Trials of the Elite Four(AAMAYL/AdvanceShipping)

[Master_in_Training]

EF77: Futility

Meowth kept shooting uneasy glances at May. He knows how much the events would hurt May, who was the one who would do anything to help her friend. Pichu, on the other hand, kept crawling outside, towards its idol, Charizard. The latter, who was standing guard so no other Charizard would see them, was slightly annoyed. Every time Pichu walked up to him, Charizard gently pushed Pichu back into the cave with a swipe of his tail.

Charizard's plan? He has to wait until it is dark, when most of the Charizard are asleep. Then he will fly May, Pichu and Meowth to the entrance to the Valley. There, he will notify Lisa, who can take them to safety.

---

May and Meowth both fell asleep waiting for nightfall. Charizard woke them up in a snap, and he took them out of the crevice. But first, of course, he looked around to make sure the coast is clear. Charizard(Get on...)

His charges got on his back. With a silent swoosh of his wings, Charizard takes off. He flew low over the canyon, heading northwards. May looked around, getting a better view of the surroundings.

Multiple Zard were dotted here and there, at the faces of the cliffs around them. Just as their own Charizard said, they were all asleep. May was uneasy, as, any moment, the Pokemon will awaken, and they will start chasing them again.

All seems safe for them, until May sensed stirring from one Charizard, then another. Charizard growled low, cursing his bad timing. He flapped his wings harder, to make them go faster, but wrong move, as it alerted more Charizard!

The hostile Pokemon are enraged that one of their own kind is helping an intruder. They started their chase on their traitor, and his passengers. This brought fear into May's heart, not because of the danger they were in, but the danger Charizard is putting himself into for them.

Ash's Charizard is notably the fastest in the Valley, but that doesn't mean the other Zards are gaining on them. May and Meowth hugged Charizard's back harder as he sped in the direction of the Valley's entrance, which, to them, is like a million miles still!

Suddenly, their flight path is blocked by a Charizard who came from the opposite direction! Ash's Charizard braked so suddenly, that May and Meowth were reeled slightly forward. Fortunately, they didn't fall off, but, in the confusion, Ash's hat fell to the ground.

Pichu tried going after it, but Meowth held it by the tail so it won't. Charizard scowled, seeing themselves surrounded. He slowly landed on the ground, and motioned for his passengers to get off.

"Oh, man," Meowth groaned. "How are we going to get out of this?"

Charizard took his charges right behind him as they were backed against a cliff wall. He scowled at the other advancing Zard. Charizard(I hope you guys know how to get out of here into thin air, 'cause that may be the only way for you to escape...)

These words brightened up Meowth's face. 'Of course!' "Twerpette, the G. S. Ball! It took us here, and it will get us out!"

May quickly rummaged in her pockets, and took out the Pokeball. Charizard stared curiously at it, confused as to what Meowth meant. Just as she took out the G. S. Ball, it started to glow again.

"Yes, it's working!" Meowth exclaimed. "We're outta here!"

"Wait!" May suddenly shouted, shielding her eyes from the glaring lights of the G. S. Ball. She handed it, and Pichu, to Meowth, then turned to Ash's Charizard. "You have to come with us, Charizard!"

"No, twerp-UMMPH!" May gagged Meowth with her free hand as she continued.

"Charizard, you have to come with us," she repeated. "Ash needs you, really bad. You're the only one left that can help him!"

Charizard(I can't go. I have some things to take care of here. I'll be there for Ash when-)

Without thinking, Meowth interrupted him. "Listen, you won't be able to stay any longer- Ooops... Shouldn't have said that!"

For the first time, Charizard turned away from his kin, to face Meowth. Charizard(What do you mean?)

It was like May understood Charizard's words. "Charizard... You're going to... Die..." Charizard turned to her, puzzled. "We came from the future, Charizard, and there you were dead... Protecting an intruder... Me and Meowth..."

Charizard was stunned. Meowth sighed. "Might as well, now that you know everything. The twerpette's right. You are going to die, which, I presume, is after we leave on this," he shortly finished, holding out the G. S. Ball. It is vibrating uncontrollably in his grasp.

The capture mechanism glowed, and it projected a beam against the wall behind them. From the beam,a large black-hole like thingamajig appeared. It's sweeping them like a vacuum, but May held onto Charizard. "Please!" May insisted, nearly in tears. "You have to come with us!"

Charizard stared into May's eyes for a second, before turning away to face the other Zard. Charizard(I can't... I can't leave...)

"Why not?" Meowth spoke up, holding May's hand, trying to pull her into the wormhole. On his other hand is a flying(due to the wormhole, weightless) Pichu clinging, in turn, to the G. S. Ball.

Charizard(I have a family here. I can't leave them now that the other Zard here think of me a traitor...)

"Then we should take them with- Oh, wait, I don't think we have enough time! Yeeeowch!" Meowth shouted. May kept on holding to Charizard, while the vacuum of the wormhole is now pulling Meowth. He's beginning to feel like a rope at a tug-of-war.

Charizard closed his eyes, then he put a hand to May's, which was holding him. With one grip, he made May let go, much to the latter's worst fear. Charizard(Tell Ash... Tell Ash that I promise I'll always be there for him... And this time, I promise you, too...)

"NO!" May shrieked, but it was too late. The wormhole sucked her and Meowth back to present time, leaving the doomed Pokemon behind. But as he watched the wormhole disappear little by little, he saw Ash's hat fly past him going into the wormhole as well. Charizard grabbed it, and held it hard, not letting go. Then he turned to the other Charizard.

Zard#1(What have you done?! You brought humans to this Valley?! That is unacceptable!)

Charizard(What makes you think that that human I helped was no different from the ones who broke in before?!)

Zard#2(That doesn't matter. Humans are no different from one another...)

Charizard snorted. Charizard(That's what you get for living in this Valley for too long! Humans are not all the same! Yes, there are evil humans who care only for themselves, but there is still some good in them left. As a matter of fact, I know two certain bad humans that have since turned good.)

The largest Zard in the group, is the most violent, yet he seems to be the leader. Zard#3(That's enough. We took you in as a member of our kind. And now you turn that away just to protect humans? You are a disgrace!)

Charizard flexed his muscles, and scowled at the speaker. Charizard(Look who's talking. For someone who grew up in the wild, it's highly likely that you have that view of humans.)

Zard#3(HOW DARE YOU! You filthy HALFBREED!)

These last words are the last straw, infuriating Ash's Charizard. He doesn't deny it, but he doesn't like being called that way, either. The last thing we see is an angry Charizard flying straight towards the others, not knowing if he'll survive or not.

CONTINUED...

[Ze Skarmory]

Finally, I managed to get on.

ZOMG! Ash lost. Poor Pikachu. Hopefully he won't go emo.

I always did think that the GS ball had some sort of special power.

Pichu seemed to have his moment here. Or maybe Dialga has done something to help them.

So MAY was the intruder? I was thinking how it was May when Charizard died, but May was with Ash when he died. So I thought it might have been someone else.

Pichu probaly thought this was all a game.

I wonder what sort of paradoxes this will make.

[Necroexodia]

nice chapter, i hope Charizard won't die again, he owns, can't wait for more

[flamingoozaru]

EF75: Wow, Sceptile vs Tyranitar was intense! And Ash might have won if he didn't spam Sceptile's Frenzy Plant. And Pikachu did quite well to a Salamence/Shinny Charizard.

EF76:Oh my god... Ash lost... So that means that he has to give up his pokemon! And looks like May, Pichu and Meowth got Celebi'ed! And Mask got Dialga? That's not good, wonder what the barrier did, allowed them to return here? Really bad case of irony too, I can't believe that May got Charizard killed! I wonder if Ash will be so mad at her, that's not good for the advanceshipping!

EF77: And Charizard now knows everything before he dies. Man, I thought that May would like drag him into the warp and get him to battle for Ash again. Or maybe May changed the timeline and Charizard flew up and survived! I really wonder if May changed anything... And the people who broke in before, Ash right?

[Master_in_Training]

-You guys are forgetting something. Ash's hat. They(or more specifically, Pichu) took it with them, but left it behind!
EF78: One More Chance

Meowth landed softly on Ash and May's bed, only to be followed by May landing on top of him and Pichu. At the same time, Misty opened the door to their room to find all four, plus Ash, who just woke up from his sleep.

"What happened?" Misty asked. She ran in, followed by Brock and Richie.

"We heard that there were strange lights coming from here," the latter added. "What happened?" he repeated Misty's words.

"No- Nothing," May stuttered, tears running down her cheeks. She crawled out of the bed, ran into Brock, and left the room hurriedly. She even forgot Pichu, who was still holding onto the G. S. Ball. It was also sad, for leaving its favorite acessory in the past.

Everyone was puzzled, except for Meowth. He knew exactly what was troubling May. 'We travelled to the past, only to find out it was we who killed Charizard,' he thought sadly. Ash just scratched his head, oblivious as to what just happened. But he saw May leave, and forgetting to take Pichu with her meant something's bothering her.

---

Meanwhile, Toxicroak was found at the foot of a tree, who seems to be inspecting a small dug pit. At the bottom of the pit, is a dirtied dirty magazine, above another, and another! Sceptile, who was on top of the aforementioned tree, was curious as to the contents of the pit.

The Forest Pokemon jumped down to get a closer look. However, the other Pokemon was too fast, and he covered the pile with loam. But Sceptile managed to take one of them out of the pit. He took one look at it, and his face screwed.

Sceptile(What are these?)

Toxicroak(Nothing... Just some things I took away from Brock...)

Blaziken then walked up to them. Blaziken(What are you two doing?)

Sceptile(Nothing, nothing!)

Blaziken eyed her boyfriend suspicously. She peered around Sceptile, and saw a magazine. She snatched it away, then took a good look at it. Her eyes screwed(as well), then stole a look at Sceptile, who was covering his face in shame. Blaziken(You escape from the Pokemon Center, risking your health, for THIS?) Reaching for her boyfriend's ears for another Fire Pinch, she dragged him in the direction of the Center. (I'm taking you back there, even if I have to drag you all the way!)

Sceptile flinched at the hot, searing pain coming from the ear Blazike was pulling on. Sceptile(Ow- Ow, OW! Come on, woman, it's not my fault! Oh, I swear, I'm going to shave that womanizing pervert of a breeder bald when I get out!)

It looked like Toxicroak was just simply amused, or is it just the goofy smile on his face again? Toxicroak(Huh, now why didn't I think of that? Oh, wait, I don't have sharp blades for hands...) However, all the Pokemon's attention were diverted to a figure racing towards them from the hotel.

May stopped at the foot of a tree in the park. There she let out all her sadness, much to the concern of the Pokemon there. Blaziken and Sceptile stopped their tug-of-war. The former approached her trainer, and May went into her Pokemon's arms, still crying.

Blaziken(May...)

"May..." The voice belonged to Hikari, who walked right over, with Empoleon. May turned around, wiping her tears in the process. However, Hikari can tell something's bothering her friend. "What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry, I just-" May tried avoiding eye contact with the other female, but it only revealed her sadness more. "Hikari, how do you feel if you want to help someone, then find out that you only made it worse?"

"Huh." Hikari screwed her face, lost in thought. "I don't know. It never happened to me, yet, I think... Why?"

"It's because..." She was cut off by the sight of Ash, who followed her from the hotel. Hugging the side of his face, as usual, is Pichu. May turned around again, facing opposite Hikari and Ash, who walked up beside her. "Ash, I'm sorry..."

"Huh?" Ash said, confused. "What for, May?"

"About Charizard. I- I-" May broke off, not wanting to continue. She sadly turned, and looked out to sea. The sun is just rising. Is it her imagination, or is there something specked against the sunrise heading right here? It was no imagination. As a matter of fact, not one speck is visible, but two!

The specks grew larger as they approached. At this point Ash and Hikari have noticed them as well. The former recognized the first new arrival, just as she landed on the park close to them. It was Charla, and riding her is Lisa, warden of the Charicific Valley!

The second arrival is also a Charizard. He is different from Charla, that he has scars and bruises around his body. The most prominent of them is a large diagonal gash that went through his right eye, to the top of his snout. Something about this Charizard stirred Ash's heart.

"Sorry," Lisa apologized for no reason at all, getting off Charla. "We made it here as fast as we can. Are we too late?"

"Huh?" Ash asked. "Too late for what?"

Lisa scoffed. "Too late for what?" she repeated. "For your battle, of course! What else do you think we-"

"Oh, LISA! You are the-" The interruption was, of course, Brock, who sped from the hotel just as soon as they arrived. Fortunately, Toxicroak was there, so he was restrained(or, more likely, paralyzed).

After that, Ash turned back to Lisa. "What are you doing here?" he repeated. "Too late for what battle?"

Lisa stepped up to him, and looked Ash straight in the eyes. "You kidding me? I went to all the trouble of finding this place, and this is the sort of thanks I get?" Lisa turned to the scarred Charizard. "Your battle against Drake, of course! You don't think your own Charizard would miss it for the world, will he?"

"WHAT?!!!!" was the single word that came out of everyone's mouths, including Brock, that immediately lost his paralysis due to the shocking news. Ash turned back to the Charizard. Take away all those scars, and you will definitely get Ash's faithful Pokemon! He was completely flabbergasted, and Charizard was a bit miffed that his trainer didn't recognize him immediately.

Charizard(Just keeping two promises...) He stared at Ash, then at May. But the two were just speechless.

It was Lisa's turn to raise an eyebrow. 'What's wrong with all these people?' "You sound like you've seen a ghost or something..."

'She doesn't know how right she is,' Misty thought.

May walked up to Ash's Charizard. There was no doubt that this is the very Charizard that helped her and Meowth get away from the Charicific Valley. 'But how could it-?'

"Oh, by the way," Lisa interrupted her thoughts, rummaging in her backpack, "I don't know how it got there, but your Charizard has it this whole time." From the pockets of her bag she took out Ash's hat! Pichu eyed it with glee, and jumped from Ash's face to grab it. "I guess that answers my question as to who it belongs to..."

Ash wasn't listening. He locked eyes-to-eye with his Charizard. The latter knew what the situation is, and turned around, stretching his wings. This is a signal for Ash to get on. Our hero got on, and, with a "I'll be back," he took off with Charizard.

The dragon Pokemon flew over Evergrande City, the distance between the trainer hotel and the historic stadium. As if on cue, Ash and Charizard found Drake waiting for them on the roof of the stadium. Charizard landed ten feet away from him, and Ash got off. The two eyed the Elite apprehensively.

"I was hoping that you'd come," Drake said, not faltering from Ash and Charizard's gaze. "And I see, that you've found your champion, Ash..."

"Yeah," Ash said curtly. "I don't know how it happened, but I'm here to-"

"Challenge me for a rematch?" Drake suddenly said, reading his thoughts. The camera pans over in the distance, so we can't hear what they're saying.

Hidden below them, Mask is listening to every word they were saying(lucky him). "This," he said, with a strange smile underneath his face, "will be interesting."


---

May glanced down at her hands, watching Pichu savor Ash's hat, as usual. She smiled weakly, thinking all this would not have been possible if it weren't for Pichu. The baby is the one who acyivated the G. S. Ball, sending them back in time.

Meowth, who was right beside them, snickered. He must have read through May's thoughts. "That is one special Pichu you got there, twerpette," he quipped. "I feel so proud to become its GodMeowth. Which reminds me..." He lowered his voice, so only May will hear. "How did it happen? I thought Charizard was done for when we left him..."

May smiled, holding Pichu closer. "Remember what you said? A little thing changed in the past will alter the future." She raised Pichu above her head, who, in turn, held the hat over his head. "We left this hat in our hurry. Ash's Charizard must have held on to it, and-"

"It reminded him of his trainer, enough to give him a will to live." Meowth's eyes watered. "That's the best form of loyalty ever..."

The talking among the trainers present was interrupted by the return of Ash and Charizard. May ran over to him, and popped the first question that came to her mind. "Where did you go? What happened?"

Ash had his head bowed, so May couldn't see his face at first. Then, he looked directly into her eyes, and she could see a fire in his eyes. "Drake accepted my rematch. It will be a one-on-one. I will be using Charizard. He'll be using-" Ash paused, thinking for a second. "He didn't tell me yet."

"When will the battle take place, Ash?" Brock spoke up.

"In five days. I will be training Charizard hard then." Charizard gave a roar of approval. "We'll be seeing you guys until then..."

Ash turned around to get on Charizard again, but Misty stopped him. When he turned around again, she asked, "And where do you think you're going?"

"You really think we'll let you off that easy?" Brock added.

"What do you mean, guys?"

"We'll help with the training," Hikari answered, having the same train of thought as everyone present. "That's much better than going off alone in a mountain, you know. And besides," she added, winking at May, "you can't leave her behind."

Both Ash and May blushed, and Charizard, who was between them, snickered. Meowth rolled his eyes, seeing Charizard didn't lose his sense of humor. He whispered, "It's nice to have you back."

CONTINUED...
-Now you guys know what(or who) Ash's choice is.

[Necroexodia]

WOW! That was a really good chapter, wonder who Drake will be using, Pichu is so clever, going back in time and altering the future.

So Ash's hat was what helped Charizard? cool, can't wait for more

[flamingoozaru]

I think I know what Mask barrier did, it stopped the time alteration of the city, so Ash and everyone in Ever Grande City kept their memories (specially important to those who knew that Charizard died) kept his memory of Charizard dying from before. So in the real version, Pichu did not left the hat behind, causing Charizard to not have the will to live, making him die. And yay, for Charizard being back! The elemental Hyper Beam team is still the three 2nd Stages then.

[Master_in_Training]

-Here's a clue to Drake's Pokemon. I don't need a spoiler tag, as it's in a riddle, sort of.
"It happened once at the beginning of the Battle Frontier, and once again at the end."
If you figured it out, good, I hope you won't hate me for it for I think it's the perfect way to end an Elite Four battle. If not, eh(shrugs).
EDIT: Once again, Oozaru, you saw right through me.

[Ze Skarmory]

You know, if it wasn't for what Oozaru said, I would have ranted about the whole thing that you can't change that unless you change that and saying how that's physically impossible because of that, and this, and blah blah blah.

Where did Pikachu go? There wasn't one mention about him.

Hehehehe, Brock's magezines gets another one in trouble.

[Master_in_Training]

You know, if it wasn't for what Oozaru said, I would have ranted about the whole thing that you can't change that unless you change that and saying how that's physically impossible because of that, and this, and blah blah blah.

-You lost me on... Eh, actually, I didn't understand what you said.

Where did Pikachu go? There wasn't one mention about him.

-All the Pokemon used by Ash against Drake(except for hospital-hating Sceptile) are still in treatment.

Hehehehe, Brock's magezines gets another one in trouble.

-Call it Brock-bashing if you may. At least Sceptile's reaction to THEM are not as traumatic as three I don't want to mention...

[Ze Skarmory]

-You lost me on... Eh, actually, I didn't understand what you said.

Just time traveling theories, ideas, etc. Something I picked up near third gradish by reading some book.

-All the Pokemon used by Ash against Drake(except for hospital-hating Sceptile) are still in treatment.

Sceptile is gonna have to go there, he has a burned ear now

-Call it Brock-bashing if you may. At least Sceptile's reaction to THEM are not as traumatic as three I don't want to mention...

I wonder how Pichu might react if he (or was it she?) saw them.

EDIT: Yay! New rank.

[Master_in_Training]

EF79: Training Daze

FIRST DAY: Pichu should be on one side of the screen, holding a card with the number 1. The card's there, but where is Pichu?

Ash and Charizard are seen flying twenty rounds from Evergrande City to Lilycove and back! The purpose of this is to enhance Charizard's stamina in battle. It was uneventful, however, there was a little stowaway...

"ACK! Pichu!" The baby mouse was hiding in the lapel of Ash's jacket. It jumped out, and ran to the top of Charizard's head before the trainer could grab him. Pichu was carried by the wind, falling off Charizard!

Both Ash and Charizard's eyes bulge comically, and the latter swooped in below to catch Pichu. Ash and Charizard heaved huge sighs of relief. But then, Pichu, having fun from what happened, tried it again and again, and again! Ash and Charizard's round just got more exhausting!

Charizard(You really should have Health Insurance for this kid!)

---

2ND DAY: Pichu holds out a card with the number 2 written on it. Suddenly, Sceptile's Frenzy Plant vines crept up behind him and grabbed the card. Pichu spent the rest of his segment chasing after the thieves.

During the round trip between Lilycove and Evergrande, Ash noticed Charizard's flying was a bit off. An expert medical exam by Nurse Joy reveals that the flying-type Pokemon was still suffering from minor internal injuries in the wings.

Taking no chances, Ash had to have Charizard's wings treated, much to the latter's chagrin. He has to be bound to a stretcher. And, only with the combined strength of fellow starters Feraligatr and Sceptile would the doctor able to treat him.

Sceptile flexed his fingers while Feraligatr is holding Charizard down. Sceptile(Just give me a few moments, and I'll have Frenzy Plant ready to ho-)

The Forest Pokemon was interrupted, however, by a Fire Pinch at the ear again. Blaziken dragged him off, in(would you believe?!) concern. Blaziken(Don't you dare use that attack right in front of me. What happens if you get stroked again?)

Sceptile(Oh, GEEZ! I hate to see what you do to people you hate!)

Feraligatr sighed. Charizard was still squirming on the stretcher from the larger Pokemon's hold. However, he froze when Pichu jumped, landing on his snout. Charizard exchanged the baby, with hard and innocent stares, respectively. The fire Pokemoin grumbled, and he stopped struggling.

The doctor, with some assistance from Brock, was able to apply anesthesia via syringe, much to Charizard's dismay.

---

THIRD DAY: Pichu holds out the 3 card, then was washed away by water from one side.

Still recovering from treatment, Charizard is now back at the park. Another day, another bad luck, for him. To test, and improve, his endurance, Ash had asked the help of his friends. The test? Charizard has to endure all the Water Gun attacks of the water Pokemon that volunteered!

Ash and May's Squirtle, Brock's Swampert, Hikari's Empoleon, Sheila's Swampert, Ash's Feraligatr and Lapras, Misty's Politoed, all doused, and bathed, Charizard. The latter wasn't exactly thrilled at the training, but all he could do is grumble. Pichu decided to help out, and, minutes later, was carrying, with difficulty, a bucket full of water. The baby tried pouring the contents top Charizard's tail, or, more specifically, its flame.

The Flame Pokemon just realised what Pichu was about to do, and he snorted a powerful puff of smoke from his nose, blowing Pichu away! The baby rolled backwards on the ground. When he stopped, he saw the turned bucket beside him. Pichu's lips quivered, then began to cry!

"Charizard!" Ash bellowed. May picked up the crying Pichu. "What did you do that for? You know that Pichu was only trying to help!"

The fire-type wasn't pleased at everyone's action towards him. Charizard(Great, just great. I was the one who was almost killed, and everyone's mad at me!)

May cradled the still-crying Pichu in her arms. "There, there, the mean dragon didn't mean it..." Pichu's tears dried up, but was still sniffling. "I should be putting you to sleep, anyway..." May walked back in the direction of the hotel.

Ash, meanwhile, was still looking sternly at Charizard. The "training bath" is still underway, and Brock's Swampert is seen flirting with Sheila's Marshtomp(uh-oh). Likewise, Brock is seen flirting with Marshtomp's trainer. To compensate, Toxicroak was seen dragging both of them away. He had a little problem with the latter, as Swampert is resistant to his signature Poison Jab, but, eventually, the Poison Mouth prevailed.

Feraligatr, meanwhile, instead of helping, was sneezing. It seems that he still has a cold. Ash's Squirtle(You're not helping out at all...)

Feraligatr(Can't help it. I- I- A- ACHOOO!) Instead of the gooey substance, the Big Jaw sprayed Charizard with a sudden burst of Hydro Cannon! Feraligatr sheepishly wiped his nose with a finger. Feraligatr(Wow. Wha'd ya know? I learned Hydro Cannon again!)

Charizard rose from his fallen position. It turns out that he was right in the line of fire of the elemental Hyper Beam, and he's not exactly happy about it! Feraligatr(Uh-oh...) The rest of the day was spent with Charizard chasing after Feraligatr, trying to tear him apart. At least he got another form of training...

---

Meanwhile, in Ash and May's hotel room...

May playfully swung Pichu around in the air, to cheer the Pokemon up, before setting it on the bed. "You really shouldn't do anything anymore," May said to the baby. "You saved Charizard's life. Ash is happy enough with you as he already is..." Pichu clapped at these words, apparently pleased with itself. May winked at it, then went into the bethroom to change into sleepwear.

Pichu stole an innocent glance at May's fanny, which is right next to him, again. But Pichu's attention was averted by another object. There, on Ash's desk drawer, is the G. S. Ball. Pichu crawled towards the magical artifact, but stopped short, due to the distance between the bed and the drawer.

The baby Pokemon sat down on the edge of the bed, thinking of some way to reach the Pokeball. While it's still thinking, May stepped out of the bathroom, wearing her green nightgown.

May smiled at the thinking expression on Pichu's face. 'That's cute,' she thought, as she put Pichu into her arms. May sat down on the bed, and grabbed the G. S. Ball. She gave it to Pichu, who gladly took it.

---

FOURTH DAY: The number 4 card is laid motionless on one side. Pichu appears across the screen, pulling on a rope. The rope snaps, and he rolls forward. When he stopped, he's dizzy and all...

This time the training started very, very early. Ash is going to improve Charizard's strength. For this, he called out all of his heaviest Pokemon: Snorlax, 2 Tauros and Donphan. Brock also called over his Steelix and the Pewter Gym's Golem, Misty her Gyarados, and Gary his Blastoise.

Ash tied one end of a rope around Charizard. The rope was then tied to the different Pokemon. The trial is for Charizard to pull the hardest on the rope, carrying the weight of all the Pokemon with him.

The tug-of-war didn't start off too well. Charizard, still recovering from his treatment two days before, was still feeling weak. He immediately collapsed from just the weight of Donphan! Ash immediately ran to his fallen Pokemon.

"Are you alright?" Ash asked. The reply was a swift Ember, blackening the trainer's face. "I'll take that as a neither," he muttered, puffing out smoke.

Ash, however, doesn't give up. He had Charizard try it again and again. People may think that this is being a little harsh on Ash's part, but Charizard doesn't mind. He, too, was determined to get through this exercise.

---

From the Evergrande Stadium, Drake was watching the training very carefully. He is accompanied by the rest of the Elite Four Ash has faced in this competition: Prima, Bertha and Bruno.

"He seems pretty determined to beat you this time," Bruno commented. In the distance, he saw Charizard fly a few feet off the ground, dragging the Pokemon with him, but immediately dropped back to solid ground.

"Good," Drake said shortly. "I don't want to fight him in a weak state. That Pokemon... It's the strongest he has... I am looking forward to our battle." He had in his hand a Master Ball. "I will be using the Pokemon that saved my life all those years ago."

The others were taken aback. "Do you really think that Pokemon is appropriate for this battle?" Bertha spoke up. "That Pokemon-"

"Is perfect for a battle just like this," Drake finished for her, though that wasn't what Bertha wanted to say. "A true test for Ash's skills as a Pokemon trainer..."

CONTINUED...

[Ze Skarmory]

Hehe. Pichu is holding up cards for each day. That's creative.

First day seems to be annoying. Oh well, at least it helps.

Haha, Charizard is hospital-hating just like Sceptile.

Charizard almost gets killed and he gets punished >_> To bad it's hard to resist Pichu's charm for him to not be on the innocent side.

Oooo Drake has a master ball....I'm guessing a legendary might come in..?

[flamingoozaru]

Let's see, Drake is a Hoenn E4 member, is a dragon trainer, what legendary matches these requirement? Oh my god...
    Spoiler:- Pokemon?:

Show Spoiler

 
Rayquaza?
 

[Master_in_Training]

Let's see, Drake is a Hoenn E4 member, is a dragon trainer, what legendary matches these requirement? Oh my god...
    Spoiler:- Pokemon?:

Show Spoiler

 
Rayquaza?
 

-I was thinking along the lines of Drake being a sailor, and the Pokemon in mention is the one that saved his life, a.k.a. a water Pokemon... Maybe that will reveal everything...

[flamingoozaru]

-I was thinking along the lines of Drake being a sailor, and the Pokemon in mention is the one that saved his life, a.k.a. a water Pokemon... Maybe that will reveal everything...

Well, if it's who I think it is, then wow. I am going to love the next battle. If you want me to tell you what I think it is. Give me a PM.

[Necroexodia]

That chapter was great, really funny with Pichu holding the cards can't wait for more, but i still can't think of what Drake's pokemon will be

[Ze Skarmory]

-I was thinking along the lines of Drake being a sailor, and the Pokemon in mention is the one that saved his life, a.k.a. a water Pokemon... Maybe that will reveal everything...

Hey....he did say A water pokemon, not a legendary. So it might be a nonlegendary. Don't have any guesses though.

[Necroexodia]

I just had an idea on what the pokemon could be, add more soon plz, i wanna know if i'm right

[Master_in_Training]

-It's a water-/dragon-type, and yes, it's a Legendary. The answer is now obvious, isn't it?
EF80: Fifth Day, Hey Day!

Pichu is first seen sleeping, the number 5 card as a blanket and all. When he wakes up, wind picks the blanket up, taking him airborne! Despite that, Pichu remains asleep, oblivious to the fact that he's now a few feet above the ground...

At exactly 12:00 A. M., May woke up to find Pichu with a case of insomnia again, meaning... 'Ash didn't sleep in again,' she thought, with a huge sigh.

Minutes later, May, all dressed up, was knocking at the door to Misty's room. The redhead opened it, rubbing sand in her eyes. "What is it?" she asked sleepily.

"Sorry to wake you at this hour, Misty," the younger girl stated, "but do you know where Ash is? He didn't-"

"Sleep in again?" Misty finished for her. May nodded. The former sighed. "He's really making that into a habit... You really have to keep a leash on him, May, if you don't want him out of your sight," Misty joked.

"I'm not that desperate," May countered, but she has a slight grin. "Besides, are we talking about the same person here?"

(Just a floor below them, a certain squint-eyed breeder sneezed in his sleep...)

"I'm pretty sure that he'll be in the park," Misty said absentmindedly, stifling another yawn. "You know how he is, training Charizard too much that it causes a strain to both of them..."

"Right," May said. "Thanks, Misty..."

---

The girl found her boyfriend right where Misty said she would find him. However, Ash is not training Charizard at all. Ash is sitting on a park bench, lost in thought, while his Flame Pokemon, snoring loudly, is found right beside him.

May walked up to Ash, and the latter didn't even notice she was there. Only when Pichu jumped on to his lap did Ash snap out of his thoughts. May sat down right next to him, and Pichu crawled towards her, stopping so that the baby could be seen sitting between them.

"Is there something bothering you?" she asked. She gave one hand to Pichu, who gladly took it. The baby looked at Ash, hoping he will do the same. But the trainer's hands were not moving, much to Pichu's dismay.

Ash nodded his head yes. "Only a day from now, I will be facing Drake. My Pokemon will be Charizard, and he will be using-" His voice trailed off.

"Do you know what Pokemon Drake will be using?" May asked. Ash sighed, but he did nod in response. Pichu jumped from May's lap, and crawled towards Ash. It stopped so that the baby is right in between the two. "And that Pokemon is-?"

"Promise me you won't doubt me on this," Ash said. "Drake will be using-" A beep sounded in the background, so I can still keep you guys in suspense, you know...

After hearing this, May said, "And you still decide to use Charizard?"

"Yes. "Ash looked at the sleeping Pokemon beside them. Pichu followed his gaze, jumped off the bench, and went to the front of Charizard. The larger Pokemon just grumbled sleepily, then turned on his side, his back to Pichu. The baby circled him, stopping in front of Charizard again. The fire-type yawned, puffing out black smoke, which caused Pichu to cough slightly.

"Hey, May," Ash said suddenly. "I'm going to see Pikachu. Want to come along?" May nodded, and, after picking up Pichu, the pair went to the Pokemon Center.

---

In the Pokemon Center's main recovery room, Ash could see all five of his Pokemon. They still haven't fully healed from their injuries, but, otherwise, they're fine. Ash smiled weakly at his recovering Pokemon. "So, guys," he said uneasily, "how are things feeling with you?"

The Pokemon answered with weak, but energised, replies. They don't want to worry their beloved trainer too much, you know. Ash smiled at their response, then walked past them, to the last bed in the row. There lay his yellow Pokemon partner, Pikachu, the only one of the five still unconscious.

Ash sat down on a chair beside the bed. Only then did he see Meowth. The Scratch Cat was asleep on the floor, and it was apparent that he fell from the chair Ash is sitting on now. Meowth rubbed his head awake, and noticed the newcomers.

"Yo," was all he could say to greet them. Meowth jumped forward to a standing position. He gathered a second chair for him to sit on.

"What are you doing here, Meowth?" May asked as she herself sat down.

"Orders from HQ. Keep an eye on the breadwinner..." To answer their curious looks, Meowth finished, "I meant from She-chu, of course! Who did you think I was talking about?"

Ash just shook his head, and returned to looking at his unconscious partner. Pichu jumped from May's arms to the bed, to take a closer look. The baby nudged the larger Mouse Pokemon, but, of course, Pikachu won't budge. May scooped Pichu up before he can become annoying.

The two trainers and Pokemon just looked sadly at the prone form of Pikachu. "I promise," Ash said silently, "I'm not going to lose this. I'm going to win this, not just for me, but for you, and all our friends..." He clenched his fists as he made that vow.

---

Ash and May stayed in the Center until daybreak. As they stepped out into the early morning sun, Ash stretched, getting ready for his last training session before the big battle. At the park, they found Charizard waiting for them, all ready for training. His weights are there as well, ready to help. It seems that someone told them of the vow Ash made to Pikachu earlier.

"Okay, you guys!" Ash began in a peppy voice. "Let's get started!" The rest of the Merry Twerps woke up to the sound of strong winds, coming from Charizard's wings as he kept on the previous exercise from the day before.

Charizard kept his ground, pulling on the rope tied around him, as the other, heavier Pokemon pulled on the other end. The tug-of-war ensued, while Charizard is still on the ground. He dug his feet's claws deep into the ground as the other Pokemon pulled harder. The rope was extra thick, so it won't break from the strain of both sides, BTW...

ALL the Pokemon in the training are giving it their best. Even Ash's usually lazy Snorlax is helping, without once dropping to sleep. Still, after a whole morning of no progress, he was the first to pester Brock with the food issues.

In the afternoon, Ash was working his Charizard even harder than the previous days combined. This time it bore great improvement, as Charizard was able to take off even with the full weight of a Steelix, Snorlax, Golem, among the many other heavyweights, on the rope!

'Come on,' Ash silently urged his Pokemon. 'Just a little more...'

Finally, it's seen that Steelix and Snorlax are being dragged by Charizard's strength. Brock immediately cut off the rope at the last second, and Charizard took off like a rocket, the torn rope trailing behind him. Everyone applauded, as Charizard's strength is definitely boosted.

But, May gasped when she saw a little yellow dot dangling on the rope farther from Charizard. It was Pichu, and it seemed that it's enjoying the ride! No one knows hopw long the baby could hold on, until Pichu's tiny fingers slipped. As the baby mouse started freefalling, Charizard swooped in, and Pichu safely landed on his back, much to everyone's relief.

Charizard landed on the ground, gently shrugging Pichu off his back. Pichu slid right into May's arms. Charizard(I stand by my words: You should really get Life Insurance for HIM!)

---

Exactly 24 hours after the last card scene...

May woke up to find Pichu with insomnia again. But, this time, Ash is not only there, fully dressed, but he's looming over her, a goofy grin on his face.

"Ash," May whispered, rubbing her eyes as she sat up in bed. "What are you doing up, again? Especially the night before your battle?"

"Just go get dressed," Ash replied with a wink and a grin. He stroked Pichu over the head, nodding in the direction of their room balcony. And there, flying just outside, is Charizard!

May dressed up as told, a puzzled expression on her face all this time. When she stepped out of the bathroom, she found Ash waiting for her on the balcony, Pichu on his head. "Ash," she croaked, "where are we going?"

Ash kept the goofy grin as he took May's arm. He helped her over the balcony railing, and onto Charizard. He gave Pichu to her, and hopped on himself right behind her. Pichu is riding just in front of May.

"Okay, Charizard, we're off," Ash whispered to their ride. The Flame/dragon Pokemon gave a silent roar(how, I do not know), and flew westward, over the sleeping city and to the sea.

May closed her eyes from the midnight breeze that passed her. Pichu, meanwhile, is raising his hands up and down, alternately, like a driver with a steering wheel. May stole a glance at Ash, and his face is expressionless.

The male trainer directed his Pokemon to a small island. Upon closer inspection, it is the same island Ash took refuge in during the race. Of course, May doesn't know about it.

Charizard landed on the beach. Ash and May got off him, Pichu in the latter's arms. Ash stretched, while May looked around the quiet island. The remains of a certain battle(burned trees, flattened shrubbery) are still present.

"Where are we?" May asked.

Ash told her about what the island meant to him during the race. He left out the incident with Mask's men, of course, so he won't worry her. "I just thought we would spend a little time here, alone, for a while," Ash said. He stretched again, and sat on the sandy beach.

May shrugged, and took her seat right beside him. Charizard lay asleep(this time for real) right beside them. At first the baby was just watching the waves curiously, and ran for May, afraid, at the approaching breaker.

Pichu hid behind May, until the latter reached for him. "There's nothing to be afraid of," she consoled the baby. "It's just seawater." Pichu, calmed down by it's mother's words, is now playing by chasing(and being chased) by the waves.

May could only sit a few feet away, watching Pichu amusedly. She glanced sideways at Ash beside her, who was also watching Pichu. However, his face is not filled with amusement, but with concentration.

"Don't worry about it," May said so suddenly, that Ash jumped out of his thoughts. When he looked at her, she continued. "You've beaten this sort of Pokemon before, and I know you can do it again."

"Thanks," Ash said, with a smile. "May, listen. I- Well, I don't know how to say this, but-" He scratched his head, not knowing how to say what he wanted to say. 'Come on, it's in the tip of my tongue,' he thought desperately. "May, I-"

But Ash was suddenly interrupted by something in front of them. Pichu is waving at them, feet in the water. The baby doesn't notice the 10-foot tidal wave right behind him! Too late to react, 2 trainers and 2 Pokemon were consumed by the wave.

Ash and May's heads were the first to come out of the blanket of water. Charizard came next, and the water withdrawed to reveal all of them washed up.

Surprisingly alive, Charizard sprayed Ash with water from his mouth, in place of the usual Flamethrower. Charizard(That's the last time I fall asleep on a beach! I'm glad that I took that endurance training you gave me seriously!)

May looked around. "Pichu!" she called. "Where are you?" The three looked around, and Ash heard a tiny squeak from a small pile of seaweed. May ran right over, and removed the grass to reveal the baby Pokemon, soaked, but otherwise happy for what happened.

Ash sighed, and he and May both shivered. "We should- Uh, get out of these clothes," Ash silently suggested. His girlfriend stared at him, while Pichu, in her arms, dried up doggy-style, soaking them all again. "O-kay... Bad idea. Charizard, fire please..."

The troupe spent an hour drying themselves surrounding Charizard's tail-flame. But May is still shivering right after, so Ash decided to call it a night. They mounted on Charizard, and he took oiff back to Evergrande City.

Along the way, Charizard thought he could have a little fun with them. After making sure that both trainers are feeling fine, the fire-type suddenly dropped himself on purpose! But, immediatley as sudden as his drop, Charizard maintained flight again. However, he kept repeating, getting Ash and May to lurch, getting closer together.

"Charizard!" Ash shouted. "Stop that!" The Pokemon only snickered. Suddenly Ash felt another lurch, this time in his stomach. He groaned, a hand to his mouth. "Ooooh, I don't feel so good..."

May was also attacked by nausea. "Me, neither," she said, a hand to her head.

Charizard's active eye bulged at the sounds his passengers. Charizard(Okay, if it's May, YAY! If it's you, don't you DARE!)

CONTINUED...
-From his last words from this episode, you can tell Charizard is now expecting something between Ash and May that's beyond marriage. Can you guess what?