Hi all,
I haven't been updating as regularly as I like, so I hope the below and rather lengthy chapter makes up for it.
To be honest, my updates will begin to be sporadic from now on, but I'll still try to update once a week if I can.
Again, thank you so much for taking the time to read this.
Chapter 22The walk from Vientown to Nabiki Beach hadn't taken as long as anticipated. However, the group had decided to set up camp in a grassy clearing in perfect view of the beach to appease both May and Dawn's desire to remain in the area for a few days. They had already camped for one night, and May was ensuring that her gruelling training regime continued. After all, she'd learnt that it was better to be prepared than floundering like a Magikarp on struggle street.
Observing as her pokémon were pacing themselves evenly on the beach, May felt as though someone's eyes were on her. However, considering the early hour, she dismissed the notion. Not many people would wake at this hour, especially not to watch others train their pokémon.
Seeing her most recently caught psychic type struggling around a make-shift race course she'd created from twigs, rocks and dried seaweed, May couldn't help but feel slightly guilty for springing this course on him. It definitely wasn't one of the easiest courses she'd made, but it wasn't too difficult.
'Come on Elgyem, you can do it!' May called to her pokémon as she observed Skitty running through the course with ease, following the path of her friends.
'No cheating!' She called when she saw the extra-terrestrial pokémon trying to float over obstacles when it thought she wasn't looking at it. In the makeshift course beside it that she'd set up for sparring, May was disappointed to see her big eater pokémon was napping quite happily.
'Munchlax, you snooze, you lose. Unless you wake up and start practicing, I'll have to give your pokéblock to Skitty,' May called as her Skitty completed the agility-boosting routine. Almost immediately, the big eater pokémon jumped up, wide awake as it began to spar to compete with his partners.
'Excellent work, Skitty! Now bounce these balls!' May called as she threw three pink balls at the small, pink pokémon's tail, bouncing them in the air as she'd done so many years before. Near Munchlax, her Blaziken practiced his fighting type moves against Glaceon, who was doing her best to dodge each attack with extra vigour.
'Do you do this every day?' A male voice questioned as May felt someone stand near her, their shadow looming over her, surprising her.
Suppressing her inner shock, May wondered how someone had snuck up on her without her hearing him. Nervously, she glanced to the right and almost felt her heart stop. Beside her was a far too familiar chartreuse haired man, whose face was every bit as handsome as May could remember.
Offering him a shy smile, May took the opportunity to sit on the beach to observe her pokémon, flushing slightly as the man took a seat beside her. She knew that she shouldn't hold Drew's affections for another against the man. After all, he knew nothing about her own affection for him. The least she could do was suppress her inner disappointment and move on, be happy that they were friends.
Seeing the man arch a cool eyebrow at her, she knew she was taking too long to respond. Nodding her head, she frantically searched for something to say.
'Yes, it's good for their development and reiterates their abilities to me, especially on different terrains like this. I'd usually join in with them, but I thought it was best to watch Elgyem this time. He's my newest pokémon and I want to make sure he fits in,' May responded in an almost shy manner as she took the opportunity to once again furtively glance at the man. He had joined her on the sandy ground, apparently not caring about any dirt it may leave on his clothes.
'I see. You know, May, I must say I'm impressed. You've grown, a lot,' Drew muttered, his tone proud as he focused his mesmerising emerald eyes on the shy brunette.
Hearing this, May struggled to contain a blush at the comment. After all, any praise from Drew was rarely given, so it made his words seem all the more sincere. However, instead of letting the compliment boost her ego, she shrugged in a non-committed manner. Searching for the right response, she whispered, 'I had to. My dad was in hospital and Max didn't have any pokémon to help Kenny with the gym. Then there was mum, who of course was beside herself with worry and grief. That left me to rise to the challenge because no one else was going to.'
'I'm sorry you had to go through that alone, May. I knew from your disappearance that something bad had happened, but I always thought you'd contact me if you needed help,' Drew muttered, placing a hand gently on her shoulder, making her shoulder feel almost burned by his touch.
Furiously fighting the flush on her cheeks, May muttered, 'yeah, well you've achieved your dream in that time without any help from me. I can't hold that against you, because I would probably have done the same if I were in your shoes. Besides, I wasn't alone, I had my pokémon and friends with me.'
'But aren't I your friend? What about Solidad or Harley, aren't they your friends too?' Drew pressed his voice thick with guilt.
May knew this discussion was well overdue, but she couldn't tell him how scared she was of having him turn away from her, leaving her to face it all alone. She couldn't explain to him that her fears were spurred on by the pain of seeing him replace her with a blonde woman, who he'd apparently spent a day with to relax. She knew she'd spent years wanting to contact him, but what could she possibly say to appease him? He hadn't contacted her, either, and it wasn't her fault her father had been so ill for years.
Clearing her throat nervously, May whispered, 'of course you are, I didn't mean to exclude you. It's just that that was a particularly dark time for me, and I only tried to find comfort in a select few friends. Don't think that I didn't just avoid you, I avoided a whole bunch of people. I didn't talk to Ash or Brock, either. I just couldn't take worrying anyone else, that would have added so much more strain I didn't need.'
'You didn't contact them?' Drew questioned as May noticed two pokémon frolicking on the beach in the distance.
'No, I didn't,' May whispered as her eyes focused on them to identify a Riolu and Zorua, playing in the waves, jumping over them and bumping into each other, appearing blissfully ignorant of the two humans nearby.
'Do you still talk to them now?' Drew enquired, a peculiar expression filling his face as the wind rustled his hair.
'Of course, though not as often as I'd like. From what I've heard, Brock's going to propose, though that's just a rumour Dawn told me. I'd love to say I believe her, but she's always dreaming up strange things. I'd say it's that overactive imagination of hers when she can't come up with a decent design for her brand. As for Ash, he's going to try defeating the Champion of Kanto and Johto, but we're not too sure who he's going to be fighting. It could be someone called Leaf, or even his best friend,' May smiled sadly, wishing she could be there for any of her friends.
Hearing the Zorua let out a light laugh, May smiled wistfully herself. Beside the pokémon, the Riolu create patterns in the water with a strong bone rush, May had an idea.
They sat in silence for a little while, enjoying the sun's pink rays reflecting on the sea's waves. The sky had a pink hue courtesy of the rising sun, and she could hear the morning calls of a group of Starly nearby. It was relaxing as she monitored her pokémon running across the sand. Her eyes flickered back to the two wild pokémon, and she couldn't suppress her longing any more.
'Hey Drew, let's go for a swim!' May grinned at her companion, who looked flustered at the thought, glancing searchingly at May's pokémon who were still intent upon their training.
'Wait, what? But we're in our clothes!' The chartreuse haired man almost frowned anxiously, much to his companion's amusement.
'I can't believe you, Drew! Surely you knew we were going to a beach! I'm all prepared with a bikini. Like it or not, I'm jumping in!' May giggled before removing her layers and rushing off, ignoring the bright flush on her companion's face.
'Come on, the water's lovely!' She called as she rushed into the water, the salted solution spraying her face. Letting out a giggle, May turned to see a wave heading for the beach as the Zorua fell against the back of her knee.
Letting out a slight ooft, May fell into the water, her legs entangled with the small, fox-like dark type. The cool water came crashing on their heads as she tried to breathe in. Getting a mouthful of salty water in her lungs, May struggled to hold onto the Zorua as she coughed and choked, gagging for air.
Still coughing as Drew rushed into the scene as May gingerly held the tiny pokémon in her arms, her gaze softening profusely as she slowly inhaled the air, stumbling a little as she pulled the small dark type away from the water.
'It's ok, I won't hurt you,' May smiled down at the little pokémon, who looked up at her in confusion. Its grey fur was soaked, making it appear as black as the fur around its mane. On its head was a small maroon tuft, matching the maroon make shift eyebrows, eyelids and patches on her paws.
It looked up at her in apprehension as she struggled to stand. Shaking her soaked head, May let out a slight giggle before seeing the pokémon grin and jump out of her grasp. With a strangled cry, May glanced down at the water before her to see the pokémon transforming into the brunette.
'What?' May gasped as she stared at her reflection, her blue bikini almost matching the bracelet she wore on her wrist.
'May, Zorua is the illusion pokémon. It's quite sought after so it's had to learn to trick its foes by changing its appearance,' Drew's voice drawled in his ear as the small Riolu latched onto May's leg, pulling her attention down to her feet.
'Hey, let go!' May yelped, glancing down to see the bipedal pokémon's red eyes leering up at her, his eyes accentuated by the black streak which was marked across his blue face, from one elongated ear to the other.
Waving her arms frantically, May squeaked once before falling once again in the water, a wave crashing on top of her again.
Spluttering, May once again struggled for air as Riolu danced around her, using his bone rush to fight the waves. Sending a moody glower as Drew laughed heartily at the sight of his rival soaked from head to toe, her brown hair darkened by the salty water, May hesitantly sat beside Riolu.
'That wasn't very nice, Riolu. I wasn't going to hurt Zorua, I just wanted to play with you both,' May frowned into his eyes, not seeing the giant wave come towards them again.
With a snarl, the Riolu jumped out of the way as May once again was pushed forward, nearly collapsing into the water.
'Not funny, Drew!' The woman whined slightly, only increasing her rival's amusement.
Pouting, May was at least thankful to see her other self, or rather, Zorua impersonating her, reaching out a hand to her.
'Thank you, Zorua,' May smiled genuinely before seeing Riolu return to his previous game of fighting the waves. With a grin, she rushed beside him, dancing and splashing the pokémon, who growled in surprise.
Hiding behind Drew, May giggled as the chartreuse haired man's eyes widened before Riola splashed the man, soaking him effectively.
'May!' The man growled, turning to glare at the brunette, who was dancing with Zorua in a circle, soaking him from behind, too.
With a light giggle, May rushed to the sandy part of the beach, glancing at her pokémon too see they, too, had given up on training and were playing in the sand. Taking a seat near them, May sent her rival a subtle wink as Zorua once again transformed into her normal self, Riolu crawling onto a stunned May's lap and curling into a ball in an effort to sleep.
Shaking his head, Drew took a seat beside the woman as Zorua followed suit, climbing onto his legs to monitor his friend.
Noticing her pokémon nearby, May quickly put a finger to her lips as she began to hum a tune which she knew they would consider immensely familiar. She'd always made a habit of singing it to soothe them after an eventful battle, and it usually worked.
When she was certain it was safe, she continued to hum the tune, stroking the small fighting type in her lap softly, her eyes searching the sea for something she knew couldn't happen. It had been years since she'd last seen him, he wouldn't reappear now. It simply wasn't possible, especially so far from Hoenn.
It didn't stop her from missing him, though.
'You ok?' Drew murmured, nudging her side slightly, pulling her thoughts back to the present.
'Hmm?' May whispered, realising with a start she'd fallen silent.
Glancing at the emerald eyed man beside her, May realised that her vision was blurry. She saw him hesitate slightly before using the thumb on his left hand to wipe her eyes, removing her tears.
Feeling her face flush at the intimate touch, May mumbled, 'sorry, I was just thinking.'
'About?' Drew prompted, his gaze intent on her own.
Returning her gaze to the vast ocean before them, May once again found herself wishing to see the friend she'd been forced to leave. In a soft murmur, she replied, 'someone very important to me.'
'An ex?' The man responded, surprising the brunette by the venom in his voice.
'What? No, of course not. No, he's so much more than that,' May gasped at the man before her expression turned wistful, her sapphire orbs filling with tears as Riolu glanced up at her as she paused in petting him.
'How can he be more than an ex? Is it your father or Max?' Drew frowned, his tone as bewildered as his expression.
With a soft sigh, May whispered, 'you wouldn't believe me even if I had the guts to tell you.'
'Try me,' Drew growled, his jaw clenched slightly.
'Well,' May whispered as she gently moved the Riolu from her lap and onto the sand, contemplating the best way to respond. She petted the pokémon's head softly to ease his soft protests, not at all perturbed by his moody glower.
'Mana!' A soft, familiar voice filled her ears, filling May with a disbelieving hope.
Blinking, May shook her head as her eyes once again searched the pounding ocean before her.
'Mama! Mana love you,' the small, cheerful voice called, sending a shudder of anticipation through her body.
'No, it's not possible!' The brunette gasped, ignoring her companion as she jumped up, over the wild pokémon on the sand, ignoring its feeble protests as she heard the cry again.
Eagerly, she stumbled forward, her sapphire eyes intent on the wide ocean before her.
'What isn't?' Drew frowned as he and the two pokémon stood behind her, searching for the unseen object she was charging towards.
'Mana!' The voice continued as May let out a strangled sob, her eyes scanning the ocean before her, trying to find a small blue body in the vast sea-blue water.
'Manaphy!' She called, forgetting all about the dark type, as well as her other companions as she ran to the ocean, crashing into the waves as she went. Rushing deeper than before, she didn't hear the distressed cry which rose from Drew's lips at seeing her rush into the sea that had tumbled her about with such ease.
'Mana!' The voice continued as May lunged under the water, hating the waves for slowing her progress.
Sure enough, there before her was her darling Prince of the Sea, the small blue aquatic pokémon, his long arms stretching out to her.
Grabbing hold of the tiny pokémon, May resurfaced with a giant grin, dancing around as the waves continued to crash around them.
'I can't believe it, it's you! You're really here!' May beamed at him, her shimmering eyes filled with a delight as she laughed.
'May!' Drew called, rushing into the water to reach her as she crushed the water type closer, whispering, 'don't you ever leave it so long again, Manaphy! I've missed you so much!'
'You know this pokémon?' Drew frowned, his expression baffled as his emerald eyes focused on the duo before him.
'This is Manaphy, the Prince of the Sea and, I suppose you could say he's my son. He's the one who taught me that song, and the one I was just talking to you about,' May couldn't help but grin at the man, whose emerald eyes were wide in disbelief.
'Your son? He's a pokémon!' Drew frowned as Manaphy cuddled into May's hug, uncaring as others came to join their little group.
'There you are! May, why were you yelling so early in the morning?' Solidad's warm voice called as Harley swaggered in shorts that were a little too short for May's liking, even if they were covered in Cacturne heads.
'We've been out here training May's pokémon,' Drew responded with forced cheer as he eyed May sceptically, leading her out of the water. He didn't notice her profuse blush as Manaphy continued to speak to May.
'What? Oh, hon, what an adorable pokémon you've gathered here!' Harley squealed, attempting to take Manaphy from May.
'No, don't—' May began, only, it was too late.
She watched the water type blink slightly before erupting into giant tears, deafening the purple haired man with its cries of despair.
'What? How can you not like me?' Harley growled as Dawn arrived, covering her ears, 'Harley for the love of Palkia, give it back!'
As soon as the begrudged purple haired man gave Manaphy back to May, the small Prince of the Sea became immediately acquiesced, nuzzling the brunette in eager anticipation.
'Do you mind telling us how you came across this little one?' Solidad smiled as Manaphy gave her a wary look with his blue eyes.
'I don't think you'd believe me, even if I told you,' May shrugged slightly as Dawn giggled, 'I think I know!'
'Dawn, how do you know? I never told anyone about it, and I'm certain Max wouldn't have either,' May frowned at her friend who was grinning from ear to ear.
'Because I met the Phione, and Ash and Brock both told me about how you met them,' Dawn grinned at the brunette whose eyes widened.
'Did they tell you about my bracelet? Would either of them have told Misty? Oh, Latias, I think she might actually kill me for this!' May squeaked, ignoring the perplexed looks of the others. She'd never told her friends because she hadn't wanted to seem proud, especially after Misty's constant boasts about her love of water pokémon. To find that one of her closest friends was a descendant of the People of the Water would be a rather low blow, or so May thought.
She was so focused on the bluenette that she didn't notice the Rangers who were running in their direction, scanning the ocean for signs of a disturbance.
'Relax, I never told her about any of it. Besides, there's no need to worry, I'm almost certain she won't be too jealous! It's not like you could help any of that, anyway!' Dawn giggled as Harley frowned at the oncoming group, subtly nudging Solidad, who also monitored their movements closely.
'Jealous of what?' Drew frowned as he glanced at the blond and dark blue haired newcomers, having followed the other two's gaze.
Opening her mouth to respond, May's words were cut off by Max's voice as he called out, 'May, what're you doing here?'
Seeing the familiar head of her brother, May couldn't help but grin and wave at them, pulling the younger man into a tight one-armed hug when he reached them, careful not to hurt Manaphy as he remained in her right arm.
'We came here to Nabiki Beach because of the legend. Is there a problem?' May frowned at her brother, her expression bewildered as her eyes focused upon his movements, registering his slightly widened eyes, as well as Jackie's pursed lips.
'We just heard news from someone called Paul that there's been an attack on the pokémon out on the sea. He was trying to take care of it when Brendan and Gary bumped into him there,' Max frowned as Jackie eyed the bundle in May's arms reproachfully.
'What? Are they ok?' May gasped, her eyes widening in fear. She wasn't too concerned about Gary, but Brendan was like family to her.
'We're not sure, but now we can establish why they were attacked. May, what is Manaphy doing here with you? I thought we already established that he is a wild pokémon! How long's he been here?' Jackie growled, his tone angrier than she'd ever heard it.
'Hey, there's no need to talk to her like that, hon, the pipsqueak probably just stumbled across it. It's not like that tiny blue bundle is part of her everyday pokémon routine!' Harley glowered, stomping on the sand in an attempt at being a melodramatic diva, though it fell decidedly flat when the sand softened his step.
'Say what you want, Harley, but that is the reason those pokémon out there are in trouble! She should have known better than to bring him here!' Jackie glared before pointing at Manaphy in anger.
'That may be the case, but May wouldn't just tell Manaphy to come here! She hasn't seen him since the last time we were at the temple, isn't that right, May?' Max defended his sister, sending Jackie a reproachful warning glance.
'That's right, I didn't think Manaphy would be here, but he is. He's my friend, like you, and I've only just reacquainted myself with him,' May glared at her older friend, whose shoulders slumped slightly at her venom.
With a heavy sigh, he muttered, 'why do I get the feeling that this is going to be the Temple of the Sea all over again?'
'Maybe because we've got Manaphy and the mark of the People of the Water, and May and I are here. The only things missing are Ash and the temple itself,' Max drawled as he saw May smile down at Manaphy as Drew glanced about them in confusion.
'So, what exactly happened at the Temple of the Sea? Where is it and why haven't I heard of it?' Drew questioned as another group of three came into view.
Glancing at the newcomers in the distance, May couldn't help but grin at the familiar sight of Latios. She didn't want to get into the story with anyone, not until she'd asked her parents for more information.
Sending the object of her affections a non-committed shrug, May returned her attention to the trio, recognising her childhood friend's silhouette beside the all too familiar form of Latios.
'Brendan, Latios!' May yelled, standing on her tiptoes as she balanced Manaphy in one arm, lifting her left arm in the air.
'May, did you have to yell quite so loudly?' Dawn cried as she covered her ears, glaring slightly at her friend.
'Oh, be quiet, I see your favourite plum in the distance too,' May teased, smiling innocently as she once again began bouncing on her feet.
'What? Oh no, my hair!' Dawn squeaked, rushing to hide behind Harley as Drew scowled at the brunette, much to the purple haired man's amusement.
'Oh yeah, May, he told me not to tell you this, but Gary contacted me on the Xtransceiver. Turns out he isn't what he seems,' Max began, not noticing the chartreuse haired boy's questioning expression.
'And you're not listening to me, are you?' Max sighed as May once again began to grin, anticipating the meeting of her childhood friend.
'Come on, May, you saw Brendan nearly every month whilst you were in Hoenn and you haven't seen me in ages! Don't tune me out for him of all people! I wouldn't just ignore you for Orlando!' Max glowered as Solidad petted his shoulder in a comforting manner.
'I don't think she's listening,' Solidad whispered with a slight grimace as the younger man wailed in defeat.
'Did you say something, Max?' May blinked at her younger brother, who groaned in response.
'Something about Gary, I think,' Dawn murmured, having also not paid attention the dark blue haired man.
'Come on, give me a break!' Max cried in defeat, though the two women were once again not paying attention to him.
'Who cares about Gary, I want to see my diaper buddy!' May chuckled as she rushed ahead, not noticing the bewildered expressions on the faces of the Hoenn natives.
'Don't ask, for your sanity and mine,' Max cried as he moved to begrudgingly followed his sister, though Jackie stopped him with a hand, not glancing at Dawn who was chuckling eagerly behind him in her pink bikini.
'Brendan, it's so good to see you!' May grinned at her friend, flinging her left arm around his shoulders as Manaphy stared at them in confusion.
'As chirpy as ever, May,' Brendan grinned back as he pulled her into a brief hug.
She beamed up at Latios, who she petted with her left hand, grinning as he nuzzled her hand for more affection.
'Manaphy, can you say Uncle Brendan?' May smiled down at the aquatic pokémon, pointedly ignoring Gary's wide eyed stare at her and the pokémon she carried in her arms.
'Unca Brenda?' Manaphy repeated, his dark blue irises focused on May's smiling face.
'Close enough,' May grinned as she spun around in circles with the pokémon again.
'Hey, I am not a Brenda! May, don't you dare encourage that name!' Brendan scowled, having overcome his initial shock as Gary sniggered beside him.
'Could have fooled me on that Latios of yours, Brenda,' Gary remarked, causing Paul to crack a smile at the jibe.
'Don't you start, Gary, or I'll be having words with someone!' Brendan glowered at the auburn haired man as even May grinned at their interactions.
'Hi there,' Gary winked at May, who pursed her lips in response, not noticing the auburn haired man as he kicked her black haired friend's behind subtly.
There was an awkward pause in which May stroked Manaphy's cheek, not noticing Brendan mouth something to Gary and jerk his head to her.
'Look, May, I'm sorry for how I've been acting, it was uncalled for,' Gary began, scratching the back of his head nervously as the other group began walking towards them.
Lifting her gaze to meet her companions' it took the young woman a moment to digest the man's apology.
Noticing Brendan's giant grin, and Paul's indifferent expression, May hesitated. Her childhood friend wouldn't be grinning if he suspected Gary's motives, so the least she could do was give him a chance. Besides, what would Paul think of her if she held a grudge?
'It's ok, but don't ever call me a klutz again,' May tried to smile as Manaphy blinked at them, clearly confused. With a soft yawn, he climbed up to perch on her shoulder, nuzzling her cheek affectionately.
'You know I wouldn't, I never meant to upset you. So, would you deign to call me a friend? I'd honestly be honoured, especially after everything Ash, Misty, Brock, Brendan and Dawn have said about you,' Gary asked shyly, offering her a nervous smile.
Hearing this, May burst into a fit of giggles, 'of course, Gary, how could I refuse your request after you've told me that? Now, all you need to do is tell me just what my friends, especially Brendan and Ash, have said, and all will be forgotten quicker than an aqua jet attack!'
'Don't you dare,' Brendan scowled as Paul huffed.
'Is there something you'd like to say, Paul?' May smiled at the man, shuffling Manaphy from one shoulder to the next. She'd honestly forgotten how heavy the small pokémon could be.
'I'm just amazed at how whipped these two are,' Paul shrugged before walking past them, straight to the group in which Dawn was.
With a giggle, May grinned, 'it's called respect. But say what you want, Paul is totally whipped by Dawn.'
'Dawn?' Gary frowned disbelievingly at the brunette, his dark eyes intent on her face, which reflected a joy he hadn't seen before.
'Yeah, I'd say they're in love, though Kenny and you keep getting in the way,' May glowered, jabbing her newly attained friend squarely in the chest, her sapphire eyes once again narrowed in anger.
'Hey, I'm not doing anything! I barely see her. Besides, I couldn't care less who she's with, I'm not interested,' Gary defended, sending a meaningful glance at Brendan, who waved his friend off, most likely due to still being offended at Gary's impeding betrayal.
'Then why is she so besotted over you that she gets all gaga when your name is mentioned? It's ridiculous, and I'm scared of how she'll react towards you in front of Paul, of all people!' May growled at the man, narrowing her sapphire eyes dangerously.
Shrugging, Gary responded, 'she seems to have this crazy idea that I'm a poet, like gramps. She doesn't care about the research we do, nor about the fact that I'm not my gramps, as surely as you're not your father.'
'I guess. So, she's just feeling awed, like some would around Lisia or Wallace?' May frowned as she glanced at the man before returning her attention to the scene before her, where Dawn stomped her feet at one or another thing that Paul had said, Drew appearing horrified as he was stuck between them, no doubt trying to appease an indefinite argument.
'Mew, I hope not. That's just what I need, imagine if Leaf finds out!' Gary groaned as he sent a furtive glance at the group before them.
'One way to find out if she does admire you, Mister Hotshot, come on,' May grinned before grabbing each of the men by the arm and pulling them to the group.
'Hi guys, have you met Gary and Brendan?' May beamed, not noticing the scowl on Drew's face, though Dawn giggled and nudged the emerald eyed man, immediately forgetting whatever anger had been created by Paul.
'Yes, I believe we've all met, don't you think, Brendan?' Gary grinned as the ruby eyed man nodded, trying to struggle out of May's grip.
'Brendan, if you so much as try to let go of my arm and make even a hint of a snide remark, I will be telling the tree house story!' May growled at her friend, who blanched at the threat by his shorter friend.
'Nah, I'm good, totally good. What's a tree house?' Brendan squeaked, his red eyes wide as Gary chortled, glancing at the suddenly flushed Pokémon Researcher.
'I wouldn't be laughing, if I were you. I can assure you, I'll contact Ash, Misty or Brock and I'm certain they'll give me the dirt on you, too!' May retorted to the auburn haired man, who blanched at the news.
'Far out, she's worse than Leaf! No, worse than Daisy-M…!' Gary hissed, glancing warily at the woman who had his arm in hers, grinning from ear to ear.
'I knew that letting you move to Sootopolis was a bad idea! Look at you, you're more manipulative than ever! Whatever happened to the innocent little Tentacool girl!' Brendan scowled as May quite obviously stepped on his foot, Manaphy staring at him in confusion.
'May, hon, are you just going to stand there and flirt with those two toy boys whilst your main man is staring you in the face?' Harley glowered at May, who blinked at his statement in confusion.
'I can't believe I'm saying this, but I agree with the Banette wearing freak,' Max groaned, causing both Brendan and Gary to laugh nervously at the younger man's disgusted expression.
'Please, as if I'd even go near her in that way!' Brendan scoffed, freeing his arm from May's vice grip as he pretended to be violently sick in the sand nearby.
'Hey, don't leave me hanging, man! I'm with you on that, that's disgusting!' Gary growled as he pulled his arm away from May, who blinked in confusion.
'Yay! OTP TIME!' Dawn grinned, clinging onto Paul's arm in excitement.
May noticed that the man didn't seem too perturbed by the beauty clinging to his muscled arm. Seeing this, she couldn't help but grin for her friend. Misty would definitely be hearing an essay on this, with Iris and Serena in tow.
'May, why are all of your friends insane?' Max groaned at his sister and Jackie grinned, appearing to have forgotten his resentment at Manaphy's presence.
'Don't ask me, they're your friends too,' May shrugged at him, bewilderedly watching as Gary and Brendan started throwing sand at each other.
'So May, do you remember that discussion we had not so long ago?' Jackie frowned, his blue eyes searching May's sapphire ones as she tried, and failed, to keep a straight poker face.
'Yes, how could I forget?' May mumbled, her sapphire eyes avoiding Drew's stunned emerald gaze as Gary and Brendan both paused their fight to glower at the blond man.
'Well, have you progressed?' Jackie smiled, not once glancing at any of their confused companions.
'No, I… I think I've hit a bit of a glitch,' May grimaced as Manaphy, upon noticing her distress, nuzzled her cheek more. Her pokémon nearby also rushed to her, followed closely by Riolu and Zorua.
'Well, we'll have to discuss that when we're both more alone,' Jackie smiled, placing a gentle hand on May's shoulder.
'I suppose,' May muttered, noticing her Skitty snuggling into the space between her feet.
'Let's go check out the pokémon situation,' Jackie called to Max just as a strange ringtone filled the air.
Glancing around, May saw her brother fumble with his Stylus before placing it to his ear, 'Hey Rhythmi, what's up?'
She saw him frown before his gaze flickered to Manaphy and back at Jackie.
'What is it?' The blond man frowned as May's hand instinctively reached up to the Prince of the Sea's onion shaped head.
'You're not going to like this,' Max grimaced in a tired tone as May's heart filled with dread. He rarely used that tone, and it was usually when he would leave for extensive and dangerous journeys.
'What is it?' The blond man repeated, his voice stern.
'Whoever was causing a ruckus on the shore has gone into the ocean and started it up there. I think they're searching for Manaphy,' Max grimaced guiltily, his dark brown eyes sinking to his feet.
'Manaphy?' May whispered, her voice breaking as her hand reached up to touch the aquatic pokémon.
'May, you know what we need to do. You've had to do it before and you know I won't let you join me this time, not after what nearly happened out there the last time,' Jackie's voice growled as he held his hands out to her, his expression reminding her of many a scolding she'd received from her father as a child for fearing pokémon.
Letting out a shaky breath, May nodded, not noticing any of her friends as she gently picked Manaphy up from her shoulders.
Noticing his large blue eyes looking up at her, accentuated by the yellow rim around it, May suppressed a sob.
Clearing her throat, she smiled, 'Manaphy, it was great seeing you, and I'm going to miss you. I can't be selfish and demand you stay here with me, you have a home, and you need to return to it now. I'm going to miss you, Manaphy!'
Squeezing the confused pokémon in a tight embrace, May closed her eyes when Jackie once again took the Prince of the Sea from her clutches.
'Thank you May, we'll let you know when he's safe,' Jackie whispered as he took the suddenly distressed pokémon and began to walk away.
Letting the tears fall, May clutched hands to her chest as Dawn engulfed her in a hug. Seeing his sister's distress, Max hesitated.
'Max, we're going!' Jackie's voice called over Manaphy's cries.
'I'll be careful, sis!' Max called, his voice strangled as his soft steps sounded, their sound decreasing with each step.
'Come on, girl, cheer up, please. You'll see him again, I'm sure of it,' Dawn whispered in her ear as May's tears just kept falling. She'd missed him so much, and had spent such a tiny amount of time with him.
'May?' Drew whispered as he moved closer to the brunette, touching her shoulder gently.
Dawn, upon noticing Drew's presence, withdrew from her friend and nudged her head subtly as May continued to cry.
Taking the hint, Drew felt his face flush as he wrapped his arms around May, who'd started to shake.
'She's in shock, get a blanket,' Solidad's voice whispered, causing Blaziken to nudge Glaceon. The ice type responded by rushing to their camp site as fast as she could.
'May it's ok, you'll be reacquainted with Manaphy,' Drew whispered in her ear, kissing the top of her head softly as Gary's gaze returned to the ocean.
'Please cheer up,' Dawn muttered as Paul wrapped an arm around her shoulders, though the bluenette seemed not to notice it, her thoughts consumed with worry for her friend who was staring out to sea, her eyes unblinking as she tried to suppress a sob, to regarin a semblance of composure.
'Hon, let it out. You're not doing yourself any favours choking up on it,' Harley's soft voice frowned, laced with his concern at the uncharacteristically frozen brunette.
'I want Manaphy back!' May sniffed before she was once again struggling to contain sobs as her ice type returned with a blanket.
Immediately, Gary took the blanket from the light blue pokémon.
'Let her go, Drew,' Gary muttered, causing Drew to glare at him.
Rolling his eyes angrily, Gary continued, 'look, you can go back to cuddling her as soon as the blanket is on her shoulders. As far as I'm concerned, she's in shock and she needs a blanket on her. It helps, trust me.'
Begrudgingly, Drew let go of the brunette before Gary placed a pink blanket around her shoulders.
As soon as it was on, May was back in Drew's clutches as he rubbed her back slightly.
'Come on, May, what could possibly happen to them out there? There's nothing at all out in the ocean, it's just empty space,' Brendan laughed lightly, hoping to cheer up his childhood friend.
'Don't!' Dawn hissed but May had heard him.
'I'll tell you what could happen! I nearly died in that place with Ash because of a greedy, selfish pirate! You tell me, I didn't just see a close friend go back out there, but my brother and one of the friendliest pokémon I've ever known!' May snapped at the man, her voice hiccupping slightly.
Hearing this, Gary growled, 'well what're we waiting for?'
'W-what?' May whispered as someone ran towards them in the distance, a shadow on the horizon she couldn't make out.
'You heard me. Do you think Ash would just stand by and let that Ranger and Max risk their necks alone? If Manaphy was Pikachu, I can bet you that he'd be out there fighting to keep him safe,' Gary glowered, staring down at the distressed woman.
'You're right. I need to make sure Max isn't hurt,' May grimaced before discarding the blanket and scrubbing the tears out of her eyes.
Now wasn't the time for grief.
Hope you all liked it. I know that Riolu doesn't normally learn bone rush until it becomes a Lucario, but it just felt right to me. Please let me know what you think. I hope Gary and May being cousins doesn't sound too left of field.