A/N:
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Chapter 41
Seeing Brendan lie on her couch, his feet hanging over the armrest and pillows stuffed under his head, May froze. The man was snoring away like a Snorlax, she knew he'd probably be out for a while.
Heading for the cupboard, May pulled out a blanket before placing it over his sleeping body, knowing it wouldn't offer him much comfort on the sofa. She honestly hadn't expected him to last much longer after she'd left him alone, but to be out cold by the time she'd returned? He'd always hidden his protective nature of his brother, but May had never suspected it to be this bad. If she'd reacted like this any time Max was in trouble, she'd never leave the house, and she'd probably have barricaded him in with her too.
At least Orlando was still in Hoenn, and, if needed, they could find him easily enough between them both. She didn't think he could survive if his brother was studying to become a ranger like Max, all the way in Almia.
Cresselia help her, she missed her brother, especially at times like this. She didn't know how he was doing, if he was eating well or if he needed her help.
Turning her eye to her pokémon, May frowned, 'right, while Brendan's out cold, I think it's time we upped our training regime; especially if Maxie and Archie will both have mega stones. We don't have anything like it, so it'll give them an unfair advantage that we don't want. Come on, team, let's go.'
She could hear Kenny making himself food in the kitchen and didn't pause to greet him. After all, he knew how impulsive she could be, and May still hadn't forgiven herself for any injury her pokémon had experienced because of her own ineptitude.
Seeing her pokémon grumble obviously, May chided them, 'remember that Steven Stone has us running errands for him across Hoenn. If he cannot trust us with the task, then we aren't just letting ourselves or him down, but Hoenn. Do you want to disappoint our family or friends? What would dad say if he heard that we let the champion down? Even Slaking would be disappointed in us all.'
At her words, their expressions changed from begrudging to determined, and May couldn't help but grin at them. She knew her pokémon meant well, and it always brought a smile to her face, especially when they were looking as keen to help not just her, but Hoenn.
'Come on, let's do this together,' May grinned at them before shepherding them out of the house, making sure they were all out of the door before shutting it tight, hoping not to wake Brendan.
'Are we ready, guys?' May grinned at them, dancing before them slightly to gain their attention.
Hearing her pokémon growl in response, May grinned as she began a slow jog down the road of Petalburg, calling out, 'come on! The slowpoke gets to clean dishes for a week!'
Knowing she'd never do anything at all like that to her pokémon, May was still surprised when they all cried their names out and rush on ahead, trying desperately not to be the last one.
Smiling, May considered her options to train her pokémon, knowing she'd need to improve their endurance, strength and defence.
It was tempting to reach out to Ash or Brock for assistance, especially since they'd give her invaluable pointers that she could use, but she wanted to do this alone.