Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon or any of its characters.

Ash and May's New Adventure

Pallet Town: Ash and May's House

A thin mist lingered on Pallet Town as the sun slowly in the sky. A strong voice cut through the morning's silence.

"Donphan! Use Rollout!" Ash commanded, pointing forward.

A medium-sized Pokemon with tusks and a long nose rolled into a ball and quickly spun towards the direction Ash is pointing at. A training dummy made of straw stood in Donphan's path. With a loud crash, Donphan easily demolished the dummy and unrolled itself.

"Very good Donphan." Ash remarked.

"Out training so early?" asked a familiar voice.

Ash turned towards it to find Professor Oak standing in the yard. Pikachu was perched on his shoulder.

"Oh hi Professor Oak. Pikachu! Welcome back!" Ash exclaimed, smiling.

"Thank you for lending me Pikachu for my research. I think it helped me know better how electricity is conducted safely by living beings." Professor Oak grinned.

Pikachu deftly went down the Pokemon Professor's shoulder and ran towards Ash. Ash lifted the yellow mouse Pokemon and smiled.

"Pika pika?" Pikachu asked Ash, tilting its head.

"You're asking where Manaphy is? Well, he's with Mom right now but he should be back anytime now." Ash replied.

Ash turned to Professor Oak.

"I'm glad Pikachu was helpful to your research Professor. Why don't you come in first and have some coffee?" Ash smiled.

The professor smiled back and waved his hand in a polite gesture to decline.

"Ah, it's okay Ash. I don't want to bother your training and besides ,I need to run back to the lab to feed the Pokemon. If their breakfast is late, they'll be grumpy all day. Well then, I'll go ahead." Professor Oak laughed.

"Ohh. I see. See you Professor Oak!" Ash waved at Professor Oak as he left.

Ash and Pikachu looked at the professor's figure until he disappeared in the horizon. Ash then turned to Pikachu.

"It's been a long time. You ready for the usual training?" Ash smiled at his Pokemon.

"Pika pi!" Pikachu cried energetically, nodding its head vigorously.

Ash was about to issue out his command to his Pokemon when a voice interrupted him.

"Sorry Ash but I'll have to cut your training session short. Breakfast is ready." May called out, smiling through the open doorway.

Ash smiled at his wife and nodded.

"Coming May." he replied and went inside.

"Oh Pikachu! Hi! Did you have fun at Professor Oak's lab?" May patted Pikachu's head who was still perched on Ash's shoulder.

"Pika!" Pikachu replied energetically, vigorously nodding its head.

May beamed at the yellow Pokemon. The three of them arrived at the dining room where heaps of food were prepared.

"Whoa! What's with the feast May?" Ash asked, surprised at the banquet in front.

"Well, I just thought we need the energy. We don't want to train on an empty stomach later." May replied cheerfully.

"Oh...so my wife is challenging me to a Pokemon match?" Ash smiled at May.

"Yes I am. We haven't had a match in a long time." May grinned at her husband as she sat down.

"I'm looking forward to it." Ash happily accepted.

Pallet Town: Pokemon Gym

The match was dead even. It was a 3 on 3 Pokemon match on a grassy terrain stadium. So far, both Ash and May are down to their last Pokemon. Ash initially had the upper-hand as his Kingler demolished May's Glaceon. However, May evened the score as she took out Ash's Kingler with her Venusaur. Ash fought back with his Glalie which knocked out the Grass/Poison type. As her final Pokemon, May sent out her most trusted partner, Blaziken. Glalie attempted to deter Blaziken with its Ice-type attacks but the Fire-type shook them off. Blaziken easily took out Ash's Glalie with a Fire Punch followed by a Sky Uppercut.

"Looks like she just doesn't want to be a Top Coordinator but a Pokemon League Champion too." Ash smiled.

"Well, I did learn from one of the best." May grinned at Ash.

Ash blushed, visibly embarrassed at the compliment.

"Let's have that rematch now then. A throwback to that match in Terracotta Town." Ash declared.

"Go Sceptile!"

Ash threw his PokeBall and sent out the Grass-type Pokemon. Blaziken eyed its opponent warily. Sceptile also did the same. The two Pokemon respect each other's strength.

"Let's go! Blaziken, Fire Spin!" May commanded.

Blaziken charged and spit fire from its mouth. The flame furiously spun to create a fiery vortex aimed at Sceptile.

"Sceptile, use Protect!" Ash exclaimed.

Sceptile put both arms in front of it and braced for impact. A green shimmer surrounded Sceptile's body as the attack connected. Blaziken's Fire Spin dissipated and Sceptile emerged, unharmed.

"Time to take the offensive. Sceptile, Quick Attack!" Ash commanded.

The Grass-type Pokemon lunged at the Blaziken with blinding speed.

"Dodge it Blaziken!" May countered.

The nimble Fire-type jumped sideways, effectively avoiding the attack. Ash smirked.

"Agility, then Leaf Blade!" Ash quickly gave his commands to his Pokemon.

Sceptile's speed significantly increased, allowing the Grass-type to immediately pivot before Blaziken can even land on the ground after its evasive maneuver. The grass blades on both arms of Sceptile glowed with green energy. Before the Fire-type can react, the attack hit it directly on the chest, sending it tumbling backwards. Blaziken rolled on the ground then leapt back, creating space between it and Sceptile.

"Challenging as usual." May frowned as a determined smile formed on her lips.

"Let's show them what we've got Blaziken! Use Flamethrower!" May commanded.

Blaziken spewed a searing stream of fire from its mouth. Ash frowned. Sceptile getting hit by that would be very troublesome. He doesn't want to gamble on an attack for this one.

"Use Agility and dodge, Sceptile!" Ash shouted.

The Grass-type sped up once again and efficiently moved out of the path of the burning punishment the Fire-type was inflicting.

"Keep going Blaziken!" May ordered.

Blaziken continued to try to burn its opponent but Sceptile kept on dodging using its speed. Ash was a bit relieved to see his Pokemon was able to evade the attacks. But suddenly, realization hit him. May's plan started to unfold.

"I fell for it..." Ash muttered, sweat forming on his forehead.

The grassy stadium was burning. The Flamethrower attacks were not meant to directly injure Sceptile.

"You found out? I know how you fight with Sceptile. Speed is you greatest weapon. But with flames everywhere, Sceptile's movement is limited. There wouldn't be much room to evade in." May smiled.

Ash nodded, feeling proud and troubled at the same time.

"True. You would know my fighting style well. My wife sure is formidable. I guess you must really like watching me in my matches." Ash grinned at May.

"I can't help it. My husband looks so dashing when he competes." May replied, smiling teasingly at Ash.

They both laughed.

"Alright then. No more dodging and stuff. Let's go all out. Match it blow for blow Sceptile!" Ash energetically stated.

"Sceptile!" the Grass-type Pokemon exclaimed as it prepared itself.

"Let's go! Blaziken, Fire Punch!" May commanded.

Blaziken's wrists erupted into flames and his fists were engulfed by fire. The Fire-type Pokemon lunged at Sceptile.

"Sceptile, use Leaf Blade!" Ash instructed.

Sceptile's leaf blades glowed once again and the Grass-type leapt forward to meet its foe. The two attacks connected and the force sent both Pokemon backwards. Again, they clashed in the middle of the fiery stadium with flaming fists and sharp blades. The attacks were equal in power and the two Pokemon once again, were pushed back.

"Blaze Kick Blaziken!"

"Sceptile, use Slam!"

Blaziken leaped high in the air and with a blazing foot, delivered a scorching kick aimed at Sceptile. The Grass-type on the other hand, met the offensive with its tail which glowed with energy. The attacks resulted in an explosion and smoke engulfed the stadium. When the smoke cleared, both Pokemon were still standing but were also visibly hurt, Sceptile even more so.

"Once more Blaziken! Blaze Kick!" May instructed her Pokemon.

"We need more power to match it Sceptile! Use Iron Tail!" Ash countered.

The Fire-type Pokemon once again, launched itself at its opponent; a deadly kick coming straight for Sceptile. Sceptile's tail glowed with a brighter light. The Grass-type spun around, its powerful tail slamming directly at the searing kick of Blaziken. Another explosion covered the stadium with smoke. When the two Pokemon reappeared, Blaziken was the one which looked disadvantaged in the last attack.

"Quick Attack!"

The command was simultaneous from both Ash and May. The two Pokemon lunged straight towards each other but at the last second, the two Trainers had the same idea in mind.

"Flamethrower!"

"Solarbeam!"

Blaziken and Sceptile both leapt back. Blaziken spewed out intense flames while Sceptile fired a concentrated beam of yellow energy from its mouth. The powerful attacks collided with a resounding blast. The entire stadium was covered in smoke once again. Ash and May looked at the settling cloud for any sign of their Pokemon. The smoke slowly dissipated.

Blaziken and Sceptile were both knocked out on the floor.

"Blaziken!"

"Sceptile!"

Ash and May rushed to their Pokemon. The two Pokemon opened their eyes and looked at their Trainers. Slowly, they stood up and gave both Ash and May reassuring glances.

"I think we overdid our training..." May laughed sheepishly.

"We got too caught up in the intensity." Ash chuckled.

Turning to their Pokemon, they praised them for a good match and recalled them in their PokeBalls for treatment later.

"That was a great training session. I should train more or else my wife might replace me as Gym Leader. I don't want to get unemployed." Ash laughed.

May giggled. She put her arms around Ash and quickly kissed him on the cheek.

"I might steal your job one day." May smirked.

"Ah! That's not fair. First you steal my heart, now you're stealing my job too?" Ash teased.

May blushed.

"Ash Ketchum. You and your corny one-liners." May pouted, flustered.

"But they're super effective, aren't they?" Ash laughed as he tickled May's sides.

May squealed in surprise. May smiled mischievously as she returned the favor, poking Ash tried to get away.

"On no you don't Mr. Ketchum." May laughed as she chased Ash.

Pallet Town: Ash and May's House

It was already 9 in the morning when Ash and May received a call. They have been waiting for Ash's mom and Manaphy when the phone rang.

"Hi mom! How was your trip?" Ash asked.

Delia was visible on the screen despite the grainy texture and periodic episodes of static and blurriness.

"It was very nice. Caroline and I managed to buy so many things at such wonderful prices. We also got some cute stuff for Manaphy. You'll see them when we get home. The Slateport market is truly amazing. Oh Manaphy wants to say hi." Delia smiled.

Delia held up Manaphy so he is visible to Ash and May.

"Mama! Dada!" Manaphy exclaimed as he saw his parents.

"Manaphy! Are you having fun there?" May asked.

Manaphy nodded in reply.

"Were you a good boy there? I hope you didn't give your grandpa and grandmas a hard time?" Ash asked.

Manaphy smiled and shook his head.

"Manaphy has been a good boy here. Don't worry." Delia laughed.

"Oh that brings me to my point. I'm sorry Ash, May. Manaphy and I can't go home today. All the ferries here in Hoenn were prohibited to sail. Since last evening, the rains have been nonstop and the ocean waves were dangerous. So we're staying here at Petalburg with Norman and Caroline until the weather improves." Delia explained.

"That's scary. It's okay Mom. It's safer there than trying to get home here in that weather. Please take care there." May replied, visibly worried.

"Yes, we'll be careful here. I'll also tell Norman and Caroline that I managed to call you. We've been trying to contact you a while ago but the bad weather makes it so hard to connect." Delia said.

"Ah yes. Where's Mom and Dad?" May asked.

"Oh they went to Professor Birch's lab. They went there to get news on this weather phenomenon. I think it had something to do with a discovered ancient Pokemon living under the sea. I remained here to keep trying to call you and to take care of Manaphy." Delia explained.

"Ancient Pokemon? That's both scary and fascinating. But I hope it gets sorted out quickly. Too much rain might cause flooding and landslides. Are you sure you'll all be alright there Mom?" Ash said, concerned.

"Yes. Don't worry about us. All of us will be fine here. The authorities are regularly checking up on the area. If necessary, we can be evacuated but right now, they are telling us that there is no need for it as Petalburg City isn't prone to flooding and the land here is very stable." Delia stated.

"I see. Well then, stay safe there Mom. Please say hi to Norman and Caroline for us." Ash smiled.

"I will." Delia smiled back.

"Bye Mom! Bye Manaphy!" Ash and May waved.

Delia waved on the screen while Manaphy jumped up and down, smiling at them. After a few moments, the call ended and the screen went dark.

May sighed.

"I can't help but worry for them." she frowned, her face filled with concern.

Ash looked at May then pulled her in a hug.

"It's okay. They'll be fine. You heard Mom. They're not in danger. We just need to wait until the weather gets better." Ash reassured her as she leaned her head onto his chest.

"Yes. I guess I'll just-" May began.

She wasn't able to finish what she was about to say. May put her hand on her temples and closed her eyes.

"What's wrong? Are you okay?" Ash asked, alarmed.

"No, no. It's okay. I just felt a little dizzy." May replied.

"Come on. I'll take you to the bedroom. You should lie down first." Ash said, supporting May.

May smiled.

"Thank-" May began again.

This time however, May put one hand on her mouth and the other on her stomach. She could feel it. She needed to throw up. May shook her head as her body heaved again.

"May, what's-" Ash was visibly distressed.

May released herself from Ash's support and rushed towards the nearest sink located in the kitchen. Ash followed her. May leaned over the sink and with one final heave, she threw up. Ash could do nothing except rub May's back with a worried look on his face. After a few moments and some dry heaves, May stopped vomiting and caught her breath. She wordlessly motioned for Ash to get her a glass. Ash quickly got one and handed it to her. May filled it with water and rinsed her mouth.

"How do you feel, May? What's wrong?" Ash asked.

May looked at Ash intently.

"...I need a checkup."

-End of Chapter 8-

Afterword: Reports of this story's death have been greatly exaggerated. Hahahaha. Well first off, I'm sorry for the late update. Life punched me in the face and I was knocked out for a bit. But here it is. Yes, I'm back. This story isn't dead. I'll finish this and that is something I really intend to do. To those who waited, thank you very much for not losing faith and again, I really apologize. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter (even though I still need a good warm-up session for my return to writing fanfiction). Stay tuned for Chapter 9. Thank you for the support and let me know what you think of this chapter by writing a review.