Ohayo, minna-san~. =D Well, this is like, my first time writing a Pokémon fic. I've never really thought there were any out there, until I explored the wonderful world of more thoroughly. Hahaha. This is an Ikarishipping fic! Yosh! I recently got hooked on it.
(Arigatou gozaimasu, Besanii-Chan!)
Also, since I'm more.. uh, Japanese with my fanfictions, I'll be using Japanese names for everyone in here, as well as using Japanese phrases here & there.
I'll leave translations for more complicated ones at the bottom; I believe most of you guys know what things like "minna-san," "gomen nasai," "ohayo," mean. So yeah. By the way, this whole thing may not even follow wherever the current Pokémon episodes are. So the gang + whoever else I add, is wherever I want them to be. xD
ONE MORE THING: Shinji(Paul) & Hikari(Dawn) are NOT 10-11 years old. Jeez. They don't exactly LOOK IT either. I'm changing their ages to about.. 15-16. So they're around that age, okay? Satoshi (Ash) is that age too. Takeshi (Brock) can be.. 19. Alright. Everyone got that? Good. Now, finally, on with the story!

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. C H A P T E R O N E .

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Satoshi's stomach gurgled, signaling that he - once again - was in need of food. Pikachu looked up at him, and then resumed eating its PokéFood. I was a bit jealous myself. I would love to be eating something right now... However, I definitely won't be eating any Pokémon Food; that's for sure. But it was starting to get a bit late out now.. Stars were popping up in the sky, and the sun set not too long ago. As the time went by, the fire that we built to the side of the table really started to works its magic. It was so warm and cozy. I'd probably fall asleep if I wasn't so hungry.

Again, Satoshi's stomach growled. Before he began to open his mouth to ask Takeshi when the food'll be ready (for the tenth time this evening), Takeshi spun on his heel towards us, placing a platter of onigiri on the table. Instantly, Satoshi's face lit up, and he reached out to grab one, before shoving it in his mouth.

"You pig," I teased, taking a bite out of mine. But I really shouldn't be talking, right? I usually stuff my mouth too. Takeshi's food is so delicious. I'm absolutely positive that I am extremely lucky to be traveling around with one him. I could never get enough of his food. I probably wouldn't be able to cook or make anything near it.

Satoshi stuck his tongue out playfully and shrugged. "I can't help it! I'm hungry!" Takeshi laughed and sat down on the chair next to him, taking an onigiri. "There's plenty to go around, guys."

I smiled and finished mine shortly after, sighing contently. Piplup jumped onto my lap, poking its head between me and the table. "Pip!" It said, greeting everyone. Patting the water Pokémon's head, I grinned. "Did you finish eating Takeshi-san's yummy PokéFood?" Piplup nodded, chattering to me in its high-pitched voice. All of our Pokémon (Takeshi, Satoshi's and mine) had finished the all but one of the bowls of food out, and were relaxing at the side. Some of them had already fallen asleep! They were so cute.

I reached for another and began to munch on it slowly. I wonder how Satoshi's going to do on his next battle. We're headed off to Snowpoint City. From what I remember, I think we're somewhere near Celestic Town. Past it, actually. Right to the side, towards Mt. Coronet. Once we get inside, which we're doing tomorrow morning, we're off into Snowpoint City. I do have a new outfit that I'd made just for this occasion. It wasn't easy, but they are pretty cute. It's only a long strawberry-red jacket, with a white scarf. And I made knee-high white stockings and longer pink boots. I can't wait to wear it!

"We've got leftovers," Takeshi announced suddenly, just as I finished my second. I looked up and shook my head, grinning sheepishly. "No thanks! I'm full already," I admitted, yawning contently. To our surprise, Satoshi didn't reach for the remaining food either. "No, thanks." He said, leaning back with his chair. The front two legs were lifted off the ground, his weight being supported by the back legs. Even though I wouldn't say it out loud, he looked pretty cool. I mimicked his actions, grinning to myself when I was balanced perfectly.

"Sooo... you ready to head off tomorrow?" I asked them both. Satoshi gave an enthusiastic nod — as usual — and grinned. "Of course! I can't wait! I'll finally be able to go and get my seventh Gym Badge." He said. "Pi, pikachu!" The little Pokémon exclaimed in agreement. That fiery look in his eyes... He was absolutely sure he'd get it. But, I think he just might as well. Satoshi's one heck of a trainer. He can beat almost anybody!

No — wait. That's not true. There's only one other person who can match— not, surpass—his skills: Shinji.

He's an amazing trainer too. I love watching him battle. He's so confident, like he knows that he's definitely going to win. Sure, I mean he's lost a few times. But, hey! Who hasn't? Shinji's pretty nice to watch. He's a mystery to everyone, though. Cold-hearted; and a jerk. Those are the two words that describe him perfectly. Of course, there must be a soft side to him somewhere. No one can be that cruel. At least that's what I think. He might secretly have a soft part in him somewhere. He always acts like the better one— as if he's better than us all. Sometimes, I want to join in with Satoshi when they agrue, and get a word in or two about how wrong he is about that. But, I never do. I don't want to be involved with things like that. The two of them eventually settle down and go their own ways, to everyone's relief. Come to think of it, I wonder where he is now. Last we saw of him was about two weeks ago, when we went to Veilstone before heading out here. He seemed the same, I guess.

That same purple hair, that I couldn't help but stare at. And those amazing —.

"Hikari?"

I blinked, dazed. "N-nani?"

"You were staring out into the distance, and you had this goofy look on your face too." Satoshi said, tilting his head in confusion.

Color instantly rose into my cheeks. A frowned and looked away. "Maybe I was thinking about my next Ribbon!" I said in defense. What in Sinnoh am I thinking?! I honestly didn't even know. I suppose that's the result of watching too many dramas.

"Oh. Sorry." He apologized quickly, glancing over at Takeshi who just shrugged. "Ah.. so, where's the next contest?" Satoshi asked.

A sigh escaped my lips and I gave a shrug of my own. "I dunno," The truth was that I actually didn't. It might've been announced in the last contest I was in, but.. I don't remember a thing. "I'll have to ask around once we get to Snowpoint City. But I think it's in Sunyshore." Sunyshore would be a great place to go to after we leave Snowpoint.

Silence came after that, but it didn't last too long. There was a rustle in the bushes and I nearly jumped out of my seat. I looked and was extremely relieved to find a Weavile emerging from the bushes. "It's just a Pokémon," I murmured to myself quietly. Takeshi seemed puzzled, however.

"I didn't know there were wild Weavile around here," He said rubbing his chin. Satoshi leaned further back in his chair, looking at the Weavile. The Pokémon eyed him curiously and stood its ground. Wouldn't a wild Pokémon be attacking by now? "Hey! Maybe I should catch it!" He suggested, grinning.

There was another rustle in the bushes and another figure stepped out. But it wasn't a Pokémon this time.

"And maybe you shouldn't."

That voice. I've heard it before. It was—

"Shinji!" Satoshi exclaimed in surprise. In his attempt to stand up, and point a finger at the purple-haired trainer's direction, he managed to somehow fall backwards. Takeshi and I gasped, but Shinji showed no sign of concern. I didn't think he would anyway. He smirked and chuckled, shaking his head. "Loser."

Satoshi got up quickly and frowned, opening his mouth to make a remark.

"A-ah, so uh, Shinji!" I said quickly, in order to avoid another argument. "What're you doing here?"

He didn't look at me directly, but he didn't look at anyone else either. "I'm here for my seventh badge; same as clumsy over here," Satoshi frowned again, his Pikachu mimicking his actions. "Oi!" Shinji ignored him, looking down at his Weavile who was looking at the PokéFood hungrily. I blinked. Shinji fed his Pokémon, didn't he? Well, he must. I mean, that'd be really wrong. Maybe it's just time for Weavile's dinner, or something. His Pokémon were kind of friendly, I suppose; just like most Pokémon are.

I smiled and got up from my chair (without falling), and crouched down to the Weavile. "You hungry?" I asked. Shinji snorted and shoved his hands into his pockets. "It's not hungry." But Weavile's stomach proved otherwise. A grumble emerged from the depths of its stomach and Shinji sighed in defeat. Ah-hah!

Takeshi, looked and waved the Weavile over. "You can have it, the other Pokémon finished." He said.

Shinji darted his eyes towards Takeshi and frowned. "I'd rather-" He began to protest, but Weavile was already at the bowl, scooping up the food and eating. Satoshi looked at Shinji and smirked, while Shinji only growled.

"Are you really here to challenge Suzuna?" Satoshi asked him, sitting down again. "Last time, I remember you were—"

"—Last time," Shinji interrupted, glaring at Satoshi. "Was two weeks ago. A lot can happen in two weeks, believe it or not. I don't waste my time with ridiculous contests and silly Coordinators."

I let out a gasp and frowned. "Ridiculous contests?" I repeated, already feeling the anger seeping in. "SILLY Coordinators?!" My feet began to walk their way towards him, and I clenched my fists. "It's not as easy as it looks you-" Hands caught onto my arms before anything happened, and someone's hand went over my mouth. There was an article of clothing on half of it, so my guess was that it was Satoshi. I closed my eyes and shrieked, screaming a trail of profanity at Shinji. I can't even believe that he said that!

But all he did — unfazed by my yelling — was look and smirk, as if he'd accomplished something. After I had stopped screaming and thrashing about, Satoshi and Takeshi released me. I was still fuming, but resorted to breathing deeply. Satoshi and Takeshi both shot an angry look at Shinji, but he didn't care one bit — as usual. I'd feel horrible for the girl who would end up with him. Really. How could anyone stand such a.. such a —

"Jerk." I snarled, crossing my hands over my chest. Piplup hopped onto my lap and frowned at Shinji.

"Whatever," He said simply, shifting his weight onto his other leg. "Anyways, if you're all done wasting my time, I've got to go."

Takeshi frowned. "Where?"

A sigh. "Snowpoint City, duh."

"You can't go there now." The brown-haired breeder shook his head. "It's dark out already, and it'd be better if you left in the morning."

"You mean with us?" Satoshi and I asked at the same time. Satoshi shook his head. "He's not leaving at the same time as we are. If he wants to go and be stupid, then that's his problem!" But Takeshi wouldn't listen. I looked in shock.

"I'm not —"

"You're not leaving now." Takeshi insisted firmly. We all knew that that was that. Even Shinji knew it. He didn't bother to argue any longer either.

"Fine." He growled, looking away from all of us. I couldn't really believe it. It'd take us at least a day to get to Snowpoint, considering there aren't any little delays that might pop up suddenly. I frowned and stared at the floor in silence. I rubbed my hands across my arms, as I finally began to notice the cold breeze that blew by often. I was almost outraged. He was able to insult me and the contests, and now he gets to travel with us. This was absolutely unbelievable. "Try to contain your excitement, annoying girl." He said smugly, walking over to one of the chairs that Takeshi put out around the fire for us.

I opened my mouth, to let out a smart little reply, but Piplup shushed me and pulled me over to the chairs. Takeshi and Satoshi took the two chairs opposite Shinji, to my dismay, and I was forced to sit next to him. Great. So not only was he spending the night with us, and traveling with us tomorrow, but I have to sit with him. It was pretty silent for a while, but I didn't really mind it. It made things a bit, awkward, sure, but it was alright. As long as I wouldn't have to hear another insult from that boy's mouth, I would be fine.

"Well..." Satoshi said, breaking the silence. "I think I'm going to bed. We've got a long day ahead of us tomorrow — right, Pikachu?" Pikachu jumped up onto his head and grinned. "Pika!" Takeshi got up after him and nodded. "Same." He said. The two of them said their "good night's" and left, leaving Shinji and I here.

I brought my legs up closer to me, hugging them closely with my arms. Placing my chin in-between my knees I looked at the fire in silence. Satoshi and Takeshi had already settled into their sleeping bags; I could even hear one of them snoring. What was I to do here: with Shinji?

He seemed quiet. Awfully quiet, that is. What's he doing? I bit down on my lower lip and snuck a little glance at him. Damn! I looked too fast. The only thing I was able to see was a blob of purple. I frowned a bit, shifting my head to the right a degree or two. This was a slightly better angle. In all honesty, I wasn't sure why I was so fascinated on looking at what he was doing. It's not like it mattered too much. But, I can't help it! I'm a girl. We're all usually self conscious. Shinji might be laughing at how ridiculous I look in this position; or mentally insulting Satoshi. I slowly looked at him and didn't turn away this time.

He wasn't doing anything. Shinji was only staring into the fire, or what seemed like it anyway. Weavile had finished eating, from what I saw, and was sleeping next to the bowl, along with some of the other Pokémon. It was cute, actually. Even though Weavile wasn't exactly my first choice on cute Pokémon. But it was —.

"Enjoying the view?" Shinji asked, with a smirk on his face. It only took me about a few seconds to realize what he meant. A tint of red grew on my face and I looked away in embarrassment. "You wish." I muttered, rolling my eyes in an attempt to erase that blush that came. But I think he already saw it, because he seemed to be chuckling to himself.

What a douche.

There was a noise, that I couldn't identify. But after a second or two, I finally realized that it was the sound of a growling stomach; a hungry one. I grinned and turned to him. "Hungry?" I asked, having a smirk of my own now.

Shinji didn't answer right away, but frowned, not looking at me. He turned his head to the side a bit, shaking his purple locks in front of his face. Was that a blush, I saw? "Mind your own business." He snapped.

"You know.. we've got leftover onigiri here. It was made about an hour ago; still good, nonetheless." I added, tilting my head to the side.

Silence.

I giggled softly and got up, feeling slightly hungry myself now. I brought the platter of onigiri, and stood in front of him. "Here." Shinji looked up almost hesitantly and took one. He grunted what I think was supposed to mean "thank you" and began to eat some of it. I sat down in my seat and placed the platter on the ground next to us, sitting in the same position I was in before. Nibbling on the onigiri, I began to wonder about many different things. Most of it, somehow, found its way to Shinji. Even though he acted as if he had not one care in the world, other than becoming better than everyone and himself, he was just like everyone else. He was almost.. normal.

I reached for the last onigiri soon after, but found my hand being nudged away with it.

"That's mine, fatty."

I snorted.

Normal? Yeah, right.

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. E N D C H A P T E R.

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Alright! So.. what'd you guys think? ^^ It was.. ah, I don't even know actually. I think I made Shinji a little ooc in some parts. Haha. But it's alright. Also, for those who're too lazy to find out who Suzuna is, that's Candice. Suzuna's her Japanese name. And as stated in the beginning, I like it more Japanese, kthnx.
And so.. since it's the end of this chapter.. you guys gotta:

REVIEW IT !

I will not make anymore chapters for this if you don't give me any feedback. (lie)

Major thanks to Besanii. If it wasn't for her support and her amazing story (Fit to Buss - haven't read it? Go do it now! You'll love it.), this chapter would probably have been really horrible. Thanks so much!

Did I mention that the review button gives you cookies? It does. =D