There are two sides to every story

Prologue

25th January, 2013. Late Evening. Indigo Plateau, Kanto.

May flopped down on the bed with a loud thud. She yawned in exasperation, covering her mouth from her hand as she frowned. Turning her head to the right, she glanced at the alarm clock; it was 11 p.m.

She could spare herself a few minutes, she figured. Quickly, she got up from the bed and walked to the table where her laptop lay in and brought it back to her bed. While she waited for the system to start, a dull memory of her conversation with Solidad started repeating in her head, refusing to die away.

Harley should have told her sooner. It had been a month or so. Even if that was the truth, it was too late.

Trying to shake the thoughts out of her mind, she stared at the screen in front of her. The blue light emanating from the laptop screen illuminated her face; the dull lamplight on the nightstand wasn't helping to light the room much. She blinked a few times, trying to get used to the brightness. The wheels in her mind were still turning, chanting the same words over, and over, and over.

Sliding her finger across the touchpad and pulling up the browser, she pressed her lips together tightly between her teeth as she typed in the website in the address bar. Truth to be told, she wasn't sure if she should do it. But there was something which was pushing her towards it. Probably something he would have dismissed.

Typical.

Once the page had loaded, she slid her finger across the touchpad once again and then tapped on it lightly with her finger, pulling the pointer on the screen across to rest at the option 'book a flight'.

Another page started to load, and after it did, she pressed the keys on her laptop as she typed the destinations for departure and arrival. Then she moved onto the calendar to choose the date. She entered '27th January' and finally hit the button; 'find available flights'.

The results didn't take too long to load. There were only two flights leaving for Nimbasa on 27th. She chose one, selecting one of the packages Unovan Airways were providing. But before she could hit the 'proceed to payment' button, she stopped and retreated her hand back.

No. There was no logic behind it. She just… couldn't do it. It would be useless to do it. She had failed so many times now that she was almost convinced giving up was her only option left, and maybe even one she'd already taken. But still, there was a chance. In the end, she settled on some vague line between desperation and confusion. She kept staring at the screen, her seat in the plane just one click away to be booked. She sighed, rubbing her temples forcefully.

"I thought, I should tell you at least."

Solidad didn't talk to her for nothing… right? It wasn't in her nature; Solidad wasn't the kind to waste words on things that didn't matter. Maybe she wanted her to do it; maybe she knew something May didn't. Well, maybe this was her last opportunity and she couldn't let it go to waste. Plus, it was Unova that she was going to visit and it was a big deal because travelling to that foreign region had always been a dream of hers. As the imagination of herself enjoying on the streets of the extravagant city of Nimbasa struck her, she couldn't help but make a firm decision.

It would be a lie if she said that she wasn't thrilled by the idea.

Nodding to herself, she reached forward and clicked the button. There. She was going to Unova the day after tomorrow. She was leaving Kanto barely two days after the Grand Festival finished, the one she'd just finished competing in.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, she glanced over her shoulder but didn't bother checking it out at the moment. It was probably another congratulatory message for coming up as a runner up at the Grand Festival today or an apologetic one that she didn't come out as a winner.

But right now, that didn't matter. All May could think was that she was going to Unova to do what she'd been subtly hoping to do these past three years, a mild distraction in her mind that hadn't let her really focus on her contests. She finally had the chance to set things right, now. At least, she was still hoping.

26th January, 2013. Afternoon. Indigo Plateau, Kanto.

"I'm really sorry May, I couldn't make it there. I just got so busy with the gym and I was left with no time. I really hate-"

"It's alright, Misty," she cut her short, smiling sweetly, as she held her phone close to her ear by pressing it between her cheek and her shoulder, shuffling around the room busily. "I remember replying to your text yesterday with 'no problem.' I meant it, really. You supported me by watching the Grand Festival and that's enough you can do for me. It's fine. I appreciate your effort."

Misty heaved a sigh on the other side, still feeling guilty, "I hate breaking promises, May!"

May put the folded shirt in her suitcase, then picked up a dress from the pile of clothes that were spread on the bed, "You didn't do it on purpose. I understand how hard it is to be a gym leader." She balanced the phone between her shoulder and ear, to fold the dress with ease. "My father is one and believe me, he only came to support me live once. Gym leaders are the most busy people I know," she laughed a little in the end and grabbed a pair of shorts before placing her dress on the top of the shirt.

Misty let out a small laugh either, sounding a little relieved, "I'm glad you understand." She paused and then asked, "Brock was there, right?

May practically threw the shorts in the suitcase, then held the slipping phone with her left hand, walking towards to the couch, "Yeah, he came. Though, if Forrest weren't the gym leader, he might not have been able to attend the Grand Festival either."

Misty laughed again and shook her head, "Poor gym leaders."

May giggled, dropping herself onto the couch, leaving her packing to watch her pointedly while she ignored it for a while. "Poor gym leaders who are admired by every single trainer out there."

Misty chuckled. "When are you planning to leave Kanto, by the way?"

"Tomorrow," May kept her voice light and airy, not wanting to arouse suspicion.

"Oh. I thought you would stay for a few days," Misty's voice held an unmistakable tinge of disappointment.

"Uh yeah. I thought it's time," May replied dumbfoundedly, staring at the mess her clothes had made. She was beginning to regret the idea of unpacking all of her things trying to make it feel like home. It was a process she seemed to go through every year, but she never learnt. Not wanting to stress herself over it, she lay back against the couch lazily, turning her head away from the phone to yawn.

"I was thinking I could at least see you off when you leave," Misty offered.

"Oh," May nodded in understanding, "you'd have to drive all the way to Viridian City."

"Viridian? Wait- you're not going by the ferry?" Misty seemed a little taken back. May tensed. It wasn't a conversation she was prepared to have just yet.

"Can't I travel by a plane?" She asked innocently.

"No, I don't mean it that way. I just - okay, did something happen?" Misty suddenly asked, fearing the worst.

May sat up straight at her question. How did Misty figure out anything had happened at all? She'd been so careful. For a moment May stayed quiet, thinking, but then replied in a light, bouncy tone to try and throw her old friend off, "Nothing. What makes you think that?"

"You must be lying because a, you're leaving two days after the grand festival, you never do that so there must be some emergency. Secondly, you're 'flying' to Hoenn, which means again you're in a hurry and you need to be there at any cost. I know you love ferry rides," she reasoned, sharply. "And you hate airports. You say they smell like disinfectant and you don't like all the machines x-raying you."

Misty wasn't wrong, she admitted silently. "I'm going to Unova."

"Well…" Misty was silent for a second, a little thrown off. "... I'm sorry, I think I just whited out for a second. You're going where?"

"I'm going to Unova," May repeated, pulling a face as she rolled over and saw her clothes were yet to pack themselves.

"Why?" Misty asked, now more suspicious than ever.

"Just for spending some quality time, you know, for.. um, like a break for a week or two," she shrugged lightly. She didn't feel like telling her the real reason. Well, what she had told her was a half-truth anyway. She had planned to enjoy as much as she could. It was going to be her first time in Unova, and no matter what her goal was, she was still looking forward to it.

"Okay," The Cerulean gym leader drawled, still sounding wary, "I don't know if I buy what you're selling."

May pouted, "There's no need to be so sceptic about it, Misty."

"If you say so!"

1st February, 2013. Afternoon. Nimbasa City, Unova.

From the second she had stepped into Nimbasa City, leaving the stale airport air behind her, she knew she was indeed going to love her time there. Unova had a completely different atmosphere than any other region she'd been to before; there was something new, something different. The fresh environment was a little unsettling for a moment, but there was an overwhelming feeling bundled in her chest telling her she was going to have a wonderful time, and that carried her through.

Elesa's fashion show had been a phenomenal occasion, and May was a little giddy as she left the venue. Even if Dawn hadn't reminded her, she would have attended the show of her own volition. Dawn, despite giving her a detailed list of all the sights to see around Unova, had been a little annoyed that she'd not been invited to tag along to May's brief excursion to the other region, especially as she'd visited years before and had been the one to tell May all about it.

'We would have had so much fun!'

May had tried to explain how impulsive of a decision it had been, and she had been quick to remind Dawn that she was only there for a week or so. She had promised her though that some time in future that they would travel the whole of Unova together, as soon as time gave them the opportunity.

Thinking about it made May smile, pulling her coat around her a little tighter to keep the biting wind out; her purse was dangling along next to her and kept knocking into her leg. Her eyes lit up when she caught sight of Cafe Nimbasa's logo, the very popular cafe of the city, from afar. She continued her job of looking around the city anyway, taking in the beautiful cloudy weather, the colourful buildings and the Ferris Wheel. She had no idea that she'd love this place so much. She was almost thankful to Harley and Solidad, though thinking about them reminded her of the reason for which she was here and it made her chest tighten and her throat throb a little. She sighed, a habit she'd fallen into whenever she thought about it. It had been years now. It had been a long, long time.

Dispelling the thoughts from her mind, she tried to focus on her surroundings. She was overwhelmingly pleased she'd made the snap decision to come, and she would be sure to follow up on her promise to Dawn to travel Unova with her. It seemed like her kind of place.

Her thoughts came to a halt when she found herself in front of the cafe. She took a deep breath and ducked inside, checking her Pokenav to see if there was any update from Iris. There wasn't any, so she looked up and around her to see if she could spot her native Unovan friend, but there was no sign of her. Instead, she searched for a nice booth and when she found one, she walked towards it before sending a quick text. 'I'm here!'

Removing her scarf, she laid it on the chair she had picked out, then sat on it. Unlocking her Pokenav, she waited for the reply but it was Iris. She wasn't known for her relationship with technology and everybody knew that.

"Hello Miss," a waitress greeted her politely, placing a menu on the table, startling her. "What would you like to have?"

May glanced at her and smiled apologetically, "Uhh- I'm waiting for a friend at the moment, then I'll be able to order."

"That's not a problem. I'll come back in a while," she smiled in return and left the table. May watched her going and swiped up her PokeNav again-

"I'm here."

May looked up only to see Iris, a little disheveled, standing by the table beaming at her. Though May was a little surprised that she hadn't spotted her coming through the door.

"Had you come a bit earlier, I wouldn't have to send her back," May pointed at the waitress. Iris laughed, slightly abashed, and pulled the opposite chair out, falling into it dramatically.

"I'm really sorry, the meeting got a little late because of Alder," she explained. "But now I'm here! Hey, I'm still not over the coincidence; how come we both are visiting Nimbasa at the same time?"

"Pure coincidence," May shrugged before letting out a lighthearted laugh.

Iris giggled, tightening her ponytail which probably had gotten loose at the back, "I'm really glad anyway. Let's order something before we really get going with the gossip, shall we?"

"You bet!" May slammed her fist on the table, a little too loudly and a little too roughly, catching the attention of the rest of the restaurant. "Oops."

"No Altaria was really good, I'll admit. But, I've got to say May, you just didn't really seem involved in the match or else I know you would've won for sure," Iris critiqued, pointing her finger in May's face, tapping her nose a little.

May was caught off guard. They had been discussing her performance in the Grand Festival and she didn't have the slightest idea that Iris would call her out on fluffing the match.

She didn't do it on purpose, it just sort of... happened.

Furrowing her brows a little, she began carefully, "No. I was totally into the match, you have to understand that Ursula deserved that win!"

It wasn't her fault, anyway. Solidad should've kept her mouth shut until finals.

"Like, I don't know you," Iris snorted.

May sighed indirectly in reply, not really wanting her to believe that she was playing off that day. She had tried so hard to keep the facade but finally she was realizing that people weren't actually all that dumb. In retrospect, maybe she had been the dumb one to hope they would believe her.

"Anyways, what are your plans now?" Iris asked, holding the cup tightly trying to warm her hands a little. She seemed to have picked up on the fact she'd hit a nerve, and tried to change the topic for May's sake.

May watched her for a few seconds with an eyebrow cocked as if contemplating what to say in response, taking a sip from her coffee before she spoke, "I don't really know, I haven't decided yet."

"Aren't you turning eighteen in a few months?" Iris raised her eyebrows in response. She was certainly taken aback by her friend's careless approach to such a milestone.

May breathed, setting her cup of coffee down. "Yes," she answered, rubbing her hands together for warmth. "Is Nimbasa always this cold?" she suddenly asked, trying to change the subject once again.

"January has just ended. It's supposed to be this cold. It'll get warmer soon though," Iris said as a matter of fact. "Come to Opelucid sometime, you'll know what freezing temperatures are actually like."

"Uhuh," May nodded slowly, now observing the people in cafe. Waiters were weaving their way through the cafe frantically, dodging between tables and shoving note pads into the front pockets of their aprons, reciting orders under their breath. There was a sweet couple in the corner, chatting fondly and occasionally brushing each other's hands between sips of coffee. Next to them, there was a small gaggle of teenage girls, squishing their faces together to take a picture of themselves to giggle at later. Further back in the cafe there was someone so buried into his copy of the Unovan Times she couldn't see his face; she was pretty sure he was a man from the cross of his legs, though. May smiled to herself, inhaling the aroma of roasted coffee beans that lingered all through the cafe. She had always loved being in cafes.

"So you really have no idea about what you would be doing a few months later?" Iris watched her looking around and came back to the point.

May looked at her and sighed, "I told you I'm not sure."

"Still, you must have thought about what you're going to major in, or what college you're gonna apply to?" Iris persisted.

"Have you thought about it?" May asked wearily, leaning her chin on her palm.

"I've got a whole year to decide. While, for you, college should start in August, right?," Iris pointed out.

"Aren't you lucky?" May half-mumbled, rolling her eyes.

Iris frowned. "You don't wanna go to college?"

May pursed her lips before she spoke. "No, I'm ready for it. And I mean, I'll admit I have a few colleges in mind, but I'm worried..." She hesitated. "I just think four years out of the contest circuit will put a dampener on my coordinating is all." Iris who had previously been listening intently and considering her words, suddenly started snorting a little at her admission, covering her mouth with her left hand to try and stop herself. "It's not funny, Iris. I'm serious," May pouted, feeling her cheeks flush.

"I'm sorry, May! I know you're serious. It's just.." she laughed a little more, "you're being silly. Yeah, you won't get to train your Pokemon as much as you do now but it won't happen believe me. You'd still get a chance to compete in some special contests. You could participate in tournaments and stuff. It's not that hard as you think it is."

"Maybe you're right.." May drawled, not really sure. She swirled her finger around on the table, collecting up some stray sugar particles.

"I am right," Iris said firmly wriggling in her seat a little. "Come on, let's think about it. You said you have a few colleges in mind, right? What are they?"

May withdrew her chin from her hand and sat up straight. "There a few in Hoenn, you know. Slateport looks nice and it's close to home. And Mauville would be nice too, I guess."

"So you plan to stick around Hoenn, huh?" Iris concluded, leaning forward and making a cradle with her hands to rest her chin in.

"Well," May paused again, resting a teaspoon on the brim of her cup, "I also thought about Hearthome College or Jubilife University in Sinnoh. Or University of Celadon, I loved Kanto when I travelled there. There are so many options; I'm just so confused."

"Mhm," Iris hummed before nodding, "these sound like some great colleges and really great cities. I don't want to sound bias, or anything, but you could also consider some schools in Unova, like Striaton or Castelia University, um, Driftveil College of Management Sciences, Aspertia School of Law, if you're interested in law that is, and Undella College which is right on the beach... Arceus! Suddenly a whole year seems such a small amount of time to decide which college shall I apply in."

May chuckled. "Told you, it's not that easy as you think it is."

Iris crossed her arms across her chest, "Well, when you have a few in mind already, the least you can do is apply in these colleges. Leave the rest to them."

"What if I get an acceptance letter from more than one college?" May asked, pushing strands of her hair behind her ear.

"Then you'd have to make a decision," she nodded, "but the amount of colleges would be cut short."

"And what if I don't get an acceptance letter at all?"

"Aren't you being an irritating little kid?"

May scowled at her, "Hey! I'm only stating the possibilities." She remembered Solidad telling her about how she got rejected by the Mauville University. No one had ever really understood why; her list of achievements was more than impressive and she was an incredibly intelligent woman. All of her examination scores were sky high, and her reputation was flawless.

"Come on," Iris rolled her eyes in a dull manner, "I doubt you'd get rejected."

"Thank you for thinking so highly of me," she muttered, a little embarrassed. Somehow, the thought of rejection had dropped her mood even further. She looked around the cafe again. The lunch rush was coming to an end so the waiters looked a little less stressed. The girls had gone from taking selfies to photographing their lunches, and the sweet couple in the corner had stopped playing with each other's fingers long enough to eat their meals. The man with the paper was still buried behind it, shielded from view. May frowned. Had he really only come to read the newspaper? It seemed a little odd to her that -

"Would you stop checking everyone out?"

May jumped to attention, facing Iris again, who was smirking at her her with arched eyebrows. May smiled sheepishly and leaned back in her seat, too embarrassed to say anything.

"Why did you come to Unova again?" Iris asked, now that she had her attention. May was totally driving her crazy today.

May was suddenly rendered speechless. Why was she here? Because someone had suggested to her indirectly that she might stop by, for some meager little hint or idea. But what were her chances of success anyway? It was a really big city, she couldn't just begin the searching operation on her own. It was impossible and waste of time. Though, she had still tried but on a very low scale because she didn't belong to the investigation agency or anything, right? It was foolish to think that she'd be able to do it. It had been five days since she got here and she had failed miserably.

But she had enjoyed her time here and that was something, at least.

"I.. I just wanted a break you know, from everything," she replied, settling on the same lie which was told to everyone else. No one ever seemed to believe her, but trusted her enough to let her get away with it.

Then again, it wasn't exactly a lie.

Iris watched her, concerned, but said nothing. May could feel that she was trying to observe her so she quickly changed her demeanour and smiled confidently. She had forgotten in that moment that Iris was the one who had noticed her unusual behaviour in the finals.

4th February, 2013. Early Evening. Castelia City, Unova.

'What's the time for your flight, honey?'

May read the message aloud; her mother could be a worrier sometimes. She thought for a while, counting on her fingers to figure out the Hoenn time of her arrival before typing a reply.

'Wednesday. I'll arrive there at seven thirty in the evening, Hoenn time… probably?'

She tapped on the send button before locking her device and putting it in her jeans pocket. She glanced up, pushing open the door as she exited the shop. A gust of cold air welcomed her, but she was getting used to this temperature. Besides, it wasn't intolerable or something. She had travelled in almost every kind of weather and she had learnt to cope with the temperatures.

She loved winter, anyway.

She took the same route to return to the Pokemon Center which she had used to get to the shops here. She took a glimpse at the bags she had in her left hand and bit her lip. She had spent a fair amount of money today. Though, she had also spent some of it in Nimbasa. Well, she was supposedly here for a break and that meant; shopping and doing whatever she like to do. Retail therapy was good, once in awhile.

She let her eyes wander around the city. One of the reasons May had started travelling in the first place was to explore around beautiful cities like Castelia. It seemed like the only thing she did in cities anymore was spend money and look around in awe at the life that bubbled in them. Unova had really impressed her. Especially Castelia, which was just a metropolis filled with a trembling, inescapable energy that swept her away. For a moment, she felt a little grateful to Iris for suggesting it to her. That girl knew her too well. But everything had this busy, hurried life about it, with business men flocking to the section of the city which seemed dedicated to stocks and financial markets and things May didn't understand. There were bluesy jazz bars and casteliacone vendors and all the restaurants she could ever dream of. Central Plaza was beautiful, with pretty water features that glistened in the cold winter light.

And then there was Castelia University of course. How could she forget it?

On her way back to the Pokemon Center after destroying her bank balance, she stopped by to look around the campus. It had a lot in common with the other university campuses she'd seen, in some ways. She wasn't sure why universities had this theme of all being white. But the evening sun made it shine even brighter, and winter suited it well. There was a grand pathway, bookended by a bookshop and a cafe that blended it into the rest of the city. It was highlighted with beautiful, intricate iron fence work, although it was wide open and students could be seen bustling about the campus within, dragging themselves away from long days in the library and challenging tutorials. There was a crossroad of footpaths, all surrounded with lovely green space and willowy trees, and the buildings themselves were beautiful. White marble were built higher than even the University in Celadon had managed. There was some guy playing his guitar out in the middle of the campus, entertaining the last dregs of the evening's students. It seemed stressful, but communal. There was a culture to college that had begun to fascinate May, a lifestyle she hadn't experienced and had always wanted to.

Soon, she could experience this; just in a matter of months, now. Soon, she would be complaining about the workload, and the drama of roommates, and the stress of deadlines. Soon, she would be a college student.

It was exciting, yet stressful to think about it. But they always said that it was up to the individual as to whether they choose to make those four years exciting or boring. She would definitely go for the former option, she knew that.

Unconsciously, she had picked up her speed as something in the back of her mind reminded her she needed to get back to the Pokemon Center before the sun set. Besides, she was feeling hungry; she hadn't much chance to stave off hunger while shopping had taken precedence. Though, she had bought herself some fries only an hour ago, but it had done nothing to stave off her hunger.

Thinking about the life ahead and fries mostly, because they were really delicious, she found herself close to the boundaries of the Central Plaza. She continued walking on the footpath, crossing the streets, finally feeling the strains of the day catching up to her.

She looked ahead of her, finding the architecture of the city very impressive. Every single street met this roundabout which was the central area of Castelia. In a way that she feared she would forget her route.

Wait- which one of the streets lead to the Pokemon Center again?

She shook her head in distress, taking the bags in her right hand before flexing her fingers of her left hand and mentally cursing at how red they were.

The layout was beautiful and all, but confusing as hell.

She decided to ask a passerby about the Pokemon Center and looked around before approaching a young lady passing by with a pleasant grin, "Um, hello! Can you tell me which street will take me to the Pokemon Center?"

The woman watched her for a second or two, then spoke curtly, "Castelia street."

May was a little taken aback by the rude behaviour but didn't let it get to her. She watched her go, mumbling to herself, "Now, which one is Castelia Street?"

This is probably why she had the guide book placed neatly on the table in her rented room. Much to her dismay, she had no option left but to ask another stranger about Castelia Street.

It had been a tiring walk all the way from that roundabout to the end of the Castelia street, thanks to the stranger who gave her the directions, and during it, she even took a shortcut-which was the only route she remembered- from within the street and bought herself a casteliacone to keep her spirits up. She'd had one every day since arriving and they never lasted long in her hands.

She waved in Nurse Joy's direction upon entering the Pokemon Center, who smiled in response. She quickly made her way to the stairs but stopped in her tracks when she heard Nurse Joy calling her name.

"Yes Nurse Joy?" She asked politely, approaching her.

"Someone left this package for you, May!" Nurse Joy informed her kindly, while rummaging around behind her counter for a moment before handing her the package. Curious, May looked at it for a moment. It was a typical box shape, wrapped neatly in brown paper. Her name was written on it in a neat, ink black cursive, and she traced the writing with her finger, perplexed. How odd. Who in Castelia knew her, or even knew her well enough to bring her a package?

"Thank you," May smiled politely. "Do you know who it's from?" she asked, inspecting it from every angle.

"It was a girl, she didn't tell me her name though. She asked me to give it to you," Nurse Joy replied patiently, smiling kindly.

"I'll take care of it. Thank you!"

Nurse Joy nodded and May turned on her heel as she made her way to the stairs again.

Her room was on the first floor, so it didn't take much time for her to get to her room. As soon as she shut the door behind her, she got out of her boots and coat and dropped the shopping bags and the package on the couch, before flopping down on the bed.

A tiring but amazing day nevertheless, she thought smiling to herself. Her gaze landed on the package, and it's neat, careful packaging. As much as she wanted to rest and not get up from the bed for a while, curiosity got the most of her. She swiftly grabbed the package from the couch. She wanted to see what it had in it. Christmas had passed, so she wasn't expecting a gift from anyone and it wasn't her birthday for months.

Maybe someone had just decided to surprise her, and the thought made her smile.

She tore open the wrapping wildly, filled with a jittery excitement. But once the brown paper was gone and a white glittery gift box was in it's place, she was a little gentler, putting it neatly in her lap and lifting the lid delicately. It suddenly felt a little more delicate.

Once the box was open, she understood why. With narrow eyes and shallow breathing, she swallowed thickly.

Two, perfect pink roses. They were layered over each other, fastened together with a white ribbon, with a note dangling from it tantalisingly. Gently, she took the note in her somewhat shaking hands.

Pink roses. They seemed fresh, and they left a sweet aroma that was filling her room, and making her ache with nostalgia. They weren't the ones she was used to receive when she was younger, but still, she had this lingering gut feeling which was making her feel dizzy. Roses were the last thing she expected. She wasn't even sure who that girl was and what this gift meant. The note. She turned it over in her hand, and let out a soft sigh of a breath.

'Welcome to Castelia City'

I'm really excited for this! Updates would be slow, however, given that I'm a college student but I'll try my best!