Ashes in May Ch. 13 It Begins, The Storm Foretold
So, I know in the games the islands of Alola are rather small compared to other regions, due to this I decided to make it bigger. So, imagine that they have other cities and towns because I'm sure that Hawaii has more than one city per island. I mean, I'm very sure that at the very least there are 60 cities. Well, I googled searched and all but still! I'm not going to make up so random new city but yeah. I hope you get my point. I've gotten someone who said that some parts of my story are copied and that's because they are; I was the one who wrote the original version of this fanfiction. This story between chapters 1-12 are remakes, though from here on it's no longer from the original as I never got this far in the original.
LASTLY, I wanted to say that I know that everyone's waiting for May and Ash to get together, believe me, I am too. Though as I've been writing things have been turning more into a slow burn story, but never threat for they WILL become a couple, I swear. I know not everyone likes slow burns, and I personally don't like them too much when I read them myself, but I don't know in this case I think is a good idea. I mean in a lot of Pokemon fanfictions they get into the ships so fast that sometimes I wonder if the shipped characters actually love each other or if it was all just because of the heat of the moment. So, yeah, it will be a bit before they get together, but I promise you won't have to wait too long.
[Time skip to final contest battle]
"And we're down to the last battle of the Pokémon contest. We are down to the last two pairs. On one side we have Ricky and Nini! On the other side, we have our winners of the special appeal contest, May and Ash!" Lilian announced as the audience cheered for both pairs. "Alright, this is a two on two battle. We have a five-minute time limit. You all know the rules now have fun and good luck! Time. Set. Begin!"
"Go, my deadly flower, Vileplume!" "Go, my blossoming flower, Bellossom!" called out Ricky and Nini. Now it was Ash and May" turn. "I choose you, Lucario!" "I need you Medicham!" Ash and May called out as they threw their pokeballs into the air.
"larruu!" "Mediiicham!" exclaimed the Pokémon quickly taking the initial poses they had done during the appeals.
"Bellossom use petal dance!" "Bell," cried the Pokémon sending the petals toward both Pokémon. "Vileplume use solar beam through the middle of the petals!" "Viiile pluuume!" shouted the Pokémon shooting the beam of light.
"Lucario defenses up," ordered Ash as the male Pokémon got in front of May's Pokémon protecting her by forming a barrier of sparkling aura. "Aura Sphere/Shadow Ball!" the couple said in unison. The spheres of energy formed and where quickly sent towards the grass types. The opposing coordinators call for their Pokemon to dodge but to no avail as they were hit dead on. With instant contact, Vileplume was out like a light. "Rrrgh, Vileplume! Return. It's up to you Nini" Ricky turned to her, who nodded. "Bellossom use synthesis, then use hyper beam!" the girl exclaimed. "Beeeell!" exclaimed the Alolan dressed Pokémon. "Lucario, counter with Steel Beam!" "Medicham you use Pscyshock!" exclaimed the couple. "grrreee!" "Mediiiii!" exclaimed the Fighting-types released their moves. Both attacks combined of sorts as the Psyshock became like ridges of a screw on the Hyper Beam. The combined moves hit hard knocking the poor flower out cold. Ash and May cheer alongside their Pokemon.
"And we have our winners by a complete battle out, but not only are they the winners of the Pokémon contest but also they are the ones who won in the special appeal round! Give then a round of applause!" announce Lilian as the crowd erupted into cheers and claps of hands, "Now let see what our judges have to say about this match!" "Both of your Pokémon are very strong and both were in perfect and harmonizing sync," said Mr. Contesta impressed.
"You match extraordinarily marvelous!" said Mr. Sukizo happily.
"I love how both your Pokémon worked in perfect sync, which shows just how much they like each other," said Nurse Joy at how cute the two butterfly Pokémon blushed t her comment.
"As Kahuna of Melemele, I offer up tonight's contest as a tribute to Tapu Koko. You, two young teens, have earned your way to the top. I congratulate you both."
Then, the Kahuna walked up to them with a small box that contained the ribbon. When he took it out everyone noticed how the ribbon was completely made of light blue and pink crystal. "As Kahuna of Melemele I present you with the Heavenly Veiled Pokémon contest ribbon," he said handing the ribbon to May. May's eyes shone and sparkle as she carefully took the ribbon in her hand. "Alright! We won the Heavenly Veiled ribbon!" exclaimed May in the same pose that Ash does when he wins a badge. Ash's heart jumped when May saw 'we' won the ribbon.
As May celebrated and the crowd cheered Ash as they were soon joined by Gary who high fived them both. All the while May and Ash couldn't help but jump into Gary's arms with childish joy immediately tackling the poor boy to the ground. Gary laughed as the two them and Pikachu proceed to tickle the redhead, "Guys, hahaha! Waitaahhh, staaapp! Hahah!" Gary felt his side hurt from the onslaught wondering how the two had gone from celebrating to making him suffer such fun! Not to mention that Pikachu wore a slightly evil look as he tickled the largest human. "Gary, you're our close friend. Your happiness is ours just like you told us back then," came the voice of Ash who pulled back to sit next to him. May somehow sensed the moment and nodded in agreement sitting to the boys left. "Ash is right, Gary. We, May, Ash, and Gary won tonight. It's not just Ash and me. We're a trio," Gary could only look from Ash to May as a warm feeling spread through his chest, 'Right.' Gary sat up rubbing the back on his neck sheepishly, "I'm sorry guys. I'm not sure why this came up, but…thanks…a lot. I really think I need to hear that." May giggled wrapping an arm around his neck and the other around Ash, "You dummy, we know you well and we don't leave any of us behind, ever. Plus, we don't mind if you want to hold us as your emotional support Teddiursas." Ash nodded rapidly as the three hugged. Gary smiled, 'Right, we're a trio, they won't forget about me.' Pikachu came up to give Gary a small caring lick before proceeding to tickle the human as his pals had done moments ago. While they celebrated for a moment Lilian was pulled away by Officer Jenny for a quick briefing.
"Well, there you have it," announced Lilian, "Our Pokémon contest has come to an end. Thank you all for coming and watching, hope you all loved these wonderful coordinators. All of you have a great day and hope to see you all next time!" "For those of you within the theatre. Please, I need five minutes of your undivided attention. (The crowd becomes quiet). "As most of you know it is currently raining outside. Thunder can be clearly heard and because of the storm, I've been told to inform you that you must make your way home safe and a soon as possible. As the storm has taken a turn for the worst. In a few hours, a powerful hurricane will make landfall and we need everyone to proceed home as soon as possible. Authorities throughout Alola are already bringing supplies and resourced to fortify shops and homes. Please proceed home for your own safety. Thank you and be safe."
Upon hearing this Ash made his way to Melemele's sheriff Jenny. Pikachu frowned as he could sense his trainer's change even before May or Gary noticed and he knew that things were going to get worse. For the last hour, Pikachu had been receiving electrical shocks from the atmosphere. It didn't hurt him, but it did give him a sense that the storm was getting worse, though he wasn't expecting this to occur. "Sheriff Jenny why was I not informed of this?" Ash asked in a stern and serious tone that May had never heard from Ash and it surprised her. Jenny gave a nervous smile, "I wanted you to be able to enjoy your contest. My sisters and I have our departments working diligently to help the citizens on all islands to prepare. We set out as soon as we got news of this. The Elite Four have also mobilized to set up barriers and other measures to protect Alola from the storm. We have things under control." Ash frowned his voice deep and filled with authority, "I am Champion of Alola, it is my responsibility to protect it from any threat being it human, Pokemon, or natural. I should have been the first to be informed. Sheriff Jenny, tell the departments that I should be informed of such things next time at the earliest. Now, let me know what has been done and what needs to be done," Ash ordered as Jenny gulped at the intimidating teen and began to lead the boy, no, the Champion out to Hau'oli City Police Department where they set up emergency headquarters. May watched dumbfounded watching how Ash had done a complete one-eighty from the silly fun-loving boy to a serious and intimidating man in seconds. Gary could have sworn he had never seen Ash so intimidating. He himself has had to use such authority in many instances, however, never with his friends and he knew Ash was the Champion and leader of the region, yet he's never seen this side on him. All from the way from his posture, with was straight back, chest out to his expression stiff as stone and eyes filled with strength that sent an odd feeling shiver up Gary and May's backs, that secretly was not unpleasant or alluring.
"Ash, wait, let us help," Gary said catching up placing a hand on his shoulder, "We're strong physically and have strong Pokemon. May and I can help." Ash looked pensive for a moment before nodding. "Okay, follow let's go." They got into Jenny's cop car where Ash called his mother to make sure she was okay and felt relieved that they had made it home safely. Professor Burnet had spoken with his dad moments ago; he was safe but was stuck on Ula'ula Island since the only people allowed to move between the islands are the League Members, Police, Kahunas, and Trail Capitans, and the Aether Foundation emergency brigade. Due to this, he decided to help out on the island however he can. Ash thought for a moment steeling his nerves because he didn't know how bad this typhoon would be until he gets to the Police station. He wasn't going to call his dad because he knew his dad would be safe and not to overdo things.
Pikachu felt his cheek pouches spark every so often which worried him, he looked out the window and notice that in the distance Tapu Koko flew against the heavy winds taking the hit from lightning bolts that streaked towards the islands. Pikachu knew that Tapu Koko was doing what it could, however, it wouldn't be able to intercept every bolt and eventually reach its limit of how much electricity it could absorb before it started to physically harm it. Lightning bolts were no joke, even for electric type Pokemon. Pikachu himself could take at least four before it hurt him. Okay, remember he is an exceptionally powerful Pikachu, if he couldn't contain so much electricity it wouldn't be so powerful. The small mouse jumped into Ash's lap to get whatever rest it could because he knew this was going to be a long night for all of Alola. The worst part is that if the storm decided to last for a few days, then the destruction could potentially be massive.
Once they got there and was told the information, he felt his stomach dropped. They still had about ten hours before the main storm hit, but by the astronomical readings of the storm, it was clear that it was a large one and would bring massive damage. Pikachu didn't understand all that much about what the colorful image meant, but from what Ash told him, he felt his own heart skip a beat. Yet, he nor Ash showed any emotions and immediately shifted into leadership. Pikachu hopped over to the Pokemon that would be deployed to encourage them while his trainer worked the difficult part. Ash ordered word sent to all trainers with Pokemon with moves like Rock Slide and Stone Edge to head to the docks, and boardwalks to build up the wave breakers as high as they can. Ash asked for Pokemon will the abilities of Cloud Nine and Lightning Rod to be deployed to help keep people safe while preparations were finished. With Pokemon trainers helping out it help lessen the strain on his police force. Ash turned to a depute who wrote down what he said, "I want you to inform Pokemon centers to send one Chansey to each of these locations, with escort of course, and set up an emergency medical center. (Ash points down to each place on the map) These locations are more remote and too far from hospitals or Pokemon Centers. Humans or Pokemon will be hurt and have nowhere to go. We also don't want to overcrowd our hospitals; overcrowded means mistakes get made, so, let's do this quick. When you're done return to the nearest base for further instruction." "Yes, sir," The man said saluting before heading out. Jenny spoke with him about other pressing matters.
Standing not far from the command table Gary and May watched in disbelief and relief. As said before they had never seen this side of Ash before, so tall, so strong, he was a leader. They watch him give order after order even sending out his own Pokemon out there to aid the citizens of his region. He called for teams of grass type trainers to grow strong vines, roots, and shrubbery to blanket and protect farms' crops. Groups of people to help board up shops and homes. It was all rather surreal to the pair watching their friend literally leading his country in its time of need.
Finally, Ash turned to them making May jump and Gary to gulp. Gary himself was one tough man, he worked out and even know martial art which was paid for by his Granduncle, mayor of Pallet town, and he had done his fair share of brawls. (He's not proud of that part.) He also understood how to be intimidating and used his intellect to put fear in whoever threatens him. All of this and still he felt a tinge of fear when Ash had spun around to meet his gaze. "Gary, you and I are going to Heahea City on Akala to make final checks at the Vivid Futures Orphanage. Many children live there and because of this, they are our top priority. Next, we head to Poni island to help barricade Seafolk Village. They may be sea fairing people and can handle themselves in storms, but so long as they're in my region they are my people too." Gary dawned his own serious face, that gave May the same feeling she had felt earlier from Ash. The raven-haired champion's expression softened slightly noticing their reactions. "After that, we'll be heading to Ula'Ula to evacuate those living on and at the base of Mt. Lanakila, I know that the mountain is tall enough that the storm might not affect it, it still has a glacier on it and I don't want to test our luck that an avalanche won't occur. Lastly, we will assist other groups after and during our mission, which includes wildlife. Alola is my home, I need to be out there helping my people and the region's Pokemon. Are you sure you're up for it?" "Ash, you're my people, therefore your people are mine as well," Gary responded and with his response pulses of aura were sent which cause Ash's chest to flutter. Ash smiled turning to May composing himself a bit more, "I want you to stay on Melemele helping the people. (He gestured her to the map). There are major cities on this island, Hau'oli city, and Iki Town and there are other smaller cities and towns scattered through the islands. You have a very varied list of Pokemon which makes you perfect for helping. I mainly want you and you Pokemon to help keep the roads clear so emergency responders can get there and set up. Blaziken and Venusaur can help moved fallen trees. Your Ninetales Drought ability will help lessen the effects of the storm while you're out there. I'm not sending you alone, though, you'll be joining the Trial Capitan Lima's group. They're heading out in ten minutes." May nodded in understanding, "Tell me where the nearest medical center set up. (He showed her.) Okay, what would be the main supply routes to make sure they are clean?" "Lima will show that. For not I need you to change into the uniform that Lima's group will wear." Ash said but both boys stopped her looking at her with concern.
"May, we know you can handle this, but please be careful. This is dangerous for all of us and because we are the responders, we must stay safe if not we can't help anyone." Gary said making sure to give her a good luck hug. May took a moment to enjoy the warmth to calm her rapidly beating heart. When they pulled away Ash spoked with the first sign of fear he had shown since the announcement earlier, "May, when you get to Route 1, please make sure my mom and little brother are safe. Max should be there too if he wants to help you can bring him along. Please, do whatever it takes to make sure they're protected before leaving. You know we live near the sea so it can be especially dangerous." May took hold of Ash's hand the reach to take Gary's as well. "I will, I promise. Be safe you two, I love you both. Don't die." She pulled each into a hug and when she hugged Ash, he whispered into her ear to get to safety if things head south, she has a baby to protect. With that, she left to meet with Lima and head out.
Gary watched her leave feeling his heart heavy with worry, "I know May can handle herself, but I feel uneasy letting her go…" Ash sighed than breathing in deeply, "I know exactly how you feel. I trust her and Lima. She will be fine, she has her Pokemon with her. Remember, what-" "What you can't do on your own, you can with a Pokemon pal by your side." Gary had interrupted Ash with Ash's own quote bringing a smile to both boys. "You ready?" the auburn boy asked as he himself steeled his nerves. Ash bit his inner cheek before replying, "Ready as I'll ever be…" They changed and headed out into the rain.
Deep beneath the rising waves, a small sea creature rushed to organize the wild Pokemon into the safe ranges of the coral reefs. It helped stragglers who got caught in powerful riptides. It paused a moment looking out towards the open ocean, knowing that it was coming, moving at the same rate as the typhoon itself. When the typhoon made landfall, it would be here. The seas creature looked once more before it rushed through the waters again, "Mana, Ma, pheeeee…"
So that's if for this chapter. Stay tuned for the plot grows! AA THE JOURNEY CONTINUES!