The Rough Terrain of Route 119

"Don't worry, Wanda! I'll be there in little to no time at all!"

He continued to pound his way through the rocks, doing more to injure his hand than to actually do any good. Whenever he punched, it hurt, and whenever he dug, it hurt as well! There was virtually nothing he could do to get through these rocks naturally due to his own body, but that didn't stop him from trying. He'd punch until his hands fell off; then he'd merely kick! He was a man who did not know defeat, if it meant getting to the one he loved.

"Oh, Riley..." her wonderful voice echoed from over the rocky wall, "It's okay... really! One of these days, we'll find a way to get through here... uh... like through the seat Routes near Dewford. Or I can go up north through Route 111 and get to Rustboro that way!"

"Never!" he cried back, "My beloved Wanda, I could never let you go through so many days of traveling just to see me! It should me going through so much work just to see you! Besides, it will never be enough for me! I want to see you every day! Not just once in a month!"

"Oh Riley..."

He stared through a hole in the wall toward her, seeing that green hair and wonderful blue eyes. She looked so hurt right now, as she didn't want to see him put himself through such work. She lifted her hand to the hole in the wall, before making a 'come hither' gesture with it. He grimaced and pulled back, not wishing to show her what she wanted.

"Come one, Riley," Wanda called, "Let me see your hand..."

He relented ultimately, slowly sticking his hand through the hole in the wall. She grabbed his hand gently, before she gave a wincing sound. Riley looked off in disappointment, all the while Wanda shook her head in disdain.

"Riley..." she said, "What... look what you've done to your hand, Riley. You just can't keep doing this to yourself! I mean... your hands, Riley... your hands..."

"It's okay," he said as he pulled his hands back, "I don't care how bad my hands may get. I will keep digging until these walls fall, Wanda! I swear it! It swea- eh!?"

He turned around, head cocking to one sight as he took in the sight of this little girl standing behind him. He cocked his head, realizing he had seen her before. This twelve-year-old girl with the red bandanna and equally red clothing.

"May?" Wanda said, noticing her through the hole in the rocky wall.

There was a Mawile on May's shoulder, standing perched as she gazed at the rocky wall. The Deceiver Pokémon appeared to be so jovial in her antics, as she constantly swayed back and forth. May herself appeared nonchalant, as she coyly sipped on a drink in her hand. But then her eyes became a powerful – almost unsettling – glare, as she pointed at the wall made of earth.

"Futakuchi!" she shouted, "Rock Punch!"

The Mawile standing perched on her shoulder suddenly leaped up high, her fist at the ready. She punched the rocky wall before Riley and Wanda, triggering quite the crumble. It broke into pieces, falling down before them. To Riley and Wanda's surprise, the two were looking directly at one another. May smiled childishly as Futakuchi ran back up to her, crawling up her leg and body to sit idly on her shoulder once more.

Riley was absolutely stunned as he looked down to this child. She had done in only a few seconds what was taking him weeks to do! But that's not to say he was displeased. Well, maybe just a little bit with himself, but that all changed when he looked at his darling girlfriend again.

"WANDA!" Riley shouted as he suddenly ran to her, giving his lover a hug tighter than what should have been. Seriously, it was like watching a Machoke hug a Gardevoir. Ouch.

"Ah! Riley, dear!" she replied as she hugged him back, "Ye... ouch... could you... please... let go, just a little?"

"No! Never!" he shouted, "I'll never let you go again!"

"Seriously, Riley... -ACK!?- you're crushing me!"

"Oh..."

He let go of her, where she almost dropped. Instead, she used his body for support and took in a deep breath. Nonetheless, the love he showed her was enough to keep her going. She smiled and patted him on the shoulder, before the two shifted their attentions to the girl who let all of this happen. The twelve-year-old with the Pokémon possible to crush walls of rock. May smiled back, beaming from all the attention. She absolutely loved it all.

"Mysterious Pokémon Trainer girl," Riley said as she walked up to May, "I give you nothing but the best of my heart. Because of you, I get to see my darling Wanda at any time! I feel as happy as a school girl right now!"

Ew. May shook her head at such a thought.

"Oh Riley, stop," Wanda said as she walked up to May, bending over just slightly so she could get a better look at her, "I thank you a lot, May. H-hey, why don't you come back to my house, hm? I'm pretty sure there's someone there who just can't wait to meet you!"

May's eyes seemed to glow. It really had been a while, actually. Was she speaking about,

"Wally?"

…

"MAY!" he cried, before coughing just a tiny bit.

He didn't expect to see her walking through the cave, really. If anything, he wasn't expecting much of anything. Still, seeing that twelve-year-old brunette in the red clothing exit Rusturf cave. Sure, his cousin and her boyfriend were finally reunited, but it's not like he cared. Because May was there.

He at first didn't even realize he ran into her. In fact, young Wally didn't even come back down to the earth when he was hugging her. Boy, did his cheeks flare red when he did realize he had done so. He pulled back, feeling extremely embarrassed, as he looked at an equally flustered and embarrassed May.

"Uh... M-M-May..." he said as he looked back at her, smiling as his cheeks continued to flare red, "H-hey... it's been a while..."

She smiled as she looked back, eventually waving off his unexpected hug. Instead, she gave a polite bow. The action made wally blush even more, though he attempted to hide it as best he could.

"M-May, I know you're probably doing something really important, but..." he pointed elsewhere, "But... there's someone who really, really wants to see you. H-hey, don't take this a weird way but -ACHOOO!- 'scuse me..."

"Bless you."

"Th-thanks," he shook his head a bit, "C-c-c-can y-y-you come up to m-my room, really quick?" he froze quickly, like a Stanler caught in head lights, "I don't mean it like that, May! Seriously! I really don't! It's just that... Nova wants to see you again! Like a lot!"

May laughed and giggled, taking Wally's frail pale hand as she lead him personally to his own home. All the while, Wanda gave a warm sigh.

"She makes Wally feel sooooo much better," she mused to herself, as she looked as May, "In fact... I beginning to think he is getting better. He hasn't been coughing as much – or as violently – as he used to. He says it's because of his Pokémon, but... I think it's because of someone else...? Riley, you okay?"

"It smells soooooooooo good here!" he said as he sniffed the air, "Oh! So great!"

"Oh... Riley..."

…

"Skitty! Skit! Skitty!" Nova cried.

She basically clamored on top of May's face, making her giggle and laugh. She tried to hold her Pokémon off, but she simply was too strong. If anything, May would say she was stronger now than she was when she gave her to Wally. But that didn't mean the Kitten Pokémon loved her any less.

"Nova! Nova! Calm down!" May said as she pushed and pushed, "Ah... Nova, has it been really that way?"

"Skit! Skit!" she replied.

May quickly picked up her old Pokémon, placing her on the ground so she could play with Futakuchi. It was nice to see these two still remembered one another, even though they were allies for only a short while.

"I've been training Pokémon," Wally said as he spun around in his chair, holding a smile, "Uh... d-don't tell auntie and uncle or Wanda..." he looked at the desk he sat near, picking up various Poké Balls, "I've been fighting trainers and buying Poké Balls, May! I feel like a much better Trainer, now!" he lifted on Poké Ball in particular, "I'd like to say I may have some Pokémon not even you have!"

When he said that, one of May's eyes dropped in a glare, freezing Wally on the spot. He laughed it off as best he could, a slight cough escaping him as well, before he turned and gazed away.

"I've been working hard to become a strong Trainer, May," he said as he clenched his heart, "Even if I'm not entirely well. I do feel a lot better, though!" his cheeks suddenly flared as he pulled some pills out of his desk, "Few... uh... give me a sec..."

He swallowed some of the pills from the bottle in hand, shivering quite a bit. With a gentle sigh next, he smiled as he looked at May. She smiled back too, only for the both of them to gaze away.

"A-any way, I don't want to waste your time any more, May," said Wally as he looked back at his desk, "I saw your battle against your father on the TV. I... I kinda thought we were equals for a little bit but... heh heh..." he began twiddling is fingers childishly, while his face appeared belittled, "My... my Kirlia hasn't even evolved yet so... I don't think we're that equal yet... I've got a long way to go, ya'know... OOFF!?"

He suddenly found May leaning on the back of his chair, laughing and giggling even. Looking up to the reflection of the computer monitor before him, he found May holding that giant yellow and orange PokéNav. She pulled it to be out front, aimed the blue dot toward them, smiled as best she could, then said,

"Say cheese!"

"Huh, wha? Cheese!"

CLICK!

…

As she walked out onto this route, her blue eyes grew wide. Just what was she looking at? A large river that ripped through the normally grassy route? Where did it go? Where did it come from? It was a small seaside route that brings together the east and west sides of the Hoenn Region.

As if May knew that. All she could see was another barrier. Growing up in the land abundant region of Johto, it wasn't like there were many places for her to learn how to swim. Though she did live in Olivine and go to the beach often, she never took the time out to get any water skills.

"Huh..." the twelve-year-old said as she walked up to the beach, looking through the waves to the land on the other side, "How am I gonna get over there..."

She thought about having Blaze jump over it, but found the idea to be equally blasphemous. Though he was a powerful Blaziken, he was extremely skittish when it came to water. It was one of the few things that reminded her of his time as a Torchic.

That left the rest of her Pokémon, and a myriad of ideas. Could any of them fly? Could she possibly fly from one side of the beach to the other? Her Skarmory, Blitz, could fly, but he couldn't really fly high with her on his back. Even though she was small, the best he could do was hover. Made May think she was fat.

How about swimming? Could one of her Pokémon possibly swim from one side of the beach to the other? Maybe, but which Pokémon? Could Watra possibly swim her over? No, she was still a Wingull, and waaaaay too small. She'd need a new Pokémon; one specifically built to swim her over vast distances.

"Hey, little girl!" a voice called over.

May looked over to the beach; there was a man in red and white with a fishing rod extended over the ocean. She wasn't sure if he was talking to her, so she absentmindedly pointed to herself. The fisherman nodded, as he pointed directly at her.

"Yeah... you!" he stated, making May walk up, "I'm talkin' to you, kid! You's that little May Ruby, ain'tcha? Pokémon Trainer? I see you on the tele sometimes fightin' Gym Leaders and whatnot. You keep takin' down which is cool, but where's ya Water-types?" May shrugged, feeling slightly embarrassed as she glanced off, "I expected it, really. You ain't got none, do ya? Must be hard to get a Water-type on land... I got somethin' for ya, though..."

He slowly began to stand menacingly above her, his hand reaching away. Feeling threatened, May began to walk back as she readied her own Poké Ball. Just then, he swatted his hand out with something in, and May did the same.

"Omelia, go- eh!?"

Before she could summon her Pokémon, she got a good look at the fisherman. He stared down at her, absolutely stunned and slightly disturbed. He wasn't hold a weapon or a Poké Ball of some sort, but instead another fishing rod. A good-looking fishing rod at that.

"Whoa, whoa," he said as he shook his head and hands, "I wasn't tryin' to scare ya! I was tryin' to give ya this! It's a good rod; let's ya catch Pokémon real good. Real good Pokémon too; I use it all the time. I'm thinkin' you may need this to get to the other side. Luckily, I own a spare, and I just happen to be a fan of yours. You're goin' places, kid."

May took the good rod in her hands, holding it tightly. Gazing back to the river, she walked up to the beach. Could she really catch Pokémon with it? One that will help her get to the other end? This would be a pretty messed up ending to her adventure, after all.

"Just cast the line out," the fisherman said behind her, "Like so..." he threw out a line with ease, before grabbing the fishing rod's rapidly spinning reel, "See, easy right? Now the best part; ya just wait for a Pokémon to head for the bait."

May nodded as she tossed out the line. And just like he said, it was a pure waiting game.

And yet it didn't take to long for her to be riding out to the other end on the back of her newly caught Pokémon.

"Vicious! Vicious!" May cried as she was jerked up and down, left and right, "Slowdown! Slowdown!"

"Carvah! Carvanah!"

Carvanha, the Savage Pokémon. Carvanha's strongly developed jaws and its sharply pointed fangs pack the destructive power to rip out boat hulls. Many boats have been attacked and sunk by this Pokémon.

The body of this Carvanha was painful to the touch, really. It was sharp, rough even, with its fins being no different. May tried not to injure her hands as she held onto the beast, but it was hard with him moving so fast. She was forced to grip upon his fin tightly, less she fall off, but holding on like this caused it to cut into her palm. Lifting her hand, she could actually see small marks being carved into it. Ouch.

When she named him Vicious, it was because of how dangerous – yet oddly cute – he looked. She was trying to be ironic. Failed at that, ironically enough. Wait, is it ironic in this situation. Eh.

"Vicious! Stop!" May suddenly cried, to which her newly obtained Pokémon listened immediately.

The Carvanha did as he was told, coming to a complete and sudden stop. When he did so, May was flung through the air and into the beach on the other end. She pulled up, groaning in pain as she rubbed sand from her face. Hand on her head, she glared back at her Pokémon, who returned her gaze with his red eyes.

"Vanha?" he replied, thoroughly confused by his trainer.

"Ugh... PPPFFFFFT! I got sand in my mouth," May commented before facing him, "Vicious! Return!"

She pointed out her Great Ball, returning the Savage Pokémon to his Poké Ball. Looking down upon it with her tongue sticking out, she shook her head in disdain. He was going to be a very interesting Pokémon to train, she knew that much. But hey, now she had her residential Water-type.

May put her Poké Ball away as she walked back up the beach of the route. So this was the other end of Route 118, huh? Checking her PokéNav, she was happy to see Route 119 was just a few paces away. She put her PokéNav away, then pulled her gloves down upon, tightening them further.

It was time to get cracking.

…

KERRRSHAAAWWW!

The thunder and lightning that coursed the sky shook the planet to its very core. As he stared up to it, he shook just a tiny bit. This twelve-year-old boy with the hood on his head. He looked down to his hands, specifically the sleeves of his red clothing. He didn't feel right wearing it. In fact, all of it felt so extremely wrong.

Brendan didn't like it, not one bit. As he stood here, gazing at the window, he felt an extreme loss of self. Should he actually be standing here, like this? Wearing clothing that was so synonymous with destruction? He didn't like it. No, no, he didn't like it.

But...

"Hey, hey, Brendan," she said as she placed her hands upon his shoulders, grabbing them and squeezing them sensually, "I'm soooooo happy you decided to head over this way... mmm-hmm..."

He looked over his shoulder toward she who spoke to him. This young woman. Black hair, indigo eyes, and a smile that was ever so enticing. She was chewing on some gum, in which she blew a perfect bubble and popped it.

"Mmmm... I love a man in uniform," Courtney said as her hands traveled to his face, gently stroking it in a manner most sultry, "I'm happy you decided to come, Brendan. For a moment, I thought you'd let things such as 'common sense' get to you..." she shook her head, before snapping her fingers. From behind, Team Magma grunts began to move toward this great building standing tall before them, "I'm pretty sure you've been taught many things, Brendan. Especially when it comes to Team Magma. It's really terrible what people say about us. How we're apparently savages. But we're not. Maxie's a brilliant man, Brendan. He has plans to keep us – humans and Pokémon alike – moving far into the future," she grabbed his hand and started leading him toward the building, with him following all the while, "Don't you know how we're running into an space crisis? We can't keep sharing land, because land is rapidly decreasing. Maxie wants to save us from that horrible fate. He wants to make as much space on this planet for all of us to be happy. We'll never fight again for land, because we'll always have it. Well never run into a space issue, because we'll always have land. Can't you see it, Brendan? I know you can."

"Courtney... I... mmmfff?"

He felt something so soft and tender upon his lips. A movement so gentle, actually. Courtney's hands were still on his face, holding him steady in place. But no longer was she behind him; she was in front of him. Kissing him. But it wasn't like a kiss he'd get from his mother, a simple peck on the cheek. It was completely different.

"Pfffft," Courtney murmured as she broke the union, pulling back as she looked down upon him, "Not bad... not bad..." getting close again, she rubbed her nose against his, "I think you'll get better though... we just need a bit more time."

"SKYYYYY!"

The roar echoed through the rain and thunder, making Courtney gaze over toward the long route of 119. Eyes squinting lightly, she tapped Brendan on the shoulder to get him moving. He followed her command, but in a dazed like fashion. As he walked off, Courtney placed her hands upon her hips. Sticking out her hand, a great bird suddenly flew to her. It landed perched on her shoulder, wings flapping out wide, as it cawed to the heavens.

"Swweeeelll!" her Pokémon cried.

Swellow, the Swallow Pokémon. Swellow flies high above our heads, making graceful arcs in the sky. This Pokémon dives at a steep angle as soon as it spots its prey. The hapless prey is tightly grasped by Swellow's clawed feet, preventing escape.

"Have anything important to tell me, darling?" Courtney asked of her Swellow, while she continued to peck the air, "Hm... down at the bridge?" the Swellow cawed, "A brunette? Was she wearing red?" the Pokémon nodded, "Red bandanna? Red shirt?" it nodded again, "How old would you say she is... twelve?"

"Swell!"

"Dammit! It's that little freaking brat!" she glared back over the fields, her gaze like that of murder, "She'll ruin everything. The poor misguided child..." crossing her arms, Courtney spat into the distance, "Fine then, May Ruby. Come over here..." her lips curled into a smile, "You may find your friends aren't your friends anymore..."

…

"Ah!? Roselia!"

Her Pokémon fell back, utterly defeated. Before the Pokémon Ranger's very eyes, her Pokémon was defeated by this little girl. May smiled after another victory, while Blitz pecked the air a bit. Looking up to the Armor Bird Pokémon, she felt so proud. Feeling as if she had neglected to train him, she decided to bring him along Route 119 on their trip to Forttree.

"Wow, you're really good for a child," said the Pokémon Ranger as she walked up to May, victory money in hand, "I mean... my Pokémon didn't stand a chance..." the ranger cocked her head as she looked down to the beaming child, "Say... are you the daughter of Norman? I mean, you two look so much alike!"

"Well..." May replied.

"Ranger Catherine!" a voice cried from above.

May and the Pokémon Ranger she faced stared up the muddy hill to their side. Skidding down a muddy slope was another Pokémon Ranger, a man in fact. He walked up to Catherine in the rain, a Poké Ball in his hand, his face looking distraught. Seeing it, Catherine became just as serious as he was.

"Ranger Jackson," she answered, "What's wrong?"

"It's the Weather Institute," he replied, "I believe I saw multiple members of Team Magma going into it, but I'm not too sure..." he looked up to the skies, "The storm overhead is making reconnaissance nearly impossible... and there's this bird that kept attacking my Breloom the closer I got. I couldn't get through, not with my Pokémon in this condition... are your Pokémon good?"

"Well... no..." Catherine replied, feeling extremely embarrassed, "I kinda got beat by this Trainer here..."

"What Trainer?"

"This Trainer..." she turned, only to see nothing, "Huh? Wha? May! Where'd ya- BLAWH!?"

In a flash, May zoomed right past Pokémon Rangers Catherine and Jackson. She was on a blue bike, one that moved as fast as the wind. With Blitz flying above her, she zipped up the muddy slope Jackson skidded down, moving so fast friction barely bothered her. She stopped riding upon landing on the other end, staring back down the slope. Smiling and waving, she started riding once again.

She peddled hard and fast, her face determined. Was it naive of her to think Team Magma was done? It had been a while since they last face one another. Right up there on Mt. Chimney, when Parley faced that...

No, no! Not now!

She shook her head and focused, feeling the rain hit her face and body. Could all this rain and cold win make her-

"Achoo... bless me... AH!?"

Her sneeze broke her concentration just enough to cover the sudden mound of mud and dirt a few feet away. Her bike it it, where the crash launched her into the air. May crashed face first into mud, making her dirty and ringing her head. Between sand and mud, she didn't know what was worst. The sand sure did hit her harder, while the mud covered her from head to toe.

She got up, shaking as she sneezed again. Was she getting sick? That couldn't be good; she was just cold, that's all.

"TROOOOOOO!" she heard a roar, making her jolt.

May gazed up, while Blitz landed beside her. What stood before her was a great beast. Large and green, like a moving prehistoric tree. Bananas hung from the bottom of its mouth, while leaves to its back flapped like wings.

Tropius, the Fruit Pokémon. The bunches of fruit around Tropius's neck are very popular with children. This Pokémon loves fruit, and eats it continuously. Apparently, its love for fruit resulted in its own outgrowth of fruit.

"Uh... uh... uh..." May said, stunned by the large Pokémon looming over her.

The Tropius gazed down upon her. It's eyes, so large, suddenly became steady glares.

"TROOOO!" the Pokémon roared as it attempted to stomp upon her.

May rolled out of the way just in time, saving her from surely broken bones. After putting as much distance between herself and the Tropius as she could via crawling, she turned around and yelled out,

"Blitz! Air Cutter!"

Her Pokémon flapped his wings powerfully, causing the wind to fly toward the Tropius like knives. The powerful and sharp wind slashed through the Tropius' body, shaking it down to its core. It roared and tried to fight back, but the super effective hit hit it down harder, and harder.

When the Tropius began moving backwards, May thought the fight was over. She was even preparing a Great Ball with her hand. But the Tropius stopped, as it glared at them again. Flapping those wings in its back, the Fruit Pokémon very suddenly took to the skies.

"Trooooo!" it roared, "PIIIUUUUUSSSS!"

It flapped its wings harder and harder, pushing May as she tried to stand against it. Eyes wide, she found herself picked up and thrown, with Blitz and her bike following.

"AAAHHHH!?"

"SSSSKAAARRRR!"

KUSH!

May's eyes grew wide. She looked left and right quickly, finding it odd how weightless she was. Where was up? Where was down? Was there even an up and down? Due to her own fear, she opened her mouth, expelling all the air inside. Upon doing so, May's adrenaline spiked again. Instincts quickly took over as she started swimming. Until...

"Fee?"

Her head struck something. Her eyes opened to see such an ugly thing looking back. Brown, blue lips, small black pupils. It looked just as confused by her as she was of it, actually.

Feebas, the Fish Pokémon. Feebas's fins are ragged and tattered from the start of its life. Because of its shoddy appearance, this Pokémon is largely ignored. It is capable of living in both the sea and in rivers.

May stared at the Pokémon long and hard, before a flash echoed from under her.

"CARRRR!" Vicious roared as he was released.

May suddenly could breath. She pointed her head to the skies while her legs squeezed down on the Pokémon beneath her. Hacking up all the water she accidentally took in, she looked down to the Pokémon who supported her. The twelve-year-old's face became one of pride and happiness, as she gently patted his head.

"Vicious..." she said, "Th-thanks..."

"Vanha van!" he replied, feeling his Trainer's gentle hand pat his head.

"Skar?"

May turned around to see Blitz, flying behind her as he checked her appearance.

"I'm... fine, Blitz... few..." she shook her head, "Uh... huh... we... Vicious... we need to go to land..."

"Van!" he replied.

Whether it be rain, sleet, or snow, he would not move slow. As soon as May said 'go to land', her Pokémon dashed forward like a bullet. It didn't take long for her to start yelling at him with as much sound and force as an Exploud.

The Feebas May rammed into poked her head through the lake's surface, staring at the brunette who rode on the back of another Pokémon. By then, they were already at land, and yet the Pokémon Trainer still found the need to berate her Carvanha. The Feebas cocked her head, ever so briefly, before shifting her attentions to the roaring waterfall so close by.

"Feeeeeee," the Fish Pokémon said as she turned away, swimming toward the crashing cascade with fluttering flippers.

…

Why was it soooooo much harder getting up the route now in comparisons to the first time? The storm was worse; much worse. Somewhere out there, multiple Pokémon must have been using the move 'Rain Dance'. How else could the storm get so strong and so windy in little under a few minutes?

May marched against the wind and the rain as best she could, but it constantly pushed back. She'd take a few steps forward; it would push her a few steps back. She jumped forward; in the air, she was socked full force as if being punched. That time, it threw her on the bridge she traveled across, and forced her to bounce a few times.

May laid on the brown bridge, body and gaze daze, watching as the sky flared bright with light. The lightning bolt she saw send out an ear-splitting noise, forcing the twelve-year-old to clutch her own head too. If that wasn't enough, she sneezed again. This time, she was sure snot came out.

"Uuuuugggghhh... Moooommmyyyyy," she groaned, rubbing her nose as she stood up, "Eeewwww..."

May stood up again, gazing over the cliff side as best she could. Thanks to another thunderbolt, she was able to see the faint outline of a white building. Its lights were on, and visible shadows were darting within. But what was going on inside was anyone's guess. Biting her bottom lip, May reaffirmed herself and stood up. Though her body and flesh tingled from the cold wind and rain, she wouldn't let something as silly as illness keep her down. She was so close to Forttree; to go back to Mauville City would only increase the length of this adventure.

And as twelve-year-old, she simply could not let that happen! Anything stopping her from becoming Pokémon Champion would simply be crushed! This cold be damned!

"AAAAAHHHHH!" May shouted as she ran down the bridge with all her might, clearing the distance rather quickly. She could fill her coming cold being pushed away as she generated heat with her body. Closer and closer to the other end of this bridge she got, so ready to make her way up the mountain side! She was so hyped, she didn't even noticing the speedy blew being rushing her way directly.

"WHAT!?" May shouted as she attempted to stop. It was quite impossible with the wet ground, causing her to skid directly into this being. Whatever it was, "OOF!?"

She was winded immediately, making her eyes bulge slightly as the impact threw her away. May landed on the bridge, bouncing thanks to its elastic properties. The twelve-year-old gripped her belly, fearing she would loose the contents of her lunch thanks to the attack. What did attack her, anyway? Struggling to her knees, May stared back across the bridge.

"Sweeelloooowww!" exclaimed her assailant, as it steadily descended to the ground with wings spread out wide.

The Swallow Pokémon in question was considerably smaller than her, though you couldn't tell from the blow she suffered. May stared at it, stunned by the Swellow. What was it doing here, and why did it just ram its head into her gut like that? It wasn't a random and wild attack either as compared to the Tropius from before; that attack was too well orchestrated to be a strike sent by a wild Pokémon.

But May didn't have time to think about that. Standing up, she realized it was most important to save protect herself.

"Misty, go!" she shouted as she tossed out her Poké Ball.

"Trapinch!" her Pokémon exclaimed as she was sent out of her capsule.

The Ant Pit Pokémon exclaimed, her jagged mouth pointing up in a smile. The Swellow hovering above them with its wings spread out menacingly performed a very acute sound. Was it chuckling? May wasn't sure of it – especially with all the wind, rain, and thunder – but it sounded like the Swallow Pokémon was laughing at them? Maybe the multiple blows she had suffered on her trek up Route 119 was getting to her.

"Misty! Rock Tomb!" she commanded, taking a defiant and strong stance.

Misty's eyes slid into a glare as she rose her front legs. Slamming them on the bridge, she triggered a quake which rumbled through its entire length. The scoffing Pokémon suddenly stopped its chuckle; instead its eyes settled into a glare. From parts unknown, drifting rocks the size of boulders were hurled into the air. Upon seeing them, May herself began to panic.

"Wait! Misty!" she cried, "Too big!"

As if the Swellow cared. It's wings suddenly flashed a silver color, reflecting all light beaming its way. With great speeds, the Swellow dashed for the rocks hurled its way, striking them with its metallic shining wings. With every strike, the rocks were cleaved in half, the pieces falling harmlessly into the water below.

May and Misty gazed to the falling rocks, eyes wide from shock. The trainer swallowed her spit soon after then gazed at the Swallow, who had taken its chuckling stance once more. Yup, that definitely was a trained Pokémon. But where was it's Trainer, and why was it sent out to attack her?

May actually had a few ideas at hand, but once again, she needed to think on those later.

"Misty..." she said as she swallowed her spit, "Sand Tomb!"

"TRAAAAAPP!"

Misty began to shake her body, whilst her eyes slid into powerful glares. As she did so, sand particles began to fly in from seemingly nowhere. The Swellow they faced took to the skies once more, flapping its wings as valiantly as it could. It was attempting to fight against Misty's attack by blowing it all away, something which was normally be impossible, but with the storm lending in a helping-hand. Misty's attack was beaten back, forcing her to give up due to fatigue.

May's eyes stared up to the Swellow, who once more descended to hover near them. As it perched itself on the end of the bridge, it lifted its wing to its beak and chuckled once more. Ya'know, it was one thing to be belittled by another human; it was something else completely to be looked down upon by a Pokémon!

May growled as she slammed her foot down, making the bridge jolt and jostle. Sand Tomb and Rock Tomb didn't work; the Swellow she faced was simply too crafty. Eyes sliding downward, May wondered what else she could use. Using Bite was simply out of the question because the Swellow was flying, meaning May needed to get experimental. And nothing is as experimental as that move some random blonde dude gave her via TM on Route 111. A move she happened to teach Misty because why not?

"Misty!" she shouted, "Secret Power!"

"Traaaaaaaaa...!"

The Ant Pit Pokémon pressed her belly to the ground, shaking like a vibrating toy. Not that kinda of vibrating toy, you pervert. The Trapinch was humming extremely low, as if preparing something extremely difficult. The Swellow she faced cocked its head, taking in the sight of the tiny Trapinch before it.

And then everything slowly started turning blue. A misty azul haze fell over their battlefield, as if a spray of blue mist came down into the area. Swellow gazed up and around, shocked by what it was seeing. All the while, May and Misty grew distorted. Were they really like that, or was that only her eyes playing tricks on her? Wait, was this Misty's doing!?

"PINCH!"

Through the distorted – mirror-like image – of May and Misty, a bullet-like stream of bubbles flew out. By the time Swellow realized what was going on, it was too late. It brought up its wings in a failed attempt at blocking the oncoming onslaught of bubbles, only for the blows to slam into it like rocks! And they exploded! When the bubbles popped, they detonated like explosions! With each bubble which hit it point-blank, the Swellow was pushed further and further back. Its body and wings were rattled by the powerful blows; how'd all of this come from one Pokémon?

When the bubble beam stopped, the Swallow Pokémon dropped its wings. Upon doing so however, one final bubble floated slowly toward it. In comparison to the other bubbles, it was ample in size. Staring at the bubble, Swellow could see its own reflection gaze back.

BOP!

"SWEEEELLOOWWW!?"

The final bubble's detonation threw the Swellow far over the bridge, with May and Misty watching it. Shortly after – despite all the wind and rain – they could hear the 'SPLASH!' of the Pokémon hitting the water beneath.

May stood there, unsure of what to do. Was the Swellow coming back up? Lingering around for another minute or two, she figured it was best to not find out. May quickly darted across the bridge, scooping Misty up in her arms as she did so. Nuzzling her Trapinch, she showed her considerable praise by way of loving affection.

It didn't occur to May until the battle was over she could have simply switched Misty out. Blitz would've been a good Pokémon to use, maybe even Vicious. Blaze, maybe not. He didn't like the rain too much, and it was a Flying-type. Also she had Omelia, her Larion, with her. It's not like she couldn't have been of any help.

But ya'know what? May didn't care. This victory belonged to Misty, and she'd never take it away from her Trapinch. She was ever so proud.

"Fuuuuu!"

From its beak, the Swellow spewed out water like a fountain. It's head – working as if it was on a gear – started to twitch as it looked in various directions. One thing caught its eyes, however.

"Feeee?"

The Swellow looked down, having a Feebas gaze up. The two looked at each other for a few moments, before the Swallow Pokémon finally began flapping its wings. Taking to the skies, it flew high into the distance.

The Feebas remained at the water's surface, only for her small dot eyes to move back to the waterfall raging before it. Very quickly, she dove into the water, leaving everything silent. Only for her to pop out of the lake's surface. She flew up a few feet, only to dive back into the water. Once more, everything was silent. Until that same Feebas suddenly launched herself from the lake's surface again. She flew ever higher this time than she did before, but the same fate befell her. The Feebas crashed back into the lake.

For even longer now, nothing happened. All was silent save for the storm raging over head. Until a shadow deep within the lake began to rise. It grew larger and larger, and once it met the surface, an variable explosion of water sounded off.

There was nothing left over, other than a few Water-types which gathered around near the detonation site. There was, however, a 'SPLASH!' sound on the other end.

…

May finally reached it; sanctuary. It wasn't Forttree city, but she didn't care. It was a place to stand beneath, to sit under, to rest below, even. A tall white building, the tallest building in this area. A building with many machines around it, not to mention radars and other equipment of unknown origin. Unknown to her, that is.

She didn't care; May found a place to stay while the storm raged outside. She walked up to the double glass doors of the building and pushed them open. From the outside, a Fish Pokémon stuck her head out from the lake's surface.

"Feeeeeee...?"

Maverick Talks!

Alright! Another chapter in such quick succession! Honestly, I feel like I'm getting back into my stride! Ya'know, postin' stuff like this! I don't know why I feel like writing Ruby so suddenly, but it don't matter.

First, a disclaimer. If you've noticing anything off about these past two chapters and have been a former reader, then you may have come across something weird. That being May's age. When I started this story, May was ten. And suddenly she's twelve? How did that happen!? Did we skip two years? Nope! I merely decided to age up our heroine in this tale. I always thought May was ten (though her body says otherwise) only to look up her actual age on bulbapedia and to see she's twelve. So oh well crap. She, Brendan, and probably Wally, are all ten. Forcing me to go back through this entire story and update it to make it correct. May, Brendan, and Wally's ages are now corrected to twelve you guys. In all the past chapters. Took me a while to get all that done.

Anyway, we're on Route 119 with this chapter. Originally, this little episode was a lot shorter (ending around 4k+), but today I decided to make it longer. I wanted to get May into the setting of our next chapter by the end of this chapter, so I wouldn't have to do so in the next chapter. Said chapter three times in one sentence; ain't I just a card?

Also, May has a Carvanha now. His name is Vicious. She needed a defining Water-type, and I was like 'Why not a Sharpedo?' Stunning, I know; a lot of you were probably expecting another Water-type, huh? What's it called?

Uh... Mil... Mil... Milo... something something... I think.

Crawdaunt! That's what you all wanted for May, right? A Crawdaunt? No...? Well, I'll figure out what it is sooner or later.

Maybe sooner.

Also, Courtney kissed Brendan. I wasn't sure if I should've written that happening, but I did, so yeah. Is she seducing a child? Ain't really all that hard; especially with Brendan being a pre-teen child. Heck, she could've just flashed leg and he would've been on board to do anything! I also didn't want to make Courtney appear evil with this chapter. Ironic, I know. You'll see what I mean later.

So, May's Pokemon team on this Route.

Blaze - Blaziken

Vicious - Carvanha

Misty - Trapinch

Blitz - Skarmory

Omelia - Lairon

Hm... we got a sixth Pokemon unaccounted for. I wonder who it could be. Futakuchi perhaps? Or something else? Guess we'll have to wait and see.

And awwww, May got to see Nova again! How cute!

By the by, I've found the most greatest of fancomics for ORAS. It's called 'Dating a Team Magma Grunt'. It's really good and I recommend it a lot. Gives me warm fuzzlies on the inside!

Maverick Kay Prime