Chapter 3

Alamos Town was magnificent. May gasped at the train drew closer to the town, her face enthralled as she watched the scenery unfold before her eyes through the window. Beside her sat Gary, communicating with Professor Rowan on the laptop, informing him about the his research in Lake Acuity.

May had practised her routines in Snowpoint City and improved Glaceon's finesse in her moves and grace. Though, Glaceon seemed upset when May told her that they were going to Alamos Town tomorrow, the others were glad. Venasaur, Beautifly and Delcatty complained about the cold, but they eventually enjoyed performing in the snow. It didn't seem to bother Skamory, Altaria, Wartotle and Blaziken. Munchlax occasionally joined it; but it preferred to eat food and sleep. With a nervous laugh, May concluded that Munchlax would step out on the upcoming contest. And what's better was now May had an audience! With every new combination, she executed the idea in front of Gary and his pokémons: Blastoise, Alakazam, Umbreon, Magmar, Electrive and Golem. They clapped with cheers as May took a bow after the performance. Gary congratulated her, solidifying her confidence. Yes, May definitely liked having Gary by her side, it was much better than being alone and doubtful.

With just a few days before the contest, Gary and May took the train from Snowpoint City to Alamos Town. It was on the Bullet Train; originally the company began in the Kanto region, providing transportation between Saffron City to Goldenrod City in Johto. The efficient and fast train company's popularity grew massively in neighboring regions, and so, there was a brand-new Bullet Train railway in Sinnoh. It offered an affordably quick journey from the north to the south as oppose to expensive cruises or strenuous trekking. Despite the long hours, the two never got bored. The constant change of scenery, their late-night conversations about future dreams and historic legends kept them preoccupied.

"We're here!" May said excitedly as the train came to a halt.

"It's about time." Gary put his laptop away and threw his bag over his shoulder.

"Alamos Town," the PA announced. "Thank you for travelling with the Bullet Train. We hope to see you again."

May and Gary stepped off the train and instantly were greeted by sunlight. It was a distinct change from the whiteness of the snow."Wow, I've spent so much time near in the snow that I almost forgot what sunshine feels like," laughed Gary. He turned to May with a brow raised quizzically. "So, do you have to register first for contests?"

"Oh, right," May nodded, snapping back to reality. "According to the pokénav, the contest hall is in the centre of the town, so it could take a long walk."

"Let's get started then," he said, grinning. "And then later we'll eat at a restaurant 'cos I'm hungry!"

As they left the train station, the entire view of the city came into city; the natural greenery, clear sky and countless houses. Gary's eyes glittered at the tallest building standing over the others: Space-Time Towers. It was an ancient town, May realised as they walked on the cobbled streets. They walked into a open market. Various people had their own stalls, trying to persuade people to buy their items.

"A lunar wing!" One man shouted, "it helps to keep away terrible dreams!" May politely declined as Gary successfully ignored him.

"Maybe we should get somethin'," she suggested, holding his arm to stop him. "How 'bout a dream-catcher? They're pretty."

Gary's eyes flicked over the items lazily. He didn't really like shopping and only bought necessities like paralyse heals or antidotes. Things important to a journey. Bored and disinterested, he was just about to say nothing, but the words disappeared off his tongue when he saw May's eager expression. She grinned at him expectantly, her eyes shining. Not wanting to disappoint her, he looked again, glancing at the items more decisively as the shop-owner watched him with hope. One finally stood out.

"That one." he pointed at dream-catcher that was netted with silver thread and decorated with fluorescent purple gems and red beads. Black feathers hanged below and a small round mirror in centre of the main circle.

"Ah, this one is for dreams about love. You are sure to have good dream with this over your head!" the man said as he took it down and placed it in a small bag. Gary exchanged the the item for money and gave it to May. She held it, surprised and slightly confused.

"It's for you," he said casually, tucking his hand in his pockets. "I don't really believe in them sort of things."

May scrunched her nose in disagreement. "I think it's nice. Why don't you?"

"I just don't see the point of it," Gary replied, as they continued to walk.

"Thank you anyways." She smiled, holding the dream-catcher up.

The contest hall was colossal. A huge dome covered the top of the pale pink building. A huge sign-board was at the front of the building above the entrance. There were already a few coordinators signing down their name to enter. May silently judged her future opponents with excitement building inside. They stood in line as she rummaged through her bag for her contest ID and pass. A familiar silhouette loomed over her, making her uneasy all of a sudden.

"Excuse me, do you want something?" Gary asked the man who was dressed in a cacturn outfit. Wierd, he thought,don't coordinators dress up during the actual contest? May cringed automatically, at the man's high-pitched voice. She knew him. Too well.

"Darlin', I didn't know you and Drew broke up!" he gasped dramatically, "So, who's, hon?" He nudged May in a suggestive manner, almost pushing her over.

May felt guilty for subjecting Gary to such torture, but he did a good job at brushing Harley's abnormalities off, raising an eyebrow at the man. Harley seemed to think any human male she talked to was her boyfriend.

"Drew is not my boyfriend," she corrected laconically through gritted teeth. "And Harley, would you please let register for the contest without punching you in the face?"

Gary looked back and forth between the two as they glared at each other, awkwardness slowly emerging in the air. An inexplicable emotion began to bubble inwardly at the name 'Drew'. Gary had no idea why it made him feel harsh negativity. Instead he ignored it by quickly diverting his attention to May, who was arguing with the flamboyant man. It was obvious this guy was some sort of old rival of May's. The guy, apparently called Harley looked instantly offended, his jaw dropping indignantly.

"Well honey, that's not very ladylike of you," he huffed, wiggling his index finger. "But just to let you know, after I win this contest, I'll only need one more!" Gary smirked. Harley looked so proud of his achievement, obviously trying to rile and patronize May. He had no idea that she only needed one more. Gary concluded that this guy was an annoying imbecile.

Before May could retort, Gary swiftly cut in with a sharp edge to his tone. "May here only needs one more," he informed, taking pleasure as Harley's condescending expression was wiped off. "And you seem like someone a magikarp could defeat, so I suppose May doesn't need to worry." A smug smile filled his face and May couldn't help but enjoy this side of Gary.

"Grrr," Harley muttered at the mahogany-haired boy. "We'll see your little boyfriend here is right, May." And with that, Harley stormed off, his heeled boots clicking loudly behind him, catching the attention of everyone in the hall. May rolled her eyes at her rival's flamboyant antics.

"I'm so sorry you had to see that."

"Who was he?"

"Harley's contest rival I met back in Hoenn when I was travelling with Ash, Brock and my younger brother, Max," she answered. "He likes to make my life a hell."

A light-bulb instantly lit up in Gary head at the oh-so familiar name of her former travelling friend. "This wouldn't be Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town, would it?"

"Yeah, actually! How did you know?" She looked at him curiously. Ash wasn't a fairly common name, so how did Gary accurately guess the exact person?

"He and I are friends," Gary replied, smirking at the memory of the impulsive boy. "I knew Ashy-boy since we were kids, and we used to be rivals."

"Wow," May said lowly. They had more in common than he initially thought. "Ash did mention an arrogant rival and friend, but you're not like that." She looked extremely perplexed, as if Gary told her he had another head. If anything, Gary Oak was one of the most mature people she'd ever met. A million times more than even Harley. And Harley was in his mid-twenties.

Gary laughed loudly. He had changed a lot, no doubt. "Once upon a time, you'd call me a conceited show-off," he said, fondly remembering his shiny red corvette and the dozen cheerleaders that followed him as he bragged about his badges to Ash way back in Kanto. That time seemed like decades ago. "That was before I wanted to become a pokémon researcher. I used to challenge pokémon gyms."

"You know, my dad's a gym leader," she told him off-handedly as the queue moved closer to the reception desk.

"Really? That's impressive."

"Daughter of the Petalburg City gym leader," May declared proudly. They moved forward again and a contest staff greeted them. "Hi, my name's May and I'd like to register for the Alamos Town Pokémon Contest."

"Sure. Can I see your Sinnoh region contest pass and ID card please?" May gave her the two cards. The lady typed the details on the computer and then handed them back. "Thank you. Next!"

The rest of the day turned out to be a small tour for the two of them. Unfortunately the Space-Time Towers were off-limits currently, much to Gary's disbelief. May reassured him, citing the people would not leave it shut for too long; it was Alamos Town's main tourist site! So, they decided to eat. Many restaurants were dotted around the town centre, and it took a while before they both unanimously decided to dine on one: The Nebulae. It was modern, but served traditional Alamosian cuisine. May giggled as Gary's face pinched in distaste at the rather sour Mangost berry pudding. Though when he challenged her to have some, she almost puked. May secretly regretted laughing at Gary. The main course made up for the horrible starter and the dessert was deliciously sweet.

The two trainers also visited the park which held an annual fair. It was a small festival, compared to the ones May's visited before. There were a few rides, but specifically for children. People sold cakes and a a variety of books. Other stalls had traditional clothes and souvenirs. May bought a chocolate cupcake, whilst Gary purchased a historic documents about legendary pokémon. He realised that there weren't many young Alamos Town locals. The ones he had met were trainers from different cities and towns. Later on, an old couple were telling stories. They both listened the old tales of Palkia and Dialga. Gary scribbled down notes in his journal, clinging on the their every word as May listened with wonder, occasionally reading what he wrote over his shoulder. But his rough, cursive writing was hardly legible.

The day required more walking than the weeks they had spend together in Snowpoint City, and were happy to see the pokémon centre in the evening. They asked for two separate rooms, but nurse Joy shook her head apologetically.

"We don't have spare rooms, but were have a large room with two single beds," she said dubiously. "Would you like that? I'm afraid there is nothing else I can do for you."

"I suppose sharing a room won't be so bad," May said brightly, flashing Gary sideways smile. Nurse Joy handed them their room key as Chansey showed them the way to the door.

The room was spacious. It wasn't a typical square shaped accommodation, instead the room was more rectangular towards the back where a huge window was. Beside it was a bed close which May immediately jumped on, claiming dibs on it. Gary laughed, not minding the bed closer to the door. There were even two wardrobes. They took turns with going to the bathroom, May being first, and Gary second. As Gary returned he watched May sceptically. She was tying the dream-catcher over the bed, her eyebrows furrowed in concentration.

"You're really doing that?" he asked cautiously as she tied a knot.

"Yep!" She turned around to face him. "It's nice. See?"

He shrugged, sitting on the bed and pulling the covers over himself. "I just don't see the need in it."

"Well, sometimes there's doesn't have to be a 'need'. Sometimes people like to do stuff for fun," she said. May frowned when she heard Gary snort at her. May glared at him in the dark. "One day, Gary Oak, I'm gonna take you to see a Psychic or a fortune-teller."

"People are not psychic," Gay yawned as he laid down. "There are psychic type pokémon, but not people and fortune-tellers are a bunch of phonies-"

"-'Unless there is a comprehensive study with valid proof stating otherwise'," May retorted sarcastically in her best Gary Oak impression.

He grinned, his eyes closed. He found it adorable when she tried to act like him. "Ah May," he sighed, shuffling to find a comfortable position. "I love how you know me so well."

May got in bed too, cocooning herself with the warm covers. She brushed off his comment without much thought. "Gary?"

"Yeah?" He peeked one eye open to see her.

Pensive, May looked at the dream-catcher dangling above, the gems sparking in the silver moonlight. It was mesmerising. The feathers slowly swayed, despite the fact there was no breeze. The bell tinkled quietly. She smiled; Gary certainly had an unique taste for beauty.

"Thanks for coming along with me. Goodnight."

The edges of his mouth twitched in amusement. Truth be told, he was expecting her to start another long, deep conversation about life and goals like she usual did, until the clock struck mid-night. Irritation struck May when she found out he accidentally dozed off last time, but after she attacked him with a pillow he made sure not to do it again (the traumatic memory still burned boldly!). It was clear that she missed having a constant companion. To talk to. To share her experiences with. To laugh together. To walk through the day with a friend and wake up by their side. And grow together as pokémon trainers and improve. Gary briefly wondered how long she travelled with Ash and Brock.

But today, a cool silence stretched across the room as birds hooted outside and the non-stop chatter of human and pokémon alike came to an end. Countless thoughts that exercised his mind during the day dissipated into nothingness as slumber started to seize his very being.

"No problem," he said, because really, for him it never felt like a burden or issue at all. "Goodnight, May."

Gary Oak didn't mind at all because, honestly, he enjoyed May's company too. Just as much. Enough to make him admit.

I hope you enjoy that. As a writer I don't like to focus of mundane aspects and instead write scenes which have a purpose, in terms of characterization and development, so I roughly skim unnecessary parts. If you enjoyed reading this please review!