A/N: Procrastination and boredom are what lead me to write this. So yay for procrastination! (really bad thing since I'm sure I'm going to fail my test now… :( Nowadays Pokémon wouldn't have fatal injuries by a Pokémon (the anime, but well, yeah). Haha, my first intentional two-shot! Hope you all enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon.

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An Advanceshipping Two-shot
Author: wubbzy
Count: 3631

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His Hat and May

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Faith worked in mysterious ways

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Part One: Good Luck Charm

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Electric sparks flew all across the pine green forest. It was a fantastic area to train, according to the spiky, jet black haired boy with his electrifying Pikachu equipped on his shoulder. This boy was training especially hard today. It was to be expected from him since his next gym battle would be approaching. All six of his pokemon were called out onto the field, each battling the other to harness their techniques and skills. Ash had a rather sagacious strategy for his training, for he had the pokemon that were weak against a certain type to face off against the other. His fist pumped up with feisty adrenaline as he called another attack.

"Awesome everyone! Swellow, one more ariel ace should do it, and then we'll call it a day. Make sure you give it your all!" Ash shouted to his flying bird pokemon. Swellow followed every word as he swooped down and attacked – the attack was a flawless, collision that inflicted a heap load of damage. "Great job!" Ash exclaimed as he pumped his fist up into the air once more. "Well, we should head back to the pokemon center."

His face heated in embarrassment, hearing a grumbling noise from his tummy. He glanced down, chuckling as his stomach continued to growl.

"I guess I'm pretty hungry. We should get going," Ash recommended as he decided to take fast strides to the center. However, a luscious red apple caught his attention, soon tantalizing him with its glamour. "Looks tasty." His mouth watered as if he was already savoring the sweetened fruit. "Swellow, do you think you can get a few apples down for us with your ariel ace?" he asked. Swellow nodded as he flied up to the top of the tree and cut a plethora of apples. Ash blissfully caught the food, content with the amount.

Things had gone so smoothly. However, that train of thought soon was replaced by a buzz ringing in his eardrums. He glanced behind him.

Buzz…

A swarm of Beedrill floated up with wings fluttering so fast, faster than the rapid strumming of his heartbeat. His breath hitched, his feet planted to the ground. So he was stealing from the Beedrill's tree. Ash was still in a state of stupor. Luckily, the pointed stingers heading his way brought him back to reality, his feet mobile to finally sprint away.

"Run!"

He nearly lost his balance and fell down when he attempted to return all his pokemon to their pokeballs. He continued to dash, getting swatted by boughs and small branches, stepping on twigs and muddy puddles. Pikachu soon hopped up on his shoulder. Unfortunately, the grooves and ridges of an aged tree tripped him. His screech from the fall filled Beedrill's ears when they stopped, turned, and prepared to attack.

"Pikachu, use thunderbolt!" Ash called. Pikachu jumped up, releasing a wave of thunder throughout the bodies of the bee type pokemon. Ash smiled in relief when he noticed them flying off. The small moment of harmony was fleeting, for a new stress overtook his mind.

"Where are we?" he asked, not recalling where he ran off to. He observed his surroundings carefully, trying to make out where was the right path to the pokemon center.

Rocks, trees, and dirt…

He scratched his head. "Where are we?" he reiterated to Pikachu. Pikachu only mumbled a "Pika," with a worried tone as he searched for any resembling landmarks that would lead them the right way. He paced, retracing his steps.

Unbeknownst to either of them, a lonely Beedrill stood, it's buzzing drowned by the calls of the other pokemon. He all but charged towards Ash, the buzzing finally reaching his ears. He hadn't noticed in time, falling to the ground after the initial sting. The pain permeated across the area of the puncture, his skin burning and inflamed – an allergic reaction. He was unconscious before the pustules formed over his heated skin. Pikachu's eyes widened, perplexed on what had happened to his trainer.

"Pika Pi!" Pikachu called, trying to wake his trainer.

It was all useless.

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"I can't wait till my next pokemon contest. Just four more days!" May anticipated, her deep azure eyes filled with alacrity and aplomb. It was an easy going day of shopping, surveying the small markets for potions, pokeballs, and clothing – for May at least. They day was ending with a relaxing time at the pokemon center, preparing to leave in the morning.

"You'll do great!" Brock encouraged, placing the bags down on a small coffee table as they entered the center. They smiled at the sight of Pikachu by the door. However, Pikachu's dreary cheeks and panicked eyes caught their attention.

"Pikachu?" May found it odd not seeing Pikachu with his trainer… very odd. "Where's Ash?" She searched around, curious.

"Pika Pi! Pika Pi!" Pikachu gesticulated, waving his paws in alarm as he tried to point to the forest. Brock kneeled down and attempted to scrutinize the situation.

"Pikachu looks scared. Do you think something might have happened to Ash?" Brock wondered.

"It's weird enough that Pikachu is by himself. Pikachu, where's Ash?" May questioned, concern evident in the tone of her voice. Pikachu ran out through the doors, racing towards the injured boy. They followed.

Upon reaching Ash, both of their eyes widened at the grotesque sight of their friend. Ash, their dear friend, had a gushing wound on his stomach and looked as if he had an allergic reaction to something with the way pus-infested lumps emerged over his entire body. The sting mark was the worst scene, red and inflamed. He clenched his injury with his arm as he moaned in agony, pain surging up his entire body.

"Ash!" May cried out as she tried to help him along with Brock. The two lugged his arms around their shoulders to help bring him to a hospital.

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How could this happen?

May clenched her knees, her entire body shaking from the sobs pouring out of her. She tenuously brought her hand up to her eyes, attempting to wipe away the tears. Her cheeks were rosy and plumped while her eyes were swollen and puffy. She wondered how long she could cry until she held no more tears, where she could merely hiccup.

She strained her ears to hear almost silent weeping. Her face remained crestfallen, hoping to concern herself with Max than the situation at hand. She needed to remain strong for her little brother, who was trying to control his sobs for her sake. She tenderly smiled, grasping his small hand, assuring him… Ash would be fine.

Max felt relief sweep through him, and May felt her heart ache a little less.

Just then, Brock walked in with Pikachu, holding two mugs for them.

"Here, I made us some hot chocolate."

"Thanks a lot, Brock," May said, taking the mug in her slender and shaky fingers, sipping in small increments. Brock beamed.

"Well, Ash will be fine. Just try to lighten up," he assuaged.

They smiled, enjoying the taste. "It taste really good." The two siblings looked at each other and giggled at the whipped cream covering their lips. Brock chuckled as well, enjoying the lightened atmosphere. Everyone was smiling again.

"Like I was saying, Ash will be fine. The nurse told me that it was only a flesh wound, and he should be up in a few days since he only fell unconscious because of the allergic reaction he had to the beedrill's sting," Brock explained. The two brightened, relieved that he'd be fine and should be up soon.

"Thank goodness." May felt a ton of weight lifted off her chest.

"In the mean time, why don't we just watch some television while we wait for him to wake up?" Brock suggested. The two nodded, Max taking dibs on the remote. He turned it on and flipped through the channels.

"Pacificlog contest-" May's eyes widened at the mere mention of a contest.

"Max, go back, go back!" May called, shoving her brother in an attempt to grab the remote.

"Hold your horseas!" Max said as he decided to let her have her way since she was beating him up at the moment.

"It's in a matter of four days. Remember, this is the last contest till the Grandfestival so make sure to be there coordinators!" the host announced, giving a wink to the camera. May frowned, her mouth agape.

"I had forgotten all about my contest," she whispered, completely aghast.

"We'd have to leave by tomorrow morning if we wanted to make it on time," Brock reminded. May looked torn and weary, nodding as if she accepted the decision she was going to make.

"Well, we need to stay with Ash and make sure he's alright," May decided instantly. "There'll be more contests some other time, right?" May's voice strained, coerced into forming faux laughter.

"But May! Didn't you just hear? It's the last contest till the grand festival! Didn't you want to go?" Max remembered. May's eyes widened in realization. She bit her lip, no question on her decision.

"I can't just leave Ash like this. He still needs to recover and…" she paused, averting her gaze to the linoleum floor.

"I think you should just go, May. If you want to enter the grand festival, you'll have to. Think of what Ash would want. He would hate himself if he found out that you missed your contest and your chances of entering the grand festival because of him," Brock vindicated. May despondently frowned, fighting her inner battle, distinguishing what would be best for everyone.

"Maybe you're right." She knew just how devastated he'd be. He was the one who worked so hard and helped her get to where she was now. He always encouraged her to do her very best and try her hardest and to not let anything stop her from her dream. She looked over at Pikachu, and noticed he smiled at her too, understanding etched in his eyes. She had closed her eyes before, but now determined sapphire eyes stared straight at Ash's door. "Okay, I'll do it."

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May gathered all her pokeballs, making sure she had everything she needed. She sighed, rationalizing that she was doing the right thing. She opened the door to Ash's room, hoping to seek any comfort she could find from the resting boy.

"I'm sorry for leaving you, Ash. I wish you'll be alright and wake up soon," May murmured, her fingertips lightly grazing his hand. She intertwined her fingers with his, his hand lying limp. Never had she imagined his hands so languid and fragile. She shut her eyes before a single droplet trickled down. "Just get better," she begged, giving one more squeeze before she released her grasp and left.

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Ash's eyes were heavy, feelings his torso incredibly sore. He groaned in agony.

"Ugh, what's… happening?" he asked, clutching his stomach in pain. "When did I-"

"Pika pi!" Pikachu called, launching himself off the mattress to hug him. Ash cringed at the extra weight near his stomach. He gritted his teeth as to not cry out. Pikachu frowned, getting off and trying to help him.

"Pikachu, I'm glad to see you – too, but what happened to me?" he asked, pausing in between for the sheer pain rushing through him. He bemoaned, "It hurts so much."

"Well, look who's up," Brock interrupted, walking up to him. Max walked in as well, relieved to see Ash sitting up and grinning a toothy one.

"I'm up, but… ugh, what happened?" he groaned, grabbing his stomach in pain while he flopped back down. He grimaced, feeling his back burn from the sensation.

"You were stung by a beedrill," Brock enlightened. "You had an allergic reaction to the sting. You should be completely better in a week, but you'd still have to take it easy since that wound of yours would most likely need more time to heal. And you'll have to take special ointment for your skin." Ash nodded in understanding. It was only then that he noticed someone was missing.

"Hey, where's May?" he asked, scrutinizing the small room.

"You just missed her. She left right now. We had convinced her to go to her contest or else she would have stayed here and miss her shot at the grand festival," Brock explained. Ash's eyes widened.

"B-but," he stuttered. The two tilted their heads, perplexed.

He tried his best to get up, but nearly fell. Fortunately, Brock and Max were there to catch him. "How was she acting?"

"She was really sad to be leaving when you were injured, but she should be alright," Brock said. Ash tried his best to get up once again, but he fell back down. "Ash, don't be trying to get up anymore, you need your rest! You won't heal quickly if you don't!" he reprimanded.

"She must feel bad then, right? I need to show her that I'm alright or else she won't be able to give her best," Ash reasoned, gritting his teeth at the pain surging all over his body. However, he knew May well enough, and knew this pain was worth it if he could just…

Brock's explanation only reaffirmed his fears. If someone was hurt, she wouldn't be able to concentrate – she might be too worried to give it her all and this was the last contest before the grand festival too, so it would be her last chance. "Please, can you help me go to her?" he asked.

"But you're injured," Brock chided, a frown appearing.

"Please? I won't be able to go on my own, and you do want May to win her contest, don't you?" Ash tried to convince. Brock sighed, remembering how May was so worried. He was right. Brock groaned, knowing the next words out of his mouth would be incredibly idiotic and reckless.

"Fine."

He agreed.

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They had managed to get all the way towards the ferry without anyone else getting an injury. Ash's expression brightened when he saw the docks. They examined the ferry, noticing a figure leaning on the rails.

"May!" Ash called out.

"Ash?" she asked, incredulous. She rubbed her eyes, feeling skeptical at the sight before her. Her eyes widened and her mouth went up into a smile. "Ash, it's really you. You're better!"

"Kind of, but I had to make sure you know I'm alright, so win one for both of us! I'll be cheering you on so loud that you could even hear me from Pacificlog!" he shouted as they both laughed.

"Thanks! Be sure to watch. I'm so glad you're alright," she called, taking a big sigh in relief. She waved in farewell.

The sky had been monochrome through the entire day. However, as if it was fate working her magic, a gust of wind blew, and Ash's hat floated off his head and circled in the wind.

"My hat!" Ash called, reaching out but failing to grasp it in his hands. He cringed at the strike of pain from reaching to far. "Bad idea," he moaned. He glanced up and noticed it was circling towards May. She reached her arms in hope of catching it. "You got it!" Ash yelled, feeling euphoria.

"Don't worry, Ash, I'll take good care of it!" she yelled back, waving another goodbye. Ash did the same.

"Thank you!" he called to her disappearing figure.

They stayed until the ferry was nothing but a silhouette.

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Breath in, breath out…

May's hand clutched her chest, feeling her heart pound. She was so nervous, wondering how things would go about. The situation wasn't looking too god for her as of right now. Drew, her biggest rival, was competing in this contest as well. Other than that, no one would be here to cheer her on. No Max, no Brock, no Ash… she gulped, already hearing the crowd's uproar at Drew's flawless performance. Drew was going to make it to the second stage, no doubt.

"I'm so nervous," May said in dismay. She paced, soon going over to her bag and retrieving a bottle of water. Ash's hat seemed to draw her in, her eyes completely on nothing but the hat.

"I'll be cheering for you! Win one for the both of us!" she remembered him say. His words relieved her in a way she couldn't explain. She felt eased, her mind finally clearing from all the negative thoughts. Her eyes widened, reaching an epiphany.

"Well, even if they're not here, I can at least wear Ash's hat. That way I'll know they're watching somewhere. It might give me the confidence I need," she thought. She placed it on her head, examining herself in the mirror.

"Well, not really my style, but it does look good on me," she giggled, making a goofy pose in the mirror.

"What are you doing?" Drew's sharp voice asked, making May yelp in surprise.

"N-nothing! I-I'm just freshening up," she stuttered, chuckling sheepishly. Drew raised an eyebrow, soon shaking his head and dismissing her antics with a sigh. They heard the announcer call May's name.

"Looks like you're up." May nodded, determination reaching her eyes. "Good luck, you're going to need it with how great my performance went."

"Thanks, I guess," May said as she walked out. She released her poke ball to reveal Combusken. "Before we get out there, I want you to hold this for me," she said, wrapping her red bandanna around Combusken's neck and tying a knot. "Well, let's do our best!" May smirked when Combusken got pumped, its fire flaring. She returned Combusken back into the poke ball and ran out the stage with new found confidents. She beamed, waving towards the crowd. She tugged the front part of Ash's cap, soon winking.

"Take the stage!"

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Silence filled the entire stadium: the audience, the stage, and the hospital room, where Ash and the gang were waiting in suspense. May stared intensely at the board that calculated the points. It was certainly a close call between May and Drew: it could go either way. They had made it to the second round, and then found themselves facing each other once again. May gulped, her fist clenching as she continued to pierce her glare at the board, praying she didn't come in second place to Drew. This couldn't happen to her, not again.

She sighed, calming as the suspense continued to build, her heart beating at a rapid pace and May's breath hitched when the small sounds on the board finally halted, showing the victor…

Ash was still confused why May was wearing his hat though…

"Looks like we have a winner! May Maple!" The crowd roared at the winner.

May's pupil's constricted, staring incredulously at the screen. Her face was the one that appeared on the board. Her name was the one that shined. Her biggest rival… and she defeated him?

The applause had never been greater, yet she was able to tune it all out. She glanced over to her opponent, and noticed his own eyes were wide from the outcome. However, he sighed.

"Good job, May." Drew held out his hand, not looking into her eyes.

"Thanks, Drew." She smiled, shaking his hand as well. "I still have a lot to learn though."

"That's for sure… I want to challenge you again," Drew mentioned, a smirk appearing. Just like always… May grinned, eagerly nodding.

"That's fine with me!" May told him confidently. It was only then that Drew's eyebrow arched curiously.

"Hey, what's with the change in head gear?" he asked, noticing she wasn't wearing her normal red bandanna. She grinned, tugging the end of the cap once again.

"It's a friend of mine. That reminds me, I have to head back and give it back to him. Hopefully he's feelings better. Well, see you later!" May waved a goodbye, running off to catch the nearest ferry. Drew stared wide eyed in silence, until, finally, one word was uttered.

"Him?"

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"Congratulations!" everyone yelled, their arms up in the air while Pikachu threw confetti. May blushed at the welcome, a bit embarrassed by such praise.

"Thanks, everyone!" she said. She turned to Ash. "I'm glad you're okay, Ash."

"Of course I am! Now we can leave to the next gym! I'm so psyched after you won your contest and defeated Drew!" Ash said, trying to raise his hand, but flinched as he felt his wound nearly rip.

"Be careful. You still need to rest. Your wound is very sensitive at the moment. You should be out in at least a week." Ash whined, disappointed by the news. May remembered something as she felt for his hat on top of her head. She removed it, stretching her arms towards him.

"I believe this belongs to you."

"Thanks for taking good care of it. Hey, but why did you decide to wear it during your contest?" he asked, placing his hat back on his head.

"Well, I thought it would give me luck! I guess it did!" She winked. "In fact, I'd say it's my good luck charm."

"You can use it when you're in contest then!" he offered. May's face brightened at the thought.

"Thanks! I was going to ask you if I could wear it, actually. Thanks a lot, I think it will really help," she said as he smiled back. Brock and Max stood confused.

"I don't think I can understand what's happening here," Max mumbled to Brock while he just chortled.

"Someday, you will. Someday…" Brock trailed off as he placed his arms over his shoulder. Max sighed in annoyance, stubbornly crossing his arms. He wished he could understand today.

This had marked the day May's superstitious nature began, and the start of a different kind of connection between the two.

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A/N: I played around with the canon a bit, as you may already know. Thanks everyone for reading, and tell me what you think with some constructive criticism or praise, or anything you like. Thanks!