Fighting Nature

Brendan and May both stood up after a few minutes of laying in puddles, only to see that the people in the shelter had come out and there was now a fleet of helicopters over the city. Most of them were from news stations, but there was a single red one with the Team Magma symbol on it, and it was flying toward the lower sections of the city where Brendan could see another entrance to the caves below Sootopolis. From the water, Team Aqua's submarine rose and went toward the same location. "Seems that we know where we're going," Brendan said as Wallace came through the crowd, putting his cell phone away after what Brendan assumed was an important call.

"That was Steven. He wants you two to meet him at the entrance to the Cave of Origin. I can lead you there…but we may take a while due to one factor," he said before gesturing to the crowd of people and the news crews that were approaching them quickly. At the front of the pack was none other than Gabby and Ty from In Search of Trainers.

Brendan sighed, not really looking forward to being interviewed, but May kissed his cheek to reassure him that it would be fine. Gwen just smiled at them, having felt their bond and love for each other growing stronger ever since their trio met, and she could tell there was something more on Brendan's mind at this point, but she was letting him keep his secret until he was ready. She then walked directly next to Brendan on the opposite side as May just in time, since they were soon swarmed with microphones and a cacophony of questions. Thankfully, Wallace stepped in.

"Alright, all of you, treat it as a formal press conference, hands raised and ask one at a time!" he said. "But we are also pressed for time, so they will only take a few questions for now. I will be organizing a full session for later in Ever Grande City, so save all questions for then!" The reporters went quiet and nodded respectfully, thinking about what they would ask. Gabby, however, was ready first, and Brendan was more than happy to take her question first.

"Brendan and May, I hope you remember me and Ty from our battle on Route 111 almost two months ago. Clearly you have both gotten stronger since then, but the focus today is on how you two just stopped what can only be described as a cataclysm. Could you possibly explain what was causing the terrible weather and destruction?" she asked.

May decided to start. "While it may seem unbelievable, it was the result of two legendary Pokémon being awoken: Kyogre and Groudon," she said, leaving out the part about the Primal Reversions. "Their power alone was what caused the weather to change." The reporters all raised their hands, new questions springing from that answer. Gwen picked the next reporter, this one from Vulpix News.

"You said the Pokémon that caused this were awoken, do you know what caused that?" he asked.

Brendan nodded. "Both were awoken by the former leaders of Team Magma and Team Aqua. They both let their ideals cloud their judgement, and wound up unleashing a power they couldn't even hope to control. Both men are now deceased, and their lieutenants have taken over with the promise of returning to conservation efforts," he said calmly before May picked the next reporter.

"Does this incident have any connection to the eruption of Mt. Chimney that destroyed Lavaridge and parts of both Rustboro and Fallarbor?" she asked.

Unfortunately, yes. That incident was caused by Groudon immediately after he was awoken by Maxie of Team Magma, Gwen said. The reporters all nodded, and then only Gabby's hand was raised again.

"What are your plans, now that the crisis has been stopped?" she asked.

Brendan just looked at May and smiled. "We will continue to travel to get gym badges and contest ribbons. Then I will be competing in the Pokémon League tournament and May will be in the Grand Festival." With that, Wallace stepped in.

"But first, there is still something they need to help me take care of. If you all don't mind, Brendan and May need to come with me," he said. The crowd parted and allowed the four of them to walk past as they walked toward what Brendan and May both assumed to be the Cave of Origins. Gwen just floated beside them, and it seemed that they would get there just as Team Magma and Team Aqua both arrived. Steven exited the Aqua submarine, followed by Shelly, while Courtney exited the Magma helicopter, and they all gathered in the center of the isle.

Steven smiled at Brendan, May, and Gwen. "You two have already done so much to protect Hoenn…but I'm afraid we must ask something more of you."

Gwen crossed her arms and looked annoyed. You want us to go battle Kyogre and Groudon, don't you?

Steven cringed slightly, not having seen Gwen with an expression as angry as what she was showing now. "I'm sorry, but yes. Wallace and I need to help to make sure the city and the residents are all safe."

Brendan pinched the bridge of his nose. "Fine, but this is the last time for a long time that I help with something like this, got it?" May seemed to nod in agreement with Brendan.

"Agreed. I've been kidnapped twice, and now we're being asked to go up against the literal embodiments of the forces of nature. I don't want to do that again after this…not that we want to do it now either."

Steven nodded. "I don't blame you. In the past few months, you two have been through more than most people have in their lifetime. After this, you deserve a rest from risking your lives, and hopefully it will be more than just a rest."

That was when Shelly and Courtney stepped forward, Shelly speaking first. "We know that we caused this, so, let us help you make it right. Brendan, do you still have what I gave you back at the base?"

Brendan reached into his bag and pulled out the two Master Balls. "Yeah, you want me to give one to May? I was planning on that anyway," he smiled and handed one to her.

That's when Courtney came forward. "Problem is, Master Balls are still freshly out of the prototype phase of development. The test subjects were never Pokémon on the level as Kyogre and Groudon in terms of power, let alone their primal forms. There's no telling if they'll even activate if those two aren't worn down from battle. So, you'll need to fight them with everything you have, and wear them down before attempting to use the Master Balls. We need to take every precaution to make sure they work."

"So, we need to put not only our lives, but those of our Pokémon at risk?" Brendan said.

Everybody winced, knowing that was exactly what they had asked, but they didn't want to put it into words. That's when Wallace stepped forward. "I know how much you both love and cherish your Pokémon. But if we don't stop those two giants now, nobody will survive the next onslaught. Even Rayquaza can't stop their fighting indefinitely.

May nodded. "We understand…Brendan, we might as well stop debating it and get it over with."

Brendan hesitantly nodded. "Alright, I think it would be best if we battled both Kyogre and Groudon at the same time so that we don't lose more time than we need to."

"Which one will you take on?" May asked, already knowing that he'd take the one he felt was more dangerous.

"I'm going for Groudon. I don't want you anywhere near that lava monster," he said.

"Okay, then I guess I'm going for Kyogre," May said with a shrug as they began to walk toward the entrance of the Cave of Origin, but Steven stopped them before they got too far."

"Don't forget to actually challenge them. The legends say they're very proud creatures, and if you openly challenge them to a battle, they should give you a fair fight. Keep that in mind."

Brendan nodded. "Thank you. Let's hope the legends are right, otherwise you may not see us come back," he said. "If we don't, then let our families know we love them." With that, Brendan, May, and Gwen all entered the cave.

As the door closed behind them, Steven and Wallace both looked after them. "Godspeed you two," Wallace said.

"They'll comeback. With their skill, I wouldn't be surprised if Brendan takes your title soon," Steven said.

"You mean the title you deserve to have. You stepped down because you felt you got too strong. Not the best reason, if you ask me," Wallace said.

"My friend, I gave you that title because new trainers should have an achievable goal. Besides, I can't run Devon while also being the Champion."

"I suppose that's true," Wallace said as they all fell silent, knowing that the fate of Hoenn now rested completely in the hands of Brendan and May.


And now we're at the last fork in the road, Gwen said with a small pout. To the left, the walls of the cave were lined with glowing red crystals, while the right side had glowing blue crystals. It was obvious to them which way they needed to go for their respective battles.

"Alright, I guess we should get to our battles now," May said.

Brendan nodded silently, his mind now debating something he'd been considering for a while now, but he'd always thought it was too soon. Now, considering the circumstances and that he may not get another chance, he decided to go with his gut. He reached out and grabbed May's arm before she got too far, earning a surprised look from her.

"Wait, May, I have to ask you something," he said, his nervousness clear in his voice.

She looked a bit confused, so she turned to face him directly. "What is it?" She saw Gwen smiling behind him, but if she knew what he was going to say, and she wasn't saying it first meant that it was very important.

"I know that we've only known each other for less than a year, and I know we're both younger than twenty, but considering how much we've been through together, I think now is the best for me to ask this," Brendan looked her in the eye directly, and showed her the strong emotion behind what he was about to say as he lowered himself to one knee. "May Birch, I don't have a ring, but will you please…marry me?"

May was stunned, to say the least. She certainly loved Brendan, but was she really ready to commit to that level of a relationship with anybody? But, she had to agree that after everything they had been through, just the thought of being with Brendan for the rest of their lives made her feel a sense of euphoria that she had never known before. And the thought of one day raising a family with him made her even happier than words could describe. All of these emotions came together into the only, tearful response she could say. "Yes, I will marry you, because we will survive this and we will make it to our dreams together. Just promise me one thing," she said, the tears of joy falling freely, when Brendan stood up, she kissed him softly and pulled away. "Promise that you will love me for the rest of our lives together."

"Of course, if I couldn't do that, I wouldn't be wasting your time with this," Brendan leaned in and gave her another kiss. "Now, want to go save the world?"

"Of course. Let's do it like bad-asses," May said, making Brendan laugh at her tone. That was when Gwen joined in the moment with a tight hug.

Don't forget that I'm pretty much the PokéAunt to your future kids, she said with a smile.

May laughed harder there, her smile showing that she loved this moment and didn't want it to end. But, fate was calling them elsewhere for now. So, she decided then and there that she would show him just how much he meant to her.

"Well, let's get these battles over with," Brendan said. "Then we can be together tonight." May just gave him a brief kiss before they parted ways and walked to their battles.


Brendan and Gwen were steadily feeling the heat increasing as they got lower into the cave, almost getting as hot as the inside of Mt. Chimney had been. Brendan was already sweating while Gwen was making a heat shield of sorts for herself, though it wasn't as effective as she would have liked it to be.

So, we're about to fight the embodiment of magma and continental expansion, and we're supposed to win, right?

"Yeah, we don't really have many other options," Brendan said as they got to the entrance to a massive cavern that glowed with lava from below. Just inside, they both saw the head of the massive legendary Pokémon, which appeared to be almost asleep, like it was still recovering from the battle with Kyogre. This could be perfect timing. We won't be battling it at full strength.

I wouldn't count on that. We still need to battle a force of nature, Gwen said. Brendan just nodded, knowing she was right about that much. So, before he could stop himself with doubt, he stepped forward and raised his voice. "Groudon, I challenge you to a battle!" Brendan's voice was stronger sounding than he expected it to be. Groudon, however, was slow to even open his eyes in response. When it looked at Brendan, the Pokémon just seemed to sigh, and straighten itself before positioning itself closer to him, leaning in closer. Brendan came face to eye with the massive Pokémon, who seemed to be getting a read on his power as a trainer, the heat coming from its body making Brendan sweat more than he ever had before, and Gwen's heat shield was straining to keep her from overheating.

Groudon nodded, as if to tell Brendan "Give it your best shot." Brendan reached for his belt and picked out Jack's Pokéball, sending out the Camerupt quickly. He figured that Jack would be faster than the behemoth, and his typing might help a little in the battle with another fire and ground type.

"Alright, Jack, use Stone Edge!" Brendan's command was firm, yet his tone showed an edge of urgency. Jack stomped hard, sending multiple pillars of jagged rocks out from the pathway they were standing on, striking Groudon in the chest. The entity of magma seemed to stagger slightly, but a fierce look appeared in his eyes. He swung his hand and struck the ground, sending multiple thick, but sharp pillars of stone from the ground from directly under Jack, knocking out the Camerupt in one hit.

Brendan was beyond stunned at the sheer power behind the Stone Edge…no, it wasn't a Stone Edge. This was a far more powerful attack. He had no idea what it was, but it was something fitting of a Pokémon of this caliber. To fight this, he needed to use something with strategy and smart battling. So, he pulled out Turk's Pokéball next and threw it, letting out the water type.

Brendan, be careful, I don't know if this is going to work like any other Pokémon battle, Gwen warned.

"I know," Brendan said. "Turk, use a Water Pulse!" The Crawdaunt tried to gather water at Brendan's command, but just as quickly as the orb formed, it evaporated.

It's the heat and its ability are causing this. I doubt water attacks can touch him.

Groudon is a fire and ground type, and water is our best chance at beating him. How the hell are we supposed to beat him now? Brendan scowled slightly. "Alright, Turk, let's change out tactics. Try Swift!"

The star on Turk's head began to glow before firing a stream of star-shaped beams at Groudon. The monstrous Pokémon seemed to roll his eyes before opening his mouth and firing a gigantic Solar Beam. Swift hit its mark, but Turk had no way to avoid the incoming beam. His best chance would have been Aqua Jet, but that wasn't possible in these conditions. The Solar Beam hit hard, and Brendan physically felt the pain Turk felt. I'm sorry Turk, I promise your effort won't be wasted. When the dust settled, Brendan saw that Turk was struggling to stay up. It was obvious that the crustacean's pride was what kept it from falling. Brendan was truly touched by what he saw, but he couldn't bear to see his Pokémon like this.

"Turk, come back, please. You've done enough!" Brendan said, the crustacean seemed unhappy with being called back, but he couldn't get the strength to stand back up and resist. Brendan knew this would hurt Turk's pride, but it was better to fix that small issue than to let his friend be one of the few Pokémon to die from a battle. After all, it was well-known that the loss of his Raticate nearly drove the legendary trainer, Blue to insanity.

With Turk safe, Brendan then began to strategize more. He couldn't beat Groudon with water, its greatest weakness, and it had power beyond anything he had imagined. So, he decided he needed sheer power to combat that. He grabbed Nikki's Pokéball and threw it, letting out the massive sloth-ape Pokémon. Nikki just stretched before the heat made her take on an uncomfortable look. "Nikki, I know it's hot, but we don't have a choice, we need to battle now. I promise you'll get a lot of rest after this." Nikki nodded, and stood with one fist on the ground. Her eyes gleamed with determination as she waited for Brendan's command. "Use Crush Claw!"

Nikki leapt toward Groudon, her hands glowing as she punched the magma golem across the face, doing some serious damage, and causing it to release a purple aura, indicating a loss in defense. Groudon, however, just looked annoyed as he arched his back and let loose with a massive Lava Plume attack. He then simply punched Nikki, sending her back onto the stone path Brendan and Gwen were standing on, just to be doused with the incoming magma. She fell to her knees and tried to shake off the lava, but Groudon decided to end it there. He slammed his fist onto the ground again, creating the more powerful version of Stone Edge, sending Nikki flying into the air. Groudon then caught her and slammed her into the ground again. When he removed his massive hand, Nikki was in a heap, her body seeming to shiver despite the heat. Brendan didn't hesitate to recall her.

He now had only three choices: Gwen, Avery, and Clint. And against this type of power, Brendan needed to play it smart, especially since those three were all able to Mega-Evolve. Brendan needed to pick the right one for this battle, but he couldn't jump the gun on it either. This next decision could easily decide the direction of this battle.

Gwen put a hand on his shoulder. I think Clint will be a good choice now. He's got the speed to dodge the attacks, and he's got attacks to counter Groudon's ground type.

True, but he's also weak against Groudon's fire type, Brendan said.

Well, we don't have many other choices for this, she said.

Brendan nodded, taking Clint's Pokéball off his belt and sent out the grass raptor. Thankfully, it seemed that the Pokémon enjoyed the high heat around them. Brendan figured this would help with the battle to an extent.

"Clint, start this with a Dragon Pulse!" Brendan said. Clint reared back and fired a bright stream of energy, hitting Groudon in his chest. Brendan smiled when he saw Groudon stagger even farther than he had from Jack's Stone Edge. That was short-lived as Groudon fired three massive Fire Blasts at Clint. Without Brendan needing to say anything, Clint sprinted out of the way, then used the heat to fire off a Solar Beam of his own.

Brendan was partly surprised at how well Clint was doing. After all, he had been on Brendan's team for just as long as Gwen had been. But the level Groudon was at was nearly unbelievable. Even with the skill Clint had, the other Pokémon in his party had at least been on par with the Sceptile, yet they had been almost rag-dolled by the legendary Pokémon. But, he couldn't just sit back and admire his Pokémon's work.

"Alright, Clint, use Solar Beam again!" Brendan said. Clint fired another stream of solar energy at Groudon, who fired his own Solar Beam to counter. The difference was that Groudon's was much larger than Clint's. The two beams collided, and began to fight for dominance. Brendan, however, had a different idea. "Dodge and use Leaf Storm!" Brendan said. Clint stopped his attack as he spun to the side enough to let the beam pass and land behind him before whipping his tail around and throwing a massive cyclone of leaves at Groudon, hitting the legendary Pokémon's face.

Groudon seemed to take some damage from the attack, but when he glared at Sceptile, Brendan knew that he was done holding anything back. The giant Pokémon closed its fist and had fire gather around it before punching Clint hard, his fist alone being as tall as Clint's entire body. Clint then flew almost out the same corridor from which Brendan and Gwen had entered. When he struck the wall, Brendan knew immediately that Clint was out of the battle. He recalled the Sceptile, and immediately went with his gut this time, choosing Avery's Pokéball next and sending out the Eon Pokémon.

Avery, unlike usual, did not try to play with Brendan, fully grasping the importance of this battle. She looked back at Brendan, nodding to tell him that she trusted him completely for this battle. With her superior speed, she knew she'd be able to at least out maneuver Groudon, if not outright defeat him.

"Avery, use Mist Ball!" Brendan said. A ball of fluffy down gathered with a light blue aura in front of Latias before she fired off the shot. She hit her mark and made the titan stagger again, and another purple aura came off the Pokémon, this time for a drop in special attacking power. As much as he wanted to smile at the step forward, Gwen reminded Brendan that they hadn't won yet, so he remained focused. Avery then began fly around Groudon at speeds the beast couldn't hope to match, trying to buy some time for Brendan to strategize. Thankfully, she didn't need to do that for a long time. "Use Calm Mind, then use Psychic!"

Avery began to glow with a green aura as she flew, increasing her special abilities. That aura then turned blue as Avery gripped the titan of the continents. She knew her opponent would be way too heavy to lift, so she settled for a very tight grip that slowly got tighter. Groudon roared out in protest, but that shifted to anger as he let loose another primal version of Stone Edge, this time sending the pillars up in a ring around himself, hoping to hit Avery with at least one.

Unfortunately for Brendan and for Avery, that hope was fulfilled, as Avery's right wing was clipped by a pillar, cutting the skin and nearly shattering the bone. The Eon Pokémon cried out in pain with the hit, and only barely made it back to Brendan before collapsing onto the ground, her expression showing that she was in a great deal of pain. Brendan put their foreheads together, trying to soothe her. "You did very well, Avery, and I know you have a lot of spirit, but I cannot let you get hurt any more than you already have. I promise, you'll get the best healing once we all get back." With that, he recalled Avery. Now, it was just Gwen and himself standing against Groudon. He didn't even need to say anything for Gwen to float out.

Are we going Mega? Gwen asked.

I don't think we have any other choice, Brendan said as he held up the ring and put his hand to the keystone. Gwen's Gardevoirite began to glow with Brendan's keystone, and once the streams of light connected, she began to transform, taking on her mega form. Now, she was fully ready.

Alright, you have a plan? Gwen asked.

You remember when we first battled Maxie and Aesir? Brendan asked.

You mean a stall and power-up tactic? I don't know how long I can stall with Groudon, but I can try, Gwen smirked as she began to make copies of herself with double team. Soon enough, the copies were flooding the walkway, but Groudon seemed to not care. Instead, he just fired off a Lava Plume. Gwen tried to ignore it and continue making copies of herself, teleporting between them as she started using Calm Mind. Gwen only barely dodged Lava Plume attack. Okay, I managed to get two Calm Minds off. Do you think that's enough? Gwen asked.

If you can manage it, get one more, then use Hyper Voice, Brendan said. Gwen nodded and created more copies while using an additional Calm Mind. Groudon decided to use what Brendan now realized was his signature attack, slamming his fist down and sending more stone pillars at Gwen, but she managed to dodge with a Teleport, timing it well, but not well enough. In a flash of painful memory, Gwen's left arm was hit with a pillar, and she knew immediately that it was broken. Ow, damn it, Gwen said before she shrieked loudly, the pink soundwave striking harder than any of the previous attacks any of Brendan's other Pokémon had used before. And, thankfully, it made Groudon slump over to catch his breath. Brendan wasted no time in taking the lone Master Ball off his belt and activating it.

"Groudon, sorry it came to this, but I have to do this to protect the world," Brendan said this as he made his throw, the ball hitting perfectly on Groudon's head, pulling him in and falling back to the walkway, where it began to shake. Brendan held his breath, hoping the Silph Company hadn't just been exaggerating the strength of their prototype Pokéball. Surely enough, though, the Master Ball stopped and sparks appeared around it. The capture was complete. All Brendan could to was walk over and breathe a heavy sigh of relief. He'd made it through the battle. Now, he just had to hope May had done as well as he had.


After parting with Brendan and Gwen, May was flustered from the proposal to say the absolute least. She had just said yes to marrying Brendan, all while feeling like the day he had appeared in her room while she wore nothing but a towel had only been yesterday. It was honestly funny how fast time had seemed to pass for their journey, but at the same time, it was frightening. She was still only…going to be nineteen in a few days, since she just realized that it was April 25, her birthday being on May 1.

"Well, this is one hell of a birthday gift," May said to herself with a smile. Even if she felt some uncertainty, it was overwhelmed by her happiness and excitement. Now, however, she needed to get focused on what she had to do now, especially since she could see the entrance to the cavern where she could see the massive leviathan Pokémon almost sleeping. "I guess this is it." The cave itself was massive, with mist filling it completely.

She stepped into the cave and spoke loudly. "Kyogre, I challenge you to a battle!" She didn't waver as the massive Pokémon opened its eyes, and regarding her with almost disinterest before he began to swim around the area, showing that he had accepted her challenge.

May then noticed that it was almost raining inside the cave. She knew she'd be soaked to the bone by the time this battle was over, but the less restrained side of her felt she could use it with Brendan later.

No, focus, stop thinking like that! May thought before she grabbed Asteroth's Pokéball, sending out the Spiritomb. The Pokémon almost hissed as he appeared, but Kyogre seemed to continue his disinterested look. "Alright, let's start this off strong. Thunderbolt!" May called.

Asteroth's body seemed to crackle with electricity before it spiraled out toward the leviathan. The attack hit its mark, causing the Pokémon groan in protest. It then dove under the water, staying there for a while before leaping out, firing four massive torrents of water, each with about the same force of a Hydro Pump attack. The attack pummeled Asteroth, and the Forbidden Pokémon almost howled in protest. When the water stopped flooding in, Asteroth had retreated into his Keystone, fainting from the heavy water pressure alone. May didn't know what to say.

What the hell was that attack? I've never seen anything like that, May wasn't sure what to think as she recalled her Spiritomb. Well, if it has that kind of power, then I may need to weaken it slightly with a status condition. With that thought, she threw Lily's Pokéball, letting out the Beautifly.

"Lily, I need you to use Stun Spore as fast as you can!" May's voice conveyed the importance of the situation. Lily flew over the giant Pokémon and sprinkled a cloud of yellow dust over the Pokémon. The "rain" from the cave's ceiling was actually helping to speed up the delivery of the powder, and even mixing it slightly with the surrounding water in the cavern. It was very diluted, but May knew it would have to do for now. She'd let Kyogre gather a paralysis status over time, then he'd hopefully be weak enough to catch.

Kyogre, however, wasn't going to have any of that right now. Suddenly, there was a massive chill in the air as Kyogre leapt from the water and fired off what May could only guess was a Sheer Cold attack. Unfortunately, the attack hit its mark and Lily plummeted to the ground, fainting as she landed. May sighed and called back her Pokémon, considering her next move. Perhaps a water type is needed, she grabbed Graham's Pokéball and sent out the Pelipper.

"Graham, hit him with Super Sonic!" May said. The pelican Pokémon shrieked at an extremely high pitch, the sound waves hitting Kyogre, who looked almost unaffected, but he also had a new look of disorientation. Alright, that should make it easier to face him. Kyogre leapt from the water, gathering what looked like another quadruple hydro pump, only for it to explode in the legendary's face, sending him back into the water, creating a large wave, which rolled completely across the platform May was standing on, soaking her shoes and feet completely. Damn it. I hate having wet socks.

May then looked to Graham. "Alright, use Stockpile as many times as possible." Graham then began glowing lightly, gathering energy in his bill and increasing his defensive abilities. Kyogre, who now seemed to have shaken off his confusion, gathered energy as rocks began to come off the walls. Oh no, is that Ancient Power? Before she could answer that question, Kyogre did it for her, throwing the rocks as a scarlet aura surrounded him, indicating an increase in all of his abilities. The attack hit Graham, and buried him under the stones. Kyogre then used an Aqua Tail to clear the stones and let May see that her Pokémon was knocked out.

May recalled Graham, gritting her teeth in frustration before sending out Erza. The Lairon seemed to be very ready to battle. May was happy to see that, knowing it would prove vital to winning the battle in the end. "Use Shock Wave!" May said, hoping to hit Kyogre with a super-effective attack to speed things up. As Kyogre was swimming around the area, Erza picked her shot and fired, sending out a wave of electricity in all directions except at May. The leviathan was unable to dodge the incoming attack, so he chose to counter it by firing another quadruple hydro pump, and breaking through the electricity and just barely missing Erza and hitting the ground around her. Erza looked a bit angry as her attack failed, so, with a roar of defiance, she began to glow brightly, slowly gaining a bipedal stance, horns growing from her head and her tail growing much longer. Her front legs shrunk to look more like arms, and her plating seemed to get thicker.

When the glowing ceased, May saw Erza had evolved into an Aggron. This was a literal game changer for this battle. "Alright, Erza, use another Shock Wave. Let's see if Kyogre can counter this now!"

Kyogre heard her, however, and he decided he wanted none of it. So, just as Erza was about to fire her next attack Kyogre leapt from the water and fired another quadruple hydro pump, and this time his aim was true. Erza roared slightly, but she managed to power through the attack, and she fired off another Shock Wave, hitting Kyogre just before he got back into the water. Erza, however, could not continue and she collapsed from exhaustion. Even with the boost of an evolution, the Aggron could not match Kyogre's power.

May recalled Erza and made a decision on her next Pokémon, sending out Drake. Unknowingly, she had followed Brendan's thought process in saving her first Pokémon for the last part of the battle.

Drake looked determined, and was definitely exuding an aura of confidence. He then decided to fire off a Thunderbolt without May needing to say anything. This one was significantly more powerful than what came from Asteroth, but Kyogre saw it coming, diving underwater and narrowly dodging the attack. So, Drake fired another one, hitting the water and hoping it was salt water. If it wasn't, then the attack was just wasted. Kyogre then leapt from the water like a bullet, slamming into Drake as he passed overhead, dealing some damage to himself with his Double-Edge attack. The Latios, however, was more durable than that. He would not yield just because of a few bruises.

"Alright, try a Dragon Pulse!" May shouted as Drake flew around the cave, keeping pace with the knots Kyogre was swimming at. With his body glowing slightly, Drake fired a powerful Dragon Pulse at Kyogre's back, making the Sea Basin Pokémon roar in protest before he dove under again, only to leap back up and fire off a Sheer Cold at point-blank range, knocking out the blue Eon Pokémon instantly. May wasted no time in recalling the Pokémon from the air. She was now down to only Miranda, who had a major type disadvantage. Nonetheless, May sent out her Blaziken. With a grunt of confidence from Miranda, May decided that she needed a mega-evolution to make sure she won this.

She hit her keystone, unknowingly at the exact same time Brendan hit his to mega-evolve Gwen, and Miranda's Blazikenite started to glow, linking with the glowing keystone as she swiftly took her streamline mega form. May smiled and Miranda turned toward her trainer, nodding with confidence. Sure, they might be in a bad situation, but they had turned around worse together.

"Alright, bide your time, and once he surfaces, use Sky Uppercut. That should be enough," May said calmly, her hair now matted down by the pseudo rain. Surely enough, Kyogre had chosen that moment to try and use the quadruple hydro pump again. But, Miranda was far too fast for him to match as she leapt at him and, with her fists glowing, punched the massive fish in the underbelly. Kyogre grunted loudly, but May decided that enough was enough. She was cold, she was soaked, and she just wanted to hold her boyfriend…no, her fiancé, for the rest of the night. So, as Kyogre was briefly airborne, May grabbed the Master Ball and threw it at Kyogre. The massive sea creature was pulled inside, and the ball landed on the slightly drier land. It rolled around briefly, only for sparks to fly an instant later.

Not really feeling the overwhelming sense of excitement at the capture, May just breathed a sigh of relief as Miranda returned to her normal form and was recalled to her Pokéball. After picking up the Master Ball on the ground, May began the trek back through the cave to the fork where Brendan had proposed.


As both trainers rounded the last corner that had blocked their view of the junction, they both broke out into bright smiles, May running across the path and leaping into Brendan's arms, wrapping her legs around his waist.

"We did it. It's finally over, and we can finally go back to just having fun on our journey," she whispered happily as she kissed his cheek.

Brendan just sat on a nearby rock that was shaped conveniently like a stool, and was soon embraced by Gwen too, even with one of her arms hanging limply by her side. He didn't say anything. He didn't need to. After all, May had said everything that needed to be said in that moment.

Hey everybody, hope you didn't mind that wait too much.

As always please leave a review with some constructive criticism, as it will help me improve for next chapter.

Now for a quick announcement. I know it's been a while since I had the OC submission for this story (and later canceled it due to countless bad submissions), and even with the select few who stood out as good characters, I've decided I will be making my own OCs for the League battles. Sorry if this is disappointing to some of you, but as that part of the story draws closer, I am realizing that it will be next to impossible to use the good submissions as simple filler characters, because they seem to deserve a story all their own, and I will be damned if I use a bad character in this story.

Anyway, with that out of the way, next chapter's topic was hinted at in this chapter. Figure it out from there. Until next time – Jmoul18