Disclaimer: I do not claim ownership of Pokemon, its characters, locations, or names. All of them, with the exception of original characters, ideas, and places, belong to Nintendo.
Credits: Vanika, Silvanus, Gwen, and all locations involving Nara belong to me.
AN: Aha, I am getting so lazy. D: Not posting the chapters as quickly as I was originally...eh. Anyway, the next one after this will probably be posted on Sunday or Monday, since I'll be gone all day tomorrow (Saturday!) for Journey Across America. Squeee.
Warning: Eh, none for this chapter.
- Chapter Twelve: Spring Surprise -
"Did you all sleep well?" Brock asked. They were sitting around a table in a near-by restaurant. Misty nodded, stirring her milk with a straw, and peered at the pair that had been staying unusually quiet.
"Is something going on?" she questioned, getting a glance from May and a frown from Ash. They both shook their heads.
"Nothing," the young man said, quickly tilting his head down to stare into his bowl of cereal. He could feel that he was starting to blush, turning warm at the same time. "Just a little tired still is all."
"Really now?" the redhead replied, raising an eyebrow when May nodded quickly, flushing just as pink as Ash was at that moment. Misty bit her lip, looking at them thoughtfully. Changing the subject, she glanced away. "What are we doing from here? Should we just stay put until we catch word from Vanika, or go on?"
"I thought we couldn't stay in towns for long." May remembered that it had been mentioned that things could get messy if Ash's presence became too apparent, and lingering in one area could and would cause just that. "Shouldn't we keep moving?"
Relieved that the subject had been changed, the young man nodded. "Yeah, because we shouldn't, but a few days shouldn't hurt us all that much as long as I keep low and stay out of trouble," Ash said, getting a smirk out of Brock.
"You? Stay out of trouble? You said that when we entered Nara to begin with!" the elder snickered, getting a scowl from the younger one. Quirking his lips, Brock quickly looked from Ash, to May, then back again; it was quite the obvious indicator as to what he was referring to.
Ash's eyes narrowed dangerously, not pleased with the unspoken taunt, though Misty seemed to think it funny by the expression on her face. "I've yet to get in 'trouble.'" he replied waspishly, silencing the quiet chortles of his two long-time traveling companions, "If you'll excuse me..."
He stood up from his chair, pushing it back out of his way, and walked away from the table, leaving behind a very confused May and a fuming Misty and Brock.
- - -
Silvanus scowled, pointedly ignoring the pleading Vanika, as he continued to lounge in the uppermost branches of a tree. He knew exactly what was happening, and he wasn't going to let either his mate or his human daughter get away with it! Even if it meant hurting himself, he wouldn't let them win!
It also meant listening to Vanika whine, but it was something the male reptile was immune to. Silve! Why are you so stubborn? Would it kill you to at least give it a shot?, she snapped, getting a smack in the head with Silvanus' tail.
I refuse to be a part of that happy little family she's found more to her liking! Silvanus rolled so that he fell down through the branches, landing with a thud on the ground below. Vanika followed him, her silver eyes widening.
Happy little...you're jealous! She would have started laughing if it had been anyone else she was saying it to. At that moment, though, she was wise enough to keep a straight face and steady Voice. You're jealous of her 'relationship' with Ash! That's why you are trying so hard to not give in!
With a roar of rage, Silvanus swung around to glare at her, his anger evident in his eyes. And what of it? What of it if I am? We raised her, and then...then...May went and...
Grew up? Vanika's sympathetic look only enhanced the hot temper. You realize you are acting and doing exactly as a human father would? She saddened, her wings going limp. It would be the same if we had our own.
Silvanus was taken aback, as he stared at her. His life partner had just shown a light on the situation, forcing him to actually look at it as a Dragon rather then a Parent. He didn't like what he was seeing. This doesn't mean I'm going to run off to find them, he said, giving her a look that said in no uncertain terms that he was being serious.
- - -
The good thing about the town they were in, was that it had a hot spring to the East of it, and was open to the public for their use. At that very moment, May soaked in the warm water, her back against the stone wall, her head thrown back and eyes closed.
It was like being back at home, except that it wasn't chilly like the lake, and was less open to peeking eyes...not that she cared any about who saw; modesty had never been a big part of her life or personality.
The morning ran through her mind like a movie on repeat, nagging at her constantly. May couldn't help but wonder about what had changed, and what had caused everyone to become so upset. There was the sound of sloshing water, and another body joined her in the pool. "Oh!" she said, peering over through the light steam at the redhead, "Misty, you wanted to come too?"
Nodding, Misty sank down so that the water just barely touched her nose, letting the warmth seep into and through her skin. "I wanted to talk to you," the Gym Leader admitted, watching with wary eyes as May twisted to grab one of the buckets and filled it with water. "About...what happened."
May quickly looked at her, nearly spilling all the contents of the bucket out again, and frowned. "About what? This morning?" the young girl asked, raising to dump the bucket over herself, wetting down her hair.
Misty waited, hesitating, before shrugging. "Somewhat. What was going on with you two? What'd you do?"
"Nothing was going on, Ash told you that. I didn't do anything to anyone!" May said, getting a skeptical look from Misty. The elder of the two changed suddenly, her face softening, and she rushed over to take the younger's hands into her own.
"I didn't mean it like that." she replied gently, and gave a faint smile, "You can tell me anything. I'm just worried about you two."
Pausing, May pulled away and fell back into the water, spitting out the bit she had sucked into her mouth in surprise. Choking slightly, she shook her head. "No, no, Nothing is going on with me, nothing is going on with Ash, he didn't do anything, nothing-"
She couldn't help but notice the sudden emphasis being placed on the last run-in sentence, and the sudden statement that the teenager was innocent of anything she thought he had been up to. Noting it in her mind, Misty put her hands up in surrender. "Are you sure? You seem rather excited for someone that has nothing on her mind."
"I..." May glanced away uncertainly. It didn't seem like any harm could come from telling her about what happened; quite contrary, it looked like Misty could help, being older then both Ash and her. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she dove into telling the redhead of the previous night's doings.
"He did what!" Misty looked livid, her eyes blazing. Panicked, May quickly blocked her from getting out, going pale at the thought of what the woman was about to do.
"Misty, no, don't yell at him!" May fell over when Misty rushed past, shouldering past her to get out of the steaming pool. Sitting back on her heels, she yelled at the retreating back, "You weren't there! You don't know what happened!"
The Gym Leader froze, giving the girl extra time. "He didn't do anything wrong! When I started feeling strange, Ash..." She smiled thinking back on it. "...he asked, 'Do you want to stop?' and was as nice as he could be when I started getting upset with messing everything up and then refused to go an farther because he didn't think it right to or something."
"So you didn't get that far." May looked confused for a moment, before she finally nodded. Passively, Misty tilted her head, eyes narrowed. Blushing lightly, the brunette sunk so that the water reached her chin, and wrapped her thin arms around herself.
"Why are you angry?" she asked. Misty rubbed her eyes, scowling, and sighed.
"Because of the trouble you two could get into for such antics. Don't you know that?" Misty replied. May shook her head.
"We wouldn't get in trouble." She crawled out of the pool, shivering when the air hit her wet body, and twisted the water out of her hair. Misty frowned deeply.
"You could though! You could-" May spun around to glare at her; it was one of the first gestures of actual anger Misty had seen directed toward herself, and was unsettling in the least.
"I know what could happen, I'm not a dunce! Just because you consider it 'trouble' doesn't mean I do!" Misty was rocked back on her heels at the intensity of the anger that was in the younger girl. "You don't understand me at all!"
"Wait! May, don't!" The redhead scrambled to get out of the pool and followed the teenager that stormed back into the building. She slid to a stop when May put one of the cotton robes on, tying the belt as she walked. "You can't-"
"Shut up!" the hysterical girl snapped, tears shining in her eyes, "You...you don't know!" The few woman stripping in the locker room stared in mild curiosity, as May disappeared out of the side door to the front street. Misty sighed, her shoulders sagging, and went to find both her clothes and May's; there was no point in having two nearly naked teenagers running around town.
- - -
May ran on, half blinded, everything a misted over blur to her unfocused eyes. She felt the heat of rage running through her veins, and the pain of just yelling at someone that was supposed to be her friend quite fresh. She ignored the looks she was getting from people; some of them surprised, others offended, and even more of them scandalized.
"Woah there! What's the hurry?" The startled voice of a woman interrupted May's thoughts as she bounded into someone, bouncing back and falling to the pavement. Looking up, she peered meekly at the large woman, not bothering to cover up where her robe had fallen open. "Oh, you poor distressed little daisy!"
Swooping down on her with more grace then May thought a person of her size should be able to manage, the stranger carefully fixed the article of clothing and patted her on the shoulder. "Now, where are you off to? Why are you crying?"
"I'm looking for someone." May had to think a minute to find the correct word to use. "I'm looking for my mate."
The woman blinked, and she knew what had came out of her mouth had been wrong by most people's definitions. "My boyfriend," she corrected, blushing fiercely in embarrassment.
"Now that sounds just about right." Helping the trembling girl up, the stranger smiled soothingly. "Perhaps I can help you. What's he look like?"
May looked around warily, wondering whether it was wise to be describing Ash to a random person when it had been said they needed to keep a low profile. The woman's sincere face made the choice for her; quietly May spit out a quick description. "Hm...yes, that does sound familiar. A Pokemon Trainer, by chance?" At the confirming nod, she clapped. "Aha, yes...I believe I know where he went to, then. By the looks of that robe, you were only a few feet away from him to begin with. Come on, I'll walk you there."
Being led back toward the springs, May stayed in step beside the large woman, silently staring down at the ground. Even before they rounded the building to approach the door, May felt the stinging again; biting her lip and blinking, she held back the flow.
Beaming, the woman banged on the door with a big fist. The door cracked open, and a blue eye stared out. "Yes?" he asked.
"Is there a young man in there, about yeh high with black hair?" she questioned, and the eye disappeared. The two waited with held breath, until the eye returned.
"Yes, there is. Should I-" May quickly thanked the woman, and pulled the door open wider. She slipped in before either of them could react, and there were shouts of protests from the men that were in the room.
"May, you shouldn't be in here!" She slipped and fell backwards into the waiting arms of the boy that had been behind her. May felt the bubble that was the anxiety of the fight with her only human female friend rise back up at the sight of the subject, but she didn't have time to think on it as Ash put a hand against the back of her head and pull her over so that she was facing him, her face hidden against his shoulder. "What is going on with you?"
"I needed to see you." Ash gave the glaring audience an apologetic look as he bent to lift the shaking girl up, walking the short distance to the front of the spring. "I'm sorry, this is just making your life harder trying to get to Kanto."
"Forget it. What happened?" Ash asked gently, setting her down so she could sit on the stone ledge that ran around the spring. He crouched down in front of her, his hands on her knees. May looked toward the barrier, and broke down crying. She pointed with a shaking hand.
"I was talking to Misty in that spring and she was asking questions and..." Telling him exactly how the argument went, she watched as his eyes widened. "She's doesn't know! She doesn't understand at all!"
"About what?" It took a bit of effort not to want to strangle the redhead at that moment. Ash nearly overbalanced when May launched off of her perch on the ledge, and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Vanika and Silvanus. They are perfect with each other." She smiled when he finally dropped down to the ground, disentangling from her to get readjusted, and then let her climb back onto his lap to sit in the warm embrace. "'Together forever, bound as one in body and soul...' It's just that, I dunno, that's what I want to have with you."
"If it wasn't so cute, I'd say you're getting too mushy on me," Ash teased, getting a small giggle out of the young girl. "Don't-"
Just as he was about to continue, they both turned to look toward the doors into the locker room, where one of the older men stood leaning against the door jam. "I'm sorry, we are keeping you from using the spring-" May started.
"No, no, it is quite alright." he said, as he looked in and nodded, "Actually, take as long as you need. Just give a knock when you want out..."
"Give a-" Before either of them could continue, he stepped back and shut the door with a loud bang. Ash blinked, unsure of whether to go try to find him or to stay put. "That was really, really strange."
"I hope they aren't angry. We are taking up their time and all." Smiling then, Ash shook his head.
"No, it'll be fine. If they are so ready to lock us in, I don't think they are in a great hurry." Looking toward the steaming water, he frowned. "Anyway...don't worry about Misty and Brock. They both are just overprotective is all."
"Why?" she asked. Ash had to think over his answer, not quite sure of it himself, but came to one he was happy with giving to the baffled girl.
"They're probably worried I'm going to do something that'll get us all in trouble." he replied simply, getting a wide eyed look from May, "How long were you in the other spring?"
The answer reminded May strongly of Misty's words - "Because of the trouble you two could get into for such antics." - and it brought a frown to her pink lips. "Not that long. I didn't get to do much except sit for a minute, drench myself, and get yelled at," May admitted.
Ash's eyes narrowed, and his grip tightened around her waist. The thought that he was trying to snap her in half ran through her mind, before he relaxed once again. "Well, how about we just use this one then? Just the two of us."
May stayed quiet for a moment, digesting the suggestion, and smiled. "Uh-huh, okay, I'd like that." She more then happily let him guide her around the rock wall that separated the small ledge she had previously sat on and over to the 'stairs' that disappeared into the water's depths.
"I cannot believe you actually ran around in nothing but that," Ash said, trying to untie the thin piece of cloth that was the belt, helping her get the tight knot out. May laughed, quickly putting a hand down to stop him.
"Nothing wrong with that?" He shook his head.
"Nothing, there isn't..it usually isn't advised though, considering the types that can be walking about."
"...? Types?" May looked at him curiously. "What are types?"
"Well, eh...just, never mind them." Ash glanced away uncomfortably, before grinning again. "Now, stop squirming so I can try to fix this mess you've made of this belt-"
"Oh no, no," May said, her voice as innocently wicked as she could get it. She poked a finger into his bare chest. "You're first this time."
"Who would have known, you have a raunchy side to you!" Ash snickered, getting another one of the sweet smiles that was always a welcomed sight. With a few quick movements, all the remaining articles of clothing were removed and tossed out of the danger of getting wet. "Happy?"
With a quick nod, May shrugged out of her robe, letting the thing slither to the ground to lay in a heap, and leaped into the water, disregarding the stairs that were only inches from her. "It's like at home!" she said, responding to the curious look she was getting from Ash as he climbed in after her. "Except this is really, really, really warm."
"You used to do shallow dives in the lake?" Amazed, he pulled her back over so that they were together; arm around her to keep her in one place; at that moment, it seemed at if May was moving about more then staying put.
She snuggled in closer. "Sometimes. Usually only after it rained and it was deeper," May answered absentmindedly.
They fell silent, neither needing to say anything to fill the time; just relaxing in the soothing water was enough. Just as Ash actually started nodding off, his eyes heavily closed and chin down, May prodded him in the side. Reflexively jerking, he blinked sleepily, lips turned down in a frown. "What are we going to do now?" she asked.
"Wha?" Ash had to think a moment, before it became clear what she was talking about. "Oh, I dunno. Probably stay another night then move on to another town, since we both rather made a big act up just now."
"Closer to Kanto?" Chewing on his lip thoughtfully, Ash wondered if the look on her face could be any more heartbreaking then it already was.
"I don't know. We'll see how things go," he said vaguely, honestly not sure himself. They'd have to find out later.
