Chapter Text
"I really, really like you!"
A phrase that echoed, spoken twice over. It hung in the air, dancing circles around the two adolescents, as they stared into each other's eyes. Each pair, wide in a sense of disbelief.
"...Wait, so." Ash managed out, rubbing his neck. "...We were just gonna say the exact same thing?"
"That was, like… the idea! Right?" Dawn blinked. "Weren't we supposed to hope for that?"
"I mean… yeah! I, uh. I guess you're right." Ash swallowed heavily. He wasn't sure whether his brain had caught up with his pounding heart, yet. She said it, right? She really said it back? "...So… we've really just been standing here…"
"...Yelling over wanting to say the exact same thing," Dawn finished.
Ash and Dawn could do nothing, but laugh. Leaning-into-the-boardwalk-railing-in-a-fit laughing. Contagious laughter that only seemed to build off the other, tears building up in the corners of their eyes. It continued, until both of them started to run out of breath.
"Ahh…" Ash sighed, flicking a tear from his eye. He stood back upright, sporting a smile that pulled from cheek to cheek. "Wow… This is actually really, really great! We're both on the same page!"
"I know!" Dawn gushed, balling her fists up over her chest. She'd been fretting for nothing! He liked her! Well, of course he did; she was Dawn. "But…"
Ash frowned. "But…?"
"I really wanted to tell you in a more dramatic way. Something that really let you know how important this was to me!"
"Aw, Dawn…" He snorted, lip pulling up with a raised brow in amusement. She was so funny. Really weird, but in a really fun way that kept him on his toes. He waved a hand dismissively. "We saw a Pokémon evolve and confessed in front of the sunset. If that's not cheesy romance 101, I don't know what is."
"...You've got me there," Dawn conceded.
"Besides!" Ash continued, grinning. "It's you, Dawn! It's already really important!"
Dawn squeaked. Her face tinted a strong rose; a beautiful color, Ash noticed, under the already warm hues cast by the setting sun. "You can't just say smooth things like that," she whined, shoving his shoulder. "You've been on a serious roll, today!"
Ash could only puff his chest out, snorting proudly. "You're free to puff up my ego some more, if you wanna!"
"Oh, I definitely will," Dawn giggled. This was followed by a brief silence, pardoning the soft whistle of the breeze passing through. It nudged her long blue locks, and played with Ash's wild, dark tresses.
"...So, what the hell do we do, now?" Ash asked.
"Don't you know!?" Dawn exclaimed. "You traveled with Brock; a lot longer than me!"
Ash frowned. "Okay, but have you ever seen him getting past the 'asking out' stage?"
"...Right." Dawn was quieted by that rebuttal. So much for a regular Romeo giving them guidance… Was there anyone else? She blinked. 'Oh, duh.' There was Misty.
"'Cause, if I really wanted Ash, I-I could have him! As… As…"
"Your boyfriend?"
Dawn swallowed. If she'd gotten this far, she could continue to be brave. "I want you to be my boyfriend, Ash."
Ash blinked several times. "...Okay! Fine with me!" He said, grinning. "But, I've got like, no actual idea what that'll mean for us, sorry."
"I don't either," she shrugged. "We just… keep traveling together? I was already having a blast with that!"
"Me too!" Ash beamed. "And hey! At least we can be honest with each other, now! I'm tired of holding my feelings back!"
"Agreed on that, big-time." Dawn huffed, folding her arms. "I miss being able to blurt out whatever's on my mind!"
"Pikapiii!"
"Prinplup!"
Ash and Dawn had been in their own little world, for the past minute, clearly - they'd been surrounded by their party of Pokémon without so much as noticing. But it became a little hard to ignore when Pikachu jumped up onto Dawn's shoulder, nuzzling into her cheek. For Prinplup's part, he was hugging Ash's leg with tears streaming down his cheeks.
"Haha, hey! Hey!" Ash laughed, crouching down to embrace the Water-type. "Looks like you guys all came to congratulate us, huh?"
"Pii!" Pikachu chirped, making Dawn giggle before she scratched behind his ear. She saw Torkoal just now walking up the ramp to the boardwalk, trailing everyone else. "Aw, you guys…! So, wait. How did you know? It only just happened!"
"Were we that obvious?" Ash asked.
"Gli."
"Pah!"
"Lav."
"Mukkk."
~Super obvious.~
Ash and Dawn were forced to make eye contact, blinking. Color filled their cheeks in a display of embarrassment, before they shared an amused grin.
"Well, be that as it may… Thanks for your support, guys." Ash beamed, speaking from the heart. "Dawn and I may be… boyfriend and girlfriend? Girlfriend and boyfriend? Uh, yeah." That still felt weird rolling off the tongue. "But you guys are our best friends. It wouldn't be the same without your support" His eyes drifted over Dawn's team; the Prinplup still buried in his chest, Buneary, Pachirisu, Quilava, Clefairy, and Houndoom… "You guys," he addressed Dawn's team. "I want you to know. You're Dawn's Pokémon, so you're important to me, too. Let's keep doing our best together, okay!"
"And Ash's Pokémon," Dawn addressed. Pikachu, Rosa, Muk, Torkoal, Gliscor, and Primeape. "The same goes for you. Always!"
A chorus of cheers answered the group. They were one big, happy family!
"...Phew! Wow." Ash whistled, wiping his forehead. "I'm not gonna lie, though. I'm pretty beat."
"Me too," Dawn agreed, as she scratched under Pikachu's chin. "Between going out to eat, shopping, windsurfing… all of that, and confessing!? I think I could use a break."
"And how," Ash agreed, standing back up after patting Prinplup on the head. "C'mon, everyone. Let's go crash back at the Pokémon Center for a while." He smiled, waving a hand to gesture to the group to follow.
Dawn walked alongside him; Pikachu hopped down from her shoulder, watching her and his trainer walk off without a thought. He stared at them, blinking.
In fact, every single Pokémon was left gawking.
"...Wait." Prinplup trailed off. "That was it! That was the big deal?" He squawked, waving his flippers in the air.
Quilava tilted her head at him. "What. Were you expecting a wedding?"
"I mean, not yet… But, still!"
"Who cares?" Gliscor asked. "It doesn't really matter as long as they're happy, right?"
"Uh-huh," Quilava agreed.
"Gotta agree," Muk said. "Kinda miffed I missed my chance to hug 'em, though."
"You'll get your chance," Prinplup rolled his eyes. "Forget that!"
"Prinplup's right!" Buneary vouched, hopping over to the forefront of the group. "Our trainers are dating now! They can't just go and brush it off like nothin' happened!"
Pikachu fiddled with his paws, cutting his eyes nervously in the rabbit's direction. A nervous chuckle leaving his lips. "Well.. heh, yeah! It's great that they figured this out! I couldn't think of a better match for Ash. But it's okay for them to take it slow, right…?"
Buneary tutted, thumping her foot against the boardwalk. "Ehe… They've been doing the 'take it slow' song and dance for a while, don'tcha think? Now that they both know how the other feels, it's time to be bombastic!" She hopped up high before coming back down. "Some real fireworks! A little razzle-dazzle," she said, waving her paw in circles. "Make it official!"
A brief silence passed over, pardoning the low whistle of wind working its way up the boardwalk.
Prinplup leaned towards Pachirisu, raising his wing. "...They're not even being subtle about this, are they?"
"Nope!" Pachirisu chirped. "You think we should push one of 'em and-"
"You two, butt out of it." Primeape entered the circle, shoving Pikachu and Buneary aside. "You're both too personally involved. If you want my opinion, this one's on Ash. A man's got to be forward! If you're gonna keep a girl, you have to take the lead! Prove you're a real alpha male! Take charge."
"...I think I feel like we should have roasted Primeape for dinner," Quilava followed. "Anyone else feeling that?"
"...Yeah, erm." Pikachu frowned, folding his paws. "Where did you even hear that?"
"...Those are. Erm. Anthony's words," Primeape snorted out, tapping his glove-like paws together. His macho bravado seemed to evaporate in an instant.
"How on earth is Anthony still married?" Pikachu asked.
"I gotta agree with Pikachu," Buneary nodded, willing to shelve their romantic limbo for the moment. She leaned forward, whispering to him. "Gotta say, I'm grateful you're not a macho blowhard, yourself."
"Eheheh… Well." Pikachu laughed, cheeks dusted with an orange-ish red.
"...Look. His wife knows he's a moron." Primeape huffed.
"Dawn has pride!" Quilava argued. "She wouldn't want to just be catered to! She's a woman of action!"
"You're absolutely right," Primeape agreed. "From the short time I've known her, her willpower is phenomenal. And that's exactly why Ash should take the lead, this time. If she's been fretting up and down about making this happen, then she could use a break. Give her a night off!"
"...You do make a good point," Prinplup conceded.
"She has been fretting a lot about it lately," Quilava added. "It's had her distracted."
"Makes sense, I guess." Muk shrugged a sludge-coated shoulder.
"Uh-huh."
"He should take her star-gazing…!" Clefairy cooed, hopping up to twirl atop the boardwalk's railing. "Just think… a romantic night under the night sky…!"
~I don't… get why any of this matters.~ Rosa frowned, fox-like ears drooping further than usual. ~All this should, shouldn't. Isn't this supposed to be about having fun together?~
"Agreed!" Prinplup squawked, patting Rosa on the back. "Leave it to my little sis to be the wise one, here. They should do something nice! Go to a fancy restaurant! Go all-out! Haven't any of you ever gone on a date before!?"
"Haven'tcha only been rejected?" Pachirisu asked, leaving herself squarely in the crosshairs for a vengeful Hydro Pump.
Pikachu, seeing this, stepped between the two. "Okay, okay! So… How're we going to make this happen?"
"Yeah. How're we supposed to tell them all this?"
"Or even plan it?
"Not like we can speak human common."
~Ah-ah-ah…!~ A blue blur somersaulted off the planks, landing cleanly atop the railing next to Clefairy. ~Aren't you all forgetting someone…?~ Rosa grinned, paws fashioned proudly on her hips. ~I'll be the voice for the group. Leave it to me!~
"Oh. Oh yeah! She does that."
"Good idea, Rosa!"
"How did we forget that…?"
"Okay, everyone!" Pikachu took charge, throwing a paw up in the air. "We've got our course of action! Now, group huddle, and we'll get this thing started!"
Tracking down Ash and Dawn wasn't particularly difficult when the duo had stopped to wait outside the Pokémon Center; the duo hadn't quite expected their Pokémon to lag so far behind. Nor did they expect to be asked for an audience, back in their boarding room in the Pokémon Center!
Alas, here they were. Sitting next to each other atop one of the cots, hands lingering faintly over one another in the very small space between them; sinking into the divets formed by their weight pressing down on its surface.
It wasn't like they were scared to hold hands. But something about it felt odd, while they were being propositioned with what the next step in their relationship was going to be. It wasn't exactly helping the new relationship jitters.
~...So! All of us thought you should go on a date! Like a real date!~ Rosa proposed, gesturing a paw around; overcompensating for a pitch that she clearly hadn't planned, herself. The little Riolu looked almost unconvinced.
"A real date…?" Ash tilted his head. "I felt like today kind of was a date, looking back on it."
Dawn giggled, leaning her shoulder into Ash. "Ehe, yeah! It got us together, so I think it was a success!"
"Lup! Prinplup!" Prinplup shook his head, forming an 'x' with his wings.
~We mean a really, really special date!~ Rosa defended. ~ With, uh… What was it? Oh yeah! Going somewhere fancy for dinner! Go all-out! Dress up! Try some… orb birds?~
"Prinplup."
~H'oeuvres d'oeuvres.~
"...I don't know what that is, but I saw a fancy restaurant, down the boardwalk!" Ash pointed out, raising a finger. "They had their name written in fancy letters, and everything. That should fit the bill, right?"
"I… guess," Dawn trailed off, frowning. "Do we really want to do that, though? We never eat at that sort of place." Despite being a fairly spoiled only child, her mother had never been one for that sort of scene. In fact, the one time she'd expected to do fine dining… well. Princess Salvia's swap still made her shiver, in hindsight.
"...I'm not so sure, either." Ash's nose crinkled, brows digging low as he considered the idea. Arms folded over his chest. "I've never been one for that sort of thing, either."
"Right, right!" Dawn lit up, leaning forward with a smile. If she could wiggle her way out of this… heck, maybe they could still go to the tag tournament! She'd confessed, sure, but she hadn't done it in her grand, Dawn way! And tag battling just sounded like more fun…
"Bun! Buneary!" Buneary hopped forth. "Neary?"
~But, you gotta start things with a bang!~ Rosa protested, with words that clearly weren't her own. ~You wanna kick off this relationship with… uh… pizzaz, right?~
"...It's true. I guess we should." Ash frowned, rolling his shoulders as he teetered on the idea. "Yeah! We should!"
"Ash?" Dawn asked, leaning over for an explanation.
"Look… I don't know what to make of a fancy dinner, either." Ash's expression gained a sort of seriousness, as he held a fist over his heart. "I don't know the first thing about it. But if I've learned anything from this journey… It's that nothing you experience is pointless! Something new could be exciting for us! And if we can do something cool for… well, what we are now, I don't want to pass it up!" There was a tiny, itching voice in the back of his head that told him he was making a dumb move, here. That this plan sounded awfully boring. But the new, 'wiser' Ash decided to ignore it. Dawn deserved the best!
"...Well…" Dawn hummed. "Yeah. Only the best for us!" She said, seemingly reading his thoughts. But, it was just a coincidence of like minds. "I didn't sit on my feelings this long, just to blow it."
"Yeah! …Wait, how long?" Ash turned to her.
"...Erm! Forget that!" Dawn panicked, waving her hands. "Shouldn't we be worried about dressing up for that place!? I don't think you even have a high-end pair of clothes… eheheh…!"
"...Shit, you're right." Ash pouted. "Hey! I saw a suit and tie rental, when we were walking! Probably around here for just this sort of situation, huh?" He chuckled nervously.
"Then, let's swing by there! We don't wanna wait too long, or we'll be starving before we get there!" Dawn suggested.
"Dawn, you're a gal after my own heart." Ash grinned. "Let's do it!"
"It's… You're tying it wrong. I can hardly breathe!"
"That's because you keep shifting around. Stay still!"
This was the hushed fussing, outside the changing room in the local suit and tie rental. While Dawn wrangled with a crumpled mess of a blue tie, Ash was more-or-less dressed to the nines. A black suit and slacks to match, a white undershirt, and a dazzling, shiny pair of black leather cap-toed shoes. His hair was even combed slightly more tame than usual.
Unfortunately, he felt like he'd stepped into a heater and his clothes were restricting him like an Arbok's Wrap. Particularly so when Dawn continued to fiddle with the red tie around his neck; finally pulling it into a loop. "Jeez…!"
"Well, I did it!" Dawn boasted, dusting off her hands with a smug smile. "You look…" Her hues drifted up and down. Something about Ash looking suiting and formal felt… odd. "Well, high-class! Looks like we're set to go!"
"Thanks," he laughed uneasily, tugging irritably at his tie, when they passed the counter; having already put down their deposit.. With bags of changed clothes slung over their shoulders, they stepped out of the store and on to the open boardwalk.
A gentle, cool breeze passing through let Ash sigh in relief. "At least it's not so stuffy, outside… Maybe this would feel right if I just…!" He reached into his bag, pulling out his prized Indigo League cap.
"It's a little dirty," Dawn pointed out. Not a complaint on her own part, but she knew well the role they were trying to play, tonight… God forbid they get booted for not having the proper attire.
"It's well-worn," he excused, fitting it on his head. That felt so much better. "So, uh…" He smiled, holding a hand out to Dawn. "Guess we should go…?"
She smiled warmly, taking Ash's hand in her own. "Yeah." At the very least, he was familiar. A reassuring presence as they walked down the boardwalk towards their destination. Even as her heart hammered a steady, quick rhythm. She looked over her shoulder to Ernie's, in the backdrop.
…Somehow, it seemed nicer.
Be that as it may, they found themselves in front of the two-story restaurant with an elevated patio, where other parties and couples ate. It was probably too late to secure one of those.
"...So, uh." The raven-haired trainer turned to his now-girlfriend, giving a sheepish grin. "...Been meaning to do this, since we spilled the beans."
"Huh?" Dawn tilted her head. "Do what, Ash…?" Her palms were starting to sweat. Oh no. Surely, he didn't mean…?
He did. Ash went out on a leg to lean in, lips pursed for a clumsy, but heartfelt first attempt at a kiss. If he could manage not to miss Dawn, then surely he'd make this memorable!
"Ow!" Dawn recoiled, holding her head. The brim of Ash's cap had bumped into her, making it immediately recoil and send a slight shock through the initiator, himself.
"Sorry!" Crap. Shit. How completely embarrassing. Ash's first instinct was to tug his cap down and cover his eyes to avoid making eye contact. But that cap had already caused him enough trouble, tonight. "Um… uh. Let's go in," he coughed, pretending that little mortifying incident hadn't happened. He tried to ignore the ugly feeling that came with shoving his prized cap into his bag.
"No need to worry," Dawn quickly replied. "Yeah."
Luckily, there was a distraction to pull them from their folly; the rich, overstepping scent of seafood, drifting over from the open patio to the left. Ash licked his lips, distracted by the allure. Enough that he almost wandered off-course while ascending the steps.
"...Ash?" Dawn asked.
"Huh?" That was all he needed to snap back to reality, and notice that Dawn was ahead of him. Shoot. A bolt of panic struck Ash, as he recalled something Rosa had relayed to him, one-on-one, while Dawn had been busy with her hair. Something about how the guy was supposed to take the lead. Hold open doors. Pull out seats… He didn't question nor accept it fully. Only spring into action when the time came.
So, in a rush, he darted up the steps before Dawn, ripping the door open. "Ehehe… Here! After you."
Dawn's eyes widened. That was… odd. All the same, he'd opened the door for her, so she stepped through quickly. "Thanks," she murmured.
"No problem," he quietly said back.
The hostess smiled at the couple. "Welcome to Germaine's! Will the two of you be dining with us tonight?"
The two quickly exchanged a look.
Ash tried to speak quickly. He was supposed to be leading, after all! "Yeah, just the two of us!"
The hostess hesitated, pursing her lips coupled with a raised brow that made the couple awfully self-conscious. They looked to each other for help, before finally following her gaze. She had her eyes on their extremely out of place bags.
"...Oh!" Dawn squeaked out. "We… uh. I wanted to bring my purse, but…" She trailed off, pivoting around on her feet. She couldn't manage a proper excuse. They hadn't had time to leave their bags back at the Pokémon Center!
"...But it got scorched in a Pokémon Battle!" Ash finished. "I'm just helping to pick up the slack," he explained.
"...Very well." The way the woman wrinkled her nose told Ash and Dawn that she was less than impressed, but didn't press the issue. "Please follow your server to your table. Thank you!"
Ash and Dawn quietly walked behind an older man. His air of importance and officiality only increased their tense posture. By the time they were seated in the plush booth, neither found themselves able to relax into their seats.
The privacy the booth offered thus turned to a sense of isolation.
"What will the madam and sir have to drink this evening?" the waiter inquired, sliding the menus down before the couple.
Dawn quickly flipped through the small selection while Ash quirked his eyebrows in confusion.
"Just water, please."
Deciding to follow her lead, Ash repeated the same. "Water, please."
"Very well." The man wrote it down and then walked away.
Now, they were alone for real.
Dawn turned to Ash, the singular candle on their table lighting up her face in the dimly lit restaurant. "This is nice," she said, trying to start a conversation.
Ash nodded, trying to think of an appropriate response. Faking a bravado he didn't feel, he sat his shaking elbow down on the table, smiling at Dawn. "Anything for you!"
Clearly, she wasn't expecting that reason. "Oh! Thanks…" This… hadn't even been her suggested preference, though. What was up with him tonight?
Thankfully, they had a brief interlude to the silence. The waiter returned with their waters.
"Would it be time to select one of our hors d'oeuvres, mister and madam?"
Ash's heart dropped. Hadn't Prinplup said something about that? What even were they!?
Thankfully, Dawn spoke up. "Oh! We haven't even looked at the menu. I guess we need another minute to decide on appetizers. Unless you know what you want, Ash?"
Appetizers! He knew what those were! But, as he quickly scanned the menu, he didn't see any he knew! Where were the mozzarella sticks!? The fried pickles?! They didn't even have rice balls, for crying out loud! Still, he couldn't let Dawn down! He had to take control of the situation!
"The fig-almond bry?" he weakly said, trying to come off confident. He didn't know how to pronounce that last word. Maybe like try?
The waiter raised a brow. "The gentleman would like the fig and toasted almond brie?"
"Yeah," Ash quickly squeaked.
"Very well."
The trainer almost relaxed into the booth in relief.
"What bread would you like?"
Ash almost broke into a sweat. "Uh… I mean, w-whatever you would recommend!"
An almost knowing smile crossed the waiter's face. "Very well, sir, I'll ask the chef what he recommends. Thank you for trusting us in this." With that, the man walked away.
Dawn looked to Ash, in awe. "I didn't know you liked cheese like that!"
There was cheese in that?! Ash wondered. He did like cheese, though. "I mean, yeah? I'll eat it on anything. Fruit'll be good on the side, right?"
Dawn shrugged. "I don't know! I've never had brie! It smells ba-..." She stopped. Wait, if Ash knew about Brie and he seemed okay with it, shouldn't she?! She'd feel stupid if she seemed like she was the only one who didn't know what she was talking about. "It smells b-basically filling!" she lied. "Like, I smell it, and I think, whoa, I can't eat that, I won't have room for anything else, haha. B-But, I bet you'll totally like it, Ash!"
Encouraged by Dawn's lies, Ash nodded. "I just hope we still have room for our meals!" he said, comfortable talking about food.
"Oh, I guess we should figure out what we want to eat," Dawn mused. With that, she opened her menu.
Ash followed suit. Most of the items looked bad from their description and many he just didn't know what they were. One rather shocked him, though. What were crab legs?! That stayed on his mind even as he looked through the menu.
The silence that lapped over them during their menu reading was anything but comfortable.
Both were elated when the minutes passed by and the server returned.
"The chef recommended sourdough. Please enjoy." The waiter placed a delicate dish of soft, pale cheese down before the couple. On top of the cheese was the fruit and nuts as well as several carefully carved slices of bread. "What might I get the couple for their entree?"
"I would like the fruit medley salad sandwich with the curry rice, spicy, please," Dawn politely said. She hoped that'd taste good together. Did fruit really go on sandwiches? She didn't even know what kind of curry they served here!
Ash, however, finally barked a question he'd been wondering. "You guys don't serve Krabby, do you?" After he'd just told Dawn that people didn't do that, anymore… more importantly; the poor Pokémon!
The waiter looked taken back. "... Sir, we serve crab here."
"...So, not Krabby legs."
The waiter cocked his head. "Sir, it is crab. Crab is not a pokemon."
Although relieved, Ash felt a little embarrassed. "J-Just checking." He recalled what the owner of that little shack had said earlier in the day. "Some places are a little sketchy, you know. But, I want the crab legs with the mushroom soup."
"We would never harm our dearest pokemon, my good sir," the waiter patiently explained. "I'll get these turned in."
As the man walked away, Ash could have sworn he heard snickering.
"Ash," Dawn said.
The trainer tried to pull himself together. "Yes… darling?" Did people actually call each other that?
"...Darling?" Dawn hesitated. That just… sounded too on the nose. But not wanting to sabotage tonight any further, she brushed it off. "You know there's a difference between crabs and Krabby."
"Well… yeah!" He defended, adjusting his tie to fight the heat filling his cheeks. Was it crowded in here? This outfit was making him feel claustrophobic. "It's not my fault they're named almost the same thing."
Dawn giggled. Maybe she should have gotten what Ash got. Oh well. At least she had the appetizer to try! "Time to try the brie!" she cheered, before remembering her bravado from earlier. "I'll only eat a little… So, have as much as you like!" Why was she even talking like this!? She wasn't one to deny herself anything! It felt gross.
Picking up a piece of bread and his form, Ash smiled. Hey, this didn't look too bad! It looked like some seeds on cheese. Was it like a reverse cheeseburger or something? Sesame seeds but on the cheese instead!
Spreading the cheese on his bread slice, Ash quickly popped the whole thing into his mouth… Only to sorely regret it. Still, he couldn't spit it out with Dawn watching him, having just bit off a piece of her own bread. She was chewing it so carefully, so thoughtfully! She must actually like it!
So, Ash forced himself to swallow the bread piece. "Wow! That is filling!" he lied. "I'm gonna wait for our food. Don't wanna fill up, haha."
It was that filling to him, really?! Dawn looked down sadly at the three fourths of a bread piece she still had left. But, it was… rude to keep eating when someone else wasn't? Maybe? She didn't think so, but they seemed to be playing things by the book… "Y-yeah! I can barely finish what I've started! High-class food is funny, right…?"
"...Y-yeah. Real funny." Faking a smile, he poked idly at his bread. He'd love to just eat the bread without that disgusting spread, but he'd already gone and run his mouth! What fun was dinner if you weren't eating to your heart's content? "This stinks," he muttered.
"Huh? What stinks?" Dawn asked.
"Uh…!" Ash stammered. She wasn't supposed to hear that! "I… didn't say stinks! I said you look… really pretty, me thinks…!"
"...Me thinks…?" The Coordinator furrowed her brow. "You definitely didn't use that many words."
"Oh! Did I not…? Ahaha…!" Ash tugged anxiously at his collar. "I… guess I was just… stunned by how, uh… elegant you look!" Elegant? Ugh, he wanted to crawl under the table and die, right now.
"...Oh! That makes sense. Ehehe… Not the first time I've made you space out," Dawn teased, throwing Ash a bone. Elegant? Methinks? Where was his wit earlier that had her flustered beyond belief!? This wasn't Ash. He sounded like some dork trying to shmooze his way into her heart. Ouch. Even thinking about calling Ash a dork made her cringe.
.Dawn's wince, unfortunately, didn't go unnoticed. Ash saw, free to grab it for misinterpreting. 'Ugh, that must've been so lame. Who even says that crap!? She was just saying I was on a roll, earlier… stupid. Stupid!'
Luckily, they were rescued by the main course; their plates set down in front of them before Ash could embarrass himself any further.
"There we are," the waiter politely said. "Please enjoy your meals."
The two looked down.
Ash's disgust was only multiplied. These looked like very small Krabby legs!
Dawn, however, was confused by the blended goop in her sandwich.
"Better dig in!" she cheered, completely masking her disgust.
"Right," Ash agreed, desperately trying to figure out how to even eat these. Was he supposed to eat it, shell and all?! Thankfully, he spotted a man across the way eating the same thing. He was supposed to crack the legs with this weird silver thing on the plate!
Picking it up, Ash tried to crack the shell, but found that nearly impossible. It was too slippery and too thin! Still, he couldn't give up.
Dawn, meanwhile, took advantage of Ash's distraction to try a big mouthful of her sandwich, hiding what she'd eaten behind the other slice of it. It was actually really good! Yet, that haunted her. She would probably be only able to eat one half of it…! But, it was so good…!
The trainer let out a frustrated snort, finally just picking up the crab leg and cracking it with his hands, the same way he might break a branch for firewood. His eyes lit up in delight, seeing the white and red meat within.
Dawn, however, yelped. The juices from the crab had landed all over her and it stank!
"Oh, crap, Dawn, sorry!" Ash apologized, getting up out of his seat to walk to her side of the table.
"It's fine!" she said, not sure if she was lying or not. She blindly reached to the side as she spoke to Ash, accidentally knocking over her drink in pursuit of a cloth. "Ah!" Water rushed all over the table, spilling into her lap.
"Dawn!" Ash shouted, reaching for the cloth and handing it to her.
"No, no, move!" she said, trying to get out of the booth, but only succeeding in tripping over Ash's foot and landing face first on the carpeted aisle.
When she looked up, everyone in the restaurant was looking at her and Ash.
He looked down at her, only able to see the back of her from his position. "Dawn…?" He crouched down, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Are you okay?"
She turned around, looking up at him with her mascara running a bit. "I wanna go…" she whimpered. "Can we please leave?"
He hated that it took all of this to get him out of it, but he was all too happy to oblige. "Yeah. Hey, how much was your stuff? I'll leave the money on the table."
Dawn stood up, face heated red from shame. "H-here's my half."
Certain somehow that he should have paid but not in the mood to argue, Ash only took what she gave him before putting his half on the table too, using the cup that hadn't been spilled to hold it down.
With that, Ash took Dawn's hand and led her out of the restaurant, the latter hiding her scarlet-ridden face with her free hand.
The two couldn't escape Germaine's fast enough. A quick shuffle down the stairs was preferred, though Dawn yelped, as she stumbled forward on her heels. She was on her way to tripping a second time, before Ash caught her, an arm around her waist.
"...Thanks." She smiled, standing back upright. As she took his hand, making her way steadily down the steps, this time, she was grateful.
"Anytime," he managed a weak smile. Despite the shame heating up his cheeks, even noticeable under the night sky. Despite the sweat trickling down his neck, from dealing with this whole rotten situation. He looked tired… but no longer a mask hiding the Ash she knew.
"...So." Ash started, when they reached the boardwalk. He let Dawn's hand go, flinging the crab juice off his hands into the wind. "That totally sucked."
"It was the worst!" Dawn fumed. "What the heck even happened back there? What was with you!?"
"Me?" Ash backed up, pointing a finger at Dawn. "What was with you? You said that shitty cheese was delicious, so I ate it!"
"I thought it was good," she defended, "but you said it was filling so I didn't get to finish it!"
"So what? Since when did anything I said stop you from eating?" Ash frowned.
"I… I… I don't know!" Dawn sputtered. "Since when did you hold doors open or call people elegant!?"
"I…!" Ash started, before leaning back. The question sobered him, rightfully. "...I don't know. Rosa was giving me some pointers while we were getting ready. 'Take charge' this, 'make a lady feel at ease,' that. I didn't think they really sounded like anything she said, but apparently all the Pokémon planned this, so I thought I should… I dunno, listen?"
"Wait, you too!?" Dawn blurted out, eyes wide. "I was getting the same junk! Something about… 'Just let Ash take the lead. Kick back and relax for tonight.' So I was just… ugh!" She stuck her tongue out. "Just holding back things I want to do or say… It feels nasty! I hate it!" She fumed, stomping her heel against the wood below her.
"It's terrible," Ash spat. "I'm… sorry about all those lame lines. I must've looked like such an idiot."
"Well, yeah," Dawn agreed, holding to her new policy on honesty. "But that's because you were acting like an idiot. Not the Ash Ketchum I fell for."
That much was enough to bring Ash back into better spirits, a genuine smile playing at his lips. "That's… gotta be the nicest thing I've heard tonight. Like, y'know! Since we left. Not since we-"
"I know! I know what you mean," Dawn laughed. "No need to worry…"
"...So, that settles it?" Ash asked. "No more putting on an act, ever?"
"Never, ever!" Dawn agreed. "If we're going to date, it's because we like each other. Not anyone else who we could imitate."
"Yeah! Not like they could ever be as cool as us." Ash thumped a fist against his chest, inflated with bravado. "Just try and imitate a future Pokémon Master and Top Coordinator. You can't!" Afterwards, his shoulders sank. "...Still. It really sucks that our first ever date was a disaster."
"..It does," Dawn hummed, holding a finger up to her lip. "But…maybe it won't have to."
"Huh?" The raven-haired teen looked to Dawn, a brow raised. "What the hell does that mean?"
"Well, Ash…!" Dawn attempted to twirl, only to trip on her heel, yelping and clutching Ash's hand. Blushing furiously, she stood back up and decided to never attempt that in heels again. She smiled, turning her nose to the air with a wink. "A bit of mystery is every Coordinator's ace in the hole."
"I feel like I'm missing something here." Ash frowned.
Dawn giggled, holding her hand out to him. "C'mon. Let's go get changed, and I'll show you!" She felt Ash's hand in hers, and ran. 'Hopefully there's still enough time…!'
After quickly returning Ash's dress clothes to their proper venue, Ash and Dawn rushed back to the Pokémon Center for a quick change. They gave their Pokémon the short, slightly-less-humiliating abridged version of what'd happened at Germaine's, much to the group's collective embarrassment. Prinplup in particular was given a few dirty looks.
Dawn had instructed Ash to take his team with him, as she recalled her own. He'd asked her why they were coming along for their date, but she kept brushing it off. To this moment, he still didn't understand, as he stood in front of the exact spot Dawn had led him to.
"...Ernie's?" Ash blinked, eyes fixed on the small restaurant. "I'm, uh… happy to eat here! But this wasn't exactly something you had to keep a secret, Dawn. I would've just said yes."
Dawn waved him off, and stepped forward, now in her more comfortable teal boots, along with the rest of her outfit. "Hi!" She beamed, placing a hand down on the countertop. 1,000 Poké laid where it'd been. "We'd like to register for the Tag Battle Tournament."
The teenager at the register blinked, recognizing her and the trainer behind her. "Uh-uh. Sure thing! Just, like, fill out your information here." He slid the clipboard onto the countertop, which Dawn picked up immediately.
"Here! C'mon." She waved Ash over.
"...Wait, what?" Ash blinked, processing the scene before him. He and Pikachu exchanged a look. "Tag Battle Tournament!? When the heck did that happen?"
"I saw a flier for it, when we were eating here earlier," Dawn answered, as she scribbled down her name, and roster of Pokémon. "When I was throwing our stuff out.
"And you didn't bring this up for a date!?" Ash gawked. He accepted the clipboard once Dawn finished. "I mean, not to be an ass about it, but…"
"No, no, you're right! I wanted to…" Once Ash finished, she handed it back to the registrar.
"The tournament starts in, like, fifteen minutes," he explained, ignoring their personal drama. "Just meet up in the dining area before then, or you'll be DQ'd."
"Thanks," Dawn said, walking alongside Ash to their destination. "...Anyway, I actually wanted to surprise you with coming here tonight, and ask you out when we got to battling! But, you beat me to the punch…"
"...Oh. Oh, wow." Ash held a hand over his heart. That was actually really touching. It left him with a tinge of guilt. Enough that he wasn't paying attention to the chatter and crowd of trainers they were walking into. "Sorry, Dawn. I feel bad. It's just… you had my stomach doing loops today, and every time I tried to say somethin' to you, you were so quick to brush it off. It just bubbled up, and I had to tell you how I felt!"
"Wait, are you serious!?" Dawn asked, holding her hand over her mouth. "I was trying to keep things from moving too fast because I wanted to say it first…! Man. Me and my big fat mouth."
"Then, dinner… Me and my big fat mouth," Ash huffed. He barely avoided bumping into another trainer, settling into the dining area where they'd gorged themselves earlier. Where he'd actually loved his meal. "I never liked the idea to begin with. But when everyone hyped that up as the thing to do…"
Pikachu, looking between Ash and Dawn, was beginning to feel pretty embarrassed. He made a very poor attempt at feigning innocence with a whistle. "Pi-ka…~"
Ash laughed. "Hey, you were just trying to do right by us. Though somehow, I seriously doubt a stuffy restaurant with gross food was your idea, Buddy."
"Pipi." Pikachu nodded adamantly. Though, he wouldn't go as far as to name names, even if they could hear him.
"Let's just go with our gut from now on. Deal?" Ash beamed, raising a hand above his head.
"Deal!" Dawn agreed, swinging for a high five.
Both teens had to stop short, when they nearly clapped a couple in the face.
"Woah!" Ash exclaimed, pulling his hand back when two older teenagers flinched.
"I"m so sorry!" Dawn exclaimed, stepping back.
"I'd say you should be sorry!" A young man scoffed, dusting off his black suit. He was brunette, with long, well-managed locks framing each side of his face. "You very well could have given me quite the mark! I'd shudder to imagine winning this competition with a huge handprint on my visage."
"How downright brutish!" His company scoffed; a blonde girl with a green dress and a large sun hat to match. She adjusted the hat into its proper place.
"Hey, again, that was my bad," Ash apologized. "But what does a handprint have to do with winning battles?" He didn't quite like the implication that the other was destined to win, either.
"I wouldn't expect drab like you to understand the importance of appearances in victory. Especially with a dingy old baseball cap," the brunette dismissed.
"This is my official Pokémon League Cap!" Ash shouted. When he realized he was starting to attract looks, he pulled back, sliding his hands into his pockets. Ernie was such a hippie from the few seconds he knew him; he didn't want to get kicked out.
"And why do you smell like seafood?" The blonde wrinkled her nose.
Dawn felt her face heat up tremendously. "...It's a long story," she squeaked out.
The couple scoffed, walking off into the crowd.
"What the hell was their problem?" Ash spat.
"Piiika."
"You dudes are in for it, now." A shaggy-haired young man with sunglasses and a tropical tie butted in, nugging Ash's shoulder. "If they get their mitts on you durin' the tournament, you're set for a wipeout."
"Huh?" Ash raised a brow at the archetypal surfer bro. "Why? Who're they?"
"You've never heard of 'em?" Another, heavyset beach-dwelling male accompanying the first stepped forward. "They're Antoin and Garret. They're a tag team from somewhere across the ocean; got a big name for showin' up at tag competitions and crushing the competition."
"Now that you went and harshed their mellow?" The shaggy man continued. "You're toast."
Some hushed gossip and utterances from other bystanders seemed to confirm the duo's explanations. Ash swore he heard some girl mutter that they were done for, now. Despite this, he could only smirk. "That strong, huh…? That's awesome!"
"Come again, little dude?"
"If they're that strong, then this tournament will be a blast!" Dawn cheered, bundling her fists up. "And it'll be that much more satisfying when we beat them!"
"Totally!" Ash laughed.
"Pika-chu!"
The two young men stared at them, unblinking. The first spoke up. "...You got moxie, dude and dudette. I like it."
"Hope you don't wipe out!"
The loud, ear-splitting cry of what turned out to be an Exploud made the collection of trainers collectively cringe, and instantly succeeded in silencing them. No one dared continue the commotion and prolong the Pokémon's cry any longer.
"Thank you! Thank you." Standing at the back of the dining area was Ernie; a loud and easily noticeable presence, alongside his Exploud. "I'd like to thank all of you lovely trainers and your Pokémon for coming to the event that has become my pride and joy; Exploud Ernie's Earnest Encounters! Where trainers and their beloved Pokémon can work alongside each other in a display that shows us all that love and bonds always triumph!"
Ash leaned over, whispering to Dawn. "There're the waterworks with him, again…" Indeed, tears were streaming down the man's cheeks. He had to admit he liked his enthusiasm, though.
"For our monthly celebration, we've managed to gather sixteen trainers for tonight's battles! That's sixteen different trainers who wish to show us their connection with their dear friends, and one another! And I'd like to show my gratitude, so we'll be giving out a great prize to the winners!"
The rotund man gestured to a table he stood beside, as the cashier pulled a cloth away to reveal a sight that made trainers coo and cheer with awe. Various evolutionary stones and battle items sat, arranged neatly.
"Each winner will have their first pick of an item of their very own! And just because every Pokémon competing tonight should be honored… Each and every competitor will get to pick one of their own, barring what the top placements have already taken! Everyone goes home with a prize!"
Excited murmurs turned to full-blown cheers. What a generous event!
"But don't forget; there's still good reason to win! The winners will receive an all-you-can-eat dinner, courtesy of Exploud Ernie's Earnest Eats! So, don't hesitate to do your best! …However." He paused. An uncharacteristically intimidating leer was cast on the competition. Lips pulled into an ugly scowl. "...Keep it clean. I don't want to see any signs of unnecessary brutality, or underhanded cruelty in my event. Bringing needless harm to Pokémon will mean immediate disqualification!"
Ash and Dawn exchanged a look, and smiled. It wasn't as if that affected either of their styles… Though, who knew what Ernie's standards were, really?
"The opening round will take place in ten minutes! Every team's names have been shuffled randomly, and will be up… in just a moment!" Ernie drew out, as an electronic board was having data typed in by one of the staff. Names started to randomly flash in the brackets, before they all settled into place.
Ash and Dawn watched painstakingly for their names, until they blipped into place on the left end of the bracket. They were up first, against two trainers named Duff and Eda.
"Awesome! We're up first!" Ash pumped a fist. After the total drag that was the past hour or so, he couldn't wait to get started!
"Ash, look!" Dawn tapped him on the shoulder, and pointed to the other end of the board. In the very last bracket, Antoin and Garret were designated as the second-to-last pair of names.
"They're at the total opposite ends," Ash whistled. "So, we won't be battling them for a bit…. But that does mean…"
"...That we'll have to win the first two, to get our chance to battle them!" Dawn bunched up her fists, smiling widely. Her deep blue hues absolutely shone with the thrill for battle; a sight that Ash couldn't help but keep falling for, the more he noticed it. She understood him completely.
"Then, let's charge straight for the victory!" Ash grinned, punching a hand in the air. Likewise, the roar of enthusiasm in his voice had recently started to make Dawn's heart beat just a pace faster. A real hot-blooded guy, he was… "Oh, but uh. Could we stop and get a snack, first? I'm still starving from dinner." He pleaded, holding the back of his head with a sheepish smile.
…And there was his clumsier side, which always managed to catch her off-guard. How did he manage to constantly pivot between being undeniably cool and ditzy? "Ash! We have less than ten minutes!" Dawn complained.
"I'll just get some pickle chips!" He dismissed, running for the stand up front. "No need to worry!"
She sighed, shaking her head. Yet, she couldn't help but smile. "That's when I worry the most…!"
I see you chatting away with friends
Wind, please don't take him away
Ah, to somewhere beyond time
I can't see the future within the mirage yet
As we will become adults, where will we end up?
Today had been a veritable journey of highs and lows; so many, perhaps, that it would put a roller coaster to shame. The creeping shadows of guilt and melancholy that seeped in from yesterday's tragedy, which were swiftly outshone by Dawn's hopes for future success.
Born of those, a day of food, merriment, play, and shared talents. That same leisure, though, had been choked by budding feelings and difficulties expressing them. Fear and frustration clouding the way forward… until they didn't, anymore.
Two traveling trainers had jumped a hurdle that'd been building from the day they'd met, well over a year ago. The way their hearts thumped and spirits shone for one another was no longer a secret. They could fluster, smile, and bear their feelings without any pretense.
If that weren't enough; their precious partners had sabotaged that freedom with the best of intentions! Antiquated roles, and self-aggrandizing expectations that were built to suit people that weren't them. It'd binded their affections and the people they were born for like chains.
Now, here they were. Taking turns pulling fried pickle chips from a greasy bag, popping them into their mouths. No one told them that Dawn had to blot at Ash's chin with a wet napkin, warning him how untreated grease would make his skin break out.
No one told Ash he couldn't snicker, when a crumb of batter had somehow launched onto the tip of Dawn's nose and made her sneeze. No one had to tell them to be punctual for a battle when their names were called. They simply wished to compete above all else.
No one could scold Dawn that it wasn't proper dinner etiquette to fling the last pickle chip into the air for Ash to catch with his teeth, and clutch her stomach laughing when he succeeded.
That freedom was worth everything.
You are the one
As an irreplaceable friend
And someone more than that
You gently give me the strength to move forward
For that, I love you
With a feeling that will never change
With this heart that never lies
I just want to tell you, "Thank you, my one"
"Use Spike Cannon!" The blonde young woman, Eda, called, gesturing a hand forward with gusto as her Cloyster clamped her shell shut. Explosive, swiftly-regenerating spines fired from her exterior, raining in a glimmering barrage upon Buneary and Rosa.
"Rosa!" Ash shouted. His intentions were immediately understood, as the Emanation Pokémon hopped in front of Buneary, crossing her paws over her chest. She took the full punishment of Spike Cannon, feet digging into the battlefield to keep traction.
When the barrage died, smoke withered away. A growling, vengeful Riolu stood, glowering.
Duff and Eda looked understandably intimidated.
"Reversal!" Ash punched forward.
Pain dealt out manifested in a blazing fist, fiery aura stretching out to keep up with the speedy pup. Smashed by the speedy right hook, Cloyster bounced and skipped off the even field.
"Use Jump Kick, Buneary!" Dawn added.
The young couple hadn't been prepared for a gutsy Riolu; nor an aggressive Buneary, sporting her new favored leather jacket. (With the sleeves cut off.) The Normal-type stomped a nasty kick on Duff's Onix's forehead, sending him crashing down.
"Hang in there, Cloyster! Use Hydro Pump!"
Cloyster, despite her heavy damage, put her durability to use. Her shell snapped back open, ready to fire.
"Buneary! Circle Throw!" Dawn intervened.
The swift acrobatics Buneary showed were dazzling. Hopping in alternating springs of her feet and ears, she somersaulted forward until she found herself below Cloyster, snagging the shellfish upright with her ears.
"Copycat!" Ash added; Rosa recorded and memorized Buneary's movements with methodical swiftness, diving forward to catch the falling Onix.
She slid in on her back, grabbing the Rock Snake's head in her paws. Feeling a great weight coming down, Rosa grit her teeth. Willing herself to not be crushed. With a shove, she kept Onix airbound for just a moment, which was just enough to support him with the bottoms of her feet. "...Riah!" She cried, flinging Onix back over her head… and right into Cloyster.
"Ah! Onix!"
"My Cloyster!"
"Nice throw, Buneary!" Dawn praised.
"Real impressive, Rosa!" Ash added. Grinning, he adjusted the brim of his cap. "Now! Rosa…!"
"Buneary…!" Dawn followed, raising a hand high above her head. Ready to call the finisher.
"That's enough!"
The two trainers paused, blinking.
Over on the sidelines was Ernie; his arms crossed dutifully over his chest. "What did I say about unnecessary harm? I like you, orderer of sea cakes, but if this goes any further, I will be forced to disqualify you!"
"Unnecessary harm…?" Ash raised a brow, looking over at their opponents' end of the field.
Onix and Cloyster lay in a pile, already unconscious.
"...Huh. That's it." Ash blinked. "I guess we don't know our own strength."
"We have been piling on the training," Dawn agreed, running a hand through her blue locks. She laughed nervously. "It's easy to forget that the average trainer isn't a powerful Gym Leader, huh…?"
"Or Coordinator," Ash added.
Fortunate enough not to overstep the tournament's bounds, Ash and Dawn advanced.
Meanwhile, Rosa and Buneary shared a victorious fist bump.
Surely, I expect to see you tomorrow
I travel in times believing so
Ah, to somewhere beyond dreams
I don't understand the word called "destiny" yet
I'm hesitating a little because you are so radiant
Next, they were placed against the surfer duo who'd warned them against the traveling tag duo. They didn't seem to think they'd win the tournament, but they showed no misgivings. Just "going with the flow," as they'd said.
The lanky one waved a hand, commanding his Alakazam. "Use Psybeam!"
The portly one followed. "Golduck, Hyper Beam!"
Twin beams of light fired. One prismatic, fracturing beam, fired from between Alakazam's spoons, the other a magma-colored burst fired from Golduck's ruby gem. They crossed solid ground, homing in on a waiting Pachirisu and perched Gliscor on the ground.
"Gliscor, soar!" Ash shouted.
"Pachirisu, on his back!" Dawn followed.
The Fang Scorpion Pokémon bounced off the venomous end of his tail, swooping close to the ground with his wings fanned. The membranes gave plenty of ground for Pachirisu to take, hopping atop the larger Pokémon's back with a chirp. They were cutting it close, with both beams just a blink away.
…Which was just enough time for Gliscor to adjust the height of his wings, coasting on the raw force exerted by Golduck's Hyper Beam as a gust to lift him high above ground. The two attacks exploded behind him, lighters and smoke dancing together in a display he couldn't see.
Dawn exchanged a whisper with Ash, winked, and then shouted to the sky. "Pachirisu! Discharge!"
"Chi-pahhh!" Pachirisu lit up Gliscor's form like a shimmering star in the sky; surrounding his wings in a blinding blue that thanks to his typing, didn't hurt the air battle expert a bit.
"Gliscor!" Ash gleefully punched forward. "Stone Edge!"
"Gli!" Gliscor stopped short, fanning his body out with his claws extended. A belt of sharp stones rotated around him, receiving the full charge of Discharge. They were promptly propelled towards the two grounded Pokémon, raining above them like deafening spears of lightning. Sharp rock and electricity pummeled away at the other end of the field, capturing the crowd in awe.
Gliscor soared back down after the assault, landing on the end of his tail with Pachirisu balanced on his head.
The debris cleared, where Alakazam and Golduck alike laid unconscious.
"Alakazam and Golduck are unable to battle! Ash and Dawn go on to the final round!"
Ash and Dawn exchanged a look, and grinned. Their combination moves were really their pride and joy. They hadn't had proper tag battle training in quite a bit, but the interim after the last match had been enough to cook that masterpiece up!
Pachirisu ran in victorious circles, while Gliscor winked with his tongue stuck out. "Gli~!"
You are the one
The shapeless promise
And the memory greater than that
I can still believe in them
Even at night when we are far away
With a feeling that makes up nothing
With this heart that is always stronger
I just want to stay like this, crying the same tears
Before the Trainer-Coordinator duo knew it, they'd made it to the finals, and just as they hoped, they were up against the snotty duo from across the seas. Antoin and Garret stood across the fray, cradling their respective Poké Ball of choice in each of their hands.
"I see the riff raff was good enough to make it to the finals," Antoin jeered.
"...But winning a measly two rounds on a beachside tournament isn't exactly an accomplishment," Garret scoffed.
"What's your problem?" Ash snapped, balling up a fist. "A tournament's a tournament. Get in the spirit of it, or get lost."
"Why? So you can win without having to lose to us…?" Antoin taunted, holding the back of her hand over her mouth in a condescending manner to hide her smirk. "A coward's answer."
"Ash is no coward!" Dawn jumped to her boyfriend's defense immediately. "We'll lay you out flat!"
"Ahem!" A loud cough interrupted the group. Ernie, somehow, looked even more furious than he had been during the last interruption. "This is an event in the spirit of friendship! Show some respect to your Pokémon and your opponents', or we'll be forced to find another winner!"
"But we…!" Ash raised a hand, words failing him. He sighed in frustration, before feeling a hand on his shoulder. Dawn held it, flashing him a comforting smile.
"Forget it. We'll show them who's boss, as soon as we start."
Ash smirked. There was his rock, again. "Right. Pikachu! I choose you!" He pointed forward.
Pikachu tumbled forward, landing on all fours with his cheeks crackling away. "Pika!"
"Prinplup, spotlight!" Dawn waved a hand, calling on her partner. He stood beside Pikachu.
Garret and Antoin called their two Pokémon; a pair of bipedal felines apparently known as 'Meowstic.' Garret's was primarily a dark blue with white accents, and aquamarine eyes. Antoin's was the opposite; primarily white with blue accents, and golden sclera framing stern red hues.
"Alright," Ash muttered. "We saw them in the other rounds. It looks like the blue one plays support."
"...While the white one leads the offense," Dawn finished. Her blue, thin eyebrows furrowed in concentration. They'd have to watch their foes and their tactics carefully.
"Pikachu! Thunderbolt!"
"Prinplup! Hydro Pump!"
Twin projectiles of twisting threads of lightning and torrential blue fired alongside one another.
"Light Screen!" Garret swiftly commanded. Translucent frames of rose gold surrounded both Meowstic before either starter's attack even fired. His own preparation was quickly followed up.
"Sucker Punch!" Antoin had said, in tune with her partner.
Suddenly, Pikachu's Thunderbolt dissipated into golden sparks in the air, as the wind was suddenly knocked out of his lungs. A dipping Female Meowstic had smashed her paw into the mouse's gut.
Meanwhile, Prinplup's Hydro Pump sent the Male Meowstic sliding back across the flat field. Luckily, the glimmering shield of Light Screen kept the pressure on him to a manageable level.
"Use Psychic!" Garret commanded. "Into Pikachu!"
A bright blue glow dispersed Hydro Pump into a fine, glimmering mist around the feline. His folded ears lifted, unleashing a surge of psychic power that grabbed Prinplup in a telekinetic grip.
The penguin squawked, thrown roughly into the air. At just the perfect angle, too, to smash into Pikachu, who'd been similarly launched by Sucker Punch. The two companions collided.
"Use Psyshock!" Antoin commanded with ferocity that betrayed her demure presentation. Rose-colored lasers homed in on Pikachu and Prinplup, enrapturing both in a colorful explosion.
Both starters dropped to the ground, landing with a touch of difficulty. Within moments, they were standing upright and ready for more.
"They're good," Ash muttered. "Real good." He didn't feel the need to check on Pikachu and Prinplup; he knew that they could handle far more than an attack like that.
"I can see why they've got a reputation," Dawn agreed. "...But remember what we said, back in Pallet Town. We're going to build our own!"
"Right!" Ash agreed, grinning. "Pikachu! Quick Attack on the white Meowstic!"
"Prinplup! Metal Claw on the blue one!" Dawn followed.
"Pi-pi-pi…!" Naturally, Pikachu launched forward first. Stretching to the limits of human sight, he threw his full weight at Meowstic in a flash of silver.
"Quick Guard!" Garret swiftly ordered. Punctually enough, an orange bubble surrounded both the male and female Meowstic.
The sudden protection caught Pikachu's weight, stunning the mouse before bouncing him off. With his attack disarmed, the female Meowstic was free to act; a fortunate fact for Garret and Antoin, as Prinplup's silver wing tips were about to slash into the male.
"Magical Leaf!"
The female Meowstic let out a high-pitched cry, barraging Prinplup with shimmering, magical leaves that sliced away at his portly body.
Prinplup tumbled back, landing on all fours. He whined, shaking off the many minute slices he'd just acquired. "Lup…!"
"Ash." Dawn frowned. At this rate, they were definitely going to lose. "We need a strategy."
"You're right," the male agreed. The blue Meowstic's back-up for the white one was continuously repelling their attacks, and leaving them open. If they could just manage to break their defenses and overwhelm them… "That's it!" His eyes snapped open. "Dawn, can you keep the white one busy?"
Dawn smirked. "C'mon. You don't even need to ask!"
Ash laughed, and waved a hand forward. "Pikachu! Quick Attack on the white Meowstic!"
"Pi-kahh!" Pikachu launched off.
"Quick Guard!" Garret commanded, as his Meowstic once more supported a bubble. With his move made, the brunette laughed derisively, holding his temple in his hand. "Honestly. Attempting the same failed strategy, again? This is becoming embarrassing."
As expected Pikachu crashed into the bubble of Quick Guard, stretching its foundations.
"Bounce off, and pivot!"
"What was that!?" Garret exclaimed.
Pikachu tumbled backwards off of the barrier, landing in a handstand that allowed him to swivel his body around, launching into a forward roll through the air. He landed on all fours, compressing his body before breaking the ground with another dash forward. A second Quick Attack crashed into Quick Guard, before bouncing off again.
"Now, keep it up!" Ash declared with glowing confidence. "Back-to-back Quick Attack!"
"The nerve of…!" Garret stammered out, scrunching his face in frustration. No one had to tell him the folly of Quick Guard; repeated uses would weaken it. And yet, protecting the Female Meowstic, he had no choice. "Tch…! Quick Guard, Meowstic!"
"Is… is this some unorthodox new tactic!?" Antoin stammered out, clutching onto the end of her large, lime-colored hat.
"It always is, with Ash!" Dawn boasted proudly. "Prinplup! Hydro Pump!"
Prinplup fired another torrential cannon towards the female Meowstic.
"Use Charge Beam!" Antoin countered.
A golden beam of light fired from Meowstic's paws, clashing with the Hydro Pump. Unfortunately, electricity had a way of passing through water with any sort of impurity. Charge Beam cut through, electrocuting Prinplup.
"Prinplup…!" Dawn gasped, as her starter hung over with smoke trailing from his feathers. She could see the red aura overtake Meowstic, too; she knew well from Sabrina's battle with Ash what that meant. They'd only gotten stronger, now.
"Now, Psyshock." Antoin commanded, regaining her former cool confidence.
"Nyaaa…!" Her Meowstic bundled her paws, firing brilliant psychic rays towards the penguin.
'There's no point in dodging them,' Dawn thought to herself. She'd seen the effects of her Keen Eye in previous battles. "Cut it down, with Metal Claw!"
"Priiinnn…!" Eager to avenge his pride, Prinplup wielded his wings, their ends coated with silver that shone under the night sky. Short legs carried him sprinting forward, with far more expertise than he'd had just a month or two ago. He crossed his wings, and sliced away at the psychokinetic beams with cool steel. He felt some resistance, his wings trembling. But he refused to lose; with an extra dose of force, he powered through, splitting the beams behind him. Standing, wings parted, with poise.
The refracted light beams, now cut down into thinner lasers, passed by the penguin, only to turn around and regroup. Splitting apart into a pincer attack on either side of Prinplup. Guided by the eerie glow of Meowstic's Keen Eye ability. There was no escape.
"It's still after us!?" Dawn exclaimed, sweating.
"Pi… ka!" Pikachu crashed head first into Quick Guard's bubble for probably the fifth time, coming down from a vicious drop. He stretched the barrier's limits, sinking just short of the male Meowstic. The cat cried in shock, as cracks started to form a web.
Pikachu smirked, "...Cha!" He allowed himself to be thrown back, tumbling onto all fours.
"There it is, Pikachu!" Ash grinned, punching forward. "One more Quick Attack!"
"Nya…!" Meowstic unfolded his ears, attempting yet another barrier. Orange light flickered before dissipating; the cat was hunched over, panting in exhaustion. His ears pulled back in, his immediate energy to maintain the shield spent. He was left wholly unprepared for Pikachu smashing into his stomach, knocking the wind out of him. He was sent sliding back through the field, digging himself a small crater. He coughed.
Meanwhile, with Prinplup surrounded, Dawn regrettably realized she had no choice but to dodge. "Hydro Pump, straight down!"
Prinplup opened his beak, spraying a propulsive jet towards the ground. He recoiled all the way into the sky; breaking waters and glimmering mist falling under him, briefly washing over him. It was refreshing, at least for a moment. And several strands of Psyshock collided, exploding in a purple splendor below him. Unfortunately, several beams still climbed his way.
"Enough of this game of cat-and-mouse…!" Garret grit his teeth in frustration. "Thunder Wave!"
The male Meowstic struggled to sit and then stand; weary from the painful impact dealt out by Quick Attack. But he did manage to aim his paws at the airborne Prinplup. Golden rings of paralyzing static shot in his direction.
Ash turned his head between the feline and Dawn's ambushed starter. "Pikachu!" He urged.
"Pika!" Pikachu swiftly obeyed, dashing to leap between his teammate and Thunder Wave.
"Catch it, with Iron Tail!"
"Chu… Pi!" Pikachu coated his tail with silver, glimmering bands of gold within Thunder Wave's radius. He angled the bolted extremity like a lightning rod, taking the paralyzing shock's full charge.
"What in the world…!?" Garret stammered out, gawking at the airborne mouse.
Antoin grimaced, grabbing a bunched up handful of her dress. "These lot are…!"
Golden lightning danced rings around Pikachu's tail, highlighting it as if this were a contest combination. Looking over his shoulder at Prinplup, he smirked. He'd saved his friend.
"Now, Iron Wave! Give it right back to 'em!" Ash waved a hand, spontaneously naming a move, once more.
"Pi… ka-cha!" Pikachu pivoted in mid-air, swinging his hips around to click his tail in a counter-clockwise motion. Thunder Wave's static was flung like miniature needles of lightning, spraying across the field. Both Meowstic were caught in its glow, crying out and recoiling.
Suddenly, Psyshock branched off and flew harmlessly into the sky, as the female Meowstic could no longer maintain her focus. She, along with her male companion, had been paralyzed.
Prinplup landed on his feet, exhaling in relief. "Prinplup!" He squawked, patting Pikachu's shoulder in a show of gratitude. He'd saved his tail, up there!
"Yes!" Ash grinned, pumping a fist. "We got both of 'em."
"Great thinking there, Ash." Dawn giggled, gently shoving him. "You saved us, just now!"
To this, the trainer smirked, nudging up his cap with his thumb. "Hey, you know me."
The infamous couple exchanged some quieted words, seemingly deciding on a strategy. The flash of fighting spirit in their eyes was unmistakable, even from a distance. They didn't want to lose.
"Meowstic. Helping hand."
"Use Psyshock!'
The two felines righted themselves, despite their paralysis, before holding one another's paw. A slowly escalating cry from the male heralded raised ears; a golden light first enrapturing him, and then the female, who similarly held her ears at full height.
The male's full support empowered the female, each of them now holding both of their paws together. A flickering rose light crackled between their four paws, building power before splintering rays fired towards Prinplup and Pikachu. This round of Psychic was twice as bright and vicious as the last.
Ash's chocolate hues met Dawn's sapphire. Furrowing a brow each, they nodded.
"Pikachu! Hop on Prinplup's head!" Ash called, as an ambush of fuchsia rays webbed out to surround them.
"Prinplup! Whirlpool Counter Shield!" Dawn gestured widely with an outstretched hand.
"Luuuup…!" Just as he felt a weight on his crown, Prinplup raised both of his wings before whipping them into a practiced loop. Crashing waters weaved into a cyclone around him, climbing higher and higher until both he and his comrade were shielded by a beautiful twister.
Psyshock crashed into the Whirlpool from all angles, making the Whirlpool bend and push back. The shield quickly became unstable, roaring and bending around the many lights of Psyshock. Rushing waters and the blasts they refuted left one end of the battle field in a loud, misty chaos.
For Ash and Dawn, though, that chaos. All of the noise… the excitement… The thrill of battle.
They reveled in it. And this seemed to resonate, more than ever, in this moment. Heart pounding, Ash turned to shout to his blue-haired companion.
She could hardly hear him, but Dawn was sure he'd called her name. His fists were bunched up, his messy hair and red jacket flapping around gallantly in the wind. She couldn't ignore his glowing smile, or jubilant eyes, either. She cupped a hand around her ears, turning to listen.
Whatever he was about to say seemed important, and she wanted to hear it.
"Dawn!" He shouted a second time, voice dulled by the waters and psychic blasts. Her persisted to roar over them. "You and me! Let's find our dreams together! To be…" He paused, grabbing his cap as it'd nearly flown right off his head. He shoved it down atop his black tresses. "...to be the best Pokémon Master and Top Coordinator the world's ever seen!"
It was chaotic. Rays of dangerous energy snapped past them, and they'd both been bathed in mist, at this point. Ash was hard to hear over the harsh noise… and yet, Dawn had heard every word. As Whirlpool gave and finally imploded, Dawn could only smile. The thrill of battle, alongside her first and foremost human companion… her heart sang for it.
Clouds of mist, bubbles and water droplets rained over the duo, scattering through and beyond the battlefield. Tinted by Psyshock's might, it looked as if thousands of fuchsia petals were floating about the battle-loving duo. Passing by them and highlighting their features, before scattering into the wind.
Thousands of flower petals
Come pouring down on us, ooh
Ash and Dawn could now see Pikachu and Prinplup, who now stood side by side, unharmed.
Dawn giggled, turning back to Ash with a gutsy thumbs-up. "I wouldn't have it any other way!"
Ash smile grew ever wider, if that were even possible. "Thunder Claw?"
"Thunder claw."
"...Pikachu!" Ash beamed, throwing an open palm in the air. "Jump up, and use Thunderbolt on Prinplup!"
He could hear Antoin and Garret's baffled exclamations from across the field.
"Prinplup! Metal Claw!" Dawn commanded, hands held out; mirroring her partner, wings outstretched before they were held over his head, shimmering silver.
The penguin waited for the heavy burden of lightning crashing into the very narrow slivers of steel on his wing tips. It made him shudder and flinch. But he held strong. Golden lights flickered and sizzled on the ends of the wings. Only growing angrier as he threw both of them out at his side. Extensions of lightning buzzed on his wings, and he sprinted forward towards a paralyzed, and baffled, pair of Meowstic.
"Priiiin… Plup!"
He passed both of them, slicing over his chest. Stumbling onto one knee, only to play it off as a graceful, purposeful landing. Lightning dispersed from his wings, as a shock convulsed through the two Meowstic. Behind him, they fell unconscious.
"Both Meowstic are unable to battle!" Ernie cried. "The winners of this match, and Exploud Ernie's Earnest Encounters are… Ash and Dawn!"
You are the one
As an irreplaceable friend
And someone more than that
You gently give me the strength to move forward
For that, I love you
With a feeling that will never change
With this heart that never lies
I just want to tell you, "Thank you, my one"
"Yes!" Ash exclaimed immediately, turning to his companion before acting completely on impulse, and picking her up by the waist, spinning her around.
"Ahaha… Ash!?" Dawn asked through laughter, spun several times before she was set down. "We did it… That was some great teamwork!"
"You're not kidding!" Ash agreed. He felt a familiar weight on his shoulder, then, and heard Pikachu's happy coo. He laughed, petting the mouse's disheveled fur. "Awesome job, Buddy!"
"You too, Prinplup." Dawn crouched, congratulating the penguin who'd waddled over to her at once.
"...Ahem." A loud cough earned the attention of the group of four. Garret approached, coughing into his hand. Antoin was beside him. "...I believe we owe you an apology." For the first time since he'd met him, perhaps, Ash saw a genuine smile on the brunette's lips. He'd extended a hand for Ash to shake.
Ash met him in turn, reciprocating with a firm shake. "That was an awesome match!"
"Congratulations," Antoin lauded, offering the same gesture to Dawn, which she returned. "We underestimated you two, clearly…"
"Big change in attitude from a minute ago," Dawn joked, after retracting her hand.
"There's no greater disgrace than a sore loser," Garret explained, flipping a hand through his locks. "Your skill and synergy was unmatched; even with the balancing act of improvisation, you overcame practiced strategy."
"And with such interesting, unusual combinations…!" Antoin cooed.
"Combinations are my specialty," Dawn boasted, hands on her hips.
"Hey, your tactics were great, too!" Ash praised. "You really had us on the ropes for a minute."
"To you, I can admit…" Antoin started.
"...Our battle style was inspired by the exceptionally skilled Gym Leader, where we hail from," Garret finished. "But it's quite obvious that we have a great distance to go, before matching her."
"An exceptional Gym Leader, huh…?" Ash trailed off. The glow of wanderlust had been sparked in his eyes, once more. His eyes turned towards the stars. "To think that there are strong opponents like that, all around the world…!"
Dawn smiled fondly at him, brushing one of her long locks aside. "You're not going to stop traveling after this journey are you?"
Ash grinned, brushing his index finger over his nose. "Doubt it!"
"It is an enriching experience," Garret agreed. "I would recommend expanding on your talents wherever your travels may take you. Your skill can only grow."
"You're sure to be congratulated soon," Antoin said, taking her boyfriend's hand. "We'll leave you two be. Congratulations, again." With that, she and the brunette departed.
"Thanks!" Ash waved, resting his hands on his hips with a content sigh. They'd been jerks to start with, but a good battle was great for bridging gaps in understanding, and making friends.
"...I don't think I'll stop either," Dawn finished her thought. "Traveling, I mean."
"We'll probably travel to different places at some point, then, huh?" Ash asked, giving her a half-smile. A touch bittersweet. "...Since you still have to travel through regions with Contests."
"...Yeah," Dawn nodded. Their paths would certainly branch off at some point. She could see the slight slump in Prinplup's posture, leaning down to pet the top of his crown. "...But, no need to worry! Even if we go our own way, we'll always have each other!"
"Without a doubt!" Ash agreed.
"Pika-chu!"
"Lup!"
The victory stage wasn't anything grand; an ordinary three-tiered stage propped up in Ernie's dining area, near the prize tables. Though, fireworks being set off behind the fence, dotting the night skies with shimmering, multi-colored Pokémon patterns had been a very nice surprise.
The process of congratulating the competitors had been quick, with Antoin and Garret being awarded their second place praises. Up last, were Ash and Dawn, who stood atop the highest tier, holding Pikachu and Prinplup in their arms, respectively. (Rosa had opted for her Poké Ball, until the crowd died down.)
"...And now, for our winners! We have two trainers here who have done my wonderful, Pokémon abode the honor of ordering our cruelty-free food, and allowing their Pokémon to battle to their heart's content, and nothing more! Congratulations, Ash and Dawn! Pikachu and Prinplup, you as well!" Ernie praised, shaking each of Ash and Dawn's free hands; then, a respective paw and flipper.
The small crowd of trainers and spectators whooped and cheered for the duo of their Pokémon, only eclipsed by the high whistle of fireworks painting the skies. Highlighted by the festivities and caught up in the euphoria of victory… It may not be a league or contest win, but it felt good.
Good enough for Dawn to raise a hand with a cheeky smile. Good enough for Ash to laugh and clap his hand against hers. Atop that stand, they allowed their hands to linger. Fingers intertwining with one another to keep hold. Was it embarrassing that they could feel each other's pulses racing through the bottoms of their palms?
Probably. But Ash, on one hand, had decided that things like shame and inhibitions were far behind him, now. As he reached for the brim of his cap, Pikachu got the message, and hopped down to his feet. He was free to grip the brim between his index finger and thumb, sliding his prized cap all the way backwards on his head. He wouldn't make the same mistake, twice.
Nor would Dawn, in waiting. She grasped what Ash was about to do, and took the plunge. "Not this time," she muttered, her breath brushing the boy's skin. Leaning forward on her teal boot's toe, Dawn tilted her head, and clumsily found Ash's lips.
It was, in Ash's mind, and perhaps Dawn's too, like a Thunderbolt shooting through him all at once. Their wrists buckled, each leaning forward enough for their arms to meet at the elbow.
It was chaste and clumsy, as any first kiss would be. But it earned whoops of support, and a few of scandal from their audience, all the same. In that moment, though, the Pokémon Trainer thought to himself that he couldn't care less. This was their moment.
For the second time today, a fragrant arrangement of food was spread out before Ash and Dawn - a bounty for their hard work. Somehow, Ash and even Dawn ate twice as ravenously this time as the last. Maybe it was their compensation for some battles well-fought. Maybe they were just plain exhausted from a day of thrills and emotional whiplashes. Maybe they were making up for the nasty meal, in the hours prior… Or, maybe the mushroom burgers and veggie pizza were just that good.
Whatever the case, the couple didn't waste even an ounce of food at the table set up for them and their Pokémon, once their competition departed. Eventually, they slowed down, putting down their drinks to watch their Pokémon dine and socialize among themselves.
Life was good.
"Ash! Dawn!" Ernie approached the table once more, drawing their attention.
"Ernie," Ash acknowledged, pulling his lips away from the straw to his soda. "What's up? Is something wrong?"
"If it's about that near-disqualification, earlier…!" Dawn blurted out. "I swear we didn't know-"
"Oh, nevermind that! Aha ha ha!" Ernie laughed loudly, hands on his hips. "I misunderstood…! I just wasn't expecting such strong trainers to show up to one of my humble events."
"Humble…?" Ash deadpanned.
Ernie ignored Ash's snark, or hadn't heard it. "No. The bond between both of you and your Pokémon is impeccable! Second-to-none! And the understanding you showed with your Pokémon…" He sniffled, reaching to wipe his tears. "I was simply moved…!"
Ash grinned. "That's what happens, when your Pokémon are your best friends!"
"Well said, well said!" The man agreed. "Now, I hope you're satisfied with your prizes! I see you chose…"
"The Moon Stone!" Dawn finished, holding up the cobalt, fragmented rock in her hand.
"And the Dusk Stone!" A deep purple rock sat in Ash's gloved hand; its core black as night. "She's not here right now, but I have a Misdreavus, back home. I remember reading that these babies help her evolve into Mismagius, and I'm thinking of asking her if she wants to evolve, later."
"A choice made purely on a whim, even knowing your friend might not use it… Excellent! And your Moon Stone?" He went on to ask Dawn.
"I showed it to Clefairy," she explained, looking over her shoulder, where the small fairy was prancing circles around the glow provided by Torkoal. "She is interested… but I don't think she feels ready yet. I know I'm over waiting to prove myself, but not everyone's going to go at the same pace, right?"
"Right you are! Good, good." Ernie beamed, more than satisfied by their answers, before bowing his head. "Enjoy your meal, all of you."
"...So. All-in-all, a pretty awesome day, huh?" Ash asked, filling the silence.
"I'll say!" Dawn agreed, leaning her elbow against the table. "I'm just glad we finally got that out of the way."
"What? You mean you don't want to go back to stumbling over compliments or shitty dinners?"
Dawn laughed. "I'll pass on that… I like having a clear head. I'm going to need it," she whispered, turning her eyes to the sea. She had plenty of Contests ahead of her; least of all, the Wallace Cup. Coordinators would surely be showing from all over, again…
"...To win the Aqua Ribbon, a second time," Ash completed her thought. He had a way of reading her like a book. That, frankly, made her heart pitter more than any performative gesture. He looked over to his now-girlfriend, a sure smirk on his lips. "Think you can handle your new boyfriend cheering you on?"
She giggled. That phrase was definitely going to take getting used to. But it was a novelty that she'd be happy getting used to it. "Are you kidding? With you hollering for me, out there…?
There's no way I'll lose."