Splitting Horizons

by Vile Slanders

Jordan was a man who had damned himself into reliving his tragic past forever. A man without any hope beyond an end. How could feathers and a beak make life any worse? Enter May, daughter of a gym leader, and a rookie trainer. Could the aid of a pokemon powerful beyond her experience be the best thing to have ever happened to May? Or perhaps the deadliest? The Hoenn journey begins.

10. Section 10

Chapter 32: The Rustboro Badge. A Glimpse of Family History.

May woke with Blaziken in her arms. Kissing the still avian's neck and shoulders, she tempted him from sleep.

"Come on." May said, pushing Blaziken out of bed.

"Today's the big day." May said breathlessly. Blaziken turned to look at her. He heard the concealed meaning in May's words.

"After we do some grocery shopping… We're going to get that badge." May said. Blaziken straightened up at once. Looking at May with a serious glint in his eye, Blaziken nodded.

"I don't know… I just wanted to take some time to relax, but…" May thought back to the first step they had taken into Rustboro, and the preceding drama that unfolded in the coming days. Despite May's attempt at a holiday, conflict had come regardless.

"But I think I'm going to cut our stay short. I'm just feeling… restless." May explained. May wanted to get away from Rustboro, and head somewhere else. Somewhere they could try again at a holiday. Blaziken rolled his shoulders, and bounced from one foot to the other. He was limbering up.

"Jeez, it doesn't take much to get you excited." May teased. Blaziken was too busy do toe touches to acknowledge her.

"Right, while you warm up, I'm going to go find the other two. Then we can all have breakfast together." May touched Blaziken's shoulder as she crossed the room and exited into the living room. It was early morning, and the sun had just began to crest upon the horizon. May and Blaziken's early night had resulted in an early day. May did not find Ralts or Nuzleaf in the living room, or in the dining area. Checking the spare bedroom quietly, May was startled at the scene within. Silently and quickly, May returned to the master bedroom to interrupt Blaziken's morning exercises.

"Blaziken, quick! You have to see this." May told her surprised lover. Blaziken rose and followed May stealthily back into the spare bedroom.

"Isn't it sweet?" May asked. Blaziken chortled.

Oh Nuzleaf… You're going to hate me now… Jordan laughed. Ralts and Nuzleaf were sleeping in same bed, which was shocking enough, but it was the way that they were sleeping together that spelled certain doom for Nuzleaf's ego. Nuzleaf was laying on his back with both arms wrapped around Ralts, who's drooling head was resting on Nuzleaf's chest. Ralts had put both of her tiny hands on Nuzleaf's shoulders and was as good as spooning with him. Given Nuzleaf's and Ralts' disdain for one another, this scene was as adorable to May and Blaziken as it would be humiliating to the participants.

"They're so cute…" May swooned, reaching for her holocaster. May wanted a picture of this, and Jordan couldn't wait to rub in Nuzleaf's face.

You're so fucked… Oh, you're so fucked, Nuzleaf… Jordan was wheezing, trying to suppress the laughter so as not to wake the two sleeping rivals. The holocaster clicked, then beeped, sealing Nuzleaf's fate in three dimensional shame forever. May opened the display, and shared the holo of Nuzleaf and Ralts with Blaziken. Jordan couldn't hold in the laughter anymore, his chortle became noticeably louder, and unsurprisingly woke both Nuzleaf and Ralts. Nuzleaf blinked in shock at the two gurning people who had been watching him sleep. Ralts pushed off of Nuzleaf's chest and yawned, alerting Nuzleaf to the reason there were a pair of shit eating grins beaming at him.

Oh shit! This isn't what it looks like! Nuzleaf pushed Ralts away, and began to wipe her drool off of his chest.

Then what does it look like, Nuzleaf? You're such a cute little hypocrite. Blaziken's voice carried the waver of his overwhelming mirth.

No! I didn't do shit! She had a nightmare! That's it! I fucking swear! Nuzleaf pleaded for mercy, but Blaziken had none to give.

I don't know, Nuzleaf. The evidence is pretty incriminating. Jordan happily showed Nuzleaf the holo of him and Ralts nestled together.

Oh God no. Nuzleaf breathed.

"You two were so cuuuute!" May giggled. Ralts stood at the sidelines, completely lost.

What's going on? Ralts asked, worried and confused.

Blaziken, there must be a way to delete that holo! I beg of you! Nuzleaf crawled towards Blaziken on his knees, palms clasped together.

I think we should send this to Devon. I definitely see calender potential in this holo. Jordan teased.

You wouldn't dare. Nuzleaf gaped.

Did we do something wrong? Ralts asked, still feeling completely out of place.

NO! We didn't do anything wrong! We just- Nuzleaf clapped both hands over his mouth, realizing the context his words would be received in.

Now that was cute. Nuzleaf, you're such a sweetheart. Blaziken leaned on Nuzleaf, positively radiating smugness.

We didn't do shit, and you know it. So fuck you. Nuzleaf grumbled.

Ralts, what's your opinion on this? Blaziken asked joyfully, causing a nervous wince from Nuzleaf.

I don't even know what's happening, my opinion on what? Ralts asked, growing irritated. She realized now that she was the butt of a joke.

Was Nuzleaf… gentle? Blaziken asked, hardly able to prevent a crack up. Nuzleaf's jaw dropped.

He didn't hurt me, so- What's so funny? Ralts angrily asked Blaziken. Jordan was on the ground, laughing until his gut hurt. Nuzleaf looked ill, and May was cackling hysterically. From what May could gather, Blaziken was humiliating Nuzleaf over the camaraderie he had displayed with Ralts. Something Nuzleaf struggled to defend himself against, and Blaziken took great humor in.

"I don't have a clue what the three of you are on about, but Nuzleaf, you look guilty as sin!" May wheezed. Nuzleaf grabbed the sheets of the bed and wrapped them around his head.

I want to die. I can't live with this. Nuzleaf groaned. Ralts moved for him.

It's okay Nuzleaf, I thought you were sweet. Ralts told Nuzleaf the last thing he wanted to hear. Even so, Nuzleaf couldn't bring himself to belittle Ralts for her ignorance.

Thanks… Ralts. Thanks… Nuzleaf mumbled, regretting the group of people he had chosen to call family.

Come here, you little charmer. You know it's just a hard time we're all giving you. Blaziken ripped off the sheets and pulled Nuzleaf into a head nugie. Jordan leaned in to mock Nuzleaf one last time.

Must have been quite the night for you, seeing as you're not compatible. Jordan whispered into Nuzleaf's ear.

I. Hate. You. Nuzleaf grumbled as Blaziken released him. Blaziken just smiled at Nuzleaf.

"Come on gang. Let's get some breakfast." May said, damming the stream of indignities.

...

So are you ready? Blaziken asked Nuzleaf as May settled her checkout with the Arch's clerk.

Our first gym. Do you think it's going to be difficult? Nuzleaf asked. Blaziken shrugged.

Probably. We could use the challenge, though. You and I have been getting soft after all the easy living. Blaziken replied.

Easy living? You mean not nearly dying all the time? Nuzleaf asked humorously.

Precisely. Blaziken answered, some of the same humor inflected his voice. May, finished with the tedious business of checking out of a five star hotel, returned to her three waiting pokemon.

"Right. First, let's get some foodstuffs for the road. Blaziken, I need your expertise. You know how to cook better than anyone else here, and I'm tired of eating the same convenience meals day after day. Let's go crazy. Let's eat like kings." May said. Blaziken chuckled.

I'll try May, but we're still mostly limited to dry and canned foods. I can think of a couple of meals, but I think that I could get really creative once I see what the stores stock. Blaziken said as the group headed out into the city.

Once May had located the single largest and varied grocer in the city, Jordan was overwhelmed by options. Risotto, Couscous, Dried pre mashed refried beans, Lo Mein noodles, various Pastas, dehydrated vegetables, preserved fruits, packages of sauces, cans of pesto, pine nuts and so much more fuelled Jordan's ingenuity. They could eat cuisine from a different nationality every night of the week, just add water over a flame and stir. Jordan wanted to laugh. So many people treated cooking like it was a black magic, or an elaborate art form, but most of it was just following directions and practicing patience. Jordan saw elegant possibilities in crudest of materials.

Look at this. Refrigerate after opening… Do not store at temperatures exceeding 80 degrees fahrenheit. They're cinnamon rolls for crying out loud! We'll cook and eat all of them after we open it. That would require the dutch oven though… Blaziken rambled on and on, taking as much time to make up his mind about the food as May and Ralts had about their clothes. May was watching Blaziken with growing amusement. Clearing brainstorming up menus was something Blaziken enjoyed. Ralts and Nuzleaf, however, were too bewildered by the sheer amount of food to take much notice of Blaziken's peculiar behavior.

So much… Everything… Ralts murmured. There was enough produce on display to feed her entire clan for half a year. Nuzleaf ogled at walls stacked high with the various prepared foods that humans crafted from raw materials.

I can't believe the amount of work that must go into making pasta. First harvesting the grain, then grinding it into flour, then mixing it with everything else that was harvested, extracted, and concentrated, then rolling it all out into noodles… Why not just eat the raw grain instead and save yourself the trouble? Nuzleaf wondered aloud.

Because Italian food is excellent, and worth the labor. Blaziken answered, comparing brands of fettuccine.

Do humans really need this much food? Ralts asked in disbelief. Blaziken swallowed.

No… Jordan admitted hesitantly. Ralts and Nuzleaf both looked up at Blaziken in curious surprise.

Humans… waste an awful lot of resources for unnecessary activities. Blaziken started, a strange guilt in his voice. Nuzleaf raised an eyebrow.

Look around. Blaziken said. Nuzleaf an Ralts glanced at one another, but Blaziken didn't notice.

See that person over there? Just a couple of years older than May? That poor kid must weigh over three hundred pounds, and excluding a genetic illness, there's no excuse for that kind of mass. More often than not, a human's excessive size is a product of laziness and gluttony. Over there, you see that women surrounded by an army of children all within a year of each other in age? There is no tangible reason for having that many kids. They're sweet and lovable, I'm sure, but adding that many people to this generation will only breed even more the following generation. Think of all the materials consumed and the waste produced by one human being. Now multiply that by a hundred. That kind of irresponsibility is just compounding the overpopulation problem. See that man who just threw away a carton full of perfectly good food? Needless waste. All of the work, that Nuzleaf was wondering about, that went into making that food, all of the poisons generated by farming, processing, transporting and marketing has just had a cherry stacked on top. That trash is going to slowly decompose alongside toxic materials in a landfill, and is going to take decades past what nature intended to return back into the food cycle. In the end, humans start looking like a plague, with no foresight or discipline. They display a blatant denial of consequence and practice a tenacious avoidance of responsibility. We keep trashing the planet, pretending it's not going to trash us back. Despite our technologies, we can't adapt them to save us from nature's balancing act. Humanity is going to drive itself into the ground, and it will be interesting to see what values are born of our own near extinction. Blaziken finished his speech with an air of bitterness, completely oblivious to the odd looks he was receiving from Ralts and Nuzleaf.

Umm… Blaziken? Ralts asked nervously. Blaziken turned to look at the confused pixie.

You kept saying "We," every time you referenced humans. Why were you doing that? Ralts asked. Ralts felt Blaziken's bitterness evaporate and a cloud of withdrawal filled the void. Blaziken was denying something with a fervent conviction.

I- It's- ...Nothing, Ralts. Forget about it. Blaziken quickly turned away and hurriedly selected his pasta, then rushed off before anyone could fully grasp the awkwardness of the moment.

"Blaziken! Wait for us!" May cried out, taking off after the retreating avian. May's face was concerned. She had seen the growing discontentment in Blaziken's eyes become that horrible loss that had haunted them since he and May had first met.

What the hell was that all about? Ralts asked in sheer disbelief. Nuzleaf swallowed. Blaziken had slipped up, and now Nuzleaf thought he knew what troubled Blaziken so.

He thinks he's human… Nuzleaf said in awe under his breath.

What were you muttering? Ralts begged Nuzleaf. Nuzleaf shook his head.

Nevermind. Come on, let's catch up. Nuzleaf suppressed his shock and discomfort. Blaziken may have professed a strong love for his dead human family, but they had fucked him up royally.

Goddamit, Blaziken… Where did it begin? Where will it all end? How do you- How am I going to- Nuzleaf struggled to focus his thoughts. It was a quagmire, and now Nuzleaf didn't even have a plan to navigate his way to Blaziken.

Jordan neglected to say a thing to anyone as they finished their shopping. Jordan fought to prevent the swell of memories. Thinking about being human again wasn't going to bring him any closer to that goal.

May… Oh God, May, I want to talk to you… You're the only person who could possibly understand… Jordan looked to May as they checked out. Even though she was distracted by the cashier, May could feel Blaziken's pained glance. Jordan suppressed the urge to break something. This was cruel. Nuzleaf and Ralts could hear him, but their lives were alien to Jordan. They were family, yes, but both Nuzleaf and Ralts had entirely different outlooks and experiences then Jordan and May. Neither possessed the human experiences that Jordan needed to discuss. It was odd to Jordan. Between May's humanity, Nuzleaf's realism, and Ralt's bitter loss, Jordan's three companions all shared a strong feature with him. Each could bond with Jordan on these planes, but while Jordan could speak with Ralts and Nuzleaf on their shared topics, May was beyond Jordan's capabilities to communicate with. Yes and No could answer many questions, but May had to ask those questions. Jordan doubted that May would ever ask him if he were human.

I want my voice back. I could stay this way forever if only I could speak… I want to talk to you, May… Jordan's agonized longing was perilously close to bringing him to tears. His friends may not have known what troubled him, but everyone had caught on to Jordan's suffering.

"Blaziken, we don't have to go to the gym today if you don't want to." May told Blaziken softly as she took his hand. Blaziken's eyes clenched shut.

Dude, we can always do it later. Let's just take today off. May can find another hotel. Nuzleaf suggested, falling into step next to Blaziken.

I'm kind of curious about some of the food we bought. Maybe you could show me how to cook it. Ralts said, hoping to provide Blaziken with a distraction. Blaziken shook himself. Opening his eyes, a glint of annoyance hinted at Blaziken's disdain.

Stop it. Now. We're going to the damn gym, and we're getting May her badge. Then we're moving on. We're going to fight our way through every gym and every trainer that we find, and we're not going to slow down until May is the Hoenn Champion. It's what we do. It's what… pokemon and their trainers do. Blaziken growled at the lot of them, and made for the main road that led through Rustboro.

I don't know if that solved the issue, or just made it worse. Nuzleaf admitted to Ralts as they hurried after Blaziken and May.

I don't even know what's going on. Ralts grumbled.

Join the club. Nuzleaf muttered back.

Blaziken, May, Ralts, and Nuzleaf made it to the Rustboro Gym a half an hour after leaving the grocery store. The building that served as the gym was made entirely out of carved granite. It was surprisingly small, but upon entering the doors, May and her team soon found out why. A staircase led straight down into the earth, indicating that the majority of the gym was located below ground.

"That's kind of cool!" May said as the stairwell levelled into a well lit and natural cave system. A bizarrely flat stalagmite served as the Gym clerk's counter. The young man behind the counter smiled as May entered the cave.

"Welcome to the Rustboro Gym, Home of Roxanne, Hoenn's Rock type trainer. I take it that you're here to register for a challenge?" The clerk politely addressed May.

"You bet!" May said enthusiastically, striding over to the clerk. The clerk nodded, and procured a stack of papers. Taking out a pen and a clipboard, the clerk pushed the papers towards the confused May.

"First time challenging a gym leader?" The clerk asked with a smile.

"Umm… yeah…" May admitted, looking at the formidable pile of paper in front her.

"Don't worry about half of that stack. If you've ever had a pokemon battle, then you already know the majority of the rules. We just need a name and confirmation of a trainer's license, and your signature on this legal waiver." The clerk kindly highlighted the crucial material for May, sparing her of the vast majority of the paperwork.

"What's the legal waiver for?" May asked curiously, handing over her pokedex's electronic copy of her license.

"Just proof of your acknowledgement of the rules imposed by the Hoenn league in regards to pokemon battles, and your acceptance of the consequences for violating those rules." The clerk explained.

"You know, one on one, limited trainer intervention, no killing your opponent's pokemon, the standard stuff. Looking at the members of your team, I can already guess that you know all about those rules." The clerk told May.

"We've been around." May said confidently. The clerk scanned May's license.

"May Bach? You're Norman Bach's daughter, aren't you?" The clerk asked in surprise.

"It seems like everyone here knows about my dad." May said with a laugh. The clerk laughed with her.

"Sorry about that. Norman is a big name in the gyms. He's done a lot for the Hoenn competition, and even more for the protection of wild pokemon. He's also a close friend of our gym leader. But I'm sure you know all about your father's old war stories." The clerk chuckled.

"Actually, no. I had no idea that he and the Rustboro gym leader were close friends. I suppose it has something to do with business. " May admitted awkwardly. The clerk raised his eyebrows.

"You mean to tell me that Norman never told you about his adventures with Roxanne, Wallace, Trisha, and William? It's all Roxanne ever talks about." The clerk asked incredulously.

"I know that he was one of the Pokemon Rangers' elite before he became a gym leader. Are those the adventures you're talking about?" May asked, wondering what she was missing.

"No! Before that! Back when Norman and Roxanne were teenagers! When they were going out to challenge the gyms and the league. He never told you about that?" The clerk was genuinely shocked. May shook her head.

"Dad told me a lot of stories. He probably mentioned some of those names, but I likely forgot about them…" May murmured. Did everyone know more about her father then she did? The clerk was laughing again.

"Well, I'll sum it up for you. Your dad left Mauville with a fiery young lady named Trisha. They were on a quest to become the best Trainers in Hoenn, and on the way they met similarly minded people who teamed up with them to form a highly successful posse. Four of the five members became Gym leaders, and the other individual became Hoenn's national brain on all matters pokemon. One of those members was Roxanne, who to hear her tell it, was just a starry eyed nerd who idolized Trisha for her skill in training Rock type pokemon." The clerk informed May.

"Wow… I had no idea that dad did all of that… Well no, I knew about the gyms, but I didn't know about his friends..." May whispered in awe. The clerk sighed.

"Trisha was Hoenn's Rock type trainer aficionado. When she… passed on, Norman became Petalburg's gym leader and continued to specialize in training his Normal type pokemon. This left the Rock type specialist title open, and with recommendations coming from both Wallace and Norman, Roxanne was able to secure the position as gym leader when Rustboro's old gym leader retired. She's done an excellent job, despite not having competed professionally in more than a decade. Rustboro is proud to call Roxanne our gym leader." The clerk finished the tale.

"One of dad's old friends? I wonder why I've never met her…" May whispered. The clerk cleared his throat, and continued filing May's documents in a detached fashion that Jordan found suspicious.

Did Norman and Roxanne have a falling out? Jordan wondered, regarding the withdrawn clerk with curiosity. May was too distracted by her own thoughts about her father to notice the clerk's sudden shift in behavior.

Well, if they did, it wasn't bad enough to prevent Norman from writing a recommendation for Roxanne… Jordan reflected. May signed the legal waiver after scanning the rules to make sure that she knew about all of them. The clerk stamped the final document with a date and seal, then dropped the papers into a filing cabinet.

"Right, well believe it or not, you could actually challenge Roxanne sometime tonight if you wanted. You're the only name on the roster who isn't a hundred miles out, so you could get this taken care of by the end of today." The clerk informed May.

"Tonight? Why not now? My team is itching for a fight!" May said enthusiastically. The clerk laughed.

"Well, you and your team might be ready, but Roxanne is still at her day job. She won't be finished for a couple of hours." the clerk informed May. May looked shocked.

"She has a day job? What could be more important than being a gym leader?" May asked in disbelief. The clerk smiled at May.

"Head on down to Rustboro's 3rd district public school if you're curious. It's only a couple of blocks down the main road. Fourth floor. Room number 456." The clerk told May. It was May's turn to raise an eyebrow.

"O-kay…" May said as she and her team headed back up the stairs and towards the gym's exit.

"A school? What's she doing there? Some kind of demonstration?" May murmured to Ralts as they headed further down the road towards the school that the clerk had indicated.

What's a school? Ralts asked Blaziken as they continued down the main road.

An institution designed to educate human youth. Mathematics, grammar, history, sciences, economy, sociology, even things like cooking and carpentry are taught at schools. Blaziken explained.

You mean humans put their children in a building and the children learn in this building? Ralts asked, confused by the concept. Nuzleaf was listening as well, but he was more interested in listening to how Blaziken spoke, rather than what was actually being said.

Essentially, yes. It takes years, going from algebra to calculus, or from contemporary poetry to modern drama, but the goal is to educate the youth to prepare them for the future. Blaziken said. Ralts shook her head in awe.

Why? Ralts asked.

Why, what? Blaziken looked at Ralts curiously.

Why do humans need to be educated? What does it do for them? Ralts asked. Blaziken looked at Ralts in shock.

What do you mean, what does it do for them? Ralts, look at this city! Look at all these people! It wasn't one human being who put all of this together and it isn't an individual human being who keeps it all together. It took generations to build this city, and hundreds of thousands of human hands to shape it. Humans are educated so that cities like this stand tomorrow, so that progress can always be made. Humans are educated to improve their lives, and the lives of their fellows. Without an educated population, wonders like this city wouldn't exist. Blaziken said in a fit of passion. Ralts regarded him oddly.

Just an hour ago you damned humans for destroying the world, and now you're praising them for their works? Do you know how much was destroyed to make this city? Do you know how much is being destroyed to keep it standing? Why can't human's settle for a simpler life? Ralts asked, trying to wrap her head around the contradiction. Blaziken shrank back into himself. His discomfort was on display for all to see. Nuzleaf glowered at Ralts. She needed to know when to stop.

You're right, Ralts… Blaziken said at last.

Humans… could enjoy the same amenities they do now, without so much consumption and destruction. It would require extra work, but that could alleviate the other forms of work that they have now. I just… don't know how they would get started on such a goal. They're so rooted in their fabricated world that to live any other way would sound backwards and miserable. Blaziken said softly.

They need to define what progress is. Nuzleaf said suddenly. Blaziken and Ralts looked at him in surprise. Nuzleaf felt his face growing warm from the attention, but he continued to voice his opinion anyways.

Humans are too bent on growth. They see expansion as universally beneficial. Humans get so wrapped up in what they're currently doing that they generally don't look to see where they're going. Sometimes you need to step back, just to see if what you are growing is healthy. Nuzleaf felt slightly awkward in light of the looks he was receiving from Ralts and Blaziken, but what was said had been said. Blaziken wide eyes softened and he regarded Nuzleaf warmly.

Well said, Nuzleaf. Very well said. Blaziken swallowed, and blinked away the tears of pride that warmed the corners of his eyes. If Nuzleaf had felt uncomfortable before, Blaziken's odd display and acknowledgement of his opinion had added a lump to Nuzleaf's throat.

Umm… Thanks? Nuzleaf said hesitantly. Blaziken just chuckled.

No, Nuzleaf. Thank you. Blaziken said silently. Nuzleaf understood, even if Jordan didn't. Whatsmore, Nuzleaf had enlightened Jordan to a problem that was applied to something far more personal than the fate of humanity. Looking over to May, Jordan took her by the hip and pulled her close.

"Oh! Hello..." May giggled nervously at the sudden and obvious display of affection. May wrapped her own arm around Blaziken's waist and rested her head against his chest. They continued walking in that fashion, earning them strange glances from bystanders. Jordan didn't care what the onlookers might be thinking. He loved May, and May loved him, and what they were growing from that union was anything but unhealthy. Nuzleaf fell back, giving the two lovers their moment. Ralts hung close to him with a troubled expression on her face.

Times like this… I really don't care about him being him and her being her, or what they do when they're alone. I'm just… happy that they're happy together. Nuzleaf told Ralts. Ralts swallowed. She wasn't happy, but Nuzleaf didn't need to know that.

Yeah… So long as May is happy… Ralt's chest clenched even as her stomach gave out. Ralts didn't understand what it was, but she wanted it. May and Blaziken had something special, and Ralts coveted it like she had never desired anything else before.

The school was an impressive facility. It's sandstone walls were raised for the purpose of educating thousands at a time, and from a glance it seemed that that purpose was being well served. A miniature city within a city had been formed by the youth and faculty within, complete with markets and committees. Neither Jordan nor May had ever been to a school like this. The sheer scale and numbers were daunting. Jordan had completed his schooling a couple of years ago, but here he was made to feel that accolade was insignificant. This school offered so much more than any other education establishment Jordan had seen before. Though he hadn't considered college since before Chrissie's death, Jordan knew that a place like Rustboro's public school could jump start any endeavor for future education.

Unbelievable. This place is huge… Jordan gazed down a hallway that encompassed an entire city block. There were four such hallways above him, each spanned the five floors of the seemingly archaic building. Despite towering over many of the students in the hallways and being of a completely separate species, Blaziken still had to wade through a sea of oblivious faces just to join a fork in the procession to ascend the stairs. No one really took notice of the three pokemon and their trainer as the group spilled out onto the fourth floor. Most of the students were engaged in their own little groups and discussions. This floor was every bit as busy as the first floor, but after two minutes of constant stops and gos, the hallway began to clear. A bell sounded, and the herd of students disappeared into their classrooms, leaving May and her team bewildered at the sudden silence and emptiness.

That was weird. Where did everybody go? Nuzleaf asked, peering around at the barren hallway. Jordan shook himself. The organized chaos had been overwhelming.

To their classes. We must have gotten here just before the end of a period. Blaziken answered. Ralts was positively dazed. The close quarters crawl had activated her claustrophobia, but the colossal amount of emotions had caused her to black out. If Ralts had been anywhere other than on May's shoulder, she would have swallowed and trampled by the crowd.

I really want to get out here. There's more activity going on than I can deal with. Can we please leave? Ralts begged Blaziken in a faint voice.

Hold on a little longer, Ralts. We just found the room. Blaziken chided softly. May had located room 456, and was approaching the closed door nervously.

"Do we just knock?" May asked Blaziken. Jordan sighed, and rapped on the door.

"Justine, could you answer that?" A woman's muffled voice came from behind the door.

"Yes, Ms. Coover." A much younger female voice answered. The door opened, and May, Blaziken, Ralts, and Nuzleaf were exposed to a massive lecture hall. The young lady, Justine, Jordan assumed, looked over the less than conspicuous group of individuals with a bored eye.

"Just a challenger for your gym, Ms. Coover." Justine sound disappointed. Ms. Coover, however, edged into the line of sight of May and her team. A warm smile broke over Ms. Coover's face.

"Oh, do come in. I was just about to give a lecture on metamorphic strata and the variables required for a protolith to become quartzite." Ms. Coover beckoned to the startled May.

"Umm… I'm sorry to have interrupted you. I was told to come here to see Roxanne…" May started awkwardly. A roomful of laughter further humiliated May. Ms. Coover hushed her class before turning back to May.

"I am Roxanne. Or Ms. Coover to my students." Ms. Coover introduced herself, and directed her final statement to her students in a stern voice.

"Yes, Ms. Coover." A chorus of pupils answered.

"You're hot, Roxanne! Whoho!" One firecracker of a student punctuated the refrain with his lewd interjection. The class erupted into a nervous fit of giggles. Roxanne's mouth drew into a straight line.

"Carter, please relocate to the superintendent's office for your semi-daily disciplinary action. Thank you." Roxanne instructed Carter in a patient monotone. The boy named Carter shrugged, and made to leave the room.

"Challenging Roxanne, huh?" Carter asked May on his way past.

"Yes…" May answered hesitantly.

"Now. Carter." Roxanne's voice had lost its tone of patience.

"Here's a tip. Rub yourself down in hot oil." Carter told May with a gigantic grin. May's face turned red.

"Carter! Get your foul ass to the super's office this minute!" Roxanne roared. Carter trucked it out of the classroom, cackling like a lunatic.

And little shits like that were the primary reason I went home with bloodied knuckles everyday. Blaziken grumbled as Carter ran away. Nuzleaf looked up at Blaziken in surprise.

You went to school? Nuzleaf asked in disbelief. Blaziken locked up. Before Jordan could avoidantly reply, Roxanne waved May into her classroom. May's team followed their trainer into the theater like lecture hall.

"I want to apologize for my student's inappropriate behavior. I can assure you that the rest of my class understands the concept of decency. Right?" Roxanne turned once more to her class with that stern voice.

"Yes, Ms. Coover." The chorus replied. Roxanne smiled and nodded, as though pleased.

"Now, as I have said, I am Roxanne. And you are-?" Roxanne politely asked May for an introduction.

"Oh! I'm sorry! I'm May. May Bach." May extended a hand to Roxanne. Roxanne's brow lifted with surprise.

"May? I haven't seen you in years… You are The May? Norman's daughter?" Roxanne tentatively accepted May's hand.

"Yes…" May shook Roxanne's hand nervously. She couldn't recall ever meeting this woman before.

"I can't believe how grown up you are! Last time I saw you, you were still a little baby! Norman never told me that you had become a trainer. I suppose that should have been obvious though…" Roxanne released May's hand and studied May's face intently.

"You're the spitting image of Grace when she was your age. The brown hair, the subtle cheeks, the nose... Though the eyes… Those are definitely Norman's eyes…" Roxanne said softly. May turned red beneath this stranger's familiarity with her and her parents.

"Uh, thanks…" May swallowed hard. Roxanne continued to gaze at May with detached wonder.

"Oh, I am truly sorry. You probably don't remember me. I'm making this horribly awkward, aren't I?" Roxanne laughed. May giggled nervously.

"It's okay..." May said, her tone not at all convincing.

"And these guys must be your pokemon. A Nuzleaf, a blue Ralts… and- well..." Roxanne crossed her arms while a frown settled upon her face.

"And a Blaziken. Where did you find one of these, and why do you have one?" Roxanne sounded suspicious. May was startled by the sudden shift in character.

"He -uh… He found me… Is there a problem?" May asked, feeling worried.

"How long have you been a trainer?" Roxanne inquired. May swallowed again. The kindly teacher was being replaced by a skeptical inquisitor.

"About a month now…" May was buckling under the scrutiny. Jordan looked Roxanne in the eyes, attempting to ascertain why she seemed so upset with him.

"Does he obey you?" Roxanne asked severely.

"Blaziken was my first pokemon. He's been by my side since I started training, and I've never known a more loyal soul. What's your problem with Blaziken?" May asked, her voice growing stronger from irritation.

"He was your first? And he found you? That's a story that I would like to hear sometime. As for my problem… It just seems... unlikely that a trainer as inexperienced as you would be able to satisfy the needs of a pokemon as powerful as a Blaziken. Forgive me. You really are Norman's daughter." Roxanne explained. May let the growing anger fade.

"It's okay. I guess I should be use to it by now." May said apologetically.

"A novice trainer commanding a Blaziken… That's incredible..." Roxanne breathed.

"We've had a couple of ups and downs, but everything has worked out." May assured Roxanne.

"A Blaziken. Grade A competition material. Norman must want you to succeed quite badly if he's giving you a Blaziken…" Roxanne said quietly, more to herself than anyone else.

"My dad didn't give Blaziken to me. Blaziken chose me. I wouldn't be able to train him otherwise." May told Roxanne in a level voice. Jordan put his talon on May's shoulder and gently squeezed. Jordan wanted to remind May that there were factors beyond their knowledge. Roxanne's suspicion and inquiry could very well be justified.

"I see." Roxanne answered softly.

"I must apologize again. It sounds as if you have had a fair amount of adventures already. Far be it from me to question what can only pass as a miracle." Roxanne smiled at May.

"Well, I've consumed enough of my class's time with our little soiree. May, would you indulge me for the remainder of this period by listening to my lecture? I can return to the gym shortly after this session has concluded." Roxanne asked May politely. May nodded with a pleasant smile on her face.

"I would love to. Thank you, Ms. Coover." May humbly accepted Roxanne's invitation.

"A charmer. Just like Norman." Roxanne laughed.

"Go ahead and pick an empty seat. I won't be offended if you or your team nod off during the lecture. A trainer's life is a hard one." Roxanne said. May made for a row of chairs near the lower level. Roxanne began her lecture while May and her team made themselves comfortable.

"Now, as we left off yesterday, a protolith is a rock that has yet to undergo the chemical or thermal changes required to make it into a metamorphic rock. Can anyone give me an example of a possible protolith for quartzite?" Roxanne asked her class. Jordan settled down in a chair that was barely able to contain his proportions, and turned his attention to Roxanne. Jordan may not have had much interest in protoliths or the following discussion on provenance, but he was intent on being courteous to their hostess in her classroom.

She's very pretty… Jordan thought, looking at Roxanne. Roxanne must have been around Norman's age, but Jordan could have sworn that the leggy young lady was closer to his actual age than Norman's. Lustrous brown hair was held up in twin buns atop Roxanne's soft face, and a crisp, professional outfit portrayed Roxanne's sensual figure with sufficient modesty. Just enough to appear decent, but not enough to prevent a tease of the imagination. Jordan shook himself. He should have known better than to check out a teacher in her classroom, even if he wasn't human. The hour long lecture provided May and her team with a moment of peace, allowing them to mull over their own thoughts. May petted Ralts into a slumber, and Nuzleaf passed out in the chair he had selected next to Jordan. Jordan elbowed the wooden imp whenever the snores became a tad too loud.

"And tomorrow we will begin our lesson with igneous rocks. Starting with pumice. Read pages 216 through 234 tonight and answer page 235's questions pertaining to the material we just discussed. There will be a quiz by the end of the week, so try to remember what you learn." Roxanne told her class. The bell rang halfway through the assignment, but the students stayed firmly rooted in their seats until Roxanne had finished.

"Have yourselves a good day. And don't forget about the quiz." Roxanne opened the door for her class.

"Have a good day, Ms. Coover." The chorus bade.

"Beat May! I'm rooting for you all the way! Win for Rustboro!" One student shouted as he left the classroom.

"Thank you, Adam. But you still have to do your homework." Roxanne informed her pupil with a smile. Roxanne closed the door behind her students. Leaning against the door, Roxanne looked up at ceiling and sighed.

"Finally a moment of peace." Roxanne breathed. Turning to May, Roxanne was all smiles.

"I'm sure you have lots of questions, May. Go ahead and ask away. If you don't mind though, I might have a couple of my own." Roxanne said. May stood up, and approached Roxanne.

"Who are you?" May asked, her voice curious. Roxanne gave a sudden laugh.

"I'm an old friend of your father's. You haven't seen me for a long time do to… Well, something happened between your father and I. No one's really to blame for it, but it did make things awkward for us. I'm also a geology teacher, and it is my pleasure to educate our youth in the sciences of metallurgy and mineralogy. It is my pride to serve as Rustboro's Gym leader as well." Roxanne answered May in a pleasant tone.

"You're a gym leader, and a teacher? How do you find time for both? Dad struggles to find time away from the gym, and even then it's not much." May asked in amazement. Roxanne smiled.

"I'll admit, it's not easy. My responsibilities as a Gym leader don't always coincide with my obligations as teacher, but I manage. Your father can be a parent and a Gym leader, can't he? Well, my students are my children, and like your father, they take priority over my duties as a Gym leader." Roxanne answered.

"So… you and my dad use to travel together? I knew about the Professor and Trisha, but I haven't heard of you or Wallace. At least, I can't remember if I heard of either of you…" May began awkwardly. Roxanne sighed.

"Those were the days. I joined Norman and Trish after they beat me in a pokemon battle. I was amazed at Trish's ability to command Rock type power houses, and endeavored to learn from her. Wallace joined us not long after. Wallace… I can understand why your father never mentioned him. Wallace and Norman didn't really see eye to eye, and if Trish wasn't there to keep the both of them in line, your father and Wallace probably would have beaten the tar out of each other. Will joined us much later, and he was the most adorable little thing that Trish had ever come across. While Trish had no problems beating up Wallace and your dad, she couldn't bring herself to harm a hair on the head of the timid little William." Roxanne explained, her eyes growing misty with the memories.

"Those were the days…" Roxanne whispered. May gave her a moment before clearing her throat.

"So… If you're close friends with my dad, why haven't I met you before?" May asked. Roxanne adjusted a brooch at her throat.

"Just adult business, May. Norman and I agreed that it would be best if we kept our distance. Nothing bad happened, not really. But he... we made a choice." Roxanne said softly. Jordan looked at Roxanne curiously. Jordan had a nagging suspicion at what might have caused the distancing between Roxanne and Norman.

"I swear that your Blaziken is listening to everything that we're discussing." Roxanne smiled at Jordan. May smiled at him as well.

"He is. Blaziken is good like that." May said casually. Roxanne gave May a funny look.

"What do mean?" Roxanne asked, a smile lifting the corners of her mouth.

"I mean that if he had voice, we would be having a three way conversation right now." May said with a laugh. Jordan glanced at May with a sudden painful look in his eyes. Everybody noticed. Jordan broke eye contact with the now guilty May and shook himself.

"What's wrong, Blaziken? What did I say?" May asked in concern. Jordan inhaled through his nostrils and let the air out in a long breath.

I wish I had my voice, May… Oh God, do I wish… Jordan murmured. Nuzleaf moved forward to nudge Blaziken's talon.

Dude, just let it go. Nuzleaf said gently. Jordan slowly pulled himself back together. Staring at the ground with half lidded eyes, Blaziken drew in another breath.

You're right... There's no point to it. Jordan muttered. Nuzleaf was silent. Nuzleaf still had no idea what Blaziken meant whenever he mentioned a voice that could talk to May.

"Quite an unusual Blaziken. I don't ever think I've seen that kind of reaction out of pokemon before." Roxanne said, moving forward. Taking Blaziken by surprise, Roxanne placed her hands on either side of his jaw, and raised Jordan's gaze to her own.

"He has kind eyes. They're a little sad, but there's a good heart behind those eyes." Roxanne said, looking into Jordan's massive green eyes. Jordan looked away. Roxanne only saw what was on the surface.

"Oh, you poor dear…" Roxanne breathed, putting a hand on Jordan's shoulder.

"What happened to you?" Roxanne asked, worry weighing her brow. Blaziken sighed.

"I'm still trying to figure that out." May said quietly.

"I know he would tell me if he could, but putting it together has been pretty difficult." May spoke softly.

"He's something special, that's for sure. I expected haughtiness and attitude. Not… tragedy and sentiment." Roxanne said.

"So, May?" Roxanne asked, her tone implying a change in subject. May looked up at Roxanne, who was now turning to her.

"Tell me about yourself. I know that I seem like a stranger, but Norman's family is my family. If it's not too bold for me to assume that." Roxanne sounded a bit nervous.

"Any friend of my father's is a friend of mine. What exactly do you want to know?" May asked.

"About you, May! It's been years and you've grown up so much. I remember babysitting you. You were first baby that I ever held." Roxanne said passionately.

"Well, umm… I grew out of the diapers." May started. Roxanne laughed. May had a gift for breaking the ice.

"I grew up in Littleroot, alongside Brendan. Brendan is the Professor's son." May said.

"I know who Brendan is. I changed his diapers too." Roxanne said. She and May both got a laugh out of that one.

"I like climbing trees, going on hikes, shopping, and pokemon. I guess that makes me pretty typical." May said. Roxanne just smiled.

"Shopping and pokemon, maybe. The tree climbing thing is a little unusual." Roxanne said.

"Other than that, my life's ambition is to follow my father's footsteps. I want to get all the gym badges. After that, I want to challenge the league and become the Hoenn Champion." May said. Roxanne nodded, as if May had confirmed one of her suspicions.

"I kind of figured that. You are Norman's daughter, after all." Roxanne said. May shrugged.

"I was raised on his stories. Of course I want be a part of that legacy." May said.

"I'm sure you already have many interesting stories. Do you mind telling me the one about how you and Blaziken met? I still have a hard time believing that Norman wasn't involved somehow." Roxanne requested with a sheepish smile.

"Blaziken was kind of my birthday surprise." May smiled at Blaziken, who left the shadow of misery to look May softly in the eyes.

"On the same day that I got my license, I went for a walk to one of my childhood playgrounds." May started the tale again.

"I got attacked by a swarm of Taillows led by a Swellow. They were… they were trying to kill me, and that's not an exaggeration." May replied to Roxanne's surprised look.

"I was laying on the ground, just waiting for it to… end, when Blaziken showed up. He saved me from the Swellow's killing blow, and fought off the swarm of Taillows. He got pretty badly beaten up, but he wouldn't leave me. When he defeated the Swellow, the rest of the Taillow broke off their attack. Blaziken patched me up and brought me home. He was going to leave once he got me to safety, but I was able to convince him to stick around. Later that night, when I had a disagreement with my father over a starter, Blaziken offered himself as my first pokemon. It wasn't something my father foresaw, and he decided to let me have Blaziken. Blaziken has been with me ever since, and I couldn't have asked for a better friend." May finished the origins of herself and Blaziken with that knowing smile to her lover. Jordan answered May with his tender gaze. Roxanne put a hand over her mouth. Shaking her head, Roxanne stared at the both of them in wonder.

"Sounds like your Blaziken is one in a million. I've never heard of such a meeting, and I'm a Gym leader." Roxanne said with a tremble to her voice.

"He is one of a kind." May breathed softly, never taking her eyes off of Blaziken's. Jordan made that special coo, getting a warm smile out of May.

"And your other pokemon? Were their first encounters just as dramatic?" Roxanne asked.

"Pretty much. We came across a Seedot in a heart stopping situation. This little goofball here was actually really cute at one point." May teased Nuzleaf, who snorted.

"He's a pain in the ass, but Nuzleaf is a genuine sweetheart. Even if he doesn't want you to know it." May smiled at her second pokemon. Nuzleaf cleared his throat, and cast his eyes downward. Blaziken patted him on the back, causing both May and Roxanne to laugh.

"And Ralts… She didn't want to come with us originally. Blaziken must have found her injured, and he brought her back to camp so that we could nurse her back to health. After that, we let Ralts go. It was hard to say goodbye, but she had a run in with some Mightyenas. I don't know what happened exactly, but Blaziken intervened, and Ralts changed her mind. And I love her to death for it." May snuggled with Ralts, who grabbed a hold of May, and buried her tiny face into May's neck. Blaziken rested a talon on May's shoulder, and Nuzleaf snuck a contented glance up at Ralts and May. Roxanne had rarely seen such a close group of trainers and pokemon. They were their own little family, and it was plain to see how closely they looked out for one another. The compassion shared between the four friends brought a warm sting to Roxanne's eyes. In a way, it reminded Roxanne of those days long past, when she had had a family made of friends, and the beauty that existed between such bonds not enforced by blood.

"You've already had some adventures, alright. And some very good memories as well." Roxanne told May after she had regained her composure.

"Yeah. Yeah, we have." May spoke softly, well aware of the touching kinship expressed by her team. Roxanne cleared her throat.

"Well, I still have some papers to grade. Why don't you head on back to the Gym? I'll try to get there before the turn of the hour. I'm quite anxious to battle you." Roxanne said to May. May smiled back.

"I'm actually a little nervous…" May admitted. Roxanne laughed again.

"I don't think you're going to have any problems facing me." Roxanne said as she turned to Blaziken.

"No problems at all." Roxanne smiled at Blaziken. Jordan felt a tad uncomfortable. Some how he got the feeling that using a Blaziken in competition was a display of poor sportsmanship. May was also feeling a little self conscious. May was well aware of Blaziken's prowess, but everything thus far expressed by Roxanne suggested that Blaziken was among the highest class of competition pokemon. Was Blaziken really that powerful?

"We'll meet you at the gym then. Have fun grading those papers." May said as she headed out.

"Oh, it will be such a tedious amount of fun." Roxanne rolled her eyes. May giggled, and left the classroom.

After grabbing a bite to eat from a street vendor, May and her team returned to the gym. May sat down in the lobby, both eager and nervous. Her first gym. The first real step. If May won this battle, she would overcome the first hurdle on her way to being the Hoenn champ. Only a handful of trainers were ever titled "League Champion". It was the highest distinction a trainer could achieve. Those who rose to the position of League Champion were not only regarded as the most skilled trainers, but were also given the opportunity to serve on the Elite Four. The Elite four were comprised of former champions whose titles had been claimed by the current champion. If May became Hoenn's Champion, May could serve as the final challenge in the league. Once defeated, May could assume the role of one of the Elite Four, and hold the position until some former champion ousted her. Then May could try again at the title of Champion, or become a gym leader. But before May could challenge the Hoenn league, May had to defeat the Hoenn Gym leaders. Roxanne was first on the list. May fidgeted in her chair, while Blaziken lounged beside her. He certainly didn't seem to feel any pressure. Nuzleaf was back in his pokeball, and Ralts had fallen asleep from boredom in May's lap. A man and woman were arguing with the Gym's clerk. From what May could gather, neither one of them were here to challenge, and seemed more interested in the gym's upcoming battles.

"Of course I understand privacy, but we came to Rustboro to see a fight! We've been here for two weeks and Roxanne hasn't been challenged by anyone! If someone finally mustered up a pair, we want to film it!" The woman was quite loud in her exchange with the well mannered clerk.

"Yes, of course I'm going to seek consent from both parties! Can't we just take care of the paper work now?"

"Don't tell me it might be a waste of time, I want those papers! If we start filming halfway into the fight, it'll never get aired!"

"What do you mean, the contender is here? In the lobby? Ty, take care of the paperwork, I'll be back in a second!" The woman's voice caused May to start. May sensed she was about to have some unexpected company. Right on cue, a blue haired young woman rounded the corner and made a beeline for May.

"Are you the the challenger?" The woman asked May. Blaziken straightened out. May swallowed.

"Yes…" May answered nervously. The woman thrust a hand in May's face, a crude gesture of introduction.

"Gabby, Indigo League. And you are?" May shook Gabby's hand after recovering from the shock.

"May, May Bach." May said. May started again.

"Wait, did you say you were from Indigo League?" May asked in disbelief. Gabby smiled.

"Reporter for Hoenn side Gym battles. I understand there's a battle about to take place between you and Roxanne?" Gabby's answer was followed by a question.

"Yes, that was the plan… What is Indigo League doing here?" May asked.

"We always have reporters in the gyms, how else would we get any footage?" Gabby answered.

"You mean you're always in all the gyms? How does that work?" May asked, bewildered. May had never seen any reporters in her father's gym.

"No, we rotate. Technically my cameraman and I are team three. There's ten teams in Hoenn total, and we all take turns filming battles at the different gyms. This is our last chance to get some action on camera, before we're shifted to the next gym. Would you be interested in appearing on television, May?" Gabby asked, her hand moving to her handbag.

"I- You mean- Me and- On Indigo League?" May struggled for words. Gabby smiled.

"If the fight looks good, it might even appear on the next broadcast. What do you say?" Gabby pulled out a sheet of paper from her handbag. May's sparkling eyes gave her answer.

"On Indigo League? My first gym?" May was already sold. She just had to get past the disbelief.

"If you're really good, and I mean really, really good, you might even make the trainer's eyes list. Then we could film you at every gym." Gabby said with a tantalizing smile.

"Where do I sign?" May asked, her eyes glistening. Gabby's smile widened.

"Sign and date on the dotted line." Gabby answered, handing May a pen. Blaziken grabbed the paper, startling both Gabby and May.

"Blaziken!" May cried out.

"What the-?" Gabby asked. Ralts shot bolt up from her nap. The commotion had woken her. Jordan reviewed the paper, searching for any fine print that may hint at a scam. To Jordan, this seemed too good to be true, and he scanned the contract for deceit.

What's going on? Ralts asked wearily. Blaziken shushed her with a waved talon.

"Is he like, your lawyer or something?" Gabby asked. May shook her head.

"I don't know what he is sometimes." May answered in exasperation. Blaziken snorted. Taking the next three minutes of May's reluctant time, Jordan read and reread every line.

"Give me that!" May made to snatch the papers from Blaziken's talon, but the avian deftly evaded her.

Two more lines, May… Goddamn, it looks real… Jordan was already convinced, but caution dictated thoroughness. Once the final script had been absorbed, Jordan handed the contract back to May with a nod. May grabbed the contract and took the pen offered by Gabby.

"Seriously, Blaziken… Do you always have to be so difficult?" May grumbled as she signed and dated the dotted line. Gabby just laughed.

"He's just being careful. I think he smelled a ruse." Gabby said.

"No, he just wants to give me a headache." May growled. Blaziken grabbed May, and wrapped an arm around her shoulder before administering a head nuggie.

How's that for a headache? Jordan laughed as he burned his knuckles into May's hair.

"Blaziken!" May was both laughing and frustrated. Ralts fell from May's lap, and stared up at the scene in concern. Even with May's smile, the sprite could not shake the feeling of unease at Blaziken's familiarity with May.

"Stop it! Now." May ordered. One furious stroke later, and Jordan released her. Gabby was giggling.

"If the Camera was here, we could have made that your bio." Gabby covered her mouth.

"Thank God, it's not here." May elbowed Blaziken in his ribs. Jordan chuckled.

"Well, we have an arrangement with Roxanne. All we need is her signature, and then it's screen time at Rustboro. Ty!" Gabby hollered over her shoulder.

"What?!" A male's irritated voice answered.

"Done with that paperwork yet?"

"Bite me, Gabby." Ty growled, realizing that he'd been duped. Gabby grinned.

"Just consider it payback for the Sootopolis catastrophe." Gabby laughed wickedly.

"Oh, for the love of God… You'll never get tired of reminding me of that!" Ty grumbled, breathing more curses under his breath.

"He's a cheap date, but a frightfully good brawler when he's had one too many." Gabby explained to May, who was nonplussed. Jordan got a laugh out of it, however.

"Right, well May, I have to go set up our tech and establish a feed. See you in the arena. Good luck!" Gabby bid May farewell.

"Thanks, and thanks!" May said as Gabby left. As soon as Gabby had disappeared, May turned to grin at Blaziken.

What? Jordan asked May with a tilt of his head.

"It's your turn now." May reached for Blaziken's neck.

I don't think headlocks are your thing, May. I can just- Oh no… Not again- Ahhhhh… Jordan fell into May's lap as she rubbed his jaw.

"Yeah, you like that, don't you?" May asked as Blaziken spasmed under her hands.

Oh God, yes… yes… Jordan moaned.

"Nuzleaf would love to know about this little secret, wouldn't he?" May asked, procuring a pokeball.

Oh fuck no. Panic lit up Blaziken's eyes. Jordan struggled against May, but Ralts tackled him.

Just relax, Blaziken. Fair is fair. Ralts chided.

I hate you all! I- oh God, it feels so good… Blaziken melted against the bench as Nuzleaf appeared in a bolt of light.

I'm up! Who's my opponent- WHAT THE FUCK!? Nuzleaf's jaw dropped at the scene he had been summoned to.

Fuck you, May. Fuck you. You're not getting any for a week. A week! Blaziken tried again to lift himself up, but his arms favored pawing the air rather than pushing him off of the bench. Nuzleaf could barely breath.

What. The. Fuck. Nuzleaf's seasoned vocabulary was utterly spent. Ralts started giggling.

"Hey Nuzleaf. My holocaster is in my pocket. Would you snag it for me? I'm- a little- busy… keeping Blaziken- ...restrained." May rubbed all the harder as Blaziken struggled against her. Nuzleaf complied to May's request, an evil grin growing on his face.

"Hit the red and blue buttons simultaneously. Yeah, like that. Aim it at Blaziken and hold the red button." May told the wooden imp with a smile.

Say calender potential! Nuzleaf joyously told Blaziken as he snapped a holo of the avian being incapacitated by May and Ralts.

I'm going to get you for this. All of you. You'll never see it coming… Blaziken growled as May finally released him. May, Ralts, and Nuzleaf were laughing to hard to take Blaziken's irate glare seriously.

Nothing. For a week. Not even a tease. Blaziken stared balefully at May, who despite the innocence of the prank, felt a slight stab of pity for the proud avain.

"Oh come on, Blaziken. It was just a joke…" May simpered. Jordan huffed, and turned away.

"Blaziken…" May sounded wounded.

Why are you being such a dick? Ralts asked Blaziken angrily.

I was thinking a little more of him as a pussy. Nuzleaf grinned. Blaziken turned to face them.

You, quite. Blaziken told Ralts.

You… Blaziken turned to Nuzleaf, and the look in his eye made Nuzleaf swallow.

You'll never see it coming… Blaziken whispered dangerously. May grabbed his beak, and forced Jordan to face her.

"Stop being an ass." May ordered. Jordan took a deep breath.

Fine. But you're still getting nothing. Nothing. Jordan told May with his eyes. May shrugged.

"See if I care." May told him. Jordan snorted.

After we get that badge, you're going to be in for a disappointing surprise, May… Blaziken murmured to his trainer.

Bullshit. Nuzleaf cut in. Jordan turned to look at him.

We're going to win, May is going to jump into your arms, and then you two are going to find time to bump uglies while Ralts and I try not to laugh. Nuzleaf informed Blaziken.

Nuzleaf! Blaziken freaked, indicating Ralts with a jerk of his head. Ralts stared at the two arguing friends in confusion.

Oh, go fuck yourself. Maybe instead of trying to hide it from her, you should man up and let her know what's going on between you and May. Nuzleaf folded his arms, and met Blaziken's angry glare with his own narrowed eyes.

She doesn't need to know. She's too young. Blaziken growled. Nuzleaf shook his head.

Yeah? What's May's excuse then? Nuzleaf asked with a snort.

Don't you dare… Blaziken stood up, and for a moment everyone feared he would strike Nuzleaf. Nuzleaf couldn't care less.

You're hurting Ralts, Blaziken. And I can't stand watching it. Nuzleaf said coldly. Jordan locked up.

How am I hurting her? Hmm? Care to tell what I'm doing wrong? Blaziken challenged Nuzleaf.

You're coming between her and May, and she doesn't know why. Nuzleaf growled up at the towering avian. Ralts made a small sound behind them, a choking noise. May pulled her close and looked at her two quarreling pokemon.

"Blaziken. Nuzleaf. Just stop it. This has gone way too far. Now stop it." May's tired voice intoned a command, and both Nuzleaf and Blaziken broke away. Nuzleaf sat down next to Ralts, and Blaziken occupied a different bench, pensive eyes boring holes into the floor.

Nuzleaf- Ralts whispered nervously.

Shh… Nuzleaf hushed her gently. Fixing the teary Ralts with a soft eye, Nuzleaf's unyielding exterior disappeared in a sigh.

Don't say a thing, Ralts. None of this is your fault, and everyone knows it. Nuzleaf told her firmly. Ralts' bottom lip trembled, and she grabbed Nuzleaf in an embrace. Though momentarily startled, Nuzleaf returned her display in kind. May and Blaziken watched the two of them from either side. May swallowed her shock. She had no idea what had transpired between Ralts and Nuzleaf to have brought the two rivaling antagonists to such closure. Jordan watched from his bench wondering very much the same as May, and was made to feel guilty for it.

Ralts… Blaziken started in a hollow tone. Ralts broke away from Nuzleaf.

I'm… I'm sorry. I just wanted to protect you and May. Jordan sighed.

What's going on? Ralts asked in watery voice. Blaziken took a shuddering breath.

I'll tell you some of it, Ralts. Not everything, because it's May's secret as well, but I will tell this much. May and I love you, and what May and I do when we are alone will never violate that. Believe me, Ralts. I'm not going to take May away from you, and she's not going to leave you. Please… Just trust us in this matter, Ralts. You'll find out what's going on when you're ready. Until then, please be patient, and never forget that we love you. Blaziken stared at his diminutive ward. Ralts had forgotten to breathe. She heard her father's final words in Blaziken's voice. It wasn't the first time Blaziken had reminded her of her father, and she knew it wouldn't be the last. Leaving Nuzleaf and May on their bench, Ralts ran to Blaziken. Blaziken lifted Ralts into his arms, and held her against his shoulder.

Thank you, Ralts… Blaziken nestled his rostrum against Ralts' cap, and breathed against it through his nostrils.

Thank you… Jordan rocked the little pixie into a calm. May and Nuzleaf watched the scene with lumps in their throats. Nuzleaf felt May's hand take his.

"You little imp… God, Nuzleaf… we'd never make it without you." May whispered fondly. Nuzleaf felt himself growing warm. He tried to hide his watering eyes from May.

I'd never have made it without you guys… I guess that's why we're family. Nuzleaf chuckled. Blaziken laughed on the other bench.

Yeah… Our broken, disjointed, weird little family… Blaziken chortled, resting his forehead against Ralt's crown. The doors to the gym opened above them, and everyone pulled themselves together just as Roxanne strode into the lobby.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. Please follow me to the arena." Roxanne motioned to May and her team.

"Ms. Coover." The Gym's clerk poked his head into the lobby.

"Indigo League." The clerk said with a weary sigh.

"Oh, for fuck's sake!" Roxanne swore, then quickly covered her mouth with a nervous look at May.

"Nothing I haven't fucking heard before." May smiled pleasantly at Roxanne, whose eyes widened and knees buckled as laughter was smothered in her palm.

"I'm sorry, May. I should have remembered my manners." Roxanne was finally able to speak. May made a face accompanied by an awkward shrug.

"Alright. I get it. So where is the fucking paperwork?" Roxanne asked her grinning clerk.

"It's mostly done. I only need a couple examples of your signature to complete it." The clerk handed Roxanne a few pages of material.

"Thank you, Cleese. You make this so much easier." Roxanne scribbled her name onto a few sheets, and handed them back to her clerk.

"It's my job." Cleese smiled as he returned to his desk.

"Well, now that that's out of the way… Shall we, May?" Roxanne gestured to the cave beyond.

"I can't wait!" May rose, and her team fell into step behind her. Roxanne smiled, and led them into the dark.

"The host, Roxanne, has accepted the challenge presented by May. Both parties will use only two pokemon, in one on one combat. Substitutions are forbidden to the Host." A voice called above May, but to whom it belonged was not known to her. Everything was dark. May could hear Nuzleaf's edgy steps near her ankles, and she could feel the air around her warm as Blaziken's flame was fanned by excitement. Ralts had buried her face into May's neck, though whether it was the dark or apprehension Ralts hid from, May couldn't guess. Her first gym. May's knees began to knock together. Her first gym. May took a shaky breath and just about collapsed. Blaziken's strong talon grasped her shoulder, and it's steady grip gently squeezed. Despite everything that had led up to this moment, May feared she would lose. She had just started training, and her opponent had been at this game for as long as her father had.

"I'm not ready…" May breathed in terror as a drum sounded from the dark. Blaziken gently shook May. He snorted behind her, and such was his anticipation that a jet of flame shot from his nostrils.

Yes, you are. Now keep your head on. You know more about our opponents than Nuzleaf or me. We're going to be relying on you see their weaknesses, and lead us in action. Now buck up. Blaziken jerked May firmly, the only light in the darkness were the smoking coals in his nostrils. May put her hand Blaziken's talon, and pressed it against her shoulder.

"Blaziken… I-" Jordan heard the panic in her voice. His talon squeezed with bruising force. May gasped.

Pull yourself together, May! We didn't come all this way for you to back out at the last second! Now straighten up! We'll be starting any moment now. Jordan gave her another shake.

"Okay! I got it!" May's anxiety was replaced with nervousness. Blaziken released her. May straightened her back and rolled her shoulders. Taking a steady breath, May's strong voice overruled the drums.

"Let's do this." May said, her renewed confidence adding an edge of danger to her voice.

That's my girl. Blaziken looked at her proudly, his approval made known in the glow of his flames. The drums rolled into a cacophony, and came to a sudden end. A light flicked on in the distance, and Roxanne stood beneath it's daze. A light snapped on above May, illuminating her team.

"Come forward, May." Roxanne ordered. May walked towards the Gym leader in a steady pace. Lights snapped on as May and her team walked beneath them. When May had crossed the halfway point, the remaining lights turned on. The entire arena was lit up at once. It was very much a cave. The floor was hard earth, with crumbling pebbles for a carpet. Stalactites and stalagmites fused at their tips, forming ribbed and swollen columns between the dusty ground and stony sky. Pylons and catwalks hung from the ceiling, carrying cables and lamps. The arena itself was a natural plateau beneath the earth, broken only by spires and rises on it's leveled surface. A panel above Roxanne flickered into life, and a display showed both Roxanne and May's faces parallel each other. Beneath each portrait was a line of six gray circles. Two circles on either side filled with a half red, half white spheres. A green bar appeared above both May's and Roxanne's faces. May looked down from that panel at the Gym leader who stood below it.

"I am Roxanne. The Gym Leader of Rustboro. Rock type pokemon are my specialty. Now let us see if you can overcome their solid might." Roxanne lifted a pokeball from her waist.

"Nosepass!" Roxanne shouted, and a stone nose appeared between May and Roxanne.

"Take it down, Nuzleaf." May's voice commanded. Nuzleaf strode into the field, his typical profanity and bravado forgotten.

You can do it, Nuzleaf. You have the advantage. Blaziken told his comrade. Nuzleaf nodded.

"Roxanne has led with her Nosepass. May has selected Nuzleaf for her front line. Clearly, an informed trainer. Grass types have the offensive edge on Rock types." An announcer's voice called out.

"Nosepass!"

"Nuzleaf!"

"Rock tomb!"

"Bullet seed!"

Nuzleaf blasted Nosepass with seeds, but the hard body of Nosepass weathered the attack with ease. Lifting it's bizarre arms above it's nose, Nosepass raised boulder's from the dirt, and hurled them at Nuzleaf using it's magnetism. Nuzleaf ceased his fire, and spun to dodge the first few rocks. The second volley peppered the ground behind him. Nuzleaf backed towards the stones, oblivious to the barricade behind him.

"Nuzleaf, dodge left!" May shouted a second too late. Nuzleaf, his back against the wall, fell to the third volley of stones.

Nuzleaf! Blaziken shout as a dust cloud obscured the battlefield.

I'm fine! Nuzleaf shouted back. The dust began to settle, and Jordan saw that Nuzleaf was far from what he claimed to be. Beaten and battered, staggering on his feet, Nuzleaf was clearly wounded. The green bar above May's portrait slid down an alarming scale, whereas Roxanne's bar barely moved.

"You thought that you could use a type advantage against a Gym leader? You're going to have to think outside of the box if you want to defeat me!" Roxanne shouted across the field to May, who's worried eyes measured Nuzleaf's wounds.

"Nosepass! The field is ours! Discharge!" Roxanne shouted.

"Nuzleaf! Endure it!" May shouted in desperation, her mind struggling to formulate a strategy under the pressure. Nosepass arced with electricity, before firing a massive current across the cave floor. Nuzleaf hunkered down just as the bolt reached him. May's bar slid from green past yellow, to a sliver of red.

"What? Are you stalling? Do mean to prolong your pokemon's suffering?" Roxanne had forgotten all kindness, and she criticized May's strategy with brutal assertion. Nuzleaf could barely stand. The electricity had caused his body to spasm and seize.

Nuzleaf! Fall back! Let me take over! Jordan shouted to his wounded ally. Nuzleaf started laughing.

Nu-uh. I gotta earn my keep. Blaziken, hold May back. I have a really bad idea. Nuzleaf started giggling like a freak.

Don't be stupid! You're just going to get hurt! Blaziken shouted.

That's the plan. Nuzleaf cackled. May looked at her second pokemon with concern. Nuzleaf was laughing? Had he totally lost it?

"Nuzleaf, come ba-!" Blaziken grabbed May's hand before she could recall Nuzleaf into his pokeball. May looked up at him in terror. Blaziken fixed her with a calm eye.

Hold on, May. He's got something planned. Blaziken shook his head. May looked at Blaziken in confusion.

"Just going to let him get hurt, then? You're either cruel or stupid, May. Now let me teach you the depth of your error." Roxanne shouted from her podium.

"Nosepass! Finish him off!" Roxanne ordered. Nosepass hurled himself at Nuzleaf, using his magnetism to propel himself like a bullet.

Nuzleaf… Jordan called to his doomed friend in trepidation. May ran forward.

HOLD HER BACK! Nuzleaf roared. Blaziken grabbed May and lifted her back to their corner. Nosepass slammed into Nuzleaf, whose laughter had become something positively maniacal.

WELCOME TO GROUND ZERO, ASSHOLE! Nuzleaf began to glow brilliant white.

"Nosepass!" Roxanne screamed, recognizing that glow. Nosepass too, seemed to realize that it had been baited into a trap. Nosepass summoned it's magnetism for a sudden retreat, but it was too late. Nuzleaf exploded, filling the cave with a concussion that eclipsed Blaziken's Overheat. Jordan turned his back to the blast, guarding May and Ralts from the attack. The concussion just about threw them across the cave, but Blaziken stood against it. The brilliant light faded.

"NUZLEAF!" May shouted as she and Blaziken ran into the field.

WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT!? NUZLEAF! Jordan screamed for some sign of his friend. Searching the field at mach speeds, Jordan's heart stopped. Nuzleaf was laying in a crater, burned and unresponsive, but breathing.

May! I found him! He's still alive! Jordan jumped into the crater, and lifted Nuzleaf's limp body from the epicenter.

"Nuzleaf! No, no, no!" May took the comatose doll from Blaziken.

"Come on, Nuzleaf! Don't- Don't..." May couldn't say it. It was her fault. Nuzleaf had done this to himself for her sake. For a stupid badge, Nuzleaf had blown himself up.

"Nuzleaf… wake up… Nuzleaf, please…" May was bawling. Nuzleaf shook slightly beneath her, as if he were struggling to answer her. Blaziken's breath was coming in ragged gasps. May looked up at him, and felt her stomach loosen. Blaziken's talons tore into the rock as he began to hyperventilate, but it was the madness in his wide eyes that stopped May's heart. Flames poured from his wrists and ankles, and smoke billowed from his mouth and nostrils. His tortured breaths became bloodthirsty howls. Watching Nuzleaf explode had wakened his trauma. Blaziken was losing himself to the monster.

"Blaziken! Blaziken, stop!" May wept as Blaziken became something she feared. Nuzleaf's eyes opened.

Blaziken… Nuzleaf reached for his friends talon, and at the sound his voice, Blaziken remembered himself. Flames sputtered and died, and the beast was lost to a desperate need to speak. Shaking, Blaziken took Nuzleaf's hand, though his rapid breath hinted that he had not yet cleared the precipice.

Hey. Chill. It's not the first time that I did that. Nuzleaf was exhausted.

YOU IDIOT! Blaziken slammed his fists into the floor causing the stones around them to bounce. Nuzleaf started laughing again.

Save your strength. It's your show now. Don't let me down. Nuzleaf's eyes rolled into his head as he began to cough. May lifted Nuzleaf off of the ground in an effort to ease his breathing.

I gotta rest for a while… I'll be fine, you dolts. Do you really think I'd kill myself for a badge? Blaziken… finish it… Nuzleaf could maintain his consciousness no longer. He collapsed onto the cave floor. Blaziken looked at his fallen friend, and forced himself to take a calming breath.

Okay. I got it. Jordan pulled himself together, and looked to his trainer with calm eyes.

May, get Nuzleaf out of here. He earned his rest. Jordan lifted Nuzleaf, and handed him to May. Slowly straightening himself out, Jordan walked to center of the field. May scurried to her corner, and both her and Ralts ministrated to Nuzleaf. Jordan looked up at Roxanne. The panel above her flickered. Nuzleaf's red tick disappeared, and Nosepass' green bar drained to yellow, then red, then empty. A new set of bars lit up, full and green. One white and red sphere below May's and Roxanne's portraits blinked out. Roxanne had already recalled her unconscious Nosepass, and turned her glance to Jordan.

"I'm sorry that I underestimated him. He's as devious as he is dedicated. I hope May deserves such talent and loyalty." Roxanne spoke to Jordan, whose countenance became fierce as he fell into poise.

You think he's nuts? You haven't seen anything yet. Jordan told Roxanne with his glowering eyes. Roxanne smirked.

"That's the haughtiness I expected of a Blaziken. I knew you had it in you." Whether Roxanne meant it in praise or as an insult, Jordan cared not.

"May." Roxanne called past Blaziken. May rose from Nuzleaf's side.

"We're waiting for you." Roxanne said patiently.

"Ralts, keep an eye on him. Blaziken and I have to finish this." May told the shaken pixie, who nodded up at May. May walked calmly back to her position behind Blaziken, who stood still as a statue, talons splayed for an assault.

"I'm ready." May said in a monotone. Roxanne smiled.

"We'll see." Roxanne procured another pokeball, and kissed it's top.

"My first pokemon against your first. Sentiment and prowess go hand in hand with such affairs. Our strongest pokemon. Our closest friends. I won't hold back. You shouldn't either." Roxanne tossed her pokeball into field, with a form that suggested she was casting a flower to the wind.

"Lairon. I need you again."

"Blaziken. I believe in you."

Jordan eyed his opponent's arrival. The light condensed, and a large lizard coated in iron and steel bellowed as it landed on the cave floor with a thud. Roxanne didn't waste a moment. An attack was Lairon's only introduction.

"Lairon! Earthquake!"

"Blaziken! High Jump Kick!"

The ground was torn open beneath Blaziken, just as he found purchase to leap. The roof of the cave rushed to meet him, but Jordan flipped head over heels. His knees bent, absorbing the impact as he hit the ceiling, and his legs sprang back, launching him into gravity's pull with even greater velocity.

"Lairon! Protect!"

Lairon pulled a twinkling sphere around herself, just as Jordan angled his heel, and put every ounce of power he had behind it. Jordan slammed into Lairon's shield, and crashed into the cave floor. Pain shot up Jordan's leg and spine, even as the stones tore up his elbows and back.

Fuck… Jordan groaned as he pulled himself up. He was badly hurt, and Lairon didn't have a scratch on her shining hide.

"Predictable. Please pretend that I actually know what I'm doing." Roxanne mocked from her platform.

"Lairon, take him down."

"Blaziken! Counter!" May shouted as Lairon rushed Jordan in a reckless charge. Jordan took the hit, but led Lairon into it. Driving the high speed tackle into the dirt, Jordan used Lairon's momentum and his own to magnify the recoil. Lairon was crushed beneath him. But the lizard was not yet defeated. Pulling herself free of the battered Jordan, Lairon put space between her and her opponent, awaiting the next order.

"Impressive. I guess you can learn." Roxanne said, as Lairon staggered on an injured leg. Jordan pulled himself up. That last maneuver had costed him greatly.

"Every bit as solid as a Rock type. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Blazikens didn't make it to the top tier by being delicate." Roxanne breathed. Jordan straightened himself, and fixed Lairon with a hardened glare. Lairon rustled her shoulders in preparation to charge again.

"I admit, I want to see you lose. Nothing would make me happier than seeing the mighty fall." Roxanne mocked.

"Leave him alone." May's cold voice harbored venom. Roxanne smirked.

"May… It's nothing against you. Nothing at all. It has everything to do with my own past, and my current suspicions regarding your Blaziken's origins. You claim Blaziken found you? I'm sure that it appeared that way, but you don't know your father the way I do…" Roxanne spoke softly.

"Leave Blaziken out of this! What did my dad ever do to you?" May screamed at Roxanne. Roxanne swallowed.

"It has nothing to do with you, May." Roxanne warned, never taking her eyes off of the angry girl opposed to her.

"And it has everything to do with you." Roxanne murmured under her breath, but only Lairon and Blaziken could hear her.

That's it. I'm tired of your bullshit. Blaziken erupted with flames. His look captured Roxanne with heavy notes of disgust.

Let me guess, little girl… Norman broke your heart… Jordan's eyes carried his insinuating message to Roxanne's cold face.

You had strong feelings for him, huh? But he chose Grace instead of you, didn't he? What a bitch. Blaziken took a step towards Roxanne.

Stay out of this. It's not your business! Lairon growled at Jordan, edging closer to her trainer.

She's making it my business. You have a problem with me? Fine. You have bad history with Norman? I don't give a shit. But you try and hurt May? I'll tear you down. I will bring you a hate you can't contest, and there will be nothing left. Not one stone.

"You may want to get your Blaziken under control, May. He has a look in his eye that I find displeasing." Roxanne's face twisted as she spat at Jordan.

"Blaziken. Finish this. I want to leave." May ordered coldly.

As you wish, my love… Jordan felt that ferality, but he was in control. May had released him, and in doing so, restrained him. He wanted to scare Roxanne, and the means to do so was right in front of him.

Nothing personal… Jordan told Lairon as he disappeared in a vortex of flame. Jordan moved, and his martial practices merged with another form. Ingrained within all Blazikens was a proud and furious warrior. This warrior knew nothing of art or morals. This warrior knew only primordial savagery and hideous power. Jordan's monster may have been of similar origins, but it was the instincts of a Blaziken that melded with the disciplines of an artist to achieve such terrifying grace. Jordan didn't know how many times he had struck Lairon. Jordan lost count of the times the beast screamed for release. Jordan stopped seeing spires as obstacles and instead saw them as opportunities. Lairon was kicked and punched and thrown down upon them all. Jordan was merciless, and embodied a nature that linked beast to man. The cave floor became rubble in seconds. Roxanne's mind couldn't comprehend what had just transpired. Everything had changed so fast. Her voice begged for an end, even while her brain struggled to grasp the scene before her.

"I forfeit! Call your Blaziken off! Leave Lairon alone!" Roxanne screamed to May.

"Blaziken."

Another spire exploded, and Lairon crashed at Roxanne's feet.

"That's enough."

Blaziken stepped from the dust, his eyes as calm as his trainer's. Jordan approached Roxanne, who shielded Lairon with her body.

"Stay away! I hate you! Stay away from her!" Roxanne hissed. Jordan approached Roxanne and her Lairon regardless.

"Go back to Norman, you shit." Roxanne growled at Blaziken. Jordan knelt beside her, and grasped Roxanne's wrists.

See how the innocent suffer from your pettiness, witch? Jordan placed Roxanne's hands on Lairon.

Learn something from this. Or keep hurting others with your own pain. Jordan looked into Roxanne's startled eyes, and he gave her his story with a glance.

Do you want to be a monster? Do you want to destroy all that you love? I have fallen, and now I must pay for it. See your mistakes in my failures. Be more than me. Let the hate go. Jordan eyes held Roxanne not in anger, but in sorrow. Roxanne didn't hear his thoughts, but his message was received.

"What are you?" Roxanne breathed in fear. Blaziken closed his eyes, shutting the windows to his story. Jordan still didn't have an answer for that question.

I am learning. Jordan said to himself softly. May's hand found his shoulder.

"It's over, Blaziken. It's time to move on." May whispered. Jordan listened to her words, and understood the depths of their connotations. Jordan shook his head.

No, May. There is still a lesson I must learn first. Until then, my road leads me into the dark. Jordan looked down and away from May. May's face tightened.

"You won't let me get any closer, will you?" May asked quietly. The new guilt, the guilt Jordan had struggled with since May had first shown him a hope, washed over Jordan in it's familiar embrace. Jordan broke. Tears of shame ran down his face as his weary body withered in on himself.

May… I'm sorry… I'm not ready... please… Jordan wept as he curled his talons against his sternum. May knelt down beside him.

Please don't leave me…

"One day you will. I know you will." May said gently as she ran her hands down the back of his braided crests. Roxanne watched them from over her own bleeding heart and wounded friend.

"You're nothing like Norman, are you?" Roxanne asked softly.

"I'm his daughter. Not his legacy. This is my story. These are my choices." May said calmly. Hesitantly, Roxanne raised an arm. She drew it back, before looking May in the eyes. Roxanne's mouth her arms around May, Roxanne pulled her into an embrace.

"I'm sorry… I'm sorry. I haven't held you since you were a baby. Please, forgive me." Roxanne wept. May was frozen between her broken love, and this familiar stranger.

"It's okay… It's all okay…" May told them, though her heart denied it. Roxanne held her all the closer, and Blaziken wheezed through his watery breaths.

"Everything will be okay… Someday…" May wished.

...

Roxanne stepped out of the shower. Wrapping herself in a towel, Roxanne stood in front of the steamed mirror, and began to brush the knots from her hair. May had left Rustboro with her first badge a couple of hours ago. Nosepass had been spared the infirmary, but Lairon had not been so lucky. Blaziken had not been kind with the one constant in Roxanne's life. Though Lairon would recover, it would be at least a month before she could compete again. It was frustrating that such outcomes were expected in pokemon battles, but Roxanne could not resent May or her Blaziken for the brutality. If anything, Roxanne blamed herself.

"I'm getting old." Roxanne said to the misty mirror. Roxanne paused, and studied the face hidden behind the water droplets.

"Too old for grudges, anyway." Roxanne wrapped her head in a towel, and pulled a bathrobe over her figure. Roxanne left her bathroom, and headed for her living room. Nosepass rested in his corner, always facing north. Lairon lay upon the couch, bandages covering the rivets and welds that held the plates of her cracked armor together. Roxanne sat down next to her, and kissed Lairon on the tip of her snout.

"How are you feeling?" Roxanne asked her friend. Lairon groaned. Roxanne smiled sadly.

"You did well, even if I did not. You didn't lose, Lairon. I let you down. I let myself down…" Roxanne sank into the couch, a look remorse on her face. Lairon pushed her head under Roxanne's arms, and nuzzled her lap.

"I'm sorry, Lairon. I let my bitterness get the better of me…" Roxanne cuddled with the lump of iron in her lap. Lairon snorted. Roxanne laughed lightly.

"You've always been there for me, dearest friend. Thank you." Roxanne kissed Lairon's face again.

"I'm taking tomorrow off. I'll call for a sub at the school, and have the gym closed tonight. Let's start the weekend early, you and I." Roxanne told Lairon. Lairon cooed.

"Cherry ice cream? Gone with the Wind? Merlot, or Pinot Grigio?" Roxanne asked. Lairon rolled onto her side.

"I favored the Merlot as well." Roxanne laughed. Standing up, Roxanne headed to the kitchen to pour wine and fill bowls with frozen sweets. Just as she was pulling the ice cream from the icebox, her holocaster buzzed. Sighing, Roxanne put the tub back in the freezer, and reached for the holocaster, intent on hanging it up.

"Do I want to talk to you on my girls' night in? Let's see, no-" Roxanne's playful dialogue came to a sudden stop. She recognized that number. Hurriedly, Roxanne pressed the receive button.

"Norman!" Roxanne gasped in disbelief. The weary face of her old friend flickered into blue light.

"Hey, Roxanne. I'm… uh…" Norman noticed the towel and bathrobe.

"You're looking good." Norman said awkwardly. Roxanne managed a smile.

"And you look like a dinosaur. Are those grey hairs?" Roxanne teased. Norman gave a short laugh.

"They just started showing up. I think I know why too." Norman chuckled.

"Let me guess… May?" Roxanne asked. Norman nodded with a somewhat pleased expression.

"She's a handful, I'll let you know." Norman laughed.

"Tell me about it." Roxanne smiled. Norman looked up with a start.

"You met?" Norman asked. Roxanne nodded.

"What did you think?" Norman asked. Roxanne sighed.

"She's unique, Norman. I've never met anyone like her." Roxanne confided. Norman was beaming.

"Did she challenge you?" Norman asked, a nervousness in his voice.

"Our match concluded about four hours ago. She has my badge." Roxanne said. Norman slapped his hands together, and started prancing around his office, laughing and whooping. The aged dinosaur was gone, and a wild and enthusiastic young man had taken his place. Roxanne couldn't stop laughing. Norman's boyish grin brought back so many fond memories. Norman stopped his discoordinated dancing, and wiped a tear from his eye.

"Sorry, Roxanne… I just…" Norman started, but ended with a gasp of laughter.

"Norman, it's okay. She's your daughter. If you weren't rooting for her, I'd be ashamed of you." Roxanne said. Norman pulled a firm wind through his nostrils, and released it in a shaky breath.

"Go May… Go get'em kid…" Norman whispered. Roxanne's heart warmed to him. She had longed for and dreaded this call, but now all the bad blood was washing away. Still, Roxanne had to ask.

"Why did you call me, Norman?" Roxanne asked. Norman sighed. Some of the youthful glee was diminished.

"Things have been happening, Roxanne… Things that have gotten me thinking…" Norman murmured.

"What things, Norman?" Roxanne asked. Norman breathed deep.

"It's been years since you and I have spoken, Roxanne. I… I don't want to lay my troubles on you… I just… I wanted… forget it." Norman buried his eyes in his hand. That habit had never changed.

"Norman." Roxanne spoke in a level tone. Norman sighed.

"It has been years. Many years. Maybe I want to hear your troubles. Maybe I want you to hear some of mine… but if it's too soon… or too late…" Roxanne faltered.

"No, Roxanne. It's never too late. And it has been too long." Norman said softly. Roxanne took a shaky breath.

"Do you… do you still think of 'us' sometimes?" Roxanne asked. Norman lowered his hand, but his eyes couldn't meet Roxanne's.

"Roxanne… that ship has sailed. I have May to think about now. I have Grace. But…" Norman started and then stopped.

"Yes, I think about you. And me. And what I did." Norman whispered.

"Norman… I… I do too." Roxanne said quietly. Norman rubbed his eyes.

"I never apologized to you, did I?" Norman asked. Roxanne shook her head.

"I never apologized either, Norman." Roxanne said.

"I'm sorry that I played with your heart. I'm sorry that I abandoned you… I am sorry, Roxanne…" Norman said in weak voice. Roxanne felt tears in her eyes.

"I'm sorry that I made you choose. It was selfish of me to come between you and your family. I'm sorry." Roxanne could finally say it, what she had wanted to say and deny for all of these years.

"No. I did it. That was me, Roxanne. If I wasn't such a pig-" Norman began. Roxanne interrupted him.

"Shut up, Norman. That was then. This is now. We've both grown up since then. We finally got it off of our chests. For the sake of our friendship, can we move on?" Roxanne asked. Norman laughed through the battle with his tears.

"I missed you, Roxanne."

"And I missed you, Norman. Now what did you want talk about?" Roxanne asked. Norman swallowed.

"Things have been getting more uncertain… ever since Trish died, I've been seeing things differently. I'm afraid, Roxanne. I have so much to fear, and I have to do something. I've screwed up trying to do something. I've made some bad decisions that make the poor choices of my youth look like innocent mistakes. I almost lost May. I almost got Brenden killed. I almost lost my best friend. I… can't lose them like I lost Trish, Roxanne… I can't lose like that again…" Norman began to weep. Roxanne looked at Norman. This wasn't the Norman she remembered. This wasn't the same man that threw her out of his life after making her a part of it.

"When Will and I had a falling out… I thought about you. I wanted to see you again. I wanted to talk to you. I wanted to apologize. I… I don't want to lose you, Roxanne. I don't want to lose anymore friends…" Norman said in a fading breath.

"Norman, can I visit you in Littleroot? Can you, Grace, Will, and I have lunch together? Like old times? Or would that cause problems?" Roxanne asked. Norman began to calm.

"No, that wouldn't be a problem. When's a good date for you?" Norman asked, and there was hint of gratitude in his voice.

"For an old friend? Does tomorrow work?" Roxanne asked. Norman smiled warmly.

"Tomorrow would be perfect. I'll call Will. Does one o'clock give you enough time?" Norman asked.

"Make it eleven. The sooner I can see all of you, the better." Roxanne smiled.

"Eleven it is then. I look forward to seeing you." Norman said.

"I can't wait. Norman…" Roxanne lingered over the goodbye.

"Yes, Roxanne?" Norman asked.

"Thank you." Roxanne could barely whisper it.

"Likewise. Thank you, Roxanne. See you tomorrow." Norman said.

"Good night, Norman." Roxanne waved to his holo, before hanging up. Falling against the fridge, Roxanne breathed in a joyous sigh. Putting the bowls back in the cupboard, Roxanne grabbed the entire tub of ice cream and a pair of spoons. Returning to the living room with a bottle of Merlot and the tub, Roxanne placed them on the coffee table, and turned on her television.

"I changed my mind." Roxanne announced as she sat down next to Lairon.

"We're going to watch 'The Count of Monte Cristo' instead." Roxanne said as she cuddled with Lairon.