Dawn nervously bit her lip.
"Ash, there's something I need to tell you. I.."
Before Dawn could finish, a female voice called out "Ash!" Both Ash and Dawn turned to see who yelled, and Dawn couldn't be more upset. All Dawn could ask herself was, why did Ash's old crush have to come back now?
Coming towards Ash and Dawn was their childhood friend (or rival in Dawn's case) Serena. The honey-haired, blue-eyed girl was coming towards the two, smile printed on her face. It took all of Dawn's strength to keep her cool as the fellow Pallet Town trainer approached. As Serena came closer, it was obvious she clearly was interested in a conversation with Ash, but Dawn was not about to let her ruin her special moment.
"Ash and Dawn what a surprise to see you here! How have you two been? I haven't talked to you guys since l got knocked out of the tournament! Oh and by the way Ash, congrats on winning the conference! It's really cool that you're doing the Elite Four challenge! How's that going? I'm probably annoying both of you right now, but it's just been a while!"
Dawn could only grit her teeth; Serena was always good at feigning interest in anything Ash did, and Ash was usually too naive to notice her interest in him. But before Dawn could accuse her of anything, Ash replied to Serena.
"I've been good Serena thanks for asking. Congratulations on your finish as well in the tournament, top 8 is really good for your first year!. I just got lucky winning it all."
"Oh nonsense Ash, you were amazing!"
Ash just grinned, he always enjoyed being around Serena complimented him.
"I guess so! But anyways, the Elite Four challenge is good so far, I just beat Bruce today. My next battle is 2 days, so I'm just spending a little bit of time with Dawn before the training takes over. I'm excited though, I hope I get the chance to battle Lance!"
Serena just flashed a trademark smile, clearly an attempt to encourage Ash, but before she could say anything else, Dawn stepped in.
"I'm just glad I'm the one who's been with him this whole time. Ever since we left Pallet Town he's been training as hard as he can. If anyone deserves this opportunity, it's him. It's just a shame some people haven't been with him as long as I have, it's been a blast!"
If looks could kill, Dawn would have been dead after what she said. Serena shot her a malicious glare. It was clear that Dawn's words had been directed at Serena, and she did not appreciate that at all.
"Well Dawn, I can see you're just as friendly as you always are. You're right, it's a shame I didn't leave Pallet Town with Ash. However, not everyone is as attached to him as you are. I think my welcome has been worn out, it was great seeing you Ash! You have my Pokenav number, call me sometime and we can get lunch or something! I'll see you guys later!"
Dawn was standing there with her face red as a tomato, caused by a mixture of anger and embarrassment from what Serena has said. Serena began walking, but after a couple of steps she turned around and shot a playful wink towards Ash, further infuriating Dawn. As Dawn stood there with a red face and clenched fists, Ash looked at her to say something.
"Dawn, why do you always get so bitter around Serena? She's one of my friends and it just doesn't make sense why you always get an attitude with her, when she hasn't done anything to you."
Dawn only sighed. This was going to be the night where everything spilled out.
"Ash, me and Serena have always been rivals over the same thing. You."
Ash got a very dumbfounded expression on his face. Why would his two best friends be rivals because of him?
"What's that mean Dawn? If I did something wrong tell me, I really don't want to be the cause of problems between my friends."
"Ash, it's nothing you did. Me and Serena just share a common interest. You. We both have had a crush on you since we were young. We both think you're this amazing guy with a heart of gold, and it's just incredible being around you. I was the lucky one though. I won a battle before we left Professor Oak's lab against her. If I would've lost, Serena would have spent this whole time with you. Arceus must have been on my side that day, because he knows how much I care about you and admire you."
Ash couldn't believe what he was hearing. His two best friends have had crushes on him for years, and this is how he finds out? Because of a silly argument during the most important time of his life? Things were just getting weirder.
"Dawn, this is just getting crazier. So you and Serena battled for me? I'm not trying to ignore your feelings for me and what you said, I just am really curious about how all of this has happened, and I'm even more curious to hear about this battle!"
Dawn was a little upset that Ash wanted to hear about the battle before they could talk about her feelings, but she only giggled. Ash always got excited about battles.
"Alright I'll tell you, but only if you promise to listen to what I have to say about you after." After a quick nod of confirmation from Ash, Dawn went on. "It happened the day we all got our first pokemon."
Gary, Ash, Dawn, and Serena were walking to Professor Oak's lab and ranch right outside of town. Gary was the oldest of the group by 3 weeks, followed by Ash, than Serena, and finally Dawn. All four of them were born in January. Even though Gary was the oldest and wanted to get his pokemon first, the parents and Professor Oak thought it would be a great idea for the four children to go to the lab together. That way, all of them had a chance to travel together if they desired.
"I already know who I'm choosing, and I'm going first since all of you babies made me wait to get my starter!" Gary had been the needy one who always felt like he was entitled to everything, due to his grandfather's position. The fact his grandfather would be giving out the starter pokemon didn't help Gary's attitude problem that day either.
"Oh can it Gary, we don't even know who's picking first. You shouldn't have your hopes too high in case of us takes whichever one you're thinking about!" Ash had always been the intelligent one, and Gary's biggest rival. The two always got along as kids, but they both strived to be the best at everything, putting an intense strain on their friendship during any form of competition. Without Ash in his life, Gary would go nuts due to his huge ego and drive to win.
"Gosh Ash, you always know the right thing to say!" Serena always seemed to be on Ash's side for everything. Games, arguments, or anything that Ash was involved in, Serena always rooted for him. In her mind, Ash was perfect all-around. His looks, his caring for others, just everything about him made her smile. She was usually very quiet, but was not afraid to show her support for her crush.
"Ash is right Gary, you need to take a chill pill!" Dawn was the youngest of the group, and Gary always picked on her for that. She didn't like Gary from day one. He was an egotistical jerk and a huge brat in her mind. Ash was a good guy, and Dawn loved that. Ash may not have been the best-looking or the best athlete, but his attitude and his compassion for others made Dawn take a strong interest. Her and Serena tended to not get along when it came to the topic of Ash since they had similar feelings, but that never deterred her from trying to be friends with Serena.
The four continued to bicker about Gary's childish attitude about going first until they arrived at the lab's doorstep. Gary stepped up and banged on the door, as his lack of patience was showing. An elderly gentleman opened the door with a warm smile on his face.
"Good morning kids, I assume you are all here to pick out your first pokemon, correct?"
The four childhood friends all nodded in excitement, so Professor Oak let them in. He led them to an open space in the lab, where a tray with four pokeballs was contained. Gary and Ash seemed incredibly lost, since there were only 3 starter pokemon, but Professor Oak figured he would see this kind of reaction.
"You four have put me in a very peculiar situation. I have never had to give out four starters on the same day before during my career. What this means is that one of you will be given a different pokemon to start with."
Professor Oak proceeded to open all four pokeballs on the tray, revealing the choices. First came a blue turtle with a confident look in his eye. Second was a yellow mouse who was curious of his surroundings, but once he knew where he was, he got very friendly. Third was an orange lizard who seemed a little arrogant. Finally, a blue-green dinosaur like pokemon was released, and this one was the quietest of the group. The four kids stared at the group of pokemon in awe, because their journey was about to start, and the excitement was catching up.
"Besides the conventional starters of Squirtle, Charmander, and Bulbasaur, I also am going to give one of you the electric-type Pikachu. Now since there are four of you, I already chose the order of who picks first. We shall go youngest to oldest."
Gary instantly began throwing a hissy fit, because that means he would go last.
"But Grandpa, I want to get to Cerulean City as soon as possible!"
Ash thought that was a stupid idea.
"Gary, why the heck would you not start at Pewter City?"
"Because it's way too easy, it's basically a guaranteed win, and I want to be challenged."
Gary's grandfather was about to deliver a very good idea.
"Ash and Gary's discussion just reminded me of something else I needed to tell you guys. I think it would be best if you four split up into two groups of two. This journey is a long one, and a partner will make it that much more enjoyable and safer. Since Gary and Ash seem to have their starting points figured out, you two ladies will have to pick who to go with. But that can be figured out in a minute, Dawn come up and pick your pokemon."
Dawn stepped forward, and closely examined each pokemon. Her mother was famous for her contest battles with her Squirtle, so the water-type was not going to work for her. She didn't want any added pressure. The Charmander was too cocky for her, personally Dawn thought that would be the perfect pokemon for Gary. Bulbasaur however, seemed like a good fit. He was quiet, but very friendly. The two hit it off instantly.
"Excellent choice Dawn! Bulbasaur is a fine choice indeed. Serena, you're up now."
Serena knew her choice right away. She went over to Charmander and scooped him up, whispering words into his ear. It was something about winning, and Charmander was excited. The pair looked over at Dawn and her starter with an evil smirk plastered on their faces.
"Charmander is a good pokemon as well Serena. Now since neither of you picked Pikachu, I need to talk to the boys alone, so I can explain some things. Why don't you two go outside and talk, I'll be a few minutes."
Serena and Dawn went outside as the Professor asked. The second they got out of the lab, Serena turned to Dawn with pokeball in hand.
"Battle me."
"Why?"
Serena facepalmed herself, clearly expecting Dawn to get her message.
"Dawn, I know you like Ash. Just like I know you know I like him. Neither of us wants to go on with Gary. So we're going to battle, and the winner goes on with Ash. If you try to back down, I promise you I will ruin you."
"I'm not scared of you Serena, I accept your bet. Bulbasaur let's go!"
"Charmander time to battle!"
Bulbasaur was stomping at the ground eagerly to defend his trainer, while Charmander just stood there with his arms crossed, clearly assuming he had an easy win.
"Bulbasaur if he's just going to stand there let's make the first move, use Tackle!"
"Charmander step to the left and Scratch please."
Serena was very calm with her command, while Dawn was too excited. Bulbasuar blindly charged towards his opponent, who simply sidestepped the attack before delivering his own Scratch attack.
"Bulbasaur hold it down with Vine Whip and fire off your Stun Spore, followed up by Razor Leaf!"
Charmander attempted to dodge, but he was pinned down by vines. A yellow cloud of spores soon covered him, paralyzing him. A barrage of sharp leaves kept hitting him for several seconds before Serena yelled out her counter.
"Use Ember on yourself, than use Ember to burn the leaves and Bulbasaur!"
Charmander spit small fireballs onto himself, burning the spores to a crisp. He than sent stronger ones towards the grass-type, burning his attack and causing damage in the process. Bulbasaur yelped out in pain from being hit by the super-effective attack. Both pokemon were now panting. Charmander had been held-down and bombarded with a Razor Leaf attack, but Bulbasaur had just been hit by a super-effective ember. One last attack would end the battle on either side.
"Charmander use Scratch!"
Dawn just smirked, and Serena instantly knew her mistake.
"Thank you Serena, I was hoping you would make the same mistake I made earlier. Bulbasaur dodge that attack and then send him flying with Tackle!"
Bulbasaur followed his trainer's orders. A quick dodge and a powerful Tackle ended the battle, making Dawn the winner. Just as both trainers returned their pokemon, the two boys came out.
"Hey guys! So did you decide who's coming with who? Me and Pikachu wanna get going as soon as possible!"
A very cheery Dawn raised her hand, while a very dejected Serena walked over to Gary.
"Awesome! Serena and Gary make sure to stay in touch, I'm sure we'll see you guys soon!"
With Ash's parting words, and Serena's venomous glare towards Dawn, the two pairs departed, starting their separate journeys.
Ash had been keenly listening to the whole story, and was just blown away.
"So let me get this straight, you and Serena had a battle for me? And you won? I just feel terrible now. What does this all mean?"
Ash began walking away from Dawn, but she would not let that happen. She ran over to Ash, turned him around, and placed a very strong kiss on his lips.
"What this means Ash, is that I think you're amazing."
*ASH AND DAWN'S FIRST KISS. How did I do setting this chapter and the kiss up? Did the backstory confuse anyway? Please let me know in a PM or Review. Anyways, I have a new poll set up for which pokemon Ash gets, so please go vote! The next chapter will be posted once one pokemon wins with a minimum of 15 votes. (I have like 70 followers, even if only half of you guys voted 15 votes is easy.) Anyways remember review and vote! Thanks! Ps Serena won with a total of 7 votes, followed by a tie between May and Misty with 6 for anyone wondering!
