A/N Hey everyone. I'm too tired to proof read this, so if anyone sees any typos or grammatical mistakes, please let me know. Also, feel free to tell me if you thought the chapter was too rushed, too short, or too stupid. Thanks for your continued support.
"What are you doing here?" Lisia asked, her upper lip curled in disgust. She looked like a snarling Pyroar.
"I was about to ask you the same thing," Annette spat, her voice razor-sharp. "I can't imagine why someone like Steven would be hanging around someone like you."
Lisia huffed. "Unlike you, we're actually doing something useful."
"You, doing something useful?" Annette snorted. "What, is that a joke? When was the last time you did anything useful? And no, dancing around in a tutu does not count."
"I don't want to hear that from the girl who kissed a Feebas."
Annette balled her fists. "That was for a role!"
"Now, now," Brendan said, putting his hand on Lisia's arm. "Let's not fight."
"You know what?" Annette went on. "You're just jealous because PokéCeleb had me on their cover this month."
Lisia shook off Brendan's hand. "Why would I be jealous? I've been on the cover of PokéCeleb three times before."
"Um, I'm sorry, but wasn't the last time you were on their cover, like, a whole year ago?" Annette took her sunglasses off to glare at the girl. "Face it, Lisia. People are getting tired of you."
Lisia rolled her eyes. "Get out of here, Annette." She walked over to stand next to May. "We have work to do. Don't we, May?"
May stiffened. "Please don't bring me into this."
Annette turned to May. "Oh, yes. Our beautiful Champion, finally back from the dead." She smiled, but her tone sounded several degrees colder.
"Hello, Annette," May said. "How are you?"
Annette sauntered over to Steven, hips swinging like a pendulum, and wrapped her arms around one of his. "I'm fine," she said. "Thank you for asking."
May felt as if a hot stone had dropped into the pit of her stomach. It sat there, heavy and unmoving, heating her insides and boiling her blood. She wanted to rip the actress and her swinging hips right off of Steven.
May gave pause. Such thoughts weren't like her.
Steven sighed. "Annette," he said.
The actress looked up and beamed. "Yes, Steven?"
Whatever Steven was going to say never came.
"There they are!" someone shouted.
In a matter of seconds, a dozen photographers descended on the group like Mandibuzz to a carcass. Each camera fired off a thousand flashes per second.
"Champion May!" one called. "Who was the boy who took the blue orb?"
"Have you found him yet?" another one asked.
"How exactly does the League plan on solving the problem?"
"Steven Stone, what is your role in the situation?"
"Brendan Birch, what are your thoughts on all this?"
"Lisia, are you really travelling with the Champion?"
The crowd inched closer like an approaching wave. If May didn't move, she would drown in this mass of noise and light.
She reached behind her, feeling for the exit. Her hand grasped nothing but empty air. The door was just one step away. Just one step. But her legs wouldn't move. Her mind was begging them, screaming at them, to move, but they wouldn't.
Why did she keep freezing like this?
A huge, steel-blue barrier materialized in the enclosed space, separating May and her friends from the pressing crowd. The photographers gasped and jumped back, but continued to fire off their cameras nonetheless.
It wasn't just a barrier, May realized. It was a Metagross.
Brendan blew out a long stream of air. "You just saved my life," he said to Steven. "I thought I was going blind."
"Did the paparazzi have to show up now?" Lisia huffed. "I haven't washed my hair in, like, two days!"
Annette snickered. "Yeah, we can all tell."
May didn't share their ease. She was still frozen, watching as the crowd tried to inch around Steven's Metagross.
She was suddenly pulled against someone's side.
"There will be none of that again," Steven said, his voice low in her ear. "Please."
She found her voice. "Steven, what…?"
"That's enough!" came a deep, booming voice from the opposite side of the barrier.
The flashes ceased as the photographers turned towards the newcomer.
"Our Champion is on an important mission, and you people are preventing her from completing it!" the voice continued. "Leave my city at once before I electrify you!" The cry of a Magneton followed, bringing truth to the threat.
A dozen pairs of legs scattered down the hallway.
"No need to keep hiding, now," the mystery man said, his tone noticeably lighter. "The big, bad men are gone." He started laughing.
Steven withdrew Metagross. Standing before them, still laughing, was Wattson.
May quickly stepped out of Steven's grasp. Being so close to him felt awkward, especially since they had yet to resolve their unfinished argument.
She looked to the side and found that Annette was staring right at her. The actress clearly wasn't impressed that May just had Steven's arm around her. If looks could kill…
"Move along now," Wattson said to the ring of people that had formed around the commotion. "Nothing to see here." He and his Magneton guided the people further and further back until the ring finally dispersed.
"Thanks for stepping in," May said to him. "The paparazzi came out of nowhere."
"Like a bunch of feral Rattata, they did!" Wattson grinned. "Can't say I'm too surprised, though. Once word got out that you were in Rustboro and Verdanturf, it didn't take people too long to figure out where you'd end up next."
May pursed her lips. It was bad enough that people were outside, but having them follow her when she was actively searching for danger was even worse. She'd need to be more secretive about her whereabouts.
"So," Wattson began. "Have you caught the little bugger yet?"
"No. I was just about to ask you if you've heard anything."
"Not even a whisper. But have no fear – should I see the boy, I'll shock him right back to his senses!" And then Wattson threw his head back and started laughing.
"Geez, it wasn't even that funny," Brendan muttered under his breath.
The doors opened behind the group.
"Oh!" Glacia exclaimed as she walked in. "I didn't expect to see you all here."
"Glacia," May greeted. "Any news?"
"No." The woman frowned. "I was just coming to see if Wattson had any, but…" She took one look at the man laughing himself to tears and sighed. "I guess not."
This wasn't good, May thought. So far, not one person had seen Wally. Where could he have possibly gone?
Glacia turned to the rest of the group. "Nice to see you again, Steven."
"You, too," he said.
"And you're Brendan Birch, yes?" Glacia asked.
"Yes, ma'am," Brendan said.
"Give my regards to your father. Wonderful man, he is." A line creased in her forehead as she looked at Lisia and Annette. "You must be Lisia and…?"
"Annette Harrison," the actress answered.
Glacia's brows shot up.
Annette smiled. "You probably didn't recognize me because of the wig, but it's me."
Glacia gave a stiff, returning smile, and then moved close to May like she was about to share a secret.
"I was surprised to hear from Sidney that you'd brought a contest star along," she whispered, "but a movie star, too? Must they really be here?"
"Annette isn't with us," Lisia clarified. Her words were clipped.
Glacia didn't appear too bothered that the girl had heard her. "Is that so?"
"I've allowed Lisia to travel with me, yes," May said. "I see no problem with it so long as she adheres to my direction."
"Alright," Glacia said. Her tone was heavy with disapproval.
May noticed the dark circles underneath the woman's eyes. "Glacia, when was the last time you slept?"
"Two nights ago," Glacia said. "But do not fret - I've gone longer without sleep before."
"You have an apartment here, right?" May asked. "I think you should take some time to rest."
"I thank you for your concern, but I cannot possibly sleep knowing that the boy still poses a threat."
"Glacia, I slept half the day away. It's not fair that you and the rest of the Elite have continued to work in my place. Besides, I think you've earned a couple hours of sleep from the broadcast you gave."
Glacia smiled. "Thank you, though I do wish that I'd put more urgency in my words. Hoenn's citizens seem not to register the impending doom."
"That's not your fault. You only told the country as much as I allowed you to say."
"Still…"
"Really, Glacia. Get some rest. The police will continue to patrol the area."
Wattson finally stopped laughing to say, "And I'll continue to keep my eyes peeled. My students and I have been keeping lookout on the roof."
Glacia hesitated, and then nodded. "Very well. But I will not sleep for more than a few hours."
"Good," May said.
"What do you plan on doing now?" Glacia asked.
"We're headed for Lavardige," May said.
"Lavaridge? Why?"
"Because that's the direction Wally ran in."
"I see," Glacia said. "Well, please let me know if you see or hear anything new. Like I said, I won't be out of commission for very long." She lifted a hand in farewell, and then headed for the elevator at the end of the hall.
"Glad she decided to get some rest," Wattson said.
"I'm surprised she relented so easily," May said. "She can be so stubborn sometimes."
"Remind you of anyone?" Steven murmured.
May ignored him. "Please call me immediately if you see or hear anything," she told Wattson.
"Will do." Wattson turned on his heel. "I'm going to get going now. If I leave my students alone for too long, they'll surely electrify this place to smithereens!" And then he and his Magneton disappeared down the hallway.
"Looks like everyone's leaving," Lisia said. She turned to Annette. "That's your cue to leave, too."
Annette flipped her hair over her shoulder. "Whatever. It's not like I want to be around you any longer." Then she looked up at Steven with a smile dazzling enough to light a cave. "You know, there's this great café just on the other side of the city. I was just wondering if you wanted to –"
"Man, I gotta take a leak," Brendan cut in. He looked at Steven. "You think there's a bathroom nearby?"
"I have an apartment upstairs," Steven said. "You're welcome to use that."
"Perfect!" He slung an arm around Steven's shoulders, and the two men started for the same elevator that Glacia had used moments ago. "Lead the way, buddy."
And then there were three.
Annette watched the guys leave, looking like she wanted to rip Brendan's hair out of his head. "Your boyfriend is an imbecile," she hissed at Lisia.
"At least I have a boyfriend," Lisia shot back. She grabbed May's hand and began leading the way down another hallway. "Bye, Annette. Hope you don't get mistaken for a mop with that god-awful wig of yours."
"This wig cost more than your life!"
"Where are we going?" May asked. "Shouldn't we wait for the guys?
"They'll find us. Besides, we have work to attend to."
"Work?"
"Yes, work." Lisia pulled her into a store with the words Mauville Boutique hung over its glass doors.
The walls were painted a bright yellow, and the floor was made from cream-colored marble. Uncharacteristic of a boutique, there were no clothing racks. All there was were two white sofas, two small, round platforms, and two full-length mirrors. The place looked like one, large fitting room.
"Milo!" Lisia called.
A dark-haired man dressed in all black emerged from the hidden room in the back corner. He broke out into a smile when he saw Lisia and glided over to give her a hug.
"I'd know that voice anywhere," he said. "How are you, Lisia?"
Lisia hugged him back. "Good."
"Good."
Lisia stepped back. "We need your help, Milo."
"We?" Milo repeated. He looked over at May. He gasped. "You're the Champion!" he exclaimed.
"Yes," May said. "It's nice to –"
She was pulled into a Bewear-crushing hug.
"You have no idea how long I've wanted to meet you," Milo said. He held her away at arm's length to study her. "Is this really happening? I can't believe this is really happening."
"I'm… flattered," May gasped.
"May," Lisia said. "This is Milo."
Milo released his hold around May to shake her hand. "At your service."
"It's a pleasure to meet you," May said.
"The pleasure is all mine, Miss Champion."
"He's designed over one hundred costumes for me," Lisia said. "He even made the dress that you wore at the Devon party. Pretty amazing, right?"
May nodded. "Yes. I'm impressed."
"Wait." Milo held up his hands. "Back up. The dress you had me make was for the champion?"
Lisia nodded. "Yup."
"We're talking about the red one, right? With the slit down the leg?"
"Mm-hm."
Milo's jaw dropped. "What? Why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't know. All Brendy-boo said was that he had a friend who needed a dress."
"He seriously didn't tell you that this friend of his was Champion May?"
"Nope."
"Ugh." Milo rubbed his temples. "I would've gone all out if I'd known. Such a wasted opportunity."
"It was a beautiful dress," May said, not adding that the garment now sat in a shredded heap on her bedroom floor.
"Thank you, Miss Champion, though I do wish that you'd worn one of my finer pieces." Milo sighed. "Now, what brings you ladies to my humble domain?"
"She's here to get a new outfit," Lisia answered.
"A new outfit?" May looked at her. "Why?"
"Because the paparazzi knows what you're wearing," Lisia explained. "We need to get you into something new."
"But what about the rest of you?" May asked. "Don't you need new outfits, too?"
"Please, May. No need to be so humble. All of those cameras back there were focused on you." Lisia flashed a small smile. Then she turned back to Milo and asked, "Can you help her?"
"Can I help the Champion?" Milo sounded offended. "Of course I can help the Champion. What are we going for today?"
"Hmm…" Lisia thought for a moment. "Something cute, but not too cute – we're fighting a battle, not picking daisies. Sturdy, too, since we'll be doing a lot of walking. And it has to be subtle enough to keep attention away, but it can't be too boring, either – she's in the company of a good-looking guy."
"Oh?" Milo raised a brow. "A boyfriend?"
Lisia grinned. "Not officially."
May felt color rise into her face. "Lisia…"
"Cute, sturdy, and subtle," Milo repeated. "Okay. I think I've got something." He grabbed May by the wrist and led her into the back room. "Let's go."
All of the clothing racks were back here. Milo bounced between three of them like a pinball, and then returned to May carrying a pile of clothes.
"Here," he said, handing her the pile. "Put these on."
"Right here?" she asked self-consciously. She'd never undressed in front of a guy.
"Don't worry – I'll wait out in the front." He turned on his heel and left.
When May returned to the front room, she felt like the biggest idiot in the world.
Lisia and Milo stood from one of the sofas.
"Oh my gosh," Lisia said. "You look great!"
May wanted to hide in one of the clothing racks. "I don't think this outfit suits me."
"Of course it does!" Lisia waved her over. "Now, come stand in front of the mirror so you can see yourself."
May walked over, stood on the round platform, and looked at her reflection.
She wore a light blue sleeveless dress that fell just above her knee. On her feet were beige, open-toed wedge heels, and on her head was a hat with a brim so big that one side kept flopping over her eye. The only thing that was left of her previous outfit was the brown bag draped over her shoulder.
She didn't look at all like she was going to fight an orb-possessed boy. She looked like she was going for a stroll through the garden.
"What do you think?" Milo asked Lisia. "Do you like the color? It's not overbearing, but it still makes her eyes pop."
Lisia nodded. "Yes, yes. I love it."
"The wedge heels won't sink into the grass," Milo went on, "and the hat will keep her face concealed. It's a very popular look amongst Hoenn ladies. Cute, sturdy, and subtle, just like you asked."
"Milo, you're a genius!"
"I really appreciate your help," May started, "but I really don't think I can wear something like this.
"Why not?" Lisia asked. "I'm wearing a dress, too."
May raised the brim of her hat. "But I can't see anything."
"Well, of course," Milo said. "The paparazzi can't see you if you can't see them."
Lisia clapped. "It really is perfect, Milo."
"Thank you, my dear. Let's hope that the good-looking guy you were talking about thinks so, too."
May walked to the city's northern entrance, having just gotten off the phone with Brendan. He and Steven were waiting for her.
Lisia had stayed behind at the boutique to pay Milo for the outfit. "Don't worry about it," she'd said when May objected. "Besides, I'm sure I'm happier with the outfit than you are."
Well, she was right about that.
May bumped into a woman walking in the opposite direction. "Sorry," she said. The stupid hat kept blocking her vision.
"Watch where you're going," the woman spat.
May flushed. "I'm sorry," she said again, and looked up.
Annette gasped. "You?" She looked May up and down. "What are you wearing?"
"Just… something different."
Annette's nails dug into the paper coffee cup she was holding. "Cute," she said, though her tone of voice made it clear that she thought the outfit was anything but cute.
May started to shuffle past her. "Nice to see you again."
"I liked the broadcast," Annette said.
May paused. "What?"
"I said," Annette repeated, "that I liked the broadcast. You know, the one that the ice queen gave?"
"Oh, um. Thanks."
"But," Annette continued, "I saw right through it.
"What do you mean?"
"This whole catastrophe thing? I know it's just a publicity stunt."
"Publicity stunt?"
"Look," Annette said. "You don't have to keep pretending with me – I'm not stupid. I know that it's no coincidence that this big crisis happens the exact moment you come back into the spotlight."
May felt her mouth open in disbelief. "It's not a publicity stunt, and I ask that you take it seriously. The country is in danger."
"Yeah, alright, sure." Annette took a sip from the cup, and then held it out to May. "Can you give this to Steven? I got it for him. Black coffee's his favorite."
May froze. How did she know that?
Annette shoved the cup into May's stiff hand. "Also," she went on, "don't get any ideas. Steven's mine." She started walking away. "See you later, Little Miss Champion."
May felt her face warm. With anger, with humiliation, she didn't know.
There was a trashcan just several feet away. She forced herself to close the distance. Then she threw the coffee into the garbage.
May spotted Brendan and Steven standing near the doors.
"Ugh, women take forever to shop," Brendan groaned. "How much longer are they gonna make us wait?"
"I'm right here," May said as she walked up to them.
The two men looked over.
"Woah." Brendan whistled. "Nice outfit."
"Thanks," May said. Her tone was as dry as sand.
"I mean it," Brendan insisted. He turned to Steven. "Right?"
"You look lovely," he said in that frustratingly soft and gentle voice of his.
May ground her teeth. What was this guy doing, calling other women lovely when he had a famous actress as a girlfriend?
"So, what's the occasion?" Brendan asked. "We going to another party?"
"No. We're going to find Wally. I just don't want the paparazzi to keep harassing me."
"Oh, so it's like a disguise?"
"Something like that, yes," May said.
Brendan snorted. "You should've gotten a wig like Annette. Then you could've been twins."
May clenched her hands into fists.
Steven was still staring at her. She ducked her head, letting the brim of her hat block him from view.
"Sorry I'm late," Lisia called as she trotted towards the group. "I got caught in a conversation with Milo."
"It's fine," May said. She pushed through the doors, walking out into Route 111."But let's get moving, shall we? Lavaridge is a ways to go."
"Are you mad or something?" Brendan asked as he walked beside May.
"No," she said. "Why would I be mad?"
"I don't know. You're not saying anything."
"I'm just tired."
"You haven't smiled once this whole time, you know."
"What is there to smile about?"
"Geez, May. What is it?" Brendan demanded. "Is it because we ran into Annette?"
May wasn't sure what expression showed on her face, but Brendan took it as a confirmation to his words.
"So that's what it is," he said.
"It is not. I told you - I'm just tired. And I didn't want to be put in this stupid outfit."
"Don't let her get to you," Brendan said. "She's just jealous because she knows how close you and Steven are."
May looked back to make sure Steven was talking to Lisia before saying, "She knows that he likes black coffee."
"What?"
"Annette knows that Steven likes black coffee."
"So?"
"So how else would she know that if she's not his girlfriend?"
"Are you kidding me? I know that, and I'm not Steven's girlfriend."
"But she always has her arms around him. And he's never pushed her away."
"Because he's too nice of a guy," Brendan said. "So nice, that he probably would have gone to that café with her if I hadn't stepped in."
"Yeah, but –"
"Why don't you just ask him if he's dating Annette?"
"Because…" May kicked a pebble out of the way. "It shouldn't matter to me."
The world was in danger, and here she was wondering if Steven and Annette were dating. What was wrong with her?
Brendan rolled his eyes. "Yeah, keep telling yourself that."
The group made its way through Routes 111 and 112, and then stopped at the base of Mt. Chimney.
"Are we gonna ride the cable car?" Lisia asked.
"Yes," May said. "I want to do a sweep through Jagged Pass."
They went inside the cable car station.
May raised her hat from her face so she could look at the lone employee working the cable cars. "Hi. The four of us would like to go up, please."
"No way." The employee covered her mouth. "No. Way. You're the champion! You're Champion May! You're here! Like, actually here!" She swiveled her head around as if looking for someone to share the excitement with. Then she dug her nav out of her back pocket. "My friends are not going to believe this. Can I get a picture with you?" She inched closer as if she'd already been given the okay.
May cursed herself. She shouldn't have uncovered her face. How could she have forgotten that people no longer saw her as one of them?
"Actually," Steven said, stepping forward so that he was partially shielding May from sight, "we're in a bit of a hurry."
"Oh." The employee blinked, startled, only just becoming aware of the others. "Are you guys looking for the boy who stole the thing?"
"Yes," Steven said, "and we would greatly appreciate it if you could help us out."
"Yeah, of course."
Steven smiled. "Thank you…" He read the nametag pinned to her shirt. "Erin."
Erin's face turned beet red. "No problem."
May pursed her lips. Is that how she looked whenever Steven spoke to her?
Erin walked behind her to the stationary cable car and unlatched the door. "It's two people per unit."
"Perfect," Lisia said. She grabbed Brendan's hand, and the two of them climbed into the car.
Erin moved to the control panel at the side, pressed a few buttons, and the car lurched forward.
May watched it rise into the sky. She'd thought that all four of them would ride together. Now, she was going to be trapped in a confined space with Steven.
The next car rolled in and stopped. Erin opened the door. "Right this way."
May stepped in and sat down on the bench. Steven took the seat across from hers. Their knees almost touched.
"Enjoy the ride," Erin side. She closed the door, and then they were off.
May stared out the window, watching the scenery shrink beneath her. The sun was setting, just a big, glowing orb suspended in the sky. Soon, it would be dark enough to see any glowing figures lurking within the trees.
"I know it's just for the sake of anonymity," Steven began, "but you really do look lovely."
May turned away from the window. He was awash in orange light, his silver features now gold. He looked the same as when she'd found him at the Devon party. He looked perfect.
She wished that he didn't. She wished that he'd stop looking so damned composed all the time. She wished that he'd open up to her like he had in his apartment.
Had he ever opened up to Annette?
She pushed the thought from her mind. "Thank you," she said.
A gust of wind rocked the cable car. May felt the color drain from her face. She'd never been afraid of heights, but it occurred to her now that the only thing keeping her from falling to her death was a single metal hinge attached to a very thin wire.
"It's okay," Steven said. "We won't fall."
May stared into his eyes. "How are you able to read me so easily?"
"Because your feelings show so easily on your face."
"But yours don't. I can't read you at all."
"Years of practice, I suppose."
"What do you mean?"
Steven leaned his head back as he considered an answer. "I'm to be the president of a company I didn't build," he said, "and I was the champion of a league I never had to battle. My father and Wallace, for whatever reason, put all their faith into me, and I decided long ago that I would never crush that faith by appearing weak and afraid."
"What are you afraid of?" May asked. She was whispering, though she didn't know why.
"Many things." Steven had begun to whisper too.
"Tell me one."
"I'm afraid that you'll think even less of yourself than you already do."
"You said that in Verdanturf," May said.
"I did."
"That's not a valid fear."
"It is," he said. "It's a truly terrifying thing when the strong don't know their own strength."
"I'm not as strong as you think. If I was, then Wally wouldn't have defeated me so easily."
"You were unprepared then. Now, you know what to expect. Please, try to have a little confidence in yourself for once."
May turned her gaze back to the window. They were even higher now. The land beneath them was a sea of dark green.
"Tell me another fear of yours," she said.
"Another one?"
"Please." She wanted to know him as well as he knew her.
"Then…" he said. "I'm afraid that our cable car is going to fall."
May turned back to him with raised brows. "But you assured me that it wasn't going to."
"Again, years of practice," he said. "I'm actually terrified at the moment."
May stared at him, stunned, and then burst out in a fit of laughter.
"You're… ridiculous," she rasped, keeling over in her seat.
Even when she had laughed out all the air in her system, she continued to gasp like a sick Weezing. She didn't think she'd ever heard anything so funny.
She finally caught her breath, and erupted all over again.
When she could go on no longer, she sat up and wiped her eyes.
"I'm so sorry, Steven," she said, still grinning.
But Steven didn't look at all offended. He seemed to be in awe, like he was observing the most beautiful piece of art.
"You finally smiled," he said.
"I… guess I did." She hadn't thought it was possible. Was smiling always this effortless? It felt nothing like the forced grimaces she'd been donning over the last few years.
"And all it took was for me to share my fears," Steven said.
May laughed again, and then tilted her face down. "Sorry."
Steven reached out to lift her chin up. "No, don't hide."
That wiped the smile right off of her face. Her humor vanished. Embarrassment took its place. She felt her face turn as red as Erin's had.
"Oh dear," Steven said, his voice soft like the fading sunlight. "Look what I've done."
Her thoughts disappeared. So too did her ability to speak. How could this man think of himself as weak when he could reduce the champion into a blushing, speechless mess?
With his free hand, he took her hat off and placed it in the seat next to her.
Here, in this cable car, it was easy for her to imagine that they were the only two people in the universe. Nothing else existed outside. There were no jobs to complete, no positions to fill. Everything she needed was in this tiny space.
Another gust of wind blew into the car, rocking it from side to side. Swampert's pokéball fell out of May's bag and rolled onto the floor.
And then May remembered.
She remembered the blue orb. She remembered Wally. She remembered that she had a duty to save the country.
She remembered Annette. And she remembered that Steven wasn't hers.
She pulled back from his touch. "We'll be arriving in Lavaridge soon," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. She placed her hat back on her head – she was beginning to like the sense of security that it brought. "Maybe Flannery will have some news for us."
"Maybe," Steven said. "I do find it a bit strange that nobody has heard anything new as of yet."
The change of topic didn't seem to faze him at all. Was he only pretending to be composed, or was he truly unaffected by the brief moment of tenderness they'd just shared?
She decided that she didn't want to know.
She reached down, retrieved Swampert's pokéball, and placed it back into her bag.
"Finally," Lisia gasped as they emerged from the woods. "I was about to pass out."
Jagged Pass had been a nightmare. The group had spent hours traversing down slopes and climbing over ledges, all while a thick sheet of ash rained down from Mt. Chimney. Lisia had gotten a gash on her shin from a particularly nasty fall, and May had switched Milo's wedge heels with her usual running sneakers. There'd been no sign of Wally.
The group, covered in sweat and ashes, half-stumbled in Lavaridge. It was nearing ten o'clock at night, and the town was empty.
Lisia headed straight for the pokécenter. "Let's go book some rooms."
Twenty minutes later, May was lying on a bed, too tired to care that she was dirtying the white linen.
The bathroom door opened. Lisia emerged wearing nothing but a bath towel. Steam poured out behind her.
"Your turn," she said.
May went into the bathroom and closed the door behind her. Steam still hung in the air. The mirror was completely fogged up. The tile floor was soaking wet.
May undressed, tossing her hat and dress into a corner on the floor. The blue dress was now dyed gray. She'd ruined yet another one of Milo's pieces.
She showered until the water ran clear down the drain. Then she dried herself off with one of the room's complimentary towels, and then put on the oversized white robe that was hanging on the back of the door.
She stepped out of the bathroom. The room was empty.
"Lisia?" she called.
Her eyes landed on the notepad sitting on the night table between the two beds. She walked over to it. There was a message:
Went to the hot springs. You should come – we deserve it.
May grabbed her room key, shoved it in her robe's pocket, and walked out the door.
She passed the guys' room, made it into the elevator, and descended to the first floor. Then she walked across the lobby and headed to the back of the room. Two separate doors led to the hot springs. The pink and blue banners that marked where each gender went were nowhere to be seen.
"Sorry about that, Miss Champion," the nurse standing behind the counter said. "The banners were starting to get filthy, so we sent them to the cleaners. If you're going to the hot springs, you'll want to go through the door on the -"
May raised her hand. "That's alright - I know which side to go through."
"Very well, Miss Champion."
Though it'd been a while since she'd last been here, May knew that the women's side was on the left. She pushed through the door.
She shivered as the night air made contact with her freshly showered skin. The stone pathway felt damp and cold beneath her feet.
The spring was surrounded by volcanic rock and divided in the middle by a wall crafted from bamboo shoots. Steam rose into the air, thick as clouds. May could hardly see what was in front of her.
Her robe fell to the ground, and she eased herself into the water.
She sighed, allowing her muscles to relax. She felt as though the horrible trek through Jagged Pass never happened.
She looked around her. Where was Lisia?
There was a figure sitting just a bit further in the spring, partially obscured by the steam.
"There you are," May said, moving closer to Lisia. "For a moment, I thought I was the only one here."
And then May was close enough to see that the figure was not Lisia.
It was Steven.
A/N 'TWAS STEVEN.
