Drew's POV

I had just arrived in Petalburg and for some reason, I was feeling more cheerful apart from the fact that Brianna had tagged along. She decided it would be a good idea if she would come so she could use it as a shortcut to get to the Rustboro City contest. But that was a lame excuse. I knew she liked me because well duh it was obvious.

The time when May introduced her to me, I knew I was in trouble. I don't blame May for that since she was just being kind to Brianna and allowing her to meet her idol. Well, I am after all a famous coordinator with four ribbon cups. But then I started seeing Brianna everywhere. She does have talent, I'll give her that.

But she was extremely clingy. And I can't stand that to be completely honest.

I let Brianna go shopping because she insisted but I refused anyway so she went alone. I headed over to a familiar building. The Maple residence. I took out Roserade's pokeball and let her out. I asked for a rose and she produced a beautiful red thornless rose that had a sweet aroma that made you want to smile.

I held the stem of the rose in between my fingers while twirling it around. I knocked on the door but received no answer. Maybe she wasn't home. I looked around the house to see if there was anyone around but it all seemed to be empty. I knocked on the door once more with hope, wishing to be greeted by the familiar sapphire eyes of my rival.

The door opened making me grin, only for that grin to be replaced by a frown. It wasn't May standing at the door. It was her mother, Caroline.

"Um, good morning Mrs Maple." I greeted politely with a small smile, slightly disappointed.

"Good morning. Do I know you?" She asked me.

"Uh, I met you at the Hoenn Grand Festival a few years back. My name's Drew. Drew Hayden." I told her as I handed her the rose which she gratefully accepted.

"Oh of course. I see why I didn't recognise you at first. You look much older now." She said with a small but almost forced smile.

"I do?" I blurted not realizing that there was much difference with my features besides my gained muscles and everything. 

"Yes." She smiled this time a bit more genuine as she twirled the rose in her fingers, just like I had earlier. . "I'm very sorry, but I have to go look after the pokemon. Please excuse me."

She closed the door gently allowing me to leave from the porch in confusion. Not once did she mention May. And she looked extremely tired and worn out. Maybe little Maybelle was giving her too much trouble. I sighed when I realized that I didn't get to speak to May at all and I didn't hear anyone within the house apart from Mrs Maple.

I was wandering through the streets, deep in thought when a newspaper hit my foot. It was quite torn and creased as I picked it up and widened my eyes. The date was back last year, when I had my first contest back in Kanto without May. The last time I had tried to contact her and didn't receive an answer.

How could a newspaper this old still be lying on the streets? I looked up to see a familiar person running into the woods. No way! Is that who I think it is?

I looked down at the piece of paper within my hands. I looked at the page to see it was covered in tear stains.

My eyes grew wider as I read the article.

Oh no....

May's POV

Exiting the meadow, I was suddenly running through the woods with a new found energy. Something that I had been longing for ever since my loss. The loss from the Grand Festival and the loss of my father. I had been mourning for so long, that I never fully realized what I could've done that past year. I wasted a full year.

I looked at the letter with that all too familiar handwriting.

Max, where are you?

I scolded myself for being such a failure to him as I never bothered to even search for him. It was all my fault. By now, I'm pretty sure my little brother would be back home mourning with myself and mother.

Then I heard a voice calling to me from behind. A deep voice that was quite calming. I turned my head to see green. It could've just been my hearing. The whole forest is green. I looked forward once more and sprinted until my legs felt like jelly.

Where should I look first?

I suddenly had an idea. Maybe I could save him, save my brother. I heard footsteps pounding behind me as though trying to catch up to me. But I sprinted, faster than I had ever ran before. Whoever was there would have no chance of catching up to me now. 

I just had to get a ticket back to Sinnoh. 

Memories of the last Grand Festival I entered flew back to me, as though reminding me of what I can't ever be. A good person, a good coordinator, a good trainer. I fit in none of those reputations. I was just simply, person. I sighed and kept running back to Petalburg. But I couldn't bring myself back to my own house. 

I had to keep going, going without help. This is my job, and my job only. One where I can't fail. I have to go rescue my brother. 

Drew's POV

I saw a certain young girl walk out from behind the trees. I felt something within me flutter as I saw her again. I couldn't see her face properly but her hair had grown longer, that's for sure. She was taller than the last time I saw her but still not my height. But it was definitely her. 

I called her name happily. She turned around for a second allowing me to see those sapphire eyes once again but they were slightly dull. She didn't look directly at me either. Now I was questioning whether she saw me or not. Then before I could catch up to her, she bolted straight ahead, running aimlessly through the forest. 

I did the only thing I could think of in that moment. I ran after her. I wouldn't let her get away this time. I was almost catching up to her until she sprinted faster than I'd ever seen her run. I was shocked at this and stopped to catch my breath, staring at her figure in the distance which was fading.

I felt terrible. After all this time, I had finally seen her. I should be happy to see my friend and rival again. But I felt sorrow, why hadn't she noticed me? 

"May." I gasped in exhaustion, speaking to nobody at all. "Please come back."

----

I'M SO SORRY THAT THIS CHAPTER WAS SO SHORT. I'VE BEEN SO BUSY LATELY, THAT I FORGOT TO UPDATE AGAIN AND THIS WAS THE BEST I COULD DO.

DREW WAS SO CLOSE, BUT SHE GOT AWAY. HEHE SORRY DREW.

ANYWAYS, THANKS FOR READING, AND HAVE A GREAT DAY, NIGHT OR WHATEVER TIME IT IS FOR YOU GUYS NOW!!!

BYEEEEE

- April

8th Feb, 2018