Disclaimer- I don't own Pokemon or anything else.
--
"There, even in bandages you're still cute!" Mrs. Hiromi confirms loudly.
Despite her bruises, Torchic wears a lime green bucket hat and pink bandanna around the neck. As Mrs. Hiromi playfully pokes her beak, Torchic gives occasional chirps while shyly staring at her feet.
"Still, these bruises are a bit much… May, are you sure she fell down a hill?"
"Mm. That little one is already pretty clumsy, why waste such a flappy thing on her?" May reasons.
Cradling Torchic in her arms, Mrs. Hiromi hopes to question her adorably dull daughter but instead watches her with exasperation.
As she no longer has to deal with the dress code of the outside world, May wears an easy slip-on tank-top and black biker shorts. Only slowing down to savor what's tastiest, she helps herself to Mrs. Hiromi's much toiled on and rather multi-family sized meal.
The girl loses momentum the moment Mrs. Hiromi places her school ID on the table.
I'll always move forward, no matter what… echoes in May's mind like a broken record, but something still bothers her…
"Well, since Pokemon aren't allowed in Public Schools, I suppose running here was the best idea. Although…" Mrs. Hiromi trails off. "Rolling around doesn't mean you should throw your responsibilities into the hands of the kind police people."
"It's really good…I don't think I ever feel full eating what you make…Is this what I've been missing all this time?" May mutters after a spoonful of her mother's stew.
Mrs. Hiromi, though flattered, doesn't know what to make of her daughter's words. Things became tougher when her daughter gives a pleading look asking: "What is school really for?"
"Not just that!" May adds. "Is it really important? What are you supposed to do there? Why? How should you act…I-"
"Well, it's nothing like those old B-Rated TV shows you sat through I'll say that." Mrs. Hiromi smiles. "School is…No, May you know I won't force to do anything you don't want to. But I really think this is something you should experience yourself."
"…It's not like I don't want to, I just want to know what it's really about." May excuses herself to attend to the ringing doorbell.
It feels awkward, but confronting Laurel proves something bound to happen sooner or later.
It's because of that belief; the purple-haired girl hesitates a bit before finding her will. "May, sorry about today, I hope you're--"
"I always want to keep moving forward, no matter what." May reasons to Laurel's surprise. "That's why… I want to reintroduce myself first thing tomorrow and start over! N-not only that…" she continues. "I'm not very smart! The only reason I'm doing that cram thing is to make-up for joining so late in the year! People go to those things for their own reasons, but that's the only reason I'm there!"
"Even someone so easygoing cares about-" Laurel cuts herself off to give May an understanding smile. "Sorry, introductions are for new students only. But you know, something tells me you'll get along with everyone really well!"
--
(Earlier)
Laurel was in a pinch! The seventh period teacher had to leave early and earlier events just showed what a failure she was… Not that the last part mattered, as a rep she always sucked, she knew that!
The true problem rested in her class: Everyone was in their seats; even more surprising those who ditched early were there too! That would've been a good thing if they all weren't glaring…AT HER!
Despite the hostility only one made his move, that being the self-proclaimed class tough-guy whose most noticeable traits would be his purposely greased up spiky black hair with a ponytail along with his blazer being kept unbuttoned.
Laurel stood paralyzed by the weight of the accusing finger pointing her way.
"You disappoint me Windsprite… You frickin' suck!" he growled.
Laurel stared blankly until the situation finally sank in. She gave an understanding smile when saying: "What? Did you just realize this?"
Even if some classmates held an uneasy ground, the young man kept his finger aimed. "So you admit it!" he growled. "We put our faith in you and thank us by letting us get bashed by those frickin' nerds? Whose side on you on anyway, huh?!"
"…Is that the only reason I'm not a good rep? Because I didn't speak up for my classmates?"
"The heck does being a rep have to do with sticking up for your friends, dumbass? Don't even know if I wanna look at that cute face of yours…" the young man scoffed.
Laurel couldn't believe what she was hearing. But looking at the faces of Rayya and the rest of the class--her friends, was more than enough to make the girl bite the bottom of her lip.
"Don't apologize, we want results!" Rayya cheered. "Win back our respect Laurel!"
"Why would you think you're bad at what you do?" one girl questioned.
"We voted for you so the least you can for us is deliver!" a boy agreed.
The growing noise pollution made it hard for the school's "Number One Girl", Amara Luna to enjoy her novel. Growing tired of the noise, the blond gave a reflective sigh before she slammed her textbook against her desk.
With everyone silenced, Amara turned to Laurel with an annoyed expression.
"You realize what your indecisiveness created Laurel?" she began sternly. "Our class has been questioned of our position. If you can't handle this now--"
"Windsprite, we're counting on you!" the young man cut in. "Get that new kid here and let's fight!"
"Wuh-You mean...you aren't mad at May?" Laurel gasped.
"You should actually get in on 'em, Rep. Messing with the new kids is always the best." One boy chuckled.
"The Johto kid is a good sport, we just didn't expect her to breakdown so suddenly." Another boy with a pompadour hairstyle replied. "Nothing like a certain show-off who came here two months ago and is still a Queen of Tact even after our scare tactics…"
Amara ignored this shot and continued reading her book.
Really, what was there for Laurel to say? Some of these people go as far back as kindergarten and still, she knew so little… The only thing she could do was spend the final months of her school year living up to the title given to her.
"…So what of seventh period?" Amara questioned to Laurel's hesitance.
(End Flashback)
--
"I can tell you'll fit in great…" Laurel confirms. "But May…I hope we can get along too!"
When May agrees, she's hands over a great deal of paperwork.
"Homework and a list of reports and tests coming up! The school year is almost up don't 'cha know!" Laurel reports cheerfully. "You got your work cut out for you, but don't worry, our class is one big wheel! That's why Amara will come by with all your cram work and further details!"
"…You…YOU TOLD THAT WEIRD GIRL WHERE I LIVE?!"
Seeing this, Laurel giggles. "I'll be there too so it'll be fun! You know, I never had a friend who was erratic… I hear they're actually the most interesting to be around!"
As Mrs. Hiromi chooses to respect her daughter's space, she only hears a bit of the girls chatter. Even then, what little she overhears is more than enough to make her hide amusement from her daughter's increase in hunger when returning to the table.
Despite the mood, Torchic escapes Mrs. Hiromi's hold to nuzzle against May's leg. She isn't expecting anything out of it; this is just something she wants to do!
May won't return the feeling anyway… That's okay, the warmth from their hug is something she'd never forget and that alone makes her happy. What the chick Pokemon doesn't see coming is May, after a defeated sigh, stares at her then sets her on the table before removing all material items. Stating, she looks better like that.
"My standards really have fallen…" Torchic hears May sigh.
But that shouldn't matter! Torchic chirps happily as the girl hides her embarrassment after Mrs. Hiromi's teasing.
Just like the promises I said I'll never break, I went to school each day. Everyone is weird but they always keep things interesting!
Two weeks after her sloppy start, May stares at her failed paper in utter defeat.
But…I'm still not much of a school person…
--
Chapter 5- Heart Wave! The Reality Marble and the Hoenn Stars!
--
"I'm hungry." May voiced. As it was her precious daughter, Mrs. Hiromi stopped cutting vegetables but couldn't help but stare.
"May… I know how you feel about the past but I think that bump on your head might be problematic."
"Bump? I don't feel anything, nya." May answered. "But sometimes I do get headaches if something is bothering me or if I hear really annoying noises; my head feels like it wants to split so I get a little tired afterwards, nya."
Even if the girl was smiling off the whole matter, Mrs. Hiromi showed further concern. "I want to schedule an appointment with a doctor." She said. "I know how you feel about medicine but I'm really worried about you!"
"…If you really think it's that important…I'll go!" May answered eventually. "Is it okay if I eat first?"
"Ah? No, no you can't just walk in unannounced; I have to schedule an appointment for you." Mrs. Hiromi explained. "I'll try to get one for as early as possible, but since really you want stretch your legs… Why not get cleaned up and properly introduce yourself to all our neighbors? They'd love to meet you, especially Mrs. Birch, I brag about you all the time to her!"
May stared at her mother blankly before holding her stomach and falling to her knees. Mrs. Hiromi returned the expression, crouched and faced her daughter dot-eyed.
"You just don't want to do this, do you?" she questioned blankly.
"I don't like the smell out there." May replied with equal standing.
"Well, sleeping like that WOULD make one hungry…" Mrs. Hiromi considered before having an idea. "Say, if you go out and do this bothersome task, I'll make you something really special when you get back."
As May was curious, Mrs. Hiromi emphasized on what she'll prepare.
(A bit later)
"Going to meet my neighbors, nya!" May called out cheerfully.
"Have fun!" Mrs. Hiromi called out with equal glee.
Getting some distance from the house, the first thing May noticed was LittleRoot's lone tree. Climbing that large thing let her meet some pretty amusing people last time. Too bad she had to rely on real exploration this time…
…For a small rural area that didn't have many people or conveniences there sure was a great distance between location and housing.
Some of the people May actually met proved themselves to be friendly elderly or middle-aged folk who enjoyed LittleRoot's solitude, as well as having a nasty tendency to ask for aid on tasks that, for some reason, involved their daily routines and personal lives.
LittleRoot also proved itself to be home to many small wild Pokemon who residents simply dubbed: "strays". These types simply scurried around the town for food, lazed about or, due to their easygoing natures, playfully tagged along with May until losing interest.
May hated to admit it, but trying to outrun those guys really made her appreciate LittleRoot's lush and hilly environment. It was also this method that took her to the front gate of the town's largest home.
Considering the stature of the place, May wasn't surprised to see a maid working diligently in the yard. As the maid was kind enough to acknowledge her existence with a smile, May felt she should return the greeting.
Running up to the gate the girl felt herself slowing down as the entire world around her faded black…
--
After some groaning, May awakens to meet the sun's warm light. When coming to, the girl finds herself resting in small patch of flowers that livens up the beat-up looking laboratory behind it.
Dressed in a sleeveless navy blue shirt holding a star within Johto style writing and black biker shorts, the barefoot girl groggily studies her surroundings before remembering today is Sunday; a Sunday with no extra classes. Since she remembers this at the last moment, Mrs. Hiromi already had plans to take Torchic to work with her due to past popularity.
Dying from boredom, the girl decides to go outside in hopes of something interesting then…back to the present.
"It's becoming pretty annoying; that little one…I even started to think about how we met…" May mumbles. Despite her words, she shows discomfort when hugging her legs. "Wasn't I the one who found it? I even started to be nicer to it, so why do I have to sit around by myself? That little one…I should be the one it likes more…"
As she spends more time dwelling on this, a lonely breeze brings about the sudden realization of her growling stomach. As well as a spiky-haired shadow that towers over her.
May remains silent when staring at a white-haired boy, better known to his friends as Brendan, who simply stares back in exasperation.
If you were already unfamiliar with the boy, meeting him once then seeing him now would become a throw off. While he still enjoys his look of a white school shirt (though this time unbuttoned) with a loose black undershirt, sweatpants and sneakers without those glasses he appears a lot more boyish, that black and red bandana Poke Ball design replacing them seems to frame his features quite well too.
"Hey, are you really gonna lounge around like that?" he complains. "The only reason I never said anything before was walking from here to wherever your place is will be a real burnout. You even came here without wearing any shoes…"
"Not wearing shoes is fine as long it's in a clean place, nya." May yawns. "And you really like wasting time on that busted lab so what was I supposed to do?"
When Brendan suggests anything that doesn't require laziness he instead sighs when noticing May's "convenient" time to fall back asleep.
Seeing little use in the situation, the boy walks away from the girl and to the steep hill separating the lab from the rest of LittleRoot where he passes time enjoying the rolling of clouds through the endless blue sky.
It's funny; when I was kid this kind of life always bugged me. LittleRoot, the quiet little farm town where no one visits and nothing happens. But these days, that's what makes life here seem like such a paradise…
Pulling it out of his top right pocket, Brendan stares at his Poke Ball.
Thanks to the advancements of Pokemon technology, developers found ways to deepen the bond between Pokemon and their trainers. By having the colored top halves of the Poke and Great Ball series refined with translucent materials, the trainer and Pokemon can gaze at each other when the Ball is reflected under the sun or when drawn close.
While there have been some complaints about the products overall decline in durability and rise in price, nevertheless! It is because of the spherical container's see-through red half Brendan can watch the sleeping of a creature, because of those exact advancements, came off as a funny cheeked four-legged creature with large fins on its head and rear in many blurred shades of red.
I think the only thing better than small town life is this little guy. Well, not just him, but Pokemon in general.
Right… Well y' see, Pocket Monsters, better known as Pokemon, are bizarre creatures that come in many shapes and sizes, can live everywhere and all have the power to manipulate nature itself. Sounds kinda nuts if you don't see it for yourself.
Well, because of what Pokemon are some people keep them as pets, others use them for protection, while others see them as magical fighting pets. Regardless of what they're seen as, humans who choose to fight alongside their Pokemon partners in fun sporting events called Pokemon battles are known (and usually licensed) as Pokemon trainers. Any field they wish to purse with Pokemon from there is clearly up to them and the Pokemon who will work with them…
Currently, over three hundred Pokemon have been recorded worldwide with more being discovered everyday. Just where are these guys coming from? Or, is this the Pokemon's planet and we humans are the settlers? Maybe we're related somehow…
I mean, they lived alongside humans for who knows how long there has to be something about them… Hah, I was so fascinated about finding out what Pokemon are I even spent a few years in a Pokemon school.
Well, I'm taking a break from all that anyway… Learning info and data is nice I guess, but nothing beats the actual trainer's story!
Taking a longer look at the Poke Ball Brendan sighs. "What I really want to do is work this guy, y'know, get to know him better. But all he wants to do is lay around…Not really the greatest of stories in a trainer's life, is it?"
Giving another defeated sigh, Brendan releases the little creature from its spherical container.
Aside from the funny-shaped orange cheeks, there isn't a hint of red on the completely blue creature. Not only that, but it doesn't look the most enthusiastic about being released… Briefly turning to Brendan, the little creature runs off to join May in her flowery bed.
"…Lying about all day… Yeah, she can relate to that…" Brendan sighs. Though keeping an exasperated look at first, the white-haired boy eventually softens and decides to pull out a small booklet on worldwide manners from his top left pocket.
As for that girl… Well, she's actually new here. It's been a little over a month since the time we first met… I'd rather not remember that… In any case, I'm pretty used to her at this point.
It's something I'm always telling Laurel: If the person really wants to be known then they'll come to you.
--
(Flashback)
About two weeks ago, Mom had me run an emergency grocery-related errand in Oldale which I took care of pretty fast. The problems came when I was coming home. It was late out but it was nothing serious, just some older guys who thought it would be cool to corner me out in the open and get me to "loan" my bike for a joy ride.
Those guys are they type who see strength in numbers but fail to see the beauty of small town life: By simply pretending they don't exist the most I'd walk away with is a cheap threat since any disturbance would attract neighbors or worse off, the Battery of Justice, who should be running her night rounds about now.
Clearly the one with the home field advantage wins! But then… that loose cannon new kid walked by and… Long story short, I panicked… Aah…I really ended up looking pretty uncool.
Running a cloth through the fountain water of Oldale Park, Brendan gave a small groan as he rubbed his right cheek.
"Don't see why you're crying, you only got that much." May criticized.
Hearing that, Brendan turned to the girl in exasperation. "I wouldn't have said anything at all if you didn't act like you were going to do something…" When May stared blankly he added: "I already know what you're capable of."
"What did I do? You're the one who talks too much! You're unimpressive too, so you really got lucky, nya."
What part of "I was trying to protect them from you" did this girl NOT get? And why did she talk like a Meowth/Persian? Well whatever, glaring at her in exasperation proved far more effective to Brendan than arguing.
However, the girl even proved that pointless as she sat on the bench focusing all her attention on a sheet of paper. Something that left her pretty depressed.
Because guys of "my type" weren't worth it, I got to keep my bike at the cost of getting beat-up. Had it been just me, I'd just mark this as another regretful moment in my life and go about my business the moment I could move again. I really can't blame that girl; it was my own fault for overestimating her and the overall situation…
"It's not my business, but if you're bummed out about failing a test just cry then get better." Brendan voiced to May's surprise. As he gained her full attention, Brendan looked away. "Like I said, it's none one my business but we all had our share of failures so just learn from your mistakes is all I'm saying."
I…I won't…blame others for my stupidity…
"Don't laugh." May muttered when handing Brendan her paper. And really, there was nothing to laugh about! Even if he wasn't wearing his glasses, some of the writing was definitely illegible, but the rest of it…he just couldn't understand!
Perhaps it was self-preservation, but Brendan uneasily faced the girl asking: "Umm…I know you're new here but…You're… Not from around here, huh?"
To be honest, I really started to enjoy that girl's company. The only things I knew about Johto was it being mountainous and very traditional place located close to Kanto. I felt pretty bad for thinking harshly of her when she was probably living by her customs… I tried not to think too much of that though.
"-that so? Hoenn doesn't get cold enough for it to snow so I think you're pretty lucky to actually be around it." Brendan laughed. Taking a better look at May's failed paper, Brendan gave the matter a bit more thought. "I think your teacher was being a little harsh about the grading but even if you didn't know Hoenn's language system you should've used the International one. I mean, the only reason we can talk like this is because of that."
"Talking and writing are different…." May muttered.
Odd way of putting it, but Brendan shrugged it off, saying: "Well, this goes against my principles, but if you're really stuck with something, ask for help."
Since I got so comfortable talking I forgot to say: ask anyone, but me, for help. Well, that can't be helped at this point…
(End Flashback)
--
Still reading his booklet, Brendan frowns when coming across a chapter titled: "Making friends with those from Johto: Do and Don'ts". Reading a bit of it, the boy turns to the sleeping May then back to his book.
Taking the ultimate resolve of placing it back in his top left pocket.
Ever since then, I've been helping that girl understand…umm, let's see… Ah, computers and the Hoenn and International writing systems. She does what she wants but dealing with her passes free time and since I always wanted to tutor in something it really can't be helped…
Brendan snaps to attention when hearing the little creature's cry. He pales when watching the surprisingly strong little guy slowly but surely shove May out of the flowerbed.
"Su-such a heavy sleeper…" he mutters as May continues to sleep despite the forceful move.
Brendan gives little expression as the girl awakens to groggily crawl towards the flowerbed on the left.
--
(Later)
"Mudkip?" May questions.
Inside a laboratory that will always feel abandoned due to cracks, be it on walls or foundation stemming with vines and moss, a tutor along with his student and little blue mud fish sit in a table piled with books and snacks.
Ignoring comments about the Pokemon's lazy stature, Brendan nods. "Yeah, even if there's many different kinds of Pokemon, many League-oriented regions take it upon themselves to make the hardest to find Grass, Water and Fire type not classified elsewhere be their regional satellites. Treeko, Mudkip and Torchic are considered the Hoenn satellites but…" Brendan frowns. "The only Treeko and Torchic Prof. Birch was able to recover went missing some time ago so Mudkip has been pretty down without his friends to play with."
Even though the name "Torchic" has a familiar ring to it, May continues to stare at the sleeping mud fish until saying: "If it gets too fat you can always cook it. Trainers usually remove things not useful to them anyway, nya."
"…Alright… I respect your stance about Pokemon but," Brendan gathers his composure before continuing. "This is starting to sound more like a personal vendetta. I refuse to teach anyone who will harm my partner."
"Pokemon are boring, boring." May grins. When Brendan threatens to leave, May sweatdrops. "You don't be such a baby about it… It's just annoying…" she huffs. "Aren't Pokemon the ones doing all the fighting? How can they be okay with doing someone's work for them…"
The girl's expression shows further frustration before she continues. "What kind of skill comes from shouting a bunch of commands that don't work anyway? Even the weakest of Pokemon are stronger than any human, so why? Why do they let themselves be pushed around the moment they're caught in some stupid piece of metal?" she presses. "Are they really okay being with idiots who want power but hide behind them for that? What happened to their natural state of pride?!"
Slamming her hands against the table during her outburst makes a startled Mudkip jump. Since the mud fish jumps on Brendan's lap as a reflex, he shakes his head solemnly.
"Well, that's reality, not everyone is gonna think properly. But, you're not being fair here…" Brendan reasons. "Trainers really have their work cut out for them and can't travel through certain areas or fight off stronger Pokemon by themselves. We're only humans after all. Some get a kick out of the idea of risking life and limb just to something a Pokemon can do as if it was blinking, so that feeling of accomplishment means nothing." Not done lecturing his student, Brendan waves his index finger. "Also, as far as the whole "capture thing" goes: some Pokemon probably feel their loss was enough, while others take a really long time to finally respect their trainer. So, you're arguments might be nice on a protective point-of-view but pretty useless against someone who actually works alongside a Pokemon."
"Humans are humans, Pokemon are Pokemon!" May huffs. "If I had half that power do you think I'd sit still when losing to some guy who couldn't fight me directly? The moment they call me out, I'll jump them then run!"
"…You sound as if you want Pokemon to rise up against humans."
"The world is run on your own strength! Why do you think fighting settles everything, nya?"
"…You…sound like a nihilist… Or at least…like someone who has Pokemon envy." Considering the look of shock on the girl's face, Brendan confirms his theory while Mudkip yawns contently. "It can't be helped. Pokemon can do pretty much anything and there's a lot of people who work themselves to the bone to outdo them. They hardly succeed though." He chuckles. "But to actually meet one-"
"D-don't get big-headed calling me things that make no sense!" May counters. "I don't wanna be made fun of by some unimpressive guy who loves a lab that has nothing to do with him!"
For the time they knew each other, whenever a clash of beliefs is about to become an argument, Brendan would nip it in the bud by using large words that would confuse May or use reasonable logic that leaves her immobilized. However, she is learning, a month is all anyone usually needs to get to understand how a person thinks.
With Brendan the one in silence for a change, May can't help but flaunt her power-up.
"Ah? What's the matter? You're so caring for a place you won't get rewarded doing things for. You waste so much time on this busted place…" May shrugs. "Well, weird people can't be helped, nya?"
"…Yeah, doing stuff like this is a real waste of time when you're just some trainer and not an actual assistant." Brendan agrees weakly. "B-but I don't think that can be helped… This lab is Professor Ivan Birch's after all. He's the kind of guy who'd rather go out and form his answers over sitting down and theorizing all the time. He's a great technician too; working on an advanced Pokedex program that rumored to be the leader to greater generation… I actually want to have some involvement in the research field myself one day so…"
May remains silent as the boy takes time to find his resolve. "That's why… That's why I volunteer to help out with the odds and ends in the lab while the Professor and his assistant work." Brendan reasons before openly confirming that answer. "Prof. Birch may not be the most appreciated in his field, but he truly is a genius! I believe in that…in him… It's really annoying how he's brushed off so, doing this is my way of saying thank you!"
Considering the speechlessness on the girl's face, Brendan gives a weak smile while admitting his foolishness.
"Doing all that because you just want to help someone? I wouldn't bother unless Mom asked me…but I'd still… I don't want to look bad to unimpressive people like that…"
Her expression downcast, May's mood picks up when facing Brendan, stating: "Next time, I'll help. You're taking way too much of my time, nya."
Considering the mood change and the fact he said watching her lounge about kills his will to work, Brendan agrees.
Though I'd rather not think about, things like this always make think back to what she said the first time we met: "We can get along"? Hah, no matter how I see it, I don't think I'm gonna like her version of that.
Placing the sleeping Mudkip on the table, Brendan decides cleaning up is far more productive than watching May gather her books and head home.
The same could be said on her angle.
Well, whatever. I don't really see us becoming friends anyway. But, talking to others without a catch behind it really is nice sometimes…
Really wish it was always like that…
--
(A few days later)
"That planetarium in Petalburg? That's nothing new." Brendan comments.
Spring's not even at its peak, but LittleRoot and her sister city face a heat wave holding the fury of summer's dog days.
It's this kind of sweltering period when all activity becomes creating ways to stay cool and do as little as possible. Brendan is no exception to this situation; trading off his favorite wear of multi-pocket black sweatpants and short-sleeve black shirt for grey cargo shorts and lighter short-sleeved black T-shirt, he enjoys his rest under LittleRoot's lone tree with Max and the twins, Suzie and Sally, not too far away.
That is, until Laurel came by shoving a flyer concerning that bland planetarium in his face…
"It's only been open for a couple months it's not fair to judge it like that. Besides," Laurel points to a special event advertisement on the flyer but quickly notices her childhood friend's squinting. "Brendan, your eyes are already pretty bad and with this heat-" the girl cuts herself off to give the boy stern look. "Why do you remember to wear your headband and black shirts but can't remember your glasses, Brendan?"
"I only need those to read sometimes, and this bandana is taking off my sweat." Brendan reasons.
"And that shirt isn't any old black shirt; it's an official, one-of-the-kind T-series bearing the Kanto League symbol! They were discontinued years ago due to infringement issues!" Max adds.
When Laurel blankly asks for the difference a silence follows. That is, until Suzie and Sally race to opposite sides of Brendan. He'd rather ignore why the two were making faces at each other.
"In any case Laurel," Max begins calmly. "My class already went to that place last week and it was boring! I'd rather do something productive like finish my math project than do something childish like going to a planetarium."
Laurel flashes the flyer in his face.
"…Brendan," Max begins. "That planetarium IS lame, but we HAVE to go there!"
The white-haired boy groans at this.
"That's right! Brendan, as the majority we think the judgment you're passing is too sudden. Especially since you haven't been there yourself!" Laurel argues.
Maybe it's the heat playing with his head, but Brendan could've sworn piercing glints replaced Laurel and Max's actual eyes.
Sitting silently to his left, Suzie tugs at Brendan's sleeve only to be ignored when Sally locks him in a tight hug.
I don't really like this, but there's no fighting it…
It doesn't matter how old you are, or if you're a boy or girl; once a person gets that glint in their eyes, there's no such thing as "no".
Brendan manages to shake off Sally to give his tempters and annoyed look. "I already know about that outer space Pokemon!" he admits. "That's all local news talks about these days."
"So shouldn't that be enough to want to see it?" Max reasons. The eight-year-old snatches Laurel's flyer, pointing to a picture with of a warped-looking Rhyhorn. "See here, it says they have a Rhyhorn with real meteorite fragments infused on its body! And, its only Level 12 but its said to have a lot of power! They're even letting local trainers challenge it this week only! We can't afford to miss this!!"
Before Brendan can respond, Sally reclaims her grip, whimpering: "Noo Brendan don't melt away!" Something that makes Suzie's overlooked gestures growingly desperate.
"For someone who believes Pokemon came from another world, you really are being doubtful about this Brendan. We at least should go and gives this a chance." Laurel comments to the others surprise.
"Laurel, I'm impressed!" Max praises, adjusting his glasses in case he's seeing things. "Normally, we wouldn't hear anything in the interest of trainers coming from you… So, does this mean you're finally going to raise those Wurmples of yours into a Beautifly and Dustox? And, does this mean on oh, say…this summer vacation you're finally going to catch all kinds of Bug Pokemon like you said you would one day?"
"Not really, I just wanted to butter everyone up to wanna beat the heat and spend the day in an air-conditioned building!" she laughs.
"You're hopeless…" Max sighs.
"You're acting as if it's some kind of promise…" Laurel counters innocently.
The moment Brendan brushes them off, Laurel and Max bombard him with criticism all their own.
You have to give in to what they want eventually if you like the idea of living in peace.
Even if it's too hot, even if this isn't the first time the others placed him on the spot for not wanting to do something for the sake of just not doing so, this time it feels…
"It's hot… Hey, Brendan… Do you think the sky is on fire?" Suzie asks.
No longer by his side, Suzie stands outside the tree's protective reach shocking all but Sally who cattily clings tighter to Brendan, claiming her sister only wants attention.
Suzie keeps her back to the group and points towards the North Gates direction. "Ah! Two fire Pokemon must be fighting underground! Everyone… Everything over there looks so wavy…Why?"
Despite personal hesitation, Suzie awaits no response when running off. Claiming she wants to see isn't her call anyway; Brendan already catches and carries her back to where she should be.
"Don't be stupid, Hoenn doesn't have many fire Pokemon." He reasons. "Stay under the tree or I'm taking you home."
Setting the sniffling six-year-old down, Brendan tries to make her feel better by ruffling her hair. Something to which Suzie tearfully responds: "You're a horrible brother… Brendan you dummy! I HATE YOU!!"
Brendan can only sigh miserably when Suzie runs off. Sally's attempt to cheer him up is appreciated though…
"Its okay, Brendan's a good brother; don't let that spoiled brat get to you." She smiles.
"W-well, it's not like this isn't the first time she said that… She'll probably get over it by the end of the day…" Brendan replies. "I'll buy her a candy bar just in case-"
"WHAT?! She's acts like a baby and gets treats? You're horrible; I hate you, stupid brother!" Sally huffs when marching off in the direction opposite her twin.
For some reason that one seems to pierce…
People get selfish over silly things, that's what I think. But at the same time, they really do get their way one way or the other…
Kneeling in defeat, Brendan feels worse when Laurel and Max, piercing glints in their eyes stronger than ever, comfort him.
And when that happens, you're always the one losing out… Mm, that really can't be helped though…
--
(That night)
With a strained expression, Brendan heaves a heavy sigh.
Due to reasons out of his control, the boy finds himself sitting on the family sofa of the Hiromi household. And ever since entering, he's heard chirps and dealt with a suddenly lively Mudkip jumping about in his Poke Ball.
"As long as you let it play in here, I won't mind." The voice of Mrs. Hiromi approves.
Sitting contently on the opposite end of the family sofa, the woman stops her run through a large book to give the boy an assuring smile. Brendan can't explain it, but being near this woman… gives him the creeps.
She seems nice enough, but the atmosphere around her made him feel as if he's actually with someone he already knows, but can't really put his finger on "who" or "why"…
Staring at his agitated partner proves less frustrating than this!
"You seem to like staring." Mrs. Hiromi comments, running her finger along the Poke Ball to both trainer and partner's uneasiness. Ignoring this, the woman points at her book. "You were really seem to be into the ones on this page. Studying your students thought pattern is what a tutor needs to do, but I won't question that weird taste of yours."
Brendan repeats the woman's last words as his eyes wander onto the topic: Two full pages of May, between the age of three or four, dressed in what can simply placed as a really loose "red-white" look.
"See, weird tastes. Well, it's my fault for forgetting what was on this page." Mrs. Hiromi sighs.
Though Mudkip shows further agitation, the feelings clouding Brendan virtually lifts away. "…She looks really happy; those clothes suit her pretty well too." He eventually comments.
"Riiight… really happy… Honestly, are those restricting things even attractive?" Mrs. Hiromi mutters before sighing in defeat. "Anyways, it's nice to finally meet my May's tutor. I'm rooting for great results!"
Though not the one to fall so easily into flattery, praise is nice… But accepting it wouldn't be the best move right now would it?
Perhaps this is why Brendan suddenly blurts: "N-no! Well, you're daughter… She's a fast learner and is doing her best! So my part is a lot easier because of her motivation to get better."
Super effective: Brendan Birch. Age thirteen. Due to the time he spent running errands and answering phone calls for Prof. Birch and his assistant, he's picked up a few tactics when it comes to saying what the public likes to hear.
And from the happiness on Mrs. Hiromi's face, it looks like this skill came in handy big time.
"I'm happy to hear that…" Mrs. Hiromi smiles before feeling a tad guilty. "You're doing a lot too and you're not really getting compensation for any of it, are you? Well, because of that, feel free to ask me anything you want to know about May. Don't hold back now!"
Brendan is taken aback by such a reward. No seriously, what kind of reward is that?!
Maybe it's guilt for earlier, or just the lingering idea of comfort talking to a familiar face, but looking at Mudkip, there is one question he wants to know…
"My, my I suppose that would be troubling for a trainer. May won't be able to make friends if she keeps on like that…" Mrs. Hiromi sighs. Flipping back a few pages the woman softens. "You don't have to worry about my daughter doing any of that. In fact, if you leave her in a place full of Pokemon she'll just sit there and stare at them callously. Ahn her closeness to her father are also strong cute points!"
After some gushing over the subject, the woman then begins to relive the time her daughter, at the age of four, climbed up a tree. Though crying the whole time, she gives hell to anyone who tries to get her down only because she wants to leave by herself.
Brendan doesn't know what to say to that, besides, self-preservation tells him to figure out why it feels like he's being watched.
Looking behind, the boy could've sworn he saw something orange race back up the steps. Pretending not to care, he ends up jumping when attempting to look again and instead, meets Mrs. Hiromi, back turned, and standing in front of him.
What he doesn't see, is the woman teasingly gesturing a lonely Torchic to go back to May's room.
"Ah, I think you should just endure someone different! It makes you look cooler when you do!" she addresses Brendan. The woman then takes it upon herself to flip through her book hectically until coming a cross a page that openly annoys her. "But for the record, my May's tutor, I blame them."
Brendan remains silent as the woman turns and gestures to a large photo full of Meowths and one content Persian sitting in the center. There were a couple more pictures too, those actually contained a very young May looking her happiest alongside the classy and scratch cats and vice versa.
"My husband considers those freeloaders friends of the family, but I won't see those thieves like that… Since we're on topic about poisonous things…" Mrs. Hiromi trails off while returning to her seat. "That restricting outfit was actually something my mother sent May as a birthday gift. Even though I haven't spoken to her since I escaped that poor excuse for a life I lived…"
As much as Brendan wants to change topics, or at least find an excuse to help him leave, the look on Mrs. Hiromi's face immobilizes all will. "You can run anywhere within this planet my ungrateful daughter, nevertheless! God's divine hand will lead me to my beloved grandchild and deliver the punishment you ran away from all those years ago, her letter said…" the woman's face darkens at the memory. "Incorrigible shrew…Cradle robbing fur-balls… If either you think I'm going back to that dreary excuse for a town with your horrid rules or let MY May get involved in your twisted lives you all can-"
"I-I'm… still sitting right here ma'am." Brendan cuts in uneasily.
"That's fine, I wouldn't be saying these things if I didn't want them to be heard, right?"
Sealing her words with whole-hearted smile, Brendan eventually swallows his confusion and agrees.
"May, welcome home!" Mrs. Hiromi greets.
As a result of the sudden mood change, Brendan blinks twice as he faces a surprised May. The boy's attention quickly changes to behind when he could've swore he hears excitable chirps before having to hold down his restless-with-a-new-vigor Poke Ball while narrowly avoid getting knocked over when May shoves her bag of groceries Mrs. Hiromi's way.
"Everything you wanted is right here. I…I hope it's the right thing, nya." May smiles.
Though in an awkward position, Brendan can't believe what he's hearing. Her tone is so soft-spoken, as if that's how she always talks. Luckily for him, Mrs. Hiromi takes the bags from her daughter allowing him to sit comfortably again.
"Did I really sound that heartless when asking for this favor?" Mrs. Hiromi softens.
"N-not at all!" May argues. "It's just… I don't like messing up…"
Brendan watches in slight amusement as Mrs. Hiromi points out every item-get her daughter botches up on the list but can't enjoy it as much as he should really…
Watching that girl struggle to convince her mother to let her go back and fix her mistake with such a flushed expression and devoted voice is troubling enough considering how she normally talks. But how the woman watches the girl with such intense adoration is disturbing even if she proves to be very kind….
In all honesty, Brendan feels awkward just being in the same room with them…
This would've been the perfect time to make an excuse to walk out but: "You seem to really like spices ma'am." Good-naturedly comes out his mouth instead.
While Brendan inwardly cursed himself, Mrs. Hiromi nods. "I've really become a fan of Hoenn spices. They're all so exotic and bring something to cooking that I can never get tired tasting!" she gushes. The woman then turns to her daughter a bit confused. "May aren't you going to say hello to your tutor? He even came all this way out to greet you."
Not bothering making eye contact with Brendan, May puffs her cheeks. "If I pretend he isn't here, maybe he'll go away…" she reasons to Mrs. Hiromi's confusion. "We don't have any lessons today and if he really wanted to say anything… he could've called first. Like we promised…"
"She's right; we really don't have anything scheduled today." Brendan adds when Mrs. Hiromi looks at her daughter with disappointment. "I'm actually here on behalf of Laurel who wants to know if your daughter was available this Saturday to go to the planetarium-"
Avoiding all talk about the outer space Pokemon, Brendan goes into greater detail about the trip, the time they leave for it, whose going and what they plan on doing. Again, making sure all discussion about the outer space Pokemon is inexistent.
Mrs. Hiromi is elated to hear this but frowns when May, despite this being the first time she's heard of such a place, softly shows no interest.
"Yeah, I told Laurel you'd say something like that." Brendan replies to May's growing discomfort. "I'm not too interested in going either but I don't really have a choice… and even though I guessed your answer, Laurel will know in my voice if I asked you or not…so…that is…"
"The powers of a long-term friendship, eh?" Mrs. Hiromi chuckles. "May aren't you interested in getting to know Laurel and your tutor a bit better?"
The woman sweatdrops as May escorts Brendan to the door.
Luckily for her, an angel named Torchic grew louder with her chirps grabbing Brendan's attention. As May tries to hasten his leave, he loses hold of his restless Poke Ball, releasing Mudkip in all his blue, Mohawk-finned glory.
The mud fish studies its surroundings before turning to its surprised trainer with an annoyed look and quickly snatches the Poke Ball.
"Wh-what are you doing?! H-hurry up and call it back!" May shouts.
Brendan is taken aback by her desperate tone but hastily tries to stop his partner. Had he more time to actually think this over, Brendan would say Mudkip was treating dodging his grabs similar to the games he enjoyed until recently.
Trying to get a grip on that type of slippery Pokemon is always tricky if it didn't want to get caught…
"What's with you…We're in someone else's home; where have your manners gone, Mudkip?" Brendan questions when he finally gets a hold on him.
Mudkip answers the boy by wildly wriggling free just to race under him and tackle his rear, knocking him over. With the pushover out of the way, Mudkip spits the Poke Ball somewhere to its right before scurrying about the Hiromi living room.
Since Mrs. Hiromi stands on the sidelines watching the situation curiously, the mud fish Pokemon almost gains access to the stairway. Almost, until May, on all fours, blocks its way.
Mudkip barley dodges the swipe the girl threw and tumbles back.
Not too sure how to deal with this one, Mudkip holds his ground with a growl. Much to his shock, his opponent hisses sharply and wastes no time lunging at him. Leaving the mud fish no choice but make a tactical retreat.
As his pursuer proves to be territorial and pretty effective for a human on fours, Mudkip decides to avert her attention by climbing on the family sofa and send an illuminating device near the left edge of it flying.
"Mom's favorite reading lamp! How dare you do that to her precious things!" May growls.
The girl reverts to her twos to race past Mudkip, who now has to avoid the recall beam from his trainer's Poke Ball, to save the item. May successfully recovers the item, but due to her sudden pivot on a messy floor courtesy of Mudkip, loses her footing and slides on her rear.
Even if Mrs. Hiromi is happy to know little harm befell her daughter, the affection the girl shows for securing an item she plans on replacing makes her sweatdrop.
The woman takes a more serious position when watching Brendan corner his Pokemon. While she did say earlier any mess made can be cleaned up, after watching the little guy in action…She sort of understood the white-haired boy's level of nervousness about the matter.
That and he seems to have very poor hand-eye coordination… His Pokemon let him inch closer for a catch, leaving no reason for his misses…
"STOP ACTING AS IF YOU CAN DO WHAT YOU WANT!!" May roars as she, after placing back the lamp where it belongs, jumps on the family sofa to gain momentum for a strong mud fish stomp.
Thanks to the sudden command of his trainer, she misses but is hit directly with the recall beam which does nothing but did a good job of agitating her nonetheless.
"WHAT WAS THAT ABOUT?!" she rages.
"Wh-What about you?! That could've killed him!" Brendan yells back. "You need to seriously calm down!"
May is taken aback by her tutor's outburst. She bites the bottom of her lip before arguing: "So what? Even if it came with you, if you can't stop it then I have all right to finish it!"
"…What gives you the right to do anyth-"
"My, my! It's hard to believe such a cute little thing could do so much damage…" Mrs. Hiromi voices.
Both youths stare in disbelief as Mrs. Hiromi grips a struggling Mudkip. May gives her tutor one last harsh glare before racing over to punish the mud fish while Brendan wonders how holding him like one would an infant, restrict it far less than being held around the waist…
Well, whatever the method, Mudkip breaks free, letting the skidding May take his place. Something Mrs. Hiromi allows with open arms.
As the mother cuddles her dignity-scarred daughter, Brendan bites back a little curse when rubbing his strained eyes after failing to recall Mudkip who successfully infiltrates the stairway.
This sucks… This kind of mood really sucks.
"Mom please let me go! The little one-That slimy thing's gone too far! Please, please let me-" he hears May plea.
Brendan watches Mrs. Hiromi comfort her daughter with growing guilt. Even if his eyes still bothered him, the grip on his Poke Ball reveals--
At first, I thought today was going to start, continue and end with me trying to beat the heat…That's uninteresting and a waste of a day. That's never a good thing.
"I'm really sorry about all this! I don't know what's gotten into him today!" Brendan says to the Hiromi females. "I…I promise to clean up everything after this!!"
"You'll get it this time! Fight well!" Mrs. Hiromi cheers.
He doesn't feel very well… just powerless. Yet, with that same drive, Brendan races up the stairs.
Then the day picked up and became enjoyable. This was a far better way to end the day even if you didn't do much.
But now…
Brendan doesn't need to follow Mudkip's footsteps…
His voice alongside frantic chirps echo inside of the room he feels safe to assume belongs to that girl; that same girl whose opinion he chooses to respect when stating Pokemon bore her…
Approaching the room is a simple task, there's no reason for his legs to get heavy… it's just some doll she probably has!
In this day and age, dolls are becoming more and more life-like. Maybe he's just upset about all the damage Mudkip caused…That has to be it, so all he has to do is open the door and--
……On a day like this, I really don't know where it'll all lead from here on. Yeah, today sucks…
"Tor…chi…c"
To be continued
--
(Notes)
Though I didn't really need to, I'm really happy about giving a feeling of "closure" to the school storyline. I originally wanted to squeeze it somewhere before the last two events at the end of the last chapter but since the situation already had a "complete" feel I didn't want to drag it on.
1. The title "Heart Wave" is actually the opening song to the Ryuusei no Rockman (Megaman Star Force in English) anime. Personally, I think the title more than did its job of introducing Brendan and the Pokemon as well as their growing involvement into Hurricane. As for the whole satellite talk, I couldn't help but take a shot at how each Pokemon game MUST have Fire, Water and Grass type as starter. Inside jokes aside don't worry; there is more of a meaning behind being a regional satellite that will be seen as we move on.
2. In the Pokemon Special/Pokemon Adventures manga I remember the characters as well as Pokemon themselves being able to see through their Poke Balls. But since those who may be reading this might be more familiar with game and/or anime canon I decided to imply manga mechanics in my own way.
3. When originally planning the story I wanted to create more of a unique feel between regions rather than simply the "Hot damn! New Pokemon/Gyms/League in that region/Regional pride" bit. So of course, the best way to do that is cultural/language barriers. I regret not going too much into it, but I figured creating a "International system" that everyone needs to learn outside their own base regions language system would make overall trade and communication between people from different regions hold a greater feeling significance.
4. Stray Pokemon- Wild Pokemon that, for reasons of their own, chose to settle within/around towns and cities. Because of this, they are quite docile and/or neutral around humans yet see little problem in entering their homes uninvited and taking what they see fit. Despite this, strays are still wild Pokemon, ironically enough however; most trainers tend to avoid capturing them.
5. On a fun note, the scene where May explores LittleRoot was my definitely favorite scene to work on this chapter. I visualized the whole scene looking like an Action RPG/Open exploration adventure mode. Looking at it like that, the end of the scenario was a "now loading…" process.