25. Light Of My Life

Chapter 25. Light Of My Life.

Summary. Gary, Max and May were saved by the two Garcomp owned by Cynthia and Olly. Ash was reunited with May, and discovered that he would face Steven Stone in the next round.

"Can't believe I got saddled with facing Steven." Ash said to himself. "I mean I wanted to battle him, but he destroyed Ritchie earlier in the tournament."

Pikachu and Gible came to him, and hugged him.

"Do you guys think I can do this?" Ash asked.

"Pika."

"Gible!"

"Well, then." Ash said confidently. "If you think I can do it then, nothing can stop me."

Pikachu cheered. Gible bit him on the elbow, possibly out of affection.

"Sorry about leaving you in the lurch." Misty said to Gary. "If I'd have known you could have been killed, I wouldn't have left you."

"It's fine." Gary replied. "I'm glad you weren't there, because if you'd have been hurt, I don't know whether or not I would have been able to forgive myself."

Misty gave Gary a playful smile. "I'd still rather have been backing you up."

"I'd like to have you behind me any day of the week." Gary then smirked. "Actually, I'd rather have you in front of me, so I had something to focus on."

"So next time you go off, we'll send Brock and Max to warn everyone else?"

"You sound like you almost want something bad to happen."

May was finally well enough to leave hospital, almost three days after arriving. Her mother and father were there, but there was no sign of Ash.

"We haven't seen him for a while."

"Lucario, Force Palm." Ash yelled.

Lucario jumped over the hurdle and slammed its fist into the target.

"Chimchar, use Flame Wheel."

Chimchar rolled into a ball and covered itself in fire, before crashing into another target.

"Pikachu, use Iron Tail."

Pikachu jumped into the air and slammed its tail into a third target.

"Corphish, Crabhammer."

Corphish charged at a fourth target and smashed one of its claws into it.

"Donphan, Rollout."

Donphan curled into a ball and knocked a fifth target over.

Ash watched his Pokemon train, Gible stood by him.

"Are you watching this?" He said, to Gible. "These are some of the Pokemon I caught throughout my journey. My friends."

Ash crouched down.

"Do you want to do some training?"

Gible nodded eagerly.

"Then show me your Flamethrower."

Gible charged into the arena, and sent a wild flamethrower around, burning everything except the target. Lucario, Pikachu and Donphan crashed to the ground under the heat. Corphish and Chimchar looked mildly amused.

"Not quite." Ash said.

"Roserade, use Magical Leaf."

"Not going to work."

"This can't be happening."

The leaves flew over at Charizard who took the attack easily.
"Flamethrower."

Charizard opened its mouth and covered Roserade in fire. Roserade collapsed to the ground, and was unable to move.

"Roserade is unable to battle. Charizard is the winner. The battle is over and the new champion of the Sinnoh region has been decided."

Cynthia awoke, feeling sick. She was having the bad dream again. She had the dream everytime she encountered the man who was laid next to her.

It was bad enough the first time I lost to him. Now I keep repeating it over and over in my dreams. Fate sure can be a bitch.

She remembered the match well. It was four years ago that she had been defeated and lost the title of Sinnoh champion.

He started with Luxray against Spiritomb, who won narrowly. Gastrodon then beat his Luxray. Toxicroak defeated Gastrodon and Milotic, before being knocked out by Lucario. Then came out his Garchomp who defeated Lucario and inflicted heavy damage on my own Garcomp. He then sent Empoleon out to deal with Garchomp, and then Charizard to stop Roserade. Four long years, and I still can't forget it. He waltzes into my life, I initially decided not to let him in, but he breakes through my defences with his charm. Then I hate myself for the next six months. God, I need help.

Cynthia felt something tickle her back as she held the covers to her chest.

"Good morning."

She forced herself to look in his eyes.

"I really need to talk to you."

"Having nightmares again?"

How the...?

"How do you know about that?"

"I heard you talking in your sleep." Olly grinned. "You were saying things like, This can't be happening, and, Battle dance."
My battle cry.

"You have a bad effect on me." Cynthia admitted. "Everytime I encounter you, I just keep remembering the time you beat me."

"Your brother beat you." Olly pointed out. "You don't have nightmares about that."

"But I'm not sure whether I love my brother or not." Cynthia replied. "I mean.."

"I know what you meant." Olly replied. "You can't decide whether you are in love with me or not?"

"It sounds pathetic." Cynthia admitted. "I like you, but I just can't get over that day four years ago."

Olly looked hurt.

"I'm not wanting to upset you or anything, but..."

Olly sat up, and put his hands on her shoulders. "Look, take a day to decide if you think you can handle me. If you think you can't, then I'll do my best to keep out of your way. If you can, then meet me at the send off tonight."

"The send off?"

"Am I the only one who knows about this?" Olly asked, exasperated. "There's a party tonight, to celebrate the trainers who didn't make it through. You know, open bar, food, karaoke, stuff like that."
"Isn't that a bit lame?"

"Nah, I'm going for the open bar, and to cheer my two buddies who didn't make it through."

"Magnanimous of you."

"Why thank you." Olly said, moving in to kiss her. She moved her head away. "Right! Hopefully I'll see you tonight."

Max sat on one of the benches in the Advanced Battle. He was still wondering how he could beat Tyson. The trainer had doubtlessly improved in the six years since Max had seen him. He had even watched Tyson face the Elite Four.

Max looked up and saw Ash training hard.

It can't be easy for Ash either. He has to face an even tougher trainer, and he's still smiling.

Max jumped up and released his six Pokemon.

"Voir!"

"Channnnn!"

"Mar."

"Tortle."

"Tile!"

"King!"

"Ready to train!" Max yelled, hoping to encourage his Pokemon. They all cheered in response to his question.

May had heard from Brock that Ash was in the Advanced Battle, and so she headed off over there. The huge training facility freaked her out a little bit, but if Ash was there, then she would walk through the gates of hell. She was thinking about how she had played the awful joke on him yestarday, when she saw him.

"I'm going to put you up against each other in sparring matches now." Ash said. "Lucario, you go with Donphan, Chimchar, you go with Pikachu, and Corphish, I haven't decided on my sixth Pokemon yet, so..."

"Want to spar with Blaziken?" May asked.

Ash turned. "Oh, it's you." He remarked, in a strange sounding voice that really didn't suit him.

May felt shocked by his tone. "What's wrong?"

"I'm here to train." Ash replied. "Not to be made a fool of."

"I said I was sorry!" May shouted, losing her cool. "Can't you just drop it?"

"Apparently not." Ash answered. "I don't need this crap."

May was starting to feel like she was losing him. "Ash."

"Just leave me alone." Ash said, as he recalled his Pokemon and left the Advanced Battle.

May thought about calling after him, but a part of her knew that he wouldn't reply.

What if I've really lost him?

Cynthia set her Garchomp down in the ruins on the other side of the Island.

"Thanks sweetie." She said, patting the Mach Pokemon on the neck. "I needed time to think."

Cynthia closed her eyes, and thought of the first time she had met Garchomp.

"It's hatching!" Cynthia exclaimed as the grey egg started to shake. "I wonder what kind of Pokemon it will be."

"Whoever knows." Her Grandfather replied. "It could turn out to be anything."

Cynthia watched with interest as the top of the egg was forced off, and a small gray Pokemon appeared.

"Gible!" It said, before looking around.

"A Gible." Her Grandmother replied. "These are rare Pokemon, Cynthia and should be revered."

"Cynthia." Her Grandfather said. "We want you to take care of this Gible."

"Why me?"

"Because you are special." Her Grandmother replied. "You have a way of emphasizing with Pokemon, and finding out what is troubling them."

"Does that mean...?"

"It's your destiny to become the greatest trainer in all of Sinnoh."

"No pressure though."

"And I did!" Cynthia said, aloud. "I was the greatest. But no matter how good you are, there is always someone better. I helped him, I trained him, and I regret it now."

Cynthia was feeling pretty good, when she passed through Eterna City. She had managed to overcome several trainers intent on knocking her off her perch. There had been nobody seriously good enough to take her title away from her. She had recently dispatched a trainer in Hearthome City with relative ease, and was considering her next move. She was going to head out and challenge the Battle Tower. There had been a Team Galatic presence in this city, but it seemed to have vanished. It was then that she saw him. A boy of about sixteen holding the bit of metal aloft.

"I won the Forest Badge." He cheered.

Cynthia thought about this. Winning two badges was usually a sign that trainers were serious, and there was something about him. An aura of confidence and self belief.

She decided to walk over.

"Hello." She said, in a pleasant tone.

"Good afternoon." He replied. "What can I do for you?"

"So you won the Forest Badge?"
"Yeah. I'm awesome."

She had thought at the time that he was arrogant, but had later discovered the truth.

"You keep on winning badges, and you might have a shot at winning the title."

"That's what I intend to do." Came the reply.

Cynthia reached into her pocket. "Here, take this."

"I shouldn't take things from strangers, but since you're offering it, then it'd be rude to turn it down."

"It is an HM." Cynthia explained. "You can use it to teach your Pokemon to cut."

"I need a machine for that?"

"Yeah, it doesn't seem right does it." Cynthia replied. "Well, I will be seeing you around, I'm sure."

She had retreated into the shadows and had wondered if she would ever see the boy again.

"How wrong was I?" She shouted, bitterly. "My life took a turn for the worse when I kept running into him. Or am I blaming him for my own problems."

The life of a champion. Never an easy path, everyone wants a piece of you no matter when or where. I was too powerful for my own good, and I paid the price. Can I really blame Olly for that?

Garchomp looked worried, as Cynthia started pacing around.

"I won the Coal Badge" The sixteen year old Cynthia shouted, jumping up and down.

"Congratulations." Roark remarked. "I think that the way you battled will one day take you far."

Cynthia hugged her Pokemon. Gible, Budew and Shellos, all had contributed to her first win.

"I thank you for a good battle." She replied, always careful to display respect for her opponent.

"I enjoyed it." Roark replied. "Not often you get a thrill of the battle over the joy of digging coal, but today was the exception."

"I'm glad to know you think of me in the same way as digging coal." Cynthia replied.

"Don't mention it." Roark said. "Good luck in your gym challenge."

She had enjoyed a successful campaign. She had won the eight badges in a quick time, and captured rare and powerful Pokemon.

Gible evolved after her battle in the Veilstone Gym. Budew evolved into Roselia against Crasher Wake. I captured Feebas in Mount Coronet, and worked on its beauty until it evolved into a graceful Milotic in Hearthome City. I found a Riolu on Iron Island, and Spiritomb near Solaceon Town. All my Pokemon were ready. Those were the Pokemon that I intended to win the league with, and I suceeded. Gabite evolved again when battling Volkner. Was I really happier back then?

Cynthia reached into her pocket, and took her medal out. What she had been given when she had become the champion.

It might just be coincidence, but my whole life changed when I won this. Not for the better either. I haven't been happy for a while, but even though I hate myself for it, in a twisted way, Olly makes me happy.

"We're both unlucky." Olly muttered, as he brushed his Garchomp. "We both had the misfortune to fall in love with women who are out of our league."

Garchomp agreed. "Gaaaaaarrrrr!"

"Even though she's probably going to not show up tonight, I'll still cherish our time together, and hope that it doesn't develop into a dangerous obsession."

Garchomp gave him a quizzical look.

"What?"

May hadn't stopped crying, since she had got back to her hotel room. She had done the worst thing possible, and she was regretting it.

How could I have done a stupid thing like that. It was just a harmless joke, and he hates me for it. I can't believe that I might have lost the one I love forever, because I decided to do something so stupid.

She sat up, and wiped her eyes.

Now if only there was some way to make him realise how sorry I am.

May was rooting through her suitcase, when she found something that made her grin.

"Now I know what might do it."

Max had recalled his Pokemon and gone for some lunch. He found Brock in the cafeteria of the training facility.

"What are you doing here?" He asked.

"Huh?" Brock replied. "Oh, hello Max."

"Don't you have to pay for those?" Max asked, noticing the several empty cups on Brock's table.

"Yeah, but it's only money." Brock replied, not really paying attention.

"What is with you?" Max asked, waving his hand in front of Brocks face.

"Don't!" Brock yelled. "You're obscuring my vision of her!"

"Oh brother." Max said. "Which poor girl is the target this time?"

"Behind the counter." Brock replied. Max had no choice, but to turn around.

She wasn't actually that bad, he had to admit. Shoulder length black hair, a cute smile, and...

"Heyyy!" Max screamed, as Brock pulled his face away. "What's the big idea?"

"Do you think she'll go out with me?"

"I don't care." Max replied, honestly. "But if you want to ask her, I'll take your Croagunk out for a moment."

"Nah." Brock answered. "When I'm in love this much, Croagunk can't hurt me."

"Go ahead then." Max said, as he stood up.

"Where are you going?"

"To get something to eat."

Max picked up a blue plastic tray, and walked over to the counter.

Brock jumped up and followed him.

Max almost swore, as the Pokemon Breeder pushed in front of him.

"Sometimes, you can be a real jerk."

Her Garchomp had fallen asleep long ago, and she was now talking to Roserade.

"See, what really amazed me about him, was what happened after he beat me."

Roserade sighed, as she and her trainer remembered.

"Olly Lowe of Twinleaf Town is the new champion of Sinnoh. Cynthia Jacobs has finally been defeated, and the crowd go wild."

Cynthia dejectedly took the trophy and gave it back to Mr. Goodshow.

"Does the former champion have anything to say?" Goodshow asked.

"Nothing." She replied.

Goodshow picked up the cup and held it out to Olly.

"I can't accept it."

The crowd gasped, as Olly refused the cup.

"What?" Both Goodshow and Cynthia shouted.

"I don't deserve it."

"You beat me." Cynthia hissed quietly. "Now take the damn trophy, and we can all get out of here."

"I only became a trainer, to prove how easy it was to become the best." Olly replied. "And it was the dying wish of my Dad. All the arrogance, all the cockiness, was just a cover for my grief. I don't truly deserve the trophy."
Cynthia was stunned. "So you only became a trainer to prove that you could?"

"Got it in one." Olly replied. "But even though I can't accept the trophy, I have learnt something."

"What?"

"My Pokemon are my new family. They filled a void in my life when I was at my most vulnerable, and I will fight to defend them. I also met several powerful trainers, including yourself, and I am glad to have had the opportunity to have done so."

Olly bowed.

"Farewell Cynthia Jacobs, and I hope that one day we will meet again, as equals."

"That was the last time I saw him for a while, until that day in the Survival Arena."

"Garchomp vs Garchomp." Olly said. "Are you serious?"

"Yes." Cynthia replied. "I want to prove I can beat you."

"By a one on one battle with me not even using my most powerful Pokemon?" Olly asked. "Why did you really come here?"

"I wish I could have answered him properly then." Cynthia said. "He deserved that much."

Roserade was yawning.

"I mean, what the hell, does he really care about me?" Cynthia yelled. "Why is this so difficult to work out?"

Max had grabbed a few items from the counter, and placed them on his tray. He was waiting for Brock to get rejected so he could eat, and then get back to training.

"Are you back for more coffee." The girl behind the till said, cheerfully. "That is your fourteenth cup this morning. If I had to guess, I'd say you were trying to pluck up the courage to ask someone out."

Max was looking around, and noticed that her nametag had the name "Helena." written on it.

"Well..." Brock started to say. Max noticed her was sweating badly.

"Am I right, or am I wrong?" Helena asked. "Just out of interest."

Brock was fumbling badly. Max decided to intervene. He could do with a favour from Brock anyway.

"Hey Brock." He said. "You were right."

"Huh!" Both Brock and Helena said.

"She does have pretty eyes." Max reached into his pocket, and gave Brock some crumpled up money. "I guess I lost that bet."

Brock took the money, confused.

"Did he really say that?" Helena asked, her eyes shining.

"Oh yeah." Max replied. "He said that you were the most beautiful girl he had ever seen, but I refused to gamble with him on that."

"Did you really?" Helena asked Brock, who could only mumble a positive yes.

"Aww, that's so sweet."

Max punched Brock in the small of the back.

"Oh yeah." Brock said, quickly. "Do you want to go out sometime?"

"I'd love to." Helena replied.

"Thank you." Brock said, as he raced out of the cafeteria. "I'll sort something out later!"

Max moved forward in the queue. "Can I get these, please?"

Ash threw a tennis ball into the air, and Gible caught it.

"No!" Ash said, frustrated. "Shoot it down with Flamethrower!"

Gible looked confused, before firing the ball from its mouth, backed by a powerful force of mud.

Ash groaned, as the ball hit him. "You can use Mud Shot?"

Gible looked quite pleased.

"Incredible." Ash muttered, as he threw the ball in the air again.

Gary ran through the list of Pokemon he had acquired, before and after he became a researcher.

"I have some rare Pokemon, that could be a surprise factor." He remarked. "I wonder how many people on this Island have seen some of these?"

He still had the backup plan, if it came down to it.

I remember when I encountered this Pokemon. I thought it would attack me, but it realised that my heart was pure, and let me capture it in order to save it from Team Galactic. I am honoured, really. To have a Pokemon that powerful is almost unheard of, and it does have power! Nobody can dispute that. I'll keep it a secret until the last moment. Even from Misty.

Gary selected his Pokemon for his battle against his opponent, and shut the computer off. He had to go get changed.

Ash dug out the suit he had rented, especially for this occasion. He felt like getting drunk tonight. It might stop him thinking of her.

May, May, May. Why did you have to do that? I love you and you had to spoil the moment like that. I hope I can forgive you.

Max was watching internet videos of Tyson. He was desperately trying to think of a strategy to combat the guy.

I can't do it. He has Meowth, Hariyama, Metagross, Donphan, as well as several other powerful Pokemon.

He put his head in his hands, before looking up. "But so do I!"

He was still thinking, when the phone rang. He picked it up. "Hello."

"Max, honey." His mother said. "Are you coming down to the party?"

"I wasn't going to." He replied. "I didn't know there was one on."

"There is." Caroline insisted. "Your father has been drinking heavily all day to prepare for it."

"Is putting about eighty drunken Pokemon trainers, and their friends in a small room together a good idea?" Max asked.

"What could go wrong?"

May had found what she was looking for, and spent the last three hours preparing.

If this doesn't win him back, then I'm going to give up and go home.

May slipped the chain off the door and quickly left.

Brock had never been to this hall before.

"I've never been here before." He remarked, as he and Helena walked in.

"I have." Helena replied. "But then again, I work here."

"Yeah, sorry about that." Brock said. "It was the only place I could find."

"It's ok." Helena protested. "I'm having a great time."

"And we've only just walked in." Brock quipped, as he pushed the door open. "After you."

He quickly took the atmosphere in. There was a bar at the far wall, as well as several tables, surrounding a large stage.

"That must be for the karaoke." Helena said. "Can't wait to hear you sing later."

"Wait, what!"

Ash and Pikachu strode into the hall. It was filling up quite quickly.

"And there was me thinking I'd be the only one here alone." He muttered to Pikachu.

"Pika!"

Ash walked over to the bar, and ordered a drink.

"Drinking ain't gonna help, son." A familiar voice said to him.

Ash turned, and saw Silver leaning against the bar. He was wearing a tuxedo, and his Chikorita was looking quite bored.

"It will." He replied. "Is this your attempt at parenting?"

"Nah, my attempt at parenting will be holding your head above the toilet while you vomit, later." Silver grinned.

"Nice to know." Ash said, as Pikachu jumped onto the bar and started to talk to Silver's Chikorita.

"Pikapikachuchu." (You look bored.)

"Chika, ritachi." (I wonder why that could be?)

"Pikapikapikachu." (Tell me.)

"Chika." (Why?)

"Pikachupika." (I'm interested.)

"Chikoritaritaritaritachikachikaritakarita." (Silver knows I don't want to be hear, I'd rather be outside smelling the flowers, or eating grass.)

"Pikapi, Pikachupikachuchuchupikachu." (Ash wants me to be with him. He had an argument with May earlier.)

"Chika." (I don't care.)

"Pikachu, pikachu." (How long have you been with Silver?"

"Chikoritachikoritachika." (I was his starter Pokemon.)

Ash watched Pikachu and Chikorita. "I wonder what they're saying."

"We'll never know." Silver replied, as Charles Goodshow walked onto stage. "Looks like it's starting."

"Good evening." Goodshow said, into the microphone. "I see that most trainers who attended this tournament have shown up. I would just like to say a few words to commend the trainers who didn't make it to the next round."

Applause erupted for Goodshow, as he took some paper out of his pocket.

"Well, before we start, there is one trainer who deserves a special mention. In his first match, he selflessly withdrew one of his Pokemon to avoid it being hurt too badly. This shows that although Pokemon can be used for battling, they are first of all our friends. Give a big round of applause for Lance Stevens."

There was thunderous applause, as Lance walked onto the stage, and accepted a handshake from Goodshow.

"A true legend, and even though he didn't make it to the second round, he can be proud of his conduct in the tournament which represents the line between battling and love that we would all like to straddle."

"Thank you, Charles." Lance said. "And may I personally wish all of the fifty trainers who qualified the best of luck in the next round."

More applause as Lance walked off.

"A more deserving trainer of an award you couldn't fail to find." Goodshow remarked. "Anyway.."

"And give a final round of applause for two trainers who came here with big reputations, but didn't deliver. Mark Meadow, and Jonny Hawk of Twinleaf Town."

There was a brief smattering of applause.

"Although they failed to get to the second round, they have agreed to help out at the Advanced Battle training facility until the end."

Goodshow wiped his forehead. "Well, I'm sure you are tired of hearing me speak, so let's get on with the party. The bar is, well, it's been open for a while, so get drinking."

This lead to the biggest round of applause all night, as there was a stampede for the bar.

Jonny and Mark slumped over to where Olly was stood.

"Sorry guys." Olly said. "I guess I'll have to win it all."

"We bombed." Mark admitted. "We shouldn't have left Twinleaf."

"Hey, think of all the people we entertained." Jonny pointed out. "And it's not like we didn't compete."

"I think it's safe to say, that the best one of us got through." Mark said.

"Hey, I was lucky." Olly admitted. "Hey, Mark, meet me outside later, I want you to do something for me."

At last everyone had been to the bar at least once. Ash had already seen Gary and Misty, Brock and some random girl who hadn't rejected him, Steven and Elektra, Ritchie, Jim, Olly, Norman and Caroline and Wallace, but no May.

Which is surely a good thing! He thought bitterly.

He was vaguely aware of Goodshow walking back on stage.

"Well, we have a special treat for you." He said, reading from another bit of paper. "We have had a request to sing live in front of you. This is dedicated to Ash Ketchum."

Ash looked at Silver with shock. He was even more shocked when a vaguely familiar looking woman walked onto the stage.

"No way!" Ash gasped. "Is that...?"

She was about average height, and wore a backless red dress, with her medium length brown hair cascading around her shoulders.

"May!" Ash said, gasped. "What is she..?"

Silver laughed. "This is going in the family album."

"We don't have a family album."

"Well, we're getting one for this moment especially."

May picked the microphone up, and then started to sing.

"I've missed you

You don't know

How much I love you

When the lights go out

All I want to do

Is grab your hand

And hope you'll see

I'm the light of your life."

Olly had just come back in from asking Mark to do him a favour, when he saw her on the dancefloor. He strode over.

"You might not be perfect." Cynthia said, as she embraced him. "But neither am I. You make me happy, and that's it."

"Glad someone has reached their senses." Olly grinned.

"Wandering around

In the dark

If only you could see

How much you mean to me."

All around the room, people were getting up to dance.

Faith was there, when Elias approached her.

"May I..?"

"I'd love to." She replied, as she took his offered hand.

"Come and release me

You're all I need

To set me free

When the lights go out

all I want to do

Is grab your hand

and hope that you'll see

I'm the light of your life."

Ash left Silver, Pikachu and Chikorita on the bar, and started to walk towards the stage. He felt a hand on his back, and saw Gary.

"Go for it, man." He muttered, before returning his attention to Misty.

Ash carried on towards the stage.

"The darkness has

consumed you

Come to me

And I will help you see

I'm the light of your life

The light of your life."

As May finished singing, the applause was at the highest it had been all night. May quickly took the acclaim, before hearing someone beckon to her. She looked over, and saw a hand gesturing for her to come over. She followed it, behind the curtains. It wasn't who she expected though.

"Harley?" She said, surprised. "What are you doing here?"

"I need to tell you something. Walk with me."

May vanished behind the curtain, as Ash reached the stage. He saw her vanish, before following after her.

"So what do you need to tell me?" May asked, as Harley led her up a long flight of stairs.

"I wanted to apologise for all the times I was mean to you." Harley said. "Can you forgive me?"

"Well." May answered. "No."

"I beg your pardon!" Harley screamed.

"You've tried it before, and I believed you then, and you turned out to be a lying scumbag, so why should now be any different?"

"But I've changed." Harley whined. "Working at the Petalburg Gym with loverboy Drew has changed me, and I realised what a bad person I'd been."

"I'm not buying it." May said. "Now let me go."

Harley glared at her. "Never, you selfish bitch, I'm going to make you suffer."

He started to drag her the stairs.

Like a fool, May had left her Pokemon in her room.

"Dressing like a cheap slut may have cost you." Harley grinned, as he dragged her towards the roof. "Your life that is."

"It was you who tried to kidnap me!" May shouted.

"Guilty." Harley replied. "I wanted to apologise in person, but since that isn't going to happen, then I guess it's the old drop-aroo for you. Hey, I made a rhyme."

"Help!" May shouted.

"We're on the roof." Harley cackled, as he opened the door. "No one can hear you above the music." He laughed as he dragged her closer to the edge. "Goodbye, May. I would say it was nice knowing you, but then I'd be a complete liar, and I can't stand those people."

"Harley." May said. "Before I die, can you tell me why you hate me so much?"

"You were horrible about my darling Cacturne and my exquisite cookies." Harley exploded. "Not that it matters, I'm still going to kill you. Nighty night, bitch."

"No!" Ash shouted, as he ran onto the roof.

"And look at that." Harley gleamed, as he watched Ash appear. "The gallant hero makes a final appearance, to late to save the girl, or stop the villain of the piece."

"Let her go, you deranged creep." Ash yelled.

"No way, Ash." Harley said. "And as cliched as it may sound, come any closer and she'll drop."

"Don't listen to him, Ash." May screamed. "He's going to make me drop anyway!"

"Do you have your Pokemon on you?" Harley asked.

"What?" Ash replied. "Yes."

"Then, put them on the floor. I don't want any of the little cherubs to stop me, or save miss whore features here."

"Harley." Ash said. "Think about it. If you push May off, I'll have you cornered."

"Really." Harley remarked, as Ash felt something behind him. "Banette, Shadow Punch."

Ash felt something hit him in the back, and he was thrown across the roof.

"Banette can also use Teleport, so I'll be free and dry, and you won't have a single shred of proof." Harley laughed. "Toodleoo, May."

"Don't do it." Ash said, as he tried to get up.

"We are what we choose to be." Harley said. He dragged May closer to the edge. She struggled to break free, and momentarily suceeded. However, Harley punched her squarely in the face and she toppled over the side.

"May!" Ash yelled, as he tried to get up.

"Banette, grab him and use Shadow Ball." Harley ordered.

Author's Notes. Damn, that was long. That was like two chapters in one.

First of all, anyone who thinks Light of my Life is terrible, then don't hesitate to criticize on the review. Second of all, anyone who thinks Light of my Life is brilliant, then thank you. I wrote that a couple of months ago, and have been wanting to use it. The song, not the chapter, that is. Although if you liked the chapter, but hated the song, then put it on the review.

Will our two heroes survive into the next chapter?

Some of the Cynthia flashbacks were quite entertaining to write. I hoped that you enjoyed reading them.

Most people hate Harley, but he is absolutely brilliant to write. Fantastic character. Need more sociopaths.

Thanks to everyone who has reviewed.

Thanks to everyone who is reading it, but not reviewing. Seriously, though, how long does it take to click the button below and write a few sentences.

Don't forget to review.