by: rion21
A/V: FINALLY I get to update this! It felt too long already, and I made this chapter extra long just to show how sorry I am… A lot has happened since I last updated. OJT, Requirements, School, my cat died, etc… Anyway, this chapter is a significant one, and the only two human characters in it are Ash and May. Hope you enjoy this as much as you enjoyed the others! Read on guys!
Chapter 9
A Healing Touch
After a short trip to the Pokemon Mart to buy Pokemon food and retrieving Ash's Sceptile from the Pokemon Center, May made her way towards her family's greenhouse. Pikachu, thinking that it would be better for Ash if he slept in peace, was following closely behind her. May and Pichu, on its usual perch on top of her head, briefly looked up at the twilight sky before they finally reached their destination.
"We're here guys!" The coordinator cheerfully said, opening the greenhouse's door and stepping inside.
"SQUUUUIIIIIIRRRTTLLLLLEEEE!!!"
"NYYYYYAAAAAAA!! NYYYYAAA!!"
"BEEEEEAAAUUUUUTIFLY!!!"
"MUUUNCH!!"
Instantly after doing so, May was tackled to the ground by the Pokemon she left there; Skitty, Beautifly, Munchlax and Squirtle, which were all happy to see her and vice versa. A significant amount of time passed before May was able to squirm free of them.
"O-Okay guys, there's plenty of me to go around…!" May said as Skitty and Squirtle still persistently tried to climb on top of her. Munchlax's attention was now caught by the plastic bags May was holding as she fumbled on her pouch for her Pokeballs. "Come on out everyone!"
One by one, May's other Pokemon appeared in front of them. First was Blaziken, who outstretched its forearms before standing at attention. Next was Espeon, which Skitty tackled upon sight. They then proceeded to playfully run around and chase each other in circles, allowing Squirtle to finally cuddle into its trainer's arms. The instant May's Bellossom and Wooper appeared, they began to hop around and twirl in mid-air. Last came a Pidgeotto, which simply flew up a tree and carefully perched itself on a high branch.
"Piikapika! Pikachu!" Pikachu mimed, pointing at May's backpack. Pichu was eyeing Munchlax suspiciously.
"You're right Pikachu," May answered, taking out Ash's Pokeballs, which she brought along because of Pikachu's insistence. She began throwing them forward, with the exception of the Lure Ball, however. "Let's go, guys!"
Ash's Pokemon began appearing one after the other. First came the rebellious Sceptile, now fully healed up. It then put its signature twig on its mouth and leapt up on a high branch, not too far from May's Pidgeotto. Next was Snorlax, which immediately collapsed into the bushes. This revealed none other than Norman's Slaking, who was hidden behind the bushes before Ash's Snorlax squished them. Ash's Swellow burst out of its Pokeball and circled around enthusiastically overhead. Lastly, an ape-like Pokemon that May did not recognize appeared in front of her. Squirtle jumped down in front of it to greet it.
"Wow, what is that?" She wondered out loud, grabbing the new National Dex that Professor Oak sent her and pointing it at the Pokemon.
Infernape, the Flame Pokemon. Its crown of fire is indicative of its fiery nature. The robotic voice droned as May looked on. This flame never goes out.
"It looks so dependable," May observed in awe, putting her National Dex away.
Seeing this as an opportunity, Munchlax began to enact its plan of snatching the contents of the plastic bags May was holding. Pichu was a step ahead of it, however. It leapt from May's head and landed between Munchlax and the plastic bags, hands on its hips.
"Pichaaaa!"
Munchlax ignored Pichu and went in for the loot. The tiny mouse Pokemon wouldn't have any of that. It was able to swiftly slap Munchlax's hand before it touched the plastic bags. An impressed Pikachu watched on as a triumphant Pichu crosses its arms and Munchlax massaged its sore hand. Around this time, May began to notice what was going on.
"Munchlax!" May scolded, placing her hands on her hips much like Pichu did before. "That's not for you, got it?"
"Muuuunch," The gluttonous Pokemon answered apologetically.
May smiled at Munchlax, giving it a pink Pokeblock, in which the Pokemon happily gobbled up before it went to sleep. She then remembered Ash's Lure Ball she left untouched. Thinking the better of it, she decided that it would do Ash's Feraligatr good to rest outside its Lure Ball. As soon as it came out, however, Feraligatr winced in pain and fell on its knees because it tried to stretch.
"Hey, take it easy," May said as she rushed to Feraligatr's aid. "You're still pretty much injured there. Can you get up?"
Feraligatr simply nodded as May helped it to its feet. She then helped the Pokemon sit down and lean on a tree trunk. May smiled at Feraligatr and patted it on the head. She then proceeded on taking out a pair of large food bowls for the Pokemon and filled them with Pokemon food. Luckily, Ash seemed to have kept Snorlax full.
"Here you go everybody! Dig in!"
The ground slightly shook as all of Ash's and May's Pokemon rushed to get their fill of food. After giving Beautifly a glass container full of nectar, May walked over to Feraligatr, handing it a separate bowl of food since it had difficulty standing up.
Ash…
May's eyes rested at the Pokemon's heavily bandaged torso for a moment before shaking off the bad memories it brought about. She then watched Feraligatr chow down on its food. After it finished, she began to check if the others were also done.
"Pikachu, Pichu, I'm gonna go see how Ash is doing," May called out as she noticed Pikachu and Pichu's group was already done eating. "Do you want to tag along?"
"Chhaaaaaaaa!!" Both Pokemon answered in unison.
May waited as Pikachu and Pichu came running towards her. Pichu automatically climbed up and hopped onto the coordinator's head. May then rushed out of the greenhouse door and towards her house with Pikachu scurrying not far behind.
"GAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"
Ash suddenly sat upright, now fully awake. It took him a full minute before he finally caught his breath, as cold sweat began trickling down his forehead. A wave of pain ran through his right arm as he unconsciously tried to use it to wipe his face dry. Whatever his nightmare was, he couldn't remember it, which was probably a good thing.
Where… am I? Ash asked himself as he looked around.
Ash instantly knew that he was alone, but because the room was dimly lit, he was barely able to make out most of its features. The first thing that caught his attention was a small oval mirror in front of him, which reflected the waning indigo sky outside. Below it, he found a round table with a tulip-bearing flower vase on it. To his left, he saw the faint outline of a huge cabinet. A bookshelf was next to the cabinet, in which the only things he recognized on it are a neatly placed porcelain plate on the topmost shelf and a lot of books and albums on the lowest one.
It's a lot different from my room… Ash mused; getting the impression that the neatly kept quarters had a feminine touch to it.
Slivers of light began to enter the room as the door slowly opened. Ash could only make out two shadows as his eyes slowly adjusted to the light. The owner of the larger shadow seemed to hesitate while the smaller one rushed directly to him.
"Pikapi!"
"Hey there Pikachu," Ash greeted with a smile as his best pal jumped into his arms. "Did I worry you, buddy?"
"Pikaaaaaaa…."
"You had both of us worried, Ash."
May was now visibly standing beside the door. She was carrying a plate in one hand and a glass on the other. Ash began to feel embarrassed as he slowly realized where he was…
"I've brought up something for you…"
Pikachu cooed beside Ash as May walked up to them. She handed Ash the plate, which he took with his good arm and placed on his lap. Pichu hopped onto the bed, a pair of silverware clamped on its mouth.
"T-Thanks," Ash stammered to both May and Pichu as the Pokemon dropped the silverware in a heap beside him. "You sure it's okay for me to stay in your room?"
"Of course it is," May answered cheerfully, placing the glass on the bedside table. "Max's bed is too small for you now, so Dad and I decided to bring you here."
"There's no choice, I guess," Ash said uncomfortably. That warm sensation overcame him again. He'd been like that around May lately, although he didn't really understand why.
"Sceptile's hanging around at the greenhouse already," May reported, snapping Ash out of his musings. "It's as good as new."
"Thanks May," Ash replied, smiling sheepishly. "You've been a great help."
"Anytime," May simply said as she watched Ash picked up the spoon. "Are you feeling better now?"
"I'm fine," Ash answered, instinctively massaging his bandaged arm.
"That's not what I meant…" May said, trying to catch his eyes.
Ash's mood fell as he realized where this was going. He silently proceeds on taking a bite out of dinner as Pichu and Pikachu watch him with interest; the latter with a concerned look. May, knowing Ash pretty well, thought it would be best to drop the subject. Thinking he might need a little more time alone, she decided it would be a good time to catch up with her Mom and Dad.
"I'm just gonna be hanging around in the living room for a while," May told Ash as she stood up. Pichu instantly hopped onto her head. "I'll be back after you finish up."
Ash watched May walk towards the door and open it. Before leaving the room, however, she suddenly remembered something important…
"Oh by the way, your mom called," May said, glancing at Ash. "She was pretty worried, too. I think you should go and talk to her."
May gave Ash a small smile before she opened the door again. Ash felt a lump form on his throat as he watched her silently exit the room…
"May, wait…" Ash called out after her, making her stop before she was able to close the door.
"What is it Ash?"
"I-I'm sorry… About all this, I mean."
"I don't mind, really," May replied truthfully. As Ash opened his mouth to say thanks, she pressed her index finger on her lips and gave out a soft shush, cutting him off. "You can thank me by resting and healing up, okay?"
Ash simply nodded in response. May gave him a sweet smile and a wink before closing her bedroom door. Pikachu silently watched its trainer stare at the door, then at his food, before finally deciding to continue eating.
It was about 1 in the morning and Ash was feeling pretty restless. He woke up in cold sweat about an hour ago and couldn't sleep ever since. He now found himself inside the Petalburg Gym's greenhouse. He was thinking about his Pokemon and he wanted to know how they were doing. Pikachu heaved out a great big yawn from its perch on Ash's shoulder. It tagged along since Ash tried yet failed to sneak out of May's room without waking it.
"You can go back to sleep now, buddy," Ash told his Pokemon when he noticed how drowsy it was. "I'm really fine on my own you know."
"Pika pikaaaa chu…" Pikachu muttered, shaking its head.
"You say that even if you obviously look so sleepy…" Ash muttered, earning a glare from Pikachu. Sparks cackled from the red sacs on its cheeks. "Okay, okay. You win."
Ash walked over to his sleeping Feraligatr. He clenched his fists as the bandages across its chest caught his attention. He then began to notice the bandages that were on his own arm and gave out a sigh.
"Pichaaaaaaaa!!" Pichu squealed, suddenly appearing beside Ash, making him jump.
"What are you doing up?" May's voice asked Ash. He turned around and gave her a sheepish grin. She just pouted, unimpressed. "I thought I told you to rest."
"I woke up a while ago and I couldn't get back to sleep," Ash explained, scratching his head. "I'm sorry, May."
"It's okay," She replied, yawning. "I went to check on you, but you weren't in the room. I figured I'd find you here."
Ash sat and leaned down on a tree directly across his Feraligatr, with May sitting down beside him. He fixed his eyes on his Pokemon's heavily bandaged torso again, while May and Pikachu gave him worried glances. If May really wanted to know Ash's, this would be the right time to ask him.
"Ash?"
"Yeah."
"Do you want to talk?"
"About what?" Ash asked, turning to look at her.
"Well, to tell you the truth…" May began as she met Ash's gaze. "You haven't been acting like yourself ever since… that battle with Warren."
Ash broke eye contact with May and fell silent. He unconsciously clenched his fists at the memory, which May did not fail to notice.
"I'm sorry…" May said as she hung her head. Why couldn't she let this drop? She probably got Ash annoyed by now… "I shouldn't have pressed this on you…"
May felt tears well up on her eyes as Ash refused to say anything. She was about to get up and leave when she felt a hand gently grasp her shoulder, preventing her from standing up.
"That battle… With Warren…" Ash began. His eyes met May's again. She saw only one thing in those eyes. Fear. May never remembered Ash getting this scared of anything before. "I was… helpless…"
"Ash, I'm so sorry," May said, moving closer to him. "But I was there. You gave it your best shot…"
"That's exactly it!" Ash replied hotly. His gaze shot from his Feraligatr then back to May. "I gave it my all! And look where it got me!"
May was shocked at Ash's aggressive tone, but she did not keep her distance from him. She did visibly wince, however; something that Ash felt guilty about.
"I'm sorry, May," Ash quickly apologized, melting in his spot. "I-I was just…"
"I know Ash," May said, smiling. Her smile made Ash feel a bit more comfortable. "Do you still want to go on?"
"Y-Yeah, I think…" Ash answered. "I guess I need to get this out of my system, at least."
May smiled at Ash again, prompting him to give her a rather sheepish smile. He then relaxed and gave another look on his Feraligatr before deciding to continue.
"That Warren," Ash said, clenching his fist again. "I battled him once before, in the Battle Tower at LaRousse City.
"He was so full of himself," Ash continued. May was hanging on to every word he said. "I thought he was just being arrogant when he told me that I could attack his Pokemon three times before he did anything."
"What did you do?" May asked attentively.
"At first I didn't attack," Ash said, looking down. "I hated the idea, so I decided against it. But then, he just taunted me. My temper got the better of me so I attacked anyway."
Ash clenched his fist so hard, his fingernails dug into his skin. May laid a hand on his as she noticed this, shaking her head slightly as Ash gave her a questioning glance. May was successful on making Ash relax yet again.
"That guy… He's a monster," Ash muttered as he hung his head. "I… I've never felt so weak in my life…"
"You're not weak Ash," May said, standing up in front of him. "Let's have a quick one on one battle and I'll show you."
"I… don't think I can," Ash simply said.
"You won't know unless you try," May urged on, leaning over to Ash's direction. "C'mon Ash! It'll be fun!"
Even though May expected one, Ash didn't answer. A few good moments passed and he still doesn't respond. May impatiently puts her hands on her hips and sighs. There's only one way left to make Ash battle…
"When did you learn to quit, Ash Ketchum?" May asked him in mock-tone. "I guess you are weak if you're like that. My rivals Soledad, Harley and even Drew…"
"Did you just…?!" Ash blurted, suddenly standing up and staring in disbelief at May. "Did you just compare me to Drew?!"
"What would you do if I did?" May challenged, giving him a sideways glance and a smirk. This exchange began to wake up the sleeping Pokemon around them.
Ash became aware of an inexplicably horrible sensation that suddenly erupted from his chest. It felt like a monster was using its sharp saw-like teeth to painfully tear at his insides, more specifically, his heart. As Drew's name echoed in his mind, the monster within him roared in rage.
Sorry! Sorry! Sorry! May kept repeating over and over inside her head.
Even though she maintained a tough disposition on the outside, May was melting inside. The last thing she would want is for her friend to get mad at her, but right now she had no choice. May knew how much Ash hated to be compared to another person, but she also knew that this was the only way to force him into a Pokemon battle. Battling was the only way she could help Ash get over his obvious slump.
"You asked for it!" Ash exclaimed, flaring up. "I accept your challenge! Pikachu, I choose you!"
"Pika!"
Pikachu hops in front of Ash, gingerly shaking the sleep out of its head and preparing itself for battle. May thinks for a moment before finally revealing the Pokemon she'll be using.
"Pichu! Take the stage!" May calls out.
"Pichaaaaaa!"
Pichu made a small somersault from the top of May's head. It gracefully landed on the ground in front of its trainer, and then gave Ash and Pikachu a small bow before bracing itself. Pikachu and Pichu stared at each other a few seconds before one of their trainers began to initiate the first attack.
Pichu huh? Ash thought to himself. He instantly got the impression that this was one of May's toughest Pokemon. Better be careful. May sure has a plan if she's using her little baby to battle.
"Let's go Ash!" May called out. "Pichu, Thunderbolt, now!"
"Pikachu! Counter it with your own Thunderbolt!"
"Piiiiiiiiiii---CHAAAAAA!!"
"Pikaaaaa---CHUUUUUU!!"
The two powerful bolts of electricity collided and cancelled each other out. The two Pokemon then fired again and again at each other, creating the same result over and over. Eventually, the difference in power between Ash's Pikachu and May's Pichu slowly became evident, as Pichu began to have difficulty canceling out Pikachu's Thunderbolts.
"Pichu! Look out!"
May's warning came a little too late. Pichu had already fired a Thunderbolt to deflect Pikachu's again, but the attack failed. The small Pokemon tried to evade it at the last second, but still got hit by it. The force of it sent Pichu flying in the air.
"Pichaaaaaa!"
"Good one Pikachu!" Ash praised. "Take it down with an Iron Tail!"
"Don't count your victory just yet!" May shot back. "Counter with a Quick Attack Pichu!"
"Piiii!"
"Chuuuu… Pika!"
SWOOSH!
Pichu easily dodges Pikachu's Iron Tail, taking it by surprise. The attack directly hits Pikachu, but did little effect. Ash smirks, thinking that May had just lucked out.
"Attack it again with an Iron Tail, Pikachu!"
"Pika!"
"Counter that again with a Quick Attack!"
"Pii!"
Pikachu's tail glows as it rushes in to attack. Ash's Pokemon tries to take a swing at Pichu, but misses yet again. This time, the smaller Pokemon's shoulder collides squarely into Pikachu's chest, effectively knocking it off-guard.
"Iron Tail Pichu!"
WHAM!!
"Pikaaaaaa!"
Pichu's Iron Tail follow up came out of nowhere, giving Pikachu no time to evade it. Ash's Pokemon was smacked so hard on the ground that it bounced a couple of times before lying sprawled on the floor.
"Pikachu, get up!" Ash urged through gritted teeth. "You can do it buddy!"
"You're underestimating me Ash," May said, disappointment evident in her voice. Pikachu struggled a bit before finally getting up; its breathing had become heavy. "I remember you telling me never to do that."
"Fine!" Snapped a frustrated Ash. "Quick Attack Pikachu!"
"Agility, Pichu!" May called out. "Get ready…"
Pikachu dashed at top speed towards May's Pichu, which had begun to do something weird. It had raised its paws in a fighting stance and began to rhythmically hop in place. It looked like it was waiting for Pikachu's attack.
"Dodge!" May ordered a split second before the attack connected. "Then use Thunder Punch!"
Pichu dodges Pikachu's attack at a hair's length before accumulating enough electrical energy in its fist and punching Pikachu directly on the face. Ash's Pokemon fell down hard, shaking its head vigorously as it stood up.
"Quick Attack again Pikachu!"
"Pika!"
Pikachu's attack produced the same result, much to Ash's chagrin. His temper finally got the better of him, causing him to command Pikachu to use the same attack over and over. This only got Pikachu more and more worn out as Pichu easily dodged and counterattacked.
"Simmer down Ash!" May warned, catching Ash off guard. Pichu was now just evading Pikachu's attacks without hitting back. "You won't win anything if you don't keep your cool! You'll just get your Pokemon hurt!"
Ash obeyed, prompting Pikachu to stop its misguided advances. The trainer briefly closed his eyes and began to calm himself down. After a while, he felt himself relax. He looked at Pikachu, which was now reduced to standing on all fours while breathing heavily, as opposed to the still energetic Pichu.
"I'm sorry buddy," Ash said, while Pikachu just nodded. "The real battle is just about to begin May!"
"Finally," May simply replied.
Even though his calm and confidence was restored, Ash was in a bind. Pikachu's Quick Attack was easily evaded by May's Pichu. He's got to try something…
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt! Go!"
"Pika---CHUUU!"
Pichu's strange movement allowed it to dodge yet again. Ash observed it for a moment; its moves had rhythm and timing. Ever since Pichu used that footwork, it was able to effectively dodge everything Pikachu threw at it. It somewhat reminded him of boxing…
"Footwork…" Ash murmured to himself. May couldn't help but smile as she noticed what Ash was up to. He was finally being able to see through her strategy, which meant that Ash is finally back to being himself again. "That's it!
"Pikachu, can you stand?"
The Pokemon simply nodded before it slowly rose up on its hind legs. Ash noticed that it was still breathing heavily.
"Okay, can you try and copy what Pichu is doing?" Ash asked as he gave his Pokemon a smile. "Just do it in your own pace."
Pikachu nodded once more before raising its hands in a fighting pose. It then began to hop around much like how Pichu does, surprising both May and her Pokemon. Pikachu slowly but surely approached its opponent.
"Pichu, Thunder Punch! Go!"
"Dodge that Pikachu!"
As soon as Pikachu was in attacking range, Pichu fired off another electric punch at it, which the latter evaded by swinging its head out of the way.
"Thunder Punch again and again Pichu!"
Pikachu dodged one punch after the other as it slowly got used to the new rhythm it was creating. The new technique was pretty effective. Ash was so impressed that May was able to think up something like this.
"You're doing great Pikachu!" Ash cheered. "Now try to focus your electricity on your fist!"
Pikachu clenched its fist as electricity started to flow through it; yet another surprise for May and Pichu. Due to this sudden change in concentration, however, Pichu's fist grazed Pikachu's cheek, causing it to back away a bit.
"Don't get pushed back Pikachu!" Ash instructed, clenching his own fist in excitement. "Dash in and give it a shot of your own Thunder Punch!"
Pikachu obeys, rushing in and evading one of Pichu's attacks. It then charged its fist up with electricity and swung at its opponent. Pichu got caught off-guard; the attack sent it flying.
"Piiichaaaaaaaa!"
"Follow that up with an Iron Tail, Pikachu!"
Pikachu immediately leaped up and lashed its glowing tail at Pichu. Now it was its turn to hit and bounce off the ground.
"Let's finish this up with a Volt Tackle Pikachu!"
"Pichu try to dodge it!"
"Pika! Pikapikapikapikapikapikapikapika!!"
After accumulating enough electricity, Pikachu tried to ram itself onto Pichu. The smaller Pokemon was able to avoid being directly hit by the attack. However, the force that hit it was enough to knock it out. Pichu went flying into May's waiting arms.
"Good job sweetie," May whispered to her Pokemon as she gently cradled it. Ash came rushing towards them with Pikachu riding on his shoulder. "You should take a nice long rest…"
"I'm sorry about that last attack," Ash immediately said, giving her a bow. "I didn't mean to get overexcited …"
"Its fine Ash," May replied cheerfully, much to the boy's confusion. "At least I got to help you out."
"How's Pichu doing?" Ash wondered.
"It's just sleeping," May assured Ash as she let him see Pichu cradled in her arms. "That last attack didn't directly hit Pichu."
"That's a relief," Ash commented, sighing. "Still, I couldn't imagine that little guy losing to some wild Seviper. It's as tough as nails!"
"Yeah well, Pichu loses concentration real fast when I'm not around," May admitted, glancing at her Pokemon affectionately. "And that wasn't an ordinary Seviper too."
"It really is just like your Torchic!"
"Yeah… Uhm… Ash?"
"Hm?"
"I'm sorry about what I said to you before the battle…"
"Never mind that…"
Both of them fell silent. A few good moments passed as Ash and May stared at each other, both of them at a loss for words. Realizing that it was already way past midnight, May decided to break the silence.
"Uhm… Ash?" She began, snapping him out of his musings. "It's pretty late, and we have to get up early tomorrow since we're heading off to Pallet…"
"We?" Ash interjected, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes we," May pressed on, raising her own eyebrow at him. "Who's gonna keep an eye on you when you travel?"
"I don't need someone who'll baby-sit me," Ash retorted indignantly. The comment was completely ignored by May.
"You guys need to sleep as well," May told the other Pokemon, who have been watching their battle in silence all along. Everyone obeyed, and went to their respective sleeping spots without much fuss. "Now to turn in for the night…"
"May… Wait…"
As May was about to go, Ash instinctively grabbed her by the shoulder. A very obvious blush formed on her cheek, making her very thankful that she had her back to him.
"W-What is it?" May stammered without turning to look at him.
"I'd just like to thank you properly," Ash began, taking his hand off May's shoulder. "Thank you for taking care of me, and getting me back to my senses."
"Anytime Ash," May replied, looking over her shoulder and giving him a sweet smile. She then heaved out a small yawn. "Now let's go to sleep. I'm pooped."
Without another word, May proceeded out the greenhouse door with Ash beside her. After a good long rest, a new day was ahead of them. Because of May's help, Ash felt that he was finally ready to take on the challenges that the future had in store for him.
A/N: First of all, thank you very much for all the generous reviews! I'm sorry but I don't have the time to post review replies, so I'll just try to reply via the next chapter. Sorry everyone… Well now, gotta run! Till the next update!