As the sun bares down on a beautiful day we meet our trio, Ash, May and Brock as they depart from the ferry entering the Slateport docks. Ready for another day of training for the Hoenn league.
"Oh boy, am I happy to be off that boat. For such a long ride you really think they would've carried some food on board." As ash rubs his stomach as he begins his walk down the docks eagerly searching for a nearby restaurant.
May heaves out a sigh as she watches Ash make his escape from the group. "Ahem! Aren't you forgetting something Ash?" As the boy turns back around to see what the girl has, a hefty satchel crashes into his face causing him to he scream in surprise. "Don't you start thinking I'm gonna be carrying around your bag just so you can run off on us." The stern girl glares down at him unapologetically. "And what's the hurry anyway? Look at this gorgeous beach. Why don't we all take a rest and lounge for a bit. My feet already hurt enough having to chase you around on your adventure." As ash opens his mouth to retort May pinches his lips. "Ah, ah, ah, I don't wanna hear any snarky remarks. Besides, don't you think your Pokémon deserve a rest after all the training you guys did back on the island?"
Ash rubs the back of his head giving May a feeble smile. "Yeah, I guess it couldn't hurt to take a small break. But I'd still like to grab a small bite to eat."
As the two begin to bicker about their plan on the new city the third member or their group, Brock, appears next to them. "Don't worry guys. Why don't you two take a walk over to the beach for now. I have to run and stock up on supplies anyway so I'll grab some fresh patties and we'll grill some burgers when I get back."
May shoots out a big thumbs up to Brock. "Sounds like a great plan." She grins and grabs Ash's arm pulling him down onto the sand. "Come on, you go set up the umbrella and chairs while I find somewhere to change."
Brock gives them a wave off as May pulls the grumbling boy down the beach. It's a shame I'll have to wait to see all the babes, he thinks as he pulls out his shopping list.
As Brock exits the dock and grabs a map from the kiosk he spots another familiar trio tending to some customers at one of the local restaurants. Oh brother, for some thugs that are part of a group like team rocket you'd think they wouldn't be strapped for cash this often. He dismisses them disappointedly and makes his journey down to the beach front shopping center.
Before he can even enter the door Brock is accosted by a man in a overly flashy getup. "Excuse me sir." Speaks in a flashy way too. Brock thinks to himself. "You look new to this town. Are you perhaps here to perform in the Slateport Pokémon contest?"
As Brock makes his attempt to get past the man he realizes what he is trying to advertise. "Oh no I'm not but I do have a friend who would be interested."
Brock is swiftly cut off as the man shoves a paper into his hands. "Oh perfect, then make sure to give them this flyer. We have stars coming from around the world to participate and judge. This will be a year to remember!" The man cheers joyfully to Brock then quickly runs off to another group of people.
Brock is left stunned. "Wow, he must really enjoy his job." He quickly begins to gather everything he needs all the while praying he doesn't run in to any more advertisers.
As we make our way back to the rest of the group we find them relaxing under the shade while their Pokémon splash in the waves. "See Ash isn't this breeze just so refreshing?" May looks over at Ash to find him asleep on his chair. "I suppose I should let him get some sleep. I'm sure he's worn himself out after all that training for his gym battle." She leans her head back and begins to think reminisce on the intense battle between her friend and gym leader Brawly. I'm still surprised how much he grew in only a few days. I didn't even understand what the point of all that training was half the time.I wonder if my skills will ever compare to his. They're gonna have to if I even hope of becoming a great contest competitor. She gains a radiant grin as she imagines herself surrounded by fans and awards. That sure would be sweet.
As May loses herself in her own world a paper suddenly blocks her view. And a tired looking Brock lays down on the towel next to her. "What's this for?" She questions as she turns to her older friend.
"From what I gathered it sounds like the Hoenn Grand Festival is gonna be held here in a few weeks. They're gonna be holding a few Pokémon competitions during the celebration. Sounds like it's a great chance for you to learn more about the industry. I heard a lot of famous people are gonna be involved too." Brock pulls himself up into a sitting position and begins unpacking the travel grill. "You wouldn't believe how crowded it is in the shopping district. Seems like a lot of people are already preparing for the festival even though it's still a month away."
"Wow this is awesome Brock! This is my chance to really get involved in this. I've been reading up about how many people have made these competitions they're entire career. It's sounds like so much fun." May begins reading through the information on the flyer trying to find all the details she needed. "Hope you didn't have to much trouble buying all the things you needed you already seem so worn out." She looks over to see Brock half asleep preparing the grill.
He gives her a light smile. "Oh don't worry about me. I was only able to get the food for now so I'll have to go back out tomorrow to grab the rest of the items we need. You should come with me so you can check out the venue. Looks like most of it is gonna be held there. Also how many burgers should a make?"
"Did I hear burgers?" May and Brock jump as Ash appears next to them out of nowhere.
May shakes it off and responds "I think two per person should be enough for now. It's only noon so we can check out the restaurants later tonight after we get our stuff to the Pokémon center.
"Oh I also want to go check out the gym later." Ash chimes in "I'm excited to see who my next opponent is."
Brock raises his eyebrows. "Actually Ash the next gym isn't till Mauville city so there's no need to worry about that for now."
As Ash hears this he begins to get really pumped up. "Oh then we should head out in the next couple days. I wanna get to then next gym as quick as possible."
As Ash begins discussing a schedule with Brock, May starts to look nervous "Oh, actually Ash I was really hoping we could stay here for a while I was thinking I could join the festival that's coming up. May starts to go over the discussion she had with Brock.
"What!!! We can't stay here for a month. I have to get to the next gym. What if I miss the conference cause I don't make it in time. You know what I'm here to do and your gonna ruin it by wasting time doing Pokémon competitions?"
As Ash continues on his ramble Brock looks at May who's becoming more upset at he goes on. Brock rests his hand on Ash's shoulder and begins to lead him away from their spot on the beach. "May, keep an eye on the food for a second I'm gonna have a talk with Ash." The girl gives a depressed nod as the two boys begin to walk off.
"I can't believe this Brock, why is she trying to drive us off course. I understand wanting to see the city for a while we can't stay here for so long for a stupid festival."
Brock shakes his head and gives Ash a shameful gaze. "I really don't think you're being fair here Ash. We all know what your here to do and we always support you. By now you should have the decency to be able to take a step back and support your friend with something she's interested in even if it does set you back a little bit." Ash rolls his eyes a bit but takes a second to think about it. "And frankly what you were saying to her was really rude. Imagine if it was me or Misty asking you to do this for us?"
Ash cuts in. "That's not fair. I've known you and Misty for way longer." But Brock cuts him off.
"Why does it matter. May has done the same for you that both of us had. We all uprooted our entire lives to join you. The least you could do is take some time off to help May out with something you know she's been interested in."
Ash slumps down and heaves a long sigh. "Yeah, I-I guess you're right. I'm sorry it just kinda caught me off guard. I haven't really thought about it all that much. I guess it'll also be a good chance to get some consistent training in while we're here."
Brock calms down and places an hand on his friends shoulder. "Listen I understand where you're coming from just don't forget the people who have helped you get there along the way."
As they both talk a game plan through they begin walking back to their spot. As they get closer Brock can clearly see that May had been crying. Their Pokémon had come back up from the water and has surrounded her trying to comfort her. As she spots the two boys coming closer she begins wiping at her face as she flips one of the burgers. Before either of them can say anything she speaks up. "Listen Ash I'm sorry for asking you to stay here for so long I know it seemed self-"
Before she can continue Ash walks up to her and gives her a hug. "No May listen. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said what I did. I know I was the one being selfish. I'm happy to stay and support you with your contests."
As she listens to Ash her lip starts trembling and she begins to cry again but a big smile grows across her face. "Thank you Ash. I'm glad you'll stay and help me. And don't worry I'm sure both of our Pokémon will get a lot of training in."
As everyone settles back into their seats and food is poured out for the Pokémon they all go to eat their own meals.
AN: Oh boy am I glad to be back writing I'm not sure how much my skills have actually grown since the last time I've properly written but I'm just happy to have broken a multi year long writers block. Now on to the actual story beats. This story is based off the episode Now That's Flower Power. I don't want to spoil much of the story but this will get a bit dark later on. This will be a story following the theme of child exploitation in the entertainment industry. I'm sure your probably thinking, Oh this conflict between Ash and May seemed incredibly rushed, and yeah I probably could've done a bit better but I'm just to excited to get this out there. Don't worry, it was never my intention to have this be the main point of the story I just want the three of them to be there for each other. Of course had to show that the rocket team was there. Definitely want to use them in the story but not sure how yet. Anyways I've ramble on enough for this part so I hope you stay interested and I hope I don't lose my motivation again.