Man in the Mirror

Chapter 12: Another Part of Me

"Hey, May," Ash smiled. He remained oblivious to the boundaries crossed.

"Pika!" Pikachu ran up to May with a smile.

"What are you doing here? You are not allowed to be here. I'm going to call security!" May stood alarmed. Her defensive eyes surprised Ash and Pikachu.

Ash became frantic and waved his hands at her. "Wait, May. Hear us out!"

"How did you even get in here?" the coordinator frowned.

"We flew on Charizard. It was pretty easy once we found your balcony," Ash chuckled, but Pikachu glared at him. May wasn't the slightest amused.

May grabbed a remote, "That's it. I'm notifying my guards and getting Officer Jenny."

"Wait, wait, please. We're too young for jail," Ash begged, reaching his hand out.

"Then leave, Ash Ketchum," May growled at him.

Ash froze where he stood. His enthusiasm evaporated. "But May, we're supposed to be friends."

May clenched her teeth. "Why do you keep saying that? I've never seen you before. I don't know if you realized, but you're being creepy."

"Pika!" Pikachu snapped at May. His attitude caught Ash and May by surprise. "Pi pikachu pika pi!" Pikachu frowned at the brunette. He believed his best friend deserved a chance to explain himself.

May crossed her arms. Being under the spotlight made her more skeptical of people, but she thought Pokemon were more trustworthy. She was willing to listen to Pikachu. Judging by his stare and gestures, she could tell what he was trying to communicate. "I've never seen a Pokemon advocate so strongly for their trainer. Not even mine," the coordinator thought there might be more to the boy than meets the eye.

"Pikachu is your friend, too. We traveled together," Ash insisted. May turned from Ash to Pikachu, who nodded in agreement.

May sighed. She hung her head low. "I can tell by the bond between you and your Pikachu that you really love Pokemon, don't you?"

Ash kneeled to pet the top of Pikachu's head, who cooed in response. "Are you kidding? I love Pokemon, especially Pikachu. He's my best buddy."

The brunette's face softened. A small smile showed the change in May's disposition. She had no clue who Ash was but didn't perceive any malintent. May kneeled to tickle Pikachu under his chin, which he enjoyed. The coordinator and the trainer's eyes met. "You must be pretty crazy if you took the risk of trespassing on my property with your Charizard," the performer joked.

"I've been told," Ash scratched his cheek. He knew plenty of friends who would agree with her.

"So why did you do it?" May stood up. Her willingness to talk with him suggested she wouldn't kick him out, at least not yet.

Ash also stood up. "We saw the confrontation with those reporters outside the tower. You seemed upset, so we thought we should come to cheer you up."

"Because we're friends?" May raised her eyebrow at him. Ash innocently nodded. The coordinator wished she could appreciate his kindness, yet she failed to recall ever seeing him until day. May sighed again. "Ash, I'm sorry, but I don't know who you are."

"Chu," Pikachu followed May's sigh. She saw him lower his ears with disappointment.

"This can't be right," Ash murmured. Things weren't adding up for him. If May doesn't remember him, why did no one previously mention this?

"I'm sorry, but I can tell that you meant well coming here. Still creepy but well-intentioned," May admitted, she managed to giggle a little.

It was Ash's turn to sigh. If May couldn't remember them, how could they do anything to improve her sad state? "I guess we'll take our leave then. Come on, Pikachu," Ash hung his shoulder out.