Chapter 37: The Past Love!
"Pip... lup Piplup Piplup Pip!" Piplup sang happily. "Mon... ferno Monferno Mon!" Monferno sand along. "Pi... ka Pika Pikachu!" Pikachu sang as well. "Piplup Piplup! Piplup Piplup" Piplup sang again.
"Monferno Mon! Ferno Ferno!" Monferno sang again. "Pika Pika Pikachu! Pika!" Pikachu sang while taking big steps. The four trainers smiled as the three Pokémon were singing along on the road.
"Pip Piplup... Piplup! Pip Piplup... Piplup!" Piplup said, sounding tired. "Monferno... Ferno! Monferno... Ferno!" Monferno kept sanging. "Pika Pika! Pika Pika!" Pikachu sang along.
But then, Piplup said his words weakly, walking a bit slower. Both the Electric Type and the Fire Type stopped to see the exhausted Water Type. The four trainers stopped as well.
"Piplup! Are you okay?" Dawn asked. Piplup looked back, when suddenly, its blue stomach growled, much to his embarrassment. "Hey, you're hungry, aren't you?" Ash asked.
"Pip..." Piplup said with a weak agreement. "Well, you can't blame Piplup, since it's almost lunchtime." Hikaru said, checking his Pokétch watch, which was close for their lunchtime.
"I know that there's a Pokémon Center nearby. So, let's move it at ASAP!" Brock called. Hikaru sweat dropped at the words and tone the breeder in training had. He face palmed at this.
"You're probably saying that because you want to see Nurse Joy again, don't you?" Hikaru asked. But, he shook his head and followed Brock, with Monferno holding onto his shoulder.
"Alright then! Let's go!" Ash called, following the two. "Piplup! Let's go!" Dawn called. The Water Type sighed in embarrassment as he walked along with his trainer and friends.
Later, as the group walked by, they saw an amazing sight. There WAS a Pokémon Center, but it was next to a lake, where they seemed to be a snow covered mountain part.
Pikachu, Monferno, and Piplup were amazed by the sight as well. "Well, there it is!" Brock called. "Yes! Lunchtime is about to be on the house!" Ash exclaimed.
With that, he and Pikachu dashed off to the Pokémon Center doors. "Wait for me, Ash! I want to see Nurse Joy!" Brock called. He ran after his friend, leaving Dawn and Hikaru with startled looks.
[Opening]: (Pokémon DP: Together Opening (English Subbed)
(Ash and Pikachu are watching the sunrise, seeing a new dawn appearing)
With your Last Resort, a Steadfast heart
Let's go cross the tall Mt. Coronet
(Japanese opening title appears)
Who will we get? Where will we meet them?
(Ash, Hikaru, Dawn, Brock, Pikachu, and Monferno watch the bird Pokémon fly as they watch from a tall tree)
I'm excited, as if it's a Secret Base
(A group of Cherrims, a Budew, Pachirisu, Burmy, and a Kricketot dance with happy faces)
A new town
(A Glameow leaps in the alley as the group sees the Glameow)
We'll proceed there
(Ash, Hikaru, Dawn, Brock, Pikachu, and Monferno all cross the Bidoof's dam)
During shining times
(The group walks in a cave, meeting a Drapion in front of them!)
(Ash's Pokémon; Pikachu, Buizel, Chimchar, Staravia, Turtwig, and Gligar appears with their trainer)
(Hikaru's Pokémon; Monferno, Luxio, Leafeon, Dragonair, Buizel, and Kirlia appears with their trainer)
(Dawn's Pokémon; Piplup, Buneary, Pachirisu, and Ambipom appears with their trainer)
(Brock's Pokémon; Croagunk, Happiny, and Sudowoodo appears with their trainer)
Yay yay yay yeah!
(The Contest staff, Nurse Joy, Officer Jenny, Hinata, Johanna, Prof. Rowan, Delia, Tracey, Prof. Oak, and Mr. Mime following each other image at a time)
Battles are never Sweet
(Paul and Lucas appears in the background)
Spicy? Bitter? Dry? Sour, right?
(Ash and Hikaru order their Pokémon to attack)
(Ash's Staravia uses Aerial Ace, Turtwig uses Razor Leaf, Pikachu uses Volt Tackle, Buizel uses Aqua Jet)
(Hikaru's Luxio uses Shock Wave, Dragonair uses Dragon Tail, Buizel uses Ice Beam, Monferno uses Flame Wheel)
(Paul and Lucas face Ash and Hikaru with all of their Pokémon)
We are alive, so feel
(Dawn calls out Piplup and Buneary like in a Contest performance)
Together
(Zoey, Dawn, and a silhouetted girl appears together)
Yay yay yay yeah!
(Team Rocket smiles as Seviper, Mime Jr., Carnivine appears along)
Blast away with Aqua Jet
(The group were riding on speedboats as a Buizel, Manaphy, and Mantyke appears)
And Defog away our clouded spirits
(Palkia roars as Lucario turn behind him)
Rock Climb- look, if we can climb over
(Dialga roars along with the blizzard hitting him)
Good good smile!
(The group sits on or leans their back on a giant Pokéball)
(Brock and Dawn smiles at the viewers)
Everyone good good smile!
(Ash, Pikachu, Hikaru, and Monferno smiles at the viewers)
[Opening ends]
As soon as Ash and Brock left the spot in a rush, the two Twinleaf Town trainers sighed as they walked slowly to the Pokémon Center. As they were walking, Dawn suddenly remembered what Leona said to her.
The female Coordinator had to tell Hikaru about her true feelings about him soon. "Hikaru..." Dawn whispered. Hikaru heard it as he stopped, turning to his childhood friend. "Yeah?" Hikaru asked.
Dawn blushed suddenly as she turned away, with Piplup looking at her, confused about something. "Dawn, what is it?" Hikaru asked. "D-Do you remember the time when we were young?" Dawn asked.
Hikaru and Monferno both blinked in surprise as Hikaru rubbed Monferno's head. "Buddy, you go with Ash and Brock. Dawn and I will be there with you." Hikaru assured.
Monferno grew hesitant before nodding as he and Piplup ran to the Center, leaving the two trainers alone. Dawn turned to the shining lake as she sighed, smiling of her past.
"It was the time when it was two years ago, right?" Dawn asked. "Yeah... You mean that day during the school festival, right?" Hikaru asked. Dawn flushed with that and nodded.
"Y-Yeah... That day..." Dawn started. She and Hikaru then recalled of the time when they were both eight years old.
Flashback
The children at school were crowding around the classroom. Everyone was talking about something exciting. The Pokémon Contest show and the young battle tournament was taking place at their school festival!
Eight year old Dawn was in a practice room, practicing her talent show audition, where she was going to do the Contest show. Johanna gave her Glameow to her daughter for a temporary time.
Eight year old Hikaru was given a Chimchar to compete in the battle tournament. He was training with his battle partner to make themselves better before the tournament.
As the evening came, showing the beginning of the Contest show, young Dawn was nervous. She was dressed in a pink dress that her mother made for her. She gave a deep sigh.
She had to wait for a while before it was her turn to show her performance with Glameow. If she succeeded, she would go to the battle rounds, where only eight students can go to.
But, to Dawn, she wasn't sure if she would make it. That's when she saw someone coming to her. It was Hikaru, who was covered up in scratches, with Chimchar beside him.
"Hey, Dawn! You're almost up! You ready?" Hikaru asked. Dawn blushed, turning away as she nodded. "Uh-huh..." Dawn whispered. The young Twinleaf boy blinked in confusion.
The Chimchar did the same as Hikaru got near her. "Dawn. Is something wrong?" Hikaru asked. Dawn squealed a little before settling down. Glameow and Chimchar looked at each other, before looking at the kids.
"I'm fine... I... I guess I'm a little... nervous, I guess." Dawn explained. "What, that you're going to make a performance in front of the crowd?" Hikaru asked. "Yeah..." Dawn nodded.
"Don't worry! I know that you'll do great! You just have to believe in yourself!" Hikaru assured. Dawn widened her eyes as she blushed, gripping her hand on Hikaru's.
"Hikaru... Will... Will you watch me perform?... Please?" Dawn pleaded. Hikaru blinked in surprise, before nodding. "Sure! I always wanted to see how my best friend performs!" Hikaru grinned.
Dawn blushed even redder. "Best friend?... Me?" Dawn asked. "Yeah! We've been friends for three years, right? So, of course I would want to watch you perform!" Hikaru exclaimed.
Dawn smiled happily, with little tears from her eyes. She hugged her best friend, smiling. "Thanks, Hikaru. I think I might be able to make a good performance now..." Dawn thanked.
The Twinleaf boy secretly blushed himself as he nodded and got up. "Well, I'll see you then!" Hikaru grinned, walking off. "I'll do my best!" Dawn promised.
So, as time passed, it was finally Dawn's turn. She managed to perform well with Glameow, until she fell and tripped on her dress. Dawn squealed as she fell on the stageboard.
Everyone laughed at the girl as Dawn began to cry. Glameow tried to calm her down, but failed. Thus, the young girl failed to make it to the second stage, due to her trouble with her dress.
Later, a day passed as the battle tournament was at its finals. Hikaru managed to beat his fellow friends and students easily with Chimchar on his side. The saddened Dawn watched.
As many battles passed, her mood changed from upset to a little happy. When Hikaru got into the finals, she cheered for her best friend. "You can do it, Hikaru! No need to worry!" Dawn yelled.
Hikaru grinned with a smile as he and Chimchar made determined faces at their opponent. Their last student had a Sandshrew as its battling companion. The two clashed until one was unable to continue.
The one that fell was the Sandshrew. "And the winner of our Twinleaf Little Tournament is... Hikaru Platinum!" The MC declared, awarding Hikaru and his temporary battle partner a gold medal for victory.
Dawn's eyes shined like stars, seeing that her best friend won. Chimchar was returned to the school, much to its sadness, and Hikaru's. The classmates congratulated Hikaru, but some were jealous.
A year passed as the two were nine years old. One more month, and they'd be both old enough to start their true journey. The two were walking along the road back to their houses.
"Well, Dawn... One month until we can start our own journey." Hikaru stated. "Y-Yeah, I guess so..." Dawn agreed, blushing a little. Then, the Twinleaf boy stopped, much to Dawn's surprise.
"Is something wrong, Hikaru?" Dawn asked. The Twinleaf boy shook his head, looking at the girl with a smile. "It's nothing... I... I just wanted to ask you something." Hikaru explained.
"About what?" Dawn asked. The Twinleaf boy turned away a little, before turning back. "When we're out of our hometown... I... want you to come with me in our journey!" Hikaru answered.
Dawn blushed even redder as Hikaru explained. "Think of it! We'll travel together on many adventures in just one journey. I can watch you compete in Contests, while you can watch my Gym battles!" Hikaru explained.
"But... I thought you said you also wanted to become a Top Coordinator?" Dawn asked. The Twinleaf boy chuckled at that question. "That, too. Even if you were to be my rival, I'd like you to travel with me." Hikaru replied.
Dawn began to think about it, blushing. "Of course! We're best friends! Right?" Dawn asked. Hikaru shook his head, correcting her. "Correction. We're BFFs! Best Friend Forever!" Hikaru corrected.
Dawn blushed even redder as she hugged her best friend. Hikaru blinked in surprise, before hugging back. "Hikaru... My answer is yes. I would love to travel with you." Dawn answered.
"Glad to hear it, Dawn." Hikaru replied, smoothing her blue hair. They walked together after their hugs, talking about their future and more as they smiled and laughed together.
Flashback End
Dawn was still blushing as she looked at her best friend, who stayed calm and quiet. "Ever since those days, I wanted to tell you something... that I never got to tell you..." Dawn explained.
The Twinleaf boy looked at his best friend in confusion. "What's that?" Hikaru asked. Before the female Coordinator could answer, there was a voice calling out to them. "Heeeey!" Ash called.
"Pika Pi!" "Monferno!" "Piplup!" The three Pokémon cried out. The two turned to see the Kanto trainer, Pikachu, Monferno, and Piplup coming by. Ash panted, looking up at them.
"What were you two doing? It's getting dark, you know! There is a storm that's about to come by!" Ash explained. Both Twinleaf trainers looked at each other, before shrugging.
"We were just talking about our plans for the next Contest, that's all!" Hikaru lied, making a little smile on his face. "Yeah! That's it!" Dawn agreed, playing along with the lie.
Ash, at first, grew confused before nodding. "Okay then... Let's hurry!" Ash called. Hikaru and Dawn nodded as they all ran to the Center, with their three Pokémon, before the clouds rolled in.
Once they were in the Center, they watched the incoming storm coming by. Brock was besides the three, also curious of what Hikaru and Dawn was up to, but had let it past away.
A lightning flashed as Piplup yelped, jumping into Dawn's arms. Monferno did the same, snuggling onto Hikaru's chest. Hikaru frowned with this sudden weather and climate change.
"That's really weird! When we were outside, the weather was perfectly fine until now!" Hikaru explained, frowning. "Well, a mountain weather can change really fast!" Ash explained.
At that moment, Nurse Joy walked up next to the group, seeing the stormy weather as well. "I hope it doesn't affect the Dustox Crossing! What would they do? Nurse Joy asked, giving a deep sigh.
At one sight at the nurse, the Kanto breeder in training fell into his love mode once again. "Nurse Joy! I haven't have the foggiest idea what the Dustox would be affected of... But, I know what affects me! It's you!" Brock exclaimed.
Hikaru and Monferno both grew ticks on their heads until Croagunk used Poison Jab again! "Agh!... And... others!" Brock admitted as he fell down, unconscious from the poison given.
Croagunk then croaked as he dragged his poisoned trainer away. As the three young trainers laughed nervously at Brock's falling words, the Kanto trainer turned to Nurse Joy in confusion.
"What's the Dustox Crossing you were talking about?" Ash asked. "Pika?" Pikachu added along. Then, to everyone's surprise, Brock slid by, smirking. "It certainly peaks my interest!" Brock admitted.
"Wow... You're quick!" Dawn added, making a not interested tone. When everyone gave attention, the nurse began the explanation of the Dustox Crossing.
"Every year, during this time, in a full moon, the Dustox create a golden archway over the lake! And up towards Mt. Coronet!" Nurse Joy explained. "Wow... A golden archway sounds so romantic!" Dawn admitted.
"A sparkle to make it more better, huh?" Hikaru added, smiling. "Ferno..." Monferno agreed, also interested with the crossing. "But, why would they create the archway?" Ash asked, curious.
"After the Dustox fall in love, they fly to the flower fields of Mt. Coronet and start families! But, it's the bright reflection of the full moon on the lake that attracts them there! I hope the weather clears..." Nurse Joy concluded, frowning.
At that moment, the doors opened, revealing a young trainer with glasses running in. "Huff huff... Nurse Joy!" The trainer shouted. "Austin! What's wrong!?" Nurse Joy asked.
"Some of the trees on the lake have been struck by lightning and the water is overflowing!" Austin panicked. Everyone gasped at this in shock, including Brock, as they ran out to see the problem.
Sure enough, when everyone got outside, the lake was being drained away. "Check out the lake!" Ash called out. "It was so calm and pretty!" Dawn said sadly. "Piplup..." Piplup added sadly.
Just then, Brock noticed a huge gap on the lake walls. "Look there! That's where all the water is flowing!" Brock explained. Seeing this, Austin grew depressed with this sad situation.
"And here, I wanted my Dustox to be in the crossing this year..." Austin said sadly. "I'm sorry, Austin... Things aren't looking too good." Nurse Joy apologized. The boy sighed, looking down.
"Yeah..." Austin agreed. Just then, Ash ran off, leaving the others surprised. "Where are you going!?" Dawn called. "I'm going to go have a look! Maybe there's something we can do!" Ash answered.
"If that's the case, I'm coming, too!" Hikaru called, running after the Kanto trainer. "Monferno!" Monferno screeched in agreement. "Hikaru! Wait up!" Dawn called.
With that said, everyone went to check the lake's current status. When everyone got there, they were surprised of what they were seeing.
So, Dawn made some thoughts on when to confess her love to Hikaru. She and Hikaru recalled of the time at the school festival and the request the Twinleaf boy made in the past.
What will Dawn say to her best friend? And what will happen to the Dustox Crossing? Stay tuned for some more!
To be continued...
Hikaru's Team:
Monferno: (M): (Flamethrower, Mach Punch, Fury Swipes, Flame Wheel)
Luxio: (F): (Thunder Fang, Shock Wave, Iron Tail, Hidden Power)
Leafeon: (F): (Magical Leaf, Shadow Ball, Synthesis, Iron Tail)
Buizel: (M): (Ice Beam, Aqua Jet, Swift, Water Gun)
Dragonair: (M): (Dragon Tail, Dragon Rage, Twister, Thunder Wave)
Kirlia: (F): (Psychic, Magical Leaf, Shock Wave, Teleport)
Next chapters:
Chapter 38: To Save the Crossing!
Chapter 39: Double Electric Battle!
Chapter 40: Pikachu VS Raichu! A Rematch!
Chapter 41: The Water Contest Master!
Chapter 42: The Water Master Act!
Next chapter preview:
Ash: What the!? What happened to the lake!?
Nurse Joy: If this keeps up, then the Dustox Crossing won't be able to happen!
Jessie: I will not allow my dear Dustox to be saddened by this result!
James: Jessie? Does this mean you're going to let go of Dustox?
Dawn: Hikaru... I want to say something to you, for us to know.
Hikaru: What is it? What is it that you want to tell me?