April 26th (Lilycove City, Hoenn)
(May's POV)
I quickly did a back handspring to avoid the laser hitting me, "I so don't have time for this," I muttered.
"May behind you!" I heard Drew shout.
I turned to see another laser being shot at me, I guess this is what happens when you are surrounded by laser cannons.
I kept dodging them, but couldn't get off the field of where they could sense me. This was ticking me off and I felt a vein rise on my forehead, but then I got an idea. I then started to do a tough dance routine causing the lasers to spin around like crazy and shoot at themselves causing them to blow up.
"Show off," Drew teased as I did a small bow.
"Hey, it got me out of there," I panted.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, now let's return the chip to the D.O.R.C. headquarters," Drew said as he rolled his eyes.
"I still think the company wasn't thinking clearly when they named their business D.O.R.C.," Dawn pointed out.
"It isn't up to us what people call their businesses Troublesome," Paul muttered as we walked to the airport.
"Someone help me please, they stole my pokemon!" I heard a voice cry.
"Quiet," a familiar voice snapped.
"Give us back our pokemon!" another voice yelled.
"You guys go on ahead, I'll investigate," I sighed knowing as to what I would be facing.
"I'll come with you," Drew said as we ran to where heard the outbursts.
We came to a park to find Butch and Cassidy with a bunch of pokeballs, no surprise there, "I thought I told you morons not to steal. How many times do I have to tell you that?!" I shouted in annoyance.
They ignored me and started their getaway vehicle causing a vein to appear, "Roserade, use Magical Leaf!" Drew called.
She nodded and did as she was told causing slashes to appear in the tires, "How dare you!" Cassidy screeched as she and Butch were about to throw their pokeballs.
"Lucario, please use Bone Rush to knock a bit of sense into these numbskulls," I sighed in annoyance as I tossed his pokeball.
"His aura bone club appeared and he knocked out Cassidy and Butch before their pokemon were released.
Officer Jenny arrived to arrest the crooks while Drew and I along with our pokemon helped return everyone's stolen pokemon.
After everything settled and everyone left, we returned our pokemon, "Why do I have to put up with those two on a regular business, can't they just stay in jail," I whined tiredly.
"Someone's cranky," Drew teased.
"I can't help it, I had a tiring day at school and then practice right off the bat. I had to recover a computer chip with you guys and then those two idiots cause trouble," I argued tiredly.
Drew then kissed me perking me up, "No need to get so wound up. Everything's done now and if any more missions pop up, I'm sure Max will pass them onto the gang and I," Drew said calmly as he pulled me into a hug before we walked to the airport.
I smiled softly, "What would I do without you?"
I saw Drew smirk out of the corner of my eye, "You'd be miserable beyond belief and wouldn't stop complaining."
I playfully hit him on the arm, but he didn't flinch like he always did, "Guess all that recent training has been helping especially if you don't flinch from my hits."
Ever since the whole incident with Max and me getting buried alive, it gave everyone the motivation to start practicing self-defense and martial arts more often in case of getting stuck in bad situations.
"Your hits never hurt me even when I first met you," Drew stated arrogantly.
"Pfft, yeah right, what about at Professor Oak's lab in the fall or back in November for that one mission," I pointed out with a smirk.
Drew flicked his fringe and muttered something causing me to snicker. I'd never admit, but Drew looked hotter since he started showing some muscle from training.
"Oh really, you think I look hotter now," Drew teased, crap, did I just say that out loud?!
"I don't know what you're talking about," I said stiffly.
I then felt an arm snake around my waist and lift me off the ground, "What the heck grasshead, put me down!" I demanded.
"Not until you say it," Drew teased.
"Drew come on, someone might be watching us," I whined.
"I'm not putting you down until you admit it," he whispered in my ear.
"Fine," I said as blush appeared on my face. "You look hotter since you've starting working out more, now put me down."
I could sense that Drew smirked as he kissed my neck and set me down, "There, was that so hard?" he teased as took my hand.
"You're so full of it," I muttered as we reached the airport and flew home.
April 27th (Lilycove City, Hoenn)
(May's POV)
I was finishing up gymnastics practice when I heard a huge commotion outside and Jenny went to investigate.
"What do you think of training a cheater?" someone asked.
"Did you know Drew Hayden was cheating on his girlfriend?" another person asked.
I froze and my eyes widened, "What are you talking about?" Jenny asked gruffly.
"We have photos to prove that Drew Hayden is cheating on his girlfriend, Linnea Mason, with May Maple. Now do you think Drew Hayden is following his father's footsteps in hurting the family business?" someone asked.
My heart stopped for a second, this….this can't be happening, "I have no comment, now please leave," Jenny snapped as she shut the door and locked it before dropping the blinds.
I just stood there in shock having to grip the balance beam to stop myself from falling, "May, do you know what this is about?" Jenny asked.
"They….they found out….I ruined him," I whispered as I started to shake violently.
I felt someone grip my shoulders, "May, get ahold of yourself. Now because of those vultures, I'll let you leave a few minutes early. Take the back entrance and wear the wig that's in the back, focus for tomorrow alright?"
I nodded, but her words barely sunk in. I felt like a zombie as I changed and snuck my way out of the gym. I stopped by a magazine stand and gasped silently, this story was everywhere even on Coordinator Weekly. I quickly bought a magazine and made my way back to school only to find the press outside the entrance. I snuck past them and made my way to the dorm only to climb up onto the roof, I didn't want to face anyone right now.
After I made it, I opened the magazine to find a bunch of pictures someone took of me and Drew. A date to a restaurant as Lin, Drew's birthday ball with me and him dancing, and then a photo of me and him kissing on the way to the airport from yesterday. As I read the article, I felt myself break down and tears began to appear. I quickly sent a message to Mr. Stone saying that I would miss class due to what happened. I instantly received a reply saying that it was okay and to lay low. Knowing that I would be safe to miss, I immediately brought my head to my knees and began to sob silently.
(Dawn's POV)
I woke up to find that May wasn't in bed. Then again, she had gymnastics practice so I would see her in a little bit. I quickly changed and expected her to be eating breakfast by the time I arrived, but I was surprised to see everyone but her.
"May isn't here yet?" I asked.
Everyone shook their heads, "She probably got held up at practice, she does have a competition tomorrow," Leaf pointed out.
I nodded as I grabbed something to eat. A few minutes later, we left the dorm and made our way to homeroom. As we walked everyone was pointed at us and whispered, "Wonder what the buzz is this time?" I asked.
"Yea, it's no surprise she didn't show her face," someone gossiped.
"Yea, especially since Drew cheated on her with May Maple, but then again, he's a player," another gossiped causing all of us to freeze.
I broke away from the group and walked toward the two girls who were gossiping, "Um, what's up the gossip?" I asked.
"Uh…haven't you heard, Drew cheated on Lin with May Maple, the story is all over the media. Then again, I thought Drew had better character then to cheat," one girl said.
"Then again, the article in Coordinator Weekly said that his parents also had lover's scandal, must be a family thing for the Hayden's to screw up," the other girl pointed out as she gave me a copy of the magazine. "Pity, should have figured Drew was rotten."
I said nothing as I was trying to sink in what they just said as they walked away. I gathered my thoughts and quickly caught up to the group, "So what gossip is going around this time?" Misty asked.
"Really bad," I said as I showed them the magazine causing Drew's eyes to widen.
"How did they find out?" Leaf asked stunned.
"Stalkers probably," Paul huffed as we got to homeroom to find May wasn't there.
"Guys, do you think May isn't here because of this?" Misty asked.
My eyes widened at a particular memory that struck me, "Guys, what was one thing May said as to why she didn't want to be in a relationship with Drew?" I asked shakily.
Everyone's eyes widen in realization, "Because of scandal," Leaf said quietly.
"And the thing she wanted to avoid is coming true," Drew said sadly before pounding his fist laid his head on his desk. "Damn it."
He then stood up, "Mr. Hayden, where are you going?" the teacher asked.
"I have something to take care of," he said curtly.
"I understand what is going on Mr. Hayden, but you will have to deal with your personal issues after school," the teacher said sternly. "Now please take a seat."
Drew walked back to his seat looking ticked and his eyes full of worry. I could tell he wanted to be with May right now, but we were in a bind, we can't afford to miss anymore school. I just hope wherever May is, she's doing okay.
(May's POV)
After an hour, I snuck into the dorm and holed myself in my room while playing my moody playlist. Then someone knocked at the door, I quietly when to look through the peephole to see that it was the press. I just wanted all of it to go away. I ran back to my room and grabbed my ipod before I snuck out and walked to the beach.
"Hey, there she is," someone shouted.
Crap, I did NOT want to talk to the press right now. Whatever I said would be turned against me so I booked it and ran down the beach as fast as I could. After what seemed like twenty minutes, I finally slowed down to a walk to catch my breath. I couldn't go back, it was too risky so I decided to just keep listening to my music as I walked along the beach while in thought about the scandal I caused upon Drew.
"I knew this would happen, why weren't we more careful?" I whispered to the wind as I felt the tears build up again.
I don't know how long I walked, I was lost in negative thought until I noticed that my surroundings looked familiar. It then hit me, I walked all the way to my bungalow outside of Rosewall Town, five hours away from Lilycove City. At this point, I was exhausted and just collapsed on the beach.
After half an hour, I felt the presence of a familiar aura as they walked up behind me. I stood up and hugged them tightly as I began to sob loudly, "I'm so sorry," I cried.
"It's not your fault May, if anything it's mine," Drew said gently as he kissed forehead while continuing to hold me. "I was the one that was being careless."
I started to calm down and Drew took one of earbuds to hear what I was listening to, "You're listening to emo hard rock?" he asked with eyebrows raised.
I rolled my eyes as I wiped my eyes, "Don't judge, it helps with my depressed mood," I said with a forced laugh as I turned it off before frowning and sat down facing the ocean. "What'll we do Drew?"
He sighed as he sat next to me, "I don't know, it seems whatever we come up with doesn't have a good outcome."
I leaned my head on his shoulder as he put his arm around me, "Well, we better think of something, we can't avoid the public forever," I said sadly.
"I guess we need to come up with a story to explain everything," Drew said thoughtfully.
"I suppose it would make things easier to explain if I revealed myself as being the two people you're dating, but with the whole thing with Team Rocket, it's too risky," I pointed out before sighing. "I think it's best that I only be around you as Lin and that I should avoid you as May."
"May…," Drew stated to say but I cut him off.
"Drew, that's the only way things can work, stick up for the normal girl and let the famous one deal with the scandal," I said firmly. "I'll be able to stomach it…I think?"
I felt Drew shift and I saw him staring at me with a warm smile, "What?" I asked.
He then kissed me passionately, "What was that for?" I teased.
"I'm your boyfriend, am I not allowed to do that?" Drew asked arrogantly with a smirk while flicking his hair fringe.
I rolled my eyes, "You are, but I want to know why?"
Drew then smiled softly, "I admire you as a person for being able to stay strong through the toughest of times. You admit that you can't handle things, but you still face them and that shows that you are the strongest and most courageous."
I blushed slightly at the compliment and looked down, "Now that's not true, I've run away from so many things and I think I've broken down and cried more than ever this year alone."
Drew then lifted my chin, "But you always come back and overcome your trials, you have an inner strength and kindness that makes you special May, never forget that."
I smiled softly as I kissed Drew, "You sure know how to comfort your girlfriend," I said teasing with a smirk before it turned back into a smile. "Thank you."
I then leaned into Drew's chest as I felt him pull me close, "You ready for your competition tomorrow?"
"I was until what happened today, but after just now, I think I'll be okay," I admitted honestly.
"Good," Drew said as he kissed the top of my head.
We continued to sit on the beach watching the ocean while enjoying our each other's company until Drew's poketch beeped.
"Hey Max?" Drew answered.
"Can I talk to May for a sec," Max asked.
Drew then showed me on the poketch, "What's up?" I asked.
"Officer Jenny from Lilycove wants to talk to you?" he said.
My eye brows furrowed, "Put her through," I said as I took off my disguise before Officer Jenny's picture appeared. "You wanted to talk to me?"
"Yes, we have a situation where I would like you to help me with. A trainer is standing on top of a business building threatening to jump," she explained.
"How can I help?" I asked.
"Can you talk to them?" she asked.
"Sure, I'll be there in a few," I said with a nod as the call ended. "Looks like duty calls."
"Will you be okay?" Drew asked concerned.
I kissed him, "I'll be fine."
I then found myself being teleported to the top of the building along with Drew to find the gang up here along with Max.
"What are you guys doing here?" I asked confused.
"PHPA wanted us to be here, but the trainer won't let us go near her," Dawn explained.
"I appeared here because I was with everyone when they got the call," Max added.
I nodded and started to slowly walk toward the girl who was standing on the edge of the building, "Stay away," the girl said coldly causing me to freeze.
"It's a free country, I'm enjoying the fresh air up here," I said firmly.
"That's a lie," the girl spat. "They called for you to talk me out of this, but it won't work, I will jump."
"If you wanted to jump, you would have done it already," I pointed out gently as I took a few steps closer. "Now why are you standing here?"
"I'm sick of life, I'm tired of being lonely. Besides, no one would care if I died," the girl said coldly.
"That's not true, I would care if you died," I said honestly.
"Why would a famous coordinator like you care," the girl said as she turned around.
I could see her face show pain, anger, and loneliness, "All you do in the public eyes is good, everyone loves you. You don't know what it's like to be me, to have no one there, to be all alone," the girl shouted angrily as tears began to appear. "So again, why do you care?"
"Because when I look at you, I see myself," I said gently causing her face to show surprise.
"That's a lie, what do you know about being alone all your life. My parents were taken away from me and I was forced to live with an uncle who hates me, I have no reason to live!" the girl screamed angrily.
"That's not true, you do have a reason to live," I told her calmly as I took a seat on the wall. "Do you mind if I tell you a story about someone I met?"
"I don't care, it won't make me change my mind," the girl said bitterly.
"Over my travels, I met up with a girl like you who had an amazing and hard life story. When she was seven years old, her parents were murdered and her home was destroyed in a fire, only her brother and herself survived and were taken in by the Nurse Joy in Petalburg City. For the next few years in her life, she became quiet, people at times thought she was mute and by the time she was ten, the loneliness got to her so badly, she tried to commit suicide."
I could sense all eyes on me, but I ignored them and continued to talk, "Before she was able to harm herself too badly, a pokemon came out and stopped her by screaming and crying while using Tackle. That pokemon shocked her into understanding what she was trying to do and in the end, that pokemon became her starter pokemon."
I smiled as I continued, "Over the next few years, she went on her journey and became a pokemon coordinator. When she was twelve, she had the experience to save someone when they were in trouble. That day changed her way of thinking that if she could help others, then she could feel better knowing that they wouldn't have to face any pain that she had in the past."
I could feel that I had the girl's attention and paused for a second before continuing, "On a mission when she was thirteen, she was badly poisoned and injured that she almost died. Over the course of two years, she faced her battles of being able to go through physical therapy to get back into shape. Over the course of her life, this girl battled loneliness. Sure she had her younger brother, but she always thought that he would go on in life okay in case if she died suddenly. She thought that no one would care if she died while trying to help others, she just wanted to spare others from the loneliness and pain that she suffered."
I smiled at the next part, "Then she decided to go to school, get an education and her life changed from there on. She made friends who told her countless times that they would always be there for her, she fell in love with a guy who was always there to protect and love her fully. Then she realized that she never was alone, it just took her forever to realize that. Someone always cared for her even if she didn't know it. Just like you, someone cares for you even if you may not know it."
The girl snorted, "That's a cute story, but that would never happen to anyone."
"That may true that the story I just told you is hard to believe, but what I just said was my story. I suffered loneliness all my life, I tried to kill myself by slicing my neck with a knife, but Torchic stopped me before I hit any major arteries. I got a scar from that and wore my hair in a puppy ear style to hide it for years," I said as I showed her where a faint two inch scar remained.
"Torchic then became my starter pokemon and I started my path to becoming a famous coordinator and teen hero. But for that whole period, I felt alone, it wasn't until I met my friends and boyfriend that they showed me that I wasn't alone and that they cared for me. If I ended my life when I was ten, I wouldn't be the woman I am now, surrounded by those who loved me and helping people everywhere."
"You have gotten a fairy tale story, I don't, no one cares about me," the girl said as tears started to appear.
I stood up and watched her, "I tired of feeling alone, death is my only choice."
"No it's not," I murmured softly. "You would miss out on so many things in life. I won't lie to you, life is hard, but challenges and trials are set up for us to overcome them, to show that we are strong enough to face life head on. I guarantee you that life will get better for you. From now on, you have me as a friend and I would be greatly sadden if you took your life."
She then started to sob and she let me guide her off the edge, she hugged me tightly crying her eyes out. I hugged her back as I placed my chin on her head feeling tears fall down my face as well, thank you Arceus for giving me a chance to redeem myself and save a life.
As we stood there, I heard everyone below leave and the girl stepped out of the hug, "Sorry about that," she said quietly.
"You don't need to apologize, it's alright," I said with a small smile. "I don't believe you told me your name."
"It's Abigail Jennings," she said quietly. "But I go by Abby."
"That's a pretty name," I complimented. "Do you want to get something to eat, my treat."
"Sure," she said quietly.
We then walked off the building and went to a small café managing to avoid the press which was a miracle in of itself, "Are you a coordinator or a trainer?" I asked after we ordered our food.
"I want to be a trainer, but I haven't gotten my starter pokemon yet," she explained.
"Do you know what starter you want?" I asked.
She smiled a little, "I always wanted a Mudkip when I was little."
I smiled, "When are you going to see Professor Birch to get your starter?"
She frowned, "I asked my uncle to take me, but he ignored me."
I frowned before I smiled, "You know what, I'll take you."
She looked at me surprised, "You will?" she asked.
I nodded, "If you don't mind waiting a little, I'll take you after my gymnastics competition tomorrow."
She smiled, "Thanks, I've seen your competitions on TV, you're amazing."
"I don't know about amazing," I said honestly as our food arrived. "I just do what I love to do."
After we finished eating, we were walking to the Pokemon Center only to run into the gang and Max. "There you are, we've been looking all over for you," Max panted.
I frowned, "Why, did something happen?"
"No, but we lost sight of you after you left the building," Max said.
"Sorry, we've been dodging the press and then we went to get something to eat," I explained.
"Food," Ash said dreamily causing Misty to hit him with her mallet.
"Does this always happen?" Abby asked.
"More or less, but you get used to everyone's antics after a while," I said.
"Care to do some introductions airhead?" Drew asked.
I rolled my eyes, "The one who talked about food is Ash. The girl who has the mallet is Misty. The bluenette is Dawn. The silent one is Paul. The brunette is Leaf. The guy with spikey hair is Gary. The guy with grass on his head is Drew and the short one is my brother Max," I said causing Drew to glare at me. "Everyone, this is Abby."
"Nice to meet you," she said quietly.
"Pleased to meet ya Abby, are you a coordinator of trainer?" Dawn asked cheerfully.
"I want to be a trainer," she said as she looked at Pikachu. "What pokemon is that?"
"This is Pikachu," Ash introduced as Pikachu hopped down to the ground to stand in front of Abby.
"Pika," he said cheerfully as Abby pet him on the head causing her to smile.
"Have you gotten your starter pokemon yet?" Misty asked.
Abby looked sad and shook her head, "She doesn't have anyone to take her so I volunteered to take her to see Professor Birch after my competition tomorrow," I explained.
I then saw a group of the press out of the corner of my eye, "Guys, take Abby to the park, I'll be there in a few minutes."
"Why?" Max asked.
"I need to settle something," I said as I saw the press coming towards me.
Everyone nodded and left before the press caught up to me, "Miss Maple, what is your relationship with Drew?"
"Did you know Drew was already dating Linnea Mason?" another asked.
"Listen," I spoke loudly so everyone could hear. "This is what happened. First of all, I did NOT know Drew was dating Linnea Mason. Second, the kiss happened because I confessed to have liked him, Drew did not cheat on his girlfriend. From what I've heard, he is loyal to his girlfriend and I stepped out of place by kissing him. Drew Hayden is not a cheater so leave the Hayden family out of this."
"What is your relationship with him now?" a reporter asked.
"Drew and I are still friends and we have put my confession behind us," I answered.
"Are you participating in the gymnastics competition tomorrow in Petalburg City?" another reporter asked.
"Yes, hopefully I'll be able to gain my third medal and enter the World Competition. Now if you'll excuse me," I said nicely as I walked away to the park.
"Well?" Max asked as I arrived.
"Everything will turn out okay and Drew's name will be cleared. If not, I'm going to give them a piece of my mind," I muttered before turning to Abby. "Abby, why don't you go home real quick and pack, we'll leave for Petalburg City tonight so we don't have to tomorrow, I'll meet you back here okay?"
She nodded with a smile and raced out of the park, "So what did you tell the press May?" Drew asked concerned.
"I think I came up with a good story, I said that I didn't know you were dating and that the kiss happened was because I confessed to liking you. I also pointed out that you were loyal to your girlfriend and to leave your family out of it," I said with a smirk.
"Of course I'm loyal," Drew teased as he started to walk up to me.
"Uh-uh," I said as I held my hand out to stop him. "Remember what I said so keep your distance."
"Seriously?" Drew complained causing me to raise an eye brow.
"You want to go through that nightmare again?" I asked.
"I can control myself thank you," Drew said arrogantly while flicking his hair fringe.
"Oh really," I questioned with a smirk. "So why did you walk over to me?"
He said nothing causing all of us to snicker, "I'll see you guys later, I need to go to the dorm real quick. "Max, can you stay here in case Abby gets here before I do?"
Max nodded and I ran back to the dorm, I quickly grabbed my stuff for tomorrow while grabbing a few of my pokemon before going back to the park to find Abby there with a sky blue backpack.
"You ready?" I asked Abby.
She nodded, "Alright, I'll see you guys later," I said to gang as Max called out his Kirlia and teleported us to the Pokemon Center.
"Hi May, it's great to have you back," Nurse Joy said cheerfully as she gave me a hug.
"It's great to see ya Nurse Joy. This is a friend of mine, Abby, she'll get her starter pokemon tomorrow," I explained.
"It's nice to meet you Abby, would you like a room?" Nurse Joy asked.
"Yes please," Abby said politely.
"Alright, you're in room 16," Nurse Joy said with a smile as she handed Abby her key.
"It's late, I'll see you in the morning for breakfast," I said to Abby before she hugged me and walked to her room.
"I'm proud of ya sis," Max said with a smile before yawning. "I'll go with ya to watch your competition, see ya in the morning."
"Night Max," I said as I walked to my room.
I quickly showered and changed before I crawled into bed. Despite all that happened today, I'm glad everything turned out okay.
April 28th (Petalburg City, Hoenn)
(May's POV)
I woke up early and helped Nurse Joy make breakfast for the people staying here. As I brought food out, I saw Abby at a table, "Did you sleep okay?" I asked.
"Yea, I guess my mind is still wrapped around yesterday," she said quietly as she stood up.
I smiled softly, "You'll feel that way for a while knowing that you almost killed yourself, but the feeling will go away eventually."
We then grabbed our food and started to eat, "Do you want to help me feed my pokemon?" I asked.
Abby eyes shined, "Can I?"
I could tell she loved pokemon, "I don't see why not," I said cheerfully as we finished eating.
Clancy took our dishes away and I walked into the kitchen to grab pokemon food. We then walked to the backyard where we set the food on the ground and I called out my pokemon.
I looked at Abby to see her looking in awe, "These are your pokemon?"
"Yup," I said as I saw Munchlax try to snag Glaceon's pokemon food. "No you don't Munchlax."
I tossed him a piece of Pokeblock which he caught happily, his stomach bulged and he fell asleep, "What happened?" Abby asked.
"Munchlax has a huge appetite so I created a recipe of Pokeblock that's made to equal the amount of food Munchlax eats to feel full," I explained.
Abby nodded understanding, "Do you want to stay with my pokemon while I compete?" I asked.
"Can I?" she asked.
I nodded, "I think you want to be by yourself for a little bit so why don't you hang out with my pokemon until I come back."
"Gardevoir, keep an eye on her. I think she's okay, but she tried to kill herself yesterday and she's having the effects of knowing she almost killed herself," I explained telepathically.
Gardevoir nodded in understanding, "I'll see you guys later, wish me luck," I called as I walked inside to grab my stuff. Time to win my last medal.
A couple hours later, I was in the arena with twenty some other competitors who needed one more medal to get into the World Competition, "You doing alright?" Jenny asked.
I nodded, I just finished doing vault and was waiting for my score, "May Maple's score for vault is 15.7," someone announced causing me to smile, this meant my total score now placed me in second place.
"Good May, now to pack a punch for the uneven bars," Jenny said determined with a smile.
I nodded as we picked up my stuff and moved to chairs closer to the uneven bars. I was after two competitors from Mossdeep City and Oldale Town. I guess it was a little unnerving since I was the last competitor.
"Now May, keep the connections clean and it should be good," Jenny offered as last minute advice as I put on my hand guards.
I walked up to the mat, then jumped up to the tall bar and started my routine. A minute and a half later, I dismounted doing a double layover landing perfectly and I walked to Jenny who side hugged me.
"You nailed it perfectly, now it's up to the judges," she praised as I took off my hand guards before putting on my sweat pants and jacket.
I took a seat and waited for my score, "May Maple's score for uneven bars is 15.39," a voice said over the intercom causing me to frown slightly, my routine has been scored at least a point and a half higher before. Now my question is…is this high enough for me to place first?
"Ladies and gentlemen, it seems we have a tie for first place, give us a moment to calculate both girls execution scores," someone announced.
I started to fiddle with my hands as I sat waiting, I looked at Jenny to see that she started to pace, "Thank you for your patience ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the Petalburg Gymnastics Competition is….May Maple."
Cheers broke out as I jumped up and was hugged by Jenny, I then made my way to the judges to earn my medal.
"Congratulations young lady, good luck in the World Competition," a judge said as they placed my medal around my neck.
I shook his hand and turned to face the crowd while waving before I walked back to Jenny, "Congrats kiddo, you're going to the World Gymnastics Competition."
"I can hardly believe it," I said breathlessly.
"Well, I'll see you for practice of Monday, we need to start some new routines," Jenny said firmly before she started to walk to the exit. "Have a good weekend."
"You too," I called before I picked up stuff and headed for the changing room. I changed into a red tank top, a short white jacket, and capris after I showered. I then left for the Pokemon Center and was attacked in a hug by Max.
"You did it May, you made it into the WGC," he said happily.
I laughed as I hugged him back, "I made it, but so did twenty-seven other gymnasts. Now is the start of the real competition."
"Guess you're right, Abby and your pokemon are out back," Max said as he walked to his room.
I nodded and went to the back, "Congrats on winning May," Abby complimented as my pokemon gathered around me chirping in congratulations.
"Thanks Abby, you ready for getting your first pokemon?" I asked.
"You bet," she said with a smile.
I smiled back as I picked the seven pokemon I would take and we left the Pokemon Center biking our way to Littleroot Town.
We placed our bikes on the edge of the lab and walked inside to find Professor Birch sitting at a desk, "Ah, pleasure to see you again May," he said cheerfully. "Congrats on your third medal."
"Thanks," I said. "I didn't know you watched gymnastics?"
"Well, I was flipping through channels and stumbled upon your performance. Now who do we have here?" Professor Birch asked.
"My name is Abigail Jennings," Abby said. "I'm here for my starter pokemon."
"Alright, now I'm afraid that two new trainers came by earlier and picked their pokemon," Professor Birch admitted causing Abby to look down.
Then her facial expression did a one-eighty and she smiled, "Can I meet the pokemon that you have?"
Professor Birch nodded and motioned for us to follow him, he then led us to where a small Mudkip was in a corner looking sad, "This little guy is sensitive, I found him abandoned and he hasn't really bonded well with anyone."
I inwardly smiled, I could right off the bad that these two would have a tight bond. I watched as Abby walked toward Mudkip, "Hi Mudkip, it's nice to meet you," she said happily.
"Mudkip?" it questioned as it backed more into the corner.
"It's okay," Abby said gently.
Mudkip then did Water Gun at her causing Abby to become soaking wet, "That was a strong Water Gun," Abby complimented. "We'll win pokemon battles for sure."
Now she was right next to Mudkip, she picked it up and then hugged him, "It'll be okay Mudkip, we'll be the best of friends."
"Mudkip," it chirped happily.
"Well….it seems Mudkip has taken a liking to you," Professor Birch said happily as he grabbed a few things. "Now here's your pokedex and some pokeballs."
"Thanks Professor Birch," Abby said happily as she placed Mudkip on the ground before putting her stuff away.
"Take care you two," Professor Birch called as we walked out of the lab toward our bikes.
I then turned to face Abby, "I wish you the best of luck on your journey and if you ever want to talk, here's my number," I said as I gave her a small card.
I was then attacked by a hug, "Thanks for everything," she whispered. "Good luck on your competition."
"Thanks," I said before she returned her Mudkip and started riding down the road.
I then called out Gardevoir, "Can you teleport me back to the dorm and my bike back to the Pokemon Center?"
She nodded and soon I found myself back in the common area where I again was attacked by a hug, "Is it me or does everyone want to hug me today?" I asked as I hugged Dawn back.
"Guess you're that huggable," Drew teased.
I rolled my eyes, "Congrats on getting your last medal," Misty said with a smile.
"Thanks, did the press buy my story?" I asked Drew.
He nodded while frowning slightly, "Yea, but there are still a few nasty gossips and rumors here and there."
I sighed, "That's expected, something like yesterday doesn't die in a day, it'll probably take a week or two."
"May about yesterday, was all that true?" Leaf asked.
I nodded, I figured someone would ask about that, "I was completely honest with Abby. I did try to kill myself before I went on my journey. Thankfully, Torchic stopped me and we grew close after that. In a way, I'm glad I was able to help Abby, I felt like I redeemed myself for the mistake I almost made all those years ago."
"How is Abby, did she get her starter pokemon?" Ash asked.
I nodded, "She'll suffer a little bit of trauma for a while from what happened yesterday, but being with her Mudkip who was abandoned, I think both will form a strong bond that will overcome their pasts and loneliness. They'll be a great duo," I murmured.
"I don't know about you, but I feel like we should be celebrating right now," Dawn said firmly.
"Pizza and a movie marathon sound good?" I suggested.
"Sounds awesome," Ash said excitedly.
I shook my head in amusement as Gary ordered the pizza while Leaf and Dawn were arguing as to what we were watching, "Penny for your thoughts," Drew whispered as he kissed the side of my head.
"I was just thinking as to how glad I'm able to experience all of this by becoming friends with you guys," I said with a smile. "And I wouldn't change it for the world."