"A Passion Revived" AU, rated PG-13

[ShinyFlareon]

Hey hey, your friendly neighborhood Emerald_Dragonite here, reporting in to do what she does best -- write fanfiction!

This is my first Pokemon fanfic in a long time, so please, bear with me. Originally, I was co-writing this with Matkin22 (author of "Final Challenge") on his site [url="http://criticscorner.getdiscussion.com/forum.htm]Critic's Corner[/url], but when he dropped out, it kind of died. However, I am giving this fic a new chance at life here on Bulbagarden, and hope that it receives a warm welcome -- or at least a not negative one!

Another warning -- I don't think I've ever really shipped in a Pokemon fic before, so this is also an experimentation with that. Please laugh off the attempts at shipping with a light heart and know I'm practicing to get better, or drop me some pointers if you feel so inclined.

With that, I hope you enjoy my work!



"A Passion Revived": chapter 1​

The sun was beginning to set over Route 209, turning the landscape into something resembling a burning painting. The tall grasses shone with a flaming orange, their tips brushed with pure gold, while the rivers and streams of the watery route were dyed a passionate red. Majestic trees were reduced to nothing more than silhouettes outlined in brightness.

Despite the beauty, Ash Ketchum sighed as he watched the sun set. To him, all it meant was another night of camping out. ‘There’s only so much natural beauty a guy can take before he starts missing a real bed again...’

“Pi-kaaa...”

Ash turned his head and placed a comforting hand on Pikachu’s head. He knew Pikachu was thinking the exact same thing he was. “I know, Pikachu, but it’s just one more night before we get to Solaceon Town.”

“But that means one more night out here, Ash!” May replied, also sighing. “Maybe you haven’t noticed, but it’s going to be winter soon – and might I remind you that Sinnoh is the northernmost region we’ve been to so far? That means only one thing to me – it’s cold.”

Ash gave a lopsided smile at his friend, newly come from the contest circuit in Johto. May simply wasn’t used to the climate of the Sinnoh region, not after traveling for so long in Kanto and Johto, and certainly not after being born and raised in the Hoenn region, the warmest region Ash knew of (aside from the tropical Orange Islands). Ash had been in the Sinnoh region a bit longer, and had simply had more time to adjust to it.

He had long since earned all eight badges of the Sinnoh region, defeating Volkner for his eighth about eight months ago. However, that had been just after the Sinnoh League had been held – the next one wouldn’t be held until the following year. Brock had wanted to spend some time back at the library in Canalave, and wanted Ash to come with him. Iron Island, he’d said, would be a perfect place to train for the League. Dawn had refused, wanting to spend more time in Hearthome City for contest training.

Convinced, Ash boarded a ferry with him out of Sunnyshore, a special one which only ran from Canalave up to Snowpoint City, then back down to Sunnyshore before completing the circuit around the region. He had been shocked to see a large, trans-region ship docking into Canalave at the same time, and was even more surprised to see May disembarking it. The trio had, just like old times, been traveling around ever since, though only to May’s contests. Now they were on their way to Solaceon Town, where May wanted to see how if newly-aquired and bad-tempered Glameow might do any better at the Day-Care Center there.

“So where are we spending the night, Brock?” Ash asked, causing Pikachu’s ears to perk up expectantly.

Brock, sitting on a rock nearby, unfolded the map again. “Well, the Lost Tower’s just up ahead, and that’ll at least give us a roof.”

May shuddered slightly, and Ash wasn’t any fonder of the idea of spending another night in a tower full of ghost pokemon, like he had done so long ago when he had first started out. Even Pikachu seemed to remember that night, as he cringed on Ash’s shoulder and shivered. “Any other options, Brock?”

“Besides camping? Not really.” Brock replied gently, but bluntly, as he stood. “Come on, let’s keep heading that way anyway. We might find something that’s not on the map.” Grudgingly, the other two also stood and began to follow the elder breeder.

It was about ten minutes later that they reached the tower, and with it, their marker proclaiming the last five miles before Solaceon Town. “Well, here’s the tower.” Ash remarked. “So, do we push on, or – hey! Pikachu! Come back!”

Pikachu had been half-asleep on Ash’s shoulder during the ride, but now, his ears and nose twitched, picking up something new. There was pokemon-scent in the air, and lots of different kinds, too. That could only mean a trainer, but a trainer with this many pokemon couldn’t be traveling. There were far more than six pokemon in those woods, he was sure. So Pikachu bounded off Ash’s shoulder, dashing straight for the woods beyond the tower.

With cries of surprise and alarm, the trio took off after Pikachu, dodging through the thick undergrowth for about fifty yards before they hit an old, but clearly still usable, trail. Pikachu was sitting on it, waiting for them. As soon as they burst into view, Pikachu flicked his tail and pointed down the path. “Chuuu, Pi-ka!”

Ash bent down, scooping Pikachu up in his arms before looking down the path where Pikachu had been pointing. “What do you think?”

“Well, Pikachu seems to think it’s safe.” May said slowly. “And from the looks of it, I’d guess someone lived down this way.”

“Yeah, but someone who lives this far off the beaten path also probably doesn’t want to be disturbed.” Brock warned.

“Aw, come on, Brock – let’s give it a try.” May pleaded. “Worst case scenario, we camp out, and that’ll be better than spending the night in that creepy old tower.”

Brock looked over at Ash, who shrugged. “Pikachu seems to think we should go, so I’ll trust him.”

Brock sighed. “All right then...let’s get going.

--------------------

Night had fully claimed the land by the time the trio broke out of the woods. Where once was orange and gold, now there was rich blues and violets, and a nearby river seemed to have diamonds littering it’s bottom. The sky itself appeared pitch-black, with bright pinholes of light poked in it. There was no moon that night to light the large, open space they appeared in.

The first thing they noticed, much to their delight, was a modestly-sized, two storey house, with several of the lower floor’s lights on, as well as one of the upper storey’s. Behind it was a fenced in area, but it was absolutely huge. The wooden fence extended even across the river and back slightly into the forest. ‘Looks like a ranch of some sort.’ Ash thought, and even as he thought it, the large, blocky shape of a barn caught his eye.

“Think anyone’s around?” May whispered.

A low growl suddenly emerged from the trees to their right, and Pikachu leapt of Ash’s shoulder, cheeks crackling with electricity, fur stiffened, and tail raised in a defensive posture.

A figure stepped out of the shadowy gloom, then another. It was a woman, who looked to be around two years older than Ash’s own eighteen years, around the same age as Brock. She was fairly short, too, maybe five three or somewhere thereabouts. Her skin was dark, but her hair was long and red-blonde in color. Hard, emerald green eyes were so cold and calculating that Ash got a chill down his spine just looking at them.

The woman put her hand at the base of her Houndoom’s neck, silencing it’s growl. “What are you kids doing on my property?” she asked, with no trace of emotion.

“L-looking for someplace to spend the night.” Ash replied. The woman snuffed.

“Trainers. It figures.”

“Ma’am, if you tell us to, we’ll be happy to leave right now.” Brock presented, strangely not becoming instantly infatuated with this woman as he did so many others. Ash thought it was probably her cold confidence that froze him before he even got warmed up. “Won’t we, guys?” the former gym leader continued, giving Ash and May a look.

The woman sighed, and Ash thought he heard her mutter something like “I must be going insane...” before she answered them. “I must be out of my mind for saying yes, but what the hell? You can stay the night.”

“Th-thank you!” May stuttered, surprised. The woman waved a hand.

“No trouble, I guess. A helping hand must always be useful for a trainer. Just introduce yourselves to Cerbera, here.” She gestured down at the Houndoom standing patiently at her side. “Just hold the back of your hand out to her and let her sniff it – if she doesn’t like you, you aren’t staying.”

Pikachu was the first to approach the larger pokemon, who bent down to make her inspection. With a final whuff, she licked the top of Pikachu’s head gently and looked back up at the woman, barking once.

Seeming to understand her pokemon’s bark as a sign of passage for the trainers, based on the Pikachu, the woman nodded. “All right then – come on. The house is this way.”

Ash smiled, scooping Pikachu back up. “Thanks again, uh...”

“Laura.” the woman replied. “Name’s Laura Cooper. You three can introduce yourselves inside, where it’s warm.” May practically squealed at the mention of warmth, and was the first to follow behind Laura and Cerbera into the house.

It was a cozy place, but at the same time seemed to hold a great loneliness. Inside, Laura shed her long black coat, revealing a blue shirt, jeans, and working shoes. “So...what are your names, then?”

 

[ANonMouse]

Are you going to use the first few chapters from the stuff you two had already done and then continue on yourself or do the first few chapters again yourself? I would like to know since I've read what you two have done already. I really liked it, btw.

 

[ShinyFlareon]

Are you going to use the first few chapters from the stuff you two had already done and then continue on yourself or do the first few chapters again yourself? I would like to know since I've read what you two have done already. I really liked it, btw.

Yeah, especially considering we didn't get very far the first time, I figured I'll just rewrite his chapters with the same basic idea and use what I've already got, then continue on from there myself. Thank you so much -- I'm glad you like this!

 

[pikachu200]

So I'm guessing it's just Satoshi Haruka and Takeshi in this by the way awesome introduction!!!!!

 

[ShinyFlareon]

Hey there, my esteemed readers! Chapter 2 is now up! Many thanks to Amphlosion and pikachu200 for taking the time to review -- I'm glad you both liked the first chapter so much!

So I'm guessing it's just Satoshi Haruka and Takeshi in this by the way awesome introduction!!!!!

Yeah, Dawn's not going to show up much in this one. I really dislike her, which is why I didn't put her in the 'main' group. However, for those of you who do happen to like her, she will show up -- just not for a while.

And yes, I do think that Pikachu is a boy, and will be assigning genders to the character's pokemon.

Disclaimer: This chapter was originally written by Matkin22, but has been revised and altered by me.

With that, enjoy!


"A Passion Revived": chapter 2​

"My name's Ash, and I'm from Pallet Town in Kanto," Ash answered, offering his hand. Laura took it, but only for a brief moment before she turned her hard emerald eyes towards May.


"I'm May," she said a little nervously, "and I'm from Petalburg City."

"Petalburg," Laura repeated softly, the hard expression in her face momentarily flickering. She shook her head and quickly turned to Brock. "And you are?" she asked.

"I'm Brock from Pewter City, and I'm trying to become a Pokemon breeder," he said.

At this, Laura finally showed some open emotion, a small smile twitching on the ends of her lips. "A breeder, huh? I do a bit of breeding here myself."

"Pika pi!" Pikachu piped out, not wanting to be left out of the introductions. Laura glanced down, then knelt and offered a cupped palm to Pikachu, who rubbed up against it with a happy "Chaaaaa!"

"I've got a bit of a problem with one of my Tauros," she said to Brock as she rose, dusting her jeans off slightly as Pikachu went back to Ash. "He doesn't seem to want to run around with the rest of my pokemon, and he hasn't left the barn in a week. I've tried everything I can think of to get him running again, but nothing will work."

"A sick Tauros?" Brock asked, frowning. "I've never really worked with a Tauros before. I don't know if there's much that I'll be able to do."

"I'm sure you'll be able to figure out something." Laura replied, grabbing him by the arm and leading him rather forcefully towards the door. As they neared it, Laura turned and threw a sharp warning look at Ash and May.

"Don't touch anything and don't fool around." she growled. "I don't want to come back in and find my couch soiled by a couple of teens."

"S-soiled?" May spluttered, not quite believing what she'd just heard. Laura ignored her and slammed the door shut; through the rattling glass they heard her give a short whistle for Cerbera who had remained on guard outside.

"Soiled...? Honestly, what does she think..." May repeated disbelievingly again, shaking her head slowly. Ash raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"What's the big deal?" he asked, his tone perfectly naive. "She just doesn't want us to get her couch dirty with dust from the road."

"And he still doesn't get it..." May sighed under her breath, shaking her head once more.

"Pika..." Pikachu agreed from Ash's shoulder as he gently smacked his forehead, mocking Ash's obliviousness. Ash glanced at the two of them, still slightly confused. After a moment, he sighed and started looking around the room.

"Wow," he said, "if I didn't know any better, I'd think I was back in the Old Chateau." May's gaze followed his, her eyes roaming around the house. The room they stood in was large, and lit by a combination of a ceiling fixture and several candles scattered around the room, many resting on grand wooden tables and cabinets. The floor was wooden as well, but a large, ornate rug covered much of it's surface; May was awed at the craftsmanship of the Ho-ohs woven in golden thread on the crimson background.

Something about it all made her feel uneasy, though. The doorways at the far side of the room were wreathed in deep shadow where the candlelight and electric light didn't quite reach. Thin layers of dust lay on the furniture's surfaces, interrupted only by the occassional ring on the table where a glass may have recently sat, and the rug's threads were faded and dusty as well. A cool, almost empty atmosphere pervaded the house, and May shivered with a sudden chill that had nothing to do with the dropping temperature outside.

"It almost looks as if it's been deserted for a long time." she agreed, "or that it hasn't been taken care of very well." A sudden, soft chill concentrated on her upper forearm, and May froze for a split second before beginning to tremble slightly. A small gulp ran down the length of her throat; she slowly turned to look at what had caused the chill, and found herself staring into a two large white eyes wreathed in a billowing purple flame. "ASH! she screamed, leaping sideways in a panic. Ash, who had moved slightly away and was observing one of the handsome glass-fronted cabinets, whirled at her shout, so quickly that he almost lost his balance; his hand automatically reached for his belt as May scrambled away to duck behind his arms, grabbing his shoulders tightly.

"Pi..." Pikachu growled, jumping forwards with it's red cheeks sizzling. The eyes widened, and then lowered towards the ground, gaining a creased look. Pikachu and May looked on in bewilderment at the sad expression, while Ash merely chuckled.

"And just what is so funny, Ash Ketchum?" May demanded, her voice and hands still a little shaky after her fright.

"It's only a Gastly, May." he answered, stepping forwards towards the two large eyes. They immediately brightened at his approach and the Pokemon moved forwards, it's outline shimmering slightly as it's true form was revealed.

"And I thought we were trying to avoid Ghost-types," May muttered as she turned slightly away, cheeks reddening slightly with embarrassment. The door banged open and Laura stormed inside, glaring at Ash and May accusingly.

"What's all this racket about?" she demanded. "I've got a sick Pokemon in the barn, and all of the screaming is not helping anything!"

"Your Gastly was just introducing itself to us." Ash said with a nonchalant smile.

"Is that it?" Laura snorted, raising an eyebrow as if unconvinced. With a small growl, she moved back towards the door, rubbing a temple hard before glowering over her shoulder at all four of them as she went. "Try to keep the noise level down to a minimum," she said obviously trying to remain calm, slamming the door as she left. Ash, May, Pikachu, and the Gastly looked at the door, too surprised to move.

"That woman," May said at last, "has a real attitude problem."

 

[pikachu200]

Okay so it's sort of like Advanceshipping that's excellent and I think you seem to have gotten Ash's personality right so awesome job Emerald_Dragonite

 

[ShinyFlareon]

Well, it's the third installment in 'A Passion Revived,' and already I'm feeling more and more confident about this fic. Thanks again to Pikachu200 for being my loyal reviewer!


A Passion Revived: chapter 3​

Larua sighed, leaning against her door after closing it and closing her eyes, letting her head thunk back against the wood. She really shouldn't be yelling at those kids like that, she knew. But it had been a long day, and even longer since she'd had visitors. And that girl...she'd said she was from Peatalburg. Hoenn.

Her eyes opened when she heard Cerbera whine as she trotted out from the barn. Now was not the time to be thinking about that. "Coming, girl." she called tiredly, heaving herself off the door and starting off toward the barn.

The Tauros which Brock knelt beside lifted his head and lowed weakly as she entered. Laura went straight over to him, also kneeling beside him. "Shh, Panic...it's all right. Everything's going to be okay." she whispered, cradling his head and stroking it comfortingly.

Brock stood, dusting his hands lightly. "His name's Panic?" Laura nodded, opening her eyes and looking up at the breeder. "Well, then, I'm pretty sure Panic's going to be all right. He's not seriously ill -- if I had to liken it to something, it would be a cold. I've got some special food in my bag I'd like to recommend, along with keeping him warm and well hydrated. What worries me more is your other pokemon -- he might have spread it to them, particularaly those in his herd. Have any other of your pokemon been showing his symptoms?"

Laura rose immidiately to get a blanket. A soft growl sounded form the direction she was heading -- a Mightyena, asleep on the blanket she wanted. He grumbled a bit when Laura nuged him with her toe, but nonetheless rose and stalked off to find a new place to sleep. "I've got a Rapidash and a couple Ponyta that stall in here when it's cold out." she replied as she walked back toward Brock and spread the blanket carefully over Panic. "Yena, the Mightyena you just saw, likes to hang around here as well. I've got a pack of Eevee and various evolutions, but they like to stay in the barn down by the lake...they've been known to come in here too, though. Levi, my Meowth, likes to prowl around at night -- I don't know where she is now. I've got two or three Growlithe and a Vulpix who like to den here, and my birds like to roost in this one. And there's Cerbera, of course -- she goes where I go." she added, patting her faithful Houndoom affectionately. Cerbera seemed to smile up at her trainer as she wagged her rope-like tail. "As far as I've noticed, though, none of them have been acting strange."

Brock gave a low whistle. "That's a lot of pokemon."

Larua shrugged. "Not really. There's a lot more, trust me. They've just accumulated over time, so it never seemed like a lot before. Brock, may I ask you to please stay, until Panic is better? I'd be greatly in your debt."

"Of course." Brock replied as Laura turned down the lamps and they headed back toward her house. "You're very devoted to your pokemon, aren't you Ms. Cooper? If you don't mind me asking."

Laura was silent for a moment, her eyes trained ahead. "Who am I to deny another living being?" she finally replied softly. "I care for them as best I can when they're sick, give them what love and affection I have, and protect them from everything I can. In turn, they stay here and keep me company, protecting me as best they can when I need it, and sometimes working when I ask them to. We're close."

Brock nodded, not responding. This Laura person wasn't so bad, he decided. Just anti-social, with people anyway. He had a feeling that it had taken a lot for her to ask him to stay and care for Panic, and he decided right then to make it as easy for her as possible.

--------------------

He knew that that would be a difficult promise to keep. He knew it as soon as he and Laura reached the house. A Haunter had appeared, drifting off in a corner of the room. He had apparently startled May, who had backed up into a desk, knocking one of her pokeballs and releasing the pokemon inside. Unluckily, it was her Glameow. She had immediately scratched May's leg, which was bleeding profusely, and then proceeded to go after Pikachu. Ash was torn between protecting Pikachu and staying by May's side, trying to stop the blood. A Meowth -- this must be Levi -- appeared to be acting as a keeper of the peace in the household that night, and had pounced on Glameow. The two cats were now scrapping noisily on the floor, Glameow being extremely rough. Both Ash and May looked up in horror when Laura entered the room, as though afriad that she would smite them down with fire and lightning.

Laura almost looked as though she was ready to do just that. Her muscles tensed, fists clenching, and Brock even thought he saw one of them tremble lightly in rage. Amazingly, she calmed herself, and raised her head. "Rai!"

A Pikachu stuck it's head out from atop a bookshelf with an inquiring "Chuu?" Laura nodded down towards the cats, and the Pikachu flicked it's tail, jumping down and bracing himself as his cheeks began crackling. In a flash, the room smelled of burned fur. Levi and May's Glameow froze, charred slightly. The Pikachu raised his head somewhat proudly, turning to jump towards Laura, who caught him in her arms. His slightly tattered tail and ear tips spoke either of great age or hard battling -- it was hard to tell.

"Thanks, Rai." Laura said, stroking the Pikachu's head softly before turning to May, who blanched deathly white. "Is this your Glameow?" Laura asked calmly. May nodded shakily, as if too frightened to speak.

"It wasn't her fault!" Ash broke out. "She only just caught it, and it's got a really bad temper -!"

Laura raised a hand, silencing him. "May, please recall your pokemon, and then I'll clean you up in the bathroom. Since Brock's agreed to stay and help me take care of my Tauros, I'll assume it's a package deal and you'll be staying as well. I'm not angry, and I should apologize for my rude behavior earlier. It's been an extremely long time since I've had gueasts, and I'm a bit rusty in the hospitality department. Brock, will you please fill Ash in as I clean up May?"

May rose, letting Laura support her as she called her Glameow back. Rai, seeming to sense that he was no longer needed, hopped down and began introducing himself to Ash's Pikachu. "It's all right." May replied as Brock nodded and the girls headed off toward the bathroom. "I'm sorry, though. Your Haunter startled me, and I accidentally let Glameow out."

"Gaspar? Now I should apologize -- he likes to scare everyone when he can. I'm sorry I didn't warn you. Now, sit right here. I've got some alcohol and bandages under the sink. After I've patched you up, maybe you can let me take a look at your Glameow."

May hesitated a moment, then nodded. "Sure."

 

[ShinyFlareon]

Aw, no new reviews...oh well. This is another chapter originally written by Matkin22, and altered by yours truly. This is also the second-to--last of the chapters for this that has been written already, which means updates won't be so close together in the future, in all probability. Still, I shall not leave this one to die this time! Osu! ^^ Enjoy!


A Passion Revived: chapter 4​

May winced as Laura gently, but firmly, applied the stinging alcoholic salve to her slashed leg, and tightly wrapped a bandage around the injury. She stood, up, testing the leg gently. It twinged, but she could walk without too much discomfort. 'At least it isn't bleeding now' she thought privately, with a small wince. 'But it still hurts -- a lot.' She looked up into Laura's expressionless face and felt suddenly nervous.

"Thanks for getting me cleaned up," she said with a small bow, amazed that she had been able to keep her voice calm. Laura nodded stiffly in return.

"No worries. Brock's helping my Tauros, so I figure that means tit-for-tat. Now, lets take a look at your Glameow."

"Don't you want to check on your Meowth first?" May asked, tilting her head slightly with a confused air. "It got shocked too."

“Who, Levi? She gets shocked at least twice a day. She just loves chasing Rai around the house.” At this, she actually let out a small chuckle, her eyes suddenly growing distant as she turned slightly away from May. “It used to drive him mad,” she sighed, almost as if she wasn't aware she was speaking aloud.

“Drive who mad?” May asked curiously. Laura froze, her austere expression quickly returning to her face.

“Never you mind,” she said sharply. “Are you going to let me take a look at your Glameow or not?”

Startled at the sudden shift in emotion, May looked into Laura’s stern eyes and could plainly see that the conversation was over. With only the slightest hesitation, she nodded and handed the Poke Ball over to her, before standing and moving to the door with minor difficulty. When she reached the door, however, she paused and turned her head back, thinking she should at least say something to close the conversation. “Thank you again for taking care of my leg.” was all she could manage, along with another small bow.

“Mrph.” Laura murmured, barely sparing a glance for the young coordinator as she examined the Poke Ball intently. May sighed to herself and left the room quickly, glad to get away from the woman.

'What’s with her?' she wondered as she made her way back through the halls. 'She seemed so nice a moment ago, but as soon as I asked her a question…' She grimaced and shook her head, wandering into the main room. 'I’ll be glad to leave here,' she thought as she flopped down on the couch which she had earlier been ordered not to 'soil.' It was large, and rather plush -- just soft enough to ease your bones after a hard day of work, though still firm enough to provide ample support. May sighed again, sinking deeper into the fabric. 'It’s been nothing but unpleasant since we got here. I really hope that her Tauros is better tomorrow so we can just go.'

“You don’t really mean that, do you May?” Brock asked.

May yelped, jumping almost a foot off the couch before grasping at her heart in surprise and whirling on the breeder who sat relaxed on a couch at the other end of the room. “Don’t scare me like that!” she demanded. Brock grinned and held up his hands.

“Easy, easy. I didn’t mean to surprise you,” he chuckled slightly as he stood and came over to her, leaning over the back of the couch to talk to her.

“Well you sure did a good job of it!” May shot back. She took a few deep breaths, trying to calm her racing heart. The realization of what Brock had just said crept slowly into her sane thoughts, and she groaned. “Please tell me I didn’t say that out loud…” she muttered, burying her head in her hands.

“You didn’t have to.” Brock said with another small chuckle. “It was written all over your face.” His light mood evaporated suddenly, and a light frown came to his face. “You really shouldn’t think that way, May. Laura just isn’t used to having any guests, and it’s a real strain on her. You shouldn’t be surprised if she’s a little, um… cold, towards us.” May sighed and looked up at him.

“I know Brock, and I am glad that we’ll be in beds tonight instead of a field, but she could still be a little nicer, couldn’t she?” She sighed again and suddenly realized someone was missing. “Hey, where’s Ash?” she asked. Brock nodded towards the door.

“He went outside to train again. You know how much he wants to win the Sinnoh Championship and challenge the Elite Four. It was just plain bad luck that he didn’t get that last badge in time to qualify, especially since Paul made it all the way to the semi-finals.”

“He really wants to beat him next year, doesn’t he?” May smiled, standing up with a light stretch. “I think that I’ll go out and train with him actually. I haven’t sparred in a while, and it’ll feel good to get some practice in.” Brock nodded approvingly, smiling again.

“That’s the spirit! A little battling and your spirits will be up again in no time! Oh, and, May..?” She paused and turned back to him, her handle on the doorknob.

“Yeah?” she asked.

“Don’t worry about Laura, or your last two Contests either.” he said gently. “A little boost, and things will be back to normal before you know it.” May stared at him for a moment before flashing a quick, tight smile, and hurrying out the door. It closed with a click and Brock leant back on the couch, feeling suddenly tired. “It’s exhausting trying to take care of Ash’s morale, May’s sensitivity, Laura’s introvertness, and a sick Tauros,” he grumbled to himself.

“Ghaaasss,” an eerie voice agreed from behind his shoulder.

“Haunta-haunt,” a second voice concurred in his ear.

“Whhargh!” Brock screamed, leaping up and sprinting out of the house in surprised terror. Laura’s Gastly and Haunter looked at each and chuckled at a prank well-pulled.

--------------------

“Sceptile, use Bullet Seed! Grotle, counter it with your Razor Leaf!” Ash shouted.

“Sceeeeep,” the powerful grass-type from Hoenn growled, shooting out several forceful blasts of glowing green seeds.

“Gro-o-o-o-o…” Grotle groaned, a flurry of razor-sharp leaves blasting from the bushes on it’s back. The two attacks collided in mid-air, exploding on contact. Grotle started to grin when a sudden hail of seeds emerged from the smoke and struck it on the head, driving the grass-type back with a slight yelp of pain.

“Grotle, are you alright?” Ash called.

“Otle gro,” it affirmed, shaking it’s head to clear away the impact and looking over at it’s towering opponent with defiance.

“Great, lets try that again!” Ash said happily. “Remember, Grotle, just because the attacks hit each other instead of the opponent, it doesn’t mean that you automatically stop them. You have to assume that the opponent will keep attacking too! Ready? Sceptile, Bullet Seed and Grotle use Razor Leaf!”

Grotle grinned and waited for Sceptile to launch it’s attack. The fully-evolved starter shot a cloud of green seeds at Grotle, who began to glow green. Leaves began to swirl around it, forming into a powerful vortex. The Bullet Seed was deflected by the rapidly-swirling leaves, which then charged towards Sceptile, capturing it completely off-guard.

“Leaf Blade it!” Ash ordered, and Sceptile swung a glowing green blade at the vortex. The two attacks collided, the Leaf Blade slicing through the maelstrom of leaves and dissipating it entirely. Ash and Sceptile both stared at the rather smug Grotle in perplexity. “Was that… Leaf Storm?” he wondered.

“Sure looked like it to me,” May said, walking out of the shadows to stand next to him.

“Hey May, all patched up?” he asked, looking at her bandaged leg.

“Yeah, thankfully. She’s looking at Glameow now; I hope that it’ll be okay, Rai gave it a really nasty jolt.”

“I really want to battle that Pikachu,” Ash sighed, a look of longing on his face. “You can tell just by looking at it how experienced and powerful it is. The attack it used made my hair stand on end! I know that Pikachu and I could learn a lot by battling it.”

“How about trying me on instead?” May asked. “I haven’t battled in a while, and my Pokemon are crying out for some practice.”

“I’d love to,” Ash grinned. “How do you want to do it?”

“Is a two-on-two double battle okay with you?” May asked.

“Absolutely! Since they’re already out, I’ll use Sceptile and Grotle.”

“Then I’ll go with Glaceon and Wartortle!” May decided, calling her two Pokemon forward. “You ready Ash?” she asked.

“Always,” he laughed. “Sceptile, Bullet Seed on Wartortle and Grotle, Bite Glaceon!”

“Block that Bullet Seed with your Shadow Ball, Glaceon; Wartortle, use Ice Beam!” May shouted.

The Bullet Seed and Shadow Ball collided, seeds and streams of glowing light shooting off haphazardly in all directions. Grotle dodged both attacks and ran in close towards Glaceon, before the Ice Beam smashed into it’s side. Winded, it was forced backwards from the impact and looked at the water-type with an aggravated eye.

“STOP!” a voice roared. Ash, May, and their Pokemon all turned towards the source of the voice, cringing at the ferocity of it.

“Oh no,” May moaned when she realized that it was Laura. She looked at them all thunderously, Cerbera growling softly at her side.

“Just what are you doing?” she asked, her voice dangerously low.

“We were just practicing,” Ash said defensively. “I need to train for the Sinnoh League, and May wanted some more practice for her Contests.”

“Contests?” Laura asked sharply, her gaze resting on May. “You’re a Coordinator?”

“Not a very good one recently,” she admitted. “I used to be okay though.”

“Okay?” Ash asked in disbelief. “May, you made it to the Hoenn Grand Festival in your first year, and made it to the top 8 in the Kanto Festival. You’re more than okay!”

“Why do you say that you aren’t very good?” Laura asked interestedly.

“It’s a long story,” May muttered, not very interested in telling any tales of woe.

“It’s a long night,” Laura retorted. ‘Now you just sit yourself down and tell me what’s been going wrong.”

Meh...this chapter wasn’t re-written very well...I’m really tired. Still, I hope you all enjoyed it!​

 

[Blackjack Gabbiani]

It's good to see a well-adjusted Meowth. All the ones we've seen on the show have had issues.

I want to know why Laura had such massive issues with them battling.

 

[ShinyFlareon]

Well, another chapter's up! This is the last of the pre-written ones, so updates will probably come at a much slower pace from now on, especially with my college classes starting next Thursday and me moving in on Sunday. Still, I'll do my best! The shippy-type elements start coming in in this chapter, though they're not very prominent, but I hope everyone who reads enjoys this enough to drop me a review!

A Passion Revived: chapter 5​

May bowed her head and scuffed her foot against the ground, trying to figure out a way to avoid confessing her failures to this woman. It wasn't that she was telling them to a stranger, but even Ash and Brock didn't know the full story. The truth was, she had also failed in the Johto circut, winning only two ribbons. Even those wins had been flukes, with one of her opponents being disqualified for using illegal moves and the other dropping out just before their match in Ecruteak Ctiy when he got news that his wife in Azalea Town was having a baby. To tell Laura all this, when she hadn't even trusted Ash and Brock enough to...she just couldn't do it. Especially not to Ash, who was her biggest supporter, always in the stands cheering the loudest for her, and comforting her when she had lost here in Sinnoh. Sapphire eyes closed tight, hidden by a veil of her hair. She couldn't reveal that she hadn't trusted him.

Cerbera whined pawing slightly at Laura and causing May to look up. Ash was recalling his pokemon, and Laura glanced at her watch and appeared to swear under her breath. "All right, girl, I'm sorry...I know we're usually asleep long before this." she said with a sigh, laying a hand heavily on Cerbera's head. "Well, come on then. I believe you lot came here for a place to sleep, right? Just because I'm not getting any doesn't mean you shouldn't. Now, bed."

May let out the breath she had unconsciously been holding, relieved that she didn't have to say anything, and fell into step behind Laura, with Ash and Brock flanking her.

"Hey May, we'll battle tomorrow, all right?" Ash asked, grinning.

May nodded. "Sure."

"Don't know when you'll find the time." Luara commented. "You two are gonna be helping me out around this place in the morning, and running this place is a 24-hour job." Cerbera barked in agreement as they entered the house, then barked happily again, bounding over to the group of three Pikachu playing in the middle of the room to join them.

Ash's Pikachu, seeing him, perked his ears and stood. "Chu ka, ka pi pi pi!" he explained to the other two before jumping up into Ash's arms and causing his trainer to laugh. One of the other Pikachu, Rai, didn't throw them more than a second glance before he and Cerbera began to converse amongst themselves. The third Pikachu, however, smiled and also ran over to Ash, though he tripped and rolled head over heels in the process, coming to rest at the trainer's feet. This new Pikachu was signifigantly smaller than Rai, and he also appeared to be younger, with no tatters on his ears or tail.

"Who's this?" Brock asked, kneeling down and offering his palm to the new Pikachu.

"Hm? Oh, that's Buster." Laura said. "He's the resident goofball, but an excellent battler. He's reached a level of strength and control to rival that even of Rai, who's many years his senior."

"Wow, really?" Ash asked, also kneeling to introduce himself. "You know, Piakchu and I would love to battle one of your Pikachu, Ms. Cooper! Would that be all right?"

Laura shrugged. "All right then. Let's see how tomorrow goes, and after all the work, we'll see if there's time for us to battle. You and May can have your contest battle too."

May didn't miss the bitterness in Laura's voice at the word 'contest.' "You don't like contests, Ms. Cooper?"

Laura snorted, turning her back on them to gather Rai up in her arms. "In my opinion, Coordinators aren't real trainers. They're just people who can't train pokemon, but still want to make themselves feel important with them. As for contests themselves..." She gave another small snort. "Worthless displays of cheap entertainment for the ignorant, drooling masses."

May stood stunned. As important as contests were to her, it was inconcievable that anyone else could feel that way about them! And...even if coordinators weren't real trainers...what did that say about her? "How...how can you...?"

"Let me ask you something, May." Laura said cooly, turning around to fix her hard emerald eyes on May's and hold her in place. "If you were in danger -- I mean, real, true, life-threataning danger -- would your pokemon be able to protect you if all they knew were moves designed to look pretty? Would they be able to overpower the danger and save you? Or would they merely make the danger go away by falling on it's back laughing at their incompetence?"'

"I...I..."

"I'll tell you the answer now. They couldn't." Cerbera growled slightly, obviously in agreement with her mistress.

May was on the verge of tears, her vision swimming and hands shaking. Barely aware of anything else, she ran for a door she could see that led out behind the house from the kitchen, sobbing. She ran on and on, stumbling over rocks she couldn't see amid the tall, waving grass, and nearly ran straight into a deep lake, stumbling back just in time. Her sobbing had stopped, but only because she was out of breath, and it soon resumed as she curled up at the base of a giant tree. She didn't notice the eyes of pokemon, both in the water and in the tree, that stared curiously out at this strange new human who had disturbed their rest, and wouldn't have cared if she did. All she saw were her gloved hands, which she had buried her face into, and the sneer on Laura's face as she tore down everything that had been important in May's world.

 

[Kamen_Fanatic]

Sunyshore has one "n", and story has no "e".

Wasn't Gaspar a Tradeable Haunter in the Diamond/Pearl games?

May's a little jumpy...

I'm guessing this was made before the anime made May's Squirtle into a Wartortle.

Wow - cruel much?

 

[pikachu200]

Yeah but everyone knows you have to trade a pokemon to an actual trainer to get it to evolve such as Haunter,Kadabra,Graveler, etc but Emerald your story's going well keep it up

 

[Kamen_Fanatic]

Actually, the in-game Haunter-for-Medicham trade in Snowpoint is the Haunter I was talking about.

 

[Ranger Jack Walker]

Yeah, its a great story.

 

[ShinyFlareon]

^_^ Ahh, so many reviews! *bows* thank you all so much -- especially Ranger Mike, for re-inspiring me to continue with this! Between college devouring my life and feeling as though this story had kinda given up on itself, it makes me feel even worse that I’ve been gone for so long...*bows again* gomen nasai!

Dracologist_3000: Yes, I did base Laura’s Haunter off the tradable Haunter in the games. I couldn’t think of another name -- so sue me. And though I changed May’s Squirtle into a Wartortle, yes, this was written before the anime. Long before it, in fact -- originally, May was to have had an Espeon here instead of a Glaceon because it was still unknown what she would evolve her Eevee into. Beginning-ish of the DP anime, roughly.

Thanks once again to pikachu200, for being a loyal reviewer -- with all your support, I don’t know how I ever lost the motivation to continue this story. And a big thanks once again to Ranger Mike, for reminding me that people are still interested in my work, even when it’s lain dormant for so long. Once again, enjoy! More shippy elements...sorta...

.....

I am trying!


“A Passion Revived”: chapter 6​

The whole world seemed to be tinted red. Hands shook, muscles tensed, and fists clenched. Pikachu’s ears went flat back against his head as he shifted into an offensive posture, cheeks sparking slightly and letting out a low, angry-sounding “Chuuuuu....!”

Ash Ketchum was absolutely livid.

“What was that for?!” he screamed, advancing a step towards Laura. Cerbera harshly growled in response, also assuming a braced, protective position in front of her mistress. “You have no right to say that! You don’t know how hard May’s worked, or what she’s going through -- !”

Brock laid a firm hand on Ash’s shoulder, holding him back. “Easy, Ash.” he said, voice tense -- it was plain that he was furious, too. “We aren’t here to fight.”

“Damn right you’re not.” Laura growled, glowering down at Ash. “And I will remind you whose house you happen to be in right now, whose property you trespassed on, and on which you are being allowed to stay. You have no place telling me what I can and can not do in my own home, Mr. Ketchum.”

“Be that as it may, Ms. Cooper,” Brock replied before Ash could blow up once again, “May is our friend. Ash and I will not stand to see her insulted like that, no matter who does it, or where.”

“That’s right!”

“Pika!”

Laura sighed, and it seemed to Ash that she suddenly looked much older -- certainly much more worn, as if she were weary of the world and all it’s problems. She slumped, placing an arm on the counter which divided the kitchen and the living room for support, and dropped her head. “Go to her, then, if she’s so important to you.” she sighed again, raising her head to look directly at Ash. “Go get her, and bring her back. I’ll show Brock where your rooms are, and I expect the two of you up bright and early; you’ll be helping me out with the daily chores around this place.”

Ash was stunned at this sudden change of behavior -- where had all that fight and anger gone? -- but he only paused a moment before rushing for the door May had bolted out of, scrambling out it and letting it bang once more on the side of the house before racing off into the grass, Pikachu hot at his heels.

--------------------

May didn’t know how much time had passed. All she knew was that she didn’t seem to have any tears left. Her eyes felt empty, drained -- just like her spirit.

Rustling in the grass somewhere behind her didn’t even faze her. It was probably just a pokemon, and she doubted it was going to attack her. She wouldn’t have even cared if it did.

“May? Maaay!”

The calls were faint, but getting closer. May still didn’t move. She just curled up into a slightly tighter ball and continued staring out over the lake, reflecting the moon so perfectly in it’s still surface.

The rustling suddenly stopped, and she was vaguely aware of a presence behind her. A gentle hand laid itself on her shoulder, and an all-too-familiar voice spoke softly. “May?”

The coordinator flinched. “Go away, Ash.” She didn’t mean it.

Ash squatted down next to her, resting on the balls of his feet. His tone was as concerned as his expression; deep worry lines crinkled the corners of his honey brown eyes. “May...”

“I said go away, Ash.” May repeated, not daring to look at him.

“Come on, May...Laura doesn’t know what she’s talking about.” Ash said obstinately, attempting a small smile. “You’re just as good a trainer as me or Brock, and a great Coordinator -- ”

“No, Ash, I’m not!” May burst out, ducking her head back into her knees. “I...I completely sucked in the Johto circuit, okay? I only won two ribbons...and both of those were honest-to-god flukes. My opponents either got kicked out or dropped out...I didn’t really earn them. And now, I’m doing so badly in Sinnoh...”

Ash paused, stunned, then sank down onto his knees. “May...I -- ”

A burst of water suddenly struck the tree they were sitting under, nearly dousing the humans, who both cried out in surprise, and succeeding in dislodging more than a few sleeping pokemon -- mostly Pidgey, Pidgeotto, Starly, and Spearow, though a couple Pidgeot and Fearow, along with a Staraptor and Swellow -- and thoroughly soaking them. Ash instinctively crouched protectively over May, reaching for his belt -- Pikachu had wandered off somewhere.

An irritated-looking Dewgong had it’s head poked out of the water, tail raised, as if threatening to splash them again, and Ash sighed in relief. They weren’t being attacked...

“Um...A-Ash?”

Ash glanced down at May, who he had sheltered between him and the tree. Blue and brown stared into each other for a moment, silent, before something sparked in the honeyed brown. “Oh!” Ash cried, throwing himself back from the rather...compromising position he had been in. His face nearly glowed red with embarrassment as he placed a hand over his mouth, the other pulling his hat down over his face in an attempt to hide it. “S-sorry about that...” he stammered, standing and offering a hand awkwardly to May, who grasped it and allowed Ash to pull her to her feet.

“N-no worries.” May replied, her face as red as Ash’s. Again, she didn’t seem able to meet his gaze, and glanced back at the lake, where the disturbed birds (along with a few assorted Bug pokemon) were attempting to heckle the Dewgong, who raised it’s tail in their direction again. “W-we’d better get back.”

“Y-yeah...” Ash replied, releasing her and turning back in the direction of the house. May followed him silently, incoherent thoughts swirling around in her previously empty head. She only got back in touch with reality when Pikachu showed up again, having apparently decided to go back and stay with Brock. He rubbed himself affectionately against Ash’s legs before jumping up to his usual place on his trainer’s shoulder. Ash gave a small grin, patting Pikachu’s head before heading back into the house. May hesitated only a moment before following him back into the lion’s den.

Hope this somewhat makes up for my absence! And I know, my shipping skills are really rusty...please forgive me for that.​

 

[Wonder Happiny]

Wow...you're pretty good!

Keep up with the good work!

 

[Every Breaking Wave]

Hmm, pretty good. I see some shipping is being worked in, and that was a really good chapter to start including it. Only one error that I noticed, and that was spelling compromise as "comprimise".

 

[CidGregor]

I actually like this. It's rare that I see pokemon fics of a significant length these days that are focused on the main cast. And it's even more rare that it's decently well written. And although it's not perfect - Laura in particular is annoyingly schizophrenic and bipolar - overall this seems to be one of those rare few. I approve.

As a fan of the show since it's beginnings, I have to say I'm more of a Misty/Ash fan as far as the shipping goes, but so far you make it decently cute with May, and I have nothing against her compared to the way Dawn grates on me something fierce. But seeing a little of Misty would be cool nevertheless.

I'll be checking up on this one periodically. Keep it up. ^_^

 

[Ranger Jack Walker]

Another good Chapter ^_^

The way Laura's mood keeps swinging sure is fun to read. Great Advanceshipping moment at the end of this chap

 

[Midnightmoon602]

Hey your shippings skills arn't bad. im already likeing this. very nice Emerald. very nice. ^_^