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The morning sun peeked through the crack in the curtains, brightly illuminating Steven's room.
His house was decorated with stones everywhere, in the living room, the bedroom, everywhere. Ores he had mined himself, stones and gems for his Pokémon to hold, and just plain ordinary stones to anyone else. Steven loved to wake up and watch them sparkle and shine as they reflected the light.
After getting out of his sweaty sleepwear, Steven washed his face. By the time he felt refreshed, he was wide awake. He walked into the living room, casually toasted some bread, and ate it. Only then did he open the curtains and let the sun into the room.
When he finished eating, Steven immediately opened the closet. Inside were several boxes filled with stones. While he was leisurely polishing one of his favorites, there was a hustle and bustle outside. Hurried footsteps came closer and closer. Steven silently concentrated on his work, but it was hard to keep the smile from creeping across his face.
"Steven!"
Even from behind the door, he could tell who it was, a girl's loud voice. Steven could easily imagine her standing in front of his house.
"Just borrowing the hose!"
The footsteps faded. Soon, the sound of rushing water began to echo. She was already using the hose without waiting for Steven's response - no greeting, how lonely. Curious, Steven stopped what he was doing and went outside.
He found her in the small backyard, barefoot, washing her feet.
"Hello, May."
He called out to the girl who was deftly scrubbing the soles of her shoes.
May was nicely tanned. It was summer. Ninjask were flitting about busily, and it was the best season for Soda Pop. And it was also the time when children fearlessly exposed their skin and got completely tanned.
May looks good in the summer, Steven thought. Her figure, running innocently around Hoenn, always seemed dazzling. That's why he suddenly associated her with the summer sun.
May, who had been engrossed in washing, stopped and turned to him. Her flaxen hair swayed smoothly, changing color as it sparkled.
"It's been a while, Steven."
She flipped her shoe over, and sand spilled out, forming a small pile.
"Have you been exploring the desert since this morning?"
When Steven asked, May replied vaguely, "Sort of," and went back to her work. She's bad at hiding things. Steven thought so, but he just shrugged and didn't press her.
Besides, she probably needs something to wipe with. Thinking so, he went back into the house and returned with a towel in his hand.
May seemed to have already finished washing. She was aimlessly spraying water into the sky with the hose. Scattering splashes of water, she was mesmerized by the newborn rainbow. Steven watched silently for a while. When May noticed his gaze, she stopped the water with an embarrassed look.
"I was hoping you'd keep playing."
"I wasn't playing."
May pouted as she took the towel. She took the towel from Steven and started to wipe her wet legs, but hastily adding, "Thank you."
Steven burst out laughing.
"You're welcome."
"Um, Steven, I'm cleaned properly, so can I come into your house?"
"Of course. Tell me about your adventures, May."
When Steven opened the door of his house wide, May immediately smiled.
"Thank you!"
"Please, come in. It's nothing though."
"But it's so cool and refreshing!"
She didn't deny that it was nothing.
May dashed into the living room as if she knew the place well, and sat down in a chair before the owner of the house could. Steven sat down across the table from her.
Every time they met, the two of them exchanged updates on their lives. Writing a Pokémon report was a trainer's duty. May took a thick notebook out of her bag and told Steven about her adventures so far.
"This morning, I saw a Surskit slide across a puddle. The pattern it left behind as it went 'swoosh' was so mysterious."
Steven mostly listened. Compared to May's rapidly changing days, his own daily life was mostly the same.
"I saw a Delcatty taking a nap in the park. I wanted to take a break, but I didn't want to wake it up, so I quietly left."
"I also went fishing. It felt like a pretty big catch, so I pulled with all my might. And what I caught was a really big Magikarp!"
"It was so hot on the way here. I was so happy when I saw your house, Steven. On hot days like this, the ground and houses in the distance look like they're shimmering."
May's report was scattered with events here and there, lacking coherence. But Steven wanted to hear more. Each of May's stories was full of surprises and discoveries, never boring. Steven saw the world through her eyes. It was colorful and filled with many sounds and smells. The hand that had been polishing the stone had stopped before he knew it, and he was listening to May's words.
"Oh, right, I was in the Shoal Cave. When I was running, a lot of sand got into my shoes, and it was awful!"
Then May, who was suddenly rummaging through her bag, said, "Here, I'll give you this," and handed something to him.
"To me?"
"To you!"
It looked like an ornament. A white shell with a hole in it, threaded with a string. It rattled when Steven shook it.
"A Shell Bell, right?"
May nodded emphatically when he guessed correctly.
"I learned from an old man who is a master bell maker. I failed so many times when making the hole... but this is the best one I made."
"You made this?"
Steven was surprised. He looked at the seashell closely again. He felt something warm rise slowly from the depths of his heart.
"It's well made," he managed to say, and May blushed happily. Steven didn't notice and put the bell carefully on the table.
"I'll treasure it."
"It's meaningless unless you give it to a Pokémon to hold."
May protested immediately, but Steven pretended not to hear. He wanted to treasure it without using it. He decided to put it in a place where the morning sun would shine on it first.
"Gosh, I'll make another one next time."
Ignoring her pout, Steven chuckled and rested his cheek on his hand. He poured the Mix au Lait he had bought for May into a glass and offered it to her. May's mood improved immediately.
Observing May's relaxed expression, Steven asked, "Could it be that you came all the way here today just to deliver this?"
"N-no, it's just a coincidence."
"I see."
"Yes. I just came to report."
She denied it immediately, but she looked embarrassed and hung her head.
May is bad at lying, Steven thought.
"Thank you. I'm happy even if it's just a coincidence."
When he said that, May looked up at his face and blushed slightly.
"Steven."
"What is it?"
"Next time, I want to hear your story."
"Me? Nothing eye-opening has happened to me lately... I got a vacation for a while because no League challengers are coming, but I have no plans to go out."
When Steven was about May's age, he used to write reports diligently. Now, he only writes a few lines once a week. As he thought about pulling out his past reports,
"So, Steven, are you free for a while?"
May's eyes lit up. - Why was she so happy that I was free? When Steven nodded hesitantly, she jumped out of her chair as if she was bursting with energy.
"Then, let's go on a tour!"
"A tour?"
"It's called the 'May's One-Day Experience Tour.' I definitely won't let you get bored. I can guide one person right now."
May explained, patting her chest. Steven was surprised by the sudden suggestion, but
"Then, I guess I'll ask you to do it."
He answered before he could think.
"Leave it to me," May said emphatically. He wouldn't be bored if he was with her, Steven thought. Besides, he was curious about what kind of adventures May usually had.
"Then, see you tomorrow!"
"Yeah, see you."
He waved at her leaving figure. May's footsteps faded away. Still, Steven stood there for a while, listening to the sound of her still ringing in his ears.
* * *
The next morning, Steven was awakened by May before he could even enjoy his daily routine.
"It's only seven o'clock."
"Seven o'clock is past the time you should be awake!"
After a brief exchange, Steven washed his face and quickly finished breakfast.
Unable to bear May's restlessness as she kept asking if he was ready, Steven asked, "You seem pretty impatient, but what's our plan for today?"
"First, we're going to the beach in Slateport City."
"The beach, huh?"
Steven thought for a moment. It seemed that he should wear something comfortable.
"Should I bring a swimsuit or something?"
"Steven, do you want to swim?"
"No particularly... Wait, then why are we going to the beach?"
"There's a Pokémon Battle Tournament today, hosted by Mr. Sea."
"Who is Mr. Sea?"
"He's the owner of the Seashore House."
Without knowing any more details, Steven and May went to Slateport City. Riding on the back of the Eon Pokémon, they arrived at the beach in no time.
Led by May's hand, Steven arrived at the Seashore House. The trainers had already gathered there, forming a short line.
"It's a Double Battle!"
Mr. Sea said with a smile. His skin was completely tanned to the point that it looked like it would sting just by looking at him.
"Two people per team, tournament style. The prize is two dozen cases of Soda Pop! Line up, line up!"
"Yes! We'll enter too."
As May stepped forward, a big voice called out to her from behind.
"Hey yo little scamp!"
"Archie!"
It was Team Aqua's leader, Archie, and his admin, Shelly. May ran up to them.
"You and Shelly... does that mean you're entering the tournament?"
"Yeah. Gotta move my body with Pokémon once in a while, or I'll get rusty."
Archie laughed, slapping May on the shoulder. Steven was wondering if he should intervene when he heard a cough next to him.
"Line up properly. Or do you not even know how to line up?"
Team Magma's leader, Maxie appeared. With his admin Tabitha at his side, his glasses glinted.
"Hello, Maxie!"
"M’mm."
In contrast to May's cheerful greeting, Steven frowned. It wasn't very comfortable having the heads of the organizations that had caused trouble in Hoenn all gathered together. Steven quietly waved May over.
"What's wrong?"
"May, you seem to get along well with them, but aren't you scared?"
"Why? They promised not to do bad things anymore, and they're good people."
Just then, Mr. Sea approached, holding a folder with the tournament sheet. He said with a grand gesture,
"Okay, everyone line up. Write your names here... oh dear."
Mr. Sea frowned as he realized there were only two slots left on the sheet.
"Oh dear, this is a problem. One team will be left out."
"Ehh, someone won't be able to participate?"
At those words, sparks seemed to fly between Archie and Maxie.
"I came here right after the kid. Specs, you can scram."
"Unless the application is complete, I think there is an equal chance for everyone to participate."
Steven quietly approached Mr. Sea and looked at the sheet.
"...What about giving one team a bye? It's not fair, though."
"Yeah, I guess it's the only way."
At that moment, Shelly, who had been watching the argument with a bored look on her face, spoke up.
"You guys, you're too old to be acting like this. Hey Archie, this is bad for May too. Let's withdraw."
"Wait!"
Encouraged by Shelly, May also raised her voice. Everyone looked down at her.
"Then, how about Archie and Maxie, the representatives of each team, team up and join in?"
"WHAT?"
Steven stared at May in surprise. Archie and Maxie also looked at their admins with bewildered expressions.
Shelly smiled slightly and nodded.
A few seconds later, Archie, "...If the kid says so, I guess we have no choice," readily accepted the proposal.
On the other hand, Tabitha seemed unconvinced.
"Does the child tell me not to participate!"
"Now, wait, Tabitha. Since I will participate as Team Magma, there should be no problem."
Maxie stopped him as he stamped his feet. Archie roaring with laughter.
"If we're at capacity, there's no way around it. Hey Maxie, you better be prepared if you lose."
"That's my line."
Then, surrounding Mr. Sea, they wrote down their names. Finally, Steven breathed a sigh of relief. Whether they were former or current champions, or shady organizations, in this place, everyone was just a rival.
"Alright, let's get this battle started right away!"
The participants watched the matches or ate at the beachside restaurant while waiting for their turn. Mr. Sea, who was serving as the referee, had his daughter running around offering Soda Pop.
First round: Steven and May's team faced off against Archie and Maxie's team. The rule was two Pokémon per person, four per team. Daigo and Haruka stood side by side on the large sandy field and sent out their Pokémon.
"Metagross, I'm counting on you!"
"Let's go, Gyarados!"
Steven's partner, Metagross, and the giant Gyarados appeared. Their opponents sent out Sharpedo and Camerupt from their Poké Balls.
"Could that be the Magikarp you caught while fishing?"
Steven asked in surprise.
"Yes! It evolved yesterday. Watch this!"
May confidently gave Gyarados an order.
"Hyper Beam!"
The attack hit Sharpedo directly. In contrast to Haruka's triumphant face, Steven wore a stern expression.
Archie glanced at Maxie, who nodded.
"Camerupt, Rock Slide."
It was a swift and precise command. Metagross and Gyarados took the attack head-on - and Gyarados was knocked out.
May couldn't hide her confusion. As she recalled her Pokémon, she said,
"I heard Hyper Beam was the strongest move!"
"May, even with a powerful move like Hyper Beam, a newly evolved Gyarados won't have much power, and if Gyarados is attacked while it's unable to move, it will be defeated."
"Eeeh!"
She shouted with a defeated look, then "Time out!"
May took out her notebook and crouched down. Watched by the surrounding trainers, she earnestly wrote down Steven's advice. Soon, she stood up straight. Unlike before, she stood ready with a sharp look in her eyes.
"Next, I will go with my special one!"
May sent out the partner she first met in Hoenn. Steven was relieved that she was finally back to her usual self. And so, the Steven and May team quickly regained their composure and scored a brilliant victory.
* * *
With the cooler box filled with prizes, the two of them straddled the Eon Pokémon and headed to their next destination. Still, Steven didn't know where that was. He was just following May, who started walking as soon as they landed on Route 120.
It was already past noon. It was the time of day when the sun was at its brightest, and Steven was beginning to feel like he taking a break. May, on the other hand, didn't seem to mind the heat at all.
"The May Tour is about to arrive at its next destination shortly!"
Playing tour guide, she strode through the path overgrown with tall grass. Guided by her, Steven walked further along the grassy path, crossed a lake with the Secret Move Surf, and came to a secluded area.
"This is my Secret Base!"
May pointed to a hole in the wall. It was an entrance large enough for Steven to squeeze through if he tried hard enough. Steven knew that Secret Bases were popular among children trainers, but this was the first time he'd ever entered someone else's base.
"...Is it okay?"
Steven couldn't help but ask.
"If you show me, won't it stop being a Secret?"
"I just moved my Secret Base here recently. So the only ones who know about it are me and you, Steven."
"Yes, but..."
"I said it's okay, so it's okay!"
With May pushing him hard on the back, Steven hesitantly stepped inside.
It was a gray, rocky cave. Steven looked around the small room that served as the entrance. Perhaps to keep the feeling of a real cave, there weren't many things placed there. But when he saw the narrow passage that continued into the depths, Steven was naturally felt excited. Caves always exhilarated him.
Holding a lamp that was hanging on the wall, May said softly.
"I thought you'd like it, Steven. Maybe I was right."
"Did you say something?"
"Nothing. This way!"
Relying on the light, the two went into the depths. Walking along the winding path, they finally reached an open space. Thanks to May running around the four corners and turning on the lights, the room instantly became bright.
"What do you think, Steven?"
He couldn't think of any words other than "It's amazing." Unlike the small room from before, there was a tent, a desk, and rugs decorated with stuffed animals. Overall, it was neat and cute, but he didn't feel that awkward feeling in a girl's room. Just the fact that it was a cave that Steven was familiar with was enough to ease his tension.
"Oh, what's that?" Steven said, pointing to a monument that stood out the most. It looked like a huge white stone statue with a hole in the middle, and it clearly had a unique presence.
"It's the Meditative Seat."
"Excuse me?"
He asked back, cause it was unfamiliar words. May replied again smoothly.
"Meditative Seat."
"Medi... May, were you into meditation?"
"That's the name of the artwork."
It was a name that made him feel dizzy. But Steven thought it wasn't good to judge by the name alone, so he approached and took a closer look. Then, although the construction was crude, he began to feel that its simplicity was its charm.
"You sit in this hole."
May told him. "Ah, I see," Steven nodded and did as he was told. He was about to be captivated by the cool feel of the stone and the uncomfortable seat.
"I'd like to talk to the artist someday."
"I bought it from an artist in Lilycove. I'll introduce you next time."
After that, the two of them toasted with the prize, Soda Pop, and ate the Watmel Berry that May had chilled in advance. May talked about what she usually did at her Secret Base. Steven learned that collecting flags was a popular game that didn't exist when he was a kid, and that May had already collected a lot of them.
As they exchanged idle chatter, Steven noticed that May was glancing at her PokéNav from time to time.. He figured she was worried about the time to go home.
"There are still so many things I haven't done yet," May said eventually. Sitting next to her on the lug, Steven urged her to continue.
"Going down Jagged Pass on the Acro Bike, checking on the berries, making Pokéblocks, Wailmer-watching, collecting volcanic ash."
May said, ticking them off on her fingers.
"But I thought it might be impossible to do them all in one day. So, today I picked my two favorites."
"Those are Pokémon Battles and...Secret Bases?"
"Hehe, wrong!"
May laughed, causing Steven to lightly pinch her cheek.
"Hey!"
Steven silently reached for her other cheek. May tried to push him away. After a meaningless tussle, May finally shook off his arm and said, "Battling is right! But the other one is coming up!"
"Coming up? I thought we were breaking up here."
"Not yet! I have a special treat!"
May gathered her things and stood up.
"Well, I'm going to get ready! Please come outside in one minute, Steven."
What was she preparing? He was curious, but he did as she said. After counting exactly 60 seconds, Steven left the secret base alone.
Before he knew it, the sun had set, and the sky had turned a deep ultramarine. The stars twinkled, and Bug Pokémon chirped.
"...Wow."
Steven gasped as he looked down at his feet. The lake in front of him had changed into a completely different scene than when he passed by Surf during the day. The surface of the water was dotted with stars, spreading out at his feet. The universe was so close he could almost reach out and touch it.
"May?"
But he couldn't find her anywhere. He wondered if she was upset and had gone home. Such anxiety crossed his mind.
Steven turned around. He felt something above him. The secret base had been built by digging a hole in a small cliff. Beyond the cliff was a meadow. Just as the long grass swayed wildly, a swarm of Volbeat and Illumise burst into the sky. Flickering white, orange, and yellow, the fireflies became companions of the stars.
"Look out!"
May jumped out of the grass and clung to Steven from behind.
Immediately, Steven used his quick wit to twist his body and lift May into the air. As Steven spun around like a top, May cheered on his back. They both laughed for a while, but eventually lost their balance and fell on their butts at the same time. Still, they laughed for a while.
"May is a genius at finding interesting things,"
Steven said, looking up at the Volbeat dancing as if intoxicated by the moon.
"Thanks to you, it was a fun day. Really."
"Hehe. I'm glad if you enjoyed it, Steven!"
The wind blew softly through. May's hair fluttered and shone like silver threads.
"If you don't mind, give me another tour. I'll keep my schedule open anytime."
"Really?"
"There are still so many things you haven't done yet, aren't there?"
May's eyes widened when Steven said that. Steven didn't miss the universe that spread out in those eyes as well.
"Leave it to me!"
May looks good in the summer. Or so he thought, but he realized that was a slightly wrong interpretation. This girl deserves not just summer, but all of the Hoenn region. - she would surely continue to run freely through this rich Hoenn and have many new adventures.
"Thank you, May."
Surely, with each passing season, Steven would think the same.