League of Legends (Advanceshipping)

[Lord Zant]

Hey, everybody! This fic should never raise above the level of PG-13, for possible adult themes, maybe crude humor, and definately intense action sequences. Anyway, this is set three years after the events of "Home is Where the Start is". And, in case you hadn't guessed yet, I don't own Pokemon, the Pokemon logo, any related character names, or any of the locations - Nintendo does. So...

Ash - 17yrs.
May - 15yrs.
Brock - 20yrs.
Max - 13yrs.
Misty - 18yrs.
Tracey - 19yrs.
Gary - 17yrs.
Dawn - 13yrs.
Please forgive me if I contradict some minor storyline details, I'll blame it on "Author's License" .

EDIT: I'm now going to post links to the chapters, if you don't feel like trudging through reviews. (Even though I recommend it.)

Chapter 1 - Coming to a Close

Chapter 2 - Conclusions

Chapter 3 - The Telephone Game

Chapter 4 - It's... Dinner Time!

Chapter 5 - A Slight KISSunderstanding

Chapter 6 - Pokemon Trainers and the Prince of the Sea

Chapter 7 - Prophecies, and a New Day

Chapter 8 - A Hero Revealed

Chapter 9 - Kitchen Chemistry

Chapter 10 - Friendly Competition

Chapter 11 - Turning Point

Chapter 12 - Man in Black

Chapter 13 - The Prophecy Extended

Capter 14 - A Fight Scene!

Chapter 15 - The Deal

EDIT: I have here the ultimate PM List. Every time someone asks, I will post their name here, snd I will PM them when the next chapter is up.

PikamasterADV
flamingoozaru
Ash&May4EVER
Hunter_RuLe
cichawk
EarthBorn
Ames Don
Ariel Anderson
Mordor Fires
Sp1derp1g
Mayziken
benjobbb

It's now time for what you clicked that darn link for in the first place - the Advancedshipping. (And yes, I know my fic name abbreviates to LoL.)

League of Legends - By Lord Zant

Ash Ketchum strode into the grand hall of the Johto League Silver Conference, lost in thought. He wore a blue vest with yellow trim and white sleeves. Under the vest he wore a plain black tee-shirt. On his head he wore a red hat with a white front. Emblazoned across the white front was what looked like a large green version of the letter “C”. His baggy blue jeans were held up by a belt that held five Pokeballs. On his back, he wore a large green backpack. Standing on this backpack was his best friend – an electric mouse Pokemon named Pikachu. He recalled what had occurred the last time he had resided here. He had finally beaten Gary. That was as far as he would go that time, for he was promptly defeated by a boy named Harrison and his starter Pokemon, Blaziken.

Blaziken. The name sent tremors of sadness running through his body, as did anything even remotely connected with that girl that had made his life a miserable mess. He lived a ghost life now, his only solace found in battling. For there, all the problems of the physical world were left behind, all giving way to a fair conflict between two individuals and their partners.
The Mouse, sensing its trainer’s unhappiness, tried to divert his friend’s thoughts to something else. He squeaked, he shocked, and he even went as far as to bite the boy’s ear. Still the trainer wandered toward his prep room, his thoughts still lurking in dark memories. After passing a boy holding a Bulbasaur and a Squirtle, Ash could take it no longer. His internal guilt reached dangerous levels. He ran ahead into the preparation room, going so fast that Pikachu fell off his pack. He didn’t even turn back. He hunched into a corner and began crying silently. He reached into his pocket and pulled out an old looking, dirty ribbon. Actually, it was only half a ribbon. But what it stood for had meant the world to him. And it still did.


@=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=@


Ash emerged from his corner only when a knock was heard. He opened the door to the room. Standing outside was a referee wearing a vertically striped, black and white jersey. He had a flag tucked under each arm. He had a whistle around his neck.

The man spoke with an air of having done so many times that weekend. “Referee Five here, reporting to trainer number… 12, correct?” all this had been said without looking up, on the ref’s part, for he had been looking at his schedule. He looked up. Tears were running down the seventeen-year-old’s face. The ref’s face displayed only mild surprise, and he launched into some prepared speech with the goal of building “Trainer 12’s” confidence at being in front of so many people.

Ash paid no attention at all during the entire speech, though he nodded when he heard the babbling cease, at least momentarily. His thoughts were elsewhere, with a blue haired girl that wore pink and white, for he knew she was competing in a Grand Festival in Kanto that very same day. His thoughts inadvertently turned to another female coordinator, albeit one that held a much more important place in his heart. His thoughts on this subject were brief, thankfully, for the referee finished talking at last.

Ash, looking up, said, “I’m ready.”

The ref turned and motioned for Ash to follow. He led Ash onto a field, and pointed him towards the trainer’s box. Yeah, like I really need to know where it is, what with being a finalist. A rather grumpy Ash thought to himself. He took his place on the field, and was already holding his Pokeball when his opponent stepped out.

The boy wore a bright green hat over his dark aqua hair, which was styled long enough to be considered “seriously cool” by most. His torso was covered by a bright red tee shirt that had a Pokeball emblazoned across the front, and his legs were covered by a pair of baggy blue jeans. He wore no glasses, and he kept his Pokeballs on a pair of bracelets. He pulled a sphere off, and assumed a waiting stance. The screen lit up with the trainer’s details, and they both dropped their Pokeballs in surprise. The boy was Max. Ash hastily retrieved his Pokeball, and, avoiding Max’s glance, pulled his hat down to obscure his face. He didn’t want to see anything that reminded him of HER.

“Go Skarmory!” Max called, lobbing his chosen Pokeball into the air.

“Go for it, Totodile!” Ash yelled, as he propelled his Pokeball into the stadium.
The two Pokemon stared each other down for a time, as their trainers prepared for the fight. Ash’s patience ebbed away first.

“Totodile, let’s start this off with a Water Gun!” The small blue alligator fired a strong burst of water from its jaws, and then it did a little dance.

Max smirked. “Skarmory, dodge and pound him with steel wing!” The Armored bird Pokemon swerved out of the way of the jet of water, then flew towards the crocodile, wings glowing. Totodile, who was still dancing around, got caught off guard. He took full blast of the attack before Ash could issue a command. “Attack with Aerial Ace, Skarmory, let’s finish him up quick!” Max called.

“Totodile, let it come close, then jump on its back!” Right as the Steel Flying Pokemon was about to make contact, the crocodile flipped into the air and landed on top of it. Totodile was barely hanging on, so it acted on instinct and blasted the bird in the back of the head with its Water Gun.

“Skarmory!” Max yelled helplessly. The armored Pokemon lost its orientation, and as Totodile jumped off its back, it splattered against the stadium wall. It fell to the ground, only to be hit once again by Totodile’s water gun. It struggled to get up, but failed. Totodile struck a heroic pose, and then jumped around proudly.

“Return!” Max called, holding up the bird’s Pokeball. He thought for a second, then sent out – “Ivysaur!”

Ash flinched for a second, that Ivysaur had a familiar looking pattern on its forehead… No time to think about that right now. He told himself. Win first, ask questions later. “Go Totodile, use Skull Bash!”

“Block with Body Slam!” Max yelled to his Pokemon. The two collided in the middle of the field, but Totodile was knocked onto its back, for it was lighter. Ash waited to see if Totodile was okay. In the meantime, Max issued a disturbing command. “Ivysaur, use Frenzy Plant!” Thick vines grew from the ground and wrapped around Totodile. They threw him against the stadium wall. He didn’t get up.

Ash called his Pokemon back, and then sent out his trump card. “Charizard, I choose you!” he bellowed, hurling his sphere into the air. The large winged lizard materialized in front of the bulb bearing dinosaur.

Max, panicking, called out to his Pokemon, “Try and use Frenzy Plant one more time!” Ivysaur screamed with the effort, and, after slamming his leg on the stadium floor, multiple tens of vines shot out of the ground. They began to rip at Charizard, but he took little damage. Ivysaur dropped to its knees from the effort.

“Charizard, Finish it with Blast Burn!” An immensely powerful ball of fire shot from the lizard’s mouth, heading straight for the grass type. The field was ripped to shreds, with pieces of cement lying everywhere. (Not to mention the charred Ivysaur.) Max called his beaten Pokemon back, then with a gleam in his eyes, he sent out his starter – “GALLADE!”

“He’s not gonna last long with a type disadvantage, Max.” Ash said. “Take him down with wing attack, Charizard!”

Max remained unfazed. “Throw some of this convenient cement at him with Psychic!” Charizard howled as the cement threw his aim, sending him careening into the ground. “Start charging a Focus Punch, Gallade!” Max called. The Pokemon began charging its attack as it walked casually towards Charizard.

“Charizard!” Ash yelled, “Get out of the way!” The lizard wasn’t quick enough, however, and the punch hit. Charizard bellowed in pain, and then began glowing an evil red color. Yeah! Ash yelled. Its Blaze effect is kicking in! “This isn’t over yet, Max. It hasn’t even begun.”


@=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=@


A girl named May paced speedily back and forth, barely keeping her tears back. In her hand she clutched half of a grubby old ribbon. In her heart, she clutched a terrible grief. She blamed herself as the reason that she only had the symbol, and not its meaning. As she walked, the loose ends of her knotted green bandana bobbed behind her. Her hair also bounced around, but it always returned to the original style when she came to a stop. Her tears were now falling down her tight, white lined, sleeveless red zip – up blouse and dribbling down onto her red mini skirt and navy blue shorts.

She had entered the Kanto Grand festival once again, and the memories ripped at her soul. This hall hurt more then anything so far, for all of it screamed one name.

Ash.

She missed him a lot. It’s my fault for driving him away in the first place. He hadn’t been doing anything wrong, and I yelled and screamed at him. Because of this, they had been out of touch for three years, both greatly wanting the others company, but neither knowing the other’s wishes.
This hall was by far the most powerful psychological torture yet – for here Ash had supported her, here Ash had provided consolation; here Ash had backed her up and given her encouragement. Finally May could hold it back no longer. Tears began streaming down her face as she mentally reviewed her time with him.

I just wish he were here now…and that all of this could just be forgotten, she whimpered to herself.

Seeing the clock, she decided not to give in to instinct and sink to the floor in tears. It was time to battle, and she was going to win, for Ash. Maybe then he would forgive her for what she said to him. Heck, if I win, I’ll call him. But that’s a big If. Ash would have backed her up right about then, if he had been there.

She struggled to regain her composure, so that her Pokemon wouldn’t sense her weakness. That wouldn’t be good. Then she’d lose for sure. She straightened her clothes, then stepped out into the loud stadium. She was greeted by cheers from all sides. She wasn’t that surprised, though. This was the battle round of the final match of the Johto Grand Festival, after all.
Then her opponent stepped out. She was a blue haired girl, with an ornate pink dress that went down to her ankles. She had pink high heels on her feet, and a white poke-hat on her head. Their names appeared on the screen. Dawn, from Twinleaf. That was her name. Then she remembered something Misty had told her, the last time they talked, about two years from then.

This girl had traveled with Ash through the Sinnoh region. This thought sent fresh waves of pain through her mind. As she struggled to get control, Dawn sent out an imposing Empoleon. It looked like a rather large penguin. It had a golden trident on its head, and a yellow ridge running down its cream colored underbelly. Everything else was a dark navy blue, except for its yellow talons.
“Go! Blaziken!” May called. Her large Humanoid Pokemon looked like a human, but flaming at the wrists and feet, with a chicken head and wicked claws. It had two large “ponytails” sticking out of the back of its head, but not as long as male Pokemon of the same species. “Start off with a Blaze Kick!” She was upset, and Blaziken sensed it. Her Pokemon missed the target completely, and smashed into a wall. She lost points. Her wandering mind slowly drifted to her brother as the commentator made an offhand remark about her poor move choice…

@=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=@

Dawn was confused. She knew she had heard of her opponent from somewhere, but she just couldn’t remember. May…Petalburg…Blaziken…Ash? Is this THE May? The May that he thought about so often? The one that haunts his every waking moment? He really misses her… Maybe, I can bring ‘em together? Then a method revealed itself, and all based around an invitation neither could refuse – food. Right after the ceremony, I’ll invite her… to dinner.

@=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=@

“Use gust attack, Charizard!” Ash called. The attack swept across the stadium, not only landing a super effective strike, but also blowing large chunks of cement at the poor psychic Pokemon. Finally, Gallade was knocked over, and Charizard stopped its assault. “Flamethrower!” Ash called, hoping to finish it quickly.

“Oh no you don’t, use Psybeam, Gallade!” Max ordered. The two attacks ricocheted off of each other and did further damage to the poor field. The haze that resulted from the two attacks cloaked the stadium. When the fog was thin enough to barely see, Ash and Charizard both realized that they had a major problem on their hands. Gallade was gone, and his picture hadn’t darkened on the scoreboard.

Then, from nowhere, Gallade leapt from its hiding place and slammed the back of Charizard’s head with its Focus Punch. The great lizard collapsed at last, exhausted.

“Come on back buddy, you did awesome.” Ash said, holding out his Charizard’s Pokeball. “Time to finish that Gallade once and for all!” Ash said to himself. Pikachu leapt off of Ash’s shoulder, only for Ash to grab it by the tail. It shocked him out of reflex. After the paramedics left, Ash explained why he had held Pikachu back. “I want to save you for later, buddy. He’s gonna have a water Pokemon, I can feel it. Then you can go, and I won’t take you out ‘til your down, ‘k?” Pikachu nodded reluctantly. “Now, Go, Sceptile!” Ash yelled, as he bombarded the field with his third Pokeball. “Use Leaf Blade!” The gecko’s arm leaves started to glow a brilliant green as it leapt at the Blade Pokemon.

“Oh no you don’t!” Max crowed. “Block it with Psycho Cut!” The two Pokemons’ blades clashed against each other, neither having an advantage. They started fighting with amazing ability, to the point where Ash and Max stopped giving commands, and just watched, dumbstruck.

@=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=@

Come ON May! Pull yourself together! What would Ash say? She tensed up at this thought, and realized that Ash would tell her to get a grip. Besides, I promised myself that I would only call him if I win. And I wanna talk to him soooooo bad. She began calming down, and began to issue commands again. There was only one minute left on the scoreboard, so she would have to work fast. There was no way she could win by points if both Pokemon were left standing, so she launched into a plan. “Blaziken, use your Thunderpunch attack!” she yelled. The Pokemon’s fist began to glow and spark as the Penguin drew closer.

“Empoleon!” Dawn called, looking for a deflection method, “Use Metal Claw!” The commentator actually laughed at this, as Dawn lost an amount of points that was later put in the “Glalie’s Book of World Records”. May smirked as her Blaziken slammed its fist into the Empoleon’s gleaming claw, sending electricity shooting through the metal, and all through the penguin’s body. The Pokemon fell to the ground, still sizzling.

“Alright Blaziken!” May yelled, in control at last. “No mercy, use Thunderpunch one last time!” As he Pokemon rushed towards the water type, Dawn issued one last desperate command –


*Sticks out tongue* End of CHAPTER ONE – Next should be up in about a week and a half, unless otherwise noted by me.

 

[Seijiro Mafuné]

Hn... sounds interesting. Pity I don't remember what episode that is (if it's even an episode, see?)... and also, apparently Metal Claw CAN block electric attacks, although maybe it was the physical contact that broke it?

Dunno, really. I'm interested. Now to *wait*, though...

 

[Lord Zant]

Hey, thanks for dropping by for a quick review!

"Home is Where the Start is", is, I believe, the name of the last episode ih the Battle Frontier season. About Metal Claw - SOME metal conducts electricity, (duh.) and I personally think that that is a bad thing for a water type. It just kinda increases the power of the attack, no? Not to mention, Empoleon is also part steel type. Oh well, that's my logic, anyway. (Plus I needed to give poor Blaziken a chance - you'll see why in the next chapter.)

P.S. - If I'm really lucky, I might be able to get a shorter chapter up tomorrow...

 

[Joseph122591]

I like this fic so far, it is very interesting and i'm kind of curious on what they fought over

 

[Seijiro Mafuné]

The thing is, Ash's Pikachu used a strong electric attack on a Prinplup who was using Metal Claw, and the attack didn't go through.

I figure what you're trying, but Blaziken hitting elsewhere would be possible, wouldn't it?

 

[Lord Zant]

Ah. Well, that's embarrassing. Yeah, I could blame it on physical comtact, and I might have to, because I've already got the first...six(?) chapters (on paper, coincidentaly-now I've gotta type AND revise/edit) and they all kind of base themselves off of Blaziken being able to land a good hit. The reason he needed to land a good hit, at least part of it, is that Pokemon's emotions mirror the trainer's, and May was feeling pretty upset. When she finally got it together, she needed to hit hard in order to change the outcome of the match.

Anyway, I hope my lack of Sinnoh anime knowledge hasn't shed my fic in a bad light, and I'll be more careful with my "Mega Super Effective Strike" things. I'll try not to even use them at all.

Thanks for helping me iron out the wrinkles!

Without further ado,
Chapter 2 - Conclusions

“Empoleon! Hit it with your Brine attack!” A powerful wave of water came rushing out of the Penguin Pokemon, as Blaziken’s crackling fist made contact. There was a loud zap, followed by a buzz, and then an ominous silence, as everyone wailed for the haze to clear. What was revealed came as a pleasant surprise to both finalists. It was a draw. The commentator started screaming her head off at the “Amazing conclusion to a match that will most certainly go down in history…” May ran over to Dawn, and shook her hand, waiting anxiously for the result.

“So what do we do now?” May pondered aloud. “Do we choose another Pokemon and fight again?”

Conveniently, the commentator started talking again, with the answer to May’s question in mind. “…Tie breaker to take place in two weeks, same place, same Pokemon… Can’t have it now, because the arena is booked for “The Legend of Sir Aaron, the Musical, (on Ice)…” May looked indignant that a traveling musical should upstage a Grand Festival, but accepted the news with grace.

“Does that answer your question?” Dawn asked, eyebrows raised.

“No, not really.” May said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Hey,” Dawn began, “do you wanna get dinner or something? We can share appeal round strategies, or perhaps trade stories of our respective adventures?”

“Sorry, I’ve gotta go watch my brother’s match on TV. He’s competing in the Silver Conference.” May said.

Dawn smirked. She assumed that May knew who she was. Misty will have told her by now. But she seems to be acting on the assumption that I don’t know who she is. This could be good. “You know, I was gonna watch that, myself. Why don’t you come over to my hotel room, and we can watch it together?”

May, seeing no way of shaking the persistent girl, agreed.

@=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=@

Gallade and Sceptile had been trading blows for a while now, with neither of them gaining the upper hand. Leaf Blade was countered by Psycho Cut, Solarbeam was negated by Focus Blast, and Pound was blocked by Brick Break. Ash was fine with stalling, though, because he knew Gallade was tiring from his bout with Charizard.

“Sceptile!” Ash called. The Forest Pokemon looked up in surprise – it hadn’t received a command in a while. “Start using Bullet Seed on Gallade! Let’s make him move to tire him out!” Sceptile did as it was told, and the Blade Pokemon was forced to jump wearily out of the way.
“Nice try Ash, but I can counter that strategy easily. Gallade, hit him hard with Drain Punch!” The Fighting type leapt towards Sceptile and threw its fist into the gecko’s torso. It started glowing brightly, and it began to heal. Sceptile, however, was flung against the stadium wall, due to the force of the punch.
Ash groaned as the Pokemon began to fight again, but this time with Sceptile on the losing side.

@=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=@

May sat on the bed of Dawn’s hotel room, her fellow coordinator dropping down beside her. It was a small, one bed room, with a TV set on top of the dresser, which was pushed up to the right side wall. There was an insignificant looking square table standing in front of a window, directly across the room from the entrance. There was a tiny closet across the room from the bathroom door, perpendicular to the entrance. She picked up the remote and found the correct channel. The TV showed a vicious combat taking place between a Max’s Gallade and “the opponent’s” Sceptile. They stared, mesmerized, until the Sceptile fell to Gallade’s might. May let out a brief cheer, which turned into a gasp when the TV showed the face of Max’s opponent. Ash was Max’s opponent for the Silver Cup.

Dawn smirked. “What, do you know him from somewhere?” She asked, knowing full well that May would try to dodge the question.

“Er…” was all that May could get out. She was too busy taking it in.

Dawn’s smirk grew as she took notice of the girl’s facial expression. She decided to push May for answers. “Kinda cute, huh?” She asked, faking ignorance.

All that May could do this time was splutter incoherently.

So, Dawn thought, this definitely is THE May. Dawn decided to lay some plans for her newest life goal – Ash x May. “Actually, I used to travel with that Ash guy. He was never very cheerful though, ‘cause he had a fight with his girlfriend, or something. He really seemed to miss her. In fact, he didn’t smile very often at all (out of battle, that is)."

May had been absorbing every word Dawn said, a pained look on her face.

“But,” Dawn said, watching May closely, “he’ll probably get over it. He’s been ‘really good friends’ with that Cerulean Gym leader, Misty, for a long time now, actually. Maybe they’ll start going out…”

“No!” May said loudly, a blush creeping across her face. “I mean, did you see that hit Staraptor gave Gallade? The poor Pokemon isn’t getting up!”

Dawn almost laughed at the poor cover up. Things were definitely looking good for Ash, as long as his density didn’t get in the way.

@=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=@

“Aipom! I choose you!” Ash yelled, while throwing his chosen Pokeball into the fray. The monkey was replacing Staraptor, which had been taken down by Max’s Electrike after a successful fight against Max’s Gallade. “Use Swift attack!” Ash yelled. The stars chased Electrike around the stadium until they found their mark at last. The Pokemon was flung to the ground.

“Electrike!” Max called. “Try and get up!” The small electric dog struggled to its feet, shaking like a bobble head.

“Aipom, finish it with Focus Punch!” Ash bellowed. The Purple monkey’s fist-like tail began to glow as it sped towards the light green Electrike.

“Try an’ stop it with thunder, Electrike!” Max commanded. The Pokemon began gathering electricity around it, but the attack suddenly dissipated and the dog fell to its knees. Aipom’s tail slammed into the Pokemon, sending the electric type flying. It landed a few feet in front of Max, and the trainer called it back. He ticked down his mental list quickly, to decide on his next Pokemon. Ash’s down to Pikachu and Aipom, and I’ve got Walimer and Camerupt. I’ll save Camerupt for Pikachu, so… “I choose you, Walimer!”

“Okay Aipom, start charging another focus punch!” The Pallet trainer called to his friend. The purple monkey’s tail began glowing once again.

“Oh no you don’t!” Max yelled. “Walimer, use Rollout!” The ball whale Pokemon started rolling all over the field, making deep ruts in the already ruined floor. Walimer slammed into Aipom, sending it flying.

“Aipom! Use Baton Pass!” Ash commanded. There was a loud pop, and Pikachu now stood on the field, and Aipom now perched on Ash’s shoulder. “You ought to know the drill by now, right buddy?” Ash asked his Pokemon. Pikachu smirked and leapt into the air to unleash a powerful Thunderbolt. Walimer was knocked out instantly. The defeated marine Pokemon was recalled, and its place was taken by Camerupt, the Eruption Pokemon.

Ash did a double take – it was a Camerupt, for sure, but it was black with yellow circles. Max took advantage of Ash’s distraction – “Camerupt! Go get ‘em with Earthquake!” Camerupt slammed its foot down on the ground, causing the field to rumble and shake loudly. Pikachu’s feet stood upon particularly unstable ground, and the field broke up underneath him, sending him high into the air and back down again. He hit with a sickening thud, but managed to stand back up.

“Are you alright?” Ash called nervously. After receiving confirmation, he continued. “Nail him with Iron Tail!” The electric mouse sped forward, leapt into the air off of a piece of angled turf, and slammed its now-glowing tail right between Camerupt’s eyes, before the camel could react. Camerupt bellowed, but more out of surprise then pain.

“Camerupt, use Eruption!” Max yelled. The Pokemon began to glow as it stored energy for the upcoming attack.

“Pikachu!” Ash called, “jump over its head to dodge the attack!” The mouse did as it was told and leapt into the air, over the camel’s back. That was a big mistake. Camerupt’s attack was fired at that moment, coming, not from its mouth, but from the hump-like volcanoes on its back. Pikachu was launched high into the air, taking more damage then the move was ever meant to cause. Before he could hit the ground, however, he was snatched by a red, rubber, extendable hand.

“Team Rocket!” Ash and Max yelled in unison at a Meowth and two tall adults wearing silver uniforms with red R’s on the fronts.

“Guilty as charged.” The Meowth said smugly.

“Prepare for some trouble, your Pokemon are now weak.” Said Jessie, the red-haired female.

“And with Pikachu, off we will sneak!” The wimpy, blue-haired James said, barely pulling off the rhyme.

“To protect the world from devastation,” Jessie said,

“To unite all people within our nation.” James concluded.

“To denounce the evils of truth and love,” Jessie said.

“To extend our reach to the stars above!” James rhymed.

“Jessie!” The woman yelled, striking a pose.

“James!” The man bellowed, sticking a rose in his mouth. “Wherever there’s peace in the-”

“NO!” Jessie yelled, cutting James off. “Has it REALLY been THAT long since we last did this one? Agh!”
“Well dere goes our entrance, guys-”Meowth began, only to be cut off by-

“Wobb-Buffet!” Yelled a blob like Psychic Pokemon prone to releasing itself.

“Be quiet you two!” Jessie ordered. “I’m trying to yell here! Anyway, James,” she said, turning towards him again, “after I say ‘To denounce the evils of truth and love,’ you would…say…uh…” Jessie trailed off, her face reddening.

“Hah!” James yelled triumphantly. “You don’t remember either! Where’s Miss Bossy-pants now?”

Meowth rolled his eyes as James continued to chide Jessie, and Jessie began yelling back. Then he realized something – the hand was no longer attached to the rod it fired from, and Pikachu was in the twerp’s arms. “Oh bugger.” He said to himself as the referee’s Honchcrow acquainted itself with the very pop-able balloon. The other Rockets were so busy yelling at each other, though, that they didn’t even realize what was happening. (Except for Wobbuffet, who screamed its name loudly while flying over the horizon, not straying from its constant routine at all.)

@=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=@

May and Dawn burst into laughter as the TV focused on the team’s “retreat”. “They haven’t changed,” May said between tears, “for three years. Still the same old disagreeable thieves. And still after Pikachu. Wow.”

“Oh?” Dawn asked, knowing that she had the girl trapped now, and there was nothing May could do about it.

“Yeah. Still after the same-” She stopped abruptly.

“So you do know Ash, huh?” Dawn asked, faking ignorance.

May merely grumbled in response.

“You know,” Dawn said, “you can be very similar to him sometimes.”

“Humph.”

“Why’d you leave him?” Dawn asked out of the blue.

“…I wanted to follow my rivals, and…he wanted to follow his.” May said, brushing only barely on the depth of the subject.

“You let him get away because you wanted to rope yourself into the monotony of facing the same people? Besides, after we met Paul, Ash told me he hadn’t really had a ‘real’ rival for two years.” Dawn said, trying to clarify May’s answer.

“Oh. Well, Max wanted to visit our parents, so we did, and when we came back, Ash had already left.” May lied, hoping the younger girl would just take her answer and stop asking about the painful subject.

“Oh, come on. That’s obviously a lie.” Dawn said. “Ash would have gone with you. And even if he hadn’t, he would have waited. Ash doesn’t just leave people like that.”

“Fine!” May yelled. “I’ll tell you! But if you ever tell anyone, I’ll…I’ll…” And she started crying. “Ok. There was this other guy that I liked too, called Drew. He had just lost to me in the Grand Festival. So he comes to me with puppy dog eyes, and asks me to go to Johto with him. Then Max declares that he’s gonna go back to Hoenn and start there. Finally, I went to talk to Ash about leaving. There was a whole lotta stress on me, and I took it poorly.

He was irritated when I mentioned Drew. I asked him if he had a problem with Drew, he said he did. I told him that I liked Drew, and he took it pretty hard. He told me that he regretted ever asking me to come to Kanto in the first place, for it was just keeping me away from my dream, and getting me to like Drew. He said that he was reminded of Gary every time he met Drew, and that it just made him feel sick. I told him that he was making me feel sick, and I left. This was after the contest we had. Now I really wish I hadn’t left him, because Drew’s true colors shined through soon enough. I really, really miss Ash, but I’m afraid he’ll turn me away. Happy now?” And tears began to drip down May’s face.

“Whoa, I didn’t mean to upset you.” Dawn said, truthfully. “Is there anything I can do?”

May looked up after a moment and said, “Put in a good word for me with Ash. Maybe that’ll let him come to forgive me eventually.”

“Dawn put on an evil smirk. “Tell you what. You invite this brother of yours to dinner. I’ll “just happen” to invite Ash. I can keep Max out of the way, and you’ll have your boyfriend all to yourself.”

“Deal, but just so you know, I don’t like Ash, Okay?” May said, blushing.

“Yeah, I can see that.” Dawn said sarcastically.

May chose to ignore her. “Look, they’re starting to battle again!”

@=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=@

“Aipom, let’s finish this!” Ash yelled, urging the monkey off of his shoulder. “Mix things up with Secret Power!” The Pokemon fired a strange blast from its tail, directly at Camerupt. The Camel seemed mostly unharmed. Last time I use that move. Ash thought to himself.

“Rock Slide!” Max yelled. The black camel neglected to move. Ash decided to press his advantage. He turned to Aipom and was about to issue a command, when something stopped him. The purple monkey was glowing a bright white. A bright flash lit the field, and then it was done. Aipom had evolved.

“It…evolved?” Ash asked stupidly. Standing where Aipom had been was a similar looking, slightly taller monkey that hardly differed from its original form. Except for the TAILS. Ash grinned.

“Ambipom.” The monkey said, nodding at Ash.

“So, that’s your new name?” The monkey nodded. “Cool. Start off with Swift!” Ambipom used its two tails to fire a double barrage of yellow stars at the shining Pokemon. Camerupt attempted to dodge the attack, but to no avail. It was hit by all of them, and knocked to the ground.

“Camerupt!” Max called. “Get up and use Flamethrower!” The Eruption Pokemon shot white hot flames out of its mouth, but its attack was cancelled out by another Swift from Ambipom.

“Ambipom, go hit him hard with Focus Punch!” Ash bellowed. Both of the monkey’s tails started glowing, and it ran towards the camel.

“Stop him in his tracks with Earthquake, Camerupt!” Max yelled. The Pokemon once again neglected to move, and Ambipom’s double Focus Punch connected with the side of the shining Pokemon. “Camerupt, use Eruption one last time!” Max called to his tired Pokemon. The volcanoes started glowing again, and Ash issued a command that ended the battle.
“Plug him up with Iron Tail!” Ambipom stuck his tails into the mouths of the volcanoes. Camerupt bellowed at the pressure building up inside it.
“No!” Max yelled, guessing what would happen if Camerupt couldn’t release the attack. “I forfeit!” and he called his Pokemon back.

@=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=@

Sorry about the shortness so far. I'm leaving for a week tomorrow, so I'm pretty busy. I hope that my explanation about why they fought works for you. It hard to write about, but it makes sense to me. Ask any questions you want, as long as they aren like "OMG what happns at teh end uv the fic?/" I'll only answer questions that don't reveal important future storyline. Next chapter might not come for as long as a week and a half... It may be summer, but I'm busy still...

BTW, did any of ya'll see the draw coming in the Festival? I needed a reason for May to stick around after the contest, so there we go.

 

[Panda]

Nice, that you started your own fic too, lord =)
everyone is trying to making his fic different from an other and I think you already did that with putting Dawn in it, good one. Dawn got also the same age as Max, something coming up? or just speculating,

Anyway nice start keep it up,

~Panda

 

[Seijiro Mafuné]

You call that 'short'? Jeez, that's about as equal as last chapter, if not longer!

Anyway, I think things warmed up a bit too fast this time, though I'm pretty sure you adapted that episode for your own making. That's nice, anyway. I think Ash and May are likely going to take a short while to actually stop hating themselves for that, but it'll eventually happen. And I also hope Dawn ends up happy, too! (Sorry, weak spot for her, favorite main character and all...)

But anyway, please do post more!

 

[PokeFreakJay]

interesting probly took a while to type it all

 

[Blazing Inferno]

Not bad at all. You've changed some things around, so it's different from most other fics I've read. A shiny Camerupt? I didn't expect that. Ambipom makes sense, and Gallade... That's where it's most similar to many fics. Most, if not all fics with Max as a trainer have him start with a Ralts (probably due to that episode in which he promises that he'll come back for Ralts).I guess it makes sense, though. The story's going a bit slow, but it's only the second chapter, so that's to be expected. 4.5/5

 

[PikamasterADV]

I was wondering why there was no Ambipom when Aipom initially came out...

This is awesome. I like it, there's lots of shippyness (lots more than in MY current story, anyway).

Please to be putting me on any sorta PM List. Please and thank you.

 

[Ash&May 4EVER]

Good plot, when does Brock make an entrance? I miss his ability to fall in love in first sight

 

[flamingoozaru]

Shipping senses tingling... So Dawn and Max are going to end up together? Team Rocket was so funny and the Gallade vs Sceptile is cool but the strange thing is, I was watching a Re-run today and you know what the episode was? The Ralts one. Anyway, the Max vs Ash battle and the May vs Dawn in both chapters was nice and the way you write the attacks are anime-ish, which should be a good thing right? If there is a PM list, can I be on it?

 

[Ash&May 4EVER]

Can i be on the PM list if thre is one?

 

[Lord Zant]

I got... Reviewed? Yay! Celebrate! I'm home again, and fairly sleepy. I've been staying up 'til about one the past week though, so I'll probably have a hard time falling asleep. I might post chapter 3 - watch this post.

Moving on. Some of you brought up Max x Dawn. To be honest, I was thinking about it, because I'm not quite sure what I think about Kengo yet, and I really dislike Paul. And I think she's a bit young for Ash. So if you like the idea, tell me. I'll try to add some in. Or if you'd rather have Kengo, I can put him in too.

Brock shows up pretty soon, Ash&May4EVER, I think the end of Chapter 3 or near the beginning of Chapter 4.

flamingoozaru, I just had to put Team Rocket in. They're also showing up in Chapter 3, but again in a quite minor role. They don't yet have much of a role, but I will tell you that they kinda cycle through their three mottos, depending on the region (or a whim).

I chose Max's pokemon by just sitting down with my brother's Emerald Version guidebook, and chose them, using only those Pokemon obtainable in Hoenn. ('Cept the Ivysaur.)I also didn't fully evolve them, to make him more like his mentor. (Ash.) And I am trying pretty hard to make the battles anime, but I'm also trying to make Ash/Max's quick, because I'm trying to pick up the pace of the story soon.

Panda, thanks for the review! I'm about to go chack up on your fic, along with Master in Training's.

PikamasterADV, YOU'RE reviewing? WOW! You're my favorite writer on Serebii and FanFiction combined! *Rambles like a fangirl* But anyway, I think you do have shipping in your fic, just more of an angsty kind. Thanks for dropping a positive review.

Serijio, is my explanation ok? Thanks once again for catching that. I'll try to make Dawn happy, just tell me your favorite Dawn related ship.

And finally, a public service oppertunity... What is a PM list, and how does it work? Is it just sending PM's to everyone when I make a new chapter? Or is it some nifty feature I am yet to discover... I'll PM ya'll when I edit this post with the next chapter, unless someone can tell me how PM lists work. *Blushes and looks away awkwardly*

 

[Seijiro Mafuné]

That's 'Seijiro' for you. And fine enough, I suppose... as for my choice, well, if you've watched 'Legend of Thunder' you'll have an idea of who he is (hint, hint... it involves a fully-evolved Fire-type).

As for a PM list, yeah, it's that. Just PM anyone who asks to be in it (or reviewers in general, whatever).

 

[Lord Zant]

Sorry. I'll try and get your name right next time. About the PM list - I guess I should have known about that, but I am pretty new, and I'm pretty tired. Sorry again.

I'll post the third chapter here when I'm done. It will be a longer one, most likely.

Edit - Sorry it's so late. I've been having a really busy week, and when you couple that with losing my draft of this chapter, it gets pretty hard to write. I hope this doesn't come out TOO cheesy, it's my first try at writing like this. Oh, and Pikamaster, ya i do leik bulbazaur.

BTW Seijiro, do you mean Jimmy? (I first thought you meant that you derived your name from said Pokemon/trainer – I spent a long while trying to figure out how “Seijiro” related to “Typhlosion”. Can you tell I’m tired?)I’m not quite sure how to write him, but I assure you that he does, kind-of, have a place in this fic. It probably isn’t going to be possible to pair him with Dawn, though, so any other ideas? If not, I’ll just slightly ship her with Max and/or Kengo.


Anyway,

Chapter 3 - The Telephone Game
Ash walked to the middle of the stadium, and allowed the official to grab his gloved hand and pull it into the air. “This year’s winner of the Johto Region Silver Conference is Ash Ketchum, from Pallet Town!” The striped man bellowed. At this announcement, a deafening roar swept through the stadium. Ash waved to the crowds as he called his Ambipom back to his Pokeball.

“And now,” The official yelled, “time for the award ceremony! Will all of the contestants come down to the… ah…field..?” He paused, looking amusedly at the remnants of the field around him. “For the presentation of the participants’ badges? And could I get the top four over here for a photo for the newspaper?”

@=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=@

Ash strolled into the Pokemon center just over an hour later, muttering something about overly picky photographers. He walked over the highly polished white floors and strolled over to a red and white desk sitting by the back wall. Sitting at the desk was an exhausted looking Nurse Joy.
“Welcome to our Pokemon center, please leave your Pokeballs on the desk and return in half an hour.” The Pokemon nurse said without looking up.

“A whole half an hour?” Ash asked incredulously.

“Due to the large demand at this time, we are very backed up. If you would prefer to take your Pokemon somewhere else, feel free to do so.” The red haired girl said with the air of having done so many times before in the past few days.

“Sorry Nurse Joy, I didn’t mean to be rude. I’d really appreciate it if you would heal my Pokemon.”

The nurse merely grunted in reply. Her eyes darted back to her computer, and Ash took this as his cue to leave. Once outside the Center, Ash lost his remorseful demeanor. Aw man, now I’ve gotta burn a whole hour! There’s nothing to do around here. Then it came to him. Dawn! She talks so much, she’ll probably take all the time up without even letting me talk! Plus I get to hear how her match went! The trainer quickly whipped out his Pokenav and dialed his friend’s number.

@=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=@
“Riiiiiiinnng!” Dawn’s Pokenav screamed, waking her from her daydream. The girl quickly pulled it from her purse, and fumbled with it for a second, dropping it. May reached down to grab it, and, realizing that it was about to go drop the call, answered it.

“Dawn’s communicator, may I help you?” May asked. She paused for a second, and became a sickly white color. “J-just a sec.” She gestured violently for Dawn to take the phone.

Dawn, knowing who it was, set the Pokenav on her bed, grinned devilishly, and pushed the speakerphone. “Hello?”

“Hello? Dawn? This is Ash. How are you? How did your match go? Tell me about it!” Ash said over the Pokenav.

“Ok. I was up against a nice girl, called May, from Petalburg, Hoenn. She’s the one that answered the ‘nav. Anyway, I was using Empoleon, and she was using a Blaziken. I had a type advantage, and I grew overconfident. I was in the lead until she pulled a couple of Thunderpunches on me. We drew, and the rematch is in three weeks. That’s got to be a record, huh?” Dawn finished.

All Dawn heard in reply was a loud mumbling.

“Something wrong?” Dawn asked, knowing full well what was up. “You see, normally you don’t act all grumbly like that unless you’ve suffered an emotional shock.”

“Humph.”

“What, do you know this May from somewhere?” Dawn asked, deciding to play it innocent.

“Possibly. Do you wanna hear about my match?” Ash asked, desperate to change the subject.

Dawn ignored him. “Because May just grumbles when I mention you, and between the two of you, it’s like talking to a wall.”

“Okay. I know May from my travels in the Hoenn region, and my Battle Frontier challenge. She was a really nice girl that I kind of mentored, similar to how I helped you. Okay?”

“Alright.” Dawn said, while shooting May a pointed look.

“So anyway,” Ash said, trying to steer the conversation away from the present subject, “my match went well, I was up against a guy called Max, from Petalburg.”

“Would that be Max, May’s nerdy younger brother?” Dawn asked with a smirk, having successfully brought the conversation back to May. “We were talking about him during the match, and almost forgot to pay attention to the screen.”

No reply.

“Well anyway, from what you’ve said so far, I’d assume you’ve lost. You are avoiding the subject of your opponent and his relatives so skillfully, after all.” Dawn knew she had pushed the “Ego” button.

“No!” Ash exploded, “I’m just avoiding them because… This all stays with you, okay? NEVER tell ANYONE.”

“Okay.” Dawn said, smirking at May, who was looking expectantly at the Pokenav as if it governed her future.

“Alright. I’m avoiding them because it’s really my fault they left Brock and me. I… Said some things I shouldn’t have. I was a jerk. It doesn’t surprise me, looking back, that she left. Definitely not my finest hour. So she got mad at me and left for the Johto region with a guy called Drew.” Near the end, Ash’s voice began to tremble, and he felt his eyes watering.

“Ash?”

“Yeah Dawn?” The trainer asked in a wavering voice.

Ash heard a deep intake of breath. “Actually, it’s me, May. Dawn had the phone on speaker the whole time. I’m not sure she realized, though.” May added, so as to not get Dawn in trouble. “But look. What happened was totally not your fault. I was under stress, and it blew on you. I really am sorry. Will you forgive me?”

“May… I can never forgive you for something you didn’t do. I chose to say what I did. It was the worst part of my life. You had nothing to do with what I said, I just didn’t think very highly of Drew at the time. I hope, however, that you can forgive me. I have carried this guilt for too long, and I promise I will never bother you again after this.”

“Stop! You’re being so… so… STUPID! Stop blaming yourself! It really was my-”

“May. I think we both have been beating ourselves up for so long that we have completely forgotten my-” Ash paused, and changed his mind at a grunt from May. “OUR wrongs. We both were overreacting, and we both were impolite. I forgive you for your part, and I would like to take back what I said about Drew and you, both. I didn’t really mean it. Will you forgive me?”

“Not yet!”

“Oh. I guess I’ll just…” Ash said, tears dripping down his face.

“Oh, sorry. This is Dawn again. I think you guys are so cheesy. It’s pretty funny. And I think she forgives you. She’s sitting here crying. You two are quite the couple, with all the “Oh, it’s my fault”, “no, it’s mine”… You two can be very much alike.”

“Dawn?” May asked.

“Yeah?”

“I’m gonna turn this thing to regular volume. I’m not through with Ash yet. And I don’t want you hearing what we say here.” May then returned her attention to Ash, and cleared her throat. “Look… I know you probably never want to see me again, but listen. I’m getting kinda hungry, and I bet you are too, after your battle.”

“I do wanna see you again. I really, really do. But I’m not sure that I trust myself anymore. I think YOU would be better off going with Drew. He’s always been nice to you.” Ash said.

“Drew is no longer in my life. I kicked him out long ago. I have come to agree with you on that subject; he got really mean after I beat him too many times. Do you think that maybe… we could… get dinner, or something? Dawn, Max, and I are going to some place up in Goldenrod, so maybe you could come too…” May suggested quietly.

“I’d… I’d…”

“What, got a photo shoot?” May said provocatively.

“NO! I’m just forming words in an intense social situation. So, I’d love to. Thank you very much for forgiving me, I’ll try very hard not to ever be mean to you ever again. You mean more to me than you could ever know… Why don’t I find the restaurant, to give Max some time to get ready? I’m already set for the town, ‘cause I’m getting my Pokemon healed right now.”

“Okay. How about you come to the Magnet train station in half an hour?”

“Sounds good.” Ash said.

Bye!” May said, elation in her voice that had not been heard in a long time.

*Click*

Max sprung to attention as the Pokenav he had been playing Pong on rang loudly. He fumbled with it for a second, but finally pushed the little green button that answered the call. Why do they make such an important button so small? He thought to himself. “Hello?” He said into the receiver.

“Max? It’s me, May!” an exuberant voice declared.

“Are you sure?” Max teased. “MY sister hasn’t sounded that happy since we traveled with Brock and Ash.”

“Max, if I were there, I would hit you sooo hard…”

“Chill, sis.” Max said nervously. “Just messin’ with you. So tell me, what makes you so happy? Did you win?”

“No, I drew. But that’s not the important part. I got us a dinner plan in Goldenrod. And guess who’s gonna be there? Ash!” May yelled, not wanting to wait for Max to answer. “One of his friends will be there also, Dawn, from Sinnoh. She’s about the same age as you, and she traveled with Ash through the Sinnoh region. I tied with her in the Festival.”

“Wait. Let me get this all straight. You tied in the Festival.”

“Yep.”

“You are coming here.”

“Uh-huh.”

“You’ve set up a date with Ash and decided to drag me along.”

“MAX!”

“Just joking!” Max squealed. He was still afraid of his sister when she was mad.

“Max,” May said sweetly, “If you don’t stop your “Funnies”, then I will inform mom of your unsatisfactory sanitary conditions. You’ll have to go home, and Mom’ll never get off your case. Is that what you want?”

“N-no…” Max mumbled, shaken by the seriousness of his sister’s threat.

“Then apologize. Now.”

“Sorry…”

“Good.” May said, her voice acting as if nothing had happened, once more exuberant sounding. “So in summary, be ath the magnet train station in half an hour. Ash, Dawn, and I will meet you there. Okay?”

“Alright…” Max mumbled, still disturbed by the prospect of going home forever.

“By the way Max, nice match.” May said, trying to get on his good side again. “You fought really well. If Aipom hadn’t evolved, you would have won.”

“I bet you’ll say differently when your talking to ‘cuuute Ash-y’!”

“What did you just say?”

“Uh… Bye!”

*Click*

Max exploded into action. He had under half an hour to shower, brush his teeth, change his clothes (don’t ask), and get to the train station. His campsite must also be squeaky clean, in case May came for a visit after dinner. He really didn’t want to get stuck in Petalburg.

@=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=@

 

[String Bean]

i'd like to be on the PM list as well.

 

[Ash&May 4EVER]

Good chap, although i feel like it's a bit rushed. like ur fic so far, can't wait for more

 

[Eragon]

Hi. I've been reading this fic for a while now, and I must say, it's a pretty good fic. I agree with Ash&May4EVER that it is a little bit rushed, but other than that, it's an outstanding fic overall. I'd give it a 9-9.5/10.

Also, I'd like to be on the PM list, too.