Part XL: Hello Hoenn!
"Ash! Misty! Over here!" A familiar voice called out frantically waving an arm in the air as Ash and Misty entered the airport terminal in Petalburg City.
The flight from Kanto to Hoenn hadn't taken as long as Ash had thought, only 4 hours compared to the 12 it took to reach Unova from Kanto. It had been an uneventful flight after the events of the last few weeks, both before and during their time in Celadon City, which had been nice. It was just what they needed, a little relaxing before the next major part of their journey, the Wallace Cup.
For the first time in all his years as a trainer, Ash had left the region he had decided to spend the year in and traveled to a different region as part of his journey. This had been planned from the start, but it was still an odd feeling for Ash. It was also the first time Ash had ever revisited a region that wasn't his home region after he'd competed in that region's League Conference. Still, Ash was excited to be here.
As for Misty, she had spent time in 3 regions last year, so she was fine with it. She'd never been to Hoenn before and while she wouldn't be seeing it the way she'd seen Sinnoh, Kanto or Johto, she was still here in her 5th region, so she had now caught up with Ash on that front. Plus, they were here for her favorite Contest and to see an old friend, so she was really looking forward to it.
That old friend was the happy and bouncing brunette girl in, of all things, a bright pink bike top with yellow accents, black bike shorts and a matching pink bandana with a white Poke Ball design on her head. She still wore he usual bike gloves and had a yellow bag at her hip. It was a similar design to what May had worn in the past, just brighter than Ash or Misty remembered the girl wearing.
The only clearly new item was on the zip that ran down the middle of May's top. For some reason it was weighted down with small, perfectly spherical, multicolored stone that rested on her ample bosom and gleamed there while also somehow highlighting May's assets in a way that she probably hadn't intend. All it did was remind Misty that she couldn't help but be jealous of them by comparison.
"May!" Ash called out as they approached her, clearly, she had been waiting in the terminal for them to arrive. "You're here already? We weren't sure when you were getting in, so we were going to call you from the Pokémon Center once we got there."
"Well you two are staying with my family so I had to get in before you." May said happily as she finally broke her composure and rushed over to hug Ash tightly at being near him again, briefly allowing her feelings to take over and not noticing that she had accidentally forced Misty away a little by her actions. "I missed you while I was out in Kalos."
"We missed you too." Ash said hugging May back, unable to not notice the closeness of the hug but chalking it up to them being close friends. "You have to tell us all about it and the many adventures you've no doubt had there."
"Over dinner." May said still hugging Ash causing Misty's jealousy to flare up and cursing Dawn for being the cause of this particular insecurity, though as she did a memory from Ash's birthday began to come back to Misty regarding keeping a close eye on May. "Max just finished up in Fortree City the other day and is heading back, he will be home just before dinner and then we can all catch each up. I want to hear all about your adventures as well."
"May." Misty coughed trying to not sound annoyed and causing May to leap off Ash and blush furiously as she had forgotten that Misty was there as well, her reaction not helping Misty's jealousy or the memory of her own concerns surrounding her brunette friend. "Can I have my boyfriend back please."
"Sorry, I got a little over excited seeing you guys again." May said pulling Misty in for a hug that Misty returned but it wasn't as close, nor as long, as her one with Ash and Misty noticed that. "I'll explain more later but I am currently traveling with someone in Kalos that who Ash years ago, so I've been catching her up on him."
"Ah that makes sense though I don't remember ever meeting someone from Kalos before." Ash said confused at what May had told them as they began to make their way out of the airport that Ash was certain had to be new as he didn't remember one being here when he was last in Petalburg City a few years ago. "I think I would remember meeting someone from a new region."
"She met you at Professor Oak's summer camp on year but didn't say where she was from." May explained. "So that is probably why you don't remember her or Kalos. She's one of the 3 people I am traveling Kalos with. She's currently a Pokémon Performer but plans on competing in Contests next year when the circuit officially begins. The Showcases out there are great and are a boon for recruiting potential coordinators as Performers and male fans alike want to try something that is similar to Showcases but also allows for battles. Sorry, I am just excited to see you again and tell you of my adventures, you probably don't know what I am talking about."
"Actually, we have heard of Pokémon Performers and Showcases before." Misty said much to May's surprise as they set foot outside the terminal and officially entered Hoenn. "We had a little adventure at some place called Pokémon Tech about two months ago and met an old acquaintance of Ash's who'd won 3 Princess Keys as she called them when she was in Kalos on her journey there. Sabrina further explained them when we stayed with her after Ash's battle with her in Saffron City, so we know about them. They sound interesting."
"Wow that saves a lot of time explaining what they are, trust traveling with Ash to unearth someone in Kanto who's competed in them." May said and Misty had to nod in agreement at that, Ash certainly knew how to find people. "I don't have to explain them then to you when I cover the ones that I've seen in Kalos. They're not my style, though I may compete in a few for fun and to work on potential appeal routines."
"Well we hope to hear more about everything you've been up to on your journey tonight." Ash said as May led them into a bus that would take them into the center of the city where the gym and her house was located. "I am sure you have plenty of stories to tell from Kalos and I really want to hear more about the region as I've never been there before."
"Oh, I have been learning so much while there but all in good time." May said happily as the bus left the airport. "I have so much to tell you Ash and a few things to give you that you may find useful in the future. Professor Sycamore had some spares and seeing as I knew you would get some use out of them, I told him about you, and he agreed to my idea. All he asked was that you report any data to me or if possible, him should you ever meet him."
"I have no idea what you are talking about but sure." Ash said with a smile. "If it has anything to do with Pokémon then you know I'm down to learn about them and help out as best I can."
"All in good time." May said teasingly deciding to let Ash wait to learn what she'd brought him. "For now, why don't you tell me about your journey so far, it will save time later. You can retell everything to Max when he gets back as I am sure he will want to know but I can't wait."
Without hesitation Ash launched into a detailed description of his and Misty's journey through Kanto while they made their way into Petalburg City. Misty just smiled and added her own input, mainly her new Pokémon or to tell May about the Contests she'd won or the one she had lost to Ash, something that shocked May, but that was it. For the most part Misty just enjoyed the ride in, listened to Ash and surveyed her surroundings as she took in Hoenn.
All the while something felt off. Misty knew it in her gut, she'd had this feeling before about May and while she trusted her friend, she would have to keep a critical eye on her while they were together. Perhaps dinner would assuage the worries, but Misty wasn't sure as they could just as well reinforce them. One thing that Misty was certain of though was that their time in Hoenn was definitely going to be interesting and she couldn't wait to see how everything played out, staring with dinner and May's Kalos adventure.
-break-
"There you go, that should be everything." Caroline said with a smile as she set down the last dish on the table they'd set up and help lay out in Norman's greenhouse. "Have fun catching up. I will be inside if you need me. Just bring everything back when you're done and clean it up before bed."
"Thanks mom." May said with a smile as Ash began serving everyone the food while Misty and Max also thanked Caroline for everything. "We will. Is everything ready for the night?"
"It is." Caroline said with a nod. "Ash and Max will be sharing in his room while you and Misty will be in your room, at least for tonight. Tomorrow we will have to shift a few things around when the others get here, but I trust that you are ready for that."
"I am." May said causing Ash and Misty to be a little surprised. "I've already gotten what we need out of the basement just for it."
"Well as you are clearly on top of everything I had better go, your dad will be back soon, and we are going to enjoy the free night together." Caroline said before she turned and left the kids to themselves.
It was a few hours after Ash and Misty had reached May's house. They had instantly been greeted by May's mother Caroline who hugged Ash happy to see him for the first time in years. She then greeted Misty more civilly as it was their first meeting but May had told her mother a lot about Misty, so it wasn't awkward. Her husband Norman was busy in the gym as there had been a rash of challengers today before the gym closed temporarily for the upcoming Wallace Cup preparations. He would greet them after dinner and before they all went to bed.
Almost at once, though not after they had dropped their bags off and given May their thank you presents for hosting them, they were drafted into preparing dinner but seeing as they would actually be eating it they didn't mind. Max was still an hour away, so they had to be ready for dinner when he got there. It had been May's idea to set up a table in the greenhouse so that they could catch up away from her parents who had already heard her all of her adventures so far in Kalos. This was just for them.
"Ok two things." Misty said as Caroline left. "First what are you and your mom talking about May? What's happening tomorrow when everyone else arrives?"
"Oh that, it's a surprise." May said with a grin that didn't answer anything, it only annoyed Misty more which was clearly what May was going for. "You will have to wait and see what it is."
"Do you have any idea Max?" Ash asked just as confused as his girlfriend.
"Not at all." Max said shaking his head. "This whole week or so is all about the Wallace Cup and that's May's thing not mine so she's in charge of everything. I was just coming back to see you, catch up and get some advice before I head out to Mossdeep City for my next gym battle. I could use your help with double battles as that gym still uses them."
"Ah yes that, I want to hear all about your adventure here." Ash said eager to hear about Max's journey. "How's that going? I am more than happy to help as best I can."
"One sec Ash." May chided him. "Misty had something else to ask me, didn't you Misty?"
"Yeah I did." Misty said blushing slightly at what she was about to say. "I was going to ask why Ash and I weren't sharing a room. Not that I am complaining of course, this is your house and we will respect your rules, but, well, it's just hard not being with Ash after basically spending the last few months together. After he got sick in Lavender Town it's become reassuring for me to be with him."
"I understand." May said her voice only quivering slightly at the thought of Ash and Misty in bed together before steeling herself, Dawn liked being petty to mess with Misty, perhaps May should take a leaf out of the dark haired girl's book even if she thought Dawn may overdo it at times. "But I decided that it was for the best, plus we can have a girls' night together like we did before the last 2 Wallace Cups."
"Oh ok, yeah I'd like that." Misty admitted smiling at the idea, it was a good one and needed as she hadn't had a true catch up just her and May in a long time. "Sorry, that was rude of me to ask."
"No need to worry." May said and Misty laughed at May coopting Misty's catchphrase. "I want to hear all of the juicy details that Ash wouldn't tell Max."
"Hey I'm old enough." Max complained.
"No, you're not." May said simply trying not to laugh.
"I will not say anything." Misty said blushing deeply.
"Fine." May pouted but secretly glad, she didn't know if she could hear about Misty's sex life with Ash, but she had just done that for appearances just in case her feelings towards Ash were becoming too noticeable. "We'll talk about our outfits for the Wallace Cup then."
"Now that is something that will take hours." Misty said with a smile. "And the boys wouldn't understand it."
"Not at all." May replied as the girls laughed at that. "Not at all."
"Well now that that is done, Max how's your first journey as a trainer going?" Ash asked completely oblivious to the topic of the conversation. "How many badges is it now?"
"6 after Fortree." Max said proudly pulling out his badge case and showing Ash his Hoenn badges with pride. "I've been on a tear lately. I've already traveled Hoenn with you, May, and Brock before and then spent the time after our travels training before challenging the gyms this year so I am easily getting it done. I am hoping to be done within the next 2 months and then I can head over to Ever Grande and prepare there for the League Conference."
"A wise strategy." Ash said with a nod. "Similar to my Unova one though that was slightly different as we met Cameron and had to help him get his 8th badge first. So, you have 6 badges, what about your team? Any new developments there?"
"Marshtomp and Lairon have both evolved but not Kirlia." Max admitted. "I am not sure why, but I know she will when she's ready. She's really powerful especially after Fortree, she wiped the floor with Winona's Altaria much to both of our surprises. Shrugged off a Dragon Breath attack as if it were nothing. It made no sense, but I am not complaining because I countered and won the battle."
"Yeah that is odd." Ash said glancing at Misty who understood, it confirmed that Kirlia was the same as Togekiss, Marill and Azumarill when it came to dragon type moves. "Did you tell anyone?"
"No but I think Winona was as confused as me by that." Max said his brow furrowing at that. "It was just an oddity that sometimes happens in battle. I guess. Kirlia was obscured by the attack so I think she activated a Protect without me ordering it that's all."
"Well still, I think you should send Professor Oak a message." Ash said. "He's always looking into these things and may help out. That goes for anything else odd that's happened with your Kirlia."
"Yeah that's a good idea." Max said with a nod as he thought about something. "I'll do that once I reach the next Pokémon Center. I could use his advice with her, she's a little too damaged when hit by steel and poison type attacks and that has me worried because as a psychic type, she should at least be resilient against poison type attacks."
"Professor Oak will be able to help with that." Ash said. "Or at least he will look into it to see what's going on."
"That's good." Max said with a smile. "I'm always up for learning more about Pokémon."
"Anything else new?" May asked. "Or have you been boring little bro."
"I prefer the term pragmatic to my straightforward approach but no nothing new." Max said adjusting his glasses as he spoke. "I am focused on the gyms here and that is it. Next year is my first journey in a new region, I just don't know which one yet."
"Speaking of new regions." Misty said turning to May. "How's Kalos? We've been waiting since we arrived for you to tell us so spill, what's it like there?"
"Amazing!" May said with a wide smile. "I am having so much fun there. It's one of the largest regions in the world and so different from here. Different styles, preferences, activities, culture, and especially so much delicious new food to eat, it's been great. There is so much to tell you."
"Well how about starting with what you're actually doing there; setting up a Contest Circuit." Misty said as it dealt with what they shared. "That is what you are there for so best to start with that I feel."
"True it probably is." May agreed. "They are really embracing Contests as a form of Pokémon competition that's for sure. It is similar enough to Pokémon Performances that it is easy for them to understand and has quickly gained popularity. The fact that guys can do it as well helps as many have wanted to try Performances but have been barred due to gender."
"What do you actually do to for the Committee?" Misty asked. "I'm curious to know how this works."
"Well mainly it has been working with local representatives of the Committee to set up a system of rules specific to Kalos while also being in line with the Committee's guidelines." May explained. "After that it's all about getting people interested, doing exhibitions of what a Contest contains, setting up classes, the whole nine yards. The committee has around 100 Contests planned for next year so it will all be started strong. Of all the regions, Kalos is the most ready for its inaugural season."
"That's ambitious." Misty said her eyes wide. "I know that Sinnoh and Kanto both have more, but they've been doing it for years. That is a lot for a region's first season."
"It is but it has to be." May said. "I am actually probably going to stay in Kalos next year and help judge the Contests there to make sure things run smoothly. I know that Yuma and Robert are as well and likely more Top Coordinators will be asked to help out as well. They are still working on a schedule, but it is doable, and they have time to finalize it. They also need to do it to set up the Grand Festival qualification system which is going to be slightly different for the expansion regions."
"How so?" Misty asked enjoying being able to talk with May over their shared passion without her nagging, and likely irrational, jealousy telling her that she should be alert to May's interactions around Ash. "Isn't it just the standard 5 ribbons to qualify?"
"Not exactly." May said shaking her head. "You see the Grand Festivals are run just like the League Conferences, you have to meet the requirements to be eligible but that is it, once you met them, and you can take as long as you need to do so, you're in for good. Therefore, no matter the year you can compete. Technically you and me can reenter the Johto and Sinnoh Grand Festivals whenever we want, and I can enter the Hoenn and Kanto ones as well. That is actually more common than traveling in multiple regions as people often spend years getting all 5 but where is the fun or challenge in that."
"Yeah I know that and agree, traveling is much more fun." Misty said remembering reading that in the rules after she'd been forced to refresh her memory of them following her recent warning. "But I still don't get why Kalos is different."
"Kalos doesn't have Contests yet." May reminded her. "As such there isn't anyone with Kalos ribbons, so no one has already qualified for the first Grand Festival. Everyone will be a first timer in it next year."
"Oh, I see." Misty said as she got it. "If there are 100 Contests, then only 25 people would qualify and that's not enough."
"Correct." May said. "So, for the first 5 years there is a different set of rules regarding qualifying for the Grand Festivals in the expansion regions."
"That makes sense that they would change it up during the expansion period." Misty realized. "So how is it working then?"
"Well it is a multi-layered, slightly complex. system." May answered. "Regardless of the changes, 5 Kalos ribbons are an automatic qualification for the Grand Festival as would be the case in any other region. They secure a coordinator a spot in the appeals round without any issue but that isn't the only way in, there are two other ways."
"And they are?" Misty asked curious to hear how the Committee had adjusted the entry requirements.
"Well the first way is through what is going to be called a wildcard round." May said. "If you get three Kalos ribbons then you automatically qualify for it. That way you have at least 60% of the requirement to get into the main Grand Festival while also paying homage to the Princess Key requirement for the Master Class Showcase."
"I see that is pretty clever." Misty said. "It shows a respect to Kalos's own competition while also aiding the Grand Festival."
"Precisely." May said with a nod.
"So, what does the wildcard round entail?" Misty asked. "It's certainly new to me."
"Basically, it is similar to, but slightly different from, how the other regions do their appeals round in the Grand Festival." May said. "The wildcard round is a pair of appeals in which the coordinator has to use the same Pokémon and only one move, but each appeal has to be a different move. The scores are then added together for a final score. The number who qualify for the Grand Festival is not yet set as they haven't said how many they want it, though they want at least 16 in the Battle Rounds. Once they know how many have automatically qualified for the Grand Festival, they will determine how many get in from that."
"That makes a lot of sense." Misty said after a moment's thought. "And the third way?"
"A sort of hybrid approach designed to get more skilled overseas coordinators who have missed out in other regions to come and compete in Kalos." May said. "It only works if you have 2 ribbons form one of the current regions that holds Contests and have never made it to a Grand Festival, however. If you meet the requirements, then you can qualify for the Kalos Grand Festival if you earn 3 ribbons Kalos ribbons but if you want to try again a year later you need to either earn the 2 more Kalos ribbons to complete the requirement or enter the wildcard round. Both the wildcard round and the hybrid approach will be in effect during the 5-year period."
"That is actually a very sound system." Misty said as she thought on it. "And this is what you do when you are traveling? Promoting the season?"
"Part of it." May said.
"What else do you do when you travel around?" Ash asked getting into the conversation, though that might have just been because he had just finished his plate of food and was getting another one and not really listening to the girls' conversation. "That can't be all you do?"
"Actually, it is pretty much all I do, I am there to promote Contests after all." May said as Ash began helping himself to even more food. "Mainly it is a personal demonstration of an appeal, a talk, and then a series of lessons whenever I reach a town or city. At least once a month I meet up with the other Top Coordinators there and we do a major televised promotion that is a mock Contest, though the battles are real. In fact, it was at the first one of those that I participated in, shortly after I landed in Lumiose City, where I met my current traveling companions."
"This includes the one who knows Ash?" Misty asked and May nodded.
"Yeah her name is Serena, we met on my first day in Kalos." May said. "She was setting off on her own journey and had just gotten a Fennekin from Professor Sycamore, that is the fire type starter for new Kalos trainers, and she saw me doing an appeal with my Blaziken and then battling Yuma with Glaceon and was amazed. She came up to me afterwards to ask me more about Contests and, I dunno, we just clicked. We got lunch and I learned more about her."
"So, what's she like?" Misty asked curious now. "And how did you both realize that you knew Ash?"
"I'll get to that." May chided causing Misty to grumble while Max laughed at someone else getting May's ribbing. "Serena's a great girl and a little like me just more girly. She went on an adventure to get out and travel Kalos but had no real goal at first. For her it was to get away from her mother who wanted her to be a professional Rhyhorn racer which she didn't want to be. She loved the pageantry of Contests as soon as she saw our demonstration and wants to try them next year when the first Kalos Circuit begins. After lunch. I asked her if she wanted to travel with me and learn more while I personally taught her some tricks and she tried to find her own calling."
"So, she's kind of like your protégé then." Misty said with a smile. "Seeing as she gets to learn the ropes under Sinnoh's latest Top Coordinator before she even enters a Contest."
"I guess though we're the same age so it's a little odd to view her as such." May admitted. "Not that Emily girl you told me about, you seem to have a protégé of your own Misty, one who's active right now."
"I don't know if I would call her that, yet." Misty said thinking of her newest coordinator friend and realizing that Emily was indeed slowly becoming her protégé. "Though I have taken her under my wing for now and am seeing her through her rookie year as best I can given the fact that we only meet up at Contests. I hope she makes the Grand Festival, then we will see just how much she's learned from me. She definitely has the potential, just the usual growing pains."
"Losing to Ash doesn't help." May pointed out.
"Huh?" Ash said as he inhaled his 3rd plate of food.
"I think Emily realized that even using Contest techniques she would have had a hard time against Ash just because of his experience." Misty said with a shrug. "And that battle had an oddity that broke in Ash's favor and gave him the win before Emily had a chance to counter. Plus, I lost to Ash so that will help her get over it."
"True, I still can't believe that Ash Ketchum won a Contest and an official one at that." May said teasingly with a glance at Ash, a glance that had a twinkle in her eyes that made Misty uneasy for some reason. "But enough about that, you still want to know about Kalos don't you?"
"You bet." Misty said snapping back to their conversation though the unease feeling in her gut refused to leave her. "You said that Serena was a Pokémon Performer, so I take it she found her calling."
"That's right, she only recently decided that she wanted to be one, as well as trying to be a coordinator next year." May said. "It was a little later than I expected her to find it but thankfully we met a new friend who helped Serena realize that Performances were for her."
"Really?" Misty asked. "How'd it happen?"
"Well during our journey, we ended up at a camp of Professor Sycamore's for a week or so and met some cool trainers who had Kanto starters despite being from Kalos." May said thinking back on the mini adventure they'd had. We all got along but Serena and the girl, Shauna, really clicked. Shauna was an aspiring Performer herself and was the one who suggested Serena try it as well, which she agreed too."
"So how many Performances has she done so far?" Misty asked, she was enjoying hearing the story of May's new friend, it was always interesting hearing other's adventures to find their calling.
"Well we watched one, which was an adventure all its own, before Serena competed in one herself." May said. "Unfortunately, Serena lost her only Showcase so far because of a miscue during the theme stage but she has come back with a new personal style and mindset. She's determined to win the next one and I am looking forward to seeing it when I get back."
"Sounds like you're channeling your inner Ash with her." Misty said with a smile remembering how Ash had been a mentor to her and May in their respective first journeys with him. "You're a role model of sorts to her."
"More than you know." May said with a laugh and a slight blush at Misty's compliment that Misty didn't miss. "I learned so much from Ash in my two years traveling with him that it has come in handy now as the de facto leader of our little group. Watching Serena grow on her first journey reminds me of how I grew on mine and how grateful I was that Ash was there to show me the ropes. Of course, the fact that Serena recognized Ash when I showed her a picture of us really helped us get closer."
"You said that we met at Professor Oak's summer Camp." Ash said remembering what May had said on the way into town. "I'm sorry I just don't remember her."
"She didn't know your name but recognized you at once despite it being years since you met." May said. "I told her all about you, how much you taught me as a rookie trainer on her first journey and our many adventures together in Hoenn and Kanto, it was a really good bonding experience for Serena and me. Apparently, you made quite the impression on her. It really helped us become close friends having someone we both know and admire in common."
"Oh, er, thanks." Ash said not really knowing what May meant but glad for it. "I just want to make sure that people and Pokémon get along and be friends, I'm nothing special."
Ash may be as dense as always, but Misty wasn't, and it was in that moment that it all hit her like a sledgehammer to the face. May had practically gushed over Ash and what he'd done for her in that moment and that had been the last thing Misty's brain needed to make the connections click. After all, if anyone should know she should, she'd heard herself gush like that about Ash before, to May no less.
May had a crush on Ash. That explained the occasional looks she gave Ash, the small blushes that Misty noticed whenever Ash complimented her and the way she always held Ash close when they hugged, that last part was similar to how Dawn hugged Ash.
It also explained why May was a little less friendly with Misty. It was only a touch, but it was still noticeable. May knew that Misty had beaten her for Ash, and it still hurt, something Misty could understand though not sympathize with.
Come to think of it, May had been distant at Ash's party, that was why they had spent a morning with her after the first two battles. Misty had chalked it up to what May had said the night before and the large number of people present but that wasn't it, or at least it wasn't all of it.
That had not been why Dawn had taken May aside for a bit to deal with the revelation that Misty and Ash were an item, it had been because Dawn of all people would know what May was dealing with. She had clearly seen it in May and had for helped her friend out, a nice act that made Misty reevaluate Dawn a little.
"Yeah 2 others, a brother and sister." May said snapping Misty back to the conversation now keeping a close eye on her friend, damn Dawn and making Misty deal with jealousy, and cursing herself for getting distracted and missing what had been said in the conversation. "Clemont and his little sister Bonnie. We met them in Lumiose City the day after I asked Serena to travel with me and they ended up joining us on our journey around Kalos."
"So kinda the flip side of you and Max then." Ash said as Misty realized that they were talking about May's other 2 traveling companions. "Older sibling who's a trainer and younger one who's too young to be one yet."
"In a way yes." May said. "And in a way no. Clemont is already an established trainer, in fact he is an electric type specialist who is currently the Lumiose City Gym Leader and an inventor whose inventions blow up in his face pretty much every single time. His sister Bonnie is a year away from being a trainer but traveling with us and learning a lot. She already has a Dedenne, an electric type Kalos Pokémon, that Clemont caught for her and will give her when she's old enough. She is a lot like Max in her dedication to Pokémon though she tends to act from the heart and not the brain."
"Hey, I care deeply about my Pokémon." Max said in protest. "I just like to be analytical as well as it helps me in battle to know a particular Pokémon's strengths and weaknesses."
"Different tactics work for different people." May said. "Though there is one key difference between them and me and Max."
"And that is?" Max asked adjusting his glasses again.
"She doesn't prevent amorous actions; in fact, she has a habit of getting on one knee to any pretty girl and asking them to marry her brother." May said causing them all to laugh. "She's kinda the reverse Brock and Clemont doesn't like it when she does propose for him."
"Wait what?" Ash asked as they all burst out laughing. "That's hilarious."
"It is and Clemont has a special invention called an Aipom Arm that he uses to pick her up and take her away from the unlucky woman she's embarrassing him in front of." May said as she recovered. "In fact, it was how we met. She'd seen me the day before at the Contest demonstration and thought I was a keeper, the words she uses whenever she meets a woman she believes her brother should marry, and asked me to take care of her brother when we ran into them the day after."
"Oh, that must have been a sight." Ash said laughing at the idea and not noticing the flicker of pain in May's eyes, but Misty did. "How did you react?"
"I told her I was honored but that I couldn't as there was already a guy who had taken my heart even if he would never be mine." May said looking at Ash as she did though Ash was too busy laughing to notice the look, not that he would have understood it regardless. "That got her to end her request, but I thought she was cute, fun, and reminded me of Brock in a way. She did like the Contest, which was why she'd approached us to begin with. After Clemont recovered we all talked and decided to travel together."
All of Misty's suspicions were confirmed in that moment, she saw the love in May's eyes and knew that May loved Ash as much as she did even if she had accepted Misty as Ash's girlfriend. It was official, May was now a rival to Misty in more ways than one. She was going to have to confront May about this at some point but not now, not while they were enjoying a catch up with other people. When the moment was right, and they were alone Misty would have a serious talk with May about her feelings. Of course, Ash had to be Ash at that very moment which made Misty happy.
"I'm glad you found someone else to focus on after Drew, he's a lucky guy to have you notice him." Ash said completely missing May's look and causing her eye to twitch while Misty had to shovel food into her mouth to not smile at that. "I'm sure one day he'll notice you."
"Yes, he is." May said with a sigh of exasperation, she loved Ash, she'd come to terms with that while out in Kalos, and she knew that she could never have him because he loved Misty and she would never make a move on Misty's man but Ash could be so fucking dense at times. "Though knowing him, he'll never notice how I feel but I've made peace with that."
"Wait how can you be traveling with a gym leader?" Max asked also missing it and thankfully shifting the conversation to something else that prevented May getting more wistful about Ash and Misty deciding to channel Dawn then and there. "Isn't he supposed to be, you know, in his gym?"
"Yeah that was what I asked when I found out from his dad that he was the gym leader." May said remembering the funny story. "Turns out that while Clemont always wanted to be a gym leader he is still a teen and got overwhelmed easily by both his responsibilities as a gym leader and his passion for science and inventing things. He decided to address this by building a robot called Clembot who could take over the gym when Clemont needed a break, but it malfunctioned, which given his usual failures blow up in his face is a step forward. However, as a result of the malfunction, Clembot kicked Clemont out of the gym and due to the programing wouldn't let him back in."
"That sounds like something Ash would run into not you." Misty pointed out. "He always seems to find people like that who are in need and help them out."
"Yeah it is but thanks to traveling with Ash I knew what to do." May said with a smile at Ash that he missed the meaning of, but Misty understood completely, she had sent that same smile Ash's way more times then she could count. "I helped him break into his gym where he finally remembered the override phrase and fixed Clembot's programing. After that he decided to leave Clembot in charge of the gym in his stead and travel with me and Serena so that he could grow as a gym leader. Right now, he, along with Bonnie and Serena, are all taking a break in Lumiose City while I am here, so he has resumed his duties temporarily until I return."
"Wow that sounds like a lot and that's just before you left Lumiose City." Ash said amazed at May's first adventure in Kalos. "I take it your journey has had its fair share of adventures since then."
"A fair few but nothing as crazy as it would be with you." May said and Misty had to agree with that, Ash was a magnet for weird and crazy adventures. "But it has been a lot of fun and I can't wait to return and see the rest of the region."
"Catch any new Pokémon?" Ash asked finally getting to ask the question he always wanted to ask but had been waiting for the right moment to ask. "Especially any that are native to Kalos?"
"Yes actually, 3." May said with a smile. "Same number as you and Misty have caught so far. I only went to Kalos with Blaziken, Glaceon and Munchlax so it worked out well for me."
"Which ones?" Misty asked curious. "Come on, tell us."
"Well one was actually an egg given to me by a scientist after I helped him out when one of the Pokémon, he was studying escaped." May said. "It hatched into a Tyrunt, a formally extinct Pokémon that they have brought back with science and are now breeding. It is a rock and dragon type, so it's been a fun challenge to raise. Then I caught Slurpuff, a fully evolved normal type Pokémon which is really cute and has a great sense of smell though Serena's rival Miette has one so it's a little amusing. Lastly I caught a Honedge that has since evolved into a Doublade and let me tell you that is an interesting Pokémon."
"How so?" Ash asked his interest heightened when it came down to Pokémon, especially new Pokémon he'd never heard of before. "I've never heard of any of those Pokémon let alone seen them. I take it that they are all native to Kalos, right?"
"Well you may see one during the Wallace Cup but not till then." May said with a grin that annoyed Ash but he was willing to wait. "As for Doublade, well it is a steel and ghost type Pokémon."
"Why does that combo sound familiar?" Ash asked and Misty agreed, it did sound familiar. "I know I've heard it before but never knew of any Pokémon with that combination."
"We talked about a steel and ghost type back in Pallet Town the day after your party while we were walking around the ranch." May said reminding them. "We wondered if one existed as they were the only two types you had never caught before, though now with your Gengar it is just the steel type you need to officially have caught at least one Pokémon of each type. Well it turns out that that Honedge and its evolutionary line are the only known duel ghost/steel types out there and I caught one. As soon as I did it reminded me of you and our conversation just before I left for Kalos, and I thought you'd get a kick out of it."
"I do." Ash said with a laugh and Misty had to agree, it was a funny coincidence that May would get a Pokémon with the unique type combo that they had once talked about. "Well I hope to see it before we all have to part ways."
"Regardless I will show all of them off after the Wallace Cup." May promised them. "And I can't wait to see your Pokémon tomorrow. Misty, a shiny Eevee is something special that I really want to see, and Ash I've never even heard of Porygon2."
"We will show them off tomorrow for sure." Misty said and Ash nodded though he probably wasn't going to show anyone else Porygon2, for some reason he had a feeling that he would need it to be a surprise in the Wallace Cup. "I want to get some practice with Eevee anyway so it will be good to battle with her."
"Well how about against my Glaceon." May suggested. "Would be interesting and I do know a thing or two about raising an Eevee."
"Maybe." Misty said thoughtfully. "Though I would rather face it in the Wallace Cup final again like the last two times we've competed in it."
"If we get there then we have to continue the tradition." May said before glancing over at Piplup who was with Pikachu off to the side enjoying their own private dinner. "I will you're your Piplup one of these days. Of course, there will be a lot of people, several of whom are coming tomorrow by, who will have something to say about that though."
"True well if not we will defiantly battle afterwards." Misty said with a grin that May didn't get the full meaning off. "I can't come all the way to Hoenn and see you without a battle now can I."
"For sure." May said grinning back. "Regardless we will battle, I want to see how good you've become Misty."
"Back at you May." Misty said enjoying the banter and glad that she could still do it despite knowing of May's feelings, that was a sign of how strong their friendship was. "I hope you didn't get soft out in Kalos."
"Well I for one can't wait to battle with Porygon2." Ash said. "I am hoping to use it in the Wallace Cup so it will be good to practice a bit but I may not bring it out in front of the others, I want it to be a surprise when I first use it. It's not a common Pokémon so it's a good trump card to play when the time comes."
"I understand." May said. "We all have our own surprises we like to keep under wraps until its time though I can't use mine as it is banned in the Wallace Cup so it's not much a surprise."
"What?" Ash asked instantly curious at May's words. "How is it banned?"
"Well it is Mega Evolution and the Committee has banned its use until it is can fully evaluate its uses in a Contest." May said causing Ash, Misty and Max to blink in confusion and May realized that she hadn't told them about it and that she still had Ash's gift on her, well this was the perfect time for both. "Oh yeah that reminds me, I almost forgot all about that and it is tied to my gift for Ash so I can explain it while also giving Ash his present."
"You didn't have to get me anything." Ash said a little embarrassed though Misty was restraining herself from challenging May in that moment, the way May was talking was not helping her damned jealousy that had just flared up despite her recent banter with May. "Seriously, it's too much."
"Nonsense I didn't get you anything for your birthday, so I owe you." May said dismissively. "Plus, other than the gloves I didn't buy anything; the items were given to me by Professor Sycamore before I left as he had acquired them for a former assistant, but that assistant isn't there anymore. So, when I told him that you had a Charizard who you were really close to the Professor realized that you could help him with his research as Charizard was just the Pokémon. All he asked was that you at least tell me what happens when you finally use it."
"Um ok but you are going to have to be more specific." Ash said a little confused. "I am still not sure what you are talking about. Why does my Charizard have anything to do with this?"
"Oh yeah I really need to explain don't I." May said flushing a little in embarrassment. "I guess I should show them you first."
Before anyone could ask her what she meant, May unzipped her bag, and pulled out two boxes' one a standard square, the other a rectangle, that she had put in there before she had left. She had wanted to get Ash something from Kalos and this was just the thing. It helped that Professor Sycamore had trusted her with it after doing some errands for the Kalos Professor. Of course, Professor Oak had vouched for Ash as well which helped a lot.
"Here." May said with a smile. "Happy late birthday Ash."
"Thanks." Ash said with a smile of his own as he opened the boxes and blinked at what he saw inside.
In one of them was a pair fingerless gloves just like the ones he wore but this was different. On the back of the right-hand glove, in a special holder, was a small multicolored stone with an odd design in it. It was identical to the one on the zip of May's vest. Ash had no idea what it was or what it meant but clearly May knew and would tell him in a moment.
In the other box was a leather bracer that was clearly made for a Pokémon that had arms. In the center of the bracer was a similar but slightly different stone to the one in the glove. It was bright orange with a red and yellow twisting design in the center. Again, Ash had absolutely no idea what he was looking at, but he appreciated them, nonetheless.
Misty for her own part had to touch the locket that hung around her neck and over her shirt for reassurance at the sight of May's clearly thoughtful gift. It was just to remind herself that as nice of a gift as May had gotten Ash, he had still gotten her something infinitely more special and personal. It was tough to control her jealousy, but the locket helped center her, as well as the fact that she knew that May had no romantic intentions with her gift to Ash.
"Thank you so much May." Ash said as he took off his gloves and slipped the new ones on. "This means a lot to me that you got them but, er, what are they? I notice you have a similar stone on your vest."
"I'm glad you like it." May said trying and failing to control her blush knowing where Ash would have had to look to see it, though May honestly had nowhere else safe to put it other than on her zip, and causing Misty to grip her locket for a moment to calm herself. "As for what they are, the one in the glove is a Key Stone and the one in the bracer is a Mega Stone."
"I am totally lost." Ash admitted not ashamed but his lack of knowledge, he couldn't wait to learn what they did. "What are a Key Stone and a Mega Stone?"
"They are needed for Mega Evolution." May said and realized that she was going to have to explain it as it seemed that Kanto had yet to learn of it. "I guess it is something that hasn't gotten traction over here yet, no matter Professor Sycamore thought that that might be the case. Simply put, Mega Evolution, the topic that Professor Sycamore has been researching, is a step beyond evolution. Only a fully evolved Pokémon can Mega Evolve but it is technically an evolutionary stage."
"You mean that some Pokémon can evolve again?" Ask asked a little confused. "I thought that once a Pokémon was fully evolved that was it."
"Sort of." May said. "Professor Sycamore told me that some Pokémon can Mega Evolve, that is that they can evolve beyond their final form into a temporary Mega Pokémon that lasts for a little while before reverting back to its normal form. It isn't true evolution but similar and some Pokémon do gain or change a type upon Mega Evolution that is only active when Mega Evolved."
"That's incredible." Max said looking intently at the Key Stone on Ash's glove. "So which Pokémon can do it, what are needed for it, how does it work?"
"Cool your jets little bro and I will tell you all I know." May said with a smile at her brother's thirst for Pokémon knowledge. "Basically, certain Pokémon that are either fully evolved or in some cases don't evolve at all have a Mega Evolution form. Not all Pokémon can do it, and it requires both a Key Stone that the trainer has to touch and a Mega Stone that is specific to a Pokémon in question and that said Pokémon is holding at the time."
"That all?" Misty asked looking at the stones. "That doesn't seem like much for something like this."
"No there is more to it than just that." May said shaking her head. "The person and Pokémon need to share a strong bond for it to work. As such, not any Pokémon holding a Mega Stone can do it when someone touches a Key Stone and initiates Mega Evolution. They are still discovering new Mega Evolutions so there are several known Pokémon that can Mega Evolve. I have a Key Stone and a Pokémon that can Mega Evolve and now Ash has both as well."
"Really?" Ash asked. "Which one?"
"My Blaziken can Mega Evolve." May said proudly. "On my journey I found a Blazikenite, the name of the Mega Stone for Blaziken, and got a Key Stone as a reward for helping someone later so it can Mega Evolve. We've done it before, but it takes a lot out of Blaziken as it does require a lot of energy, so we don't do it often."
"Wow thanks so much for this." Ash said his eyes wide as he looked at the bracer and the Mega Stone in it. "And you said that this had to do with Charizard."
"It does." May said with a nod. "That is a Charizardite that Professor Sycamore had had for a while. That bracer was specially designed for a Charizard after he acquired the Mega Stone. His former protégé, a boy called Alain, has a Charizard and Professor Sycamore was going to give it to him once he acquired a spare Key Stone for it, but they had a falling out or something, so he allowed me to take it. As I mentioned, the condition was that you report to me, him, or Professor Oak what happens when you use it."
"Will do." Ash said still smiling, he was so excited that neither he nor Misty realized that they'd heard the name Alain before. "I intend to use Charizard again soon so we can fit this to him then and if the need arises, I will use it."
"Great." May said smiling as well. "I can't wait to hear that story."
"What other Pokémon can Mega Evolve?" Max asked his love of everything Pokémon triggered by all of this. "And more importantly do I have any that can."
"Well all the starters from Kanto and Hoenn can so your Swampert can Mega Evolve." May said thinking on what she had been told. "The others I have seen are Lucario, we had to help the Shalour Gym Leader with that in one of our more memorable adventures, Mawile, Garchomp and Gardevoir. The last is the main Pokémon of Diantha, the Kalos Champion."
"Wait so when my Kirlia evolves I can possibly Mega Evolve her?" Max asked amazed. "As well as my Swampert as I know I have a strong bond with both of them, though it is stronger with Kirlia."
"Correct." May confirmed. "And I know how close your bond with her is so it will happen if you can get a Key Stone and the right Mega Stone for Gardevoir."
"I will." Max said with determination. "I think I may go to Kalos next but that is a decision for another day."
"Well I know I want to visit it one day as well." Ash said. "And Galar and Alola as well."
"One day and I will be by your side when that happens." Misty said with a smile taking Ash's hand and noticing the flicker of pain in May's face and deciding to return to the topic and not rub it in, May didn't deserve that. "What other Pokémon can Mega Evolve May?"
"I've not seen any others, but I've heard of a few others." May said. "I know for sure that Ampharos, Absol, and Audino can Mega Evolve but there are a lot more I don't know about. About 40 or so at last count I think."
Ash really wanted to press May for more but at that moment her mother came out with dessert and his stomach rumbled again causing everyone to laugh at Ash's legendary apatite. It looked like their conversation would be interrupted for a brief moment while they enjoyed dessert. Even May's mother laughed at this as she put the dessert down and left them to their catch up.
The rest of the night was spent eating, catching Max up on all of Ash and Misty's adventures, and cleaning up after dinner. After that it was off to bed to get ready for the next day and more guests, as well as a surprise that only May knew about. One that she knew would be really good for one of the guests.
Misty would have rather spent the night with Ash, especially after realizing May's feelings, but she respected her friend and it was a tradition they shared a room before the Wallace Cup so she could do it. Plus, May actually did want to talk about outfits for the Cup and that was a conversation that the girls couldn't have with the guys, they just wouldn't understand.
As they fell asleep, they were all looking forward to what the week and the upcoming Wallace Cup would bring them. There was a lot in store for them, things were about to get very interesting indeed and not all of it expected. There were plenty of surprises in store for everyone as Ash and Misty's Hoenn detour began.
