Sup, people!
First and foremost, A HUGE SHOUTOUT TO "SparklingPearl123" for being the 300th reviewer of 'The Double, The Trouble!' *party poppers bursting* Congrats! : p
Also, thank you for all the people who've read and supported my work up until now! Thank you so much, everyone! It's a huge achievement to get 300+ reviews and it's all because of you guys! Lots of love to you guys! And I really hope I can complete the story, by the end of this year! Hope you guys can hang on until then! Thanks, again! *flash finger hearts*
Oh, a guest reviewed that I should update three chapters in a week.. oh, gosh! I'd love to do it I had enough time! Really, I would! (Idk myself, though!) Though, I'd try my best! But... the thing is I seriously do not have much time on my hands! I know, I know, it's quarantine time and all but.. my college is not letting me have a break! On top of that, my mom keeps scolding me to stop using my phone and all that stuff...! Sorry, but I wouldn't be able to fulfill your request, guest! But, I'll try to update more often these days! Hope you can understand! : )
My beta-reader is back, too! She helped me out with this chapter! A huge shoutout to her as well!
And yeaaaah! Dawn shouldn't be upset about it... but, you can go ahead and read the chapter, first! Then, you'll know her reasons! XD
Chapter 24
Freakin' First Kiss
It's morning and I'm up pretty early, which was rather unsual for me. I was in my futon with the blankets covering my entire body, including my face. I had completely wrapped myself around it.
My eyes must look like a zombie, right now.
...Why?
Ash Ketchum.
Who else?!
I was beyond just flustered!
Ash had actually kissed me, last night. Now, because of that I can't stop thinking about him! I didn't even sleep properly last night! I knew that it was a dare and I am trying to understand his reasons but... I cannot. Seriously, not.
I just... feel so pissed at him!
Wait, let's go back to last night's events...
Ash placed his lips, lightly on mine. I couldn't help but get that sensation of warmth, emitted by the locking of our lips. My eyes were widened just like diner plates. Before I even knew it, Ash pulled away. I just, stood there with a blank expression in shock and embarrassment.
He sighed, "There. All done. My dare's complete." He stared at me, "Oh, you see, Gary and Drew gave me a dare that I should kiss you, if we'd manage to protect the statue today. Since, we did, I had do it. Also, you've no right to be angry at me because I had warned you, yesterday, itself. In addition to that, you were in my debt so I decided that this way your debt would be returned," He said it so casually that made me even more shocked.
I just stared at me with the same position, as I was in before. "Uh.." I lightly touched my lips, not believing anything which happened a free seconds ago. I was still processing what just happened.
He raised an eyebrow, "Don't tell me it was your first kiss?" I gave light nod. "Oh, so it was. Be glad that you had it with me! But don't fall in the false impression that I like you or something. There was no meaning behind any of it. It was just a simple dare, nothing more than that." He looked my way again, "Or else lets pretend that this never happened."
He was saying everything as if what he had done just now like I had begged to him or it seemed like I was the one at fault, which was making me more confused.
I stared at him, dumbfounded. My mouth open and eyes wide. He snapped his fingers, "Are you planning to stand there, like an idiot for the entire night? C'mon, let's go." He walked away, taking out his phone.
... How could anyone be so nonchalant about stealing a person's first kiss? And he was so boastful about it? I don't get it.
I blinked, when I realized I was back into reality. I looked here and there, realizing that I wasn't dreaming. That was the reality... nothing was unreal or imaginative.
I followed him, nonetheless.
I wasn't able to process what had just happened with me!
I needed time!
I couldn't take out the picture of us kissing, from my brain. I was still dazed by those events, which passed away in a flash. I didn't even realize when I was back with the gang. I came back to my senses when Leaf shouted, "Dawn!"
I was startled, snapping me back to reality. "Uh..wha...what happened?" I blinked and saw all of them staring at me.
May teased, "Hello, Dawn! Still dazed from your first kiss with Ash?"
My eyes widened, "How-how... did you know?" I glanced at everyone and muttered, "...that I had my first kiss with Ash, just now...?"
Drew flicked his hair as he showed his mobile to me, "See this." I saw the picture of Ash kissing me, which had occurred just a few moments ago... I was about to question but he continued, "You see, me and May happened to be there and when we saw that, we couldn't help but click a picture. Also, it was Ash's dare which was given by Gary, so I had to make sure that he knew that Ash had completed his dare."
That picture had captured the moment of my first kiss. I was standing there with my eyes widened and hands on the sides, confusion and shock was evident on my face. Ash had bent down a bit, with his one hand under my chin and the other on his side. He had his eyes closed and had a calm look on his face. The background was wonderful, behind us was a big firework, sprouting a spectrum in the darkness. It would be a perfect picture, if I wasn't dazed.
Also... a perfect memory but... I don't feel so.
I just blinked. I couldn't do anything else, except that. But, I had to make sure that they weren't worried about me. "Oh...Okay. Let's go home for now..." They all nodded as they started walking. I was waking at the rear, still confused.
I really don't want to make a fuss in front of them. Though, I still felt anger bubbling inside of me.
Just then, Piplup climbed into my arms and I held him close, tightly. I was snapped out of my thoughts by Gary. "You okay, Dawn?" He asked, concern was clearly visible in his eyes. Suddenly, a wave of anger rush though me when I saw his face and I glared at him, real hard.
He gulped, as he gave me a nervous smile. Then, a smile appeared on his face and tried to change the topic by saying, "Uh... guess what? Leaf and I are dating, now! I just asked her out!"
I took a deep breath. I should talk it out with him, privately. I should just act cheerful, now!
I replied, "I know, I have the picture of you both kissing." I took out my mobile and showed him the picture, where both of them were completely busy in kissing each other.
"Hey! When the heck did you do that?!" He shouted.
Suddenly, Leaf and May popped out of nowhere as they snatched away the phone to take a look. I heard Leaf gasp, "Don't tell me you were spying on us!"
I shrugged, "What if I was? They did, too!" I guess, I'll set my case aside... because when I am with them, I can never stay distressed...
Leaf glared, "You've no right to disrupt someone's privacy!"
"Then, how could May do that? You should tell her, first!" Leaf glared at me and May. Then, I replied, "Besides, I had to make sure that you both completed your dares."
May high-fived me, "Congrats! Good job, Dawn!" Gary got embarrassed, so he went to where Ash and Drew were.
I turned my head in May's direction when she said, "But, don't worry, Dawn. I'll send you the picture of you and Ash kissing. After all, a first kiss should always be remembered." She winked.
What if I don't want to remember my freaking first kiss?!
"Be glad that you had it with me! Oh and don't fall in the false impression that I like you or something. There was no meaning behind any of it. It was just a simple dare, nothing more than that. So, don't be serious."
How the fuck could he be so casual after he stole away my first kiss?! Though, I didn't care with whom it was... kinda glad that it was him but... the way he reacted is making me go insane!
He started scolding me back, instead! That's not what boys usually say after they steal a girl's first kiss! Also, he was just too cool, back then... as if, it didn't really mean anything to him... er.. it didn't, though. Ah, whatever!
I don't care whether what he thinks of me or didn't feel anything toward me but he should have at least, apologized for his actions!
Whether I had agreed to him or not, been in a debt to him or not, he should've said sorry! Those are basic gentleman manners!
...Oh, he was a never a gentleman, though.
Waaaaaaah!
I hate him!
BUT!
But, why did I get that warm feeling in my gut, again, when his lips touched mine? Man, oh, man, what was the meaning behind all that!
Gah! I was beyond frustrated!
That godamned Ash. He must be snoring and snorting in his room, while wrecking my brain.
Irritated, I inhaled a deep breath as I got up from my place. I saw Leaf and May sitting on the bed, already dressed in their usual clothes and Piplup talking with them. When they heard the sound of my bones when I stretched my body, they turned to look at me, surprised.
"Pip-lup?!" His eyes widened.
May exclaimed, "Wow! Dawn woke up, early, today!"
"Is the sun rising from west?!" Leaf joked.
I smiled, weakly. "Nah, it's just that I was having disturbed thoughts, that's all."
The bandana wearing girl asked, "About last night?"
I nodded. "But, no need to worry! I am fine, now! I don't care what happened, last night, since it was just a tiny, simple dare! Nothing else!" I pumped my fists, assuring them that I was okay.
Actually... I wasn't feeling better at all! I want to ask Ash about it! I want to clear up all the... tension! I want make him apologize to me! Dang it!
I frowned. But, what whould I ask?!
Urgh!
"Piplup! Pip!" He nodded as he tried to reassure them in his language.
"Well, you don't look too good, though," Leaf pointed out.
I lied, "Uh... yesterday, my entire body was aching, too! And I couldn't get enough sleep, either... uh, si that's why maybe I look dull...?"
She looked at with suspicion, but nodded. "If you say so..." Gosh, why does she have to be so observant!
I faked a grin, "You all go on ahead! I'll be there after I am done with my bath." They nodded as I quickly ran into the bathroom with my clothes. I quickly brushed my teeth and went into the shower.
After being done with that, I wiped my body with the towel. Then, I kept the towel aside and wore my lingeries as I pulled those pants on my leg. Then, I took the white shirt and inserted my hands in the sleeves, as I buttoned it up. Then, I removed the black vest from the hanger and put it on top of my white shirt, buttoning only four buttons.
Then, I came out of the bathroom to see Piplup sitting on the bed. "Hey, Piplup," I muttered as I sat in front of the dressing table, on the chair.
"Pip!" He greeted back, as he came and stood on the table.
I started drying my hair with the hair dryer. I stared at my image in the mirror and when I saw those lips of mine. Yesterday's events came flashing back to me... reminding of that dreadful yet sweet... ugh, no, just a dreadful memory. I found myself lost in those thoughts.
"Lup!" He used his bublebeam on me, snapping me out of my trance.
"Oh, thanks, Piplup!" I smiled as I thought, I really need to stop thinking about it...as he said... pretend like it never happened...? "Sorry to worry you like that," I said, petting his head.
"Pip-lup!" He nodded as he sat down, there.
I kept the dryer aside and started to brush my hair. When I was done with that, I pulled it into a high ponytail, putting on the same hairband, which Ash had gifted me. Though, I didn't want to wear it, as I was pissed off at him but I can't be jerk like him.
Then, I went and zipped up my boots. Piplup handed me the mobile, which I kept in my pocket and watch, which I strapped on my left wrist. And he forwarded himself, I laughed as I picked him up in my arms. "Ready to go?" He nodded.
Quickly, I exited my room as I turned around to close the door. When I turned back to go downstairs, I saw Ash coming out of his own room. We both were standing across each other and I couldn't help the frown appearing on my face as I turned around to walk away. "Pika!" He greeted me.
I smiled at him, "Hey, Pikachu!"
"Pip!"
"Oh!" But then, I heard him ask, "Are you still not over that kiss? Seeing your frown."
I turned around with an innocent look, "Nah, I am already over that." I smiled, softly, "And I am listening to what you suggested, yesterday. Let's pretend that it never happened." I repeated his exact words while his voice rang in my mind.
He crossed his arms and I think I saw a bit of hurt in his eyes? Nah, maybe my imagination because why would he be hurt? Instead, it is me who should be and I am, okay! Humph, besides it was his suggestion in the first place.
He said, "Good. At least, for once you listened to what I said."
I nodded as I motioned him, "Let's go, the breakfast is ready." I stood aside and let him go, first since he was a guest... he had that serious face, and after getting to know him for the past weeks, I could figure out that he was angry! But, why!?
What made him mad? I didn't do anything to which could make him angry and if anything, I agreed with him! Seriously! I didn't understand him and neither did I want to, now!
Humph!
He's so complicated, bro!
I glared at his back, as he went down the stairs. I sighed, deeply. If I am going to keep geting angry at him whenever I see him, it's not going to work.
I walked downstairs to see all of them sitting on the the chairs, surrounding the dinning table. I made my way and sat between Leaf and May, while Piplup climbed to meet Pikachu who was eating his food. "Hey, you up early today?" Gary asked me, cheerfully.
I felt a wave of fury flood through me when I saw his cheerful expression, acting like a innocent kid who's got nothing to do with yesterday. I ignored him and started munching on my food.
I could feel everyone looking at each other with questioning glances but I really didn't feel like talking to him.
After eating the breakfast, all the others had gone in the living room. Quickly, I went back to my room. I needed some more time to sort out my feelings. I just felt so uneasy.
I opened the door and shut it behind me as I sat on my bed. Just then, the door opened once again and it was Gary. He entered and closed the door behind him as he came and sat down on the chair next to my bed. I couldn't help but ignore looking at his face.
"Hey, what's the matter?" He asked, concerned. I ignored him, again with my eyebrows wrinkled. He sighed. "I know... you're upset, aren't you? I already told you! Not to be like that! Look-"
"What do you mean? Wouldn't you be upset if you were kissed by someone who didn't mean it? And in the end, they says just ignore it?!" I scoffed.
He swallowed, continuing, "Listen, it was just a dare."
"So, what? What if it was a dare? To be honest, why in the freaking world did you even give him such a stupid dare!? Gary, do I look like a joke to you?!" I yelled, really pissed. "Asking him to kiss me? Just for the sake of a damned dare?!"
He argued, "C'mon, you pulled a dare on Leaf and me, too!"
"But, I confirmed with both of you your feelings for each other, first! I'd never want people to feel hurt just because of my stupidity with some stupid, dumb dares like these!" I retorted, sarcastically. "Unlike some people."
He remained silent for a few seconds before continuing, "Okay.. but can you let it slide this time?"
"Of course not! Do you even know why I feel so angry?!" I raised an eyebrow. "I would've let it slide if... he meant it, but I know it too well that it would never be like that and it's fine. Or maybe... he apologized after that? But, no! He's just the jerk he is! With no feelings or whatsoever! And you did know that it was my first kiss, right, Gary Oak?"
He nodded, looking at his feet. "...Yes."
"Then, why the heck would you make him kiss me?! Listen, if I was a girl who had kissed thousands of times, then, maybe if I would have taken it lightly! But, I'm not, right?! My first kiss was valuable to me and I always wanted to it to be the same for the other person as well! I always wanted to remember my first kiss like a good memory!" I said, volume increasing with every word. "Not like this!"
He just continued to look at his feet, feeling guilty, I guess. "Didn't you promise me that you wouldn't get upset?" He whispered to himself, but I heard it.
"Sorry for breaking it! But, I just cannot not stay calm!" I continued, "And why did you come up with the thought of making Ash to kiss me?! There was Leaf, too. You should've asked him to kiss her!"
"How could I? I like her, remember!" He interjected, looking down again in regret.
"See? Just because you like her, you wouldn't want any other guy to kiss her! And I was the only girl left who could go along with that dare, right?!" I snapped, feeling more pissed than before.
"No... I thought... maybe you both would come to like each other?" He said, in a low volume but it was perfectly audible to me.
I yelled, "Maybe what? We just barely became friends! I don't like him, romantically and I don't think he does either! And now, you pushed him to do this?! What if we're not able to talk like before?!"
"No, no, Ash isn't like that!" He interrupted.
I breathed in, sharply. "Gary, whatever. But, this hurts, y'know? When you get kissed by a guy who is so careless and doesn't even feel guilty about it and instead makes you feel like you're at fault just simply makes you mad!"
He sighed, once more. "I'm sorry, alright? It was my fault. And y'know, Ash is just like that! We can't do anything about it. But, trust me, he's a good guy with a good heart!"
"So, what? I should just ignore all this shit just because he is like that? That means, my feelings are just trash? You're right, I shouldn't be angry like this," I said, glaring at him and nodding, sarcastically. "Because, I don't expect any apology from him and besides, I should forget it, according to both; you and him."
He gulped. "Dawn... I didn't mean it that way."
"I know, I know," I replied, taking a deep breath. "I'm not sorry at all for taking out my anger on you because I was really, really pissed off at you!"
He didn't reply but sighed. "What should I do to make you feel better?"
"Make Ash apologize to me?"
"But... I can't since he won't and I don't think he should, either. Since I asked him to do it and I'm apologizing, aren't I?" He admitted.
I ignored him, looking straight ahead. Dawn, stay calm. It's okay. If the kiss is not important to Ash, then.. why should you wreck your brain over it? If he doesn't care about it, then, you shouldn't either.
"I'm really, really, really sorry, Dawn!" He placed a hand on mine, staring right into mine. I could see the guilt and remorse in them. Now, that seemed to make me regret for making such a fuss for a simple kiss.
I sighed. "...Fine. Just... don't do something like that, again."
He nodded, cheerfully. "I swear!"
I nodded back. "So, how did you confess?" I had to change the topic since I didn't want him to leave the room, thinking about our conversation.
"Y'know, Leaf actually thought I kissed her back just because of your dare! But, then I explained it to her that I really was in love with her and... it was just a push from you so I could confess to her. Then, we sorted out everything and I asked her to be my girlfriend and she agreed," he replied, happily. He must be feeling relived that my anger had subsided.
"Mm," I nodded. "That's good," I said, smiling at him. "I'm glad that you finally got together with her."
"Thanks, girl!" He exclaimed as he slowly asked, "So, you okay now?"
"Yeah, I guess..." I replied, weakly with a soft smile.
"I'm sorry, dude! I knew that you'd be upset but not this much... though!" He said, pulling me into a hug. "I hope this hug can ease you!"
I couldn't help but wrap my arms around him. I really felt a little better. I could feel my mind lighten from the stress. Slowly, I pulled back, joking, "A hug isn't going to help. Maybe a punch on your face would do."
"Sure!" He nodded as he forwarded his leaned towards me. Ah, he's not against it, then that means... he's really guilty.
"Alright, then," I said, clenching my fist and brought it to his face, he shut his eyes, expecting the impact on his face but I couldn't bring myself to punch him. I grabbed his cheek and pulled it, tightly.
"Ow!" He winced with his eyes widened. "Dawn!"
I chuckled as I pulled it harder. "You deserve it!"
"Please! Ow! Let go! I beg you!" He yelped. "Dawn! You're the best! Ow! Ow! I love you!"
I let go of his cheek and smirked, "Bastard."
"Ow! This hurt even more than a punch! Ow!" He glared at me, while touching his cheek.
"I'm giving you an opportunity. Go and get comforted by Leaf!" I said, lightly punching him on his arm.
"Yeah! Leaaaaff!" He yelled, dashing out of the room.
Such an over-actor!
I went to my mom, who was in the kitchen, washing dishes. I had asked Piplup to go with Pikachu. I stated, "Mom, I wanna talk with you."
"Alright," she nodded as she wiped her hands with the towel and removed the apron, hanging it on hook. Dad was currently watching news on the TV, his attention was completely on that screen. She went into her room and I followed. When we were in her room, she turned to me, "So, what is it you wanted to talk about, dear?"
I went and closed the door, first. After making sure that no one would eavesdrop on us, I sighed, deeply. "I...he...yesterday...urgh!" I stuttered as I groaned. I was really shy to tell her about the kiss from yesterday!
But, I can't or don't want to hide anything from her... I quickly took out my mobile, typed my password as I opened the gallery and clicked the picture. She was glancing at me, confused. I showed her the picture and handed her the mobile.
I took a sudden interest in my shoes, my eyes were fixated on that object. Visual explanation is a lot better than vocal. Cautiously, I looked at her to see that her eyes were widened and a stupefied look on her face.
I know she was going to be angry at me! It was my first time kissing someone.. er... getting kissed by someone! I should've definitely let know her as soon as it happened! Oh man, I feel like I've betrayed her trust or something! Gosh, I should apologize to her!
She held me by my shoulders, startling me. I stared into her eyes, looking for anger but no trace of such emotion! "I can't believe it, Dawn!" She squealed. I just stared at her, astonished.
Wh-what are you talking about, mom...?
She sighed, calming herself as she questioned, "Ash kissed you, yesterday?" I nodded. "He had your first kiss?" I nodded. "Did he propose you?" I nodded but after thinking about it again, I shook my head, frantically.
"Hell, no!" I almost yelled. I cleared my throat, "Mom, it's not what you think it is! My case is completely different from your imaginations!" I waved my hands in the air, as if making her trying to understand.
She asked, confused, "Then, what is it?"
I took a deep breath, as I started to explain her about each and every, even the tiniest bit of detail of yesterday night. "So, that is what happened. I talked it out with Gary and took all my anger on him, yet I don't feel comfortable or at ease! Mom, tell me what am I supposed to do, now!" I complained.
She gave a thoughtful expression, "What are you feeling exactly? Happy, upset or angry?"
"Uh...all three of them," I admitted. "I feel angry because he doesn't care about it and obviously, he wouldn't since it might've been just a dare to him but... I feel pissed exactly because of that! And upset because I don't want have such a memory with him.. my first kiss being with someone to whom it wasn't important. I dunno why I feel happy, though... maybe because it was with a handsome guy like him?" I said, slowly, quite irritatedly but with no energy to express it.
She smiled, "Oh, dear. You're really very innocent. My, I can't believe that you're going to have a prince charming for yourself, soon! I am so glad!"
I stared at her, blankly. "Mom! What are you blabbering about?" I asked her with an unbelievable and tired look. I really didn't feel like I had any energy left in me to understand any sort of indirect sentences.
"Don't worry, sweetie. You'll understand, soon enough! Also, soon, you'll be facing a lots of weird feelings, so make sure that you share it with May or Leaf because talking out and sharing your feelings with someone really helps you realise big things. So, follow my advice," she winked. I nodded as I shrugged. "Also, don't think about it much for now or else you'll be distracted."
Sh ruffled my hair and walked out of the room. I sat down on the bed with a sigh. "She didn't even tell me, properly what she meant," I muttered as I took the mobile and looked at the screen, seeing that picture on the screen. When my eyes wandered at our lips, I blushed as I switched off my phone and got out of the room.
"What the heck is wrong with me? Am I going insane? Blushing while seeing our damned kiss!?" (Yup, love is making you go insane! ; P)
I made my way to the living room and saw them having a talk with Jerry. I went and sat down on a chair as Piplup jumped onto my lap. "Hey, Jer!" I beamed. Though, I was a bit sulky but I have to change my mood to a happy one.
"Oh, hello, Dawn! I was going to inform you all about where the next mission is going to be. It seems like Ash already knew, where it is... so, we were just discussing that," he said, with a stern yet happy tone.
"Yeah?" I asked, sitting down a couch. "Where is it?"
Leaf replied, "It's in Ash's holiday mansion in Sunnyside City. You see, on the occasion of Ash's birthday, his parents are going to exhibit it."
Man! Was he really that rich? To actually hold a birthday party for him and on top of that, displaying the legendary pokemon statue! I questioned Ash, "Does your family do it every year on your birthday?"
I still couldn't bring myself to look at him in the eyes! I know... it's rude to Ash, who had no choice but to do that dare or else he'd have Gary biting his tail. And besides, it was all that porcupine's fault to begin with! I was cursing at poor Ash, all the time! Damn, I feel like crap, now!
Oh and why do I feel like I over-reacting at it? Huh? What if it was my first kiss? Ha, I'm going to kiss so much in my future that maybe I can forget this one? I'm the most beautiful Dawn Berlitz, afterall!
A smug look appeared on my face. Ash looked at me, weirdly before saying, "No, it's for the first time they are planning to exhibit a Pokémon statue on my birthday. I think that's because they bought it, this year that they want to show it to everyone."
I thought, bitterly. Oh... so, he is a rich brat. I should've figured long back, considering his arrogant behaviour.
"Alright, agents. So, best of luck for your mission and very well own on your previous one. I hope you all achieve success even this time. Take care and act mature." We heard his voice from the hologramic call as he hung up.
"Were the last two words really necessary?" Gary asked.
I bit my cheek and winked, "Yeah, it is very necessary for all of you, except me."
Ash intervened, "Actually, it was much necessary for you because from what I have noticed up until now, you're the most immature of all."
I didn't expect him to actually talk to him. I mean, he really was acting like he forgot the kiss... though, it hurts... I guess, it's for the best. As long as our relationship isn't messed up and is normal like before... I was happy.
I glared at him, with a smile. I know that's weird. But there's this stupid smile on my face... smile of accepting your defeat, I guess?
Gary laughed, "Yeah, true to that!"
Actually, I was really gonna forget about the kiss, as much as I could. I don't want to destroy these funny moments by holding grudge for something which wasn't of much importance.
The bandana girl asked, "When shall we leave?"
Ash thoughtfully, replied, "I think if we leave tonight then, we have a chance of reaching there early. Also, the sooner we leave, the earlier we reach."
We all nodded as I wondered, "Hey, Ash. How much are you going to turn, now?"
Gary responded, instead of Ash, "He will be twenty-two years old."
"But, wait. Isn't your birthday coming up soon, too?" I asked.
He nodded, "Yep, it's just two days away, which means I am five days elder than Ashy-boy."
Ash's nerve popped, "Cut it out, Gary. Even though you're five days elder than me, I'm definitely more mature than you."
"Oh, yes because you're a boring, serious and grumpy guy who doesn't know the meaning of life! Get some tips from me on fun! You are equivalent to an old gramps!" The brunette snorted.
"What did you say?!" Ash hissed as he stood up, annoyed. "If you're saying that I am like an old man then, you're a baby! A baby who lacks all the common senses and brains!"
Gary stood up with rage as he and Ash had their heads touching and fists clenched, never popping out. "How dare you?!"
We four stared at how they were arguing. Drew chuckled as he wrapped an arm around May, "Ha, talk about maturity."
Leaf pointed, "Aren't you gonna stop them?"
He shook his head, "Nah, I am seriously done with resolving them."
May laughed, "Yeah, they will never listen."
I said, nervously, "I'll go and try. Maybe I can stop them!" A newfound confidence came over me.
"Sure, sure." They motioned me to go to them.
I nodded as I went to them and waved my hands, "Hey, hey! Guys, I think you should better stop fighting like this. Because-"
They turned to me, "Shut up!" They yelled in my ear, making all of my hair to fly in the air. Now, I was sure that my ears werre gone! I touched my ears and returned back with a blank expression. Oh god, was I going to be deaf, now?!
"See, this is what they do," Drew laughed. "Only one person can stop them." I was going to ask who, then I saw Pikachu walk over to them.
"Pika-chuuuu!" I saw a strike of thunderbolt hit those two. They both sat down with their backs touching each and smoke coming out of them. We all started laughing at their dirt covered faces.
They both brushed themselves, and stood back, laughing at each other. I whispered, "This is how they usually reconcile?"
May nodded, "Yup."
"Wow. Very nice," I couldn't help but giggle.
They were back to their seats, then, I asked the question which I wanted to ask for quite a while. "Hey, Gary. If I am not wrong, professor Oak holds a great party for you every year, doesn't he?"
He grinned, "He did ask me, but I refused since we were on a mission. It's alright...spending a day with you all on my birthday, would make it more special."
But, Professor Oak would be happy, too... to have have his grandson spend his birthday with him... but, he's right. We've got this mission to complete.
I saw Leaf smile, brightly. I frowned before releasing that she was definitely up to something for his special day. I asked again, "Then, when is Drew's birthday?"
May replied, "His birthday is already over, he is twenty-two, now."
"Oh, wow, he is the eldest of all," I nodded.
Leaf reminded, "Let's get ready, then."
After bidding farewell to my family, we left my house and were on our way to the next city, which was just almost close. It was eight at night and we would reach Hearthome City in just a few minutes. When we finally reached the city, we went to the Pokémon Center and booked the rooms.
We went to our rooms, which were pretty neat and clean. Since, it was already nine, we had decided to take a nice sleep. The boys were in the other room and we three girls were sharing one room. While taking turns, we had taken a bath and gotten dressed into our night suits.
I switched off the lights, letting darkness take over the room. I laid down on the bed with Piplup on my side, pulling the blanket over us as I slowly, drifted to a sleep.
I was startled awake from from my sleep by the sound of my mobile ringing. Groggily, I took it from my pillow and reduced the volume, to prevent it from waking everyone else. I checked the phone number. It was an unknown number.
I thought of ignoring it, at first but decided to pick it up, anyway. What if it was an urgent call? Or what if someone wants to give some information about Team Cosmic?
I swiped my finger across the green calling button. I muttered while yawning, "Hey."
"H-hello...i-is this Dawn?" I opened my eyes as soon as I heard the voice of a girl. She seemed pretty scared. "P-please, help me!"
I was now wide awake. I turned my complete attention on the call as I replied, "Yeah, it's Dawn. Who are you? Where are you speaking from?"
She responded in the same frightened voice, "I don't have much time to tell you about myself. Please, help me. I am being followed by a group of creepy and scary men. I don't know what they might do to me...please, save me! I am on the road behind the Hearthome Pokémon center...I saw you entering the center, earlier...so, I knew that you'd come and help me...please."
"Alright! I'll be there! Try to keep them distracted, I'll help you! No need to worry!" I assured her as I got up from my bed, careful not to wake anyone. I hurriedly, went into washroom and changed back to my black pants and white shirt. I wore my boots and strapped the belt around my waist.
Then, I slapped my forehead, feeling quite irritated.
Gaaah! Why did I even dress up?! Just some fists and kicks will be enough to take care of them! Urgh! Whatever! I need to hurry!
I took my mobile and exited the room, slowly closing the door behind my back. I rushed down the stairs and ran out of the door.
Who might she be? And how in the world did she get my private mobile number? Even if she was a fan, there was no way she could have it! Also, even if she knew my number who would go through the trouble of dialing my number instead of a simple triple digit?! If you're stressed out, wouldn't calling police be the first thing that comes to your mind?
Also, if someone was following her, then...why didn't she speak to me on the phone in a hushed voice? Because if the gang knew she was calling someone for help, then...they would snatch away her mobile... she was stuttering quite loudly for me to be able to hear her properly without perking my ears to listen to her carefully.
Darn! I will just have to find out!
I ran to the backside of the building and saw that there was no one, there. It was all dark with some street lights. "Where is she?" I muttered. I took out my mobile and decided to redial her number to ask her the exact address.
When I was about to hit the call the button, I suddenly felt someone wrap a handkerchief around my mouth, causing my eyes to widen. I held onto the hand of that person, and prevented myself from smelling the cloth. I knew that it was chloroform and I would faint if I inhaled it... though, I knew I couldn't hold on much but I tried to atleast remove it's hand.
My vision was turning blurry and I knew I was losing my conciousness. Thought, I tried to turned around and get a look at that person but I could only see some long strands of hair.
The next thing thing I knew, I could see nothing but darkness.
Aha! There you go! Didn't expect the chapter to end with such a suspicious note, right?! And do you think that Dawn should've been pissed about it? Or do you think she was over-reacting to it? Was it obvious for her to feel upset? And don't you guys think that it was actually Gary's fault, too? And do you think Ash was just pulling a facade to pretend being so casual about their kiss? And what do you think happened with Dawn in the end?
Oh and I know! There are not much romantic scenes about Leaf and Gary or May and Drew! Guys, it's quite handful with Ash and Dawn, that I really can't write about them! The entire story is from Dawn's point of view, so, I can only write about things which she sees! So, I'm sorry for those who have high hopes on them! I'll try to add though... if you want me to, that is. (Though, I really hope you don't ask! Don't blame me for being a lil' selfish... sorry!)
Oh, btw, DarkestLightOfHope said that she'd be updating soon! So make sure to check out her final chapter of "Hold My Hand!"
Thank you all, once again! Virtual masks to all of you! XD (Stay safe from covid! *winks*)
Anyway, read, review, follow and favourite!
I'm off, then!