Gotta say…was expecting more from JN051. After the teaser, I really thought Farfetch'd would have learnt Leaf Blade, but turned out a Fury Cutter. That sucks…But hey, good news is they at least increased Ash's ranking, which we were waiting for a long period. It's sad enough, half of the show is being focused on that idiot, Gou. Oh and hey, Gary and Iris are all set for a return! Cool huh? A tusk of horns between the Dragonites…probably solving the Dragon Dance Problem. And probably a teamwork between Ash and is eternal rival, Gary. Worth a watch!

So anyway, having beaten two of the Elite Four, Ash and gang are now proceeding to Saffron City, where in the grandest Dojo of them all, awaits the gargantuan Bruno, a celebrity worshipped even in Johto. Knowing that fighting types aren't easy to beat, Ash will have to choose his Pokemon carefully…

And while he's doing some thinking, May is doing some of her own too. Ever since she joined Ash, there was something on her mind, she must unload…


They had arrived in Saffron Metropolis two days ago. It was an autumnal Wednesday evening. The pale crescent moon shone like a silvery claw in the night sky. Misty and Brock were out shopping for some supplies, while Ash after a day of practice had proved successful improvement was at the hotel room, making a couple of calls.

May on the other hand, was exploring the gardens of the hotel and stumbled upon a plain training field she found behind some manicured bushes. Feeling her boyfriends never ending energy course through her, she decided some training could clear her head off. Travelling with Ash was a big decision, one that involved her to resign or perhaps a transfer to Sinnoh. But she as torn! It wasn't her job was a thrill for her. And with Ash chasing his dreams, making a comeback to Contests was something she desperately wanted, in fact, her temptation was growing for it each day. Right now, she wanted an identification. The Princess of Hoenn wanted a comeback!

Standing for one more moment in silence, she took a deep breath, thinking of all those who supported her in her dreams. She relaxed as well, letting out a tired sigh. Not the tired from exhaustion, but tired from burying herself for so long. Perusing her thoughts, she pulled out a Pokeball, releasing Blaziken and Wartortle.

''Blaziken, Fire Spin! And Wartortle, Aqua Tail!''

The blazing humanoid raised his head, spewing a spiral of flames. Continuing, the spirals circled around creating a scorching tornado of sorts. The evolved form of Squirtle, clutched his legs to bound himself into the air, falling straight into the path of Fire Spin. His tail infused with raging water, and Wartortle spun rapidly, crashing through the tornado of flames, ejecting both water and flames outward in waves.

The results thus far had been a mixed bag.

"Mm… now try wider…"

Alright, when the flames widened, they faded from those brilliant white-blues and near purples to plain yellow and red-oranges. However, as long as the flames were allowed to burn as largely as they pleased, the smoke was almost non-existent.

She sighed. In her moment of anxiety, she was spun around. The hand that had grabbed her was quite a strong and muscular one. She opened her mouth to shriek, until she found out her lips were being smothered. She opened her mouth a tad to welcome an intimate caress of tongues, as she felt a fiery urge for sex inside her soul. As the dance of the tongues ended, Ash pulled way and gazed in her eyes to find the return of feelings.

''That one totally rocked, didn't it?'' Ash sighed, resting his forehead against hers.

''Yeah…'' she answered in one toothy grin.

Pikachu leaped off his shoulder, meeting up with Wartortle and Blaziken.

Noticing some heat in the air, and taking upon a closer look at May's two Pokemon in the background, Ash twisted her lips.

''Were you practicing?'' he blinked.

Switching her gazes, she blushed, ''Yeah. With you on a roll, I figured I should rig myself too. Lately, I have been thinking about taking up Contests once again.''

''Well that's awesome, May!'' Ash cheered, smacking her bottom as she winced. ''You gonna retry the Grand Festival then?''

''See Ash,'' she turned around away from him, giving a pat on Wartortle's head. ''I know you don't want to stay in Kanto after the League. And if I insist entering Contests here, you wouldn't wanna go Sinnoh. But I know how important your dream is to you, and I wouldn't take that away from you. Your holidays are about to be over and Pokemon World Championships are around the corner. I just know you want to battle as much as you can to get in the Master Class. Me going for the Grand Festival would just slow you down.''

''Come on May, don't give me that.'' Ash refuted. ''If being a Top Coordinator means so much to you, I'm gonna support you with everything I got- till the last ounce of my life. And,'' he helped her stood up and cupped her cheeks. ''And if my Championships are in your way…I'm willing to let it all go. I have a life I already enjoy.''

''You are not giving up on your dream, Ash. Not after getting this far. Because to see you winning that cup isn't just your dream, but Serena's as well. I may not know her, but I'm not giving up on her last wish.''

''But May-''

''I can try out the Grand Festival after the World Championships. And I am not even aiming that far. I have won the Grand Festival once and I AM a Top Coordinator. I am just entering the Contests to know if I have lost the touch or not.'' May assured.

''Oh yeah, like I'm challenging the Gyms. Yeah I get you…'' Ash nodded in agreement. ''So Sinnoh's gonna be awesome huh? Me and you together, taking on those Gyms and Contests.''

''Part three of May's expedition,'' she giggled, ruffling his hair. She once again attended her Pokemon, who she didn't want to display any disrespect by ignoring. '' "Now, what do you say we practice some more?''

''Blaze! Blaze!" The Pokémon enthused, flames dancing upon his wrist.

''Tortle!'' the turtle agreed.

With that, they launched back into training.

''Alright then,'' Ash yawned. ''I'll see you tomorrow. Don't be up too late okay?''

''Actually Ash!'' she ran past him, and blocked his way. Looking at him with pleading puppy eyes, '' Ash, I want to challenge you! I have rarely battled this year! And I want to pick myself up by challenging the strongest Trainer I know.'' she finished, clenching her fist with the other hand on her hip. While it was a rare occasion that May got particularly serious about a battle that didn't have to do with her career or food, her spirits were incredibly high right now. She was ready to bring the heat!

Taken off guard by this match offer, it took him half a second longer than usual to agree. A battle was a battle, sure, but May was his girlfriend and he'd known her to be a tough contender in her fair share of battles. This would be good training for him, too.

"Sounds like a plan!" he countered, the late day shade only adding to the dramatic flair the two had taken on. ''In fact, I have just finished rotating my team, and nothing will end my day than finally giving an ahead number on our score.''

Reminiscing their last battle at the Terracotta Town, May cocked a smirk. Grinning, she let out a hum of agreement. ''I ain't going down that easy, Mister. I may be the splitting image of my mother, but I am just as tough as my dad, who by the way will get promoted to Elite Four next year.''

''You don't sound too intimidating…maybe you should change your last name to Ketchum. That'll add weight for sure.''

''I'm gonna call you stupid for saying that, but it won't make a difference. Just another word you hear all day!''

''Smug than usual huh, May?'' Ash folded his hands. ''Never thought the first thing I rip off from your body would be that smirk.''

A certain combative energy flowing between them. The atmosphere was not antagonistic but brimming with excitement. How long had it been since they'd battle one another, since they'd had the personal pleasure of picking each other's strategies apart, and feeling the duality of both pride and concern one could only feel when one battled a friend?

May was about to hit back Ash with everything she learned from him and her solo travels. Ash who had gained a lot of experience, yet wasn't sure how he would fare of against his better half. There were many ways to know another person well, to bond and share the most sincere of mannerisms and mental mechanics. Battling was the language these two knew how to express it best in.

With that, the two of them stepped away and kept walking and walking. They stopped at a certain point before they could mark their positions on the field. Fists clenched hard and their blood pumped. Their adrenaline rushed, and they whipped around and dashed at one another….

''mmmm….''

They latched lips in another entanglement, as May practically lunged into him.

''Go a bit easy on me okay…'' May solicited, nibbling Ash's lower lip.

''Was planning to…'' Ash agreed, running his tongue on the roof of her mouth.

The trio audience of their Pokemon sweatdropped. They had to find a way to get used to this…

XXX

She tapped her finger impatiently before growing giddy, as Ash clipped the last capsule.

''You think a three on three is perfect for this practice battle?'' Ash offered.

''I do,'' May flashed a confident smile.

They had chosen a park at a certain block away from the hotel, fearing their battle may alarm the tourists or guests. That was fine by the both of them. Their battle wouldn't be interrupted.

Having observed Ash train and battle all this time, she had to play this safely. Pulling out a Pokéball, May chose to go with a complex normal type. "Munchlax, take the stage!" she called.

''Munchlax!'' the hungry gobbler, spread his hands wide upon arrival, taking a moment to spin on his foot. Slightly delighted to battle an old friend, Ash permitted himself a brief grin and followed suit.

''Scrafty, I choose you!''

The dark-fighting type appeared in a flash, assessing the situation before tensing and getting into fighting position. In the hindsight of her wise, contest-trained mind, May quickly took notice of this, though she did so with slight surprise. This Pokemon she was totally unaware of. Having not travelled in any other region than Kanto, Johto, her home region Hoenn, Sinnoh, Orre and Tunod, this Pokemon hadn't yet appeared in her sight.

But of course? When will the Pokedex come handy? She quickly pulled it out, and scanned the Hoodlum Pokemon.

''Scrafty, the Hoodlum Pokemon and the evolved form of Scraggy. As halfhearted as this Pokémon's kicks may seem, they pack enough power to shatter Conkeldurr's concrete pillars. While mostly known for having the temperament of an aggressive ruffian, this Pokémon takes very good care of its family, friends, and territory."

''So it's a dark and a fighting type. Alright, I'll take the first,'' May dug her Pokedex and stretched the other hand forward. ''Focus Punch!''

The Big Eater Pokemon obeyed instantly, small feet waddled forward, holding out a glowing fist.

''Hi Jump Kick!'' Ash cracked his knuckles. He planned on lecturing May to have started with an offensive direct attack. Scrafty, pressed his feet against the ground, springing upon them to extend a crimson glowing knee.

The hard knee met the fist in a powerful collision that resulted in Munchlax skidding away from the impact. Icy concentration jolted through May's veins as she was jerked back into reality. Ash's Pokemon didn't even move back an inch.

"Doing all right Muchlax?" May asked hastily as her Pokémon stood back up. The normal type cheered in determination, ready to continue.

''It's not that Munchlax isn't strong,'' Ash remarked, diplomatically intrigued. ''But maybe try something other than strength. Now Scrafty, Head Smash!''

''..ty!'' Scrafty ducked his head and it took a cerulean aura. He thundered forward, grabbing his baggy shorts so that it wouldn't get in the way.

May already had plan ready, vaulting from the tip of her tongue. ''Munchlax, Substitute!''

Jiggling, Munchlax split himself into two, swiftly avoiding a brutal headbutt. With his target out of sight, Scrafty staggered, feet skidding on the ground to balance his footing. He whipped around and sneered at the two identical opponents. It was now time for make it hard for the little brawler.

Ash remained silent.

'Is he planning something?'she wondered.'No! He knows I expect him to retaliate!' she figured. 'He knows if he stands there long enough, he'll psyche me out! So, I won't let him do it! I'll go for a head-on attack!'

''Now, Focus Punch!''

The two Big Eater Pokemon, one a clone and other the real one, clenched their fist altogether, energy surging in their irregular arms. Ash however, stayed unnervingly calm.

Munchlax duo, merely assuming Scrafty was open for an attack, raced forward, each at an equal pace. Ash cracked a grin. One of the cons of battling with May is that if he actually used a plan, she might have a vague idea but the pros was he was far more ahead and pragmatic than her. The perk of that was an unfamiliar Pokemon was pretty much guaranteed to psych her out - as it had - because she knew him too well to really expect for him to be a sitting duck. May was an expert to turn things around t the last minute.

''Dodge them!''

Munchlaxes came thundering...only for their strong fists to plunge the surface of the earth, rather than their opponent. The impact crumbled the earth, unearthing some shards flying into the air.

''Focus Blast!'' Ash shrugged his shoulders, cockily.

Scrafty made quick of pulsing his fighting spirit into an orb in his paws. With two targets in mind, the Focus Blast went off quickly. One of the Munchlax was hit hard, sent blasted back. It rolled to a stop, landing with a loud thud in front of May's feet.

''Munchlax! Are you ok?" the brown haired coordinator choked out desperately, voice layered with fear.

The teal furred gobbler in front of her winced, body fading into sparkles leaving just a glow of a reptilian toy behind.

''So that was the clone?'' Ash tilted his head.

''zukha!…''

Munchlax blinked, left exposed at the field. Fearing Ash's next move could end this in a clean chit, May pressed on with the battle. ''Just a little longer, Munchlax, Solarbeam!''

Munchlax followed its lead, reenergized solely from May's determination, opening its mouth and collecting in whatever sunlight he could absorb. Being the time where dark ruled it could only absorb sunlight in small proportions. It couldn't be defined as powerful, but it was bright enough as it was unleashed.

''Defend yourself!'' At this display, Ash visibly stiffened

''..ri….'' the ruffian pulled up the loose skin around his waist as a protection from the solar power. The beam of sunlight hit Scrafty, creating a minor explosion that could only be powerful enough to send the Hoodlum Pokemon drifting back.

''That's quite a unique Pokemon,'' May remarked, frowning for a coy smirk. ''So t protects itself with those pants huh?''

''Go get him! Metronome!''

''lax! Lax! Lax!''

''Focus Blast!''

Though Scrafty obeyed, Munchlax was much more experienced than the dark type, gulped down a huge breath before exhaling it in a frosty breeze of air and ice shards.

''That's Icy Wind!''

The ice crystals climbed and wrapped around the fighting energy. As the frosty beam tore down the Focus Blast, the lights went out of the energy attack. Making its way over upon the reptile, Munchlax's attack had managed a hit this time. The Hoodlum Pokemon screeched, his skin freezing beneath.

May let out a sigh of relief, glad that the strategy had worked, but her eyes quickly stole toward Scrafty. To her complete surprise and bewilderment, the Pokemon leapt out of the ice, flashing a sneer as he landed, brushing the shards off his mid-section. Around him was a fresh new skin, one fashionable than before.

''Scrafty has the ability Shed Skin, that makes any status condition useless.'' Ash smirked at May's confounded expression. ''But you were going for the skin weren't you? You thought anyone hasn't tried that before?''

''You little rascal,'' May scowled. ''Focus Punch!''

''Hi Jump Kick!''

Torque was put into Scrafty's normally stupefying knee as he leaped to meet Munchlax. Their blows landed in perfect synchronization. Scrafty, returning injury for Icy Wind, had slammed his knee into Munchlax's side. The Big Eater, executing a perfect stunning Focus Punch with added strength from whirling around and putting his whole body into it, sank his own paw into Scrafty's cheek.

The two were knocked away from each other. But with years of training, one develops to ability to withhold such strikes. It depends upon types, class, body structure, power and other such platforms.

They stood around, sizing one another, and searching power inside in case they need another strike. Then among the two, one cried and the big eater pokemon immediately collapsed to the ground with a weak, pained cry. Swirls indicated his defeat.

May screamed, almost tripping over her feet as she scrambled toward her injured Pokémon.

''Munchlax, are you alright?'' May pleaded, her eyes turning inadvertently to Ash approaching with a can label 'Super Potion'. He leaned down and sprayed on the spot of impact, Munchlax wincing in pain, breathing heavily from the force of the Hi Jump Kick it took.

''So, I totally blew it, didn't I?'' May sulked, kissing Munchlax's fur.

''No you didn't,'' Ash placated, placing his hand on her shoulder. ''But your choices weren't really fitting. For example, Substitute is a perfect technique to avoid heavy hits, but then calling for Focus Punch right after gives your opponent an immediate window. Focus Punch won't work if the user is hit before, and then Metronome – can't really depend upon luck, May. Cause it has two sides, either in your favor or against you. Unlike League Battles, Contests has those ratings upon a move. Metronome, will just add more pressure.''

''So are you saying Munchlax isn't really fit to be in Contests?''

''That is not what I meant. May I suggest that you try some diverse set of moves for Munchlax. Being a normal type, he has perks of learning a lot of moves. If you ask me, Psychic serves as a perfect move. That's what I taught Snorlax.''

''I do see your point.''

''Say May, do you have any idea about Pokemon Showcase?'' Ash questioned.

''No, but your wife was one of the Top Performers, right?''

''Yeah…but I really think you can derive hundreds of ideas from Pokemon Showcases. Believe me it works the other way around too.'' Ash advised.

''I think, I can give it a try.'' May nodded.

''And I know you'll do good,'' Ash smiled, kissing her cheek once again. He stood up with a steady, stern gaze. ''Wanna resume?''

''I didn't say I was gonna give up!'' May mirrored his smirk, pulling out Munchlax's Pokeball. ''Thanks Munchlax, that was good!''

Likewise, Ash recalled Scrafty as well, wording him powerful.

Taking their places once again, they prepared themselves for a round two. Thinking for a moment, May decided on her next Pokemon. ''Glaceon, take the stage!''

Glaceon purred, leaving a chilly steam around her as a sign of confidence. Crossing his arms for a split second, Ash tried to figure out which pokemon he should use before snapping his fingers

''Then I'll choose…'' Ash lobbed the Pokeball forward. ''Incineroar!''

The bulky leo appeared, letting loose a roaring flame into the sky along with a bellowing roar. His hues blinked noting he had to hung his head to meet his challenger. Although he wasn't stubborn as he was before in the past, the Heel Pokemon could only hope this would be a challenge. If he found his adversary unworthy, well…certainly a raven haired trainer does know what ferocious punches taste like.

''Marvelous…what is that?''

''Your Pokedex won't have any data on it…'' Ash called, noticing she had dunked her hand in her pocket to pull out the Dex. ''If you must know, meet Incineroar. A fire type from the Alola Region. He's quite violent but he gets the job done.''

''Wow…''

''You don't wanna battle a type advantage, that's okay.'' Ash worriedly looked at her poised face. ''I'll switch him.''

''No that's okay!''

If only Incineroar's orb of flame was as soothing as May's voice. Face covered in sooth, Ash coughed some smoke out. Clearly, Incineroar didn't appreciate someone else making the decisions for him. He was greeted with a sheet of soot. He coughed and hacked, clumsily falling short of the cool persona he'd been putting on. He could hear May laughing at him briefly even from across the field.

This Pokemon was totally intimidating. Even Glaceon was stilled into an almost reverential stillness.

''Use Fire Blast!'' Ash called.

Incineroar belched out a flame from his belt that missiled into a roaring star. The destructive star zoomed in, spewing across the battlefield towards its target.

''Mirror Coat!''

The eeveelution obeyed, hunkering down into the earth as she squinted her eyes shut, glowing in a shimmering mosaic of colors. A blue dome that formed over the ice type, rebounded the Fire Blast, even though it seemed quite unbelievable. Incineroar willingly accepted the swatted fire-star back, that enveloped his body in furious flames. The heat was no object at all, actually somewhat soothing to the Heel Pokemon. Only a fire type can describe the refreshment Incineroar felt.

The brown haired coordinator's eyes narrowed. They were not going to win this by going head to head with Incineroar. ''Use Hail, don't let up!'' May decided, switching tactics.

Glaceon howled and a thick cloud formed over the battlefield. Hailstones the size of dimes began littering on the ground. Incineroar fumed upon being pelted, and steamed to glare at his opponent, only to find out she was gone. In other words, Glaceon's Snow Cloak was now in effect.

''Hail and Snow Cloak, huh? I can already tell what kind of match this is gonna be!" Ash quipped, cocky as ever. ''Hit us with your best shot, May!''

''You wouldn't want that!'' May shot back. ''Iron Tail!''

The Fresh Snow Pokemon faded in and out of reality as the fresh hailstorm started to obstruct Ash's view. A moment later, she was nowhere to be found. Incineroar carefully looked around the hazy field, and soon enough her translucent form crept in on the Heel.

''It's a fake." Ash warned quickly, noting his last experience versus Paul's Froslass. The illusion quickly faded away again, confirming Ash's assertion. Another false image appeared on the opposite side of Incineroar, disappearing back into the storm with little fanfare. Finally, an image that Ash was certain was the real Glaceon came rushing at Incineroar from the ghost-type's right.

''Darkest Lariat!''

''What is that?'' May repeated, swearing that the move Ash had called across the fog was something she never heard or seen before.

Energy roared to life in Incineroar's muscles, as he whirled around inside the fog, acceleration no less than that of a torpedo. May reeled around, but was helpless to warn Glaceon. Run-waddling along, she tried to focus on landing her hardened extremity upon the cat's face. Leaping, the first strike she avoided with relative ease; the second, not so much.

''ceon!'' she cried out as a blinding black blur landed just to the left of her. Her green pupils going wide as it singed her fur and the aftershocks of its landing rocked through her. Being jarred from the second lariat, the third struck her head on.

Toppled out, Glaceon rolled out of the hailstorm. Trembling, but barely standing. But, she glared up at the Incineroar with gritted teeth, determined to prove herself.

"Hey, she's still hanging in there!" Ash remarked, clearly impressed.

May bit her tongue to keep from squeaking in distress. Glad that her Pokemon had toughened their resilience, she called for her next attack. ''Water Pulse! Keep going!''

Gritting, Glaceon released her barrage of perfect water spheres, putting her all into it. After all, she knew there was no reason to reserve energy for a second attack when she might not have that chance. Vision still blocked by the hailstorm, Incineroar was pummeled with the forces of water, unable to dodge this particular move. As boiled his body was, the puddles of water evaporated quick.

Ash kept calm, hoping this strategy would work. Long ago, while training Infernape in the snowy mountains of Coronet, Ash had discovered something. Even in the harshest of hail storms, accuracy was quite a challenge. However, as a few embers fell upon the snow, Ash discovered visibility emitted from the flames.

''Let's fight back with smoke! Flare Blitz!''

Incineroar crouched on all fours, an aura of scorching hot fire and power mixing around his body. The flames continued to heat up, and turned brilliant blue. The incandescence from the flames provided the fire type clear vision into the snowstorm.

The larger Pokemon launched his body towards into the fog, flaming body locating Glaceon, aiming to pulverize the poor ice type.

''ceon!'' she cried out, wincing as she was thrown through the air, crashing to the ground with a hiss of pain. She sprawled upon the floor, slack-jawed and unconscious.

''She okay?'' Ash uneasily called.

''Yeah! No worries!'' She assured, returning the ice type. ''Alright, you're up next! Blaziken!''

The Blaze Pokemon leaped from his capsule, landing on his perfect formidable legs. A battle against this trainer was always something he desired. Him just like May, had learnt a lot from Ash. If it weren't for the raven haired trainer, May would be some struggling trainer in Hoenn, least to say, she might have not even chosen it at Professor Birch's lab. In his own stoic manner, he owed Ash a battle that would consider May as his equal.

He eyed the Pokemon in front. Muscular, bulky and intimidating. Quite a foreigner, he had never met before, but if the Trainer behind is Ash Ketchum, this Pokemon shouldn't be waved off as weak. No, that would be the first mistake on a trainer and Pokemon's part.

Incineroar growled, finally…

''Lucky day huh, Incineroar! Take my word, Blaziken is quite strong, but you like that don't you?''

''Raww!''

Ash was continuing with Incineroar? She shrugged the questions off, trying to concentrate. His choice wasn't surprising, considering his affinity of promising his Pokemon what they want. Conversely, it was known to pack quite a punch, not to mention Glaceon was taken out right after that Flare Blitz.

May and Ash leered at each other, sheer determination exuding from them. Without warning, May shifted her stance and threw forth a commanding finger…

''Fire Spin!''

The Blaze Pokemon, opened his beak and released a corkscrew of scorching flames.

''Fire Blast!'' Ash countered. Not willing to risk his pride on such a situation, Incineroar's belt spewed out the concentrated block of fire that grew its extremities to resemble a star. The attacks met center-stage, forming an explosive encounter.

May groaned as she tried to think of a new attack. With Ash's battling style she was previously proud to claim her own, brute force would need to be a component of her strategy. Her adversary would not simply let up, especially in a match this big.

''Flare Blitz, Incineroar!''

Incineroar thumped his chest, igniting himself in a ball of fire. The Flare Blitz spiral grew larger as the fire type rushed forward.

May's face fell. ''Dodge it!''

Blaziken took a simple leap above into the air, feet used as spring. The Heel Pokémon bellowed as it tore up the ground and skidded along, and May took the chance to attack.

''Featherdance!''

Incineroar blinked, frowning at the sky. What was this raining down upon the field. He grabbed a small twinkling light, that seemed like a feather. But why was this making him weak and dizzy? Did he hear the girl shout 'Featherdance'? Isn't that the same thing his sleepy owl comrade uses.

May saw her chance, easily fighting against the panic that waited in the dark waters of her negative thoughts. ''Bounce!''

Somersaulting the Pokemon dove on the ground, leg stretched out to pummel the other fire type.

''Brutal Swing!''

Blaziken came barreling down, only for his feet to be swiftly caught between two hands, a grip so tight, Blaziken had no chance of escape. He struggled though, only for Incineroar to restrain him by digging his nails into Blaziken's feet. The Blaze Pokemon winced, an excruciating pain tearing his muscles.

Without a warning, he swung Blaziken hard taking him for a whirled ride.

''What?!'' May gawked.

Letting off Blaziken, Incineroar was still careful enough not to leave any critical injuries. He simply slammed him hard into the bushes, enough to knock Blaziken out cold.

May dashed to the bushes, looking between her starter and the new Pokemon that barely earned a scratch since his arrival. ''Well, I thought using a fighting type could prove effective,'' she sighed, petting the outgrown rooster before recalling him. ''Good job, Blaziken. Take some rest. I'll get you to a Pokemon Center soon.''

Ash likewise, returned his Pokemon too. Her gazed at her who had already slumped her shoulders, gazing at the ground.

''You doing okay?'' he in a hushed tone asked. He knew May wasn't really at a place to talk right now, and she would just be ticked off after a loss. ''I know you weren't expecting that.''

''No that's alright. This loss is on me anyway,'' May held back, realizing he had expected more of a challenge from her. ''But hey,'' she whispered in a gentle tone, ''I couldn't expect any less. I went up against you. The strongest trainer I know…in my whole world.''

''Come on, don't down yourself.'' Ash refuted.

''No babe, you are right. Look at the competition here. You went off and trained for 15 years and me,'' took a heaved sigh .'just got rusty.''

''No you didn't,'' Ash embraced her from behind. ''You just need to go through the basics that's all, and I are adept in that. We'll bring you back on track, I promise. You just need to work harder.''

Realizing he was right, she held his arm that was crossed by her chest, craning her neck to peck him on the lips. "Well, I'll have to keep up and give you a real toe to toe battle soon, then, won't I?" she teased.

''I do like surprises,'' he chuckled.

''Well, here's one,'' she coyly whispered in his ears. ''Every time you score a win, it kinda…turns me on.''

He smooched him one last time, headed out of the lot and towards the Pokemon Center.

Ash's brows shot up. She was right….this was an unexpected surprise! Her companion followed after, grinning wildly. ''One more Pokemon Battle please!''


Short but cute! I purposely made this battle one-sided, as May has been bent out of shape. And Ash is a monster to go against. So this was just a summary of an idea, that I plan to bring Contests in Sinnoh. So you'll be seeing a lot of Ash and May practicing together for the win. So in a way, we'll be seeing May getting stronger. And Ash will train her. Not many Advanceshipping stories have captured those. So i hoped I should give it a wind.

This also means Sinnoh arc is now extended.

Just a small one for this time. Bruno second chapter is being penned down, and will be available by the end of January.

Thanks for reading!