Chapter 9
The next morning Ash woke up early once again and went to the bathroom to change and go for a work out. When he walked out he seen May in work out clothes, standing next to Pikachu and Lucario. "May why are you awake this early?"
"I figured since we're traveling together that we should train and workout together. Plus it'd be good for me to get in shape."
"That makes sense, except that you already look amazing." Ash realizing what he had said a blush crossed his face.
May was slightly taken back as a blush graced her face as well, "Ash do you really mean that?"
"Uh, well, I mean... You're in great shape." Ash managed to stutter out still red faced.
"Well thank you Ash that means a lot." May said giving him quick hug and headed towards the door. 'Well at least he thinks I look good, that's a place to start.' she thought with a smile. Ash quickly caught up to May as she reached the practice fields. He had her go through a simple stretch routine so she didn't pull anything, then they took of on a light jog through town with Glaceon, Pikachu, and Lucario following behind them. They had been going for just over a half hour when Ash led them back to the fields where they called all their pokemon out. After instructing their pokemon on what to train on, Ash began to work with May teaching her some basic exercises to begin with.
Ash stepped back to over look the pokemon and May while they exercised he happened to notice the time, "May, we should probably take a break. I didn't realize that we'd been going for almost four hours."
"Really, its been that long?" she said surprised. "Time flies when you're having fun right." she added with a giggle. They fed their pokemon and went to Nurse Joy for a check up for them. After they were cleared May and Ash went and ate their breakfast, and got cleaned up.
"Ash before we go out I want to call my parents real quick to let them know how everything is going." the brunette said.
"Ok May I'll call my mom and check in too so she won't worry." They went to the video phones each calling their homes to check in.
"Ash that's great that you got your first badge, it sounds like it was an amazing battle." His mom said after he told her about the battle and down playing the Beedrill incident so she wouldn't worry. "Keep up the hard work honey and you'll do great I know it."
"Thanks mom. I just need to believe in my pokemon and train every day." he said with a grin.
"Ok honey I've got get to some errands finished up. Be safe, good luck and I love you honey. Give May my love also. Oh and don't forget to change your you know whats." Deila said with a bright smile causing Ash to go deep red.
"Mom I'm old enough you don't need to remind me and I'll make sure to stay safe. I love you too." Ash told his mom, with a last wave she ended the phone call.
With May
"Hi mom. I just wanted to call and let you know that was going good so far, we had a little trouble with some Beedrill, but Ash kept us safe." May said to her mom and then went on to tell her what had happened since they left Palette Town (Ash made sure to call his friend's parents when he returned since they were all just as worried about him).
"That's great honey, I am so glad you're traveling with Ash again and that he's home again." Caroline said smiling at her daughter. "Could you have him come over here May? I'd like to speak to him in private for a moment."
"Ok mom." May turned and seen Ash just ending the call with his mom. "Ash my mom wants to talk to you."
Ash walked over and sat in front of the screen, "Good afternoon Mrs. Maple how are you?"
"I'm doing well Ash. I'm glad you are traveling with May again, after you left it was like a part if her left too. Also no need to be so formal, you know you can call us by our names." she said looking at Ash and as she was talking Norman joined his wife to speak with Ash. "We want to ask you to keep her safe. We know that May has deep feelings for you and I'm very sure you know she does as well."
"I've spoken with Brock about this and he kinda explained it to me, this is an unfamiliar territory for me." Ash said flicking his eyes towards Norman who had a stern look on his face and still hadn't spoken.
"Good Ash, with that being said she's been through a lot. Please don't cause anymore pain." Caroline said.
Ash was a little taken back that they thought he'd ever hurt May. The thought of her hurting caused his stomach to turn and his temper to boil. "I would never do anything to ever hurt her or cause her pain ever again. I knew leaving would cause some but not as much as it did, I regret the pain I caused everyone. " he said with a small amount of shame in his eyes.
Norman finally spoke "Ash, you did what you felt you needed to do. I'm not saying it was right or wrong but it shaped you into the man you are now. You understand more now than you did before and I can see that you have greatly matured." he looked Ash over before continuing "I also can see that you care a great deal for our daughter, have you told her about that?"
"How did you know that, and no I haven't. I'm not sure what I feel so i don't want to say anything until I'm sure what it is." Ash said with a slight shocked look on his face.
Norman let out a chuckle and Caroline had a small smile on her face as she spoke, "Ash we both can see it written in your body language, the way you look at her, talk to her and its your eyes when you look at her. I will say your doing it right, wait until you fully understand your feelings before you say anything."
"I understand, I promise that I will do everything in my power to keep May safe." He said looking the couple in their eyes so they could see his determination.
"Ash we believe you, but I am still a father and I love my daughter beyond words. I will do anything she asks and if anything were to happen to her there will be severe consequences." Norman said.
"I understand sir." Ash said with a nervous smile, even being a full Aura Guardian the look that the Petalburg Gym leader gave him, he knew that he meant what he said.
"Ok Ash we'll let you go, so you two can continue your day, and remember just be patient you'll understand how you feel soon enough." Caroline said.
"Ok thank you. You two have a good day, talk to you later." and with that the screen went black. Ash let out a small sigh "Pi was Norman always so scary?"
"Pi pi pika." the electric mouse said.
"You're right, mom is the same way just protective. Lets go find May and we'll finish shopping so we can head out in two days." Ash stood with Pikachu on his shoulder and Lucario walked by his side.
The found May sitting in the lobby of the center watching the other coordinators that had begun to show up.
"Hey Ash, everything go good with my mom?" she asked as he walked up to her.
"Yeah, she and your dad just wanted to ask how I was and how our journey was going." Ash said leaving out part of their conversation out as to not let her know what he's been thinking about since he came home.
"Oh my dad talked to you too?"
"Yeah he happened to pass by while we were talking. Have you seen any familiar coordinators yet?" he asked hoping to change the subject.
"Not really." she said "A few faces I've seen over the years but no one I've directly dealt with."
They decided to head into town and resupply their packs before heading to Mt Moon. They talked about the trek through the mountain and what pokemon they could find. After an hour of shopping they made their way to Brock's house. They knocked on the door which was answered my Lucy.
"He guys, how are you?"
"We're good Lucy how are you doing?" May asked as the entered the house.
"I've been good. I got the Battle Pike ready for the season. Though I haven't had many challengers since you Ash. I don't know if you know, but you're still the only person to beat the Kanto Battle Frontier."
Ash was slightly shocked he knew the Frontier was hard to take on, but that he was the only person to have ever beaten it surprised him. "Really no one has beaten it since I went through."
"Nope l, only 3 challengers have even made it to Brandon, but they can't get past his Regis. So they eventually resign from the challenge." She explained as the entered the kitchen where Brock was busy cooking. Once the lunch was ready they ate and talked over the next few hours about training methods to some of their adventures. As the sun began to reach the horizon line Ash and May made rhtheir way back to the center. With out noticing the path they were taking, they looked around they seen that they were on the middle of a beautiful flower garden. May began walking through the flowers taking in the beautiful colors and their sweet smell. Ash on the other hand was totally mesmerizing by seeing May with a smile on her face and at how peaceful the moment seemed. Pikachu, Glaceon, and Lucario looked at each other knowing what happening hoping Ash had figured it out. Ash began to move towards May not knowing what he was going to say but it felt right so he was going with it. Just as he was about to reach out to her hand a voice caused the group to turn around.
They turned around and were greeted by a man with purple hair in a Cacture outfit "Oh May how are you hun?"
"Harley what do you want?" May say in an annoyed tone as she faced him.
"Oh why so cold? I thought we were friends." he said acting sweetly towards her.
"Harley we've never been friends and we never will be, especially after all your cheap tricks." she said crossing her arms. The pokemon all growled lowly at him for ruining a moment between their trainers.
"Oh come on hun they were all fun and games. No harm ever really came of them." he grinned at them ignoring the growls, "By the way who his Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome?"
Ash already didn't care for Harley to begin but for some reason he really didn't like him right now. "Harley leave us alone, neither of us want deal with you right now. May already told you to leave so beat it."
"Just who do you think you are?" an annoyed Harley questioned. "And more importantly do you know who I am?"
"Hmmm a second rate coordinator, who apparently has zero fashion sense. I mean I don't have a whole lot of sense either but damn man you need a new style." Ash said with a smirk, "I also guess I shouldn't be too surprised you don't remember me, Pi take your place." With that command Pikachu jumped to his place on Ash's shoulder.
"K-ketchum you're back?" Harley stuttered out in shock. "I thought you were gone forever."
"No not for forever, just until I was ready. Now like May and I have both said leave or you'll be forced too." Ash said as Pikachu's cheeks began to spark. Without another word Harley spun around and stalked off. "May sorry about that, he always bothered me but he really got under my skin for some reason."
May felt so touched that Ash was that protective of her. "Its ok Ash I understand what you mean, he's gotten worse than when you met him. I usually don't have to deal with him much luckily, but this is the one of the few times I have to deal with him." May explained. "Though I've been able to beat him every time we've battled against each other, which makes it easier to handle him."
Ash couldn't help but smile hearing that May had beaten the purple haired menace. "Well I know you'll have no problem with him tomorrow if you end up facing him." he said with a confident smile. May blushed slightly at the comment and gave a Ash a hug.
"Thank you for that Ash that means a lot for you to say that."
"You're welcome May," Ash said feeling a small amount of heat in his cheeks, "We should head back to the center for the night, so you're rested for tomorrow." May nodded in agreement and the group left the garden and made their way back to their room for the night. May laid down with Glaceon curled up next her, Ash laid down with Pikachu on his pillow by his head and Lucario sat in a meditative position against the wall closing his eyes.
"Goodnight Ash sleep well." May said with a yawn.
"Goodnight May sweet dreams, see you in the morning." Ash replied. He laid in his bed reflecting over the events of the day he tried to understand his feelings once again. This time he seemed to make more headway in what they all meant, he realized that he had strong feelings for May, but were they love? He felt sleep begin to take him and the last thought that crossed his mind was May's smiling face.
Ash woke the next morning seeing that it was a little before six he looked over and seen May peacefully sleeping. He decided to let her rest a little while longer before the contest, so he quietly got ready to go for a workout. Pikachu and Lucario both silently stretched and waited while their trainer finished getting ready, once Ash was done they went outside to start. Ash led the way jogging through town jumping over different benches and other fixtures in the city. As they neared the city center they turned back towards ththe center and heading to the training fields. They rounded the corner and were met with an upset looking May. Her arms were crossed across her chest as she glared at Ash.
"Why didn't you wake me up? We said we'd workout together from now on." She said in an irritated tone.
"I'm sorry May, I know we said we would, but you looked so peaceful and beautiful. I also thought you'd like to have more sleep today because of the contest." Ash said holding his hands up defensively.
May's voice caught in her throat, "Y-you think I'm beautiful?" she stammered out.
"Well yeah I do." Ash said sheepishly while rubbing his arm with a deep blush on his cheeks.
May was shocked to say the least. Ash Ketchum just called her beautiful, she never thought she'd hear those words. "I..uh..um thank you Ash." she finally managed to say fighting back a blush.
The pair stood in an awkward silence with their pokemon looking between the the two of them. Ash coughed and happened to see the time on his xtransceiver "Oh May we need to get you to the contest hall, so you won't be late for registration."
"Oh crap you're right we need to hurry!" she said grabbing her bag and Ash taking off towards to contest hall. They made it with time to spare and got May registered for the contest. They momentarily forgot about the awkwardness from early as Ash wished May good luck giving her a quick hug.
"Glaceon go sit with Ash ok and behave yourself." she said as she scratched the ice types ears. She gave a playful yip and went and sat with Pikachu on Ash's lap.
May was in the preparation room getting changed into her contest dress which was a royal blue gown that cut off midway down her calves and had half sleeves. The dress fit her form perfectly showing that she had definitely matured over the last few years. Just as she was finishing styling her hair she heard an old familiar voice, she turned and smiled at the person.
"Hello May it has been a while since we've seen each other." the red haired woman said.
"Solidad it's great to see you again. How have you been?" May said giving her friend/rival a hug.
I've been well, I took a year off the train my pokemon's battle power and to work on some moves in secret. How about you? I heard that you're traveling with Ash again now that he has returned home."
"I've been great. Yeah we decided to take on the Kanto region together and traveling with him is just like the old days. He's helping me train and taught me a few moves that could help." she said with smile. Just then the PA system turned on alerting everyone that the contest was about to begin. The lights in the contest hall cut out, except for a single spot light shone down on Lilian the Kanto Contest Announcer.
"We just made it in time." a voice whispered next to Ash, he turned seeing Lucy and Brock take seats next to him.
"Glad you guys made it, it'll mean a lot to May that you're here to cheer her on." Ash said with a smile, just then a voice came through the speakers.
"Welcome everyone to the Pewter City Contest and the beginning of this contest season." she said brightly as the crowd cheered with excitement. "Now let's introduce our Coordinators that are here today." She waved her hand towards the side of stage as the competitors walked out waving. The group noticed May quickly then seeing Solidad a few positions behind her and Ash's face grew slightly dark seeing Harley near the end of the group on stage. "We'll introduce our judges, first we have Mr. Contesta, second Mr. Sukizo and finally Pewter City's Nurse Joy. Now that we've introduced everyone let the appeal round begin."
The Coordinators went back to the preparation room and waiting to be called to the stage. May glanced around the room not seeing to many familiar faces other than Solidad and Harley. She made her way over next to the red haired woman and made small talk as they watched the monitors. After six Coordinators had preformed their appeals May heard her name from the door letting her know to be ready.
"Next up we have the famous Princess of Hoenn May Maple." the crowd cheered as she walked on stage but she could hear Ash Pikachu and Glaceon cheering louder then everyone else. She suppressed a slight blush as she found Ash in the stands and he was on his feet cheering loudly for her. Once she reached the center of the stage She pulled out her poke ball and called out her pokemon.
"Froslass take the stage!" She called out as she tossed the red and white sphere into the air. As the white light died down the snow land pokemon spun in a circle allowing her body to sway as if there was a breeze.
"Froslass start off with Blizzard the use Double Team." the ice ghost pokemon summoned a swirling snow storm then used Double Team to make look like there were several Froslass playing in storm.
"Now use Shadow Ball and toss it through the snow." May called out. Froslass launched the purple sphere through the storm where it absorbed the snow energy causing it to turn whiter with each pass as the copies bounced it around in the snow.
"Finish with Fling then hit it with Signal Beam." Froslass stopped using Double Team and threw the frozen sphere high above her then fired a brilliantly multi colored beam at it. When the attacks met they exploded into a small flurry of black and rainbow colored snow flakes. Froslass floated next to May while the audience cheered loudly for the pair as they bowed to the judges and the crowed.
"Another brilliant display from May Maple, now lets here from our judges." Lilian said with a smile.
"It was a beautiful sight to see a snow storm of so many colors a definite unique appeal." Mr. Contesta commented.
"Simply remarkable." Mr. Sukizo stated.
"Your Froslass is in peak shape and she moves so elegantly." Nurse Joy said with a smile.
May thanked the judges for their praise then made her way back to the waiting room with the contestants. She felt she had a good chance to make it through but she watched Solidad preform an beautiful appeal with her Butterfree and Harley put on an slightly creepy performance with his Banette. As the last Coordinator left the stage Lilian announced that there would be a short break while the judges made their decisions. Ash told Brock he'd be back before they announced the next round. He made his way through the crowd to the waiting room to see May.
"May that appeal was so amazing, you and Froslass nailed it." He said as he pulled her into a hug.
"Thank you Ash. We wouldn't have been able to without your help." May replied with a slight blush noticing how close he was holding her. They quickly took a step back from each other Ash rubbing his head nervously while May rubbed her arm in a similar manner.
"So you really liked it Ash?" May asked trying to ease the tension between them.
"Of course I did May, I've loved every appeal you have ever put on and I think you're the most talented Coordinator that I know." Ash said with a smile on his face.
May was stunned, she had never heard him say anything like that before and it caused her heart to race. She couldn't help herself she threw her arms around his neck giving him a small kiss on the cheek. Pikachu and Glaceon looked in shock at the what had just happened. Ash felt her lips press against his skin and his brain seemed to stall and his cheeks to heat up.
"I'm sorry Ash." May said and she quickly moved back, "It's just hearing you say that means everything to me. To be honest, I've been having a hard time the last little while and this is the first contest where I've felt like myself." She explained while her cheeks glowed a light red.
Ash listened to what she had said when he put his hand on her shoulder, "May you are without a doubt the most amazing talented coordinator ever and I know that you will win this contest and this years Grand Festival." He said looking deep into her eyes with his reflecting his belief in her. "It looks like their about to announce the next round. Good luck May and knock them dead." he pulled her into one last hug and surprising them both he lightly kissed her cheek and left the room. The two pokemon quickly followed him after rubbing against May wishing her luck as well.
Solidad walked up to May as Ash walked through the door. "Well that was interesting to say the least." She said with a smirk "I never thought I'd see the day Ash Ketchum gave a girl a kiss.."
"I can't believe that he did that, I guess Brock is right about him" May said while she lightly held her cheek. Solidad and her continued to talk about the events that just happened as Ash made his way back to his seat. When he sat down Brock and Lucy noticed that he had shocked look on his face.
"Ash is everything ok?" Brock asked his friend worryingly.
"Yes, its just something happened when I went to see May, I'm a little confused by it." Ash explained what had happened causing Brock and Lucy's mouths to drop then they turned to smile at each other knowingly.
"Ash, that just means that you've been thinking about our talks and it's showing. Just let things happen naturally and everything will fall on place." Brock replied with a hand in his old friend's shoulder.
Just then Lilian spoke into the microphone, "Everyone the Coordinators for the next round have been chosen please give around of applause for them." She gestured to the screen on stage as eight squares spun revealing who had made it through the next round. Solidad was the first picture to be revealed then a new Coordinator named Steven, then Harley's was followed by May's picture showing she made it. "The first battle round will be between May and Harley."
May stood and the battlefield opposite of Harley with determination burning in her eyes.
"Judges please put five minutes on the clock and Coordinators send out your pokemon."
"Come on out Cacturne." Harley called out as he tossed his poke ball in the air. A flash of light died down revealing the Scarecrow Pokemon with a wicked grin on his face.
"Blaziken take the stage." May spun her poke ball in the air releasing her faithful starter.
"Lets start this off, Cacturne use Focus Blast powered up with Needle Arm." Cacturne formed a blue sphere between his hands and tossed it into the air then slamming its glowing arms into the sphere sending flying at Blaziken.
"Blaziken dodge with Aerial Ace then use Acrobatics." she called out. Blaziken shot up in the air coated in white energy then slammed into Cacturne kicking and punching the green pokemon. Harley gritted his teeth seeing his points drop due to the colorful dodge and the speed of the attacks. May's points had taken a small dip due to the powered up Focus Blast but she believed in Blaziken to win.
"Cacturne use Grass Whistle and then hit them with Mud Slap." Cacturne closed its eyes whistling a gentle tune causing Blaziken to slowly close her eyes, then began to hurl globs of mud at her.
May yelled out loudly hoping to wake Blaziken up, "Blaziken you need to use Flame Charge to counter." She breathed a breath of relief when Blaziken's eyes snapped open as she became engulfed in flames and blasted through the flying mud and hit Cacturne hard sending it rolling across the ground. "Blaziken finish it use Fire Break." Blaziken quickly flew at Cacturne with her fists glowing from Brick Break before they ignited with Fire Punch. The dual effective attack struck Cacturne causing Harley's point meter to drop to zero and knock out Cacturne in the same moment.
"Well there you have it folks Cacturne is unable to battle and Harley's points have been exhausted. That means May is our first Coordinator to advance to the final round. Please give these two a round of applause." The audience cheered for them both, May could hear Ash Pikachu and Glaceon cheering louder than the rest for her. "Now for the second battle Solidad vs Steven."
May went back to the waiting room to watch the next battle to see who her opponent would be. She handed Blaziken to Chansey so she would be ready for the final battle, while she waited she couldn't help but think of when Ash kissed her cheek and what it could mean. She watched Solidad's Pidgeot take the last points from Steven and his Herdier.
"With that last attack Steven has lost all his points meaning Solidad moves on to the final battle against May. We'll give our finalists ten minutes to prepare for the night round."
May smiled as she seen Solidad enter the waiting room, she was determined to not loose against her again. The two looked at each other no words were said, but an understanding was pasted between the two knowing that they were going to give it their all. A stage attendant called them from the door telling them to make their way to the tunnel leading to their sides of the battlefield.
"Good luck May, I look forward to this battle its been a long time since we faced each other." the red haired coordinator said.
"Best of luck to you as well, Solidad. I've waited for this battle for a long time." May said with a confident smile.
Brock asked Ash, "Do you think May will be ok against Solidad? I don't think she's beaten her yet."
"She'll win for sure. I have no doubt about it, she has found her confidence again." Ash said. Brock grinned at Ash's response seeing how much Ash cares about May and how much faith he has in her. The lights in hall faded out leaving a spotlight shining on Lilian.
"Ok everyone, it's time for the final battle." She waved her arm to the right as another light turned on shining down on May, "First we have the Princess of Hoenn May Maple." the crowd erupted into applause as May waved to the crowd. Lilian then waved her arm to the other side of the field. "Second we have Pewter City's very own Grand Festival winner Solidad." The crowd went wild again as their hometown coordinator waved at everyone. "Now that the stage is set, lets have five minutes on the clock and Coordinators send out your pokemon."
"Pidgeot take flight." Solidad said as she called out her flying type. Pidgeot spread her wings wide showing off her pristine feathers shined in the stage lights.
"Blaziken take the stage." May tossed her poke ball in the air. Blaziken somersaulted in the air landing on the stage flexing her arms ready for battle.
"Ok start the timer and let the battle begin." Lilian called out above the cheers.
"Blaziken let's start this off use Flame Burst and make it halo." Blaziken launched the bursting attack in the air like smoke rings that surrounded Pidgeot striking the bird pokemon and caused Solidad's points to dip halfway between full and three quarters full.
Solidad smirked at the move and called out her counter, "Pidgeot into the air and use Swift into Feather Dance." Pidgeot flew up and released feathers that rained on Blaziken and Swift pushed the feathers harder into the blaze pokemon's chest. Blaziken was pushed back and could feel her power fall. She stood tall showing everyone that she was still able to battle hard for her trainer.
"Ok Blaziken we got this. Show them beauty use Will-O-Wisp and speed it up with Double Kick." Blaziken became surrounded by eerie blue flames which she kicked hard sending them at amazing speed into Pidgeot causing a severe burn. May glanced at the clock and noticed there was just over a minute left and both their points were just below half way. She knew she needed to act fast to take the rest of Solidad's points away. "Blaziken use Thunder Punch with Acrobatics." Blaziken quickly jumped into the air and began striking Pidgeot with electric punches and powerful kicks. Pidgeot had just managed to put out the embers from the previous attack and didn't have a chance to dodge the incoming attack. Solidad seen her points fall to zero and heard the timer buzz signifying the end of the round.
"Solidad has lost all her points which means that May has won the round and the Pewter City ribbon. Let's all give both the amazing contestants a big round of applause." May and Solidad each thanked their pokemon then met in the center of the battlefield and shook hands.
"Congratulations May, that was an amazing battle and your Blaziken looked stunning as well." Solidad complemented May.
"Thank you so much Solidad. Your Pidgeot is absolutely beautiful and her power is awesome." May replied. Lilian walked up to the pair smiling at both of them.
"Ladies and gentlemen give one more round of applause for these two and their pokemon. Now to prestpresent our winner with the Pewter City ribbon, Mr. Contesta."
"May that was a stunning performance and you have shown everyone the bond between your pokemon and yourself. Take this ribbon and strive towards the Grand Festival." he handed May the ribbon that was colored white with a silver border and a stone gray disk in the center.
May thanked the judges for their kind words then made her way back to the changing room to get back into her traveling clothes. She smiled as she placed her first ribbon in her ribbon case. 'One down and four more to go.' she thought to herself. She walked out to the reception area and met up with Ash, Brock and Lucy.
"Congratulations May that was amazing." Brock said.
"Yeah May, your Blaziken looked so good out there and Froslass moved so elegantly." Lucy complimented, everyone looked at Ash to see what he had to say.
"May you did so amazing up there and you looked amazing doing it. Blaziken and you looked totally in sink with each other." Ash said causing May to blush over his compliment.
"Thank you all so much that means so much to hear all that." May replied, still feeling the heat in her cheeks. The group left the contest hall and Ash decided that they should go out and eat to celebrate May's win. She argued saying it should be for him too, since he won his first gym badge. Brock and Lucy watched the pair knowing how much emotions they felt for each other. May and Ash finally agreed that it would be a celebration for them both so the set out to find a good restaurant to eat at. Brock made the suggestion of a sushi restaurant called The Happy Hariyama, which May excitedly agreed to and Ash said it sounded like good place. They all enjoyed a great meal sharing stories of past travels and laughing over old memories. When the bill arrived Ash refused to let May pay for herself saying he wanted to take her out because she won the contest. She relented after seeing how determined Ash was to treat her for her victory. They bid Brock and Lucy a good night, saying they would stop in and see them before they left in the morning. Once the reached their room Ash let May use the bathroom first to get ready for the night. After she finished and got into bed, Ash went and cleaned up and layed down scratching Pikachu behind the ears as he fell asleep on Ash's pillow.
"Good night, and sweet dreams May." he said as he turned off the lamp.
'They'll be of you.' she thought, "Goodnight Ash, thank you again for everything today it means more than anything to me." With that the two trainers drifted off to sleep.
This is my first attempt at writing a contest, let me know what you think and if you have any advice I'm all ears. Thanks for reading until next time.
Ash's pokemon: Pikachu, Lucario, Dratini, Combusken, Sceptile, Noctowl, Espeon, and Growlithe.
May's pokemon: Blaziken, Froslass, Swanna, Glaceon, Wartortle, Ninetales, Altaria, and Minncino
