A powerful and greedy trainer who wants to capture Manaphy for its rare abilities could be the main antagonist. He might have a whole team of strong Pokemon and use underhanded tactics to try and get Manaphy.
One idea could be that Ash and Manaphy go on a journey to find a rare type of Pokemon food that can heal all Pokemon. Another could be that Manaphy gets lost and Ash has to traverse through a dangerous forest to find it. Or perhaps they team up to save a group of Pokemon from an evil trainer.
A 'ash may manaphy fanfic' might center around the relationship between Ash, May and the mythical Pokémon Manaphy. It could be a story that takes place in the Pokémon world where they form a team to solve some mystery related to Manaphy, like finding its lost home or something.
They can develop their relationships through shared adventures. For example, when facing a difficult battle together, they learn to trust and rely on each other. Ash's determination, May's knowledge of Pokemon, and Manaphy's special powers can complement each other in battles, which deepens their bond.
One plot idea could be that Ash, May and Manaphy embark on a journey to find a rare and powerful Pokemon that is said to be able to control the tides. Along the way, they face various challenges like battling Team Rocket who also wants to capture this Pokemon for their evil plans. Manaphy's unique abilities help them get out of tough situations.
One way to find a great fanfic involving Ash, Manaphy, and Papa is to ask in fan communities dedicated to Pokémon. People there might be able to recommend some hidden gems. They could have read fanfics where Ash has a special connection with Manaphy and meets a Papa - like Pokémon that changes their adventure in a significant way.
Some writers portray Manaphy as a very innocent and curious creature. It might be constantly exploring its surroundings, getting into small amounts of trouble that Ash and Lillie then have to help it out of. For example, it could be attracted to shiny objects and accidentally get stuck in a cave while trying to reach one.
A major theme is the power of trust. In many fanfictions, Ash has to trust Manaphy's instincts and abilities, and Manaphy has to trust Ash's leadership. Also, the theme of discovery is quite prevalent. They might discover new Pokémon species or hidden powers. For example, in some stories, Manaphy discovers a new power within itself with Ash's help. This discovery often leads to a new adventure or a way to overcome an obstacle. And there's also the theme of protecting the Pokémon world. Ash and Manaphy might team up to save a particular area from a threat, like a group of evil Pokémon trainers or a natural disaster that could harm the Pokémon habitat.
One common theme is adventure. Since Manaphy is a rather mysterious and powerful Pokemon, many fanfictions involve it going on grand adventures, exploring new places, and facing various challenges.