Author's Note:

Here it is, the second part of the Dewford. Not a massive chapter again but we get a better look at one of Ash's rivals in Hoenn. As mentioned, when he first appeared, he'll be more of an early Hoenn rival for Ash while Sawyer is a late Hoenn rival. We also get an intro to Brawly, like Roxanne, he won't have a major role but he's a gym leader so that's important. Also, Sakura is gonna be with the group for a while, not to long, just through our Dewford adventure. We also get to see May in her first proper battle, not trying to catch a Pokémon or training. As for updates, I don't think I'll be able to keep up the five chapters a month progress for much longer but I'll still be working on this series so don't worry. Don't forget to vote in the poll, and with that, let's begin.

Chapter thirteen: A Heart-Breaking Rival Battle

Brendan smirked as he watched his starter work. Despite the obvious type of disadvantage, he had successfully blinded the opposing Electrike by splashing sand in its face. Launching out a powerful water gun, he sent the electric canine across the ground.

"Now finish it!" he declared.

Charging forward, the mud fish Pokémon leaped into the air. His tailfin glew white with orange, fighting type energy surging through it. It smashed down on the electric types of head. He back flipped onto all fours, landing in a battle stance as their opponent fell on its side.

"I guess that's that," his opponent, a girl not much older than himself smiled, recalling her fallen team member, "you sure are tough for a new trainer."

"Thanks," he smiled, kneeling down as his starter ran back towards him, taking a regular potion bottle out of his back pocket, he sprayed it on the water type Pokémon, "but I did quite a bit of studying before I officially became a trainer. So, I'm not quite starting out at the usual most trainers do."

"I'll say," she smirked, "this was what? Your sixth battle in a row today."

"Something like that," he replied, "but I haven't exactly been counting or have a number in mind. You see, Mudkip already has a wide move variety so now we're trying to increase his stamina and power. If my theory is correct, then this is exactly what he needs to finally evolve."

"Well your certainly working hard, little dude," a familiar called out. He turned to see the Dewford gym leader walking towards him, spiky blue hair stood out as he carried a surfboard. Dressed in a black-full body water suit, "your Mudkip is totally awesome. I look forward to your re-visit to my gym."

"Thanks, Brawly," he smiled, "I almost wish I caught some flying type to make it easier but since I can't guarantee I'd find one, this strategy is more reliable."

"It's certainly a good plan, little dude," he smiled, "most challengers try to power through without any indication on how to make it work without brute force."

"Well I've certainly got a plan in mind, and evolving Mudkip is just the first step," he smirked, "when it's all in place, we'll be back to challenge you again."

"I look forward to it," he smiled, "I'm gonna be off training with my guys on the beach when not at the gym but I shouldn't be too hard to find. Good luck."

"Thanks, Brawly," he smiled, as the gym leader held a hand up as he reply. He turned towards the small crowd of trainers surrounding, waiting to see if any of them moved forward for his next challenge. A light chatter could be heard but none stepped forward. Scanning each trainer, he tried to see who would make a good opponent when something caught his attention.

A little further away, across the beach he saw a group of trainers walking towards them. His heart stopped and eyes widened as he saw May, along with those two trainers that they met on his first day as a trainer. May's younger brother was also in the group, along with two more trainers, an older teen in the back and a young girl, a couple years older than himself, who had pink hair. His fist clenched tight as he remembered that day.

For the most part, starting his journey was everything he thought it would be, but meeting Ash was not what he expected. This guy already had a girlfriend, but he walked in and shamelessly flirted with the girl he's had a crush on for as long as he could remember. They've been friends for years and he actually felt like they were going somewhere... until that player turned up. How could he string her along on his journey despite his girlfriend also being a part of the group, some guy's really have no shame.

Before he could realise it, his feet had already started walking towards the group. Mudkip hot on his heel. Unable to avert his course, they already saw him and redirected towards him. They stopped just in front.

"Hey, it's Brendan," May greeted, "how's it going?"

"I-I'm good, May, thank you," he stuttered slightly, "how about you."

"I'm good, just about to set off to explore the island," she smiled, "oh right, you already know Max, Ash and Serena but these are Brock and Sakura."

"Nice to meet you," he held a handout. The eldest member stepped forward and shook his hand, firm and strong. The corner of his mouth flicked up.

"I've heard about you from May," he explained, "so your Professor Birch's son?"

"I am," he confirmed, "and thanks to his teachings, I'm more prepared than I would've been should I have just started like most trainers do."

"So, what are you doing here, Brendan?" Serena asked.

"We're just doing some training," he explained, "you see, I don't have any Pokémon super-effective against the fighting type and when I tried to battle the Dewford gym, we felt it. So, I came up with a better strategy and now we have to make it a reality."

"I bet that strategy involves evolving your Mudkip into a Marshtomp, right," Max spoke up.

"You are right," he smiled, "but that's far from all of it. Relying on just Pokémon would lead to more issues. I've actually got three goals to achieve before the rematch can take place. Each one focusing on a different team member so we're all ready for when the rematch takes place."

"Sounds like you're working hard," May commented.

"Brawly is no joke so it is best to be prepared," the girl introduced as Sakura added.

"You already beat him?" he asked.

"Right," she nodded, "he was my first Hoenn gym leader. Even with the combination of my Espeon and Beautifly, he was tough."

"So how many badges have you got, May?" he asked.

"I actually decided not to compete in gym battles," she replied, "you see, I'm going to be a coordinator and compete in contests."

"And now we're going to go exploring the island for training and hopefully build our teams some more," Serena added, "but I won my first princess key in the Rustboro showcase and Ash won his first badge there as well."

"Well... good luck in your contests May," he smiled.

"So, if your trying to evolve your Mudkip, that means you're taking on battles?" Ash asked, "so how about we battle? It'll be interesting, facing a prodigy."

He couldn't help but inwardly smirk at the challenge. He watched over most of his battles, including the entirety of the Silver conference. He knows his tactics and strategies inside and out. While he wouldn't stand much chance against one of his powerhouses right now, he's sure that he could take the majority of his team, especially if he sticks with the new one's he caught in Hoenn. Then May will see first-hand whose the better trainer is.

"I accept-"

"Hold it," the brunette called out, "I want to battle you instead, Brendan. You see, I've not had a proper battle outside of wild encounters and training against these guys. Since I finally have a goal in mind, Brendan, I think a battle is the perfect way to start the journey towards it."

"I... guess we could," he dejectedly replied. He didn't want to battle her, he wanted to show her how capable he is. What are the chances he could impress her if he has to beat her to do it? Maybe once they are finished then he can wipe that smug look of Ash's face, "how about a best of three battle, May?"

"Best of three?" she asked.

"It's a battle set up where you have three, one on one battles," Max explained, "each trainer swaps out between rounds, whether they win or not. And the victor is the first to win two of the three rounds."

"Sure, that sounds like a good battle," she smiled, "hey Brock, would you act as referee?"

"Of course," he smiled.

"Hey guys, whilst you battle, I'm going to set up the guys on some training," Ash interjected, a Pokéball already in hand, "no need to wait."

"I think I'll join you, Ash," Sakura smiled. The two trainers walking running away to an open area on the beach.

As he walked over to create a makeshift battlefield, as the others followed suit, he noticed Ash's team appeared over on the other side of the beach. He noticed the same three Pokémon he had back when he gave the training session at the lab, along with a Treecko, Taillow and weirdly enough, a Duskull. While he doubted, he could take Pikachu, the other five were certainly do-able for his team's level. Shaking his head, he refocused on the battle against May.

He stood opposite her with Mudkip by his feet. May stood opposite him, a Pokéball in hand. Brock was stood to the side, in a typical referee starting position with Serena and Max making up the audience as a few trainers from before joined them. He really didn't want to embarrass her in this battle.

Ash smiled as he took in the sight of his and Sakura's team in front of them. He turned towards the Johto native, a smile on her face, "how about we pair them up for some training. New partners can help them learn new tactics and stuff."

"Sounds like a plan for me," she smiled, "what sort of things did you have in mind?"

"First off, does your Beautifly know Aerial Ace by any chance?" he asked.

"She does," Sakura nodded, "it was one of the first moves I taught her after evolving. How come?"

"Because it's a move I want Taillow to learn, as well," he explained, "if you don't mind, could they work on that together?"

"Fine with me," she smiled, "if Taillow helps her with manuverability. She's hardly an aerial master so any tips we could get would be a big help. That's actually why I taught her Aerial Ace to begin with."

The two duel flying types nodded and took off into the air, stopping high in the air. It was clear the two were conversing but too far away to actually hear.

"So, what sort of thing does your Marill need to work on?" he asked.

"She's really good at close up combat," she replied, "but her long distance attacks, like Water Gun could use some work. Since Espeon works best at a distance, we went and found a close-up partner to match her."

"Alright then," he smiled, "how about she pairs up with Treecko. He could use training on accuracy as well. Maybe they could match bullet seed and water gun whilst on the move."

"Sounds like a plan," she nodded, turning towards the Pokémon, "you heard him, guys."

The two Pokémon nodded and took off over the sandy plains. Marill rolled across ground with great momentum, as Treecko leaped beside, keeping pace.

Rolling up a little hill, she gained height and excited the rollout. Launching a Water Gun straight down, Treecko swiped out of the way and launched out a counter bullet seed. It hit dead on, but she curled back up into a ball and rolled back down, taking the hit completely.

"Phanpy and Duskull have been working together for a while on a new move," Ash comment, "so out of Pikachu and Granbull, who should face Espeon?"

"If you don't mind, maybe she could battle both at once?" Sakura asked, "it would help her with concentration and coordination."

"Sounds like a plan to me," he nodded, and all three Pokémon took off, "Pikachu, I want you to listen and follow Granbull's instructions in the battle."

"How come?" she asked, as the three Pokémon entered a battle stance.

"Because Pikachu is more experienced. I want Granbull to get better at strategizing," he explained, "I know Pikachu can handle most opponents without much input so it wouldn't do him any use leading the charge. While Granbull is more of a brute force, hit stuff till it falls, kind of battler."

"So, what are you going to be doing?" she asked, "I think I'll stick with Marill and Treecko for a bit. They seem like the one's I can best advice."

"I normally work out alongside my Pokémon," he explained, "it's sort of like, how could I ask them to work hard if I'm not willing to match it. If any of them need help or guidance, then they can come over and ask. But I'll also check back on them from time to time."

She nodded in understanding and took off after the water and grass type, who were quickly making distance across the beach. Sliding his backpack off, he pulled his hoodie and tank top. With it being such a hot day, he couldn't work out with those layers on. Reaching into his backpack, he pulled out the spray on sunscreen and covered his body. Looking over the different training sessions once more, he smiled and set to work on his own work out.

Placing a towel down on the beach, he dropped onto his front and began to do push ups. It wasn't anything challenging, having done many in the past when working out beside his team. Although the blazing sun did make it more difficult. As he continued to push up, another guy dropped next to him, also performing push ups. He had spiky blue hair and was dressed in a full wet suit.

"Hey there, little man," he smiled, "I take it you're a challenger for the Dewford gym?"

"I will be," he replied, "but we're training first. And going to explore the island so it wouldn't be for a week if not longer. I'm Ash, by the way."

"I'm Brawly," he smiled, "the Dewford gym leader. Nice to meet you. So, your that experienced trainer that Roxanne mentioned?"

"I guess I would be," he smiled, "I take it you'll be coming up with a special team for me to face? Since I've already got more experience than someone going for a second badge."

"I will be but not entirely sure what yet," he smiled, "so I'm glad that I'll have time to prepare. If you don't mind my asking, what are you trying to do?"

"Work out... push ups," he replied, "how come?"

"No, I mean," he sighed, "I know you're working out but what do you want to achieve through your work out?"

"I dunno," he replied, "to stay fit. I guess I just found it to be a good way to bond with my team. If I'm working alongside them, then we're a real team."

"I like you little man," he smiled, "but if your gonna work out then you should have a good idea of what you want to get out of it. Might as well make the most of it whilst your working."

"That makes sense," he mused, "but why do you ask?"

"Because you've been doing push ups whilst we've been talking but it's clear you're not getting much out of them," he explained, "your form is good but there's no challenge. If you're not pushing yourself to your limit, then it's pretty pointless doing them. They aren't exactly pushing you further."

"So, what do you suggest?" he asked.

"Well, along with being a gym leader, I'm also a personal trainer. For humans, I mean," he replied, "so if you tell me what you want to achieve then I could give you tips on workouts to achieve them. So, do you want to build muscles? I would say lose weight but there's nothing on you to lose. Work on speed, power, a particular fighting style?"

"I... guess strength and speed," he shrugged, "I never really thought about it. I'm not sure I'd like to build up big muscles like some sort of wrestler."

"Heh, well I won't lie to you," he smirked, "those people tend have muscles for show. They are strong but not much stronger than the average man. At least one with a strong core."

"Okay..." he replied, stopping his push ups, "so what workouts would you suggest."

"Well first you need to work on your legs, just as much as your arms," he explained, "as a warmup, why not start with a three-mile run. Most tech these days can have pedometer apps to help you track it. Running is also a good warm and has the entire body involved. As you get better, you can up the distance."

"What else would you recommend?" he asked.

"You can do a full body rep, where you start in a push up position and move into a stand-up position. Keeping your knees high," he explained, "then back down into the starting position. That would be one full rep and like with push ups, you increase the number as you get better at it."

"So, sort of like this?" he asked. Performing said work out, he found it quite difficult, especially with the sand as his platform but he completed it.

"It's a good start but you need to keep proper form throughout the entire movement," he explained, demonstrating it himself, "the key is completing it in a limited number of moves. It works the entire body and by doing it in minimum movements, your speed will increase in no-time."

"Cool," he smiled, "thanks for this Brawly."

"No problem at all," he waved it off, "the best part of working out is passing on the information and helping others to achieve great health."

"That's sort of like training Pokémon," he smiled, "getting to see them grow and get strong. Even overcoming what once held them back."

"You get it, little man. Tell you what, Ash, if you want it then I'll give you a write up for a proper training regime for when you battle my gym," he offered, "more than just general work outs but a proper programme for you to follow. Of course, you'll be travelling so you won't get the full programme, like those that stay near the gym, but it'll be a good starting place for ya."

Ash blinked in surprise at the offer, part of him felt like he shouldn't accept it and should just try to get fit all by himself. Although his mind quickly scrapped the idea, after all he had help from both Misty and Brock when first starting out as a trainer. Not to mention, they'll likely be encountering that Team Aqua again so being in shape and ready would make it a lot easier. Knowing he'll need all the help he could get, he turned back towards the gym leader of Dewford.

"Thanks, Brawly," he nodded, a smile plastered on his face. Sharing a solid, firm handshake.

May took a deep breath as she looked across the sandy field. She watched Brendan, his hand holding a Pokéball as he stood opposite with his Mudkip by his foot. She bite her lower lip and tried to think up of a strategy. Back in the Rustboro gym, Ash started with Taillow, who turned out to be his ace. Out of all her team, one Pokémon has defeated her other two... specifically when she was capturing them, which would make that one her ace... right?

"This will be a best of three battle between May of Petalburg city and Brendan of Littleroot town!" Brock announced, "after each round, both trainers will recall their Pokémon and best two out of the three will be victorious. No time limit and after flipping a coin, May shall reveal her Pokémon first."

"Alright Torchic!" May shouted tossing her Pokéball into the air, "take the stage!"

In a flash of light, her starter appeared on the sandy field. Wide eyes and a bright smile spread over his beak. He gave a small hop in the air, flapping his wings and feet around with a cheerful series of chirps. The sight brought a small smile to her face.

"Guess we'll start with our starters," Brendan smirked, putting his Pokedex away. He turned towards the water type by his feet, "you're up, buddy!"

His water starter leaped forward and landed on the field, growling threateningly. Both his cheeks and head fin twitched as his eyes narrowed. Scrapping his foot against the sand, she took a hard swallow. She cautiously reached into her back pocket and pulled out her Pokedex:

Mudkip, The Mud Fish Pokémon. The fin on Mudkip's head acts as highly sensitive radar. Using this fin to sense movements of water and air, this Pokémon can determine what is taking place around it without using its eyes

She mentally cursed to herself as she put the device away. This was probably the worst possible match up for her. Then again, Ash did pretty well despite his type of match with Taillow against Roxanne. Shaking her head, she narrowed her eyes and refocused on the battle. Taking a deep breath, she glanced to her side. Brock gave a small nod and raised both arms into the air.

"Torchic verses Mudkip," he announced, "let the battle begin!"

May verses Brendan: Round One

She watched closely as the battle started. Torchic didn't waste a single moment before running straight forward with great speed. His beak glew white and extended forward as he closed in on the water opponent. Picking up speed as he ended up running down a sand hill.

Mudkip hopped to the side, throwing the fire type off balance as he struggled to stop. Wobbling on the feet as he tried to turn to face him.

Brendan's water starter charged forward and smashed into his opponent. Sending Torchic backwards, landing on his behind, the mud fish Pokémon dug.

Her fire starter struggled back to his feet and looked around. His opponent no-where to be seen.

"Be ready to use scratch, Torchic!" May called out, "Mudkip will come out near you at any point."

Much to her dismay, Mudkip shot out of the ground, atop of a sandy hill a good distance away from her starter. He launched a water gun straight down.

It struck her fire starter head on and sent him flying backwards.

"What?!" she cried out, as he starter rolled to a stop. She has seen Ash's Pikachu use dig a bunch and he always came out right by his opponent.

"As soon as Mudkip heard what you said, he knew to do the opposite," Brendan explained, "it's a basic tactic to not fall into traps opponents lay."

Torchic struggled back to his feet and let out an angry cry. Launching out a barrage of embers straight towards the mud fish Pokémon.

Brendan's starter simply launched out another water gun. With ease it broke through the fire type attack and pushed through to his opponent.

"Quick Attack!" she cried out.

In the blink of an eye, Torchic disappeared. Moments later, the water gun struck where he once stood.

Quickly covering the field, he reappeared smashing into Mudkip's side. Both Pokémon went tumbling down the sandy hill, but Mudkip had it worst, landing on his side as Torchic loomed over.

"Attack! Attack! Attack! Attack!" May chanted, with a certain glee of excitement in her voice.

Her fire starter wasted no time in leaped at his opponent, claws first. As he scratched away, his beak glew and extended. Soon adding in a number of pecks.

Mudkip let out a weak cry as he tried to cover himself from the assault. May went to turn to Brock, expecting him to call the battle when a bright light caught her attention. Turning back, her eyes widened, and a lump formed in her throat. Recognizing the sign from when her Silcoon evolved.

"Finally," she heard Brendan muttered to himself. A bright smile on his face.

As the glowing stopped, the newly evolved starter stood on two legs, as opposed to the four from before. His body was a primary light blue with a lighter shade of blue for his underside, along with an orange belly. Marshtomp's head had an angular black fin, orange eyes, and orange gills on the ends of both cheeks, similar to when he was a Mudkip. He had long arms with three-fingered hands. His feet had three small toes, and he had two black fins for tails. With narrowed eyes and slamming his arms togethers, it was a lot more intimidating than before. She nervously reached for her Pokedex:

Marshtomp, The mud fish Pokémon. An evolved form of Mudkip. The surface of Marshtomp's body is enveloped by a thin, sticky film that enables it to live on land. This Pokémon plays in mud on beaches when the ocean tide is low

"Quick Torchic, don't let it recover!" she shouted, "keep up the attacks!"

Giving a simple nod and with a chirp, he leaped forward, claws first. Delivering a series of speedy scratches, they landed on the bulky arm.

Holding off the chick Pokémon. He pushed his arm back and sent him flying backwards, waddling through the air, helplessly.

He took a deep breath and launched out a powerful water gun, roughly twice as big as it was when it was a Mudkip. It struck the fire type whilst he was still in the air. Launching him clear across the beach. It dispersed out of sight as her starter crashed down on the floor.

"Torchic is unable to battle," Brock declared, "making the winners of this first round Brendan and his Marshtomp!"

She silently held her Pokéball out and recalled the fallen fire type. Looking down at the device, she sighed and shrunk it down, dropping it into the back around her waist. Reaching inside, she fiddled between the two remaining Pokémon's.

Looking up, she saw her friend-turned-rival congratulating his newly evolved water ground starter. Both seemed excited and happy with the result. It was actually really sweet. He always was one of the kindest people she knew. It was thanks to him that she adjusted to the move to Hoenn so easily a couple years back. Shaking her head, she remembered that they have a battle to continue. Glancing back, she saw him returning the mud fish Pokémon.

"As May picked her Pokémon first last time, Brendan shall reveal his first this time," Brock declared, "so if you would."

"Now that Marshtomp has fulfilled his part of our gym rematch, let's see if we can go two for two," Brendan smirked, "you're up, Nuzleaf!"

In a flash of light, a bipedal Pokémon with a single green leaf atop his head. The leaf was of decent size. He was mostly brown with a beige mask marking on his face. His bulky thighs were also beige and have thin striations, and there were two black dots on his chest. His arms were thin with mitten-like hands. his triangular eyes were narrowed. Just like the one before, it was incredibly intimidating. She pulled out her Pokedex:

Nuzleaf, The Wily Pokémon. An evolved form of Seedot. Nuzleaf live in densely overgrown forests. They occasionally venture out of the forest to startle people. This Pokémon dislikes having its long nose pinched

Putting the device away, she looked at the two remaining Pokéballs she had. It didn't take her long at all to pick her own partner, after all one of her remaining team members has a massive type of advantage. Grabbing the device out of the bag, she enlarged it and tossed it into the air.

"Silcoon, take the stage!" she shouted.

Her pure bug type thudded down onto the sandy field with a blank expression on her face. She looked over to see Nuzleaf kneeled down with a glint in his eye and pointed nose twitching. She took a deep breath and narrowed her own eyes.

"Silcoon verses Nuzleaf," Brock declared, "let the battle continue!"

May verses Brendan: Round Two

She watched as Nuzleaf leaped into the air. Spinning the leaf on his head, a series of razor-sharp leaves spun out. It quickly covered the distance and struck the pure bug type who winced upon impact.

Her coat shone under the hot sun. With her relaxing the eyes despite the continued razor leaf barrage.

"Pull him in with String shot!" she shouted.

Spitting out a thick white string from her hidden mouth. It landed on Nuzleaf's foot as he touched back down. He was quickly pulled across the sand.

"Cut it but use the moment!" Brendan countered, "try that move we've been working on."

The leaf on top of his head glew white and with a swift swing, it cut the string shot in place. Running on, using the built-up speed Nuzleaf leaped into the air and performed a couple rolls. Stretching out his arms, they began to glow as he dived down on the bug type.

"Silcoon!" May cried out.

Her bug hardened once against as their opponent closed in. Nuzleaf's arms faded back to their natural brown colour and he slammed into the top of the bug.

Both went rolling backwards but it was clear the wily Pokémon took the impact much harder.

"Poison Sting!" May yelled.

A series of purple pins shot out of the bug type. They struck the grass dark type's back and he kneeled over, grimacing in pain. Silcoon showed no sign of stopped, increasing the ferocity and speed of the projectile.

"Sucker punch and send it flying!" Brendan yelled.

In the blink of an eye, Nuzleaf disappeared. The pins landing harmlessly in the sand. He reappeared to the side of the cocoon Pokémon, with a black outline around his fist, he upper cut the bug and launched her high into the air. Spiralling out of control.

She froze in place. Eyes watching as her breath stuck in her throat. Unable to comprehend how to fix this situation.

"Remember May, in a contest you use your opponent's strategy against them!" Serena's voice echoed from the crowd.

A lightbulb went off in her head.

"Do what they did, Silcoon!" May cried out, "use the momentum and go straight in for a tackle!"

Reaching an apex over the beach-turned-battlefield, Silcoon began falling straight down. Adjusting her body, she picked up a little speed as a wind barrier formed around her.

Nuzleaf looked up but collapsed down on one knee. A sea of sweat covered his forehead and a purple mark covered his nose and cheeks.

Silcoon smashed straight down onto him. Blowing a cloud of sand up and surrounding the collision. It didn't take more than a few seconds for it to settle.

May's first caught Pokémon was rolling off her opponent, who was collapsed on his back. Swirls replacing his eyes."

"Nuzleaf is unable to battle," Brock declared, "making the winners of this battle, May and her Silcoon!"

She couldn't stop the smile spreading on her face as she ran out onto the makeshift field. A red light engulfed Nuzleaf as she scooped her own Pokémon up in her arms. Spinning around with her, a gleeful laugh left her mouth as they joyfully made their way back to the starting position.

"Awesome job, May," Serena greeted her, who had left the stand to stand beside her, "but you did get lucky with that poison. Had Nuzleaf not been inflicted, he could've easily dodged and a landing like that would've left Silcoon wide open. It was quite reckless."

"And what would you have done?" she asked, eyes twitching downward in a frown, "had it been Cascoon and not Silcoon?"

"I would've had Cascoon use string shot to immobilise him and then use it as a track to follow through on the landing," she replied, "but you use of momentum to increase power. That was really smart, and you should be proud of yourself for making that call."

"I hate to interrupt but we still do have a final round," Brock cleared his voice, "and it returns to May to reveal her Pokémon first."

"Right, sorry," Serena whispered, not so subtly making her way back to the audience.

May nodded and pulled out a single Pokéball. Whispering a quick thank you to her first caught, she placed her carefully on the sand by her feet. Still shaking in excitement at having pulled off a win against Brendan. Turning across to the field and her old friend, she put on her best game face, tossing the device.

"Poochyena, take the stage!" she shouted.

Her dark dog landed on the field... but not how she wished. Instead of being intimidating with growls and crouching, he was stood tall, tongue hanging out of his mouth with heavy pants and tail wagging back and forth. A cheerful bark followed suit.

"Then I guess it's your turn," he smiled, having swapped his Pokedex for a Pokéball, "go Zigzagoon!"

In a flash of light, his pure normal type landed on all four legs. He had bristly, zigzag-patterned fur over his body. The stripes formed with alternating layers of cream and brown fur. He had a brown head with spiky ears and a black nose. A black, mask pattern surrounded his brown eyes. The upper half of his mouth was jagged, and when it opened, there were two pointed teeth in his lower jaw. His feet had three claws and pink pads. His forefeet were cream-coloured, but the hind feet were brown. His brush tail was spiky with bristles. She reached for her Pokedex once more:

Zigzagoon, The Tiny Raccoon Pokémon. The hair on Zigzagoon's back is bristly. It rubs the hard-back hair against trees to leave its territorial markings. This Pokémon may play dead to fool foes in battle.

"You know, May, I wasn't bothered about Nuzleaf winning or losing," he called out as she put the device away, "we've been working on trying to learn aerial ace. The last battle was just a means to that end."

"Your trying to get in my head Brendan," she growled, "it won't work."

"You see, Nuzleaf can learn aerial ace when they evolve but no known case of it learning it in the stage has been documented," he continued, "although I believe there's no reason, he shouldn't be able to. Zigzagoon, on the other hand, has a terrible match up with fighting types and has no part in the plan to rematch. So, there's no hidden agender unlike last time."

"Poochyena verses Zigzagoon," Brock declared, "let the battle begin!"

May verses Brendan: Round Three

She watched her dark type of canine charged forward across the sand. Not particularly fast but he covered great distance in leaps. With a mighty push, he pounced towards the pure normal type.

Zigzagoon shot to the side, avoiding the dark type. Turning on a heel, he shot into Poochyena's side, knocking him sideways. Rolling through the sand.

"Blind your opponent!" Brendan shouted.

Kicking his back legs into the air, he turned around. Landing them back on the ground, he quickly kicked a pile of sand into the canine's face.

"Oh no, Poochyena!" she cried, as he stammered back to his feet. Shaking his head, he tried to clear the sand out of his eyes, whimpering aloud.

"Stay calm, May, if you panic, so will Poochyena," Serena called out, "remember you can use more than just sight."

"Right... calm," she took a deep breath, "try and sniff him out instead. Odour Sleuth!"

Her dark type of Pokémon calmed down and stood still, taking a deep breath as his face calmed. Zigzagoon leaped forward towards him once more. Jumping from one spot to another, she couldn't even hope to give out a direction to expect the attack to come from.

Landing once more, the normal type launched a second later. Heading straight from the back-right position.

Poochyena turned around and opened his mouth. Dark type energy spewing around his fangs. He bite down and turned, knocking Zigzagoon sideways.

He leaped forward and landed on top of the normal type. Howling up whilst straddling his opponent, he went back down, and bite Brendan's first caught again.

"Pin Missile!" Brendan shouted.

The dark type of Pokémon went flying upwards with a cry of pain. A series of white pins following him. As he landed back on the sandy plain, the normal type tackled him full force once more. Skidding across the beach, he stopped just in front of May with swirls replacing his eyes.

"Poochyena is unable to battle," Brock declared, "making the winners of this round and the battle as a whole, Brendan and his Zigzagoon!"

Max couldn't help with the stupidly wide smile on his face. Even if May was hardly a great battler, watching any battle got his blood pumping and he has to admit, Brendan was a lot more complex than he was expecting. Guess he just assumed he'd be like his sister, after all they started on the same day.

"Hey Max," an angelic voice drew his attention. Turning towards the source, he found Serena stood next to him. His eyes bulged and took a hard swallow at the thought that passed through his head, "let's go for a walk. I wanna talk with you about something."

"O-okay," he stuttered, throwing his fidgeting hands into his pockets. Following her lead across the beach, parallel to the water.

Walking across the sand, his eyes drifted out towards the ocean, as the sun began setting over the horizon. A small smile formed on his face as his head dropped back towards his feet. Chancing a glance to his other side, he saw Serena smiling down on him, with her arms behind her back. Biting his lower lip, he forced his head back down. Hating the burning sensation in his cheeks, he tried to mentally push them away.

"Hey Max, why don't we take a break here for a moment," she suggested. He stopped in spot, but his breath froze in his throat as she took a seat on the sand in front of him. Looking up with him with big blue eyes, he instinctively took a step back, unable to make eye contact with her, "I wanna talk with you."

"huh?" he mumbled, unable to properly form words.

"I want to talk about you, Max," she continued, "I've noticed some stuff about you. I can see most of it right now. Your unable to look at me, even if everything else tells me you want to. The quick glances and the fact your body is fully facing me tells me that. Along with your little red cheeks, which would give Pikachu a run for his money, can only lead me to one conclusion."

His brain wanted him to run but his body felt like stone. Only thing moving was his teeth, lightly trembling against his inner cheek.

"I know these signs because I'm guilty of them too," she continued, "I know you wouldn't know this but for the longest time I had a massive crush on Ash. It was really embarrassing, looking back. I would watch him wherever we went but if he ever turned to me, then I was forced to look away. My cheeks would burst into flames. Or at least that's what felt like and I couldn't say anything to him. It was really embarrassing, especially when he'd notice my actions."

Rolling his bottom lip into his mouth, he sunk his teeth in. His hands shook as they clenched closed. His eyes flicked across her but only for a second.

"That's probably how you feel right now," she sighed, reaching out and grabbing one of his hands. Her two in gulfed it, feeling... really soft. His eyes glanced at her but upon locking with hers, it was like she prevented him from looking away, "what I've been trying to get at, Max, is that I know what it's like to have a crush. And I'm really flattered that you'd have one on me but... it could never go anywhere. Not because I'm with Ash or-"

He blinked. A tear trickled down his cheek as her face became blurry. While he knew all of this already... hearing her say it, made it real.

"The reason it would never work between us is... you're a kid, Max. I'm a whole six years older than you. Nearly double your current age. I know that you'll find someone for you, but there's no rush. You should just enjoy our adventure through Hoenn. I just wanted to clear the air before you developed your feeling any further... I know from experience how easy it is. Taking every small action as a sign for something more. There was even a time when Ash broke his arm and my mum help me bake him cookies to feel better," a light chuckle entered her voice, "it was because my mum tried to teach him to ride her Rhyhorn that it happened but when he dug into the cookies, I thought-"

Unable to take it anymore, he jolted his hand back. Turning on his heel, his blurred vision made out the golden sandy hills ahead. Not caring about where he was going, his feet took him as fast as possible. His arm reached up, knocking his glasses slightly as he tried to clear the tears away.

Peaking though the blubbery mess, he saw the people from the battle conversing. As he continued to run past, he caught sight of Brock, who began following him. Feeling his feet trip over themselves, he fell flat on his face with a pile of sand poofing up like smoke. Turning around, he felt a hand on his shoulder, finish drying his eyes, he looked up to see Brock squatting over him. A sympathetic smile on his face.

"Hey buddy, how you feeling?" he asked. Reaching into a pocket, he pulled out a cloth and handed it to him. He took the item and began cleaning himself up with it, "you wanna talk about it?"

He shook his head.

"You know, it's nothing to be embarrassed about. I've been shot down more times than I'd care to admit," he continued, taking a seat on the sand, "but the important part is, you don't let this define you. Just because one person turns you down... it just means the right one hasn't found you yet."

"How many?" he asked, voice barely above a whisper.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"How many of you knew?" he asked again, voice cracking.

"Well I can only say myself and Serena for definite," he replied, "I doubt Ash would've noticed. He may love Serena but subtle hints, aren't really his thing, especially when not even directed at him... as for May. Well, she might've realised but she never mentioned it either way, so I can't be sure."

"Aren't you mad?" he asked.

"No, I'm not. And I know Serena's not either," Brock replied, "you can't help who you form attractions too, Max. Even if the person is already taken. You didn't try to break up her relationship, so you've got nothing to be sorry for. As long as you know, and accept, that nothing like that will happen between you two, then it's completely fine. I'm not saying it will be easy, getting over a first crush is always the hardest but if you need to talk or whatever then I'm available. Okay?"

Unable to answer, he gave a quick nod.

"There you go," he smiled, standing up. Brock offered a hand down which he accepted, quickly being pulled to his feet, "and don't you worry, as the saying goes, there's plenty of water Pokémon in the sea. And with the great kappin Brock behind the wheel, you'll be fishing like a pro in no-time."

Serena sighed as she came to a stop back by the group. Ash was still training with Sakura and most of the crowd had dispersed. She saw Brock a little further down the beach with Max, clearly consoling the boy. She hated having to be so blunt with him but having grown up with a crush, she knew how painful it was every time Ash blanked on her hints and could imagined the pain of him rejecting her almost every day... part of her never gave up on Ash because of the pain which she knew would follow rejection or defeat, and she couldn't let Max get into the state as well since she couldn't return his feelings.

It was hardly a health state to be in, but that's the past. Never forgotten but her attention is on the future. Speaking off, she turned her attention towards the two Little root starting trainers. Carefully approaching, she was able to hear their conversation.

"Come on, May, we would be great together," Brendan pleaded, "you said that your gonna compete in contests, right? Well I could help you prepare, like I did for my dad's lessons. I could help you prepare for the battles and help you raise your team. You could win the-"

"Just stop," she raised her voice, "if I told you once, I've told you a thousand times. I will not travel with you, or date you. Nothing will change that. Besides, I have Serena to help with the appeals performance. And Ash to help with the battle round. You can't do better than them."

"I can, if you just give me a chance then-"

"Enough Brendan, I've given you my answer!" she erupted, "now leave me alone."

The brown-haired girl stormed over towards her as the young boy turned with a hand raised, clearly hoping to stop her and say something. While she has no sympathy for a boy who refuses to take no for an answer, she can tell he isn't like that. Brendan is a good kid and clearly cares for May. It almost reminds her of herself and how she was around Ash. If anything, she truly feels sorry for the poor boy. Thus, the tragedy of a hopeless romantic.

"How you feeling?" she asked, as May stopped in front of her. Looking over her shoulder, she saw the white-beanie-wearing boy turn and slump away, back towards the islands Pokémon centre.

"I'm good, Serena," she sighed, "and don't worry about Brendan, he's had it worst before. Believe me. I'm just tired of going through the same song and dance with him. He was my best friend and now... it feels like he's making me the bad guy for always turning him down."

"Was?" she asked.

"Well... he was my best friend. Actually, only friend before I met you and Ash... and Brock of course," she explained, "we moved across the planet, so I was having to start fresh. Everyone my age was obsessed with Pokémon, and like I told ya before, they never interested me until I became a trainer. But my parents were offered trainer classes from Professor Birch. That's where I met both Brendan and Sawyer, actually."

"And you just so happened to become friends with one but not the other?" she asked.

"Both of them really knew what they were talking about in class. Sawyer would study endlessly and have an essay ready for every question, and Brendan, while not as studious had been brought up in the Professor's lab," she explained, "he was a more qualified trainer than most which passed through those doors with a starter. A real prodigy. And he offered to help me with the work and that's how we became friends."

"That makes sense," she noted, "so can I ask you something?"

"Sure," May shrugged.

"Why don't you want to return his feelings?" she asked, "you might not admit it but when we first met. Travelling between Littleroot and Oldale. The way you spoke about him, it felt there was something there. Between you."

"Maybe I did have a little crush on him," she sighed, "but I couldn't bring myself to accept it. My dad would go mad at any boy that looked at me, if I did start dating him then our friendship would've ended. I couldn't take the risk of that-"

"But now it's likely that the friendship has been ruined anyway?" Serena sighed, "I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault," she offered a weak smile, "it's just one of those things."

"But you know, if you always worry about losing a friendship then the chances of meeting someone are low," she replied, "you got to get to know them first and that can lead to friendships forming before any other relationship."

"I guess," May rolled her eyes, "but I don't want to stay on this depressing topic. Can we change it, please."?

"Of course," Serena smiled, "I actually have a secret of my own to tell you."

"Now you've got my attention," May briefly smirked, fully facing the honey blonde girl, "so go on. Spill the beans."

"Well... first, you should know we're not going to tell Max this," she took a deep breath, "so I'd appreciate it if you'd keep it secret. Only other people who know right now are Ash and Brock... and our Pokémon, of course."

"Why would I tell that annoying little kid anything?" she asked.

"Right so," she paused, cautiously glancing around to see if anyone was within ear shot, "what I've got to tell you is, I'm a psychic. At the minute, I can only move items with telekinesis and communicate through thoughts but... yeah. I'm a psychic."

"Isn't psychic a type of Pokémon?" May deadpanned, "you can't expect me to believe such a thing. I thought you was gonna say an actual secret."

"I can prove it, May," Serena insisted. Closing her eyes, she sent out a weak pulse of energy and homed in on the young girl's mind, "see. This is what I mean by I can communicate through minds. I do it with my Pokémon a lot, all the time actually."

"Wait... that night that Ash caught Duskull," she muttered, taking a step back, "you said something like, you knew what your Pokémon we're thinking."

"Yeah, I meant that literally," she chuckled lightly.

"A-and Ash. He said that he could understand what his Pokémon we're saying b-but-" she paused, trying to catch her rugged breath, "is he like that? A psychic, I mean."

"No, he's not a psychic... he does have some special abilities, but he doesn't have the same as me," she sighed, "and we can't exactly prove his like I just proved mine... alright... he has the ability to manipulate aura."

"Aura?" she asked, "like those knights from fairy tales?"

"It's so much more than fairy tales, most are based on legends of aura guardians of the past," she explained, "his most common ability is being able to literally understand the native tongue of all species, not just Pokémon. I could speak Kalosian and he'd hear it in his own language. Maybe with an accent. Not sure."

"So why can't he prove it?" she asked.

"Well responding to what Pokémon say isn't uncommon. Many trainers have that sort of understanding with their friends," she explained, "and he isn't exactly open to his powers. My bend to my will and mind while his have a sort of consciousness of their own. Until he can learn to control them himself, it's like he becomes a puppet in his own body... so he's been trying to conceal the powers. Not letting them go lose."

"Normally, I wouldn't give a story like this a second thought," she replied, "but I couldn't think of another way how you got that voice in my head. So, I guess I have to believe that. And if a psychic human is a real thing, then I guess I can believe in aura as well. So why are you willing to tell me?"

"Because our abilities mean things, and after what happened at the Devon corporation, you deserve to have an understanding," she explained, "long story short, our abilities mean we can do things others can't. Like at Devon, should we encounter another situation, we couldn't turn away. I'm not saying we'll go looking for trouble but... should we find ourselves in the vicinity of a situation like that then... we'll do what we can to help."

"And now you want to know if I'll be scared off?" she asked.

"It's not fair that we force this onto you. Or Max. We won't actively put either of you in danger but," she sighed, "there are things we can't control."

"True... and I'm not saying I'll run headfirst in with ya," she replied, "but every trainer faces danger, right? I believe I'd be safer with friends around for protection, if nothing else and if you can move stuff with your mind then all the better."

"Well if you really want to see what I can do, come with me," she smiled, turning to walk across the beach, opposite to Brock, Max, and the others. Turning to the side, she saw the brunette girl following.

"Where are we going?" she asked.

"To find a clearing away from the others," she smiled, "a few days back, when we were in Rustboro, I promised Hitmontop a battle."

"I've already had a battle today," she deadpanned.

"No, not against you," she shook her head, a smile on her face, "he wanted a battle against me. And my abilities."

"How come?" she asked.

"Because he respects strength. The reason he joined me and not Ash or even Brock, despite him being the more typical battler, and a former gym leader respectively," she explained, "is because he saw my abilities and he respects that power. Now he wants to see where he stands in comparison to it."

The soon made it to the clearing, far enough away to not drawn any attention. She took out her Pokéball and released the pure fighting type. She took up a stance, as he did on the makeshift field. May quickly made some distance between them, ready to watch the trainer and Pokémon fight.

Thanks for reading... Please Favourite, Follow and Review. Also, feel free to ask any questions through PM, I will answer them all, although don't expect too big of spoilers. Don't forget to vote in the polls. I really appreciate the support. Thank you and see ya next time...