"Alright, you're officially registered. Here is a manual on the rules and guidelines for the festival," the personnel said, handing over a small, blue book and contest pass across the counter. "I've also gone ahead and checked you in to the resort. You'll be in room 710 which is in hallway four. You can just slide your contest pass through the key slider on the handle and it should let you in."

"Thank you," Drew replied politely, offering her a grateful smile as he took his contest pass and the manual from her, putting them away into his bag. He turned to leave and headed straight towards the resort which was situated near the beach.

The resort was a luxurious one, no doubt. It was tucked away in a crescent-shaped cove with villas spread out. There was a doughnut-shaped swimming pool with a bar in the inner ring and stools poking up just above the level of the water. The whole place seemed to be asleep. This was certainly true of the few guests Drew could see, lying motionless on sun beds. He assumed that they were coordinators who were participating in the festival as well.

He eventually found his room and slid his contest pass through the key slider – a green light flashed on the reader and a beep could be heard. He slowly turned the handle and entered the room, which was just as luxurious as the resort itself. The floor was beige vinyl, the walls were mute-coloured, with expensive furniture, a large TV, a king-sized bed and a small kitchen area all to himself.

Sighing, he fell onto the soft sheets of the bed. It had been a long day for him – a four-hour journey from his hometown in LaRousse City all the way to Slateport City. He stuffed his hand deep into the pocket of his trousers and felt for the invitation letter. He pulled it out, smoothening the crumples and read it again.

Dear Andrew Hayden,

Congratulations! It is my greatest honour and pleasure to invite you to participate in the 'Elite Grand Festival'.

This Grand Festival's purpose is to gather well-known coordinators across the Hoenn region to compete in showing how strong and flair your Pokémon can be. You have been chosen to attend this festival like no other as you have shown such remarkable performances during your past coordinating days. It will be held in Slateport City on the 21st of September. We have arranged a luxury resort on the shores near the city to house you and the other dozens of coordinators while you compete in the festival.

If you're keen on attending this special event, you may register and confirm your attendance at the Slateport contest hall three days prior to the start of the festival. Do not worry, your Hoenn contest pass is still valid and will be used during registration. There will be an opening ceremony party on the evening before the festival and the dress code is smart casual. More information will be provided in a manual that will be given to you when you register.

We really hope you are able to attend as it will be a great opportunity to showcase your skills and prove yourself as a worthy coordinator, which you have gained throughout the years. Also, it will be a wonderful time to reunite with old friends that you have not seen since your young coordinating days.

May this Grand Festival broaden your horizon and help you discover new things! See you there!

Yours sincerely,

Raoul Contesta
(Chief of the Pokémon Activities Committee)

His finger grazed lightly over the last paragraph.

Also, it will be a wonderful time to reunite with old friends that you have not seen since your young coordinating days.

He closed his eyes and sighed, resting his head against the pillow.

He had made the decision to go to this Grand Festival for the obvious reason – to compete and perhaps, win. It had been a long time since he had participated in any contest. He was sure that his Pokémon were all eager to finally be able to be in the spotlight again. They have all been with him since the beginning and they have always enjoyed performing.

But, one of the main reasons was exactly what the letter had mentioned – reuniting with old friends. If there's one thing he missed the most about contests, it had to be competing alongside his old friends. There were a few of course, but there was one person that stuck out among the others. The one who made the greatest impact during his coordinating days. May. It was because of her that he had gotten more competitive. It was because of her that he strived to keep improving himself as a coordinator. And it was because of her that he had the motivation to pursue his dreams.

He first met her when they were just ten, when she was just a rookie while he had already made a name for himself. They were coordinators who were trying to be the best. They were rivals. But as time went by, they became friends.

After turning fifteen, he had competed in a Grand Festival and finally won. And then a year later, May had won too.

That day was still vivid in his mind.

They skipped the closing ceremony despite it being held in honour of her victory. Instead, they celebrated it together by spending the night reminiscing about their coordinating journey. It was a serene night, with just the two of them talking and enjoying each other's company. Something he found strangely peaceful. He was not someone who liked to open up about his feelings, but with her, there was nothing holding him back.

But as they say, all good things must come to an end.

The night ended with them standing in the hallway of their hotel rooms with neither one of them wanting to call it a night. They spent minutes doing so until May leaned in and kissed him. She had pulled away, looking rather embarrassed about it. He was about to let her know that it was okay but stopped when she looked him in the eye and told him that she was leaving. He asked why and she answered that she wanted to take a break. He didn't pry further, thinking that she probably wanted to go on a vacation after spending years training and competing. She deserved this break. She told him that they will meet again soon and that she will contact him.

But she never did.

He hadn't seen or talked to her in five years, yet she never seemed to stay out of his mind.

Had it really been that long? How's she doing right now? Drew held those questions in his mind, while his fingers were still clutching the letter. He let out a sigh, his bottom lip jutted out, redirecting the air towards his long bangs. For that brief moment, his hair fanned upwards before resettling just over his eyes.

He slowly pulled himself out of bed and set the letter down on the bedside table.

Maybe May would receive her own invitation letter about this Grand Festival. Maybe she would come and compete as well. Maybe he would meet her here and things would return to the way it was before she left.

He stuffed his hand deep inside the pocket of his trousers and exited his room. He made his way out of the resort and down the pier of Slateport beach. People were sitting on benches, gazing out to the horizon and children were running up and down, some stood on the lowest railing, leaning over the edge. Wingulls flew around, leaving temporary impressions of their webbed feet as they landed on the wooden railings.

Drew approached an empty section of the pier away from everyone and leaned against the railings. Under the gentle sun, the sea was calm, speckled by a million fragments of light - each one so tiny but together, were intense in a way that was utterly beautiful. And down on the beach, it was more people than sand as usual – sprawled figures were basking in the afternoon sun or in their swimwear, splashing about in the sea.

He closed his eyes, letting them rest for a moment as he took in the sounds of the waves ahead crashing onto the shore and the sea breeze that ran unchecked blew his bangs from his forehead. It was so calm and peaceful. For once, his mind was clear, and all his worries seemed to fade away.

"Drew!"

He opened his eyes, escaping his trance and turned to the source of the voice. His eyes widened slightly when a figure emerged from afar.

And as the person approached him, the corners of his mouth curved upwards into a smile.

Author's Notes:

Hey everyone, thank you for reading! I hope you liked the first chapter. And if you did, take a moment to leave a review so that I'd know about your opinions on the story so far. I appreciate every single feedback and it'll definitely encourage me to write and update quickly.

With that, stay tuned for the next chapter!

; This chapter title is inspired by the song 'We Don't Talk Anymore' by Charlie Puth ft. Selena Gomez