Hi all,

Here's the latest update for May's Belated Journey! It's a bit short, but I hope you like it all the same.

Chapter 45

Seeing the giant group of people who were waving her off, May couldn't help but feel a fresh wave of gratitude for her friends. Whilst Dawn had reluctantly admitted to being needed at the Boutique, Iris had surprised everyone by insisting she join May in Almia. Cilan, of course, had half-heartedly agreed to chaperoning them, lest Iris cause any unwanted trouble. That statement alone hadn't pleased the aspiring Dragon Master, but May had managed to difuse Iris's temper.

'May, remember to call me if you need anything. I may be in another region, but I'll still drop everything to help you,' Dawn said as she pulled May into a tight hug, making the woman feel all the more grateful for having such fantastic friends.

'Yes, mum,' May smiled, winking subtly at Shauna and Bonnie, who giggled at Dawn's unamused expression.

'The same goes for me, but you can call me aunty,' Serena winked as she, too, pulled May into a hug.

'Cilan, if you need anything, we'll send it from Striathon Gym,' Cres frowned at his brother, not at all perturbed by the hair covering his eye, though May wondered how he was looking through it.

'Yes, and remember to stay safe,' Chili agreed, causing May to subtly wonder if Iris' tales about the man's hot headedness were true. He seemed respectable in his suit, but then, so did Paul at the Boutique opening, and May had heard all about the man's antics from Ash, Brock and Dawn.

'I know we haven't known each other for long, but if there is anything we can do to help,' Clemont agreed, pushing his glasses up his nose slightly.

'Thank you, honestly, I'm so grateful to have such wonderful friends as you all. I'm fine, and I know Drew will be too,' May said with forced cheer, ignoring Gary's narrowed eyes on her. She could tell he was suspicious of her joy, but May dismissed it. He couldn't possibly know how anxious she was to return Roserade to him, or how desperately she wanted him to wake up.

'Well, if you're sure you don't want to travel with the Champions,' Calem muttered, scratching the back of his head slightly as the paparazzi began to clammer around the group of infamous Trainers.

'Nope, definitely good without all that attention,' May grinned before turning to the friends who would be travelling with her.

'Ready?' Iris asked May, who winked in response and took her arm.

'Bye guys, we'll talk soon!' Iris called as she began to wave.

'Best wishes!' Cilan cheered, though his brothers returned it with equal fervor.

'Farewells always get to me, you know,' Brendan mused as he dabbed at his eyes, pretending to sniff extravagantly.

'What are you talking about? You're always telling me to get out of places, whether it's Petalburg or Sootopolis,' May frowned at the man in disbelief, rolling her eyes at his momentarily baffled expression.

'So sue me, I want you to have a life. Can't I just want what's best for you?' Brendan shrugged before sauntering ahead, following Gary and Daisy's suave movements.

'I'm going to regret this, aren't I?' May frowned to Iris, who chuckled, 'probably. They all seem rather childish to me. What can I say? They're boys!'

'Don't chastise others for something you still portray yourself,' Cilan mused before increasing the speed of his walk to follow the other men, appearing oblivious of Iris' heated glower.

'Hey, be happy that Misty will be waiting for us on the other side. You two can gang up on the men with Daisy and hope that it'll teach them a lesson in maturity,' May winked at her friend, who smiled at the idea.

'You know, May, I think I might actually enjoy my stay in Almia,' Iris mused, worrying her Hoenn friend slightly, though she knew not to incite the woman.