The days after the little 'game' between Dawn and I are spent following the same routine every day. During the mornings we would go to a nearby park and have Annette train her moves on one of Dawn's Pokémon. She seems to be slowly getting better with them and we've begun simulating battle scenarios where the opponent doesn't stand still, but Dawn's Pokémon still manage to take her hits and remain unfazed. Not sure if that means she's still weak or they are powerful. Or both.

The afternoons are spent organizing an itinerary for the gym challenge while we wait for news from Mr. Black or Dawn's superiors. The plan for now is to start with Burgh's gym since we're already located in Castelia, then move to the south-western peninsula and face the two gyms there.

"So it's already confirmed Cheren's gym will open in Aspertia?"

"Yes. Lenora has confirmed her retirement from the Unovan League. Her gym will stay open for a little while longer, but after that the Nacrene Gym will shut down. Usually, when a gym is relocated, it takes about a week for it to open, but as you can imagine the work necessary to build the new structure starts long before that."

And depending on how long it will take to prepare Annette, catch a new member for the team, beat Burgh, get to Virbank, train my team more and beat Roxie, we will probably have run out of time to challenge Lenora.

The plan after beating Cheren is to return to Castelia, challenge Elesa in Nimbasa and then follow the trail that goes from Driftveil to Mistralton to Opelucid to Humilau.

"It always bugged me how much of a straight line these gyms made. I remember those in other regions being more branched."

"You'll have to ask the committee about that. All I know is that this is how the Unovan gyms are scattered."

Fair enough.

During the evening, we order some take-away and eat in one of our rooms. We both have to leave our Pokémon in our respective rooms, but Annette doesn't seem to mind too much and Dawn's don't seem to mind my presence.

Except for E. If his glares are anything to go by, he still hasn't forgiven me for getting his gender wrong.

Anyway, one evening I'm with Dawn, expecting things to go as normal. Her Pokémon are eating (or whatever you call the mouthless Drif making food pass through its purple body and letting it disintegrate into tinier and tinier pieces), while the two of us sit across one another.

We have the usual exchange that precedes our small talks, that of her telling Mr. Black she still doesn't know whether she'll prolong her stay in Unova. Which is the truth so long as there isn't any news regarding Kyurem.

However, tonight it goes differently.

"I've told him that yes, I'm going to prolong my stay in Unova."

"Wh-what?" I ask, taken aback. What did she do that for? "Did Team Plasma manage to snatch Kyurem? How did they get past surveillance?"

Her answer is shaking her head. "They didn't. Kyurem is still free. Which is what worries me."

That Kyurem is still inside the Giant Chasm...worries her?

"Think about it," Dawn continues. "An operation like the one you described takes time to set up. And despite the fact the opening of the Aspertia Gym is approaching, they have yet to make a move on the key part of it. Taming a regular dragon takes time. Taming a legendary one must be even more so."

I furrow my brow. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying," she replies, furrowing her own brow. "That Team Plasma must have learned we are keeping an eye on Kyurem and decided not to make their move just yet."

My eyes widen at that statement. "You mean they may have a mole in the International Police?"

"A mole or they simply were already keeping an eye on the Giant Chasm and they noticed the International Police moving in. Either way, they know. And if they know, their next move will be unpredictable. Ghetsis' profile didn't suggest he was one to give up so easily."

He isn't. But short of finding N and/or the Black and White protagonist, slitting their throats and capturing Reshiram and/or Zekrom, I can't think of what else he could try.

Actually, that's not even out of his repertoire.

I must be making some face that gives away my thoughts, as the next thing Dawn says is. "You came to that same conclusion, didn't you?"

"That N and the other trainer are in danger? Yes."

The bluenette gives a solemn nod. "N has disappeared since the attack on the Pokémon League. No one knows where he is. As for Hilbert - that's the one, if you were wondering - all I know is that he left Unova last year. His whereabouts after that need to be confirmed. And following the trail he left behind will take time."

I let down a gulp. "How do you want to proceed with this?"

"First, I will contact my superiors. I don't know how much they'll do about it, since all I have is a gut feeling, but I hope they'll at least acknowledge the risk."

So do I. There's no way we can find either of those two on our own.

"And what about Mr. Black? Will accepting to look after his son get you in trouble?"

The angles of Dawn's mouth turn up into a smirk. "Well, considering it was either this or running the risk of Mr. Black becoming suspicious of me, I'm sure they'll understand."

I stare at her wide-eyed. "Really?"

"Of course not. But we'll get more done out there if we get your Gym challenge started, don't you think?"

"I meant, did you really just pull that card?" I smirk as well. "I'm impressed."

The bluenette shrugs. "I guess you're rubbing off on me a little."

"Anyway," she continues after dropping the smirk. "Mr. Black said his son will come to us tomorrow in the late morning. And he's going to be accompanied by…"

Her gaze suddenly lowers as words die in her mouth and her lips purse. Who else is coming?

"By May."

Oh...shit.

I have to let a moment pass to let the new information settle in before I can speak again. "How do you feel about...you know?"

"It's going to be...awkward," she sighs. "I haven't spoken to her in three years at this point. Besides the fact a business meeting with you is not an ideal moment for a reunion, I have no idea what she's been up to during these years. How do I even start a conversation?"

"That is precisely a good point to start with," I point out, causing her to quirk an eyebrow. "You don't know what she's been up to, but neither does she know about what you have been up to. Getting caught up on each other seems like a good place to start."

Dawn looks unconvinced by my words.

"Come on, give it a try," I insist.

"I don't know." Her eyes turn downward again. "She's here for business. She probably has more important things to think about than an acquaintance from years earlier and-"

Oh no, you don't!

"You," I cut her off, talking more forcefully this time and causing her to wince. "Try. If she's as busy as you claim, this will be your best chance. And I'd rather you do this of your own volition rather than force me to pull your hair to do it."

When I said that, I was not ready for the cacophony of sounds making for her Pokémon's protests.

"Bliiiiiiiim!"

"Glaceon!"

"Rowl woof harf!"

"Ro roto tom!"

"Po! Po leon po!"

"To!"

Oh my God, someone shut them all up!

My prayers are thankfully answered when Dawn claps her hands. "Settle down, everyone. You don't have to get so worked up."

Pip, Roh and Drif immediately turn back to their food. Tog takes a moment to nod at Dawn. And E and Rio wait a little longer to give me one last glare. After that, Dawn turns back to me. "Sorry about that," she giggles. "They can get rather protective of me."

You don't say.

"Anyway," her face returns serious. "Alright. I promise I will try. Just try, though."

I can only nod to that. "That's fair."

The rest of the evening goes by with the two of us just making small talk, thankfully not bringing up more heavy stuff.

The following morning, Dawn and I are down by the reception, waiting for Nate and May to show up. I just lean on a wall patiently. Dawn however, is much more nervous about this, as proven by her tapping a foot, keeping her arms folded and the way her fedora is covering her face right now.

I hope Mr. Black at least mentioned her to the other two. That should make this easier for all parties involved.

My attention is soon drawn away, when two people enter the Pokémon Center and come to the reception. One woman and one boy probably in his late teens. And thanks to the boy's red visor that barely keeps his messy hair at bay, grey pants, blue sweatshirt - the last two both short-sleeved - and the large bag strapped to his shoulder, I'm able to recognize him: Nate. Meaning that the woman must be May.

And boy, she's hard to recognize at first glance with the do-over she's made of her looks. Her two side-tails, or whatever her haircut is called, is gone, replaced by free-flowing brown hair that is held back by a headband that replaces her old bandana. She has kept her red shirt from the games, but her shorts have been replaced by black trousers and the whole thing is partially covered by her white coat.

But with the sleeves rolled up, it doesn't hide her arms. Specifically how muscular her arms have become. Instead of the two noodles she was always drawn with, she has two trunks that could put bodybuilders to shame. My God, did she spend the last decade working out?

"Excuse me, sir," Nate, who has approached me and is now close enough for me to notice the weird pupils he shares with his mother, breaks me out of my stupor. "We are looking for a Mister Eugenio Beccaria. Are you him?"

Okay, time to get down to business.

"Yes, that's me," I reply. "And you, boy, must be Nate Black, my liaison with your father?"

The boy closes his eyes and rubs the back of his head - or as best as he can with that mane of his - and lets out a nervous chuckle. "Yes, that's me. It's nice to make your acquaintance."

"It's a pleasure for me as well," May chimes in, her hand stretched out to me and mouth set in a smile. "I'm Professor May Birch. I was looking forward to meeting you, Mister Beccaria."

I shake her hand and have a moment of shock by just how frigging strong her grip is. "Glad to meet you, Professor Birch," I tell her. God, it's going to take a while for me to say that without thinking of her dad.

"So," May then says. "There were a couple of things we need to discuss," she gives a glance to Nate, who just nods to her. "Both of us. How about-?"

"Just a moment, Professor," I cut her off, "First, there is something else."

While May quirks an eyebrow, I turn my head to where Dawn is and try to draw the bluenette out with an 'ahem'. It doesn't work right away, as Dawn initially seems intent on staying by herself. But after I make a second attempt, Dawn seems to find her nerve as she takes a deep breath, turns to May and removes her hat.

May's mouth instantly falls agape at the sight of her, while Nate looks confusedly between the two women "Dawn?!"

The bluenette tries to muster a smile and wave at her. "Hi May. Long time no see."

It takes just a blink of an eye for the Hoennian woman to close the distance. She is shorter than Dawn - not by much, but enough for it to be noticeable. And yet, as her arms wrap around her friend, she is able to lift her easily.

"It's really you! I can't believe it!"

"May," Dawn wheezes out. "Can't...breathe."

"Uh…" a confused Nate utters, drawing my attention to him. "What's going on here?"

"Let's call it a reunion of old friends, kid," I tell him. I then gesture for the bar, purposefully ignoring the pleading look Dawn is giving me. "While they are at it, why don't we take the chance to talk about what you have to say to me?"

"Oh, sure," the boy instantly replies.

As we walk to the bar, however, I think I can feel Dawn's eyes drilling holes in the back of my head.

"So, boy," I tell Nate after we've sat down. "I suppose you've been informed of the fact I'm a Faller, right?"

The kid nods readily. "Of course, Mister Beccaria."

I fold my hands in front of my face. "Then you'll understand I'm new to the whole 'Pokémon training' business." At least, all these new details the games never touched upon. "What does a liaison actually do? And how common are they?"

Nate answers with a smile. "Well, I don't know about how common they are, but their job is usually to serve as messengers between sponsor and liaison. And to provide assistance in case the trainer has questions regarding the sponsor's requests."

Meaning this kid's job will be to make sure I don't accidentally catch an evolving Pokémon. Oh, how I love the idea of having a guard making sure I don't step out of line.

"And is there a reason your father appointed you to this job?" I ask, causing Nate's smile to falter. "No offense, but when I was your age, having fun with my friends was more interesting than following some random guy for who knows how long, all because my dad said so."

I already know the answer, of course. But I want him to be the one that drops the bullshit and comes clean.

Nate passes a hand over his mane before answering. "To be honest, I was the one who asked for this. I'm almost of age to do the Gym challenge, but my dad didn't feel safe letting me do it."

I quirk an eyebrow. "So you heard he was sponsoring a trainer and volunteered to act as liaison in hopes of doing it?"

He looks at me sheepishly. "Well, dad agreed to it."

But did he clarify he only did because a member of the International Police would watch after him, I wonder?

"I...hope it's not a problem."

I shrug. "If your dad isn't worried about this getting in the way of drawing attention to non-evolving Pokémon, it's no problem. Unless, of course, you're telling me you're under the same restrictions?"

Doubtful, but you never know.

"Not at all. As a matter of fact, only you and Miss Taylor are being officially sponsored by Nature Today. That should avoid any and all misunderstandings. I'm…" he hesitates. "Well, I'm just being given an allowance until I find a sponsor of my own."

There's a nepotism joke to be made here somewhere. Unfortunately, my attention is drawn to something else.

"Who is this 'Miss Taylor'?"

Nate clasps his hands over his mouth. "I'm sorry! Professor Birch was supposed to tell you about her!"

I frown. "Why? What is there to say? Who is she?"

"I...don't know all the details," he replies. "All I know is that she's from Galar and that she's being sponsored by Nature Today for the same reports as you."

Huh...so there were more than one slot open? But why just two? And why did the Blacks make it sound like there was only one? And what does this gal being from Galar matter?

"Mister Beccaria?"

"Nothing," I tell the boy. No sense asking him if he doesn't know the details. "So, you want to take on the Gym challenge. Do you already have a Pokémon?"

His weird eyes beam at my question. "I do." He pulls out a Poké Ball from his bag, points it at the floor between our feet and activates it. "Go, Ruffles!"

The white beam that comes out of it condenses into a small blue bird with an additional plume of ruffled white feathers covering its neck and head, save for the crown-shaped opening it leaves to its face. There's an additional larger feather on its forehead that stands out thanks to its red color, while the bird stands on two talons that are oversized compared to everything else.

"Ruf," the Pokémon squawks out as it stares cluelessly into my eyes.

I...don't remember what Pokémon this is. I remember Unova introduced Braviary, a Pokémon based on the bald eagle, and that it looked similar to this...hatchling. Is it its pre-evolution?

"What Pokémon is this?" I ask Nate, all while not breaking eye-contact with his bird.

"It's a Rufflet," Nate eagerly states. "They're a species of flying Pokémon. They're born combatants, so much so they are said to challenge their fathers to earn their respect shortly after hatching. And when they live in the wilds, they also pick fights with every strong Pokémon they find, even those out of their league, and…"

I stop paying attention after that point. I just keep my eye on the Pokémon as his trainer's gibberish goes on.

It's called Rufflet. It has a bunch of ruffled feathers. And Nate nicknamed it 'Ruffles'.

Don't laugh, don't laugh, don't laugh…

Despite my best efforts, a snort manages to escape me.

"Ru! Flet!"

Which is all it takes for the bird to frown, spread its wings, take off and start pecking my head.

"You know, the number of times you've gone to the infirmary due to Pokémon-related injuries is starting to become concerning," Dawn comments after the nurse is finished bandaging my head. As I learned first hand, Rufflets are runts, but their beaks pack quite a punch.

"Believe me," I snort from the bed I'm currently sitting on. "I don't do it for fun."

May looks confusedly between the two of us while we have that exchange, while Nate stands by the sidelines, red as a tomato.

"I take it this has happened before?" the young Pokémon professor asks.

"Yeah," I groan. "Annette - the Maractus with me - has a habit of hugging me. Which comes with several spiky problems since she's a cactus."

"Plus," Dawn interjects, drawing her friend's attention before she can comment. "When I introduced him to E, he broke the number one rule with him."

"Yikes," May remarks. "What did he bite this time?"

"His index finger."

May shrugs. "Eh, better than an ankle."

"True," Dawn replies before letting out a giggle that is soon joined by her old friend. I can only look at the two confusedly while I wonder what that's about. And at the side of my vision, I see Nate doing the same.

"Anyway," May intervenes once she's done laughing. "Apologies for the wait, Mister Beccaria. And for," her eyes momentarily focus on my head. "You know."

Yeah, yeah. "Let's just move on," I groan.

"Alrighty. So," she pulls out a red and black...phone, I think and a green watch "A Pokédex and a C-Gear. Congratulations!"

Wait, what? "These are...for me?"

"Of course," May replies as she hands the phone over to me. "The Pokédex is going to be your best friend for catching Pokémon. It provides various information on Pokémon, including their evolutions and where they can be found in the region you're in at the moment. Just remember to switch the settings if you travel somewhere else!"

Guess I'll keep that in mind.

"It currently has two modes: national and regional. The latter is undergoing constant updates while Professor Juniper and her assistants locate new Pokémon species that have settled in Unova, but it should still be helpful!"

Definitely more helpful than the guesswork the national mode would require to find out which Pokémon can be found in Unova.

"Any questions?" I shake my head. I've spent years figuring how to navigate through new Pokédexes with each new game. I can do the same with a live one.

"Perfect! Now, your C-Gear," she adds before wrapping the green watch around my left wrist. It is only then that I notice the display with no numbers and the words 'Nature' and 'Today' written above and below it respectively.

"A gift from my sponsor?" I ask.

"Yes!" Nate intervenes excitedly. "The C-Gear is the latest innovation in the field of communications. It can be used to contact any know number in the world, find the nearest shop that provides services you may require and-"

"I get it, boy," I cut him off. If his Rufflet is any indication, he'll go on for a while otherwise.

Although maybe I was a bit too brusque, if the fact his next words are more hesitant is any indication. "Ah, yes, sure. There's also," he rummages through his bag and pulls out a green backpack that he hands over to me, "there's also this."

The backpack is not small, but I've seen bigger. Of course, those were for camping trips. But even then, this one seems like it can carry lots of items. Not a fan of the 'Nature Today' writing on both sides, though. Nor of the green hoodies with the same writing on its back I find inside of it when I open it.

"I hope they're to your liking."

Pass the watch, pass the backpack, but heck no to the hoodie. I'm not interested in looking like a hippie.

"So, that's it," May interjects. "If there are any questions you may have for me, ask away."

I look at her but give a small nod toward the boy. "Nate here mentioned you and Nature Today are also sponsoring a 'Miss Taylor'." I furrow my brow. "Who is she? And why did Mr. Black make it sound like he had only one spot for this sponsorship then?"

Realization comes to May's face. "Ah, that. Not to worry, she's also being sponsored by Nature Today, but her contract is a little different from yours."

Different? "Different how?"

"Do you remember what my and Professor Kouki's research is about?"

I nod. "Mainly regional variants, but also how it relates to non-evolving Pokémon."

"Correct," May responds. "And our collaboration with Nature Today required sponsoring two trainers: one for non-evolving Pokémon and one for regional variants."

Wait, what?

"Miss Samantha Taylor is the latter. She's using a team of only regional variants native to her home region Galar."

Huh...I can't say I'm thrilled to know that Mr. Black didn't tell me any of this. Or that I probably got the short end of the stick

"Is there a reason Mr. Black didn't mention her before?" Dawn asks before I can, one eyebrow arched.

May shrugs in response. "He said he wanted to avoid either of them feeling favored over the other. Personally, I thought it was best to be honest."

I let out a snort. "Appreciated," I tell her.

The brunette gives me a sympathetic smile. "Don't take it personally. He had good intentions, I promise."

Yeah, sure.

We talk about a few more things with May, mostly details about my sponsorship, most of it stuff I'd already discussed with Mr. Black. And thankfully, none of it holds any more surprises or stuff he glossed over.

We also discuss the plan Dawn and I came up with for the Gym challenge. May simply nods as she hears it. Nate is less quiet.

"But if Nacrene's Gym is going to close off, wouldn't it make sense to just start from it?"

I shake my head. "Since its replacement will open on the Virbank peninsula, where there's already another Gym, it will make for an easier itinerary for us. Going to Nacrene is a pointless detour with this option."

"But doesn't the idea of exploring Unova entice you?" Nate insists. "Seeing new places, meeting new Pokémon? That detour would let you see more of it."

Ah, teens and the Pokémon world. A combination that is not for me.

"Sorry boy, it doesn't," I tell him, causing his face to fall. "But don't worry," I hastily add. "We'll still be able to see plenty of Unova anyway. I only ask you to be patient."

His smile returns somewhat and he nods to my words.

After that, it isn't long before we wrap things up with May. Although before she leaves she has one last thing to say.

"Well, I hope to hear from the three of you soon. Take care of one another." She briefly glances at Dawn and me. "Especially you two," she adds with a wink before leaving.

I look confusedly at Dawn, who returns that look. "What was that about?"

She shrugs. "No idea."

She then turns to Nate and smiles at him. "In any case, I believe you and I haven't properly introduced each other. My name is Dawn Hikari and I'm-"

"Dawn Hikari?!" Nate interrupts her. "The Dawn Hikari?! The former Sinnoh Champion?!"

":..yes?" the bluenette hesitantly replies.

Nate's eyes instantly light up. "I've heard all about you, Miss Hikari! I'm a huge fan of yours!"

Oh, no...

And that's a wrap. Hope you enjoyed this version of May and are looking forward to the newest addition to our cast of main characters.

Thank you to Softandhappy and Geolight164 for betareading. You can find us at the Fanfiction Treehouse discord server at: 9XG3U7a

See you next time!