Be me, realizing she named N and Wally's mom the same name as Gary's sister and changing it.

If anyone cares, N and Wally's Mom is now named Alaina. All the chapters with her name has been edited.

o.0.o.0.o

The Adventure Saga;

The Art of Progression

o.0.o.0.o

Start Date: August 20th, X018

Current Date: August 25th, X018

o.0.o.0.o

May groaned, rolling over slightly. Her back hurt, she felt like she hadn't slept a wink, her sweat made her t-shirt stick to her skin, and was there something wet… in her ear…?

Cracking open her eyes, she slowly glanced to the right. First, she saw a long, pink thing that sort of… reminded her of taffy? As her gaze focused, she saw Treeko… with her tongue in her ear.

May let out an earsplitting shriek, elbowing Treeko away as she furiously rubbed her ear on her shoulder, trying to dry it on her T-shirt. Treeko, despite her tongue snapping back to her like elastic, seemed to be smirking at the expense of May's discomfort.

"Oh my holy Ho-oh…!" May exclaimed, grasping her sweaty T-shirt and using it to wipe out her ear. "Ew, ew, eeeeew…!"

"Hey, May, you all right?"

"No!" May snapped at Brendan as he peeked his head from the grass-woven hammock hanging from the ceiling. "No, I'm not all right! Your grass brat stuck her tongue in my ear and woke me up!"

Brendan blinked, completely unperturbed by how she was acting, then brought his glance to Treeko.

"… When I told you to wake her up, I didn't mean to do that."

"Wait," May scrambled up from the futon, glowering at Brendan. "You told her to do that?"

"No," Brendan hopped down from his hammock with swift dexterity. Striding past her, he reached over and smoothed down the sheets on the futon then pulling up the blanket. "I told her to wake you up. I didn't think she'd do… that. Irregardless, seems you're wide awake now, so I suppose it doesn't matter to much in the end, right?"

May felt differently.

"Brendan, she stuck her tongue in my ear."

"… I guess from your perspective, that's pretty gross…?"

"Oh, so you just go around licking peoples ears in this region." May rolled her eyes, index finger twisting in her ear for good measure. "Great. Fantastic."

"Hey, I'm sorry she did that." Brendan clapped her shoulder, smiling. "But you're wide awake now and definitely ready to go."

May narrowed her gaze, then brushed his hand off her shoulder. Ready is not the word she would use to describe her ability "to go".

"Just get out so I can change." May had to restrain herself from snapping at him.

"Change?" Brendan glanced down at her outfit. "Oh, yeah, pajamas. You know, I never really understood-"

"Brendan," May placed her hands on his shoulders, then turned him around, pushing him towards the entrance. "Get out. Now, please."

Shoving him through the grass curtain covering the entrance, May glanced back at Treeko. She let out a snicker, then hustled out after him.

May clenched her fists, resisting the urge to scream into the uncaring void.

"What a nasty, awful pokémon…!" May muttered, shuddering as she peeled off her sweaty pajamas and began to redress herself in her day clothes. "This stupid region and their stupid lack of inns… Because of that I had to sleep in a stupid tree…"

The night prior, Brendan seemed to have taken into account her need of sleeping under a roof or in a bed, or at least he tried to. He had led her to some large, hollowed out tree that he called "a Secret Base". It housed a futon, a wireless PC, a trunk of supplies, and oddly enough, about a dozen pokémon plushes stacked neatly across the room.

Brendan collects plushes when he's not researching, he had admitted bashfully. Hadn't she ever just dove into a pile of them? The conversation ended coldly when May said she hadn't, nor did she have the desire to.

Still didn't stop Brendan from plucking one up from the pile and putting it by the futon for her. What were they, seven? Who still sleeps with stuffed animals? Brendan did, apparently, because once he rationed that one to her, he gathered a huge Eevee, scrambled up to the hammock in the corner, and began to snore with Mudkip and Torchic splayed across him. He left Treeko down with her, but at some point in the night, May felt the grass-type use her face as a board to propel herself into the hammock with Brendon.

"Stupid pokémon," May muttered, using the screen of the PC as a mirror as her fingers slightly rubbed at the suction-cup mark that was left on her forehead. She really, really hoped that Brendan didn't intend on actually giving her Treeko. That pokémon was a menace that hated her, and the feeling was mutual.

Letting her bangs fall over the mark, May sighed again. Tying up her hair with her bandana, and went to gather her bag. Just one walk to Petalburg and then she could stay the night at Dad's, hopefully, then walk back home to her room, and her drawing supplies. She just had to focus on the goal in mind.

"You know, as I was saying, I really don't get the concept of 'pajamas'." Brendan said as she pushed aside the vines and leaves that made a makeshift door. On his head was Torchic, and on each shoulder was Treeko and Mudkip. "Like I just always sleep in my regular clothes, what's the point of changing? Oh, but if it gets to humid at night, I just stri-"

"Brendan," May interrupted him as she detangled herself from the vines. Practically pleading, she met his gaze. "I don't need to know that."

"Ah, no, no!" Brendan waved his hands in front of his flushing face. "I promise I was fully clothed in the hammock! No na-"

"Brendan." May interrupted him again. "Please."

"R-Right. Right!" Brendan suddenly smacked his hand against the tree. "So I kinda explained what a secret base is, but since you're new you might not know a lot. Uh, I'm planning on setting them up across the region, so just look for this symbol,"

Brendan's index finger fell under a small figure that looked like the start of an infinity symbol, but there was no loop on the right side.

"And you can rest in those bases, if you want."

"How kind of you."

The words came out dryly, as May had zero intention on going beyond Petalburg, let alone sleeping in another tree or something. Irregardless, Brendan smiled brightly.

"Man, it really does feel good to help out a friend." Brendan stretched his arms above his head, then reached for Treeko. "Here you go, May. Don't forget about Treeko."

"You can keep her, Brendan." May waved him off, walking away. "Which way to Petalburg again? When I was in that stupid moving truck-"

"Why don't you want Treeko?" Brendan cut her off, hugging the grass type to his chest as he quickly caught up to her. May glanced at him.

"Honestly?" May sighed, deciding it was best to just deliver the truth to him swift and true. "She's a brat that hates me. I'd rather get thrown out of the moving truck again."

"That's not true."

"No, it is. And I'll tell you what, I took a pretty hard fall from that-"

"Treeko doesn't hate you." Brendan insisted, frown on his lips but a determined glint in his eye. At that point, May found herself smirking slightly. Pushing her bangs off her forehead, she showed off the suction cup mark smack dab in the middle of it.

"Then pray tell, Brendan, why is that pokémon insisting on tormenting me?"

"That's just how she is. But she was inspired by your fight the other day-"

"Brendan, I don't want to be a trainer." May again drew her line in the sand. "If Treeko wants to fight, she'd be better off finding some kid who actually wants to battle. I'm not that girl. I'm not ever going to be that girl, and I only battled you because-"

May cut herself off with a yelp as Treeko's tongue suddenly latched to the tip of her nose. May blinked, then shrieked, stumbling back and swiping her tongue off.

"See?" Brendan laughed, letting Treeko crawl down his arm and scurry over to her. "She likes you!"

"Correction, she likes to torment me." May muttered, glaring at the grass type at her feet.

"Ah, well, tomato, tamato, right?" Brendan shrugged his shoulders. "Honestly, Treeko isn't normally this affectionate or mischievous. I think that's a good sign!"

May heaved out a sigh. Could optimism be nauseating? Between the heat, Treeko's tongue and pranks, and Brendans unyielding optimism and enthusiasm, May felt like she was going to be sick.

"Can we just…" she trailed off, sighing. "Get going to Petalburg, Brendan?"

Brendan met her gaze with a grin.

"Of course!" Brendan grabbed her hand, yanking her forward. "I'm liking this enthusiasm May!"

May couldn't suppress her glower as she tried to twist her hand free.

o.0.o.0.o

N was struggling to keep focus as he forced himself to drink down a cup of coffee. It was bitter and tasted awful and he hated it, but he could feel the exhaustion around his eyes from his lack of sleep.

As he brought his cup down, he squeezed his eyes shut, forcing himself to swallow. The yawn still escaped his mouth, muffled by his hand as N slowly blinked his eyes awake.

"Did your mothers snoring keep you awake, Nate?" in the small kitchen, N saw Dad flip and omelette over in the pan as he prepared breakfast. Teasing lined his voice alongside his easygoing smile.

"Tom!" Mom placed her teacup down with force, head snapping to the kitchen. "I do not snore!"

Dad met her gaze with a long, knowing stare until Mom relented. Lowering her gaze with reddening ears, she brought the cup to her lips.

"At least not that loud…" she muttered over the rim of the cup.

"Whatever you say, dear." Dad placed the omelette in front of her, pressing a small kiss to her head.

N shifted in his seat. He wasn't used to such blatant displays of affection, or even teasing. Try as he might to not do it, all he could do was compare his life now to his life with Ghetsis. He never realized how much of his time was just… waiting. Waiting to be scolded. Waiting to have done something wrong, waiting to hear something negative about the world.

Quietly, Vale set a carton of almond milk in front of him. He smiled gratefully as she took her seat beside him. While she picked at her eggs and fruit, N poured in the milk to the brim of his cup. Taking another swig of the coffee, N shuddered. The milk helped a little, but barely.

"Oh, shoot!"

N turned his head slightly as he heard something fall down the stairs. Upon Wally's small exclamation, Dad sprung up to assist, but only saw a couple pokéballs roll down the steps.

"I didn't fall!" Wally called down the stairs, scrambling down to ease Dad's worries. "I just dropped something, I'll get-"

"Pokéballs?" Dad asked, scooping up the items as Wally made it down the stairs. "Empty pokéballs? Wally, why do you have these?"

"Um," N lifted his head everyone's attention turning to him. "I-I gave them to h-him. He t-t-told me he wanted to catch a pokémon and I-I offered to help."

"You offered to help him catch a pokémon?" Dad echoed. N couldn't read his tone, so N lowered his gaze.

"D-Don't get mad at him." N mumbled. "I jut thought, you know, with him going to Verdanturf, that the best friend he could have is, um, a pokémon."

"I think it's a wonderful idea, Nate." Mom turned her gaze to Wally with a beaming smile and glittering eyes as he sat down. "Wally, what kind of pokémon are you thinking of catching?"

"Alaina, it may be best not to encourage this," Dad stood, concern spread across his face. "We don't want to aggravate his condition before the journey…"

"Yes, but we are sending him via medical van," Alaina waved off his concerns. "He's fifteen now, it's a prime time for him to catch a pokémon."

"If it's anything," Vale spoke up, resting her chin in her hand. "I can send Altaria with them in case anything happens. Plus, I doubt they'll wander to far off the beaten path for a pokémon, and N should probably get a Hoenn pokémon as well."

Tim crossed his arms, drumming his fingers against his bicep. Slowly, his gaze drifted to Mom and Wally's mirrored, hopeful, pleading gazes, then settled on him. N snapped his head down, fiddling with his hand under the table.

"S-She's right," N mumbled. "Due to our, uh, circumstances I c-can't use my old team…"

"If it's anything, Tim," Mom smiled softly, reaching across the table and placing one hand over N's, and the others over Wally's. "I think it's a great way for our boys to bond. You know, make up for lost time. Plus I also need to discuss something with you…"

N fidgeted slightly. Fa- Ghetsis typically said something similar as a hint to get him away, probably to discuss something dastardly.

"I suppose it's okay," Tim sighed. "Though I want Vale to give you her Altaria. I'll head upstairs and prepare a medical bag for Wally. Just in case."

Wally inhaled sharply, then broke into a massive grin that mirrored Mom's. N could only let out a sigh of relief as Wally immediately began to chatter excitedly while Mom was giving him gentle tips and warnings. Vale smiled softly as she stood, patting N on the shoulder as if to say 'good job'.

N, however, was still reeling at the fact this somehow worked.

Had he gotten so used to his ideas being shot down, being denied doing anything, that he just came to expect that it would happen with any parent figure? He supposed if they got what Wally wanted in the end, then it was okay…

"All right, Nate, so this is what I have for Wally and his condition…"

Dad came back down the stairs with a bag, gesturing for N to come closer. Methodically, he told N about irritants, what could flare up Wally's condition, how far he could go and when they needed to be back so Wally could get his medical van to go to Verdanterf.

N listened trying to memorize every detail and every piece of medical equipment. Dad gave him an inhaler, telling him to keep the spare on him at all times, in case something happened to Wally's. Soon the explanation went from how the equipment was used to a detailed explanation and history of Wally's illness. N was absorbing the information, and as he was, he glanced at Wally. His chattering had lessened to silence, staring at his plate while picking at his food. He looked uncomfortable.

"Dad," N lifted his head, speaking softly. "Do you suppose there's a book I can read on Wally's medical condition?"

"A book?" Dad echoed. "How are you going to read a book in the course of a few minutes?"

"I-I-I'm just not sure I need t-to know every detail of his illness for a s-simple outing." N reached out, picking up the inhaler. Swallowing his own anxiety, pushing the gasping noises Wally made out of his mind, he mustered a smile. "If he has an asthma attack, just give him this. A-And make sure he has a m-mask on so nothing can enter h-his airways. I can read up on the-the specific details of this illness later, and, um, you can tell me Wally's history. I-If that's okay with him."

"That's fine!" Wally was quick to give his answer as Vale came back with a single pokéball. He looked slightly relieved that this conversation was over, taking the item from her hands. "Can we get going now, Nate?"

"Oh, but Wally, you didn't finish your breakfast!"

"I'll be fine, Mom!" Wally shot back over his shoulder, swiping a mask hanging on the hook by the door before opening it to the outside.

N quickly gathered the bag Dad had packed, shooting them both a reassuring smile before following after Wally and shutting the door behind him. Wally was already gently petting the pokémon that gathered around the home. It nuzzled into his palm

"It's honestly really not you," Wally whispered softly. "Dad is just afraid your fur will aggravate my lungs. I don't think it will, though."

N smiled softly. It was a shame that their parents kept him from being around pokémon for so long. Wally had an inclination towards them because of his bloodline, irregardless of what path he took, he was always destined to be with pokémon.

How much had Mom and Dad told him? Wally seemed to feel… not indifferent, but natural to the idea that he understood pokémon. Of course, he grew up sheltered due to his illness, with a mother who had the same ability and a father who, while overprotective, seemed accepting of these abilities. And now, he had a brother who also can understand pokémon. Perhaps he just assumed everyone was like him?

But even still…

A part of N could understand them holding back information. Mom had said she had a sick, twisting feeling that the reason he was kidnapped was because of their bloodline and his gifts. She told him she knew that was it, that it was always for that reason that Ghetsis kidnapped him… and she was right. Perhaps she was fearful that Wally was going to end up with a similar fate if she told him to much?

"Nate," Wally stood, grasping Altaria's pokéball to his chest. "We'll use Altaria to battle and capture pokémon, right?"

"W-Well, that is one way to do it." N came down the steps, being careful to go slow so Wally could keep up with his strides. "But I want to show you how I, um, catch pokémon."

"You don't battle them, Nate?"

"To be honest," N met Wally's gaze with an awkward smile as they left the town. "I'm, um… Don't like the concept of battling pokémon to-to catch them."

"Then how would you do it?" Wally looked confused as N carefully stepped off the path. "In all the books I've read and show I've watched, people have always battled pokémon and then caught them."

"Give me a m-moment." N smiled at Wally, hoping to reassure him. "I'll show you."

Wally nodded, standing back as N continued to the middle of the clearing. N exhaled, feeling slightly more at ease in the forest. Though the memories were distant and fuzzy, this place felt right. Rolling through the grass with his pokémon, the humid air, the smell of tropical berries and flowers around ever corner…

It's so peaceful here…

This was home. His home, and he had wished he had indulged sooner.

Softly, N began to whistle, hands gently swaying. He didn't know if the pokémon would come like they did in Unova, but they seemed attracted to Moms singing, so maybe…

"Nate? What are you doing?" Wally spoke softly, interrupting his silence. Embarrassed and with a scarlet face, N lowered his arms to his side.

"I-I, um…" N trailed off, shoving his hands in his pockets. "… This is how I catch pokémon."

N kneeled down as some pokémon curiously poked their heads out. Wally followed suit.

"I-I wanted to teach you, Wally, how I catch pokémon." N spoke softly, so not to scare the pokémon. "To think and consider from their perspective. C-Can you imagine? Falling unconscious and suddenly waking up in a new place with someone telling you what to do and how to do it?"

N smiled as the pokémon gathered around them, staring curiously.

"Pokémon are your friends, Wally, even if you haven't met them yet." N lanced up, seeing some Beautifly fluttering overhead. One caught his gaze, pausing mid-flight. "So you should always treat them with kindness and respect. A part of that, in my mind… is asking them if they want to be a part of your family."

Extending his hand, the Beautifly came closer, landing on his palm. N smiled softly.

"Good morning, my friend. Do you mind if I ask you a question?"

o.0.o.0.o

"Hmm, this is a tad unusual for a human. Most admire me, but do not speak so familiarly."

"Well, in truth, I'm a 'tad unusual'." Nate smiled softly.

Wally watched closely as Nate conversed back and forth openly with the pokémon. Growing up as Wally did, the only company Wally really had was books and TV. It was how he got a window into the world that he couldn't explore due to his weak body and immune system.

He had always learned that you battled a pokémon to catch it. It was never really displayed, outside of fairy tales and fantasy books, that the pure-hearted asked a pokémon to be their ally.

Was Nate like a fairy tale prince?

Mom and Dad didn't really tell Wally a whole lot about Nate's life between when he was kidnapped and when he had returned. All his life, Wally knew he had a brother, but all he knew was some toddler boy in a blurry picture on the mantle and an infant book alongside his own on the bookshelf. According to Dad, Nate was energetic. Curious about anything and everything. Loved pokémon dearly. Extremely sensitive and easy to cry, but his heart was pure and he was kind to all beings that crossed his path.

Mom couldn't bear to talk about Nate, unless it was with the context that he would "be home soon". She always prayed he would return, but his disappearance gripped Mom like a noose and hung over all of them like the a shadow that they didn't know if they should acknowledge or ignore. Often they ignored the grim possibilities of Nate's fate, sometimes they spoke about him, but Mom and Dad never dared to forget.

And then… he came home.

"Oh-hoho! How strange indeed! Tell me, are you from that family I heard of? The one in the city nearby, where all are welcome and safe?"

"He's missing the green hair," another Beautifly piped up.

"Well, not really." Nate smiled slightly, lifting his hat off his head, revealing his green roots that faded to blond due to the dye. "I had to color it for a little bit, but the color will come back as my hair grows out."

Wally noticed, in his short time here, that his hair grew remarkably fast. Already, Nate was able to pull it into a small ponytail at the nape of his neck. Must be another trait that he inherited from Mom?

"So you are one of them! You can understand us?"

"Very well," Nate nodded. "I'm teaching my brother, Wally, how i feel is the best way to catch pokémon. I'm a little new to the region, but I'm eager to learn about your beautiful home. So would any of you be so kind as to become my pokémon?"

"Well, since you so politely asked…" the Beautifly on his palm giggled, fluttering her wings. "How could I say no to such a polite fellow?"

N smiled as he extended his hand to Wally.

"Could you spare me a pokéball, Wally?"

"Oh, of course!" Wally, grabbed at his pockets, finally snapping out of his entranced state to pass it to Nate. Nate took it, enlarging it in his palm, and holding it up to Beautifly."

"Ooooh, is that one of those Luxury Balls I've heard about?" Beautifly glanced at Wally.

"It is," Wally bashfully looked at the ground. "I really wanted my new friend to be comfortable."

"My brother is quite a thoughtful young man," Nate spoke, voice brimming with pride.

"And you are quite charming!" Beautifly giggled, then lightly tapped her head to the pokéball. "Farewell, you all! I'm going to see the world!"

"Hehehe! Look at this duo!" another Beautifly teased as N bowed his head, ears red at his new pokémon's compliment. "Blushing, bashful brothers! Oh, she's going to have a lot of fun with them, won't she?"

The pokémon all laughed, maybe slightly at their expense, but good natured. Wally watched as Beautifly turned into a red aura, then disappeared into the pokéball. The item shook only briefly before a glimmer of light indicated Beautifly was here to stay. N smiled slightly at the pokéball, then turned to Wally.

"A-And that is how I prefer to do it." Nate shrugged his shoulders. "Of course, if a pokémon is attacking you, you can battle them and defend yourself, but before you catch them and take them from their homes… I just feel it's best to ask if it's okay first."

"That was amazing." Wally complimented him, in slight awe. "I've never seen it done like that before. You didn't stutter once with the pokémon."

"I never really feel nervous with them," Nate smiled softly, looking over the pokémon with an affectionate gaze. "I don't believe pokémon are born with malicious."

"You're so kind. You almost reminded me of…" Wally trailed off, lowering his head bashfully. "Kinda like a fairytale prince, you know?"

All at once the atmosphere seemed to shift. Wally lifted his head as the pokémon seemed to step back, awkwardly scattering away. Nate's expression went from peaceful and happy, to downright mortified. With shaking hands, Nate crossed his arms and let out a shakey breath.

"W-Wally, could you-could you not c-compare me to that, p-please?"

"A prince…?" Wally asked. Softly, N lowered his head in a slight nod. "Of… Of course, Nate. Whatever you want."

"… Th-Thank you." Nate turned away, hands in his pockets, overlooking the tree line. "Let's go f-find you a friend, n-now…"

Wally lowered his gaze as N hurriedly began to walk away. It was never something he really thought about with all his time in and out of hospitals… But between tidbits of Nate as a child that he managed to scavenge from his parents, what would it be like once or if he came home?

Things had been somewhat peaceful, and Nate and Vale seemed happy, but sometimes… Nate was just odd. He woke up at strange hours, or maybe didn't sleep at all. He clung to his girlfriend, but more desperately than possessively. Little things seemed to upset him, like being compared to a prince just now.

Wally struggled to understand, struggled to adjust. Nate was nice and apparently quite intelligent, but…

Sighing, Wally stood. It was probably just a matter of adjustment. He hoped that him and Nate would get along as much as their parents wanted them to. It was only natural there was a small distance, right? Wally didn't know Nate like his parents did, he wasn't even born when Nate was kidnapped. They never crossed paths until this point, so of course things were gonna be awkward and stiff.

Nate, being way taller than him, was already way ahead of him. Wally didn't make an effort to keep up, if Nate wanted his space, Wally would give it to him. He didn't really want to feel this awkward tension anyways…

"Why…? Why am I…"

Wally paused, hearing a small, weak voice. Lifting his head, Wally watched as the bushes rustled. Instinctively, Wally grasped at Altaria's pokéball. There probably wasn't a reasonable threat on this route, but if something hurt a pokémon that badly…

Wally tensed, enlarging the pokéball in his grasp as the bushes rustled again. Before he could send Altaria out, a small, white pokémon with a green helmet stumbled out.

"Oh, a Ralts…" Wally let out a sigh of relief, walking towards the pokémon with a small smile. As he got closer, he noticed the small pokémon was gasping for air between breaths, with watery eyes under the green hood on his head. "Hey, little guy, are you okay?"

Ralts lifted his head, staring at first petrified of Wally. His gaze caught sight of the pokéball in Wally's hand, then it slowly morphed to a pitiful, sad look as his horn glowed a soft white.

"… Just leave. You already have a pokémon, you don't want one like me."

"Why wouldn't I?" Wally asked. Ralts paused, glancing over her shoulder. Wally swallowed. "Um, why wouldn't I want a pokémon like you?"

"You… understand me? Clearly?"

"I do." Wally smiled. "Kinda neat, isn't it? So what's troubling you?"

"… It's hard, being the smallest of the bunch." Ralts lowered his head. "Sometimes, I just feel like such a burden… I'm too small. I'm too weak… But whenever I try to get stronger, I just feel as if I end up causing more trouble."

"Ah…" Wally lowered his gaze. "… Thats a feeling I know all to well."

Wally lowered his gaze. In and out of hospitals, experimental treatments and tested treatments, trying to get clearances to drive or fly to hospitals for a medically stable environment… Long, long confining hospital stays, and that sad and sorrowful look in his parents eyes.

"You know, Ralts, I'm going to go on a journey soon," Wally kept his gaze forward. "I was going to go by myself."

"What of that man the you were with?" Ralts cocked his head.

"That's my brother." Wally lowered his voice to a whisper. "He was gone for a long time, so I'm going by myself while he… adjusts." Wally smiled at Ralts, despite the mask. "Though I'm going to improve my health. To get stronger. I came out here today to find a friend to take with me."

"A friend? What are you doing looking for humans out here?"

"Not a human, a pokémon. That's what my mother taught me, and my brother is driving it home by teaching me to catch pokémon like this." Wally chuckled under his breath. "He says all pokémon are our friends, even the ones we haven't met yet. He taught me to ask a pokémon if they wanted to come with me before I caught them."

"He sounds nice." Ralts crawled up to him, resting his arms and head on Wally's thigh. There was a lingering pause as Ralts seemed tempted to speak, but held back.

"… Is there something you want to say?" Wally tentatively asked. "If there, is, you should, you know."

"…I don't want to be a burden on my family. So sometimes I wish I could run away somewhere else and come back evolved and stronger." Ralts whispered softly. Wally felt his heart pang with sympathy, hearing his own thoughts spoken so plainly, so well-understood.

"Ralts," Wally placed a hand against his head. Tentatively, Ralts looked up. "How about you come with me, and we get stronger together? So that we can both be strong enough to not be so burdensome."

"Are you sure?" Ralts aired on the side of caution. "I'm weak and scrawny and won't last long in battle…"

"I'm the same way." Wally shrugged. "That's why we need to go and get stronger. Then when we come home, we can show my family how capable I am," Wally lifted Ralts under his arms, smiling. "And we'll show your family how strong you are, fully evolved."

Ralts stared at him, nearly tearing up, then nodded, smiling. Wally could feel his heart racing as he reached for a pokéball, grasping it in his palm and pressing the button to let it grow. Tapping it to Ralts's forehead, it opened with a pop. Ralts converted into a red aura, going into the pokéball. It snapped close, glittering sparks coming from the center, indicating that Ralts was caught.

Ralts was his pokémon. His first pokémon. He caught him all by himself after N's tutoring… it truly felt like he finally, finally accomplished something.

"Wally…" Nate suddenly emerged from the treeline. His lips were parted, pursed like he wanted to say something, but didn't. Wally stood, beaming ear to ear.

"Look, Nate." Wally held up the pokéball, showing him the Ralts through the black lid of the Luxery Ball. "I did it. I did it just like you taught me. I asked Ralts and he said yes."

"That's wonderful." Nate smiled. "Doesn't it feel wonderful, knowing you truly made a lifelong friend?"

"Yes…" Wally nodded. "Wait until we show Mom! She's going to be so happy…!"

"Speaking of Mom…" Nate trailed off, that same expression on his face. He shifted slightly, as if uncomfortable. "Wally, y-you know…"

"Hm?" Wally lifted his head. Nate fell silent.

"Oh, it-it's nothing." Nate shook his head. Gently, he smiled. "Let's head home. You're right about Mom… she's going to be thrilled."

o.0.o.0.o

Brendan had decided to guide May on their trip to Petalburg. Along the way, they fought the same trainers who were chasing her down after, according to her, "Cyndaquil knocked their bugs aside". While Brendan was met with excited eyes and gleeful enthusiasm, May was met with stern coldness. Well, as stern as little kids could be.

They still battled with gusto, of which May now lacked. A part of it bothered Brendan, because he knew he got to see the full extent of her abilities in their last battle. Sharp commands, that striking look in her eye as she took in every aspect of the battlefield… Instead, Brendan and their opponents were met with lazy commands and a blank, bored expression.

It was strange, but also made him curious. Was it because May saw him as a challenge? Did she need that extra challenge to truly show interest in the battle?

"Are we almost there?" May whined. Brendan glanced back, and saw her bracing herself against a tree, swiping an arm against her sweaty forehead. "I'm exhausted and thirsty."

"We should be close," Brendan glanced around, sniffing at the air. Faintly, the scent of humanity was becoming denser. "Yeah, definitely close. Do you wanna take a break?"

May practically collapsed where she stood, laying flat on her back with her arm over her eyes.

"How much longer?" May begged between pants. "My legs are killing me…"

"Oh, maybe another half hour of walking?" Brendan shrugged, sitting next to her and digging through his bag. Finally coming up with a water bottle, he passed it to her. May propped herself on her elbows with excited anticipation, snatching the water bottle and taking a swig.

She gagged, sputtering.

"Oh great Lugia…" May shuddered, shoving the water back to him. "Brendan, it's boiling hot."

"Boiling?" Brendan took a swig from the bottle. It was rather warm, but not quit 'boiling'. To the unexpected, it was probably really uncomfortable. "Huh… Yeah it is a little warm, isn't it?"

"I can't believe even water is…" May trailed off, muttering under her breath. She groaned slightly. "Brendan, do you think boiling water is refreshing?"

"Nope, not at all." Brendan shrugged. "I normally drink from ponds or streams, but you gotta be careful. Lotta water masses around here are saltwater and-"

"Brendan." May sat up, staring at him with a horrified look on her face. "Brendan, you can't just drink from a random puddle."

"I mean, maybe not where you're from, but a lot of water around here is actually pretty clean. I mean, as long as it's not from a salt water source."

Brendan smiled, but May just kept staring at him with that same baffled, mortified expression. Brendan blinked, then smiled, raising one arm in a flex.

"I'm strong as a Tauros, May! I'll be fine!"

"… Whatever you say." May flopped back down. "If you wanna get sick, that's not my problem, you know."

Brendan shook his head with a grin. May sure had a weird way of showing concern.

"You now, Mudkip can produce fresh water with his water gun." Brendan grasped at Mudkip's pokéball, summoning the water type. "I'll have him refill the bottle so it's not so warm."

May didn't really respond outside of a pointed stare, so Brendan nodded for Mudkip to proceed. Once the bottle was full, he offered it back to her, but all she did was stare at it.

"Is it safe?"

"Of course it's safe." Brendan laughed, petting Mudkip on the head. "He's not a poison type."

May took the bottle hesitantly, staring into it with a scrutinizing stare. Finally, she shrugged, and lifted it to her lips.

"If I get sick, it's on you." she warned. Brendan grinned.

"That's okay, May."

She snorted, taking a swig.

"Sooo…" Brendan trailed off, waiting for her response. May glanced at him.

"It's good." May admitted, nodding as she passed it back to him. "Thank you. Still doesn't fix my aching legs, though."

"If you can't make it, I can piggy-back you."

"After that wild vine ride when we first met?" May shuddered, crossing her arms behind her head as she laid back down. "No thanks. I'd rather not be motion sick or stuck in a tree."

"Well, if you ever need help, just let me know." Brendan shrugged. "We'll get moving whenever you're ready."

"Hmph."

Brendan brought his gaze forward, smiling to himself as he continued to pet Mudkip. Faintly, he swore he heard a soft whistling, and as he lifted his head.

"Ah, May!" he reached over, yanking her up and throwing an arm around her shoulders.

"Brendan, hey-!"

"Look!" he whispered excitedly, pointing upwards with his other hand. "Up there! Check 'em out, May!"

May quieted down, staring past his finger. Overhead, a flock of Beautifly floated gently on the breeze. Swiftly, they seemed to arch away and flew deeper into the forest, the sunlight seemingly highlighting the fantastic colors of their wings. Eventually, the pokémon disappeared into the thick forest, seemingly following that odd, soft whistling that Brendan had heard earlier.

"Huh…"

It was a mumbled reaction, but as Brendan glanced back at May, he saw a small smile on her face… and that same look in her eyes. The analytical one that she had in their battle, that seemed to be taking in every movement, every moment. It was different from when she was in battle, but still…

"Aren't you glad you came out here to see this?" Brendan asked.

"… Not particularly, no," May shook her head, the moment shattered. Shrugging off his arm, she stood. "Let's go, Brendan. The grass is itching my legs."

Brendan furrowed his brow, confused at her sudden change. She was just sprawled across the grass comfortably, wasn't she…?

"Are you sure?" Brendan stood beside her. "I bet if we follow them, we might see something even more spectacular…"

"No thanks." May shook her head. "I just want to get to Petalburg and talk to my Dad as soon as possible."

Brendan opened his mouth, considering pointing out that not once had she seemed excited about seeing her Dad, plus she seemed to be dragging her feet…

But he quieted down as May strode forward, not particularly waiting for him to lead her.

Mudkip pawed at his leg, purring slightly as he cocked his head in confusion. Brendan shrugged his shoulders, stooping down to scoop the water-type up.

"I don't really get her either." Brendan murmured slightly. "But…"

He wanted to see that look in her eyes again… the look of invested awe instead of the cold look that she had adopted, allowing everything in life to pass her by in a flash.

o.0.o.0.o

Be me, tired af, updating at night because that's the only time i have to work on this.

I'm going to try to update a little more this month. Hopefully with the next chapter officially pushing May and Wally into journeying, I can crank some chapters out.

With that, I'm going to sleep. Night y'all!