Return of the defeated (on hold)

/Part 15/

"Thank you friend, now its time for me to go back to my gym, I'm sure to have a challenger or two soon. Take care, until we meet again."

"You do the same." Surge replied and the call ended. He sat there for a moment taking in everything that just happened, he smiled and stood up. He walked into the training room of the gym where his pokemon all were. "Ok everyone, its time to get really serious, we've got a big task a head of us."

Back in Cerulean City the man pocketed his device, and pulled out a poke ball. He tossed it into the air releasing a large winged pokemon, with one swift jump he landed on the pokemon's back. With a final glance of the city and the young couple training they flew off. With a grin the man thought 'Ok its time to see what the pride of Pallet Town can do.'

Back at the Pokemon Center Ash and May had just finished their exercise and called their pokemon back so the could get healed up and on their way. They collected their pokemon and thanked Nurse Joy, before heading back to their room. Ash let May clean up first, while doing so he made sure that all their belongings were packed up and ready. May stepped out into the room letting Ash get cleaned up, she sat on the bed smiling while stroking Glaceon and Pikachu. She couldn't help but think of how perfect last night was and that she was very lucky to finally be with Ash.

With everything packed and ready to go they made their way to the desk to hand in their key. Ash turned to May, "Hang on a second May, I want to send Charizard back and get Krookodile so he can help train Sandshrew."

"Ok Ash I'll wait here for you." She said giving his hand a small squeeze. Before he went to the transfer machine, Ash pulled May in close giving her a small soft kiss.

He looked into her eyes and smiled, "I love you May Maple."

She was taken back by the action but nonetheless she enjoyed, "I love you Ash Ketchum. Now hurry so we can make it to my next contest and your next gym battle."

Ash quickly made the transfer, once Krookodile's ball was clipped on his belt he went back May. He reached out and took her hand as thet passed through the doors with Pikachu and Glaceon leading the way and Meowth and Lucario on either side. On the way out of town the stopped and said goodbye to Misty telling her they'd see her before the league and grand festival.

Over the next few days they would do light training in the morning, travel until lunch, do a more power based training, then travel until they found a spot for camp. While they cooked they would have their pokemon work on control and finesse of their attacks. They we're both impressed and proud of each of their Ralts and how far they'd came in such a short period of time. Sandshrew was determined to make Ash proud no matter how many times Ash told him he already was. The young pokemon's drive made Ash excited to see just what he could do in battle.

On the third day the group came upon a building that had visited before. Except the sign and changed to A.J.'s Training Gym. Ash smiled as they walked through the gates and seen many young trainers working hard with their pokemon.

A man with dark green hair and a Sandslash by his side walked up to them, "Welcome to my training gym, my name is A.J.. What can I do for you folks?"

"Its been a while A.J.. You look like you're doing well for yourself." Ash stated as he extended his hand. Seeing the confusion in the savage pokemon trainer's eyes, "You don't recognize my face, but my name should ring a bell. I'm Ash Ketchum."

A J.'s face changed from confusion to a pleased smile, "Wow it has definitely been a long time since I've heard that name. Its good to see you again."