Chapter 10
Drew watched the bustling city from his penthouse. The ever-expanding, most technological city never slept. Even in the darkness of the night sky LaRousse City shone like an iridescent gem. But Drew's back faced the window which gifted such a spectacular view, glaring with a fiery intensity at the hologram in the middle of the room, almost as if he was going to murder it.
"Didn't you hear me?" He spat, raw, unprecedented rage ripping his throat. "I. QUIT. I've had enough of this! And I'm not going to be a part of it any more!"
The holographic image of the old woman gave a dry, spine-chilling laugh. "Boy, I'm afraid you can't. Your father and I had a deal which frankly... you don't have a choice in."
"I've had enough of being dragged in this shit because of my father! I. Don't. Fucking. Care."
"Your parents would beg to differ, Drew. This rests entirely on your family business. Your very own reputation."
"I built my reputation on my talent, not my father's business!" He yelled. He lost his composure a long time ago, and the ferocious facet would seem impossible for the calm, nonchalant coordinator. "Just leave me the fuck alone, Palermo. I'm done with this crap. Hear me? It's finished this... t-this twisted game of yours!" His voice oozed with disgust.
"Aria-"
"YOU MADE ME HURT HER," he roared, running his hands through his hair. "I'm done. That's it." And without a word in edge-ways, he pressed the button, effectively shutting off the hologram.
With stress lines marking his once carefree face, he collapsed onto the sofa with an exhale of hot air. Drew couldn't carry on pretending, faking, lying to everyone. He couldn't sacrifice his own life to life and joy for his father's immoral business policies. He cursed himself with his colourful vocabulary, regretting with a burning hatred the day he let his sentiments choose a decision that would have this much of an impact.
Drew was no one's puppet.
Rustboro City.
Sadness seeped into May's mind as it replayed the events of the morning. Gary's aloof behaviour pained her more than she'd like to admit. And Drew's words bursting in her head hardly helped her heart remain optimistic. Gary tip-toed away slowly, despite the tabloids telling the world they were irrevocably in love. Stuck in her bubble of despondency, May didn't realise he crashed into someone until her backside hit the concrete side-walk.
"Ouch!"
"I'm so sorry!" The girl flushed, helping May up. "I'm not usually clumsy." Several shopping bags dangled from the length of her arm.
"It was my fault too," May muttered, mentally slapping herself for being oblivious of her surroundings.
The girl wore a pink hat which had a baby pink ribbon, shading her short ginger hair. Her red cardigan wrapped her torso, a short pink dress brushing her thighs, fastened with black thin black belt with matching black trainers. She also carried a light pink bag over her small shoulders. The girl was taller than her, only an inch or two shorter than Drew, May guessed.
"Oh my god!" The girl's eyes practically bulging from her skull. "You're May!"
"Yeah." May never got tired of meeting new and excited fans, always brightening whatever mood she was in. And right now, May welcomed the cheeriness that appeared along with the arrival of the foreign girl.
"My name's Serena and I'm from Kalos," she introduced enthusiastically. "I'm a performer but I'm going to compete in contests to improve myself. I saw your last contest and I've been meaning to ask... can you help me, please?"
Surprised crossed May's face as she stared at the girl in shock, taken aback by her question. Was May fit enough to... tutor... someone? She was not Ash, who was like a brilliant mentor to her; she wasn't Drew, who could instantly pick out your weakness and teach you how to do better; and nor Gary, who assists with his incredible battling history and his vast knowledge. She was just May. A mere person who was lucky enough to meet such people on her journey to be the best coordinator in the world.
But she couldn't say no. "Of course, Serena. Nice to meet you!"
Gary slipped the two tickets for SS. Spiral in his back pockets as he pulled out his laptop to see Professor Oak's concerned face.
"I am assuming this is not about the paperwork since you submitted that weeks ago," Professor Oak began, seriousness in his eyes.
Gary sighed. He never had a fatherly figure in his life since his parents divorced when he was a little kid. His mom raised him as a proud single mother in Pallet Town while his father continued his training in different regions in the world only Arceus knows where. He couldn't hate the guy since she never knew him, and his mother didn't ever talk bad about him so Gary couldn't understand why he abandoned them. His mother was quiet and reserved, which explains why she always told him he was a splitting image of his father. His hair, his personality and his ambitious were from his paternal side. Gary wished he had a relationship with his father, but now, his grandfather was the closest he had.
"Is Leaf okay?" he asked quietly.
"No, she's still upset about the fact she found out about your new girlfriend through the television," Oak scolded. "I thought you were raised better than that, Gary! Was it too difficult to give her a phone call? Did you not leave this indecent path behind you? I expected better from my only grandson."
"I didn't mean to cheat, I swear... it just happened," Gary said, even though he knew it was the lamest excuse in the whole freaking world.
"Did May know?" Oak folded his arms in disapproval. "She is a close friend of Ash and I know that he will become very angry if he finds out that you're hurting her."
"Gramps, but we're not even... together." It felt like a bitter lie on his tongue.
"Are you saying mass media is simply lying? Those photos of the you are false? Is the world merely tricked?"
"It was just supposed to be a publicity stunt to push our careers," Gary explained, realising now just how selfish and stupid he was for doing it. "That's why I didn't tell Leaf. I didn't think I'd... "
"That you'd fall for May," Oak finished with an understanding tone. "In a game of feelings, only hearts are left hurt and reeling."
Gary nodded, understanding the mini poems his grandfather often narrated. "What should I do?"
"Tell May the truth."
"But she'll hate me!" Gary nearly shouted, vehemently against the idea. He could deal with hate from others, but he couldn't bear the idea of May despising him.
"It's the right thing to do, Gary," Oak said sympathetically. "Apologise to Leaf as well."
Gary gulped nervously, reluctant to talk to Leaf Green, his now ex whom he met while in Celadon City. They has been together a year, their relationship on the low from cameras. She was kind, smart and cautious. Gary knew how sensitive Leaf was and the image of her crying made him feel like a terrible monster. How could he apologise after the scandal? How could he show his face to the girl whose heart he'd broke into a million pieces. His eyes flicked to the laptop screen again.
"Okay, Gramps," he surrendered acquiescently.
"So where are you off to now?" Oak asked, changing the topic.
"Back to Sinnoh for the Grand Festival." He waved two cruise tickets in front of the screen.
"Tip number three." May pointed her three fingers up as Serena hung on to her every letter with a focussed look in her baby blue eyes. "It's always smart to seek inspiration from other coordinators. If you want a chance to beat them, knowing their techniques is useful, and you can also make your own combinations up! It's a win-win situation!"
"I wish I had a book to write these down!" Serena said, rummaging through her shopping bags with no luck. Serena gave a strange glance as May suddenly stopped walking and stared into the distance.
"What better way to test the waters with a battle," May winked, gesturing to the empty battlefield further. "What do you say, Serena?"
"Sure!" She reached for her pokeball, a determined glint in her sky-blue eyes. "Sylveon!"
"Syveonn!" The fairy pokémon materialised onto the battlefield.
A sylveon, May thought in wonder, remembering Gary mentioning it when he explained eevee's unstable genetic make-up a few days ago. It's gotta be an eeveelution! A challenging grin crossed her face as she threw her pokeball in the air. There was only one pokémon she could think of perfect for this match.
"Glaceon, take the stage!"
In a shimmer of diamonds (due to the crystal seal), the pokémon landed onto the ground, all in its icy glory. Serena gasped in surprise; they didn't have any contest seals in Kalos, but they introduced pokémon in a flashy way, almost suited for showcases. She has got to buy some! Sylveon looked at the opposing pokémon with curiosity, never having seen it before, yet seemingly familiar at the same time. It was quite bizarre for the blue eeveelution just as it was for the pink eeveelution.
Serena hesitated, fear gripping her skin. That was the glaceon that she saw in the Alamos Town contest! She's already seen its power... Serena couldn't do this, no way! It was too strong for her Sylveon!
"Don't let your fear control you!" May advised, seeing Serena visibly tense. "Take the first attack."
"Right!" Serena shook her head, as if the rapid movement would clear her mind. "Swift, Sylveon!"
May stayed silent as Sylveon prepared its attack. Why isn't she saying anything? Serena asked silently, frustrated. As the star flung towards Glaceon, May smirked.
"Mirror Coat!" The starry assault deflected, a direct hit on the foe. Sylveon fell back towards Serena with a cry of pain, while leaving Glaceon encased in a golden glow. In a real contest, Serena would have lost major points.
She gritted her teeth. May was waiting for the right time so she couldn't have a opening to counter Glaceon. Smart. Just as expected from a top coordinator. Serena glanced at Sylveon with sorrow. Sylveon was hurting because of her-
"Iron tail!"
Glaceon's tail emitted a metal shine, launching the move. Sylveon succumbed to another attack, head-on and super effective this time round. The impact of the attack even surprised Glaceon, who was aware that physical attacks weren't the strongest from her overall stats. But super-effective? This must be a type she'd never battled with before!
"We're still battling, Serena. Try to concentrate!"
The girl from Kalos gasped in shock at Glaceon's accuracy and speed. She hadn't even collected her thoughts by the time it hit again. Uncertainty overflowed her mind as she stared at a fallen Sylveon. This was proof that she was not cut out to be a battler. She bet May wasn't even trying, it was probably a warm-up for her.
"A pokémon is only as good as its trainer!" May cried again, tossing a bout of encouragement to the girl from Kalos.
Serena nodded thankfully. "Sylveon, please get up! You can do this. Remember our showcases!"
Body trembling, Sylveon stood up, a flashback of when it was a small eevee battling a blastiose. "Syllllveon!" It can do better! It can't disappoint Serena!
"Glace," Glaceon replied, readying herself for another move.
"Iron tail!"
"Protect!"
After the stalemate, Sylveon danced around Glaceon with quick and confusing steps. Glaceon kept an eye on the frolicking pokémon, slightly unnerved by the change in tactic. Sylveon bobbed left to right, back and forth in a secret rhythm Glaceon couldn't keep track of.
"Is that so adorable!" May commented as she watched Sylveon encircle Glaceon.
Serena cheered, but stopped quickly when she saw May smirking and unaffected. "Full on Ice Beam!"
"Dodge!" A wide smile of satisfaction plastered on Serena's face as her pokémon moved out the way. That'll show May!-
"-What?." Serena muttered under her breath. The whole battle field became somewhat of an ice ring, huge pillars of sharp and translucent ice transpiring randomly on the battlefield. Sylveon was suddenly hit by a ice pillar emerging from underneath its spot, slamming onto the freezing, unforgiving ice floor.
"It's so beautiful," Serena whispered, despite her disadvantage. It was a sight to behold, like a piece of frozen paradise. The sun-rays reflected off the ice, creating a stream of rainbow colours across the pillars. And it certainly made Glaceon stand out, perfectly comfortable in its cold environment...
Unlike Sylveon. As it stood up, it slipped down. Again and again. The ice was too slippery for it to keep its balance. The ice was spread on the ground like glass sheets. The grace it possessed mere seconds ago was snatched away by the spectacular icy move.
"I guess Sylveon can't dance any more," May teased, hands on her hips. "See, with contests you need to watch out for your opponent's strategies. Focusing on your own won't get you far."
"Right." Serena glanced desperately at her fairy pokémon "Sylveon, you can do this! Fairy wind!" If it can't physically move properly, then a special power ought to be a better choice of attack.
With a loud cry, gusts of pink wind hit Glaceon, propelling it in the clear sky. But it didn't do much damage, much to Serena's disappointment. With a quick spin, Glaceon regained control mid-air, jumping from ice pillar to ice pillar with a cutting-edge speed. Like a true professional.
"Glaceon really knows how to improvise," Serena complimented. It was hard to panic when Glaceon's every technique evoked envy and awe out of her. She glanced at Sylveon, newly born valiance in her voice. Her Sylveon will look just as great! Just watch! "Let's go! Sylveon use Moon-blast!"
"Dodge and iron tail!" May ordered, tone exuding strong confidence. Confidence that Serena had privy to on rare occasions. May was an amazing battler as well as a coordinator! Serena couldn't help but think that May's confidence in her skills had a striking resemblance to Ash! For sure... it was almost like battling Ash in some tiny way.
The pink blast hit a pillar as Glaceon dodged efficiently, the impact of the collision spewing smoke over the ground, covering everything in a grey blanket. Utilising the evasion, Glaceon landed yet another direct attack on the fairy pokémon
Serena knew the result as soon as it heard Sylveon cry in defeat. Eventually the smoke cleared up and Glaceon was stood without a single scratch; Sylveon was conscious, but extremely weak. Serena could see the strength in Glaceon's eyes that lack in Sylveon's. And yet, it didn't give up.
"Sylveon," Serena said softly, touched by its determination not concede in spite of the clear difference.
"I thought that'd end the battle," May said aloud. "Never mind. Glaceon, Shadow-ball!"
It was too late. Serena couldn't let her strangled voice out, and Sylveon was hurt too much, loosing the speed it once had. The ghostly sphere hit Sylveon, the shred of courage it had in ruins. The pokémon fainted. Serena lost. She returned Sylveon back to its pokeball. She smiled at it. It was brilliant even though it had been defeated by Glaceon. And in fact, it made her more proud of it than ever.
"Your style definitely tells me you're a performer. It's too reserved," May commented with Glaceon beside her. "But you know what they say; practise makes perfect! So don't lose hope."
"Thanks, May." Serena stroked Glaceon. "But I guess I kinda knew I was going to lose. Glaceon is even more beautiful in real life! You've really raised it well."
"Thanks! Sylveon was amazing too!" A loud growl from a hungry stomach was heard, May blushing at the oh so familiar sound. "I hope there's food nearby." Serena stifled a laugh, remembering Ash's insatiable hunger.
"You and Gary make a cute couple!" Serena gushed as she looked at May across the park bench.
"You think?" May putting a spoonful of vanilla ice cream in her mouth. If only it felt just as great as it looked. His detached actions and ambiguous replies watered the worry seeds. "What about you? There's gotta be someone you really like."
"Well..." Serena blushed as May urged her on with a prod of the elbow. "I've known this boy from when we were children and I even travelled with him. He's gone to a different region now." Serena leaned back on her chair, staring at the sky. "He's strong, an amazing friend who never gives up on you and wants to be the very best. He's a little dense but I think that's because he's so ambitious that he forgets about everything else."
"That sounds almost exactly like a friend I used to travel with in Hoenn and Kanto," May remarked, thinking of Ash and ruminating over what he might be doing. A sad mixture of nostalgia and adoration suddenly filled in her eyes."I've not seen him in a long time... but wherever he is, I'm certain he's having an awesome time!"
"Sometimes I think he just sees me as a friend," Serena confessed, almost inaudibly.
"Don't worry about it. You never know, you could meet someone more special," May smiled. Maybe she could play matchmaker for Serena's troubled love life!
"I'm not sure about that..." Could another boy ever replace the empty hole in her heart she wished Ash's romantic affection stayed?
"Serena, your ice cream is melting!" She looked at the ice cream cone in her hand and yelped as she saw pink liquid dripping over the back of her hand. So much for her bubblegum flavoured dessert.
Gary sat alone by the seaport café, Umbreon busy eating from his bowl. He'd seen May battling with another trainer on the way, deciding that it was best if he left her alone. She knew that the ship left in half an hour, so he wasn't worried about her forgetfulness. He had a more excruciating worry pushing down on his shoulders. The pokegear was on the table, his eyes staring at it for the past ten minutes. Mustering all his courage, he picked it up and rang the number of a certain girl. It picked up after just one ring. Nerves began shooting through his body. Doubt clouded his mind and guilt drowning his thoughts.
"Leaf?" He winced at the shrieking profanity that shot from the speaker. "I know- no, you're right. Look,... no-please listen, just give me one minute. Thirty seconds?...No, of course that's fine. An apology on the phone is not enough to express how sorry I am, Leaf. I want to see you... in person."
"Where?" A soft voice full of anguish asked.
Gary sighed in relief, a small smile on his face. "Battle Island, Sinnoh. I know it's a long journey from Pewter City, but please come." Without a single response the line went dead. "Hello? Leaf? You there?"
At least she didn't say no. That had to mean something... right?
"Bye May!" Serena waved at the ship, looking at the coordinator one last time. "Good luck with the grand festival!"
"And good luck to you with contests!" May cried back over the loud horn of the ship. "Till we meet again!"
Serena watched the ship slowly disappearing until it was nothing more than a dot as it sailed towards the orange horizon, the sun setting in glow of soft red. Wingulls flew above, irritatingly squawking. She hoped she'd she May again, but for now Serena would hold tightly to the bright inspiration she instilled in her and the gifts of wise words. A disgruntled moan and quick paces brought her out of her reverie. Serena turned to see a girl with thick plum hair tied in a low pony, panting heavily with a pokémon which Serena had never seen, sitting on her shoulder. Her dark skin made Serena assume she wasn't a local of Hoenn.
"Oh man, Axew we were too slow!" she groaned. "I really wanted to see her Altaria."
"Excuse me," Serena began politely. "Are you talking about May?"
"You've met the Princess of Hoenn?!"
"She's a princess?" May didn't mention anything about being from a royal family!
"It's a nickname," the girl amended dismissively, cooling Serena's sudden spike of embarrassment. "My dream is to become a dragon master so I really wanted to see her dragon pokémon I've heard so many things about her Altaria." She huffed in exasperation at her misfortune.
"She's a wonderful person and her pokémon are definitely strong. Maybe if you keep the best of wishes you'd meet her one day!"
"Best wishes," she echoed. "Any way my name is Iris and this is my partner, Axew."
"Axxeew!" The odd creature greeted.
Serena observed the dinosaur-looking pokémon with interest. "I've never seen an axew before! I'm Serena and a pokémon performer from Kalos. I want to become Kalos Queen but I'm trying out contests to improve my skills."
"Pokémon performer? That's new," Iris said, scanning her appearance. Well, she obviously didn't look like a rough battler with that diaphanous pink dress. "I'm from Unova, but I came to Hoenn because I saw Rayquaza!"
Iris pumped her fist with excitement, however Serena didn't really know what a Rayquaza was. She didn't care either, simply nodding along as if she knew the biography of Rayquaza. Was it food? A fashion branch? Erm... a strong dragon trainer? That seemed like the most fitting answer. It didn't sound relevant to contests or showcases so it would hardly benefit her if she enquired Iris about what it actually was. It definitely sounded like some sort of special Hoenn delicacy. Maybe it says something about it in her Hoenn tourist brochure.
"The next contest is in Lavaridge Town and I don't think it has any ribbon requirements," Iris informed her. "Do you want to join Axew and I on our journey there?"
"Wow... sure, I'd love to!" Serena replied happily to her new friend. "Thanks Iris!"
May walked into the lobby, her eyes lighting up in surprise as Gary appeared behind her. He pulled out two tickets with a wink. Before she could say a word, he grabbed her hand and lead her to the upper deck. May blushed a hundred shades of red; she couldn't understand why heart beat rapidly when he touched her. It was a small gesture. She entwined her fingers with his as they walked past the grand staircase. The ship was full of trainers of all types and ages. May had never seen a ship full of so many people, but she knew the one reason why it was: Battle Island was where the Sinnoh Grand Festival and the Pearl Conference was held this year.
"This is our cabin!" Gary announced, opening the door. May couldn't stop grinning; it was really happening: soon enough she'd be standing on a stage in the middle of a cheering crowd, her pokémon under the limelight, watched by her greatest rivals and judges. Sinnoh Grand Festival, here I come!
Hey, I hope you liked my portrayals of Serena (though I have to admit I don't like her), Iris (I try to keep the story close to canon so her story picks off from the BW special episode) and Leaf (yeah I know she's not in the anime... but still).