Disclaimer: Don't own Pokemon… yet.

Note: thank you guys soooooo much for your reviews! Seriously you wouldn't have any other chapters if it wasn't for you guys. And thanks to the formatting help. Anyways back to my story... so here's the conclusion to who's going to win! May or Misty?

Thought
Emphasis
"Speaking"
(Author's notes)
A Forgotten Face

Ch. 4 Losing is Winning

As May and Misty set a date for the battle and exactly what they would win, they didn't know that someone never really left the door. Ash listened to the whole thing and came to the conclusion the Misty was just toying with his emotions. He was crushed. He vowed that he would never ever do what he did in the forest ever again or even let her get close again. She could break his heart like a piece of fragile glass.

"Alright, let's bet Ash." Ash's heart shattered.

"What!? You know he has feelings too." May seems to care. She has always been there for me.

He had to get out of there. Whenever or wherever this battle was going to be, he wouldn't be there. But what May had said brought new thoughts to his head.

God! She must think I'm a jerk, I've never been really nice to May, or even give her the time of day to talk to me. It's weird how she can still feel that way about me.

This changed his mind. He would be there to cheer May on. Misty wouldn't get the satisfaction to see him hurt again or to be her toy. He wanted to hurt Misty as she had hurt him.

What Ash didn't know was that he had the voices backwards. Who he thought was Misty was in fact May.

"Fine. It's set. Tomorrow, noon, at the park." May had been planning on what she would be doing already with her date with Ash (god...seriously). Too long had she waited for Ash to ask her out. Now she would get her chance and win Ash's love.

Misty felt differently. If she won she knew Ash would reject her. Ash probably lost his love for her a long time ago when she left. She could understand. He had May and, although she didn't think she was the best for him, she knew May cared for Ash. She couldn't stand to be rejected if she won. The image just danced in her head tormenting her.

(Dream/Fantasy Sequence)"I can't believe I lost! I guess Ash is yours."

Misty stood victorious. Ash was on the sidelines. He knew she would win, she had much more experience than may and her Pokemon were stronger. But Ash didn't want Misty, he didn't love her anymore. Who was he kidding, he never loved Misty.

"So...Ash what do you want to do?"

"What are you talking about? I'm not going to go out with you! Pshhh."

Misty sat quietly as May kept rambling on about the rules. She wasn't thinking about the match but rather Ash.

He probably never loved me. Misty's heart sunk to a new low. Then back at the forest...it was just...a game... Misty started to cry uncontrollably. The familiar sting of rejection and humiliation crept into her heart.

"Okay, so it's gonna be a two on two battle. Pokemon unable to fight are out, ummm, oh and substitutions are allowed...let's see what else..." May heard sobs. "Hey! You're not even listening!"

Leave me alone! Misty just ran out of the room. She didn't care about the match anymore. She burst out of the room, knocked Ash over, who she never noticed, and just ran. Anywhere but here!

Misty ran out of the hotel and into the heart of the city. She found a local swimming center. The warm feeling of relief washed over her. Water...my one friend who's always there for me. (Mayhaps a bit cheesy)

She went inside, changed into a suit, and went to the pool area. It was huge! The enormous pool could easily fit a thousand people and Pokemon. Oh! I almost forgot!

"Come on out you guys!"

A flash of white and Misty's Pokemon were out. Politoed, Corsola, Staryu, Starmie, Psyduck, and Goldeen appeared before the pool.

"You guys can play now. And you can too Togetic!"

Soon, everyone was in the water relaxing and playing at the same time. Misty hadn't had a good swim in a long time. She needed it. Misty let the clear, cool water soak her while she just watched her Pokemon play.

They seem to be enjoying themselves...I wish I could.

Again she thought about the upcoming match. This would be a good time to consider which Pokemon to use.

I think she said two on two...okay lets see, Goldeen is an automatic no, it can't fight on land. I'm not even going to consider Psyduck… So I could use Politoed, Corsola, Staryu, and Starmie. Politoed does have its advantages but isn't all that powerful yet. Corsola is really strong and has recover which is a plus. And Staryu and Starmie are my most experienced. This is going to take a while...

While Misty thought about which Pokemon to use she noticed it was getting late.

Guess I better be getting back. Don't want them to think I died...

With that she got out of the pool, recalled her Pokemon, and got dressed. She left the center and started back to the hotel.

"Did anyone see where Misty went?"

Brock hadn't seen Misty all day and was starting to worry about her.

"No, she just ran out of the room crying. I didn't see where she went to. Probably worried about the match tomorrow..."

"What match?"

"Oh just a little Pokemon match we're having. It's nothing big." May didn't want to bring it up with Ash right there.

Ash recognized what May was talking about. He looked up and smiled at May. If she cares about me I guess I better start being nice to her. God I feel like a jerk ignoring her for the past four years.

Is he smiling at me? Wow! He does like me! I knew it!

Brock saw Ash smile and was speechless. What the hell are you doing Ash!? Is he cheating Misty? But then he remembered that Ash or Misty hadn't talked to each other after what had happened in the forest. Don't tell he thinks Misty doesn't like him. How am I going to explain that Ash is wrong?

While Brock was thinking, and while Ash and May were flirting a soaking wet Misty walked in.

The first thing Misty noticed was that Ash and May were flirting...and holding hands!? She could cry. She felt like throwing up. If this is what Ash wants, then so be it. At least he's happy.

Then Ash and Misty made eye contact. Each looked saddened and… hurt.

She played me...

He played me...

They both looked away. Misty returned to her room and so did Ash. They both needed sleep to get their minds off things. May just sat. Ash and she were hitting it off so well! What happened!? Brock was still thinking. He saw that both of his friends eyes showed hurt and deception. He too left to go to his room and sleep on things. Max was already asleep and Pikachu was happily slurping a bottle of ketchup in Ash's and Brock's room. Togetic was with Misty asleep. May was left alone outside in the living room or their suite. Soon, since no one was awake, she too went to her room to rest.

Only after a few minutes, the whole party was asleep.

May woke up early the next morning.

Today's the day I win and get Ash!

She did her daily rituals (brushed her teeth, showered, dressed) and decided to go down to the restaurant in the hotel for breakfast.

On the way down she then remembered she still needed to pick her Pokemon.

That's easy. I'll just use Combusken and Beautifly (Unsure of other May's other Pokemon when I first wrote this so I just evolved her Torchic and Wurmple)

She ate her breakfast and decided to get some minor training in before her match. May exited the hotel and made her way to the park.

"Combusken, Beautifly, come on out!"

Two Pokemon appeared before her. A short chicken-like Pokemon with fire patterns on its feathers and a big butterfly with beautiful and vibrant colors on its wings.

"We've gotta get ready for the match. I want to do some minor training to get you two prepared."

"Busk!"

"Beeeeeeuuuuu!"

"Great! Let's get started."

May and her Pokemon trained and trained until all three of them were exhausted. She decided to let them rest before the match. Who was she kidding...she needed the rest too. And it was already 10:30! They had been training since 8! May went back to the hotel and took a nap.

Misty watched as May stumbled into the room. She was sweaty, red, and looked tired.

She must have been training. Well, serves you right to put off your strategy when you're the one who wanted the match in the first place.

Misty laughed to herself as May just collapsed onto her bed and passed out (not literally). The match would be a cinch. She knew what Pokemon she was going to use and knew her plan of attack. A new thought came to mind. The subject of the 'bet' flashed in her head.

Ash...what about him? If I win…I'll be rejected and humiliated in front of everyone. But if I lose...

She then realized that there was nothing to lose. If she won she lost; she would be rejected by Ash, humiliated, and her heart would shatter. Once is enough, but twice by the same person? She couldn't even think about what would happen.

That's it then, I'll lose.

It was 11:30. May had awoken from her slumber and started to prepare. Misty did the same. Ash, Brock, Max, Togetic, and Pikachu were waiting outside in the living room for the two girls. All of them wanted to see what happen but none knew why they were even battling...but Ash.

The nerve of her! She just thinks I'm some prize to be won!? I'll show her. I will not stand to be someone's puppet. I should have gone with May a long time ago. Stupid, stupid, stupid… Ash was mentally kicking himself when he was interrupted by everyone getting up to follow the girls out of the hotel.

The group arrived at the park at 11:50 and found that the park had a couple or courts for just the occasion. They reserved one and made their way down to court number three.

Misty and May approached each other and shook hands.

"Good luck!" giggled May.

"Yeah...you too."

Misty took the far end of the court with Togetic while May stayed where she was. Brock was chosen to referee and Max, Ash, and Pikachu were sitting on a bench near the court to watch.

Max didn't know what her sister was up to but he had overheard her rant about how 'Ash and she will finally be together!' There had to be some catch to this match.

I wonder how Misty feels about this?

Ash thought differently.

Please God, let May win. I can't stand to have my emotions toyed with again...to be hurt...please oh please...

"The battle will consist of a two on two Pokemon match. Substitutions are allowed, items are forbidden. Pokemon that cannot go on are out. Let the battle begin!"

Brock waved the flags. The match had begun!

"Beautifly! You're up!"

May threw her Pokeball and her Beautifly appeared in a blaze of white. It spread its wings to give off a sparkle and gave out a battle cry.

Iknew that entrance would be perfect. Thank God for those Pokemon Contests!

"Staryu! I choose you!"

"Hya!"

A golden, five-pointed star with a red jewel in its center flashed out of its Pokeball.

Misty started off the fight.

"Water gun now!"

A stream of water shot from the star at May's Beautifly.

"Dodge and hit it with your Confuse Ray!" (Don't know any of Beautifly's attacks except for Morning Sun and Swarm; so I'll be using bug attacks)

A rainbow beam shot from the butterfly and hit the star.

Yes! It's confused! Now time to finish it off...

"Staryu! Staryu snap out of it I know you can do it! Try and use Water gun!

"Beautifly! SWARM!"

Beautifly multiplied itself (like double-team?), crowding around Staryu while tackle it multiple times. After a few moments of the attack, Staryu keeled over and fainted.

"Staryu is unable to battle!" What the hell is Misty doing? She could have easily won that. She's up to something, but what?

"Corsola! I choose you!"

A spiky, pink coral-like Pokemon came out of the Pokeball.

"Cor!"

"Spike Cannon, Corsola!"

A barrage of spikes shot out of Corsola and hit Beautifly. Beautifly became unconscious at the first spike.

"Beautifly is unable to continue, it is now down to the final Pokemon!" That's more like Misty.

So she wants to play tough? I can do that too ya know!

"Combusken! Come on out!"

The blaze, chicken-like fire/fighting Pokemon emerged from the ball.

"Ken!"

Damn, a fire of all type. Better not use any water attacks with Corsola...

"Corsola! Spike Canon one more time!"

Again, millions of spikes shot from the pink coral Pokemon.

"Use Fire Punch to knock 'em away!"

Combusken's hands blurred as a flame engulfed its hand and it started punching away the spikes.

"Great job Combusken! Now finish it with Mega Kick!"

The Pokemon kicked Corsola with such force it was knocked out of the court. It hit the fence and was knocked out.

"Corsola is unable to battle! May is the winner!" What was Misty doing? She wouldn't have lost that easily.

"I won...? I won! WAHOO!"

"Good fight." Now Ash can be happy…and I won't. But at least this way, no can't get hurt.

"That way amazing May!" Ash and Max had come on to the court to congratulate her. But May wasn't listening.

"I won! I won! I won! Now I have Ash all to myse-" She quickly caught herself so she wouldn't hurt Ash. After all, he didn't know he was the prize.

"You were great May! I'm proud of you."

Ash was grateful Misty didn't win. So was Misty. No one had even noticed that she had started to walk to a Pokemon Center to heal her Pokemon. Except for Brock. He had to know what was going on at that match. Misty would not have lost that match.

"Misty! Wait up!"

"Oh, hey Brock. I guess I underestimated May...she's really good."

"Cut the crap Misty. You could have kicked her ass easily. Why didn't you?"

Misty couldn't tell why. But Brock was one of her best friends! Why couldn't she open up to him? He had always been there and knew about her love for Ash and respected it. She might as well tell him.

"I didn't want to hurt Ash...and I-I didn't want to get... hurt." The last part was barely a whisper. Tears had already started to form in the corners of her ocean-blue eyes.

"Misty...what makes you think you would have hurt Ash?"

"I know he doesn't love me. And- I-I can't-" Misty felt a tear trickle down her cheek. She was crying. The tears started to grow and soon she was crying so hard she couldn't speak.

Brock didn't know where Misty came up with that thought but sat there and comforted his long time friend.

When Misty had finally calmed down a bit, Brock was able to get some answers out of her. She had told him what had happened in the forest and how he avoided her afterwards, how she saw May and Ash flirting yesterday, and about the prize of the match and her thought of rejection if she won. Brock understood it all.

This is bad... I need to talk to Ash

After Misty was done crying, she and Brock went to the Pokemon Center together and rejuvenated Misty's Pokemon. It was only 2:30 in the afternoon when they were back at the hotel. Misty decided to take a nap. She was still upset and needed to get it off her mind. May, Ash, Max, Pikachu, and Togetic were already back and talking. Misty didn't get much sleep but soon cried herself to sleep.

"I can't believe I won! She's a lot easier than she looks!"

"I never thought you'd beat her! I've only been able to do it once. You must have been practicing May. I'm really proud of you!"

Brock shook his head. Ash you don't know what you're doing.

He stood nearby and listened as the conversation progressed. The innocent talking turned into flirting between Ash and Misty. Max had the common sense to leave and started to play with Togetic and Pikachu. Brock thought it was time to end the flirting.

"Ash, we need to talk."

He pulled Ash over to their room and sat Ash on the bed.

"Do you have any idea what you're doing?!"

"Uhhh...I was getting along with May...really well..." He started to laugh.

"Do you have any idea what went on at the match today?"

"Yeah...May kicked Misty's ass!" He burst out laughing.

Brock could punch his friend, but decided against it. He needed to talk with him, not start a fist fight.

"There's much more to it Ash."

"What...Misty lost on purpose?" Ash laughed to himself, "Yeah right she would never allow herself to sink that low."

But Brock's expression never changed.

Ash looked at Brock with an expression of disbelief, "Nah…you've got to be kidding. Misty would never…" Ash trailed off lost for words. Misty lost on purpose?

"Actually, Misty did lose on purpose. Do you know why?"

Then Ash thought about the conversation between May and Misty two days ago. He was the prize.

"She doesn't love me..." Ash's heart was ripped right out of his chest. He couldn't stay here right now. He had to go somewhere... anywhere but here.

He bolted out the room.

"Ash, wait! No, that's not why!!"

It was too late. Ash didn't hear him. He was gone and probably wouldn't be back for a long time.

God damn it

Brock went after him. He needed to tell Ash the truth. He knew Ash's heart was fragile and that his love for Misty was a sensitive subject. Ash's mind could turn anything into a negative thought about Misty. Brock would have to be very careful of his words when he found Ash...that is if he found Ash.

Whew! This chapter is quite dramatic! I was originally going to stop at where Misty's plan was to lose but I couldn't stop writing! Thanks to all of you again! I wouldn't have gotten this far if it wasn't for you! Until next time!

Night Mare579