Author's Note:

Here it is, the mid-point of the league with the custom interviews with the top eight trainers. We also get a look at the outfits for the battle frontier arc. I hope you like the choices. The outfit for Serena was based on some fanart I've found and was decided upon before her reappearance in Journeys with the redesign. I do like her new look and plan to use it at some other point in this series. Expect this midpoint to help progress the league stories of Serena and May mostly but also a look at the top eight trainers. This is also a sort of refresher between the battles. We also get a little hint towards the Pika-kids and where they'll or where they won't end up. Yes, this chapter is short than others in the league but with how long the battle-chapters are, I think this is fine for the breather. Not much else to say, don't forget to vote in the poll and with that, let's begin!

Chapter Ninety-Three: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

Ash groaned as the sun hit his eyes. Shuffling around slightly he felt his arm trapped. Feeling a smile spread over his face, the memories from the previous night came flooding back. Moving his top hand down to her waist, he peaked to see the golden-haired beauty lying beside him in a spooning position.

Shuffling closer, he felt her back press against his chest. Placing his head on her shoulder, he whispered. "Babe. Time to get up."

Pressing his lips to the shoulder blade, he continued to move closer to her head. Leaving a trail of kisses on the crook of her neck, the actual neck and cheek.

"A-Ash-"

"Who else babe?" he hummed happily. Rubbing the top of her leg, which felt strangely like her jean-shorts and not nightwear. He continued to peck her cheek, since the lips were just out of reach in their current position. Holding his head, he noticed her turn inwards and away from him, a light wave of ESP brought the covers up further, forcing him back slightly. "What's wrong?"

"N-nothing-" she stuttered, forcing him to frown.

"Serena?" he asked.

"Ash please... can you just... turn around?" she asked, her voice getting quieter with each passing word.

Pinching his own lips together, he mentally shrugged and sat up. Closing his eyes, he turned to face the far wall. Opening his eyes once more, he noticed his hoodie floating over the room. He didn't need to guess it was her ESP as the cause, but he couldn't figure out why. Hearing the ruffle of sheets, part of him was tempted to look but he squeezed the mattress cover in his hands and bite his lower lip. She's clearly distressed so he can get answers when she's calmer.

"Okay..." Her voice sighed.

Standing up, he turned to see her stand on the other side of the bed with his hoodie on. He took notice of her ranger shorts covering her lower half and he figured that she fell asleep in the outfit meant to tease him... "-so... you good now?"

"Ye-yeah." She pulled the hoodie down as if trying to cover more of herself. "Sorry but I just... panicked."

"But why?" he asked. "I mean, I get you fell asleep in that outfit but... I dunno. After everything we've done, it seems... inconsequential."

"I-it wasn't about falling asleep like that-" she admitted. "I thought the same thing... but when you woke me... I-I erm-"

"You regretted the decision?" he asked, feeling his posture slump.

"Y-yeah but-" She shook her head. "Can we just leave it there?"

"If I've done something to upset you-"

"No! No-" She swallowed hard. "Look. This is right on me... I think Sylveon's right about me pushing our boundaries recently."

"We don't need to keep progressing if you're not ready-" He paused. "I just want to make sure we're... okay- we can pick it up later. Give us both time to think about it."

"Thank you." She sighed in relief.

He could only stand by and watch as she bolted into the bathroom room with her clean clothes floating in from the other side of the room. Frowning as he heard the door lock, his mind replayed the events of the previous night.

Instead of feeling the warm bubbly feeling which usually came with such memories. He only got more confused. Is there a part he doesn't remember? Was he meant to do something, or did he do something he shouldn't? The last time she panicked like that was when Grace almost caught them in Goldenrod.

Realising he wouldn't get the answers from himself, he decided to get dressed himself. He couldn't stop his mind from wandering down memory lane. Leaving a wide grin on his face as he changed into his regular clothes. The only time he could really think pushing the boundaries was back at their anniversary and they were quick to agree on putting it on hold... of course, he's not her so if she's uncomfortable with something then he can only show the same curtsy.

"You ready?" her voice echoed from the bathroom.

"Yeah." He uttered, clipping the last of his Pokéballs to his belt. He turned to see her walking out of the bathroom in her usual attire. Her brows pulled together as she walked over the room, causing him to match her expression. "What?"

"What're you so happy about?" she asked.

"What don't I have to be happy about?" he asked. Walking over to wrap his arms around her. "I'm in the final stretch of the conference. I've got great Pokémon beside me and-" He pecked her lips. "I've got the most beautiful, amazing girlfriend."

"Hmm-" She smiled with a tint of pink in her cheeks. Looking down, she turned to exit his embrace. "That's really sweet but... can we just get going. I'm still a little... Like you said, we both need time to think through this morning."

"Okay." He offered a supportive smile.

Leading her out of the room and locking it behind, he followed to the side of her. She was messaging Brock so he could place their order, so they weren't waiting on them. Occasionally glancing to her, the smell of different vendors food filling the air caused his stomach to rumble. It didn't take them long to find their way to the cafe where their friends were sat. Joining Brock, Max, and May at the table, he smiled taking in the sight behind the breeder.

Pikachu and Sylveon were with their eggs. His electric type had a cloth and gently rubbed it over the brown and yellow striped shell.

"Thank you, Brock." He smiled. "How were they?"

"They were fine... Sylveon and Pikachu did most of the stuff for the eggs, which is to be expected." He shrugged. "But it was my pleasure. Getting to see how they're caring for the eggs is bringing up ideas I've never thought off. Like Pikachu was chatting away last night to them... of course, I couldn't understand it."

"Really?" he asked, turning to the two parents-to-be.

"Obviously." Pikachu shrugged.

"Pokémon are more alert and in the final trimester in their eggs can sense the outside world-" Sylveon clarified. "Last night, I sensed their first emotions through my feelers, so we know it's only a matter of time now until they hatch. By talking and keeping them engaged, it'll make for a smoother transition."

"Yeah... I guess that does make sense-" He muttered, thinking back to Serena's Pupitar. He had a rough time as an egg just before hatching and was pretty recluse as a result. "So, what're they thinking?"

"They don't have cohesive or fluent thoughts... it's not like Serena can set up a mental link with them-" Sylveon sighed. "Well... I guess she could but without any concept of our world, it wouldn't work very well. Right now, they're just... little bundles of emotion."

Nodding in understanding, he turned to see a waiter bringing their breakfasts out. Chowing down into his full Galarian breakfast, he glanced around to see May shared the same as himself while Serena went with a pile of crêpes with chopped up rawst berries and honey. Brock had a more subdue combo of tea and toast as Max went with a smaller version of the full Galarian cooked breakfast. He smiled as the hearty food filled his stomach.

"So, what's everyone got planned for today?" Brock asked. "Obviously you've got the interviews this evening Ash."

"Right-" He nodded, swallowing the mouthful of food.

"Me and Walley are going to head off to see the city." Max muttered, glancing down to his own plate. "We've been so focused on the matches so-"

"That's really sweet, Max." Serena smiled, causing his blush to darken. "Ash and I are going shopping. You know, get some new outfits for our next journey."

"Where is that?" Brock asked.

"We... haven't decided yet." She uttered. "Nothing's really caught our attention... but wherever it is, it'll be nice for a change. What about you, May?"

"Oh erm, I've not really got anything planned-" she muttered, "might see if I can catch up with Sakura... get some contest tips or maybe check in with dad."

"He's busy preparing for the announcement remember." Max interjected. "When he called last night, he told us he wouldn't be available until after the top four battles... its shame because he usually gave pretty good insight to the competing trainers which he faced."

"As a gym leader, you need to be good at adapting and your father was really good at it." Brock smiled, turning to face him and Serena. "If you two don't mind, I could keep the eggs for today too. Seeing them interact would be great research and-"

"Thank you, Brock." Serena cut him off. "If Pikachu and Sylveon are happy with it then we are."

Both Pokémon gave verbal approval from behind. Finishing off the last of his breakfast, he turned to Max who had a thoughtful expression.

"What's on your mind?" he asked.

"Just about the eggs and when they hatch-" he muttered, "who'll end up training, catching... will they be wild?"

"Huh, we've never really discussed it-" He shrugged, glancing down to his starter. "What do you two think?"

"No child of mine is growing up in the wild!" Pikachu pipped up. "They deserve the best and will have a trainer to wait on them hand and foot!"

"You don't even have that-" He told his electric type.

"Pass us the Ketchup?" he asked.

Shrugging he reached over the table and picked up a few squeezable packs. Holding his hand out, the electric type took them and smirked. His eyes widened at what the mouse Pokémon just got him to do, "Hey!"

"We're going to let them decide who, if they want a trainer, it'll be-" Sylveon interjected. "But one things for certain. It won't be either of you two."

"Wha-" He uttered to look at Serena who mirrored his surprise. He turned back. "B-but why?"

"Your both great humans, don't get us wrong but we're your Pokémon-" she explained, "Pokémon need to leave the nest to fully grow. Having them on the same team as their parent... it wouldn't work out. We'll allow them to pick their own trainers, of course-"

"As long as we have twenty-four-seven access to them." Pikachu continued. "Can recall them at a moment's notice and shock said humans for-"

Sylveon's feeler wrapped around his mouth, cutting off his speech. "Ignore him. He's just going through his overprotective phase... it shouldn't last longer-"

"Until they're fifty?" Pikachu pulled his head out of the restraint.

"Is that in people years or Pokémon?" Ash asked.

"Both... consecutively." He turned his back, muttering something under his breath.

Smiling at his starters declaration, it didn't take long for them to finish the breakfast and settle their bill with the cafe. Bidding their friends goodbye once more, he took off towards the shopping area with Serena by his side. Closing his eyes, he replayed the morning and her... less than peaceful mood since.

Letting out a low sigh, he took the leap and reached out. Intertwining his hand with her's.

"Huh?" She uttered, glancing up with a questioning look.

He offered a smile and rubbed his thumb over her smooth skin to answer the unasked question. As she turned back to the road forward, he couldn't help but frown at her reaction. It's not like she rejected the small gesture but she's normally insistent on such things when walking alone.

"What is going on with you?" he thought to himself.

May smiled as held Skitty in her arms. The pink-kitten's tail waved back and forth, lightly brushing her knees. Giggling slightly from the motion, she began to run through scenario's in her head. Maybe they'd share a picnic in the park or a barbeque on the beach. She could even rent a boat and they go on a trip out into the sea... she remembered Serena mentioning Ash planned that for their own date in Lilycove even if the plans had to change.

"What do you think?" she asked.

"Nyaa?" She purred, tilting her head to the side to look up at her.

"Hmm... maybe I should learn how to work a barbeque before planning one for our date." She lightly chuckled. "But a beach still sounds good. Being alone-"

The normal type wiggled slightly, causing her arms to loosen and gave her chance to leap out. Her pink kitten stood on the pavement and looked back with the same dull expression with hidden mischief buried. Before she knew it, Skitty was running down the pavement through the passer-by's feet.

Inwardly moaning, she took off after her partner. Skipping side to side to avoid the startled public, she whisked by with a series of apologies.

Following the kitten Pokémon, she knew from experience this game of chase could go on for hours. Without the time to waste, she reached for her bag.

Fumbling around as her eyes glanced between the normal type and her accessory. It took a little why, but she managed to pull out her Pokéball.

Tightening her grip, she turned back to see her Pokémon sat and waiting. She was further ahead but clearly waiting for her to catch up.

Remembering the previous times, she ended up chasing the little energy-fuzz-ball. Biting down on her lip to prevent the smirk, she made her plan. Doubling her pace, she went to the right, forcing Skitty to jump left with a playful cry.

Holding her arm out, she shouted. "Skitty return!"

Sighing in relief, she looked at the device in her hand. She thought it would be a nice experience getting to spend time with the normal type but she's just as energetic as ever. She winced at the thought of her kitten Pokémon being loose in a shop and the havoc she'd cause as a result.

"Guess we can go to the park later and you can tire yourself out," she thought to herself.

Clipping the device back to her belt, she continued down the street towards the shopping centre. As she went over her mental list for the date, she noticed Sawyer on the grassy field with his Slaking lying down. He seemed to be brushing the normal type. Seeing him reminded her of her dad and his own great ape. Before she knew it, her feet began to head over to the boy.

"Hey!" She called out, causing him to look at her.

"Oh erm, hey May-" He returned to brushing. "What'cha up too?"

"Just a bit of shopping." She smiled. "What about you? Getting ready for the top eight and the interviews, right?"

"Something like that-" He chuckled which ended in a sigh. "I barely made it through. If Banette didn't know skill swap, then I don't know if I would've won all my preliminary matches. It really came down to the team working between him and Slaking here."

"Well, you've done a good job," she replied, "raising him, I mean. My dad offered me a Slakoth when I first started but I turned him down."

"Wanting to build a team yourself?" he asked.

"That's what I said but really I just didn't want the work." She admitted. "He's always said Slaking are-"

"-some of the toughest Pokémon to raise but also the return put in is ten-fold." He finished her sentence causing her to turn with an inquisitive look. "I challenged him as my first badge, but it ended badly. I couldn't even get passed his Kecleon. He gave me the same advice since I only had Treecko and Corphish back than and I caught this guy in Petalburg woods... we eventually returned and claimed the balance badge as our seventh."

"Well, you certainly seem to be great friends." She offered a supportive smile.

"Thanks!" His dimples turned bright red as they made his eyes squint. "You know... I was always a little jealous of you and Brendan."

"You was?" she asked.

"Well yeah..." He turned back to continue brushing his normal type. "You two were great friends... it made me feel a little left out. I never was good at making friends."

She frowned at the thought of being in a small class but unable to really speak to the others. She always assumed that he already knew it all and he'd get annoyed repeating the topics of the day. She only accepted Brendan's help initially because he insisted. A feeling of guilt bubbled in her stomach.

"Slack Slaking!"

"I think he's saying that your Pokémon are your friends now." She encouraged.

"Right!" He nodded. "Without them I don't think I'd have made it... I mean, obviously I need them to compete but-"

"I get what you mean. I've felt exactly the same when in contests or in the grand festival." She reassured with a smile. "It's really amazing... getting to live alongside and work together with these guys. Before I met Combusken or the others I never would've dreamed of doing such things."

"Each and every friendship is valuable like that-" He smiled. "And each should be treated as such."

Inwardly frowning, she turned around to not let her feelings show to the boy. He might not have meant it as a dig, but she couldn't help feeling called out because of her previous dilemma. Maybe she should reconsider pursuing Brendan right now-

"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."

Hearing his voice repeat those words over and over made her chest ache even more. Sawyer's voice drowned out by the inner voice as she squeezed her eyes shut. Next thing she knew, her feet were running away from the situation. She couldn't be sure where she went or how long she even ran for, but she found herself around the back of one of the shops, away from the other people or even the Pokémon.

Leaning against the brick wall, she slumped down the ground. Her knees stuck up as she cried into them. A memory of Serena telling her the best relationships are built upon strong friendships... but is it worth risking a strong friendship for a potential romance?

Why did she have to fall for Drew like she did? If she never took his little act, then she could be in a happy relationship right now!

Ash wondered back and forth next to the changing rooms. He glanced to the side and noticed the pile items she's already tried on. Some seemed more like a copy paste of her Hoenn outfit while others were completely different. While this little tradition is fun, he couldn't deny getting bored right now.

Taking a seat on the bench, he turned and looked up at the ceiling light. Closing his eyes, he imagined himself back on the battlefield. Glancing over to the other side, he didn't really mind who his opponent... Kahili popped into the frame with a Pokéball in hand. A smile spread on his face as they both tossed their devices into the air. Two flashes of light momentarily blinded him-

"Eh hmm." He turned to the sound and saw Serena stood in the doorway of one of the changing rooms.

Her top was black and baggy, lightly draped over her torso. The right arm had a long sleeve which travelled up to her wrist but left her shoulder exposed while the left side covered her shoulder but didn't cover the arm at all. Instead, she had a long black glove covering from the tips of her fingers to about three-quarters. She also had a checkered red skirt which had semi-transparent white lines to create the design covering about half her upper thigh. The rest of her long slender legs had black tights which matched her left arm. Leaving a bit of her legs on show.

"What'cha think?" she asked, giving a twirl. Ending by holding her gloved hand up behind her head while the other rested on her hip.

His mouth went dry as he found his eyes drawn to the lower half. His heart thumped harder against his chest as he tried to force his eyes up to meet her's but couldn't stop them from glancing back. He tried to force some sort of compliment out, but it ended up being nothing but a mumbled mess.

"Heh, I guess you like it then." She smirked as his head enthusiastically nodded. "I do think its missing something though. Every outfit I've used since you gave me it has used it... but it's getting a little worn now."

She held one hand out and he saw the old blue ribbon he gave her during their adventure in the orange archipelago. Offering a smile, he approached and took the ribbon. "You don't need to force it to work in an outfit... I think we've got more than our fair share of millage out of it."

"Yeah..." she muttered, putting it back in her pocket. "Guess I can keep it as a good luck charm then."

"Although I do think your right about it missing something." He smiled, turning on his heel.

"What-" he didn't wait to answer her and shot across the store. It didn't take him long to find what he was looking for and he grabbed it off the display. He made his way back and smiled as her eyes widened. Handing it over, she placed the plain-black beret on her head. "Perfect."

"The outfit isn't bad either-" He joked.

Playfully pushing his shoulder, she turned and entered the changing room. Knowing she was changing back into her regular outfit. Turning to the mess on the bench beside him, he started picking up the previously dismissed options. While some were certainly flattering, none really worked well together-

"Since when did I get this idea of fixing together outfits and fashion?" he thought to himself.

"Let me do that for you sir." He turned to see one of the female shop assistants walking over. She took the pile off him. "Is there anything which you'll want to take to the check out?"

"Oh no, she's got the stuff in with her," he explained, "and the names Ash."

"Yes, we all know who you are-" She replied, causing his brows to pull together. "Your one of the league top eight. It'll be weird if we didn't. I'm just glad you didn't announce this trip publically."

"Huh?" He frowned.

"If people knew you were here then we'd be overrun." She offered a smile. "If you need anything then just ask."

"We will." He nodded.

As she walked off, he turned back and took a seat once more. It didn't take long for Serena to walk out back in her regular Hoenn outfit. The two of them walked over to the counter and paid for the items. Walking back out into the hot Hoenn day, he stretched his arms up.

"We just need to get your outfit-"

A low rumble from his stomach cut Serena off. Holding his belly, he slouched and smiled. "Sorry."

"-or we could get some lunch." She continued without hesitation. "I didn't think we were in the store that long."

"We weren't." He smiled. "But that was our forth store remember."

"Yea-yeah." She dismissed.

"You know." He moved closer and wrapped his arms around her leaning on her shoulder to whisper. "You looked really good in that outfit."

"Can we not?" she mumbled, wiggling out of his embrace.

It didn't take them long to find a food vendor in the middle of the shopping street. Getting their food, they walked over to the park and took a seat on the green-grassy field. Chowing into his meal, he smiled at the sight of everyone around as he took in the tranquil atmosphere.

"Hey babe-" He couldn't out with his inner voice.

"Yeah." She connected their heads.

"Can we talk now?" he asked. "About this morning? We can do it this way so it's only between us."

"I'd rather we didn't-" she admitted.

"And before when I've said that you said that's a sign, we need to talk all the more," he replied, "if I've done something to upset you, I'd rather know-"

"Like I said, this was completely on me-" She sighed. "Look. It's really embarrassing so if I tell you... it ends here. Don't bring it back up."

"Okay."

"So... you remember how we fell asleep?" she asked.

"Not really. I remember how we spent the time before bed but-" he felt a smile stretch his lips. "-it kinda just hazes out."

"Well... I kinda didn't change out of the initial outfit-" she explained.

"You were tired so-"

"It wasn't because I was tired... I just felt... I dunno, it didn't really matter-" she sighed. "Then when I woke up this morning... I found a... malfunction."

"Malfunction?" he repeated.

"My bikini top... wasn't exactly doing its job-" she clarified, causing his eyes to widen. "And it wasn't exactly the most comfortable either."

"You mean your-"

"Yeah... that's why I kinda freaked out-" she closed her eyes. "At least you didn't see anything... that's the only good thing, I guess."

"You don't have to feel embarrassed-" He offered. "Accidents happen."

"It wasn't an accident-" she uttered. "I knew the risk but decided to do it anyway. I think Sylveon's right..."

"I know it hurts... having your mum move to another region-" He moved over to embrace her in a hug. "-and you don't need to try and fight for my attention... I'm not giving it to anyone else like I do you... but if you're really feeling abandoned, why not take up her offer of visiting? We've not decided on where we're travelling after the league... we could go and check out the Kalos region... I bet they've got a league and-"

"No!" She cut him off. "I'm not going back to Kalos. Anywhere but there."

"This is like you cutting off your nose to spite your face," he replied, "your hurting because your mum moved but you won't talk or visit her to help. I get why your upset with it... I felt the same when Drake said he was heading off to Unova, but this anger isn't healthy... and no matter how far you push our little celebrations in search for attention, know that I won't be able to replace the gap left by Grace."

"I know we took the post-battles celebrations too far-" she uttered.

"I'm happy to go with whatever you're comfortable with in terms of our... alone time-" he replied, "but I do know you'll feel like this until you speak with her."

"We're running out of time." She jumped up to her feet. Reaching down, she pulled him up and they started walking back to the shops. "Thinking a little more about your next outfit, I think we should go a little nostalgic. Something akin to your Kanto clothes."

"Sounds good." He nodded. Inwardly frowning at how she quickly changed the subject, he followed along in silence.

It didn't take long to find a shop and Serena lead the charge on pulling items off the shelf. Seeing her work within her element brought a grin to his face. Matching jackets, trousers, and other items she probably went through half the store. Passing the hat section, he pulled down the official Hoenn league cap.

Once she had a selection which looked like it'll work, he headed off to the changing rooms. Switching into the assortment of clothes, he took in his appearance in the mirror. He had light blue-grey three-quarter cargo shorts and a black undershirt. The jacket picked out was mostly blue on top and white on the bottom with the rims having two red lines separated by a yellow one. With a pair of black gloves on his hands with blue rims Placing the cap on his head, he smiled.

Walking out, he noticed the looser fit on the clothes. "That'll make exploring a lot easier."

"What do you think?" Serena asked as he posed for her.

"I like it." He smiled. "What do think-"

The cries of some kids cut him off. Two young boys came running up, blurting out praise and compliments, he quickly caught on to the idea they were fans of his. Offering a friendly smile, he crouched down and started answering their questions about his Pokémon, the preliminary matches and getting his signature.

"Oh my, I'm sorry-" He turned to see a middle-aged women standing over them. "I turn my back for two seconds and they just run off."

"It's okay-" He smiled, standing back up as he checked the league poster his wrote his name on. He couldn't help but swell in pride of himself "But you two should really listen to your mum. You don't want her to worry."

Both of them nodded and walked back to her side. She mouthed a 'thank you' before setting off back through the store. Turning back to the changing room, he switched back into his normal clothes before heading to the checkout. Soon they were back in the street, heading towards their room to drop off the shopping but he couldn't help noticing Serena's glum silence.

"You, okay?" he asked to which she slowly nodded. "Is it because of the kids? I didn't know they'd-"

"No... no, I know you didn't know they'd be there-" she sighed. "It's just... seeing it reminded me of the grand festival... in Johto. It felt really good getting that sort of recognition for our efforts but this time... without making it to the masters class-"

"I get it." He nodded. "Honestly, after I fell to Paul... I felt like I missed out. Like you were one step ahead with your achievement."

"Why didn't you say anything?" she asked.

"I didn't want to upset you or make you feel guilty about your achievement-" He walked over and embraced her in a hug. "-and I used it to push myself. I believe nothing we do is a waste of time and that was just a steppingstone on my journey... just like this is for you."

"Thank you," she mumbled into his embrace.

Reaching the room, they dropped off their shopping and relaxed a little bit. Setting off back out into the streets of Ever Grande, it didn't take long for the evening and subsequently interviews to enter their mind. Without many options left, they set off for the location of the scheduled interviews.

Arriving at the studio, they bid each other goodbye. Watching her walk off to the audience area, it didn't take long for one of the workers to find and escort him backstage. Giving him the run-down of how this would go. Just like in the Silver conference, he'd be allowed one of his Pokémon to join him on the stage and they'd be going in age order starting with Sawyer as the youngest trainer. It would continue with Brendan, Sakura, Morrison, Natasha, himself, Kahili and then end with Katie. Letting out a low, he glanced up to the ceiling... he really wished he could go sooner and just get it over with.

"Hi Hoenn! This is Gabby Mari live from Ever Grande city for the annual interviews with the emerald conference top eight!" The thirty-something year old women with medium length brown hair announced. "After a tough year for us all, these eight trainers have proven to be the toughest and climbed to the top of our league! Who'll take home the championship is anyone's guess but first an exclusive! Let's see who'll be facing who in the first matches tomorrow!"

His eyes widened and his head snapped to the screen behind her. The four pairs appeared, and he quickly took them in. The first battle was none other than Katie verses Kahili in the Ruby stadium. He'd be a part of the second battle in the sapphire stadium against Sawyer. Sakura would be in the third battle in the ruby stadium against Natasha and that left Brendan verses Morrison in the final battle in the same stadium as himself.

Feeling the blood pump through his body, he already started thinking over his strategy and possible team make up. "So, I know he's got Sceptile, Crawdaunt, Camerupt, Salamence, Banette, Scizor and a Wigglytuff... an ice type might work well or Swellow with her aggressive style-"

As his thoughts continued, he glanced around to take in the fellow contestants reactions. Sawyer seemed nervous but he was also stood on the edge of the stage so it could be for either reason. Katie, Sakura, and the other girls didn't really seem thrown by the match reveals but the Morrison kid... he seems to have parted himself from the main group. Slumping down in the corner with his Metang floating beside him.

"Now help me welcome our first trainer!" Gabby declared as the green-haired boy walked out with his Sceptile. "From Rustboro city its Sawyer Shōta!"

May smiled and clapped as Morrison walked off to the side. The host, Gabby, waited until both himself and his Metang were out of sight. She took a moment for the crowd to calm before introducing the next guest, the one member of the top eight she hadn't met yet, a girl named Natasha with an Electrode.

"You seem happy," Serena whispered.

"It's the matches," she replied, "it's nice to know Brendan and Ash will have easier opponents. It means they're more likely to move on to the second round."

"I don't think that's fair," Serena replied, "we don't know how experienced Morrison really is. He could prove to be a surprise challenge for any of them."

"Morrison?" She quirked an eyebrow up with a smirk. "You don't think the same about Sawyer?"

"Sorry to say but after the battle they had before Sootopolis," she replied, "I just think Ash is going in with the advantage."

"I'm still happy Brendan can fight a friend rather than a jerk like-"

"Like Drew or Harley?" she asked. "Honestly, I don't think it really makes a difference. Both have challenges, one you don't want to lose because of the tension under the surface but when against a friend... it can come with its own tension whether because of hurting the friendship or knocking the friend out of tourney."

"I never really thought about it that way," she uttered.

The crowd clapping drew their attention back to the screen. She caught sight of the unknown competitor walk off with her electric type.

"Now help me welcome one of the veterans in this year's line-up." Gabby announced, drawing their attention back to the centre stage. "Along with this being his third regional league, he also holds an Orange league and has made it to the final in the silver conference! From Pallet town in Kanto, it's Ash Ketchum!"

She smiled as the raven-haired boy walked out onto the stage. His Grovyle followed beside him, standing with his arms crossed as the boy took a seat.

"So, Ash, welcome and congratulations on your performance so far-" Gabby greeted. "As I'm sure you've seen with the other finalists, I like to start with their Pokémon partners brought onto the stage. Obviously, you've brought Grovyle here, so why don't you tell us about him."

"Well... I met him as a Treecko shortly after arriving in Hoenn." He offered a smile. "He really helped with some gyms and-... I don't really know what to say."

"You must have a special bond if you brought him today," Gabby explained, "why not tell us about it?"

"I like to think I've got a special relationship with each of my Pokémon," he chuckled nervously, scratching his cheek. "But well... the reason I picked him was because out of all the Pokémon I've met in Hoenn, he hasn't had the chance to battle in the league yet."

"Grov-" he muttered.

"Hehehe, don't worry buddy. You'll get a battle sooner or later-" He reached out and patted is shoulder.

"Interesting-" Gabby drew his attention once more. "It seems like you just understood your Grovyle."

"Of course, I understood him-" he shrugged. "As a trainer, you need to know your team inside and out. After so long spent together, it would be weird if I didn't have at least the simplest idea of what he meant."

"Very thoughtful of you." She smiled. "Although it does make me wonder why Grovyle hasn't had chance to battle yet."

"Well... he's kinda a lone ranger. Specialises one on one-" he explained, "with the preliminaries being double battles... well, it might not have worked out."

"Speaking off, it seemed a lot of your Pokémon weren't particularly good at team work-" she replied, "your Gardevoir stood to one side and watched Crawdaunt fight. Both your Seviper and Metang seemed focused on their own thing and your Swellow-"

"Hehehe, yeah... I guess your right-" he chuckled. "-but they also had their own reasons to get the battles... and I guess it worked out because I'm here."

"Indeed-" She smiled. "So, let's talk about the upcoming matches. Obviously, you've been paired up against Sawyer who we spoke to earlier."

She smiled as the interview went on. Despite his previous stance of not wanting to be interviewed, he actually seemed the most coherent so far. Sakura wasn't exactly bad, but Sawyer and Morrison were both stuttering messes. Brendan got out some actual sentences, but he still didn't look comfortable.

It went on for a little more time before Ash and Grovyle made their way off the stage. She joined in the audience with giving him some applause.

"I'm gonna meet up with him," Serena whispered as Kahili walked out onto the stage with a Swellow on her shoulder, "you coming or staying?"

"It's that girl from the Foretree gym and Katie remaining, right?" she asked.

"Yeah."

Standing up, she followed the older girl through the seating area and down through the corridor leading back to the lobby. Biting down on her bottom lip, she thought back to the match ups going into the top eight. She couldn't help but feel sorry for Brendan. She hated having to face the jerks like Harley and Drew in the grand festival, but she could only imagine facing a friend would be worst. Foretree was one of her least favourite contests because she faced Serena.

Making it back into the lobby, she took in the sight ahead. Ash was stood with both Brendan and Morrison with his arms crossed as the two younger boys seemed to be in some sort of discussion. The raven-haired boy had a thoughtful expression, a rarity.

"-no thanks." He mumbled. "You go ahead."

"Huh?" the Professor's son frowned. "What's up with Morrison?"

"It's a tough one," Ash replied, crossing his arms with a thoughtful expression. "He just gets his first win... getting into the top eight of his first league. And he makes a really good friend in you... now he has to battle that good friend. It's very confusing."

"I know that-" he mumbled. "I don't want to do it anymore than he does... but I have too."

"Right. There's always a chance any two trainers entering the same competition will be matched up at some point." He continued. "In my first league I made a friend called Ritchie. We were like you and Morrison, but we ended up battling. I learnt there and then that each trainer still needs to give everything."

"I know-" He uttered. "I just hope Morrison is capable of that."

"If two friends truly push each other and leave it out there on the field." A smile flickered up onto his lips. "Well... those tend to be the best battles."

"Thanks Ash-" He gave the raven-haired boy a singular nod before turning and walking out of the building.

"Maybe I should-" She felt a hand on her shoulder, turning to see Serena.

"Don't even think about it, May." She shook her head. "Brendan needs time to think and be with his team. Now's not the time to go chasing after him."

"Fine." She sighed, relaxing in place.

"Hey!" Ash smiled as he walked over to them. "What do you two say to walking over to the centre? I wanna check in with Brock, Pikachu and the eggs."

"And registrar your team for tomorrow?" Serena asked with a knowing look.

"Well... first I need to brainstorm ideas-" He chuckled. "Like I said, check in and maybe discuss plans with the guys."

"I bet Max already has a list of Pokémon for you to use-" she replied, following his lead as they set out of the building and down the street, "I mean, he's been really big on seeing your Dragonite or Aerodactyl battle in person."

"I'll definitely be bringing some of the guys from Kanto, but I doubt it'll be either of them," he replied, "I know Sawyer is tough and smart but those two are arguably my strongest... I'm save them for the real challenges."

"Like Katie?" Serena asked. "And anyway, your planning on using some of your older members against Sawyer? I thought you'd do like you did against Jimmy in the Silver conference."

"What did he do?" she asked.

"Jimmy was a new trainer who we met shortly after arriving in Johto... sorta like with you, Brendan and Sawyer," Serena explained, "Ash ended up facing him in the top eight of the silver conference and used a team built up of who he caught in Johto."

"Right but his Gliscor really caused some trouble and I know Sawyer's got some serious powerhouses like Slaking or Salamence," he replied, "I'll still mostly use the Hoenn guys, but I want a couple experienced guys as a sort of safety net."

"What would you have done if they paired you up with Katie straight away?" May asked.

"I would've taken her skill seriously." He shrugged. "But that was kinda unlikely to happen."

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"Haven't you noticed the commentators refer to favourites to win?" Serena asked. "If two favourites make it into the top eight then they won't get paired up until the finals. It's based on the bookies predictions, but they are the trainers mostly likely to win. The league wants a big battle to finish on so this is how."

"Obviously, the matches are rigged so a none-favourite could knock out another favourite-" Ash continued. "That actually happened in my Kanto league too."

"It did?" she asked.

"My brother knocked out a guy called Paul-" he explained, "which made him the new favourite moving onto the top four. Which is where we ended facing off."

"Sometimes there's more than two favourites," Serena added, "in the silver conference, going into the top four Ash, Gary and Paul all were so whichever way they lined up the matches, there would be one match up of them before the final. They do the same thing in the grand festival."

"They did?" she flicked an eyebrow up.

"Both Clark and Drew were the favourites, so you notice how they were matched up differently," Serena explained, "of course, Sakura messed up their predictions."

Upon entering the centre, she saw her brother sat at a table with Brock, eyes glued to the wall mounted screen which showed off the ending of Katie's interview with her Ninetales. Under the table lay Pikachu and Sylveon with their unhatched eggs.

"Hey." Brock smiled as he turned to face them. "Good job on the interview. Sorry we couldn't make it live, Pikachu thought he heard the eggs hatch and got one of the Chansey to do a full examination. By the time they were done-"

"Don't worry about it." He dismissed. "I'm just glad it's over. Now I can focus on my match."

"What're your plans for Sawyer?" Max asked. "He's got some decent powerhouses remember. Sceptile, Slaking and Salamence-"

"And a Scizor from the Valley of Steel, I remember." He smiled. "I've got a few ideas. Like-"

A flash shot out of his bag and his female bird materialised in the air. Landing down on the table, she stared him straight in the eye. "Swellow."

"Dibs?" he repeated. "Dibs on what?"

"Swell Swellow."

"You wanna fight Salamence?" he asked. "I don't even know if he'll-"

"Swellow!"

"Fine..." He sighed. "I guess we need to build a team from somewhere... just know that because the Hoenn team got the preliminaries, I'm limiting it to one match max for the final stretch."

"Does that mean-"

"Yeah Max." He smiled. "I'm bringing back some of the older guys. And I'm not making the same mistake against Sawyer that I did with Jimmy."

"Jimmy?" she asked.

"He was Ash's top eight opponent in the Silver conference." Max lectured. "But you won that match... what mistakes did you make?"

"I nearly didn't," he replied, "like Sawyer, Jimmy was a new trainer we met shortly after starting our journey in Johto. But instead of building a proper team to win, I went in with a matchup of Pokémon I caught in Johto. Being native to the region, he likely knew them way better than I did. We managed to win but because I was trying to keep the fight fair, we almost didn't... and going for the same thing is why we lost in the final."

"So, you're not going for a fair fight?" she asked.

"I'm not about to cheat." He clarified. "But I've got a lot more experience and a lot more Pokémon than just those I've met in Hoenn... I know I wouldn't like it if I won a battle because my opponent held themselves back."

He stood up and took a couple steps away, with her brother pipping up. "Where are you going?"

"To make a call and get some old friends-" he smiled, continuing off to the videophone lounge.

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...