Pokemon Return of Champion Chapter 7 First Date
As the first golden rays of sunlight filtered through the semi-sheer curtains. Ash stirred on the couch in his hotel room. The soft glow painted the edges of the furniture and carpet, transforming the mundane space into a warm haven. He blinked sleepily as he sat up, rubbing his eyes and taking a deep breath.
"Another day, another chance to prove myself," Ash thought, his determination and passion for Pokemon training flaring within him like a spark reigniting a fire inside of him. His gaze drifted to the closed bedroom door, and a warmth bloomed inside of his chest, at the thought of his new girlfriend May peacefully beyond it.
"May...my new girlfriend." It was still to surreal, yet comforting. Slowly, Ash rose from the couch and tiptoed towards the door. He knew he shouldn't be checking on her; after all, she needed the rest. But he couldn't resist the urge to make sure she was okay.
Ash gently opened the door. The room was dimly lit by the morning light filtering through the curtains, casting gentle shadows across May's slumbering form. She lay on her side, her chest rising and falling in steady rhythm, her shoulder-length chestnut hair fanned out across the pillow. In sleep, her face was serene and untroubled, her sapphire eyes hidden behind her eyelids.
As he closed the door and stepped back into the hotel living room, a smile graced his lips. The world was full of challenges, but knowing that they would face them together gave him the strength to continue onward.
Ash glanced back at the closed door, knowing May was still asleep. He couldn't help but think about her peaceful expression as she slept; it warmed his heart to see her so content. Sighing, he decided to focus on something else right now—his daily workout routine. He went to his bag and pulled out his workout gear: a red sleeveless shirt and black shorts. As he changed, his thoughts went back to Lucario. They'd been through countless battles together, forging a bond that went beyond friendship. and they were able to communicate with each other, a level of trust few trainers had with their Pokemon.
"Morning, Lucario," Ash said, opening the door to the balcony where Lucario rested. His eyes opened and nodded, acknowledging his presence. "Time for our morning workout."
"Always ready, Master Ash," Lucario responded, standing up and stretching its limbs. The two of them stepped outside into the crisp autumn air.
"Let's start with some warm-ups," Ash suggested, leading Lucario through a series of stretches and exercises. Their movements were well-practiced and synchronized, highlighting their deep connection and understanding of one another.
"Are you worried about Mistress May?" Lucario asked him.
"Is that obvious?" Ash replied with a self-conscious chuckle, "I just... I want to make sure that she knows she can trust me. I've been hurt before, and I don't want her to feel that way."
"Trust is earned, not given," Lucario reminded him sagely. "You're doing everything you can for her. In time, she will see that."
"Thanks, Lucario," Ash said, smiling gratefully at Lucario. "Now, let's do some sparring."
As they sparred, Ash found himself feeling more at ease. The familiar rhythm of battle and unwavering trust between him and Lucario helped push away any lingering doubts. For now, he could focus on the here and now, knowing that when the time came, he would be there for May, just as she had been for him.
Ash and Lucario continued their sparring session. Sweat dripped from Ash's brow; his breathing was heavy, but controlled. Lucario mirrored his movements, their connection almost palpable in the air.
"Focus, Master Ash," Lucario said, his voice calm and steady. "Remember to use your surroundings to use your advantage."
"Right," Ash thought back; scanning the area for any opportunities. A tree trunk, and he smiled, mentally thanking Lucario for the reminder. As Ash leaped off the tree trunk, launching himself at Lucario with a powerful kick, a sudden blur of movement caught his eye. Instinctively, he twisted mid-air, narrowly avoiding an unexpected strike from an unknown assailant.
"Who are you?" Ash demanded, landing nimbly on his feet while facing a new threat. The attacker was cloaked in shadow, their face beneath a hood.
"Your worst nightmare," The attacker hissed, lunging forward with another swift attack.
"Lucario, stay back!" Ash ordered it, not wanting to risk Lucario getting hurt. He stepped on the attacker's blow, countering with a punch that connected solidly with their shoulder. The assailant winced but quickly recovered, forcing Ash to remain on the defensive.
"Who sent you?" Ash grunted, dodging yet another strike. His heart raced, adrenaline coursing through his veins.
"Does it really matter?" The attacker sneered, revealing little about their motives. "You're just a stepping stone to my goal."
Ash gritted his teeth, his eyes narrowing in determination. He couldn't allow this person to harm May or anyone else. As the assailant the lunged again, Ash spotted an opening in their defense, swiftly delivering a powerful kick that sent them stumbling backwards.
During the fight, back at Ash's Hotel Room
Sunlight streamed through the curtains of the hotel room, casting a warm glow over May as she stirred in her slumber. Her eyes fluttered open. She got up and looked on the couch, but she didn't see Ash there. A pang of worry flickered in her chest, and she bit her lip, wondering where Ash could be. She tried to shake off the concern. May decided to get ready for the day, hoping she could find Ash along the way.
She stepped into the bathroom and turned on the shower; the sound of cascading water down onto the tiles helped soothe her nerves. As the steam filled the small room, she glanced at herself in the foggy mirror before stepping under the warm spray. The water washed away her sleepiness, leaving her refreshed and ready to face whatever challenges awaited her. After drying off, she grabbed the hairdryer and carefully styled her brown locks, taking extra care to ensure they framed her face just right. She then picked out a comfortable outfit, perfect for a day spent with Ash.
"Alright," She said to herself, taking one last look in the mirror before heading out of the door, "Let's find Ash."
As May exited the hotel room, she immediately spotted Ash in a nearby wooded area, engaged in combat, with a mysterious figure. Fear gripped her heart as she watched his agile movements, dodging blow after blow from the attacker.
"ASH!" She cried out, unable to contain her shock and alarm.
He glanced over in her direction for a split second, his surprise and concern in his eyes evident, even from a distance.
"May, stay back!" He yelled, his voice strained from the effort of defending himself. She hesitated, torn between rushing to his aid and obeying his commands.
"Who is that?" May muttered under her breath, her eyes narrowing as she studied the attacker. "Why are they after Ash?"
She could see the determination etched on Ash's face, but also the strain it was taking on him. Her heart ached with worry, and she clutched her hands into a fist, feeling helpless. "Come on, Ash," She whispered, willing him to find strength to overcome any obstacle. "You can do it. I know you can."
The attacker, sensing May's presence, suddenly shifted his focus. In a split-second decision, he lunged in her direction, his fist raised and ready to strike. Ash's eyes widened as he realized the danger she was in, and without hesitation, he flung himself between them.
"May, look out!" He cried, gasping as the attacker's blow connected with his side. The impact sent him staggering and clutching his ribs, pain flaring through his body.
"ASH!" May screamed, her heart pounding loudly, which she could hear in her ears. She rushed to his side. tears pricking at the corner of her eyes "Are you okay?"
"Ugh...I'll be fine." He grunted, wincing and trying to catch his breath. "Just get back, May. Don't let them hurt you."
"But I can't just stand here and do nothing!" She protested, her voice cracking, "I have to help you!"
"May, trust me," Ash insisted, his brown eyes locking onto hers, filled with determination and concern. "Let me protect you. Please."
She hesitated, torn between her desire to help and her faith in Ash's abilities. A soft sob escaped her lips, but she nodded, stepping back reluctantly and saying, "Alright, Ash. I trust you."
"Thank you," He whispered, relief washing over his features before he turned his back to face the assailant. The mysterious man hesitated, seeming to weigh the odds before disappearing into the shadows, leaving May and Ash alone.
"Is...is he gone?" May asked quietly, her gaze darting around their surroundings as she moved closer to Ash.
"Seems like it," He replied, still catching her breath, "But we should get somewhere safe, just in case."
"Let's go back to the hotel," May suggested, her hand instinctively reaching out to steady Ash as he winced again "Yeah I have a first aid kit in my room. You can take care of my injuries." Ash told her while wincing.
Ash leaned on May for support as they made their way back to his hotel room. Once inside the room, she gently guided him to sit on the edge of the bed, fetching the first aid kit from Ash's bag and kneeling beside him. She carefully examined his side, brushing away the dirt and blood before disinfecting the wound.
"Sorry if it stings," She whispered, noticing his grimace. "But we need to clean it."
Ash nodded, gritting his teeth as she continued, "I know... Thanks for taking care of me, May."
"Of course," She replied softly, her hands shaking slightly as she applied bandages to his injury "You've always been there for me, Ash. It's time that I returned the favor."
A warm, grateful smile graced his lips as he looked into her eyes. "Thank you, May. For everything."
Ash watched May as she finished wrapping the bandages around his side, her fingers deftly securing the ends. The pain had subsided somewhat, replaced by a warm feeling that spread through his chest and settled in his heart. He hadn't anticipated how much trust they would build after the incident, but now that it was there, he couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards whatever force had brought them together again.
"May," He began hesitantly, suddenly struck by an idea: "Would you like to go on a date tonight?
Her eyes widened in surprise, then softened into a gentle smile. "I'd love to, Ash." Her cheeks flushed slightly.
"Great," He replied, breathing a sigh of relief. "I'll make reservations at a nice place."
"Wear something formal, alright? I want to this to be special." Ash told her.
"Formal?" May raised an eyebrow, smirking playfully. "I think I can manage that."
Ash's heart swelled at the thought of spending time along with May, away from the chaos and danger. After she was done bandaging up his side, Ash and May decided to look around one more time, just to make sure that the assailant had really left. After they looked around a little bit, they found no one, and as they were about to part, Ash saw a familiar figure approaching. "Long time no see, Aar- I mean Ash," Gary said, smirking as he stopped before him, "You're not fooling anyone with that alias, you know." Despite their past rivalry, there was warmth in Gary's voice.
"Gary, what are you doing here?" Ash asked, surprised by his sudden encounter.
"Word travels fast, my friend." Gary crossed his arms, meeting Ash's gaze. "I heard about what happened with your friends, and I wanted to know that I'm on your side ."
"Thanks, Gary," Ash replied, touched by the unexpected show of support.
Gary then noticed May and a flirtatious grin forming on his face. "You know, I don't think we've been properly introduced." He said smoothly, extending his hand, "I'm Gary."
May hesitated for a moment before taking his hand with a polite smile. "Nice to meet. You, Gary. I'm May."
"Beautiful name for a beautiful girl," Gary replied, his gaze lingering on her body for a bit too long. Ash clenched his fists, jealousy and anger bubbling in his chest.
"Hey, back off!" Ash snapped, stepping between May and Gary. "She's with me!"
"Relax, Ashy-boy," Gary said, raising his hands defensively. "I didn't realize you two were an item. My apologizes." Despite, the apology, Gary's eyes still roamed over May's body, as he couldn't help it, as May had an amazing body.
"Whatever," Ash grumbled, wrapping his arm around May protectively. "Just remember that's she's mine."
"Of course, of course," Gary chuckled, stepping back with a wink.
And with that, Gary left, and May and Ash decided to explore the city a little more. As May and Ash walked hand in hand, May's sapphire eyes sparkled with excitement, and her brown hair danced in a gentle breeze. Ash's heart raced, both from the adrenaline of his secret and the fear of being discovered by his former friends who had betrayed him.
"Wow, this place is amazing!" May exclaimed, her voice full of wonder. Ash smiled at his girlfriend's enthusiasm, despite the tension that coiled around him. May's love had become a beacon of hope through the darkness of his past, and he was determined to protect her at all costs.
As they rounded a corner, Ash felt his heart drop into his stomach. There, standing in front of the Pokemon Center, were the very people he was dreading to see: Misty, Dawn, and Brock. Their laughter carried on in the wind, and Ash instinctively pulled May closer, trying to shield her from their sight.
"Hey there," Dawn purred, her blue hair swaying as she approached them. Misty sauntered up beside her, her green eyes glinting with mischief. They eyed Ash (Aaron) with obvious interest, not realizing it was their old friend in a disguise.
"Who's your friend?" Misty asked May, her voice saccharine and sweet. Anger bubbled within May, fueled by Ash telling her about the betrayal and finally learning the truth of what really happened all those years ago and the pain that it has caused Ash. She clenched her fists, struggling to keep her composure.
"None of your business," May snapped, her voice laced with venom. "Just stay away from us."
"Ooh, feisty," Dawn teased, smirking at Aaron. "I like that in a guy." She moved in closer, her intentions clear. The fury inside of May threatened to explode, but she bit her tongue, desperate to avoid drawing any more attention to them.
"Back off!" May hissed, her eyes blazing with anger, and you wouldn't like May when she's angry, and she hurled insults at Dawn and Misty, not only from but from the deep betrayal that still lingered in Ash's heart: "You two are nothing but backstabbers who don't deserve a second of our time!"
Misty bristled at the insult, her face contorting with rage, but before she could respond, Aaron gently tugged on May's arm, urging her to walk away. As they retreated down the street, Misty and Dawn watched on with rage.
"Who does she think she is?" Misty fumed, glaring daggers at May's retreating from. Dawn clenched her fists, sharing in Misty's fury.
"Let's make her pay for her words," Dawn suggested, determination gleaming in her eyes. Misty nodded in agreement, and as they watched May and Ash disappear around the corner, they made a silent pact to exact revenge on May for daring to insult them.
Once May and Ash were out of earshot, Ash burst into laughter, surprising May: "You really let them have it, didn't you?" He said this, still chuckling.
"Of course," She replied, with a fierce determination in her eyes. "I just couldn't let them flirt with you like that. Not after everything they've done to you."
"Thank you," Ash whispered, touched by her loyalty. He could see the fire that burned inside of her, fueled not only by their shared history but also by her feelings for him.
As they reached May's hotel room, she turned to face him, her sapphire eyes filled with emotion. "Get ready for our date tonight, okay? I'll be waiting." And before he could reply, she gave him a quick goodbye kiss on the lips, causing his heart to race.
"See you tonight," He managed to say as she went inside, leaving him standing in the hallway.
Determined to make their first date special, Ash began searching for the perfect gift to give to May. He searched from store to store, examining various trinkets and baubles, but nothing seemed quite right. With each passing minute, his anxiety grew—would he ever find something that truly captured how much she meant to him?
Finally, in a small boutique, he stumbled upon a Mananpy pendent. The sight of the rare Pokemon took his breath away, so closely tied to May's past. She had once cared for Manaphy, hatching in May's arms and forming an unbreakable bond, Manaphy had mistaken May for its mother, but in the end, they were forced to part ways when then Pokemon was forced to protect Samiya (The Sea Temple).
"Perfect" Ash thought to himself.
He recalled the tears May that they both had shed, especially May, when Manaphy left, and the way May had confided in him about the pain of losing someone so dear. The pendent would be a symbol of their connection, a reminder that no matter what challenges they faced, they would always have each other.
As he purchased the pendant and left the boutique, Ash felt a renewed sense of purpose. He was no longer just fighting to prove himself as a Pokemon trainer but to the one who had not betrayed him, well, besides Max, Paul, and Gary, Together, they would face whatever obstacles lay ahead and emerge stronger than before.
Later on in the evening, May, in her hotel room. In the glow of May's hotel room, she stood before the mirror, her eyes focused on the reflection before her. The anticipation of her date with Ash had her heart racing, a mixture of excitement and nerves coursing through her veins.
"Okay, May," She whispered to herself, taking a deep breath as she reached for her hairbrush "You can do this." She began combing her long brown hair, carefully working out any tangles until it flowed like silk down her back. Once satisfied, she gathered her locks into an elegant half-updo, allowing a few tendrils to frame her face.
Next, she turned her attention to her makeup. May's fingers trembled slightly as she applied a light layer of foundation, evening out her complexation. She then dusted a soft pink blush onto the apples of her cheeks, adding a natural flush that complimented her excited state. Her sapphire eyes were accentuated with a touch of mascara and a subtle sweep of shimmery of eyeshadow, enhancing their natural sparkle.
With her appearance now complete, May moved to her wardrobe, carefully selecting her outfit for the evening. She chose a beautiful, knee-length navy blue dress that hugged her curves just right, the fabric adorned with delicate sliver embroidery that shimmered in the dim light. Slipping into matching silver heels, May took a moment to admire her reflection.
"Max?" She called out hesitantly, her voice wavering with uncertainty. "What do you think?"
Her younger brother glanced up from his Pokemon book, his eyes widening at the sight of his sister. "Wow, May," He stammered, clearly impressed. "You look amazing."
Meanwhile, in Ash's hotel room, he paced back and forth, running a hand through his messy black hair. His usually casual demeanor, replaced by a mixture of excitement and anxiety.
"Lucario, Pikachu, do I look okay?" Ash asked, fidgeting with his tie. "I want everything to be perfect tonight."
"You look great, Master Ash; remember to relax and be yourself."
"Chu!" Pikachu chimed in with an encouraging smile.
"Right," Ash sighed, running a hand through his tousled hair. "Just be myself. That's what got us here in the first place, right?"
"Exactly," Lucario affirmed. "Mistress May cares about you, not some polished version of you."
"Thank, guys, Ash said, taking a deep breath. "I guess I'm just really nervous; I really don't want to mess up things with her."
"It's normal to be nervous, but trust in yourself and your bond with Mistress May. You two have a strong connection."
"Chu, Pika!" Pikachu, added, hopping onto Ash's shoulder.
Ash smiled, feeling the weight of his friends' support. With renewed confidence, he straightened his tie one last time and took a deep breath.
"Alright," he said, determination lighting his eyes. "Let's do this."
As May stepped into the dimly lit restaurant, Ash's breath caught in his throat. The sight of her was enchanting, and he couldn't help but stare at the vision she presented. Her navy blue dress clung to her curves just right, accentuating the softness of her waist and the delicate curves of her hips. The elegant sliver embroidery on the fabric shimmered like stars against the night sky, giving her an eternal glow that seemed to come from within. Her matching sliver heels completed the ensemble, making her legs appear more toned and graceful.
"May...you look absolutely stunning," Ash managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper as his eye roamed her body. He couldn't deny the swell of desire that rose within him, ignited by the sight of May's cleavage. The neckline of her dress dipped low enough to tease his imagination without revealing too much, and Ash found himself struggling to maintain eye contact.
"Thank you, Ash." May blushed, clearly pleased with his reaction. "You clean up quite nicely yourself," She added playfully, taking in the tailored suit that hugged his lean frame and how his raven hair had been tamed (somewhat).
"Shall we?" Ash extended his arm, trying to compose himself, as May wrapped her hand around his forearm. Together, they walked deeper into the restaurant, their nerves momentarily forgotten, as they were swept away by the romantic atmosphere.
"Wow, this place is amazing," May breathed, her eyes wide as she took in the candlelit tables and elegant decor.
"I wanted our first date to be special,' Ash explained, leading her to a secluded booth near the back of the room. As they settled into their seats, he felt his heart thudding in his chest, a mixture of excitement and trepidation coursing through his veins. Tonight was about more than just enjoying each other's company; it was a chance for them to forge a stronger connection, and Ash knew he couldn't afford to mess things up.
"May, I..." He hesitated, searching for the right words to express his feelings. "I just want you to know how much this means to me. You've been there for the me through all the ups and downs, and I'm so glad to have you back in my life."
"Me, neither, Ash," May whispered, her eyes melting over with emotion. "We've come so far together, and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world."
As they shared a heartfelt gaze across the flickering the candlelight. Ash felt more certain than ever that he had made the right choice in pursuing a relationship with May, and he had come back, and their conversation flowed effortlessly.
May and Ash perused the menu, as they exchanged small talk. The waiter approached their table to take their order, and Ash couldn't help but notice the waiter's eyes widened as he saw May, clearly struck by her beauty, and he couldn't blame the waiter honestly. May ordered a glass of red wine and a plate of seared salmon, while Ash opted for a steak dinner.
As they waited for their food, Ash found himself stealing glances at May, still in awe of how beautiful she looked. "How did I get so lucky?" He thought. They chatted about Pokemon, both eager to share their experiences and learn from each other. Their laughter and animated discussion filled the air, making the evening magical.
May sipped her red wine, and Ash noticed how her lips left a faint, crimson stain on the rim of the glass. It was such a small detail, yet it sent a shiver down his spine. He couldn't help but imagine what it would be like to taste the same wine on his lips.
"Is everything okay, Ash?" May asked, snapping him out of his reverie.
"Y-yeah, of course," He stammered, feeling his face grow hot. "I was just thinking about how much fun we're having tonight."
"Me too," She smiled warmly, reaching across the table to take his hand. "I'm really glad we're doing this, Ash."
As their food arrived and they dug with their usual big appetites, Ash couldn't help but agree. He knew in his heart that this night was the beginning of something special between them—a bond that would grow only stronger as they continued on their journey together. And as they shared stories, laughter, and tender moments under the soft glow of the chandelier, Ash felt more certain that he had made the right choice in entering the tournament—and in May.
As their plates were cleared away by the impressed waiter, Ash felt his heart race in anticipation of what came next. "Ready for dessert? He asked May with a playful wink.
"Definitely." She giggled, her eyes sparkling with excitement, as she loved dessert and sweets. "What should we get?"
"How about we share a chocolate lava cake?" Ash suggested it, knowing it was one of her favorite treats.
"Sounds perfect," May agreed, and then they ordered the dessert, along with two spoons.
When the rich, decadent cake arrived, oozing warm chocolate from its center, Ash couldn't help but marvel at the sight of it. He scooped up a bite with his spoon, and it held up it to May. "Open wide," He teased, grinning as she leaned in to accept the morsel.
"Delicious!" she sighed, her eyes closing in delight as the flavors danced on her tongue.
"Your turn," May said, returning the favor by offering Ash a spoonful of cake. Their eyes met as Ash took a bite, and the intensity of their gaze sent a shiver down his spine. The world seemed to fall away as they fed each other, the sweetness of the dessert only intensifying the connection between them.
"May, I have something for you," Ash said suddenly, his hand slipping into his pocket to retrieve the small box containing the Manaphy pendant.
"Really? What is it?" she asked, her curiosity peaked.
"Close your eyes," he instructed, and she complied, her hands clasped together in anticipation. Carefully, Ash opened the box and removed the delicate sliver chain, draping it around her neck as he fastened the clasp.
"Okay, open your eyes," he whispered, stepping back to admire how the pendant rested just below the hollow of her throat.
May's eyes fluttered open, and she gasped as she caught sight of the Manaphy charm, her hand flying to her chest. "Ash, this is... I can't believe it!"
"Manaphy has always been special to you, and I wanted to give you something that would remind you of that bond," Ash explained, his voice filled with sincerity.
Tears welled up in May's eyes, and she threw her arms around Ash, pulling him close as she buried her face in his shoulder. "Thank you so much, Ash. This means more to me than you could ever know."
As they embraced, May leaned in to capture Ash's lips in a tender, passionate kiss. Their mouths moved together in perfect harmony, the taste of chocolate and wine mingling between them. All too soon, the moment ended, leaving them breathless and clinging to one another.
"Wow," Ash breathed, his eyes locking with May's. "That was..."
"Amazing," she whispered, her cheeks flushed with happiness.
Unbeknownst to them, hidden in the shadows nearby, Drew Hayden watched the scene unfold with a mixture of jealousy and rage. He clenched his fists, vowing that he would make Ash pay for stealing May away from him. Separately, Dawn and Misty also spied on the couple, their own plans of revenge simmering beneath the surface. But as Ash and May continued their date, wrapped up in each other's embrace and oblivious to the world around them, nothing could dampen the magic of the night.