Hi guys, thank you very much for your comments on the previous chapter. I will use some of your ideas in the next parts of the story. I hope you enjoy the return of a faithful friend. I hope you like it.
Chapter 8.- Learning with May
After their awkward and intense dinner, Chloe tried to take the next few days easy. But for some reason, she found it hard to stick to normalcy. The lessons at school seemed tedious compared to the recent adventure in Unova with the research team. She had always been satisfied with her studies, her classes, and her routine, but experiencing the adrenaline of the adventure had seduced her a bit.
While her teacher continued explaining a math problem, Chloe was lost in the proposal Ash had made to her a couple of nights ago. He said he would introduce her to someone who had had the same problem. Someone who didn't want to get involved in the world of Pokémon but had found their path.
"I wonder who it will be? I hope it's not a battle freak like him," Chloe murmured, pondering the possibilities. She knew Ash had met many people on his travels, including trainers, breeders, gym leaders, and in the case of the girl from Sinnoh, Pokémon coordinators.
She recalled that adventure in the Sinnoh region, how by chance she met Dawn. A girl almost completely different from her, carefree and cheerful, an attitude that annoyed her at first because she was so stoic. But at the same time, she envied her for the confidence she had and how truly beautiful she was inside and out. Dawn told her about her passion and how artistic it was, combining the beauty of Pokémon with a show where details were important and the bond between Pokémon and trainer.
However, Chloe felt she lacked the experience and skills to participate in one, or at least that's what she kept telling herself.
Deep in thought, she didn't realize that Professor Suki had been asking her the same question for about three minutes. "Miss Chloe, are you paying attention to the class?" the teacher asked, already a bit annoyed.
Chloe snapped out of her thoughts, mortified, and responded, "Sorry, Professor Suki, I just got a little distracted."
"That's very unusual for you, Miss Chloe, you're always attentive in class. Let it be the last time," Professor Suki warned her firmly.
It might not have been a big deal, but for Chloe, it was something serious. For the first time, she felt like Goh in class. "Enough, Chloe, focus. That topic can wait until later."
When the school day ended, Chloe left the school ready to go home, but someone else had other plans. As she approached the bus stop, she encountered her childhood friend Goh.
"Hey, Chloe," he greeted her casually. "Hi, what are you doing here? Didn't you have an assignment with Ash?" she asked, curious about his presence.
"That's right, but Ash asked me to tell you something first," Goh replied. "What is it?" Chloe asked again.
"He didn't explain well, but he said to meet him at the city port after you got out of school," Goh explained.
Chloe felt a mix of doubt and curiosity. Why did he want to meet her there, and why did he send Goh to tell her? The whole situation seemed strange, and lately, everything was strange with the boy from Pallet Town. But curiosity was tempting her too much.
"Alright, I'll go," Chloe replied. "Hey, lately you two have been acting strange around each other. What's going on?" Goh asked directly. Chloe blushed, thinking Goh suspected there was something more between them.
"Of course not, there's nothing strange, oh well, ask him, he's your friend," Chloe stammered, trying to contain her embarrassment over the subject. With nothing more to say, Chloe left the bus stop and headed to the port where Ash had asked to meet her.
Goh was perplexed; he had never seen his friend act so weird, and it all had to do with Ash and her. But if anyone would know about it, it would be Ash.
Chloe walked through Vermillion City until she reached the port. Although she didn't want to show it, she was nervous. That he had asked her to meet in such a place. Even though it was illogical, she thought maybe Ash might have a romantic gesture out of nowhere for her. It was almost illogical to expect that from him, but everything had become so weird with him and her.
Upon arriving at the port, Chloe looked around for Ash. After a few minutes, she saw him in the distance, waving enthusiastically. Next to him was a woman with a warm smile, dressed simply but with a confident and calm presence.
"Chloe! Over here!" Ash called, waving his hand. Chloe approached, still feeling butterflies in her stomach due to the uncertainty of the situation.
"Hi, Ash," Chloe greeted, trying to sound casual. "Who is she?"
"Chloe, I want to introduce you to May," Ash said, pointing to the woman next to him. "May is a Pokémon coordinator from the Hoenn region and a good friend of mine. She went through something similar to what you're feeling."
"Hi, May. It's a pleasure to meet you," Chloe responded, intrigued by what May might share.
May extended her hand and Chloe shook it, feeling an instant connection. "Hi, Chloe. Ash has told me a lot about you. He mentioned your adventure in Unova and how you're feeling now."
The girl looked a couple of years older than Chloe, but she could bet she was younger than Ash. She was wearing a gray outfit with black shorts and a white bandana with a red Pokéball logo. But what Chloe couldn't ignore was that May's bust was very developed, more than a girl her age. Unintentionally, this made her feel intimidated.
"So what brought you here to Kanto?" Chloe asked. May smiled and said, "Well, Ash told me you have some doubts about your path, that sometimes Pokémon make you nervous, and well, he thinks I'm the right person to give you some advice." May explained before playfully punching Ash's arm.
"Just don't teach her to be a psycho like you," Ash said jokingly. "Look who's talking, blockhead," she replied while chasing him.
Chloe watched the scene, very puzzled. It was clear they had a rough relationship, but one could perceive a strong connection between them. This made her doubt a little.
"Well, I have to go now. I have an errand for your father in Rock Tunnel. I'll leave you with May and hope she can give you some good advice," Ash exclaimed before heading off on his mission. Before leaving, he approached May and whispered something in her ear. Chloe couldn't hear it, but both smiled.
Now that they were alone, watching their mutual friend leave, the moment was tense as Chloe didn't know what to say. But fortunately, May spoke first.
"Can we walk a bit?" May suggested. "There's a café near the port where we can talk calmly." May proposed, to which Chloe agreed without saying a word.
Upon arriving at the café, they sat by a window that let in sunlight. May, with a smile, began to look through the menu. Chloe, still somewhat nervous, decided to order a light drink. However, her surprise was enormous when she saw May order several dishes: a salad, a burger, a portion of fries, and even a dessert.
"I didn't know you had such an appetite," Chloe commented, somewhat astonished.
May laughed softly. "Traveling and competing in Pokémon contests can really work up an appetite. Besides, I've always had a good appetite," she said with a smile. "But anyway, tell me about yourself, Chloe. What goals do you have in life?"
Chloe thought for a moment. "Well, I don't really have a clear goal. I've always focused on studying. My parents have always expected me to focus on my studies and get good grades."
May nodded, understanding. "I see. I also felt a lot of pressure to follow a traditional path before discovering my passion for Pokémon contests. But there's more to life than just following what others expect of you."
Chloe looked at May curiously. "Ni And how did you discover your passion for contests?"
"It was a process," May responded as she took a bite of her salad. "At first, I just wanted to travel and see the world, and Pokémon made me a bit nervous. Over time, I realized that contests combined everything I loved: creativity, strategy, and the bond with my Pokémon. They allowed me to express myself in a unique way."
Chloe toyed with her glass, reflecting on May's words. "Sometimes I feel like I'm missing something. I like studying, but... after my adventure in Unova, I feel like there's something more out there that I'm missing."
May nodded, perfectly understanding. "It's normal to feel that way. The world is huge and full of opportunities. You don't have to have all the answers now. The important thing is to give yourself the chance to explore, to try new things. Have you considered participating in any extracurricular activities related to Pokémon?"
"Well, when I went to the Sinnoh region, I met a girl who showed me a bit about Pokémon contests," Chloe shared her experience.
"Right, Ash told me you met Dawn," May exclaimed cheerfully. "Do you know her too?" Chloe asked with great curiosity.
"Of course, she started after me, but she's one of my biggest rivals and a very good friend. She's one of the most talented in the contest circuit," May shared her thoughts about the girl Chloe met in Sinnoh.
"Wow, is she really that good?" Chloe asked May, very surprised. "Yes, she may be very hyperactive, but she's definitely one of the best coordinators out there," May told her about Dawn's accomplishments.
"Wow, that sounds amazing, but I don't think I could ever be like that," Chloe said, feeling very down. "Why do you say that?" May asked her.
"Because I feel like I'm boring," Chloe confessed, looking at her glass. "I don't think I can put on a show that good."
May looked at her with sympathy. "I understand how you feel, Chloe. But everyone has something special to offer. I also had my doubts at first. I didn't think I could shine in contests, but over time and with practice, I discovered my style and my way of standing out."
Chloe sighed. "But I'm not like you or Dawn. You both are so confident and talented. I just feel lost."
May smiled warmly. "No one starts out perfect, Chloe. Confidence and talent develop over time and experience. Also, contests aren't just about technical skills, but about the connection and love you have with your Pokémon. That's what truly makes a show special."
"Do you really think I could do it?" Chloe asked, doubtful.
"Of course," May affirmed. "You have curiosity and the desire to explore beyond your studies. That's already a great start. All you need is to take the first step. And remember, it's okay to make mistakes. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and improve."
Chloe remained silent for a moment, reflecting on May's words. "I suppose I could try something small at first, to see how I feel."
"That's an excellent idea," May said enthusiastically. "In fact, I have an idea." She exclaimed, standing up from her seat, startling Chloe with her abruptness.
"What do you mean?" Chloe asked, somewhat nervous.
"I'll show you what it takes to put on a good show," May exclaimed confidently. But before Chloe could respond, May was already dragging her out of the cafe. They didn't even paid.
May took Chloe by the hand and led her to a large open area near the café. It was a spacious plaza, perfect for a demonstration. Chloe felt a mix of excitement and nerves as she followed May.
"Alright, Chloe, I'm going to show you what a Pokémon performance is all about," May said with a confident smile. She took out two Poké Balls and threw them into the air. "Come on out, Glaceon and Blaziken!"
In a flash of light, May's Glaceon and Blaziken appeared, both looking eager and ready. Chloe watched in awe as the two Pokémon stood poised, awaiting their trainer's commands.
"First, let's show her a simple combination of attacks," May said, turning to her Pokémon. "Blaziken, use Fire Spin! Glaceon, follow up with Ice Beam!"
Blaziken nodded and launched a swirling vortex of flames into the air. As the fiery spiral reached its peak, Glaceon's eyes glowed with an icy blue light, and it fired a powerful Ice Beam directly at the Fire Spin. The two attacks collided, creating a dazzling display of steam and sparkling ice crystals. The combination of fire and ice resulted in a beautiful, shimmering effect that filled the plaza.
Chloe's eyes widened with amazement. "That's incredible," she murmured.
May smiled. "And that's just the beginning. The key to a great performance is creativity and the bond you share with your Pokémon. It's about combining their strengths in unique and captivating ways."
She then turned back to her Pokémon. "Alright, Glaceon, use Shadow Ball! Blaziken, use Blaze Kick to break it!"
Glaceon formed a dark, pulsing sphere between its paws and hurled it towards Blaziken. With incredible speed and precision, Blaziken leaped into the air, its foot engulfed in flames, and kicked the Shadow Ball, causing it to burst into a shower of dark sparks and fiery embers. The spectacle was breathtaking, a perfect blend of power and elegance.
Chloe clapped her hands in delight. "That was amazing, May! I can see how much you and your Pokémon enjoy this."
May nodded, beaming. "Exactly, Chloe. It's all about having fun and expressing yourself. Your Pokémon are your partners, and together, you can create something truly magical. Would you like to give it a try?"
Chloe hesitated for a moment but then nodded. "I think I'd like that. I'm not sure where to start, but I want to try."
While this was happening, Ash and Goh were in one of the caves of Mount Moon. They were on a mission, searching for a supposedly large Dugtrio that had been recently sighted. The cave was dark and damp, with stalactites and stalagmites decorating the surroundings. The sounds of dripping water and the echoes of their footsteps resonated in the cavernous space.
As they advanced, Goh decided to take the opportunity to talk to Ash about Chloe. "Hey, Ash," Goh began, trying to sound casual, "I've noticed that lately you and Chloe have been acting a bit strange. Is there something I should know?"
Ash, who was focused on checking his Pokédex, looked up with a carefree smile. "Strange? What do you mean?"
Goh looked at him intently. "Come on, Ash. The way you asked her to meet you at the port, and then the way you act around her. It's like you're planning something big."
Ash scratched his head, a bit embarrassed. "Well, it's just that… Chloe has been going through a tough time. She's not sure about her path and I thought introducing her to May might help her find something she's passionate about. May went through something similar and managed to find her way in Pokémon contests."
Goh nodded, understanding. "That makes sense. I was just worried there might be something more, you know… something between you two."
Ash blushed a little, quickly shaking his head. "No, it's not that! Chloe is a good friend and I want to help her. Besides, May is perfect for giving her a different perspective."
At that moment, a loud noise echoed in the cave, interrupting their conversation. Both trainers stood still, listening intently. "Did you hear that?" Goh whispered, looking around cautiously.
"Yeah," Ash replied, gripping a Poké Ball. "It could be the Dugtrio we're looking for. Let's approach carefully."
Following the sound, they moved stealthily through the cave. The light from their flashlights illuminated the path as they ventured further inside. Finally, they reached a larger chamber where they saw something moving in the darkness.
They were surprised to see that the supposed Pokémon was over 5 meters tall, but as they approached, they realized it was a machine digging in the cave. It was Team Rocket, trying to extract all the precious stones from the cave.
"Team Rocket!" Ash exclaimed, recognizing the familiar trio.
Jessie, James, and Meowth turned around, startled but quickly recovering their composure. "Well, well, if it isn't the twerps!" Jessie sneered, striking a dramatic pose.
James added with a flourish, "You've found us again, but this time, we're not leaving empty-handed!"
Meowth chimed in, "We're gonna make a fortune with these precious stones! You twerps are too late to stop us!"
Goh stepped forward, glaring at them. "You can't just take what's not yours! We won't let you get away with this."
Ash nodded in agreement, his face set with determination. "That's right! Pikachu, I choose you!" He send his best partner to the field, ready for battle.
"Pika!" Pikachu cried, sparks flying from its cheeks.
Goh quickly followed suit. "Cinderace, let's go!" His trusty Pokémon appeared, equally eager to assist.
As Pikachu and Cinderace prepared for battle, the Cramorant on Team Rocket's machine spat out two Poké Balls. The balls burst open, revealing a formidable Rhydon and a tough-looking Machoke.
"Rhydon, use Rock Blast!" Jessie commanded.
"Machoke, use Karate Chop!" James followed.
Rhydon stomped its foot, causing rocks to shoot towards Pikachu and Cinderace. Machoke flexed its muscles, preparing to strike with a powerful chop.
"Pikachu, dodge and use Iron Tail on Rhydon!" Ash shouted.
"Pika!" Pikachu swiftly dodged the incoming rocks and leapt into the air, its tail glowing bright white as it aimed for Rhydon.
"Cinderace, use Pyro Ball on Machoke!" Goh ordered.
"Cinderace!" Cinderace formed a fiery ball at its foot and kicked it straight at Machoke.
Rhydon roared as Pikachu's Iron Tail struck it hard, causing it to stagger. Meanwhile, Machoke tried to deflect Cinderace's Pyro Ball, but the intense heat and force sent it reeling.
"Rhydon, don't let them win! Use Earthquake!" Jessie cried out, desperation creeping into her voice.
Rhydon reared up and slammed its massive feet into the ground, sending shockwaves through the cave. The ground shook violently, making it difficult for everyone to maintain their footing.
"Pikachu, jump and use Quick Attack!" Ash quickly countered.
"Pi-ka-chu!" Pikachu sprang into the air, avoiding the tremors, and dashed towards Rhydon with blinding speed, hitting it squarely.
"Cinderace, jump high and use Blaze Kick on Machoke!" Goh commanded.
"Cinderace!" With a powerful leap, Cinderace soared above the shaking ground and came down with a fiery kick aimed at Machoke.
Both Rhydon and Machoke were hit hard by the combined attacks, falling back and showing signs of defeat.
Jessie and James exchanged panicked looks. "We can't let them beat us again!" Jessie shouted.
"Time for plan B!" James added, pressing a button on the Rocket machine.
The machine whirred to life, its drills spinning wildly as it tried to dig a tunnel for their escape. "We're getting out of here with these gems!" Meowth declared, grabbing a sack of precious stones.
"Not so fast!" Ash yelled. "Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"
"Pika... CHUUU!" Pikachu unleashed a massive bolt of electricity, targeting the Rocket machine. The machine sparked and shuddered, malfunctioning under the intense electrical assault.
"Cinderace, finish it with Pyro Ball!" Goh added.
Cinderace formed another fiery ball and kicked it at the machine, causing a huge explosion. The Rocket machine was now inoperable, smoke billowing from its broken parts.
Team Rocket, covered in soot and looking defeated, staggered out of the wreckage. "This isn't over, twerps!" Jessie spat.
"We'll be back!" James vowed.
"Yeah, yeah, prepare for trouble and all that," Meowth grumbled as they slowly retreated, leaving the stolen gems behind.
"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!" they chorused, disappearing into the distance with a familiar twinkle.
Breathing heavily, Ash and Goh looked at each other, relieved. "We did it," Goh said, wiping sweat from his brow.
"Yeah, but we need to report this to the authorities and make sure the cave is secure," Ash agreed, patting Pikachu on the head.
Back at the large plaza, May was enthusiastically teaching Chloe and her Eevee some tricks with the help of her Glaceon.
"Alright, Chloe," May said, her voice full of encouragement. "Let's see if Eevee can mimic some of Glaceon's moves. We'll start with a basic Shadow ball combined with Quick Attack. It's a great way to showcase speed and precision."
Chloe nodded, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. "Okay, Eevee, let's give it a try. Quick Attack, then Shadow ball!"
"Eevee!" Eevee responded, dashing forward with Quick Attack. However, when it tried to use Shadow ball, a small puff of dark energy came out instead of the black orb of energy.
Glaceon performed the move flawlessly. Chloe's Eevee, on the other hand, seemed confused and a bit disheartened by its unsuccessful attempt.
"It's alright, Eevee," Chloe said, kneeling down to pet her Pokémon reassuringly. "We'll get it with practice."
May smiled warmly. "Don't worry, Chloe. It takes time to master these moves. Let's break it down into smaller steps. Glaceon, can you show Eevee just the Shadow ball again?"
"Glaceon," the icy Pokémon nodded and demonstrated a slower, more deliberate Shadow ball.
"Now, Eevee, just focus on the Shadow ball," Chloe encouraged. "You can do it."
"Eevee!" Eevee tried again, this time producing a slighty bigger orb, but it still wasn't quite right.
May clapped her hands. "That was better! See? Improvement already. Sometimes it helps to practice in smaller parts before putting it all together."
Chloe sighed, feeling a bit frustrated. "I don't know, May. I feel like I'm pushing Eevee too hard. Maybe we're just not cut out for this."
May knelt down beside her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Chloe, every coordinator and their Pokémon go through this. It takes patience and a lot of practice. But the bond you have with Eevee is what's most important. If you believe in each other, you'll get there."
Chloe looked at Eevee, who was panting slightly but looked up at her with determined eyes. "You're right. Let's keep trying, Eevee. We can do this together."
As they continued practicing, May offered tips and encouragement, helping Chloe and Eevee gradually improve their coordination and technique. The bond between Chloe and Eevee grew stronger with each attempt, even if they weren't perfect yet.
"Remember," May said, "the most important part of being a coordinator isn't just the moves, but the connection and trust you have with your Pokémon. That's what really shines through in a performance."
However, Chloe still didn't look convinced if she could do it, so she decided to show her a strategy that Ash had taught her during their travels. She remembered a special move that Ash had shown her with his Pikachu, which involved perfect coordination and synchronization.
"May, hold on a moment," said Chloe determinedly. "I want to try something that Ash taught me on our journey. It's a move that requires a good understanding between the trainer and the Pokémon. I think it might be what we need to connect with Eevee."
May nodded curiously, seeing the determination in Chloe's eyes. "Sure, go ahead. I'm here to help you with whatever you need."
Chloe focused, calling her Eevee in front of her. "Eevee, listen to me. We're going to try something new together, okay?"
Eevee nodded eagerly, ready to follow its trainer's instructions.
Chloe positioned herself next to Eevee, preparing for the move. "Alright, we'll start with a quick spin to the left, then a high jump, and we'll finish with a swift attack to the ground. It's a move that combines agility and strength. Let's go, Eevee!"
Eevee watched Chloe's movements closely and prepared to follow her instructions. They began with the quick spin, followed by an elegant jump upwards. At the peak of its jump, Eevee concentrated its energy and performed a rapid spin in the air. Upon descending, it executed a swift attack to the ground with its front paws, creating a small shockwave.
The combination of movements was smooth and graceful, showcasing the connection between Chloe and Eevee. May watched with interest, impressed by Chloe's determination and Eevee's ability to follow her instructions.
Upon completing the move, Eevee turned to Chloe with an expression of joy and pride. Chloe smiled widely, feeling a surge of confidence and satisfaction. "We did it, Eevee! That was amazing!"
May applauded excitedly. "Wow, that was impressive, Chloe! The coordination between you and Eevee was perfect. I'm really impressed."
Chloe affectionately petted Eevee. "Thank you, May. I think I now understand what it means to work as a team and trust our Pokémon.
After the practice, they both sat down in the nearby park, where May brought them some ice creams. Chloe wondered how May could have such a big appetite and still have such an athletic and attractive body.
"Thank you for the ice cream, May," Chloe said, taking a lick of her cone.
"You're welcome, Chloe. After all that practice, we deserve a treat," May replied with a smile, enjoying her own ice cream.
As they sat there, enjoying the cool treats and the peaceful atmosphere of the park, Chloe couldn't help but admire May's confidence and presence. She seemed so comfortable in her own skin, a stark contrast to Chloe's own self-doubt and insecurities.
"May, can I ask you something?" Chloe ventured, looking at May curiously.
"Of course, Chloe. What's on your mind?" May replied, sensing Chloe's earnestness.
"How do you stay so confident and sure of yourself? I mean, you're not only an amazing Pokémon coordinator but also so... together," Chloe asked, struggling to find the right words.
May chuckled softly. "Oh, Chloe, believe me, it's taken me a long time to get to this point. I used to have doubts and insecurities just like anyone else. But over time, I learned to embrace who I am, flaws and all."
Chloe listened intently, intrigued by May's words.
"It's about finding what makes you unique and celebrating it," May continued. "For me, it's my passion for Pokémon coordination and my love for my Pokémon. That's what gives me confidence and keeps me going."
Chloe nodded, taking in May's advice. "I guess I still have a lot to learn about myself."
"It's a journey, Chloe. Don't be too hard on yourself," May reassured her. "Just remember to be kind to yourself and keep exploring. You'll find your path in your own time."
Chloe smiled gratefully. "Thank you, May. I really appreciate your guidance and encouragement."
Afterward, Chloe asked May about her relationship with Ash when they traveled together. She had doubts about whether anything romantic had happened between them.
"May, can I ask you something personal?" Chloe inquired, looking at May with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
"Of course, Chloe. What's on your mind?" May responded, sensing Chloe's hesitation.
"I was just wondering... What was your relationship with Ash like when you traveled together?" Chloe asked, trying to sound casual but feeling a bit nervous.
May smiled knowingly. "Ah, the Ash question. I get that a lot." She took a moment to gather her thoughts before continuing. "Ash and I had a great friendship built on mutual respect and shared passion for Pokémon. We traveled together, faced challenges, and grew as trainers. But romantically? No, there was never anything like that between us."
Chloe's expression relaxed a bit, relieved by May's response. "Oh, I see. I wasn't sure... because you looked pretty close."
May chuckled. "I understand. Ash is a great friend, and we've been through a lot together. But our bond is more like siblings or close companions on a journey."
Chloe nodded, feeling reassured. "Thank you for being honest with me, May. I appreciate it."
"Chloe, I couldn't help but notice how interested you seem in Ash," May remarked with a teasing smile.
Chloe's cheeks turned a shade of red that matched her hair. "Oh, um, well, I-I was just curious about his travels and experiences," she stammered, trying to play it off.
May raised an eyebrow knowingly. "Is that so? It seems like there might be more to it than just curiosity."
Chloe fidgeted with her hands, unable to meet May's gaze. "Okay, fine, maybe I am interested in Ash," she admitted shyly.
May grinned. "There's no need to be embarrassed, Chloe. Ash is a great guy, and it's perfectly natural to have a crush in fearless and cute guys like Ash."
Chloe nodded, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement at admitting her feelings. "I've just never felt this way before. It's all new to me."
May patted Chloe's shoulder reassuringly. "It's okay to feel that way. Just take your time and don't rush into anything. You'll figure out what you want and how you feel in your own time."
"May, can I ask you something else?" Chloe inquired, curious about May's past relationships.
"Sure, Chloe. What do you want to know?" May replied, sensing Chloe's interest.
"Have you ever been in a relationship before? Like, a romantic one?" Chloe asked, trying to sound casual.
May smiled, thinking back to her past experiences. "Yes, I have. I was actually in a relationship with a fellow Pokémon coordinator named Drew."
"Drew and I were quite different in many ways. He was confident, strategic, and focused on winning contests, while I was more laid-back and focused on enjoying the journey with my Pokémon. But despite our differences, we complemented each other well."
Chloe leaned in, eager to hear more. "How did you end up together?"
May chuckled, reminiscing about their past. "It was during a Pokémon contest in Hoenn. We started off as rivals, always trying to outdo each other. But over time, we developed a mutual respect and admiration for each other's skills. Our friendship evolved into something more, and before we knew it, we were a couple."
Chloe smiled at the story. "That's so romantic. It's amazing how two people with different approaches can find a connection like that."
May nodded in agreement. "Love works in mysterious ways sometimes. It's about finding someone who appreciates you for who you are, differences and all."
"I'm sure you'll find a way to win Ash over soon," May said with a knowing smile. "He's a bit thick-headed and sometimes childish, but one thing that boy has is a heart of gold."
Chloe still wasn't sure about her feelings for Ash. Everything had been so sudden and intense between them, and their love-hate relationship confused her greatly. But slowly, she was beginning to understand more.
"I suppose he hasn't changed much since you traveled together. Sometimes he can be very careless," Chloe admitted.
May nodded thoughtfully. "He has matured a lot, actually. When we were younger, he was always so focused on his goals and battles that he didn't pay much attention to anything else. But who knows? Maybe he's not as naïve about love as he used to be."
Chloe smiled, feeling a bit reassured by May's words. "It's good to hear that he's grown. Sometimes I worry that his focus on Pokémon means he won't notice anything else."
May chuckled. "That's just part of who Ash is. But I've seen him become more aware of the people around him. He's learned to appreciate the relationships he has, and that includes you, Chloe."
Chloe sighed, feeling a mix of hope and uncertainty. "I guess I just need to be patient and see where things go."
"That's the spirit, girl... I think it's time to see your beloved blockhead," May teased before taking off running. Chloe, flustered, called after her, "Don't say things like that in public!" as she chased after the city,
The girls eventually caught up with Ash and Goh. The boys looked a bit disheveled but excited, indicating they had an eventful time.
"Hey, there you are!" Ash called out, waving as the girls approached.
Chloe was out of breath from chasing May, but she managed a smile. "What happened to you two? You look like you've been through a lot."
Goh grinned. "We had quite the adventure. We went to Mount Moon looking for a giant Dugtrio, but it turned out to be a machine operated by Team Rocket trying to steal precious stones!"
May raised an eyebrow, amused. "Team Rocket again? They never give up, do they?"
Ash nodded. "Yeah, but we managed to stop them and protect the cave. How about you two? What have you been up to?"
Chloe glanced at May, who gave her an encouraging nod. "Well, May has been teaching me some techniques for Pokémon contests. She showed me some amazing moves with her Glaceon."
Ash's eyes lit up with interest. "Really? That sounds awesome, Chloe! Did you enjoy it?"
Chloe smiled, feeling more confident. "Yes, I did. It was a lot of fun and really inspiring. I think I might want to explore more about contests."
"That's great to hear," Ash said, genuinely happy for her. "I'm sure you'll be amazing at it."
May stepped forward, still teasing. "Alright, lovebirds, it was great meeting you, Chloe, but I have to head to Fuchisa City. I need to be a judge at an exhibition contest there. But call me if you need any help with anything," May smiled and gave her a wink.
"Thank you so much for everything, May. Thanks to you, I have the confidence," Chloe replied.
"Hey, make sure you enter the next Pokémon League I see you, okay? Don't think I won't be there to support you or anything, Ash," May said before giving him a warm hug. "You know you can always count on me, silly," Ash replied, teasingly but with a lot of affection.
"Take care, guys!" May exclaimed as she ran off. Just like Dawn, May turned out to be a very different person from Chloe, curious and of course, very loud, but with a big heart, and she helped Chloe clear up some doubts on various topics.
"Hey... thanks for keeping your promise. Meeting May helped me a lot to clear up some doubts, and I think Pokémon Contests could be a lot of fun for Eevee and me.""Hey, don't mention it," Ash replied with a smile. They both shared a moment, lost in each other's gaze, before being interrupted by Goh.
"Hey, guys, what's going on?" Goh asked, noticing the atmosphere.
Ash and Chloe quickly composed themselves, chuckling nervously. "Oh, nothing much," Ash said, trying to sound casual. "Just catching up with May and discussing Pokémon Contests."
Goh raised an eyebrow, sensing that there might be more to the story, but decided not to push further. "Cool, sounds interesting"
They both laughed at their friend's confusion. Chloe had already made the decision to learn more about Contests and participate in one. At least she knew Ash would support her, although she hated how much she liked that.
Well, guys, that's all for today. I hope to hear your feedback; that motivates me to write more and continue this story.