Hey there,

sorry about the break again. Being in the final year of school makes it hard to find time to write, but at least I am only writing one fic, so at least I will always be focused on this one!

Sorry this chapter mostly focuses on plot as I wanted to finally introduce the main point of this fic, besides the shipping. Hope you enjoy and feel free to criticise me, I am known for creating plot holes (oops!)

Paul's eyes rolled so far back into his skull, they might have disappeared. For the past twenty minutes at least, Dawn had been complaining about the lock in. Being an electric type, she had a lot of energy, and her favourite way to release it was to play sports on the field outside. She wasn't very good, and everyone knew that, but that wasn't what mattered. She hadn't been able to play her sports properly in a week. It had been exactly 7 days since they locked the doors, and they were still locked. Nobody had seen the girls that had escaped since they returned. Rumours had begun to spread that they had been killed for breaking the strictest rule, but May and most of her friends believed that they were being kept and punished.

May pushed her food around on her plate, her chin resting in her other hand. She had begun to lose weight in the past week, and no amount of nagging from Drew could make her eat her meals. He knew he needed to speak to her alone so she could tell her how she was feeling, so he could understand her, but there had been little opportunities with the guards more alert than ever and with the lack of privacy due to everyone being crammed indoors.

On the other side of the room, Ash watched her. He had not eaten much either that day, but he had noticed from a distance that she had not been eating properly, and that she did little speaking. He'd made no effort to contact her since she had left him the note. It hurt him deeply to think about it. He just couldn't understand why she would suddenly do that to him, when he was only trying to care for her and be a good friend. He wished she had explained herself better, but now he would have no chance to ask her. He missed her.

On May's table, Paul finally managed to stop Dawn's complaining long enough to let out what he had been holding in since breakfast began.

"I've been doing some research," he started, but it seemed the only person that listened was Dawn. May continued to stare at her plate, Drew continued to stare at her and Serena looked aloof. He sighed.

"May."

May looked up at him, her eyes looking tired and bored, but said nothing.

"I was thinking about just how strong your powers are, and so I decided to do some digging. I asked around to see if anyone knew of a room that nobody had been into that might be some kind of office. Well, backstage, there's a room that Cynthia comes onto stage from that is always locked."

May seemed slightly more interested now, and sat up to listen to him.

"Then I decided to ask around some more for somebody who knows how to lockpick. I thought there's got to be somebody in this godforsaken place that can pick this lock… and I found a man that could, and he did as soon as I mentioned it out of curiosity, and he says it's her office for sure. Says the room is much bigger than you'd imagine and there's drawers upon drawers of files. Our files. Where we're from."

May was overwhelmed.

"But… Would you want to see that stuff? Wouldn't that just make you feel worse about being stuck here? Knowing who your parents were, wouldn't that feel weird? We don't even know which region we're from…"

"I don't want to see that stuff," he answered. May tilted her head at him in confusion. "I want to see your stuff."

"Wha-"

"Think about it. You're hands down the strongest person here right now, out of all the people. There has to be something about you. There has to be something in that file to explain it."

May agreed. It had never crossed her mind. May had grown up here, and lived here for as long as she could remember, so the thought of where she was from rarely crossed her mind. She had trained herself not to think about it, and was well on her way to convincing herself that this is where she was from- her home. She had already convinced herself that she would never see the outside world. What if seeing those files was too much?

"Yes… Yes, perhaps there would be… I would let you read them, but I don't want to see them myself. How did he manage to get inside with no one seeing him?"

"At night no one visits the stage, of course, so it would be a waste of time to post guards there, especially when the doors are locked." Paul rarely showed excitement, but now his hands were gripping the edge of the table. "He says he will open it for us. So are you in?"

May instinctively turned to Drew, who had perked up a little. He gave a little nod.

"I'm in," she said confidently, turning back to Paul. Paul smirked.

"Good. We have thought of a performance we want to give to everyone but we need time when the stage is free to practice. I think tonight is the perfect time, don't you?"

"I do."

When it reached 9pm, and May was certain no one would be around the stage, she left her room, creeping down the corridor. She feared what they would find in the office. She had always believed if they were to be stuck, it would be better to not know what they were missing.

When she reached the stage, Drew, Dawn and Paul were already there, waiting with an older man, perhaps in his 30s, wearing a blue suit. May kept her head down and said nothing, simply waited for this stranger to unlock the door for them. He did so seamlessly, in a second, and then whisked away as fast as he had unlocked the door, not wanting any more involvement than necessary.

The door swung open, but the room was pitch black. Reluctantly, she took the first steps, and felt along the wall for a light switch, with part of her hoping she wouldn't find one, and they would have to turn back. She was terrified of what the light might reveal in this mysterious room.

Her fingers finally found the cold block mounted on the wall and she flicked the switch quickly before able to stop herself. The lights didn't flicked on, like most in the arena, they simply glared suddenly, and May covered her eyes with her hand, giving them time to adjust, then peered around nervously. The room was almost bare, with only drawers upon drawers circling the room, and a desk at the far end, sitting on which was a plaque reading 'Cynthia'. By the desk was a door, bearing no windows. Her first question would be to ask where that other door lead to.

The drawers were labelled by letter. With her permission, Drew headed for the drawers labelled 'M', and began to wade through for May's file. He was surprisingly calm, and it radiated from him, which calmed May slightly too. Paul had wanted to look at her file for her, but May felt comfortable letting Drew do it. She knew he would be sensible. She stood watching like a hawk for what seemed like hours until he reached in and pulled out a large, brown envelope, with her name printed on the front of it, along with her date of birth and blood group. She began to bite her lip in anxiety and turned away. She heard the rustling of the envelope as Drew carefully slid it open, so not to tear it and leave a trace. She listened to the shuffle as he slid the papers out and threw the envelope down for the moment, then organised them in his hands, ready to read. Then, silence. She waited. She wasn't left waiting long when she heard the papers drop, and one of them slid between her feet on the floor. She turned to him, angry.

"Are you kidding? Someone could have heard that!" She whispered aggressively. "Pick it up!"

Drew frantically gathered the papers, saying nothing, but always staring straight ahead, as if he'd seen a ghost. His heart pounded.

"Well?" Paul asked when he was finished, and staring at the papers once again. "What does it say?"

"May," Drew began, his voice trembling slightly. "Your birthday is in 7 months, right?"

"Yes. Why?"

Drew placed a hand on his forehead and pushed against it, closing his eyes in frustration. He was aware of the others staring at him angrily, their anticipation being dragged out, but he didn't care. They couldn't see that his heart had just fallen to the floor and smashed into a million pieces that would never be gathered again.

"Drew, what is it?" May asked again, and he looked back up at her, his eyes full of pain that made her flinch at the sight.

"The title of your entire document, before I even read it…" He sighed. "Was Princess May."

May's heart jolted against her chest violently.

"Your father is currently the leader of fire. You are the fire princess."

"What?" Dawn was the first to speak, failing to realise that May had turned as pale as the white walls around them. "Why did you ask when her birthday was?"

The trio knew. A rulers child was a rare sight in the arena. Rulers were still chosen based on power, but their children would be taken from them at birth, and taken to the arena, along with all other strong children, until they were 18 and trained. At the age of 18, any child of a ruler would be released, and sent home to their family, so they could train to be the next king or queen. None of them had witnessed it in their time, and now they were looking right at one, the Princess of Hoenn, the Princess of Fire.

May had spent her whole time in the arena convincing herself that she would always be here, so she should never think of the outside, and now she would be the one to leave. The news had hit her like a truck, and she stood, frozen on the spot, her face unreadable.

Paul had finished explaining to Dawn, and her face had twisted in despair, and now she was crying, her face in both of her hands, her wailing echoing around the room. May could not drown out her sobs, even when her own came, and Drew swooped over, taking her up into his arms, allowing her to sob into his chest quietly as he rubbed the small of her back and held her close. His own heart was broken, but he would keep it together long enough to calm May down, and convince her that this was a good thing. He had to be happy for her. He was suddenly more determined than ever to win the competition and battle his way out.

May didn't remember the rest of the night. She had cried for a long time, until she was exhausted, and Drew had lifted her up, and she fell asleep in his arms as he carried her to her room. People watched, those that were still out of their rooms, including Ash. Drew had caught his gaze, and the two stared for a moment, but Drew's look was not an angry one. He could not manage it. His eyes revealed exactly what he was feeling, and Ash knew something was wrong, but could do nothing. She had asked him not to speak to her, and so he would do as he was told, as much as it hurt him.

When she woke again, she felt numb. All cried out from the night before, she could do nothing but lie with a blank stare at her wall. The dress from Elesa was still hanging, unreturned, and she suddenly wished she could go back to that time, when nothing really mattered but winning a stupid beauty contest.

She sat up, scrunching the sheets in her hands, feeling herself getting angry. There was nothing she could do. She would have to leave her friends here.

No. May kept her fists clenched together. She couldn't live outside this place knowing the people she had grown up with were still trapped here. She wouldn't be able to sleep at night, knowing in the morning she would wake, and go downstairs to her family, while her friends were waking to do the same thing every morning; walk to the canteen, wait until 2pm, and bed before 10. She had to find a way to get them out. Sitting in her bed, that one morning, 7 months before her release, May swore to herself that she would find a way out of this place before then, with all of her friends. She would bring this place down. But first, she had to resolve some issues.

When May sat down at her table, she smiled at each one of her friends, catching them off guard. Drew could not have looked more depressed if he tried, but upon receiving her smile seemed to lighten up. She took hold of his hand and squeezed it under the table, reassuring him.

"I think that we should all go to the stage this morning. I have something to talk to you all about."

May had a fantastic mixture of friends. A grass type, an electric type, a dark type and a fairy type, plus herself. If she were to do anything, she would need their help.

"We can walk there together now, then?" Drew asked, looking down at her. She nodded.

"Okay." Paul stood first. "Let's go then."

The 5 of them walked out together. As they left, May turned back and caught sight of Ash, who was watching them leave. He looked away right away, and for a moment a stray thought entered May's mind. She quickly pushed it away. No, not yet.

The group was not chatty as they made their way to the stage- the only place they would receive any privacy. The place echoed as they entered, and made their way onto the stage. It was almost intimidating, even if all the seats were empty. It was the largest part of the building, and it seemed strange when it was so empty.

"Okay." May sighed. "I'm getting out of here in 7 months. I can't do anything about that. But I won't leave without you all."

"What do you mean, May?" Drew asked from her side, where he always seemed to place himself now.

"I mean, now that I've discovered my powers, and why I'm so strong… I want to do something about this place. I want to overthrow it. I want to get you all out."

"How?" Dawn asked, sounding sceptical, but May could see the sparkle of excitement in her eyes. Drew's heart was racing.

"I'm not entirely sure yet… But I need your help. That's why… I need to see if you can use your powers."

Dawn's sparkle suddenly disappeared. "I… I don't have any powers."

May smiled. "You do. I didn't think I had any either, until something sparked it."

"What sparked it?" she asked. May blushed, dropping her head, unsure of how to answer. She was all too aware of Drew's eyes burning into her.

"Just… Emotion. Strong emotions. You need to feel strong emotions."

"Um…"

May spun. It had been Serena that had spoke now, sheepishly raising her voice from the back of the group, where she had stood silently until now.

"I have a power. I learned how to use it a few years ago when I was overcome with extreme loneliness… that was the emotion."

"What kind of power?" Dawn asked in awe. Serena seemed nervous.

"It's embarrassing… I'm not sure how to show you."

"Serena, we won't judge you." May put a hand on her arm. "Whatever it is, you can show us. Anything is helpful."

Serena sighed, and straightened herself up. "Okay," she said quietly. "I'm very sorry, Paul."

Before Paul could respond and express his confusion, Serena twirled lightly around, winking and blew a kiss in Paul's direction. The group watched in confusion as a wisp of pink energy seemed to flow from her to Paul and fade into him. Instantly, Paul's cheeks were red, and he walked towards Serena, reaching out to hold her. She squirmed.

"See! I told you it was embarrassing!"

"What did you do?!" Dawn asked, her tone different from before. May turned to watch her carefully, as she'd caught a hint of something in her tone. Jealousy?

"I charmed him…" Serena said, attempting to push Paul off herself. The scene was ridiculous, Paul would never behave this way, but now he was attempting to kiss her cheek. Dawn bristled.

"You're beautiful, Serena," Paul muttered dreamily and she squealed, pushing him harder.

Before May could react, a spark jolted through the air and struck Paul's arm, snapping him out of his stupor. He grabbed his arm, grunting in pain, and turned to Dawn, who now looked like she'd seen a ghost.

"Did you do that? What just happened?" Paul asked, rubbing his arm.

"Dawn, that's amazing!" May clapped her hands together. "You did that!"

Dawn smiled sheepishly, praying nobody thought why she might have been able to do that just then. May knew, but she wouldn't say anything that would embarrass her friend.

They spent the next hour trying to pry some powers out of Drew and Paul, but with little success. Drew was able to create a small solar beam from his hand, but it was only small and didn't hurt when it came in contact with anyone. May tried to get him to use both hands and push out, but nothing happened. When the hour was over, they were all tired, and Paul started to grow irritated at himself.

"Let's go now," May stated, after Paul had attempted something for the fifth time, and Dawn had comforted him when he mumbled about being useless.

Serena, Dawn, Paul and Drew began to leave, Dawn with her arm linked around Paul's so she could rub his arm which was still sore from her attack.

"Drew," May called. He stopped. "Wait."

The rest of them didn't stop to question her, and left Drew and May alone. May sat, crossing her legs, and he joined her, leaning in towards her.

"Drew, I'm really serious about this."

"I don't doubt you." He nodded.

"No, I-"

May froze at the sound of a door. She swiftly glanced around, but could see nothing, so shrugged it off. From the stalls, Ash watched. He could not hear her, but he could read her expression, and he just needed to know what was going on.

"You might not think 5 of us can do it, but I really think we can. I think once we begin, other people will join. But… There's just one problem."

"What's that?"

"How can we expect everyone to work together to do this when two types won't interact with one another?"

Drew sighed, and his head dropped. May reached out and took his arm, leaning forward to look into his eyes. She took his face in her other hand, pushing it up slightly, keeping her eye contact.

"I know, Drew, I know… But this needs to happen. Water and fire need to get along for this to work. Otherwise we'll always be divided…"

Feeling May's soft hand rubbing against his cheek had made Drew blush, and Ash noticed. Ash decided he thought he knew what was going on here, and he'd had no right to worry at all. Sulkily he bit his lip, feeling bad for intruding on their privacy. He didn't want to watch anymore.

"What are you going to do?" Drew asked, taking hold of the hand she'd placed on his hand and squeezing.

"I don't know yet."

Ash watched as Drew took hold of her hand, and almost turned to leave, when he realised they were doing just that, and Drew had dropped her hand. May wore a steely look on her face, as if she were determined to do something. He watched her push the door open, and turn left, while Drew turned right. His face contorted in confusion. Why would she go left? The only thing down that corridor was… the gym. He bolted up, running down the stalls, and jolted over the bars onto the stage, where he continued to run, until he reached the same door she had just left, and turned the same way she did. At the end of the long, dull corridor, the gym door was shut. The corridor ended there, unless you turned left again, onto a small corridor full of cupboards, which Ash had started to get to know the last week. He walked cautiously down, stepping quietly, and turned left. The old janitor's cupboard door was open just slightly, just enough for some of the light to filter out. Feeling an odd nervousness, he walked towards it, and composed himself, before stepping inside. May whirled around in surprise, almost attacking him, but he grabbed her hand mid-air, stopping it from colliding with him. He felt it go limp in his grasp, and pushed the door shut behind him.

"Ash… I'm so sorry," she said, and he dropped her hand. "I didn't know what else to do."

"Then why have you changed your mind?"

May's sudden reluctance to speak concerned him. He stepped towards her, and she stepped back, her back crashing into the shelves. They were cramped together in such a small space, and it was driving May crazy. There was an unfamiliar feeling in her stomach, like she were floating, and her face burned, as much as she tried to hide it. Her chest was light, but her heart raced.

"I…" she finally began. "I… I read my file."

Ash blinked hard, his expression not changing.

"We went into Cynthia's office… I wanted to know why I had such strong powers… And I found something…"

May's voice had begun to crack. Tears welled up in the corners of her eyes as she thought about leaving again. She couldn't even bear to think about leaving Ash, and she hadn't known him long at all. Though, there was another reason for that.

"What is it, May?" Ash asked her softly.

"I'm a princess. I'm to leave when I turn 18, because I am the fire ruler's daughter."

Ash almost said a million things at once, but took a deep breath, in an attempt to compose himself. In reality, the news hit him like a bullet.

"Okay, okay… So why are you coming here, to leave me a note? To tell me?"

"Yes, but also… I don't want to leave here. I can't leave here and live a normal life knowing the people I care about are left here. I need to get everyone out. My friends and I are trying to learn to use our powers so we can overthrow Cynthia and get out of here, and we think people will follow but… We can't if fire and water types can't get along. I thought… I thought you and I were a good example to show that they can."

"May… It sounds kind of crazy…"

"I know," May said, tears slipping down her cheeks. "I know, but I have to try. I'll die before I leave you here."

Ash's eyes widened in surprise. She had said before she left him here. Him in particular? May blushed as she realised what she had said, but didn't try to take it back. She felt overwhelmed with power as she stood in that cramped space with him, and he reached out, taking her cheek in his hand, rubbing away the tears. She wanted to kiss him so badly.

Thanks for reading! Please review if you liked it and don't forget to let me know which of the ideas you like for the next fic. :)