CH 2:
As they leaned on the taffrail of the ship, the coordinators let out a deep sigh.
"I can't believe we made it," said a deeply emotionally and physically deflated Drew.
May only nodded, too winded to reply in words.
The sun was close to setting, and the light that danced along the current mesmerized the young trainers.
"This reminds me of way back when, May, when you were telling me about your new style," Drew said, a smile lighting up his face. The sunset looked a lot like the one on that day right before they left for Johto separately - soft and bright, casting a sweet glow and lingering for a strangely long amount of time.
May turned to her side, "Yeah…I think I have a better grasp on my battle style, after traveling by myself - and occasionally with you or Sol - in Johto. It was so lonely though, I don't know how you did it for so long before."
Drew grimaced, "Well...it wasn't all bad. But I did feel like I had to constantly be improving and that traveling alongside other people would only hold me back."
She snorted at hearing that, "And now you've even traveled with Harley."
"Worst mistake of my life. But I did learn a lot from it."
And it was true that they had grown; even a year ago, Drew would not have so spontaneously agreed to travel to the Battle Frontier with his rival-turned friend; one year ago, May would not have felt so comfortable with her battle style and the coordinator she had become. As the captain announced that the ship was halfway to the Battle Dome, both coordinators felt a strange sense of joy.
As both parted ways and retired to their individual cabins, Drew finally broke down into tears himself. He hadn't cried so much since he lost his first contest to a young Solidad. He had finally realized his dreams - those sleepless nights drilling the same combination, those critical words from his parents at the beginning of his journey had helped him pick up the pieces every time he had failed along the way. He left a voicemail for his parents in LaRousse. He had debated not to, but eventually he settled on two words: "Thank you."
It was the end of one journey; but the dream continues. Each coordinator promised to become better with each day, to make their Pokémon shine brighter, to embrace the Frontier challenge with open arms.
The next day, Drew woke up to a knock at his door to the tune of PokeQuiz's famous jingle. "Open up, Drew! I, your favorite May Maple, have come with gifts."
A barely awake Drew reluctantly opened the door, revealing an excited May cheerfully holding a plate filled sky-high with pancakes. "Morning Drewdrop!" Memories of those rainy days in Ecruteak that had been the genesis of the nickname torment made a groggy Drew contemplate closing the door to his room before May could enter. However, before any decision could be made, May had already stormed in and made herself at home.
"Apparently," said May - pancake in hand, though there were utensils - "these pancakes are made with fresh Moomoo milk from near Goldenrod AND...get this - the honey on top of the pancakes is infused with Liechi berries, Drew! Liechi berries, do you remember that?"
"How could I forget almost drowning?" mumbled Drew, who despite the quick pace with which both he and May worked together to demolish those pancakes, refused to accept how much he enjoyed this breakfast.
People who travel together really do start to act like one another, groaned Drew. I've become a glutton.
Suddenly, the S.S. Tidal lurched to a halt. The captain's voice in the loudspeaker blared, "We have arrived at the Battle Dome. Please gather your belongings, and best of luck!"
May and Drew looked at each other, before smiling. This was going to be another contest - of sorts.
A/N: And this is how the battle frontier adventure starts. Everything so far has been a prelude for the sake of context. Thanks for reading!