Author's Note:
Here it is, the second part of the preliminary battles and this time we get two of Ash's battles. I've tried to make Ash's pairings more interesting too, up the strategies which can be used. We're also establishing a couple of the arcs which will be followed through in the Battle Frontier arc. We also get to see some more of May's arc during the league. This is mostly closing off her Hoenn journey and just setting her up for the upcoming Battle Frontier arc. Along with the battles, if not obvious before, this chapter is a semi-May-centric one. I also want to point out that between last chapter and this one, I've updated the profile with the chapter list for the next book. One of my favourite parts of heading into a new adventure is hearing your thoughts or theories whether about the story or even just Pokémon who'll get caught. Now I do have a question for all of you before Serena's return in Journey's I had an outfit planned for her Battle Frontier journey. This was based on fanart of her. Do you want me to go with this outfit or use her Journey's redesign? Of course, all this things this can be in review or PM. Don't forget to vote in the new poll which is basically the same question as previous polls but focusing on May's team... oh and Happy Easter! Not much else to say, so with that, let's begin!
Chapter Ninety-One: Emerald Conference - Preliminaries P II
Ash sat down at the computer in the room with the running water of the shower in the other room creating background noise. Glancing at the screen, he went over the limited number of Pokémon available for his next opponent. While only five Pokémon were available to see, he couldn't help but bang his head on the desk. What if they have a secret weapon? A surprise entry in their roaster? His mind thought back to Macy in the Silver conference, she seemed to be a fire type specialist but brought an Electabuzz as a counter to her greatest weakness... water.
Banging his head down on the table, his mind ran through the possible options. Rock, ice, electric, ghost, dark, bug... all possible extras he could have.
"That's it!" He beamed, nearly jumping out of his seat. Sitting back down, he quickly entered his own Pokémon onto the system before standing up. His breath stuck in his throat at the sight of Serena with her towel wrapped around her and wet hair hanging down. "S-sorry. D-did I disturb you?"
"No." She shook her head. "I was already finished. I'm guessing you got your team picked out for tomorrow's battle?"
"Y-yeah." His lips went dry as he tried to stop his eyes from admiring her in the current... scenario.
"Good." She smiled. "Give me a few minutes to finish getting ready, kay? And then I'll make sure your properly rested for the match."
Feeling his cheeks burn at her teasing, he couldn't contemplate any coherent thought until she closed the door to the on-suite bathroom. Fanning himself, he turned around and slouched into the seat. Shaking his head, he pulled out two Pokéballs and held them out. His two Pokémon appearing in front of him.
"Duskull, Swellow." He smiled. "How are you doing?"
"Good." The ghost nodded as his female bird gave a hardened stare. "And you?"
"Good. I just wanted to let you guys know, you're going to be the pair in tomorrow's battle." He smiled. "The guy seems to specialise in fighting types but that doesn't mean he won't have some surprised lined up."
"Nice... I hope they can at least pack a punch." Swellow smirked. "Oh no, I know that look. You've got some sort of plan."
"Is that really a bad thing?" he asked.
"The only plan I need is hitting them until they fall," she rolled her eyes.
"I-erm, I wouldn't mind a plan-" Duskull raised his stubby little arm. "Preferably one where I don't get punched... in the face."
"Your no fun-" Swellow muttered.
"Well, I picked you two because your styles are completely different," he explained, "a perfect balance of offence and defence. You've also both been with me since near the start of Hoenn, so you know each other pretty well."
"I hope this plan isn't relying on some sort of power of friendship Tauros-shi-"
"No Swellow." He cut her off. "But I do remember you being the leader of a folk before we met."
"Yeah, I was the strongest Taillow." She shrugged. "What's that got to do with anything?"
"Being a leader isn't always about being the strongest." He smiled. "And you haven't really shown any sort of leadership in the team since we met. Houndoom was also a leader before we met and he kinda took on the same role in Johto."
"So?" she asked.
"I think you would make a pretty good leader," he replied, "which is why I want you to take charge in tomorrow's battle. I'll still help out where I can, but I think this will be a good chance for you to expand your horizons."
"I still think the best option is just let me hit them until they fall," she muttered.
"And if that doesn't work?" he asked.
"I hit them harder-"
His eyes glanced over to his pure ghost type, who seemed to be trembling in his hovering position. His singular eye glancing between the two of them. The colour seemed to drain, with his white mask extending further out over his body.
"What do you have to say, Duskull?" he asked. "Would you be happy listening to Swellow during the battle?"
"I-yeah. Totally-" He stuttered. "-or you know. Let her hit them. Anything could work."
"See." Swellow gestured with a spread wing. "Me hitting them seems to be the common denominator here."
"Swellow... it's not just about winning but about improving the teamwork-" He sighed. "This is a double battle remember. Look, the guy we're facing hasn't competed before, so I think it's a good bet we'll have the advantage in experience. I thought this would be a good time to work on other things than strength."
"Fine-" She rolled her eyes. "I'll tell kinky what to do but I'm still gonna hit something."
"I wouldn't expect you not to." He smiled. She kicked off the floor and flew over to the backpacks against the room. Picking up one of Serena's Pokéballs. "Er, what are you doing?"
"I'mma take Murkrow to... destress-" She smirked. "-for the night. You know, get ready for tomorrow's battle."
"Giggidy!"
"Same how I bet blondie will help you prep-" With her smirk, she took off out of the window to the room.
Coughing on the hot air at the implication, he fanned himself down as she disappeared from sight. Regaining his composure, he noticed the pure ghost type still nervously floating in place. His stubby little arms prodding each other. Moving to kneel in front of him, he placed a hand on his head.
"You still nervous?" he asked. "You've been in battles before."
"Yeah but-" He visibly swallowed. "What if Gardevoir's right? Remember what she said-"
"Duskull... you don't need to evolve to win." He smiled. "And evolution won't certainly make you more likely to win."
"But-"
"I've faced your evolved form remember... when me and Gardevoir went to sky pillar-" He stood back up. "And while strong, they weren't nearly the same as how you fight. You've got way more mobility. I'm not saying one is better than the other but just should just focus on being the best you."
"You think so?" he asked.
"I do." He smiled. "Just wait. I'm sure tomorrow's battle will give you the right chance to shine."
"Ashy! I'm ready!" Serena's angelic voice echoed, causing him to smile.
"Now why don't you get some sleep." He held the device out and recalled his pure ghost type, leaving it on the desk next to the computer.
Turning around, he smiled as the handle to the bathroom turned. Walking to meet her as she stepped out, his feet stopped working as he took in her appearance. His mouth hung open slightly as he knew he should tear his eyes away but couldn't.
"You like it?" she asked with a giggled, walking up to him to place a peck on his lips. "I guess this new workout outfit was a good buy."
Finally broken from his trance, he couldn't deny what she said. Closing his eyes as she continued to peck his lips, the sweet scent of rawstberries filled his nostrils. His hands went for her waist, but a light force forced them into the air, his own top flying off thanks to her ESP.
"Wh-what's with the erm-"
"After how you reacted before, I knew I had to tease you a little more." She mumbled, her hand resting on his bare chest. A devious smirk flicked upon her lips and her nimble hands crept around to his back. "Do me a favour Ashy and roll your back muscles please."
Feeling his knees wobble with her pity meke tone, he was unable to resist. Rolling his shoulders and back, he felt her hands on the flexing muscles.
"O-oh yeah." She murmured, biting her bottom lip. "That's the stuff."
His girlfriend lifted him with a little ESP and tossed him playfully onto the bed. Landing on his back, he barely had time to registrar as she flew on top, straddling him. Her hands rested on his chest as wiggled into a more comfortable position.
Seeing his opening, he bent his knees and used the to knock her off balance. Pulling her into a close hug, he rolled to the side and connected their lips once more, which she eagerly returned. Every few seconds, they'd break for a quick breath, allowing him to whisper , "I love you."
Opening his eyes, he found himself stood in the trainers tunnel looking out over the field for his next match. Smiling at the memory of the previous night, he shook his head and refocused. The patter and chatter of the crowd above sent a familiar rush through his body as he anticipated the cue.
"Alright folks, welcome to the third battle of the ruby stadium on day two of the exciting Hoenn league tournament!" The announcer declared. "If you look to the field, we'll see our two competitors entering. On the left, we have Ash Ketchum from Pallet town in the Kanto region and Gilbert Genki from Dewford island! Let's give both of them a big Ever Grande welcome!"
Stepping out into the field, he felt the warm morning sun hit his skin. Feeling his heart thump harder as the crowd cheered, he spun around and took in the sight of those watching. Ending his twirl, he refocused on his opponent. A boy slightly younger than himself dressed in a traditional karate robe with a black belt tied around his waist. They each reached their trainer boxes at the same time, seeing him bow, he mimicked the gesture.
"This will be a double battle between our two competitors, who can both choose two Pokémon. Each trainer has registrared their teams beforehand and neither side can substitute! Without a time, limit, the victor will be decided by the competitor who causes their opponents to be unable to battle!" the ref explained, "both sides shall reveal their Pokémon before we officially start!"
"Duskull and Swellow!" He held his two Pokéballs out. "I choose you!"
In a flash of light, his two Pokémon materialised on his side of the field. Swellow stood on her two taloned feet with wings tucked in and a narrowed gaze as if daring young Gilbert to make a move. His ghost floated to the side, seemingly glancing between their opponent and the female bird.
"Medicham and Hitmonlee, shobu hajime!" the young boy shouted.
The two fighting types landed on the field, and both stood in a strong stance with arms facing each other. Both of their eyes were closed, barely even moving despite slow breaths. One of them he knew quite well thanks to Serena having one of the same species pulled out his Pokédex to scan the second one:
Hitmonlee, The Kicking Pokémon. A final evolved form of Tyrogue. Hitmonlee's legs freely contract and stretch. Using these springlike legs, it bowls over foes with devastating kicks. After battle, it rubs down its legs and loosens the muscles to overcome fatigue
"Ash... master Brawly spoke quite highly off you." Gilbert shouted as he put the device away. "I look forward to the honour of battling you today."
"Hehe, thanks. I guess that means you're from the Dewford gym?" he asked. "You know, both Swellow and Duskull battled him for my badge there."
"I heard," he nodded. "These two are my strongest Pokémon. I hope they provide a sufficient challenge today!"
Pinching his lips together, he couldn't help but feel like the phrasing was a little off. Like something he'd expect a gym leader to say, not a fellow trainer competing to win the entire tournament. Shaking his head, he pushed the thoughts aside. He can worry about that later. Right now, they have a battle to win.
"Duskull and Swellow verses Hitmonlee and Medicham!" The ref declared. "Let the battle begin!"
Ash verses Gilbert: Preliminary round two
He frowned upon hearing the first words from his female flock leader. "Will-o-Wisp on me!"
She kicked off the ground and shot out across to the two targets with winds spread wide, glowing with a tint of flying type energy. His pure ghost type formed several blue fire balls around his body. She didn't even wait, diving into one, settling her feathers on fire.
Charging straight up to the kicking Pokémon, a red outline surrounded his body as he caught Swellow. With a twirl he used her momentum to toss her away.
"Help!" Duskull shouted.
Turning to his first caught Pokémon, he noticed a pink blur shoot towards him. Medicham materialised and delivered swift barrage of metal covered punches.
"Shadow sneak and get moving!" He instructed.
Diving into a shadow, he zoomed away from the meditation Pokémon. Entering a concentration stance, she had several balls of ESP form around her.
His attention turned back to the other duel where Swellow used facade to counter close combat. Wings, fists, talons, and feet battered in quick succession.
"You guys need to regroup!" He instructed. "Get some height!"
The shadow continued to dance around the psyshock which exploded on the ground. Leaping up, he shot high. Zooming past the psychic fighting type.
Swellow lept off the floor, slamming her wings either side of Hitmonlee's head to disorientate. Using her talons, she knocked him over, rocketing into the air.
"Helping hand swift!" Gilbert hollered.
His meditation Pokémon took up the same stance as her partner began cheering. A mysterious glow radiated through both of the fighting types. A series of stars shot up. Quickly shooting through the air, shimmering under the golden sun.
Letting out her own cry, Swellow lead the charge. Diving down headfirst into the homing projectile. A wall of dark type energy formed, and she burst through it. Mixing together with the flames from her burn, she picked up speed with a quick attack as his ghost type charged down with a shadow sneak.
Both opponents took up a defensive stance and a blue outline radiated off the part psychic type. Everything seemed in slow motion as she grabbed Swellow, twisting and tossing her aside, using her own momentum to land the impact. Her fists lit up with ice and she jump on top delivering a flurry of punches.
Hitmonlee took the shadow sneak head on, grabbing his ghost with both hands. A glint in his eye prevented his first Hoenn capture from phasing away.
"Foresight," he muttered under his breath.
Both fists glew a toxic purple and he repeatedly delivered poison jabs in a close combat style. His requiem Pokémon could do little but take it.
"Things aren't looking good for Ketchum as Genki launches an onslaught of attacks!" The announcer declared. "How this will turn out is anyone's guess!"
With a spin, a powerful kick knocked him back across the ground. Landing beside the two female fighters, he slowly floated up with a dazed expression.
Ending her assault on Swellow, her hands glew with an almost aura-like light. Spinning in her stride, the force palm struck Duskull directly in the face.
Using the opening to escape, Swellow took off once again. Narrowly dodging Hitmonlee who lept up into the air beside her.
Spinning at his apex, his knee stuck out. Throwing himself down, the kicking Pokémon landed directly on Duskull's back.
Swellow's voice echoed out as the pure fighting type stood back up. Containing some sort of order but he couldn't quite make it out from here.
Weakly floating up from the high jump kick, his eye glew bright blue. Seconds later he collapsed down onto the floor with a swirl replacing his eye.
"Duskull is unable to battle!" the ref declared. "The battle shall continue!"
Holding his device out, a red light engulfed his pure ghost type. He held it up and frowned. "Thank you and rest up."
"And a surprise move as Ketchum, one of this year's favourites for the whole tournament has lost the first Pokémon in this preliminary second battle!" The announcer declared. "The question is now whether or not he and Swellow can still handle both of his opponents Pokémon!"
Bright white balls of energy materialised in the air. Shooting down like meteors, the future sight provided cover for his normal flying type.
Squinting up to the sight, he caught sight of her through the energy blasts. Hitting the ground, they erupted around both Pokémon, creating chaos on the floor. Her blue feathers became visible in front of Medicham. Her extended beak stabbed into her face as she fell backwards.
Throwing herself forward, she skipped over top. Snatching the pink tuff on the top of her head with her talons, she rolled forward.
Using her momentum, she sent the meditation Pokémon overhead. Slamming the psychic fighting type down on her stomach as Swellow landed on her back.
Flames erupted around her body as a burning red outline radiated off her. Bashing her wings down, she let loose with her facade assault.
A brown blur shot through the smoke of the future sight reminiscence. The kicking Pokémon jumped, flying with a foot first in her direction.
"Hitmonlee's coming!" He shouted. "On your left!"
Grabbing the top of Medicham's head once more in her talons, she flapped her wings. Pulling her back in an attempt to take off, she pulled the opponent up.
Medicham took the mega kick straight to her chest. The force knocked her back and Swellow performed another roll, slamming her back into the field.
Landing in-between both fighting types, she buried her wings in the dirt. Shimmering in metal to allow penetration, she flicked them up. Dirt hit the pure fighting types face and his eyes squeezed shut. Turning back around, she panted heavily as the meditation Pokémon struggled to push herself up.
Crouching low, she closed her eyes. As if waiting, the psychic fighting type used the opportunity get back to her feet. Taking up her concentration stance-
Swellow burst into flames once more. Throwing herself forward, she crashed into her opponents stomach knocking her off balance.
Both went in the tumble across the ground with his female bird ending on top. Jumping off her opponent, she took off slightly, performing several loops.
Picking up momentum, her wings spread open, and she dropped straight down. Crashing onto the downed opponent, a pained wheeze oozed out of her.
Walking off the psychic fighting type, she cracked her neck to the side. Flaming feathers barely bothering her as Hitmonlee finished clearing his eyes.
"Medicham is unable to battle!" the ref declared. "The battle shall continue!"
"And what a turn around by Ketchum, making this exciting battle a one-on-one!" The announcer declared. "Both Swellow and Hitmonlee have shown tenacity and skill in their fighting styles, but the question is, who'll be moving on to the next round? Only one way to find out so stay tuned!"
"This has been a lot of fun, Ash!" Gilbert called out with a smile on his face. "Master was right when he told us of your potential."
"You mean Brawly?" he asked.
"Correct!" He closed his eyes. "And regardless of the outcome, it's been an honour to share this match with you."
"Heh, thanks." He felt his cheeks heat up as he nervously scratched them. "This match sure has been... something."
While he wished he could say it was one of his more memorable league battles, he couldn't due to wishing Duskull got more of a time to shine. He also couldn't help but frown at Swellow's performance. Her strengths never been in question, but he felt this was truly her chance to shine in a different role.
"So, let's conclude this duel!" He declared. "Hitmonlee!"
The pure fighting type charged forward; his feet lit up with flames in the stride. Flickering her own wings to the side, they glew with a tint of flying energy.
Raising them up, she took the initial blaze kick. Jumping off the floor, the second burning foot swept underneath.
A fist came forward as she crossed both wings to block it. His brick break knocked her back in the air as he took after her in one swift movement.
Jumping up, his knee hit her stomach, and both went high into the air. Flames erupted around her body as they went higher into the air.
"I suppose this is the end-" Gilbert shrugged. "Allowing all those hits was a grave mistake... after all, she's just a Swellow, hardly built for defence."
Reaching the apex, Hitmonlee grabbed his previous flock leader. With a twirl to the side, he tossed her down. Entering his own dive back to the field, he stuck his knee out as a power barrier formed around his body. His female bird landed with a heavy thud, covered by a cloud of dust.
"Your right but not in the think you mean-" Ash sighed as his opponent landed where his Pokémon lay. "-there's nothing just about Swellow."
The dust blew away from the impact, revealing the two Pokémon. Hitmonlee's knee struck her two glowing wings as they protected her chest.
Whipping them both back, the fighting type lept back, landing on one knee. She jumped up, facing off against her opponent.
Rushing forward she kicked up into a sort of glide. Her beak extended and plucked straight into his knee as he tried to stand.
Causing him to tumble forward, she snapped her mouth down on his closest wrist. With a body roll, she dragged the larger Pokémon overhead.
Slamming his down on his back, she walked onto his body, panting heavily. The burn erupted around her once more as a red outline radiated off her.
He closed his eyes and winced as his former flock leader let out a brutal assault on his opponent. The thuds of each hit echoed as the crowd went silent at the display. Once it stopped, he peaked out to see his female bird walking off and back to him, rolling her wings with a pleased expression.
His eyes widened as the fighting type rolled onto his front. Blood dripped out of his face as his body emphasised each breath.
Taking off like a sprinter his body radiated with a red outline. He delivered a counter straight into her back, knocking her across the field.
Spreading her wings open, she used the air current to control her path. Swooping around before crashing into the stadium wall with full impact.
"Endure into counter?" he asked. "Nice. My Heracross has used a similar combo before."
With a mighty cry, the kicking Pokémon slammed his fist down onto the floor. Massive rocks burst up on of the ground, trapping his bird inside.
The pure fighting type visibly relaxed as he stood back up, but his body tensed into a stance at the sound of a heavy thud. Two metal covered wings burst out through the other side, causing the rock tomb to crumble on top of her. Swinging her steel wings, she sent several rock shards at their opponent.
Walking out of the collapsed prison, she shook the crumbs off and took off. Picking up speed, she shot straight into Hitmonlee's stomach.
Using her quick attack speed, she shot up into the air with the fighting type in tow. Stopping high over the field, he flew up slightly further from momentum.
As he fell back down, she threw her body into his back. Both of them came crashing back down with a power barrier forming around them. If he were to guess, it was similar to some sort of giga impact. The wind burst out to the side as they crashed onto the field.
Blocking his eyes from the dust blew up from the impact, he tried to squint through to see the result. A shadow emerged within the chaos.
Fading to reveal the outcome, his female bird was revealed on the back of her opponent who lay unmoving. Climbing off, she flipped him onto his back.
Hitmonlee was covered in bruises as his body went limp, swirls replaced his eyes. Swellow walked back as a red light engulfed his body.
"Hitmonlee is unable to battle!" the ref declared. "With Swellow still standing, the winner moving on is Ash Ketchum from Pallet town!"
May smiled as she looked down on the field where Brendan partook in his second preliminary match. Swampert stood on the far edge of the field, shooting out a massive jet of water from his mouth. While it originally started as a plain dirt field, it collapsed slightly with both Pokémon in the ditch.
Swampert created this redesign through a combination of dig and earthquake. Now his hydro pump was keeping the opposing Aggron at a distance.
"If he doesn't want you to get close that's exactly what we'll do!" The opposing trainer yelled. "Double edge Aggron!"
Charging into the blast of water, ripples echoed over the thin layer of water. A smirk spread on her friend's face as he clenched his fists.
"Now!" He hollered.
Leaping up and halting his hydro pump, the water ground type grabbed his opponent's horns. Spinning around, he threw himself into the rock steel type.
Both Pokémon splashed around as the mud fish coated both hands in ice. With speed and fury, he pummelled down on his opponent. Freezing some of the water below. The ice slowed the metal monster as he tried to stand up but the weight on his back and constant assault prevented him.
"You have to get up Aggron!" The opposing trainer cried.
Letting out a loud cry, the rock steel type began thrashing around. The water ground type began losing his footing, halting his onslaught of punches.
"Time to finish it Swampert!" Brendan shouted.
Jumping off him opponent, Swampert walked over the chilly water. Reaching the edge, he climbed up the edge of the self-made crater.
His opponent struggled up to his feet as he reached the top. Shaking the ice off, with the cold hindering his speed.
With a leap, Brendan's starter kicked both feet out. Smashing into Aggron's back, he crashed the metal monster into the muddy ice water. Delivering a powerful earthquake direct into his opponent, the water rippled from the tremors around them.
After a minute, he walked off once more leaving Aggron. Climbing up to join Brendan in the trainer's box as the ref inspected the result.
"Aggron is unable to battle!" The ref declared. "Making the winners Brendan and his Swampert, who'll move onto the third round of the preliminaries!"
Feeling her heart thump harder as the crowd cheered, she jumped out of her seat to join in. She couldn't stop the wide smile from overtaking her face as she noticed him walking off into the trainer's tunnel. His opponent having already recalled his Aggron and gone.
"After a close match, Brendan Birch is able to prove he's the prodigy named by most!" The announcer declared. "Being the young star sighted as a favourite!"
Picking up the bag, she fixed it around her waist and took off. Leaving the stadium was difficult as she tried to overtake the other spectators making an exit at the same time. It took longer than she would've liked to get down into the lobby and she guessed he already made his exit. Releasing a breath, she made her way out of the stadium, smiling as the warm sun hit her skin. The moment of solace ended as a sound drew her attention.
"-that's so not true! I won my match by a mile!" Brendan's voice drew her attention. Following the source she found him in some sort of argument with the same orange-haired boy she saw him with before. Both stood around the side of the stadium with Swampert and another Pokémon she didn't recognize.
It was a small floating Pokémon with sort of robotic appearance, not to different to Ash's Metang. The clearly metal body was long with a set of claws sticking out of the rear. With one large, red eye in the centre of the nearly spherical head. Which happened to be a ball set into a socket-joint at the end of the long body. A short crest projected from the body and extended over the head. She pulled out her Pokédex to check out the new species:
Beldum, The Iron Ball Pokémon. Beldum keeps itself floating by generating a magnetic force that repels earth's natural magnetism. When it sleeps, this Pokémon anchors itself to a cliff using the hooks on its rear. Not much is known about the species origins or its evolutions
"So, it's what Metang evolves from-" she muttered to herself.
"Ha! You barely won it by an inch!" The orange haired kid snorted, drawing her attention back.
"No!" He pointed a finger to the rival. "That was you!"
"I could've won mine in my sleep!" He tightened his fist, holding it up.
"Hey guys..." She stepped forward, not wanting to see them take it further then just words. Drawing both boys attention. "It's all good blowing off steam after a match but don't ya think this is going a little far."
"Sorry but who are you?" the boy asked, scratching his faced with a slightly bemused expression.
"May..." She offered a smile and a hand. "An old friend of Brendan's."
"Why didn't ya say so-" He enthusiastically grabbed her hand, giving a hard shake. "Any friend of Bren's is a friend of mine! Name's Morrison!"
"So, what're you doing here, May?" Brendan asked as the handshake ended.
"I-I thought you might like to go to this all you can eat restaurant." She stuttered, swirling her foot on the ground. "It's meant to be the best pasta in Hoenn."
"I've heard of this place. Sounds good-" He turned to the side. "What'cha say, Morrison? Wanna join us for some pasta? I bet I can eat more than you can!"
"Oh, you are so on!" He beamed. "Bet I love pasta more then she does!"
"Oh... erm, I thought-" She glanced down. "I thought it would... be the two of us... you know-"
"Sounds like a date," he muttered, "sorry May but I don't think that would be a good idea. If you wanna hang out as friends and with others then cool, I'm happy to do so but like I said before... it just wouldn't work out between us right now."
"So, are we going to this place or what?" Morrison asked.
"Yeah, I'll catch you up alright." Brendan nodded giving the boy a nod.
"Last one there is a rotten execute!" He declared, taking off in a cloud of dust. She was slightly surprised with his speed as both the boy and his Beldum disappeared from sight. Smiling at the competitive nature, she was reminded of her brother and even Ash, before turning back.
"So... he's a friend of yours?" she asked.
"Yeah-" He turned and looked to the sky, petting his starter on the head. "I met Morrison a few times during our journey. We really hit it off."
"I didn't take him for your sort of friend-" she muttered.
"Exactly," he smiled. "We're competitive and he's always pushing me to be better but at the end of the day... I don't need to be the professor's son or some prodigy trainer with him. It's nice being able to be myself without all the extra pressure... being Norman's daughter I'm sure you can understand that."
She found herself nodding at his
"I'm sorry-" His voice drew her out of her thoughts.
"Huh?" She blinked. "What for?"
"Early on after we got our starters... I was pretty forceful, and I realise now it was pretty toxic of me... expecting you to leave Ash and the others if I beat him during our battle before Mauville." He let out a long sigh. "I was wrong... I think the pressure of being the son of Hoenn's regional professor was getting to me. Some of the leaders even heightened my badge challenge prematurely because of it. I-I'm not trying to make excuses, it was a terrible way to act."
"It's fine-" she dismissed, cutting him off being the stutter worsened.
"I meant what I said... I would be happy to still be friends with you but-" He sighed. "Well... if you want to join us, I'm sure Morrison would love to get to know you too. Heh, I bet we'd make some pretty interest competitions between the three of us."
"Thanks, but... I'm not too hungry now," she muttered.
"Well alright-" He turned and recalled his starter. "Catch you later."
Watching him take off down the street, she couldn't tear her eyes away until he was out of sight. Letting out a long sigh, her head dropped, and she turned, in the opposite direction. Her feet began to move on their own as she squeezed her eyes shut, feeling her heart ache with heavy thuds.
Not paying attention to her direction, she ended up walking into something. Stumbling backwards, she shook her head and looked up without the slightest clue to who she walked into. As she took in the appearance of the person, her eyes widened. "I-I'm so sorry Ms... Katie?"
"No harm no foul." She shrugged. "Your one of the coordinators from the grand festival, right? May, I think."
"Y-yeah-" She nodded. "Again, sorry for the- bumping into you."
"Like I said it's fine." She dismissed. "But you do look like you could use some help. What's the problem?"
"Wha- why are you offering to help me?" she asked.
"People show their true selves when asking for help." She smiled. "And we show ours by how we respond. It's something my gran taught me."
"I don't think you'd understand-"
"Try me." She cut May off.
"It's just this guy-" She shook her head. "No. Serena told me how you attended that showcase ball with Phoebe. It's-"
"Heh, you think there's something going on between Phoebe and myself?" She laughed. "She's an old friend I met when doing the island challenge in Alola. As for the ball, she completely forgot about it, so I offered to help as a friend. We're both too busy to have time for a relationship like that. But that doesn't mean I can't have."
"Alright. It all started-" She went on to describe her history with Brendan.
From there time learning from Professor Birch and how he helped her pass for the trainer's license. How she broke the promise to travel together and completely cut him out when she started dating Drew. Skipping over the trouble with him and what happened to Manaphy. She expressed what she thought was their reconnection but also how he handled their reunion at the league.
"-so... yeah." She sighed. "Now I don't know what to do."
"If you want my advice; chalk up everything into experience, learn from it and move on," she replied, "we can't change the past, but we can make sure we learn from it."
"What do you-"
"I'll tell you a story." She smiled. "A couple years ago I competed in my first league. Because of who my family are it felt like I had to win. I even made it through to the final... well top four but something happened making it the final. Then this guy from the Kalos region came in and beat me. It took me a while to accept it."
"What did you do?" she asked.
"I went to a new region... Alola and I took part in what's called the island challenge." She turned to the sky. "It really helped me grow and see the world in a new light. If you ever get the chance to, I'd recommend it. The lessons I learned about not only myself, but the world is something I'll never forget."
"How does this help me?" she sighed.
"Everything can be a learning experience, like your history with Brendan." She offered a sincere smile. "I'm far from a romance expert but I don't think pursuing a relationship where so much has already happened is a good idea. Let the sleeping Psyduck's rest and use this experience in your future."
"Maybe your right." She mumbled, letting out a low breath.
"Of course, the decision is yours and yours alone." She patted her on the back. "Sorry May but I gotta go. I can't miss my next match."
"It's alright." She offered a smile of her own to the blue-haired girl. "Thank you, Katie."
"It was my genuine pleasure." She smiled. "And good luck, whatever you decide."
Watching the ace trainer take off in a slight jog down the street, she couldn't help but smile. She knew Katie was the trainer Ash has been most concerned with facing but she was actually pretty nice. She was kinda like Serena in being an older sister figure but also different... even if their advice is similar.
Once she was out of sight, she turned and started a trek through the shopping market of Ever Grande city. Glancing down to the various stalls, she couldn't help but have her mind wonder, replaying each step of her journey so far, specifically the times with her crush. The words of her friends concerning Brendan echoing in her head. From Serena to Katie just now as she felt the world spin all around her.
Reaching an open park, she walked over to the fountain and stared down into the water. Letting out a low sigh, she glanced up to see several other couples whether they were walking hand in hand, kissing, or even just sitting on a blanket on the grass, chatting.
Moving on might be the most logical approach but love isn't logical or ordered. How could she consider giving up so easily?
Ash smiled as he swayed back and forth. Following the motion of his girlfriend who hugged his arm. They were currently stood in the middle of the lobby to one of the stadiums. His eyes were locked up on the screen mounted on the wall, showcasing the battle taking place further inside.
"Nosepass is unable to battle!" The ref declared. "Meaning the team of Kahili, Swellow and Crobat will move on to the fourth round!"
Frowning as the two trainers walked off the inner field, he bite down on his inner cheek. His opponent yesterday was one of the apprentices from Brawly's gym and now they have the apprentice from Foretree. While he's sure other gym assistants have competed, this seems like a big coincidence.
"You nervous?" she asked. "I know your use to early battles. Having the last slot for today-"
"Yeah." He offered Serena a smile. "Seeing the other matches live was fun rather than from the centre but I think I prefer getting it out of the way."
"I don't think it matters when your battle is, your still going to win." She pushed herself up to peck his lips. "You just need the right... motivation."
"I like the sound of that-" He smirked, returning the small pecks.
"How about tonight something different?" she asked.
"Different?" He felt his eyes widen.
"I've still got that rangers outfit remember," she whispered, "if you win this one then I might just get it back out for you."
Giggling like a little kid is a sweet-store he hurried to peck her lips a few more times as his name was called over the intercom. Bidding each other goodbye, he made his way down to the trainer's tunnel with an extra kick in his step. Walking down the dimly lit corridor, he let the rush of affection wash over him. Letting his expression fall into a more serious manner, he stood at the entrance to the field, the crowd rumbling above him.
"I hope ya'll are ready in the Sapphire stadium! The final match of today's third round preliminaries is about to get underway!" The announcer declared. "Your trainer's competing are the brass body builder from Ganda town! Give a hand to Gavin Gallon!"
Looking out over the field, he noticed his opponent walking out with a smirk. He couldn't be certain of his age, but he was well over six foot with muscles upon muscles, on clear show thanks to his tight purple tank-top which had no sleeves. His hair was mostly purple but two yellow bangs on the side. He wouldn't be surprised if he blushed as he imagined Serena's reaction if he were to end up so... large. He muttered "at least this is the Pokémon fighting."
"And his opponent is one of this year's favourites whose only grew in popularity since showing on the Ever Grande stadiums! He's known for his kindness to his Pokémon, even being one of the few winners of the illusive orange league!" The announcer declared. "Give it up for Ash Ketchum from Pallet town!"
Stepping out into the field, he couldn't help but smile at the orange-sky above showing off the early evening. Hearing the crowd erupt in applause, he couldn't be certain who it was for. Focusing his attention on the large individual, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Reaching the trainers box.
"This will be a double battle between our two competitors, who can both choose two Pokémon. Each trainer has registrared their teams beforehand and neither side can substitute! Without a time, limit, the victor will be decided by the competitor who causes their opponents to be unable to battle!" the ref explained, "both sides shall reveal their Pokémon before we officially start!"
"I choose Metang and Seviper!" He declared, holding both of his Pokéballs out. The unusual pairing materialised on the field. His robotic titan floated in place with a stoic expression while the serpent crouched low with a matching hiss, waving her dagger tail in the air.
He couldn't help but bite down on his inner cheek. Both of these Pokémon are strong in their own right but also very different. One a huntress and master of stealth. The other a powerful metal machine. Part of him really hopes Gavin doesn't bring a strong electric move. Looking on the system, he didn't really have an electric type option but of course many Pokémon could learn to harness the element. That would truly hinder the strategy of opposites working well together. While his initial thought was throwing off his opponent through opposing styles, now they're on the field... the nerves are settling in.
"An unusual combination from Ketchum!" The announcer declared. "But let's see who his opponent has chosen to face them?!"
"You're up Marowak and Machamp!" Gavin tossed his two devices in the air. Bursting open, the familiar species materialised on the floor. His ground type spun the bone around with skill, like some sort of exotic dancer while his muscle-bound-mon flexed in place.
Seeing two of the mon which his brother has brought back memories of his twin. The thought of Unova and everything going on has been a constant struggle, only made worst by Drake's refusal to speak. Swallowing hard, he felt a lump in his throat.
"Prepare young man to be crushed by my enormous rippling muscles!" He laughed with a booming voice, flexing to match his superpower Pokémon.
Tightening his lips, he slightly turned his head to the side. He certainly seems to be a straight power fighter which is good, it could give Seviper an opening to take the lead, but he really needs to hope they don't use an electric move. While his training has gone well, it likely wouldn't end well in this arena, especially without some like Torkoal to keep him from causing serious damage.
"Erm, Ash... Seviper says she has a plan-" Metang's nervous voice drew his attention.
"Wanna expand upon it?" he asked, looking to the poisonous serpent.
"Not really," she hissed, "just keep muscle boy busy, 'kay."
"I mean... that seems like a good start at least," he shrugged. While not exactly a team player, Seviper isn't big on stealing the spotlight either. Thanks to her independence, he is able to just let her get on with it and truly help Metang who tends to need more support.
"Things seem pretty even between the two sides with each having typings over the other side!" The announcer declared. "Which means we're in for a full-on battle to close out today's competition so don't go anywhere folks! We're about to find out who's the last entry into the fourth-round preliminaries!"
"Metang and Seviper verses Marowak and Machamp!" The ref declared. "Let the battle begin!"
Ash verses Gavin: Preliminary round three
Both of his opposing Pokémon charged forward. While neither of his Pokémon seemed to move, Seviper did take a deep breath. Expelling a thick black cloud over the field, it covered their opponents from sight. The poison type also blended into the cover, but Metang's shiny body stuck out like a sore thumb.
Machamp came flying through the other side, delivering two punches to his pseudo legendary. Knocking him back, the fighting type strengthened his stance.
A gust of wind blew over the field. Causing the smoke to blow away, the source was revealed to be Marowak, spinning his bone around like a fan.
Seviper had disappeared from sight, a single hole on the field revealing her location. Before the ground type could move, she burst up from behind him.
Bringing her opened fangs down, they glew with a toxic venom. Her prey jumped to the side, narrowly dodging her poison fang. Landing on her front body, she swung her tail to the side and struck the bone, knocking it out of the ground types hand.
Crouching together, she pounced towards the prey. Marowak barely got two steps towards his weapon before she wrapped around his body.
"Ash... Help..." His metal titan cried.
Turning around he found the superpower Pokémon cornering his middle-staged pseudo. Using all four arms to mercilessly beat down on his iron body.
"Bullet punch then magnet rise to get high!" He shouted.
Thrusting his two iron arms forward in quick succession, he hit Machamp's chest. Stumbling back, he quickly shook the blows off.
An electric charge sparked off his body and he began raise up slightly. Using the opening, Metang zoomed up into the air.
"Not a chance!" Gavin laughed.
His pure fighting type turned and jumped from his spot. Rocketing high into the air, he used his four-arms to grab onto his steel psychic type.
With his grip set, the superpower Pokémon leaned back. Using his body weight and raw strength to force a complete loop. Stumbling from the force, his pseudo legendary lost a light of height as he tried to regain control of his flight.
"Psychic to blow him!" He shouted.
His eyes glew bright red and a force of ESP expanded out of his body. Sending his opponent high into the air as he shook off and regained control of flight.
"Use it!" Gavin hollered with a joyous laugh.
Looking up he saw the fighting type curl up into a ball. Reaching his apex, he expand out in a sort of dive, falling down with precision and speed.
Within a few seconds, he spun and kicked down into Metang's head. Both of the Pokémon went crashing down and landed with a heavy thud.
Climbing off the metal titan, Machamp shook his body. His partner slowly floated up with a dazed expression. Turning back to face him head on, the pure fighting type flexed all four arms out. Each fist swirled with electricity. With a pounce forward, he unleashed a series of thunder punches head on.
"Seviper!" He cried, not wanting to have his pseudo let loose right now. "Help Metang now!"
Leaning her ground prey alone, she slithered off. Using her dagger tail to knock him aside, she crossed the field.
Marowak sat on the edge of the field, breathing heavily with sweat flooding the skull. A purple mark spread over the snout.
Pouncing up behind the second opponent, she bite down on the crook of his neck. Toxic venom injected into his body as her tail wrapped around the muscular body. Restricting each arm in the complex constrict, he wobbled backwards leaving Metang be as he focused on the poison fang Pokémon.
Ending the wrap with her tail wrapping around the upper left hand. She pulled it down and caused him to hit his own head multiple times.
A purple mark spread over his face as he broke free with the upper hand. A red outline surrounded his body.
"This isn't good!" He shouted. "Machamp's guts ability just activated!"
Grabbing at her body, he struggled to pull her off. One by one he freed more of his limbs, ending with him holding the serpent out above his head.
With a hurling expression, she vomited a bright green venom over his body. The red light faded as he kneeled over, dropping her down.
Both her fangs and dagger tail glew bright purple. Switching between the two, she unleashed her own brutal assault of toxins onto the superpower Pokémon.
"Marowak!" Gavin shouted. "Stop that snake!"
Glancing over the field, he noticed the ground type struggle back to his feet. Using his bone as a support, he gained his footing and walked forward.
"Machamp is unable to battle!" the ref declared. "The battle shall continue!"
A red light consumed the fighting type as his snake panted slightly, staring straight into his eyes. "Gastro acid made hunting Taillow's much easier."
"Look out!" He shouted.
Her tail shot up and struck the bone which came flying from the side. Knocking it off balance, it buried slightly in the ground next to Metang.
"Keep that safe whilst I finish this off," she hissed.
Turning back around, she shot out another black smoke. Disappearing from sight, he held his breath and tightened his fist.
Glancing to the side, he heard several thuds and hits. Each one caused his metal titan to flinch, raising his metal arms in a defensive manner.
"Psychic to remove the smoke." He instructed.
Giving a small nod, he closed his red eyes. ESP radiated off his body and the smoke rushed up high into the air.
His pure poison type was revealed leaping into the air. Her tail coiled around the body of the poisoned ground type. Flying through the air, she spun her tail overhead. Smashing her prey down onto the field, he crashed and bounced over the floor, landing face down in front of his trainer.
"Marowak is unable to battle!" The ref declared. "Meaning the team of Ash, Seviper and Metang will move on to the fourth round!"
With a breath of the sea-salt air, she smiled up at the orange-evening sky. Memories of her time with Manaphy flooded her head. Letting the happy memories of her time with the water warm her body. She felt her lips stretch to either side of her face as the warm fuzzies bubbled in her belly.
"Hey! Shade!" her brothers voice drew her out of the little day dream. "Give it back!"
She looked out over the street and noticed her brother with his boyfriend. Pinching her lips together, she watched him jump about as his ghost type floated just out of reach. Holding an ice cream cone. Walley stood off to the side with his Ralts sat on his shoulder, laughing at his misfortune.
While a small chuckle escaped her own lips, it was short lived as their hands intwined together. Shade returning the frozen desert having had his fun.
Biting down on her inner cheek, she shot up and wondered through the streets of Ever Grand. How could he have got a boyfriend before her? He was never even interested in romance. Part of her really wants to be happy for him, congratulate him even. She could only imagine the tournament he must've gone through trying to figure out his orientation... she couldn't even tell you what it is. Does he only like guys? Is he interested in everyone? As much as she wants to be joyous and celebrate with him, she couldn't bring herself too. She's the one whose read the romance books and dreamed of finding the one.
"It's not fair-" she muttered to herself.
Stopping in her tracks, a large screen up on the side of one of the stadiums played repeats of the day's matches. The image of Brendan standing with his Shiftry beside him as a Persian lay unconscious on the field flashed. Going through the rest of battles, it ended with the final sixteen finalists going into tomorrow's preliminaries round. She recognized several faces like Ash, Brendan, Sakura, Sawyer, Katie... and even that orange-haired boy, Morrison.
Shaking her head, the previous thoughts escaped. Glancing up to the boys image, she felt the corners of her lips twitch. A soft scent filled her nostrils and her stomach growled in response. Relaxing slightly, she held her belly as her mouth watered at the thought of the possible dinner's she could get.
"That's it!" She covered her lips at the little outburst. Looking around, she sighed seeing as no-one seemed to pay attention.
Turning on a heel, she took off towards the shopping district of the city. He fell for her once before. Searching through her memories, she remembered one of her first classes at the professor's lab. Her dad was running late picking her up and she was trying to get the homework done whilst sat outside. He came out to join her, the subject was math if she remembers correctly. They were probably only there ten minutes or so, but he really helped make it easy.
It wasn't just showing the numbers either. He had some cookies and breaking one up to show how percentages made physical sense to the world.
While her dad running late became a common occurrence, she couldn't deny liking the little alone time. Sawyer always left right on time and the two of them would just hang out. He'd help her with whatever the day's subject was or they'd just end up talking about life and stuff. He was the first person she could truly be herself with... and it all started over a plate of cookies. All she has to do is-
"May?" She turned to see Serena approaching with a smile, walking out of a shop. "What're you doing here?"
"Oh erm, you know." She shrugged, swirling her foot around on the ground. "Just checking out the stores and stuff. What about you? Where's Ash?"
"He took Seviper and Metang back to the centre for a rest and to check out his opponent for tomorrow, plan his team, ya know-" She looked up to the shop she just walked out off. "I had an opticians appointment. So once Ash finished his battle, I made my way over."
"How did it go?" she asked.
"Good... my visions pretty much the same but I was able to pick out some new frames." She smiled but peering closer May couldn't help but frown.
"They look the same to me," she muttered.
"Of course, these ones are-" She chuckled, covering her lips. "They need to fit the frames with my specs. I'm picking them up in about a week and this'll give myself and Ash chance to go shopping."
"I bet he's thrilled-" She smirked.
"It's kinda become tradition for us, picking out new outfits in the league for wherever we go next-" She shrugged. "And you'd be surprised how much he ends up enjoying it... or well, he tends to have more interest in helping me pick out something new."
"Figures." She rolled her eyes.
"So, what're your plans now?" she asked. "Another restaurant you wanna try out? I told Ash I'd bring him something back food wise."
"Kinda-" She sighed. "I was thinking... my mum always said the best way to get through to a guy is through his stomach-"
"I guess that's right with Ash-" she mused with a reimagined smile before her expression fell and arms crossed. "Is this about Brendan again?"
"What if it is?" she asked, crossing her own arms in defiance.
"May..." She closed her eyes and let out a low sigh. "I don't know how else we can tell you this... I don't want to see you hurt at the end of the day."
"I won't-" she stomped her foot down. "He had feelings before, so I just need to show him that I am still the same girl."
"Really?" she asked, her tone giving off the clear disbelief. "You think everything will just be water under the bridge? Just like that?"
"Why not?" she asked. "You told me how you pursued Ash remember. How is this any different? Oh wait, Brendan actually showed interest before we ended up together. How can you stand there and tell me not to follow my heart when that's exactly what you've been doing?"
"Following your heart is fine-" She turned and took a couple steps away "-just don't forget to consult your head from time to time."
Watching the blonde-haired girl walk away, she tightened her fist. Feeling the tears sting her eyes, she spun and marched away in the opposite direction. She squeezed her eyes shut, fighting the urge to let them leak. Swallowing as her speed increasing, she felt a lump in her throat.
"What would she know anyway?" she thought to herself.
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...