Well, everyone. It's time. Chapter 75th is now in existence. I won't get emotional here because as per my point of view, we (Blaze and Gold) have just crossed a few miles after halfway. There's still a long time to get this done. But we can say that the last chapter can possibly get over by the end of 2022. Now this chapter ain't that much. We'll try to keep it as short as we can. I try to think of a content of just 8K Words, but it always stretches. Two elements in this story: Dawn's answer and the start of the journey in Sinnoh. So for now Ash and May will be in Jubilife City for the second half. So if anyone was expecting an Oreburgh Gym challenge, sorry. You'll have to wait for another two chapters. Think of this chapter as just a small daily preparation. Also, it's a little bit naughty, so I know how that gets you all pumped up.
May fans, we hope we don't disappoint you if I make any mistake in writing about her training for Contests. We will try to make her as presentable as possible. So far she's just practicing. So slowly we'll get her back on the road!
Storyline date: 3rd January, 2023 first half, 4th January, 2023 second half.
Location: Twinleaf Town, Jubilife City.
Very well, then. Let's begin!
"So Kenny?'' the blunette asked, jarring him from his trance. "What is it you wanted to say?''
The auburn-haired boy ran a finger through his messy hair before rubbing his left arm with his opposite arm. Kenny gulped a bit and began to open his mouth, preparing to give her an answer. I can do this…I can do this. The words repeated in his head.
"Dawn…I just…wanted to..say that..since you...''
"Spit it out, Kenny!'' Dawn groaned, a bit tired from his fumbling. Frankly, it was because she was continuously emceeing the ceremonies and a break sounded like a reward. A bounty too if Kenny didn't do this fast enough.
Wearing a determined face after her chide, the redhead exhaled. ''Dawn, you and I have known each other for long enough. Since kindergarten, we have grown up together since then. You know I,'' Kenny insisted, reaching for Dawn's hand, "I've liked you for a long time, and…"
Dawn pulled her hand away instinctively as pure shock ran through her system. A flash flood of interconnected thoughts bombarded her brain, confusing her in every which way. A realization made her shudder, that he was about to confess his feelings.
"Kenny,'' she cooed. ''We've been over this. I just don't feel the same way you feel for me. I know we are pretty close but we are just good friends. That's all.''
"But how can you not feel this tension between us? This electricity between you and me." Kenny pressed upon the topic.
"Kenny, why are you making this so hard?'' the blunette groaned, a hand stressing on her face. ''I have already said this before. I don't feel inclined to start a romantic relationship with you or anyone else now. My first love is always going to be Coordinating. I am just too focused on my Coordinating career. So much to achieve."
"Dawn, you can't live your life just professionally, can you?'' Kenny reasoned. ''don't you want to make changes in your personal life? How long can you be single?''
"My personal life isn't any of your business Kenny! Back off!'' she barked.
"What do you mean it isn't my business. You mean everything to me!''
"Look, just because I enjoy your company doesn't mean I am in love with you. Grow up Kenny!''
"Easy for you to say! How selfish of you, Dawn!''
"Selfish of me?" Dawn repeated, eyes dilating. ''Why are you talking like a fifteen year old teenager? We live in two different worlds, Kenny."
"Hold it, hold it! So you are saying, I don't mean anything to you? All these years of our friendship mean nothing to you?'' Kenny grumbled.
"When did I say that?!'' Dawn squawked. "Why is it hard for you to accept I am not looking for a relationship right now?''
"But just look at May!'' Kenny growled, ''She seems so happy with Ash. And she's barely a year older than you! Don't you wish the same thing.''
Dawn flinched, looking perturbed upon the realization. Nearly in tears, she turned around, not wanting to show Kenny her despondent side. "I have seen them. You don't have to remind me.''
"Dawn, is there ever gonna be a chance that…''
"Kenny,'' Dawn interrupted. ''I am not in the mood right now. The answer is not gonna please you, so drop it anyway. You are jeopardizing our friendship. I still wanna be your friend, so please, just let it go.''
"But why…" Kenny asked somberly, a bead of sweat forming on his brow and his brain having seemed to already figure it out. Kenny's fingers twitched and moved about as his eyebrows shifted up and down. His face started to turn just the slightest hint of red.
"It's because of Ash, isn't it?''
Sniffling, she started walking. ''I gotta go..''
But he wouldn't give up easily. His face was concealed, as his hand reached for her, grasping tightly at the wrist.
"Is it because of Ash?'' he repeated, this time his tone was low and chilly.
"Wh…what?" Dawn squeaked again, though she knew he was right.
"You know what I am talking about,'' Kenny's eyes narrowed into a full-on scowl. He growled. ''I saw the way you were looking at him the whole evening.''
"Kenny, please stop!'' she pleaded, azure eyes welling up with tears. She never imagined that her best friend would have a dark side she was experiencing. He let go of her hand, driving his own into his hair.
"Dawn," he said her name sternly. ''I got only one question left. And everything we ever had is on the line. Dawn, just answer this. Do you bat away my proposals because you had feelings for Ash?''
The blunette drew her arm back, rubbing the spot where Kenny had just grabbed her. She was bewildered at what could have prompted Kenny to act so weirdly. Him asking her out forcefully was now ruining their friendship. But she never lied to anyone, and she wasn't going to change that part of her character today. Her breath hitched, as she looked at the white snow they were standing on. Somewhere in her life, she had buried the truth of her feelings for Ash in a fiction. Truth was a strange notion, always relying on perspective.
Exasperating, she choked on her tears, finally bringing it out in the open. "…Yes.''
Kenny heaved, shunned by the confession. He chuckled weakly, "Great…just great…''
In a fits of fury, he screamed angrily, picking up a rock and throwing it far away, probably which didn't make him feel any better. Dawn yelled out his name in panic, her body movements tighter. Her fears were triggered by Kenny's outburst. Realizing what he had done, he took a deep breath and calmed his nerves. His blood seemed to cool. They ignored the sudden barrages of fireworks in the sky, none in the mood to enjoy it. One second of curiosity had disintegrated a lot of understanding between them. Whipping around in fury, it was clear that Kenny was probably still upset. The lightest touch of pink rimmed the bottom of his eyes. His brows were furrowed very deeply. Though his fists were balled at his sides and he was glaring at Dawn, she could tell by his posture that he wasn't actually going to fight her. All the same, this was enough of a violent reaction to get her to take a step back, shocked.
Brooding that he had gone too far this time, he walked around the cherry blossom tree, and took a seat underneath, overlooking the white covers on it. The cherry tree blossoms, from bud to bloom, were petal confetti in the making. Many memories rushed in, as it was the same tree upon which he, Dawn and Leona would once climb upon. His eyes longed to see the spring, where the cherry tree wands became the sweetest baby-pink. No use to wait for that, because the winter didn't just claim the entire region, but now also his heart, where in his mind, a huge icicle had just speared him. He leaned forward, placing his hands on his knees, seeming to stare at the ground for a bit, perhaps even sulking.
Dawn's eyes glimmered but not with passion, just empty pain inside them. She too felt torn apart inside, feeling guilty for Kenny's paroxysm. In the end, she could only be sorry. Her flash of anger did protect her from a pain she wasn't ready to endure, but in the process, she may have lost her good friend. Hurting Kenny was one regret she couldn't easily overcome.
"Kenny?'' she called sweetly, a voice that was trying hard to pacify the young Coordinator.
There was no answer. She took a semi path around the tree, twigs crunched underneath the footfalls of her boots, signaling Kenny that she was coming for him, and that Dawn was making an attempt to save the precious thing they had now left: their friendship. She saw him, leaned against the bark of the cherry tree, stressing enough on the events. Not once did she think about her precious dress, not caring if it would be ruined by the snow, as she smiled faintly, taking a seat beside him. Acknowledging her, he scooted to the side giving her some ground to sit on.
He shook for a moment, trying to put his words together. Finally, his shoulders dropped and his head hung.
"Why Dawn?'' Kenny huffed, his voice was stiff but wavering, implying that he was probably struggling to keep it together. "You and I go way back. Even before we start our journey together."
He took a long pause, as she gazed up at him, strained.
"I have liked you Dawn. I always have,'' He looked up at her, eyes clearly full of hurt. "and I always will.''
Dawn gasped as Kenny poured out and emptied his heart. It clicked to Dawn that how much being with her meant to him. He had proposed to her before, asking her out, even the least of them was to travel together with him, but she had no idea Kenny felt so strong for her. She cursed herself to be oblivious towards his feelings.
"…I desperately waited outside Professor Rowan's lab the day I received my Piplup, but you had already left on your Pokemon Journey. I can't express how happy I was to see you in Floaroma Town, hoping we could start our Journey together from there, but then all of a sudden, this outside kid shows up and you attach to him like a leech. I was scared this would happen in Sinnoh. That he would take you away from me. Make you forget all about me." Kenny seethed after what sounded like a choked sob, "You have always chosen him over me! I wanna know why? What's he got that I don't. And now, when finally he is happy with his girlfriend, he still bugs me!''
"Kenny, it isn't like that…'' Dawn held onto his arm, and the boy calmed down.
"Dawn? Kenny? Guys?'' a voice called out for them. Lacing with disgust as the voice belonged to Ash, Kenny scorned, and Dawn immediately responded. ''Right here!''
Although, her voice quivered. She just wasn't feeling herself right now. May poked herself from behind the tree, appearing in gleeful delight, followed by Ash, walking in close proximity.
"There you are. Johanna's been looki..'' May didn't get to finish her sentence as her keen eyes spotted dark tears streaming down Dawn's milky skin, even though the blunette tried hard to recall them.
"Oh my God, what happened?!'' she flapped in alarm, crouching down to calm her friends. "What broke you down?''
"Nothing…" Dawn sniffled.
"Oh, you wanna keep secrets from your friends now?'' Kenny laughed bitterly. "Why don't you go ahead and tell them what you told me?''
"Kenny please no! I can't lose them please!" Dawn began to weep loudly, holding her face in her hands.
"But me you can let go, can't you?'' Kenny scorned.
Frowning, Ash immediately got the notion, Kenny was responsible for Dawn's breakdown. Worst of all, it looked like Kenny was enjoying it. Having held back as long as he felt comfortable with how weird Kenny was acting, Ash finally marched over. No one treated his friends like this, regardless of how hurt they were! With just one hand, he hoisted the red head by his neck, slamming him against the tree.
"You responsible for this?'' he snapped. ''If I were you, I would never say 'yes'.''
"Shut your trap!'' Kenny struggled at the bulkier arm, ''You have no idea how much turmoil you caused!''
Rushing over, the brunette tugged on Ash's arm, trying to end a scuffle he had started. "ASH!'' May scolded, "Put him down!''
"You better start talking, punk.'' Ash squeezed the coordinator's shirt, tightening his grip.
"Ash, please!'' Dawn squalled, now bawling. "Just let him go!''
In his own protest, he could only do what his friend wished. Grumbling he let go of Kenny, but with a soft push against the tree.
She couldn't make any eye contact with Kenny, though. Holding back her tears, so that she could clarify her apology, she stuttered. ''Kenny…I don…don't think everything…will be the…same between us…again. But I can…understand if you resent…me.. I am…sorry I messed up…And somewhere down the line…I don't know." Dawn choked out, beginning to cry herself, "It just…happened…I can't explain it, and I wish I could…"
Kenny's head drooped and he wiped a tear from his face. Dawn's face warmed and she continued, trying to be as gentle as she could. "Kenny, for what it's worth, you were the best friend I could've had as a kid. But…that's all…that I ever thought of you as. A friend…I'm so sorry, Kenny."
Kenny rubbed his eyes and sniffled, his stopped-up nose becoming evident. The auburn-haired boy slowly looked up, meeting Dawn's eyes in the darkness.
"I need some time to cool off.'' He scoffed, and walked away, exiting the pacific area he had just caused a scene at. Ash stared after where Kenny had walked off, mumbling abuses at him over the whole scene. He looked back over at May only to see she was hugging Dawn. The blunette coordinator was crying loudly. The brunette was trying her hardest to console her friend, stroking her back and whispering comforting words to her.
"Did he say something to you?" Ash quirked a brow skeptically, knowing well how women would lie to save an altercation. ''Wait, he didn't harm you, did he?''
Dawn stiffed, snuffling some air through her red nose. She shook her head, physically answering negatively.
"Then what was that all about?'' May chastised. ''I think that guy went too far with you.''
"It…wasn't his….fault..''
"Dawn, cough it up.'' Ash impelled, ''We know that guy has some obsession with you. Just tell us, alright. It's gonna be fine.''
Dawn exhaled, successfully restraining any more tears, but it was no reason to be happy. She began..''He brought me here and…'' She narrated everything that had transpired between them. Dawn finishes, but too slowly to be normal. When she speaks her voice trails slowly, like her words are unwilling to take flight. There is a sadness in her eyes, the brown too glossy. Equal shocks registered on the duo's faces, even the thought of Kenny repelling them. In the split second that she is illuminated by the flickering street-lamp his face falls from elation to horror and then to a controlled visage of concern.
"He lashed out at you just because you won't return his feelings!?'' May gawked. "How pathetic.''
"Okay, I am gonna go give this son of a bitch a piece of my mind.'' Ash seethed, driving his fist into his open palm, spiteful to no end.
"Ash, please.'' Dawn begged between her tears. "I will talk to him. You'll make things worse.''
"No Dawn,'' Ash refused. ''Nobody hurts my friends on my watch. May, take her back."
Thinking about how close Kenny and Ash had come to blows - the closest May had seen Ash get with anyone - she couldn't help but worry the hot-blooded trainer might go try to initiate things again. "Don't get physical with him.''
Fiddling with his hair, the trainer swallowed a lump in his throat. "I won't…I'll just talk to him…man to man.''
Jumping in other people's problems was quite unusual of Ash, but as puerile he could sometimes be, he was quite wise. Frowning at the trainer wordlessly, May processed his response. While she was the problem solver in romantic plights, she didn't know how Ash could handle such delicate problems. Her only hope was to think Ash had learned something from her traits after being with her all this time.
"Alright," she agreed. "We'll see you at Dawn's."
"Thanks."
Before he went off, Ash left Pikachu and all of his Pokeballs with the two girls. His talk with Kenny was going to be personal.
"Hope you are proud of yourself!''
In a ramen shop set up in the lane, Ash found the mainspring of his emotional turbulence for the night. Blast his audacity, who just sat there on the backless chair, splitting chopsticks into two to dunk them in his ramen. The chestnut haired Coordinator didn't turn around, his puffing cheeks still bulging from the corners.
"What do you want?'' Hearing his voice, he narrowed his eyes in disbelief. Why was this problem following him everywhere? Why did Ash have to show up after all these years.
"To kick your ass, and,'' Ash spat furiously, leaning over to investigate what was in the bowl in front of Kenny,''….an extra large of whatever you are having!''
Hysterically, Kenny sighed, as Ash drew up a chair, and placed his hands on the desk. ''Gimme a large order of Shoyu Ramen, extra beef. He pays.'' Ash pointed a thumb at the fuming Coordinator.
The frail little Japanese man bowed with courtesy, and disappeared behind the curtains. Glad they now had some privacy, Ash stamped his hand on the table, turning over to the Coordinator.
"So what's your deal, freckles?'' Ash admonished. ''You bite the girl's head off just because she doesn't return your feelings? What kinda man are you?''
There wasn't anything that Kenny owed Ash an explanation for. ''What does it matter to you anyway? What happened is between Dawn and me!''
"Hey, don't pull the yellow tape on me!'' Ash defended, obviously desperate in a mood for scuffle, but a promise of restraining himself was a commitment. ''I am just worried for my friend.''
"See,'' Kenny pointed out, shouting. ''The story of my life! You are where I should have been. Somehow, I have been made the bad guy, all because of your meddling.''
"What the heck did I do?'' Ash gaped in absurdity.
"You came back, that's what you did! You sweep right back in as if you never left!''
''Hey, don't blame me because you fucked up man! The girl you have been holding the torch for rejected you. I had nothing to do with it!'' Ash barked, face closer to the Coordinator. Why would his absence delight the Coordinator? What was he cooking now?
"She rejected me because she hasn't overcome her feelings for you!'' Kenny cried, wanting to say anything but repeating that. "And now, I have lost her for good.''
"What?'' Ash's brow quirked. Caught off guard, he winced. "Dawn had feelings for me?''
"Had?" Kenny lamented. ''She probably still does!''
Not able to find what he found so pleasing, Ash's grin just stretched widely like his two Gengars whenever they did something eerie. "Dawn crushed on me...''
"Wipe that smirk of your face, Ketchum!''
"I had no idea I was such a hit with the ladies.'' Ash weakly chuckled, enraging Kenny further. "I guess I can't be blamed after all. It's all in the package.''
"Have you ever tried modesty?'' Kenny deadpanned.
"Once…hate it.''
Kenny let out a tired huff that pried to cool his ramen. Obviously, this wasn't going anywhere. "What am I supposed to do Ash?" he scratched his head. ''I teased her so that I could make myself feel close to her. All my life I thought our friendship could turn into something. I waited and waited, but all we could do is remain friends. Heck, her bond became quite stronger with you than it was ever with me. How was I ever not to feel jealous?''
Ash chuckled weakly…''You wanna talk jealous?''
The girls and Pikachu made their way out of the street, now walking in the tranquil quiet lane that led to Dawn's house. The peaceful lull between them was interrupted as May got to thinking about something.
"Hey Dawn?''
"Hmm…'' Wiping a tear, she responded that she was available for an answer.
"Do you think you would ever be able to forgive Kenny?'' she gently asked, placing a hand on her friend's shoulder. "I mean. sure what he did wasn't very pleasant, but isn't he like your childhood friend?''
Looking back at her, those sapphire eyes gave the blunette some hope. Bubbly as her personality was, crying wasn't something that suited her. Smiling gently, and pondering over her relationship with Kenny, expressed her inner feelings. ''Truth be told May, I am not upset with Kenny. I forgave him the instant his temper settled. I guess, I wasn't as expectant as Kenny was, and I just sidelined him as a friend. That was probably my first mistake. I should have put my foot down. I should have been honest with him, but he just kept coming back you know.''
"Well, I definitely think you should forgive him.'' May advocated. ''You remember Drew, right? Back in the days, I knew he had a thing for me, and somewhere inside me, I was taking a liking to him too, but my soul told me otherwise. Like everything in the world screamed to me, that Ash is the one for me…Sorry, that was too melodramatic, wasn't it?''
The girls giggled inordinately.
"Men will be men. Awful romantics…'' May chuckled, before seeing Ash's male Pikachu pout at that statement from Dawn's shoulder. ''Except for you, Pikachu. Come on Dawn, let's go.''
She sensed some consternation, when she didn't hear any footsteps following behind her. Curious, she turned around to find Dawn still standing there in the middle of the road, her head hung from her shoulders, and her muscles tensed.
"Dawn?''
"May,'' she whispered in monotone, she could feel the fear in her chest taking over. She was adept at hiding her broken insides, but not anymore. Calming her nerves, she began by gathering her courage. "May, Kenny was about to tell you something I didn't want to let anyone know, especially not you, but I love you too much to hide it anymore from you.''
Sensing a shift in her jovial mood that felt nice to float for a while, May tilted her head. ''What is it?''
The catalyst for her realization stood in front of her. Finally she pressed. ''May, ten years ago, you weren't the only one who harbored feelings for Ash …I felt strongly for him too…''
Shock plastered on May's face brought the silence within. She felt her emotions change and girder her soul for what was about to come.
"You had feelings for him?''
The brunette furrowed her brows. Startled by her forthrightness, Dawn blushed before gulping.
"Yeah," It sent a white hot, sickly feeling. She didn't like it at all and wanted it settled now... Even if it meant confirming her fears. "but it's true. I fancied him a lot, and the closure we shared, he did warm me down. I felt kinda funny being around him, like I really enjoyed it. Ever since I last saw him in Unova, I got this feeling that I really needed him around me. I don't know why but it did feel unusual to travel without him. We used to be connected on the intercom, but it was never enough. He came to Sinnoh, once his journey in Kalos was over, and we spent the entire day together, talking. And what I realized is,'' Dawn's face warmed and she continued, trying to be courageous as ever. ''…that I love him.''
May tensed, taking a deep breath at the last segment.
"Our journeys never came together. He left for Alola, and things took a steep curve from there. But that rascal was sly. He hid from every one of us…that he had eyes only for you. I found out from Misty, and I was totally blown away. My own friend didn't find me close enough to share, and top of that…he loved you? I felt it was totally unfair. I mean you did have Drew…whom did I have?''
May's mood only sunk further after this. Balling her fists, May began to catch up with her thoughts. Every part of her was now on a pause.
"I tried hard to rival you for Ash, but I just couldn't beat you. I guess I didn't wanna lose a friend over a brief crush. I did know that he liked you, but I had no certainty whether you liked him as well, and that's where I sapped hope from. But that night at the Grand Festival where you beat me to win that Ribbon Cup, I heard Misty saying that Ash was gonna be there that night…and that you were finally gonna….admit your feelings….I figured if I could just get to him before you..''
The scene was quite unbelievable, shocking really. May's mind was sent reeling, unable to comprehend or process the images it was being sent by her eyes. She looked away, then looked back to see if Dawn was still there. She was.
"And then I backed out…''
May's head perked up again, as she stared into those azure orbs of the blunette.
"That's right I backed out. Even if I was lucky to have him, he wanted to be with you. And I could never change that. Looking at the both of you, I realized that I liked him, but could never love him as you do. I was just thirteen and he was fifteen. Both of us young and too stupid to do anything.'' Dawn chuckled, pouring life into May. ''And then after he ran away, I really grew up emotionally. "
Confused where Dawn was going, May could only listen hopefully.
"Over time, my feelings for him waned away. I was so happy to see him today, like my eyes clamored to see him, but what made me happier, is that you both, my best friends, have come together, and that May, is the whole truth.''
Tears welled up in May's eyes, expression once again serious where it had been fluctuating between nostalgic and gentle. Pleased that Dawn had finally got that prick out of her chest and valuing their friendship above anything else, she blitzes, cutting Dawn off for a fierce girlish hug. May wasn't upset with her as Dawn expected May to be. Jubilant and caring as always she couldn't bear to see a loved one miffed with her.
"You sacrificed yourself for me?'' she sniffled in the bluenette's shoulder. ''Don't know if I can ever repay that.''
"So…you aren't pissed at me?''
"Of course not!'' May blanched. ''If these ten years I learned something, it's that I have grown stronger emotionally. I know for a fact, that apart from you and me, Misty was smitten by him too. Heck, one of his own travelling companions married him. Yes, it sometimes bugs me that he still loves her, but I have found a way to live with it. What matters, that I have him, and he has me, and we love each other.'' Grazing her back, she cooed. ''Don't worry Dawn. There's no hatchet between us to bury.''
"Thanks, May.'' Giggling, May softly slapped her shoulder. Apologies didn't exist between them. Lightened, Dawn managed to shrink down a grin to the smallest extent as she stroked May's back. "You know I love you, girlfriend. You deserve him more than I do. But never ever break his heart, okay.''
"Promise.''
"He really has played a key role in our lives hasn't he?'' Dawn pulled away, as they continued walking.
Caroling, May finished. "He gave us all…each other…''
A heavy silence rested between the two. They didn't make eye contact. Behind them, the number of people meandering aimlessly in the streets now allayed. Hot, steamy ramen in front of the duo, the fog from the traditional dish warming their faces. Kenny dipped his noodles into the broth, while Ash just mixed them altogether, and wolfed a massive lump of noodles down his mouth, whole-heartedly stuffing his face. Even his slurps disgusted Kenny.
Wolfing down, he paced himself surprisingly enough to down what he'd been eating to begin. "I think I got you." He looked up.
Confused by this revelation, Kenny's nose crinkled while he narrowed his eyes. He huffed, ''I don't think you do.''
"Come on,'' Ash winced. ''Fear of losing your girl to someone else. Been there.''
"Really?'' Kenny softened up, trying to contemplate what Ash really wanted to say.
"Yeah. I don't know if you know this guy or not, but do you know Drew from Larousse City by any chance. He's a Coordinator just like you. Green hair, green eyes, green pants, and he's also a mascot of Larousse City gay community. Have you met him at a Contest or something?''
Kenny pondered on the name for a while. He would have been in hundreds of Contests over four regions but did anybody by that name ever cross paths with him? Not sure about friends, but he was quick to pick up quite a few fierce rivals. He already had Nando, Ursula, Dawn and Zoey. There was also a pink haired Coordinator from Kanto named Solidad who whipped him out on the stage, but Drew? Maybe they both were at a Contest but never would have interacted with each other.
"No, doesn't ring a bell…'' Kenny disavowed.
"This Drew person had always been a thorn in my way. Fourteen years ago, me and May, along with her brother and Brock, whom you know, were journeying through Hoenn. We met Drew at Slateport City. May was practicing for the upcoming Contest, and this guy just comes out of nowhere, and like a self proclaimed critic, just starts to berate May. The poor girl had just started out in the Contests, and every time we saw that jackass, we would always pull May's chain. But I was too dense back then to realize what Drew actually wanted. He teased May, just like you piss off Dawn, and inevitably, a spark started between them. Just because he had a kind side, May started taking a liking to him. She totally forgot what a sap this guy used to be. Every time we bumped into him, we would do something that would steal May's eyes from me and shine upon him. He would review May's appeals, help her with the Contests, even make her Pokemon learn new moves…I wanted to do all of that…but no, it was too late and I was already casted aside because my battle strategies are too 'aggressive' on a Contest floor..Even May's Pokemon, the ones I helped her raise, looked upto Drew for inspiration.''
He finally looked up, making eye contact with Kenny. "And what I feared, became reality. May was learning to stand on her own feet, but at my expense. She started to acknowledge the advice Drew gave her, because he was an experienced Coordinator. I was starting to feel totally out of the picture. They would talk the whole day, while I babysat her brother. But I guess it was my fault, that I never really supported her my hundred percent like I did with Dawn. Now you get my drift?''
The Coordinator nodded, relating his dilemma with Ash's.
"After the Hoenn Grand Festival, he was gone, and I thought I was back in the race again." Snorting at the end of his own spiel, Ash looked at his ramen, the cream still floating on the broth. "But no. He wasn't done there. May wanted to try the Contests in Kanto, and we once again set out on the road, but guess who we ran into every time. Drew! What was with that guy, coming out of the blue? Eventually, he became an important part of May's life, and she sidelined me like I was just some paid cheerleader. Then May and I started to drift apart. We would journey together, but her constant gloating about Drew stung me. We began to spend less time together, and she didn't even notice how far I had already distanced myself to her. He even encouraged May to change her battling style that was hugely inspired by my own. Can you believe it? Who does he think he is to give her advice like that? Eventually he talked May into travelling alone, and she sprung to me that she wanted to journey through Johto all alone…even before I could convince her to pick up a new region together. Imagine what I went through, when I realized that May and Drew were gonna be in the same region, and I wasn't gonna be there with her. Then, we split up and it just - it bothered me! So, I didn't wanna think about it and I did a pretty good job not thinking about it for a long time."You feel the same way right? '
"Yeah,'' Kenny respired. "Sorry, I didn't know…but now you and May are together right?''
"At a cost, my friend,'' Ash chuckled, patting Kenny's back. "I was so eaten up with jealousy that I was convinced that they were totally into each other, and that Kenny, was the biggest mistake I ever made in my life. I had channeled so much negative energy that I failed to notice that May actually liked me. She loved me. And in the heat of the moment, I ran away. I ran away as far as I could…''
"Why?''
"Because I was too scared to face the truth." Ash sighed, his elbow pressed hard against the table, and his head between his two hands. ''But what matters is we reunited ten years later, and…you already know."
"Oh man. I am so sorry,'' Kenny agreed, rubbing his eye for a second as if trying to ignore what he had just said. ''I had no idea I was so paranoid."
Rolling his eyes, Ash tried to lighten the mood again. He wasn't the biggest fan of dwelling on negative feelings. "You and I have been in the same boat Kenny. I know what it's like. Stop thinking she hates you. Don't let this jealousy ruin your friendship with Dawn. Don't let it eat you from inside. Move on, cause she already has. You'll find someone better along the way.''
After a brief pause of waiting for Ash to continue, Kenny sighed, shaking his head. ''I guess you're right. I guess things will be okay…I just have to be happy for her.''
Reaching over to ruffle the shorter boy's hair, Ash put on a cocky grin. "There you go, junior.…''
"Hey!'' Kenny winced, swatting Ash's hand away from his hair.
"So when are you gonna give me my rematch?'' Ash teased.
"Whoa…after seeing you ripping Palmer like that,'' Kenny rasped. "I gotta train a whole lot to take you on.''
"Whenever you're ready chuck.'' Ash crowed, placing his hand on Kenny's shoulder, as he slid himself off the chair, a wide smile brimming with confidence. With a fist raised, he continued. ''See you Kenny. We'll meet again.''
"Thanks Ash,'' Kenny agreed, brightening his face. ''You're a good guy. I am sorry I misjudged you. Thanks for talking me out of it.''
"No problem, Kenny…''
Ash left, while Kenny was left out alone in the ramen bar dining alone. Not moments after he had left, the little Japanese owner slid forward the invoice ahead towards Kenny. Digging into his pocket for some coins, Kenny choked, finding out that the owner had billed him for not one but two ramen, the second one quite costlier than the one he had ordered.
Comically, his eyes flood out. ''He didn't pay the bill….''
With the Twinleaf Festival wrapped up, the next day came like an alarm clock, badgering people to return back to live normally. Early mornings were the dominion of the flock of Starly and Staravia, for they in bright feathery plumes are so very in love with the sunrise. There is an awakening magic each day in the early morning, a sense of an old earth-spirit rekindled that seeks to knit together all that is good. This morning the sky has an unusual dash of orange cast onto the otherwise pale grey cloud, otherwise the day promises to be like every other. Two selves of the people exited their houses, one kind in the jumpsuits dashing on the lanes for their morning run, the others in office attire – less enthusiastic for their day that lay ahead.
Dawn escorted Ash and May to the gate of Twinleaf, none too delighted on parting ways. A day's time was not enough for them to stay together.
"Kay…"Ash stopped walking, making the first step on the crossroad that would take them to Sandgem Town. "Seems like we split here.''
May turned over to Dawn, giving her one last tight hug. ''You sure you don't wanna come with us anymore?''
Winking, she chirped declining their offer for the second time, ''Nah, I like carrying my own weight. Besides you two love birds would need all the space there is.''
"Well, you have my number now,'' Ash smiled at her, breaking out a huge grin. ''Call us once in a while okay. We just wanna make sure you're doing alright.''
"You got it,'' she teased. "Keep me posted."
"We'll be seeing each other very soon, you know.'' May pulled the strap of her bag on her shoulder. "Hearthome City.''
"Will be there before you know it.'' Dawn nodded. "You guys get going right now. Professor Rowan is still a dedicated follower of punctuality.'' She reached to scratch behind Pikachu's ear with the expertise of a seasoned Coordinator.
"Cha~'' Pikachu cooed, happily craning his neck for the gentle hand.
"Emplo!'' the Emperor Pokemon raised a flipper, acting all tough.
"Take care, Dawn." The raven-haired trainer chuckled. Stamping this moment, into his memory, he turned around first to stroll on Route 201. With May following suit as well.
"Hey Ash?''
Ash whipped around, a confused look on his face.
Dawn's lips curved upwards, her eyes sparkling with passion. She slowly raised up her hand in the air, the loose black bracelet in her hand, lowered down. Ash's face lit up, recognizing what she wanted. It had been a long time since they did it. He dropped his sack, and raced for that palm, slapping it with his own, performing the mark of their strong friendship for the time. The hands clapped, and they chuckled. May smiled, comprehending everything was back to normal.
Pikachu and Empoleon mimicked their trainers' actions, slapping paw against flipper as well. Unceremoniously, one of Ash's Pokeballs jiggled, and the resident inside burst out with a glower on Empoleon.
"Samurott!'' Ash drawled.
The Formidable Pokemon and the Emperor Pokemon's brave façade shattered, as they lunged for each other, for a hug. The faces of the humans faltered, as they two arctic tribunals separated, eyes watering. Everyone shared a hearty laugh. The first day in Sinnoh might have come to an end, but the fun was just beginning. Old friends and progress could only make their adventure better!
Shortly after a day's time, the two bid goodbye to Professor Rowan. Ash successfully delivered the reports and findings to the Lab officials, satisfied that he didn't owe Gary a single bit of another favor. However, the errand did take up their entire afternoon. After lunch at the local diner, a taxi ride curtailed their journey, and they were back in Jubilife City by pre-evening. The sun was cresting in the horizon as they entered into the city borders.
Currently, May sat in the lounge of a car rental place, perusing some old magazines she carried in her sack, with herself in the cover. Ash was signing some agreement forms on the counter with the sales person, as they were deciding upon a suitable deal. Pikachu was rummaging through his trainer's backpack, hoping to stumble upon some treat, completely ignoring the showroom's complimentary Pokechow while Lucario meditated nearby
"Hey,'' Ash tiredly sighed, slumping on the armchair. "The SUV I booked isn't available at the moment. They say it will be here by tomorrow.''
"Why did you book a SUV?'' May rolled her eyes, skimming another page.
"Babe,'' Ash reached for a cookie. ''We are in Sinnoh. This place is freezing all year. We'll be warm and comfortable in one. Trust me.''
May slapped the publication, narrowing her sapphire hues to her boyfriend. "I just saw three cars lined outside. All of them are SUVs. Why can't we take any of those?''
"They already charged me for the one that I booked, and they also have a no-refund policy,'' Ash answered plainly. ''Besides, I am looking forward to traveling in the car I booked.''
"What's so special about this car?''
"It's a Zacian Eleanor C360."
"What's the difference?'' May cocked her brows.
"Pfft..'' Ash scoffed. ''AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed sports automatic transmission, suspension with adaptive damping adjustment, 9G Tronic, multifunction sports steering wheel, Boomburster surround sound system. Can it be enough?''
"Yeah…I don't get it….''
"Okay you should be concerned, that it has four wheels, four doors, huge space and a sliding roof.''
May squinted her eyes, unnerving Ash with a simple stare. "And we have to hold ourselves just because you wanna travel in luxury?''
Ash, sensing no fault in the purchase, nodded firmly. ''Precisely, yeah.''
Slumping on her shoulders, May droned. ''Well, guess there's no talking you outta it. So we hit the road tomorrow.''
"Seems so,'' Ash approved the suspicion affirmatively. "We'll check into the hotel for the night. Actually, you can use this time to register for the PWCE. I don't think you had any time for that yesterday."
"Scoot,'' May realized. ''I gotta do that. We better get to the Pokemon Center.''
"No need to go to the Pokemon Center,'' Ash refuted. ''You can do it online as Dawn said. I have my laptop with me, you can use it. We'll be out of here as soon as I get the invoice.''
"Ok, thanks." May lolled her head into the chair, fancying that she would be staying at an opulent hotel later tonight. With Ash's taste in ostentatiously expensive stuff, she could get used to it. It wasn't like she was sponging him. She was just being a part of his lifestyle. She buried herself deep in the thoughts. While her father was a highly paid Gym Leader, the three bullets of any traditional list was enough for her: food, clothes and shelter. She believed happiness could be found in all these three things. She didn't really care for a luxurious life and what her boyfriend could provide her. Her most essential requirement was himself. And as long as he was with her, she didn't mind eating canned food along with him, wearing the same clothes everyday and sleeping on the cold, hard dirt ground rather than a plushy mattress. However, she couldn't even blame him for splurging extensively, because he had a hell lot of it. He probably made more in a second, than he would spend in an hour, and that was no bragging or exaggeration. It was an achievement he had worked hard for.
"May?''
She was alarmed, as someone touched her.
"May?''
"What Ash?'' she jostled forward.
"You wanna discuss the trip now, or later?''
"Well, we aren't doing anything.'' She participated as Ash pulled out his tab from the bag and launched a certain application. May was startled as a hologram of the Sinnoh map popped out of the screen, rotating as if controlled on autopilot.
"I made an estimate that we can complete Sinnoh in 50 days time. That's just a rough estimate.''
"50 days?'' May repeated incredulously. "You think we can drive around the whole region in just 50 days?''
"On foot, it would take six months perhaps. With public transport, three and a half months. But since we are cruising on National Highways, we can complete the target. We leave Jubilife tomorrow evening, we can reach Oreburgh by tomorrow night. We just stop at important cities for Contests and Gyms, and stuff and skip the rest. It won't even take 50 days if we just avoid obstacles such as scuffling between Legendaries, criminal organizations, helping out people we don't know…I think we can complete Sinnoh in no time. I ain't planning on taking on the League.'' Ash expounded
"And what would we do if my PWCE Contest is abroad?'' May questioned in dubiety.
"I'll fly you there. Trust me, the Gyms are not as important as those Contests are. I can let one or two Gyms slide. But it's my responsibility to get you there.''
"Oh…you know I don't want you to do that.'' May crooned.
"So are you okay with the arrangements?''
"Although I gotta ask. Why do you wanna finish the journey in just fifty days? What's the hurry cowboy?'' May teased.
"May,'' Ash frowned. ''The end of my vacation is nearing. I have like three more months to show myself at the office. My absence could be causing some delays in deliverables. Many projects are pending. I haven't even looked into half of them. They need my advice, my approvals on everything. I can't always have Clemont fill in for me every single day.''
May nodded, as he made a valid point, although one question still pending in indecision, and what better time to discuss it than now. ''Ash, have you ever thought what would I do if you go to Kalos?''
"Didn't you say you'll be coming with me?''
"I did,'' May affirmed. ''But what would I do in a region with no Contests?''
Ash's brows shot up. May was right. There were no Contests in Kalos, however, there were many other career options she could choose to go into. Kalos never disappointed when it came to employment.
"As far as I can say, you'll be pretty busy in PWCE. After that, we'll figure something out.''
The salesman came with the bill, and Ash signed it. Taking the salesman's word that their car would be available, the couple exited the showroom and after a five minute walk, checked into a nice hotel two blocks away.
"Wow!'' May marveled into her camcorder as she entered first into their hotel room, scanning the ambience of their suite for memories. "Amazing!''
Their room was on the 21st floor. The offer they chose was a spacious studio style Jubilife apartment, with a full furnished room, private bedroom and a bathroom. The service boy brought their bags in, and explained to them the complete list of amenities and services available in their room, also something about the cleaning policy and security. Pikachu and Lucario had already made their territory in the living room..
May was still busy registering all the richness of the suite in her camcorder. In a city with inimitable grace and style, the hotel stood out for its timeless hospitality and understated sophistication. She glee in delight at the prospect of a coveted stay. She pulled the drapes, sighting the vast city shining in orange glow, flickering through the window. Panoramic views which were one of the few things free in the world encompassed many landmarks such as Poketch Company, the TV Station, the Golden Trade Station and the Jubilife Communications Tower.
The suite was a spacious, redesigned living area with fumed oak floors and expansive windows with marble window seats. The dining area had a table with seating for four to six under a circular gold chandelier. At the center of the living area, a sofa was accompanied by an eggplant-hued sitting chair, two-tied coffee table and sat opposite a wall of white oak and a 55" plasma-screen television. For the working hours, the spacious oversized work area includes a layered smoked glass desk with a contemporary desk lamp.
The refreshed contemporary bedroom interiors featured plush carpeting, a 55" plasma-screen television, and taupe bench. Bella Crema marble and custom upholstered headboard with pivoted leather paneling and integrated technology capped the sumptuous bed.
Wall coverings subtly reference Jubilife's iconic hills and valleys while Sinnoh's glorious panoramas bring a gallery feel to the room. The bathrooms had limestone floors, marble vanities with double sinks, extra-deep, extra-long soaking tubs, separate frosted-glass-enclosed shower rooms with ceiling-mounted rainfall showerheads.
Seeing the service boy off the door with his tip, Ash grinned widely as Pikachu had already claimed a large cushion as his bed for the night while Lucario appeared to have fallen asleep while meditating, drool falling from his mouth. Seeing May nowhere to be found, he explored the suite before finding her staring at the large city. Chuckling, Ash grasped the door handle of the bedroom, easing it closed before twisting the knob into a closed position. Turning round he was met with two palms on his chest and a gentle push flattening him against the door. May looked up, her face shaded by her hair.
"Are you sure staying at five stars so often isn't gonna burn a hole in your pocket?'' she asked again, her breath warming his ear.
"No,'' he answered confidently, proud that he was wise to create a separate reserve.
He lowered his head and kissed her on the lips. Gently at first, feeling his way along, attentive to the fingertips dimpling his pecs. He wasn't sure what he expected, but it felt like a kiss. A kiss from soft, tender lips anxious for something more. He leaned in, more confident, pinching them between his, eliciting a muffled sigh. His hands - still cold - settled round her waist, crossing her back several times before drifting down over her jeans. He squeezed her rump and tugged it close, smushing her pelvis into his. His thickening cock flexed in his jeans, signaling its desire to escape. If he had any apprehension about being away from her, it was certainly gone now. Chuckling, she moaned in his mouth.
Her long tongue pushed against his throat briefly before she broke the kiss, panting. 'Well, since you are paying for everything, I get to bring my equalizer."
He whiffed her hair, erotically. "I am okay with that…if I get one everyday…''
"Up to me,'' she winked, raunchily ''If you are a good boy…maybe you can even get more than just a kiss…''
She turned around in front of him, and gripped the base of her sweater and crossed her arms over her head, peeling off the garment and throwing it to the floor. She bent down once again, pinching her thighs together and pooling her jeans to her feet. A brightly striped thong adorned her nethers. He gasps softly when she turns to face him, Her DD breasts push together in the white lace strapless bra.
"Damn,'' he murmurs.
She kicks off her wedges as she takes one step away from her dress. She does a slow turn giving him full view of her body.
"You like it?" she coyly questions.
"Oh yeah…'' he licks his lips.
"You want this body?''
"Oh yeah!'' he lunges at her, only to moan upon being distanced apart from her hand.
"Then you gotta wait a week,'' she giddishly goaded, sprinting off into the bathroom, leaving him bewildered and hideously horny. He scoffed, remembering they just had sex three days ago on New Years night. And now, proposing sex again wouldn't seem maturely resistant. He had to preserve the frequency of sex to make it more endearing each time. After all he had worked hard on improving his libido. Maybe just cuddling for tonight would be enough. He flopped his jacket on the chair, and threw himself on the soft bed, pulling out his phone and checking the mails he had received.
May unwind herself, dipping naked into the soaking tub beside the window, where she could savour the spread of the marvelous city and the sparkling mountains shivering by the snow behind which Oreburgh City lay ahead. This was a truly elevated experience. Fifteen minutes passed as she dried herself. D
While he had just sprawled on the bed, she made her way out of the shower, unflinching as she was absolutely naked. Steam from the hot water hissed into the room. Maybe she was doing this on purpose, as she simply could have wrapped a towel around her waist, but it was her mischief to tease Ash to the core, leaving him frustrated and unattended. However, she in her own mind was expecting a powerful performance from him the night when they would have sex. Feeling a rush of pride and lust, as all the blood in his arteries made their way to his erection, Ash watched her plump bottom and the crack that partitioned her buns apart, as she took out lingerie from her wardrobe. He tried to hide his glare as she strapped the hooks of her bra, the only time where Ash wished the bra wasn't supportive to her mammoth breasts, and she bent down, beholding him her tiny rosebud. Ash inhaled as he grew hotter, disdaining the underwear that now covered her anus. He tried his hardest to fight off his mental interdict, but he badly needed to have sex again. He was hungry for her. A week to go…A week to go..he chanted in his mind.
She slapped on her casuals, leaving Ash unattended and erected. Black side tie ribbed top and fashionable blue shorts, she slapped on some cream. She brushed a few locks behind, and clipped them. Sighting herself ready, she joined her beau on the bed, pecking his cheek once again.
"Go, take a shower,'' she rolled to his left side. ''I'll register for the PWCE.''
Lazy as he was feeling, a bath seemed too good to be turned down. He was already rejected for sex, nothing wrong in getting naked for a refreshing soak. With him gone, she pulled out his laptop from the compartment, and actuated her way until she was at the credentials web page of the PWCE. With already being a strong personality in the industry, May didn't have to set up her account as she fed her User ID, password, personal details and license number for enrollment. Confetti burst on the page as May was successfully registered but gasped in revelation as she was the 814th person to sign up. This meant that 813 Coordinators before her had already won a Ribbon Cup and were qualified enough to enter the Tournament.
Not wanting to mull over the fact that she had stiff international competition, May returned to the Home Page of the official website. She gasped as a notification linked her to their worldwide location. Registrations in Sinnoh circuit was officially open. She clicked on the icon, and was astounded to find that there was a Contest taking place right here in Jubilife City on 5th January, which was tomorrow. And the deadline for registrations were closing right tonight by 8 pm, which only had 90 minutes to go.
Hastily, she clicked on the link and Nurse Joy appeared on the screen, digitally asking for the Pokedex details. Marking her identification number, May silently pleaded as the page began to upload her details, hoping she had registered within the timeframe, or dreading it was sold out or full of participants. The answer could only be revealed on the next page. Thanks to the high speed internet the room offered, the screen popped with an acknowledgement of receipt that she was finally registered for the Jubilife Contest.
At the same time, Ash exited the bathroom, stark naked like the day he was born, just for the 'little' payback.
"Ahh!'' May blushed furiously, as red as her Blaziken, turning away from his long 'dangle'. Hoarsely, she reprimanded. ''What the heck is wrong with you?!''
"You did the same thing five minutes ago!'' Ash retorted, quickly pulling out his underwear and strapping it up. "I am getting double standard vibes here!''
"Whatever, just wear something!'' she urged. ''We are going down by the park.''
"Park? What do you wanna do in a park right now?''
"I just saw a battlefield a couple of yards away from the hotel. I was thinking about practicing some moves. Wanna tag along?'' May tilted her head as she picked herself from the bed, however the tee she wore couldn't hide her chests from jiggling.
"Yeah…'' Ash assented, eyes ogling at 'different' orbs other than her eyes. Thankfully she wasn't noticing. I should have tagged along in the bathroom when I had the chance…
"A week to go….A week to go…''
A winter sunset stole the stage as those fire-diva's do. The duo was far away from the symphony of honking horns and bustling crowds. Soles moving upon the solid ground of Jubilife, the couple made bold progress. With her anxiety now subsided, she swaggered ahead of Ash. She hadn't told him yet she was gonna be participating in the next day's Contest. He knew he was gonna be more than electrified to find May had chosen a stepping stone again, but rather than breaking the news to him, she had to make her believe in herself.
It had been six years since she was last seen on that stage, and six years were enough to change everything. Tomorrow, who knew maybe this time there would be a cerulean ribbon in her hand or not, but she would die rather than giving up. She won't go down in history like she has already been there before. It was her time. Time to rise again. And now the title of Contest Empress meant everything to her. We all need a sense of self determination for positive mental wellness. Otherwise, how can we follow our passions, how can we make the kinds of choices that develop our brains as we wish to? Isn't that the loving thing to do?
She stopped, arms crossed, jerking her head towards the numerous training fields. Ash caught up, putting his hands in his pockets and cocking his head a little as he circled around her to look her head on. "You alright?"
"Yeah,'' May blinked. ''Why do you ask?''
"Nothing…just haven't seen you so dogged in a long time.''
"It's nothing,'' May smiled, finding it cute that her boyfriend was concerned about her. "Ever since I have heard Dawn spill out PWCE, it's got me all riled up for training.''
"That's a good thing. Whom are you gonna start with?''
"With this one of course,'' May walked into the plain ones, and launched her choice of Pokeball skyward. "Blaziken, take the stage!''
The ball snapped open in mid air to spill forth its white light, taking the form of a fully evolved starter. "Blaziken!'' the Blaze Pokemon performed a somersault in mid air, landing gracefully upon the legs he was known widely for. Ash stood off to the side, him, Pikachu, and Lucario watching as the fire type built up large amounts of flame before shooting off a spiraling display of pure fire into the air, making the vortex balance upon his beak.
Ash's irises were left wide open as he studied the intensity of that twister. Hot gales of wind brushing past his hair. Believe it or not, she was training behind his back. The fire shone with power, layers of yellow and red orange mixing into the torpedo. The flames burnt largely as they pleased, sparkling the darkness in the park.
"Now, spinning Sky Uppercut!'' May threw an arm for the sky.
Spitting the blazing twister above, Blaziken outstretched his feathery arms above his head, claws elongated with a bright shine as an achievement of years of practice. Leaping above into the fire, Blaziken spun himself like a drill while maintaining the control of the fire only a few fire types could manage.
"Now, burst it!''
"Blazikennnn!'' The humanoid raked his claws down in an axe handle, bursting the Fire Spin, into a magnificent shower of embers. Centered between the orange rains, Blaziken landed back stoically, concluding his appeal with a soft grunt.
"Hey, what was awesome!'' Ash clapped entering the fray.
"Pika pika pi!''
Lucario was stupefied too, although chivalry was taken away while it was a Riolu. "Most impressive."
"You guys really think so?'' May beseeched.
"Yeah!'' Ash beamed. "I can't express how long I have been waiting to see one of your appeals.''
"I am glad that you like it,'' she smiled faintly, regretting her enthusiasm at the response. She looked at the ground, staring hard.
Ash frowned, twisting at his lips. ''Something weighing you down, May?''
"This is just one of the basics we have practiced. I have been trying to mold Blaziken's flames into glitters now, but the results have always been a mixed bag. The power is just too much and it's quite difficult to control.''
"But the ember rain is just as good, May.'' Ash reviewed. ''It captures the essence of Blaziken's persona.''
"But we have been doing that for a while right now. Blaziken can do almost everything. Fire Shapes, fire stars, fire rings, fireballs, and fire flowers…but still we haven't yet managed to burst all the flames to the core and powder them. I have tried it with Silver Wind, and Skitty's Blizzard, but the attacks always seem to overpower each other and it gets cancelled.''
"Have you tried fire with fire?'' Ash placed his hands upon his hips, watching the starter expel flames.
Taking this as a cue for a break, Blaziken towered by May, arms crossed as he awaited the next command.
"I have but we never really worked hard on our control. That's why we usually use just a single fire type move in our appeals. Mixing Fire Spin with Flamethrower just doesn't fit in our plans. Watch.''
Blaziken nodded as he belched out another whirlpool of fire in the air followed by a jet of flames. The flames whirled and mixed like a disc of yellow, red and orange, burning brilliantly, but the excessive gyration caused smoke to leak out.
"See that's the problem,'' May shrugged in defeat. Blaziken fussed, nudging May. The Coordinator smiled, scratching his chest. She knew how hard her first ever Pokemon was trying, and it wasn't his fault. She just had to figure something out herself. It would bug her the rest of her life, if she couldn't burst the flames into small sprinklers. They may have accidentally stumbled upon it once, but now they had to make it a regular. She just sadly looked at her prime, before turning over to his boyfriend.
"I know this may be out of your expertise, but do you have any advice?''
"You forget that I was married to the Kalos Queen,'' Ash joshed, flicking a small sphere in his wrist, he tapped it chucking the Pokeball high in the air. "I have something that'll lift your spirits up!''
Out of the ball came a third stage fire Pokemon, the lights slowly sprouting into the shape of a Pokemon May had never seen before. A witch bipedal fox, in a maroon robe of log fur from neck to toe. There was a thin tuft of white fur on its torso, flanked by yellow fur draping down from its shoulders. It had fiery red eyes, and a slender snout with a pink nose. Three branches of red orange fur protrude from each ear. As the Pokemon's fur flared, May received a perception of a wizard, her theory only supported by the wand in the Pokemon's hand, which could defy scientific understanding of the world.
"Delphox….'' It snarled, identifying herself.
"May, meet Delphox,'' Ash grinned widely, scratching the Fox Pokemon's fur, making her spoiled by it. ''Serena's first Pokemon.''
"Delphox?'' May blinked, capturing the whole of the Pokemon in front of her eyes, as the fox gave her a serene motherly smile. Still curious, May fished out her Pokedex; the device rattled off with an introduction, displaying the corner of the Kalos starter.
"Delphox, the Fox Pokemon. It gazes into the flames at the tip of its branch to achieve a focus state, which allows it to see the future. Using its psychic power, it generates a fiery vortex of 5,400 degrees Fahrenheit, incinerating foes swept in its whirl of flame.''
May's eyes lit up like stars, the reflection of Delphox lighting in her eyes. A Pokemon so beautiful, so elegant and movements with such causal grace, the Pokemon would easily capture the hearts.
"I got custody of her Pokemon, I bring them out once in a while,'' Ash said.
"Pika pi!''
The fox swooned over the little mouse, chirped as they waved at one another. She then brought her attention to Lucario to pat his head. She always thought of herself as an elder sister to the Pokemon.
"Please stop…" Lucario patiently demanded, causing the fiery vixen to let go with a giggle. She always enjoys teasing the younger fighting-types, whether it be Panchem or Lucario.
"Delphox, this is May,'' Ash introduced, ''Say hi.''
"Phox…'' the fox queen, twirled gracefully and respectfully bowed down.
"Nice to meet you, Delphox.'' May ushered, eyes widening at the fire type. Blaziken was equally floored by seeing his counterpart from another region. With bulk on his side, and beauty on hers, they were nearly the same. If aside from Sceptile, there was another Pokemon who amazed him in Ash's roster, it was Delphox. Pleased with his finds, he chirped excitedly. Composed, Delphox greeted back.
"Delphox, can you shoot a Fire Blast?''
"Del!'' the fire maiden nodded, never to question Ash's authority. She as well as Pancham and Sylveon, well knew to respect Ash's authority and submit to his care after their trainer's demise. Since they knew what kind of person Ash was. Delphox juggled her wand, taking a step into the field to situate her stance. From an exhale from her mouth, she spewed a searing star that grew gigantic in mid air, echoing the starlight upon the wintry night. Untamable limbs of fire spread out for the sky, each in the aspect of lighting up the duvet of darkness. Blaziken's eyes gouged out as feelings of great warmth and intensity flooded in his body. May awed, marveled by the beauty of the flames outshined the stars.
"Psyshock!''
Delphox struck her wand out, sending three bolts of sizzling light blue, crackling indigo blue and sparkling purple into the blazing star, submerging the concentrated flame in a cloak of rainbow coat.
"Whoa! The control of containment is just fabulous,'' May was left open-mouthed.
"Now Shadow Ball!'' was Ash's final command.
The furry fox spun once again, shooting forward a colossal concentrated ghoulish sphere into the rainbow shining fire. The flames leaped with joy of the eternal dancer, sparks pirouetting, giving their all in this brightest of performances. The glitters shone in the cool dusky air they were little more than blurs in the golden sparkles that reflected the last of the rays. May jumped in ecstasy like a child, as the sparkles kept pouring on her body.
"Is this what you wanted?'' Ash chuckled at the antics of the brunette, cleverly knowing that her spirits weren't just raised, they were elevated far high, she would take on anyone in a Contest with any fear on her face.
"Yes, Thank you so much!'' she bounded and pecked his lips. ''That was exactly what we needed to do!''
"Glad we could help, babe'' Ash chimed in amusement, flashing a thumbs at the brunette. His Delphox's display had been stunning, and most importantly, served as a dish of inspiration. Before one could blink, Blaziken was already bounced in the air shooting his flames.
"Pika-ka!" Pikachu cheered as well, pumping his fist in the air in approval.
"Hm. So this is what training is like for a contest, right?" Lucario asked his mouse companion, who nodded in response. "I see. It's quite… interesting."
"So,'' May crossed her legs, a champagne pink layer on her face. ''What do you say, wanna train me for PWCE?''
"Hmm…,'' Ash brooded on the idea, ''like a mentor and apprentice, coach and player who have sex with each other? Yeah, I am up for it!'' he flashed a cheesy smile.
''Stop it!'' she reprimanded. " you'll just get me horny again?''
"Aha!'' Ash joshed, amused that he had befuddled her. ''I knew you were horny!''
May frowned, her dirty daggering stare burning him in the chest.
"I can still look forward to next week, right?''
"Delpho-del Delphox!" the fox barked, fangs seething.
This perturbed the flirts of the two, as they turned at Delphox, whose furry hands covered the eyes of a displeased Lucario.
"What's got Delphox so stroppy?'' May tilted her head in confusion.
After a snicker, Ash replied "She said 'not in front of the child'.".
And that brings us to the end of Chapter 75. Chapter 76 – The Jubilife Contest is currently halfway. So that will also mark a Contest debut in this story. The main journeys will now commence from Chapter 76. It's only going to be romance, and challenges, with some fillers as well. No criminal organization, as it makes no point having two grownups fight crime. We are planning a big thriller for the sequel of this series that involves lot of criminal activity but till then let's keep the Pokemon World Crime free and peaceful.
Right now, we are planning to write nine Contests in our stories in which May will feature of course, and so will her rivals. There are no rivals returning in the next chapter, but once Heartrome City PWCE is on, we can assure you Dawn isn't the only rival returning. Now canonically, May has seven Pokemon, and for this series, we have planned to give her a squad of fourteen. So aside from her count, we are giving her three Pokemon she had already caught in her journeys and four which she will catch in each region. It would be very helpful for us and we would appreciate it a lot if your make you choice in the reviews. We will put it under consideration. Also for Blaziken, Mega Evolution will be in the process.
For Ash, as we know that he will be taking on the Gym Leaders battling their personal teams. So when we say personal, let's not expect it to be the typing of the Gym. Frankly, I am tired writing Onix and Steelix over and over. So me and Blaze will come up with something for the Oreburgh Gym. Also, as mentioned before, many of his Original, Advanced Gen Pokemon won't be appearing until battles are against and Elite or Champion. I also want to debut some of his non canonical and baby Pokemon – Cubchoo, Cranidos, Bagon, Amaura and others. If I can't have them battling in Gyms or Coronation series, they'll be back for training. Ash still has to battle like 16 Gyms, 8 Elite four, two Coronation Series or Clubexplosions and some rivals so theres a lot of his own Pokemon to fill the slots. Now this brings me to an important topic.
Just like Journeys, Ash and May will be travelling to different regions in every four or five chapters, maybe for her Contest of any Coronation series. We need six names you want to see Ash battle. For example, Iris, she's a Champion. We all want to see that rematch again. So I officially fill Iris as a slot if Ash and May are in Unova. Please name other five – any five people spread across Unova, Kalos, Alola and Galar. Any Kahuna, or Galar Gym Leader, it's up to you.
Thanks.
We'll see you next week!