Dawn's Dilemma
Warning, this story contains Pokeshipping, Contestshipping, and most of all Ikarishipping. It also contains minor swearing. Ainsley is me, and also, I DON'T OWN POKEMON!
\/ \/ \/
Paul sat in his room, staring intensely at the six Pokeballs resting in his hands. Tomorrow was the big day. Since hearing there was a new Champion, he'd wondered who could have taken the title from Cynthia. Never the less, whoever it was, they were more than a worthy opponent. And he was challenging her tomorrow.
Paul also knew Ash was coming to see the battle, along with, as he said a few friends. Those friends being Misty, Brock, May, Drew, and that troublesome girl. Ugh, Dawn Paul thought irritably. Her annoying sense of entitlement to watch him was not going to make his upcoming match any easier. Finally he turned out the lights deciding rest was really what he needed now.
\/ \/ \/
"Being back in Sinnoh is great, huh Pikachu?" Ash asked the yellow mouse on his shoulder.
"Pi Pika!" It responded, nuzzling him affectionately.
Yes it certainly has been awhile, Ash thought to himself but this time we've got everyone! He thought happily, glancing around at his friends. As it just so happened, Drew and May were visiting for a contest in Hearthome city and since Dawn lived here, it wasn't hard to plan. And him? Well he just really wanted to come back to Sinnoh! Misty wanted to see it too, and Brock was more than happy to do some more traveling ("You won't be able to feed yourselves if I don't come along,"). So there they were.
"Hey guys," called Dawn from the front of the group "we have some time before Paul's match. We could go get lunch."
"Yeah that sounds great!" Ash called back enthusiastically.
"Trust Ash to always be interested in food." Misty said exasperated.
"Not true!" Ash replied indignantly. Unfortunately his stomach had just chosen the worst time to rumble.
"Tell that to your stomach." Misty retorted.
As they began their own heated argument about whose mouth was bigger, Drew sighed turning to Brock, "Have they always been like this?"
"Mmm hmph," Brock nodded "I've seen worse arguments than this though, so count your blessings. Misty is more heated than a Gyarados."
"What did you just say?" Misty snapped at Brock with a ferocious glare.
"Nothing!" Brock whimpered "See what I mean?" he added, whispering to Drew.
"Yeah," Drew agreed glancing backwards at Misty and Ash (now arguing over who was a better trainer) "yeah, I see exactly what you mean. It's a match made in hell."
\/ \/ \/
"We'd better hurry guys!" May called back to the other trainers running behind her.
"We wouldn't be late in the first place if someone hadn't ordered more food." Misty said.
"Sorry," Ash mumbled "but I really was hungry…"
"It doesn't matter whose fault it is, the match starts in five minutes, and the doors close in two!" Dawn called. All running at top speed, they bolted towards the Sinnoh League Stadium.
Paul scanned the stands one final time for his 'prized guests'. Maybe they forgot. He thought to himself, relived. The less distractions during his match, the better.
"FINAL CALL FOR ALL SPECTATORS COMING TO WATCHING THE MATCH! THE DOORS WILL BE CLOSING IN ONE MINUTE!" The announcer's voice rang clear through the stadium and beyond.
"Wait!" A high pitched voice called.
Oh no. Paul put his hand to his forehead. He knew that voice. And through the stadium doors came running six breathless trainers.
"We… came… to see… the match…" Dawn said, exhausted. She and the other trainers stood there for a minute, catching their breaths. Finally, she looked up and caught Paul's eye "Hi Paul!" she called, waving happily. The doors then closed behind them.
"ALL SPECTATORS ARE NOW ASKED TO TAKE THEIR SEATS. THE MATCH IS ABOUT TO BEGIN."
The six trainers quickly took their seats directly behind Paul.
"This is gonna be great," Dawn said excitedly, and with Paul just within earshot, "Paul's really great!"
Paul frowned at her misplaced enthusiasm. It was bad enough to have all them watching, so the very last thing he needed was a sense of false hope. Still, a tiny part of him appreciated Dawn's support. A very, very tiny bit.
"This is a six on six Pokémon match between Paul, the Trainer from Veilstone City, and Ainsley, Champion of the Sinnoh League. The challenger may make substitutions, but the Champion cannot. Are both trainers ready?" The referee called.
Paul had been so deep in thought, that he hadn't realised the match was starting. His gaze focused upon the Champion. She was just a teen, about his age by the looks of it. She had long golden hair tied back in a very professional bun and a round kind face. Even from the other side of the field you could see the amusement in her sparkling hazel eyes.
"Just a moment sir!" She called to the ref, who was about to begin the match "I believe my challenger here has been lost in space strategizing, and was not ready to start. Give him a minute to prepare; I'm patient enough!" She laughed.
"I'm ready." Paul said his face straight.
"Oh dear," said the Champion looking genuinely disappointed "I'm afraid I can't make you smile! Oh well," she shrugged "I'm ready." The humour in her eyes evaporated "Choose your first Pokémon." she hissed.
"Gastrodon, stand by for battle!" He said, trying to sound confident, although being unnerved by her quick change of mood. The blue slug appeared from its Pokeball.
"Gastrodon!" the slug said happily.
"C'mon, Luxray!" She said and the cat-like creature leapt onto the battlefield, sparks flying from its charged coat. As Luxray prepared itself, Ainsley let her hair fall from its bun and tied it into a long ponytail.
"Alright, Luxray. You ready?" She asked her charged feline.
"Luxxrayy!" It replied enthusiastically.
"Begin!" The ref shouted
"Luxray, Iron Tail!" Ainsley commanded
"Gastrodon, Body Slam!" Paul countered
"You know what to do, Luxray!" Ainsley shouted confidently. Now Paul was confused.
"Luuuxxxx," Luxray growled, and to Paul's horror, its Iron Tail sparked with electricity. And Gastrodon was coming right down on top of it "RAY!" Luxray screeched, hitting Gastrodon head on with a powerfully charged tail, sending it flying.
"Gastrodon!" Paul yelled through the dissipating cloud of dust. When it had cleared, Gastrodon was flat on its back, whimpering
"Gastro…" It muttered weakly, before falling unconscious.
"Gastrodon is unable to battle. The first match goes to Ainsley and her Luxray!" The ref shouted, and the stadium applauded.
"Wow," Dawn whispered to Misty "that was a really strong move."
"The Iron Tail got charged up easily because it was a Steel-Type move, and doubled the already super effective type advantage against Gastrodon." Brock explained
"Yeah," Misty replied "and Luxray doesn't even look tired."
It was true; Luxray didn't even seem fazed by the easy victory it had just achieved. It flicked its deadly tail back and forth happily as its trainer stroked its gleaming fur.
"Good job sweetie!" Ainsley said scratching behind Luxray's ear "Now get ready – we aren't out of this yet."
"So who's Paul going to use to defeat her Luxray?" Ash wondered
Paul knew who his next Pokémon had to be if he was going to have any chance of taking out that Luxray. That first match was just too quick.
"Electivire, stand by for battle!"