Hey guys...! I know it's been a while since I last posted a chapter and all. Super busy and had no time for writing anything! Well, sorta. I just had muse randomly! So, I hope you guys forgive me! But, anywho, I just want you to say thanks to everyone who has enjoyed this fic! You're all the best!


Chapter 4

After the celebration of Satoshi's victory from the previous day, the next couple of rounds went by more smoothly. Challenges became more difficult with stronger opponents now facing off.

Yet, rounds 32 and 16 had quite the same show of strength displayed by our hero. The nights pror included the gang to watch the remaining battles of each competitor - which was an enjoyment for them all. This gave Citron a chance to study the opponents and how they managed to pull off such strategies – which he would tell his companions. This would also benefit Satoshi in case any having to face off against any.

However, eventually round eight came around the corner and the boy would be the first to battle. He would be facing off against a trainer they have met in the past – Ayaka. Of course, in that battle, Satoshi had lost in their bout. But, that didn't mean he wasn't confident or ready for it.

Serena knew this would be another challenge for Satoshi to prove his growth as a trainer – not only from the time before when he faced Ayaka – but to show the rest of the competitors how far he has come.

So, as she informed him to prepare and make way for the match, she also wished him luck. "Get this win!"

The rest of the crew chimed in with similar words of encouragement.

"If you get this victory, you will already be in the Top 4," Citron added after. "Good luck!" He also stated, fixing his glasses as he tugged them upward in his usual fashion.

Eureka had responded to this with an excited nod of her head and waving her hands in a wild pattern, "Go, go, go!"

An immense grin coaxed on the trainer's face. "I know. Thanks, you guys. We'll do our best. You can count on us!" And with that, he gave a wide smile to everyone before dashing off down to the ramp.

That smile of his certainly could make the honey blonde feel warmth. Serena only smiled in return and watched as he went away. She noticed Ayaka was already ready and waiting her friend. She looked smug and confident. However, Serena knew he would advance by their words of support.

And that was just the case. Satoshi's Luchabull was able to take out Ayaka's Mega Abusoru quite quickly. This caused the gang to cheer on as it was another smooth victory! One could say even this round went pretty fast when compared to the other smooth rounds.

"Serenaaaa!" Called out a familiar voice in the girl's direction.

When looking around for the person who called out to her, Serena's face lit up upon recognizing the person. "Sana!" A smile shot as a wave was also done to the performer.

Sana had to catch her breath from the hurried pace she did just to get to the Conference Stadium. Once doing so, she made her way to a seat next to Serena.

"Made it in time..." Breathed out the performer with brown hair.

"Glad you could come! Did you see Satoshi's battle?" Serena wondered, unsure since she seemed really out of breath – still a bit surprised she came!

"Hai... I bet you were happy with the outcome, huh?" Sana beamed a smile at the honey haired girl.

"...I was. As are the rest of us!" Serena quickly added in.

Sana leaned in closely, her breathing slowly done somewhat. She brought a hand up close to her face before whispering, "I mean, you do like his determination, right? So, I just know you in particular became most excited."

Serena tried her best to wave off the words the brunette spewed. However, a blush slightly showed from the sudden remark. "W-Why are you asking?"

"With all that admiration you have for him, I'm just curious."

She needed to calm down some before she made it known to the entire stadium. "...We all have that admiration for him. He's our frie-"

The girl snickered while moving back in her regular position. "That's not what I mean! I see the way you look at him... it's obvious, you know?"

She did have her there. Serena always glanced at her friend pretty out in the open. And, knowing Serena's nature, she wasn't one to deny such comments about her feelings toward the boy. She even bit her lower lip some to try and think of something to say. "Satoshi inspired me to never give up. It's hard to not be fond of someone like that.." In that moment, she let out a secret – yet. Perhaps not so secret to her performer friend – but nonetheless, a secret to her which was never spoken before.

In the same instance, she realized it wasn't so difficult to express something like that. Out loud. Of course, having a friend nearby helps, but it was still a first. Serena had that look In her eyes. The same expression when she would stare at her crush. And of course, it wasn't a flat out, "I like him so much" or along those lines, but the meaning was clearly stronger than simply a friend.

Although, she may have let it slip a little, she still had a very detectable blush that covered each cheek. Sana even noticed this and gave the other a small pat. "I can see how you would admire someone like him!" She offered a smile in return.

Serena continued to glance ahead, only smiling as well. The words that came from her were so serious. She admired the boy since she was even younger. And, yet, with each travel and progress, it only grows more. It was astonishing how much he expresses that 'never give up' attitude.

And she only knew it would continue to display with the league coming so close to a finish.

"Huh? Sana?" A voice called out only a few seconds after. It was none other than the boy they were just discussing!

"Satoshi! So good to see you!" The brunette called out, smiling toward her friend.

"Hi! It's been some time." He smiled while walking over to grab a seat. "Did you get here to watch Tierno's battle?"

"Hai! I saw yours too. You were great!" This only caused the others to chime in and agree with Sana. This led to a conversation being held between one another while awaiting the next match.

While the others chatted about, Serena glanced at the entire group. She was so happy everyone was together and hanging out. This was what she wanted when she left home. An adventure to be free and do it with people she considered friends – as well as being united with a friend from long ago.

She gave another glance at Satoshi. One of her 'gazing' glances per se. To be in such competitive battles, yet he could still have such a good time in between. That's what makes him so amazing. His focus would switch to the battles at hand instantly. Yet, that never took away his time for friends.

No matter the outcome of the league. He would have his companions be proud of him to the very end!