Author's Note:

Here it is, the final top four match and a May focused chapter. This is mostly going to resolve the ongoing arc between herself and Brendan. This is how I always planned to end their romantic subplot in the series from the start of Hoenn. Remember this isn't the end of May's arc, as we still have the battle frontier with her. We also only get to see the second half of the battle; this is from my perspective to prevent it feeling stale (something I learnt from writing the battles in the Silver conference). Which has meant this chapter is slightly short for a league battle, but I don't think it's a big deal. This is also meant to show off Katie's strategic mind and her use of things in battle not usually shown. Not much else to say, just remember to vote in the poll and with that, let's begin!

Chapter Ninety-Seven: Emerald Conference - Prodigies

May sighed as her eyes lingered on the scoreboard. She was currently sat in one of the stadium stands, watching the final top four match between Brendan and Katie. They were currently in the intermission as the competitors reset their strategies and they changed the field.

"Man, I can't believe Brendan already lost Skarmory, Manectric and Armaldo," Max muttered, "and he only took out her Venomoth in response."

"Katie sure is one tough opponent." Brock nodded. "The way she sends her Pokémon in and switches them out without a moment's hesitation is truly daunting. I think it's going to be an uphill battle for Brendan from here! Not only having less options but clearly Katie will force unfavourable match ups."

"You're talking like Katie's already won." She hissed to her oldest friend.

"Sorry May but Brendan still has a chance." He held his hands up. "I can only call it as I see it right now."

Puffing up her cheeks, she let his words sink in. She couldn't remain angry with Brock for speaking facts, but she really wanted Brendan to win.

"I can't believe Ash and Serena are missing this," Max muttered.

"I'm not surprised Ash wanted to get his team to Nurse Joy after his battle with Sakura," Brock replied, "and I guarantee he's watching from the centre. If he's smart, he'll also be making plans for his final team... whoever wins here will be his next opponent, after all."

While he didn't outright say it, she knew the chances were Katie would be that opponent. Squeezing her eyes shut, she sent a silent message to her friend.

"And we're back folks!" The commentator announced as both trainers walked back out onto the field. With a large water field appearing between them, which had white floating platforms. "The second half of the final top four match between Katie and Brendan is about to get underway!"

"Go Altaria!" Katie shouted. In a flash of light, the dragon flying type landed atop the water, floating along.

"And Katie has picked Altaria once more to start off this half!" The commentator announced. "She certainly looks rested after her bout with Skarmory!"

"Battle time, Swampert!" Brendan hollered. His fully evolved starter crashed down onto one of the platforms. Crouching low, ready to pounce.

"Why would he pick Swampert now and not save him for the final match?" May asked, scanning the water ground type with her Pokédex:

Swampert, The Mud Fish Pokémon. The final evolved form of Mudkip. Swampert predicts storms by sensing subtle differences in the sounds of waves and tidal winds with its fins. If a storm is approaching, it piles up boulders to protect itself

"I think he wants to even up the score." Brock theorised, stroking his chin. "As his starter, Swampert is likely his strongest and most experienced Pokémon. If anyone has a chance to turn this around for him, it'll be his starter. And I think Katie knows that too!"

"How come?" Max asked

"Because she already used Altaria to battle Skarmory in the first half," he replied, "I wouldn't be surprised if she's just using this match to assess her opponent in the second half. Get a feeling for his style and then react accordingly. It's something she's done in a lot of her battles so far."

She felt her throat go dry as she glanced down to the field. Everything seemed to go quiet as she watched the two big Pokémon stare each other down.

"Altaria verses Swampert!" The ref declared. "Let the battle begin!"

Katie verses Brendan: Round six

Her eyes widened as the ball of dragon type energy shot from the humming Pokémon's mouth. A trail of flames surrounded the dragon pulse.

Swampert slammed his fists down onto the platform, causing the water to violently shake. While there opponent seemed unaffected, the waves rocked the platform high enough to intercept the ball. Imploding upon contact, the float went high up into the air.

"This will be good for Brendan," Brock commented, "being in the water will allow Swampert more opportunities to attack."

As the field settled once more, only the humming Pokémon was within sight. Spreading her wings, she tried to take off. Splashing water with her wings.

"The cotton on her wings absorbed too much water!" Max laughed. "They're in trouble now!"

A massive wave erupted behind the dragon flying type with Swampert on top. Crashing through his surf, he landed on Altaria's back. His body glew with a red outline as his arms wrapped around her wings. The wave splashed down, submerging both Pokémon under the water.

Her attention turned to the screen over the field which showed the underwater duel. Brendan's starter landed blow after blow of his power-up punches.

"This isn't going to be good for Katie." Brock mused. "Not only is Swampert making full use of the field but he's boosting himself up!"

Her eyes struck to the screen showing the underwater battle. Altaria's beak burst open, launching a dragon pulse straight into his chest.

Brendan's water ground type was sent further under water. As their opponent flapped her wings, breaking the water's surface.

A jet of water erupted behind her, launching the fully evolved starter into the air. His closed fists had an icy mist surround them as he dived down.

Delivering a flurry of ice punches direct onto the humming Pokémon, they disappeared into the water once more. Seconds later, Swampert dragged the knocked-out dragon back onto one of the floating platforms.

"Altaria is unable to battle!" The ref declared. "Making the winners of this round Brendan and Swampert!"

She smiled as the ace trainer recalled her dragon flying type. Katie held the ball up and seemed to whisper something before clipping it to her belt. Her eyes narrowed as she glanced across the field with a quizative stare. Swampert lept back onto a platform with a red outline surrounding his body. He seemed pumped up with energy as he flexed his large arms like some sort of body builder. Clearly feeling the effects of the power-up punches.

"And now Brendan comes back with a vengeance to start off this second half!" the announcer declared. "Question is will they be able to keep the momentum, or will Katie make a comeback? With this battle of the prodigies, it's impossible to predict how it'll turn out!"

"Having set up all those power-up punches was a smart move!" Max beamed. "Now Swampert's in a perfect position regardless of who he's paired against!"

She smiled inwardly as she stared down to the field. Feeling her heart thump hard, she clasped her hands together. Feeling better about his position in the coming round, she focused her attention on the blue-haired teen. She already had Pokéball in hand. Holding it out, the red light shot into the air.

"You're up, Mismagius!" Katie announced.

The pure ghost type materialised over the water, giving May chance to take in her appearance. She had a round head with elaborated tufts resembling a witch's hat. The tips of the tufts were paler than the rest of their body. She had a thin, red mouth which resembled the letter 'w'. Below her head was a short, thorax-like lump which connected to the rest of her body. Three elliptical red spheres surrounded the upper portion of her body. With extensions on the sides of the lower body, with the foremost ones being tattered compared to the others. Giving off the appearance of some sort of cloak. Two sleeve-like arms floated out to the side, attached to the upper part of her body. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out her Pokédex to scan the ghostly opponent:

Mismagius, The magical Pokémon. The final evolved form of Misdreavus. Its cries sound like incantations to torment the foe. It appears where you least expect it. It's believed to be the inspiration of the magical witches from olden fairy tales passed down through the generations

"Why would she go with a ghost type of all Pokémon?" May wondered aloud as she put the device away.

"It's difficult to say." Brock mused. "Due to his typing only really grass types would have an advantage but this could be more about moveability."

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"Being able to float over the water and stay airborne will be difficult to counter," Max explained, "I bet she's trying to draw Swampert out of his comfort area."

"We'll just need to wait and see..." Brock uttered. "I can really see this round going either way."

Both Pokémon seemed to be face off as the ghost type lowered down to make their eyes more level.

"Mismagius verses Swampert!" The ref declared. "Let the battle begin!"

Katie verses Brendan: Round seven

May tightly clenched her fist as she looked down on the field. Her leg trembled as Katie's ghost spun in the air. Sending down a barrage of razor-sharp leaves with a multicoloured outline.

Swampert dived back under the water, with the magical leaves following suit. Turning her head to the screen displaying the underwater section. The water ground type stopped and turned to face the projectiles, which slowed down in the pool. A red outline surrounded his body. Slamming his hands together with great strength, he sent a shockwave out.

Intercepting the homing attack with the underwater sound wave, each leaf floated down to the bottom of the pool. A moment of silence lingered as the next moves waited.

Letting out a crackling chuckle, ESP burst out of the ghosts eyes. Engulfing the top layer of water, it began to spin, turning the field into a whirlpool.

"Ah yes." She smiled. "It's good to be on a water battlefield."

She tried to spot Swampert on the underwater camera, but the rushing water was too fast. As panic started to set in, she glanced at her old friend, who was blocking the splashes.

"Use the momentum and waterfall!" He hollered.

Seconds past and a jet of water erupted out raging whirlpool. Rocketing up, it crashed into the magical Pokémon. Swampert wrapped both arms around the ghost type.

Both Pokémon splashed back into the pool as the current started to settle. Looking back at the ace trainer, she stood with a confident smirk.

"Just as I expected." Katie sighed. "I had higher hopes after your take down of Altaria, but it seems your Swampert is just a one trick ponyta."

"Earthquake!"

The field started shaking, but thanks to the separation it didn't affect the audience. She watched the water violent crash against the sides of the field, massive waves travelled back and forth. Her mind flashed back to the memories of taking down Aqua on those ships... with a hard swallow she pushed it away.

Shakily, the soaked ghost type slowly floated out of the pool. A jet of water shot up behind, shooting both up into the sky.

Emerging at the apex of the waterfall, Swampert was revealed with the magical Pokémon trapped in a bite. Spinning around, he sent her crashing down.

"What is she doing?!" Max cried. "Neither Katie or Mismagius are even trying to counter this?!"

With two ice covered fists, Swampert spun as he fell. Landing on top of the pure ghost type, the shockwave glew the water out to the sides, blocking view.

As the field settled once more, the fully evolved starter was revealed standing over the downed ghost. Waving his large hands in the air, the crowd erupted in applause as she felt the breath enter her body once more. It almost felt surreal as Brendan evened up the numbers from the first half.

Two red beams shot out of Mismagius' eyes. Striking Swampert's, he froze for a second. Falling to the side, both Pokémon lay on the platform.

"Both Pokémon are unable to battle!" the ref declared. "Following on from this round, Katie shall reveal her next Pokémon first!"

She frowned as Brendan recalled his fallen starter. "So much for him evening up the score."

"Katie was very well prepared," Brock mused, "after that sort of set up, she knew her chances of overpowering Swampert were slim, so she didn't even try."

"What do you mean?" Max asked.

"Think about it, destiny bond would've taken down any opponent," he explained, "but Katie wasted no time in going in that direction. And her comments to Brendan just threw him off more. Giving everyone but herself and her Mismagius that this was some sort of power struggle. I think she knew Swampert was his strongest Pokémon and just wanted to see what sort of power she'd be dealing with from her subsequent opponents."

"I guess Brendan has his work cut out for him," she muttered, sinking back into her seat. A red light flashed over the field, revealing Katie's next Pokémon.

A blue humanoid Pokémon stood on one of the platforms. Both of the hands and feet were webbed, having three clawed digits on each. With a sharp pointed tail sticking out of the behind, like a fin of some sort. Looking closer to the face, four spikes pointed backwards at the top of the head. The two-triangle red eye's glared across the field at her friend. A red gem sat centre forehead, sparkling in the sun, while a bill made up the mouth area. She pulled out her Pokédex and scanned:

Golduck, The duck Pokémon. The final evolved form of Psyduck. When it swims at full speed using its long, webbed limbs, its forehead somehow begins to glow. Strong psychic powers make their mental and physical capabilities almost equal

"A Golduck will really make a lot of use out of that water field." Brock mused. "Even with a solid match up, Brendan's going to have a tough time."

She clasped her hands together as her friend sent out his first caught Pokémon. Shiftry waved his fan-hands into an offensive stance. While she wanted to feel like he'd win given the typing, but Katie is smarter than that. Surely, she has a trick or three up her sleeve.

"Golduck verses Shiftry!" the ref declared. "Let the battle begin!"

Katie verses Brendan: Round eight

She felt herself smile as Shiftry lept high into the air, almost blocking out the sun with his shadow. Spreading his arms out, the fans acted like pseudo wings, carrying him over the water with ease. The duck Pokémon slowly backing up on the float towards the water.

Spinning in his dive, the wicked Pokémon sent a barrage of razor-sharp leaves down. Striking the water, it prevented Katie's Pokémon from diving in.

Landing to the side, his glowing fan-hand sliced to the side. Knocking the pure water type back to the centre of the platform, he moved with the momentum.

As if dancing on air, his second fan-hand glew a similar green with grass type energy. Moving in time with wind passing through.

"Disable!" Katie instructed.

The gem on Golduck's forehead glew bright red. Shooting out, it struck Shiftry's forehead, and he froze in place.

His fan-hands faded back to their regular set. Kicking up off his back, the pure water type knocked him back across the platform.

Crouching down, he barely took a second to leap at his opponent. Tackling him into the pool, both Pokémon disappeared under the surface.

Seconds passed as she looked to the underwater camera for a clue. She noticed Shiftry trapped under the pool, grimacing without Golduck anywhere near.

A massive jet of water shot up, revealing the grass dark type. He was sent of the get as Golduck lept onto the platform, waving his webbed hands in a similar way to Serena when using her telekinesis. Her eyes widened as she tried to think of some sort of escape for Brendan's first caught.

"Hey!" Max exclaimed. "That sort of looks like the combination you did with Spoink and Huntail back in the grand festival!"

As the jet fade, the wicked Pokémon fell back down. Charging forward, a blue ball of ESP erupted over Golduck's head.

Crashing into his opponent, both Pokémon went splashing into the pool. Leaving Brendan's Pokémon alone, Golduck floated on top of the surface as his opponent treaded water back to the platform. She felt a horrid pit in her stomach at the quick turn of events in the round.

"Well done, Golduck." Katie instructed. "Your work for this battle is done so return for now."

A red light shot out and recalled her duck Pokémon. While Shiftry made his way back onto the platform, on both knees, panting heavily as water dripped off.

"Katie has recalled her Golduck!" the ref declared. "She'll need to send out another Pokémon to continue the match!"

She watched the grass dark type coughing as he sat on the platform. Growing dread echoed in her lower stomach as she watched her friend, he was clearly considering what to do. If he switched out Shiftry, then he'd have to reveal his final member. No more surprises. While Katie has half her team remaining.

"This might be the beginning of the end." Brock muttered. "Katie's taking no chances. She's got a plan and I don't think it mattered who Brendan picked."

"What'cha mean?" Max asked.

"Soak turns the opponent into a water type, regardless of their previous typing." Brock stroked his chin. "It's an easy way to set up your own type advantage whilst weakening the opponents usual moves. And being near the end of the battle, her opponent doesn't have many options to switch and stop it."

"And Katie makes the most of her ability to substitute once more!" The announcer declared. "So, who'll she bring in to finish of Shiftry? And how will Brendan handle this sort of challenge?! There's only one way to find out!"

"You're up, Ampharos!" Katie shouted, releasing the fully evolved Pokémon onto the platform.

She took a second to take in the full appearance of the yellow, white bellied, bipedal Pokémon. Conical ears with black stripes stood out with a red orb on her forehead. The long neck had several black rings around near the base. Her stubby arms resembled flippers and each foot had a single white nail. A long, black-striped tail with a red orb on the end shone bright. She slowly pulled out her Pokédex to scan the new Pokémon:

Ampharos, The light Pokémon. The final evolved form of Mareep. Ampharos gives off so much light that it can be seen even from space. People in the old days used the light of this Pokémon to send signals back and forth with others far away. They're very friendly towards humans and Pokémon alike

"What did I tell you, an electric type would be difficult for any water type to handle and thanks to Golduck..." He shook his head. "Well, both of Brendan's remain Pokémon might as well be. Katie's got a strategy on full display, but I doubt it's that simple."

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"Take his Manectric for example, I know he fell in the first half but if he hadn't, it wouldn't matter if he got hit by soak," he explained, "his lightning rod ability would still neutralise any of Ampharos' electric moves. I think Katie's also got a strategy in case this plan fails."

"But what else could she have hidden?" Max asked.

"I don't know but she also still has one more Pokémon remaining." He mused. "And that unknown is her greatest advantage right now."

Biting down on her inner cheek, she sunk back into her seat. Focused on the field in front, she noticed Shiftry back on his feet, entering his own stance against the calm looking electric type. Her hands clenched together. She remembered Serena mentioning her own Ampharos from time to time over their journey but that hardly mattered here. She just hoped her friend could truly find a way around his current predicament.

"Ampharos verses Shiftry!" the ref declared. "Let the battle begin!"

Katie verses Brendan: Round nine

May beamed at the sight of Shiftry spinning on the spot. A funnel of leaves erupted around him. Bending at the top, the leaf tornado moved towards Ampharos. Tightening her own stance, she shot out a red and white beam from the gem on her forehead. It effortlessly burst through the opposing attack.

Using the fan-hands to catch the dispersed wind from his own attack, he ended high in the air. Spreading both arms out, a light blue tint of flying energy surrounded him.

Diving down onto the light Pokémon, his fan hands turned pure black. A purple outline surrounded them as they sliced down. A pain filled cry echoed over the stadium.

Landing on one knee, he brought them back up in an uppercut. Hitting the electric type under the chin, she stumbled backwards towards the edge of the platform.

"Now!" Katie commanded with a smirk.

Dipping her long tail into the pool, sparks jumped off her body in a flash. Water erupted all around them like some sort of geyser.

A thunderous roar bellowed over the stadium. Streams of electricity coloured the torrent covering both Pokémon.

Patters of water splashing back down cut through the eerie silence of the crowd. As the results came into view, her heart sank. A hot steam sizzled of the pool and Pokémon. Katie's electric type stood tall over Shiftry who lay face down on the platform. Static shocks bouncing off his body.

"Shiftry is unable to battle!" the ref declared. "Making Katie and Ampharos the victors in this round!"

She felt her heart ache as Brendan silently recalled his wicked Pokémon. He stared longingly at the device in his hand as a red light struck Ampharos, recalling the electric type. She couldn't help but hold her breath as the older female folded her arms with a hard stare to her friend.

"Katie has recalled her Pokémon." The ref declared. "As the one to lose last round, Brendan will need to reveal his Pokémon first."

"That's a power move," Brock muttered, "she's making her intention clear. With half her team left, she's got options to counter his last member. Not to mention the way she swiftly ended Shiftry. Katie is making a statement and she's making it loud and clear."

"Why would she do that to Brendan though?" Max asked.

"I don't think Brendan even comes into this for her." Brock shook his head. "No... I think she's doing this for Ash."

"Why Ash?" she asked.

"She is known for our thinking her opponents!" he explained. "But Ash isn't exactly the typical opponent she can do that. When backed into a corner, he can pull out some of the greatest moves. Instead, she's trying to get in his head to prevent that potential outcome."

"It's like that Paul guy he's mention before," Max replied, "the one he faced in the silver conference."

"Kinda but it's also different. Ash had a long history with Paul and that allowed him the chance to know Ash," he explained, "Paul knew Ash's team because he knew what sort of trainer Ash was. Katie doesn't have that insight, so her strategizing starts now."

"Why now?" she asked.

"Because she wasn't willing to call this match her's until this point," he replied, "and now it's like she's already fighting in the final."

May felt her heart stop at his words, she has felt Katie lead this match from the word go but to hear she didn't believe it... it's a little surreal. How could this happen to her friend.

"You're up, Hariyama!" He hollered tossing his device into the air.

With a heavy thud, his fighting type splashed down on the platform, submerging part of it in the water. Ripples echoed out over the water's surface.

"This should really heat things up." Katie smirked. "Go Ninetales!"

Her feline-fire-fox materialised on the opposing platform. Her shiny white fur shimmered under the sun which seemed to intensify at that very moment.

"I don't get why she would put herself in such a big disadvantage," Max mused. "I mean, Ninetales is horrible on a water field and Hariyama can have thick fat."

"Thick fat?" She enquired.

"it's one of a Hariyama's special abilities along with guts," Brock explained, "and it gives him a nice defence against fire and ice attacks which fighting types usually don't have."

"That makes Ninetales seem like a throw away then." She smiled.

"I don't think so." Brock frowned. "Katie has shown herself to be smart and calculating. Everything she's done has been for a reason."

"But what reason could she have?" Her brother asked.

"If I were to guess... Ninetales is fresh and able to give Katie chance to dissect their style." Brock shrugged. "Or we mentioned how she's trapped by the water, but Hariyama isn't exactly ideal either. And out of the two species one is built for close quarters fighting and the other long distance."

"which is it?" she asked.

"It could be either of them, both or something else entirely." Brock shrugged. "We can only find out by watching the battle."

Biting on her inner cheek, she turned back to the field. Both Pokémon stood on their respective platforms whilst in a battle stance. The ref raised both arms.

"Ninetales verses Hariyama!" the ref declared. "Let the battle begin!"

Katie verses Brendan: Round ten

She clenched her fists as spooky blue balls of fire popped orbiting around the fire fox. With a blood curdling eerie cry, she launched the will-o-wisp across the water.

"Arm thrust the water!" Brendan shouted.

Taking a step closer to the edge caused the platform to sink slightly, wetting the fighting types feet. Lifting his arms up, he smacked the heavy pads downs. Creating a wall of water from the splash. Each of the fire balls were extinguished. A bright beam of grass type energy shot through and hit his chest.

Landing on his back from the solar beam, ripple's echoed across the water. His platform wobbled back and forth as the waves washed over him.

"Roll!"

The pure fighting type did just that. Blue fire balls erupted on the platform, scorching the surface as Hariyama disappeared under the surface.

Squeezing her eyes shut, she could even breathe. Only looking again with a gasp from the audience. Her mouth dropped at the sight down on the field.

Brendan's arm thrust Pokémon was swimming across the water with great force. Massive amounts of water splash around, creating a protective shield from the flamethrower.

"Who would've thought a Hariyama of all Pokémon could swim?!" Max beamed. "I bet Katie wasn't expecting it either."

"I think your right." Brock smiled as the fire fox shot a stream of flames from her mouth. "But I'm not surprised Hariyama can swim... after seeing Ash's Snorlax, I think anyone can."

With one big leap, he flopped onto the second platform, semi-submerging it and leaving Ninetales to swim. She lightly paddled over the water with difficulty.

His lower legs were submerged in water as he stood on the underwater platform. Turning back to his opponent, he thrusted his padded hands into the water.

Massive waves shot out and roared over the field. Consuming the fire fox, they carried her further away from the platform and dragged her slightly underwater.

"Ninetales no!" Katie cried.

Crashing into the wall of the field, the wave dispersed. Ninetales remained floating in the pool with swirls in her eyes.

"Ninetales is unable to battle!" the ref declared. "Making the victor's in this round Brendan and his Hariyama!"

Jumping up from her seat, she rapidly clapped for her friends victory. Realising she was a little loud her display, she sat back down and mareepishly looked to see if anyone was looking at her. She felt her cheeks heat up at a snide laugh, but her embarrassment turned to anger at her brother.

"Shut it, Max." She puffed her cheeks in protest, crossing her arms and turning away from her younger sibling.

"I'm not the one bouncing off my seat." He snickered.

"Ah, this reminds me of home." Brock sighed happily. "Can't you two just get along?"

"So, what did you mean, Brock?" she asked. "How did Ash teach his Snorlax to swim?"

"He didn't." Brock smiled. "It's when they were travelling the orange archipelago and I was off doing something. They came across a series of islands growing grapefruit and Snorlax swam to them and began eating the harvest."

"But I thought that Snorlax normally lived in mountain ranges?" Max asked.

"Guess his didn't get the memo," he chuckled lightly at his own joke, shaking his head, "but after seeing a Snorlax swim, I'm not surprised by Brendan's Hariyama. I've even heard rumours that Rhydon are capable of surfing... now that would be a sight to see."

"But will it be enough for him to finish off Katie's last two Pokémon?" she asked.

"I don't think so." Brock frowned. "If she knew he could easily transverse the field then I don't think she'd have tried Ninetales. And we both know who her last Pokémon are. Golduck's not going to be trapped and Ampharos... well it's best he stay dry if she goes with her... with her soak and shock combo, I don't really see how Brendan could pull this one out... I'm afraid that he's met his match this time."

"Go Golduck!" Katie's voice echoed.

Turning back to the field, she noticed the water type return on the same platform as the fighting type. Extending clawed hands out to the side with a cry.

"Golduck verses Hariyama!" the ref declared. "Let the battle begin!"

Katie verses Brendan: Round eleven

Her breath struck in her throat as the pure water type pounced forward. Covering his opponents face with his body, he furiously swiped down onto the arm thrust Pokémon. The large Pokémon wobbled backwards as Katie's Pokémon let loose with his fury swipes.

Pushing back off the fighting type, Golduck landed in a crouching position. Spinning around, his tail spewed with water.

Whacking it into the unstable footing of his opponent, Hariyama fell backwards. Splashing into the pool and disappearing from sight.

Without wasting a second, he took off and dived after him. A smirk flicked upon Katie's lips. "Whirlpool!" She commanded

Moments later, a strong current started in the pool, dragging both of the platforms along with it. The water created a dent on the surface as the pure fighting type remerged treading water. Helplessly being dragged around by the strong current flowing through the field.

"Flow with the water and use Whirlwind!" Brendan shouted.

Instead of fighting the whirlpool, his arm thrust Pokémon just began riding the waves. Spinning on his spot, a torrent of air formed around him.

Using the pressure, he launched himself out of the current. Summersaulting the air, his body shimmered into metal, and he crashed down in the centre.

The heavy slam disrupted Golduck's concentration and waves from both sides crashed overhead. Both Pokémon were buried under the rapids.

Nearly a minute passed before Golduck resurfaced, frantically swimming away. A large, padded hand came up and whacked him on the head.

Spinning around, the gem on his head glew bright red. A single beam shot out and struck the pure fighting type. Bringing him to a halt.

Red balls of ESP formed around Katie's duck Pokémon and shot out. Each strike knocked Brendan's partner back.

With a deep breath, he exhaled and thrusted his hands against the water. His makeshift current blew Golduck out into open water. Hitting one of the platforms on his back, he turned and climbed onto the ground. Panting heavily, water dripped off the sumo wrestler, soaking the platform some more.

"Time to finish this, Golduck!" Katie hollered.

An arm of water stretched up from the field. With psychic energy surrounding the pool and a bubble of water lifted up. Hovering over, it engulfed the pure fighting type. Flapping his large hands around he tried to swim out but with him off the platform, it raised up into the air.

She felt her heart stop as the arm thrust Pokémon struggled to escape. The anguish on his face showing he couldn't hold his breath much longer.

"We forfeit!" Brendan shouted.

The bubble broke apart and he flopped down onto the platform. With the water running down, Golduck climbed up next to his trainer.

"Hariyama has been deemed unable to battle!" the ref declared. "Meaning Katie will be facing Ash Ketchum in the final!"

Later that night she walked across the street of Ever Grande which was quieter than previous. A few people and Pokémon littered the area, but the open markets were abandoned and left for the next day's trade. As she reached the city's edge which looked out over the ocean, her heart ached with the sea-salt air giving a reminder of Manaphy. A soft smile spread over her lips at the thought of the child-like Pokémon.

Stood by the rails looking out over the water horizon was Brendan. His arms crossed as he leaned on the metal bars. Putting on a smile, she approached with more of a kick in her step. Seeing him looking away did cause her to slow slightly before reaching him, "hey-"

"Huh?" He turned with a raised eyebrow, but his expression returned to the image of sadness once he saw her. "Hey May."

"H-hey Brendan." She took a deep breath to calm herself. "You know, I just wanted to say that you did great out there."

"Thanks, but you don't need to sugar-coat it." He sighed. "I was completely outmatched by Katie today."

"Yeah, but that just means you try harder next time." She encouraged. "You made it into the top four. After your match with Sakura, I bet you'll be in third-"

"Please May, I really don't need to hear this right now." He cut her off. "There's no way I could beat Sakura."

"But you-"

"-I'm the professor's son, right... it's so difficult because that's meant to automatically make me great or something-" He slouched. "You must get it, with your dad being a gym leader and now elite four member. Haven't you ever felt the pressure of your parents weighing you down?"

She bite down on her bottom lip and turned to look out over the ocean. She couldn't say it's exactly the same, but she did feel pressured into becoming a trainer because of his role. Max always took excitement in the prospect, but she was pushed away from the little creatures. Of course, she now loves all of them, but it didn't start out like that. If she thought about it, back when she first met Torchic, her goal was just exploring the world without anything to aim for.

"Yeah... I guess I do."

"I already know I'm not going to beat Sakura." He sighed. "I'm about to go tell the organisers to cancel the match."

"But why?" she asked.

"I've only got seven Pokémon, May... they've all be used multiple times during this tournament without much of a break-" he explained. "Swampert took part in two of my preliminaries and both of my full battles. He needs a rest and without him, I know Sakura will just end up on top."

"You're doing for them?" she asked.

"I know the pressure put on by others... I can't do the same to them," he replied, "maybe next time we'll end up making it further. I'll have more guys to spread out through the rounds but for right now... this is the only decision I can make."

"I heard Katie was meant to be a prodigy of her time..." She mentioned. "Maybe it wasn't such a devastating loss-"

"I'm not upset over the battle... on the contrary, I couldn't be prouder of the guys for how they've performed-" He sighed. "But I can tell why she's one of the favourites. Her constant switches was like play chess rather than a battle. It was difficult to keep track at some points."

"She overwhelmed you-" she uttered. Letting out a low sigh. "Look Brendan, there's something I need to say-"

"If this is-"

"-I know that I messed up. With Drew and how I treated you, but I need you to know that I've changed." She cut him off. "I know I was wrong to play with your feelings was wrong but if you just give me a chance-"

"May." He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You picking Drew hurt but... but that's not why I can't date you. You fell for someone, and it'll be hypocritical for to blame you for it."

"Then why?" Her voice cracked slightly.

"Because of how you acted when you two started dating." He slouched in his posture. "I can understand you distancing yourself from me at the time but how you treated Sakura in the Rustboro contest. Or even your friends following on from there. Yes, Drew might've had a part to play but so did you."

"I-I've changed-" she stuttered.

"Then I hope you find a great guy who'll treat you right." He offered a sympathetic smile. "But it just can't be me."

"B-but-" She swallowed hard against a lump in her throat. "W-what about what you did to Drew? At the festival?"

"I won't deny still having those feelings-" He sighed. "It's just too painful. I... I've got a little too much self-respect to be used like that. Goodbye."

"Where are you going?" she asked.

"Back home... let the guys rest up and spend some time with my parents-" he replied, "then we're heading off to the Alola region. Dad's doing some research with a professor over there and helping with the implementation of the PLA... and they have a coming-of-age test for young trainers. I think it's what I need."

"Alola doesn't have contests-" she uttered. "Is that why you picked the region?"

"Partly." He nodded. "I just need a fresh start. I do wish you well in wherever you go next. I hope you win a grand festival or whatever you end up doing."

As he walked away, she found herself chewing on her inner cheek. Pondering on the words which now echoed in her head. She knows she made mistakes during her journey, and not just in her romantic ventures.

Before her journey, she'd get him to 'help' with her homework with her teasing the crush she knew he had. Then after the promise of journeying together, she dropped him at the last moment for Ash and Serena. That left a rough patch but by the time they went fossil hunting, they seemed back on solid grounds. Of course, that's when Drew came in and she made a fool of herself towards Ash, Serena, Brock, Sakura and of course Brendan. By the time she saw her rivals true colours, it was too late.

Releasing a long sigh, she found herself stopped in the path. Part of her wanted to cry, to scream, the worlds not fair... but she could barely mumble a word of self-pity.

"You wanna talk about it?" A familiar voice echoed in her head.

"Huh?" She gasp.

Spinning around, she found none other than Serena. Seeing the honey-blonde girl open her arms, she practically threw herself into the gesture. Upon feeling the warm embrace from her friend, her damn finally broke. Sobs were muffled by the golden shirt her friend wore as tears leaked out uncontrollably.

"It's okay, May. Everything is going to be okay." She continued to whisper words of encouragement as her hand comfortably rubbed her back in a soothing manner. While she felt her heart ache in pain. "You might not believe this, but this is for the best."

"How can you even say that?!" She shot back.

"Because I believe everything happens for a reason," she replied, "and I also know you. The one thing you don't need right now is a boyfriend."

"Easy for you to say." She hissed. "You've got Ash on hand and foot. Ready to do whatever, whenever."

"Not really." She sighed. "In our relationship, we build each other up. Not one side to support the other. That sort of thinking is what let Drew-"

She winced and tightened her grip on the honey-blonde. Feeling her response with a more comforting rub on the back.

"Look May." She stated with a firmer tone of voice. "I know this isn't easy to hear but you need to. You're not ready for a relationship like that. And if you keep trying to force something which needs to happen naturally then you'll just end up hurting yourself and others again."

"But Max and Walley are-"

"You can't just compare yourself like that." She continued. "I think that those two are just... trying to figure themselves out and doing it with each other's help. Not to say it won't blossom into something more, but they haven't put that pressure on themselves. Just like me with Ash. We didn't start out like how you met us and if I had been as forceful as you've been with Brendan or even Drew then I doubt we'd be where we are now."

"I wasn't that forceful." She grumbled.

"Wanna bet?" She pulled out of the embrace to place her hands on her hips. "He told you at the start of the league that he only wanted to be friends. But you took that as friends into something else and because he never intended that, it's like you were shot down all over again. Every time you went in with heightened expectations and now, he doesn't even want friendship."

"Okay, you've made your point." She sighed.

"I'm only saying this because I care about you," she added, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Right now, you need to work on yourself, as a person, trainer and coordinator. It'll be good for both you and your Pokémon."

She inwardly frowned at the criticism from the older female. Part of her wanted to kick and scream about how unfair this was but she didn't. Some sort of magical force stopped her... because deep down, she knew it was correct.

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...