The Fun Times in Lilycove
"Erza, use Iron Tail!" May called out. The shiny Lairon reared back and began to barrel toward Nikki, who stood tall and ready for Brendan's command. Erza's tail began to glow and shimmer like polished steel as she ran.
"Nikki, counter that with Brick Break!" Brendan called. Nikki's hands both began to glow as she waited for Erza to get close. When they were within striking distance, both the Slaking and the Lairon swung, their attacks colliding and sending a slight gust of wind out, a testament to the power behind both attacks. Eventually, though, Nikki's attack won out, sending Erza back. As Nikki began her short recovery from her attack, May took the opening.
"Now, use Iron Head!" she called. The Lairon sprinted at Nikki once more, her head glowing and shimmering as she hit the Slaking powerfully, sending her sprawling. Thankfully for Brendan, Nikki got up.
"Alright Nikki! Great job! Now, use Reversal!" Nikki ran at Erza, grabbing her and flipping her onto her back before punching her in the face.
"Flash Cannon!" May called. Erza fired a single beam of metallic energy, hitting Nikki at point-blank range, doing serious damage, knocking Nikki out.
"Damn," Brendan said under his breath as he recalled Nikki. "Then I'll use Turk!" He threw the Pokéball of his Crawdaunt, who seemed to flex as he appeared on the battlefield. "Now use Swords Dance, then Aqua Jet!" Turk was surrounded with illusory swords momentarily as his attacking power increased dramatically. He was then surrounded by swirling water before he flew at Erza.
"Use Protect, then Rock Tomb!" May said calmly. Erza was surrounded with a green sphere of energy, blocking Turk's incoming attack before making four rocks erupt from the ground, hitting Turk hard, one of the rocks barely hitting his leg, but doing enough damage to slow him down.
"Turk, use Crabhammer and finish this round!" Brendan said. Turk's claws began to glow brightly as he smashed through the stones as he flew at Erza, hitting her over the head twice. Erza went flying back, landing at May's feet, knocked out.
May sighed as she recalled her Lairon, pulling out her most recent capture. "Asteroth, come on out!" The Spiritomb appeared, earning whispers of admiration from the crowd. "Start with Nasty Plot!" Asteroth's body was surrounded with a black aura as his special attacking power increased dramatically.
"Turk, get in close and use Night Slash!" Brendan called out. The Crawdaunt leapt at Asteroth, his claws turning black as he slashed the spectral Pokémon across the face, sending it through the air.
"Shock Wave!" May called out. Asteroth gathered a ring of concentrated electricity before it erupted out, hitting Turk hard, sending him back. The Ruffian Pokémon would not be beaten that easily. He got back up, but it was clear that one more attack would end it for Turk.
"Aqua Jet!" Brendan called out.
"One more Shock Wave!" May said. Turk launched himself at Asteroth, the Spiritomb gathered another ring of electricity, releasing it as Turk was within mere inches of landing the attack. It sent the Crawdaunt flying back, knocking him out before he even hit the ground.
"You did really well Turk, return!" Brendan recalled his Pokémon as he took out Jack's Pokéball. "Come on out Jack!" He sent out his Camerupt, who looked ready to battle.
"Asteroth, use Shadow Ball!" May called. The Spiritomb launched a large sphere of dark energy at Jack.
"Jack, counter with Rock Slide!" Brendan said. Jack launched a large pile of boulders into the air, hitting and breaking up the incoming Shadow Ball before carrying through and hitting Asteroth hard. The Spiritomb retreated into his Key Stone, showing that he had been defeated.
"Asteroth, come on back!" May called out, recalling the ghost. "Now, I choose Graham!" She sent out her Pelipper, knowing she had a type advantage.
"Smart move there!" Brendan complimented. "Use Rock Slide again!" Jack launched more boulders, almost hitting Graham. Almost.
"Use Protect!" May commanded. The bird was surrounded with a green sphere of energy, blocking the rocks. "Now use Water Pulse!" May called out. Graham fired three rings of water at Jack.
"Use Flamethrower to counter!" Brendan said. Jack spat a long jet of flames, hoping to make the water evaporate before it hit its mark. While the water did dry up slightly, the fire just wasn't hot enough to get all the water. Jack was hit with all three rings, sending him sliding back, but he wasn't beaten yet.
"Graham, use Stockpile!" May said calmly. The Pelipper gathered a sphere of energy in front of it before putting it in his mouth.
"Rock Slide!" Brendan said. Jack launched more rocks into the air as they crashed into Pelipper, getting close to a knock out. Graham wouldn't be beaten so easily either.
"Water Pulse!" May called.
"Rock Slide!" Brendan said at the same time. Both Pokémon fired their attacks, and both attacks hit at the same time, finishing both Pokémon.
"…Well, that happened," May said as she and Brendan both recalled their Pokémon.
Brendan laughed slightly. "How about we both use our second Pokémon in this next round?"
"I like the idea. Go, Lily!" May said.
"Come on out, Clint!" Brendan called, thoroughly enjoying this battle. "Now start with Dual Chop!" The Sceptile's leaves began to glow with purple energy as he leapt at Lily, ready to swing.
"Use Siver Wind!" May said. Lily began to beat her wings, sending a stream of silver sickles of dust at Clint. The Beautifly's attack hit first, sending Clint back. The attack did damage, but Clint was not going to lose that easily. He leapt back up and hit Lily again, knocking her to the ground.
"Nice job Clint, now for the attack we've been practicing!" Brendan said. "Dragon Pulse!" Clint gathered a sphere of purple energy before firing a stream at Lily. May and her Beautifly were too shocked by this new development to react in time as Lily was hit by the beam.
"Lily, I know you can keep going. Get up and use Bug Buzz!" May said. Lily flew into the air before she began making a buzzing sound that almost sounded like a Kricketune playing really badly. Clint covered his ears as he came closer to losing, but he held on.
"Clint, finish this with Rock Tomb!" Brendan said calmly. Clint threw four boulders from the ground, surrounding and hitting Lily, sending her to the ground again. This time, the Beautifly didn't get back up.
May sighed as she recalled Lily. "That was really well done Brendan. I didn't think you'd pull that off. But that doesn't matter now, because it's time for Drake to make his appearance!" She sent out Latios, getting the entire crowd to gasp, and a few even pulled out their phones, starting to take pictures and videos of the Eon Pokémon.
Avery will probably love this, Gwen said to Brendan, making him chuckle slightly.
"Well, Clint and I aren't going to back down from this challenge. Start with Dragon Pulse!" Brendan called.
"Dodge, then use Luster Purge!" May said. Drake barrel-rolled over the incoming Dragon Pulse before he began to glow white as he fired his own beam, this one white with some small streaks of blue. Clint had no chance to dodge, and he was hit in the chest, getting thrown back, past Brendan and Gwen, and he landed hard, passing out.
"Clint, you fought hard. Get some rest, you earned it," Brendan said as he recalled his Pokémon and pulled out Avery's Pokéball. "Well, since Drake is out, I might as well send out his sister. Come on out Avery!" The Latias appeared, but she immediately turned around and began to nuzzle Brendan, earning multiple "aww's" from the crowd, as well as more phones and cameras. Brendan just laughed and pet her under chin. "Hey Avery, I'm happy to see you too. You ready for a battle?" Avery chirped happily and turned to face Drake.
"Drake, start with Dragon Pulse!" May said. Drake fired a single beam of energy at Avery, giving it nearly pinpoint accuracy. Avery, however, was not going to let the attack hit. In a way that made it look like she was playing, Avery spun away from the attack, taking no damage.
"Great job Avery! Now, use Shadow Ball!" Brendan said. Avery gathered an inky black ball of energy before launching it at Drake. This one went faster than the Dragon Pulse, hitting its mark and sending Drake back from the attack's power.
"Wow, I didn't know you trained Avery so well already. I'm impressed," May said with genuine admiration.
"Well you're training Drake just as well," Brendan said in the same tone.
"I need to in order to keep up with you," May said. "Like this. Ice Beam!" Drake reared back and fired a single stream of ice at Avery.
Brendan's eyes went wide at that. When did she teach him Ice Beam?
No clue, Gwen said in response. But if you don't do something or you'll lose this round.
Right, I know, Brendan said. "Avery, dodge and use Dragon Pulse!" Brendan said. Avery rolled to the side before she fired a stream of energy at Drake. The Ice Beam passed by Avery, clipping her wing and freezing it slightly, before she fired a beam back at Drake, this one hitting him in the chest, doing severe damage.
"Alright, fine, you've forced my hand. Drake, use Draco Meteor!" May called out. Drake gathered an orange ball of energy, launching it into the sky where it exploded, splitting into multiple smaller orbs of energy and raining down at Avery, who desperately tried to dodge it. Unfortunately, the incoming attacks were too numerous. Drake's attack hit Avery repeatedly, sending her into the ground, where she wound up passing out. Drake, however, was looking exhausted too. Brendan walked over to Avery and pet her neck as she regained consciousness
"Hey, you did really well out there. Get a good rest," he said. Avery cooed happily and nudged Brendan before he recalled her and turned to Gwen.
You don't need to ask. I'm ready, Gwen said with a smile. She walked onto the battlefield with confidence.
Brendan smiled and stood up behind Gwen. Then let's get it done. Want to go mega for this?
Let's do it. The crowd is still looking for a show, just look at how many people have cameras out. Brendan looked around and saw that all but the elderly members of the crowd had phones or cameras out. He smiled to himself.
"Gwen, now, Mega Evolve!" Brendan touched his Keystone, making both it and her Gardevoirite necklace light up and connect with each other. Gwen began to transform into her Mega form, her power radiating out. Brendan smiled. Now the battle would be more interesting, and the collective gasp of awe from the audience. Show time. Start with Hyper Voice! Gwen shouted, sending a massive cone of sound at Drake. The attack hit hard, sending Drake back, past May before landing on the ground and getting knocked out.
May sighed and crouched down beside Latios, and she whispered so not even Brendan or Gwen could hear her. "You fought hard Drake, get some rest for the contest tomorrow morning." She recalled him and pulled out Miranda's Pokéball. "Time for our first Pokémon to face off. Go, Miranda." The Blaziken came out of her Pokéball and gave a roar. "Now, Mega-Evolve!" May touched her Keystone, causing it and Miranda's Blazikenite to glow and they linked with multiple tendrils of light. Miranda's entire body lit up and began to change. Her white head feathers began to point upward, and she grew a single tuft of red feathers coming from her forehead. There were also two streamers made of fire extending from her wrists. When the glowing ceased, her body had gotten a bit thinner, but there was clearly more power in her. Her legs also had black feathers covering from her hips to just below her knees. To put it simply, Miranda looked badass. "Start with Shadow Claw!" Miranda's talons began to glow with a purple and black aura as she leapt at Gwen.
Teleport to dodge, then use Psychic, Brendan said. Gwen vanished just before Miranda hit her. When she reappeared, Miranda was gripped with the light blue aura of Gwen's telepathy before she was lifted into the air and dropped. Gwen smirked confidently, but that smirk fell when Miranda righted herself and landed softly on her feet, barely feeling the impact through her powerful legs.
"Great job Miranda, use Blaze Kick!" May said. Miranda leapt at Gwen as her foot began to burn brightly as she spun around and delivered a fierce kick to Gwen's side, making her eyes bug out momentarily as she lost her breath shortly and began to roll back. She struggled to her feet, coughing hard and holding her side.
Arceus, that hurt. Miranda, did you need to go that hard? Gwen said.
Are you alright? Want to continue? Brendan said.
Yes, I'm fine. By the way, I'm Gwen, you must not know me, she teased slightly.
Okay, then use Hyper Voice again! Brendan said. Gwen shouted again, sending another sound wave, hitting Miranda hard and putting her into the air.
"Respond with Shadow Claw!" May said. Miranda landed and began to sprint at Gwen, her talons glowing with black and purple energy. And, to make matters worse for Brendan and Gwen, Miranda was getting faster thanks to her Speed Boost ability.
Gwen, we need to move faster, use Teleport to dodge! Brendan said. Just as Gwen was about to teleport, Miranda grabbed her arm and slashed her across her chest. Gwen teleported away and put her hand on her chest, which had visible marks now.
Ow! Gwen said as she got to her feet. Alright, no more Miss Nice-Gwen! She reached out and used her psychic power to grab Miranda and push her into the ground before dragging her in a circle then . Brendan smiled at Gwen's ingenuity.
Good work, now throw her up and slam her into the ground, Brendan said.
"Miranda, push off the ground and use another Blaze Kick!" May said. Miranda struggled against Gwen's grip, but she managed to get to her feet, then she jumped forward and swung her leg around as her foot lit up with flames.
Grab her now! Brendan said. Gwen's eyes lit up with a deep blue aura, and Miranda was caught with the aura when her foot was mere inches from hitting Gwen's face. She then lifted Miranda into the air before throwing her toward the ground, making sure to accelerate the throw so there was a limited chance of Miranda righting herself like she did last time.
Unfortunately, Miranda wasn't going to let Gwen have her way. "Finish that Blaze Kick!" May said. Miranda struggled against Gwen's grip. She was a foot from the ground when she got free, her increased speed allowing her to land on her feet and spin, kicking at Gwen. Gwen teleported at the last second, but she didn't escape a mild burn on her cheek. She touched the burn lightly, wincing slightly.
Well, time to finish this, Gwen said. She shouted, using Hyper Voice. This time, Miranda couldn't dodge. She was thrown into the air, landing in a heap on the ground in front of May. However, she was able to get to her feet and run at Gwen, her foot flaming again as she closed the distance before she hit Gwen in her side. Or, at least, what looked like Gwen. It turned out to be an illusory clone. The real Gwen was standing a good distance away. Gwen shouted one last time, hitting Miranda perfectly. While Miranda flew, she returned to her normal form, fainting at May's feet. May crouched down and sighed.
"You did a great job Miranda. Now, get a long, well-earned rest," she said as she recalled Miranda and stood up. That was when the crowd began to applaud. There were, however, two shady characters in the crowd who walked away with sinister grins on their faces, both had their hoods up. One of them, however, had a barely visible Team Aqua symbol etched on a bandana under his hood.
"That was an amazing battle you two!" said a familiar voice. Brendan and May turned to the source, seeing none other than Lisia standing at the entrance to the Department Store, clapping for her friends. "And to think that since Verdenturf, you two have mastered Mega Evolution and you captured the Eon Pokémon. But I'm guessing there's much more that happened since I last saw you. We should get some coffee in the Starboks here and catch up!"
Gwen answered for them. Definitely, let's go! Brendan and May didn't object as Lisia led them into the Department Store's café, where they all got their drinks and sat at a small table.
"So, tell me about what you three have been up to," Lisia said after she sipped her drink.
Brendan started with his battle against Norman, then the trip to the Southern Isle. May then picked up the tale of what happened at the Weather Institute and how she beat him in their battle on that route. She did, however, omit what Team Aqua and Team Magma were planning to do with Kyogre and Groudon. Gwen finished with Steven helping them learn Mega Evolution, the battles on Mt. Pyre, and her battle against the Honchkrow flock. Through all this, Lisia was on the edge of her seat as they talked. When they finished, she had no way to respond.
"Damn, I can't top all that. I've just been traveling with the contest committee and preparing my routine for this year's Grand Festival," Lisia said with a slight pout. What she didn't say was that she could tell they weren't telling her everything about their travels, but she decided not to press the subject. "But I'm glad you two have been doing well overall."
They continued to chat for a while before deciding to head back to the Pokèmon Center for the day. May needed to refine her plan for the contest in less than a week.
—a—a—a—a—
"Welcome one and all to the Lilycove Contest!" Vivian said, earning a round of applause from the massive crowd in the contest hall. "Now, allow me to introduce our panel of judges!"
While Vivian made the introductions, May was brushing her hair to make it shine just right, her contest outfit was perfectly fitted. She already had Asteroth's Pokèball ready, but what really bothered her was the lack of real opponents in this contest. Grace wasn't there, and neither was Chazz. While she didn't miss the douche and his Machoke, she missed having Grace around. The woman had been there for all but the last contest she was in. She had a feeling this contest would be too easy if her rivals weren't there. "Well, I guess I can simply have fun with this one." Thankfully, she was to be the second to perform, so she wouldn't need to wait long to perform. That way Asteroth wouldn't be too nervous when they did their routine.
The first coordinator, had an average performance. She used a Victreebel, a rare Pokémon in Hoenn, to combine Sludge Bomb, Razor Leaf, and Vine Whip, making some unexpected fireworks. Her final score was twenty-three out of thirty.
"Alright ladies and gentlemen, it's now time for our second coordinator, the student of Lisia Rain, please welcome May!" Vivian said.
In the crowd, Brendan, Gwen, and Lisia were all cheering loudly as May entered the stage, but they were drowned out by the rest of the crowd. It was clear that they all knew who she was, and they were all expecting her to have an excellent performance.
May took a steadying breath before she threw her Pokèball. "Asteroth, take the stage!" The Spiritomb appeared with a haunting howl, starting the eerie appeal. "Start with Ominous Wind!" Asteroth let out a dark-colored breath, letting a worrying fog fall over the entire contest hall. "Now, Shadow Sneak and Shadow Ball mixed with Shock Wave." Asteroth disappeared by melting into nothing but a black shadow on the ground, moving from the stage to multiple spots in the crowd, firing an electricity-covered Shadow Ball at each stop, firing from one side of the hall before instantly getting to a different spot entirely, sending another, making sure they collided, making the electricity disperse, and causing the clouds to get darker, with the electricity flashing in a way that it looked like storm clouds. "Now, come back to the stage and use Rain Dance!" Asteroth reappeared on the stage as a deluge began on the stage, making the appeal of a stormy night nearly complete. "Now, use one more Shock Wave!" Asteroth let out a ring of electricity, which he made converge into a cone before it spiraled into the clouds before coming down and striking the center of the stage, dispersing the clouds and stopping the rain. When the surprise at the quality of the performance waned, the audience gave a standing ovation, and the judges gave the verdict of a perfect thirty. May gave a cheer and hugged Asteroth as best she could before she stood and took a graceful bow and recalling Asteroth before leaving the stage.
As the contest continued, Brendan quickly realized that May had this one wrapped up, so he was thinking of how they would celebrate her victory. "Hey, Lisia, I have a quick question."
Lisia looked over. "If you're wondering whether I'm bored out of my mind with these mediocre appeals, then I think you know the answer to that."
Brendan chuckled. "I'm bored with them too, but that wasn't what I wanted to ask. What's the nicest restaurant in Lilycove?"
"Oh, that would definitely be The Lodge. It's within walking distance of the Pokèmon Center, and the food is incredible," she said. "But the dress code there is formal."
Brendan, you hoping for a date tonight? Gwen said.
"Why wouldn't I? May and I haven't really had a proper date since Meteor Falls, and that didn't exactly end well," Brendan said. "Might as well have it tonight."
Lisia smiled. "Well, you're certainly a romantic guy. I've said it before, I'll say it again, I wish I could find a guy like you."
You will, I'm sure of it, Gwen said with a smile. She then turned to Brendan. I'm guessing you want to go out with May alone, right?
I feel bad leaving you out of this one, but I kind of want a night alone with my girlfriend, Brendan said.
You don't need to explain. Lisia, would you be okay with it if I spent the night with you? Because sitting in the Pokèmon Center watching bad television is not my idea of a fun night, Gwen said.
Lisia just laughed. "Yeah, no problem, but I'm also staying at the Pokèmon Center."
Makes for an easy trip, Gwen said. As she said that, the final appeal was made, earning a twenty-seven, which was the second highest score of the day.
"Oh, hey the crappy appeals are over finally," Brendan noted cheerfully. "Time for May to win the battle round."
The battles didn't last long, though. May used Drake and won her first battle with a single Luster Purge to defeat the Victreebel trainer. In the final round, though, May went up against a Mightyena trainer, and she easily won again. This time, though, it took two attacks, and dodging a Crunch attack. It was frankly embarrassing to the other competitors, and it even made Brendan wish that Grace, or even Chazz had been there to at least give May a proper challenge. But the ribbon was good for entry into the Grand Festival, and this was her fourth ribbon. Only one more to go.
—a—a—a—
That night, Brendan and May were walking out from the Pokèmon Center, May wearing a blue silk dress with her hair curled into a straight wave style, leaving her bow behind and wearing a darker red lipstick. To compliment her outfit, Brendan was wearing khaki pants and a blue button-down shirt. He also left his white hat behind, styling his hair to be more fashionable, parting it to the side.
"Brendan, you still haven't told me why we're dressed up, and why we left Gwen with Lisia. What are you planning?" May asked.
Brendan simply smiled as they rounded the corner and The Lodge came into view. "Well, look right in front of us and you'll see our destination."
When May saw the restaurant, her eyes opened wide. "No, you didn't! That's one of the nicest restaurants in all of Hoenn," she said in pleasant disbelief.
"Surprise. Lisia helped pull some strings and got us reservations here," he said. "Gwen agreed to stay in Lisia's room so we could have our second date."
May kissed Brendan on his cheek. "I love you so much," she said.
And I win again! Gwen said. She and Lisia had been playing Mortal Kombat X, and despite having never played before, Gwen was winning nearly every game. She had taken a liking to Scorpion, and she had just gotten her third fatality in a row.
"Wow, that's impressive. You've picked up the controls in a few hours." Lisia said.
I don't know what to tell you, I guess just have a talent for these types of games.
"Uh huh," Lisia said, suspecting that the psychic type may be using some underhanded tactics. "Another game?"
Why not? I'll even use another character if you want me to.
"Of course, we've got nothing better to do, right?" Lisia said.
She's catching on that I've been reading her mind. Shit, Gwen said to herself. That was when she sent slight, but noticeable messages to Brendan, jokingly telling him to hurry up.
—a—a—
Brendan looked at her lovingly before opening the door for her. Dinner was excellent, with great service, everything was cooked to perfection, and they even had a great wine pairing as well. But through the meal, Brendan couldn't help but remember the promise he made back on Mt. Chimney. For May, however, the thoughts were more romantic.
The fact that Brendan went through all this trouble for me is amazing. I may need to properly thank him again tonight, she thought. But…I want more than just that. The chemistry is perfect, and we just work so well as a couple. Her thoughts were silent for a while as she and Brendan talked for a little while before returning to her borderline fantasy. May began to imagine her dream wedding, and while she had usually had a faceless man standing at the end of the aisle, waiting for her, this time, without trying, the faceless man was replaced by Brendan. And now, there were three bridesmaids who hadn't been there before: Lisia, Grace, and Gwen.
"May," Brendan said, snapping her out of her musings. "I was trying to ask you if you want dessert."
"Oh," she looked at her plate, before sighing. "I'm too full. The dinner alone was more than enough."
"I agree, and Gwen keeps sending me hints that we should get back," Brendan said with a chuckle. Coincidentally, that was when their waiter came by with the electronic check, and Brendan paid with his Trainer Card. He almost went broke doing it, but he had enough to cover the bill. "Well, are you ready to go for a short walk back?" he asked as he stood up and held his hand out for May.
She took his hand, pulling herself up and kissing his cheek briefly. "I'm ready now." Brendan smiled back before they walked out of the building, both with love on their minds.
"By the way, May, I know it may seem out of nowhere, but there's something I want to say," Brendan said.
"What is it?" May said, noting the serious tone in Brendan's voice.
"Well, during dinner, I was remembering what happened on Mt. Chimney, and my promise to you," he said. May was paying her full attention to him now. "Well, I just felt that I needed to restate it, knowing what we will be going into when we start taking on Team Aqua and Team Magma. I swear to you that I will never let you get kidnapped again."
May smiled softly before kissing Brendan lightly, then resting her head on his shoulder. "I know that Brendan. I love you, and I know you will protect me. You should know that I will protect you just as fiercely." The two of them walked in a pleasant silence, heading back to the Pokèmon Center.
They were about halfway back when they realized they were being tailed. "Brendan," May whispered.
"I know, laugh so it looks like we don't know he's there. We'll walk to the police station and get this guy arrested," he whispered. May gave a convincing laugh, one that not only seemed natural, but sounded beautiful as well. The problem came when they passed an alleyway, and a second follower came out of the shadows. Brendan and May both got a little more worried, but they just continued to walk as if nothing was amiss. They continued to pass alleys, and each one had a new follower come out from the shadows twenty. They still had three blocks to go before the police station when three more people came out from a larger alleyway, they were wearing hoodies with their hoods down, showing their Team Aqua bandanas.
Brendan and May both stopped in their tracks, realizing there was no way to get out of this. They had left their Pokèmon at the Center with Gwen and Lisia, trying to have a night truly to themselves. Now, though, it seemed that had seriously backfired.
"So, scamp and scampette, did you enjoy your night out?" said an all too familiar voice.
"Archie," Brendan growled as the commander of Team Aqua came into view.
"Who else?" he said with a laugh. "See, since our meeting on Mt. Pyre, I've done some thinking, and I've realized that every time, and I mean every time, our plans have failed, there's only been one common factor: the two of you." Brendan just glared around, counting over twenty Grunts surrounding them. "So, then I asked myself how to properly deal with you two. Then it came to me. But explaining it would take more time than we have before the police arrive. Grunts, now!" That was when two grunts ran up behind Brendan, one grabbing his arms and pulling them back, incapacitating him before the other one punched him in the stomach, following it up with a right hook to the jaw. Before Brendan could do anything, the same grunt punched him across the face again, almost knocking him out.
"Brendan!" May called as two grunts grabbed her to restrain her and tying her up with a rope.
"So, I think we're going to let you off with a strong message," Archie smiled as a helicopter appeared overhead, sending down a harness and rappelling rope, and the grunts attached it to May. "Now, scamp, I will leave you with this warning. If you ever interfere with my plans again, your little girlfriend here will die painfully." Archie nodded to the rest of the grunts, all of them coming forward and hitting Brendan repeatedly before they had one grunt hit him with a wooden bat, knocking him out.
"BRENDAN!" May shrieked as he collapsed onto the ground. Archie grinned evilly.
"Three of you, take the scamp into an alleyway so he isn't found," he said as a rope ladder dropped from the chopper. May was then hoisted into the air and left dangling from the helicopter as Team Aqua climbed into the chopper, leaving three to hide Brendan. May was then carried off as the helicopter lifted off, staying low to keep their hostage relatively unharmed, and they flew toward a rocky outcrop on the shore of Lilycove, where she also saw a small cave entrance, as well as a mechanical door opening on the top of the mountain.
The helicopter lowered into the doors, stopping so two grunts could get her untied from the rope then pulling her aside so the helicopter could land and the passengers could exit. Archie then approached May and raised her chin so she was looking at him. "Well, scampette you'd better get comfortable as our prisoner. Because you're never leaving," he said before looking at Matt. "See to it that she's given the EMP cell. We don't want her to use her Pokèmon to break out of her cell."
Matt pulled May along by her hair, dragging her deeper into the base and tossing her into a cell that hummed with energy. "Hope you enjoy my bro's best cell. Grub is served twice a day, but that's the only thing you'll have to look forward to." He untied her restraints and pushed her in farther, making her fall hard to the ground. Just as she was getting to her feet, Matt slammed the door and locked it, leaving May on her own.
May was on the end of her emotional rope now. Not only had her second date with Brendan also been cut short by Hoenn's eco-terrorists, but now Brendan had no idea where she was. The only good thing was that her Pokémon were all safe at the Pokémon Center. But that didn't really matter now. She laid down and cried, not caring about who saw her.
—a—a—
Brendan woke up on top of a pile of trash bags the next morning, the events of last night returning through what was likely a minor concussion. Brendan! He heard Gwen calling. He sent an image of his surroundings to his Pokèmon.
I'm fine, please come find me. He said as he coughed roughly. Gwen appeared instantly beside him, helping Brendan to his feet.
Thank Arceus you're okay. When you didn't come home last night, Lisia and I got extremely worried. That was when she noticed that May was nowhere to be seen. Where is May? Gwen asked, already fearing that she knew the answer, teleporting them to the Pokèmon Center, getting Brendan to his bed.
"Team Aqua took her." He said, anger clear in his voice. "And it was right after I reassured her that I would never let anybody kidnap her again."
Well, we just need to rescue her like last time, it shouldn't be too tough since we've beaten those two teams so many–
"I don't know where they took her," he said. "If we're going to save her, we need to start searching."
But if you don't know where they took her, how do you intend to find her? Will you go to the police? Gwen asked.
Brendan shook his head. "The police will be too slow. I need to move faster," he said as he reached into his bag and pulled out the Magma Emblem the old couple gave him on Mt. Pyre. He glared at it intently. "And even though they're enemies, I think I know where I need to start."
Hey everybody, thanks for reading this admittedly long chapter. Hope you enjoyed it. As always, please leave a (constructive) review.
One thing to address: I intentionally kept the contest and date relatively short, since they aren't the essential parts of the story, but there will be a date where all you suckers for romance can look and just say "awwww!"
Until next time – jmoul18.
