Hey there! Wow this story is speeding by so fast, we're already half way through. But first let us get through this chapter. Filled with long awaited SatoHaru confessions! More fluff from our main pairing, with their Perspectives switching of at least once.
I do not own the characters or places mentioned in this fanfic. They are all in the creative rights of Satoshi Tajiri and Co. Any songs or literary references mentioned are owned my their designated artists or writers.
Lumios City
Hôtel La Blanc
Ash's Perspective
Last night was great, seeing the old crew again was fun! Brock is now a fully licensed Pokemon Doctor and is working around Kanto on rotation in the Pokemon Centers, leaving the Pewter Gym in the hands of his younger brother Forrest and has a great woman in Lucy. Misty has been the official Gym leader of Cerulean City for the past decade now and has made it the third toughest gym to beat in Kanto, Lt. Surge and Sabrina's gyms being the first and second toughest respectively. Dawn and May are ruling the contest circuits in Jonto and Kanto, with the latter beating Solidad in the Kanto Grand Festival last season. Gary getting his researcher license in a month, he seems to be having fun. Iris training under Master Drayden in her village in Unova and excelling at her goal as a Dragon Master. Cilan going around the world and enhancing his connoisseur skills while also helping his brother at their Gym in Sitreon City. Max has started his journey and placed top 12 in the Indigo League! I am proud of him for surpassing my ranking in that league.
Today was my date with May and the day that I finally confess my love for her. I'll be taking her round Lumios City this morning then we'll fly to the Pokemon Village. I decided to use Noivern as he is large enough to carry two passengers, plus May would love to see a new Pokemon. I walked into the lobby of Hôtel le Balnc and was greeted by a few fans and league enthusiasts, who I talked to and took pictures with. I was thankful the new crew wasn't here, though I probably owe Malva and interview which I don't mind since she is a member of the Kalos Elite Four after all. Maybe I could ask Alexa for a favour as well.
I smiled as I saw her descend the stairs. She wore a cute yellow sundress, a blue hairband, and brown sandals. Her haired was slightly wavy today adding some volume onto it. I couldn't help but stare at her, she was stunning in the summery look she now sported. She must've seen because her eyes gained a brighter glow and her a radiant smile appeared on her face.
We were just meters away when she offered me her hand, I took it in mine and brushed my lips over her fingers before pulling her closer. Both my arms wrapped around her petit waist while her arms went around my neck. We stayed in our embrace enjoying the other's presence.
I broke the silence, "You look stunning Ms. Maple."
"Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself Sir Ketchum." She responds smiling up at me.
I chuckled, "How about we take a short tour of the city then have a picnic lunch the Pokemon Village? We'll have to fly to the Village as it is a little ways off from here."
"That sound great Ash! And I don't mind flying with you, we flew on Charizard the one time and that was amazing!" She responds happily.
We walked out of the hotel and I summoned Go Goat from it's PokeBall. The mountain goat Pokemon nuzzled May's cheek affectionately making me smile at the sight.
She giggled at the gesture while petting him on the head, "Hey that tickles! Hey there, it's nice to meet you too."
"Go Goat is a hard worker on the field and in battle. I actually go him as a Skiddo from Ramos the Gym Leader at the Coumarine City Gym. It was a gift for helping with the Kalos Crisis." Ash explained as he mounted the Goat.
May smiles, "Leave it to you get a token from a Gym Leader after saving their Region from total destruction. Didn't Wallace give something when we saved Hoenn from the near destruction causes by Team Magma and Team Aqua?"
"Yeah. He gave me a VIP pass for the Grand Festival." I tell her with a grin.
I offered her my hand as she took it I pulled her up behind me. They rode around the city, and I was pointing to certain places that I was familiar with
She giggled at her thoughts and teased him saying, "It's good to know that your sense of direction has gotten better."
"After my time Sinnoh I knew I had to change things, one was my habit of losing my way which would always lead to a troubled path. I really didn't want to put anyone in any danger because I couldn't read directions." I replied smiling as I looked at the road.
She hums before saying, "You've really changed over the years Ash. In some ways you've matured, but somehow you still have your youthful flare."
"Can't lose what makes me as I am, right?" Was my response to her statement.
She must have been smiling as I felt her lips turn as she placed her head on my back, "I wouldn't want you to."
We stopped by the Galette Shop and decided to grab a few of those sweet pastries for our picnic. After passing by the Pokevision studio and a short meeting with Alexa and Malva for the exclusive interviews, Malva wanted my take on the Final Battle and Alexa wanted to have May and I talk about our relationship and how we knew each other. May did reveal how we met to Alexa, we all had a laugh about it.
"Hey Ash, can I also get an interview with Ms. Berlitz?" Alexa asked before we left the studio.
I thought for a moment, "You could ask her yourself. Though I am sure she wouldn't mind, Dawn would appreciate knowing a reporter that can give a straight and honest interview."
"You've got that right. I hate it when the media just gives some bits of false information about you and sends everyone into a frenzy, but I suppose that's the price of becoming a celebrity. I know league participants also get hounded by hungry reporters." May says shaking her head.
Alexa laughed, "The price of fame. But I always make sure that what I write is what is put out, I prize myself as a credible reporter after all. The other could criticize my work all they want, but my job isn't destroy people's lives."
"Of only most reporters - especially the younger ones - have your work ethic it wouldn't be such a hastel with legal issues all the time. Some of these people have lost the essential spirit of writing about others and their lives." Says Malva shaking her head.
We bade them farewell and continued on our way through the city. Eventually we stopped at the entrance of route four, I wanted to take her to the flower gardens knowing that she would love it. I remembered seeing the patches of Hydrangea and Bluebells and thinking that she would love them, those were her favorite flowers. We entered the gate and exited through the route, I got down before helping May and returned Go Goat onto his Pokeball. I offered my arm to her and she held it with both her hands with a smile.
PLAY SONG
I Choose You
Haven Paschell
Here comes trouble
No mistaking
I'd know you anywhere
I could sail to the ends of the ocean and
Find you waiting there.
I've been searching and searching
Near and far
Searching and searching
And there you are
Our wishes share a star...
FORWARD
Scene Shift
Route Four
May's Perspective
Our date had been going well so far, Ash has really been sweet and attentive the entire time. This whole morning has shown a new side to him, his more mature side. But his youthful spirit still shone through, that part of him that made me fall in first place. Right now we were in the flower gardens, he walking me to patch of Hydrangeas, picking out one and placing it behind by left ear.
The garden was breath taking, with a few bug type and other Pokemon as well. It reminded me of the gardens in Evergrand at Hoenn! Ash remember that Hydrangeas was one of my favorite flowers, I had told him that after we left my house for our Journey through Hoenn. Drew had offered my dozens of roses but they never took my notice, though they hinted at his feelings for me I knew better then to accept his advances, the green haired coordinator would woo girls left and right and use their love struck hearts to his whims. Solidad and I never fell for his tricks, the older girl had a beau of her own and my heart was already set on the raven haired trainer from Pallet Town. Drew couldn't compare to Ash if he tried he'd lose any day.
"Oh Ash!" I sighed happily as he held me from behind.
PLAY SONG
I choose you
I choose you
What else can I do?
We're just too good together to part
What we've shared from the start
Feels like one beating heart
I choose you
I choose you
Hello, stranger
Don't I know you?
Nice to see you my friend
Did we just scale the top of a mountain, and Fly back home again?
FORWARD
He hummed placing his chin on my shoulder, "Beautiful isn't it?"
"Yeah it is. Thanks for taking me here." I whisper leaning into his embrace.
I saw his smile form the corner of my eye, "When we first came to this place on our way to Lumios and I saw the patches of Hydrangeas and Bluebells they instantly reminded me of you. I knew you'd love to see this place, we can spend sometime here sone other day though we have a picnic lunch to get to before all the food gets cold."
"And pray tell... how did you manage to have the food get there before us?" I asked an eye brow raised at his admission.
He grinned, "I enlisted a couple of our friends to help out of course, though I did make a couple of the meals myself the rest were cooked by Brock and Cilan, while Serena and Dawn baked some desert. Gary and Paul set up the table."
"We're lucky to have such great friends, aren't we?" I responded smiling.
He nods his head, "Yes indeed we do. Now let's fly over there and enjoy some lunch, shall we?"
He let go of me and unclipped a PokeBall from his belt, freeing the Pokemon inside. It was a bipedal bat-like purple and black Pokemon. When it saw him it gently nuzzled his cheek.
He chuckled, "Good to see you too Noivern. May this is Noivern my Kalosian dragon type."
I approached the dragon type and petted it's neck it purred at my touch making me smile.
"It's nice to meet you Noivern!" I say giggling as he nuzzled against my hand.
Ash mounted the huge bat and helped me get on behind him. I made sure that I wouldn't fall off, securing my arms around his waist.
Ash then said, "Alright Noivern, fly us to the Pokemon Village please."
The mon flapped his wings and ascended to the skies, flying out of sight. The few of Kalos from above was amazing, I've always loved flying, I loved it even more after Ash took me on tour of Kanto on his Charizard! I love the feeling of the open air hitting my face, a the sights from above were always beautiful. I squeezed his waist gently telling him without words that I was enjoying the ride.
"Take it slow Noivern. We aren't really in any hurry." I hear him say petting his Pokemon the side of it's neck.
And slowly we went, gliding on the wind there was no rush after all. But something was on her mind, and I wanted to know what Pokemon he was using for their battle later.
"Hey Ash, which of your Pokemon are you using for our battle later?" I asked curiously.
He chuckled before humming, "Mmm. I'm going to bring back Sceptile, Pikachu, and maybe one of my Sinnoh Pokemon."
"That'll be and interesting team for sure. But I thought you would've used one of your Kalos Pokemon." I responded after a thought.
He shakes his head, "I would have but I also want to show them what a strong team is like. And Three of my strongest Pokemon from the first four regions I've visited would show them what power they can attain as they get stronger themselves."
"You never cease to amaze me Ash. The way you trained your team in Hoenn was the first time I've ever seen someone train their Pokemon that way. It was amazing to see you train with your Pokemon and seeing you teach them moves by doing it with them." I tell him squeezing his mid section.
The flight continued as we talked about random things. Our journeys, reminiscing memories, and so on. We must have arrived in our destination because Noivern descended from his position slowly. We arrived in the middle of a field filled with tall grass and flowers, there were wild Pokemon roaming around peacefully some of coming to greet us.
"Welcome to the Pokemon Village May!" Ash says with that lovable goofy grin on his face.
I smiled widely pulling him into a hug, "Thanks for bringing me here Ash. This place looks amazing!"
He walked to the the river side where a futon table was set with food and drinks, there were pillows on each side of the table, and a blanket under it. He helped me sit on the left before he knelt in his place to the left of the table.
I then asked, "Should we free our Pokemon?"
"Yeah we should. They'd like it here. They pick out berries for their lunch." He says smiling at my suggestion.
We freed our Pokemon, I saw his Kalos team and while they did look strong they would benefit from seeing stronger Pokemon fight. An I knew that Ash had lots of stronger Pokemon back in Palette which he used back in the Unova league he reached top three that time. He also used his more experienced mons during his earlier battles in Lumios, mixing them with his recent Party, I saw the he used Wartortle I was proud to that the little Squirtle had finally evolved after so long. Gliscor was also part of the roster at some point along with the ever affectionate Bayleef who is now a Maganium. I freed my Pokemon as well Glaceon opted to stayed with me after she greeted Ash, while the rest ran along with his team to frolic in the field.
"I see Skitty has evolved." Ash says smiling as Delcatty ran after a Jigglypuff.
I chuckled remembering my surprise when I got home and found out about Skitty's escaped, "Well, imagine my surprise when I found her like that in my dad's greenhouse when I got back from Jonto. She was just walking in the greenhouse one morning when she accidentally touched a Dawn Stone that dad had left laying around the garden."
Ash chuckles at the story, "Well, things like those tend to happens. But Delcatty seems like an intriguing Pokemon to have in your team. I think she can learn Thunderbolt."
I nodded giving him a smirk, "She learns it via Technical Machine. I had her learn Thunderbolt after I came back from Kanto."
"That'll be something to see on the contest stage for sure." Ash responds after a thought.
We had tea with our deserts. Wow Serena's ladyfingers were delicious! Almost as good as Dawn's cupcakes. I see Ash stand and make his way to my side offering me a hand, I took it and he helped my stand. We walked along the river and talked about Pokemon, Ash pointing out the various Kalos Pokemon in the Village.
Then we stopped he turned towards me, and bent down on one knee taking my hand in his. I gasped, knowing what was coming next but somehow was surprised by his actions. My other hand covering my mouth as I felt tears come into my eyes.
PLAY SONG
I've been looking and looking High and low
Looking and looking And…what'd'ya know?
Just like long ago
I choose you
I choose you
What else can I do?
We're just too good together to part
What we've shared from the start
Feels like one beating heart
I choose you
I choose you
FORWARD
Scene Shift
Pokemon Village
Ash's Perspective
I looked up into her Sapphire eyes, which were getting teary. I was nervous as I took a breath going through my confession mentally, making sure I didn't forget anything.
"May, ever since I met my whole world changed. When we began our journey we didn't really see eyes to eye on things, but I always hated being at odds with you for too long. You made me want to be a better person, you made me see the world in a different light. As I saw your appreciation for Pokemon grow into love my heart warmed. Your bond with Torchic shows how far you've grown from that girl who didn't really like Pokemon, you overcame you fear and dislike for them over our travels. I began to suspect your feeling for me when we went through Kanto for the Battle Frontier, and my feeling for you flourished from my realization. It was after our adventure with Manaphy that I realized the what I felt for you was love." I say squeezing her hand.
The hand the covered her mouth lifted to show a smile, "Oh Ash..."
"I've loved you for the past five years and still do. Will you be mine now and forever May Maple?" I asked holding my breath.
She just giggled while nodding, "Ash Ketchum I've held a candle for you since after our travels in Hoenn. Nothing would make me happier then to be yours! Yes!"
I stood and pull her towards me, our lips barely meeting. She made the last leap and sealed our first kiss. Her lips were sweet, aside from the deserts we ate there was a natural sweetness to her lips. I pulled her closer, lifting her off the ground slightly. She sighed contentedly through the kiss, I smiled at this. We pulled away moments later, breathing a little heavily.
PLAY SONGS
I choose you
I choose you
On to journeys anew
With the wonderful friends that I've found
As the planet spins around
We're eternally bound
I choose you
I choose you
FORWARD
"This is officially the best day of my life!" May says smiling widely her eyes alight with certain glee.
I nod smiling as well, "Mine too."
Then something miraculous happened, a vortex of water appeared on the the river and all the water Pokemon surrounded it as if something powerful had appeared out of the blue. The last time I felt and saw this happen was when... my eyes widened as disbelief wash over me.
May must've sensed my surprise as she looked at me in concern, "Ash. What's happening?"
"This isn't possible..." I muttered but couldn't help the smile the appeared on my face.
May again asked, "What is it Ash?"
"May it's..." I was interupted by a voice so familiar that my smile for wider.
"Mana." He spoke with an enthral voice.
May's eyes widened in recognition, "I-it can't be..."
The vortex disappeared to reveal a floating blue being with a single antenna on his head, and two arms. He look towards us and smiled, he flew towards us with outstretched arms.
"Manaphy!" He exclaimed hugging May first then me.
May had tears of joy freely running down her face, "Oh Manaphy! It is so great to you!"
"Amazing! How are you doing Manaphy?" I say bouncy the Sea Prince in my arms.
We heard him speak in our heads, "I've been great dad! And I decided to come to Kalos to see you and mama."
May's smile became radiant, "How wonderful of you to do so! So you saw the whole thing then?"
He nodded his head humming happily, "Yeah I did! I am so happy that you're both together now."
"If I remember the Sea Temple travels around the world and stops in different places around the world. So does that mean it is somewhere near Kalos?" I inquired curiously.
Again Manaphy nods, "Yes it is. It is near the Sea Spirit's Den."
"Is there something else you want to tell us?" May asked as of sensing that there was something more to his visit and I sensed it too.
He bounced excitedly in my arms, "I get to stay with you and papa now! Father Arceus was able to arrange for another Guardian to guard the Temple and had me go to you."
I chuckled at this of course Arceus would do this, "That's excellent news Manaphy! We're so happy that you get to stay with us permanently now. May and I were so sad to see you go but knew that you had a duty to fulfill."
"Yes, we did. Welcome back Manaphy! But if you are stay with us, we can't just let you stay expose in public we wouldn't the wrong people to catch you." May says worriedly.
I smiled at her concern and took out a Cherish Ball from my pocket, knowing that this would be the perfect opportunity to use it.
"Here May, this is a Cherish Ball. It so happens that Arceus had gifted me five of these in case of times like these. He contacted me after my trip to Unova and said that some of the legendaries might join me at some point in my journeys. Looks like young Manaphy is the first one. You could be the one to catch him since you were the one who held his egg." I explained handing her the ball.
She grinned hugging me, "Thank you Ash!"
She opened the ball and it sent Manaphy in. It was an instant catch! May picked up the ball and clipped it to her belt. She embraced me again, also giving me a peck on the lips.
I whispered in her ear, "Ready to head back?"
"Yeah." She answers.
We returned all of our Pokemon except for Noivern. I saw a group of lovediscs swimming in the river, spraying a few water guns into the air causing a rainbow to appear. May saw it too and she smiled up at me.
"We really are meant to be. This isn't the first time a group of lovediscs came to us." She reminds me.
I chuckled, "I remember that time perfectly Princess."
I mounted Noivern and lifted May up behind me. And off we went back to Lumios City.
And that's all folks! Wow, that confession scene was something I've been mauling over since I began this story. I hope you like this chapter, a bit of SatoHaru love of course! We also have a surprise return in the form of Manaphy! That bit was improvised since I was really unsure if I should include it.
The song used in this chapter is a from the movie Pokemon the Movie: I Choose You. The song titled "I Choose You". This was recommended by a Guest (Advanced Shipper), when I listened to the song I though it was nice fit for this chapter. Search of the song on YouTube and listen to it while reading this chapter.
Signing off,
WL_17
