Hey. It's been a minute lol. Summer means no school, even though my family and friends and I still have jobs. However, with no school, comes no homework. Thus, we all hang out during our excessive free time, which is why my updating has slowed down. I'm trying to enjoy my summer before the government shuts us all down again. And life is too short for me to be glued to my laptop, though I do miss only focusing on my stories. Again, bear with me because I will give you some attention during the two days I don't work next week! Enjoy this long chapter!~

Chapter 31

"How did she find him?" May asks the Enbars. She and Drew just arrived in Cianwood less than an hour ago after flying from Goldenrod City to the island. The two are still in their wedding attire, and Dawn said she would ship their stuff to them. Right now, Kai's whereabouts are of the utmost importance to the Hoenn pair.

"I don't know, but I don't like her!" Exclaims the furious young girl as she tries to fight back her tears. She's already cried enough since Kai left last night. Currently, she wants to remain strong so that she can help find Kai.

Although Pam and George wanted to keep Shay out of the discussion, the girl insisted that Kai is her closest friend. Therefore, she wants to be here regardless of her age. Fortunately for her, Drew mentioned how Shay has always been a part of their team, so she should be allowed in the meeting about the wellbeing of her best friend.

"Where's Munchlax?" May has noticed her loyal Pokemon isn't around, especially since she left him with Kai.

"I couldn't find his pokeball anywhere." Shay tells her. "I think Kai took him."

"That's a relief." Pam lets out a breath. She was worried Kai was all alone. While one pokemon may not be enough help for Kai, Munchlax will at least keep him company and protect him as much as possible.

Nodding, May agrees. "I'm glad." She does wish she could trace Munchlax's whereabouts though.

"Did you get her name?" Drew asks the couple.

"Shelly Izumi." George spats out. He's still very upset that the woman threatened Kai to leave with her.

Drew turns his attention to May. "Do you know her?" May is the only one here who actually knew Kai's father, so maybe she knows his mother too? However, spotting the furious gaze on the brunette's face makes Drew worried. "May?"

Flashback

"May?"

The brunette in question turns her head at the voice. This familiar voice she hasn't heard in a long time. When she spots the white beanie, she instantly knows who it is, causing her to break out in a grin. "Brenden!" The two childhood friends tackle each other in a hug.

Once Brenden releases May, he chuckles. "You got taller." The last time he saw her was two summers ago.

Giggling, she pats his high shoulder. "But I'll always be shorter than you." Brenden, now 16, is a lot taller and more muscular than she remembers. It makes her blush slightly while she thinks about her childhood crush on him.

They walk towards the Pokemon Center while catching up on their journeys. Brenden really is a great trainer, and he's happy to hear that May is making a name for herself as a successful coordinator too. "So what brings you to Johto? Just coordinating?" Brenden asks.

The girl's face heats up as she recalls a certain green haired rival inviting her to Johto at the end of the season last year. "Uh yeah. I haven't traveled here yet, and Sinnoh is too far for my liking." It's a reason she didn't travel with Ash who is currently in Sinnoh, though May did visit him and Brock a few months ago. It's how she met their new traveling partner, Dawn who is also a coordinator.

"Are you traveling alone?" Brendan inquires.

Nodding, May looks around. "I thought you were traveling with Wally?" She hasn't seen Brendan's usual traveling partner and best friend yet, which surprises her.

Shrugging, Brendan smirks at her. "I saw you and decided to get away. I don't like sharing you, May."

This makes her blush again, though she plays it off. "Now you know how I feel sharing you with Wally."

Brenden chuckles and swings an arm around her shoulders. "I'm kidding, May. He's already at the Pokemon Center. I just came back from training when I saw you." Brenden then grins at May. "Wanna travel with us? We did promise to travel together once you were 10."

May rolls her eyes at him. "And watch you and Wally flirt all the time. Count me out."

"C'mon, May. It'll be fun! And you won't be the only girl." Brenden really wants to travel with May, especially after miscommunication 2 years ago caused them to push back their travels together.

May curiously looks at him. "Only girl?"

Before Brendan can explain himself, he feels a weight on his back, causing him to separate from May. "There you are, Birch!"

"Get off, Shelly!" Brendan exclaims in annoyance.

"C'mon! We have dinner plans, remember?" the pink haired girl says as Brenden pries her off of him.

Turning his attention to May, Brendan gives her an apologetic look. "I gotta go. But think about it, okay, May?"

The pinkette links arms with Brenden while leaning close to him. "Who's she?"

"My childhood friend." Brenden smiles, but May feels an ache in her heart seeing Wally allow this girl to be so close to him. Just who is she? How come May hasn't heard about her before? "May, this is Shelly. Shelly, this is May." Brenden introduces the two.

"How'd you guys meet?" May asks as she tries to keep her smile normal on her face.

Winking at Brendan, Shelly replies, "Secret." This causes Brendan's face to heat up a bright red.

Coughing slightly, he tells May, "Uh. She's traveling with me and Wally."

Although May has a lot of questions, she isn't sure her calm demeanor can last any longer. While she hasn't seen Brenden in years, and she's pretty sure she has a crush on Drew now, May still has feelings for Brendan. Her heart aches heavily, so she gives the pair one final large smile. "Nice to meet you, Shelly. I'll be going now. Bye, Brendan." May then turns to walk towards the center down the street, leaving the confused Brendan alone with Shelly.

"Aw. She has a crush on you." Shelly gushes to Brendan.

Shaking his head, the boy denies it. "No way! Our families are just good friends!"

"She's a kid, Birch. I know you don't like her." Shelly then lets go of Brenden's arm to grab his hand and lead him down a different direction from May. "You like teens like me." Winks the pinkette, making Brendan gulp.

"Shelly, she's my friend. I promised I'd travel with her-"

"No." Shelly smirks at him. "You're all mine. Be happy I at least let you keep Wally around."

Sighing, Brendan glances back behind him where he spots May entering the Pokemon Center. He really hopes he can fulfill his promise to her, though circumstances have changed these past 2 years. It really seems like that was the only time he and May would ever be a able to travel together, and they missed it.

Pokemon Center

After her run-in with her old crush, May retreated to her room in the Pokemon Center to cry slightly. A few tears slipped out, but she was able to keep her composure while her heart slightly ached. Why couldn't Brendan be traveling with a nicer girl. That Shelly girl doesn't seem like his type at all. If anything, May doesn't like the feeling she gets from Shelly, like the teenage girl is actually a bad person.

Nevertheless, this is Brendan's friend, and possible girlfriend, May is thinking about; thus, May shouldn't be having these negative thoughts. Why does Brenden always travel with people who don't care for May and who May also doesn't care for?

May's thoughts are broken up by her pokenav ringing. It must be Brendan trying to reach her and get her answer to his offer of her traveling with them. However, May notices it is her other, more recent, crush calling her. Picking up the call due to her wanting to stop thinking about Brendan and Shelly, May happily greets the caller. "Hey, Drew!"

"Hey, May! I made it to Goldenrod City. They say you haven't checked in yet. Are you slacking?" teases the green haired boy.

May is used to his teasing though, so she just rolls her eyes at him. "I'll be there in a few days." She is currently in Ecruteak City on her way to the Grand Festival in Goldenrod City. Of course Drew would beat her there, but she'll arrive with over a week to prepare. Plus, Drew has a flying Pokemon to make his transportation easier while May has to travel on foot.

Traveling alone has really sucked. She always thought she'd be traveling with Brendan. And then she enjoyed being with Ash, Brock, and Max. However, Max won't turn 10 for another few years, and her parents want him to stay in school until he sets off on his own journey.

"Good. Just making sure you didn't Torchic out. I do have that effect on amateurs."

Drew's voice makes May grateful for him breaking her out of her lonely thoughts. Giggling, she replies, "Please, Drew. You're not that tough of a rival anymore." Obviously, he is. He's her main rival and her biggest motivator.

The boy smiles over the call. He senses May's quietness, which is usually something he doesn't get from her. While he wishes he could just make her feel better in person, he knows he shouldn't. It'd be easy to fly over on Flygon to meet her by morning, but he shouldn't. He and May are nothing more than rivals and barely even friends. "I'll see you in a few days then, April."

"Whatever, grasshead." May grins. She's since learned that Drew's teasing actually isn't as annoying as it used to be. If anything, it gives May a reason to tease him back. She really loves their relationship, though she does wish they had more interactions besides for the occasional run-ins at contests. Or their calls to check in on one another, which makes May realize she and Drew call each other pretty often, like at least every other week. "Hey, Drew?" May quickly speaks before he can hang up.

"What's up?" Maybe she'll tell him what's making her sound so down?

Taking in a deep shaky breath, May knows she really wants this. She doesn't want to be lonely anymore. She doesn't want to seem like she's waiting around for Brendan anymore. She doesn't want to look forward to interactions with Drew anymore. "Can we travel together next year?"

Flashback Over

"May." Drew's large warm hand on her shoulder shakes her from her thoughts.

Giving him a reassuring smile, she replies, "Hm?"

"You just spaced out. Do you know this Shelly Izumi?"

Sighing, May can't fake it any longer. She slumps her shoulders to look down at the ground. "Yeah." A few years after meeting Shelly, May had learned Brendan was dating her, like May had suspected. This further caused May to distance herself from Brendan, but being with Drew, May always had her attention on her new crush. Plus, she and Drew had so much fun together that caused May to eventually forget about Shelly and Brendan.

Sensing the instant drop in mood from her, Drew looks over at the Enbars. "It's been a long day. We'll rest for the day and come back to reconvene tomorrow."

George nods because he sees how exhausted the Hoenn natives are. They did just come straight to the Enbar house after traveling all day. "Please make sure May gets home safely, Drew."

"I will." the green haired man nods.

"I'm sorry we couldn't stop her, May." Pam pats May's shoulder, but May can't even fake a smile.

She's too defeated. How can Shelly take Brendan and Kai away from her? It's just not fair! Who's next? Drew? She finds her eyes wandering to the man who has her heart and is making it beat rapidly. He's currently promising Shay that they'll be back tomorrow and then bidding the Enbar parents goodbye. May is glad she let Drew back into her life, but she's now scared he'll be gone again.

Once Drew leads May into the fenced backyard so they can fly off on Flygon without the risk of reporters at the front, May stops Drew from pulling out his pokeball. Her hand is tentatively resting on his arm, making him curiously look at her with concern. Ever since hearing Kai's mother's name, May's demeanor has changed completely. What's going on?

When May's scared sapphire orbs meet Drew's worried emerald ones, he asks, "Are you okay, May?"

She takes a step closer to him so they're mere inches apart. "Don't let her take you from me too." May begs as her eyes gloss over. She already lost her family and Brendan, and Shelly already took Kai. May has no one else she can fully rely on besides for Drew. The Ketchums are too busy with their own lives and Astrid, and the Shinjis are also busy with their new married lives. The Enbars too have their own lives and family to worry about. May only has this man in front of her now.

Sighing, Drew pulls May into his arms to tightly hug her. He whispers in her ear, "I'm never leaving you. Not by choice and not by force, May Haruka Maple."

"You don't know Shelly." May tearfully whimpers.

Chuckling Drew holds her closer. "You obviously don't remember I dated a crazy fangirl for almost a decade, do you?" When he doesn't feel May relax, he lets out a breath and buries his face in her hair. "May, I love you." Both adults' faces heat up, but Drew won't stop. He promised himself that he won't ever let May slip away again without her knowing fully well how he feels about her. "I'm never gonna leave you. I promise. I'll show you."

After a few minutes, Drew is relieved to feel her slowly nod in his chest. "Can I come over?"

Now it's Drew's turn to tense up. "It's late, May."

May moves her head to look up at his nervous eyes. "I need to tell you about Shelly, Drew."

The man quickly closes his eyes to avoid being enticed by her beautiful gaze. "It's late, May. I don't think it's a good idea."

"Drew, we can talk about our feelings after we get Kai back." May pulls from his arms, much to his dismay, making him open his eyes again. "I can't think about anything else except for Kai."

Sighing, Drew calls out Flygon. "I know. I'm gonna help you get him back too. I like him a lot."

Climbing onto the dragon, May is grateful for Drew's change in attitude. As much as she wants to talk about the closet last night, she also doesn't. She likes the relationship she has with Drew right now. Plus, Kai's whereabouts are all she can think about, so her feelings for Drew can wait, especially if Drew says he isn't going anywhere. "Thanks, Drew."

After the two reach his house and head inside to shower, they gather at Drew's dining room table. May is wearing borrowed clothes from him again, but she didn't want to go home to an empty house. She can't. It doesn't feel right without Kai there. Groudon, she really hopes he's okay!

Drew sets down a cup of tea for her before sitting across from her with his own cup. He takes a sip from it and notices May is still silently lost in thought. "May."

"Hm?"

He sighs and extends a hand out to touch her arm. "We're gonna get Kai back. But you can't do anything if you're not well rested."

May ignores his words and instead says, "I need to tell you something." The seriousness in her tone makes him more nervous. "Shelly was an Aqua Admin."

"Wait." Drew blinks at her in confusion as he tries to grasp what she just told him. "Kai's mom is a member of Team Aqua?"

Letting out a breath, May wraps her hands around the warm cup of tea in front of her while she gazes at her reflection in it. "Was. I'm not sure if she rejoined or anything."

Flashback

"May Maple?"

May looks over at the curious voice. She is home in Petalburg to visit her family briefly. Ever since she became the Top Coordinator last year, she has been very busy. Moreover, Max is always gone traveling the world too. Thus, the Maples are rarely ever all together like today. "Hey, Wally!" While May was never close to Wally, she's seen him often growing up. They are neighbors and share a mutual friend in Brendan who May hasn't seen in years.

Giving her a smile, Wally walks over to her. "I haven't seen you in years. Congrats on being the Top Coordinator this year."

"Thanks, Wally. How are you?" May grins. She and Wally do catch up from time to time, but they only partake in small talk or speak about Brendan. The two rarely interact. After a couple of minutes, May asks, "Where's Brendan?" The last time she saw her childhood friend was a few years ago when he broke the news to her that he was going to start traveling alone with his girlfriend, Shelly. He apologized for never getting to fulfill his promise, though he did congratulate her when she won the Top Coordinator position.

Sighing, Wally avoids May's gaze. While he was okay when Brendan proposed they stop traveling together, which allowed Wally to travel with his girlfriend, Wally did feel betrayed by Brendan. The two have traveled together for years. How can he replace Wally for Shelly? Wally and Shelly only put up with each other with not too many interactions. Nevertheless, Wally is a good friend who is happy for his friend. Wally has no idea what Brendan sees in the deceptive woman, but Brendan is smart, so Wally trusted him.

"He's actually in Little Root Town. We're supposed to be meeting tomorrow." Wally informs May.

She looks at him in confusion because she thought Brendan was still traveling around Unova with Shelly. "When did he come back?"

Wally shrugs. "A few months ago. He quit being a trainer to work for the lab with his dad." Wally then gives May a small smile. "Shelly broke up with him, so he's been pretty down, but we know Brendan is hurting."

"Wait, what?" May exclaims in shock. This is her first time hearing about this. Well, she has been too busy with being the Top Coordinator to even keep in touch with her own family.

"I never liked her. I don't get why Brendan ever saved her from Team Aqua. She fits perfectly well with them."

May continues to be surprised by everything Wally is telling her. She had totally forgotten about Brendan and Shelly due to traveling with Drew. After she separated from Drew, May was only thinking about him, so she continued to not think about Brendan and Shelly. This is complete news to her. "She was in Team Aqua?"

Wally nods. "Yeah. She was a real bad egg, but Brendan was in love with her. Apparently she left him for some mercenary." Sighing, Wally adds, "Good. He was never gonna leave her, so I'm glad she finally freed him." When he sees May's curious gaze, he clamps a hand over his mouth. "Don't repeat what I said. I didn't say anything."

May gives him a warm smile, but she does have a lot of questions now. "I won't tell anyone, Wally."

The man was just so upset and needed to vent. Because May grew up with Brendan, Wally figures she must understand his feelings more than anyone else. "Thanks, May. You should visit him sometime. I know he misses you."

May fights the urge to frown. She isn't sure if things between her and Brendan can go back to the way they used to be. She's also still hung up on a certain green haired Johto Top Coordinator. However, maybe Wally is right? Maybe May should visit Brendan? They're both lonely and need people right now, and she's really missed her childhood friend. "Maybe I will." May then bids Wally goodbye. She does end up meeting Brendan in the future, which allows the two to form somewhat of a new friendship.

Flashback Over

"So is she still with Team Aqua or?" Drew asks in confusion.

Sighing, May finishes the last sip of her tea. "I don't know. I never thought she'd be Kai's mother. I didn't even know Kai is Brendan's son." She closes her eyes in frustration. "I know nothing."

Drew furiously shakes his head. "No way, May! You know you love Kai! You know how much he loves you too! You know you both need each other and that Shelly isn't the right person for him."

"How do I know that, Drew?" May's intense gaze meets his. "It's been years. What if she's changed? What if motherhood changed her and she's actually a great parent to Kai?"

"You heard what Pam and George said! She threatened Kai!"

"What if Kai wants to be with her? What if he's better with her?" May is too deep in her self reflection to listen to Drew. "What if I'm not good enough for Kai?" Being fed up with her relentless questions, Drew angrily stands up to grab her out of her seat, making the woman stumble. "Drew?" Well, now she's out of her stupor.

"You're the best person for him! Brendan left him in your care for a reason, right?" Drew reminds the woman who he leads down the hallway. Stopping in front of a door, he faces her troubled sapphire orbs. "If you don't trust me, trust Brendan." He then lets go of her wrist as he prepares to walk further down the hall to his room.

"I trust you, Drew." The quiet yet strong voice makes him return his attention to her. "I trust you the most."

He gives her a small smile. "Good night, May." They can talk more tomorrow after they all rest.

For now, Drew needs to do something else. He enters his room and closes the door where he leans against it to slide down to the floor while running a hand through his hair. His pounding heart isn't showing any signs of stopping anytime soon nor is his ragged breathing. Groudon, having May in the same house as him, alone and in his clothes as she gives him those eyes and says those sweet words to him just makes it so much harder for Drew to control himself. "Get it together, Drew!" He angrily mutters to himself.

He needs to focus on Kai and help May find the boy. Drew also has an attachment to Kai, regardless of whether May is involved with him or not because Drew has formed a bond with Kai. He's worried about Kai and just wants to make sure the boy is okay, especially if his mother is a member of Team Aqua.

"Good night, Drew." the sweet voice just quickens his heartbeat, and Drew lets out a relieved breath when he hears the guestroom door shut. This is torture. He most likely won't get any sleep tonight. Drew can tell May doesn't want to go back to her place without Kai there. The longer Kai is gone, then the longer May will be here wearing Drew's clothes and being alone with him. This is unbearable, and Drew isn't sure how long he can hold out. Kai needs to be found soon.

The man stands up to head to his bed where he groans. Looking at the nightstand, he spots the photo of the Enbars, May, Kai, and him from when Shane came back over the summer. May and Drew are standing in the back row with the Enbar parents while Shane is in the middle of the front row. Kai is to his right, making him directly in front of May and Drew. The three do look like a little makeshift family spending time with their purple haired family friends.

Drew rests his eyes on the happy white haired boy. "You're a strong kid. Stay safe, Kai." He then chuckles slightly, despite the situation. "You need to come back and protect May...from me…" When he's satisfied with his slowed heart and breathing, Drew turns his gaze away from the photo. Turning off the light, Drew locks his door before laying in bed. He really hopes Kai is okay, and he also hopes he doesn't do anything to ruin his relationship with May.