21. lunar dance

Despite the chill that blew through the streets of Slateport, the yellow light of the pub left a rosy glow on May's cheeks. Of course, it could be due to the sting of the liquor that coated her throat or the proximity of bodies in the right space, but the young woman wanted to believe it was warm presence of her closest friends around her that brought the heat to her face. Her cheeks ached as she laughed at another witty exchange between Phoebe and Wallace, and she was happy with the knowledge that she could ring in the New Year with laughter despite the grief of the past weeks.

Without her realizing, the year had suddenly come to an end. In total, her quest in the wild amounted to less than a week, though it had felt like months, and in contrast, the weeks after her return to Slateport had sped by in an instant. Between the remaining research Sycamore wished to do, the reconstruction of the lab at Devon Corp., and Latias' steady recovery, May hadn't found a moment to just sit and reflect upon all that had happened. Looking around the room and losing count of the happy faces were a startling reminder of the precious things May had to be grateful for, and as the bells rang through town to signify the coming new year, she made the firm decision in her heart to cherish the fact that the new year would begin with so much joy.

She winced. There was another reminder of the past year - the tightness of her shoulders and back from her injuries. Of course she would heal with time, but there were still moments when a sharp pain would seep into her joints. In the coldest mornings or after particularly long days, May found herself taking a little longer than usual to stretch out her joints, soaking in the bath a few minutes longer to let her muscles breathe and relax. All in all, it was hardly the worst to be left with after the ordeal in November, but she knew that these physical reminders were not going to disappear until they had engraved themselves into May's habits and mind.

Through the bright laughter, May leaned back and considered the man who had given her these wounds, wondering just what he was doing now. When all was said and done, May was surprised at how little she cared about Nicolas. Though he had hurt Latias and put them all through much grief, May didn't want to give the dragon tamer another thought. In her heart, she knew his spirit had been entirely defeated without the chance of recovery, and that was punishment enough for her. He would never know this kind of camaraderie.

"Steven, let me get you a refill!" cried Wallace dramatically.

"Stop trying to get me drunk! What is wrong with all of you?"

May laughed with the rest, the tension in her chest soothed as she scanned over the pale-haired man. Even as he bickered with Wallace, May felt her cheeks pinken with comfort.

Since their strange journey had ended, May and Steven had seen surprisingly little of each other. There was much damage control to be done for the future president of Devon Corp., and between his rushing to put out fires and May's continued work in the field and recovery, they'd barely said anything to each other beyond frivolous pleasantries. There were a few soft words shared quickly in corridors, stolen glances. May wished there could have been more.

Still, it hardly mattered. Even now, May could close her eyes and feel the cool sand of the beach, the warmth of his gaze. The weight of their understanding was enough, and she knew that resolution would eventually come. He was here to stay, and she could always find him if she needed to. Finally, they stood on equal ground.

"Come, come, Steven. We must all drink while we still have the chance!" added Sycamore.

"So you are going back to Kalos," said Sid over his beer. The professor gave a dramatic bow of his head.

"Yes. I had wished to remain here longer, but I am being called back to help initiate the new class of Trainers in the spring."

"Are you getting your own novice group?"

"Yes, my first," said Sycamore, beaming.

"You'll be a great mentor," said Phoebe with a dazzling smile beside him. Sycamore seemed to grow a couple inches, even as he moved a little closer to her. May rolled her eyes as the two master flirts began a test of skill.

"When do you leave?" asked Glacia.

"We have not set an exact departure date yet, but most likely at the end of January."

"So soon? Trainer classes don't begin until April, or so I thought."

"There's much to do beforehand, particularly since I've been away for so long. I will need to prepare my research team in Lumiose City with all we've learned here before the young ones arrive."

"Still, it's too bad," said May, her heart squeezing. "Things will be quiet around here without you." Sycamore gave an unusually somber smile.

"As I have said before: you are always welcome to come to Kalos, whenever or for whatever you wish. Lumiose City and I would be delighted to have you."

May smiled sadly but said nothing as Sycamore turned to resume his conversation with Sid and Phoebe. A quiet sigh whispered through May's nose as she looked up and met the gaze of the man down the table. Steven's expression was soft, thoughtful. As they locked eyes, his lips twitched upward with sympathy, and then he looked away.

Many times, May had closed her eyes and imagined the city of lights - how the old stone walls would brighten and darken through the day, the shimmering tower at the center of the city. She'd imagined the old roads that led from the city to the countryside, how she and her pokemon could get lost in the knotted forests and streams. She wanted to see the thousand shades of blue against the rocky cliffsides, the luminous moss of the Glittering Caves.

But those adventures were not within her grasp now, and she kept her gaze focused on the present. There were people here in Hoenn who needed her. Her days in the wilderness were gone. It was time to accept what she had.

The shoji door slid open, disrupting the stillness in May's chest. Heads turned, expecting more drinks or food, but instead, an older man stood in the doorway. May's mouth fell open as her father Norman looked around the room. He smiled.

"Sorry for being late," was his mild greeting. Drake extended his arms in a grand sweep of welcome.

"Norman, old man! Come, come! Have a drink!" he boomed, shooing Sid away from him to make way for the Petalburg Gym Leader. The Dark Master scowled but gave way for the elder Leader, who sat down with a sheepish smile. May openly gawked as her stoic father accepted a drink from Drake, and the two threw them back with rosy cheeks.

"That's what I'm talking about! Miss!" cried Brawly at a passing waitress. She squeaked at the sudden address. "A full round for the table!" he declared, earning both cheers and groans from the room.

Sake was poured out into cups, and despite the complaints from a few [Steven included], they all cheered to the new year and the completion of their ranks within the room. The burning in May's throat was smooth and bright. She couldn't help but laugh as she slammed her cup down to the table.

"Happy New Year to all of you," said Norman, a modest but serene smile on his face. "I know it's been a long time since I last joined all of you, but it is not for lack of genuine affection."

"Enough of all that. We know, Norm!" chided Wattson. May's father gave a sheepish grimace before straightening himself up.

"I have come to celebrate, but I also wish to make an announcement." He looked around the room. "I'm sorry to dampen spirits on a holiday, but it's important that everyone hear it. I have already informed our Champion of this, but I plan to retire by the end of next year." All eyes moved to May, but she could see no one but her father. She gave a nod that was steadier than she expected. He smiled. "And I wish to name Wally of Petalburg as my successor."

"Wally?" blurted Brendan. His face stretched into an impossibly bright grin. "That's awesome! He never told me that!"

"Yeah, is he really okay with returning to Petalburg?" asked May. Despite her doubts, she had let out a great sigh of relief. Wally as a Gym Leader - it was a wonderful image.

"It took a lot of conversations," admitted Norman, also relaxing with a sheepish smile. "He was reluctant to give up his travels, but it isn't unheard of for Leaders to continue their training in the wild. Wallace has his Contests and there was a Leader in Kanto years ago who spent more time out of his Gym than in it."

"Wasn't that Leader arrested for felony crimes?" asked Roxanne with an arched brow.

"That's beside the point. What matters is that it's possible so long as the League allows it. So is it possible?"

May scanned over her father's face, more eager and open than she had seen in many years. His gaze met hers without hesitation or sorrow, and she knew that the decision he had made had been for her. Her chest ached with the knowledge.

"I think such a schedule can be managed," said Glacia delicately. Her lips curved upward. "A number of days per season, for example - so long as Wally returns to the Gym to accept Challengers and help teach the students there for, say, one out of every three months, I think he should be permitted to take the Leadership position. He has proven himself a strong, good Trainer and one with integrity. It seems a shame to pass over him simply because he wants to continue improving himself in the wild as he has done to this point."

"I agree," said May readily. "The specifics of his tenure can be determined in the coming year, but so long as the League approves and Wally is prepared to fulfill the duties of the position, then I accept his nomination as Leader of the Petalburg City Gym."

"Another round!" shouted Brawly, shoving glasses into everyone's hands [the twins lifted up their cups of juice]. "To Wally, our newest Leader!"

"And to Norman, for his stellar career and leadership!" added Phoebe with a flourish. Norman flushed as May beamed brighter than all the rest.

"Cheers!"

Unlike the winds that grazed Ever Grande's beaches, the breeze over Slateport's water touched with icy fingers. Delicate flakes of snow drifted lazily over the water, falling in to join and disappear into the inky depths. May marveled at the bitter chill, wondering how these waters connected such different towns. Those waters shifted from ice to sun. Those same waters would lead her home. They could take her farther.

Farther was Kalos, where Augustine would be headed. An ocean tied them together, and yet it marked the vast space between them. Like many of her meetings through her strange life, it was a miracle that she and Augustine had been brought together. A heavy sadness rippled through her at the thought of their imminent parting. May considered all of the currents and forces that had brought them together and wondered if they were strong enough to reunite them once more.

But despite the fathoms of sea and sky, May and Latias had come together again and again. Latios had found her and Steven, of all people, in the vastness of the world. It was not ludicrous to believe that she and Augustine would see each other again as long as the intention remained. She smiled to herself and breathed out towards the ocean. She would see him again.

The soft whisper of footsteps reached her ears, coming from the streets behind her. May didn't need to turn to know who approached. She hadn't expected him to come find her, but she wasn't surprised as he stepped up beside her. Hands in his pockets and face turned up towards the moon, he wasn't the man that had stood here with her just months before. This was the man that had sat beside her as the sun rose in November. His smile was gentle, as if hearing the wandering thoughts of his successor - they, too, had come together again through oceans and time.

"Cold?" Steven asked.

"A little warm actually," she said. His smile deepened.

"How much did you drink?"

"Not as much as you." His snorting laugh was soft.

"Harsh."

They both inhaled the ocean air, and May stared up at the dark sky. The said warmth swirled in her gut as she felt Steven's proximity. His fingers nearly grazed hers.

"Excited about Wally?"

"Yeah. I can't believe I didn't think of him sooner. He'll be a great Leader," she said giddily.

"I was impressed by him all those years ago in Sootopolis," agreed Steven. "Maybe a little foolish but brave. He'll do well no matter what he chooses to do." May arched a brow.

"You didn't seem too impressed with him at the time."

"I was, uh… just concerned about his well-being," said Steven stiffly. May looked at him pointedly, and he gave a small smile. "And maybe a little jealous."

May's stomach tightened at the admission. If he noticed, he didn't mention it, clearing his throat.

"Are you sad to see Augustine go?"

"Yeah."

"You two have grown close since he's come here," he said.

"He's a remarkable man. I'm very grateful to you for introducing us," she said honestly with a sheepish smile. "I hope I can go to Kalos one day to see him and his laboratory. It's been amazing being a part of his research."

"You've contributed more than you probably realize."

"Well, if I was able to help him even a little bit, hopefully more pokemon out there will be able to experience Mega Evolution, too." Steven nodded.

"Soon it'll just become a matter of stone scarcity, not for a lack of knowledge."

"More competition for your beloved rocks and dirt," she teased. He shot her a mild glare.

"It's not just 'rocks and dirt.'"

"Potato, potahto."

"You're incorrigible."

"Isn't that what makes me great?" said May with a grin.

To her surprise, Steven said nothing. His smile wasn't the distant dismissal of the past. Her cheeks warmed slightly.

"He invited you to go back to Kalos with him."

"He did, huh?" May's chest ached again as the images reemerged.

"You said no."

"I did."

"I was surprised."

"Why?"

"To be honest, I wondered if you had feelings for him."

"Wh-what?" Steven's face remained as serious as before. She steadied her breath as she forced images of her and the professor in amorous embrace out of her mind. "No, absolutely not."

"You're sure?" he insisted. His eyes bored into her. She nodded quickly, very glad for the dim yellow light.

"Yes, I'm sure," she said. Her face burned, and she suddenly felt a flare of resentment towards him. "Why would you even ask me that?" He shrugged.

"You two spent a lot of time together these past few months, in and out of the lab. I'd be lying if I said I didn't suspect something between you." May scowled.

"Well, quit your suspecting," she retorted. His lips twitched upward into a small smirk.

"Methinks thou doth protest too much," he said. May's eyes narrowed.

"Methinks thou doth stick thy nose into other people's business too much."

He laughed. The sound was deep and free, echoing over the waves like that first time he'd shouted at her over the water all those years ago just outside of Mauville City. May felt it in her legs and ribs, vibrating at her fingertips. Like all that time ago, he was close enough to touch, to see every pale eyelash that dusted his cheeks. If she reached out now, would he pull away?

"Why won't you go then?" he asked as his laughter died away.

"Many reasons."

"Such as?"

May shifted slightly as she played out this old, tired topic. They'd already been here before, and she didn't want to dredge it up again.

"I don't have the luxury of packing up and leaving - not when everyone here is depending on me to lead the League. I mean, you saw that conversation inside with my dad. It was so much more than that, and he only arrived at the decision to name Wally as his successor because I played a heavy hand. It won't just end there either. They'll all be expecting me to help them through the transition in the coming year, too."

Steven nodded thoughtfully as she spoke, with an intense gaze she couldn't identify. The cold winter night suddenly felt a little warmer. She tried to disregard the tight squeeze in her chest and pushed away the impulse to look out onto the ocean again.

"What I'm about to say will sound harsh, but it's not meant that way," started Steven slowly. "You say that everyone here is depending on you, but do they really need you as much as you say they do?" May frowned deeply but kept silent. His mouth twitched upward momentarily to acknowledge her. "I know more than anyone that your presence is cherished and respected, and your opinion is almost always correct, but these people are not incapable. They wouldn't be where they are now if they were. Of course, they are better off with your leadership, but are they really doomed to failure without it?"

May's mouth opened and then closed and then opened again, only to find nothing to say in response. Her mouth curled downward as the mass of his words laid into her fully and found that they weighed most heavily on her ego.

"I'm sorry if I've hurt you, but you can't hold yourself back for people who don't need you to guide them. And really, don't you think they already know you want to leave?"

It was impossible for her to say anything, for the answer already floated between them. All of the disasters that had brought May to the leadership of the Pokemon League were gone. Whatever was lacking among the youth of Hoenn was not something she could solve on her own. She was a single Trainer with aspirations still unlived. There was more beyond the ivory tower of the Elite Four.

"But I can't," she whispered. Her eyes burned with shame - at her own selfishness, at the sting of her wounded ego. "I can't go. I would let everyone down."

"Then let them down," urged Steven. "Why should you give up everything you want for a League that refuses to lead itself?"

"Because I care about them," she hissed. Eyes flaring in the yellow light, her head lifted to bare her indignation back at him. "The League isn't some faceless mob. As Champion, I actually care about them!"

Steven had the decency to look momentarily embarrassed at her retort. She pressed onward.

"Maybe they don't need me as a leader, but they're more to me than just followers. The Leaders and the Elite Four - they're my friends. Friends don't just leave each other behind because things get tough. I can't abandon my friends!"

Steven's gaze softened at her words. His fists clenched over his trousers as if to keep them in place. Though warm, she could nearly see his measured breath take shape.

"Your leaving and mine are different," he said finally. His voice was quiet so that she had to lean close to hear. "I know how I left was wrong, but you and I are not the same. No one would blame you if you were to leave. I ran and hid from my duties as Champion at every opportunity, and my departure was just the natural conclusion. I never even showed the country my face. All of my actions were down with cowardice. If you left, it would be to reclaim the freedom you so desperately deserve. No one could begrudge you that."

As it had in the orange light of the rising sun, Steven's gaze was open and unfiltered for May to absorb and scrape over as she wished. She felt that she could touch him without fingers or palms; no time or space between them. She could finally see him for what he was, and now, she had to see herself with equally painful clarity and shame.

"I'm afraid," she whispered. "Leaving here - where would I go? How could I start over? The Hoenn League is all I've ever known."

"But it isn't," murmured Steven. She could feel the warm graze of his breath upon her face. His voice was as deep and cradling as the ocean's waves. "You have your pokemon with you. Kohaku and Ginko and the rest - they would still be the same as they are now. So would you. No matter where you go, that ability to befriend and cherish others would remain the same. Isn't that all you need?"

"Why are you saying all of this now?" she whispered. Her eyes were wide. The wind that blew over the water was the same that had whipped through her hair from atop the Pokemon League. Steven's face was all she could see, just like all the years before. "Why couldn't you have told me all of this from the start? You could have saved me so much time."

"I'm sorry. I wish I could go back and change it all, but I don't want to make the same mistakes again."

"Again?"

"I'm going back to Kalos with Sycamore, May."

The memories were gone. The wind seemed to still. The one sentence dashed away all fears, all hopes, and she felt nothing, blank.

"You're what?" The smile on his mouth softened.

"I'm going back, this time probably for good."

A million questions howled within her, blurring together until none of them were decipherable. The mass swirled illegibly as she pawed and groped for some grasp on a thought - any.

"But… what about the company?"

"I can't do it. I had every intention of staying when I came home, but spending everyday with you and Sycamore and going out on that journey with you, no matter how short it was - it forced me to accept that yielding to my father's wishes will only make the both of us miserable. Devon Corporation needs a leader who will commit himself to it fully, and I'm incapable of that."

"So what will you do then, just wander Kalos on your own?" Her voice rose with anger as his sudden confession began to sank in. They had closed the distance finally, and he was running away again. What a fool she was for believing she could trust him to be there. Her arms began to wrap around herself.

"I'm not giving up all my responsibilities. I'll continue my research for my father and I'll assist in the expansion overseas. I also want to continue helping Augustine in his endeavors."

"When do you leave?"

"Probably in three weeks - with Augustine."

"I see."

Her arms tightened around herself, and she attributed the shiver that ran down her spine to the cold, the hollowness in her gut to the alcohol she drank inside with their friends. The sea seemed to still as her heart slowed to a dull throb in her chest. The air felt heavy, weighing down her lungs, which strained to keep her breath steady. She took a deep breath. She let it out.

"I want you to come with me."

The air was gone. May's head spun as she looked up at him. His face was close enough to touch, close enough to feel the warmth of his breath.

"Huh?"

The exhalation from his nose was harsh, determined. His expression recalled the dark days in Sootopolis when he'd been resolute to keep her above the water.

"I want you to come with me - to Kalos. If my time back here in Hoenn has taught me anything, it's that the League isn't where you belong." His hands flexed at his sides as if to remind him of their presence. "I want to show you everything the world has to offer. I want to see you in the trees again, on mountains, not confined to duties or obligations. We'll explore Kalos together; Sinnoh, Alola - anywhere you want to go, we'll go. Come with me, May."

The words dissolved before her mouth could form them, and then they disappeared without a trace. May's lips moved stupidly without sound before remaining open with stupid incredulity. Her lungs filled and emptied, but she hardly felt the air move past her lips. His gaze was burning, engulfing. His hands finally forced through his restraint and reached forward to grasp hers before she could pull away. Her immediate reaction was to recoil, but he held tight. She didn't know if it were his hands or hers that trembled.

"Together," she breathed. It was a word she had not allowed herself to associate with the two of them in many years, and even the tiny whisper made her heart squeeze. The seduction of the word grabbed hold of Steven, too, for his breath came shallowly, pupils wide and dark. He was the crashing of the sea, the pull of deep caverns. As she had experienced in the face of open mouths of ancient monsters, May felt the inevitability of all that lay before her. The pressure of his lips on hers was the only conclusion that could have arrived. All she could comprehend were the long fingers he was now sliding over her cheek to cup the back of her neck. He was warm, and she was burning, burning.

The snow continued to fall, but May couldn't feel it. All she knew was that Steven Stone was kissing her, and she could understand nothing.

…

…

A/N: I don't know what happened. I thought I was updating this chapter gradually and consistently and then before I knew it, nine months had passed. The events of my life IRL have been so busy that I hardly noticed my virtual life essentially disappeared.

So sorry to all of you who have been waiting so patiently, but you don't need to worry about this story going unfinished. It just might take me longer than anticipated due to a lack of awareness on my part. I hope everyone is doing well!