Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon. Honestly, these things get boring after a while. I mean, why would I own Pokemon. Preposterous.

CHAPTER 7

MAY'S POV

I tapped my foot impatiently as I waited for Paul in front of Professor Oak's office. I glanced at my watch, and noted that it was almost 6:30. I growled to myself angrily and started pacing.

I really wanted to leave as soon as possible. Capturing Ho-oh and Lugia meant going to Johto, and it takes about three hours to get there by flying. If we left as soon as possible, we could make it to a city there in time to actually get some sleep.

And I really need my sleep. Really.

I looked up then to see Paul nonchalantly walking towards me, his hands shoved into his pockets.

"What, did you stop for noodles on the way here?" I glared at him, throwing my hands up in exasperation, "Come on, let's go talk to the Professor." I turned and stalked into the Professor's office.

"Ah, May, Paul, good to see you two," the Professor looked up at us. Paul closed the door behind us and we quickly approached his desk. "I'm assuming you two are the first pair to be leaving?"

Paul nodded, and I said, "That's right Professor. We were wondering if you have any suggestions for us, about Ho-oh and Lugia."

"Right," the Professor put down the papers he was reading, "Ho-oh and Lugia. Well, this is interesting. Well, I guess it's a good think you're going first, since it would be useful if Dawn has the feathers from the two birds, since she needs to get Celebi. Well, I just have to say that these birds are very powerful. Ho-oh is a fire and flying type, while Lugia is a psychic and flying type. I think, you need to win them over in ways other than through a Pokemon battle."

"We're not going to battle them?" Paul asked sharply.

"No, that's not what I meant," Professor Oak shook his head, "This applies to all eight of you, not just you two. See, these Pokemon are very powerful and, while I am definitely not doubting you battling ability, it may not be enough. You need to make sure to use every bit of your talents and abilities with Pokemon to win them over. Think outside the box, understand?"

"Yes, we got it professor," I nodded solemnly.

As we got up to leave, the Professor called, "Good luck you two. And remember, these legendaries were chosen based on your auras. Don't doubt your abilities with them." We nodded and left his office.

"So, what's the plan?" Paul asked me as we made our way out of the school.

I was kind of surprised he was asking me. I mean, it's not like I was good friends with Paul so I didn't really know him really well. But still, he was a classmate of mine, and I knew that he was kind of a really proud person. He isn't really the kind of person to ask someone else for ideas or help.

But then again, I am the seasoned spy here.

"Well, there's a good way for us to leave through the hideout," I told him, "Do you have any flying types?"

"Um," Paul shook his head, "I've got a Honchkrow, but…"

"Yeah, that won't work," I said musingly, "Well, I guess you could ask Gary for his Pidgeot. He's always offering it to us for these things." Paul nodded and I continued, "Okay, then, get Gary's Pidgeot and meet me at HQ in like ten minutes!" I said cheerily before turning and sprinting towards my dorms.

I dashed into my room, which was empty because Dawn was probably out getting dinner. I grabbed my bag and shoved everything I needed in it.

My Pokenav.

My Pokedex.

My Pokeballs.

My Pokemon Center all-you-can-eat- noodles coupon.

Then, I left a note for Dawn, and hurried over to the elevators. Considering how fast I had packed everything, I was really surprised to see Paul already at the headquarters, sitting absently.

"Hey, that was fast!" I commented, walked towards him, "Did you get Gary's Pidgeot?"

"Yeah," he said, getting to his feet, "Except he wasn't there, so I just kind of took it."

"You took it!" I gasped, giving him a disapproving look, "How could you?"

"Relax," he rolled his eyes, "I left a note."

"Well,' I said thoughtfully, "I guess that's acceptable. Let's go, then!"

We stepped into the elevator thingy that would take us to a secluded location in Viridian forest. As we started moving slowly, I turned to Paul and said, "We didn't give you a nickname yet!"

He stared at me, his eyes widening imperceptibly. "You need a nickname!" I said cheerily. I loved giving people nicknames.

"No, I don't," He said decisively.

"I'll pick one for you," I clapped my hands together, "I love picking out nicknames!"

"Don't you even try," Paul said threateningly.

"It's gotta be good, though," I said, tapping my finger on my cheek, "I'll think about it and let you know later."

"Oh, joy," he mumbled, a sour expression on his face.

Then, the doors finally opened and we stepped out into Viridian forest. It was kind of amusing to see the amazed expression on Paul's face. "Okay, let's go!" I said brightly, throwing my Pokeball out. A flygon materialized, and then nuzzled me amicably.

"Isn't that… Drew's Flygon?" Paul asked, an unreadable expression on his face.

"Yup!" I laughed, giving it a hug, "It seems to really like me though!"

"You know," Paul said slowly, a small smirk coming on his face, "They say that Pokemon imitate the behavior of their trainer."

It took a second for the implication to hit me and, when it did, I flushed bright red. Paul snickered and let out Gary's pidgeot, who seemed a bit confused, but seemed to accept that Paul had stolen his Pokeball and just decided to roll with it.

"Well, Johto's my turf," Paul said with a funny half smile on his face, "So, follow me, I've read a lot about the two legendaries.

I huffed as Paul flew off without telling me where he was planning on going, but got on Drew's flygon and flew after him. What does he think he's doing? I fumed to myself, We're supposed to be a team.

After about an hour, Paul landed in an open area, waiting for me to land next to him. "Where are we?" I demanded as I landed, crossing my arms and glaring at him.

"We're just outside Goldenrod city," Paul said nonchalantly, returning the Pidgeot and walking towards the city, "Come on, let's go."

I growled and ran after him. "Paul!" I yelled, "Paul, wait up!" He showed no sign of slowing, not even reacting to my shouting. "Yo, grape!"

He stopped short, I guess in shock. "What did you call me?" he said, his voice dangerously calm.

"Well," I said brightly, catching up to him, "I called you grape. And since that seems to really catch your attention, that can be your nickname!" I clapped my hands together happily, knowing that he was pissed.

"Do NOT call me that!" he snarled, gritting his teeth.

"Call you what?" I asked innocently, "Grape? Oh, but grape, we're on an important mission. The nicknames are essential. So, you have to call me Sapphire, and I have to call you grape. Got it, grape?"

Paul let out an exasperated sigh, glaring daggers at me. "Let's just get into town," he said, resigned, "I have someone I think might be able to help us out." I followed him, feeling rather smug about my nickname for him.

Pretty soon, all thoughts of embarrassing nicknames and noodles shot straight out of my head. Because Goldenrod City was AMAZING! I had spent all my life in Petelberg City which was, though really awesome, kind of boring. It was quaint and fun, but Goldenrod was loud and busy and exciting and I loved it.

Pretty soon, we arrived at a large white house in the middle of the city. It looked very homely and comfortable, with shiny windows and a large brown porch. Paul pushed open the fence door and I saw several Pokemon in the yard, playing and running. Paul ignored all the Pokemon and walked straight up to the door, ringing the doorbell, with me right behind him.

"May, can you get the door?" we heard a voice shout from inside. I was a bit startled, since I was on the other side of the door, and just as I was about to shout that, the door was pulled open by a petite girl with short pink hair, who was smiling brightly.

"Maylene?" Paul looked suspicious, "What are you doing here?"

Ohh, so that's who 'May' was. Good thing I didn't say anything.

"Paul?" she blinked when she saw us, "Aren't you supposed to be at school?"

"Paul!" Another head appeared behind Maylene's, "What are you-" Before he could finish his sentence, Paul had pushed past the both of them and stormed into the house.

"Sorry about that," I stepped forwards, "I don't know what's up with him. Well, not much really, he's always like that. Anyways, I'm May, a classmate of Paul's." I waved at the two of them and they smiled.

"Well, hi May," The boy said to me, "I'm Reggie. And I know about Paul's, well, attitude. I'm his brother." I blinked, taken aback, which he smiled sheepishly, placing a hand on Maylene's back. "I should probably go talk to him," he said before turning and leaving.

(AN: Okay, I know that Reggie really lives in Veilstone City, and this doesn't really fit at all, but I was stupid, like really stupid, and I didn't realize that Veilstone City wasn't in Johto for a long time, and by then I had written all of this. Like, no joke, it just didn't hit me. I felt really dumb. Either way, I made Reggie relocate to Goldenrod, just because I didn't want to rewrite the whole thing. Deal with it.)

"Well, come in then," Maylene gestured for me to enter. "What are you two doing out of school anyways?"

"Oh, well, Professor Oak had something for us to do," I explained as we walked over to the living room, "So we had to come to Johto."

In the living room, Paul was sitting with his arms crossed, scowling at his brother who was sitting in front of him. His scowl darkened when we walked in. "What's she doing here?" he said rudely.

"That's enough of that, Paul," Reggie sighed, "You said you had something to ask me, what is it?"

"Aren't you supposed to be at your gym?" Paul asked Maylene, ignoring Reggie.

"I took a day off," Maylene answered, her eyes narrowing.

"Lay off my girlfriend, Paul," Reggie sighed, "You know she can beat you up in three seconds." Paul scowled, but didn't say anything.

"Um, I'm not sure," I cut in, sitting down, "But I think Paul wanted to ask you something about Ho-oh and Lugia? Because Professor Oak wanted us to do something with them."

"Ho-oh and Lugia?" Reggie asked, his eyes widening, "Wow, well, they're legendaries, and they're difficult to deal with. Um, not so difficult to find, though, but they're kind of like bad-tempered Pokemon. Kind of like Paul, here," he cast an amused look at his brother, still looking uneasy about Maylene being Reggie's girlfriend.

"Oh, well, then where can we find them?" I ask, leaning forwards.

"Well, Ho-oh will mostly always be found at the Bell Tower," Reggie said, giving us a skeptical look, "But you'll need the Rainbow Wing to summon it to you, since it won't show up to you without it. And about Lugia, it's only found at the Whirl Islands, which are extremely difficult to get to. And in order to see Lugia, you need the Silver Wing."

"Right," Paul said, looking thoughtful, "Well, we'll be on our way then." He stood up sharply and Maylene looked startled. I got up as well and followed him to the door.

"Paul," Reggie called and Paul spun around, looking at his brother, "Just- just be careful okay? And, honestly, give me a call sometimes on your Pokenav!"

Paul's lips twitched, but he nodded and stepped outside. "Bye Reggie!" I waved cheerfully, "Bye Maylene, thanks for your help!"

When I got outside, Paul was standing at the gate, looked deep in thought. "What's up?" I asked brightly, making him jump.

"I was wondering how we would ever find a Rainbow Wing," he said, "I mean, they're supposed to be rare."

"Well, I was just wondering when we were going to get something to eat!" I said. He shot me a reproachful look and I glared at him, clutching my stomach, whining, "But I'm so hungry!"

He rolled his eyes. "Fine, let's get to the Pokemon center," he conceded, walking ahead, making me run to catch up with him.

When we were walking towards the Pokemon Center, we walked by the Goldenrod Radio Tower, where a huge crowd was gathered. "What's going on?" I asked Paul.

"How would I know?" he asked me, irritated.

I scowled at him and walked up to a person at the crowd. I tapped him on the shoulder and asked, "What's going on?"

"Team Rocket!" he said, frantic, and I exchanged a look with Paul who was standing right behind me, "Team Rocket has taken over the Radio Tower! Oh, it's a disaster!"

"Paul, we have to help them!" I shouted before turning and dashing into the tower. I heard Paul yell something behind me, but I ignored me and, pretty soon, I heard him start running after me.

"Those two kids are running into the Tower," someone commented, "Don't you think it's a bit dangerous?"

The person he was talking to shrugged. "Better them than me, I say," he said, "And, after all, kids are the only ones who ever get anything done here."

"Good point," the other person said, "Better to let them take care of this before a police official arrives."

Paul and I made our way up the levels, fighting Team Rocket grunts as we did so. I could tell that Paul wasn't too pleased that I decided to help, but it wasn't easy to complain when you kept getting challenged every two minutes.

And I was getting really tired of battling zubats and raticates.

Eventually, we made it to the last floor, where we were greeted by someone who called Archer, who said, "Oh? You managed to get this far…? You must be quite the Trainer. We intend to take over this Radio Tower and officially announce our comeback. That should bring our boss Giovanni back from his solitary training. We are going to regain our former glory… I will not allow you to interfere with our meticulous plans!*"

Paul and I looked at each other and shrugged. Pretty soon, he was defeated, and he sank to his knees melodramatically, saying, "No! Forgive me Giovanni!*"

And then, with some kind of crazy voo-doo magic, he just disappeared.

Paul looked a bit taken aback at his disappearance, but I just shrugged and walked over to the Goldenrod Radio President, who was sitting at the desk.

"Thank you so much for saving us!" He gushed, looking from me to Paul, "I a show of gratitude, I must give you this!" He pulled open a drawer from his desk and took out a, believe it or not, Rainbow Wing. "It's a Rainbow Wing!" he said, placing it in my hand, "Is it not pretty?"

I stammered out my answer before the two of us hurried out of the towers. "Isn't it a bit curious," Paul commented, "That the director managed to give us exactly what we needed?"

"Whatever," I shrugged, before pulling out Drew's Pokeball, "Now, come on, let's get to the Bell Tower! I really want to meet Ho-oh!"

"Okay, who's next for appeals?" A tall, pink-haired woman looked up from her clipboard, "Drew?"

"Alright, here we go," Drew stepped forwards, smiling slightly at his classmates, "Flygon, let's see what you've got!" He put his hand to his belt… to find that his Pokeball was gone.

"What?" his eyes widened, "Where'd Flygon- … May." His eyes narrowed and he screamed at the top of his lungs.

No he didn't, he was in class. Drew's too cool for that. He just did his appeal with Absol instead.

It wasn't a very long flight from Goldenrod City to Ecruteak City, and May and Paul managed to get there in a little over half an hour.

By the time we reached, it was already about 10:30 in the night, so we headed straight to a Pokemon Center and found a room.

Now, the thing about me is, I'm a really deep sleeper. I sleep like someone clubbed me over the head with a stick. My mother has probably aged years of her life trying to get me to wake up in the morning.

So, Paul woke up at seven in the morning, and I didn't. I don't remember if he tried to wake me up normally, by like calling my name or something, or if he went straight to the drastic measures, the bastard.

"What the hell?" I sat up sharply in bed, suddenly overwhelmed with cold. I looked up to see Paul and his Weavile standing in front of me, and I was covered in snow.

"You had your Weavile use Blizzard on me?" I demanded angrily, glaring at him.

He just shrugged. "Be glad I didn't choose my Magmortor instead."

"AAARGG!" I yelled unintelligibly, "God, you're so mean! I don't even know why Dawn-" I stopped short, realizing that I was about to give away Dawn's secret, "Why Dawn doesn't not not not not not not not not not not not not not not not not not like you." There, that should be sufficient, I thought smugly, That's confusing enough.

Paul stared at me for a while before saying, with an unreadable expression on his face, "So, Troublesome likes me, huh?"

"What?" I stared at him in disbelief, "How the hell did you count all those 'not's?"

"I didn't," he shrugged, "I just assumed she did, which is why you were trying to cover it up- rather obviously, though."

I gaped at him for a while, before saying, "Whatever," and storming out of the room to take a shower, a horrible guilty feeling in my stomach.

PAUL'S POV

May just kind of pushed past me to go take a shower and I laughed. Regardless of how good of a trainer she is- Drew complains to me about her beating him very often—she's a bit dim.

Anyways, feeling unusually bright, I headed downstairs to grab some breakfast. I even greeted Nurse Joy as I walked by her desk. It didn't take long for May to join me, practically drooling at the sight of the buffet.

After about twenty minutes, we left the Pokemon Center, May pissed that I didn't let her go get a second helping of pancakes. But, no joke, she must have had at least nine the first time.

We made our way over to the northern, secluded area of the city, where the Bell Tower was located. May was staring absently around and bumped into me when I stopped in front of the Tower. She glared at me before catching sight of the Tower. "Whoa…" she said, eyes wide.

And that was generally the normal reaction. The tower was old and decrepit. It was obviously magnificent when it was first built, large and elegant. But now, it was burnt and deserted, as a result of that freak fire ages ago.

"What happened to it?" May asked in a whisper. I didn't respond, jabbing my hand towards the plaque set up in front of the tower. She walked over and read the inscription about the history of the Tower, while I stepped up to the caution tape that was stretched across the pathway preventing anyone from entering.

"That's kind of sad," May's voice suddenly came from my right.

"What's also kind of sad is," I added, "We're not allowed in, really, so-" Before I could finish what I was saying, May quickly ducked under the caution tape, emerging on the other side.

"Ta-da!" she cheered, looking very pleased with herself, before turning and making her way into the tower. I looked around quickly and, since no one else was there, I followed her.

"May!" I called in a harsh whisper, making her turn and look questioningly at me, "Slow down! This is a dangerous place and you can't go prancing around like an idiot!" She shrugged and waited for me.

We carefully made our way to the top of the tower, where a large statue of Ho-oh was standing intimidatingly. The words "HO-OH" were inscribed in the base. "That's Ho-oh?" May asked in awe.

I chose not to answer such an insipid question.

"Okay!" May cheered, looked pretty pumped, "Let' do this!" She rummaged through her bag and found the Rainbow Wing we got yesterday. She raised it into the air and shouted, "Ho-oh! I summon you!" She waited a few seconds before yelling, "Appear before me!"

She stood like that for about a minute, yelling random things as I stood behind her, bored.

"I don't get it," May let her arms drop, her shoulders drooping, "Why won't Ho-oh come?" I stared at her in disbelief.

"You're just giving up?" I raised my eyebrows at her.

"I'm tired!" she whined, sitting down on the base of the Ho-oh statue and placing the Rainbow Wing next to her. "And nothing's… working…"

As soon as she sat down, the statue started to glow brightly. May leapt off the statue in alarm, taking a few steps backwards. "I just had to sit on it?" she asked incredulously.

I rolled my eyes. "You had to place the Rainbow Wing on it," I pointed out.

But, before she could respond, a crash shook the Tower and Ho-oh appear in front of us, having just crashed through the wall of the Tower. It's eyes narrowed and angry, it advanced towards us. I took a step backwards, but May actually walked towards it, her eyes as big as saucers.

"Unbelievable," she whispered, "Ho-oh! Oh, I can't believe it!" It snarled a bit as she walked towards it and I wanted to call to her, tell her to stop. "You're so beautiful!" she finally said. Ho-oh, who previously looked very hostile, suddenly looked surprised, and then pleased.

I watched in awe as Ho-oh let May approach it, even touch it. Pretty soon, May was laughing and petting Ho-oh, and Ho-oh was doing some kind of variation of laughter. They were hugging and giggling and I couldn't believe my eyes. This was a freaking legendary for Arceus's sake, and it succumbs to a bit of admiration and flattery.

After a few minutes, I was sitting cross-legged on the floor, still staring at May with the Pokemon. Finally, May pulled out a Pokeball and tentatively asked Ho-oh if it wouldn't mind if she caught it. Initially, Ho-oh seemed reluctant and started to pull away, but May explained about Team Rocket and everything and Ho-oh seemed to think over it.

A few seconds later, Ho-oh straightened up and shot May a look. May beamed at the Pokemon and lightly tapped it with her Pokeball. Ho-oh disappeared with a burst of bright light and May gave me a triumphant look.

"See?" she gloated, skipping over to me, waving the Pokeball in my face, "I caught it!"

I gave her a look of disbelief. "A Pokeball," I stated, "You caught Ho-oh with a Pokeball. What, did you not have an Ultra Ball? Or god forbid, even a Great Ball?"

"I-well- you don't- ARG!" she glared at me and stormed out of the room, making her way down the stairs. I smirked and followed her down. One down, seven more to go.

AN: Okay, finally done. I know it took a super long time for me to get this done and I really hate myself for it. Whatever. Anyways, I really wanted to fit May and Paul's quest in one chapter, but I was already at 3,500 words and May hadn't even caught Ho-oh yet, so I decided to split it. :P