replied with a pang of guilt inside of her.

"Oh."

There was an awkward silence between the four that lasted for a few minutes, before someone broke it.

"How'd your match go Morrison?" A voice asked from behind.

All four turned around, and everyone immediately recognized him.

"Tyson!?" Max, May, and Jake asked in unison.

"Hey you two, it's been awhile. Sup Jake, haven't seen you since Unova." He said.

"Hey Tyson, long time no see," May said.

"Is Ash competing back in Kanto?"

"We don't know. I haven't seen him since the Battle Frontier." Max said.

"I see you know Jake."

"He's my boyfriend."

"So I guess I was wrong."

"About what?" Max asked.

"I always thought your sister and Ash would've gotten together."

"Does everyone think that?" May asked.

"I don't know, but it was pretty obvious you liked him." Morrison said.

May blushed slightly. "Yeah, I did. But he was so dense, there wasn't anything that I could do. Besides, I'm with Jake now, so it doesn't really matter."

"I guess not."

"Still got that crazy Meowth of yours?" Jake asked.

"Look, I'm sorry at what happened. Meowth has had a bad history with Persians, so I guess it rubs off on other feline like Pokémon." Tyson defended.

"Look, I have nothing against you. I just don't like it when my Pokémon is attacked AFTER it's been knocked out. He may have a problem with felines, but you should still make sure he behaves."

"You know, it's getting late. I say we all catch up over dinner or something." Max said, changing the subject.

"I'm with you on that one!" Morrison added.

"I'm in," Jake said. "May?"

"Sure!"

"You never answered my question though, how'd your match go?" Tyson asked Morrison.

"I lost." He said dejectedly.

"Who beat you?"

"I did." Jake cut in. "Come on, I'm hungry, so let's go eat!" He said, changing the subject.

So there it is, chapter twenty. I'm sorry its late, but I left for Florida this morning. I am currently in a hotel, so this is the only time I can update. In regards to the rest of the week, I probably won't update until after I get back, but I don't know. I'm coming back next Sunday, so it would be then. Don't worry though, I'll still be writing chapters, giving me some cushioning if anything else comes up.

So May and Max meet back up with Morrison and Tyson. Honestly, how many of you remember them from the Ever Grande Conference? I do because I've watched the anime all over again a few months ago, and I wanted to introduce a few of Ash's old friends. Speaking of which, I rewatched it yesterday, and found out that this qualifier is exactly like it was there. The only difference being that you have to win more battles. I guess gen

3 rubbed off on me more than I thought. And some bashing against that Meowth. I never did like it. Too much attitude. And I couldn't help but make a few Advanceshipping references in there. My only excuse is instinct. In all seriousness, they don't mean a thing though, so don't worry. One last thing, I will be introducing two more of Ash's rivals in this story. When and who is anyone's guess (except mine) and also an appearance from an earlier character will commence soon. I wonder who that may be?

Next chapter will be mainly filler. After that, I have no clue, but it will stick with the current group. Hope you all have a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, or Happy Holidays, whichever you prefer.

As always, read and review everyone!