Chapter Text
Early in the morning, Ash lay on the sandy beach, head resting over his crossed arms. Pikachu lay next to him, Greninja lay against a palm tree in the shade. Lycanroc ran around with Torracat and Rowlet slept inside Ash’s backpack. Life was good.
“Ash!”
Ash couldn’t help but groan a bit, and just when he got comfy. He sat up just as Dawn was sitting down.
“Hey, Dawn. Aren’t you going to practice with Lopunny?”
“Later. She's still a little tired, and so are the others. I still want to read the book the professor sent before I attempt a mega evolution.”
“Yeah, you're right. You know you can go sleep all day, right? I don’t think the professors will mind if you take another day to rest.”
Dawn shook her head. “There’s something I want to talk to you about, but you ran off yesterday.”
“What is it?”
“It’s...” Dawn sighed. “It’s about May.”
Ash stayed still.
“She told me she wants to see you.”
Ash stood up without a word and paced for a few minutes. Dawn didn’t say anything. She knew that a serious Ash meant business. Ash then grabbed a rock and inspected it.
“Is that what she said?”
“Yep.”
Ash threw the rock onto the ocean, reaching several feet away. “Funny. Last time I spoke with her, she wanted me gone.”
“I think she’s regretting it.”
Ash sighed. “I know May doesn’t hate me; it’s just that...” He looked away. “It’s the same old story. Some people are just too afraid of me.”
“She told me she wanted to see you but was too scared of what you might think.”
Ash sighed and sat down. “... I don’t know.”
“Would you like to see her?”
“I guess... but...” Ash looked at the ocean. “It’s been a while.”
Dawn simply waited for his answer.
“I guess it wouldn’t hurt to hear her out.” Ash finally said.
Dawn smiled. “I think she's leaving tonight. Do you want me to set-up a meeting or...”
“Alright.” It's all he said.
Dawn contacted May and they agreed that Ash and May will meet up at midday at the public plaza. Dawn decided to stay back home, to give them space.
Ash stood near the edge of a worn path, his hands in his pockets, Pikachu silent on his shoulder. He didn’t move much anymore when he waited. Stillness had become a skill; one earned with too many battles, too many goodbyes.
He didn’t need to turn around to know who was there.
"Ash."
May’s voice was cautious, softer than he remembered, like someone knocking on a door they weren’t sure would open.
He turned anyway. Slowly.
She looked the same and yet different. Not in the way time changes people, but in the way pain leaves marks only people who know where to look can see. Her eyes were tired. Her jaw was tight.
"You look…" She started. “You look healthy, happier...”
Ash gave her a nod. That was all.
"Thanks for meeting me." She said, stepping forward. She paused a few feet away. Even now, after all this time, she didn’t close the distance.
He noticed.
"I wasn’t sure you'd say yes." She added.
"I didn’t say yes. I just showed up." He couldn’t help but snap defensively.
That hit her harder than he intended. Silence passed between them. It wasn’t angry, just full of everything left unsaid for too long.
“Max is here with you?”
Finally, May spoke again. "Max is still… afraid of you."
Ash didn’t react at first. Just a slow breath. "I figured." He said. "I half expected him to try some sort of exorcism or something."
She gave a hollow laugh, but it faded quickly. "It’s more than fear now. He’s angry. He doesn’t say it in front of people, but I see it. You’re not just a reminder of the past anymore. You’re something he doesn’t understand."
Ash was quiet. He didn’t move. But something on his shoulders dropped slightly. "Well, he wouldn’t be the first one to think I’m dangerous and won’t be the last."
"He thinks you’re too much." She corrected. "Too powerful. Too close to the legends. Too far from normal. He doesn’t see you as Ash anymore. He sees the Chosen One. And that makes him feel small and unsafe."
Ash didn’t speak. Not right away. He just looked at the ground. "He used to look up to me."
"He still does." May said, voice cracking. "That’s the worst part. He loves you, Ash. But he’s too terrified to see it."
Ash flinched. “Maybe it’s better that way, for all of us.”
"I stayed away because of him." She admitted. "I sacrificed one of the best friendships I’ve ever had over protecting my brother, but now..."
Ash finally looked at her. "You did it for him. You thought it was for the best. I can’t fault you for that. If I had a little brother, I probably would’ve done the same."
May’s lips parted, but no words came out at first. Then, she took a deep breath. "I believe you're still Ash. I thought I could protect him by leaving you behind. But all I did was fail you as a friend and Max is no better than before."
"You did what you thought was right." Ash pointed out once more.
"I did what was easy and I hate that I let my fear win.” She took a hesitant step forward. "I don’t want to keep running. I don’t want to be the kind of person who fails her friends just because she’s afraid."
Ash gave her a long, unreadable look. "And what do you want, May?"
Her voice trembled. "I want to be your friend again. I won’t lie; I am still a bit afraid of what follows you. If I’m honest, I truly don’t want to go on adventures anymore, but I still want you in my life."
Ash turned away. "It does hurt, you know.” He said quietly. “Every single time someone leaves I am left wondering what did I do wrong, if I’m the problem...”
"I’m sorry."
Ash looked away. “I don’t blame you.”
There was another long silence. Ash’s voice was calm when he spoke again, but there was weight beneath the surface, like a current just under still water.
"I still would like to have my friend with me, May.” Ash said. “But I’m a different person than I was before. Everything that follows me, or everything that happens and I happen to be there, it’s grown worse, more dangerous and I won’t be ashamed of who I’ve become." He looked at her. “Are you still sure you want to be my friend?”
May stepped closer, her voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t want the journey.” She said. “Just my friend back.”
Ash looked at her, something unreadable in his eyes. “That, I can do.”
She didn’t answer. Instead, she closed the space between them and hugged him tight, like she’d been waiting for this moment for so long.
Ash froze for a moment. Then his arms came around her, slower, steadier.
May trembled against him, and he felt the dampness of her tears on his shoulder. No words passed between them since they weren’t needed. It wasn’t long before they both sobbed on each other’s shoulders.
They stayed like that for a while. Just two old friends that needed the embrace, to feel a sense of familiarity, of a time where legends and evil weren’t something so common, back when they were just children. May’s shoulders shook slightly as she held on, as if letting go might undo everything. When she finally pulled back, her eyes were red, but her voice was steady.
“Max is at the hotel.”
Ash’s expression shifted, but he tried not to be too obvious.
“He came with me for the Miss Alola contest.” She continued. “But when he saw you in the crowd, he almost lost it.”
Ash looked away, jaw tight.
She wiped her eyes and added, quieter. “It’s probably best if I take him home soon. Before he does something stupid.”
Ash didn’t argue. “It’s alright, May. I know he needs time. He probably doesn’t ever want to see me again and if that’s what he wants, I won’t put it against him.”
May glanced at him. “I just didn’t want to leave without seeing you first. Without saying how sorry I was.”
Ash met her eyes. “It means a lot to me, May. And for the record, I’m sorry too. For putting you guys in danger.”
“That wasn’t your fault, Ash.” She gave a small, bittersweet smile. “We... no one should make you apologize for what you're meant to do.”
Pikachu gave a quiet, encouraging “Pika.” And for the first time in a long while, Ash allowed himself a faint smile.
“So… are you living here now? In Alola?”
Ash nodded. “Yeah. For a while now. I go to school, keep a low profile when I can. It’s quieter here.” For a moment, he glanced up at the mall site far away, but still visible from his position. The mall was undergoing renovations after the Hunter J incident. He winced. “Well, mostly quiet. But this is definitely a place I would stay still.”
May smiled faintly. “You, staying in one place? Never thought I’d see the day.”
Ash shrugged. “Didn’t think I’d want to, either. But... it’s home now.”
May looked at him for a long moment, then gave a quiet nod.
“Good. You deserve that.”
Ash smiled faintly. “When are you leaving?”
“Tonight. Max wanted to leave sooner by I put my foot down.”
“Would you like to meet my friends then? We're going to a picnic. Three of my friends are going back to Kalos soon...” Then he smiled sheepishly. “Including my girlfriend.”
“You? Girlfriend? This I have to see.”
“Hey, I'm not that dense, you know.”
Pikachu glared at him.
“I mean, not until recently.” He corrected.
“I would beg to differ. I recall Hoenn quite differently.” May giggled. “I will love to meet them.”
“Then come on!”
Since performances would start back again in Kalos soon, Clemont, Bonnie and Serena only had a few days left in Alola to go. So, they planned a huge picnic just between friends. They all settled to meet by a camping site near a cliff with a view deck and overlooked a great part of Melemele Island.
Mallow brought delicious homemade dishes, while Kiawe brought drinks, Lillie brought plates and cups, and so on and forth.
By the time Ash and May arrived at the camp site, the sun had climbed high into the sky, casting a golden shimmer across the ocean far below. The cliffside picnic area buzzed with energy, laughter, the clinking of cups, the rustling of palm trees swaying in the breeze.
“Yo, Ash!” Kiawe waved from near the grill, where smoke curled upward from a sizzling stack of marinated meat. “We thought you were gonna bail on us!”
Ash raised a hand in lazy greeting. “You wish.”
May walked quietly beside him, still unsure if she should feel nervous or like she was intruding. Pikachu offered her a friendly chirp from Ash’s shoulder, and she smiled softly in return.
Serena was the first to notice the extra guest. She stood near the picnic table, dressed casually but with the same graceful air of a seasoned performer. Her smile lit up her face as she walked over. “You must be May.” She said warmly. “Ash told me about you.”
May blinked, taken aback by the sincerity in her voice. “He did?”
“Yeah.” Serena nodded. “I’m Serena. It’s really nice to meet you.”
There was no edge to her tone. No jealousy, no tension, just calm, collected kindness. It surprised May more than it should have.
“You too.” May said slowly, before she smiled back. “I’ve heard about you as well on the way here. Quite a bit, actually.”
Ash scratched the back of his neck, clearly a little uncomfortable. “Alright, alright, please don't compare embarrassing stories.”
Serena chuckled and leaned a little closer to May. “He really hasn't changed that much.”
“I heard that!” Ash called over his shoulder, heading off to help Kiawe with the grill.
Introductions passing back and forth, and congratulations for her role in Miss Alola. There was no awkwardness, no coldness. Just curiosity and warmth. Dawn gave her a hug and May congratulated her on winning. May found herself slowly relaxing as everyone welcomed her as if she’d always been part of the group. May stayed back with Serena.
“He told me you were important to him.” Serena said after a short pause. “I’m glad you came.”
“I wasn’t sure I would. But I’m glad I did too.”
She watched Ash from a distance, smiling as he helped Serena carry a tray of drinks and then tried (and failed) to stop Rowlet from napping in the fruit bowl, which prompted smiles and laughter among the group.
Even after everything, after fear, regret, and time, he still smiled the same way.
The sun had settled into its golden descent by the time the picnic was truly in full swing. The laughter of old and new friends echoed across the cliffside, mingling with the crashing waves below. Mallow passed out her signature curry rice, while Sophocles had proudly set up a music system with Rotom Dex providing a curated playlist. Kiawe manned the grill like his life depended on it, flames flaring every few seconds as he flipped seared cuts of meat, keeping an eye on Ash to make sure he didn’t sneak bites too early or else, he would get an Inferno Overdrive, curtesy of Tortunator.
By the time Hau jogged up the path with Paul trailing behind, no one looked surprised.
“Didn’t think you’d actually come.” Ash said, his tone neutral but honest, with a hint of a smirk.
“I regret it already,” Paul muttered, but not unkindly.
Dawn waved from where she sat beside May and Serena. “Sit with us. We saved you a plate.”
Paul blinked, caught off guard by the casual offer. The tip of his ears grew a bit red at the sight of Dawn, but he ignored it. He nodded once and made his way toward the group, deliberately sitting on the far edge but not entirely isolated.
Hau held up two bags. “I got watermelon drinks!”
Lillie groaned. “I wish Gladion were here. He decided to train instead of spending time with friends.”
“I would do the same.” Paul mumbled.
“You, my good sir, are enjoying Alola while you're here and you’re gonna like it.” Hau simply stated. “It’s what gramps said.” Paul groaned. Everyone laughed.
That was, until footsteps echoed from the gravel path. “Ahem!”
May turned first, eyes narrowing slightly, a ripple of unease running through her posture. Ash and friends followed her gaze.
Max stood at the edge of the clearing, fists clenched, lips pressed into a thin line. He was still short, even for his age, but there was a weight in his glare far beyond his years. He looked older somehow. Not physically, but in the way anger ages you.
“Max…” May said softly, already stepping toward him.
"Let's go, May.” He simply said as he glared right at Ash.
“You can't tell me what to do and our plane doesn't leave for another six hours.” May frowned.
But Max ignored her. He stomped his way over to the picnic table, grabbed her by the arm and pulled her. “Let's go!”
May pushed him. “I said no! We already had this conversation.”
Ash tried to make himself as small as possible to not call attention, but it didn't work. Max's eyes still flickered over to him. “I told you to stay away from him, May.”
Ash frowned. “Max, your sister is old enough to make her own decisions--”
“I wasn't talking to you.” Max's voice was filled with venom. The group had gone silent. Even Rowlet sat up, blinking groggily from Ash’s backpack.
Suddenly, two new faces showed up.
“Sorry we're late!” Misty called out.
Brock held up two bags. “We wanted to get some sweets for you guys, but we sort of got lost.”
Misty glared at him. “And someone decided to chase down the local Officer Jenny.”
Brock smiled sheepishly. “It was the safety of my heart at risk! I needed the police!”
But both trainers stopped when they saw the commotion. “What's going on?” Misty asked.
“May? Max?” Brock asked, stunned.
Misty smiled. “I'm glad you guys made it--”
“We were leaving.” Max snapped at Misty, which stunned her.
No one answered immediately. May stood frozen, tense, while Max’s glare hadn't moved from Ash.
“I told you to stay away from him.” Max said again, voice rising. “He’s dangerous!”
“I’m right here, Max.” Ash said, more firm this time. “If you have something to say, say it to my face because you obviously have to say a lot!”
“Oh, I have plenty to say.” Max marched forward, jabbing a finger at him. “You want everyone to pretend like you’re normal, like you’re just another trainer. But you’re not. You’re a magnet for disaster!”
“Max, that’s enough!” May warned.
Brock and Misty dropped their bags next to the table and attempted to calm down the situation, as they already knew May and Max, but Max didn't stop.
“You’re the reason those monsters attacked Sinnoh, Kalos, the League! Every time you’re near, something explodes, or some ancient power wakes up, or somebody gets hurt!”
Ash snapped, eyes flashing with a hint of anger and aura. “I didn’t cause those things-”
“You’re the common factor in every disaster! Maybe you didn’t set the fires, but you’re always the one standing in the ashes!”
Lillie glared at Max. “For a newbie trainer, you sure are mean, mister!” The group stifled their laughter as Lillie never openly insulted someone, but the insult was so out of nowhere it was funny.
Max glared. “Oh, please. I’m not listening to someone that dresses like a snowflake and acts like one too!”
The group was stunned into silence.
“Oh no he didn’t.” Kiawe glared. Lana was already cracking her knuckles.
Snowy growled next to Lillie. “Vul!!!”
But Lillie was unmoved. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. “At least I don’t need to bring others down with me just to feel important like you!”
It was Max’s turn to flinch.
“If you don't want to be near Ash, that's fine.” Lillie continued. “But you don't get to appear out of nowhere to insult him and force your sister to leave! If she wants to stay, then she stays and she’s more than welcome!”
Ash glared at Max. “If you don’t want to be near me, then leave. You don’t need to insult my friends like that.”
Max seemed to ignore everything he was just told and glared at him. “And how long will they be your friends? Just until the local legendary tries to bring destruction to the region!?”
“Max, that’s not for you to blab about!” Brock reprimanded.
“Everyone here already knows, Brock. Except Paul, I think...” Ash confirmed.
Paul only deadpanned at him. “You’re pathetic, Ketchum. I already knew.”
“Oh...” Ash looked away.
Hau leaned closer to Dawn and Paul. “Know what?” He whispered.
Dawn sighed; he was bound to find out either way. “Ash is the Chosen One.”
Hau's face was comedic gold. He then shook his head and stared at his hands. “That makes so much sense...”
Bonnie stood, fists clenched. “You’re being cruel!” She pointed at Max.
“I’m being honest!” Max shouted. “Everyone just lets it happen! Are you not even scared of what happens around him!? I did some digging and I found out about Hunter J and the strange ultra wormholes opening in the sky! Are you not worried!?”
The group looked at each other. Lillie answered on their behalf. “No, we're not.”
Max looked like he experienced whiplash. He glared again at Ash. “You show up, smile, act like you’re normal, and then pretend not to notice the destruction left behind. I was there when Team Magma nearly killed us. I saw you light up like some kind of god during that Kalos disaster. You were glowing, Ash! You’re not normal. You never were.”
Ash looked like he’d been slapped. Sophocles looked away, bothered by the memory of how he treated Ash before.
“Max, that's enough!” Brock stood there, arms crossed. Any trace of goofiness gone, replaced by the maturity that came from raising all his siblings on his own. “You have no right.”
“How come you keep being friends with him!?” Max snapped. He grabbed his sister's hand and started to pull. “Let's go now!”
“No!” May slapped his hand away.
“Do you really want to stand next to a ticking timebomb than leave with me!?” Max snapped at May.
“That’s enough!” Bonnie stormed over, her voice trembling. “You don’t get to call Ash a monster. He’s saved people. Saved me. You’re just a scared little kid pretending he knows better.”
Max glared at her. “You're what? Five? You don't know what you're talking about!”
“Say that again!” Bonnie snapped and released Elvis from his pokeball. “I dare you!”
Clemont shook her shoulder. “You can't battle, Bonnie!”
“Yes, I can! It's not an official battle!” Bonnie snapped.
Max glared at her and released his own Pokémon. A fully evolved Gallade appeared, stunning everyone in sight. The Gallade looked ready for a battle but could only stare in confusion at the little girl with a funny dressed shiny Frogadier. Gallade scratched his head and turned to Max.
Ash finally stepped in. “You're not battling Bonnie, Max. She's eight.”
“She clearly has a Pokémon!”
“She's under a special license.”
“I wasn't even talking to you, why poke your nose in!?” Max snapped at him. He turned to Gallade but the Pokémon was already refusing to battle.
“What do you mean, you're not battling!?” Max could only glare at his Pokémon.
Finally, Ash frowned and forced Max to look at him. “Your problem is with me, Max! Not with Bonnie or any of my friends!”
Max pushed him. “STAY AWAY FROM ME!!!”
Ash landed on his butt. “Pika!!!” Pikachu exclaimed.
It happened too fast. Bonnie shouted at Elvis to use Water Jet at Gallade, but Gallade deflected the attack by intuition with a move of his own. Everyone took cover. Paul grabbed Hau and Dawn and protected them both with his body without thinking twice. Everyone ducked. The explosion sent Elvis, Bonnie and Dedenne flying off the cliff. Gallade gasped in horror.
“AAAAAAAHHHHH!!!” Bonnie screamed in terror.
“FROGA!!!” “DEDENNNEEE!!!”
“BONNIE!!!” Clemont yelled in desperation as he ran to the cliff.
Then, a powerful booming voice took over the area.
“NOOOOOO!!!”
From below, a storm of shifting cells surged upward, forming, fusing, light and shape blending into something massive and primal.
Zygarde.
The serpentine form exploded from Bonnie's purse, catching Bonnie and her Pokémon mid-fall, spiraling upward with her cradled safely in its coils. Then the serpentine jumped back to the cliff, the ground shook slightly underneath his weight.
Everyone stood frozen.
Bonnie clung tightly to Zygarde’s form, her wide eyes locked on his glowing core. Elvis and Dedenne shivered in fright.
“Zygarde…” Ash whispered, barely breathing.
“Squishy!” Serena exclaimed.
Max took a step back, pale and shaking. “That Pokémon is not supposed to be here...” He whispered to himself. “How... how is it here...?”
“Bonnie!” Clemont ran to his sister.
Zygarde lowered the young girl gently to the grass along with Frogadier and Dedenne, who wouldn't stop hugging each other out of shock. She stumbled a bit, heart pounding, but unharmed. Clemont grabbed her and hugged her tightly.
Then, with a pulse of light, Zygarde turned. It gazed at Max.
The legendary's eyes narrowed.
“You will not harm MY HUMAN.” Zygarde's voice shook everyone to their core. He was visibly angry.
Max trembled and stepped back.
And then Zygarde dissolved into countless glowing cells that vanished into various directions. A single tiny cell jumped back into Bonnie's purse, but its little eyes kept glaring at Max from inside the purse.
“You had Zygarde in your purse all this time!?” Clemont demanded.
“Y-yes. He insisted.” Bonnie answered, still in shock, still trembling.
“Bonnie, don't ever command your Pokémon to attack like that ever again!” Clemont reprimanded but hugged her tightly either way.
“Huh uh...” Bonnie nodded numbly.
Hau and Dawn helped Paul stand up. Dawn looked at him with wide eyes. “You didn’t have to do that.”
Paul looked away. “You two would've been caught in the crossfire.”
Hau suddenly hugged Paul tightly. “Thank you, man!”
Paul rolled his eyes.
“YOU'RE JUST LIKE HIM!!!” Max suddenly shouted. All attention turned back to him.
“Max, stop it--” May pleaded.
But Max had gone full panic mode. “No one keeps a legendary Pokémon in their bag so casually! Not one they don't own! You're a freak just like him!” He pointed at Ash.
Bonnie's shocked eyes filled with tears.
Ash couldn't stand it anymore. If Max said he was a timebomb, a freak, a monster?
...Then that was exactly what he would get.
Ash blocked Max's line of sight and hovered over him. He made sure he released some aura, enough to make his eyes glow down on Max. The ten-year-old paralyzed in genuine fear.
“Let's have a talk.” Ash grabbed Max by his arm and pulled him away.
“No! Let me go! I don't want to go with you!” Max fought against Ash's tight grip but couldn't free himself.
No one followed them. Not Pikachu, not Gallade.
Ash pulled him a bit deeper into the forest area near the picnic site. It was then where he finally let go of Max's arm. Max rubbed his arm in discomfort.
“You--!”
“You're not leaving until I say so.” Ash interrupted, voice firm.
Max stood still, frozen in fear.
“I understand you're scared of me.” Ash continued. “I understand that our journey wasn't normal, I understand we were in too much danger. Hell, I understand nothing about me is normal! I understand you were just a little boy that got traumatized. I'm sorry for that. You weren't meant to go through any of that or May or Brock. But what I don't understand is, why hate me?”
Max couldn't answer.
“Because it's easier, isn't it?” Ash glared, aura glowing brighter in his eyes. “It's easier to have someone to blame, right?”
Max stepped back.
“You think I chose this?” Ash asked, voice low but crystal clear. “You think I wanted to be at the center of every disaster, every battle for the fate of the world? You think I asked to have Pokémon like Lugia entrust me with the balance of nature?”
Max said nothing.
“You call me a freak. Fine. You think I’m not normal. Fine. But I’ve bled for this world. I’ve died more than once trying to save people who didn’t even know my name!” His voice cracked. “You think I wasn't terrified!?”
Silence fell between them. The kind that didn't beg to be filled.
Ash took a breath and let the aura fade. His eyes dimmed back to their normal shade of brown, tired but grounded.
“You want to call me dangerous? Fine, I guess that's true. But don’t you dare stand there and act like I’m the one who’s to blame. Not when you were willing to put your own sister in danger just to get your way.”
That made Max flinch.
“I wasn't--”
“But you did.” Ash’s tone was firm. “A few minutes ago, and you didn’t stop. Even after Gallade backed down. Even after Zygarde appeared. You were still throwing punches at people who cared about you. May still tried to make you stop.”
Ash stepped back, giving Max room. “Bonnie's attack is on her and I'm sure her big brother is reprimanding her as we speak. But you don't get to inflict on her your fear towards me. She doesn't deserve that.”
Max looked down, ashamed. His throat worked as he swallowed hard, biting back whatever sharp retort he almost said. For once, he had nothing left to shout. No more fire. No more venom. Just guilt.
Ash turned away and started walking back to the picnic site. Before he vanished fully into the trees, he stopped and glanced over his shoulder.
“I’m not asking you to like me. I’m not even asking if you want to stay friends with me, though I doubt we were ever friends. But stop blaming me for things I had no control over. It won’t help you. It won’t help May. And it sure as hell won’t make you stronger.” His eyes grew softer, with something older than himself. “I'm tired of fighting, Max... I'm tired of carrying the burden of what I was born to do.”
He looked at Max. The boy only looked down, not meeting his eyes.
Ash sighed. “I don't expect you to understand, no matter how smart you think you are. But if you ever want to talk things out, just let me know.”
He left.
Max stood alone among the trees, the weight of everything finally pressing down on him. He dropped to his knees.
And for the first time in a long time…
He cried.
Back at the cliffside picnic, the mood had shifted. The tension still hung like a distant storm cloud, but it was beginning to pass. Serena helped Bonnie sit down with a warm blanket around her shoulders, while Lillie gave her a cookie, but Bonnie refused it. Dedenne and Elvis hadn’t left her side, curled tightly in her lap. Zygarde, or better yet, Squishy, had his head poking out of Bonnie's purse with a worried frown. But he stayed quiet.
“She’s okay.” Clemont said softly, sitting beside his sister and rubbing her back gently. “She’s shaken up, but she’s okay.”
“She was brave.” Serena added.
“Reckless.” Paul muttered. He gave Bonnie a bit of a glare. “You do realize you never attack an opponent that has not engaged, right?”
“And what do you know?” Bonnie quietly snapped.
“Bonnie...” Clemont gave her a warning tone. “It was wrong, and you know it.” He said with a small glare.
Paul cleared his throat and pointed at his injured left arm with a deadpanned look.
Bonnie suddenly looked guilty, already knowing what had happened to him. “Oh, right...”
“And that’s coming from you.” Dawn teased gently, trying to lighten the mood. “You didn't have to protect me and Hau from the blast. How's your arm?”
“I'll live.” Paul deadpanned.
Ash suddenly emerged from the forest area with slow, deliberate footsteps, hands still clenched at his sides, face expressionless.
Everyone went silent the moment they saw him.
“Did you kill him?” Lana suddenly asked.
“Lana!” The group shouted.
Lan shrugged. “What? I don't blame him if he did.”
Ash sighed. “No, Lana. He's just thinking about what he said.”
May looked down. “Don't worry, Ash. I'm sure dad will murder him after I tell him, anyways.”
“Don't tell Norman anything, May.” Ash pleaded tiredly. “It's not worth it.”
May stepped forward. “Ash, I’m sorry-”
“You don’t have to be.” Ash said, cutting her off gently. “He’s scared and I can’t fix that. I don't think anyone can. Only he can make that choice.”
“Are you okay?” Lillie asked him carefully.
“No.” Ash said simply. “But I will be.”
There was a long pause.
Misty, arms crossed and face hard with fury, broke the silence. “I’m going to say it since no one else is. Max was out of line! I don’t care how scared he is! He didn’t listen to anyone but himself!”
“Misty…” Brock warned, though his expression was grim too.
“No. She’s right.” May said. “He was out of line.” She sighed. “I'll go get him. Our plane leaves in a few hours.” She bowed in respect towards the group. “I'm sorry for what my little brother caused.”
Rotom, who was uncharacteristically silent, surprised everyone. “You shouldn't apologize for your brother's behavior, May. You're not responsible for his feelings.”
May nodded, hesitant but grateful. “Still… I’ll talk to him. He needs to hear it from me now.”
She turned and began walking toward the forest path Ash had come from, her steps heavier than before. She before she left, she turned to Ash.
“We're... still friends, right?”
Ash smiled at her. “Of course, May.”
May smiled, nodded, then ran off to find her brother.