March 14th (Lilycove City, Hoenn)
(Drew's POV)
I saw Misty come back into the room and sit in her chair next to Ash. I grabbed my crutches and started to make my way to May's room with Roserade following me closely. I walked hobbled in and silently gasped in shock. She looked terrible, she was pale and looked almost lifeless as multiple tubes were hooked up to her.
"Rose roserade," she said sadly as she handed me a rose. (I'll be in the hall.)
After she left, I took a seat on the chair next to May's bed. I just sat there for a moment and took her hand in mine.
"Hey there airhead, I knew you wanted to be close to me, but I think this was being a bit extreme," I gently teased before turning a little bit serious. "The doctors say that you won't last the morning, but I don't believe them. I know your stronger than that, you can fight your battles May. Believe in yourself and believe that all of us are there to support you. You are never alone. We've been through so much together, both the ups and the downs, and I wouldn't change a thing. Everything we've went through has brought us closer together and it has made us realize that we both can't live without each other. I know I can't live without you. You've changed me in a special way, you've changed all of us in a special way."
Tears started to fall down my face, "Please May, I know you can fight your fears and make it through this. You've never backed down from a fight and…I'm not ready to lose you. I love you May…..so very much…."
I couldn't say anymore, the tears came down harder and I was starting to choke up. After I was able to regain my composure, I stood up to put the rose I had in May's hair and I kissed her forehead before taking her hand and squeezing it gently. I grabbed my crutches and left the room to see Roserade standing by the door. We didn't say anything as we walked back to the room and I lay back down.
All of us said nothing, we couldn't bring ourselves to. Suddenly we heard a beeping nose, "Room 316, code blue. I repeat, code blue," a woman's voice said over the intercom.
We tensed as we recognized it as May's room, the girls started to cry and the guys and I looked really concerned, "Max, what does code blue mean?" Gary asked.
Max looked at him with tears down his face, "Code blue means that the patient's vital signs are at a critical point. More or less, May's heart has probably stopped working and they're getting out the heart defibrillator," he sobbed quietly causing the girls to sob some more while the guy's eyes started to water, especially mine.
Come on May, you can get through this. Fight it out, you can do it. Please May, I love you.
It seemed like eternity as we sat in the room, but finally a tired doctor came in causing all of us to look at him eagerly, "We lost her for a few moments, but we got her back and she's stabilized," the doctor said causing all of us to sigh in relief. "But…..she still seems to be in a coma. We don't know when she'll wake up, she may never. It's all up to her now."
The doctor then left and all of us were depressed again. We got May back, but yet we still lost her. I turned on my face to the wall next to me so no one could see me cry.
Please May…be safe.
(A few moments beforehand)
(May's POV)
The nightmares just kept repeating and getting worse. I couldn't take it anymore, seeing it all killed me.
"Yes…..YES….give in May, give in to the fear and darkness," the evil voice said happily.
I clutched my chest as I felt the pain as I fell over and saw pitch black.
Suddenly I saw a white light, "May, you've forgotten to find the light," a voice said gently though disappointed.
"Mom?" I asked as I stood up and looked around in the whiteness.
She then appeared in front of me floating a few inches off the ground, "Hi sweetheart," she said gently.
Tears started to appear in my eyes, "Mom," I said as I tried to touch her, but she backed away.
"You shouldn't touch me since you aren't officially dead," she said sternly.
I froze, "What?" I asked in a whisper.
"You are on the edge of life and death. The nightmares you suffered caused tremendous stress on your body causing it to overwork and shut down. Sweetie, you could have avoided that if you found your light," she said sadly.
"Mom, what are you talking about?" I asked confused.
"Every person has a light inside of them that helps them through the difficult times we face in the darkness, but you sweetheart have lost your light and you need to find it, you need to find you," she said gently.
"Mom, you're not making any sense, what do you mean I need to find me?" I asked really confused.
Suddenly I saw images of me shutting away from my friends for the past few weeks and on New Year's when I crated a lightning bolt and told everyone to not talk about it.
"You've shut yourself out and you're not being your true self. I know you're scared and confused, but please listen, you don't have to fight this on your own. You have your brother, your friends, and your boyfriend whom I hope you marry. You two will give me the cutest grandkids," she squealed.
"MOM!" I moaned in embarrassment while blushing deeply.
"The point is, you're not alone and everyone has faith in you. Let them help you and by knowing that, it'll help you find yourself and your inner light," she said gently.
Suddenly I saw each person at a time sit next to me and say their last good byes and words of encouragement. I started to cry as Drew said his, I love you too Drew. I knew that by seeing this, I had to go back for myself, for Max, for Drew, for my friends, and to fulfill my destiny.
Suddenly it became dark and it felt heavy, "You have a long journey ahead of you," Arceus said out of nowhere. "You have to overcome your darkness to find your light, to find yourself, and to prepare for your destiny."
I sighed, "I know, I am ready," I said determined.
"Good, but due to your inner fight and your loss of life for even a few moments, you are stuck in a coma for you to fully heal. Also as a consequence for losing your inner light, you've lost your sight until you find it again," Arceus said sternly.
I felt saddened by this, but nodded in understanding, "While you are in this state, your healing powers increase to a high point to help the healing process," he explained further.
An idea then formed in my head and Arceus could see the wheels turning, "That is an option, but it will delay your own healing process so the choice is up to you."
I smiled slightly and began to focus on my aura. Once I gained control, I felt myself rising up from my body. I turned to look at myself in sadness. I was pale and lifeless with a lot of tubes running into my body. I walked to the door and stopped to check on the aura of the others in the room, everyone was depressed and asleep. I phased through the door and saw that Misty had her head on Ash's bed with his hand on her head. Leaf was the same way with Gary while Dawn was sleeping next to Paul on his bed with a hand on his chest and his arm wrapped on her. Max was across the room sitting in a chair with his head tilted to the side. Drew had his face to the wall and I could sense the huge amount of pain in his heart. I felt guilty for causing everyone especially Drew so much pain.
I walked up to Max and started to work my magic. For every person, I healed any physical injury and helped calm down their auras so they weren't so depressed. I finally reached Drew and healed his broken ribs, arm, and leg before I focused on his aura. It was difficult because his was more complex than the others. I placed my ghost like hand on his heart and started to flow all the happy and romantic memories that we had which calmed him down. I gently moved a piece of his hair from his face before gently kissing him on the lips.
I smiled as I stood back up and walked toward the door to sense Drew's aura awaken slightly and he turned to look at me in fear. I turned around to face him and smiled gently, "I love you," I said softly as I sent a small stream of aura to make him fall back asleep.
I then walked back to my room and felt myself settle back into my body. I then fell asleep out of exhaustion with relief knowing that everything would be alright.
(Drew's POV)
One moment I was heartbroken, the next I felt healed and relaxed as I slept. It then felt like a dream when I saw a ghostly May by the door causing me to fear that she was dead. She smiled at me gently and said "I love you" before I felt sleepy and fell back asleep to dream of all the times that I had with her. After a while, I felt myself starting to wake up feeling refreshed and relaxed. I also noticed that I didn't feel sore anymore, it was really weird.
"Anyone else feel strangely relaxed?" Max asked curiously.
"Yea, this is weird," Ash said as he sat up.
"What are you doing Troublesome?" Paul asked as Dawn got up from his bed and stood one legged on her recovering leg.
"Now this is really freaky. Normally my leg hurts like crazy about now, but it doesn't hurt at all," Dawn said confused.
"Weird, normally I'm sore, but I feel incredibly fine," I said surprised.
"Maybe some mystic force came in and healed us," Ash wondered.
"Pfft….like that'll happen Ashy boy," Gary teased but I remained silent.
Could it…but that's not possible.
"Whatcha thinking Drew?" Max asked.
"I know this sounds strange, but I'm wondering if May healed us," I said in thought.
Everyone looked at me like I was crazy, "Uh…..Drew, May's unconscious. How would she heal us?" Misty questioned.
"Look, I know it sounds strange, but I woke up at some point and I saw May's ghost or something by the door," I argued.
"Drew, you were probably upset and were hallucinating," Leaf pointed out.
"I know what I saw," I said quietly. "Max, do you have some portable x-ray thing to see whether my bones are still fractured?"
"Drew, you're grasping at straws. There's no way your bones could have healed that fast," Gary argued.
"You're lucky I'm the techy person who invents this stuff," Max said as Kirlia came back with a small tablet.
Max turned on the tablet and put it over my arm causing me and Max to look in shock, "This is way beyond weird," Max said.
"What is beyond weird?" Leaf asked.
"My arm is healed, no fractures, no nothing," I said surprised.
So all of us with fractures in one place or another had the tablet placed over them to show that the bones were healed.
"Guess I'll get the doctor," Misty said as she left the room, soon the doctor came back and Max showed him our healed bones with the tablet leaving him gawking.
"Butbutbut…..that's not possible," the doctor spluttered. "Bones can't heal that fast under any circumstances, but who am I to argue with this. Well…..I guess I'll take off your casts and you're free to leave."
He slowly left the room still muttering saying that what he saw was impossible. He later came back with the equipment he needed and soon we were all cast free.
"You're free to go," the doctor said tiredly and left the room still muttering in disbelief.
"We should visit May before we leave," Max said causing all of us to nod in agreement.
We then walked down the hall into her room to see her still looking lifeless and pale causing my heart to break.
After everyone said something or another, they left to give me some space. To be honest, I really didn't want to leave. I wanted to stay here until she woke up no matter how long it took, but I had to go back to school, I've already missed more than I should have.
"I'd knew you'd get through it May," I said proudly while flicking my hair before taking her hand and squeezing it gently. "It's interesting, somehow we were miraculously healed causing the doctor to splutter and babble on as to how it was impossible for bones to heal this fast as he took off our casts."
I leaned up and kissed her forehead, "Thanks for healing me," I said gently as I squeezed her hand one more time before I left with the gang though Max decided to stay behind.
"As much as I love this freedom, why do I get the feeling I'm about to lose it," Dawn complained. "Curse you school!"
"Someone is whiny," Leaf teased causing Dawn to stick her tongue out.
"I really don't want to go back to school. Can't we play hooky for the rest of the week," Dawn begged.
"Dawn, you've already missed a week of school. Besides, we're missing more than most people. At this rate, we've missed school for almost a month total since school began and that's pushing it," Misty pointed.
"I hate when you point that out," Dawn pouted as she crossed her arms in front of her.
"At least spring break is next week so you only have to suffer for three days," Leaf said knowingly.
"Thank Arceus for that," Dawn said dramatically.
"You're being overdramatic Troublesome," Paul huffed.
"Can't help it, that's just how I am," Dawn said shortly as we walked onto campus.
We went to Mr. Stone's office and explained everything that happened and such. Thankfully we didn't have to attend classes today, but we were expected to have all our homework finished by tomorrow so I guess the whole thing was bittersweet. We decided to separate into pairs and each take a different class to collect our homework and it was a bit of pain since Brandi kept trying to follow me. After I called out Roserade and told her to use Stun Store, she finally stopped following us.
"Roserade rade," Roserade said sadly. (That annoying tramp, I wish May was here.)
I sighed, "You and me both."
"Roserade rose rose rade roserade?" she asked. (Do you really think she was responsible for healing everyone?)
I smiled softly as we continued to walk to the dorm, "I believe she did. It's like May to do that, taking every opportunity to help someone else."
Roserade smiled softly and nodded in agreement as we walked the rest of the way in silence.
Please come back soon May.
March 17th (Lilycove City, Hoenn)
(May's POV)
I finally woke up from resting only to find that I was surrounded by white light, "Before you wake up, I want to explain a few things to you that are important," Arceus said sternly.
I didn't say anything and waited for him to continue, "Along with the journey of finding your inner light, you will begin training with some legendaries so you can master the other half of your powers."
I immediately became confused and slightly scared, "But how am I supposed to master my other half if I can't see, isn't that dangerous?"
"In a way, but not really, you have to master your other powers no matter what. Doing it blind will provide a challenge, but it will help you master your fears of the power you possess. Even though you may be blind, your aura powers will heighten to help you see the colors of the people and pokemon's auras around you. You will also learn that you need to rely on your other senses besides sight. For your journey, you will study under Zapdos, Entei, Articuno, Celebi, Groudon, Latios/Latias, and Suicune. Under them, you will learn a few moves of each element, but your ability with these elements will slightly different than how pokemon control them. Pokemon can summon the element and use it straight forward to attack. You have that ability, but you can control the element at your will and let it take shape."
I didn't say anything, but I was still deeply confused causing Arceus to sigh, "It's easier to demonstrate than to explain. You'll understand as you go through your training. Depending how long it takes for you to master this, your journey may take up to two weeks to as long as a month. It all depends on how well you handle mastering your power."
"A few weeks to a month, but I don't have that much time. I still have a normal life that requires me to go to school and I have a commitment to gymnastics so how am I supposed to do all of this?" I asked upset.
"Let me put it this way, you can't do those things until you regain your sight. So whether you like it or not, you're gonna have to, oh what is it you humans say, you're gonna have to put it on the back burner and focus on one thing at a time. I have faith that you'll balance it all when you are done with your training. It will be a little bit hard I suppose, but you'll get it done," he said firmly.
I smiled slightly at him trying to encourage me, "Is there anything else you need to tell me?"
"Yes, on this journey, you will be by yourself with no people and you will only have the clothes on your back when you travel. It may sound harsh, but this journey is a challenge that you must accomplish. You will also be in no contact with anyone, not even family, pokemon, friends, or boyfriend. You will have to endure any type of weather where you train and be prepared for any type of training. Also, I have no idea what you'll be doing," he said sternly.
"Seriously, you have no idea what the legendaries do. Here I thought you were the big guy in charge," I teased.
"I am the god of universe, but that doesn't mean I know everything that will happen," he said annoyed. "And watch your mouth, you know who you're talking to."
"Yea, yea, yea, I know. Anything else 'oh mighty one'?" I asked playfully.
Arceus looked annoyed by my comment, "One more thing, when you train, you will be giving a fraction of my power like you had back in December. The legendary you will train with first will be Entei on Mt. Silver. Once you wake up, I will teleport you to the base of the mountain where you will begin your journey."
I shook my head, "I refuse to leave without telling my friends first. I've put them through enough pain as it is and I want them to know that I'm okay," I said firmly.
Arceus nodded, "Alright, but I will be watching you and when I sense you are done with your goodbyes, I will immediately teleport you."
I smiled, "Thanks," I said gratefully before the bright light disappeared and I saw black.
I opened my eyes to still see black. Even though I knew I was blind, it still freaked me out. Once I was able to calm myself down after a while, I saw an aura in the shape of Lucario outside the door.
"Lucario," I said telepathically causing his shaped to change color slightly in surprise.
He walked into the room and stood by my bed, "How do you feel?" he asked.
"I feel well rested for once. Can you get the doctor so I can leave?" I asked.
I saw Lucario's aura have a pulse of red showing surprise/shock, "Shouldn't you rest more, you just woke up from being asleep for three days."
I shook my head, "I'm fine Lucario, I was only in a coma to heal from what happened and now I'm a perfect picture of health, except my eyes of course. Now can you please go get the doctor?"
Lucario turned to look at my face, probably my eyes, and I saw another pulse of red go through his aura. Why do I get the feeling I'm going to see that a lot?
He then left to get the doctor and after debating with the guy for what seems like eternity, he unhooked me from everything and I was free to go. I was thankful I had Lucario and my aura powers to help me see, though on the way back to the dorm, I still tripped over two cracks and walked into three small trees. I may be able to see people and pokemon through their auras, but everything else is in the dark.
I made it back to the dorm in one piece, thankfully, and noticed that no one was here, "What time is it?" I asked Lucario.
"The sun is straight above us so I'm guessing midday," he said.
I mentally slapped myself, I forgot that pokemon can't read letters or numbers so asking what time it was is going to be difficult. Suddenly I heard the door open to see by the shape of his aura that it was Max and it pulsed with red in surprise.
I then was tackled in a tight hug and I felt Max shake from crying, "May, you're okay," he said happily.
I hugged him back and began to stroke his head, "Of course I'm okay silly, you can't get rid of me that easily," I teased as he stepped back to look at me.
I then saw the pulse of red again flash in his aura, "May….your eyes," he said in a whisper.
I nodded my head, "Yes Max, I am blind, but it's a temporary thing," I said gently.
"Oh May," he cried as he hugged me tightly again.
I smiled softly as I hugged him back while stroking his head, "it's okay Max, I'm fine," I said gently.
Suddenly my stomach growled loudly caused my cheeks to heat up and Max to laugh, "Sounds like someone is hungry," Max teased.
"Give me a break, I've been asleep for three days," I whined.
Max continued to chuckle as he guided me to the table before he walked to the kitchen. A few minutes later, I saw him walk towards me, "Here's a sandwich and a glass of milk."
"Thanks Max," I said gratefully as I tried to be subtle in finding my milk.
"It's at one o'clock," Max said as I heard take a seat next to me at the table.
"Thanks, it's hard not being able to see where stuff is," I said after talking a sip and biting into my sandwich.
"May, you said that your blindness was temporary, right?" Max asked.
I nodded as I continued to eat, "Did the doctor say when your sight might come back?" he asked.
I swallowed, "The doctor didn't say anything, my sight will return once I finish my journey."
I could sense that Max was confused, "How do I sum this up? Let's' see, the last gem I picked up was the amethyst which represents darkness and shadows. The test was that my inner light fight the darkness, but darkness overcame me from the nightmares so I've lost my sight until I find my true light again. While trying to find that, I'm going on a journey to master the other half of my powers with some of the legendaries teaching me. Depending how long it will take me to master my powers, I will be gone for a while."
Max's aura showed shock, "Wait….you're going on a journey while being blind? What about school and gymnastics?" he asked surprised.
"Well, I can't do either if I can't see so I'm gonna have to go on this journey to get my sight back," I pointed out.
"Then I'm coming with you," he said determined.
I shook my head, "I'm sorry Max, but you can't. This is something I have to do alone. I'm not even allowed to bring my pokemon."
"May, this is ridiculous! You can't go by yourself. You can't see, you could get hurt," Max argued.
I sighed, "Max, this is meant to be a challenge as well as a journey and it's something I have to do alone despite the danger."
"I don't like this, the others won't like it either," he said angrily.
"I know they won't, but they are going to have to accept it just like you're gonna have to," I said gently as I stood up.
I carefully walked to my room and called out Gardevoir to help me find clothes for me to change into. I changed into what felt like yoga pants, an athletic top, comfortable walking shoes, a light weight coat with gloves in the pockets, and my bandanna.
"Thanks for the help Gardevoir, I really appreciate it," I said with a smile while double checking to make sure that I wasn't wearing anything backwards.
"I wish I could do more to help, you don't deserve to have to face this," she told me telepathically.
"In a way, I want to. I want to prove myself, conquer my fear of this and what I have to face, and to find myself. Don't worry Gardevoir, I'll be fine," I said gently as I gave her a hug.
I returned her and walked out to find Max and Lucario in the common room, "Max, Lucario, do you mind guiding me to the battle class?" I asked.
I could sense Max's shock, "May, are you insane? You can't go, people will notice you!"
"Calm down, I need to talk to Mr. Stone and I can't wait because I have to leave soon so I'll just have to interrupt class," I said firmly as I put on some sunglasses and pulled my hood up feeling slightly pressured by Arceus.
I sensed Max was very uneasy along with Lucario, but both of them helped guide me out of the dorm, "I hope you know what you are doing," Max said uneasily as he shut the door.
I sighed, "I don't have time Max, Arceus is pressing me to finish saying goodbye to everyone before he teleports me to where I have to go."
Max just shook his head as we walked onto campus for the practice battle arena. I walked into the hall of the building to stay outside the door and saw multiple auras sitting on the bleachers on the other side. I turned to where the field would be to see the auras both Solidad and Mr. Stone on the side of the field observing. On one side of the field was a student with an Onix while the other was Misty and her Staryu.
"What type of field are they playing on?" I asked in a whisper.
"A rock field, Misty has the advantage. Can you see what's happening?" Max asked.
"In a way, the way I see everything is like a dark night with neon signs. It's dark with the aura forms of people and pokemon instead of neon signs, but I can't see the pokemon attacks."
"It doesn't matter, Misty just had Staryu use Hydro Pump knocking Onix unconscious," Max whispered.
"Onix is unable to battle, Staryu and Misty are the winners. Well done Misty and Dylan," Mr. Stone announced before turning to face the students on the bleachers. "Now besides the type advantage, what's another factor that's important to winning a battle? Now there are multiple answers, but I'm looking for a specific one."
"Having a strategy," a student called out.
"That is an important factor Sam, but that's not the answer we're looking for," Solidad called out. "Anyone else?"
I stepped up into the doorway, "To have a special connection of faith and trust with your pokemon. You may have a type advantage and you may have a strategy, but if you don't connect with your pokemon, you are destined to lose. If you didn't have the type advantage or a strategy, but your connection to your pokemon is strong, you still have a better chance at winning," I said causing everyone to look at me and their auras pulsed red in shock/surprise.
Max then walked up next to me, "Mr. Stone, we'd like to speak to you in the hallway?" Max said.
"I'm sorry but I'm in the middle of a class, I can meet with you after I'm done," Mr. Stone said sternly.
I pulled my hood down and took off the sunglasses causing gasps to appear all around, "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I can't wait. I have to leave shortly and what I have to discuss is very important."
No one said anything causing me to get frustrated, "What's so important for a coordinator like you to be here and where did you pull that answer from, like you would know anything," Brandi jeered.
I raised a brow not looking at her because there were too many auras on the bleachers to tell who was who, "I'm surprised you would say that to the girl who's become a Top Coordinator in all four regions before she turned sixteen," I pointed out causing gasps to appear. "You need a strong connection with your pokemon otherwise you will have a difficult time ahead of you for as a coordinator."
"I challenge you to a battle, I'll prove that advantage and strategy are more important than connection," Brandi called out. "And look at me when I'm talking to you."
"I'm sorry, but I don't have time for any pokemon battles," I said sternly.
"Oh please, you're just scared that I can beat you in a battle and make your title look like dirt," Brandi taunted.
I sensed that certain people looked ready to kill and both Solidad and Mr. Stone were too shocked to say anything.
I then noticed Lucario forming an Aura Sphere, "That's enough Lucario," I said sternly as I stuck my arm to the side to stop him. "I accept your challenge. Max, please help guide me to the edge of the field."
I slowly made my way to my side of the field while Brandi walked to hers. I heard the field change, but I couldn't tell what it was.
"What's the field changed to?" I asked Max.
"A grass field," he said but sounded uneasy. "May, are you sure you want to do this, no one is forcing you."
I smiled slightly, "I'm fine Max, I'm looking forward to this challenge especially since I'm blind and relying on trust with my pokemon is exactly the point I'm trying to get across. For the battle, I want you to sit on the bleachers."
"But May…," Max argued.
"Max, please go sit down," I said firmly ending the argument.
Max stood his ground, but eventually walked to the side, "Lucario, do you mind battling?" I asked.
"Do you even need to ask?" he teased telepathically as he stepped onto the field in front of me.
"Alright Rapidash, let's go," Brandi called.
"The battle between May and Brandi will now begin," Solidad called out.
"Alright Rapidash, use Flamethrower on the whole field," she called.
I heard the flames, felt the heat, and saw Lucario flinch in pain, "She's calling me out on my answer for winning a battle, but if this becomes too intense, please tell me and I'll forfeit," I told Lucario.
"I'm not backing done, I won't let her get away with her insults," Lucario said pained though angry.
"Alright, Lucario use Quick Attack to avoid touching the field as much as possible and attack with Aura Sphere," I told him.
Lucario nodded and started to quickly run from place to place on the field while shooting an Aura Sphere here and there.
"Rapidash stop him with Fire Spin," Brandi yelled.
I could sense Lucario was starting to wear out, "Stop using Quick Attack or you'll pass out. Stay where you are and let Fire Spin come toward you. When in range, use Metal Claw to cut it up."
Lucario stopped running and stood still. I then saw him jump and start swiping all over causing some cheers to appear meaning my idea worked.
Brandi growled, "Rapidash, use Ember and do it right this time."
"Get up close while using Bone Rush to protect yourself and then attack," I quickly told him.
I watched him summon his aura staff and spun it rapidly in his hands in front of him to stop the Ember attack. He rushed forward and started to hit Rapidash with his staff causing a lot of damage.
I sensed Rapidash's aura starting to weaken, "Stop letting Lucario hit you and use Poison Jab you weak Ponyta," Brandi screeched.
Rapidash didn't like the insult and turned to face his trainer angrily.
I sighed, "Lucario, use Force Palm to end this."
I saw Lucario nod and rushed to Rapidash's side and stuck his palm out. Aura burst from Lucario's palm forcing Rapidash to be knocked out of the field and hit the wall causing swirls to appear in his eyes.
"Rapidash is unable to battle the winner is Lucario," Solidad called out causing cheers to appear from the bleachers.
"Guide me to Rapidash," I told Lucario who quickly came to me and guided me to where Rapidash lay with his trainer verbally abusing him.
"How dare you lose! You had a type advantage and everything and you still lost you pathetic excuse for a pokemon," Brandi screeched ready to strike it.
"That's enough," I shouted angrily causing her to stop and look at me. "Your pokemon did everything you asked without complaint. He battled well; you have no right to insult him."
"He still lost causing me to lose," Brandi shouted.
"Lucario, use Heal Pulse on him," I said quickly before focusing back on Brandi. "Winning isn't everything. No matter what the outcome of a battle, you still have experience to take away from it."
"Get your filthy pokemon away from him," Brandi screeched.
I took a step to the left to stand in front of Lucario so he could work without interference, "I said step away," Brandi roared.
I didn't say anything as I saw Brandi lift her arm. To avoid a slap like earlier in the school year, I knelt down so that she missed hitting me, but people still saw what she tried to do.
"Brandi Hartwood, that is enough! Mr. Stone ordered. "I've had enough of your bad behavior. Due to you attempting to slap Miss Maple, you are suspended from this school until the beginning of May where you may come back to finish the year."
"But…," Brandi whined.
"No buts, you aren't worth to be called a coordinator and a student of this school if you can't treat pokemon or people nicely," Solidad said sternly.
Lucario stood up signaling he was done. I then faced Rapidash and stroked his face, "You fought well."
He nodded his thanks before I stood up and Brandi returned him, "Miss Hartwood, follow me," Solidad ordered as they both left the arena.
The bell then rang causing students to rush out, probably to talk to others about me no doubt. I sensed that the gang wanted to talk to me really badly, but left the arena anyway.
"Max, I'll meet up with you and everyone later, tell them to practice with their pokemon for a while," I called hoping he understood my message and would pass it on.
He looked at me confused but did as he was told, "You said you wished to speak to me?" Mr. Stone said.
I nodded, "Can we talk in your office, I don't want to be overheard."
"Of course," Mr. Stone said before he and Lucario helped guide me to his office.
"What is it you wanted to talk to me about?" Mr. Stone asked as he shut his door.
I gave a brief explanation leaving Mr. Stone looked shocked and his jaw dropped, "Care to run that by me again?" he asked once he regained composure.
I laughed and explained what I just said, "I see, well, I'm not sure what to tell you. You said you'll be gone for almost a month and that's really pushing school policy for missing that much. I don't know if you could make up that much work," Mr. Stone said concerned.
I nodded, "That's why I'm willing to drop out if I don't come back a week after school resumes from spring break."
Mr. Stone nodded, "I believe that's a good solution and with your track record in the past for academics, I have faith you can catch up on a week of school work if you come back in time. Thanks for coming here and talking to me. I'll pass the word to your teachers that you will be gone and we'll make sure you can catch up on your return, good luck."
"Thanks," I said standing up.
Lucario then got the door and started to guide me out of the school towards the park that the gang and I use to practice with our pokemon in peace. When we got close, I could sense everyone being restless as they waited for me. Let's say it was a little bit difficult going through the bushes, but I finally made it and was caught in a group hug.
"Guys….can't…..breathe…," I wheezed.
Everyone soon let go allowing me to take some deep breaths, "Glad to have ya back, when did you wake up?" Leaf asked.
"I think some point before noon, but I don't really know, can't look at a clock."
There was a short period of silence, "So you really are blind?" Drew asked wanting me to clarify.
I nodded, "I am, but I do have a way to see and yes Ash, I can see you waving your hand in my face."
This caused everyone to be surprised as Ash moved his arm to his side, "But how can you see if you're blind?" Gary asked.
"I can see pokemon/people's aura as it takes the shape of that pokemon/person. So it's like I'm in the dark but instead of neon signs, I see people and pokemon," I explained.
"At least you can see them so you can run into them," Misty said relieved.
I nodded, "But I can run into everything else, I've already tripped over two cracks and ran into three small trees, but I'll manage. Anyways, I've come to say goodbye."
This caused everyone to look at me in shock, "It's not forever, just a few weeks or so depending how long it will take me to master my powers."
"May, what are you talking about? Please tell me you're having someone come with you?" Drew said in concern.
I shook my head, "This is something I have to do alone, not even my pokemon are coming. This journey is to help me master my powers. Once I do that, I'll be more prepared for facing Team Rocket along with regaining my sight."
"But May, it's too dangerous for you to do this," Drew said angrily. "I won't let you go."
"Drew…," I said gently but he stormed off.
I sighed, I knew this would be difficult for him, but not this badly.
"Well, good luck May and you better come back in one piece," Misty said causing everyone including me to stare at her in shock. "What, I know she can do it. Where's your faith in her?"
She then walked forward and gave me a hug, "Thanks," I said gratefully.
Soon everyone followed her lead and gave me words of encouragement before leaving me, Max, and Lucario, "Help lead me to Drew, I'm not gonna leave him in the state he's in."
They both nodded and helped me walk in the direction he ran off in. I later found him on the edge that was close to the sea, "Thanks you two. Max, please watch my pokemon until I come back. Lucario, stay out of trouble and keep up with your training."
They both nodded and hugged me before they left leaving me a little bit behind Drew. I hesitantly took a few steps toward him til he was arm's length away, "Drew," I called out softly.
He turned around and stood there a few seconds before he hugged me tightly afraid to let go. I hugged him back letting him hold me for as long as he needed.
"I don't want you to go," he whispered.
I pulled out of the hug and looked at his aura where his eyes would be, "I know you don't want me to, but I have to go Drew, it's something I have to do."
"At least let me come with you, I don't want to lose you again," he barely said in a whisper.
I took a step forward and kissed him gently, "You won't lose me, I will come back from this safe and unharmed."
"May, please," he asked in a whisper as he continued to hold me.
"Oh Drew…..I wish you could, but you can't. Arceus himself told me that I have to do this on my own," I said gently. "You're gonna have to let me go for a little while."
I let go of him and undid my bandanna to give to him, "Why are you giving me this?" Drew asked.
I smiled softly, "Because it's comforting to have something that belongs to someone that you care about."
Drew's eyes soften before he took my face gently and kissed me, "Please be careful."
"I will, I promise," I said gently before kissing him and took a step away.
"It's time for you to start your journey, good luck," Arceus said calmly.
I felt myself being teleported and I felt the temperature change slightly.
Alright then, let's get this show on the road…..uh….. how do I know which way I'm supposed to go?