The orange glow from the sunset warmed their faces. May's new ribbon was set gingerly in her hands, and her eyes often left the magnificent sunset to gaze upon her new win.

"That's a pretty purple ribbon you've got there." Drew commented, noticing her fascination.

"Thanks." may turned her head away from her ribbon and onto him, "But it should be yours. My eevee was about to faint and began to fall right as time ran out."

"Yeah..." Drew admitted "but that's what the time limit is for. Trying to make the opponent loose before time runs out."

May nodded, turning her attention back to the sunset.

"So..." Drew began, knowing exactly what he as going to say "are you going to Sinohh with Ash and your friends?"

May's face fell "yeah...I guess...that's where Ash is going anyway."

"Oh."

"Why? Where are you going?" May questioned just to continue the conversation.

"No...I'm going to Kanto. Better contests there." Drew said to the sunset ahead.

"I wish I could go there with you." May said quietly to herself.

"Why not?" Drew suggested, after hearing May's mumble.

"There's nothing for Ash to do there." May said sadly "He already has all the badges and has already entered the league."

"Then...come just with me."

May stared at him for a wile, then said, "I don't know...what would Ash say?"

"Is your whole life centered around ash?" Drew demanded, breaking free from his carefully organized plan.

"Um...no" she squeaked back.

"Then be a big girl and make the decision for yourself." He told her.

May nodded "right! I'll go tell them I'm traveling with you!" her smile disappeared "but wait! Where will Max go? I can have him travel with us! He'll just be in the way!"

"He'll manage. Go talk to them."

May nodded and walked towards the camp sight Ash, Brock, and Max were at. "You stay right there, Drew!"

"You what?" Ash screamed in May's face, after she explained what she had decided.

"But Drew's your rival" Max complained.

"He's not your friend, I thought." Brock inquired.

"Well he is." May said, defensively.

"I don't think this is a good idea." Ash stated.

"Well, I have no interest in Sinohh, and you have nothing to do in Kanto. I think it's better for all of us." May told him, trying to stay calm and avoid a fight.

"May!" Max grabbed her leg, tears in his eyes. "Where am I supposed to go? What am I supposed to do?" his voice was wobbling.

She knelt down to be level with max. "You can go home and start your own journey." She rubbed her hand on his head, rustling his hair. "Your about that age anyway." She smiled sweetly at the tears running down his face.

"I love you, May!" He burst, and threw his arms around his sister.

She hugged his back. "I love you too, Max. Go do your best as a trainer you'll be great."

"Thank you." He sniffed, and let go of her. She stood up and faced Ash.

"Do you have to?" He asked her.

"I want to. I'm old enough to decide for myself."

Ash lunged for her, his arms fastening around her back. "I...don't want you to leave...but I guess you have to..."

"Ash...?" May whispered, surprised.

"I...like you." He told her, quietly, in her ear.

May wrapped her arms around him just to make him feel better. "It's okay...I'll still see you, I'll call you. Often."

"Promise?" He squeezed her tighter.

"Promise." She replied.

"Bye." He said, as he let go of her. His voice was cracking, trying to hide tears and sadness.

May quickly hugged Brock, and said bye to him as well. He promised he'd bring Max back to his house safely. She then ran back to the sidewalk to tell Drew the news.