Sorry about the long wait for the update all. I've had a lot going on that's been important but here's the next chapter. Hope you all enjoy it.

Once they arrived at the Pokemon Center, Ash handed his pokemon over to Nurse Joy for some much deserved care. While they waited May and Ash discussed where they would go next on their way to Vermillion City and the Thunder Badge.

"There's a few places I wouldn't mind revisiting on the way there." He said, while looking at a map. "Look here May, there's a village hosting a contest."

"That's perfect Ash, we'll get my second ribbon on the way to your third badge." She said brightly giving him a light kiss.

"Mr. Ketchum your pokemon are ready. We hope to see you again sometime." She said with a warm smile.

After thanking her, Ash went outside for a minute to talk to his pokemon, "Alright guys, you all did a amazing today, I am so proud of each and everyone of you. As for training at the lab just work on over fitness you showed what our work was for today. Take a few days rest though, you've all earned it." He returned his pokemon and went to the video phones to transfer his team around.

The video phone rang for a moment, "Hello Oak Laboratory." Came a voice from the other end.

"Hey professor its me." Ash replied.

"Aw Ash my boy, how are you?"

"I'm doing well, my team and I just beat Misty and got our second badge."

"That's wonderful news Ash, Misty is one the strongest of the Kanto Eight. Now what can I do for you?"

"I just wanted to change out my pokemon." Ash gave the professor the list of pokemon he wanted. He asked for Sandshrew, Ralts, Donphan, Gardevoir, Meowth, and Torterra. "Thank you professor, I'll be swapping my team around quite a bit on out way to Vermillion City. Its a longer route so I can get more training in."

"Ok Ash just let us know whatever you need. Give May my best."

Ash found May outside with Pikachu and Lucario sitting by her relaxing in the shade. Ash could only think of how lucky he was have such an amazing woman in his life. As he reached her he held out his hand, "Would you like some help up my lady"? He asked with a grin.

May giggled as she took his hand and he gently pulled her to her feet. As she came up she leaned forward falling into his arms, "Ash when did you become such a gentleman?" she teased.

"Ouch, that stings." He chuckled, "I learned etiquette lessons in Rota." He began to explain when one of his poke balls opened.

Meowth appeared, "Well the manners didn't stick to much, can't believe you left me in that thing that long."

"Sorry Meowth, I got a little distracted. You understand that, remember what happened when Meowstic first joined the team?" Ash asked nudging his friend.

"Yeah, yeah lucky shot." Was his reply.

"What happened Meowth?" May asked the cat scratch pokemon.

"I let my guard down for one second and got hit by a Thunderbolt." He said.

Ash chuckled, "See I just got distracted like you."

"Alright, whatever you say mister master trainer. Just try not to let it happen too often." Meowth relented.

May and Ash chuckled at his behavior as they began making their way back to the gym to meet up with Misty and Tracey. The group made it to the gym and went inside to the living area where Misty and her family stayed. They sat and talked for an hour or so before they decided to have some lunch. Ash said he'd cook, both Misty and Tracey look terrified remembering some of Ash's food from the Orange Islands. Meowth and May both vouched for his newly found cooking skills and were surprised at the quality of food he made.

Once they'd eaten Misty turned to Ash, "So Ash how did your Zangoose get so strong and how did you manage to find a shiny one as well?"

Ash took a seat next to May and began, "My pokemon and I were doing trianing by Mt. Chimney. We went to the far side were no one travels and it has some really rough terrain. Most of the pokemon there had never seen a human before, but surprisingly weren't hostile. They seemed more curious than anything and a few even asked to join in from time to time." Ash paused for a moment to take a drink of water before continuing, "It'd been about two weeks when a group of Zangoose came to see what we were doing. Apparently the wild pokemon had been talking about us and this group wanted to see for themselves. They watched us for a couple of days when the leader came up to us, which was my Zangoose. He said he was really impressed with my pokemon and would like to battle one of them."

Flashback

"Zang zang ooose." Said the shiny Zangoose facing Ash.

"He said he wants to battle Pikachu." Meowth said acting as translator.

"Alright then Zangoose." Ash replied with a grin, "Show me how strong you are."

Pikachu squared up with Zangoose eyeing his opponent waiting for the slightest movement to give away any attack. Suddenly Zangoose shot forward with incredible speed hitting Pikachu with a powerful Slash attack, sending him rolling hard through the dirt

"Pikachu, are you ok?!" Ash cried out in shock and concern for his oldest friend.

"Pikachuuuuu!" was the response as Pikachu unleashed a super powerful Thunder Bolt hitting Zangoose dead center. The attack blacked the area around Zangoose, before throwing him back into a rock. Pikachu stood in front of Ash once again ready for battle gritting his teeth with determination.

From the smoke Zangoose shot forward dragging his claws on the ground.

"Careful Pikachu he's using Hone Claws! Dodge left now." Ash called to his best friend, but Zangoose managed to clip Pikachu's side with a Crush Claw. Pikachu rolled across the ground he dud his paws in the dirt to be ready to guard himself from another attack.

Ash saw a small opening once Pikachu got his feet under him, "Pikachu now use Thunderbolt!"

Pikachu's cheeks sparked with electricity and he launched his attack, Zangoose turned and caught them by surprise as his fist began to crackle. He ran straight at the electric attack and intercepted it with Thunder Punch. Zangoose pushed through Pikachu's attack before charging in with a Slash attack again.

"Pikachu use Quick Attack to dodge, then power up Iron Tail." Pikachu took off surrounded by white light just managing to avoid the attack. His tail took a metal sheen and he launched himself at Zangoose striking him in the side.

Ash was hopeful that the attack would've ended the battle but Zangoose rose from the ground covered in scrapes ready for battle. He looked over Pikachu seeing he wasn't in much better shape than Zangoose Ash knew it was time to end the battle.

"Pikachu you got enough left to end this?" Ash asked is first pokemon.

"Pika." Pikachu replied ready for whatever attack Ash called.

Zangoose stared at Pikachu with a determined grin, his claws glowed white and began to extend. He crossed his arms into a X shape and ran at Pikachu with a Slash powered X Scissor.

"Alright bud hit him hard Volt Tackle!"

"Pikapikapika...pi-ka!!!!" Pikachu began speeding towards Zangoose covered in an electric field.

The two pokemon collided with the full force of their attacks sending smoke and debris into the air. The smoke slowly began to clear as Ash and all the pokemon around watched to see who came out the victor. Once the area was clear of smoke, Pikachu was on all fours as electricity crackled over his body from recoil. He was looking over his shoulder staring at Zangoose, whose down on one knee staring back. He slowly nodded towards Pikachu before he fell to the ground with swirls in his eyes.

Ash cheered as he ran to Pikachu and picked him up praising him for the hard fought battle. The pair walked up to Zangoose who was now sitting up against a rock resting.

"Zangoose that was an amazing battle and you are so strong." Ash looked over at the group of Zangoose who were looking on on shock seeing their leader being beaten. "I know you have a family with your pack, but we'd like for you to join our family." Ash said gesturing towards all of his pokemon.

Zangoose looked at the group of pokemon smiling at him then looked back to his pack. An older Zangoose stepped forward and had a short conversation with Zangoose. After they finished the older one finished it returned to the group and they all nodded, turned, and began to leave. Zangoose turned back to Ash and stood bowing to him and all of his pokemon. Ash smiled as he pulled out a poke ball and Zangoose grinned as he tapped the ball being surrounded by red light.

Once the light faded the ball dinged instantly, "Alright I caught a Zangoose." Ash said happily knowing he gained a powerful new family member.

End flashback.

May and Misty were both surprised at the story Ash told them and they looked at Pikachu who had a shy smile on his face.

"Ash that is so crazy, and Pikachu that sounds like it would've been an amazing battle to watch." Misty said, Tracey nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, I didn't know wild pokemon could get strong like that." May added.

"It was crazy to watch and be apart of, I'm glad we pulled out the win. Zangoose is an amazing partner and team mate, he's never backed down from a fight. He's one of my pokemon when we're done training he keeps going, him and Infernape have a kinda competition going. They are always pushing each other harder and harder every day trying to out do one another." Ash explained.

The four trainers spent the next few hours trading stories and training tips. It was starting get late when Ash and May decided to head back to the center for the night. May picked up Glaceon as she had fallen asleep while they talked and Pikachu sat on Ash's shoulder, Meowth walked alongside Lucario behind the pair. They bid goodnight to their friends and made their way down the street admiring the beauty of the city. They went to their room and Ash let May get cleaned up for the night first. While she was getting cleaned up Ash pulled out his map and was looking for something in particular, while they walked through the city he had a sudden thought.

He knew that couples were supposed to go out on dates and things like that, and he remembered his mom telling him about a place near Cerulean City. 'There it is.' he thought, 'I'll take her to the cape tomorrow for a picnic'. He made a mental list of the things he'd need to take for the next day while he lightly scratched Pikachu's ears. May came out and laid down stroking Glaceon's cool fur and Ash went to get ready to lie down. After he came out he gave May kiss before he laid down, they talked for a little bit about their training the next morning. May yawned and they decided to call it a night.

"Goodnight Ash, I love you." May said with a sleepy smile, she loved being able to say that to Ash.

"Goodnight to you too May, I love you." He replied enjoying the feeling in his chest. Pikachu curled up next to Ash after nuzzling Glaceon. Meowth chose a chair near the window and Lucario sat next to the wall cross legged closing his eyes. The room was quickly filled with the sounds of sleep as everyone drifted into their dreams.

May was the first to wake the next morning, she looked out the window and could just see the sky lighting up. She stood up and stretched her arms above her head and moved over to Ash's bed. Looking down on his sleeping face May couldn't help but smile, and think how cute he looked asleep.

May leaned down and gave Ash a soft kiss and whispered, "Ash wake up its time to get out of bed."

Ash felt a pair of soft lips on his and her a sweet soft voice whisper in his ear. His eyes opened blurred with sleep but he could still make out May's beautiful features.

"Good morning beautiful. What time is it?" He asked.

"Its just about six in the morning."

"Ok, let's get freshened up and go train." he replied standing up. May went to go to the bathroom but gave a small yelp when she felt two arms pull her back.

"Sorry May but I wanted to give you a good morning hug." Ash said with sly grin and a small kiss on her neck. A shudder traveled down May's back from the kiss and she felt her cheeks slightly heat up.

"Its ok Ash you just caught me off guard." she replied hoping to hide her blush, she made her way to get ready for the morning. A short time later she came out in her work out clothes and Ash had to force himself not to stare at her. The clothes clung to her just right showing off her toned body and Ash could feel heat rising in his chest and cheeks. He quickly got into the bathroom and began to go get ready while trying to slow his breath down. Once he was ready the two trainers and the group of pokemon followed them to the training fields to start their morning work out.

Ash released his pokemon, Ralts stood close to his leg being shy around new pokemon, he was ok being around Ash but other pokemon made him a little nervous. Ash chuckled as he reached down picking up the young psychic type. "Everyone I'm sure you've met a little back at the lab, but this is Ralts and Sandshrew, they both have recently joined our family."

Sandshrew immediately waved at the group in front of him and was excited to train with such string pokemon. Ralts shyly waved and nervously walked up to Gardevoir, both theirs eyes glowed as they began to speak telepathically. Ash smiled at them, seeing them open up to his older pokemon.

"Ok guys were just gonna do some light basic training today to help get Sandshrew and Ralts up to level over the next little while. Donphan and Torterra work with Sandshrew to help him learn some control over his ground type moves. Gardevoir and Meowth I want you to work with Ralts with his physic attacks and some dark type moves. Pikachu, Lucario and I will move between both groups and help out with moves."

With that they split into their groups and began their training, going slow to help the new pokemon get their bearings. Ash quickly noticed that Sandshrew had good base attack and his speed was really well for being so young. Donphan was currently helping him with Rollout while Torterra caused obstacles for the young ground type to dodge. Ash gave a few pointers on different ways to dodge at the last moment. He watched for a few more minutes before moving over to check on how Ralts was coming along.

As he watched Ralts he could see his shyness was slowly fading and it seemed as long as he focused on training he was more out going. Gardevoir was showing him ways to focus his powers to aim at a moving target, which was Meowth. The cat scratch pokemon was moving randomly while using low powered attacks that Gardevoir would block to help Ralts get experience of having incoming attacks. He noticed that the young pokemon's attacks were gaining some speed and his accuracy was very impressive for being so young. He gave a few small pointers but with what Gardevoir and Meowth had been teaching him there wasn't much to say at the moment.

Ash made his way towards May and her pokemon to check on how her training was coming along. He watched as she had Blaziken lightly sparing with Venusaur using flashy attacks against one another. Swanna, Florges, and Sewaddle were working on combo attacks and teaching Sewaddle the basics of contest battles. Meanwhile May was helping Glaceon and Wartortle train with her Ralts. The young pokemon might have seemed reluctant to come along at first but now she seemed very excited to train. The two more experienced pokemon would send weak attacks towards her while she tried to bend the attacks either away from her or into rough shapes.

He smiled watching his girlfriend trianing, how focused she was and how much she put into training. They continued training and giving pointers to each other for different techniques. Ash spent a little time showing May some workouts and maneuvers that would help her with defense and strength. It was close to noon when they decided to call it a day for training and the returned everyone but Pikachu, Lucario, Glaceon and of course Meowth. They asked Nurse Joy to give everyone a check up and let them rest up, they sat in the waiting area and made small talk until they were called for their pokemon. Pikachu jumped onto Ash's shoulder while Glaceon walked closely to May's side. Lucario and Meowth followed behind the pair as thythey went back to their room to get cleaned up.

Ash told May she could get cleaned up first, he told her that he needed to run to market real quick. He quickly made his way into the produce section and went through the mental lists of things he'd need for their picnic. After about thirty minutes he came back to the room and remembered to knock as not to catch May off guard.

"Ash what did you need to get from the store?" May asked while she lightly scratched Glaceon and Pikachu on their heads.

"Well I wanted to do something special for you, so I got some things together and I want to take you out to Cerulean Cape for a picnic."Ash said setting the basket down that he had packed. May was shocked to here that Ash had planned that, she didn't expect him to so something like that.

"Ash that is so sweet, thank you." She stood up and pulled him into a hug giving him a small kiss. "What time did you want to go?" She asked.

"I was thinking of going out when it was closer to sunset, I've read its really pretty at that time of night." Ash said, he turned to go get cleaned after trianing. He came out a short while later in fresh clothes and sat down on his bed were Meowth was curled up sleeping.

"It feels nice to just kinda relax after traveling for the last little bit doesn't it May?" He asked while rubbing Meowth on the head.

"Yeah it does, you know you really have changed. When we were younger you couldn't sit still and were always looking for the next adventure." May said with a chuckle.

"Well being constantly on the go for the last few years kinda put things in perspective for me, also seeing a beautiful woman across from me helps too." He added with a wink as Pikachu crawled into his lap with a yawn.

A light blush crossed May's cheeks at the compliment, "Ash thank you, you're so sweet." With that they fell into a comfortable silence with their pokemon resting around them. They traded a few stories and reminisced about old adventures they'd shared. After a few hours Ash placed Pikachu on his pillow and stood up.

"May I'm gonna run down to the computers real fast and get our ride to the cape." He said with a soft kiss to her lips. He reached the computer and called the laboratory.

"Hello Professor, how are you?" He asked and the grey haired man answered the phone.

"Aw Ash my boy, I'm doing well. Thanks for asking, now what can I do for you?"

"I want to send Torterra back for now, I need a lift for tonight." Ash said as he asked for the pokemon he had in mind. After the transfer was done Ash thanked the professor and made his way back to the room. When he entered the room May was just finishing up getting ready for their picnic, as it was getting close to time to go. Ash smiled when he seen her, he realized that every time he sees May a smile always comes to his face and he rather enjoyed it.

"Oh, Ash your back, sorry I figured it was almost time to go so I was getting everything ready." May said standing up straight with the basket in her hand.

"Its ok May, well if you're ready we can head out." Ash said. He turned towards Meowth and Lucario, "I know you two hate it, so you can stay here in the room or go into the poke ball and come with us."

"No thanks Ash, I'll stay here in the room, I really do detest the ball." Meowth said jumping onto the bed grabbing the remote.

"Master I'd prefer hear to meditate, as long as your stay safe and promise that if anything happens you'll reach out to me." Lucario said.

"Lucario I've told you not to call me that and yes we'll be safe and if anything does happen I'll let you know." Ash said with a sigh. "May, you might want to return Glaceon if she doesn't want to stay, I don't know how comfortable she'll be flying."

May looked down at her ice type pokemon who nuzzled her leg nodding at her poke ball. May returned her and they headed out of the Pokemon Center doors. The walked to the edge of a small park near the center where Ash pulled out a poke ball, "Come on out!"

A flash of light was seen followed by a tremendous roar, Charizard made his presence known. He glanced down seeing Ash with a small grin he let out a small stream of flames at him, having slightly grown out of his arrogant ways. Ash chuckled wiping off the soot from his face, "Its good to see you too bud."

"Hey Charizard its been awhile, you look really good." May said rubbing the underside of Charizard's jaw, causing him to lightly growl happily. "Would you mind giving us a light to the cape please?"

He nodded with a content smile on his face, he leaned forward allowing her to climb onto his back. Pikachu jumped up and climbed up Charizard's neck to the top of his head. Ash came up lastly sitting in front of his wings, he wrapped his arms around May to keep her close to him.

"I just wanna make sure you're not going anywhere, Charizard has a fast take off." He explained. May felt a tingle deep inside feeling so close to Ash and she liked the feeling. She heard Ash say to Charizard, "Alright buddy let's go."

With that Charizard gave a flap of his mighty wings and the shot off into the air, May let out a small squeak because of the speed. She felt Ash's arms grip her tighter making her feel more at ease. They soared high above the city and began their way to the cape. The air that rushed by made it hard to talk so the just enjoyed the ride and the closeness they were sharing. After a short while Charizard slowly began to drop until he landed with a soft thump in a grassy area over looking a secluded area of the cape. They both thanked him for the ride before Ash returned him, May let Glaceon out to enjoy the time with Pikachu. Ash lead May along a little path to a small grove of trees where he put out a blanket for them to sit on while they ate.

"Ash this all looks so amazing and delicious, how did you do it in such short time?"

"Its not that amazing, just simple really. Its pretty easy to make on the go and perfect for something like this." He said with a shy grin. He poured out some food for Glaceon and Pikachu as well, having fed everyone else earlier it was just the for of them enjoying the little romantic moment.

They finished eating and the sun was sinking beyond the horizon, Ash stood up offering May his hand. She took it and felt Ash gently pull her to her feet, he grinned his crooked smile as she took his arm and walked back through the trees to the water's edge. Pikachu walked alongside Glaceon every so often lightly brushing against one another in front of their trainers. The group walked silently along then water not needing to say anything, just letting the moment speak for itself. The sun finally set and the moon and stars came out reflecting on the glass like water, they found a downed tree to sit on and look out across the water. After about forty five minutes or so Ash felt May shutter slightly from the cool air coming from the water, he looked down and seen her eyes fighting to stay open.

"Here take my jacket May," he said wrapping it around her shoulders, "Let's head back and get some sleep."

May looked up with a sleepy smile, she couldn't help what happened next. She wrapped her arms around Ash pulling him in close kissing him with passion hotter than a Fire Blast. She felt his arms pull her tight and kiss her back with the same type of passion. She held back a groan as the separated and she looked deep into his warm chocolate eyes.

"Thank you for tonight Ash, it was perfect, and thank you for everything." She said softly as she leaned into his chest.

"You're welcome May, but it's me who should thank you. You're the reason I keep going and you're the reason I'm the man I am today." May grinned when she heard these words and hugged him tightly, but even with these emotions the sleep bug was creeping up on her.

Ash pulled out Charizard's ball once more letting out his faithful fire starter. "Ok bud lets go back to the center."

Ash lifted May onto Charizard's back then returned Glaceon, Pikachu jumped up in front of May as Ash got settled behind her. Once they were set Charizard took flight straight back to the Pokemon Center, he took a more direct route back seeing May was tired. Charizard seemed gruff and mean but inside he did deeply care for May, Ash and his family he'd met through them both. As he reached the Pokemon Center Charizard glided to a gentle landing allowing Ash to slip off with May in his arms as she fell asleep just before they reached the city.

"Thank you for your help tonight Charizard now get a good rest." Ash held out Charizard's ball and he was surrounded with red light before being returned. Pikachu lead the way to the room jumping up to open the door so Ash could safely carry May to bed. Once inside Lucario pulled back the covers of her bed and Ash softly laid her down. He pulled out Glaceon's ball letting her out to sleep next to May, Ash kissed May good night before laying down on his own bed. Pikachu gave Glaceon a quick nuzzle and lick to the cheek before jumping in with Ash. Lucario sat against the wall once more feeling at ease having his partner safely in his presence. Meowth chose a chair by the window to sleep in. With that they all slipped into a peaceful slumber.

Sorry for the long time between chapters once more. I hope everyone enjoys it. As always feel free to review and leave thoughts or criticisms. Until next time.

Ash's team: Pikachu,Lucario, Meowth, Sandshrew, Ralts, Gardevoir, Donphan, and Charizard.

May's team: Blaziken, Glaceon, Sewaddle, Venusaur, Florges, Wartortle, Swanna, and Ralts