"So that's the plan," May stated as she took a sip of her Oran Berry juice.
Brendan and May were inside the Pokémon Center eating pasta and meatballs. They were discussing what the next step in their journeys were. May had decided to take it slow on the gyms and go for contests more.
"That's awesome May! Just so you know, I support this all the way," Brendan replied as he set down his fork.
"Thank you Brendan! I knew you would. You're a really great friend, you know," May smiled.
Brendan nodded and dug into his food again. The day had been a crazy one and it was only three in the afternoon. May had decided to book a stay at the hotel, courtesy of Lisia of course.
"So, will you be there to watch me? I'm kinda nervous about it," May chuckled softly.
"Of course! Now that I have Skarmory, I can fly back here in no time," Brendan reassured her.
"That would make me so happy! I'll be sure to save you a front row seat!" May grinned.
Brendan nodded and the two continued to eat.
Courtney hammered into the punching bag in the workout room. A few containers of water were seen in a cooler just by the bench. The heat really made training more worthwhile. Her Pokémon were squaring off against one another in separate sparring circles.
Mightyena squared off against Swellow while Ninetales went toe to toe with Camerupt. Magmortar traded blows with a Houndoom. Wiping the sweat from her brow, she gave the bag a rest and sat down for a drink. She snapped her fingers as an indication for her team to stop.
They all took five so the others who weren't Fire-types, and couldn't go too long without water, could drink. Courtney watched her companions rehydrate themselves and rest. Her mind was swimming with an assortment of different thoughts. One of them being what Brendan had said.
You know, honestly, just do your best. My teacher and friend, Roxanne, always told me to put my best foot forward in whatever I do in life. She also stressed something that all Gym Leaders can agree on. Winning isn't everything. It's a hard lesson to learn but it's a valuable one. Also, make friends with your Pokémon. Don't just train them, bond with them. You never know what might happen. In any case, keep striving for your goals and most importantly, don't give up.
She sighed, mulling over the concept in her mind. Team Magma always stressed victory at all costs. When it came to facing Team Aqua, losing wasn't an option. If they succeeded, things would take a turn for the worst. Brendan seemed to oppose Magma's ideals, yet at the same time he stressed striving for goals that one had set. He was still an enigma to her.
Another thing that bothered her was the hat. Just what the hell was under it? She could see traces of beautiful dark brown hair. But what else was he hiding?
"Um...Brendan?" May began as the two finished their late lunch.
"What's up May?" Brendan replied, catching the curious look on May's face.
"I was just wondering. You always seem to be wearing that hat. Any particular reason as to why?" May queried.
Brendan scratched the back of his head nervously. There actually was a reason, he just rarely told anyone.
"It's an old scar I received as a kid, that's all," Brendan replied casually.
"I see. But, why hide it? Is it that bad?" May asked curiously.
"Well you see..." Brendan began as he removed the cap to reveal the scar. It looked healed up nicely, but what it used to be must have been horrible to look at.
"Arceus, what happened!?" May gasped.
"Let's just say that there was an incident with a Salamence and leave it at that," Brendan replied with a shrug.
"Wow...I'm sorry. Maybe I shouldn't have asked," May sighed.
"Nah, it's fine. I don't mind telling you. You're my friend. And friends tell each other stuff," Brendan chuckled.
"That's right!" May agreed.
"Well, I think I'm going to go train now. It'll be a while before I get to Mauville City. Skarmory is fast, but not as fast as a Pidgeot. Also, I have a feeling I might need to get something to fight Wattson with. Grovyle's pretty much all I have in terms of usability against his Magneton. That's pretty much my main worry," Brendan sighed.
"Well, if memory serves me right, there is a desert area not too far from there and it's teeming with Ground-types. Maybe you can try there?" May suggested.
"I suppose it's worth a shot. I bet I can find something pretty useful out there," Brendan beamed.
"That's the spirit!" May cheered.
"Thanks for the advice May. I'll see you before I go!" Brendan said as he dashed out the door.
"You better!" May hollered after him, watching him head to the outskirts of town.
Shelly took a swan dive off the high dive in the pool inside the Team Aqua base. She broke the surface of the water and revelled in the luxurious feeling the water brough to her skin. As she relaxed, Matt entered the pool area.
"It seems the boy be more skilled than we thought," Matt declared, sitting down by the pool and getting his feet wet.
"Indeed. Has it been confirmed if he is of Team Magma or not?" Shelly asked in an inquisitive manner.
"Not yet. Though he hasn't proven that he's not either. He trounced four of our mates so far. If he be Magma, he's no average Grunt. Just like that shady character I heard about in Magma's ranks," Matt replied.
"You mean the one who our members never seem to see coming in a fight? Yeah...he's been a real nuisance as of late," Shelly grumbled.
"Achoo!" Miles sneezed, nearly dropping his bowl of beef stew.
That was odd. Maybe I put too much spice in here...
"Either way, it seems we have two things to worry about. This Brendan, and our shady friend of Team Magma. According to Archie, there was a chance that the sneaky devil was in the Museum and caused the thick fog as it was his usual tactic. Brendan was also there. So the chances they are working together are very high," Shelly speculated.
"Aye, and be that the case, we need to recruit operatives to deal with these threats," Matt added, sinking into the water.
Brendan adjusted his backpack and secured his belongings so they wouldn't fall off. He had a pair of goggles that he was going to use so the wind wouldn't bother his eyes. He had been working with Skarmory on a way to increase her speed to make the flight a little quicker. Before he could go, he heard footsteps echoing behind him.
"Wait up Brendan!" May called to him.
"Hey, you got my message," Brendan replied.
"Duh, ya goof! I just wanted to wish you good luck out there. Be safe okay?" May said with a frown of concern.
"Don't worry, I'll be fine. And I have my friends with me so nothing can go wrong that they can't help me with," Brendan smiled in reply.
"I know, I just don't want to see you get hurt," May said sheepishly.
"Oi, worry about yourself right now. You have a contest coming up! You should be pumped about that. And I'll be right in the front row, cheering you on as your biggest fan," Brendan chuckled, giving May a thumbs up.
"Oh, you better be! If not I'll have quite a bit to say about that," May threatened playfully.
"Oooo, I'm so scared!" Brendan teased.
"Brendan Birch!" May yelled, now flustered.
"Hey, don't worry. I'll be there, I promise," Brendan said with a serious tone.
"Thanks Brendan, now go knock'em dead Brendan!" May cheered as she held out her fist and bumped Brendan's.
Hopping on Skarmory, Brendan gave the command.
"Agility!"
Skarmory exploded forward gaining speed at an increased rate as she ran. With a mighty push, she lifted off and rocketed into the sky. May waved goodbye as he soared out of sight.
That takes care of that! A short filler chapter with little tidbits of info tucked into it. Worry not my fellow readers, May will still have an impact on the story. Until next time, ciao!