Ash and May had been walking for almost four hours when they decided to stop and have some lunch and let their pokemon out. Ash started preparing lunch while Lucario helped May pass out the food to the pokemon. Once Ash finished cooking everyone sat back and enjoyed the food and marveling and the size of the cave. Sandshrew was initially intimidated by the large pokemon that surrounded him but Meowth and Pikachu calmed him down and introduced him to the rest of pokemon. Surprisingly for her size and her first encounter with Ash Aerodactyl was quite friendly and welcoming.
While the pokemon ate and talked amongst themselves May turned to Ash. "Ash how did you catch Areodactyl, I remember you telling about what happened in Grandpa Canyon." Ash slid over a little closer so he could tell her the story.
FlashbackIt had been a few weeks since Ash had been released from the hospital and he knew of one place in particular he needed to go. He pulled out a poké ball from his pack, "I choose you." He called out as the light died down a roar filled the area and Ash had to quickly dodge a Flamethrower. "Alright Charizard, its time. This is the one we talked about. We're off the to Grandpa Canyon." With that Ash climbed onto Charizard's back while Pikachu sat upon his head. It took a little convincing to get Lucario to return into his poke ball bit he finally relented. Meowth on the other hand wasn't overly comfortable with the thought of flying on Charizard, it wasn't the same a balloon so he returned easley. With everyone ready they took off and flew over the forest to the edge of the mountains where the infamous canyon lie.
Ash had Charizard circle the area looking for where the cave's roof had once collapsed. Pikachu wad able to quickly spot the place the needed to be and Charizard dove quickly towards the ground.
"Pi, come hold onto me!" Ash yelled over the rushing wind as Charizard dove. Pikachu jumped into Ash's chest and held on tight. "Charizard its time, Giga Impact!" Charizard became coated in a purple and orange light. Ash held Pikachu tight and kept close to Charizard's back to avoid being hit with any debris. They slammed into the ground crashing through the roof of the cave and causing the immediate area to flood with light. Charizard landed with a thud and Ash jumped off landing next to him with Pikachu once again on his shoulder. It was silent and the air seemed to stand still, then from the darkness they heard angry clicking and snarls. The fossil pokemon began to advance into the light, angry that someone dare disturb them. Ash quickly called out Lucario, Primeape, Krookodile, Wartortle and Torterra.
"Listen everyone, keep them at bay and trust your instincts. You are all excellent battlers, Charizard and I have a bone to pick with a certain pokemon." With that the battle began Ash's pokemon formed a line and used distance attacks for the time being, they were trying to give Ash and Charizard time to find who they were looking for. Charizard kept launching low powered attacks into the dark hoping to draw out his opponent. After a few minutes they heard what the were waiting for, an angry loud screech echoed through the cavern causing even the fossil pokemon to flinch. Charizard's snout grew into a smirk as, Areodactyl burst into the light and went straight onto the attack.
"Charizard start off with Flamethrower." Ash called out. Charizard reared his head back and the snapped forward as he launched a massive pillar of flames towards the fossil pokemon. Areodactyl quickly rolled left to dodge the attack and launched a speedy Stone Edge. Ash had to jump the to side and Charizard flew straight up to avoid any damage. Not needing to be told what to do next he flew quickly towards Areodactyl and used Flame Charge to close the gap, he slammed full speed in to flying fossil sending her to the ground. Charizard hovered in the air above waiting for the next attack.
To the side of the battle, all the fossil pokemon had ceased their attacks and stood silently watching the battle. Unbeknownst to Ash and his pokemon, the other fossil pokemon were terrified of Areodactyl and did everything no to anger her.
As Charizard started to become impatient, and white beam of energy cut through the smoke and clipped his wings causing him to drop towards the ground. "Charizard you need to roll to the left now!" Ash yelled out knowing that if he fell straight down, he'd fall right into Areodactyl and what ever attack she had ready. Charizard grunted with pain as he heaved his body sideways and crashed into the cavern floor. He was standing up when he heard Ash call out to him, "Charizard use Thunder Punch to block." The flame pokemon immediately turned and through out a fist coated in electric energy just in time to counter Areodactyl's Thunder Fang. A shocked expression appeared on her face having never had another pokemon stand up to her and give her such a challenge. Taking advantage of the shock Areodactyl was in Ash knew exactly what move to call.
With a grin he called out, "Charizard let's end this with a classic. Grab Areodactyl tight and use Seismic Toss!" Charizard smirked and with a mighty flap of his wings he launched himself into the air dragging Areodactyl along with him. Ignoring the pain in his wings he flew high and began to circle, when he reached the height of the circle he dove downwards with as much speed as he could. As they neared the ground Charizard flung his opponent down and spun into a Dragon Tail to increase the power. Areodactyl closed her eyes and felt the impact of the ground, know that there was nothing more she could do she lay there waiting for whatever came next. She was greatly surprised when she heard a voice from beside her, she opened her eyes and seen Ash kneeling next to her.
"Areodactyl that was one amazing battle and you have some power. Although you have much more potential that cannot be tapped into here. Would you like to come with me train hard everyday, become the strongest there is and most importantly be a member of our family." he asked gesturing towards his pokemon that were out. Charizard landed next to Ash and extended his claw to Areodactyl to help her to her feet, she raised a winged claw and slowly took his and she stood in front of Ash.
"So what do you say would you like to join us?" Ash asked as he held out a dusk ball. Areodactyl looked at it for a moment, then she leaned her snout forward and tapped the ball. Red light enveloped her as she was pulled into the ball, once she was inside the ball rocked only once then dinged signaling she was captured.
"Alright, we just got a new member of the family." Ash said with a grin, when he heard a small amount of movement behind him. He turned to see the rest of the fossil pokemon turn and head back to the depths of the cavern knowing that Areodactyl was gone. Ash's pokemon and him stared at them for a moment then decided it was time to leave them in peace. Charizard flew them to the surface then Krookodile used Rock Tomb to seal it once again.
End Flashback
"Wow Ash that was an amazing story, it's weird though that she is so calm and seems so friendly."
"It took a little while but we got her to come out of her shell. Now she is one of my most loyal pokemon and one of the fiercest battlers I have ever seen. Although her and Charizard still have a rivalry, it's based out of friendship and mutual respect for one another." Ash explained as he walked up and stroked her jaw, earning a happy grumble from the fossil pokemon. May slowly walked up to Areodactyl, put her hand out and was surprised when she pushed her head against her hand with no hesitation.
"She's heard all about you May, I talked about everyone in my life to my new pokemon so they would know about my friends and family." Ash said watching the two bond.
"You talked about me a lot Ash?" May say with a slight blush.
"Of course I did May, I cherish all our memories. I wouldn't be the trainer I am now without everything we'd been through." He said with a grin.
They spent a little longer talking and resting before they started walking again. It had been almost two hours since they started walking when they came across a small over look that looked straight down into pitch blackness. May was a little leery about looking over, but Ash was amazed by the thoughts of what could be down at the bottom. May was starting to feel even more uneasy as if someone or something was watching them.
"Ash it doesn't feel right, we should get going again." May said holding her arms tight to her body.
"Master I sense something as well, the aura in here seems disgruntled and angry." Lucario added dropping into a slight defensive stance.
Ash let his aura flow and could feel the same but couldn't understand what was causing it. "Ok guys let's keep moving down the path." Just as they were about to continue walking an explosion rocked the area and with that a multitude of Geodudes and Gravelers surrounded them.
"Ash, I don't like the looks of this."
" I agree, they are extremely aggravated for some reason. It's almost like something is causing them to act out." Ash said as he reached for his poke balls. "Lucario can you pin point the cause?"
"I'm trying master, if can you buy me a little more time I'll find it." replied Lucario.
"We can do that, and stop calling me master." Ash said as he tossed his poke balls into the air calling out Sceptile, Samurott, Noivern, and Areodactyl. He choose to leave Sandshrew in his ball being he was so young and inexperienced. Pikachu and Meowth jumped in line with their friends. May copied Ash's actions and called out her pokemon as well. Blaziken, Glaceon Sewaddle, Venusaur, Sawsbuck, Florges, Wartortle, and Swanna stood side by side prepared for anything that may come at them.
"Ok everyone, no sudden movement only attack if they do and only do enough to incapacitate them." Ash said to the assembled pokemon in front of them. Lucario stood behind the group with his eyes closed and the appendages on his head floated in the air trying to locate the source if the problem. The wild rock pokemon seemed to become even more agitated as more time passed and the suddenly launched into a viscous series of attacks. May and Ash instantly went into defense mode calling out dodges and counter attacks as fast as they could. Even though they were out numbered and the wild pokemon had terrain advantage May and Ash slowly pushed them back and started to get the upper hand. Suddenly the Geodude began using Self Destruct catching the pokemon and their trainers of guard. Pikachu and Glaceon were caught in the explosion as they were up front leading the battle, they were sent flying backwards. Ash jumped with lightning like reflexes catching them in midair, he tucked and rolled to the side holding the pokemon close. He gently set them down making sure they weren't seriously injured, once he was sure they were ok he turned back to the battle. He saw that even though the Geodude and Graveler were using Self Destruct May had taken charge of the battle while he made sure Pikachu and Glaceon were safe. He ran back to her side to help call attacks, Glaceon and Pikachu charged back into the fray eager to get some payback for a cheap attack.
Everyone was so focused on the battle that none of them noticed that a Graveler had snuck around the pokemon and was making its way to Ash and May. As Ash was directly Meowth and Sceptile with some combo attacks May saw the Graveler barreling down on Ash and she made a snap decision. She quickly jumped and shoved Ash to the side taking the Roll Out attack which threw her back towards the ledge. Time seemed to slow down, as Ash watched May fly through the air over the edge, Lucario stopped his search to try and catch her but wasn't quick enough. Ash ran as fast as he could and hurled himself after May, the pokemon cried out in shock as they watched the events unfold. Although he was still young, Sandshrew could sense his new trainer's distress from inside his ball and he manged to let himself out. As he touched the ground he saw Ash jumping off the cliff after May. He turned to the pokemon responsible and charged bent on defeating the wild pokemon. He was young but he was determined to prove himself, he charged a Crush Claw attack striking the Graveler head on sending it back to the other wild pokemon. Jumping at the opportunity, Glaceon used Blizzard with all the power she could to freeze the rock types in their places while the others ran and used what ever effective attack they could to knock them out. As the pokemon attacked the frozen rock types, Areodactyl flew as fast as she could after her trainer and new friend over the edge.
May could feel the air whipping past her as she fell through the darkest, she closed her eyes and felt tears form in the corners of them. She thought that this is how it will all end, that she would never see her pokemon, family, friends or Ash again. Then through her closed eyes she could tell a light was filling the darkness, she opened them and saw Ash flying towards her at a high speed. His body coated in blue as he used his aura to speed up fall to catch her. Ash pulled his arms close to his body trying to go even faster, a look of pure determination in his eyes. As he fell faster the only thought in his mind was to catch the woman he loved, it was then that Ash realized what it was he felt towards May. That feeling caused him to push more aura to fly faster and soon he had his arms wrapped tightly around her, he rolled his body so that she was on top so that maybe by some chance she wouldn't be so seriously injured.
May could feel Ash's arms hold tight and it brought a little comfort to her, but she knew that if they hit it would be the end of their journey together. She held him tightly as if to say good bye, when she heard a mighty roar that rose above the wind in her ears. She wasn't able to turn to see the origin of noise because Ash held her so closely.
Areodactyl was flying as hard as she could but was still a little way from the trainers, and with all her years spent in darkness she learned to see in almost pitch black. Her eyes widened in fear as she seen the floor quickly approaching, she thought of the bond that was built between her and Ash, all the time together and all the hard training they'd done together. She felt a new power begin to grow inside her and her body glowed with a bright light.
Ash was shocked to see a light glowing from under his shirt to the side of May's head, that's when he saw Areodactyl chasing after them and she had begun to glow as well. May saw the light under Ash's shirt and didn't understand the cause of it, she was able to lift her head slightly and saw Ash's face, it was a mixture of shock and pride. Areodactyl felt her body lengthen slightly and she could feel rock like growths extend on her wings, tail, chest and head. The light died down to reveal Mega Areodactyl, with the new energy and power she felt, she flew faster than ever before quickly overtaking the falling trainers. Once she had passed them she spread her wings wide to slow her decent and to allow them to land safely on her back. Ash felt his body impact on Areodactyl's back causing the wind to be knocked out of him, but he was extremely thankfthankful for his pokemon and even more so that May was safe. Areodactyl slowly glide to the ground that was just a few yards from them, trusting the pokemon above to manage the wild attacking pokemon.
Once they had landed Ash held May as they slid off, landing on his feet a little shakily he looked down at May's face. He saw her sapphire eyes locked onto his, he could see the look of fear still in them. He opened his mouth to ask her if she wss hurt when suddenly she began to beat her fists into his chest and tears once again formed in her eyes.
"What is the matter with you? Didn't we just have a conversation about you risking your life and not thinking about the aftermath?" She yelled as she continued to her assault, though her punches didn't carry a lot of power due to her being so close. "Why would you do something so dumb and reckless to jump off a cliff?"
Ash pulled her tight once again so she couldn't through anymore punches, she began to cry from the mixture of emotions. Ash knew what was going through her mind and he knew that she needed let it out so he held her tight gently rubbing her back. After a few minutes she had gotten herself under some control and stepped back from him.
" Why Ash, why would you do that?" she inquired once again.
"May I did it out of instinct, to protect you because I care about you. I did it because as I was falling after you I finally figured it out. May I love you and I couldn't bare the thought of anything ever happening to you." he replied looked deep into her eyes.
May's voice caught in her throat, her brain stalled, she finally was able to stutter, "W-w-what did you say?"
"May since I left on solo journey I thought about you daily, I could never figure it out. I thought it was because of a out adventures, but I began feel something I never felt before. When I came back and saw you that feeling grew stronger and stronger everyday. I talked to a few people to help me understand what it was but in the end I needed to figure it out on my own. I know fully understand what I've been feeling. Its love, I can honestly say with a shadow of a doubt that May Maple I love you with all my heart."
May slowly stepped closer to him, "Ash, you are completely sure?" she asked, she had to know for sure this was his true feelings.
"I've never been more sure about anything in my whole life."
With that he wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her close, as she wrap her arms around his neck. She softly whispered, "Ash Ketchum I love you with all my heart and I'm never letting you go." As the words left her mouth their lips met in a burning passionate kiss of built up emotions. May's finger wound through his hair as he held her close lifting her slightly. When they finally broke the kiss they rested their foreheads together trying to catch their breath.
May wore a ear to ear grin, she finally heard Ash say he loved her and they shared their first kiss. Ash smile was more dopey and confconfident he finally knew what he wanted and how he felt. They stayed in each others arms for a few minutes more enjoying the closeness they felt, when from above they heard two worried cries.
"Pi pika pikachu!!" Came the first voice.
"Glaceon glace!!" Came the second one right after it. While May and Ash were falling and admitting their feelings for one another their pokemon worried like crazy about their trainers as they finished the battle. Once the battle was done they ran to the edge to try and see if they could locate the pair and Areodactyl. Lucario was unable to help at the moment as he went back to locating the cause of the wild pokemon attack, trusting Areodactyl to have caught them.
"We're ok guys, we're coming back up now!" He yelled up to the pokemon. Hand in hand they walked over to Areodactyl to thank her. "Thank you girl for coming for us, I'm so proud of you that you were able to mega evolve for the first time. You really are one amazing pokemon and I am lucky to be your trainer." Ash complemented her, as he stroked her head.
"Thank you so much Areodactyl, I can't thank you enough." May said as she rubbed her jaw and lightly kissed her cheek. The fossil pokemon lightly growled at the praise, she brought her clawed wing forward handing Ash back his hat as it had fell off while he dove after May.
"My hat! Thank you again girl, I wouldn't feel right without it." He said with a grin putting it back on his head.
"Ash I've been meaning to ask to you something. Why is that your favorite hat out of them all?"
Ash chuckled as he helped May onto Areodactyl's back, "It's because it reminds me of you May." Was his reply. He climbed on behind her and held her tightly. "Ok girl let's go." Areodactyl gave a flap of her mighty wings and rocked into the air. May felt her self slide backwards but Ash held her tight and held tight to Areodactyl as they flew upwards.
They landed on the ground next to the rest of their pokemon and as they slid to the ground they were tackled to the ground by there pokemon who were excited to see their trainers safe and sound. They laughed as they finally got to their feet, they looked around the area seeing the knocked out pokemon around them. Pikachu quickly explained what had happened after they went over the edge. Ash was impressed to hear what Sandshrew had done when he let himself out of his poke ball.
Ash knelt down to the ground type and stroked his head, "Thank you for your help Sandshrew. When we get to Cerulean City we'll begin your training." Sandshrew nodded his head excitedly, wanting to get stronger and help Ash in every way.
Lucario walked our Ash and began to talk, "Master Ash I'm sorry I was unable to move quickly enough to catch May before she fell." he said as he hung his head.
"Lucario you have nothing to be sorry about. We're all safe and nobody is harmed." Ash said putting his hand on his aura partner's shoulder. "I'm proud of all my pokemon, they've never let me down. Were you able to locate the source of trouble?"
"I was Master. I can lead the way to it."
"Ok, Lucario show us." They returned their pokemon who showed small signs of fatigue after the fight. Lucario walked in front of the group while Pikachu and Glaceon walked shortly behind him while Meowth walked alongside Ash. May held Ash's hand while the continued down the path through the cave. Lucario suddenly turned down a small path that led to a small crevice in the wall.
"The source is through here." Lucario said as he slipped the opening.
They followed the aura pokemon into a small chamber, they looked around to see what the source was. They found it in the back, the sight that met their eyes caused them gasp in shock. In the back huddled together was two small pokemon, the pokemon were pale white, with green hair and a pale horn on the heads. They were a a pair of Ralts holding each other nervously shaking. As Ash slowly approached the pair one of them shakily stood in front of the other one holding its arms out defensively.
"It's ok little one, nobody is going to hurt you. We just want to help you two and make sure you're no injured." Ash said as he held out his hand letting his aura flow out and reach the pokemon. He knew that they were able to sense feelings and he hoped they could sense that they meant no harm. He could guess that they were extremely afraid and angry, that caused there feelings to project onto the local pokemon and causing them to become aggressive. Slowly the Ralts that was standing lowered his arms feeling that there was no danger, he suddenly swayed and began to fall forward. Ash quickly caught the pokemon and May scooped the other one. They quickly made there way out of the chamber and back down the path to the exit of the cave.
Once they got outside, Ash went to work on the two feeling pokemon to check them over and heal their injuries. May released her and Ash's pokemon so she could treat them as well. Once they were finished they sat down to rest for a moment and let the pokemon enjoy the fresh air. The two Ralts had fallen asleep after Ash treating their injuries, they felt safe around May, Ash and all their pokemon. May slid next to Ash and wrapped her arm around his and gently pressed her lips against his. Pikachu and Glaceon noticed this and their mouths dropped open. One by one all the pokemon shared the two smaller pokemon's reactions, Meowth quickly recovered and smirked.
"Well its about time you two, made the plunge." The pair blushed when they realized that they hadn't told their pokemon. They went over the events that had occurred after they went over the edge. All the pokemon cheered as their trainers finally admitted their feelings for each other, the cheer had woken the two sleeping Ralts. The one Ash carried jumped to defend the other Ralts, Lucario went over and knelt down to calm it down. Ash went over as well and connect his aura with Lucario's to help understand the conversation better.
Ash found out they were siblings that had been traveling together and been attacked by other wild pokemon because they accidentally wandered into their territory. Afterwards a trainer attempted to catch them but the escaped into the cave to hide but got lost inside. Ash explained what happened to May and she wore a sad expression, and she slowly reached out to stroke the Ralts that was laying down.
As her hand made contact with the pokemon's head it cried out, "Shhh its ok, nobody's gonna hurt you."
"That ones a girl May." Ash said while he listened to the other Ralts continue to tell their story. He found out that the one he was talking to was a male. He watched May lightly stroke the female Ralts head and she slowly scooted closer to May and he smiled watching the sight. They stayed a little longer before they decided it was time to get moving back towards Cerulean again. They returned their pokemon and went to move back to the path when they both felt a tug on their legs. Both Ash and May looked down and seen both Ralts holding onto them.
Ash knelt down and asked, "Would you two like to come along with us?" Both pokemon looked at each and then back to the trainers they nodded in agreement.
"Well ok then, welcome to the family Ralts." Ash pulled out a friend ball and Ralts immediately tapped the center of the ball and was sucked in. It dinged right off the back with no struggle.
Ash smiled, "Alright I caught a Ralts." He quickly cancelled the poke ball transfer using the pokedex like Professor Oak had shown him.
May pulled out a love ball and the female Ralts hesitated for a split second then tapped the poke ball and being sucked into it like her brother was. Like her brother the ball never struggled and binged immediately. May was super excited to have captured a Ralts and have her join the team she jumped up and down for a moment making Ash chuckle at her actions. Ash and May looked at each and smiled, Ash held out his hand and May slid her hand into his. They began down the path again with new additions to their family and having confessed their feelings for each other.
May suddenly stopped and looked at Ash with a questioning look on her face, "Ash are we...you know...a couple now?"
Ash chuckled and scratched the back of his head, " I guess that would be right since we love each other, and trust me May nobody could ever take me away from you."
"I like that idea a lot," May said with a large grin "and nobody or nothing will ever take me from your side. With that the new couple made there way towards Cerulean City with their pokemon in toe and ready for what new adventures await them.
I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter and has enjoyed my story so far. Let me know what you think any comments concerns or suggestions. Until next chapter
Ash's pokemon: Pikachu, Lucario, Meowth, Sceptile, Sandshrew, Samurott, Noivern, and Areodactyl. Ralts non-transfered
May's pokemon: Blaziken, Glaceon, Sewaddle, Venusaur, Sawsbuck, Florges, Wartortle, and Swanna. Ralts non-transfered
