Six years had passed, and May had only further embraced her role as a skilled and elusive thief under Koga's guidance. With Glaceon by her side, she executed heists with precision, leaving a frozen trail of mischief in her wake. In the midst of one such caper, as May expertly froze a door shut and gathered valuables, a familiar voice echoed in frustration from the other side.
"Open up in there!" Ash demanded, accompanied by the determined presence of Pikachu. May, unfazed, smirked and bagged up her loot.
"Don't sweat it, Aura Boy. I won't be long."
"Maaaaaaaaaaaay!" Ash's voice pleaded, but May was already kicking open a window and making her escape, whistling for Glaceon to follow. As Glaceon hopped after her, May executed a nimble jump from the window, snagging a tree branch and landing with the grace of a seasoned thief. Ash, persistent in his pursuit, forced the door open, only to find May gone. He tried to run to the open window but slipped on the ice-covered floor May and Glaceon had left behind and ended up crashing into the wall instead. Pikachu, ever loyal, ran over to his side.
"Are you ok?!" he asked.
"I'm fine!" Ash groaned irritably. "Forget me and get her!" both of them got up and managed to get to the open window, but only with enough time to witness the escape. Ash growled, frustration evident. "I'll get you, May, if it's the last thing I do!"
"If you want a date with me so bad, I accept!" May teased before disappearing into the forest below. Ash, defeated, hung his head.
"I hate her so much..." he mumbled. Pikachu, sensing his partner's disappointment, approached with concern.
"Ash...are you alright at least? That was a pretty big fall…"
"I'm fine…but my pride isn't..." Ash admitted through a heavy sigh.
"Oh..." Pikachu empathized, understanding his partner's struggle. Despite the setback though, he still tried to uplift Ash's spirits. "I'm sure we'll catch her."
"In 20 years..." Ash grumbled, expressing his frustration. Pikachu, however, reminded him of Riley's teachings.
"Come on now. You know what Riley told you about negative emotions and your Aura."
"Yeah... I know..." Ash acknowledged, and Pikachu, smiling, climbed onto his shoulder. With nothing more he could do, for now, Ash walked out of the room and headed towards the barracks wing of the castle.
"What now?"
"Inform the others she got away... again..." Ash sighed. Pikachu, understanding his trainer's mixed emotions, drooped his ears but attempted to comfort him with an affectionate nuzzle of their cheeks.
"Ok..." As the luminescent gaze of the moon began to show itself in the evening sky, Ash finally came upon Riley as his mentor shared an intimate kiss with his wife. Respectfully, Ash waited a moment for Cheryl to return to their quarters before approaching Riley. Finally taking note of Ash's presence, Riley noticed that Ash's expression spoke volumes, laden with weariness and a hint of frustration. A look they both knew very well after all these years.
"Again?" inquired Riley, his voice carrying a tone of understanding.
"That girl may as well have been trained by Darkrai..." Ash sighed, his weariness apparent. Riley, with a deep breath, inquired about the object of May's latest escapade.
"What did she take this time?"
"Surprisingly just a vase..." replied Ash, a tinge of disbelief in his voice. Riley sighed again, resigning himself to the inevitable task of informing the royal family. As Ash bemoaned the ongoing game of cat and mouse, Riley offered a glimpse of insight.
"The flirting?" Riley suggested knowingly.
"Yeah..." Ash's response held a note of exasperation.
"She does it because it works, you know." he reminded his pupil.
"I KNOW...!" Ash's frustration resonated through the courtyard. As Riley made his way towards the throneroom, Ash, defeated by the ongoing antics of the elusive May, trudged back to his quarters. Little did he know that the night held more surprises in store. As he opened his door into the dimly lit room, he saw May reclined on his bed, examining a glimmering diamond with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. He couldn't help but gasp at the sight of her before running at her and attempting to salvage whatever May had set her sights on by swiping it back. "Put that down!"
"Don't worry, Aura Boy. It's not worth much." May chuckled playfully as she easily dodged his grab. Then, with a nonchalant toss, she sent the diamond back to him, leaving Ash fumbling to catch it.
"Are you really doing this again?" Ash's frustration lingered in his words.
"Whatever do you mean?" May smirked in response.
"Showing up in my room when you know I'm too tired...?" Ash sighed, pointing out the obvious.
"I'm just taking a breather is all," May quipped, her smirk unwavering. Ash, ever vigilant, cautiously approached, searching for any signs of May's trademark mischief. May, in turn, played up the banter. "Dearest Aura Boy. You really must stop trying so hard. All this stress can cause wrinkles."
"Stop calling me that..." Ash's retort held a mix of annoyance and exhaustion.
"After six years, you can't just give up a nickname." May persisted teasingly.
"Haven't you taken enough today?" he asked, obviously exasperated.
"Some of us have to make ends meet," May replied casually.
"You should try working for a living," Ash suggested with a touch of sarcasm.
"You think this isn't work? Trust me, it takes a lot of work to make this look as easy as I do." She smirked, adding, "Though I can tell it's not only my skills you admire." Ash growled in response, but May, unfazed, hopped out of his bed and strolled over to him, planting an impromptu kiss on his lips.
"Mmph?!" Ash asked with muffled surprise. He was caught off guard but still attempted to grab her while she was close. However, his stunned reaction played to May's advantage as she pulled away before he could properly recover.
"Bye-bye. See you next time," she quipped before casually walking to the window and making her escape. As May left, Ash groaned, falling onto the bed in defeat, knowing it would be pointless to try and chase her. She'd always been even harder to catch at night. Pikachu jumped off his shoulder and landed on the bed just in time to avoid being caught up in Ash's dramatic collapse.
"We really need to get you a fainting couch..." Pikachu remarked, observing Ash's defeated state. Ash gave a defeated groan, and Pikachu couldn't help but sweatdrop.
As May strolled back to her home, the moon cast its soft glow over the area, marking the end of another chapter in the perpetual dance between the Aura Guardian and the elusive rogue. As the night's adventures concluded, Glaceon looked up at May, a silent inquiry in her eyes.
"Well, that was fun," she remarked, a playful smile on her face.
"Get your seal of approval?" Glaceon teased, inquiring about May's encounter with the enigmatic "Aura Boy."
"From Aura Boy? More like his trademark denial." May chuckled.
"That's not the seal I meant," Glaceon giggled. She then, in a playful gesture, made a kissy face. May, catching the gesture simply rolled her eyes.
"So what if I did? It's not the first time I've done it, you know," she pointed out.
"I know." Glaceon simply nodded, well aware of the dynamic between May and her Aura Boy.
"He likes it. He just doesn't want to admit it," May stated confidently, a hint of mischief in her eyes. Glaceon giggled, sharing in the amusement. May continued, contemplating the possibilities if Aura Boy were to break free from the constraints of palace life. "If he weren't so loyal to that posh palace life, maybe this would finally go beyond flirting and we could actually take the next step."
"I dunno. I think it could be fun to live dangerously on the inside some night." Glaceon playfully suggested, perhaps envisioning a different narrative.
"Be one of those pretty, pampered royals? You gotta be kidding." May scoffed at the idea. Glaceon, however, had a different scenario in mind.
"Nah nah, I was thinking more, spending the night."
"One day soon. I know it." May conceded with a sly smile. Glaceon smiled back, and together, they continued their journey into the village, the moonlight casting a magical glow over the playful banter between the mischievous rogue and her loyal Pokémon companion. The moon hung high in the night sky as May made her way back to her family's hut. The atmosphere inside was filled with a curious blend of warmth and tension. Which was far from unusual for this particular family.
"Janine? Father?" May inquired, her voice echoing through the cozy space. She made her way to the common area and found Janine, already present in the room.
"Where have you been?" her sister greeted her with a skeptical tone.
"The castle. Figured I'd invite myself to an unadvertised garage sale." May retorted, a mischievous glint in her eyes. She opened her bag and nonchalantly placed the vase she had 'acquired' on the table. Janine, ever astute, wasn't convinced.
"I know you didn't just go there for a vase," she stated, raising an eyebrow in suspicion. May casually flopped onto the couch, her demeanor carefree in spite of her sister's comment.
"I'll admit teasing the Aura Boy is a fun bonus."
"That's as much of a bonus to you as breathing," Janine remarked, never one to mince words. A challenge hung in the air as May dared her sister to speak up.
"Just what are you implying?"
"Oh, nothing," Janine responded, unfazed by the challenge. May, sensing Janine's unspoken words, pressed her further.
"Speak up if you're so bold."
"I don't have to. You can't go five minutes without thinking about seeing him naked," Janine asserted.
"Exaggeration much?" May dismissed the accusation with an eye-roll.
"Is it?" Janine questioned.
"Yeah, it is. He's hot, yeah, and of course, I'll be sleeping with him one day. But it's not going to happen until he gets out of his line of work." May clarified with a smirk.
"Sure, sis. Sure." Janine shrugged, unconvinced. May, realizing Janine had struck a nerve, changed her tone.
"Don't try my patience. We both know who has more strength and skill," she warned her sister. Janine glared but didn't contest the point.
"Father reminds me every day. I don't need you to start doing it too." she spat back at May. May, recognizing the tone of her sister's voice, sighed and backed down.
"I'm sorry. You know I love you," she responded, a rare apology in her voice. Janine sighed in response but still backed down as well, signaling an unspoken truce for now. With the momentary tension passing, May redirected the conversation. "The bottom line is, just because I have a thing for him doesn't mean I want to abandon our tribe and everything we do, okay?"
"Yeah yeah I know," Janine replied dismissively.
"Good. Now, where is Father?" May wondered.
"Out back," Janine replied.
"I suppose I should let him know I'm back," May mused, rising from her seat. She headed out the back door where she found Koga, immersed in reading some ancient-looking scroll. "Father?"
"May," he acknowledged, glancing up from the text.
"Everything okay?" May inquired.
"Is it?" Koga pushed the question back to her.
"As far as I know it is," she replied. Koga nodded in approval. "Just wanted to let you know I'm back home."
"Your trip proved fruitful, I presume?" he questioned.
"Just a vase this time around. But it'll go for quite a bit still," May answered.
"Is that the case?" Koga deadpanned. May couldn't help but playfully respond to the perfectly set-up question.
"No, that's the vase." She stuck her tongue out, earning a stone-faced look from her father. Nevertheless, she still grinned and laughed at her own joke. "It was bad, but I'm sticking by it."
"You are a strange one," Koga commented with a shake of his head.
"You joining us for dinner tonight?" May asked, changing the subject. Koga nodded, and May headed back inside as he followed her. The evening settled into a quiet routine as May, Koga, and Janine gathered around the dinner table. The rustic ambiance of their hut was accentuated by the soft glow of candlelight. As May headed to the kitchen to gather a few fruits and vegetables from their private window garden, Janine prepared the meat and Koga sat at the table, waiting for them to finish the meal preparations.
"You certainly spend a lot of time in the castle," he remarked, his tone carrying a mixture of curiosity and concern.
"There's good stuff in there," May replied, nonchalantly selecting produce as she did.
"Is that your only reason?" Koga questioned, a subtle edge to his words. May paused, raising an eyebrow as she turned towards him.
"What is with everyone today?" she wondered aloud.
"I am merely concerned." Koga maintained his scrutinizing gaze.
"Because?" May pressed, her tone curious yet assertive.
"I have my reasons. The village cannot afford to lose anyone. Especially our best fighter. And you know those who serve the Royal Family have no qualms about killing us at the first sight." Koga reminded her. Janine seemed to take more notice of his comment as she lowered her gaze.
"Father, you know I kick massive butt. I can hold my own," May reassured him.
"I know you can," Koga acknowledged, a hint of something in his eyes that May couldn't quite recognize.
"Then why worry about me going to a place that I know like the back of my hand?" she queried.
"I have my reasons," he responded in a very firm tone. May, realizing that he wouldn't divulge more, resigned.
"I suppose you're not keen on sharing them?" she said.
"No," Koga affirmed.
"Figures," May sighed, an air of disappointment lingering. May and Janine then focused on assembling their dinner, choosing not to try and delve further into the conversation. Soon they both presented the food and sat at the table with their Father to begin eating. May dove right in with her famous appetite, but Janine, on the other hand, remained silent, lost in her thoughts. She barely touched her food, a departure from her usual spirited demeanor. May noticed Janine's distraction and raised an eyebrow. "Janine? You okay?"
"Smashing..." she responded sarcastically under her breath. She then got up from the table and walked away, leaving May to give Koga a puzzled glance.
"What's with her?" May wondered aloud.
"What indeed." Koga mused, clearly far less interested than May. She sighed, the weight of the unspoken tension lingering in the air. She sipped her water, contemplating the peculiar atmosphere that had settled over her family. "What are your plans for tomorrow?" Koga inquired, attempting to shift the focus.
"Nothing concrete." May shrugged, her plans vague. She absentmindedly set a bowl of food down for Glaceon. The Ice Type ate her own food gracefully, her presence providing a sense of stability. May petted her head, finding solace in the quiet companionship.
"Good. Then we'll have some time to get some other work done. I expect you to be up early for training." Koga informed her.
"Yes Father." she nodded.
"Good. You will get more information then," he told her as he returned to his food. Taking a moment to take a deep breath and recompose herself, May too returned to her meal.
As the night progressed, May found solace in the quiet companionship of Glaceon. The cozy hut was filled with a gentle warmth as May petted her Pokemon, the rhythmic purring a soothing melody.
"Comfy?" May inquired, her voice gentle. Glaceon, shutting her eyes, nodded in response and May chuckled. "You're a sweetheart."
"I know." Glaceon teased as she relaxed further, completely at ease in May's presence. May continued to stroke her fur, and Glaceon purred contentedly. "I love you,"
"Love you too, girl." May smiled. With a final nod, Glaceon, overcome by the tranquility of the moment, began to doze off. May, still smiling softly, finished up her dinner and carefully scooped Glaceon into her arms. "Goodnight Father. I'm turning in for the night."
"Don't be late in the morning," he said firmly, opening the scroll back up to continue whatever work he had been doing earlier.
"Never am," she replied before heading to her room. In her room, May laid Glaceon on her designated pillow. The Pokemon, with a gentle smile on her face, snuggled into the comfortable spot. As she began preparing for bed, she couldn't help but admire the serenity that surrounded them. Glaceon's soft snores filled the room, a testament to the unspoken bond between the partners. As May settled in for the night, the hut embraced them in a cocoon of quiet affection, marking the end of another day in their unconventional family.
To be Continued...