CHAPTER SEVENTY SEVEN
Following the semi finals ceremony, Amy had made a quick departure and taken her Pokemon on a walk through the village, along a track which took them into the woods. The canopy of trees above to filter out sunlight and quiet solitude but for the nestling Metapod had provided her with the peace she needed to collect her thoughts and think.
Tomorrow, she was scheduled to battle Natalie in the semi finals of the Indigo League.
Tomorrow, one of them would move up to the finals.
Tomorrow, one of them would return home.
Amy folded her legs beneath her as she sat on the damp grass, not uncomfortable as she bade her Pokemon close. Arcanine sat beside her, the scar livid across his face where Liam's Charizard had dealt her Pokemon a nasty slash. Nidorina curled up to nap on the grass, tough hide and spikes protruding. Marowak searched the clearing in which they rested, content that the Caterpie and Metapod meant them no harm. If Arcanine sneezed too hard, he might start an accidental forest fire.
She felt a sense of calm within the lush forests surrounding Indigo Plateau that she had certainly not felt when she first stepped foot inside Viridian Forest. Back then, she was a scared girl with only her Growlithe and Nidoran for company, worrying over other's people's opinions and how to properly express heartfelt gratitude. Now she was assertive and forthcoming, with a powerful party of Pokemon behind her.
She had ended her feud with Liam by defeating him on live TV. However much she regretted it, she had been honest with her mother about her feelings. For better or for worse, she was learning to take responsibility for her actions. The decisions she made, she could only hold to her own morals. She could not deflect or blame others in attempt to shift uncomfortable feelings.
Battling Natalie tomorrow would be hardest of all, Amy decided. Natalie had been the first real friend she had made during her trip around Kanto. True, she had become friends with Daniel as well, but with Natalie there was an empathy and capacity for listening that Amy was drawn to.
As a Pokemon Trainer, Amy's responsbility was to care for and oversee the training of her Pokemon.
As an Indigo League participant, Amy's responsibility was to battle against others in an attempt to reach the top and challenge the Champion.
But as a friend?
Natalie had entered the tournament to earn the prize money with which to aid her mother sort out her debts and proceed towards a comfortable retirement. Amy's goals were hardly the stuff of moral fibre. The prize money was appealing and becoming Champion confirmed her status as one of the greatest Pokemon Trainers in Kanto.
The stakes were higher for Natalie, which meant the decision to fight would come easier to her. Amy was torn, but she knew what had to be done. She would fight with all her strength. From a strategic point of view, the main problem was that Natalie's Pokemon had a significant type advantage over all of Amy's Pokemon.
Daniel ate alone in the cafeteria, watching as people passed by in a haze of congratulations, all keen to see the semi finalists duke it out for the finals. However, he was not in a sociable preferred to observe rather than interact, scoffing his face with pizza and chips. Through some stroke of luck, acne hadn't hit and his face was mercifully clear of pimples. A minor victory on top of the problems he now had to face.
He was divided between his two friends, unsure of whom to give consideration. He had given them both a wide berth, allowing them privacy as he was sure they would give him without a moment's hesitation. Daniel hoped that it wouldn't cause a rift in their friendship. He hadn't imagined that all three of them would make it so far.
Daniel could not say for sure who was the better Trainer, if indeed a scale existed to measure such a thing. Everyone had their own trajectory through life, bringing experience and knowledge to their Pokemon. Type advantages were a good bet, but a skilled Trainer could work around that. Love and concern could bring victory, but so could heavy handed might, as evidenced by the battle tactics of Liam and Alesha.
Sighing, Daniel returned to his plate littered with crumbs. He was glad he did not have to battle tomorrow and could enjoy an evening of rest with his Pokemon. With such nonstop action, there had been little time to reflect. He cleared the table and bought some Poketreats at the PokeMart counter, heading for his apartment suite to spend some quality time with his Pokemon.
Natalie sat inside the ensuite bathroom of her apartment suite, filling the bath tub so that her Water Pokemon could swim inside. Though it could hardly be considered big enough for Pokemon who were used to lakes and oceans, Natalie had wanted to spend the evening indoors and her Pokemon rarely raised complaint.
"Don't spill too much water," Natalie smiled, reaching out to stroke Seadra, who trilled in response. Squirtle lay on his turtle back, blowing bubbles up at the ceiling while Poliwhirl sat in a corner of the tub, taking up a large amount of space but trying to relax nonetheless. "I'll be here if you need me."
Natalie emerged into the kitchen, where she prepared ramen noodles while Butterfree flit from surface to surface, helping her Trainer carry objects of small weight wherever she could help.
"Thank you, Butterfree," Natalie was always careful when petting the delicate butterfly Pokemon, who twittered in joy.
Natalie collected her bowl of ramen and sat on the couch, eating quietly as she heard the gentle murmur of her Water Pokemon in the bathroom. She tried not to think too hard about tomorrow's coming battle. She would not allow her Pokemon to come to harm, nor would she forfeit the match. As much as she valued Amy as a friend, tomorrow's match was purely professional from a Pokemon Trainer's point of view.
Natalie was focused on her goal of the prize money. With it, she could cover the debts of her mother, sell the house in Viridian and move to Cerulean City, where Natalie hoped her mother would be able to make a new life. North of Cerulean there was a cape Natalie remembered fondly, where she had first come upon Poliwag. Natalie wanted to spend time with her mother and with her Pokemon, so that they could all live in harmony. A fantasy - but one that might just come true.
Natalie glancing up as Squirtle padded into the living room, leaving wet footprints from the tiled floor of the bathroom onto the living room carpet. Natalie sighed and set aside her bowl, careful not to let her frustration show.
"Welcome to the Indigo League semi finals!" boomed the announcer. "Our first of two battles between the remaining four contenders will be Trainer Amy vs. Trainer Natalie!"
Daniel took his seat in the stands, surrounded by other Trainers whom he had seen but not met. Glancing out at the stadium, he watched Amy and Natalie rise to their respective podiums, nodding to each other politely.
"Each Trainer will use three Pokemon! The first Trainer to defeat the other Trainer's Pokemon will advance to the finals! Are you ready?"
The crowd erupted with applause and cheers. With four contenders remaining, the crowd was largely divided on their favourites. They had admired Amy's stunning victory over Liam, enjoyed watching Natalie defeat her snarky older sister, politely acknowledged Daniel's wins though he was cumbersomely camera-shy and were entertained by the thrilling victories Joshua had enjoyed with his hard-to-beat Pokemon.
Daniel chose a seat close to the centre so that he could watch the action unfold between his two friends with ease. Above, the sun shone strong amid a cloudless blue sky and a gentle breeze whipped through the stadium, where a blanket of green grass separated by white position lines was the only space separating the two Trainers atop their podiums.
Amy placed her Pokeballs on the holder, remaining stoic for the cameras and depressing the button on her microphone,
"I wish you all the best, Natalie. Let's show the crowd a good fight."
Polite applause met her ears, as Natalie smiled slightly and activated the microphone on her end,
"Same to you, Amy. Bring it with all you've got!"
The announcer boomed, "Trainer Amy is from Celadon City and Trainer Natalie is from Viridian City! Both Trainers have worked hard and battled with skill to be standing before you today, folks! How about another round of applause?"
Bravely, Natalie selected her first Pokeball of three, wishing the crowd would go away. Their shouts were so loud she could barely think. Meanwhile, Amy was bundled up with nerves, holding her chosen Pokeball in her hand. Natalie was sweet, quiet and considerate, but undeniably a good Trainer with type advantages.
Amy threw her chosen Pokeball into the field, hoping it was the right choice,
"Go, Marowak!"
Marowak stepped forward, raising his bone club in the air to acknowledge the cheers and applause that he had come to expect upon his appearance. Though not prideful, Marowak took it in his stride.
"Your Marowak is strong," Natalie called, throwing her Pokeball into the field. "I'd like to present my Squirtle!"
Red light flashed and the stands went wild as Squirtle waddled forth, half the size of Marowak and grinning up at the beautiful, cloudless sky. Squirtle returned to focus as he looked at Marowak, determined to give it all he had.
"Marowak," Amy called. "Bonemerang!"
"Squirtle, Withdraw!" Natalie cried.
Marowak arched his arm back and threw his bone club, soaring towards Squirtle who hid within his shell in the nick of time, avoiding the first bone club hit.
"Squirtle, Hydro Pump!" Natalie cried, firmer this time.
Worried, Amy shouted, "Marowak, Double Team!"
Marowak split into three copies as its thrown bone club came back for the second hit. It bashed into Squirtle who was hidden within his shell, taking minor damage but more importantly spinning him like a top, so that his powerful surge of water drenched the three Marowak copies several times over.
"Oh!" Amy gasped, along with the crowd. "Marowak!"
The two Marowak copies dissipated while the real Marowak was bowled over by the impact, greatly damaged. His bone club landed nearby on the grass. Squirtle emerged from its shell, slightly injured by the bone club but still raring for a fight.
"Squirtle, Ice Beam!" Natalie shouted, all business.
Amy realised she had underestimated Natalie. "Marowak, Double Team!"
Getting to his feet, Marowak split into three copies as Squirtle shot an icy beam towards one of the copies, dissipating it into nothingness. Meanwhile, the two remaining copies sprinted forth.
"Bone Club, Marowak!" Amy shouted. She hoped it was not too late.
"Squirtle, Bubblebeam!" Natalie cried.
Squirtle released a powerful stream of bubbles, popping on impact upon one of the copies which dissipated into thin air. The real Marowak raised its bone club and whacked Squirtle across the face, knocking him several paces across the ground as Natalie gasped along with the crowd.
"Squirtle!" Natalie shrieked, as Squirtle tried to shake off the dizziness, now quite injured.
Sensing the advantage, Amy yelled, "Marowak, Skull Bash!"
"Squirtle!" Natalie added quickly. "Dig!"
Marowak lowered his head and charged as Squirtle evaded, digging deep underground with scuffles and dirt flying out of the newly made hole. Marowak paused only a second, to leap high into the air as Natalie realised her mistake.
"Earthquake, Marowak!" Amy shouted, tasting triumph over concern for her friend.
"Squirtle!" Natalie cried out in horror.
Marowak landed upon the ground, as immediate rumblings began to shake the stadium, scaring the younger members of the crowd who gasped in shock. Natalie gripped her podium, searching the wide battlefield of green for her Squirtle to emerge.
"Marowak, Double Team!" Amy shouted in warning.
Marowak split into three copies just as Squirtle emerged, tackling the copy in the middle which happened to be the real Marowak. Illusory copies on either side dissipated into thin air as Marowak was tackled into the air and crashed upon the ground, winded. Squirtle landed with great injury, almost unconscious from the rigours of Marowak's Earthquake which had trapped him below.
"Both Pokemon are close to their limits!" cried the announcer. "Marowak and Squirtle are putting up a good fight against one another!"
Marowak managed to stand, aching from the tackle which had toppled him underneath. Squirtle was covered in bruises and grazes, vision shifting in and out of focus.
"Marowak, Bonemerang!" Amy shouted.
"Squirtle, Ice Beam!" Natalie cried.
Marowak tossed his bone club towards Squirtle, as Squirtle launched an icy beam towards Marowak. Marowak was knocked backwards by the frigid blast, as Squirtle was bashed in the face by Marowak's thrown bone club. Squirtle spun from the impact and was bashed a second time as the Bonemerang returned for its follow-up hit.
"Marowak!" Amy cried, glancing over her podium to where her Ground-type Pokemon had fainted.
"Squirtle!" Natalie shrieked, to Squirtle's barely responsive figure. "You did great, buddy!"
"Both Trainers' Pokemon have fainted, folks!" cried the announcer. "Now Trainers Amy and Natalie must select their second Pokemon!"
Red light flashed out from both podiums as Amy and Natalie returned their fainted Pokemon to their Pokeballs. The crowd politely applauded, not sure which Trainer to back at this point.
Amy was worried for her Marowak, but glad to have taken out Squirtle, who was easily Natalie's strongest Pokemon. Natalie was shaken at the loss of her Squirtle, but he had fought well, though she regretted the circumstances which had led to Squirtle being trapped underneath from Marowak's Earthquake.
I saw Amy's Marowak perform that move against Liam's Sandslash, Natalie berated herself. If I had been more focused...
Meanwhile, Amy selected her second of three Pokeballs, tossing it into the field,
"Go, Nidorina!"
Nidorina stepped forth, growling in appreciation as the crowd cheered and applauded. They appreciated that Amy had not succumbed to the temptation of evolving Nidorina into Nidoqueen, where there were pros and cons to doing so. Nidorina was a Poison-type, where Nidoqueen was a Poison/Ground-type Pokemon.
Natalie tuned out the applause of the crowd as she glanced between the two Pokeballs remaining in her holder. She chose one carefully, throwing it into the field.
"Butterfree, fly with me!"
Understandably, the crowd cheered in awe for the majestic sight of Butterfree whizzing through the air. Natalie was concerned. As a part Bug-type, Butterfree was weak to Poison-type attacks.
"Nidorina, Toxic!" Amy yelled.
"Butterfree, Sleep Powder!" Natalie cried.
Nidorina shot a wad of poisonous liquid towards Butterfree, who evaded just in time and sprinkled shining powder over the battlefield. Succumbing to sleep, Nidorina became drowsy and Amy hurriedly reached for her Full Heal.
"Not so fast!" Natalie was becoming infected with the adrenaline hype of battle. "Butterfree, Psychic!"
As Amy sprayed her Full Heal onto Nidorina, Butterfree glowed bright and released a blast of psychic energy which knocked Nidorina over several paces, damaging her greatly. The crowd whooped and cheered for Butterfree, as Nidorina began to rouse.
"Butterfree, Sleep Powder again!" Natalie cried.
"Nidorina, Ice Beam!" Amy shouted.
Nidorina directed an icy beam towards Butterfree, as Butterfree sprinkled glittering powder through the battlefield once more. Butterfree was blasted by the frigid beam, taking great damage and plummeting to the ground with a crash, as Nidorina succumbed to slumber once again.
"These Pokemon are taking no chances, folks!" cried the announcer, as both Amy and Natalie reached for their Full Heals. "This battle is too close to call!"
Amy was glad Nidorina had managed to hit Butterfree this time, spraying her Full Heal upon Nidorina. As Natalie sprayed her Full Heal upon Butterfree, she knew that Butterfree could not withstand the damage of another Ice-type attack; she was surprised that Nidorina could learn such a move.
"And they're up!" boomed the announcer.
Amy's Nidorina got to her feet as Natalie's Butterfree returned to the skies, twittering angrily. The two Pokemon who had got on just fine as pals were now forced to fight one another with all their strength and skill.
Natalie was taking no chances. Butterfree could deliver another Sleep Powder, but it would leave her wide open for whatever attack Nidorina had planned.
With Butterfree flying above ground, Amy had been unable to implement many of Nidorina's physical attacks.
"Butterfree!" Natalie shouted. "Swift!"
"Nidorina, Ice Beam!" Amy yelled.
Nidorina directed an icy beam towards Butterfree, as Butterfree tossed shining stars towards Nidorina. Nidorina made to evade the attack, but the Swift stars curved and made contact regardless; while Butterfree barely evaded the frigid blast, shivering in the cold that passed her by.
Nidorina was greatly injured, suffering the pain of Butterfree's Psychic and Swift, while Butterfree had been blasted by Nidorina's Ice Beam. The two glared at one another.
"Nidorina, Toxic!"
"Butterfree, Psychic!"
Nidorina spat a poisonous purple liquid at Butterfree, as Butterfree glowed brightly and released a psychic blast. Butterfree toppled from the poisonous liquid which caused severe poisoning, while Nidorina was blasted backwards off its feet by the psychic blast, damaged further and barely able to recover.
"Nidorina!" Amy called. The crowd held its breath. Butterfree struggled with the effects of poison on its system as Natalie reached for a Full Heal.
With great reluctance, Amy held out her Pokeball, red light flashing. "You were great, Nidorina. Return!"
The crowd politely applauded, shocked by the cries from Butterfree who was barely holding up under the detrimental effects of bad poison. Amy needed no hesitation to select her third and final Pokeball, tossing it into the field as Natalie administered her Full Heal onto Butterfree.
"Come forth, Arcanine!" Amy called, hope soaring as her Fire-type materialised amid red light.
Loyal and fierce, Arcanine was a crowd pleaser as the stands went wild. Arcanine had scored a close victory against Liam's Charizard in the quarter finals, one of the more mentioned matches in the tournament. Arcanine stood ready to fight, as Butterfree was healed of poison but close to fainting.
Natalie knew her Butterfree would not hold up long if she wasn't careful. As a part Bug-type, Butterfree was susceptible to Arcanine's Fire-type attacks.
"Butterfree, Sleep Powder!" Natalie shrieked.
"Arcanine!" Amy shouted. "Flamethrower!"
Arcanine released a stream of fire from its mouth as Butterfree swooped low to sprinkle shining powder upon the battlefield. The crowd gasped in horror as Butterfree attempted to evade but was consumed by the fiery inferno, squealing in pain as it crashed upon the ground to shock and awe.
"Butterfree!" Natalie shrieked, watching as Butterfree heaved in great agony, suffering terrible burns. Meanwhile, the Sleeping Powder had settled upon the battlefield and taken effect upon Arcanine, who slumped to the ground in deep slumber. "I'm sorry, Butterfree! Return!"
Natalie held out her Pokeball, red light flashing to return her fainted Butterfree safely inside. Arcanine snored loudly, receiving boos from the crowd who had so appreciated the delicate grace of Butterfree as Amy reached for a Full Heal.
"This battle is heating up, folks!" boomed the announcer. "Trainer Amy's Arcanine took Trainer Natalie's Butterfree down, no sweat!"
Natalie was shaken, selecting her third and final Pokeball. Her overwhelming concern for her Pokemon brought tears to her eyes as she began to realise what this tournament was costing her. Though she needed the prize money, she could not endanger the health of her beloved Pokemon friends. Glancing up, she realised with a start that Amy was already administering a Full Heal to sleeping Arcanine.
"You're my last hope!" Natalie threw her third Pokeball onto the field. "Go, Poliwhirl!"
Poliwhirl materialised in a flash of red light, grasping the immediate situation as Arcanine lay in slumber, beginning to rouse. He took a deep breath -
"Hydro Pump!" Natalie confirmed, all haste as she gripped her podium.
"Arcanine, dodge it!" Amy shouted.
Blearily rousing out of slumber, Arcanine's eyes widened and leapt out of the way for the powerful surge of water which Poliwhirl shot forth, drenching the grass sodden wet. Landing on all fours, Arcanine stared down Poliwhirl who clenched his fists.
"Poliwhirl, Hypnosis!" Natalie shrieked.
"Arcanine, Take Down!" Amy yelled.
Poliwhirl released a hypnotic wave from its chest, as Arcanine sprinted forth towards Poliwhirl. Arcanine leapt out of the way to evade Poliwhirl's hypnotic wave, charging into Poliwhirl and sending it rolling across the field multiple times. Arcanine suffered slight recoil.
"Bite, Arcanine!" Amy shouted.
"Poliwhirl, Bubblebeam!" Natalie cried.
Stirring, Poliwhirl shot a powerful surge of bubbles from its mouth as Arcanine turned and leapt for Poliwhirl, teeth bared. Poliwhirl's surge of bubbles knocked Arcanine back, causing harm and slightly reducing the Fire-type's speed. Poliwhirl got to its feet as Arcanine shook its head to clear its vision of bubbles.
"Poliwhirl, Body Slam!" Natalie shouted.
"Arcanine, Take Down!" Amy yelled.
Poliwhirl leapt into the air towards Arcanine as Arcanine took a step back and charged into Poliwhirl. Both Pokemon were knocked back by the other's impact; Arcanine tottered on its feet, suffering damage and slight recoil, while Poliwhirl was knocked into the dirt, scrambling to its feet. With greater distance between the two, Amy and Natalie's Pokemon were quite harmed but not on their last legs yet.
"This is astounding, folks!" boomed the announcer. "These Pokemon are really giving it their all!"
Locked in the anticipation of battle, there could be no words shared between Amy and Natalie. It was too close to call to spare sympathy for one another.
"Poliwhirl!" Natalie cried, trembling. "Hydro Pump!"
"Arcanine!" Amy shouted, her forehead damp with sweat. "Hyper Beam!"
The crowd gasped in shock and awe as both Pokemon stood their ground, opening their mouths wide. Poliwhirl took a deep breath and shot forth a powerful surge of water, while Arcanine's mouth glowed with bright light and replied in kind with a massive discharge of energy.
In the stands, Daniel winced against the bright light of Arcanine's Hyper Beam as it collided with Poliwhirl's Hydro Pump, each Pokemon holding their own until the centre of the field in which both Arcanine and Poliwhirl stood became flooded with bright illumination and they could be seen no more.
Slowly, the illumination began to fade and the crowds could glimpse the battlefield once again. Amy glanced over her podium to where Arcanine lay inert, as unable to move as Poliwhirl.
"Poliwhirl!" Natalie cried, as both Pokemon tried to move. "Poliwhirl!"
The announcer was hesitant to announce the victor, if indeed there was one in case he got it wrong. It was too soon to tell.
"Arcanine?" Amy felt like the lone voice calling concern. Her fear over her Pokemon's fate had taken precedence over her friendship with Natalie. If she lost her Pokemon... her emotions went into freefall.
Similarly, Natalie trembled as Poliwhirl refused to move. The breeze lifted Arcanine's fur but no such indication could be made on Poliwhirl's part. Concerned, Natalie glanced to Amy who was equally pale faced. The two girls exchanged glances but quickly avoided eye contact.
"One of them's moving!" cried the announcer, glad for a result.
Struggling with recharge recoil, Arcanine could not move as pangs of pain bit into his sides. Meanwhile, Poliwhirl could move no more.
Calling it close, the announcer cried, "Trainer Natalie's Poliwhirl has fainted! Trainer Amy has won the match!"
There was a stunned silence from the crowd, then they cheered and roared in celebration to deafen one another with their excitement. Daniel remained sitting in the stands while all around him people stood and applauded, but he was unable to comprehend the results. He hadn't known which of his friends to support, only that both of them tried their best. Now that a result had been reached, he felt it unjust to applaud Amy when Natalie had been declared the loser.
They both mean so much to me, Daniel could barely hear himself think above the noise. What do I do now? Congratulate Amy or support Natalie?
Meanwhile, Natalie stood gravely atop her podium, holding out her Pokeball so that her fainted Poliwhirl could return safely inside with a flash of red light. She recounted not the terror she had felt at the hands of Arcanine's Hyper Beam, only the thudding disappointment that came with the realisation she had failed.
I lost the chance to win the prize money, Natalie thought. I've let down my mother. Most of all, I've let down my Pokemon for subjecting them to such torment on behalf of motives which should not have been my own.
With a cry of relief, Natalie choked back tears and tried to focus on the positive. Her mother could not demand anything further from her, now that she had lost the tournament. Natalie decided she would return home and find another way to help her mother, stay in Viridian City and perhaps take a part-time job at the Poke Mart alongside Daniel's mother, Mary. There would be some humiliation, but it was worth keeping her Pokemon out of the rigorous trials of battle.
Amy could feel the congratulations and cameras swoon around her, but all she could do was watch as Natalie laughed not unkindly, as though she hadn't just lost the chance of a lifetime. Amy didn't know what to think. Natalie had deserved the prize money more than her, but Amy was the one whom had won the battle.
Natalie took hold of her three Pokeballs and descended her podium, to polite applause and some crying from younger fans who had been rooting for her to win. Amy was striding across the battlefield, murmuring words to Arcanine before returning him into his Pokeball with a flash of red light.
"Natalie!" Amy's shout could barely be heard over the crescendo of cheers. She ran over to Natalie, attaching Arcanine's Pokeball onto her belt beside two others.
Natalie glanced back, hesitant to indulge the watching population further with what might seem like staged remarks for them to remain civil. Amy indicated that they should enter the connecting passageway together, so that they could talk in private without the prying eyes of watching fans.
The crowd's disappointment was soon tuned out as Amy and Natalie headed into the air-conditioned passageway, cooling their body temperature and nerves which still shook in the wake of their Pokemon battle. Turning the corner so that they were alone but for the elevators doors adjacent, Amy turned to Natalie.
"Are you OK?" Amy was insistent.
Natalie nodded, her mouth dry. "I think so. Amy, I don't want you to think I resent you for winning - "
"I don't think that," Amy replied automatically, though she was glad to hear it. "The battle took a lot out of both of us."
Somberly, Natalie nodded and attempted a weak smile. "It's better this way. To be honest, I've learned that I'm better to care for Pokemon than battle them. My Pokemon may be stronger with my love, but I can't pretend to enjoy the successful implementation of strategies that so many other, stronger Trainers devise. Trainers like you."
Natalie extended her hand, formal as she thought Amy would appreciate. To her surprise, Amy took the initiative and enveloped Natalie in a bone-crushing hug, brief but full of unexpressed emotion.
"You are a great Trainer, Natalie," Amy stared her in the eyes. "Whether or not you like battling, whether you win or lose, you love your Pokemon with all your heart and that's all that matters."
"Thanks," Natalie smiled, nodding gratefully. "I'm glad I'm no longer a participant in the tournament. I can focus on real life now."
Real life? Amy thought to herself. The burdens of adulthood thrust upon a fifteen-year old's shoulders?
"You'll do well in the tournament, Amy," Natalie continued. "Your Arcanine is so strong. Nidorina and Marowak, too - "
"I didn't want you to lose, you know," Amy blurted, feeling it unsportsmanlike to say so, but she had to voice what was on her mind. "I wanted you to win, for the prize money."
Smiling sadly, Natalie replied, "Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. I have a few struggles ahead, but compared with travelling around Kanto I'll push through it."
Natalie turned to press the call button for the elevator and the doors slid open instantly. On the periphery, she said,
"I'm going to my room to shower and pack my belongings before I leave. Let's meet for dinner in the cafeteria this evening."
"Sounds good. I'll let Daniel know," Amy smiled, still feeling a pit of regret in her stomach. "I'm glad to have you as my friend, Natalie."
Natalie rolled her eyes, smirking in a playful manner. "Don't get too sentimental on me, Amy. You've still got battles to fight in the tournament! You'll need all your strength if you're going to make it out on top."