Ashes in May 5 Talking to the Professor
So, I tried to keep in mind correct grammar, however, I'm bad at everything so if you see it know that I'm sorry. Gary had auburn hair I know this, but sometimes it looks brown and sometime it looks more orange and redhead looking so, I might be bouncing between the colors since the also look like a combination of red hair and brown hair. Either way I hope you enjoy it.
"Dad! Me, May and Elio, are going to the airport to pick up Gary we'll be back later!" Ash shouted as the three ran out the door not even letting the father to say a word. The man sighed before returning to his book. Elio walked ahead of the two teens with Pikachu walked by his side as they held a full-blown conversation. "It's impressive how Elio can understand Pikachu so well," May complimented as the walked shoulder to shoulder with Ash. Chucking Ash replied, "Yeah, I mean Elio has grown up with Pikachu at his side. Plus, ever since he was born Pikachu took an almost instinctive action to keep him safe. Sometimes, I think Pikachu like him more than me." May gushed at the cuteness of it and leaned into Ash unconsciously with a dreamy look surprising Ash a bit, "I hope my Pokemon will be like that with my baby." Ash gave her a sincere smile affirming, "Of course they will May. It's your baby, you're Pokemon are going to show the baby so much love; just like you showed them your love they will do the same with the baby." The girl's face flushed at the sweet words feeling his chest flutter. "Thank you, Ash. It mean a lot to me…" "Hehe, I'm only saying the truth," Ash whispered barely realizing he had unconsciously kissed the top of May's head. Once he did though he decided that running up head to catch up with Elio and Pikachu was the best idea to avoid the awkwardness. However, leaving May with a deeper blush trying to process. All the while Ash had run to keep her from seeing his face, knowing his expression was that of a deeper emotion.
Elio laughed bringing May back from her thoughts and running to catch up as well. Soon they reached the city which was bustling with islanders, tourists and Pokemon of all kinds. A large crowd was gathered in front of Hau'oli mall. When they had gotten closer, they were greeted by a woman who stood on a small stage who was speaking into a microphone. "Hello, citizens of Melemele island! I am Lilian Meridian and I am here to tell you all about the amazing event taking place tomorrow! Tomorrow we are hosting a tournament Iki town as well as showcasing Pokemon contests! Anyone can enter for either the tournament as well as the contest. For the contest, we also have special guest coordinators who will take part as a way to show you the marvels of Pokemon contests! Please joins us in Iki town tomorrow morning at 11am sharp! Registration will open starting now until 6 this afternoon!"
Upon finishing, people rose their hand wanting to register and were promptly directed toward the registration booths. Ash looked star eyes with a toothy grin, "Oh, Pikachu we gotta enter the tournament!" "Pi pikachu!" agreed the yellow mouse just as enthusiastically. "Oh, and I can register for the contest! Yay, this will be so much fun!" Ash and Pikachu nodded rapidly like little children asked if they wanted candy. "Yeah, I get to see Ash battle," shouted Elio feeling pumped. "Let go sign up!" Ash said turning to go to line up. Once May saw the long line, she stopped all three boys in their tracks. "Woah hold your Mudsdales. Boys the line is way too long we'll never register in time before Gary gets off the plane. We have to pick him up first and then come back to register." "I guess you're right, May. Let go get Gary," Ash sweatdropped along with Elio and Pikachu.
A little later…
"Hey, Ashy-boy," Gary said lifting his sunglass over his head. He smiled brightly seeing the groups waiting for him. Sadly, that smiled disappeared in an instant and turned into one of fear as he looked up at the four of them jumping at him. May, Elio, Pikachu, and Ash all had jumped and dogpiled the poor boy yelling his name with glee. Elio and Pikachu laughing their head off at how fun it was. While Ash and May looking happy to see their close friend after so long. Thanks to their outburst many people and employees turn their gaze to them shaking their heads with chuckles. "Uhh, if I had known you all would gain so much weight I would have stayed home, ahhh," Gary groaned overexaggerating though his grin never leaving his face. May gasped lightly slapping his chest but ended up giggling, nonetheless. Eventually, the three removed themselves from atop the redhead while Elio looks like he was going to burst from excitement. "Gary, look, look, I'm taller now!" Elio said proudly as Gary kneeled down on one knee to inspect Elio. "Mmm, nope I don't think so," Gary said with a face that made him look like he was trying really hard to figure something out. The black-haired little boy pouted so adorably May gushed, "Yea-huuuh, mom said I grew a whole inch!" Gary looked shocked for a second before returning to his original face, "No, I think you shrunk!" "What, ahh, hahaha," Elio tried to say before was picked up and flip so that he was hanging from his feet. "Don't worry little man, I help you grow back," Gary laughed lightly shaking the boy. The boy laughed saying that this wasn't the way that kids grew! Huffing and puffing Gary finally set the boy down on the ground. Turning to May, Ash, and Pikachu. Pikachu jumped into his arms nuzzling into his chest, "Chaaa!" "Well, hello to you two Pikachu. I hope you've been keeping Ash in line while May and I were away. You were…right?" "Pikachu!" the Pokemon agreed bringing his fist to his chest proudly.
"Hmtp, yeah right! While you all were gone Pikachu cause me to smell like ketchup of an entire week!" hollered Ash with an eyebrow raised. At this May and Elio stepped in hugging Gary and Pikachu with mock defense, "Leave the little guy alone. Pikachu is an angel!" "Yeah, he is always looking out for us," the little boy said with a pout. Ash saw the smug face on the mouse and felt his eye twitch and amped up his expression, "Elio, May, how could you betray me so, whyyyyy?" They pause for a second before bursting in a fist of laughter. "Hey, Gary I missed you," Ash said giving his best friend a hug which Gary returned. "It nice to see you too Gary," May said also giving him a hug. "I feel the same about you both," Gary said with glee, "Man, it's been almost a year since I've been back in Alola. I forgot how hot it is here."
"Don't worry Gary you'll get used to it," May said rolling her eyes. They were just out of the airport when four rumbling sounds came together in chorus making the professor fall to the ground awestruck. The three humans and Pikachu all had their stomachs growl with hunger at the same time. Gary got up with a sweatdrop, "I guess we should head somewhere we can eat." Elio jumped at May star eyes, "May let go get ice cream!" May's eyes shone as well with Elio in her arms she took off running to the nearest ice cream shop leaving Ash and Gary literally in her dust. "You know, I actually expect you to be running alongside her, why you did stay back?" Gary asked curiously. Ash shrugged walking in the direction May had gone. Pikachu still in Gary's arms looked at Gary with confused but both shrugged and followed Ash. When they got there May had already bought everyone the ice cream and they sat ready eating their ice cream. Gary made sure to hold his bag between his legs tight while he made conversation with his friends. He was enjoying this, spending time with the two people who had become his closest friends. Over the years he had devolved a strong bond with May and Ash as they seem to be in constant contact with each other detailing their adventures and interests regularly.
Gary had been keeping his own tabs on Ash since way back. Ash may look and act like a goofball, which he was, but he was more mature than most his age. To top it all he shows just as much intellect in governing his region as he does when battling. Of course, he wasn't alone having the Elite Four to help ease the burden. Alola is the region known for a people and Pokemon coinciding harmoniously and leave it to Ash to take it literally. One example is how he got the populations of Garbordor, Trubbish and Alolan Muk and Alolan Grimer to live in landfills of each island. Thus, making it so that the environment remains clean and these Pokemon remain feed reducing their risk of extinction. Also, he took the time to calm despites between the islands and its people. To top it off tourism increased due to made factors regarding Ash. First, Alola had its very first champion who just so happened to be the youngest in recorded history. Second, Ash had more than enough connection to advertise his region to no end. Not to mention how often he was spotted with champions and elite four members from other regions. In correlation, it was sort of like this: more tourist = more economic growth = more trash = Muk landfill cleaning = clean Alola = prosperous region for humans and all Pokemon in the Alola Region. The last thing that made Gary see Ash's determination didn't even have anything to do with Pokemon or even the region's success; this was something on a very personal level to him. Ash used all the resources he could and money from his various competitions and move earned by being the Champion he opened an orphanage. The orphanage was in Heahea city in Akala which Ash visited whenever he could and enjoyed playing and teaching all of the kids living at the orphanage, effectively become their strong older brother.
As they conversated Gary simply nodded and gave short answers whenever Ash and May spoke to him, but he just looked at the smiling boy with admiration. Those kids looked up to Ash because Ash was like them and was able to pull through. Sure, one could say his accomplishments as a champion aren't on the scale of other champions, however in terms of how many times Ash has saved the world without getting public recognition most would see his prowess above everyone.
Gary then was snapped out of his thought when he felt tugging at this shirt; looking to find Elio trying to get his attention. "Elio, sorry, what's up?" "Gary, are you going to stay with us?" Elio asked with a cute tilt to his head. "Of course, you and Ash-boy have to deal with me since I'm staying in your room," replied with a grin ruffing up the kid's hair. The boy brought his fists up with glee, "Yes, sleepover!" Ash sighed knowing this was going to a repeat of last time, "You know he won't go to sleep as long as we are wake right?" The auburn-haired boy turned to the teen girl and boy with a wink wordlessly letting them know he had a plan causing Ash and May to stifle a giggle. When they had finished their treats, they crossed the street to a park with a nice water fountain in the middle and many wild Pokemon that lived in the trees and bushes. While Elio and Pikachu left to play the teens talked and reminisced more. May looked at Gary and ask, "Sooo, Mr. Oak? What brings you to the Alola region?" Gary gulp silently, giving her a simple response, "I'm just taking a sabbatical, and thought hanging with my best friend and his odd luck would thrust me into a crazy adventure." May laughed at how odd and bland Gary sound, still she agreed with the bit about Ash and crazy adventures. Ash however felt concerned at his response noticing the waves of aura coming from his friend, a conflicting aura similar to the aura May was emanating when he had gotten there the day before. "And what of you, Ms. Maple, any particular reason for your presence in the Alola region?" Gary asked teasingly. Now it was May's turn to swallow hard turning away from her friend; her aura pulsing with same energy as Gary's making Ash frown as now both his best human friends were emanating such aura. Human best friends because Pikachu will always resent it if he doesn't. Lol.
May smiled turning back to Gary winking, "I'm here for a vacation the same as you. Trying to have a peaceful vacation with my best friends is what it's all about; plus, if you haven't noticed after winning the Grand Festival a girl needs to rest." At this Gary grinned with pretend cluelessness, "You, you actually won a Grand Festival? Ash I think May hit her head getting out of the plane!" May pouted when Ash added his two cents. "I think I have to agree with you! I'm pretty sure the Princess of Hoenn won the Sinnoh Grand Festival last week," Ash replied mocking the girl by gently nudging her with his elbow, "I'm sorry May but she won the Sinnoh Grand Festival." May haha-ed before rolling her eyes. She proceeds to tell them that they may joke about it, but she knew that those big ol' goofballs were proud of her; it was just that they didn't like to show their emotional side in public. The boys quickly nodded their heads mockingly coaxing her to roll her eyes again while laughing. "Alright, alright, May, you are right. Really, May we are so proud of you! Your appeals were just amazing and to top it all off you battled with the power of a trainer," Ash stated with the upmost sincerity. Gary nodded in agreement commenting as well, "I also like how your unique style made other coordinators do a doubletake, especially that weird green hair guy in the finals." "Aww, thank guys. My Pokemon worked so hard to make the performance to the best. It took us so much time to get out appeal just right," May said as a memory popped up in her mind, "Speaking about time…(Her eyes go wide). Ash it almost six! We need to go or else we'll miss registration!" "Oh, shoot you're right," Ash stood while telling Gary about the small tournament and contest being held the next day. Both May and Ash asked Gary if he'd like to register as well to which Gary denied. The professor shook his head and told them that he was fine and would rather stay in the park a little longer; he would stay there with Elio a little longer before heading to Ash's house. Ash questioned if he was sure and upon receiving confirmation he and May left.
"Okay, follow me," replied Ash running in the direction in which the sign-up booth was in. At the booth, the lady was just about to lock up the booth when she heard two voices call in unison "Wait please. We need to sign up!" She looked in the direction of which the voices where coming from to see two teens running toward her. Both Ash and May reach the booth and were bent over gasping for air. "Ma'am can...I still sigh...up for the...contest and tournament?" May asked through gasps. May was definitely wishing she had been keeping up with her workouts.
"Yes, of course, your lucky that you got here just as I was about to close up also that there are still a few spots left," said the lady as she got back into the booth and got the computer ready, "Now, may I have you name and a form of Id, please."
"Yes, here you go," replied May handing her coordinator card to the lady with a relieved expression on her face. "See May, we made it just in time," said Ash happily. "Wait, your May Maple... The May Maple and wait now I recognize you your Ash Ketchum," asked the lady in disbelief. "Yes why?" replied May and Ash once again in unison. "Uuuhhh well your what all the region are talking about," said the lady excitedly.
"Really?! They're talking about us?" said May now finding herself in disbelief. "Oh! Yes, May you're the most wonderful coordinator out there and rumored to be the next top coordinator! Now more than even thanks to your winning of the Sinnoh Grand Festival and Ash every gym leader and Champion are constantly referring to you in interviews and conferences saying that you might become the youngest Pokemon master ever," said the Lady overly excited making both Ash and May to sweatdrop. "Can I get your autographs, please?" asked the lady of age 25 holding two pictures of them and a pen, "I'm such a big fan, I so shameful for not recognizing you from the start…"
"Sure," replied May as she signed her name onto the picture of her followed by Ash. "Ding" The sound came from the computer. "Oh, May looks like you're all set and done theirs just one more thing. Who will be your partner in the contest?" asked the lady. "Wait, what!" replied May as her smile disappeared, "What!...a partner I didn't know we needed a partner for contest"
"Oh yes this is a couple's contest and I assume that you will be pairing up with your boyfriend Ash Ketchum," said the lady happily. Instantly, both trainers blushed a bright red. "No, no, no, we're not…" said Ash followed by May, "Boyfriend and girlfriend, w-we we're just friends hehehe, that's all,"
"Oh, that's too bad you two really look like a great couple just like the Battle Lovers Gezet say in the couples matching of the best trainers and coordinators," said the lady softly disappointed that they weren't together. May turned around and looked up at the taller Ash. "So how about it, Ash? Wanna be my partner in the Pokemon contest?" asked May with a confident smile and confidence in her choice in partner.
"Of course, I'll be your partner, but wouldn't that mean that I need to have a coordinator's ID card?" replied Ash turning to the lady. "Oh, that's no problem all you have to do is sign your name onto the back of May' s coordinator card here," she said pointing to the blank line, "And you'll be able to help May in any contest that involves a partner."
"Oh, so that's what that blank space is for?" said May. Ash just chuckled at May then proceeded to sign the card. "Oh, thank you Ash!" said May thanking Ash and bringing him into a huge of which Ash happily returned. They stayed like that loving the good feeling of being in each other's embrace not realizing that they were hugging for a while.
The lady let out and eep of excitement of seeing these two hugging which caused both of them to part from each other blushing. "Alright, remember that the contest starts at eleven am." said the lady. "Thank you miss, said May. "Oh, call me Marcey. Now you better get to the Pokemon center and get some rest," said Marcey assuming they were staying there.
"Shoot, wait, I also want to sign up for the tournament," the champion remarked was he turned back towards the woman. She waved him off dismissively before speaking, "I had a feeling, so I signed you up while I was finishing up, May's registration." "Okay, thank you for that!"
With that, they said their goodbyes and head back to Ash's home.
[At the Professor Kukui's house]
Burnet walked into Ash's room with Gary following in tow. Gary placed his bag and brief case next to Ash's dresser. Ash shared a room with his brother Elio so there was twice the furniture. In one corner, against a wall was Ash's big bed; against the same wall on the opposite corner was Elio's bunkbed. Well, sort of bunk; see Elio had one of those beds where the bed was actually up in the air held up by metal framing and had a combined desk underneath. Ash had a desk of his own on the opposite corner of the room and there many posters of Pokemon leagues, Mallow's family restaurant, Pokemon contest, Kanto Battle Frontier and even Professor Nobel Prize. Ash's multiple badges, Frontier symbols, and Z-crystals were neatly adorned atop his dresser. The room oddly enough was nice and clean much to many people's surprise. The professor looked at the younger professor with a grin, "Are you sure you're fine with sleeping with the boys. I can set the couch up; it would be better than sleeping on the floor." Shaking his head, he responded to her, "It's alright professor Burnet. If push comes to shove, I will literally shove Ash of the bed so I can get a good night's sleep." "Hmm, I sure you will," Burnet giggled before making her way out leaving the boy to himself. Gary sighed with exhaustion as for an entire month he had been researching the data Giovanni had given him and he was honestly surprised by what he read. The data on the Black Tower was a lot, yet left many unanswered questions making what Giovanni said about not having all the data. Within the data stores he found out some seriously sick things and he had almost seen his breakfast again the day he first opened the file. Also, he had tried to investigate the so-called prophecy but unfortunately got nowhere. Okay, he was never one to believe in things that were not based in fact but knowing that the boss of Team Rocket was inclined to believe made him consider it. He would just put that prophecy on the back burner since the Black Tower was more worrying.
A few minutes later Gary sighed a decided to take a shower then head to bed; due to his traveling, he felt so tired either way. He stepped into the bathroom stripped and stepped in. When he had finished, he pulled on a pair of gym shorts and a tank top proceeding to then get into Ash's bed and falling asleep. He would talk to Ash about it tomorrow.
[With May and Ash]
The pair leisurely walked the path back to the house. "Hey, May…we never really finished our conversation from that night…" Ash said hesitantly walking shoulder to shoulder with her. May sighed thoughts now with full weight.
"I guess. What more would you like to talk about?"
Ash bit his lip but continued, "I…Have you given any thought to a plan. I'm not sure what would be the next step." May nodded in agreement with her gaze fixed on the road before them. She had definitely thought about it. It was hard not to when you were already a month along. The brunet just didn't know what to do.
"Ash, I not really sure what comes next, but I think that I'll go get a checkup. You know to make sure the baby is fine."
"That might be best, and they can tell us more about it."
…
"Are you going to let Gary know about the baby?"
May paused for a bit. Gary was her best friend just like Ash, yet she didn't know why she was feeing conflicted about telling him. She didn't have any good reason as to why she shouldn't trust him with this. Still, she sort of felt he had something on his mind to begin with and didn't need to burden himself more. At least in term where she knew the baby was her responsibly to care for and nurture.
"Maybe not yet. I love him he's my best friend, but I'm not ready to tell more people yet. I'm sorry for making you keep this from him."
The taller teen shook his head. Sure, he didn't like keeping secret from his friends, but at the moment he had his own well-kept secrets. He would be a huge hypocrite if he even tried to speak against her decision. Also, this was May's information to disclose and he had no right to tell others about it without her consent.
"You don't have to worry about it May. You can tell him when you're ready. Just remember that I am ready to help you and the baby any way I can," he spoke with love. He slowed to a stop gently turning May to him; placing a hand to her cheek he looked into her alluring eyes and smiled kindly, "We have each other, right? I'm not leaving you to handle this alone." Such sweet words moved her to tears as he let her head lean down into his chest soaking his shirt with tears. She felt warm as he wrapped his arm around her holding her tight. May would have to admit that there were somethings she regretted in her short life but deciding to have this baby was not one of them. The baby wasn't at fault for coming nor did it deserve to be left behind and as much as it terrified her to be a mother in a few months she was going to do it anyway. Now, the coordinator was simply happy she won't be making this new journey by her lonesome.
She had her palms against his chest as she calmed herself; she was not going to lie that feeling his muscle didn't affect her. Honestly, she felt safe knowing that the man in whose arms she was in, was holding her with strength. Plus, there was definitely an added bonus that it made Ash look really good…not that it mattered…
Ash felt slightly confused when he felt heat gather against this chest and thought that maybe May was getting overheated as that day had been rather hot. He softly pushed her back to see her face was now red and instantly his denseness overcame him. "May, you're red. Are you alright?" Ash asked concern written across his face. May laughed nervously, "N-No, I fine, I promise. It was just the crying, see. I just get a bit red when I cry…" It wasn't a completely lie but Ash seemed to accept it, but now before she noticed a slight but very strained flick of blue pass within his eyes. She let it slight thinking she must have just seen things.
May gulped but took hold of his left arm with her arms holding him close. Ash said nothing leading them back to the house. Finally, the made it to the house and stepped up to the front porch letting May pass through the door first. However, just as he was making his way to the door Ash felt a presence out towards the water causing him to snap his head to the sea. He glances over the sand and water to spot the aura he sensed but there was nothing. He shut his eyes letting his aura reach out to search for the presence, but it was gone as if it had completely vanished; even when he out stretch his range nothing like that presence was found, just other Pokemon. He wanted to try once more when he was brought back from his thought by a sweet voice. "Ash? Are you alright? Did you see something?"
Ash frowned still looking out before shaking his head no and making his way into the house shutting the door behind him.
Deep beneath the gentle evening waves swam a small creature. It had two long antenna that glowed at the tips. It swam as if looking for something but then it paused, "Mana?"
What is hidden beneath the waves and how will Gary tell the group about the information. Stay tuned to the tournament and contest, until next time, AS THE JOURNEY CONTINUES!
