Ash glared at Drew, all the previous humor gone. "I told you to stop," he said, his voice like steel.
"If I stop, you'll never ge-"
"You're going too far," Ash cut in. He turned to May. "Sorry for dragging you into this, Sapphire. Have a nice night." Pikachu hopped onto his shoulder, and Ash walked to the other customers.
"Well, that went well," Drew stated optimistically.
"Rose," commented the grass type, rolling her eyes.
May turned to her companion. "How was that, in any way, good?"
"You're the first girl that hasn't been turned down outright. I consider that progress."
She glared at him. "Maybe he's telling you something."
Drew's humorous demeanor vanished, and he spoke with a sorrowful voice. "I'm just trying to help. He's been having a tough time this last month."
May, thinking of her mother, understood. "I can relate."
Drew gave her an apologetic smile. "Sorry I dragged you into this."
May got up to leave, and looking back at him, said, "I'm glad."
The next day May found herself once again wandering the streets of Petalburg. In her hand was a steaming cinnamon bun. The smell wafted around her as she took a bite, reveling in the delicious taste.
She was passing an alley when a blue figure streaked by her, making her lode her balance. She toppled over just as a black figure, bigger than the first, ran by. Puzzled, she got up, only to have something crash into her legs. Looking down, she realized it was the blue figure from before. Seeing it clearly, she recognized it as a Glaceon, but it was injured and weak.
A growl caught her attention, and when she looked up a Houndoom was scowling at the Glaceon. The ice type tried to rise, but her shaking limbs quickly gave out. The Houndoom took a breath, preparing to attack.
May scooped up the Pokémon at her feet and ran. The footsteps of their pursuer followed them as May turned into the alley. Not missing a beat, she jumped onto the windowsill of a building and climbed to the roof. The Houndoom slit his eyes and growled in contempt, but eventually strode away.
May let out a breath and turned her attention to the Glaceon in her arms. She stared up at May, eyes alight with curiosity.
Examining the Pokémon, May was relieved to see minor scrapes and bruises. However, her ribs were visible through her matted fur, and she stared hungrily at May's cinnamon roll. May offered it to Glaceon, who gobbled it down quickly. Moments later, they both filled their stomachs outside a small market.
"Are you alone?" May asked.
Glaceon, who had been resting on the bench, lifted her head and nodded.
The princess gave her a small grin. "Want to stay with me?"
The Glaceon started, not expecting the offer. After a long pause she nodded, sealing the deal.
May beamed at her new companion. "Fantastic."
That night they were passing through the town square when May noticed a familiar face on the fountain ledge.
"Pikachu!" she called.
He waved from his perch, but froze when he saw Glaceon, and a stunned expression overtook him. Conversely, the ice type sauntered by, her lips curved into a sly smile. Pikachu blushed and ducked his head.
"Fancy meeting you here." May recognized the voice as Ash's and glanced back at him.
She began to apologize for last night, but he interjected, saying, "It's alright, no need to apologize. I've been on edge for a while, but I shouldn't have taken it out on you two."
"Drew told me you've been upset."
He paused. "Nothing personal, of course, just that this last month has been hard," she blabbered, acting like a nervous wreck.
Ash sighed. "Follow me," he stated, and without checking to see if she was following, grabbed Pikachu and headed to the back of town.
"Lady Dawn! Lady Dawn! Urgent news for Princess May!" the servant ran into the room, breathless.
Dawn, who was preparing for bed, turned to the girl. "She's not to be disturbed," Dawn snapped, irritated at the late messenger.
"It's the king," whispered the maid.
At once Dawn filled with fear and dread. "What happened?"
The servant looked to the ground. "He has passed."
Dawn's face blanched. "It cannot be," she murmured. "It cannot be!" she repeated, louder, voice fraught with anxiety.
The maid just bowed her head. Tears streamed down their faces.
"It cannot be."