Chapter Ten

Professor Sycamore and I left the police station after he gladly filled out the remaining paperwork. In that meanwhile, I went around to desperately tell any police officer about what happened with my encounter of Team Magma at the Oceanic Museum. My words fell on deaf ears. One of them even patted my head and told me that I had a very active imagination. Who hired these idiots?! Didn't they even want to care about protecting people?! If I was an officer, I would tear people apart if they were even suspected of littering!

Once we were back on the streets, I held my very flustered Torchic. He was angry about the same thing; I had caught short glimpses of the small bird chirping frantically at the large police dog arcanines. All they did was yawn loudly and laid on their great paws to nap. Well, at least I wasn't crazy about Team Magma's existence. I hoped that a victory meal would cheer us up.

Chirpie and I glanced around and spotted a small shop that sold croquettes, bingo. I started to walk in that direction with all speed when Sycamore's arm encircled my waist and pulled me closer by his side. At his brave action, I scowled threateningly with protest. Thankfully my frustrations helped me from feeling strange from his touch.

"Hey! What gives?! Chirpie and I wanna go eat!"

The handsome Professor chuckled lightly in response as if what I was doing was silly. My Pokémon chirped out in disagreement to his decision as well. "Darling, why would you want to eat something so degraded? It is truly a pity that such a pretty thing like yourself would willingly want to partake in something so poorly prepared. Are you not more deserving of something better?"

Oh, so this was happening now? First it was the invasion of personal space, then it was the plots to keep me from leaving him and now this?! "I don't care what I shove in my mouth! I'm hungry right now and I want to eat! You're here because YOU volunteered to be! As a trainer who has money and easy access to food right now, I'll eat whatever I want! So fuck you because its MY final decision!"

We ended up not going there to eat. Whether it was Sycamore's strange powers or the sudden guilt I felt, there were no croquettes to be bought. Chirpie was certainly disappointed as it looked forward to eating one. I tried to make it up to him by giving the little firebird a granola bar. It sadly pecked at the thing to poorly convince itself that it was the thing to be desired. The professor assured me that there would be better choices for dining in the upcoming city all the while he kept a firm hold on my waist.

Eventually, our party reached the two routes that led to Mauville. Since we didn't have an bikes, there was no taking the less hassling cycling route. Our only option was the road with several miles of tall grass. It was a man-made path that was designed to encourage different varieties of Pokémon to thrive and attract trainers who wanted to catch them. Outside of the road was the glistening sea that was ever-moving with animated excitedness.

I was always ready to stop and call it a night, for the sun was dipping down low into the horizon. Unfortunately, the same could not be said for Professor Sycamore due to his high expectations of sleeping in a hotel. Another Part of that reason was not being in a possession of a sleeping bag that Professor Birch kept insisting him to get. The good thing about marching on (I guess) was getting my pokedex filled as Sycamore recorded my findings; praising my skills of catching Pokémon while doing so. I lightly blushed with appreciation.

Around two hours after the sun setted, we reached the outskirts of the most modern and grandest city in all of Hoenn. I gasped with surprise on how BIG it was! It was shaped in a large square that had colossal walls making up the shape that represented the four different paths which would lead to different parts of the region. Inside the walls were large buildings that stretched proudly towards the night sky. Everything looked so...hi-tech. The most impressive part of my first experience at the sight of it was its many displays of lights that illuminated the city. Almost everything moved and glowed so vibrantly! It was even fancier than Goldenrod!

"Well May, do you now understand why I was so urgent as to get here with haste?"

I turned my head to see a more composed Sycamore. He was certainly glad to arrive, but for his own reasons. And at the professor's question, I made a face, but it wasn't one out of frustration, defiance or anger like it had been since my journey with him started. This time, it was out of friendly sarcasm. "Yeah, yeah. Let's just go already," I comically replied while pretending not to be impressed with the sight. The Professor just laughed in response and took my arm in a gentlemanly gesture before walking towards the city.

Once we were within the city limits, my eyes got all big from taking in all of the sights. There were so many shops, offices, people and Pokémon! It was all very busy too! My excitement got the better of me and my face beamed while looking around. Chirpie, who never experienced a complex urban setting had too been dazzled by everything. In fact, he looked like he was getting dizzy. Sycamore remained little affected as he was used to the big city life. The professor merely took in a deep breath and exhaled with relief.

After the I got the excitement out of my system, hunger set in. My gaze wandered around until it caught sight of a food court...a battle food court. Alright! Let's go ea-"Wait up dear,"

Sycamore (who still had my arm) promptly held me back when I tried to go any further. I looked back to give him a mildly annoyed but puzzled expression. He gave out a chuckle at my face of dismay. "Not there, darling. It is much too rambunctious to dine properly. I was rather well informed about a much better restaurant just around the corner from here. Now come you silly thing," he said while lightly tapping the tip of my nose with his index finger. "Let your beloved professor show you a world in which you have been deprived of for so long,"

Before I knew it, we spent over a week and a half in Mauville. The first night that we did get there, the Professor had indeed taken me to a large fancy place to eat. I was sad to put Chirpie back in his ball, but the stupid rules of that place banned Pokémon from roaming wildly around the place...stupid restaurant. Another thing that made me stand out was the fact how I was the only one not dressed in fancy clothes. It made me feel awkward and uncomfortable as some people looked up from their meals to stare at my non-conformed appearance. Sycamore however, didn't even register the strangeness of the situation (probably because he was a big city person or something) and casually walked by the onlookers without missing a beat. Looking like he owned the place.

Through his smooth tongue, a dashing smile and generous tips, we were seated a small, round and white clothed table next to a window with the view of the outside. The silverware was neatly placed on white cloth napkins with a candle burning softly in its glass holder. The food we ordered was admittingly delicious and the soothing calmness was there, but for some some odd reason, the professor kept staring at me while we ate. Often glancing at me every few seconds while sipping the small amount of wine that was in his glass (I have no idea how he got away with drinking in front of me). Well, it wasn't so much as the staring that bothered me a whole lot, but the fact that his fingers boldly intertwined with mine while doing so. That bastard was lucky that I was a lefty or he would be in serious trouble for keeping me from eating. In addition, he would occasionally correct me on my bad posture from years of being seated awkwardly at the table and the way I shoveled food into my mouth. That was very frustrating.

After the meal was done, we decided to turn in for the night. The tricky part about my stay was the lodging. There was no problem with funds, but: "May dear, don't be so unreasonable! I recommend it would be much safer and practical I we shared a ro-"

"Good night Professor,"

SLAM!

I quickly locked the door and pushed the small sofa in front of it. There was no way he could get through...but just in case..."Go Beldum!" I shouted as I took out my steel/esper-type. The living metal creature came out; it was glad to be out. It took one look at me and gave off a metal cooing sound before coming over and nuzzling my arm as a signal of wanting affection. "I know, I'm sorry that its been a while since I let you out to stretch your...stubs, but you get to sleep with me tonight. How does that sound?" I asked while petting its head. Beldum gave out another metallic coo in agreement to my offer.

Once that had been settled, I changed into my night attire of sweats and a heavy shirt (for indoor use only) and hopped on the plush bed with my Pokémon. A minute or two went by before the lids of my eyes closed and slipped into a comfortable sleep.

The next morning...

Due to the tossing and turning, my body was cocooned in the thick blankets when I came to. Beldum was sleeping comfortably on my pillow when my head moved during sleep. I sat up to scratch my messy head and sleepily looked around when my eyes shot open from a chilling discovery.

On a small wooden drawer next to my bed was my pokenav, a note and a long stemmed white rose with its petals beautifully opened to show off its simple, elegant splendor. Now alarmed, I looked to the door. The chair was still perfectly in its place and everything was locked. There was no balcony or large window he could climb through, so how did he do that?! Honestly, I was more frustrated by the growing curiosity on how he pulled such a feat than being creeped out by the fact he was in my room while I slept.

Reluctantly, I reached for the note and focused on the words written there.

Dearest little Birdie-

Immediately, the note was put down so I could run a hand through my tangled hair and let out a heavy sigh. That was definitely him alright. So bothersome; even through his neatly written letters. Gathering up my attention span, I resumed.

Dearest little Birdie,

It is quite an unfortunate inconvience, but I must leave you by your precious self during the day for a few days. We shall reunite when the evening comes. You musn't shirk your duty to train during that time. I was told the third gym is quite a challenge. I bid you farewell until tonight!

-Your beloved Professor

So he wasn't going to be around to hound me during the day for some time? YES! I could do what I wanted and he wouldn't be there to tell me no or dissuade my decisions! There was relief to be felt, for I wouldn't be overwhelmed by his presence, but yet...

A small feeling of disappointment suddenly settled in the deepest part of my chest. I looked at the rose still sitting on top of the drawer. Without giving it another thought, I lightly grabbed it and held it to my face to smell it. The scent it gave off was not too strong with its lovely perfume and had small hint of the professor's own cologne. I could only guess that he had held it up to his face in the same way. The soft petals gently tickled my nose and a warm feeling came over me. Without realizing it, five minutes of my life was spent sniffing the flower.

"….WAIT! WHAT AM I DOING?!"

The tranquil spell that was casted over me by his wretched plant broke upon realizing how much I was lingering on these weird feelings. Irritation returned and I hung onto it. The items were swept aside as I got out of bed and went for my pokéballs.

"Chirpie! Wrumple! Come out!"

On command, the two Pokémon appeared before me. I held out the note and rose out to them. "Chirpie, burn this. Wrumple, you eat this,"

The two cried out in understanding and began their work. It was admittingly painful to watch wrumple already tearing off the rose petals to be chewed upon by her powerful jaws and the note get turned to ashes by my torchic's fire. However, I thought it needed to be done before I got ensnared into something that would be impossible to escape.

That was how my first day in Mauville started.

I trained all my Pokémon vigorously as suggested and met up with Professor Sycamore that evening. Accusations and threats of violence were already on my tongue when I confronted him. The response however, was less than the desired outcome. He merely downplayed his crime and prevented me from thinking anymore about it by sneaking a kiss on my forehead when I least expected it. "You must be so stressed from training, why don't you stop for the evening and let me take you somewhere to...unwind," is what he concluded with while taking my arm and dragging me to some unknown place with him.

Day three rolled around and it was time for me to challenge the Mauville City Gym. The professor was right about it being difficult; I spent nearly the entire day being flustered by the switches and getting the occasional shock from being too close to the electric fields. It took every ounce of brainpower to figure out a path that led to the gym leader. Speaking of which, when I finally reached the end, the one in charge of the electric-based gym turned out to be the founder of the city itself! Instead of battling right away, four hours of my life had been used for keeping the old man company as he talked about how he got the idea for it, the process of making plans and how a project called 'New Mauville' was shut down due to complications. My Arceus...this guy could give Professor Birch a run for his money.

Eventually, we were through with the conversation and I quickly challenged him to a battle. It wasn't filled with heart-pounding anxiety like the last gym, but there was alot of enthusiastic energy to be found. For some reason, I felt like an old lady compared to him because of how jolly and full of life he was in combat.

Chirpie and Beldum were my main players in this match due to his choice in electric/steel types. This time, my steel/esper type was able to listen to my commands as it repeatedly rammed its head into Wattson's voltorb. In the end, the red and white Pokémon exploded before it could be finished off. He tried to take Beldum with it, but my Pokémon was able to withstand the blast.

The next two were easy after that with my fire-type in hand. By now, I started to realize the common sense between advantage types and their weaknesses; after all, anyone with a brain stem should figure out that a hot enough fire can do some damage to steel. Chirpie hopped about wildly around the battlefield while launching his flames at the magnemite and magneton. Easy successes that earned me the Dynamo badge.

However, the excitement didn't end there. Suddenly, Beldum and Chirpe started to glow and change shape. I held in my breath while watching the amazing development. When it was over, my torchic and beldum evolved into Combusken and Metang. The steel/esper-type was now larger than me, had two long arms and glowing red eyes. Chirpie grew several inches with mustard colored feathers on its upper body and burgundy red ones on his legs. In addition, he had long, clawed arms. While they looked different, the two remained as they were internally: With their same old silly personalities intact.

As I saw professor Sycamore again that evening, I proudly showed him my accomplishments like a five-year-old would show a macaroni art project to their parent. Just like Birch, he praised my achievements with up most enthusiasm and encouraged me to continue training. Eventually, I became more relaxed around him; having more of those cute, girlish smiles and wide curious eyes that I used to save only for dad. He seemed to like this development for he would always announce its presence and how adorable I looked while making them. I wonder how come dad never said that alot to me?

When the professor was completely free from his business, he would sit back and watch me train. Sometimes, he would borrow my Pokémon to use in mock battles against me. Skitty was very excited about this idea and would have to be constantly called back to attention from rubbing her head against his shoes and pants. It didn't help that Sycamore encouraged this behavior by petting her in return. Overall, training with him wasn't too chaotic and disorderly.

After training, he would whisk me away to some new part of the city and educate me from the different places for shopping to the smallest stands that have the best kind of pastries. I figured that he picked up all this stuff beforehand in a brochure or off a computer so he wouldn't be bothered with asking where things were. No matter where we were though, the two of us would always retreat back to a small coffee shop called 'Crooner's Cafe'. For him, it was a safe haven in that relieved him of the strange world he was currently staying in. To me, it was a slightly more quieter place to relax from the city's hustle and bustle. During that time I unexpectedly found myself talking to him for hours. My tone was always ecstatic and fast from not wanting to miss a single detail. Although, I had to backtrack and tripped on a few words at times, I guess I was a decent talker. Sycamore said nothing of my mistakes. He smiled warmly and supported his face with his hand with the intentions of listening to every word.

Out of the many experiences I had in Mauville, one of my favorite highlights was a photo booth the two of us just happened to pass by. My face lit up and I quickly jumped behind its curtains. I then got the idea to take out my Pokémon and snap pictures with them. I pulled all six out with one at a time as they took their turns to sit next to me while making faces or doing silly poses for the camera. Poor metang had a hard time doing any facial expressions, so I tied my scarf that made up my bow around its arm to have a feel of belonging with me. Poochyena had been too absorbed with chewing on her squeaking toy to notice the camera. Skitty got scared from the flashes and ran out of the booth to the safety of the professor. Half of wrumple's was her face taking up most of the space on the photo. Wingull flapped her wings up and down with excitement; making it blurry when developed. Chirpie sat beside me and we both got hyped from playing patty cake, putting bunny ears on each other and showing our most happiest expressions.

When the evening would wear me out, I went back to my room with Sycamore escorting me there. Sometimes if I was too exhausted to budge an inch, he would carry me back. A few times, I fell asleep in his arms. Near the end of my stay in the city, he carried me back to his room where I would snuggle under the covers of his bed that still held his scent while he slept on the couch.

The start of that final evening felt like any other; filled with excitement and wonder of what he was gonna show me this time. Sycamore took my hand with delicate fingers several minutes after the sun was down. He led me through the labyrinth-like streets while I tried to make guesses of where were going. Each time he would answer with a playful 'no'. It's like he enjoyed keeping me in torturous suspense.

After about fifteen minutes into my failed interrogations, I realized that soft, green grass was crunching under my feet. That's when I focused on what was in front of me; making my eyes get big in the process. The both of us stood at the edge of a park with neatly arranged trees and flora that decorated the vastly large, grassy area. A small fountain squirted water where a few group of kids tossed coins or couples sitting on the ground holding hands. In the middle of it all was a majestic, square-shaped metallic white tower standing proudly illuminated. Although there were many lights in Mauville, this area in particular had very little and dimly lit park lights to purposely be overwhelmed by the main attraction; also letting the millions of stars shine from above.

No words could describe how I felt at that moment. My only reaction besides wide eyes and a slightly opened jaw was an amazed silence. The professor let go of my hand and hooked his arm around mine. "Come dear, let us go closer to enjoy this moment, yes?" he said while leading me to a bench next to the tower. We both sat down on the wooden seat and took in the fascinating scene. I didn't remember he did it, but it took me a while before I realized that his arm was over my shoulder; I didn't shrink away from the gesture like I normally would. Some time passed from taking in the scene when the Professor breathed out a relaxed sigh and began to talk.

"You know, May dear, this tower was modeled after the inspiration of the Prism tower in Lumiose City. It is supposed to represent the bond between the Kalos and Hoenn regions,"

My mind soaked in his words as I continued to stare at the structure. A question suddenly formed and I didn't hold back from asking.

"Professor? What's your home, like?"

Almost on cue, his head turned to face mine. A handsome smile spread across his lips. I could tell from his facial response that he had up most pride for his region.

"Kalos is...many things. But if I were to describe it with one word, it would be that Kalos is beautiful. So very beautiful,"

He then went on to talk about the history and climate of his region. For starters, it was much cooler than Hoenn (from what I initially guessed due to his shirt always being partially buttoned) in the central and eastern parts. The western parts were warm, but not like it was here. Sycamore then talked told me about some big war that happened over four thousand years ago that took the lives of many people and Pokémon. Apparently, artifacts of the war still existed today. He moved onto talking about all the towns and cities; describing each one of them in great detail. However,he saved the best for last.

"Finally, there is Lumiose City. Like Mauville, it is also a central hub for the region; though it is much bigger,"

"Bigger than Mauville?!" I exclaimed with interest. Sycamore laughed innocently at my excitement.

"Yes, so much bigger! There are cafés at every corner and more varieties of things to choose from. The city at night glows with many lights and we are able to make our lives easier thanks to the gym leader, Clemont and his inventions. Many people and Pokémon move there to see if they can have a better life. In fact, I live there too. My lab is actually much larger and i have many employees working for me. Quite a pity that you haven't seen it,"

"Maybe I could one day,"

"Really? The proud, unrelenting May Maple wanting to lower herself as to visit a poor Pokémon Professor in his humble shanty? I would be honored,"

I laughed at his joke and a warm smile grew on my face. Honestly if i came here alone, I don't think I would have had this much fun. Maybe I judged him too quickly. I mean, I did the same thing to Brendan.

The both of us continued to watch the amazing Square Tower until Sycamore let out a small yawn.

"Goodness, it feels quite late. Why don't we retire for the evening?"

Slight disappointment crossed my face and I groaned. For me it felt too early! I didn't want to got to bed yet! As much as I wanted to disagree with him, arguing never worked. My sigh of defeat indicated that I was ready to leave. He got up first and faced me with an offered hand. Mixing with the breath-taking scenery, I imagined him like some dashing prince. A prince from a very large and advanced kingdom. I inwardly rolled my eyes at my constant reference to fairy tales.

"Shall we go?"

"Uh, yeah sure,"

*Continued in Chapter Eleven*