Chapter 11
(Flashback)
In this alternate reality, Ash and Pikachu find themselves in Mauville City, where they lend a hand in thwarting Team Rainbow Rocket's nefarious schemes. To their surprise, they encounter the renowned May from another dimension, along with her boyfriend Brendan.
Brendan is a passionate Pokémon Contest enthusiast. While he excels in battles, he prefers to engage only when necessary, believing that traditional battles can be rough on Pokémon, which he finds distasteful. Instead, he channels his creativity into sewing and knitting, crafting unique outfits for his Pokémon. Brendan, who's a bit nearsighted, often sports stylish glasses, though he used to be reluctant to wear them. His love for photography is evident in the cherished snapshot of his contest triumph that he always carries. A unique skill of his is instantly discerning a Pokémon's nature, a talent he uses to distract opponents by appealing to their favorite Pokéblock flavors.
On the other hand, May from this world is quite different from her counterpart in Ash's reality. Thanks to her close ties with Professor Birch and her father, Norman, May frequently aids them in fieldwork, a task usually assigned to Brendan, who abhors getting dirty. Years of outdoor adventures have honed May's physical strength and heightened her senses. Surrounded by nature, she champions the idea of letting Pokémon remain true to their natural selves, opposing unnecessary beautification.
As Team Rainbow Rocket appears to retreat, Ash finds himself engaged in a lively conversation with May and Brendan. The tension of the recent battle dissipates, replaced by curiosity.
"So, Ash," May begins, her eyes bright with intrigue, "I heard that you're from another world. Do you think there's another me and Brendan over there?"
Ash nods thoughtfully. "Yeah, I have a close friend named May in my world. But Professor Birch doesn't have a son in my reality. Oh, and May in my world has a brother named Max. They always seem to be arguing about something."
May's expression shifts, surprise evident in her eyes. "I... have a brother in your world? And Brendan doesn't exist?"
Brendan chuckles softly. "Guess there are different paths in different worlds. So, how's May in your world? Is she as adventurous as our May here?"
"Hey!" May interjects playfully, a grin tugging at the corners of her lips.
"Well, in my world's version of May," Ash begins, leaning in as if sharing a secret, "I met her at Professor Birch's lab. She was determined to become a new Pokémon Trainer. Our paths intertwined when Pikachu fell sick, and his uncontrollable electricity ended up frying May's bike."
May's eyes widen with curiosity. "So, what did I end up choosing? Gym battles, right? Battling Dad was always exciting, but I saved it for last for some reason..."
Ash grins, enjoying May's anticipation. "Actually, you chose the Contest path." His words elicit a shocked expression from May and a chuckle from Brendan. "Contests? That's unexpected," May exclaims, clearly surprised. Turning to Ash, she asks, "So, what kind of team did I use for each category?"
Ash looks a bit puzzled. "Categories? What do you mean by that?"
Observing Ash's expression, Brendan leans forward with curiosity. "Judging by your face, I assume the Contests are also different in this world?"
Ash nod, excitement evident in my voice. "Well, in my world, Contests are quite unique. My Mom is actually the Founder of the Contests. She wanted to create something distinct from Grandma's Showcases." Leaning in, Ash delves into the intricacies of Contests. "In the first round, known as the Performance Stage, Coordinators showcase their Pokémon's style and skill through performances. A panel of judges, typically comprising Mr. Contesta from the organizing committee, Mr. Sukizo from the Pokémon Fan Club, and Nurse Joy from the local Pokémon Center, awards points for these appeals. The Coordinators with the highest scores advance to the next round, and the number of advancing Coordinators varies."
Ash continues, describing the Battle Stage. "The second round is the Battle Stage, where Coordinators engage in Pokémon battles while still highlighting their Pokémon's style and skill. Battles last five minutes, and the goal is to decrease the opponent's points. Points are deducted when a Pokémon is hit by an attack, when a Pokémon's attack fails, when the opponent executes an impressive move, or when the opponent uses a move to its advantage. A battle can also end when one Pokémon is unable to continue, termed a Battle Off by the judges. In such cases, the Coordinator with the remaining Pokémon wins."
Brendan's eyes widen with interest. "Wow, that sounds even more captivating than our Contests. We didn't get to directly battle each other's Pokémon, although our second round is somewhat similar to your first round. We earn points by showcasing moves, and the judges use those points to lower other trainers' scores."
Ash furrows his brow in curiosity. "I'm usually the one who challenges gyms during our journey together. I challenged Norman as my fifth gym, but what do you mean you saved it for last?"
May lowers her head, her expression clouded with regret, while Brendan lets out a soft sigh. "It's kind of my fault," Brendan begins, his voice tinged with remorse. "You see, since our fathers are best friends, we grew up playing together as childhood friends. I've always had a deep love for Pokémon, and during those times, my companions were Mightyena, Delcatty, and Gardevoir, who were originally Poochyena, Skitty, and Ralts. I was quite into battling back then, and May was much more girly."
May lets out a heavy sigh, her gaze distant. "It all changed that day when an uninvited Salamence attacked the lab. Brendan bravely tried to protect me using those three Pokémon. He managed to drive it away, but not before he received a scar on his head that would stay with him forever."
Ash nods, understanding now. "I've noticed the scar. I was curious about how you got it."
Brendan continues, his tone somber. "The scar scared May so much that she broke down crying. I felt terrible and thought I was too aggressive. That's when I decided to give up battling and focus on making my Pokémon beautiful instead. I started spending less time at the lab and would often lock myself at home, either playing house or designing clothes and doing makeup for my Pokémon."
May's frown deepens as she recalls the events. "It was later revealed that the Salamence had a trainer. At that time, I discovered that the Devon Corporation was using Professor Birch's Lab to create a Jade Orb, intending to control Rayquaza just like the Blue and Red Orbs. My Dad was involved in keeping Rayquaza in check, but when the Salamence and its trainer succeeded in freeing Rayquaza, my Dad took the blame. Mr. Goodshow stripped him of his Gym Leader status for five years and tasked him with finding Rayquaza. That's also why I was asked to stay with Professor Birch. I thought it was all my fault for being weak, which is why I wanted to become stronger and help Professor Birch with the fieldwork."
Ash gasps in shock, his eyes widening as Brendan continues, "However, during those five years, we never met each other until the day we chose our starters. I thought May was going to attack me with her jungle-inspired attire... I even had to make clothes for her. As we journeyed together, I encountered May's father many times. Initially, I tried to avoid him, thinking he blamed me for losing his gym... but things were cleared up when we crossed paths again at the Weather Institute, where I had to prove my strength to him."
May lets out a wistful sigh. "We made a pact to see who would win the Contests or Gyms first within 80 days. I vividly remember our time in Fortree City, where gym leaders gathered to discuss Team Magma and Team Aqua. My Dad wasn't present. It was there that Brendan revealed his true strength to me, although he refused to employ it against the two teams. We had our disagreements... it wasn't until one of his Pokémon left him that he resolved to confront Team Magma and Team Aqua."
Ash nods in understanding. "So, Team Magma and Team Aqua caused you a lot of trouble, just like in my world."
May nods, her expression serious. "They were a major challenge. But it was during those times that Brendan and I confessed our love for each other. Although Brendan tried to shield me from the chaos, it was clear that we couldn't stay out of it for long..."
Ash's curiosity is piqued. "What happened to Maxie and Archie in your world?"
May's voice takes on a somber tone. "They perished. They absorbed the orbs into their bodies, allowing Groudon and Kyogre to possess them. Their bodies couldn't withstand the immense energy. However, they briefly returned to aid us in stopping a meteorite from colliding with Earth, ultimately sacrificing themselves."
Brendan interjects, "I assume your world's Maxie and Archie also absorbed the orbs?"
Ash nods, a gentle smile forming as he rubs Pikachu's fur. "Yes, Archie absorbed the orb, but Maxie didn't get the chance because Pikachu absorbed the Red Orb first."
Brendan adds, "We absorbed the orbs too, but our determination kept us in control. Our worlds seem quite different in many ways. Anyway, it seems like we've talked a lot. How about we take some rest before we dive back into battling?"
"Sounds good," Ash agrees, and they leave to recharge before their next adventure.
The battle raged on fiercely, each Pokémon giving their all in the intense showdown. Ash keenly observed the strategies and Pokémon choices of both Brendan and May. Brendan's team comprised Mightyena, Gardevoir, Delcatty, Swampert, Milotic, Castform, and Plusle, while May's team consisted of Blaziken, Aggron, Tropius, Donphan, Gallade, Wailord, Relicanth, and Minun. The clash was relentless until a critical moment when May sacrificed herself for the cause.
"May! Stay with us!" Brendan's voice trembled with desperation as he tried to shake May, her strength draining from the heavy loss of blood incurred during the brutal conflict with Team Rainbow Rocket.
"I'm sorry, Brendan... I wanted to fight by your side till the end, but it seems my time has come..." May's voice was weak, barely audible.
Tears welled up in Brendan's eyes as he exchanged final words with May, her eyes closing peacefully, never to open again. Brendan's anguished cry pierced the air, echoing the deep pain of loss. Ash, trying to console Brendan, placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"Brendan, calm down. There might be a way to save her," Ash said softly, his voice filled with determination.
Brendan's eyes narrowed with disbelief and sorrow as he looked at Ash. "How? How can you bring someone back from death?" he demanded, his voice choked with emotion.
Ash's words hang heavy in the air as he reveals the crystal. "I will use this crystal to contain her soul, merging it with the May from my world. That way, her spirit will endure within the May I know, and when you come with me to my world, you can be together."
Brendan's eyes glisten with hope amidst his grief. "If that's the only way... please, revive her. I don't have Celebi with me, so your plan is our best chance right now."
Ash nods solemnly, his heart heavy with the weight of the task. With a steady hand, he draws in May's departing soul, channeling it into the crystal. He also collects May's Poke Balls, ensuring her cherished companions remain safe.
"Be patient, Brendan," Ash says gently, his eyes filled with determination. "There are still others I must save in this world, and I must aid other regions' resistances. But I promise, I will bring you and May together again."
With that vow, Ash sets out on his next mission, the crystal containing May's soul safely tucked away, a beacon of hope amidst the darkness.
Here is a new chapter, and you can see that I show the backstory of May and Brendan in another world. I hope you like this chapter.