Unearthed Feelings

Takes place directly after episode 411 "A Real Cleffa-Hanger," where Ash, May, Brock, and Max are heading to the Battle frontier.

"Ahhhhhhh, this seems like a good place to stop." groaned a tired Max as the group entered a large clearing in the forest.

Ash and his companions had just begun their journey to the Battle Frontier in Kanto, Ash's most recent step to becoming a Pokemon master. Here he'd be able to battle other trainers as well as Frontier Brains. This could be a place that Ash could really see if he had what it takes to be a Pokemon master.

Most recently, Ash had lost to Tyson in the Hoenn League, placing top eight in the tournament. Ash quickly found himself back in his home region of Kanto, where he learned of the Kanto Battle Frontier, and decided that would be his next journey. After a short reunion with his mother, Professor Oak, and Misty, he quickly set off to the frontier, once again being joined by his Hoenn companions, who were back after a short break.

Along the way to the frontier, Ash and the group found themselves a little lost, and quickly approaching night. Brock, being the adult of the group, had already silently made the decision to set up camp in the forest clearing, and wait until the next day to continue their search.

Unbeknownst to the rest of the group, Ash's head still hung low following the loss in Hoenn. This had been yet another shortcoming added to the list of leagues he participated in, and he was struggling to get over the tough loss. Doubts about his dream of becoming a Pokemon master began to present themselves in his head. How could he ever achieve his dreams? Was he just not meant for this path in life? What more did he need to do before he saw serious results?

Needless to say, Ash was a little quieter than usual.

This went unnoticed by his companions, except for a certain brunette. One certain brunette with beautiful sapphire eyes, and an unmistakable red bandanna wrapped around her hair. One certain brunette named May Maple.

"I agree with Max, it's definitely safer to set up camp here and wait for the morning before we continue looking for the Battle Frontier." said Brock.

Max, who desperately wanted to rest, quickly began unpacking his things, showing the group they were going to stop there whether they wanted to or not.

Ash sighed and began unpacking his stuff as well, while a tired Pikachu found a comfortable spot, and quickly fell asleep.

"You're already going to bed, Pikachu? We haven't even had dinner yet." said Ash, surprised the loyal mouse hadn't even begged for ketchup yet.

"Pikaaaaaaa piiii.." snored Pikachu, not even processing the words of his trainer. Ash chuckled a little bit before continuing to unpack his stuff.

Soon the whole group had unpacked their bags, and Brock began to prepare dinner for the group. "We're gonna need to start a fire before it gets too dark, mind coming with me to get some firewood, Max?" asked Brock. This elicited a long groan from Max, but a deadly glare from May answered the question for him, forcing a reluctant Max to get up and follow Brock into the forest to collect some wood.

Ash, now sitting on a log, still remained fairly quiet, seeming to be in deep thought. "I've been traveling for years now, I've gone through three regions, gotten over twenty four gym badges, and yet I'm still not strong enough to win something big," Ash continued to think. "Is it even really possible for me to become a Pokemon Master? All I do is fall short of my goals. Maybe I should just give this up, go find something I'm actually good at."

These thoughts swirled around in Ash's head, occupying his full attention, and bringing down his spirits. The trainer definitely wasn't known for being anywhere close to a pessimist, but one can only take so many shortcomings before doubt begins to set in. Ash had been through more than most trainers at this point. He'd gone on countless adventures, ran into numerous mythical pokemon, he even spotted the legendary Ho-Oh! Yet...he still hasn't been able to get it done.