A Valentine's Day one-shot. Was gonna go for a Lemon but just wanted Ash and May should connect on a more intimate level. Sorry to disappoint, but I assure you some steam will definitely come in the upcoming chapters. To think this is my first time writing about Valentines Day. Advanceshipping fans, I hope you like it. There is mention of Drew, but no bashing.
Location: Snowpoint City. Storyline Date: 14th February, 2023.
"Thank You," Ash chirped, as he stepped out of the flower shop, the Chimecho bell chiming once more as he made his exit.
In his hands was the purchase: an elegant floral display: a dozen bright red roses intermixed with some seasonal blooms like the queen of winter, Camellia, and blooming daffodils. While the bouquet occupied his gloved hands, a heart shaped, ribbon laced box of chocolates was hugged against him. In his coat pocket was a small, neatly wrapped gift. Sure, it was cliché, but it was their first Valentines Day, well, May's first. He was no material but flowers did get a romantic Valentines Day moving, and grooving in the right vibe.
He well knew, that May was a connoisseur on romance, and she may have her critics at her surprise, but then "better to have and not need than better to need and not have." He wanted to show May that he really loved her, and how hard he had been working to plan this day. Not everything worked at the swipe of a card, and Ash wanted to pour everything he had for his special lady.
He wasn't a beginner for the day. With Serena, they had agreed that Valentines should be a non-materialistic thing, and so they funnelled their efforts into creative cuteness. They made love-letters (his always failed to impress), they made up daft romantic songs, they made the silliest of kitchen confections. It was by far the cutest day of the year and it fuelled the couple onwards as a couple, each of them secretly planning the one to come. They would stroll hand in hand down the boulevard to the local Italian restaurant, everyone else busy with their day and them in their own bubble of romance. It was cool. They loved it. It was their secret day and no-one else needed to know. But sadly…
He sighed, seeing the breath come alive in the frosty air. He badly missed Serena. And after her, he despised this day.
But life gave him another chance, and its name was May. Not only Valentines Day, but every single day, every single hour, every single minute, and every single second, he just wanted to let her know how much he cherishes her. He wanted nothing but May in his arms. In this second life that he lived, May was his treasure, the one he held dear in all of life's joys and storms. Work and Pokemon have their place, but today, all he want is to be close to her, to feel May's heart beat next to his. He wanted to do every one of those things he did with Serena, now with May.
And so, his plan was set to be in action. Rather than Opelucid City, Snowpoint had so much to offer to the love-birds. They were staying at the honeymoon suite in a posh hotel, that offered a great layout of the snowy mountain ranges from their balcony. Underneath the icy landscape was where the magic of romance resided – thanks to discovered tectonic activity, there were now hot spring baths in Snowpoint. After admiring the overflowing arrays of the city's beauty, they could re-energize with a hot-soak. There were plenty of geothermal spas to choose from. With the countless places they were going to check out today, he was gonna give her a day she always dreamt off with her man.
He chuckled under his breath, optimistic of all the good things to come today. His hotel wasn't far, and he couldn't wait to get into the room, and cuddle with May, who would probably posting the pictures of their hotel room and its Valentine decorations, captioning them with sweet public messages of affection. Their Pokemon were out on a holiday as well…if Pokemon Day Care would count as a holiday.
One obstacle stood in his way, and that was the traffic signal. But it wasn't such a mood-killer. He was in such a pleasant mood today, smiling at the vehicles that drove by. In just 5 minutes, he'll hand over all the gifts to May, and throw her on the bed, ravishing her with his love. He was already brewing a back-up plan to cancel everything on the list, and spend the entire day, naked in the bed with her. Only thirty seconds more left on the signal, and the drivers behind each other grumbled to race faster. Around Ash, a good volume of crowd had gathered, all had the same goal: to reach the other side of the road. Some were being affectionate on the phone, probably with someone who couldn't be with them today. Some couple cooed to one another. Next to Ash, was an old couple, who weren't shy to show off their love publicly, and he smiled, hoping to find May and him in their place someday.
"Oh look! There's a picture of May! She looks so pretty!"
Now who else was thinking about May besides him? His lips pursed inquisitively, as he eavesdropped the conversation of the two squealing girls standing behind him. He casted a small glimpse, acknowledging two teenage girls, one of them holding some flamboyant magazine about Coordinators, and May was on the cover.
"I can't believe they featured her in this month's 'Allure'! She looks so dazzling!" the other girl could barely contain her excitement, and it was something that Ash agreed.
"I would riot if they didn't!" the first girl scoffed, "She has made her comeback after such a long time. And though she may haven't won any prestigious Ribbons of PWCE, but she is the true Empress in my book!"
Ash was puzzled. So, there were people who adored May more than him. But then, the same could be said for his female fans.
"Agreed!" the second girl cupped her cheeks, with dreamy eyes, ''She is so perfect and glamorous. I just can't have enough of her dresses, you know. I have a signed autograph of her when she was just 16!"
"But, there's just one choice I disagree with,'' the first girl snorted, ''I hear she's dating some far away Champion. Why is she dating some unknown Champion over a classy, stylish Coordinator?"
Ash felt like a thousand arrows stabbed into his heart. The nerve…
"Yeah, now that you mention it…I don't really like her choice." The girl tapped her chin, ''If there's one man, I would like to pair with her, it's Drew!"
"Oh, that Drew…'' The name and image was enough to melt their hearts, and water their mouths. Ash felt like his blood was now flowing just a little warmer.
"Oh, they looked so perfect together! It's like they were made for each other!" one of them fantasized.
"You know," the second girl, obviously the collector, ''I never missed any of her Contests before she took a break. Almost every of her dresses had a rose accessory. You know what I mean…''
"Oh, a hundred percent!" the girl agreed, ''Wanna know my honest opinion? May would have been much happier with Drew now!"
Ash's face turned pale upon hearing that. He knew that Drew had this annoying practice of giving May roses, but for her to clip on her dresses. That wasn't something he ever hoped to hear in his life. He had seen May throw those roses away, even fresh ones at the end of the day, but…Crap, once again mysteries in Johto lingered on his mind. He wasn't in love with May when he was in Sinnoh, but slowly, the late-night calls, and texts, brought them closer, and he fell for her.
He was so buried in a deep thought; he didn't notice the signal had turned green. Two pokes later, his thoughts were cleared, and he started proceeding towards the other end. He was developing a bad feeling inside…
May's ears perked as she heard the door opening and closing behind.
"I was wondering, where you had slipped off to?'' May noticed him entering the room, still in her bath robe, drying off her hair. She trailed off, looking over her shoulder and noticing him with an armful of gifts. Luckily, they drew her attention and she missed out on his dolorous face. He tried everything to bat them away, but even the realization that "May is with me now!" didn't help.
"Yeah, I just wanted to give you a little Valentine's day surprise, making it a 'whole' you know?'' Ash silently explained, holding the gifts out to her. But he couldn't draw enough excitement to do so.
"These are so beautiful,'' May crooned, accepting the gifts with a delicate kiss on the lips. "These flowers are so pretty. Not bad for our first Valentines' Day together.'' She lovingly kept gazing at them, before placing them on the table.
"There are chocolates too,'' Ash commented, "Yours favourite, which I have known since we were little.''
"I wouldn't expect you to forget,'' May teased, winking at her boyfriend. ''You always knew it was me right, who stole them from your bag?''
"Yeah, that's why I never ate it myself. I would save them for you.'' Ash quietly pressed, ''They would always cheer you up."
"They did,'' May snickered, once again rising on her toes to deliver him a rewarding kiss on the cheek, "But I really love this. All of this. The room, the gifts. Thank you, so much. I am so happy when I am with you!"
"If only you could say that to those girls!" Ash grit, hoping May wouldn't notice, ''And I hope you remember that. How happy I make you.''
"Of course!" She winked, and then her eyes glinting with mischief, and she took a few seductive sways towards him. She pressed herself against him, sharing her body steam that was still present after that hot shower. She took his hands and placed them on her bottom, while she breathed near his neck. "Since you have been so thoughtful today, let me balance our gifts.''
He didn't squeeze and mould her ass, like he usually did, even before the sex was initiated, but then again, May didn't take notice of his dejection. She was too horny to crack the expression on his face. She took a step behind, and another one, with hands slowly grazing her bathrobe, only to untie the note. She discarded that robe on the floor, stepping away from it, and posed in front of him, absolutely naked. On the display were plump, pink and stiff-nippled breasts Ash considered his best friends, and below was his object of play for the whole day. There was no stubble, no hint of hair. Just a gorgeous, pretty pussy with two plump lips which glistened.
"I did take a shower,'' May seductively whispered, throwing herself at him, "but I don't mind getting dirty again."
His adrenaline was rushing, as she mounted her naked body on top of him, clasping her legs around his waist. All he had to do was walk 15 steps into the next room, throw her on the bed, and marry his cock with some familiar holes tonight. But he just stood there frozen, not responding to her luscious kiss. Finally, she noticed, drawing herself little away from him to take a look into his eyes. Perhaps, that's where she could find the answer she was about to ask.
"Wow,'' May blinked bewilderingly, ''You don't seem like yourself. Is everything alright?''
And then, he just let it out, ''May, why are we together?''
Now where did that ever come from? And why right now? She could see the disturbance in his eyes, and she alighted down from him. Knowing something had moved in him, she asked, ''What do you mean by why are we together? We love each-other right?''
"I do,'' Ash agreed heavily, and it was the truth, "But I have this nagging feeling inside me. What if…?''
"What if what Ash?'' May furrowed her brows, using her foot to fetch the robe and toss it into her hands. This was certainly humiliating.
"I don't know how to say it…but what if…the universe is just trying to play a joke on us? What if we were never meant to be together? What if…we aren't good for each other?"
"Ash,'' May took a deep calming breath, and by calming, it means to soothe her nerves on which he was getting, ''Where is this coming from? Why are you pondering on our relationship all of a sudden? Have I by accidently gave you any sign that I am not happy with you? If I have, then I am truly sorry. I just…" Some tears welled up in her eyes, ''I know you have been through a lot, but I have never been happier in my whole life than these past few months."
"How can you…," Ash choked, desperately not wanting to stretch it, but there was no turning around on this conversation. "How can you be so sure? I am the only man you have been with. It's like I am your one and only choice!"
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" May spat, "Like I was outta options? Coz let me tell you mister, I gave up a lot of men for you! For ten freaking years of my life, and it was counting if you didn't come back!"
"No, don't put the guilt on me! I never asked you to take celibacy!" Ash barked back. "You could have settled with somebody, but you didn't move on. I did."
"Wow,'' May scoffed, "That's really low. So, it's my fault…that I was so head over heels for you…that I didn't want anyone else. Thank You. Thank you so much, Ash Ketchum, that you showed me what I a loser I really am.'' She stepped away from him, "But just answer this. There was another woman in your life, you swore to never marry anyone ever if she couldn't have you, and then you married her. Would you have asked her to move on? You think moving on is easy for everybody? You moved on, BECAUSE YOU HAD A CHOICE! YOU HAD SERENA! I HAD NOBODY!"
"You had DREW!" Ash roared, quickly realizing that name was only going to make things worse.
"Ash," May groaned, smothering her face with into hands. "Drew again? Is this about him?" She tiredly took a seat, sniffing her tears, "Why are you still bent on him after all this time? I told you a thousand times there was never ever anything between us.''
"I know,'' Ash painfully looked at her, "But what if there was something between you two, and you both were happier? It's one question, that I wish I am wrong. I really do." He felt choking up too, as he kneeled down to look at her. She turned away from him, ''I can die for you May, but what if he can too? I love you more than anything else in the whole world May, but…what if he can too? May…what if I am not good enough for you?"
"Ash…are you seriously telling me that you don't see a difference how I feel about you?" May whispered, still withdrawing some tears back. "That I haven't grown at all? That our relationship hasn't grown? I just want to be there for you, like you have always been there for me. But if you have to question my feelings for you, then maybe this isn't worth it.''
"May,'' Ash reached out for her, only to her to bat his hands away.
"What exactly are you bringing in this relationship besides luxury? You are perfect in your world, but me,'' May took a silent pause, ''But I make the sacrifices. I still love you, well aware that you still love Serena more than me, yet every day, I try to be as half as good as her. You think people won't judge me because I am in love with a widower, or someone who's behind you money? Yet, I am with you, because I love you for you, but you just can't see that can you? Are you gonna hold this Drew thing against me forever? What exactly are you trying to make me feel guilty for?''
"May, I do…" He was interrupted by her standing up, her blue eyes around red burning with rage.
"You know Ash. You're right. Maybe I was better off with Drew. At least he hasn't broken my heart, and you did…twice!"
The word "Twice" stung Ash like Poison Jab.
"May, I am sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you,'' Ash pleaded, still on his knees.
"Yet, you did.'' She spat that coldly. Glistening tears flew down from her eyes, and he was starting to hate himself for putting May through that. If he wasn't so gullible, he wouldn't have taken those two girls seriously. "Only you can cause pain as deep as this. Only one all the way inside a heart can shatter it with just a few words. Worst part is - you know that, don't you? You love me, you need me, you destroy me... then the music starts all over again.''
"I am really sorry, May.'' he whispered, balling his fists, just wanting to punch himself in the face. He was meaning his apologies, but this time, they weren't enough.
"I've forgiven way too much. Accepted way too much. You know what your problem is? You think you know me, but you're not even close. You buy me all this expensive stuff to make up for what you actually couldn't give me." She sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. There were so many things caught in her throat and she was just letting it out. ''And that is a commitment. And if this continues, all our life is ever gonna be dates, sex and Pokemon. I don't know if I am failing to be a good companion…"
"No, it's me…but I'll make an effort! I'll be a better boyfriend," he once again reached out to her, but she motioned him to stop by holding up a hand.
"No! This time you don't get to excuse yourself! You can't expect that this will be over all of a sudden, and we'll both forget!" May yelled, "I can't do this anymore. Ash, I just can't." her voice was a whisper, her sadness naked for him to see.
"May,'' he begged, after trying to lift the weight of his heart that had just sunk. He wasn't so dense to realize what she hinted. ''We can work this out…I know we can.'' He couldn't lose her, not like this, not again, not ever. "You can't give up on us!"
"I did everything I could,'' May disagreed, clearly seeing that he was trying to think of a counter, but she was not finished, ''Everything to convince you that I am not in love with Drew. Don't you think after your Hoenn League, I could have stayed in Hoenn for a while and hope to bump into Drew? No, I wanted to see a new region, and the first place when I came in Kanto, was Pallet Town. To see if you want to travel together again. I died the day I didn't see you coming up from the sea, and felt like a new life after seeing you alive. I knew that slowly my friendship with Drew will bother you, so I started calling you often. I still have each of the letters you sent me. I wasn't as joyous in my accomplishments as I was in your achievements. My brother looked up to you more than he looked up to me."
"Look, I am jerk, okay? What I did was pretty shitty. But please, just be patient with me for one last time." He expressed that as sincerely as the first time he negotiated with his mom for a new toy. It wasn't easy for her, because she had heard this song before.
Her eyes watered even more, like every fluid in her body was about to pour out, for what she was to say now, was going to be the hardest thing of her life. ''I still love you, Ash, against all odds. But I just can't do this anymore, I can't have a relationship with you so immature.''
"Please, May. Please don't do this,'' he snivelled. He was starting to feel the pressure, the despair of being helpless to stop the end of their relationship, their friendship. He lifted himself back on his knees, wiped his face with his hand. He took a step closer to her, hoping a final desperate embrace may convince her that he is truly sorry. And she knew that, she knew that she would melt. She guarded herself, sprinting into the bedroom.
He knew what she was about to do there, as he heard the wardrobe open, and a zipper unlock. What had he done? She was the one good thing in his life that was destined to be with him forever, and he just blew it. He went ahead and did the one thing that he feared would always happen to her. He was breaking down from inside. He just couldn't move a part of his body anymore. This heartbreak was no less than a hurricane. The devastation was absolute, emotions levelled, torn apart. His heart felt like concrete drying inside his chest.
His attention was arrested as she stepped outside the bedroom, fully dressed and the rest of her clothes in her bag. She shot him a sad look, and he returned it. They knew this could be stopped, but she was adamant. Those eyes exchanged a thousand words, probably the last time. She breathed, as she walked past him. His hand just froze before stopping her, as he loved her too much to go against her wishes.
"I'll text you as soon as I reach home,'' she softly, in bare whisper, informed.
He didn't turn back. He couldn't face her. He just reluctantly accepted.
She took her anger out on the knob, a little too petite for her gloved hand, but she managed to unlock the door at last. Before, she could twist it completely, and walk through the last gate of his life, she had one question that deserved an answer. She didn't turn back at him, she just spoke at the oak door, ''Ash, you said that I could have moved on. And I remember, you married Serena because she vowed to never be with anyone if she couldn't have you. She knew you weren't over me, and wanted you to come after me, but you chose her over me. Instead, why didn't you just ask her to move on?''
He heard it, but could dignify that question with a response without remorse. Seeing the answer was never gonna come, she choked on her tears one last time, before she was out of the hotel, closing the door behind her.
Ash stood there for a long time, the events of the last few minutes replaying in his head. He couldn't believe it. She was gone. The only thing remained was her intoxicating scent, which would fade slowly. Blinking fast, his eyes scanned around the suite, suite that he had booked to spend Valentines day together. The frustration was boiling inside of him. He wasn't mad at her; he was mad at himself. His curiosity had ruined two lives. Feeling the curse rage through his body, his fist slammed into the wall, resulting in a bruised knuckle.
He started sobbing uncontrollably, for a few minutes glad he was alone for anyone else to see him in this state. All his feelings joined in those tears. The death of his wife, and now the loss of his best friend. He leaned against the wall that he had hit, slowly sliding down on the floor. Feeling depression creep in his heart, it was hard to let it go. His eyes were unfocussed, only showing him his cherished memories of May.
It was still a fine morning, only an hour to go for the noon. It was chilly, but it didn't stop all the couples to let themselves out into the city, insulating from the gusts. The sky was blue with soft clouds, and the snow was light and fluffy. It was a crisp twenty-five degree. Ash was walking aimlessly into the crowds, having no intention to stop. In last twenty minutes, he earned abuses for three drivers, who were forced to pull breaks over one idiot ignoring simple traffic rules. He was oblivious to everything. He didn't want anything at the moment, not even to breathe, but somehow the fresh winter air invaded his nostrils, along with the lingering scent of garlic from the nearby Italian restaurant, where he was gonna take out May to. After bumping shoulders with many people, he finally raised his head, noticing what was the nearby laughter. First thing his surroundings told him, that he had walked into a frozen park. Unlike him, there were many couples promoting the theme of the day, eating from the same plate or laughing at each other. It seemed that they had absorbed the city's energy and had a ready to rock on, feeling a great vibe. They looked happy…but knowing where such feelings would lead him to, he just wanted to escape from them.
He sadly strolled forward, crunching the ice under his boots. There was a sharp chill in the air, as he tightened his muffler around his neck. Little flurries of snow were resting atop his jacket, and hair, the tiny snowflakes looking like mere specs from where he stood. The trees were glistening as they blew in the wind, icicles hanging from the branches as snow rested atop them. The grass was covered in a blanket of snow, soft, white, powdery snow; not quite hard enough to make a snowball with yet, but perfect to lay down in as you make a snow angel and gaze at the clouds. Tiny footprints littered the fresh blanket, showing the trail the little birds and animals took on the hunt for food. But all he could wonder was if May was okay in this weather?
Finally, and it seemed a major accomplishment: was to find a bench in the park some couple hadn't occupied. Sweeping some snow away, Ash placed himself on the bench, a sharp jolt of cold rushing through his body, but nothing compared to the pain in his heart. Impossible it was, to ignore all those couple who were sometimes walking near him to gaze at the pond. There was nothing left to do now in Snowpoint City. Maybe he could just walk back to the Day Care and retrieve all his Pokemon, take his jet back to Kalos and return to his paused life there. But he wasn't strong willed enough to answer Pikachu about May, and Lucario could easily search through his aura. He didn't want a life without her in it. Without her by his side, his dreams of becoming a Pokemon Master wasn't worth it. There was a lot of people he would be answering to. And all of them would side with May. Her family, who would probably start to hate him real this time. Dawn and Misty, Max. He could lose all of them too. His only family. His mom, who was so delighted to see him happy again. He just washed all of their expectations.
Sometimes, relationships don't go as one expects them to be. There are ups and downs in every one of them. But the problem in Ash's case was they both gave too much of ups, and just one down destroyed it all, because no one had ever seen it coming. He was still piecing inside, but why? His heart was empty now. It was just beyond explanation. He was weak, timid, tired and unable to answer the many questions in his head. One could have easily looked for a defense, and blame-shifting approach, but Ash was fully guilty of his words.
He sank into his seat with sadness, and stared into the gloomy depths of the water. The things that made him happier, all of them were slowly losing value. Life felt pointless to live now. It hadn't always been fair to him in the first place when it came to relationships. First there was the loss of his father, then his wife, and now May has gone too. If he was all alone in his world right now, nothing could stop him from diving into that pond and never surfacing up. The asset worth billions wasn't gonna change that decision. But he still had to continue to live for his mother and his Pokemon.
As he was inhabiting such thoughts, he didn't take notice of a gentle hand that trudged his shoulder.
"Excuse me?" a man disturbed his thoughts.
Ash blinked, taking notice of a man standing next to the bench. Perhaps a year or two older than him, the man looked much more mature compared to his appearance. There was a softness to his appearance, a kind of warmth married to a shyness. It was the look of an honest soul. Ash could easily point out that he was raised in Snowpoint City, to withstand such cold without gloves or muffler, but not so confident enough. There were still layers of clothing on his body and hard boots that prevented any frosting in the feet. A fur trapper on his head was the pick of the day and best guard against the weather. But those eyes, they just had the same pain he was feeling right now.
"May I sit here if you don't mind?'' the man repeated his question.
"Of course." Ash readily accepted, scooting over, not realizing that the remainder of the bench could be easily occupied by the stranger. Taking notice that Ash seemed troubled, the man only returned an appreciative smile, before settling himself on the bench. Some minutes passed, as they sat in an uncomforting silence. Everything else around them were in pairs. From young to old, laughed merrily, cycled and skated buoyantly, kissed openly.
"Dan.'' The man cleared his throat, extending his hand, towards Ash.
"Ash,'' Ash introduced in a lifeless voice, accepting the hand, but seldom shook it. He just wasn't in a mood to communicate.
"So, Ash,'' Dan mused, leaning to get a better look at the pond, ''You seem to be feeling a little blue. I guess Valentines Day gives you some bad memories, huh?''
"It'll now." Ash silently answered.
"Lonely or lost someone?'' Dan asked.
Ash slowly casted him a dead look. Why was this total stranger being so curious about his personal life?
"I know you're in pain, Ash. I can see it,'' Dan noted, nary a smile, ''And I can point out it has been something recent. Perhaps, sharing your pain will reduce it. It's a miracle."
While the stranger certainly wasn't privy to his personal life, sharing his heartbreak did seem like a therapy right now. Glancing at the sky, Ash unveiled.
"I got dumped…by someone who I loved more than myself,'' he opened up, digging his hands in his coat pockets.
"What a worst day to get dumped. I'm feel for you,'' Dan expressed sympathy in his voice, squeezing Ash's nearest shoulder to emphasize. "But at least…" He brought out some folded papers from his jacket, ''she isn't divorcing you on Valentines day.''
It just piqued Ash's interest. He was suffering from the end of a beautiful relationship, but this man was suffering much worse. May just threw a boulder at him, but obviously this man was struggling under a mountain, with all those memories to account for. So brutal.
"I'm sorry to hear about that, Dan.'' He compassionately supported, ''I really wish it was the other way."
"No, don't worry,'' he shook off, with a forced laugh, ''I haven't signed them yet. I just couldn't bring myself to. My mind was troubled with thoughts, so I decided to go out for a walk. But sitting here and talking to you, is really helping."
"I am happy I could give you some comfort.'' A small smile stretched on Ash's lips, and he was glad at the smile's arrival. He really deserved it. "I wish I was as strong as you.''
"Strength doesn't bring them back Ash. It's just something you look out for after severance, because that's only what you have left,'' Dan sighed, looking at him. "So, what's your deal? Did you mess Valentines day for her?''
"I guess you could say that,'' Ash only chuckled briefly, before droning, ''I didn't…trust her. There was this excessive jealousy in my heart for someone…close to her…and…I'll let you figure out the rest.''
"I see,'' Dan perused, ''But somewhere in your heart, you know right, you were only jealous because you were afraid of losing her.''
"Yeah,'' Ash agreed, practically more energetic now. Oh, that could have been a perfect defense. Why didn't he let May know of that?
"We all do,'' Dan exhaled heavily, ''We all come with our set of insecurities."
"What happened with…" Ash pursed his lips, pointing towards the waving papers in Dan's hand, but subtlety was being his strongest suit at the moment.
"Oh this,'' Dan heaved, "There's a good reason behind this. But it's a long story.''
"I have nothing to else to do,'' Ash consoled, ''And it's like you said pain shared, is pain halved."
"We were college heartthrobs. After I completed my surgical residency in Unova, I came back here and we got married. That should tell you that I am a surgeon by profession. Anyway, we tried for years, until finally, Angela got pregnant. It was the most precious day of my life. She brought our daughter into our lives, and we lived happily until-"
From where Ash sat, he could swear he heard the man's heart crush with melancholy. But Dan released those feelings out. It was evidently hard enough for him to spill it out, which could be made out by his crackling voice. He lowered his head down, trying to find the words he needed to say, "She was born with myocarditis and it was leading to heart failure. Her heart was weak from the beginning. Every possible treatment I knew had its own risks, for my daughter was just five. Any delays could lead to natural death later on, and as a father, I couldn't accept that. I didn't want to waste any more time. I got my daughter admitted in the hospital I worked. After the heart biopsy during cardiac catheterization, it was discovered that the inflammation had increased. Usually, in early diagnosis, myocarditis doesn't need a heart transplant, but my Aurora was developing progressive heart failure. She needed a heart transplant on the spot. I explained my wife everything about the surgery, as it was a protocol on duty. Without her approval, we couldn't continue. She…put all of her confidence in me, and begged me to save our daughter. But the hospital didn't have a matching heart for my daughter. We were losing time, desperately waiting for a match, but we didn't receive any. Instead, the Chief of Surgery requested my attendance on another highly critical case: a patient with significant brain damage. We doubted his survival. He didn't seem like he would live that long. What I discovered was that his heart was hundred percent match for my dying daughter. His family begged me to save his life. I could see in their faces what I exactly felt for my daughter, and…"
"And you chose to save him over your daughter.'' Ash completed, completely flabbergasted.
"I had to. I just put some extra years in his receding lifespan. I am a surgeon after all. I couldn't violate the standards of my own profession, and I gave up…my daughter, so that…" He couldn't bring himself to finish his reason. He was embarrassed and shattered beyond core.
"Man, I am truly sorry," Ash comforted the doctor by stroking his back, "My problems are nothing compared to you. To think, you made such a sacrifice to see complete a family. And all that weight you have been carrying, since then."
"I couldn't keep my promise to my wife. I couldn't save my daughter." He sniffled, "Since then my wife distanced herself from me. She wouldn't talk to me, refusing to even remember me. She wouldn't eat, sleep, or head out. She would just stay in Aurora's room, gazing at our daughter's bed. She wanted time, and that's what I gave her, by moving out. And now, she has decided…" Dan held up the papers, crumbling them in agony. "But you know what, Ash? I deserve it. I became a surgeon so that I could save lives, but I couldn't even save my own daughter. I don't deserve to be happy. I'll set Angela free by signing on these!" In anger, he fetched out a pen, and punched the end cap to complete the official end of his marriage.
Ash's hand threw itself fast, holding Dan before he could leave the signature. The surgeon shot a dirty look but withered under the troubled face of Ash, instead.
"I too lost someone to lung cancer, and that was my wife. And today, someone I love dearly has left me because of my screw up. I am not gonna let you throw away your life like that!" Ash scolded. "Your wife deserves to know your rationale. She needs to put herself in your place and understand your predicament! You can't let this eat yourself up for the rest of your life, because I know how it feels. I can't bring my dead wife back. My girlfriend isn't gonna come back to me, ever again. But you can fix this, Dan. You deserve a last chance. If you don't take it now, you'll regret it for the rest of your life, knowing that an idiot reminded you to take a last chance and you refused.''
"But Ash,'' he shook his head, voice soft and fragile. "She's been through enough."
"It's never one person alone, Dan!" Ash argued, reasoning with logic. "It's always two people suffering, but sometimes, we don't understand how much other one has been through. We just think about how much I have been through. This won't bring your daughter, back, Dan, but there's a whole bright future that you guys can create." He lifted the doctor up by the strength of his arm, and dusted his clothes. "So go to her, and…I'll come with you."
"You really…?''
"Yeah…" Ash twisted his lips, eyes watering again. "I realized, things are accomplished faster when there's someone rooting for you, the whole time. Get her, Dan. For this widower, for this man who lost his love, just let's go and get her.''
Dan was in front of his old apartment. Ash hid near the elevator, still within an earshot. He had no business being here, but helping out people was always his first instinct. The hallway was empty. This was a perfect time without causing any commotion. Now between him and his wife, just stood a door. He stressed as he kept fidgeting with the divorce papers in his hands. His muscles stiffed as he stared at the door, doubting himself the whole time. He never felt so nervous before a surgery as he was feeling now. A pester from Ash from the corner encouraged him to knock on the door, and he creased his brows.
"Angela?''
He knew that his callings weren't in vain. For one, he was being captured on their video door bell, and second, he could see her shadow behind the closed door.
"Angela, I know you're in there.'' He stressed, speaking closer into the door. "Don't worry. I am not gonna use my key. I'll respect your privacy."
"…'' He did feel her snivel. She was still standing there, leaned to the door.
"Angela, I got the divorce papers you sent me.'' He apprised, unnaturally calm. There was no depression in his voice for now. He was sad, but he just wanted to share those feelings. He continued. "I just wanna say that I am not here to change your mind…''
"What is he doing?" Ash bit his tongue. "No, you fool, that wasn't what you were supposed to say!"
"If this is what you want, then I'll sign these papers, and I'll go far away, where you don't have to see me ever again." Dan trailed off with a sigh. In his sigh existed the moments he needed to respond with loving care. "But before, I go…" he pulled out some letters from his coat pocket, and slid them under the door, "I just came to give you these.''
There were a bulk of letters, and he divided the stack, and pushed them into his house, under the door. He didn't hear her voice, but in his heart, he felt that those letters were being picked up on the other side of the door.
"These are those people who Aurora helped,'' Dan breathed, a heavier than the last. In his sigh existed the moments he needed to respond with loving care. "It's where her organs went. There are 9 letters. She helped 16 people in total. Those are the words of those families, who are truly grateful for the donation. The last letter is from the Brooks. The man who I saved, wanted to live just a little longer so that he could take his daughter to Adventure Land on her upcoming birthday. He just wanted to live till her birthday. He didn't receive any organs from our daughter, but his letter is the most genuine. I hope that these letters give you the strength and will to live on that you, no…we both lost. I don't have any right on these letters anymore.'' He felt a lump in his throat. Behind that door, he could feel her crying her heart out.
"I know I don't deserve it. I put my profession over my own daughter. But we have both been through that trauma, I just want to let you know. And if you think we are better off leaving these broken, shattered lives separately, then I won't argue. Nothing can ever bring Aurora back, and we can't do anything but accept that truth, but then someone me realize," his eyes glossed over with tears. Lips and eyebrows drooped slowly, "That life's not worth living unless lived for others. I won't ask you to take me back. I just want to let you know how truly sorry I am for the pain you have been through.'' He distanced himself from the door, with a heavy sigh. The sigh that was slow, as if his brain needed that time to process what had happened. His eyes remained fixed on the door.
"I'll have these mailed to your attorney tomorrow,'' he defeatedly accepted her legal request, before walking away from the door. A twist of knob stopped him.
He whipped around, finding himself face to face with his wife. Her shoulders were dropped. The only existence she exhibited was that of pure sadness and loneliness. In her hands where those letters, some opened, some unread. The deepest feeling of empathy rushed over Dan. As she popped back to and resumed reality, her breathing was stuttered and her face became flush red and soft. In a continuous battle, she failed to pull herself together, and burst out crying uncontrollably.
"Angela…'' he painfully looked at her with lonely eyes, empty just as a void, and puzzling like a maze.
"I tried to hate you, Daniel. But in the end, I just realized, it was never your fault. I was looking to blame someone for my daughter's death, and it turned out to be you." She dropped to her knees, burying her face in her hands, ''I wasn't fair to you, Dan. I distanced you when I needed you to be closer. I am so sorry for everything I have put you through. I was so selfish, I never cared how you felt. I didn't reply to your calls or messages. I just wanted to be alone."
"No, Angela, please,'' he kneeled down, embracing her tightly. "Even though we have lost her, your loss is far greater than mine. I know she meant everything to you.''
"If you sign those papers now, we both would have made a terrible mistake, Dan." She bawled into his chest. "I can't lose you now, Dan. I don't wanna go through all that again. Move in back, and we'll start over." She pleaded.
"Whatever you say, Angela, whatever you say,'' he rested his cheek, over her head, both of them coiled till the passing of some minutes, soothing one another.
Dan felt like a winner today. He would still cry over a loss, but someone assisted him in losing far more. The young surgeon turned around, to gesture something to his new pal, only to realize he was gone.
"Thank you, Ash…''
"Hey! Watch where you're going, will ya!" an angry short-tempered man yelled, as Ash shoulder blocked past him. Paying no heed to the angry howls of the people, he bumped against, Ash just had one goal in his mind: Get May back!
It was a little laborious right now, since he had no Pokemon on hand, right now. Lucario's aura detection, Pikachu's sniff or probably an aerial scouting could have been got the task accomplished much faster. But this was his problem now, and he alone had to fix it. He just had to put his deductions to the test. There was no airport, nor the ships would take days to reach Staleport City. May would either be taking the train or the bus. Train ride being much faster and cheaper would probably be May's choice to return home to. Enough time had passed, since May left their room. But with some heavy snowfalls in last week, probably some trains were running a little behind. He paced faster, adrenaline coursed through his veins. Winter clothes made him feel hotter than Hoenn, but he didn't care. Layers of sweat covered the nape of his neck. Cold air bit into his lungs. Keeping his breath steady, he pushed harder and went faster. At such speed, he could barely see a few feet ahead of him. He finally barged into the parkway station, only to find himself chasing a train that on the verge of leaving the platform. Gut-wrenching, heart pumping— after several thrusts forward his legs became tired, but he didn't give up. His breath came in short gasps, but he could see himself failing. The train had already left. He had caused quite the commotion, and garnered too much attention, but he didn't care. He coughed, hacking for breath. His calves burned, his breath forming fog in the air. In a last attempt, he pulled out one last card. He searched for her aura, hoping to find the faintest message, but it was none.
He righted himself, hands on his waist, as he stared into the platform floor. From his pocket, he safely pulled out, his half of the Terracotta ribbon, treasuring his like it meant everything to him now.
"I can't believe it. She's really gone.''
Defeated, he walked into the hotel room. His day had gone wandering aimlessly in the city. He would go to a restaurant but wouldn't eat or drink. He would go boating, but could only think of drowning. Night was approaching. Walls that screamed romance were just dull now. The place would only remind him of May. What was he gonna celebrate Valentines over, now that everything is destroyed. He tiredly flopped himself on the sofa, lolling his head back. He had no idea where he would head off now. Pokemon World Championships wasn't worth pursuing but it was a promise he had made to Serena. The Tournament was nearing anyway, so why give up now? He groaned, restlessly and threw himself forward, scratching into his hair. All this frustration wasn't seeming to go anywhere. Perhaps he was hungry, but why didn't it feel to eat?
In front of the table, he spot something red or white, under a plate. It was radiantly shining, so he decided to take a look. He retrieved the card under the plate, and flipped it open. It was a Valentines Day card, from May to him.
"She may have written it while I was buying her flowers,'' he mused, eyes perusing the writings inside.
"Dear Ash,
One of the most beautiful things in this world is a woman's heart. And seems fragile, but is very strong. Delicate but very resilient. While her mouth gossips, but her heart stores away a lot of secrets only for someone special. When a woman gives her heart to someone, she is giving away her world too. I never let you know how much I love you, because those words can't measure it. I didn't have much friends growing up. But you became my first friend. You opened my life to a new perspective. You made me feel "being May" and "being with May" is a cool thing. You helped me get over my fear of Pokemon and helped me grow closer to them. I had no goal, but being with you, watching you battle and interact with your Pokemon, I decided to become a Coordinator. This couldn't have happened if I didn't travel with you in the first place. Because of you, I made so many friends. If it weren't for watching you battle, I wouldn't have even made it to a Grand Festival. I learnt so much from you, and had so much fun with you each and every day, I want to relive all of them back. Drew may have advised me to change my battling style and it worked, but he couldn't advise me on how to live my life to the fullest, from what I learnt from you. Your positivity gave me courage to travel on my own. Face new challenges and rivals on my own. But each and every day, my life would feel empty because you weren't in it. I always thought of myself as a romantic, yet I realized so late that how I feel for you. I would wait for you to get to a Pokemon Center in Sinnoh every night, so that we could talk. Those were some real memorable moments that blossomed my adventures, Ash. There were times I couldn't sleep, because in my heart, I felt you were in some kind of trouble. I don't know if it was a gift that Manaphy left me or was it true love, but I could feel your heartbeat miles away. I still remember, whether my birthday or Grand Festival, the first message was always from you. Soon, I realized, that your friendship was slowly turning into love we both denied, but I knew that it was true. Ash, no woman picks her man just because he gives her a rose. All a woman needs is to be with someone who knows what unconditional love is, and is honest, protective and faithful. These are just three out of your many qualities, Ash.
Ash, every girl dreams that the man would always prize her, never hurt her, never abandon her, and love her always. You were the man of my dreams for many nights, Ash. You and me, with our kids and Pokemon, growing old together. And I finally realized what I wanted. I wanted to be with you, forever and ever. These last three months were no less than a dream. You made me laugh, cheered me up when I was down. You took such good care of me, that even my Mom didn't. And you showered me with so much love, I never received collectively from my family before.
You are the reason I smile, and I don't think, you'll make me cry, ever. You are always there for me. You support me in my irrational decisions and tolerate my craziness. You'll be against the world for me, but honestly, all I want you is to love me enough that I don't want this dream to end. I love you unconditionally, Ash Ketchum.
May."
Tears cascaded from his cheeks, and soiled the inscriptions on the letter. He wept like a child. He threw his head on his lap, and sobbed, hoping to find a time to stop. The letter was a perfect distraction to keep him engaged, otherwise…he could have felt the presence on the sofa.
"Please, please May. I'm sorry…I…ll…give up…everything…to have you back…Just, come bac…come back…to me please!" he bawled loudly.
"Nobody's that rich…''
His tears froze. That voice….He perked his head up, finding May sulking on the other end of the couch. He couldn't believe it! A Cresselia around better not be messing with him. There was nothing left of her happiness. Everything was gone. It wasn't anger that took it. She did not feel anything at all, but her face said otherwise. She could hardly keep herself together. Her face was still red, her eyes were leaking.
"You…you didn't go?'' Ash stuttered.
"I just couldn't,'' May simply answered, wiping a tear away, ''This is one of those times you need me the most. There was a time when you did walk out on me, and I know exactly how much it hurts. Today, had I boarded that train, I would have put you through the same suffering. In my books, that's just getting even."
"I agree,'' Ash nodded, sniffling. "You waited ten years for me, and I couldn't do it for half a day."
May scoffed, ''Now you know how it feels. It took me ten seconds to realise that what you said hurt, but…what will hurt more is not waking up next to you, cuddling with you, laughing with you. You did hurt my feelings, but…I can't overlook the fact, that whenever you said you loved me, you always meant it. I hate you for loving me too much and I hate myself to love your more than myself.''
"Sorry,'' Ash desolately apologized, ''It's a common problem among men with extremely good looks.''
She chuckled, wiping away tears, ''Don't make me laugh when I am mad at you.''
"You know only I can do that right,'' Ash grinned, lips slowly coming back to life. ''In these few hours, I saw what my life was gonna be without you, May. And I won't make it. I am not that strong to put through myself all that again, after Serena. I realized that you became everything I live for. You are all the colors in my life." He shifted closer to her, and this time, he didn't receive any hesitation or resistance from her. "May, I made the mistake of not chasing you once. I can't afford the same mistake this time. I know I piss you off pretty bad sometimes, but I wanna piss you off for the rest of your life, because only I have the right to do so."
She couldn't make out if he was crying or sweating. He left the couch, and rapidly changed that position into kneeling down in front of her. It happened so fast, it left May's eyes widened and her mouth gaped, as he whipped out a ring box, and held out the jewel in front of her. It was a light and delicate engagement ring with jewels placed into the band itself. Yet, had a sparkle to it in the light, yet the sparkle it brought to her eyes was prettier still.
May began to cry. She covered her mouth with one hand and allowed the tears to fall.
"May," he sputtered, ''I know, it's soon, but our relationship is not of these three months, it's of these fifteen years. We are fools if we don't accept by now that we can't live without one another. I never thought I could love anything again, after Serena passed away. But then you came back into my life, and you taught me how to love again. You saved me, from what I could have become. I always made you realise that I love Serena more, which may be true, but May, I have enough love in my heart for both of us. I would curse myself when I couldn't be there with Serena, but I started to believe it was happening for a reason. My life was slowly circling back to you. We were meant to be together. I don't wanna wait anymore. When I see you smiling, I realize that I have everything. We'll hang out like best friends, make love like soul mates, fight like enemies, and stay together like a family.'' He got bolder, as he had just one final question to ask. "May Maple, I choose you. Will you choose me?''
In that moment, time stood still, breath held. It was going to take one answer, just one word, to blossom every day subsequent. There is something so sweet in that moment of proposal, the heart fully open and vulnerable, that the eternal bond of the couple is made all the stronger.
"You can take as much as time to think, and for that, you can use my whole life.'' Ash's spoke purely, swallowing another lump in his throat, ''But I'll let you know, that…if your answer is what I think it is…I'm not ever gonna let you go. I'll spend my whole life making you happy, and if you die, I'll die with you.''
"Oh, damn you romcoms.'' May couldn't control her tears as she bobbed her head up and down in a nod and threw herself off from the couch into his arms. They latched lips for a soulful kiss, and breathed against one another. They kissed again and again, until their lips got tired. He didn't need to hear her answer. She already expressed it. He didn't take his eyes off her for one second, not even when he inserted the ring on her finger. They were crazy about one another. They cried, and laughed at the same time. They embraced to never let go. Their foreheads met, and they could feel breathing against one another.
"I love you,'' he repeated for the countless time.
"I know,'' she chuckled, amidst her sobs, and rubbed her noses together, ''I love you too.''
They kept gazing into each other's eyes. Their hearts knew what those naughty pair of eyes were expressing. They silenced their laughter with a kiss. He picked her up, and strode into the bedroom. They embraced, they kissed, they touched, they caressed, they cuddled, they rolled. Their hands didn't stop touching. Their lips didn't stop kissing. Their mouths didn't stop moaning. Their love was much stronger than now. But vulnerable to and the same time. Their clothes came off, and he entered her. They didn't make love wildly like they would usually do, but it was soft, special and sensual.
She slept, but he didn't. He gazed at her face all night passionately. The moonlight made her face glow. He was lucky, no, he was the luckiest. Somewhere from above, his fate was being rewritten, and he had a good idea, who it could be. He smiled at May, one last time, driving his finger softly on her face.
"Happy Valentines's Day…''
I am so glad; I chose to write this over an empty lemon. I have been trying to perfect some sad love stories for a while now, and looks like I have done okay. I just wanna say that the end of anime series left us a beautiful gift when it came to pairings: liberty to pair whatever we want, whichever pair that makes us happy.
As I have discussed "Ash's Dragon Types" in the previous chapter, I am gonna discuss his "Steel and Rock types" now. In the anime, we have seen Ash train his Pokemon to perfect a move, but infrequently we have seen him train a Pokemon for a new move, like him training Pikachu for Iron Tail after some guy recommended it. Ash should studiously figure out which moves will benefit each of his Pokemon in the battle and align that with an individual signature strategy, like Paul, Trip, Cynthia are some examples. I don't mean that perfect a naturally learned move is a bad idea, but a World Champion should always be prepared. Given his unpredictability, he can use liabilities to his advantages but better to be less risky and more strategic. I hope you got the idea. Now let's start with Boldore first.
Boldore – Will evolve only by trading, and Ash won't do that unless recommended. It's got some handy abilities: good sense of hearing which can be used in Sandstorm, stores energy in its core from which it fires powerful energy blasts, and has Sturdy. Ash has to pick its opponents for it. Some problems that need addressing is poor stats, slow energy generation, and limited pressure on defenses. Letting it in a singles battle is a risk, however, letting Boldore open the battle can prove to be an ingenious plan. It can be a setter for the remaining of Ash's party. It isn't the sort of Pokémon that can tango with Pokémon it has a type disadvantage against. Instead, Boldore can excel at cleaning up opponents its teammates have already weakened. The key lies in Boldore's defenses, which is one of its good stats. Increase and lower defense will be the best strategy for Boldore. Flash Cannon is superior to Power Gem as it lowers the Sp. Def of opponents. Sandstorm will keep on increasing its special defense and its acute hearing can come into play. Sandstorm with Lock-On is a supreme combo. Smackdown can sometimes prove effective against even those Pokemon are hovering in addition to flying and Pokemon with Levitate abilities. In doing so, if Earthquake can be the killer if learnt. Rock Blast and Stone Edge can be its STAB, but both not used in same battle. Yes, I know Rock Blast may have replaced Stone Edge, but it can be recalled back. Iron Defense can keep on giving Boldore a protective cover, and constantly raise its defenses since its poor in that. Sand Tomb can be used to trap and opponent and fix an aim, and it can also be used like Will-o-Wisp. Boldore can be a hazard setter with Stealth Rock. Rock Smash is good, but it would be better if Boldore can use Body Press after repeated Iron Defenses, but not against heavier opponents. And it there's one move from Egg Moves, it should be Autotomize. Boldore has the worst speed and Autotomize can make it evade moves. If Tailwind is used prior to its arrival, then just better. And in the event, it evolves which it should, Solar beam against Water and Ground types. So, a suggested move pool would be: Stone Edge, Rock Blast, Sandstorm, Body Press, Flash Cannon, Earthquake, Smack Down, Iron Defense, Autotomize, Lock On, Stealth Rock, Sand Tomb. Starting using its Stealth Rock in the start of the battle is always an advantage.
Lycanroc: Undoubtably, one of the best members of his roster. Traits of both Midday and Midnight forms, Lycanroc is solid revenge killer due its majority of physical moves bolstered by Tough Claws. He's completely offensive oriented, so Ash doesn't need to waste time with the defenses. And Lycanroc's Special Attack is much weaker than its Attack, so it's best to avoid teaching it special moves. He has to deploy Lycanroc carefully to minimize the vulnerability of his weaker defensive stats. If Ash can just structure Lycanroc's moveset around Swords Dance Lycanroc can knock out almost any opposing Pokémon. (Swords Dance and Tough Claws). His poor bulk also means he cannot come in on almost anything, so he requires pivot support to come in safely as well as occasional aggressive prediction on expected switches. Ash needs to give him more bite by replacing Bite with fang moves that actually hold value. Crunch, Psychic Fangs, Thunder Fang, Fire Fang will give him a wide coverage. His Stone Edge is a muscling STAB move that has high chances of Critical hit. He just needs to be defensive enough to withstand a strong physical move and retaliate with Counter. Rock Types should have a Ground Type counter against Steel types, and for Lycanroc, Drill Run is the perfect move. Play Rough is much better choice rather than Close Combat and Outrage. It will give Lycanroc an edge against malicious Dark Types, brute fighting types and fierce Dragon Types. Dragon who have Flying type like Salamence, won't stand a chance against Lycanroc with Play Rough and Stone Edge. Not much changes required for Lycanroc as he's already a boss. Stone Edge, Accelerock, Counter and one biting move depending upon the opponent can be his regular moveset. Against Pokemon with strong defenses, Swords Dance can replace Counter, and some extras could be Drill Run and Play Rough. Not to mention, he also has his trump card Z Move: Splintered Stormshards but just to make proper use of his monstrous power, Ash can use other Z moves also for Lycanroc.
Melmetal: It has the potential to be the next Snorlax. The pure Steel-type juggernaut is resistant to a lot of unique attacks. If Ash wants to harness the true power of Melmetal, he's gotta have Melmetal learn the right moves. It's a crusher as well as its body is still in a liquid state which can provide niche amorphous properties like its hands can extend. Such properties can help Melmetal avoid critical special attacks. Sending it out first won't work out, as Melmetal should be reserved to bewilder the opponents. Sending it during in the rain, or if a Pokemon on field or a member before Melmetal, either have used Rain Dance would be a turning point. Melmetal knows Thunderbolt, and if it learns Acid Armor, then that combo will be deadly. Its got shit speed, so Gyro Ball could be learnt, and even used defensively since Melmetal likes to spin. Punching is something Melmetal has to rely during the battles since its ability is trigger by it. Double Iron Bash, along with Dynamic Punch makes it an excellent sponge for offensive teams. Melmetal has some weaknesses, such as Fighting, Fire, and Ground-type attacks and High Horsepower solves one of those problems. Ice Beam rounds out the set by deterring Ground-types. And Melmetal has a weight of 1763.7lbs, Heavy Slam should be learnt already. Biologically it's very sturdy, but sometime Iron Defense can bail it out. Melmetal just needs the fast reaction synergy. So a suggested movepool: Flash Cannon, Thunderbolt, Ice Beam, Double Iron Bash, Thunder Punch, Dynamic Punch, Acid Armor, Iron Defense, Heavy Slam, High Horsepower, Gyro Ball. Suggested Gimmick: Gigantamax Melmetal. Melmetal can be a challenge even with its regular STAB moveset: Flash Cannon, Double Iron Bash, Gyro Ball and Heavy Slam.
Lucario: Finally, the Pokemon that garnered a lot of attention. Frankly, since it doesn't seem Greninja will come back anytime soon, Lucario can fill that spot. I don't mean to upset anyone by saying Greninja is never coming back. I am just taking a more canonical approach at Ash's notional adventures rather than filling it with fan made theories. Not much improvisation is required when it comes to Lucario. He already has what he needs: Aura Bond, Aura Abilities, Mega Evolution, and a Giant Aura Sphere. Mix Adaptability after Mega Evolving and Lucario is unstoppable. Not to forget, he's the actual Giant Slayer. But still best not used against a Fire Type or a Pokemon that knows Fire type moves. To ensure Lucario doesn't lag Speed wise, Ash needs to make use of Extremespeed, which shouldn't be too much of a challenge. With 2 plus priority, Lucario will be the first one to punish, disrupting any setup. Mega-Lucario has a great offensive presence, and a powerful means of priority to revenge kill foes with Bullet Punch. I always preferred Close Combat, but Bullet Punch comes with benefits. Unpleasing base power, but I sure hope one punch is of 40 BP and not the whole flurry. Meteor Mash can be Lucario's most reliable Steel-type attack, dishing out heavy damage and can sometimes be interchanged with Bullet Punch against stronger opponents. Steel Beam was only replaced because Lucario needed a close combat move. Still, I feel Steel Beam must be kept to set up Reversal. I always despised Reversal, but the move that knocked Cynthia's Garchomp needs to stay. Ash just needs to invest more in Lucario's attacks. To deal with Fire Types, Bone Rush is still viable choice. Lucario should be used more later in battles, once everything has been weakened down to the point where Lucario does not need to set up in the first place. Life Dew can save Lucario after a Reversal to make him last longer. With his aura abilities, Detect and Calm Mind is not needed. Circle Throw will help Lucario in case any previous member of Ash's party has set up a hazard. This will wreck opponent's team. Me First is an appropriate move and far better than Copycat. Using it first, opponent won't have time for a strategy. So, a move pool for Lucario could be: Aura Sphere, Psychic, Steel Beam, Extremespeed, Bone Rush, Bullet Punch, Power Up Punch, Reversal, Life Dew, Me First, Circle Throw. Standard Moveset: Aura Sphere, Bullet Punch, Extremespeed and Reversal.
For Rock types, I see Ash befriending them more rather than catching them. I badly want Larvitar to be back in his team, but doubt it will happen. I do think a Klawf suits him. A violent Kleavor that whom Ash can just melt with encouragement. Steel types, I don't think he'll own Solgaleo ever. A Corviknight suits him best. But then again anything can happen.
Next chapter, I'll talk about Ghost and Poison types.