I DO NOT OWN POKEMON.

Hello, my dear friends!

Well, it's May 22nd! I promised a treat for this day, and here it is: My first Pearlshipping twoshot! It may not seem like that at first. You see, this is how I predict DP to end, from Sunnyshore to the Pokemon League, with less focus on battles than relationships. Disappointed? I know. But, let's talk about the occasion.

Plainly speaking: IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!

So, as a gift to you, I'm writing this one just for you and all the help you guys have given me during my time here. My very special thanks to:

-AshxDawn4ever- For sticking with my stories ever since Love & Loss was written, inspiring me to do so in the first place and for her extreme kindness. Thank you, really.

PEARLSHIPPERBRETT- Who's praise kept me going strong in times of doubt and who stays with my stories to this day. He was my first ever reviewer, too. You rule, man!

TheDiamondPrincess- For giving all my stories, particularly Hellish Visions, such strong and constant support and for being such a great, great friend and sister. She's such an awesome person to co-write with too. Thank you, Erin!

Oceanus191- For giving her wonderfully encouraging opinions on all my stories, which were given quite some time after they were completed. I could thank her for some personal kindnesses too, but I couldn't express them enough with mere words. Thanks, Nicole!

Gerbilftw- Who's extremely helpful advice helped my stories get as good as people say they are and who's constant reviews inspired me ever more. Thanks so much!

Betamax16- For his kind and detailed opinions of my stories and for coming up with such amazing ideas for Hellish Visions and The Salvation of Three. I really appreciate it.

Anonymodude- For reviewing my stories with words that make me happy and give me confidence, and for being the friend I never had in reality. Thanks, dude.

Additional special thanks to: Kariie24, Beautiful Jade, Sailorminimoon1, geny35, megachile, NightCore, ChaosLord SilverLink310 and of course, you.

All of you are such wonderful friends, and wonderful people. :D

Couldn't have done it without any of you, guys! And, I should add, you all have outstanding writing skills. All of you. Let's get started, shall we?

This is a tribute to all my friends here! Enjoy!

The scene: Sunnyshore City.

Sunnyshore City, the technological phenomenon of the Sinnoh region bustled as busy as ever today. It was a place of extreme popularity, both locally and internationally. This place had everything; the best shops, transport facilities, hotels and restaurants, all enhanced with the astounding products of the city's scientists and engineers. However, that is only part of the story.

Sunnyshore was also well known for its Pokémon Gym. In addition to the modern methods used in its construction and design, the Gym Leader himself was notoriously strong.

The strongest of the Gym Leaders in Sinnoh, Volkner had nearly abandoned his task of overseeing the Gym; his reason being mere boredom. No one could actually put up a worthy challenge. In fact, he could not recall even having one of his Pokémon defeated in a Gym Battle in a long while.

Those days, should one approach the entrance to the Sunnyshore Gym, hoping for the battle of his or her life to obtain the Beacon Badge, a container would open up nearby, completely filled with those particular badges. As you may expect, the Trainer's tension of the upcoming battle would vanish. Too relieved to be confused, they would take a badge and head for the Sinnoh League, for this was where Trainers usually won their eighth and final badge.

That was hardly to be the case today.

Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town, a boy with a dream of becoming a Pokémon Master, walked through this technological metropolis along with his friends Dawn Berlitz from Twinleaf, a girl who aspired to be a Top Coordinator, and Brock, former Gym Leader of Pewter City, now aiming to be a Pokémon Breeder.

On Ash's shoulder rested the cute yellow mouse Pokémon, Pikachu. In Dawn's arms was the blue penguin Pokémon, Piplup. Both despised being in their Poke Balls, so they spent their days alongside their Trainers, not only as partners, but as the best of friends.

The trio had traveled far and wide throughout Sinnoh, Ash competing for badges and Dawn competing for ribbons from Pokémon Contests. Seven cities they had been to, excluding those of Dawn's Contests, and seven badges Ash now held. Although eight badges were needed to enter the Sinnoh League, only five ribbons were needed to compete in the Coordinating Tournament, the Grand Festival.

Dawn had joined up with Ash after rescuing his Pikachu from the thieving trio known as Team Rocket. From then on, they traveled together, Dawn pursuing her dream of winning the Grand Festival.

But that was behind Dawn now; the Grand Festival had come to a climatic finish mere days ago. The final round had been duked out between Dawn and her long-time rival, Zoey.

The two had gone all out with their stunning variety combinations, dazzling the crowd with beauty, finesse, skill and strength all at the same time. Ash and Brock had marveled at it from the stands.

But only one Coordinator could walk out of it as a winner. To the astonishment and sheer joy of many, when the time limit was exhausted, Dawn's remaining points barely exceeded Zoey's. It had taken her a few seconds to process this, the crowd's cheers booming all around her. Zoey had looked stunned as her Gallade and Leafeon looked at the ground in disappointment.

Dawn had run up to her beloved Pokémon on the field, Piplup and Togekiss, and threw her arms around both of them. She owed it all to them. They had worked day and night to achieved the dream of their master and friend. It had all been worth it. Struggling to fight back tears of joy, Dawn had accepted the marvelous Ribbon Cup from Raoul Contesta, her dreams realized in a single moment.

Zoey had accepted this considerably grievous loss in a fine manner. She and Dawn had parted with friendly words... But not before Zoey warned her to watch out in the Contests to come. Smiling, Dawn had turned to Ash and Brock. She felt they were the best friends anyone could ask for.

She thanked Brock for playing the part of mentor and older brother to her, providing assistance whenever she was feeling down and of course, for tending to her Pokémon in such an outstanding way. It didn't hurt to mention his cooking either.

Deep down, she felt she owed Ash far more. She thanked him for training with her, for taking so much of his time to help her achiever her dream, putting his own ambitions aside for that of his friend. His acts touched her deeply, from training with her to speaking comforting words to her whenever she was in doubt. She wanted to thank him more than she could say.

Looking at this situation, would anyone guess a secret love was brewing? Yes indeed, Dawn Berlitz had been hiding a secret crush on Ash Ketchum for months now. It was... painful to hide her feelings like this. In fact, numerous times, Piplup had told her he noticed her turmoil and said she should just tell Ash the truth. Every time, Dawn replied by saying she would not be able to handle the pain of knowing he did not return her affection. For how could he?

In her opinion, Ash deserved a girl far better than some nobody like her. Piplup's arguments always ended in vain.

And now, a fear rested in her heart: After competing in the Sinnoh League... Ash would leave. Dawn dreaded she would be left alone with her love remaining unspoken forever. For quite some time she had been vowing she would never let events play out that way, but it only became more and more difficult to even attempt to ask Ash for a minute alone.

Of course, this trauma was Dawn's alone. Ash, on the other hand, only seemed relieved that they had finally reached Sunnyshore after such a long journey from Snowpoint; after all, they had practically gone the length of Sinnoh just from that one trip.

"Well, this might actually turn out to be worth the wait!" Ash exclaimed, eying the advancements in technology around the city in awe.

How I wish he would look at me like that. Dawn thought sadly. Just a hint that he held even a trace of affection for her would make her the happiest girl in Sinnoh.

"Sure, Ash," Brock said, "but remember, the trip here pretty much exhausted our supplies. We can check out the gym, but no more. The first thing we should do is find the Pokemon Center." He chuckled. "Imagine how modernized that place'll be. And..." Ash and Dawn felt they knew what was coming. "How extraordinarily beautiful Nurse Joy will be-eeeeee!" His last words trailed off as his toxic frog Pokémon, Croagunk released itself and delivered a routine Poison Jab to his back. Brock fell rather stiffly, but to the surprise of his friends, got up reasonably quickly. "Yeah, so, to the Gym then, Ash." He walked on as if nothing had happened. "Pi..ka?" Pikachu asked hesitantly.

After exchanging amused looks, Ash and Dawn followed the breeder.

"I get the feeling I should've seen this coming." Ash said aloud as he, Dawn and Brock now stood on raised moving sidewalks. Apparently, this place wasn't too suited to vehicle traffic, except for ships since Sunnyshore was one of the more popular ports in Sinnoh. Because of this, the common person was given the luxury of moving sidewalks.

"It is impressive." Brock commented. "Especially after Snowpoint's harsh climate, this is definitely a change for the better."

Digital signs set up on the railings directed people to places like the market, the Pokémon Center, and of course, the Pokémon Gym.

On reaching the dome-shaped building, Ash could almost immediately tell it had been outfitted with the best, especially in the field of security. Perhaps it was their imagination, but Ash, Dawn and Brock all had the eerie feeling they were being watched.

Although doing a very convincing job of hiding it, a sadness still loomed over Dawn. She loved him, that much was clear. Could she let him leave while she still held her unspoken love? Or would it be better to confess to him, and then have the pain of separation thrust onto her? Torn like this, she almost didn't hear Ash's next comment. "What the...?" Dawn blinked and saw Ash and Brock looking at a sign on the Gym's large entrance. Large, yellow arrows pointed to a medium sized container propped against the wall nearby.

Pushing the button on top of it, Ash looked inside the opening container to see... Hundreds of Beacon Badges just sitting there.

It took a few seconds for the trio and their Pokémon to process this. Then, as one, they all burst out: "WHAT?"

"Is the Leader actually leaving his badges for people to take?" Dawn asked, bewildered.

"If so, it's disgraceful." Ash said. "Who would accept a Badge in this manner, anyway? And from a Gym with such a reputation, no less!"

Although she would never admit it, Dawn thought that by this point, anything that delayed Ash's departure was fine with her. His presence alone was enough to sustain her. For now.

"You won't find Volkner here." A voice said. Ash, Dawn and Brock turned to see a man with fiery red hair and a yellow shirt approaching.

"What?" Ash replied. "Who are you? Who's Volkner?"

"I am Flint of the Elite Four." The man said. "Volkner is the Sunnyshore Gym Leader. As you may have guessed, he's not up to battling at the moment."

"The Elite Four?" Dawn exclaimed. "You mean like Lucian, Aaron and Bertha?"

"Indeed. It seems you've come across them in your travels."

"Why isn't Volkner accepting challenges?" Ash asked.

"For months he's been waiting for a true challenger to show up, but none came. Believeing there to be no point of battling, he's left these badges for people to take." Even Flint sounded disgusted. "Believe me, I've been trying to persuade him otherwise, but he won't listen. It's immature behavior for a Gym Leader."

"Oh." Ash replied. "Sorry, I'm Ash, from Pallet Town."

"I'm Dawn, from Twinleaf Town." Dawn chimed in.

"And I'm Brock, nice to meet you." Brock finished.

Flint nodded. "From the look of things, you want a fair battle, right?"

"Yes, exactly!" Ash replied. "Can't I at least talk to him?" Flint shook his head. "It would do no good, I've seen others try. But we are quite close friends. If you prove yourself to me, maybe I can put in a good word for you. Others have taken up that offer, but couldn't quite get there."

Ash considered. How the heck could he defeat a member of the Elite Four? Flint seemed to read Ash's mind, saying, "I don't expect too much from you, just enough to satisfy Volkner."

"I think we can spare enough time for a one-on-one battle." Brock said.

"Great, come on in!" Flint said. To Ash's surprise, the Gym's door opened as if it had been unlocked. "It's not locked?" He asked.

"It is." Flint replied. "But I have a microchip attached to my shoe which grants me entry anytime."

Ash raised his eyebrows, impressed.

Soon enough, Ash found himself with Pikachu on the challenger's end of the Gym's stadium and Flint on the Leader's end. Dawn and Brock were the only ones in the stands, the former twiddling her thumbs nervously. Good luck, Ash. She thought privately.

"Flame on, Infernape!" Flint shouted, throwing a Poke Ball. A strong-looking fire ape Pokémon appeared. Infernape was a Fire and a Fighting type. Quite a combination. From the look of it, Flint's Infernape was both agile and powerful.

"Pikachu, let's go!" Ash said.

"Pika?" Apparently, the mouse Pokémon thought someone like Staraptor would be a better choice. Ash smiled and nodded and that seemed to be enough for Pikachu. He scurried onto his end of the field.

"You've got spirit, Ash, I'll give you that." Flint commended. "You can make the first move."

Ash smiled. "Gladly. Pikachu, use Thunderbolt near Infernape's feet then follow up with Iron Tail!"

"Dodge it and meet the Iron Tail with Fire Punch!" Flint ordered. Infernape dodged the blast of electricity, then rushed forward and met Pikachu's Iron Tail in midair with a blazing fist.

Unfortunately, Infernape's bulk gave it the advantage: Pikachu was shot backwards.

"Piiii-!" The Pokémon grunted as he struggled to regain his feet. Pikachu landed badly, but was up again in a flash. The battle was on.

Watching, Dawn only became tenser and tenser as the battle progressed. Pikachu could not seem to land a hit, even with the use of some new combinations. No! Dawn told herself. Ash will win! He has to!

Ash was now gritting his teeth in frustration. In contrast, Flint had a small smile on his face.

By now, Pikachu was bruised and panting, scathed by powerful fire attacks, as well as a vicious Close Combat. Dawn gripped her skirt tighter as the battle became tenser. Finally, she burst out, "Come on, Ash, you've made it through tougher situations!" Ash quickly looked at her. When she spoke, her tone was almost pleading and her sapphire eyes showed an inordinate amount of concern. Momentarily, he found himself lost in those beautiful gems, but turned back to the battle.

"It's now or never, Pikachu!" Ash shouted. "VOLT TACKLE!"

Worn out though he seemed, Pikachu bolted towards Infernape, a torrent of electricity surrounding it. "Ka! Pikapikapika-"

"Flare Blitz." Flint said. Infernape shot itself at Pikachu, covered in a flaming vortex. The two powerful attacks collided and exploded.

Even before the dust cleared, Flint gave another order, "Close Combat."

Ash could faintly make out the shapes of their Pokémon, Infernape assaulting Pikachu with a rapid combination of punches and kicks, ending with a powerful uppercut that sent Pikachu soaring.

"Oh, no!" Dawn exclaimed, standing up with Brock.

"Pikachu, no!" Ash rushed forward and caught the Pokémon. He had fainted. "Talk to me, buddy." Ash urged.

"C..chu..." Pikachu managed weakly, opening it's eyes with some effort.

"Well done." Flint said, recalling Infernape. He walked over to Ash. He had a kind smile on his face.

"I didn't expect you to win..." He began. Ash prepared himself for the worst. "But I definitely didn't expect Pikachu to last nearly as long!" He let out a laugh. "That has got to be the stoutest Pikachu I have ever seen. Volkner will like battling you, I'll guarantee that!"

It took a while for this to sink in. "You mean... You'll ask Volkner to battle me?" Ash's face split with joy. Flint nodded. "Wow, thanks! Thank you so much!"

"My pleasure," Flint replied. "Lately, Volkner's been spending most of his time in his house nearby. Perhaps you should head to the Pokémon Center and attend to your Pikachu." He glanced at the battle-worn Pokémon in concern. "By the time you return, I should have Volkner here. I intend to watch your battle."

"That'd be great!" Ash said. Pikachu nodded in agreement. "We'd better go." Flint nodded once, then headed for the back door. "Oh, and you can leave!" He called. "Exit from the inside is permitted to anyone."

"OK!" Ash answered, waving. He headed towards the front door, where Dawn and Brock were already waiting.

"You were great!" Dawn exclaimed, smiling. "Both of you!"

"Lup!" Piplup agreed happily.

"I agree." Brock said. "Considering what I've heard of Flint, Pikachu didn't do half-bad!"

"Thanks, you guys!" Ash replied. Brock noticed, even if Ash himself didn't, that his thanks seemed to be directed mostly at Dawn. Not to mention he was smiling at her... Wait! He thought, Wh- Oh, surely not. Not so soon! It took quite some effort for him not to smile. He would have a little talk with them later.

They left and made for the Pokémon Center, Brock still slyly suspicious about Ash and Dawn's feelings for each other. The trip itself, however, was uneventful.

It came as no surprise when the Pokémon Center turned out to be outfitted with the latest medical technology. Not to mention it was huge. Typically, however, there was a Nurse Joy at the front desk.

Ash and Dawn kind of expected what happened next. Although they both knew Brock as a professional, respectable breeder who took things seriously, he had a most unusual flaw: The sight of a Nurse Joy, an Officer Jenny, or pretty much ANY girl who had good looks just seemed to bring out his more.... flirtatious side.

Indeed, Ash wasn't surprised as Brock bolted past him and Dawn straight at Nurse Joy. Pikachu shook his head in amusement.

"Hello, welcome to- AAH!" Nurse Joy gasped as Brock grabbed her hand.

"My dear!" Brock exclaimed. "It is no doubt the work of the three Lake Guardians that we have been drawn together, and we all know we can't change fate, so-OOO!" He yelled as Croagunk delivered yet another painful Poison Jab to Brock's rear. "Well... I guess pain... can..." Brock muttered weakly as he was dragged off by a snickering Croagunk.

"Hi!" Ash said. "Uh... sorry about that." He smiled apologetically, gesturing to Brock.

"No... Problem." She said, before regaining her composure. "Anyway, welcome to the Sunnyshore Pokémon Center. I assume your Pokémon need tending to?"

"Just my Pikachu," Ash said, reaching up to stroke the mouse Pokémon.

"Very well, then!" Joy said cheerfully, taking Pikachu. "It's just a simple energy-restoration procedure, so you can just wait over there." She pointed to some chairs against a wall.

"OK." Ash said, going to sit with Dawn and the now-recovered Brock.

Just then, Brock had an idea. "Excuse me guys," He said. "Bathroom."

"Alright," Dawn nodded.

Brock's plan merely involved discovering what happened when the two were left alone.

Only when Brock was gone did they realize they were the only ones truly there; Nurse Joy had taken Pikachu in another room, and nobody else seemed to have Pokémon in need of healing. Although with the lack of Gym Challengers, it sort of made sense.

Worse, even Piplup had wandered off somewhere.

The two spent nearly a minute trying to avoid each other's glances, shuffling in their adjoined seats nervously. Were they to look at each other, they might notice their light blushes mirrored in the other's face.

Indeed, both were blushing; for Ash had feelings for Dawn he himself did not know about, let alone anyone else. Only Brock, who seemed to be an expert on these sort of things, secretly suspected anything.

"So... uh," Ash began uncertainly. "I-I really liked how you performed in the Grand Festival."

"Thanks." Dawn replied, not quite managing to meet Ash's eyes. "I'm sure you'll be amazing in the Sinnoh League, too."

"I sure hope so." Ash answered. "I-I've been meaning to ask you something, Dawn."

"Hmm?"

"You seem to be rather... sad lately. Since we've left the Grand Festival, I haven't seen quite a true smile on your face. And..." His face reddened. "I miss that smile."

Dawn quickly looked at Ash, staring right at him, though he seemed more interested in the floor. Did he just say that? She wondered.

"It's just that..." Gosh, this is hard! "It's just that after you compete in the Sinnoh League, you'll leave, right?"

"Yeah...?" He seemed curious as to what Dawn was getting to.

"Well, you know I'm staying. I just wanted to say that I'll miss," 'you', she wanted to say, but what came out was: "... training with you."

"Oh." Did Ash actually sound disappointed? "Yeah, me too, I guess. It was a lot of fun."

"Yeah." Dawn allowed a small smile. Ash was now looking at her too, smiling back. She was momentarily mesmerized by the power of his eyes and smile... Then seemed to realize their hands were overlapping.

But then, of course, Brock returned. "I'm back." He said as they quickly put their hands in their laps. Yep. Brock thought to himself. There is definitely something going on here.

Then, Nurse Joy returned and, almost at the same moment, Piplup. Everyone seemed to have chosen the most inconvenient time to return.

"Where were you, Piplup?" Dawn asked, as Ash retrieved Pikachu. Piplup smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head.

"We can go straight to the Gym, now, Ash." Brock said. "There was a pharmacy back there and I bought the supplies we needed." He showed Ash a bag he had not previously noticed.

"OK." Ash leaned closer so no one else could hear. "You chose a rather uncomfortable time to leave, you know."

Brock only smiled.

At the Sunnyshore Gym:

Yet again on the moving sidewalk heading for the Sunnyshore Gym along with Dawn and Brock, Ash was sure of one thing: Flint had convinced Volkner. Even from this distance, he spotted the red-haired Elite Four member, along with a man with yellow hair in a blue jacket. He had a rather grim expression on his face. That's Volkner, alright. Ash thought. The way Flint had described his defiance, who else could it be?

As Ash, Dawn and Brock neared, Volkner seemed to be surprised at the youth of his challenger. Not to mention he had earned praise from one of the Elite Four.

"Ash, glad you could make it." Flint acknowledged them. "This is my old friend, Volkner." The Gym Leader nodded. "Ash Ketchum, is it? Believe me, if Flint hadn't been so insistent, I wouldn't have bothered coming here."

"We know, but I'd feel bad not earning a Gym Badge in a proper battle." Ash replied.

Volkner raised an eyebrow. "Wouldn't you feel even worse losing?"

"What makes you think I'll lose?" Ash retorted. "And even if I did, I wouldn't lose faith."

Volkner smiled. "Strong words, I'll give you that." He nodded, studying Dawn and Brock. His eyes settled on Dawn. "You're girlfriend, I assume."

Whichever question Ash was expecting, that certainly wasn't it. He went as red as Flint's hair. Oddly enough, so did Dawn. "Uh...No, um, we-" Ash sputtered.

"Stow it, Volkner." Flint grinned. "You always liked messing in other people's personal business, but now's not the time." Ash quietly let out a sigh of relief, feeling himself greatly in debt to the Elite Trainer.

"Very well, I was only joking anyway," Volkner said. "Come on, let's get this over with."

The Gym Leader entered his Gym along with the Elite Four member with the Trainer, Coordinator and Breeder bringing up the rear.

Once again, Ash found himself on the Challenger's end of the Sunnyshore Gym's battlefield. The only difference was it was the actual leader he was facing this time. Flint had volunteered to be referee.

"This will be a one-on-one battle!" Flint announced. "The battle is over when either the Leader's or Challenger's Pokémon has fainted."

"One-on-one?" Ash exclaimed. "Why is that?"

"I prefer to get things over with quickly these days." Volkner said dully. "I don't want too much of your Pokémon to get hurt."

Ash gritted his teeth. This guy was infuriatingly arrogant. "Fine with me."

"Raichu, go!" Flint hurled a Poke Ball and an orange mouse Pokémon with a long tail appeared; Raichu, the evolved form of Pikachu. "Rai-raichu!" It said, cheeks sparking.

Ash felt a rush of nostalgia. He remembered when he was traveling the Kanto region, and he had challenged the Vermillion City Gym. Lt. Surge, the Gym Leader, had used a Raichu. His own Pikachu just hadn't been able to stand up to it, and it was the first time Ash had actually considered evolving his beloved Pokémon. Pikachu had been defiant and resorted to hard training. Eventually, it had all payed off and Ash had won the Thunder Badge.

He had won back then, and he wasn't about to lose now.

"Pikachu, I'm counting on you." Ash said, but Pikachu was already halfway into position. He apparently felt determined to do this himself.

"You two definitely possess spirit." Volkner allowed. "But, is it enough?"

"Battle begin!" Flint shouted.

"Quick Attack, Raichu." Volkner said, showing no enthusiasm at all; just a need to, as he put it, get things over with. Raichu rocketed at Pikachu with a lightning speed tackle.

"Jump and use Iron Tail!" Ash commanded.

Pikachu leaped straight up into the air, and Raichu's Quick Attack missed, although it did manage to stop before it crashed into a wall. Spinning around, Raichu was only met with a powerful Iron Tail that sent it sprawling.

"Great job!" Ash cheered, as Pikachu landed.

Volkner smirked. "It's a start."

"You can do it guys!" Dawn shouted from the stands. Ash prayed Volkner would not bring up the whole 'girlfriend' subject again. Luckily, he was focused on the battle at hand.

"How about a full-fledged Thunder attack, Raichu?" Volkner asked.

Raichu jumped into the air to expand the attack's radius as much as possible, then was surrounded by a torrent of orange electricity. "Raaaai-chuuuu!" It screamed as it let loose a barrage of large thunderbolts. Pikachu desperately dodged back and forth, but eventually got caught in the furious storm.

"Counter-shield with Thunderbolt!" Ash ordered.

Pikachu began spinning in place, releasing a powerful electric attack of his own. The widespread Counter-shield was a technique that Ash had found quite useful in previous Gym Battles. In addition to its efficiency, almost any Pokémon could use it.

The Counter-shield repelled the majority of Raichu's Thunder, sending them straight back at it. This certainly surprised Raichu as it barely dodged one of its own thunderbolts. To do this, however, it needed to cancel out its attack.

Volkner was smiling now. "That is an impressive tactic, Ash; I've never seen the likes of it before."

Ash smiled back. "It comes in handy. Pikachu, Volt Tackle!"

Pikachu charged, an enormous field of electricity engulfing the Pokémon. "Pikapikapikaaaa...!"

"Stand your ground and use Thunderpunch." Volkner said coolly. "What...?" Ash exclaimed.

Raichu planted it's feet firmly, hands extended. It stopped Volt Tackle in its tracks. Shocked as though Ash was, Pikachu still attempted to break Raichu's defense. Then, Raichu's hands began crackling with electricity; Thunderpunch was taking effect. Now under the combined burdens of keeping up the Volt Tackle and resisting Raichu's Thunderpunch, Pikachu was obviously weakening, from the counterattack and the recoil damage of the Volt Tackle both.

"Get back, Pikachu!" Ash yelled. This was not worth the beating Pikachu was taking

"I think not." Volkner said.

To Ash's horror, Raichu grabbed Pikachu with its electrified hands, drew back a fist and punched. The powerful Thunderpunch sent Pikachu reeling backwards. Unable to keep balance, the poor Pokémon slid to a painful stop.

"Pikachu, please, get up!" Ash pleaded. Hearing his friend's desperate tone, Pikachu got to his feet, cheeks sparking. "Alright, Pikachu!" Ash cheered.

"Resilience," Volkner commented. "Not something I'm used to. Quick Attack." Once again, Raichu ran at extreme speeds straight at Pikachu. "Counter-shield again!" Ash commanded. Pikachu once again released a defensive vortex of electricity, barricading Raichu's path. Amazingly, it kept coming, swerving left and right around the erratic energy dispersion.

Frustrated, Ash tried to think of something, anything!

"Pikachu, keep spinning but use Iron Tail!" Volkner raised his eyebrows.

Pikachu halted the storm of Thunderbolts and leaped toward Raichu, still spinning, though now with a powered-up Iron Tail, forming a visual spinning blade. "Stop, Raichu!" Volkner seemed to realize this form of Iron Tail could not be countered while standing toe-to-toe with Pikachu. Raichu planted its feet, but it couldn't do it fast enough; Pikachu's Iron Tail made contact several times with Raichu before launching it backwards where it struggled to get up.

"Don't stop now, Pikachu," Ash said. "Volt Tackle before Raichu can recover!"

Halting the Iron Tail assault, Pikachu landed and immediately charged at Raichu, once again generating power for a Volt Tackle. The recoil damage taken from using the attack was considerable, but if this strike made contact, that may not matter.

"You have to dodge, Raichu!" Volkner seemed genuinely panicked now. "Jump, come on!"

The orange mouse Pokémon obeyed, springing straight up with whatever remained of its strength. "Follow it, Pikachu!" Ash ordered.

Still a few feet away from the now-airborne Raichu, Pikachu leaped forward, still energized with Volt Tackle.

Nothing could have saved Raichu; the Volt Tackle hit its target full-power. Raichu was viciously thrown backwards.

Volkner was actually smiling. He seemed exhilarated, as energized as his electric Pokémon were. "It's not over yet, Ash!"

"I think it is, Volkner!" Ash countered. "Pikachu, take no chances, finish this with Thunderbolt!"

"Piiiiikaaaaaa-CHUUUU!" Pikachu shouted as he focused all his remaining energy into a single powerful bolt and directed it Raichu, who was still in flight as a result of the powerful Volt Tackle. Then, there was a midair explosion.

Ash clenched his fist in anticipation, wondering whether the Thunderbolt had done it, or only drained whatever strength Pikachu had retained.

But Pikachu was standing. He was shaken, but seemed okay.

Raichu, however, had been thrown into a wall as a result of the Thunderbolt, smashing a small hole in the wall in the process. It fell to the ground, unable to battle.

There was a long moment of silence as everyone stared at the fallen Raichu. Then...

"Raichu is unable to battle!" Flint announced. "The winner is Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town!"

"YES!" Ash shouted joyfully, unable to contain his euphoria. He ran up to his friend on the field and pulled him into a hug. "You came through, Pikachu, I knew you would!" He smiled as he held his friend close, who merely smiled back, saying, "Pika-pi, Pikachu."

"They did it! Ash was amazing out there!" Dawn exclaimed, punching the air. Piplup jumped up and down, happily chirping.

Brock only smiled.

"Brilliant job, Raichu, I know you did your best." Volkner smiled at his Pokémon, returning it to its Poke Ball. "Rest up, now." He approached Ash and Pikachu.

For a few seconds, Volkner only stared at Ash and his Pokémon in wonder. Then he began to laugh. He seemed unable to stop, and Ash himself couldn't help smiling. Flint came over, proudly smiling.

"Ash!" Turning, Ash saw Dawn and Brock running up to him. Ash raised a hand and he and Dawn shared a high-five. Brock clapped Ash on the shoulder in congratulations.

Finally, Volkner regained his composure, though he was still smiling. "I...cannot remember the last time I had that much fun." He shook his head in amazement. "You've done a wonderful thing to me Ash; you've helped me remember just why I took up this job in the first place. The least I can do is offer you this." He held out the badge of Sunnyshore City's Gym. "This is the Beacon Badge, and you can safely say you've earned it."

"You've done a great thing today, Ash." Flint commended. "Volkner may think twice about his first impression on a Challenger after this. Not to mention, you've sparked his fighting spirit again, am I right?" He asked Volkner, who nodded. "Indeed. I can't recall ever enjoying a Gym Battle more, even when I considered it challenging. I doubt I can ever truly repay you for what you've done."

"Hey, it was nothing." Ash answered, smiling. He looked at the badge in his hand. His glee could be contained no longer. "I just got the Beacon Badge!" He cried. "Pi-Pikachu!" Pikachu added.

Outside the Sunnyshore Gym:

Ash, Dawn and Brock stood facing Flint and Volkner, now ready to leave Sunnyshore City behind and make for the Sinnoh League.

"The Sinnoh League isn't very far from here." Flint was saying. "You should be able to get there without any serious obstructions."

"I can assure you, Ash," Volkner said. "judging by the way you battled today, you stand an excellent chance of going the distance in the League. Oh, and I don't say that to everyone who challenges me, nor will that change soon, I believe." He added.

"I sure hope so!" Ash replied. "It's going to be tougher battling there than it was getting this far. I can only believe in my Pokémon and do my best."

"You are definitely worth the title of a Pokémon Trainer." Flint said. "Farewell." He shook each of their hands. Volkner did the same and they set off into the wilderness, the light of day dimming around them.

A cheerful farewell, and a successful Gym Battle had certainly transpired, yet Dawn was still troubled.

Ash had won his final badge, and now, they were en route to the Sinnoh League at that very moment... And Dawn's love remained unknown and unspoken. How close she had come in the Pokémon Center... But she vowed she would tell Ash the truth, eventually.

But for now, only dark feelings of dread and loss swirled within Dawn. Ash was nearing departure from Sinnoh, and Dawn felt she may never see him again when he left. These thoughts formed a dark storm around her heart, clouding her positive thoughts. But there was always a ray of hope. Dawn merely needed to pierce the clouds.

For the night is darkest just before the dawn. And dawn was coming.

It's not enough, guys, it just isn't. I can't possibly express my gratitude to all of you in any amount of writing! :D This chapter alone is sixteen pages long, and if it's hardly enough to show my appreciation, then what is? Nothing I can possibly think of, that's for sure.

So, just allow me to say that I hope you've enjoyed this chapter, stay tuned for the finale!

R&R, my dear friends, my brothers and sisters!

Daijobu!