Today, I give you yet another pokemon one-shot for your viewing pleasure. The theme this time: Pokemon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea. It takes place a while after the movie. Here's a little synopsis: On their way towards the Battle Pyramid for Ash's seventh Battle Frontier symbol, our heroes decide to take a break and return to Hoenn, visiting May and Max's parents in Petalburg City. However, while there, May begins reminiscing their previous adventure. Plus nowadays, she's been feeling quite sad for an unknown reason. Ash takes notice of this as he and Brock try to figure out the cause. Meanwhile, Max contemplates on what to do once he begins his journey in 2 years. Disclaimer- I do not own pokemon in any way or form.
Kanto and Hoenn, two separate regions that seem to mingle so well together. Like Oran berries and Sitrus berries: when crushed and mixed together, you get a very delicious Pokèblock. These two regions are also where our group of heroes are from. From the Kanto region is Brock Slate, former gym leader of the Pewter City gym. As well as Pallet Town hometown hero Ash Ketchum and his partner Pikachu. From the Hoenn region are Petalburg City siblings May and Max Maple. They also to be the proud children of Norman Maple, the gym leader of the Petalburg City gym. Together, they travel throughout the regions, helping Ash to achieve his dream to become a pokemon master.
They were currently going through the Kanto region as Ash was tackling the Battle Frontier and May was competing in the contest circuit. However, they've decided to take a break, especially after the adventure they recently went on: May hatching a mythical pokemon called Manaphy in her arms and bonding with it, meeting with a traveling "People of the Water" show and a famous pokemon ranger Jackie, helping to bring Manaphy to Samaya: the sea temple, and preventing a bad guy known as Phantom the Pirate from stealing Manaphy and the sea crown. After that much excitement and drama, a little break from the action is just what they need. They decided to return to Hoenn and visit Norman in Petalburg City. It'd give May and Max a chance to see their parents again and allows Ash to get some training for when he faces Brandon upon returning to Kanto after their break.
As they headed down the street towards the gym, Ash noticed a trainer with an unknown pokemon by her side entering the gym. The trainer resembled Ash a bit, apparel wise, while sporting sunglasses and a ponytail for her brown hair. They followed the trainer to see if she was going to challenge Norman. Inside the gym, the trainer was watching as her partner was wrestling with Vigoroth, putting up a decent fight. As our heroes saw what was going on, Max was the first to speak up, shouting in concern,"Those two are fighting"!! The trainer saw the group and went up to them, saying,"No no guys!! It's ok. Really. They're not fighting, they're wrestling. Winter and Vigoroth are such good friends and fierce rivals, they wrestle each other to show their friendship. Watch," as she gave a shrill whistle, causing Winter and Vigoroth to separate and smile at the group, causing them to be relieved. Vigoroth went up to Max as Max hugged him, saying,"You're becoming really strong Vigoroth," as it chirped in agreement.
Meanwhile, the trainer picked up Winter, saying,"I'm Grace, striving to become a strong ice type trainer, and this is my partner Winter," as it chirped its heartfelt greetings. To our heroes, Winter looked like an evolution of Eevee. It was light blue, dark blue with its headpiece, and had turquoise coloring on its paws, eyes, and the design on its tail and back. Plus, it's tail and the dangles on the side of its head resembled stretched out diamonds. As everyone introduced themselves, Ash pulled out his pokedex to see what kind of pokemon Winter was, only to receive No data. Grace gave him her pokedex, saying,"Try using mine. You'll get a description with this one." Ash used it, this time, getting a good description as everyone listened closely.
Glaceon, the fresh snow pokemon and an evolved form of Eevee. It is capable of freezing the fur on its body, making it stick out like sharp needles.
Ash smiled and gave Grace back her pokedex, saying,"Wow! An ice type evolution of Eevee. That's so cool," as Pikachu agreed. May was petting Winter while saying,"Winter is so cute! It's probably pretty strong in battle," as Winter meowed in content. Max wanted to pet Winter as well, so Grace put Winter down on the ground again, allowing Max to pet it as well. Brock then asked,"So, are you going to challenge Norman to a gym battle"? Grace shook her head, saying,"I'm actually visiting Norman and Caroline. It's been a while since I've seen them." Max says,"Have you battled our dad before"? Grace nodded, saying,"Believe it or not May and Max, your father was the final gym leader I needed to beat to enter the Hoenn League. We both put up a really good fight, in the end, Winter was able to withstand Vigoroth and its flamethrower."
As on cue, Norman and Caroline entered the gym, with Norman saying,"I thought I heard familiar voices." Max ran while exclaiming,"Dad," and hugged Norman tightly while May and Caroline embraced each other as mother and daughter. During the hug, May felt a bit stunned, recognizing the feeling of motherly love. It made her remember how much she loved Manaphy dearly, how when they first met, she cared for it a lot. Her dazed expression broke when Caroline asked her,"Is everything okay dear"? May recovered, saying,"Just...really happy to see you mom," putting on a smile to make her statement true. Norman then spoke up, saying,"Ash, Brock, Grace, it's great to see you again. What brings you all back to Hoenn anyways"?
Brock responded with,"We decided to take a little break from Kanto after a huge adventure we went on recently. So, we're taking the time to recharge and relax a bit." Ash added,"Plus, it'll be a great time to do some training so we can face Brandon when we return, right Pikachu," as Pikachu nodded in agreement. Grace added,"I came by to see how thinks were since our last battle, though I can see things have been normal around here." Caroline then says,"Well, since you'll be here during your stay, how about I begin making dinner for everyone"? Ash and May both said yes in unison as Brock offered to help Caroline in the kitchen. Grace then went up to Ash and asked him,"Since dinner will be ready later on, how about we have a battle to pass the time"? Ash nodded, saying,"You're on Grace"!!
Norman acted as the referee while May and Max sat on the sidelines to watch. It was going to be a three on three, substitutions allowed battle, with both Grace and Ash ready to battle. Ash first called upon his Torkoal, who shot black smoke out of its shell. Grace pulled out a pokeball while saying,"Hail, you're up," as her first choice was a Glaile. Ash smiled, saying,"Wow. You're Glaile looks strong Grace," with Grace responding with,"The same thing could be said about your Torkoal Ash." Max faced May, saying,"Looking at type advantage, Ash and Torkoal could win, but Grace's Glaile looks tough as well." May focused her attention towards Ash a bit, blushing a little. Max caught sight of this, saying in a sly tone,"Thinking about Ash again"? May blushed bright red while turning away, saying,"What or who I think about is none of your business"!
Norman called for the battle to begin as Ash had Torkoal use flamethrower right off the bat. Grace calmly replied,"Hail, use water pulse," as Glaile launched the move, creating mist on the battlefield. Grace then replied,"Now, go into sheer cold," as Glaile used the move, freezing the field and Torkoal, who fainted instantly from the one hit KO move. Ash and Max were both shocked as Glaile was announced the winner. Max was able to shake off the initial shock to say,"That sheer cold move was amazing! It knocked out Torkoal in one shot! What do you think May," only to see that May was dazed with her thoughts. Seeing that water pulse reminded her of the ocean...and the sea temple...and...
"May, snap out of it," was what got her to "wake up", asking,"What happened"? Max groaned and replied,"What happened was that Ash lost his first pokemon to Glaile! That Grace trainer is no joke." May felt worried about Ash, but was also feeling...upset for some reason. Meanwhile, Ash returned Torkoal and called out his next choice, which was Corphish. Grace returned Hail to its ball before pulling another one out, saying,"Icicle, it's your turn," revealing to be another unknown pokemon to Ash. Seeing the confusion on his face, Grace says,"Ash, this is another ice type known as Froslass. It is an ice / ghost type. It evolves from a female Snorunt touching a dawn stone." Ash was impressed, saying,"So cool! Your ice types are really incredible." Corphish did a "bring it on" motion as Icicle prepared for battle.
Ash had Corphish use bubble beam as Grace had Icicle use shadow ball to intercept, creating an explosion. Grace then says,"Let's set the mood with hail," as Icicle set up a hailstorm, small ice particles hitting Corphish while a cloudy mist overcame the battlefield. Max, watching this, says,"That hail is something. Corphish seems to take damage while Froslass remains immune." May was watching the battle as well, but remaining silent. She didn't feel like talking about what was going on in the battle. She loved and supported Ash with all her heart, but..she just didn't feel like it.
Ash, seeing the situation, shouts,"Corphish, use harden, then crabhammer"! Corphish hardened up, increasing its defenses, before going in with crabhammer. Grace says,"Meet them head on with ice punch," as Icicle hit the crabhammer with ice punch, creating a stalemate. Then, in the locked position, Grace says,"Ominous wind," as Icicle launched the ghost type move, sending Corphish flying and knocking it out cold. As Ash returned Corphish, all May could mutter was,"Poor Ash...what will he do"? Max responded with,"His best bet would be to go with Pikachu since the rest of his team would be weak to ice type attacks."
Ash turned to his partner and said,"Pikachu, it's up to you. Let's turn it around," as Pikachu hopped from Ash's shoulder and got into a battle position. Grace returned Icicle before facing her partner, saying,"What do you say Winter? You want to battle Pikachu," as her Glaceon nodded and hopped down from Grace's shoulder and prepared for battle as well. Ash took charge, saying,"Pikachu, use iron tail"!! Pikachu began to charge towards Winter with the steel type move as Grace says,"An iron tail for an iron tail," as Winter intercepted with its own iron tail. Once they separated, both trainers shouted," Use thunderbolt! / Use ice beam!," as each pokemon's respective move collided, creating another explosion.
Ash then says,"Pikachu, use volt tackle," as Pikachu surrounded itself with electricity, heading straight towards Winter. Winter just jumped up, dodging the attack as Grace says,"Use attract," as it created some floating hearts, which stunned Pikachu, making him fall in love with Winter. Max says, watching closely,"It looks like attract seems to have stunned Pikachu! It can't react to what's going on"! May glumly says,"Attract made Pikachu fall in love..," her tone of voice causing Max to look at his sister with concern.
Ash tried to get Pikachu to snap out of it, but no matter what, the electric mouse was still in an infatuated state. Grace then says,"Let's finish this with style and grace! Use blizzard, then go straight into iron tail"! Winter launched its blizzard, hitting Pikachu and freezing it before slamming the frozen mouse with iron tail, sending it flying and knocking it out with ease. Norman, seeing this, says,"Pikachu is unable to battle! Glaceon is the winner and that means the match goes to Grace"! Grace happily embraced Winter while saying,"You were really awesome in that battle! Excellent work," as Winter nuzzled her trainer's cheek and meowing happily. Meanwhile, Ash picked up Pikachu, who was slowly recovering from the battle. Ash smiled, saying,"You put up a good fight Pikachu. Rest up a bit buddy," as Ash placed him on his respective shoulder.
Norman went up to both trainers, saying,"That was an excellent battle. Even when it was short, you both showed tremendous strength, and for that, I couldn't be happier." Ash looked at Grace while saying,"Your ice types were really strong. I couldn't land a single attack, no matter what I tried." Grace responded with,"No need to be disappointed Ash. You did great too. Let me tell you a secret that might help: Use your surroundings and your opponent to your advantage in battle. With Hail and Icicle, they attack best when concealed with mist, allowing them to do attacks in the shadows. With Winter, we know that Pikachu love to battle with speed, so, we battle speed with great agility and timing, landing precise attacks at crucial times. Get a reading off the first move your opponent launches to really set the stand in your favor, understand"? Ash seemed to get it, saying,"That's a great idea! We'll keep it in mind Grace! Thanks," as the two shook hands.
Meanwhile, both Maple kids were left speechless over the outcome of the battle. Max could not believe how Ash lost so easily to Grace, despite how strong he was usually. It...sort of gave him a wake up call and made Max think about something crucial. If he were to become a trainer once he was old enough, what if he met a trainer like her and lost badly to him / her? What if he can't train his pokemon to their full potential, no matter how hard he tries? What if...becoming a trainer is a bad idea?
Meanwhile, May was keeping to herself, looking down at the ground, upset for some reason. Not about the battle or Ash losing, although she felt bad for his team losing despite their best efforts, but about something else...something personal. She got up and went inside the house, not wanting anyone to notice her. Her quick exit, however, caught her father's attention, but she was long gone before he could ask what was wrong. Ash and Grace noticed as well, with Grace asking,"Is she ok"? Ash could only shrug and say,"I hope so."
Luckily, at that moment, dinner was ready as Brock and Caroline called everyone to come and eat. As everyone sat around the table inside the house, the pokemon ate their food in a separate area. Ash and Grace chowed down easily, enjoying the food a lot. Grace even complimented to Brock, saying,"Wow! You're a good cook! This is delicious," with Brock responding with,"I'm glad you like it." However, May wasn't eating at all, just picking at her food with the fork, which was a new behavior for the group, especially her parents. When Caroline saw, she turned to her daughter and asked,"Are you feeling ok May? You haven't eaten one bite of your food at all."
May just solemnly looked at her mother before saying in a glum tone,"I'm not that hungry. Excuse me," before getting up and heading towards her room. Everyone looked on with concern as Ash says,"Something must be really bothering May. She usually always eats whatever was placed in front of her and loves Brock's cooking no doubt." Brock added,"Truth be told, she hasn't really been herself these last couple of days since we returned to Hoenn. She's been really quiet, keeping her thoughts to herself, and on top of it all, May has been sad a lot, but never wants to say why." Norman thought for a minute before saying,"This is really unlike her. Tell me Ash, Brock, has May given any signs as to why she's acting this way"?
Both trainers thought for a minute, before shaking their heads no. Max then says,"Maybe May is sick or not feeling well." Caroline then got up after finishing her food before saying,"I'm going to check on May and see what's bothering her." Ash and Brock volunteered to go with her, wanting to help May as well. Meanwhile, Max got up and headed back towards the gym, surprising Norman and Grace. They both wondered what he could be thinking as they both followed him inside the gym as well.
Upstairs, May was laying on her bed facing towards the wall honing a window. The walls were a deep blue color, just like the ocean. May had a small frown, gazing slowly at the wall, remembering when she released Manaphy so it could protect Samaya and live with all the other water types. She remembered the last hug they shared and the last clear words Manaphy spoke to her,"Love you Mama...love you May." Tears formed around her eyes as she clutched her chest tight, muttering softly,"Oh Manaphy...I miss you so much." A knock on the door was what got her back into reality as she rid herself of the tears before gaining her composure and opening the door. When she saw her friends and her mother looking at her with concern, she asked,"Hey guys, what's up"?
Brock was the first to speak up, saying,"May, we're concerned for you. Something's been bothering you and we'd like to know what it is." May responded with,"I'm fine, really guys. Is this about me getting up during dinner? I said I just wasn't hungry." Ash then added,"Exactly, and usually, you and I are the hungriest in the group around meal time when we travel. Plus, you're always able to find the best spots to eat wherever we go. The only times you don't eat are when you're upset about something." Caroline then walked up to her, saying,"Your friends are right May. You haven't really been yourself since returning home. Are you sure nothing is wrong"?
May then looked down before saying,"I'm fine guys...really...at least...I feel ok." Trying to keep a tough emotional exterior was becoming harder and harder, her emotions building up faster than a firework rocket. Everyone could easily see that as small tears started to form around her eye. No one knew what to say until Ash asked,"If you say that you're fine May, then why do you look like you're about to cry"? That did it as May couldn't hold it in anymore, bending down and breaking into a hard sob. Caroline held May close, allowing her daughter to cry into her chest, as Ash and Brock watched on, feeling heartbroken for her.
Meanwhile, as the sun was beginning to set, Max was sitting on the steps, looking up at the sky. Grace joined him by sitting next to the little boy as Winter hopped into his lap. Norman sat on the opposite side, asking,"What's on your mind Max"? Max looked at his father saying,"I was just thinking about something. It's not important." As he petted Winter, Grace asked Max,"Do you want to talk about it though"? He nodded before asking,"Do you guys think becoming a trainer is a good idea for me"? Norman nodded, saying,"Of course. You've always told me that becoming a trainer has been a lifelong dream Max." His son then looked down while saying,"Then why do I feel like becoming a trainer will lead to something bad"? Grace looked at him curiously, saying,"What do you mean Max"?
He then said,"Watching your battle with Ash and seeing you beat him easily, it got me thinking maybe I'm not cut out to be a trainer. No matter what, I'll never get to raise my team to their full potential and what if we meet a trainer like you and lose badly no matter what strategy we try in battle?! It's scary just thinking about it." Norman had an understanding look as he said,"Max, becoming a trainer is more than just raising a strong team and winning battles. It's about being able to bond with pokemon whom you grow close with as friends and companions." Grace smiled, adding,"Plus, the best part about being a trainer is that with your pokemon, you develop something more than just a bond, you feel like they become part of your family."
It seemed to make Max feel better as she picked up Winter before saying,"Did you know before meeting Winter, I was set on becoming a Nurse Joy"? Max was a little surprised before Grace continued with,"I wanted to work at a pokemon center, but one day, after my tenth birthday, I was on my way to the lab to pick my first pokemon when I met Winter as an Eevee. She was going somewhere and, being the curious self I was, followed her into an ice cave, where there was this huge ice rock. She touched it, evolving into Glaceon, before seeing me and smiling. We became instant friends, but as we were heading out and back into town, I heard some people talk about how ice types were really weak and bad choices of pokemon to have. I disagreed with what they said and decided to prove them wrong by not only making Winter my partner, but to have my team full of beautiful, strong, ice type pokemon. I give them ice and snow related nicknames because I feel like it best fits them, since we are all one big, ice type family. My goal then changed to becoming the strongest ice type trainer in all of Hoenn, just to show those who disagree that ice types are really special in their own, unique way."
Max, comprehending the story, says,"So, you became a trainer to prove some people wrong"? Grace looked at Winter before saying,"In the beginning, it felt like that, but halfway through it, I realized my true goal: to win the Hoenn League and make my friends and family proud. And by my friends and family, not just my human friends and family, but my pokemon as well. It wouldn't matter if they were all level 1 or legendaries or anything high and mighty, I'd love them with all my heart and that is where our full potential comes from."
Max seemed to get a better understanding of the situation as he got up, saying,"I understand!! Once I do become a trainer, I'm going to become friends with those I meet and aim to become the next top trainer!! We'll reach our goal together"!! Norman smiled,"Attaboy Max. I'm proud to call you my son." Max smiled as Grace looked back at the inside, saying quietly,"I hope that May is ok." Meanwhile, upstairs, May's heartbroken sobs have finally quieted down, becoming light whimpers. Ash couldn't help but feel really bad for May, seeing her depressive state.
Once May seemed to have calm down, Caroline had her daughter look at her straight in the eye and asked,"Are you feeling better now"? May slowly nodded while remaining quiet, her heart still throbbing in pain from the sadness she felt, but not as much as earlier. Brock then spoke up, asking,"May, I know you don't want to talk about it, but asking as your closest companions, what's wrong? What's making you so upset"? May looked up at her companions before saying in a shaky tone,"I...*sigh* this is going to sound so stupid...but...I'm...heartbroken. I..I..really miss Manaphy...and...I miss her so much...it hurts...especially in my chest." Everyone remained silent when May said that, especially Ash since he knew very well that they were really close with one another. No wonder May was so upset; he'd feel the same if he had to say goodbye to his partner Pikachu, and that has almost happened before, so the feelings can correlate.
May then broke the silence, continuing with,"When Manaphy left...it felt like a part of me died. The love and memories we shared...all faded away. Now...I'll never get to experience that kind of love...ever again," before breaking down into tears again. Caroline held her daughter once more while saying,"It'll be ok May. I understand what it's like to say goodbye to someone close to you," but all she got out of that was an angry and hurt,"YOU DON'T HAVE A CLUE I FEEL"!!!! Ash decided to do something as he knelt down towards May, having her look at him momentarily. His gaze made May feel a bit calmer and stop her heartbroken sobs.
Ash then softly spoke to her, saying,"May, I really do understand how you feel about this. Releasing someone you love so they can have a better life, I know that feeling all too well. However, just because they leave doesn't mean you'll never get to experience love, in any form, ever again. There are many more pokemon and people you'll meet and befriend. Who knows? You might meet someone and have that feeling return once more. I know it hurts now, but once the hurt goes away and you're ready, then you'll be ready to open your heart for love once again." May, Caroline, and Brock were stunned, hearing someone like Ash, who was denser than a Golem, say something so heartwarming and...dare I say...romantic.
May had a red blush overcome her cheeks as she kept a close hand on her chest, which was beginning to hurt a lot less, probably because of a warm feeling that she was beginning to feel. Ash then did something that made Brock and Pikachu drop their jaws and Caroline because surprised. Ash got close to May and...with all the confidence in the world...kissed May as both trainers locked lips with one another. Pikachu smiled happily as Brock was moved to tears, saying,"True love is really the cure for anything!! Ash you lucky man"!!! Caroline smiled softly as Ash and May then broke the kiss, with May speechless from what Ash just did. Her blush became redder as she quietly whispered,"Ash...I...," before he interrupted, saying,"Feeling better"? She smiled and nodded, saying,"A lot better. I really needed that Ash. Thank you," before tackling him into a hug, making Pikachu abruptly jump off, and Ash happily accepting the embrace.
Unbeknownst to the group, watching them was Max, Norman, and Grace, who came up to see how things were going. Max broke the moment, saying with a sly look,"I knew it!! I knew you loved Ash May"!! Both trainers broke the hug and blushed in embarrassment as Ash stammered,"H-How long were you guys standing there"? Grace responded with a chuckle and said,"Long enough to see you kiss your new girlfriend and help her feel better." Everyone ended up laughing as May and Ash shared another heartfelt kiss, smiling in each other's loving embrace, happy that they found true love, May especially happy that now, she found someone to love again.