Chapter 16

There was no real time for thinking, Ash’s thumb slipped for the button on the pokedex that would hide the information from Misty’s prying eyes. It was not that he was really hiding the information from her.

Even if she read it, she would put it away in her mind as him being curious. No, the real danger would be in the others. They would figure out instantly what he was trying to achieve. Drew would laugh, Cilan would be amused and Paul would be emotionless on the outside while everyone knew he was laughing inside.

Even worse than all of that was the fact that each and every one of them would offer to help him. Like if, they thought he was unable to achieve the thing on his own. Or make fun of his choice. Ash flexed his fingers as he contemplated his choices.

This plan of his was for him to do on his own, he thought of it and was implementing it. The only help and assistance he was getting was from Professor Oak and Pikachu. There was no need for anyone else to find out before it was time.

“Ash?” Misty asked looking bewildered. “Didn’t you just hear me? I asked what you were doing.” Slumping her upper body, just a little Misty deposited the snacks on the table.

“Nothing really Misty.” Ash replied keeping his gaze steady as he claimed a snack for himself. “Just browsing and thinking about some Pokémon. That’s all.”

Misty burst into laughter as she regained her seat. “That is all? You looked so serious a moment ago. I thought you were going to throw the thing into the table or something.” Winking at him, she tilted her head to the side. “What’s the matter Ash? Run into a word you don’t know?”

“Hey! Just what are you implying here Misty?” Ash snarled at her feeling a flush rush across his face.

“Nothing, or should I say nothing really. I mean it just is that I happen to know a certain Pokémon trainer that has difficulty with words, and reading, and research, and let us not forget technology.” She finished with a huge grin.

Pausing for a moment, Ash allowed himself to be caught up in memories of the past. Back then, his next retort would be the spark that flamed this whole thing into a never-ending argument.

“Pika!” Pikachu said causing Ash to consider him as well. Usually the fight would be never ending until Pikachu ended it, painfully that was.

“Mistyyyyyy.” Ash drawled causing her to narrow her eyes. “You really can’t judge me for what I did back then. I’m better now, more responsible, and intelligent and technology savvy, of sorts.” He added on quickly.

The amusement on Misty’s face was enough for him, and the glimpse of what he recognised to be amazement. And there is no questioning why she is amazed, back then I was a real idiot. Still am in a lot of ways. Ash thought focusing on his snack.

“You really have become something Ash, but I always thought you were special.” Misty admitted keeping her gaze on the ketchup happy Pikachu. “To be honest Ash, you being a techno geek really scares me, I prefer to have Max as the really techno one if you don’t mind.”

“Fine with me. Max really is going to be something one day.”

“All the people who you meet and get to know you think that of.” Misty accused leaning across the table suddenly to steal the drink Ash was going for. The quick narrowing of eyes was the only thing that betrayed Ash’s irritation.

“When I get to know someone, I learn their skills and talents. I think of them using those kids using those skills and abilities and I see them making a better world for us or becoming a trainer that I will have to use all my strength to beat. And that Misty is a good thing.” Ash finished as he snagged another of the drinks on the table, it was not his preference but it would do.

“It is so weird having you talk like this Ash.” Misty laughed causing Ash to do the same. Even if the conversation from this point on faded away, he was content.

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Iris found Cilan exactly where she thought she would find him. Buried in the Pokecenter library preparing for his own event. Even though she made fun of him when he got just a little enthusiastic about his connoisseuring duties, she was right at the sidelines cheering him along his way.

Peeping around the corner, she watched as Cilan sat backing her surrounded by a lot of different books. He looked like he had been at it for quite a while. Cilan placed one of the books to the side and Iris caught the briefest glimpse of the subject, Pokémon and Trainers, How to spot a healthy relationship.

It was obvious that Cilan was planning to make notes for himself and then maybe study elsewhere. Iris bite her lip trying to decide whether she should intrude or not. She knew most likely he would not mind her intrusion, but his event was tomorrow.

As she watched him undecided Iris watched as Cilan sighed heavily place another book down and roll his shoulders tiredly. That cemented her choice in her mind. Cilan needed some sort of break. Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves Iris gingerly stepped around the corner and approached Cilan.

“Cilan?” She queried looking down at him. Cilan looked up at her before offering a tired smile.

“Iris. What’s the matter? Do you need anything?” He said while gently placing the book back on the desk and turning to fully face her.

“Well.” Iris began as she pulled a chair from a nearby desk next to his chair. “I think you need to take a break. How long have you been at this? You look exhausted.”

“You may be right.” Cilan said wearily as he watched Iris sit in the chair next to him. “I really think I should take a break, none of this is new material anyway, just different ways of looking at it. I was using it to relax and take my mind off tomorrow.”

“Exactly how,” Iris began as she reached over him for another one of the books on the desk The Difference Between Bond and Need. “Is studying relaxing? Because this is studying to me.” She finished holding the book high out of Cilan’s reach.

“Because.” Cilan said frowning at Iris as he reached for the book only for her to keep it out of his reach again. “Because I already know this material, so when I read this and quiz myself I feel better and prepared.” Making a sudden move Cilan managed to seize the book from Iris’ grasp and return it to its original pile.

“That makes no sense when it comes to relaxing.” Iris pointed out to him. She was surprised when Cilan nodded in agreement.

“It’s more like I’m torturing myself here. I want to be ready for tomorrow. I think I’m ready for tomorrow but I don’t know. I know this is all just training but I want to win. I have to win, if only because the others trying are so inadequate.”

Iris watched as Cilan leaned back in his chair his gaze looking beyond something she could see. The tension before in his body appeared to be dissipating as he talked on. She was right, almost. Cilan needed a break but not the one she had been thinking. He needed to relax and unwind his mind, not merely his body.

“I practice my skills every chance I have, observe every trainer I have the fortune to meet and access their Pokémon to the best of my ability while learning and yet I still don’t see what I am missing. All that I try, I just can’t seem to advance. There is something that is right in front me, but Iris all I look I can’t see it. That is what troubles me.”

Cilan turned his gaze to Iris’s one. His tone was calm but she had to keep her shock down at the turmoil in his.

“Iris, this is my dream, something I want to become perfect at. Yet no matter where or how I look and can’t get any better.”

“Cilan, you can’t expect that the answer will be easy to find. The things that are so easy to find out are sometimes found out through help or continuous hard work. The answer for you may not be apparent right now, but with us helping you work hard you will find it.”

Lowering her voice Iris continued conscious of their surroundings. “Cilan you know that everyone’s path is different, with different obstacles and mini paths inside. We can offer advice but it is up to you to take it. We can tell you what we observed but it is up to you to see it too. Once you don’t give up nothing matters eventually you will see, and feel great about it.” Iris finished.

Cilan started to laugh softly. “Do you know how much you sound like Ash right now? I guess he really rubs off on you. His ideas really do catch on.”

Iris laughed in agreement. “He is such a kid but he does have a good point about most things. Like never giving up and you can overcome anything once you have the will to try. Cilan how many times have we watched Ash do what we thought was impossible and encourage us to do something that we thought was beyond us?”

“Too many times to count.” Cilan said as he pushed back his chair.

“Wait, Cilan!” Iris said pushing her chair back also. “Where are you going?”

“We are going outside to sit and relax. I know you prefer outside.” Cilan said as he began to pack away the various books. As he turned to heave a rather heavy one on its shelf, he missed seeing the indulgent smile Iris aimed at him.

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Paul had no problems with mornings. Most of the time he welcomed them as much as he could. The earlier the morning that meant the more time he had toward to training or travelling. Today however he was the first to get up and see the streaks of daylight. And he hated it.

Frowning as he swung his legs to the floor Paul considered his feelings. It was not that he hated the morning. He just for the moment was unhappy of what it meant.

This morning the girl group would be moving on to the next town while the stuff shirt Cilan competed in his event or whatever it was.

Dawn had an event that was the next day, which was why the girls were rushing ahead. Slumping his shoulders a little Paul silently made his way towards the bathroom. He found the sooner he got dressed and away from the others he was able to keep his frame of mind for the day.

He knew that Dawn was prepared for the collection ahead of her. He had evaluated her himself to help her. Well helping her had not been his full intention, he just wanted to be near her and watch her techniques, see if he could pick up anything useful to comment on.

Then she had spotted him and after a very long awkward moment. Paul grimaced to himself as he eyed his reflection. After he had considered stalking away she had called him closer and begged him for help in her presentation.

He really did not understand the whole Pokémon Collection thing but he had to admit she knew who to make it less girly. He would not come out and say it would be something he would go to watch but he knew if Dawn was in it he would do his best to be in the crowd observing.

Her take on style was something else; he knew others would be vain and style the Pokémon to suit them, but not Dawn. Not his Dawn, the only one conforming would be her. He wished he could watch it in person but just watching the un edited un perfected routine alone with her was just as good. Especially as he got to watch as everything came together.

Stepping into the shower stall and turning on the hot water Paul shook his hair before flicking it back in a way similar to Drew. He knew for sure even though they would be separating for a while and that he would not be seeing her perform he still was content.

All of those gathered to watch her perform did not watch her attempts to bring the whole thing together. See the thrown away plans and routines. He was the only one. That was something that none of them would have. Smiling inside Paul concentrated on hurrying so he could get food before the others bothered to wake.

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Misty stood with Dawn and May ready to leave. The sun was warm but not too bright for them. Yet again, she was saying goodbye to Ash. Even if it was for a few days, it made her uneasy and sad. He stood with them all, Paul, Cilan, Drew and Iris, to tell them goodbye. And in the case of Dawn, good luck.

Cradling her egg in her hands Misty took a deep breath. It was just a few days, nothing to panic over, they had been separated for longer than that. Nevertheless, the fact remained that Ash shared her unease.

He stood next Cilan a smile on his lips for them, but his eyes held only sadness. Misty knew that she was the only one who could see it, or more like bothered to see it. Drew and May looked uncomfortable while Paul and Dawn kept sneaking looks at each other. The two sensible ones in her opinion were Iris and Cilan and Iris just kept looking at Cilan and rubbing his shoulder in a way of comfort Misty guessed.

Her legs felt like lead and her throat dry but Misty knew the longer they delayed, the harder it would be. Not just to say goodbye, but to go on forward to the next town. They had a lot of ground to cover.

“Well Misty, you guys.” Ash began running his hand through his messy hair. “You guys should start to be on your way. You have quite a way to go. Let us not forget you need some downtime after you get there Dawn.” Ash finished aiming a true smile in her direction.

“Right Ash! No need for you to worry, we will be fine! No problem at all!” Dawn said giving Ash her full attention.

“She’s right Ash, don’t be so fussy!” May teased keeping her gaze away from Drew. “I mean hearing about all this responsibility stuff from you really doesn’t fit if you get my meaning.” She finished to the amusement of the others.

“Wait! Now see here!” Ash began as he made a few steps closer to Dawn and May. Misty smiled for it was obvious just how much Ash wanted to start an argument with them.

“Not the time Ash!” Iris called out leaving Clan’s side to tug at Ash’s shirt. “Stop being such a kid and say goodbye so they can go on their way safely and Cilan can go to his event.”

“Which reminds me.” May said taking the opening offered. “Good Luck to you Cilan. I know you will do your best.”

“And I.” Dawn put in hurriedly.

“And also I.” Misty finished. “Drew, Iris, Paul. It has been so nice being with you here and I cannot wait to see you later on.” Winking at Drew then Iris Misty continued. “Especially you two. Can’t wait until next time.”

“Right, everyone has said goodbye. So send them on their way.” Paul said to the frowns and shock from May, Iris, Ash and Cilan and the amusement from Drew, Dawn and Misty.

“You heard the man.” Misty laughed as she began her trek down the path from the Pokémon Centre to the road leading to the next town. May and Dawn followed her. Dawn with laughter and May with bemusement.

Before they got too far all three of them turned around to wave at the small group gathered at the Pokémon Centre. Misty did not know it they saw the frantic waving but she felt all the better for looking back.

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Unlike the other events, Cilan’s was a whole lot different. Instead of an arena or a stage, he was in a school. It fitted. Considering he was about to be tested he supposed the best place for him to be would be a school.

That did not stop his nerves though. The test would be theory through practical. Standing by himself outside the school Cilan considered his options.

Most likely this test would be all about bonds. The key to a connoisseur. He was fairly adept at that, but he had to be prepared for any surprises.

Closing his eyes Cilan ran through in his mind the many times he had been fairly surprised at the ending results of pairs between humans and Pokémon. Especially in the cases of children, the most unpredictable of all.

If the test today involved a child, then winning would be one of the hardest things for him to do in quite a while. Children were such complex things.

“Cilan, don’t go wasting that calm from last night, you are going to win this.” Came from behind him. Turning around Cilan was greeted to the sight of Iris contemplating him with Axew in her arms gnawing on an apple.

“Iris.” He murmured before turning back to study the building. He heard he step closer to him and a brief smile flitted across his face.

“You are going to win, I just know it! But you won’t if you keep worrying like this.” Iris said to his back.

“I’m not really worrying more than I’m thinking about what is to come.”

“Even that you should stop. Relax.”Iris’s hand rested on Cilan’s shoulder before she tugged him to face her. “Clear your mind and take this as it comes. Forget about your opponents and pretend it is just another evaluating time.” She finished with a sad smile.

Cilan hesitantly placed his hand on the hand she left on his shoulder. “I thought that you hated evaluating time Iris.”

“I don’t hate it, just that you tend to go on a bit too much for my liking.” Iris said brightening up as she removed her hand from his and his shoulder.

“That is a true Connoisseur for you. We give you down to the minute details. No stone unturned no aspect left unexamined. All in the least amount of time.” Cilan said perking up as he straightened his tie.

“Iris! Come let us walk to the scene of my imminent victory together!” Cilan said brandishing his arm for Iris to take.

“Now that is more like the Cilan I know!” She laughed taking his arm. “Careful about that ego of yours. We really need to get it into the school.”

“Getting it in the school will be no problem. After I win I’m going to need your help to get out the school!” Cilan declared to Iris’s delight.

“That’s more like it!” Iris giggled as they marched through the doors.

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Drew had no problem with cheering someone on. But when he had to do it from behind closed doors where they could not see him it really defeated the purpose. Sitting on a school bench along with Ash, Paul and a jittery Iris waiting for Cilan to come out of the hall was not his idea of fun.

“All I was saying.” Paul grumbled darkly. “All I said Iris was that it is stupid to sit here waiting for whoever knows how long for him to come on out. He can’t see us waiting, we can’t see him doing whatever, so it’s pointless. It’s time wasted.”

Drew had to agree. Silently though. Iris appeared determined to sit there and wait for Cilan to come out. Not to mention the moment that Ash and Paul barely mentioned how pointless the whole ordeal was, Iris was like a prickly Cacturne.

Iris fidgeted on the bench before shooting an anxious look towards the clock hanging overhead. Drew felt somewhat sorry for her. It was obvious the poor girl carried some deep feelings in her. Moreover, Cilan had looked like he really depended on her to be there waiting for him.

“Iris.” Drew prompted her. The only sign that she had heard him was the flinch she did when he spoke. Drew closed his eyes for a quick second. At least she was listening.

“Look, Iris.” Ash said surprising Drew somewhat. He expected Paul to be the one to push not Ash. It was not too apparent but Ash really babied Iris, refusing to push her when it looked like it would really be emotionally damaging.

“Iris, we aren’t saying that we don’t want to support Cilan in our own way. But you have to admit, sitting here for who knows how long? Kinda boring don’t you think? Since Cilan’s going to win this we can at least go and get some food and something to entertain us while we wait. Or even do some light training outside.”

Iris raised her head slowly before flicking a glance at Ash. “I guess. I mean this may take a while Connoisseurs are a lengthy lot. I mean, look at Cilan!” She finished in a smile. Axew popped out of her hair with a happy cry waving his tiny arms in glee.

“See Iris? Even Axew is in favour of doing something as we wait.” Ash continued as he rose up from his seat transferring Pikachu from his lap to his head as he went. Pikachu collapsed over Ash’s hat as Ash stretched his body.

“How about I take Axew with Pikachu and me and while you stay out here, we will get some fresh air. That way you can wait and we can check up on you later.”

Iris barely had given her consent and Axew was out of her hair in a flash. Drew heaved a sigh before following along.

“I really think that sitting here was a drag on the nerves. I’ll go with them and make sure Ash doesn’t get them all killed with his boundless energy.”

“Hey Drew take that back!” Ash yelled on the defensive.

“Have you already forgotten that a test is going on in here? If you are going to yell, do it outside where it can’t disturb anyone. Genius.” Drew muttered as he stalked past Ash.

All too soon, both Drew and Ash had left leaving Paul and Iris alone.

“You don’t have to stay here and be with me.” Iris whispered to the floor. “I know you see this as pointless.”

“Yeah, I know. But I don’t mind being here. It is quiet now so I can rest my body and think. It is not as if I have another tournament for right away. Presides I really want to do some thinking. You want to wait here looking all anxious for Cilan and I want to be alone with my thoughts. Makes sense to stay here.” Paul grunted closing his eyes and resting back.

Iris flushed uncomfortably. Paul could be really harsh, yes she was waiting anxiously for Cilan but did he have to say it the way he did? It made her sound all needy. The last thing she was, was needy. Look at all the things she had done!

She was a great trainer, just because she was worried about someone else did not make her needy. Presides, Iris sent a narrow glance towards Paul. He was the one hiding in gardens spying on Dawn silently.

She had not meant to see it but she did, Paul may try to make it look otherwise but he had a firm interest in the blue haired coordinator.

The door to the hall opened suddenly causing Iris to jerk up reflexively. A sullen looking man dressed to the nines stormed out causing the door the slam shut loudly.

“That is enough of THAT junk.” He declared angrily looking to turn away as he straightened his waistcoat.

“Wait right there!” Iris suddenly shouted causing Paul and the man to both flinch in shock. “I want to ask you a question so don’t go anywhere just yet!”

“You want me to explain what is going on in there?” The man asked with a frown on his face after Iris made her request. “Don’t really get why you would want that but I guess I can tell you since I’m out. It is an elimination process, the losers leave the last one standing wins. Simple one would think but those questions are something else!”

Looking even more sullen than before the man stepped away from Iris prepared to leave. “The others are really strong too, and a lot more experienced than I am right now. Even with me being a B class. Specially that one.” He continued to mutter.

“Wait!” Iris called out again. “What one seemed really strong? See I’m waiting on my friend in there.” She continued when the man turned to face her again.

“Your friend little missy?” The man asked looking like he was thinking back. “If he ran into that kid in there he really is into trouble.”

Iris slowly turned pale. “Kid? Just who is he?”

“Oh.” The man said looking more and more calmer by the minute. “Cilan I think it is. Knowledgeable for a kid and all. Strong too, I think he came from Unova or something. As the others come out you’ll learn more. I really can’t help you seeing as I was knocked out of the first round.” Smiling at the dawning relief on Iris’s face the man turned around and started his trek down the hallway.

“Good luck to you and your friend little missy!” Then he was gone, the first knock out of the exam.

“You should have greater faith in him.” Paul mumbled to Iris. His head was resting on the wall his eyes closed. It appeared he was going to go back to his thoughts.

“I do have faith in him. But there are some things you can’t overcome. In addition, I plan on being here waiting. Whether it is to console him, or to cheer him on and congratulate him. I want it to be a celebration, but I know that a loss is an unavoidable reality.” Iris paused gathering her thoughts before continuing.

“As each person comes out, Cilan will be thinking about me. About us, all of us. He knows I’m waiting out here and that I’m going to see each person leaving here. He knows in his heart that I’m cheering him on. Even if he can’t see me. Every time he advances and the losers leave, Cilan knows I’m cheering him on, even if he can’t see me.”

Paul remained silent for a while after Iris had finished speaking. Tilting his head in her direction and opening his eyes, he contemplated her figure next to him. Her gaze was fixed firmly on the doors but her hands were calm and relaxed. It was apparent that she had thrown all her faith in Cilan, was expecting the opponents to leave, not Cilan, she was ready to ride this one out. Paul’s lips tilted up in a rare half smirk.

“I’m sure he appreciates your effort, after all, he could not have expected the rest of us to stick around waiting for him to win. Guess he really needs your support, because as a guy I would rather turn up at the end of something like this, but you. You really are going to sit here, on this hard bench and wait. How silly, but admirable.” Paul said tilting his head back against the wall again and closing his eyes once more.

Iris took her gaze from the closed doors to consider Paul. She guessed he really was not that bad. She had heard Ash and even Drew comment on just how smart Paul really was but she had not expected how intelligent and people wise he was.

“He does appreciate it.” Iris said quietly. It was true; Cilan did not have to say a word for her to know how happy he was with her. In their travels that had reached a sort of silent communication between themselves.

Before Iris could think about it any deeper the door, leading to the exam opened again and a group of two depressed looking guys trooped out. None was Cilan and her heart soared.

“Hey there!” Iris called out to them starting the cycle again. Paul’s half smirk tilted into a full-blown grin. This girl really was something else. She was planning on questioning each person that came out. Not even considering the losers were in a bad mood.

At least at first they were. Tilting his head towards the others Paul tuned into the conversation. The two guys may have been depressed coming out. But talking to Iris, Paul quickly sat up considering what he was seeing. The two guys were hiding full blown grins as they were being questioned. No doubt, they saw a worried girlfriend waiting for her boyfriend.

Girlfriend. Paul tilted his head considering the word and the implications. Iris was a girl, and she was the friend of all of them, even him. But towards Cilan her actions could be seen in a different light almost girly. He had never seen how she was over Ash, but this was way more desperate and worried than when she was watching Misty and Drew.

Upon receiving the news that Cilan was continuing to fair well Iris slumped back down to the amusement of the two guys. Her relief was obvious and had cheered up the two losers somehow. That Paul failed to understand. They were weak and they were happy to see the happiness of the strong. It made no sense.

“Feh.” Paul muttered closing his eyes again. He felt Iris turn to look at him but he kept his head back and his eyes closed. Time was moving too slow for his liking. Just how much longer would they have to wait in this place?

An hour passed with more people leaving, not all were as nice as the three first leaving. One girl had huffed her way past ignoring Iris every step of the way. A sore loser. Others had given the barest of details before leaving solemnly.

“Just those two left ma’am.” An older man stated rubbing the back of his hand against his head. “So your guy should be out any minute just be calm about it.” Laughing loudly at something the older man left.

Iris slumped relieved back to her seat. “This is it! I know he can do this. Cilan is going to win!”

“Hey.” Drew’s voice came drifting down the hallway. Looking up Paul saw the coordinator along with Ash, the Axew and Pikachu finally coming back.

“You mean it isn’t over yet?” Ash asked releasing Axew from his arms so the Pokémon could run back to Iris.

“No. More like you got here just in time to see the final moments. The next person to walk out this door is the loser. The person after that is the winner.”

Drew sat down next to Paul and sighed loudly. “Just how long is this thing going to take? I thought Ash over there was going to eat every single piece of food in the market.”

“That’s where you went?” Paul asked not caring about the answer.

“Yeah, and to get a good feel about the road we need to take to catch up with the girls. We can’t set out until the morning so we are going to miss Dawn’s collection event. Sorry.”

“What makes you think that I care about that?” Paul said slowly.

“No reason. Just letting you know so you don’t get grumpy later. I mean, somebody was paying a lot of attention to a certain blue haired girl that should have nothing to do with them.” Drew paused and flicked his hair back before continuing. “Unless someone has a hidden interest. In that case, I say good luck I’m staying out of it.”

“You should.” Paul grunted fighting back a smile. “Else the someone may have to criticize the way you do things.”

Drew raised an eyebrow at Paul and snorted then turned away. But not before Paul saw Drew smirk at the corner of his eye. It did not matter. All was good. All they needed was for Cilan to hurry up and.

The sound of the door being thrown open in a flourish stopped Paul’s wayward thoughts. A severely over dressed boy was striding out the doors his face set angrily. There was no guessing who the loser was unless the upset face was over the winner’s gift. In that case, Paul guessed he could understand the upset face.

But he guessed it was about losing because Cilan along with some studious looking men were following and the stuff shirt looked joyful.

“Cilan!” Iris cried out running for the connoisseur arms outstretched.

“Iris!” Was Cilan’s response reaching out to catch the girl. “I did it! I won!”

“I knew you would Cilan. I never doubted for a moment.” Iris said her face pressed tightly to Cilan’s chest. Paul found himself raising and eyebrow at the display. That had escalated rather quickly. No the matter at hand was, did he interrupt them or let them have a moment?

“Hey! Do that later! We knew he was going to win. Now, if the book in his hand is the prize can we please get out of here?” Drew said standing up. “We gotta be on the road by morning; if I leave you two here like that I doubt you would be ready by then.

Flushing the two separated quickly. “Jeez Drew, you really are rude.” Iris huffed.

“Just tired of the day and want to get on our way. NKlean City is quite a walk so we want to be well rested. Presides do you really want to keep Ash and Misty separated more than you have to? I mean look at the guy. He looks so hopeless.”

“Hey!” Ash snapped finally getting into the conversation. “Drew you take that back!” Paul sighed as he stood. It was finally over. Soon he would be back to his favourite new hobby after battling and becoming stronger. Keeping an eye on his little Blue.

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Drew had to admit. After they got away from the school and back to the Pokémon centre, time really seemed to have speeded up. It only took them a half a day to make it to NKlean City. Good timing, not good enough for Paul who missed Dawn’s collection by a whole day. But good enough that they would be able to see the girls.

“They went to the battling arena?” Ash asked Nurse Joy sounding utterly confused. “Why would they do that? It isn’t like they were signing up to do something.”

“Well, that is what Misty told me.” Nurse Joy said with a smile. “She said they were going to the battling arena. It should be in the final round now so you better hurry.”

She did not need to say so twice. The words were barely out of the nurse’s mouth before Ash had taken off for the Pokémon Centre’s doors. That boy was really reckless. Hs poor Pikachu was hanging onto his hat for dear life. When it came to Misty Drew guessed the boy did not think one bit.

“Guess we better go too.” Cilan said as he and Iris took after Ash.

“I’m walking there.” Paul grunted shoving his hands into his pockets and stalking towards the doors.

“I agree.” Drew muttered softly.

Upon reaching the battle arena and locating Ash and the others, Drew noticed something seemed to be wrong. They stood on the arena balcony, not searching the crowd or anything but staring down onto the stage.

Even Paul was transfixed, making Drew even more curious as to what could possibly be happening down there.

“What’s going on?” Drew asked as he caught up to them. Then he stopped to stare down at the opponents. May along with some guy wearing a green headband similar to May’s along with a white knit cap along with a similar code of dress as May’s.

Drew was pretty darn sure this boy was not her brother. He looked like the same age as May or a year older. He had on an orange striped black shirt with the same colours for shoes, except that green was mixed in the shoes. Striped black  and gray pants and an arrogance that Drew could feel from where he was. This guy was no coordinator, he was a trainer a pretty good one.

There was a loud crash causing Drew to take his eyes off the suspicious male to the Pokémon at work. The guy was using a pretty powerful looking Aggron which had just had a move deflected by May’s...May’s Rapidash?

“Just when did May get a Rapidash?” Ash asked Drew’s question.

“I don’t know. But it sure looks determined and strong.” Cilan said not turning his eyes from the match.

Deep inside Drew was frozen. Just when had May caught such a strong Pokémon?

“Rapidash! Again! Use stomp!” The Pokémon’s speed was just incredible to Drew. It moved so fast that it seemed for just a moment that it had disappeared. It had a very unusual colouring as well. White fur with black streaks. May certainly was lucky.

“Just wait for it to come Aggron! Keep your eyes open and move when I say!” Came from that guy. Drew gritted his teeth. He did not like how this guy was treating this battle with May.

“Look all you want you can’t dodge this one or block it Brendon!” May laughed waving her hand back. “Use stomp NOW Rapidash I know you can do it!” Drew narrowed his eyes. He had a name, Brendan. He hated the boy.

“That’s what you think May! You aren’t thinking right. It’s coming from the left Aggron use Iron Head!” Drew was left watching, as Rapidash appeared to strike from the left as Brendan said only to be countered. With a move that sent both Pokémon flying back.”

“Piiiiika PikaPi. Pika.” Drew was jolted out of his watching, as were the others to turn and see Pikachu frantically trying to get Ash’s attention. The little mouse was waving it’s little hands in the air frantically pointing down at the field as Ash narrowed his eyes down on the field as well.

“I know little buddy, or at least I think I do. That guy, he seems so familiar. Do you recognise him?” Ash asked fixed on the Brendan guy.

“Piiika Piiika!” Was the answer followed by more jumping around.

“Well now ain’t the time little buddy.” Ash picked up Pikachu and placed him back on his head. “We will deal with this later, like when this match is over.”

“May, you are good, but you have so much to learn before you can defeated me and Aggron here. Now we finish this! Aggron use Double Edge!”

“Rapidash I know you can win! Use Flare Blitz!” May cried out jumping up and down. “You are the strongest and the best! You can do it RAPIDASH!” She screamed closing her eyes with the scream.

As both Pokémon charged towards each other Drew was left watching the trainers. Brendan still had his little arrogant smirk, while May, May looked excited. She was really enjoying this battle that had nothing to do with coordinating and everything with just brute strength and strategies.

The sound of the two Pokémon colliding vibrated throughout the arena. Smoke rose from the field illuminating those on it in a dark shadow. Coughing along with the crowd, Drew waited for the dust to clear. Both Pokémon were still standing. So it was not a knock out after all.

However he had thought too soon because the Aggron slowly toppled over while the Rapidash remained proudly upright.

“And THERE we have it!!” A voice boomed from the speakers. “The Winner is May!! Why is not this a surprise!! The tower king beaten by just a slip of a girl? Well well stranger things have happened. Lets give it all up for May!!”

He really did not need to add on the last part because the crowd was going wild with cheers. Not that May paid any attention. She along with the Brendan guy, the tower king or whatever. Were seeing to their Pokémon.

Drew watched as they both returned their Pokémon then faced each other.

“Gotta admit May.” Brendan called out to her walking with his hand outstretched. I really thought that no matter what I had you beat. It is nice to be wrong in this case. Next time I won’t lose.” He finished laughing.

May’s reaction was to run laughing to her opponent and throw herself laughing into his arms. Shocking the arena, Ash and company and mostly Drew.

Brendan swung her around, supported her body weight and started to laugh as he carted his rival off stage. Drew guessed they were going to the waiting room.

“Well is not that the cutest thing ever?” The MC boomed. “Rivals or not those two certainly know how to give a great battle and show no hard feelings what so ever.”

Angrily Drew turned away to look at the vast crowd that was no beginning to laugh and chuckle amongst themselves. His turning to look at them allowed him to spot a familiar red head walking her way up the stands with a blue haired companion.

Obviously, they were heading to the waiting room. Drew saw the others had seen what he had and were ready to set off in that direction too.

Just who was this person?

*******************************************************************************

“Hey you guys!” Misty said when they walked and Drew stormed, into the waiting room. “You made it!! Sort of.” Misty, Dawn and May were sitting surrounding that guy Brendan. Brendan was sitting close to May having obviously been indulging in a close conversation.

Seeing them next to each other really boiled Drew’s blood. They looked so perfect together. Their outfit matched and they looked all couple like. Just that one was a not so bad coordinator and the other was a trainer, a tower king.

The guy’s head had snapped up at their arrival. His arrogance was not as strong as before so maybe it was just a persona for the stage. Either way it irked Drew.

“Hi there!” He said smiling big. “None of you know me. Well not directly, you should. But I’m Brendan; I’m May’s good friend!” He continued holding up his hand, which was linked with May’s. Drew shoved his hands in his pockets violently as his vision flashed red.