May's Adventure (Hoenn Saga Ch 24)

The Petalburg City Gym's lounge where I sat in was definitely a cozy place to unwind. It had a small t.v. Sitting on top of an end table and against the wall of the adequately -sized room. The Maplewood table I rested my chin on was in the middle of it where one of the four red-colored zabutons sat under me. Of course, it wouldn't be complete without any tatami floor mats. While pretty bare, the room somehow managed to provide a sense of rest for its weary occupants. Right after the fiery battle, dad instructed me to wait here while he helped clean up the mess...and call someone for repairs.

Since the room where the Gym leader resided got trashed by the result of our heavy combat, dad decided to close it down for the day. This appealed to me very much since he was usually got off when it got dark. To pass the time, I turned on the t.v. and mindlessly flipped through channels until my eyes registered the animation of one of my favorite shows: Gravity's Fall. While I was in the wilderness too much now to keep up with it, there were some instances where the opportunity of playing catch-up was available to me. This time was one of this instances.

And so, I got sucked into the world of mystery and comedy for about an hour when the door opened. By this time, the constant stillness made me rest my head on my folded arms on the table in a heavy trance. Of course, I quickly picked it up upon seeing my dad; he had a video in hand.

"May, before we leave, there's something I need to talk with you about,"

Uh-oh. I hope he wasn't wondering about where the professor. He would probably get mad at me.

"It's about the company you keep,"

Shit! It's definitely about the professor!

Nervousness and guilt took ahold of me out of fear that he would scold me right then and there. Instead, he merely walked over to the t.v., popped the tape into the VHS player and took the remote to switch the channels until it went to the one he wanted. The screen was grainy for a moment, but then a picture finally came into clear view.

...A while ago at Mt. Chimney...

"This is Gabby with cameraman Ty reporting to you live at one of Hoenn's regional landmarks: Mt. Chimney! Today is a grim day, for two notorious crime organizations know as Teams Magma and Aqua are engaging in what appears to be a gang fight! Thankfully, Ty and I were unfortunate enough to hide behind this convenient rock!"

The bold reporter and clearly anxious cameraman sat cautiously behind dusty, reddish-brown rock that jutted up from the ground. With their safety somewhat secure, the two observed the chaos without interruption. In the beginning when heard rumors of a good chunk of Team Magma members at the top of the mountain, Gabby immediately chased after the possible story while dragging her reluctant partner in tow. In the end, it became much bigger than they expected. Just as it seemed like it couldn't get any better, a giant wailord suddenly appeared; making the ground shake from landing on it.

"Holy Tauros! It looks like someone from Team Aqua summoned a wailord!"

"I think that's kinda obvious Gab,"

"Just be quiet and keep filming!"

Ty grumbled, but did as he was told. Suddenly, a small boy promptly landed on the giant whale with an uncomfortable splat. Shortly after him came a teenager wearing a vibrant red bandana. In an instant, both the reporter and cameraman recognized her. "I don't believe it! This just in! Hoenn's hot rookie trainer, May Maple has just arrived! The very same May Maple who accompanied us in the Oceanic Museum and thwarted Team Magma's plans! It appears that she's collaborating with Team Aqua! What a development!" Gabby announced as she and Ty watched May, Wally and Archie slide down the large water-type. Only moments passed from when their feet touched the ground to when they started beating the snot out of the opposing team.

"Amazing! Those three are unstoppable! Not even five minutes and they're already kicking more butt than all of Team Aqua combined! Ty! Hurry up and follow them!"

"There's no way I'm getting myself killed! You do it!"

Gabby gave out a heavy sigh and held up the microphone. "Okay folks, due my cameraman being a total wimp-"

"Hey!"

"We'll hafta cut our broadcast short. But tune in next time for Hoenn Now News!"

...Click!...

By the end of the tape, my face was frozen in fear. Frozen because of two reasons: 1) I was with Wally. 2) The scene conveyed me as helping a team of organized crime. So naturally I had my reaction right when the air in the lounge became unusually heavy. That was when my father crossed in front of the t.v. to face me; his features strained with anger.

"When I first saw that airing in the morning that I happened to pass by the lounge, I was...'less than pleased'. Even if I could attempt to look past the fact that you were helping that trash, the boy you were with, the same one who tripped you up, was also there; and was working for those group of hooligans! I certainly hope you weren't thinking of joining them...WERE YOU?!" he thundered as I could feel the malicious question press down on me. Oh shit! He was mad! Okay, just tell him how it went; it's not like you can't tell him the truth! Just leave out the parts with Maxie and Sycamore...and Archie...and Wally. Oh boy, this was gonna be hard.

"What, me?! No way dad! Those guys were totally in my way! I was just uh...trying to get past them to go to Lavaridge! The cable car got stuck and the guy sitting in there with me (boy included) turned out to be Aqua thugs! But I just used them and then beat those losers up good later on!"

Dad's eyes weighed heavily on mine as he bent himself down to scan for any signs of my tell*. As long as I remained calm, then he wouldn't suspect anything.

After a few torturous seconds of scariness, my dad's features softened and kneeled down to ruffle my hair. Whew! That was a close one. "That's my little Maple; and your mother said it would be ridiculous to teach you how to fight," he said with a grim smile. I thought he would get up after that, but he stayed kneeling for another moment.

"However, I feel like you shouldn't let yourself be involved with something like that,"

"Whaddya mean? I beat them good!"

"Yes, but people like that can find many ways to get to someone; and it always hurts. I'm not saying that you're weak, but I'm telling you that the way you are right now blinds you to many things that are more sinister than you realize. Look, just promise me that you won't try to get yourself mixed up with them anymore,"

Huh? Was he telling me to back off of Team Magma? There was no way I could do that! It's like they were in front of me every time I took a step! Why would dad say something so cowardly?! He made that big speech earlier before the battle and now he wants me to back off?! I have got to say something about this!

"But...what about you saying that there was only one person who stood up to Team Rocket? What if...I'm the only person who can do that?"

"I meant what I said before May, but the world is different now. Some people who actually noticed Team Rocket are ensuring that something like that never happens again. There are more than enough people on this planet who will see to criminals like them. Now please, promise me that you won't go near them,"

I looked so unsure with what to say; I wanted to reason with him, but he was like my metang at times: Stubborn and immovable. With a sigh, I gave in to his demand with an "Okay...I guess,"

While he registered the non-enthusiastic tone I used, it was enough for him to stand back up and help me to my feet as well. This was when his face changed in a surprised expression as if he had forgotten something. "Oh, I almost forgot," he said as he began to dig into his jacket pocket. From out of it, he pulled out the Balance badge. The fact that it slipped my mind was eminent, because as soon as it caught my eyes, I too got wide-eyed with realization.

"I, Norman Maple, recognize you, May Maple, to be worthy of receiving the Balance Badge. May it aide you on your journey to becoming Champion,"

I immediately went for my pack to fish out my badge case, but the second I turned, he took ahold of my hand and made me turn back to face him. Then, he pinned the little thing onto my shirt with a sort of sad smile on his face. Almost like he was regretting me growing up to get it. Oh no, dam these tears! Wasn't I supposed to be disappointed with dad forcing me to not fight Team Magma?! Why do I feel like crying all of a sudden?!

All of the symptoms of bursting into a stream of tears could be felt, but I quickly rubbed them away with my arm and quickly tried breaking the mood.

"Thanks. Did you come up with that line yourself?"

"No, the gym coordinators did. It sounds very off though,"

"Yeah, it kinda does. You should use your own,"

This time, he gave out a short laugh and ruffled my hair. Clearly, he agreed with me on that.

While it was a nice parental moment I had with dad, I couldn't help but feel some bitterness with making me stay away from Team Magma. Obviously, he's my dad and stuff, but mom was the one who said things like that to me. Was mom finally getting to him after all these years? Good Arceus, I hope not.

When we prepared to leave the lounge dad suddenly spoke up about something else.

"By the way, where's that...'professor' you were traveling with?"

"Oh! He had to...leave...to do professor stuff!"

"I see...well, let's go home then before it gets dark,"

...

By the time we got home, the sun was hovering near the horizon. It wasn't setting yet, but made preparations to. Before that time on our walk, dad listened to all of the things I experienced on my journey (leaving out several details out of course) and how much I connected to my Pokemon. I felt guilty about keeping secrets from him, but something told me that he would get a little more than mad if I told him everything.

The first one to read the door was me; not seeing mom in a while encouraged adrenaline to make my body sprint to practically slam against the wooden door, unlock it with my house keys and ram it open.

"Mom! I'm ho-AUUUUUUUUUUUGH!"

Before I knew what hit me, an arm lashed out of nowhere and fiercely gripped my ear. The pain! Good arceus the pain was almost too much for me to bear! Even dad was surprised by the sudden assault and jumped back. The attacker pulled me into the house by the ear and my now teary-eyed face was now staring into the wrathful features of my mother.

"May Maple! You are in so much trouble!"

"Whhhhhyyy?! I didn't even do anything yet!"

"Oh yes you did young lady!"

Without even saying any more, at the moment, she dragged me across the living room while still holding my ear and into the kitchen. Oh no! She must have seen the broadcast too! Dad, hurry up and explain it to her already! She's gonna tear off my ear any second now! The minute we got there though, I found out that it had not been the case.

When we abruptly stopped and I was able to look up, my eyes saw a very composed Professor Sycamore sitting at the table. His lips were upturned in a pleasant smile as a plain white teacup was only inches from them. But in the instant I was in his view, the professor's blue eyes brightened up and surveyed me intently with an emotion that differed from what he displayed. Nevertheless, his plastered smile grew wider.

"Oh, there you are Miss Maple! I thought for sure that you were halfway across the region by now after leaving me all alone in the forest! I insisted your wonderful mother that I was in good health, but she feels that you have failed me or something to that effect,"

Mom's grip tightened upon hearing the statement. Great, yet another thing to add on this fan-fucking-tastic day. "This poor professor who TRUSTED you, was able to make his way here after spending several hours of wandering around in Petalburg Woods! This is not the type of behavior I condone coming from you! Now..." She said while pulling me closer to the sitting professor and finally releasing my ear. "Apologize to this poor man so you can remove the shame you brought on our family!"

Though she commanded me to say sorry, I stood there with a flushed, pouty face. While I was knowingly in the wrong for committing the deed, it still felt like a sucker punch to the stomach from the fact that he told my mom. That was low on so many levels! No way was I gonna satisfy his ego with an apology! Try all you want Sycamore, but I see through your shady in-"AUGH!"

My thoughts were interrupted by the resumed ear-gripping from responding with empty silence instead of words coming out of my mouth. "Young lady! What on earth has gotten into you?! Do you want to be grounded?!"

I don't understand what the problem is here, wife of mine,"

Upon hearing dad's voice, all three of us turned to the kitchen's entrance to see him leaning against the entryway frame with folded arms. My mother out a scoff and let go of my ear to fold her own. "Really Norman?! You're going to let her act this way like some vagrant?!"

"From the way I see the situation, he's a fully grown adult who managed to make it back here in one piece. May's already responsible for six Pokémon at a time; an unprepared professor is the last thing she needs to worry about,"

"YOU...you wouldn't be saying that if it was Albert!

"Of course I would, but Albert knows at the very least what's out there and is always prepared for the outdoors,"

Alright dad! I always knew I could count on him. Even if he told me to not battle any more criminals, that didn't mean we couldn't relate where mom wasn't able to; even if my reason for ditching Sycamore was a case of terrible anxiety. But somehow, there was some sort of feeling present that made me think he had a hidden motive for doing it. Whatever it was, mom responded with a frustrated huff.

"I just...well...I'm going to finish the laundry and start on dinner!"

Mom quickly turned on her heels and stormed out of the kitchen. Now that it was only the three of us, I quickly made the decision to go for the safety of my room and take a breather. And so I turned around in a swift fashion.

"Miss Maple,"

My body stopped before I could take a first step. His voice sounded strangely calm. I say strangely because of that intense staring session he did just moments ago. Even now, I could feel his eyes burn into my back; good arceus it felt so uncomfortable. Just don't turn around and you'll be okay.

"Miss Maple, I know it may be quite an off time for you, but I wish to speak to you about a few things..." He announced coolly while the tea cup clinked from being set on the table behind me. "It is...very important..."

The sound of his alluring voice tickled my ears to confuse me into thinking any conversation with him would be anything but suspicious. Already, the skin on my shoulder felt the heat radiating from Professor Sycamore's hand as it drew closer to grip me. Move idiot, move! What situation made you any different from before?! Well I guess his weird, hypnotic powers have something to do with it; but still! Go before it-woah!

Suddenly, a hand lightly touched my upper back and gently nudged me away from the professor. I snapped out of the trance and practically threw my head to see dad at my side lead me a few more feet away. His face was in a neutral expression. "May, why don't you settle into your room until dinner's ready? It's been a long day,"

"Uh-huh! Okay!"

"Wait a minute, aren't you forgetting something?!"

"Oh, right. Sorry,"

Absent-mindedly, I got up on my tippy toes and gave him a peck on the cheek before heading up the stairs with the swift shut of my door.

...

Professor Sycamore's features remained as it was; though there was no doubt that his annoyance could be felt. Of course, the kitchen started to grow tense from the other occupant the second Norman turned to face Sycamore; a terrifying expression was stapled on his expression. "Why don't we have a little chat ourselves? It's not every day that I have obviously shifty imposters in my home,"

"Not at all good sir! I very much welcome the invitation!"

"Good, because I'm going to enjoy breaking you,"

...

"Boo-yah! Take that! You may be a fire-fighter, but I'm still the master of Bros of Smash!"

Chirpie let out a squawk of frustration and passed the black controller to metang. Currently, my Pokémon and I were playing the me-yu's popular game: Bros of Smash. So far, nobody on my team could overthrow my glorious throne of mastery. There were a few close calls with mightyena, but no definite victories. It felt great to be queen.

The rest of my team cheered on the challenger, metang as it used it's esp to hold and work the controller. Alas, all that cheering and encouragement was nothing more than sad hope. AHAHAHAHAHAHA!

When the match started, I immediately used my left-handed swordsman (Zink) to attack the game parts robot (B.O.B). My tactics were cold and ruthless as I repeatedly plunged the virtual sword into the robot's body.

I was in the middle of the massacre when something started to tickle both sides of my waist. Oh no! My weakness! Automatically, I twitched violently that followed a roar of laughter. My eyes quickly flashed down to see skitty and mightyena using their paws to tickle me. I tried to make an angry face to ward them off, but it failed.

As a result, I fell back in tortured laughter and everyone but metang turned on me. They all began to tickle me until I spasmed every which way in a sad attempt to throw them off. Those cheaters! They totally conspired against me! Only a few minutes of this hell started, and already it was getting difficult to get in any normal breathing.

Suddenly, I heard virtual applause. Once again, it didn't take a Team Rocket scientist to figure out what happened. I threw my head up just in time to see a victorious metang let out a humming sound of triumph. The rest of my team did the same. No! My throne!

In another wild attempt, I forced my body to overpower my opponents, but the sensation from the intense tickling made me give back in a fall right back down. At this point, I was surprised I wasn't foaming at the mouth. "AAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Yeah, that was what happened when I tried to have words come out of my mouth, let alone any threatening sentences.

Just as it seemed like it was gonna go on forever, a loud slamming sound filled the air with gusts of wind swishing around. From how it sounded, the unfortunate object was my door. Shortly after that, a large shadow blocked my room's light and my Pokémon jump back in surprise. Metang most of all was filled with fright as it hid under the bed.

Landing on top of me with his curved talons now hooked on my shirt was dad's swellow. His creepily calm gaze felt like it was reading my thoughts. Dad must have heard the scream laughs. I was right on the money with that when he started around for anything out of the ordinary. Not to sound mean, but swellow was reeeeally heavy.

"Swellow, can you get off?"

"..."

"Swellow...your talons are messing up my shirt,"

"..."

"Augh! No! Don't fix my hair! I like it messy!"

"Gyuuuah!"

Suddenly the large bird turned it's great head to see an angry pelipper. She spread out her wings and flapped them threateningly. Swellow's eyes narrowed furiously in turn and let out a screeching cry. Tension between the fowls were high. Yikes, he must have taken the loss rather poorly. Pelipper seemed more upset than usual too; was this a bird thing?

"May?! Are you alright?!"

I heard quick steps run up the stairs until they started to hit against my hardwood floor. Let's see, there were two pairs of swift footsteps, so I wanted to take a wild guess that it was dad and Professor Sycamore. Mom (as far as I knew) was still doing laundry so she wouldn't be able to hear any noise beyond the laundry room.

"Goodness! What on earth are you doing underneath that large, menacing bird?! Do you not know that it is quite dangerous?!"

"Of course she does! My daughter isn't an idiot! What are you doing here anyway?! I didn't say you could follow me!"

"DAD! Get swellow off me!"

My annoyance could be felt for a brief moment by all the room's occupants from the delayed assistance. While I couldn't see them, their voices could be heard from just a few feet away. Meanwhile, swellow's gaze was still locked onto pelipper with the intent to maim. I suppose if no people were in the room, an attempt probably would have been made.

"Swellow! There's no threat here...for now. May's fine,"

Those simple words seemed to work as the normal/flying-type finally got off and flew up to land on my father's bare arm. That looks kinda painful. It didn't seem to bother my father, maybe he was trying to not show any signs of weakness. Swellow meanwhile, still didn't take his eyes off of pelipper.

Now that I was free, getting up was no problem. But just as I was ready to push myself off the ground, a slender hand was thrusted into my view that belonged to a now squatting Professor Sycamore. His smile was a radiantly calm expression. "A pretty, young lady such as yourself should learn to ask for assistance when needed; especially when there is plenty at your disposal," he said while continuing to hold out the offered appendage. Hm, looked harmless enough; guess he had a point. I stretched out to grab aho-

"May's old enough to do a simple enough task! She doesn't need a crutch like some weakling!"

And I guess I'm getting up by myself. This marked the first time I really felt irritated at dad. Sure the professor was weird alot of times, but he was just trying to help! Unconsciously, I shot a glare at my parent before coming to my feet. There was no care given since it was his fault in the first place! To top it off, I looked down to see several holes in my shirt. Time to change over!

"Alright, everybody out! I'm gonna put on a new shirt,"

Dad for some reason didn't budge. Sycamore however started to walk to the stairs with a slow, unrushed pace. Why was he waiting?! *sighs* I guess I was gonna hafta make him! "Dad! I need to get dressed!" I exclaimed and began to push him towards the stairs.

"May don't be ridiculous! I'm your father! I've been helping you get dressed since you were born!"

"I'm old enough to put on clothes by myself now! I would LIKE to have my privacy!"

"At least let swellow stay here to keep you safe!"

"Swellow's the reason why I hafta change!"

With pressuring nudges, I made the two adults go downstairs and closed the door with an impatient slam.

Well, I guess I should change in casual clothes since I'll be staying the night anyways. Going through my messy closet, I got out and changed into an oversized red shirt and mesh black shorts, the perfect nightwear for every lazy teenage girl who doesn't want to wear any of those girly night dresses! Heh, what kind of dork would actually wear a nightgown to sleep?

Once that was done, I jumped onto my bed with dolls and cushions underneath my mass. Chirpie and the rest of my team wandered around their leisure after that. As for me, I got my childhood friend (Lappie the Lapras doll) and hugged its neck while burying my face in the velvety fur. I got him when I was four; back then he was much bigger than me. Now, we were about the same height. And while I did all the talking, I always imagined that he would talk back. I wasn't sure that I would ever find a lapras out in the wild, but at least I had Lappie.

Without even realizing it, I fell asleep holding onto him.

...

"May? May honey, wake up,"

Huh?

I found myself stirring from a gentle voice and the feeling of my hair being brushed aside by careful fingers. What is it with everyone and messing with my hair? Slowly, I opened my eyes to see mom in my field of vision sitting on the edge of the bed. Mightyena laid her head on mom's lap while pelipper snuggled up by her side.

"Oh, hey mom,"

"Did you have a good nap, honey?"

"Mhm,"

"Good. I just wanted to talk with you a bit about earlier. I know I was being a little too harsh with you, but you've got to understand that not everyone's like you or your father. There are many people who aren't used to doing certain things; especially me,"

"...I know...it's just...he kept going on about facing dad and I got really scared,"

"Did you tell the professor that?"

"Well, not really,"

"See? If you don't tell him what's wrong, then it just creates a big mess. Trust me, your father used to not tell me anything and it kept blowing up in his face. It was like pulling teeth to get him to talk, but now he tells me everything. Why don't you try that next time?"

I took my mom's words to heart while thoughts turned in my head. She was right about talking to him. While I did speak my mind about certain things, spilling my guts was something I never did beyond the comfort of mom and dad. Even with Brendan, talking about feelings or issues were subjects I didn't like touching. But if any drama was to be avoided, stepping out of my comfort zone was something that needed to be done. Ugh, this might be difficult.

"Oh, okay,"

Mom gave me a cheerful smile with a light peck on the cheek. "Now it's time to eat, so let's go downstairs," she said while gently moving mightyena's head off her lap and rising to her feet. In turn, I followed her lead, or rather went right past her and down the stairs where it led to the dining room/ kitchen. Okay, I'll do the right thing and say stuff to avoid any more drama! Unbeknownst to me however, there was already some afoot.

The moment I stepped into the dining room/ kitchen, tension was heavy in the air. The source: My dad staring furiously at the still calm Professor Sycamore. Actually, he looked like he enjoyed pissing him off.

Aside from that, dinner was already set. Tonight we were having mackerel fish with rice. Mmmmh, my favorite. I couldn't help but feel something off though in the back of my mind; something important. Well, I'm sure it will come back to me eventually. Right now though, I went towards the table as mom came downstairs. Just as I was about to sit between dad and the professor, my father quickly caught my arm and jerked me back with alarm.

"Ow! Dad that really hurt!"

"Sorry, but that chair's for your mother,"

"Oh, okay,"

So I went to the other side of the square table to-"OW!"

When I tried to sit down, dad once again pulled me away from the wooden seat. 'Kay, this was getting annoying. My face tightened with a flustered expression.

"Dad, what gives?! I'm trying to sit!"

"Well actually...I want that seat; let's switch,"

"Oh good! I can have a perfect view of Miss Maple during dinner!"

"...on second thought, how comfortable do you feel about eating with swellow in my room?"

"NORMAN!"

Dad and I turned to see mom standing there with her arms crossed in all her growing waifu fury. Uh-oh, dad was in trouble. I should be concerned about this, but I wasn't the one who was on her bad side this time; and so I subtly slipped my arm out of his grip to watch the fireworks fly.

"What on earth has gotten into you?! Being rude to our guest and harassing our daughter! What do you have to say for yourself?!"

"That as the head of this household, all of my actions are perfectly reasonable and need not explanation. You act like it's ridiculous,"

"IT IS ridiculous! Now apologize to our daughter!"

With an annoyed grunt, my dad got out of his seat and went over to me. He bent himself down to my level while resting his hands on my shoulders. "May," he said rather seriously. "I'm sorry that I didn't tell you to kick Sycamore in the crotch and make the sweet release of death more enjoyable than being in your co-" "NORMAN!"

...A few hours ago...

"Good, because "I'm going to enjoy breaking you,"

"As you wish, good sir!"

Norman Maple gritted his teeth in response to the professor's passive words. Why was he so unaffected?! He should be trembling with fear! Not even so much as a twitch crossed his features! This bothered the gym leader to no end, but he was determined to rebuke the man no matter what it took. Not very casually, May's father took a seat at the table. He was glaring daggers into the man.

"What are you doing here Sycamore? Don't you have to go back to your sheltered occupation in Kalos and NEVER come back?"

Although he intentionally made it sound threatening, the professor purposely took it as a joke and laughed merrily. "You jest so much! Didn't Albert tell you? I am to be staying here for quite some time due to my research!"

"Doing what exactly? Manipulating naive people to your will? I'm going to tell you right now that it won't work on me!"

"My goodness! You remind me so much of my employer! Always suspicious, paranoid, intimidating and wishing doom as well as inflicting pain upon others. You both might be lost brethren!"

"Trying to appease me with flattery won't work either! I know your angle you sham! Leave this house now before my family is tainted by your worldly corruption!"

The professor's face suddenly changed into a meek, puzzled expression. He looked unsure of what to do, but got up from his seat. "Well good sir, if that is most certainly your wish, then I shall take my leave," he replied as he turned on his heels and went for the door. HAH! Another fool booted from the house! Thank arceus! The last one had been some old hill Billy raving about the apocalypse all orchestrated by some one-eyed triangle. Tch, as if something like that would happen.

The kalosian was already at the door and turning the knob to reveal the warm, evening air. "After all, I am quite sure that Mrs. Birch might be able to take my company instead,"

Norman was about to get up out of his chair when his body stopped; nearly along his heart too. The proud gym leader looked back at the challenger, who now turned his gaze back to Norman as well. The meek expression was gone, but was replaced with a bold smile. "Oh yes! With her husband and son all the way in Mt. Pyre, she must be very lonely. Being the wife of a field researching professor certainly does have its burdens to bear. I was saving a bottle of wine for this evening's dinner, but I guess it will have to be shared with-" SLAM!

Before the rest of his sentence could come out of his mouth Norman quickly slammed the door shut with a heavy breath. Making no room for the professor to go any further.

"I've changed my mind, but your ass is sleeping on the couch!"

Disaster averted. Who knows what horrible things could have manifested if he allowed that potential home wrecker to go free. As a near brother to Albert Birch, he wouldn't be able to face him with any dignity if something happened to his wife. Now he was staring at the dilemma of keeping his family out of the reach of this scheming maniac. His wife, he could manage since they both slept in the same room. But what to do with May?

Hm, maybe he should bolt down the windows and install several locks on her door. She wouldn't mind being locked in her room for the night. On second though, that might not be enough. Having swellow standing guard should help too. But just in case, slaking should sit at the bottom of the stairs as an extra precaution.

The gym leader was so lost in thought, that he didn't notice an arm suddenly (and roughly) pat him on the back that was followed by a merry laughter. Oh no! He was going in for the kill! In an instinctive reaction, Norman turned around and attempted to go for the neck. Unfortunately, Sycamore side-stepped out of the way. Ugh, he was despicable.

"Oh, pardon my touch Mr. Maple. I was merely attempting to act friendly!"

"Act friendly somewhere else! I hate you with all my hate!"

"Quite a loss! I would have preferred that the two of us got along together; like an extended family!"

"Even if by some twisted miracle that you were even remotely related to us, I would automatically disown you!"

"So tense you are! I would recommend that-" "AAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Both men suddenly turned towards the stairs where the amplified sound of May Maple's voice rang out in what sounded like torture. Without another thought, Norman grabbed Sycamore by the front of his shirt and forced him down to his height. Embarrassingly, he was shorter than the professor by an inch. "You bastard! What did you do to my precious daughter?!"

"Mr. Maple, it may sound a little silly, but, I have been with you this whole time. But maybe we should discuss this later? Miss Maple seems to be in some sort of trouble. Perhaps we should investigate?"

"I'll investigate! You stand here and do nothing!"

Norman let go of Sycamore abruptly and took out his pokeball. "Go swellow!" He said while holding out the device. Immediately, it opened to have the captured light take shape into the large blue and red bird.

"Swellow, May's in danger! Go protect her!"

That was all the bird needed to hear as it spread his large wings and flew up with urgency. His owner following behind. Of course, there was no way that Professor Sycamore would idly sit by while May's father took all the glory. After all, she was his darling, little fletching.

*Continued in chapter 25*

*Tell (noun): (especially in poker) an unconscious action that is thought to betray an attempted deception.