Chapter 11
Leaf searched through the drawers, arms roughly throwing random items of clothing into the open suitcase on her bed, a phone tilted dangerously on her shoulder.
"Erica, I won't be back in Celadon gym for a while," she informed her sister, frowning. She hated breaking promises, but she had to if she wanted to see Gary. "I'm taking Sunflora, Vileplume, Victreebel, Burmy, Tropius and Cherrim with me, 'kay?"
Leaf almost fell over in at Erica's response, underestimating her older sisters out burst. She quickly regaining her balance as she leaned beside the wall. A familiar lump grew in her throat as she listened to her sister's rant, insulting the person whom her heart opened up to. She wiped a rebellious tear with a smile of pride; she could always count on her sister to help her up.
"I need to give Gary a chance, Erica."
"Screw him! You deserve better than that idiot! Leafy, how could you even think about forgiving him after he pulled that, Leafy-" Erica took a deep breath, "-you should dump his sorry butt."
"I don't know. I can't just leave him... I think I love him," she confessed, staring at a framed photo of her and Gary on the shelf. The photo of them seemed like decades ago. She was leaning on his shoulder as he wore his trademark smirk, looking into the camera as she was visibly blushing. Their first date at the carnival. He won a teddiursa bear for her that day. She still had it in her bedroom.
The ship had a performance lounge! May squealed as she jumped onto the stage. The hall was empty since trainers preferred other activities. And it was really early. Hell, May didn't even know of it was off-limits. She ran straight in as soon as she saw the room. Gary ran after her... but not quite for the same reason.
"If we get arrested, I'm blaming you."
"Come'on out everyone," she cried, despite his warning. "We'll only get in trouble if-" she raised an index finger and continued as-a-matter-of-factly, "-we get caught." Her eyes carried a mischievous glint that made the rational side of him magically disappear.
"Can't argue with that," he smirked, calling out his pokémon.
"Everyone seat yourselves while Altaria and Wartotle treat you to an appeal round!" May announced. Glaceon and Umbreon immediately cuddled up together as the others took a chair on the first row.
"Wartotle, Rapidspin and Aurora beam. Altaria, Dragon dance!" The two moved in sync with Wartotle creating an rainbow-ice helter skelter, shining and glittering in the light.
"Draco-meteor and Aqua-tail!" The pokémon cheered as the combination produced sparkles and a swirl of fireworks around the pair.
"That's beautiful, May!" Gary complimented as the performers bowed.
May pursed her lips, dubious, as if it wasn't good enough for the grand festival. She could hear Drew's abrasive, insulting voice belittling her style. "I need to do better."
"I'm sure you can. You're outstanding at what you do."
"Am I?"
"Of course. Why do you always doubt yourself?"
May sat down on the stage, offering a tentative smile to mask the anxiety creeping inside. Gary crossed his arms, a serious expression fixed on his face, and May knew instantly he'd see past her happy charade.
"Drew constantly picks out my flaws and insults my pokémon I just want to do the best so I can show him that I'm not..." May paused, shifting slightly in clear nervousness. "A wimp or a weakling."
His mouth opened slightly from pure shock, and then his lip curled in fury. He took hold of her hand and pulled her close to him, his eyes staring down directly through her sapphire orbs intently.
"You don't need validation from anyone, especially an ass who's obviously throwing his own insecurities on you." His tone was straightforward and uplifting, giving life to a new flame of courage. May nodded, speechless from the sudden moving gesture.
"Right." Her eyes sparkled as she memorised the shade of his viridian eyes.
"I love him, but he doesn't understand that it's not like friends. I even kissed him, for Mew's sake!" Serena droned on, retelling the story of her love life as she had been doing so for the past half an hour. "I wish I could just turn back time!"
"He sounds like such a kid," Iris yawned, her mind growing exhausted of Serena's mundane problem.
"He even spent our entire date ignoring me!" Serena continued, her fists swinging by her side as her walk became an angry march. "Is he purposely ignoring me? Maybe I'm not pretty enough for his attention... at least I promised that I'll be a more attractive girl. Then he'll have to fall in love with me! I may have a boring personality but he'll like the way I look instead. Do you think I show grow my hair long again? I cut it after I lost my first showcase, I was so upset! So I thought about changing whole look, as if it will help my skills improve..." Serena mumbled the last part, realising how stupid it was. Seriously, changing her look would magically make everything better?
"Boring is an understatement" was Iris' automatic silent opinion which he muttered under her breath.
She was literally speechless when she watched Serena dance with Braixen during the contest. Oh Reshiram, it was super cringy and cheap! Her choice of moves was basic beyond belief and consisted of her cavorting in a circle of fire like a deranged witch in a forest. Other performers showed off the gracefulness and brilliance of their pokémon, while Serena hogged the limelight, Braixen awkwardly moving around with her. It was no question about it why she couldn't even get past the appeal round. Mr Sukizo didn't even say remarkable. Typical showcase standard must be really low if Serena was a runner up in a Master class performance. Maybe that's why showcases only took place in Kalos. Iris thought they were sexist, ridiculous and a pathetic knock-off from contests.
"Can we talk about something else?"
"What do you mean?"
"You haven't stopped talking about the boy who obviously was never interested in you," Iris replied, not paying attention to the way a scowl slid on Serena's face. "How about something else, like adventures!"
"Why can't you be more supportive? The love of my life never accepted my the feelings I've had for him since we were childhood friends!" Serena whined, on the verge of tears. "I'm so pretty and kind, why can't everyone just like me!"
"FYI, you met him once when you were kids!" Iris threw her hands up, incredulous at her petulant mary-sue behaviour. "And he didn't even remember you after you stalked him."
"I did not!" Her face swelled bright red with embarrassment. Technically, she did sniff him out like a dog when she saw him on television, his bravery and beauty captured live on a camera. Serena sighed dreamily, dwelling on the memory. If it wasn't for Ash, she wouldn't have bothered moving out other than to avoid the wench she called mother. Honestly, Serena planned that if she ever was going to go on a journey, she'd live in Lumoise City and become a waitress to get by. She didn't appreciate pokémon until she saw how much Ash loved this.
"And if you think holding hands to lead you somewhere is a romantic gesture when he doesn't even have any romantic implications, sorry to burst your bubble."
"Yes it is! We went on a date, all right!" Serena screamed, uncontrollably offended. "Ash even-"
"-Ooh a vine!"
"A what?" Serena gasped slightly as Iris reached for a long vine and swung on it, perching her feet on a high branch. "Iris, wait up!"
She ran behind the Unovan girl, panting as she tried to keep up. The wind was freezing against her bare legs and she grabbed her sunglasses before it hit the rocky path. Soon enough Iris was literally out of sight. Great, now she'll have to travel alone to...
Serena pulled out her brochure and flicked a page to a map. Cool, the next city was just around the corner. She lost the Lavaridge Town contest, but that was small taster of what's to come; and she wouldn't let the loss drag her down! Don't give up until it's over! was her favourite catchphrase. And this was just the beginning of her new journey and pokémon. Serena's eyes caught a photo of a male with chartreuse hair and bright emerald eyes as she was about to close the book.
"He's handsome," she mused subconciously, her freshly manicured nail touching the glossy page. "Drew."
May's eyes flicked around her, amazed at the amount of facilities the cruise contained. Gyms, training rooms, various shops and restaurants- definitely her and Munchlax's favourite area! A tall woman with rose hair suddenly caught her eye with a striking familiarity. She was stood alone, leaning against the ship railing. Her smile lit up as recognition dawned on her face: it was Solidad. She jumped beside her, looking across the ocean as the waves crashed against the metal. At first Solidad seemed so look surprised, but her mouth curved into a respectful smile as she saw the familiar face of May.
"Long time no see!" May grinned, meanwhile Munchlax decided to terrorize a couple's date and devour the expensive food in an adjacent restaurant.
"If I recall correctly, wasn't it during the Chocovine Town Contest?"
"Of course you'd remember, you did beat me after all!" May replied with a indignant, yet friendly tone. "And Harley was a bigger diva in the contest than usual."
"That was a great battle, I have to say. You've improved so much since Johto."
"Yep! I can't wait to battle in the grand festival so I can showcase my new techniques!"
"I assume you've been practising really hard," Solidad paused, her gaze still on her Lapras, who was surfing on the water, "amongst other things."
May pursed her lips, unable to shake the feeling that there was a hidden notion in her voice. "What do you mean, Solidad?"
"You know what the papers are writing about you." May poorly stopped the blush from appearing on her cheeks. "Gary is a good person, I don't doubt that despite all the harsh things they've written about him in the past."
"You know Gary?"
"He was the head researcher in the palaeontology department in the Pewter Museum of Science, and I've worked there for a few months a few years ago. Before I met you, actually." Solidad smiled at remembering the experience of giving a tour to a group of primary school children. "I like history," she added, clarifying to May's obvious confusion. "Anyways, he's contributed greatly and has made a name for himself in Pewter City, other than Professor's Oak infamous grandson."
"That's awesome. He aspires to be a great professor, just like his grandfather. His enthusiasm and determination and effort is inspiring! I know he'll achieve his dreams one day!" May spoke excitedly. "He's caring and smart and passionate about pokémon and his stories on old lore are my ultimate favourite!"
Solidad watched the faith and conviction shining in her sapphire eyes as she praised him, a small smile tugging her lips. "May, you really like him, don't you?"
May froze, slightly embarrassed. She waved her hands before her in a frantic manner with a sheepish laugh. "Hey, he's a really nice person!" It was supposed to be a pretence, but now their relationship was a grey blur.
"He does remind me of Drew, what do you think?" Solidad directed her eyes to May, awaiting her response.
"Drew? A little, I guess." The supreme confidence and occasional arrogant or endlessly teasing were some similarities. But Gary was much more understanding and mature than Drew. He knew his limits and never insulted her to the point where her self esteem suffered a blow or that she felt she was inferior and pathetic; undeserving. Drew didn't have any boundaries when it came to teasing, a fact she abhorred about him; his mocking worsened during Johto, and only seemed to take a brief break after winning the crystal-encrusted golden grand festival trophy cup. She would be lying if she didn't feel a small vindictive pleasure when she saw his disappointment in his loss.
"Last time we talked about a boy, it was Drew, and how he couldn't stop talking about you."
"That felt like forever ago." May smiled subconsciously at the memory. Her naïve mind was convinced that she and Drew would become a famous coordinating couple, that she'll feel like the luckiest person in the world because of him. They'd grow stronger together and retain their competitiveness. Like a real-life fairytale, it never come true. Fairy-tales only prosper in the imaginary world of fantasy of an escapist.
She would have never guessed that it would be Gary she wanted as her best friend and close companion. That it was a researcher, her best friend's childhood friend, she'd secretly fall for. Funny how fate works sometimes.
"I would have thought he would have already confessed his feelings for you."
"Well, he obviously didn't since he preferred Aria," May muttered, somewhat resentful.
"I don't think he's willingly chosen to be in the relationship," Solidad said, eliciting perplexity from the younger coordinator. "I've known Drew for years and I know him better than he knows himself. I know something is wrong with him but he never told me what was going on. I was hoping you'd know. You the only person I can imagine he'll tell."
May hesitated at the glance of seriousness on Solidad's expression. Guilt instantly crashed on her conscience as she remembered their last meeting; she ignored him, oblivious to his personal turmoil. "He didn't tell me anything..."
"What, really?" Solid ad was taken aback, but quickly regained her composure. "I'm worried about Drew. I hope it gets better. Extra stress and the Sinnoh Grand Festival are not a good combination." Solidad touched May's shoulder and spoke carefully, and May had never seen her eyes look so gravely at her before. "Please find out what's going on with Drew. He's bottling it inside and you're the person only he'd tell."
May licked her lips, hesitant. "I'll try."
The impatient ring of a phone reverberated in the cabin. Gary rushed out of the bathroom, his damp flattened, the water dripping from the spikes that finally succumbing to gravity. He clutched the towel around his waist so it wouldn't fall off. He picked up the device and held it close to his ear without touching his face; Gary knew the the danger of water plus electricity. He took a deep breath, missing the hot steam and warm water of the shower.
"Gary Oak speaking."
"Mr. Oak, this is the Advanced Lumoise Univerity of the Elite. We are interesting in a talented individual such as yourself to attend this prestigious institute." The man had a thick Kalos accent.
Gary almost choked on his breath, his eyes widening disbelievingly. "You mean, you want me to e-enroll?"
"Yes, we believe you will make an excellent addition to many of the subject fields we provide, such as Archaeology, Mythology, Mechanical Engineering, Cosmology-" Gary was about to explode from happiness. "-and many more. Would you like to accept out humble invitation?"
"Yes," he blurted. "I mean it's a great honour that you think so highly. I cannot pass such a outstanding opportunity to study with you. I really appreciate it," Gary said, hoping it would rectify his previous informal answer.
"Wonder, Mr Oak!" The person exclaimed. "We shall contact you soon on the process. Good bye and have a good day."
As Gary put the phone down, a repulsive and ominous cloud loomed over him, filling his stomach with a disgusting apprehensiveness and pouring inexplicable doubt and regret in his mind. Why did his head tell him to reject the offer? It was his dream! To attend a distinguished academy to pursue his career was always something he wanted...
"Are you say we should... be in a relationship?" May asked, uncertain at what he was trying to say. Gary cleared his throat as a light blush covered his cheeks. Now that the idea was said aloud, it did sound strange, but thrilling as well.
"It'll be a pretence," Gary said with a crafty smile. "This would be advantageous to both of us. Think about it May, with Grand Festival season coming up, you'd be the talk of the event! Not only that, but you can get your reputation back to the top. People will stop calling you 'Crazy May' and forget the incident where you punched Harley in the face."
May nodded, that was true. She despised the name 'Crazy May' and the rumours she had anger management issues. "And you?" she asked, confused as to how this pretend relationship would help Gary.
"I'll get more recognition from elite pokémon academies because of more coverage on my work. It will be a means to show them my ingenuity."
Gary promised May that they'd break up once they had achieved their aim with the publicity stunt. His face was drained of colour as he dwelled on the implication of his actions. And Leaf was on her way too. What was he going to do? Break up with May and stay with Leaf? He would shatter her with his selfishness and arrogance. May didn't deserve to be treated like that when all this mess was entirely his fault.
"We could break up later with a lousy, common excuse, like we wanted to stay as friends, right?"
"Shit," he muttered, running a hand through his wet hair. This was supposed to get complicated!
SerenaIris. I had fun writing their conversation! Not much brunetteshipping because it's kinda hard when you need to also give justice to other characters and in relation to the plot. What did you think about Leaf's intro?
I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter. If you have any suggestions/improvements/constructive criticism/thoughts (bad or good) then please comment below. A massive thanks to the reviewers of the previous chapter. Your kind words make me smile.
What's you're favourite season of the pokemon anime?
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