Back in Action!

by Goldmineempire5

After being away for a decade, all he did was extensively train his Pokémon. He refrained from making any contact with anyone. Now, Ash has decided to make a comeback to the civilization. Now he wants to put his training to test. All he has is one goal on his mind: The World Championship! Advanceshipping! Minor Amourshipping!

73. Chapter 73: A New Day! A New Dawn!

Back with the third installment of Sinnoh series, and man I am hyped to upload it. It's always something exhilarating to write about a recurring main character. Dawn, who's gonna be the character of the day was fun to write, with a promise she will be recurring often. Chivalrous, and buoyant, Dawn is one of my favorite in the series. Had there not been May and Serena, I would have definitely made her the star opposite Ash. But with buoyant, she comes across as headstrong and romp, but her rage is the one to avoid, and when she's gonna meet Ash…well, nobody would wanna be Ash Ketchum then. I am also gonna unveil a small surprise between Dawn, Ash and May, and no, it ain't a threesome, lol. Also, this will be the last chapter of pleasantries, cause following chapters are gonna consist Gym Battles, and Contests. Speaking of Contests, I have promised May's career will be discussed here, so just for a clue, I am gonna uncover a new kind of Contest faction.

Ash and Dawn as usual, will battle. The reason I chose Ash is because their battle in Unova was never finished. Don't remember so clearly, but maybe Cynthia was the one who stopped that battle, and the reason was nothing but crap…just kidding. So do expect some thrilling actions from Quilava or Togekiss, Mamoswine and Piplup/Prinplup/ Empoleon.

Mixed with many skittish and girlish moments and some Buneary-Pikachu off course, without further ado, let's begin!

---

"Happy New Year Johanna! Is Dawn Home?'' May beamed.

Standing in the doorway, Ash grinned. "Happy new Year Johanna!''

"My, look who it is,'' Johanna's face enlivened. "The Princess of Hoenn and the Emperor of Tomorrow! Happy New Year to both of you. How nice of you to drop by. Come in!'' the matriarch reeled; stepping back and pulling the door open as far as it would go so that the guests could enter the house. A winter wind followed in their wake, briefly grappling with the warm air of the house until Johanna shut the door. The smell of the Christmas tree inside was fresh, and it burned the nostrils. Ash suddenly shook like a Growlithe as he worked out all the cold from his body, adjusting to the comfortable warmth within the room.

May was just relieved her face wasn't freezing anymore.

"Pika pi!''

"Oh and nice to see you again too, Pikachu!'' Johanna lovingly forwarded a finger for the mouse to shake. "So how was your trip?''

"It stopped being fun when we got to know how freezing Sinnoh really is.'' May shuddered as a breeze passed by her.

"It's January what do you expect?'' Johanna gently reminded.

"Sorry if we dropped by unannounced. We were just going to Sandgem Town for an errand and decided to drop by.'' Ash apologized, hoping that he hadn't violated his manners. ''Hope we aren't disturbing you.''

"Not at all. In fact, Delia just had just slipped that you might visit.'' Johanna slapped the apology away, smiling. Ash twisted his lips on the facts that both mothers were still in touch. ''The place gets lively when either of you two drop by. And I get to see May every six months, but long time no see, Ash. Look the man you have grown into~''

"Thanks Johanna,'' Ash sheepishly smiled, hoping is ten years of absence wouldn't be the best conversation starter. ''Been long alright. I know the callings stopped for a while, and I got like real busy in life.''

"I get it. So the big man wasn't able to take time for family and friends,'' Johanna teased.

"It's not like that." Ash blushed, unable to store the words of explanation. ''I have tried to reconcile with all my friends and Dawn is the last on the list.''

"Well, that a nice way to begin the year and today just happens to be the lucky day. Dawn's home.'' The mother pursed her lips. ''In fact she's just on her way home. You know how forgetful the girl's getting. I tell her to run an errand yesterday and it slipped her mind.''

"Did by chance she say 'No need to worry' before leaving?'" May chuckled, stroking Glameow's back.

"Same old, same old.'' Johanna sweatdropped. ''Now why don't both of you settle down and I'll get a hot piping cup of cocoa for you? And a mixed flavored chow for my favorite electric type. How does that sound?''

"Sounds great, thanks!''

"Pika pi!''

Chiming, the retired Coordinator gave the duo one last look of politeness, striding into the kitchen with her pride of hospitality.

"Hey, you have been touch with Dawn, right?'' Ash turned over to his girlfriend. ''How's she like.''

"Don't go on it Ash. You are in for an ass kicking.'' May sighed.

"Could I just say Misty kicked my ass enough for her and Dawn?'' Ash wondered.

"I don't think she's gonna accept it.''

"Could I say I am Ash Ketchum's twin brother Nash Ketchum?''

"She won't buy it.'' May rolled her eyes. ''Why are you being so nervous? It's been ten years. She would have grew out of it.''

"I hope so.'' Ash lobbed his head back against the couch. "I wore Misty down. I can do the same with Dawn. But what worries me is Misty has a mallet, Dawn has a Mamoswine.''

"Ash,'' May demanded his attention. Glare and tone stern enough to let the champion know she wasn't interested in repeating herself. ''It's gonna be alright.''

The doorbell rang and the duo were alerted. Apparently there was gonna be another seat to be filled on the couch.

"May, would you mind getting that for me, dear?'' Johanna called from the dining area, where she was whisking in the cocoa powder into the milk.

"Sure, Johanna!'' May obliged, raising herself, giving Ash one strong look signaling him to behave. The voices and pleas from outside was muffed by the door. The door was unlocked and pulled open to reveal a glowing face and jubilant blue eyes.

"Sorry Mom, I forg-May?'' Riled up into hastiness, May chuckled as she watched Dawn's face shift from mild curiosity to flabbergasted surprise. "May?''

Standing on the door, May grinned. ''Surprised to see me?''

"Well, duh,'' Dawn stepped in, discarding all the snow that had caught on her jacket, grimacing. "It hasn't been that long.''

Behind her, a large emperor penguin toddled behind Dawn, a bit intrigued at the face of the visitor. He wadded up to May, nudging her with is flipper.

"Oh, and I have missed you too, big guy!'' May gently embraced the water type. The appearance would have changed but not his desperate cry of attention.

"Who is it, May?'' the mother called from the kitchen.

"It's me Mom!'' Dawn squealed back. ''I dropped the soup to the facility. You can thank me later!''

"You went in this weather to drop soup?'' May raised a cock.

"Come on,'' Dawn winked. May stifled a giggle as the blunette's snow boots clicked loudly on the wooden floor. Dawn trailed off. ''This weather is the heart of Twinleaf! But wait a sec- what are you doing here? The last time I saw you, you were on TV with – " she gasped, thoughts coming to a realization. The smile on May's face was evidence enough to make her suspicions come true. She had not arrived alone. She had brought someone with her,

"You telling me, he's here?'' she whispered, leaning closer to the brunette.

"Wanna find out?'' May joshed.

"Damn right!'' the Coordinator squealed loud enough to make Ash shift deeper into the couch. While May playing a good Samaritan to being a guest, Dawn went against Johanna's rules to sprint to the living room, her shoes were recklessly flown off in two different angles. She burst with chivalry into the living room, spotting a perfect heighted, muscular man clad in warm jackets. He pulled one of his own childish smiles.

"Sup Dawn!'' Ash raised his hand, for their signature high five – something he was genuinely looking forward for a long time. Seeing him stand before her, was like a dream come true. Her instincts took over, and she gave him the warmest smile, as she began to walk towards him, one hand slowly pumping to rise up.

Although, the greetings weren't gonna be as solicitous as they were expected to be. The hand that was rising was balled into a fist and jabbed hard in Ash's midsection.

"Sup you ask? Ten years later, that's what you gonna say to my face?!"' Dawn madly chided. ''You should be ashamed Ash Ketchum to have run out on us!''

Coughing, and also a bit amazed at her strength. "You know…ufff…I have been saying sorry a lot lately. Are you just gonna dwell on the past or can we move on from it now. Moving on will bring us closer…once again..and ever…so which one you want?''

Dawn grumped, but equally hated when Ash was right. Being a female counterpart to him, she had the right to oppose him always. Sniffling, and brought to soft tears, Dawn pushed herself into him for an embrace – the hug manifesting that all her grudge was digested by her affection for him. For now, she needed his comfort and reassurance for good. He stroked her back.

"I was away, but that doesn't mean I didn't miss any of you.'' He buried his chin in her shoulder, the feeling of her body against him lightened the weight of his guilty heart.

Dawn nodded, slowly drying her puffy eyes out with the back of her hand, as they pulled apart.

"Dawn, these past days with all our folks was the best feeling I had, and trust me – I missed you a hell lot. I wanted you to be there for every single of my battles cheering for me, just the same way I needed to be there for all your contests. I am trying real hard to make amends with all the people I hurt, and I would be blithesome if you could just forgive me. Dawn, could we be friends again?''

The slight sobbing began to died down, as she nodded between her cloudy version of tears. ''Ye-yes..''

"Thanks for being the bigger man, Dawn.'' Ash lightly kissed her forehead, causing May to softly gasp. She didn't know what to make of it.

"I am…happy to see you..Ash,'' Dawn turned her head sideways, so that he couldn't see her embarrassed and broke to the core, but internally she was too jubilant to have him back in his life. He somewhat completed their entire gang.

"Pikapi!'' the mouse jumped atop the blunette's shoulder, rubbing his cheeks with her.

"Pikachu!'' Dawn beamed, taking the mouse in her hand. ''I am so glad to see you too! Man, you seemed to have bulked a lot!''

"Pika!''

"leon! Empoleon!''

"Oh man! The times have really changed huh?" Ash scooted over to greet the giant steel type. ''Look at you Empoleon, making the place smaller with your size. How have you been?''

"leon!'' the penguin thumped his chest.

"Well, I missed you a lot too!'' Ash gave an apologetic smile, the two hugging it over.

"Pika!'' the mouse squealed, instantly gaining the king penguin's attention. The little mouse's ears pointed up, as he jumped out of Dawn's hold, while Empoleon, scraped together his dignity and smacked Ash aside, and wadded over to Pikachu, ready to pull him into a hug. At the last moment, though, he stopped! "leon, Emp. leon!" Posturing with one flipper on his hip, the other hanging casually by his side, he played himself off as cool and collected.

Pikachu chuckled, a bead of sweat rolling down his cheek. "Pikachu..."

"Come on now, Empoleon.'' Dawn sweatdropped. ''Don't act like a tough guy.''

"Leon!'' the big penguin huffed, forwarding his flipper for a handshake. Formally, Pikachu accepted it, comical tears flowing down his eyes.

"Don't take it too hard Pikachu,'' Dawn giggled. ''He won't show it, but he has been missing you all this time. He even begged me to get some Pikachu dolls to sleep on.''

Ash smiled, rubbing the sore spot in his chest where the metallic flipper hit. ''So what else has changed around here?''

Suddenly, a Pokeball clipped to Dawns hip wiggled and the self release of a Pokemon caught everyone's attention. A brown rabbit materialized from the light, hopping gleefully.

"Bun-Buneary!''

"And speaking of missing you the most,'' Dawn winked at Pikachu.

"There's the star of fashion magazine,'' May chuckled.

Little paws were busy grooming cream-colored cotton fluff, putting every puff into its proper place. The little mouse's blood ran cold. Hopefully, ten years would have changed something, and if that could include the rabbit's infatuation, then there's only a few things left to worry about. Pikachu raised a paw, her blisteringly obvious affection for Pikachu radiating from every facet of her body.

"She's still head over heels for Pikachu?'' Ash giggled like a child, scratching his cheek. ''Let me rephrase my question. What still remains the same here?''

"I guess the fact that change is constant in our lives,'' Dawn replied.

With a triumphant 'bun,' she was decisively prim and proper. "Bun!" Buneary twirled on one foot, stopping only to strike a gallant pose, one arm held up in the air. "Buneary~!"

"Pi..." A smile picked up on Pikachu's lips. What a nice entrance! "Pika! Pikachu!" He'd clap for her pirouette, expressing his approval. Shoot, he shouldn't have done that. She'd already pulled him into a near-crushing embrace, nuzzling her cheek against his, as she chattered her thanks and praises.

"Piii...!" Finding himself red in the face, Pikachu stood awkwardly stiff, more-or-less paralyzed by... whatever that jumbled feeling in his stomach was. Empoleon who hated to be kept waiting, stomped and fussed, antsy to get their attention, chattering that she couldn't just hog their pal, Pikachu, to herself! He attempted to pry the two apart with his flipper, only to get the metallic flipper shoved back by Buneary's fluffy ear.

"Nah, no time passed at all,'' Ash quipped.

A second capsule shook, this time in May's possession, as light materialized right on the inch of the space between Pikachu and Buneary. Glaceon appeared, dismissively hissing as the normal type. The ice type was not happy. She did not like the fact that some other female was mauling Pikachu. Sticking up her nose, she barked at the normal type.

Taken aback, Buneary yelped as her butt was brought to the floor by a push of the ice type's head. This quickly turned to anger as she realized Glaceon was some new girl that had decided to pull her off her Pikachu. "Bun Buneary!"

"ceon….ceon!'' Glaceon smirked, only infuriating the small bunny further.

"Pika pi pikachu! Pika pika!" Pikachu said, trying his best to come between the two warring females. Pissed off girls were scary!

"Hey, hog the attention, pal.'' Ash smirked. ''They are fighting over you. That's a pride.''

"Ash!'' Dawn smacked him on the shoulder ''Don't encourage them!''

"I am sensing a trend here,'' May sighed, exasperating at the bickering.

Listening in from the kitchen, Johanna couldn't help but jump in on it. "My, oh my, did this place just get lively? Haha, it's kind of fun!"

Before chaos could break loose of attacks, Dawn stepped forward, with her presence trying to calm and soothe and calmness riled up emotions.

"Now, you two,'' she distanced Buneary and Glaceon apart, both still seething. She glanced towards Pikachu's relieved face and chuckled. "And I doubt you'll win his affections like that, either."

Glaceon and Buneary blushed, looking away in shame. Empoleon sighed in relief too. A smile grew up on the Coordinator's face as she stood up. ''Now why don't all of you go upstairs and play for some time, and let the adults catch up?''

The Pokemon squealed and sprinted up the steps to the second floor, where the noises of quick-paced steps and noisy Pokémon cries indicated that they were playing.

"They seem excited with the reunion,'' Ash observed. It's always a little overwhelming when you see an old friend out of the blue!"

Dawn cut an incredulous glance at Ash. Her blue hues scanned Ash, transfixed on his height. She pointed a finger in Ash's face. "You know…you look a lot different than you were before.''

"Whatchya mean?'' Ash drew his face back, bewildered at her observation. ''I am still the same…''

"No…you changed your hairstyle. It was messy before, now it's more of a surfer hairstyle. You have obviously grown taller, but your dressing…'' Dawn pondered, grazing her chin with her finger.. ''Those are some really flashy clothing you got on.''

A blink followed by series of other blinks. ''Yeah…so I got a taste in clothes. Why would that change me?''

"Not helping when you got clothes got the 'Prada' logo on them. Those babies are exchanged for some tough nickels.'' Dawn tapped on the logo for emphasis, ''How in the world can you afford that?''

"You would wanna take a seat,'' May grinned, graciously making the blunette take a seat.

Johanna entered the room a tray of three cups of warm cocoa and some crackers along with it. ''I hope you weren't waiting that long.''

She set the tray on the coffee table, and turned to the brunette. ''Say May, you both seem to have arrived to Sinnoh early. Did you have any luck with breakfast at the airport?''

"Um…now that you mention it, Johanna,'' May sheepishly blushed. ''We kinda missed on that.''

"You two? The glutton eaters I know…missed on breakfast? Are you two of some parallel dimension here, spill it!'' Dawn teased.

"Dawn…'' Johanna raised a brow.

"Oh Mom…'' the coordinator pouted.

"Well, good that you missed." Johanna sighed. ''I'll go and whip both of you some of my special pancakes!'' the matriarch clapped.

"That'll be great!" May cheered.

"And I suppose you both aren't going anywhere soon, so how about you stay the night?'' Dawn offered, with the couple now exchanging looks.

"Well, we go nowhere to go, except just see Professor Rowan,'' Ash informed. ''But we can adjust our schedule for the night.''

"Great, it's settled then!'' Dawn lit. "We are gonna have so much fun!''

"Alright, get ready to have your tummies filled!'' Johanna smiled, with the guests now in her tow, she could finally keep herself a little busy.

"So Dawn, when did you come back from Kalos?'' May asked inquisitively, snapping open a cracker into two and gulping one cracker in her mouth.

"Just last week!'' she energetically replied. ''wouldn't wanna miss the festivities.''

"What were you doing in Kalos?'' Ash questioned, perplexed that the blunette was in his region before.

"Researching mostly. Trying to pen down some ideas from the Pokemon Showcases for my upcoming contests.''

"The last time I saw you, you were journeying Johto if I remember correctly.''

"That was for the Wallace Cup, Ash. I may have lost that one, but I still wanted to get back to Contests by traveling somewhere else, and I thought of May when I was deciding where I wanted to go. I then went all round Hoenn, then Kanto, then Unova, and just kept jumping from one region to another."

"Yeah, and how are the Contests coming?'' Ash took a sip, refreshing cocoa warming his body. ''I read a lot about your achievements as a Top Coordinator and Fashion designer.''

"Oh yeah, that little internship with Paris got Buneary in the fashion business and I got the glory out of it. Slowly I got to be blossomed into a licensed Fashion Designer and a Poke Stylist, ain't that amazing.'' She pumped.

"I could have seen that coming. My wife was a fashion designer too.'' Ash nonchalantly sipped his cocoa, and then furrowed his brows, regretting slipping out the last piece of information.

"Wife?" Dawn frowned. This conversation was now turning bizarre. ''When did you get married? I was under the impression that you two hooked up.''

"Yes…'' the only word escape from Ash's trembling lips. Somehow, May was unphased by the topic.

"Yup, Ash has already been in the marriage pond once,'' May joshed. ''And guess who his wife was? The famous Pokemon Performer Serena!''

"Oh yeah! I met her a couple of times in Hoenn! She was a Coordinator just like the both of us,'' Dawn retained, ''but how is she your wife, and what do you mean 'was'? Are you divorced?''

Ash rolled his eyes at the interrogation. ''No, she passed away a couple of years back.''

Dawn was touched, as she placed her hand at her chest, eyes sparkling. ''Ash, I am so sorry to hear that.''

"It's alright,'' Ash denied her any displeasure of making him uncomfortable. ''We were actually childhood friends, and she was my travelling companion in Kalos. After I got myself a life there, we got hitched and had ourselves a blast…''

"And that doesn't bother you?'' the Coordinator turned to her female friend.

"Why would it? I know that Ashy still loves his wife, and believe me, he loves me like crazy too,'' May smiled, poking her nose against Ash's cheek. ''I know he still has feelings for her, and that's what I always wanted in my man. To continue to love someone even after life, and he's gonna love me the same way. What's wrong in that?''

Dawn stressed, massaging her forehead. ''Man, that was a bomb dropped. Too much information retained. But at least, I am glad you two made up and started going out.''

"Yeah, she wore me down so I said 'yes'.'' Ash gloated, and changed his answer after May's death stare. ''And that's a biz, cause I was the one to ask her out.''

"That's not all to there is right?'' Dawn raised her head. ''Wanna tell me all that transpired in these ten years? This is just an even stevens conversation.''

"Then you are in for a wild ride. Many things haven't blurted out yet.'' Ash raised his cup for a toast.

"Why don't you go first?'' Dawn proposed.

"Okay as you are already aware that I am the Champion of Alola region, and…'' Ash trailed off. As his stories and adventures continued, the frown on Dawn's face was diminishing slowly to a beam and agreement. They chattered for long pushing buttons of the soul elevator. Johanna served them a spread of her special breakfast in motherly fashion and quickly disengaged out of the conversation. Their banter was a childish dance and all the more elevating to it. Dwelling on the memories there was warmth. Chatting with each other was a sort of verbal dance, beautifully chaotic, one that makes you laugh out loud feel your heart switching on. It was banter that Ash looked for, and would have spent any amount of time in their company that he could have. They were funny together that just brought the sense of playfulness out of one another.

The friendship was revived like a flower after a harsh winter, their friendship is the soft colours of nature, the delicate browns and the sky that deeps to show them the stars, it is an earthiness that lasts a lifetime. In this easy going camaraderie they have ignited the kind of friendship that will be part of their onward lives, for in the calmness they share the pilot light will remain bright and strong.

They joked and chatted for long, till the sun was right above the globe, and the snow was briefly melting outside.

"So let me get this straight. You are the Alola Champion…You are a inventor and a business magnate in tech…which made you a multibillionaire…and you have been through the entire world, all your Pokemon are evolved…and currently you are ranked 97th Strongest trainer in the Pokemon World Coronation Series…and looking forward to become the World Champion.'' Dawn took the derivatives from lengthy conversation they had.

"All to good to be denied,'' Ash shrugged his shoulders, willingly confirming.

"Man, I think it's gonna take me a while to digest that. You a billionaire and a tech giant…not easy to buy that, but I believe you.''

"So you know everything about me?'' Ash lolled his head. ''What's your deal? You are one of the best Coordinators there is.''

"Me? Well nothing much,'' Dawn sighed, resting her head in her hands. ''But you know you always want something much more out of life. I have grown tedious exploring all the regions taking on Contests and then also my side career as a Poke-stylist. I tried Pokemon Showcases for a change but turns out I suck at it."

"So you wanna become a full time fashion designer?'' Ash cocked brow.

"Oh hell no,'' Dawn shook her head. ''Coordinating is in my blood. Ain't trading that for a living.''

"So what are your plans?'' May curiously put.

"Well, I was saving this conversation for you? Do you know that there's a Tournament to be the best Coordinator in the world?'' Dawn leaned, her face full of bliss.

"No…'' May flatly answered.

"Well, I just happened to know from the Contests GHQ, they are trying out a new trials for Pokemon World Contest Entourage!"

"Pokemon World Contest Entourage?'' May repeated, the segment had arrested her utmost attention.

"Yeah, the news was recently leaked in October. It's similar to the Pokémon World Championship in ranking, but Coordinators all around the world compete in Pokémon Contests to become a Contest Emperor or Contest Empress!"

"How do you know about this?'' Ash suspiciously eyed the Coordinator.

"You think only you got friends in big places? A friends told me.'' Dawn scoffed.

"But what about the competition? You can't have so many Coordinators in one hall at a time. The limit for a regular contest is 32.'' May weighed up.

"This ain't like any other Contests. This is regulated by the World Championships alongside Pokemon Activities Committee themselves. To be eligible to enter, you need to have won at least one Ribbon Cup! Luckily, you and I both make the cut.''

"Isn't this amazing, May?'' Ash brushed her back. ''You wanted to make a comeback! That's your stage there!''

"Well, I haven't given it much thought really,'' May pressed her lips.

"Well, take up as much as time you need to consider alright.'' Ash supported, taking an interest in the idea. ''But you'll be constantly travelling around the regions battling new faces, so you won't be able to predict who's gonna rival you next. I suggest keep a lot of strategies in handy and catch some new Pokemon.''

"Uh…uh, just Pokemon aren't gonna do the trick.'' Dawn censored with a held finger.

"Okay, what's new?'' Ash deadpanned.

"See the Contests we have been taking part in are divided into two stages – Performance Stage and the Battle Stage. But in the PWCE, a Contest consists of three stages. A Talent Stage – where the coordinator's skill will be examined and judged with the theme set. Second Stage will be the Performance Stage – where a Coordinator will have to use the exact amount of Pokemon as per the roulette. And three will the final battle stage in which on two four trainers can make it! And you know the best part? You only need to win Three Ribbons to enter the Grand Festival. Imagine!''

"What!?'' May was aghast. ''First off, a Coordinator will have to display her skills based on the theme, so if she doesn't know any art or cooking, she's out. Even if she makes it, the roulette, a gamble will decide the amount of Pokemon she will use in performance. Which means nothing is spontaneous!'' May cried.

"You think the challenge ends there? There's gonna be a vast criticism and scrutinizing on the audience's part as well on the appeal! If I didn't mention it – there's gonna be a primary judging by the audience and secondary judging by the judges themselves. And in the Battle round, the time bar has been cut down to ten minutes.'' Dawn elucidated.

"Damn we are screwed.'' May sighed, pushing her head deep in her hands.

'But May, that's the love of the game,'' Ash reasoned, finding zero difficulties in the plan. ''There's gonna be challenges on every road. You aren't the one to turn down from a challenge.''

"Easy for you to say, Ash,'' May hissed. ''All you have to do is knock the other Pokemon and you get your rank.''

"Okay, I am not having another Trainer vs Coordinator debate with you,'' Ash snorted. ''Dawn, where can she signup?'

"She can go online and register. I have already done it,'' Dawn winked. ''In fact, I think right here in Hearthome City will be the first Contest.''

"May, this is gonna be once in a life time chance. Don't miss it, I know you want this.'' Ash pressed, trying to persuade his girlfriend.

"I never said No, Ash!'' May rebuked. ''I am up for it. Just worried that I am low on time.''

"Yeah, but don't harp on that. You got me,'' Ash convinced, as she raised up her head and smiled.

"So now that means you and I are gonna be crossing paths, eh May?" Dawn poked at a unrealized spot. ''It's gonna be cool you know.''

"I can assure. You ain't see the tons of stuff I can do now!'' May challenged.

"Hey, I am bringing my A Game too!'' Dawn combated. "But now the question is where do your loyalties lie, Ash?''

"Don't ask me, I love you both!'' Ash raised hands in defiance. "But kinda inclined to May. No hard feelings Dawn.''

"Oh…I lose my best coach…'' Dawn pretended to sulk . ''But no need to worry. I have come a far way!''

"We all have, Dawn!''

The trio stood together and placed their hands on one another in a hurdle.

"So me and May are gonna enter PWCE,'' Dawn twisted her lips, steering the conversation. ''What are you gonna be doing all this time in Sinnoh.''

"Meet some old friends, enter into Pokemon Coronation series challenges mostly, and have some Pokemon to debut so will be training at the Gyms mostly.'' Ash cracked a smile.

"That's perfect too! I hear that Volkner and many other Gym Leaders are already in the Hyper Class of the PWCS. You should challenge them!''

"Yeah, I am sending all the Gym Leaders and Elite Four an email to tell them the boss is here. Will make my time in Sinnoh memorable.'' Ash boasted.

"Now, you're just getting cocky.'' May snorted.

"One of my traits you love,'' Ash teased.

"Don't be so sure, Ketchum!'' May retaliated.

"Okay, you two can go back to your smoochie-woochie later, but for now…'' Dawn squealed breaking the two apart as she leveraged her arm down right in Ash's face, finger directed at his nose. ''You owe me a battle! So you and me outside!'' . she finished, clenching her fist with the other hand on her hip.

Ash blinked at her sudden change of heart While it was a rare occasion that Dawn got particularly serious about a battle that didn't have to do with her career, her spirits were incredibly high right now. She was ready to bring the heat! Taken off guard by this match offer, it took him half a second longer than usual to agree. A battle was a battle, sure, but Dawn was his friend and he'd known her to be a tough contender in her fair share of battles. This would be good training for him, too.

"Dawn~'' Johanna chided, somewhere around the corner of the house. ''You shouldn't challenge anyone of your own volition. Besides, Ash probably had a long flight.''

"Oh Mom. Why you eavesdropping?'' Dawn pouted with puffed cheeks.

"That's okay, Johanna. I was looking forward to battle Dawn anyway!'' Ash declared with a higher tone, hoping that the mother would listen from wherever she was standing. "We'll be back before lunch time!''

"That's right, our battle didn't come to a conclusion the last time! This time, I am taking the lead on our score!''

"Ain't gonna happen,'' Ash barked back. ''Perhaps you didn't watch the Indigo League last year!''

"Oh I did,'' Dawn smirked. ''But I have been waiting for this moment for long now. I gotta show you how far I have come, Ketchum!''

"Well, just bring it!''

---

"So wanna see a pre battle recital for my next contest?'' Dawn offered as the three individuals along with their Pokemon found a small clearing in the Twinleaf Town.

"I would love an example. Been ages since I last saw a Pokemon Contest Performance,'' Ash agreed excitedly.

"Alright!'' Dawn hurried into the clearing, beaming and holding out her scarf so that it doesn't entwine. "Buneary, spotlight!" Dawn yelled as she reached the end of her run and threw a Poke Ball in ball capsules up in the air without hesitation.

It split and her normal type Pokémon burst forth, the ball capsules kicking in. Buneary materialized in a series of hearts that she playfully batted away with her ears in as she somersaulted to the ground.

"Now Buneary, use Ice Beam!" Dawn ordered pointing to the center of the field.

"Buneary!" The Rabbit Pokémon said and opened her mouth and began to form a block of ice from a freezing ray between her hands.

"Now Dizzy Punch as it forms!''

Leaping into action as she began carving the ice into the shape they had come up with. It was a testament to skill and control to carve the ice while it was being formed as Buneary could easily be frozen. The risk would have huge payoffs and show the Pokémon's speed and control in the process. The shape quickly took form and it showed off the power and skill of her Pokémon as she worked fast to create the large sculpture. In less than a minute it was done and May gasped at sight, amazed, as her eyes twinkled and she cupped her face.

Buneary was standing atop the sparkling ice statue of a very familiar looking Pikachu. It was Ash's down to a tee, trust Buneary to get it right given her massive crush on the electric rodent. The sculpture of Pikachu was now standing in the center of the field looking majestic. He was looking up to the sky, smiling, one fist raised and a finger pointing up. in triumph as he stood wide and strong, just the way Pikachu did.

"Pika~" the mouse perched atop Ash's shoulder beamed.

"Now…." Dawn ordered. " Buneary, Thunderbolt when it's done!"

The bunny instantly obeyed, leaping to the ground and Buneary opened her mouth and bolts of lightning shot out, a new move she had learned just for this. It took control and precision to carve the ice with Thunderbolt but Buneary kept doing it, carving into the new block of ice, creating the second statue.

It was a self-portrait of Buneary herself, snuggled up next to Pikachu as a lover would. Her eyes were closed and she was smiling contentedly as she rested her head on Pikachu's shoulder, her paws holding her fluff in an adorable gesture of shyness that she always got around Pikachu.

"Now finish!" Dawn commanded. " Ice Beam!"

Buneary bounced off Pikachu's head and landed on the top of her own erect ear smiling at the duo. She opened her mouth, aching her forked twin beams of ice over the statues that they collided and sparkled in the middle, sparkling flakes of ice down over them.

Dawn was smiling, she knew she had advanced with a performance like that. There was no way that she didn't.

"Whoa,'' Ash's hands, habitual clapped upon the display. Sure, both coordinators around him had improved. May, found herself both impressed and envious, the thought that she and Dawn are gonna be rivals shortly stung her. With Dawn this good, and she on a long hiatus from the Contests, how can she be able to compete against her. Nonetheless, she was marveled.

"Just Amazing!'' Ash whistled. ''I missed this!''

"Seriously, he's complimenting her! Why am I feeling this way? I am his girlfriend, shouldn't feel this way…''

"Thanks Ash! I wanted to try this for a long time.'' Dawn approached him, hand patting the mouse's head. ''This was a gift from Buneary. Hoped you liked it?''

"~Bun..'' the bunny shyly looked away, too flustered to look at the mouse directly in the eyes.

"Pika pi!'' the mouse nodded.

"Well glad that you liked it,'' Dawn grinned, then face transitioning into a frown, as she looked at the male. ''Shall we?''

Grinning, he narrowed his eyes. ''What's the matchup?''

"Four on Four.''

"I'll take it!"

May stayed behind to referee, as the two of her friends walked side by side, neither said anything quite yet. The atmosphere was not antagonistic but brimming with excitement. How long had it been since they'd battle one another, since they'd had the personal pleasure of picking each other's strategies apart, and feeling the duality of both pride and concern one could only feel when one battled a friend?

There were many ways to know another person well, to bond and share the most sincere of mannerisms and mental mechanics. Battling was the language these two knew how to express it best in.

They stood apart from one another, space quite enough to prevent any attacks reaching the humans. Pulling out a pokeball, Dawn decided to play it safe with her colossal powerhouse. ''Mamoswine, spotlight!''

The mammoth materialized with a roar of challenge, landing hard enough to shake the ground lightly. Ash smiled, nostalgia hitting in. The mammoth was one Pokemon he couldn't take lightly. With a spirited cry, Ash launched his first Pokeball into the fray. 'Garchomp, I choose you!''

The Mach Pokemon appeared, surprisingly looking blank and lost as ever. One who didn't know the dragon might even believe it was simply oddly docile. He turned into a more guarded stance, patiently waiting for Ash to make a move. The choice deserved some curiosity from the Coordinator.

"Gible evolved!'' Awe took over Dawn as she beamed, eyes twinkling. ''How superb!''

A little fear struck in the Emperor Pokemon's heart, as it raced wildly. Whenever that dragon was nearby, a small bonk always popped on the water type's head.

"That's the one,'' Ash clarified. Both Pokémon mosied over, looking refreshed and ready to do battle.

May stepped forward, not once in her career did she had to referee a match, but was well aware of the rules. She brought down her arms, commencing the battle.

Without hesitance, the coordinator claimed the opening move. "Mamoswine, Blizzard!''

Stomping a foot, Mamoswine trumpeted, a bitterly cold windstorm suddenly formed behind the mammoth. The freezing aura passed along the battlefield with ease. As the quick freeze passed over to them, Ash shielded himself, "Garchomp, hang on!''

The snow assaulted the dragon solid, trapping his scales, dually vulnerable to ice, the dragon still moaned impassively. Dawn jumped in the air, happily. The move had worked!

Once the move ended, Ash looked around the field. Dawn had frozen the terrain once again, that was earlier submitting to the wrath of the sun. Solid ice was covered the ground in a freezing pane. His suspicions were confirmed. Dawn was using one of her best tactics to her advantage.

"Garchomp! Flamethrower!''

Poor Dawn. She maybe one of the Top Coordinators and specialists when it came to combinations but controlling the battlefield was his core competency, he was unrivaled at. Garchomp's throat heated, the radiation melted the ice into water on his hide, as a cannon of white-hot flames expelled from his mouth, residual gusts of heat following the blast. The ice quickly melted and dispersed under the temperature, and Mamoswine was also singed.

"Mamo…'' the pachyderm cried out, smoke from the flames now reddening his eyes.

Dawn grunted, with her fists balled. Ash already saw through her strategy. That was a patented Dawn move, and Ash saw it coming.

May twisted her lips, studying the tension between those two. You could tell from Dawn's expression that Ash had got in her head. And frankly, she was looking in a mirror image right now, the difference being not liking what she sees. Cancelling an opponent's strategy, Coordinators were best at that. These two knew each other so well, they have been partners longer than she and Ash have been. It looked like in this match, they were gonna try to prove who is superior amongst the two.

However, to drive his unspoken point home, Ash didn't allow her any thinking time. She wanted to get better, so he was going to give her a run for her money. "Garchomp, Brick Break!''

Dawn's eyes widened as the dragon's feet was lifted off the ground. She knew that even though the dragon can stand motionless for hours, nothing can beat him when he comes to speed. Yeah, she has seen Cynthia's Garchomp in action. Those rascals fly faster than a jet.

Garchomp made a beeline for the ice type, his claw taking on a brilliant shine. Quick reflexes allowed him to swing his arm, as he attempted to smash down on Mamoswine like a sledgehammer.

"Mamoswine, quick use, Ice Armor!''

The astonishment only delayed Dawn's orders as the claw, packed with power and force assisted by the move's typing, sent the beast stumbling back, while Garchomp landed on the ground, giving his fins a rest. However, the ice/ground type wouldn't be bested so quickly, though. He snorted and threw his head to and fro.

"Use your weight to your advantage! Heavy Slam, Freight Style!'' Dawn called, reacting before she really thought it through. She had to at least get some blows to settle. Mamoswine returned the favor from earlier with a full-on tackle. Thanks to his superior-size, he sent the ground-dragon hybrid skidding. However, with experiences from his partner's heavy hits, Garchomp regained his balances effortlessly.

"Use Dig!" she continued.

The Mamoswine obeyed, beginning to burrow himself under the earth with surprising efficiency.

"Watch out Garchomp!"

The dragon, who too was an adept digger, knew the insides of this world all too well. However, with the floor half as ice, Ash wasn't taking a risk to send the dragon underground. An aerial offense and a ground technician, both qualities in Garchomp would be enough to end this match.

Usually empty eyes were now filled with vigilance as darted from one side of the field to the next, darting for their target in an impatient frenzy. Finally, the ground before him began to crumble.

"Gar?'' the Mach Pokemon spotted some small crumbles of rock quaking on the ground.

Ash's eyes only caught the crumbling dirt at the last second. "That's it, right there! Use Brick Break when Mamoswine surfs up!''

Garchomp dove below, trying to get into the ground's range. Unfortunately for them, it was a set quake was just a decoy. Where Garchomp landed, Mamoswine emerged from behind in a terrible fury that struck Garchomp, sending him tumbling forward. The dragon cough as he tried to stagger, managing to stand on unsteady legs. His eyes narrowed, momentarily forgetting that he was ever friends with that giant.

"Pulled the wool on my eyes, didn't you?'' Ash smirked, a little proud that Dawn had instantly caught up to his own dirty mind games.

"Well you see, you learn,'' she snickered.

"You ain't seen it all!'' Ash combated, ''Garchomp, Flamethrower!''

Utilizing its primary method of firing the powerful move, Garchomp opened his mouth wide to fire a highly intensified flame towards his colossal opponent pushing the behemoth back. One couldn't make out what Mamoswine's cry was. Was it a trumpet or a pig's squeal…it didn't matter. Dawn's eyes widened again. Now she knew what it was like to watch her Pokémon be on the receiving end of such. Thanks to being a part ground type, he had some resilience against flames and their classifications. At the end of it, though, he snorted and tossed his head, discarding any embers that had caught on to his bristled fur.

When he was safe to compete again, Dawn grinned. "Alright, now you can use Heavy Slam!''

Shuffling forward, Mamoswine picked up speed as he headed recklessly towards the dragon.

"Dragon Rush!''

Against a rotund bulky Pokemon, the options had its limitations. The dragon seared himself into blue flames, the top of flames dancing to form a head of a dragon. Prepared for the upcoming move, he shot forward, rocketing before simply launching at Mamoswine like a missile, aiming to take it head-on. The collision was met with a definite crunch. Mamoswine staggered back in the snow, his big, fleshy snout had been the bearer of the critical impact.

"Ouch… That's got to hurt!" May cringed, sympathy washing over her.

"Mamoswine, use Ancient Power!'' It wasn't Mamoswine's most powerful attack, but she lucked out and it managed to raise his other stats, as evidenced by his sudden triumphant look as the rocks speared out of the ground and sailed towards Garchomp. While the rocks had just been unleashed, a sudden glow overcame the giant pig, making him stronger and faster than ever.

"Sandstorm around yourself !''

"Gahhhgh!" Garchomp threw his fins out, summoning a torrential gust of sand and dust that whirled a frenzy twister around the dragon. Now, this was pretty much qualified to be a Counter Shield. The torpedo was an upgrade to the monster defensive technique Ash and Dawn had propertied. The rocks couldn't sail beyond the twister, pulverized by the strong winds.

The results were stunning, to say the least. Dawn's jaw dropped and Mamoswine stomped in place. "Did he just...?" Shaking her head, she realized the only key to beat Ash Ketchum was…innovation. Frowning, she pointed forward. ''Mamoswine, Dig and Heavy Slam!''

The twin tusk pokemon obeyed.

"Mamooo!" It cried, swiftly tearing through the ground below to create his burrow. However, the tearing up of the ground was just half of the plot, and so was Mamoswine's body underneath. His tusks were still above the ground, but his legs were buried deep in the earth. Furrowing, the Twin Tusk Pokemon glinted silver, before charging. You could almost see his smirk beneath all his fur. The strong bulkly legs burrowed through the ground fast, big massive weight making a dash.

Ash's jaw dropped. This was something unexpected. That's right! Mamoswine was faster in the ground rather than on the ground, and the scary part was Dawn knew that! The fast scraping made the mammoth reach the dragon even before Ash could make a counter command, a body of thick steel, slamming into the pseudo legendary, sending him reeling. When the dust cleared, Garchomp could be seen standing covered in dirt and scratches. Dismissing his fear of ice type, he steadied back snarling at the giant.

May studied the combination. Dawn was just as proficient as Ash was. Herself and Dawn both that been taking ideas from Ash's techniques, however, Dawn was better at applying and reflecting them with her own set of strategies. Despite there being an experience gap between the two, Dawn was the ferocious one.

"Something new?'' Ash remarked, questioning with interest.

"Yep!" Dawn giggled. ''Invented it at the Astilbe Town Contest. But still need to come up with a name? How does 'Geological True Assault' sound?''

"Nah…'' Ash deplored the idea. 'Tell you what. We discuss over lunch. For now, Garchomp, use Flamethrower!''

The dragon's mouth opened wide, shooting off an explosive stream of flames towards Mamoswine. Eyes widening, she chided herself for letting her and thus Mamoswine's guards down. This match had really come down to her thinking on her feet, because Ash's team outclassed hers in experience, power levels, and access to a trainer with more battle strategies pre-planned to call upon. She had to come up with something that would guard the mammoth for one last frosty assault.

"Ancient Power!''

His stats didn't raise this time, but Mamoswine sent rocks flying again all the same. Maybe they could try something else similar. "Now Blizzard, on all the rocks!''

Sufficiently provoked, Mamoswine was all too happy to summon a howling storm of ice that covered the boulders in ice. The rocks were frozen solid, but the combination had also given the rocks a strong push to streak at Garchomp.

Ash's brows narrowed. He had seen this before. "Garchomp! Flamethrower full power!''

The dragon inhaled once more, expelling a hot scalding flames larger than before. The frozen stones had been weakened, the ice layer falling against the flames and the rocks were shattered. They would surely move on to Mamoswine as well, though, hopefully putting an end to the battle. When the gout of intense flames were turned on Mamoswine, again, the giant of an ice type let out another squealing trumpet.

For Ash, it wasn't a problem as he decided to make the big finish. "Brick Break!''

Nearing the point of no return, Mamoswine could only brace himself for the inevitable impact. As Garchomp launched himself high into the air, adding momentum to his assault, he soared back downwards, connecting Mamoswine's snout with his claw. The two forces trying to force each other back was enough to send an aftershock of energy out, kicking up mud around the field.

Dawn grit, knowing too well that Mamoswine had exerted beyond exhaustion. The moments the pachyderm's legs buckled, he had passed out and his eyes had gained the expression of an unconscious critter. Not in a state to control his fall, he created a sort of quake upon his collapse, erupting a small geyser of ice.

May hurriedly made the call. ''Mamoswine is unable to battle!''

Dawn sighed, returning him. A lead in a loss always stung, but she had three more chances to deal.

"That was great, Garchomp!'' Ash walked over, padding his boots on the snow, as he placed his hand on Garchomp's chest. The dragon had one option of just growling to bask in his trainer's praise, but some habits take long to die, or maybe they never do. Unwilling to displease his fangs, Garchomp buried them into Ash's head…his own way of excitement.

"AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!'' the man flailed in pain. A chide from Pikachu was enough for the dragon to release the raven haired trainer.

"Oww…'' The trainer let out a yelp, managing a smile through gritted teeth. Ignore the lone tear of pain in his eye. He was fine. He'd grown used enough to this from Gible… Though Garchomp's stronger jaws didn't help.

"Some things never change,'' Dawn could only chuckle. May was stunned for a while but then, she knew his Pokemon had their own way of affection and Ash didn't mind…not even when it came to take a Flamethrower head on from Charizard.

"Why don't I just put myself in the oven, and you, Dracovish and Feraligatr can enjoy me for dinner…'' Ash sighed, clicking the capsule on the flippant dragon's chest, returning him. ''Thank you, you can take a rest now.''

"Is you head okay?'' May asked, worriedly.

"Yeah…'' Ash nodded, waving off the pain in his head.

"Well, if Garchomp is on the bench, then I came gonna use,'' Dawn decided on her next Pokemon, "Quilava, spotlight!''

The second stage starter came out of her Pokeball. Innocent eyes blinking and opened to spot Ash and Pikachu. Happily it greeted the two with a wave. ''Lav!'' she stood on her hind legs, with a bit more enthusiasm. Pikachu waved back, as did Ash.

"Heya Quiv! Long time huh? You remember us?'' Ash chuckled.

"Quiv!'' the flame Pokémon nodded, chirping excitedly.

"Quilava, ain't it sweet Ash has come to visit us?'' Dawn leaned, with her hands on her knees.

"Qui!''

"But now it's time for a battle with him. Just like we had one in Undella Town. And we gotta beat him this time!''

"Lav!'' the Flame Pokemon frowned. She was happy to see her old friends, but priorities always changed when a battle was up. The flames along her shoulders burned lowly and her crimson eyes shined with determination.

Crossing his arms for a split second, Ash tried to figure out which pokemon he should use before snapping his fingers and unclipping a capsule. "Muk, I choose you!''

Materializing from the Pokeball's red beam, the Sludge Pokemon leaked and oozed in front of Quilava, smiling and his expression more content but all the same clearly pleased with what was to happen. It was ready to battle as a win would mean more hugs. All he had to do was beat this little pipsqueak.

"So that's what that smell was?'' May coughed a bit, holding a hand in front of her face, clipping her nose.

Dawn twisted her lips in confusion, offended on behalf of the poison type. ''What smell?"

"Maybe she's not used to Grimer and Muk.'' Ash sighed. Everyone just had to stir up to Muk's stench.

"It'll take me some time to warm up to him,'' May sighed, shrugging her shoulders.

"Whatever,'' Ash ignored. ''Muk, use Sludge Wave!''

Aware of exactly how noxious the attack could be, Dawn acted fast. ''Use Eruption as a shield!''

"MMMMMUUUUKKKKKKK!'' Muk shifted his gelatinous form, retching out a giant ball of bubbling sludge out of which a stream of venom snaked out for Quilava. The Quilava obeyed, hunkering down into the earth as she squinted her eyes shut. Seconds later, the earth beneath her crackled and pseudo-lava spewed forth. The move was extremely draining, so all she could do was watch as the arcs of magma blocked some of waves of sludge, residual heat cooking the sludge.

"Quilava, use Smokescreen, and don't let up!" Dawn decided, switching tactics.

Her flames burning lower, inky black smoke poured off the Quilava as she stood up among the cooling puddles of lava, looking up determinedly at the Muk. While the faint glow of her body flames would give her away, she obscured the terrain in a cloud of smoke.

"Flamethrower!''

Quilava readied herself and spat the streams of fire at the silhouette she could identify as Muk.

"Minimize!'' Ash smirked, taking advantage of her move. Somewhere in the cloud, Muk compressed his size down to just a miniature. With the shroud on the field, spotting him would be a challenge in itself. The river of flames could only increase the temperature, otherwise it had failed to hit their target. Still within the room of haze, Quilava sauntered forward to locate her opponent.

"Sludge Bomb,'' Ash ordered in the sheet of soot.

Muk was nearly invisible to her, but her giant figure was being watched by the poison type who had taken shelter behind one of the crumbled rocks of Mamoswine's Ancient Power. The sparse soot was getting in his eyes, but sparing him from blindness. Reverting back to his original size, wobbling his amorphous body. The wide mouth parted, firing series of purple globs into the smoke. Soon, a second volley was fired as well, quickly joined by the third.

"Dodge!'' Dawn hurried.

As if the little Quilava needed to be told twice. Run-waddling along, she tried to focus just avoiding the all-out assault. The first blast she avoided with relative ease; the second, not so much. "Lav!" she cried out as it landed just to the left of her, her little red eyes going wide as the globs pelted her. Being assaulted by the second Sludge Bomb, the third came rather quickly, raining heavily down upon her, resulting in poison.

Without Quilava up and ready to maintain the line, the veil of smoke began to drift on. It revealed the fire type trembling, nauseated and poisoned. But she glared up at Muk with fangs bared, determined to prove herself.

"Hey, she's still hanging in there!" Ash remarked, clearly impressed.

"Good job, Quilava!'' Dawn praised, sighing in relief at the stamina she had left. "Use Swift!''

The Quilava released what would be her first and only barrage of starry energy at the stinker, putting her all into it. After all, she knew there was no reason to reserve energy for a second attack when she might not have that chance. With Quilava weakened, this was something Muk could withstand. There was a reason why Ash would choose Muk in matchups like these, he would always come handy.

The slime body of Muk only absorbed all the sharp stars, as they bounced off in different directions.

"Quilava, it's not working! Fall back!''

"Muk! Shadow Punch!'' the glutinous Muk lifted a limb of pure sludge, and extended it. The spectral hand was swung, pulverizing the poisoned fire type. "Quil!" Quilava cried out, wincing as she was thrown through the air, landing in a heap of snow. Her flames had died down and was slack-jawed and unconscious.

May coughed, making her decision. ''Quilava is unable to battle, Muk wins!''

Needless to say, the smell was awful. So she quickly shielded her nose with her hand.

Seeing that the stench was giving his girlfriend the coughs, he recalled Muk, hoping that none of the gestures had offended him. "Thanks a lot again, Muk!''

"Pika pi kachu…'' the mouse sighed, able to breathe fresh air again.

Returning her Pokemon, Dawn glowered. Ash was at a Two-for-two, and she had only half of a party left to deal with full of his. Picking a sphere, 'Togekiss, spotlight!'' she elegantly tossed the pokeball into the air.

The Togekiss took to the air upon release, floating above the worn battle field the two trainers had marked with their fray. Despite the scene below, the fairy-type remained aloft with an unreal grace, calm in the midst of it all.

"I knew you were gonna bring out Togekiss,'' Ash smirked, cocky as always. ''Guess what, you ain't getting lucky on ground, underground and especially not in the air. Unfezant, come on out!''

The pheasant made an appearance, undeterred by the chilly weather. She hovered above the battlefield, declaring her arrival with a battle caw. She flapped in front of the rival flying type, finding her worthy to add to her list of conquests. Flying much more quietly, barely above a whisper with each delicate flap, Togekiss took wing as well. The softest hoot escaped her beak. "Toge." Motherly as ever, she looked upon her opponent with compassion. However, she would not let Dawn down! This stranger looked quite dexterous and savvy in aerial battles. But since her birth, Princess Salvia's royal aviary had raised them to be loyal subjects and courageous. There were stories murmured possibly about her in those cages.

A finger thrust out from an arm held high, Ash spoke the first move of the match starting it into motion. ''Unfezant, pick the wind! Use Tailwind!''

Ash already knew that Togekiss could handle a few blows, so they'd just overwhelm her. Besides, a speedy offense was Ash's specialty.

"Wanna play cat and mouse?" Dawn exasperated, deciding her counter. ''Use Future Sight!''

She saw the bird briefly with Ash as they trained during the Junior Cup years ago. She wasn't sure what Unfezant was capable of, but Dawn had to prepare for it just in case! She was sure the Pokémon wasn't resistant to psychic type moves considering the regional bird wasn't a dark type.

Closing her eyes, Togekiss crossed her wings briefly before quickly flapping them open. A light armor-aura of green surrounded her with small sparkles twinkling off her body. Meanwhile, Unfezant flapped her wings while her opponent was busy doing psychic stuff. The snow was parted, revealing the ground and the trainers were pushed back, with their clothes, their only protection against the cold started flapping, as the wind began to get stronger. The two flying types locked eyes after their moves were completed.

If Dawn was gonna play hard to catch, Ash was just gonna keep pushing her buttons. "Air Slash!''

Lifting her wings, the Proud Pokemon orchestrated a volley of compressed air borrowed from the gales brewing, flying up to Togekiss.

"Aura Sphere!'' Dawn countered.

The blades of air were carried forward for the fairy type who for her part, mostly remained in place, blasting the occasional saw blades with Aura Sphere when she knew it would be futile to dodge.

Now that Togekiss had got a little busy, Ash saw an opportunity to lay the smack down. ''Unfezant, Steel Wing!''

"Dodge it!'' Dawn wasn't exactly shocked that Ash did that. Rather, she was frustrated. Right now, Togekiss was busy fighting the remainder of slicing blades. A long, brilliant white glow covered Unfezant's two extremities as Unfezant flew straight in. Heeding Dawn's orders, Togekiss barely evaded Unfezant's first strike, however, a quick rotation from the bird, clipped the Jubilee Pokemon's underbody, making her lose flight. Flanking Togekiss in the air, Unfezant left a mark on her opponent with an uppercut. The super effective move earned an utterance of pain from Togekiss.

Dawn observed the move had made quiet an impact as even from a distance, the redness on Togekiss's skin did not fool the Coordinator. "Hey, granted that was super-effective but it looked a lot stronger than a base power.''

"That's because my Unfezant has a unique hidden ability,'' Ash smirked coyly. "I am sure you have heard about Rivalry.''

Dawn pressed her chin, pondering before her eyes flashed out. "Dang! A Pokemon gets a lot stronger facing the same gender. What an ingenious scheme!"

She stepped forward a bit, a balled fist raised in concern. "You got hit pretty hard, huh?" she asked.

"Kiss…" the flying type trailed off. Struggling more, she finally freed herself. Fortunately for her, a wormhole opened in the sky and Future Sight sizzled inside, coming home to roost upon the gray bird.

"Dodge it!'' Darting to the side, she allowed the pink cracklings to graze and exploding on the ground below.

"Man, he's well equipped!" Dawn bit. ''Togekiss, hit them back just as hard! Sky Attack!''

Glowing white, Togekiss began building up the energy for her gutsy move. White turned into a blue hues, seeming like a Ho-oh in the darkness and faint rainbow light. Sky Attack's larger aura left a glittering trail behind, as she soared forth, making a beeline for Unfezant, she rammed the rival flying type ,sending her tumbling mid-air. The Proud Pokemon caught herself before she hit the water, however.

"Whoa… I didn't know it was gonna do that," May uttered in awe. Emerging a Ho-oh from Sky Attack? Imagine the days and nights took to practice that.

"Unfezant, Steel Wing!"

Unfezant turned on a dime upon hearing the command, shooting at Togekiss with a shriek. Glowing silver trailed from her metallic wings.

"Aura Sphere!" Dawn countered.

The motherly dove raised both of her wings, pouring a collection of spiritual energy into a teal sphere, lobbing the ball towards her approaching opponent. "Toge!"

Unfezant struck at the orb, steel-tinted wings struggling against the Aura Sphere. The sphere crashed through Unfezant's defenses, exploding in a flash of gray and cerulean blue.

Unfezant fell from the smoke, wavering before regaining balance. She studied the direction of the air flowing in, and all she had to do was ride it.

"Steel Wing again!''

The avian took off again, flying by Togekiss as little more than a gray blur. Coated wings slashed across Togekiss, downing the vulnerable fairy type, spiraling towards the ground.

"Togekiss, Mystical Fire on the ground!'' Dawn gasped, her eyes following her companion to the ice that lay below.

Mere foot from hitting the ground that could have exposed her to the foe, Togekiss fired off a spreading bath of red orange rings that roared over the snow. From the center, a furious orange column of fire propelled Togekiss higher into the sky than Unfezant who had to perk her head up just to get a look at the fairy type. The snow below couldn't bear the head, condensing into boils, making steam rise. Whistling, Togekiss finally pulled up, spiraling into her usual jovial acrobatics.

With the flames still spewing from her mouth, she blasted the bird, with satisfying results: she was sent tumbling back, knocked down to earth. Togekiss promptly took off higher into the skies, avoiding her opponent. Perfect counter to Rivalry as a successive hit of Mystical Fire lowered Unfezant's Special attack.

"Now Future Sight!'' Dawn threw a palm forward, brows knit. Once again, Togekiss gleamed, sending a message inside a wormhole.

"Mystical Fire and Future Sight. Quite a diverse moveset,'' Ash marveled, with glowing eyes in which the flames reflected. "It looks like she took a page out of our book, too," he remarked to Pikachu. "That was just like when Snorlax propelled himself in the air with a Hyper Beam!"

"Pika-Pika!" Pikachu chirped, beady eyes glowing. Dawn was really something else!

"Air Slash!'' He rested a palm on his hip again, pointing forward. With a dual swipe of her wings, Unfezant sent the crescent disks of cutting blades forward once again.

"Aura Spheres!'' Togekiss turned the dive into a graceful spin, curving up to launch several energy balls that blasted the first few lines of the air slash.

"Here's something you wanna see! Tailwind!'' Ash outstretched an arm. Had the crescent had any life, they wouldn't willingly wanted to be pushed by the storm of a force that Unfezant conjured. Powerful gales added more strength to the blades, carrying them higher into the sky.

"Dodge them, now!''

"Steel Wing!''

High in the sky, Togekiss obeyed, beginning to weave in and out of the blades. It was hard work, but she was doing her best. She couldn't let Dawn down. Meanwhile, she was unaware of a presence rapidly approaching her. Before she could do anything, though, it was upon her. Unfezant adjusted her body once more, speeding by Togekiss in a flashy silver streak.

Unfezant stopped her ascent when she was right upon Togekiss, the bird slammed both her hardened wings down on her back without hesitation.

"kiss!'' the flying type cried out. At the same time, a wormhole opened right above Unfezant, that was between the portal and Togekiss.

"And the curtain falls, Dawn!'' Ash couldn't help but be excited and brushed a finger across the nose, the gesture alone scaring her. "Use Detect!''

Wings tensing, and glowing eyes, Unfezant read the path of the bolt and the area on her body where it will land. Just as the sickly psychic volt had barreled down, Unfezant flew out to the side, leaving nothing but…one target for the Future Sight.

A pitch-black explosion followed, dropping Togekiss from the debris.

"No!'' Dawn gasped, as her fairy type was sent tumbling down. Had she been conscious, Togekiss would have resumed the fight. Immediately, raising the Pokeball, Dawn recalled the motherly fairy back inside the Pokeball.

"Togekiss is unable to battle! Unfezant wins!''

With that task completed, Dawn was lucky enough to breathe a sigh. Now she was totally on the ropes. In overconfidence, she had challenged the trainer who had recently overcame the toughest competition. Yes it was a little embarrassing, but then she could say that Ash was holding back. At full power, they were taking her down with no losses on his side. But she wasn't a quitter, and the man had taught her that herself. She wasn't gonna throw in the towel, just because she was on the losing tide. This battle meant a much more to that. Ash wasn't testing her, but it was her who wanted to show the raven haired businessman how strong she really was. And that mattered to her! Well…last one…

"Empoleon, it's your time now!'' she turned over to her faithful starter, gesturing him to come battle with a wave of her arms.

"Empol!'' the water type jeered, huge body waddling over to the field, clanging his two wings together in a show of rowdiness. The choice wiped the smirk out of Ash's face, as he curled his lips. In a quick decision he recalled Unfezant, knowing that Empoleon had access to ice type moves, which was also a reason not to bring back Garchomp. Muk wasn't the appropriate choice to fight off the steel type, but there was one Pokemon that he had who was eager to fight the Emperor Pokemon.

"Pika, Pikachu!" He allowed sparks to dance from his cheeks, a smirk fitted on his lips. He offered himself up to his trainer however, the grim thought on his trainers face was enough to disappoint the mouse, making it clear that it wasn't going to be him.

"Save it, Pikachu. You had a battle yesterday. But this one,'' Ash plucked a sphere looking at it. ''is also an old friend and rival to Empoleon. And he can get the job done.''

"Pi…''

Denying his partner a pleasure to take on the giant penguin, Ash instead called his last remaining Pokemon. "Samurott! You're up!''

The Sea Lion appeared, landing on his four legs, and Empoleon gawked, finally spotting the rival inside of the sea creature. It was his old buddy, Oshawatt. He looked fearsome in his final stage, not called the Formidable Pokemon for nothing. What was just a chivalrous clueless otter, was now a quadruped Sea lion. His glare was enough to mold opponents into submission. His single scallop were now dual blades, and the spiked crest atop his head would constantly divert an opponent's attention.

Samurott growled, excited at the prospect of battling his old friend, and this time the subject was no longer Meloetta. That ship had long sailed. Samurott was more than eager to show off his battling skills, as he displayed them with a thinly veiled pride. It'd been quite a while since he'd had a real battle. This was long overdue!

"Looks like Samurott is just as hyped as Empoleon,'' Ash observed, cracking his fingers. ''Now to find out who's more dominating. Samurott, Aerial Ace!''

Samurott's crown rose as his intimidating eyes fell upon the tumbling penguin, his legs crouched before his body bounded, launching at speed that left the dust behind. A blinding blue and silver stream of light blitzed on, his horn smashing Empoleon right in the mid section, the penguin squawked in pain, taking a few angry, disoriented steps backwards. Coughing, he gawked at the pinnepid that stood before him on all fours, looking smug as he always has been.

Dawn could only blink, eyes wide at a scene that had unfolded in the blink of an eye. "His Samurott can even use Aerial Ace?" she hadn't seen that sort of agility in a Pokemon that usually brawls on the water and the ground.

Feeling an oddly placed sense of pride, Dawn felt her brows lower. "You may be the Alola Champion, but don't count me out just yet. If I am going to be the Contest Empress, I am defeating one Champion in my resume!''

Ash's shoulders dipped, a bit confused. Even though he shouldn't have reminded her, he felt that it was his responsibility. ''But first you gonna take out all my Pokemon, right?'' Offering a cheeky grin, he subdued it with a next command. ''Aerial Ace, again!''

"Use Metal Claw right in front of you! Cross them!'' Dawn hastily ordered.

Watching his counterpart dig his claws into the earth once more, Empoleon took haste to guard himself, the tips of his wings taking on a silver glow. His defense was soon greeted with a swift, full-body attack, forcing his stance to waver. Talons dug through the ground that he was pushed back across, crossed extremities struggling to hold off the unusually strong horn that Samurott used as a cutter. But just defense wasn't going to earn them anything.

'Pol!'' the emperor penguin cried out, throwing his wings forward. Samurott could be seen recoiling off the parry, only to be brutally smacked into the ground by Metal Claw.

"Empoleon, I wanna know more about this one, so you've really got to push him, okay?"

Never one to want to disappoint Dawn, the fully evolved started nodded.

"Great! Use Whirlpool!''

Empoleon obeyed, throwing his flippers back as he let a roaring maelstrom sic straight at Samurott, with a motion of an overhead throw.

"Ice Beam on that!'' Ash didn't need to think twice, throwing his arms outward. Fumbling his moustache, Samurott fired a trail of ice, quickly freezing the Whirlpool, powerless under the might of the sea creature that landed on his hind legs.

"Whoa…you really wanna do that?'' Ash gasped in amazement, watching his Pokemon widen his gait on two legs. ''But we haven't trained for it enough.''

"…rott!''

"Do what?'' May tilted her head, asking from the side of the field.

"Samurott wants to fight the rest of the battle on his two legs. He hasn't been panting for it before.''

"His rivalry with Empoleon has pushed him to do that,'' Dawn observed, a smirk etching on her lips. ''We are full of surprises too, eh Empoleon?''

"Pol!''

"Pol!" The Emperor pokemon boasted, puffing his chest out.

A bead of sweat rolled down Dawn's cheek. "Modesty isn't his strong point, that's for sure."

''We can relate to that!" Ash chuckled. "Let's see what comes with the package! Samurott, Sacred Sword back to back!''

"Rott!'' the fierce cry shrilled, as Samurott drew his seamitars out from their scabbards, lighting them with the spiritual glow of swords. This was gonna be a dual swords fight. Growling, the samurai sea lion charged at his opponent, two swords spread to strike.

"Pol!" Empoleon squawked, throwing both of his wings outward. Both of them were coated in metal, their reinforcement quickly put to work. Clashing with the aggressive attack by Samurott, he dug his talons into the ground before swinging his opposite wing at the pippedin. When the two finally clashed blade on flipper, the ringing of steel echoed through the forest and beyond. The battle was intense and destructive, the two combatants realized all too well that neither could best the other on strength alone anymore.

As quickly as he'd been parried, Samurott turned to clash his blade with the next attack. Fangs grit, he pressed the weight of his swords down on Empoleon, forcing the penguin back before plunging with another Sacred Sword on the chest. If Empoleon could, he'd likely be sweating bullets. Just as he forced off the weight of one glowing sword, he was left dealing with another. Growing indignant, he allowed one flipper to take the full pressure of Sacred Sword. Beginning to lose his center of gravity, the Emperor Pokémon took the opportunity to smash the rival counterpart with his opposite extremity.

With a powerful blow of his own, Samurott struck out and slammed the seamitars flat onto the metallic flippers. Empoleon squawked as his flippers rattled as he felt the impact ring through the metal, and watched as the Unova region's water starter, came pummeling down upon Empoleon. Samurott hurried into a whirling fury of blade-clad strikes, barraging the water type's guarding limbs with one blow after the next. Empoleon's wings, even with their coating, were beginning to grow numb. Letting down his guard just for a moment, the Emperor Pokémon was greeted with the sight of an overhead Sacred Sword slamming into his trident.

"Pol…!" He whined, sent flying back under Samurott's strength. Digging his claws into the ground as he went, Empoleon finally came to a stop, exhausted. The two Pokemon panted, watching each other for a moment from a distance. He couldn't wrap it around Samurott' strength. Empoleon as a Piplup had a huge experience gap in comparison, yet they both were trained for two different purposes. For Empoleon, he was expert in appeals, glamour and Battles within a time limit. For Samurott, he was trained for three purposes – battling , battling and battling…His pride was hurt, but he couldn't help but smile from one edge of his beak to the other.

Dawn had a hard time studying Ash's expressions. He was mentally unreadable. Brushing a long, blue bang away from her forehead, Dawn squealed for the next move. ''Use Hydro Pump!''

Thankfully, Empoleon was the specialist when it came to use this particular move. Empoleon stepped up, firing a terribly powerful jet of water from his beak.

"Now we're talking!'' Ash goaded. "Ice Beam!''

"rott!'' Samurott obeyed, mouth lighting with brisk chilliness. Water clashed with ice center stage, the cold beam causing some of the moisture to freeze. The two moves tested their mettle, however, Ice Beam froze the water with a crackling sound, before it broke apart, completely ineffective.

It made its way across with just as much speed, too. Both Dawn and Empoleon gawked, their hearts nearly jumping out of their chests. The latter acted quickly, raising a steel-lathered ling to block the ray's impact. A numbing feeling was sent down Empoleon's body, however, being part steel type guaranteed Empoleon the protection against frozen.

Dawn exhaled. Samurott was a tough test. Truly, Dawn and Empoleon were outgunned.

'There's no chance of us overpowering them now, so it's not gonna help to worry about it. I guess if we want to win, we're going to have to change gears!' Dawn concluded, blue brows furrowing. "Use your own Ice Beam!''

"Empol!" Empoleon fired a bitter-cold beam of energy, his sight set on Samurott. The Seal took a step back from where he stood, now a small thick sheet of ice had formed.

"Again!''

A second beam was fired, while Samurott watched his footing. Staggering on his hind legs weren't perfectly balanced yet. One shot of cold after the another, the Formidable Pokemon avoided each strike. But now his legs were wobbling, since evolution he had been quadruped, and now his acrobat wasn't helping him.

Ash realized the problem. Dawn had targeted Samurott's agility. The water type was constantly loosing his footing, on what the field had now become; a wide-reaching, thick sheet of ice. Small frozen spires and chunks broke up the smooth battlefield.

He cracked a smile. "That's your strategy? Making Samurott slip?''

Samurott was preoccupied with the field on which he stood, trying his best not to slip and fall. Fortunately, he had made himself very acquainted with frozen tundra, lending him the experience to at least hold his ground. But, it was rather obvious who held the advantage in this fray.

"Yes, the field is now ours! Empoleon, Metal Claw!''

Gleeful, Empoleon dove onto the ice, sliding across the surface on his belly. Veering from one direction to the next with simple tilts of his wings, he moved about the makeshift rink with ease.

"Sacred Sword!''

Samurott made a quick attempt, to draw his seamitar, but Unfortunately, Empoleon was far too quick on the ice. Sweeping by, he held out his silver-gilded wings, smashing Samurott's feet with his right limb as he passed on by. Knocking Samurott into the air.

"rott…!" the Formidable Pokemon growled, skidding about as he landed. The momentum had packed quite a punch.

"Now come back around! And Drill Peck!''

Empoleon twisted, sliding into a turn, zipping back towards Samurott. He twisted his burly form, launching himself at Samurott like a spinning top.

"Let me tell you something about the Tundra! Why penguins fear Sea Lions…!'' Ash straightened, punching forward. " Sacred Sword!''

Now back on the four legs, motility was much easier. Raising one sword high into the air that elongated at an achieved length, canines glimmering as fighting spirit was packed into the sword. A twist of his hips just eluded the fierce drill. Samurott took this opportunity to cry out, swinging both of his shining seamitar down upon Empoleon in an axe handle.

The ice below broke, tremored in a show of brutality not quite characteristic of contest battles. Samurott skated himself from the snowy debris, grinning at his success. Nice try, Happy Feet. The gyration stopped as the Emperor penguin whimpered, at the spot of the slash.

"Samurott, slide on the ice with Aerial Ace!''

Samurott sprung off his claws, leaping on the ice as he skated on the platform, quickly away from Empoleon.

"You ain't getting away!'' Dawn chastised. ''Whirlpool!''

"Pol!" The Emperor Pokémon with a shrill cry preceding the giant whirlpool that was fired at the fleeing Samurott.

"Who said anything about getting away!'' Ash countered, a smile picking up on his lips. ''Hydro Cannon!''

Twisting for a 360, Samurott parted his maw to conjure a large, teal orb of pressurized water.

''rott!'' Samurott reared his head, lurching the cerulean ball forward. The launch knocked him back, his claws digging in the ice to stop the jerking.

Hydro Cannon was caught up in the typhoon, unleashing its density into the rushing water. It spun and spun, soon exploding in a huge, splash.

"Well, that didn't work…" Dawn trailed off, discouraged. "Empoleon, slide on through!"

Empoleon wasn't deterred. Launching his belly on the ice, he made way for Samurott. However, the last move used didn't allow Samurott to move a muscle, and he stood there helplessly like a sitting duck. However, it also came as a blessing, when the heavy splashes had wet the field, making Empoleon skate in the wrong direction.

"Pol?'' the Penguin squawked, plans ruined by water – his own playground.

Ash ordered, punching the air. ''Shatter the ice with Sacred Sword!''

Slashing the spiked blades hard on the ground, Samurott cracked open the field, plates and shards of ice flying all around. Empoleon shrieked, skidding to a halt, with no more ice to slide on, as he was assaulted by a shower of ice. Samurott emerged from the debris, launching himself high above the field.

"He's attacking!'' Dawn gawked, throwing an open hand in the air. ''Drill Peck!''

Shaking his head to regain composure, Empoleon mirrored his opponent, launching himself in the air like a spear-tipped, spinning top. Above him, the armored samurai lit his swords with purity. Both trainers kept their eyes locked on the spectacle, hearts skipping a beat when their Pokémon collided. Over everything else, shattered ice could be heard in an ear-ringing crash. Samurott and Empoleon hovered above, their momentum cancelled. Their narrowed eyes met, looks of competitive fury challenging one another.

Soon enough, Empoleon hit the ground.

"Empoleon is unable to battle! With Dawn out of all her Pokemon, Ash wins the match!''

Aw, man… Empoleon!" Dawn fretted, rushing over to her partner. She was disappointed to find that, unsurprisingly, there were swirls in his eyes. Samurott landed on his hind legs, huffing, his pride sated. Huffing, he deposited the seamitars in their scallops. To say this was an easy match would be an understatement. He thoroughly enjoyed.

Cradling Empoleon, she was left with a resigned smile.

"Pol…'' the penguin groaned.

"Great job, Samurott!'' Ash praised his Pokemon with pride. "That battle was really something. You guys thrilled me to the bone!''

"Yeah, we gave it all we had." Dawn smiled. ''We ain't sweating this loss. We had as much as fun as you did. Your Pokemon are amazing!''

"Sam…'' Samurott trudged forward as Empoleon pushed himself to his feet, both locking eyes in competition before lifting the façade away to hug each other. Buneary once again twirled, rubbed her cheek against Pikachu. Sadly, this only provoked the heartbroken lover in Samurott, as he sulked, with his buddy Empoleon consoling him.

"Hey," Dawn said instead, tone gentle. "So this is your strength huh?''

"You can say that.'' Well truth be told, he didn't want to make them feel small by revealing that he had came the most ahead in all these ears. "But the battle was a lot more intense than we had in the past. I guess we both have gotten a lot more stronger.''

After a short pause, a smile crossed Dawn's face. "Oh yeah! I am now scooped for the PCWE!"

May clapped "That was great! Dawn, I hardly see you battle so intensely!''

She cast a quick grin at Ash. He knew he won, so there was no reason to rub it in with her friend's face right there.

"Yeah, but I still got much more to learn. I'll just have to keep up to give you a real toe-to-toe battle some day..'' Dawn shook her head, answering both to Ash and May.

"Come on! You lasted longer than me with him!'' May cheered, before realizing what she had just said. Her voice dropped in tone, decidedly less gentle but not quite harsh. "She did last longer than me. She has been training all these years perfecting herself, and I have just been slacking off on a bed.''

"May!'' Dawn challenged. ''You and I are gonna tango in Heartrome City! You best bring all you got!''

The brunette's eyes lit up with that childish glow. Now she was more than happy to potentially face her best friend again.- and even better, watching Ash battle like that every day, regained her confidence back. She just had to start from the scratch, with Ash always being there to mentor around and so did her Pokemon. May smirked, her friend had managed to left her spirits. Appreciating her words she let out a laugh, ''Oh yeah! The Princess of Hoenn is far from retirement, so be ready!''

"Hey, what you say we hang out here for a bit? Let our Pokemon breath the air here?'' Ash suggested, hurling five mini Pokeballs in the air. Agreeing, Dawn and May alike hurled all their Pokeballs, releasing all their teams. Samurott and Empoleon were joined by Muk and Mamoswine. Lucario and Blaziken were trying to keep the group calm. Pachirisu, Quilava (after eating a Pecha Berry), Skitty and Wartortle played catch. Torterra and May's Venusaur quickly attempted themselves. Buneary was still running gaga over Pikachu however, Glaceon was quick to involve herself. Unfezant and Togekiss orbited the skies, while Garchomp who blankly stood in one place, stared expressionless at a tree. Beautifly, the caring on as always fluttered and perched herself on the star upon Garchomp's face, which incidently happened to be his nose. A little squishy from the butterfly, her legs made his face tickle, as he drew his breath.

Suddenly he felt the urge to sneeze, as his throat lit orange with draconic power.

"Garchomp no!'' Ash's heart raced, as everyone froze. Beautifly fled off, as a poorly charged single Draco Meteor was chucked harmlessly in the sky. Harmless? Perhaps, but when it couldn't make an ascension, it was spiraling down like a balloon, it wasn't harmless anymore. It descended down, in a way that struck fear into a certain giant penguin's heart. It was, in fact, descending towards the clearing and towards Empoleon.

While others had dove and separated themselves for hiding, Empoleon who never sit still, waddled in circles for help. Ignoring Dawn's pleas, Empoleon made a futile attempt to scamper in another direction to avoid the explosion that followed.

"Oh Empoleon….'' Her face fell spotting her starter covered in soot, who was afflicted with a small, comical-looking bruise atop his head.

Ash nervously smiled, trying to lighten the mood up. ''Well, since we are going to a Pokemon Center anyway…''

---

Hmm….so many topics to discuss…How about I start with the creation of PCWE? I could have mathematically challenged myself and had May participate in five out of seven Sinnoh Contests, and be done with it…but where's the fun in that? With all the episodes I watched of Pokemon Journeys, I hit spot on with the characters travelling extensively. I remember saying Ash won't journey through Unova, Alola and in Galar, he would only be there for PWCS, but how about for an episode or chapter, whatever you call it, May and Ash are in some other region for a Grand Contest? I can write about the regions, and introduce the characters, new and recurring. Ash can have his battles with potential opponents such as Iris, Alder. With Alola, I can debut the characters in my story. So yeah, to me it sounds awesome, and I just got goose bumps. This works for me as I don't have to make our couple travel all around the region. Just drop in a city, finish your work and come back, and resume your journey. Hope you got the idea. Let me know your thoughts. I am even giving a spoiler. First Contest as mentioned in the chapter is Heartrome City, and second – where May will be participating will be Virbank City.

Now let's talk about this chapter. I tried to make Dawn as bubbly as possible. She's in the next one too so we aren't leaving her off just yet. Also, I am sure you just heard the GOOD NEWS! DAWN IS RETURNING TO THE SERIES! How cool is that! Watching them together for two episodes straight is gonna be so much fun! Wish she could stick around longer. Why writers do you pass such hype after ten episodes? But good work this time! With Iris, Brock, Misty, Gary, Alolan Gang, and Ash's Pokemon, I look forward to many other returns especially May, Serena and Greninja. Coming back to this chapter, I didn't know how to strategize the lineup. Garchomp was written just for Empoleon. Unfezant had to be given a chance since I wrote her in Episode 36 with just 100 words. I need to raise her on the same league as Swellow. Now for Empoleon I had four different choices – Feraligatr, as he hasn't appeared in a long time. Lucario, but we have seen Lucario recently and you'll be seeing a lot more on him, since I have promised a good friend, Lucario ain't gonna be switched around. Then Pikachu – but Pikachu was just seen battling in the last episode. But then I just remembered the Black and White episodes and the cute moments between Piplup and Oshawott, and I knew I just had to make a battle between them and so I did.

Well, next chapter, the couple still stays in Twinleaf Town. Barry will be returning in the next chapter. I haven't given Kenny that much of a thought but here's where I would appreciate your opinion. Which character should Ash battle in the next series? – Barry, Kenny or Tower Tycoon Palmer? Flood your ideas in the PM.