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Chapter 44

Having battled hard with Roserade and Blaziken through the ranks, May let out a calming breath as she stared at the opponent opposite her. If Gary had told her a week ago that she'd be facing off against her cousin in in the finals of the Wallace Cup, May would have laughed at him. However, now she knew better, and was extremely terrified. She didn't know who she wanted to win, herself, or her cousin.

'May, hit me with your best shot. I'd hate it if you went easy on me,' Daisy winked from across the battlefield.

'Right back at you,' May grinned, though she knew it probably seemed forced. She couldn't feign the Oak confidence that Daisy and Gary had. How could she, when she didn't feel like a true Oak?

'Go, Charmeleon and Lucky-tchi!' Daisy yelled, releasing the lizard-shaped Kanto starter as well as the pink nurse that helped Nurse Joy in so many regions.

'Roserade and Blaziken, take the stage!' May called, releasing the pokémon in a shower of roses.

When the duo paused in their stances to glance at Daisy, they did a double take to look back at May, appearing uncertain at the concept of battling May's cousin.

'We can do this, guys!' May called, clenching a fist as she eyed her opponent. She'd been watching her cousin for a while and knew she was utilising the Chansey's healing abilities. Well, she had Roserade, who could use aromatherapy. That was a tactic she could use if required.

'Roserade, magical leaf on that Chansey, Blaziken, use sky uppercut on Charmeleon!' May called to her pokémon, knowing that she had to establish the upper hand fast.

As her two pokémon rushed forward, May saw her opponent smirk, appearing unperturbed as her pokémon winced at the damage, Charmeleon faltering back a few steps at the contact.

'Lucky-tchi, pound!' Daisy called, causing the pink pokémon to open its mouth to show a pink orb.

'Roserade, aim your magical leaf at him!' May called, knowing she had to prevent the attack.

'No you don't. Charmeleon, attack the grass type with flamethrower!' Daisy called back.

'Blaziken, protect Roserade!' May yelled, her eyes widening in shock.

With a loud cry, Blaziken jumped over the normal type pokémon to stand protectively before the grass type.

'Roserade, aim a petal dance at Lucky-tchi!' May called as Daisy clenched her fist as her pokémon was showered in a beautiful array of perfect petals.

'Blaziken, sky uppercut!' May yelled again, not even looking at her points as her starter pokémon's hand glowed before hitting it against Charmeleon's protruding jaw.

'Lucky-tchi, soft boiled egg! Charmeleon, dragon rage!' Daisy called, her eyes narrowed with focus.

'Roserade, use aromatherapy once Blaziken has removed Charmeleon with brave bird!' May called, knowing that the move was risqué.

Watching Blaziken glow an eery white, May let out a slight smile as Daisy yelled, 'Chansey, take down!'

Watching her pokémon attack the other fire type, May refrained herself from cheering childishly as Charmeleon flew out of the way, forced to recoil by Blaziken's strength.

Seeing him heave, Roserade covered the fire type with its pink dust, hoping to heal the damage he'd caused himself, Roserade's remedy glittering in the stadium lights.

'Roserade, look out!' May cried as she saw the pink normal type pokémon run towards Drew's pokémon.

The grass type turned around, his red eyes widening as his large pink opponent made contact.

'Charmeleon, can you get up?' Daisy called to her pokémon as May called, 'Roserade, solar beam on that Chansey! Blaziken, use overheat on them both!'

She watched as her friend began to glow red as the grass type beside it began to absorb the sunlight flowing from the open stage.

'Charmeleon, use flamethrower on Roserade; Lucky-tchi, use take down on Blaziken!' Daisy called out, her voice frantic.

'Go, Blaziken!' May yelled as she saw the two pokémon rushing forward, readying their attacks.

Roaring his name, Blaziken released a powerful wave of fire, entrapping both of the pokémon.

'You too, Roserade!' May called out, clicking her fingers as Roserade aimed his two rose-covered hands and released an astoundingly bright, white light.

As the singed air became replaced with the sweet scent of the forest, May blinked once before the timer sounded.

'Aaand that's it ladies and gentlemen, May has won the Wallace Cup, defeating Daisy-May! Can we get a round of applause for these two lovely brunettes, please?' Adrian's voice boomed through the arena before the audience began to cheer.

May, however, barely heard their cheers as she jumped towards the two pokémon who'd fought hard for her, 'thank you so much! Roserade and Blaziken, you two make an awesome team! I'm so proud of you both!'

Seeing their exhausted, yet happy faces, May couldn't suppress a grin as she recalled them, returning her attention to her cousin, who'd returned her own pokémon.

'Daisy, you were awesome,' May grinned at the older woman, whose lips were jutted in a tell-tale pout.

'Not as awesome as you,' Daisy frowned slightly, surprising the woman.

'Yes, but I had more to lose. I needed to win this for Drew, didn't I? Now, I'd love to see more of your battles in Almia,' May winked at the woman, unable to suppress a grin.

'You're on,' Daisy grinned back before pulling her into a tight hug. Kissing her cheek, she took the moment to whisper in her ear, 'you deserved this win, May. If you are as in sync with Drew as you are with his Roserade, he wouldn't even think of holding anything against you.'

Flushing at the statement, May couldn't help but bite her lip as Wallace stalked towards them.

'Well, I always had a suspicion you'd win this one. Congratulations, May,' Wallace smiled as he gave her the coveted Aqua ribbon.

'What, no theatrics?' May teased the man, whose uncharacteristic severity was startling her slightly.

'I think we both know that too much has happened for me to even pretend to be lighthearted with you. Just remember that I think you should embrace your title sooner rather than later. Lance is no longer Champion, I think it's time Steven stepped down, too,' Wallace mused before sauntering away, leaving May speechless.

'Was now really the time to bring that up? You're still on your journey, and there is no way I'm letting you give up your dream because he's being a precious little diva,' Daisy scowled, placing her hands on either side of her hips.

'There's no need to worry, I'll consider it after I've completed my journey,' May chuckled anxiously, though she felt a semblance of guilt fill her.