Return of the defeated (on hold)

Part 17

Not really having a planned route they went wherever their feet carried them. They soon found themselves standing at the edge of the beach looking across the sea. Very faint colors began to show meaning the sun was on it's way, they paused there to just relax and let their minds slip away into the peaceful moment.

Ash spoke in a calm even tone, "This, this feeling right here is calm. This is the emotion you should carry into battle, it clears your mind and makes your judgment more sound." Ash closed his eyes, opened his arms breathing deep and long. "Remember a battle is just a battle, once it's done its over. You can't change the outcome but you can learn from it."

Turning around he faced all the pokemon behind him and May by his side he continued, "Win, loose, or draw you'll always be cared for here with us and we will always be proud of you." Sandslash took the world to heart, he had been so nervous for the upcoming battle not wanting to let Ash down. He looked at the other pokemon and they all wore a relaxed facial expressions and had very calm postures. Seeing all that calmed his mind more and he suddenly felt what Ash was talking about, the calm feeling and empty mind. He was ready for anything today no matter what happened.

The group all stood together watching the sun slowly rise above the sea and its vibrant colors reflected off the water. They looked into the horizon knowing that as they were all a family nothing could ever stop them. The group once again began to jog down the street Ash guided them back towards the Pokemon Center. After reaching the doors May and Ash returned their pokemon and went back to their room. Once getting changed, cleaning up their supplies, they checked out and made their way to the gym.

Ash stood before a building with large lighting bolts rising from the sides and the doors flanked on each side with the same. Ash looked at May and smiled, "Its time to do this."

He pushed open the door open and called out, "I challenge this gym for rights to win the Thunder Badge!!"

"Well, well the baby finally showed up." Came a deep voice with a chuckle. "I was beginning to think you'd chickened out."

"As if I'd ever let that happen." Ash retorted. May looked across the battle field and was shocked to see the hulk of a man that was talking. Having heard stories from Brock, Misty, and Ash she never really believed the size of him.

"Wow now that's a very pretty lady you have standing next to you." Surge said winking in May's direction.

May took a small step closer to Ash, "Thank you, but I'm taken." She replied wrapping her arm around Ash's.

"Hmmm, seems you've grown up then. Although I kinda figured you'd would've ended up with the spitfire from Cerulean." The Lt. said raising an eyebrow. Seeing the look on the couple's faces he began to laugh, "Let's get this battle under way baby."

Ash shook his head and smirked, "Alright let's do this." Ash said pumping his fist. Looking down at May, "Don't worry about a thing May, and you're the only one for me." Ash added with a wink.

"Good lucky and I love you." May said with a light kiss.

Ash and Lt. Surge each took their position on each side of the field and the referee stood in the center platform, "This will be a full six on six battle between the gym leader Lt. Surge and challenger Ash Ketchum. The battle will be over when either sides pokemon are unable to battle. Are the rules clear?" Both trainers just nodded as they eyed each other. "Then let the battle begin!!"