Soon, May sat alone in the corner of the library, her head buried in her knees. The weight of her emotions held her there, unable to bring herself to leave and face Ash in the next room. The silence in the room was broken only by her soft sobs. Pikachu stirred from his bed in Ash's room, his ears twitching at the sound. Slowly, he walked over to May, his little paws making almost no noise on the floor.
"Pika?" he said softly, gently shaking her. May looked up in surprise, having failed to notice Pikachu was even there. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying, and she was unsure of what to say to the concerned Pokémon. "Pikachu?" he asked, tilting his head. She stared at him, still unsure. Pikachu nuzzled her cheek, his warm fur comforting against her skin. May didn't respond, lost in her own turmoil. Pikachu nudged her gently, trying to coax her out of her shell.
"What...?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. Pikachu nudged her again, his dark eyes full of concern. He could sense her sadness, and it troubled him deeply. "I don't understand..." she said, her voice trembling.
"Pika!" Pikachu insisted, tugging on her hand with surprising strength for such a small creature.
"I cannot leave..." May shook her head. Pikachu tugged on her hand again, more insistent this time. May shook her head more firmly, her resolve crumbling but still intact. "Please leave me alone..." Pikachu frowned, his large eyes reflecting his worry. He licked her cheek, hoping to bring some comfort. May buried her face in her knees again, the sound of footsteps echoing in the background. She didn't look up, keeping her head down, trying to hide from the world. As Ash re-entered the room, he flinched slightly, the tension in the room palpable. May remained silent, her eyes fixed on the floor.
"Hey..." Ash began hesitantly.
"Hello, Master..." May replied softly, her voice devoid of emotion.
"Mind if I come over?" he asked, trying to gauge her reaction.
"My Master does as he wishes..." she responded, her tone unwavering. Ash walked over to her, his steps slow and deliberate. He knelt down beside her, his heart heavy with regret.
"I'm sorry..."
"My Master can do as he wishes," May repeated, her words like a mantra.
"May... I should have asked first," Ash said, his voice filled with remorse.
"My Master can do whatever he wants," she insisted, her eyes not meeting his. Ash sighed, feeling the weight of her words.
"I just..." Ash looked down in shame, his voice barely a whisper.
"Master, you can do whatever you want... I will comply..." she informed him.
"That's just it, May," Ash said, his voice pained. "I shouldn't do anything that makes you uncomfortable."
"My comfort is irrelevant," she replied, her tone distant.
"Not to me," Ash said firmly. May glanced at him briefly, then looked away. "I'm sorry," Ash said again, his voice breaking.
"You did nothing wrong, Master," May said, her voice softening slightly. Ash looked at her, searching for a glimmer of understanding. "My Master can have anything he wants..."
"Not if it makes you uncomfortable... I mean that," Ash said earnestly. May looked down at her lap, her fingers fidgeting. "Let me know next time... and I won't-"
"I won't... I will not confront my Master," she interrupted, her voice shaking.
"May..?" Ash asked gently. She glanced at him, her eyes filled with confusion and fear. Ash gave her a concerned look, his heart aching for her.
"I won't, Master..." He hugged her sadly, feeling her flinch and blush under his touch.
"I want to be better for you..."
"You have to be nothing for me... you are my Master," she said, her voice trembling.
"May…" Ash sighed deeply. "Do you mean that, or is that just what you've been trained to believe?"
"That is the way it is... I am what my Master wants," she said, her voice hollow.
"Please accept my apology anyway, and we can move on," Ash pleaded.
"As you wish, Master," May said, her voice barely audible. Ash stood up, looking down at her.
"Can you make us some dinner?"
"Yes, Master..." she said, snapping her fingers. Ash took her hand gently, causing her to look up at him with surprise. He helped her to her feet, and together they walked to the dining room. May followed him, her steps uncertain but obedient. As they arrived in the dining hall, Ash sat down with May at the dining table, gesturing to a chair for her. She sat where he indicated, her movements precise and obedient. The table before them was laden with an incredible array of dishes, nearly every recipe one could imagine.
"Whoa..." Ash murmured, looking at the feast in astonishment. May remained silent, her eyes downcast. "You're amazing," Ash said, his voice filled with genuine admiration.
"Thank you, Master," May replied softly.
"Take what you like," Ash encouraged, making a plate for himself.
"As you wish, Master," May said, taking a few things for herself, her choices modest. They ate quietly, Ash savoring each bite.
"Wow... it's perfect," he remarked, his appreciation clear. May finished her small portion, remaining silent. Ash smiled at her. "Thank you, May."
"You're welcome, Master," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Can you create this kind of stuff infinitely? I would hate to waste anything we can't get to," Ash asked, curiosity in his voice.
"Yes, Master," May confirmed.
"Awesome," Ash said, looking pleased. May remained silent, her expression neutral. "Say... May?" Ash ventured, looking at her.
"Yes, Master?" May glanced at him, her eyes wary.
"I wish that everyone less fortunate than me... everyone on the road traveling, or homeless could have a meal as good as this," Ash said thoughtfully. A flash of surprise flickered across her face before she quickly shook it off.
"Yes, Master," May replied, snapping her fingers.
"Thank you, May... you're wonderful." Ash smiled warmly.
"You're welcome, Master," she said, her voice tinged with something softer. Ash couldn't stop smiling at her, his happiness evident. May blushed a little, looking down and trying to make herself smaller to avoid his gaze.
"I'm doing it again..." Ash said sheepishly, a blush spreading across his cheeks.
"I only did as requested, Master," May said softly.
"Even so…" Ash gave a nervous chuckle. "Sorry... you just make me really happy..."
"That is my job," May replied, her voice barely audible.
"Even so..." Ash said, smiling at her. May blushed lightly, her eyes still downcast. Ash looked down, blushing as well. "I'm... I'm glad I got banished... otherwise we'd have never met." May looked at him in surprise, her eyes widening.
"Master…" Ash smiled at her, his eyes full of warmth. May blushed profusely, her cheeks turning a deep red.
"This has been a great day..." Ash said, his smile broadening. "First I get rescued by the most beautiful person I've ever seen, and it ends with a feast... heh..." May's blush deepened, her face almost crimson. Ash covered his mouth, realizing what he'd said. "Did I say that..?"
"Yes, Master," May confirmed, her voice barely above a whisper. Ash blushed, feeling the heat rise in his cheeks.
"Y-yeah well…You are..." May's blush grew even more intense.
"I-I..." Ash looked down, his own blush matching hers.
"A-anyway... thank you again," he said, trying to regain his composure.
"You're welcome, Master," May replied. Ash smiled and stood up, offering his hand to her. May watched him, confusion flickering in her eyes. Ash smiled warmly and timidly, May accepted his hand, and he helped her to her feet. She blushed deeply, her heart racing. He smiled and walked with May back upstairs and towards his room.
"Can you grant me another wish?" he asked, his voice gentle.
"Yes, Master," May replied, her tone steady.
"Could you make it rain over the night? The desert could use it," Ash said, his eyes filled with earnest hope. Once again, May was surprised by his wish, even as she attempted to hide that surprise.
"Yes, Master," May said, snapping her fingers.
"Thank you, May," Ash said, gratitude in his voice.
"You're welcome, Master," she replied, her tone softening. Ash smiled at her, and for the briefest moment, May's lips curved into the smallest smile before it vanished once more. They reached Ash's room, and he walked inside while May stood politely outside. Ash turned to her, a thought occurring to him.
"Are there other bedrooms?"
"Yes, Master," May confirmed.
"You may claim one if you want. And you can take any book you want with you," Ash offered, his voice kind.
"I-I don't need one, Master," May stammered, uncertainty in her eyes.
"Take it," Ash insisted, smiling warmly. "You deserve it."
"A-As you wish, Master..." May blushed, her cheeks turning pink.
"You don't know for sure that you won't be able to fall asleep until you try after all," Ash said, kissing her hand tenderly.
"Y-Yes, Master..." May's blush deepened.
"Goodnight. I'll see you in the morning," Ash said, his voice soft.
"As you wish, Master," May replied.
"Goodnight," Ash said, his words gentle.
"Goodnight, Master," May echoed softly. Ash slowly shut the door, his eyes lingering on her for a moment longer. May walked down the hall, her steps quiet and measured.
In the morning, May sat quietly on her bed, her hands folded neatly in her lap as she read the last few pages of the book she had selected. The first light of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow in the room. She sensed Ash's awakening and gracefully left her room, standing outside with her hands still folded in front. Ash yawned and rubbed his eyes, slowly coming to full consciousness.
"Pikachu?" he called softly. Pikachu yawned in response, his small form stretching.
"Morning already…?" he mumbled. Ash smile at his companion.
"Yeah, it is. Sleep well?" Pikachu jumped onto Ash's shoulder, his eyes bright with energy.
"The best ever! That bed rocks!"
"I'm glad then." Ash laughed. He got up and opened the door, finding May standing there. "Oh! Hello, May," he greeted, surprised but pleased.
"Master," May nodded in acknowledgment.
"How was your night?" Ash asked, his tone gentle.
"Fine, Master," May replied, her voice steady.
"Have you decided where you'd like to go?" Ash inquired, curious. May's eyes widened, having forgotten about that part of the day.
"U-Uh..." Ash sighed with a smile, understanding her hesitation as he patiently waited for her response.
"Show me the book, and I'll wish to go where you want." he insisted.
"A-As you wish, Master..." May said, a hint of relief in her voice. Ash smiled encouragingly as May walked back to her room. She returned shortly, carrying a book with her. Ash watched as she flipped through the pages, her movements precise and deliberate. May found the page she was looking for and handed the book to Ash. He looked at it with interest.
"It's a large crystal located in Anistar City... there are rumors that something mystical happens to it at sunset..." May explained, her voice filled with a touch of wonder. Ash smiled, happy to see and hear a bit more emotion in her voice.
"I wish we were at Anistar City," Ash said, smiling. May snapped her fingers, and in an instant, their surroundings changed, transporting them to the fabled city of Anistar, far away in a brand new country from the one they knew.
As the setting transformed before their eyes, Ash watched with quiet curiosity. Beside him, May looked around, a rare expression of shock flashing across her face. Ash's lips curled into a smile, his eyes twinkling with amusement. May, catching his gaze, felt a rush of embarrassment warm her cheeks.
"Did I just see a smile?" Ash teased, his voice gentle yet playful.
"I-I..." May's blush deepened as she stammered. Ash's smile widened, a hint of smugness in his expression.
"What a shame. I would have loved to see you smile." he teased. May's blush intensified, her face now a vivid shade of red. She looked down, trying to hide her embarrassment. "You're adorable," Ash said softly, his eyes never leaving her face. May's blush grew even brighter, her heart pounding in her chest. Desperate to change the subject, she glanced around and her eyes landed on a giant pink crystal at the edge of town. "Anyway, where do you want to go?"
"Well uh…" May hesitated, then pointed towards the crystal. "Over there…they call it a sundial..."
"Ah," Ash replied, intrigued.
"Rumor has it that at sunset, it does something incredible," May continued, her voice filled with quiet wonder.
"Interesting," Ash mused.
"But even with the time difference, sunset isn't for a few hours still..." May trailed off, uncertainty in her voice. Ash looked at her, his smile warm and reassuring.
"Want to get something to eat?" he offered.
"If you would like to, Master," May replied, her voice almost a whisper. Ash reached out and took her hand.
"Let's go."
"As you wish, Master," May said, her tone obedient yet touched with a hint of warmth. As they walked together, Ash noticed her behavior and gave a small smile of satisfaction.
"Hey... she didn't flinch that time." He smiled, a sense of accomplishment filling him.
Ash looked around, searching for a suitable restaurant. May followed closely behind him, her eyes taking in the bustling cityscape.
"Ah, here," Ash said, spotting a place that seemed welcoming enough. He walked towards it, and May glanced through the windows, noticing a few other patrons with their slaves inside. "Oh... Are you alright?" Ash asked, his voice tinged with concern.
"I'm fine, Master," May replied quietly.
"If you're sure..." Ash responded, giving her a final, questioning look.
"Yes, Master," she affirmed. Ash led the way inside, and May followed him closely. He approached the host and cleared his throat.
"Could we have a seat?" he asked.
"Certainly. How many?" the host inquired.
"Just us," Ash replied.
"Us?" The host's eyes flicked to May's attire, which clearly indicated her status.
"Well, yes," Ash confirmed, a hint of defensiveness in his tone.
"Very well," the host said, though his expression showed a trace of disapproval. He walked back into the restaurant, and Ash and May followed.
"There are a lot of slaves here," Ash observed quietly to May.
"Yes. Many of our regular patrons prefer to have their slaves attend to them personally while they dine," the host explained.
"Instead of wait staff?" Ash asked, puzzled.
"They prefer to keep their slaves busy," the host replied matter-of-factly. May sighed internally, quickly noticing that none of the slaves were allowed to sit. Her heart sank a little at the realization.
"Oh..." Ash muttered, his discomfort growing. The host brought them to a table with two chairs.
"Can I assume you only need the one, sir?" he asked, beginning to remove the second chair.
"I..." Ash hesitated, then wrapped an arm around May. "Prefer to keep her close to me if it isn't a bother." May winced slightly at his comment, though she tried to hide it.
"Very well," the host replied, putting the chair back in place. As they sat down, Ash looked at May with an apologetic look.
"Sorry about that... If you would rather leave, we can right now. Just say the word..." he whispered to her.
"All restaurants in Kalos will be this way, Master," May whispered back, her voice tinged with resignation. "The slave trade in this country is quite brutal…"
"Then we'll leave and go somewhere private," Ash decided, his voice firm. May looked at him in surprise. "Come on," Ash said, taking her hand. "I won't stand for you getting treated like this." May blushed at his words, feeling a rush of emotion.
"Sir?" the host called after them as they stood up.
"It's just dawned on me that we have somewhere to be. Pardon me," Ash said, guiding May out of the restaurant. Once outside, Ash took her hand again. "Are you okay?" he asked softly.
"Y-Yes, Master..." May replied, blushing deeply. Ash hugged her, holding her close.
"I bet your food is a million times better anyway," he said with a smile.
"U-Uh..." May blushed even harder. Ash looked at her, his expression tender. "Thank you, Master..." she murmured.
"Of course, May," Ash replied warmly. Together, they walked away from the city, seeking a place where they could be alone.
To be Continued...