Chapter 1 New Start -
It had been a two weeks since Ash arrived in Kanto and so much had happened he was scarred by Jessie's Seviper, he had been captured by a mysterious man named Shadow, he had fought Drew and won, But the highlight of it all was finally getting to be with May and share his love. Ash thought about these moments as he lay in his sleeping bag looking up at the stars.
Ash was on his way with May to compete in the Wallace cup that was being held in Saffron city along with them was Brock, Dawn, Max, and Pikachu. Misty didn't travel along because she had matters to attend to at her gym, leaving Brock heartbroken but the next day when they meet officer Jenny Brock seemed to forget his heartbreak to Misty and sprang forth professing his love causing Max and Crogank to led him away shamelessly.
Dawn accompanied them for the same reason as May to compete in the Wallace Cup she hadn't been herself lately though she had grown more attached to Ash and a lot more flirtatious making May a little jealous, Max was also traveling with them and he was as always was eager to learn and as always eager to talk. Then there was Drew he hadn't accompanied the group in fact Ash hadn't seen Drew since they last fought, Ash had even went to find him to try to make amends but he was nowhere to be found making Ash a little nervous, Something else that made him even more fearful was how Shadow told him that they would meet again.
With all these thoughts going through his head Ash couldn't sleep, so as quietly as he could without disturbing anyone got out of his sleeping bag put on his black leather jacket and fedora cocking it to the right and took a walk down a small trail that led to a large meadow he looked up and saw the stars and moon shining brightly down on him. He stood there in silence looking at the beautiful night sky but then heard a familiar voice "Can't sleep?" Ash turned and saw May walking towards him she was wearing a her sleeveless shirt similar to her orange one but this time it was sapphire blue colored along with a pair of black shorts and blue bandanna "Yea something like that." Ash said putting his arm around her and looking back up at the sky "Beautiful isn't it." May said looking up at the sky with Ash "Yea it truly is." Ash replied, May looked at him and saw the worry in his face "Ash is there something wrong you can tell me you know." May said, Ash looked at May who was smiling warmly at him then looking back at the sky and said "You remember when I was battling Shadow he said something to me he told me that we would meet again and I guess for some reason that's just eating away at me." Ash said, turning to face May, she smiled and gently kissed him on the lips
"You worry too much." She whispered in Ash's ear, then Ash slowly laid down on the grass with May on top of him, he held her in his arms as she laid her head on Ash's chest with Ash gently stroking her hair "What would I do without you?" Ash asked "Crash and burn probably." May said, Ash laughed at this a little then closed his eyes and tried to rest. Ash awoke to someone saying his name "Hey Ash get up." He heard a voice say "Huh?" Ash said slowly opening his eyes he sat up as he rubbed his eyes Shadow appeared before him grabbing him by the throat and slamming him into a tree "Do you remember what I said to you." Shadow said violently squeezing Ash's throat Ash stood there gasping for air trying to pry Shadows hand off of him "I told you I would win." Shadow sinisterly said reaching his hand toward Ash "NOOOO!" Ash yelled himself awake knocking May off of him, he was breathing fast and had a hand around his throat "Ash what's wrong?" May asked walking back over and gently placed her hands on Ash's shoulders, Ash slowed his breathing and took his hand off his throat "Just a nightmare." Ash said as May began to massage Ash's shoulders "Do you want to talk about it?" May asked in a charismatic tone, Ash shook his head and stood up "No I think it's better if we go back to camp." Ash said standing up and extending his hand helping May up, they took a slow silent walk back to camp Ash thinking about his dream but not wanting to tell May for the fear she might worry about him and not focus on her contest.
When they got back to camp Brock had just finished whipping up a large breakfast filled with eggs, hash browns, bacon, and pancakes the aroma of all these items made Ash's mouth water and for a second he forgot all his troubles "Well hey there sleepy heads." Brock said as he set a plate of bacon on the table Ash and May took a seat by each other and Ash immediately started to fill his plate full of food as did May, as Ash tore into his food the table was nothing short of conversation Max talked about how eager he was to visit the fighting dojo and see some cool fighting Pokémon battles Brock was eager to go to the Pokémon center and see nurse joy again forgetting his commitment to Misty, Dawn was eagerly talking to May about the contest, Ash though kept to himself as he ate and let his mind wander on the dream he had about Shadow and the words Shadow spoke to him on his last encounter rang in his mind.
Ash was so deep in thought that it took a zap from Pikachu to bring him back to reality "Ow what was that for!?" Ash exclaimed holding his hand that received an electric surprise from Pikachu "Pikachu!" his Pokémon said angrily "I think Pikachu wants you to spend some time with it I mean it's been a while since the two of you hung out." Brock said, Ash looked back over at Pikachu "Ok then…well what do you want to do?" Ash asked
"Oh! I know how bout a battle it'd be good since I have a contest coming up." May happily suggested "Are you sure May?" Ash asked a little hesitantly "What's the matter Ash afraid of losing to your girlfriend." May said playfully poking him in the stomach, everyone at the table laughed at this causing Ash to blush a little embarrassed "PSSH No I'm not afraid of anything." Ash said, "Well come on then tough guy!" May said taking Ash's hand and pulling him from the table, Pikachu leapt onto Ash's shoulder and held on as May led them to the same meadow they were at last night with the group following close behind. May let go of Ash's hand and turned to him smiling "Well tough guy let's see what your made of." May said pulling out one of her Pokeballs
"Come on Ash show my sister whose boss!" Max yelled from the side lines, Ash laughed a little at this comment "Hey Brock you mind refereeing the match?" Ash asked "Sure thing Ash." Brock said. The two trainers went to opposite ends of the field and called out each of their Pokémon "Ok Glaceon I choose you!" May exclaimed calling out her Ice Pokémon "Alright Pikachu you're up." Ash said sending his little Pokémon to the field "Alright the one on one battle between May and Ash will now commence!" when Brock finished calling this May immediately started her attack.
"Ok Glaceon lets start things off with an ice beam!" The ice Pokémon opened its mouth to let out a light blue stream of ice "Pikachu dodge it and use quick attack!" Ash called the little Pokémon immediately dived out the way of the beam of ice heading its way and swiftly started to charge at Glaceon with lightning speed "Glaceon use dig!" May called Glaceon as fast as it could dug a deep hole in the ground and disappearing into it leaving Pikachu to hit air. Pikachu stood there looking around confused "Alright Glaceon come on up and use ice beam!" May called and suddenly Glaceon came out of the ground behind Pikachu and without a moment's hesitation sent a powerful ice attack hitting Pikachu and sending it flying to Ash's feet "Pikachu are you ok!?" Ash called, his Pikachu sprang back up ready for another round "Okay Pikachu thunderbolt!" Ash yelled, Pikachu leapt in the air formed into a ball and sent a shockwave of electricity to Glaceon hitting it and sending it to the ground "Glaceon!" May said in a concerned tone as her Pokémon weakly stood up "Alright Pikachu lets finish this with iron tail!" "Pika!" Pikachu said as its tail glowed a bright grey light it leapt into the air then quickly back down hitting Glaceon in the side of the face and launching it back to May's feet unconscious "Glaceon is unable to battle Pikachu and Ash are the winners!" "Alright Pikachu!" Ash said as Pikachu leapt into his arms "Pika Pi!" the Pokémon said happily. Ash looked over at May who was kneeling by her Pokémon "You did great Glaceon have a good rest." May said returning her Pokémon back to its Poke ball, Ash walked over to her extending his hand "You did awesome May." Ash said as she took his hand helping her up she looked at Ash then smiled and gave him a quick hug "Wow Ash that was amazing!" Max said running over to Ash
"Thanks Max." Ash said "Not too shabby at all." Dawn said walking over and putting a hand on Ash's shoulder "Hey thanks Dawn." Ash said happily. Dawn's hand remained on Ash's shoulder though making Ash feel a little awkward and May a little upset "Uh Dawn do you mind taking your hand off Ash's shoulder?" May asked trying to not sound rude "Oh I'm sorry May." Dawn said slowly sliding her hand down Ash's arm and then taking it away.
There was a sort of awkwardness between the four but luckily Brock walked over to ease it "So Saffron city is just a two days walk from here I suggest we start heading out now." Brock said, the group agreed and headed back to pack there things. As they packed Dawn constantly asked for Ash's help "Ash would you mind helping me with my sleeping bag?" She would say sweetly Ash being nice would agree and finish packing her bag "Thanks Ash I knew I could count on you." Dawn would say in the same sweet tone and give him a quick hug.
Ash always felt uncomfortable when she did this but never said anything. The rest of the day consisted of the group just walking to Saffron city nothing very eventful happened infact the group didn't even see a single Pokémon which was strange considering the trails where usually filled with bug or flying Pokémon "I wonder where all the Pokémon are?" Max asked curiously "I dunno Max most of the time these woods are filled with Pokémon." Brock answered scratching his head, "Hmm very strange." Ash said suspiciously looking at the trees.
The group walked until nightfall when they decided to make camp in a nice open field close to a stream they made a good sized fire and Brock made an amazing apple cobbler, as they sat around the campfire they laughed and joked about old memories and talked about future ones they might have and the dreams they shared, Ash's dream was Pokémon master with him and Pikachu. As the group went to sleep Ash found that sleep consumed him quickly but it the dreams that came with it were not so forgiving. Ash found himself in a dark forest running from something, something with yellow eyes; it wasn't chasing him but slowly walking towards him. As Ash was running he tripped over a root in the ground and fell into a small stream he turned to get up but the figure was already standing over him looking down at him with its yellow eyes it pulled out a small switch blade knife and knelt down to Ash's level grabbing his hair tightly and slowly edging the knife toward his scalp and just as the rusty blade started to touch Ash's head he jolted himself awake. Ash looked around breathing hard and drenched in sweat everybody was still sound asleep but the fire died down a little so Ash in an effort to get his mind off of the dream he just had got up to collect some wood, The entire time he was collecting wood he felt paranoid constantly checking over his shoulder over sounds he thought he heard or stopping to look around and make sure nothing was following him.
"PIKA!" Pikachu exclaimed as it jumped out at Ash causing him to drop the wood in fright, Pikachu gave him a confused look "Sorry Pikachu I thought you were something else." Ash said calming himself down, Pikachu jumped on his shoulder as Ash knelt down to pick up the firewood he carried it back to camp placed it by the fire pit and taking one of the thicker sticks started to stir the coals around. Placing some sticks in the fire he eventually got it back to a good size, Ash satisfied with his work laid back down and again closed his eyes.
Ash again had the same dream he was running he tripped he fell and was killed by Shadow, he again jolted himself awake breathing hard and sweating this time though everyone was awake but didn't notice Ash's discomfort. Ash slowly got out of his sleeping bag and putting on his hat cocked it slightly to the right walked over to the table with the others.
"Morning sleepy head." May said gleefully as Ash took a seat next to her "Morning." Ash said yawning and pouring himself a cup of coffee Brock had made "Oh Ash aren't you super excited!" Dawn said giddy with happiness "Well Brocks coffee isn't that exciting but it is really good." Ash said holding his cup in the air towards Brock, Brock nodded and returned the gesture "No silly I'm talking about how today's the day we finally arrive at Saffron city!" Dawn said "Oh yea that's way better than Brocks coffee." Ash said taking a sip of his coffee
"Hey Dawn what Pokémon do you plan on using?" May asked curiously Dawn thought for a moment then said "Probably Piplup, Buneray, and Quilava and your choices?" Dawn asked "Oh probably Blaziken, Beautifly, and Glaceon." May answered "Hm I thought so." Dawn said in a slight condescending tone "Is there a problem?" May asked annoyed at this "No problem at all just that this contest shouldn't be too hard to win." Dawn said arrogantly "Oh you think you're going to win." May said it was clear now that she was angry "I have for the last two contests now haven't I." Dawn said calmly "Oh yea well this year it will be different!" May yelled Dawn laughed at this and turned to Ash "Ash do you really think May's got a chance against me?" Dawn asked "Of course he does why wouldn't he!?" May yelled "I was asking Ash not you." Dawn said looking at Ash, May looked over at Ash also, Ash looked around at Dawn and May then taking a sip of his coffee he said "I think-." "Oh sure take your girlfriends side!" Dawn yelled standing up "Ash we've been friends for a long time now you'd think that would mean something!" Dawn yelled and then stormed off, there was a long silence at the table that followed then Max spoke up "Brock are all women insane like that?" "Pretty much Max pretty much." Brock said putting a hand on Max's shoulder "Wow." Max said
"Well I think I should go talk to her." Ash said standing up "May are you going to be ok?" he asked, May nodded, Ash leaned down and gave her a quick kiss on the check and then ran off to go find Dawn. Ash found her sitting by the small stream with her Piplup beside her she didn't hear him approach until he sat down beside her; she quickly returned her Piplup "What was that all about back there?" Ash asked, Dawn didn't answer she just angrily looked at the stream "Yea I guess it doesn't matter any ways." Ash said getting up to go "Wait!" Dawn said grabbing Ash's hand, Ash sat back down again "Look I'm sorry for the way I acted back there it's just…I really like you Ash." Dawn said putting her hand on Ash's leg. When Ash felt Dawns hand touch his leg the whole situation started to become awkward for him "I like you to Dawn." Ash said taking her hand off his leg
"Ash you don't understand I like you a lot." Dawn said moving closer to Ash and put her hand on his leg again and started to lean in closer to Ash's lips. Ash quickly stood up causing Dawn to almost fall over "Dawn I'm dating May!" Ash said Dawn smiled and walked over to him putting her hands on his shoulder and backed him against a tree "So it'll be our secret." She said whispering in his ear and then quickly kissed him on the lips Ash tried to pull away but his head was leaning against the tree so he turned it to the right and there standing in front of him was a heart broken May with tears in her eyes.
"May its not what it looks like!" Ash said, but May already took off running, Ash quickly pushed Dawn off him and ran after May. "Wait May!" Ash called trying to catch up to her, eventually Ash caught up to her "May please stop!" Ash said taking her hand "What Ash!" May said angrily stopping and turning to him "Look Dawn came onto me I…didn't."
"You didn't what Ash you didn't mean to kiss her? Is that what you're trying to tell me!? May said with tears running down her checks "It just kind of happened she threw herself on me and it was an accident I swear." Ash said "An accident how do you accidently kiss someone Ash!" Ash was about to say something but stopped and looked away from May toward the sky "Hello! Ash are you still there!?" May asked waving her hand in Ash's face
"Shhhh." Ash said blocking Mays hand "You hear that?" Ash said listening to the sound of a faint humming noise that was gradually getting louder suddenly it revealed itself to be a large black helicopter with the letter R painted in red on side the side door opened revealing James holding a large rocket launcher pointed strait at Ash and May he pulled the trigger sending a large net down towards them. "Get down!" Ash yelled pushing May to safety and out of the nets grasp but sacrificing himself in the process, the net whirled around him and pinned him to the ground, May ran over to try and help "No May go and get help!" Ash yelled while fighting to release himself from the nets grasp May nodded and started running to find help. Ash continued to struggle with the net until he saw two pairs of black leather boots appear before him he slowly looked up and saw Drew looking down at him smiling "Miss me Ketchum?"